Services:

Chuitna Coal Project Aquatic Biology Studies

Issue:

As part of the NEPA process for the permitting of the Chuitna Coal Mine, OASIS is collecting extensive baseline data on the freshwater aquatic biology (fisheries, stream habitat, periphyton, benthos, lake habitat, and zooplankton) within and adjacent to the project area. The data collected as part of these studies will be used by the U.S. EPA in an Environmental Impact Study to make a decision on permitting development of the mine.

Solution:

Objectives of the freshwater study include assembling historic information about the fisheries from previous studies by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as well as other researchers. In 2006, field studies were conducted to gather baseline information on freshwater communities including anadromous and resident fish populations throughout the project area; stream habitat, periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates, lake habitats and zooplankton. Fish population estimates were obtained through intensive minnow trapping throughout the basin from March through November 2006. Adult population estimates were obtained through hook and line study documenting catch per unit effort. Spawning surveys were conducted from the air and on the ground. Periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled in March, June, July and September. Periphyton Ash-Free Dry Weight and Chlorophyll were analyzed to assess primary productivity. Benthic density, species richness, and numerous community indices were analyzed to assess benthic community. Fourteen representative reaches of stream habitat were surveyed with rod and level to map existing conditions for future reconstruction. Lake habitats were sampled for resident fish species, zooplankton and macroinvertebrates. The study effort was repeated in 2007 for a second year of data.

Results:

OASIS accomplished all project objectives. Our final report was included in Chuitna Coal Mine's permitting application, currently being evaluated by the EPA.

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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