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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
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Title:
Baseline water quality study, Study plan Section 5.5 : Initial study report
SuWa 207
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Prepared by URS Corporation/Tetra Tech, Inc.
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Draft initial study report
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Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 207
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[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
Date published:
February 2014
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Alaska Energy Authority
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Study plan Section 5.5
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Draft
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363 p. in various pagings
(including all parts)
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Notes: The following parts of Section 5.5 appear in separate files: Main report ; Figures ; Appendix A
; Appendices B-C ; Appendices D-I ; Appendix J.
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/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Baseline Water Quality Study
Study Plan Section 5.5
Initial Study Report
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
URS Corporation/Tetra Tech, Inc.
February 2014 Draft
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2014 Draft
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... ix
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2. Study Objectives................................................................................................................ 1
3. Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 2
4. Methods and Variances in 2013 ....................................................................................... 2
4.1. Water Temperature Data Collection ....................................................................... 3
4.1.1. Collection Sites ......................................................................................... 3
4.1.2. Collection Protocols ................................................................................. 4
4.1.3. Thermistor Set-up Systems ....................................................................... 5
4.1.4. Variances from the Study Plan ................................................................. 6
4.2. Meteorological Data Collection .............................................................................. 7
4.2.1. Meteorological Station Installation and Monitoring Protocol .................. 8
4.2.2. Meteorological Station Parameters ........................................................... 8
4.2.3. Variances from the Study Plan ................................................................. 9
4.3. Baseline Water Quality Monitoring ........................................................................ 9
4.3.1. Baseline Parameters Monitored .............................................................. 10
4.3.2. Baseline Sampling Protocol ................................................................... 10
4.3.3. Baseline Sample Handling and QA/QC ................................................. 12
4.3.4. Variances from the Study Plan ............................................................... 12
4.4. Focus Area Water Quality Monitoring ................................................................. 13
4.4.1. Focus Area Parameters Monitored ......................................................... 14
4.4.2. Focus Area Sampling Protocol ............................................................... 14
4.4.3. Variances from the Study Plan ............................................................... 15
4.5. Sediment Samples for Mercury/Metals in the Reservoir Area ............................. 15
4.5.1. Variances from the Study Plan ............................................................... 16
4.6. Baseline Metals Levels in Fish Tissue .................................................................. 17
4.7. Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing ........................................................................ 17
4.7.1. Variances from the Study Plan ............................................................... 19
4.8. Groundwater Quality in Selected Habitats ........................................................... 20
4.8.1. Variances from the Study Plan ............................................................... 20
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2014 Draft
5. 2013 Results ..................................................................................................................... 21
5.1. Data Validation/Verification ................................................................................. 21
5.2. Continuous Water Temperature Monitoring ......................................................... 21
5.3. Meteorological Characterization ........................................................................... 22
5.3.1. Wind Roses ............................................................................................. 22
5.3.2. Winds and Weather Time Series ............................................................ 23
5.3.3. Meteorological Summary Tables ........................................................... 23
5.4. Overview of Water Quality Conditions ................................................................ 23
5.4.1. Baseline Water Quality Characterization ............................................... 24
5.4.2. Focus Area Water Quality Characterization ........................................... 27
5.5. Sediment Samples for Mercury/Metals in the Reservoir Area ............................. 29
5.6. Baseline Metals in Fish Tissue ............................................................................. 29
5.7. Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing ........................................................................ 29
5.8. Groundwater Quality in Selected Habitats ........................................................... 31
6. Discussion......................................................................................................................... 31
7. Completing the Approved Study Plan .......................................................................... 33
8. Literature Cited .............................................................................................................. 33
9. Tables ............................................................................................................................... 34
10. Figures .............................................................................................................................. 50
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1 -1. Susitna River Basin Temperature and Water Quality Monitoring Sites ................ 34
Table 4.2-1. Identification and Location of 2013 Meteorological Stations ................................. 36
Table 4.3-1. Water Quality Study Sampling Parameters and Schedule ...................................... 37
Table 4.3-2. Sample Location and Frequency for Monthly Baseline Water Quality Sampling .. 39
Table 4.4-1. Sample Location and Frequency for Focus Area Sampling during the 2013
Monitoring Year .................................................................................................................... 41
Table 4.7-1. Acquisition Locations and Dates for the Susitna River TIR Project ....................... 42
Table 5.2-1. Summary of ESM1: Watana Dam Meteorological Station ..................................... 43
Table 5.2-2. Summary of ESM2: Susitna at Oshetna Station Meteorological Station ................ 44
Table 5.2-3. Summary of ESM3: Susitna at Indian River Meteorological Station ..................... 45
Table 5.8-1. Comparison of Radiant Temperatures Derived from the TIR Images and In Situ
Temperatures ......................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5.8-2. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 104 (Whiskers Slough).. 47
Table 5.8-3. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 113 (Oxbow I) ............... 47
Table 5.8-4. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 128 (Slough 8A) ............ 48
Table 5.8-5. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 138 (Gold Creek) .......... 48
Table 6.0-1. Range of in situ water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and pH
collected during the summer (June 1 to September 30) from historic (1970s and 1980s) and
current (2013) years at select sites. ........................................................................................ 49
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iv February 2014 Draft
LIST OF FIGURES
[See separate file for figures.]
Figure 4.1-1. Water Temperature Sites for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
Figure 4.1-2. Anchor Buoy Thermistor System
Figure 4.1-3. Bank-Mounted Thermistor System
Figure 4.1-4. Over-Winter Thermistor System
Figure 4.4-1. Focus Area Location Overview
Figure 4.4-2. Example Detail of Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough
Figure 4.4-3. Detail of Focus Area 113: Oxbow I
Figure 4.4-4. Detail of Focus Area 115: Slough 6A
Figure 4.4-5. Detail of Focus Area 128: Slough 8A
Figure 4.4-6. Detail of Focus Area 138: Gold Creek
Figure 4.4-7. Detail of Focus Area 141: Indian River
Figure 4.4-8. Detail of Focus Area 144: Slough 21
Figure 4.5-1. Sediment/Porewater Sample Location: Goose Creek
Figure 4.5-2. Sediment/Porewater Sample Location: Jay Creek
Figure 4.5-3. Sediment/Porewater Sample Location: Kosina Creek
Figure 4.5-4. Sediment/Porewater Sample Location: Oshetna River
Figure 4.7-1. Middle Susitna 2013 TIR Study
Figure 4.7-2. Locations of Sensors Used for Calibration of TIR Data
Figure 4.7-3. Examples of Different Data Processing of the Same TIR Image
Figure 4.7-4. Examples: Groundwater Activity (top) and Little Groundwater Activity (bottom)
Figure 5.1-1. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 29.9 (Susitna River) during 2013
Figure 5.1-2. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 45.1 (Deshka River) during 2013
Figure 5.1-3. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 118.6 (Chulitna River) during 2013
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page v February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.1-4. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 124.2 (Susitna River) during 2013
Figure 5.1-5. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 142.2 (Indian River) during 2013
Figure 5.1-6. Continuous Temperature Data at PRM 235.2 (Oshetna River) during 2013
Figure 5.2-1. Wind Rose ESM1: Watana Dam Station
Figure 5.2-2. Monthly Wind Rose ESM1: Watana Dam Station
Figure 5.2-3. Winds and Weather ESM1: Watana Dam Station
Figure 5.3-1. Mean Water Temperature in the Study Area, 2013
Figure 5.3-2. Water Temperature for PRM 45.1 (Deshka River), 2013
Figure 5.3-3. Water Temperature for PRM 124.2 (Curry Fishwheel Camp), 2013
Figure 5.3-4. Dissolved Oxygen for PRM 45.1 (Deshka River), 2013
Figure 5.3-5. Dissolved Oxygen for PRM 124.2 (Curry Fishwheel Camp), 2013
Figure 5.3-6. Mean Chlorophyll a in the Study Area, June 2013
Figure 5.3-7. Mean Chlorophyll a in the Study Area, July 2013
Figure 5.3-8. Mean Chlorophyll a in the Study Area, August 2013
Figure 5.3-9. Mean Chlorophyll a in the Study Area, September 2013
Figure 5.3-10. Chlorophyll a Concentrations at PRM 45.1 (Deshka River), 2013
Figure 5.3-11. Chlorophyll a Concentrations at PRM 124.2 (Curry Fishwheel Camp), 2013
Figure 5.3-12. Specific Conductance at PRM 45.1 (Deshka River), 2013
Figure 5.3-13. Specific Conductance at PRM 124.2 (Curry Fishwheel Camp), 2013
Figure 5.4-1. Temperature for Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough, 2013
Figure 5.4-2. Temperature for Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough, Point Sample Downstream,
2013
Figure 5.4-3. Temperature for Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough, Middle Point Sample, 2013
Figure 5.4-4. Temperature for Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough, Point Sample Upstream, 2013
Figure 5.4-5. Temperature Depth Profile at Focus Area 115: Slough 6A, 2013
Figure 5.4-6. Mean Chlorophyll a Concentrations in Focus Area 104: Whiskers Slough, 2013
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page vi February 2014 Draft
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Continuous Temperature Monitoring
Appendix B: Thermistor Figures
Appendix C: Water Quality Meteorological Station Data
Appendix D: Baseline Water Quality Data
Appendix E: Baseline Water Quality Chlorophyll Data
Appendix F: Focus Area Location Maps
Appendix G: Focus Area Water Quality Data
Appendix H: Focus Area Water Quality Chlorophyll Data
Appendix I: Interim Study Report Water Quality Photographs
Appendix J: TIR Images
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page vii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
AGL above ground level
ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
AOI area of interest
BTEX benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenes
°C degrees Celsius
CaCO3 calcium carbonate
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIRWG Cook Inlet Regional Working Group
cm centimeter
CORS Continuously Operating Reference Stations
DL detection limit
DO dissolved oxygen
DOC dissolved organic carbon
EFDC Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
°F degrees Fahrenheit
FA Focus Area
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ft. feet
GIS geographic information system
GPS global positioning system
HDPE high density polyethylene
HSC habitat suitability criteria
ID inner diameter
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
lb. pound
Hz hertz
km kilometer
m meter
µg microgram
µm micrometer
µg/L micrograms per liter
µmhos/cm micromhos per centimeter
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page viii February 2014 Draft
Abbreviation Definition
mg/L milligrams per liter
mV millivolt
m/s meters per second
NELAP National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
NOAA National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
OPUS Online Positioning User Service
PAHs polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
pH potential hydrogen
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241
PVC polyvinyl chloride
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
QA/QC quality assurance/quality control
RF radio frequency
RSP Revised Study Plan
SAP Sampling and Analysis Plan
SNTEMP Stream Network Temperature
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SPD study plan determination
SWE snow water equivalency
TDS total dissolved solids
TIR thermal infrared remote
TKN total Kjeldahl nitrogen
TMDL total maximum daily load
TOC total organic carbon
TP total phosphorus
US upland slough
USGS United States Geological Survey
USR Updated Study Report
WQ water quality
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ix February 2014 Draft
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Baseline Water Quality Study Section 5.5
Purpose The Baseline Water Quality Study (Study 5.5) is generating water quality
information for several purposes and are as follows:
• Document historical water quality data and combine with data generated
from this study. The combined dataset will be used in the Water Quality
Modeling Study (Study 5.6) to predict Project impacts under alternative
Project operations.
• Add three years of current stream temperature and meteorological data to
the existing data.
• Develop a monitoring program to adequately characterize surface water
physical, chemical, and bacterial conditions in the Susitna River within
and downstream of the proposed Project area.
• Measure baseline metals concentrations in sediment and fish tissue for
comparison to state criteria and Screening Quick Reference tables.
• Perform a pilot Thermal Infrared Remote (TIR) sensing effort of the
Susitna River from Susitna Station (PRM 29.9) to Deadman Creek (PRM
235.6), and use this data to map the groundwater discharge and possible
extent of thermal refugia.
This information will be used to evaluate current and future water quality
conditions by combining projected modeling results for both the reservoir and
riverine portions of the basin.
Status In this multi-year study, the 2013 data collection efforts generated the
following types of water quality data: large-scale monitoring, Focus Area
monitoring, continuous temperature monitoring, meteorological monitoring,
sediment monitoring fish tissue monitoring, and vegetation monitoring at sites
identified in the RSP Section 5.5. AEA expects to complete the data
collection during the next study season.
Study
Components
The Baseline Water Quality Study has several components that generate water
quality data from multiple media and will be used to evaluate current and
project conditions when the reservoir is in place. The study components
include: 1) water quality monitoring at two spatial scales, 2) Focus Area
monitoring for the purpose of improving on resolution of water quality
predictions and in support of the fisheries and habitat evaluation, and 3)
mercury assessment for the purpose of determining how future reservoir
operations might influence dynamics of mercury release and bioaccumulation
in aquatic life. Products generated from the Baseline Water Quality Study are
used in the Ice Processes Study (Study 7.6), Glacier Runoff and Changes
Study (Study 7.7), and the Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study (Study
8.5).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page x February 2014 Draft
Baseline Water Quality Study Section 5.5
2013 Variances • Establishment of water temperature monitoring sensors was planned for 37
sites in 2013. Equipment deployment for temperature monitoring was
completed at 28 sites on the Susitna River mainstem and tributaries (RSP
Section 5.5.4.1).
• Sampling from Baseline Water quality sites resulted in minor adjustments
of location at 3 of the 17 sites proposed in the RSP (RSP Section 5.5.4.4).
• Ten Focus Areas were described in RSP Section 5.5 for water quality
sampling during 2013. Seven Focus Areas instead of ten Focus Areas
were monitored in 2013 due to access limitations (RSP Section 5.5.4.5).
While land access was not available for portions of the river and tributaries
adjacent to Cook Inlet Regional Working Group (CIRWG) in 2013, this
was not considered a variance because this study was designed to collect
data over multiple years.
• Visits to eight sites for collection of sediment samples were proposed in
the RSP Section 5.5.4.6. Four sites were not visited in 2013 (Fog Creek,
Deadman Creek, Watana Creek, and Tsusena Creek).
• Groundwater sampling piezometers were originally described for
placement at the end of each mainstem transect within each Focus Area.
However, wells had to be moved to areas where wells could be
successfully installed and where more applicable in support of the
Instream Flow Study (Section 8.5 of the ISR).
Steps to
Complete the
Study
As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing
this study will be included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.
Highlighted
Results and
Achievements
The Baseline Water Quality Study components have generated 2 years of
water temperature monitoring data, 1.5 years of meteorological monitoring
data, two-thirds of the proposed large-scale and Focus Area monitoring
program data, and half of the sediment monitoring data required for
assessment of potential effects from mercury bioaccumulation. Water
temperature monitoring data, both historical and current, are being used to
calibrate the reservoir and riverine water quality models. Meteorological data
generated in this study is being used to calibrate the reservoir water quality
model.
Following a preliminary quality assurance review of water quality data,
elevated concentration of total phosphorus, nitrate+nitrite-nitrogen, and select
metals were found. These patterns were most common to samples collected
from the mainstem Susitna River where glacial flour (turbidity resulting from
glacial erosion) is likely interfering with sample analysis. For select water
quality parameters where split samples confirmed analytical inconsistencies,
additional sampling for laboratory split analysis will be conducted in the next
year of study.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page xi February 2014 Draft
Baseline Water Quality Study Section 5.5
Available 1970s and 1980s data were evaluated for use in this Project. A
subset of in situ field parameters (water temperature, specific conductance,
dissolved oxygen, and pH) collected during the summer months (June through
September) from 1970 through 1980 and during the 2013 field season were
compared for four Project sites (PRM 29.9, PRM 107, PRM 124.2, and PRM
187.2). Maximum water temperatures collected in 2013 were comparable to
measurements made at the same sites in the 1970s and 1980s. Minimum
temperatures measured at these sites were lower in the historic dataset
representing sample timing that began earlier during ice break-up. The
expanded data record from the 1970s and 1980s can be combined with current
data for calibrating the water quality model. Similarly, mean specific
conductance was higher in 2013 compared to historic data, though this
comparison is limited to two sites (PRMs 29.9 and 107). Dissolved oxygen
(DO) and of pH were similar between datasets for three sites where
comparable data are available (PRM 29.9, PRM 107.0, and PRM 124.2).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 1 February 2014 Draft
1. INTRODUCTION
On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed its Revised Study Plan (RSP) with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) for the Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 14241, which included 58 individual study plans (AEA
2012). Included within the RSP was the Baseline Water Quality Study (Section 5.5.). This
section focuses on the methods for assessing the effects of the proposed Project and its
operations on water quality in the Susitna River basin.
On April 1, 2013 FERC issued its study determination (April 1 SPD) for the RSP Section 5.5,
approving the study with modifications. In its April 1 SPD, FERC recommended the following:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
• We recommend that AEA employ EPA Method 1631E for laboratory analysis of total
mercury in water, sediments, and fish tissue, and EPA Method 1630 for laboratory
analysis of methylmercury in water and fish tissue. We recommend that AEA apply
Method 1669 (Clean Hands/Dirty Hands) for all mercury field sampling.
• We recommend that AEA utilize the TRVs as an additional benchmark when evaluating
the need for additional baseline water quality data collection.
AEA included FERC’s requested modifications in the QAPP.
Following the first study season, FERC’s regulations for the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
require AEA to “prepare and file with the Commission an initial study report describing its
overall progress in implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected, including an
explanation of any variance from the study plan and schedule” (18 CFR 5.15(c)(1)). This Initial
Study Report on the Baseline Water Quality Study has been prepared in accordance with FERC’s
ILP regulations and details AEA’s status in implementing the study, as set forth in the FERC-
approved RSP and as modified by FERC’s April 1 SPD and the QAPP (collectively referred to
herein as the “Study Plan”).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The objectives for this study are established by RSP Section 5.5.1. The goal of the overall water
quality study efforts is to assess the effects of the proposed Project and its operations on water
quality in the Susitna River basin, which informs development of any appropriate conditions for
inclusion in the Project license. The Project is expected to change some of the water quality
characteristics of the drainage as well as the inundated area that will become the reservoir.
The objectives of the Baseline Water Quality Study are as follows:
• Document historical water quality data and combine with data generated from this study.
The combined dataset will be used in the Water Quality Modeling Study to predict
Project impacts under various operations.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 2 February 2014 Draft
• Add current stream temperature and meteorological data to the existing data.
• Develop a monitoring program to adequately characterize surface water physical,
chemical, and bacterial conditions in the Susitna River within and downstream of the
proposed Project area.
• Measure baseline metals concentrations in sediment and fish tissue for comparison to
state criteria.
• Perform Thermal Infrared Remote (TIR) sensing of the Susitna River from Susitna
Station (Project River Mile [PRM] 29.9) to Deadman Creek (PRM 235.6), and use this
data to map the groundwater discharge and possible extent of thermal refugia.
3. STUDY AREA
As established by RSP Section 5.5.3, the study area for water quality monitoring includes the
Susitna River from PRM29.9 to PRM 235.2 (Oshetna River), and selected tributaries within the
proposed transmission lines and access corridors. Water temperature monitoring began at PRM
19.9 and other water quality monitoring started at PRM 29.9.
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
The Baseline Water Quality Study methods were selected to satisfy the needs of:
• The water quality modeling efforts
• Consistency with historical data collection on the river (URS 2011)
• Requirements of the 401 Water Quality Certification Process
The frequency of sample collection varied by media, parameter being tested, potential for
mobilization, and bioavailability. Most of the general water quality parameters and select metals
were sampled on a monthly basis because each parameter had been demonstrated to be present in
one or both of surface water and sediment (URS 2011).
Sixteen mainstem water quality monitoring sites were located below the proposed dam site and
two were located above the dam site (Figure 4.1-1). Five sloughs were monitored, representing a
combination of physical settings in the drainage and that are known to support important fish-
rearing habitat. Tributaries to the Susitna River were monitored and include those contributing
large portions of the lower river flow including the Talkeetna, Chulitna, Deshka, and Yentna
rivers. Remaining tributaries where monitoring was planned for 2013, but not visited will be
sampled in 2014. These sites represent important spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous
and resident fisheries and include Gold Creek, Portage Creek, Tsusena Creek, Watana Creek,
and Oshetna River.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 February 2014 Draft
These sites were selected based on the following rationale:
• Adequate representation of locations throughout the Susitna River and tributaries above
and below the proposed dam site for the purpose of a baseline water quality
characterization.
• Location on tributaries where proposed access road-crossing impacts might occur during
and after construction (upstream/downstream sampling points on each crossing).
• Preliminary consultation with licensing participants including co-location with other
study sites (e.g., instream flow, ice processes).
• Land access.
• Seven of the sites are mainstem monitoring sites that were previously used for Stream
Network Temperature (SNTEMP) modeling (Table 4.1-1) in the 1980s. Thirty-seven of
the sites are Susitna River mainstem, tributary, or slough locations, most of which were
monitored in the 1980s.
Baseline temperature monitoring sites were spaced at approximately 5-mile intervals so that the
various factors that influence water temperature conditions were captured and support the
development (and calibration) of the water quality model. The 2013 water quality monitoring
effort resulted in fewer locations visited due to land access restrictions and so river mile intervals
between sites were larger than originally stated in RSP Section 5.5.4. The water quality
monitoring sites were co-located at a sub-set of the water temperature monitoring sites
representing each type of riverine setting in the Lower-, Middle-, and Upper River. Frequency of
sites along the length of the river is important for capturing localized effects from tributaries and
from past and current human activity.
Sampling to characterize variability in water quality conditions was conducted along transects at
the original 17 locations described in Table 5.5-1 of the RSP. An additional site was monitored
for water quality conditions at PRM 152.2 Susitna River below Portage Creek. A total of 18
water quality monitoring locations were characterized for water quality conditions in 2013. The
objective of this sampling strategy addresses the influence of channel complexity (multiple
channels, braiding, etc.) on both the Susitna River and tributary water quality. These data also
enable the Water Quality Modeling Study to predict conditions in 3-dimensions for the reservoir
(longitudinally, vertically, and laterally) and in 2-dimensions (longitudinally and laterally) for
the riverine portion of the project area.
4.1. Water Temperature Data Collection
4.1.1. Collection Sites
The 1980s water temperature data and monitoring locations were evaluated to determine which
of the historic locations should be monitored in 2012. Replicating the 1980s monitoring
locations helps to determine if conditions have changed and how this impacts thermal refugia.
Locations were selected for monitoring based on:
INITIAL STUDY REPORT BASELINE WATER QUALITY STUDY (5.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 February 2014 Draft
• Adequate representation of locations throughout the Susitna River and tributaries;
• Preliminary consultation with licensing participants;
• Safety, and
• The needs of studies (e.g., fisheries, instream flow, ice processes).
A total of 37 sites were selected for installation of water temperature data loggers (Table 4.1-1
and Figure 4.1-1). Of these sites, 32 were replicates of sites monitored in the 1980s, and 5 of
these sites represented new or relocated sites from the 1980s dataset.
Field reconnaissance of the 1980s sites was conducted by boat or viewed from the air during the
2012 field season. It was determined that four of the 1980s historical study sites were either no
longer accessible due to changes in the river channel (two sites), or unsafe to access (two sites).
Attempts were made to relocate these monitoring sites to accessible areas close to the original
locations; however, conditions prohibited the final installation of the remaining four water
temperature monitoring sites. Based upon this field reconnaissance, only 33 of the originally
proposed 37 water temperature monitoring stations were installed.
4.1.2. Collection Protocols
The sensors were situated in the river to record water temperatures that are representative of the
mainstem or slough being monitored, avoiding areas of groundwater upwelling, unmixed
tributary flow, direct sun exposure, and isolated pools that would have affected data quality.
Collection of water temperature data began in July 2012, and continues through the winter of
2013/2014. Additional systems were installed during the 2013 field season, and some equipment
was lost and replaced during routine site visits conducted during the ice free period (June
through October). A summary of each site complete with photos, global positioning system
(GPS) coordinates, aerial images, and installation/maintenance field notes are included in
Appendix A with blue flags indicating 2012 installation locations and red flags indicating 2013
installation locations.
In September of 2012, 17 thermistors were redeployed as overwintering systems (Table 4.1-1).
The locations were selected based on locations where ice forces might allow for their survival
over the winter. Of the 17 overwinter systems, 11 thermistors were found following ice breakup
and six thermistors could be downloaded during June 2013 site visits. There were five
thermistors still intact as originally deployed, but were on restricted access lands.
The overwinter setups were removed from the river and replaced with anchor and buoy systems
in June 2013, and replaced with overwinter systems in September 2013. A total of 27 sites of the
proposed 37 sites were monitored in 2013. The remaining sites will be visited during 2014 field
season.
Thermistors were generally retrieved on a monthly basis and redeployed after data were
downloaded via a data shuttle.
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Water temperatures were recorded in 15-minute intervals using Onset TidbiT v2 water
temperature data loggers. The TidbiT v2 has a precision sensor for plus or minus 0.4 degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) (0.2 degrees Celsius [°C]) accuracy over an operational range of -4°F to 158°F
(-20°C to 70°C). Data readout is available in less than 30 seconds via an Optic USB interface.
The 2012 Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study installed water-level loggers with temperature
recording capability at several study sites and are further described in Section 8.5.4.4 of the Fish
and Aquatic Instream Flow Study Plan. Where these study sites overlapped with the water
temperature monitoring sites, the water-level logger temperature sensors were used. However, a
redundant TidbiT v2 was deployed at these sites for backup water temperature recording,
especially for year-round temperature monitoring.
4.1.3. Thermistor Set-up Systems
AEA experimented with a variety of deployments for the thermistors, which are discussed
below. Each of these set-ups had advantages and disadvantages.
4.1.3.1. Anchor-and-Buoy Thermistor System
The anchor-and-buoy system consisted of a cable attached to an anchor and floated by a buoy to
record continuous bottom, middle, and surface water temperature conditions throughout the
water column (Figure 4.1-2). An anchor line was attached from the temperature monitoring
apparatus to the shore by running a cable along the river bottom. The anchor for each buoy was
composed of a 2-foot section of steel rail (approximately 60 lbs. each). Due to approximately
2-foot to 5-foot daily fluctuations in water level at any one of the water temperature monitoring
locations, a 1:2.5 or 1:3 ratio on the cable length was attached to the buoys so they could rise
with water level. The anchor was placed at a channel location that was accessible during routine
site visits and attached with a 1/4-inch galvanized steel cable wrapped around large tree or group
of trees along the bank or bolted to a rock using anchor brackets. This installation design did not
require substantial alterations to the sites. In cases of very slow moving or slack water (e.g.,
Deshka River), the temperature monitoring apparatus is solely held in place by the anchor. The
anchor and buoy system was used during the summer.
The anchor and buoy system could be used virtually anywhere on the river, and provides vertical
water temperature measurements in the water column, and is easy to locate, maintain, and
download. Unfortunately this system is unable to survive the winter, and is vulnerable to
damage from debris in the river.
4.1.3.2. Bank-Mounted Thermistor System
In 2012, eleven sites were equipped with a redundant set of thermistors in the form of bank
mounted installations. This was done to reduce the possibility of data loss during the winter.
The bank-mounted approach allowed for permanent structures during the data collection period
as they needed to withstand the rigors of ice forces. The thermistor protection and mounting
assembly included:
• A 2-inch inner diameter (ID) diameter schedule 40 galvanized pipe, 2.5 m (~8 ft.) in
length, threaded at both ends with threaded end caps.
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• A 1/4-inch hole was drilled into the bottom end cap to allow for fine sediment drainage.
• The pipe was perforated with a series of 1/4-inch holes (at approximate 20 cm (7-1/2-
inch) spacing) running half the length of the pipe (the schematic shows holes up the
entire pipe, however only one half will need to be perforated; Figure 4.1-3).
The bottom cap was tightened using a pipe wrench as it is not to be removed except to clean out
sediment (as required). The top cap was loosely hand tightened to allow access to the
thermistors. The perforated side of the pipe, when installed, was face-down. The assembly was
bolted to a rock surface by means of up to three pipe brackets and six 3/8-inch rock anchor bolts:
• The bracket was 3 cm (1-1/4-inch) wide and 1/4-inch thick to ensure integrity.
• The length of the bracket was constructed so as to mount the 2-inch ID pipe to a level
surface.
• The two mounting bracket holes were drilled approximately 4 cm (1-1/2 inches) from
each end and were able to accommodate the concrete anchor bolts which have a slightly
wider expansion head (approximately 7/16-inch).
• The brackets were coated with anti-rust paint.
The TidbiT sensor(s) were attached near the bottom of a length of steel cable which was inserted
into the galvanized pipe and withdrawn to download data. The bank-mounted system was used
as a redundant system to supplement both the summer and winter deployments.
The bank-mounted system was more robust, however, it required attachment to a large rock or
rock face on the bank, limiting where it could be deployed in the river. It also only recorded
water temperature in the bottom of the river, and was found to be prone to silting in and damage
from ice scour.
4.1.3.3. Overwinter Anchor and Buoy Thermistor System
The overwinter system s consisted of an anchor-and-buoy string set-up with single thermistor
housed in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-housed protective casing suspended on a short cable (2.5
ft) and floated with one or two small buoys (Figure 4.1-4). These systems typically survived the
winter; however, they only recorded data at the bottom of the water column. Prior to river freeze
up in 2012 and again in 2013, overwinter anchor and buoy system s were installed at either
selected (2012) or all (2013) of the water temperature monitoring stations (see Table 4.1-1).
4.1.4. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• Numbers and locations of water temperature monitoring sites were altered from the Study
Plan. Establishment of temperature monitoring sensors was planned for 37 sites in 2013
(Table 4.1-1). Equipment deployment for water temperature monitoring was completed
at 27 sites on the Susitna River mainstem and tributaries. This variances were due to 1)
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land access limitations preventing field crews from working on bankside private lands
and 2) establishing monitoring apparatus at appropriate bank condition/anchor points
(e.g., wide gravel bars, narrow canyons). Continuous water temperature monitoring was
not conducted between PRM 152.2 and PRM 196.8 due to land access restrictions. In
addition, one site (PRM 225.5 Susitna River near Cantwell) located between the dam site
and the upper monitoring sites was not visited for deployment of water temperature
monitoring probes. Land access restrictions prevented deployment of the water
temperature monitoring probes at these sites. Absence of temperature monitoring data at
eight sites between PRM 145.6 and PRM 209.2 may diminish the sensitivity of the
riverine model. Existing water temperature conditions can be modeled by interpolating
between these two river miles and by using available 1980s data and 2012 temperature
monitoring data.
• Table 5.5-1 of Section 5.5 in the RSP lists a total of 39 site names. However, two of the
site names in this table are duplicates (e.g., Susitna River above Portage Creek) and
Slough 11 was monitored as part of the Focus Area studies. More detailed data collection
effort was completed for this portion of the river than was described in the RSP Section
5.5.4.4. This variance represents a benefit to the riverine modeling effort by predicting
water quality conditions at a higher resolution than originally planned.
• The QAPP called for redundant data loggers at each site. The team found it impractical,
and in some cases unsafe, to deploy the bank-mounted pipe systems at many locations.
Following the winter of 2012/2013, many pipe systems were lost due to ice and flooding
and therefore this type of system was deemed impractical. Further, it was found that the
overwinter anchor and buoy systems could be installed at more of the monitoring
locations, and that the survival rate of the overwinter anchor and buoy systems was
higher than the bank-mounted thermistor system s.
4.2. Meteorological Data Collection
Six meteorological stations were identified in the Study Plan that could be used in constructing
the (3D and 2D) Reservoir and River Water Quality Models. The Study Plan (Section 5.5.4.3 of
the RSP) indicated that the ability to upgrade existing stations was currently being evaluated.
The 2013 field effort identified three existing stations that would be used in the reservoir and
riverine model construction and a need for establishing three new stations (EMS-1, EMS-2, and
EMS-3). One station was established near the Watana Dam site, at an elevation of
approximately 2,300 feet on the north side of the river. This station is above the projected
elevation of the reservoir and proposed dam height. The second station was installed slightly
upriver of the proposed reservoir footprint, at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet near the
confluence of Oshetna River and the Susitna River. The third station was installed 40 miles
downriver of the proposed dam near the confluence with Indian River and the Susitna River at an
elevation of approximately 720 feet. Meteorological data is also available from the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) station located at the Talkeetna Airport
(Table 4.2-1). Existing information from the Willow Creek and Susitna River near Sunshine
gage stations is a partial list of parameters and will be included in the database.
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The stations with usable data for constructing the water quality models are spatially distributed
on the Susitna River and represent a range of distinct physical settings throughout the Project
area (Figure 4.2-1). The data recorded by the stations installed in 2012 is uploaded every hour
via radio frequency (RF) telemetry and stored on a digital server in Talkeetna, Alaska. All
recorded meteorological data undergoes QA/QC protocols and noise in the data is removed using
a low pass filter.
4.2.1. Meteorological Station Installation and Monitoring Protocol
In late-September 2013, rain gauges were installed on ESM2 and ESM3 as well as a snow-water
equivalency sensor on ESM2 and a sonic snow depth sensor on ESM3. ESM1 has excellent
exposure to winds in all directions. ESM2 and ESM3 are located within the Susitna River valley
and are subjected to valley-induced wind steering. ESM2 has a large occurrence of low wind
speeds that may be the natural result of more open terrain in the area, but may also be due to the
influence of sparse tree cover in the area. ESM3 is subject to an earlier cessation of direct
sunlight as the sun drops below the ridge on the south side of the river in the late afternoon.
A Campbell Scientific CR1000 data logger is used to record and store the data. The archiving
interval for all meteorological parameters is 15 minutes. The stations are powered by an
enclosed battery pack consisting of four external 12 Vdc batteries and a 65-watt solar panel. The
station loggers have sufficient ports and programming capacity to allow for the installation of
instrumentation to collect additional parameters as required. Such installation and
re-programming can occur at any time without disruption of the data collection program.
Real-time data is uploaded from the stations to an internal server via the RF Susitna-Watana
Internal Data Network which allows communication with the data loggers from various studies.
This approach enables study staff to download, inspect, and archive the data as well as monitor
station operational parameters for signs of problems without visiting the site. The
communication also ensures that problems are resolved promptly to minimize data loss between
service periods.
4.2.2. Meteorological Station Parameters
All three stations are equipped with instrumentation to measure wind speed and direction (at 3
meters), air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and incident solar radiation (and
beginning in September 2013, water-equivalent precipitation). The data being collected supports
the activities of the engineering design team and the development of the hydrodynamic and water
quality temperature model.
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4.2.3. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• The 2013 RSP identified potential for MET Station data sources from RM 25.8 to RM
224.0. Three new MET Stations were established from between PRM 142.2 to PRM
235.2. An additional existing MET Station was identified for use in constructing the
riverine model at PRM 99.6 (Talkeetna Airport). The existing MET Station extends the
meteorological monitoring effort near the boundary between the Lower River and Middle
River reaches. Since the meteorological data is not expected to have as large an influence
on water conditions in the riverine model as it will for construction of the reservoir
model, the current collection of MET Stations is expected to satisfy modeling needs.
• To record precipitation, in addition to a tipping bucket rain gauge, a CS725 snow water
equivalency (SWE) sensor was installed on ESM2 in 2013. The SWE sensor is a new
technology, developed in part by Hydro Quebec for the purpose of collecting higher
accuracy and time variant SWE data in remote areas for reservoir modeling. The
instrument records the amount of water contained in the snowpack as a function of
degradation of potassium and thallium radiating from the soil below the snow.
• The rain gauge installed at ESM3 was coupled with a sonic level sensor which will
record the depth of snow. This data will be used to estimate the SWE contained in the
snowpack using the meteorological standard of 10%.
• The intention was to install a rain gauge and CS725 at ESM1 as well; however, site
access was restricted. It will be installed if site access is allowed.
4.3. Baseline Water Quality Monitoring
The purpose of the Baseline Water Quality Study was to collect information to support an
assessment of the effects of the proposed Project operations on water quality in the Susitna River
basin.
Effects of the proposed Project operations will be determined by using baseline water quality
monitoring data in the reservoir and riverine model described in the Water Quality Modeling
Study ISR (Section 4.2). There were two types of monitoring programs used to characterize
surface water conditions: Baseline Water Quality Monitoring (Section 5.5.4.4 of the RSP) and
Focus Area Monitoring (Section 5.5.4.5 of the RSP). These programs were distinguished by the
frequency of water sampling and the density of sampling effort in a localized area. The Focus
Area Monitoring method is described in Section 4.4 of this ISR.
Baseline water quality collection was broken into two components: in situ water quality
sampling and general water quality sampling. In situ water quality sampling consisted of on-site
monthly measurements of physical parameters at monitoring locations using field equipment.
General water quality sampling consisted of monthly grab samples that were sent to an off-site
laboratory for analysis. The laboratory, SGS in Anchorage, is National Environmental
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) certified which allows credible data for use by
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state, federal, and tribal regulatory programs for evaluating current and future water quality
conditions. As part of the Data Quality Objectives described in Section B.5.2 of the QAPP, a
laboratory split sample from two sites (PRM 87.8 and PRM 118.6) was sent to each of SGS
Laboratory in Anchorage, AK and Aquatic Research, Inc. in Seattle, WA (both NELAP and
State-Certified laboratories). Results from analysis of a full set of water quality parameters was
compared for agreement and where substantial differences occurred between laboratory results
further investigation of analytical methods was implemented. In general, these samples
represented water quality components that cannot be easily measured in situ, such as metals
concentrations, nitrates, etc.
4.3.1. Baseline Parameters Monitored
Surface water, sediment, and pore water samples were collected on a variety of schedules from
baseline water quality monitoring locations and analyzed for organics, metals, nutrients, and
conventional/other analyses (Table 4.3-1). The frequency of monitoring was based on the ease at
which the data could be collected, and the variability expected in the concentrations over time.
For example, water temperature was thought to vary daily or even hourly, while the radionuclide
flux in the river is expected to be fairly constant from year to year. Some parameters are best
analyzed in situ (for example, pH) while others require fixed laboratories to obtain high quality
results. The parameters selected for analyses as part of the baseline water quality monitoring
correspond to the Alaska Water Quality Standards water quality criteria (18 ACC 70.020(b)) for
protecting designated uses in fresh water, when available. Specific analysis methods are detailed
in the QAPP.
4.3.2. Baseline Sampling Protocol
Water quality data collection occurred on average at 5 mile intervals (Figure 4.1-1). This
spacing follows accepted practice when segmenting large river systems for development of Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality models. Sampling during winter months of
2013/2014 will focus on locations where flow data is currently collected (or was historically
collected by the U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) and will be used in the Water Quality
Modeling Study.
Monthly water quality samples were collected during each site visit in a representative portion of
the stream channel/water body, using methods consistent with Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
protocols and regulatory requirements for sampling ambient water and trace metal water quality
criteria. Monthly samples were planned for collection from 17 locations from June 2013 to
September 2013 (Table 4.3-2). An additional sampling location was added to this monitoring
effort at PRM 152.2 (Susitna River below Portage Creek) to make a total of 18 locations visited
during 2013. One-time sampling occurred for a limited number of analytes (benzene,
ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenes [BETX], polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs],
radionuclides, aluminum, chromium, selenium, fecal coliform, and total organic carbon [TOC]).
Variation of water quality in a river cross-section can be significant and is most likely to occur
because of incomplete mixing of upstream tributary inflows, point-source discharges, or
variations in velocity and channel geometry. Water quality field measurements were collected in
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a manner to determine the extent of vertical and lateral mixing. Samples were collected at three
equi-distant locations along each transect at each monitoring location (i.e., 25% from left bank,
50% from left bank, and 75% from left bank). Samples were collected from a depth of 1.5 ft.
below the surface as well as 1.5 ft. above the bottom, if total water depth was 5 ft. or greater.
This ensured that variations in concentrations, especially metals, were captured and adequately
characterized throughout the study area. Samples collected at 25% from left bank were referred
to as the left bank sample, samples collected at 50% from left bank were referred to as the
middle sample, and samples collected at 75% from the left bank were referred to as the right
bank sample.
4.3.2.1. In Situ Water Quality Sampling
During each site visit, in situ measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, specific conductance,
redox potential, turbidity, and water temperature were collected at depths corresponding to grab
sample locations (1.5 ft. below the surface and 1.5 ft. above the bottom if total water depth was
5 ft. or greater). A Hach 2100 IS Portable Turbidity Meter was used to measure turbidity during
the June sampling event along with a YSI multi-parameter sonde to measure the remaining field
parameters. Beginning in July, a Hydrolab® datasonde (MS5) was used to measure all field
parameters during each site visit, including turbidity. Color was measured in the field using a
Hanna Instruments HI 727 Colorimeter.
Standard techniques for pre- and post-sampling calibration of in situ instrumentation were used
to ensure quality of data generation and followed accepted practice.
4.3.2.2. General Water Quality Sampling
Surface water grab samples were collected using one of two methods dependent upon field
conditions. Field personnel were equipped to perform either method and/or make modifications
based on site conditions, water velocity, and flow. Water quality sample containers were filled
using a high capacity peristaltic pump and non-reactive high density polyethylene (HDPE)
tubing system. The sample tubing was cable tied to a davit cable attached to a 50 to 75 lb.
weight and lowered into the water column. Once the tubing was positioned at the right depth the
pump was turned on and flushed for 3 minutes. Samples were collected from the tubing and into
the proper sample containers and labeled accordingly. Filtered samples were collected after a
0.45 µm filter was attached to the tubing and flushed for one minute. Some sample locations
were located in water depths less than 3 ft. (<1 m) deep and were not accessible by boat. In this
case field personnel collected samples by wading into the river, and using the HDPE tubing and
peristaltic pump to collect the sample. The HDPE tubing was secured to an extendable
aluminum boat pole and placed along the bottom of the river such that with the tubing opening
was facing upstream at approximately mid-water column depth.
All sample collection avoided pools and slack water. Sampling methods also avoided
unnecessary collection of sediments in water samples, and touching the inside or lip of the
sample container. Samples were delivered to a State-Certified laboratory using EPA-approved
analytical methods including a separate completed chain of custody sheet. Field duplicates were
collected for 10 percent of samples (i.e., 1 for every 10 water grab samples). Laboratory quality
control samples including duplicate, samples between laboratories, spiked, and blank samples
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were prepared and processed by the laboratory. Further details on field sample protocols,
including chlorophyll a, may be found in the QAPP.
4.3.3. Baseline Sample Handling and QA/QC
QA/QC samples included laboratory sample splits, field duplicates, matrix spikes, duplicate
matrix spikes, and rinsate blanks for non-dedicated field sampling equipment. The results of the
analyses were used in data validation to determine the quality, bias, and usability of the data
generated.
Sample numbers were recorded on field data sheets immediately after collection. Samples
intended for the laboratory were stored in a dedicated sample refrigerator and kept under the
custody of the field team at all times. Samples were transported to the laboratory in coolers with
ice the following day by a member of the field team. Chain of custody records and other
sampling documentation were kept in sealed plastic bags (Ziploc®) and taped inside the lid of the
coolers prior to transport. A temperature blank accompanied each cooler. Packaging, marking,
labeling, and shipping of samples was in compliance with all regulations promulgated by the
U.S. Department of Transportation in the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR 171-177.
Water quality samples were labeled with the date and time that the sample was collected and
filtered/preserved (as appropriate), then stored and delivered to a state-certified water quality
laboratory (laboratory) for analyses using EPA-approved methods in accordance with maximum
holding periods. A chain of custody record was maintained with the samples at all times.
The laboratory reported data electronically (Excel, Access database, PDF) results for each
chemical parameter analyzed with the laboratory method detection limit, reporting limit, and
practical quantification limit. The laboratory attained method detection limits specified in the
QAPP that were at the applicable regulatory criteria and provided all laboratory QA/QC
documentation. However, the method detection limit should be lower for estimating total
phosphorus concentrations (MDL ≤ 2.0 µg/L) than was achieved for analysis of surface water
samples collected during 2013. Future sampling results will use the lower detection limit for
determining total phosphorus concentrations in surface water.
The procedures used for collection of water quality samples followed protocols from ADEC and
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest). Water quality data were summarized with appropriate
graphics and tables
Additional details of the sampling procedures and laboratory protocols are included in the QAPP.
4.3.4. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• During the 2013 field effort, monitoring was required at PRM 225.5 for water quality
samples. The collection effort differed from the original monitoring plan by relocating
this site from PRM 225.5 (Susitna near Cantwell) to PRM 235.2 (Susitna River adjacent
to Oshetna Creek) due to limited site access by helicopter. The new location of this site is
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used to generate input concentrations of water quality parameters to the proposed
reservoir area for purpose of calibrating the reservoir model (RSP Section 5.6). No
further information needs to be generated with future monitoring from this new site
location.
• Tsusena Creek was not sampled in 2013, but was planned as reported in Table 5.1-1 of
the Revised Study Plan Section 5.5. The site was not accessible due to land access
restrictions during the 2013 sampling season. This tributary represents the first large
tributary to the Susitna River below the dam site and will influence water quality
conditions under some flows. Water quality data from this site is important to know so
that predicted water quality conditions from the model will incorporate this influence.
Water quality sampling is planned for this site in in the next study year in order to
adequately characterize all inputs into the water quality model and improve accuracy for
predictions under several flow scenarios. Samples were required for collection at PRM
168.1 and PRM 183.1. Two point samples (including field measurements and laboratory
sampled) were collected at PRM 174.0 (below Watana Dam Site; above PRM 168.1 and
below PRM 183.1) as this was the upper most location accessible from a boat that was
deployed on the upper river. Access to PRM 168.1 was restricted in 2013 as well as
access by helicopter so the next site upstream that could be visited was at PRM 174.0.
The distance between the PRM 168.1 and PRM 174.0 is not expected to have any effect
on characterizing water quality conditions in this part of the river. The revised location
corresponds with one of the Focus Areas that benefited modeling at a finer resolution.
Future monitoring will be conducted at the proposed sites reported in RSP Section 5.5.
• The QAPP (RSP Section 5.5) indicated that a Hydrolab® datasonde (MS5) would be
used to measure pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and redox potential during
the baseline water quality monitoring. A YSI datasonde was used during June 2013 and
part of July 2013 sampling events during the baseline water quality sampling. This
equipment served as an alternate backup for one of the water quality study teams, but
experienced technical issues with the pH probe. This equipment failure resulted in loss of
pH data as described above. There are no expected significant impacts to study objectives
as pH collected on succeeding months show little to no variation from within a narrow
range of measurements. Water quality model calibration (reservoir and riverine) will able
to use existing data as well as new field data measurements when re-sampling for Total
Phosphorus is conducted as described below.
• The detection limit (DL) for total phosphorus was higher (3.1 µg/L) and was consistent
with both method and DL specified in the RSP (Table B1-3; Attachment 5-1 of the RSP)
than what is achievable for low-level detection limits (2.0 µg/L). The laboratory detection
limit was higher due to batch analysis of samples within the laboratory. Study objectives
remain unaffected as any concentrations below the specified DL were reported as non-
detected. New results from sites visited in 2013 will be generated during the next year of
study.
4.4. Focus Area Water Quality Monitoring
The second type of water quality monitoring is distinguished from the large-scale program by a
higher density of sampling within a pre-defined reach length and a higher frequency of sample
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collection (greater than once per month). The purpose for the intensive water quality monitoring
in select Focus Areas of the proposed Project area was to evaluate potential effects from Project
operations on resident and anadromous fisheries.
4.4.1. Focus Area Parameters Monitored
Similar to baseline water quality monitoring, Focus Area samples were analyzed for organics,
metals, nutrients, and conventional/ other analyses; however, only surface water and ground
water samples were collected (Table 4.3-1). Specific analysis methods are detailed in the QAPP.
4.4.2. Focus Area Sampling Protocol
The Focus Areas had a higher density of sampling locations, in contrast to the mainstem
network, so that prediction of change in water quality conditions from Project operations could
be made with a higher degree of resolution. The resolution expected for predicting conditions
were as short as 100-meter (m) longitudinal distances within the Focus Areas. Depending on the
length of the Focus Area, transects were spaced every 100 m to 500 m and water quality samples
collected at three or more locations along each transect. The collection locations along a transect
were in open water areas and had three to six collection points. These were discrete samples
taken at each collection point. The density of monitoring locations within the Focus Areas was
used as a grid to detect and describe groundwater input. Plumes of groundwater input to a Focus
Area were traceable using thermal data or conductivity. The area of groundwater input was
described using the monitoring grid network represented by the transects, and sampling points
along each transect. The locations of open water transects and groundwater monitoring wells
were coordinated with the Instream Flow Study and the Groundwater Study to efficiently
implement common elements in each of the studies. Groundwater wells were installed as part of
the Water Quality Monitoring Study so that surface water and groundwater samples were
collected at the same time for determination of influence of groundwater on surface water.
Surface water samples and parameters were taken at representative points in sloughs and side
channels within each Focus Area, with the location of each point determined by potential
fisheries habitat and current fish rearing habitat. Water quality parameters were also taken 40 m
downstream and 50 m upstream at 10 m intervals from the surface water sampling point.
The ten Focus Areas were selected in consultation with the water resources leads. The locations
of the Focus Areas are shown on Figure 4.4-1. The Water Quality Study sampling transects and
sampling locations for the Focus Areas shown on Figures 4.4-2 through 4.4-8.
Collection of groundwater and surface water during each site visit was used to evaluate the
influence of groundwater on surface water quality. Frequency of sampling was every two weeks
for a total duration of six weeks and coordinated with the Instream Flow and Groundwater
studies (Table 4.4-1). Two groundwater monitoring wells were installed at four Focus Area
monitoring locations.
Water quality parameters measured in Focus Areas from PRM 104 to PRM 144 will be used to
calibrate the (2D) River Water Quality Model with Enhanced Resolution Focus Areas , but at a
higher level of resolution than used for the main channel in the Susitna River. The focus for
(2D) River Water Quality Model with Enhanced Resolution Focus Area predictions was on the
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parameters listed in Table 4.3-1 that could affect habitat used by anadromous and resident fish in
this drainage.
The water quality parameter list was divided further into two categories: (1) constituents of
concern (e.g., metals), and (2) general water quality conditions that may adversely affect fish
species (RSP Section 5.5.4.5). These parameters were selected for comparison against ADEC
water quality criteria and to Screening Quick Reference Tables (SQuiRT) as reported in RSP
Section 5.5.4.8.
Inclusion of the nutrient parameters was used to inform the productivity studies and potentially
be used to develop habitat suitability criteria (HSC) curves for select aquatic communities.
Response of biological communities such as periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates to
nutrient concentrations will be predicted for alternative operational scenarios.
4.4.3. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• Ten Focus Areas were described in RSP Section 5.5 for water quality sampling during
2013. Seven Focus Areas instead of ten Focus Areas were monitored in 2013 due to
access limitations. Sampling at Focus Areas was restricted to areas in the drainage where
permission of access was obtained. The remaining Focus Areas are scheduled for
sampling in the next year of study in order to incorporate into the modeling effort and
that benefits the productivity studies.
• Three to five sampling points were proposed in the RSP Section 5.5.4.5 along each
transect. A greater number of sampling points along each transect within a Focus Area
was collected to improve resolution of outputs from the model. In several cases, up to six
sample points were placed along individual transects as well as the addition of point
samples that were beyond the proposed effort in RSP Section 5.5. Wherever point
samples were located within side channels or sloughs, a longitudinal profile of field
measurements were made that included water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and
specific conductance. Each of the longitudinal observations was spaced 10 meters apart
in a 100-meter reach that was centered on the point sample. This sampling strategy was
intended to describe the spatial extent of water quality conditions that could be
detrimental for fish use and habitat rearing. Remaining Focus Areas will be sampled in
order to complete the proposed detailed modeling with higher resolution in these areas.
4.5. Sediment Samples for Mercury/Metals in the Reservoir Area
This task is designed to gather specific information on the distribution of metals within potential
source areas along the Susitna River. In general, all sediment samples were taken from sheltered
backwater areas, downstream of islands, and in similar riverine locations in which water currents
are slowed, favoring accumulation of finer sediment along the channel bottom. Samples were
analyzed for total metals, including arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel,
selenium, and zinc.
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In addition, sediment size and total organic carbon (TOC) was included to evaluate whether
these parameters are predictors for elevated metal concentrations. Samples were collected near
the mouths of tributaries near the proposed dam site, including Goose, Jay, and Kosina, Creeks,
and the Oshetna River (Figure 4.5-1 through Figure 5.4-4). The purpose of this sampling was to
determine where metals, if found in the water or sediment, originate in the drainage. Toxics
modeling will be conducted to address potential for bioavailability in resident aquatic life.
Comparison of bioaccumulation of metals in tissue analysis with results from sediment samples
will inform on potential for transfer mechanisms between source and fate.
Two types of modeling analysis are being completed: (1) pathway model analysis, and
(2) numerical modeling using the(3D) Reservoir Water Quality Model. First, pathway models
were constructed for preliminary evaluation of potential for transfer between media (e.g.,
sediment-pore water, pore water-surface water, surface water-fish tissue). Exposure
concentrations were estimated for each constituent within the medium sampled (e.g., sediment,
pore water, surface water) and companion parameters (e.g., hardness and pH) were collected to
enable calculation of applicable chronic and acute aquatic life criteria. Potential for transfer of
metals between media can be facilitated by surrounding physicochemical conditions like low
dissolved oxygen conditions, low pH resulting from low dissolved oxygen concentrations, or low
redox potential. These companion field measurements were made along with all media sampled
at each site.
Most of the metals of interest are typically associated with fine sediments, rather than with
coarse-grained sandy sediment or rocky substrates. Therefore, the goal of the sampling was to
obtain sediments with at least 5 percent fines (i.e., particle size less than 0.0025 inches [63 μm],
or passing through a #230 sieve).
The sediment samples were collected using a hand auger of stainless steel spoon. All samples
were collected by wading into shallow nearshore areas. To the extent possible, samples
consisted of the top 6 inches (15 cm) of sediment.
4.5.1. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• Visits to eight sites for collection of sediment samples were proposed in the RSP Section
5.5.4.6. Four sites were not visited in 2013 (Fog, Deadman, Watana, and Tsusena
Creeks). The reason for omission of this sampling as planned in 2013 was due to land
access restrictions. These sediment samples will be collected in the next year of study in
order to acquire an adequate representation of sediment constituent conditions in and
around the dam site. This information is important for calibrating presence and rates of
mercury cycling that will be incorporated into the reservoir water quality model.
• The RSP Section 5.5 proposed use of an Ekman Dredge or a modified Van Veen grab
sampler. Due to sampling site conditions, all sediment samples were collected using
either a hand auger or stainless steel spoon by wading into shallow nearshore areas. Site
access was by helicopter and so heavy equipment deployed from a boat was not possible.
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The data collected meets study objectives and will be further used for model construction
and in pathway analysis. There are no proposed changes in future monitoring effort as
quality of the data and sample representativeness of deposition areas along the river had
been maintained.
4.6. Baseline Metals Levels in Fish Tissue
Methods to assess the baseline metals in fish tissue are provided in the Study 5.7 Mercury ISR.
4.7. Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing
Airborne TIR sensing is an effective method for mapping spatial temperature patterns in rivers
and streams. These data are used to establish baseline conditions and direct future ground level
monitoring. The TIR imagery illustrates the location and thermal influence of point sources,
tributaries, and surface springs. When combined with other spatial datasets, TIR data also
illustrate reach-scale thermal responses to changes in morphology, vegetation, and land use.
The thermal differential between bulk water temperatures in the Susitna and subsurface
discharges is approximately 3°C during the fall months, with the groundwater discharge typically
being warmer than instream temperatures. While many studies have successfully used this type
of work to delineate groundwater contributions to surface water, the temperature differential
between surface water and groundwater in Alaska is not as large as in other areas of the United
States, making this type of study difficult to perform.
TIR data for the middle and upper Susitna River was successfully acquired in 2012 as part of a
pilot program described in the RSP (AEA 2012). This pilot program identified numerous areas
where groundwater was significantly contributing to surface water, and based on the success of
this program a decision was made to expand this study to the rest of the river. Two separate
missions were performed in 2013:
• Focus Area reshoot – The Focus Areas, along with the middle and upper river, were
imaged in 2012. The results of the 2012 study were excellent; however, it was felt that
additional data acquisition would allow for a better correlation between site conditions on
the ground and the thermal imagery, including an evaluation of year to year variations in
groundwater flow. In addition, the use of a fixed-wing plane and some slightly different
equipment would allow the resolution to be reduced from 0.7 m to 0.5 m.
• Lower River – Collect thermal images for the lower river.
The scope of the 2013 fieldwork for the Focus Areas can be seen on Table 4.7-1, and Figure
4.7-1. AEA collected airborne TIR imagery over a 4-day period in October 2012, and again
between October 21 and November 8, 2013.
To maximize thermal contrast between warmer ground water discharge and colder river
temperatures of the mainstem Susitna, the TIR sensor was flown during early morning hours.
On flight days bulk water temperatures were at or near freezing, while groundwater temperatures
remained at a constant 2 to 4°C.
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Unfortunately the weather during the study period was largely rainy, foggy, or windy, limiting
flight times. While the Focus Areas were successfully re-imaged on good days, only 73% of the
lower river imaging was completed before freeze-up.
Images were collected with a FLIR system’s SC6000 sensor (8 to 9.2 µm) mounted in a Cessna
T310Q. The aircraft was flown in parallel flight lines in order to capture the entire requested
area. The TIR sensor was set to acquire images at a rate of 1 image every second resulting in an
image forward-overlap of approximately 60% and side-lap of 40%. The TIR data acquisition
was conducted at a flight altitude of 1,000 meters above ground level (AGL) resulting in a native
pixel resolution of 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) for the middle river.
Ground survey data are used to aid in geospatially correcting the aircraft positional coordinate
data and to perform quality assurance checks on final data. The monument location was selected
with consideration for satellite visibility and field crew safety. To correct the continuous
onboard measurements of the aircraft position recorded throughout the missions, AEA conducted
multiple static GPS ground surveys (1 Hz recording frequency) over the monument using a
Trimble 5700 receiver with a Zephyr antenna. After the airborne survey, the static GPS data
were triangulated with nearby Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) using the
Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) for precise positioning. Multiple independent sessions
over the same monument were processed to confirm antenna height measurements and to refine
position accuracy.
Instream data from 24 sensors was utilized to calibrate and verify the thermal accuracy of the
TIR imagery. All sensors were recording data at 15 minute intervals. Data logger locations are
illustrated in Figure 4.7-2.
Thermal infrared images were recorded directly from the sensor to an on-board computer as raw
counts, which were converted to radiance values. The individual images were referenced with
time, GPS position data, and aircraft attitude. After acquisition, the radiant temperatures are
adjusted based on the kinetic temperatures recorded at each instream sensor. This adjustment is
performed to correct for path length attenuation, atmospheric temperature, humidity, and the
emissivity of natural water. Because the imagery is calibrated for stream temperatures, terrestrial
temperatures should not be considered absolute.
Once calibrated, the images were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) where
an analyst sampled interpreted stream temperatures. Sampling consisted of querying radiant
temperatures (pixel values) from the center of the stream channel and saving the median value of
a ten-point sample to a GIS database file. The temperatures of detectable surface inflows (i.e.,
surface springs, tributaries) were also sampled at their mouths. During sampling, the analyst
provided interpretations of the spatial variations in surface temperatures observed in the images.
The TIR image mosaic was visually inspected to determine spatial variability in surface
temperatures within the study area. A trained analyst identified thermal features within the study
area and identified areas of ground water discharge either through direct detection of a spring or
inferred from bulk temperature patterns.
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The TIR images collected during this survey consist of a single band. As a result, visual
representation of the imagery requires the application of a custom classification scale to the pixel
values. The selection of the scale was made to highlight features most relevant to analysis of the
spatial variability of stream temperatures. An example of how the data were processed is
presented in Figure 4.7-3.
Once calibrated and geo-rectified, the final TIR images are integrated into GIS where an analyst
interprets the stream temperatures. A polygon shape file was digitized (at a scale of 1:500) to
highlight areas of increased groundwater activity. An example is provided for a specific area of
interest (AOI) in Figure 4.7-4.
Several conditions can cause variation in the accuracy of the thermal imaging:
• Thermal infrared data only records the temperature of the water at the surface. It only
represents bulk water temperatures where the water column is thoroughly mixed.
• Variable water surface conditions (i.e., riffle versus pool), slight changes in viewing
aspect, and variable background terrestrial temperatures (i.e., shaded vs. not) can result in
differences in the calculated radiant temperatures within the same image or between
consecutive images. The apparent temperature variability is generally typically less than
0.5°C (Torgersen et al. 2001). The occurrence of reflections as an artifact (or noise) in
the TIR images is a consideration during image interpretation and analysis.
• A small stream width logically translates to fewer pixels and greater integration with
nearby non-water features such as rocks and vegetation. Consequently, a narrow channel
(relative to the pixel size) can result in higher variability and inaccuracies in the measured
radiant temperatures as more ‘mixed pixels’ are sampled.
• The TIR sensor used for this study uses a focal plane array of detectors to sample
incoming radiation. A challenge when using this technology is to achieve uniformity
across the detector array. The sensor has a correction scheme which reduces non-
uniformity across the image frame; however, differences in temperature (typically
<0.5°C) may be observed near the edges of the image frame and can be recognized in
large open water areas as striping in the mosaic datasets.
4.7.1. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variance
explained below:
• Due to adverse weather conditions, not all the data could be collected from the lower
river. Acquisition of the data requires that the air temperature be cold (near freezing),
with no wind, no ice on the river, and no precipitation. Despite six weeks of effort during
October and November of 2013, only around 5 days of usable data were recovered.
These data include all the Focus Areas, and 73% of the lower river. The remaining
portions of the lower river will be collected in the next study year.
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4.8. Groundwater Quality in Selected Habitats
The purpose of studying groundwater quality was to characterize the differences between a set of
key productive aquatic habitat types and a set of non-productive habitat types that are related to
the absence or presence of groundwater upwelling, so as to improve the understanding of the
water quality differences and related groundwater/surface water processes. Concern for sensitive
fisheries habitat in floodplain shallow alluvial aquifers and changes to this habitat from Project
operations is the focus for identifying environmental conditions that may affect food-chain
elements (e.g., periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates). The groundwater/surface water
exchange is expected to influence the energy flow from primary producers (periphyton) to
consumers at an intermediate level in the trophic food web. An estimate of density and mass for
each of these trophic food web components in target habitats represents production of the food
base and can be compared against production necessary to support current fisheries populations.
These sites were co-located within the Focus Areas (Table 4.4-1) in order to measure
groundwater input and influence on surface water chemistry.
Basic water chemistry information (water temperature, DO, specific conductance, pH, turbidity,
redox potential) was collected at selected instream flow, fish population, and riparian study sites.
These data will be used to characterize groundwater and surface water interactions.
Groundwater monitoring site wells are identified in Appendix F: Figure F-2, Figure F-3, and
Figure F-5.
4.8.1. Variances from the Study Plan
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below:
• Groundwater sampling piezometers were originally described for placement at the end of
each mainstem transect within each Focus Area. However, wells had to be moved to
areas where they could be successfully installed and where more applicable in support of
the Instream Flow Study (Section 8.5 of the ISR). Alignment of groundwater wells with
the groundwater study (RSP Section 7.5) improved likelihood of measuring known
groundwater interaction with surface water. There is no change from suggested
monitoring site placement strategy described in RSP Section 5.5.4.12. Monitoring
completed in 2013 will satisfy the information needs for determining influence on
sensitive fisheries habitat in floodplain shallow alluvial aquifers examined in more detail
in RSP Section 8.5.
• A groundwater monitoring well was planned for installation at the downstream end of
Focus Area 138. The groundwater monitoring well ESGF138 MW-1 was eventually
installed at the downstream end of Focus Area 138, but did not have sufficient recharge
to be able to sample due to slow recharge. Past mapping of this area for groundwater
recharge informed placement of this well, but at the time of sampling in 2013 the slow
recharge rate indicated little contribution of groundwater to surface water. Since
groundwater recharge is so low at this location and past identification as a groundwater
source was to be confirmed, information generated from this effort shows that there will
be no effect of groundwater to surface water at this location.
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5. 2013 RESULTS
This section reports and summarizes the water quality data from the 2013 study season collected
pursuant to this Study Plan (Baseline Water Quality) that has undergone validation and
verification. During 2013, AEA collected data from June 2013 through the end of October 2013.
AEA has complete validation and verification of the 2013 data through September 30, 2013.
The October 2013 data will be reported after AEA completes validation and verification of this
data.
5.1. Data Validation/Verification
Laboratory results are being reviewed for verification and validation according to ADECs
Analytical Data Validation Checklist (Appendix B; QAPP) in preparation of an Analytical Data
Validation Memoranda. Laboratory data that have not undergone quality assurance review are
provisional and are not reported in the ISR.
Subsets of quality reviewed data are provided as appropriate graphics and tables in the ISR with
larger datasets provided in Appendices.
5.2. Continuous Water Temperature Monitoring
Results from the continuous water temperature monitoring program have undergone quality
assurance review and are presented as a final dataset. Thermistor temperature loggers were
deployed at 28 different locations throughout the project area from PRM 29.2 on the Susitna
River to PRM 235.2 on the Oshetna River (Figure 4.1-1). Water temperature monitoring stations
during 2013 are found in Table 4.1-1. Appendix A contains detailed maps of each continuous
water temperature monitoring site, as well as, site photos and logger information (deployment
dates, logger numbers, depth, and maintenance notes).
Appendix B contains average daily water temperature results, in graphical form, for all
continuous monitoring locations. Water temperature results for six monitoring locations,
representing the lower, middle, and upper reaches of the Susitna as well as major tributaries, are
discussed in further detail below.
All continuous temperature monitoring data can be found on the GINA website at the following
location:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/ISR_5.5_WQ_AppendixA_Continuous_Temp_Mon/
• Thermistor Data
Filename: ISR_WQ_5.5_Thermistor_Data.xlsx
In the lower river, the thermistors recorded a decline and rise in water temperature of about the
same magnitude and times at locations like PRM 29.9 in the Susitna River, Deshka River (PRM
45.1), and Indian River (PRM 142.2) (Figure 5.1-1 through Figure 5.1-5). This change in water
temperature patterns was recorded at other tributaries throughout the length of the project area as
recorded on the Chulitna and Oshetna Rivers (Figure 5.1-3 and Figure 5.1-6). One of the deeper
sites monitored on the Susitna River was at PRM 29.9 and showed little difference in variation
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water temperature in the water column. The loggers at PRM 45.1 on tributaries like the Deshka
River recorded a wider variation of water temperatures than those at PRM 29.9 on the Susitna,
ranging from 14.5°C up to 22.5°C from mid-June to mid-August. The Deshka River thermistors
also recorded a noticeable temperature gradient relative to depth from mid-to-late June and from
mid-July to early-August as seen in Figure 5.1-2. water The water temperatures recorded in the
Chulitna River were both colder and more stable for the duration of the 2013 monitoring period
than those on the Susitna River, with water temperatures ranging between 4 and 8°C from mid-
June to mid-September. Water temperatures showed a noticeable decline towards the end of
September at all locations the water Timing for fluctuation in water temperature at locations
from the Lower River to Upper River were synchronous and appeared to respond to ambient air
temperature.
5.3. Meteorological Characterization
Results summarized below include the low pass filtered, quality assurance reviewed
meteorological observations recorded at the three stations over the period September 2012 to
October 2013. Diminished wind data were not removed as further analysis of more data is
required before a conclusive decision to omit it can be made. ESM2 wind data, particularly
during winter, should be used with discretion at this point. These results also include quality
assurance reviewed data recorded by the NOAA station at Talkeetna Airport. Precipitation data
is not described in this report as gauges were only installed in late-September. Obvious ice-
affected wind data has been removed (ESM2).
Data is presented for each of the new stations in three figures: a period of record wind rose,
monthly wind roses and a time series of wind and weather conditions (Appendix C).
Meteorological summary tables are also presented for the three non-government stations which
describe average and extreme meteorological observations by month based on the period of
recorded data. All MET data is located on the GINA website at the following location:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/
• Station MET data
Filename: ISR_5.5_WQ_StationName_MET_Data.xlt
5.3.1. Wind Roses
Wind rose diagrams help visualize direction and speed of wind at the dam and upper extent of
the reservoir. This information is encoded in the original form so is not easily interpreted by a
reviewer. Code transformed into numerical values is used, in part, to calibrate the reservoir
model and establish wind-related cycling patterns in each of the seasons. Two wind rose figures
are presented for each station in Appendix C. The first, which graphically displays the
predominant wind directions at the site, plots the frequency of occurrence of hourly-averaged
winds blowing from each of 16 directional bins and the percent occurrence of these winds in
terms of wind speeds (light blue: 1 to 3 m/s, navy: 3 to 6 m/s, green: 6 to 9 m/s, etc.). The
frequency distribution of the data is shown in the table at the lower right of the figure. For
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example, winds at the Watana Dam site came predominantly from the northeast and southwest
(Figure 5.2-1) with northeast winds occurring more frequently.
The second wind rose figure illustrates the same data, analyzed by month and describes seasonal
patterns to wind speed and direction. For example, Figure 5.2-2 shows that northeasterly winds
at the Watana Dam site are strongly predominant throughout the winter months (October to May)
while southwesterly winds become much more predominant during summer (June to August). It
also shows that stronger winds (navy blue, green) occur more often between November and
February and that southwesterly winds during the summer are typically lighter (less than 3 m/s
on average).
5.3.2. Winds and Weather Time Series
The time series plots in Appendix C display the hourly meteorological observations recorded at
each station and illustrates seasonal and synoptic patterns. The top panel contains wind vector
stick plots, which show the direction to which the wind was blowing in each hour. In Figure
5.2-3, the aforementioned predominance of strong northeasterly winds is apparent, along with a
shift in wind pattern towards late May. The next four panels illustrate: air temperature (red),
relative humidity (blue), sea-level adjusted barometric pressure (green) and incident solar
radiation (black), respectively. Cloud cover persisted over much of late-June to mid-July, late-
August and most of September 2012 and 2013, as evidenced by the diminished incident solar
radiation signal over this period.
5.3.3. Meteorological Summary Tables
Tables 5.2-1 through 5.2-3 summarize average meteorological observations by month based on
the period of recorded data (August [ESM1] or September 2012 – October 2013). The tables
serve to replicate the information provided by meteorological agencies in 30-year climate
normal; however, the data contained in these tables represents a summary of meteorological data
recorded over a period of one year only and is not intended to represent ‘normal’ conditions at
each site. It should also be noted that low end of the operating range of the air temperature probe
is -40°C (-40°F); thus, extreme temperatures below this will not be recorded.
5.4. Overview of Water Quality Conditions
Baseline and Focus Area (FA) water quality data includes data collected in situ and field
collected samples analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Samples analyzed by a laboratory are
being reviewed for verification and validation according to ADECs Analytical Data Validation
Checklist (Appendix B; QAPP) in preparation of an Analytical Data Validation Memoranda.
Laboratory data is considered provisional at this time pending the completion of the Data
Validation Memoranda. This provisional water quality data will be reported in the Updated
Study Report (USR) following completed data QA/QC.
Baseline and Focus Area laboratory data were also reviewed for accuracy and meeting
concentrations in an expected range. Additional data review was completed using laboratory
split sample results and by comparing current results with the historic range of concentrations.
This secondary validation review ensured that expected range of concentrations for individual
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analytes was proportionate to expectations for riverine environments in the region. As a result of
this assessment, some of the water quality data analyzed by the laboratory are considered
overestimates of actual concentrations and not included at this time in the ISR. These water
quality parameters include: total phosphorus (TP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total
metals concentrations in surface water. Since the validation and verification review are part of
the monitoring program as stated in the RSP Section 5.5 (Attachment 5-1), this does not
constitute a variance. Response to this review is to recommend one of three approaches: accept
current results, perform additional split samples and identify a correction factor for the 2013
sample concentrations, and/or re-sample all sites for the select water quality parameters.
5.4.1. Baseline Water Quality Characterization
Field parameter data collected at each site during baseline monthly water quality sampling events
are summarized in Table 4.3-1 and Table 4.3-2. For parameters with completed QA/QC,
example results are provided in two graphical forms in the ISR: 1) by PRM and date to illustrate
changes at depth across the Project, and 2) using scatter plots for each site to illustrate horizontal
changes across each transect. Complete in situ baseline water quality parameters collected
throughout the Project area from June 2013 through September 2013 are reported in
Appendix D. All baseline water quality field data can be found on the GINA website at:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/ISR_5.5_WQ_AppendixD_Baseline_WQ_FieldData/
• Baseline water quality field data
Filename: ISR_5.5_WQ_BaselineFieldData.xlsx
Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and
reported in the USR.
5.4.1.1. Water Temperature
Water temperature measurements tended to be the highest during the July sampling event with
site averages around 14°C. The lowest temperatures were reported in September and averaged
around 8°C. Figure 5.3-1 illustrates water temperatures for each baseline monthly sampling site
during the August 2013 sampling event, and is an example for all other field parameter graphs
that were created, which are included in Appendix D. Figure 5.3-2 and Figure 5.3-3 are
examples of temperature scatter plots that were created for each site.
5.4.1.2. Dissolved Oxygen
5.4.1.3. DO concentrations were collected in situ. Results were similar from July to
September throughout the river and tributaries except for the Chulitna River.
The Chulitna River had an average DO concentration of 13 mg/L while the
mainstem Susitna averaged 11 mg/L. Figures 5.3-4 and Figure 5.3-5 are
examples of DO scatter plots that were created for each site.pH
Measurements for pH were collected in situ. Average pH values ranged from 8 for the mainstem
while tributary sites had lower pH values (around 7) which were observed at PRM 45.1 (Deshka
River). During the June sampling event, pH values were rejected due to equipment malfunction
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and therefore not included in the ISR. The faulty equipment was replaced with a HydroLab®
MS5 datasonde and generated field data measurements without failure for the remainder of the
monitoring effort in 2013.
5.4.1.4. Nutrients
Water samples were collected in the field for nutrient analysis by a laboratory. Specific nutrients
analyzed as part of the baseline water quality program are outlined in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory
analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in
the USR.
5.4.1.5. Chlorophyll a
Water samples were collected for chlorophyll a samples at all baseline water quality monitoring
locations in June, July, August, and September 2013 per the RSP. Chlorophyll a samples were
filtered and frozen at the end of each day. Chlorophyll a concentrations in the mainstem of the
Susitna River ranged from 0 to 2.5 µg/L. Lower concentrations were measured in June and July
with only a few locations having concentrations above 0 µg/L (Figure 5.3-6 and Figure 5.3-7).
Higher chlorophyll a concentrations occurred in August and September (Figures 5.3-8 and
5.3-9). Overall, chlorophyll a concentrations were highest in the Deshka River, the Chulitna
River, and in mainstem stations PRM 87.8 (Susitna at Parks Highway East) and PRM 59.9
(Susitna Station). Figure 5.3-10 and Figure 5.3-11 illustrate chlorophyll a concentrations at
PRM 45.1 (Deshka River) and PRM 124.2 (Curry Fishwheel Camp), respectively. Appendix E
contains chlorophyll a data for all baseline monitoring locations. All baseline water quality data
can be found on the GINA website at the following location:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/ISR_5.5_WQ_AppendixE_Basline_WQ_Chla/
• Baseline water quality chlorophyll a data set
Filename: ISR_5.5_WQ_Baseline_Chl_Dataset.xlsx
5.4.1.6. Turbidity
Water samples were collected in the field for turbidity analysis by a laboratory. Laboratory
analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in
the USR.
5.4.1.7. Metals
Water samples were collected in the field for metals analysis by a laboratory. Specific metals
analyzed as part of the baseline water quality program are outlined in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory
analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in
the USR.
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5.4.1.8. Total Dissolved Solids
Water samples were collected in the field for total dissolved solids (TDS) analysis by a
laboratory. Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is
complete and reported in the USR.
5.4.1.9. Specific Conductance
Specific conductance was collected in situ. Values were uniform throughout the sampling period,
averaging 140 µmhos/cm. Tributaries tended to have lower specific conductance values than
mainstem Susitna River sites. Examples of specific conductance scatter plots developed for each
monitoring location are shown in Figure 5.3-12 and Figure 5.3-13.
5.4.1.10. Significant Ions
Water samples were collected in the field for ion analysis by a laboratory. Specific ions analyzed
as part of the baseline water quality program are outlined in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory analyzed
data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in the USR.
5.4.1.11. Total Hardness
Water samples were collected in the field for analysis of total hardness by a laboratory.
Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and
reported in the USR.
5.4.1.12. Total Alkalinity
Water samples were collected in the field for analysis of total alkalinity by a laboratory.
Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and
reported in the USR.
5.4.1.13. Organic Carbon
Water samples were collected in the field for analysis of organic carbon by a laboratory. The
sampling frequency for total and dissolved organic carbon (TOC and DOC, respectively) is
presented in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance
review is complete and reported in the USR.
5.4.1.14. Color
Apparent color (i.e., not filtered) was collected in situ. Results were near or greater than 500 for
all sites except for the Deshka River, which was around 25. Apparent color values decreased in
September and became varied from site to site. True color (i.e., filtered) values generally ranged
from 0 to 50 for all sampling locations. Results are provided in Appendix D.
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5.4.1.15. Redox Potential
Redox potential, or ORP, was collected in situ. Results averaged 350 mV, and were consistent
throughout sampling sites and sampling events. Redox data from the June sampling event was
rejected due to equipment malfunction and therefore not included in the ISR. The faulty
equipment was replaced with a HydroLab® MS5 Datasonde and generated field data
measurements without failure for the remainder of the monitoring effort in 2013.
5.4.1.16. Other Water Quality Parameters
One-time sampling occurred for a limited number of analytes (BETX, PAHs, radionuclides,
aluminum, chromium, selenium, fecal coliform, and TOC). Samples were collected in the field
for analysis by a laboratory. Specific parameters analyzed as part of the baseline water quality
program are outlined in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality
Assurance review is complete and reported in the USR.
5.4.2. Focus Area Water Quality Characterization
Field parameter data collected at each site during the Focus Area water quality sample events are
summarized in Table 4.3-1 and Table 4.4-1. Specifically, Table 4.1-1 lists the seven locations
where water quality data were collected during the 2013 monitoring year. As described in
Section 6 of the ISR, the remaining three FAs will be sampled during the next year of study.
For parameters with completed QA/QC, example results are provided in the ISR and are
presented by FA and date from upstream to downstream. Point sample field data were graphed
by parameter and distance from the point sample taken. A depth profile for all parameters was
taken at FA-115 (Slough 6A). Complete in situ FA water quality parameters collected
throughout the Project area from July 2013 through August 2013 are reported in Appendix G.
All Focus Area in-situ field data that was collected is available on the GINA website at:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/ISR_5.5_WQ_AppendixG_FocusArea_FieldData/
• Focus Area field data spreadsheet
Filename: ISR_5.5_WQ_FAFieldData.xlsx
As previously mentioned, laboratory data have not yet undergone complete QA/QC review and
will therefore be provided in the USR.
5.4.2.1. Water Temperature
Water temperature measurements were collected in situ. Values tended to be the highest during
the end of July sampling event with site averages around 14°C. The lowest temperatures were
reported during the end of August sampling event and averaged around 9°C. Point sample
temperatures were slightly more extreme, either higher or lower than transect samples,
depending on the date sampled. Figure 5.4-1 illustrates temperature for FA104 (Whiskers
Slough), and is an example for all other FA field parameter graphs that were created which are
included in Appendix G. Figure 5.4-2 through Figure 5.5-4 are examples of point sample scatter
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plots that were created for each site, Figure 5.4-5 is an example of the temperature depth profile
taken for FA-115 (Slough 6A).
5.4.2.2. Dissolved Oxygen
DO concentrations were collected in situ. On average, measurements were around 11 mg/L.
Sloughs such as FA-144 (Slough 21) had lower concentrations with an average of 8 mg/L. The
last sampling event at the end of August had the highest DO concentrations near 12 mg/L.
5.4.2.3. pH
Measurements for pH were collected in situ. During all sampling events, pH values tended to be
uniform around pH 8. Point sample slough sites were often slightly lower (near pH 7),
depending on location.
5.4.2.4. Nutrients
Water samples were collected in the field for nutrient analysis by a laboratory. Specific nutrients
analyzed as part of the FA water quality monitoring program are outlined in Table 4.3-1.
Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and
reported in the USR.
5.4.2.5. Chlorophyll a
Water samples were collected for chlorophyll a samples in Focus Areas at all surface water
transect locations as well as point sample locations, per the RSP. Chlorophyll a concentrations
ranged from 0 to 3.5 µg/L in the Focus Areas for all three sampling events. The maximum
concentration was observed at FA-144 (Slough 21) in the upstream transect of the mainstem on
August 21, 2013. Chlorophyll a concentrations varied in all FAs between mainstem surface
water transects and point samples with concentrations in sloughs, side channels, and side sloughs
being generally higher than mainstem. Figure 5.4-6 illustrates mean chlorophyll a
concentrations for FA-104 (Whiskers Slough). Mean chlorophyll a graphs for the remaining
FAs can be found in Appendix G. All chlorophyll a Focus Area lab results can be found on the
GINA website at:
ftp://ftp.gina.alaska.edu/isr/5/5.5/ISR_5.5_WQ_AppendixH_FocusArea_Chl/
• Focus Area chlorophyll data set
Filename: ISR_5.5_WQ_FocusArea_Chl_Dataset.xlsx
5.4.2.6. Turbidity
Water samples were collected in the field for turbidity analysis by a laboratory. Laboratory
analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in
the USR.
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5.4.2.7. Metals
Water samples were collected in the field for metals analysis by a laboratory. Specific metals
analyzed as part of the FA water quality program are outlined in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory
analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in
the USR.
5.4.2.8. Specific Conductance
Specific conductance was collected in situ. Values averaged 150 µmhos/cm for most transect
sites. Point samples were either lower or higher depending on location. For example, the side
slough in FA-104 (Whiskers Slough) averaged 25 µmhos/cm.
5.4.2.9. Total Hardness
Water samples were collected in the field for analysis of total hardness by a laboratory.
Laboratory analyzed data will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and
reported in the USR.
5.4.2.10. Organic Carbon
Water samples were collected in the field for analysis of organic carbon by a laboratory. The
sampling frequency for TOC and DOC are presented in Table 4.3-1. Laboratory analyzed data
will be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in the USR.
5.4.2.11. Redox Potential
Redox potential was measured for groundwater in situ. Values were uniform throughout samples,
with an average range of 300 to 350 mV.
5.5. Sediment Samples for Mercury/Metals in the Reservoir Area
Sediment and porewater samples were collected from four sampling locations in 2013: Mouth of
Oshetna Creek, Mouth of Kosina Creek, Mouth of Goose Creek, and the Mouth of Jay Creek.
Laboratory results for these samples were not received from the laboratory prior to the
September 30, 2013, cut-off date so are not included in this ISR. Laboratory analyzed data will
be available once the Quality Assurance review is complete and reported in the USR.
5.6. Baseline Metals in Fish Tissue
Results assessing the baseline metals in fish tissue are provided in Section 5.6 in the ISR
Study 5.7.
5.7. Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing
Thermal infrared imagery was collected and analyzed for 10 Focus Areas and 9 additional areas
of interest (AOI) along the Middle Susitna River over a 3-day period in late October 2013 (Table
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4.7-1). During data collection conditions were ideal with cold atmospheric temperatures and
river temperatures near freezing.
Minimal groundwater activity was seen in the upper Focus Areas (FA-151 [Portage Creek],
FA-173 [Stephan Lake Complex]), and FA-184 [Watana Dam]). Nine individual locations of
groundwater activity were located for the three areas, but all were very small and on the lower
end of the temperature spectrum for groundwater (~2.0°C). This is similar to the results reported
in 2012.
Numerous areas of groundwater activity were seen in the remaining Focus Areas with the highest
concentration along the lower reach of Indian River in FA-141 and along Slough 21 within
FA-144. Numerous areas of groundwater activity were also seen in FA-104 (107 unique point
sources). Activity was concentrated along Whiskers Slough and the side channel networks to the
west of Whiskers Creek.
Some of the instream sensors fell outside of the target accuracy of ±0.5°C for the study. The
reason for this varies between locations:
• Sensors located in small side channels may have a “mixed pixel” effect, resulting from
the blending of water pixels with cold terrestrial pixels (exposed rocks and logs),
resulting in reduced radiant temperatures. This typically results in colder water
temperatures being recorded by the TIR than measured in situ. For example, sensors
ESGFA113-1 ‘Oxbow 1’ and ‘Unnamed’ are located in a channel that is only 3 feet wide,
which translates into only two TIR pixels at the camera’s resolution. This type of narrow
channel will result in mixed pixel temperatures and also makes it difficult to get a clean
sample for comparison.
• Water reaches its maximum density at 4°C; therefore, under the right conditions,
“warmer” water (4°C) will sink below colder water (0°C), and the surface (and
subsequent radiant) temperatures will be colder than what may be measured in situ. This
may happen in quiet side channels and sloughs. ESGFA138-1is a likely example of this
effect. Radiant values just upstream from the sensor show surface temperatures of 3.3°C.
Depending on the depth of the sensor and given the mixing seen at the surface, the
subsurface temperatures are likely warmer than the surface temperatures as reflected in
the accuracy offset of -1.2°C (Table 5.8-1).
• Some sensors (such as ESGFA 128-1, 2, 6, and 7) are located in groundwater mixing
zones. As such, the small deviation from the target accuracy is not considered a concern
since the temperature varies greatly over short distances. For example, the subsurface
temperature seen at the instream sensor at ESGFA 128-1 (2.8°C) was detected in the TIR
imagery within 30 feet of the sensor location.
A comparison of the surface temperatures recorded and the in stream temperature sensors is
presented on Table 5.8-1. A complete dataset is provided in Appendix J.
The TIR data for the lower river has not yet been processed, given that formal data collection
ended November 13, 2013. Due to adverse weather conditions in the fall, data acquisition only
included approximately 76% of the lower river. It is anticipated that the 2013 lower river data
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obtained will be processed and ready by the end of January, and the remaining, un-imaged
sections of the river will be imaged in the next year of study.
5.8. Groundwater Quality in Selected Habitats
Groundwater samples were collected from wells located in Focus Areas 104, 113, 128, and 138.
Table 4.4-1 summarizes groundwater samples by Focus Area and date. Results for samples
collected in late August and early September have not be fully reviewed and are not included in
this report.
Field and laboratory data results for groundwater samples received prior to September 30, 2013
are summarized in Table 5.8-2 through Table 5.8-5. Groundwater samples were analyzed for
TP, TKN, total Aluminum, total Iron, and total Mercury in addition to analytes listed in
Table 4.3-1; however, as described in 5.5.1 above, provisional laboratory data are under review
and not presented in this report.
Groundwater well field data taken between August and September 2013 are considered final.
The highest groundwater temperatures were found in Focus Area 104 with an average of 8.63°C.
The lowest groundwater well temperatures were found at Focus Area 113 with an average
temperature of 6.15°C. The lowest DO concentrations were found at Focus Area 104 with an
average of 0.3 mg/L. The pH values between Focus Area groundwater wells are relatively
similar, and averages range from 6.32 to 7.10. Specific conductance values were also highest at
FA-104 (Whiskers Slough) with an average of 269 µmhos/cm. Redox potential was highest at
FA- 128 (Slough 8A) with an average of 276 mV.
6. DISCUSSION
Data interpretation and analysis will follow a complete and quality reviewed dataset.
A substantial portion of the water quality monitoring work was completed during 2013.
However, there were several issues identified that precluded generation of complete monitoring
datasets for: (1) Focus Area Monitoring, (2) Sediment/Pore Water Monitoring, and (3)
Continuous Temperature Monitoring. In all cases, some of the proposed sites in Section 5.5 of
the RSP have not been accessible due to site access restrictions. Of site visits during the 2013
monitoring effort, all data proposed for collection had been completed and the remainder of sites
will be visited in subsequent monitoring years.
Volume of data generated during the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring effort was greater than
17,000 records for laboratory results and more than 2,000 records for field measurements. There
were approximately 1.3 million continuous temperature data records generated between June
2013 and beginning of October 2013. Meteorological station monitoring operated from between
August 2012 and October 2013 generating almost 2 million combined data records from three
sites. Focus Area monitoring was completed over three monitoring intervals that generated over
2,000 data records; this included transect samples, point samples, and groundwater samples.
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As part of the water quality evaluation, results will be compared to the Alaska Water Quality
Standards water quality criteria (18 ACC 70.020(b)) for protecting designated uses in fresh
water. Results from the baseline water quality monitoring program, the Focus Area monitoring
program, and pore water in sediment monitoring will be interpreted using the Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) water quality criteria and the SQuiRT (NOAA) tables
for preliminary screening for effects to aquatic life (ISR Section 5.5.4.8).
Construction of the water quality models (reservoir and riverine) is progressing at the same time
as the data review and finalization process (Section 5.6 of the ISR) as part of the Baseline Water
Quality Study. Calibration of the model using the finalized 2012 continuous temperature data is
currently in progress and will be confirmed using the 2013 continuous temperature data
generated by the baseline water quality program. Water quality data generated during 2013 will
be finalized prior to preparation of the water quality models that will use this information for
calibration.
Historic field data were compared with current monitoring results using 1970s/1980s data and
2013 data (Table 6.0-1). Data records from historic monitoring at select sites were chosen by
determining similarity with current monitoring methods at 2013 sites; based on frequency of data
logging or collection of grab samples and proximity to current monitoring sites. The set of in situ
field parameters (water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and pH) collected
during the summer months (June through September) were from 1970 through 1980 and
compared with 2013 field season results from six Project sites (PRM 29.9, PRM 107, PRM
124.2, PRM 140.1, PRM 152.7,and PRM 187.2). In general, water temperature in 2013 had
similar maximum temperatures, but the same sites from the 1970s and 1980s dataset showed
lower minimum temperatures except at the Watana Dam site (PRM 187.2). Historic water
samples were collected at the beginning of June nearer ice breakup, while 2013 sample
collection did not begin until the third week of the month (June 21, 2013). Specific conductance
was variable between historic and current conditions; however, historic minimum values were
more than half that of current, while maximum values were generally within the range of historic
results. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and of pH were similar between datasets for sites where
comparable data were available.
Data review and management has been on-going as results are received from the laboratory.
Data validation and verification have been the first phase in the review process. The second
phase of review included evaluation of data for accuracy; comparing against historic data
collected from the basin and with response indicators (e.g., high total phosphorus concentrations
should correspond with high chlorophyll a concentrations). Suspect data were re-evaluated
using laboratory split sample results and further monitoring needs identified to ensure systematic
error in laboratory analytical methods produced accurate results.
Groundwater monitoring information was completed in conjunction with effort from the
Groundwater Study (Section 7.5 of the RSP). Information generated for groundwater conditions
from Focus Area monitoring will be used by the Groundwater Study (Section 7.5 of the RSP).
Water quality data generated in Focus Areas will be used to describe the chemical habitat
encountered by fish species (and life stages). Water quality conditions will be projected by
modeling using the (2D) River Water Quality Model with Enhanced Focus Areas (Section 5.6 of
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the RSP) for multiple operational scenarios. These results will be included for interpretation of
results in Section 8.5 of the RSP (Instream Flow).
7. COMPLETING THE APPROVED STUDY PLAN
[As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing this study will be
included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/study-plan.
Torgersen, C.E., R. Faux, B.A. McIntosh, N. Poage, and D.J. Norton. 2001. Airborne thermal
remote sensing for water temperature assessment in rivers and streams. Remote Sensing
of Environment 76(3): 386-398.
URS. 2011. AEA Susitna Water Quality and Sediment Transport Data Gap Analysis Report.
Prepared by Tetra Tech, URS, and Arctic Hydrologic Consultants. Anchorage, Alaska.
62p.+Appendixes
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9. TABLES
Table 4.1 -1. Susitna River Basin Temperature and Water Quality Monitoring Sites
Project
River Mile
(PRM)
Description Lat. Long.
Water Temp.
Summer
2012
Water Temp.
Winter
2012/2013
Water Temp.
2013
Water Quality
Monitoring
2013
Location Rationale
19.9 Susitna above
Alexander Creek 61.439030 -150.48456 X X X Outer Project area site (above the “Beluga Line”)
29.9 Susitna Station 61.544280 -150.515560 X X Influence of upstream tributary
32.5 Yentna River 61.587604 -150.483017 X X X X Major tributary
33.6 Susitna above
Yentna 61.575950 -150.427410 X X X X Above major tributary
45.1 Deshka River 61.710142 -150.324700 X X X X Major tributary
59.9 Susitna 61.862200 -150.184630 X X X X Above major tributary
87.8 Susitna at Parks
Highway East 62.174531 -150.173677 X X X X Mainstem river site
88.3 Susitna at Parks
Highway West 62.181096 -150.167877 X X X Side channel habitat connected with the
mainstem
99.2 LRX 1 62.306018 -150.108764 X X X Below confluence of major tributary
102.8 Talkeetna River 62.342430 -150.112660 X X X X Major tributary
118.6 Chulitna River 62.567703 -150.237828 X X X X Major tributary
1071 Talkeetna 62.397240 -150.137280 X X X Downstream of existing townsite; Historic (1980s)
monitoring site
116.691 LRX 18 62.526527 -150.114671 X X Upstream of existing townsite
124.21 Curry Fishwheel
Camp 62.617830 -150.013730 X X X Important side channel habitat
129.6 Slough 8A 62.670479 -149.903241 X X Important side channel habitat
129.91 LRX 29 62.673914 -149.899025 X X Historic (1980s) monitoring site
132.7 Slough 9 62.702358 -149.841895 X X Important side channel habitat
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Project River Mile (PRM) Description Lat. Long.
Water Temp. Summer
2012
Water Temp. Winter
2012/2013
Water Temp. 2013
Water Quality Monitoring
2013
Location Rationale
134.11 LRX 35 62.713854 -149.808926 X X Historic (1980s) monitoring site
140.0 Susitna near Gold
Creek 62.767054 -149.693532 X X Below confluence of major tributary
140.1 Gold Creek 62.767892 -149.689781 X X X Major tributary
141.0 Slough 16B 62.780204 -149.685360 X X Important side channel habitat
142.2 Indian River 62.78635 -149.658780 X X Major tributary
142.31 Susitna above
Indian River 62.785776 -149.648900 X X X X Historic (1980s) monitoring site
143.6 Slough 19 62.793819 -149.614255 X X Important side channel habitat
143.61 LRX 53 62.79427 -149.613270 X X Historic (1980s) monitoring site
145.6 Slough 21 62.814667 -149.575329 X X Important side channel habitat
152.2 Susitna below
Portage Creek 62.830397 -149.382743 X X X Downstream of major tributary
152.3 Portage Creek 62.830379 -149.380289 X X X Major tributary
152.7 Susitna above
Portage Creek 62.827002 -149. 827002 X X X Historic (1980s) monitoring site
168.1 Susitna 62.791696 -148.993825 X Mid-point between neighboring sites
183.1 Susitna below
Tsusena Creek 62.813480 -148.656868 X Downstream of major tributary
184.8 Tsusena Creek 62.821783 -148.606809 X Major tributary
187.2 Susitna at Watana
Dam site 62.822600 -148.553000 X X Boundary condition between the reservoir
and riverine models
196.8 Watana Creek 62.829600 -148.259000 Major tributary stream to the proposed
reservoir
209.2 Kosina Creek 62.782200 -147.940000 X X X Major tributary stream to the proposed reservoir
225.5 Susitna near
Cantwell 62.705200 -147.538000 Uppermost mainstem site in the proposed
reservoir
235.2 Oshetna Creek 62.639610 -147.383109 X X X X Uppermost tributary in the Project area
1 Susitna River temperature monitoring sites used in 1980s SNTEMP model evaluation.
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Table 4.2-1. Identification and Location of 2013 Meteorological Stations
Project
River Mile Station ID Description Station Status (New / Existing) Elevation (feet)
Latitude (Decimal
degrees)
Longitude (Decimal
degrees)
6.85 miles
(36,195 ft)
Due east of
PRM 51.0
N/A Willow Creek Existing
(Talkeetna RWIS) Not Available 61.7650 -150.0503
83.8 N/A Susitna River near
Sunshine Gage
Existing
(Talkeetna RWIS) Not Available 62.1381 -150.1155
99.6 26528 Susitna River at
Talkeetna
Existing
(Talkeetna Airport) 350 62.3200 -150.0950
142.2 ESM3 Susitna River at Indian
River New 720 62.7842 -149.6633
187.1 ESM1
Susitna River at Watana
Dam Camp (upland on
bench)
New 2330 62.8295 -148.5518
235.2 ESM2 Susitna River above
Cantwell New 2100 62.6388 -147.3781
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Table 4.3-1. Water Quality Study Sampling Parameters and Schedule
Parameter
Baseline
Water Quality (collected monthly)
Focus Areas (collected every 2 weeks; 3
events)
Mercury Assessment
(one-time survey)2
Surface Water Ground Water Sediment (Total) Porewater (Dissolved) Tissue (Total)
In Situ Water Quality Parameters
Water Temperature X X X X
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) X X X
pH X X X X
Specific Conductance X X X
Turbidity X X X
Redox Potential X X X
Color X X
Residues X1
Other Water Quality Parameters (grab samples for laboratory analysis)
Hardness X X X X
Alkalinity X X
Nitrate/Nitrite X X X
Ammonia as N X
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen X X X
Total Phosphorus X X X
Ortho-phosphate X X X
Chlorophyll-a X X X
Total Dissolved Solids X
Total Suspended Solids X
TOC X1 X X X
DOC X X X
Fecal Coliform X1
Petroleum Hydrocarbons X1
Radioactivity X1
Metals
Aluminum X1 X X X
Arsenic X X X X
Barium X
Beryllium X
Cadmium X X X X
Calcium X X
Chromium (Total) X1
Cobalt X
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Parameter
Baseline
Water Quality
(collected monthly)
Focus Areas (collected every 2 weeks; 3 events) Mercury Assessment (one-time survey)2
Surface
Water
Ground
Water
Sediment
(Total)
Porewater
(Dissolved)
Tissue
(Total)
Copper X X X
Iron X X X X X
Lead X X X
Manganese X
Magnesium X X X
Mercury X X (total) X (total) X X X
Methyl mercury X (dissolved) X (dissolved) X
Molybdenum X
Nickel X X X
Selenium X1 X X X
Thallium X
Vanadium X
Zinc X X X
Sediment Size X
Notes:
1 One-time survey
2 Refer to ISR Section 5.7 for details
Metals in surface water were analyzed for dissolved and total.
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Table 4.3-2. Sample Location and Frequency for Monthly Baseline Water Quality Sampling
Project River Mile (PRM) Description Sample Date(s)1 Total No. Samples Collected
29.9 Susitna Station
6/25/2013 6
7/19/2013 6
8/19/2013 6
9/15/2013 6
32.5 Yentna River
6/26/2013 4
8/18/2013 6
7/19/2013 6
9/15/2013 6
33.6 Susitna above Yentna
6/27/2013 6
8/19/2013 6
7/20/2013 6
9/16/2013 6
45.1 Deshka River
6/28/2013 6
8/19/2013 5
7/19/2013 5
9/16/2013 5
59.9 Susitna
6/29/2013 5
7/19/2013 5
8/19/2013 5
9/17/2013 5
87.8 Susitna at Parks Highway East
6/21/2013 5
7/17/2013 5
8/17/2013 5
9/14/2013 6
102.8 Talkeetna River
6/22/2013 5
7/15/2013 3
8/16/2013 3
9/9/2013 4
107 Talkeetna
6/21/2013 6
7/18/2013 5
8/16/2013 5
9/9/2013 6
118.6 Chulitna River
6/24/2013 6
7/16/2013 6
8/17/2013 6
9/13/2013 6
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Project River Mile (PRM) Description Sample Date(s)1 Total No. Samples Collected
124.2 Curry Fishwheel Camp
6/22/2013 6
7/18/2013 6
8/15/2013 6
9/10/2013 6
140.1 Gold Creek
6/23/2013 6
7/17/2013 5
8/17/2013 6
9/10/2013 6
142.2 Indian River
6/23/2013 6
7/16/2013 5
8/14/2013 5
9/11/2013 6
142.3 Susitna above Indian River
6/24/2013 5
7/15/2013 4
8/13/2013 5
9/11/2013 5
152.31 Portage Creek
7/30/2013 6
8/14/2013 5
9/12/2013 6
152.7 Susitna above Portage Creek
7/30/2013 6
8/14/2013 6
9/12/2013 6
174 Above Dam Point Sample
8/18/2013 1
8/31/2013 1
9/20/2013 1
187.2/187.71 Susitna at Watana Dam Site
7/2/2013 1
7/22/2013 1
8/18/2013 4
8/31/2013 1
9/20/2013 1
235/235.21 Oshetna Creek
7/2/2013 1
7/22/2013 1
8/31/2013 1
9/20/2013 1
Notes:
1 Sites slightly modified due to helicopter landing access with no expected differences in water quality parameters.
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Table 4.4-1. Sample Location and Frequency for Focus Area Sampling during the 2013 Monitoring Year
Focus Area (FA) Description Water Quality Sample Date(s) Groundwater Sample Date(s)
FA-104 Whiskers Slough
7/27/2013 to 7/28/2013
8/11/2013
8/23/2013 to 8/25/2013) 8/23/2013
9/4/2013 9/4/2013
FA-113 Oxbow I
7/27/2013
8/10/2013
8/20/2013 8/20/2013
FA-115 Lane Creek (Slough 6A)
7/26/2013
8/9/2013
8/24/2013 to 8/25/2013
FA-128 Skull Creek Complex
8/8/2013 8/8/2013
8/25/2013 8/25/2013
9/5/2013 9/5/2013
FA-138 Gold Creek (Slough 11)
7/24/2013
8/7/2013 8/7/2013
8/26/2013 8/26/2013 (one well only)
9/4/2013
FA-141 Indian River
7/23/2013
8/6/2013 to 8/7/2013
8/22/2013
FA-144 Slough 21
7/22/2013
8/5/2013
8/21/2013
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Table 4.7-1. Acquisition Locations and Dates for the Susitna River TIR Project
Area Data Acquisition Dates Resolution (feet)
Middle River from Chulitna River to Deadman Creek
10/12/2012 2.3
10/13/2012 2.3
10/17/2012 2.3
10/18/2012 2.3
Middle River Focus Areas and 9 additional areas of interest
10/23/2013 1.6
10/24/2013 1.6
10/31/2013 1.6
Lower River
Maid Lake to Chulitna River
10/30/2013 2.3
10/31/2013 2.3
11/05/2013 2.3
11/06/2013 2.3
11/07/2013 2.3
11/08/2013 2.3
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Table 5.2-1. Summary of ESM1: Watana Dam Meteorological Station
Parameter Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Wind
Average Wind Speed (m/s) 4.58 4.48 4.03 4.00 3.28 2.77 2.37 2.18 2.87 3.39 5.13 4.59 3.64
Average Daily Maximum Wind Gust (m/s) 11.28 10.40 9.23 9.68 8.51 9.79 8.05 7.70 9.46 9.04 11.30 10.48 9.58
Extreme Wind Gust (m/s) 17.67 15.65 17.12 15.06 11.27 16.24 12.09 12.51 20.61 17.18 16.27 17.54 20.61
Air Temperature Extreme Daily Maximum Temperature (°C) 0.27 0.00 1.88 3.35 24.26 31.72 28.81 27.47 17.54 19.11 -2.44 2.50 31.7
Average Daily Maximum (°C) -7.75 -6.12 -5.73 -3.05 7.42 22.23 19.47 17.18 9.47 2.83 -10.11 -13.24 2.7
Average Daily Mean (°C) -10.79 -8.97 -10.67 -8.04 2.64 14.81 13.74 11.50 5.36 -2.04 -13.25 -16.30 -1.8
Average Daily Minimum (°C) -14.20 -12.45 -15.87 -14.07 -2.83 7.88 9.12 7.24 2.04 -5.53 -16.56 -19.43 -6.2
Extreme Daily Minimum Temperature (°C) -33.78 -22.87 -26.96 -21.50 -10.77 2.28 5.32 -0.62 -7.19 -16.35 -22.26 -30.09 -33.8
Relative Humidity Average Daily Maximum (%) 85.4 87.7 78.6 74.2 79.9 75.9 91.1 96.2 91.9 86.3 75.4 73.3 96.2
Average Daily Mean (%) 75.5 77.3 63.5 55.5 58.8 52.9 71.6 79.4 76.0 71.9 65.5 65.7 67.8
Average Daily Minimum (%) 64.4 67.0 46.7 39.0 42.1 27.5 48.0 52.8 55.4 53.9 56.1 56.0 27.5
Barometric Pressure Average Daily Mean (hPa) 922 915 928 930 929 932 934 926 919 924 923 916 925
Incident Solar Radiation Average Instantaneous (W/m2) 10 37 110 218 258 269 211 137 81 44 18 6 117
Average Daily Radiation (kWh/m2/d) 0.2 0.9 2.7 5.2 6.2 6.5 5.1 3.3 1.9 1.1 0.4 0.1 2.8
Notes:
Averages based on 24-hour summary data between August 30, 2012 and October 21, 2013
Average wind speed and average instantaneous solar insolation calculated using 15-minute data
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Table 5.2-2. Summary of ESM2: Susitna at Oshetna Station Meteorological Station
Parameter Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Wind
Average Wind Speed (m/s) 0.14 0.23 0.38 0.84 0.89 1.43 1.33 0.81 0.74 0.33 0.06 0.08 0.61
Average Daily Maximum Wind Gust (m/s) 0.93 2.5 3.61 5.34 5.35 7.6 7.28 5.35 5.35 3.33 0.86 0.82 4.03
Extreme Wind Gust (m/s) 9.67 8.46 9.51 11.11 9.73 11.5 9.93 9.57 10.42 8.1 2.58 5.78 11.5
Air Temperature Extreme Daily Maximum Temperature (°C) -0.4 2.1 5.7 5.7 23.2 31.8 28.3 26.7 19.7 9.0 -3.6 -1.5 31.8
Average Daily Maximum (°C) -13.1 -7.5 -4.3 -0.8 9.5 22.4 20.8 17.7 10.5 2.5 -15.7 -22.5 1.6
Average Daily Mean (°C) -18.0 -13.8 -15.8 -10.4 2.9 14.8 14.3 11.4 4.7 -3.8 -21.2 -27.4 -5.2
Average Daily Minimum (°C) -23.2 -20.6 -25.8 -22.3 -5.4 5.0 7.3 5.0 -0.2 -8.9 -25.8 -31.2 -12.2
Extreme Daily Minimum Temperature (°C) -39.6 -34.9 -37.0 -33.8 -14.8 -1.4 0.5 -3.6 -7.2 -24.3 -35.3 -39.6 -39.6
Relative Humidity Average Daily Maximum (%) 85.7 89.5 82.7 82.5 92.4 89.2 91.6 95.0 94.6 92.9 82.1 75.0 95.0
Average Daily Mean (%) 79.8 80.4 65.6 57.4 60.3 53.8 65.8 76.7 76.6 81.7 75.6 70.2 70.3
Average Daily Minimum (%) 72.8 66.1 41.3 34.1 36.1 26.5 38.9 48.8 50.4 58.9 68.3 65.0 26.5
Barometric Pressure Average Daily Mean (hPa) 931 924 937 938 936 938 941 934 926 935 933 927 933
Incident Solar Radiation Average Instantaneous (W/m2) 6 20 122 219 260 272 216 143 82 47 10 2 117
Average Daily Radiation (kWh/m2/d) 0.2 0.5 2.9 5.2 6.2 6.5 5.2 3.4 2.0 1.1 0.2 0.1 2.8
Notes:
*Possible diminished winter wind speeds. Use with discretion.
Averages based on 24-hour summary data between August 30, 2012 and October 21, 2013
Average wind speed and average instantaneous solar insolation calculated using 15-minute data
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Table 5.2-3. Summary of ESM3: Susitna at Indian River Meteorological Station
Parameter Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Wind Average Wind Speed (m/s) 1.59 1.36 1.38 1.89 1.37 0.96 0.75 0.6 0.97 1.06 1.78 2.06 1.31
Average Daily Maximum Wind Gust (m/s) 7.23 6.25 6.69 8.21 6.63 7.06 5.48 5.08 5.34 5.58 8.06 7.92 6.63
Extreme Wind Gust (m/s) 17.18 11.63 12.58 18.98 12.67 12.67 10.22 11.89 11.79 15.16 14.47 18.49 18.98
Air Temperature Extreme Daily Maximum Temperature (°C) 3.58 2.7 5.87 8.28 26 33.8 29.62 26.05 19.06 13.68 2.49 5.61 33.8
Average Daily Maximum (°C) -4.21 -1.92 -0.74 2.57 11.62 23.65 20.91 18.8 10.97 5.24 -4.2 -8.27 6.2
Average Daily Mean (°C) -7.98 -5.51 -7.79 -4.43 4.86 15.02 14.92 13.08 6.79 0.96 -7.97 -11.82 0.8
Average Daily Minimum (°C) -12.5 -10.4 -15.53 -13.24 -1.66 6.6 9.85 8.92 3.31 -2.18 -11.98 -16.12 -4.6
Extreme Daily Minimum Temperature (°C) -34.46 -21.99 -32.28 -24.92 -6.78 -0.61 5.32 0.6 -5.29 -11.86 -19.61 -34.6 -34.6
Relative Humidity Average Daily Maximum (%) 87.1 89.8 83.4 78.9 89.0 91.7 96.9 97.2 92.7 90.3 72.2 74.2 97.2
Average Daily Mean (%) 74.0 76.8 64.0 52.8 58.6 61.8 78.5 84.0 79.4 77.1 55.9 62.5 68.8
Average Daily Minimum (%) 58.4 62.6 40.5 28.3 32.9 29.1 50.6 56.6 58.9 58.0 42.2 49.0 28.3
Barometric Pressure Average Daily Mean (hPa) 982 974 989 990 987 989 991 984 976 986 982 976 984
Incident Solar Radiation Average Instantaneous (W/m2) 5 21 88 183 209 141 83 62 44 30 9 2 73
Average Daily Radiation (kWh/m2/d) 0.1 0.5 2.1 4.4 5.0 3.4 2.0 1.5 1.1 0.7 0.2 0.05 1.8
Notes:
Averages based on 24-hour summary data between September 28, 2012 and October 21, 2013
Average wind speed and average instantaneous solar insolation calculated using 15-minute data
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Table 5.8-1. Comparison of Radiant Temperatures Derived from the TIR Images and In Situ Temperatures
Sensor In stream Water Temperature (oC) TIR Temp (oC) Difference
PRM 142.3 0.273 0.3 0.0
ESS60 0.035 0.2 0.2
ESGFA138-2 1.580 1.4 -0.2
ESGFA138-1 3.300 2.1 -1.2
ESS45 -0.013 (CS451)
0.000 (CS109) 0.1 0.1
0.1
ESGFA115-5
(Slough 6A) 0.100 -0.2 -0.3
ESGFA113-1
(Unnamed) 1.231 0.7 (highly
variable) -0.5
ESGFA113-1
(Oxbow1) 3.697 0.9 -2.8
ESGFA 128-12 0.921 0.7 -0.2
ESGFA 128-1 2.848 2.2 -0.6
ESGFA 128-2 1.900 1.7 -0.2
ESGFA 128-6 1.680 1.6 -0.1
ESGFA 128-7 1.560 1.9 0.3
ESS50 0.009 0.7 -0.7
PRM 124.2 0.051 0.7 -0.7
PRM 107.0 1.208 1.3 0.1
ESS40 1.184 1.4 0.2
ESSFA 104-1 2.684 2.8 0.1
ESSFA 104-5 WS 2.7 0.9 -1.8
ESSFA 104-5 WC 4.1 2.8 -1.3
ESSFA-104-8 1.2 1.5 (mid-river)
2.1 (near shore)
0.3
0.9
ESSFA 104-9 2.758 2.8 0.0
ESSFA 104-10 3.555 2.3 -1.3
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Table 5.8-2. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 104 (Whiskers Slough)
Analyte
Sample ID/Well: ESGFA104-WQ1 Sample ID/Well: ESGFA104-MW-2
8/23/2013 9/4/2013
Water Temperature (°C) 8.69 8.57
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 0.20 0.41
pH 6.14 6.50
Specific Conductance (µS/cm) 189.3 349
ORP (mV) 272 206
Aluminum, Dissolved (µg/L) 19.4 Results under review
Hardness, as CaCO3 (mg/L) 85.7 Results under review
Iron, Dissolved (µg/L) 4570 Results under review
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (mg/L) 0.0032 Results under review
Total Nitrate/Nitrite-N (mg/L) ND Results under review
Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) 7.01 Results under review
Total Organic Carbon, Dissolved (mg/L) 6.31 Results under review
Turbidity (NTU) 24 Results under review
Table 5.8-3. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 113 (Oxbow I)
Analyte
Sample ID/Well: ESGFA113-1MW-2
8/20/2013
Water Temperature (°C) 6.15
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 10.2
pH 7.10
Specific Conductance (µS/cm) 140.4
ORP (mV) 155
Aluminum, Dissolved (µg/L) 20.9
Hardness, as CaCO3 (mg/L) 40.7
Iron, Dissolved (µg/L) 20,100
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (mg/L) 0.0647
Total Nitrate/Nitrite-N (mg/L) ND
Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) 3.52
Total Organic Carbon, Dissolved (mg/L) 3.4
Turbidity (NTU) 22
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Table 5.8-4. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 128 (Slough 8A)
Analyte Sample ID/Well: ESGFA128-13-MW-1 Sample ID/Well: ESGFA128-18-MW-1
8/8/2013 8/25/2013 9/5/2013 8/8/2013 8/25/2013 9/5/2013
Water Temperature (°C) 9.41 8.84 6.74 6.97 6.90 6.99
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 0.49 6.16 9.91 5.38 6.21 7.02
pH 6.89 6.85 6.66 7.05 7.13 6.73
Specific Conductance
(µS/cm) 120.5 104.6 69.7 153.6 108.6 126.2
ORP (mV) 263 269 329 258 248 291
Aluminum, Dissolved (µg/L) 37 Results under review 21 Results under review
Hardness, as CaCO3 (mg/L) 49.7 Results under review 54.8 Results under review
Iron, Dissolved (µg/L) 63.6 Results under review 35.9 Results under review
Soluble Reactive
Phosphorus (mg/L) 0.004 Results under review 0.0041 Results under review
Total Nitrate/Nitrite-N (mg/L) 0.423 Results under review 0.841 Results under review
Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) Results under review Results under review
Total Organic Carbon,
Dissolved (mg/L) Results under review Results under review
Turbidity (NTU) No data Results under review No data Results under review
Table 5.8-5. Groundwater Laboratory and Field Data for Focus Area 138 (Gold Creek)
Analyte Sample ID/Well: ESGFA138-MW-2
8/26/2013 9/4/2013
Water Temperature (°C) 7.43 7.52
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 2.12 1.79
pH 6.95 6.97
Specific Conductance (µS/cm) 152.9 164.8
ORP (mV) 272 243
Aluminum, Dissolved (µg/L) Results under review
Hardness, as CaCO3 (mg/L) Results under review
Iron, Dissolved (µg/L) Results under review
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (mg/L) Results under review
Total Nitrate/Nitrite-N (mg/L) Results under review
Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) Results under review
Total Organic Carbon, Dissolved (mg/L) Results under review
Turbidity (NTU) Results under review
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Table 6.0-1. Range of in situ water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and pH collected during the summer (June 1 to September 30) from historic (1970s and 1980s) and current (2013) years at select sites.
Location RM PRM Source for Historic Data
Water Temperature (0C) Specific Conductance (μS/cm) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH
Historic Current Historic Current Historic Current Historic Current1
Susitna River 25.8 29.9 USGS 15294350 2.9 to 14.8 7.1 to 15.6 90 to 154 145.9 to
170.0 9.0 to 12.4 10.9 to 12.5 7.7 to 8.5 8.1 to 8.5
Talkeetna River 97.0 107 USGS 15292700 0 to 13 5.3 to 17.8 50 to 198 122.0 to
168.8 9.9 to 13.8 10.2 to 11.7 6.0 to 8.7 8.1 to 8.3
Curry Fishwheel
Camp 120.7 124.2 APA and ADF&G 2.7 to 15.3 5.2 to 16.7 N/A 131.0 to
166.6
10.1 o 13.9 10.0 to 12.5 6.8 to 8.0 8.1 to 8.1 USGS 623948149543400 3.3 to 15.5 114 to 148 10.8 to 12.2 7.0 to 7.6
Gold Greek 136.8 140.1 USGS 15292000 0.3 to 14.1 5.9 to 16.3 79 to 181 116.0 to
161.5 8.5 to 13.3 10.5 to 12.5 6.4 to 8.6 6.7 to 8.6
Susitna above
Portage Creek 149.4 152.7 APA and ADF&G N/A 7.3 to 14.8** N/A 130.7 to
158.5
10.9 to 14.8 10.4 to 12.7 6.8 to 8.2 8.0 to 8.5 USGS 624941149221500 8* 80* 12.8* 7.2*
Susitna River at
Watana Dam Site 184.2 187.2 APA and ADF&G 1.9 to 14.4 2.6 to 11.9** N/A 137.8 to
168.5 N/A 10.5 to 12.5 N/A 6.4 to 8.5
Notes:
1 Reflects data collected August through September only
* one-time sample event only
** current water temperature based on field one-time grab sample from a Hydrolab (all other current temperature data based on continuously monitored sites using thermistors).
N/A not available
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10. FIGURES
[See separate file for figures.]
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APPENDIX A: CONTINUOUS TEMPERATURE MONITORING
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX B: THERMISTOR FIGURES
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX C: WATER QUALITY METEOROLOGICAL STATION DATA
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX D: BASELINE WATER QUALITY DATA
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX E: BASELINE WATER QUALITY CHLOROPHYLL DATA
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX F: FOCUS AREA LOCATION MAPS
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX G: FOCUS AREA WATER QUALITY DATA
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX H: FOCUS AREA WATER QUALITY CHLOROPHYLL DATA
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX I: INTERIM STUDY REPORT WATER QUALITY
PHOTOGRAPHS
[See separate file for Appendix.]
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APPENDIX J: TIR IMAGES
[See separate file for Appendix.]