Electrical Power for Valdez and the Copper River Basin-1981

An ecological evalu~)tion as required by Section 40 LI(b) (1) of the Clean\~() ler Act has bO::cn made following the evaluation guidance in 40 CFR2~XJ. 5. ApprofJI iate measures have been identified and incorporated in theproposed plan to minimize adverse effects on the aquatic and wetland(~Co~;ystems as a result of the discharge. Consideration has been given tothe need for the proposed activity, the availability of alternate sitesand methods of disposal that are less damaging to the environment, andsuch water quality standards as are appropriate and applicable by law.Impacts on wetlands at the site would be unavoidable. Approximately lessthan one-ten th of an acre of aquatic habitat would be eliminated. Allactivities upon the fill would be water oriented or dependent. There areno other viable or foreseeable practical alternatives.The discharge site does conform with the Guidelines. As such, thedischarge site can be specified through the application of Section404(b)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 as amended bythe Clean Water Act of 1977. .