Services:

State of Alaska Clean Water Actions Database Application

Issue:

The State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Alaska Clean Water Actions (ACWA) program required assistance in diagraming the flow of information, pathways and critical decision points for the application of key criteria associated with a decision.

Solution:

OASIS was contracted to build a computer- and web-based process, with associated database, to perform the following tasks:

Determine if waterbodies are adequately protected;
Identify and prioritize waterbodies-at-risk for additional protection action;
Identify and prioritize waterbodies needing recovery for restoration or remedial action.

The program utilized input from the public and watershed stewardship groups. This information was then analyzed to determine:

Whether existing stewardship programs are adequate to maintain and protect the waterbody;
Whether available data is sufficient to determine the existence or extent of a current or potential problem

The results then allow for three possible actions or outputs:

Waterbodies that are adequately protected;
Waterbodies requiring additional data;
Waterbodies that require additional protection or recovery.

Waterbodies-at-risk and waterbodies needing recovery are addressed by:

Prioritizing individual waterbodies for action;
Identifying and implementing protection or recovery actions;
Evaluating the success of protection/recovery actions and directing the waterbody for additional information, continued monitoring or additional protection/recovery actions.

During all phases, additional data needs may be identified, sending the waterbody to the data collection track.

Results:

The database application (ACWA Waterbody Management Tool) designed and constructed by OASIS allows automated movement of a nominated waterbody through the decision tree process, utilizing inputs within each of the three (3) decision tree phases and providing an overall priority ranking for required waterbody actions. Specific data about the waterbody (analytical results, TMDL plans and reports, hydrologic unit codes, etc.) are carried through the process allowing a comprehensive look at a waterbody and where it sits in the evaluation and ranking process. The holistic presentation of information within the management tool allows OASIS to perform data adequacy and ranking evaluations based upon the data available and loaded into the tool.

Case Studies

Chuitna Coal Mine

OASIS is collecting extensive baseline data on the freshwater aquatic biology...
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Anchorage International Airport

Special interest groups and some members of the public opposed the permitting of a jet fuel pipeline...
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British Petroleum Exploration (Alaska), Inc.

BPXA required assistance in conducting biological studies...
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PacifiCorp

In December 2003 PacifiCorp received a new operating license for the Bear River Hydroelectric Project...
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Aleutians East Borough

Extensive permitting was required for the proposed King Cove Access Project...
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Alaska Department of Transportation

As a subcontractor, OASIS delineated the wetlands in accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual...
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Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks contracted with OASIS to investigate the recolonization rates of benthic macroinvertebrates...
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U.S. Air Force

OASIS conducted evaluations of potential contamination of the human food chain...
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State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

ADEC's Alaska Clean Water Actions (ACWA) program required assistance in diagraming the flow of information...
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