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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-20 KRSMA Board MinutesK 441 R19/E Special Management Area "Working togethea.. for the river" QDdO~OG°3~ ~ OQQD *~~ Meeting Agenda*** Thursday, Apri120, 2000 7:00 p.m. City of Soldotna Assembly Chambers T, II. III. IV V. VI. CALL TO OI2DFR A. Roll Call B. Approval of 3/9!00 minutes C. Agenda Changes and Approval PUBLIC COMMENT NEW BUSINESS A. Kenai Peninsula Borough's Kenai River Access Easement Study, John Mohorcich, Kena; River Center OLD BUSINESS A. Update on River Terrace ContaminaCion, Rich Sundet, DEC B. Water Quality Monitoring Framework Update, Michelle Brown, The Nature Conservancy C. River User Fees -Summary of Research, Bill Berkhahn, Parks D. Boat Wake Study Progress Report, Lance Trasky E. Kenai Peninsula Borough's lawsuit over the Kenai Area Plan PUBLIC COMMENT ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments B. Date/Agenda o£ Next Meeting 4:00 - 5:30 pm: Boat Wake Committee Meeting, Kenai River Center e ~ Kenai Area Office, Box 1247, Soldotna, AK 99669, Soldotna 2625581 Kenai Peninsula Borough, Box 850, Soldotna, AK 99669, Soldotna 262-4441 p Alaska Division of Parks and Outtloer Recreation, Department of Natural Resouroes, In cooperation with IDe Kenai Peninsula Borough. KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, March 9, 2000 Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association Building I. CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Ca11: Chairman Wellman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Jeff King, Ted Wellman, Tim H. Richardson, Peggy Mullen, Jim Golden, Brannon Ames, Ann Whitmore- Painter, Tim Navarre, Rick Wood {for Ken Lancaster), Robin West, Bill Shuster, Lance Trasky, Richard Ross, Deric Marcorelle, Chris Degernes Members Absent: Paul Shadura B. Approval of I/13100 Minutes: The minutes were approved as written. C. Agenda Changes a^d A ppreval: The agenda was approved as submitted. IL PUBLIC COMMENT -None III. NEW BUSINESS A. Sterling Highway MP 45-60 (Cooper Landing, bynass EIS discussion), Laurie Mulcahy, DOT Environmental Analyst, Miriam Tanaka_ MP 45-60 Project Manager Laurie Mulcahy provided an overview of the highway project between Mileposts 45 and 60. She stated the purpose of the project was Yo improve safety and to relieve summer traffic congestion. This road is the only road that links the western Kenai Peninsula to the rest of the state. The project area encompasses the community of Cooper Landing, scenic and wildemess areas including the Kenai River Special Management Area, Chugach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge lands. It is subject to Title ll of ANILCA, which provides for transportation corridors through designated wilderness and refuge areas. Kenai River Special Management March 9, 2000 Area Advisory Board Page - I There are many developmental constraints in the project area such as riverbanks, rock falls, slide areas, and there are geotechnical concerns regarding backslope stability. She cited increased population growth of the Kenai Peninsula as .well as increased tourism figures to ''be otherkonsiderations: Ms: Mulcahy noted that in the early to mid 1980's, a draft Environment Impact Statement was developed with nine alternatives. The preferred alternative, which had four bridges over the Kenai River, was later dropped due to the discovery of archeological cultural resources, and the opposition due to the Kenai River being designated as KRSMA. The current draft has two alternatives: the Kenai River AlternaCive and the Juneau Creek Alternative. The Juneau Creek Altemative has two different variants, the Refuge Variant, which runs through Refuge land, and the Forest Variant, which runs through USFS land, and avoids the Refuge lands. The DOT Commissioner has selected the Juneau Creek Alternative as the preferred action because it moves the road away from the Kenai River and the congested areas. The Juneau Creek Alternative will bean 11.2-mile realignment and would climb above the river valley beginning at MP 55 and would reconnect with the highway near the Quartz Creek Road. It would provide for an improved T-intersection to allow local traffic access along the existing road to Cooper Landing and Kenai River recreation sites. The Juneau Creek Alternative would allow wide lanes and more passing zones. The road would span Juneau Creek with a 135-ft. bridge located approximately 1,000 feet above the falls. The Juneau Creek Altemative originally provided for a new trailhead near Juneau Creek Falis, Chus creating a day use area. This option was later dropped due to opposition concerning disruption of wildlife/bear habitat. A small portion of the Resurrecrion Trail would have to be re-routed to provide a path under the bridge. The trailhead for Resurrection Trail will remain on the old road. Miriam Tanaka noted that a rnnci~ltant ig being hired to lnpk at fha glnnec in the area a ______ .._ __ r regarding avalanche possibilities to see what can be done to reduce hazards. Mullen inquired if rail travel had ever been considered as an alternative to a new highway; and as far as anyone knew, it had not. Ms. Mulcahy discussed the two variants within the Juneau Creek Alternative. In the Refuge Variant, which the department prefers, the first 2,200 feet is within the Refuge, and is designated as wilderness. The Forest Variant was drafted to avoid going into Refuge land; however, it would clip a portion of the new improved Sportsman's Landing Russian River facility. Richardson noted that the portion of the Refuge Variant is land selected by CIlZI. If the land is conveyed to CIl2I, it would no longer be considered wilderness and would be a moot point. Ms. Mulcahy pointed out a portion of the Juneau Creek Altemative that has been transferred from USFS to DNR and may be transferred to the Borough. If the transfer takes place, there Kenai River Special Management Much 9, 2000 Area Advisory Boud Page - 2 may be development in that area. The rest of the highway will run through undeveloped land. Shuster discussed the Kenai River Alternative, which has a similar routing as the 3R Alternative in the older EIS. He stated the significanC difference is about two miles of highway between Gwin's Lodge and the Post Office. He asked if consideration was given the older 3R Alternative to include the changes in that two-mile stretch shown in the Kenai River Alternative. These changes might include cutting out the hillside on the south side of the present alignment to relocate the road farther from the river and straighten out the curves. He felt it might be an alternative that is more viable since both alternatives are not that different. Dodie Wilson pointed out on the map the route of the older 3R Alternative and gave her thoughts as to how and where the road should be located. She stated the 1982 plan was dropped when they ran into some problems with iJative artifacts. There was a general discussion of the 3R Alternative. Ms. Mulcahy stated when the draft EIS completed, there will be a public comment period as well as community meetings. They hope to develop a citizen advisory committee for this development proposal. Wellman thanked DOT for coming and bringing the Board up to date. He asked that the Board be kept informed of their progress and asked DOT to return at the appropriate time to solicit Board comments. There was a short break. Brannon Ames left the meeting during the break. B. Sterline I3iehway MP 37-45 - progress update, John Sorenson, Construction Engineer John Sorenson stated that construction would re-start about mid-April. He hoped to have all the main work done prior to when the high traffic occurs. The goal is to have one lane across the Quartz Creek bridge completed by Memorial Day and start on the second lane by mid-June. He discussed the 5-acre fish rearing pond design and plans. The mitigation portion has priority in the design, and DOT is committed to bui]ding the pond. He also discussed a plan for water treatment during the bridge hydro demolition. The plan is similar to other DOT projects. They will trap all the water that comes off, vacuum out all concrete aggregate and wash water and truck it to the gravel pit. They also will add a 3-ft. diameter culvert under the Sterling Highway for fish passage. It will connect the new rearing ponds habitat areas with the south side embankment and will connect with another channel through the wetlands. Shuster was informed that there are not any changes with the wetlands near Tern Lake, however, the emergency phone will be moved further up the road. Kenai River Special Management Meech 9, 2000 Area Advisory Board Page - 3 Navarre felC that DOT is making an honest attempt in the mitigation process- C. Chugach Electric Association's Kenai Lake Power Plant Contamination Deric Marcorolle. ADEC Before beginning the discussion, Chairman Wellman passed the gavel to Trasky and stated he would not participate in the discussion due to a possible conflict of interest. Trasky stated that during the process of upgrading their turbines, Chugach Electric had a contractor sample their wastewater and indications of PCBs were found in the discharge water. This raised concern with ADF&G, US Eish & Wildlife Service, and DEC as to the source, and how long has the contamination been there. Marcorelle stated all water except for sewage goes through the discharge line and out into Kenai Lake. Tests were not performed until recently. The floor oil/water separator had PCB's detected in the sediments, but no PCB's have been detected in the tailrace water that is being discharged. Three capacitors in the facility's switch gear have PCB's, but there is no known leakage from them. They will be removed during the upgrade work. P. transformer and its containment area, and the soil from the lake shore adjacent to the tail race were also tested and no PCBs were found. The contractor hired by Chugach Electric believes that the most likely source of the PCB contaminants in the oil/water separator is PCB-contaminated grease used to lubricate the turbines sometime in the past. PCBs were first manufactured in 1929 and used as an electrical coolant. Production of PCBs ceased in 1977 when their use was banned. They are hydrophobic and won't stay in the water, but they will settle and adhere to soil or sediment. Cooper Lake went on line in 1960 prior to the ban. In 1989 the separator wras installed; prior to that there was direct disrharoP into the lakes, The PCBS thpwt ~xiere 1CUnrl ;xiere from the ~ill`J.'ater °eparai^vr. n- Marcorelle reported that Chugach will install an activated carbon filter on line prior to performing work on the upgrade. They will sample the water every Cwo weeks during the upgrade and will remove anything contaminated with PCBs during the upgrade operation. Cooper Lake is being d~-watered aC this time as part o€the upgrade process and there is no water coming through the lines. DEC has asked Chugach to take sediment samples from the lake bottom after the ice goes out. Chugach does not have a permit for the discharge, but permits were not required when the powerhouse was built. DEC will be talking with Chugach about having the whole line removed. Navarre asked if there was any documentation that showed the PCBs have reached Kenai Lake. Marcorelle stated that therewas not. Kenai River Special Management March 9, 2000 Area Advisory Board Page - 4 Mullen inquired as to the remediation process if PCBs are found in the sediment. It would depend on the amount of PCBs found, if any. If only a trace is found, it may not be a big concern. An uhidenCified person in the public asked about the purpose of the powerhouse and whether or not it is actually needed. It was suggested that he speak with Chugach Electric. The gavel was returned to Chairman Wellman. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Water Ouality Monitoring Program Update -Michelle Brown, The Nature Conservancy Michelle Brown pointed out their national magazine had a very good article in it about the kenai River and the article had some familiar faces in it. Ms. Brown reported that Mayor Lancaster has stepped forward Co offer Che City of Soldotna's services in analyzing some of the water quality tests. They can take care of many of the simple tests, but they won't be able to analyze for nitrates or hydrocarbons. She passed out a synopsis of their agreement. She is also working with Northern Testing regarding the other tests. They are performing the tests at a 30% discount (doing one test at 29 sites), but it will still amount to $14,514. She asked for help in applying for and writing grants. She stated the next step is to identify personnel to collect the water quality samples. She plates to have a workshop on how to collect the. samples on May 10. She hoped the first date for sampling will be in August. Rick Wood from the City of Soldoma believed the sampling should continue for more than one year and recommended four years in order to get proper sampling and establish a good water quality baseline. Degernes pointed out the draft Resolution No. 2000-O1 for the board to consider. She believed the Board should formalize their request asking the City of Soldoma to take Che lead. MOTION: DEGERN~S MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.2000-01. ANN PAINTER-WAITMORE SECONTDED. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO 2000-O1 MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUS WITHOUT OBJECTION Kenai River Special Management March 9, 2090 Area Advisory Board Page - 5 B. Boat_Wake Study Update and Recreation Imnact Studv Undate Degernes referred to the documents in the packet regarding the scope and objectives of the Boat Wake Study. The Committee and the Corps of Engineers will continue to work on fihetuning Che proposal. August 1-3 has been selected as the possible study dates because the river will be closed to king salmon fishing, and not yet open for coho fishing, plus will still be aC ordinary high water levels. The chances of having background boat wakes are minimal. The boat types and configurations were discussed. More discussion is needed regarding the number of runs and the loading arrangements. There was discussion regarding the proposal from Janet Curran, USGS hydrologist, to add turbidity measurements to the boat wake test. This would help to determine how much a boat wake affects turbidity. Adding the turbidity component to the boat wake study would cast $20,000 and the analysis and report would cost about $35,000. If the tubidity component were added, it could possibly wipe out the monies for the recreational impact study. MOTION: DEGERNES MOVED TO SEIV~ A LETTER TO FISH AND GAME SUPPORTING THE FUNDING AND ADDITION OF THE USGS TURBIDITY COMPONENT TO THE BOAT WAKE STUDY. NAVARRESECONDED. The $120,000 appropriation for the Boat Wake and Recreation Impact Studies has been assigned to Fish & Game to manage. The US Corps of Engineers has committed to''/z of the funding for the Boat Wake Study. While some of the rest of the portion could be in- kind services, the addition of the turbidity study could leave the Recreation Impact Study without full funding. There is a possibility that EPA funding could be available to do the rarraatinn Study, ho ;b'e`Je.. Chairman Wellman voiced caution regarding the rushed turbidity study. While he could endorse the $20,000 for Che physical work, he was not sure about the $35,000 for the analysis. He would Like to see more detail of the proposed analysis. He supported the idea of doing a turbidity study; but at this point, he wants more details before committing to it. Trasky would also like to have a complete proposal before him. Gary Leipitz, F&G, stated the effects of turbidity on fish would be difficult to evaluate because they would vary with species. More detailed samplings would be needed. Degernes stated USGS would need to know soon so they could start working on a work plan. After a work plan is received, it would be the Board's prerogative to accept the work plan. There was general discussion concerning the need of a turbidity component and the relationship of turbidity with fish habitat and linking that turbidity to a boat wake. Kenai River Special Management March 9, 2000 Area Advisory Board Page - 6 Ross wanted to see a work plan before making any commitments: MOTION: DEGERNES MOVED TO AMEND HER MOTION TO SEND A LETT"ER TO FISH & GAME PROPOSING TO ADD THE TURBIDITY STUDY •r0 THE BOAT WAKE S'rUDY Co1VTINGENT UPON A SATISFACTORY woRK PLAN. NAVARRE CONCURRED AND SECONDED. VOTE ON AMENDED MOTIC)N TO ADD TURBIDITY STUDY: Yes: King, Wellman, Richardson, Mullen, Whitmore- Painter, NTavarre, Shaaster, Trasky, Marcorelle, and Degernes ivo: Golden, Wood; West, and Ross MOTION PASSED: 10 Yes, 4 No V. PUBLIC COMMENT Dodie Wilson, Cooper Landing, stated she has been dealing with DOT and discussions about highway improvements through Cooper Landing since 1973. She believed DOT concentrated on one hill and did not take into consideration that the road goes through the whole valley. She believed a more viable solution would be to cut back one of the hills adjacent to the existing road. rather than do the bypass. She stated DOT has lied to them. Shesuggested Chat land selections benefiting DOT; DNR, KPB, and. USFS were behind the idea of a bypass. George Siter, stated it was difficult to comment on DOT actions especially after they had left the meeting. He passed out an average speed analysis for both the Bypass and 3R Option that he'd prepared. He did not feel that saving two minutes was worth destroying Juneau Creek Falls and one of the prettiest spots in the area. He believed ISTEA funds would be involved which would force a pullout/trailhead being placed at that location. VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments Richardson stated he was glad to see the good publicity in the Nature Conservancy article. King noted that Drew Scalzi has sponsored the borough habitat protection ordinance. He hoped members would remind him that our recommendation is located on Page 66 of our Comp Plan, Navarre stated the ordinance will have a number of hearings, with the final hearing being during the second meeting in May. Kenai River Special Management Mazch 9, 2000 Area Advisory Board Page - 7 Wood stated that this evening has been a good introduction for him. He thanked the public for their participation. Shuster stated that the USFS would be providing funding for the State to run the fish weir at Cooper Creek. This will give us a better idea of the anadromous fish in the area. Degernes announced the Kenai Watershed Forum will hold a meeting regarding ATV impacts to streams on Monday night at 7 p.m. at the CTAA building. B. Date/A~enda of Next Meeting The next meeting date will be April 20, 2000. Having no fur then business, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Welh~an at iv22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Earlene Reed, Recording Secretary for the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Kenai River Special Management March 9, 2000 Area Advisory Boazd Page - 8