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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
Aquatic resources study within the access alignment, transmission
alignment, and construction area, Study plan Section 9.13 : Initial study
report
SuWa 207
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
AEA-identified category, if specified:
Draft initial study report
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 207
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
Date published:
February 2014
Published for:
Alaska Energy Authority
Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Study plan Section 9.13
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Draft
Document type:
Pagination:
iv, 27 p.
Related work(s):
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Aquatic Resources Study within the Access Alignment,
Transmission Alignment, and Construction Area
Study Plan Section 9.13
Initial Study Report
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
February 2014 Draft
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2014 Draft
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... iv
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1
2. Study Objectives .................................................................................................................... 1
3. Study Area .............................................................................................................................. 1
4. Methods .................................................................................................................................. 2
4.1. Synthesis of Existing Information .................................................................................. 2
4.1.1. Variances from Study Plan ..................................................................................... 2
4.2. Field Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 2
4.2.1. Variances from Study Plan ..................................................................................... 3
5. Results ..................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1. Synthesis of Existing Information .................................................................................. 3
5.1.1. Denali Corridor ....................................................................................................... 4
5.1.2. Chulitna Corridor .................................................................................................... 4
5.1.3. Gold Creek Corridor ............................................................................................... 5
6. Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 6
7. Completing the Study ............................................................................................................ 6
8. Literature Cited ..................................................................................................................... 6
9. Tables ...................................................................................................................................... 8
10. Figures .................................................................................................................................. 20
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5-1. Distribution of Fish Species within the Deadman Creek Drainage along the Denali
Corridor. .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Table 5-2. Distribution of Fish Species within the Nenana River Drainage along the Denali
Corridor. ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Table 5-3. Distribution of Fish Species within Stream Drainages along the Chulitna Corridor. . 14
Table 5-4. Distribution of Fish Species within Stream Drainages along the Gold Creek Corridor.
....................................................................................................................................................... 17
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1. Study Area for Aquatic Resources in the Potential Access and/or Transmission
Alignment Corridors ..................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 5-1. The Denali Corridor within the Susitna River Drainage ............................................ 22
Figure 5-2. The Denali Corridor within the Nenana River Drainage ........................................... 23
Figure 5-3. Barrier Falls on Deadman Creek ................................................................................ 24
Figure 5-4. The Chulitna and Gold Creek Corridors within the Susitna River Drainage ............. 25
Figure 5-5. Barrier Falls on Devil Creek ...................................................................................... 26
Figure 5-6. Barrier Falls on Tsusena Creek .................................................................................. 27
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
AFFI Alaska Freshwater Fish Inventory
AWC Anadromous Waters Catalog
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
PM&E protection, mitigation and enhancement
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
RSP Revised Study Plan
SPD study plan determination
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iv February 2014 Draft
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Aquatic Resources Study within the Access Alignment, Transmission Alignment, and
Construction Area (9.13)
Purpose The objectives of the study are to:
1. Characterize the aquatic habitats and fish assemblages at potential stream
crossings within a 200-meter (650-foot) buffer zone along proposed
access road and transmission line alignments.
2. Describe aquatic habitats and species present within the construction area
for the dam and related hydropower facilities.
Status During 2013, AEA initiated the synthesis of existing information component
of the study. AEA reschedule the remaining components of the study for the
next year of the study.
Study
Components
1. Synthesis of existing information.
2. Field data collection of aquatic habitat and fish distribution.
2013 Variances AEA rescheduled the implementation of the field study components to the
next year of the study. No changes to the study methods are anticipated. The
rescheduling of this study component is not anticipated to have any negative
effect on AEA’s ability to meet study objectives. Undertaking the field data
collection and completing this study in the next study season will allow the
study to benefit from additional information coming from other study efforts
as additional results become available.
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 study is not complete but based upon the initial analysis of existing
information:
• The Denali Corridor would require approximately 38 stream
crossings between the Watana Dam site and Denali Highway near
Cantwell, and these streams include only resident fish species, if any.
• The Chulitna Corridor would require approximately 23 stream
crossing, including several that are known to produce anadromous
fish as well as resident species.
• The Gold Creek Corridor would require approximately 17 stream
crossings and at least five streams are known to have anadromous
fish production.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
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). RSP Section 9.13 describes the Aquatic Resources Study for Project areas within the
access alignment, transmission alignment, and construction area. RSP Section 9.13 provided
goals, objectives, and proposed methods for this aquatic resources study.
On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of the
58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and 13 with modifications. RSP Section 9.13 was one
of the 31 studies approved with no modifications.
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 (ISR) on Aquatic Resources Study within the Access Alignment, Transmission
Alignment, and Construction Area has been prepared in accordance with FERC’s ILP
regulations and details AEA’s status in implementing the study, as set forth in the RSP and
approved by FERC’s February 1 SPD (referred to herein as the “Study Plan”).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
As described in RSP Section 9.13.1, the specific study objectives are as follows:
1) Characterize the aquatic habitats and fish assemblages at potential stream crossings
within a 200-meter (650-foot) buffer zone along proposed access road and transmission
line alignments.
2) Describe aquatic habitats and species present within the construction area for the dam and
related hydropower facilities.
3. STUDY AREA
As described in RSP Section 9.13.3, the access corridor study area includes streams and water
bodies within both the Susitna River and Tanana River watersheds (Figure 3-1). The Denali
alignment would cross streams within both the Nenana River (a tributary of the Tanana River)
and Susitna River watersheds. Seattle Creek and Brushkana Creek are the two major drainages
that would be crossed within the Nenana River watershed. Deadman Creek is the major stream
that would be crossed within the Susitna River watershed. All streams and water bodies that
would be intersected by the Chulitna and Gold Creek alignments drain into the Susitna River
watershed.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 2 February 2014 Draft
The study area includes the aquatic habitats (streams and lakes) in the vicinity of both temporary
and permanent Project-related infrastructure including access roads, transmission lines, airports,
and construction areas within a 200-meter (650-foot) buffer zone along each access alignment
corridor, in the vicinity of the potential airport and hydropower facility construction areas.
Figure 3-1 shows the streams and lakes (based on the most current hydrography layer) within the
three potential access corridors and within the Dam and Camp Facility Area near the proposed
Watana Dam location. The sample area will be determined as refinements are made to the
proposed Project features and specific alignment routes.
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
4.1. Synthesis of Existing Information
AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of variances
explained below (Section 4.1.1). A preliminary synthesis of existing information, as described in
RSP Section 9.13.4.1, was begun in the fall of 2013 and will carry into 2014. AEA reviewed
historical information and assembled fish distribution and abundance data from studies
conducted in 2012 and 2013 (RSP Sections 9.5.1 and 9.6.1, data from the 2012 studies of
barriers to fish passage (RSP Section 9.12.1) to construct preliminary summary tables and maps
for each access corridor. AEA coded streams and water bodies by fish presence (e.g.,
anadromous fish, resident fish, no fish captured or observed) and identified streams and water
bodies for which no data records were found. Locations were characterized as follows: (1) sites
not previously surveyed; (2) sites with no previously documented fish presence; (3) sites with
fish presence documented downstream of the potential crossing location; and (4) sites with fish
presence documented upstream of the potential crossing location.
4.1.1. Variances from Study Plan
As described in RSP Section 9.13.4.1, the synthesis of existing information from Alaska
Freshwater Fish Inventory (AFFI) was intended to fully occur during 2013 prior to field data
collection to identify data gaps and to prioritize sampling effort. The synthesis of existing
information was intended to take place in both study seasons and is on track to accomplish that.
A preliminary synthesis of currently available data has been prepared. It will be updated with
additional data from the AFFI, information from aquatic habitat studies (RSP Section 9.9.1) and
from the 2013 study of fish passage barriers (RSP Section 9.12.1), as appropriate in the next
study season without compromising the study meeting the study objectives. Other aspects of this
task, including: incorporation of existing data into a geospatial database, identification of data
gaps, prioritization of initial sampling and refinement of field sampling, and obtaining input from
agencies have been rescheduled for the next study season which will be fully achievable.
4.2. Field Data Collection
This component of the study plan was not implemented in 2013 as proposed in RSP Section
9.13.4.2.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 February 2014 Draft
4.2.1. Variances from Study Plan
RSP Section 9.13.4.2 noted that AEA would undertake field data collection in the study area
during 2013 and 2014, however field work did not in 2013 due to lack of access to CIRWG
lands. The rescheduling of this study component is not expected to have an impact on meeting
study objectives as a single study season will provide enough opportunities to sample for fish
throughout feeding or rearing habitats.
5. RESULTS
With the exception of a preliminary synthesis of existing data, there are no results to report for
2013 because most effort for Study 9.13 was rescheduled for implementation during 2014.
5.1. Synthesis of Existing Information
AEA is evaluating up to three possible access alternatives for road and transmission lines. The
Denali Corridor would run north from the Watana Dam site and connect to the Denali Highway
by road (Figure 3-1). The Chulitna Corridor would accommodate east–west running transmission
lines and a road along the north side of the Susitna River that would connect to the Anchorage–
Fairbanks Intertie and the Alaska Railroad near the Chulitna station. The Gold Creek Corridor
would also accommodate an east–west access and transmission corridor but would run along the
south side of the Susitna River (Figure 3-1).
The most comprehensive fish and aquatic habitat dataset relevant to this study was generated
during the 1980s, and no additional work specific to each of the proposed transportation access
and transmission line alignments has been conducted since the 1980s. In 1983, the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) established study sites to characterize aquatic habitat
and document fish species presence at 42 stream crossings within the then-proposed access and
transmission corridors. Study sites were established at 22 stream crossing sites from the Denali
Highway to the Watana Dam site, 14 sites along the Devils Canyon access corridor, and 6 sites
along the then-proposed Gold Creek rail portion of the corridor (Schmidt et al. 1984). The 22
crossing sites along the then-proposed Denali-North (Seattle Creek) alignment correspond
reasonably well to the present-day Denali Corridor crossing sites. The 14 study sites along the
then-proposed Devils Canyon access, which extended from corridor mile 38 of the old Denali
Corridor to Devils Creek dam site and the old Gold Creek intertie, relate fairly well to a portion
of the present-day Chulitna Corridor. The 6 sites along the old Gold Creek intertie correspond to
some of the crossings associated with the western portion of the present day Gold Creek
Corridor.
In addition to the Access and Transmission Corridor Aquatic Investigations (July–October 1983)
report (Schmidt et al. 1984), relevant existing information sources include fish species presence
and aquatic habitat data collected and maintained under the Alaska Freshwater Fish Inventory
program (e.g., Buckwalter 2011) ADF&G 2013a) and anadromous fish presence data maintained
by the ADF&G Anadromous Waters Catalog (ADF&G 2013b). The Aquatic Resources Data
Gap Analysis (HDR 2011) and AEA’s Pre-Application Document (AEA 2011) summarized
existing information and identified data gaps for aquatic conditions and fish species.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 February 2014 Draft
Historic data on fish species presence and aquatic habitat are available for many of the streams
that could potentially be crossed; however, an updated characterization study may be needed to
assess current conditions and to ensure fish presence is accounted for in streams and water
bodies within the vicinity of the proposed crossing locations. Additionally, a more
comprehensive and systematically-collected aquatic habitat dataset may be necessary to
characterize baseline conditions prior to potential development.
A brief summary of the existing information for each of the proposed access/transmission line
corridors is presented below.
5.1.1. Denali Corridor
The current Denali access alignment corridor would require approximately 38 stream crossings
from the Watana Dam site to the Denali Highway near Cantwell. The Denali Corridor would
cross streams within both the Susitna River and Nenana River watersheds. Deadman Creek is the
major stream crossed within the Susitna River watershed (Figure 5-1); whereas, Seattle Creek
and Brushkana Creek are the two major drainages crossed within the Nenana River system
(Figure 5-2).
In the 1980s, biologists conducted fish presence surveys in the vicinity of 13 of these stream
crossing sites and recorded general habitat and water quality conditions within both watersheds.
Resident fish species (Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden and slimy sculpin) were relatively
widespread throughout the Denali Corridor. Several additional resident fish species (lake trout,
humpback whitefish, round whitefish and burbot) were confirmed to be present in Deadman
Lake and nearby sections of Deadman Creek. No anadromous fish habitat was documented
during these surveys. (Schmidt et al. 1984). In 2004, subsequent AFFI surveys in the vicinity of
the Denali Corridor have included several locations on Nenana tributaries (Jack River,
Brushkana Creek and two locations on Monahan Creek, above and below the Brushkana
confluence). No new species were added as Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden and slimy sculpin
were the only species encountered (ADF&G 2013a).
Current studies of fish distribution and abundance (RSP Section 9.5.1) used various capture
methods to determine fish species presence at selected locations within the Deadman Creek
drainage in 2012. Arctic grayling, sculpin and lake trout were present (Figure 5.1). An
impassable waterfall on Deadman Creek (about 1.0 km upstream of the confluence with the
Susitna River) blocks upstream fish migration (Figure 5-3). Fish sampling downstream of the
barrier falls yielded only Arctic grayling. Similarly, aerial surveys did not encounter salmon at
that location (Table 5-1). No additional work was conducted in tributaries within the Nenana
River watershed. Fish species distribution within that portion of Denali Corridor (Table 5-2) is
inferred from historic records (Schmidt et al. 1984) and AFFI data (ADG&G 2013a).
5.1.2. Chulitna Corridor
The current Chulitna Corridor alignment would require approximately 23 stream crossings. All
streams and water bodies that would be intersected by this corridor drain into the Susitna River
watershed. The majority of streams that would be crossed by this alignment are smaller tributary
streams that likely support only resident fish species, if any. However, this alignment would also
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 5 February 2014 Draft
cross a number of larger streams, including the Indian River, and Portage, Thoroughfare, Devil,
and Tsusena creeks (Figure 5-4). Three of these are recognized anadromous streams — Indian
River (Anadromous Waters Catalog (AWC) No. 247-41-10200-2551), Portage Creek (AWC No.
247-41-10200-2585) and Thoroughfare Creek (AWC No. 247-41-10200-2582-3201) — each has
been cataloged as providing habitat for anadromous fish at the potential crossing sites (ADF&G
2013b).
The Chulitna alignment would also cross multiple small, unnamed tributaries of Portage Creek,
several tributaries to the mainstem of Devils Creek, several smaller tributaries to the Upper
Susitna River (in the Swimming Bear drainages; Schmidt et al. 1984), as well as Tsusena Creek
and two of its tributaries (Figure 5-4). Based primarily on historic data (Schmidt et al. 1984),
along with AFFI information (ADF&G 2013a) and present study data, the resident fish species
within streams along the Chulitna Corridor alignment may include Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, and slimy sculpin. Anadromous species may include Chinook, chum, coho, and pink
salmon (Table 5-3).
Fish have not been sampled throughout all reaches of the tributary streams; however, and
passage barriers have not been fully evaluated. The presence of barriers on some of the Susitna
River tributaries above Devils Canyon was documented as part of ISR Studies 9.9 and 9.12 and
is indicated on Figure 5-4. Notably, there are impassable waterfalls on Devil Creek (Figure 5-5)
and Tsusena Creek (Figure 5-6) that block fish migration into upstream reaches crossed by the
Chulitna alignment.
5.1.3. Gold Creek Corridor
The current road and transmission line alignment within the Gold Creek Corridor would require
approximately 17 stream crossings (Figure 5-4). All streams and water bodies that would be
intersected by this alignment drain into the Susitna River watershed. Major streams that would
be crossed include five drainages that support anadromous fish species — Gold Creek (AWC
No. 247-41-10200-2540), an unnamed tributary stream (AWC No. 247-41-10200-2570),
Cheechako Creek (AWC No. 247-41-10200-2596), Chinook Creek (AWC No. 247-41-10200-
2630), and Fog Creek (AWC No. 247-41-10200-2696) — except for Chinook Creek (which is
blocked downstream of the alignment), each has been cataloged as providing anadromous fish
habitat in the vicinity of the proposed crossing (ADF&G 2013b). Smaller streams that would be
crossed include a number of unnamed tributaries to the Susitna River.
Fish data are available for a number of streams that would be crossed, but much of the data were
collected downstream from (i.e., not in the direct vicinity of) the proposed crossing sites
(Delaney et al.1981, ADF&G 2013a, Schmidt et al. 1984, ISR Study 9.6). However, it may be
inferred that resident fish species along Gold Creek alignment may include Arctic grayling,
Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and slimy sculpin; anadromous fish species may include Chinook,
chum, coho, and pink salmon (Table 5-4).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 6 February 2014 Draft
6. DISCUSSION
With the exception of a preliminary synthesis of existing information, implementation of Study
9.13 was rescheduled for the next study season.
The available information suggests approximately 38 stream crossings would be required for the
Denali Corridor between the Watana Dam site and Denali Highway near Cantwell, and these
streams include only resident fish species, if any.
The Chulitna Corridor would require approximately 23 stream crossing, including several that
are known to produce anadromous fish as well as resident species.
The Gold Creek Corridor would require approximately 17 stream crossings and at least five
streams are known to have anadromous fish production.
Additional surveys may be needed at all potential stream crossings because the existing data is
primarily from the 1980s and the fish community structure and habitat conditions may have
changed since that time.
AEA made considerable progress in gathering data for the other licensing studies as described in
the ISRs for the following studies:
• The Study of Fish Distribution and Abundance in the Upper Susitna River (ISR Study
9.5)
• The Study of Fish Distribution and Abundance in the Middle and Lower Susitna River
(ISR Study 9.6)
• The Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats (ISR Study 9.9)
• The Study of Fish Passage Barriers in the Middle and Upper Susitna River and Susitna
Tributaries (ISR Study 9.12)
The data from these other studies will be used in completion of this study.
7. COMPLETING 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.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). 2013a. Alaska Fish Resource Monitor, Alaska
Freshwater Fish Inventory (AFFI). Accessed January 2014. Alaska Department of Fish
and Game, Anchorage, Alaska.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 February 2014 Draft
ADF&G. 2013b. Catalog of waters important for spawning, rearing or migration of anadromous
fishes. http://gis.sf.ADF&G.state.ak.us/FlexMaps/fishresroucemonitor.html?mode=awc
(accessed January 2014).
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA). 2011. Pre-application document: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project, FERC Project No. 14241. December 29, 2011.
AEA. 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No.
14241. December, 2012.
Buckwalter, J.D. 2011. Synopsis of ADF&G’s Upper Susitna Drainage Fish Inventory, August
2011. November 22, 2011. ADF&G Division of Sport Fish, Anchorage, AK. 173 pp.
Delaney, K., D. Crawford, L. Dugan, S. Hale, K Kuntz, B. Marshall, J. Mauney, J. Quinn, K.
Roth, P Suchanek, R. Sundet, and M. Stratton. 1981. Resident Fish Investigation on the
Upper Susitna River. Prepared by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Susitna Hydro
Aquatic Studies. Prepared for Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, AK. 157 pp.
HDR Alaska, Inc. 2011. Aquatic resources data gap analysis. Draft. Prepared for Alaska Energy
Authority. July 20, 2011.
Schmidt, D., C. Estes, D. Crawford, and D. Vincent-Lang. 1984. Access and transmission
corridor aquatic investigations (July—October 1983), Report No. 4. Susitna Hydro
Aquatic Studies. APA Doc No. 2049. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage,
Alaska.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT,
TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 8 February 2014 Draft
9. TABLES
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT, TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 9 February 2014 Draft
Table 5-1. Distribution of Fish Species within the Deadman Creek Drainage along the Denali Corridor.
Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/ Absent Historic Species 2 Present Species 3 Sample Information 4 Comment
Deadman
Creek
above mouth 3 Resident Arctic grayling Elrctrofishing Sample taken below corridor
and below barrier falls
Deadman
Creek
below corridor 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin
No current samples below
corridor and above barrier
falls
Deadman
Creek
D1 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin
Arctic grayling, slimy
sculpin, lake trout
Aerial surveys, angling,
visual observations,
nothing found at one
location
Crossing D1 - D2 and
Unnamed lake
Deadman
Creek
D2 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin
no captures Electrofishing, angling,
visual observations at 10
locations.
Crossing D2 to D3
Deadman
Creek
D3 4 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Arctic grayling, sculpin Electrofishing, angling,
visual observations
Crossing D3 to D4, Fish
located between D3 and D4
Deadman
Creek
D4 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, lake trout,
slimy sculpin
No current samples above
D4
Deadman
Creek
D5 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, lake trout,
slimy sculpin
No current samples above
D4
Deadman
Creek
D6 1 No current samples above
D4
Deadman
Creek
D7 1 No current samples above
D4
Deadman D8 1 No current samples above
INITIAL STUDY REPORT AQUATIC RESOURCES STUDY WITHIN THE ACCESS ALIGNMENT, TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION AREA (9.13)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 10 February 2014 Draft
Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Species 2 Present Species 3 Sample Information 4 Comment
Creek D4
Deadman
Creek
D9 1 No current samples above
D4
Deadman
Lake
D10 4 Resident lake trout, burbot,
round whitefish,
humpback whitefish
lake trout For mercury analysis,
sample method not
recorded
Between crossing D10 to
D11
Deadman
Creek
D11 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D12 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D13 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D14 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D15 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D16 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D17 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D18 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Deadman
Creek
D19 1 No current samples above
Deadman Lake
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Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Species 2 Present Species 3 Sample Information 4 Comment
Deadman
Creek
D20 3 Resident Arctic grayling, slimy
sculpin
No current samples above
Deadman Lake
Notes:
1. 1 = Sites not previously surveyed. 2 = No previous fish presence. 3 = Fish found downstream of crossing. 4 = Fish found upstream of crossing.
2. From Schmidt et al. 1984
3. From ISR Study 9.5
4. From ISR Study 9.5
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Table 5-2. Distribution of Fish Species within the Nenana River Drainage along the Denali Corridor.
Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/ Absent Historic Records 2 Present Species 3
Jack River N1 3 Resident slimy sculpin Unknown
Jack River N1 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden Unknown
Unnamed N2 3 Resident slimy sculpin Unknown
Unnamed N3 3 Resident slimy sculpin Unknown
Unnamed N4 3 Resident slimy sculpin Unknown
Unnamed N5 3 Resident slimy sculpin Unknown
Edmonds Creek N6 1 Unknown
Unnamed N7 1 Unknown
Unnamed N8 1 Unknown
Unnamed N9 1 Unknown
Unnamed N10 1 Unknown
Unnamed N11 1 Unknown
Lily Creek
Tributary
N12 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Unknown
Lily Creek N13 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Unknown
Seattle Creek N14 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Unknown
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Brushkana Creek N15 3 Resident Arctic grayling, slimy sculpin Unknown
Brushkana Creek
tributary
N16 3 Resident Arctic grayling, slimy sculpin Unknown
Brushkana Creek
tributary
N17 3 Resident Arctic grayling Unknown
Brushkana Creek
tributary
N18 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Unknown
Notes:
1. 1 = Sites not previously surveyed. 2 = No previous fish presence. 3 = Fish found downstream of crossing. 4 = Fish found upstream of crossing.
2. From Schmidt et al. 1984 and AFFI sites 1017800064 (no survey date), and FS10408A01, FS10407A02, FS10407A04, and FS10407A05 (from 2004 surveys).
3. No new survey work was conducted in this portion of the Denali Corridor.
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Table 5-3. Distribution of Fish Species within Stream Drainages along the Chulitna Corridor.
Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/ Absent Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample Information 4 Comment
Indian River C1 3 Anadromous Chinook, chum, coho,
and pink salmon
(lower) and Chinook
salmon (upper)
No In AWC
Indian River C2 3 Anadromous Chinook, chum, coho,
and pink salmon
(lower) and Chinook
salmon (upper)
No In AWC
Indian River C3 4 Anadromous Chinook, chum, coho,
and pink salmon
(lower) and Chinook
salmon (upper)
Chinook and chum
salmon
Telemetry In AWC
Portage
Creek
C4 1 No Anadromous Waters connected downstream
Portage
Creek
C5 1 No Anadromous Waters connected downstream
Portage
Creek
C6 1 No Anadromous Waters connected downstream
Portage
Creek
C7 1 No Anadromous Waters connected downstream
Portage
Creek
C8 1 No Anadromous Waters connected downstream
Thoroughfare
Creek
C9 4 Anadromous Chinook salmon No In AWC
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Drainage Stream
ID
Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample
Information 4
Comment
Portage
Creek
C10 4 Anadromous Chinook, chum, coho,
and pink salmon
(lower) and Chinook
salmon (upper)
Chinook Telemetry In AWC
Portage
Creek
C10 4 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No In AWC
Devil Creek C11 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Not in AWC, barrier falls blocks upstream
migration, resident fish sampled downstream
of Corridor
Devil Creek C12 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Not in AWC, barrier falls blocks upstream
migration, resident fish sampled downstream
of Corridor
Devil Creek C13 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Not in AWC, barrier falls blocks upstream
migration, resident fish sampled downstream
of Corridor
Devil Creek C14 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Not in AWC, barrier falls blocks upstream
migration, resident fish sampled downstream
of Corridor
Devil Creek C15 3 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Chinook salmon (below
barrier); Dolly Varden,
slimy sculpin, and sculpin
spp. (below Corridor)
Electrofishing and
telemetry
Not in AWC, barrier falls blocks upstream
migration, resident fish sampled downstream
of Corridor
Unnamed
Susitna River
tributary
C16 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in AFFI
Unnamed
Susitna River
C17 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in AFFI
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Drainage Stream
ID
Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample
Information 4
Comment
tributary
Unnamed
Susitna River
tributary
C18 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in AFFI
Unnamed
Susitna River
tributary
C19 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in AFFI
Unnamed
Susitna River
tributary
C20 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in ISR Study
9.12
Unnamed
Susitna River
tributary
C21 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in ISR Study
9.12
Tsusena
Creek
C22 1 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in ISR Study
9.12
Tsusena
Creek
C23 1 Resident Arctic Grayling (below
Corridor, downstream
of barrier falls), Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin
No Barrier below corridor identified in ISR Study
9.12
Tsusena
Creek
C23 3 Anadromous Chinook salmon (below
Corridor, downstream
of barrier falls)
Chinook (below Corridor,
downstream of falls)
Telemetry, aerial
survey
Not in AWC, barrier below corridor identified
in ISR Study 9.12
Notes:
1. 1 = Sites not previously surveyed. 2 = No previous fish presence. 3 = Fish found downstream of crossing. 4 = Fish found upstream of crossing.
2. From Schmidt et al. 1984, Buckwalter 2011, and AFFI sites FSS1101G02 (2001 survey), FSS03USU02, FSS0305A02 (2003 surveys) and ISR Study 9.5.
3. New fish survey work only in Devil Creek below Corridor, remaining data based on telemetry and aerial surveys below barriers.
4. From AWC (ADF&G 2013b) and ISR Study 9.5.
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Table 5-4. Distribution of Fish Species within Stream Drainages along the Gold Creek Corridor.
Drainage Stream ID Status 1 Present/ Absent Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample Information 4 Comment
Gold Creek G1 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook, chum, coho, and
pink salmon (lower) and
Chinook salmon (upper)
Chinook, chum, coho,
and pink salmon
Telemetry In AWC
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G2 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon below
barrier falls, downstream
of Corridor
No ADF&G identified barrier falls just upstream
from mouth
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G2 3 Resident Arctic grayling and slimy
sculpin below barrier falls,
downstream of Corridor
No ADF&G identified barrier falls just upstream
from mouth
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G3 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon No Connected to Susitna River with no identified
barriers
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G4 3 Resident slimy sculpin No Connected to Susitna River with no identified
barriers
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G5 1 No Connected to anadromous water downstream,
no barrier identified
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G6 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook, chum, coho, and
pink salmon (lower) and
coho salmon (upper)
No In AWC , nomination 86-186 referred to this
drainage as "Jack Long Creek"
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G6 3 Resident Arctic grayling, rainbow
trout, slimy sculpin
No Resident species reported within drainage
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G7 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook, chum, coho, and
pink salmon (lower) and
coho salmon (upper)
No In AWC , nomination 86-186 referred to this
drainage as "Jack Long Creek"
Unnamed Susitna G7 3 Resident Arctic grayling, rainbow No Resident species reported within drainage
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Drainage Stream
ID
Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample
Information 4
Comment
River tributary trout, slimy sculpin
Cheechako Creek G8 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon (upper
and lower)
Chinook salmon Aerial Survey In AWC, two barriers identified above Corridor
Cheechako Creek G8 4 Resident Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin
No In AWC, two barriers identified above Corridor
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G9 1 No Barrier Identified downstream of Corridor
Chinook Creek G10 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon Chinook salmon (below
barrier)
Electrofishing,
Telemetry
In AWC, Barrier identified downstream of
Corridor
Chinook Creek G10 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin,
sculpin spp.
Electrofishing In AWC, Barrier identified downstream of
Corridor
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G11 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, sculpin spp.,
unidentified Salmonid
Electrofishing,
Fyke Net
Connected to Susitna River with no identified
barriers, resident fish captured at mouth of
tributary
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G12 1 No Lake above corridor, no barrier, connected to
Susitna River, sampled in lake below Corridor
(angling) - nothing captured
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G13 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, sculpin spp.,
unidentified Salmonid,
longnose sucker
No Connected to Susitna River with no identified
barriers, resident fish captured at mouth of
tributary
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G14 3 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, sculpin spp.,
unidentified Salmonid
No Connected to Susitna River with no identified
barriers, resident fish captured at mouth of
tributary
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Drainage Stream
ID
Status 1 Present/
Absent
Historic Records 2 Present Species 3 Sample
Information 4
Comment
Unnamed Fog
Creek tributary
G15 4 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon Chinook salmon Electrofishing In AWC, connected to Fog Creek within
Corridor
Unnamed Fog
Creek tributary
G15 4 Resident slimy sculpin Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin, sculpin spp.,
unidentified Salmonid
Electrofishing In AWC, connected to Fog Creek within
Corridor
Fog Creek G16 3 Anadrom
ous
Chinook salmon Chinook salmon Aerial Survey Connected to anadromous water downstream
of Corridor, no barrier identified; 2012 data fror
ISR Study 9.5 had one location with nothing
captured
Fog Creek G16 4 Resident Arctic grayling, Dolly
Varden, slimy sculpin
Dolly Varden, slimy
sculpin, sculpin spp.
Minnow Trap,
Angling,
Elecrofishing
Connected to anadromous water downstream
of Corridor, no barrier identified; 2012 data fror
ISR Study 9.5 had one location with nothing
captured
Unnamed Susitna
River tributary
G17 1 No Barrier identified within Corridor, lakes above
Corridor
Notes:
1 1 = Sites not previously surveyed. 2 = No previous fish presence. 3 = Fish found downstream of crossing. 4 = Fish found upstream of crossing.
2 From Schmidt et al. 1984, Buckwalter 2011, AFFI sites FSS0305A01, FSS03USU01, and FSS0308A01 (2003 surveys) and ISR Studies 9.5 and 9.6.
3 From AWC (ADF&G 2013b), ISR Studies 9.5 and 9.6.
4 From AWC (ADF&G 2013b), ISR Studies 9.5 and 9.6.
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10. FIGURES
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Figure 3-1. Study Area for Aquatic Resources in the Potential Access and/or Transmission Alignment Corridors
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Figure 5-1. The Denali Corridor within the Susitna River Drainage
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Figure 5-2. The Denali Corridor within the Nenana River Drainage
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Figure 5-3. Barrier Falls on Deadman Creek
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Figure 5-4. The Chulitna and Gold Creek Corridors within the Susitna River Drainage
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Figure 5-5. Barrier Falls on Devil Creek
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Figure 5-6. Barrier Falls on Tsusena Creek