HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA4002DRAFT
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM STUDY TASKS
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
~-\th';,~
TI<.
1L12S
.sa
A23
'AD,/i'OO2...
\AJ'ev [Ill)\)&:.-w\Ml3)\;TS
12>'{II\IV ~I.DRAFT
-
r
I
Report by
.....
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture
-
-
Prepared for
Alaska Power Authority
--
-
-Draft Repor,t c~".-.~
April 1.9?4(
APH 1 :d 1984
HABnA'i
.REGIONAL
-
-
-
NOTICE
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING
THIS REPORT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO
THE ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library &Information Services
Anchorage,Alaska
-
..-
.....
o
00
00
CO
V
V
ooo
I!')
I!'),....
M
M
TABLE OF CONTEHTS
Section/Title
1.0 IliTRODUCTION
2.0 LONG TERM GOALS OF THE POWER AUTHORITY
3.0 SOCIAL SCIEBCE STUDY TEAK PARTICIPANTS
4.0 FY85 STUDY TASK DESCRIPTIONS AND PRIORITIZATION
i
1
3
6
7
l-
I
-
-
""'"
Number
1
2
LIST OF TABLES
Title
Susitna Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission Schedule for Licensing
Process
Fiscal Year 1985 Social Science Program Tasks
ii
2
9
-
--
.....
_SITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FISCAL YEAR 1985 SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM STUDY TASKS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Alaska Power Authority (Power Authority)submitted a license application
to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)for the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project (Project)on February 18,1983 (Table 1).Following
initial submission of supplemental information and responses to FERC com-
ments,the application was accepted for review by the FERC on July 29,1983.
The application was then sent (by the FERC)to resource agencies for review
and comment.This review is now complete.The Power Authority has respond-
ed to the agencies'comments and the FERC is preparing a draft environmental
impact statement (DEIS),due to be released on May 25,1984.The final
environmental impact statement (FEIS)is due for release on December 28,
1984.The license is tentatively scheduled to be issued by the FERC on
March 18,1981..This date is based on the FERC Susitna Project Status
Report (revised on February 1,1984)which assumes that there will be no
substantial delays in the licensing process prior to that date.
Although the license application has been accepted by the FERC for review,
various social science program studies and activities are sti 11 needed to
ensure that the licensing process proceeds on schedule.This document
outlines the study tasks proposed for Fiscal Year 1985 (FY85).It 1S
provided at this time so that resource agencies will have an opportunity to
review and comment on them prior to the development of a detailed plan of
study.The Power Authority has also scheduled a workshop on April 17,1984,
to discuss these plans in detail with the agencies.The agencies will have
an opportunity to provide their input and comment at this workshop.The
Social Science Program is comprised of the following five subtasks:
cultural resources,socioeconomics,recreation,aesthetics,and land use.
41574 1
....
Table 1
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
SCHEDULE FOR LICENSING PROCESS*
IfPfflO
License application submitted to the FERC
Submission by the Power Authority of
responses to FERC comments and requests
for supplemental information
License application accepted by the FERC
for formal review
Agency review of license application
document complete
Responses to agency comments submitted
by the Power Authority
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
released
Final Environmental Impact Statement
released
License issued by the FERC (tentative)
February 18,1983
July 11,1983
July 29,1983
December 12,1983
January 19,1984
May 25,1984
December 28,1984
March 18,1987
*Based on the FERC Susitna Project Status Report -February 1,1984.
41574 2
Completion of the DElS review process
Completion of the FElS process
Completion of the Settlement Process
Completion of (potential)hearings
Receipt of an acceptable FERC license for the Project
2.0 LONG-TERM GOALS OF THE POWER.AUTHORITY
The Power Authority has defined specific long-term goals for social science
program studies that must be accomplished for the Susitna Project.These
goals are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.Acquisition of local,state,and federal permits for the Project
7.Continuation of studies that provide integrity to the maintenance
of the social science program.
The following description briefly summarizes the Power Authority's role for
each of these goals:
-L Completion of the.DElS review process.
The Power Authority will review the FERC's DElS and provide any neces-
sary comments on this document.The Power Authority also plans to
submit reports during this process that provide additional refinement
to existing analyses.These reports will include impact assessment and
Authority may also be requested to provide other information to the
The comment period
....
-
mi tigation plan refinements and other specific studies.
FERC for completion or clarification of the DElS.
for the DElS should end by July 25,1984.
The Power
2.Completion of the FElS process.
The Power Authority plans to review and comment on the FElS and submit
any additional information that may be needed.
.-
I
I
I
41574 3
3.Completion of the Settlement Process.
The Power Authority plans to finish cultural resource,socioeonomic,
recreation,aesthetic,and land use impact evaluations and develop
detailed mitigation and long-term monitoring plans necessary to
complete the settlement process.This will be accomplished through
workshops,and the distribution of information and direct negotiations
with resource agencies.Additional information or analyses resulting
from on-going studies will be provided to the agencies during this
period.
.....
.-,
4.
5.
6.
Completion of (potential)hearings.
If there are certain issues that cannot be resolved during the settle-
ment process,there may be a need for hearings.The Power Authori ty
will develop br~efs and directly participate in the hearings.If hear-
ings are necessary,they will be initiated in the 1984-1985 winter
period~Direct te~timony will be provided in September 1985 with an
administrative law judge decision due on January 25,1986.
License ordered by the FERC.
Following the settlement process (and potential hearings),the FERC
will establish articles for the license that stipulate any additional
needs for information and study prior to project initiation.The Power
Authority will review these articles and respond to them with any addi-
tional information that may have been developed in the interim.The
final order granting the license should come from'the FERC in March,
1987.
Acquisition of permits.
Numerous permits will be needed for project construction and operation •
The Power Authority will develop information that is required for these
permits.
7.Program integrity.
Certain studies will need to be continued so there is a continuity of
information collected.These include cultural resource (e.g.,system-
atic testing of archeological sites)and socioeconomic (e.g.,community
41574 4
-
41574
and.resource user surveys)data collection.This information will be
used to refine existing analyses and to develop baseline information
for potential construction and with-project monitoring programs.
5
-
F"
I
3.0 SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDY TEAM PARTICIPANTS
The Power Authority is assisted by various groups and contractors (referred
to as the Social Science Study Team)in refining impact assessments and
mitigation plans and in the formal licensing process.These organizaions
and their primary project responsibilities are:
A.Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture (H-E)-responsible for provid-
ing general support and coordination for impact assessment and
mi tigation plan refinement and the formal licensing process,and
for monitoring all activities in the social science program to
ensure that team members accomplish assigned tasks in a satis-
factory manner with respect to budget,schedule,and quality of
work.
B.University of Alaska Museum,Fairbanks (UAM)-responsible for
completing systematic testing within sites identified in direct
impact areas,preparing analyses and reports of field work,and
preparing an evaluation of the importance of their findings.
G.Frank Drth and Associates,Inc.(FDA)-responsible for updating
socioeconomic projections,revising the impact model,and
participating in selected socioeconomic impact assessment and
mitigation plan refinements.')\1-'\S~l)H"
....
D.
41574
EDAW,Inc.(EDAW)-responsible for participating 1n recreation
and aesthetics impact assessment and mitigation plan refinements.
6
....
....
I
4.0 FY85 STUDY TASK DESCRIPTIONS AND PRIORITIZATION
Certain studies must be performed to meet the long-term goals for this
Project.This document specifically addresses those studies proposed for
FY85.To facilitate review and evaluation,the studies have been divided
into tasks that address specific objectives.Some of these tasks are more
important than others because they are either critical to the licensing and
settlement processes or are necessary to maintain baseline data collection.
Therefore,the studies have been prioritized by task description with
decreasing priority assigned to increasing task number (e.g.,Level 1 has
the highest priority).The prioritization sequence is intended only as a
general indicator of relative importance.This prioritization will provide
a basis for budget allocation decisions that may have to be made.
These tasks have been divided into four general levels of importance:
Level 1 -The lowest reasonable level of effort which could be under-
taken with some probability of maintaining the licensing
schedule but with a substantial degree of risk for schedule
delay •
Level 2 -An intermediate level of effort between the minimum reason-
able (Levell)and the required level of effort (Level 3).
....
Level 3 -The required level of effort
schedule with an acceptable
delay.
for maintaining the licensing
degree of risk for schedule
Level 4 -The level of effort desired to maintain the present schedule
with a higher degree of certainty.
Tasks have been assigned to individual levels and prioritized within levels
based on the results of discussions with key representatives from appropri-
ate subcontractors,Harza-Ebasco,and the Power Authority.
41574 7
i'
I
r-
I
I
I
,....
-
.....
-
A listing of all tasks by level is provided in Table 2 followed by a
description for each individual task.The ordering of tasks within any
level does not represent an additional ranking within a particular level.
41574 8
.-
.....
Levell
1.
2.
3.
4.
5•
6.
7.
Level 2
None
Level 3
None
Level 4
None
41574
TABLE 2
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:PROGRAM-WIDE
Preparation of responses to DEIS and FEIS
Preparation of responses to FERC supplemental information requests
Participation in settlement process
Preparation of materials to support FERC hearings
Preparation of workscopes for FY86
Preparation of FY86 Detailed Plan of ~tudy
General coordination of social science program activities
9
-
I"'·
Levell
L
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Level 2
8.
9.
10.
Level 3
lL
12.
13.
Level 4
14.
15.
41574
TABLE 2 (cont'd)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:CULTURAL RESOURCES
Complete systematic testing
Analysis
Significance criteria workshop
Obtain determinations of National Register eligibility
Evaluate project impacts to significant sites in direct impact
areas
Archeological clearances
Coordination with other resource studies
Complete field testing of sensitivity model
Evaluate project impacts to potential sites in indirect impact
areas
Prepare preliminary mitigation plan
Refine sensitivity models
Field work preparation
Evaluation of permanent village location
Curation of archeological materials
Evaluation of access road location
10
-
TABLE 2 (con tId)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:SOCIOECONOMICS
Levell
1.
2.
3.
Evaluation of access road location;
Evaluation of on-site permanent village
Evaluation of permanent village location
Level 2
4.Evaluation of worker transportation alternatives
5.Evaluation of worker shift and rotation schedules
6.Coordination with other resource studi~s
~~~t\.v~~-kt.~.~~'---t
-
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Refinement of impacts on communities
Refinement of impacts on lodge operators
Refinement of impacts on guides
Refinement of impacts on Susitna Basin resource users
Refinement of impacts on trappers
Refinement of impacts on boat operations
Refinement of impacts on sport hunters and fishermen
Assessment of impacts on winter river users
Assessment of speculative in-migration
Refinement of construction and operation worker characteristics
Assessment of traffic impacts
Refinement of information on railhead
Refinement of socioeconomic model
20.Socioeconomic impact projection revisions
21.Mitigation options
22.Preparation of mitigation plan update
41574 11
-
TABLE 2 (cont'd)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:SOCIOECONOMICS
Level 3
23.Refinement of impacts on adjacent landowners
24.Refinement of impacts on remote parcel owners
25.Assessment of tourism potential of project faciE ties
26.Refinement of land use and housing constraints assumptions
27.Refinement of impacts on air taxi operators
28.Refinement of impacts on specialty bus-inesses
Level 4
29.Analysis of project flows on riverbank communities
30.Assessment of Alaska hiring policies
41574 12
....
....
.....
TABLE 2 (cont'd)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:RECREATION
Levell
1.Evaluation of access road location
2.Evaluation of public access alternatives
3.Coordination with other resource studies
Level 2
4.Refinement of impacts on hunters
5.Refinement of impacts on fishermen
6.Refinement of impacts on boaters
7.Refinement of impacts on non-consumptive activities
~.8.Assessment of tourism potential of project facilities
9.Refinement of Recreation Plan
10.Land agreements
11.Operating and management agreements
Level 3
12.Evaluation of camp and village locations
13.Analysis of recreation opportunities for on-site workers
Level 4
14.Evaluation of transmission line location
15.Evaluation of operating options
I"'"
!
41574 13
TABLE 2 (cont'd)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:AESTHETICS
Levell
1.Refinement of aesthetic impacts
2.Feasibility of aesthetic mitigation measures
3.Coordination with other resource studies
Level 2
4.Preparation of draft Aesthetics Mitigation Plan
Level 3
5.Evaluation of access road location
6.Evaluation of transmission line location
7.Evaluation of camp and permanent village locations
Level 4
8.Evaluation of operating options
41574 14
..-
-
TABLE 2 (cont'd)
FISCAL YEAR 1985
SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM TASKS:LAND USE
Levell
1.Evaluation of access road location
2.Evaluation of public access alternatives
3.Coordination with other resource studies
Level 2
Evaluation of transmission line location
Assessment of project development plans of other land managers and
landowners NiNti ~_\su\t.
6.Relationship between the Project and land management decisions
Level 3
7.Location of habitat mitigation lands
Level 4
8.Evaluation of camp and permanent village locations
r -41574 15
F-
I
PROGRAM-WIDE TASKS
Task 1:Preparation of Responses to DEIS and FEIS
The DEIS and FEIS as well as comments on these documents must be reviewed to
ensure that all analyses and conclusions are based on accurate information,
to provide clarifications,and to provide alternative interpretations where
appropriate.
Task 2:Preparation of Responses to FERC Supplemental Information Requests
Supplemental information requested by FERC must be provided to support the
licensing process.
Task 3:Participation in Settlement Process
This task will ensure that the settlement proce~s progresses with input from
participants that can provide the best information for resolving specific
issues.An important aspect of the settlement process will be the
dissemination of information to familiarize agency personnel with social
science program study methodologies,analyses,and results.
Task 5:Preparation of Works copes for FY86
In order to ensure continuity of the social science program and to continue
supporting the licensing and settlement processes,workscopes will be
prepared for each subtask which outline work to be undertaken in FY86.
41574 16
PROGRAM-WIDE TASKS,cont'd
Task 6:Preparation of FY86 Detailed Plan of Study
The Detailed Plan bf Study for FY86 will contain a discussion of the
rationale,objectives,deliverables,and schedule for each task in the
social science program.In addition,the study team member who will assume
primary responsibil ity for each task will be ident ified.
Task 7:General Coordination of Social Science Program Activities
Coordination among the social science program subtasks and among other study
teams (e.g.,terrestrial,aquatics,hydrology,and engineering)is a vital
aspect of the overall activities necessary to ensure satisfactory
integration of all related but separate study components.The importance of
this task increases as the Project proceeds toward the FERC hearings and the
resolution of issues.
.....41574 17
'-----------c -'-_
~
I
CULTURAL RESOURCES TASKS
Task 1:Complete Systematic Testing
This task includes the completion of detailed field investigations at all
archeological si tes identi fied during earlier reconnaissance surveys.The
objective is to obtain all data about each site (such as,age and size)
necessary to determine which sites are eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
Task 2:Analysis
Tephra and geoarcheological analysis and lithic type analyses will be
completed for materials collected during the 1984 field season.
Task 3:Significance Criteria Workshop
This workshop will include a presentation to concerned parties of criteria
developed to evaluate the significance of archeological sites identified in
the project area.It will-solicit input from concerned parties which will
be used to modify and refine significance criteria.
Task 4:Obtain Determinations of National Register Eligibility
Requests for formal determinations of National Register of Historic Places
eligibility will be prepared and submitted to FERC for subsequent
transmittal to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the National Park
Service.
Task 5:Evaluate Proje<;t Impacts to Significant Sites in Direct Impact
Areas---
Design and engineering studies and proposed construction practices will be
reviewed for all direct impact areas.An evaluation will be made of all
significant archeological sites within such areas to determine if and how
they will be affected during construction and/or operation of the Project.
41574 18
Task 6:Archeological Clearances
Site-specific archeological investigations will occur in areas which have
not been surveyed to determine the presence or absence of cultural resources
at places where ground distrubing activities (such as,drilling and seismic
test sites and waste disposal areas)are planned 1n FY85.In addition,
reports will be prepared for review by appropriate agencies,including but
not limited to,the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).
Task 7:Coordination with Other Resource Studies
The collection of additional cultural resources data,the assessment of
impacts on cultural resources,and the development of the preliminary
Cultural Resources Mitigation Plan will be coordinated with other appropri-
ate social science program subtasks as well as with the terrestrial,
aquatic,hydrologic,and engineering programs.-
Task 8:Complete Field Testing of Sensitivity Model
Reconnaissance surveys will be conducted for a sample of portions of
proposed linear facility corridors (the transmission line,access road,and
railroad)in order to obtain data on the relative distribution and criteria
affecting the distribution of archeological sites located in the general
project vicinity.
Task 9:
Areas
Evaluate Project Impacts to Potential Sites 1n Indirect Impacts
Areas subject to indirect project impacts (including those related to future
development and increased accessibility)will be identified and the types of
impacts affecting each indirect impact area will be determined 1n
consultation with the SHPO,the National Park Service,and the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM),and other concerned parties.An evaluation will be
made as to which of these areas correspond with archeologically sensitive
areas.
Task 10:Prepare Preliminary Mitigation Plan
A preliminary plan for the mitigation of adverse project effects upon
cultural resources will be developed.
41574 19
-
.....
-
Task 11:Refine Sensitivity Models
The results of Task 7 will be used to test and refine the sensitivity models
used to evaluate the relative archeological sensitivity (Le.,the
likelihood of site occurrence)in a particular area.This is necessary to
complete the assessment of impacts to large tracts (such as recreation
areas)which may be indirectly affected by the Project.
Task 12:Field Work Preparation
All activities necessary to prepare for conducting field work in 1985 will
be completed.This would include obtaining appropriate permits,developing
site-specific data-gathering methodologies,preparing a logistic plan,and
hiring and training field personnel.
Task 13:Evaluation of Permanent Village Location
This task will evaluate the cultural resource implications of locating the
permanent village outside the project area.
Task 14:Curation·of Archeological Materials
All archeological materials collected during the 1984 field season will be
curated.
Task 15:Evaluation of Access Road Location
This task will evaluate the cultural resource implications of locating
project-related access roads in particular locations and of establishing
restrictions on the utilization of project-created corridors.
41574 20
..-
,...,
.....
--
SOCIOECONOMIC TASK
Task I:Evaluation of Access Road Location
This task will examine the socioeconomic implications of locating project-
related access roads in particular locations and of establishing restric-
tions on the uti lization of project-created corridors.This informat ion
will be important for refining the analyses of resource use,traffic,Native
Corporation development plans,tourism potential of project facilities,
resource protection measures,and refinement of mitigation plans.
Task 2:Evaluation of On-Site Permanent Village
This task will gather information from other projects in remote areas with
project~created communities in order to identify factors which influence
their successful establishment,efficiency,and abili ty to satisfy workers
and their families.
Task 3:Evaluation of Permanent Village Location
This task will exam1ne the socioeconomic implications of locating the
permanent village outside of the project area.
Task 4:Evaluation of Worker Transportation Alternatives
This task will analyze the economic.demographic,housing.facilities,
services,and traffic implications of various worker transportation alterna-
tives (including car,bus.and air transport).The results of this analysis
will be incorporated into the projection updates,the traffic analysis,and
mitigation planning.
Task 5:Evaluation of Worker Shift and Rotation Schedules
Projects in remote areas have utilized a variety of worker shift and rota-
tion schedules to ensure worker satisfaction,to modify project impacts on
local communities and wildlife.and to reduce project construction and
operations costs.This task will outline various alternatives available and
will analyze the consequences of each.The information will be incorporated
in the analysis of worker transportation al ternati ves.permanent village
41574 21
locations,and traffic patterns.
incorporated into the econom1C,
impact projection update.
If necessary,the results will also be
demographic,and facili ties and services
--
-
Task 6:Coordination with Other Resource Studies
The collection of additional socioeconomic data,the refinement of socio-
economic impacts,and the refinement of the Socioeconomic Mitigation Plan
will be coordinated with other appropriate social science program subtasks
as well as with the terrestrial,aquatic,hydrologic,and engineering
program.
Task 7:Refinement of Impacts on Communities
Surveys of community residents (households),businesses,and public sector
employers will be conducted again in Cantwell,-Trapper Creek,and Talkeetna.
In addition,surveys may also be conducted in Nenana,Healy,McKinley Park,
Paxson and Gold Creek.This results of the surveys will be used to update
economic,demographic,housing,facilities,services,fiscal,and resource
use information about these communities.The information will be
incorporated into descriptions of existing conditions and in baseline and
impact projections.Additionally,information about resident attitudes will
be obtained to improve forecasting and mitigation plan development and the
analysis of project effects on social organization and lifestyle.
Task 8:Refinement of Impacts on Lodge Operators
This task will collect information on lodges serving the area affected by
the Project.This information will allow existing conditions to be
described and project impacts on this economic activity and lifestyle to be
assessed.
Task 9:Refinement of Impacts on Guides
This task will collect information on big game and fishing guides in order
to provide more complete information about current guiding activities in the
study area and to provide a basis for evaluating project effects on them.
In addition,this information will supplement data on resource use in the
study area.
....,41574 22
....
-
....
Task 10:Refinement of Impacts onSusitna Basin Resource Users
This task will collect information on Susitna Basin resource users in order
to provide more complete and current data about the resource use patterns of
study area residents.This information wi 11 be important in assessing
future wildlife conditions,describing existing conditions in the study area
more accurately,and providing better data for refining and quantifying
impact projections.
Task 11:Refinement of Impacts on Trappers
Economic,demographic,and resource use informaton wi 11 be collec ted for
project area trappers in order to develop a more accurate characterizaton of
the group as it now exists,to obtain resource use and harvest information,
and to provide a basis for assessing the consequences of the Project on this
group and on businesses with close linkages to -them.
Task 12:Refinement of Impacts on Boat Operations
More detailed information about river use,especially in the lower reaches
of the Susitna River,and potential project~related impacts on boat
operators will be developed.This will include an examination of the
effects of the Project on navigaton.
Task 13:Refinement of Impacts on Sport Hunters and Fishermen
This task will collect information on sport hunters and fisherman utilizing
the project area in order to determine whether the Project would signifi-
cantly affect these activities.An analysis of trends in fish and wildlife
permi ts and li cenSes wi 11 be inc luded to refine forecasts of resource use
demand in the study area.
Task 14:Assessment of Impacts on Winter River Users
This task will obtain information about the use of the Susitna River during
the winter,particularly with respect to its importance as a corridor and/or
bridge,and will evaluate the effects of the Project on river users •
41574 23
....
-
-
Task 15:Assessment of Speculative In-Migration
This task will characterize the population that might move to Alaska,or
more specifically to the local impact area,in anticipation of employment on
the Project or in project-induced jobs.The extent of this effort will
depend on the results of an evaluation of the potential for speculative in-
migration to occur,which is being conducted in FY84.
Task 16:Refinement of Construction and Operation Worker Characteristics
This task will include the collection of survey data on two groups of
workers:Intertie construction workers and construction and/or operation
workers at large-scale projects in remote areas.The purpose of the surveys
is to obtain relevant information about each group's demographic and
econom1C characteristics as well as information on transportation modes and
resource use,and recreational and housing pr-eferences.This informatl.on
would be used to refine analyses of worker-related impacts.
Task 17:Assessment of Traffic Impacts
This task will develop quantitative estimates of traffic patterns and
impacts of the Project for all appropriate transportation scenarios.Infor-
mation about types of project-related vehicular traffic will be included.
Task 18:Refinement of Information on Railhead
This task will examine the socioeconomic impacts resulting from the con-
struction and operation of the rail facility to be located near Cantwell.
Task 19:.Refinement of Socioeconomic Model
This task will incorporate information obtained through other FY85 tasks to
refine the socioeconomic model.This task will include preparation of a
report describing any modifications made in the model.
Task 20:Socioeconomic Impact Projection Revisions
This task will result in updated forecasts that incorporate pertinent
modifications of data and mode 1 assumptions.Particular emphasis wi 11 be
placed on the development of forecasts for various worker transportation and
worker shift and rotation schedule scenarios.
41574 24
Task 21:Mitigation Options
This task will develop an inventory of the agencies and organizations that
might participate in mitigation activities and will delineate their authori-
ties and responsibilities.This information will be used as an information
source in developing the mitigation plan to ensure that proposed activities
are in the purview of the organizations being proposed.
Task 22:Preparation of Mitigation Plan Update
This task will incorporate the information developed during FY85 in addition
to other specific information needed to refine the Socioeconomic Mitigation
Plan.The updated plan will present proposed mitigation activities in
greater detail and will delineate the costs and consequences of these
activities with greater precision.
Task 23:Refinement of Impacts on Adjacent Landowners
To support the refinement of both baseline and impact projections during
FY85,this task will develop information about development plans of Native
Corporations and other landowners with interests in the study area.This
task will seek to better delineate the economic development plans for these
areas and to examine more closely the Project's effects on development
alternatives.
Task 24:Refinement of Impacts on Remote Parcel Owners
This task will identify and describe remote parcel owners in order to obtain
information about the current use of their land,their plans for future use,
and place and mode of access.
Task 25:Assessment of Tourism Potential of Project Facilities
This analysis will evaluate the potential to develop project facilities as a
"destination"tourist attraction.This task will include an evaluation of
the need for support facilities and associated economic implications and
impacts on area resources.
.-41574 25
....
....
Task 26:Refinement of Land Use and Housing Constraints Assumptions
This task will obtain better information about the availability of land for
residential and commercial development in the local impact area communities.
Particular attention will be given to Cantwell where land constraints have
significant implications for project-related population effects.
Task 27:Refinement of Impacts on Air Taxi Operators
This research will delineate the characteristics of air taxi and small plane
activities in the study region,obtain information about river use by
planes,and determine whether the Project would significantly affect these
activities.
Task 28:Refinement of Impacts on Specialty Businesses
This task will assess project-related impacts on specialty businesses,such
as taxidermists,that are dependent upon fish and wildlife resources.
Task 29:Analysis of Project Flows on Riverbank Communities
This task wi 11 quantify the baseline and with-proj ect economic consequences
of project-related flows in communities along the Susitna River such as
Talkeetna.
Task 30:Assessment of Alaska Hiring Policies
This task will examine the implication o·f Alaska lsI/local hirel/policy and
the one-year residency requirement on worker location,speculative in-
migration,and local/non-local worker distribution.
41574 26
~,
i
~
!
KECREATION
Task 1:Evaluation of Access Road Location
This task will examine the recreation implications of locating project-
related access roads in particular locations.This information wi 11 be
important for refining the analyses of resource use.traffic,Native
Corporation development plans,tourism potential of project facilities,
resource protection measures.and refinement of the Recreation Plan.
Task 2:Evaluation of Public Access Alternatives
This task will evaluate the effects of alternative public access policies on
project-related recreational opportunities.This will include assessments
of public use of the access roads,the rail spur,reservoirs,airstrips,and
transmission line rights-of-way.Access to other locations,such as to
Portage Creek and across the dam to the south shore,will also be evaluated.
Results of this task will help determine appropriate control measures to be
included in the Recreation Plan.
Task 3:Coordination with Other Resource Studies
The collection of additional recreational data.the refinement of recreation
impacts,and the refinement of the Recreation Plan will be coordinated with
other appropriate social science program subtasks as well as with the
terrestrial,aquatic,hydrologic,and engineering programs.
Task 4:Refinement of Impacts on Hunters
This task will provide a better understanding of how the construction and
operation of the Project will affect hunters and how changes in use may
affect wildlife resources.The results of this task will assist in the
development of appropriate mitigation measures and in refining the Recrea-
tion Plan.The task will include an assessment of existing use in the
project area.an assessment of the potential change in that use.and an
evaluation of the project-related impacts on the availability of the
resource.
41574 27
-
.....
I
I
-,
Task 5:Refinement of Impacts on Fishermen
This task will provide a better understanding of how the Project will affect
fishing demand and resulting impacts on fishery resources.The task will
focus on two geographic areas:1)upper basin streams and lakes,and 2)the
Susitna River and major tributaries downstream of Devil Canyon.The results
of this task will assist in the development of appropriate mitigation
measures.
Task 6:Refinement of Impacts on Boaters
This task will focus on updating information on the amount of existing
whitewater boating in the project area and on an assessment of the demand
for such activity.This information will provide a basis for determining
the significance of project-related impacts to whitewater boating and for
developing appropriate mitigation measures.-In addition,information on
other types of boating activity on the Susitna River (both above and below
the dam sites)will be updated to better determine the significance of
project-related impacts on access and overall boating demand.
Task 7:Refinement of Impacts on Non-Consumptive Activities
This task will focus on updating information on the amount of non-consump-
tive activities (such as bird watching,photography,and backpaking)
occurring in the project area.This information will provide a basis for
projecting the increase in demand for those activities and determining the
significance of project-related impacts to those activities and area
resources.Appropriate mitigation measures wi 11 be developed and included
in the Recreation Plan •
Task 8:Assessment of Tourism Potential of Project Facities
This analysis will evaluate the potential to develop project facilities as a
"destination"tourist attraction.The task will include an evaluation of
the need for support facilities and associated economic implications and
impacts on area resources.
41574 28
-
Task 9:Refinement of Recreation Plan
The purpose of this task is to refine the Recreation Plan as appropriate.
This task will include an examination of alternative or additional recrea-
tion sites and activities.In addition,plan refinements will reflect
policy decisions and mitigation measures identified through related
studies.
Task 10:Land Agreements
Land agreements for areas where recreation facilities and activities will be
located will be identified.Efforts necessary to obtain appropriate land
aggrements will be conducted by the Power Authority.
Task 11:Operating and Management Agreements
Agreements regarding sources of funding and responsibility for managing and
operating project-related recreational facilities will be identified.
Efforts necessary to obtain appropriate operating and management agreements
will be conducted by the Power Authority.
Task 12:Evaluation of Camp and Village Locations
This task will evaluate the effects of camp and permanent village locations
on project-related recreational opportunities.The assessment will focus on
the location of recreational activities associated with each camp/village
location and the potential impacts that may result to area resources.
Task 13:Analysis of Recreation Opportunities for On-site Workers
This task will review the recreational opportunities available to on-site
construction and operation workers and their families and will estimate the
extent and distribution of use by them.In addition,this task will evalu-
ate the effects of alternative worker shift and rotation schedules on
recreational opportunities.This information will assist in the refinement
of the Recreation Plan and in controlling use-related impacts to area
resources.
41574 29
....
r
i""'"
I
Task 14.Evaluation of Transmission Line Location
This task will evaluate the effects of transmission line locations on
project-related recreational opportunities.Emphasis will be placed on
assessing the effects of increasing access to areas via the transmission
line rights-of-way.
Task 15:Evaluation of Operating Options
This task will evaluate the potential effects of different operating options
on recreational activities downstream of the dams.The evaluation will
focus on potential impacts on recreational access and activities in both
summer and winter.
....1.
41574 30
....
r
AESTHETICS
Task 1:Refinement of Aesthetic Impacts
This task will assess the significance of project-related aesthetic impacts
on viewsheds of existing and proposed recreation facilities.such as
lodges.trails.and campsites.An evaluation of the significance of impacts
on those areas and facilities will help determine the location and extent of
appropriate mitigation measures.
Task 2:Feasibility of Aesthetic Mitigation Measures
Based on recommendations of the FY84 Aesthetic Mitigation Plan Update and
findings from Task 1.the feasibility of specific aesthetic mitigation
measures for each project facility will be -evaluated.This task will
require an interdisciplinary approach to ensure that engineering and
enlvironmental concerns are considered.
Task 3:Coordination with Other Resource Studies
The collection of additional aesthetics information.the refinement of aes-
thetic impacts.and the development of a draft Aesthetic's Mitigation Plan
will be coordinated with other appropriate social science program sub tasks
as well as with the terrestrial.aquatic.hydrologic.and engineering
programs.
Task 4:Preparation of Draft Aesthetics Mitigation Plan
Upon completion of Task 2.a ,draft Aesthetics Mitigation Plan.which will
incorporate recommended mitigation measures.will be prepared.This report
will include written and graphic descriptions of identified mitigation
mE!aSUres.maps.construction cost information.construction scheduling.and
nE!CeSsary maintenance.
Tusk 5:Evaluation of Access Road Location
This task will examine the aesthetic implications of locating project-
related access roads in particular locations.The assessment will focus on
views from identified use areas and a determination of the significance of
visual impacts based on visual quality and viewer frequency.
....41574 31
Task 6:Evaluation of Transmission Line Location
This task will examine the aesthetic implications
related transmission lines in particular locations.
focus on views from identified use areas and a
of locating project-
The assessment will
determination of the
.....
!
significance of visual impacts based on visual quality and viewer
frequency.
T8lsk 7:Evaluation of Camp and Permanent Village Locations
This task will examine the aesthetic implications of locating the camp and
pe~rmanent village in particular locations.The visual assessment will focus
on impacts from existing and proposed recreational use areas,as well as an
evaluation of the design and layout of the facilities.
Task 8:Evaluation of Operating Options
This task will evaluate the potential effects of different operating options
on aesthetic resources.
41574 32
-
r-
I
-
LAND USE
Task 1:Evaluation of Access Road Location
This task will examine the land use implications of locating project-related
access roads in particular locations.This information will be important
for the analysis of resource use,traffic,Native Corporation development
plans,tourism potential of project facilities,resource protection
measures,and refinement of mitigation plans.
Task 2:Evaluation of Public Access Alternatives
This task will evaluate the effects of.alternative public access policies on
project-related land use.This will include assessments of public use of
the access roads,the rail spur,reservoirs,airstrips,and transmission
line rights-of-way.
TSlsk 3:Coordination with Other Resource Studies
The collection of additional land use data and the refinement of land use
impacts will be coordinated with other appropriate social science program
subtasks as well as with the terrestrial,aquatic,hydrologic,and
engineering programs.
Tl:Lsk 4:Evaluation of Transmission Line Location
This task will examine the land use implications of locating project-related
transmission lines in particular locations.
TclSk 5:Assessment of Project Development Plans of Other Land Managers and
Lcmdowners
This task will assess the impacts of development plans of current and
proposed public and private landowners and land managers in the project
area on the Susitna Project.The assessment will include,but not be
liLmi ted to,an examination of development plans of Native Corporations,the
BLM,Department of Natural Resources land disposal participants,the
Division of Parks,and lodge operators.
41574 33
~
I,
....
-
....
....
--
..-
I
Task 6:Relationship between the Project and Land Management Decisions
This task will re-examine the relationship between the Project and affected
land managers in order to determine potential land management conflicts and
to develop~appropriate measures f9r resolving those conflicts.
Task 7:Location of Habitat Mitigation Lands
This task will assess the potential land use effects of the acquisition of
h81bitat mitigation lands.This activity will be closely coordinated with
the terrestrial program.
T~lsk 8:Evaluation of Camp and Permanent Village Locations
This task will examine the land use implications of locating the camp and
permanent village in particular locations.
34