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ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
TASK 2-SURVEYS AND SITE FACILITIES
SUBTASK 2.13
MARKETABILITY AND DISPOSAL STUDY FOR
RESERVOIR AREA
FINAL
MARCH 1982
ACRES AMERICAN INCORPORATED
1000 Liberty Bank Building
Main at Cou:--t
Buffalo, New York 14202
Telephone: (716) 853-7525
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ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
MARKETABILITY AND DISPOSAL STUDY FOR RESERVOIR AREA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
1 • INTRODUCTION
2 -SUMMARY
2.1 -Scope of Work
2. 2 -Previous Studies
2.3 -Methods of Wood Disposal
2.4 -Applicability of Logging Systems
2.5 -Conclusions and Recommendations
3 -METHODS OF WOOD DISPOSAL
4-APPLICABILITY OF LOGGING SYSTEMS
5 -CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ARLIS
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Alaska Resources
Library & Information Services
Anchorage, Alaska
LIST OF TABLES
Number Title Page
1 Methods of Wood Disposal, and Associated
Advantages and Disadvantages 3-2
2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Various
Logging Systems 4-2
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1 -INTRODUCTION
The basic purpose of this subtask is to lay the groundwork for
the cost consideration and evaluation of the various parameters
involved in the removal of the timber from the reservoirs. This
subtask will identify the alternate logging systems that could be
utilized in the clearing process, the various methods of disposing
of the timber, and the various environmental considerations
associated with the fiber removal. All of these factors are
intended to provide a focus for the cost estimates for the reservoir
clearing subtask (2.14) to follow. This subtask, 2.13, serves as
the link between the forest inventory data and the costing tasks.
Hopefully, it will provide means to evaluate the costs and benefits
of various disposal approaches, harvesting systems, and their
associated environmental affects. Due to the very limited budget
for this task, effort has concentrated on the identification and
description of the various parameters, and identifying a literature
base to assist in the actual costing analysis.
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2 -SUMMARY
2. 1 -Scope of Work
This subtask involved considerable professional judgment based
upon past experience, the data gathered in Subtask 2. 12, aerial
overflights of the reservoirs 1 and a cursory review of the
literature identified in the Bibliography. Various individuals were
also contacted for their impressions regarding the marketability of
the wood. Due to the limited budget available for this effort,
some emphasis was placed on assembling a beginning bibliography
to provide the clearing cost estimators with more firm evaluation
parameters.
2.2 -Previous Studies
Due to the limited commerciality of the timber present, most of the
fiber can be considered wood waste. The subject of logging
residue management has· become of major concern within only the
last ten years. As a result, relatively little research work has
been completed on the subject. A literature base is just beginning
to be developed. Very little wood waste research has been
conducted under Alaskan conditions except for limited areas in
Southeast Alaska. There is no waste management work in Interior
Ala·ska that can be applied to the Susitna River case before us.
Consequently 1 the compiled bibliography for this report constitutes
the basis for this subtask.
2.3 -Methods of Wood Disposal
Potential methods of wood disposal include burning 1 burial 1
marketing, chipping, rafting down the Susitna River. It is quite
possible that various combinations of some of these techniques will
be utilized, with various approaches in use at the same time at
various locations.
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2.4 -Applicability of Logging Systems
The combination of steep terrain, moderate-light tree stocking
levels, small trees, erosive potential of the reservoir slopes,
remoteness, and very restricted access to the reservoirs are major
factors affecting the choice of harvesting systems to be utilized for
this project. Such systems include high lead, skyline, tractor,
whole tree logging with or without chippers, balloon and
helicopter. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages
and set of conditions under which its use is optimized.
2. 5 -Conclusions and Recommendations
Present market demand for the timber at Susitna is low; however,
world wood demand fluctuates considerably. It is expected that
the best approach to follow in disposal of the wood is one which
minimizes cost. Transportation and logging costs will be
astronomical. Environmental controls will greatly affect clearing
costs. This portion of the study requires much more detailed
analysis. It is extremely important to define what the acceptable
wood residue I eve! wi II be for the clearing process.
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3 -METHODS OF WOOD DISPOSAL
Table 1 is essentially a listing of various ways of disposing of the
wood from the Devil Canyon and Watana Reservoirs combined with
relevant comments. An attempt has been made to be practical, and
rely upon the literature base as well as reason and common sense.
It is quite possible that various combinations of techniques will be
utilized, with several different approaches in use at one time at
various locations. This list will need considerable refinement in
the costing sub task to follow.
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Method of
Disposal
Burning
Burial
Marketing
TABLE 1
METHODS OF WOOD DISPOSAL, AND
ASSOCIATED ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages
0 Energy Potential
0 Eiiminates Transport,
Equipment, Processing
Costs
0 Eiiminates Insect Build-
ups in Slash
0 Eiiminates Insect Buitd-
ups in Slash
0 Monetary Return
0 lmproved Resource
Use Options
Disadvantages
0 Wildfire Hazard
0 Smoke/ Air Quality
Degradation
0 Loss of Commercial
Timber
0 Potential for 11 Hard
Burning" Soil
0 Potential Changes in
Water Chemistry
0 lncreased Soil Disturbance/
Erosion
0 Equipment Intensive
0 Soi I Leachates
0 Loss of Commercial
Uses of Timber
0 Requires Restoration
0 Additional Administrative
Costs
0 1 ntensive Management
0 High Logging, Equipment,
Transport, Processing
Costs
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TABLE 1 • CONTINUED
Method of
Disposal
Chipping
Rafting
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Advantages
0 Reduces Logging 1 Trans-
port Costs
0 Unifies Product, Easier
Handling
0 Eiiminates Insect Build-
ups in Slash
0 Low Transport Cost
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Disadvantages
0 Residue Clogs Streams 1
Increases BOD, Warm
Temperatures
0 8undles Break, Lose Wood,
Clog Stream
0 Reduce Stream Aesthetics
0 lncrease Stream BOD, Warm
Temperatures
4 -APPLICABILITY OF LOGGING SYSTEMS
There are a variety of methods that can be utilized to harvest
timber. Each has its own set of conditions under which its use is
optimized .. in terms of cost and time efficiency, terrain suitability,
minimization of waste, least environmental damage, etc. The steep
terrain, moderate-light stocking levels, small trees, erosive
potential of the reservoir slopes, remoteness and very limited
access of the reservoir areas present some very difficuit and
costly parameters in the selection and utilization of appropriate
harvesting approaches.
Table 2 identifies systems of potential use at Devil Canyon and
Watana Reservoirs, and their associated advantages and
disadvantages. It is quite possible that any number and
combination of systems may be operating on this project at one
time.
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TABLE 2
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VARIOUS LOGGING SYSTEMS
Logging
System
High Lead
Skyline
Whole Tree
and/or
Chipping
Balloon
Helicopter
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Advantages
0 Use on Steep Terrain
0 Use on Steep Terrain
0 Minimal Soil Erosion
0 Minimize Handling
0 Very Efficient
0 Unrestricted Access
0 Unrestricted Access
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Disadvantages
0 Some Soil Erosion
0 Expensive Equipment
0 Use More Efficient on
Larger, High Value
Species
0 Requires Set-up Time
0 Requires Special Expertise
0 Requires Set-up Time
0 Expensive Equipment
0 Use More Efficient on
Larger, High Value
Species
0 Requires Special Expertise
0 Requires Flat Terrain
0 Road System or Good Stand
Access Required
0 Expensive Equipment
0 Very Expensive
0 Requires Essentially Calm
Air to Operate
0 Very Expensive
0 Use More Efficient on
Larger, High Value
Species
0 Use Limited in Moderate
Winds
5 -CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In drawing some conclusions and making some recommendations
regarding this subtask, there are a few basic realities about
utilizing large quantities of wood fiber that shoutd be kept in
mind. The principal goals are to maximize the dollar return from
the wood source and/or minimize the cost of disposing of it,
guarding at all times environmental quality in the process.
Present world wood fiber demand is down considerably. Many
Asian markets for Southeast Alaskan wood chips, cants, and
roundlog exports are at such a low level at present that most
lumbering and processing operations in the state are either shut
down or on a reduced work schedule. The forest industry in the
Pacific Northwest is presently suffering many shutdowns as high
bank lending rates choke the homebuilding industry. These
interest rates have also affected building demand in the Far East,
which is down considerably. However, the demand for wood fiber
fluctuates considerably 1 and in the future, demand will rise and
activity will increase. These economic realities affect the use of
Susitna Project wood fiber in that demand for this material is
extremely low now, with more readily available and improved
quality wood obtainable (from Southeast Alaska and the Pacific
Northwest, for example) when the market improves; yet these
conditions can change in a few years. Demand for large quantities
of ·wood fiber is very cyclic and the prices fluctuate dramatically
over short periods of time (months, and years). With these
general comments in mind, the following conclusions regarding use
of the timber in the Devil Canyon and Watana Reservoirs are
offered.
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General quality of the material present is low 1 and
marketability is expected to be minimal. It is anticipated
that the best approach to follow in disposal should focus
on minimizing the ~ of clearing.
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It is expected that various disposal techniques and
logging systems can be utilized, perhaps different
approaches at various locations.
Breakage of timber and loss into the river may cause
problems in the logging process.
Transportation and logging costs will be astronomical.
Restricted access will be a major problem.
Defect in the wood appears to be minimal, which
improves marketability.
Although wood quality is generally low, the large volume
available (20-40 million cubic feet) can be attractive to
potential users.
Environmental controls will probably have a great effect
on clearing costs.
Erosive potential of clearing is considerable.
Recommendations regarding the clearing process are as follows:
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This portion of the project requires considerably more
detailed study.
It is extremely important to define what the acceptable
wood residue level will be for the clearing process,
rather than require~ materials to be removed.
Careful attention should be given to the aesthetics of the
clearing operations in the vicinity of the final reservoir
operating levels (eventual shoreline).
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Areas adjacent to the reservoirs should be managed so
as to minimize disturbance of wildlife habitat.
Careful attention should be given to utilizing much of
the wood 11 on-site11 and minimize disposal costs by
providing energy for construction camp operations.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service,
Alaska Region, J. Sturgeon, Wood ~ & Fuel, Juneau,
February, 1979.
2. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Assessment of Biomass
Conversion to Energy for Delta Agricultural Project, Contract
No. 2311203755, October, 1979.
3. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Oregon State Office, J. K. Pearce, Forest Engineering
Handbook, 1961.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region X, James M.
Montgomery, Consulting Engineers, Inc., Forest Harvest,
Residue Treatment, Reforestation & Protection of Water
Quality, EPA 910/9-76-020, April, 1976.
5. U.S. Forest Service, Institute of Northern Forestry, L.F.
Hanks and C. W. Swanson, Lumber Grade Yields from Paper
Birch and Balsam Poplar Logs in the Susitna River Valley,
Alaska, Research Paper PNW-51, Juneau, 1967.
6. U.S. Forest Service, Institute of Northern Forestry, K.M.
Hegg, Forest Resources of the Susitna Val ley, Alaska,
PNW-32, Juneau, 1970.
7. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, J. H. Beuter, Timber Value - A Matter of
Choice. A Study of How End Use Assumptions Affect Timber
Values, PNW-118, Portland, 1971.
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8. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, 0. P. Cramer, ed., Environmental Effects
of Forest Residues Management in the Pacific Northwest. A
State-of-Knowledge Compendium, General Technical Report,
PNW-24, Portland, 1974.
9. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, J. M. Pierovich et. al. , Forest Residues
Management Guidelines for the Pacific Northwest, General
Technical 8,eport PNW-33, Portland, 1975.
10. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, R.H. Ruth and A.S. Harris, Forest
Residues in Hemlock-Spruce Forests of the Pacific Northwest
and Alaska -A State-of-Knowledge Review With Recommenda-
tions for Residue Management, General Technical Report
PNW-39, Portland, 1975.
11. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, J. B. Grantham, Energy Potential of
Forest Residue, Proceedings of the Northwest Forest Fire
Council 1976 Annual Meeting, Olympia, Washington, 1976.
12. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, T. C. Adams and R. C. Smith, Review of
the Logging Residue Problem and Its Reduction Through
Marketing Practices, General Technical Report PNW-48,
Portland, 1976.
13. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, B. B. Bare and B. F. An holt, Selecting
Forest Residue Treatment Alternatives Using Goal
Programming, General Technical Report PNW-43, Portland,
1976.
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14. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, F. R. Ward and H. R. Mclean, Burying
Forest· Residue -An Alternative Treatment, Reserach Note
PNW-270, Portland, 1976.
15. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, C.N. Mann, Running Skyline Systems for
Harvesting Timber ~ Steep Terrain 1 Paper presented at the
Earthmoving Industry Conference, Central Illinois Section,
Peoria, April 18-20, 1977.
16. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, J.O. Howard, Wood for Energy in the
Pacific Northwest: An Overview 1 General Technical Report
PNW-94, Portland, 1979.
17. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, T.C. Adams, Logging Costs for ~ ~
of Intensive Residue Removal, Research Note PNW-347,
Portland, 1980.
18. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station 1 T. C. Adams, Managing Logging Residue
Under the Timber Sale Contract, Research Note PNW-348,
Portland, 1980.
19. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range
Experiment Station, M.D. Bryant, Evaluation of Large,
Organic Debris After Timber Harvest: Maybeso Creek, 1949 to
1978, General Technical Report PNW-101, Portland, 1980.
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20. University of Alaska, School of Agriculture and Land
Resources Management, Alaska Humanities Forum, U.S. Forest
Service, Bureau of Land Management, North American Forest
Lands at Latitudes North of 60 Degrees, Proceedings of a
Symposium at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks,
September 19-22, 1977.
21. University of Missouri Columbia, School of Forestry,
Fisheries and Wildlife, R. C. Smith, Potential Economic
Development of Forest Resources in Interior Alaska, FS-PNW
Grant Number 82, November, 1980.
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Alaska Resources
Library & Information Servu::es
Anchorage~ Alaska
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