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Pre-Application Document Susitna-Watana FERC Project NO. 14241 December 2011 Volume II of II scoping doc 1
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON,DC 20426 February 23,2012 OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS Project No.14241-000 -Alaska Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority Subject:Scoping Document 1 for Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (No-14241-000). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission)is reviewingthePre-Application Document (PAD)submitted by Alaska Energy Authority(AEA)on December 29,2011,for the licensing of the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.14314-000)(project).The proposed projectwouldbelocatedintheMatanuskaSusitnaBoroughontheSusitnaRiveratrivermile184abovetherivermouth,approximately halfway between Anchorage andFairbanks,Alaska.The small,unincorporated Native village of Cantwell,in the _Denali Borough,is located about 45 air miles west of the proposed project dam,while Anchorage is approximately 180 air miles generally south of the projectarea.The project would occupy federal lands currently administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)but selected for potential acquisition by theStateofAlaskaundertheAlaskaStatehoodAct,state lands administered by theAlaskaDepartmentofNaturalResources,and private lands owned by AlaskaNativeCorporationsandothers. Pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)of 1969,as amended,Commission staff intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS)for the project,which will be used by the Commission to determine whether, and under what conditions,to issue a license for the project.To support and assist our environmental review,we are beginning the public scoping process to ensure that all pertinent issues are identified and analyzed,and that the EIS is thoroughandbalanced. We invite your participation in the scoping process,and are circulating theattachedScopingDocument1(SD1)to provide you with information on the project;to solicit comments and suggestions on our preliminary list of issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS;and to request any studies that would helpprovideaframeworkforcollectingpertinentinformationontheresourceareas under consideration necessary for the Commission to prepare the EIS for the project. Commission staff will hold scoping meetings for the project to receive input on the scope of the EIS.These scoping meetings will be on March 26-29,2012 at the time and place described below. DATE TIME PLACE Monday,March 26,2012 6pm -10 pm Loussac Library 3600 Denali Street Anchorage,AK 99503 Tuesday,March 27,2012 9am -2pm Loussac Library 3600 Denali Street Anchorage,AK 99503 Tuesday,March 27,2012 6pm -10pm Menard Memorial Sports Center 1001 S.Mack Drive Wasilla,AK 99654 Wednesday,March 28,2012 6pm -10pm Su-Valley Jr/Sr High School 42728 S.Parks Highway Sunshine,AK 99676 Wednesday,March 28,2012 6pm -9pm Caribou Café Banquet Room 187 Glenn Highway Glennallen,AK 99588 Thursday,March 29,2012 6pm -10pm Westmark Hotel & Conference Center 813 Noble Street Fairbanks,AK 99701 Thursday,March 29,2012 6pm -10pm Cantwell Community Hall Milepost 133.1 on the Denali Hwy. Cantwell,AK 99729 All interested agencies,local governments,non-governmental organizations,Alaska Native entities,and individuals are invited to attend any or all of the meetings.More information on the scoping meetings is available in the enclosed SD1. The SD1 is being distributed to the Commission's official mailing list (see section 10 of the attached SD1).If you wish to be added to or removed from the Commission's official mailing list,please send your request by email to efiling@ferc.gov or by mail to:Kimberly D.Bose,Secretary,Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,888 First Street,N.E.,Washington,DC 20426.All written or emailed requests must specify your wish to be removed or added to the mailing list and must clearly identify the following on the first page:Susitna- Watana Hydroelectric Project No.14241. oy. Please review the SD1 and,if you wish to provide comments,follow the instructions in section 6.0 Request for Information and Studies.If you have any questions about the SD1,the scoping process,or how Commission staff will develop the EIS for this project,please contact David Turner at (202)502-6091 or David.Turner@ferc.gov.Additional information about the Commission's licensing process and the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project may be obtained from our website,http://www.ferc.gov.The deadline for filing comments is April 27,2012.The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Enclosure:Scoping Document Cc:Mailings List TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION......ec cccssssscssssescsssssssscscsscssccsessassccsssssssesneeeesreeessrsesees 1 2.0 SCOPING ou.eeccsccsscsssserecssesececcssceecsaesscssccseeseceseceeessesecenneseeseesenssessaessnsens 3 2.1 Purpose Of SCOPING ..........csscscessccsseesecsssscescesscesasesseesceesseesseeseessnssessssesensesanes 3 _2.2 Comments,Scoping Meetings,and Site Visit ...........cccssesesscssrccssccsneeeeeeeees 4 3.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ..........ccccsscssscessssssctsseessessess 6 3.1 No-Action Alternative ...........cccsscssssssssssscssscsssssccsssssessecsssssesascssessseneeseeseeeees 6 3.2 AEA's Proposed Action ....c.cccscssscssssssssssssssssscsssesssssssscsesssscscssscsnsssessssnsesscass 6 3.2.1 Project Facilities ...........cccsssccsssessseceesseesseccseeesseesetessuesessessereessessseeeseeeeO 3.2.2 Project Operation........cccsscsssssessessesssssesssssesssesssssessessscseessessesesesessvesars a: 3.2.3.Proposed Environmental Measures.........csescsscsceseessscesessecsesseseeseceeesees 8 3.3.Alternatives to Proposed Action...csessescsecesssseecereecescessesseesesesetenseesenes 10 4.0 SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS AND SITE-SPECIFIC RESOURCE ISSUES......eee ecessseeesteeesesseeesessnesesenes Vesseecceaceeeeeseeaceseesceceseseneeecsaes 10 Al Cumulative Effects 0...cescessssssesseeessesecsseesesssescsassssssseeseeeseeeessnsssenesees 10 4.1.1 Resources that could be Cumulatively Affected...cecesssssseseeeseees 10 4.1.2 Geographic Scope ..........cscsseeseseeeeees seseaceaceeceeseeacesceseesaceseeseeaseaeserss 104.1.3 Temporal Scope....c.cccccssessessesssssecsesteseesssseesesssesesssesesssssesesssesessseseeseeseeeLL 4.2 Project-Specific Resource ISSues..........ccssessescessesseeseeeeneeeesessceeeceseseeessenes 11 4.2.1 Geologic and Soils ReSOULCES ..........csscsssssceecceccsscetcceeeeesensetseesceeeeeesaes 11 4.2.2 Water ReSOUMCES.........cscesscssscsecescesecesscenecesensseceseeeeceeeeesesseeseoeseoeseaees 12 4.2.3 Aquatic RESOULCES .......eee eesceescesecesesescesseescerecessressacersecasecsesscnesseeeanees 12 4.2.4 Terrestrial ReSOUrCES.......cceesssssssesseeseeseseseseseseeesesscesessseessesesesessseesenese 14 4.2.5 Threatened and Endangered Species..............esc seseetececeeeneetareeeees 15 4.2.6 Recreation Resources and Land Use...eceeesesesesessereeeeeeeeeeeeceteeenes 15 4.2.7 Ae@Sthetics ......ececetcessssseseessenceseesecsseesesenseseseesensesesecesasessesesesesessneeaseees 16 4.2.8 Cultural ReSOULCES oe eceeessesscerseecesssseeceseersesecseseneseseseseeeesecaeenesenss 16 4.2.9 Socioeconomic RESOUMCES.........ccscsscereessccssccsccesscesseeseesecessceeereseseseeees 16 A.2.10 Air Quality....cccscsscssccsccnessssescsssnscsessseessessesesesesseseceseeeesesenecesseenssens 17 4.2.11 Developmental Resources...cee eecsseeeneeseecneecsaserereseeseseeserssasaneaass 17 5.0 PROPOSED STUDIES......ce eesssesetcetcessecceesecseessessseeceeceseeaesaeeasesearsseases 17 6.0 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND STUDIES .......eeeseeseteeeeeseetees 20 7.0 EIS PREPARATION SCHEDULE........c.ccscssssesecssesecssescsseessceseesseesesenssees 22 8.0 PROPOSED EIS OUTLINE 00.csssseseressseressssrestscesesseesssasseesesereees 24 9.0 CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANG........cccccsssseseseseeees 26 10.0 MAILING LIST oo.ec cceessecesecennseceeeseceeersnenesseessessesesateaeeeteeeeetnenenssesee2] ii SCOPING DOCUMENT 1 SUSITNA-WATANA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO.P-14241-000 _.Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Energy Projects Division of Hydropower Licensing - Washington,D.C. February 2012 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A.....cccssssssesscssssessesscessecessesecssasssesseeneeseseesuenesscensssssaesaesaesseaeesessneasessenes 35 APPENDIX B........csssssssessescssessessescescsncscesseacssesscsuecssscescessssesueseeseeseessenesersaeeatsnesaeaees 36 LIST OF FIGURES | Figure 1.Susitna-Watana Project Area wo...scsscssssscscsssecssceseesssssssscesseseessesseees vend LIST OF TABLES Table 1.AEA's initial study proposals for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric PLOj€Ct ce ceececseeseeeeeees sesceesesaceasesessessesceuassacensessesdeeassasessscaucassseesassaseseseneeaseasestenees 17 L} iii 10 INTRODUCTION The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC),under the authority of the Federal Power Act (FPA)',may issue licenses for terms ranging from 30 to 50 years for the construction,operation,and maintenance of non-federal hydroelectric projects.The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)filed its Notice of Intent (NOI)and Pre-Application Document (PAD)for the Susitna- Watana Hydroelectric Project P-14241-000,on December 29,2011,and will use the Commission's Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)to develop its license application. The proposed project is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough on the Susitna River at river mile 184 above the river mouth,approximately halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks,Alaska (Figure 1).The small,unincorporated Native village of Cantwell,in the Denali Borough,is located about 45 air miles west of the proposed project dam,while Anchorage is approximately 180 air miles generally south of the project area.The project would occupy federal lands currently administered by the U.S.Bureau of Land Management (BLM)but selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act,state lands administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources,and private lands owned by Alaska Native Corporations and others. The proposed project would consist of a 700-to 800-foot-high by about 2,700 foot-long,concrete gravity or rock-filled dam that would create an approximately 39-mile-long reservoir with a surface area of 20,000 acres and 2,400,000 acre-feet of usable storage capacity.Optimization studies are ongoing, but the capacity of the project is expected to be between 600 and 800 megawatts (MW)depending on results of future updates to the Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan.An approximately 40-to 50-mile-long road and transmission line corridor would be constructed along one of three alternative routes (i.e.,Chulitna,Gold Creek,or Denali).The project would be operated in a load-following mode such that firm power is maximized during the critical winter months of November through April to meet the Railbelt utility load requirements.The estimated annual generation would be 2,500,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh).A detailed description of the project is provided in section 3.0. 116 U.S.C.§§791(a)-825(r)(2006). are Ws etl - ly el 1 va rye Poe ;ie = fos il oN » aye TT Bea," n >a ro 3 a ears is ayer Ww Spt eres }<=Denali Corridor wove anf A i 0208 et Ne \,[DeadmanwlXx]Mountain ? are fen _WA ae =A conefTopose:eo Lf Tee ree 1 on ----|Camp and Alrstri te TTS-"5 Chulitna Corridor =i Tr e VE ".) -.ERPSEETen”sree Proposed Reservoir .\re Study Area Boundary eat ox ys "all on el.2,200 ft.co hfi rasa)Ciel .4 :by | Ay S.coat ray 'a?3 ga yer "ut Mam Ce om coin ' oil Proposed nny ni "30 aot \Dam and Powerhouse oduN]Proposed Watana eCONGat)Reservoir el.2000 ff.: aces easy cost!fit NY atl vo 2 8 ft?mS ea enn inf Soon Gn nt . vt ern =A 4-4,ooTN LEGEND:-_Date:Dec.2011 a >ENERGY AUTHORITY Scale:As Noted [7 Proposed Project Boundary State of Alaska [Proposed Reservoir Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Ferc No.14241 e-e-Existing Transmission Intertie N Figure 4 oan:PLS Meridian -L -+-+Alaska Railroad \Susitna-Watana Project Area 025 5 10 EEMiles Figure 1.Susitna-Watana Project Area The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)',the Commission's regulations,and other applicable laws require that we independently evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives.Based on the Commission staff's analysis of the issues,staff will prepare a environmental impact statement (EIS)that describes and . evaluates the probable effects,including an assessment of the cumulative effects, if any,of the proposed action and alternatives.The EIS preparation will be supported by a scoping process to ensure identification and analysis of all pertinent issues. 2.0 SCOPING Scoping Document 1 (SD1)is intended to advise all participants as to the proposed scope of the EIS and to seek additional information pertinent to this analysis.This document contains a brief description of:(1)the scoping process and schedule for the development of the EIS;(2)the proposed action(s)and alternatives;(3)preliminary identification of environmental issues and proposed studies;(4)a request for comments and information;(5)a proposed EIS outline; _and (6)a preliminary list of comprehensive plans that are applicable to the proposed project. 2.1 Purpose of Scoping Scoping is the process used to identify issues,concerns,and opportunities associated with a proposed action.The process,according to NEPA,should be conducted early in the planning stage of the project.The purposes of the scoping-process are as follows: e invite participation of federal,state,and local resource agencies, Alaska Native entities,non-governmental organizations (NGOs),and the public to identify significant environmental and socioeconomic issues related to the proposed project; e determine the resource issues,depth of analysis,and significance of issues to be addressed in the EIS; e identify how the project would or would not contribute to cumulative impacts in the project area; ?National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,as amended (Pub.L.91-190.42 U.S.C.4321-4347,January 1,1970,as amended by Pub.L.94-52,July 3,1975, Pub.L.94-83,August 9,1975,and Pub.L.97-258,§4(b),Sept.13,1982). identify reasonable alternatives to the proposed action that should be evaluated in the EIS;. solicit,from participants,available information on the resources at issue,including existing information and study needs;and . determine the resource areas and potential issues that do not require detailed analysis during review of the project. 2.2 Comments,Scoping Meetings,and Site Visit During the preparation of the EIS,there will be several opportunities for the resource agencies,local governments,Alaska Native entities,NGOs,and the public to provide input.These opportunities occur: during the public scoping process and study plan meetings,when we solicit oral and written comments regarding scope of issues and analysis for the EIS; -in response to the Commission's notice that the project is ready for environmental analysis;and after issuance of the draft EIS when we solicit written comments on the _ EIS. In addition to written comments solicited by this SD1,Commission staff will hold seven public scoping meetings in the vicinity of the project.A daytime meeting will focus on concerns of the resource agencies,NGOs,and Indian tribes, and the evening meetings will focus on receiving input from the public.We invite all interested agencies,local governments,Alaska Native entities,NGOs,and individuals to attend one or more of these meetings to assist us in identifying the scope of environmental issues that should be analyzed in the EIS.The times and locations of the 2012 scoping meetings are as follows: DATE TIME PLACE Monday,March 26,2012 6pm-10pm_|Loussac Library _ ,3600 Denali Street .Anchorage,AK 99503 Tuesday,March 27,2012 9am -2pm Loussac Library 3600 Denali Street Anchorage,AK 99503 Tuesday,March 27,2012 6pm-10pm _|Menard Memorial Sports Center 1001 S.Mack Drive Wasilla,AK 99654 Wednesday,March 28,2012 6pm -10pm Su-Valley Jr/Sr High School 42728 S.Parks Highway Sunshine,AK 99676 Wednesday,March 28,2012 6pm -9pm Caribou Café Banquet Room 187 Glenn Highway Glennallen,AK 99588 Thursday,March 29,2012 6pm -10pm Westmark Hotel & ;Conference Center 813 Noble Street Fairbanks,AK 99701 Thursday,March 29,2012 6pm--10pm |Cantwell Community Hall Milepost 133.1 on the Denali Hwy. Cantwell,AK 99729 In order to be able to visit the site in a snow and ice free condition,the Commission staff previously conducted a site visit with AEA and interested parties on August 29,2011. The scoping meetings will be recorded by a court reporter,and all statements (verbal and written)will become part of the Commission's public record for the project.Before each meeting,all individuals who attend,especially those who intend to make statements,will be asked to sign in and clearly identify themselves for the record.Interested parties who choose not to speak or who are unable to attend any of the scoping meetings may provide written comments and information to the Commission as described in section 6.0.These meetings are posted on the Commission's calendar located on the internet at . www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx,along with other related: information. Meeting participants should come prepared to discuss their issues and concerns as they pertain to the project.It is advised that participants review the PAD to prepare for the scoping meetings.A copy of the PAD is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov),using the "eLibrary”link.Enter docket number P-1424]to access the documents.For assistance,contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676,or for TTY,(202)502-8659.A copy of the PAD is also available for inspection and reproduction from AEA.Please contact: Emily Ford Alaska Energy Authority411West4""Avenue,Suite 100 - Anchorage,Alaska 99501 907-771-5955 Eford@aidea.org Following the scoping meetings and comment period,all issues raised will be reviewed and decisions will be made about the level of analysis needed to address the issues.If preliminary analysis shows that any issues presented in this scoping document have little potential for causing significant effects,the issue(s) will be identified and the reasons for not providing a more detailed analysis will be given in the EIS... If we receive no substantive comments on SD1,then we will not prepare a Scoping Document 2 (SD2).Otherwise,we will issue SD2 to address any substantial comments received.The SD2 will be issued for informational purposes only;no response will be required.The EIS will address recommendations and input received during the scoping process. 3.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES In accordance with NEPA,our environmental analysis will consider the following alternatives,at a minimum:(1)the no-action alternative;(2)AEA's proposed action;and (3)alternatives to the proposed action that may be identified. 3.1 No-Action Alternative The no-action alternative is license denial.Under the no-action alternative, the project would not be built and environmental resources in the project area would not be affected. 3.2.AEA/'s Proposed Action 3.2.1 Project Facilities The proposed project would be located at river mile 184,which is roughly 90 river miles northeast of the community of Talkeetna.The proposed project would consist of the following:(1)a 700-to 800-foot-high,approximately 2,700- foot-long,earth embankment,roller compacted concrete or concrete faced rockfill dam;(2)a 39-mile-long reservoir with a surface area of 20,000 acres and 2,400,000 acre-feet of usable storage capacity at a normal water surface elevation of 2,000 feet mean sea level;?(3)a powerhouse with a minimum of three | generating units and a total installed capacity of 600 to 800 MW;(4)a 40-to 50- mile-long road and 230-kilovolt (kV)transmission line corridor that would be constructed along one of three alternative routes (i.e.,Chulitna,Gold Creek,or | Denali);and (5)appurtenant facilities.The estimated annual generation would be 2,500,000 GWh. Access to the project would be via a new road and by air.The access roads and transmission facilities would be located in the same corridor to the extent practicable.Three corridors are currently being evaluated:Chulitna,Gold Creek, and Denali Highway.The Chulitna and Gold Creek Corridors would accommodate east-west running transmission lines and a road running roughly parallel to the Susitna River on the north and south sides of the river respectively. A transmission line and a road from the project in this configuration would extend between 45 and 50 miles and connect to the Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie Transmission line and the Alaska Railroad near the Chulitna or Gold Creek rail stops.'If the Denali Corridor is selected as the preferred access route,a 44-mile- long road would be constructed from the project north to the existing DenaliHighway.”The Denali Corridor would also accommodate transmission and road facilities.The transmission line would continue east along the existing Denali Highway to connect to the Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie Transmission lines near Cantwell.If the Denali corridor were used for road access,railhead facilities would likely be developed near the Cantwell rail stop.An approximately 8,000- foot long airstrip,with helicopter pad,would also be permanently constructed at the project site to accommodate the transport of construction personnel as well as supplies. A temporary,fenced construction camp capable of housing and supporting a peak construction workforce of 1,000 would be constructed at the project site. The camp is currently proposed to be constructed on the north bank of the Susitna River near Deadman's Creek.Deadman's Creek would provide potable water and fire protection for the camp and work areas,with a backup system of groundwater wells.Water supply for the camp would be treated to meet U.S.Environmental Protection Agency and state water quality requirements.A wastewater collection >Generation optimization studies may lead to AEA proposing to operate the project at a normal maximum reservoir elevation of 2,100 feet which would cause © the reservoir to be proportionately longer and have a greater surface area.*For both the Chulitna and Gold Creek Corridors alternatives,the new access roads would end at the railroad and would not connect to an existing public road.>The new road would start at milepost 113.7 on the Denali Highway.If needed to accommodate increased construction traffic,AEA would improve about 20 miles of the Denali Highway near Cantwell. and treatment system would be constructed to serve the camp.Following construction,the camp would be removed except for those facilities needed to support smaller permanent residential and operation and maintenance facilities. 3.2.2 Project Operation The proposed project will operate in a load-following mode to maximize firm energy during the critical winter months of November through April.To meet this objective,the reservoir would be drafted on a daily and seasonal basis. The reservoir would be drafted annually by an average of about 120 ft.Maximum annual drawdown could be up to 150 foot occurring once in 50 years.In most years,the reservoir would reach its lowest levels by mid-May,and would refill by mid-August.. Downstream flows at the project site are expected to vary on a seasonal, weekly,and daily basis as dictated by minimum instream flow requirements (which have yet to be determined)and load requirements of the railbelt utilities. During the peak winter months,load following would result in discharges over a 24-hour period typically ranging from a low of 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)to a high of 10,000 cfs,and average about 6,700 cfs.During the late summer when the reservoir is full,discharges through the powerhouse may be as high as 14,500 cubic feet per second (at maximum plant output based on a 600 MW project)to prevent or minimize spill and maximize energy generation. Minimum instream flow releases to maintain aquatic habitats downstream have not been determined yet.These flows would be made through either the powerhouse or low level outlet works.With the project in place,regulated peak summer flows downstream of Watana dam at Gold Creek would be reduced and winter flows would be increased in comparison to the natural flow regime. 3.2.3 Proposed Environmental Measures AEA plans to develop measures to protect and enhance environmental resources affected by construction and operation of the project through the planned licensing studies and through agency and stakeholder collaboration.AEA has thus far identified the following measures to protect and enhance environmental resources of the project area: Geologic and Soil Resources e Develop a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan to prevent or minimize adverse effects on water quality of project waters. Water Resources e Develop a Spill Prevention,Control,and Countermeasures Plan to minimize the potential for chemical spills during project construction. e Construct the project with selective withdrawal facilities and operate the project to meet water temperature targets in the Susitna River downstream of the project. Aquatic Resources e None proposed at this time. Terrestrial Resources e Minimize the project footprint and vegetation impacts. e Dispose of excavated materials within the impoundment area. e _Discourage or restrict off-road vehicle use in the project area to minimize trail propagation and erosion. e Develop a restoration plan with revegetation measures to restore construction areas. e Avoid wetlands to the maximum extent possible,and rehabilitate temporary impacts on wetlands to the maximum extent possible Rare,Threatened,and Endangered Species There are no federally listed threatened or endangered species or critical habitats that occur in the project area.The Cook Inlet beluga whale is an endangered species with designated critical habitat in Upper Cook Inlet,which is located 184 river miles downstream of the proposed dam site.No specific measures are proposed for this species at this time. Aesthetic Resources e Develop a comprehensive Site Restoration and Aesthetics Plan to minimize adverse effects on the landscape. Recreation Resources e Develop a Recreation Plan,which will include proposals for new recreation facilities and measures to manage recreation use and resources of the project area.Proposed recreation facilities are likely to include:roads and parking areas,scenic overlooks,directional and informational signage,boat launches,picnic areas,campgrounds,hiking trails,fishing piers,interpretive exhibits and programming,and a visitor center. Cultural Resources e Develop subsistence resource protection,mitigation and enhancement measures in consultation with the appropriate agencies,Alaska Native entities,and other interested parties. e Develop a Historic Properties Management Plan (HPMP)to protect significant cultural resources during project construction and operation. 3.3 Alternatives to Proposed Action Commission staff will consider and assess all alternative recommendations for location or other changes to the proposed project,as well as protection, mitigation,and enhancement measures identified by the Commission,other _agencies,Alaska Native entities,NGOs,and the public. 4.0 SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS AND SITE-SPECIFIC RESOURCE ISSUES 4.1 Cumulative Effects According to the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA (50 C.F.R.1508.7),a cumulative effect is the effect on the environment that results from the incremental effect of the action when added to other past,present,and reasonably foreseeable future actions,regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal)or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time,including hydropower and other land and water development activities. 4.1.1 Resources that could be Cumulatively Affected Based on information in the PAD and preliminary staff analysis,we have not identified any resources that may be cumulatively affected by the proposed construction and operation of the project because we have not identified any other past,present,or reasonably foreseeable future actions that may affect resources in the basin. 4.1.2 Geographic Scope 10 If any such resources are identified through scoping,the geographic scope of the analysis would be defined by the physical limits or boundaries of the proposed action's effect on the resources.Because the proposed action would affect the resources differently,the geographic scope for each resource may vary. For any resources that participants recommend we analyze for cumulative effects, we are also asking them to recommend the geographic scope that they think is appropriate. 4.1.3.Temporal Scope If any such resource is identified through scoping,the temporal scope of our cumulative effects analysis in the EIS will include a discussion of past, present,and reasonably foreseeable future actions and their effects on each resource that could be cumulatively affected.Based on the potential term of a license,the temporal scope will look 30 to 50 years into the future,concentrating on the effect on the resource from reasonably foreseeable future actions.The historical discussion will,by necessity,be limited to the amount of available information for each resource area.The quality and quantity of information,however,diminishes as we analyze resources further away in time from thepresent. 4.2 Project-Specific Resource Issues In this section,we present a preliminary list of environmental issues to be addressed in the EIS.We identified these issues,which are listed by resource area,by reviewing the PAD and the Commission's record for the project.This list is not intended to be exhaustive or final,but contains those issues raised to date that could have substantial effects.After the scoping process is completed,we will review this list and determine the appropriate level of analysis needed toaddresseachissueintheEIS. 4.2.1 Geologic and Soils Resources e Effects of project construction activities on soil erosion and sedimentation (e.g.,dam and hydropower generation facilities, transmission lines,access roads,airstrip,construction camp,borrow areas,disposal areas,staging areas,etc). e Effects of project construction and operation on sediment deposition in the reservoir,including the rate of sediment deposition and the effect of _sediment deposition on the useful life of the reservoir. e Effects of project operations on soil movement,shoreline erosion, tributary mouth migration,and shoreline stability within the reservoir inundation zone. I] Effects of project operations on sediment transport,streambed material particle size distribution,and stream morphology in the middle andlowerreachesoftheSusitnaRiver.*® Potential seismic effects on the proposed dam and other project facilities,including related effects on public safety and property downstream. 4.2.2 Water Resources Effects of project operation (e.g.,minimum instream flow releases; flood,pulse,and base flow conditions;peaking operations,etc.)on the existing flow regime of the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River,including the timing,magnitude,and duration of flows. Effects of project operation on ice processes within the reservoir and the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. Effects of project construction activities on water quality (temperature, turbidity,total dissolved solids,suspended solids,dissolved oxygen,pH, metals,and chemical/nutrient characteristics)in the Susitna River and affected tributaries Effects of reservoir filling and project operations on water quality (temperature,turbidity,total dissolved solids,suspended solids, dissolved oxygen,pH,metals,and chemical/nutrient characteristics) within the reservoir and the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. Effects of spillway operations on total dissolved gas concentrations in the middle reach of the Susitna River. Effects of reservoir inundation on the potential for mercury methylation and subsequent bioaccumulation of mercury in fish and wildlife. 4.2.3 Aquatic Resources Reservoir Effects of reservoir operations (e.g.,daily and seasonal fluctuations)on resident fish migration and habitat in the reservoir and in reservoir tributaries.| °The middle reach refers to the mainstem Susitna River from the proposed dam site at river mile (RM)184 downstream to the three rivers confluence area at RM 98.The lower reach refers to the mainstem Susitna River from RM 98 downstream to RM 0 at the confluence with Cook Inlet. 12 Effects of reservoir inundation and permanent change from riverine to reservoir habitat on aquatic habitat;primary production;and fish and macroinvertebrate distribution,species composition,and abundance. Effects of project operations on reservoir fish entrainment and mortality. Susitna River Effects of project operation (e.g.,daily and seasonal flow fluctuations, water temperature,etc.)on primary production and macroinvertebrate species distribution,composition,and abundance in the middle and lower reach of the Susitna River. Effects of modification of the existing flow regime on off-channel habitat (i.e.,side channels and sloughs)connectivity with the mainstem Susitna River throughout the middle and lower reaches,and corresponding effects on fish access to off-channel habitats. Effects of changes in streambed material composition and stream morphology on aquatic habitat in the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River (e.g.,changes to streambed material particle size distribution,stream morphology,riparian vegetation characteristics,and distribution and characteristics of off-channel habitats). Effects of project operation on fish access to tributary habitats in the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. Effects of project construction and operation on the recruitment and deposition of large woody debris within the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. Effects of project construction and operation on resident and anadromous fish migrations,including anadromous salmonid access through Devils Canyon,and any potential measures to minimize adverse effects (e.g.,fish passage). Effects of modification to the existing flow regime on physical aquatic habitat availability for spawning and rearing resident and anadromous fish species in mainstem and off-channel habitats throughout the middle and lower Susitna River. Effects of modifications to the existing flow regime,sediment transport, ice processes,channel morphology,water quality,etc.on anadromous fish spawning,rearing,and migration habitats (i.e.,mainstem and off- channel)in the middle and lower reach of the Susitna River. Effects of modifications to the existing flow regime,sediment transport, ice processes,channel morphology,water quality,etc.,on resident fish species distribution,composition,and abundance in the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. 13 e Effects of modifications to water temperatures on the distribution of fish communities,including the invasive northern pike. e Effects of project construction,operation,and maintenance activities on the potential for introduction of invasive aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish species. 4.2.4 Terrestrial Resources e Effects of habitat loss and fragmentation from project construction and operation on the availability,use,and productivity of wildlife habitats, including key habitat features such as den sites and mineral licks.' e Effects of the project features (i.e.,reservoir,access roads,camp site, etc.),fluctuating reservoir levels,ice conditions,and new patterns of human activities on wildlife movement,including any physical and behavioral blockage and alteration of wildlife movement patterns and access to important habitats (e.g.,moose wintering range,caribou foraging and calving areas,etc.). e Effects of project-related fluctuating water levels and ice conditions in the reservoir and downstream river reaches on wildlife mortality rates, with an emphasis on big game species. e Effects of improved access on levels of human presence and disturbances,hunting and trapping,vehicular use,and noise,on wildlife distribution,habitat use,and abundance in the project area. e Effects of vegetation removal,altered hydrologic regimes,and construction and operation activities on bald and golden eagle roosting, nesting,rearing,and foraging habitats and forage availability. e Effects of vegetation removal and disturbance associated construction and operation activities on nesting,rearing,and foraging habitats ofmigratory"bird species of concern.” 7 A major focus of the analysis will be on big game species (moose,caribou, Dall's sheep,black and brown bears),game birds (ptarmigan,grouse,etc.),wolf, furbearers (beaver,marten,river otter,lynx,and red fox),and small game (snowshoe hare,ptarmigan,and grouse)due to their ecological,management, recreational,and subsistence values;however,other wildlife (e.g.,small mammals,shorebirds,shorebirds,seabirds,amphibians,etc.)will be examined as well. ®As stipulated in the March 30,2011 Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and Interior,migratory bird species of concern in this case will include:(1)species listed by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)as birds of conservation concern,(2)priority migratory species identified in various bird conservation plans such Alaska's Comprehensive Wildlife ConservationPlan,(3) species or populations of waterfowl of high or moderately continental importance, 14 e Effects of the project transmission lines on avian collision and electrocution. e Effects of inundation and water level fluctuations,construction activities,changes in solar radiation and temperature moderation,and erosion and dust deposition on the distribution and composition of vegetation and wetland communities within and adjacent to the proposed reservoir,transmission line and access roads,and other project features. e Effects of project construction and operation activities on the introduction and spread of new or existing invasive plants on vegetation communities and wildlife habitats. e Effects of altered hydrologic regimes on wetlands,wetland functions, riparian vegetation,and riparian succession patterns in the middle and lower reaches of the Susitna River. e Effects of project construction and operation on rare plant populations. 4.2.5 Threatened and Endangered Species e Effects on the Endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale from any changes in habitat and prey base at the Susitna River mouth. 4.2.6 Recreation Resources and Land Use e Effects of altered hydrologic regimes and ice cover on timing and extent _Of river access and navigation within and downstream of the reservoir. e Effects of project construction and altered hydrologic regimens on fishing opportunities,including availability of fish,fishing access,and quality of experience.. e Effects of project construction and altered hydrologic regimens on potential whitewater boating opportunities,including access and quality of experience. e Effects of the project features (i.e.,reservoir and access roads)on hunting and trapping opportunities and on non-consumptive uses (bird- watching,hiking,camping,boating,etc.)in the vicinity and downstream . of the project reservoir,including availability of the resource,access, and quality of experience. e Effects of project construction and operation activities (e.g.noise,dust, access,recreation activities of construction workers,etc.,)on recreation. _@ Effects of changes in land use and ownership on public access and recreation. and (4)game birds of management concern. 15 e Effects of project construction on the eligibility of Brushkana Creek and the Susitna River for possible future designation as a wild and scenic river. e Consistency of the project with any applicable land use and management plans. 4.2.7 Aesthetics e Effects of project construction and operation activities (e.g.equipment noise,blasting,dust,lighting,etc.,)and the presence and contrast of project features (dam,transmission lines,construction camp and permanent village)on aesthetic resources,including scenic resources and the soundscape. 4.2.8 Cultural Resources e Effects of project construction (e.g.,soil disturbing activities); inundation and reservoir fluctuations;disturbance,looting,or vandalism from improved site access;and changes in the surrounding historic landscape on cultural resource sites,including those determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). e Effects of the presence of project facilities and construction,operation, and maintenance activities and increased human use on traditional spiritual areas and other traditional uses (Traditional Cultural Properties)within the Area of Project Effect (APE). 4.2.9 Socioeconomic Resources e Effects of project construction and operation on local and regional employment and income. e Effects of project construction and operation on tourism in the Susitna River basin,including commercial opportunities related to fishing, hunting,boating,guiding and other recreation. e Effects of construction traffic and the construction work force on local government facilities and services (e.g.,health and human services,law enforcement,emergency services,education,etc)and housing. e Effects of project construction on local and regional transportation systems (both passenger and freight),including highway,rail and air transport. e Effects of changes in fish and wildlife populations and their normal locations and distribution patterns due to project construction and 16 operation on the availability and use (including harvest patterns and timing)of subsistence resources.e Effects of use and occupancy of project lands on access to subsistence resources and traditional subsistence activities. 4.2.10 Air Quality e Effects of project construction and operation on air quality in the region. _©Effects of project construction and operation on greenhouse gas emissions. 4.2.11 Developmental Resources e Effects of the proposed project and alternatives,including any protection,mitigation,and enhancement measures on the economics of the project. 5.0 PROPOSED STUDIES AEA has proposed to develop studies to address the resource issues summarized in Table 1.AEA is actively working with resource groups to develop these studies and others that may be recommended by the groups.AEA is also voluntarily working with resource groups to gather data in 2012 before the Commission's formal approval of the study plan to help refine study needs.A formal study plan will be developed based on the Commission's identification of issues identified in this SD1 and,as necessary,an SD2. Table 1.AEA's initial study proposals for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (Source:Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project PAD). RESOURCE AREA STUDY Geology and e Geomorphology Study Soils/Geomorphology e 2012 Geomorphic Study Components: -Determine Bedload and Suspended Sediment _Load by Size Fraction at Tsusena Creek,Gold Creek,and Sunshine Gage Stations -Replicate the 1980s Middle River Aerial Photography Geomorphic Assessment -Document the Formation of River Ice Downstream of Watana Dam Water Resources e Project Operations Flow Routing Model (Hec ResSim) 17 River Ice Study Water Quality Impacts Study 2012 Water Quality Study Components: -Determine the Applicability of the Temperature Data Collected During the 1980s Studies and Use of SNTEMP and DYRESM _Temperature Models Fish and Aquatic Resources Fish Abundance and Distribution Study Upper River Fish Study Productivity Study Instream Flow Study 2012 Fish and Aquatic Study Components: -Synthesis of Existing Fish Population Data -Susitna River Salmon Run Apportionment -Middle River Habitat Utilization Study -Determination of Chinook Salmon and Presence above Devils Canyon -Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Anadromous Prey and Habitat Analysis | Wildlife Resources Big Game Study Furbearer Study --- Small Game Mammal and Upland Gamebird _ Study | Harvest Study for Big Game,Furbearers,Small Game Mammals,and Upland Gamebirds Eagle and Raptor Study Waterbirds,Seabirds,and Waterfowl Study Landbird and Shorebird Study Non-Game Species of Conservation Concern Study 2012 Wildlife Resource Study Components: -Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study -Sensitive Wildlife Habitat Study -Past and Current Big Game and Furbearer Harvest Study -Eagle Nests and Raptor Nest Study Botanical Resources Vegetation Mapping Study Wetland-Riparian Study Rare Plant Study Noxious Weed Study 18 2012 Botanical Resources Study Components: -Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping -Wetland Mapping -Riparian Study Recreational Resources & Land Use Recreation and Land Use Studies 2012 Recreation Analyses to be Updated: -Reasonably foreseeable future recreation facilities -Commercial recreation use informal surveys -Current and future recreation resource supply and demand of project vicinity -Projected demand for recreation opportunities in the project area Land Use and Management Studies: -Identification of all relevant comprehensive plans and land management plans,anda discussion of the project's consistency with each plan.) -Depiction of uses of land and resources adjacent to the project that clearly delineate the project boundary and boundaries of public lands. 2012 Land Use and Management Studies: -Titlé and Site Control Research -GIS Base map updating Aesthetics Aesthetics Resources Study 2012 Aesthetic Resource Study: -Inventory BLM VRM designations -Identify initial key viewing areas and key viewpoints Cultural Resources Site Location Data Studies Site Location Modeling Cultural Chronology Studies Historic and Prehistoric Land Use Studies Traditional Cultural Places/Sacred Sites Studies Development of Historic Contexts/Evaluation Criteria Paleontology Studies Development of Plans for Unanticipated Discovery . 2012 Cultural Resources Study: -Pre-field data assessment and information 19 gathering and compilation Subsistence Resources e Collect Information on Current Subsistence . Harvests e Collect Information on Current SubsistenceHarvesterseo| Develop Subsistence Use Area Maps Access Subsistence Summary Tabular Data ANILCA Section 810 Analysis | e Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) Documentation e Research Place Names . e 2012 Subsistence Resources Studies: -Collect and analyze existing subsistence information.) Socioeconomic Resources ®Quantify Potential Changes in the Size and Locationof the PopulationeLocalGovernmentStructure Studies: -Update local government baseline to include Denali Borough -Update baseline to incorporate MSB Community Councils.. e Population,Income,and Housing Study e Public Services and Facilities Study e Water and Wastewater,Solid Waste,Fire | -Protection and Police Services Studies e Healthcare,Education and Fiscal Status Analysis . e Electricity and Energy Use Study Air Quality Air Quality Study Road Studies Rail Study | Transportation Resources Aviation Study 6.0 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND STUDIES We request federal,state,and local resource agencies,Alaska Native entities,NGOs,and the public to forward to the Commission any information that will assist us in conducting an accurate and thorough analysis of the project- specific and cumulative effects of the Susitna-Watana Project.The typesof information requested include,but are not limited to: 20 information,quantitative data,or professional opinions that may help define the geographical and temporal scope of the analysis (both site- specific and cumulative effects),and that helps identify significant environmental issues; identification of,and information from,any other environmental 'document or similar study (previous,on-going,or planned)relevant to the proposed licensing of the Susitna-Watana Project; existing information and any quantitative data that would help to. describe the past and present actions and effects of the project and other developmental activities on environmental and socioeconomic resources; information that would help characterize existing environmental conditions and habitats; identification of any federal,state,or local resource plans,and any future project proposals in the affected resource area,such as proposals to construct or operate recreation areas,water diversions,timber harvest activities,mining operations,or fish management programs; documentation that the proposed project would or would not contribute to cumulative adverse or beneficial effects on any resources. Documentation can include,but need not be limited to,how the project would interact with other projects in the area and other developmental activities;study results;resource management policies;and reports from federal and state agencies,local agencies,Alaska Native entities,NGOs, and the public; documentation of cumulative effects of basin-wide activities,including the proposed project's operation,on resources; documentation that would support a conclusion that the project does or does not contribute to adverse or beneficial effects on certain resources and that such effects should therefore either be excluded from further study or included for further consideration of cumulative effects. Documentation should include,but need not be limited to:how the proposed project would interact with other hydropower projects in the area and other developmental and non-developmental activities;results from studies;resource management policies;and reports from federal, state,and local agencies and Alaska Native entities;and 21 e study requests by federal and state agencies,local agencies,Alaska Native entities,NGOs,and the public that would help provide a framework for collecting pertinent information on the resource areas under consideration necessary for the Commission to prepare the EISfortheproject. All requests for studies filed with the Commission must meet the criteria found in Appendix A:Study Plan Criteria. The requested information,comments,and study requests should be submitted in writing to the Commission no later than April 27,2012.All filings must clearly identify the following on the first page:Susitna-Watana Project (P- 14241-000).Scoping comments may be filed electronically via the Internet.See 18 C.F.R.385.2001(a)(1)(iii)and the instructions on the Commission's website http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp under the "e-filing”link.Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters,without prior registration,using the e-Comment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp.You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance,please contact FERC Online Support atFERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676,or for TTY,(202) 502-8659.Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed.To paper-file,mail an original and seven -copies to:Kimberly D.Bose,Secretary,Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street,N.E.,Washington,DC 20426. Register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects.For assistance,please contact FERC Online Support at . FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. Any questions concerning the scoping meetings or how to file written comments with the Commission should be directed to David Turner at (202)502- 6091 or david.turner@ferc.gov.Additional information about the Commission's -licensing process and the Susitna-Watana Project may be obtained from the Commission's website,www.ferc.gov. 7.0 .EIS PREPARATION SCHEDULE We intend to prepare a draft and final EIS (we show our preliminary Outline in section 8).The draft EIS will be sent to all persons and entities on the Commission's service and mailing lists for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project.The EIS will include recommendations for construction and operating 22 procedures,as well as environmental protection,mitigation,and enhancement measures that should be part of any license issued by the Commission.All recipients will then have 60 days to review the draft EIS and file written comments with the Commission.All comments on the draft EIS filed with the Commission will be considered in preparation of the final EIS. 23 The major milestones,including those for preparing the EIS,are as follows: Major Milestone Scoping Meetings Comments on SD1 SD 2 (if necessary) License Application Filed Ready for Environmental Analysis Notice Issued Deadline for filing of Comments,Recommendations,and Agency Terms and Conditions/Prescriptions Draft EIS Issued Comments on Draft EIS Due | Deadline for filing of Modified Agency Recommendations Final EIS Issued . Target Date March 2012 April 2012 June 2012 September 2015 'November 2015 January 2016 July 2016 August 2016 October 2016 January 2017 If Commission staff determines that there is a need for additional information or additional studies,the issuance of the Ready for Environmental Analysis notice could be delayed.If this occurs,all subsequent milestones would be delayed by the time allowed for AEA to respond to the Commission's request. A copy of AEA's process plan,which has a complete list of licensing milestones for the project is attached as Appendix B to this SD1. 8.0 PROPOSED EIS OUTLINE The preliminary outline for the EIS is as follows: COVER SHEET FOREWORD TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES LIST OF APPENDICES ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10 INTRODUCTION 1.1.Application 1.2.Purpose of Action,Need for Power 1.3.Statutory and Regulatory Requirements 1.3.1.Federal Power Act 1.3.1.1. 24| Section.18 Fishway Prescriptions 2.0 3.0 1.4. 1.3.1.2.Section 4(e)Conditions 1.3.1.3.Section 10(j)Conditions 1.3.2.Clean Water Act 1.3.3.Coastal Zone Management Act 1.3.4.Endangered Species Act 1.3.5.National Historic Preservation Act 1.3.6.Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 1.3.7.Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 1.3.8.Other Regulatory Requirements Public Review and Comment 1.4.1.Scoping 1.4.2.Interventions 1.4.3.Comments on the Application 1.4.4.Comments on the Draft EIS PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES 2.1.No-action Alternative 2.2.Applicant's Proposed Action 2.2.1.Proposed Project Facilities 2.2.2.Proposed Project Operation 2.2.3.Proposed Environmental Measures 2.2.4.Modifications to Applicant's Proposal-Mandatory Conditions 2.3.Staff Alternative 2.4.Staff Alternative with Mandatory Conditions 2.5.Other Alternatives (as appropriate) 2.6.Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 3.1.General Description of the River Basin 3.2.Scope of Cumulative Effects Analysis 3.2.1.Geographic Scope 3.2.2.Temporal Scope 3.3.Proposed Action and Action Alternatives 3.3.1.Geologic and Soil Resources 3.3.2.Water Resources 3.3.3.Aquatic Resources 3.3.4.Terrestrial Resources . 3.3.5.Threatened and Endangered Species 3.3.6.Recreation and Land Use 3.3.7.Cultural Resources 3.3.8.Aesthetic Resources 3.3.9.Socioeconomics 25 3.3.10.Air Quality 3.4.No-Action Alternative 4.0 DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS 4.1.Power and Economic Benefits of the Project 4.2.Comparison of Alternatives 4.3.Cost of Environmental Measures 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1.Comparison of Alternatives 5.2.Comprehensive Development and Recommended Alternative 5.3.Unavoidable Adverse Effects 5.4.Recommendations of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5.5.Consistency with Comprehensive Plans 6.0 LITERATURE CITED 7.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 8.0 LIST OF RECIPIENTS APPENDICES A.License Conditions Recommended by Staff B.Response to Comments on Draft EIS 9.0 CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANS Section 10(a)(2)of the FPA,16 U.S.C.section 803(a)(2)(A),requires the Commission to consider the extent to which a project is consistent with federal and state comprehensive plans for improving,developing,or conserving a waterway or waterways affected by a project.The staff has preliminarily identified and reviewed the plans listed below that may be relevant to the Susitna- Watana Project.Agencies are requested to review this list and inform the Commission staff of any changes.If there are other comprehensive plans that should be considered for this list that are not on file with the Commission,or if there are more recent versions of the plans already listed,they can be filed for consideration with the Commission according to 18 CFR 2.19 of the Commission's regulations.Please follow the instructions for filing a plan at http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/gen-info/licensing/complan.pdf. The following is a list of comprehensive plans currently on file with the Commission that may be relevant to the project. 26 Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Susitna Flats State Game Refuge,March 1988.Juneau,Alaska. Alaska Department of Fish and Game..Matanuska-Susitna Borough.1985. Susitna Basin area plan.Juneau,Alaska.June 1985.440 pp. Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Matanuska-Susitna Borough.1991.- Susitna Basin recreation rivers management plan.Anchorage,Alaska. August 1991.181 pp. Alaska Department of Fish and Game.1998.Catalog of waters important for spawning,rearing or migration of anadromous fishes.November 1998. Juneau,Alaska.Six volumes. Alaska Department of Fish and Game.1998.Atlas to the catalog of waters important for spawning,rearing or migration of anadromous fishes. November 1998.Juneau,Alaska.Six volumes. Alaska Department of Natural Resources.Alaska's Outdoor Legacy:Statewide - Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP):2009-2014. Anchorage,Alaska. Bureau of Land Management.1981.South central Alaska water resources study: Anticipating water and related land resource needs.Anchorage,Alaska. October 1,1981.97 pp.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.Undated.Fisheries USA:the recreational fisheries policy of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.Washington,D.C. 10.0 MAILING LIST The list below is the Commission's official mailing list for the Susitna- Watana Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.14241).If you want to receive future mailings for the Susitna-Watana Project and are not includedin the list below,please send your request by email to efiling@ferc.gov or by mail to: Kimberly D.Bose,SecretaryFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommission 888 First Street,N.E.,Room 1A Washington,LDC 20426. All written and emailed requests to be added to the mailing list must clearly identify the following on the first page:Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241-000.You may use the same method if requesting removal from the mailing lists below.. 27 Register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to these or other pending projects.For assistance,please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676,or for TTY,(202) 502-8659. FERC's Mailing List for the Susitna-Watana Project No.14241 . Becky Long Rachel Day Box 320 P.O.Box 921° Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Robert Gerlach John Strasenburgh 13666 E 2nd St 15406 E.Barge Dr. P.O.Box 23 P.O.Box 766 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Kevin Foster Mile 230.7 Alaska Railroad Talkeetna,AK 99676 James Ferguson P.O.Box 15391 Fritz Creek,AK 99603-6391 Denis Ransy Beth Pike P.O.Box 344 P.O.Box 968 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Frank Yadon William FitzGerald .14152 E.Gliska Street 15537 Cummings Road Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Robert Gerlach Paul Roderick,President 13666 E 2nd St Talkeetna Air Taxi P.O.Box 23 23125 Comsat Rd Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Ruth D.Wood William Post 15406 E.Barge Dr.P.O.Box 271 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Michael Wood Joseph Klauder P.O.Box 773 P.O.Box 396 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Constance Twigg Sheryl Salasky P.O.Box 266 P.O.Box 196 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 28 Robert Coleman,President Susitna Community Co Sharon Corsaro Corsaro Creative CoachingHC89Box8575P.O.Box 255 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Hermosa Beach,CA 90254 Louisa Yanes Lissa Hughes Alaska Center for the Environment Northern Alaska Environmental Center 807 G Street ©830 College Road Anchorage,AK 99501 Fairbanks,AK 99701DavidTheriault,Legislative DirectorAlaskaConservationAlliance 810 N St.,Ste.203 Wayne M Dyok,Project Manager AlaskaEnergyAuthority 813 West Northern Lights Blvd.Anchorage,AK 99501 Anchorage,AK 99503 Brett Swift Sara Fisher-Goad,Project ManagerAmericanRivers,Inc.,Et Al.Alaska Energy Authority320SWStarkStreetSuite412813WestNorthernLights Blvd.Portland,OR 97204 Anchorage,AK 99503 Michael Swiger,Member Thomas O'Keefe Alaska Energy Authority PNW Stewardship Director 1050 Thomas Jefferson Street,NW7thFloor Washington,DC 20007 American Whitewater 3537 NE 87th St _|Seattle,WA 98115HaroldShepherd,President The Center for Water Advocacy Peg Foster,Secretary Chase Community Council P.O.Box 15332 P.O.Box 205 Fritz Creek,AK 99603 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Shawn Stankowitz,President Bob Shavelson Trapper Creek Community Council Cook Inlet Keeper P.O.Box 13021 P.O.Box 3269 Trapper Creek,AK 99683 Homer,AK 99603-3269 Cliff Earnes Charlie Loeb,President Copper Country Alliance Denali Citizens Council HC 60 Box 306T PO Box78 | Copper Center,AK 99573 Denali Park,AK 99755 Jeremy Millen,Executive Director Pat Lavin Friends of Mat-Su National Wildlife F ederation 308 East Dahlia St 750 W.2nd Ave.,Suite 200 Palmer,AK 99645 Anchorage,AK 99501 Susan Walker,Marine Resources Specialist |Eric Rothwell,HydrologistNOAANationalMarineFisheriesService,|NOAA Fisheries Service Alaska Region Alaska Region P.O.Box 21668 222 West Seventh Ave. Juneau,AK 99802-1668 Anchorage,AK 99513 29 Thomas Meyer,General Counsel NOAA National Marine Fisheries ServiceAlaskaRegion P.O.Box 21109 Juneau,AK 99801 > Mary B.Goode,Admin.Assistant NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service,Alaska Region '|PO Box 21668 Juneau,AK 99802-1668U.S.Fish &Wildlife Service Office of SolicitorRegionalOfficeU.S.Department of Interior1011EastTudorMS3314230UniversityDr,Ste.300Anchorage,AK 99503 Anchorage,AK 99508CassieThomasJohnDarnellU.S.National Park Service U.S.National Park Service11081GlazanofDriveAlaskaRegionalOfficeRoom108 Anchorage,AK 99507 240 West 5"Ave.,Room 114 Anchorage,AK 99501CoalitionforSusitnaDamAlternativesJoshuaSonkiss1MainStreet102421stAvenueTalkeetna,AK 99676 Fairbanks,AK 99701SharonMontagnino,Chairperson Ellen Wolf .Talkeetna Community Council,Inc.Talkeetna Defense FundP.O.Box 608 P.O.Box 371 Talkeetna,AK 99676 Talkeetna,AK 99676 ©Brad Powell,Forest Supervisor Karen Kelly,Executive DirectorUSDAForestServiceNorthernAlaskaEnvironmental CenterTongassNationalForestFederalBuilding|830 CollegeRoadKetchikan,AK 99901 Fairbanks,AK 99701KathrynMiller _|Trout Unlimited 227 SW Pine Street,Suite 200 Portland,OR 97204 Ken Lord,Attorney-Advisor U.S.Department of Interior 4230 University Dr.,Suite 300 Anchorage,AK 99508TimBristol Trout Unlimited 419 6"Street,Suite 200 Juneau,AK 99801 Douglas Mutter OEPC-Anchorage 1689 C Street,Room 119 Anchorage,AK 99501 30 Kirby Gilbert,Water Resources Planner Office of Environmental Policy andAlaskaEnergyAuthorityCompliance(USDO])MWH Americas Inc.Regional Environmental Office2353130thAveN.E.,Suite 200 3601 C St,#1100Bellevue,WA 98005 _|Anchorage,AK 9950-5947GovernorofAlaskaMonteDMiller ) Office of the Governor of Alaska RE:FERC Projects Office ofthe Governor of Alaska P.O.Box 110001 Juneau,AK 99811-0001 ADFG Statewide Hydropower Coordinator Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Sport Fish/RTS 333 Raspberry Rd. Anchorage,AK 99518-1565JohnBurke,General ManagerSSRAA 14 Borch Street Ketchikan,AK 99901 Sharon Montagnino,ChairpersonTalkeetnaCommunityCouncil,Inc. P.O.Box 608 Talkeetna,AK 99676RegulatoryDivisionChief U.S.Army Corps of Engineers CEPOA-RD Post Office Box 6898 JBER,Alaska 99506-6898 Frances E Mann,Branch Chief Conservation Planning USS.Fish &Wildlife Service 605 W.4th Ave.,Room G-61 Anchorage,AK 99501MichaelBuntjer USS.Fish and Wildlife Service 605 West 4""Ave. Anchorage,AK 99501 Ann Rapport U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service | 605 West 4 Ave. Anchorage,AK 99501NOAANationalMarineFisheriesService,Corinne SmithAlaskaRegionMat-Su Basin Program Director222WestSeventhAveTheNatureConservancyofAlaskaSthFloor715LStreetSuite100Anchorage,AK 99513 Anchorage,AK 99501TeresaTrulock,Lands Forester Pete Stephan,PresidentUSDAForestServiceMontanaCreekNativeAssociationP.O.Box 19001 Thorne Bay,AK 99919-0001 3300 C Street 31 Anchorage,AK 99503 Penny Carty,President Village of Salamatof P.O.Box 2682 Kenai,AK 99611 Charles G.Anderson,Chairman Cook Inlet Region,Inc. 2525 C.St.,Suite 500 Anchorage,AK 99503EdithBaller,President and ChairpersonChickaloon-Moose Creek Native Association P.O.Box 875046 Wasilla,AK 99674 Anne Thomas,President Chitina Native Corporation P.O.Box 3 Chitina,AK 99566 Orie G.Williams,Chair Doyon,Ltd. 1 Doyon Place,Suite 300 Fairbanks,AK 99701 Kathy Morgan,Chairman of the Board Toghotthele Corporation P.O.Box 249 | Nenana,AK 99760EmilJ.McCord,Chairman Tyonek Native Corporation 1689 C Street,Suite 219 Anchorage,AK 99501 Fred S.Elvsaas,Chairman of the Board Seldovia Native Association,Inc. P.O.Box Drawer L Seldovia,AK 99663 President Kenai Natives Association,Inc 215 Fidalgo Street,Suite 101 Michael E.Curry,Chairman and PresidentEklutna,Inc. 16515 Centerfield Drive,Suite 201Kenai,AK 99611 Eagle River,AK 99577GaryOskolkoff,President/CEO Robert Brean,PresidentNinilchikNativesAssociation,Inc.Tanacross,Inc.15730 Sterling Hwy.22808 Green Garden Road P.O.Box 39130 Chugiak,AK 99576Ninilchik,AK 99639-0130 Michelle Anderson,President/CEO Tom Harris,CEOAhtna,Inc. P.O.Box 649 Glennallen,AK 99588 Knikatnu,Inc. P.O.Box 872130 Wasilla,AK 99687 Jerry Isaacs,President Tanana Chiefs Conference 122 1"Avenue,Suite 600 Fairbanks,AK 99701 Wilson Justin,Administrator Cheesh-Na Tribal Council PO Box 241 Chistochina,AK 99586" 32 Veronica Nicoles,President Native Village of Cantwell Jaylene Peterson-Nyren,Executive Director Kenaitze Indian Tribe P.O.Box 94 P.O.Box 988 Cantwell,AK 99729 Kenai,AK 99611 JoAnn Polston,President Roy Ewan,President Healy Lake Village Gulkana Village CouncilP.O.Box 74090 Gulkana VillageFairbanks,AK 99706 P.O.Box 254 Gakona,AK 99586-0254 Darin Gene,President Ron Mahle,President Gakona Village Council Chitina Traditional Village Indian CouncilNativeVillageofGakonaP.O.Box 31 ) P.O.Box 102 Chitina,AK 99566 Gakona,AK 99585 Donald Charlie,First Chief Nenana Native Association C.Nora David,1"Chief Mentasta Traditional Council P.O.Box 369 P.O.Box 6019 Nenana,AK 99760 Mentasta,AK 99780 Doug Wayne,Chairman Frank Standifer,President Chickaloon Traditional Village Council Chickaloon Native Village P.O.Box 1105 Chickaloon,AK 99674 Native Village of Tyonek P.O.Box 82009 Tyonek,AK 99682-0009 Lorraine Titus,President Debra Call,President Northway Village Knik Tribal Council P.O.Box 516 Box 871565 Northway,AK 99764 Wasilla,AK 99567 Kathrin McConkey ,President Native Village of Kluti-Kaah Donald Adams,President © Native Village of Tetlin P.O Box 68 P.O.Box TTL Copper Center,AK 99573 Tetlin,Ak 99779 Roy Denny,President John Goodlaw,President Tanacross Village Council P.O.Box 76009 Tanacross,AK 99776 Tazlina Village Council Native Village of Tazlina P.O.Box 87 Glennallen,AK 99588 Crystal Collier,President Richard "Greg”Encelewski,PresidentSeldoviaVillageTribeNinilchikTraditionalCouncil Drawer L P.O.Box 39070 Seldovia,AK 99663 Ninilchik,AK 99639 William J.Miller,President _Lee Stephan,PresidentVillageofDotLakeEklutnaNativeVillageP.O.Box 2279 26339 Eklutna Village RoadDotLake,AK 99737 Chugiak,AK 99567 Durelle Smith Science Partnership Coord. U.S.Geological Survey Alaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage,AK 99508 34 APPENDIX A STUDY PLAN CRITERIA 18 CFR Section 5.9(b) Any information or study request must contain the following: l.Describe of the goals and objectives of each study proposal and the information to be obtained; 2.If applicable,explain the relevant resource management goals of the agencies or Indian tribes with jurisdiction over the resource to be studied; 3.If the requester is not a resource agency,explain any relevant public interestconsiderationsinregardtotheproposedstudy;- 4.Describe existing information concerning the subject of the study proposal, and the need for additional information; 5.Explain any nexus between project operations and effects (direct,indirect,and/or cumulative)on the resource to be studied,and how the study results wouldinformthedevelopmentoflicenserequirements; 6.Explain how any proposed study methodology (including and preferred" data collection and analysis techniques,or objectively quantified information,and a schedule including appropriate filed season(s)and the duration)is consistent with generally accepted practice in the scientific community or,as appropriate, considers relevant tribal values and knowledge;and | 7.Describe considerations of level of-effort and cost,as applicable,and why proposed alternative studies would not be sufficient to meet the stated informationneeds. 35 APPENDIX B PROCESS PLAN AND SCHEDULE The timeline assumes two years of study,but this is subject to change based on the outcome of the study development process.Shaded milestones are unnecessary if there are no study disputes;if due date falls on a weekend or holiday,the due date is the following business day. Pre-Filing MilestoneResponsible Date FERC Party Regulation AEA Issue Public Notice for NOI/PAD 12/29/11 |5.3(d)(2) AEA.File NOI/PAD with FERC 12/29/11 5.5,5.6 FERC '|Tribal Meetings 1/30/12 -5.7 FERC Issue Notice of Commencement of 2/27/12 5.8 Proceeding and Scoping Document 1 FERC Scoping Meetings -3/26-29/12 |5.8(b)(viii) All stakeholders |PAD/SD1 Comments and Study 4/27/12 5.9 Requests Due FERC Issue Scoping Document 2 (if needed)6/11/12 5.1 |AEA File Proposed Study Plan (PSP)6/11/12 5.11(a) All stakeholders |Proposed Study Plan Meeting TAA/2 5.11(e) All stakeholders |Proposed Study Plan Comments Due 9/10/12 5.12 AEA File Revised Study Plan 10/10/12 5.13(a) All stakeholders |Revised Study Plan Comments Due 10/25/12 5.13(b) FERC Director's Study Plan Determination 11/9/12 5.13(c) Mandatory Any Study Disputes Due 11/29/12 5.14(a) Conditioning . Agencies only Dispute Panel Third Dispute Panel Member Selected 12/14/12 5.14(d) Dispute Panel Dispute Resolution Panel Convenes 12/19/12 5.14(d)(3) AEA Applicant Comments on Study Disputes |12/24/12 5.14() Due : Dispute Panel Dispute Resolution Panel Technical 12/29/12 5.14q) Conference Dispute Panel Dispute Resolution Panel Findings 1/18/13 5.14(k) Issued FERC Director's Study Dispute Determination 2/7/13 5.14(1) 36 AEA First Study Season 2013 5.15(a) AEA Initial Study Report 41/11/13 5.15(c)(1) All stakeholders |Initial Study Report Meeting 11/26/13 5.15(c)(2) AEA Initial Study Report Meeting Summary 12/11/13 5.15(c)(3) All stakeholders |Any Disputes/Requests to Amend 1/10/14 5.15(c)(4) Study Plan Due . All stakeholders |Responses to Disputes/Amendment 2/9/14 5.15(c)(5) Requests Due FERC Director's Determination on -3/12/14 5.15(c)(6) Disputes/Amendments : AEA Second Study Season 2014 5.15(a) AEA Updated Study Report due 11/10/14 5.15(f) All stakeholders |Updated Study Report Meeting 11/25/14 5.15(f) AEA Updated Study Report Meeting 12/10/14 5.15(f) Summary . All stakeholders |Any Disputes/Requests to Amend 1/9/15 5.15) Study Plan Due All stakeholders |Responses to Disputes/Amendment 2/9/15 5.15(f) Requests Due FERC Director's Determination on 3/11/15 5.15(f) Disputes/Amendments / AEA File Preliminary Licensing Proposal 4/14/15 5.16(a) All stakeholders |Preliminary Licensing Proposal TAZB/S 5.16(e) Comments Due AEA File Final License Application?9/11/15 5.17 AEA Issue Public Notice of License 9/11/15 5.17(d)(2) Application Filing FERC Issue Public Notice of License 9/25/15 5.19 Application Filing (Tendering Notice) FERC Director's Determination on Any 10/11/15 5.19(e); Additional Study Requests and 5.20(a)(2) Notification of Any Deficiencies ) FERC Issue Public Notice Accepting 11/10/15 5.22 ”The timeline from the filing of the application forward assumes that a complete application is filed with the Commission and no additional information is required to process the application. 37 Application and Ready for Environmental Analysis (REA) All stakeholders |Comments,Interventions,10(a)1/9/16 5.23(a) Recommendations Due Agencies 10(j)Recommendations;4(e)Terms 1/9/16 5.23(a) and Conditions;Fishway Prescriptions Due AEA Request 401 Water Quality 1/9/16 5.23(b) Certification,if required AEA Reply Comments Due 2/23/16 5.23(a) FERC Issue Draft Environmental Impact 7/7/16 5.24 Statement (EIS) All stakeholders |Draft EIS Comments Due -8/6/16 5.24(c) Agencies Modified 4(e)Terms and Conditions 10/5/16 5.24(d) and Modified Fishway Prescriptions Due FWS/NMFS ESA Biological Opinion As Needed 11/19/16 ESA Issue Final EIS 1/3/17FERC 38