HomeMy WebLinkAboutKOK support docsSARAH PALJN, GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF COASTAL AND OCEAN MANAGEMENT
htlp://www.alaskacoast.staie.akus
o SOUTHCENTRAL REGIONAl OFFICE
5SD W l'AVENUE SUITE 705
[J CEN;-'~..AL OFFICE
302 GOLD STREET, SUITE 202
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501 P.O. Box 111030
PH' (907) 26ff.7470 FAX: (SO?) 269-3891 JUNEAU, ALASKA 99811-1030
PH: (907) 465-3562 FfiX: (90?) 465·3075
January 21, 2009
Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell, LLC
3330 Arctic Blvd., Suite 100
}\nchorage, AK 99503
Attention: Ms. Terri Mitchell
SUBJECT: ACMP REVIEW l'iOT REOLlRED AT THIS TIME
Kokhanok Wind Diesel Project
ID2008-1235AA
Dear Ms. Terri Mitchell:
The Division of Coastal & Ocean Management (DCOM) has reviewed the Coastal Project
Questionnaire (CPQ) and other peltinent infonnation regarding the above referenced project Based
upon the infonnation you have supplied, your proposed project does not require a State review for
consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program (AC:\1P), because it does not require
permit~ subject to the ACMP.
You are not relieved from obtaining required permits and approvals ji'OI11 state, federal or local
agencies before you begin the proposed work. Nothing in this letter excuses you from compliance
with other statutes, ordillances, or regUlations that may affect any proposed work.
This decision is OXL Y for the proposed project as described. If there are any changes to the
proposed project, including its intended use, prior to or during its siting, construction, or operation,
contact this office immediately to detelmine jf further review and approval of the revised project is
necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation with the ACMP.
Sincerely,
~rruUOhd
Christine Ballard
Project Review Assistant
"Develop, Conserve, and Ellilance Natural Resources jor Presellt alld Future Alaskans. "
December 22, 2008
Division of Coastal and Ocean Management
550 West 7" Avenue, Suite 705
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
RE: Coastal Project Questionnaire
Kokhanok Wind-Diesel Project
To Whom It May Concern:
Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell (HDL) is assisting the Lake and Peninsula Borough in the
environmental documentation required for the Kokhanok Wind-Diesel Project This
letter is to provide you with the necessary information needed for your review of the
above listed project. I have included a completed Coastal Project Questionnaire for
your review.
The community of Kokhanok is located on the south shore of Lake Iliamna, 22 miles
south of Iliamna and 88 miles n@rth.east of King Salmon. The current population of
Kokhanok is approximately 179.; TrW, community is only accessible by air or water
and is dependent on diesel fuel for the generation of electriCity and as a primary
heating source. The proposed system is designed to use wind energy to significantly
reduce dependency on diesel fuel used to generate electricity and provide heal.
This project proposes the construction of two to three re-manufactured Vestas V15
wind turbines near the tip of the spit Jutting nerth inte Lake Iliamna. This location is
slightly north of the village but near an existing overhead power line. Wind turbines
could offer a much-needed source of renewable electrical energy where fossil fuels
are difficult and expensive to deliver.
I hope that the included information provides you with enough data to complete your
review of the proposed project. Please let me know if you have any more questions
or need additional information. You may contact me at (907)564-2107, e-mail at
tmitchell@hdlalaska.com or FAX at (907)564-2122.
Sincerely,
HATTENBURG DILLEY & LINNELL, LLC
Terri L Mitchell
Senior Environmental Specialist
Lork3 Oilley, PEJCPG
David Lundin, PE
202 W. Elmw:)Cd ,tt;venue StlltF, 1 ' Pa}rner Aiasl\s 996.45 Phone: 907.745's230 .. r-ax:: 907.74B.S;l31
1(l5 Tr8o;ng Bay Unit 1m " Kp,.nal A!askLi 9961"! " F~!)fJe: 907.20:3,205< .. Fax: 907.5.'5421.'22
HJIJ"'~4~'!:l,~~~X,~~,~"" ~'I ; I .,,'.• ENGlNEC-RING • CART'" sc,,~c. NOT FOR ,KOKHANOK WIND-DIESEL PROJECT '-'"~-~ ,,""-, CONSTRUCTION +t, +~---• PR"_'EGT"""'AG~M£"'-• ~""t~~"t.!ON'r'" •
~""OG<-"'~' "~'C"OR'~'KOKHANOK, ALASKA _,,,,,,,,,,.p",,,," """."'''~l..""A.C"''''' "
I
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t:!O;i..lON
Agency Contact
2009-0016
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Anchorage Fish and Wildlife Field Office
605 West 4th Avenue, Room G-61
Anchorage, Alaska 9950 \-2249
in reply refer to
AFWFO
December 9, 2008
Terri Mitchell
Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell, LLC
3335 Arctic Boulevard, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
Re: Kokhanok Wind-Diesel Proje.ct (consultalion number 2009-0016)
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
On November 18, 2008 we received your letter describing a proposed wind power project
in Kokhanok on the south shore of Lake Iliamna. With hopes of securing funding through
US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program, the village of Kokhanok
proposes to install 2 or 3 Vestas VIS wind turbines onlattiee towers. The diameter of the
turbine blades is I5-meters, and the height of the tower has not yet been detelmined, but
will be 25, 31 or 34 meters talL The turbines will be sited on the tip of a spit that juts
north into Lake Iliamna. The power transmission line connecting the turbines to the
existing overhead power line will be buried. Up to 53% of the diesel fuel bwned to
power the village ll1lly be displaced as Ii result of this project.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recognizes the potential benefits of
a1temative energy development to our communi ties and to our trust resources.
Displacement of diesel fuel usage not only reduces oil dependence, but also reduces I)
the risk of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution !md 2) the extent of our carbon footprint,
which is essential to combating global climate-change. We hope to help facilitate such
development, so long as it is done in a way that does not conflict with our mission:
working with others to protect and enhancefish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats
for the continUing bene;fit of[he American people.
The Se.ction 7 Consultation Guide provided by the Anchorage Fish and Wildlife Field
Office, indicates that there are no listed species in the vicinity of Lake Iliamna.
Therefore, you logically determined that your proposed project would have no effect on
species protected underthe Endangered Species Act ofl973 (16 U.S.c. 1531 et seq., as
an1cnded; ESA). However, as per our telephone conversation on December 1,2008, you
arc now aware that Steller's eiders (PoiysliclO steller;), listed as threatened under the
ESA in 1997, migrate to and from their Cook Inlet wintering grounds via some overland
pathway that may inclnde Lake Iliamna. This suspicion is based on bird ,tlike
occurrences where Steller's eiders have collided with towers and power lines at Togiak,
N"aknek and King Salmon. Based on that information, on December 8, 2008 you
requested concurrence with the determination that Steller's eiders are not likely to be
adversely affected by the wind turbine installation in Kokhanok.
Thousands of Steller's eider molt and winter in various Cook Inlet locations. We can
only surmise that because Steller's eiders strike on-land structures at various, unlikely
locations in the vicinity of Bristol Bay (including in-land sites), they are migrating to and
from Cook Inlet overland. Based on the locations of the strikes along Bristol Bay, they
may be using Lake Iliamna as a migration corridor. It is important to note that the
Service assumes that less than 1 % of the Stellet's eiders that molt and wintcr in Cook
Inlet are from the listed Alaska breeding population. This further reduces the probability
that a listed Steller's eider will strike turbines installed on the shores of Lake Iliamna.
Even though the probability that Steller's eiders will stlike the turbines at Kokhanok is
unlikely, we offer the following information for your consideration.
Both Steller's and
;,pectacled eiders
(SonUlteriajischeri), listed
as threatened WIder the
ESA in 1993, have been
known to stlike on-land
towers and power lines in
,J\Jaska. Eiders tend to fly
low over water and land
and collide with towers and
lines, especially during
poor visibility conditions
such as fog and the
darkness of night. In
response to this mortality
risk, some developers have
offered to increase the
visibility of lattice towers
by marking the tower at
elevations of 20-40 feet, the
height at which eiders tend
to fly above water or land.
But, even with bird
detclTent tape marking one
particular tower in westem
coastal-Alaska, bird strikes
were repOlled (Figure 1). It
is likely that the bird strikes
Figure L Long-tailed duck (e/angula hyemalis)
found dead after colliding with a lattice tower in westem
Alaska. Dead bird is in the foreground and the
terrestrial scavenger-proof fenee is in the background.
~....
2
would not have been documented ifnot for the predator-proof fence that was installed
around the perimeter of the tower. The developer planned to install a security fence
around the tower, and they slightly modified their project to make the fence predator
proof(Le., bury a 7-100t fence I-foot underground with an overhang at the top). Robust
scavenging trials conducted on the Alaska Peninsula suggest that the rate of carcass
removal by both terrestrial and avian scavengers totals about 50% per 24-hours (Flint et
a1. In Prep). This means that even if monitoring tor carcasses occurs once per day, bird
strike estimates should be doubled for every carcass tound. A terrestrial scavenger-proof
fence would keep out foxes and other canids, bears, and mustelids but would not prohibit
avian scavengers. However, the carcass removal rate would be reduced, and thus the
confounding etlects scavenger bias would be reduced,
Witll that said I'm sure you are aware that another of the Service's Trust Resources,
migratory birds (which include Long-tailed ducks), can sutler significant mortality from
collisions with towers, blades, and asscciated infrastlUcture such as guy wires, The
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U,S,c. 703-712), prohibits the taking, killing,
possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and
nests, except when specifically authorized by the Department of the Interior.
\Vhile the :vmTA has no provision for allowing unauthorized take, it must he recognized
that some birds may be killed at structures such as wind turbines even if all reasonable
measures to avoid it are implemented, \\'bile it is not possible under the MBTA to
absolve individuals or companies from liability if they 1{)llow recommended guidelines,
the Division of Law Enforcement and Department of Justice have used enforcement and
prosecutorial discretion in the past regarding individuals or companies who have made
good faith efforts to avoid the take of lnigratOlY birds. Furthermore, the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act prohibits taking, defined as to, "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison,
wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb" ... "at any time in any manner (of)
any bald or golden eagle". or any part, nest or egg thereof" (16 USc. 668a), This statute
imposes criminal and civil sanctions as well as an enhance~ penalty provision for
subsequent offenses,
We recommend that you review the Service Interim Guidance on A voiding and
Minimizing Wildlife Impacts from Wind Turbines
(http://ww'?l.f\x;s.gov/habital~onsery!!!ion!wind.ll.4D, and that you follow the guidelines as
practicable, As noted throughout the Guidance, use of guy wires should be minimized,
but if they are necessary the lines should be marked with some type of deterrent device.
Furthermore, as you will note on page II of the Guidance, the Service recommends thai
all sites be monitoredj(lr impacts 011 wildlife after construction is completed, The
Service recognizes that the intensity of the monitoring will be commensurate with tile
scale of the project. None-the-Iess, some level of reliable monitoring is important,
because the intormation obtained from all wind power projects in the state will allow the
Service to assess the cumulative impacts of such development on oW' trust resources,
Finally, we recommended that you develop a decommissioning plan, such that when me
turbines are not longer in use, they are taken down. This is important because the tower
structures in addition to the turbine blades can pose risk to birds.
3
Because we are unsure of the migration patterns of Steller's eiders as they cross land
from Bristol Bay to their molting and wintering grounds in the waters of Cook Inlet, and
because the probability that a listcd Steller's eider will strike wind turbines on the shores
of Lake Iliamna at Kokhanok is small, the Service concurs with your detennination that
installing up to 3 wind turbines on the spit of Kokhanok is not likely to adversely affect
species protected under the ESA. This eonculTence relates only to federally listed or
proposed species andlor designated or proposed critical habitat under our jurisdiction. It
does not address species under the jurisdiction of National Marine Fisheries Service, or
other legislation or responsibilities under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean
Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Thank you for your cooperation in meeting our joint responsibilities under section 7 of
the ESA. If you have any questions, please contact me at (907) 271-1467. In future
correspondences regarding this con;rultation please refer to consultation number 2009
0016.
Sincerely,
Ellen Lance
Endangered Species Biologist
Literature Cited
Flint PL, EW Lance, K Sowl, TF Donnelly. In Prep. Estimating Carcass Persistence and
Scavenging Bias in a Human Influenced Landscape.
T:\s7\2009 sec 7\Elleni100990016 _.Kokhanokwind.doc
4
Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Study No.
Air Traffic Airspace Branch, ASW -520 2008-WTW -7 I 90-0E
2601 Meacham Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76137-0520
Issued Date: 1112812008
Whitney Z Strid -HDL
Lake and Peninsula Borough
P.O. Box 495
King Salmon, AK 99613
** DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO An~NAVIGATION **
The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.S.c.,
Section 44718 and if applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77. concerning:
Structure: Wind Turbine Vestas V-IS #1
Location: Kokhanok, AK
Latitude: 59-26-51.15N NAD 83
Longitude: 154-46-00.25W
Heights: 140 feet above ground level (AGL)
189 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)
This aeronautical study revealed that the structure does not exceed obstruction sUllldards and would not be a
hazard to air navigation provided the following condition(s), if any, is(are) met:
As a condition to thi s Determination, the structure is marked andlor lighted in accordance with FAA Advisory
circular 70/7460-1 K Change 2, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, white paint/synchronized red lights
Chapters 4, 12&I3(Turbines).
It is required that FAA Form 7460-2, Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration. be completed and retumed to
this office any time the project is abandoned or:
....._ At least 10 days prior to start of construction (7460-2, Part. I)
_X_ Within 5 days after the construction reaches its greatest height (7460-2, Part II)
This determination expires on 05/28/201 0 unless:
(a) extended, revised or tenninated by the issuing office.
(b) the construction is subject to the licensing allthority of the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and an application for a construction permit has been filed. as required by the FCC, within
6 months of the date of this determination. In such case, the determination expires on tile date
prescribed by the FCC for completion of construction, or the date the FCC denies the application.
NOTE: REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THIS DETERMINATION
MUST BE POSTMARKED OR DELIVERED TO THIS OFFICE AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
Page J of 2
This determination is based, in part, on the foregoing description which includes specific coordinates, heights,
frequency(ies) and power. Any changes in coordinates, heights, and frequencies or use of greater power will
void this determination. Any future construction or alteration, including increase to heights, power, or the
addition of other transmitters, requires separate notice to the FAA.
This determination docs include temporary construction equipment such as cranes, derricks, etc., which may he
used during actual construction of the structure. However, this equipment shall not exceed the overall heights as
indicated above. Equipment which has a height greater than the studied structure requires separate notice to the
FAA.
This determination concerns the effect of this structure on the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace
by aircraft and does not relieve the sponsor of compliance responsibilities relating to any law, ordinance. or
regulation of any Federal, State, or local governmcnt body.
A copy of this determination will be forwarded to the Federal Communications Commission if the structure is
subject to thcir licensing authority.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (770) 909-4401. On any future cOiTespondence
concerning this matter, please refer to Aeronautical Study Number 2008-WTW -7190-0E.
Signature Control No: 607077-103728278 (DNE)
Earl Newalu
Specialist
Page 2 of2
Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Study No.
Air Traffic Airspace Branch, ASW·520 2008-WTW-7191-0E
2601 Meacham Blvd.
F0l1 Worth, TX 76137-0520
Issued Date: 11/28/2008
Whitney Z Strid -HDL
Lake and Peninsula Borongh
P.O. Box 495
King Salmon, AK 99613
** DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO AIR NA VIGATION **
The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.s.c.,
Section 44718 and if applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77, concerning:
Structure: Wind Turbine Vestas V ·15 #2
Location: Kokhanok. AK
Latitude: 59-26-47.90N NAD 83
Longitude: 154-45-59.14W
Heights: 140 feet above ground level (AGL)
189 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)
This aeronautical study revealed that the structure does not exceed obstruction standards and would not be a
bazard to air navigation provided the following condition(s), if any, is(are) mel:
As a condition to this Determination, the structure is marked andlor lighted in accordance with FAA Advisory
circular 7017460·1 K Change 2, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, white paint/synchronized red lights -
Chapters 4.l2&13(Turbines).
11 is required that FAA Fonn 7460-2, Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, be completed and returned to
this office any time the project is abandoned or:
__ At least 10 days prior to start of construction (7460-2, Part I)
Within 5 days after the construction reaches its greatest height (7460-2, Part II)
This determination expires on 05128/2010 unless:
(a) extended, revised or terminated by the issuing office.
(b) the constrnction is subject to the licensing authority of the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and an application for a construction permit has been filed, as required by the FCC, within
6 months of the date of this determination. In such case, the determination expires on the date
prescribed by the FCC for completion of construction, or the dale the FCC denies the application.
KOTE: REQIJEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THIS DETERMINATION
MUST BE POSTMARKED OR DELIVERED TO TIllS OFFICE AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
Page I of 2
This determination is based, in part. on the foregoing description which includes specifIc coordinates, heights,
frequency(ies) and power. Any changes in coordinates. heights, and frequencies or use of greater power will
void this determination. Any future construction or alteration, including increase to heights, power, or the
addition of other transmitters, requires separate notice to the FAA.
This determination does include temporary construction equipment such as cranes, delTicks, etc., which may be
used during actual construction of the structure. However, this equipment shall not exceed the overall heights as
indicated above. Equipment which has a height greater than the studied structure requires separate notice to the
FAA.
This determination concerns the effect of this structure on the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace
hy aircraft and does not relieve the sponsor of compliance responsibilities relating to any law, ordinance, or
regulation of any Federal, State, or local government body.
A copy of this determination will be forwarded to the Federal Communications Commission if the structure is
subject to their licensing authority.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (770) 909-4401. On any future correspondence
concerning this matter. please refer to Aeronautical Study Number 2008-WTW -7191-0E.
Signature Control No: 607078·103728271 (DNE)
Earl Newalu
Specialist
Page 2 of2
Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Study No.
Air Traffic Airspace Branch, ASW-520 2008-WTW -7192-0 E
2601 Meacham Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76137-0520
Issued Date: 11128/2008
Whitney Z Strid -HDL
Lake and Peninsula Borough
P.O. Box 495
King Salmon, AK 99613
** DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION **
The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.S.c.,
Sectioll 4471 8 and if applicahle Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77. concerning:
Structure: Wind Turhine Vestas V -15 #3
Location: Kokhanok, AK
Latitude: 59-26-46.89N NAD 83
Longitude: 1 54-45-57.28W
Heights: 140 feet above ground level (AGL)
189 feet ahove mean sea level (AMSL)
This aeronautical study revealed that the structure does not exceed obstruction standards and would not be a
hazard to air navigation provided the following conditionCs), if any, is(are) met:
As a condition to this Determination, the structure is marked andlor lighted in accordance with FAA Advisory
circular 7017460-1 K Change 2, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, white paint/synchronized red lights -
Chapters 4,12&13(Turbines).
It is required that FAA Form 7460-2, Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, be completed and returned to
this office any time the project is abandoned or:
_....__ At least 10 days prior to start of construction (7460-2, Part l}
_X_ Within 5 days after the construction reaches its greatest height (7460-2, Part II)
This determination expires on 05/28/2010 unless:
(a) extended. revised or terminated by the issuing office.
(b) the construction is subject to the licensing authority of the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and an application for a construction pennit has been filed, as required hy the FCC. within
6 months of the date of this determination. In such case, the determination expires on the date
prescribed by the FCC for completion of construction, or the date the FCC denies the application.
NOTE: REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERlOD OF THIS DETERlvllNA nON
MUST BE POSTMARKED OR DELIVERED TO THIS OFHCE AT LEAST 15 DA YS PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
Page 1 of2
This determination is based, in part, on the foregoing description which includes specific coordinates, heights,
frequency(ies) and power. Any changes in coordinates, heights, and frequencies or use of greater power will
void this determination. Any future construction or alteration. including increase to heights, power, or the
addition of other transmitters, requires separate notice to the FAA.
This determination does include temporary construction equipment such as cranes, derricks, etc., which may be
used during actual constmctio\l of the stmcture. However, this equipment shall not exceed the overall heights as
indicated above. Equipment which has a height greater than the studied structure requires separate notice to the
FAA.
This determination concerns the effect of this structure on the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace
by aircraft and does not relieve the sponsor of compliance responsibilities relating to any law, ordinance, Or
regulation of any Federal, State, or local government body.
A copy of this determination will be forwarded to the Federal Communications Commission if the structure is
subject to their licensing authority,
If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (770) 909-4401, On any future con'espondencc
concerning this matter, please refer to Aeronautical Study Number 2008-WT\V-7192-0E.
Signature Control No: 607079·103728264 (DNE)
Earl Newalu
Specialist
Page 2 of2
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, ALASKA HATTENBUIiG DILlEY 11 UN~lEtt
REGULATORY DIVISION
P.O. BOX 6898 DEC II 3 2008REPLY 1"0 ELMENDORF AFB, ALASKA 99506-0898
AT"'tEN'MON OF:
RECEiVED
Regu~atory D.ivisiC:1
FOA-2003-1519
Hs. :C'e::::ri L, Mitch(:::ll
Senior E~viror~~ental :opec:;c,,":st
Hatte:-~berg D,illy &: Linnell LLC
3335 P.:":-t:i.c Boulevard Saite lCO
lmcl:orage jl..~laska 995(;3
Dea:::: Ms. Nit.che:l:
ThJ.s let-tel: l·e~r:.oads t.,) you!:' :~ovembey 11, 2C08, J:t2quest l;o:r. a Depar':.ment 0::
Lne Army (DA) j·J.ri.sdictional deterrLinatlon for YO'...ir proposed TYPE 0;:' PROJECT. The
ec': sit.e is located ;vithin Section 29/ T" 8 S., R. 32 'iJ., Se'iiard Neridian;
USGS Quad Map ILi..a~a B~5i :.atitude 59.4';'801< N., Longitude ~154.-;637£ v.i,; ::ear
Kokhanok, Alaska. It has beer: assigr.ed t".lLllbel:' POA·-·2008--1519, :liarnr:a I..ake, which
should be referred 'Co in all correslJoi'~de!1ce: with us.
Based O~ our revievl 0= the i::.fonna::ion you provided aLe Ol:r cate s~te visit,
we have determi:-~ed the subject property Goes net contain wacers of the U~_ited
states (U.S.) unde::::-Corps jurisdictior:. Therefore, a DA permit is not req'":Leed,
Please contact. 1.:8 if you decide to alte::: the me':hod, scope, or location oJ: yo'_:r
proposed ac'Civit.y.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act req:.li:::-es that a DI~ perrr,it be obtai,ned for
the placement or d:scnarge of d:::-edged and/o::::: fill materia:i into waters of 'che
U.S" ir~cludi~q jurisdict.io.:J.al 'Ylet2.~'1.ds (33 G.S,C. 134t 1). The Cox'ps 6efines
wet::?nds as those areas that are im.L"'idatE:d 0:'::-sa:.·..l:r-ated by surface or grou~dv;ate.:-:
a-: a frequency and duratio::1 sufficient t.O support, a::lc under l10rEal circwustcrr'~ces
do seppor::, a prevalence ot vegcta::::..on typically adap'::ed for li.fe :'t-~ 3aL.<.:~a,::ed
soil condi t.ions.
Section 10 of the Rivers a::::1 Har~ors Act of 1899 t::'at a DA pe;:-r;,it be
obtainec for structures: 0:: wOI~k in or navigable Tilaters cf the ']. S. {3 3
U.S.C, ,j,03!. Se:::-::ion:O wat:ers are thoSe'ilatera subjecc to t::'e ebb a~d flow of
the tide sho:.::-ev;ard to the, mean r:igh wa::e:: roa::k, andioy oehe:::-wa:::ers idctltified by
the Alaska Dist::::i8t.
'T'hi.s apprcved jllrisciict.ional deterr:;ination is va~:i.d fo:::: a period of five is)
years from the date of '::t~Js :::'e:tter, ~,,:lesE' neV! it:::icrrnat::,o:l supporting a :revision
lS pr::lvided ";::::> us before the exp;;"ratio::-~ date.
l'Jothtng ir:. this letter eXC-:.1Se5 yo~ from co:npli3.Dce with other Federal, Stat8,
or local statl:tes, ordinances, or regu~ations,
You may contact :ne via ernail at i~in.t.,~oy@usace.arrr.y.l::'lil, by IT.ail at. ,:"he
address above, by phonE: a,t ~:907} 753~274,4, o~ rc>ll free fro:::l ·,'<iichir~ Alas:.:a at
(BOC) 478-2712, If you have questions.
?roje::t Manager
Enc2..osures
USDA
~....
United States Department of Agriculture
Rural Development
Ms. Judith E. Bittner DEC 15 zooaState Historic Preservation Officer
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
550 West]'" Ave., Suite 1310
Anchorage, Alaska 99510-3565
Re: Kokhanok Wind-Diesel Proposal in Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Initiation of Section 106 Consultation
Dear Ms. Bittner,
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency that delivers the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Rural Development, Utilities Programs, has selected the Kokhanok Wind
Diesel proposal as a finalist for financial assistance through its High Energy Cost Grant
Program, thereby making the referenced proposal an undertaking subject to review
under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 47Of, and its
implementing regulations, "Protection of Historic Properties' (36 CFR Part 800). RUS is
writing to initiate consultation with the Alaska Slate Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
pursuant to 36 CFR § eOO.3(c). Your willingness to assist the applicant, the Lake and
Peninsula Borough, and its consultant. Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell (HDLl, in gathering
information and preparing analyses needed to conduct the Section 106 review is
appreciated.
TIle community of Kokhanok (alt. Kakhanokl is located on the south shore of Lake
Iliamna, 22 miles south of Iliamna and 88 miles northeaSl of
the 2005 State Demographer Estimate, the current POIJU"""'Jn
village has a mixed Native population, primarily Aleutiiq and
activities are the focal point of the culture and lifestyle. The
accessible by air or water and is dependent on diesel fuel for
and as a primary heating source. The proposed system is
to significantly reduce dependency on diesel fuel used to oel1Af.ate
heat
HDL completed a search of the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS) files at the
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology. The AHRS identified one site in the village,
the Saints Peter and Paul Chapel (lLI-30025), a Russian Orthodox Church buill in
approximately 1940. This site was added to the AHRS on May 1, 1979. The chapel is
approximately 0.5 miles from the proposed turbine site and located at a higher elevation.
Pictures of the chapel and its view towards the proposed site are provided (see Figure
2). A vegetative buffer is present near the chapel. which could block or make the view of
the turbines less visible.
This spit. itself, was the site of the viffage airstrip until 1984. at which time a new airstrip
was constructed west of the village. The old airstrip is currently decommissioned.
Tribal contact by HDL was initialed on November 11, 2008, via letters to Kokhanok
Village Council and the Bristol Bay Native Corporation. A town meeting was held also
on October 7. 2008. Although no written comments have been received from the tribal
entities, verbal feedback has been provided. At the public meeting, several elders
indicated that nothing was done at the spit except for occasional bird hunting. In a
personal phone conversation between HDL and Jack Morris from the Bristol Bay Native
Corporation. it was noted that he did not know of any traditional use of the spit by the
local community. We anticipate no impacts to cultural or religious sites of tribal
significance by the proposed action.
RUS asks that you provide comments regarding the potential effects of the proposal to
historic properties. If you wish to discuss the proposal in more detail, Terri Mitchell of
Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell. our designated representative, can reached at 907-564-2120
or via e-mail at!l}1itchell@hdlalaska.com. We respectfully request that you respond
within 30 days of your receipt of this correspondence. Your timely response would be
greatly appreciated.
Sincerely.
. r ,-~-114-"-,'C:[ ~ ". 1" ! ( ......-: ./ "----+ L r-__..
• Liauren McGee
Environmental Scientist
USDA, Rural Development, Utilities Programs
Mail Stop 1571, Rm 2239
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington. DC 20250
Phone: (202) 720-1482
Email: lauren.mcgee@wdc.usda.gov
cc: Terri Mitchell. Hattenburg Dilley & Linnell
3335 Arctic Blvd .• Suite 100
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Enclosure(s): Figure 1 -Arial view of proposed project location
Figure 2 -Photos of Saints Peter and Paul Chapel and its
view to the proposed turbine site
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