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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExcursion Inlet Hydroelectric Project Fish Habitat Study - Dec 2012 - REF Grant 7040069Fish Passage/Fish Habitat Study for the Excursion Inlet Hydro Power Reconnaissance Study Phase 1- Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Prepared for: Haines Borough Haines, Alaska Prepared by: ENVIRON International Corporation Seattle, Washington Date: December 2012 Project Number: 3029876A Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Contents i ENVIRON Contents Page 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Purpose and Objectives 1 1.2 Location 1 1.3 Hydrology 1 1.4 Topography and Geology 3 1.5 Fish Species 4 2 Methods 5 2.1 Definition of Passage Barriers 5 2.2 Barrier evaluation 6 3 Results 10 3.1 Fish Distribution 10 3.1.1 North Creek 10 3.1.2 South Creek 10 3.2 Barrier evaluation 12 3.3 Habitat Characteristics 13 3.3.1 North Excursion Creek 13 3.3.2 South Excursion Creek 16 4 Conclusions and Recommendations 18 5 References 19 List of Figures Figure 1: Excursion Inlet Vicinity Map Figure 2: Mean monthly stream flow (cfs) for the period from June 1957 through September 1981 Pavlof River gage site near Tenakee Figure 3: Stream reaches in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek (1:50,000 scale) based on gradient, confinement and tributary junctions. The red symbols indicate the break points between the reaches. The labels (1S, 2S, 1N, 2N, etc.) are the reach numbers. Figure 4: Electrofishing using Smith-Root LR 24 backpack unit in side channel habitat in North Excursion Creek. Figure 5: Coho juvenile and Dolly Varden captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek by minnow trap, August 2012. Figure 6: Known and potential distribution of coho salmon in North and South Excursion Creeks. The barriers determined to be passage limits by ADF&G are located at RM 2.62 in North Excursion Creek and RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek. Figure 7: Barrier to coho salmon in North Excursion Creek at RM 2.63, November 2012. View upstream to barrier falls. Source: Kern 2012 (Photo 4). Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Contents ii ENVIRON Figure 8: Diagram of the anadromous fish barrier complex in South Excursion Creek identified by ADF&G at RM 2.48 in November 2012. Source: Kern 2012 (Figure 4) Figure 9: Reach breaks defining changes in habitat conditions in North and South Excursion Creeks Figure 10: Stream profile of North and South Excursion Creeks compiled from topographic map data. Canyon reaches and barriers in each stream are indicated based on surveys by ADF&G, November, 2012. List of Tables Table 1: Fish passage criteria used by ADF&G Table 2: Stream gradient (%) by river mile in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek List of Appendices Appendix A: ADF&G Trip Reports, August 2012 and November 2012 Appendix B: Correspondence from Jackie Timothy, ADF&G Appendix C: Photos of North and South Excursion Creeks and Fish Observed During Electroshocking Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Introduction 1 ENVIRON Fish Passage/Fish Habitat Study for the Excursion Inlet Hydro Power Reconnaissance Study Phase 1- Preliminary Fish Habitat Study 1 Introduction The Haines Borough is evaluating the potential to construct a hydroelectric project on Excursion Inlet in North or South Excursion Creeks to provide power to Ocean Beauty’s fish processing facility and the residents of the local community. Construction of a hydroelectric project is an important component of the Haines borough’s efforts to address future energy needs on a regional scale. This report summarizes the preliminary investigation into the potential need to provide fish passage at a proposed facility. 1.1 Purpose and Objectives The goal of this phase of the project is to provide the Haines Borough with a “reconnaissance- level” analysis to determine if a hydroelectric project can be built without providing for fish passage. This included a review of existing information, contacts with Alaska Department of Fish and Game to determine if they had any unpublished data, and field visits to identify any potential anadromous fish migration barriers and generally characterize the habitat. This information was used to develop a preliminary understanding of potential project requirements to protect fish habitat and fish. 1.2 Location The potential hydroelectric power locations include two streams near Excursion Inlet, North and South Excursion Creeks (Figure 1). The potential for power development in these creeks was identified in the 1979 report “Regional Inventory and Reconnaissance Study of Small Hydropower Sites in Southeast Alaska” (CH2M Hill 1979). Either one or both of these streams could be used for hydroelectric energy generation. 1.3 Hydrology The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not have any record of stream gages in either North or South Excursion Creeks (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt). CH2MHill’s 1979 report indicates that South Excursion Inlet Creek has drainage area of 14.3 square miles with a mean annual discharge of 118 cubic-feet per second (cfs) and North Excursion Creek has a drainage area of 13.6 square miles with a mean annual discharge of 117 cfs (CH2M Hill 1979); however, the source of this information was not identified in the report. The USGS, National Water Inventory System database was used to identify stations near Excursion Inlet that had basin sizes similar to those of North and South Excursion Inlet Creeks. Three USGS stations were located on the Kahtaheena River, approximately 4 miles to the west of Excursion Inlet. The period of record for all three stations is very limited and no rating curve was developed for these stations. Therefore the data from these three stations may not be representative of regional hydrologic patterns. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Introduction 2 ENVIRON Figure 1. Excursion Inlet Vicinity Map Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Introduction 3 ENVIRON The next nearest gage site is the historic station for the Pavlof River near Tenakee (station 15108000), situated approximately 40 miles south of Excursion Inlet. This gage site had a drainage area of 24.30 square miles, which is almost twice the drainage area present in North and South Creeks. The period of record at this site extended from June of 1957 through September of 1981. During this period, the mean monthly discharge ranged from 86 cfs in March to 329 cfs in October (Figure 2). The maximum peak flow of 4,620 cfs was observed on October 30, 1978. Periods of high flow occur in Late April through early June and again in October in the Pavlof River. Periods of lower flow tend to occur in late July through August and January through March. Discharges in North and South Creeks is likely substantially smaller than the discharge documented for the Pavlof River, however, the seasonal runoff patterns are likely very similar. Figure 2.Mean monthly stream flow (cfs) for the period from June 1957 through September 1981 Pavlof River gage site near Tenakee. 1.4 Topography and Geology North and South Creeks originate in a steep mountainous area. The creeks drop from the steep headwater areas into a gentle U-shaped valley and then drop once again through steep canyon reaches (Figure 1). Downstream of the canyon reaches, the creeks pass through a low gradient area until which extends to the mouths of the creeks. The Site is situated within the Allexader-Wrangellia physiographic terrain of Southeast Alaska, at the southern extent of the Chilkat Range, and lies immediately east of a north-north-east trending fault (McClelland and Mattinson 2000; Brew and Ford 1985). The Site is primarily comprised of greywacke, mudstone, turbidities, and limestone, which typify Silurian deposits of the Alexander Belt (McClelland and Mattinson 2000). Calcareous greywacke is the dominant rock type. The greywackes are generally thin to medium-bedded, with carbonate clasts, fossil fragments, subordinate feldspar, quartz, and volcano-clasts. The bed-load sediments in both North and South Excursion Inlet Creeks were comprised of mostly well-rounded, cobble and gravel-sized material that appeared to be partially 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Pavlof River near Tenakee (USGS station15108000) Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Introduction 4 ENVIRON metamorphosed marine sediments, with angular clasts observed in some. Changes in the lithology in the up-gradient region of the gorges in both North and South Excursion Creeks may have limited the historical advance of alpine glaciers that appear to have carved the U-shaped valleys in the upper reaches of both creeks; however, there is no change in lithology noted by previous investigators. There are no significant faulting, joints or off-set joints reported within the site, with the exception of a fault line shown running northeast, possibly through the vicinity of Neva Lake and immediately down-gradient of the gorge on the South Excursion Creek (McClelland and Mattinson 2000). 1.5 Fish Species Both North and South Excursion Inlet Creek support populations of anadromous fish. South Excursion Creek supports sockeye (Onchorhynchus nerka), coho (O. kisutch) salmon and chum salmon (O. keta)1. North Excursion Creek supports populations of pink (O. gorbuscha) and coho salmon, and may occasionally provide habitat for adult sockeye salmon bound for South Excursion Creek. The primary resident fish species in the two creeks is Dolly Varden. Chum and pink salmon are rarely found in high gradient stream reaches; therefore, they are unlikely to be found only in the lower reaches of the creeks. Sockeye require lakes to rear and a substantial population utilizes Neva Lake, which is tributary to South Excursion Creek. There are no other accessible lakes in the project area, so sockeye are likely concentrated in lower South Excursion Creek. Coho are strong swimmers and are not dependent upon lakes. They could potential utilize all habitats in the project streams downstream of any fish passage barriers. 1 Salmon species present in project streams as presented here is based on November 2012 electrofishing surveys and habitat assessment by ADF&G along with information in the Anadromous Waters Catalog, available at: http://gis.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FlexMaps/fishresourcemonitor.html?mode=awc Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Methods 5 ENVIRON 2 Methods Coho salmon are the focal species because they can ascend higher gradient streams than pink salmon or chum salmon and, unlike sockeye salmon, they are not dependent on lakes. Thus, the upstream extent of coho likely represents the upstream extent of anadromous fish in project streams. ENVIRON and the Haines Borough anticipated that coho salmon distribution, both actual and potential, could be determined by conducting physical and biological surveys of the streams and characterizing potential barriers. In preparation for the field surveys in August 2012 Environ researched stream survey methodologies used in SE Alaska. In discussion with ADF&G about their methods an opportunity to collaborate developed. ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish and Game) is conducting stream surveys to maintain and update a statutorily required atlas and catalog of waters important to anadromous fishes (the Anadromous Waters Catalog (AWC) http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/SARR/AWC/index.cfm?ADFG=intro.purpose) and was interested in surveying the project streams. ADF&G participation provided ADF&G Habitat Division an opportunity to become familiar with the project area, which will be important in potential future regulatory processes, and also provided an opportunity to try to reach mutual agreement on the presence/absence of fish barriers. Two ADF&G biologists accompanied ENVIRON in the field and conducted electrofishing and minnow trapping to sample the distribution of juvenile coho salmon. ADF&G returned to the sites in November, 2012, to further evaluate potential fish barriers identified during the August field visit. 2.1 Definition of Passage Barriers ADF&G has no specific written methodology or criteria to be used to identify passage barriers. In application, field biologists characterize the stream feature and compare their measurements against species-specific criteria (Table 1). Fish passage criteria include a combination of the maximum fall height, the depth of the pool below the falls, channel gradient (steepness) and the known jumping and swimming capabilities of each species potentially ascending the barrier. For coho, the maximum fall height is 11 feet and the pool depth must be 1.25 times the jump height. The maximum jump height of coho is roughly 7 feet (Sandercock 1991) so the pool depth at the jump must be at least 8.75 feet. It is important to note than fall heights less than 11 feet could limit passage if pool depth is not sufficient. A steep channel can also be a barrier. Barriers at steep channels are a function of the length of the channel, the gradient of the channel, and the flow velocity. Steep slopes ranging from 12 percent gradient and 225 feet long to 24 percent and 25 feet long can be migration barriers for coho (Table 1). Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Methods 6 ENVIRON Table 1. Fish passage criteria used by ADF&G. Criterion Coho Steelhead Sockeye Chinook Pink/Chum Maximum Fall Height (A blockage may be presumed if fall height in feet exceeds the listed heights) 11 13 10 11 a) 4 with deep jump pool b) 3 without pool Pool Depth A blockage may be presumed if the unobstructed water column depth in feet within the pool is less than indicated 1.25 times jump height, except that no minimum pool depth exists for fall heights as follows: a) less than 4 feet for coho and steelhead and b) less than 2 feet for other anadromous fish species Steep channel. A blockage may be presumed at the upper end of the reach if channel steepness in feet is equal to or greater than the following without resting places for fish >225 at 1.2 percent gradient >100 at 1.6 percent gradient >100 at 9 percent gradient >50 at 20 percent gradient >25 at 24 percent gradient Note: From Table A, Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act Regulations 21 (http://forestry.alaska.gov/pdfs/ForestResources&PracticesRegulations-GREEN_BOOK_April2009.pdf). 2.2 Barrier evaluation Aerial surveys for barriers in the project streams were conducted by ENVIRON on August 16, 2012 from a two-person helicopter at altitudes of approximately 2 to 3 times the height of dominant conifer trees in the riparian zone, which placed the observer approximately 180 feet above stream level. The flight path was in the upstream direction along the stream course. The focus of the search was to locate potential barriers upstream of the lower reaches that were surveyed and sampled in foot surveys. Stream features that appeared to be falls or steep chutes were inspected further by circling and observation from multiple perspectives. ENVIRON staff mapped locations with a Garmin Etrex GPS unit and took photographs and video for later examination and evaluation. ADF&G personnel conducted a separate aerial reconnaissance of project streams the same day as ENVIRON and landed upstream of a potential barrier in North Excursion Creek previously identified by ENVIRON at about RM 4.0 to electrofish side channel habitats and to determine the species of fish that were present upstream of the potential barriers. ENVIRON staff presented photographs and description of the barriers preliminarily identified in project streams to ADF&G staff for their opinion and observations. No official fish passage judgments could be made solely from photographic information obtained by either ADF&G or ENVIRON, therefore the results of August surveys served to identify the specific stream reaches that may contain passage barriers. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Methods 7 ENVIRON ADF&G returned to the project area in November 2012 and conducted general surveys of stream habitats and electrofished rearing habitats to assess fish species presence. Fish passage barriers were characterized by height, gradient and jump pool characteristics presented in ADF&G’s report (Kern 2012), which is included as Appendix A. The stream survey protocol that was originally intended to be used would have included a rapid upstream survey to locate barriers to coho salmon passage and a continuous physical survey from the barrier downstream to document the quality and quantity of habitats for rearing and spawning coho. Stream flows and flow velocities in August 2012 were greater than anticipated and the streams could not be safely walked. Stream flow was estimated at 10 feet per second (fps) or more in confined channels. These conditions prevented foot survey of project streams in the middle and upper reaches. Stream reaches were delineated from USGS topographic maps with 100 foot contour intervals (Figure 3). These reaches were anticipated to reflect the potential for fish utilization by species and life stage and provide a basic framework for reference. Stream profiles of project streams were developed from current topographic maps. The lower elevations of the project streams were surveyed on foot for barriers and fish presence August 13 through 15. Where foot surveys were possible, qualitative electrofishing was conducted by ADF&G in backwater and off-channel habitats to determine fish species present. A Smith-Root LR-24 unit electrofishing unit was used (Figure 4). Power and cycle settings were from 375 to 450 volts at 30Hz and 15% duty cycle. Stream surveys conducted by ADF&G over November 7-8, 2012 provided general observations about fish habitats and fish presence at stream flows much lower than those during August surveys. Continuous surveys were possible from about RM 1.49 to RM 2.48 in south Creek and RM 0.68 to RM 2.92 in North Creek. Stream segments were also electrofished during the November survey using the same methods described for the August electrofishing effort. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Methods 8 ENVIRON Figure 3.Stream reaches in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek (1:50,000 scale) based on gradient, confinement and tributary junctions. The red symbols indicate the break points between the reaches. The labels (1S, 2S, 1N, 2N, etc.) are the reach numbers. Figure 3 Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Methods 9 ENVIRON Figure 4.Electrofishing using Smith-Root LR 24 backpack unit in side channel habitat in North Excursion Creek, August 2012. . Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 10 ENVIRON 3 Results 3.1 Fish Distribution 3.1.1 North Creek In August 2012, coho juveniles were found at eight sites in North Excursion Creek from about RM 0.55 up to RM 2.07. Coho juveniles measured 40 and 80 mm (Figure 5) at RM 1.09. This size range includes young- of-the-year and yearling age classes. Dolly Varden (Figure 5) were 3 to 4 times more abundant than juvenile coho in any sample and ranged from 30 to 60 mm. One larger Dolly Varden, approximately 200 mm in length, was captured at RM 1.73. Electrofishing in side channels at RM 4.0, upstream of the canyon area, yielded at least 50 Dolly Varden ranging in length from 30 to 140 mm (Albrecht 2012). No other species were observed in this upper reach. Surveys conducted by ADF&G in November 2012 found coho juveniles further upstream in North Creek, extending upstream to RM 2.49. Resident Dolly Varden and rainbow trout were found upstream of the North Creek fish barrier at RM 2.63 (Kern 2012). Dolly Varden are abundant and distributed throughout the surveyed reaches and presumably upstream into the headwaters of project streams. Figure 5.Coho juvenile (left) and Dolly Varden (right) captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek by minnow trap,August 2012. The present limit of anadromous fish passage recorded in the AWC for North Excursion Creek is at about RM 1.7 (Albrecht 2012) based on an undocumented report or observation of pink salmon distribution. During surveys in August 2012, coho were found to present up to RM 2.3. From surveys conducted by ADF&G in November 2012, Kern (2012) recommends that the official limit of anadromous fish passage be extended upstream to the point of last salmon capture at RM 2.49 in North Excursion Creek. This is just downstream of the identified passage barrier at RM 2.63. Since no passage limits were found downstream of this point, it reasonable to use the identified barrier as the physical limit of anadromous for planning purposes (Figure 6). 3.1.2 South Creek One side channel in South Creek, located at RM 0.77, was electrofished in August 2012. Four Dolly Varden juveniles ranging in length from 30 to 90 mm were captured. No anadromous Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 11 ENVIRON species were captured or observed at this location. Electrofishing by ADF&G between RM 1.5 and 2.7 at lower flows in November 2012 also found no coho juveniles. Stream flow velocities limited the stream surveys in August 2012. Subsequent surveys of these reaches by ADF&G at much lower flows in November 2012 found limited side channel and spawning habitats in the canyon reach. While no coho juveniles were found in August 2012 (RM 0.77) or by ADF&G in November 2012, coho salmon could utilize habitats up to the natural passage limit at RM 2.48; however, the absence of coho in both surveys suggests utilization of these habitats is uncommon. Figure 6.Known and potential distribution of coho salmon in North and South Excursion Creeks. The barriers determined to be passage limits by ADF&G are located at RM 2.62 in North Excursion Creek and RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek. The upper limit of anadromous fish in South Excursion Creek is listed in the AWC at about RM 1.1. This limit could be changed to a point further upstream if anadromous fish are found to be present, confirming utilization of habitats downstream of the passage barrier at RM 2.48 (Kern 2012). Albrecht (2012) noted that no passage barrier was present at the official limit and it was the judgment of the survey party in August 2012 that nothing would preclude coho adults or juveniles from utilizing habitats upstream of the AWC official limit. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 12 ENVIRON During the November 2012 survey, ADF&G identified the natural barrier to anadromous fish passage in South Excursion Creek at RM 2.48. The upper extent of anadromy will not be extended upstream of the current location of RM 1.1 (Figure 6) because no anadromous fish were found upstream of this location. Anadromous fish are present in lower South Creek (Albrecht 2012) and it is reasonable to presume that coho salmon can and will utilize habitats upstream of the known limit of anadromy, to the barrier at RM 2.48 in years of abundant spawners and accommodating stream flow conditions. For these reasons, it reasonable to use the identified barrier at RM 2.48 as the physical limit of anadromous fish passage for planning purposes. 3.2 Barrier evaluation No barriers were identified during August 2012 surveys conducted on foot in the reaches downstream of the canyon areas in project streams. Two potential barriers were identified by ENVIRON in North Excursion Creek and three potential barriers were identified by ENVIRON in South Excursion Creek during the aerial surveys. Foot surveys by ADF&G in November 2012 identified anadromous fish passage barriers at RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek and RM 2.63 in North Excursion Creek (Figure 6). The barrier in North Creek is a 4.8 m (15.7 feet) high falls with a jump pool 1.2 m (3.9 feet) deep (Figure 7). In South Creek, the barrier is a falls complex (Figure 8). Photos of the complex are provided in ADF&G’s November trip report (Kern 2012). Figure 7.Barrier to coho salmon in North Excursion Creek at RM 2.63, November 2012. View upstream to barrier falls. Source: (Kern 2012 Photo 4). Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 13 ENVIRON Figure 8.Diagram of the anadromous fish barrier complex in South Excursion Creek identified by ADF&G at RM 2.48 in November 2012. Source: Kern 2012 (Figure 4) 3.3 Habitat Characteristics 3.3.1 North Excursion Creek Lower North Excursion Creek (Reach 1N, Figure 9) provides both spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous fish in a broad channel, 60 to more than 100 feet wide. This reach has well- developed shallow edge habitats and off-channel features at an overall gradient of 1.4 percent with local gradients of 2 to 3 percent (Figure 10; Table 2). Albrecht (2012) estimated that 20 percent of Reach 1N ( Figure 9) contained side channels and observed adult pink salmon spawning and holding in a side channel at RM 0.32. As elevation increased through Reach 1N (RM 0.56 to RM 1.7), the channel became increasing confined and narrowed to 40 to 60 feet wide with gradients between 2 and 3 percent (Figure 10). Spawning habitats are likely present but could not be quantified because of the water depth and velocity. Spawning habitat may be present in a patchy distribution. The dominant substrate class throughout this reach is cobble with local sorting and deposition creating mid-channel and lateral bars. Surveys by ADF&G in November 2012 continued further upstream and generally confirmed the presence of these habitat characteristics (Kern 2012) Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 14 ENVIRON Figure 9. Reach breaks defining changes in habitat conditions in North and South Excursion Creeks. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 15 ENVIRON The canyon reach of North Excursion Creek (Reach 2N) increases in gradient to 2 to 3 percent from about RM 2.4 to RM 3.3. This reach is distinctly confined with a stepped profile and that likely provides limited edge and off-channel habitats for juvenile coho and unknown potential for coho spawning. Dolly Varden are abundant in the alluviated valley (Reach 3N) above the canyon reach where gradient lessens to 2 percent. Rainbow trout may also be present in Reach 3N based the observation of a single trout at RM 2.63 by ADF&G (Kern 2012) Stream meander and side channel habitats in Reach 3N are evident from aerial surveys in August 2012. Gradient in reaches 4N and 5N increases from 3 percent to over 17 percent. Dolly Varden are likely present in lower gradient habitats of these reaches but the headwaters are steep enough to preclude utilization by any fish species. Table 2. Stream gradient (%) by river mile in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek. North Excursion Creek South Excursion Creek River Mile Percent Gradient River Mile Percent Gradient 0.00 0.0% 0.00 0.0% 1.32 1.4% 1.24 1.5% 2.18 2.2% 2.25 1.9% 2.82 3.0% 2.58 5.6% 3.75 2.0% 2.90 6.1% 4.56 2.4% 3.17 6.9% 5.14 3.2% 3.91 2.5% 5.51 5.1% 4.24 5.8% 5.79 6.7% 4.62 5.0% 5.99 9.8% 4.91 6.5% 6.10 17.2% 5.14 8.2% Note: *Developed from USGS topographic data, 100 ft. contour intervals available at http://www.mapcard.com/ Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 16 ENVIRON Figure 10. Stream profile of North and South Excursion Creeks compiled from topographic map data. Canyon reaches and barriers in each stream are indicated based on surveys by ADF&G, November, 2012. 3.3.2 South Excursion Creek Reach 1S (Figure 9) is a low gradient (1.5 percent or less; Figure 10) reach extending from tidewater to approximately RM 1.1. This reach provides both spawning and rearing habitats for anadromous fish and contained several thousand spawning pink salmon during our site visit in August 2012 (Albrecht 2012). Reach 2S is a transitional reach with increasing gradient and a stepped profile. Off-channel habitats for rearing and a patchy distribution of substrates suitable for spawning are present in the reach. No adult salmon were observed in this reach by either ADF&G or ENVIRON during foot or aerial surveys in August 2012 or ADF&G surveys in November 2012; however, Reach 2S should be considered accessible to coho salmon and possibly other species. Albrecht (2012) noted the presence of rearing habitats and that the present limit of anadromous fish shown in the ADF&G stream catalog was not based on a barrier. High water velocities limited accessibility of this reach in August 2012 but diminished flows in November 2012 allowed ADF&G biologists to survey this reach up to and including the barrier at RM 2.48, confirming earlier observations of potential use of these habitats by anadromous fish (Kern 2012). Reach 3S is a canyon reach extending from approximately RM 2.0 through RM 3.3. It has a confined channel pattern and gradient ranging from about 2 to 7 percent. The reach was found 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000Elevation (ft) Distance from Mouth (ft) Stream Profile, North and South Creeks North Creek South Creek North Creek Canyon South Creek Canyon Source: USGS topographic maps with 100 foot contours http://www.mapcard.com/ S. Creek Barrier N. Creek barrier Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Results 17 ENVIRON to contain a passage barrier to coho salmon at RM 2.48. Although not observed, Dolly Varden char can be expected to utilize habitats in this reach. Reach 4S, located upstream of the canyon reach, has a lower stream gradient of approximately 2.5 percent. This reach may support Dolly Varden. Presence or absence of fish upstream of the barrier in Reach 3S will be confirmed by ADF&G in the spring of 2013 (Kern 2012). Reaches 5S through 7S are increasingly steep (greater than 5.8 percent). A headwater population of Dolly Varden char may be present through the lower gradient portions of these reaches. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Conclusions and Recommendations 18 ENVIRON 4 Conclusions and Recommendations Stream reaches that likely contained limits to anadromous fish passage were identified using the results of the foot and aerial surveys in August 2012. Further investigation by ADF&G officially identified the exact location of anadromous fish passage barriers in November 2012. Coho salmon are present up to RM 2.49 and potentially up to the barrier at RM 2.62 in North Excursion Creek. In South Creek, coho salmon have been documented up to river mile 1.1 (Kern 2012), but could potentially occur, under suitable flow conditions, up to the barrier at RM 2.48. Only Dolly Varden char are were found to be present above RM 4.0 in North Excursion Creek and Dolly Varden char are likely to be present above the anadromous fish barrier at RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek. Preliminary discussions with ADF&G indicate that upstream fish passage would be required if a diversion were built within anadromous fish habitat. Siting a diversion above the limits of anadromous fish passage would not require upstream passage2. Downstream passage for juvenile Dolly Varden char will be required at all potential locations for a dam unless a special allowance is made by ADF&G. This would provide connectivity of upstream populations of Dolly Varden with populations located downstream of the passage barrier. Downstream passage for juvenile fish at a diversion structure is common design feature in small hydroelectric structures and can be incorporated at minimal cost. Depending on siting of the powerhouse, it is possible that a bypass reach may extend into the anadromous fish zone. Conceptually, reduced flows in a bypass reach could result in an improvement of fish habitats by reducing velocities and increasing the area suitable for both rearing and spawning fish. A study of instream flow and changes in fish habitat suitability would be required to determine the effects of flow diversion in a bypass reach. Placement of the entire project upstream of the anadromous habitats could potentially avoid the need for further studies or reduce the magnitude of those studies. Further consultation with ADF&G, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Corp of Engineers will be necessary to determine what additional studies would be required under each design scenario. There are distinctions between North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek that inform project siting considerations. The canyon reach of South Excursion Creek is considerably steeper in profile than North Excursion Creek and could potentially provide more hydraulic head in a shorter distance (see Figures 6 and 10). Additionally, no anadromous fish have been observed between RM 1.1 and the barrier at RM 2.48. Conceptually, a diversion could be constructed in South Excursion Creek upstream of the anadromous migration barrier and the powerhouse could be located near the barrier in the zone where no fish have been documented. This configuration would have little to no effect on the existing anadromous habitat in the creek. Since lower South Excursion Creek supports a valuable sockeye population in Neva Creek that is widely recognized by ADF&G and the USFS, avoidance of impacts to the lower river populations (Reaches 1S and 2S) will be an important consideration in the design of a project. 2 See email from J. Timothy, ADF&G, in Appendix B. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study References 19 ENVIRON 5 References Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Anadromous Waters Catalog. Available at: http://gis.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FlexMaps/fishresourcemonitor.html?mode=awc. Last accessed 09 September 2012. Albrecht, G. 2012. ADF&G Memorandum from Greg Albrecht to Jackie Timothy, 9/12/2012, Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report 8/13/123. Brew, D.A. and Ford, A.B., 1985. Preliminary reconnaissance geologic map of the Juneau, Taku River, Atlin, and part of the Skagway 1:250,000 quadrangles, southeastern Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 85-395, 23 p., 2 plates. CH2M Hill. 1979. Regional inventory and reconnaissance study for small hydroelectric power sites in Southeast Alaska. Report prepared for the Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Available at: http://akenergyinventory.org/hyd/SSH-1979-0373.pdf Kern, M. 2012. ADF&G Memorandum from Matthew Kern to Jackie Timothy, 11/26/2012, Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report 11/8/123 McClelland, W.C. and Mattinson, J.M., 2000. Cretaceous-Tertiary evolution of the western Coast Mountains, central southeastern Alaska; in Ridgway, K.D. and others eds., tectonic growth of a collisional continental margin: Crustal evolution of southeastern Alaska: Geological Society of America Special Paper No. 343, p.159-161. Quinn, Tess. 2011. Cataloguing anadromous waters in Southeast Alaska: Juneau Road System. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Technical Report No. 11-05, Douglas, Alaska. [Last accessed 07/16/12: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/library/pdfs/habitat/11_05.pdf] Sandercock, F. K. 1991. Life history of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).In: C. Croot and L. Marcolis (eds.) Pacific salmon life histories. UBC Press. University of British Columbia, Vancouver B.C., Canada, p. 395-445 3 Full text provided in Appendix A. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix A ENVIRON Appendix A ADF&G Trip Reports August 2012 and November 2012 MEMORANDUM State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Habitat TO: Jackie Timothy DATE: November 26, 2012 Southeast Regional Supervisor THRU: Greg Albrecht SUBJECT: Excursion Inlet Hydro Habitat Biologist Trip Report FROM: Matthew Kern PHONE NO: (907) 465-4182 Habitat Biologist On November 7-8, 2012, Habitat Biologist Greg Albrecht and I traveled to Excursion Inlet to survey North and South Creeks (Figures 1-4) where the City and Borough of Haines is considering a run-of-the- river hydroelectric project. Our purpose was to conduct foot surveys of each system during low water levels to determine anadromous fish barriers, fish presence, and potential resident and anadromous fish habitat. During an August 2012 trip (See Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report by Greg Albrecht) high flows prevented us from mapping stream characteristics from the ground in upstream reaches. Two weeks of cold and clear weather with limited precipitation preceded this trip providing lower water levels. South Creek: Our survey of South Creek (ADFG Stream No. 114-80-10450; CHp, COp, Pp, Sp) started 2.4 river km upstream from tidewater influence and ended at river km 4.4 where we encountered a series of cascades, waterfalls, and bedrock chutes (Figures 1 & 3). The surveyed reach contained limited side channel habitat and many step pools over an average gradient of 3-5%. Stream substrate was composed of sections of bedrock, large boulders, and few sections of suitable gravels for spawning habitat (Photos 1 & 2). Using a flow meter and measuring tape we estimated flow at waypoint 215 to be 34.78 cfs. We electrofished frequently in areas of potential rearing habitat and found Dolly Varden char (40-90 mm) in relatively low abundance. We determined the upper extent of potential anadromous fish habitat based on falls height and jump pool depth (Figure 4). The series of falls and cascades was about 190 meters long, and had a gradient of 13% with some resting pools (Photo 3). We did not electrofish upstream of the barrier to confirm resident fish presence, however we would expect Dolly Varden char habitat and presence upstream. Since no anadromous fish were observed on South Creek, the cataloged upper extent of anadromy was not extended. We will conduct upstream resident fish surveys next spring. North Creek: Our survey of North Creek (ADFG Stream No. 111-80-10400; Pp) went from 1.1 to 4.7 kilometers upstream of tide water (Figures 1 & 2). Our survey ended at a barrier falls with an estimated height of Excursion Inlet Hydro 2 November 26, 2012 4.8 meters and a 1.2 meter jump pool (Photo 4). We determined the falls to be the top of potential anadromous fish habitat. The surveyed reach contained more rearing habitat and side channels containing large woody debris than South Creek (Photos 5 & 6). Stream gradient averaged 1-2% with a higher proportion of gravel substrate than South Creek. We measured discharge to be 37.75 cfs near waypoint 128, and 33.51 cfs downstream near waypoint 111. Flow at the downstream location may have been lower due to water percolating through extensive gravel bars at the location. We electrofished throughout the reach and captured many Dolly Varden char, one rainbow trout (Photos 7 & 8), and two juvenile coho salmon (Table 1). The two juvenile coho we captured were each about 35 mm (Photo 9), and were caught 1.5 km upstream of the existing cataloged upper extent. Recommendations ADF&G Habitat will continue to work with the City and Borough of Haines if a proposal to construct a upper extent in the Anadromous Waters Catalog at our upstream coho salmon capture. We will also of anadromy, which lies several hundred feet off the active channel, by matching it with the existing stream channel. Photo 1. Looking downstream at South Creek through section of bedrock and large boulder substrate. Photo 3. One of the step falls in the barrier complex on South Creek near waypoint 195 (Figure 4). Photo 2. Section of South Creek with many cascades, bedrock, and large substrate. Photo 4. Looking upstream at the barrier falls on North Creek measured at 4.8 meters high (waypoint 185). Excursion Inlet Hydro 3 November 26, 2012 Photo 5. Side channel habitat in North Creek where we electrofished two juvenile coho salmon (waypoint 187) about 300 meters downstream from the barrier falls. Photo 8. Detail of the rainbow trout adipose fin with no pigment breaks along the outer edge. Photo 6. Looking downstream on North Creek in an area with a relatively broad channel. Photo 7. Rainbow trout 150 mm- electrofished in a side channel habitat of North Creek. Photo 9. Juvenile coho salmon electrofished from side channel habitat (Photo 5) in North Creek, 37 mm fork length. Excursion Inlet Hydro 4 November 26, 2012 Table 1. Waypoint notes from November 7 & 8 surveys of North and South Creek. Elevations taken from GPS may have varying degrees of accuracy due to satellite reception. North Creek Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes 180 58.4398 -135.4063 100.58 4 DV Electrofished - 60 feet of good rearing habitat. 181 58.44 -135.4042 115.48 160 mm Rainbow Trout Electrofished 182 58.4405 -135.4009 119.57 Bedrock Channel 183 58.4405 -135.4002 117.89 High gradient Chute 184 58.4405 -135.4002 117.89 Chute continued 185 58.4411 -135.3973 116.20 Estimated 14 Ft falls with 4 Ft deep jump pool out from base of falls. Large Woody Debris (LWD) contributing to flow, but bedrock profile is likely at least 14 feet. 22.5 feet channel bed width directly below falls. 186 58.4408 -135.3985 107.55 2 DV Electrofished. 7% gradient, 70.5 feet. 187 58.4404 -135.4037 96.98 2 Coho - 35 mm, 10 DV electrofished in calm side channel. Good habitat between here and snow bridge. New upper extent of anadromous fish capture 188 58.44 -135.4099 89.77 Side channel, good rearing habitat. 128 58.4347 -135.4127 86.88 Flow taken here. 37.73 cfs. 113 58.4241 -135.4264 31.37 From here to WPT 128, very little Side channel habitat. Maybe 20% or 10%. Low flows would favor rearing fish. Side channel complex starts here and goes downstream through log jam. 111 58.4212 -135.43 32.57 Coho jaw- looked fresh but with cold temps difficult to tell age. Flow 2 taken here 33.51 cfs. South Creek Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes 100 58.4121 -135.407 Point lies 200 feet south of the stream channel 106 58.4132 -135.407 56.60 Electrofished 10 DV, poor coho rearing habitat. Large substrate, 2-3% gradient 107 58.4134 -135.4068 59.73 From here to WPT 106, low DV abundance. 3% gradient, large substrate, little pool and LWD habitat 189 58.4141 -135.4068 48.43 Salmon remains, likely coho- on log across river. 190 58.4147 -135.4065 52.28 Electrofished 4 DV in LWD jam 191 58.4158 -135.4053 63.81 6 DV Electrofished 192 58.4161 -135.4048 66.46 4 DV Electrofished - good woody debris pool Excursion Inlet Hydro 5 November 26, 2012 \Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes 193 58.4199 -135.396 112.36 2 DV Electrofished. 194 58.4214 -135.3901 129.66 Start of steep area/barrier 195 58.4219 -135.3886 140.96 Top of falls complex - 10 foot falls with 4 foot jump pool (see video) cascade through another 10 foot falls into 8 foot pool. Total length is 190 Meters at 13 % Gradient. 196 58.4208 -135.3908 114.52 2 foot high falls 197 58.4205 -135.3914 110.68 5 foot high cascade 198 58.4208 -135.3926 107.79 3 foot falls and cascade into large pool. 199 58.4209 -135.3938 104.19 3 foot cascades 200 58.4203 -135.3947 98.90 1 foot cascades, 3 foot falls, logjam. 201 58.42 -135.3954 96.26 5 foot high cascade 202 58.42 -135.3963 92.65 Several 3 foot cascades, a 4 foot falls 203 58.4201 -135.3972 92.65 4 foot cascade, some lower gradient here ~150 feet 204 58.4198 -135.3984 86.64 Many cascades, 4 foot chute. 205 58.4194 -135.4003 84.24 Lower gradient, no falls, smaller cascades, potentially first area for upstream resident fish migration, 2% gradient. 206 58.4194 -135.4014 84.00 Cascades 207 58.4187 -135.4031 78.95 6 foot high falls on one side of River, 5 foot on the other, close to a barrier with jump pool less than 4 feet. 208 58.4177 -135.4036 82.08 3-5 foot high cascades 209 58.4168 -135.4039 79.67 Several deep pools and complex LWD, 1.5% gradient with step pools. 210 58.4161 -135.4046 76.55 2 foot high cascades. 211 58.4157 -135.4047 72.95 Side channel habitat, good rearing potential - 2-5% gradient here with 2-3 cascades. 212 58.4151 -135.4059 70.54 Series of cascades - Total of 10 feet high but with some resting pools. 213 58.4149 -135.4061 68.14 Slower water, some still pools with LWD potential for resident fish movement - Gradient 1.5% 214 58.4139 -135.4068 66.94 Pool and 3 foot high cascades, Gradient 1.5%. 215 58.4131 -135.407 62.85 Cascades and gradients >1.5% from here upstream. 216 58.4121 -135.4079 51.32 Gradient <1.5% from here to tide water. 217 58.4117 -135.4091 47.95 Small cascade about 3 feet high, wider channel. Still limited rearing and spawning habitat. Figure 1. Overview map of North and South Creeks with waypoints. Note that stream layer was not corrected to match GPS waypoints. Excursion Inlet Hydro 7 November 26, 2012 Figure 2. Detailed map of North Creek with photos of the barrier falls and representative sections of stream. Excursion Inlet Hydro 8 November 26, 2012 Figure 3. Detailed map of South Creek Waypoints with photos of significant falls and rearing habitat. Excursion Inlet Hydro 9 November 26, 2012 Figure 4. Diagram of falls and cascades in the South Creek barrier complex at waypoint 195 (Figure 1). cc: Al Ott, ADF&G Habitat, Fairbanks All, Douglas Habitat Staff Brian Glynn, ADF&G/SF, Juneau David Harris, ADF&G/CF, Juneau Ryan Scott, ADF&G/WC, Juneau Steve Brockmann, USFWS, Juneau Victor Ross, USACE, Juneau Ken Ames, Environ Corp, Seattle Mike Parton, Environ Corp, Olympia Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix B ENVIRON Appendix B Correspondence from Jackie Timothy, ADF&G Appendix B ENVIRON From: Timothy, Jackie L (DFG) <jackie.timothy@alaska.gov> Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:13 AM To: Mike Parton Cc: Albrecht, Gregory T (DFG) Subject: RE: Summary of our 9/07/2012 web meeting That is my recollection. Thanks. Jackie From: Mike Parton [mailto:mparton@environcorp.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 7:06 AM To: Timothy, Jackie L (DFG); Albrecht, Gregory T (DFG) Subject: Summary of our 9/07/2012 web meeting Good Morning Jackie, Thank you for your time last Friday. We enjoyed the discussion and better understand the process of evaluation and stream nomination. And Greg sent along the names of other agency folks you recommended we talk with. I also understand that he worked with Domini Glass to get video and photos uploaded. We’re looking forward to his written report. I’m preparing a summary of our call and would appreciate your review and concurrence (or edits) of the following points. We talked about many things, but I think these bullets capture the main points we came away with. Your feedback is much appreciated. Best, Mike ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary of September 07, 2012 web meeting between ADF&G and Environ staff. 1. The limit of anadromous fish passage in North Excursion and South Excursion creeks (project streams) can be established only through sampling for species presence and characterizing the stream feature that limits fish passage. 2. ADF&G staff will return to these project streams to finish the work of establishing the limits of fish passage in the project streams. The possible times for this work are the fall of 2012 or winter 2013. 3. Alaska statute requires downstream passage unless an exception is made by the Commissioner of the ADF&G. 4. Given what we currently know about the project streams, there is no reason not to proceed with the engineering feasibility work. Appendix B ENVIRON 5. Greg Albrecht is working on a trip report for our August 2012 surveys and sampling of project streams and will upload video, still photos, and GPS data to the web site Environ has set up. Mike Parton | Aquatic Ecologist | Sr. Manager 525 Columbia Street NW, Suite 204 - Olympia, WA 98501 360.515.5805 | mobile 360.485.2228 | fax 360.515.5801 mparton@environcorp.com | www.environcorp.com Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix C ENVIRON Appendix C Photos of North and South Excursion Creeks and Fish Observed During Electroshocking Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix C ENVIRON Dolly Varden juvenile captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek by minnow trap. Coho juvenile captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek by minnow trap. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix C ENVIRON Substrate composition on a lateral bar in North Excursion Creek at RM 1.28. Typical steep riffle and bar habitats in North Excursion Creek at RM 1.28. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix C ENVIRON Steep riffle and run habitat with lateral pools in South Excursion Creek at RM 1.31. Downstream view of turbulent flow pattern and habitats at 2 -3% gradient in South Excursion Creek at RM 1.52. Phase 1 – Preliminary Fish Habitat Study Appendix C ENVIRON Upstream view of North Excursion Creek at the end of the foot survey at RM 2.13.