Electrical Power for Valdez and the Copper River Basin-1981

A. NEED FOR AND OBJECTIVES OF ACTIONStudy AuthorityThe Valdez Hydropower Study was authorized by a resolution of the committeeon PUDlic Works, United States Senate, 92 Congress, 2d Session.The Southcentr~l Railbelt (SCRB) resolution was adopted on 18 January1972. This resolution specifically stated that the upper Susitna was toDe studied first for potential hydropower. The feasibility report on theupper Susitna did not find it economical to transmit power by transmissionintertie facilities in the Valdez area. Therefore, the feasibilityof hydropower in proximity to Valdez was also investigated under the SCRBresolution.B. ALTERNATIVES1. Plans EliminatedNumerous sites for hydroelectric development were analyzed and found tobe infeasible due to size, location, and environmental constraints.Sites eliminated in the immediate Valdez area include Gold Creek, SheepCreek, Wortmann Creek, Silver Lake, Unnamed Creek, Mineral Creek, andLowe River.All sites east of the Copper River have been eliminated due toestaDlishment of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The Tsina andTiekel Rivers located between Valdez and Glennallen were eliminatedbecause they could not provide sufficient energy to contribute to thepower loads of Valdez and Glennallen. The Tonsina and Klutina Riverswere eliminated because of extreme adverse impacts to the fisheriesresources which contribute to the Prince William Sound salmon harvest.For further information, refer to the section titled "Formulation ofPreliminary Plans.1I2. Without Conditions (No Action - Plan A)The no action alternative is the least environmentally damaging of thealternatives as it would preserve a rather unique glacial fed drainage.However. power consumption for the Valdez-Glennallen area is projected toexceed the capability of the Solomon Gulch hydroelectric project by thetime it comes on line in late 1981. With the cost of diesel escalatingand its availability a concern. hydroelectric projects, like the proposedproject. would be more cost effective and efficient.The city dock expansion and ALPETCO plant will increase the population ofValdez, thus increasing power consumption. The need for additional powerwill result in the construction of a project such as Allison Lake whetherit is constructed with Federal, State, or local funding.EIS-l