HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA2922dSUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
AQUATIC MITIGATION REPORT SERIES
IMPOUNDMENT AREA FISH
MITIGATION PLAN
Draft Mitigation Report No. 2
May 1985
Prepared By:
Woodward-Clyde Consultants
701 Sesame Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
In Association With:
Entrix, I!"C.
4794 Business Park Boulevard
Anchorage. Alaska 99503
Submitted To:
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture
711 H Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
For :
The Alaska Power Auhtority
327 W. 5th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Preface
This report represents one volume of a three volume report series on aquat ic
mitigation planning for the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project. These volumes
are:
1. Access, Construction and Transmission Aquati c Mitigation P l an
2. Impoundment Area Fish Mitigation Plan
3. Middle River Fish Mitigation Plan
A primary goal of the Alaska Power Authority's mitigation policy is to maintain the
productivity of natural reproducing popul ations, where possible. The planning
process follows procedures set forth in the Alaska Power Authority Mitigation
Policy for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project (APA 1982), which is based on the
U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game mitigation
policies. Mitigation planning is a continuing process, which evolves with advances
in the design of the project, increased understanding of fish populations and
habi tats in the basin and analysis of potential impacts. An important element of
this evolution is frequen t consultation with the public and regulatory agencies to
evaluate the adequacy of the planning process. Aquatic mitigation planning began
during preparation of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project Feasibility Report (1981)
and was further developed in the FERC License Application ( 1983). A detailed
presentation of potential miti gation measures to mitigate impacts to chum salmon
that spawn in side sloughs was prepared in November 1984. It is expected that
the three reports in the present report series will also continue to evolve as the
understanding of project effects is refined.
iii
PREFACE •
LIST OF FIGURES •
LIST OF TAmES .
1.0
2.0
3.0
INIRXlJC'I'ICI{ •
1.1 ~ to Mitigatiat.
1.2 Soope •
PRlJECl' IESaUPI'ICJ{ AND OPERATIC!{.
2 .1 stage 1 watana Reservoir.
2. 2 stage 2 Devil Cmya1 Resetvoir.
2.3 stage 3 watana Reservoir.
FISH RESaJRCES IN 'IHE IMFU.JN!MENl' ZCNES.
3.1 Arctic Gray1irg •
3.2 a.u:Dot.
3.3 Dolly Varden.
3.4 I.c.n:;oose SUcker •
3.5 Ralni Whitefish •
3.6 Sm¢ack Whitefish.
3.7 lake Trout.
3.8 Slimy Sculpin •
3.9 Chinook SalJoon.
4. 0 ANI'ICIPATED IMPACTS.
4 .1 stage 1 -watana Reservoir.
4.1.1 Inundation •
4.1.2 Drawdown •
4.1.3 water Quality.
4.1.4 Effects on Fish.
iv
~
iii
vi
vii
1
1
4
6
6
7
7
9
9
13
13
15
15
16
16
16
17
18
18
18
18
20
24
TABIE OF am'ENlS (a::.ntinued)
Page
4.2 stage 2 -Devil Qmyal Reservoir. 31
4.2.1 Immdatiat • 31
4.2.2 Drc1'WCown • 31
4.2.3 water Quality. 33
4.2.4 Effects cn Fish. 36
4.3 stage 3 -watana Resezvoir. 39
4.3.1 Immdaticn • 39
4.3.2 D:rawl::1awn • 42
4.3.3 water Quality. 42
4.3.4 Effects cn Fish. 42
5.0 SEUX:T!Cif OF EVAIIlATICif SPEX!LES. 47
6.0 IEVELOFMENI' OF MITIGATICif PIAN • 49
6.1 History ot ~ Mitigaticn P1annin;J. 49
6.2 Acquisiticn ot P.lblic Aooess. 50
6.2.1 Bac:kgro.ni • 50
6.2.2 Site Selecticn • 54
6.2.3 Costs. 54
6.2.4 Malit:orirq Sb.¥iies • 55
6.3 Habitat Ilrprovements. 55
6.3.1 Bac:kgro.ni • 55
6.3.2 Site Selection • 55
6.3.3 COsts. 57
6.3.4 Mcnitorirg Sb.¥iies • 57
6.4 Hatchery Prcpaqatiat ot Arctic Graylin; • 60
6.4.1 Bacl<gro.lrd • 60
6.4.2 Hatchery Ptop:gaticn Technology. 60
6.4.3 stoc::kin;J Ptogx:am Site Selection. 61
6.4.4 Costs. 62
6.4.5 Mcnitorin; Sb.¥iies • 62
7.0 LI'I'ERMURE CITED • 63
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Mitigation plan develcpnent and in'plementation.
Figure 2. <.¢,ial Allalysis . • • • • • • • • • • • 3
Figure 3. stage 1 -Watana reservoir water levels 21
Figure 4. stage 2 -Devil cartyal water levels. 2020 si:nDJl.ation
ca,se E-VI. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 34
Figure 5. stage 3 -Watana reservoir water levels. Watana
and Devil cartyal q:eratirq. 2020 si:nDJl.ation case E-VI. • • 43
vi
Table l.
LIST OF TABlES
Ccmta'l ani scientific names of fish species observed
in the Watana ani Devil canyon ~t zones • •
Table 2. Arctic qrayli.n; population estimates in selected
• 10
tril::utaries of the watana ~ zones. • • • • • • • • • • 11
Table 3. Arctic qrayli.n; populatioo estimates in selected
tril:utarles ot the Devil cartyal ~ zone • • • • • • • • 12
Table 4. Bl..lrbot total catch ani catch rates in the watana
~ zone • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • •
Table 5. 'l'opograplical features ot selected tril::utaries within
Table 6. S\mmal:y ot selected species~, sport value ani
sensitivity to habitat alteratioo in trib.Ital:y habitats
• • • • • 14
• • • • 19
of the ptq;osed stage 1 watana ~ zone. • • • • • . • • 27
Table 7. SUrmnal:y ot selected species al::lurmnce, sport value an:l
sensitivity to habitat alteratiCX'l in mainstem habitats
of the pl:'q)OSE!d stage 1 watana .iJrp::lumment zone. • • • . . • • • 30
Table 8. 'l'op:)grattllcal features of selected trirutaries within
the pl:'q)OSE!d Devil canyon .iJrp::lumment. • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 2
Table 9. SUrmnal:y of selected species al::lurmnce, sport value ani
sensitivity to habitat alteratioo in trib.Ital:y habitats
of the proposed Devil canyon~ zone. • • • • • . • . . 38
Table 10. 5ummary of of selected species al::lurmnce, sport value ani
sensitivity to habitat alteration in mainstem habitats
of the proposed Devil ca.rtya1 .iJrp::lumment zone. . . . . • • • • . 40
vii
LISr OF TABUS (continued)
Table 11. 'l'cpogl:a,l;ilical features of selected tr:ibrt:aries within
the proposed stage 3 watana impa.1njment. • • • • • • •
Table 12. SUimnary of selected species ab.Irx!ance, sport value and
sensitivity to habitat alteratiat in lake habitats of the
. 41
proposed stage 3 watana impa.1njment zone • • • • • • 46
Table 13. 'lqercy mwents Cl'l Illpoundment Mitiqatiat Plannin;J • . • • • • . 51
Table 14. rani acquisitiCI'lS and facilities dsvelqment projects
currently p:tcposed by the state ot Alaska for the SUsitna
River Bc!sin. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 53
Table 15. Costs associated with rip-rap pluoement alorq both banks of a
1, 000' laq excavated slough or side channel in the middle
SUsitna River. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 58
Table 16. Annual m::arl.torin;J costs for evaluatin;J habitat inprovements
in the middle SUsi tna River. • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • 59
viii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 APPROACH TO MITIGATION
The Alaska Power Authority's (APA) goal for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project
fisheries mitigation is to maintain the productivity of natural reproducing
populations (APA 1982). This is consistent with the mitigation goals of the
U.S. Fis h and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (ADF&G) (APA 1982, ADF&G 1982a, USFWS 1981). When possible,
maintaining existing habitat quantity and quality is preferred. Where this is
infeasible, replacement habitat will be provided in sufficient quantity and
quality to support this productivity. If it is not possible to achieve this goal,
APA will provide compensation for the impact with means agreed upon by the
agencies.
The development and implementation of the fish mitigation plan follows a logical
step-by-step process. This process and its major components are illustrated in
Figure l. The options proposed to mitigate for impacts of the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project are analyzed according to the hierarchical scheme shown in
Figure 2.
Mitigation options can be grouped into two broad categories based on different
approaches:
(l) Modifications to design, construction, or operation of the project; or
(2) Resource management strategies.
The first approach is project specific and emphasizes measures that avoid or
minimize adverse impacts according to the USFWS Mitigation Policy adopted by
the APA (1982) and coordinating agencies (ADF&G 1982a, USFWS 1981 ). These
measures involve adjusting or adding project features during design and
planning so that mitigation becomes a built-in component of project actions.
Figure 1
IDENTIFICATION OF
IMPACTS AND GOALS OF PLAN
OPTION ANALYSIS
l
NEGOTIATION OF ACCEPTABLE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN
...
MONITORING OF PLAN
PLAN MODIFICATION
COMPLETION OF MITIGATION
TERMINATION OF MONITORING
Mitigation plan development and implementi11tion
2
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Woodw•rd·Ciyde Consulhlnta
AND
ENTRIX, INC.
HARZA ·EBASCO
SUSITNA JOINT VENTURE
PARTIAL AVOIDA.•CE ~'----A_v_o_Ir-D-AN_c_E __ __,jt----+) TOTAL AVO IDA.NC E
I
PARTIAL RECTIFICATION
I
PARTIAL COMPENSATION ~
NO AVOIDANCE
1
MINIMIZATION
I
NO MlNIMIZATION
1
RECTIFICATION
NO RECT~FICATION
l
REDUCTION
I
NO REDUCTION
l
COMPENSATION
I
NO COMPENSATION
UNMITIGATED/LOSS
RESIDUAL IMPACT
1---~ SOME MINIMIZATION
~--.. TOTAL RECTIFICATION
1-----.. SOME REDUCTION
t----.TOTAl COMPENSATION
Figure 2 Option Analysis
3
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Woodward-Clyde Consultants
AND
ENTRIX, INC.
HAAZA·EBASCO
SUSITNA JOINT VENTURE
When impacts cannot be avoided or minimized by the first approach , measures
that rectify, reduce or compensate will be implemented. These types of
mitigation measures will require concurrence of resource management hoards or
agencies with jurisdiction over resources within the project area.
Mitigation planning for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project has emphasized both
approaches. The sequence of option analysis from avoidance through
compensation has been applied to each anticipated impact. If full mitigation can
be achieved at a high priority option, lower options may not be considered.
Monitoring of mitigation features is recognized as an integral part of the
mitigation process. And, in some cases, maintenance may be a necessary part
of the mitigation plan. A general approach to monitoring has been developed
by the APA and will be applied to the fishery resources and their habitats. As
fish mitigation plans are agreed upon by the APA and the resource agencies,
monitoring plans will be specified in greater detail.
1.2 SCOPE
This report presents analyses of mitigation measures that can be used in
developing an acceptable fish mitigation plan for impacts resulting in the
impoundment zones of the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project. Compensation
is the _ _1!1&-~st_mitigatio.CL op_tion achievable for impacts in the impoundment
_!-QJlCS. Higher priority options, such as avoidance, minimization, rectification
and reduction, are considered infeasible.
Three measures for providing compensation for the expected losses of fish
habitats and fishery resources in the impoundment zones are evaluated in this
report. Based on input from resource agencies, acquiring public access to the
Susitna River and its tributaries below Devil Canyon is the preferred
compensation measure (ADF&G 1984). Secondary priority is given to habitat
modifications or improvements in the middle Susitna River (between Devil
Canyon and Talkeetna) that would enhance important resident species (rainbow
trout or Arctic grayling) or important sport species of salmon (chinook or coho
salmon). The third compensation measure evaluated is the hatchery propagation
and stocking of Arctic grayling. Final decisions on the strategy to be
4
implemented will be made through negotiations between the APA and resource
managers.
5
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
In April 1985, the APA proposed that the Susitna Hydroelectric Project be
changed from a two-dam, two-stage development to a two-dam, three stage
de velopment (APA 1985). Under the proposal, a 705 ft high material-fill dam
will be built during Stage development at Watana (RM 184). Stage 2 includes
the construction of a 646 ft concrete-arch dam, with a fill saddle dam at Devil
Canyon (RM 152). Stage 3 development will raise the Stage 1 Watana dam r,-: i ·
~ ___ __., -l y ·'--
180 ft to a crest height of 885 ft. Stage 2/'and 3 developments will result in t '-~ .~ <i.+-~ ~ the two-dam system described in the' FERC license application (APA 1983a, b). "' -r~ ·t-2.. d .. _
_, I ............. ~ t
\ (M ~ \yia_~c... .. t : .(. '
Under the present schedule, construction of the Stage 1 Watana dam will begin
in 1990, with all turbines on-line for power production by 1997. The Stage 2
development will begin at Devil Canyon in 1995 and be completed by 2002. The
Stage 3 Watana Dam construction will commence in 2002 and be finished by 2008.
2.1 STAGE -WATANA RESERVOIR
The Stage 1 development of the Watana dam (RM 184) will impound a reservoir
of approx i mately 4.2 million acre-feet, with a surface area of 21,000 acres (APA
1985). The normal maximum water surface elevation (WSE) will be 2000 ft above
mean sea level (MSL), while the norma l minimum water level will be elevation
(el.) 1850. At el. 2000, the maximum r eservoir depth will be 550 ft, while the
mean depth is expected to be about 200 ft.
The Stage 1 Watana reservoir will be operated in the store-and-release mode.
Under average climatic conditions, the reservoir will be filled to el. 2000 by late
August or early September. To meet power production needs, the reservoir
wiil be drawn down from October through April. The maximum drawdvwn will
be 150 ft and will proceed at an average rate of 0.7 ft per day. The minimum
drawdown level of 1850 ft will usu:>1lly occur in late April or early May. The
reservoir will be refilled during the summer (May through August) when
tributary runoff and glacial meltwater are high. During years of normal
climatic conditions, refilling will inc.·ease the WSE 1.25 ft per day.
6
2.2 STAGE 2 -DEVIL CANYON RESER VOIR
When the Devil Canyon dam (RM 152) is completed, the Stage I Watana dam will
be used primarily for power-peaking and reserve energy production, while the
Devil Canyon dam will be operated to meet baseload energy demands. The Devil
Canyon reservoir will optimize power production at a normal maximum WSE of
1455 above MSL from November through July (APA 1983a). Drawdown will
occur during July, August and early September during average or dry years to
meet power production needs and downstream flow releases while the Watana
reservoir is refilling. The normal maximum drawdown will be 50 ft, to el. 1405,
with refilling occurring during late September and October. In wet years,
there will be no need to drawdown the Devil Canyon reservoir.
At the normal operating water level of 1455 ft, the Devil Canyon reservoir will
have a volume of 1.09 million acre-feet and a surface area of 7,800 acres. The
reservoir's maximum depth will be 565 ft, while the mean depth will be 140 ft
(APA 1983a).
2.3 STAGE 3 -WATANA RESERVOIR
The Stage 3 development of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project will raise the pool
of the Watana reservoir 185 ft. The total volume of the Stage 3 Watana
resc-rvoir will be approximately 9.47 million acre-feet, with a total surface area
of 38,000 acres (APA 1983a). The normal maximum WSE of the reservoir will be
el. 2185, while the normal minimum water level is expected to be el. 2065. At
el. 2185, the maximum reservoir depth will be 735 ft.
The Stage 3 Watana reservoir will operate in the store-and-release mode (APA
1983a). The drawdown and refill cycle will follow a pattern similar to that of
the Stage reservoir drawdown. Under average climatic conditions the
reservoir will be filled to el. 2185 by late August or early September.
Drawdown will occur from October through April, with refilling taking place
from May through August. The maximum drawdown will be approx imately 120 ft
and will occur at an average rate of 0.5 ft per day. Refilling will increase the
water level in the reservoir an average of 1.0 ft per day.
7
The drawdown and refill cycle of the Stage 2 Devil Canyon reservoir with Stage
3 Watana in place is expected to be the same as projected for the Stage I /Stage
2 development. The magnitude, timing and duration of the drawdown and refill
cycle of the Stage 2 Devil Canyon reservoir was described in Section 2.2.
8
3.0 FISH RESOURCES IN THE IMPOUNDMENT ZONES
Nine species of fish have been observed in the impoundment zones (Table 1).
Excluding burbot and lake trout, fish were caught or observed primarily in
tributaries, near tributary mouths and in clearwater sloughs. Burbot were
captured throughout the mainstem, while lake trout were found in one lake:
Sally Lake (ADF&G 1983a). A brief summary of life history information and
distribution and abundance data of the fish species observed in the
impoundment areas is presented in the following sections (3 .1 through 3.9).
3.1. ARCTIC GRAYLING
Arctic grayling are abundant throughout the upper Susitna River basin and are
widely distributed in tributary habitats during the summer (ADF&G 198la,
1983a). During the fall, it is suspected that most fish move into the Susitna
River mainstem to overwinter, except in tributaries that have fish passage
barriers (e.g. Deadman Creek). Fish residing upstream of the waterfall:; in
Deadman Creek likely overwinter in deeper pools of Deadman Creek or move into
Deadman Lake (Sautner and Stratton 1984).
Arctic gr«yling move from the mainstem back into tributaries to spawn in the
spring (late April and May). Spent fish were captured in tributaries
immediately after spring breakup (ADF&G 1983a). Depending upon the actual
timing of spawning, incubation extends from May into June (Morrow 1980).
Adult grayling rear in tributaries throughout the summer. However, juvenile
grayling rear in natal tributaries and in the mainstem near tributary mouths.
Smaller fish are likely excluded from higher quality tributary habitats by the
territorial behavior of older, aggressive adults (ADF&G l983b, Morrow 1980).
The size of Arctic grayling populations has been estimated in the reaches of the
larger tributaries in the impoundment zones (Tables 2 and 3). Based on m a rk
and recapture estimates in 1981 and 1982, over 16,300 Arctic grayling (greater
than 150 mm in len gth) reside in tributary reaches that will be inundated
(ADF&G l983a). Arctic grayling also occur in Sally Lake, which will be
inundated by the Stage 3 Watana reservoir. In 1982 attempts were made to
estimate the population size of grayling in Sally Lake. However, due to few
9
Table 1. Common and scientific names of fish species observed in the
Watana and Devil Canyon impoundment zones.
Scientific Name
Salmonidae
Coreqonus pidschian
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Prosopium cylindraceum
Salvelinus malma
Salvelinus namaycush
Thymallus arcticus
Catostomidae
Catostomus catostomus
Gadidae
Lota lota
Cottidae
Cottus coqnatus
Common Name
humpback whitefish
chinook salmon
round whitefish
Dolly Varden
lake trout
Arctic grayling
longnose sucker
bur bot
slimy sculpin
Source: ADF&G 1981a, 1983a; Sautner and Stratton 1984
10
1-'
1-'
Table 2. Arctic grayling population esti~ates in selected tributaries of the Watana
impoundment zone .
Estimated Estimated Tributa2Y Estimated Number of
River Grayling 1 Miles Inundateg ~rayling in Inundated Beach
Tributary Mile per Mil~ Stage 1 Stage 3 Total stage 1 Stage 3 Total
Deadman Creek 186.7 1,835 3 2.0 0.7 2.7 3,670 1,285 4,955
Watana Creek 194.1 333 7.8 4.0 11.8 2,597 1,332 3,929
Kosina Creek 206.8 1,232 3.0 1.5 4.5 3,696 1,848 5,544
Jay Creek 208.5 455 2.3 1.2 3.5 1,047 546 1,593
Goose Creek 231.3 791 o.o 1.2 1.2 0 949 949
Oshetna River 233.4 1,103 ~ _l_d 2.2 0 2.427 2.427
Total 15.1 10.8 25.9 11,010 8,387 19,397
1 Modified from ALF&G 1983a.
2 Assumes reservoir levels at probable maximum flood stage: Stage 1 Watana = el. 2020,
Stage 3 Wat~na = el. 2200.5.
3 Estimated grayling per mile in Deadman Creek was calculated by ADF&G (1983) for the reach
of s~ream below the falls (0.3 mi). Extrapolation of grayling per mile to total length
of stream inundated is likely an overestimation of gi-Jling population size.
Table 3. Arctic grayling population es t imates in selected tributaries of the Devil Canyon
impoundment zone.
Tributary River Mile
~ Fog Creek 176.7
Tsusena Creek 181.3
Total
Estimated TributafY
Miles Inundated
1.3
1.7
Estimated No. of Grayling
in Inundated Reach
176
1.000
1,176
1 Assumes reservoir level at probable maximum flood stage • el. 1466.
2 Source: ADF&G 1983a.
recaptures of tagged fish, an estimate based on ma rk and recapture was not
made. Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel believe that the
population size of Arctic grayling in Sally Lake is in the vicinity of 5,000 fish
(ADF&G 1983a).
3.2 BURBOT
Burbot are found in mainstem-influenced habitats of the upper Susitna River.
To date, they have not been captured in tributaries or lakes that will be
inundated. Burbot are relatively sedentary throughout the year, except during
the winter when they move to spawning areas (ADF&G 1983b, Morrow 1980).
Studies by ADF&G in the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River indicate .
that burbot spawn between January and March under the ice in the mainstem, lf i!t:J
in tributary mouths and in slough mouths (ADF&G 1983b).,..-It is assumed that 1;1--I~
/"7
burbot in the upper Susitna River exhibit similar reproductive timing and choice f hp
of habitat types. J)o; t.._k
During 1982, trotlines were set for burbot at six mainstem and one tributary
mouth sites in the Watana Impoundment Zone (ADF&G 1983a). Of the 135
burbot captured, 55 fish were caught in the Watana Creek mouth (RM 194.1),
while the remaining fish were captured in the six mainstem sites (Table 4).
An attempt was made to estimate the population size of burbot within the
impoundment zones by the mark and recapture method in 1982. However, few
tagged fish were recaptured during the study and an estimate was not made
(ADF&G 1983a).
3.3 DOLLY VARDEN
Dolly Varden are found in tributaries throughout the upper Susi ~na River basin
during the summer (ADF&G 1983a). However, they are the dwarf
stream-resident variety described by Morrow (I 980) that are rarely sought by
sport fishermen.
13
-.-----?0 a6 ) ·~ J·i ---1
r · c I (),.,. )
I I )t''-\ (). < I f
Table 4. Burbot total catch and catch rates in the Watana impoundment
zone, 1982.
Mainstem River ~Sltgh
Site Mile May June July
1 189.0 --(--) --(--) 3(0.8)
2 191.5 --(--) --(--) 3(0.8)
3 197.8 --(--) 8(2.0) 3(0.8)
3A 201.6 --(--) --(--) --(--)
4 201.2 --(--) 5(1.3) 10(2.5)
5 208.1 --(--) 4(1.0) 2(0.5)
Watana 194.1 7(3.5) 17(0.6) 9(0.3)
cr. Mouth
Total 7(3.5) 34(0.8) 30(0.6)
Catch • number of burbot.
catch Rate • Catch per trotline day.
Dashes indicate no survey.
Source: ADF&G 1983a.
1 4
(CS&tgb BAte}
Auqust Sept. Total
6(1.5) 7(1.8) 16(1.3)
1(0 .3) 0(0.0) 4(0.~)
--(--) --(--) 11(1.4)
6(1.5) 7(1.8) 13(1.6)
7(1.8) 2(0.5) :2 4(1.5)
4 ( 1. 0) 2(0.5) 12(0 .8)
13(0.4) 9(0.4) 55(0.5)
37(0.7) 27(0.6) 135(0.7)
In 1981 one Dolly Varden was captured at the mouth of Watana Creek, while in
1~8~ 16 fish were caught in Cheechako, Devil, Watana, Jay and upper Deadman
creeks. The total lengths of the captured fish ranged from 120 to 235 mm
(ADF&G 198la, 1983a).
No population estimate of Dolly Varden in tributaries of the impoundment zones
has been done. Few fish (17 total) were caught during two years of extensive
field reconnaissance and sampling effort (ADF&G 198la, 1983a). This suggests
that Dolly Varden populations are few in number and are scattered throughout
the tributaries in the impoundment zones.
Although field data are not available to confirm the life history and habitat
reqP:rements of Dolly Varden in the upper Susitna River, it is suspected that
they are similar to those described by ADF&G in the middle:: Susitna River
(ADF&G 1983b) and by Morrow (1980). It is likely that Dolly Varden spawn 10
tributaries in October and November, with incubation occurring until March or
April. Rearing likely occurs in tributaries, while overwintering may take place
in the deeper pools of tributaries or in the mainstem of the Susitna River.
3.4 LONGNOSE SUCKER
Longnose sucker w..:re captured in the upper Susitna
tributary mouths in 1981 and 1982 (ADF&G 198la, 1983a).
River primarily near
Of the 210 adult fish
caught, 197 were captured near tributary mouths. The remaining fish were
caught at mainstem sites. Watana Creek mouth produced the highest ~atches of
longnose sucker in 1981 and 1982, with over half of the total catch occurring at
this site.
It is suspected by ADF&G that longnose sucker spawn in tributaries in May and
June (ADF&G 1983b). Juvenile fish likely rear in tributaries, sloughs of the
mainstem and in the mainstem, while adults rear near tributary mouth habitats.
Overwintering likely occurs in the mainstem of the Susitna River.
3.5 ROUND WHITEFISH
In 1981 and 1982, 38 adult round whitefish were captured near tributary mouths
I 5
in the upper Susitna River (ADF&G 198la, 1983a). Due to low catches, life
~. _hi~~o~~ in~~r~~]ion and habitat requirements for this species in the upper Susitna River
)~P f equirements of round whitefish this reach of the Susitna River are similar to
//(those described by ADF&G in the middle Susitna River (ADF&G 1983b) and by
(• Morrow ( 1980). Fish likely spawn in tributaries and mainstem areas in October,
while rearing occurs near tributary and slough mouths and in the mainstem.
Overwintering likely takes place in the mainstem.
3.6 HUMPBACK WHITEFISH
Two humpback whitefish were caught in the upper Susitna River during 1981
and 1982 (ADF&G 198la, 1983a). In 1981 one fish was captured near the mouth
of Kosina Creek, while in 1982 a single fish was caught at RM 208 .1 in the
mainstem of the Susitna River. Other than its occurrence in the upper Susitna
River, little is known of the humpback whitefish distribution and habitat
requirements in this reach of river.
3.7 LAKE TROUT
Lake trout were captured in Sally Lake in 1981 and 1982 (ADF&G 1981 a, 1983a).
They have not been captured in mainstem or tributary habitats. Sally Lake,
which is at elevation 2025, will be inundated by the Stage 3 Watana reservoir.
A total of 62 lake trout were caught in Sally Lake during gillnet and
hook-and-line sampling conducted in 1981 and 1982 (ADF&G 198la, 1983a). The
population size of lake trout has not been estimated by the mark and recapture
method , due to insufficient recaptures of marked fish. ADF&G persunncl
believe that the population size is small, with approximately 1,000 or fewer lake
trout inhabiting Sally Lake (ADF&G 1983a).
3.8 SLIMY SCULPIN
Sl imy sculpin are apparently distributed in all habitats of the impoundment
zones. In 1981, 38 sculpin were caught in the impoundment zon.:s, while in
1982 no record of sculpin catches was reported (ADF&G 198la, 1983a).
16
is li"' ~ ---
3.9 CHINOOK SALMON
Salmon are usually prevented from migrating within or upstream of the Devil
Canyon dam site (RM 152) by high water velocities in Devil Canyon. However,
in 1982, 1983 and 1984 a few chinook salmon were observed upstream of Devil
Canyon in four tributaries and tributary mouths. In 1982, 21 chinook salmon
were observed in Cheechako and Chinook creeks (ADF&G 1982b). Thirty-four
chinook salmon were counted in Cheechako, Chinook and Devil creeks in 1983,
while in 1984, 46 fish were observed in Cheechako, Chinook and Fog creeks
(Barrett et al. 1984, 1985).
Life history information, abundance and distribution data, and habitat
requirements for chinook salmon in the Susitna River have been reported by
ADF&G (ADF&G 1981b, c, 1982b, 1983b; Barrett et al. 1984, 1985; Schmidt et
al. 1984).
I 7
4.0 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
4.1 STAGE -WA I ANA RESER VOIR
4 .1.1 Inundation
The Stage 1 Watana reservoir will inundate about 44 miles of the Susitna River
from RM 184 to 228. The stream gradient averages about 12 feet per mile in
this reach of river (APA 1983a). Steep-walled canyons confine the river
primarily to a single channel with intermittent islands. The bed materials
consist mainly of large gravels and cobbles. The Stage Watana impoundment
will change the physical and chemical characteristics of the Susitna River
between RM 184 and 228 to characteristics associated with the lake-like .
environment of a large tud,id impoundment.
Approximately 15 miles of four named tributaries of the Susitna River will be
inundated by the Stage I Watana reservoir. The affected lengths and stream
gradients of these tributaries are listed in Table 5. Additionally, numerous
smaller unnamed tributaries will have portions of their lower reaches inundated
(APA 1983a). A waterfall located about one mile upstream from the mouth of
Deadman Creek will be inundated. This waterfall prevents upstream movements
of fish into upper Deadman Creek . Removal of this fish barrier will not expand
fish populations into new habitat because upper Deadman Creek currently
supports a population of Arctic grayling. The potential project impacts on
Arctic grayling in upper Deadman Creek are discussed by Bradley et al.
( 1985).
Eight lakes will be inundated by the Stage 1 Watana reservoir. These lakes
range in size from less than one acre to about 10 surface acres in size. Fish
have not been reported to occur in any of these lakes.
4.1.2 Dr a wdown
As previously mentioned m Section 2 .1, the Stage Watana reservoir will
operate in the store-and-release mode. The reservoir will be drawndown from
October through April and refilled from May through August. The normal
I 8
.....
\0
Table 5. Topographical features of selected tributaries within the proposed Stage 1 Watana
impoundment.
Tributary
Deadman Creek
\~at ana Creek
Kosina Creek
Jay Creek
susitna
River
Mile
186.7
194.1
206.8
208 .5
Total
Approximate
Elevation at
confluence W/
Susitna
1515
1550
1670
1695
Stream
gradient
Total length
of stream1 inundated
(mi)
of inundated
reach ( ft/mi)
253 2.0
60 7.8
118 3.0
143 _b_1
15.1
1 Assumes reservoir level at probable maximum flood stage = el. 2020.
2 Assumes minimum reservoir level = el . 1850.
Source: Adapted from ADF&G 1983 and APA 1985.
Approximate
length
in d2awdown
zone (mi)
0.7
2.8
1.5
.L..Z
6.2
Approximate
length
permanently
inundated (mi)
1.3
5.0
1.5
.L...l.
8.9
maximum drawdown zone will be 150 ft . Due to the drawdown and refilling
cycle, about 12 miles of the upper Susitna River between RM 216 and 228 will
alternate between reservoir and riverine habitat. Reaches of the tributaries
will also alternate between reservoir and riverine habitat. The approximate
lengths of the four named tributaries in the drawdown zone are listed in
Table 5. Three lakes in the Stage Watana impoundment zone will remain
permanently inundated. Figure 3 shows a schematic of the Stage Watana
Reservoir drawdown refilling cycle.
4.1.3 Water Quality
(a) General Description
The Stage 1 Watana reservoir will exhibit characteristics similar to deep, glacial
lakes in Southcentral Alaska (e.g. Bradley and Eklutna lakes). The dra wdown
and refilling cycle, along with the characteristics associated with a deep, turbid
reservoir are expected to affect the fish populations that presently are found in
the upper Susitna Basin.
Water temperatures and suspended sediment and turbidity levels are expected to
be altered significantly by the Watana reservoir. These factors are discussed
in Sections 4.1.3, b & c. Dissolved oxygen, nutrients, total dissolved solids,
conductivity, pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, metals and other water
quality characteristics are also expected to change after impoundment; however,
similar to the Stage 3 reservoir (APA 1983a), it is anticipated that their levels
will not be significantly altered and will not be detrimental to aquatic organisms
inhabiting the reservoir. Therefore, they are not discussed in further detail.
(b) Temperature
Under ex1st1ng conditions, water temperatures in the upper Susitna River range
from near 0°C throughout the winter (October through May) to a summer high
0 neav 14 C . Instantaneous water temperatures taken by ADF&G from May
thro,•gh mid-September 1982 recorded a low of 0.1°C on May 14 and a high of
0 13.6 C on June 24 (ADF&G 1983a).
20
TO BE INCLliDED IN FINAL REPORT
(DATA NOT AVAILABLE)
Figure 3 Stage 1 -Watana reservoir water levels
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Woodwarct-CIJd• Conaultanta HARZA ·EBASCO
SUSITNA JOINT VENTURE AND
ENTAIX, INC.
2 1
Tributaries of the upper Susitna River exhibit temperature regimes similar to
the mainstem. Water temperatures are near 0°C throughout the winter and
reach highs above I5°C during mid-summer . From mid-June to mid-October
1982, temperatures were recorded continuously in four tributaries of the upper
Susitna River (ADF&G 1983a). The tributary surface water temperatures
ranged from 0 to 16 .5°C during this period.
The thermal characteristics of the Stage I Watana reservoir will be similar to
other deep glacial lakes in Southcentral Alaska (e.g. Bradley and Eklutna
lakes). The reservoir is expected to stratify during the summer and winter,
while water temperatures will approach isothermal conditions (4°C throughout
the water column) in the spring and fall .
During mid-summer, when thermal stratification will be the strongest, the
maximum surface water temperature is expected to be between 10 and I2°C
(Harza-Ebasco 1985a). Temperatures will decrease with increasing depths to
4°C near the reservoir bottom. The depth and strength of this stratification
will depend on climatic conditions and will vary from year to year. Stage
Watana reservoir temperature simulations can be found in a report by
Harza-Ebasco (1985a).
As the reservoir's water temperatures cool, the thermal stratification will
weaken until isothermal conditions prevail (October or early November).
Surface water temperatures will continue to cool until an ice cover forms (late
November or early December) (Harza-Ebasco 1985a). The ice cover is expected
to last into early May. Due to the winter drawdown cycle of the Stage
Watana reservoir, ice along the edge of the impoundment will fracture and
remain draped on the bank similar to that expected in the Stage 3 reservoir
(AEIDC 1985). During the winter, temperatures near the bottom will remain
near 4°C while the surface waters just below the ice cover will be near 0°C.
Temperatures at a depth of 100 ft range between 1.5 and 3.0°C during winter
(Harza-Ebasco 1985a). Thus, the impoundment will become inversely stratifie d.
After spring breakup, the reservoir will warm rapidly due to solar radiation
and tributary inflow .
22
The major changes in the thermal regime of the Stage I Watana impoundment are
that water temperatures are expected to be warmer in the winter and cooler
during the summer compared to natural pre-project conditions and the spring
warming and fall cooling rates will be retarded.
(c) Suspe nded Sediments and Turbidity
Suspended sediment and turbidity levels in the Susitna River are generally high
during spring breakup and summer, with reduced levels in the fall. During
winter, the Susitna River is typically clear. Suspended sediment values in the
mainstem range from winter lows near 10 mg/1 to highs of over 5,000 mg /1
during the summer at Denali Station (RM 289.5), the gaging station nearest the
glacially-fed headwaters. Maximum summer concentrations at Gold Creek
(RM 138.7) of over 2,000 mg/1 have been observed (APA 1983a).
Turbidity values in the mainstem are near zero in the winter. In January and
February 1982, values of 1.1 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) or less were
measured by the USGS at Gold Creek (RM i 38.7). Turbidity levels over
700 NTU have been measured at Vee Canyon (RM 223) during July (APA
1983a). Turbidity levels in tributaries of the upper Susitna River are generally
low (20 NTU or less) throughout the year. In these clearwater streams, peak
turbidity and suspended sediment levels occur during spring breakup and
during high flows associated with heavy rainfall events. The Oshetna River is
an exception to this, as its headwaters or i ginate from glaciers. In 1982
turbidity valu es in selected tributaries of ';he upper Susitna River ranged from
near zero in all tributaries sampied to 42 NTU in the Oshetna River (ADF&G
1983a).
The Stage Watana reservoir will change the naturally-occurring suspended
sediment and turbidity levels and patterns. Levels in the mainstem will
decrease during the summer compared to natural conditions due to the settling
out of most (80 percent or more) of the suspended sediments as the
sediment-laden Susitna River enters the reservoir. However, the smaller-sized
sediments (particle diameters of 4 microns or less) are expected to remain in
suspension, causing the reservoir to be turbid. The turbid reservoi r will
increase the summer turbidity and suspended sediment levels in the habitats
23
that were previously clearwater tributaries. The reservoir will remain turbid
throughout the year. Thus, the natural clearwater conditions that prevail in
the mainstem and tributary habitats during the winter will be altered.
Slumping of reservoir walls and resuspension of shoreline sediments will create
localized increases in suspended sediment and turbidity. The dra wdown and
refilling cycle will tend to aggravate the slumping of reservoir walls (APA
1983a).
Most of the suspended sediment load of the Susitna River will settle O;Jt as the
river enters the reservoir. This process will cause the formation of a delta at
the upstream end of the reservoir. The location and extent of the delta will
vary with the dra wdown and refilling cycle of Watana and stream flows of the
Susitna River. During drawdown, the Susitna River will cut through the delta
and transport sediments farther into the impoundment.
Although the tributaries to the Watana reservoir are generally clearwater
streams, they can transport stream bed materials during spring breakup and
periods of heavy rainfall. Therefore, it is expected that small deltas may form
at the mouths of tributaries as they enter the reservoir. However, the deltas
are not expected to impede fish movements into and out of tributaries. The
location of tributary deltas will vary with the drawdown and refilling cycle.
The most important change in turbidity levels in the reservoir is that clearwater
tributary habitats will be inundated with turbid water, increasing turbidity
levels throughout much of the year.
4 .1.4 Effects on Fish
The Stage 1 Wa tan a reservoir is expected to significantly affect fish populations
in th..: impoundment area. Inundation, the drawdown and refilling cycle, the
reservoir's thermal regime and suspended sediment/turbidity levels are expected
to be the dominant forces in altering habitats and subsequently affecting the
populations of fish in those habitats. The anticipated impacts on species/life
stages are described by the habitat types in which the anticipated impacts will
occur.
24
(a) Tributary Habitat
(i) Arctic grayling
The spawning, incubation and rearing life stages of Arctic grayling will likely
be adversely affected by the Stage 1 Watana reservoir. Spawning habitat will
be lost in the reaches of tributaries inundated by the impoundment, because it
is expected that grayling will not utilize the turbid reservoir for spawning.
Grayling usually select spawning sites in lotic habitats (Morrow 1980).
Spawning normally takes place during May which is when the reservoir will be
drawn down. If the timing of spawning coincides with maximum reservoir
drawdown, about 9 miles of spawning habitat in the larger, named tributaries
would be lost (Table 5).
Spawning will likely occur in the reaches of tributaries within the drawdown
zone. However, incubation success is expected to be low due to the refilling of
the reservoir. Rising water levels will progressively inundate reaches of
tributaries in the drawdown zone. Streambed materials carried downstream by
the high flows of breakup will be deposited at the mouths of tributaries. The
deposition of sediments will move upstream with rising water levels and cover
spawning areas, which will likely cause mortalities on developing embryos.
During May and June (the approximate period of grayling spawning and
incubation) the reservoir's water level will rise 50 to 55 f t. Thus, in years
when the reservoir is at maximum drawdown (1850 ft) in late April, embr yo s
spawned below el. 1905 would be inundated prior to hatching.
Rearing habitat for Arctic grayling in the impoundment will likely be limited to
the clearwater plumes near tributary mouths. Arctic grayling are not expected
to utilize other areas in the reservoir as grayling are not found in lakes with
turbidity levels similar to those anticipated in Watana (Russell 1980). Some
dis placed grayling will likely use rearing habitats in tributary reache~ above
the reservoir water levels. However, rearing habitats in tributaries are likely
already occupied, as indicated by the high densities of grayling per mile
(323-1835) reported by ADF&G (1983a). Thus, important tributary habitat will
be lost, reducing Arctic grayling populations in the upper Susitna River. It is
estimated that the mid -summer population size of Arctic grayling inhabiting
25
tributary reaches inundated by the Stage 1 Watana reservoir is at least 11,000
fish greater than 150 mm in length (Table 2).
Most Arctic grayling in the upper Susitna River apparently overwinter in the
mainstem, although it is likely that some may remain in tributaries throughout
the winter.
the warmer
temperatures
In either case, overwintering conditions will likely improve due to
water temperatures in the reservoir. Present winter water
in the mainstem and tributaries are near 0°C. Winter
temperatures at a depth of !00 ft in the Watana reservoir will be in the range
0 of 1.5 to 3.0 C (Harza-Ebasco 1985a). The warmer water temperatures may
increase the overwintering survival of fish in the impoundment, as it has been
noted that fish are attracted to warmer water temperatures during winter
(U meda et al. 1981).
Table 6 summarizes the anticipated impacts of the Stage 1 Watana reservoir on
the life stages of Arctic grayling inhabiting tributaries in the impoundment
area. The spawning, incubation and rearing life stages will likely experience
adverse impacts. Although overwintering habitat will likely improve, it is not
expected to offset losses expected during the other life stages.
(ii) Dolly Varden
The Stage 1 Watana reservoir will likely have insignificant effects or. Dolly
Varden populations in tributaries of the upper Susitna River. Dolly Varden
occupy a wide range of habitat types in Southcentral Alaska, including glacial
lakes ;•ith a wide range of water quality (Russell 1980). Thus, it is expected
that Dolly Varden will occupy the Stage I Watana reservoir throughout muc-'1 of
the year. Dolly Varden spawn in tributaries during the fall (October to
November) (Morrow 1980). After impoundment, it is likely that they will
continue to use tributaries for spawning. Dolly Varden densities in the upper
Susitna 8asin appear to be quite low, thus, spawning habitat above the
impoundment water level is expected to be available as it is unlikely that all
spawning habitat is presently utilized. Since Dolly Varden spawn in the fall
when the reservoir's water levels will be stable or decreasing, incubating
embryos will not be inundated by rising water levels.
26
Table 6. Summary of selected species abundance, sport value and sensitivity to habit~t
alteration in tributary habitats of the proposed Stage 1 watana impoundment zone.
Species
Arctic grayling
Dolly Varden
Life stage
spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
spawning
incubation
rearlng
overwintering
1 1 • low, 2 = moderate, 3 = high.
Abundance in
tributary habitat1
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
Sport valu!
of species
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
Sensitl.-ity of species/
life stage to
habitat alteration2
3
3
3
0
0
0
1
0
2 0 = no predicted change or, may be positive influence; 1 ~ low; 2 ~ moderate; 3 = high.
Refer to t~xt for discussion of species sensitivity to potential impacts.
Dolly Varden will likely utilize the Stage 1 Watana reservoir during the summer
for rearing. However, turbid conditions and the drawdown j refilling cycle are
expected to limit the development of littoral areas and limit productivity of the
impoundment. These conditions will likely restrict the distribution of most fish
in the reservoir to the clearwater plumes of tributary inflow.
As discussed previously, it is expected that overwintering conditions in the
Stage Watana Reservoir will improve over those that presently occur in
tributaries and the mainstem. Dolly Varden will likely utilize the reservoir
during the winter.
The anticipated effects of the Stage Watana Reservoir on Dolly Varden
populations in tributaries are summarized in Table 6.
(b) Mainstem Habitat
(i) Burbot
Burbot occupy the mainstem of the upper Susitna River throughout the year.
After impoundment, mainstem habitats will be eliminated and replaced by a
turbid lake-like impoundment. Since burbot are found in glacial lakes in
Southcentral and Southwestern Alaska (Bechtel Civil and Minerals, Inc. !981;
Russell 1980), they will likely utilize the Stage 1 Watana reservoir year-round.
The winter drawdown of the Stage l Watana reservoir is expected to affect the
incubation success of burbot in the impoundment. In lakes, burbot usually
spawn in mid-winter (January to early March) in relatively shallow water (20 ft
or less) (Morrow 1980). The Stage l Watana reservoir will be dra wndown from
November to May at an average rate of 0 .7 ft per day. Thus, embryos in
shallow water will become dewatered and freeze. This will substantially reduce
the recruitment to burbot populations occupying the impoundment. Some burbot
in the impoundment may move into the upper Susitna River to spawn.
The rearing and ov e rwintering life stages of burbot are not expected to
experience any adverse impacts from the project. Burbot will likely be
distributed primarily near the clearwater plumes of tributary inflow, due to the
28
expected abundance of prey species in those areas. Overwintering condit ions
may improve after impoundment, due to the warmer win t er temperatures.
Table 7 summarizes the anticipated impacts of the Watana reser v uir on the life
stages of burbot.
(ii) Arctic grayling
Some juvenile Arctic grayling use mainstem areas near tributary mouths for
summer rearing. These fish are apparently excluded from tribut:uy habitats by
t he territorial behavior of larger, older f ish (ADF&G 1983b, Morrow 1980). It
is expected that the Stage I Watana reservoir will not have signifi cant effects
on these fish as replacement habitat will likely exist near the tributary mouths
in the reservoirs.
Most Arctic grayling in upper Susitna R i ver tributaries apparently move into
the mainstem for overwintering. Overwintering conditions for grayling under
existing and with-project conditions have been discussed rre v iousl y
(Section 4.1.4). It is likely that overwintering conditions will improve under
project operation.
A summary of the expected impacts of the Stage 1 Watana reservoir on Arct ic
grayling in mainstem habitats is presented in Table 7.
(iii) Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden may utilize mainstem habitats for overwinter i ng. As disc ussed
previously, over wintering c onditions will likely improve under pro ject o perat io n
due to warmer water temperatures of the reservoir. Thus. i f Do ll y Varden d o
overwinter in the ma i n s tem, conditions are expected t o improve under
with-project operation (Table 7).
(c) Lake Habitat
None of the lakes inun da t e d by the Stage 1 Wat a na reservoir ha ve been
reported to contain fish . Most of the lakes are small, perched tundra lakes.
29
Table 7. Summary of selected species abundance, sport value and sensitivity to habitat
alteration in mainstem habitats of the proposed Stage 1 Watana impoundment zone.
Species
Bur bot
Life stage
spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
Abundance in 1 mainstem habitat
1
1
1
1
Sport va1uy
of species
1
1
1
1
Sensitivity of species;
life stage to
habitat alteration2
0
3
0
0
w o Arctic grayling rearing
overwintering
1
3
3
3
0
0
Dolly Varden overwintering 1 1 0
1 1 = low, 2 = moderate, 3 = high.
2 O = no predicted change or, may be positive influence; 1 • low; 2 = moderate; 3 = high.
Refer to text f or discussion of species sensitivity to potential impacts.
Therefore, the inundation of lakes by the Stage 1 Watana reservoir will likely
have insignificant effects on fish.
4.2 STAGE 2 -DEVIL CANYON RESERVOIR
4 .2.1 Inundat i on
The Devil Canyon reservoir will inundate about 31 miles of the Susitna River
from RM 152 to 183. From Watana (RM 184) downstream to Devil Creek (RM
161) the stream gradient averages 11 ft per mile, while between Devil Creek
and Devil Canyon (RM 152) the gradient increases to 31 ft per mile (APA
1983a). Steep canyon walls confine the river to a single channel throughout
most of the river between Devil Canyon and Watana. A b out six miles of the
lower reaches of five named tributaries will be inundated (Table 8), plus the
lower reaches of numerous smaller, unnamed tributaries. Inundation will change
the physical and chemical characteristics of the riverine hab i tats to those
associated with a large, turbid impoundment.
Many of the tributaries in the Devil Canyon impoundment area are characterized
by high stream gradients with occasional waterfalls. Cheechako, Devil and
Tsusena creeks all contain waterfalls. However, none of these waterfalls will be
inundated and would still function as barriers to upstream fish passage after
impoundment.
One five-acre lake will be filled by the saddle dam during constru c tion (APA
1983a). No lakes will be affected by impo undment of the Devil Can yo n
Reservoir.
4.2.2 Ora wd ow n
Due to the nature of the two-dam system, Devil Canyo'l impoundment w i ll
operate at full pool (1455 ft) for most of the year (APA 1983a). During wet
years there w ill be no need to drawdown the reservoir. However , during
average and dry years, drawdown w i ll occur during Jul y, Augu st and early
S~ptember . The drawdown will help meet power production ne e ds and
downstream flow releases while the Stage 1 Watana reservoir is refilling. The
3 1
w
1\)
Table 8. Topographical features of selected tributaries within the proposed Devil Canyon
impoundment.
Tributary
Susitna
River
Mile
Cheechako Cr. 152 .4
Chinook Cr. 157.0
Devil Cr. 161.4
Fog cr. 176.7
Tsusena cr. 181.3
Total
Approximate
elevation at
confluence
wH:h Susi tna
920
1065
1200
1375
1435
Stream
gradient
Total length
of stream1 inundated
(mi)
of inundated
reach ( ft/mi)
321 1.7
308 1.3
176 1.5
72 1.3
82 0 .4
6 .2
1 Assumes reservoir level at probable maximum flood
2 Assumes minimum reservoir level = 1405 ft MSL.
stage = 1466
Source: ADF&G 1983a.
Approximate
length
in d2awdown
zone (mi)
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.9
0.4
2.0
ft MSL.
Approximate
length
permanently
inundated (mi)
1.5
1.1
1.2
0.4
Q.&
4.2
normal maximum drawdown zone for Devil Canyon is expected to be 50 ft.
Thus, the magnitude, timing and duration of drawdown for Devil Canyon
reservoir is quite different from the Stage 1 Watana drawdown (~..;ction 4.1.2).
About five miles of the Susitna River between RM 178 and 183 will alternate
between reservoir and riverine habitat due to the drawdown of Devil Canyon
reservoir. Reaches of tributaries within the impoundment area will also
alternate between reservoir and riverine habitat. The approximate lengths of
the five named tributaries in the drawdown zone are listed in Table 8. A
schematic of the drawdownjrefilling cycle in the Devil Canyon reservoir is
shown in Figure 4.
4.2.3 Water Oualjty
(a) General Description
The water quality in the Devil Canyon reservoir will be similar to that in the
Stage Watana reservoir (Section 4.1.3). The impoundment is expected to
significantly alter water temperatures and suspended sediment and turbidity
levels of mainstem and tributary habitats. Other water quality parameters are
not expected to change significantly (Section 4.1.3).
(b) Temperature
Baseline water temperature conditions in the upper Susitna River and its
tributaries were described i n Section 4.1.3(b).
The temperature regime of the Devil Canyon reservoir is expected to be similar
to Stage 1 Watana reservoir. The Devil Canyon reservoir will experience weak
summer and winter thermal statifications, interrupted by isothermal conditions in
the fall and spring. Water temperatures during the c;ummer 10 the Devil
Canyon reservoir are expected to be cooler in comparison to pre-project
conditions, while winter temperatures will be warmer than natural conditions.
The fall cooling and spring warming periods are expected to shift, lagging
behind natural conditions. The Devil Canyon reservoir temperature simulat ions
are illustrated in reports by Harza-Ebasco ( 1985a, 1985b).
33
146'0
I I ~MAX~UM I I I
/ I I v--// I "t\ ,~MEAN]
~ I
1450
I I
• I
I i -I I !\ ~ I I I I I
i
I
I I I I I \ I I
I I
I I I I I \ i 1440 /t.+-MIN~MUM I I I I \ I
I
I I I I I i I i I . I • .
! I i I
I
I ! I I I I I I
I I \ . I
i I
I I 1430
I I I l I I I ·I : I !MINI~M_u I I I I
!
ll I I I \ I
I i 1420
I I
I \I I I I I
/I I I
. I \ i I I I I
I 1 4 1 0 VI I I
I
i ""'
NOTE: RESERVOIR LEVELS SHOWN
ARE BASED ON MONTHLY !
AVERAGE V ALUES ANO ARE
PLOTTED ~ T MID· MONTH
1400 I I I I I l
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT
I Figure 4 Stage 2 -Devil Canyon water levels. 2020 simulation
case E-VI
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Woodward-Clyde Conaultanta HARZA ·EBASCO
AND S U S I T N A ,• 0 I N T V E N T U R E
ENTRIX, INC.
34
Due to its smaller size (7,800 surface acres, 1.09 million acre-feet) compared to
the Stage 1 Watana reservoir (21 ,000 surface acres, 4.2 million acre-feet), the
Devil Canyon reservoir will likely respond to meteorological conditions more
rapidly, and in particular will be more suscepti ble to wind mixing.
The maximum surface water temperatures in the Devil Canyon reservoir are
expected to be in the range of 10 to 12°C in August. During winter, an ice
cover is expected to form on the Devil Canyon reservoir by l ate November,
lasti ng until early May (Harza-Ebasco 198Sa). Predictions indicate that winter
water temperatures will be in the range of 2 to 4°C at a depth of SO ft
(Harza-Ebasco 198Sa).
(c) Susoended Sediments and Turbidity
Suspended sediments of less than 4 microns in diameter will enter the Devil
Canyon reservoir from the Stage Watana reservoir. Only a small percentage
of the suspended sediment is expected to settle out. Thus, suspended sediment
levels will generally reflect those occurring in the Stage I Wa t ana reservoir.
Due to the settling out of most sediments in the Stage 1 Watana reservoir, an
extensive delta will not form at the upstream end of the Devil Canyon
reservoir. Small deltas will likely form at the mouths of tributaries, simila r to
those expected in the Stage I Watana reservoir.
Some slumping of reservoir walls and resuspens ion of shorel i ne sed i ment will
occur, particularly during reservoir drawdown. However, since the overburden
layer is shallow, slumping and sediment entrainment should not create
significant problems. Thus, increases in suspended sediment and turbidicy
levels will be localized and short-term.
Turbidity levels in the Devil Canyon reservoir are expected to follow the
pattern and range of levels in the Stage 1 Watana reservoir. Turbidity values
are expected to be lowest during the spring and increase during la te s u mmer
and early fall.
35
The most important change in turbidity levels from natural conditions is that
clearwater tributary habitats will be inundated by turbid water, in c reasing
turbidity levels throughout much of the year.
4.2.4 Effects on Fish
The Stage 2 Devil Canyon reservoir will affect fish populations inhabiting the
upper Susitna Basin. Inundation, drawdown and refilling, and the reservoir's
thermal regime and suspended sediment/turbidity levels are expected to be
dominant forces in altering habitats. The anticipated impacts on species/life
stages are described by the habitat types in which impacts will occur.
(a) Tributary Habitat
The major alteration of tributaries is the inundation of these clearwater !otic
habitats with a turbid lake-like environment. Anticipated impacts to fish
species in tributary habitats are expected to be similar to those presented in
Section 4.1.4(a) for the Stage I Watana reservoir.
(i) Arctic grayling
Arctic grayling are not expected to spawn in the turbid reserv oir, as the y
prefer !otic habitats. The Devil Canyon reservoir will be at full pool (el. 1455 )
during the grayling spawning and in cubation periods (May-June ). Thus, abo ut
six miles of habitat in the larger, named tributaries would be lost due to
inundation (Table 8). Because the reservoir will be at full pool, any spawning
that occurs in tributaries upstream of the reservoir's water level will not be
affected by the drawdown and refill i ng cycle.
Rearing conditions for Arctic grayling in the reservoir will be similar to th ose
in the Stage I Watana reservoir (Section 4.1.4). It is expected that most of
the 1,~00 grayling residing in tributaries within the impoundment area (Table 3)
wil l be displaced and lost.
The De v il Canyon reservoir will likel y improve o verwinteri n g c o ndit ions f o r
Arctic grayling in the impoundment area . The winter water temperatures are
36
expected to be in the range of 2 to 4°C at a depth of 50 ft (Harza-Ebasco
1985a). Thus, warmer than natural temperatures (near 0°C) will likely improve
the overwintering survival of fish.
Table 9 summarizes the impacts of the Devil Canyon reservoir on the life stages
of Arctic grayling inhabiting tributaries within the impoundment area.
(ii) Dolly Varden
The Devil Canyon reservoir is expected to have insignificant effects on Dolly
Varden populations in the upper Susitna Basin. Dolly Varden are expected to
utilize the Devil Canyon reservoir throughout much of the year.
Dolly Varden will likely spawn in tributary reaches above the reservoir's water
level after impoundment. Some incubating embryos ma y be affected by the
refilling cycle. Spawning occurs in October and November, which is when the
reservoir will be filling du-ing normal or dry years. Embryos spawned in the
drawdown zone will likely experience higher mortalit y due to inundation and
siltation (Section 4.1.4).
The Devil Canyon reservoir is not expected to provide favorable conditions for
rearing fish. The steep walls ar.d turbidity will inhibit the development of a
littoral area and productivity of the reservoir. Similar to the Stage I Watana
reservoir, it is expected that most fish will be distributed near the inflow of
tributaries.
Table 9 summarizes the anticipated effects of the De v il Canyon reserv o ir o n
Dolly Varden populations in tributary habitat.
(b) Mainstem Habitat
(i) Burbot
Burbot are found
(Russell 1980) and
throughout the year.
in glacial lakes in Southcentral and Southwestern Alas ka
are expected to utilize the Devil Canyon reservoir
Unlike the Stage 1 Watana r eservoir, the Devil Canyon
37
w
(X)
Table 9. summary of selected species abundance, sport value and sensitivity to habitat
alteration in tributary habitats of the proposed Devil canyon impoundment zone.
Species
Arctic grayling
Dolly Varden
Life stage
spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
1 1 = low, 2 = moderate, 3 = high.
Abundance of
species in
tributary habitat1
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
Sport valuy
of species
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
Sensitivity of species/
life stage to
habitat alteration2
3
3
3
0
1
0
1
0
2 0 = no predicted change or, may be positive influence; 1 • low; 2 = moderate; 3 = high.
Re f er to text for discussion of species sensitivity to potential impacts.
reservoir's water level will be stable during winter. Thus, the drawdown and
refilling cycle of the reservoir will not affect burbot embryo incubation.
No significant impacts are anticipated for burbot inhabiting the Devil Canyon
reservoir (Table !0).
(ii) Arctic grayling
No significant impacts are anticipated for Arctic grayling in mainstem habitats of
the Devil Canyon reservoir (Table 10). Conditions are expected to be similar
to those dicussed in Section 4.1.4.
(iii) Dolly Var.Q.m
The anticipated effects of the Stage I Watana reservoir on Dolly Vardc=n in
mainstem habitats (Section 4 .1.4[b)) are expected to be the same for the Devil
Canyon Reservoir. No significant impacts are foreseen.
(iv) Chinook Salmon
A few chinook salmon migrate upstream of Devil Canyon (RM 152) to spawn .
Construction of the Devil Canyon dam will prevent chinook salmon from utilizing
habitats upstream of the dam site.
4.3 SJ:M:!E 3 -WATANA RESERVOIR
4.3.1 Inundation
The Stage 3 Watana reservoir will inundate an additional II miles of Susitna
River from RM 228 to 239. Approximately 10.8 miles of six named tributaries
will be inundated by the Stage 3 reservoir (Table 11). The total lengths of the
named tributaries inundated by both Stage 1 and Stage 3 is about 26 miles.
Additionally, numerous, unnamed tributaries will also be affected by the Stage 3
impoundment.
39
Table 10 . Summary of selected species abundance, sport value and sensitivity to habitat
alteration in mainstem habitats of the proposed Devil Canyon impoundment zone.
Species
Burbot
Arctic grayling
Dolly Varden
Life stage
spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
rearing
overwintering
overwintering
1 1 • low, 2 = moderate, 3 = high.
Abundance of
species in
mainstem habitat1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
Sport valuy
of species
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
sensitivity of species/
life stage to 2 habitat alteration
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 0 = no predicted change or, may be positive influence: 1 = low: 2 • moderate: 3 = high.
Ref e r to text for discussion of species sensitivity to potential impacts.
Ta b le 11 . To pographi c al f e atu res o f s elec t ed tr i but a ries within the proposed Stage 3 Watana i 11 pound11ent .
App r o xi ma t e e levation Stream gradi e nt Appro x i11 a te length Approxi 11ate l e ng t h
Sus i tna of con fl ue n c e with of inunda ted l e nsth o f st r·e a lll i ?undated ~•1 1 in d r~w do wn pe r ma nently
Tr i butary Ri ve r Mile Su s i tna reach ( ft/m i ) Stage Stag e 3 Total zone ( 111 1 ) i nundat e d (II i)
Deadman Creek 186.7 1515 253 2 .0 0 .7 2 .7 0 .5 2 .2
60a a Wa ta na C;e e k , 94., 155 0 7 .8 0.7 8.5 0 .0 8 .5 c ~~~: 0.0 1.2 1 2b 1.2 0 .0 East Fo r k N/A 2 06 0 c • b
We st Fork N/A 2 060 0 .0 2 .1 2. 1 2 .0 0 .1
~ Ko si na Cr eek 206 .8 1670 118 3 .0 1.5 4 .5 1.1 3 .4 .....
Jay Creek 208.5 16 95 143 2 .3 1.2 3 .5 0.9 2 .6
Goo s e Cree k 231 .3 2060 114 0 .0 1.2 1.2 1.1 0 .1
Osh e tna Ri v er 233 .4 2110 41 .JL..Q ..1..:1. ..1..:1. u .JL..Q
To ta l 15 . ~ 10 .8 25 .9 9.0 16 .9
As sume s r eservoir l e vel a t p robable maxi mum f l ood s tage e l . 22 00.5.
2 As s umes mi n imu m rese r vo i r l e v e l e l. 206 5 .
a Wa t a na Cr eek below for ks .
b Wa tana Creek above fo r ks.
c Elevat ion a t con f luence of Watana Cr eek f orks .
Moditied f r om ADF&G 1983 a .
Twenty-three lakes will be inundated by the addition of the Stage 3 Watana
development. Most of the lakes are relatively small, as 22 lakes are less than
10 surface acres. Sally Lake, with a surface area of 63 acres and a maximum
depth of 27 ft, is the largest lake affected by the Stage 3 Watana Reservoir.
Sally Lake is located on the north side of the Susitna River near the mouth of
Watana Creek at an elevation of 2025 ft.
4.3.2 Drawdown
The Stage 3 Watana reservoir will be operated similar to Stage 1 Watana: the
store-and-release mode. The Stage 3 reservoir will be drawndown from October
through April and refilled from May through August. The normal maximum
drawdown zone will be 120 ft. The drawdownjrefilling cycle is shown in
Figure 5.
Due to the drawdown and refilling cycle, about 9 miles of the upper Susitna
River between RM 230 and 239 will alternate between reservoir and riverine
habitat. Reaches of tributaries will also alternate between reservoir and
riverine habitat. Table 11 shows the approximate lengths of the six, named
tributaries in the drawdown zone. Most lakes, including Sally Lake, will remain
inundated during drawdown.
4.3 .3 Water Quality
The water quality associated with Stage 3 Watana reservoir is expected to be
similar to that of Stage Watana reservoir. The only significant change
expected at this time is for winter water temperatures in the Stage 3
impoundment to be l to l.5°C warmer than the Stage I reservoir (APA 1985).
This is attributed the larger reservoir volume and longer retention time
associated with the Stage 3 reservoir. Ice formation on the Stage 3 reservoir
will occur about mid-November and last until euly May (Harza-Ebasco 198~a).
4.3.4 Effects on Fish
The Stage 3 Watana reservoir will alter habitats and affec! fish populations
similar to the Stage I Watana reservoir. Inundation, drawdown, water
42
2200
2190
2180
2170
2160
2150
2140
2130
2120
2 1 10
2100
2090
2080
2070
2060
I T I I I I
~,r-NORMAI.. MAXIMUM POOL El... 2185 I
J I ~ I I
I i_Ll I I I
"' I l---
""'')
I I I I 1 I l i I
I
1\ I I I I I I I
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I v I I I I
: I I I I
' I
I 1'\ i I
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I 1\\ I I
I ?I I I I I I i L_ 1\ ' i i i
~ I I \ 1\\ I I I I !/ ;0 I
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~ I I \ I I :I l I I
I '\ I I 1\ i I i I ; ! ~ I I I I IJ : I i
~", I 1\\ I
I I I :1 I
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'
I I
' \ ;\I I v /I I
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~, I I 1/ I
'\
~ /; J l I
'\ I ' "' ! .,
I I I
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I I I I l ~f ! I NOTE : FIESERVOIR LEVELS SHOWN I I
ARE BASED ON MONTHLY I I I I I
~ ' I I ' AVERAGE VALUES ANO ARE
I l I I PLOTiEO AT MlcrMONTH I I
I I 1 I I I
MAXIMUM
MEAN
MINIMUM
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR A PR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT
Figure 1\ Stage 3 -Watana reservoir water levels. Watana
and Devil Canyon operating. 2020 simulation case E-VI
AlASKA POWER AUTHOR ITY
SUSITNA HYOROE'.ECTRIC PROJECT
Woodward-Clyde Conault.nta HARZA ·EBASCO
SUSITNA JOINT VENTURE AND
ENTAIX , INC.
43
temperatures and turbidity/suspended sediment levels will continue to be the
dominant forces affecting habitats and fish populations. Ant i cipated impacts
associated with completion of the Stage 3 Watana reservoir are discusst:d by the
habitats in which they will occur.
(a) Tributary Habitat
Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden inhabiting tributary reaches inundated by the
Stage 3 Watana reservoir will be affected in ways described in Section 4.1.4 for
the Stage 1 Watana reservoir. No significant impacts are expected for Dolly
Varden. However, inundation of almost 11 additional miles of the larger named
tributaries will affect summer habitat utilized by an estimated 8,400 Arctic
grayling (Table 2). It is likely that most of the graying inhabiting clearwater
tributaries inundated by the reservoir will be displaced and lost.
(b) Mainstem Habitat
Anticipated impacts of the Stage 1 Watana reservoir on fish inhabiting the
mainstem were discussed in Section 4.1.4. It is expected that the Stage 3
Watana reservoir will affect mainstem habitats and fish populations in similar
ways. The dewatering of burbot embryos spawned in shallow areas of the
reservoir will continue to reduce recruitment to burbot populations of the upper
Susitna River.
(c) Lake Habitat
(i) Arctic grayling
Arctic grayling occur in Sally Lake, which will be inundated by the Stage 3
Watana reservoir. The effects of the impoundment on grayling are expected to
be similar to those discussed previously (Section 4 .1.4}. The spawning,
incubation and rearing life stages will likely experience adverse impacts
(Table 7).
44
(ii) Lake Trout
A small population of lake trout occurs in Sally Lake. Lake trout from Sally
take are expected to survive in the Watana reservoir as lake trout are fonnd in
glacial lakes in Southcentral Alaska (Becht.:: I Civil and Minerals, Inc. I S81,
Russell 1980).
Lake trout will likely spawn in the Stage 3 Watana reservoir. However,
incubating embryos will be affected by the drawdown cycle. Lake trout usually
spawn from late September to November at depths ranging from 3 to II 0 ft
(Morrow 1980). Drawdown (November to May) in the Stage 3 Watana reservoir
will average 0.5 ft/day. As a result, embryos incubating in the upper 50 to 60
ft of the reservoir will be dewatered by March I (the approximate end of the
incubation period), causing incubation success to be low in the drawdown zone.
The drawdown/refilling cycle and turbidity levels of the Watana reservoir are
expected to limit the development of a littoral zone and restrict the productivity
of the Stage 3 impoundment. Therefore, it is likely that rearing conditions will
not be favorable in much of the reservoir. However, the clearwater plumes of
tributaries are expected to provide favorable rearing habitats for fish. Lake
trout may frequent these areas because of the availability of prey. It is
expected that the growth rate of lake trout will be low because of the expected
low productivity of the impoundment.
Overwintering conditions in the Watana reservoir will likely have insignificant
effects on lake trout.
The expected effects of tho Stage 3 Watana impoundment on lake trout
populations are summarized in Table 12 .
45
,eo.
0'1
Table 12. Summary of selected species abundance, sport value and sensitivity to habitat
alteration in lake habitats of the proposed Stage 3 Watana impoundment zone.
Species Life stage
Arctic grayling spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
Lake trout spawning
incubation
rearing
overwintering
1
1 -low, 2 = moderate, 3 = high.
Abundance of species
in lake habitat
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Sport valuy
of species
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Sensitivity of species/
life stage to 2 habitat alteration
3
3
3
0
0
2
1
0
2 o • no predicted change or, may be positive influence; 1 • low; 2 • moderate; 3 = high.
Refer to text for discussion of species sensitivity to potential impacts.
5.0 SELECTION OF EVALUATION SPECIES
All three mitigation policies (APA 1982, ADF&G l982a and USFWS 1981 ) imply
that project impacts on certain sensitive fish species will be of greater concern
than changes in distribution and abundance of less sensitive species.
Sensitivity can be rela ted to high human use value as well as susceptibility to
change because of project impacts. Statewide policies and management
approaches of resource agencies suggest that concern for fish and wildlife
species with commercial, subsistence and other consumptive uses is greater than
for species without such value. These species are often numerous, and utilize
a wide range of habitats, as well as having high human use value. Such
characteristics often result in these species being selected for detailed
evaluation when their habitats are subjected to alterations.
In the impoundment zones, Arctic grayling are abundant and widespread in
tributary habitats during summer, and reside in the mainstem during winter.
This species has a high human value, as it is highly prized by sport fishermen.
Grayling populations in the impoundment zones contain fish that are of trophy
size (Schmidt and Stratton 1984). Based on impact assessments presented in
the license application (APA l983b) and in Section 4.0 of this report, it is
likely that the impoundments will not provide suitable spawning, incubating or
rearing habitats for Arctic grayling. Anticipated impacts to grayling habitats
are considered unavoidable, as the inundation of tributary habitats by the
turbid impoundments is a necessary part of the project design and operation.
As a result of the expected loss of grayling habitats and ant i cipated reduction
in populations, the Arctic grayling is selected as the primary e v aluation species
in the impoundment zones. It is the APA's goal to provide compensation for
these losses by means that are mutually agreeable with resource managers.
The construction of the Devil Canyon dam (RM 152) will prevent chinook salmon
from migrating upstream of Devil Canyon. Chinook salmon have a high
commercial, subsistence and sport value and are numerous in the Susitna River
below Devil Canyon. However, upstream of Devil Canyon they are not
abundant, as high velocities of the Devil Canyon rapids usually limit upstream
migrations of fish . Because of their low densities upstream of Devil Canyon ,
losses of chinook salmon are not considered to be significant. Compensation for
47
lost chinook spawning habitat will be provided in one of two ways: (I) by
mitigative flow releases for juvenile chinook salmon below Devil Canyon, or
(2) by habitat improvements in the middle Susitna R i ver as part of the
impoundment mitigation (See Section 6.3).
The Stage I and 3 Watana impo·,mdments may reduce the recruitment to burbot
populations inhabiting the reservoir area (Section 4.1.4 and 4 .3.4). However,
burbot densities in the upper Susitna River are presently low and burbot are
not highly sought by fishermen in this reach of the river. Therefore, no
mitigative measures are planned for burbot, as any reduction in burbot
populations in the impoundments is considered insignificant.
48
6.0 DEVELOPMENT OF MITIGATION PLAN
6 .1 HISTORY OF IMPOUNDMENT MITIGATION PLANNING
The FERC license application (February 1983) for the two-stage, two-dam
Susitna Project recognized that the loss of clearwater tributary habitat in the
impoundment zones would be a significant project impact on Arctic grayling
populations in the upper Susitna River (APA 1983b). The proposed mitigation
included the following compensation to provide for lost grayling habitat in the
impoundment zones: (I) fund research on the hatchery propagation of Arctic
grayling, (2) expand or build a hatchery to propagate Arctic grayling,
(3) stock Arctic grayling fingerling in suitable barren lakes within the project
area, and (4) if Arctic grayling propagation proved to be technically infeasible,
expand a rainbow trout hatchery and stock rainbow trout in the Devil Canyon
reservoir. Stocking Arctic grayling in barren lakes within the project area was
proposed as the primary means of compensation because of the desirability of
in-kind, in-basin compensation.
Resource agency comments on this proposed mitigation plan were generally
unfavorable and concluded that hatchery propagation of Arctic grayling must be
judged as speculative (ADF&G 1983c, USFWS 1983). The agencies suggested
that mitigation measures should have documented successes in Alaska if possible
and, if mitigation measures are unproven, a demonstration of their effectiveness
in the project area should be undertaken.
In the Fish Mitigation Plan (WCC 1984) options were evaluated that would
mitigate impacts resulting from the project. The proposed mitigation for habitat
losses in the impoundment zones was the expansion of a rainbow trout hatchery
and the stocking of rainbow trout fingerling in out-of-basin lakes as the
primary compensation. This was proposed because of the high probability for
success. Hatchery propagation of rainbow trout in Alaska is a documented
success and rainbow trout are highly sought by sport fishermen . The proposal
of stocking Devil Canyon reservoir with rainbow trout was dropped, due t o
concern expressed about the expected low productivity and relat ively high
turbidity levels in the Devil Canyon reservoir. The propagation and stocking
of Arctic grayling were also proposed as an option for achieving compensation,
49
because of the desirability of in-kind replacement and progress in the
technology of rearing grayling in hatcheries.
The ADF&G responded that rainbow trout hatcheries and stocking programs
were already in place and that the department did not favor an expansion of
this program as mitigation for lost habitat in the impoundments (ADF&G 1984).
Instead, the ADF&G endorsed the acquisition of public access and the
development of site facilities for recreational fishing in the Susitna River and
its tributaries below Devil Canyon. The enhancement of middle Susitna River
salmon stocks by habitat improvements was also favored. A summary of agency
comments on impoundment mitigation is shown in Table 13 .
As a result of agency comments on impoundment mitigation planning, this report
evaluates three options for providing compensation for the expected losses of
fish habitat in the impoundment zones: (I) acquiring public access to the
Susitna River and its tributaries below Devil Canyon, (2) habitat modifications
or improvements in the middle Susitna River that would enhance important
resident species or important sport species of salmon, and (3) the expansion of
an Arctic grayling hatchery, the hatchery propagation of grayling and the
stocking of grayling within and out-of-basin areas.
6.2 ACQUISITION OF PUBLIC ACCESS
6.2.1 Background
Increases in population and tourism in Alaska have resulted in a high demand
for r e creational fishing. Recreational fishing is now considered an important
factor in the total management of many of the state's fisheries (Mills 1984). In
Southcentral Alaska, the high recreational use of fish resources in the region is
largely attributable to the accessibility of many lakes and rivers by the road
system, the close proximity of these areas to major population centers and
healthy fish resources. The highest demand for recreational fishing is largely
concentrated in areas that are accessible by road, which in some situations
creates uneven use patterns of the resource and intensifies pressures on
resource managers to provide additional recreational opportunities.
so
Table 13. Agency comments on Impoundment Mitigation Planning.
Agency Date
ADF&G 13 Jan 83
USFWS 14 Jar . 83
USFWS 18 Dec 84
ADF&G 31 Dec 84
Reason for
Correspondence
Review of Draft
Exhibit E, FERC
License
Application
Review of Draft
Exhibit E, FERC
License
Application
Comments on Fish
Mitigation
Workshop of 4
Dec 84
Comments on Fish
Mitigation
Workshop of 4
Dec 84
Source: ADF&G 1983c, 1984; USFWS 1983, 1984 .
Comments
Grayling propagation in experimental stages.
Compensation by stocking grayling is speculative .
Mitigation measures should have proven success in
Alaska. Demonstration of hatchery-rearing of
Arctic grayling needed.
The APA appears to be planning impoundment
mitigation with realistic objectives in accord
with project mitigation policy.
ADF&G does not support the expansion of the
rainbow trout stocking program and does not
favor stocking of the impoundment.
ADF&G endorses the acquisition of public access
and developing site facilities for recreational
fishing in the Susitna River and its tributaries
below Devil Canyon. Also favors habitat improve-
ments for salmon in the middle Susitna River
(Talkeetna-to-Devil Canyon).
The State of Alaska, recognizing the need to rectify immediate recreational use
problems and plan for future development and management of recreational areas,
has developed a recreation action plan for Southcentral Alaska (ADNR a nd
ADF&G 1984). This plan emphasizes the need for the designation of
recreational areas, the acquisition of public access to currently utilized and
future recreational areas, and the development of site facilities at recreational
areas.
The Susitna River basin is a large recreational area, which is close to
populations in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley and contains abundant fish
resources. However, access to the lower 75 miles of the Susitna River is
limited to one privately owned boat launch at Kashwitna Landing and to some of
the eastside tributaries along the Parks Highway. Thus, resource managers
have identified the need to acquire public access and develop site facilities in
the Susitna Basin to even out resource utilization and create new fishing
opportunities (ADNR and ADF&G 1984).
Five parcels of land in the Susitna Basin have been identified for acquisition in
the recreation action plan (ADNR and ADF&G 1984). The five parcels are listed
in the order of priority in Table 14. The first two priorities, Kashwitna
Landing and Little Willow Creek, would increase the accessibility of the Susitna
River. The others would improve access to lakes and tributaries in the basin,
or provide hiking trails.
The recreation action plan also recommends the development of three
recreational facilities in the Susitna Basin. The three facilities development
projects are listed in Table 14. All three developments would improve access to
the Susitna River by building roads, trails, or boat launches.
Resource managers have recommended that the Southcentral recreation action
plan deserves timely implementation (ADNR and ADF&G 1984). However, it is
recognized that the plan is an ambitious one that may take years to fully
implement, particularly in view of the declining capital budget of the State of
Alaska. Thus, the ADF&G (I 984) has endorsed land acquisition and facilities
development for recreational fishing in the Susitna River as the preferred
52
U1 w
Table 14. Land acquisitions and facilities development projects currently proposed by the state
of Alaska in the susitna River Basin.
Project
Land Acquisitions
Kashwitna Landing
Little Willow Creek
Neil Lake
Moose Creek
Description
Boat launch on Lower Susitna R.
Provide access from Parks Hwy. to
Susitna R.
Floatplane access to the Deshka R.
Road access for river use
Nancy Lakes Inholdings acquisition for trails
Facilities Development
Willow Creek State
Recreational Area
Major fishing area
Talkeetna Boat Launch Campground/access/boat launch
Sheep Creek Trail to fishing area near
Parks Hwy.
Source: ADNR and ADF&G 1984.
Estimated Costs
Capital Operating
Costs Costs
$ 500,000
$ 180,000
$ 600,000
$ 200,000
$ 250,000
$7,735,000
$ 173,000
$ 200,000
$212,500
measure of compensation for lost fish habitat and reductions in fish populations
resulting from the impoundments of the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project.
6.2.2 Sjte Selection
The selection of specific parcels of land and the development of recreational
facilities will require close coordination between the APA and resource agencies.
After the license to build the project has been granted, potential land
acquisitions and facil i ties development projects within the Susitna Basin will be
prioritized with input from resource managers. The Southcentral Alaska
recreation action plan (ADNR and ADF&G 1984) and any forthcoming planning
documents on this subject will serve as the basis for site selections.
Factors that will likely be considered during the selection process include:
1. identification of potential. sites,
2. historic use levels of the sites,
3. benefits associated with land acquisitions or facilities developments,
4. cost appraisals of lands or developments,
S. location of sites in the Susitna Basin,
6. timetable for acquisitions or developments, and
7. the probability of acquiring or developing sites by conventional
funding sources.
After land parcels or facilities developments have been selected, the APA will
take the necessary steps to complete the acquisition of selected lands or the
development of site facilities with the highest ranking. This will occur within a
time frame mutually agreed to by the APA and the agencies. In the event that
selected acquisitions or developments are found to be infeasible the APA, with
concurrence of the agencies, will negotiate the acquisition or development of the
next highest priority.
6.2.3 Q2ill
In Exhibit E of the FERC license application, costs for expanding an existing
hatchery to propagate Arctic grayling were developed (APA 1983b). Capital
54
costs were estimated to be $750,000 in 1982 dollars, while annual operating and
maintenance costs were an estimated $110,000. It was proposed that $190,000
be spent to develop Arctic grayling propagation technology. Thus, a. total
capital budget of $940,000 plus an operating budget of $110,000 per year, was
proposed to provide compensation for lost grayling habitat in the impoundment
zones. Since compensation for lost grayling habitat is of primary concern in
impoundment mitigation planning, the costs developed in the license application
can be used as a basis to budget for land acquisitions or recreational facilities
development projects.
6.2.4 Monitoring Studies
After the acquisition of lands or the development of recreational facilities is
completed, it is assumed that resource agencies will manage and maintain the
lands and facilities. Therefore, monitoring studies are not planned for these
measures at this time.
6.3 HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS
6.3.1 Background
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (1984), in review comments on the
Fish Mitigation Plan (WCC 1984), indicated that habitat improvements enhancing
salmon stocks in the middle Susitna River (Talkeetna to Devil Canyon) should
be considered as compensation for lost fish habitat in the impoun d ment zones.
Since the lost habitat primarily affects important sport species in the upper
Susitna Basin, mitigation planning has focused on the enhancement possibilities
for important sport species of salmon in the middle Susitna River: chinook and
coho. Additionally, habitat improvements enhancing important resident sport
fish (rainbow trout and Arctic grayling) in the middle Susitna River are also
considered.
6.3.2 Site Selection
Most mitigation plann i ng and associated field data collection in the middle river
have concentrated on mitigating for potential losses of chum salmon spawning
ss
habitat in sloughs and side channels. Because the downstream impacts of the
three stage project have not yet been addressed, it is unknown if slough
excavations and other mitigation measures proposed to rectify i mpacts resulting
from the two stage project will still be appropriate. However, if slough
excavations are needed to maintain chum salmon spawning habitat, additional
modificat ions can be done to enhance coho rearing and possibly juvenile rainbow
trout and Arctic grayling habitat. For example, in spawning channels
constructed in the Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska, rip-rap added to the
sloping sides of the channel to stabilize the banks also provided habitat for
juvenile coho salmon (B. Bachen, NSERA, pers comm., 1985). When specific
mitigation measures are proposed for downstream impacts, this type of habitat
improvement can be incorporated.
Other improvements are also under consideration in the middle Susitna River.
In the 1985 field season, studies will examine the potential for removing fish
passage barriers and the expected amount of habitat to be gained from such
removals. Several sites to be examined and the potential benefits are listed
below.
I. Fourth of July Creek -expand rainbow trout and possibly coho
salmon habitat.
2. Gash Creek -expand coho habitat.
3. Portage Creek lake systems -expand rainbow trout and Arctic
grayling habitat.
After field data are available, the feasibility of these habitat modifications and
potential benefits can be assessed.
Upland sloughs will also be examined for potential habitat improvements in the
1985 field season. Mitigation measures that will improve rearing and
overwintering conditions for juvenile salmon and for resident species will be
evaluated.
Additionally, habitat improvements in the lower Susitna River basin may be
56
evaluated in the future, if improvements in the middle river are found to be
unattractive.
6 .3.3 ~
The costs associated with placing rip-rap along both banks of a 1,000' long
excavated slough or side channel in the middle river is shown in Table 15 .
The costing assumes that the channel will be excavated under the downstream
impacts mitigation budget and that equipment used during excavation will be
used to haul and place the rip-rap. Railroad transportation to the slough or
side channel is also assumed.
The costs of rip-rapping a hypothetical slough or side channel are intended to
give a relative magnitude estimate. They do not reprr ~ent a proposed budget
for impoundment mitigation compensation. It is assumed that budgeting for
habitat improvements in the middle river will be developed within the total
budget set forth in the license application (APA 1983b) (Section 6.2 .3 of this
report). After the 1985 field season, specific mitigation measures to improve
habitat in the middle Susitna River will be proposed. Detailed budgets will be
proposed with the associated habitat improvement.
6.3 .4 Monitoring Studies
If habitat improvements are chosen in the middle Susitna River to provide
compensation for lost fish habitat in the impoundment area, monitoring studies
will be conducted to evaluate the success of the improvements. It is assumed
that monitoring efforts required for habitat improvements will be coordinated
with the monitoring for other mitigation measures in the middle Susitna River.
The estimated costs of a 2 person crew making 4 one-week field trips to the
site(s) to assess fish utilization and abundance and the preparation of a
year-end summary report are shown in Table 16. The scope of work for
monitoring studies and budget details will be refined when specific habitat
improvements are proposed.
51
Table 15. costs associated with rip-rap placement alODl both banks of
a 1,000' lODl excavated slc:u;h or side channel in the middle
SUsitna Ri ver1 •
Description
Material2 $ 15' 500
Equipnent 3,000
labor 13' 500
~ 3.000
Total $ 35,000
1 M::lbilization ani dem:lbilization costs have not been evaluated as equipment
ani personnel are assumed to be oosite con:iucti.n:] sla.lgh m:xlifications for
downstream inpacts.
2 Includes transportation of riprap to the site.
58
Table 16. Annual mcnitori.rq <XlSts far evaluat.in; habitat i.Jrprovements in the
middle SUsitna River.
Description
Labor
Transportation
Equipnent
J:Bta Analysis
59
$ 36,500
600
2,500
4.000
$ 43,600
6.4 HATCHERY PROPAGATION OF ARCTIC GRAYLING
6.4.1 Background
Habitat alterations resulting from the impoundments will primarily affect Arctic
grayling populations in the upper Susitna River. When possible, it is desirable
to compensate anticipated reductions of fish populations with in-kind
replacement (USFWS 1981 ). The hatchery propagation and stocking of Arctic
grayling is an in-kind compensation measure. However, since Arctic grayling
propagation technology is still in the developmental stages and cannot be fully
relied on to provide compensation, the ADF&G (1984) has recommended other
options to provide compensation for lost fish habitat in the impoundments.
At present, the hatchery propagation and stocking of Arctic grayling is the
least preferred of the three options evaluated in this report.
6.4.2 Hatchery Propagation Technology
Arctic grayling artificial propagation is being conducted by the Fisheries
Rehabilitation Enhancement and Development (FRED) Division of ADF&G at
Clear, Alaska. Arctic grayling broodstock have not yet been developed at
Clear Hatchery, so eggs are taken from wild fish and transported to the
hatchery for incubation. In 1984, over 2.0 million eggs were taken from
grayling in three lakes: Moose, Jack and Tahneeta (Parks et al. 1985). Using
wild fish as an egg source is not a fail-safe method, but in the absence of an
established hatchery-production brood stock program it is the best method
available.
Eggs are incubated at Clear H1tchery using Heath Techna ·stacks. Water
temperatures are varied between 3.5 and 10.5°C to manipulate the emergence
timing of fry. In 1984, egg-to-fry survival was over 70 percent (Parks et al.
1985).
Grayling are usually stocked as sac-fry. However, because the stocking
success of planting sac-fry is generally low, efforts are underway to develop
60
fingerling production at Clear Hatchery (Parks et al. 1985). In 1984, about
125,000 grayling were reared to fingerling size (2.0 gram weight). The
average survival rate of 560,000 sac-fry to the fingerling stage using nine
different diets was approximately 22 percent. Fish raised on diets of krill,
liver, and OMP mash exceeded the average survival rate. Survival rates were
72 percent with the krill diet, 66 percent with the liver diet and 52 percent
with Omp mash diet. Fish raised on the other six diets had survival rates of
30 percent or less (Parks et al. 1985). Although fingerling production is still
in the developmental stages, the results of experimental efforts in 1984 indicate
large-scale fingerling production of Arctic grayling is feasible.
6.4.3 Stocking Program Sjte Selection
If a grayling stocking program is found to be feasible and is selected as a
mitigation measure, stocking sites will be selected in close consultation with
resource managers. Sites will be evaluated within the Susitna Basin and
outside the Susitna Basin.
The potential sites for stocking grayling within the project area appear to be
limited. Most lakes and streams in the upper Susitna Basin contain unexploited
fish populations that are currently utilizing most of the available fish habitat,
as indicated by the high densities of fish (ADF&G 198la, 1983a, Sautner and
Stratton 1984). Barren lakes or streams with barriers to fish movements could
be stocked. However, these sites will need to be evaluated for their capacity
to successfully overwinter fish and their accessibility to anglers.
It may be possible to plant grayling in borrow pits resulting from th e
construction of the project access roads and dams. However, unless the
proposed side-borrow technique for building access roads is inadequate, no
gravel pits will be excavated during access road construction. The major
gravel pit used during construction of the Watana dam at Borrow Site E will be
rehabilitated and connected to the Susitna River, allowing fish utilization of this
area without the need for stocking (Bradley et al. 1985). Most of the other
61
borrow sites used during construction will be inundated by the impoundments
(APA 1983a,b). Therefore, the possibility of stocking borrow sites with
grayling will depend on the siting of pits and requirements of gravel fill for the
three stage project.
Stocking grayling in out-of -basin areas could supplement existing stocking
programs or create new fishing opportunities. Site selection will need to be
done in close consultation with the Sport Fish Division of ADF&G. In 1984, 65
sites throughout Alaska were stocked with grayling (Parks et al. 1985). Thus,
an active stocking program of Arctic grayling exists, when fry and fingerling
are available from the hatchery.
6. 4.4 C2.ill
The costs associated with implementing a grayling stocking program were
developed in the FERC license application. The cost of expanding an existing
hatchery facility is approximately $750,000 in 1982 dollars, while the operating
and maintenance costs are an estimated $110,000 per year (APA 1983b).
6.4.5 Monitoring Studies
Monitoring the success of a stocking program is an integral part of this
mitigation option. The costs for monitoring are assumed to be similar to the
monitoring budget proposed for habitat improvements (Table 16). The actual
scope and budget of a monitoring program will be developed if this option is
selected and when specific stocking sites are chosen.
62
7. 0 LI'I'ERA1URE CITED
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game. 198la. SUsitna Hydro Aquatic Studies -
Rlase I Report: Resident Fish Investigatic:-.s on the upper SUsitna River.
Prepared for Acres American, Inc. B.lffalo, NY. 137 pp.
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game. 198lb. SUsitna Hydro Aquatic studies -
Rlase I Final Draft Report: Adult anadralnls fisheries project. Prepared
for Acres American, Inc. lllffalo, NY.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 198lc. SUsitna Hydro Aquatic studies -
Blase I Final Draft Report: JUvenile anadratoJs fish study on the lower
SUsi tna River. Prepared for Acres American, Inc. B.lffalo, NY. 121 :pp.
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game. 1982a. statement of Policy on Mitigation of
Fish an:i Game Habitat DisruptialS. J\Ineau.
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game . l982b. SUsitna Hydro Aquatic Studies -
Blase II Final Data Report: Volume 2. Adult anadrain.1.s fish studies.
Ar¥::horage, AK. 239 :pp.
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game . 1983a.
Blase II Basic Data Report. Volume 5:
studies, 1982. Ar¥::horage, AK. 150 :pp.
SUsitna Hydro Aquatic studies -
'IJWer SUsi tna River i.npourrlment
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game. 1983b. SUsitna Hydro Aquatic Studies.
Rlase II Basic Data Report. Volume 3: Resident an:i jtNenile anad.rc:lrtous
fish studies below Devil canyon, 1982. 177 :pp.
Alaska Department of Fish ani Game. 1983c. Review 0::mnents -Draft Exhibit
E -SUsitna Hydroelectric Project. Prepared for Alaska Power Authority.
Alaska Department of Fish an:i Game. 1984. I&ter fran D.W. Collinsworth to
L.D. crawford of APA. camnents a1 SUsitna Hydroelectric Project -Fish
Mii:igatioo Plan an:i Workshop. Dec:embP.r 31.
63
Alaska Department of Natural Resa.1rces an:i Alaska Department of Fish an:i
Game. 1984. So.rt:hcent.ral Recreation Action Plan. Presented to Governor
Bill Sheffield.
Alaska Power Authority. 1982. SUSitna Hydroelectric Project: Fish an:i Wildlife
Mitigation Policy. Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage, AK.
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susitna Hydroelectric Project, before the Federal Energy Regulatory
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Information on Li.censin;J Review an:i Consideration of Prc::p::>sed stagin:;J of
Construction of the SUSitna Hydroelectric Project. l'ay 3.
Arctic Envi.ranmental. Informatioo arxl r::.ata Center. 1985. susitna River Ice
Processes: Natural a:n:lltioos an:i Projected Effects of Hydroelectric
Develc:pnent. Volume 1. Draft.
Bachen, B.A. 1985. Personal cammmication. NSERA. Sitka, Alaska.
Barrett, B.M., F.M. 'Iharp;an, an:i s.N. Wick. 1984. Report No. 1. Adult
anadrain.ls fish investigatia'IS: May -Qct:d:)er 1983. SUSitna Hydro
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Barrett, B.M., F.M. 'lhcltpa1, arxl S.N. Wick. 1985. Report No. 1. Adult
anadraro.lS fish investigatia'IS: May -Qct:d:)er 1984. Alask? Department
of Fish arxl Game. Anchorage, AK. Draft.
Bechtel Civil an:i Minerals, In::. 1981. Qlakachamna Hydroelect.ric Project,
Interim Report. Bechtel Civil an:i Minerals, In::. San Frarcisco, CA .
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64
Bradley, N. E. , L. L. M:Jul. ton ani L.A. RLirx3qu.ist. 1985 • 'Ihe Al:::t::ess,
Construction ani Transmission Line Aquatic Mitigation Plan. SUsitna
Hydroelectric Project. Prepared for the Alaska Power Authority. Draft.
Harza-fl:)asco SUsitna Joint Venture. 1985a. staged Construction Pre-Filirq
Consultation Package. SUsitna Hydroelectric Project. Prepared for the
Alaska Power Authority. Text ani ~ A (Rlysical Habitat
Sim.Jlation Exhibits).
Harza-Fl:lasco SUsitna Joint Venture. 1985b. Reservoir/River 'l'elrp=.ratures ani
Ice Si.m..ll.atians for Watana and Devil c.artya1 Operatin:J in 2002. Volume 6.
~H. Prepared far the Alaska Power Authority.
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~1, R. B. 1980. A Fisheries Inventory of Waters in the lake Clark National
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Sautner, J. S. , ani M. E. strattal. 1984. 01apter 1: Al:::t::ess ani Transmission
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65
Sclnnidt, D., and M. Stratton. 1984. C'lapter 2: Pop.llation dynamics of Arctic
graylin:J in the lJWer SUSitna Basin. In Report No. 4: Acx::ess and
Transmission corridor Investigations (July-october 1983), by D. Sclnnidt,
c. Estes, D. crawford and D. Virrent.-I..all;, eds. Alaska Deparbnent of
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Sclnnidt, D., S. Hale, D. crawford, and P. SUchanek, eds. 1984. Report No.
2: Resident and Juvenile Arladra1ols Fish Investigations (May -Oc::tabel:
1983). Alaska Deparbnent of Fish and Game. Anchorage, AK.
Umeda, K., K. Matsumura, G. Okukawa, R. Sazawa, H. Hornna, M. Arauchi,
K. Kasahara, and K. Nara. 1981. Cdlo Sal.nal (Oncorhynd'rus kisutch)
Transplanted fran North America into the Idlani River, Eastern Hokkaido.
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Ferguson of APA. o:mnents a1 SUSitna Hydroelectric Project -Fish
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66