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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
Mercury assessment and potential for bioaccumulation
SuWa 9
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
URS Corporation, Tetra Tech, Inc.
AEA-identified category, if specified:
March 01, 2013 Filing
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 9
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2013]
Date published:
February 2013
Published for:
Prepared for Alaska Energy Authority
Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Attachment C
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Final
Document type:
Pagination:
iii, 11, [15] p.
Related work(s):
Cover letter (SuWa 6), Attachments A-B, D-I (SuWa 7-8, 10-15)
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Added cover letter
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
March 1, 2013
Ms. Kimberly D. Bose
Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
Re: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 14241-000;
Filing of 2012 Baseline Environmental and Resources Study Reports
Dear Secretary Bose:
As explained in its Pre-Application Document and Revised Study Plan (RSP) for
the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 14241 (Project),
the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) carried out numerous baseline environmental and
resources studies related to the proposed Project during the 2012 field season. Because
the 2012 studies occurred prior to the commencement of the study phase of the licensing
effort under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (Commission) Integrated
Licensing Process, AEA was not required to complete these baseline studies. However,
AEA voluntarily undertook these studies for purposes of taking advantage of the 2012
field season to gather environmental data related to the proposed Project, and to help
inform the scope and methods of the licensing studies during 2013-14, as set forth in
AEA’s RSP.
As AEA has completed the study reports associated with these 2012 baseline
environmental and resources studies, it has made the study reports publicly available by
uploading them to the “Documents” page of its licensing website, http://www.susitna-
watanahydro.org/type/documents/. The purpose of this filing is to submit these study
reports to the Commission’s record for the above-referenced Project.
In particular, the following study reports are attached, all of which are relevant to
the Commission’s study plan determination scheduled for April 1, 2013:
• Attachment A: Adult Salmon Distribution and Habitat Utilization Study
(January 2013)
• Attachment B: Synthesis of Existing Fish Population Data (February 2013)
• Attachment C: Mercury Assessment and Potential for Bioaccumulation
(February 2013)
2
• Attachment D: Technical Memorandum, Susitna River Large Woody Debris
Reconnaissance (March 2013)
• Attachment E: Riparian Vegetation Study Downstream of the Proposed
Susitna-Watana Dam (February 2013)
• Attachment F: Technical Memorandum, Reconnaissance Level Assessment of
Potential Channel Change in the Lower Susitna River Segment (February
2013)
• Attachment G: Stream Flow Assessment (February 2013)
• Attachment H: Development of Sediment-Transport Relationships and an
Initial Sediment Balance for the Middle and Lower Susitna River Segments
(February 2013)
• Attachment I: Technical Memorandum, Initial Geomorphic Reach
Delineation and Characterization, Middle and Lower Susitna River Segments
(February 2013)
As the remaining 2012 study reports are finalized, AEA will continue to update its
website and submit them to the record.
If you have questions concerning this submission, please contact me at
wdyok@aidea.org or (907) 771-3955.
Sincerely,
Wayne Dyok
Project Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
Attachments
cc: Distribution List (w/o Attachments)
Attachment C
Mercury Assessment and Potential for Bioaccumulation (February 2013)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Mercury Assessment and
Potential for Bioaccumulation
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
URS Corporation
Tetratech Inc.
February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary ....................................................................................................................................... iii
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................1
2. Study Objectives.................................................................................................................3
3. Study Area ..........................................................................................................................3
4. Methods ...............................................................................................................................3
5. Deviations from Study Plan ..............................................................................................4
6. Results .................................................................................................................................4
7. Discussion and Conclusion ................................................................................................4
8. References ...........................................................................................................................5
9. Tables ..................................................................................................................................8
10. Figures ...............................................................................................................................10
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Sediment Results from the Susitna River Drainage ......................................................... 8
Table 2. Whole Body Slimy Sculpin Results from the Susitna River Drainage ............................ 8
Table 3. Speciated Mercury Results from Susitna River Drainage (ng/g dry weight) .................. 8
Table 4. ADEC Results for Total Mercury in Fish Tissue Samples (wet, ng/g) ........................... 8
Table 5. Summary of Analytical Results ....................................................................................... 9
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Map showing location of sample collection. ................................................................. 11
APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Analytical Data
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2013
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND SCIENTIFIC LABELS
Abbreviation Definition
ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
APA Alaska Power Authority
oC degrees Celsius
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
g Gram
Hg Mercury
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
MeHg Methylmercury
mm Millimeter
MS matrix spike
MSD matrix spike duplicate
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
ng/g nanograms per gram
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
RM River mile(s) referencing those of the 1980s APA Project.
SRM standard reference materiel
USEPA (or EPA) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
µg/L micrograms per liter
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2013
SUMMARY
This report provides the results of the 2012 Mercury Assessment and Potential for
Bioaccumulation. The purpose of this study was to begin assessing the occurrence of
methylmercury in fish within the proposed Project area. This study represents the first phase of
the work, and additional sampling of soil, sediment, water, and fish tissue is planned for 2013.
Samples of adult arctic grayling, burbot, and resident rainbow trout were collected from Sally
Lake, the mainstem Susitna River, and Watana Creek. Field procedures were consistent with
those outlined in applicable sampling regulatory protocols. Samples were analyzed for total
solids, total mercury, and methylmercury using SM 2540G, EPA Method 1631 Appendix, and
EPA Method 1630, respectively. Both wet and dry samples were analyzed to allow for
comparison with other data sources. Duplicates, matrix spikes, and matrix spike duplicates were
also analyzed.
Concentrations of total mercury in the lake trout were significantly higher than in the other fish,
ranging from 181 to 201 nanograms per gram (ng/g) wet weight. Burbot were found to have
total mercury concentrations ranging from 39.6 to 54.7 ng/g wet weight, while artic grayling had
total mercury concentrations ranging from 19.3 to 38.1 ng/gm wet weight. Piscivorous species
such as adult lake trout showed significantly higher concentrations of methylmercury than non-
piscivorous species such as arctic grayling. The age of the lake trout is unknown, and the arctic
grayling and burbot ranged in age from 4 to 8 years. There appears to be a correlation between
the age of the fish and the methylmercury concentrations observed.
Both methylmercury and total mercury were analyzed for each fish sampled. Total and
methylated mercury concentrations were virtually identical within each individual fish tested,
suggesting that a majority of the mercury in the fish is methylmercury.
Total mercury concentrations in fish of the Study Area appear to be below mean concentrations
of samples collected in other parts of the Susitna River drainage by the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation (ADEC).
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 1 February 2013
1. INTRODUCTION
This report provides the results of the 2012 Mercury Assessment and Potential for
Bioaccumulation, based on the work outlined in the Mercury Assessment and Potential for
Bioaccumulation Study plan (AEA 2012). The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is preparing a
License Application that will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (Project) using the Integrated Licensing
Process (ILP). The Project is located on the Susitna River, an approximately 300-mile-long river
in Southcentral Alaska. The Project’s dam site will be located at river mile (RM) 184. This study
provided information that will inform the 2013–2014 formal study program, Exhibit E of the
License Application, and FERC’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the
Project license.
Many studies have documented mercury concentrations in wildlife. While the bioaccumulation
of mercury occurs all over the world in natural wetlands, it can be especially acute in newly
formed reservoirs. The purpose of this study is to begin assessment of the potential for such an
occurrence in the proposed Project area.
Organic-rich soils can absorb mercury from the atmosphere over decades, and their degradation
at the bottom of the reservoir will generate methylmercury (Hydro-Quebec 2003). Many studies
have documented increased mercury levels in fish following the flooding of terrestrial areas to
create hydroelectric reservoirs (Bodaly et al. 1997; Bodaly et al. 2004; Bodaly et al. 2007;
Rylander et al. 2006; Lockhart et al. 2005; Johnston et al. 1991; Kelly et al. 1997; Morrison and
Thérien 1991). Increased mercury concentrations have also been noted at other trophic levels
within aquatic food chains of reservoirs, such as aquatic invertebrates (Hall et al. 1998).
These problems have been particularly acute in hydropower projects from northern climates
including Canada and Finland (Rosenberg et al. 1997). When boreal forests with large surface-
area-to-volume ratios are flooded, substantial quantities of organic carbon and mercury stored in
vegetation biomass and soils become inputs to the newly formed reservoir (Bodaly et al. 1984;
Grigal 2003; Kelly et al. 1997). This flooding accelerates microbial decomposition, causing high
rates of microbial methylation of mercury. Studies have shown this increase is temporary, lasting
between 10 and 35 years (Hydro-Quebec 2003; Bodaly et al. 2007), whereupon methylmercury
concentrations return to background levels.
Methylmercury can be detected in nearly every fish analyzed, from nearly any water body in the
world. This is because the primary source of mercury to most aquatic ecosystems is deposition
from the atmosphere. Mercury deposition worldwide has been steadily increasing due to the
widespread burning of coal. In 2007, an international panel of experts concluded, “remote sites
in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres demonstrate about a threefold increase in Hg
deposition since preindustrial times” (Lindberg et al. 2007). Lakes at Glacier Bay, Alaska, have
shown that current rates of atmospheric mercury deposition are about double what was observed
in pre-industrial times (Engstrom and Swain 1997).
Mercury of non-atmospheric origin has been occasionally found in water bodies. The source can
be industrial processes, mercury mining, or simply the presence of sulfide-rich mercury ores,
which occur in very limited areas. In areas that lack the necessary mercury mineralization, the
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mercury concentration in parent geologic materials is typically very low, and cannot explain the
mercury concentrations observed in sediment in aquatic ecosystems (Fitzgerald et al. 1998;
Swain et al. 1992; Wiener et al. 2006).
Historical mercury data from the study area are limited. Some samples were collected during
previous studies of the Alaska Power Authority (APA) Susitna Hydroelectric Project in the
1980s (AEA 2011). This consisted of the collection of water samples at Gold Creek (RM 136) in
1982. Total mercury was found to be 0.12 micrograms per liter (µg/L) in turbid, summer water,
and 0.04 µg/L in the clear, winter water (AEA 2011). The same results were found downriver at
Susitna Station (RM 26).
Frenzel (2000) collected sediment samples from the Deshka River and Talkeetna River, as well
as from Colorado Creek and Costello Creek, which are tributaries to the Chulitna River (Table
1). Based on these results, mercury concentrations in the drainage appear to be elevated over the
national median, and appear to vary significantly by drainage. The report indicated that both
Colorado and Costello Creeks appear to drain a portion of Denali National Park and Preserve
that is highly mineralized, which likely causes the higher than background mercury
concentrations. Previous studies (St. Louis et al. 1994) have shown that methylmercury
occurrence is positively correlated with wetland density, and the Deshka River has significantly
more wetlands in the drainage than other tributaries to the Susitna River.
Additional samples were collected by Frenzel (2000) of slimy sculpin from the Deshka River,
Talkeetna River, and Costello Creek (Table 2). Whole fish samples tend to report lower
concentrations of methylmercury, given that this compound concentrates in muscle tissue.
Samples of fish tissue and sediment from the Deshka River and Costello Creek were speciated
for metallic mercury and methylmercury (Table 3). As anticipated, the ratio of methylmercury to
inorganic mercury in the Deshka River is relatively high due to extensive wetlands in the
drainage area. Costello Creek was found to have a higher inorganic mercury component due to
possible mineralogical sources of mercury in the drainage area.
Overall mercury concentrations in water were also found to be positively correlated with the
turbidity of the water. Very little mercury was found in filtered water samples (Frenzel 2000).
This is consistent with methylmercury being strongly bound to organic particles.
These results are in agreement with the results from Krabbenhoft et al. (1999). In nationwide
mercury sampling, in a wide array of hydrological basins and environmental settings, wetland
density was found to be the most important factor controlling methylmercury production. It was
also found that methylmercury production appears proportional to total mercury concentrations
only at low total mercury levels. Once total mercury concentrations exceed 1,000 nanograms per
gram (ng/g), little additional methylmercury was observed to be produced. Atmospheric
deposition was found to be the predominant source for most mercury. Subbasins characterized
as mixed agriculture and forested had the highest methylation efficiency, whereas areas affected
by mining were found to be the lowest.
A more recent study has been done by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s
Department of Environmental Health (ADEC 2012). ADEC is currently analyzing salmon (all
five species) as well as other freshwater species for total mercury in the Susitna River drainages
(Table 4). These results appear to be consistent with those in other areas of the state.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 February 2013
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the 2012 Mercury Assessment and Potential for Bioaccumulation study were
as follows:
1. Begin documenting the available information on mercury concentrations in various media
(soil, water, fish tissue) in the Susitna drainage by other studies, and;
2. Collection of fish tissue samples from the Upper Susitna basing for analyses.
The 2012 study represents the first phase of this investigation. Additional phases of this work in
2013 will include sampling of soil, vegetation, water, sediment, and other media, in addition to
fish tissue, to establish background mercury concentrations.
3. STUDY AREA
The study area for this phase of the study was the Susitna River upstream from Devils Canyon,
including Watana Creek, the mainstem Susitna River, Kosina Creek, Jay Creek, Tsusena Creek,
and unnamed tributaries of the Susitna (Figure 1). It is understood that the species collected in
the area may not be representative of species that will be present after construction of the dam.
Specifically, lake trout may be present in the reservoir, but do not occur within the Susitna River.
To help characterize methylmercury concentrations in this species, additional samples were
collected from lake trout in nearby Sally Lake, an isolated lake within the proposed reservoir
inundation zone.
4. METHODS
There is a well-known positive correlation between fish size (length and weight) and mercury
concentration in muscle tissue (Bodaly et al. 1984; Somers and Jackson 1993). Targeting adult
fish is a good way of monitoring methylmercury migration to the larger environment, as adult
fish represent a worst case scenario for methylmercury bioaccumulation.
Fish tissue samples were collected in late August and early September. Field procedures were
consistent with those outlined in applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA [or
EPA]) sampling protocols (USEPA 2000). Clean nylon nets and polyethylene gloves were used
during fish tissue collection. Species identification, measurement of total length (mm), and
weight (g) were recorded.
Samples were placed in labeled zip-lock bags and placed in coolers and packed with gel ice after
sampling. These samples were later transferred to a freezer for storage. The samples were
placed in coolers, sealed, and remained chilled to 4°C (±2°C) during transportation to the
contract laboratory (Brooks and Rand). All samples were accompanied with completed chain-
of-custody forms when shipped.
Samples were analyzed for total solids, total mercury, and methylmercury using SM 2540G,
EPA Method 1631 Appendix, and EPA Method 1630, respectively (Table 5). Analyzing for
both wet and dry samples allows comparison with both ADEC and U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) data. Duplicates, matrix spikes, and matrix spike duplicates were also analyzed.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 February 2013
5. DEVIATIONS FROM STUDY PLAN
During analyses, the average of the method blanks exceeded the detection limit; however, the
standard deviation was low (0.03 μg/L). As the contamination was consistent between the
method blank samples analyzed, sample results were corrected to remove the interference.
Sample 2012 VSM GRB 02 had a concentration less than 10x the highest method blank. Any
laboratory contamination was considered minimal and no further action was required.
The analysis of matrix spike (MS) performed on sample 2012 VSM GRB 02 produced a
recovery above the acceptance criteria (139%). The associated matrix spike duplicate (MSD)
recovered within acceptance limits.
The methylmercury (MeHg) result for sample 2012 VSM GRB 02 was qualified. This is
because the standard reference material (SRM) recovery was low in this batch and in all other
batches analyzed in the same time frame. The SRM (NIST 1946), was re-analyzed along with
other SRMs. All other SRMs met recovery criteria while SRM NIST 1946 was again recovered
low. Therefore, the low recovery for this SRM appears to be a problem with the standard
reference sample supplied to the analytical laboratory, and not a problem with the methods or
instrumentation. SRM NIST 1946 was set to “not reportable” and data integrity was based on
the other quality control results.
All other data were reported without further qualification and all other associated quality control
sample results met the acceptance criteria.
6. RESULTS
The analytical results are summarized in Table 5, and the complete laboratory results are
available in Appendix 1.
In summary, six samples (two each) were collected of lake trout, burbot, and artic grayling. The
sample locations include Sally Lake, which is in the proposed inundation zone for the reservoir,
Watana Creek, and the mainstem Susitna River (Figure 1).
Concentrations of total mercury in the lake trout were significantly higher than the other fish,
ranging from 181 to 201 nanograms per gram (ng/g) wet weight. Arctic grayling and burbot
were found to have total mercury concentrations ranging from 19.3 to 54.7 ng/g wet weight. The
age of the lake trout is unknown, and the arctic grayling and burbot ranged in age from 4 to 8
years (adult fish).
7. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
In summary, the limited sampling of fish in the area show several things:
Wet and dry results for mercury were collected for each sample, and as expected, the dry
results were found to have consistently higher mercury concentrations. This is explained
by the lack of dilution from the water present in the tissue samples.
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 5 February 2013
Piscivorous adult lake trout showed significantly higher concentrations of methylmercury
than non-piscivorous species such as arctic grayling.
Burbot, while classified as piscivorous, is more of a scavenger than a predator, which
may explain its lower concentrations compared with adult lake trout.
There appears to be a correlation between the age of the fish and the methylmercury
concentrations observed. This correlation appears to be more prevalent between
piscivorous species than non-piscivorous species.
Fish collected from Sally Lake had a much higher methylmercury concentration than
those collected from streams and rivers. This may be due to variations in the methylation
rate within the lake.
Total and methylated mercury concentrations were virtually identical within each
individual fish tested, suggesting that inorganic mercury sources in the study area are
negligible.
Data from ADEC (Table 4) suggests that total mercury concentrations in the Study Area
appear to be below mean concentrations of samples collected in other parts of the Susitna
River drainage.
It should be noted that a limited number of samples were collected from a relatively small area,
and the conclusion may change with additional sample collection.
8. REFERENCES
ADEC (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation). 2012. Mercury concentration in
fresh water fish Southcentral Susitna Watershed. Personal communication with Bob
Gerlach, VMD, State Veterinarian. June 2012.
AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2011. Pre-Application Document: Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241. Volume I of II. Alaska Energy Authority,
Anchorage, AK. 395p.Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center (AEIDC),
1985. Preliminary draft impact assessment technical memorandum, Volume 1. Main
text.
AEA. 2012. Mercury Assessment and Potential for Bioaccumulation Study. Revised Study Plan:
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241, Section 5.7. December
2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy
Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/12/01-RSP-Dec2012_1of8-Sec-1-5-IntrothroughWaterQuality-
v2.pdf.
Bodaly, R.A., Hecky, R.E., and Fudge, R.J.P. 1984. Increases in fish mercury levels in lakes
flooded by the Churchill River diversion, northern Manitoba. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 41:
682–691.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 6 February 2013
Bodaly, R.A., St. Louis, V.L., Paterson, M.J., Fudge, R.J.P., Hall, B.D., Rosenberg, D.M., and
Rudd, J.W.M. 1997. Bioaccumulation of mercury in the aquatic food chain in newly
flooded areas, in Sigel, A., and Sigel, H., eds., Metal ions in biological systems: Mercury
and its effects on environment and biology. New York: Marcel Decker, Inc., p. 259-287.
Bodaly, R.A., Beaty K.G., Hendzel L.H., Majewski A.R., Paterson M.J., Rolfhus K.R., Penn
A.F., St. Louis V.L., Hall B.D., Matthews C.J.D., Cherewyk K.A., Mailman M., Hurley,
J.P., Schiff S.L., Venkiteswaran J.J. 2004. Experimenting with hydroelectric reservoirs.
Environmental Science & Technology. American Chemical Society. pp. 346A-352A.
Bodaly, R.A., Jansen W.A., Majewski A.R., Fudge R.J.P., Strange N.E., Derksen A.J., Green
D.J. 2007. Post impoundment time course of increased mercury concentrations in fish in
hydroelectric reservoirs of Northern Manitoba, Canada. Arch. Environ. Con tam. Toxicol.
53:379-389.
Engstrom, D.R., and Swain, E.B. 1997. Recent declines in atmospheric mercury deposition in
the Upper Midwest. Environmental Science and Technology, v. 31, no. 4, p. 960-967.
Fitzgerald, W.F., Engstrom, D.R., Mason, R.P., and Nater, E.A. 1998. The case for atmospheric
mercury contamination in remote areas. Environmental Science and Technology, v. 32,
no. 1, p. 1-7.
Frenzel, S.A. 2000. Selected Organic Compounds and Trace Elements in Streambed Sediments
and Fish Tissues, Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska. USGS Water-Resources Investigations
Report 00-4004. Prepared as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program.
Grigal, D.F., 2003. Mercury sequestration in forests and peatlands: a review. Journal of
Environmental Quality 32:393-405.
Hall, B.D., Rosenberg D.M., Wiens A.P. 1998. Methylmercury in aquatic insects from an
experimental reservoir. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 55:2036-2047.
Hydro-Quebec. 2003. Environmental Monitoring at the La Grande Complex Summary Report
1978–2000: Evolution of Fish Mercury Levels. Joint Report: Direction Barrages et
Environment Hydro-Quebec Production and Groupe Conseil, Genivar Inc. December
2003.
Johnston, T.A., Bodaly R.A., Mathias J.A. 1991. Predicting fish mercury levels from physical
characteristics of boreal reservoirs. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 48:1468-1475.
Kelly, C.A., Rudd J.W.M., Bodaly R.A., Roulet N.P., St. Louis V.L., Heyes A., Moore T.R.,
Schiff S., Aravena R., Scott K.J., Dyck B., Harris R., Warner B., Edwards G. 1997.
Increases in fluxes of greenhouse gases and methylmercury following flooding of an
experimental reservoir. Environmental Science and Technology 31:1334-1344.
Krabbenhoft, D.P., Wiener, J.G., Brumbaugh, W.G., Olson, M.L., DeWild, J.F., and Sabin, T.J.
1999. A national pilot study of mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems along
multiple gradients, in Morganwalp, D.W., and Buxton, H.T., eds., U.S. Geological
Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program—Proceedings of the Technical Meeting,
Charleston, South Carolina, March 8-12, 1999— Volume 2, Contamination of hydrologic
systems and related ecosystems: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations
Report 99-4018B, p. 147-162.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 February 2013
Lindberg, S., Bullock, R., Ebinghaus, R., Engstrom, D., Feng, X., Fitzgerald, W., Pirrone, N.,
Prestbo, E., and Seigneur, C. 2007. A synthesis of progress and uncertainties in
attributing the sources of mercury in deposition. Ambio, v. 36, no. 1, p. 19-32.
Lockhart, W.L., Stem G.A., Low G., Hendzel M., Boila G., Roach P., Evans M.S., Billeck B.N.,
DeLaronde J., Friesen S., Kidd K.A., Atkins S., Muir D.C.G., Stoddart M., Stephens G.,
Stephenson S., Harbicht S., Snowshoe N., Grey B., Thompson S., DeGraff N. 2005. A
history of total mercury in edible muscle of fish from lakes in northern Canada. Science
of the Total Environment 351-352:427-463.
Morrison, K. and Thérien, N. 1991. Influence of Environmental Factors on Mercury Release in
Hydroelectric Reservoirs, Montréal, Quebec, Canadian Electrical Association, 122 p.
Rosenberg, D.M., Berkes F., Bodaly R.A., Hecky R.E., Kelly C.A., Rudd J.W.M. 1997. Large
scale impacts of hydroelectric development. Environ. Rev. 5:27-54.
Rylander, L.D., Grohn J., Tropp M., Vikstrom A., Wolpher H., De Castro e Silva E., Meili M.,
Oliveira L.J. 2006. Fish mercury increase in Lago Manso, a new hydroelectric reservoir
in tropical Brazil. Journal of Environmental Management 81:155-166.
Somers, K.M. and D.A. Jackson. 1993. Adjusting mercury concentration for fish-size
covariation: a multivariate alternative to bivariate regression. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci.
50: 2388-2396.
St. Louis, V. L., Rudd, J.W.M, Kelly, C.A., Beaty, K.G., Bloom, N.S. and Flett, R.J. 1994. The
importance of wetlands as sources of methylmercury to boreal forest ecosystems. Can. J.
Fish. Aquat. Sci. 51: 1065–1076.
Swain, E.B., Engstrom, D.R., Brigham, M.E., Henning, T.A., and Brezonik, P.L. 1992.
Increasing rates of atmospheric mercury deposition in midcontinental North America:
Science, v. 257, p. 784-787.
USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2000. Guidance for Assessing Chemical
Contaminant Data for use in Fish Advisories: Volume 1 Fish Sampling and Analysis, 3rd
Edition. EPA-823-B-00-007. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water. Washington, D.C. 485p.
Wiener, J.G., Knights, B.C., Sandheinrich, M.B., Jeremiason, J.D., Brigham, M.E., Engstrom,
D.R., Woodruff, L.G., Cannon, W.F., and Balogh, S.J. 2006. Mercury in soils, lakes, and
fish in Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)—Importance of atmospheric deposition and
ecosystem factors. Environmental Science and Technology, v. 40, p. 6261-6268.
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9. TABLES
Table 1. Sediment Results from the Susitna River Drainage
Location Mercury (ng/g dry weight)
Talkeetna River 40
Deshka River 460
Colorado Creek 180
Costello Creek 230
National median value 60
From Frenzel (2000)
Table 2. Whole Body Slimy Sculpin Results from the Susitna River Drainage
Location Mercury (ng/g dry weight)
Talkeetna River 80
Deshka River 110
Costello Creek 80
From Frenzel (2000)
Table 3. Speciated Mercury Results from Susitna River Drainage (ng/g dry weight)
Location
Sediment Fish Water
Inorganic
mercury
Methylmercury Inorganic
mercury
Inorganic
mercury
Methylmercury
Deshka River 21 5.10 246 (SS) Not sampled Not sampled
Costello Creek 169 0.04 101 (DV) 4.97 0.02
SS = whole slimy sculpin
DV = Dolly Varden fillet
From Frenzel (2000)
Table 4. ADEC Results for Total Mercury in Fish Tissue Samples (wet, ng/g)
Susitna Drainage
Species No. of Samples Mean Standard Deviation (+/-)
Burbot 1 94 NA
Arctic Grayling 18 102.4 33.5
Lake Trout 3 380 320
All Alaska Drainages
Species No. of Samples Mean Standard Deviation (+/-)
Burbot 27 330 280
Arctic Grayling 44 84 32
Lake Trout 18 300 170
NA= Not applicable – only one sample
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 9 February 2013
Table 5. Summary of Analytical Results
Sample ID Species
Fish
Length
(mm)
Fish
Weight
(gm)
Estimated
Age (yr.)
River
Mile Subdrainage
Sample
Date
% Total
Solids
Total Hg
(dry ng/g)
Total Hg
(wet
ng/g)
Total
MeHg
(dry ng/g)
Total
MeHg (Wet
ng/g)
2012VSMCLK01
Lake
trout 510 NM NM 194.1 Sally Lake 08/03/2012 22.08 912 201 1,000 222
2012VSMCLK02
Lake
trout 430 NM NM 194.1 Sally Lake 08/03/2012 28.66 633 181 631 181
2012VSMGRA06
Arctic
grayling 248 148 4 194.1
Watana
Creek 08/11/2012 24.72 78.1 19.3 102 25.1
2012VSMGRA07
Arctic
grayling 340 385 8 194.1
Watana
Creek 08/11/2012 26.54 143 38.1 117 31.0
2012VSMGRB02 Burbot 410 NM 4 186.8 Susitna River 08/05/2012 19.85 200 39.6 207 41.1
2012VSMGRB03 Burbot 410 NM 5 192.6 Susitna River 08/05/2012 18.56 297 54.7 321 59.5
NM = Not measured.
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 10 February 2013
10. FIGURES
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 11 February 2013
Figure 1. Map showing location of sample collection.
APPENDIX 1. ANALYTICAL DATA
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-1 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-2 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-3 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-4 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-5 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-6 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-7 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-8 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-9 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-10 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-11 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-12 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-13 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-14 February 2013
FINAL REPORT MERCURY STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page A-15 February 2013
Sample_Tag Lab ID Sample Date Result
Dry
Result
Wet
MDL
Dry
MRL
Dry
MDL
Wet
MRL
Wet Units Qualifiers Dilution
Factor Anaylsis Method Spike
Level
%
Recovery
Upper
Control
Limit
Lower
Control
Limit
RPD
Upper
RPD
Limit
2012 VSM CLK 01 (510mm) 1237029-02 08/05/2012 22.08 22.08 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM CLK 01 (510mm) 1237029-02 08/05/2012 912 201 10.4 34.6 2.29 7.64 ng/g 19 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM CLK 01 (510mm) 1237029-02RE3 08/05/2012 1000 222 4.4 13.2 1.0 2.9 ng/g 1 EPA 1630
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) 1237029-03 08/05/2012 28.66 28.66 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) 1237029-03 08/05/2012 633 181 8.09 27.0 2.32 7.73 ng/g 19 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) 1237029-03RE3 08/05/2012 631 181 3.3 9.9 0.9 2.8 ng/g 1 EPA 1630
2012 VSM GRA 06 1237029-05 08/11/2012 24.72 24.72 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM GRA 06 1237029-05RE1 08/11/2012 78.1 19.3 0.48 1.60 0.12 0.39 ng/g 1 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM GRA 06 1237029-05RE3 08/11/2012 102 25.1 3.9 11.7 1.0 2.9 ng/g 1 EPA 1630
2012 VSM GRA 07 1237029-06 08/11/2012 26.54 26.54 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM GRA 07 1237029-06 08/11/2012 143 38.1 8.80 29.3 2.33 7.78 ng/g 19 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM GRA 07 1237029-06RE3 08/11/2012 117 31.0 3.7 11.1 1.0 2.9 ng/g 1 EPA 1630
2012 VSM GRB 02 1237029-01 08/05/2012 19.85 19.85 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM GRB 02 1237029-01 08/05/2012 200 39.6 11.9 39.6 2.36 7.87 ng/g 20 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM GRB 02 1237029-01RE3 08/05/2012 207 41.1 4.7 14.2 0.9 2.8 ng/g N 1 EPA 1630
2012 VSM GRB 03 1237029-04 08/03/2012 18.56 18.56 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM GRB 03 1237029-04 08/03/2012 295 54.7 12.4 41.4 2.31 7.69 ng/g 19 EPA 1631 Appendix
2012 VSM GRB 03 1237029-04RE3 08/03/2012 321 59.5 5.3 15.9 1.0 2.9 ng/g 1 EPA 1630
Method Blank B121720-BLK1 0.32 0.32 0.12 0.40 0.12 0.40 ng/g B 1 EPA 1631 Appendix
Method Blank B121720-BLK2 0.30 0.30 0.12 0.40 0.12 0.40 ng/g B 1 EPA 1631 Appendix
Method Blank B121720-BLK3 0.24 0.24 0.12 0.40 0.12 0.40 ng/g B 1 EPA 1631 Appendix
Method Blank B121720-BLK4 0.28 0.28 0.12 0.40 0.12 0.40 ng/g B 1 EPA 1631 Appendix
DORM-3 B121720-SRM1 405.8 405.8 0.58 1.94 0.58 1.94 ng/g 5 EPA 1631 Appendix 382.0 106 125 75
Method Blank B121914-BLK1 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 ng/g U 1 EPA 1630
Method Blank B121914-BLK2 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 ng/g U 1 EPA 1630
Method Blank B121914-BLK3 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 ng/g U 1 EPA 1630
Method Blank B121914-BLK4 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 ng/g U 1 EPA 1630
Method Blank B122067-BLK1 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % U 1 SM 2540G
Method Blank B122067-BLK2 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % U 1 SM 2540G
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) B121720-DUP2 08/05/2012 634.9 182.0 8.04 26.8 2.31 7.68 ng/g 19 EPA 1631 Appendix 0 30
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) B121720-MS2 08/05/2012 2376 681.0 8.21 27.4 2.35 7.84 ng/g 20 EPA 1631 Appendix 1710 102 130 70
2012 VSM CLK 02 (430mm) B121720-MSD2 08/05/2012 2260 647.8 8.21 27.4 2.35 7.84 ng/g 20 EPA 1631 Appendix 1710 95 130 70 5 30
2012 VSM GRB 02 B121914-DUP1 08/05/2012 203.7 40.4 5.0 14.9 1.0 3.0 ng/g 1 EPA 1630 2 35
2012 VSM GRB 02 B121914-MS1 08/05/2012 1531 304.0 4.8 14.3 0.9 2.8 ng/g 1 EPA 1630 953.2 139 135 65
2012 VSM GRB 02 B121914-MSD1 08/05/2012 1448 287.5 4.9 14.6 1.0 2.9 ng/g 1 EPA 1630 973.5 127 135 65 6 35
2012 VSM GRB 02 B122067-DUP1 08/05/2012 19.78 19.78 0.17 0.57 0.17 0.57 % 1 SM 2540G 0 15