Technicalreport Number67
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Bristol Bay, Alaska
EPA 910-R-14-001C | January 2014 An Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska Volume 3 – Appendices E-J Region 10, Seattle, WA www.epa.gov/bristolbay EPA 910-R-14-001C January 2014 AN ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL MINING IMPACTS ON SALMON ECOSYSTEMS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA VOLUME 3—APPENDICES E-J U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Seattle, WA CONTENTS VOLUME 1 An Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska VOLUME 2 APPENDIX A: Fishery Resources of the Bristol Bay Region APPENDIX B: Non-Salmon Freshwater Fishes of the Nushagak and Kvichak River Drainages APPENDIX C: Wildlife Resources of the Nushagak and Kvichak River Watersheds, Alaska APPENDIX D: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Characterization of the Indigenous Cultures of the Nushagak and Kvichak Watersheds, Alaska VOLUME 3 APPENDIX E: Bristol Bay Wild Salmon Ecosystem: Baseline Levels of Economic Activity and Values APPENDIX F: Biological Characterization: Bristol Bay Marine Estuarine Processes, Fish, and Marine Mammal Assemblages APPENDIX G: Foreseeable Environmental Impact of Potential Road and Pipeline Development on Water Quality and Freshwater Fishery Resources of Bristol Bay, Alaska APPENDIX H: Geologic and Environmental Characteristics of Porphyry Copper Deposits with Emphasis on Potential Future Development in the Bristol Bay Watershed, Alaska APPENDIX I: Conventional Water Quality Mitigation Practices for Mine Design, Construction, Operation, and Closure APPENDIX J: Compensatory Mitigation and Large-Scale Hardrock Mining in the Bristol Bay Watershed AN ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL MINING IMPACTS ON SALMON ECOSYSTEMS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA VOLUME 3—APPENDICES E-J Appendix E: Bristol Bay Wild Salmon Ecosystem: Baseline Levels of Economic Activity and Values Bristol Bay Wild Salmon Ecosystem Baseline Levels of Economic Activity and Values John Duffield Chris Neher David Patterson Bioeconomics, Inc. -
Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Partnership Strategic Plan (2017)
Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Partnership Strategic Conservation Action Plan for Southwest Alaska Watersheds 2017 Update Preface In studying the history of the decline of the salmon runs of the Pacific Coast, it is striking to notice how invariably these declines are blamed on over-fishing. These statements come most often from those least acquainted with the subject and are frequently made to cover up other causes, which may be of their own making. While it is true that over-fishing is responsible for many declines, there is evidence to show that in numerous cases it is of minor or no consequence. The actual reasons are often found to be changes in the environment of the salmon due to natural and unnatural (man-made) conditions. This is especially true of the fresh water stages of its existence. Many examples could be cited. Some of the natural ones are cyclic climatic changes, floods, droughts, freezes, earthquakes, earth slides, beaver dams and increase in predators. On the other hand there are such man-made, or unnatural, causes as deforestation due to logging; hydro-electric, irrigation, flood control, and navigation projects; pollution, especially from pulp mills; soil conservation and reclamation schemes; gravel washing and mining operations; road construction such as stream culverts; insect control using poisonous sprays; and many others. The listing of these does not necessarily mean that all are inimical to the continuation of our salmon fisheries. It does mean, however, that if such projects are improperly and unwisely planned, the results will be disastrous to our fisheries. Alaska needs new industries, but not at the expense of her most important resource, which if properly cared for, will produce year after year. -
COMPARISON of the PEBBLE MINE with OTHER ALASKA LARGE HARD ROCK MINES
COMPARISON of the PEBBLE MINE with OTHER ALASKA LARGE HARD ROCK MINES Stuart Levit and David Chambers Center for Science in Public Participation February, 2012 Summary If permitted, the Pebble mine will be North America’s, and one of the world’s largest mines. It has been suggested that in spite of its size the Pebble mine is comparable to other Alaska mining projects. The amount of ore mined and the area that would be disturbed by development at the Pebble mine is on a scale entirely of its own in Alaska, and even enormous on a global scale. Size alone does not determine impacts, but based on other factors such as acid producing potential, easy movement of water away from the mine, a world class fishery, wet climate regime, etc., the mine’s potential impacts could be significant and irreparable. Several of Alaska’s large mines have potentially acid producing ore, but none are truly comparable with the size of the proposed Pebble mine. The Pebble Mine is unique compared to Alaska’s other large, hard rock mines when looking at characteristics such as size, geochemistry, geomorphology, fisheries, and hydrology. When viewed through the aggregate of these factors, the Pebble mine is distinctly different from any other present or past hard rock mine in Alaska. More important is Pebble’s massive potential to impact the pristine lands with industrial development. The Bristol Bay watershed is unique in Alaska because it comprises Alaska’s, and one of the world’s, greatest salmon fisheries. It supports cultural, subsistence, commercial, recreational, economic, and environmental values that are unparalleled. -
Walrus Hunting at Togiak, Bristol Bay, Soutwest Alaska
WALRUS HUNTING AT TOGIAK, BRISTOL BAY, SOUTHWEST ALASKA James A. Fall, Molly Chythlook, Janet Schichnes, and Rick Sinnott’ Technical Paper No. 212 ’ Fall: Division of Subsistence, Anchorage Chythlook and Schichnes: Division of Subsistence, Dillingham Sinnott: Division of Wildlife Conservation, Anchorage Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Subsistence Juneau, Alaska October 1991 The Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates all of its public programs and activities free from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap. Because the department receives federal funding, any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to: O.E.D. U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 , ABSTRACT The report provides an overview of historic and contemporary uses of Pacific walrus in the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska. It focuses on the community of Togiak (population 613) and its traditional use areas, including Round Island (Yup’ik Qayaciq, “place to go in a kayak”). As part of the Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary, Round Island, a critical haul out site, has been closed to walrus hunting since 1960. In 1991, the Togiak Traditional Council submitted a proposal to the Alaska Board of Game to allow a limited hunt for 10 walrus on Round Island in October. Hunting of walrus and other marine mammals in western Bristol Bay, including Round Island, by the Native people of the Togiak area over the last 2,500 years is documented by archaeological and ethnohistorical evidence. Until the late 1930s and early 1940% well-organized groups of hunters from Togiak traveled in kayaks to Round Island (the most reliable hunting location) and other islands armed with spears and harpoons to harvest walrus. -
Surface Water Quality in the Nushagak, Kvichak, and Chulitna Watersheds, Southwest Alaska 2009-2010
Investigations of Surface Water Quality in the Nushagak, Kvichak, and Chulitna Watersheds, Southwest Alaska 2009-2010 Kendra L. Zamzow, Ph.D. Center for Science in Public Participation PO Box 54 Sutton, Alaska 99674 July 2011 for The Nature Conservancy 715 L Street Suite 100 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Investigations of Surface Water Quality in the Nushagak, Kvichak, and Chulitna Watersheds, Southwest Alaska 2009-2010 Prepared for: The Nature Conservancy 715 L Street Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501 Prepared by: Kendra L. Zamzow, Ph.D. Center for Science in Public Participation PO Box 54 Sutton, AK 99674 with editorial review by: Ann Maest, Ph.D. Stratus Consulting 1881 Ninth St., Ste. 201 Boulder, CO 80302 and Molly Welker Bristol Environmental Remediation Services, LLC 111 W. 16th Avenue, Third Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 July 2011 Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................1 1.0 Introduction .....................................................................................................................1 2.0 Study Area and Sampling Locations ...............................................................................3 3.0 Methods, Data Availability, and Relevant Standards .....................................................7 3.1 Methods .......................................................................................................................7 3.2 Available Data .............................................................................................................7 -
Climate Change in Port Heiden, Alaska
Climate Change in Port Heiden, Alaska Strategies for Community Health Project Contributors: Erica Lujan - Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Community Environment and Health Mike Brubaker - Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Community Environment and Health John Warren - Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering Jaclyn Christensen - Native Village of Port Heiden, Brownfields Program Scott Anderson - Native Village of Port Heiden, Environmental Program Melissa O’Domin - Native Village of Port Heiden, Environmental Program Jeremy Littell - Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center Richard Buzard - University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Geosciences Jacqueline Overbeck - Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Coastal Hazards Program Davin Holen - Alaska Sea Grant, Adapt Alaska Sue Flensburg - Bristol Bay Native Association, Environmental Program Elizabeth Powers - Western Alaska Landscape Conservation Cooperative The writing team would like to thank all of the community and regional contributors to this project. We appreciate your time and support. Port Heiden Contributors: Gerda Kosbruk Scott Anderson Hank Matson Nefuti Orloff Jaclyn Christensen Jimmy Christensen John Christensen Jr. Annie Christensen Tisha Kalmakoff Bruce Bishop Melissa O’Domin Amber Christensen-Fox Delores Anderson © 2018 Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Council Members: Gerda Kosbruk - Administrator Paid for with funds from the Bureau of Indian Affairs John Christensen Jr. - President -
Bristol Bay Subarea Contingency Plan
BRISTOL BAY SUBAREA CONTINGENCY PLAN RESOURCES SECTION RESOURCES: PART ONE – COMMUNITY PROFILES ............................................................. B-1 A. Regional Organizations................................................................................ B-1 B. Community Profiles ..................................................................................... B-6 RESOURCES: PART TWO – EQUIPMENT ................................................................................. B-79 A. Commercially Available Equipment ......................................................... B-81 B. Government Spill Response Equipment .................................................... B-83 C. Industry/Spill Cooperative Equipment ...................................................... B-88 RESOURCES: PART THREE – INFORMATION DIRECTORY .............................................. B-89 A. Airports and Air Services .......................................................................... B-90 B. Bird and other Wildlife Response .............................................................. B-94 C. Contractors: BOA and Term ..................................................................... B-95 D. Historic Properties Protection .................................................................... B-95 E. Emergency Services/Managers .................................................................. B-96 F. Fishing Fleets and Organizations ............................................................... B-96 G. Government Contacts and Information -
Alaska Peninsula Becharof National Wildlife Refuges
Fishery Management Plan ALASKA PENINSULA BECHAROF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES July 1994 Region 7 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Department of the Interior FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN ALASKA PENINSULA AND BECHAROF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Fiscal Years 1994 - 1998 Prepared By: King Salmon Fishery Resource Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 277 King Salmon, Alaska 99613 May 1994 SUMMARY STATEMENT The Alaska Peninsula and Becharof National Wildlife Refuges Fishery Management Plan (Plan) provides the management direction necessary to ensure conservation of fishery resources and habitat. In addition, the Plan provides for continued use of fishery resources by subsistence, commercial, and recreational users consistent with the purposes for which the Alaska Peninsula and Becharof refuges (Complex) were established and are managed. The Complex's biological and physical environment is described and fishery resources, human use, management history, and major issues and concerns are discussed. This information was obtained from the Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plans, a literature search, and discussions with Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel. Objectives and tasks are developed to address the issues and concerns. Federal tasks are assigned priorities and costs for each year of continuation. The Plan encompasses a five year period, at which time it will be revised. Major issues and concerns identified include the following: competition between user groups; incomplete salmon escapement data bases to refine management of the Complex fish populations; and inadequate fishery law enforcement. In some cases, concerns were identified because of the perception that they would develop into serious problems if current levels of use or consumption were allowed to continue or expand. -
Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys in the Bristol Bay Area, Alaska, 2001
SALMON SPAWNING GROUND SURVEYS IN THE BRISTOL BAY AREA, ALASKA, 2001 By James Browning Steve Morstad Tim Sands Keith Weiland Regional Information Report1 No. 2A02-14 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Commercial Fisheries 333 Raspberry Road Anchorage, Alaska 99518-1599 March, 2002 1 The Regional Information Report Series was established in 1987 to provide an information access system for all unpublished divisional reports. These reports frequently serve diverse ad hoc informational purposes or archive basic un-interpreted data. To accommodate timely reporting of recently collected information, reports in this series undergo only limited internal review and may contain preliminary data; this information may be subsequently finalized and published in the formal literature. Consequently, these reports should not be cited without prior approval of the author or the Division of Commercial Fisheries. AUTHORS James Browning is the Nushagak Area Management Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518. Steve Morstad is the Naknek/Kvichak Area Management Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 37, King Salmon, AK 99613. Tim Sands is the Togiak Area Management Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 230, Dillingham, AK 99576-0230. Keith A. Weiland is the Egegik and Ugashik Area Management Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the University of Washington, Fisheries Research Institute for equipment, personnel and funding they provided to help gather escapement data in 2001. -
BRISTOL BAY Geography Bristol Bay Is Sockeye Salmon Country
BRISTOL BAY Geography Bristol Bay is sockeye salmon country. The region is a land of great inland lakes, ideally suited to the juvenile life of sockeye salmon that are tied to lakes for growth and survival prior to migrating to the ocean (Hilborn et al. 2003). Variation within sockeye salmon leads to stability and options for all salmon lovers – from caddisflies to rainbow trout and brown bears to people around the world. Bristol Bay offers a pristine and intact ecosystem with a notable absence of mining and offshore oil and gas exploration in the region. Jared Kibele, Rachel Carlson, and Marie Johnson. 2018. Elevation per SASAP region and Hydrologic Unit (HUC8) boundary for Alaskan watersheds. Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity. doi:10.5063/F1D798QQ. SASAP | 1 Numerous networks of stream-connected lakes provide extraordinary sockeye salmon rearing habitat. The variety of lake and riverine spawning and rearing habitats in the region mean that the salmon runs in Bristol Bay are uniquely diverse, which contributes to the long-term sustainability of the salmon resource (Schindler et al. 2010). The long-proposed Pebble Mine, situated at the intersection between the Nushagak River and Kvichak River watersheds, would unquestionably and permanently change this salmon landscape. The landscape that features so prominently in Ellam yua [the Yup’ik belief system] is one of low coastal mountains that give way to rolling tundra. Early people and salmon systems The earliest record of human occupation in the Bristol Bay region dates to 10,000 years before present (Boraas and Knott 2014). Salmon use in the region by Yup’ik peoples has been occurring for at least 4,000 years, based on evidence collected from sites on the Kvichak River near salmon-bearing streams. -
A Special Program for Secondary Schools in Bristol Bay
DOCUMNNT RNSUPIR RC 003 626 ED 032 173 By-Holthaus, Cary H. Bristol Bay. Teaching Eskimo Culture to Eskimo Students:A Special Program for Secondary Schools in Pub Date May 68 Note -215p. EDRS Price MF -$1.00 HC Not Availablefrom EDRS. *Eskimos.HistoryInstruction, Descriptors -*Biculturalism,CultureConflict.*Curriculum Development. Instructional Materials, LanguageInstruction, *Resource Materials.Rural Areas, Secondary Education, *Social Studies Identifiers-Alaska, Aleuts, Bristol Bay Eskimo youth in Bristol Bay,Alaska. caught between the clashof native and white cultures, have difficultyidentifying with either culture.The curriculum in Indian schools in the area. gearedprimarily to white middle-classstandards. is not relevant to the students. Textbooks andstandardized tests, based onexperiences common to a white culture, hold little meaningfor Eskimo students.Teachers unfamiliar with Eskimo traditions and culture areunable to understand orcommunicate with the native people. Since the existingcurriculum in Bristol Bayschools ignores thestudents' cultural background. theauthor considers the creationof a unified multi-semester social studies curriculumabout the native heritage as amethod of dealing with students' problems. This paper. as afirst step in creating such acurriculum, can and is directed serve as a sourcematerial for informationabout the Bristol Bay area. toward the developmentof a one semester secondarylevel course in native history of the paper consists ofmaterial about the history. and culture. A major portion folklore of geography. -
Egegik, Becharof
Chapter 3 - Region 12: Egegik, Becharof Region 12: Egegik, Becharof Summary of Resources and Uses in the Region Region Boundary Region 12 includes the uplands and tidelands on a portion of the Alaska Peninsula, generally south of the Bristol Bay Borough, which contains most of the Egegik-Becharof Lake drainage and borders on the western shore of the Ugashik Lake system (Map 3-11). The Region is bounded on the northeast by the Katmai National Park and Preserve, the Lake and Peninsula Borough boundary, and the western shore of Ugashik Lake. The southern boundary is generally north of Pilot Point. The principal community is Egegik (pop. 127). State Lands: Ownership and Acreage State-owned land dominates the western one third of the Region while much of the eastern two- thirds is Federally-owned. Native ownership of land is concentrated around the community of Egegik and west of Becharof Lake. The eastern portion of the Region is within the Becharof and Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuges. The Egegik Critical Habitat Area is contained within Region 12. The plan applies to 884,300 acres of state-owned and state-selected uplands and 127,229 acres of state-owned tidelands in this region. The plan also applies to state-owned shorelands (acreages of shorelands have not been calculated). Physical Geography The western portion of Region 12 is within the Bristol Bay Lowlands ecological province; the eastern portion of the Region is in the Alaska Peninsula ecological province. Drainage is predominantly westward towards Bristol Bay. The principal drainages are the King Salmon River, which flows westward from Katmai National Park and Preserve, and the Egegik River, which flows from Becharof Lake; also included is the upper section of the Ugashik River and the Kejulik River.