HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS455supplMEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. James Dischinger
Project Manager
Alaska Power Authority
State of Alaska
DATE: May 1. 1985
FILENO: 02-85-? .0
02-85-13.06
TELEPHONE NO:
FROM: Or. Dana Schmidt suBJEcT: Comments to lFRR
Acting Aquatic Studies Coordinator
Su Hydro Aquatic Studies
Attached are the Susitna Aquatic Studies Team comments to the second draft of
the !nstream F1ow Relationship Report (!FRR) authored by M&A and R & M
Consultants. A advar..ce copy of these comments is being submitted directly to
M&A and Narza £basco today to expedite production of this report.
If additional assistance with this report by us is required, please feel free
to telephone me.
cc: L. Gilbertson/HESJY
E. Marchegiani/APA
E. Woody Trihey/fWT&A
) 02-001A(Rev. 10/79)
~.,-.
Conments to the
Instream Flow Relationship Report
Volume No. 1
February, 1985
by
E. Woody Trihey & Associates
and
Woodward-Clyde Consultants
Comments submitted by
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Susitna Aquatic Studies
May 1, 1985
General Comment
We have reviewed the second (working) draft of the Instream Flow
Relationships Report (IFRR) and feel that, although substantial editing did
take place, further review and editing is required and that although
consideration was given some of our comments to the first draft, many of the
important points were not given sufficient consideration. These points are
presented in the specific comment section of this review.
A major problem with the report remains the description and explanation of
the IFRR modelling process used to describe habitat changes in the middle
river. The explanation, although improved, does not adequately describe the
model and its components. Without a detailed description or explanation of
the model, it is difficult for the reader to understand how the model will
yield new quantitative analysis and impact results. Also, sufficient
justification has not been presented to justify the selection of this
modelling approach over other approaches avai 1 ab 1 e. ~Ie suggest that this
section be rewritten to describe the genera 1 ana lyt i ca 1 approach for the
study rather than the specific modelling approach, and delay and description
of the specific modelling approach to Volume 2 when it is complete.
Another area of consideration is with the selection of evaluation species.
We suggest using chinook overwintering and a resident species such as rainbow
trout or burbot as additional primary evaluation species. These species and
1 ife stages rely on mainstem affected habitat and could be significantly
affected by project operation.
A third problem area is the suspended sediment section. Portions of this
discussion contradict and conflict with other sections of this report. It is
suggested that the author of this section review the report and edit this
section to clear up conflicts and assure continuity.
A final point rests with the several meetings held to address chum salmon
velocity suitability criteria. Information presented in this report appears
to conflict with agreements made at previous meetings. This situation should
be explained.
Specific Comments:
Page Paragraph
iv 1
xvii
1-1 1
1-1 2
1-2 1
1-2 3
1-4 2
1-5 2
1-5 .2
11-1 1
11-1 2
With a 11 due respect to Mr. Bell, his age and his
position, we doubt that he contributed 11 flawless
insights 11
• Valuable perhaps, but not flawless.
As we stated in comments to the 1st working draft,
we wonder how a summary report can be written and
critically reviewed if each of the supporting
technical reports have not been distributed for
review and comment. This is especially true for
technical report #5 on Aquatic Habitat.
•.. report may assist ... It may also not be used or
an instream flow may not be agreed upon.
(3) discuss ... In the preface this is part of Volume
2 .
... in this volume.
clarification.
This is an important
Why are only the three principal freshwater
life-phases of the Pacific salmon considered? Why
not a resident fish?
Extreme flows (non-typical) should also be mentioned
as they are important in determining habitat
quality.
Cite table III-1 for the first sentence.
Lake trout should be included in the sport fishery
of the Susitna basin.
Although Susitna chinook stocks generally are not
intercepted by the commercia 1 fishery, the Tyonek
subsistance fishery is a notable consideration .
. . • goal is consistent .•• there is a big difference
between the maintenance of existing fish resources
and the maintenance of habitat. These are not
consistent.
Thus, the focus •.•
... fluctuate for many reasons. Perhaps the reasons
or at least the important ones, should be stated.
Figure II-1
11-6 1
11-9 1
11-9 2
11-9 3
11-9 4
Figure 11-3
11-11
11-11
3
4
We debate the linkages drawn throughout this diagram
and suggest that the figures be deleted and replaced
with one that describes the relative importance of
specific habitat conditions as they influence the
use of habitats by fish .
... six major microhabitat types ... It would be
helpful to be consistent with past terminology .
... Studies, identification ... has been of central ...
Because of this, physical processes ...
... analyzed to date to identify ...
... physical processes models ...
Insert the 1 ast sentence of this paragraph between
the sentences ending with, 11 estimated 11 and beginning
with, 11 thus 11
•
... application of a structured ...
Ground water upwelling can't be forecast, only
estimated.
What does IFR mean?
... make reliable tentative ...
whether or not they are reliable
running and data has only
evaluated?
How do we know
if the model isn't
been subjectively
How can the IFR model be applied if it is not
functional?
Ice processes and channel geometry conditions are
important processes but have been omitted.
Volume I merely introduces the IFR models ...
One major difference ...
... such as ice ... there is no mention of ice in
Figure 11-3.
Another major difference is the that IFR analysis
addresses only ..•
... small number of evaluation species in a rigorous
quantitative manner. Why? Justify these approaches
and their differences from previous methodologies
and why previous methods were changed.
Figure 11-4
11-13
111-1
111-12
111-12
111-12
111-13
2
1
2
3
4
1
Section III Comment.
111-14
111-14
1
2
Figure 111-1
111-16
111-16
2
3
This appears to be more of an 11 analytical frame
work 11 than a model framework.
These resevoir models ... Reference the appropriate
models.
Sufficient progress ... What about upwelling? It is
questionab 1 e whether 11 sufficient progress 11 has been
reached in this area.
Important resident species ... This list is selective
without rationale. What is merit be important? There
could be several importance factors. Why are round
whitefish more important than humback whitefish for
example.
Most chum salmon in the middle Susitna River rear for
one ...
The chum salmon rearing for one to three months does not
agree with the May through mid-August outmigration time
frame given. From what is known of emergence timing some
chum salmon rear from May through about mid-august.
••. tributaries and upland ...
Grayling use which aquatic habitats?
Burbot should be added to the resident species such
as ...
There is more information than what is presented
here on the distribution and abundance of both
juvenile anadromous and resident fish. It is
suggested that this section be rewritten under the
guidance of fishery biologists familiar with these
species and their life phases in the Susitna River.
... diversity of macro habitats ...
We suggest you consider the possibility that habitat
conditions are primarily influenced by channel
structure as channel structure ultimately determines
streamflow, water quality, and temperature
conditions.
This figure has been taken from an ADF&G report.
Please reference it .
... mainstem macro habitat types.
figure IV-2 contradicts the first sentence. Which is
true?
111-16
111-17
111-17
111-19
111-22
111-22
111-22
111-22
111-24
111-25
111-25
5
1
2
3
1
1
2
3
4
3
4
Grayling and rainbow trout also utilize side channel
habitats .
... habitats are generally characterized ...
..• a strong positive correlation ...
strong positive correlation? If
reference it.
Is there a
so, please
Non-glacial may be a better term than clear water in
this situation to avoid confusion.
Selection of evaluation species is not consistant
with any ADF&G policy that we are aware of. If you
feel it is, please reference the source .
..• evaluation species in this volume in thought to
be... Other documents relative to this study have
suggested other or additional species.
Therefore, the habitats of those species and their
various life phases that are .•.
... evaluation in this volume are ...
We suggest adding chinook salmon overwintering
juveniles as a primary evaluation species. This
life phase has the highest morality both species and
could be significantly affected by project
operation .
... may receive secondary ... May receive is vague.
What criteria will be used to decide whether
secondary species or life phases will be considered?
Are the species listed in this paragraph in order of
importance?
small numbers of salmon spawn .•.
..• than sockeye salmon (Sautner et. al, 1984).
Because juvenile chinook have .•.
Which habitats are to be selected as indicator
habitats for these species?
See 111-1, 1 important resident species ...
111-27 3
Figure IV-I
Figure 1V-4
1V-7 2
1V-7 3
1V-9 1
1V-9 2
IV-9 4
1V-10 2
IV-10 4
IV-13 1
The physical characteristics... What relevance is
this statement to the discussion?
It is suggested that one resident species be used as
a primary resident species. Specifically burbot or
overwintering rainbow trout or burbot.
The sea 1 e is not va 1 i d if this figure was reduced.
The figure should be referenced if it was taken from
an earilier report.
How were these estimated percent contribution
calculated? Is there a reference? If not, please
describe the process.
Also, see the third sentence of the first paragraph
on page 123 of the Fish report. Which is correct?
•.• are not expected to exceed 10 percent ...
This is a fairly important point to cite as a
personal communication? Something this important
should be referenced to a project document instead
of an individual .
.•• generally results in inhosipitable conditions ...
This statement is to broad to be taken seriously.
This does not consider that smaller substrates often
embed and armor the larger substrates and thus
affect habitat stability.
High streamflows also flush out sloughs and provide
passage .
. . . at least a few hunderd feet... A backwater often
extends only tens of feet or sometimes thousands of feet.
The distance reference should be omitted.
•.• recognize the dominant influence ... Is this statement
meant to discuss the dominant influences? If so, what
are the dominant influences? This paragraph needs to be
expanded to clarify its meaning and to include
information from Table IV-3.
Differentiation between three types of flow may be
superfluous. The real question is what the fish require.
They don't seem to care and use all three, so why
differentiate.
Because the water ..• This statement is correct for
downwelling but not for intergravel flow. Intergravel
flow can have quite different characteristics especially
if it comes from upland sources such as tributary
confluences.
IV-14
IV -15
IV-16
IV-16
IV-17
IV-18
Table IV-4
IV-20
IV-20
IV-21
Table IV-5
3
1
1
2
2
4
1
2
2
•.. soil properties. Include also transfer medium
properties.
Please reference the last sentence of this paragraph.
The ground water component is not constant throughout the
year. It varies in rate of flow, etc ...
Under withproject ... Currently ice staging causes actual
winter stages of 20,000 cfs and above. It is thus very
likely that upwelling will be reduced as stated in a
comment on page IV-70. Please be consistant .
... facilitate fish passage ... Please reference Sautner et
a 1 (1984).
What about after ice formation? State what happens.
See previous page .
... six aquatic macro habitat types •..
We believe that several of the catagories may be ranked
incorrectly. A copy of this ·table is attached with
suggested changes indicated.
As suggested in the first review, this paragraph is
unclear. For example, how does plan form and channel
formation differ? There is confusion in the description
of channel forming processes. Once every several years?
Once in 20 years?
Streambed material in ... Is this statement referenced or
only opinion?
The cobbles and boulders ... Smaller substrates are also
worked out of tributaries by flood events but do result
in armoring so what point is being made here? Would not
smaller substrates consolidate the larger substrates to
cause armoring?
It is stated previously that ice processes are the
primary influences of channel shape (See table IV-4).
As in Table IV-4, tributaries and tributary mouths should
be seperate catagories.
There wi 11 be no project effect on sediment transport
processes in tributaries, only at tributary mouths.
lV-27
1V-28
IV-29
IV-3
IV-31
IV-32
IV-32
IV-33
IV-34
IV-34
IV-35
IV-37
IV-38
IV-38
1
2
1
2
1
3
3
2
4
2
4
1
1
Why is a warm-water release used to develop table IV-5
when a warm-water release hasn't been agreed to yet? It
seems that a cold water release should also be
considered. This report should be objective and discuss
all facets of impact .
.•. Aquatic macro habitat ...
... six aquatic macro habitat .. .
... each aquatic macro habitat .. .
... turbid-water aquatic macro habitat types ...
.•. these aquatic macro habitat types ...
... quality if fish habitat with each of the aquatic
macro habitat ...
During winter months ... Please reference this statement.
What about Deadman or the Clarence lakes systems and the
Oshetna Watershed?
... maintain a few scattered ... Some years there is more
than a few scattered open leads present in this reach.
Is this referring to the Susitna River as implied? If
so, is this a correct reference? What limits winter
production? You need a Susi tna reference for the 1 ast
sentence.
What influence does temperature have? Is it all velocity
dependent?
Some of this production .•. What effect does this have on
downstream production?
Because side sloughs ... Does this statement consider
staging because of ice jamming?
What is the nutrient source for this algae? Do decaying
salmon carcasses have a role?
These streams provide ..• What about side sloughs? They
provide overwinter habitat.
Just what is the point being made here?
Additionally, if ... Earlier in this report, it was stated
that flows would not be sufficient to allow this to
occur. Which is true?
Reduced turbidity and increased subsurface flow... This
will be true only if it occurs .
..• primary production may increase ... At 300-600 NTU's?
IV-45 2
IV-48 2
IV-48 4
Table IV-10
Table IV-11
IV-51
Table IV-13
IV-55 1
Figure IV-8
IV-67 4
IV-69 4
IV-70 2
IV-71 1
The suspended sediment section does not fully agree with
the temperature and ice section discussions. The author
of this section should review these other secti ens to
ensure continuity.
Does Table IV-9 support this statement. Table IV-9
doesn't protray a clear understanding of this situation.
What effect does this condtion have on incubating salmon
eggs?
What effect, if any, will the reservoir have on
groundwater heat ba 1 ances? Wi 11 increased ground water
temperatures occur and what effect, both good and bad,
would this have on the various life phases of fish.
Is this
release?
also?
reservoir inflow matching or a warm water
Should not winter temperature be presented
Which dam scenerio is being referred to here?
The most notable effect ... Other notable effects are
reduced summer temperatures and increased witner
temperatures. What are the impacts of these effects.
Which dam? See above table IV-11.
The section on project temperature affects is confusing.
It does not clearly state the winter temperature effects
of the project. It also does not clearly state how
tabular data were derived. It needs clarification.
Some frazil ice also occurs in backwater and slough
habitats.
What will anchor ice formation, if any, be like under
with-project conditions and what will it's effect on
staging be under both cold and warm releases?
What effect would a "thicker than normal" ice thickness
have in the lower reach? Also, why is the lower reach
discussed in this report?
Ice processes... This statement conflicts with earlier
statements. See page IV-25.
The river stage observed ... this statement conflicts with
earlier statements. See page IV-16.
The benificial as well as adverse effects should be
discussed.
V-1 1
V-1
V-4
V-ll
V-12
V-15
V-16
V-16
V-19
Table V-3
Figure V-6
V-28
V-28
V-30
3
2
1
3
2
1
2
1
1
3
2
The relative fish habitat value of one habitat ...
Six major aquatic macro habitat types ...
Surface areas of ..• Are not side sloughs clear water
habitats at times?
A specific area ... Specific areas? Were all areas of the
river assigned to a specific area?
... outmigrate to marine ... What about resident fish?
Chinook spawn only in tributaries.
... have shallower minimum .. This statement is confusing.
Backwater from the mainstem ... perhaps a table with
eupporting data could be presented .
... natural flow regimes. Give more data to support this
statement or reference it.
This paragraph could be expanded considerably as there is
much data available on the subject matter.
Beaver dams typically restrict passage in these habitats
upstream of the backwater effects .
... will be breached, on the average, once every two
years. Yes, but salon spawn every year. What is the
effect of three or four consecutive years of
non-breaching conditions.
There is an error in the frequency of slough 9. It
should be 31/35 (years) = 89%.
Spawning areas should be noted on this figure.
... velocity criteria from the 1 iterature ••. As we have
discussed with you in previous conversations, we disagree
with this conclusion. lt-le believe the literature data
from other river systems do not warrent changes of
Susitna based data. For this reason, we do not endorse
the rise of literature based curves.
Sockeye salmon at three side sloughs and four side
channel locations.
The magnitude ... If this statement is true, why are WUA
values addressed below as an index to spawning habitat
and why do you plan to use surface area responses as a
measure of habitat in the RR model.
for habitat category III sites •.. As commented on the
preliminary draft, we disagree. It is related to flow,
however, the magnitude of the relationship is lessen~d in compar1son. This 1s espec1ally true before overtopp1ng.
V-30
V-32
V-32
V-37
V-37
V-37
V-40
V-40
VI-1
VI-2
VI-2
VI-3
VI-3
3
1
2
1
2
2
1
3
2
2
3
2
3
Figure VI-I
VI-6 1
A comparison of the WUA ... A small amount of usable
habitat exists in relation to total suitable area but not
to that present in other habitats.
The magnitude of the WUA ... This is only partially true
as both upwelling and substrate are only partially fixed.
Areas of both change in quantity and quality with changes
in streamflow.
The highest value occurs ... Is this statement referring
to slough flows?
... by 16 and 53 percent... Where did you get these
numbers?
Five cfs seems high for upper side channel 11.
This paragraph is well done.
... spawning habitat results primarily ...
... flows for non-breached conditions... Are these the
same as presented in Chapter 7 of the ADF&G Report No. 3?
As commented before, this is a reasonably good discussion
of ADF&G material except for the problems noted. It
needs to be made clearer that the important factor is the
shape of the curve and not necessarily its magnitude.
Cover is used ..• This sentence should be referenced.
Channel morphology should be considered. Although it is
relatively constant, it in effect determines streamflow,
and the thermal and the water quality regimes of each
habitat type.
Suspended sediment load also limits spawning and rearing
potential by cementing substrates making them ususable.
Channel gradient and morphology should be included in
this discussion as they determine overtopping flows which
appear to be a prime determinant of habitat quality in
the middle river reach.
Resident fish should be included in this discussion.
They also utilize these habitat types •
... result in relatively high survival .•.
... rear near their natal ....
Chum salmon should be added to tributary rearing from May
through July.
Chinook overwintering should be mentioned as a rearing
B~~~e 1 £r:~~~e this period has the highest mortality. See
VI-6 2
Table VI-2
VI-8 2
Table VI-3
VI-12 1
VI-12 2
VI-12 3
VI-15 3
Figure VI-3
VI-17
VI-18
VII-2
VII-7
1
The quantity of these also change with changes in
discharge. Especially with fixed boundry variables such
as substrate and upwelling.
How were these numbers assigned? If methods are not
presentable, say that they are professionally judged.
ADF&G staff should be consulted about these.
In winter pools ... Earlier in this volume it was clearly
stated that interstitial spaces in pools are filled with
fines. Which is true?
The headers would be best arranged from left to right as
Side Slough, Tributary Mouth, Upland Slough, Side
Channel, and Mainstem.
Both positive and negative effects of high summer
streamflows effects should be discussed .
... sediment transport regimes (Figure VI-2) ...
... increase five-fold ... Which flow scenerio are you
referring to?
... stimulate algae growth .. Not at 600 NTU's. See page
IV-38.
See attached copy for suggested relationship.
It is likely .•. It is clearly stated on page IV-70 that a
mainstem staging discharge of 20,000 cfs is needed to
maintain upwelling at present levels. Please explain how
a winter discharge of 10,000 cfs without ice cover can
increase upwelling.
The effect of possible elevated winter upwelling
temperatures or incubation should be mentioned.
A lack of ice cover would also reduce upwelling
influenced by ice cover.
As previously commented, this section generally sounds
like a endoresement of the project. It gives only the
positive aspects of project construction and operation on
the fishery. It does not objectively present any
detrimental impacts which surely will occur. Both
adverse and benificial impacts should be objectively
discussed.
Ashton, George D. 1978. Is this reference complete?
Please delete the reference to Schmidt, D. 1984 personal
communication and reference reports or referencable
technical memoranda.
~
I
I-'
0'"1
' ' Project .Design Ofld Operation
' ''
WATE~
TEfe1PERATU~!
FOOD ICE
PROCESSES 1-~~ PRODUCTION
.. ,,-~,_.;.,.,.--~·
,;~' #.,;(;·.., ,,,·
,.t·'"" ,,#'
.#fi"' ,,#
w"''''"" /;r· . /' ./··
/'/ """'I'''''.
,.t'" ,,,.,.t'!""d
,r Jo /'"' • .;;:<~•1-•JF'
,... . "''"'"·. / .,,.~ .. ,
. __ , .•. ·. ··'"""
LEGEND , .
Degree of Control
. HIGHEST,'
UPWELLING -~,-"""__.,./""/~ !
-LOWEST
Figure n-3. Ran king of habitat component in accord wi h the degree of control project
design and operation might pro_yide them.
H
<::
I .....
1.0
Table IV-4. Sediment transport processes and components and. their relative importance in the formation and
maintenance of habitat.
secfiment Loa a Componeii:ts----:~------~---u ~-s-eafmenfTfans-port-Processes
~~ Flooding
' · Due td
Ice Jams Mechanical
High Flow .Ouri ng · Scour by Anchor Ice Shore Ice ·
Habitat Type Suspended Bed· Events .·-Breakup · -Ice Blocks Processes Processes
Mainstem and Large
Side Channels ·
Side Channels and
Side Sloughs
Secondary
Primary
Primary
;
Primary
."Secondary Primary
Tributary and
Tributary Mouth Minor Primary -Primary
Upland Slough
,.!'JI.''"c,.
. Secondary . Minor ...
~ r'-t ..
*
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Secondary ~;a¢; ("' b .... \"·"·""~ . !.J ...-·--~ ~-. ~r Minor
~-----~
Primary · \.__~,.,:.:~~~~~,[? Minor
.... /) '
Minor ili~t·:/ l}!\ Minor
Minor
,.:::;..,.,.,..,h tlQ ,.d<_,;
........ t.('-,1 (I .
M+ncrr "'"·
~-"··--· s; ,:.<:'·A·'! ... -.t44;6;· ~~;..... .. ~ Minor Minor Minor .,,
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