HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA591,DRAFT REPORT
.MARCH 1984
DOCUMENT No.591
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DRAFT
AQUATIC PLAN OF STUDY
FISCAL YEAR 1985
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY_--.-I
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
PROJE'CT No"7114
SUSITNA
HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Document No.591
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SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
DRAft
AQUATIC PLAN OF STUDY
FISCAL YEAR 1985
Report by
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture
Prepared for
Alaska Power Authority
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·Draft Report
March 1984
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NOTICE
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING
THIS REPORT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO
THE ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library &InfOrmatIon Services
Anchorage.Alaska
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 •INTRODUCTION............................1
2.LONG TERM GOALS OF THE POWER AUTHORITY • • • • • • • • • • • • •••4
3.AQUATIC STUDY TEAM PARTICIPANTS 7
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4.FY85 STUDY DESCRIPTIONS AND PRIORITIZATION • • • • • • • • • • •••8
APPENDIX A -DRAFT LOWER RIVER STUDY PLAN
APPENDIX B -DRAFT NAVIGATION STUDY PLAN
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SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FISCAL YEAR 1985 AQUATIC PLAN OF STUDY
1.INTRODUCTION
The Alaska Power Authority (Power Authority)submitted a license application
to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)for the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project (Project)on February 18,1983 (Table O.Following
initial submission of supplemental information and responses to FERC
comments,the application was accepted for review by the FERC on July 19,
1983.The application was then sent (by the FERC)to resource agencies for
review and comment.This review is now complete.The Power Authority has
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responded to the agencies'comments and the FERC 1.S preparing a draft
environmental impact statement (DEIS),due to be released on May 5,1984.
The final environmental impact statement (FEIS)is due for release on
December 18,1984.The license is tentatively scheduled to be issued by the
FERC on March 18,1987.This date is based on the FERC Susitna Project
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Status Report (revised on January 1,1984)which assumes that there will be
no substantial delays in the licensing process prior to that date.
Even though the license application has been accepted by the FERC for
review,various aquatic or aquatic -related studies are still needed to
assure that the licensing process proceeds on schedule.This document
outlines the plans for the studies that are proposed for fiscal year 1985
(FY85).It is provided at this time so that resource agencies will have an
opportunity to review and comment on them prior to actual implementation.
The Power Authority has also scheduled a workshop on March 30,1984,to
discuss these plans in detail with the agencies.(The agencies will have an
opportunitiy to provide their input and comment at this workshoP)
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40995 1
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Table 1
Susitna Hydroelectric Project*
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Schedule for Licensing Process
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License Application Submitted to the FERC
Submission by the Power Authority of
responses to FERC comments and requests
for supplemental information
License application accepted by the FERC
for formal review
Agency Review of License Application
document complete
Responses to agency'comments submitted
by the Power Authority
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
License Issued by FERC (tentative)
February 18,1983
July 11,1983
July 29,1983
December 12,1983
January 19,1984
May 5,1984
December 28,1984
March 18,1987
*Based on the FERC Susitna Project Status Report -January 1,1984.
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Proposed plans for studies specifically designed for the lower Susitna River
(Talkeetna to Cook Inlet)are appended to this document (Appendix A).They
are attached for review by the agencies and will be discussed at the March
30,1984 workshop.These plans are designed to provide additional
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information on this r~ver reach that can assist the Power Authority ~n
responding to various impact-related questions raised by the agencies.The";
JlPlaanrss are developed in a step-wise manner which could encompass a number o!--J
~of study based on results of the previous year.
!
IProposed plans to assess potential Project-related impacts on navigation are
also appended (Appendix B)for review and comment.These plans are designed
'\to provide the necessary information to forecast the level of impact the
Project will have on instream use of the river for transportation.The
I studies will address both potential restrictions to navigation in general
\.~nd 1mpacts on cnstomary rontes of travel.
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2.LONG-TERM GOALS OF THE POWER AUTHORITY
The Power Authority has defined specific long-term goals for aquatic studies
that must be accomplished for the Susitna Project.These goals are:
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1.
Jr 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Completion of the DEIS review process
Completion of the FEIS process
Completion of the Settlement Process
Completion of (potential)hearings
Receipt of an acceptable FERC license for the Project
Acquisition of local,state and federal permits for the Project
Continuation of studies that provide integrity to maintenance of
the aquatic program.
Following is a brief description of the Power Authority's role for each of
these goals:
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1.Completion of the DEIS reV1ew process.
The Power Authority will reV1ew the FERC's DEIS and provide any
necessary comments on it.The Power Authority also plans to submit
reports during this process that provide additional refinement to
existing analyses.These reports will include those developed as part
of the aquatic habitat relationships series described 1n the workshop
on February 15,1984.The Power Authority may also be reques ted to
provide other information to the FERC for completion or clarification
of the DEIS.The comment period for the DEIS should be completed by
July 25,1984.
2.Completion of the FEIS process
The Power Authority plans to review and comment on the FEIS and submit
any additional information that may be needed.
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3.Completion of the Settlement Process.~tr~Q U)~
The Power Authority plans to finish the aquatic impact evaluations,-negotiate flow regimes,and develop detailed mitigation and long-term
fy~(~.-_Jl10nitoring plans to complete the settlement process.This will be
~accomplished through workshops,distribution of information and direct
negotiations with the resource agencies.Additional information or
analyses resulting from on-going studies will be provided to the
agencies during this period.
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4.
5.
6.
Completion of (potential)hearings.
If there are certain issues that cannot be resolved during the
settlement process,there will be a potential need for hearings.The
Power Authority will develop briefs and directly participate 1n the
hearings.If hearings are necessary,they wi 11 be initiated 1n the
1984-85 winter period.Direct testimony will be provided in September
1985 wi th an administrative law judge decision due on January 25,
1986.
License ordered by the FERC.
Following the settlement process (and potential hearings),the FERC
will establish articles for the license that stipulate any additional
needs for information and study prior to Project initiation.The Power
Authority will reV1ew these articles and respond to them with any
additional information that may have been developed in the interim.
The final order granting license should 0 come from the FERC in March,
1987.
Acquisition of permits.
Numerous permits will be needed for Project construction and operation.
The Power Authority will develop information that is required for these
permits.
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7.Program Integrity.
Certain studies will need to be continued so there is a continuity of
information collected.This includes both biological (e.g.,salmon
escapement counts)and physical (e.g.,stream discharge)data
collection.This information will be used to refine existing analyses
and to develop baseline information for potential construc tion and
with-project monitoring programs.
40995 6
-~.AQUATIC STUDY TEAM PARTICIPANTS
The Power Authority is assisted by various groups and contractors (referred
to as the Aquatic Study Team)in assessing potential impacts to the aquatic
environmental and in the licensing process.These organizations and their
respective primary Project responsibilities are:
A.Harza-Ebascq (H-E)this firm provides general support and
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coordination for the settlement and licensing processes and
engineering support for simulation models used ~n impact
assessments.
instream flow support to ADF&G SuHydro and assistance in study
design,field data collection,and analysis.
(AEIDC)
to analyze
conduct the
studies and analyses to support instream flow
studies and (describes pre-project habitat
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Trihey and Associates (EWT &A)-(responsible for the
flow relationships)studies,hydraulic engineering and
E.Woody
instream
relationships
relationships :j
B.Alaska Department of Fish and Game SUHydro Study Team (ADF&G
SuHydro)-conducts field studies,analyzes baseline fishery data,
conducts
C.
D_Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center'-.~bj£'fiPft,~develops necessary simulation modelling systems
j(~.It!'''existing and with-project conditions and will
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Provides support for interpretation
E.Woodward-Clyde Consultants
planning and study design.
(WCC)responsible for mitigation
and compilation of fisheries resource data.
F.Rand M Consultants (R&M)-assists all study team members with
the collection and analysis of hydrologic and meteorologic data
and provides field engineering support.
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4.FY85 STUDY DESCRIPTIONS AND PRIORITIZATION
Certain studies must be performed to meet the long-term goals for this
Project.This plan specifically addresses those studies proposed by the
Power Authority for FY85.The study plan has been divided into tasks that
address specific objectives to facilitate review and evaluation.Some of
decisions that may have to be made.
these tasks are more important than others because they are either critical
to the licensing and settlement processes or are necessary to maintain
baseline data collection.Therefore,the study plans have been prioritized
by task description with decreasing priority assigned to increasing task
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--number.This prioritization will provide a basis for budget allocation
These tasks have been divided into four general levels of importance:
Level 1 The lowest reasonable level of effort which could be
undertaken with some probability of maintaining the licensing
schedule but with a substantial degree of risk for schedule
delay.
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Level 2 An intermediate level of effort between the minimum
reasonable (Levell)and the required level of effort (Level
3)•
Level 3 -The required level of effort for maintaining the licensing
schedule with an accepatable degree of risk for schedule
delay.
Level 4 -The level of effort desired to maintain the present schedule
with a higher degree of certainty.
participant9 in the
three week planning
~ese levels represent a-$eneral Mco~~ens~,among the
~usitna Aquatic P,ro,g,ra,m,.achieved during an intensive
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Each task description has an objectives,rationale t description t
deliverables and schedule section.These are provided to standardize the
task descriptions for ease in review and for comparison.The task
descriptions have been based on results and analyses from previous studies
and other existing sources of information.A listing of all tasks (Table 2)
is provided first followed by a description for each individual task.
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40995
1
Task No.
Priority
1.
2.
3.
-4A.
4B.
SA.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10 •
11.
12.
f\~13A.
13B.
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TABLE 2
LISTING OF ALL AQUATIC FY85 TASKS
FOR THE
SUSITNA HYROELECTRIC PROJECT
Task Identification
Preparation of responses to the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement and Final Environmental Impact
Statement.
Participation 1n workshops and other aspects of the
settlement process •
General coordination of aquatic program activities.
Instream flow relationships studies.
Flow relationships compositing.
Economic and environmental comparisons process.
Recommended flow regimes report.
Impact assessment.
Flow negotiations.
Preparation of materials for FERC hearings.
Mitigation and enhancement planning.
Comprehensive fisheries resources report.
Middle river mainstem habitat analysis.
Adult salmon-middle river spawning surveys.
Adult salmon-lower river spawning surveys.
Lower river resident and juvenile anadromous fish
studies.
Lower river-main channel salmon escapement
monitoring.
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18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24 .
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40995
TABLE 2
Continued
Middle river-main channel salmon escapement
monitoring.
Outmigrant studies of the middle river.
Outmigrant studies of the lower river.
Streamflow and flood frequency studies.
Suspended sediment-turbidity studies.
Hydro-meteorological physical data collection.
Load following alternative.
Lower river morphological assessment.
Mapping and digitizing of middle river habitat
surface areas.
Lower river ice study.
Lower river aggradation.
Assessment of the available food source in turbid
Susitna River habitats for rearing juvenile chinook
salmon.
Preparation of a written report for the FY84
,incubation study.
Middle river -main channel escapement monitoring
at Talkeetna Station (RM 103)
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Level 2
Level 3
40995
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
AA 33.
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1)1-\35.
~~36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
Lower river tributary access analysis.
Evaluation of middle river mainstem and tributary
spawning habitat relationships.
Slough groundwater and water balance studies.
Development of long-term monitoring plan.
Lower Susitna stream temperature analysis.
Adult salmon stream life study-middle reach
sloughs.
Winter studies of resident and juvenile anadromous
fishes.
Refinement of access criteria.
Lower river rearing habitat investigations -IFG
hydraulic modeling.
Preliminary mitigation studies for the Devil Canyon
to Talkeetna reach.
Impact asessment of construction-related
activities;transmission line pnd access road.
Mitigation planning for construction activities.
Impoundment resident fish mitigation planning.
Baseline water quality monitorin~at Tsusena and
Deadman Creeks.
Evaluation of an alternative method to monitor main
channel escapements.
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Level 4
40995
43.
44.
~45.
46.
47.
~.I!'48"Pc ...~.•
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51.
52.
53.
54.
Glacier studies.
Development and refinement of temperature
criteria.
Primary productivity studies within the Susitna
River,other glacial streams and some non-glacial
streams.
Characterization of turbid water mainstem
influenced Talkeetna River salmon spawning
habitats.
Middle river tributary stability study.
Mainstem habitat suitability.
Refinement of adult salmon habitat utilization
data.
Refinement of upwelling component for side-slough
habitat analysis.
Heavy metal leaching potential for reservoirs.
Baseline studty of mercury concentrations in
resident fishes.
Laboratory studies.
Groundwater studies -well pumping tests.
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TASK 1-
PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THE
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Rationale
The Power Authority must reV1ew and comment on both the DEIS and FEIS
to assure that all analyses and conclusions are based on correct
information.This review is a critical part of the licensing process.
Objectives
1.To provide review comments on the DEIS prepared by FERC for the
Susitna Hydroelectric Project.
2.To provide rey1ew comments on the FEIS.
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Description
Activities that will lead to completion of the first objective will
involve three elements.The first element will consist of preparing
additional information which will strengthen some conclusions reached
in the DEIS.The second element will consist of preparing information
and substantiation for analyses which differ from those reached in the
DEIS.The third element will consist of information t analyses and
conclusions for topics not discussed in the DEIS which would alter
other conclusions of the DEIS.The Power Authority Comments on the
DEIS will include a compilation of these three elements.
The activities leading to accomplishment of the second objective will
include preparation of a list of conclusions reached by the FERC in the
FEIS with which the Power Authority does not agree.Additionally,
comments prepared by other commenting agencies wi 11 be reviewed to
40995 14
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identify those conclusions with which a substantial difference of
opinion remains.This review wi 11 provide a basis for identifying
specific conclusions which may need resolution through the settlement
and hearings processes.
Deliverables
To meet the first objective the deliverables are:
1.Memoranda identifying conclusions reached 1n the DEIS.
2.Memoranda containing necessary additional information for each
conclusion.
3.Memorandum of Power Authority comments on the DEIS.
Deliverables to accomplish the second objective include:
1.Memoranda identifying conclusions reached in the FEIS.
2.Memoranda describing conclusions for which there is substantial
disagreement among licensing participants.
Schedule
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2.
3.
40995
Item
Memoranda identifying conclusions of DElS
Memoranda containing additional
information for DEIS
Memorandum of comments on DElS
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Due Date
May 30,1984
July 3,1984
July 24,1984
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4.
5.
Memorandum identifying conclusions of FEIS
Memoranda identifying conclusions in FEIS
with substantial disagreement
January 15,1985
January 25,1985
TASK 2
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PARTICIPATION IN WORKSHOPS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS
Rationale
This task is necessary to assure the settlement process progresses with
input from participants that can provide the most knowledgeable
information for resolving specific issues.
Objective
To provide the Power Authority with information and support to resolve
issues raised by natural resources agenc~es and negotiate an acceptable
project flow regime and mitigation plans.
Description
An important aspect of the settlement process is dissemination of
information to familiarize resource agency personnel with project study
methodologies,analyses and results directed toward resolution of
primary impact issues.The primary method for providing this
information will be a series of agency workshops in which specific
topics will be discussed.
Appropriate members of the Aquatic Study Team wi 11 participate ~n
preparation for or actually take part in specific workshops depending
on particular topics to be covered.
The Power Authority will meet with resource agencies to attempt to
....reach settlement on various issues and negotiate a project flow regime.
Aquatic Team members will provide various information,analyses,
documents and other support as requested by the Power Authority.
40995 17
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Deliverables
Deliverables will consist of prepared materials and/or presentations as
requested to support the settlement process.
Schedule
Three specific aquatic workshops are scheduled to occur during FY85.
The schedule for these workshops is:
Workshop Date
~,
Workshop 6:Forecast of Project Induced
Water Quality Changes and Their Effects
on Fish.
Workshop 7:Findings of the Habitat
Relationships Report
Workshop 8:Project Mitigation
Opportunities
7/29/84
9/28/84
10/16/84
Nine additional workshops may be held.Specific topics for each
workshop have not been selected at this time.However)these workshops
could occur on a monthly basis from November)1984 through June)1985.
possible topics for these workshops include:
Development of Alternative Flow Requirements for Analysis of
Environmental and Economic Effects
Discussion of Results of Comparison of Alternative Flow Regimes
Development of the Mitigation Plan
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40995
Results of User Surveys
Results of Riparian Vegetation Studies
Results of Lower River Studies
Development of the Long Term Monitoring Program
Aquatic Program Study Plan for FY86 •
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TASK 3
GENERAL COORDINATION OF AQUATIC PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Rationale
Coordination among aquatic study groups is a vital aspect of the over-
all activities necessary to assure satisfactory integration of all the
related but separate study components.The importance of this task
increases as the project procedes toward the settlement process and
FERC hearings.
Objective
Attain a level of coordin~tion among Aquatic Study Team members
necessary to assure effective and efficient progress toward a set of
common goals.
Description
This task requires effort from all members of the Aquatic Study Team.
H-E has an over-all coordinating function that includes monitoring all
activities in the aquatic studies to insure that team members are able
to accomplish their tasks and that sufficient progress is being made
toward over-all study goals.Each team member is responsible for
maintaining an appropriate level of communication and coordination with
other team members who share common,integrated or related tasks.
Program coordination will be achieved by various means including:
1.Joint preparation of study plans.
2.Weekly team meetings.
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3.Team-wide dissemination of information reports,correspondence and
memos.
4.Frequent meetings and data and information exchange among team
members with related tasks.
Deliverables
Study plan development for FY86 will begin in February,1985.This
planning process will produce a Detailed Plan of Study for FY86 as well
as specific workscopes for each team member.
There are no other specific deliverables for this task.However,
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memoranda describing the resul ts of or need for coordination will be
prepared when appropriate to affect necessary changes in planned
activities,schedules,etc.
Schedule
....Aquatic Study Team Meetings Weekly
Begin FY86 Planning Process February,1985
Draft Detailed Plan of Study (FY86)May 1,1985
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40995 21
TASK 4A
INSTREAM FLOW RELATIONSHIPS STUDIES
Rationale
flowtowarddirectedtasksassociatedandprocess
Prepare final drafts of the technical report series currently in
1.Complete the analysis of pertinent physical and biological data on
the Talkeetna to Devil Canyon river segment.
2.
settlement
negotiations and eventual project licensing.
)r ,r..~r:y lThiS work is necessary to complete analyses of existing data and
~~,,transfer the findings of those analyses into the settlement process and
II 'the FERC licensing schedule.This task will directly support the
V'V;
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,Objectives
progress.
3.Complete the Instream Flow Relationships Report.
Description
The Instream Flow Relationships Report will
between mainstem flow and fish habitat.
It will be derived primarily from information contained 1n a series of
technical reports.These reports are:
1.Fish Resources and Habitat of the Susitna Basin -this report will
be a consolidation of the information on the aquatic resources of
the Susitna Basin that is currently dispersed throughout numerous
reports,memoranda and workshop minutes.It wi 11 be based on
40995 22
-information and data that is available through June 1984.This
report may be updated as additional information becomes
available.
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Watershed Processes Report this report will describe the
physical processes that occur within the Basin.It will be
focused primarily on preproject to wi th-projec t changes ln
streamflow,channel stability and groundwater upwelling.
3.Water Quality/Limnology Report -this report will consolidate much
of the existing information on water quality in the Basin and
focus on preproject versus with-project changes.Some additional
modelling and field studies (primarily concerning turbidity and
suspended sediments)will be incorporated into this report to
.refine information from previous studies.
instream temperature forecasts for a range of operational and
climatological conditions and a preliminary commentary of their
effects on fish habitats and ice processes.During the first half
of FY85 review comments will be addressed,the discussion of with-
project instream temperature effects on fish will be enhanced and
interpretive discussions of instream temperature effects on lce
processes and ice effects on aquatic habitat will be added to the
review draft.An initial report will be available by the end of
this report will presentReservoirandInstreamTemperature
will
1984
FY85 that
based on
updated version will be made ln
additional modelling refinements
FY84.An
incorporate
4.
,....
temperature data.
Aquatic Habitat Report -this report will describe the response of
reach to be analyzed first in FY85 will be from Talkeetna to.Devil
Canyon.Efforts on the lower river are continuing and will be
described in the Lower River Study Plan (see Appendix A).
-aquatic habitat surface areas to mainstem discharges.The river
40995 23
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Three drafts of the Relationships Report will be issued in an effort to
transfer available analyses and information into the licensing and
settlement processes.Work that had commenced 1n the latter quarter of
FY84 will continue into the first half of FY85.
A preliminary draft of the Relationships Report will be issued in time
to contribute to the preparation of the FEIS.However,the major
contribution that can be made during the first quarter of FY85 to the
FEIS by the Relationships Studies will be derived from the topic area
reports.An interim draft of the Relationships Report,envisioned BS
being a considerable enhancement over the preliminary draft,will be
issued by November 30,1984,to assist with clarifying contradictory
statements that might appear in the FEIS.The final draft of the
Relationships Report is not expected to contain much new information
other than the turbidity and 1ce effects on habitat.It will be
upgraded by responding to comments made on the interim draft and·by
incorporating more descriptive analyses,graphics and narratives to
improve its clarity •
Deliverables/Schedule
Technical Report Series
-REPORT
Fish Resources and Habitat
Watershed processes
Water Quality
Reservoir and Instream Temp
Response of Habitat to Flow
Relationships Report
Preliminary Draft
Interim Draft
Final Draft
40995 24
DRAFT
8/31/84
8/31/84
FY84
8/31/84
8/31/84
8/31/84
11/31/84
3/31/85
FINAL
8/31/84
3/31/85
10/31/84
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TASK 4B
FLOW RELATIONSHIPS COMPO SITING
Rationale
Compositing of site-specific flow relationships 1S necessary to
quantitatively assess increments of Susitna River discharge in terms of
°lj)system-wide habitat values.This task is a primary step in the process
~;-1l~:W:::p:::e:;p:::tse::l:':::O::::::::~;Wp::;:~e l:::n:~::.n.gotiatiooS
vJl("•\
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Develop a composite flow relationships hydrographs (FRH)for analyses
that will be performed in the comparisons process (Task SA).
Description
Compositing follows compilation of site-specific habitat relationships
and proceeds to completion of an FRH which incorporates relevant
information on instream flow habitat relationShips and species
distribution,abundance and timing.Compositing is a highly analytic
step requiring familiarity with detailed Susitna field and refined
data,assessment design and quantification techniques.A general
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compositing process has been established,however,the detailed
rationale and analytic techniques must be jointly developed and
approved as part of this task.
The flow-habitat and species distribution,abundance and timing data
required are largely available from ADF&G SuHydroand EWT&A reports or
data files •
40995 25
-
-i
.-
.-
Some refinement of current data and some new field data regarding main
channel impacts will be required.These field data will be collected
during FY85.
ADF&G SuHydro,working jointly with AEIDC,WCC and EWT&A will analyze
site-specific flow vs habitat relationships to develop a composite flow
relationships hydrograph (FRH)for each evaluation species.The task
will rely heavily on ADF&G SUHydro personnel to aid in both providing
data and in analytic process.Because the major element of biologic
and instream flow credibility and field experience lies with ADF&G
SuHydro and EWT&A,their value in coordination and support cannot be
overemphasized.AEIDC will serve primarily as coordinator and to
maintain focus of this activity as it relates to our subsequent
responsibilities in the comparisons process and impact assessment.
Deliverables
The deliverable of this effort will be completed flow relationships
hydrographs and a report documenting the process used 1.n their
development.Attempts will be made to composite habitat relationships
among species where a policy trade-off decision is not required.An
ultimate goal for this process will be derivation of a single FRH that
includes all evaluation species.However,this task will stop short of
making across species trade-off decisions which would have to be
arrived at during the settlement process.
Schedule
The flow relationships hydrographs will be completed by January
1,1985 •
40995 26
TASK 5A
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARISONS PROCESS
••>••,.......,
~~..~.I.~P'\t',,;·r
Rationale ~\.:~~,.."·l;1:~,ft,,,~,
<fi~6"-;;v#,1$'
...,...--1,_.,•.•~,,._
Environmental and /~"~nomrc'co~~~quen~of detailed alternative flow
regimes must be compared and documented for development of a
recommended flow regime.This process is a necessary step toward flow
negotiation and an integral part of the settlement process.
Objective
To provide information and documentation necessary for the Power
Authority to select a recommended flow regime and initiate flow
negotiations with resource agencies.This information wi 11 include
40995
-
-
comparisons of environmental and economic effects of several flow
regimes .'.....~"tl;"~1'!'.Ii'J>".'~\~'";.;,t~"~""
W",•~{),
l .·lJ
Description v·~'1J#y'f
Several alternative weekly flow regimes will be defined and compared.
The flow regime wi 11 range from the optimum environmental (aquatic
habitat)to the optimum ~S.9.!1g,~ic r~~.!!l6\s and will include natural flows"'"....,,_.~~=--~....
and flows presented in the License Application.Other al ternati ve
regimes will be selected based on the needs of navigation,recreation,
riparian habitats and water quality.
A project optimization procedure will be used·to evaluate the
alternative regimes.This is a computer based,iterative process that
will be used to narrow the alternatives to a smaller set of regimes
that best provide for the needs of both energy and power generation and
the various downstream uses of the river.Emphasis during the Project
optimization process will be placed on comparisons of Project economics
27
-
and fish habitat.At several steps in the procedure the effects of the
flow regimes on physical parameters such as water temperature,water
quality and ice processes as well as impacts of these physical changes
on other instream relationships and uses will be evaluated.These in-
process evaluations are necessary to establish boundaries for th~next
iterations.
Minimum and maXl.mum environmental flows will be established and input
to the weekly reservoir operations model to produce a time series of
expected flows and energies (based on a 33 year record of historic
flows)for four energy demand levels.This will be required to examine
the influence of increasing energy demand levels that will occur during
the life of the project.Composited habitat relationships will be used
to forecast relative fish habitat for the 33 years of record.The
resulting time series will be presented as habitat duration curves.
The resultant flow regimes will be analyzed to determine effects (both
positive and negative)on each instream flow use.Mitigation
opportunities and associated costs will be examined for those instream
flow uses that are adversely affected.The affect of each flow regime
on project benefits and costs will be determined for comparison with
the corresponding environmental effects.
Deliverables
The Economic and Environmental Comparisons Report
Schedule
-
Draft
Final
40995 28
March 1,1985
Fall,1985
TASK 5B
POWER ANALYSIS
Rationale
The power analysis will be an element of the Economic and--------------
Compari sons Report.It is a necessary component for the successful
,....,
--
-
undertaking of the comparisons process.
Objective
1.To determine net power benefits and net energy benefits for
alternative weekly flow regimes.
2.To provide coordination between the power and environmental
studies groups to ensure environmental and power studies are
integrated.
Description
The reservoir operations program wi 11 be run for
demand levels using the al ternati ve monthly and weekly flow reg~me
envelopes as operating constraints to produce a weekly time series of
energies and flows for 33 years of historical flow.Included in the
analyses will be the following three parts:
1.With Watana as the only plant operating on the Susitna
River.
2.While Devil Canyon Reservoir is being filled~'
3.With Devil Canyon completed to augment and modify Watana flow
regulation.
....40995 29
The relative net capacity and energy benefits will be compared for
each of the alternative flow regimes under base load constant.
Constant discharge,base load variable discharge,load following
and peaking operations.The power benefits (1)of each operating
scheme will be computed relative to the base load constant
discharge operation.Graphs and tables of energy and power
,..,.
benefits versus alternative flow regimes will be produced.
Deliverable
,,-r'-"-~._~..'-~"'-'-'--
A e.9~nalY!i~~~R9~will be prepared based on the alternative
flow regimes.This report will then be integrated with the
environmental affec ts
Comparisons Report.
Schedule
Draft report
Final report
March 1,1985
Fall,1985
-
(l)Power benefits derived from load following at Watana would
include capital cost sav1ngs from reduced capacity requirements and
fuel cost savings from both displacement of more expensive generation
units and more efficient operation of base loading thermal units.
40995 30
TASK 6
1""'"
I Rationale
The Economic and Environmental Comparisons Report wi 11 set the basis
for defining a detailed flow regime schedule.The next step is to draw
together comparisons developed in that report into a single proposed
regime.This will be necessary to proceed with the settlement and
licensing processes.
Objective
r
Develop a detailed flow reg1me schedule.including allowable var1ance
for wet.and dry normal years,that is based on information presented
in the Economic and Environmental Comparisons Report (Task SA)and
discussions with resource agencies and utilities.
Description
The Economic and Environmental Comparisons Report will document
economic and environmental consequences of various detailed flow
regimes.It will be necessary to combine these comparisons into a
proposed flow regime that balances environmental concerns with economic
benefits.The impacts associated with this regime will also be
presented.
31
Tne report developed under this task will be used as the primary
document for the flow negotiation process.It will be presented in
draft form to the various utilities and resource agencies.Depending
on the outcom;-~_o..t._<.thi.s.~"<.r~Y~'~~~c"c::'~J?5?r!=.,~..will either be:1)
finalized.if \no significant _S,,!;t~ents are_t:e.c.e,~.or 2)a second,,,,,,,,,.-"'''''''''''''''''"'''~-'''''''''~,,,",.;p.__.,%4'~',.,"",.,..."',......-."""'-'"......,.'>-......~_/
draft will be prepared (based on'~omments recieved)in anticipation of
1 .'f1 ..\actua 1nstream ow negot1at10ns.\.
~..
40995-
Deliverab1es
A working report that will be developed in draft form.The final form
will depend on results of the review process.
Schedule
-
!....
Draft
40995
April 1,1985
32
.-
TASK 7
Rationale
Impact assessment is integral to the settlement process and final
licensing and permitting.An acceptable quantitative assessment of
impacts of the Project configuration and operation to be licensed by
FERC will be critical for finalizing and implementing a mitigation
plan.
Objective
To prepare a report describing,quanti tati ve ly,the discharge-re lated
Description
The Susitna aquatic
steps:field data
investigations
collection and
program
analysis,
includes the following
development of habitat
relationships,development of composite flow relationships hydrographs
and flow optimization.After the tradeoffs between habitat/fish
populations and power generation have been examined in the comparisons
process,a recommended operating regime wi 11 be developed.It 1S
expected that this regime will have some flow-related effects on
fishery resources which must be quantified and described in order to
..-plan specific measures to mitigate these effects.This task will
quantify the impacts of the recommended operating regime.Impact-analyses of alternative flow regimes will be presented in the Economic
and Evnironmental Comparisons Report and the Recommended Flow Regimes
Report.This impact assessment will be more detailed and
40995
comprehensive.
33
-
-
Information on potential impacts of the Project is available in ADF&G
SuHydro,Power Authority,ETW &A,R&M,AEIDC and H-E reports and other
documents.Integration of this information into usable habitat
relationships and flow relationships hydrographs will provide the basic
analytic tools for impact assessment.
Deliverable
A report detailing expected impacts of a recommended flow regime on
aquatic habitat.
-
IplIIaI
-
Schedule
40995
Draft
Final
May 1,1985
-Jtme.-3.Q,1985
~···dt-ee
34
I"""
I
.....
-
-
TASK 8
Rationale
An instream flow regime will be proposed prior to hearings or licensing
of the Project.Therefore,negotiation of this reg1me with resource
agencies is an integral part of the settlement process.
Objective
To support negotiation with resource agencies of a filling and
operation flow reg1me schedule that balances environmental
considerations with project economics.
Description
The Power Authority will enter negotiations with various resource
agenc1es to finalize a Project flow schedule.Participation and
assistance will be needed from various aquatic study team members (and
members from other disciplines)during these negotiations in order that
technical assistance be provided to the Power Authority.The coordin-
ator for assuring that this assistance is provided will be H-E.All
members of the Aquatic Study Team may be needed to assist the Power
Authority in preparing for the actual negotiations.
Deliverables
The overall deliverable is a negotiated flow schedule for Project
construction and operation.This will be a memorandum of understanding
between the Power Authority and the various resource agencies.More
40995 35
-
-
immediate deliverables will include memoranda,analyses and other
documents as requested by the Power Authority.
Schedule
The flow negotiations are scheduled to begin with completion of the
Instream ~Relationships Report and continue with completion of the
..-\R::;nded .Fl0W~R:ctk.~~~k"~~
"l A f)..U ".fld•.~d..-tA~"nA.~....../tP-'~~(i ,.~~O ~""~-'t,-~t r··-
.-,40995 3
6
,~
-
-
-
-
TASK 9
PREPARATION OF MATERIALS FOR FERC HEARINGS
Rationale
A major element of the environmental hearings process will focus on
effects of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project on aquatic resources and
the potential effectiveness of planned mitigation.Large volumes of
information and data must be condensed and summarized into formats
appropriate to support the hearings process scheduled to begin December
28,1984.
Objectives
Prepare materials necessary to support successful
FERC environmental hearings process.
Description
Steps in the hearing process that wi1:L:>:~>~~:~~>E~E~icj..E~n
of the Aquatic Study Team include (~~e di~_:~Y.~XL.J):O:':'::)
direct testimony,filing of rebuttal~"t;';timony,po;~ible
surrebuttal testimony and cross examination of witnesses.
by members
filing of
filing of
Although
most of these steps will not occur in FY85,it is necessary to begin
preparation for accomplishing these steps.This is due to the large
volume of data and analyses pertaining to the aquatic resources which
must be summarized and developed into an appropriate form for
hearings.
discovery requests from FERC and intervenors and preparation of written
direct testimony.
The primary activities
election of persons who
consultation with Power
which will occur during FY85 include the
will testify on behalf of the Power Authority,
Authority Licensing Counsel,responses to
40995-37
De1iverab1es Specific de1iverab1es to result from the activities of
.....
-
this task include:
1.Designation of expert witnesses to testify on aquatic resources on
behalf of the Power Authority.
2.position papers by expert witnesses defining areas to be discussed
and input required from other participants.
3.Responses to discovery requests.
4.Draft outline of direct testimony from each expert witness •
In addition,the designated expert witnesses will participate in
activities leading to de1iverab1es of other aquatic study tasks.
Schedule
The schedule for accomplishing this task will be coupled with the-
-
schedule set by FERC for the environmental hearing process.
present time,the hearing schedule is as follows:
Item Date
1.FERC orders hearings 2/1/85
2.Prehearing conference 4/3/85
3.Discovery request responses 6/24/85
4.Additional discovery request responses 7/24/85
5.Filing of direct testimony 9/25/85
6.Filing of rebuttal testimony 11 /27/85
7.Cross examination of witnesses 12/27/85
At the
In support of the hearing schedule,activities conducted by the Aquatic
Study Team are scheduled as follows:
40995 38
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
40995
Item
Designation of expert witnesses
Positon papers
Conferences with legal counsel
Responses to discovery requests
Draft outline of direct testimony
Draft direct testimony text
39
Date
7/1/84
3/31/85
Periodically
6/24/85
4/30/85
6/30/85
1.
Objective
40995
--
r
I
I
,....
,
....
-
-
-
TASK 10
MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT PLANNING
Rationale
Development of an acceptable mitigation plan is needed to support the
hearing and settlement processes and establish license articles.
Enhancement of salmon stocks in the Devil Canyon to Talkeetna reach may \
be needed to offset losses elsewhere in the system.)-f.w::1.....k ~..,"
Ti··fV~~~1 ~r~!l~~.~~.t~~~,i'1i"',A'~;"'<l,f#~~~;~~...-..;.1
/n'.A"....~~~.J1:~'t;,.......~d1~~'"
""Develop a mitigation report,including a mitigation plan,for
habitat modification in the Devil Canyon to Talkeetna reach.
2.Identify enhancement opportunities under anticipated project
conditions.
Description
A mitigation report is being developed that will identify mitigation
opportunities associated with anticipated Project conditions.The
report will further develop the mitigation plan identified in the FERC
license application and explore additional mitigation alternatives
compatible with Project mitigation policy.
A draft report will be produced by the end of the first quarter of
FY85.This draft will include input from H-E,ADF&G SuHydro,AEIDC and
EWT&A.The report wi 11 identify potential areas and methods for
habitat modification based on existing information through FY 1984
field efforts.
40
~t is anticipated that Project conditions may 1mprove habitat~
downstream from Devil Canyon)If habitat improves,there may be an
opportunity to enhance salmon runs into the Devil Canyon to Talkeetna
reach.The anticipated habitat conditions under Project operation,
based on existing information,will be evaluated for their potential to
support enhancement.Specific locations and methods will be identified
-
'~,.A~~
IA.~~~~(~,".;.f~M""'''\i
tv-I"'-~W"lf ........'l,
!.AJi.-!-rft....
where possible.An enhancement evaluation will be included as a
-
section of the mitigation report.
Deliverables
A mitigation report series will be prepared for the Devil Canyon to
Talkeetna reach.It is anticipated that the report series will consist
of interim reports in 1984 and 1985,with updating based on new
information and agency policy decisions.
Schedule
-
First Interim Mitigation Report
Second Interim Mitigation Report
Draft
8/31/84
8/31/85
Final
10/31/84(
10/31/85 '
40995 41
-
.....
TASK 11
COMPREHENSIVE FISHERIES RESOURCES REPORT
Rationale
Extensive studies have been performed on the resources of the Susitna
River by numerous groups (the Alaska Power Authori ty,ADF&G SuHydro,
U.S.Corps of Engineers,present contractors and subcontractors to the
Power Authority and others).These studies"have not been extensively
tied together into a single document that is relatively concise and
comprehensive and results of the various studies have not been examined
in total.Therefore,there is a strong need to develop such a
document.It will be particularly useful during the settlement and
hearings process as a reference document rather than having to
continually examine numerous documents for key information.
Objective
The ma1n objective is to produce a comprehensive report on the aquatic
resources of the Susitna River Basin.
Descrietion
The license application consolidated existing knowledge on the aquatic
resources of the Susitna River Basin that was available at that time.
Since the application was submitted numerous other studies have been
completed or are ongoing.Many of these studies were not interrelated
when the final reports were finished.Much of the existing information
is now spread out over dozens of volumes of text,reports,workshop
~
minutes and memoranda.Work under this task will be directed at
examining this information,deriving key information and presenting a
condensation of this material in one document.There will also be an
40995 42
examination of information from areas outside the Susitna Basin that
might be pertinent to a·bet ter understanding and perspective on the
habitat relationships that have been found in the Susitna Basin.This
report will supplement and expand the Fish Resources and Habitat Report
(Task 4A).
Deliverables
The main deliverable will be the final comprehensive report.
Schedule
-
-
.-
,-
-
Draft
Final
40995
November 1,1984
December 30,1984
43
TASK 12.
MIDDLE RIVER MAINSTEM HABITAT ANALYSIS
-
Rationale
The successful completion of this task will provide a quantitative),
E'ssessment of potential effects that might accrue to existing side-
channel and mainstem habitats as a result of flow and temperature
gulation of the Susitna River.This task will support the settlement
process and other activities leading to a negotiated flow regime
and eventual Project licensing.
\,
Objective
To quantify
lC>t~t)J'J>!
the'potential of with-project streamflows for improving
existing spawning and rearing conditions at mainstem and side channel
locations between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon.
Description
Site Selection:Aerial photographs taken during FY84 (12,000 cfs at
Gold Creek)will be systematically reviewed by EWT&A and ADF&G-SuHydro
staff for the purpose of selecting eight to ten candidate study sites
that appear to have channel structure and hydraulic conditions that
might provide sp-:!piIlg,...-~rearing habitat when mainstem flows are
betweeri"'(,~§~4,000 cf.~A brief narrative will be prepared by
July 31,1984,regardi~g-''t:h";rationale supporting the selection,.ofeach
candidate study si teo for review by other Projec t personnel.Four or
five study sites will be selected prior to the third week of July and
site specific field work will commence in early August.
~{1tlJ·~~1~k ri~f};:~"\¢~~-~~~
."i~~.""~')t"v~P""'~~~,.~~.t"\~,-
~~~M"f J_J;J.;.1 A""'-~""""'"
H~"..,eAl*
40995
IfIII!A"!
-
40995
r-
I
,....
.-
Field Data Collections:Field data will be collected by ADF&G-SuHydro,~~~_
EWT&A and R&M under the general direction of EWT&A.Cross sections
will be established and site specific flow,depth and velocity data
collected (as recommended by Trihey and Wegner,1984).Site specific
information on substrate type,cover availability and presence or
absence of upwelling will be recorded consistent with the field methods
developed by the ADF&G-SuHdro (1983 and 1984 Procedure Manuals).
The study sites will be sampled periodically by ADF&G-SuHydro to
determine their utilization by juvenile and adult salmon.Observations
will be made of salmon spawning that may occur in side-channel habitats
during 1984 for the purpose of collecting physical habitat data to
verify literature-based criteria curves.
Analysis:IFG-2 hydraulic models will be calibrated by EWT&A at four
sites to forecast site specific hydraulic conditions when the mainstem
discharge at Gold Creek is between 8,000 and 14,000 cfs (with-project
model).These models will be adjusted to simulate site specific
hydraulic conditions for mainstem flows in the range of 14,000 to
25,000 cfs by modifying the Manning's "n"values in the with-project
IFG-2 model to reproduce water surface profiles observed at the study
site in the 14,000 to 25,000 cfs flow range.
The Susitna River discharge needed to maintain flow at each study
site,as well as the relationship between the mainstem flow at Gold
Creek and that at the study site,will be determined from correlation
analyses between the average daily flow at Gold Creek and corresponding
miscellaneous streamflow measurements at the respective study sites.
Although emphasis will be placed on evaluating with-project rearing
potential,habitat utilization curves for chinook,chum and pink salmon
spawning (available in Alaskan literature and Project reports)will be
used in concert with the calibrated IFG-2 hydraulic models to forecast
flow versus weighted usable area indices for natural and with-project
streamflows.Evaluations will also be made of streambed scour,
dewatering and freezing for natural and with-project stream flow
45
.-,
conditions at each site.The results of these comparative evaluations
will be used in a structured,limited factor approach to interpret the
weighted usable area indices and discuss the relative difference
between existing and with-project mainstem spawning potential •
Habitat criteria developed during 1983 by ADF&G-SuHydro for juvenile
chinook and chum salmon will also be used with the IFG-2 hydraulic
models and site specific descriptions of cover availability to augment
the 1983 juvenile studies and make a comparative assessment of the
natural and with-project rearing habitat potential of mainstem areas.
De1iverables
A draft technical report will be prepared which describes the effects
of various levels of Susitna River discharge on mainstem habitat
potential.A draft report documenting the model calibration procedures
will also be prepared.Final reports will be completed in FY86.
Schedule
Draft model calibration report May 31,1985.
Final model calibration report August 31,1985
Draft mainstem habitat analysis report April 30,1985.
Final mainstem habitat analysis report July 31,1985.
~
.-
F"
I
40995 46
-
....
TASK 13A
ADULT SALMON -MIDDLE RIVER SPAWNING SURVEYS
Rationale
A description of the distribution,abundance and timing of adult
spawning salmon is necessary to characterize pre-project conditions and
assess potential with-project impacts.This task will support the
settlement and hearings processes and serve to maintain program
monitoring integrity.
Objective
Define where,when and to what level salmon spawn 1n the middle Susitna
River reach.
Description
Routine escapement surveys of streams,sloughs,side channels and the
main channel Susitna River will be performed 1n 1984 to meet the study
objective.The surveys will be performed on the ground except for
selected tributaries and the main channel which will be surveyed by
helicopter.Surveys will be performed by the following schedule:
Sloughs
Tributaries
Mainstem and Side Channel
Deliverables
Weekly,August 15 -October 7,1984
Weekly,July 21 -October 7,1984
Weekly,September 1 -October 7,1984
A report will be prepared that specifically answers the study
objectives.
40995 47
Schedule
4099
5
Draft
Final
December 21,1984
February 21,1985
40995
-!
i
.....
-
-
~,
TASK 13B
ADULT SALMON -LOWER RIVER SPAWNING SURVEYS
Rationale
The proposed project may impact lower r1ver salmon spawning areas,
including side channel,slough,tributary and mainstem areas,due to
flow,water quality and temperature changes.Information on the
magnitude and timing of salmon spawning in these habitats is necessary
to assess potential impacts.This task will support the hearing and
settlement processes and mitigation planning.
Objective
Determine where,when and to what extent salmon spawn in sloughs,side
channels,tributaries and the mainstem of the lower river reach.
Description
In 1981 and 1982 lower r1ver main channel and side channel habitats
were surveyed for salmon spawning using drift gill nets and
electroshocking equipment.Few spawning locations were identified.
Sloughs in the lower Susitna River reach have not been surveyed.
Slough,side channel,tributary and mainstem habitats associated with '$
the lower Susitna River will be surveyed weekly from the air,from
Augusti~to October 7.Areas where adult fish are observed will be
ground truthed to determine if the area is
and the extent of its use.
51
De1iverab1es
A report will be produced that specifically answers the study
objective.
Schedule
-
40995
Draft
Final
December 21,1984
February 21,1985
52
-
-
.-
-
-
TASK 14
LOWER RIVER RESIDENT AND JUVENILE ANADROMOUS FISH STUDIES
Rationale
Successful completion of the set tlement process for negotiations of
instream flow requires assessment of operation of the proposed
hydroelectric project on fisheries habitat.This task will quantify
the response of habitat in areas that support rearing resident and
juvenile species to flow changes in the mainstem Susitna River
downstream of the Chulitna River confluence.
Objective
1.
2.
Determine the distribution and abundance of rearing salmon
juveniles and selected resident speCI.es in the reach of river
between Cook Inlet and the Chulitna River confluence.
Estimate the response of habitat for rearing salmon juveniles and
resident species,as appropriate,as a function of changes in
mainstem discharge at the Sunshine gage station.
40995
Description
Approximately 40%of the annual discharge of the Susitna River,at the
Park's Highway bridge,originates from the mainstem Susitna River above
the Chuli tna River confluence.Operation of the proposed hydro-
electric project may alter the natural flow regime of this reach.The
flow regime during the winter may be beyond natural fluctuations of the
system with several times the amount of water flowing through this
reach of river.
53
.-
To assess the effects of these changes in flow regime on the habitat of
resident and juvenile anadromous fish it is necessary to determine
distribution of the species over different seasons and to develop the
predictive capability to estimate changes in available rearing habitat
as a function of mainstem discharge to assess the effects of changes in
responses of habitat in the backwater zones near slough and tributary
andspeciesdistributionofthe
The distribution information has
into
the year round distribution of coho and
changes.
insight
into
limited
to mainstem stage
provided
provided some insight
mouths
have
flow regime on the habitats of resident and juvenile anadromous fish.
,~\,/,..~~This study will address only the open water season because 1.ce
~v .~compounds a quantitative assessment of the rearing hahitat.
p/.')tf~)J;\,Studies conducted by ADF&G SuHydro (1981-82)1.n this reach of river
~(;,%'"1~~Jrf\J
IV VJ
»t
chinook salmon but has provided limited information on pink,chum,and
sockeye salmon juveniles.
Analysis of the re~ponse of habitat to mainstem discharge of the
Susitna River by examination of the distribution of juvenile anadromous
fish in backwater zones and the incremental watering and dewatering of
these areas provided a general insight as to how the different species-present would respond to changing stages of the mainstem Susitna.
However,during this analysis,we observed that the cover value of the
habitat in these backwater areas and in free flowing areas often
changed disproportionately to changes in measured surface area.This
observation suggested that monitoring cover response to mainstem
discharge would be of importance.Studies conducted in the middle
river used habitat models based on cover in addition to hydraulic
analysis of areas of use.This methodology will also be used in the
lower river studies.
40995 54
.-
-
-
I~
The studies will be planned,based on available information,to exam1ne
the habitat availability in different reaches and morphological
components of the lower Susitna River for juvenile salmon as well as
selected resident species.This habitat availability study will
utilize both the Sunshine USGS gaging station at the Park I s Highway
bridge and site specific discharge to provide incremental assessment of
habitat availability as a function of discharge at each study site.
Selected areas,based on the fish distributional information and on the
morphological and reach mapping performed by R&M during 1983,will be
studied for seasonal distribution of fish and the response of physical i
habitat parameters to mainstem discharge.Approximately 15 different _1V1'-'l~
. •..it'"s1tes w1ll be selected for study uS1ng the approach ment10ned above for
sites where water quality and/or cover are the dominant variables
influencing habitat quality.Other sites where the dominant hydraulic
variables of the habitat are influenced by water depth and velocity are
discussed in Task 36.Habitat criteria developed for .the upper reach
will be supplemented with additional information for this lower reach
to simulate the habitat response of fish to mainstem discharge changes.
Distributional data over the seasons will be used to estimate the
relative seasonal importance of rearing habitat for the different
species.This information will be supplemented by the outmigrant trap
studies (Tasks l6A and l6B).
Deliverable
Draft Report on resident and juvenile anadromous habitat studies of the
lower river.
40995 55
Schedule-Data analysis
Weighted Usable
Area calculations January 15,1985
"""Draft report April 15,1985
r-Final report June 15,1985
-.
,...
-
-
-
40995 56
-
....,
-
-
"...,
,-
TASK l5A
LOWER RIVER -MAIN CHANNEL SALMON ESCAPEMENT MONITORING
Rationale
Agencies have indicated there 1S insufficient information to support a
conclusion that lower river salmon res,ources will not be adversely
impacted by Project operation.An intensive lower r1ver escapement
moni toring Program wi 11 provide some of the information needed to
assess potential impacts.This task will support the settlement and
hearings process,mitigation planning and provide baseline data for
long-term monitoring.
Objective
Determine the 1984 seasonal timing,abundance,distribution and
migrational behavior of sockeye,pink,chum and coho salmon escapements
at Flathorn (RM 20)and Sunshine (RM 80)stations and into the Yentna
River (RM 28).Mointor chinook salmon escapement at RM 80.
Description
Escapements in the lower reach have been monitored from 1981 through
1983 into the Yentna River at RM 28 and in the Susitna River main
channel at RM 80.The resul ts document annual escapement numbers,
timing distribution and migrational behavior of sockeye,pink,chum and
coho salmon at these locations.Similar information on the chinook
salmon escapements.to RM 80 are available for 1982 and 1983.
This task wi 11 quantify the numbers of sockeye,pink,chum and coho
salmon that reach RM 20,enter the Yentna River (RM 28)and reach RM
80.This task will also determine their migrational timing arid
behavior.The same basic data will be collected for chinook salmon
escapement in the Susitna River main channel at RM 80.
40995 57
-
-
-
This information will be obtained by implementing a tagging operation
at RM 20,using sonar counters and fishwheels in the Yentna River and
operating a tagging site at RM 80.
Deliverables
A report will be produced that specifically answers the study
objective.
Schedule
Draft -December 21,1984
Final -February 21,1985
40995 58
"""'
TASK 15B
MIDDLE RIVER -MAIN CHANNEL SALMON ESCAPEMENT MONITORING
Rationale
This task will provide additional information on the distribution,
abundance and timing of adu1 t spawning salmon in the middle Susi tna
River.The additional information will allow refinement of previous
resu1 ts and provide escapement information through one complete
spawn1ng cycle.This task will support the settlement and hearings
processes and assist 1n developing baseline data for mitigation
planning and long-term monitoring.
Objective
Determine the seasonal abundance,timing and migrational behavior of
the 1984 chinook,sockeye,pink,chum and coho salmon escapements in
the Susitna River middle reach.
Description
Salmon escapements for the three most recent years (1981-83)have been
monitored for the middle reach of the Susitna River at Curry Station
(RM 120).The resu1 ts documented escapement numbers,timing,
distribution and migrational behavior of sockeye,pink,chum and coho
salmon for 1981 through 1983 and of chinook salmon for 1982 and 1983.
This task will quantify the number of fish by species that reach RM 120
and also determine their migration timing and behavior.This wi 11 be
accomplished by an intensive tagging operation and monitoring of daily
fishwhee1 catch rates at RM 120.
-40995 59
,-
-
-
Deliverables
A report will be produced that specifically answers the study
objective.
Schedule
Draft -December 21,1984
Final -February 21,1985
40995 60
,-.
-
TASK l6A
OUTMIGRANT STUDIES OF THE MIDDLE RIVER
Rationale
Quantifying the survival of outmigrant juveniles and the seasonal
responses of outmigrants to discharge changes and estimating the
significance of middle river rearing will be necessary to successfully
complete instream flow negotiations.This task will support aspects of
the settlement and hearings processes.
Objectives
....1.Estimate the timing and relative abundance of outmigrating
juvenile salmon of all five species.
2.Estimate the population of emergent chum and sockeye salmon fry
and their survival from egg to emergence.
3.Estimate the relative size of outmigrants.
4.Estimate the relative timing and abundance of juvenile resident
species.
5.Estimate the timing and size of outmigrant chum salmon from the
Talkeetna river.
6.Estimate the effect of changes in mainstem Susitna discharge and
other environmental variables on outmigration rates of salmon
species.
7.Estimate the production of emergent juveniles from selected
sloughs.
40995 61
8.Estimate the timing and rate of movement of juvenile chinook and
coho salmon out of Portage Creek.
Description
A measure of the current production of juvenile salmon can be used to
assess potential impacts of Project operation on downstream fishes.
This measurement can be used to estimate the relative importance of
populations in a particular reach or basin or ultimately to assess the
current importance of habitat in the area.These data can also be used
as a benchmark to measure future Project effects against and can be
used as the basis for determining the extent of mitigation required.
Studies by ADF&G SUHydro of outmigrants from the middle river were
begun in 1982 and were expanded in 1983.This data set has provided
valuable information as to the success of the previous summers spawning
runs,the effects of discharge on redistribution of rearing juveniles
and has provided population and survival estimates (when coupled with
adult escapement data).Extrapolation of this data set over a longer
period of time and at several key sites will provide a comparative
index of the production of individual ~loughs.
A mark and recapture study of outmigrant juveniles will be conducted to
repeat a 1983 study.The juveniles are marked with coded wire tags
(CWT)at selected sites and recaptured at a downstream smolt trap at
Talkeetna Station.Emphasis will be placed on increased tagging of
chum salmon juveniles.
Other data collected during operation of the outmigrant traps will
include catch per unit effort and data on daily river stage,turbidity,
temperature and other habitat parameters.
The relative production of sockeye and chum salmon in four side sloughs
will be estimated by weir counts and recovery of marked fish.Sites
40995 62
....
i
i
near the mouths of sloughs 8A,9,11 &21 will be weired with small
mesh seines for three consecutive days.Fish collected on each day
will be marked with a unique dye mark and released.Recaptures on all
days will be recorded.This information will be analyzed to estimate
emergence and outmigration rates from the sites.These results will be
compared with habitat information and resul ts of the egg incubation
studies at each site.These comparisons should help determine the
applicability of the results of Vibert incubation box studies to
explaining overall production limits in sloughs.
Personnel operating the outmigrant trap at Talkeetna Station will also
operate an intermittent outmigrant trap on the Talkeetna River during
late May,June and early July.These data will be used in conjunction
with Talkeetna and Flathorn Stations outmigrant data to estimate the
use of the lower river by rearing chum during their fresh water resid-
ence period.
Several outmigrant traps will be established near the mouth of Portage
Creek during the summer of 1984.Chinook and coho collected at these
sites will be fin clipped and released approximately four miles up-
stream.Recaptured outmigrants will be measured for length and the
mark recorded.These unique data will be used to estimate outmigration
rates.
Deliverables
A report documenting activities and results of this task.
Schedule
Analyzed data from trapping efforts
Draft Report
Final Report
January 15,1985
April 15,1985
June 15,1985
40995 63
TASK 16B
OUTMIGRANT STUDIES OF THE LOWER RIVER
Rationale
The importance of the lower river reach as a rearing area needs to be
determined.Monitoring of migrant fish into and out of the system will
help establish the importance of these habitats.This task will
support the settlement and hearings processes and provide data for
impact assesment.
Objective
-
Estimate the timing and rate of outmigration of rearing chinook
juveniles from the Deshka river into the mainstem Susitna.
Estimate the rate of outmigration of juvenile salmon from the
Susitna River.
-
....
3.Estimate the rate of growth of juvenile chum and chinook salmon
from the time they enter the lower river until they enter the
estuarine environment.
Description
The timing and rearing of juvenile salmon species has not been
established in the lower river.The importance to assess-the potential
habitat effects of Project flow regulation of habitats as~ociated with
the mainstem lower Susitna need to be established.
Monitoring of outmigrant timing and condition will be conducted at a
site below the confluence of the Susitna and Yentna Rivers.This
outmigrant trap will provide an estimate of the timing,size and
relative numbers of juvenile salmon that are leaving the fresh water
40995 64
-
system.Chinook movement into the mainstem environments will be
estimated at temporary outmigrant traps established and operated
intermittently on the Deshka River.The movement of chum,slough
sockeye and chinook into the lower river will be evaluated by use of
the data obtained from the Talkeetna station trap and intermit tent
sampling of the Talkeetna River.
Deliverables
A technical report documenting activities and results of Task 20
studies.
Schedule
-Analyzed data
Draft Report
Final Report
40995
January 15,1985
April 15,1985
June 15,1985
65
-
TASK 17
STREAMFLOW AND FLOOD FREQUENCY STUDIES ~
Rationale
,-The most basic physical change ~n the Lower
Susitna Project operation will be ~n streamflow.
and reduced peak flood discharges may result in:
River resulting from
Altered streamflow
1.Changes to the Lower River morphology as a result of decrease
sediment transport capacity,and changes in the frequency of flow
through habitat areas,particularly side channels and near the
mouths of tributaries,
2.impacts to riparian vegetation resulting from changes in the
frequency and magnitude of flooding of vegetated areas,
3.impacts to i~igrating adult salmon resulting from reduced peak
floods which serve as a stimulus to migration,and
•j'1 i-~....."..~._..,.L~"I.e'";'..-"/'"J f,.ltQ.....J...-"l..~""'t ..~...~,..yf'"",,,"'l}.;,~'-~""tf ~-(i "iW'''-W.....''''F'lf",O<~~~,ii"..~~~.
4.impacts to navigability of the stream.
-
Therefore,in orde'r to make assessments of potential impacts in this
reach it is necessary to develop information on natural and with-
project streamflows.
/'.~s information will be uti lized by aquatic study team members to
assess the significance of potential flow-related impacts 1n the Lower
River and to evaluate whether further studies are required in FY86.
40995 66
-
""""
-
.....
Objective
The objective of this study is to define natural and with-project flow
duration and flood frequency curves for key locations in the Lower
River.
The discharges for a g1.ven duration or frequency derived from these
curves will be used in other studies to evaluate project impacts due to
changes in flow regimes.
Description
Daily streamflow are available from nine USGS gaging stations 1.n the
Susitna River Basin.With project discharge will be estimated using
studies of reservoir operations carried out by Harza-Ebasco.
Monthly and weekly streamflow data and flow duration and flood
frequency curves will be developed both for natural and with-project
conditions for the Susitna River near Sunshine and at Susitna Station
stream gaging stations.The natural flows of these stations will be
modified based o~reservoir releases to develop data for with-project
conditions •
Deliverables
A report will be prepared which documents the results of the study.
Schedule
-
40995
Draft Report
Final Report
September 30,1984
November 30,1984
67
TASK 18
--
Rationale
4'",,~1-t':;"''''''
~.J¢i"'{#"';";<~~,1,"'"
SUSPENDED SEDIMENT -TURBIDITY STUDIES
Further analysis of with-project suspended sediment concentrations,
chemical and physical characteristics and the with-project turbidity
are important for:
responding to the DElS;
2.supplying supplemental information to FERC and completion of the
FElS;
/....
3.support of the hearing process;
4.completion of the settlement process.
Objective
The primary objective is to relate predicted with-project suspended
sediment concentrations and characteristics to their potential
turbidity related biological effects downstream from the Project
reservoirs.
Description
Studies and data existing prior to May 1984 will be used to produce a
draft report of expected biological impacts to the Middle Susitna River
reach to be included in the lFRS report on Water Quality/Limnology.
Future studies,including DYRESM model predictions,wi 11 be used to
refine the knowledge presented in the IFRS reports.
40995 68
Analyses and assessments of pre-and with-project suspended sediments
and turbidity and predictions of potential water quality changes during
winter periods will include the lower river reach.Predictions of
with-project turbidity will provide information for other studies
related to potential impacts on the biological food web (Tasks 25,45
and 14).
Data needed for predicting biological effects include:
-
1.
2.
Temporal quantification (at least monthly means and ranges for
data)of suspended sediment concentrations and their cumulative
S1ze distribution analysis for Project reservoir discharges (these
data will come from reservoir operations simulations);
Computation of a relationship between with-project turbidity in
nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)and suspended sediment
quantities and characteristics;
3.Computation of the area of
selected habitats which may
populations.
substrate per
support viable
unit discharge in
benthic periphyton
-
Analyses and discussions will summar1ze the most probable effects of
with-project suspended sediment and turbidity conditions on the
mainstem Susitna River in terms of benthic productivity and salmonid
incubation and rearing.
Deliverables
Position paper(s)on the with-project suspended sediment issues.
Schedule
Draft report(s)February,1985.
Final report(s)May 31,1985.
40995 69
TASK 19 ,
HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL :DC:F(i--,~4-;l "~../",,._,r.~--...r<"~r~"'~r
!";\f.:J"."~~'i..
PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTION
Rationale
-
-I
This task is designed to meet requirements for collection of baseline
meteorological and hydrological field data for engineering and
~vironmental stu:ies~ithin the Susitna River Basin.As such,it will
continue to define pre-project conditions of damsite river flow and
regional climate,two necessary elements under FERC provisions for
monitoring and water-supply forecasting during project operation.
Objective
Provide basic quantitative descriptions of specific physical parameters
necessary for development of other components supporting the licensing
.~
process •
Description
.~
Physical data collection wi 11 encompass measurement,reduction,and
reporting of physical field parameters.Efficient reservoir and
powerplant operation will require knowledge of seasonal snowpack,
rainfall,temperature,and winds and their relat ionships to runoff
timing and volumes.Forecasts of energy availability will depend on
water supply forecasts based on past years'correlations,making
collection of simultaneous streamflow and meteorologic data very
important.
40995 70
-
-
Recording instrumentation 1S already in place for measurement of
climatic and snow parameters and discharge at the Watana gaging site so
no new installations are foreseen for this year.The physical data
collection will be of three primary types:
o Climatic data
o
o
Snow surveys
River discharge at the Watana damsite
-
-
-
Climatic Data:Operation and maintenance of six Susitna Basin
recording weather stations (Glacier,Denali,Kosina,Watana,Devil
Canyon and Sherman)will continue through the year.The seventh
existing station at Eklutna Lake,will be decommissioned in May 1984
and kept as a spare unit which should greatly enhance system
reliability.
Snow Surveys:The cooperative snow surveys with SCS will continue
January through June 1985.They will include aerial and on-the-ground
surveys conducted primarily in the upper basin to provide seasonal
snowpack data for water supply studies and to support the special
glacier studies (Task 43).
Watana Discharge:The streamgage at Watana will be maintained through
the open-water season and through 1984 freeze-up.Monthly discharge
measurements will be made by boat during July through September to
verify the stage-discharge rating curve.One winter discharge
measurement will be made through the ice.
40995 71
Deliverables
Climatic Data:Data will be summarized on a water year basis (October
-September).
Snow Surveys:Data will be published monthly (February -June)by SCS
in Snow Surveys and Water Supply Outlook for Alaska.
Watana Discharge:Report on July average discharge data for the water
year through September 1984.
Schedule
r
-
-
-
Climatic data summary report
Snow Surveys
Watana discharge report
40995 72
December 31,1984
Monthly
December 31,1984
-
-
-
-
TASK 20
LOAD FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVE ..-
Rationale
Power studies are currently assess1ng load following at Watana
powerhouse as an al ternative to base loading during the years that
Watana will operate alone.If this alternative has economic benefits
relative to base loading,the downstream environmental impacts caused 1)~~~
by load following will need to be assessed.{EnvironB!.~!lt~JJ,y_._acfe.2E.~o1!..ul~~,,~
raximum daily flow changes and maximum hourly flow changes (ramping t,r~\,.<J<,:,",-,j,,J.,#~
'i~_~~.:)~~~<~~;",~b:es~ablished for va~~ous periods of the year.;;;~:;:¢;;;::~4
~/'~,
Objectives
1.To examine the environmental implications of load following
alternatives.
2.To provide environmental operating rules for power studies.
3.To examine natural rates of flow change with project flow
conditions used as a basis.
Description
-
r-
!
-
1.
2.
40995
Examine naturally occurring rates of flow and stage change at Gold
Creek in the range of with-project flow (i.e.5,000 to 20,0"cfs)
for the available USGS gage traces from the Gold Creek gage.
Observe rates of change of stage during 1984 storm events at
several locations in the mainstem.
73
-
-
3.Perform a literature rev lew and an evaluation of the downstream
effects on aquatic resources from water surface fluctuations
caused by hydroelectric generation.The transferability of the
operating experiences from Pacific'Northwest hydro projects to the
Susitna project will be examined.Results from the literature
review would provide the biological perspecitve necessary to
evaluate effects of varying stage changes and to recommend interim
operating criteria for load following a~Watana dam.
4.Perform dynamic routings of various load following alternatives
using the model DMBRK.Using recommendations for interim
operating criteria obtained in Task 4A and other alternatives,
dynamically route Watana discharges downstream.Evaluate the
environmental effects of these load following alternatives.
Data required for successful completion of this task include:
1.Several continuous stage recorders will be required for the
successful completion of Item 2.
2.
Deliverables
Hourly discharge data will be required from the hourly load
program for item 4.
Items I &2 Technical memorandum on natural stage discharge
,.-
i
-
fluctuation and on 1984 stage changes.
Item 3 -Report on findings of literature review and interim operations
criteria.
40995 74
-,
r
-
Schedule
Items 1 &2
Item 3
Draft
Final
40995
November,1984
November,1984
November,1985
75
operation.
-
r
~,
TASK 21
LOWER RIVER MORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Rationale
Completion of this task is necessary to visually identify changes 1.n
lower r1.ver conditions with varying flow and will support impact
assessments and the settlement process.
Objective
Document and assess the effects of different flow rates on the
morphology of the Susitna River between Talkeetna and Cook Inlet.The
study will provide the information necessary to forecast changes in
wetted surface areas in the mainstem and side-channels due to Project
'\~j)"'fr~
~;:t
Description
Photography (scale:1"=2000')of the lower Susitna River was obtained
in 1983 for flow rates at Sunshine of 56,500,37,500,22,000 and 13,600
cfs.Additional sets of photography at flow rates of about 75,000 cfs
(with-proj ect 5-year flood)and 95,000 cfs (pre-project 2-year flood)
are needed.This photography will define wetted areas at flood levels
which control channel morphology.Wetted areas will be digitized and
summed to characterize flow related changes in the lower river.
40995 76
.-
-
.-
J~;.Ji.
~preliminary determination of important aquatic habitat sites in the
lower river will be made by EWT&A and R&M based upon discussions with
ADF&G SuHydro.The location of these areas will be identified on blue
line prints of the lower river and a brief narrative prepared
describing the rationale for their selection.The blue line prints
and rationale will be discussed with other members of the aquatic study
team and a concensus sought regarding the number of priority of areas
to be analyzed.Photo enlargements of these areas will be obtained
through R&M for the 1983 lower river photography.Helicopter over
flights will be made by R&M and EWT&A personnel at approximately the
\same mainstem discharges (Sunshine)that the 1983 photography was
_~\i'yt'obtained.During the helicopter overflights habitat types will be
\iP :/l(·{,~t identified using the same (or a slightly modified)definition of
'"tt't'~habitat types used in the middle river and their locations delineatedIf'J..,,on blue line prints.The wetted sl,lrface areas of these locations will
"t"be digitized for entry into the computerized data base developed by
EWT&A during 1983.Analysis of the response of habitat surface areas
to changes in mainstem flow at Sunshine will be completed by EWT&A.
Deliverables
A technical report will be prepared by EWT&A and R&M to present the
findings of their analysis of streamflow effects on habitat ~.J,1Iface
~in the lower r1ver.The report will be integrated with findings
from lower river sediment studies·to estimate effects of aggradation
below the ~ulitna River Confluence.
Schedule
Draft report prior to January 31,1985.
40995 77
!"""
-
TASK 22
MAPPING AND DIGITIZING OF MIDDLE RIVER HABITAT SURFACE AREAS
Rationale
This work will provide a photographic assessment of incremental flow
effects on the availability of aquatic habit'at between Devil Canyon and
the confluence of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers.The successful
completion of this work will support preparation of the Instream Flow
Relationships Report as well as the settlement and over-all licensing
process.
Objective
-
-
1.Expand the 1983 evaluation of mainstem flow effects on aquatic
habitat surface areas in the middle river to include with-project
flood and filling flows.
Description
EWT&A will obtain al.r photography of the middle river through R&M at
streamflows (USGS Station Gold Creek)of approximately 45,000,30,000
and 6,000 cfs.Helicopter overflights will be made of the river
coincident with aerial photography flights so that aquatic habitat
types can be identified and their locations delineated on blue line
prints of aerial photography obtained at mainstem flows of 18,000 cfs
and 12,500 cfs.The wetland surface areas of the habitat types will be
digitized by EWT&A using the same equipment and methodology as in their
1983 evaluation of photography of the middle river.
40995 78
-
Deliverables
A technical memorandum will be prepared to update EWT&A's 1983 report
on streamflow effects on habitat surface areas in the middle·river.
Results of the 1983 and 1984 habitat mapping work on the middle r1ver
will be incorporated into the Final draft of the Instream Flow
Relationships Report (Task 4A).
A technical report will be prepared by EWT&A and R&M Consultants to
present the findings of their analysis of streamflow effects on habitat
surface areas in the lower river.
Schedule
Technical memorandum
40995 79
January 15,1985
TASK 23
LOWER RIVER ICE STUDY
Rationale
Ice-related processes affect the Susitna River environmental during
approximately 8 months of the year (October -May).These processes
affect:water levels and temperatures in and near habitat areas and
morphological changes in habitat induced by
movement.
,/
The significant ~c_e.:,'::::l~!.!,~...;,.~~,SE~~.,_£,~,.£~,~,~q~~~_.~~
to be in the Middle reach of the Susitna River between the Project site
and Talkeetna.Impacts in this reach are being evaluated utilizing a
mathematical model of ice processes.The downstream end of this model
is at the Chulitna-Susitna confluence.An important consideration in
the Middle River ice analysis is the determination of when the ice
cover begins to progress upstream of the confluence of the Chulitna and
Susitna'Rivers.It is currently thought that this will occur when the
Lower River is completely filled up with 1ce which is generated
downstream of the Project and in the Chulitna,Yentna and Talkeetna
Ri vers.In order to estimate how long this process will take it is
necessary to:
1.Estimate when the ice bridge will occur near the mouth of the
Susitna River at Cook Inlet.
-I
-
2.
40995
Estimate the volume of 1ce required to fill the Lower River under
wi th -pro j ec to
80
There may also be significant impacts in the Lower River if ice
processes are significantly altered.These would result from:
1.Water levels associated with with-project flows which would
be significantly greater than natural,
2.Delays in ~ce cover formation,
3.Potentially thicker ice where it occurs,and
4.Altered break-up processes.
Due to the complexity of the lower river it ~s not considered feasible,
at this time,to extend the mathematical model of the middle river to
the lower river.Instead,in order to make reasonable estimates of the
required parameters,a limited analysis at selected locations is
recommended.
Objective
The obj ecti ves of this study wi 11 be·.to obtain a better understanding
of lower river ~ce processes.Specific study objectives will be to:
1.Refine the estimate of when ice cover progression at the
Susitna-Chulitna confluence begins.
....2.Estimate the magnitude of staging with-project on the lower
river.
3.Document the impact of mainstem freeze-up on existing and
potential side channel and slough habitats.
.....
I~
40995
4.Make field observations of significant hydraulic parameters
related to ice cover progression on the lower river.
81
..-
-
Description
Ice process observations were carried out on the lower river during
this past winter.Observations of ice generation in the Chulitna and
Talkeetna Rivers have been carried out for several years.Estimates
of ice production in the middle reach of the Susitna River will be
available from the ice process modeling studies carried out in FY84 and
ongoing in FY85.
This study will be conducted using field observations and hydraulic
computations.
Data to be collected 1n the field include:
1.River channel cross sections at six locations in the Lower River
chosen to be representative of their respective reaches.
2.Observations of staging and 1ce thicknesses at these cross
sections during open water season,freeze-up and 1ce cover periods
on the Lower River.
-
3.Observations of staging at selected habitat locations 1n the Lower
River during the freeze-up and ice cover period.
4.Observations of the progress10n of the ice cover periods on the
Lower River.
5.Observations of frazil 1ce generation in the Yentna,Chulitna and
Talkeetna Rivers.
r 40995 82
6.Observations of break-up 1n the Lower River including max1mum
water levels resulting from ice jams.
7.Observations of ice bridge formation at the mouth of the Susitna
River at Cook Inlet.
Analyses of the data will include:
1.Analysis of factors leading of formation of an ice bridge at the
mouth of the Susitna River at Cook Inlet.
2.Analysis of the natural volume of ice 1n the Lower River.
3.Estimation of the volume of ice required to cover the Lower River
with-project.
4.Estimation of the with-project staging at the six cross sections.
5.Estimation of the time required to form an ice cover on the Lower
River,with-project.
l"",f"""';"'\..~~.A,;~<A
Deliverables
Two reports will be prepared.The first will document field
-
observations.The second will document the analytical results.
SChedule
Field observations will be carried out during the winter of 1984-85.A
report documenting these will be available 1n spring,1985.Hydraulic
studies will be carried out after receipt of field observations and a
report will be prepared by July,1985.
40995 83
-
-
-
-
TASK 24
LOWER RIVER AGGRADATION
Rationale
Approximately 80 percent of the total sediment load in the lower reach
of the Susitna River originates in the Chulitna and Talkeetna Rivers.
After project implementation,regulation of flood and high flows by the
project will reduce the sediment discharge capacity of the Lower River
to 55 percent of its present capacity.However,the total sediment
load will not be reduced proportionately and aggradation of sediments
in the Lower River is expected to occur.The potential impacts result-
ing from this aggradation would be elevation of water levels near the
town of Talkeetna,at tributary mouths,and at the upstream ends of
side channel complexes.The current analysis of impacts embodied 1n
the Lower River Morphological Assessment will assume a fixed stream-
bed.
The results of the sediment study (FY84)presented in "Susitna Hydro-
electric Project -Reservoir and River Sedimentation"identified the
potetial for aggradation in the confluence area and downstream of the
Susitna and Chulitna Rivers.These analyses were not sufficient to
define the temporal and spatial distribution of the aggradation.Fur-
ther studies of lower river aggradation are necessary to determine if
the expected aggradation in the lower reach will be significant and
1.affect the results of the Lower River Morphological Assessment
2.significantly increase water levels near the town of Talkeetna.
-40995 84
Susitna Station and the Chulitna -Susitna confluence.
The study area will include the reach of the river between
Objective
The objectives of these studies are to evaluate sedimentation processes
of the lower river and to identify the potentialinvarioussections'-...,~ILo!l£.~~:.
7
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Description
Two years of data are currently available from the USGS at four
locations near the confluence area.Suspended sediment data are also
available from the USGS at the Gold Creek and Susitna Station gaging
stations.
The stations where the data are being collected for the evaluation of
project impacts in the Lower reach,include:
1.Susitna River near Talkeetna,
2.Chulitna River near Talkeetna,
3.Susitna River below the confluence of the Susitna and Chulitna
Rivers (new station established in 1983),and
,...,
4.Susitna River at Sunshine.
The sediment data collected at these stations include suspended and
bedload discharges.To evaluate project impacts downstream from
-
Sunshine,suspended and bedload discharge measurements al so will be
required on the Susitna River at Susitna Station and Yentna River near
Susitna Station.USGS is currently collecting suspended sediment data
on the Susitna River .at Susitna Station.
-40995 85
40995
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The current sediment sampling program at USGS wi 11 be continued for
FY85 and they will initiate suspended and bedload discharge measure-
ments on the Susitna River at Susitna Station and on the Yentna River.
Bed material samples will be collected at selected locations in the
lower reach in the mainstem~The sampling wi 11 be done twice,once
during high flow season and second .time prJ.or to freeze-up of the
river.
The lower reach will be sub-divided into 8 to 10 sub-reaches depending
upon locations of sloughs and major tributaries to estimate potential
aggradation/degradation.Computations of total sediment load transport
(bedload plus suspended)will be made at the stream gaging locations.
Aggradation/degradation 1n each sub-reach will be computed using
empirical relationships.The streamflow and flood peaks data required
for .these computations will be obtained from "Streamflow and Flood
Frequency Studies"discussed earlier.
As part of the evaluation of sediment processes,relationships of
discharge to stream velocities and depths are necessary.This
information will be derived from staff gage readings obtained by ADF&G
as part of their lower river Resident and Anadromous Fish Program
utilizing surveyed cross sections of the lower river and a mathematical
model of the reach between the Sunshine Bridge and the Chulitna -
Susitna confluence.This hydraulic study will also provide necessary
information to Lower River Ice and Temperature Studies.
86
This study will have two components;field observations and data
collection,and office analysis.The field work will include:
-
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1.
2.
Selection of river cross sections at locations most
significant for ice and sedimentation studies;
Installation of staff gages at the selected river cross
sections and also at other locations where stage-discharge
relationships are required;
......
3.Surveying of river cross sections;
4.A field program to observe staff gages and to measure
mainstem and side channels velocities for a selected range of
discharges at Sunshine gage.
The office analyses will include:
1.Calibration of HEC-2 for the reach between the confluence of
the Chulitna and Susitna Rivers and Sunshine gage using
surveyed river cross sections and river stages observed for a
range of dishcarges;
2.Computations of water surface profiles for 8 to 10 selected
discharges for the above reach which can be used to support
sediment,ice and temperture studies;
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40995
3.
4.
Preparation of relationships betweens discharge,stage,depth
and velocity and water surface profiles at significant
locations,in the reach upstream of the Parks Highway
Bridge;
Computations of relationships between discharge,stage,depth
and velocity for the reach downstream of Parks Highway Bridge
using steady,uniform flow assumptions.
87
40995
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Deliverables
Two reports will be prepared.The first will summarize the results of
water surface profile and stage-discharge relationship work.The
second will summarize the results of the aggradation studies.
Schedule
Cross sectional surveys and field observations of stage and discharge
will be collected in during the period May -September,1984.
Hydraulic analysis and reduction of data will take place 1n the winter
of 84-85.A report will be available by July,1985.
The USGS will collect sediment data on the Yentna and Susitna Rivers
throughout the open-water season of 1984.These data should be avail-
able for analyses by March,1985.The analyses will be carried out
upon receipt of these data and the report should be available by July
1,1985 •
88
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TASK 25
ASSESSMENT OF THE AVAILABLE FOOD SOURCE IN TURBID SUSITNA RIVER
HABITATS FOR REARING JUVENILE CHINOOK SALMON
Rationale
Project related changes in the habitat conditions associated with the
development of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project may have impacts on
the density and timing of emergence of the invertebrate communitie.s
presently utilized as a food source by rearing juvenile chinook salmon •
With-project changes in these invertebrate communities could have
secondary impacts on the condition and survival of juvenile chinook
salmon.Examination of these invertebrate communities would serve as a
basis for predicting the rearing capabilities of potentially affected
habitats under with-project conditions.
Objective
Provide the data and analyses needed to predict the potential rearing
capabilities of certain turbid water habitats for juvenile chinook
salmon.
Description
Previous investigations by the ADF&G SuHydro have shown that juvenile
chinook salmon are most often found in turbid water habitats in or near
the mainstem (ADF&G,1983).In habitats where the turbid mainstem
40995
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flow comes together with the flow from clearwater tributaries and/or
sloughs,chinook salmon juveniles are most often found in the turbid
water environment (RJ 1984 report).Other ADF&G SuHydro (1982)studies
examined ~he food habits of rearing juvenile salmon,including chinook,
in regard td percent stomach composition,species electivity,etc.
However,it is unclear whether juvenile chinook salmon that utilize
89
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turbid water mainstem affected macrohabitats are dependent on
invertebrate organisms which are present in these areas for their food
source or which are produced elsewhere.
The invertebrate food sources presently available to juvenile chinook
salmon in these areas may be affected by physical and chemical changes
associated with Project operation.There ~s a need to provide
quantification of the response of the invertebrate community and the
food habitats of juvenile chinook salmon to potential changes ~n the
habitats they presently utilize.This information will serve to relate
changes in the condition and survival of these fish to changes ~n
physical and chemical habitat parmeters.
Previous investigations by ADF&G SuHydro have provided a good data base
on the abundance and distribution of chinook salmon juveniles within
the middle river reach and a preliminary evaluation of their food
habits.In addition,IFG-4 modeling of selected side channels within
this reach has provided velocity,depth,cover and substrate data along
specified transects within these sites.Locations of study sites will
be selected to utilize established transects of IFG-4 modeling sites
within this reach.Other sites may be established in other areas that
have been found to contain large numbers of chinook juveniles.
Habitat data to be collected along transects at each study site will
include:point specific water depths,velocities,substrates,and
general water quality.Drift invertebrate samples will be collected
and analyzed along transects to quantify the availability of food
sources with changes ~n discharge.Stomach analysis will also be
performed on a limited number of chinook salmon to correlate the
available food source with that being utilized by fish.Comparisons
will be made of the available invertebrate drift between the various
.habitats to determine the dominant available food source at each site.
An indication of the effects of possible with-project changes in
habitat conditions on the available food source will be made utilizing
flow,temperature and fish data.
40995 90
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Deliverables
A technical report of the findings of this study.
Schedule
A final report will be available April 31,1985.
40995
9
1
TASK 26
PREPARATION OF A WRITTEN REPORT FOR THE FY84 INCUBATION STUDY
-
,...
Rationale
Completion
subsequent
processes.
Objective
of this task will
impact assessment to
provide
support
data and information for
the settlement and hearings
.-
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To complete the analysis of incubation-related data (intragravel water
quality,embryo survival and substrate composition)collected from
August,1983 to May,1984 and prepare a report synthesizing this
information and previous data with information available in published
literature.
Description
Four types of data wi 11 be analyzed:intragravel and surface wate.r
quality data,surface and intragravel temperature data,development and
survival of embryos and substra~e composition.The report will include
a discussion of the analyzed data and a section comparing the results
of this study to results of similar studies.
There are three primary sources of data that will be used for report
preparation:1)data collected during the FY82 -FY84 field studies,
2)a report by Wangaard and Burger (1983)and 3)other published
literature.
40995 92
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Deliverables
Final Report:Incubation Study for the period August 1983 -May 1984.
Schedule
A draft report will be circulated for reVl.ew August 31,1984.The
final report will be completed by October 15,1984.
40995 93
,..,.
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TASK 27
MIDDLE RIVER -MAIN CHANNEL ESCAPEMENT MONITORING
AT TALKEETNA STATION (RM 103)
Rationale
Based on results of field studies during 1981,1982 and 1983 it has
been determined that the RM 103 area of the middle river is a site of
significant milling by chinook,sockeye,pink,chum and coho salmon.
Continued escapement monitoring,through a complete escapement cycle,
would provide refined estimates of natural variability in salmon use of
the middle river reach and milling at RM 103.This task will directly
aid resource managers in establishing baseline data for potential
project monitoring and will support the settlement and hearing
processes.
Description
Four fishwhee1s will be operated at RM 103 from June 7 to September 9,
to record daily catches and tag and release all intercepted adult
salmon.The catch data will define species timing distribution and
migrational behavior.The tagging operation wi 11 provide escapement
estimates for each species.
Deliverables
A report will be produced that presents results of the FY85 sampling.
40995 94
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Schedule
1.Field Operation June 7 to September 9,1984
2.Report
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40995
a.
b.
Draft
Final
December 21,1984
February 21,1985
95
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TASK 28
LOWER RIVER ANALYSIS
40995
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i
Rationale
Funding of this study will enable project personnel to assemble the
necessary data and analyses about tributary access in the lower river
prior to the onset of the hearing process.
Objective
This study is to determine whether or not alteration of discharge by
the proposed Project will result in reductions of mainstem water
surface elevations of sufficient magni tude in the lower river that
access by adult salmon into tributary streams would become unacceptably
restricted without mitigative actions.
Description
Tributary mouths that might warrant investigation will be identified
during July through discussions with ADF&G SuHydro,R&M and other
Aquatic Team members.Photographic enlargements of each tributary
mouth area will be obtained by R&M·from the available lower river
photography.Streamflow records wi 11 be reviewed by R&M to identify
mainstem and tributary flows.
A visual interpretation of the photography will be completed by EWT&A,
R&M and ADF&G SuHydro.If exposed streambed grave~s or shallow riffles
are not visible,it will be assumed that depth of flow at the tributary
mouth for the flow condition photographed is not shallow enough to
impair access.The tributary mouth will be visited by ADF&G SuHydro
and R&M at a low flow period (probably September)and representative
depth measurements obtained.The location of these depth measurements
96
40995
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will be noted on a copy of the tributary mouth photograph.At the time
of this site visit,a visual assessment of channel stability will also
be made.Sufficient photographic evidence (channel structure and
steambed particle size)will be obtained for documentation •
A first level of analysis would be undertaken.If exposed streambed
gravels or shallow riffles appear to be present,a study site would be
established on the lower 0.25 miles of the tributary and cross sections
and thalweg profiles surveyed.Staff gage readings would be obtained
in the mainstem or side channel above and below the tributary mouth and
at three cross sections along the thalweg profile.An analysis of
these data would demonstrate the effects of mainstem discharge on depth
of flow in the tributary.
A higher level of analysis would be applied by EWT&A and R&M if it were
thought,after viewing the available photography and making a site
visit,that the tributary mouth area might be unstable due to
sand/gravel deposition or the side channel into which the tributary
discharged might dewater upstream of the tributary due to with-project
reductions in mainstem flow.These analyses are not described 1.n
detail because of the unlikelihood they will be .required.Field data
collection beyond that necessary for the first level of analysis would
principally consist of streamflow and bedload material measurements.
Deliverab1es
A technical report detailing results of this task and an assessment of
tributary access will be produced.
Schedule
A draft report will be prepared prior to August 31,1984 if only the
visual interpretation of photography is required;and by December 31,
1984 if field studies and analyses are undertaken.A final report will
be available November 15,1984 or April 15,1985 depending upon which
level of assessment is performed.
97
40995
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TASK 29
EVALUATION OF MIDDLE RIVER MAINSTEM AND TRIBUTARY
SPAWNING HABITAT RELATIONSHIPS
Rationale
This study will provide data for a within year overview of the dynamics
of mainstem,side channel and tributary spawning habitats.These data
will be used to assess possible effects of with-project water
temperature regimes and plan potential mitigation measures.
Objective
Evaluate mainstem,side channel and tributary salmon spawning habitat
temperature and substrate relationships.
Description
During the open water field season,survey crews will locate mainstem,
side channel and tributary salmon spawning areas in the middle river
reach.These spawning areas will be stratified by sub-reach.
Representative areas will be selected and temperature recording devices
situated to monitor intragravel and surface water temperatures.In
addition,porosity samples will be collected at each of the selected
sites.During the ice covered period,open leads in the middle reach
of the Susitna River will be identified and categorized as velocity or
warm water upwelling leads.The middle reach will again be stratified
by sub-reach and accessibility for purposes of selecting representative
warm water upwelling leads,which may be potential salmon spawning
areas,to measure intragravel and surface water temperatures and
substrate composition.
98
Deliverables
The deliverable product will be in the form of a final report and will
include:
1.Analysis of the intragravel and surface water temperature
relationships between mainstem,side channel and tributary salmon
spawning areas.
2.Substrate composition analysis of mainstem,side channel and
tributary salmon spawning areas.
3.An index of the warm water upwelling leads with intragravel and
surface water temperatures and porosity samples collected at
representative sites.
4.
Schedule
Provide a summary of the pre-FY85 temperature information
collected in mainstem,side channel and tributary salmon spawning
areas.
r
....
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First Draft
Final Draft
40995
June 15,1985
Augus t 15.1985
99
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TASK 30
SLOUGH GROUNDWATER AND WATER BALANCE STUDIES
Rationale
Slough studies conducted to date have been inconclusive in quantifying the
changes in groundwater upwelling slough hydrology caused by Project
operation.Refinement of the relationship of groundwater flow and mainstem
discharge and a water balance study are necessary to assess the effect of
project operation on aquatic habitat.
Objectives
Obtain data on aquifer properties,
conductivity and storage coefficient.
particularly hydraulic
2.Conduct a complete water balance of selected sloughs to determine
the contribution of slough discharge from groundwater upwelling
and tributary inflow.
3.Refine relationships between seepage,
mainstem discharge.
slough discharge and
....
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Description
Aquifer testing at existing wells at Slough 9 will be conducted to obtain
data on hydraulic conductivity and storage coefficient.Potential tests
include constant-head tests,constant-rate pumping tests and constant rate
injection tests.
40995 100
Water levels in existing deep wells and in selected shallow wells will be
monitored at Slough 9,along with open-water stages on the mainstem,side-
channels and sloughs.Using the results from the aquifer testing and water
level monitoring,estimates will be made.at the theoretical temporal
variations of groundwater flow into Slough 9.The estimates wi 11 be
verified by conducting a water balance study of Slough 9.Precipitation
will be measured at the Sherman Station,with accumulating precipitation
cans located at other portions of the basin in order to determine the
spatial distribution of precipitation,including orographic effects.
Evaporation will be estimated from data gathered at Watana Camp.Streamflow
will be continuously monitored in the slough and in the tributary which
enters Slough 9 approximately halfway upstream from the mouth.Frequent
discharge measurements will be made to establish reliable rating curves.
Up to 10 seepage meters will be installed in both Slough 9 and Slough 11 to
determine the relationship between seepage rate and mainstem discharge at
Gold Creek.Approximately 20 readings will be made at each seepage meter.
All visible upwelling locations will be mapped.
40995 101
40995
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TASK 31
DEVELOPMENT OF LONG-TERM MONITORING PLAN
Rationale
Preproject studies have been designed to predict potential impacts due
to Project construction and operation and to describe means with which
to avoid or minimize these impacts.To assure the mitigation plans
incorporated into the license are achieving their intended goals,a
long-term monitoring program must be developed and initiated.The
detailed plans of this program should be incorporated into the
license.
Objective
To develop plans for a Project construction and operation monitoring
program that will assess the effectiveness of mitigation procedures.
Description
A long-term monitoring program must be sufficiently rigorous to detect
potential adverse impacts that occur due to the Project.However,it
must also be a reasonable program that can be conducted within project
economic constraints.Furthermore,the program plan must stipulate
measures to be taken if adverse impacts are detected.
Efforts under this task will concentrate on developing a detailed
planning document that can be presented to the various resource
agencies.This document will describe the potential impacts to be
monitored,the methods and parameters to be monitored,the limits of
concern,potential measures to rectify the impact and an alternative
schedule for completion of certain elements of Ithe monitoring program
if no impacts are detected.
102
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The Power Authority,with the assistance of Harza-Ebasco,organizations
in the aquatic study team and individuals from other disciplines,will
develop a working document that will be presented to the various
resource agencies for review and comment.If needed,a meeting will be
held to resolve any areas of disagreement.The document will then be
finalized and submitted for incorporation into the license.
Harza-Ebasco will coordinate the planning efforts for the Power
Authority.Assistance wi 11 be provided by the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game I s Su Hydro Aquatic Study Team and Harza-Ebasco
subcontractors.
De1iverab1es
A draft monitoring program document will
developed.Responses to agency comments
second deliverable.
be the first deliverable
on the draft will be the
-
_.
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The third deliverable will be the finalized document that will be
incorporated into the license.
Schedule
The draft document will be completed in winter 1985.Agencies will be
allowed approximately 60 days for review.Following this period,
another 30 days will be needed to finalize the draft by submittal of
responses to agency comments and/or a meeting between the reviewing
agencies and the Power Authority.The final document will be completed
in the spring of 1985.
40995 103
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TASK 32
LOWER SUSITNA STREAM TEMPERATURE ANALYSIS
Rationale
This task is intended to provide estimates of with-project instream
temperatures and their effects on Susitna fishery resources in order to
provide a tool useful in optimizing reservoir operations,mitigation
planning and to aid the settlement process and provide data and
analyses for potential hearings.
Objective
Prediction of weekly average mainstem water temperatures from Sunshine
Station to the downstream-most location not influenced by tidal
effects.
Description
If biologically significant instream temperature differences between
pre-and with-project conditions are predicted for the Susitna River
below the Chulitna and Talkeetna confluences,a lower river instream
temperature analysis will be required.This analysis will involve
setting up a data base to use the instream temperature model (SNTEMP)
for prediction of weekly average water temperatures.AEIDC will be
responsible for the data collection coordination,model implementation
and fishery resource impact analysis.The instream temperature
estimates produced by this task will be integrated with estimates of
flow effects and slough habitat changes to quantify fisheries impacts
by species and life stage.The predicted stream temperature and heat
transfer relationships will also be useful for improving estimates of
the lower river ice processes.
104
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The data requirements of the stream temperature model are of three
types:structural,hydrologic and meteorologic.Most of the
structural data can be developed from topographic maps and
reconnaissance field work.The exception is stream width data.
Representative stream transects will be surveyed for a range of flow
events •
Required hydrologic data include mainstem flows and temperatures,
tributary flows and temperatures,and estimates of distributed flows
and temperatures.Mainstem flow data are necessary for simulating
mainstem temperatures and estimating distributed flows.Mainstem
temperatures are required to validate the stream temperature
predictions.Tributary flows and temperatures are necessary for
validation studies and to provide estimates of tributary influences on
the mainstem for with-project simulations.
ADF&G SuHydro has collected some water temperature data on the lower
river between 1980 and 1983.Further data collection is necessary to
construct a base adequate for simulation and prediction.Mainstem
temperature recorders will be installed above the confluences of large
tributaries and at the end-of-simulation point.Mainstem flows can be
estimated from historical data and flows observed during the stream
width data collection.
Tributary temperatures should be collected for all major tributaries.
A major tributary can be defined as one which contributes at least 5%
of the mainstem flow under any condition,pre-or with-project.
Tributary flow data will be collected on these major tributaries.
Distributed flows and temperatures will be estimated using the
techniques developed from the upper river SNTEMP study and from the
mainstem and tributary data collection.
105
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Necessary meteorologic data include air temperature,wind speed,
humidity,and solar radiation data.As wi th the upper rI.ver SNTEMP
simulations,the data collected at the NWS station at Talkeetna will be
adjusted to represent local conditions.A meteorological collection
station located in a representative lower river location might be
recommended to verify the appropriatness of using adjusted Talkeetna
data to represent lower river conditions.
Much of the data required for lower river temperature analysis will be
available through the work necessary to complete other tasks (for
example,the lower river morphological data recently compiled by R&M
will be useful in defining stream width relationships or in identifying
new data collection requirements).
Deliverables
1.Model validation report.
-.
2.
Schedule.
40995
Report documenting with-project
fisheries resource analysis.
Model validation report
Final Report
106
simulations
May,1985
FY86
and associated
'",
TASK 33
ADULT SALMON STREAM LIFE STUDY -MIDDLE REACH SLOUGHS
Rationale
The results of this task will refine existing stream life estimates and
provide more accurate estimates of the numbers of slough spawning
salmon for the purpose of identifying the level of mitigation measures
that may be required.This task will suppport'the settlement process
and mitigation planning.
Objective
Quantify sockeye and chum salmon escapements into sloughs of the middle
Susitna River reach above RM 98.6.
Description
Total sockeye and chum salmon escapements into sloughs above RM 98.6
have b~en quantified for 1983.The numbers are based on stream life
observations and periodic escapement survey counts for each species.
An index of slough salmon escapements is available for 1981 and 1982.
These are based on peak survey counts and do not quantify total
escapements.
i Individual chum and sockeye salmon will be tagged and monitored every
i three days for stream life in representative spawning sloughs above RM
98.6.Concurrent slough survey counts of live fish will be conducted
weekly from August 1 to October 15 t 1984.Chum and sockeye salmon
escapements will be quantified for each spawning slough using the mean
average stream life of the respective species and the total correspond-
ing live fish days as determined from the escapement surveys.
40995 107
Deliverable
A report will be produced that specifically answers the study
objective.
Schedule
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40995
Draft
Final
December 21.1984
February 21,1985
108
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TASK 34
WINTER STUDIES OF RESIDENT AND JUVENILE ANADROMOUS FISHES
Rationale
Assessment of the importance of overwintering habitat for rearing
resident and juvenile anadromous fishes and the response of winter
habitats to mainstem discharge will support the development of instream
flow requirements and the settlement and hearings processes.
Objectives
1.
.d:.J P_I),~·J
V ..l'r w r
Describe the distribution of rearing chinook and coho salmon by
macro-habitat types in areas associated with the mainstem Susitna
River.
2.Describe the distribution and habitats associated with overwinter-
ing rainbow trout in the mainstem lower Susitna River.
3.Estimate the response of overwintering habitat for rainbow trout
and chinook salmon at selected sites to hydraulic changes during
the winter period (assuming habitat response parallels open
channel hydraulics).
Description
Data on the distribution of overwintering juvenile salmon and resident
species are small when compared to data available for the open water
season.Many of the problems in understanding overwintering habitat
are caused by very difficult sampling conditions that prevail during
the winter months.Sampling techniques are often limited to baited
40995 109
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gear because of the ice cover and the prevalence of slush ice under the
cover.The decreased activity of fish associated with colder
temperatures often lower the effectiveness of this type of sampling
equipment.Although catch data over a wide variety of habitats has
been accumulated during previous winter p~riods,the lack of trends and
small numbers of fish collected do not provide strong conclusions as to
the importance of different types of mainstem habitat.Relatively low
catch rates of chinook and coho salmon have occurred at many sites
associated with the mainstem that have some thermal influence from
ground water sources.The distribution of fish appears to be rather
broad but not associated with mainstem flows.This suggests that the
near zero degree (centigrade)water does not provide suitable
conditions for overwintering,probably because of continual formation
of anchor ice and unstable flows as ice processes continue to develop
throughout the winter.Ground water sources in the side sloughs and
tributary mouth areas appear to be of major importance but there is
limited data to support this statement.
Radio telemetry data for burbot and primarily for rainbow tagged in the
upper river suggest these species will often be found in areas of
higher conductivity and warmer temperatures.This suggests they may
seek ground water sources in the winter.These areas are usually in
deeper and faster water than the areas where chinook and coho juveniles
are thought to overwinter.Fall movements suggest that essentially al~
of these species that rear in clear water tributaries enter the,.)
mainstem Susitna to overwinter.Currently,we have a very small number
of data points to support these conclusions.
Further studies on distribution of rearing salmon and resident speci-es
will be conducted to evaluate the effects of with-project discharges on
overwintering habitat.This study will obtain more information on
winter utilization of sloughs using temporary beach seine wiers across
110
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the mouths of sloughs that do not have mainstem water breaching their
upper heads.This data collection effort will be associated with the
coded wire tagging program planned for spring,1984.
Outmigrant trapping proposed for Portage Creek will provide the needed
information to assess the outmigration of chinook and coho into the
..._eUns.t.eL"S-q"§.i~!la.From this information and the outmigration observed
....---""'''''"'--
from the sloughs,the overwintering habitat importance will be
inferred.
The microhabitat utilized within sloughs and the response of juveniles
to habitat discharge changes will be estimated by intensive winter
studies on one slough/side channel complex.Juvenile chinook and coho
salmon collected in the slough 9 complex of the upper river will be
marked with a series of fin clip combinations.These fish wi 11 be
collected by beach seines,minnow traps and electrofishing equipment.
A wier will be installed under the ice near the mouth of the slough to
capture fish moving in or out.These fish will also be marked and
checked for marks.
Discharge will be monitored throughout the slough during the entire
winter period and habitat conditions,including temperature,dissolved
oxygen,conductivity,cover,substrate,depth,arid water velocity,will
be recorded at all collection sites.
These data will be used to describe the responses of juvenile salmon to
discharge changes and the utilization of micro-habitat within the
slough complex.
Further information will be obtained
habitat by use of radio telemetry.
on rainbow trout overwintering
Habitat requirements and winter
40995 111
distribution will be established by relocation of radio tagged fish and
measurement of habitat conditions at the relocation sites.
Results of these studies can be used together with ice modeling
investigations to forecast with-project conditions and assess potential
changes in habitat suitability.
Deliverables
A report presenting the results of these studies
Schedule
f"'"
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r~
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Analyzed data
Draft Report
Final Report
40995
June 30,1985
September 1,1985
November 1,1985
112
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TASK 35
REFINEMENT OF ACCESS CRITERIA
Rationale
The access and passage criteria are important parameters for accurate
derivation of habitat/discharge relationships which will be used for
development of composite hydrographs,project optimization and
mitigation planning.Further studies to verify or refine the present
criteria will strengthen subsequent analytic steps and support the
settlement and hearing process.
Objective
To verify and refine interim criteria developed for the FY84 analysis
of access and passage conditions for chum salmon in slough and side
channels of the middle river.
Description
The access and passage criteria developed during FY83 and FY84 were
evolutionary steps in the understanding and quantification of
conditions needed for access and passage of salmon into slough and side
channel spawning areas.This process has produced the present product
of an access/passage criteria curve which will be presented in the FY84
report.This curve was produced as a result of review of field data
and observations collected over the past two field seasons and
professional judgement of fishery biologists and the project hydraulic
engineer.Field data are necessary to refine these access and passage
criteria •
40995 113
40995
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Side channel and slough sites 1n the middle river where access and
passage problems have been documented will be selected as study sites •
Observations of fish passage activity will be made at each site noting
whether successful passage,successful passage with difficulty and
exposure,or unsuccessful passage occurs.Measurements of length and
depth of the access/passage reach at each site will be collected.
These data will be used to refine the access/passage criteria curve
developed during FY84.
Deliverables
Refined access/passage criteria curves for chum salmon.Refined
estimates of mainstem discharge required for access and passage
for all sites where passage and access have been evaluated previously
in the middle river.
Schedule
Refinement of access/passage criteria curves will be available by
November 30,1984.Refinement of slough and side channel access and
passage evaluations will be completed by December 31,1984.
114
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TASK 36
LOWER RIVER REARING HABITAT INVESTIGATIONS -IFG HYDRAULIC MODELING
Rationale
Forecasting with-project changes in habitat availability is a major
objective of the aquatic studies.Results of this task will support
impact assessment,mitigation planning and the settlement and hearings
processes.
Objective
To provide calibrated IFG hydraulic models at lower river rearing study
sites at which the dominant variables influencing habitat are water
depth.and velocity.These models will be used by RJ personnel to
quantify changes in rearing habitat as a function of change 1n
discharge.
Description
Two approaches have been used to quantify the responses of rearing
habitat to changes in discharge.The two approaches differ in their
applications.The first approach 1S applied to sites where the
domina~t hydraulic variables of the habitat are influenced by water
quality and/or cover (Task 17).The other is applied to sites where
water depth and velocity are the dominant hydraulic variables of the
habitat.This task emphasizes the second approach •
40995 115
1984)•
(
IFG hydraulic models of water velocity,water depth,~ubstrate and
cover will be developed for a maximum of~,selectecf,-'s'r~at which
the dominant hydraulic variables of the habitat are influenced by water
depth and velocity.These hydraulic models,which will be developed by
ADF&G SuHydro staff with the assistance of a hydraulic engineer,will
be ,~:~~~:~~~,~,,"E';'o~~S-~:~:L~':~,~,C?~~ftatato relate changes ~n
rearing habitat with changes in discharge (WUA or equivalent).
Water depth and velocity,substrate,and cover data will be obtained
~""~~/t'~'j::~~along selected representative transec ts under a variety of discharge
",I.<".,Mi"conditions.These data will be input to IFG hydraulic models and used
i"'").tli'~ill"".••~JtJ,~,J}",~~o call.brate the model to pred~ct changes ~n hydraulic conditions as a
{j '1>.fY'~\function of change in discharge.Study site selection will be based on
i""'"lJ?'"
degree of habitat utilization and extent of habitat dewatering expected
with project flows based on lower river morphological assessments (R&M,
Deliverables
-
Final products will include calibrated IFG hydraulic models for use in
juvenile anadromous fish studies to estimate the response of rearing
habitat to changes in mainstem discharge (Task 14).
-Schedule
.....
Calibrated hydraulic models will be ready for use no later than
December 30,1984.
,'"
40995 116
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TASK 37
PRELIMINARY MITIGATION STUDIES FOR THE
DEVIL CANYON TO TALKEETNA REACH
Rationale
Identification of sites for and methods of habitat modification to
maintain existing salmon runs will be needed to demonstrate the
feasibility of the proposed mitigations.The successful resolution of
the hearings and settlement processes will requ1re that proposed
mitigations be shown to have a high probability of success.
Objective
1.To identify potential sites for habitat modification 1n the Devil
Canyon to Talkeetna Reach.
2.To evaluate the feasibility of var10US habitat enhancement
techniques.
Description
The task will consist of field surveys and studies to identify
potential mainstem,side channel,and slough areas for habitat
modification.Habitat characteristics demonstrated to be important
components of presently utilized habitats such as depth,temperature,
substrate and presence of upwelling,will be used to develop evaluation
criteria •
After candidate locations are identified,an analysis will be performed
to evaluate the conditions likely to exist under Project operation and
identify methods to promote use of these areas by spawning or rearing
salmon.Side and upland slough sites exist within the Devil Cay non to
40995 117
Talkeetna reach that exhibit some characteristics expected under
Project operation.These slough sites will be used as models of
Project conditions and examined to evaluate modifications that would
promote their use as habitat.Efforts in FY85 will be restricted to
-
physical and/or biological monitoring of habitat conditions.Project
conditions to be evaluated include wetted areas with improper sub-
strate,areas of suitable substrate with insufficient flow and suitable
spawning habitat that is inaccessible because of low mainstem water
levels.
Candidate areas in the mainstem and side channels will be surveyed in
fall as flows drop to levels that approximate anticipated Project
flows.A physical assessment of habitat will be performed to evaluate
the.ir potential suitability as habitat under Project conditions.Key
parameters include temperature,substrate,depth,velocity and presence
or absence of upwelling.
WCC,H-E and EWT&A will provide input to study design and
performed by ADF&G SuHydro.The mitigation analysis will be conducted
by wec,in consultation with ADF&G SuHydro.
-
methodologies.Field data collection and habitat evaluation wi 11 be
40995
-
Deliverables
The results of the FY85 field investigations and habitat analysis wi 11
be presented in the ADF&G SuHydro 1984 field season report series.
This analysis will be used by WCC to evaluate the feasibility of the
proposed habitat modifications as effective mitigations and will be
118
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TASK 38
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES;
TRANSMISSION LINE AND ACCESS ROAD
Rationale
The assessment of impacts associated with construction activities is
needed to complete the Project impact assessment.This assessment is
needed for the hearings and settlement processes and will provide the
basis for developing final details of the Project mitigation plan •
Objective
Refine and quantify the impacts associated with construciton of the
dams.
Description
An impact assessment report will be prepared by WCC to address impacts
associated with construction activities.Specific areas to be covered
include construction of the dams,floodplain gravel mining,
construction of the camps and permanent village,diversion tunnel,
access roads and transmission lines.The report will refine and
quantify the assessment provided in the FERC license application based
on current construction planning,to be provided by H-E,and available
Project information.Input will be needed from ADF&G-SuHydro and R&M.
Deliverables
A construction impact assessment report will be produced.
Schedule
Construction Impact Assessment Report
Draft
2/28/85
Final
4/30/85
40995 119
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TASK 39
MITIGATION PLANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Rationale
An acceptable mitigation plan is needed to complete the hearings and
settlement processes.Elements of the plan will be incorporated as
articles of the license.The information will also be used when
applying for specific state and federal permits.
Objective
Develop acceptable mitigations
construction activities.
Description
for aquatic impacts related to
-
Task 37 will identify aquatic impacts associated with construction
related activities.Activities anticipated to produce aquatic impacts
include construction of the access roads,transmission lines,
floodplain gravel pits,camps,permanent village and other project
facilities.The mitigation planning effort will identify appropriate
mitigation,such as siting,scheduling and designs,that will avoid or
minimize impacts for the construction activities and facilities.The
mitigation plan will be included in the construction impact assessment
report described in Task 38.H-E and ADF&G SuHydro wi 11 provide input
into and review of the planning effort.
Deliverables
40995
A detailed construction mitigation plan will be developed.
will be organized by activity or facility.
120
The plan
-
Schedule
Construction Mitigation Plan
40995 121
Draft
2/28/85
Final
4/30/85
40995
--
-
".,.,
I
I,
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TASK 40
IMPOUNDMENT RESIDENT FISH MITIGATION PLANNING
Rationale
A mitigation element that compensates for lost resident fish habitat
(primarily Arctic grayling habitat)in the reserviors needs to be
developed to support the hearings and settlement processes.The
resident fish mitigation plans will be incorporated into the license.
Objective
To develop an acceptable mitigation that compensates for lost resident
fish habitat in the reservoirs.
Description
Available information on resident fishes in the impoundment area will
be summarized to update the assessment in the FERC license application.
Mitigation options will be refined to further assess their
applicability as compensatory measures.The options considered will be
submi tted for agency review and policy decision.Emphasis wi 11 be
placed on those options that appear to have the highest probability of
success.The evaluation of options will include input and review from
H-E and ADF&G-SuHydro.
Deliverab1es
A report will be prepared describing the impoundment area resident fish
populations,the anticipated loss of habitats and expected consequences
to fish populations.and the options considered as compensation.A
preferred project mitigation alternative will be presented.The report
will be attached to the report described in Task 38.
122
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i
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Schedule
Resident Fish Mitigation Plan
40995 123
Draft
2/28/85
Final
4/30/85
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I
!
TASK 41
BASELINE WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY MONITORING AT
TSUSENA AND DEADMAN CREEKS
Rationale
Acquisition of state and federal permits for operation of water supply
and wastewater treatment operations are necessary prior to project
construction.
Objective
Develop a plan to obtain baseline water quantity and quality
information on Tsusena (water supply)and Deadman Creeks (wastewater
treatment effluent)to allow for permit application and coordination
with various resource agencies.
Description
A water monitoring plan will be developed to produce the information
necessary to document water quality and quantity parameters in
sufficient detail to assist in facilities designs and to acquire
appropriate permits.The plan wi 11 be based on a thorough review of
permit and design information requirements and produce data sufficient
to:
.-
I"'",
1.
40995
determine whether the
adequate to produce
treatment).
proposed Tsusena Creek water source is
sufficient potable water supply (with
124
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2.produce design criteria for a potable water supply treatment
facility using Tsusena Creek water.
3.provide estimates of the quantity and quality of waste effluents
discharged from the potable water treatment facility.
4.estimate the waste assimilative capacity of Deadman Creek and the
with-project effects on water quality.
5.produce design criteria for a wastewater treatment facility
discharging effluent to Deadman Creek.
Deliverable
A report summarizing necessary monitoring programs for Tsusena and
Deadman Creeks which will outline:
1.monitoring schedules.
2.sampling locations.
3.
4.
type of samples collected.
quantity of samples collected.
5.cost estimates of monitoring program.
Schedule
Draft report May 1,1985.
Final report June 30,1985.
.....
"
40995 125
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TASK 42
EVALUATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO MONITOR
MAIN CHANNEL SALMON ESCAPEMENTS
Rationale
The current method (tag/recapture)of enumerating adult salmon in the
Susitna River,while effective,is very labor intensive and costly.A
more cost effective method for enumerating upstream migrant adult
salmon is desired for anticipated needs in a long-term monitoring
program.This task will test the Biosonics Model 101 hydroacoustic
unit •
Objective
To test Biosonics Model 101 hydroacoustic equipment as a cost effective
alternative to taglrecapture programs.
Description
In FY84 ADF&G used a Biosonics unit on the Yukon River and,al though
the report is not yet available,the biologist in charge indicated the
unit performed well.ADF&G 1S proposing to use Biosonics equipment in
fi ve Alaskan river systems in FY85.Included are the Stikine,Kenai
and Yukon rivers,all glacial systems.Features that are most
promising for application in the Susitna River are a long counting
range (250 meters)and no requirement for a counting substrate.
The unit will be installed at the Parks Highway Bridge.Two fishwheels
will be operated nearby to apportion the counts.The final adult
salmon population estimates from the Biosonics unit will be compared to
the population estimates generated by the tag-recapture method.
40995 126
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-
Deliverables
The final product will be a written final report summarizing the
capabilities.limitations and overall effectiveness of the Biosonics
unit.Included will be recommendations for future applications in the
Susitna River.
Schedule
-
-
,...
I
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..-
I 40995
First draft
Final
127
12/21/84
2/21/85
!....
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-
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TASK 43
GLACIER STUDIES
Rationale
The glaciated portions of the Susitna River Basin upstream of Gold
Creek play a significant role in the hydrology of the area.The
drainage area upstream of the Denali and MacLaren gages comprises 19.9
percent of the basin above Gold Creek,yet contributes 39 percent of
the average annual flow (License Application p.E-2-12).
Glaciers act as reservoirs collecting snow and ice in the winter and
releasing mel t water to the stream in the summer.The rate at which
glaciers store water,melt and contribute to streamflow depends on the
climate.Periodic changes in climate may have significant effects on
glacier wasting and,thus,on inflow to the project.
Although there is no reliable mechanism for predicting glacier wasting
during project life,due to the importance of the glaciated regions to
Susitna River streamflow it may be beneficial to conduct a monitoring
program.The purpose of this program would be to determine the current
physical glacier charateristics and periodic changes in relation to
climate.Records of this type might provide insights into glacier
performance and data which would be useful for project operation.
Objective
The objective of this task would be the preparation of a plan for
glacial monitoring which would specify how such a program would benefit
project operation.A base line monitoring program would be initiated
if review of the monitoring program plan was favorable.
40995 128
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Description
Work would consist of three items:
1.Preparation of a plan for glacier monitoring including an
assessment of its usefulness for project operation,
2.Review of the plan,and
3.Confirmation of the base line monitoring program already in
place.
Deliverables
There would be two deliverables:
1.A report on the proposed glacial monitoring program.
2.A report of the data collected during FY8S.
Schedule
A draft monitoring program would be prepared by July 31,1984.This
plan would be reviewed and finalized by August 31,1984.Glacier
monitoring would continue upon favorable review of the plan and data
would be reported by July,1985.
40995 129
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TASK 44
DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT OF TEMPERATURE CRITERIA
Rationale
Improvement and refinement of temperature criteria for Susitna River
fish stocks are needed to support final impact assessment,the
settlement process and mitigation planning.
-
Objective
Develop Susitna River specific
quantifying thermal impacts of
resources.
Description
temperature
the Project
cri teria for
on downs tream
use in
fishery
.....
-
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Aquatic organisms have upper and lower thermal tolerances,optimum
temperatures for growth,preferred temperatures in thermal gradients,
and temperature limitations for migration,spawning and egg incubation.
Salmonid temperature tolerance generally ranges from 0°to 25°C •
Extensive literature is available on fish physiology and behavior in
the upper tolerance range but there is a paucity of data on lower
temperature tolerances.Lower temperatures do not generally cause
direct mortality but instead result in poor physiological and
behavioral performances.Any Susitna project-related temperature
impacts are expected to occur in these lower temperature threshholds.
Any applied temperature criteria used for assess~ng impacts should be
as closely related to the water body in question as possible and to its
particular community of organisms.Outside of incubation 'temperature
data for chum and sockeye salmon,little information is available on
preferred temperatures for the various life stages of Susitna River
stocks.
40995 130
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AEIDC has conducted a literature reV1ew to locate published temperature
tolerance and preference criteria for the species of fish inhabiting
the Susitna River.ADF&G SuHydro has random water temperature data
available for fish collection/observation sites at various locations
since 1974.This information has been integrated into preliminary
temperature tolerance criteria.
Additional data on temperature ranges preferred by Susitna fish speC1es
should be gathered.A laboratory experiment is suggested using Susitna
River juvenile fish stocks to determine preferred temperatures for
various physiological and behavioral events such as growth rate,
migration,and rearing.Chinook and coho salmon will be the species of
highest priority.
In addition,a small field data collection effort will be undertaken to
gather temperature data in the Chulitna,Talkeetna,and Susitna rivers
near their confluences to better understand the temperature effects on
the milling behavior of adult salmon.On-site water temperatures will
also be collected during the var10US salmon life phase activities.
These data will be collected to improve and fill any gaps still
existing after the 1983 ADF&G SuHydro program.For example,if there
are no site-specific temperature data available for a certain salmon
species during spawning,this would need to be collected.
The final exercise 1n this task will be incorporating the temperature
data gathered from the field and the laboratory experiments into the
salmon preference criteria established for temperature impacts
assessment.Once this is accomplished,impacts due to temperature can
be assessed with the best temperature criteria available.
-40995 131
--
Deliverables
1.A technical report describing the results of the laboratory
analysis.
4.A technical report presenting final temperature criteria and
supporting analyses and information.
-
-!
2.
3.
A technical memorandum describing the results of temperature
monitoring at the confluence area.
A technical memorandum describing the results of field temperature
measurements (related to life stage)
-Schedule
Schedule for reports and memoranda listed above:
-
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""'"40995
No.1-3
Drafts
Finals
No.4
Draft
Final
October,1984
November,1984
November,1984
January,1985
132
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TASK 45
PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY STUDIES WITHIN THE SUSITNA RIVER,OTHER GLACIAL STREAMS
AND SOME NON-GLACIAL STREAMS
Rationale
Baseline information related to the temporal quantification of primary
productivity by autochthanous sources in various Susitna River habitats
and similar habitats in other south central Alaskan glacial and non-
glacial streams will provide information needed to describe with-
project conditions.Such information may be needed to support the
hearings process and complete the settlement process (especially impact
assessments).
Objective
To temporarily quantify the benthic,autochthanous pr1mary productivity
(or some indicator of the former)as it relates to habitat
characteristics such as substrate stability,suspended sediment and
turbidity in the Susitna River and other riverine systems in south
central Alaska.
Description
Appropriate substrates (either natural or artificial)from various
habitats of the Susitna and other rivers will be analyzed for indices
of autochthanous primary productivity (e.g.,chlorophyll lIa "per unit
of standing crop organic carbon).Additional physical measurements
such as water depth,turbidity,suspended sediment,discharge,
temperature,Secchi disc or other photic zone indicators will be made
in each sampling site.Physical characteristics will be analyzed to
investigate the relationships between benthic primary productivity and
habitat physical parameters.
40995 133
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Comparative data from various Susitna River habitats and from other
south-central Alaskan rivers will be useful in forecasting with-project
impacts to the downstream biological food web,including resident and
anadromous fishes.
Deliverable
Report detailing the study and its results •
Schedule
Draft May 1,1985.
Final June 30,1985.
40995 134
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TASK 46
CHARACTERIZATION OF TURBID WATER MAINSTEM INFLUENCED TALKEETNA RIVER SALMON
SPAWNING HABITATS
Rationale
Turbid water mainstem influenced macrohabitats of the Talkeetna River
appear to support more chum salmon spawning (ADF&G SuHydro
observations)than similar macrohabitats in the middle reach of the
Susitna River.It has been suggested that turbid water mainstem
influenced macrohabitats of the Susitna River under with-project
conditions might support salmon spawning.Information comparing use of
turbid water influenced macrohabitats in the two rivers will provide a
better evaluation of the potential of the Susitna River for providing
salmon spawning habitat under with-project conditions.This
information will support impact assessment,mitigation analyses and the
settlement process.
Objectives
r-,1.To identify the principal macrohabitats present in the Talkeetna
River basin.
2.To identify salmon spawning areas in the turbid water mainstem
influenced macrohabitats of the Talkeetna River.
3.
40995
To identify characteristics associated with spawning habitats in
these macrohabitats.
135
Description
Informat ion from aerial surveys and available maps and aerial
photographs will be used to identify the various macrohabitat types
present ~n the Talkeetna River basin.Chum salmon spawning areas in
the turbid water mainstem influenced macrohabitats of the Talkeetna
River will be identified using aerial and boat surveys.Point specific
spawning habitat ut il izat ion data will be collected'at selected
identified spawning areas in these macrohabitats.Data·to be
collected will include:water depth and velocity,substrate,surface
and intragravel water quality and temperature and upwelling at
identified spawning redds.This information will be used to
characterize the general habitat conditions associated with chum salmon
spawning in the turbid water mainstem influenced macrohabitats of the
Talkeetna River.This in format ion will be compared to existing and
-
expected habitat conditions in the same macrohabitat types ~n the
middle reach of the Susitna River to determine the potential of these
macrohabitats for providing suitable salmon spawning conditions.
Deliverables
A report documenting the findings of this sutdy.
Schedule
-
-
Draft Report
Final Report
40995
February I,1985
March 15,1985
136
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TASK 47
MIDDLE RIVER TRIBUTARY STABILITY STUDY
Rationale
The report "S us itna Hydroelectric Project Reservoir and River
Sedimentation"concluded that based on a compar1son of sediment
transportable under with-project conditions with the bed material size near
the mouths of the tributaries river bed aggradation near their mouths
appears to be likely.The tendency for accumulation would be greatest at
Sherman Creek and Indian River.
The S1ze and distributions of bed materials for other tributaries indicate
D50 smaller than the transportable size,and there would be less aggradation
near the mouth of these tributaries.However,because only a few bed
material samples were collected in the study reach,additional data will
have to be collected an analyzed to confirm or revise this assessment.
Currently,data are not available to quantify the extent of potential
aggradation in the mainstem near the mouths of the tributaries.A sediment
data collection program has been proposed by the U.S.Geological Survey
(USGS)which includes sediment measurements on Indian River and Portage
Creek.When data collected under this program become available,a
quantitative estimation may become feasible.However,severe aggradations
at the mouths of tributaries which will require substantial mitigative
measures are not expected.Most of the tributaries will adjust to the new
flow reg1me without detrimental effects on fish access,bridges or
railroads.The adjustments will depend upon a number of factors such as the
shape of a tributary cross section,size of bed material,increase 1n the
40995 137
I~
hydraulic gradient (due to lowering of water surface elevaiton 1n the
mainstem under with-project conditions),magnitude and frequency of high
flows 1n a tributary and the size of sediment transportable by the mainstem
flow.The interaction of these factors 1S not completely understood.
Therefore,depending upon these factors,a tributary may adjust to new
regime over a period of time,one wet season or a number of years.
Objective
The objectives of this study are to quantify the extent of potential
aggradation in the mainstem near the mouths of Indian River and Portage
Creek,and to determine whether this aggradation will result in impacts to
habitat access.
Description
The following elements will be part of this study:
1.Suspended sediment,bedload and bed materials measurements by the
USGS on Indian River and Portage Creek.
2.Surveying cross sections on the tributaries near the mouths and on
the mainstem just upstream and downstream of mouth.
3.Periodic discharge measurements and continuous stage recording on
the tributaries.
,...
4.
5.
40995
Analyses to estimate bedload transporatable by tributaires and to
quantify aggradation or degradation of material at tributary
mouths.
Estimation of impact of aggradation or degradation on tributary
access.
138
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r
currently available data and results of analyses of these data have
been compiled into a report entitled Susitna Hydroelectric Project -
Reservoir and River Sedimentation.There are current 1y no data on
suspended sediment and bedload discharge from the tributaries.ADF&G
recorded water stage during 1983 on the tributaries.R&M made
discharge measurements on these tributaries and some bed material
sampling has been made.However,the data available is not sufficient
to support a quantitative analysis of sedimentation in the
tributaries.
De1iverab1es
A report documenting the results of the analyses will be provided.
Schedule
...USGS sampling will be carried out in the
completed by October or November,1984.
available for use by March,1985.
summer of 1984 and should be
Data should be reduced and
-1
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I.
The report documenting the study will be available by June,1985.
40995 139
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TASK 48
MAINSTEM HABITAT SUITABILITY FOR SALMON INCUBATION
Rationale
This task will provide baseline information required to make better
evaluations of the suitability of mainstem habitats for salmon
egg incubation.This information will support mitigation planning and
the settlement and hearings processes.
Objective
Determine the suitability of mainstem habitat for successful incubation
of salmon embryos under with-project conditions.
Description
With-project conditions in the mainstem Susitna River may result in
more favorable spawning conditions for salmon.However,the
suitability of these mainstem habitats for providing conditions for
successful embryonic development has not been documented.The majority
of incubation habitat studies have been directed at determining the
conditions associated with chum salmon embryo development in slough
habitats.Data on the habitat conditions at incubation sites of other
species will be collected and analyzed to evaluate the potential of the
mainstem to provide suitable habitat under with-project conditions.
Spawning areas in tributary habitats of salmon will be selected as
study sites during the open water season.Embryo incubation chambers
40995 140
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•
containing salmon embryos will be placed within each study site and
periodically removed.Specific data on temperature conditions and time
since fertilization will be used to monitor the rate of development of
embryos to determine the thermal units required to reach various
developmental stages.This information will be compared with that
available in published literature.Intragravel and surface water
temperature data will be obtained on a continuous basis within each
selected tributary throughout the incubation period.Intragravel
standpipes will be placed in each study site to determine surface and
intragravel water quality conditions (instantaneous temperature,
dissolved oxygen,conductivity and pH)associated with embryo
development.Substrate samples will be collected to characterize
substrate conditions in selected habitats.This information will be
combined and used to assess the habitat conditions associated with
successful incubation and embryonic development.
The results of this analysis will be compared with habitat information
obtained at selected mainstem sites where spawning under with-project
conditions is expected •
Deliverables
A final report summarizing the potential suitability of mainstem
habitats for providing successful incubation conditions under Project
operation.
Schedule
-
-
40995
Draft
Final
August 31,1985
October 15,1985
141
-TASK 49
REFINEMENT OF ADULT SALMON HABITAT UTILIZATION DATA
Rationale
--
Additional salmon spawn1ng habitat utilization data will refine
habitat utilization/suitability curves developed during FY84.
task will support the settlement and hearings processes.
Objective
the
This
40995
-
-
--
To collect additional spawning habitat utilization data to expand
and/or refine the data base used during FY84 and construct improved
spawning habitat utilization/suitability curves.
Description
A limited spawning utilization data base is available for developing
utilization curves for the Susitna River.Existing curves for pink and
sockeye salmon are based principally on professional judgement and
available literature.Weighted usable area calculations derived from
spawning habitat utilization/suitability curves based on professional
judgement and literature may lead to miscalculations of changes 1n
useable spawning habitat as a function of changes in discharge.
Depth,velocity,substrate,surface and intragravel water temperature,
and upwelling data will be collected at active salmon spawning sites.
Site selection will emphasize IFG modeling sites,however,data will
also be collected at other sites.
142
De1iverab1es
Refined spawning habitat utilization/suitability curves.
calculations of weighted useable area.
Schedule
Refined
Data collection will occur from July to October,1984.Refine curves
will be available by December 31,1984.Revised weighted useable area
estimates will be available by February 28,1984.
....,
f""
i
-
Refined curves
Refined WUA estimates
40995
December 31,1984
February 28,1985
143
-
-
TASK 50
REFINEMENT OF UPWELLING COMPONENT FOR SIDE-SLOUGH HABITAT ANALYSIS
Rationale
More point specific upwelling data are needed to refine the upwelling
component for input to IFG hydraulic models.Refinement of these-models with quantitative upwelling data will improve calculatedi
weighted useable areas (WUA)•This information will support impact
assessment for the hearings and settlement processes.
Objective
-
.-,
-
-
Refine upwelling component for input to IFG-4 models used to estimate
habitat vs.flow relationships in slough and side channel habitats.
Description
Intragravel water temperature and upwelling data will be obtained at a
variety of discharges within each of the FY84 middle river IFG-4
modeling sites.These data will be input to the habitat models and
refined estimates of WUA will be provided.
Deliverables
Recalculated estimates of WUA within middle river slough and side
channel modeling sites to better evaluate changes in useable area
(relative to upwelling)with change in discharge.
Schedule
-Revised WUA estimates
40995
January 31,1985.
144
-
-
-
-.,
-
-
-
TASK 51
HEAVY METAL LEACHING POTENTIAL FROM RESERVOIRS
Rationale
Leaching of potentially toxic heavy metals from newly inundated
reservoir vegetation and soils is a possible problem during the early
life of any reservoir.In the Susitna River some trace metals present-
ly exist 1n concentrations higher than agency limits (Exhibit E,
Chapter 2,pg.E-2-36)for protection of freshwater organisms.Know-
ledge of the potential for the project reservoirs to create toxic metal
problems will be useful for addressing agency concerns and thus comple-
tion of the FEIS,settlement process and acquisition of the FERC
License.
Objective
Summarize the potential for leaching of heavy metals from soils and
organic matter within the newly impounded reservoirs.
Description
A literature search and analysis will be performed and related to the
present level of limno10gica1 knowledge about the Susitna River.A
qualitative assessment will be made of the project related changes
which may occur in dissolved or particulate heavy metal cations such
as:
,.....
40995
-Arsenic
Barium
-Beryllium
-Boron
-Lead
Manganese
-Mercury
-Nickel
145
Deliverable
-Cadmium
Chromium
-Copper
-Iron
-Selenium
Silver
-Zinc
An expanded and refined version of the license application discussions
and responses to agency concerns related to this topic will be provided
in report form.
Schedule
-
-
Draft
Final
40995
March 1,1985
May 1,1985
146
..-
-
TASK 52
BASELINE STUDY OF MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN RESIDENT FISHES
Rationale
Determination of natural concentrations of mercury accumulated in the
tissues of resident fish will provide baseline information for response
to agency concerns regarding potential Project enhanced mercury bio-
accumulation in fish.A baseline study will support the settlement
process and acquisition of the FERC license.Bioaccumu1ation of
mercury in fish tissue was raised as a potential problem in agency
responses to the license application.
Objective
Determine the baseline or preproject levels of mercury in the tissues
of fish resident to the Susitna River.
Description
ADF&G will collect and properly preserve representative samples of
adult,piscivorous resident sport fish in the Sustina River:
-a)
b)
c)
d)
upper river including Maclaren,Tyone and Oshetna tributaries;
reservior area reaches,including major tributaries;
middle reach
lower reach including the Chulitna,Talkeetna,Kashwitna,Deshka
and Yentna Rivers.
-
-
Appropriately preserved
laboratory for analyses
mercury concentrations.
40995
samples will
by approved
147
be sent to
techniques to
a predetermined
determine tissue
~
......
-
..-
-
-
-
-
-
-
--
Discussion and summary of sample locations,sample
analysis techniques,all data,and recommendations
will be presented in report form by H-E.
Deliverables
Report of baseline study.
Schedule
Draft report March 1,1985.
Final report June 1,1985.
preservation and
for future study
40995 148
--
TASK 53
LABORATORY ANALYSES
Rationale
Specific laboratory studies may be identified as important to resolve
issues or questions connected to the settlement,hearings or over-all
licensing processes.
-
.....
Objective
Perform specified laboratory analyses that
raised pertaining to the Susitna Project and
under field conditions •
Description
would resolve questions
which cannot be performed
Although no specific activities have been determined for this task,
potential laboratory studies which might be performed are:
1.
2.
incubation studies of chinook and coho embryos;
development of thermal preference curves for adul t and j uveni Ie
andromous and resident fish;
3.interaction of temperature and turbidity affecting juvenile
anadromous rearing.
Specific proposals for laboratory studies will be prioritized based on
their own merits.
40995 149
-
,~
Deliverables
For each laboratory study performed in this task,the deliverables will
include:
1.Detailed Plan of Study
2.Draft of Study Report
3.Final Study Report
Schedule
The schedule is not specified for this task.
40995 150
-
-
-
-
-
TASK 54
GROUNDWATER STUDIES-WELL PUMPING TESTS
Rationale
The influence of mainstem flow on water temperature~quality and
quantity in sloughs is an important aspect of the over-all assessment
of impacts due to Project operation.Results of this study may help
refine present estimates of the rates at which changes 1n mainstem
hydraulic or thermal conditions are conveyed through the groundwater
regime toward sloughs.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to obtain additional information to con-
firm the nature of aquifer materials in the vicinities of sloughs and
to quantify the degree of hydraulic connections between the river and
groundwater aquifers.
Description
This study will consist of field pumping tests of existing wells in
slough 9 and analysis of the results.Currently available data have
been compiled and analyzed and the results documented in a draft report
entitled Susitna Hydroelectric Project Slough Geohydrology Studies.
Results of the pumping tests will be utilized along with currently
available data to define aquifer materials and the extent of the hy-
draulic connection between the mainstem and the sloughs.
40995 151
Deliverables
Results of the analysis will be compiled into a report.
Schedule
-
Final report
40995 152
prior to July 31,1985
!~
-
-
-
.-
-
-
-
"....
!
-
Appendix A
DRAFT
LOWER RIVER STUDY PLAN
-
-
\~~'~tJ~~:;l~~
1.0 INTRODUCTION ~"j~i.:l!lF'".,.y\<'
I
The Alaska Power Authority (Power Authority)has proposed construction of a
two dam hydroelectric project on the Susitna River.The Susitna
Hydroelectric Project is a large and complex undertaking that must comply
with several state and federal regulations and processess designed,for the
most part,to protect the public interest and safety and insure a proper
handling of environmental protection.The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC)is the primary regulatory agency whose rules and
procedures govern the present pre-construction phase of the project.FERC
regulations (in part)requue that the Power Authority provide detailed
descriptions of existing water quality and flows as well as description of
biotic components of the riverine aquatic and associated riparian habitats,
expected impacts on particular fish resources and measures and/or facilities
planned for mitigation of project-induced losses to these resources.On
February 28,1983,the Power Authority applied for a FERC license to
construct and operate the project.The Exhibit E of the license application
described expected project-induced changes of water quantity and quality as
well as potential effects on fish and their habitats (Alaska Power
Authority,1983:Exhibit E,Chapters 2 &3).
Changes of water quantity and quality and,therefore,potential impacts are
expected to be greatest near the proposed project site with gradual
amelioration of the effects further down river.Environmental studies
to date have focused primarily on the Middle Susitna River reach (Devil
Canyon to Talkeetna)with lesser efforts on the upper river (headwater to
Devil Canyon)and lo~er river (T.alke.etna to Cook Inlet)reaches.S.ince the}
acceptance of the 11cense appl1cat10n,resource management agenc1es have
questioned the lack of focus on the lower river.The agencies are concerned
that,even though with-project physical changes may be relatively small,
there is little quantitative support to justify the conclusions that
project-related impacts to the lower river fisheries resources would not be
significant.Project-related impacts could be greater than projected either
because the fish and/or their habitats in the lower river are more sensitive
41013/R 1
-
-
to expected physical changes or the fish are much more abundant so
relatively small environmental changes could have a larger net effect on
fish populations.
The Power Authority developed this study plan to emphasize evaluation and
quantification of potential project impacts in the lower river.The plan
received considerable input from various resource management agencies and ~
.'1/Power Author1ty contractors and subcontractors.-
Project operation has less ability to regulate flow and affect water quality
in the lower river so it cannot be expected that flow-related impacts can be
mitigated through project operation to the same degree as for the middle
river.For this reason,studies in the lower river may not require as high
a level of resolution as studies conducted in the middle river.However,
the level of effort required will depend upon the existing data base and
evaluation of potential impacts as they evolve.This study plan provides a
step-wise process to provide the Power Authority with data and information
necessary to develop reliable descriptions of project-related impacts on
fish resources of the lower river and formulate appropriate mitigative
measures.The remainder of this study plan is separated into the following
sections:
2.0 General Plan Scope and Approach
Description of the scope of the study plan and an overall
description of the objectives,scopes and approach for the
studies.
1../Alaska Department of Fish and Game's SuHydro Study Team,Harza-Ebasco
Joint Venture,Arctic Environmental Information and Data Collection Center,
(AEIDC),R&M Consultants,E.Woody Trihey and Associates (EWT&A)and
Woodward-Clyde Consultants (WCC).This group is generally identified as the
Aquatic Study Team.
41013/R 2
.-.
I.....
"""
-
.....
3.0 Lower River Habitat Stratification and Classification
Description of habitat stratification and classification of the
lower river with a rationale for each.
4.0 Physical Study Components
Presentation of information needs and proposed study plans for
description of projected physical changes.
5.0 Fish Impact Issues
Presentation of information needs and proposed study plans
necessary for adequate resolution of impact issues.
6.0 Summary
'll'i
Summarization of the initial physical and biological studies for
the lower river that need to be done.The results of these
studies will be integrated and evaluated to determine if their
results will resolve impact 1ssues and questions.If so,no
further studies may be warranted.If not,more detailed or
alternative studies may be warranted.
41013/R 3
2.0 GENERAL PLAN SCOPE AND APPROACH
2.1 SCOPE
This study plan is intended to provide guidance and a general framework to
plan and coordinate studies 1n the lower river.Details of study design,
site selection,and methodology are not included.Parties actually
performing the studies are responsible for details of study design and
results of various study components are ,compatible and meet standards
necessary for subsequent applications and analyses.-
methodology.However,review and coordination will be necessary to insure
2.2 APPROACH
The lower river studies will provide basic data and information necessary to
evaluate potential project-related impacts and to plan appropriate
mitigation measures.The general approach will follow the rationale used~
for middle r1ver studies.The basic rationale utilizes a sequent ial process
to determine potential significant impacts,to estimate the actual magnitude
and significance of potential impacts and to plan measures to mitigate for
significant adverse impacts.
approach are as follows:
The'sequence of steps underlying the basic
....1.Predict the physical changes to aquatic habitat which are
attributable to project construction and operation (qualitative
and quantitative).
2.Evaluate the anticipated physical changes to predict potential
effects (qualitative and quantitative)these changes could have on
utilization of the aquatic habitat by fish species of interest.
.....
3 •
41013/R
Plan and implement studies and analyses to evaluate,quantify and
adequately assess the magnitude of each impact.
4
4.Plan a set of measures to mitigate for those impacts anticipated
to have significant adverse effects on production of the fish
species of interest.
,-
Results from prior studies of the Susitna River System and some time
constraints will alter the sequential nature of this process to some degree.
However,the essence and intent will be preserved.The sequence can be
followed presently at a qualitative level but efforts to better quantify
steps 1 through 3 will occur in parallel during most of Fiscal Year 1985
(FY85).
Meaningful evaluation of impact issues requires integration of predicted
with-project physical characteristics (see Section 4.0)with measures of
fish abundance and utilization of the potentially impacted habitats.
Existing quantification and descriptions of the distribution and abundance
of and habitat utilization by the species of interest are limited for the
lower river.Studies will be implemented (see Section 5.0)in FY8S to
gather additional information and data on distribution and abundance of fish
species and the habitat utilization by the species.Toward the end of FY85
the physical and biological data will be~analyzed and integrated for
assessing the adequacy of results to resolve impact issues and determine if
further resolution and studies are warranted.
The length (nearly 100 miles)and morphologic complexity of the lower river,
together with the expected amelioration of with-project changes pass1ng
downstream,complicate the selection of representative sites and an
analytical expansion.A stratified approach will be used to minimize this
problem.A lower river morphological assessment is being performed (see
Section 3.0)by R & M Consultants (R&M)to provide the basic (macro-habitat)
measurements that will be used for extrapolating anticipated effects at
specific sites to impacts on the lower river as a whole.R&M,with
assistance from AEIDC,has stratified the river into segments and habitat
classifications based on river morphology and hydrology.These strata will
provide the basis from which study designs and site selections are
,....
41013!R 5
developed.The basic stratification is described in detail in Section 3.0.
Also described in that section are continuing studies to refine the basic
data and to provide support for interpretation of the physical and
biological study components described in Sections 4 and S respectively.
Several anticipated project-induced physical changes have been identified.
These are changes in water discharge,water temperature,ice processes,
suspended sediment (turbidity)and bedload transport processes.The
expected changes in each physical factor are only qualitative at this time.
The major plan objective for physical component studies in FYBS is to-quantify the expected magnitude of with-project changes for specified r1ver
segments (see Section 3.0).The ability to quantify physical factors 1n the
lower river may be limited by a lack of baseline or historic data and the
relatively dynamic and unstable nature of instream flow processes.In those
cases,the qualitative projections will be refined and documented as a part
of the activities described in this section.
-
-
-
41013/R 6
.~
3.0 LOWER RIVER STRATIFICATION AND HABITAT DEFINITION
3.1 Background
R & M has conducted a lower river morphological
assistance from AEIDC,has stratified the lower
segments with common morphological characteristics.
are (from R&M,1984):
Segment I:RM 98.5 to RM 78
assessment and t .with
river into contiguous
The defined segments
,~
-
This segment extends from the Chulitna River confluence with the
Susitna River downstream to the head of the side-channel complex (see
below for di(ferentiation)just upstream of the mouth of Montana Creek.
In this Segment,the river is braided,with the main channel meandering
through a wide gravel floodplain.Large expanses of gravel bars are
exposed at low flows.The channel 1.S constricted to a single channel
at the Parks Highway Bridge (RM 83.8).Significant tributaries in this
segment include Talkeetna River,Birch Creek,Trapper Creek,Sunshine
Creek,Rabideaux Creek,and Whitefish Slough.A total of six side-
channel complexes were identified.
Segment II:RM 78 to RM 51
This segment extends from the side-channel complex upstream from
Montana Creek to the head of the Delta Islands where the river splits
into two main channels.The morphology in this reach is complex,with
a total of nine side-channel complexes along the edge of the river,and
two side-channel complexes in large island groups in mid-channel.
Significant tributaries in this segment include Montana Creek,Goose
Creek,Sheep Creek,and the Kashwitna
4l013/R 7
.....
......
-
Segment III:RM 51 to RM 42.5
This segment encompasses the Delta Islands reach where two ma1n
channels exist,one on the east and one on the west.A total of five
side-channel complexes exist in this segment,with a major complex
between the two main channels.The segment ends where the two main
channels rejoin.Significant tributaries in this segment include
Little Willow Creek and Willow Creek.
Segment +V:RM 42.5 to RM 28.5
This segment extends from the lower end of the Delta Island to the
confluence with the Yentna River.The reach is characterized by a
~
braided pattern,with seven side-channel complexes.The Deshka River
enters the upper end of this reach.Kroto Slough branches off from
this segment,and extends to the Yentna River.
Segment V:RM 28.5 to RM 0
This segment extends from the Yentna River confluence to the mouth of
the Susitna River in Cook Inlet.The segment is primarily a split-
channel configuration down to RM 19,the head of Alexander Slough.The
Susitna River has 2 channels from RM 19 to Cook Inlet,with the east
side channels conveying the largest proportion of the river water.The
west channel is primarily an overflow channel and the upper section
dewaters at low flow.The lower portion of the west channel is fed by
Alexander Creek.Other tributaries entering this segment include
Anderson Creek and Fish Creek.
These river segments will provide the basic stratification for both physical
and biological components of the study plans.
Within the River Segements,four major habitat categories were defined based
on morphological characteristics (from R&M,1984).
41013/R 8
-
-
1.Mainstem Channel
The mainstem channel is that portion of the river floodplain between
the vegetated boundaries,including wide gravel floodplains and
isolated vegetated islands in mid-channel.Two subcategories exist:
1)Mainstem river,consisting of the thalweg channel and major
subchannels.
2)Alluvial island complexes,which are areas of broad gravel islands
with numerous subchannels which dewater as flow decreases.
2.Side-Channel Complex
The side-channel complexes are groups of side-channels flowing through
vegetated islands.These are normally along the edge of the mainstem
river,but may also include areas in the middle of the river,such as
the Delta Islands.Two subcategories exist:
Lateral side-channel,which is the outside channel of the complex,
close"st to the edge of the floodplain.This channel collects any
groundwater seepage or tributary flow from the river banks,so
usually will not completely dewater,even when its upstream berm
is not breached.
-
-
2)
41013/R
Medial side-channels are the overflow side-channels between the
mainstem and the lateral side-channel.These side-channels
generally dewater as mainstem flow decreases.Flow may be
maintained in some of these medial side-channels from groundwater
sources.
9
-
-
-
-
3.Sloughs
Sloughs are simple,regular channels which are generally overtopped
only at high flows.They are differentiated from side-channel
complexes by the fact that sloughs are isolated channels,not fed by a
series of medial side-channels.
4.Tributary Mouths
Tributary mouths include the area between the downstream extent of a
tributary plume and the upstream effect of backwater.The area is
variable,and depends both on the tributary discharge and the mainstem
discharge.The length of the tributary plume may sharply increase when
the tributary flows into a side-channel in which the upper end is no
longer breached.
The combination of river segment stratification and habitat categorization
will be used by all study participants to insure that the van.ous study
designs and eventual results are both complimentary and compatible.Also,
study participants will qpordinate in a joint process to establish a common
set of priority study sites.
3.2 Information and Study Needs
With the completion of the stratification habitat classification into the
respective categories,the next step will be to provide more detailed
information on the responses of specific habitat surface areas to mainstem
discharge.This information will be used as an important component of
predictions of potential physical and biological impacts for the lower
river as well as in the extrapolation to the river as a whole.
-ii 41013/R 10
3.3 Study Plans
side-channel complex habitats
areas of each habitat type.
expressed as changes in the
.....
,....
!
-
The morphological assessment will further quantify the relationships between
mainstem,side-channel complex,and tributary mouth habitat categories and
how they respond to mainstem discharges.These relationships will be used
to estimate the magnitude and location of changes in habitat area resulting
from with-project flows.The results of this analysis can be combined with
information on habitat utilization and a more detailed and expanded habitat
mapping to assess project-related impacts on the species of interest and
their habitats for the entire lower river reach.Variations in mainstem and
will be expressed as charges in wetted surface ~
Variations in tributary mouth habitats wi 11 b~~.~,,~
linear length of each tributary mouth habitat.~!:.~""
N,J".1rJ
Measurements will be taken from four sets of aerial photographs representing l'·
mainstem flows (measured at Sunshine Station)of 13,600 cubic feet per
second (cfs),22,000 cfs,37,500 cfs,and 56,500 cfs which were obtained 1n
1983 and from two sets of aerial photographs which will be obtained at
mainstem discharges of 75,000 cfs and 90,000 cfs during 1984.
Results of the morphological assessment will provide an index of habitat-"")
sensitivity to discharge,by river segment,that can be used to establish l
and prioritize study sites.Typical study sites will be chosen which will >...
represent each habitat classification in each river segment.This will be a \
general guideline for initial site selection which can then be altered or
reinforced based on well described judgements and priorities.However,
prioritization should not sacrifice the basic guideline of choosing sites
representative of each habitat in each river segment.
The above studies are expected to be completed during early FY85.
41013!R 11
r
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4.0 PHYSICAL STUDY COMPONENTS
Identification and assessment of impacts on fish resources in the lower
river require that project-related changes in the physical conditions of the"
lower river be established.This requires an assessment of current
conditions and a prediction of conditions during initial reservoir filling
and project operation.Several anticipated project-induced physical changes
have been identified.These are changes in water discharge,water
temperature,ice processes,suspended sediment (turbidity)and bedload
transport processes.The expected changes in each physical factor are only
qualitative at this time.The major plan objective for physical component
studies in FY85 1S to quantify the expected magnitude of with-project
changes for specified river segments (see Section 3.0).The ability to
quantify physical factors in the lower river may be limited by a lack of
baseline or historic data and the relatively dynamic and unstable nature of
instream flow processes.In those cases,the qualitative projections will
be refined and documented as a part of the activities described in this
section.
4.1 DISCHARGE
4.1.1 Background
Proposed operation of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project will be based on a
power product ion scenario that provides beneficial economics while
maintaining sufficient discharge to provide for downstream aquatic resources
(Alaska Power Authority 1983).Project reservoirs will be drawn down during
the peak energy demand months of winter and filled during the summer
resulting in downstream flows that will be greater than natural conditions
in the winter and less than natural conditions in the summer (Table 4.1).
The magnitudes of change from natural flows clearly decrease moving
downstream (Table 4.1)due to the influence of tributaries.However,
efforts to statistically define river reaches where with-project flows
410l3/R 12
-
-
-
do not differ significantly from natural conditions have been unsuccessful.
Consequently,the area where predicted project impacts occur cannot be
limited based on analysis of existing streamflow data and it will be
necessary to include the entire lower river for assess1ng discharge-related
impacts (AEIDC 1983).
-410l3/R 13
-
-TABLE 4.1
PREDICTED AVERAGE MONTHLY DOWNSTREAM FLOWS AND PERCENT CHANGE
AT SUNSHINE (RM 87)AND SUSITNA STATION (RM 26)FOR THE
TWO DAM SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT SCENARIO (FROM AEIDC 1983a)
..-
Sunshine Susitna Station
With-With-
Natural Project Percent Natural Project Percent
Month (cfs)(cfs)Change (cfs)(cfs)Change
,.,...October 14,287 16,271 +14 31,427 33,411 +6
November 6,139 13,196 +115 13,500 20,558 +52
.,...,
December 4,318 13,7731 +219 8,517 17,973 +111
,....,January 3,614 12,722 +252 8,030 17,137 +113
February 3,045 11,969 +293 7,148 16,072 +125-March 2,706 10,856 +301 6,408 14,558 +127
April 3,271 9,993 +206 7,231 13,953 +93-May 28,021 23,381 -17 61,646 57,006 -8
June 64,597 46,581 -28 124,614 106,597 -15_.
.July 64,953 48,834 -25 134,549 118,431 -12
August 57,262 47,630 -17 113,935.104,314 -8
September 32,104 29,258 -9 67,652 64,806 -4
4.1.2 Information and Study Needs
Expected with-project flow changes at USGS gage stations in the lower river
have been adequately forecast on a monthly basis for the case C flow
scenario presented in the license application.Shorter term (weekly and
-41013/R 14
......
-
-
and possibly daily)forecasts are needed as well as representative forecasts
for other flow scenarios.These will enable comparison of effects of other
regimes on aquatic resources.In addition,the magnitude and duration of
short term high flow events (floods)can influence timing and relative
success of adult migration,spawning habitat access and juvenile
distribution.Hence,flood frequency curves,given alternative operations
regimes will be developed for the lower river.
There is a need to provide information on flood duration,flood flows,and
flow frequency for use in evaluating potential project impacts on aquatic
habitat.Such information is also needed to better understand how changes
in flow affects sediment transport capability in the lower river and its
interactions with aggradation,degradation and potential changes to aquatic
habitat.
4.2 WATER TEMPERATURE
4.2.1 Background
The temperature reg1me of the Susitna River downstream of the proposed
project is expected to change during both filling and operation.Predicting
downstream temperature regimes and relating these predictions to temperature
preferences and tolerances of aquatic resources is an important component in
evaluating impacts in the lower river-(further discussion of biological
effects of temperature changes are provided in Section 5.0)
In the FERC license application,predictions of downstream temperatures were
made using the HEATSIM instream temperature model.Input data to this model
includes simulated reservoir temperatures (using the DYRESM model),
reservoir operations,water balance data,and historical temperature data.
Results of these simulations are discussed in Chapter 2 of the FERC license
application.The AEIDC has further evaluated downsteam temperatures using a
river temperature model (SNTEMP)that has some advantage over the HEATSIM
model (AEIDC,1983b)in that it accounts for shading and tributary thermal
41013/R 15
impact.Hence,the SNTEMP model enables a refinement of the results of the
HEATSIM model.
Based upon review of simulations of both AEIDC (1983 b)and Acres American,
Inc.(Alaska Power Authority,1983)the following statements can be made
regarding with-project temperatures in the lower river:
1.During the second year of filling,the temperature regime during
June to August in the reach downstream of Talkeetna is predicted
to be lOC (or less)lower than the natural regime,regardless of
hydrologic and meteorologic conditions in whatever year the
filling occurs.
2.During operations,there will be observable temperature changes
downstream of Talkeetna.The extent and magnitude of these
changes cannot be predicted at present.Expected changes
include:
a.Lower summer temperatures because of .the reduced mainstem
flow and a resultant proportional increase in contribution by
the colder Chulitna and Talkeetna rivers.
b.During early fall,downstream temperatures would remain above
O°C for some length of the river downstream of Talkeetna and
for an undetermined period of time (depending on meteorologic
and hydrologic conditions).
-
41013/R
c.
d.
In late fall and winter,the river ~s anticipated to be
normal (i.e.,aOc)by the time it reaches Talkeetna.
Between Talkeetna and the Sunshine gaging station,June
through August water tempertures will be reduced and those in
September increased as compared to natural conditions (two
dam scenario)(Table 4.2).
16
r~
-
-
4.2.2 Information and Study Needs
There is a need to complete the assessment of potential temperature changes
that may occur in the lower river as a result of the project.This
information will be coupled.with biological studies to determine if
potential effects on aquatic organisms are significant in the lower river.
4.3 SUSPENDED SEDIMENT (TURBIDITY)
4.3.1 Background
Sediment particles that are transported in a stream while being held in
suspension by the turbulent components of the water are classified as
suspended sediments.Within the Susitna,glacial outwash contributes mostly
fine sediment «5 microns in diameter).Analyses of suspended sediment and
turbidity in the Susitna River has been conducted by R&M (I982c,see page E-
2-200 of the license application)and the USGS (unpubl.),while periodic
measurements of turbidity at specific habitat locations in the lower river
have been obtained by ADF&G as part of their Aquatic Habitat and Instream
Flow Study program (e.g.,Figures E.5.7 to E.5.34,ADF&G [AR]1981,Chapter
2 of the FERC License Application [po K-2-28 to E-2-30 J,and Table 4-D-45
ADF&G [AH]1983).These measurements indicate that under natural
-41013/R 17
TABLE 4.2
MONTHLY TEMPERTURES (OC)AT THE CONFLUENCE WITH CHULITNA RIVER (RM 98)
AND SUNSHINE (RM 84)IN JUNE-SEPTEMBER FOR SEVERAL
PROJECT STAGES*
Year 2 of One Dam Two Dam
,..
.-
Month
June
Confluence
Sunshine
July
Confluence
Sunshine
Augu~t
Confluence
Sunshine
September
Confluence
Sunshine
Natural~/
°c
7.2-9.9
8.2-10.3
8.7-10.6
9.1-11.2
7.5-9.7
7.9-10.2
4.7-6.6
4.3-6.1
Filling!./
DC
6.1-8.1
7.8-9.2
7.6-9.1
8.4-10.2
6.5-8.2
7.1-9.0
4.6-6.1
4.3-5.7
operation~/
°c
8.0
8.2
8.1
8.2
8.2
8.2
6.7
6.7
Operation~/
°c
7.6
7.9
7.9
8.0
7.5
7.6
6.6
6.6
~/15 year simulation (1968-1982).
bl Using 1981 hydrologic and meteorologic data and results of DYRESM
model for 1981.
*AEIDC 1983b.
41013/R 18
-I
....
-
conditions,summer turbidities are high (up to 1,056 NTU or 1,620 mg/l as
measured at Sunshine by the USGS);and winter turbidities are low (e.g.,0-2
mg/l in March as measured at Sunshine).
Most suspended sediment in the lower river is derived from the three major
tributaries,especially the Chulitna River.Downstream of the confluence,
the Yentna River,also a glacial river,is the major additional source of
sediment.Although the glacier fed rivers are the major sediment source,
some bank erosion and resuspension of deposited sediment occurs.Because of
the dil ut ion of water by tributaries and sedimentat ion of some suspended
sediments due to the low gradient of the streambed,turbidities and
suspended sediment concentrations may decrease between Sunshine and Susitna
stations (Figures E-2-78 and E-2-8l in the license application).
During filling and operation of the project,the reservoirs will act as
sediment traps that will decrease the overall amount of suspended sediment
moving downstream.A significant decrease in turbidity may enhance light
penetration (thus increasing biological production)but eliminate the use of
turbid water as cover by salmonid juveniles rearing in the river.A
modeling study (on Watana Reservoir)was conducted by Peratrovich,
Nottingham,and Drage (1982)to predict downstream turbidities in the middle
river.The study predicted that with-project turbidities in.the middle
river would range from 20-50 NTU in the summer and 10-20 NTU 1n the winter,
and that the reservoir would retain about 80 percent of the natural sediment
load (see Figure E.2.80 in the license application).The relative change in
suspended sediment/turbidity levels downstream from the confluence of the
Chulitna,Talkeetna,and Sus itna rivers has been estimated using a mass
balance relationship.The license application (Chapter 2)predicted that at
a flow of 12,000 cfs,the suspended sediment downstream from the confluence
would be decreased by 3 percent in summer,whereas at a filling flow of
6,000 cfs,the suspended sediment concentrat ion could increase by
approximately 8 percent.Decreases in the suspended sediment concentrations
and turbidity of this level in summer will not likely be of significance to
the aquatic resources in the lower river.For turbidity decreases to be
4l013/R 19
-
-
,-
to be significant to benthic production or to decrease cover available for
rearing fish.turbidity must be in the lower end of the 20-50 NTU range
(AEIDC 1983b).As a result of the high suspended sediment load of the
Chulitna River (twice the Susitna above the confluence).decreases below 50
NTU will not occur.
During winter,suspended sediment concentrations have not yet been predicted
quantitatively.Because the suspended sediment concentration of water
released from the reserV01r will be increased over natural conditions,
concentrations in the lower river will also be elevated.Although the
inflow of tributaries below the confluence will dilute the suspended
sediments,concentrations will still be higher than under natural
conditions.Juvenile and resident sa1monids utilize riverine habitats
during the winter.Therefore.unnaturally high suspended sediment levels at
this time may affect fish behavior and adversely affect fish populations.
4.3.2 Information and Study Needs
A consolidation of existing information and analysis on turbidity is
necessary to determine if any potential impacts might occur in the lower
river.
4.4 BEDLOAD SEDIMENT
4.4.1 Background
In addition to the sediment that is suspended in the river.there is also
considerable bedload sediment discharge.Bedload is coarse sediment
(usually gravel,but in some cases sand)that 1S transported on or near the
streambed.The heavily glaciat,ed basin of the Chulitna River results in
considerable bed material movement in the Chulitna River.Measurements of
natural bedload sediment discharge for the Susitna River basin are available
from the USGS (unpubl.)and R&M (l982c),(page E-2-200 in the license
application),although data are only available for the summer months (June-
41013/R 20
.....
,~
.....
-I
September)in 1981 and 1982.At Sunshine in 1982,bedload discharge in the
surmner ranged from approximately 1,000 ton/day to 13,600 ton/day (USGS
unpubl).In general,the total natural bedload measured in the Susitna,
Chulitna,and Talkeetna rivers is two to five times larger than at Sunshine,
indicting that the excess material is deposited somewhere above Sunshine,
(e.g.,either between Talkeetna and Sunshine or the Chulitna confluence and
the Chulitna measuring station at Chulitna river mile 18).A large portion
of the load is derived from the Chulitna which contributes approximately 15
times the bedload volume of the Susitna River near the confluence (page E-2-
26,Chapter 2,license application).
Project-related changes in the flow regime (i.e.,decreased flow ~n the
summer and increased flow in the winter compared to natural conditions)will
affect the amount of bedload material movement.Sediment will be deposited
if the supply exceeds the transport capacity of the stream (a function of
sediment load and discharge)and picked up if the reverse situation
develops.Thus,deposition of sediment (i.e.,oversupply of sediment)will
cause the channel to rise and widen (aggradat ion),whereas an undersupp1y
results in the removal of sediment which leads to a channel shape that is
narrower and deeper (degradation).Changes in channel morphology will
affect bed elevation which affects river stage at a given discharge.Since
the surface area of backwater areas are influenced by stage,available fish
habitat and tributary access in the vicinity of the three river confluence
could be changed.At this time only a qualitative evaluation of bedload
sediment is possible.
During summer,decreases in flow and the trapping effect of the reservoirs
will result in less bedload material movement in the Susinta upstream of
Talkeetna;thus,below the confluence of the Talkeetna,Chulitna,and
Susitna,the total amount of bed material being moved will be less than at
present.It is possible that the decrease in flow will cause the Chulitna
and Ta1keenta to deposit some of their "bed material at the three rivers
confluence and could result in increased aggradation of the channel in this
area.Below the three rivers confluence,less bed material will move
4l013/R 21
..-
i
I
.-
-
because of the decreased discharges.The combinat ion of decreased flow,
lower suspended sediment discharge,and lower bedload discharge may result
in less streambed scour downstream which might cause some areas to become
more favorable areas for fish spawning •
In the winter,flows will be increased.This may result in an increase in
the amount of bedload discharge over natural winter levels.However,as the
glaciers do not discharge sediment during this period,material moved by the
rivers will be existing bed material (such as from the three r1vers
confluence area).Channel degradation during winter in the three r1vers
conflunce area may conteract the increased aggradation that may occur during
the summer.
4.4.2 Information and Study Needs
There 1S a need to refine existing information on sediment transport and
how it affects aquatic habitats,particularly in the aggradation/degradation
process.This refinement is very important in the mainstem near mouths of
major tributaries and sloughs.Therefore,further detailed studies of the
lower river are necessary to define these impacts.
4.5 ICE PROCESSES
4.5.1 Background
Ice processes dominate the Susitna River and its hydraulic features for a
major part 0-8 months)of the year.The presence of river ice and the
dynamics of its formation and breakup significantly influence stage,
temperature,and channel morphology.Many of the features affected by the
ice are variables that affect the usability of habitat by fish (e.g.,depth
and velocity).
41013/R 22
-
-
-
-
Natural ice processes 1n the Susitna River have been qualitatively evaluated
(Le.,observation)by R&M (1981,1982a,1982b,1982c,1983,Steve
Bredthauer Personal Communi cat ion)and Schoch (1983).These studies and
studies 1n progress have led to a partial understanding of natural 1ce
processes (i.e.,formation,ice cover,breakup),a description of which is
provided in Chapter 2 of the License Application (p.E-2-22 to E-2-25).
Ice processes are primarily an interaction of temperature and discharge in
addition to other factors (e.g.,channel shape).Thus,project-related
changes 1n temperature and flow·will cause changes in the natural 1ce
process,which in turn will impact processes (e.g.,scour)that may affect
fish habitat.An attempt to qualitatively model with-project ice processes
was attempted by the Power Authority (pages E-2-124 to E-2-l27 of the
license application)using an ice simulation model (ICESIM).The downstream
temperature model used was HEATSIM.This model could not be successfuly
calibrated using available field data,thus current predictions of proj ect-
related ice processes are only qualitative.In the lower river,ice cover
starts when an ice bridge forms in a constricted bend of the river near RM
10.Heavy slush ice from the upper Susitna,Chulitna,and Talkeetna basins
where subfreezing temperatures first occur,begins to backup behind the ice
bridge and causes an ice cover to progress upstream.With the project,
frazil ice from the upper Susitna basin will be blocked by the dams and ice
formation below the dams may be greatly delayed due to release of water that
is warmer than natural conditions.
The volume of ice pass1ng Susitna Station from the Yentna and Susitna rivers
needs to be quantified and correlated to time of ice bridge formation at RM
10.During ice formation,increases in river stage cause side-channels to
be overtopped and large expanses of the floodplain are covered with water
and ice.However,these high river levels are temporary,as water levels
drop after the ice front progresses upstream and open leads develop.Higher
winter flows with the project may increase staging and affect the
availability of winter fish habitat.
41013/R 23
.....
....,
I
"""
4.5.2 Information and Study Need
There is a need to refine the current understanding of ice-processes in the
lower river and assess how they will affect aquatic habitat.This assessmet
is particularly important for potential with-project effects on side-channel
and slough habitats.
It must be recognized that ice processes may be so dynamic that quantitative
predictions of with-project conditions may be impossible through a modeling
effort.
41013/R 24
5.0 AQUATIC STUDY COMPONENTS
I"
)
The primary focus of the initial aquatic studies will be on salmon primarily
due to their commercial and recreational importance.This does not preclude
the potential need to study other species in future studies,if warranted by
results of the initial studies.
Through discussions with the Aquatic Study Team (see footnote on page 2)and
review of agency comments on the license application,the following were
identified in as potentially significant impact 1ssues concerning these
~-species:
1.
i"~:~:\y'
f,,,4't ..h.~i"-t.·~i"")·lJ.rl)
!'l'l'
Access of adult salmon to spawning habitat
-2.Changes in availability of adult spawning habitat
,.,...
3.Changes in availability of suitable rearing and overwintering
habitat for juvenile salmon and resident fish.
4.Altered juvenile outmigration patterns.
In addition,there is a need to determine escapement numbers for adult
salmon for the entire Susitna River.Because such a study would apply to
the entire basin,it is not specifically addressed here.However,studies
to assess these numbers are needed and will be undertaken by ADF&G.
The aquatic study plan will follow a step-wise approach to examining the
impact issues.For example,one of the first steps will be to determine if
any significant spawning occurs in the lower river.If not,no additional
studies on egg incubation or emergence would be warranted.However,if
significant numbers are found,results from the physical studies (Section
4.0)would be used to determine if potential impacts may occur at
spawning/incubation sites.If so,additional studies may be needed.If
not,no further studies would be pursued.
.....41013/R 25
.-
-
-
....
.....
5.1 ACCESS TO SPAWNING GROUNDS
5.1.1 Background
The ADF&G has examined potential mainstem and side-channel spawning sites
in the lower river using electroshockers and drift gill nets.Very little
spawning was observed.In 1981.six locations were found in the mainstem
where chum salmon were spawning (ADF&G 1981a [AA]).In 1982.811 sites were
surveyed between RM 7.0 and RM 98.5 and no spawning salmon were.found (ADF&G
1983a Appendix 2-F [AAJ).Turbid water in the lower river prevents visual
observation of spawning;thus.it is possible that more spawning may occur
than was detectable with electrofishing gear.
Between Talkeetna and Cook Inlet there are eight major and numerous smaller
tributaries that are utilized by adult salmon to varying degrees.Surveys
for spawning by pink.chum,coho,and sockeye have been conducted 1n lower
river tributaries (e.g.,Birch Creek)between Sunshine and Talkeetna.These
surveys have been limited in scope (e.g.,ADF&G 1981AA -Appendix Table
EJ).
In addition to receiving the bulk of the salmon spawning in the lower r1ver,
tributaries in the lower river also provide spawning habitat for Arctic
grayling and rainbow trout.Studies by the ADF&G (1981,1983AA)suggest
resident fish migrate into tributaries to spawn and feed after overwintering
in mainstem,sloughs.or side-channel habitats.Dolly Varden apparently
enter tributaries to spawn in the fall whereas most of the other species
spawn in the spring.
Other than tributaries,tributary mouth habitats and adjacent sloughs may
receive the remainder of the escapement of anadromous and resident fish •
Sloughs without tributaries might provide spawning habitat,but there has
been no intensive evaluation of the magnitude of slough spawning in the
lower river.
41013/R 26
TABLE 5-1
CHINOOK SALMON ESCAPEMENT COUNTS IN THE
LOWER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN STREAMS FROM 1975 TO 1982al
Stream 1976 1977 1978
Year
1979 1980 1981 1982
(ADF&G/Kubik,S.W.),1981 and 1982 from ADF&G Susitna
11gel
644el
100el
27el
7el
36el
198
bl
3,577
3,101
::./
E./
cl-dro
Hy
156el
527el
140el
887el
3,844
982
2,546
16,OOO,Y
592el
216el
bl
bl
bl
bl
£1
bl
bl
bl
bl
2,129
84
8
749
557
1,013
262
814
1,900
bl
bl
bl
1,357
459
bl
bl
bl
bl
bl
bl
bl
E.I
bl
bl
E.I
bl
E.I
bl
bl
E.I
bl
bl
bl
£1
cl
~/
E./
K).
bl
bl
bl
37
28
bl
58
bl
4,196
1,648
cl
cl
cl
6,215
27,385
1,086
324d/
457
778
cl
1 ,094~1
~I
864~/
362
1,209
283
881
5,154
997
59
900
62
13
bl
bl
bl
1,335
8,931
1,375
cl
E./
385
5,854
24,639
1,661
436
336
630
133
1,443
5,790
769
168
1,782
229
36
69
95
136
4,102
7,391
1,856
135
8
1,511
9,246
39,642
1,065
598
112
1,870
124
24
53
92
112
2,280
3,735
1,319
44
cl
cl
203
455
160
1,445
6,513
1,237
5,412
21,693
1,660
833
Clear Creek
Chulitna River
(East Fork)
Chulitna River (MF)
Chulitna River
Honolulu Creek
Beyers Creek
Troublesome Creek
Bunco Creek
Peters Creek
Lake Creek
Talachulitna River
Canyon Creek
Quartz Creek
Red Creek
al 1976-1980 counts
0981,1983).
bl No total count due to high turbid water.cl None counted.
dl Poor counting conditions.el Counts conducted after peak spawning.II Estimated peak spawning count (ADF&G/Delaney,
Montana Creek
Prairie Creek
Alexander Creek
Deshka River
Willow Creek
Little Willow Creek
Kashwitna River
(North Fork)
Sheep Creek
Goose Creek
-
-!
-
41013/R 27
-
-
f""'"
I
Specific studies of access into lower river tributaries or sloughs have not
been conducted.However,R&M (1982b -hydraulic studies)studied perching
at the mouths of tributaries within the middle river (Talkeetna to Devil
Canyon)and concluded that flows in most tributaries would be sufficient to
downcut through the tributary deltas to establish channels at new gradients.
Using this information and other data collected by ADF&G and R&M,Trihey
(1983)conducted an incremental analysis of access into two tributaries in
the middle river:Portage Creek and Indian River.He concluded that access
into these tributaries would not be a problem at Gold Creek flows as low as
8,000 cfs because downcutting by the tributaries will establish new entrance
conditions that allow access to spawning areas.
5.1.2 Information and Study Needs
Because of the large number of spawners that utilize the lower river
tributaries,it is important that access be assessed in the lower river.
Results of access studies conducted in the middle river cannot be
extrapolated to the lower river because of differences in channel morphology
and differences in the response of stage to flow.Due to the lack of
information on salmon utilization of all riverine habitat types (see Section
3.0 for description of habitat types)and limited data on access,the
following studies are needed:
1.Survey of r1.ver1.ne habitat types and tributaries to determine
utilization by salmon (i.e.,timing,abundance,and species
composition).
2.Evaluation of salmon access vs mainstem flow for selected
tributaries,side-channels,and sloughs in the lower river.
5.1.3 Study Location
Since the lower r1.ver had eight major and numerous smaller tributaries plus
riverine associated habitats extending over 98 miles,it is necessary to
41013/R 28
.,.,.
-
.-
--
.....
-
utilize a site selection procedure for evaluating salmon access.Therefore,
study site selection will be based on:1)degree of potential habitat
utilization,and 2)extent of habitat dewatering expected under with-project
flows.Representative sites will be selected within each of the river
segments described in Section 3.0 to insure evaluation of the entire lower
river reach.Sites considered most importance based on this criteria will
be studied.Sites of lesser importance but utilized for access will be
evaluated from a study of a subsample of representative sites.
5.2 CHANGES IN AVAILABILITY OF SPAWNING HABITAT
5.2.1 Background
The .magnitude of spawn1ng 1n side-channels and the mainstem were evaluated
in 1981 and 1982 by the ADF&G (1981,1983-AA).Other than 6 sites where
spawning chum salmon were found in 1981,salmon were not found spawning in
side-channel or mainstem sites.
Some data on salmon spawning habitat in the lower river is available 1n
ADF&G Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow Reports,including depths,velocity,
substrate,and temperature (see Table 5-2 for the location of this data).
41013/R 29
.-
TABLE 5-2
INFORMATION AVAILABE IN ADF&G REPORTS ON
HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS IN THE LOWER RIVER
Location and Variable Citation
-Chum Channel
Velocity AH,Table 4-B-1 1983-Depth AH,Table 4-B-1 1983
Discharge AH,Table 4-A-1 1983
Rabideux Slough
Velocity AH,Table 4-B-2 1983
Depth AH,Table 4-B-2 1983
Discharge AH,Table 4-A-1 1983
Thermograph Sites (981)
-(see page E--149 ADF&G 1981a AH,.Appendix EC 1981
AH for listing of sites)
Thermograph Sites (983)AH,Appedix C 1983
However,because significant changes may occur in the lower river that may
alter the characteristics of habitat in an area,this data may not be
comparable with information collected in other years.
.....41013/R 30
.-
-
5.2.2 Information and Study Needs
Although few spawning salmon have been observed in the lower nver it is
still necessary to examine a few habitats and time periods that were not
previously examined in detail,to determine definitively if significant
spawning occurs in this reach.If spawner surveys demonstrate a significant
number of spawners in riverine habitats,then it will be necessary to
examine the results of the physical studies to determine if project flows
will potentially affect these habitats.Study needs at this level of
investigation include:
-
1.Survey of riverine
spawning salmon
composition).
habitat
(Le.,
types to determine
timing,abundance,
utilization by
and species
-
2.Evaluation of the effects of project flows on the availability of
habitat suitable for spawning salmon.
Additional,more detailed studies might be implemented,depending on results
of the first step.These may include studies on other life phases that
could be affected such as egg incubation and emergence.
5.3 CHANGES IN AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE REARING AND OVERWINTERING HABITAT
5.3.1 Background
Juvenile anadromous and resident fish rear in Susitna riverine habitats
throughout the year.Information on the distributiort and abundance and size
of these fish in lower river habitats has been collected by ADF&G in 1981
and 1982 (ADF&G 1981c,ADF&G 1983b -RJ).A variety of sampling gears were
utilized (e.g.,electroshocking,seines,trot lines,gillnets,minnow traps)
to capture fish.Samples were obtained in both summer and winter.In the
lower river semi-monthly samples were taken in both years from the vicinity
of five designated fish habitat (DFH)sites:Rabideux Creek,Whitefish
41013/R 31
-
-
Slough,Birch Creek and Slough,Sunshine Creek and Side-Channel'and Goose
Creek and Side-Channel (see Appendix A,ADF&G 1982 (RJ)and Appendix B ADF&G
1981c (RJ)for catch data).Summary tables are also available in each
report (for example ADF&G 1981 -Table E.3.2.8 and E.3.2.9).A number of
other sites (i.e.,selected fish habitt (SFH sites)were also intermittently
sampled (see same appendices).Some information on water quality (e.g.,
temperature,turbidity),discharge,and water surface elevations are
available at some sites in addition to the five creeks listed above (Table
5-3).
Results of fish surveys suggest the following major conclusion:
i-a.
1.
2.
3.
4.
4l013/R
Early during outmigration,juvenile coho and chinook were more
abundant downstream of Talkeetna than upstream.Towards the end
of August,chinook and coho catches increased in the mainstem.In
the summer,some fish reared in tributary mouths and sloughs.
Coho exhibited strong preference for non-turbid waters and both
chinook and coho preferred warmer water conditions.
Junvenile chum and pinks were only rarely caught in the lower
river.Those that were caught were primarily in sloughs;this is
probably a function of collection gear.
Rainbow trout were present in small numbers in the lower river and
tended to be associated with the clearwater areas near tributary
mouths.They overwintered in the mainstem near the mouths of
tributaries.Extensive lower river migrations were not apparent
from radio-tagging studies
Burbot,whitefish,and longnose sucker used some mainstem and
side-channel areas for rearing.Catches tended to be very small.
Burbot avoided clearwater areas and were mostly associated with
the mainstem.
32
Project-related physical changes in the lower r~ver may have several impacts
on resident and juvenile anadromous fish rearing in this reach.A list of
potential impacts in order of priority are:
1.Area of hydraulic habitat and cover availability may be increased
in the winter and decreased in the summer.
-
....
2.
3.
Increased stage height and increased probability of side-channel
and slough overtopping during ice staging may change availability
of overwintering habitat.
Increased suspended sediment and turbidity ~n winter may change
the suitability and availability of overwinter habitat 1n the
mainstem,side-channels,and sloughs.
-
4.Warmer fall-winter temperatures and cooler summer temperatures may
have an impact on growth rates.
The ADF&G has analyzed the relationship between mainstem discharge and the
availability of hydraulic habitat for juvenile rearing at five lower r1ver
Designated Fish Habitat (DFH)sites between June and September (ADF&G 19B3d
Appendix F Synopsis).This was accomplished by classifying DFH sites into
zones (based upon water source,water velocity,and backwater influence).A
habitat index (HI)that could be plotted against discharge was developed by
relating catch variations between zones to changes in water surface area of
the zones.These results are presented graphically and ~n tables for
juvenile chinook at Goose,Rabideux and Birch creeks (Appendix Table F-13;
Figure F-3,F-4,F-5),coho at Sunshine and Birch creeks (Appendix table F-
14;Figure 4-7,F-8),sockeye at Birch Creek (Appendix Tale F-15;Figure F-
lO)and chum at Birch Creek (Appendix Table F-I6;Figure F-I3).Variations
in mainstem discharge changed the relative habitat utilization of each
species and there were considerable differences between species (Appendix
",...41013/R 33
.....
TABLE 5-3
CATCH AND HABITAT DATA FOR RESIDENT AND JUVENILE
ANADROMOUS FISH IN ADF&G REPORTS
-
DFH Sites
Catch Data
Water Quality
Water Velocity
Discharge,WSEL
Years
RJ,1981c t ADF&G
RJ,1983b,ADF&G
Ali,1983c,ADF&G
AH
AH,1983c,ADF&G
AH,1983c,ADF&G
Data
Table E.3.2.8, E.3.2.9,E.3.2.15,
E.3.1.4,E.3.1.5,E.3.1.9,E.3.2.1
E.3.2.2,E.3.2.3,Appendix EB.
3-3-11,B-3-13,3-13-16,3-3-18,
3-3-21,3-3-23,3-3-32 t 3-3-28
Appendix Table 3-A.
Appendix 4-D,(pp.40-44 to 4~D-68),
Appendix I (4-1-2 to 4-1-9),Appen.
Appendix I (4-1-2 to 4-1-9),Appen.
B (Rabideux -4-b-3).
Appendix A (4-A-46 to 4-A-48)
(4-A-173 to 4-A-178)
......
-
Figure F-l7).Appendix G of the ADF&G 1983d Synopsis report also provided
and analysis of major habitat use by species in the summer that incorporated
lower river sites (upland slough -whitefish;side sloughs Rabideux and
Birch Creek;side channel -Goose and Sunshine Creeks)•
..-.41013/R 34
The effects of slough overtopping on winter habitat in the lower r1ver has
not been studied.Effects of turbidity on fish behavior at low temperature
have not been examined,but a review of literature concerning winter
habitats and data on turbidity could be useful in evaluating this.To date,
no analyses of growth rate relative to predicted temperature are available,
but sufficient knowledge on the subject is available in the literature.
The utilization of lower river habitat for rearing during summer and winter
has been documented by ADF&G studies (ADF&G 1981c,ADF&G 1983b -R.J.).
But.the relative importance of riverine habitat compared to tributary
habitat has not been quantified.Studies that provide the abundance of
salmonids in the different habitat types would provide a perspective as to
the importance of riverine versus tributary habitat to the fish population.
5.3.2 Information and Study Needs
For initial studies in the step-wise approach,the following information is
needed:
-
-
1.
2.
3.
41013/R
Determination of the species composition,abundance.and timing of
riverine habitat utilization by juvenile and resident salmonids
during summer and winter.
Determination of the relationship between mainstem discharge and
availability of suitable rearing habitat for summer and winter
periods.Most of the lower river habitat sites that have been
studied are located above RM 73.Therefore.information will be
needed from habitat sites located further downstream.
Determination of the effects of side-channel or slough overtopping
as a result of ice staging on habitat utilization and survival of
rearing salmonids.
35
-
5.3.3 Study Location
Habitat utilization study sites will be stratified to include sampling of
the four major riverine habitat types (see Section 3.0)with effort
proportioned by river segment according to level of flow related impact.
The level of impact among river segments will be determined from results of
the lower river morphological assessment study (Section 3.0).
Selection of study sites for determination of the relationship between
mainstem discharge and rearing habitat will be based on a stratified sample
design.Sites will be stratified on the basis of major habitat type and
relative extent of utilization by rearing fish (or proximity to natal
spawni_ng area).The level of effort (i.e.,number of study sites)will be
proportioned within river segments by extent of fish utilization,and
between river segments according to the level of flow-related impact.
Habitats representative of the four habitat types that are utilized by
rearing fish during winter,and have channel overtopping conditions based on
observations during ice formation (R&M 1983,unpublished data)will be
selected for studies of overtopping.
5.4 ALTERED JUVENILE OUTMIGRATION PATTERN
5.4.1 Background
The outmigration of juvenile salmonids in the Susitna River has been studied
in 1981 and 1982 by the ADF&G (ADF&G 1981c,ADF&G 1983b -R.J.).·Limited
data are available on the timing of migration,species composition,age
structure,and size of outmigrating fish in the lower river.In this reach,
samples were collected with minnow traps,beach seines,and electrofishing
gear throughout the spring open water period.Based on these samples plus
information from a one smolt trap located above the confluence of the
Chulitna River,the general migration timing is known for the middle river.
Chinook salmon outmigrants peak during May and June with all age 1+fish
41013/R 36
....
leaving the stream by early August.The coho salmon outmigration also peaks
during May and June,but continues throughout the summer to the onset of ice
cover.Chum salmon fry rear for one to two months before they outmigrate.
The sockeye outmigration is similar to.....most of wh ieh occurs during June.
that of chinook with a peak in early July and ending by August.
captures of pink fry indicate most fish outmigrate before June.
Limited
The relationship between juvenile outmigration and environmental variables
(i.e.,discharge.water temperature,and day length)was examined for fish
emigration from the river above the Chulitna confluence in 1982 (ADF&G 1983d
....Appendix H).,In general most relationships were significant,but
downstream migrants and river stage may influence access of
migrating from sloughs to the mainstem.Spring freshets can
~juveniles resulting pulses timing and numbers of outmigrants.1n 1n
correlation coefficients were moderate to low.
Several physical factors may potentially have a casual relationship with
juvenile salmon outmigration.Discharge will effect the travel time of
juveniles
displace
In some
cases,rearing juveniles may be displaced downstream to the estuary or lower
mainstem before reaching a preferred size for migration and smoltification.
Survival of the outmigrant population may be dependednt upon the mainstem
flow regime.Conceivably,the proj ected reduction in stream flow during
spring as a result of project operation would minimize fish displacements
due to flushing flows.
outmigration travel time.
On the other hand,reduced flows may 1ncrease
Turbidity 1S an important factor 1n providing cover for outmigrating
juvenile salmon.This may be especially important in the Susitna River
....
I
because periods of darkness (juvenile salmon migrate mostly at night in non-
turbid rivers)are short during spring as a result of the reduction in river
discharge (see section on suspended sediment).However the magnitude of
change in turbidity in the lower r1ver will be small relative to the
naturally high levels.Thus,no changes in fish survival relative to this
factor are expected.
41013/R 37
-5.4.2 Information and Study Needs
Initial studies that are needed to address potential altered outmigrat ion
timing are:
-
1.
2.
Determination of the relationship between mainstem discharge and
timing of habitat utilization,and types of riverine habitat
utilized during the outmigration period.
Determination of the relationship between short term (i.e.,daily
)and longer term (seasonal)mainstem flow fluctuations,and
migration timing and travel time of juvenile salmon outmigrants.
Other factors such as photoperiod,temperature and size should
also be examined.
.....
5.4.3 Study Location
Studies on the timing of habitat utilization and types of habitat utilized
during the outmigration period will be conducted at the same sites selected
for the"juvenile salmon habitat utilization study (Section 5.4.3).Studies
or outmigration timing and travel time for the lower river between Cook
Inlet and Talkeetna will be evaluated from outmigrant monitoring stations
located at Talkeetna (RM 98)and near Flathorn Lake (RM 20)•
41013!R 38
~
I
,....
I
,....
I
6.0 SUMMARY
The intent of this study plan is to outline the study needs and general
approach to these needs necessary to resolve questions and issues raised
about the lower river.Table 6.1 (a and b)summarizes the physical and
aquatic study components for the lower river and briefly describes the
initial studies needed to resolve the questions and issues.These studies
will be based on the need for additional refinement or may be initiated as a
result of previous findings.An important part of all of these studies will
be to integrate the biological and physical results to determine if the
questions or issues can reasonably be answered with the information
available.If they can~no additional studies will be undertaken.If the
information is not sufficient,further studies may be warranted if they can
reasonably be justified and can achieve a better understanding for
resolution of the issue.If further information ~s needed and can be
obtained~then additional (Table 6.1)studies may be implemented.If it ~s
determined that a significant advserse impact potentially exists~mitigation
plans will be developed and presented to the resource agencies for
discussion.Following these discussions"final mitigation plans will be
incorporated into the overall mitigation plan for the project.
-~-J .~~1 J J 1 1 1 I 1
TABLE 6.1a -SUMMARY Of STUDY COMPONENTS FOR ~LOWER RIVER
Physical Study Components Existing Information Proposed Initial Study(s)Use for other Components Potential Other Studies*
l.lower River A.Habitat stratification A.Determine surface A.Use for physical and A.Expansion of photo
strati fication and classification areas for mainstem and aquatic studies site coverage to other flows
complete (by use of R&M slough habitat for selection
aerial photos)various flow B.Detailed examination of
B.Coupled with habitats via photo
B.Determine linear biological studies to enlargement
values for tributary better understand
mouth habitat for flow versus habitat
various flow for impact
assessment.
2.Discharge A.Extensive streamflow A.Provide flow forecasts A.Coupled with A.None -depends on
data available from on a daily and weekly biological studies to outcome of step 1
USGS.basis,primarily to determine changes in study.
look at flood and low lower river habitat.
B.Forecasts (through flow frequency and
modeling)of with-duration
project flow changes
have been made on a
monthly basis.
3.Temperature A.Temperature simulations A.Expansion of the A.Temperatures will be A.None -depends on
have been performed by simulations to encompass coupled with information outcome of step 1
use of HEATSIM and additional months and in the literature,from study.
SNTEMP IlPdels.cover a broader range of Susitna studies and
years.personal communications
B.Predictions have to understand if
concentrated on some of temperature predictions
the open-water months will results in a
and on data from signficant impact to
selected years.existing resources.
1 1 ..~.J l 1 1 )1 .J J ))
TABLE 6.18 -SUMMARY OF STUDY COMPONENTS fOR THE LOWER RIVER
(Continued)
Physical Study Components Existing Information Proposed Initial Study(s)Use for other Components Potential Other Studies*
4.Suspended Sediment
(turbidity)
A.Periodic measurements A.
of turbidity have been
made in conjunction
with other studies
B.Analysis of suspended
sediment and turbidity
relationships has been
used to predict with-
project turbidity.
Consolidate literature A.
and information on
effects of glacially
orientated turbidity
on aquatic resources.
Physical predictions
will be used to
determine with-
project aquatic
relationships and
responses
A.Limited to existing
data collection.
Potential for
examining other
glacial systems if
warranted by
literature review.
5.Bedlosd Sediment A.Measurements of natural A.
bedload sediment and
discharge made for the
Susitna Basin by the
USGS for summer months
only
Existing suspended and A.
bedload discharge
studies will be
continued to refine
existing data with
additional efforts
concentrated on
locations in the
mainstem and near
mouths of tributaries
and sloughs
Physical predictions A.
for with-project
conditions will be used
to describe potential
changes in aquatic
habitat.
None -depends on
outcome of step I
study.
6.Ice Processes A.Natural ice processes A.
have been documented
for several years to
observe formation,ice
cover and breakup
B.Attempts to use HEATSIM
model to predict ice
processes was not
successful.Therefore,
only qualitative data
is available.
The lower river is A.
considered too complex
to extend middle river
models into this reach.
Therefore,a limited
analysis at selected
locations is suggested.
Information from the A.
ice-processes studies
will be used to predict
potential impacts on
lower river aquatic
habitats.
None -depends on
outcome of step I
study.
I 1 1 ~~)J -~1 ~l 1 -)1 "-~1 ")J
TABLE 6.1 -SUfoI4ARY Of STlOYCOHPONENTS FOR THE LOWER RIVER
Biological Study Componenta Existing Information Proposed Initial Study(s)Use for other Components Potential Other Studies*
1.Access of Adult Salmon A.
to Spawning Grounds
B.
C.
Most spawning appears
to be in lower river
tributaries.
Studies on middle
river tributaries has
shown that downcutting
under low flows will
still allow access of
spawners to tributary
spawning sites.
Little or no adult
salmon has been
observed in the lower
river.
A.field studies at
selected lower river
tributaries will be
undertaken to assess
relationships to
flow.
B.Extensive
observaitons will be
made during the late
season to determine
-if mainstem,side-
sloucjl or side-
channel spawning
exists and is
signi ficant •
A.The results of these
studies will be used
to determine if lower
ri ver mainstem
spawning is
significant and if
access under with-
project conditions
would be a potential
problem.
A.None -however,if
signi ficant
mainstem,side-
channel,or side-
slough spawning is
found,additional
studies may be
warranted -see
number 2 under
biological
components
2.Changes in
Availability of
Spawning Habitat
A.Little or no adult
salmon has been
observed in the lower
ri ver.
A.Additional observations A.
will be made,
particularly during
late season.
Information will be
used to determine
signi ficance of
spawning habitat,if
such habitat exists.
A.If few adult salmon
spawning sites are
found,no additional
studies are
warranted.
B.If spawning fish are
found in significant
numbers,additional
studies on:
i.egg incubation
success
ii.habitat relation-
ships to mains tern
flow
iii.other physical
studies
iv.other biological
studies
may be warranted.
)1 1 ')J ~"---J ~l 1 I -1 ]-.1
TABLE 6.1b -.SUtttARY Of STWY COMPONENTS fOR THE LOWER RIVER
(Continued)
Biological Study Components Existing Information Proposed Initial Study(s)Use for other Components Potential Other Studies*
J.and 4.Changes in A.
Availability of
Suitable Rearing and
Overwintering Habitat/
Habitat Utilization
Extensive sampling has A.
occurred in the lower
river in all seasons.
SUlllller work has
provided some
information on
distribution and
abundance.Winter
sampling has been B.
difficult and few fish
have been located.
Provide refinement of
existing information
on distribution and
abundance via
increased sampling,
particularly for the
winter period.
Develop habitat
relationships at
selected sites (based
on previous
distribution and
abundance studies,
habitat
stratifications and
classi fication,and
other physical
studies).These would
relate mainstem flow
to rearing habitat.
Numerous sites would
be selected for study
with linear regression
methods.
A.Information will be
used to determine
impact and suggest
possible mitigation
measures if needed.
A.Will depend on
outcome of initial
step 1 studies.
C.Attempt more extensive
sampling for winter
period.
D.Couple A through C
with physical studies
to determine potential
with-project impacts.
-7.0 REFERENCES CITED
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983a.Susitna hydro aquatic studies,phase 2
basic data report.Vol.2.Adult anadromous fisheries studies,1982.
First Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.Susitna
Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report for Acres American,Inc.2 vols.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983b.Susitna Hydro aquatic studies,phase 2
basic data report.Vol.3.Resident and juvenile anadromous fish
""'"studies on the Susitna River below Devil Canyon,1982.Final Report.
-
~
I
Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.
Report for Acres American,Inc.2 vols.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983c.Susitna hydro aquatic studies,phase 2
baseline data reports.Vol.4.Aquatic habitat and instream flow
studies,1982.Final Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.
Susitna Hydro Studies.Report for Acres American,Inc.3 vols.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983d.Susitne hydro aquatic studies,phase
2.Synopsis of the 1982 aquatic studies and analysis of fish and
habitat relationships.Final Report (Summary).Anchorage,AK.Alaska
Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.152 pp.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983e.Susitna hydro aquatic studies,phase 2
data report.Winter aquatic studies (October 1982-May 1983).Final
Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic
Studies.Report for Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.140 pp.
.-
-
-
-,
-
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1982.Adult anadromous fisheries project,
stock separation feasibility report.Final Draft Report.Anchorage,
AK.Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report
for Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983a.Aquatic habitat and instream flow
project.Final Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.
Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report for Acres American,Inc.2
vols.in 3.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983b.Adult anadromous fisheries project.
Final Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power Authority.susitna
Hydro Studies.Report for Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
Alaska Dept.of Fish &Game.1983c.Juvenile anadromous fish study on the
lower Susitna River.Final Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power
Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report for Acres American,
Inc.1 Vol.
Alaska Power Authority.1983.Application for license for major project,
Susitna Hydroelectric Project,before the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.Vol.SA.Exhibit E,Chaps.1 and 2.Susitna Hydroelectric
Project.1 vol.
Alaska,Univ.,Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center.1983a.
Examination of discharge and temperature changes due to the proposed
susitna Hydroelectric Project.Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.Alaska
Power Authority.Report for Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.
-
-
-
Alaska,Univ.,Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center.1983b.
Susitna Hydroelectric Project Aquatic Impact Assessment:Effects of
project-related changes in temperature,turbidity,and stream discharge
on upper Susitna salmon resources during June through September.
Alaska Power Authority Report for Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.1983.Detailed plan of study Susitna
Hydroelectric Project,Aquatic Program,Fiscal Year 1984.Draft Report
to Alaska Power Authority.
R &M Consultants,Inc.1981.Ice observations 1980-81.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
R &M Consultants,Inc.1982a.Ice observations 1981-82.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
R &M Consultants,Inc.1982b.Hydraulic and ice studies.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
R &M Consultants,Inc.1982c.Reservoir sedimentation.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Acres American,Inc.1 vol.
R &M Consultants,Inc.198j.Field data index.Anchorage,AK.Alaska
Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for Acres
American,Inc.1 vol.
-
-
,....
R &M Consultants,Inc.1984.Susitna River ice study,1982-1983.Susitna
Hydroelectric Projeft Prepared for Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.
Schoch,G.C.1983.Environmental Susitna River ice study 1982-83.
Preliminary Draft Report.R &M Consultants,Inc.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydroelectric Project.Report for
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture.184 pp.
Trihey,E.W.1983.Preliminary assessment of access by spawning salmon
into Portage Creek and Indian River.Anchorage,AK.Alaska Power
Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.1 vol.
Trihey,E.W.1982.Preliminary assessment of access by spawning salmon to
side slough habitat above Talkeetna.Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report for
Acres American,Inc.24 pp./
Trihey,E.W.1982.Preliminary assessment of access by spawning salmon to
side-slough habitat above Talkeetna.Draft Report.Anchorage,AK.
Alaska Power Authority.Susitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.Report for
Acres American,Inc.24 pp.
Wangaard,D.B.and C.V.Burger.1983.Effects of various temperature
regimes on the indubation of Susitna River chum and sockeye salmon.
Draft Report.National Fishery Research Center,U.S.Fish &Wildlife
Service,Anchorage,AK.40 pp.
r,
-
Appendix B
DRAFT
NAVIGATION STUDY PLAN
"
,1I$lIIo
-
,.....
-
Navigation and Transportation
Plan of Study
Susitna Hydroelectric Project
Introduction
A key element of the settlement process 1S the establishment of an
acceptable flow reg1me.An important component in the establishment of an
acceptable flow reg1me 1S navigation between Devil Canyon and Cook Inlet.
Previous studies have addressed the navigation issues,but several concerns
have not been resolved.Of part icular concern to resource agencies is
navigation in the lower river and access to land disposal areas.Studies of
the effect of proj ect operation on navigation in the lower river have been
at a reconnaissance level using personal interviews,aerial photographs,
topographic maps and miscellaneous stage-discharge and cross section data at
Kashwitna Landing,Willow Creek,Alexander Slough and near Talkeetna.The
studies have focused on the reach between Devil Canyon and Talkeetna rather
than the reach between Talkeetna and Cook Inlet because the percent change
in flow in the reach between Devil Canyon and Talkeetna will be much greater
during project operation than in the reach downstream from Talkeetna.
Nonetheless,significant flow changes may occur in the Talkeetna to Cook
Inlet reach.Since boaters use this reach more frequently than the middle
river,the effect of project operation on lower river navigation should be
more thoroughly addressed.
Information on use of the river as a winter transportation route and use of
the river for float plane access has not been compiled.Therefore,a
thorough assessment of utilized areas of the river,boat draft requirements,
winter use and float plane access have not been made.
1
-
-
Objectives
Open water navigation
1.Determine the summer use of the river,including who is using the
river and why,when the boats are used,the type of boat used,
where the boat was used,the access point,how often the boat was
used,and depth requirements for navigation.
2.Discuss navigation difficulties,determine the navigation routes
and access points potentially affected by reduced discharges and
determine the discharge range,if any,over which navigation is
impacted and the percent of time navigation is affected.
determination is to include the effects of high flows •
This
./1"'"
3.Discuss historical changes in river morphology.Qua lit at i vel y
determine the project related morphology changes in the lower
river and at the mouths of navigable rivers.
4.If navigable areas are affected by with-project flows,identify
users affected and determine mitigation opportunities for various
flow scenarios where adverse impacts have been identified.
Winter Transportation
1.Determine winter use of the river as a transportation corridor.
,'-'
2.Determine the effects of the with-project ice regime on winter use
and prepare mitigation plans as appropriate.
Float Plane Usage
..-1.Determine usage of the river by float planes,the level of with-
project impacts and mitigation plans as necessary.
2
Previous Studies
Environmental Studies -Land Use Analysis,Navigational Use.
Environmental Specialists,Inc.April,1982.
Terrestrial
-
-
-I
.....
Water Resources Analysis,A Preliminary Analysis of Potential Navigational
Problems Downstream Of The Proposed Hydroelectric Dams On The Susitna River.
Alaska Dept.of Natural Resources,March 1982.
Susitna Hydroelectric Project Application for License for Major Project,
Volume SA,Exhibit E,Chapter 2 pp E-2-44 to E-2-48,E-2-60,E-2-74,E-2-99,
E-2-138 E-2-139,E-2-173,Alaska Power Authority,February 1983.
Fish Ecology - A Survey of Questions and Concerns Pertaining to Instream
Flow Aspects of The Proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project.L.P.Dwight and
E.W.Trihey,May 1981.
Fish Ecology Instream Flow Assessment For The Proposed Susitna
Hydroelectric Project -Issue Identification and Baseline DAta Analysis -
1981 Summary Repqrt,E.W.Trihey,March 1982.
Study Area
Portage Creek to Cook Inlet with emphasis on the reach between Talkeetna and
Cook Inlet.
3
Description of Methods
Open Water Navigation
.-
1.Summer use.ADF&G Sportfish will be undertaking a creel survey
this summer.It is proposed that this survey be expanded t:]
include a survey of navigation use of the river and be extended
through September 30,1984.Surveys will be taken at tQe
following main access points:Talkeetna (River Mile (RM)97),
Sunshine Bridge at the Parks Highway (RM 84),Kashwitna Landing
(RM 61),and Willow Creek (RM 49).
The surveys will include the access point,date,names and
addresses of those using the river,the purpose (recreational,
commercial or subsistence fishing,hunting,other recreational
uses,transportation to land disposal areas,trapping,movement of
commercial supplies,guide boat operations,etc),destination,
duration of trip,type of craft and type of engine (propeller,jet
unit,airboat),frequency of use,navigational difficulties
encountered and number of people in the party.
A survey of lodge operators and land owners will be completed to
determine their frequency of navigation use.Periodic aerial
overflights will be made to further document navigation use and to
determine if additional boat access points are being employed.
This will be done in connection with the survey of float plane
use.
4
.....
-
r
2.Identification and Quantification of Navigation Impacts.During
1983,sets of aerial photographs were taken of the lower river
when discharges at the Susitna River at Sunshine gage were 56,500
cfs,37,500 cfs,22,000 cfs and 13,600 cfs.These aerial photo-
graphs will be used to help identify locations where potential
navigation problems might exist during with-project flow condi-
tions.
Routes from the major access points to fishing and hunting areas,
land disposal areas,lodges,navigable tributaries,trapping
areas,scenic locations,etc.will be identified on the set of
aerial photographs corresponding to the 13,600 cfs discharge at
the Sunshine gage.From this set of photographs,routes which
have dewatered reaches,flow control points and other reaches not
dewatered but where navigation could be restricted,will be
identified.For those areas which are dewatered at 13,600 cfs,
the flow at which the reach becomes watered (i.e.either from
backwater or overtopping of a flow control point)will be
determined from a comparison of the aerial photographs and the
location of the flow control identified.
"
When flow conditions permit,cross section surveys will be made at
the flow control points.Thalweg profiles will be measured for
some distance downstream from the cross section to determine the
bed slope.At those sites where stage-discharge data are not
available,staff gages will be installed and readings taken at
flows spanning the range of natural and with-project.conditions.
At least five flow conditions will be observed.It is anticipated
that flows from 10,000 cfs to 70,000 cfs will be monitored.At
high flows,estimates will be made of the surface velocity to
determine if the high velocities restrict navigation.
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3.
The rating curves,cross section surveys,and thalweg profiles
will be used)with navigation depth requirements obtained from the
user survey to determine the discharges over which navigation
difficulties would be encountered.This information will be used
in conjunction with the monthly open water rating curves to
determine the percent of time navigation will be affected during
natural and with-project flow scenariOS.Emphasis will be on the
lower river,but middle river locations will be investigated where
potential navigation difficulties have been identified.
Since reduced river discharges result in not being able to travel
as far upstream in slo:ughs and side channels,the effects on the
ability of boaters to reach their final destination will be
assessed.The additional distance that boaters must travel by
means other than boat to reach their destinations will be
calculated for those routes more frequently travelled.This will
be important to lodge operators and land owners.
Navigational Effects of Morphological Changes.Based on the
following references)morphological changes in the mainstem
Susitna river and at major tributary mouths will be quantitatively
assessed to determine .the impact on navigation depths.The
tributaries considered will be the lower river tributaries
currently used for navigation.This task will be coordinated with
lower river sediment and tributary fish access studies.
Susitna Hydroelectric Project River Morphology.R&M Consultants,
January 1982.
6
Sediment Discharge Data For Selected Sites In the Susitna River
Basin,Alaska,1981-82.u.s.Geological Survey Open-file Report,
1983.
Susitna Hydroelectric Project Reservoir and River Sedimentation.
Harza-Ebasco,1984.
4.Mitigation of Summer Navigation.For specific alternative flow
regimes where navigat ion difficulties are identified,mi tiga t ion
opportunities will be identified.Education (maps),channel
marking,and dredging will be investigated as possible mitigation
measures.
Winter Use
Based on an aerial reconnaissance of the Susitna River,personal interviews
and a survey of residents,a determination of winter use of the river will
be made.The following information will be collected:crossing lo~ations,
use as a transportation corridor,frequency of use,purpose (recreation,
trapping,transportation to land disposal areas),and method of
transportation (snow machine,all terrain cycle,skis,snow shoe,sled dog,
vehicles,etc.).
The prediction of the with-project ice regime will be used to assess the
impact on winter use of the Susitna River as a transportat ion corridor.
Appropriate mitigation pians will be formulated as necessary.
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Float plane access
Periodic overflights will be made of the Susitna River to document float
plane use of the river.This will be supplemented with surveys of pilots to
determine-areas of use,frequency of use and purpose.Based on the sets of
aerial photographs>with-project impacts on the areas of float plane use
will be estimated and mitigation plans developed.
Coordination Requirements
Field data collection will be coordinated with the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game and R&M Consultants.The studies will be coordinated with the
lower river sediment studies,tributary fish access studies,and the lower
river streamflow and flood frequency studies.
Schedule
A draft of the navigation and transportation report will be completed by
November 30,1984 with the final report scheduled for completion on February
28,1985.
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