HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA3284dDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ALASKA DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 7002
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99510
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
NPAEN-PR
Commissioner H. Phillip Hubbard
Commerce and Economic Development
Pouch D
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Dear Commissioner Hubbard:
~8 Sentember 1977
I am pleased to transmit the 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 defines
the activities necessary to determine the feasibility and desirability of
constructing hydroelectric povJer projects in the Upper Susitna River Basin.
Provided are a description of activities to be accomplished, estimates of
cost for completing the activities, and a preliminary schedule that indi-
cates the interdependencies among the activities. The plan of study con-
cludes that the estimated cost of the project feasibility studies is $23.4
million and, with several months advance notification and timely funding,
would require slightly less than 4 years to complete. The studies will
insure optimal basin and system generation planning, along with a reason-
ably accurate cost estimate for the first phase of basin development.
These studies will represent approximately 25 percent of the total engi-
neer·ing and design effort envisioned for a two-dam complex.
The project feasibility analysis program has been developed after careful
consideration of the comments received during the preauthorization planning
effort. The suggestions offered by the Governor's Devil Canyon Task Force
have been given special attention, and I feel that the program responds
well to the Task Force's recommendations.
Sincerely,
~~
Co nel, Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
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PLAN OF STUDY
for
SUS.ITNA HYDROPOWER
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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PREPARED FOR · THE STATE OF ALASKA
BY
ALASKA DISTRICT
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
SEPTEMBER 1977
· ARLIS
Alaska Resources Libratv & Information Services
Ubrary 13uiluing. SJJitc .Ill
3211 Providence Drive
Anchomgc, AK 99508-l614
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. Each of these agencies contributed
valuable input in their respective fields of expertise.
Also, the numerous comments offered by agencies, groups,
and individuals during previous feasibility studies of
hydroelectric development on the Susitna River were help-
ful in formulating this program of additional study.
EXECUTIVE SUMr~ARY
PURPOSE
AUTHORITY
PROBLEMS AND NEEDS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Topography 17
Climate 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
1
4
5
7
9
17
23
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND COORDINATION 28
Summary of Previous Public Involvement 28
Interagency Coordination 29
PROGRAM SUMMARY 31
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 44
Survey 45
Hydrology 55
Economics 87
Recreation 97
Plan Formulation 103
Power Studies 121
Power Market Studies 127
Foundations and Materials 143
Design 171
Real Estate 213
Cultural Resources 219
Field Camp 223
Biological Studies 227
Reports, Reviews, and Public Participation 251
AVAILABLE DATA 279
GLOSSARY 283
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure
l. Upper Susitna River Basin, Devi l 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 32
7. Project Feasibility Analysis Program Summary 35
8. Project Feasibility Analysis Accumulated Cost Schedule 43
9. Tabulation of Program Activities According to Cost and
Year of Accomplishment 287
10. Program Network and Activity Schedule 298
i i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This plan of study (POS) prepared by the Alaska District Corps of
Engineers for the State of Alaska presents a program of activities for
project feasibility analysis of hydropower development in the Upper
Susitna River Basin. It provides a description of each activity along
with a cost estimate for its completion. The POS fulfills a Federal
planning requirement while also providing the State of Alaska an over-
view of the planning activities associated with a large scale water
resource project. The authority for proceeding with this joint State-
Federal planning program is contained in Section 203 of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1976 enacted by the 94th Congress. Funding
for preparation of the POS was provided by the State of Alaska on
30 June 1977.
Existing electrical generation within the study area is produced almost
exclusively by fossil fuel thermal resources. However, as these
resources become more scarce, and perhaps very expensive, and as the
energy demand increases to a projected 15 billion kilowatt hours by
the year 2000, the advantage of non-cost-inflating, renewable energy,
such as hydropower, becomes apparent. A feasibility report completed
by the Corps of Engineers in 1976 outlined a number of alternative
plans for developing the hydropower potential of the Upper Susitna
Basin and identified the most economical plan, consisting of a system
of two dams--a 635-foot-high concrete thin arch dam at Devil Canyon
and an 810-foot-high earthfill dam at Watana, with 365 miles of trans-
mission line. This system is capable of developing 6.1 billion kilowatt
hours of firm annual energy, roughly triple the energy consumed in
Anchorage and Fairbanks in 1974. While the 1976 feasibility report
provided sufficient data to support the need and economic feasibility
of a plan to develop the hydroelectric potential of the Upper Susitna
Basin, it was recognized that additional field data and more detailed
studies would be required. The POS outlines the additional studies
required to determine the most cost-effective plan, and its environ-
mental impacts.
The activities outlined in the POS have a total estimated cost of
$23.4 million over a time frame of 46 months. The schedule is based
on early notification of program initiation and timely receipt of
study funds to allow mobilization for field explorations prior to
the summer season and arrangements for access. to the sites. A cri-
tical path method network (CPM) shows the interrelationship of some
201 activities and indicates those activities and timing most critical
for completion of the project feasibility analysts. Early acquisition
of field data about foundation conditions, stream flows, and topographic
surveys during the short summer months is very important.
Study management of physical and fiscal progress must be rigorously
maintained throughout the 46-month pertod. Periodic progress reports
and a report of expenditures would be provided the State of Alaska for
their information and review. The project fea.sibility analysis activi-
ties have been programmed through three progressive steps: (1) pre-
liminary screening, (2) detailed feasibility studtes, and (3) detailed
design studies for Watana, access road, and transmission system.
Preliminary Screening: In step 1 of the study, a number of potential
damsites and combinations of different dams and heights would be.
evaluated to identify the most economical and environmentally accept-
able plan based on a preliminary calculation of benefits and costs.
During this study phase, the best plan identified in the 1976 feasibil-
ity report, Watana constructed initially followed by construction of
Devil Canyon, would be reexamined. This first step is estimated to
cost $4.6 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 scheduled concurrently with the preliminary
study phase and these costs are included in · the subtotal of $4.6
million. Results of the preliminary phase will provide the first
important decision point as to whether the study should continue into
the second step of detailed feasibility studies.
Detailed Feasibility Studies: Detailed studies would be concentrated
on the best plan identified in the preliminary screening. Costs and
benefits would be refined using more accurate data obtained from ongoing
field work. This second step is estimated to cost $15.2 million and be
completed in 25 months after completion of the initial step. As in-
dicated above, additional field work would continue during this phase
of the study and these costs have been included in the subtotal of $15.2
million. Also included are concurrent activities required for detailed
design studies. Completion of the detailed feasibility report will
provide a firm basis for recorranending for or aga -inst construction of
the project, whether Federally funded, State supported under Section
203, or totally financed by the State of Alaska.
Detailed Design Studies: Assuming a favorable showing of feasibility
in step 2, the last step would be detailed design of any dams, power-
houses, access roads, and some 365 miles of double circuit transmission
lines and substations to deliver power to the Anchorage and Fairbanks
2
load centers. A detailed and accurate cost estimate for construction
of the initial element in a dam system will be provided to enab l e a
decision on funding and initiation of construction. The third step is
estimated to cost $3.6 million and be completed in an additional time
frame of 14 months after completion of step 2.
The above estimates of cost and time for completion of the th r ee steps
are based on the findings and recommendations contained in the 1976
feasibility report, and envision a continuation of that planning study
leading to the ultimate construction of the project.
At the end of any of the three program steps, Susitna hydroelectric
development could be determined to lack economic or environmenta l justi-
fication. Such a conclusion would result in the termination of the
planning program and in Federal assumption of responsibility for expended
funds. Otherwise, the study costs would be borne by the State of Alaska.
Assuming a favorable recommendation, detailed plans and specifications
for the first construction contract could be undertaken immediately
thereafter.
3
PURPOSE
The function of the plan of study is to deli'neate the engineering,
economic, social, and environmental studies associated with planning
for the Upper Susitna River Basin hydroelectric project, as a prelude
to State participation under Section 203 of the 1976 Water Resources
Development Act. The study will provi·de a description of activities
to be performed, an estimate of cost and time for accomplishment of
these activities, an indication of the activity interdependence, and
a schedule of program activities that can serve as a management tool
during the study effort. Should the State of Alaska desire to work
toward development of the Upper Susitna Basin outside the provisions
of the 1976 Water Resource Development Act, the plan of study will
serve as a guide in assessing other proposals for analyzing the
economic feasibility and environmental impact of the project.
4
AUTHORITY
The Corps of Engineers is participating in accordance with a Memorandum
of Understanding, dated 30 June 1977, between the United States of
America and the State of Alaska for preparation of a "Study Outline,
Susitna Project." The memorandum directs that,
"The Secretary of the Army, acting through the District
Engineer, Alaska, shall prepare a study outline for the
Susitna Project for the purpose of detailing the Scope
of Work required to provide engineering, environmental,
economical, and social information relating to the
subject project under the provisions of Title 3, Public
Law 90-577, 16 October 1968, the Intergovernmental
Cooperation Act of 1968."
Studies considered in the Plan of Study were authorized by Public
Law 94-587, entitled "Water Resources Development Act of 1976" enacted
by the 94th Congress on 22 October 1976.
The authorizing legislation provided for two options for the conduct
of Phase I studies. Section 160 states that,
"The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of
Engineers, is authorized to undertake the Phase I design
memorandum stage of advanced engineering and design of
the project for hydroelectric power on the Susitna River,
Alaska, in accordance with the recommendations of the
Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors in its report
dated June 24, 1976, at an estimated cost $25,000,000.
This shall take effect upon submittal to the Secretary
of the Army by the Chief of Engineers and notification
to Congress of the approval of the Chief of Engineers."
The possibility for State of Alaska funding of Phase I studies is
provided for by Section 203(e) which states,
"The Secretary is authorized to make expenditures from
the [Alaska Hydroelectric Development Fund] for the
Phase I design memorandum stage of advanced engineering
5
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 also authorized to make
expenditures from non-Federal funds deposited in the
fund as an advance against construction 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 electric power in the Southcentral Railbelt area
is derived from fossil fuel thermal and turbine generation. The
Anchorage-Cook Inlet area had a total installed capacity of 414.8 mega-
watts (MW) in 1974. Natural gas fired turbines were the predominant
energy source with 341.7 MW of installed capacity. Hydroelectric
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 remaining
13.5 MW.
The Fairbanks-Tanana Valley area utilities had a total installed capa-
city of 127.7 MW in 1974. Steam turbines provided the largest block
of power, with capacity of 53.5 MW. Oil-fired gas turbine generation
provided 42.1 MW of power, and diesel generators contributed 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)
1974
451
2,032
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 Works resolution which authorized
the feasibility study, other problems and needs have also been iden-
tified. These include the need to preserve natural areas, to conserve
or enhance fish and wildlife resources, to respond to problems of flood
damage and air pollution, to expand recreation opportunities, 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 d12sire for preservation of what could be termed the "Alaskan
way of life," 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 consist 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 el~ctrical 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 structures would be situated to allow a maximum power pool
drawdown of 175 feet, but when operated in conjunction with the upstream
Watana reservoir, Devil Canyon ann.ual 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
_r-I"o$7...·~..·~.,1J,~:i.\,.FIGURE1.ERTSsatellitephotographoftheUpperSusitnaRiverwiththegenerallocationoftheDevilCanyonandWatanaPro-jectsshowninthecircles.DevilCanyonproject,ontheleft,isroughly65milesupstreamfromTalkeetna,andWatanais32milesaboveDevilCanyon.ShownintheupperrightcornerofthephotoaretheglaciersoftheAlaskaRange,whichprovidemuchoftheflowforSusiunaRiver.10
2200
WATA NA.
Distonces ref er to milts ob ov e mout h.
El evo tions ref er to mean sea l .... el .
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE
RIVER MILE S 120-290
/\ (
BAS IN BOUNDARY j \../(;r' ~
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RECOMMENDED
/"" A DAM AND RESERVOIR AT
/ WATANA DAMSI T E WITH
/ TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.
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A DAM AND RESERVOIR AT
DEVIL CANYON DAMSITE .
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Watana Access Road
( Propose d )
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LEGEND
~RESERVOIR
~ ACCESS ROAD
TRANSMISSION ROUTE
SOUTHCENTRAL RAILBELT AREA, ALASKA
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN
RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENT
Lake Louise Roa d
! ,, "'"' ""~l ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENSINEERS
ANCHOR AGE, A LA S KA
FI GURE 2
NOTES :
1. TOPOG RAPHIC CO NTOURS WER E T AK EN F ROM
U. S.G.S. TOPOGRAPHY SCALE I : 63,360,
TALK EE TN A MOUNTAINS ID -41, ALASKA .
VERTICAL DATU M IS MEAN SE A L EVEL I M.S.L .I.
2. THERE ARE NO KNO WN E XI STIN G I M PROV E ME NTS
ON THIS PLAT E.
,3 00
MAX. PO"':! EL . 2200 I POWER I
PLAN T 3
2,200
UNITS\ rHIGH L EVEL OUT LET -
SPILLW AY CR EST ~ ~ ~ f-SPIL L" A,'( OI SC.H .GI
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I lL LOW LEV L OUTLET ~1-'"~ ... ~ .(M IN LEV OU L'!. POO L
POWER
POOL
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I WATANA PROJECT
DISCHARGE CAPABILITY
DURING EMER GE NC Y1
I MIN . REQ .ELEV. ELI780 DRAW DOWN . J;
I EMERrNCY DRAr)()WN ALL GrES 7LL OlEN
20,000 40,000 60,000 8 0,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000
Q IN C F S
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LINED TUNNELJ'o'•O,OI ; r
10,000 20,000 30,000 4 0,000 50,000 60,000 70,000
RAILBELT AREA , ALASKA
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN
WATANA DAM
DETAIL PLAN
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
ANCH ORAGE, ALASK A
FIGU RE 3
776 MW POWER
PLANT CHAMBER
NOTES =
TOPOGRAPHY WAS COMPIL ED FROM AERIAL
PHOTOGRAPH Y WITH GROUN D CONTROL .
VERTICAL DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL, (m.s.l.l.
2 . EXIS TING IM PROVEMENTS WERE CONSTRU CTED
TO OB TA IN INFORMATION AND DATA FOR
EARLIER STUDIES .
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9 0 SPILLWAY RAT ING
FLOW IN CFS
89
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DEVIL CANYON 26' 0
DIVERSION TUNNEL
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DISCHARGE IN CFS
LOW L EVEL OUTLETS RATING
DEVIL CANYON RATING
CURVES
SOUTHCENTRAL RAILBELT AREA, ALASKA
RIVER BASIN
DAM
UPPER SUSITNA
DEVIL CANYON
DETAIL PLAN
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
FIGURE 4
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
TOPOGRAPHY
The Upper Susitna River Basin contains several topographic features
which provide a conglomerate stream flow heavi'ly influenced by specific
meteorological events. The basin was shaped by volcanism, diastrophism,
glacial erosion, and marine deposition. The basin, as shown in Figure
1, is a fan-shaped area comprising about 6,160 square miles and is
bordered by the Alaska Range to the north, the Talkeetna Mountains to
the southeast, and flat, low-relief areas to the southwest.
Most of the basin has a well-defined branching stream pattern with a
main channel emanating from glacial headwaters in the extreme northern
segment of the divide. Below the glaciers, the braided stream traverses
a high plateau composed of aggraded alluvial sediment, and then meanders
several miles south to the confluence of the Oshetna River. It then
takes a sharp turn to the west and flows through a steeply cut, degrad-
ing~hannel until it exits the basin at Gold Creek. The contributing
glacial area comprises only 4 percent of the entire basin, but summer
glacial melt provides a considerable portion of the total streamflow.
By contrast, the flat, glacially carved Lake Louise area in the south-
eastern portion of the basin provides comparatively little flow from
its 700-square-mile area. ·
The mountains within the basin reflect the influence of the Pleis-
tocence Ice Age, during which glacial advancement over the topography
planed the mountains and gave the basin surface a rounded and smoothed
appearance. The highest elevation within the basin is 13,326 feet,
and the lowest elevation is 740 feet. The basin relief implies a steep
channel slope; however, variability of the slope compared to other
mountain streams is somewhat reversed. The aggraded channel in the
upper reaches of the basin has channel slopes in the range of only 4
to 7 feet per mile, while the lower basin channel drops as much as
37 feet per mile.
Main tributaries to the Susitna River have an even higher range of
channel slopes. The deeply incised river channel below the Tyone River
contrasts with the many traditional Alaskan U-shaped valleys, remnants
17
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 Railbelt area, the climate falls into
three categories: (1) a zone dominated almost entirely by maritime
influence~, (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 Basi.n, 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
The flow regime of the Susitna River is seasonal, with more than half
of the yearly streamflow occurring from May through September. Summer
streamflow consists mainly of snow and glacial melt combined with sur-
face runoff from rainfall. Winter flows are restricted almost entirely
to groundwater inflow. Primary water sources for the Maclaren and
East and West Fork Susitna Rivers are the numerous glaciers which rim
the northern basin divide in the Alaska Range.
The Tyone River contribution is mostly reservoir outflow from the
multitude of lakes located within its subbasin. Winter flows begin in
early November and are composed of baseflow from subsurface storage.
When breakup nears in March and April, subsurface storage is depleted
to the extent that many small tributaries cease flowing, and the Susitna
River flow shrinks to its seasonal minimum. Following breakup, flows
increase rapidly with the onset of spring snowmelt. As summer tem-
peratures increase, glacial flow accentuated by rainfall runoff becomes
the predominant river source. The cycle repeats itself with winter
freezeup.
The variability of streamflow within the basin is extreme. The follow-
ing table represents ave~age annual streamflow conditions for portions
of the basin above the Gold Creek gaging station.
Flow Variations in Upper Susitna River Basin
Gaging Station
Maclaren River near Paxson
Susitna River near Denali
Susitna River near Cantwell
Susitna River at Gold Creek
Drainage
Area (Sq Mi)
280
950
4,140
6,160
Percent of Percent of
Gold Creek Gold Creek
Drainage Area Streamflow
4.5
15.4
67.2
100.0
10.0
27.6
64.8
100.0
Nearly 38 percent of the Gold Creek streamflow originates from 20
percent of the area. This large percentage of streamflow is contri-
buted by glaciers in the upper portion of the basin and by high pre-
cipitation runoff rates which result from impervious glaciers. In
addition, it is suspected that the mountains form a geographic con-
straint, which causes excessive precipitation in this area in relation
to the remainder of the basin.
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 history. It has undergone
subsidence, marine deposition, volcanic intrusion, mountain building,
glacial planing, anq 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. r~ate
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, the Susitna Fault lies approximately 2.5 miles west of the
proposed Watana Dam. Large, prominent lineaments pass. through the
region trending northeast-southwest, and the river valley is con-
trolled by many of these features.
SEISMOLOGY
Since it is located in an area of major faults, it is to be expected
that the Upper Susitna Basin would lie in a zone of major seismic
activity. During the period of record, through the end of 1970, 262
earthquakes had been recorded within a radius of 150 miles of the
proposed Devil Canyon site (Kachadoorian 1974). Of these, 229 had a
magnitude on the Richter scale of less than 5.3, while 20 were between
5.3 and 7.0, eleven were between 7.0 and 7.75, and two were greater
than 7.75. An evaluation of the potential exposure of the Upper
Susitna damsites to seismic activity was made by the Bureau of Recla-
mation. In view of the recent advances in seismic technology, faults
capable of influencing major design features will be reevaluated for
their potential Maximum Credible Earthquake.
VEGETATION
Most of the Upper Susitna River Basin is classified as moist or alpine
tundra although the area adjacent to the main river channel below the
Maclaren River is classified as either upland or lowland spruce-hard-
wood forest. Major timber species of the canyon slopes and surrounding
benchlands are birch, balsam poplar, black cottonwood, white spruce,
and black spruce. Overall, timber is of poor ~uality, varying widely
in size, but mostly small and of little or no commercial value. Two
distinctly different plant communities occupy portions of the alternate
transmission corridors. Bottomland spruce-poplar is confined to the
broad flood plains, river terraces, and warm slopes of major rivers.
Throughout the lowlands, another distinct vegetation type is low brush-
bog/muskeg. Common plants include tamarack, black spruce, alder,
willow, and various berries.
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
are unable to ascend the turbulent Devil Canyon, and thus, are prevented
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 condi~ions 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, water quality,
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 Selectfoh Appehdix 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 provtdes 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 Aependix. Vertical and
horizontal alignments will be shown, and thew 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 gu~lity
of the dam foundation and the extent and type of foundation treatment
required for design. Loca.tion and qualit.y of embankment materials
will be shown and test results outltned with parti·cular emphasis on
strength of materials under high confining pressures and dynamic
cyclic loading. Special emphasi's 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 dynamtc sotls response analysis
for the emba.nkment.
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 wil1 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 qocument 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 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.
The Cultural Reso~rces Appendix 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.
25
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
Preceeding these final documents will be four preliminary appendices
covering hydrology, marketability, site selection, and environmental
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
p
L
A
N
N
I
N
G
s
T
A
G
E
FIGURE 5: PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS DOCUMENT SEQUENCE
Development and Screening
of Alternatives
Selection of Most
Promising Plans
Refinement of Selected
Plan and Final Review
Completion
PRELIMINARY
r--
r--
REPORTS r--
-
HYDROLOGY
I POWER STUDIES
I MARKET ANALYSIS
I SITE SELECTION
I ENVIRONMENT
DRAFT
PLAN FORMULATION
REPORT
r-
DRAFT r--
DOCUMENTS
MAIN REPORT
I DRAFT EIS
I APPENDICES
-PROJECT r--
FEASIBIL tTY -ANALYSIS -
1--
MAIN REPORT
I EIS
I HYDROLOGY
I DESIGN & COST
I TRANSMISSION
I ETC.
27
0 u
T p
u
T
D
0 c u
M
E
N
T s
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
AND 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
Susitna project.
SUHMARY OF PREVIOUS PUBLIC INVOLVH1ENT
In conjunction with the 1976 Corps of Engineers feasibility study,
numerous comments were received at public meetings and during formal
review periods provided for written comments on the report findings
and recommendations. 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
forconstruction. The activities outlined in this plan of study reflect
public comments and concerns expressed on the 1976 feasibility report.
Comments of Governor Hammond expressed in his letter of November 17,
1976, to the Chief of Engineers are quoted as follows:
11 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.
28
'
11 The information obtained from the District Engineer
concerning studies proposed in the next stage coincides
well with the environmental, socio-economi~ and technical
studies identified by the State Task Force during review
of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. As these
detailed studies are addressed, coordination should be
maintained with the State•s designee to assure that
assessments are answering those points raised in the
task force report and to insure that the information
developed will be adequate on which to base future
State recommendations ...
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION
Coordination will be carried out on a continuing basis with Federal,
State, and local agencies having interest in the study. Should the
planning for Susitna hydropower proceed in the joint State-Federal
mode, an extremely close working relationship is envisioned between
the Corps of Engineers and the State of Alaska. To ease the coordi-
nation problems inherent in a planning program of this magnitude, a
single point of contact should be establi~hed for the State and a
single point for the Corps of Engineers. Presumably these would be
the Division of Energy and Power Development or the Alaska Power
Authority on the one hand, and the Alaska District on the other. The
designated State agency could coordinate State reviews of study progress,
and formulate agency feedback into a consolidated State position. The
Alaska District would be responsible for and would coordinate all
study activities, thus serving as the point of interface between the
State and those engaged in accomplishing the project feasibility
analysis. Included in this group would be various Corps of Engineers
elements, other Federal agencies, private consultants, and State
agencies, such as the Department of Fish and Game, that will provide
special technical services.
In addition to the ongoing coordination with agencies at all levels of
government, there will be an opportunity for formal review and comment
after distribution of the draft Project Feasibility Analysis Report
and accompanying draft supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
The substance of all comments received will be incorporated in the
final impact statement supplement.
29
PROGRAM SUMMARY
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 evolves and new
information becomes available the program must be flexible enough to
allow changes in the study direction. The present work program has
been based on certain specific assumptions, but the planning process
will be capable of responding to what is 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, will 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 analysis. ·
An important part of the planning will be the early screening of energy
alternatives to validate the choice of Susitna hydro as the most favor-
able alternative for the Railbelt Area. Although the results of this
screening are expected to generally conform to the earlier feasibility
study, the outcome is not guaranteed. For the purpose of outlining a
planning program, it has nonetheless been assumed that further analysis
will show hydroelectric development on the Susitna River to be the most
favorable course to pursue. Further, it has been assumed for the
purpose of detailing the planning program that the two-dam scheme of
Watana and Devil Canyon will 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 the
scope of the program outlined for the two-dam scheme is representative
of the effort that can be anticipated. The cost associated with
foundations and materials 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 available within the Upper
Susitna River Basi.n, 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. ~lithtn the past two deca.des the Bureau of Recla-
mation has conducted a reconnaissance-level 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 ustng c6nventional
aerial photography and ERTS imagery , and an environmental and esthetic
assessment of the entire basin. Streamflow and sediment transport 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. Weather Service.
Also, preliminary wildlife inventories were provided through U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service. This data, a l ong with economic evaluations by
the Corps of Engineer·s 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 conducted by the Corps of Engineers. During that study a number
of alternative basin developments were analyzed, with the conclusion
that the best plan of development would cons.ist 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-art of 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 Feasibility Analysis,
therefore, it is anticipated that at least the Denali damsite would be
definitively eliminated from consideration for development. Consequently,
the only viable damsites available 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 have been 6 sites identified for possible development.
They are: Olson, Devil Canyon, Susitna I, Watana, Susitna III, 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, of course, on the height
of ~ach dam in relation to the others. Combinations of dams which
hav:e been identified for possibile development, irrespective of eco-
nomic or environmental feasibility, are: (1) Devil Canyon and Hatana;
(2) Devil Canyon, Watana, and Vee; (3) Olson, Susitna I, and Susitna
III or Vee depending on the availability of a damsite at Susitna III;
32
w w
EXPLANATION
POTENTIAL RESERVOIRS
POTENTIAL POWER PLANTS
4-------~r-------~eoo
s u
r=i----~J(t~l2100
TYONE RIVER
r=<=1[. ...
I MACLAREN RIVER
~------~r-------~--~2000
RIVER PROFILE
SHOWING
POTENTIAL ~----~~oo~------~~2~o------~,4~0~----~,~~o~----~~~g
RESERVOIRS AND HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
ALL DISTANCES SHOWN ARE IN MILES FROM THE
MOUTH AT COOK INLET.
ALL ELEVATION ARE IN FEET AND REFER TO
MEAN SE.A LEVEL DATUM. SOUTHCENTRAL RAILBELT
AREA, ALASKA
ALASKA DISTRICT,
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Fl R 6
(4) Olson, Susitna I, and Watana; and (5) Olson, Devil Canyon, and
Watana. Early reconnaissance studies may indicate other sites within
the basin that could lead to additional plans of development which
should be studied. However, by realizing that the firm energy which
can be obtained from a water resource is essentially a function of
streamflow and cumulative dam heights, it is obvious that the five
plans mentioned above offer a comprehensive range of alternatives
from which to choose, since each plan essentially makes maximum use
of the available fall of the river. ·
Selection of the best plan will require an assessment of all variables
associated with each aiternative. Power factors will entail develop-
ment of the maximum dam heights consistent with the local topography
and of sufficient reservoir storage to augment the normal low winter
flow to meet peak power demands. Alternative plans will be screened
for economic feasibility. Finally, each scheme of development will be
evaluated for environmental impact and for the need for measures to
preserve or enhance the environment.
The previous Corps report indicated that the cost of constructing the
Devil Canyon and Watana two-dam complex including access road and trans-
mission lines to Anchorage and Fairbanks would be $1.5 billion, based
on a January 1975 price index. Obviously, delay of project development
will result in an increase in total costs as inflation continues. In
·fact, in September 1977 dollars, the cost of constructing the project
is already $2.1 billion. Included in this amount are funds for Engi-
neering and Design (E&D) of the project and ultimately Supervision and
Administration (S&A) of construction. Historically, E&D and S&A costs
as a percentage of total construction costs have varied with the mag-
nitude of the project. A relatively small project might require E&D
costs as high as 12 percent of the construction costs while a large
project would only require 5 percent for E&D. If it is assumed that
E&D for the Susitna project is approximately 5 percent, then this
would represent $100 million at present-day price levels. Allowing
for price adjustments, E&D charges will cover costs incurred from the
start of Project Feasibility Analysis through final engineering and
design of the completed project. The greater the expenditure during
Project Feasibility Analysis, a part of the design effort, the less
will be required during the later design phases. Naturally tbe reverse
is true as well. The costs identified for the Project Feasibility
Analysis represent approximately 25 percent of the total E&D
efforts anticipated.
The overall program for developing the Susitna River can be broken down
into three major categories, which are summarized in Figure 7. These
categories include the preauthorization feasibility analysis, postau-
thorization project feasibility analysis (highlighted in yellow), and
34
~--------------~B~A~S~E ~LI ~N~E~DA~J~A~A~C~Q~U~IS~IT~IO~N~----------------~----~~---------------------------B_A_SE_L_IN_E __ D_A_T_A __ A_C_Q_U_IS_IT_IO_N ____________________________ ~~-~~~C~O:N~T=IN=U-~E=D==D=AT=A=A=C-Q __ U_IS=IT=IO=N~~-
ENVIRONMENTAl IMPACT STATEMENT
PREAUTHORIZATION
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
STATE
CONGRESSIONAL
DELIBERATION
OF ALASKA
FUNDS PlAN
OF STUDY
REVIEW
CHIEF
OF ENGINEERS
-..._
!'RECONSTRUCTION
STUDIES
l AUTHORIZED
UNDER SECTIONS I
160 AND 203
RECOMMENDS )
PRECONSTRUCTION
STUDIES
-
PRELIMINARY
SCREENING
(STEP 1)
ARE
DETAilED
STUDIES
DETA ILED FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
(STEP 2) _._
SHOUlD
PROJECT BE
CONSTRUCTED
?
-
DETAILED DESIGN
I
1----FO_R~IN_IT_IA_L~P _H _A _SE __ --++--- _ CONTINUED DETAILED DESIGN ____ •
(STEP 3)
WARRANTED WHAT
? IS THE COST
[ Of INITIAl
PHASE
~==============~J PREAUTHORIZ AT ION STUDIEs:== l==:::::::j
I I
? ~ ~:N~~~~~~~~~~~I PROJECT FEA~~UTY ANA~SIS ~~------------------------------~----------~' AD~TIONAL DESIGN 1~------·-~
nsTUDY l J I AND CONSTRUCTION I
COLORS CORRESPOND TO TYPE ACTIVITY:
FIELD WORK (SURVEY, EXPLORATION, BICtOGICAL STUDIES, SEISMIC MONITORING) SOUTHCENTRAL RAilBElT AREA, ALASKA
DESIGN
PLANNING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FIGURE 7
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN
PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
PROGRAM SUMMARY
AlASKA DISTRict CORPS CE ENGINEEttS
ANCHO,.NiE, 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 preauthorizatlon 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 $1 million for the preauthorization report. This includes the
Feasibility Report, Technical Appendices, and· Environmental Impact'
Statement. Once again, considerable effort ha.d been expended in
previous years by the Bureau of Reclamati.on for geotechnical explora-
tion, and by other State and Federal groups, for which there is no
estimate of expenditures. The preauthorization study entailed a
review of energy alternatives available to meet intermediate power
requirements, a screening of these alternatives, and an assessment of
effects for the more feasible alternatives. A number of development
schemes for the Upper Susitna were analyzed, and at least three were
found to be economically feasible. As an alternative to Susitna hydro-
power, coal was found to be the most likely future energy source for
both Anchorage and Fairbanks although it would be 30 percent more expen-
sive than Susitna power. The study established with reasonable cer-
tainty that economic feasibility of Susitna hydropower development
exists, and that there are no adverse environmental impacts of such
magnitude that the 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 exposure of the
dams to high seismic activity, to inflow of sediment to the reservoirs,
to the validity of power projections, to the possibility of induced
economic and population growth, to possible construction cost overruns,
and to the possible impact on downstream fisheries. On the basis of
the information contained in the preauthorization report, Congress
authorized the Corps of Engineers to conduct preconstruction planning
in a joint program with the State. Subsequently, on 30 June 1977 the
State made funds available to the Corps to develop this Plan of Study
for accomplishment of the Project Feasibility Analysis.
The activities identified in this plan of study for accomplishment
during the Project Feasibility Analysis have a total estimated cost of
$23.4 million over a time frame of 46 months. The cost estimate, which
is based on a September 1977 price level, is a compilation of costs for
performing 201 distinct activities as described in the following section,
Description of Program Activities. It can be expected that cost esca-
lation will have its effect upon the September 1977 estimates, also that
cost adjustments will be necessary for individual activities as further
site information is developed 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
37
steps, with each step leading to a decision as to whether or not the
project should proceed based on the accumulation and analysis of a
continually growing data base. These three decisi.on points, to. be
reviewed periodically, will provide assurance that a mechanism exists
for review of technical, envi.ronmental, and economic information in
light of possible changing needs and State policies. In a manner
similar to the process by which the 1976 Feasibility Report served as
the basis for proceeding on to the upcoming planning stage, each
decision point will indicate whether· or not the project remains feas-
ible and planning should continue. The three progressive steps which
make up the Project Feasibility Analysis are: (1) preliminary screen-
ing, (2) detailed feasibility studies for the selected plan of develop-
ment, and (3) detailed design studies for the access road, transmission
system, and first project to be built, presumably t~atana. 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 demobilization, would serve to terminate the planning proce·ss. It
would further serve as the basis for assumption by the Federal Govern-
ment of all costs incurred during the Project Feasibility Analysis as
provided for under Section 203 of the 1976 Water Resources Deve1opment
kL ·
As with any large development project, the expenditure of funds is made
with a degree of uncertainty that they will provide future benefits.
This is indeed the case with the Project Feasibility Analysis tn 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 planning steps. For instance, water quality data collection
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 project that could
not, by their nature, be meaningful unless conducted for a period of
sev:eral years duration. This is true of many other studies as well.
If indeed the Susitna project proves to be more feasible than other
ene·rgy 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 fail 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
38
will be evaluated to identify the most economical and environmentally
acceptable plan based on preliminary assessments a,nd calculations of
benefits and costs. During thi.s study phase, the best pla,n identified
in the 1976 feasibility report, initial construction of'Watana, followed
by construction of Devil Canyon, will be reexamined. Hydropower
analyses will require seasonal reservoir operation studies for each
plan of development. Comparati.ve economic· ana, lyses will require updated
marketing assumptions and reconnaissance-grade cost estimates for each
scheme to be analyzed. Additiona.l 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 fea,tures 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 basis for proceeding with further studies. In addition to serving
as an early 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 $4.6 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
scheduled concurrently with the preliminary screening,· and these costs
have been included in the subtotal of $4.6 million. Some of these
major concurrent activities are: (1) installation and operation of
additional stream gages, {2) initiation of a water quality and hydro-
meterological data collection network throughout the basin, (3)
detailed mapping and surveying, (4) installation and operation of a
field camp at Watana, (5) initiation and continuation of biological
inventories, (6) inventory of possible cultural resources, {7) ini-
tiation of a 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.
This assessment will be made using the detailed information and data
obtained from the marketing, biological, hydrological, and foundation
studies. The marketing studies will entail refined cost estimates
based on expanded information available from the exploratory field
program. Project benefits will be determined from the power studies
and production cost analysis for the selected plan and viable thermal
alternatives. The marketing analysis will include studies that will
serve as the basis for forecasting future development, employment and
population growth, for assessing the existing and planned generation
needed prior to Susitna development, and for estimating future·electrical
39
energy requirements and the seasonal distribution of the demand. The
marketing analysis will also assess the long-term power system require-
ments, evaluate retirement of existing and pl~nned · power pl~nts,
evaluate alternative power sources, and determine f1nancial feasibility.
Power studies will primarily be aimed at refining the operation of the
two-dam plan, deter~ining the need for long-r~nge peakt~g generation,
and consequently, the need 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 the project
feasibility analysis, will be completed during the second step and will
be used to assist in determining project feasibility. A few of the ·
biological studies are envisioned to continue through step three and
even into construction. The studies will be of sufficient depth at
the end of this second planning step to give a strong assurance of the
probable project impact. Hydrological studies will provide information
upon which the biological studies will be based as well as providing
input to the power studies and detailed design.
A major portion of the exploratory program relating to foundations and
construction materials will be accomplished during this phase. Regional
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 studies required for later
definition of earthquake parameters and dynamic soils response analyses
will be completed. An extensive drilling program will be conducted at
Watana damsite to define and examine foundations and construction mate-
rial sources; the voluminous drill logs and test results will be cata-
logued and organized for presentation. The analyses of the 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 limited amount of drilling and exploratory
tunneling, as well as in-situ rock 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 $15.2 million and be completed
25 months after completion of step one. As indicated above, additional
field work would continue during this phase of the study, and these
costs have been included in the subtotal of $15.2 million. Also in-
cluded are concurrent activities required for detailed design studies.
40
These design studies would begin during month 20 of the total 46
month period and would be necessary for deriving timely design and
detailed cost estimates. Completion of the detai:led feasibility·
report will provide a firm basis for recommendtng for or against
construction of the project, whether Federally funded, State supported
under Section 203, or independently financed by the State of Alaska.
Step 3, Detailed Design Studies: The las~ step would 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 Fai:rbanks load centers. Completion
of this step would fulfill roughly 80 percent of the 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 level of design will be sufficiently detailed to permit a reason-
ably accurate initial project cost estimate enabling a decision on
funding and initiating construction. The third step is estimated to
cost $3.6 million and be completed in an additional time frame of 14
months after completion of step 2. This phase of the study process
will also include the final writing of the Environmental Impact State-
ment Supplement, the Main Report, and the Technical Appendices.
While the three steps mentioned above provide a broad concept of the
general planning process, a more detailed schedule is necessary for plan
implementation. For this purpose, the activities identified in the
following section have been integrated into such a schedule based on
the duration and interdependence of the specific activities. This
Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule is shown in Figure lO,.found at
the end of the report. The termination of the three planning steps
are identified in the CPM as nodes 500, 671, and 1060 respectively.
Again, it should be emphasized that the program is an evolving planning
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 personnel and equipment. Reallocation of resources among
the activities may become advisable as the program progresses; this
would cause activity durations to change and the schedule to be modi-
fied accordingly.
Successful accomplishment of the Project Feasibility Analysis is
dependent on timely funding. The CPM activities have been scheduled
taking seasonal constraints into consideration with the start date
assumed to be the first of June. Realization of this schedule, however,
would require early indication of program initiation as well as some
limited mobilization funds during the 3 months preceding the program
start. This would allow the initiation of the various supply and
Architectural-Engineering contracts prior to start of the field season
and would allow arrangements to be made for access to the sites.
Obviously, if funds became available at some time other than the assumed
41
1 June start date, the program schedule would nece~sarily need to be
adjusted. With funds provided as assumed, 20 percent of.the total cost
is required during preli.minary screening, 65 percent during the det~iled
feasibility analysis and 15 percent durtng the detatled design phase.
Accumulated expenditures needed over the study pertod ~re shown on
Figure 8. A summary of expenditures by year indica,tes the following
estimated funding requirements:
Annual Funding Requirement"$
Months
1 through 12
13 through 24
25 through 36
37 through 46
TOTAL
Program·Funds
$5,690,000
7,014,000
9,277,000
.. , ~375~000
$23,356,000
The CPM schedule illustrates the accelerated but thorough nature of
the project feasibility analysis, with numerous activities being
started immediately upon initiation of the program. This approach
insures that three summer field seasons will be available for those
~ctivities 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 of the 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 Figure 9 beginning on
page 287.
42
24
20
PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
ACCUMULATED EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE
12
DE"miLE"EI FEASIBILITY
ANALYSIS
24
MONTHS
43
23.4
48
FIGURE 8
DESCRIPTION OF
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
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
CATEGORY ACTIVITIES · {in $1000}
Survey SY-1 thru SY-7 $ l '225
Hydrology HY-1 thru HY-31 1,625
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
Materials Fr~-1 thru FM-26 10,875
Design D-1 thru D-39 4,000
Real Estate RE-1 thru RE-5 59
Cultural Resources C-1 thru C-2 no
Field Camp FC-1 thru FC-2 1,625
. Biological Studies B-1 thru B-21 2,378
Reports, Reviews, and
450 Public Participation RRP-1 thru RRP-25
TOTAL COST $23,356
44
SURVEY (SY}
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE BASIC FIELD WORK REQUIRED
TO PROVIDE TOPOGRAPHIC DATA AND RIVER HYDROGRAPHIC DATA
NECESSARY FOR DETAILED DESIGN AND COST ESTIMATES, ENVI-
RONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS, AND HYDROLOGY AND POWER 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/topo along access route.
5. Obtain controlled photo/topo along transmission corridor.
6. Obtain controlled photo/topo at Watana damsite.
7. Obtain controlled photo/topo at Devil Canyon.
45
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-1
Activity: Obtain river cross sections at preliminary sites.
Description: This activity is to obtain river cross sections at
the following sites: one each at Olson, Devil Canyon, Susitna I,
Susitna III, and Vee; and three at Watana. Cross sections at
Watana will be located at centerline, l/2 mile upstream, and l/2
mile downstream. The remainder of valley topography will come
from SY-3 and will be required in the first 6 months. Field
parties will obtain data necessary to determine cross sections
by taking a series of soundings across the river.
Seasonal Constraint: Winter preferable
Cost: $50,000
47
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-25 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-project flood plains.
Seasonal Constraint: June through October
Cost: $300,000
48
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-3
Activity: Map potential reservoir sites.
Description: This activity will entail mapping of potential
reservoir sites within the Upper Susitna River Basin. Mapping
should be of sufficient detail (20-foot contours) to allow
determination of elevation-versus-capacity curves and elevation-
versus-area curves for each reservoir. The reservoirs will
include the sites of Olson (river bottom to elevation 1,100)
Devil Canyon (river bottom to elevation 1,490), High Devil Canyon
(river bottom to elevation 1,800), Watana (river bottom to
elevation 2,260), and Vee (river bottom to elevation 2,360).
Seasonal Constraint: May through October
Cost: $460,000
49
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
·suRVEY
Activity Designation: SY-5
Activity: Controlled photof'topo along transmission corridor.
Description: .This activity is for providing topographic maps,
based on existing U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey quads prepared
as overlay to aerial photography mosaic. Aerial photography
will be obtained at a scale of l inch to a mile for preparing
mosaic.
Seasonal Constraint: May through September for photography
Cost: $70,000
51
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 equali~g 200 feet.
Seasonal Constraint: · May through October
Cost: $60,000
52
SURVEY
Activity Designation: SY-7
Activity: Controlled photo/topo at Devil Canyon.
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. This mapping will
augment topographic data already available.··
Seasonal Constraint: Field efforts, May through October
Cost: $60,000
53
HYDROLOGY (HY)
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BOTH FIELD WORK AND ANALYSIS.
THE COLLECTION OF DATA ALLOWS A DEFINITIVE DESCRIPTION
OF THE HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATE OF THE RIVER BASIN AND
ALONG THE TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR. OTHER STUDIES, USING
THE EXPANDED INFORMATION BASE, EXAMINE STREAMFLOW
VOLUMES AND FREQUENCIES, WATER QUALITY, ICE FORMATION,
AND THE TRANSPORT, ENTRAPMENT, AND DEPOSITION OF SEDI-
MENT. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON COMPARING THE PRE-AND
POST-PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETER-
MINING PROJECT EFFECTS. THE HYDROLOGY STUDIES ALSO
SUPPORT THE ENTIRE RANGE OF DESlGN ACTIVITIES.
I~1PLEMENT A DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM.
1. Collect climatologic data for basin and transmission line.
2. Install and operate additional stream gages and continue
stream gaging.
3. Collect physical, chemical and biological data.
DESCRIBE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SETTING OF BASIN.
4. Describe hydrometeorological setting.
CONDUCT PRE-PROJECT STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
5. Extend streamflow and correlate with longest record.
6. Develop annual and seasonal flow duration curves.
7. Develop peak and volume frequency curves.
8. 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.
11. Determine reservoir suspended sediment stratification.
12. Determine effect on downstream channel. ·
SPILLWAY DESIGN FLOOD DERIVATION.
13. Obtain final Probable Maximum 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 Watana.
55
-
CONDUCT WATER QUALITY STUDIES.
17. Reservoir temperature stratification studies.
18. Analyze spillway and outlet works for dissolved gas production.
19. Reservoir water quality modeling addition to temperature studies.
20. Assess erosion potential in active storage zone.
CONDUCT ICE STUDIES.
21. River and reservoir conditions.
22. Review literature about existing storage projects in arctic
conditions.
WIND AND ICE STUDIES REQUIRED FOR TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN.
23. Conduct literature search and limited field survey.
POST PROJECT STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
24. Develop post-project frequ~ncy curves.
25. Determine post-project downstream water surface profiles.
RESERVOIR FILLING SCHEDULES.
26. Develop reservoir filling schedules.
GLACIAL BALANCE STUDIES.
27. Conduct mass water yield studies.
28. Conduct mass sediment yield studies.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION STUDIES.
29. Determine evaporation rates.
OTHER ACTIVITIES.
30. Provide preliminary spillway design flood.
31. Determine elevation versus capacity relationships.
56
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-1/la
Activity: Collect climatological data for the basin and trans-
mission line, and continue data collection.
Description: Inaccessibility of the basin will make conventional
data acquisition difficult, and a series of remote data platforms
situated throughout the basin is anticipated. Helicopter opera-
tions will be necessary to install and operate the data collection
platforms. Data acquired will be used for virtually all phases
of the hydrology appendix, for supplementing the Environmental
Impact Statement, and for design and construction of the trans-
mission line. As a minimum, wind velocity and snow depth and
density will be measured at approximately 15 locations along the
proposed transmission line corridor. The majority of the anemo-
meter sites will be located in the mountainous areas at the
higher elevations along the proposed transmission line route.
Appropriate anemometer sites within the Susitna Bastn may also
be equipped to record temperature, snow depth, and precipitation.
Snow creep stations will be developed as necessary where the
snow depth and density measurements indicate a potential for
snow creep problems along the transmission line. Approximately
10 additional locations in the Upper Susitna Basin will be
developed as precipitation, snow depth/temperature stations.
Where practical, existing snow courses and stream gaging sites
will be equipped to record precipitation, temperature, and
other required climatological parameters. It is anticipated
that an intensive climatological data-gathering and analysis
program will be conducted for two years prior to construction
of the project. It would be desirable to continue operating
selected climatological stations within the basin after the
initial design stage to develop a data base and subsequently
provide information to operate the project efficiently. These
selected stations should be equipped with telemetry to provide
real time data for operation of the project.
Seasonal Constraint:
during summer time.
Cost: $423,000
Instrumentation should be accomplished
57
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). Funaing 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
L I
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-3/3a
Activity: Collect physical, chemical, and biological water
quality data.
Description: Water quality studies are dependent upon a success-
ful data collection program. Physical sampling will concentrate
on suspended sediment and bedload samples to be taken at the
stream gaging stations. Frequency of sediment sampling should be
sufficient to develop with reasonable accuracy a total load-rating
curve to be used in on-going sediment studies. Water quality
data parameters should initially be sampled a minimum of once
every two or three days. The sampling frequency can be length-
ened if the initial sampling demonstrates that there is little
change with time and discharge. Heavy metals, however, should
be sampled on a minimum frequency of twice annually. Sampling
could be accomplished with remote monitors. Water quality data
to be monitored would be temperature, dissolved oxygen, B.O.D.,
C.O.D., pH, turbidity, phosphorous, nitrogen, nitrate, and
conductance.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $200,000
59
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 under
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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-5
Activity: Extend streamflow to match longest historical records.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to extend the
shorter streamflow periods of record of the Denali, Cantwell and
lvlaclaren gages, as well as the six new gages, to match that of
the long-term Gold Creek gage. This will provide a good data
base for the specific Devil Canyon and Watana damsites and
a sufficient indication at other possible damsites for system
power studies. Monthly streamflow will be required for seasonal
regulation studies; however, daily streamflow would be desirable
for impact assessment of the selected plan of development. Stream-
flow extension would be accomplished by a multiple regression
analysis with Gold Creek streamflow and other physiographic and
hydrologic parameters. In order to assess the long-term annual
water budget of the Upper Susitna Basin, an attempt will be made
to correlate annual runoff with other measured physical parameters.
The short-term stations will be used to determine the variability
of streamflow throughout the basin on a seasonal basis. If strong
correlation can be gained with long-term stations, flow duration
curves can be developed for the short-term stations which will
aid in determining sediment yield throughout the basin.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $10,000
61
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-6
Activity: Develop annual and seasonal flow duration curves.
Description: Upon extension of the streamflow records to match
those of the long-term station at Gold Creek, seasonal and annual
flow duration ~urves will be developed for all stream gaging sta-
tions within the Upper Susitna Basin and major adjac~nt tiibutaries.
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 describing 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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-7
Activity: Develop peak and volume frequency curves.
Description: Peak and volume frequency curves will be developed
for Susitna River at Gold Creek, near Denali, near Cantwell, and
for the Maclaren River near Paxson. This will require extension
of the three latter stations• periods of record to match that of
the Gold Creek streamgage. The frequ~ncy curves will be based on
an annual series analysis utilizing the Log Pearson Type III dis-
tribution with an expected probability adjustment.
Protection of various construction features and diversion tunnels
will be based on the results of this study. A determination regard-
ing the level of protection that should be provided during con-
struction will be necessary. This will be based on the anticipated
loss to life and property both at the construction site and down-
stream, which would result without a higher level of protection
during construction.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $2,000
63
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-per i od 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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-9
Activity: Determine average annual total sediment load.
Description: This activity will entail a sediment sampling program
which will determine suspended and bed load transport rates for a
variety of flows. Also to be obtained would be gradation curves.
This would lead to the development of a total sediment rating curve
which can then be incorporated into an annual flow duration curve
which will provide an estimate of the average annual sediment which
will be deposited in the proposed reservoirs. This in turn will
indicate the anticipated loss in reservoir storage as a result of
sediment entrapment behind the dams.
Seasonal Constraint: Almost all samples will be taken during the
summer field seasons.
Cost: $35,000
65
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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-11
Activity: Determine stratification of suspended sediment in reservoir.
Description: While it is anticipated that the reservoirs will entrap
95 percent of the sediment inflow, that which remains in suspension
will be released to the downstream channel. Under natural conditions
the Susitna River contains heavy sediment concentrations during the
summer and minimal concentrations during the winter. Thus, uncon-
trolled water releases could have the effect of enhancing the summer
water quality downstream, but decreasing the winter quality. This
study, then, would address the potential for development of sediment
stratification zones within the reservoir which conceivably could be
flushed during the summer, thus allowing clear releases during the
winter. This study would have to be coordinated with temperature
and water-quality reservoir modeling studies. Study would incor-
porate the Waterways Experiment Station 11 WESTEX 11 computer model.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
67
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 areas 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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HV-13
Activity: Obtain final Probable Maximum Precipitation from National
Weather Service.
Description: In order to develop the Probable Maximum Flood which
will serve as the Spillway Design Flood for the recommended plan
of development, it will be necessary to obtain information on
Probable Maximum Precipitation, Critical Snow Pack and Critical
Temperature Sequence. For the pre-authorization report, tentative
values were obtained from the Hydrometeorological Branch of the
National Weather Service (HMB-NWS) in Washington, D.C. For the
Feasibility Analysis efforts it will be necessary to develop more
definitive values in order to refine the Spillway Design Flood
derivation. HMB-N~JS is normally funded for such activities, and
only a nominal charge would be required for coordination. It
should be understood, however, that if this project is State
funded, the National Weather Service may require reimbursement
for the services.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1 ,000
69
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 spill way wi 11 be designed to pass a flood which represents
the worst possible combination of hydrometeorological .events which
could reasonably be expected for the Upper Susftna 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 a 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
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY'-15
Activity: Determine proba.bl e maximum flood and route through
reservoir.
Description: Upon calibration of the SSARR basin model, the
Probable Maximum Precipi tat ton and other crittca 1 weather data
obtained from NWS-HWS ~ill be put into the model, for deter-
mining the Probable Maximum Flood. A number of scenarios
will be used to insure that the most severe flood ts obtained.
The flood hydrograph for each project will be routed through
the respective reservoir based on a number of spillway capacity
curves. This will serve as the basis for spillway sizing neces-
sary to maintain an economical and safe freeboard.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
71
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
/
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-17 and HY-19
Activity: Reservoir temperature stratification studies.
~eservoir 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
73
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-18
Activitx: Analyze spillway and outlet works for dissolved gas
product1on.
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
74
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-20
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
75
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-21
Activity: River and reservoir ice studies.
Description: Breakup of the headwaters of the reservoirs will
result in release of ice which may be expected to pose problems
in the upper reaches of the impoundments in the form of jamming,
flow blockage, and ice forces. The scope of these problems will
be assessed and impact on operations will be evaluated. Field
observations of present natural breakup will contribute to an esti-
mate of the extent of the problem.
Operation of a major power plant causes higher discharges during winter
months, together with discharge variations. Both of these discharge
conditions cause changes in the ice regime of the downstream waters.
The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude of these ice
problems to include evaluation of open water reaches, potential
production of frazil ice in the open water reaches, potential for
flooding and damage due to ice jams , and possible operational and
design means to reduce these problems. The study will require
mapping of the downstream river reaches, identification of
critical sites for ice jamming, inventory of damage-prone
structures, and analysis of length of open water as a function
of release temperatures and weather. A number of additional ice
studies have been identified and should be accomplished prior
to final design and construction. The studies identified herein
represent those necessary for evaluation of project feasibility
and impact assessment. Some of the costs associated with data
collection in support of ice studies are included under the
three main data collection programs.
Seasonal Constraint: Much data gathering can only be accomplished
at specific times during the year.
Cost: $130,000
76
HYDROLOGY
Act1v1ty Designation: HY-22
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 built 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 undertaking of this magnitude.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
77
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-23
Activity: Conduct literature search and limited field survey regard-
ing icing considerations in transmission line design.
Description: An investigation into the frequency of occurence and
accumulation of rime icing on the transmission line and supporting
structures needs to conducted. The study will include a literature
review and interviews with climatologists, engineers and maintenance
personnel from power companies with transmission lines near the pro-
posed transmission line. The study may also include field investi-
gations.
Seasonal Constraint: Wintertime operation
Cost: $15,000
78
HYDROLOGY
~ct)vity Designation: HY-24
Activity: Develop post-project frequency curves.
Description: This activity will assist in determining the reduction
in flooding downstream frQmthe 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 studi~s 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
79
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-25
Activity: Determine post-project downstream water profiles.
Description: This study will be conducted in conjunction with
post-project frequency curve determinations (HY-24) and hourly
simulated operatton studies. The major purpose of these studies
will be to determine the downstream impact from flow release
necessary to meet a variety of power demands, and the river
profiles associated with a reduction in peak flows as a result
of reservoir regulation~ These studies will be accomplished only
for the more feasible plans of development. The general method
of analysis will entail routing the results of the HY-24 studies
to points downstream and then determining backwater curves using
the HEC-2 computer program or an unsteady-state model. The more
detailed studies will be associated with routing variable flow
releases for power purposes. In this case, a series of daily
load shapes will be assumed in consonance with a number of
downstream flow conditions. The releases will be routed
downstream allowing the development of a series of stage
hydrographs. The study will indicate the attenuation effect
on flow releases as channel storage and tributary inflow begin
to predominate. This will indicate the possible need for a re-
regulation dam downstream, or possible reregulation from the
most downstream power project. These studies would be conducted
using the HYSYS computer program and by a finite-difference steady-
state flow model.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
80
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-26
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 downs't"ream 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 inflow 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
81
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-27
Activity: Glacial mass water yield studies.
Description: A large amount of flow of the Upper Susitna River
is derived directly from the glacia l 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 glac i er 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
activities.
Cost: $55,000
82
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-28
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
83
HYDROLOGY
Activity Desi:gnation: HY-29
Activity: Determine evaporation rates.
Description: Using climatological data from the basin (air
temperature, dew point, surface water temperature, wind speed),
evaporation rates for the water surfaces can be estimated.
Evapotranspiration rates for the land surfaces again can be
estimated using climatological data (temperature and dew point
have to be measured at at least two levels). These estimated
values, which are of great importance as the evaporated water
is not available for energy production, can be checked against
the difference of precipitation and runoff, which should also
give the evaporation rate if ground water movements and storage
changes are neglected. Data collection necessary to accomplish
the activity is included under activity HY-1
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $10,000
84
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-30
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 d~pth.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,000
85
HYDROLOGY
Activity Designation: HY-31
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 information will be used in the reservoir
regulation studies and in the impact assessment.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $8,000
86
ECONOHICS (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
initial 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" conditions.
7. Identify and evaluate significant socio-economic effects.
87
ECONOMIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-1
Activitl: Perform employment benefit analysis.
Description: Employment of otherwise unemployed or underemployed
manpower in construction and installation of a proposed.plan is
considered a beneficial contribution:to national economic develop-
ment objectives. This category of benefit is.conceptually an
adjustment to the cost of a project, pecause there is.no economic
cost associated with the· use of an-otherwise unemployed resource.
Benefits attributable to unemployed and underemployed labor used
in construction and installation· of a plan .will be included in
total plan benefits, but projects will be formulated and scaled
without consideration of employment benefits. First, the estimated
number of employed and unemployed construction workers in the
region will be determined with the assistance of the State Depart-
ment of Labor. Next, an estimate will be made of the number of
construction workers required for other construction projects in
the region. This estimate will be made after consultation with
State and Federal planners as well as knowledgeable individuals -
in the construction industry. The labor costs and manpower re-
quirements associated with the proposed project will be estimated,
with detailed consideration for all major skill categories. The
State Department of Labor will be contacted to determine average
regional wage rates for each of the major skills identified. The
next step will be to estimate the proportion of project wage
payments for each skill that will go to otherwise underemployed
or unemployed workers. Finally, the total of wage payments to
otherwise unemployed or underemployed labor will be converted to
an average annual basis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $5,000
89
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 frequ~ncy 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 pro.ject will 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
90
:~
ECONOHIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-3
Activity: Conduct preliminary socio-economic impact studies for
initial review of alternatives.
Description: For the purpose of preliminary screening, a general
socio-economic conditions profile will be constructed from avail-
able reports. Also, future conditions will be projected utilizing
available reports or standard forecasting techniques. Both of the
preceding will be limited to standard socio-economic parameters and
will in general be an overview. Impacts that various alternative
plans may have in these projections will be discussed in a general
fashion. This analysis will permit comparison of plans, pinpoint-
ing of areas of concern for later study, and identification of
communities or areas requiring detailed analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $11,000
91
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 mo.re
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
92
ECONOMIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-5
Activity: Forecast future 11 Without-project 11 conditions.
Description: To assess project impacts a long-term forecast of
future conditions 11 Without the project 11 wi 11 be required for the
immediate project area and the region. The forecast for the
immediate project area will be completed after interviews with
local officials, consideration of local desires and aspirations,
review of land use and other programs, and utilization of standard
forecasting techniques. The r~sults will be translated to para-
meters consistent with the socio-economic profile. The regional
11 most probable future 11 will be obtained largely from other study
efforts (activities PM-3 and PM-4), and should only require tai-
loring to be consistent with profile data. One area of additional
forecasting effort will be in those situations where specific
industrial or other specialized impacts are anticipated. Primary
effort will be toward local projections needed for impact analysis.
Regional projections will draw on activities PM-3, 4, 7, & 9.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
93
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 .. 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 conditi'ons
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
94
ECONOMIC STUDIES
Activity Designation: EC-7
Activity: Identify and evaluate significant socio-economic effects.
Description: This activity will .identify, describe and measure, when
possible, the significant socio-econOmic impacts of each plan, and
validate the results via public and agency review. After completion
of a socio-economic profile and the with/without project forecasts
of local and regional conditions, ~he impacts will be ordered so
that significant impacts can be selected. A columnar impact/project
format has usually been used so·all alternative plans can be dis-
played side by side for ease of comparison. Input from the public
and appropriate agencies will be requested to assure that all
significant impacts have been addressed. The results of this
activity will be presented in the Environmental Studies Appendix.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $6,000
95
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 evaluation of alternative plans
and select final plan.
97
RECREATION
Activity Designation: R-1
Activity: Conduct data search and evaluation.
Description: A preliminary data search will be performed to
insure that all available information pertinent to subsequent
study activities is located and documented. This search will
primarily concentrate on data available from other agencies
concerning recreation market analysis and project recreation
development potential and constraints.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $5.000
99
RECREATION
Activity Designation: R-2
Activity: Make supply/demand analysis of the recreation market
area, and determ in e 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 socfo-economic charac-
teristics will be described and eva l uated 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-
litfes 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
100
RECREATION
Activity Designation: R-3
Activity: Develop alternative plans for public recreation and
related resources uses.
Description: The outdoor recreation facility/opportunity needs
of the rna rket a rea consumer wi 11 be synthesized with the phys i ca 1
·and biological features of the project. Initial and future out-
door recreation development alternatives and alternatives for
other related resource uses will be described and mapped. Alter-
natives so described will relate to market area recreation needs
and to the constraints, potentials, and capabilities of the
project•s resources. Initial and future levels of visitor
attendance will be determined for each alternative plan by calcu-
lating instantaneous use, turnover factors, seasonality, and
ratios of activity duplication. Ultimate use, or maximum prac-
tical use, will be calculated in recognition of limitations
imposed by low demands and resource capacity. Development measures
for enhancing environmental quality and aesthetics associated
with project structures, roads, and other features will be planned
and described in detail. A public involvement program will be
required, together with close and continued coordination with
the State. Field inspections of the project area will be impor-
tant aspects of this activity.
Seasonal Constraint: Field inspections must be conducted during
the summer months.
Cost: $15,000
101
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
102
PLAN FORMULATION (PF)
THESE PLAN FORMULATION ACTIVITIES SPECIFY THE PROCESS
USED BY THE PLANNER IN DEVELOPING THE BEST CONCEPTUAL
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT FROM AMONG THE RANGE OF POSSIBIL-
ITIES, AND IN THEN REFINING THAT PLAN INTO ONE WHICH
BEST SATISFIES THE REGION•s WATER RESOURCE NEEDS. TO
ASSIST IN THIS ENDEAVOR, THE PLAN FORMULATOR EMPLOYS
ALL THE INFORMATION RELATED TO PLAN BENEFITS, COSTS,
AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DEVELOPED BY THE VARIOUS
OTHER DISCIPLINES.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES.
1. Review 1976 feasibility report.
2. Update power values.
EVALUATION CRITERIA.
3. Establish evaluation criteria.
PLANS AND PRELIMINARY 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 SYSTEM STUDIES.
14. Conduct system studies on alternative developments.
BENEFIT AND COST CALCULATION.
15. Collect and compare benefit and cost estimates.
103
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-1
Activity: Review 1976 feasibility report.
Description: Review the preauthorization feasibility report to
identify formulation tasks which have already been completed
and can serve as direct input to the present Plan Formulation
efforts. This will include a review of alternative development
plans to determine if they should be reanalized in more depth
as a result of an updated data base. Those conclusions which
are still current will be used directly in the formulation
process.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,000
105
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
106
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, ~nd the ~conomic 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 of 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 11 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
107
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
ass.ociated 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
1 ist might be added soft techni·ques 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
108
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-5
Activity: Coordinate site layout activities.
Description: This activity will entail the identification of
specific damsites that·could be ~eveloped within the Upper Susitna
Basin, and the combinations of dams which would compose the
various systems of development. For each proposed system, major
project features will be laid out and reconnaissance-grade design
will be accomplished. This will insure that major features are
compatible with the local topography and foundation conditions.
Major attention will be given to dam heights and types of struc-
tures. The selection of plans to be e~aluated will be accomplished
by the organization responsible for reservoir regulation studies.
That organization, however, wtll have to work closely with founda-
tions and materials specialists to insure that specific sites
appear to be feasible to develop. Each dam evaluated will require
that a number of structural heights are analyzed. This will
insure optimum scoping of each project.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $40,000
109
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 suffi~ient 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.
110
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-7
Activity: Include reregulation dam in costs if necessary.
Description: Based on activity PS-4, if it is determined that
a reregulation dam is necessary,.then. the design and cost of
such a structure would be required. The possibility of instal-
ling generating capacity in the reregulator should also be
explored. This would also require that sufficient environmental
information is gathered to allow for effect assessment of
downstream effects.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,000
111
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-8
Activity: Develop preliminary power benefits and qssess 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 mark~ting 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
112
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-9
Activity: Make preliminary assessment of alternative plan costs,
benefits, and impacts.
Description: This screening analysis w111 attempt to narrow the
choice of available alternatives down to a chosen few which will
be evaluated in specific detail. Thus, the screening process .
will be accomplished in three phases. This second stage will be
based on a more indepth analysis of the envi~onmental impacts
and economics of specific plans for development than was accom~
plished under the first screening. Thus, reconnaissance grade
cost estimates and benefit assessments will be necessary as will.
effect assessment. The alternatives will be evaluated in terms
of the contribution to State and national economic objectives as
well as to environmental preservation. Only those plans that
appear to be economically feasible will be considered for plan
selection. From this screening will come a detailed comparison
of the remaining alternatives (presumably hydropower and coal)
as to their relative envirGnmental and socio-economic impacts.
Determination of impacts will require a reasonable degree of
accuracy at this stage, which in turn is dependent upon suffi-
cient structural and design detail to more precisely evaluate
the differences among the remaining alternatives. Detailed
effects on water and land resources and economic and social
aspects of human use will be measured or described by a deter-
mination of incremental changes in the applicable factors of
affected environmental components. Wherever possible this will
require quantification, particularly of effects on water and
land resources. The same factors will be quantified for each
alternative. Evaluation of the alternative plans in terms of
environmental preservation will reflect societal preferences
for the environmental contributions to the alternative plans.
This will actively address the planning objectives in a way
which emphasizes, aesthetic, ecologi~al, and cultural. contri-
butions. Since it is assumed that strict adherence to environ-
mental preservation will significantly preclude physical con-
struction or development, it is necessary that some positive
action be identified to assure that a 11 no development .. plan
be realized. Consequently, energy evaluation will require an
interpertation of State objectives toward economic development.
Seasonal Contraint: None
Cost: $5,000
113
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 differential plan impacts for use
in impact assessment and plan formulation.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
114
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-11
Activity: Study feasibility of future units and downstream
reregulation.
Description; From the production cost model (PS-4)~ the need for
and timing of additional units will be determined. From the
routing studies (PS-2) and related environmental studies, the
need for a reregulator will be determined. With data on most
likely thermal alternative (PM-11 and PS-4), benefits will be
computed. With data on cost of added units and reregulator~
economic feas i bi 1 ity of added units wi 11 be determined. It
may be desirable to test several rates of load growth to see
if they have any impact on feasibility of added units. The
study will have to consider sunk costs and present worth of
future costs and benefits.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $4,000
115
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 Susftna hydro under the various
conditions will be done with the help of the productioh cost model
(PS-4).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
116
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
117
PLAN FORMUl,.ATION
Activity Designation: PF-14
Activity: Conduct system analysis studies on alternative
developments.
Description:· These studies wtll 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 11 Production Cost 11 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
118
PLAN FORMULATION
Activity Designation: PF-15
Activity: Compare benefit and cost estimates.
Description: This activity will entail the development of the
economics of the selected plan of development. It will include
a synopsis of the total cost of the selected plan based on a
given time frame. Costs will include total construction costs,
interest during construction, engineering and design costs,
supervision and administration of construction, a·nd operation
and maintenance of the projects. These costs will be amortized
at the selected interest rate over the payout period of the
project, thus providing an average annual cost. The benefits
will also be estimated on an an.nual basis and will essentially
represent the cost of providing an equivalent amount of power
by the most likely alternative to the selected plan. A compar-
ison of the benefits and costs will indicate the economic
attractiveness of the selected plan.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
119
POWER STUDIES (PS)
THIS GROUPI~G 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 STREAMFLOWS DOWNSTREAM FROM
THE PROJECT AND HELP DETERMINE THE OPTIMUM MODE OF OPER-
ATION FOR THE SELECTED PLAN.
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.
121
!
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 numher 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 d~velopment. 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
123
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS~2
Activity: Conduct hourly operation simulations.
Description: Conduct hourly simulated operation for the more
feasible plar:~s, 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 cOf
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
124
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-3
Activity: Evaluate, for feasible plans, the downstream impacts
with and without a reregulating dam.
Description: Downstream routing stud,ies 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 detai-led 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
125
POWER STUDIES
Activity Designation: PS-4
~ctivity: Develop .production cost model.
Description: Th.is mathematical model will be used to determine
the o.ptimulll ro 1 e of Sus itna hydro in contributing to the tota 1
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
w.i11 also aid in the s-election of the thermal alternative(s)
u pan which benefits wi 1 1 be .based (PM-11 ) . The work wi 11 i nvo 1 ve
' 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 mark.et a rea. This wi 11 be fall owed 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
126
POWER MARKET STUDIES (PM)
THESE ACTIVITIES ADDRESS THE NEED FOR POWER AND THE
SALEABILITY OF POWER IN THE REGION. FIRST, ELECTRIC-
ITY NEEDS ARE FORECAST BASED ON ESTIMATES OF FUTURE
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY LEVELS, ~OPULATION 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 MEANS OTHER THAN 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 financial feasibility.
FPC LICENSE
13. Prepare material for draft FPC license.
127
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: Pt,1-l
Activity: Update power market analysis from feasibility report.
Description: T~e load growth forecast and marketing assumptions
on which the 1976 feasibility report was based will be reviewed.
Assumptions of these earlier analyses will be checked against
actual events and more recent information and studies. Adjust-
ments will be made as the need is indicated. This activity
only constitutes an initial analysis for the purpose of
preliminary screening; it will be followed by an extensive
power market study that will span the succeeding 2 years and
which will be utilized in the detailed feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $6,000
129
POWER r~ARKET 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
130
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-3
Activity: Forecast future development.
Description:. The purpose of this activity will be to prepare
a range of forecasts of future economic developments and to
identify the most probable forecasts. The analysis will be
based upon the findings of the baseline socio-economic studies
of the region. Alternative assumptions and development
scenarios will be formulated, and will be presented to support
the range of forecasts that will be derived. Existing econo-
metric models of the region and State will be reviewed, and
if possible adapted for use in making the actual forecasts.
Since the economic life of the project is 100 years, fore-
casts will be made for the short-term (present to 1985), inter-
mediate (1986-2036), and long-term (through the end of the
project life) conditions. Short-and intermediate-term fore-
casts will be relatively detailed, while long-term projections
will be shown by decade. Those forecasts will serve as the
basis for employment and population forecasts.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $28,000
131
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
132
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: P~1-5
Activity: Describe existing and planned power generation
through 1985.
Description: To determine the optimum role for the Susitna
project in meeting the area load, and hence the plant size,
it is necessary to describe the system of projects with
which Susitna hydro will operate. This will involve inven-
torying the existing and committed generating resources in
the Railbelt Area, and projecting the most likely mix of
additional resources which would be built to handle load
growth through 1985. In addition, the existing resources
will be reviewed to determine if some plants would likely
be retired or placed on standby reserve. (Data will be
required on plant operating characteristics and costs for
input to production cost model PS-4). Most of the data
will come from the local utilities and the Federal Power
Commission.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
133
POWER MARKET .. STUD! ES
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
134
POWER ~·1ARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-7
Activity: .Develop electricity demand forecasts by sector.
Description: The purpose of this activity will be to bring
together the results of activities PM-3, 4, and 6, and
develop forecasts for regional electricity demand. These
forecasts will be made in detail and scope which is com-
parable to those made during activities PM-3 and 4. In
making the analysis, each sector (residential, commercial/
industrial, municipal, and other) will be evaluated sepa-
rately. An integral part of the study will be to assess
the sensitivity of demand to relative price changes among
energy sources and to evaluate the substitutability of
alternative energy sources for energy-intensive industries.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $50,000
135
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Desisnation: 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
Power Commission, plotting it in the various formats described
above, and making adjustments to reflect projected 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
136
POWER.MA.RKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-9
Activity: Assess long term power outlook and system requirements.
Discription: The purpose of this activity will be to bring together
the results of long-term electrical energy demand forecasts (activity
PM-7) and the preliminary results of power production cost studies
(PS-4) in a ~omputer analysis which will identify the probable future
power generation system requirements in the region. The principal
function of this study will be to predict the most economical
additions to the system in the future and to identify the most
economical operational position in the future power system for the
proposed Susitna project. System capactty and peaking requirements
will be analyzed and possible future modifications of the project
will be identified. To determine the system energy benefits for
Susitna hydro, the role of Susitna hydro in the future system, and
the possible need and timing of additional units, it will be
necessary to describe operation of the system at various future
points in time {5-or 10-year intervals from 1985 to 2015). To do
this it will be necessary to describe the mix of generating
resources that will likely develop post-Susitna. Consistent
with load growth projectionst one or more likely systems of
additional generating resources will have to be developed. In
addition to the projected generating resource mix, data will have
to be developed on operating characteristics and costs for
PS-4. Retirements of existing generation will have to be
considered. Development of the projected systems will be a
reiterative process with PS-4.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
137
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
138
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 theregion and
for the'western states region will be reviewed. Probable plant
locations will b~ 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
as 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
139
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
140
POWER MARKET STUDIES
Activity Designation: PM-13
Activity: Prepare material for FPC License Application.
Description: If the project is built as a State-owned resource,
an FPC 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: $200,000, but will vary depending on the complexity of
the hearings.
141
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (FM)
THESE ACTIVITIES INVOLVE FIELD WORK TO ASSESS GEOLOGIC
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 TESTING, AND SEISMIC MONITORING IS OUTLINED.
BASED ON THE DATA THUS COLLECTED, SITE CONDITIONS ARE
EVALUATED, OPTIMAL 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.
TRANS~1ISSION 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 materials sources.
14. Evaluate site selection 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&M aspects).
143
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (cont.)
DEVIL CANYON SITE.
20. Conduct site geology study.
21. Explore arid ~est ~or site selection.
22. Evaluate -for site selection and dam type.
23. Study rock mechanics and conduct in-situ testing.
24. Conduct concrete aEgregate studies. ·
OTHER SITES.
25. Conduct field reconnaissance.
26. Explore and test for site selection and dam type.
144
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: Fr4-l
Activity: Conduct regional geology study, fault study and seismicity
evaluation.
Description: An extensive field reconnaissance of the Susitna area
is necessary to provide information basic to site selection, dam
design and the environmental impact statement supplement. Regionally,
rock formations will be mapped, their boundaries determined, and
their geologic structure noted. At the same time, potentially
economic mineral deposits within the project area will be identified
and mapped. Field data developed will be supplemented by geochemical
analyses, satellite image interpretation, and possibly aeromagnetic
interpretation and gravity studies. ·
The project is located within a tectonically active region. More
information is necessary concerning the activity of known faults
and the existence of other faults, if any, and their significance in
relation to the project. This study will determine the location of
faults throughout the region and determine those which have been
active in the geologic past or which may be potentially active
during the life of the project. It will develop motion parameters
for both sites. Published and unpublished geologic and geophysical
work done in the region will be collected and evaluated. Field
and office studies then will be made, to relate the regional geology
and tectonics to the known seismicity of the region. Special
regional geophysical surveys will be used to help compile and under-
stand the tectonic picture. At this stage, evaluation of seismicity
will be based on existing seismic data plus evaluation of field data
for evidence of recent faulting. No trenching across fault zones
is anticipated at this stage, although such trenching may ultimately
be required. Work will further include field mapping and checking
the tectonic map developed in previous office studies. The field
check will be sufficiently complete to include geomorphic evidence
of recent fault activity. Geologic maps of the reservoir will be
prepared to identify potential areas of land instability in the
reservoirs and adjacent areas.
Seasonal Constraint: Field activity will be limited to the snow-
free summer months.
Cost: $470,000
145
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. Iristallation and in-place
testing of the system can then be completed the fo.llowing summer.
Cost: $310,000 ·
146
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-3
Activity: Operate seismic monitoring system and analyse data.
Description: Data from the seismic monitoring system installed
under activity FM-2 will be collected, analysed, and recorded
throughout the construction period, as well as the operational
life of the dam. To assist in the evaluation of this data in
relation to reservoir-induced seismicity, it is important to
establish a preconstruction record. This activity represents
the effort and cost of data collection and analysis for the
3-l/2 year study period. It also includes the cost of summer
visits to the instrument sites for maintenance.
Seasonal Constraint: Visits to the sites for maintenance should
be accomplished between May and September of each year.
Cost: $225,000
147
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
148
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-5
Activity: Conduct site geology and soils study - access road.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to map both geology
and soils conditions along approximately 64 miles of potential
access road. The work will consist of mapping in sufficient detail
to determine rock and soil types, geologic boundaries, joint and
bedding orientations, location of structural weaknesses in the
rock such as folds, faults and shear zones, landslides, rock-
slides, or any other geologic features which would affect design
and construction of the access road. Similar investigations
will be made for the several bridges required. ·
Seasonal Constraint: Field work limited to the period from June
to September, inclusive.
Cost: $370,000
149
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 load 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 ,.J''
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150
FOUNDATIONS AND ~1ATERIALS
Activity: Select route -transmission line
Description: As a part of activity D-22, a field reconnaissance
will be made to examine the 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-
1 iminary 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 h.igh water
tables and permafrost area can be evaluated.
Cost: $35,000
151
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 H1-9 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 theroute.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be limited to the June
to September period for much of the route.
Cost: $185,000
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152
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-9
Activity: Explore and test-transmission line.
Description: As a part of the field study along the transmission
line, exploratory work of various kinds will be necessary to
determine the various foundation conditions to be encountered
and to provide the required data for appropriate design of the
tower foundations. Exploration activities will entail drilling
auger holes in the flatland areas where materials are principallY
glacial and alluvial deposit~, and core drilling at critical tower
sites in the mountainous areas where bedrock is exposed or close
to the surface. Samples will be taken and material tests will
be made to provide design information. There is no intent under
this activity to completely"'explore the line with exploratory
holes at each tower site but rather to provide information on
typical reaches, sufficient for basic design and required cost
estimates. It is recognized, however, that the proposed route
will cover more than 350 miles of varying terrain and that
access to some necessary exploration sites will be difficult
and costly.
Seasonal Constraint: The field work season will be limited over
much of the area to the months of June to September.
Cost: $830,000 ~
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153
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-10
Activity: Conduct foundation and materials design -transmission
line.
Descr i ption: 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 thes~ samples
for durability and suitability for use in foundation concrete
is included in this activity.
Seasonal Constraints: None
c--
154
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-11
Activity: Conduct site geology study -Watana
Description: A detailed geologic study of the Watana damsite
area will be made, beginn.ing in the first summer of the study
period. Fractures,. joint patterns and faults will be studied
in detail, and this surface data will provide direction to
the subsurface exploration program. As subsurface data is
obtained, three-dimensional relationships will be developed,
fractures and/or fault planes defined, and optimum dam loca-
tions determined. Subsequent to site selection the geology
study will move into the area of specific features.· Precise
rock lines, depth of weathered rock, limits of foundation
excavation and grouting requirements will be determined.
Rock quality and structural attitudes of bedding planes wil)
be assessed for underground features and tunnels, and require-
ments for rock bolting, support bents and concrete linings
will be evaluated. · The geology of the right abutment terrace
will be closely examined to assess the deep deposits revealed
by previous geophysical explorations. Permeabilities will be
examined. The existence and extent of permafrost will be
defined.
Seasonal Constraints: Field work, which amounts to approximately
60 percent of the effort for this activity, will be limited to the
period from June to September inclusive.
Cost: Included in activities FM-12 through 16
155
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: $710,000
156
FOUNDATIONS AND ~~TERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-13
Activity: Borrow exploration and testing ~ Watana
Description: An earth/rockfill dam at the Watana site will require
in excess of 50 million cubic yards ·of embankment materials. Under
this activity all potential sources within reasonable haul distances
wi 11 be located a.nd explored for qu~l i ty, using air rotary and churn
drill holes for glacial and alluvial deposits and core borings for
rock quarry sites. Samples will be taken from these borings as well
as from test pits and bucket auJJer drill holes. These samples will
be tested for quality and suit~bility as construction materials.
Particular attention will be directed toward material shear strengths
under high confining pressures and toward response to dynamic cyclic
loading, which relates to material response to seismic shaking.
During the winter months the test data will be collected and organ-
ized into a convenient format for use by soils design engineers.
Certain test results, e.g. gradation analyses and permeability test
results, will be combined to form envelopes indicative of available
materials. Quantities of materials represented will be tabulated,
and locations of explorations permanently recorded on borrow area
maps. Completion of this activity will provide embankment designers
with the quantity and quality parameters to be used in developing
a detailed dam design.
Seasonal Constraints: Field work will be done in the June to
September periods.
Cost: $1,360,000
157
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. Sufficient design work is required
at this time to make the necessary cost estimates required
in this decision-making activity.
Seasonal Constraints: None
Cost: $230,000
158
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM~l5
Activity: Explore and test for final design -Watana
Description: Under this activity, explorations at the Watana
damsite will be continued to fully define the rock structure
and to expose fracture patterns and any minor faulting in the
foundation for the main dam as well as other individual dam
features. Core borings will be utilized extensively for this
phase of the ·activity. At the higher elevations, including
the deep deposits behind the right abutment, rotary drill
holes, Becker drill holes, bucket ~uger holes, backhoe pits,
and dozer trenches will be used to expose in-place materials
for examination and to obtain samples for testing. If
necessary, vertical shafts will also be sunk at selected
sites to study in-place permeabilities and soil temperatures.
During the winter months data collected will be evaluated
and organized for design use as described under activities
FM-18 and 19. ·
Seasonal Constraint: Field work will be restricted to the
months of June to September inclusive.
Cost: $1,820,000
159
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-16
Activity: Conduct geophysical investigations -Watana
Description: This activity will s tu dy the presence, depth, and
conf iguration of certain underground formations, ~sing ground-
lev el explosive charges whic~ generate vibrations t~at strike
formations of differing densities and are reflected .back to
ground-level sensors (a refraction seismic survey) .. The purpose
is to obtain information about bur i ed 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
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. 160
. FOUNDATIONS AND MATERlALS
Activity Designation: FM-17
Activity: Perform concrete studies -W~t~na
Descri~tion: Possible ~ources of concrete aggregate will ~e
locate • Each source w1ll be sampled and tested to determ1ne
the suitabili.ty of the source. The most economical source of
concrete aggregate for each structure wi 11 be determi. ned, to
provide for a concrete gravity dam alternative and appurtenant
structures for both an earth rock-fill dam and a concrete dam.
Preliminary mix designs will be completed to provide informa-
tion on cement requirements. Thermal studies wi'll be under-
taken to determine cooling requirements for mass concrete.
Sources of pozzolan will be investigated. Pozzolan is finely-
ground material which may be used as a replacement for a portion
of the cement ·in mass concrete, thereby reducing costs.
Seasonal Constraint: Field reconnais-sance and sampling will be accom-
plished during the summer construction season.
Cost: $265,000
161
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-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 availability 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. Consoli-
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
162
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
163
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 r,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 dri 11 ing 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-dimens.ional
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: $50,000
164
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
165
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-22
Ac t ivity: 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 structure~ to obtain optimum benefit with
existing conditions. Work involved would include additional
exploration and testing.
Cost: Included in activity FM-20 and 21.
166
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Act i y_i_t_y __ De_~_n~ t ion: FM-23
Activity: Study rock and conduct in-situ testing -Devil Canyon.
Description: The purpose of this activity would be to evaluate
the in-situ rock condition in the abutments of the main concrete
structures and in the underground powerhouse structure •. The
testing required would include plate jacking tests,in the
exploratory adit. Other in-situ tests in boreholes in the
damsite area may be deemed·necessary after evaluation of
pre 1 imi nary core dri 11 ing. ·
Seasonal Constraint: Field work would be done during April -October
period.
Cost: $280;,000
167
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
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: $100,000
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168
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS
Activity Designation: FM-25
Activity: Field reconnaissance -other sites. ·
Description: Field reconnaissance will be required to
establish foundation suitability and material availability
for any damsites considered under preliminary screening,
with the exception of Devil Canyon, Watana, Vee and ·
Denali where the required information is already at hand.
The field studies will examine rock structure and quality,
and the existence of any limiting factors as to heights
and types of structures suitable to the site. The need
for subsurface data will be considered and necessary"""
explorations planned and located. Material sources will
be obtained and preliminary samples obtained.
Seasonal Constraint: Field activity will be restricted
to the June through September season.
Cost: $8,000
169
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
170
· DESIGN , { D)
THIS CATEGORY COMPRISES THE ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED
WITH THE PROJECT'S STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. INITIAL
ACTIVITIES PROVIDE THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS FOR PRE-
LIMINARY SCREENING OF COMPETING AlTERNATIVES. MORE
DETAILED DESIGN WORK IS THEN ACCOMPLISHED ON THE
SELECTED PLAN FOR PURPOSES OF DETAILED FEASIBILITY
ANALYSIS AND OF DETAILED DESIGN ¢OR 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 diversion scheme.
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.
ll. 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.
171
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 PERMANENT CAMP FACILITIES.
35. Determine requirements.
36. Study locations and layouts.
37. Estimate camp costs.
OTHER HYDRAULIC CONSIDERATIONS.
38. Study upstream and downstream effects.
39. Determine model studies to consider.
172
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 opti'mum 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
173
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 'i'nformati on from the
map andaerial photo studies. Inspections will provide field
data required for recommendation or rejectibn of a site, and
wi 11 be made in conjunction with personne 1 from the so i 1 s
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
174
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-3
Activity: Determine types and hejghts of dams.
Description: The feas i b 1 e sites wi 11 be further exp 1 ored 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 th~ site is most suitable fo.r 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-discipline 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
175
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 wiil 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
1 76
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-5
Activity: Develop diversion scheme •. ,
Description: A scheme for river diversion during construction
will be devel~ped 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 an,d building· one side of the dam. Preliminary detail will
be developed to allow an estimate for reco1J1111ending a selected
plan to be further developed during detailed feasibility studies.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $25,000
177
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
178
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-7
Activity: Estimate project costs.
Description: 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
179
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-8
Activity: Study dam type and height.
Description: This activity will consist of pla·nning 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 c6mpletion
of a detailed feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $90t000
180
Activity Designation: D-9
Activity: Study spillways.
DESIGN
Description: This activity will be a hydraulic and structural
study of alternati.ve 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 prellminary design drawings, i·ncl uding
layout, plans, elevations and secti'ons, 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 detaned feasibility analysis.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $68,000
181
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
182
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-11
Activity: Study water diversion and care.
Description: This activity will make hydraulic and structural
studies of river diversions using tunnels, cofferdams, tailrace
tunnels, etc. It will include preliminary design of selected
scheme including closure methods, stfucture siie~ channels,
tunnel, etc. The design will be adequate for a detailed feasi-
bility study. (See activity D-18 for detailed studies for
Watana.}
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $62,000
183
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 structurei and bulkhead
handling. Turbine studies will look at type selection, size,
setting and number of units. Powerhouse 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
184
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 feasibility study.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $200,000
185
· 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
186
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-15
Activity: Study dam type and height (Watana).
Description: This study assumes that Watana will be an embankment
dam. A brief investigation will be made of a concrete gravity dam
to reconfirm that an embankment dam is the best alternative at ·
this site. The remainder of design efforts will be in conjunction
with F&M design of the embankment dam. Should the concrete dam
study show it to be the best alternative, then the design funds
for the embankment dam would be transferred to study the concrete
one.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $50,000
187
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-16
Activity: Study spillway. (Watana)
Description: This activity will provide a detailed hydraulic and·
structural design study of alternative spillway design$. ·-spillway
geometry, gates, piers, wa 11 s, energy di ssi p~ter, etc. , wi 11 be
selected and sized for cost estimating purposes. The scheme will
be further studied to develop detailed hydrauHc design .and to
allow preparation of preliminary designdrawings, including lay-
out, plans, elevations and sections, and mono_lith 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
188
r
\
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-17
Activity: Study outlet works. (Watana)
Description: This activity will provide a hydraulic and structural
detailed des.ign 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 des.ign
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
189
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-18
Activity: Study water diversion and ca.re~ (Watana)
Description: This activity w.ill make hydraulic and structural
detailed-design studies ofriver diversions using tunnels, coffer-
dams, tailrace tunnels, etc. It will include-hydraulic design
of the selected scheme 1ncluding 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
190
DESIGN .
Activity Designation: D-19
Activity: Study powerhouse size, type, and location. (Watana)
Description: Detailed studies will look at powerhouse layout and
arrangement, powerhouse type, turbine studies and tailrace studies.
Tailrace studies will determine size, setting, type, lining, tunnel
length, surge tank size and location, clogure structures ~nd bulk-
head handling. Turbine studies will look at type selection, size,
setting and number of units. Powerhouse type selection will ·
involve comparative studies of aboveground and underground locations.
A detailed cost estimate will be prepared. ·
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $200,000
191
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-20
Activity: Study power intake and conduit. (Watana)
Desc r iption: 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 powerhous~, 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
192
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
193
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-22
Activity: Conduct route surveys.
Description: The .transmission corr,idors 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 studi~s 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 wilT 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
194
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-23
Activity: Conduct transmission system study.
Description: This study will be to reconfirm the type of trans-
mission system running from the dams to both Fairbanks and
Anchorage. The study will consider the location of project head-
quarters, remote operation, dispatch centers, operation and main-
tenance, line voltage, number of lines, and circuitry. A direct
current system would be evaluated atsome point in the study.
Seasonal Constraint: None ·
Cost: $36,000
195
.DESlGN
Activity Designation: D-24
Activity: Conduct tow~r, 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. Conductortype 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
196
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-25
Activity: Conduct foundation-type studies.
Description: This will involve a study of various types of
footings for the various towers and the different types of
foundation material that will be encountered. Close coordin-
ation will be maintained with foundations per'sonnel during
this study. Some areas may be in permafrost, some on rock,
some on gravel and others in muddy or boggy areas. This
study will be made almost simultaneously with D-24. In
some areas consideration may be given to using a precast
foundation carried to the site by helicopter or truck.
Seasonal Constraint: Site visits in summer or fall.
Cost: $30,000
197
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-26
Activity: Conduct substation studies.
Description: This will de-termine. requir~ments 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 ea~h installation.
Number of circuit breakers and ratings of power transformers
will also be determined. Major equipment items such as
transformers, circuit breakers, lightning arrester arid 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
198
DESIGN
Activity Designation: 0-27
Activity: Conduct switchyard studies.
Description: This study wi 11 consist of the 1 oca ti ng and 1 ayi ng
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 0-26.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $76,000
199
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
200
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 b~ 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
201
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 wor~ 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
202
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-31
Activity: Estimate selected route costs.
Description: This will include construction estimates of
alternate routes including bridges, culverts, etc., to allow
selection of a final rout~. A detailed cost will be prepared·
for the final ro~te.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
203
DESIGN
Activ~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 requi're 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
204
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-33
Activity: Conduct marketability and disposal study.
Description: This will be a study .of trees within reservoir
area to determine types, size, and quantities. ~1arket loca-
tion will be determined for feasibility of marketing the trees.
Disposal methods and areas will be studied to determine
disposal methods that are economical and environmentally
sound. Possible logging roads should be considered in this
phase. Study will require some on site investigation and
some soils information in any proposed burial areas.
Seasonal Constraint Best accomplished during summer.
Cost: $20,000
205
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
s i te. 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
206
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 will
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
207
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-36
Activity: 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
208
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-37
Activity: Estimate camp costs.
Description: ·A detailed cost estimate of the construction camp
facilities required to support construction management as well
as the permanent camp faci 1 i ties which wi 11 sup.port the project
operation scheme will be made.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $10,000
209
DESIGN
Activity Designation: D-38
Act i vity: 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 re~uire
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 fisher i es, 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
210
DESIGN
Activity 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
211
REAL ESTATE (RE)
THE REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES HAVE A TWOFOLD PURPOSE. THE
FIRST IS TO DETERMINE OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN THE PROJECT
AREA AND ESTABLISH LAND VALUE. THE SECOND IS TO ARRANGE
FOR ENTRY TO PRIVATE LAND FOR PURPOSES OF ACCESS OR
FIELD WORK.
INVESTIGATIONS AND DETERMINATIONS.
1. Conduct real estate field investigations.
2. ~lake 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.
213
REAL ESTATE
Activity Designation: RE-1
Activity: Conduct real estate field investigations.
Description: This activity will b.egin with an aerial inspection
to familiarize real estate personnel with the physical character-
istics affecting land value in the project area. Ownership infor-
mation will then be gathered from records of assessors, recorders,
BLM and the State Division of Lands.· Interviews will be con-
ducted with land owners and area.residents to acquire knowledge
of future developments, and to assemble information on opinions
regarding the proposed project.· From these interviews and the
information developed in other studies (EC-4 through 6 and PM-2
through 4), the local area's development trends will be assessed.
Comparable sales data will be collected to determine the market
value of the project areas.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $7,000
215
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. Also, ]egal research will·be conducted
as to the effect of the Alaska N~tive Claims Settlement Act,
the Alaska Statehood Act, and other applicable laws on the
existing power site withdrawal~
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $33,000
216
REAL ESTATE
Activity Designation: RE-3, 4, 5
Activity: Obtain rights of entry, as necessary, prior to entry at
damsites, along the access route, and along the transmission cor-
ridor.
Description: Land owners in the project area wi 11 be contacted by
mail, telephone, and personal visits.to obtain the proper authori-
zation for entry in order to conduct reconnaissance·and exploration.
The effort involved in arranging entry to the dam and reservoir
areas is relatively minor because~of the power withdrawal status
of the prospective dam sites and of portions of the reservoir sites.
More time-consuming will be seeking permission for entry from
property owners along the access and transmission routes.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $19,000
217
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
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS.
ARCHEOLOGICAL
1. Conduct an archeological reconnaissance.
HISTORICAL
2. Locate, map, and describe all significant historic
properties within areas of project impact.
219
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Activity Designation: C-1
Activity: Conduct an archeological reconnaissance.
Description: This study will consist of selected field examinations
of the proposed project area{s). The study will be designed to
test and refine data from the Preliminary Assessment, entitled
11 Heritage Resources Along the Upper Susitna River, .. prepared by
the Alaska Division of Parks in August 1975. The study will pro-
vide factors on which an intensive survey can be planned and
budgeted. It will also include field examination of selected
and potential prehistoric properties identified in the Prelimi-
nary Assessment. The objective here will be to determine the
probable number and types of prehistoric resources within the
project areas and the probable impact of the project on those
resources.
At the end of the field work, a Cultural Resources Reconnaissance
Report (the Cultural Resources Appendix) will be prepared which
will also include data related to historic resources identified
under Activity C-2. The report will estimate the number and
probable distribution of sites within the project areas, and
will recommend a research design and subsequent cost estimate
for the program. The intensive survey will not be undertaken
until after the project feasibility analysis has been completed
and a decision is made regarding project construction. At that
time, and prior to construction impacts, an intensive on-the-
ground survey of the project area will be undertaken, under
separate contract, to locate all the cultural resources within
that area and to evaluate the impact of the project upon those
resources. The intensive survey would still involve only mini-
mal field testing as necessary to determine potential eligibility
of sites for inclusion in the National Register.
Seasonal Constraint: Field work can be accomplished only during
snow-free periods when soils are unfrozen.
Cost: $100,000
221
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Activity _Designation: 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 occ ur, and
recommend procedures for mitigation or preservation of such
sites. Work will primarily be accomplished by searching
documents related to historica l aspects of the immediate
project area(s), and to the specific 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 wil l be subject to the same
constraints as activity C-1.
Cost: $10,000
222
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 B~ 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.
223
FIELD CAMP
Activity Designation: FC-1/la
Activity: Design, construct, and operate field camp.
Description: This activity will consist of the design, construc-
tion, and operation of a field camp for personnel required for
early drilling, surveying, environmental studies, etc. Camp
size and use is based on an average of 40 people in camp 180
days per year, and over a 3 year period. This estimate is
based on the assumption that at the end of the 3-year use period,
camp removal cost would equal salvage value. Leaving the camp
in place would result in a cost saving for later project work.
The camp will be of modular construction, and probably will be
lifted in by Sky-crane.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $1,500,000 ($1,000,000 operations 1!
500,000 design, purchase, and construction)
1/ Operation cost is based on an average of 40 men @ $50/day
for Tao days per year for a 3 year period.
225
FIELD CAMP
Activity Designa t ion: FC-2
Activity: Design and construct airstrip .
Description: This activity consists of the design and
construction of a small landing str i p, 100 feet by 2,000
feet, near the camp. This strip wi l l initially be a
small bush strip, with the possibil i ty that size will
be increased when construction commences. The airstrip
will be used to support the field camp.
Seasonal Constraint: Construction after break-up.
Cost: $125,000
226
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (B)
THESE ACTIVITIES DESCRIBE THE FIELD WORK AND IMPACT
ANALYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BlOLO~ICAL ENVIRONMENT
AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT. fiRST, THE ABUNDANCE, DIS-
TRIBUTION, AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Of VARIOUS SPECIES
ARE DETERMINED THROUGH Fl~LD SURVEYS. UTILIZING
INFORMATION RELATED TO PRE-AND POST-PROJECT HYDRO-
LOGIC CONDITIONS, THE IMPACTS ON CRITICAL HABITAT
ARE IDENTIFIED AND EVALUATED. PROBABLE EFFECTS OF
THE PROJECT ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS ARE IDENTIFIED.
MITIGATIVE OR ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ARE DETERMINED.
VEGETATIVE COVER.
1. 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.
3. Identify and determine project impacts on significant
aquatic plants.
ANADROMOUS FISHERY STUDIES.
4. Determine relative abundance, distribution, and habitat
requirements of anadromous fish within impacted areas,
and locate habitat critical to successful spawning and
rearing of these species.
5. Determine project effects on anadromous fish.
RESIDENT FISH STUDIES.
6. Determine relative abundance, distribution, and habitat
requirements of resident fish within impacted areas, and
locate habitat critical to successful spawni,ng and
rearing of these species. ·
7. Determine project effects on resident fish.
ESTUARINE STUDIES.
8. Identify and assess effects of altered flow and water
qua 1 ity characteristics of Susi.tna River upon Upper
Cook Inlet estuary. ·
227
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (cont.)
MOOSE STUDIES.
9. Identify and map moose habitat within impacted areas,
locate critical habitat, determine habitat condition
and carrying capacity.-
10. Identify water conditions associated with habitat.
11. Determine distribution, seasonal use, and population
trend.
12. Determine impact of project upon moose habitat and
populations.
CARIBOU STUDIES.
13. Identify and map habitat associated with alternate
transmission corridors and areas subject to impoundment.
14. Determine distribution and seasonal use within areas
of project impact and identify migration routes and time
of river crossing with respect to reservoir areas.
15. Determine project impacts upon Nelchina caribou herd.
STUDIES OF OTHER MAMMALS.
16. Determine general abundance, distribution, and periods
of use of project areas by bear, wolf, mountain sheep,
and small game; and identify and evaluate project impacts.
STUDIES OF BIRDS.
17. Identify significant species and their seasonal distribu-
tion and abundance, and determine project impacts.
STUDIES OF RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.
18. Determine presence, use, and project-related impacts
on all species of plants, animals, or fish listed as
rare or endangered.
STUDIES RELATED TO ECONOMIC VALUE OF FISH AND WILDLIFE.
19. Determine annual harvest rates of commercial and/or
sport species of fish and wildlife 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 terms and detennine mitigative or enhancement
measures.
IMPACTS OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES.
21. Make preliminary identification of environmental impacts
associated with energy alternatives.
228
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-1
Activity: Obtain necessary aircraft/satellite imagery and
utilize manual interpretation and automatic data processing
techniques to type vegetation within impoundment areas, down-
stream flood plain, and along transmission corridors.
Description: LANDSAT-1 and 2 and/or ERTS imagery will be
compiled from existing depositories, or obtained by special
photography requests which may be necessary to reflect sea-
sonal variations in vegetative types. From this imagery, a
vegetation map(s) will be prepared utilizing appropriate .
computer facilities in cooperation with the BLM Application
System Verification Test. Ground truth field investigations
will be required to verify computer map delineations and
questionable interpretations.
Seasonal Constraint: Limited to snow-free periods. Most
work will be accomplished in seasons of vegetative growth.
Cost: $50,000
229
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-2
Activity: Identify significant aquatic invertebrate species and
determine project impacts.
Description: Invertebrate species will be sampled within the
impacted areas. This baseline survey will include the main-
stream Susitna, its sloughs and tributaries above and below
the dam. Specimens are to be preserved and identified, and
quantitative studies conducted whenever possible. Using this
data, an evaluation will be made of the impacts the project
will hav~ 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. This
survey will encompass a full year to insure identification of
species which may have terrestrial adult stages or are difficult
to identify during early stages of development.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $30,000
230
. BIOLOGICAL <STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-3
Activity: Identify significant aquatic vegetation and determine
impacts. · '
Description: Significant aquatic vegetation is to be surveyed
and identified for waters within the impact area. Spatial and
seasonal distribution and abundance are to be ~escribed, along
with an assessment of poss.ible impacts resulting from changes
in water quality and flow regime. · ·
Seasonal Con'straint: None
Cost: $16,000
231
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B~4/4a
Activity: Determine relative abundance, distribution, and habitat
requirements of anadromous fish within impacted areas, and locate
habitat critical to the successful spawning and rearing of these
species.
Description: This is a continuati~n and expansion of studies
already underway. Investigations will be downstream from Devil
Canyon and will be concentrated along that portion of the Susitna
River and its associated sloughs and tributaries which lie up-
stream from its confluence with the Chulitna River. Specific
studies will be designed to determine relative abundance and
migration timing of adult salmon within the mainstem and its
sloughs and clearwater tributaries, to document out ... migration
of salmon fry from tributaries and sloughs into the mainstem in
order to determine its utilization as an overwintering .and/or
rearing area, and to measure hydrological and limnological
parameters associated with the mainstem Susitna River and
selected tributaries. This work will be accomplished by field
survey crews using mechanical and electronic gear, nets, and
by aerial surveys. As critical habitat areas are identified,
study emphasis will be concentrated in these locations.
This study will be conducted in two parts, with res.ults of the
first 2 year.s of effort (B-4) being compiled and analyzed for use
in related studies and as a basis for determining areas where
efforts should .be concentr.ated during the second phase of the
study (B-4a).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $848,000
232
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-5
Activity: Determine project effects on anadromous 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-4/4a, 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: $112,000
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-6/6a
Activity: Determine relative abundance, distribution, and habitat
requirements of resident fish within impacted areas, and locate
habitat critical to the successfu.l spawning and rearing of these
species.
Description: Data relevant to resident fish species will be
acquired incidental to anadromous fish studies downstream from
Devil Canyon. However, special attention will be given those
areas important to resident, fish which may not coincide with
anadromous fish habitat. Also,, the area for resident fish
studies is considerably greater, extending along the Susitna
River mainstem and its tributaries upstream from Devil Canyon
to the mouth of the Tyone River and streams bisected by trans-
mission corridors. Of particular importance in this study
will be the determination of winter distribution a·nd habitat
requirement within areas subject to project impact.· Studies
will be made of the tributaries where it is suspected that
resident fish predominantly reside during the summer months,
and the mainstem Susitna River where many of these same fish
may winter. Particular attention will be given to streams
which will be impacted by inundation. Study of streams along
transmission line corridors will be limited to those identified
as having some direct impact from project construction.
This study will be conducted in two parts, with results of the
first 2 years of effort (B-6) being compiled and analyzed for
use in related studies and as a basis for determining areas
where efforts should be concentrated during the second phase
of the study (B-6a).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $347,000
/
234
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-7
Activity: Determine project effects 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-6/6a 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 determing the
likely effects of the project upon resident fish species.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $92,000
235
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-8
Activity: Identify and assess effec t s of altered outflow of the
Susitna River upon the estuarine area in Upper Cook Inlet.
Description: Comments from numerous sources, including state
offic i als responsible for sport and commercial fi shing, indicate
a concern for changes which might occur in existing habitat
quality within Upper Cook Inlet, particularly the estuarine area
at the mouth of the Susitna River. Baseline studies will be
conducted to determine existing water quality and biological
productivity within the estuarine area and the lower reach of
the Susitna River. Similar studies will be made immediately
above and below the mouth of the Chu l itna River and within the
lower reach of the Chulitna River. (Some of these data will be
acquired under activities HY-3, and B-4/4a, 6/6a). Points of
consideration for studies not covered in those already cited
include an evaluation of such things as sediment load, nutrient
load, primary productivity, and fresh/salt water stratification
(wedges).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $75,000
236
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-9/9a
Activity: Identify and map moose habitat within impact· areas,
locate critical habitat, and determine habitat condition and
carrying capacity.
Description: Available information indicates a heavy dependence
upon the river bottoms and adjacent lands for winter range both
above and below the proposed damsites. The purpose of this study
is to identify and map vegetative types which provide moose habitat
within the impoundment areas and downstream flood plain, and adja-
cent lands lost dire~tly to flooding or potentially affected
directly or indirectly by changes in flow regime. Downstream work
will be accomplished from Portage Creek to Upper Cook Inlet with
concentration of effort upstream from the confluence of the
Chulitna River. In conjunction with activity B-11/lla, areas of
critical winter habitat will be defined, located, and mapped.
Verification of use of plant species identified as preferred
winter browse, the intensity of such use, and the general condi-
tion of keybrowse species will be accomplished by field surveys
consisting of locating and tagging and annually measuring browse
growth and utilization. Browse growth rates will be established
following the season of active annual growth in the fall, and
utilization will be determined prior to new plant growth the
following spring. Intensity of previous utilization will be
determined and the general conditions and virgor of key species
established. Results of this activity, along with data collected
under activity B-11/lla, will be utilized to estimate carrying
capacity of winter ranges potentially affected by the project.
This study will be conducted in two parts, with results of the
first 2 years of effort (B-9) being compiled and analyzed for
use in related studies and as a basis for determining areas where
efforts should be concentrated during the second phase of the
study (B-9a).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $152,000
'237
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-10
Activity: Identify water conditions associated with moose habitat.
Description: Location and abundance of moose browse is largely
determined by soil moisture, which in turn is determined by
conditions affecting the groundwater table. Plant species and
areas representative of subclimax conditions are generally most
productive of quality moose browse. It is suspected that the
current pattern of natural annual flooding on the Susitna River
produces conditions conducive to good moose browse production.
The purpose of this study is to identify permanent and cyclic
(annual) water conditions which affect browse production. This
will require an analysis of historic seasonal streamflow data
to identify the magnitude and frequency of flows which impart
the most profound effect on vegetation. The area encompassed by
this study consists of lands subjected to annual inundation along
the mainstem Susitna River between Portage Creek and the mouth
of the Chulitna River. Spring flooding patterns without and with
the project will be mapped on overlays of moose browse identified
under activity B-9/9a. On the basis of these comparisons, impacts
on existing browse patterns and production wi 11 be. estimated.
Seasona 1 Constraint: None.
Cost: $10,000
238
BIOLOGICAL. STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-11/lla
Activity: Determine distribution, seasonal use, and population
trend of moose within areas of project impact.
Description: · The purpose of this study is to identify moose popu-
lations utilizing habitat subject to direct and indirect imp~ct
of the project, determine s~asonal 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 degr~e 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 position's 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-9/9a, 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 study will be conducted in two parts, with results of the
first 2 years of effort (B-11) being compiled and analyzed for
use in related studies and as a basis for determining areas where
efforts should be concentrated during the second phase of the
study (B-lla).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $250,000
239
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-12
Activity: Determine impact of project upon habitat and populations
of moose.
Description: Utilizing data obtained from activities B-1, 9/9a,
10, and 11/lla, 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
resultof 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: $10,000
240
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-13
~ctivity: Identify and map caribou habitat associated with
alternate transmission corridors and areas subject to impound-
ment.
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 as determined by activity s.:.l4/14a.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $4,000
241
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-l4/14a
Activity: Determine distribution and seasonal use of caribou
within areas of project impact and identify migration routes
and time of river crossing with respect to reservoir areas.
Description: The purpose of this study is to identify and
quantify, to the extent practicable, caribou populations poten-
tially 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 attribut-
able to the project. Baseline data collection will be accomplished
by methodical aerial surveys. Populations will be quantified and
mapped as to seasonal location and distribution. Surveys will be
made no less than once each month. Aerial transects will be
established and consistantly 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, particularly as they move from
calving grounds to summer range. This activity will be supple-
mented by aerial surveys made in conjunction with moose radio
tracking flights. Frequency of surveys will be increased during
periods of spring migration.
The study will be conducted in two parts, with results of the
first 2 years of effort (B-14) being compiled and analyzed for
use in related studies and as a basis for determining areas
where efforts should be concentrated during the second phase
of the study (B-14a).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $80,000
242
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-15
Activity: Determine project impacts upon Nelchina caribou herd.
Description: The purpose of this activity is to determine, on
the basis of data collected pursuant to activities B-13 and 14/14a,
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 bis·ecting 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: $16,000
243
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-16/16a
Activity: Determine general abundance, distribution, and periods
of use of project areas by bear, wolf, mountain sheep, and small
game. Determine impact of project upon these animals.
Description: A large part of the data concerning relative abundance,
distribution, and periods-of-use required for this study will be
obtained incidentally to aerial and ground surveys conducted in
conjunction with activities B-4/4a, 6/6a, and 14/14a. Special
surveys will be conducted when and where determined necessary,
dependent upon the results of information obtained relative to
big-game surveys. Mountain sheep, particularly, will probably
require special study as a result of their peripheral relationship
to the project. Most of the effort of this activity will be
directed to lands subject to inundation by the reservoir.
This study will be conducted in two parts, with results of the
first 2 years of effort (B-16) being compiled and analyzed for
use in related studies and as a basis for determining areas where
efforts should be concentrated during the second phase of the
study (B-16a).
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $75,000
244
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-17
Activity: Identify bird species and their seasonal distribution
and abundance, and determine project impacts.
Description: Surveys will be conducted to identify birds utilizing
potentially impacted areas. Since most birds are transitory to the
project area, surveys will be conducted throughout the year, with
emphasis on spring .and fall migrants and summer residents. Cursory
winter surveys will be conducted to identify and determine distribu-
tion and relative ntimber~:of winter residents. Particular attention
will be given to identifying and mapping the numbers and distribu-
tion of any rare or endangered species. Distribution will be
correlated with vegetation-type maps produced under activity B-1.
Impacts resulting from project implementation will be determined.
Seasonal Constraint: , None; however, field work will be concen-
trated in the snow-free seasons.
Cost: $36,000
245
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-18
Activity: 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.
Description: Any rare or endangered species in the area of project
impact will be identified in the course of other biological field
investigations. Species lists should essentially be completed by
the end of the second year of field studies which will be under-
taken to identify vegetation, fish, birds, mammals, and other
organisms. Upon identification of a rare or endangered species,
intensive investigations of that particular organism will be under-
taken immediately to determine its use, distribution, and number
within impacted areas. The extent to which·any of these factors
will be influenced by the project will be determined and evaluated.
Where applicable and possible, mitigative measures will be identi-
fied and evaluated. At the present time the peregrine falcon is
the only endangered species known to occur in the area.
Seasonal Constraint: None; however, bulk of work will occur during
snow-free periods.
Cost: $ 30,000
246
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-19
Activity: Determine annual harvest rates of species of fish and
wi 1 dl ife utili zed 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,
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 populations to regional populations
will be determined by correlating estimated changes in harvest
rate to average annual harvest.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $100,000
247
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 monetary 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 justified to prevent or offset
losses will be identified. 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.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost : $1 5, 000
248
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Activity Designation: B-21
Activity: Identify and describe environmental components and
impacts thereto 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: $ 30,000
249
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (RRP)
THIS FINAL CATEGORY OF ACTIVITIES 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 MEETINGS 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 preliminary environmental studies report.
5. Prepare preliminary marketability analysis.
6. Prepare and submit plan selection 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 appendix.
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 Project Feasibility Analysis, Main
Report.
22. Prepare and submit supplemental EIS.
FINAL REPORTS AND REVIEWS.
23. Conduct Final Review.
24. Prepare and submit revised Project Feasibility Analysis
Report.
25. Prepare and submit revised Supplemental EIS.
251
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
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 pre.liminary
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
254
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-3
Activity: Prepare preliminary site selection report.
Description: This report will present the analysis and consider-
ations that went into developing hydro plans for the initial
screening of alternatives. It will include a ~iscussion of
preliminary site layouts and cost estimate.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $3,000
255
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
~-~j j_y_i_ty__Q_~sl9!!.~J_i_o~-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
256
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-5
Activity: Prepare preliminary marketability analysis.
Description: This report will present the review of load
growth and marketing assumptions to be used in evaluating
the economic feasibility of the various plans for hydro
development. It will include, as a minimum, seasonal load
duration curves, power demand projections, and other market-
ing assumptions on the saleability of Susitna power during
the early years of operation and over its economic life.
This information will be used to support the preliminary
screening.
Seasonal Constraint: None -
Cost: $3,000
257
REPORTS, REVIEWS, .AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-6
Activity: Prepare and submit plan selection 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 ofeach alternative plan, the power
capability and associated benefits of each plan, differential
environmental impacts and plan costs.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $6,000
258
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-7
Activity: Conduct second level public meetings.
Description: This second set of public meetings is designed to
foster public participation in the screening of alternative
energy plans. Additionally, input will be sOught from residents
of the immediate project area to establish a most probable future
that will serve as a frame of reference in the impact assessment
process. In advance of the meetings, informational material
summarizing the preliminary screening process will be widely
disseminated.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $15,000
259
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
260
REPORTS, REVIEWS,-AND PUBLIC 'PARTIClPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-9
Activity: Prepare Power Studies appendix.
Description:. This :appendix will incl,ude all power studies ·to
be conducted for plan formulation and more specifically for
indepth analysis of tbe 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 yarious plans of development for
a number of assumed.dam heights and active storage volumes.
There will be no attempt toincorporate.economic evaluation
into these studies as this will be accomplished.under plan
formulation~ For the $elected plan, a number of load shape
studies wi 11 be conqucted 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
261
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, qu.antity 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. Thi's activity
wi 11 a 1 so present the mechanics of the reviewing process and
the rationale by which the specifics sites were selected.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
262
. '...
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 objectiyes 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
263
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
~ctivity 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 ~owers, hardware and conductors,
and clearing considerations will be included in the appendix
with a fi'nal recommendation of the· selected route, tower types
and all hardware.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
264
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-13
Activity: Prepare Access appendix.
Description: Under this activity the access route alternatives
wi 11 be out 1 i ned, 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
. 265
REPORTS, REVIEWS, 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 Fdundations 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
266
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-15
Activity: Prepare Re~l 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
267
.,
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 constru~tion faciliti~s and reservoir clearing
will also be described. ·
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $20,000
268
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-17
Activity: Prepar~ Marketing Analysis appendix •.
Description: This report will summarize t.he various power
market studies and will present the load growth a.nd:power .·
system assumptions that underlie the detailed feasibility
analysis. In addition, it will contain a detailed assess~ent
of existing power plant retirement and financial feasibility
based on the selected plan.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $7,000
269
, REI:OBTSr REVIEWS,. AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-18
Activity: Prepare Environmental St1.1dies appendix.
Description: This work will consist of a consolidation
and summarization of the results of the biological and
socio-economic studies. As such, it will serve as a
reference document for the impact assessment process
and for preparation of the Environmental Impact State~
ment Supplement.
Cost: $14,000
270
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
271
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
ActivH1__Designation: RRP-20
Activity:_ Prepare Cultural Resources appendix.
Description: This Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Report
will present the findings of both the archeological and
historical studies. Included will be information relating
to the number and types of archeological and historical
resources in the project area and the probable impact of
the project on those resources. ·
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $14,000
272
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-21
Activity: Prepare and submit Project Feasibility Analysis,
Main Report.
Description: Following completion of the detailed feasibility
studies, the detailed dam design, ~nd 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
273
~~~ ...................................................................... ..
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
[\c t_ty_i_ty_De _s_i_g_n_a_t j 5Jn: RRP-22
Activity: Prepare and submit supplemental EIS.
Desc ri pt ion: This work will consist of further summarization
of all environmenal, economic, social, and engineering studies
accomplished during the project feasibility ~nalysii. Impacts
from the various features of the project will be evaluated and
presented narratively. Detailed information will be presented
on the recommended plan, ~hile impacts of alternative actions
wi l l be described sufficiently to fully inform readers and
dec i sion makers of the trade-offs and reasons involved in their
rejection.
Seasonal Constraint: None
Cost: $26,000
274
REPORTS, .REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Activity Designation: RRP-23
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 wi 11 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
275
AVAILABLE DATA
A number of documents are available which discuss the general setting
of the Upper Susitna River Basin and the surrounding communities that
would be served by the proposed hydro project. Also available are
several reports which address specific development of the Susitna
Basin. The following list of reports includes only some of the·
more pertinent studies relative to the Railbelt environment. More
detailed is the listing of the reports which describe studies of
the Upper Susitna River Basin. Many of the reports consist of one-
of-a-kind documents which are available only through the Corps of
Engineers or other agencies, while others can be obtained through
libraries, governmental agencies, or private organizations.
Beck, R.W., and Associates and Ralph R. Stefano and Associate, Engineer-
ing and Economic Studies for the City of Anchorage, Alaska Municipal
Light and Power Department, August 1970.
Bishop, Daniel M., A Hydrologic Reconnaissance of the Susitna River
Below Devil Canyon, for Environaid, Juneau, Alaska, October 1974.
CH2M Hill, Electric Generation and Transmission Intertie System for
Interior and Southcentral Alaska, 1972.
~hugach Electric Association, Environmental Analysis for Proposed
Addition&,to Chugach Electric Association, Inc., Generating
Station at Beluga, Alaska, October 1973.
Dames & Moore Consulting Engineers, Subsurface Geo h sical Ex loration
for Proposed Watana Damsite, Anc orage: U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Alaska District, 1975.
Federal Energy Administration, Project Independence, 1974.
Federal Power Commission, Alaska Power Survey, 1969.
279
--~~~-' Division of Parks, Heritage Resources Along the Upper
Susitna River, August 1975.
----=-..,---~' Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission for
Alaska, and the University of Alaska, Coordinated by Lidia L.
Selkregg, Alaska Regional Profiles -Southcentral Region, 1974.
U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Office of the Chief
of Engineers, Cook Inlet and Tributaries, 1950.
---=--' Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, A Report on the
Rampart Canyon Project, Yukon Basin, Alaska, 1971.
--~~~-' Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Offshore Oil and Gas
Development in Cook Inlet, Alaska -Environmental Impact State-
ment, September 1974.
--~~~-' Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Public Hearing in
Fairbanks, Alaska on Southcentral Railbelt Hydropower Study,
6 May 1974.
--------~' Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Coordination Confer-
ence for Southcentral Railbelt Hydropower Study, 29 October 1974.
__ __,..,...,...._, Alaska District, Interim Feasibility Report, Southcentral
Railbelt Area Alaska, Upper Susitrii River Basin, 12 December 1975.
-~~~~' Alaska District, Interim Feasibility Report, Southcentral
Railbelt Area Alaska, Upper Susitna River Basin, Appendix 1,
Parts 1 and 2, 12 December 1975.
---=--;-::-:--' Alaska District, Interim Feasibility Report, Southcentral
Railbelt Area Alaska, Upper Susitna River Basin, Appendix 2.
----~--, Alaska District, Environmental Impact Statement, Hydro-
electric Power Development, Upper Susitna River Basin Southcentral
Railbelt Area Alaska, December 1975.
---::::----:..,.--' Alaska District, Public Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska on
Southcentral Railbelt Hydropower Study, 8 October 1975.
----~-' Alaska District, Public Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska on
Southcentral Railbelt Hydropower Study, 27 May 1975.
-~~~-' Alaska District, Public Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska on
Southcentra 1 Ra i1 belt Hydropower Study, 29 ~~ay 1976.
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service. A
Hydrological Reconnaissance of the Susitna River Below D~vil
Canyon Dam, October 1974.
280
U.S. Department of the Interior, Alaska ~atural 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, Multimodal Transportation and
Utility Corridor Systems in Alaska - A Preliminary Conceptual
Analysis, October 1974.
----=--=----:-' Bureau of Reclamation, A Reconnaissance Report on the
Potential Development of Water Resources in the Territory 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
Project 1960:
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.
---:::-----=-=--' 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,
Alaska, 1964.
---~' 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.
281
Federal Power Commis-sion, Advisory Committee Reports, 1974 Alaska Power
Survey (with 1975 update):
Report of the Executive Advisory Commi, ttee, 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, --,---January 1973.
, Department of Fish and Game, Alaska 1973 Catch and Pro duc ------,,--.---=-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 Ri ver, 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.
282
GLOSSARY
adit - a horizontal gallery driven from the surface g1ving access to a
--work area.
alluvium -material eroded, transported, and deposited by streams.
anemometer - a device which measures air speed.
arcuate -bow shaped or bent.
aquifer - a subsurface zone that yields economically important amounts
of water to wells.
backwater curve - a curve showing high-water surface on a given stream
resulting from downstream obstructions, or high stages in an inter-
secting stream.
batholith-a huge mass of igneous rock of irregular shape and great
extent in all dimensions.
bell mouth -flared mouth on a pipe opening.
block faulting -see fault block.
B.O.D. -biochemical oxygen demand.
bus - a set of two or more electric conductors that serve as common
connections between load circuits and each of the polarities (direct
current) or phases (alternating current) of the source of electric
power.
C.O.D. -chemical oxygen demand (of water).
critical pathmethod (CPM) -a method of scheduling activities by which
the activities are placed in sequential order and given time esti-
mates so that the most time-consuming activity is identified. The
most time-consuming activity, or series of interdependent activities,
constitute the critical path.
dendritic -having a branching, treelike pattern or structure.
283
---~ ........................................................................ ..
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.
J
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.
284
limnololical -related to the science of life and conditions for life
in akes, ponds and streams.
manuscript mapping -original drawing produced from mapping instrument.
orographic effects -effects on air currents caused by mountains.
passerines -perching birds.
penstock - a closed water conduit controlled by valves and located
between the intake and the turbine in a hydroelectric plant.
photomosaic-composite photograph made up of individual, small-area
photos placed side by side.
photo/topo -the mapping of surface features by means of aerial photo-
graphy.
picture point aerial photography -photographs taken after target panels
are placed on the ground or after existing objects are identified
which can later be located in the photography.
plate jacking test - a test for quality of foundation rock, in which
plates are cemented to rock walls (usually of a tunnel), then pres-
sure is applied by a huge hydraulic jack. Deflection of the rock
under pressure, and rebound of the rock after the pressure is removed,
gives indication of the quality of the foundation.
rime icing - a milky, opaque, granular deposit formed by the rapid
freezing of super-cooled water drops on an exposed surface; com-
posed essentially of separate ice granules.
riparian -living or located on a riverbank.
river cross section - a depiction of the contours of the river bottom.
secondary energy -electric energy having limited availability. In a
good water year, a hydro plant can generate energy in excess of its
prime energy capability. This excess energy is classified as secondary
energy because it is not available every year, and varies in magnitude
in those years when it is available.
shotcrete -pneumatically placed concrete.
steel bent - a framework support transverse to the length of a structure.
285
'•
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'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.
286
Figure 9. Tabulation of Program Activities According
to Cost and Year of Accomplishment.
RIVER CROSS SECTI
1. Obtain r
2. Obtain r
MAPPING
3. Map pote
4. Obtain c
5. Obtain c
corridor
6. Obtain c
7. Obtain c
IMPLEMENT A DATA
1. Collect
mission
2. Install
continue
3. Collect
DESCRIBE HYDROMET
4. Describe
CONDUCT PRE-PROJE
5. Extend s
record.
6. Develop
7. Develop
8. Develop
period.
CONDUCT RESERVOIR
9. Determin
10. Determin
distribu
11. Determin
fication
12. Determin
SURVEY (SY)
ON
iver cross sections at preliminary sites.
iver cross sections downstream.
ntial reservoir sites.
ontrolled photo/topo along access route.
ontrolled photo/topo along transmission .
ontrolled photo/topo at Watana damsite.
ontrolled photo/topo at Devil Canyon.
HYDROLOGY (HY)
COLLECTION PROGRAM.
climatologic data for basin and trans-
line.
and operate additional stream gages and
stream gaging~
physical, chemical and biological data.
EOROLOGICAL SETTING OF BASIN.
hydrometeorological setting.
CT STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
treamflow and correlate with longest
annual and seasonal flow duration curves.
peak and volume frequency curves.
low flow frequency analysis for critical
AND DOWNSTREAM SEDIMENT STUDIES.
e average annual total load.
e entrapment rates and reservoir
tion.
e reservoir suspended sediment strati-.
e effect on downstream channel.
287
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 .2 3 4
I
50 * !
300 *
I
460 *
225 *
70 *
60 *·
60 *I
I
! ~
!
' ' r
l
I '
423 * * *
300 * *
200 -* * *
8 *
10 *
2 *
2 *
10 *
35 * *
20 * *
15 *
20 *
...__ ___ -------------------------------· ~
.......................................................................... BL~
Cost Year
('$1 '000) 1 2 3 4
HYDROLOGY (HY) (Cont.)
SPILLWAY DESIGN FLOOD DERIVATION.
13. Obtain final Probable Maximum Precipita
I I tion from
HMB-NWS. ---:---:-----:-----:----::-------
14. Recalibrate basin model.
1 * I
25 * -r-· f-
--==----:----:---15. Determine Probable Maximum Flood and ro
through reservoir.
ute tc ·----·-·--···-...... ___ 1._5_ ___ --·--
a1keetna
WATER SURFACE PROFILE DETERMINATION.
16. Determine water surface profiles from T
25 * * ------·----------------·--1
udies. 75 * I
to Watana.
CONDUCT WATER QUALITY STUDIES.
17. Reservoir temperature stratification st ----·,----t 18. Analyze spillway and outlet works for d
. gas production. --·--:-
19. Reservoir water quality modeling addit1
temperature studies . .~-=----.,.---------,--
20. Assess erosion potential in active stor
CONDUCT ICE STUDIES.
21. River and reservoir conditions.
22. Review literature about existing storag
in arctic conditions.-----------------
WIND AND ICE STUDIES REQUIRED FOR TRANSMISSION L
DESIGN.
23. Conduct literature search and limited f
survey.------------·----·----,---·---
POST PROJECT STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS.
24. Develop post-project frequency curves.
25. Determine post-project downstream water
profi 1 es. ---------··---
RESERVOIR FILLING SCHEDULES.
26. Develop reservoir filling schedules._
GLACIAL BALANCE STUDIES.
27. Conduct mass water yield studies.
isso1ved
20
on to
75
age zone. 20
130
e projects ·
______________ __fQ__
INE
ield
_ _l§_
.. 1
surface _____ 20 __
9
55
55 28. Conduct mass sediment yield studies. __ _
_¥ .. ----~--·--·-----·--
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION STUDIES.
10 ---29. Determine evaporatiorirates;· ----
OTHER ACTIVITIES.
od. 1 --30. Provide preliminary spillway design flo
31. Determine elevation versus capacity ~el ationships. 8
288
* l ---r--
I
* * *' --i-
* * I I t· ,J *
!
I I
i
* -·. -·-1-
* I ~ -
* f-· --1-
I
* * ··---· ----
* * *
* ·:-* * -r-
-lj-1-
* -r-···----
* ----·-* ··--1---1--r-
ECONOMICS {EC)
MISCELLANEOUS ECO NOMIC STUDIES.
1. Perform employment benefit analysis.
2. Prepare flood damage prevention analysis.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IM PACT STUDIES.
3. Conduct
for init
preliminary socio-economic impact studies
ial screening of alternatives.
detailed profiles of socio-economic 4. Develop
conditio
region, a
ns in the immediate project area, the
nd the State.
5. Forecast future 11 Without-project 11 conditions.
6. Forecast future 11 With project 11 conditions.
7. Identify
effects.
and evaluate significant socio-economic
RECREATION (R)
RECREATION PLAN
1. Conduct d ata search and evaluation.
2. Conduct supply and demand analysis.
3. Develop
and rela
alternative plans for public recreation
ted resources uses.
4. Conduct
plans an
cost/benefit evaluation of alternative
d select final plan.
PLAN FORMULATION
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES.
1. Review 1
2. Update p
EVALUATION CRITER
3. Establ is
976 feasibility report.
ower values.
IA.
h evaluation criteria.
PLANS AND PRELIMIN
4. Identify
ARY EVALUATION.
possible solutions.
(PF)
ANALYZE SPECIFIC P LANS OF HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT.
5. Establ is h site layouts.
6. Conduct m
7. Assess re
8. Develop p
attractiv
ass take-offs and provide cost estimates.
regulation dam costs.
ower benefits and assess economic
eness.
289
Cost Year
($1,000) jl 2 3 4
I
5 * 12 * * 1--1-·
I
ll * -r-
~5 * * --1---15 * 20 *
6 * * -
5 * 20 *
15 *
16 * *
l * 3 *
I
5 *
8 *
40 * -* 1 *
10 *
Cost Yf'ar
( $1 '000) 11 12 1 41
1 l I
! I I
I I 1 s !*I _
ON-GOING EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES. I I
10. Update the impact analysis 'as needed. _ _lQ_ __ rr -!._,!_1
-·-
IDENTIFICATION OF HYDRO SYSTEM OPERATION IN REGIONAL LOAD. I' l
11. Study feasibility of future units and down-,
stream reregulation. _________________ L_~t-: __ _
12. Conduct hourly loading studies._·---------·--·---------------~--+ ___ '!!_ ··r
13. Assess sensitivity to load growth. 1 · _:_, -+-
AL TE~:~ TI ~~~~~~~E~Y~~~~~i~~ i es __ ~n ~~~~a ti ve ~~~---___ }_Q ____ L*_ _J
BENEFIT AND COST CALCULATION. I I I l
15. Collect and compare benefit and cost estimates. ____ 3 ~ n+
POWER STUDIES (PS) I i I
I I MISCELLANEOUS POWER STUDIES. I I
1. Identify optimum dam heights, reservoir storage l 1 I ,
and optimum power. ____________ 40 __ ~-~-r' .. -~-+-
2. Conduct hourly simulated operation. --··--------····--·------.. ···---..... lQ ____ +-~-~ ·--+ -r-
3. Evaluate downstream impacts with and without a , : . 1 f
4. ~=~~~~~i~~o~~~tion cost model. ---------===~==~-=+tt t
PLAN FORMULATION (PF) (Cont.)
IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION.
9. Make preliminary assessment of alternatives.
PRELIMINARY LOAD GROWTH ANALYSIS.
1. Update power market analysis from feasibility
report. ______________ -·-----------·----·-···----------.....
DETAILED LOAD GROWTH AND POWER MARKET ANALYSIS. I i i
2. Prepare socio-economic base study.______ ·-=-75::.-----+-,... I
3. Forecast future development. -~----.. ___ --_-=?_8 :----t--:-r--+ 4. Prepare employment and population forecasts. 11
5. Describe existing and planned power generation
through 1985. 3 6. Assess electric energy use trends. ----------·------·---------·-·--;5----· ·;
--+-+-+--+-+-
290
7. Develo
8. Develo
curves
9. Assess
requir
10. Evalua
power
11. Evalua
12. Assess
FPC LICENSE
13. Prepar
REGIONAL GEOLOG
POWER MARKET STUDIES (PM) (Cont.)
p electricity demand forecasts by sector.
p load distribution data and duration .
long term power outlook and system
ements.
te the retirement of existing and planned
plants.
te alternative power sources.
project financial feasibility ..
e material for draft FPC license.
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (FM)
Y.
t regional geology study, fault study, and 1. Conduc
seism1 "city evaluation.
SEISMIC MONITOR
2. Insta 1
3. Operat
data.
ACCESS ROAD.
4. Select
5. Conduc
6. Explor
TRANSMISSION LI
7. Select
8. Conduc
9. Explor
10. Conduc
WATANA SIT E.
11. Conduc
12. Explor
13. Explor
source
14. Evalua
15. Expl or
lNG.
1 seismic monitoring system.
e seismic monitoring system and analyze
route.
t site geology and soils study.
e and test for access road.
NE.
route.
t site geology and soi 1 s study. --·
e and test.
t foundation and materials design.
t site geology study.
e and test for site selection.
e for potential construction materials
s.
te site selection and dam.
e and test for final design.
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 2 3 4
50 *
15 *
25 * *
14 * *
75 * *
30 * *
200 * * * *
470 *
310. *
225 * * *t
!
18 *
370 * *
T ,46ll * *
35 *
185 * *
830 * *
80 * *
-*'* *
710 * *
1.360 * * *
230 * * 1.820 * *
16. Conduc t geophysical investigations. ----·-···-·-------.21._-* *
17. Perfor m concrete studies. 265 * *
291
-
Cost Year
( $1 '000) 1 2 3 4 ---'---'---__:__-~-+-4 -----1--
FOUNDATIONS AND MATERIALS (FM) (Cont.)
18. Perform feature design for embankment dam,
cofferdams and diversions.-(F&M aspects).~-------~=---~-+~~
1 9. Perform feature design for spillway, powerhouse
910 * * i
t and outlet works ( F&M aspects). ___________ _______.:~--+-+-1---+--410 * * -I-
i
DEVIL CANYON SITE. I I ll 50 * * ' _J
650 * * *
20. Conduct site geology study. -----------------------------,-:~-+--~i-,-+-,---
21 . Explore and test for site selection. ___________ ~~--I I --+--
22. Evaluate for site selection and dam type. ------------lf----+-+--+---* * * ' -,---
* * * f 280 --+--23. Study rock mechanics and conduct in-situ testing. -----~~--~-~~,_ 24. Conduct concrete aggregate studies. ______________ ~=--~-+-+~~ 100 * * * !
\ I
OTHER SITES. ! l !
25. Conduct field reconnaissance. 8 *! J 1 l _______ ________:,'---------n-+~. -
26. Explore and test for site selection and dam , ,
type.-----------------------------------·---------------------=6 ___ ;-h --t-
1 ' ' '
1 ! : !
I I , ! ; i ' !
PRELIMINARY SCREENING. I I I '
1. Make preliminary selection of potential damsites. -----~12~~-*~~--~~!~j
2. Conduct site inspection. 28 -l
3. Determine types and heights of dams. ______________ :=:_=-___ 3-.-4===-=+----i~---+---
4. Determine powerhouse size and location. ____ 2_§__ *~ ' __ J_j__
5. Deve 1 op diversion scheme.----------------------------------------· -·--·--------~----8±--Lj_~
6. Develop water passages. ____ --------------------------40 __ -f?-~---~-
7. Estimate project costs. ____ lL .. --1-~tt-l--'
DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDIES (WATANA AND DEVIL CANYON). !! l ~ l
8. Study dam type and height. __ 90 -*i*lli_
9. St udy spillways. 68 1 *!*1 *+-~
l 0. Study outlet works. _ _ _____ _Q_Q_ __ f~t~Li _
11 d d . . d 62 *1 * *' ' . Stu y water lVers~on an care. _______ --.---------------f+~+~+-
12. Study powerhouse s1ze, type and locat1on. 100 'i*l *i *, -
13. Study power intake and conduit. 200 ·*-~~+~-
14. Estimate selected project cost. 16 1*l*t¥f--L-
l I I !
DETAILED DAM ANALYSIS (WATANA SITE). i ~ 1 ! I
15. Study dam type and height. __________ __2Q_ __ ; __ ~L~+-L
~ ~: ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~a~~~ks. ----------------------~==-1~~----f ~i lt --~
18. Study water diversion and care. 393 l--t~:h~ 1
19. Study powerhouse size, ty_ pe and location. 200 '.j.!'l *lf
20 . Study power intake and conduit. _____ Z20 : 1. * * __
21. Estimate selected project cost. 18 ; r ~ *'
, ' ' I
DESIGN (D)
292
DESI:GN (D) (Cont.)
TRANSMISSION FACILITIE s.
22. Conduct route studies.
23. Conduct trans mi ssi.on system study.
24. Conduct tower ' hardware, and conductor studies.
25. Conduct found
26. Conduct subst
ation type studies._
ation studies.
27. Conduct switc hyard studies.
28. Estimate tran smission facilities cost.
ACCESS ROADS.
29. Conduct route studies.
30. Conduct bridg e studies.
31. Estimate sele cted route costs.
RESERVOIR CLEARING.
32. Conduct field survey.
33. Conduct marke tability and disposal study.
34. Estimate clea ring costs. '
CONSTRUCTION AND PERMA NENT CAMP FACILITIES.
35. Determine req uirements.
36. Study locatio ns and layouts.
37. Estimate camp costs.
OTHER HYDRAULIC CONSID ERATIONS.
38. Study upstream and downstream effects.
39. Determine mod el studies to consider.
REAL ESTATE (RE)_
INVESTIGATIONS AND DET ERMINATIONS.
1. Conduct real estate field investigations.
2. Make real est ate legal determinations.
RIGHTS OF ENTRY.
3. Obtain rights
at dam sites.
of entry for survey and exploration
4. Obtain rights
along access r
of entry for survey and exploration
oad.
of entry for survey and exploration 5. Obtain rights
along transmi ssion corridor.
293
c t y OS ear
($1,000} 1 [2[3 4
I 1
I I I ~ I 250 *'*1*1 t-36 * *i*
55 * *:* ··-r-
30 *!*: -114 * *·
76 *!*f ·-·t-+--· 1-~--*1*1*
I ! I i ! I 78 * *1* I
60 * -I
20 * I
I I I I I 8 :I ! I
i
20 i ! I
8 * I i
!
' I ! ' i ' 30 '*i ' I
40 *I -,-I i I
10 *, : !
'i' I I
: I i
75 !* !
4 l*i i
i t 1 I
I l I
I i !
I ' I I I I I
I '
i ! I ;
l
l I 7 * *i j
33 *i
1 l I I ,
I* I I I
2
i
+ 6 !*
'
I
11 i* + I
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 2 3 4
CULTURAL RESOURCES (C) l
ARCHEOLOGICAL I I
1. Conduct an archeological reconnaissance. _____ ____:lc...:::O~O--+-i*....._*~--4--
l
HISTORICAL
2. Locate, map, and describe all significant
historic properties within areas of project
impact. _ _ ________ _ _ ________________ ----:1.~0-
FIELD CAMP (FC)
I
!
FIELD CAMP I
1. Design, construct, and operate field camp. _____ 1.:...;.!.-:::5~0-=-0 _ _:.1 _*~· *--+-*.._~
AIR FIELD
2. Design and construct airstrip. ___________ __!1-==-2~5---+:_*l--+--+--l-
I
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (B) l i
j
VEGETATIVE COVER. ' I 1
1 I
1. Obtain necessary aircraft/satellite imagery and
1 l !
utilize manual interpretive techniques and ! I I
automatic data processing techniques to type ' -1-
vegetation within areas of project impact. ___ ___;.. ___ 50 __ ·
1
*(*, __ r-
! I 1
STUDIES OF AQUATIC ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE. ,i_· I II
2. Identify and determine project impacts on
significant invertebrate species. ___________ 30 i* :
3. Identify and determine project impacts on j i f
significant aquatic plants. 16 l*[* *i -----·---~---r-. T
1 ! t
I 1 I ANADROMOUS FISHERY STUDIES. ! ! i
4. Determine relative abundance, distribution, and 1, j;: )_,
habitat requirements of anadromous fish within
impacted areas, and locate habitat critical to l I !
successful spawning and rearing of these species. 848 *l* *: __ ;;.,;..;;;,_.__-+--, t·-1Cf-·r--5. Determine project effects on anadromous fish. 112 j ! \ _
RESIDENT FISH STUDIES.
6. Determine relative abundance, distribution, and
habitat requirements of resident fish within
impacted areas, and locate habitat critical to
successful spawning and rearing of these species.
7. Determine project effects on resident fish. _____ _
294
:
347
92 ---
!
l ! i·
*I* *~
1 *' ' I
I r '
I
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (B) (Cont.)
ESTUARINE STUD IES.
"fy and assess. effects of altered flow and 8. Ident1
water
upon U
quality characteristics of Susitna River
pper Cook Inlet estuary.
MOOSE STUDIES.
"fy and map moose habitat within impacted 9. Ident1
areas
habita
, locate critical habitat, determine
t condition and carrying capacity.
"fy water conditions associated with 10. Ident1
habita
11. Determ
popula
12. Determ
and po
CARIBOU STUDIES
t.
ine distribution, seasonal use, and
tion trend.
ine impact of project upon moose habitat
pulations.
.
"fy and map habitat associated with 13. Ident1
altern
subjec
ate transmission corridors and areas
t to impoundment.
ine distribution and seasonal use within
of project impact and identify migration
14. Determ
areas
routes
to res
15. Determ
herd.
STUDIES OF OTHE
16. Determ
period
mounta
and ev
STUDIES OF BIRD
and time of river crossing with respect
ervoir areas.
ine project impacts upon Nelchina caribou
R MAMMALS.
ine general abundance, distribution, and
s of use of project areas by bear, wolf,
in sheep, and small game; and identify
aluate project impacts.
s.
"fy significant species and their seasonal 17. Ident1
distn
projec
"bution and abundance, and determine
STUDIES OF RARE
18. Determ
impact
fish 1
t impacts.
AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.
ine presence, use, and project-related
s on all species of plants, animals, or
isted as rare or endangered.
295
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 2 3 4
75 * *
152 * * *
10 * *
250 * * *'
i 10 * ··-r-
!
4 *I
I
' ' i
~) 80 * * *
16 *
75 * * *
!
_]_L+.-h
i
I ! --+
I l !
I
ll 30 *
I
Cost Year .
($1.000) !1 ! Tt +
: I I i :
STUDIES RELATED TO ECONOMIC VALUE OF FISH AND WILDLIFE. ! I I j I
19. Determine annual harvest rates of corrmercial ! 1 j i l
and/or sport species of fis h and wildlife and ! . I i
estimate changes expected as a result of the I I I J
project. Determine importa nce of impacted · 1 I I 1
species to regional populations. ~-;---;--;-:;~~-----'-1~00~.--lli-*+1 _*+-: *t ' I
20. Identify and display damages to fish and wildlife . 1 ! .
in monetary terms and determine mitigative or ! I ! I
enhancement measures. 15 I ~ ; *!
IMPACTS OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES.----------·----l· ~--~~-
21. Make preliminary identification of environmental ! I I
impacts associated with ener gy alternatives. 30 ___ ~-j __ +
l ~~ I : I . I . I I I
I I i i
I I I I
INITIAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT. I+: 1
1. Conduct initial public meeting with supporting 1 i l I
Public involvement activities. 15 *1 · l
PRELIMINARY SCREENING. --·----~~
1
~ l
2. Prepare preliminary hydrology studies report. 3 j!' I ~
3. Prepare preliminary site selection rep~rt. ___ 3 --~-=·t -H-
4. Prepare preliminary environmental stud1es report. ____ 3 __ '----l-H: _ 'l'
5. Prepare preliminary marketability analysis. 3 *· i
6. Prepare and submit plan selection report. ---------6 -*. -*i . 1 _
7. Conduct second pub 1 i c meeting. ______ 15 *-~; .
. l I
REPORT PREPARATION. ' : I I
8. Prepare Hydrology appendix. ____ l1___~~..L~~ I
9. Prepare Power Studies appendix. 14 +~-_;-~ ___ _
10. Prepare Site Selection appe ndix._. lA._ _ _j_~ _ __j * * _
11. Prepare Plan Formulation appendix. ·-·---------· _______ l!_ __ J_ .i . ~--1 ~
12. Prepare Transmission Facilities appendix. ~-~ !-l~
13. Prepare Access appendix. ____ 1 O ___ i ___ ; l .. .l .~-
14. Prepare Foundation and Mat~rial s appendix. _______ 14 -f-~~~ ·-
15. Prepare Real Estate append1x. _._40 __j-L----)!.-i. _
16. Prepare Design and Cost Estimate appendix. ______ .2Q__.1
1_ j]'-).:* ......
17. Prepare Marketing Analysis appendix. 7 __ _;__ *i--_
18. Prepare Environmental Studies appendix. _________ lL_I .~-· 1 ___ ;~-~6: ~~:~:~: ~~f~~~!;o~.~~~~~~~x~ppeild;X: ------------1:--t ::¥t -
21. ~~~~a~:p~~~. su~m~:oject Feasibilit~~nalysis, _____ lL L .--I~t.
22. Prepare and submit supplemental EIS. 26 1 ~
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (B) (Cont.)
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (RRP)
296
REPORTS, REVIEWS, AND.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (RRP)
(Cont.)
FINAL REPORTS AND REVIEWS.
23. Conduct Final Review.
~~~~--~---~~----24. Prepare and submit revised Project Feasibility
Ana 1 ys is Report. -----------··----25. Prepare and submit revised Supplemental EIS. __
297
Cost Year
($1,000) 1 2 3 4
45 * -
40 r----~t ---·----·--~1-
L
:r-------------------------------------------------~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
MONTHS
28
? ' 1 ' J ADVANCED! l~------~PR~E~L~IM~IN~AR~Y~~~RE~E~N~IN~G~--------~
PREPARATION
8
I
10
I I~ 14
I
16
I
18
I
DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDIES
22
I
24
I 26
I i. 30
I
DETALED DESIGN STUDIES
~1/~ATI<l'l
PRELIM.
OFFICE
STUDIES
3022-77
819 , ~
816 / 78 / 40 :~ 84
86
8
814
811
~---Bl /---~/
' 13 ff I I
5¢' I 30 // I I
/ 60 II f I I
86A
7
815 '
_/ .-_.,. II // I
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/@. 1,-::::-II : //4 /
84
811A
12
8
810
1 ________ _jHttY!<2;BA ______________________________ ~7.,---------4'~~:~ry~~~4==1~~~~?~/~r --.--:-~----= =-----..../ }"' --....,@:
8
818
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H\'9 ,«c/ I I ,.., w 12 ~ / I It ---.,. l I
...llY I -6oll-
PF5
I
<VI
2
FM25 " "
--/-- - - -H\'28 ------~y_ --------: ---/-- - - -------f---\ -j----~ I __________________ _
I HY27 I I I I I I I
"' PF6
4
D5
y
FM2
SY7
= ~----
FMI3
FMII
FM/4
FM12
PM9
PM13
FM3 Dl4
[!
08
FM24
I
I
/
I
___/
I
=
FM/5
FMI6
FMJ9
18
FM 7
D21
20
I
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16 Dl5 ,
L
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II
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~ I
FM22
FM21
FM20
RRP8
RRP14
FCI
F 2 = /
~ '-\ ~""~1 E=1g~~~!t::=~~~=~i'~•, __________________________________________ ~'=-----=-~=-=--=--------=-~--------~-J-..,_}.kl!r"(!'a~---"---!!!RRruP'-'Is,_ __ ----j
L--~~~~~~V~DD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~h~~ @{ D37 ,~1 !B ~f J
FC lA
FM5 "fl
D29 7 6
_<-'7' / 1:,1
I __________________________ ~~~Y~4==~~~~~=~~~~==~~'~=====~D~3fui====~~~~~======~~~-~---------------------------J FJ \-M4 ~ '--------TMt"" D30 • - ------ - ------------ - - ----~/---_/ I
~~~----_.ID~-------<i!"/------__f'Ml. ____ :_ ______ @~;;;;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,~\~-;::g~ii-~"'~~~~~~~~~~~~: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~L / / /"--=_--__---~ ~ ~ ~ --- -j ~ """ 'iii' FM 7 '9 26 .;t _;;f?$? = -----= = =-= l\
J5rr
ACTIVITY
NEAR CRITICAL PATHS
CRITICAL PATH
----RESTRANT
NODE, DENOTES START II
FINISH OF AN ACTNITY
~~ ~~ ~ \1
D22 RRPI2
RRPI3
42
I 4~
ACTIVITY REfERENCE
Code Category
SY Survey
HY Hydrolo!l)'
EC EeonOI!IIcStudles
R I!Kreatlon
PF PlanFOnllllatlon
PS PtwerStudfes
PM PtwerHarketStudles
FK foundatfonsand
Haterfal$
D Design
R£ RealEstate c Cultura1Re$ources
fC fleldC~
8 BfologlcalStudfes
RRP Reports,ReYfews,and
P•ges
45-SJ
54-86
87-96
97-102
103-120
121-126
127-142
143-170
111-212
213-218
219-222
223-226
227-250
Public:Part1clpatlon 251-277
SOUTHCENTRAL RAILBELT AREA, ALASKA
PROGRAM NETWORK a
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
FIGURE to