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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
SuWa 246
River productivity study (Study 9.8), 2014 field season river productivity
progress report, technical memorandum
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
AEA-identified category, if specified:
September 26, 2014 technical memorandum filings
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number): Existing numbers on document:
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 246
Published by: Date published:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014] September 2014
Published for: Date or date range of report: Alaska Energy Authority
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Attachment G
Document type: Pagination:
Technical memorandum ii, 7 p.
Related work(s): Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Cover letter to this report: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project, FERC Project no. 14241-000; Second set of 2014
technical memoranda for Initial Study Plan meetings. (SuWa
239)
Attachments A-F (SuWa 240-245)
Added cover letter
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
September 26, 2014
Ms. Kimberly D. Bose
Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20426
Re: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, Project No. 14241-000
Second Set of 2014 Technical Memoranda for Initial Study Plan Meetings
Dear Secretary Bose:
As the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) explained in its September 17, 2014 filing
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) for the
proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 14241 (Project), the
June 3, 2014 Initial Study Report (ISR) provided for AEA to prepare certain technical
memoranda and other information based on 2014 work. In accordance with Commission
Staff direction, on September 17, 2014, AEA filed and distributed the first set of
technical memoranda and other information generated during the 2014 study season.
With this letter, AEA is filing and distributing the second set of technical
memoranda generated during the 2014 study season, as described below. As part of its
continued implementation of the study plan, AEA expects to file a third set of technical
memoranda prior to October 1, 2014.
This second set of technical memoranda includes:
• Attachment A: Geomorphology Study (Study 6.5) - Updated Mapping of
Aquatic Macrohabitat Types in the Middle Susitna River Segment from 1980s
and Current Aerials Technical Memorandum. This technical memorandum
updates the Middle Susitna River Segment portion of the aquatic macrohabitat
mapping results previously provided in the technical memorandum titled
Mapping of Aquatic Macrohabitat Types at Selected Sites in the Middle and
Lower Susitna River Segments from 1980s and 2012 Aerials (Tetra Tech
2013a).
• Attachment B: Geomorphology Study (Study 6.5) - Mapping of Geomorphic
Features and Turnover within the Middle and Lower Susitna River Segments
from 1950s, 1980s, and Current Aerials Technical Memorandum. This
technical memorandum updates the geomorphic mapping and assessment of
channel change that were initially provided in Mapping of Geomorphic
2
Features and Assessment of Channel Change in the Middle and Lower Susitna
River Segments from 1980s and 2012 Aerials (Tetra Tech 2013a). The initial
technical memorandum provided the results from tasks identified in Revised
Study Plan Study 6.5 Section 6.5.4.4. This update extends the previous 30
year analysis between the 1980s and 2012 by an additional 30 years with
aerial photography from the 1950s, and also provides a short term analysis of
geomorphic changes by comparing 2012 with 2013 aerial photography.
• Attachment C: Fluvial Geomorphology Modeling below Watana Dam Study
(Study 6.6) - Decision Point on Fluvial Geomorphology Modeling of the
Susitna River below PRM 29.9 Technical Memorandum. This technical
memorandum describes the decision of whether to extend the downstream
limit of the 1-D bed evolution model below Susitna Station at PRM 29.9.
• Attachment D: Fluvial Geomorphology Modeling Below Watana Dam (Study
6.6) - Winter Sampling of Main Channel Bed Material Technical
Memorandum. The overall purpose of this technical memorandum is to
quantify main channel bed material gradations at selected sites in the Upper,
Middle, and Lower Susitna River Segments. The data obtained from this
study serves as input for the 1-D and 2-D bed evolution modeling efforts
being conducted under the Fluvial Geomorphology Modeling Study (Study
6.6).
• Attachment E: Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Study (Study 9.17) - 2014 Cook Inlet
Beluga Whale Prey Study Implementation Technical Memorandum. This
technical memorandum summarizes activities implementing the Cook Inlet
Beluga Whale Study (Study 9.17) conducted in 2014 that tested methods to
document Cook Inlet Beluga Whale prey and prey habitat in the Susitna River
delta.
• Attachment F: River Productivity Study (Study 9.8) - 2013 Initial River
Productivity Results Technical Memorandum. This technical memorandum
provides a preliminary review and summary of 2013 river productivity sample
results based on laboratory data received after the ISR submittal in June 2014.
• Attachment G: River Productivity Study (Study 9.8) - 2014 Field Season River
Productivity Progress Report Technical Memorandum. This technical
memorandum presents an update on activities conducted during the Spring
field sampling event in June 2014, which was focused on data collection to
support the needs of the trophic modeling and stable isotope analysis
objectives of the River Productivity Study.
3
AEA appreciates the opportunity to provide this additional information to the
Commission and licensing participants, which it believes will be helpful in determining
the appropriate development of the 2015 study plan as set forth in the ISR. If you have
questions concerning this submission please contact me at wdyok@aidea.org or (907)
771-3955.
Sincerely,
Wayne Dyok
Project Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
Attachments
cc: Distribution List (w/o Attachments)
Attachment G
River Productivity Study (Study 9.8) - 2014 Field Season River Productivity Progress Report
Technical Memorandum
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
River Productivity Study
(Study 9.8)
2014 Field Season River Productivity Progress Report
Technical Memorandum
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Background ........................................................................................................................1
2. 2014 Spring Event Summary ............................................................................................1
2.1. Methods..............................................................................................................1
2.2. Results of Data Collection Efforts .....................................................................2
3. Discussion............................................................................................................................2
4. Tables ..................................................................................................................................4
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1-1. Sampling Stations and Seasonal Sampling Event dates of collection for the River
Productivity study in the Lower and Middle River Segments of the Susitna River. .............. 4
Table 2.2-1. Itemized listing of Stable Isotope Analysis sample components and number of
samples collected from the four sampling stations (16 sites total) in the Middle and Lower
River Segments of the Susitna River for the River Productivity Study in both Spring 2014
compared to Spring 2013, along with the total number of samples collected and analyzed in
2013. ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Table 2.2-2. Number of fish collected for fish gut content, scales, and stable isotope tissue
samples for the River Productivity Study during the 2014 Spring Index Event for each target
species / age class from each sampling site in the Middle and Lower River Segments of the
Susitna River. .......................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2.2-3. Benthic drift and plankton tow sample totals for 2014 sampling during the Spring
index event for sampling sites in the Middle and Lower River Segments of the Susitna
River. ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND SCIENTIFIC LABELS
Abbreviation Definition
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
CIRWG Cook Inlet Region Working Group
FA Focus Area
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ft feet
ISR Initial Study Report
PAR photosynthetic active radiation
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.14241)
RP River Productivity
RSP Revised Study Plan
TM Technical Memorandum
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
1. BACKGROUND
The Initial Study Report (ISR) for Study 9.8, River Productivity, outlined activities required to
complete the Study Plan (ISR Part C, Section 7.1; AEA 2014). This Technical Memorandum
(TM) presents an update on activities conducted during the Spring field sampling event in June
2014, which was focused on data collection to support the needs of the trophic modeling and
stable isotope analysis objectives of the study. Thus, this TM includes three of the four activities
which AEA indicated would be completed in 2014 (Section 7.2):
• Estimating Drift of Invertebrates (RSP Section 9.8.4.5; AEA 2012), as modified in
ISR Part C Section 7.1.2.2 (AEA 2014).
• Trophic Modeling and Stable Isotope Analysis (RSP Section 9.8.4.7; AEA 2012) as
modified in ISR Part C Section 7.1.2.4 (AEA 2014).
• Fish Diet Analysis (RSP Section 9.8.4.11; AEA 2012) as modified in ISR Part C
Section 7.1.2.5 (AEA 2014).
Notable modifications adopted for these activities included a) continuing stable isotope analysis
sampling at the 16 sites established in 2013 (ISR Part C, Section 7.1.2.4; AEA 2014), and b) the
addition of Arctic grayling juveniles and adults as target species/lifestages to the Study Plan.
The purposes of these modification are to aid in the development of bioenergetics models by
providing new fish growth and foraging information for the models, and stable isotope analysis
efforts that lacked adequate samples in 2013 (ISR Part C, Sections 7.1.2.4 and 7.1.2.5; AEA
2014). In addition, the ISR for Study 9.8, River Productivity, suggested that an increased fish
collection effort would be necessary in subsequent sampling seasons (ISR Part A, Section 6;
AEA 2014). Specifically, the ISR suggested that “coordination efforts and fish collection timing
and locations requirements will be reviewed and refined for efforts in the next year of the study”
and that “River Productivity Study and Fish Distribution study efforts will coordinate schedules
pre-field season to maximize both site and scheduling overlaps and facilitate collection of
useable target fish.” Following this review, the two study programs decided to include a
dedicated fish crew as part of the River Productivity seasonal sampling event efforts, in order to
increase sampling efforts and total targeted fish species collections.
2. 2014 SPRING EVENT SUMMARY
2.1. Methods
The River Productivity Spring Event sampling was conducted over a 10-day period from
June 10–19, 2014 (Table 2.1-1), with a focus on collecting data associated with the trophic
modeling objectives of the study plan. The field team collected the following types of samples
from target fish species (Chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling):
tissue samples (fin clips) for stable isotope analysis, scale samples for growth modeling, and fish
stomach samples for diet analysis. In addition, samples for stable isotope analysis were collected
from benthic macroinvertebrates, benthic algae, benthic organic matter, drifting invertebrates and
seston, and emerging adult insects. Drift nets were set to quantify drifting invertebrates and
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 1 September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
organic matter. At each site, basic habitat and water quality parameters were collected including
temperature, turbidity, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), substrate composition, depth and
velocity. Additionally, GPS coordinates were recorded for all sampling locations. Finally, at
each of the 21 sites an OnSet Tidbit temperature logger was deployed in the water and set to
record surface water temperatures until removal during the Fall Event, scheduled for September
2014.
2.2. Results of Data Collection Efforts
During the Spring sampling event for the River Productivity study, a total of 129 diet, tissue, and
scale samples from four target fish species were collected for stable isotope analysis along with
samples of benthic and drift components (Table 2.2-1). The stable isotope analysis will be
conducted by the Wipfli Laboratory at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Target species
collected during this sampling trip included 39 juvenile coho salmon, 52 juvenile Chinook
salmon, eight adult rainbow trout, 24 juvenile Arctic grayling, and six adult Arctic grayling
(Table 2.2-2). Sampling methods used to collect target species included fyke nets, beach seines,
backpack electrofishing, minnow traps, and angling.
At Montana Creek (RP-81), AEA collected samples from 19 juvenile coho, 12 juvenile Chinook,
and two juvenile Arctic grayling. At Whiskers Slough (FA-104), samples were collected from
24 juvenile coho, 10 juvenile Chinook, and two juvenile Arctic grayling. At Indian River
(FA-141), AEA collected samples from nine juvenile coho, 13 juvenile Chinook, eight adult
rainbow trout, five juvenile Arctic grayling, and one adult Arctic grayling. At FA-173, efforts
yielded one juvenile Chinook, and seven juvenile and four adult Arctic grayling. No targeted
fish species were captured within sites RP-173-4 or RP-173-5, two sites which required access
via CIRWG lands. At FA-184, AEA collected samples from three juvenile Chinook, and eight
juvenile and one adult Arctic grayling. Genetics samples were collected from all juvenile
Chinook salmon caught above Devils Canyon.
An additional 5,881 non-target fish were also collected with these methods during this sampling
trip. Non-target fish captured at sites below Devils Canyon included juvenile chum salmon,
juvenile sockeye salmon, juvenile pink salmon, lamprey, longnose sucker, round whitefish,
threespine stickleback, and sculpin; non-target fish captured at sites above Devils Canyon
included longnose sucker, round whitefish, and sculpin.
Along with these target fish species collection efforts, 40 drift samples and 30 plankton tows
were collected within the 21 sites (Table 2.2-3). These samples were prepared and shipped to a
taxonomic laboratory for processing. Results of the invertebrate analysis will be provided for
use in the trophic models.
3. DISCUSSION
Efforts during the 2014 Spring sampling event were focused on collecting the sample
components necessary for both the stable isotope analyses and the fish growth and bioenergetics
models currently in development for the River Productivity Study. Numbers of fish collected in
2013 were lower than expected due to limited access to private land and distributions of target
species upstream of Devils Canyon, including sampling at FA-173 (Stephan Lake Complex) and
FA-184 (Watana Dam), which resulted in no catch of the targeted species/lifestages. The total
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 2 September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
collection for 2013 sampling was 231 target species fish, of which 63 target species fish (27
percent of the 2013 total) were collected during the Spring event (Table 2.2-1). In contrast, the
Spring 2014 dedicated fish collection effort that occurred in concert with macroinvertebrate
sampling captured 129 fish from target species/lifestage, just over 50 percent of the 2013 total.
With the addition of Arctic grayling as a target species, AEA was successful at collecting target
fish at sites both above and below Devils Canyon. A total of 24 target species fish were captured
at sites above Devils Canyon during the Spring event efforts (Table 2.2-2), compared to 0 target
species fish in 2013.
AEA also took the opportunity during the 2014 field season to reevaluate the design of the
emergence traps, which was a study modification proposed in the ISR for Study 9.8, River
Productivity (ISR Part C, Section 7.1.2.1; AEA 2014). Emergence traps were used as part of the
2014 Spring sampling, specifically to collect specimens for stable isotope analysis. These
floating traps were identical to those used in 2013, with no additional modifications. Emergence
traps were left out for 24–48 hour periods and collected an adequate number of emerging adult
insects for the needs of stable isotope analysis during that time period, without any loss or
damage to traps. This method of shorter, more frequent sampling periods may be more
advantageous than the longer deployment times of more than two weeks used in 2013. This
method will be monitored carefully in 2014 as a possible modification to 2015 efforts.
The sampling effort detailed in this TM was repeated in full in August 2014 (Summer Event) and
is scheduled again in September 2014 (Fall Event). Details of the 2014 field activities will be
provided in the USR. In 2015, AEA plans to complete all remaining data collection and analysis
for the River Productivity Study 9.8.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
4. LITERATURE CITED
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA). 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.
AEA. 2014. Initial Study Report: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No.
14241. June 2014. Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the
Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. http://www.susitna-
watanahydro.org/type/documents.
5. TABLES
Table 2.1-1. Sampling Stations and Seasonal Sampling Event dates of collection for the River Productivity study in the Lower and Middle River Segments of the Susitna River.
Seasonal Sampling Event
Station Spring 2014
FA-184 (Watana Dam) 6/17
FA-173 (Stephan Lake Complex) 6/18 – 6/19
FA-141 (Indian River) 6/15 – 6/16
FA-104(Whiskers Slough) 6/10 – 6/12
RP-81 (Montana Creek) 6/13 – 6/14
Notes:
FA = Focus Area
RP = River Productivity
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 September 2014
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2014 FIELD SEASON RIVER PRODUCTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
Table 2.2-1. Itemized listing of Stable Isotope Analysis sample components and number of samples collected from the four sampling stations (16 sites total) in the Middle and Lower River Segments of the Susitna River for the River Productivity Study in both Spring 2014 compared to Spring 2013, along with the total number of samples collected and
analyzed in 2013.
Category Component
Spring
2014
Spring
2013
Total Number
Analyzed (2013)
Endmembers
Benthic Algae 48 44 134
Organic Matter - benthic 48 44 140
Organic Matter - drift 32 30 94
Salmon carcass 0 0 21
Subtotal 128 118 389
Invertebrates
Benthic- grazers -* 25 77
Benthic- collectors -* 37 127
Benthic- shredders -* 19 71
Benthic- predators -* 36 105
Terrestrial Drift -* 23 80
Emergents -* 32 75
Subtotal 172 535
Fish
Chinook salmon - juveniles 39 30 88
Coho salmon - juveniles 52 24 108
Rainbow trout - juveniles 0 8 18
Rainbow trout - adults 8 1 17
Arctic Grayling – juveniles 24 - -
Arctic Grayling – adults 6 - -
Subtotal 129 63 231
Totals 257 353 1,155
Notes:
* Invertebrate sample components were collected with the organic matter components, and will be sorted and identified in the laboratory.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 5 September 2014
2014 FIELD STUDIES PROGRESS REPORT
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM RIVER PRODUCTIVITY STUDY 9.8
Table 2.2-2. Number of fish collected for fish gut content, scales, and stable isotope tissue samples for the River Productivity Study during the 2014 Spring Index Event for each target species / age class from each sampling site in the Middle and Lower River Segments of the Susitna River.
Station Sampling
site Habitat Type Juvenile
Chinook
Juvenile
Coho
Juvenile
Rainbow
Adult
Rainbow
Juvenile
Arctic Grayling
Adult
Arctic Grayling
2014 Spring Totals
FA-184
(Watana Dam)
RP-184-1 Tributary Mouth 0 0 0 0 0 1
RP-184-2 Side Channel 3 0 0 0 7 0
RP-184-3 Main Channel 0 0 0 0 1 0
FA-173
(Stephan Lake
Complex)
RP-173-1 Tributary Mouth 0 0 0 0 1 3
RP-173-2 Main Channel 1 0 0 0 6 1
RP-173-3 Side Channel 0 0 0 0 0 0
RP-173-4 Side Slough - - - - - -
RP-173-5 Upland Slough - - - - - -
FA-141
(Indian River)
RP-141-1 Tributary Mouth 0 8 0 6 0 1
RP-141-2 Side Channel 4 1 0 0 0 0
RP-141-3 Mult Split Main
Channel 8 0 0 0 5 0
RP-141-4 Upland Slough 1 0 0 2 0 0
FA-104
(Whiskers Slough)
RP-104-1 Side Slough 8 8 0 0 0 0
RP-104-2 Side Slough 0 6 0 0 0 0
RP-104-3 Main Channel 2 0 0 0 2 0
RP-104-4 Upland Slough 0 8 0 0 0 0
RP-104-5 Side Channel 0 2 0 0 0 0
RP- 81
(Montana Creek)
RP-81-1 Upland Slough 1 8 0 0 0 0
RP-81-2 Tributary Mouth 0 6 0 0 0 0
RP-81-3 Split Main Channel 7 3 0 0 0 0
RP-81-4 Side Channel 4 2 0 0 2 0
2014 Spring Totals 39 52 0 8 24 6
Notes:
RP River Productivity
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 6 September 2014
2014 FIELD STUDIES PROGRESS REPORT
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM RIVER PRODUCTIVITY STUDY 9.8
Table 2.2-3. Benthic drift and plankton tow sample totals for 2014 sampling during the Spring index event for sampling sites in the Middle and Lower River Segments of the Susitna River.
Site
Macrohabitat
Type
Drift Samples Plankton Tow Samples
Spring Spring
RP-184-1 Tributary Mouth 2
RP-184-2 Side Channel 2
RP-184-3 Main Channel 2
RP-184-4* Main Channel 2
RP-173-1 Tributary Mouth 2
RP-173-2 Main Channel 2
RP-173-3 Side Channel 2
RP-173-4 Side Slough**
5
RP-173-5 Upland Slough** 2
RP-141-1 Tributary Mouth 2
RP-141-2 Side Channel 2
RP-141-3 Mult Split Main Channel 2
RP-141-4 Upland Slough
5
RP-141-5* Main Channel 2
RP-104-1 Tributary Mouth 2
RP-104-2 Side Slough
10
RP-104-3 Main Channel 2
RP-104-4 Upland Slough 2 5
RP-104-5 Side Channel 2
RP-81-1 Upland Slough
5
RP-81-2 Tributary Mouth 2
RP-81-3 Split Main Channel 2
RP-81-4 Side Channel 2
RP-81-5* Side Channel 2
Totals 40 30
Notes:
* Site established for additional drift sampling upstream of tributary mouth.
** CIRWG
RP River Productivity
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 September 2014