HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA3284DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 7002
NPAEN-US
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
Mr. Eric Yould
Executive Director
Alaska Power Authority
333 West 4th -Suite 31
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Dear Mr. Yould:
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99510
28 June 1978
I am pleased to submit in response to your 19 January letter the final
Susitna Plan of Study prepared by the Alaska District, Corps of Engineers,
for the State of Alaska, under provisions of Title 3, the Intergovernmental
Cooperation Act of 1968.
The report incorporates the comments developed by other State agencies,
which you provided, in particular those prepared by the Department of Fish
and Game. As a result, the intensity of some of the biological studies
has been expanded to help identify the magnitude of the resources that
will be affected by the Susitna project. The total increase is $1,886,000
for biological activities.
To offset some of this increase, activities under the categories of survey
and foundation and materials have been decreased as the result of the
exercise presently under way at the Watana damsite in obtaining information
as requested by the President•s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
To respond to OMB•s review comments on the 1976 Feasibility Report, test
borings and geological data are being compiled which reduced the content
of several activities outlined in the September 1977 POS draft. This
reduction amounted to $1,150,000 which helped hold the overall cost
increase to $736,000. The total study cost is now $24.1 million. The
price level index was held at September 1977.
The Plan of Study retained the 46-month period to conduct the project
feasibility studies based on a 1 May start. Several months of advanced
preparation will be required before initiatin_g the activities to allow
tfPAEN-USM"r.EricYould28June1978.earlymobilizationofacampfacilityandcommenceothercontractactivityactionstoassureimplementationatthebeginningofthesummerfieldseason.Thestudieswillinsu·reoptimalbasinandsystemgenerationplanning,alongwithareasonablyaccuratecostestimateforthefirstphaseofbasindevelopment.Thesestudiesre.presentapproximately25:percentofthetotalengineeringanddesigneffortenvisionedforatwo-damcomplex.TheactivitiesdefinedinthisdocumenthavebeendevelopedtOiadequatelyaddressdetenninationofprojectfeasibility.Theprojectfeasibilityanalysiisprogramdoesincludesuggestionsandcommentsreceivedfromvariousagencies,bothFederalandState,andIfeelthattheprogramwillprovidetheinformationnecessaryfortheStatetodeterminedesirabilityofpr:-oceedingintoconstructionofahydroelectricfacilityintheupperSusitnaRiverbasin.Sincerelyyours,2
YDIf'6.lPLANOFSTUDYforSUSITNAHYDROPOWERFEASIBILITYANALYSISPREPAREDFORTHESTATEOFALASKABYALASKADISTRICTu.S.ARMYCORPSOFENGINEERSJUNE1978iK)'1~5I~~A.:t3Y\QIl10l{~ARLISAlaskaResourcesLibrary&InformationServicesAnchu.dk..Aldska
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This plan of study for Susitna hydroelectric project
feasibility planning was prepared with the assistance
of personnel from the North Pacific Division, Corps of
Engineers; the Seattle, Portland, and Walla Walla Corps
of Engineer Districts; the U.S. Army Cold Regions
Research and Engineering Laboratory; the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station; the U.S.
Geological Survey; and the Geophysical Institute of the
University of Alaska as well as the State agencies that
reviewed and commented on the draft. Each of these
agencies contributed valuable input in their respective
fields of experti'se. Also~ the numerous comments offered
by agencies, groups, and individuals during previous
feasibility studies of hydroelectric development on the
Susitna River were helpful in formulating this program
of additional study.
Cover photo, showing Portage Creek 3 miles downstream from
Devil Canyon Damsite, from the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PURPOSE
AUTHORITY
PROBLEMS AND NEEDS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Topography 17
Climate 18
Basin Streamflow 18
Geology 20
Regional Tectonics 20
Seismology 21
Vegetation 21
Fish and Wildlife 22
PRODUCTS OF FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
Report Descriptions 23
Document Sequence 26
23
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND COORDINATION 28
Summary of Previous Public Involvement 28
Interagency Coordination 29
PROGRAM SU~1MARY 31
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 44
Survey 45
Hydro 1 ogy 55
Environmental 85
Economics 91
Recreation 101
Plan Formulation 107
Power Studies 137
Power Market Studies 131
Foundations and Materials 147
Page
1
4
5
7
9
17
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cant)
Title
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES (Cont.)
Design 175
Real Estate 217
Cultural Resources 223
Field Camp 227
Biological Studies 231
Reports, Reviews, and Public Participation 257
AVAILABLE DATA
GLOSSARY
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure
285
289
1. Upper Susitna River Basin, Devil Canyon and Watana Dam Site 10
2. Upper Susitna River.Basin, Recommended Improvement
(1976 Report) 11
3. Watana Dam, Detail Plan 13
4. Devil Canyon Dam, Detail Plan 15
5. Project Feasibility Analysis Document Sequence 27
6. River Profile Showing Potential Reservoirs and Hydroelectric
Power Plants 33
7. Project Feasibility Analysis Program Summary 35
8. Project Feasibility Analysis Accumulated Cost Schedule 45
9. Program Network and Activity Schedule 305
Table
1. Tabulation of Program Activities According to Cost and
Year of Accomplishment 293
ii
·' .... ·
EXECUTIVE.--·SUMMARY_
~ . . . ' ..
. '• /
This plan of ·study (POS) prepared' by the,Alaska District Corps of ~
Engineers foT the State of Alaska. presents; a.prograrrr of. activities for
project feasi bi li ty analysis of hydropower .development· ih the Upper
Susitna River Basin~ . It provides a~descriptjon of each activity .along
.with .a cost estimate for its completion .. ·· The POS fulfills a Federal
·planning requirement while· alsp ·providHlg. the State of Alaska. an over-
.. view. of the planning·activities· associated with. a large scale water ·
resource project•-Th·e authority for proceeding with this joint State-
Federal planning program is contained in Section ·203 of the Water ·
.· Resotmces DevelopmEmt. Act of· 1976 enacted\ by the 94th Congress. · f)Jriding
for preparation of the POS was .provided by the State of Alaska on ..
30 ~.June ~-l977. ·· -~ .'· ·
r
. Exi~ting electric~l ~ienerati~n within the study area is produced ·alinost
exclusively 'by fossil fuel therma 1 resources.. However, as these·
resources become mo,re scarce, and perhaps very expensive, anct·as the
energy demand. increases to a projected. 15 bi 11 ion ki 1 owatt" hour·s :.by .
t-he"' year· 2000, /the advantag·e of non-cost:-infl ating ,. renewable energy;
,sych as hydropower, becomes apparent. A feasibility report .completed
~by the C6rps of Engineers in 1976 outlined a number 'of alternative ..
·plans foJl: developing the hydropower po.tenti a 1 of the Upper Susitna ·· _· _
Basin and identtfiea the most· economical plan; 'consisting-of a:system
of;.two· dam~·:..-a'-635-foot;..hi gh concrete· thin. arch darir at Devil Carwon
and':an 810-foot-high earthfill dam at Watana, with365 miles of·trans;..
.missl:ion .line .• This system is capableof-:developing B~lbillion kllowatt.
hou.rs:of firm ·an'nual energy, roughly~triple•the' energY'consumed in . -.· .··.
Anc_hOrifgeand Fairbanks·· in 1974. While the 1976 feasibili.tyreport;'
1 prdvided.suffic.jent data to support the need and economic feasibi-lity.
of a p·lan to develop the hydroelectric potential of the Opper· Susitn¥':
· Basin, 'it was recognized ·that·add.itional"field data and more deta-iled
studies would be required~ The POS outlines the additional studies
. required to determine the: most cost-effective plan, arid its. environ-
.. me~ta 1 impacts.
The"'activitiesoutlfned in the POS·havea'total estinia.ted cost of
$24'.1 million over a time fraine of 46 months~ The schedule .is based
on .early· notffication df program .initi.ation'"and timelY .receipt of·
Jstudy funds to allow mobilization for field explorations prior to .
the 'summer season, and arranaements for access to the sites. A cr.b
tical path .method network (CPM) ,shows the interrelationship of SOIT)e
202 activities apd .indicates those activities and timing most critica 1
for completion of the project feas.ibjlity ariaJ:ysis •... Early_acquisition'
of field data about,foundaj:ionc;:onditions, stream flows/and 'topdgt~phic
surveys during the short' summer months :i's very: important;·'. . . .
Study managerrtent of physical and fiscal progress must be rigorously
maintained throughout the 46-month period~ Periodic progress reports
and ·a report of expenditures would be provided the State of Alaska for
their information~anq_ rev3ew;,>•· The:>proj:ect.feasibility analysi S• ~ctivi,""
ties have been. programmed through·three··progressive .steps.: (l) pre-.
1 iminary screenings -H~):;.deta5led feasibility studies, and: (-3'} detaijed
design~ studies' for ~Jatana, acc;:ess road,· and transmission system.
' ''
. PrelimiMry S.creening,: ·In step., of the study, a number of potential
damsites and combinati.ons .of different dams and heights .would be.
evaluated to. identify the most economical and~.environmentally accept-
able plan"based on a preliminary calculation of beneftts and co.sts.
During this ·study phase~ the ~~'st plan identUted in the J 976'feasibH 7 itY.~ report,. Watana constructed.·iriitl'ally followed by construction of ·; ·
Devi.l Canyon,c would be reexamined. This first step isestimated·t_o \
cost $4.3 million and be completed· in 7 months. In order to meet the
overall study' schedule of 46 months~ field work needed: ·in later phases '
of the study has been .scneduled concurrently with, the ·prelimtnary ·
study phase and these costs are included in the subtotal of $4 .. 3
million .. Results of the prelimi'nary phase. will pr•ovide the first.·
importantdecistonpoint as· to whether.the study should.continuer-i,nto
-the second step. of det<tiled .feas.ibiTi.ty ·studies.' ' ·
Detailed· Fea~ibil·ityStudies: Detailed studies. would be concentrated
. on the best plan .identified in the:. preliminary screening. :Costs .. and .
·benefit? waul d be refin~d rusi ng more· acc.urate data obtained from ong-oi.ng ,
fie1d work •.. This ·Se.cond $tep·is estimated to cost $l6.7million·and be-·
· ~complE~te·d:.!n 25months after completion .of the initial· step. As i,n:...·.
dicated above., additional f-1eldworlcwould c.ontinue duri,ng.this phase.' '
of the study and .these cos:ts have been ·included in the subtotal .of $}6:::7
· million. Also included are concurrent activities required for detalled
destgn stud:i.es ... Completion of the det~tlecl .feasi bi li.ty report wfl 1 · ~
provide a finn-basis for r·ecommend.i.ng for, or against construc:tion of>~
the project,) whether. Federa lJy funded;·State supported under Section ·
203, _or· tot:ally financed· by the State of: Alaska.
Detailed Design Studies: Assuming a favorable showing of feasibHity
in step 2, the last step would be detailed.design of a.ny d.a!Jl~, power-
houses;.access roads, and some 365 miles of double-circuit transmission
,lines arid substations to deljver power to the Anchorage and Fairbanks
2
},:3Atthe.end:of-any>ofthethree'pro'gramsteps,'Sus;tnahydroelectricdevelopmentcould~bedetermined,toJackeconomic,or,environmentaljusti·...ficatip.rr,,·.Such'aconclusdonwoUld.result.in··thetenminationof'the:...p1annJ.ngp.rogral1landinFe.deraliassumption'ofresponsibility-foriexpendedfunds.Otherwise,thestudyc,ostswould:beborneby,the.StateofAlaska.Assumtng;a.faYorabl~recommendation"detailedplansandspecifications'for··th,E;!.fjpstconstruction;contract,couldbeundertakenimmeddatelyther.eafter.,~loadcenters.A.c:Ietajl.edand.accurate.'costestimate.for.constructionoftheinitial.element.in'adamsystemwillbeprovidedtoenableadecisiononfundingandinitiation)ofconstruction.Thethirdstepisestimatedtocost$3.1/minionandbecompletedinanadditionaltimeframeofJ4roonthsaftericomplettonof·.step2.Theabove·estimates.of.cost·and>time,for.complettonofthethreestepsarebasedonthefinclingsandrecommendationscontattle(tjn'th,el.~76'....•.'....'fea.~ibilityreport,and.envisi.on•.~.continuattonofthat>'PJanri4n'gstudy····leadingtotneulfimate'constructionoftheprojeCt~,".,.',..i
The~ f~nction .of the,-plan of study is to delineate_ the engineering,
economic,. social, a_nd environmental studies' associated with planning
for the Upper Susitfla River Basin hydroelectric project, as a prelude'
to State. pa'rticipatfon under Section 203 of -the 1976 Water. Resources·
-DeveJopment Act. . The study will provide a; description of ·activities
tO be p.erfdrmed; an es.timate o,f COSt and time for accompli'shmemt Of
these 9-ctivities, an indication of the-~activity interdependence, .and
a schedule of/program activities that can ~erve as a management tool
during the study effort. Should the State' of Alaska desire to work
tO\AJard development of the .Upper Susitna Basin outside the_ p'rovisions
of "the 1976 Water_ Resource Development Act, the plan of study wi 11 _
.serve las a_ guide in assess-ing other proposals for analyzing the
economic feasibility and environmental impact of the project.
4
\
AUTHORITYTheCorpsofEngineersisparticipatinginaccordancewithaMemorandumofUnderstanding,dated30June1977,betweentheUnitedStatesofAmericaandthe,Stateof.Alaskaforpreparationofa"StudyOutline,SusitnaProject."Thememorandumdirectsthat,liTheSecretaryoftheArmY,actingthroughtheDistrictEngineer,Alaska,shallprepareastudyoutlinefortheSusitnaProjectforthepurposeofdetailingtheScopeofWorkrequiredtoprovideengineering,environmental,economical,andsocialinformationrelatingtothesubjectprojectundertheprovisionsofTitle3,PublicLaw90-577,16October1968,theIntergovernmentalCooperationActof1968."StudiesconsideredinthePlanofStudywereauthorizedbypublicLaw94-587,entitled"WaterResourcesDevelopmentActof1976"enactedbythe94thCongresson22October1976.TheauthorizinglegislationprovidedfortwooptionsfortheconductofPhaseIstudies.Section160statesthat,IJThe;SecretaryoftheArmy,actingthroughtheChiefofEngineers,isauthorizedtoundertakethePhaseIdesignmemorandumstageofadvancedengineeringanddesignoftheprojectforhydroelectricpowerontheSusitnaRiver,Alaska,inaccordancewiththerecommendationsoftheBoardofEngineersforRiversandHarborsinitsreportdatedJune24,1976,atanestimatedcost$25,000,000.ThisshalltakeeffectuponsubmittaltotheSecretaryoftheArmybytheChiefofEngineersandnotificationtoCongressoftheapprovaloftheChiefofEngineers.IIThepossibilityforStateofAlaskafundingofPhaseIstudiesisprovidedforbySection203(e)whichstates,liTheSecretaryisauthorizedtomakeexpendituresfromthe[AlaskaHydroelectricDevelopmentFund]forthePhaseIdesignmemorandumstageofadvancedengineering5
and design for any project in Alaska that meets the
requirements of Subsection (a}(2} of this Section, if
appropriate non-Federal public authorities, approved
by the Secretary, agree with the Secretary, in writing,
to repay the Secretary for all the separable and joint
costs of preparing such design memorandum, if such
report is favorable. Following the completion of the
Phase I design memorandum stage of advanced engineering
and design under this subsection, the Secretary shall
not transmit any favorable report to Congress prior to
being repaid in full by the appropriate non-Federal
public authorities for the costs incurred during such
Phase I. The Secretary is a 1 so authorized to make
expenditures from non-Federal funds deposited in the
fund as an advance against c·onstruction costs ...
Funds were provided for preparation of the Plan of Study by the State
of Alaska on 30 June 1977.
6
PROBLEMS ~ NEEDS.
Most of the present commercial electrical power in the Southcentral
Railbelt area is derived from fossil fuel thermal and turbine genera-
tion. The Anchorage-Cook Inlet area had a total installed capacity of
504.8 megawatts (~n~) in 1976. Natural gas fired turbines were the
predominant energy source with 434.9 ~H~ of installed capacity. Hydro-
electric capacity of 45 MW was available from the Eklutna and Cooper
Lakes projects. Steam turbines comprised 14.5 MW of capacity, and
diesel generation, mostly in.standby service, accounted for the remain-
; ng 10.4 MW.
The Fairbanks-Tanana Valley area commercial utilities had a total
installed capacity of 222.2 MW in 1976. Oil-fired gas turbine genera-
tion provided the largest block of power with a capacity of 136.6 r~w.
Steam turbines provided 53.5 ~1W of power and diesel generators con-
tributed 32.1 MW.
Recent electrical power growth rates have been in the neighborhood of
14 percent annually, and although these rates are projected to decline
to 7 percent beyond 1980, the year 2000 Railbelt power requirements
are estimated to be 15 million megawatt-hours energy and 3,170 mega-
watts peaking capacity.
Estimated Railbelt Area Power Requirements
Capacity (MW)
Energy (GWH)
1976
569
2,550
1980
870
3,980
1990
1 ,670
7,620
2000
3 '170
15,000
While increased power capability is the need which precipitated the
1972 U.S. Senate Committee on Public t1!orks resolution which authorized
the Corps of Engineers feasibility study, other problems and needs have
also been identified. These include the need to preserve natural areas,
to conserve or enhance fish and wildlife resources, to respond to prob-
lems of flood damage and air pollution, to expand recreation opportuni-
ties, and to conserve fossil fuels.
7
It would be presumptuous to assume that any single water resources plan
could satisfy all the water-related needs of a region. Even if the plan
could respond to the full range of water-related problems, there are
often economic, social, and other needs that must be recognized. It
is therefore necessary to select a more limited set of compatible needs
to which the water resources plan can respond. In other words, the
extent to which desirable functions of a multipurpose project could be
developed is highly dependent upon which various purposes are compatible.
Needs which the project development could help satisfy, but which may
be contrary to the objective of power development, include the improve-
ment of small boat and deep draft navigation conditions, augmentation
of municipal water supplies, and development of an extensive irrigation
system. The plans for power development are also relatively unrespon-
sive to the desire for preservation of what could be termed the "Alaskan
way of life,11 including prevention of further population growth, pre-
vention of additional industrialization, and curtailment of urban expan-
sion.
8
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The plan of development recommended by the Corps of Engineers in 1976
consists of two dams and related reservoirs and powerplants to be
constructed on the Upper Susitna River with transmission facilities
to provide power to the Anchorage and Fairbanks load centers.
Watana and Devil Canyon were the two projects recommended in 1976.
These two projects could produce 6.1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) firm
annual energy, 800 million kWh average annual secondary energy, and
1,392,000 kilowatts of dependable capacity based on a 50 percent system
load factor. Watana, the first project to be built under this plan of
development, would consi~t of an 810-foot-high earthfill structure
located at river mile 165. The reservoir would extend 54 miles upstream
and have a surface area of 43,000 acres. The total storage capacity
would be 9,624,000 acre-feet after 50 years of sediment inflow .. The
useable storage capacity would be 6,100,000 acre-feet. Devil Canyon,
32 miles downstream of Watana, would be a concrete thin-arch dam with
a maximum structural height of 635 feet. Construction of the Devil
Canyon project after completion of Watana would be phased to meet the
projected electrical energy demands of the Railbelt area. The Devil
Canyon reservoir would inundate 7,550 acres and 28 miles of natural
river, and would provide 1,050,000 acre-feet of storage capacity.
Intake str~ctures would be situated to allow a maximum power pool
drawdown ~f 175 feet, but when operated in conjunction with the upstream
Watana reservoir, Devil Canyon annual drawdown would normally be less
than 5 feet.
The transmission line would be approximately 365 miles in length con-
sisting of double towers, each carrying a single conductor three-phase
circuit. About 25 percent of the energy would be provided to the
Fairbanks load centers, with 75 percent being utilized in the Anchorage
area. A basin map shows the location of the two dams (Figures 1 and 2).
Detailed layouts of Devil Canyon and Watana are shown on Figures 3 and
4.
9
FIGURE 1. ERTS sate lli te photograph of the Upper Sus itna River
with t he ge neral l ocation of the Devil Canyon and Watana Pro-
jects sho wn in the circles . Devi l Canyon project, on the l eft,
is roughly 65 miles upstream from Ta lk eetna, and Watana is 32
miles above Devil Canyon. Sho wn in t h e upper right corner of
the photo are the glaciers of th e Alaska Range, which pro vide
much of the flow for Susitna River.
10
WATANALEGEND~RESERVOIR~ACCESSROADTRANSMISSIONROUTE~onLOCATIONMAPALASKADISTRICT,CORPSOFEN51NEERSUPPERSUSITNARIVERBASINSOUTHCENTRALRAILBELTAREA,ALASKAANCHORAGE,ALASKARECOMMENDEDIMPROVEMENT\I~-.f""'(~('-1/'vI1520MilesWotonaAccessRoad(Proposed)10SCALE2200DistonclSrefertomiluobovemouth.Elevotionsref.,tom.onHOItv.1.UPPERSUSITNARIVERPROFILERIVERMILES120-2901450/"\(13,~S~~UNDARYrJ-./?J~r,,/"\/V>'"'--'~-r-../'./,RECOMMENDED_ADAMANDRESERVOIRAT/WATANADAMSITEWITH./TRANSMISSIONFACILITIES.f",--.....r--/"1~DEVILCANYONo5RECOMMENDEDADAMANDRESERVOIRATDEVILCANYONDAMSITE.ITALKEETNA
RAILBELTAREA,ALASKAUPPERSUSITNARIVERBASINWATANADAMDETAILPLANALASKADISTRICT.CORPSOFENGINEERSANCHORAGE,ALASKA~OO-------....._2ACCESSROAD!lOO0TISCALEINI'if'"'"'"~9~~.Q'"0012'";0I;t.t0"OV(~A.q:0""~q,"<0A..::)<:::J'<;O~A..$;J~l)~.o~~4<'.~\"<::)<8...,00lHWATANA<O""'~DIVERSION/oq~"WORKS°lf'RATINGCURVESLINEDTUNNELJ""'O'OI;[,300....x.pOOLIEL.2200IPOWER\PLANT~UNITS,'rHlGHLEVELOUTLET-2,200'\t+-+--.l::sAAev~A1DISC.1+~G'k-'-2,100I2,000ILLLOWLEVLOUTLET~j-'Clf'j"....LMINLEVELQULPOOLPOWERPOOL,1,900IIWATANAPROJECTIDISCHARGECAPABILITYDURINGEMERGENCY,1,600IDRAWDOWN.IIMIN.REQ.ELEV.EL.l760/EMERrNCYORAjOOWNALLGrESTLLOPIEN10,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,000oINCFS80I-UJUJlJ..~Cl«UJ:I:Cl::o:I:I-CLUJCl2.THEREARENOKNOWNEXISTINGIMPROVEMENTSONTHISPLATE.20,00040,00060,00080,000100,000120,000140,000 160,000QINCF S7090NOTES:I.TOPOGRAPHICCO~TOURSWERETAKENFROMU.S.G.S.TOPOGRAPHYSCALEI'63,360,TALKEETNA"'OUNTAINS10-4),ALASKA.VERTICALDATU'"IS"'EANSEALEVELI....S.U.I-UJUJlJ..~Zoi=«>UJ-lUJ~o>Cl::UJenUJCl::SPILLWAYCREST
2.EXISTINGIMPROVEMENTSWERECONSTRUCTEDTOOBTAININFORMATIONANDDATAFOREARLIERSTUDIES.NOTES:TOPOGRAPHYWASCOMPILEDFROMAERIALPHOTOGRAPHYWITHGROUNDCONTROL.VERTICALDATUMISMEANSEALEVEL,(m.s.l.).SPILLWAYRATINGFLOWINCFSIOOPOC200POO300,000IOPOODISC~~EINCFSLOWLEVELOUTLETSRATINGDEVILCANYONRATINGCURVESa..coj,,,,0~rt=/G>'aII'"t:1.;7.ailay00a50.00010I--140~ISOOOLOAIRSTRIPALASKADISTRICT.CORPSOFENGINEERSANCHORAGE,ALASKAUPPERSUSITNARIVERBASINDEVILCANYONDAMDETAILPLANSOUTHCENTRALRAILBELTAREA.ALASKA10.000P---/-~:-:_".DEVILCANYON26'0DIVERSIONTUNNELa~~~,oNUNNL /SURFLO/80/;2r.~~UNN~L~NNE1/10/~1/1/OEPHOFWATRINTNNEa//50IIV20 00""poo9089~8::I776MWPOWERPLANTCHAMBER
ENVIRONMENTALTOPOGRAPHYSETTINGTheUpperSusitnaRiverBasincontainsseveraltopographicfeatureswhichprovideaconglomeratestreamflowheavilyinfluencedbyspecificmeteorologicalevents.Thebasinwasshapedbyvolcanism,diastrophism,glacialerosion,andmarinedeposition.Thebasin,asshowninFigure1,isafan-shapedareacomprisingabout6,160squaremilesandis.borderedbytheAlaskaRangetothenorth,theTa1keetnat~ountainstothesoutheast,andflat,low-reliefareastothesouthwest.Mostofthebasinhasawell-definedbranchingstreampatternwithamainchannelemanatingfromglacialheadwatersintheextremenorthernsegmentofthedivide.Belowtheglaciers,thebraidedstreamtraversesahighplateaucomposedofaggradedalluvialsediment,andthenmeandersseveralmilessouthtotheconfluencewiththeOshetnaRiver.Itthentakesasharpturntothewestandflowsthroughasteeplycut,degrad-ingchanneluntilitexitsthebasinatGoldCreek.Thecontributingglacialareacomprisesonly4percentoftheentirebasin,butsummerglacialmeltprovidesaconsiderableportionofthetotalstreamflow.Bycontrast,theflat,glaciallycarvedLakeLouiseareainthesouth-easternportionofthebasinprovidescomparativelylittleflowfromits700-squ?re-milearea.ThemountainswithinthebasinreflecttheinfluenceofthePleis-toceneIceAge,duringwhichglacialadvancementoverthetopographyplanedthemountainsandgavethebasinsurfacearoundedandsmoothedappearance..Thehighestelevationwithinthebasinis13,326feet,andthelowestelevationis740feet.Thebasinreliefimpliesasteepchannelslope;however,variabilityoftheslopecomparedtoothermountainstreamsissomewhatreversed.Theaggradedchannelintheupperreachesofthebasinhaschannelslopesintherangeofonly4to7feetpermile,whilethelowerbasinchanneldropsasmuchas37feetpermile.MaintributariestotheSusitnaRiverhaveanevenhigherrangeofchannelslopes.ThedeeplyincisedriverchannelbelowtheTyoneRivercontrastswiththemanytraditionalAlaskanU-shapedvalleys,remnants17
of glacial advances. The absence of broad flood plains in the lower
basin results in high stages during high runoff due to confined flow
areas. The Susitna River alluvium has developed into a continuous
effluent aquifer. Most of the tributary aquifers do not sustain winter
flow.
CLIMATE
The climate of the Upper Susitna Basin is characterized by cold dry
winters and warm but moderately moist summers. The yearly precipitation
distribution shows that 64 percent of precipitation occurs from June
through October. Within the Raflbelt area, the climate falls into
three categories: (l) a zone dominated almost entirely by maritime
influences, (2) a zone of transition from maritime to continental
climatic influences, and (3) a zone dominated by continental climatic
conditions. The Upper Susitna Basin falls within the transitional
zone. The contrast between the maritime-influenced areas of the
southern Kenai Peninsula and the continental conditions at Fairbanks
is marked. Within the confines of the Upper Susitna Basin, away from
the moderating influence of maritime air, there are greater temperature
extremes than on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska. Extreme winter tem-
peratures are caused by polar air masses which flow in from the north.
Mean annual precipitation in lower elevations of the basin would be
expected to range between 18 and 22 inches, while precipitation in
higher elevations, because of orographic effects, would be expected
to reach 80 inches per year. Mean annual snowfall would range from
60 inches in the lowlands to as much as 400 inches in the high moun-
tains. Freezeup in the highest reaches of the Susitna River starts in
early October, and by the end of November the lower regions of the
river are icebound. The river breakup begins in early May, and within
two weeks of breakup the river tributaries are free of surface ice.
BASIN STREAMFLOW
The annual streamflow patterns of the Upper Susitna River and most of
its tributary streams are best described as providing perennial flow.
The main tributaries of the Susitna River consi·st of the East and West
Fork Susitna Rivers which originate in the northern section of the
drainage basin, the Maclaren River which originates in the northeastern
portion of the basin, and the Tyone River which emanates from the
southern reaches of the basin.
18
TheflowregimeoftheSusitnaRiverisseasonal,withmorethanhalfoftheyearlystreamflowoccurringfromMaythroughSeptember.Summerstreamflowconsistsmainlyofsnowandglacialmeltcombinedwith.sur-facerunofffromrainfall;Winterflowsarerestrictedalmostentirelytogroundwaterinflow.Primarywaters.ourcesfortheMaclarenandEastandWestForkSusitnaRiversarethenumerousglacierswhichrimthenorthernbasindivideintheAlaskaRange.TheTyoneRivercontributionismostlyreservoiroutflowfromthemultitudeoflakeslocatedwithinitssubbasin.WinterflowsbegininearlyNovemberandarecomposedofbasef10wfromsubsurfacestorage.WhenbreakupnearsinMarchandApril,subsurfacestorageisdepletedtotheextentthatmanysmalltributariesceaseflowing,andtheSusitnaRiverflowshrinkstoitsseasonalminimum.Followingbreakup,flowsincreaserapidlywiththe·onsetofspringsnowmelt.Assummertem-peraturesincrease,glacialflowaccentuatedbyrainfallrunoffbecomesthepredominantriversource.Thecyclerepeatsitselfwithwinterfreezeup.Thevariabilityofstreamflowwithinthf;!basinisextreme.Thefollow-ingtablerepresentsaverageannualstreamflowconditionsforportionsofthebasinabovetheGoldCrf;!ekgagingstation.PercentofGoldCreekStreamflowDrainageArea(S9~1i)FlowVariationsinUpperSusitnaRiverBasinPercentofGoldCreekDrainageAreaGagingStationMaclarenRivernearPaxsonSusitnaRivernear.DenaliSusitnaRivernearCantwellSusitnaRiveratGoldCreek2809504,1406,1604.515.467.2100.010.027.664.8100.0Nearly38percentoftheGoldCreekstreamfloworiginatesfrom20percentofthearea.Thislargepercentageofstreamflow.iscontri-butedbyglaciersintheupperportionofthebasin.andbyhighpre-cipitationrunoffrateswhichresultfromimperviousglaciers.Inaddition,itissuspectedthatthemountainsformageographiccon-straint.whichcausesexcessiveprecipitationinthisareainrelationtotheremainderofthebasin.19
By contrast, the Cantwell gaging station shows a runoff rate not
consistent with that which could be expected below the glaciers, indi-
cating that below the Paxson and Denali stations a large area contrib-
utes little annual streamflow. This large, low contributing area is
believed to be the flat, 700-square-mile Lake Louise area. Below the
Cantwell station, flow percentages increase slightly to a more nearly
normal area-discharge relationship for the basin.
GEOLOGY
The geology of the Upper Susitna River Region reflects the complex
processes which make up its geologic hi story. It has undergone
subsidence, marine deposition, volcanic intrusion, mountain building,
glacial planing, and erosion. In the upper reaches of the river,
the valley floor is composed of reworked glacial moraine and lakebed
deposits, which are thought to be approximately 200 feet thick. Mate-
rials range in size from silt to boulders. Adjacent mountains are
composed of metavolcanics and metasediments (lava flows and sediments
which have been changed by heat and pressure), and the bedrock beneath
the valley floor is also assumed to be a complex of rocks altered from
preexisting rock by pressure, heat, and changes in the chemical environ-
ment. In the midsection of the Upper Susitna, massive intrusions of
granitic rock have warped and uplifted the region. Subsequent vigorous
earth movement resulted in the building of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Throughout this area the metavolcanics and metasediments are warped
and twisted; medium-grained granite intrusives are exposed intermit-
tently along the valley walls. At the lower end of the drainage,
glacial action is evidenced by the absence of overburden materials
at higher elevations and the scouring and planing of the underlying
bedrock.
REGIONAL TECTONICS
Tectonics deals with rock structures and external forms resulting from
large movements or deformation of the earth's crust. Two major earth
tectonic features bracket the Upper Susitna Region. The Denali Fault,
active during Holocene (Recent) time, is one of the earth's major
fractures. It lies approximately 43 miles north of the proposed Devil
Canyon damsite. A second arcuate fracture, the Castle Mountain Fault,
lies some 75 miles to the .south of the river basin. Bisecting the
region in a northeast-southwest direction and truncated by the Denali
20
Fault,theSusitnaFaultliesapproximately2.5miles>we:;toftheproposedWatanaDam.Large,prominentlineamentspassthroughtheregiontrendingnortheast-southwest,andtherivervalleyiscon-trolledbymanyofthesefeature:;.SEISMOLOGY.Sinceitislocatedinanareaofmajorfaults,itistobeexpectedthattheUpperSusitnaBasinwouldlieinazoneofmajorseismic,actiyjty.During,t~eperiodofrecord,throughtheendof1970,262earthquakeshadbeenrecordedwithiharadiusof150milesofthe-proposedDevilCanyonsite(i<achadoorian1974).Ofthese,229hadamagnitudeon,theRichterscale.oflessthan5.3,while20werebetween5.3and.7.0.,.elev.enwerebetween7.0and7.>75,andtwoweregreaterthan7.75.AnevaluationofthepotentialexposureoftheUpperSusitnadamsitestoseismicactivitywasmadebytheBureauofRecla-mation.Inviewoftherecentadvancesinseismictechnology,faultscapableofinfluencingmajordesignfeatureswillbereevaluatedfortheirpotentialMaximumCredibleEarthquake.VEGETATIONMostoftheUpperSusitnaRiverBasinisclassifiedasmoistoralpinetundraalthoughtheareaadjacenttothemainriverchannelbelowtheMaclarenRiverisclassifiedaseitheruplandorlowlandspruce-hard-woodforest.Majortimberspeciesofthecanyonslopesandsurroundingbenchlandsarebirch,balsampoplar,blackcottonwood,whitespruce,andblackspruce.Overall,timberisofpoorquality,varyingwidelyinsize,butmostlysmallandoflittleornocommercialvalue.Twodistinctlydifferentplantcommunitiesoccupyportionsofthealternatetransmissioncorridors.Bottomlandspruce-poplarisconfinedtothebroadfloodplains,riverterraces,andwarmslopesofmajorrivers.Throughoutthelowlands,anotherdistinctvegetationtypeislowbrush-bog/muskeg.Commonplantsincludetamarack,blackspruce,alder,willow,andvariousberries.21
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Both resident and anadromous fish inhabit the Susitna Basin. Salmon
are known to spawn in many of the sloughs and tributaries of the
Susitna River below Devil Canyon; however, surveys indicate that salmon
may be unable to ascend the turbulent Devil Canyon and thusly be pre-
vented from migrating into the Upper Susitna River Basin. Grayling,
rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, whitefish, and burbot comprise
the principal resident fish populations.
Mammals and birds found in the Upper Susitna Basin are representative
of wildlife species common to interior Alaska. Important game species
consist of moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Wolves, wolverine, bear,
and smaller fur bearers inhabit ·the basin. Birds are predominantly
seasonal, and include waterfowl, raptors, and passerine species. The
peregrine falcon is the only rare or endangered species presently
known to frequent or inhabit the basin.
22
PRODUCTS OF
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
The results of studies will be presented in a Project Feasibility
Analysis Report supplemented by a series of appendices and a docu-
ment supplementing the Environmental Impact Statement.
TENTATIVE DOCUMENTS
Project Feasibility Analysis, Main Report
Appendices
Hydrology
Power Studies
Site Selection
Plan Formulation
Transmission Facilities
Access
Foundations and Materials
Real Estate
Design and Cost Estimates
Marketing Analysis
Environmental Studies
Recreation
Cultural Resources
Environmental Impact Statement (Supplement)
REPORT DESCRIPTIONS
The Project Feasibility Analysis, Main Report will be a summary document
presenting the studies and investigations made to reformulate the
project to meet present day conditions and to augment the preauthori-
zation feasibility analysis where deficiencies exist. The report will
23
be primarily a planning document in which plan formulation, impact
assessment, and cost estimates will be presented in sufficient detail
to support the conclusions and recommendations made. Also the recom~
mended plan will be described, and the economic and financial analyses
summarized.
The Hydrology Appendix will document the basic hydrologic information
upon which the project analysis will be based. Included will be dis-
cussions of daily streamflow, hydrology and climate within the basin
and along the transmission corridor, sediment transport, erosion
potential, icing, flood routing, and spillway design floods.
The Power Studies Appendix will describe the analysis of energy capa-
bilities of the various plans studied. It will include the results
of seasonal and hourly regulation studies to determine the need for a
reregulation reservoir. The report will also contain head duration
curves, tailwater duration curves, turbine efficiency curves, and
suggested operating rule curves.
The purpose of the Site Selection Appendix will be to present the con-
siderations resulting in specific recommendations as to dam types and
heights for each site. The report will explain the mechanics of the
reviewing process and the rationale for specific site selection on
the basis of foundation suitability, quantity, quality, and location
of construction materials, and mass-quantities and cost-height rela-
tionships.
The Plan Formulation Appendix will document the procedures and rationale
by which the recommended plan of development is selected. The procedure
will entail identification of planning objectives, the assessment of
available alternatives and their impacts, and a comparison of alter-
natives from the standpoint of economic development and environmental
considerations. The selected plan will be that plan which provides the
greatest contributions to the study objectives.
The Transmission Facilities Appendix will present the studies involved
in selection of transmission line routes, towers, conductor and hard-
ware, substations and switchyards, and other transmission facility
components. The selected scheme will be described in detail. Also
included will be a transmission line reliability analysis.
The access route alternatives will be outlined and the considerations
in route selection presented in the Access Appendix. Vertical and
horizontal alignments will be shown, and their advantages and disad-
vantages in relation to grade, curvature, distance, bridge require-
ments, and foundations will be evaluated. Particular emphasis will
be placed on the requirement for an all-weather access and on the
potential winter problems of snow and ice.
24
The results of exploration, testing, and evaluation for geological
and foundation conditions will be presented in the Foundations and
Materials Appendix. Documentation will completely define the quality
of the dam foundation and the extent and type of foundation treatment
required for design. Location and quality of embankment materials
will be shown and test results outlined with particular emphasis on
strength of materials under high confining pressures and dynamic
cyclic loading. Special emphasis will also be placed on regional
and site geology and faulting and its relation to the potential seis-
micity of the area. Seismic studies will be described, including the
design earthquake parameters and a dynamic soils response analysis
for the embankment.
The Real Estate Appendix will contain information on land ownership
and value. The report will include an overall real estate project
map along with more detailed segment maps. A gross appraisal will be
prepared with supporting narrative to provide technical justification
for land costs.
Contained in the Design and Cost Estimate Appendix will be a discussion
of dam type and height, foundation conditions, material sources, general
configuration of spillway and outlet works, penstocks and powerhouse,
intake systems and gates, and any other pertinent dam features. Other
project components such as construction facilities and reservoir clear-
ing will also be described. Further, it will contain the various plan
cost estimates used as a basis for choosing the selected plan and also
the rationale and assumptions underlying the estimates. The investi-
gations and design associated with the first phase of construction
will be relatively more detailed than that for subsequent project
phases, and the accompanying cost estimates for first phase construc-
tion will therefore be more refined and reliable.
The Marketing Analysis Appendix will document the extensive investigations
and analyses leading to the load growth forecast and market for Susitna
power. In addition it will contain a detailed assessment of existing
plant retirement, a discussion of the role of Susitna power in the
long-term Railbelt energy supply system, and a financial analysis.
The Environmental Studies Appendix will serve as a reference document
for the impact assessment and plan formulation process, as well as for
supplementing the Environmental Impact Statement. The report will be
a consolidation of the socioeconomic, biological, and water quality data
collection and impact identification studies.
Narrative and plates detailing the proposed recreational development,
along with the reasoning for its selection will be presented in the
Recreation Appendix.
25
The Cultural Resources Appehdix will be a reconnaissance report present-
ing the findings of both the archeological and historical studies. The
appendix will contain information relating to the identification of
archeological and historical resources located in the project area and
to the probable project impact on those resources.
The Environmental Impact Statement (Supplement) will summarize the full
range of environmental, economic, social, and engineering studies.
Impacts resulting from the various project features will be discussed
and evaluated. The report will be designed to concisely describe the
tradeoffs involved among the various schemes of development and to
present the rationale for any recommendations made.
DOCUMENT SEQUENCE
Preceding these final documents will be four preliminary appendices
covering hydrology, power and marketability, site selection, and environ-
mental studies. These preliminary appendices will serve as a basis for
preparation of a draft plan formulation report. Following the choice
of the most favorable plans through the plan formulation process,
more detailed attention will be directed at formulating the selected
plan with results documented in draft appendices. After appropriate
review, these will be finalized along with the Project Feasibility
Analysis Main Report and the Environmental Impact Statement (Supplement).
The sequence of preliminary, draft, and final documents is depicted
in Figure 5.
26
FIGURE5:PROJECTFEASIBILITYANALYSISDOCUMENTSEQUENCEDevelopmentandScreeningofAlternatives-PRELIMINARY-REPORTSI---HYDROLOGYIPOWERSTUDIESIMARKETANALYSISISITESELECTIONIENVIRONMENTDRAFT0SelectionofMostPLANFORMULATIONUPPromisingPlansREPORTTLPAUNTNIDN0GCI--DRAFTUSI--MT'RefinementofSelectedDOCUMENTSEANGlPlanandFinalReviewTEMAINREPORTSIDRAFTEISIAPPENDICESCompletionPROJECTi--I--FEASIBILITY-ANALYSISi--i--MAINREPORTIEISIHYDROLOGY. IDESIGN&COSTITRANSMISSIONIETC.27
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
A D COORDINATION
The objective of public participation is to further involve the public
in the project feasibility study, in order to insure that the study
responds to public views and preferences to the maximum extent possible.
As used here, the term 11 public 11 includes other Federal, State, and
local government entities and officials; public and private organiza-
tions; and individuals interested or potentially interested in the
Sus i tna project.
SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
In conjunction with the 1976 Corps of Engineers feasibility study,
numerous comments were received at public meetings and from written
statements on the report findings and reccommendations. Over 65
agencies, organizations, and individuals have provided written
comments or oral testimony. In general, comments focused on the
need for additional studies before a final decision on construction
of a project of such magnitude. The Chief of Engineers has responded
to all comments received during review of his draft report and companion
Environmental Impact Statement and agreed that additional studies are
required before a recommendation can be made for construction. The
activities outlined in this plan of study reflect public comments
and concerns expressed on the 1976 feasibility report.
Comments of Governor Jay Hammond expressed in his letter of November 17,
1976, to the Chief of Engineers are quoted as follows:
"I concur in the recommendation by the Board of Engineers
report that further study effort is needed for a project
of this magnitude. I agree that additional detailed
studies, including those addressed by my task force, will
be required to determine the significant impacts asso-
ciated with the magnitude and complexity of the project.
Our task force recommendations will be supplied to the
District Engineer.
liTheinformationobtainedfromtheDistrictEngineerconcerningstudiesproposedinthenextstagecoincideswellwiththeenvironmental,socio-economicandtechnicalstudiesidentifiedbytheStateTaskForceduringreviewoftheDraftEnvironmentalImpactStatement.Asthesedetailedstudiesareaddressed,coordinationshouldbemaintainedwiththeState'sdesigneetoassurethatassessmentsareansweringthosepointsraisedinthetaskforcereportandtoinsurethattheinformationdevelopedwillbeadequateonwhichtobasefutureStaterecommendations."INTERAGENCYCOORDINATIONCoordinationwillbecarriedoutonacontinuingbasiswithFederal,State,andlocalagencieshavinginterestinthestudy.ShouldtheplanningforSusitnahydropowerproceedinthejointState-Federalmode,anextremelycloseworkingrelationshipisenvisionedbetweentheCorpsofEngineersandtheStateofAlaska.Toeasethecoordi-nationproblemsinherentinaplanningprogramofthismagnitude,asinglepointofcontactwouldbeestablishedfortheStateandasinglepointfortheCorpsofEngineers.ThesewouldbetheAlaskaPowerAuthorityontheonehand,andtheAlaskaDistrictontheother.ThisStateagencywouldcoordinateStatereviewsofstudyprogress,andformulatefeedbackintoaconsolidatedStateposition.TheAlaskaDistrictwouldberesponsibleforandwouldcoordinateallstudyactivit~es,thusservingasthepointofinterfacebetweentheStateandthoseengagedinaccomplishingtheprojectfeasibilityanalysis.IncludedinthisgroupwouldbevariousCorpsofEngineerselements,otherFederalagencies,privateconsultants,andStateagencies,suchas.theDepartmentofFishandGame,thatwillprovidespecialtechnicalservices.Inadditiontotheongoingcoordinationwithagenciesatalllevelsofgovernment,therewillbeanopportunityforformalreviewandcommentafterdistributionofthedraftProjectFeasibilityAnalysisReportandaccompanyingdraftsupplementalEnvironmentalImpactStatement.Thesubstanceofallcommentsreceivedwillbeincorporatedinthefinalreportandimpactstatementsupplement.29
The. activities identified for accomplishment during the Project Feasi-
bility Analysis are. those that are considered necessary to. establish
the feasibility of developing the Upper Susitna hydropower potential;
further, they outline sufficient 'engineering analysis to.determine a
reasonably accurate cost estimate for the initial features to be built,
namely the transmission line, access road, and the first dam. It must
be. realized, however, that as the planning process evo 1 ves and .new
information becomes (lVailable the program must. be flexible. enough to
allow changes in the study direction. The present work. program has
been b~sed on certain specific assumptions, but the planning process
will be cap(lble of responding to what .i.s. actually a dynamic situation.
In brief, initial. efforts will .be aimed at determining the optimal
basin development; this will lead to.a detailed feasibility analysis
of the selected plan and then ultimately to specific feature design.
Also to be examined, however, \'li Tl be other basin development schemes
which could be analyzed in depth if the exploratory program should
uncover some overriding factor which might preclude the development
of the plan first selected for detailed analys.is.
An i mpoY'"(iant part of th~ planning .will be the early screening of energy
alterriat~ves to validate the choice of Sus.itna hydro.as the .most favpr"-
able alternative for the Railbelt Area. Although the results of thi.s
screening are expected to generally conform to the earlier feasibility.
stuqy, the outcome is not guaranteed. For the purpose of outlining a
plan~ning program; it has nonetheless been assumed that further analysis
will show hyclroelectric development on the Susitna .River to be the most
favorable course to pursue. Further, it has been assumed for the
purpose ()f detailing the pJanning program that the two-dam scheme of
Watana and Devil Canyon vJi.ll be the selected plan .. This is a reasonable
assumption since the preauthorization report upon which the two-dam
selection is based is a fairly recent study. Other results from the
screening would cause an alteration in the planning program, but th.e
scope of the program outlined for. the two._dam scheme is representative
of the effort that can be anticipated. The cost associated.with .·
foundations andmateria.ls exploration and testing is the item most
sensitive to departures from the assumed two-dam scheme or to the ...... · .. .
discovery of unexpected geological conditions. Additional requirements
such as expanded environmental or archeological studies would, .of
course, increase the program costs.
31
Considering the limited number of damsites avail~ble within the Upper
Susitna River Basin, the task of determining the best plan of develop-
ment should be relatively straightforward. Much .work has already been
accomplished by the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation in
amassing baseline data upon which a sound decision can be made concern;..
ing basin development. l'Jithin thepast two decades the Bureau of Recla-
mation has conducted a reconnaissance-leve.l foundation exploratory
program for the Devil Canyon, Vee, and Denali damsites. To this the
Corps of Engineers has added a seismic refraction analysis of the
Watana damsite, surfacial mapping of the basin using conventional
aerial photography and ERTS imagery, and an environmental and esthetic
assessment of the entire basin. Streamflow and sediment ttansport data
has been collected by the U.S. Geological Survey, snow accumulation
data has been collected by the Soil Conservation Service, and some
meteorological data has been provided by the U.S. ~~eather Service.
Also, preliminary wildlife inventories were provided through U.S. Fish
and l~ildlife Service. This data, along with economic evaluations by
the Corps of Engineers and marketing and transmission line.analysis by
the Alaska Power Administration, served as the primary input to the
1976 preauthorization feasibility study on Susitna hydropower develop,
ment cgnducted by the Corps of Engineers. During that study a number
of alternative basin developments were analyzed, with the conclusion
that the best plan ofdevelopment would consist of Devil Canyon and
high Watana .as described under Project Description.
Subsequent review of geotechnical data. provided by the Bureau of Recla-
mation has led the Corps to conclude further that, given the present
state.;..of-the-artof large dam construction, the Denali damsite, being
underlain by discontinuous permafrost and deep glacial deposits, is
not a desirable site for development. Somewhat similar conditions at
the left abutment of the Vee damsite make that site questionable for
development as well. Early in the proposed Project Feasi bi 1 ity Analysis,
therefore, it is anticipated that at least the Denali damsite would be
definitively .eliminated from consideration for development. Consequently,
the only viable d.amsites avai.lable would be those located along a 63"-mile
stretch of the river between the downstream terminus of Devil Canyon gorge
near Portage Creek to the. Vee damsite at Vee Canyon. Within this stretch
of river there hav.e been 6 sites identified for possible development.
They are: Olson, Devil Canyon, Susitna I, Watana, Susitna lii,and
Vee. The location of these projects within the basin is shown on
Figure 6. Based on these sites a number of possible schemes. for full
basin development are available depending, 9f course, on the height
of each dam in relation to the others. Combinations of dams which
have been identified for possibile development, irrespective of eco;..
nomic or environmental feasibility, are: (1) Devil Canyon and Hatana;
(2) Devil Canyon, Hatana, and Vee; (3) Olson, Susitna I, and Susitna
III or Vee depending on the availability of a damsite at .Sus.itna III;
32
EXPLANATION
RECOMMENDED RESERVOIRS ~
POTENTIAL POWER PLANTS tJ
POTENTIAL RESERVOIRS
"-. . ~ H 1000~. ~ ~ ,R>::l
PORTAGE CREEK : ~ (/)
~I
~ {;;:!..11F----+--'-----11000
4-------~------~500 RIVER PROFILE
SHOWING
~S~~~----~--~~n-~-.~~~o POTENTIAL
1oo 120 140 160 180
RESERVOIRS. AND HYDROELECTRIC POWER .PLANTS
ALL DISTANCES SHOWN ARE IN MILES FROM THE
MOUTH AT COOK INLET.
ALL ELEVATION ARE IN FEET AND .REFER 1'0
MEAN SEA LEVEL DATUM.
SOUTHCENTRAL RAIL BELT
AREA, ALASKA
ALASKA DISTRICT,
CORPS OF ENGINEERS . I
(4) Olson, SUsitna T, and Watana; and (5.). Olson~ Devil Canyon, and
Watana. Early reconnaissance studies may indicate other s.ites within
the basin that .c.ould lead to additional plans of development which ..
should be studied~ However, by realizing that.the firm energy which
can b~ obtained from a water resource is essentially a function of
streamflow and,cumulativ.edam heights, it is obvious that the.five
plans mentioJ1edabove offer a comprehensive range of alternatives
from which tochoose, since each plan essentially makes maximum use
of the available fall of thariver~
Selecti em of the best p 1 an wi 11 require an assessment of all va ri.ab 1 es
associated with each alternative. Power factors will entail develop-
jnent of the maxipmm datr~ heights consistent with the Jocal topography
and of suffici entreservoi r storage to augment the norma 1 low winter
flow to meet peak power demands. Alternative plans will be screened
for economic feasibility. Finally, each scheme of deve 1 opment will be
eval~atE;!d for environmental .impact and for the need for measures to
preserve or enhance the environment •
.The previous Cor:ps report indiCated that the cost of constructing the
Devil Canyon and \>Iatana two""dam complex including access road and trans-
mission lines to Anchorage and Fairbanks would be $1.5billion, based
on. a January 197.5. price inde)( .. Obviously, delay of project development
will .result in an increase in total costs as inflationcontinues. In
fact, in September 1977 dollars, the. cost of constructing the .project
was $2.1 billion .. Included in .this amount are funds for Engineering
and Design (E&D) of the project and ultimately Supervision and Adminis-
tration (S&A) of construction. Historically, E&D and. S&A costs as a
percentage of total construction costs have var.ied .with the magnitude
of the project. A re1ativelys!l1all projectmightrequire E&Dcosts as
high as 12 pertcent of the constrl,lction costs while a large project
would.only re~uire 5 percent for. E&D .. Ifitis assumed .that E&D for
the Susitna projectis apprmdmately 5 percent, then this would repre-
sent $100 million. Allowing for price adjustments, E&D charges will
eoverco~ts incurred from the< start of Project Feasibility Analysis
through final engineering and design of the completed project. The
greaterthe e~penditureduring Project Feas.ibility Analysis, a part
of the design effort, the less will be required during the later
design phases~ Naturally the. reverse is true as well. The costs
Jdenti.fied for the Project Feasibility Analysis represent approximately
25 percent of< the total E&D efforts anticipated.
Th~ overall program for developing the Susitna River can be broken down
'ipto three major categor.ies, .which are. summarized in Figure 7. These
categories include the preauthorization feasibility analysis, postau-
thorization project feasibility analysis (highlighted in yellow}, and
34
I~~BA~S~E=L~IN~E~D::A~JA~A:::C::..:Q~U~I~SI~TI~O~N~-1+-H-B_A_S_E_L1_N_E_D_AT_A_A_C_Q_U_S_IT_'_O_N ---t1=.=:=:---:=C:..,:O:-::N=T=IN:..U,-:ED=D=At=A=A=C_Q-_U-IS=IT=IO=N-===-=~~..1IIIE...:1~~
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
CONGRESSIONAL
DELIBERATION
STATE
OF ALASKA
FUNDS PLAN
OF STUDY
DETAILED FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
SHOULD
PROJECT BE
I
CONSTRUCTED
I~================~I PREAUTHORIZATION STUDIES:=:I==~I I
CHIEF
OF ENGINEERS
RECOMMENDS )
PRECONSTRUCTION
STUDIES
___~ONSTRUCTlO~_~?
-
DETAILED DESIGN
I--FO_R~IN-IT-IA-L~P-H-A-SE----++--CONTINUED DETAILED DESIGN •
(STEP 3)
ARE
DETAILED
STUDIES
WARRANTED
?
(STEP 1)
PRELIMINARY
SCREENING
WHAT
IS THE COST
I Of INITIAL
PHASE
?~~~N~~~~~~~~~~~I PROJECT FEA~~LITY ANA~SIS I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I AD~TIONAL DESIGN~I_~~.,~
nSTUDY I I I AND CONSTRUCTION I
PRECONSTRUCTION
STUDIES
I AUTHORIZED
UNDER SECTIONS I
160 AND 203
-
REVIEW
PREAUTHORIZATION
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
COLORS CORRESPOND TO TYPE ACTIVITY:
FIELD WORK (SURVEY,EXPLORATION,BIClOGICAL STUDIES,SEISMIC MONITORING)
DESIGN
PLANNING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
SOUTHCENTRAL RAILBElT AREA,ALASKA
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN
PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
PROGRAM SUMMARY
FIGURE 7
ALASKA DISTRICT,CORPS a:ENGINEEftS
ANCHO"AG£,ALASKA
finally, project construction. As can be seen from the diagram,
completion of the. plan of study brings the project to the threshold
of the project feasibility analysis. The. preauthorizatton report was
initiated in January 1975 and was completed by the. Alaska District
Corps of Engineers in December 1975. Funds expended on the project
by the Corps and other State and Federal agencies represent approxi-
mately $lmillion for the preauthorization report. This includes the
Feasibility Report, Tech~ical Appendices, and Erwironmentctl Impact
Statement. Subsequently the report and final Environmental Impact
Statement was submitted to the President~ s Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) in the summer of 1977 for their review and comnent prior
to transmitting the report to Congress. In September the Office of
Management and Budget. notified the Corps of the .need to update the
benefit-to.:cost status prior to their recommending release to Congress.
It was agreed that the Corps c:ould conduct a supplemental feasibility
update study that would primarily increase the geological data avail.;.
able to confirm assumptions made indeveloping the project cost esti-
mates. The activity is being funded by reallocating $3million of
Corps study funds and i.s to be complete by January< 1979.
Once again, considerable effort had been expended in previous years
by .. the Bur.eau of Reclamation ·for geotechnical exploration, and by
other State and Federal groups, for which there is no estimate of
expenditures. The preauthori zation: study entai 1 ed a review of energy
alternatives ava i1 able to meet intermediate power requirements, a
screening of these alternatives, and an a~sessment of effects for the
more feasible alternatives. A number of development schemes for the
UpperSusitna were analyzed, and at least three were found to be
economically feasible. As an alternative to Susitna hydropower, coal
was found. to be the most likely future energy source for botll Anchorage
and Fai,rbanks although it would be 30. percent more .. expensive than
Susitna power. The study established .. with reasonable certainty that
economic feasibility of Susitna hydropower development exists, and
that there are no adverse environmental impacts of such magnitude that
th~ project should not be considered further.
Obviously, during these early studies a number of. questions were raised
which remain to be evaluated in more detail during the next level of
analysis. Some of. the major questions relate to the ~xposure of the
dams to high seismic activity, to infloW of sediment to thereservoirs,
to the validity of power projections, to the possi·bility of induced
economic and population growth, to possibleconstructipn cost overruns,
and to the possible impact on downstream fisheries. On the basis .of
the information contained .in .the preauthorizatton report, Congress
authorized the Corps of Engineers to conduct preconstruction planning
.in a joint program with the State. Subsequently, on30 June 1977 the
State made funds available to the Corps to deve]op this Plan of Study
for accomplishment of the Project Feasibility Analysis.
37
Jhe activities identified. in this plan .of study f'or accomplishment
during the Project Feasibility Analysis hav.e a total estimated cost of
$24.1 million over a .time frameof46 months. The cost estimate, which
is based on a September 1977. pri.ce 1 eve 1 , is a comp i 1 a ti on of costs for
performing 202 distinct activities as described in the following section,
Description of Program Attivities. It can be expected that cost esca-
lation will have its effect upon the September 1977 e$timates, also that
cost adjustments will be necessary for individual activities as further
site information isdeveloped during the planning and design process.
However, there should be a balancing effect of these. adjustments
within the total estimated cost~ As shown on Figure 7, the Project
Feasibility Analysis has been broken down into three specific steps,
with each step .leading to a decision as to whether or not the project
should proceed based. on the accumulation and analy.sis of a continually
growing data base .... These three decision points, to be reviewed periodi-
cally, will provide assurance that a mechanism exists for review of
technical, env1ronmenta,l, and economic information in light of possible
changing needs and State pol ici.es. In a manner simi.lar to the process
by which the 1976 Feasibi] ity Report served as the basis for. proceeding
to the upcoming planning stage, each decision point will indicate
whether or not the project remains feasible and planning should con-
tinue .. The three progressive ·steps which make up the Project Feasi-
bility Analysis are: (l) preliminary screening, (2) detailed feasi.;.
bility studies for the selected plan of' development, and (3) detailed
design studies for the access road, transmission system, and first
project to be built, presumably Watana. If at the conclusion ·Of any
of these decision points the project is found to lack economic or
environmental justification, this, with sufficient funds for demobili-
zation, would. serve to terminate the planning process. It would''fur-
ther serve as the .basis for assumption by the Federal Government of
all costs incurred during the Project Feasibility Analysis as provided
for under Section 203 .of the 1976 Water Resources Development Act.
As .with any large development project, the expenditure of funds is made
with a degree of uncertainty that they .will pro vi de future benefits.
This is indeed the case with the Project Feasibility Analysis in which
some activities do not contribute directly to the planning step within
which they are scheduled, but are essential for timely input to one of
the later pl~nning steps. For instance, water quality da.ta co]lection
may not be necessary for the initial screening step, but if sufficient
data is going to be available for detailed feasibility studies and
detailed .design, this activity must be started at the outset of the
planning program. This process is already taking place, as the. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has been provided FY-77 funds to continue
certain fish and wildlife studies for the Susitna pr9ject that could
not, by their nature, .be meaningfu.l un'less conducted for a period of
several years duration. This is true of many other. studiesas .well.
If indeed the Susitna project proves to be more feasible than other
38
energy "alternatives, it is economically advantageous to bring it on
line as early as possible. Thus, to preclude a protracted planning
period, there is. a certain amount of necessary overlap among the three
steps.
Step 1, Preliminary Screening: This step will begin with public meetings,
a review of previous .reports and an update of preliminary evaluation
criteria used for judging the alternatives. Those alternative energy
sources which obviously fai.l to fulfill the evaluation criteria will be
dropped from consideration. Specific to Susitna development, a number
of potential damsites and combinations of different dams .and heights
will be ev.a luated to identify the most economical and environmentally
acceptable plan based on preliminary assessments and calculations of
benefits and costs. During this study phase, the. best plan .identified
in the 1976 feasibility report, initial construction of ~latana, followed
by construction of Devil Canyon, w.ill be reexamined. Hydropower
analyses will require seasonal reservoiroperation studies for each
plan of development. Comparative economic analyses.will require updated
marketing assumptions and reconnaissance:-grade cost estimates for each
scheme to be analyzed ... · Additional data. requirements over that provided
in the 1976 report would include sufficient site reconnaissance of the
Olson, Susitna. I, and. Susitna III damsites to establish a greater
reliability in .project design features and construction cost estimates.
This step will also require a determination of the intermediate and
long-term energy source that would be developed if Susitna hydropower
were not constructed. The economic and environmental comparison between
this nonhydro alternative and each of the hydro schemes will serve as
the bas.i s for proceeding with further studies. In addition to serving
as ane~rly point of decision regarding additional planning, the pre-
liminary screening will produce a ranking of the various Susitna plans
of development from which any recommended plan of development would be
selected~~ This first step is estimated to cost $4.3 millionand be
completed in 7 months. In order to meet the overall .study schedule of
46months, field work needed in later phases of the study has been
scheduled concurrently with the preliminary screening, and these costs
have,~ been inc 1 uded in the subtota 1 of $4. 3 mi 11 ion. Some of these
major concurrent activities. are: (1} installation and operation of
additional stream gages, (2) initiation of a hydrometeorological data
collection network throughout the basin, (3) detailed mapping and
surveying, (4) in.stallation (lnd operation of. a field camp at Watana,
(5) initiatio.n and continuation ofenvironmental inventories and
studies, (6) inventory of possible cultural resources, (7) continuation
of the foundation core drilling program at Watana, and {8} seismicity
studies. and seismic monitoring. It will also be. necessary to initiate
during preliminary. screening some of the in;...depth marketing studies
that will be used in the later detailed feasibility analysis.
Step 2, Detailed Feasibility Studies: Detailed studies will be. con-
centrated on the best plan identified during preliminary screening.
39
This assessment will be made:using the detailed information and data
obta.i ned from the marketing, environmenta 1, hydro 1 ogi cal, and foundation
studies. The marketing studie.s will entail refined cost estimates
based on expanded information available from the exploratory field
program. Project benefits wi 11 be determined from the power studies
and production cost analysis for the selected plan and viable thermal
alternatives. The ~arketing analysis will include studies that will
serve as the basis for forecasting future development, employment and
population growth, forassess.ing the existing and planned generation
neededprior toSusitna development, and for estimating future electrical
energyrequirements and the seasonaldistribution of the demand. The
marketing analysis will also assess the .long-term power system require-
ments$ evaluate retirement of existing and planned power plants,
evaluate alternative power sources, and determine financial feasibility.
Power studies wi.ll primarily be :aimed at refining the :operation of the
two-dam plan, determining the need .for long-range peaking generation,
and consequently, the ne~d for a reregulation dam. While. these studies
wilL be based on full basin development, :it must be realized that con-
struction of each phase is dependent on energy demand .. Consequently,
while construction of Watana is presently envisioned to be followed in
5 years by construction of Devil Canyon, realization of actual energy
growth rates may indicate that the second project construction should
either be delayed or accelerated. This determination, however, will be
made on the basis of future marketing analysis to be conducted concur-
rently with construction of the first project.
The majority of the biological studies which are either a continuation
of existing studies or are those initiated at the outset of this~feasi..:
bility analysis will be completedduring the second step andwill be
usedtoassist in determining project feasibility. Some ofthe bio.-
logical studies wi 11 require continuation through step .3 into construc-
tion to providea base of lire cycle habitat and other biological
information needed to outline possible mitigation studies. ·.The biologi-
cal studies outlined in the. Plan of Study are of sufficient depth to
provide, ~tthe end of step 2, a strong indication o~the pfobable
magnitude of impacts of.the project and to evaluate project feasibility,
but may be.· unab 1 e to define the magnitude of mitigation. .· Funds for
studies beyond step 2 are not provided for in the cost estimate con-
tained herein for the Project feasibility Analysis Report. The Federal
and State Governments recognize that there is a need for. funds to main-
tain continuity of such studies through step 3 and beyond~ lf the
feasibility analysis. is favorable and the State decides to pursue con.;.
struction jointly with the Federal Government, the Alaska Power Authority
should develop a source of funding to permit continuation of the bio-
logical stucl.ies .. until such time as funding and authority to initiate
advanced design and construction has been determined.
40
Environmental water quality studies will be. conducted in concert and
simultaneously.with biological studies to provide information on water
quality parameters .. A portion of. the hydrological studies will supple-
ment the environmental water quality studies while the majority of the
stud.i.es will provide input to the power studies and detail design.
A major portion of the exploratory program relating to foundations and
construction materials will be accomplished during/this pn,ase. ~egional
and site-;specific .geologic mapping~ initiated under step one, will be
completed, and. faulting will be defined. A seismic monitoring system
will be installed, and the detailed seismic studjes. required for later
definition of earthquake parameters and dynamic so.ils response analyses
wiJl be completed. An extensive drilling program will be conducted at
Watana damsite to d.efine and examine foundations and construction mate-
rial sources; the voluminous drill logs and test results will be. cata-
lo.guedand organized for presentation. The analyses ofthe Watana. site
will also include geophysical investigations, concrete studies and
sufficient feature. design for embankments,. cofferdams, .powerhouse,
spillway, and related features to permit the preparation of the neces-
sary cost estimates. A 1 imited amount of drilling and exploratory
tunneling, as well as in-situ roc.k testing will be completed at Devil
Canyon site, and the necessary mapping exploration and testing for the
access road and .transmission route will be initiated.
This second step is .estimated to cost$16.7 million and be completed
25 months. after completion o.f. step .one. .As indicated above,. additional
fieldwork would continue during this phase of the study, and these
costs have been included in the subtotal of $16.7 million. Also .in-
cluded .are concurrent activities required for. detailed design studies.
Th.ese design studies wou.ld begin during month 20 of the total 46
month period and would be necessary for deriving timely design and
detailedycost estimates. Completion of the detailedfeasibility
report Will provide a firm basis for recommending for or agains~
construction of the project, whether Federa llyfunded, State supported
under Section 203, or independently financed by. the State of Alaska.
Step 3, Detailed Design Studies: The last step woulcl be detailed design
of the initial dam and powerhouse, access roads, and approximately 350
miles of double-tower, three-phase.transmission line and substations to
deliver power to the Anchorage and Fairbanks load centers~ Completion
of this step would fulfill roughly 80 percent of th.e foundation explor-
ation program at Watana and 50 percent of the Watana design.. Most of
the Devil Canyon exploratory and design program would.be deferred
pending a firm decision to proceed with that phase .of the project.
The 1 evel of design will be sufficiently detailed to permit a reason:-
ably accurate initial project cost estimate enabling a .decision on
funding and initiating constructi.pn. The third step is estimated to
cost $3.1 million and be completed in an additional time frame of 14
41
Q s'i,a;.f~~~c~mpl~tion of step 2. This phase of the studyprocess
· ·will als.o include. the. fi na 1 writing of the Environmenta 1 Impact State.;.
ment Supplement, the Main Report, a.nd the Technical Appendices. ·
While the three steps .mentioned above provide a broadconcept of the
general pl(lnning process, a more detailed schedule >is necessary for plan
implementation. For this purpose, the activities. identified i.n the
following .section have. been integrated into .such a schedule based on
the durat.ion and interdependence of the sp~cific activiti.es. This
Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule ;s shown in Figure 9~ found at
the .end ofthe report. Th~ termination of the three planning steps
are jdentified in the CPM as nodes 500; 672, and 1060 respectively.
Again, it should be .emphasized that the program .is an evolving pJannirig
process, and the schedule will have to be adapted to study findings as
they emerge. Further, the schedule is based on a certain assumed
assignment.of per~onnel and equi·pment. Reallocation of resources among
theactivities may become advis(lble as the. program progresses; this
would cause activity durations to change and the schedule to be modi.:.
fiedaccordingly~
S~ccessful accomplishment of the Project Feasibility Analysis is
dependent on timely funding. The CPM activities have been scheduled
taking season~l constraints into consideration with the. start date
assumed to be the first of May ... Realization of this sc;hedule, however,
would require early indication of program initiation as well .as some
limited mobilization funds during the. immediate months preceding the
program start. This would allow the initiation of the variou's supply
and Ar:-chitectural-Engineer.ing contracts prior to start of the. field
season and would allow arrangements to be made for access to the·'sites~
Obv.iously, if .funds became. available at some time other than the assumed
1 May start date, the program schedule would. necessarily need to be
adjusted. With funds provided as assumed, 20 percent of the total cost
is required during preliminary screening., 65 percent during the detailed
feasibility analysis and 15 percent during the detailed design phase.
Accumulated expenditures needed over the study period are shown on
Figure 8. .A summary of expenditures by .year indiCates the following
estimated funding requirements:
Annual Funding Requirements
Months
1. through 12
13 through .24
25 through 36
37 through 46
TOTAL
42
Program·Funds
$6,766,000
8,856,000
7,880,000
590,000
$24,092,000
The CPM schedule illustrqt~s the,accelerated but.thorough nature of
the project feasibility anaJysis;'With numerous activities being
started immediately upon ini.tiation of the program. This approach
insures that three summer field seasons will be available for those
activities where on..,.site exploration and surveys are required. Several
paths through the activity network are critical or near critical from
the standpoint of timing. Delay of any activities along these paths
will result in delay ofthe completion of the program. Relatively
more intensive supervision should therefore be directed at these
critical activities to insure that schedules are.met.
Based on the preliminary schedule presented, the time frame for accom-
plishment of the various activities appears as Table 1 beginning on
page 293.
24
20
16
U)
0::: <t
~
d
0
~
C/) z
0
:::i
d
~
8
4
PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
ACCUMULATED EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE
DETAILED
12
DE"'IliLID I"EAIIaiLITY
ANA LVIII
24
MONTttS
44
DilleN
48
FIGURE 8
!TIES
This section contains descriptive summaries and cost estimates for each
of some 201 separate activities grouped into 14 major categories. These
activities and costs include all items required for the preliminary
screening, for the detailed feasibility studies, and for the detailed
design activities associated with the initial dam and powerhouse along
with transmission lines and access road~ A listing of the major cate-
gories and cost subtotals follows:
ESTIMATED COST
CATEGOR¥ ACTIVITIES {in $1000}
Survey SY-1 thru SY-7 $ 1 '180
Hydrology HY-1 thru HY-27 1,295
Environmental Water Quality EN-1 thru EN-4 330
Economic Studies EC-1 thru EC-7 84
Recreation R-1 thru R-4 56
Plan Formulation PF-1 thru PF-15 124
Power Studies PS-1 thru PS-4 198
Power Market Studies PM-1 thru PM-13 547
Foundations and
Materila 1 s FM-1 thru FM-26 9,770
Design D-1 thru D-39 4,001
Real Estate RE-1 thru RE-5 59
Cultural Resources C-1 thru C-2 110
Field Camp FC-1 thru FC-2 1,625
Biological Studies B-1 thru B-21 4,263
Reports, Reviews, and
Public Participation RRP-1 thru RRP-26 450
TOTAL COST $24,092
45
SURVEY (SY)
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE BASIC fiELD WORK'REQUIRED
TO PROVIDE TOPOGRAPHIC DATA AND ~IVER HYDROGRAPHIC DATA
NECESSARY FOR DETAILED DESIGN AND COST ESTIMATES, ENVI-
RONMENTAL ASS ES$MENTS, AND HYDROLOGY AND PO.WER STUDIES.
ALSO, THE TOPOGRAPHIC DATA WILL.BE UTILIZED IN PREPARA-
TION OF REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP MAPS.
RIVER CROSS SECTION
1. Obtain river cross sections at preliminary sites.
2. Obtain river cross sections downstream.
MAPPING
3. Map potential reservoir sites.
4. , Obtain controlled photo/tapa a long access route.
5. Obtain controlled photo/tapa along transmission corridor.
6. Obtain controlled photo/tapa at Watana damsite.
7. Obtain controlled photo/tapa at Devil Canyon.
46
SURVEYActivityDesignation:SY-lActivity:Obtainrivercrosssectionsatpreliminarysites.Description:Thisactivityistoobtainrivercrosssectionsatthefollowingsites:oneeachatOlson,DevilCanyon,SusitnaI,SusitnaIII,andVee;andthreeatWatana.CrosssectionsatWatanawillbelocatedatcenterline,1/2mileupstream,and1/2miledownstream.TheremainderofvalleytopographywillcomefromSY-3andwillberequiredinthefirst6months.Fieldpartieswillobtaindatanecessarytodeterminecrosssectionsbytakingaseriesofsoundingsacrosstheriver.SeasonalConstraint:WinterpreferableCost:$50,00047
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-2
Activity: Obtain river cross sections downstream.
Description: The purpose of this study is to obtain an estimated
70 river cross sections from the vicinity of the Olson damsite
downstream to highway bridge #3 below Talkeetna. This activity
will be in support of activities D-38, HY-21 and HY-16. These
activities will be used to study the effects of various flow
releases associated with the hourly power studies. The study
will also provide information on tailwater rating curves and
on the delineation of post-pfoject flood plains.
Seasonal Constraint: June through October
Cost: $300,000
48
SURVEYActivityDesignation:SY-3Activity:Mappotentialreservoirsites.Description:ThisactivitywillentailmappingofpotentialreservoirsiteswithintheUpperSusitnaRiverBasin.Mappingshouldbeofsufficientdetail(20-footcontours)toallowdeterminationofelevation-versus-capacitycurvesandelevation-versus-areacurvesforeachreservoir.ThereservoirswillincludethesitesofOlson(riverbottomtoelevation1,100)DevilCanyon(riverbottomtoelevation1,490),HighDevilCanyon(riverbottomtoelevation1,800),Watana(riverbottomtoelevation2,260),andVee(riverbottomtoelevation2,360).SeasonalConstraint:MaythroughOctoberCost:$460,00049
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-4
Activity: Obtain controlled photo/topo along access route.
Description: This activity is mapping of two road access routes
in order to determine design layout. Mapping requirement is for
5-foot contours with a scale of l-inch equal to 200 feet. The
areas to be flown will require photo/mapping an area sufficiently
large to support the capabilities of expanding the mapping for
alignment revisions.
Seasonal Constraint: May through October
Cost: $225,000
50
SURVEYActivityDesignation:SY-5Activity:Controlledphoto/topoalongtransmissioncorridor.Description:Thisactivityisforprovidingtopographicmaps,basedonexistingU.S.CoastandGeodeticSurveyquadspreparedasoverlaytoaerialphotographymosaic.Aerialphotographywillbeobtainedatascaleof1inchtoamileforpreparingmosaic.SeasonalConstraint:MaythroughSeptemberforphotographyCost:$70,00051
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-6
Activity: Obtain controlled photo/topo at Watana damsite.
Description: This activity will entail providing survey control
and manuscript mapping at the proposed damsite. Requirements
for the mapping will be to place picture point aerial photography
targets, establish the horizontal and vertical control, obtain
aerial photography and accomplish the required mapping. Mapping
contours for this activity will be based on 5-foot contour with
a mapping scale of 1 inch equaling 200 feet.
Seasonal Constraint: May through October
Cost: $15,000
52
SURVEYActivityDesignation:SY-7Ac~ivity:Controlledphoto/topoatDevilCanyon.Description:Thisactivitywillentailprovidingsurveycontrolandmanuscriptmappingattheproposeddamsite.Requirementsforthemappingwillbetoplacepicturepointaerialphotographytargets,establishthehorizontalandverticalcontrol,obtainaerialphotographyandaccomplishtherequiredmapping.Mappingcontoursforthisactivitywillbebasedon5-footcontourwithamappingscaleof1inchequaling200feet.Thismappingwillaugmenttopographicdataalreadyavailable.SeasonalConstraint:Fieldefforts,MaythroughOctoberCost:$60,00053
HYDROLOGY ( HY}
THESE ACTIVITIE~ INCLUDE bOTH FIElD ~frRK AND ANALYSIS.
THE COLLECTION OF DATA ALLOWS A DEFINITIVE DESCRIPTION
OF THE HYDRO~OGY AND Cl.IMATE OF THE RIVER BASIN AND
ALONG THE TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR. OTHER STUDIES, USING
THE EXPANDED INFORMATION BASE, EXAMINE STREAMFLOW
VOLUMES AND FREQUENCIES, WATER QUALITY, .ICE FORMATI.ON,
AND THE TRANS PORT, ENTRAP~1ENT, AND DE POSITION OF SED I-
MENT. EMPHASIS IS PLACED .ON COMP,l\RING THE PRE-AND
POSt~PRbJfCT CHARAtTERISTICS' FOR' THE PURPOSE OP DETER-
MINING PROJECT EFFECTS. THE HYDROLOGY STUDIES ALS.O
SUPPORT THE ENTIRE .RANGE Of DESIGN ACTIVITIES.
IMPLEr~ENT A DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM. . . . .
1. Collect climatologic datafor basin and transmission line.
2. Install and operate additional stream gages. and continue
stream gaging.
3. Collect water data.
DESCRIBE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SETTING OF .BASIN.
4. Describe hydrometeorological setting.
CONDUCT PRE-PROJECT STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
5. Extend streamflow and corre.late with longest record.
6. Develop annual and seasonal flow durati~n curves.
7. Develop peak and vo 1 ume frequency curves.
• Develop low flow frequency analysis for critical period.
CONDUCT RESERVOIR AND DOWNSTREAM SEDIMENT STUDIES.
9. Determine average annual total load.
10. Determine. entrapment rates and reservoir distribution.
lJ. Determine reservoir suspended sediment stratification.
12. Determine effect on downstream channel.
SPILLWAY DESIGN FLOOD DERIVATION.
13. Obtain final Probable ~~aximum Precipitation from HMB-NWS.
14. Recalibrate basin model.
15. Determine Probable Maximum Flood and route through reservoir.
WATER SURFACE PROFILE DETERMINATION.
16. Determine water surface profiles from Talkeetna to ~Jatana.
55
CONDUCT ICE STUDIES.
17. River and reservoir conditions.
18. Review literature about existing. storage projects in arctic
conditions.
WIND AND ICE STUDIES REQUIRED FOR TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN.
19. Conduct literature search and limited .field survey.
POST PROJECT STREAMFLO~l ANALYSIS.
20. Develop post-project frequency curves.
21. Determine post-project downstream water surface profiles.
RESERVOIR FILLING SCHEDULES.
22. Develop reservoir filling sched~les.
GLACIAL BALANCE STUDIES.
27~ Conduct mass water yield studies.
28. Conduct mass sediment yield studies.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION STUDIES.
25. Determine evaporation rates.
OTHER ACTIVITIES.
26. Provide preliminary spillway design flood.
27. Determine elevation versus capacity relati.onships.
56
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-l/laActivity:Collectclimatologicaldataforthebasinandtrans-missionline,andcontinuedatacollection.Description:Inaccessibilityofthebasinwillmakeconventionaldataacquisitiondifficult,andaseriesofremotedataplatformssituatedthroughoutthebasinisanticipated.Helicopteropera-tionswillbenecessarytoinstallandoperatethedatacollectionplatforms.Dataacquiredwillbeusedforvirtuallyallphasesofthehydrologyappendix,forsupplementingtheEnvironmentalImpactStatement,andfordesignandconstructionofthetrans-missionline.Asaminimum,windvelocityandsnowdepthanddensitywillbemeasuredatapproximately15locationsalongtheproposedtransmissionlinecorridor.Themajorityoftheanemo-metersiteswillbelocatedinthemountainousareasatthehigherelevationsalongtheproposedtransmissionlineroute.AppropriateanemometersiteswithintheSusitnaBasinmayalsobeequippedtorecordtemperature,snowdepth,andprecipitation.Snowcreepstationswillbedevelopedasnecessarywherethesnowdepthanddensitymeasurementsindicateapotentialforsnowcreepproblemsalongthetransmissionline.Approximately10additionallocationsintheUpperSusitnaBasinwillbedevelopedasprecipitation,snowdepth/temperaturestations.Wherepractical,existingsnowcoursesandstreamgagingsiteswillbeequippedtorecordprecipitation.temperature,andotherrequiredclimatologicalparameters.Itisanticipatedth~tanintensiveclimatologicaldata-gatheringandanalysisprogramwillbeconductedfortwoyearspriortoconstructionoftheproject.Itwouldbedesirabletocontinueoperatingselectedclimatologicalstationswithinthebasinaftertheinitialdesignstagetodevelopadatabaseandsubsequentlyprovideinformationtooperatetheprojectefficiently.Theseselectedstationsshouldbeequippedwithtelemetrytoproviderealtimedataforoperationoftheproject.SeasonalConstraint:Instrumentationshouldbeaccomplishedduringsummertime.Cost:$423,00057
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-2/2a
Activity: Install and operate additonal stream gages, and continue
stream gaging.
Description: In order to fully evaluate the hydrologic response
and variability of flow within the Susitna Basin, an extensive
stream gaging network will be required. Existing stations within
the Upper Susitna Basin include: Susitna at Gold Creek (U.S.G.S.
station number 15-2920-00), Susitna River near Denali (station
number 15-2910-00), and Maclaren River near Paxson (station number
15-2912-00). Funding for the operation of these stations should
be assumed from the Cooperative Stream Gaging Program, which presently
provides the funding. Installation and operation of six additional
stream gaging stations would also be required. Gages would be
installed on the Tyone River near its mouth, on the Oshetna River
near its mouth, on the Susitna River at the former Cantwell gaging
station, at the Watana damsite, at the Devil Canyon damsite, and
on the Susitna River at the highway No. 3 bridge crossing below
Talkeetna. The gages would be installed during the first spring,
thus allowing three summers of flow measurement prior to completion
of project feasibility analysis. The gages would be converted to
permanent status if the projects were authorized for construction.
As a result of the number of stations being proposed, correlation
with the three existing stream gaging stations should be quite
high, thereby allowing streamflow extension to match the existing
27-year period of record for the Susitna River at Gold Creek. The
total streamflow record could then be used for reservoir operation
studies, suspended sediment and bedload transport analysis, reser-
voir modeling and selective withdrawal studies, water surface pro-
file determination, and a multitude of other flow quantity analyses.
Seasonal Constraint: Installation required during spring time.
Cost: $300,000
58
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-3/3aActivity:Collectwaterdata.Description:Waterstudiesaredependentuponasuccessfuldatacollectionprogram.Physicalsamplingwillconcentrateonsuspendedsedimentandbedloadsamplestobetakenatthestreamgagingstations.Frequencyofsedimentsamplingshouldbesufficienttodevelopwithreasonableaccuracy atotalload-ratingcurvetobeusedinon-goingsedimentstudies.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$60,00059
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-4
Activity: Describe the hydrometeorological setting of the basin.
Description: This activity will be used to present and synopsize
the hydrometeorological setting of the Upper Susitna River Basin.
It will include an evaluatiori of other descriptions of the area
and an interpretation and discussion of the data collected unde~
HY-1 and HY-2. A number of generalized graphs depicting the
extremes and averages associated with precipitation, temperature,
snowfall, radiation, wind, etc., will be prepared. This infor-
mation will assist in feature design and in construction activi-
ties. It will also provide information to be used in supplementing
the Environmental Impact Statement.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $8,000
60
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-5Activity:Extendstreamflowtomatchlongesthistoricalrecords.Description:ThepurposeofthisactivitywillbetoextendtheshorterstreamflowperiodsofrecordoftheDenali,CantwellandMaclarengages,aswellasthesixnewgages,tomatchthatofthelong-termGoldCreekgage.ThiswillprovideagooddatabaseforthespecificDevilCanyonandWatanadamsitesandasufficientindicationatotherpossibledamsitesforsystempowerstudies.Monthlystreamflowwillberequiredforseasonalregulationstudies;"however,dailystreamflowwouldbedesirableforimpactassessmentoftheselectedplanofdevelopment.Stream-flowextensionwouldbeaccomplishedbyamultipleregressionanalysiswithGoldCreekstreamflowandotherphysiographicandhydrologicparameters.Inordertoassessthelong-termannualwaterbudgetoftheUpperSusitnaBasin,anattemptwillbemadetocorrelateannualrunoffwithothermeasuredphysicalparameters.Theshort-termstationswillbeusedtodeterminethevariabilityofstreamflowthroughoutthebasinonaseasonalbasis.Ifstrongcorrelationcanbegainedwithlong-termstations,flowdurationcurvescanbedevelopedfortheshort-termstationswhichwillaidindeterminingsedimentyieldthroughoutthebasin.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$10,000
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-6
Activity: Develop annual and seasonal flow duration curves.
Descri~tion: Upon extension of the streamflow records to match
those of the long-term station at Gold Creek, seasonal and annual
flow duration curves will be developed for all stream gaging sta-
tions within the Upper Susitna Basin and major adjacent tributaries.
This information will assist in characterizing the variability of
streamflow throughout the study area. In addition, it will provide
insight into the extent of the groundwater alluvium. This informa-
tion will be invaluable in desctibing the environmental setting
associated with fish and wildlife studies. In addition, it will
provide construction contract information regarding the risk of
initiating specific construction activities. Finally, the curves
will provide insight about the various sources of flow which con-
stitute the Susitna River and its tributaries.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $2,000
62
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-7Activity:Developpeakandvolumefrequencycurves.Description:PeakandvolumefrequencycurveswillbedevelopedforSusitnaRiveratGoldCreek,nearDenali,nearCantwell,andfortheMaclarenRivernearPaxson.Thiswillrequireextensionofthethreelatterstations'periodsofrecordtomatchthatoftheGoldCreekstreamgage.ThefrequencycurveswillbebasedonanannualseriesanalysisutilizingtheLogPearsonTypeIIIdis-tributionwithanexpectedprobabilityadjustment.Protectionofvariousconstructionfeaturesanddiversiontunnelswillbebasedontheresultsofthisstudy.Adeterminationregard-ingthelevelofprotectionthatshouldbeprovidedduringcon-structionwillbenecessary.Thiswillbebasedontheanticipatedlosstolifeandpropertybothattheconstructionsiteanddown-stream,whichwouldresultwithoutahigherlevelofprotectionduringconstruction.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$2,00063
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-8
Activity: Develop low flow frequency analysis for critical period
streamflow.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to determine the
severity of the low-flow critical period upon which the firm energy
and dependable capacity of the recommended plan of river development
is based. The analysis will be made after completion of seasonal
reservoir regulation studies for the recommended plan. Since pre-
authorization reservoir regulation studies have indicated that the
critical period may span 32 months or more, it will not be possible
to conduct a meaningful low-flow frequency analysis based on the
relatively short streamflow period of record (27 years). Thus,
the streamflow record will be extended stochastically, followed
by an accumulation of critical-period duration flow volumes which
will lead to development of a low-flow frequency curve to be created
in accordance with procedures similar to those outlined under
Chow•s Handbook of Hydrology. The frequency curve will indicate
the severity of the recommended plan•s critical period flow
volume. Also developed would be lesser duration volume low-flow
frequency curves. Synthetic streamflow will be developed using
11 HEC-4 Monthly Streamflow Simulation 11 computer program.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $10,000
64
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-9Activity:Determineaverageannualtotalsedimentload.Description:Thisactivitywillentailasedimentsamplingprogramwhichwilldeterminesuspendedandbedloadtransportratesforavarietyofflows.Alsotobeobtainedwouldbegradationcurves.Thiswouldleadtothedevelopmentofatotalsedimentratingcurvewhichcanthenbeincorporatedintoanannualflowdurationcurvewhichwillprovideanestimateoftheaverageannualsedimentwhichwillbedepositedintheproposedreservoirs.Thisinturnwillindicatetheanticipatedlossinreservoirstorageasaresultofsedimententrapmentbehindthedams.SeasonalConstraint:Almostallsampleswillbetakenduringthesummerfieldseasons.Cost:$35,00065
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-10
Activity: Determine sediment entrapment rates and distribution
within the reservoirs.
Description: Distribution of sediment within the proposed reservoirs
is a function of the reservoir configuration, water temperature, sedi-
ment size, variation of inflow, fall velocities and a number of other
variables. The distribution of sediment can limit the economic
life of a reservoir by encroachment on the usable storage space
and on the outlet works. Distribution of this sediment inflow
will be calculated using Hydrologic Engineering Center computer
program numbers 23-J2-L264 and 723-62-L2470.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
66
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-llActivity:Determinestratificationofsuspendedsedimentinreservoir.Description:Whileitisanticipatedthatthereservoirswillentrap95percentofthesedimentinflow,thatwhichremainsinsuspensionwillbereleasedtothedownstreamchannel.UndernaturalconditionstheSusitnaRivercontainsheavysedimentconcentrationsduringthesummerandminimalconcentrationsduringthewinter.Thus,uncon-trolledwaterreleasescouldhavetheeffectofenhancingthesummerwaterqualitydownstream,butdecreasingthewinterquality.Thisstudy,then,wouldaddressthepotentialfordevelopmentofsedimentstratificationzoneswithinthereservoirwhichconceivablycouldbeflushedduringthesummer,thusallowingclearreleasesduringthewinter.Thisstudywouldhavetobecoordinatedwithtemperatureandwater-qualityreservoirmodelingstudies.Studywouldincor-poratetheWaterwaysExperimentStation"WESTEX"computermodel.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$15,00067
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-12
Activity: Determine effect of sediment degradation on downsteam
channel.
Description: As the natural river sediment is trapped within the
reservoirs, the downstream load-carrying capacity of the river
will have to be satisfied by sediment lifted from the natural
channel. This could result in excessive downstream channel erosion,
which could have detrimental environmental effects. Field work for
this activity will involve collection of information regarding existing
armored areas and potential area·s for channel degradation. The study
will be conducted using HEC-6, and HEC program #723-G2-L2470.
Seasonal Constraint: This would be a summer operation.
Cost: $20,000
68
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-13Activity:ObtainfinalProbableMaximumPrecipitationfromNationalWeatherService.Description:InordertodeveloptheProbableMaximumFloodwhichwillserveastheSpillwayDesignFloodfortherecommendedplanofdevelopmenttitwillbenecessarytoobtaininformationonProbableMaximumPrecipitationtCriticalSnowPackandCriticalTemperatureSequence.Forthepre-authorizationreportttentativevalueswereobtainedfromtheHydrometeorologicalBranchoftheNationalWeatherService(HMB-NWS)inWashingtontD.C.FortheFeasibilityAnalysiseffortsitwillbenecessarytodevelopmoredefinitivevaluesinordertorefinetheSpillwayDesignFloodderivation.HMB-NWSisnormallyfundedforsuchactivitiestandonlyanominalchargewouldberequiredforcoordination.ItshouldbeunderstoodthowevertthatifthisprojectisStatefundedttheNationalWeatherServicemayrequirereimbursementfortheservices.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$ltOOO69
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-14
Activity: Recalibrate basin model.
Description: In order to insure that the dams will have spillways
of sufficient hydraulic capacity to protect against overtopping,
each spillway will be designed to pass a flood which represents
the worst possible combination of hydrometeorological events which
could reasonably be expected for the Upper Susitna drainage basin.
The flood derived from this analysis is termed the Spillway Design
Flood (SDF}. The SDF will be derived from an analytical model of
the river basin. The model is ~ deterministic computer program
which simulates portions of the hydrologic cycle in an attempt to
generate long periods of daily or hourly streamflow hydrographs.
The model used in the pre-authorization report was the Streamflow
Synthesis and Reservoir Regulation (SSARR) program developed by
the North Pacific Division, Corps of Engineers. Development of
the SDF will be accomplished in two phases. The first will entail
model calibration, and the second will be SDF determination.
Model calibration will entail reconstitution of historic streamflow
hydrographs based on data input obtained from the data collection
network outlined under HY-1.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
70
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-15Activity:Determineprobablemaximumfloodandroutethroughreservoir.Description:UponcalibrationoftheSSARRbasinmodel,theProbableMaximumPrecipitationandothercriticalweatherdataobtainedfromNWS-HWSwillbeputintothemodel,fordeter-miningtheProbableMaximumFlood.Anumberofscenarioswillbeusedtoinsurethatthemostseverefloodisobtained.Thefloodhydrographforeachprojectwillberoutedthroughtherespectivereservoirbasedonanumberofspillwaycapacitycurves.Thiswillserveasthebasisforspillwaysizingneces-sarytomaintainaneconomicalandsafefreeboard.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$15,00071
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-16
Activity: Determine water profiles from Talkeetna to Watana.
Description: This activity will entail a determination of the
water surface profile for a variety of flows from below Talkeetna
to the vicinity of Watana damsite. In order to accomplish this
task, it will be necessary to procure river cross-sections at one
mile intervals, and, through the use of the HEC-2 Backwater Curve
computer program, develop backwater curves that can be matched
against recorded flow at Gold Creek and other gages to be
activated. ·
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
72
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-17Activity:Riverandreservoiricestudies.Description:Breakupoftheheadwatersofthereservoirswillresultinreleaseoficewhichmaybeexpectedtoposeproblemsintheupperreachesoftheimpoundmentsintheformofjamming,flowblockage,andiceforces.Thescopeoftheseproblemswillbeassessedandimpactonoperationswillbeevaluated.Fieldobservationsofpresentnaturalbreakupwillcontribute toanesti-mateoftheextentoftheproblem.Operationofamajorpowerplantcauseshigherdischargesduringwintermonths,togetherwithdischargevariations.Bothofthesedischargeconditionscausechangesintheiceregimeofthedownstreamwaters.Thepurposeofthisstudyistoassessthemagnitudeoftheseiceproblemstoincludeevaluationofopenwaterreaches,potentialproductionoffraziliceintheopenwaterreaches,potentialforfloodinganddamageduetoicejams,andpossibleoperationalanddesignmeanstoreducetheseproblems.Thestudywillrequiremappingofthedownstreamriverreaches,identificationofcriticalsitesforicejamming,inventoryofdamage-pronestructures,andanalysisoflengthofopenwaterasafunctionofreleasetemperaturesandweather.Anumberofadditionalicestudieshavebeenidentifiedandshouldbeaccomplishedpriortofinaldesignandconstruction.Thestudiesidentifiedhereinrepresentthosenecessaryforevaluationofprojectfeasibilityandimpactassessment.Someofthecostsassociatedwithdatacollectioninsupportoficestudiesareincludedunderthethreemaindatacollectionprograms.SeasonalConstraint:Muchdatagatheringcanonlybeaccomplishedatspecifictimesduringtheyear.Cost:$130,00073
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-18
Activity: Literature survey of existing storage projects in arctic
and sub-arctic environments (Ice related studies).
Description: A number of projects in environments as harsh as those
in the Susitna Basin have been buflt in the northern parts of Scan-
danavia, the Soviet Union, and in the Alps in Switzerland. Technical
literature is replete with descriptions of these projects, although
not necessarily in English. A compilation of the best of these pub-
lications is a necessity in an ~ndertaking of this magnitude.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
74
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-19Activity:Conductliteraturesearchandlimitedfieldsurveyregard-ingicingconsiderationsintransmissionlinedesign.Description:Aninvestigationintothefrequencyofoccurenceandaccumulationofrimeicingonthetransmissionlineandsupportingstructuresneedstoconducted.Thestudy-willincludealiteraturereviewandinterviewswithclimatologists,engineersandmaintenancepersonnelfrompowercompanieswithtransmissionlinesnearthepro-posedtransmissionline!Thestudymayalsoincludefieldinvesti-gations.SeasonalConstraint:WintertimeoperationCost:$15,00075
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-20
Activity: Develop post-project frequency curves.
Description: This activity will assist in determining the reduction
in flooding downstream from the projects and the associated reduction
in flood damage to downstream communities and structures. It will aid
in assessing the effect which can be anticipated on the downstream
environment. This will be accomplished by integrating daily peak flow
events into the seasonal reservoir regulation studies and then develop-
ing peak frequency curves in the traditional manner. This will be
accomplished only for the recommended plan.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,000
76
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-2lActivity:Determinepost-projectdownstreamwaterprofiles.Description:Thisstudywillbeconductedinconjunctionwithpost-projectfrequencycurvedeterminations(HY-20)andhourlysimulatedoperationstudies.Themajorpurposeofthesestudieswillbetodeterminethedownstreamimpactfromflowreleasenecessarytomeetavarietyofpowerdemands,andtheriverprofilesassociatedwithareductioninpeakflowsasaresultofreservoirregulation.Thesestudieswillbeaccomplishedonlyforthemorefeasible'plansofdevelopment.ThegeneralmethodofanalysiswillentailroutingtheresultsoftheHY-20studiestopointsdownstreamandthendeterminingbackwatercurvesusingtheHEC-2computerprogramoranunsteady-statemodel.Themoredetailedstudieswillbeassociatedwithroutingvariableflowreleasesforpowerpurposes.Inthiscase,aseriesofdailyloadshapeswillbeassumedinconsonancewithanumberofdownstreamflowconditions.Thereleaseswillberouteddownstreamallowingthedevelopmentofaseriesofstagehydrographs.Thestudywillindicatetheattenuationeffectonflowreleasesaschannelstorageandtributaryinflowbegintopredominate.Thiswillindicatethepossibleneedforare-regulationdamdownstream,orpossiblereregulationfromthemostdownstreampowerproject.ThesestudieswouldbeconductedusingtheHYSYScomputerprogramandbyafinite-differencesteady-stateflowmodel.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$20,00077
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-22
Activity: Develop reservoir filling schedules.
Description: Because of the seasonal nature of the streamflow within
the Upper Susitna Basin, and further, because of the large volume of
the Watana reservoir, it would be necessary to establish filling
schedules to insure an adequate downstream release in consonance with
efficient reservoir filling. The study would entail a reservoir
regulation analysis, based on historic streamflow record, in which
the reservoir is filled for various downstream flow demand rates under
average and critical in~low conditions. An attempt will be made to
establish the optimum season that the filling should begin, and the
seasonal variability of flow releases necessary for the downstream
environment and power demand. Any project developed downstream from
Watana would probably not require a similar filling schedule because
of its comparatively small reservoir volumes.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $9,000
78
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-23
Activity: Glacial mass water yield studies.
Descrietion: A large amount of flow of the Upper Susitna River
is der1ved directly from the glacial headwaters in the mountains of
the Alaska Range. The water from the glaciers will be advantageous
to hydropower in some cases~ but possibly detrimental in others.
The glacier runoff is guaranteed flow for decades even if drought
conditions should occur~ because the glaciers are precipitation
already in the basin and readily available for runoff each year.
On the other hand, glacier outbursts can cause unusual rises in
flow at any time of the year. The amount of glacier-derived
water and sediment would increase significantly should any of
the large glaciers in the basin surge. Both Susitna and West
Fork, the two largest glaciers, are surging glaciers and both
can be expected to surge within the life of the project.
This activity will consist of establishing reference points
on the glacier and measuring water balance and ice dynamics
for these specific glaciers. Data will also be gathered
on glacial storage and runoff.
Seasonal Constraint: Seasons will constrain some data collection
activit1es.
Cost': $55,000
79
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-24
Activity: Glacial mass sediment yield.
Description: Most of the sediment within the Susitna River origi-
nates from the headwater glaciers. Previous studies based on
historical data have indicated that this sediment load will have
a very minor effect on the project. This is primarily because
of the large proposed reservoirs in relation to the estimated
average annual sediment load. However, should the glaciers surge,
they can impart significantly greater sediment loads than that
of the average annual load. Hence, it is necessary to attempt
to quantify the magnitude of potential sediment load which could
be anticipated should the glaciers surge. Glacier sediment yield
could best be measured at stream gaging stations, and it would be
best if sediment measuring sites were measured independently. This
in consonance with aerial photography should provide sufficient
information for definitive estimates.
Seasonal Constraint: Summertime operation for data collection.
Cost: $55,000
.80.
HYDROLOGYActivityDesignation:HY-25Activity:Determineevaporationrates.Description:Usingclimatologicaldatafromthebasin(airtemperature,dewpoint,surfacewatertemperature,windspeed),evaporationratesforthewatersurfacescanbeestimated.Evapotranspirationratesforthelandsurfacesagaincanbeestimatedusingclimatologicaldata(temperatureanddewpointhavetobemeasuredatatleasttwolevels).Theseestimatedvalues,whichareofgreatimportanceastheevaporatedwaterisnotavailableforenergyproduction,canbecheckedagainstthedifferenceofprecipitationandrunoff,whichshouldalsogivetheevaporationrateifgroundwatermovementsandstoragechangesareneglected.DatacollectionnecessarytoaccomplishtheactivityisincludedunderactivityHY-lSeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$10,00081
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-26
Activity: Provide preliminary spillway design flood.
Description: Prior to project layout for the various hydro
schemes that will be analyzed under preliminary sceening, it
will be necessary to provide preliminary flood values so
that the project spillways can be properly sized for recon-
naissance-grade cost estimate purposes. Most of this infor-
mation can be obtained from the pre-authorization feasibility
report; however, new values may be needed for some of the
projects not prevously analyzed 'in depth.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1 , 000
82
HYDROLOGY
Activity DeSignation: HY-27
Activity: Develop elevation versus capacity curves.
Description: Based on the 20-foot contour maps, this activity will
entail measuring the volume and area of the various reservoirs to
be studied during preliminary screening and later during detailed
feasibility analysis. This informatton will be used in the reservoir
regulation studies and in the impact assessment.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $8,000
83
ENVIRONMENTAL (EN)
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BOTH FIELD WORK AND ANALYSIS.
THE COLLECTION OF DATA WILL ALLOW FOR A DEFINITIVE DES-
CRIPTION OF WATER QUALITY.
WATER QUALITY STUDIES
1. Collect chemical and biological water quality data.
2. Reservoir temperature stratifation studies and water
quality modeling.
3. Analyze spillway and outlet works for dissolved gas
production.
4. Assess erosion potential in active storage zone.
85
ENVIRONMENTALActivityDesignation:EN-lilaActivity:Collectchemicalandbiologicalwaterqualitydata.Description:Waterqualitystudiesaredependentuponasuccess-fuldatacollectionprogram.Waterqualitydataparametersshouldinitiallybesampledaminimumofonceevery2or3days.Thesam-plingfrequencycanbelengthenediftheinitialsamplingdemonstratesthatthereislittlechangewithtimeanddischarge.Someparameterscouldbemeasuredwithremotemonitors.Waterqualitydatatobemoni-toredwouldbedissolvedoxygen,B.O.D.,C.O.D.,pH,phosphorous,nitrogen,nitrate,andspecificconductance.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$140,00087
ENVIRONMENTAL
Activity Designation: EN-2/2a
Activity: Reservoir temperature stratification studies.
Reservoir water quality modeling.
Description: These studies would lead primarily to the design of
the multi-level power intake structures for the Devil Canyon and
Watana projects. A project constructed without provision for
multi-level withdrawal would result in a reservoir thermal regime
which, when released to the downstream channel, would produce an
annual temperature pattern completely reversed from the normal
condition. Since temperature is perhaps the greatest normal
physical parameter which affects downstream water quality from
both a chemical and biological standpoint, it is imperative that
the reservoirs' temperature releases not cause detrimental down-
stream effects. In conjunction with the temperature releases,
it will be necessary to insure that the downstream dissolved
oxygen levels are also maintained at an acceptable level.
Attainment of these two goals can be met through a computer
modeling of the reservoir to determine the optimum number
and spacing of the proposed multi-level intake structures.
Physical data required for this type of study would include
the reservoir geometry, reservoir operating procedure, natural
temperature regime, and annual reservoir inflow and outflow.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $150,000
88
ENVIRONMENTAL
Activity Designation: EN-3
Activity: Analyze spillway and outlet works for dissolved gas
production.
Description: Experience gained from operation of water projects
in the Pacific Northwest indicates that the most efficient spill-
way and outlet works design from the standpoint of hydraulic
dissipation of energy is not necessarily the most advantageous
means of maintaining downstream water quality. Care must be
taken to insure that the design does not impart excessive amounts
of dissolved gasses to the downstream channel, which could possibly
have a detrimental affect on resident and anadromous fisheries. The
Devil Canyon gorge should be analyzed to determine its natural capa-
bility to dissipate dissolved gasses for a range of flows. Much
work has been accomplished in this area, and it should be possible
to insure that dissolved gasses will not pose a problem for the
selected plan.
Seasonal Constraint: Water monitoring during the summer months.
Cost: $20,000
89
ENVIRONMENTAL
Activity Designation: EN-4
Activity: Assess erosion potential in active storage zone.
Description: The purpose of this study will be to develop a
preliminary soil erosion hazard map for the Susitna hydro-
electric reservoir clear zone. Mapping will be accomplished
utilizing black and white aerial photography along with ERTS
imagery, with sufficient ground truth mapping to confirm the
identification of soil types. All soil types will be classified
in the clear zone as to their potential erosion hazard. The
cost associated with mapping is.included under survey requirements.
In addition, much mapping is presently being accomplished by the
Bureau of Land Management and Soil Conservation Service.
Seasonal Constraint: Summer ground truthing.
Cost: $20,000
90
ECONotHCS (EC)
THE ACTIVITIES IN THIS CATEGORY ARE DIRECTED AT DETER~
MINING AND ASSESSING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FROM LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND STATEWIDE
PERSPECTIVES. IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH FLOODING AND WITH
THE UTILIZATION OF OTHERWISE UNEMPLOYED LABOR IN PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION ARE .GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION, WHILE THE
REMAINDER OF THE ACTIVITIES ADDRESS ALL OTHER EFFECTS,
SUCH AS LIVELIHOOD, LIFESTYLE, AND COMMUNITY.
MISCELLANEOUS ECONOMIC STUDIES.
1. Perform employment benefit analysis.
2. Prepare flood damage prevention analysis.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDIES.
3. Conduct preliminary socio-economic impact studies for
fnitial screening of alternatives.
4. Develop detailed profiles of socio-economic conditions
in the immediate project area, the region, and the State.
5. Forecast future "without-project" conditions.
6. Forecast future "with project 11 conditions.
7. Identify and evaluate significant socio-economic effects.
91
ECONOMICSTUDIESActivityDesignation:EC-lActivity:Performemploymentbenefitanalysis.Description:Employmentofotherwiseunemployedorunderemployedmanpowerinconstructionandinstallationofaproposedplanisconsideredabeneficialcontributiontonationaleconomicdevelop-mentobjectives.Thiscategoryofbenefitisconceptuallyanadjustmenttothecostofaproject,becausethereisnoeconomiccostassociatedwiththeuseofanotherwiseunemployedresource.Benefitsattributabletounemployedandunderemployedlaborusedinconstructionandinstallationofaplanwillbeincludedintotalplanbenefits,butprojectswillbeformulatedandscaledwithoutconsiderationofemploymentbenefits.First,theestimatednumberofemployedandunemployedconstructionworkersintheregionwillbedeterminedwiththeassistanceoftheStateDepart-mentofLabor.Next,anestimatewillbemadeofthenumberofconstructionworkersrequiredforotherconstructionprojectsintheregion.ThisestimatewillbemadeafterconsultationwithStateandFederalplannersaswellasknowledgeableindividualsintheconstructionindustry.Thelaborcostsandmanpowerre-quirementsassociatedwiththeproposedprojectwillbeestimated,withdetailedconsiderationforallmajorskillcategories.TheStateDepartmentofLaborwillbecontactedtodetermineaverageregionalwageratesforeachofthemajorskillsidentified.Thenextstepwillbetoestimatetheproportionofprojectwagepaymentsforeachskillthatwillgotootherwiseunderemployedorunemployedworkers.Finally,thetotalofwagepaymentstootherwiseunemployedorunderemployedlaborwillbeconvertedtoanaverageannualbasis.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$5,00093
ECONOMIC .STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-2
Activity: Prepare flood damage prevention analysis.
Description: Though limited, the incidental flood control benefits
will be estimated and included in total project benefits. Construc-
tion of the Susitna project will reduce flood stages along the
Susitna River downstream from the proposed Devil Canyon dam. The
purpose of this activity will be to evaluate the savings, if any,
in property damage and loss that will result from the reduction of
flood stages. In accomplishing this analysis, the extent of the
affected area will be delineated based on hydrological studies of
stream discharge volume and frequency and water profiles down-
stream from the project. The characteristics of the flood plain
will be determined together with the present land use patterns.
Based on forecasts of regional economic activity, land-use demand
will be estimated and land use with and without the project will
be projected. The nature of flood damages will be assessed, and
flood damages with and without the project wi 11 be estimated.
Finally, flood damage prevention benefits will be computed as the
difference between damages with and without the project. Benefit
categories that will be considered will include land-use intensi-
fication and location benefits as well as the reduction of property
damages resulting from inundation. The econmic feasibility of
providing flood control storage will be determined.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $12,000
94
ECONOMICSTUDIESActivityDesignation:EC-3Activity:Conductpreliminarysocio-economicimpactstudiesforinitialreviewofalternatives.Description:Forthepurposeofpreliminaryscreening,ageneralsocio-economicconditionsprofilewillbeconstructedfromavail-ablereports.Also,futureconditionswillbeprojectedutilizingavailablereportsorstandardforecastingtechniques.Bothoftheprecedingwillbelimitedtostandardsocio-economicparametersandwillingeneralbeanoverview.Impactsthatvariousalternativeplansmayhaveintheseprojectionswillbediscussedinageneralfashion.Thisanalysiswillpermitcomparisonofplans,pinpoint-ingofareasofconcernforlaterstudy,andidentificationofcommunitiesorareasrequiringdetailedanalysis.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$11,00095
ECONOMIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-4
Activity: Develop detailed profiles of socio-economic conditions
in the immediate project area, region, and the State.
Description: This and the following economic studies outline a
thorough investigation of socio-economic impacts for use in the
detailed feasibility analysis.
The "immediate project area" is that area receiving direct long-
and short-term impacts of construction and operation of the project.
A profile of existing conditions will be developed from the per-
spective of the individual and of the local governments. Descrip-
tions will include public services, tax structure, property values,
population distributions and trends, local employment data, life
styles, community relationships, land use programs, etc. The "region"
will include the area directly affected by utilization of project
outputs. The profile will emphasize those socio-economic factors
affected by this utilization, including population distributions
and trends, employment/unemployment data, current power usage
patterns, industrial base, and generalized regional conditions.
Where necessary, specific factors will be separated from the more
general and given special attention. Similar "State-wide" socio-
economic conditions and parameters will be presented for comparison.
In addition, areas likely to specifically constitute an impact to
the State will be addressed, including tax structure and financial
conditions. Regional and State profiles can draw heavily on the
base study completed under activity PM-2.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
96
ECONOMICSTUDIESActivityDesignation:EC-5Activity:Forecastfuture"without-project"conditions.Description:Toassessprojectimpactsalong-termforecastoffutureconditions"withouttheproject"willberequiredfortheimmediateprojectareaandtheregion.Theforecastfortheimmediateprojectareawillbecompletedafterinterviewswithlocalofficials,considerationoflocaldesiresandaspirations,reviewoflanduseandotherprograms,andutilizationofstandardforecastingtechniques.Theresultswillbetranslatedtopara-metersconsistentwiththesocia-economicprofile.Theregional"mostprobablefuture"willbeobtainedlargelyfromotherstudyefforts(activitiesPM-3andPM-4),andshouldonlyrequiretai-loringtobeconsistentwithprofiledata.Oneareaofadditionalforecastingeffortwillbeinthosesituationswherespecificindustrialorotherspecializedimpactsareanticipated.Primaryeffortwillbetowardlocalprojectionsneededforimpactanalysis.RegionalprojectionswilldrawonactivitiesPM-3,4,7,&9.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$15,00097
ECONOMIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-6
Activity: Forecast future 11 With-project 11 conditions.
Description: The plans reviewed during the detailed feasibility
analysis will be assessed to identify impacts they might have on
local or regional conditions. This will require a forecast of
both short-term conditions during and just after project con-
struction and long-term estimates during the life of the project.
Short-term forecasts will estimate how immediate project area
conditions are expected to change, including: additional require-
ments placed on local public services, changes in population and
employment characteristics, specific industry impacts, and changes
in community relations. Long-term forecasts of 11 With project
conditions 11 will involve both immediate project and regional
areas. Local conditions are expected to be affected primarily
by physical presence and operation of the project, along with
holdover effects from construction activity. Regional conditions
will be affected more by development differences that occur
because of type, cost, and timing of a plan. Where specific
regional impacts (e.g., the coal industry) are observed, special
emphasis will be required.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
98
ECONOMICSTUDIESActivityDesignation:EC-7Activity:Identifyandevaluatesignificantsocio-economiceffects.Description:Thisactivitywillidentify,describeandmeasure,whenpossible,thesignificantsocio-economicimpactsofeachplan,andvalidatetheresultsviapublicandagencyreview.Aftercompletionofasocio-economicprofileandthewith/withoutprojectforecastsoflocalandregionalconditions,theimpactswillbeorderedsothatsignificantimpactscanbeselected.Acolumnarimpact/projectformathasusuallybeenusedsoallalternativeplanscanbedis-playedsidebysideforeaseofcomparison.Inputfl~omthepublicandappropriateagencieswillberequestedtoassurethatallsignificantimpactshavebeenaddressed.TheresultsofthisactivitywillbepresentedintheEnvironmentalStudiesAppendix.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$6,00099
RECREATION (R)
THESE ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETER-
MINING THE DEMAND FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF RECREATION THAT
COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT,
FORMULATING AND EVALUATING VARIOUS RECREATION PLANS, AND
FINALLY SELECTING THE MOST PROMISING RECREATION SCHEME.
RECREATION PLAN
1. Conduct data search and evaluation.
2. Conduct supply and demand analysis.
3. Develop alternative plans for public recreation and
related resources uses.
4. Conduct cost/benefit eval~ation of alternative plans
and select final plan.
101
RECREATIONActivityDesignation:R-lActivity:Conductdatasearchandevaluation.Description:Apreliminarydatasearchwillbeperformedtoinsurethatallavailableinformationpertinenttosubsequentstudyactivitiesislocatedanddocumented.Thissearchwillprimarilyconcentrateondataavailablefromotheragenciesconcerningrecreationmarketanalysisandprojectrecreationdevelopmentpotentialandconstraints.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$5,000103
RECREATION
Activity Designation: R-2
Activity: Make supply/demand analysis of the recreation market
area, and determine market area needs for outdoor recreation
opportunities and facilities.
Description: The recreation market area will be defined and
mapped to account for both day-use and overnight-use visitors.
The market area's present and projected socio-economic charac-
teristics will be described and evaluated to assess their
effect upon the recreation needs and requirements of the
market area consumer. The recreation activity preferences
of the market area consumer will be determined and described
utilizing available data as well as through a public involve-
ment program. Existing and planned outdoor recreation faci-
lities within the market area will be inventoried, described,
and mapped. This will require close coordination with the
State of Alaska Division of Parks, other Federal and State
agencies, and private entrepreneurs. Current and projected
market-area recreation demands will be determined, based upon
evaluation of the above factors. Comparative analysis of
supply and demand relationships will provide insight into
facility/opportunity surpluses or deficiencies within given
increments of time.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
1M
RECREATIONActivityDesignation:R-3Activity:Developalternativeplansforpublicrecreationandrelatedresourcesuses.Description:Theoutdoorrecreationfacility/opportunityneedsofthemarketareaconsumerwillbesynthesizedwiththephysicalandbiologicalfeaturesoftheproject.Initialandfutureout-doorrecreationdevelopmentalternativesandalternativesforotherrelatedresourceuseswillbedescribedandmapped.Alter-nativessodescribedwillrelatetomarketarearecreationneedsandtotheconstraints,potentials,andcapabilitiesoftheproject'sresources.Initialandfuturelevelsofvisitorattendancewillbedeterminedforeachalternativeplanbycalcu-latinginstantaneoususe,turnoverfactors,seasonality,andratiosofactivityduplication.Ultimateuse,ormaximumprac-ticaluse,willbecalculatedinrecognitionoflimitationsimposedbylowdemandsandresourcecapacity.Developmentmeasuresforenhancingenvironmentalqualityandaestheticsassociatedwithprojectstructures,roads,andotherfeatureswillbeplannedanddescribedindetail.Apublicinvolvementprogramwillberequired,togetherwithcloseandcontinuedcoordinationwiththeState.Fieldinspectionsoftheprojectareawillbeimpor-tantaspectsofthisactivity.SeasonalConstraint:Fieldinspectionsmustbeconductedduringthe~ummermonths.Cost:$15,000105
RECREATION
Activity Designation: R-4
Activity: Evaluate costs and benefits of alternative plans for
public recreation and related resource uses, and select best
alternative.
Description: The information generated in activities R-2 and 3
will be evaluated in order to attach dollar values to the phased
development alternatives. Development costs as well as the
operation, maintenance, and replacement costs for each alterna-
tive must be amortized in order to determine the average annual
costs for these functions. Benefits will be determined through
economic analysis for projected attendance in conjunction with
each alternative to arrive at average annual attendance. User-
day values will be assigned to these attendance figures to
arrive at average annual benefits. Selection of the final alter-
native will depend upon public input as well as upon the desires
and financial capabilities of the State of Alaska.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $16,000
106
PLAN FORMULATION (PF)
THESE PLAN FORMULATION ACTIVITIES SPECIFY THE PROCESS
USED BY THE PLANNER IN DEVELOPING THE BEST CONCEPTUAL
PLA~ OF DEVElOPMENT FROM AMONG THE RANGE OF POSSIBIL~
ITIES, AND IN THEN REFINING THAT PLAN INTO ONE WHICH
BEST SATISFIES THE REGION 1 S WATER RESOURCE NEEDS. TO
ASSIST IN THIS ENDEAVOR~ THE PLAN FORMULATOR EMPLOYS
ALL THE IfiFORMATION RELATED TO PLAN BENEFITS, COSTS,
AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DEVELOPED BY THE VARIOUS
OTHER DISCIPliNES.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES .
. 1. Review 1976 feasi bi 1 ity report.
2. Update po~tJer va 1 ues.
EVALUATION CRITERIA.
3. Establish evaluation criteria.
PLANS AND PRELmiNARY EVALUATION.
4. Identify possible solutions.
ANALYZE SPECIFIC PLANS OF HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT.
5. Establish site layouts.
6. Conduct mass take-offs and provide cost estimates;
7. Assess reregulation dam costs.
8. Develop power benefits and assess economic attractiveness.
IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION.
9. Make preliminary assessment of alternatives.
ON-GOING EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES.
10. Update the impact analysis as needed.
IDENTIFICATION OF HYDRO SYSTEM OPERATION IN REGIONAL LOAD.
11. Study feasibility of future units and downstream
reregulation.
12. Conduct hourly loading studies.
13. Assess sensitivity to load growth.
ALTERNATIVE SYSTH1 STUDIES.
14. Conduct system studies on alternative developments.
BENEFIT AND COST CALCULATION.
15. Collect and compare benefit and cost .estimates.
107
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-lActivity:Review1976feasibilityreport.Description:ReviewthepreauthorizationfeasibilityreporttoidentifyformulationtaskswhichhavealreadybeencompletedandcanserveasdirectinputtothepresentPlanFormulationefforts.Thiswillincludeareviewofalternativedevelopmentplanstodetermineiftheyshouldbereanalizedinmoredepthasaresultofanupdateddatabase.Thoseconclusionswhicharestillcurrentwillbeuseddirectlyintheformulationprocess.SeasonalConstraint:None109
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-2
Activity: Update power values.
Description: Benefits and costs of the several alternative plans
must be calculated on a comparable basis. This will necessitate
updating the power values upon which power benefits are based.
The power values are the costs of capacity and energy produced
by the most economical available nonhydro alternative, in this
case coal generation. The power values used in the 1976 Feasi-
bility Report will be updated to reflect changes in generation
cost since 1975. These updated power values will be utilized
during the preliminary screening, while more refined values
developed in conjunction with activity PM-11 will be used in
the detailed feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
110
-
PLAN FOR~1ULATION
Activity Designation: PF-3
Activity: Establish evaluation criteria.
Description: This activity will be aimed at describing the market-
ing and technical parameters associated with hydroelectric that
will be used in evaluating the energy capabilities of the various
alternative developments, and the economic value of the resource.
Technical criteria will entail such aspects as tailwater rating
curves, hydraulic loss curves, evaporation rates, leakage and
seepage losses, transmission losses, sedimentation rates, operating
rule curves, drawdown limitations, etc. Criteria associated with
economics would entail seasonal energy demand, projected energy
and capacity requirements, a projection of usable energy and capa-
city, and an estimate of the unit value of prime energy, secondary
energy, dependable capacity, and interruptible capacity. The
objectives are the National, State, and local water and related
land resource management needs specific to the railbelt area that
can be addressed to enhance national economic development and envi-
ronmental quality. During the preauthorization studies, specific
objectives were identified from expressions of governmental agencies,
industry, special interest groups, and private citizens. They
·included a projected need for increased supplies of electrical
energy, a need for reduction or prevention of flood damages, a need
for improved small boat and deep draft navigation conditions, a
need for increased municipal water supply, a need for future sup-
plies Df irrigation water, a need for reduction of air pollution in
Fairbanks and Anchorage, a need to conserve and enhance fish and
wildlife resources, a need for additional recreation opportunities,
a desire to preserve and maintain "the Alaskan way of life," a
national desire to achieve energy independence, and the national
desire to conserve nonrenewable resources. It will be necessary
to reevaluate these objectives based on national policy and expres-
sions of desires to be obtained from public input.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $5,000
111
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-4
Activity: Identify possible solutions.
Description: This activity will be aimed at identifying the alter-
natives available to meet the study objectives. The purpose will
be to insure that all alternatives are evaluated during the screen-
ing and evaluating process. This will require an inventory of
resources available within the immediate area. It will also entail
a literature review to ascertain the present state-of-the-art
associated with developing some of the exotic resources. This
will entail a review of the economics and environmental impacts.
Finally, specific development ideas mentioned in previous documents
and reports for the railbelt area will be identified. The pre-
authorization report identified the following energy alternatives:
coal, natural gas, oil, wind, tide, geothermal, solar, no growth,
nuclear, wood, intertie, solid waste, and hydropower. To this
list might be added soft techniques or others which may become
available during the planning phase. This activity will include
refining alternative plans without concentrating on detailed
engineering and design considerations. These alternative plans
will help to make obvious the consequences that concentration on
one of the other objectves will cost in terms of the remaining
objectives. Thus, considering each alternative's contribution
to the national and local objectives will disclose that many
of the alternatives can be eliminated without an indepth analysis.
The first screening will eliminate the obviously unfulfilling
alternatives because of their economic inferiority or detrimental
effect on the environment.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $8,000
112
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-5Activity:Coordinatesitelayoutactivities.Description:ThisactivitywillentailtheidentificationofspecificdamsitesthatcouldbedevelopedwithintheUpperSusitnaBasin,andthecombinationsofdamswhichwouldcomposethevarioussystemsofdevelopment.Foreachproposedsystem,majorprojectfeatures willbelaidoutandreconnaissance-gradedesignwillbeaccomplished.Thiswillinsurethatmajorfeaturesarecompatiblewiththelocaltopographyandfoundationconditions.Majorattentionwill'begiventodamheightsandtypesofstruc-tures.Theselectionofplanstobeevaluatedwillbeaccomplishedbytheorganizationresponsibleforreservoirregulationstudies.Thatorganization,however,willhavetoworkcloselywithfounda-tionsandmaterialsspecialiststoinsurethatspecificsitesappeartobefeasibletodevelop.Eachdamevaluatedwillrequirethatanumberofstructuralheightsareanalyzed.Thiswillinsureoptimumscopingofeachproject.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$40,000113
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-6
Activity: Conduct mass take-offs and develop cost estimates.
Description: The only plan of development that will be cost
estimated in detail will be the plan recommended for final
development. Thus, during plan formulation, the estimates
will be of reconnaissance grade. This will require mass
take-offs to which unit prices can be affixed. For each
damsite evaluated, it will be necessary to provide cost
estimates for a variety of dam heights and structural types.
The estimates should be of sufficient detail, however, that
they are compatible with the detailed cost estimate for the
selected plan. Estimates will be for all design features
(transmission line. powerhouse, dam, spillway, access road,
etc.) based on present-day price levels. Contingencies
should be in the 15 to 20 percent range.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: The cost and duration of this activity has been included
under the design consideration portion of the Plan of Study.
114
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-7Activity:Includereregulationdamincostsifnecessary.Description:BasedonactivityPS-3,ifitisdeterminedthatareregulationdamisnecessary,thenthedesignandcostofsuchastructurewouldberequired.Thepossibilityofinstal-linggeneratingcapacityinthereregulatorshouldalsobeexplored.Thiswouldalsorequirethatsufficientenvironmentalinformationisgatheredtoallowforeffectassessmentofdownstreameffects.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$1,000115
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-8
Activity: Develop preliminary power benefits and assess economic
attractiveness.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to determine
the economic value of the major plans for development in.light
of the criteria established under the power marketing analysis.
In essence, it will entail comparing project benefits to project
costs. Project benefits can estimated by determining the amounts
of energy and capacity that can be absorbed into the load during
the life of the project. This will be influenced by the load
growth of the area, the amount of thermal generation in the exist-
ing system, the condition of the existing generation, and the
value of the hydro in relation to new and existing energy plants.
Then by determining the value of the hydro (which is really the
cost of developing the most feasible alternative to hydro and
comparing this to the cost of hydro development), the economic
value of the various alternatives can be determined. The value
of the hydro should be estimated by a life cycle analysis of
the energy resource that would be developed in lieu of the hydro
project. Thus the replacement cost and future value of the fuel
and O&M components will be present worthed to a present day
value. This will be compared against the amortized cost of
project construction.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $10,000
116
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-9Activity:Makepreliminaryassessmentofalternativeplancosts,benefits,andimpacts.Description:Thisscreeninganalysiswillattempttonarrowthechoiceofavailablealternativesdowntoachosenfewwhichwillbeevaluatedinspecificdetail.Thus,thescreeningprocesswillbeaccomplishedinthreephases.Thissecondstagewillbebasedonamoreindepthanalysisoftheenvironmentalimpactsandeconomicsofspecificplansfordevelopmentthanwasaccom-plishedunderthefirstscreening.Thus,reconnaissancegradecostestimatesandbenefitassessmentswillbenecessaryaswilleffectassessment.ThealternativeswillbeevaluatedintermsofthecontributiontoStateandnationaleconomicobjectivesaswellastoenvironmentalpreservation.Onlythoseplansthatappeartobeeconomicallyfeasiblewillbeconsideredforplanselection.Fromthisscreeningwillcomeadetailedcomparisonoftheremainingalternatives(presumablyhydropowerandcoal)astotheirrelativeenvironmentalandsocio-economicimpacts.Determinationofimpactswillrequireareasonabledegreeofaccuracyatthisstage,whichinturnisdependentuponsuffi-cientstructuralanddesigndetailtomorepreciselyevaluatethedifferencesamongtheremainingalternatives.Detailedeffectsonwaterandlandresourcesandeconomicandsocialaspectsofhumanusewillbemeasuredordescribedbyadeter-mihationofincrementalchangesintheapplicablefactorsofaffectedenvironmentalcomponents.Whereverpossiblethiswillrequirequantification,particularlyofeffectsonwaterandlandresources.Thesamefactorswillbequantifiedforeachalternative.Evaluationofthealternativeplansintermsofenvironmentalpreservationwillreflectsocietalpreferencesfortheenvironmentalcontributionstothealternativeplans.Thiswillactivelyaddresstheplanningobjectivesinawaywhichemphasizes,aesthetic,ecological,andculturalcontri-butions.Sinceitisassumedthatstrictadherencetoenviron-mentalpreservationwillsignificantlyprecludephysicalcon-structionordevelopment,itisnecessarythatsomepositiveactionbeidentifiedtoassurethataIInodevelopmentllplanberealized.Consequently,energyevaluationwillrequireaninterpertationofStateobjectivestowardeconomicdevelopment.SeasonalContraint:NoneCost:$5,000117
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-10
Activity: Update the impact analysis as needed.
Description: For each of the several alternative plans that are
carried beyond the second screening, the tabulation of plan
impacts will be kept updated. As phase I studies progress and
as plans are refined, significant impacts will be identified
and evaluated through various impact studies discussed elsewhere.
This activity will consist of drawing upon these studies to
develop an on-going table of differ~ntial plan impacts for use
in impact assessment and plan formulation.
Seasonal Constraint: None
118
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-llActivity:Studyfeasibilityoffutureunitsanddownstreamreregulation.Description:Fromtheproductioncostmodel(PS-4),theneedforandtimingofadditionalunitswillbedetermined.Fromtheroutingstudies(PS-2)andrelatedenvironmentalstudies,theneedforareregulatorwillbedetermined.Withdataonmostlikelythermalalternative(PM-llandPS-4),benefitswillbecomputed.Withdataoncostofaddedunitsandreregulator,economicfeasibilityofaddedunitswillbedetermined.Itmaybedesirabletotestseveralratesofloadgrowthtoseeiftheyhaveanyimpactonfeasibilityofaddedunits.Thestudywillhavetoconsidersunkcostsandpresentworthoffuturecostsandbenefits.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$4,000119
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-12
Activity: Conduct hourly loading studies.
Description: Studies must be made to determine the most likely
loadings of Susitna hydro on an hourly basis. This must be done
as input for streamflow routing studies. It will also serve as
input data on hourly system load growth studies and will be done
for selected times of the year (one for each definable season, at
least) and for various points in time (5-or 10-year intervals
from 1985 to 2015). Using input data on other available generating
resources (PM-5 & 10), loading of Susitna hydro under the various
conditions will be done with the help of the production cost model
(PS-4).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
120
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-13
Activity: Assess sensitivity to load growth.
Description: This activity will entail an assessment of the
economics of the selected plan should the projected load growth
be significantly greater or less than that anticipated.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,000
121
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-14
Activity: Conduct system analysis studies on alternative
developments.
Description: These studies will be conducted in order to evaluate
the capability of the alternative development to meet system loads.
Presumably, coal fired generation will be selected as the most
viable alternative to Susitna hydro. By analyzing the coal alter-
native using the "Production Cost" model, it will be possible to
determine how the coal alternative will fit into the integrated
load system and if it provides a more flexible alternative than
the hydro system. The study may highlight a need for a variety of
generating modes that could meet the total system capacity
requirements. The study would also indicate the desirability
of interconnecting the Anchorage and Fairbanks load centers.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
122
PLANFORMULATIONActivityDesignation:PF-15Activity:Comparebenefitandcostestimates.Description:Thisactivitywillentailthedevelopmentoftheeconomicsoftheselectedplanofdevelopment.Itwillincludeasynopsisofthetotalcostoftheselectedplanbasedonagiventimeframe.Costswillincludetotalconstructioncosts,interestduringconstruction,engineeringanddesigncosts,supervisionandadministrationofconstruction,andoperationandmaintenanceoftheprojects.Thesecostswillbeamortizedattheselectedinterestrateoverthepayoutperiodoftheproject,thusprovidinganaverageannualcost.Thebenefitswillalsobeestimatedonanannualbasisandwillessentiallyrepresentthecostofprovidinganequivalentamountofpowerbythemostlikelyalternativetotheselectedplan.Acompar-isonofthebenefitsandcostswillindicatetheeconomicattractivenessoftheselectedplan.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$3,000123
POWER STUDIES (PS)
THIS GROUPING .OF DIVERSE ACTIVITIES INCLUDES THE ANALYSES
NEEDED TO ESTABLISH THE ENERGY CAPABILITIES OF THE VARIOUS
ALTERNATIVE PLANS OF DEVELOPMENT OVER A RANGE OF ASSUMED
DAM HEIGHTS AND STORAGE VOLUMES. ALSO, STUDIES ASSESS
THE NEED FOR REREGULATION OF STREAMFLOW$ DOWNSTREAM FROM
THE PROJECT AND HELP DETERMINE THE OPTIMUM MODE OF OPER~
ATION FOR THE SELECTED ~LAN. .
MISCELLANEOUS POWER STUDIES
1. Identify optimum dam heights, reservoir storage and
optimum power~
2. Conduct hourly simulated operation.
3. Evaluate downstream impacts with and without a .regulating
dam.
4. Develop production cost model.
125
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-1
Activity: Identify optimum dam heights, reservoir storage,
and optimum power from seasonal regulation studies.
Description: Based on the power available from the various
schemes of development and the multitude of combinations of
dam heights, types of dam, stage sequences, etc., it should
be possible to develop a number of total construction cost
estimates for each scheme and combination analyzed. Assign-
ment of benefits based on the combinations for each scheme
analyzed should allow identification of the optimum compon-
ents associated with power development. This would include
optimum dam height, maximum drawdown determination, optimum
staging, etc. From this type of analysis, the optimum com-
binations associated with each development scheme can be
selected for effect assessment under the preliminary screen-
ing. This activity will encompass a description of the
turbine specifications and operational capabilities of the
selected plan of development. This will require efficiency
curves for the turbines and a description of the turbines'
operational limits. The limits will entail determination
of such items as maximum head, minimum drawdown, tailwater
rating curves and placement of the turbine to preclude
damage to the turbines caused by low pressure (cavitation).
Efficiency curves can be computer-generated or they may be
obtained from manufacturers.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $40,000
127
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-2
Activity: Conduct hourly operation simulations.
Description: Conduct hourly simulated operation for the more
feasible plans, and route them downstream. The work will
consist of developing the data for the basic mathematical
model consisting of downstream channel geometry, project
characteristics, variations in the daily power load for the
system, and other similar information. This will be
followed by model calibration to insure that the natural
system is being properly simulated. It will then be
necessary to determine the situations under which the pro-
ject will operate. This will entail determining seasonal
water conditions and seasonal power load shapes, number of
electrical generation units at each project, the amount of
capacity in each powerhouse, and the availability of a
reregulation dam. Results of hourly simulations will be
evaluated to determine the effects downstream from the
standpoints of navigation and recreation safety, the
effects on the winter ice cover, and the effects on the
downstream environment.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $70,000
128
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-3
Activity: Evaluate, for feasible plans, the downstream impacts
with and without a reregulating dam.
Description: Downstream routing studies of powerhouse discharges
for the more feasible plans of development will be required to
determine water level fluctuations that can be expected to occur.
The river reach to be studied will be from the Watana project
downstream to the town of Talkeetna. Since detailed channel
geometry will be available from the water surface profile deter-
minations (HY-16), it is likely that the Gradually Varied Unsteady
Flow Computer Program (SOCH) will be utilized. This program is
a finite-difference solution to the complete equations of un-
steady flow in open channels. The program was originally developed
by TVA, and modified slightly by the Corps Hydrologic Engineering
Center. It employs detailed channel geometry taken from surveyed
cross-sections of the river and estimated channel roughness factors
to provide the solution. Evaluation of downstream impacts will
require a comparison between simulations with and without reregu-
lation for water surface changes on an hourly, daily, and sea-
sonal basis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $40,000
129
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-4
Activity: Develop production cost model.
Description: This mathematical model will be used to determine
the optimum role of Susitna hydro in contributing to the total
power load of the Railbelt Area at various points in time (1985-
2015), and hence the value of the energy to the system, and the
possible need for and timing of additional units (PF-15). It
will also aid in the selection of the thermal alternative(s)
upon which benefits will be based (PM-11). The work will involve
setting up the numerical model for the Railbelt Area, and then
developing a program based on a number of scenarios for develop-
ment of the market area. This will be followed by a series of
studies to determine the optimum role of Susitna hydro at various
points in time (5-or 10-year intervals, 1985-2015). In similar
fashion it will be necessary to evaluate the various thermal
alternatives in order to determine the least-cost alterantive
capable of doing the same job. Then, based on long-range power
demand projections, evaluation will be accomplished of additional
units for the selected plan at various points in time. Various
sensitivity tests will be made as required, such as the impact
of different rates of load growth, impact of load shape manage-
ment, and impact of fuel cost escalation.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $48,000
130
POWER MARKET STUDIES (PM)
THESE ACTIVITIES ADDRESS THE NEED FOR POWER AND THE
SALEABILITY OF POWER IN TH[ REGiON. FIRST, ELECTRIC-
ITY NEEDS ARE FORECAST BASED ON ESTIMATES OF FUTURE
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY LEVELS, POPULATION GROWTH RATES,
AND PER CAPITA USE. THE TIMING OF THE POWER DEMAND
IS ASSESSED, AS WELL AS THE CAPABILITY OF EXISTING
AND PLANNED GENERATION FACILITIES TO SATISFY THE
ANTICIPATED DEMAND. THE COST OF SUPPLYING. THE
POWER BY MEAKS OTHER lHAN HYDROELECTRIC GENERATION
ARE DETERMINED, AND FINAlLY THE FINANCIAL FEASI~
BILITY OF THE SELECTED PLAN IS EXAMINED.
PRELIMINARY LOAD GROWTH ANALYSIS
1. Update power market analysis from feasibility report.
DETAILED LOAD GROWTH AND POWER MARKET ANALYSIS
2. Prepare socio-economic base study.
3 Forecast future development.
4. Prepare employment and population forecasts.
5. Describe existing and planned power generation through
1985.
6. Assess electric energy use trends.
7. Develop electricity demand.forecasts by sector.
8. Develop load distribution data and duration curves.
9. Assess long term power outlook and system requirements.
10. Evaluate the retirement of existing and planned power
plants.
11. Evaluate alternative power sources.
12. Assess project financi.al feasibility.
FERC LICENSE
13. Prepare material for draft FERC License.
131
POWERMARKETSTUDIESActivityDesignation:PM-lActivity:Updatepowermarketanalysisfromfeasibilityreport.Description:Theloadgrowthforecastandmarketingassumptionsonwhichthe1976feasibilityreportwasbasedwillbereviewed.Assumptionsoftheseearlieranalyseswillbecheckedagainstactualeventsandmorerecentinformationandstudies.Adjust-mentswillbemadeastheneedisindicated.Thisactivityonlyconstitutesaninitialanalysisforthepurposeofpreliminaryscreening;itwillbefollowedbyanextensivepowermarketstudythatwillspanthesucceeding2yearsandwhichwillbeutilizedinthedetailedfeasibilityanalysis.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$6,000133
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-2
Activity: Prepare socio-economic base study.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to provide a base-
line analysis of the region, which will serve as the basis of
forecasting future economic development, employment and popu-
lation growth, and electric energy demand. The study will define
the limits of the region and describe its salient physical
features and climatic conditions. Existing data and reports
on natural resources of the region will be reviewed, and a
fairly detailed discussion of signficant natural resources with-
in or directly affected by the region will be represented.
Present land use patterns will be described and discussed.
Historical and present demographic trends including population
characteristics, labor force participation, and employment
and unemployment will be evaluated. In addition, major
industries within the region will be described, and historical
and present economic development trends will be discussed.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $75,000
134
POWERMARKETSTUDIESActivityDesignation:PM-3Activity:Forecastfuturedevelopment.Description:Thepurposeofthisactivitywillbetopreparearangeofforecastsoffutureeconomicdevelopmentsandtoidentifythemostprobableforecasts.Theanalysiswillbebaseduponthefindingsofthebaselinesocio-economicstudiesoftheregion.Alternativeassumptionsanddevelopmentscenarioswillbeformulated,andwillbepresentedtosupporttherangeofforecaststhatwillbederived.Existingecono-metricmodelsoftheregionandStatewillbereviewed,andifpossibleadaptedforuseinmakingtheactualforecasts.Sincetheeconomiclifeoftheprojectis100years,fore-castswillbemadefortheshort-term(presentto1985),inter-mediate(1986-2036),andlong-term(throughtheendoftheprojectlife)conditions.Short-andintermediate-termfore-castswillberelativelydetailed,whilelong-termprojectionswillbeshownbydecade.Thoseforecastswillserveasthebasisforemploymentandpopulationforecasts.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$28,000135
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-4
Activity: Forecast employment and population growth.
Description: This activity will follow activity PM-3. The
purpose of the employment forecast is to establish a basis
for making the population forecast. Both forecasts are
required input to the forecast of electrical energy demand.
Forecasts will be made in detail comparable to that used for
preparation of the economic development forecast, activity
PM-3.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $11,000
136
POWERMARKETSTUDIESActivityDesignation:PM-5Activity:Describeexistingandplannedpowergenerationthrough1985.Description:TodeterminetheoptimumrolefortheSusitnaprojectinmeetingtheareaload,andhencetheplantsize,itisnecessarytodescribethesystemofprojectswithwhichSusitnahydrowilloperate.Thiswillinvolveinven-toryingtheexistingandcommittedgeneratingresourcesintheRailbelt.Area,andprojectingthemostlikelymixofadditionalresourceswhichwouldbebuilttohandleloadgrowththrough1985.Inaddition,theexistingresourceswillbereviewedtodetermineifsomeplantswouldlikelyberetiredorplacedonstandbyreserve.(DatawillberequiredonplantoperatingcharacteristicsandcostsforinputtoproductioncostmodelPS-4).MostofthedatawillcomefromthelocalutilitiesandtheFederalPowerCommission.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$3,000137
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-6
Activity: Assess electric energy use trends.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to evaluate
historical and current factors which influence the use of
electricity within the region. Historical data on electric
energy use will be reviewed and evaluated, and trends will
be established. Factors which have historically had and/or
which probably will have a significant impact on future
electric energy use-trends will be considered. Such factors
will include but not be limited 'to the outlook for energy
conservation, efficiency in energy use, and the outlook for
future energy-intensive industries.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
138
POWERMARKETSTUDIESActivityDesignation:PM-7Activity:Developelectricitydemandforecastsbysector.Description:Thepurposeofthisactivitywi11betobringtogethertheresultsofactivitiesPM-3,4,and6,anddevelopforecastsforregionalelectricitydemand.Theseforecastswillbemadeindetailandscopewhichiscom-parabletothosemadeduringactivitiesPM-3and4.Inmakingtheanalysis,eachsector(residential,commercial/industrial,municipal,andother)willbeevaluatedsepa-rately.Anlntegralpartofthestudywillbetoassessthesensitivityofdemandtorelativepricechangesamongenergysourcesandtoevaluatethesubstitutabilityofalternativeenergysourcesforenergy-intensiveindustries.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$50,000139
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-8
Activity: Develop load distribution data and duration curves.
Description: This activity will entail developing monthly load
duration curves, developing annual distribution of load by
month, and developing typical daily load shapes for selected
times of the year and residual daily load shapes to be carried
by hydro. This will involve obtaining historical load data
from utilities, Alaska Power Administration and the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, plotting it in the various for-
mats described above, and making adjustments to reflect pro-
jected conditions at various future points in time (at 5-or
10-year intervals from 1985 to 2015). Some of this data has
already been developed under prior studies. Development of
residual hourly load shapes at various points in time will be
done in concert with production cost model studies. (PS-4)
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
140
POWERMARKETSTUDIESActivityDesignation:PM-9Activity:Assesslongtermpoweroutlookandsystemrequirements.Discription:Thepurposeofthisactivitywillbetobringtogethertheresultsoflong~termelectricalenergydemandforecasts(activityPM-7)andthepreliminary~resultspfpowerproductioncoststudies(PS-4)inacomputeranalysiswhichwillidentifytheprobablefuturepowergenerationsystemrequirementsintheregion.Theprincipalfunctionofthisstudywillbetopredictthemosteconomicaladditionstothesysteminthefutureandtoidentifythemosteconomicaloperational·positioninthefuturepowersystemfortheproposedSusitnaproject.Systemcapacityandpeakingrequirementswillbeanalyzedandpossiblefuturemodificationsoftheprojectwillbeidentified.TodeterminethesystemenergybenefitsforSusitnahydro,theroleofSusitnahydrointhefuturesystem,andthepossibleneedandtimingofadditionalunits,itwillbenecessarytodescribeoperationofthesystematvariousfuturepointsintime(5-or10-yearintervalsfrom1985to2015).Todothisitwillbenecessarytodescribethemixofgeneratingresourcesthatwilllikelydeveloppost-Susitna.Consistentwithloadgrowthprojections,oneormorelikelysystemsofadditionalgeneratingresourceswillhavetobe~eveloped.Inadd~tiontotheprojectedgeneratingresourcemix,datawillhavetobedevelopedonoperatingcharacteristicsandcostsforPS-4.Retirementsofexistinggenerationwillhavetobeconsidered.DevelopmentoftheprojectedsystemswillbeareiterativeprocesswithPS-4.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$25,000141
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-10
Activity: Evaluate the retirement of existing and planned
power plants.
Description: This activity is a detailed assessment of specific
Railbelt Area utilities with regard to necessary actions on their
part to accommodate the recommended plan of development. The
impact of the development on the local utilities will be identified
and evaluated.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
142
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-11
Activity: Evaluate alternative power sources.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to establish
the cost of generating electricity in the region by thermal
plants. This cost data will establish the baseline or alter-
native condition against which the economic feasibility of
hydroelectric generation in the Susitna will be measured. The
study will examine recent industry trends in energy and capacity
costs. It will review and establish the availability of various
types of fossil fuels for thermal generation; the cost trends
of those fuels will be examined on a regional, State, and
national basis. Future real cost increases for fuel will also
be considered. Engineeringly feasible thermal power generation
alternatives will be identified, and construction and operational
costs will be examined in order to establish power and energy
values for use in evaluating benefits to the Susitna project.
Thermal power plant construction cost data for the region and
for the western states region will be reviewed. Probable plant
locations will be established and general site problems will be
identified. Present and pending air and water pollution stan-
dards for thermal power plants will be reviewed; the design of
all plants considered will include equipment and other features
necessary to meet these standards. Pending legislation which
will require reclamation of strip-mined land will also be con-
sidered, and in the case of coal fired plants, will be included
a~ a cost of mining the coal. Also, transmission facilities
required to deliver power to load centers will be considered.
The detail and scope of these studies will be such that power and
energy cost estimates are at approximately the same confidence
level as the costs to be determined for the Susitna project.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $75,000
143
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-12
Activity: Assess project financial feasibility.
Description: Hydroelectric power development of the Susitna will
result in hydropower production of approximately 4 times that
provided in the region in 1975. The purpose of this study will
be to evaluate the market for this power and to determine if the
project is financially feasible. Projects are financially feasible
if net revenues from power sales are sufficient to reimburse the
investment. Based on load growth projections and power production
and cost, the price necessary at load centers to recover invest-
ment costs with interest over a 50-year period will be determined.
Saleability of power at that determined price will be investi-
gated. Since price also influences demand for power, financial
feasibility will be determined for various scenarios of load
growth and interest rates. The taxing and bonding authorities
of the State will be examined, and recommendations for any
modifications required to implement the plan will be formulated;
also, the State's present and probable future financial condition
will be explored as it relates to the financing of the project
by the State.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $30,000
144
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: P~1-13
Activity: Prepare material for draft FERC License.
Description: If the project is built as a State-owned resource,
an FERC License will probably be required (unless the specific
project legislation exempts it). A Preliminary Permit appli-
cation is sometimes filed prior to the detailed planning study
to indicate interest in the site and reserve rights for develop-
ment. This may not be required for Susitna. In any case, a
license will be required prior to construction. Most of the
technical data for the Preliminary Permit application is already
available, and most of the technical data for the license appli-
cation will be prepared as a part of the main study effort.
Work under this activity will consist mainly of consolidating
the data, presenting it in the required format, and providing
the legal and technical support necessary to carry the appli-
cation through the various hearings and other proceedings. The
Susitna project is enough of a special case that a legal review
should be conducted early to determine with certainty whether
FPC will have jurisdiction.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $150,000, but will vary depending on the complexity of
the hearings.
145
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (FM)
THESE ACTIVITIES INVOLVE FIELD WORK TO ASSESS GEITLOGIC
AND SOIL CONDITIONS IN THE PROJECT AREA, AND DESIGN
ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF.FOUNDATION DESIGN.
AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAM OF FIELD RECONNAISSANCE~ DRILLING,
MATERIALS TESTI~B.i AND SEISMIC MONITORING IS OUTLINED.
BASED ON THE DATA THUS COLLECTED, SITE CONDITIONS ARE
EVALUATED, OPTH4AL DAM TYPES ARE DETERMINED, AND DAM
COMPONENTS ARE DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, PARALLEL
ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED FOR THE ACCESS ROAD AND
TRANSMISSION LINE.
REGIONAL GEOLOGY.
1. Conduct regional geology study, fault study, and
seismicity evaluation.
SEISMIC MONITORING.
2. Install seismic monitoring system.
3. Operate seismic monitoring system and analyze data.
ACCESS ROAD.
4. Select route.
5. Conduct site geology and soils study.
6. Explore and test for access road.
TRANSMISSION LINE.
7. Select route.
8. Conduct site geology and soils study.
9. Explore and test.
10. Conduct foundation and materials design.
WATANA SITE.
11. Conduct site geology study.
12~ Explore and test for site. selection.
13. Explore for potential construction mate.rials sources.
14~ Evaluate site s.election and dam.
15. Explore and test for final design.
16. Conduct geophysical investigations.
17. Perform concrete studies.
18. Perform feature design for embankment dam, cofferdams
and diversions. (F&M aspects}.
19. Perform feature design for spillway, powerhouse and
outlet works ( F&r4 aspects).
147
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (cont.)
DEVIL CANYON SITE.
20. Conduct site geology study.
21. Explore .and test for site selection.
22. Eyaluate for site selection and dam type.
23. Study rockmechanic:s and conduct in-situ testing.
24. Conduct concrete aggregate studies.
' '
OTHER SITES.
25. Conduct field reconnaissance.
26. Explore and test for site selection and dam type.
148
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-lActivity:Conductregionalgeologystudy,faultstudyandseismicityevaluation.Description:AnextensivefieldreconnaissanceoftheSusitnaareaisnecessarytoprovideinformationbasictositeselection,damdesignandtheenvironmentalimpactstatementsupplement.Regionally,rockformationswillbemapped,theirboundariesdetermined,andtheirgeologicstructurenoted.Atthesametime,potentiallyeconomicmineraldepositswithintheprojectareawillbeidentifiedandmapped.Fielddatadevelopedwillbesupplementedbygeochemicalanalyses,satelliteimageinterpretation,andpossiblyaeromagneticinterpretationandgravitystudies.Theprojectislocatedwithinatectonicallyactiveregion.Moreinformationisnecessaryconcerningtheactivityofknownfaultsandtheexistenceofotherfaults,ifany,andtheirsignificanceinrelationtotheproject.Thisstudywilldeterminethelocationoffaultsthroughouttheregionanddeterminethosewhichhavebeenactiveinthegeologicpastorwhichmaybepotentiallyactiveduringthelifeoftheproject.Itwilldevelopmotionparametersforbothsites.Publishedandunpublishedgeologicandgeophysicalworkdoneintheregionwillbecollectedandevaluated.Fieldandofficestudiesthenwillbemade,torelatetheregionalgeologyandtectonicstotheknownseismicityoftheregion.Specialregionalgeophysicalsurveyswillbeusedtohelpcompileandunder-standthetectonicpicture.Atthisstage,evaluationofseismicitywillbebasedonexistingseismicdataplusevaluationoffielddataforevidenceofrecentfaulting.Notrenchingacrossfaultzonesisanticipatedatthisstage,althoughsuchtrenchingmayultimatelyberequired.Workwillfurtherincludefieldmappingandcheckingthetectonicmapdevelopedinpreviousofficestudies.Thefieldcheckwillbesufficientlycompletetoincludegeomorphicevidenceofrecentfaultactivity.Geologicmapsofthereservoirwillbepreparedtoidentifypotentialareasoflandinstabilityinthereservoirsandadjacentareas.SeasonalConstraint:Fieldactivitywillbelimitedtothesnow-freesummermonths.Cost:$470,000149
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-2
Activity: Install seismic monitoring system.
Description: Purpose of this activity is to establish a seismic
monitoring system in the region around the sites to determine
level and location of present seismicity. This will provide
data to more appropriately evaluate the seismic risk for engi-
neering structures in the area and provide a base for future
determination of reservoir-induced seismicity. The system will
consist of eight vertical component stations with radio telemetry,
including required repeaters, to a central recording facility;
and a three-component strong motion station at each damsite.
Each vertical station will have a recording tiltmeter installed,
with data telemetered to the central recording site.
Seasonal Constraint: Station site location should be completed
by the fall of the first year so that the system design equip-
ment acquisition and radio frequency assignment can be completed
and tested during the winter period. Installation and in-place
testing of the system can then be completed the following summer.
Cost: $310,000
150
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-3Activity:Operateseismicmonitoringsystemandanalysedata.Description:DatafromtheseismicmonitoringsysteminstalledunderactivityFM-2willbecollected,analysed,andrecordedthroughouttheconstructionperiod,aswellastheoperationallifeofthedam.Toassistintheevaluationofthisdatainrelationtoreservoir-inducedseismicity,itisimportanttoestab1ishapreconstructionrecord".Thisactivityrepresentstheeffortandco~tofdatacollectionandanalysisforthe3-1/2yearstudyperiod.Italsoincludesthecostofsummervisitstotheinstrumentsitesformaintenance.SeasonalConstraint:VisitstothesitesformaintenanceshouldbeaccomplishedbetweenMayandSeptemberofeachyear.Cost:$225,000151
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-4
Activity: Select route for access road.
Description: A field reconnaissance of the alternative access
routes selected for further study under early stages of activity
D-29 will be conducted by Design Branch. During this reconnais-
sance a Foundation and Materials representative will accompany
the Design Branch team. His function will be to examine founda-
tion conditions enroute, evaluate potential material sources,
and determine exploration requirements along the alignment
and at proposed bridge sites. Photographs will be taken for
office use, and preliminary samples will be obtained where
possible.
Seasonal Constraint: Field reconnaissance of access routes
must be made during the summer or fall when foundations can
be evaluated in areas of high water tables and potential perma-
frost zones.
Cost: $18,000
152
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-5Activity:Conductsitegeologyandsoilsstudy-accessroad.Description:Thepurposeofthisactivityistomapbothgeologyandsoilsconditionsalongapproximately64milesofpotentialaccessroad.Theworkwillconsistofmappinginsufficientdetailtodeterminerockandsoiltypes,geologicboundaries,jointandbeddingorientations,locationofstructuralweaknessesintherocksuchasfolds,faultsandshearzones,landslides,rock-slides,oranyother.geologicfeatureswhichwouldaffectdesignandconstructionoftheaccessroad.Similarinvestigationswillbemadefortheseveralbridgesrequired.SeasonalConstraint:FieldworklimitedtotheperiodfromJunetoSeptember,inclusive.Cost:$370,000153
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-6
Activity: Explore and test for access road.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to explore subsurface
conditions along approximately 65 miles of access road. Terrain
varies along the route, from flat wetlands to rugged rock slopes,
and a variety of exploratory procedures will be required. In the
marshy areas rotary drill holes will be used to establish depth
and quality of the overburden materials and the existence and
extent of permafrost. Standard_penetration tests will be performed
and samples will be taken to enable settlement under loaq,to be
evaluated. Core borings will be used to establish the quality
of bedrock, and to establish foundation grades for bridges and
rock cuts. Test pits will be utilized to explore borrow sources
and to examine in-place foundation materials in critical areas.
This activity also includes the effort and cost associated with
the necessary rock and soil sampling and testing required.
Seasonal Constraint: Exploratory work will be limited to the
period from April to October.
Cost: $1,460,000
154
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-7
Activity: Select route-transmission line
Description: As a part of activity D-22, a field reconnaissance
will be made to examine all transmission route alternatives
resulting from studies of maps and aerial photos. A Foundations
and Materials Branch representative will accompany the team to
evaluate the foundation conditions, determine exploration re-
quirements and assess slope stabilities along the routes. Pre-
liminary samples will be taken, as well as photographs for office
use.
Seasonal Constraint: Field reconnaissance of transmission routes
must be made during the summer or fall season when high water
tables and permafrost area can be evaluated.
Cost: $35,000
155
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-8
Activity: Conduct site geology and soils study -transmission
line.
Description: Following the selection of a transmission line route
and the provision of controlled topography, this activity will be
initiated concurrently with FM-9 and FM-10. Geotechnical engineers
in the field will cover the route, mapping the geology, studying
soil conditions, planning the exploratory program, recording the
exploration results, and collecting the required samples for
testing. After completion of this field work, which will be done
during the summer months, office studies will analyze the data
collected, and the foundation design of the towers will be deter-
mined for the varying conditions defined along the route.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be limited to the June
to September period for much of the route.
Cost: $185,000
156
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-9Activity:Exploreandtest-transmissionline.Description:Asapartofthefieldstudyalongthetransmissionline,exploratoryworkofvariouskindswillbenecessarytodeterminethevariousfoundationconditionstobeencounteredandtoprovidetherequireddataforappropriatedesignofthetowerfoundations.Explorationactivitieswillentaildrillingaugerholesintheflatlandareaswherematerialsareprincipallyglacialandalluvialdeposits,andcoredrillingatcriticaltowersitesinthemountainousareaswherebedrockisexposedorclosetothesurface.Sampleswillbetakenandmaterialtestswillbemadetoprovidedesigninformation.Thereisnointentunderthisactivitytocompletelyexplorethelinewithexploratoryholesateachtowersitebutrathertoprovideinformationontypicalreaches,sufficientforbasicdesignandrequiredcostestimates.Itisrecognized,however,thattheproposedroutewillcovermorethan350milesofvaryingterrainandthataccesstosomenecessaryexplorationsiteswillbedifficultandcostly.SeasonalConstraint:ThefieldworkseasonwillbelimitedovermuchoftheareatothemonthsofJunetoSeptember.Cost:$830,000157
FOUNDATIONS AND t~ATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-10
Activity: Conduct foundation and materials design -transmission
line.
Description: This activity covers the concrete design effort for
typical tower foundations for the various types of terrain to be
crossed. As a part of activity FM-9, samples of aggregate
sources will be collected. The cost of testing these samples
for durability and suitability for use in foundation concrete
is included in this activity.
Seasonal Constraints: None
Cost: $80,000
158
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-llActivity:Conductsitegeologystudy-WatanaDescription:AdetailedgeologicstudyoftheWatanadamsiteareawillbemade,beginninginthefirstsummerofthestudyperiod.Fractures,jointpatternsandfaultswillbestudiedindetail,andthissurfacedatawillprovidedirectiontothesubsurfaceexplorationprogram.Assubsurfacedataisobtained,three-dimensionalrelationshipswillbedeveloped,fracturesand/orfaultplanesdefined,andoptimumdamloca-tionsdetermined.Subsequenttositeselectionthegeologystudywillmoveintotheareaofspecificfeatures.'Preciserocklines,depthofweatheredrock,limitsoffoundationexcavationandgroutingrequirementswillbedetermined.Rockqualityandstructuralattitudesofbeddingplaneswillbeassessedforundergroundfeaturesandtunnels,andrequire-mentsforrockbolting,supportbentsandconcreteliningswillbeevaluated.Thegeologyoftherightabutmentterracewillbecloselyexaminedtoassessthedeepdepositsrevealedbypreviousgeophysicalexplorations.Permeabilitieswillbeexamined.Theexistenceandextentofpermafrostwillbedefined.SeasonalConstraints:Fieldwork,whichamountstoapproximately60percentoftheeffortforthisactivity,willbelimitedtotheperiodfromJunetoSeptemberinclusive.Cost:IncludedinactivitiesFM-12through16159
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-12
Activity: Explore and test for site selection -Watana
Description: Conduct sufficient geologic mapping and subsurface
exploration to permit evaluation of site, select location and
type of dam, and locate appurtenant structures. It is assumed
that the dam will be located near the present site between
Deadman and Tsusena Creeks. Work will include preliminary
mapping at the site, core drilling, air rotary drilling and
bulldozer work to make trenches and drill site access roads.
Air rotary drilling will be done on the right abutment terrace
and will provide information on the suitability of the over-
burden material for borrow as well as foundation information.
Air rotary drilling will also be performed in the valley
alluvium upstream and downstream to check extent and suit-
ability.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work limited to 4 summer months.
Cost: $210,000
160
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-13Activity:Borrowexplorationandtesting-WatanaDescription:Anearth/rockfilldamattheWatanasitewillrequireinexcessof50millioncubicyardsofembankmentmaterials.Underthisactivityallpotentialsourceswithinreasonablehauldistanceswillbelocatedandexploredforquality,usingairrotaryandchurndrillholesforglacialandalluvialdepositsandcoreboringsforrockquarrysites.Sampleswillbetakenfromtheseboringsaswellasfromtestpitsandbucketaugerdrillholes.Thesesampleswillbetestedforqualityandsuitabilityasconstructionmaterials.Particularattentionwillbedirectedtowardmaterialshearstrengthsunderhighconfiningpressuresandtowardresponsetodynamiccyclicloading,whichrelatestomaterialresponsetoseismicshaking.Duringthewintermonthsthetestdatawillbecollectedandorgan-izedintoaconvenientformatforusebysoilsdesignengineers.Certaintestresults,e.g.gradationanalysesandpermeabilitytestresults,willbecombinedtoformenvelopesindicativeofavailablematerials.Quantitiesofmaterialsrepresentedwillbetabulated,andlocationsofexplorationspermanentlyrecordedonborrowareamaps.Completionofthisactivitywillprovideembankmentdesignerswiththequantityandqualityparameterstobeusedindevelopingadetaileddamdesign.SeasonalConstraints:FieldworkwillbedoneintheJunetoSeptemberperiods.Cost:$845,000161
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-14
Activity: Evaluate site selection and dam -Watana
Description: The data obtained under activity FM-12 will
provide sufficient detail relative to foundation structure
and quality to permit selection of the specific damsite.
The information will also be used with other relevant data
to select the type of dam, i.e. earth fill or concrete
gravity. The location of appurtenant structures will be
determined, and the exploration program for detailed dam
design will be developed. Sufffcient design work is required
at this time to make the necessary cost estimates required
in this decision-making activity.
Seasonal Constraints: None
Cost: $170,000
162
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-15Activity:Exploreandtestforfinaldesign-WatanaDescription:Underthisactivity,explorationsattheWatanadamsitewillbecontinuedtofullydefinetherockstructureandtoexposefracturepatternsand anyminorfaultinginthefoundationforthemaindamaswellasotherindividualdamfeatures.Coreboringswillbeutilizedextensivelyforthisphaseoftheactivity.Atthehigherelevations,includingthedeepdepositsbehindtherightabutment,rotarydrillholes,Beckerdrillholes,bucketaugerholes,backhoepits,anddozertrencheswillbeusedtoexposein-placematerialsforexaminationandtoobtainsamplesfortesting.Ifnecessary,verticalshaftswillalsobesunkatselectedsitestostudyin-placepermeabilitiesandsoiltemperatures.Duringthewintermonthsdatacollectedwi11beevaluatedandorganizedfordesignuseasdescribedunderactivitiesFM-18and19.SeasonalConstraint:FieldworkwillberestrictedtothemonthsofJunetoSeptemberinclusive.Cost:$1,820,000163
FOUNDATIONS AND r~ATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-16
Activity: Conduct geophysical investigations -Watana
Description: This activity will study the presence, depth, and
configuration of certain underground formations, using ground-
level explosive charges which generate vibrations that strike
formations of differing densities and are reflected back to
ground-level sensors (a refraction seismic survey). The purpose
is to obtain information about buried channels in glacial deposits
on the left bank between the site and the margin of the outer
valley.
Seasonal Constraint: June-August
Cost: $93,000
164
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-17Activity:Performconcretestudies-WatanaDescri§tion:Possiblesourcesofconcreteaggregatewillbelocate.Eachsourcewillbesampledandtestedtodeterminethesuitabilityofthesource.Themosteconomicalsourceofconcreteaggregateforeachstructurewillbedetermined,toprovideforaconcretegravitydamalternativeandappurtenantstructuresforbothanearthrock-filldamandaconcretedam.Preliminarymixdesigns.willbecompletedtoprovideinforma-tiononcementrequirements.Thermalstudieswillbeunder-takentodetermi'necoolingrequirementsformassconcrete.Sourcesofpozzolanwillbeinvestigated.Pozzolanisfinely-groundmaterialwhichmaybeusedasareplacementforaportionofthecementinmassconcrete,therebyreducingcosts.SeasonalConstraint:Fieldreconnaissanceandsamp14ngwillbeaccom-plishedduringthesummerconstructionseason.Cost:$265,000165
FOUNDATIONS AND ~1ATERIALS
Activity Designation: Ft·1-18
Activity: Perform feature design for embankment dam, cofferdams,
and diversion -Watana
Description: Under this activity, embankments will be designed
to a degree consistent with the preparation of required cost
estimates. Internal zoning and shape of the main dam embankment
will be determined. The zoning will be somewhat dependent upon
the quality of the foundation and abutments, the dam height
selected and the quality and quantity of available construction
materials, particularly the avai'lability of fine-grained core
material. Quality of materials will be a critical factor, and
such characteristics as shear strengths under high confining
pressures, permeabilities under high head, liquefaction potential,
and settlement characteristics will be closely examined. Founda-
tion permeabilities and fracture patterns will be evaluated, and
the results of seismic and stability analyses reviewed. Con~oli
dation and settlement studies will be undertaken, including a
test fill if necessary to preclude internal fracturing in critical
areas. Severe weather and icing conditions will be studied, and
the data collected will be considered in design. A Board of
Consultants of 3 to 5 members will be appointed to review the
overall project scope, the geology, site selection, seismicity,
and proposed specific design features. Board members selected
will be geotechnical experts in the fields of geology, seismology,
soil mechanics and structures. From time to time engineers with
expertise in other disciplines may be included. Meetings will be
held annually, and approximately three such meetings will be
required during the design stage. This activity includes the cost
of a complete seismicity study including determination of the
design earthquake and a dynamic soils response analysis for the
embankment.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $910,000
166
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-19
Activity: Perform feature design for spillway, powerhouse, and
outlet works -Watana
Description: Design of the underground features of the dam
including diversion tunnels, draft tubes, and penstock tubes
will require careful analysis of core borings drilled under
activity FM-15. As rock cores are examined, rock quality
and structure will be determined. Down-hole television cameras
will be used in critical areas to determine attitude of struc-
tural features and the degree of support required for each
facility.' Concrete linings, steel bents, rock bolt systems,
and mesh reinforced shotcrete will be considered and designed
as necessary. Rock permeabilities will be determined and
grout curtains designed.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $410,000
167
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-20
Activity: Conduct site geology study -Devil Canyon.
Description: Geologic mapping of Devil Canyon damsite was
done in 1957 by f•1r. Kachadoorian of the U.S. Geological
Survey. This work, supplemented by the exploratory data
obtained by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1957-58, is con-
sidered sufficient for the present study with the exception
of the right abutment where no exploratory drilling has
been done and of the river channel itself where there is
a need to define the rock line in the river and to insure
that no serious faulting'exists in this critical area. As
these necessary explorations proceed, three-dimensional
relationships of shear zones and faults in the right
abutment will be established, and their relationship to the
theoretical shearing plane of the arch thrust in the
abutment will be examined. If necessary an adit, or access ,
tunnel, below the river will be used to examine the founda-
tion for structure, rock quality and permeability.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be restricted to the June
through September season.
Cost: $35,000
168
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-21
Activity: Explore and test for site selection -Devil Canyon
Description: As outlined under activity FM-20, a need exists
for core borings in the right abutment at Devil Canyon damsite
to ensure structural adequacy of the supporting bedrock. An
adit is also desirable beneath the channel invert (floor) to
eliminate the possibility of faulting in this critical loca-
tion.
Seasonal Constraint: Core drilling must be done during the
frost-free season of June to September.
Cost: $650,000
169
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-22
Activity: Evaluate for site selection and type of dam -
Devil Canyon
Description: The purpose of this activity is to evaluate the
foundation conditions and adjust the position and/or configur-
ation of the various structures to obtain optimum benefit with
existing conditions. Work involved would include additional
exploration and testing.
Cost: Included in activity FM-20 and 21.
170
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-23Activity:Studyrockandconductin-situtesting-DevilCanyon.Description:Thepurposeofthisactivitywouldbetoevaluatethein-siturockconditionintheabutmentsofthemainconcretestructuresandintheundergroundpowerhousestructure.Thetestingrequiredwouldincludeplatejackingtestsintheexploratoryadit.Otherin-situtestsinboreholesinthedamsiteareamaybedeemednecessaryafterevaluationofpreliminarycoredrilling.SeasonalConstraint:FieldworkwouldbedoneduringApril-Octoberperiod.Cost:$280,000171
FOUNDATIONS AND HATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-24
Activity: Investigate concrete aggregate -Devil Canyon.
Description: Exploration of the Cheechako Creek aggregate
source will be undertaken to determine the quality of material
available. A large composite bulk sample will be retreived
and forwarded to Troutdale, Oregon, for aggregate suitability
tests and preliminary mix designs. The remainder of this
aggregate will be retained for detailed design studies. In
the unlikely event that the Cheekchako Creek source is in-
adequate in quantity or quality, additional sources will be
investigated. '
Seasonal Constraint: All field activities will be accomplished
during the summer construction season.
Cost: $85,000
172
FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALSActivityDesignation:FM-25Activity:Fieldreconnaissance-othersites.Description:Fieldreconnaissancewillberequiredtoestablishfoundationsuitabilityandmaterialavailabilityforanydamsitesconsideredunderpreliminaryscreening,withtheexceptionofDevilCanyon,Watana,VeeandDenaliwheretherequiredinformationisalreadyathand.Thefieldstudieswillexaminerockstructureandquality,andtheexistenceofanylimitingfactorsastoheightsandtypesofstructuressuitabletothesite.Theneedforsubsurfacedatawillbeconsideredandnecessaryexplorationsplannedandlocated.Materialsourceswillbeobtainedandpreliminarysamplesobtained.SeasonalConstraint:FieldactivitywillberestrictedtotheJunethroughSeptemberseason.Cost:$8,000173
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-26
Activity: Explore and test for site selection and type
of dam -other damsites.
Description: Work performed under this activity will be
the minimum necessary to provide foundation data demon-
strating foundation suitability for purpose of prelimin-
ary screening. This information is already at hand for
Devil Canyon, Watana, Vee and Denali. For other sites
considered, explorations prior to screening will be
limited to hand-dug test pits for embankment material
and concrete aggregate sources during site reconnaissance.
Samples of foundation rock will be obtained from the
canyon walls. Testing will be limited to those tests
necessary to confirm rock quality and to assure suita-
bility of embankment materials and concrete aggregates.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be limited to the
June through September seasons.
Cost: $6,000
174
DESIGN (D)
THIS CATEGORY COMPRISES THE ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED
WITH THE PROJECT'S STR~CTURAL COMPONENTS. INfTIAL
ACTIVITIES PROVIDE THE CONCEPTUAL DESitNS FOR PRE~
LIMINARY SCREENING OF COMPiliNG ALTERNATIVES. MORE
DETAILED DESIGN WORK IS THEN AtCOMPLISHED ON THE
SELECTED PLAN FOR PUR~OSES OF DETAILED FEASIBILITY
ANALYSIS AND OF DETAILED DESIGN FOR THE PLAN'S
INITIAL PHASE OF DEVElOPMENT.
PRELIMINARY SCREENING.
1. Make preliminary selection of potential damsites.
2. Conduct site inspection.
3. Determine types and heights of .dams.
4. Determine powerhouse size and location.
5. Develop diversionscheme.
6. Develop water passages.
7. Estimate project costs.
DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDIES (WATANA AND DEVIL CANYON).
8. Study dam type and height.
9. Study spillways.
10. Study outlet works.
11. Study water diversion .and care.
12. Study powerhouse size, type and location.
13. Study power intake and conduit.
14. Estimate selected project cost.
DETAILED DAM ANALYSIS (WATANA SITE).
15. Study dam type and height.
16. Study spillways.
17. Study outlet works.
18. Study water diversion and care.
19. Study powerhouse size, type and location.
20. Study power intake and conduit.
21. Estimate selected project cost.
TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.
22. Conduct route studies.
23. Conduct transmission system study.
24. Conduct tower, hardware, and conductor studies.
25. Conduct foundation type studies.
26. Conduct substation studies.
27. Conduct switchyard studies.
28. Estimate transmission facilities cost.
175
DESIGN (cont.)
ACCESS ROADS.
29. Conduct route studies~
30. Conduct bridge studies.
31. Estimate selected route costs.
RESERVOIR CLEARING .•
32. Conduct field survey.
33. Conduct marketability and disposal study.
34. Estimate clearing costs.
CONSTRUCTION AND PER~1ANENT CAt4P FACILITIES.
35. Determine requirements.
36. Study locations and layouts.
37. Estimate camp costs.
OTHER HYDRAULIC CONSIDERATIONS.
38. Study upstream and downstream effects.
39. Determine m6del studies to consider.
17.6
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-1
Activity: Make preliminary selection of potential damsites.
Description: A map and aerial photo study will be made of poten-
tial damsites within the Upper Susitna Basin. For those damsites
which appear to be feasible, an analysis of pool elevation will
be made to determine optimum pool elevation for the particular
site. A determination of dam type best suited for the site will
be made in conjunction with personnel from the Foundations and
Materials Branch. This activity would be a part of the reform-
ulation studies required to verify or supplement the existing
feasibility' study. The analysis will cover the various dam
locations, layouts, and pool heights investigated with a recom-
mendation for those sites to be investigated during the pre-
liminary screening phase.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $12,000
177
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-2
Activity: Conduct site inspection.
Description: Some of the sites in activity D-1 will require
on-site inspection to verify or expand information from the
map and aerial photo studies. Inspections will provide field
data required for recommendation or rejection of a site, and
will be made in conjunction with personnel from the soils
and materials branch to determine whether or not a site
appears to be suitable for construction.
Seasonal Constraint: Would be made during summer.
Cost: $28,000
178
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-3
Activity: Determine types and heights of dams.
Description: The feasible sites will be further explored during
this activity to develop a recommended type of dam and a most
economical height for each site. Different combinations of dams
will be considered at this stage. At this point a determination
will be made whether the site is most suitable for a concrete
gravity dam, gravity arch, arch, earthfill, rockfill, etc.
During this period there may be a requirement for a site visit
to some sites. The selection of dam type and height will be
a multi-distipline determination with input from various sections
and branches. The selected type will then be further studied
to determine the shape, layout, preliminary stability, etc., in
sufficient detail to allow a cost estimate to be made as a
basis for recommendation of the selected plan to be developed
in detailed feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: Would require some field investigation in
summer.
Cost: $34,000
179
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-4
Activity: Determine powerhouse size and location.
Description: This activity will size and locate powerhouses at
the preliminary damsites to be investigated during the screening
process. Studies will be in sufficient detail to allow a cost
estimate to be prepared which will in turn support a recommenda-
tion for the selected project to be investigated during detailed
feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
180
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-5
Activity: Develop diversion scheme.
Description: A scheme for river diversion during construction
will be developed for each damsite under consideration. This
activity will study each site to determine which type of scheme
would be most suitable for the particular site. The following
types of diversions would be considered: tunneling, diversion
through a low section of dam, diverting the river via a coffer-
dam and building one side of the dam. Preliminary detail will
be developed to allow an estimate for recommending a selected
plan to be further developed during detailed feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
181
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-6
Activity: Develop water passages.
Description: This will be a study to determine the type, location,
number and size of spillways, sluices, outlet works and water
quality conduits. These items must be sized and located to min-
imize adverse impact on water quality and erosion downstream of
the dams. This study will also address the type of gate required
for each water passage. Preliminary detail will be prepared for
a cost estimate to serve as a basis of recommending a selected plan
for further study during detailed feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $40,000
182
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-7
Activity: Estimate project costs.
Descri tion: This activity will be a construction estimate
including contingencies) of all the features of each dam
considered under the preliminary dam selection. The estimate
must be in sufficient detail to allow a clear-cut decision to
be made on what system of dams to recommend for further study
in detailed feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $17,000
183
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-8
Activity: Study dam type and height.
Description: This activity will consist of planning studies
and preliminary design of dams at Devil Canyon and Watana as
the assumed dams that will be studied in detail for feasibility.
Devil Canyon will be investigated as a concrete arch. A brief
investigation of a concrete gravity section will be made at
Watana to reconfirm the selection of an embankment section.
These studies will be of sufficient scope to allow completion
of a detailed feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $90,000
Activity Designation: D-9
Activity: Study spillways.
DESIGN
Description: This activity will be a hydraulic and structural
study of alternative spillway designs for Devil Canyon and
Watana dams. Spillway geometry, gates, piers, walls, energy
dissipater, etc., will be sized for estimating and selection
of a recommended scheme. The recommended schemes will be
further studied to develop detailed hydraulic design and to
allow preparation of preliminary design drawings, including
layout, plans, elevations and sections, and monolith stability.
(See activity D-16.) Preliminary design of bridges, piers,
gates, stoplogs, and hoists will be done. Design will be
sufficient for completion of a detailed feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $68,000
185
Activity Designation: D-10
Activity: Study outlet works.
DESIGN
Description: This activity will be a hydraulic and structural
study of alternative outlet works designs for Devil Canyon and
Watana dams. Intakes, gates, bulkheads, sluices, tunnels, air
vent, energy dissipater, etc., will be sized and estimated to
arrive at a selected scheme. Preliminary design drawings will
be prepared to include layout, plans, elevations, and sections.
Tower section stability will be checked. Preliminary design of
tower, gates, bulkheads, trashracks and outlet structure will
be prepared. This design will be adequate for a detailed feasi-
bility study. (See activity D-17 for detailed studies for
Watana.)
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $66,000
186
DESIGNActivityDesignation:0-11Activity:Studywaterdiversionandcare.Description:Thisactivitywillmakehydraulicandstructuralstudiesofriverdiversionsusingtunnelstcofferdamsttailracetunnelstetc.Itwillincludepreliminarydesignofselectedschemeincludingclosuremethodststructuresizetchannelsttunneltetc.Thedesignwillbeadequateforadetailedfeasi-bilitystudy.(Seeactivity0-18fordetailedstudiesforWatana.)SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$62tOOa187
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-12
Activity: Study.powerhouse size, type, and location.
Description: This activity will look at Devil Canyon and Watana
dams with reference to powerhouse layout and arrangement, power-
house type, turbine studies and tailrace studies. Tailrace
studies will determine size, setting, type, lining, tunnel length,
surge tank size and location, closure structures and bulkhead
handling. Turbine studies will look at type selection, size,
setting and number of units. Pqwerhouse type selection will
involve comparative studies of above-and below-ground locations.
A preliminary cost estimate will be prepared. The design studies
will be of sufficient detail for a detailed feasibility study.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $100,000
188
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-13
Activity: Study power intake and conduit.
Description: This activity will investigate the power intake
and conduits for Devil Canyon and Watana dams. The study will
include the penstocks from power intake structure to the gates
or valves, upstream of the powerhouse, the intake structure and
bridge, selective withdrawal system, power bellmouths and emer-
gency gates. This study will arrive at a recommended design,
and be of sufficient detail to allow a preliminary cost estimate
for a detailed fea·sibility study.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $200,000
189
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-14
Activity: Estimate selected project cost.
Description: This activity will provide a preliminary cost
estimate of the selected plan for Devil Canyon and Watana dams
based on preliminary designs and studies outlined in previous
activities (D-8 thru D-13).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $16,000
190
DESIGNActivityDesignation:D-15Activity:Studydamtypeandheight(Watana)Description:ThisstudyassumesthatWatanawillbeanembankmentdam.Abriefinvestigationwillbemadeofaconcretegravitydamtoreconfirmthatanembankmentdamisthebestalternativeatthissite.TheremainderofdesigneffortswillbeinconjunctionwithF&Mdesignoftheembankmentdam.Shouldtheconcretedamstudyshowittobethebestalternativetthenthedesignfundsfortheembankmentdamwouldbetransferredtostudytheconcreteone.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$50tOOO191
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-16
Activity: Study spillway. (Watana)
Description: This activity will provide a detailed hydraulic and
structural design study of alternative spillway designs. Spillway
geometry, gates, piers, walls, energy dissipater, etc., will be
selected and sized for cost estimating purposes. The scheme will
be further studied to develop detailed hydraulic design and to
allow preparation of preliminary design drawings, including lay-
out, plans, elevations and sections, and monolith stability.
Preliminary design of bridges, piers, gates, stoplogs, and hoists,
etc., will be done with a detailed cost estimate. Model studies
will be required to verify design.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $406,000
192
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-17
Activity: Study outlet works. (Watana)
Description: This activity will provide a hydraulic and structural
detailed design of alternative outlet works. Intakes, gates, bulk-
heads, sluices, tunnels, air vent, energy dissipater, etc., will
be selected and sized. The scheme will be developed to provide
a refined hydraulic and structural design. Preliminary design
drawings will be prepared to include layout, plans, elevations,
and sections. Tower section stability will be checked. Preliminary
design of tower, gates~ bulkheads, trashracks and outlet structure
will be prepared to provide a detailed cost estimate. The selected
hydraulic design will be modeled to verify the design.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $498,000
193
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-18
Activity: Study water diversion and care. (Watana)
Description: This activity will make hydraulic and structural
detailed-design studies of river diversions using tunnels, coffer-
dams, tailrace tunnels, etc. It will include hydraulic design
of the selected scheme including closure methods, structure size,
channels, tunnel, etc. Sufficient detail will be developed to
allow a detailed cost estimate to be made. A hydraulic model
study will be made to verify hydraulic design.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $393,000
194
DESIGNActivityDesignation:D-19Activity:Studypowerhousesize,type,andlocation.(Watana)Description:Detailedstudieswilllookatpowerhouselayoutandarrangement,powerhousetype,turbinestudiesandtailracestudies.Tailracestudieswilldeterminesize,setting,type,lining,tunnellength,surgetanksizeandlocation,closurestructuresandbulk-headhandling.Turbinestudieswilllookattypeselection,size,settingandnumberofunits.Powerhousetypeselectionwillinvolvecomparativest~diesofabovegroundandundergroundlocations.Adetailedcostestimatewillbeprepared.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$200,000195
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-20
Activity: Study power intake and conduit. (Watana)
Description: This activity will extend findings of hydropower
study for designing conduits and penstocks. It will include the
power conduits and penstocks from power intake structure to the
gates or valves, upstream of the powerhouse, the intake structure
and bridge, selective withdrawal system, power bellmouths, and
emergency gates. This study will be quite extensive because of
the high dam under consideration. The study will arrive at a
design of sufficient scope for a detailed cost estimate.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $720,000
196
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-21
Activity: Estimate selected project cost. (Watana)
Description: This activity will provide a detailed cost estimate
of the selected plan for Watana Dam based on detailed designs and
studies outlined in activities D-15 through D-20.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $18,000
197
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-22
Activity: Conduct route surveys.
Description: The transmission corridors are somewhat set by existing
facilities and terrain features. Map and aerial photo studies will
be made to narrow down the routes. Then a field reconnaissance by
civil, structural, materials, and electrical engineers will be
made to define problem areas. Clearing studies will be required,
as well as a study of possible markets for timber. The selected
route would have a road parallel to, and as close as possible to
the line to minimize construction costs. Close attention will be
given to possible areas of high wind, rime ice buildup, and drift-
ing or creeping snow. Some areas of the corridor may require
fitting the lines into a narrow canyon already having a river,
highway and railroad. Route selection will have to include con-
sideration of tower location, conductor slope, dangerous trees,
foundation locations and maintenance access.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work would be completed over 2 summers.
Cost: $250,000
1~
DESIGNActivityDesignation:0-23Activity:Conducttransmissionsystemstudy.Description:Thisstudywillbetoreconfirmthetypeoftrans-missionsystemrunningfromthedamstobothFairbanksandAnchorage.Thestudywillconsiderthelocationofprojecthead-quarters,remoteoperation,dispatchcenters,operationandmain-tenance,linevoltage,numberoflines,andcircuitry.Adirectcurrentsystemwouldbeevaluatedatsomepointinthestudy.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$36,000
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-24
Activity: Conduct tower, hardware, and conductor studies.
Description: Present planning calls for lines of different
capacity to Fairbanks and Anchorage. When the route is
fairly well located, a study of towers, hardware, and conductor
can be made. Depending on route location, there could be a
change in tower type, as the line will traverse different
types of terrain. Conductor type is dependent upon tower
spacing and loads. At the beginning of this study, the
loads would be the first item to be determined. Such things
as design wind, snow, icing, span factor, etc., would be
determined. Towers to be considered would be self-support
or guyed and probably steel or aluminum. Coloration of the
metal will be considered to develop a scheme which is
aesthetically acceptable. The color treatment might vary
depending on the area being traversed. Hardware would be
compatible with the towers and conductor.
Seasonal Constraint: Some site visits in summer.
Cost: $55,000
200
DESIGNActivityDesignation:0-25Activity:Conductfoundation-typestudies.Description:Thiswillinvolveastudyofvarioustypesoffootingsforthevarioustowersandthedifferenttypesoffoundationmaterialthatwillbeencountered.Closecoordin-ationwillbemaintainedwithfoundationspersonnelduringthisstudy.Someareasmaybeinpermafrost,someonrock,someongravelandothersinmuddyorboggyareas.Thisstudywillbemadealmostsimultaneouslywith0-24.Insomeareasconsiderationmaybegiventousingaprecastfoundationcarriedtothesitebyhelicopterortruck.SeasonalConstraint:Sitevisitsinsummerorfall.Cost:$30,000201
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-26
Activity: Conduct substation studies.
Description: This will determine requirements for substations,
their location, and general layout. It will include the
investigation of location for substations at all line termin-
ations including expected future expansion. It might involve
some research into special items for cold weather. Field
verification of locations would be made. Preliminary studies
would look at economical and operational advantages of various
bus schemes and breaker arrangement for each installation.
Number of circuit breakers and ratings of power transformers
will also be determined. Major equipment items such as
transformers, circuit breakers, lightning arrester and switches
will be included. Protective relaying, supervisory controls,
telemetry, and related communication equipment for each switch-
yard and substation will be investigated.
Seasonal Constraint: Verification of sites in summer or fall.
Cost: $114,000
202
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-27
Activity: Conduct switchyard studies.
Description: This study will consist of the locating and laying
out of switchyards. This will include ties between powerhouse
and switchyards as well as possible tie in at a switchyard of a
line coming in from another dam. Research may be necessary
into special items for cold weather. Major equipment items
such as transformers, circuit breakers, lightning arrestors,
and switches will be included. Protective relaying, super-
visory controls, telemetry, and related communication equip-
ment required will be investigated. This study will be made
in conjunction with D-26.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $76,000
203
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-28
Activity: Estimate transmission facilities cost.
Description: Initially this will involve estimating alter-
native routes as well as type of line construction for project
feasibility. A detailed cost estimate will also be made of
final located transmission line and supporting facilities.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $18,000
204
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-29
Activity: Conduct route studies.
Description: This activity will select the routes for
construction and permanent access to the Upper Susitna
basin and selected dam sites. In the preliminary stages
alternate routes will be located from both the Anchorage-
Fairbanks highway and the Denali highway. Map and aerial
photo reconnaissance will be made followed by field
reconnaissance along alternate routes. Preliminary route
selection will ·be followed by field verification. Final
location will be an iterative process of adjusting locations
and grades based on field and office meetings with personnel
working on foundations and structures {bridges). Clearing
requirements and disposition of merchantable and nonmerchant-
able timber will be determined.
Seasonal Constraint: On-site investigations will be made in
the summer.
Cost: $78,000
205
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-30
Activity: Conduct bridge studies.
Description: These studies will determine number and type of
bridges required on the access routes to the dams. They will
include temporary and permanent bridges of wood, steel, and
concrete construction. The designer must work closely with
the foundations people as well as the route selection personnel.
Foundation design may vary from rock to permafrost. At some
point in the study on-site investigations will be required of
the final route location. These visits will involve all
disciplines to insure that final selection is the best location
and the most economical.
Seasonal Constraint: Foundations information and site investigations
are-restricted to period when no snow is on the ground.
Cost: $60,000
206
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-31
Activity: Estimate selected route costs.
Description: This will include construction estimates ~f
alternate routes including bridges, culverts, etc., to allow
selection of a final route. A detailed cost will be prepared
for the final route.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $21,000 ·
207
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-32
Activity: Conduct field survey.
Description: A study will be made of aerial photos for the
reservoir area to determine areas which may require clearing.
Some on site inspections will be required to verify photo
studies or to obtain data not available on the photos.
Sufficient information will be required to provide an
estimate of clearing costs.
Seasonal Constraint: This can best be accomplished during summer.
Cost: $8,000
208
DESIGNActivityDesignation:D-33Activi~Conductmarketabilityanddisposalstudy.Description:Thiswillbeastudyoftreeswithinreservoirareatodeterminetypes,size,andquantities.Marketloca-tionwillbedeterminedforfeasibilityofmarketingthetrees.Disposalmethodsandareaswillbestudiedtodeterminedisposalmethodsthatareeconomicalandenvironmentallysound.Possibleloggingroadsshouldbeconsideredin·thisphase.Studywillrequiresomeonsiteinvestigationandsomesoilsinformationinanyproposedburialareas.SeasonalConstraintBestaccomplishedduringsummer.Cost:$20,000209
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-34
Activity: Estimate clearing costs.
Description: Detailed estimate will include a study of the
economics of removing timber for sale versus disposal on
site. Disposal will look at burning and burying. Removal
will have to consider requirements for additional roads into
the reservoir area.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $8,000
210
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-35
Activity: Determine camp requirements.
Description: An estimate will be made of the number of
construction management personnel on site as well as
the number of operations and maintenance personnel to
run the project. The requirements for buildings and camp
support facilities will then be developed. This wtll
also require a determination of how construction support
offices will be handled, staffed, and located. This
should include a determination of whether one camp could
support more than one dam site. Once these requirements
have been determined the location and layout of camps
can proceed. This does not include facilities for con-
tractor personnel.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $30,000
211
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-36
Activ~ Study location and layouts.
Description: This will involve a selection process of picking a
camp location(s) (including site visits) which will best support
the scheme of construction management and project operations.
It will involve siting and sizing a camp to handle the number of
persons and type of activities involved. Consideration will have·
to be given to living accommodations, working spaces, equipment
storage, and maintenance, schooling, etc. Water, sewage, garbage,
lights, etc., will have to be considered.
Seasonal Constraint: Site visits will be made in summer.
Cost: $40,000
212
DESIGNActivityDesignation:0-37Activity:Estimatecampcosts.Description:Adetailedcostestimateoftheconstructioncampfacilitiesrequiredtosupportconstructionmanagementaswellasthepermanentcampfacilitieswhichwillsupporttheprojectoperationschemewillbemade.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$10,000213
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-38
Activity: Study upstream and downstream effects.
Description: This study will make a cursory investigation
of the effects the various dam pools have on upstream and
downstream river levels. The selected plan will require
a much more detailed investigation of the effects the dams
have on upstream and downstream river levels. Some of the
items to be investigated are as follows: bank erosion,
stream flows, flow effects on fisheries, requirements for
reregulating dam, downstream flooding, etc. These studies
could dictate the need for a reregulating dam, bank
protection, flood plain zoning, channel excavation, and
realignment.
Seasonal Constraint: Some field work would be required in
summer months.
Cost: $75,000
214
DESIGN
Activ.ity Designation: D-39
Activity: Determine model studies to consider.
Description: This activity would take place after the selected
plan is determined. From the various areas of hydraulic concern,
one would work up a list of desirable model studies which should
be made prior to final design. Some of these model studies would
probably be started prior to completion of detailed feasibility
studies if required to assure design verification for estimate
of project costs.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $4,000
215
REAL ESTATE (RE)
THE REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES HAVE ATWOfOLD PURPOSE. THE
FIRST I.S ~0 DETERMINE OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN THE PROJECT
AREA ~ND ESTABLISH LAN~YALUE. THE SECOND IS ~0 ARRANGE
fOR~NTRY TO PRIVATE LAND FQR PURPOSES OF ACCESS OR
FIELD WORK.
INVESTIGATIONS AND DETERMINATIONS.
l.. Conduct. real estate field investigations ..
2. Nake real estate legal determinations.
RIGHTS•OF ENTRY.
3. Obtain rights of entry for survey .and exploration at
dam sites.
4. Obtain rights of entry for. survey and exploration along
access road.
5. Obtain rights of entry for survey and exploration along
transmission corridor.
REALESTATEActivityDesignation:RE-lActivity:Conductrealestatefieldinvestigations.Description:Thisactivitywillbeginwithanaerialinspectiontofamiliarizerealestatepersonnelwiththephysicalcharacter-isticsaffectinglandvalueintheprojectarea.Ownershipinfor-mationwillthenbegatheredfromrecordsofassessors,recorders,BLMandtheStateDivisionofLands.Interviewswillbecon-ductedwithlandownersandarearesidentstoacquireknowledgeoffuturedevelopments,andtoassembleinformationonopinionsregardingtheproposedproject.Fromtheseinterviewsandtheinformationdevelopedinotherstudies(EC-4through6andPM-2through4),thelocalarea'sdevelopmenttrendswillbeassessed.Comparablesalesdatawillbecollectedtodeterminethemarketvalueoftheprojectareas.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$7,000219
REAL ESTATE
Activity Designation: RE-2
Activity: Make real estate legal determinations.
Description: Title evidence as to ownership will be secured,
and the validity of interests will be determined. Also, such
outstanding interests as mining claims, nature claims, ease-
ments, etc., will be researched. An investigation will be
conducted and a determination made of compensible interests,
if any, of the rights held by third parties in the real estate
to be acquired. A compensible interest study must be written
for each such interest. Als~, legal research will be conducted
as to the effect of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,
the Alaska Statehood Act, and other applicable laws on the
existing power site withdrawal.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $33,000
220
REALESTATEActivityDesignation:RE-3,4,5Activity:Obtainrightsofentry,asnecessary,priortoentryatdamsites,alongtheaccessroute,andalongthetransmissioncor-ridor.Description:Landownersintheprojectareawillbecontactedbymail,telephone,andpersonalvisitstoobtaintheproperauthori-zationforentryinordertoconductreconnaissanceandexploration.Theeffortinvolvedinarrangingentrytothedamandreservoirareasisrelativelyminorbecauseofthepowerwithdrawalstatusoftheprospectivedamsitesandofportionsofthereservoirsites.Moretime-consumingwillbeseekingpermissionforentryfrompropertyownersalongtheaccessandtransmissionroutes.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$19,000221
CULTURAL RESOURCES (C)
THESE ACTIVITIES OUTLINE FIELD AND LITERATURE SURVEYS
TO LOCATE, MAP, AND DESCRIBE THE SIGNIFICANT ARCHEOLO-
GICAL AND HISTORIC SITES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA. THE
SURVEY FINDINGS ARE THEN INCORPORATED IN THE DETAILED
FEAS.IBILITY ANALYSIS.
ARCHEOLOGICAL
1. Conduct an archeological reconnaissance.
HISTORICAL
2. Locate, map, and describe ~11 significant historic
properties within areas of project impact.
223
CULTURALRESOURCESActivityDesignation:C-lActivity:Conductanarcheologicalreconnaissance.Description:Thisstudywillconsistofselectedfieldexaminationsoftheproposedprojectarea(s).ThestudywillbedesignedtotestandrefinedatafromthePreliminaryAssessment,entitled"HeritageResourcesAlongtheUpperSusitnaRiver,"preparedbytheAlaskaDivisionofParksinAugust1975.Thestudywillpro-videfactorsonwhichanintensivesurveycanbeplannedandbudgeted.ItwillalsoincludefieldexaminationofselectedandpotentialprehistoricpropertiesidentifiedinthePrelimi-naryAssessment.Theobjectiveherewillbetodeterminetheprobablenumberandtypesofprehistoricresourceswithintheprojectareasandtheprobableimpactoftheprojectonthoseresources.Attheendofthefieldwork,aCulturalResourcesReconnaissanceReport(theCulturalResourcesAppendix)willbeprepared.whichwillalsoincludedatarelatedtohistoricresourcesidentifiedunderActivityC-2.Thereportwillestimatethenumberandprobabledistributionofsiteswithintheprojectareas,andwillrecommendaresearchdesignandsubsequentcostestimatefortheprogram.Theintensivesurveywillnotbeundertakenuntilaftertheprojectfeasibilityanalysishasbeencompletedandadecisionismaderegardingprojectconstruction.Atthattime,andpriortoconstructionimpacts,anintensiveon-the-groundsurveyoftheprojectareawillbeundertaken,underseparatecontract,tolocatealltheculturalresourceswithinthatareaandtoevaluatetheimpactoftheprojectuponthoseresources.Theintensivesurveywouldstillinvolveonlymini-malfieldtestingasnecessarytodeterminepotentialeligibilityofsitesforinclusionintheNationalRegister.SeasonalConstraint:Fieldworkcanbeaccomplishedonlyduringsnow-freeperiodswhensoilsareunfrozen.Cost:$100,000225
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Activity pesignation: C-2
Activity: Locate, map, and describe all significant historic
properties within areas of direct project impact.
Description:_ The purpose of this study is to identify all
significant historic properties which would be impacted by
the project, describe what types of impacts will occur, and
recommend procedures for mitigation or preservation of such
sites. Work will primarily be accomplished by searching
documents related to historical aspects of the immediate
project area(s), and to the ipecific historic properties
located within project impact areas. This research will
establish the settlement, construction, occupation, and
related historical record of events which followed the
discovery of the Susitna River by Captain James Cook in
1778. Field work related to this activity will be rela-
tively minor, primarily consisting of search for or
verification of properties described in existing documents,
and will be accomplished concurrently with prehistoric
survey activities described in C-1. Results of the
historic properties survey will be included as appropriate
in the Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Report described
under C-1.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be subject to the same
constraints as activity C-1.
Cost: $10,000
226
FIELD CAMP (FC}
THE TWO ACTIVITIES IN THIS CATEGORY ADDRESS THE EFFORT
REQUIRED IN DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, AND OPERATING A
CAMP AND AN AIRSTRIP IN THE PROJECT AREA DURING THE
PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS. THE FACILITIES WILL BE
USED BY PEOPLE ENGAGED IN SURVEY, BIOLOGICAL, GEOLOGI-
CAL, AND HYDROLOGICAL FIELD WORK.
FIELD CAMP
1. Design, construct, and operate field camp.
AIR FIELD
2. Design and construct airstrip.
227
FIELDCAMPActivityDesignation:FC-l/laActivity:Design,construct,andoperatefieldcamp.Description:Thisactivitywillconsistofthedesign,construc-tion,andoperationofafieldcampforpersonnelrequiredforearlydrilling,surveying,environmentalstudies,etc.Campsizeanduseisbasedonanaverageof40peopleincamp180daysperyear,andovera 3yearperiod.Thisestimateisbasedontheassumptionthatattheendofthe3-yearuseperiod,campremovalcostwouldequalsalvagevalue.Leavingthecampinplacewouldresultinacostsavingforlaterprojectwork.Thecampwillbeofmodularconstruction,andprobablywillbeliftedinbySky-crane.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$1,500,000($1,000,000operationsII500,000design,purchase,andconstruction)1/Operationcostisbasedonanaverageof40men@$50/dayfor180daysperyearfora 3yearperiod.229
FIELD CAMP
Activity Designation: FC-2
Activity: Design and construct airstrip.
Description: This activity consists of the design and
construction of a small landing strip, 100 feet by 2,000
feet, near the camp. This strip will initially be a
small bush strip, with the possibility that size will
be increased when construction commences. The airstrip
will be used to support the field camp.
Seasonal Constraint: Constr~ction after break-up.
Cost: $125,000
230
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (B)
THESE ACTIVITIES. DESCRIBE THE FIELD WORK AND IMPACT
ANALYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BIOLO~ICAL ENVIRONMENT
AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT. FIRST, THE ABUNDANCE, DIS~
TRIBUTION, AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF VARiOUS SPECIES
ARE DETERMINED THROUGH FIELD SURVEYS. UTILIZING
INFORMATION RELATED TO PRE-AND POST-PROJEtT HYDRO-
LOGIC CONDITIONS, THE IMPACTS ON CRITICAL HABITAT
ARE lDENTIFIED AND EVALUATED. PROBABLE EFFECTS OF
THE PROJECT ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS ARE IDENTIFIED.
MITIGATIVE OR ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ARE DETERMINED.
VEGETATIVE COVER.
l. Obtain necessary aircraft/satellite imagery and utilize
manual interpretive techniques. and automatic data
processing techniques to type vegetation within areas
of project impact.
STUDIES OF AQUATIC ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE.
2. Identify and determine project impacts on significant
invertebrate species.
ANADROMOUS FISHERY STUDIES.
3. Determine relative abundance, distribution, migra-
tional characteristics, and habitat requirements of
anadromous fish within impacted areas, and locate
and define the seasonal freshwater habitat require-
ments important to the successful. mi gra ti on, spawn-
ing, incubation, and rearing of these species.
4. Determine project effects on anadromous fish.
RESIDENT FISH STUDIES.
5. Determine relative abundance, distribution, and habitat
requirements of resident fish within impacted areas, and
locate hab.itat critical to successful spawning and
rearing of these species.
6. Determine project effects on resident fish.
ESTUARINE STUDIES.
7.. Identify and assess effects of .altered outflow of the
Susitna River upon the estuarine area in upper Cook
In let estuary.
231
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (cont.)
MOOSE STUDIES.
8. Identify and map moose habitat within impacted areas,
locate critical habitat, determine habitat condition
and carrying capacity, and identify water conditions
associated with moose habitat.
9. Identify moose subpopulations and determine the
seasonal distribution, movement patterns, size and
trend of those subpopulations within areas of project
impact, and determine the timing and. degree of subpopu-
lation dependency on impacted habitat.
10. Determine impact of project upon moose habitat and
populations.
CARIBOU STUDIES.
ll. Identify and map caribou habitat associated with alter""
nate transmission corridors and areas subject to impound-
ment and determine the seasonal ranges and migration
routes of ca·ribou with emphasis on traditional migra-
tion routes with respect to the proposed impoundment
areas.
12. Determine project impacts upon Nelchina caribou herd.
STUDIES OF OTHER MAMMALS.
13. Inventory the number, size, terri tory, and other
essential activity areas and determine and evaluate
probable project impacts on wolf packs which inhabit
areas that will be directly impacted by the project.
14. Estimate black and brown/grizzly bear populations
and distribution in the project impact area and deter-
mine and evaluate probable project impacts.
15. Determine the general abundance and distribution of
wo 1 veri nes in the project impact a.rea. and determine
and evaluate probable project impacts.
16. Determine fhe relative abundance of Dall sheep
inhabiting mountains adjacent to the project impact
area and delineate seasonal ranges. Determine and
evaluate. probable project impacts.
17. Determine the relative abundance and distribution
of fur bearer, small game, nongame, and bird species
in the proposed impoundment areas and determine and
evaluate probable project impacts.
STUDIES OF RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.
18. Determine .whether any rare and endangered species of
plants, fish, birds, mammals, or other wildlife are
present in the project area, and evaluate impacts of
the proposed .action on these species.
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (cont.)
STUDIES RELATED TO ECONOtUC VALUE OF FISH AND WILDLIFE.
19. Determine annual harvest rates of speciesof fish
and wildlife utilized for commercial and recreational
purposes, and estimate changes expected as a result
of the project. Determine importance of impacted
species to regional populations.
20. Identify and display damages to fish and wildlife in
monetary tenns and determine measures required to
reduce or offset damages or to enhance existing
habitat.
IMPACTS OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES.
21. Identify and describe environmenta 1 components and
impacts related to each alternative identified as
a possible solution to electrical energy needs.
233
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-1Activity:Obtainnecessaryaircraft/satelliteimageryandutilizemanualinterpretationandautomaticdataprocessingtechniquestotypevegetationwithinimpoundmentareas,down-streamfloodplain,andalongtransmissioncorridors.Description:LANDSAT-land2and/orERTSimagerywillbecompiledfromexistingdepositories,orobtainedbyspecialphotographyrequestswhichmaybenecessarytoreflectsea-sonalvariationsinvegetativetypes.Fromthisimagery,avegetationmap(s)willbepreparedutilizingappropriatecomputerfacilitiesincooperationwiththeBLMApplicationSystemVerificationTest.Groundtruthfieldinvestigationswillberequiredtoverifycomputermapdelineationsandquestionableinterpretations.Itisessentialthattheprinci-palinvestigatorsofthebiologicalstudiesworkdirectlywiththehabitatmappers.SeasonalConstraint:Limitedtosnow-freeperiods.r10stworkwillbeaccomplishedinseasonsofvegetativegrowth.Cost:$158,000235
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-2
Activity: Identify significant aquatic invertebrate and
vegetation species and determine project impacts.
Description: Significant aquatic invertebrate and vegeta-
tion species will be sampled within the impacted areas. This
baseline survey will include the mainstream Susitna, its sloughs
and tributaries above and below the dam. Invertebrate speci-
mens are to be preserved and identified, and quantitative
studies conducted whenever possible. Spatial and seasonal
distribution and abundance are to be described for aquatic
vegetation. Using this data, an evaluation will be made of
the impacts the project will have on these species. Effects
of changes in temperature, nutrients, suspended sediment,
fluctuation and velocity, and secondary effects resulting
from changes in aquatic vegetation, fish population/densities,
etc., should be determined.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $127,000
236
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-3/3aActivity:Determinerelativeabundance,distribution,migra-tionalcharacteristics,andhabitatrequirementsofanadromousfishwithinimpactedareas,andlocateanddefinetheseasonalfreshwaterhabitatrequirementsimportanttothesuccessfulmigration,spawning,incubation,andrearingofthesespecies.Description:Investigationswillbeconductedinareaswithinthedrainagethatmaypotentiallybeimpactedbyprojectdevelopment.Specificstudieswillbedesignedtodeterminerelativeabundanceandmigrationalcharacteristicsandtimingofeachanadromousspeciesduringjuvenileandadultlifehistorystages,toinventoryanddescribetheexistinghydro-logical,physical,andlimnologicalconditionsaffectingthelifehistorystagesofanadromousfish,andtodeterminethecontributionofpotentiallyaffectedstockstothesalmonpro-ductionwithinCookInletasawhole,andspecifically,theircontributiontotheproductionwithintheSusitnaRiverdrain-age.Thisworkwillbeaccomplishedbyfieldsurveycrewsusingmechanicalandelectronicgear,nets,andbyaerialsurveys.Ascriticalhabitatareasareidentified,studyemphasiswillbeconcentratedintheselocations.Theinvestigationsandresultswillbereviewedannuallytoreevaluatethepotentialprojectimpactsandredefinethestudydirection,asnecessary.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$1,061,000237
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-4
Activity: Determine and evaluate project impacts on anad-
romous fish.
Description: This activity will consist of determining the types
and magnitude of effects which the project is likely to have upon
anadromous fish. On the basis of data gathered pursuant to
activity B-3, the effects of altered river flow and changes in
water quality characteristics will be evaluated utilizing infor-
mation obtained from other activities. These include water quality
studies (physical, chemical, and biological characteristics),
determination of annual and seasonal flow duration, peak and
volume curves, low flow frequency analysis, average annual sedi-
ment load, water surface profiles and winter ice conditions, with
and without the project, and downstream physical effects resulting
from changes in flow regime.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $83,000
238
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-5/5aActivity:Determinerelativeabundance,distribution,andhabitatrequirementsofresidentfishwithinimpactedareas,andlocatehabitatcriticaltothesuccessfulmigration,spawning,incubation,andrearingofthesespecies.Description:DatarelevanttoresidentfishspecieswillbecoordinatedwithanadromousfishstudiesdownstreamfromDevilCanyon.Specialattentionwillbegiventhoseareasimportanttoresidentfishwhichmaynotcoincidewithanadromousfishhabitat.ResidentfisnstudiesconsistingofinventoriesofdistributionandabundancewillalsobeconductedalongtheSusitnaRivermainstemanditstributariesupstreamfromDevilCanyontothemouthoftheTyoneRiverandstreamsbisectedbytransmissioncorridors.Ofparticularimportanceinthisstudywillbethedeterminationofwinterdistributionandhabitatrequirementwithinareassubjecttoprojectimpact.Studieswillbemadeofthetributarieswhereitissuspectedthatresidentfishpredominantlyresideduringthesummermonths,andthemainstemSusitnaRiverwheremanyofthesesamefishmaywinter.Studyofstreamsalongtransmissionlinecor-ridorswillbelimitedtothoseidentifiedashavingsomedirectimpactfromprojectconstruction.Theinvestigationsandresultswillbereviewedannuallybytheprofessionalsconductingthestudiestoreevaluatethepotentialprojectimpactsandredefinethestudydirectionasnecessary.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$778,000239
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-6
Activity: Determine and evaluate project impacts on resident
fish.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to determine the
types and magnitudes of effects which the project is likely to
have on resident fish, pursuant to an evaluation of data obtained
from activity B-5 and other studies related to describing and
evaluating physical conditions without and with the project.
Information required in this analysis includes physical, chemical,
and biological water data, determination of flow regime without
and with the project, changes in sediment load and transport
downstream, and entrapment rates, distribution and stratification
within reservoirs, erosion potential in reservoir active storage
zone and associated implications for water quality, ice conditions
on reservoirs and downstream, and reservoir and downstream
hydraulic effects of impoundment and altered flow regime. Down-
stream habitat changes will be determined, as will habitat lost
(through inundation) or potentially created (access to streams
formerly hydraulically blocked within reservoir areas) upstream
from the dams. The potential for establishment of viable fisheries
within the impoundments will also be assessed as part of this
activity. Changes related to such things as velocity, predation,
food production, cover, silt load, temperature, stream inundation,
stream flow, and water quality will be evaluated in determining the
likely effects of the project upon resident fish species.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $83,000
240
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-7Activity:IdentifyandassesseffectsofalteredoutflowoftheSusitnaRiverupontheestuarineareainUpperCookInlet.Description:Commentsfromnumeroussources,includingstateofficialsresponsibleforsportandcommercialfishing,indicateaconcernforchangeswhichmightoccurinexistinghabitatqualitywithinUpperCookInlet,particularlYtheestuarineareaatthemouthoftheSusitnaRiver.Baselinestudieswillbeconductedtodetermineexistingwaterqualityandbiologicalproductivitywithin<theestuarineareaandthelowerreachoftheSusitnaRiver.Pointsofconsiderationforstudiesnotcoveredinthosealreadycitedincludeanevaluationofsuchthingsassedimentload,nutrientload,primaryproductivity,fresh/saltwaterstratification(wedges),tidalinfluence,andcurrentregimes.Aftersufficienthydrologicandhydrographicdatahasbeencol-lectedandevaluateditwillbereviewedtodetermineiftheestuarineareawillbesignificantlyimpactedbytheproject.Theywilldeterminetheneedforandtheextentoffurtherstudies.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$232,000
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-8/8aActivity:Identifyandmapmoosehabitatwithinimpactareas,locatecriticalhabitat,determinecurrenthabitatconditionandtrends,determinecarryingcapacity,anditentifywaterconditionsassociatedwithmoosehabitat.Description:Availableinformationindicatesaheavydependenceupontheriverbottomsandadjacentlandsforwinterrangebothaboveandbelowtheproposeddamsites.Thepurposeofthisstudyistoidentifyandmapvegetativetypeswhichprovidemoosehabitatwithintheimpoundmentareasanddownstreamfloodplain,andadja-centlandslostdirectlytofloodin9orpotentiallyaffecteddirectlyorindirectlybychangesinflowregime.Downstreamworkwillbeaccomplishedinareasofprojectimpact.InconjunctionwithactivityB-9,areasofcriticalwinterhabitatwillbedefined,located,andmapped.Verificationofuseofplantspeciesidenti-fiedaspreferredwinterbrowse,theintensityofsuchuse,andthegeneralcondtionofkeybrowsespecieswillbeaccomplishedbyfieldsurveysconsistingoflocatingandtaggingandannuallymeasuringbrowsegrowthandutilization.Browsegrowthrateswillbeestablishedfollowingtheseasonofactiveannualgrowthinthefall,andutilizationwillbedeterminedpriortonewplantgrowththefollowingspring.Intensityofpreviousutili-zationwillbedeterminedandthegeneralconditionsandvigorofkeyspeciesestablished.Resultsofthisactivity,alongwithdatacollectedunderactivityB-9,willbeutilizedtoestimatecarryingcapacityofwinterrangespotentiallyaffectedbytheproject.Locationandabundanceofmoosebrowseislargelydeterminedbysoilmoisture,whichinturnisdeterminedbyconditionsaffect-ingthegroundwatertable.Plantspeciesandareasrepresenta-tiveofsubclimaxconditionsaregenerallymostproductiveofqualitymoosebrowse.ItissuspectedthatthecurrentpatternofnaturalannualfloodingontheSusitnaRiverproducescondi-tionsconducivetogoodmoosebrowseproduction.Thepurposeofthisstudyistoidentifypermanentandcyclic(annual)waterconditionswhichaffectbrowseproduction.Thiswillrequireananalysisofhistoricseasonalstreamflowdatatoidentifythemagnitudeandfrequencyofflowswhichimpartthemostprofoundeffectonvegetation.TheareaofconcentrationforthisprotionofthestudyconsistsoflandssubjectedtoannualinundationalongthemainstemSusitnaRiverbetweenPortageCreekandthemouthoftheChulitnaRiver.Flooding242
patterns without and with the project will be mapped on over-
lays on moose browse. On the basis of these comparisons,
impacts on existing browse patterns and production will be esti-
mated.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the study
direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $400,000
243
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-9/9a
Activity: Identify moose subpopulations and determine the
seasonal distribution, movement patterns, size and trend of
those subpopulations within areas of project impact, and deter-
mine the timing and degree of subpopulation dependency on impac-
ted habitat.
Description: The purpose of this study is to identify moose popu-
lations utilizing habitat subject to direct and indirect impact
of the project, determine seasonal ranges and migration patterns
of moose populations, determine ·what segments of each identified
population utilize areas subject to direct or indirect project
impact, and determine to what degree these animals are dependent
on that habitat. Any apparent trend in moose populations will be
identified and evaluted. Work will be accomplished by marking a
number of moose in representative locations with radio transmitters,
and by periodically locating and mapping their positions by aerial
survey. This program will permit mapping of moose concentrations
and movement, and will provide information required to determine
sex and age composition of animals using various areas. Also, it
will be possible to determine seasonal use of habitat types. Dis-
tribution and movement will be delineated by plotting locations on
an overlay of the vegetative-type map prepared under activity B-1.
This activity will furnish information which, in conjunction with
data obtained from activity B-8, can be utilized to identify
critical habitat as well as numbers of moose utilizing the study
area. This procedure will be used to determine the yearly
distribution of moose utilizing the impact area. The use of
radios to transmit movement and population data will be supplemented
by aerial reconnaissance to visually count moose, map concentra-
tions, and determine sex and age composition of animals observed.
Some of this information will be obtained during aerial surveys
being conducted primarily for other purposes.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the study
direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $624,000
244
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-10
Activity: Determine and evaluate project impacts on habitat
and subpopulations of moose.
Description: Utilizing data obtained from activities B-1, 8,
and 9, this study will determine both short-and long-term
effects which the project is likely to have upon moose in the
Susitna River drainage. The implications of total loss of all
habitat subject to inundation will be assessed and evaluated as
will the more subtle change expected to occur downstream as a
result of changes in annual flooding patterns and a permanently
altered river flow regime. Changes in present annual river flow
and flood plain groundwater profiles will be evaluated as to the
anticipated effects on riparian vegetation. Primary emphasis
below the dams will be upstream from the confluence with the
Chulitna River, with some analysis of possible changes between
Chulitna River and Upper Cook Inlet. Impacts upon moose will be
evaluated in terms of numbers likely to be lost, reduced, or forced
to accept other available habitat.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $42,000
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-11/lla
Activity: Identify and map caribou habitat associated with
alternate transmission corridors and areas subject to impound-
ment and determine the seasonal ranges and migration routes of
caribou with emphasis on traditional migration routes with
respect to the proposed impoundment areas.
Description: The purpose of this study is to identify caribou
habitat within areas subject to project impact. Work will consist
of identifying and mapping vegetative types known to provide
caribou habitat. Vegetative-type maps provided by activity B-1
will be utilized as a base for producing overlays identifying
and outlining vegetation known to be utilized by caribou. These
maps will in turn be used as a base for overlays reflecting
seasonal distribution of caribou.
The distribution studies will identify and quantify, to the extent
practicable, caribou populations potentially affected by the project.
Drastic declines have been reported in recent years in the Nelchina
caribou herd. Current population condition and trend must be
established in order to be able to recognize and identify impacts
which may be attributable to the project. Baseline data collec-
tion will be accomplished by methodical aerial surveys. Popula-
tions will be quantified and mapped as to seasonal location and
distribution. Aerial transects will be established and consist-
ently flown in the same patterns to provide gross distribution
and use data. Where animals are observed, intensive coverage
of surrounding areas will be made in an attempt to obtain accurate
counts. Particular emphasis during aerial surveys will be placed
on determining the location and timing of migratory movement within
the vicinity of the reservoirs. Caribou movement is known to vary
from year to year; however, large numbers are known to usually
cross the Susitna River in the vicinity of the reservoirs, par-
ticularly as they move from calving grounds to summer range. This
activity will be supplemented by aerial surveys made in conjunction
with moose radio tracking flights. Frequency of surveys will be
increased during periods of spring migration.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the study
direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $126,000
246
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-12
Activity: Determine and evaluate project impacts upon Nelchina
caribou herd.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to determine, on
the basis of data collected pursuant to activity B-11, the
impacts which the project is likely to have on the Nelchina
caribou herd. Two types of impacts are anticipated: one related
to the influence of transmission lines on caribou movement and
habitat utilization, and the other related to the construction of
reservoirs bisecting migration routes between calving and summer-
ing grounds. Although little caribou habitat is likely to be
destroyed by transmission line construction, more subtle impacts
(related to increased accessibility of people and the consequent
increased possibility of wild fire, and the visual contrast and
sound associated with transmission lines) may have varying degrees
of effects upon caribou, depending on the corridors chosen for
construction of transmission facilities. Some caribou habitat
may be inundated by reservoirs, but use of areas lying within the
canyon of the Susitna River is probably minimal and transitory.
Nevertheless, the time and duration of caribou use and the numbers
utilizing the impoundment areas must be established before any
conclusions can be made. Caribou are good swimmers, as evidenced
by the numbers of newborn calves which apparently successfully
cross the present river. However, it is not known whether deep
water impoundment would provide more or less of a barrier. A
major concern is that the creation of ice shelves formed as the
impoundment is drawn down could significantly restrict movement
and perhaps cause considerable mortality.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
247
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-13/13a
Activity: Inventory the number, size, territory, and other
essential activity areas and determine and evaluate probable
project impacts on wolf packs which inhabit areas that will be
directly impacted by the project.
Description: The number of wolf packs and numbers of wolves in
each pack will be inventoried, and territories and other essential
areas will be located using radio-collar techniques and aerial
surveys. Wolf relationships to various prey species in the
project impact areas will be determined. This activity will be
closely integrated with moose and caribou studies. A large part
of the data required for this study will be obtained incidentally
to aerial and ground surveys conducted in conjunction with other
activities, particularly B-9 and B-11. Probable project impacts
will be determined and evaluated.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the study
direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $76,000
248
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-14/l4a
Activity: Estimate black and brown/grizzly bear populations
and distribution in the project impact area and determine
and evaluate probable project impacts.
Description: Estimates of black and brown/grizzly bear popu-
lations and distributions in the project impact area, specifi-
cally the areas to be inundated, will be made. Most of these
data will be obtained incidentally to aerial and ground surveys
conducted in conjunction with other activities and by using
radio collar techniques. Probable project impacts will be
determined and evaluated.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the
study direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None; however, field work will be concen-
trated during spring and fall.
Cost: $49,000
249
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-15/l5a
Activity: Determine the general abundance and distribution
of wolverines in the project impact area and determine and
evaluate proabable project impacts.
Description: Estimates of the general abundance and distri-
bution of wolverines in the project impact area will be made
using aerial and ground surveys, and radio collar techniques.
Most of these surveys will be made incidentally to other
activities. Probable project impacts will be determined and
evaluated.
The investigations and results will be reviewed annually to
reevaluate the potential project impacts and redefine the study
direction, as necessary.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $32,000
250
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-16/l6aActivity:DeterminetherelativeabundanceofDallsheepinhabitingmountainsadjacenttotheprojectimpactareaanddelineateseasonalranges.Determineandevaluateprobableprojectimpacts.Description:ThereisthepossibilityofadverseimpactsonDallsheeppopulationsfromhumandisturbanceasaresultofconstructionactivitiesandincreasedaccess.Aerialsurveyswillbeconductedtodeterminethesizeofthesheeppopula-tionandtodelineateseasonalranges.Probableprojectimpactswillbedeterminedandevaluated.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$6,000251
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-17 /17a
Activity: Determine the relative abundance and distribution
of fur bearer, small game, nongame, and bird species in the
proposed impoundment areas and determine and evaluate probable
project impacts.
Description: Little is known about the abundance and distribu-
tion of fur bearers, small game, nongame, and bird species in the
project impact area. Limited aerial and ground surveys will be
made in conjunction with other activities. Limited trapping
will also be conducted. Distribution will be correlated with
the vegetation-type maps produced under activity B-1. Probable
project impacts will be determined and evaluated.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
252
BIOLOGICALSTUDIESActivityDesignation:B-18Activity:Determinewhetheranyrareandendangeredspeciesofplants,fish,birds,mammals,orotherwildlifearepresentintheprojectarea,andevaluateimpactsoftheproposedactiononthesespecies.Description:Anyrareorendangeredspeciesintheareaofprojectimpactwillbeidentifiedinthecourseofotherbiologicalfieldinvestigations.Specieslistsshouldessentiallybecompletedbytheendofthesecondyearoffieldstudieswhichwillbeunder-takentoidentifyvegetation,fish,birds,mammals,andotherorganisms.Uponidentificationofarareorendangeredspecies,intensiveinvestigationsofthatparticularorganismwillbeunder-takenimmediatelytodetermineitsuse,distribution,andnumberwithinimpactedareas.Theextenttowhichanyofthesefactorswillbeinfluencedbytheprojectwillbedeterminedandevaluated.Whereapplicableandpossible,mitigativemeasureswillbeidenti-fiedandevaluated.Atthepresenttimetheperegrinefalconistheonlyendangeredspeciesknowntooccurinthearea.SeasonalConstraint:None;however,bulkofworkwilloccurduringsnow-freeperiods.Cost:$29,000253
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-19
Activity: Determine annual harvest rates of species of fish and
wildlife utilized for commercial and recreational purposes, and
estimate changes expected as a result of the project. Determine
importance of impacted species to regional populations.
Description: This study is essential to the accomplishment of
activity B-20. Harvest of game animals, fur bearers, and sport
and/or commercial species of fish will be determined by a combi-
nation of sampling devices including field checks (i.e., creel
census), road blocks, established check stations, questionnaires,
commercial fish ticket data, and returns from tagged anmimals.
(Tagging, if accomplished, will be done primarily in relation to
other biological studies.) This information will be evaluated
in terms of physical effects of the project upon habitat and the
extent to which improved accessibility by hunters and trappers
may impact various species. The importance of impacted popula-
tions to regional populations will be determined by correlating
estimated changes in harvest rate to average annual harvest.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $172,000
254
-
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-20
Activity: Identify and display damages to fish and wildlife in
monetary terms and determine measures required to reduce or off-
set damages or to enhance existing habitat.
Description: This study is a requirement of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act of 1958, as amended. Procedures are outlined
in Engineer Regulation 1105-2-129. Damages to fish and wildlife
resources will be identified, and the economic value of such damages
will be evaluated in monetary terms. Losses to the fish and wild-
life resources causing ·a reduction in recreational fishing and
hunting opportunities will be evaluated by procedures comparable
to those used in evaluating benefits from these activities. Losses
in commercial products (such as fish and pelts) will be expressed
in ~onetary terms using the market values to the primary producers
of the product net of associated production costs. Nonmonetary
damages, including those impacts affecting the ecosystem and envi-
ronmental quality, will be described in sufficient detail to support
a judgement as to the cost that would be justified to prevent or
offset them. Measures which are required for mitigating or com-
pensating for damages shall be described. The costs will be
determined, as will residual damages to fish and wildlife resources.
If enhancement features are found to be justified, they will also
be expressed in monetary terms. Benefits attributable to hunting
and fishing, including sport fishing for anadromous fish as a
direct result of the enhancement of fish and wildlife resources,
will be evaluated in the same way as other forms of recreation.
Data will be furnished through ongoing or previously conducted
studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $100,000
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-21
Activity: Identify and describe environmental components and
impacts related to each alternative identified as a possible
solution to electrical energy needs.
Description: This activity requires a description of the environ-
mental setting and the nature and use presently made of the
environment associated with each alternative evaluated in the
preliminary screening. This will be followed by a description
of the environmental components affected by each alternative.
The basis for estimating impacts of alternatives will be the
comparison of existing physical, biological, and socio-economic
characteristics of water and land supply, use and control, with
and without a given action. Where quantitative data is lacking
or not applicable, changes from the base condition will be
sufficiently described to permit comparing various alternatives
in regard to the relative magnitude of impacts associated with
each alternative. Data required for this level of evaluation
will be based essentially on existing sources.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $50,000
256
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (RRP)
THIS FINAL CATEGORY OF ~CTIVITIES IS A CONSOLIDATION
OF ALL THE WORK ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACTUAL
WRITING OF REPORTS AND THEIR REVIEW. THE RESOURCES
REQUIRED FOR CONDUCTING SEVERAL PUBLIC MEETINBS ARE
ALSO INCLUDED.
INITIAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENt.
1. Conduct initial public meeting with supporting public
involvement activities.
PRELIMINARY SCREENING.
2. Prepare preliminary hydrology studies report.
3. Prepare preliminary site selection report~
4. Prepare prelimina,ry environmental studies report.
5. Prepare preliminary marketability analysis.
6. Prepare and submit draft plan formulation report.
7. Conduct second public meeting.
REPORT PREPARATION.
8. Prepare Hydrology appendix.
9. Prepare Power Studies appendix.
10. Prepare Site Selection appendix.
11. Prepare Plan Formulation appendix.
12~ Prepare Transmission Facilities appendi~.
13.': Prepare Access appendix.
14. Prepare Foundation and Materials appendix.
15. Prepare Real Estate appendix.
16. Prepare Design and Cost Estimate appendix.
17. Prepare Marketing Analysis appendix.
18. Prepare Environmental Studies appendix.
19. Prepare Recreation appendix.
20. Prepare Cultural Resources appendix.
21. Prepare and submit draft Project Analysis.
22. Prepare and submit .suppl ementa 1 EIS.
23. Prepare and submit Project Feasibility Analysis, Main Report.
FINAL REPORTS AND REVIEWS.
24. Conduct Final Review.
25. Prepare and submit revised Project Feasibility Analysis
Report.
26. Prepare and submit revised Supplemental EIS.
257
p
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-1
Activity: Conduct initial public meetings.
Description: The initial public meetings will be held as early as
possible after initiation of the project feasibility analysis.
The purpose of this early public involvement is to inform the public
of the post-authorization planning being undertaken and to elicit
public response to the planned studies. Information contained in
the Plan of Study will be widely distributed in advance of the
meetings and will serve as the primary topic for discussion.
Cost: $15,000
259
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-2
Activity: Prepare preliminary hydrology studies report.
Description: This document will provide the information to be
used in the power studies and plan formulation for preliminary
screening. Primary information will include monthly streamflows
for each of the damsites to be evaluated. It will also include
information on evapotranspiration rates for the critical stream-
flow period, elevation capacity curves for the reservoirs, and
preliminary information on the spillway design flood.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
260
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-3Activity:Preparepreliminarysiteselectionreport.Description:Thisreportwillpresenttheanalysisandconsider-ationsthatwentintodevelopinghydroplansfortheinitialscreeningofalternatives.Itwillincludeadiscussionofpreliminarysitelayoutsandcostestimate.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$3,000261
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-4
Activity: Prepare preliminary environmental studies report.
Description: This activity will consist of preparing a
summary description and comparison of the biological and
socio-economic impacts of the various alternative solutions
selected for analysis. Data upon which this activity is
based will be assembled under activity B-21 and EC-3. The
contents of this report will be utilized in the preliminary
screening.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
262
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-5Activity:Preparepreliminarymarketabilityanalysis.Description:Thisreportwillpresentthereviewofloadgrowthandmarketingassumptionstobeusedinevaluatingtheeconomicfeasibilityofthevariousplansforhydrodevelopment.Itwillinclude,asaminimum,seasonalloaddurationcurves,powerdemandprojections,andothermarket-ingassumptionsonthesaleabilityofSusitnapowerduringtheearlyyearsofoperationandoveritseconomiclife.Thisinformation'willbeusedtosupportthepreliminaryscreening.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$3,000263
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-6
Activity: Prepare and submit draft plan formulation report.
Description: The results of the preliminary screening of
energy alternatives will be presented in a plan selection
report. Those alternatives, at least one of which will be
a nonhydro plan, that merit further study will be identified
and carried forward for additional refinement and evaluation
during the detailed feasibility analysis. The report will
contain a description of each alternative plan, the power
capability and associated ben.efits of each plan, differential
environmental impacts and plan costs.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $6,000
264
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-7Activity:Conductsecondlevelpublicmeetings.Description:Thissecondsetofpublicmeetingsisdesignedtofosterpublicparticipationinthescreeningofalternativeenergyplans.Additionally,inputwillbesoughtfromresidentsoftheimmediateprojectareatoestablishamostprobablefuturethatwillserveasaframeofreferenceintheimpactassessmentprocess.Inadvanceofthemeetings,informationalmaterialsummarizingthepreliminaryscreeningprocesswillbewidelydisseminated.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$15,000265
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-8
Activity: Prepare Hydrology appendix.
Description: This activity entails the compilation and presentation
of the basic hydrologic information upon which the project will be
based. Streamflow data will include extended monthly volumes for
the three existing stations and the six new gages to be installed.
The streamflow throughout the basin will then be characterized
by a number of statistical techniques to include seasonal flow
duration curves, peak and volume frequency curves, and low flow
frequency curves. The collection of data will allow a definitive
description of the hydrology and climate within the basin and
along the transmission line corridor. Also presented will be
sediment transport studies that will attempt to define total
sediment transport rates, reservoir entrapment rates, and down-
stream channel changes as a result of reservoir deposition. The
appendix will address the potential for discharge control and
the possibility of handling reservoir sediment stratification. The
results of water quality studies, erosion potential investigations,
ice studies, and spillway design flood analyses will also be in-
cluded.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
266
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-9
Activity: Prepare Power Studies appendix.
Description: This appendix will include all power studies to
be conducted for plan formulation and more specifically for
indepth analysis of the selected plan of development. Power
studies for plan formulation will entail seasonal regulation
analysis and hourly studies to determine the need for a
reregulation reservoir. These studies will establish the
energy capabilities of the various plans of development for
a number of assumed ~am heights and active storage volumes.
There will be no attempt to incorporate economic evaluation
into these studies as this will be accomplished under plan
formulation. For the selected plan, a number of load shape
studies will be conducted to determine the optimum mode in
which the projects should be operated. The report will include
head duration curves, tailwater duration curves, turbine
efficiency curves, and suggested operating role curves.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
267
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-10
Activity: Prepare Site Selection appendix.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to present the
damsites identified and the considerations which resulted in
specific recommendations as to dam types and heights for each
site. Findings of the preliminary geologic studies which
assessed suitability of foundations, quantity and quality
of construction materials and good and bad physical features
will be presented. In particular, features which will limit
the height or type of dam considered at a site will be noted.
Mass quantities and cost height relationships will be pre-
pared, preliminary analyses performed and the favorable and
unfavorable points of each site evaluated. This activity
will also present the mechanics of the reviewing process and
the rationale by which the specifics sites were selected.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
268
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-11
Activity: Prepare Plan Formulation appendix.
Description: The purpose of this appendix will be to present the
procedures and rationale by which the recommended plan of develop-
ment is selected. The basic procedure will entail objective
identification, assessment of available alternatives, and com-
parison of alternatives from the primary standpoints of economic
enhancement and environmental preservation. Plan selection will
be based on that plan which provides the greatest contributions
to the study objectives. Formulation will require a synopsis
of the findings of the power economics analysis, hydropower
operation studies, and an impact assessment associated with the
various alternative energy resources as well as specific develop-
ment plans within the Upper Susitna Basin. Because of their
obvious inability to meet the study objectives many of the energy
alternatives can be eliminated early in the study process. After
preliminary screening, the selected plan or plans will be refined
as to dam height, operating characteristics, etc., and this
refinement process will also be included in this appendix. The
economic and effect assessment will be presented not only for
the most feasible plan for hydro development, but also for the
most likely energy alternative that would be developed if the
hydro system were not.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
269
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-12
Activity: Prepare Transmission Facilities appendix.
Description: This appendix will present the studies involved in
selecting of transmission line routes, towers, conductor and
hardware, substations and switchyards, and other items of the
transmission facilities. The alternate routes studied, the
foundation studies, studies on towers, hardware and conductors,
and clearing considerations will be included in the appendix
with a final recommendation of the selected route, tower types
and all hardware.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
270
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-13
Activity: Prepare Access appendix.
Description: Under this activity the access route alternatives
will be outlined, and the considerations which resulted in the
selection of a specific route will be presented. Vertical and
horizontal alignments will be shown and their advantages and
disadvantages relative to grade, curvature, distance, bridge
requirements and foundations will be presented. Particular
emphasis will be placed on the requirement for an all weather
access and the potential winter problems of snow and ice.
Bridge needs will be assessed and preliminary designs included.
Foundation conditions as revealed by preliminary explorations
will also be included in this appendix.
Cost: $10,000
271
REPORTS, REVIHJS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-14
Activity: Prepare Foundations and Materials appendix.
Description: The results of the exploration, testing and
evaluation for geological and foundation conditions will
be presented in a Foundations and Materials appendix.
Special emphasis will be placed on presenting the results
of seismic testing and determination of the design earth-
quake.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
272
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-15
Activity: Prepare Real Estate appendix.
Description: Data previously collected will be synthesized
into a workable format. A draft will be prepared of all
pertinent real estate data to include an overall real estate
project map with more detailed segment maps. A gross
appraisal will be prepared with supporting narrative to
provide technical justification for land costs.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $40,000
273
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-16
Activity:_ Prepare Design and Cost Estimates appendix.
Description: The purpose of this appendix will be to describe
the various features of the selected plan and to identify feature
costs. Included will be discussions of dam type and height,
foundation conditions, material sources, and general configuration
of spillway and outlet works, penstocks and powerhouse, intake
systems and gates, and other dam features. Other project com-
ponents such as construction facilities and reservoir clearing
will also be described. ·
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
274
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-17Activity:PrepareMarketingAnalysisappendix.Description:Thisreportwillsummarizethevariouspowermarketstudiesandwillpresenttheloadgrowthandpowersystemassumptionsthatunderliethedetailedfeasibilityanalysis.Inaddition,itwillcontainadetailedassessmentofexistingpowerplantretirementandfinancialfeasibilitybasedontheselectedplan.SeasonalConstraiht:NoneCost:$7,000275
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-18Activity:PrepareEnvironmentalStudiesappendix.Description:Thisworkwillconsistofaconsolidationandsummarizationoftheresultsofthebiologicalandsocio-economicstudies.Assuch,itwillserveasareferencedocumentfortheimpactassessmentprocessandforpreparationoftheEnvironmentalImpactState-mentSupplement.Cost:$14,000276
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-19
Activity: Prepare Recreation appendix.
Description: The Recreation appendix will be prepared upon
completion of all recreation-related activities. Plates
detailing proposed recreational developments will be prepared
following selections of the best alternative scheme. The
process of recreation plan selection will also be explained.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
277
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-20Activity:.PrepareCulturalResourcesappendix.Description:ThisCulturalResourcesReconnaissanceReportwillpresentthefindingsofboththearcheologicalandhistoricalstudies.Includedwillbeinformationrelatingtothenumberandtypesofarcheologicalandhistoricalresourcesintheprojectareaandtheprobableimpactoftheprojectonthoseresources.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$14,000278-
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-21
Activity: Prepare and submit draft project analysis.
Description: The results of the detailed feasibility studies
of the best plan identified will be presented in a project
analysis report. The analysis will be made using the detailed
information and data obtained from marketing, environmental,
hydrological, and foundation studies. The marketing studies
will entail refined cost estimates based on expanded informa-
tion available from _the foundation exploration program and
project benefits will be determined from power studies and pro-
duction cost analysis. The environmental studies will provide
sufficient information to allow identification of probable magni-
tude of impacts and evaluation of project feasibility. Power
studies will be derived from output provided by hydrological
evaluation. The report will provide a firm basis for recom-
mending for or against construction of the project.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $50,000
279
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-22Activity:PrepareandsubmitsupplementalEIS.Description:Thisworkwillconsistoffurthersummarizationofallenvironmenal,economic,social,andengineeringstudiesaccomplishedduringtheprojectfeasibilityanalysis.Impactsfromthevariousfeaturesoftheprojectwillbeevaluatedandpresentednarratively.Detailedinformationwillbepresentedontherecommendedplan,whileimpactsofalternativeactionswillbedescribedsufficientlytofullyinformreadersanddecisionmakersofthetrade-offsandreasonsinvolvedintheirrejection.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$26,000280
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-23
Activity: Prepare and submit Project Feasibility Analysis,
Main Report.
Description: Following completion of the detailed feasibility
studies, the detailed dam design, and the various appendices,
the Main Report will be prepared. It will be a summary document
that explains the sequential planning steps that resulted in
the recommended plan, the various elements of that plan, and
the associated costs and benefits. It will also present
recommendations for 'plan implementation.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $21,000
281
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-24
Activity: Conduct final review.
Description: This activity establishes time and resources for a
thorough review of the project feasibility analysis. Included
as part of this review will be coordination of draft documents
with concerned Federal and State agencies, as well as a third
set of public meetings.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $45,000
282
REPORTS,REVIEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATIONActivityDesignation:RRP-25Activity:PrepareandsubmitrevisedProjectFeasibilityAnalysis.Report.Description:Afterallworkindicatedbythefinalreviewiscompletedandafterthereporthasbeenrevisedtoreflectinputfrompublicinvolvementandinteragencycoordination,thefinalreportwillbepreparedandsubmitted.SeasonalConstraint:NoneCost:$40,000283
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-26
Activity: Prepare and submit revised Supplemental EIS.
Description: Work will be initiated immediately upon receipt
of comments following the 45-day review period to prepare
written responses to individual comments. This will require
an intensive effort over a short time span by a task group
familiar with DEIS and by other specialists who developed
data for the project feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $67,000
284
AVAILABLEDATAAnumberofdocumentsareavailablewhichdiscussthegeneralsettingoftheUpperSusitnaRiverBasinandthesurroundingcommunitiesthatwouldbeservedbytheproposedhydroproject.AlsoavailableareseveralreportswhichaddressspecificdevelopmentoftheSusitnaBasin.Thefollowinglist'ofreportsincludesonlysomeofthemorepertinentstudiesrelativetotheRailbeltenvironment.MoredetailedisthelistingofthereportswhichdescribestudiesoftheUpperSusitnaRiverBasin.Manyofthereportsconsistofone-of-a-kinddocumentswhichareavailableonlythroughtheCorpsofEngineersorotheragencies,whileotherscanbeobtainedthroughlibraries,governmentalagencies,orprivateorganizations.Beck,R.W.,andAssociatesandRalphR.StefanoandAssociate,Engineer-ingandEconomicStudiesfortheCityofAnchorage,AlaskaMunicipalLightandPowerDepartment,August1970.Bishop,DanielM.,AHydrologicReconnaissanceoftheSusitnaRiverBelowDevilCanyon,forEnvironaid,Juneau,Alaska,October1974.CH2MHill;ElectricGenerationandTransmissionIntertieSystemforInteriorandSouthcentralAlaska,1972.ChugachElectricAssociation,EnvironmentalAnalysisforProposedAdditionstoChugachElectricAssociation,Inc.,GeneratingStationatBeluga,Alaska,October1973.Dames&MooreConsultingEngineers,SubsurfaceGeophysicalExplorationforProposedWatanaDamsite,Anchorage:U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers,AlaskaDistrict,1975.FederalEnergyAdministration,ProjectIndependence,1974.FederalPowerCommission,AlaskaPowerSurvey,1969.285
___~~'DivisionofParks,HeritageResourcesAlongtheUpperSusitnaRiver,August1975.___~~~,JointFederal-StateLandUsePlanningCommissionforAlaska,andtheUniversityof"laska,CoordinatedbyLidiaL.Selkregg,AlaskaRegionalProfiles-SouthcentralRegion,1974.U.S.DepartmentoftheArmy,CorpsofEngineers,OfficeoftheChiefofEngineers,CookInletandTributaries,1950.___~'CorpsofEngineers,AlaskaDistrict,AReportontheRampartCanyonProject,YukonBasin,Alaska,1971.___~.--'CorpsofEngineers,AlaskaDistrict,OffshoreOilandGasDevelopmentinCookInlet,Alaska-EnvironmentalImpactState-ment,September1974.___---;::---.-.--'CorpsofEngineers,Il.laskaDistrict,PublicHearinginFairbanks,AlaskaonSouthcentralRailbeltHydropowerStudy,6t4ay1974._________~'CorpsofEngineers,AlaskaDistrict,CoordinationConfer-enceforSouthcentralRailbeltHydropowerStudy,29October1974.___~-...--,'AlaskaDistrict,InterimFeasibilityReport,SouthcentralRailbeltAreaAlaska,UpperSusitnaRiverBasin,12December1975.___~-..~'AlaskaDistrict,InterimFeasibilityReport,SouthcentralRailbeltAreaAlaska,UpperSusitnaRiverBasin,Appendix1,Parts1and2,12December1975.__-.~..~'AlaskaDistrict,InterimFeasibilityReport,SouthcentralRailbeltAreaAlaska,UpperSusitnaRiverBasin,Appendix2.______...--:-'AlaskaDistrict,EnvironmentalImpactStatement,Hydro-electricPowerDevelopment,UpperSusitnaRiverBasinSouthcentralRailbeltAreaAlaska,December1975.__~~~_'AlaskaDistrict,PublicMeetinginFairbanks,AlaskaonSouthcentralRailbeltHydropowerStudy,8October1975.__~~~_'AlaskaDistrict,Public[\1eetinginAnchorage,AlaskaonSouthcentralRailbeltHydropowerStudy,27May1975.___~~.--'AlaskaDistrict,PublicMeetinginFairbanks,AlaskaonSouthcentralRailbeltHydropowerStudy,29May1976.U.S.DepartmentofCommerce,NationalMarineFisheriesService.AHydrologicalReconnaissanceoftheSusitnaRiverBelowDevilCanyonDam,October1974.286
---
U.S. Department of the Interior, Alaska Natural Resources and the
Rampart Project, June 1967.
, Alaska Power Administration, Alaska Railbelt Transmission ---,----:--System, working paper, December 1967.
, Alaska Power Administration, Central Alaska Power Pool, ----:--:--working paper, October 1969.
-__,...,.--=-=' Alaska Power Administration, Devil Canyon Status Report,
May 1974.
----:-:"-:-;-:;.....-:-' Bureau of Land Management, Mul timoda 1 Transportation and
Utility Corridor Systems in Alaska -A Preliminary Conceptual
Analysis, October 1974.
, Bureau of Reclamation, A Reconnaissance Report on the
-~Po-t~e-n~tia1 Development of Water Resources in the Territor~ of
Alaska, December 1948.
-~--' Bureau of Reclamation, Potential Development of Water
Resources in the Susitna River Basin of Alaska, August 1952.
, Bureau of Reclamation, Alaska District. Devil Canyon
---:::-Pr-o-:j:--e-c t 1 960:
Water and Power Appendix, Financial Analysis Appendix, Water and
Power Plans and Estimates Appendix, Power Demand and Supply
Appendix.
____ , Bureau of Reclamation, Engineering Geology Report, 1960.
-__..,..---=c-:--·' Bureau of Reclamation, Alaska Geologic Report No. 7,
Devil Canyon Project, 1960.
-~---=;--' Bureau of Reclamation, Feasibility Report, Devil Canyon
Project, Alaska, March 1961.
-----=---' Bureau of Reclamation, Engineering Geology of the Vee
Canyon Damsite, November 1962.
, Bureau of Reclamation, Interim Report on Vee Project,
----=-A=-1 a-s-:-k-a , 1 9 64 •
----:--;::-:-;' Fish and Wildlife Service, Survey of the Peregrine Falcon
and Other Raptors in the Proposed Susitna River Reservoir Impound-
ment Areas.
, Geological Survey, Water Resources Data for Alaska,
-~~-=--. Multiple Annual Volumes.
287
Federal Power Commission, Advisory Committee Reports, 1974 Alaska Power
Survey (with 1975 update):
Report of the Executive Advisory Committee, December 1974
Economic Analysis and Load Projections, May 1974
Resources and Electric Power Generation, May 1974
Coordinated Systems Development and Interconnection, December 1974
Environmental Considerations and Consumer Affairs, May 1974.
Jones and Jones, Upper Susitna River, Alaska -An Inventory and Eval-
uation of the Environmental Aesthetic and Recreational Resources,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, 1975.
Henry J. Kaiser, Reassessment Report on Upper Susitna River Hydro-
electric Development for the State of Alaska, 1974.
Ralph M. Parson Company, Central Alaska Power Study.
____ , Alaska Power Feasibility Study, 1962.
Resources Planning Team of the Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning
Commission for Alaska, Resources of Alaska, July 1974.
Robert W. Retherford Associates, Copper Valley Electrical Association,
Inc., 15-Year Power Cost Study, Hydro/Diesel, October 1974.
Stanley Consultants, Power Supply, Golden Valley Electrical Association,
Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska, 1970.
State of Alaska, Department of Economic Development, Alaska Statistical
Review, December 1972.
, Department of Fish and Game, Alaska's Wildlife and Habitat,
----.-J-an-u-a-ry 1 97 3.
, Department of Fish and Game, Alaska 1973 Catch and Produc----,.-....----=-tion Commercial Fishery Statistics, Statistical Leaflet No. 26.
, Department of Fish and Game, An Assessment Study of the ---.--,---Anadromous Fish Populations in the Upper Susitna Watershed Between
Devil Canyon and the Chulitna River, by Bruce M. Barrett, 1974.
---=---,--' Department of Fish and Game, Spring 1974 Moose Parturition
Counts of the Proposed Devil Canyon Dam Area, by Donald Calkins,
1974.
288·
GLOSSARYadit- ahorizontalgallerydrivenfromthesurfacegivingaccesstoa--workarea.alluvium-materialeroded,transported,anddepositedbystreams.anemometer- adevicewhichmeasuresairspeed.arcuate-bowshapedorbent.aquifer- asubsurfacezonethatyieldseconomicallyimportantamountsofwatertowells.backwatercurve- acurveshowinghigh-watersurfaceonagivenstreamresultingfromdownstreamobstructions,orhighstagesinaninter-sectingstream.batholith- ahugemassofigneousrockofirregularshapeandgreatextentinalldimensions.bellmouth-flaredmouthonapipeopening.blockfaulting-seefaultblock.B.O.D.-biochemicaloxygendemand.bus- asetoftwoormoreelectricconductorsthatserveascommonconnectionsbetweenloadcircuitsandeachofthepolarities(directcurrent)orphases(alternatingcurrent)ofthesourceofelectricpower.C.O.D.-chemicaloxygendemand(ofwater).criticalpathmethod(CPM)- amethodofschedulingactivitiesbywhichtheactivitiesareplacedinsequentialorderandgiventimeesti-matessothatthemosttime-consumingactivityisidentified.Themosttime-consumingactivity,orseriesofinterdependentactivities,constitutethecriticalpath.dendritic-havingabranching,treelikepatternorstructure.289
dependable capacity-the assured peak load; carrying ability of a plant
or system under adverse water conditions for the time interval and
period specified when related to the characteristics of the load to
be supplied, expressed in kilowatts (or megawatts).
diastrophism -process or processes by which the earth's crust is deformed;
the results of this action.
drawdown -the distance that the water surface of a reservoir is lowered
from a given elevation as the result of the withdrawal of water.
elevation versus capacity curves -graphic representation of the relation-
ship between the elevation and the storage capacity of a reservoir.
fault - a fracture in rock along which the adjacent rock surfaces are
differentially displaced.
fault block - a rock mass which is bounded by faults.
firm energy -energy required to be available at all times.
frazil ice - a spongy accumulation of ice crystals which form in super-
cooled turbulent water.
glacial moraine -an accumulation of glacial debris (drift) deposited
by glacial action.
grout curtain-a row of drilled holes filled with grout under pressure
to form a seepage barrier under a dam.
head -(of pressure) -height of a column of fluid necessary to develop
--a specific pressure.
hydrograph - a graphical representation of stage, flow, velocity, or
other characteristics of water at a given point as a function of
time.
hydrometeorological -that part of meteorology directly related to hydro-
logic problems such as flood control, irrigation, or hydroelectric
power.
initial sunk costs -project costs previously expended.
in situ -in the original location.
invert -the floor or bottom of a conduit.
lateral slipping -horizontal movement of rock along a fracture.
290
limnological-relatedtothescienceoflifeandconditionsforlifeinlakes,pondsandstreams.manuscriptmapping-originaldrawingproducedfrommappinginstrument.orographiceffects-effectsonaircurrentscausedbymountains.2asserines-perchingbirds.penstock- aclosedwaterconduitcontrolledbyvalvesandlocatedbetweentheintakeandtheturbineinahydroelectricplant.photomosaic-compositephotographmadeupofindividual,small-areaphotosplacedsidebyside.photo/topo-themappingofsurfacefeaturesbymeansofaerialphoto-graphy.picturepointaerialphotography-photographstakenaftertargetpanelsareplacedonthegroundorafterexistingobjectsareidentifiedwhichcanlaterbelocatedinthephotography.platejackingtest- atestforqualityoffoundationrock,inwhichplatesarecementedtorockwalls(usuallyofatunnel),thenpres-sureisappliedbyahugehydraulicjack.Deflectionoftherockunderpressure,andreboundoftherockafterthepressureisremoved,givesindicationofthequalityofthefoundation.rimeicing-,amilky,opaque,granulardepositformedbytherapidfreezingofsuper-cooledwaterdropsonanexposedsurface;com-posedessentiallyofseparateicegranules.riparian-livingorlocatedonariverbank.rivercrosssection- adepictionofthecontoursoftheriverbottom.secondaryenergy-electricenergyhavinglimitedavailability.Inagoodwateryear,ahydroplantcangenerateenergyinexcessofitsprimeenergycapability.Thisexcessenergyisclassifiedassecondaryenergybecauseitisnotavailableeveryyear,andvariesinmagnitudeinthoseyearswhenitisavailable.shotcrete-pneumaticallyplacedconcrete.steelbent- aframeworksupporttransversetothelengthofastructure.291.
tailwater rating curve -depiction of discharges (flow rates at given
instants expressed as volume per unit of time) in relation to the
elevation of the water surface. These curves indicate discharge
for various stage elevations.
tectonics - a branch of geology dealing with rock structure and external
forms of the earth•s crust.
telemetry -transmitting of instrument readings to a remote location by
means of wires, radio, etc. Remote metering.
tiltmeter -an instrument used to measure small changes in the tilt
of the earth 1 s surface, usually in relation to a liquid-level surface
or to the rest position of a pendulum.
user day values -Cost/benefit values derived from calculations in which
a user day is defined as any part of a day spent in a particular rec-
reational activity.
volcanism -the movement of molten rock from the interior of the earth
into the crust and to the surface.
water surface profile - a graph showing the relationship of water surface
elevation to location, the latter generally expressed as distance
above the stream mouth. It is generally drawn to show surface ele-
vation for the crest of a specific flood, but may be prepared for con-
ditions at a given time or stage.
292
Table 1. Tabulation of Program Activities According
to Cost and Year of Accomplishment.
RIVER CROSS SECT
1. Obtain
2. Obtain
MAPPING
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Map pot
Obtain
Obtain
corrido
Obtain
Obtain
IMPLEMENT A DATA
l. Collect
mission
2. Insta 11
continu
3. Collect
DESCRIBE HYDROME
4. Descri b
CONDUCT PRE-PROJ
5. Extend
record.
6. Develop
7. Develop
8. Develop
period.
CONDUCT RESERVOI
9. Determi
10. Determi
distrib
11. Determi
ficatio
12. Determi
SURVEY (SY)
ION
river cross sections at preliminary sites.
river cross sections downstream.
ential reservoir sites.
controlled photo/topo along access route.
controlled photo/topo along transmission
r.
controlled photo/topo at Watana damsite.
controlled photojtopo at Devi 1 Canyon.
HYDROLOGY (HY)
COLLECTION PROGRAM.
climatologic data for basin and trans-
1 i ne.
and operate additional stream gages and
e stream gaging.
water data.
TEOROLOGICAL SETTING OF BASIN.
e hydrometeorological setting.
ECT STREAMFLOH ANALYSIS.
streamflow and correlate with longest
annual and seasonal flow duration curves.
peak and volume frequency curves.
low flow frequency analysis for critical
R AND DOWNSTREAM SEDIMENT STUDIES.
ne average annual total load.
ne entrapment rates and reservoir
uti on.
ne reservoir suspended sediment strati-
n.
ne effect on downstream channel.
293
Cost Year
($1 ,000) 1 2 3 4
50 *
300 *
460 *
225 * *
70 *
15 * 60 *
423 * *
300 * *
60 * * *
8 *
10 *
2 *
2 *
10 *
35 * *
20 * *
15 * 20 *
HYDROLOGY (HY (Cont.)
SPILL\4AY DESIG N FLOOD DERIVATION.
·n final Probable Maximum Precipitation 13. Obta1
HMB-N
from
14. Reca 1
15. Deter
throu
WATER SURFACE
ws.
ibrate basin Model.
mine Probable Maximum Flood and route
gh reservoir.
PROFILE DETERMINATION.
16. Deter
to ~Ia
mine wter surface profiles from Talkeetna
CONDUCT ICE ST
17. River
18. Revi e
in ar
WIND AND ICE S
DESIGN.
tana.
UDIES.
and reservoir conditions.
w literature about existing storage projects
ctic conditions.
TUDIES REQUIRED FOR TRANSMISSION LINE
ct literature search and limited field 19. Condu
surve y.
POST PROJECT S TREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
20. Devel op post-project frequency curves.
21. Deter
profi
mine post-project downstream water surface
RESERVOIR FILL
22. Devel
GLACIAL BALANC
23. Condu
24. Condu
EVAPOTRANSPIRA
25. Deter
OTHER ACTIVIT!
26. Provi
27. Deter
WATER QUALITY
1. Colle
data.
les.
ING SCHEDULES.
op reservoir filling schedules.
E STUDIES.
ct mass water yield studies.
ct mass sediment yield studies.
TION STUDIES.
mine evaporation rates.
ES.
de preliminary spillway design flood.
mine elevation versus capacity relationships.
ENVIRONMENTAL (EN)
STUDIES.
ct chemical and biological water quality
294
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 2 3 4
1 * 25 *
15 *
25 * *
130 * *
20 *
15 *
1 *
20 *
9 * * *
55 * * * 55 * * *
10 *
1 *
8 *
140 * * *
2. Reservoi
reservoi
3. Analyze
gas prod
4. Assess e
MISCELLANEOUS EC
1. Perform
2. Prepare
SOCIO~ECONOMIC I
3. Conduct
for init
4. Develop
conditio
region,
5. Forecast
6. Forecast
7. Identify
effects.
RECREATION PLAN
1. Conduct
2. Conduct
ENVIRONMENTAL (EN) (Cont.)
r temperature stratification studies and
rs water quality modeling.
spillway and outlet works for dissolved
uction. ·
rosion potential in active storage zone.
ECONOMICS (EC)
GNOMIC STUDIES.
employment benefit analysis.
flood damage prevention analysis.
t~PACT STUDIES.
preliminary socio-economic impact studies .
ial screening of alternatives.
detailed profiles of socio-economic
ns in the immediate project area, the
and the State.
future "without-project' conditions.
future "with project" conditions.
and evaluate significant socio-economic
RECREATION (R) ·
data search and evaluation.
supply and demand analysis.
3. Develop.
and rela
alternative plans for public recreation
4. Conduct
plans an
REVIEW OF PREVIO
1. Review 1
2. Update p
ted resources uses.
cost/benefit evaluation of alternative
d select final plan.
PLAN FORMULATION (PF)
US STUDIES.
976 feasibility report.
ower va 1 ues. ·
295
Cost Year
($1 ,000) 1 2 3 4
150 * *
20 *
20 *
5 * 12 * *
11 *
15 * * 15 * 20 *
6 * *
5 * 20 *
15 *
16 * *
l *
3 *
CostYear($1,000)1 234PLANFORMULATION(PF)(Cont.)TERIA.ishevaluationcriteria.5*IMINARYEVALUATION.fypossiblesolutions.8*ICPLANSOFHYDROPOWERDEVELOPMENT.ishsitelayouts.40*tmasstake-offsandprovidecostestimates.-*reregulationdamcosts.1*ppowerbenefitsand'assesseconomictiveness.10*ICATIONANDEVALUATION.reliminaryassessmentofalternatives.5'*ATIONOFALTERNATIVES.theimpactanalysisasneeded.20**OFHYDROSYSTEMOPERATIONINREGIONALLOAD.feasibilityoffutureunitsanddown-reregulation.4*thourlyloadingstudies.3*sensitivitytoloadgrowth.1*STEMSTUDIES.tsystemstudiesonalternativedevelop-20*STCALCULATION.tandcomparebenefitandcostestimates.3*POWERSTUDIES(PS)POWERSTUDIES.fyoptimumdamheights,reservoirstoragetimumpower.40*thourlysimulatedoperation.70*tedownstreamimpactswithandwithoutatingdam.40*pproductioncostmodel.48*ANALYZESPECIF5.Establ6.Conduc7.Assess8.DeveloattracEVALUATIONCRI3.EstablBENEFITANDCO15.CollecALTERNATIVESY14.Conducments.MISCELLANEOUS1.Identiandop2.Conduc3.Evaluaregula4.DeveloIMPACTIDENTIF9.MakepON-GOINGEVALU10.UpdateIDENTIFICATION11.Studystream12.Conduc13.AssessPLANSANDPREL4.Identi296
CostYearFERCLICENSE13.Prepare($1,000)1 23 4POWERMARKETSTUDIES(PM)oGROWTHANALYSIS.powermarketanalysisfromfeasibility6*ROWTHANDPOWERr1ARKETANALYSIS.socio-economicbasestudy.75*tfuturedevelopment.28*employmentandpopulationforecasts.11*eexistingandplannedpowergeneration1985.3*electricenergyusetrends.15*ITelectricitydemandforecastsbysector.50*loaddistributiondataandduration15*longtermpoweroutlookandsystem*~--ments.25e theretirementofexistingandplannedlants.14*ealternativepowersources.75=Frprojectfinancialfeasibility.30materialfordraftFERClicense.150*FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALS(FM)Y.regionalgeologystudy,faultstudy,andityevaluation.470*ING.seismicmonitoringsystem.310*seismicmonitoringsystemandanalyze225****route.18*sitegeologyandsoilsstudy.370***andtestforaccessroad.1,460***NE.route.35*sitegeologyandsoilsstudy.185* *andtest.830* *foundationandmaterialsdesign.80**REGIONALGEOLOG1.ConductseismicACCESSROAD.4.Select5.Conduct6.ExploreDETAILEDLOADG2.Prepare3.Forecas4.Prepare5.Describthrough6.Assess7.Develop8.Developcurves.9.Assessrequire10.Eva1uatpowerp11.Eva1uat12.AssessPRELIMINARYLOA1.Updatereport.TRANSMISSIONLI7.Select8.Conduct9.Explore10.ConductSEISMICMONITOR2.Insta113.Operatedata.297
CostYear.($1,000)1 2 3 4FOUNDATIONSANDMATERIALS(H~)ctsitegeologystudy.-* * *reandtestforsiteselection.210* *reforpotentialconstructionmaterialses.845* * *atesiteselectionanddam.170* *reandtestforfinaldesign.1,820* **ctgeophysicalinvestigations.93* * *rmconcretestudies.265** *rmfeaturedesignforembankmentdam,rdamsanddiversions..(F&Maspects).910***rmfeaturedesignforspillway,powerhouseut1etworks(F&Maspects).410* **SITE.ctsitegeologystudy.35**reandtestforsiteselection.650* **ateforsiteselectionanddamtype.-* * *rockmechanicsandconductin-situtesting.280* * *ctconcreteaggregatestudies.85* * *ctfieldreconnaissance.8*reandtestforsiteselectionanddam6*DESIGN(D)CREENING.preliminaryselectionofpotentialdamsites.12*ctsiteinspection.28*minetypesandheightsofdams.34*inepowerhousesizeandlocation.25*opdiversionscheme.25*opwaterpassages.40*ateprojectcosts.17*IBILITYSTUDIES(WATANAANDDEVILCANYON).damtypeandheight.90* * *spillways.68* **outletworks.66* **waterdiversionandcare.62* **powerhousesize,typeandlocation.100* * *powerintakeandconduit.200**ateselectedprojectcost.16.* *OTHERSITES.25.Condu26.Exp10type.WATANASITE.11.Condu12.Exp1013.Exp10sourc14.Eva1u15.Exp1016.Condu17.Perfo18.Perfocoffe19.Perfoand0DEVILCANYON20.Condu21.Exp1022.Eva1u23.Study24.ConduDETAILEDFEAS8.Study9.Study10.Study11.Study12.Study13.Study14.EstimPRELIMINARYS1.Make2.Condu3.Deter4.Determ5.Deve16.Deve17.Estim298
CostYear($1,000)1 2 3 4ESIGN(D)(Cont.)ATANASITE).ndheight.50* * *406** *ks.498** *rsionandcare.393* * *size,typeandlocation.200* * *keandconduit.720* * *dprojectcost.18* *udies.250* * *sionsystemstudy.36* * *ardware,andconductorstudies.55* **ontypestudies.30* *onstudies.114* *rdstudies.76**ssionfacilitiescost.18**udies.78*** *tudies.60*droutecosts.-tr._.*rvey.8*ilityanddisposalstudy.20*gcosts.8*NTCAMPFACILITIES.ements.30**and1ayouts.40**sts.10**ATIONS.nddownstreameffects.75* *studiestoconsider.4*REALESTATE(RE)MINATIONS.atefieldinvestigations.7**legaldeterminations.33*OTHERHYDRAULICCONSIDER38.Studyupstreama39.DeterminemodelACCES,SROADS.29.Conductroutest~O.Conductbridges31.EstimateselecteCONSTRUCTIONANDPERMANE35.Determinerequir36.Studylocations37.EstimatecampcoRESERVOIRCLEARING.32.Conductfieldsu33.Conductmarketab34.EstimateclearinINVESTIGATIONSANDDETER1.Conductrealest2.MakerealestateoDETAILEDDAMANALYSIS(W15.Studydamtypea16.Studyspillways.17.Studyoutletwor18.Studywaterdive19.Studypowerhouse20.Studypowerinta21.EstimateselecteTRANSMISSIONFACILITIES.22.Conductroutest23.Conducttransmis24.Conducttower,h25.Conductfoundati26.Conductsubstati27.Conductswitchya28.Estimatetransmi299
CostYear($1,000)1 23 4REALESTATE(RE)(Cont.)RIGHTSOFENTP.Y.3.Obtainrightsofentryforsurveyandexplorationatdamsites.2*4.Obtainrightsofentryforsurveyandexplorationalongaccessroad.6*5.Obtainrightsofentryforsurveyandexplorationalongtransmissioncorridor.11*CULTURALRESOURCES* * *100ARCHEOLOGICAL1.Conductanarcheologicalreconnaissance.------.....:-:::.-=----I-I--+____/_HISTORICAL2.Locate,map,anddescribeallsignificanthistoricpropertieswithinareasofprojectimpact.1:..:;0:___1_*--1-*+-*+-1-FIELDCAMP(FC)FIELDCAr~p1.Design,construct,andoperatefieldcamp.~1~,~50~0:___+*--l-*1-*+*-+*125AIRFIELD2.Designandconstructairstrip.-----------.:..:::.:.:.---+-1-+-+-+BIOLOGICALSTUDIES(B)VEGETATIVECOVER.1.Obtainnecessaryaircraft/satelliteimageryandutilizemanualinterpretivetechniquesandautomaticdataprocessingtechniquestotypevegetationwithinareasofprojectimpact.~15~8~_I_*__I_*+-+-1STUDIESOFAQUATICANIMALANDPLANTLIFE.2.Identifyanddetermineprojectimpactsonsignificantinvertebratespecies.~1~2~7_1-*+__*t-4--1ANADROMOUSFISHERYSTUDIES.3.Determinerelativeabundance,distribution,migra-tionalcharacteristics,andhabitatrequirementsofanadromousfishwithinimpactedareas,andlocateanddefinetheseasonalfreshwaterhabitatrequire-mentsimportanttothesuccessfulmigration,spawn-ing,incubation,andrearingofthesespecies.~1~,0~6~1-_+_+--*~*_+_*~4.Determineprojecteffectsonanadromousfish.83*300
CostYear($1,000)12 34BIOLOGICALSTUDIES(B)(Cont.)UDIES.erelativeabundance,distribution,andhabitatentsofresidentfishwithinimpactedareas,tehabitatcriticaltosuccessfulspawningandofthesespecies.778** *eprojecteffectsonresidentfish.83*S.andassesseffectsofalteredoutflowoftnaRiverupontheestuarineareainupperetestuary.232* *andmapmoosehabitatwithinimpactedocatecriticalhabitat,determinehabitatnandcarryingcapacity,andidentifywaternsassociatedwithmoosehabitat.400** *moosesubpopulationsanddeterminethedistribution,movementpatterns,sizedofthosesubpopulationswithinareasctimpact,anddeterminethetimingandfsubpopulationdependencyonimpacted*624**eimpactofprojectuponmoose*andpopulations.42andmapcaribouhabitatassociatedwithetransmissioncorridorsandareassub-impoundmentanddeterminetheseasonalndmigrationroutesofcaribouwithontraditionalmigrationrouteswithtotheproposedimpoundmentareas.126* *~eprojectimpactsuponNelchinaherd.15*MAMMALS.Ythenumber,size,territory,andsentialactivityareasanddetermineuateprobableprojectimpactsonwolfichinhabitareasthatwillbedirectlybytheproject.76*!**MOOSESTUDIES.8.Identifyareas,1conditioconditio9.Identifyseasonalandtrenofprojedegree0habitat.10.DeterminhabitatRESIDENTFISHST5.Determinrequiremandlocarearing6.DeterminESTUARINESTUDIE7.IdentifytheSusiCookInlCARIBOUSTUDIES.11.Identifyalternatjecttorangesaemphasisrespect12.DetermincaribouSTUDIESOFOTHER13.Inventorotheresandeva1packswhimpacted301
CostYear($1,000)1 23 4BIOLOGICALSTUDIES(B)(Cont.)RMAMMALS.teblackandbrown/grizzlYbeartionsanddistributionintheprojectareaanddetermineandevaluateleprojectimpacts.49* **inethegeneralabundanceanddistributionverinesintheprojectimpactareaandineandevaluateprobableprojectimpacts.32* **inetherelativeabundanceofDallinhabitingmountainsadjacenttothetimpactareaanddelineateseasonal.Determineandevaluateprobabletimpacts.6* * *inetherelativeabundanceanddistri-offurbearer,smallgame,nongame:rdspeciesintheproposedimpoundmentanddetermineandevaluateprobabletimpacts.20* *ANDENDANGEREDSPECIES.inewhetheranyrareandendangeredspeciesnts,fish,birds,mammals,orotherwild-representintheprojectarea,andevaluatesoftheproposedactiononthesespecies.29**TOECONOMICVALUEOFFISHANDWILDLIFE.ineannualharvestratesofspecieshandwildlifeutilizedforcommercialcreationalpurposes,andestimatechangesedasaresultoftheproject.Determineanceofimpactedspeciestoregionalpopu-s.172* **fyanddisplaydamagestofishandwildlifeetarytermsanddeterminemeasuresrequireduceoroffsetdamagesortoenhanceexist-bitat.100*GYALTERNATIVES.fyanddescribeenvironmentalcomponentspactsrelatedtoeachalternativeidenti-s apossiblesolutiontoelectricalenergy50*IMPACTSOFENER21.Identiandimfiedaneeds.STUDIESOFRARE18.Determofpla1ifeaimpactSTUDIESRELATED19.Determoffisandreexpectimportlation20.IdentiinmontoredinghaSTUDIESOFOTHE14.Estimapopulaimpactprobab15.Determofwoldeterm16.Determsheepprojecrangesprojec17.Determbutionandbiareasprojec302
CostYear($1,000)1 2 3 4IEWS,ANDPUBLICPARTICIPATION(RRP)EMENT.ialpublicmeetingwithsupportingvementactivities.15*.iminaryhydrologystudiesreport.3*iminarysiteselectionreport.3*iminaryenvironmentalstudiesreport.3I'*'iminarymarketabilityanalysis.3*submitdraftplanformulationreport.6*ndpublicmeeting.15* *0109Yappendix.14*rStudiesappendix.14*Selectionappendix.14* *Formulationappendix.14*smissionFacilitiesappendix.14*ssappendix.10*dationandMaterialsappendix.14*Estateappendix.40**gnandCostEstimateappendix.20*etingAnalysisappendix.7* *ronmentalStudiesappendix.14*eationappendix.14*uralResourcesappendix.14**submitdraftprojectanalysis.50*submitsupplementalEIS.26*submitProjectFeasibilityAnalysis,21*lHJS.1Review.45*submitrevisedProjectFeasibilityort.40*submitrevisedSupplementalEIS.67*REPORTS,REVINITIALPUBLICINVOLV1.Conductinitpub1icinv01REPORTPREPARATION.8.PrepareHydr9.PreparePowe10.PrepareSite11.PreparePlan12,.PrepareTran13.PrepareAccela.PrepareFoun15.PrepareReal16.PrepareDesi17.PrepareMark18.PrepareEnvi19.PrepareRecr20.PrepareCult21.Prepareand22.Prepareand23.Prepareandr·1ainReport.PRELIMINARYSCREENING2.Prepareprel3.Prepareprel4.Prepareprel5.Prepareprel6.Prepareand7.ConductsecoFINALREPORTSANDREV24.ConductFina25.PrepareandAnalysisRep26.Prepareand303
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SOUTH:ENTRAL RAILBEL T AREA, ALASKA
PROGRAM NETWORK 6
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS