Detailed project report and environmental statement Auasi Harbor for light-draft vessels Draft

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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DETAILED PROJECT REPORT
AND
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
AUASI
FOR
LIGHT - DRAFT VESSELS

AUASI TUTUILA ISLAND, AMERICAN SAMOA

U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, HONOLULU
L

I SEPTEMBER 1977 ud,

DRAFT
DETAILED PROJECT REPORT
AUASI HARBOR
FOR LIGHT-DRAFT VESSELS
AUASI, AMERICAN SAMOA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Title Page

A THE STUDY AND REPORT 1

B RESOURCES AND ECONOMY OF THE STUDY AREA 3

C PROBLEMS, NEEDS, AND OBJECTIVES 19

D FORMULATING A PLAN 23

LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

B-1 ANNUAL SEA AND SWELL CONDITIONS 5

B-2 POPULATION OF AMERICAN SAMOA 10

B-3 POPULATION PROJECTION FOR AMERICAN SAMOA 11

B-4 POPULATION CHANGE, 1960-1970 11

B-5 ALTERNATIVE POPULATION PROJECTIONS
FOR AUNU'U 12
-LB-6 VISITORS TO AMERICAN SAMOA 17
B-7 ENGINEERING FEATURES OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS 26

D-8 ECONOMIC FEATURES OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS 28

SUMMARY COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS
AND SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS 29

US Department of Commerce
NOAA Constal Serviceo Center Library
221,34 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE FOLLOWS PAGE

B-1 LOCATION MAP 4

B-2 SURFACE WIND DIAGRAM 4

B-3 DEEP OCEAN SWELL EXPOSURE 4

B-4 TRIBUTARY AREA 12

B-5 PLAN 1 30

B-6 PLAN 2 30

B-7 PLAN 3 30

B-8 PLAN 4 30

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE TITLE FOLLOWS PAGE

1 Existing Conditions, Vicinity Map, Location
Map, and Tutuila Island Map 30

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - DESIGN ANALYSIS

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1 - DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

SECTION A

THE STUDY AND REPORT

SECTION A

THE STUDY AND REPORT

Table of Contents

Item Page

PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY 1

SCOPE OF THE STUDY 1

STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND COORDINATION 2

PRIOR STUDIES AND REPORTS 2

SECTION A

THE STUDY AND REPORT

PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

1. The purposes of this study were to determine the feasibility of
providing a safe and efficient means of transporting people and goods
between the Auasi area on the southeast and of the island of Tutuila and
the island of Aunulu, and to determine the extent to which the Federal
Government can participate in the construction of the recommended solu-
tion.

2. This study results from a request by the Government of American
Samoa (GAS) in October 1969 for assistance in developing a badly needed
transportation system for the island territory. A reconnaissance report
indicating the feasibility of constructing a harbor at Auasi and recom-
mending detailed studies wag completed in 1970. At that time, GAS asked
that further evaluations be undertaken under the survey authority,
General Investigation appropriation. By letter dated 16 October 1975,
GAS requested that the detailed study for Auasi now be made under
Section 107 authority. Preparation of a Detailed Project Report for
Auasi Small Boat Harbor was approved in December 1975, and funds to
initiate detailed studies were received in November 1976.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

3. The study focused on the identification and evaluation of the
problems attending navigation in the Auasi area of the island of Tutuila,
and the need for navigation improvements. The problems and needs were
summarized in planning objectives to guide the study. Alternative
improvement plans were developed to meet the planning objectives. The
costs, benefits, and environmental impacts associated with implementing
the alternative plans were determined, and the plans evaluated to deter-
mine which plan would best meet the planning objectives as well as being
compatible with the overall needs and resources of the study area.

4. The study area was limited to the area of Auasi village, between
Taugamalama Point on the west and Maatulaumea Point on the east. This
is the traditional landing place for persons traveling betwen Tutuila
Island and Aunulu Island, and has resulted in the close ties between the
people of Aunu'u and the village of Auasi necessary for development of
a harbor which will primarily benefit the people of Aunu'u Island. In
addition, Auasi is the closest landing for persons coming from Aunu'u,
and is straight across the channel between the two islands from the
authorized Aunulu Small Boat Harbor.

5. Studies conducted during the preparation of this report include
detailed site investigations, topographic and bathymetric surveys$
oceanographic analysis to determine the design criteria, and preliminary
engineering design, economic evaluations, and environmental assessment.
A detailed marine environmental survey and an archaeological reconnais-
sance study were accomplished to aid in the impact assessment and evalua-
tion and the preparation of an environmental statement.

6. The study has been conducted in sufficient depth and detail,to
define the navigation need and the planning objectives, and to develop
and assess alternative plans for public review and comment.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND COORDINATION

7. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Engineer District, is
responsible for conducting and coordinating the study and preparing the
report. The studies and investigations were performed with the assist-
ance of the GAS Department of Public Works.

8. Information and comments received from the following agencies and
individuals were considered in identification of problems and needs and
development of alternative plans:

Departments of the Government of American Samoa
Chiefs of Auasi and Aunu'u Villages
Sa'ole County Officials
National Marine Fisheries Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service

9. Meetings were held on 16 December 1976 and 21 April 1977 with
representatives of Auasi and Aunu'u villages to aid in determining the
problems and needs for navigation improvements and the desires of the
local communities. A formal public meeting is scheduled for October
197L

PRIOR STUDIES AND REPORTS

10. The development of a system of harbors to link the islands of
American Samoa is part of the Government of American Samoa's effort to
upgrade the tarTitoryge infrastructure. Detailed project reports for
harbors on the islands of Ofu, Ta'u and Aunulu were completed by the
Corps of Engineers in January 1973, July 1974, and September 1975,
respectively. Construction of the Ofu Small Boat Harbor was completed
in 1976p and the harbor on Talu is under construction. Except for the
reconnaissance report prepared by the Corps of Engineers in January
1970, there are no reports on harbor development for the Auasi area.

SECTION B

RESOURCES AND ECONOMY OF THE STUDY AREA

SECTION B

RESOURCES AND ECONOMY OF THE STUDY AREA

Table of Contents

Item zme-

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3

Territory of American Samoa 3
Study Area 3

NATURAL FORCES 4

Winds 4
Tides 4
Waves 4
Storms and Hurricanes 4

NATURAL RESOURCES 7

climate 7
Geology 7
Terrestrial Environmental Setting 7
Marine Environmental Setting 8

HUMAN RESOURCES 10

Population Characteristics 10
Cultural/Historical Resources 12
Major Skills and Occupations 12
Social Structure 13
Education System 13

DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMY 14

Urbanization 14
Land Tenure 15
Commerce 16
Industries 16

SECTION B

RESOURCES AND ECONOMY OF THE STUDY AREA

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TERRITORY OF AMERICAN SAMOA

1. American Samoa is a group of seven islands, five volcanic islands
and two coral atolls, located in the South Pacific at about 170* west
longitude and 14* south latitude. These islands, which comprise a total
of 76 square miles, are about 2,300 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii
(Figure B-1).

2. The five volcanic islands which are also the major inhabited is-
lands of American Samoa are Tutuila, Aunuvu, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'u.
Tutuila, the largest and principal island, is the center of Government
and business. Aunu'u, a satellite of Tutuila, lies one mile off the
southeast coast of Tutuila. The three islands of Ofu, Olosega, and
Ta'u, collectively referred to as the Manula Islands, lie 66 miles east
of Tutuila.

3. The Chiefs of Tutuila and Aunu'u ceded title to the United States
in 1900, and Ta'u, Olosega, and Ofu followed in 1904. From 1900 to
1951, the U.S. Navy administered the islands as a territory of the
United States. In 1951, administration was transferred to the U.S.
Department of the Interior. American Samoa remains an unorganized,
unincoporated territory of the United States.

STUDY AREA

4. The study area is located at the village of Auasi, on the southeast
end of Tutuila, approximately 15 road miles from Pago Pago Harbor. (See
Plate 1). Pago Pago Harbor, which nearly bisects the island, is the
major commercial and industrial center in American Samoa. The village
of Auasi is located in a shallow bay between Taugamalama Point and
Maatulaume Point, and is the traditional landing point for the residents
of Aunu'u Island who commute to and from Tutuila. Approximately 100 to
150 persons living on Aunulu commute daily by longboat to Auasi to go to
school, work, and the markets in Pago Pagoo There is only an elementary
school on Aunu'u, and no employment opportunity, hence, students must
commute to the Western Region High School and the community colleges on
Tutuila, and workers commute to jobs with GAS and at the tuna canneries
in Pago Pago. In addition, agricultural products such as taro, breadfruit,
and citrus fruits are transported daily to the markets in Pago Pago. At
the present time, the only daily transportation between Aunu'u and Auasi
is by longboat and small outboard motor boats.

NATURAL FORCES

WINDS

5. The prevailing winds throughout the year are the easterly trades.
They tend to approach Samoa more directly from the east during December
through March, but predominatly from east-southeast and southeast during
the rest of the year. The wind diagram (Figure B-2) was prepared from
data obtained from a wind gage at Pago Pago International Airport,
Tutuila, American Samoa.

TIDES

6. There are no tide gages at Auasi. Because of its proximity to Pago
Pago, the tidal data for Pago Pago Bay are considered applicable to
Auasi. The tidal data shown below were obtained from the U.S. Coast and
Geodetic Survey and are referenced to mean low water (MLW). Two high
and two low tides occur daily. The mean and spring ranges for Pago Pago
Bay are 2.5 and 3.1 feet, respectively.

Pago Pago
Mean High Water 2.5 feet
Mean Tide Level 1.2 feet
Mean Low Water 0.0 feet
Lowest Tide Expected -2.0 feet

WAVES

7. Data from the U.S. Navy's sea and swell charts indicate that from
June through November, approximately 80 percent of the waves are from
the east and southeast. For the rest of the year, approximately 75
percent of the waves are from the northeast, east, and southeast. Thus,
the dominant wave pattern is that caused by the easterly trades. Table
B-1 shows the results obtained from analyzing the histograms of the U.S.
Navy's chart.

8. Figure B-3 shows the exposure of Auasi to deep ocean waves. The
Auasi coastline is protected from waves approaching from the west clock-
wise to the northeast by the Tutuila Island landmass. It is also protected
from the southeast by the Aunulu Island landmass. Waves approaching
from the east are greatly attenuated by divergence as they retract around
the east.end of Tutuila.

STORMS AND HURRICANES

9. Samoa lies across the path of hurricanes which move into the area
generally from the north but occasionally from the east, southeast, or
west. According to one compilation, Samoa experienced at least 34
hurricanes between 1831 and 1923. According to another compilation,
American Samoa experienced at least five "true" hurricanes between 1913

SAN F

TOKYO

P A C IF I C 0 C E A N

HONOLULU

61p SAIPAN
MANILA
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SiBla 12,36 JWI
SAMOA
SUVA PAPEETE

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND
LOCATI

SURFACE WIND DIAGRAM
PAGO PAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TUTUILA, SAMOA ISLANDS

Wk
CALM 19.0
W I E
2.7%
"oo
co
cp s
00

L E G E N D 10% =TOTAL % OF THE YEAR

1- 6 KNOTS PERIOD OF RECORD
7 16 KNOTS 1945 -1968
17 21 KNOTS SOURCE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
OVER 21 KNOTS HONOLULU, HAWAI I
DATA COMPILED BY U. S. AIR FORCE
CONVERSION I KNOT = 1.1516 MPH ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL
APPLICATION CENTER,
ASHEVILLE, N. C.

FIGURE B-2

DISTANCE BETWEEN LAND MASSES

AUNU'U TO AU'ASI---- NAUTICAL MILE
S 640W 11.2 NAUTICAL MILE

NOTE

SITE WILL ALSO BE EXPOSED TO WAVES
DIFFRACTED AROUND THE LAND MASSES.

POLA IS.

NIJUSETOGA IS.
BARTLETT IS.)
0 A 0
A AU.'ASI AUN 'IJ
-V PA60 PAGO HARBOR AUNU'U

TAPUTAPUIS.

DEEP OCEAN SWELLS

TUTUILA ISLAND DEEP
EXPO
1 0 1 2 3 4 5
m
SCALE IN MILES

Table B-1. ANNUAL SEA AND SWELL CONDITIONS

Source: HO No. 799C-E "Atlas of Sea and Swell Charts, Northwestern
Pacific Ocean and Southwestern Pacific Ocean

Seas - Total Number of Observations - 161 (Period 1932 - 1940)

Percent Condition
l/ of Total Percent of Percent Observations
Direction Observations for Direction

Light Medium High
(1-2) (3-41 ILI

NW 3 100
N 3 100
NE 11 83 17
E 31 64 32 4
SE 40 38 56 9
S 4 100
Calm 2
Other Directions 6

Total 100 50 38 4

Swells - Total Number of Observations 159 (Period: 1932 1940)

NW 2 100
NE 8 69 17 14
E 30 62 32 6
SE 26 59 30 11
SW 8 36 55 9
Calm 10
Other Direexions 16

Total 100 42 25 7

l/ Direction from which seas/swells are approaching.

2/ Wind force on Beaufort Scale equivalent to the following probable
wave heights:

1-2 0.25 feet to 0.5 feet
3-4 2 feet to 4 feet
5+ 6 feet+

and 1936. The hurricane season is between the months of November and
April. The worst hurricane to strike American Samoa in modern times was
that which passed through the islands on the 29th and 30th of January
1966, Wind gusto over 110 miles per hour were felt in Pago Pago and
rainfall ranged from 6 to 14 inches. Losses to private and Federal
property were estimated at $4.3 million, and five deaths were reported.
Severe tropical storms affecting American Samoa occurred in 1968, 1969,
and 1970. During a storm in 1968, Pago Pago reported a peak gust of 81
miles per hour, and total damage was estimated at $240,000. In 1969 and
1970, peak gusto of 72 and 53 miles per hour, respectively, were reported
at Pago Pago. Damage was reported to be negligible.

10. On I January-1973, tropical cyclone Elenore damaged a seawall and a
boat ramp at Fagasa on Tutuila and washed out about 800 feet of roadway.
Pago Pago Airport reported a peak gust of 93 MPH with frequent gusts to
70 MPH. Sea level pressures dropped to 29.26 inches. About half of
Tutuila's crops were damaged and some 60 percent of the banana trees,
and many papaya and breadfruit trees were blown down. Repair of govern-
ment facilities alone cost an estimated $200,000. On Ta'u Island, high
waves swept over the seawall at Faleasao and damaged the powerhouse
area. Many crops in the vicinity were either washed out or blown down.
Although Aunu'u Island was also affected by tropical cyclone Elenore@ no
reports of the resulting damages are available.

11. The most recent storms to occur in Samoa were tropical cyclones Kim
and Laurie. Kim passed within a few miles south of Tutuila on 10 December
1976. At Pago Pago Airport peak wind gusts from the northwest of 59
miles per hour and a low atmospheric pressure of 29.30 inches were
recorded. At Cape Matatula, located at the eastern end of Tutuila near
Auasi, a low pressure of 29.043 inches was measured. Tropical cyclone
Laurie formed on the evening of 9 December in about the same area as Kim
and followed a similar path towards the Samoa Islands passing a few
miles just north of Tutuila Island on 11 December. At Cape Matatula on
11 December, a wind speed gust of 105 miles per hour was measured at
which time the 60-foot-high steel weather tower was destroyed and the
record ended. The lowest pressure recorded during Laurie was 28.729
inches. Both tropical cyclones continued moving east-southeast. As a
result of both storms, the GAS estimated $585,000 in crop damages which
included 75 percent of the banana crops totaling $400,000 and 50 percent
of the breadfruit crop totaling $15,000. @

12. Although the islands have.experienced tsunamis, only Pago Pago has
recorded any sizable runup. The tsunami generated by the Chilean earth-
quake in 1960 was most pronounced at the heads of Fagaloa Bay and Pago
Pago Harbor where the maximum range was 15 to 16 feet. No reports of
tsunami activity affecting Auasi could be found.

NATURAL RESOURCES

CLIMATE

13. The climate is tropical with yearly mean temperatures ranging from
70 to 90* F and humidity ranging from 80 to 85 percent. The prevailing
southwest tradewinds blow from May to November with an average velocity
of about 8 knots. The winds are variable the remaining months. The
highest rainfall occurs during the summer (December to March). Rainfall
on Tutuila averages 125 inches per year at the airport and 200 inches
per year at Pago Pago Harbor.

14. Little data are available to describe the small regimes. Local
residents record only rainfall at simple rain-gaging stations in several
villages on Tutuila and report this information to the airport weather
station. Although localized weather conditions may vary widely on the
island at any given time, the long-term climatic pattern at Auasi village
differs little from that observed at other coastal areas in American
Samoa.

GEOLOGY

15. Tutuila Island is the top of a composite volcano rising some three
miles from the ocean floor. Interpretive studies indicate it is formed
of five volcanos located over two to three parallel rifts trending 20'E.
Although young geologically, the island does not appear to be volcanic-
ally active at present.

16. The predominant rock types are basaltic, with lesser amounts of
trachyte and andesite. The bulk of the volcanic rocks appear to be
Pliocene or early Pleistocene in age. Recent appearing basaltic tuffs
and lavas have formed a broad, flat plain in the southwest side of the
island from Tafuna to Leone. Recent sediments consist of talus, alluvium,
calcareous sandq coralline gravel, and reef rock.

17. GAS has developed a quarry at Fagaalu, near Pago Pago Harbor, and
has obtained rights of way for a new quarry at Tula on the east end of
Tutuila to supply construction materials.

TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

18. The vegetation of American Samoa consists of various botanical
communities. Dense forest covers approximately 70% of the island of
Tutuila with coverage as high as 90% on the Manu'a Islands. The higher
percentage of land area not covered by tropical forest on Tutuila is a
direct reflection of the impact of human-related activities. Tutuila is
the population and economic center of all American Samoa. As a result,
a higher incidence of land clearing activities related to agriculture,
housing, and economic development are found on the island.

Taro and bananas are American Samoa's most important cash crops.
They are grown in small plots for a maximum of two seasons, after which
the plots are allowed to revert back to forest in order to regenerate
lost soil nutrients. Small commercial plantations also grow breadfruit,
sugarcane, and coconuts.

19. Few native animals inhabit the Samoan Islands due to the island's
relative isolation and problems related to dispersal and colonization.
Fowl, pigs, and dogs were introduced by the early Polynesians. There
are no snakes, but lizards, millipedes, and centipedes are common. The
Bufo frog, imported from South America to control mosquitos and centipedes,
is abundant on Tutuila. Inspects associated with the warm tropical
climate are problems on all the islands.

Birds are the most abundant form of wildlife though limited in
numbers of species. None of the islands have more than 30 species of
native birds. The White Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris*manuae
the Polynesian Starline (Aplonis tabuensis manuae , and the Fiji Shrike-
bill (Clytorhychus vitiensis powelli) are included on a preliminary list
of endangered birds in American Samoa.

Freshwater animals are uncommon since most of the stream flow only
intermittently. It is unlikely that freshwater streams are inhabited by
any endangered species.

20. The vegetation in the Auasi area, between the existing road and the
shoreline, consists of coconut trees, Futu (BarringtonLa), Milo, Ipomoea
(beach morning glory), banana, and portions landscaped with grass and
ornamental plants. Two recreational fales and a few homes are located
on the shoreline. Seawalls protect about 50 percent of the shoreline
from erosion. The shoreline area at Auasi does not appear to support a
particularly unusual fauna.

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

21. Fringing reefs protect much of the shoreline of Tutuila from wave
erosion. Freshwater stream discharge often cut "avas" (ravines) through
reef flats where rip currents flow seaward. Shoreline areas are devoid
of living coral reefs where substantial amounts of freshwater flows into
the seao These areas are characterized by heavy wave action, low salinity
seawater, and rocky shoreso Numerous species of reef fish inhabit
waters surrounding the islands. In addition to fish, numerous invertebrates,
including octopi, urchins, and of course corals, may be found on the
fringing reefs.

Beyond the reefs, skipjack and yellowfin tuna are being commercially
exploited, with fish canneries being located in Pago Pago Harbor.
Marlin, sailfish, and dolphin attract sport fishermen.

22. The Auasi area, between Taugamalama Point on the southwest and
Maatulaumea Point on the northeast, is fronted by a rather wide reef
flat. The reef has a maximum breadth of 600 to 700 feet (180 to 215 m)
centrally and is somewhat narrower near the southwest side of the main
channel or "awa" which bisects the reef about 500 (150 m) southwest of
Maatulaumea Point. Thus, the reef flat at Auasi can generally be des-
cribed as consisting of a large southwest sector and a much smaller
northeast sector. The main channel is the major outlet for the dis-
charge of reef flat water and currents flowing seaward are often quite
strong. The main channel strongly influences the longshore current over
the reef, particularly in the southwest sector. The high elevation of
most of the reef flat (0 to -1 feet) results in a complete exchange of
water each tidal cycle and considerable solar heating during the day.

The shoreline in the Auasi area generally consists of sandy material
of reef origin, much better developed in the south-southwest sector. In
the northeast sector and near the headlands on each side of the shallow
bay, are numerous basalt boulders. Beachrock occurs as isolated outcrops
in the northeast and mid-southwest sectors.

23. Based on a marine survey of the project area by the Bernice P,
Bishop Museum of Honolulu, Hawaii, the reef fronting the Auasi area can
be organized into several zones. The reef platform, from the shoreline
to the reef margin, exhibits a highly variable distribution of live
coral cover. However, the averages for all sampling locations indicate
fair cover generally decreasing (9 to 4%) over a distance of 0 to 300
feet (0 to 90 m) from shore, after which coral cover gradually increases
to 22% at the reef margin (600 feet, or 180 m, from shore). Coral
growth is well developed on the seaward reef slope ( 600 feet from
shore) with live coral accounting for 60 to 79% of the bottom.

The fish population at Auasi is quite diverse and reflects a broad
spectrum of species expected on the basis of previous surveys in American
Samoa. The abundance and diversity of fish increases with increasing
distance from shore, with adult fish becoming more dominant than juveniles.
The majority of reef platform fish are highly dependent on the benthic
substratum for concealment, with only a minority of the forms wide
ranging. Offshore, on the reef slope, the number of free swimming
species increases while benthic-associated forms decrease.

24. Subsistence fishing occurs frequently on the reef, especially on
the marginal portion. Local residents spear fish along the reef front,
and night spearing is done using a hand held torch.

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS HUMAN RESOURCES

25@ The US Census data listed below shows that 27,159 people lived in
American Samoa in 1970. Preliminary data from the Samoa Development
Planning Office indicates that the population increased to 29,171 in
1974. l/

US CENSUS

Table B-2. POPULATION OF AMERICAN SAMOA

Year Po2ulation

1940 12,908
1950 18,937
1960 20,051
1970 27,159

The above data shows that between 1940 and 1950, the population
grow 46 percent, but between 1950 and 1960, it grew only 6 percent.
Apparently, the 1950's period was one of very heavy out-migration. A
reversal in the population decline was indicated between 1960 and 1970,
during which time the population grew 35 percent giving an annual growth
rate of 3.1 percent. However, during this same period, the rate of
natural increase was estimated to be 3.8 percent. Therefore, a net out-
migration trend was still occurring although not as dramatically as that
which occurred during the 1950's. A 1968 economic development study of
American Samoa suggested that, after weighing migration, employment and
natural increase factors, a growth rate averaging approximately 1.64
percent would prevail during the 1970 decade. This indicates that the
population of American Samoa would reach 32,000 by 1980. If the rate of
growth slows still further during the 1990 decade and thereafter, it is
reasonable to expect that the growth rate will be similar to the Series
C projection used by the Office of Business Economics (US Department of
Commerce) for the United States. This rate is approximately 1.45 percent
growth per year for the period 1970 to 2020. Such a rate for American
Samoa between 1980 and 2025 would increase the population to 58,000 by
2025, as shown in the following table:

l/ American Samoa 1974 Annual Report to the Secretary of the Interior
prepared by the Office of Samoan Information.

Table B-3. POPULATION PROJECTION FOR AMERICAN SAMOA

Year Population Projection

1980 32,000
1990 36,600
2000 41,800
2010 47,700
2020 54,500
2025 58,000

26. The people most affected by the project are those living on Aunu'u
Island. The 1970 Census shows that 1.5 percent of the total population
or 425 people live on Aunulu. The Island of Aunu'u is within Salole
County, a portion of which is located on the main island of Tutuila.
Tutuila is divided into two districts, the Eastern District with six
counties and the Western District with four counties (Figure B-4).
Sa'ole County is in the Eastern District. Table B-4 shows the population
of the six counties within the Eastern District for the years 1960 and
1970 and the percent change.

Table B-4. POPULATION CHANGE, 1960 - 1970

Population Percent
County 1960 1970 Change

East Vaifanua 972 1,163 19.7
Itutau. 1,887 2,884 52.8
Hauputasi 5,340 7,886 47.7
Sa'ole 1,105 1,295 17.2
Sua 1,500 2,336 55.7
West Vaifanua 333 391 17o4

Total Eastern District 11,137 15,955 43.3

The 1970 population of the six villages in Sa'ole County was Alofau,
378; Amouli, 356; Au'asi, 74; Aunu'u, 425; Fogaau, 31; and Utumea, 30.

27. Although the census shows an overall increase in the population of
the territory and Sa'ole county between 1960 and 1970, a breakdown of
the data for Sa'ole County shows an approximately 2.5 percent decline in
the population of Aunu'u Village from 436 in 1960 to 425 in 1970. It is
noted that all of the villages in Sa'ole County that are located on
Tutuila registered an increase in population, while Aunu'u which is iso-
lated from the main island showed a decline. The population decline,
which also occurred in outlying villages without connecting roads on
Tutuila, is attributed to inadequate overland and interisland transporta-
tion. The result has been a gradual shift in population from the isolated

outlying villages to the urban areas of Tutuila, particularly around
Pago Pago Bay. This shift is of concern to government officials because
it is contributing to intense urban congestion. The population on
Tutuila increased 46 percent from 16,814 in 1960 to 24,548 in 1970.

28. With improved interisland transportation, the population of Aunu'u
can be expected to decline at a slower rate until about 1980, followed
by a population increase similar to that expected for the rest of
American Samoa. Without a harbor, the rate of decline experienced since
1960 can be expected to continue as shown in Table 5.

Table B-5. ALTERNATIVE POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR AUNU'U

Year Without Harbor With Harbor

1960 436
1970 425 -
1975 420 420
1980 415 415
1985 410 440
1990 405 470
2000 395 540
2010 385 620
2020 375 700
2025 370 750

CULTURAL/HISTORICAL RESOURCES

29. The amount of land available for habitation on coastal flats, such
as Auasi, is restricted by the coastal-interior extent of the plain,
which usually terminates abruptly in high, precipitous cliffs. Thus,
land use is heavily influenced by physiography, and may be characterized
by extensive exploitation of what little area and resources are available.
Interrelated with land use is the established practice of reutilizing
stones and coral from abandoned house platforms. As a result, the
preservation of older structural remains in American Samoa has been, in
many cases, almost nonexistent.

30. A reconnaissance survey of the project area by the Bishop Museum,
Department of Anthropology, revealed no remains of archaeological or
historic sites. The landward limit of the survey area coincides with
the passage of the modern road (approximately 100 to 150 feet from the
shoreline), which by virtue of its construction, would have obliterated
any traces of surficial archaeological or historic remains.

MAJOR SKILLS AND OCCUPATIONS

31. Employment trends in American Samoa reflect the shift from a sub-
sistence type of economy to a cash economy. Many Samoans now prefer the
cash-paying jobs available in the urban areas, and particularly with the

COUNTIES

1 LEALATAUA
2 TUALATAI
3 LEASINA
4 TUALAUTA
5 ITU'AU
6 MAUPUTASI POLA IS.
7 WEST VAIFANUA NUUSETOGAIS.
8 SUA (BARTLETT IS.)
9 SA'OLE
10 EAST VAIFANUA
7
10
6 8

9
C9
PA,90 P,400 AUNU'
5
3

TAPUTAPU IS.

TUTUILA ISLAND TRIB
(SA'
c 1 0 1 2 3 4 5
rn SCALE IN MILES

Government of American Samoa (GAS), the largest single employer on the
island. In 1974, the GAS employed 3,714 islanders. Other leading em-
ployers, located in the Pago Pago Harbor area, were the food processing
industry, including can manufacturing, and the shipping and transporta-
tion industry which includes seafaring and dockside personnel.

Industries in the new industrial park near Nuuuli include a jewelry
manufacturer and exporter, a watch assembly plant, and an industrial gas
plant.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

32. The keystone of the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) is the
communal social structure which consists of the extended family (aiga),
the primary social unit, with a chief (matai) directing the family's
affairs. All members of the family owe their loyalty and service to the
aiga, through the matai who manages the family lands and finances and
appoints lesser matais to serve him and carry out certain responsi-
bilities. In the society at large, there is a complicated system of
titled chiefs, high chiefs, paramount chiefs, and talking chiefs who
distribute power and influence as well as property.

33. In recent times, for better or worse, the traditional Samoan social
structure and value system have been undergoing rapid change and "moderni-
zation". United States possession has had a profound effect on the
lives of the Samoan population, the major influences being American
education, conversion from a subsistence to a cash economy, desires for
imported goods, and exposure to non-Samoan values and customs through
mass media, tourists, and relatives returning from the United States.
The effects of Western influence on the Samoan lifestyle are most evi-
dent around Pago Pago Harbor. Many people in the project area and its
tributaries commute to work and recreation in the Pago Pago area, thus
daily transcending the old family/village bounds.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

34. The larger villages and those that are relatively isolated along
the shoreline have established schools for the elementary grades. High
school students commute (by foot or by bus) to three facilities on
Tutuila, including the largest at Pago Pago. A community college with
an enrollment of about 1,000 is located at Mapusaga on the Tafuna-Leone
plain. Student commute to the college from all over the island by foot,
bus or private auto.

35. Although much of the current labor force is engaged in unskilled
work, an increasing number of Samoans are seeking higher education in
professional fields and are expected to gradually assume jobs now held
by non-Samoans (palagi). This is in consonance with the US Department
of Interior's goal to promote economic, social, and political develop-
ment leading to a full measure of self-Government and the active parti-
cipation of the residents of American Samoa in the life of their territory.

DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMY

URBANIZATION

36. The Pago Pago Bay area of Tutuila is the urban center of American
Samoa. Unlike the outlying villages, housing in the bay area follows
the Western tradition, including plumbing and electricity. Although low
income precludes the purchase of new housing by most Samoan families,
the demand for housing that combines Western and traditional features
has been growing.

37. Outside of Pago Pago most residential development is in small, low-
density villages located on the valley floor deltas where the steep
headlands meet the sea. The villages remain essentially native and
consist of small frame houses and grass or tin roofed "fales". However,
in many lowlying villages, concrete blockhouse construction is being
employed as it is more resistant to hurricane damage. In recent years,
as the people have begun to use the roads more and more to commute to
their jobs, school, and to travel between villages, the traditional
clustered village arrangement has changed in some areas and villages
have formed in linear patterns along the roads.

38. The isolated outlying villages such as that on Aunu'u remain essen-
tially native and consist of "fales", the traditional Samoan dwelling.
These structures are usually oval and are of poles supporting a thatched
roof over a foundation traditionally built of loose stones or coral
raised to a height of 1 or 2 feet above the ground. Aunu'u Village
consists of about 75 homes varying from the traditional "fales" to
Western style wood-frame structures. Communication is primarily by word
of mouth except for radio communication between Government of American
Samoa agencies. Electrical power is obtained from Tutuila through an
underwater cable. There are no roads or harbors on the island. Walking
is the only means of overland transportation. Interisland transporta-
tion is accomplished over water since there is no air service to the
island.

39. The attraction of cash-paying jobs and of the modern conveniences
of the Pago Pago Bay area has caused an increasing number of Samoans to
leave their native villages. This, however, is contributing to urban
congestion on Tutuila and its attendant environmental problems. There-
fore, means of controlling urban population density are being investigated,
including the construction of roads to isolated villages and the con-
struction of small boat harbors to villages which are accessible only by
boat and secondary transportation through the reef by longboats. Because
of the Samoan people's love for their native villages, it is felt that
with improved transportation, many peoole will remain in their villages
and many who have moved away will return.

LAND TENURE

40. The traditional system of land tenure in American Samoa is based on
communal lands claimed by extended families (aigas). Traditionally, the
basic claim of each aiga is recognized by every other; the land essen-
tially remains within each aiga's control and is therefore rarely transferred
for any purpose. Land alienation laws aimed at preserving this Samoan
custom have been in existence since the first US Navy administration in
1900. These laws prohibit any extended family chief (matai) who controls
the family's lands to alienate such lands or any part of it to any
person without the written approval of the Governor of American Samoa.
They also prohibit alienation of any land except frehold lands (those
included in court grants prior to 1900) to any person with less than 50
percent native blood. The laws dealing with leasing and public use
limit the term of private leaseholders to 30 years and require the
written permission of the Governor. These laws, however, do not pro-
hibit the conveyance of native lands to the government for public use,
or upon written approval of the Governor, do not prohibit conveyance of
land to religious societies.

41. The laws have been effective in protecting Samoan ownership of
their land to the extent that at present 92 percent of all land is
communally owned, a fraction of 1 percent is on a freehold status, but
may be sold to those with 50 percent or more Samoan blood, and the
remaining 7 percent or so is held about equally between the Government
of American Samoa and the churches. Thus, approximately 96 percent of
all land in American Samoa belongs to the people and will continue to
belong to them because of their attitude and high regard for land owner-
ship. Consequently, it will remain difficult for non-Samoans to obtain
use of land, particularly those held by the extended families.

42. Existing land-use patterns at Auasi and Aunu'u conserve land re-
sources. The villages are organized to promote social interaction and
multi-use of the village's land area. Although detailed land-use plans
have not yet been formulated, the Preliminary General Plan for American
Samoa prepared in 1973 indicates that future plans will be designed
around existing activities and land-use patterns.

43. No coastal zone management program has been developed for American
Samoa. The filling of reef flats to create more land for urban and in-
dustrial development has occurred on Tutuila. In some cases, the reclaimed
submerged lands appear to serve as shore protection for villages situated
close to the water's edge. In other cases, reclaimed lands encourage
construction of public or private homes and facilities near the water's
edge, exposing them to storm wave attack and erosion. The highway along
much of the south shore of Tutuila, for example, was built close to the
shoreline despite the fact that the area is exposed to hurricane and
storm wave attack. In general, the wetland reclamation practices resulted
from the lack of moderately sloped upland areas. The difficulty in
obtaining land-use rights from local landowners has also encouraged the
practice.

COMMERCE

44. Imports during Fiscal Year 1974 totaled $46,539,656 a 29 percent
increase over imports of $35,952,859 for Fiscal Year 1973. Revenue from
exports for FY 1974 totaled $82,988,726, a 24 percent increase over the
$66,576,005 for FY 1973. Canned tuna accounted for 89 percent of the
1974 exports. Fish products other than tuna accounted for 5 percent,
while handicraft, watches, and all other curios accounted for the remainder
of the shipments from American Samoa.

INDUSTRIES

45o Commercial Fishing. The tuna cannery complex is the mainstay of
the private economy of American Samoa. In FY 1974, the fishing industry
accounted for $77,724,773 of the territory's $82,988,726 value of exports.
Two fish canneries and a supporting can manufacturing company are located
on the north shore of Pago Pago Harbor. The tuna canneries are the
largest private employers on the island, however, over one-half of the
employees hired by the fishing and canning industry are non-Samoans.
Presently, the canneries employ about 1,200 Samoans but are entirely de-
pendent on foreign flag vessels and crews for their fisho Approximately
255 fishing vessels, including Korean, Taiwanese, and Japanese ships,
were based in American Samoa in 1973.

46. The commercial fishing industry was originally established to
employ fishermen from among the inhabitants of American Samoa; past
experience showed that the Samoans had little inclination to become high
seas fishermen. Recently, however, an increasing number of local inhabi-
tants have begun sport and commercial fishing.

The local small craft fishing fleet increased to 23 boats as five
new 24-foot "Samoan dories" were added to the existing fleet in 1974.
The Office of Marine Resources collected catch and effort data from 11
dories which reported fish sales of 120,419 pounds in 1974, worth more
than $71,000. It is estimated that the entire dory fleet had a total
catch of over 200,000 pounds. This operation involves over 100 fishermen
selling commercially through village stores on Tutuila. A harbor at
Auasi would permit boats fishing off the east end of Tutuila to unload
their catch daily for distribution to the markets, thus saving a costly
and time-consuming boat trip to Pago Pago Harbor.

47. Surveys made by the Office of Marine Resources to determine the
availability of bottom fish have indicated that a substantial unutilized
bottom fish resource exists in American Samoa. Furthermore, a study of
the fishing resources indicates that American Samoa could support a
substantial fleet of bottom fishing boats to supply domestic demands. A
Samoan fleet to catch tuna for sale to the two canneries could also be
supported because the canneries can take all of the fish available to
them.

48. Although the commercial fishing industry is presently the most im-
portant private economic force in American Samoa, it is not expected to
be one of the major growth industries of the islands. Rather, this
industry is expected to remain a relatively stable element of the Ameri-
can Samoa economy with modest growth attributed to availability of
adequate harbors.

49. Tourism. Tourism is the second largest industry in American Samoa
and is considered the major potential growth industry. There were
53p376 visitors during fiscal year 1974, an increase of 8 percent over
fiscal year 1973. 23,254 cruise ship passengers visited American Samoa
during fiscal year 1974, an increase of 23 percent over the previous
year. Based on past experience, it is estimated that if visitor faci-
lities and activities are made available to meet potential demand, the
number of tourists will increase to more than 300,000 by 2025. Table
B-6 shows the number of visitors to American Samoa for the period 1966
to 1975.

Table B-6. VISITORS TO AMERICAN SAMOA

(VISITING 24 HOURS OR LONGER)

Number of Number of
Year Tourists Year Tourists

1966 4,401 1971 19,199
1967 9,617 1972 24,849
1968 11,786 1973 27,937
1969 13,940 1974 30,122
1970 15,000 1975 (36,000) Est.

Based on the above data, if visitor facilities and activities are made
available to meet potential demand, it is estimated that the number of
tourists will increase to nearly 50,000 by 1980.

50. Three major airlines serve American Samoa on flights between Hawaii
and Now Zealand. In addition, there are daily flights between the
island of Tutuila and Apia in Western Samoa. Many visitors also come by
cruise ships which call at Pago Pago throughout the year. Bus tours to
other parts of Tutuila are available for the visitors enjoyment. The
people of Aunulu want a connecting route by sea from Auasi to their
island'to facilitate the development of a tourist trade there.

51. The tourism office continues to direct and coordinate the terri-
tory's efforts in the field of visitor interest. The tourism office has
been emphasizing the development of tourist-related facilities and
activities within Samoa, such as highway and village beautification pro-
jects, rather than tourist-promotion of American Samoa abroad.

52. Presently, a shortage of hotel rooms continues to be the deciding
factor on the number of visitors who can stay for longer than one day.
There are only three hotels in American Samoa with a total of 216
rooms. All of the hotels are located in the island of Tutuila. There
are no hotels or tourist facilities on Aunu'u.

53. Agriculture. Presently, only a few small-scale commercial farmers
are active in rican Samoa. Most of the present agricultural production
throughout the territory is at the subsistence or family level. However,
rising population and the attractiveness of cash paying jobs in the can-
neries, government, and the construction and tourist industries have
caused many American Samoans, particularly on Tutuila, to deemphasize
farming and to turn to imports for satisfaction of their food needs.
This is not the case in Aunulu, where most families still actively
engage in subsistence farming. There is a definite market.for locally
grown taro, the staple of the local diet, particularly since most of the
taro is presently imported from Western Samoa. In addition, there is a
growing local market for vegetables to satisfy the needs of Oriental
fisherman, the increasing number of tourists, and the local Samoans
whose eating habits are being influenced by the school lunch program and
influx of outsiders.

54. Agriculture could become a more attractive enterprise if better
transportation facilities are provided to facilitate marketing of pro-
duce. At least 10 percent of the taro consumed by islanders could be
produced on Aunu'u if adequate transportation to Tutuila markets was
available. According to discussions with Department of Agriculture
personnel, there is a definite need and hope that Aunu'u will be able to
supply more of the agricultural products for the territory's consumption.
Agricultural officials do stress, however, that before any agricultural
advancements can be achieved, the existing water transportation system
for Aunu'u must be improved.

55. Manufacturing. Light manufacturing such as jewelry making a watch
assembly plant, and an industrial gas plant account for about 6 percent
of the value of exports from American Samoa.

56. Construction. At present, the GAS is the major construction company
in the Territory with a work force of over 3600 employees. Between 1973
and 1976, the Department of Public Works completed work on 95 projects
in the Manu'a Islands and on Tutuila. These projects include primary
and secondary roads, village trails, extension of the water supply
system, sewer system improvement, improved stream crossings, playgrounds,
seawalls, small boat harbors, and installation of signs and guardrails
on Tutuila's highways. In addition, the GAS operates a concrete batch
plant and two quarries and has heavy equipment, including a crane with a
25-ton lift and a 1 1/2-yard dragline. Currently, nine private firms
are engaged in construction activities in American Samoa.

SECTION C

PROBLEMS, NEEDSo AND OBJECTIVES

SECTION C

PROBLEMS, NEEDS, AND OBJECTIVES

Table of Contents

Item Page

THE NAVIGATIONAL PROBLEM 19

RELATED PROBLEMS AND NEEDS

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

11. The Government of American Samoa recognizes the need to maintain
the territory's natural environmental quality which plays a significant
role in the traditional Samoan lifestyle. Therefore, although they are
trying to upgrade the territory's infrastructure, and are working to
achieve this goal, they are also making every effort to implement only
those changes which would improve the Samoan living standards without
resulting in significant adverse impacts on the environment.

12. The nearshore reef areas off Auasi village are valued for their
marine resources which are sources of food for the residents who still
maintain a subsistence level of economy. In addition, the reefs are
also an integral part of the natural scenic beauty of the islands, Al-
though some environmental damage has occurred from past development,
especially within the confines of Pago Pago, the outlying areas of the
island of Tutuila, such as Auasi, still retain much of its natural
beauty, particularly when compared with urbanized areas of the United
States.

HUMAN RESOURCES

13. The sea is the only means by which the residents of Aunulu can
reach the commercial activities and public facilities and services on
the island of Tutuila. Workers commuting to their jobs, school children,
and others utilizing the public services in Pago Pago, including the
territory's only medical facility, all depend on the sea link between
Aunu'u and Auasi. Navigation improvements are necessary in order to
promote social and economic development of Aunu'u Island and reduce the
hazards to life presented by the present navigation system.

DESIRED IMP ROVEMENTS

14. The Governor of American Samoa by letter dated 24 October 1969,
requested a study of harbors in American Samoa to determine the feasi-
bility of providing improvements for navigation and related purposes.
A reconnaissance report for harbors at Auasi and Aunulu was completed in
January 1970.

15. By letter dated 16 October 1975, the GAS Director of Public Works
requested that the detailed investigation of Auasi navigation needs be
studied under the Section 107 authority. He stated that construction of
small boat facilities at Auasi was required to eliminate the hazard for
persons traveling daily between Aunu'u and Tutuila islands, and to make
the transport of passengers and cargo reasonably safe under all but
hurricane conditions.

16. During meetings with chiefs and village representatives from Auasi
and Aunu'u hold in December 1976 and April 1977, the need for improved
and safe landing facilities at Auasi was strongly emphasized. The
meeting participants stated that the present method of bringing the
longboate and motorboats to shore was extremely hazardous during moderate
sea conditions and almost impossible during high (5-foot plus) wave
conditions. The chiefs stated that the existing conditions have re-
sulted in loss of income due to an inability to get to work or get
produce to the markets, as well as considerable loss of goods and lives
resulting from swamping and overturning of the longboats. The village
chiefs expressed a desire for a facility to accommodate their longboats,
motorboats, and fishing boats, as well as a future capability for larger
vessels that may travel between Auasi and Aunu'u as a passenger ferry
service.
is
.2.1

17. During discussions with GAS personnel and the Director of Port
Administration, they indicated the need to accommodate the existing
craft, as well as a 40-foot utility vessel with a 4-foot draft. They
also stated that Auasi is well served by road, and no shipment of goods
by tug or barge would be made from Pago Pago Harbor to Auasi, and bulk
cargo bound for Aunu'u would be shipped directly from Pago Pago Harbor
to the new small boat harbor authorized for Aunu'u. Thus, no need
exists to accommodate a large interisland vessel such as was used as the
design vessel for the Ofu, Ta'u, and Aunu'u small boat harbors.

PLANNING OBJECTIVES

18. The planning objectives for the Auasi Small Boat Harbor were
developed based on an analysis of the social, economic, and environ-
mental aspects of the project area, and the identification of problems
and needs attending navigation as well as environmental and human re-
sourceso The following planning objectives were adopted to guide the
formulation and evaluation of alternative project plans:

a. Improve the existing interisland transportation between Aunu'u
Island and the village of Auasi on the island of Tutuila by providing
a safe and efficient landing for persons commuting daily between
the two islands, excluding periods of severe storms or hurricanes.

b. Minimize destruction of or adverse impacts to the nearshore
marine environment.

C. The improvements recommended for implementation should be
angineeringly effective, economically justified, and environmentally and
socially acceptable.

SECTION D

FORMULATING A PLAN

SECTION D

FORMULATING A PLAN

Table of Contents

Item Page

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION CONCEPTS 23

Technical Criteria 23
Economic Criteria 23
Environmental Criteria 24

IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS 24

ALTERNATIVE SITES 25

ALTERNATIVE HARBOR PLANS 25

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION 27

SECTION D

FORMULATING A PLAN

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION CONCEPTS

1. The formulation and analysis of alternative solutions to achieve
the planning objectives were based on the Water Resources Council's
Principles and Standards for Planning Water and Related Land Resources
(P&S). The evaluation and assessment of economic, social, and environ-
mental effects also followed the guidelines of Section 122 of the River
and Harbor Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-611) and the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The formulation of alternative plans of
improvement was guided by the following technical, economic, and en-
vironmental criteria.

2. TECHNICAL CRITERIA

a. The improvements should provide safe navigation and protection
during all weather and sea conditions with the exception of periods of
severe tropical storms and hurricanes.

b. Protective works should be designed for overtopping by a design
wave which may be expected from a severe combination of meteorological
and hydrological conditions that are reasonably characteristic of the
area.

c. The harbor should be designed to accommodate a vessel with a
40-foot length, a 12-foot beam, and a 4-foot draft.

d. The entrance channel should be of adequate depth and width to
safely accommodate one-way traffic by the design craft. The protected
harbor basin should provide adequate maneuvering area for the design
vessels.

3. ECONOMIC CRITERIA

a. The plan should be economically sound, the benefit-to-cost
ratio should be at least unity, and the net benefits, as far as practi-
cable, should be maximized.

b. The cost for alternative plans of improvement are based on pre-
liminary layouts and estimates of quantities, and August 1977 unit
prices. The benefits and costs are expressed in comparable quantitative
economic terms to the fullest extent possible. Annual costs are based
on a 50-year amortization period and a 6.5/8 percent interest rate. The
annual charges include the annual maintenance cost.

21.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

a. Minimize the physical destruction of resources on the fringing
reef during harbor construction.

b. Minimize long-term disturbances to the physical environment
(eogo, water circulation, water quality, and sediment transport) which
may have secondary impacts on the living resources that inhabit the
fringing reef..

c. Minimize disturbance to village life and use of village lands.

5. The following general concepts were also used to guide the formu-
lation, assessment, and evaluation of alternative harbor plans:

a. Both adverse and beneficial impacts of alternative plans should
be identified and measured, and the beneficial or adverse contributions
of each plan evaluated;

b. Alternative plans which maximize net economic benefits (National
Economic Development - NED plan) and those which are likely to make
significant contributions to preserving, maintaining, restoring, or
enhancing cultural and natural resources (Environmental Quality - EQ
plan) should be designated;

c. The plans should be developed in order to minimize conflicts,
maximize compatibility, and insure completeness;

d. The desires of local interests should be given full consideration;
and

e. The plans should be evaluated with respect to their acceptabi-
lity, certainty, completeness, effectiveness, efficiency, benefit-cost
ratio, and reversibility.

IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS

6. Possible navigation improvements in the Auasi area were investigated
based on the evaluation of problems and needs and the expressed desire
for improving sea transportation between Aunu'u Island and Auasi. A
solution of no action was not considered because it would not meet the
expressed desire for improvement, which is the basic objective of this
study.

7,, Although it would not provide an entirely all-weather link between
Aunu'u and Auasi, improving the existing ocean transportation system
through harbor construction would result in greatly improved daily

commuter travel, less loss of personal goods and light cargo, improved
daily transportation for fresh produce from Aunu'u Island to the markets
in Pago Pago, and greater safety for persons traveling daily between
Aunu'u and Auasi.

ALTERNATIVE SITES

8. Alternate harbor sites on Tutuila Island at Fagaitua Bay and the
village of Auasi were considered.

9. Fagaitua. Bay is a large, deep bay approximately 4 nautical miles
west of Aunu'u, and offers several areas with good natural protection.
However, its distance from Aunu'u resulting in longer travel time and
exposure to rough seas, and *the lack of available vessels capable of
making the trip on a daily basis, precludes its selection as a potential
harbor site capable of satisfying the planning objective of providing a
safe and efficient harbor for daily transportation from Aunulu to
Tutuila.

10. The village of Auasi, is fronted by a shallow bay and is the closest
landfall on Tutuila for persons.traveling from Aunu'u. Auasi is the
traditional landing place for persons traveling between Aunulu and
Tutuila, and as such, the village has close ties with Aunu'u Island and
is very receptive to having a harbor built on their shoreline which will
primarily benefit the people of Aunu'u. Auasi is approximately 1.2
miles from Aunu'u, and is in the lee of the island which provides a
measure of shelter for small boats traveling from Aunu'u. Based on the
foregoing, the Auasi area was selected for detailed studies for navi-
gation improvements.

ALTERNATIVE HARBOR PLANS

11. Various harbor configurations for the Auasi site were investigated
to develop a plan which would best satisfy the established engineering,
ecenomicq and environmental criteria. Four harbor plans were developed
in detail and are presented in the following paragraphs. Harbor Plans 1
through 3 are located in the center of the shallow bay, and Plan 4
utilizes the existing approach channel at the east side of the bay. The
general engineering fe_,Rtures of the alternative plans are summarized in
Tablc D-7, and the plans are shown in Figures 4 through 7.

12. Plan 1. This plan consists of a 60-foot-wide, 490-foot-long, 10-
f .oot-deep entrance channel, and a 100-foot by 100-foot, 8-foot-deep
turning basin (Figure D-5). In an effort to minimize the impact on the
reef no provision was made to moor vessels and no protection from wave
action is provided. The plan provides safe navigation through the reef
and a fair weather landing. The shoreline immediately landward of the
basin would be protected by a 7,000 square foot revetted fill area,
Docking facilities would be provided by local interests.

13. Plan 2. This plan provides for a 60-foot-wide, 430-foot-long, 10-
foot-deep entrance channel, and a 36,000 square foot turning/mooring
basin. The basin would be protected against wave action by a 250-foot-
long breakwater with a crest elevation of +10 feet (Figure D-6). The
basin would provide a safe landing and mooring during all but severe
storm wave conditions. Approximately 430 linear feet of reactment would
be constructed to contain spoil material and create 24,000 square feet
of harbor backup space.

14. Plan 3. This plan is similar to Plan 2, except that the harbor is
offshore to minimize impact to the shoreline and reduce the required
dredging. The entrance channel and basin size are the same as for Plan
2, except that the channel is only 280-feet-long. The breakwater would
be 280-feet-long and a 190-foot-long revetted mole with a crest elevation
of +10-feet would be constructed at the west end of the harbor because
of its proximity to the breaker zone and to provide for a landing area.
A revetted causeway would be constructed to provide access to the harbor
(Figure D-7).

15. Plan 4. Plan 4 is located at the east end of Auasi village in the
vicinity of the existing natural channel and the shoreline currently
used as a landing area. The plan provides for a 370-foot-long, 60-foot
wide, 10-foot-deep entrance channel excavated landward from the existing
natural channel, and a 35,000-square-foot, 8-foot-deep turning/mooring
basin. A 110-foot-long revetted mole and 170-foot-long breakwater, with
+10-foot crest elevations, provide wave protection for the basin and
backup area. A 525-foot-long revetment would be constructed to contain
spoil material and create 33,000-square-foot harbor backup area (Figure D-8).

TABLE D-7

ENGINEERING FEATURES OF ALTERNATE PLANS

Feature Plan 1 Plan'2 Plan 3 Plan 4

Entrance Channel
Lengthp feet 490 430 280 370
Width; feet 60 60 60 60
Depthp feet 10 10 10 10
Alignment N35 W N35 W N35 W N35 W

Turning/Mooring Basin
Area, square feet 10,000 45,000 45,000 35,000
Depths feet 8 8 8 8

Breakwater
Length, feet 250 280 170
Crest, Elevation, ft +10 +10 +10

Revetted Mole
Length, feet - 190 110
Crest Elevation, ft +10 +10

.26

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

16. The engineering design analysis for the proposed harbor plans is
presented in Appendix A. and detailed economic costs and benefits are
presented in Table D-8. The-economic, social and environmental effects of
the four alternative plans have been assessed and evaluated, and a
summarization of these evaluations is presented in Table D-9, Summary
Comparison of Alternative Plans and System of Accounts. This table
displays the significant contributions, beneficial and adverse effects,
and the extent the significant contributions, beneficial and adverse
effects, and the extent to which the planning objectives and evaluation
criteria are met by each plan. A final plan selection will follow
review of this draft project report and the draft environmental state-
ment and a formal public meeting to be held in October 1977. All the
public input will be considered in the plan selection and will be
documented in the final project reports.

17. Additional section of this report to be completed after the public
meeting and incorporated into the final report are:

THE SELECTED PLAN

ECONOMICS OF THE SELECTED PLAN

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

TABLE D-8 ECONOMIC FEATURES OF ALTERNATE PLANS

PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN-3 PLA
Project First Cost(l) $360,000 $620,000 $680.,000 $510,
Federal 335,000 555,000 575 000 435,
Non-Federal 25,000 65,000 105:000 75,

Annual Charges at 6-5/8%
Interest & Amortization 25,000 43,000 47,000 35,
Maintenance 12 500 4,000 5,000 4,
TOTAL 26,500 47,000 52,000 399

Average Annual Benefits
at 6-5/8%
Transit Time Savings 8,700 13,000 13,000 13,
Lost Wages 26,200 39,400 39,400 39,
Subsistence Fishing (2) 1,800 13,000 13,000 13,
Damages to Boats, Lost
Lives (2) - - -
EDA 3' 300 5,700 6,200 4,
TOTAL 40,000 59,900 60,400 58,

Benefit - Cost Ratio
Without EDA Benefits 1.4 1.1 1.04 1
With EDA Benefits 1.5 1.2 1.2 1

Net Benefits
Without EDA Benefits 10,200 7,200 2,200 15,
With EDA Benefits 13,500 12,900 8,400 19,

(1) Excluding Pre-authorization Study Cost of $83,000

(2) Some additional commercial fishing activity will likely be realized as project benefits
but due to insufficient data, these potential added benefits have not been quantified.
known that hazardous conditions (which will be largely eliminated with a project) have c
to damages and lost boats., although available.data for this.is also inadequate for quant

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APPENDIX I
DESIGN ANALYSIS

AUASI HARBOR

DESIGN APPENDIX

1. Design Considerations

a. The harbor is designed to moor and dock a 40-foot utility vessel

during calm and marginal (stormy, but not hurricane) weather conditions.

Therefore, vessels normally moored at Auasi will move to safe, well-pro-

tected harbors at Pago Pago or the proposed barge harbor at Aunu'u during

tropical storms and hurricanes. Nevertheless, the harbor structures must

not fail during these storms. The protective structures, while not pro-

viding protection during these periods, must withstand the high wave attack

and heavy overtopping that would occur during these storms.

b. Because all of the harbor alternatives would be constructed on the

reef flat, calculations of the design wave that would attack the structures

were based on controlling depth criteria.

2. Possible wind-wave periods and heights at Auasi (during normal wind

conditions). Given the (a) surface wind diagram at Pago Pago Airport

(Figure B-2), (b) the exposure chart for deep ocean swells (Figure B-3),

and Figure 3-15 in the Shore Protection Manual (Wave Forecasting Curves),

the following hindcast data were developed:

Deepwater Assumed Wind Assumed Fetch Length T H
Wave Direction Velocity (knots) (nautical miles) sec. ft.

SW 15 Unlimited 5.5 61
S 20 Unlimited 7 10,
SSE 30 Unlimited 10 201
SE 30 1 3 21
E 30 Unlimited 10 201

The above values were calculated assuming an unlimited wind duration.

In addition, Table 1 in the main test of the report shows annual sea

and swell conditions that could be expected at Auasi.

2.1 Based on the above data, sea or swell at Auasi over 4 or 5 feet in

height is a rare occurrence. This is more evident when one realizes

the high refraction and diffraction that waves undergo approaching from

the predominant directions of E to S due to the presence of Aunu'u Island

and Nafanua Bank south of Auasi. Auasi is also exposed to the southwest,

but winds and waves from that direction are also rare.

2.2 For the purpose of designing the entrance channel and basin, a design

wave 4 feet in height with a period of 10 seconds was selected. Based on

observations by Corps personnel and interviews with local residents, waves

larger than 4 feet in height in the specific area where an entrance channel

could reasonably be constructed (between the existing entrance channel to

500 feet SW of the existing channel) are rare. At the extreme ends of this

area, where shoal areas exist, focusing of wave energy occurs and, therefore,

higher waves are more frequent.

3. Design Hurricane (for determination of design still water level, SWQ.

Calculate deep water significant wave height, Hot and period, T., that would

be generated by the design hurricane. (Ref pg. 3-57, 58, SPM). The char-

acteristics of the design hurricane are as follows (Ref. Aunulu Harbor DPR):

a. Central pressure, Po = 27.87 inches Hg.

b. Radius of max winds, R - 45 nautical miles.

c. Forward speed of translation, vf, = 8 knots

f - 2w sin 0 - coriolis force

w = angular velocity of earth = 2vr rad/hr
Y4_

0 - latitude of Samoa - 140S

f - 0.127

U max = maximum wind speed

U max - 0.868 [73 (Pn-Po) - R(O.575f)]

where Po - normal atmospheric pressure - 29.92 inches of mercury

U max - 88 knots

UR - maximum sustained wind speed

- 0.865 U max + 0.5 Vf

where Vf = forward speed of the hurricane

UR = 80 knots

Then,
(Pn-Po) R 0.208V
Ho = 16.5 e 100 L + O_z_%
--JUR

Ho - 49 feet
and Ts = 8.6 e f, &'Phoo + 0.104 Vf]
11

Ts - 15 seconds

Assuming a hurricane approaching from the south, a wave of height 49' and

period 15 see. will be generated. As these waves approach Auasi, they

will be attenuated over the Nafunua Bank in a manner described in SPM sec-

tion 7.23. This attenuation can be calculated by using Eq. SPM.
Ut 4-ff h/L; 4- s,; (4 -K k/L
5 1 vi IAT Ms / ; I
VU I I, @ - ds

where H = height of shoal above the bottom = 240 feet

ds = depth below SWL at the Shoal toe = 300 feet

L = deep water wave length 1150 feet

Therefore,

Ht 0.66, Hi - Ho - 49 feet
Hi

Ht 0.66 Ho - 32 feet

The wave period will not change.

4. Calculation of SWL.

The reference elevation is Mean tow-Water (MLW).

ds Si + Sa + Sap + Sw + Ss

SWL Sa + Sap + Sw + Ss

a. Si = initial water level on reef = 0.

b. Sa - astronomical tide = 3.0'

MHW = 2.5', highest tide observed = 4.2'

c. SAP - water level rise due to atmospheric pressure reduction
SAP - 1.14 (Pn Po) (1 e -R/r
SAP - 2.34 (1 e - R/r

r = radial distance from storm center to computation point.

Assume r - 10.nautical miles almost the worst condition

SAP - 2.3' (See Figure 1).

d. SW M water level rise due to wave setup

Assume Sw - 0.5'
e. Ss = storm surge

An approximation of Ss can be obtained by:
ASs M 540k U-2 X (Tech. Report No. 4, pg. 1-64)
d7
where k - 3 x 10-6

Ur - 80 knots

X - incremental distance in n.me

- mean depth over the increment (feet)

X X d* S s

2.15 600
.25 330 .0786
1.9 60
.24 50 .498
1.66 60
.25 180 .144
1.31 300
.33 310 .110
.98 300
.29 330 .091
.69 240
.56 120 .484
.13 0

Total surge S 1.41'

*Profile along range directly south of Auasi (See Figure 2).

Therefore ds - Si + Sa + Sap + Sw + Ss

- 0 + 3.0 + 2.3 + 0.5 + 1.4

ds - 7.2 feet

5. Calculation of Design Wave Height

Design wave height is based on controlling depth criteria.

Assume m, nearshore slope, equals zero seaward of any structure

that might be built on the reef flat.
Hb = 0.78 d s - 0.78 (7.2) - 5.6
Rb - 5.6' (Ref SPM, Figure 7-4)
6. Breakwater Design (for structures under attack by the maximum design wave).

6.1 Weight of Armor Stone
W Wr H 3
KD (S r-153 -Cot 0

Wr - 170 lb/cubic ft

Sr = 2.66

cotO - 2.0

KD = 2.5 (head section) and 3.5 (trunk)

H - 5.6'

W - 1300 pounds (head section)

= 930 pounds (trunk section)

W =0.5-1.0 tons average dimen 2.4'
STONE underlayer: 100 to 500 lb average dimen, 9 inches
SIZE core: dredged material (if necessary)

7. Run-up Analysis

Basis: Previous Samoa DPR's

a. Ta'u DPR

T = 18 sec, H - 7', R - 10.4' d - 511, Crest selected 13'
SWL

10-4 - 1.49
H 7

b. Ofu DPR

T = 8 sec, H - 6.2', R 7.5', d SWL 6.9' MSL, crest selected 14.5'

R 7.5 = 1.21
6.2

c. Aunu'u DPR

T 5-6 sec, H 6.9', R 6.21d SWL 51,.crest selected 11.5'
R = 6.2 0.90
6.9

8. Crest Elevation. Based on existing information l/ and discussions with

personnel at the Waterways Experiment Station, and in light of the

l/ WES Research Report No. 2-11, "Design of Rubblemound Breakwaters---.sub-
jected to non-Breaking Waves," 1968.
Recent wave flume tests by WES for the proposed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor,
Maui, Hawaii, 1975.

NAFANUA BANK
0

100

200

w
w

300

(L
w

400 2 0

AUASI HARBOR
500

OCEAN E
ON
600 1 ISTANC@ IN THOUSAND FEET BEARING S
14 12 10 8 6 4 U. S. ARMY ENGI

2.5

2.0

1.5

w
w
LL.

CL
1.0 ... ........ . ... . ........... ................

0.5
100 120

AUASIHARBOR

0.0
0 20 40 60 80

rn DISTANCE IN NAUTICAL MILES FROM STORM CENTER, r

U. S. ARMY ENGI

previously used R to H ratios and the natural protection of the Auasi area,
a runup (R) to design breaker height (H b) ratio of 1.3 is estimated for

breaking waves approaching parallel to a rubblemound structure.

Therefore, a . 1.3
H

was chosen to describe runup at Auasi.

RSWL = 1.3 (H) = 1.3 (5.6) = 7.3

RMLW = 7.2 + 7.3 = 14.5'

For economic reasons and the assumption that the harbor will not be used

during extreme storm conditions, a breakwater crest elevation of 10.0' MLW

was selected. This crest elevation will be overtopped during extreme

storm conditions.

9. Channel and Turning/Mooring Basin Design.

1. The entrance channel and turning/mooring basin are designed to

accommodate vessels up to a length of 40 feet, a beam of 12 feet, and a

draft of 4 feet. The cri'.teria represents the dimensions of a loaded

utility vessel or fishing boat, which are the largest vessels anticipated

to use the harbor.

2. The channel and basin depths are designed based on the assumption

that boats will not be using the channel and basin during maximum wave

conditions. As stated in paragraph 2, for the purposes of channel and

basin design, a wave of 4 feet in height and 10-second period was selected.

9.1 Channel Design.

TABLE 1. ENTRANCE CHANNEL DEPTH CRITERIA

Draft of Design Vessel 4.0 feet

Estimated Minimum Tide Below NLW 1.0 feet

Allowance for Vessel Behavior
(aquat, trim) 1.0 feet

Allowance for Wave Action (2-foot trough) 2.0 feet

Bottom Clearance 2.0 feet

TOTAL 10.0 feet

a. Based on the above tabulation, an entrance channel depth of 10.0

feet was selected.

b. Channel width (assuming one-way boat traffic)

W = 3 x design beam x 1.5 (allowance for wave action)

W = 60 feet

9.2 Basin Design

TABLE 2. BASIN DEPTH CRITERIA

Draft of Design Vessel 4.0 feet

Estimated Minimum Tide below MLW 1.0 feet

Allowance for Wave Action (1-foot trough) 1.0 feet

Bottom Clearance 2-.0 feet

TOTAL 8.0 feet

a. A basin depth of 8 feet was selected based on the tabulation above.

b. Minimum basin dimension. To allow for the maneuverability of the

design vessel in the restricted basin area, a minimum basin dimension is

required. This minimum is normally defined as:

Dmin - 2.5 x design vessel length

Dmin = 100 feet

ATTACHMENT I
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
AUASI SMALL BOAT HARBOR
AMERICAN SAMOA

SUMMARY

(X) Draft Final Statement

Responsible Office: US Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Building 230
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858
Telephone: (808) 438-1091

1. Name of the Action: (X) Administrative Legislative

2. Description of Alternatives. A Small Boat Harbor Project at Auasi
has been planned by the Federal Government and Government of American
Samoa to provide a safe and efficient landing and mooring for commuter
and small boats traveling between the islands of Tutuila and Aunulu.
The alternatives considered to accomplish the planning objectives in-
clude four small harbor designs. Plan 1 provides for an access channel
and inshore turning basin. Plan 2 provides for an access channel, an
inshore turning/mooring basin protected on its seaward margin by a
breakwater, and a revetted docking area. Plan 3 is similar to Plan 2,
but provides for a shorter access channel connected to a mid-reef
turning/ mooring basin protected on its seaward margin by a breakwater,
and a docking area connected to shore by a causeway incorporating cir-
culation culverts. Plan 4 provides for the deepening and widening of an
existing channel through the reef and dredging an inshore turning/mooring
basin to be protected by a breakwater connected to a revetted mole
docking facility.

3. Environmental Impacts. Each of the proposed alternative plans will
require dredging of the reef platform and filling of reef flat area,
with the exception of Plan 1 which involves only dredging. The net loss
of existing reef habitat resulting from each of the.plans is: 1.2 acres
for Plan 1; 2.5 acres for Plan 2; 3.2 acres for Plan 3; 2.3 acres for
Plan 4. Marine organisms in the dredged and filled areas would be
killed. Reduction in reef flat area represents a loss of spawning/
nursery and food-production areas, however, population balance of marine
organisms in adjoining and neighboring reef areas will not be affected.
The dredging would create new subtidal habitats for surviving and
colonizing organisms and pelagic offshore fishes, and will provide new
fishing opportunities. However, organism abundance and diversity in the
dredged areas are expected to be lower than the surrounding undisturbed
reef areas. Breakwater and revetted surfaces will also provide addi-
tional intertidal habitats. Localized changes in water circulation over

the reef platform are anticipated, but there will be no change to the
excellent tidal exchange-water velocity characteristics on the remainder
of the reef platform. Dredging will temporarily increase water turbidity
and create artificial fish feeding conditions. Sedimentation in the
dredged areas will stress and destroy organisms having low tolerance to
silting. Blasting in conjunction with dredging operations will destroy
and damage both sessile and motile marine organisms in the vicinity of
the blast area. Construction would create temporary traffic and noise
inconveniences and intrusions at Auasi, temporarily disrupting normally
quiet daily living conditions. Improved landing safety will reduce the
loss of life and property at Auasi. If sea transportation modes, fre-
quency, and reliability are improved, the harbor may contribute to
existing socio-economic trends in the Territory and may result in localized
socio-economic changes at Auasi.

4. Adverse Environmental Impacts. The destruction of marine organisms
and habitat, and temporary traffic and noise inconveniences and distur-
bances resulting from construction activities are unavoidable.

5. Alternatives. Other alternatives considered included no-action, a
bridge between Tutuila and Aunu'u Islands, increased use of motorized
boats, and relocating the villagers at Aunulu.

6. Comments requested from:

US Department of the Interior
US Department of Commerce
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Department of Transportation
US Department of Agriculture
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
US Department of Health, Education and Welfare

Office of the Governor, American Samoa
Department of Public Works, Government of American Samoa
Office of Marine Resources, Government of American Samoa
Environmental Coordinator, Office of the Governor-, American Samoa

Village leaders of Aunu'u and Auasi.

7. Draft Statement to CEQ on 30 September 1977.

SECTION I

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS

SECTION I

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVE PLANS.

1.1 Based on the preliminary screening, analysis and initial coordi-
nation efforts, four plans have been developed to improve navigational
safety at Auasi. Three plans provide for boat access and a mooring
facility on the central portion of the Auasi reef platform with an
entrance channel located approximately 325 feet southwest of the mouth
of an existing natural channel in the reef flat. The fourth plan pro-
vides a boat access and mooring facility in the northeastern portion of
the reef platform by improving the existing channel. The harbor will
serve primarily commuter traffic improving navigational access and
safety through the channel and providing a temporary mooring area for
commuter boats. During severe storms boats in the mooring area will
have to be moved to safe mooring at Pago Pago Harbor or the proposed
Aunu'u Harbor. A summary of project alternative benefits and costs is
presented in Appendix A.

Alternative Plan 1.

1.2 This plan provides for: (a) a 60-foot wide, 490-foot long, 10-foot
deep entrance channel; and (b) a 100-foot square turning basin at the
shoreward end of the entrance channel with a water depth of 8 feet below
mean low water. The plan will require a reef area of approximately 1.2
acres or approximately 10 percent of the reef platform, and
dredging 16,000 cubic yards of coralline reef material.

Alternative Plan 2.

1.3 This plan provides for: (a) a 60-foot wide, 430-foot long, 10-foot
deep entrance channel; (b) a turning and mooring basin 150-foot wide and
300-foot long with a depth of 8 feet below mean sea level; and (c) a
250-foot long, 50-foot wide stone breakwater with an elevation of +10
feet above mean low water. The plan will require a reef area of approxi-
mately 2.5 acres or about 20 percent of the reef platform, and dredging
27,000 cubic yards of coralline reef materialo Approximately 2,900
cubic yards of rock will be needed for the breakwater.

1.3.1 A docking facility approximately 300 feet long will extend from
50 to 75 feet out from shore and will have an elevation of approximately
+8 feet above mean low water. The docking facility will be a revetted
fill constructed simultaneously with the dredging of the channel and
basin, and by using the dredged material as fill. Approximately 700
cubic yards of quarried rock and 4,000 cubic yards of dredge coralline
material will be used in constructing the revetted fill. The Government
of American Samoa will be responsible for financing construction of the
docking facility.

1-1

Alternative Plan 3.

1.4 This plan is similar to Plan 2 except that (a) the length of the
entrance channel is shortened by 150 feet, and (b) the turning/mooring
basin is located in the middle of the reef platformo A revetted cause-
way with an elevation of 6 feet above mean low water will be built on
the reef platform, and will extend 265 feet out from shore. The cause-
way will have a width of 50 feet before broadening on the seaward end to
form a revetted mole 85 feet wide and 190 feet long. The revetted mole
will be connected to the breakwater.

1.5 The plan will require approximately 3.2 acres or about 25 percent
of the reef platform at Auasi, and dredging 22,500 cubic yards of
coralline reef material. In addition, approximately 2,700 cubic yards
of quarried rock will be needed for the breakwater. The causeway will
require approximately 900 cubic yards of rock, and the revetted mole
approximately 2,000 cubic yards of-rock. Approximately 3,200 cubic
yards of dredged material will be used as fill in the construction of
the causeway and mole. Five 30-inch diameter circulation culverts will
be placed under the causeway to maintain circulation through the cause-
way and along the shoreo

Alternative Plan 4.

1.6 This plan provides for: (a) a new, 60-foot wide, 370-foot long and
10-foot deep entrance channel starting at the 10-foot depth contour in
the existing natural channel and terminating as (b) a rectangular
turning and mooring basin 140 feet wide, 250 feet long and 8 feet deep
extending nearly to shore at Maatulaumea Point. Protection against wave
action will be provided by a 170-foot long, 50-foot wide breakwater and
a 110-foot long revetted mole. A revetted fill area will be constructed
shoreward of the basin to provide harbor docking facility.

1.6.1 The reef will require 2.3 acres of reef area or about 19 percent
of the Auasi reef platform, and dredging of 19,000 cubic yards of reef
material. Approximately 6,500 cubic yards of dredge spoil will be used
as fill to construct the revetted mole. Approximately 3,900 cubic yards
of rock will be needed to construct the interior and exterior revetments
and breakwater.

Other Construction Features.

1.7 The rock required for the revetments and breakwaters will be trans-
ported to Auasi from either an existing or new quarry site, or field
stone on Tutuila. The quarry sources will be designated by the Government
of American Samoa. Dredged material not utilized during construction
will be stockpiled on Tutuila Island at a location specified by the
Government of American Samoa to be used later for future construction
activities.

1-2

1.8 Construction mobilization, staging, and storage areas around Auasi
village will require approximately 3 acres of land. The use of any
particular site and the reef areas during construction will be nego-
tiated with the village residents and respective property owners. No
village residents are expected to be displaced.

1-3

SECTION 2

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING WITHOUT THE
WATER RESOURCES PROJECT

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING WITHOUT THE WATER RESOURCES PROJECT.

2.1 Auasi, site of the proposed project, lies along the southeastern
coast of Tutuila Island approximately 1.2 miles from the offshore island
of Aunu'u and between the coastal villages of Amouli to the southwest
and Utumea to the northeast. Pago Pago, the center of government,
population and commerce, is 15 road miles southwest of Auasi, but 8
miles by sea from Aunu'u. Auasi is located 14*16' South Latitude,
170*34' West Longitude. Auasi is bounded by two headlands, Taugamelama
Point on the southwest and Maatulaumea Point on the northeast. The
straight-line distance between these two points is approximately 1,900
feet. A wall developed reef platform is present with a major natural
drainage channel situated closer to the northeastern side of the bay.

Geology and TopoarghX.

2.2 Tutuila Island is the top of a composite volcanic rising some 3
miles from the ocean floor. Interpretive studies indicated that Tutuila
was formed of five volcanoes located over two- to three-parallel rifts
trending N 20* E. Although young geologically, the island is not vol-
canically active. The predominant rock types are basaltic with lesser
amounts of trachyte and andesite. The bulk of the volcanic rocks
appears to be Pliocene or early Pleistocene in age. Recent basaltic
tuffs and lavas have formed a broad, flat plain on the southwest side of
the island from Tafuna to Leone. Recent sediments consist of talus,
alluvium, calcareous sand, coralline gravel, and reef rock. The head-
lands at Auasi are basaltic with numerous boulders of various sizes at
their bases. Three vertical basalt dike outcrops form ridges varying in
length from 1,000 to 1,500 feet and are located 3,000 to 5,000 feet west
of Auasi. The rock outcrops have hard, dense, widely spaced joint
systems SO- to 75-foot thick that rise 100 feet or more above sea level.
The softer rocks on both sides of the dikes have been weathered away
leaving the hard basalt to form the ridges, (reference No. 2). At
Auasi, post-Pleistocene age rock and alluvium are present (reference No.
3).

2.3 Two short valleys located in the northeast part of Auasi extend
inland approximately 1,000 feet and 750 feet from the road up to the
200-foot elevation. The two valleys are separated by Tiatele Ridge.
Leafu Stream occurs at the base of the more westerly and deepest of the
two valleys, while Vaisa Stream occurs at the base of the more easterly
valley. The waterways are examples of incised valley streams draining
in a radial pattern away from the high volcanic peak of Olomoana Mountain
(reference No. 3). Steep ridges - Taugasega Ridge on the southwest
extending to Taugamalama Point, and Motusaga Ridge to the northeast with
an extension forming Maatalaumea Point - separate Auasi from adjacent
coastal areas.

2-1

2.4 The embayed shoreline between the headlands consists of sandy
material of reef origin. A sand beach is much better developed in the
south-southwest sector of the bay than the northeastern section. Beach
rock occurs as isolated outcrops along the shoreline. A narrow strip of
landq extending inshore approximately 100 to 150 feet from the waterline,
is bordered by a modern paved road. Trees and other vegetation, a
house, a raised platform, and an open "fale" (traditional Samoan dwelling)
of recent construction, are located on the narrow strip of land,

Hydrology.

2.5 Streamflow in American Samoa is highly dependent on rainfall. The
rainfall is highly variable from month to month. Rainfall recorded at
Pago Pago Airport and several village stations on Tutuila and stream
runoff recorded at six gaging stations on Tutuila indicate that only a
small amount of the total precipitation percolates through the basalt to
recharge the groundwater, except the Tafuna Plains area. Water supplies
in American Samoa come from both high-level and basal (a major body of
groundwater floating on and in equilibrium with saltwater) sources.
High-level groundwater is stored in complex geologic dike structures
where seepage forms the basis for many surface streams (reference No.
3).

2.6 At Auasi, there are both a stream gaging station and primary catchment
and reservoir system (reference Noo 3). Both Leafu and Vaisa Streams
are intermittent, and no flow was observed by the Bishop Museum during a
biological survey covering a 7-day period in March-April 1977. However,
in mid-December 1976, water was observed flowing to the sea through the
Auasi Stream (Auasi Stream is that part of the Leafu Stream that runs
through Auasi Village). Auasi Stream is spring-fed, but the discharge
volume and whether the stream is perennial are not known. The flow of
water to the sea in Auasi Stream is probably regulated by catchment and
reservoir system. Lowered salinities measured nearshore in March 1977,
in the northeastern part of Auasi, indicated subaerial seepage along the
shoreline.

Natural Forces

2.7 The climate of American Samoa is tropical with an average annual
temperature range of 70*-90*F. Humidity ranges from 80 to 85 percent.
The prevailing winds throughout the year are the easterly trades.
Moderate trade winds tend to approach Samoa directly from the east
during December and March and predominantly from the southeast through-
out the rest of the year. The highest rainfall occurs from December to
March. The average rainfall at Pago Pago International Airport is 130
inches a year, and the crest of the mountain range on Tutuila receives
more than 250 inches a year. Although localized weather conditions may
vary on the island at any given time, the long-term climatic pattern at
Auasi differs little from that observed at other coastal areas in.American
Samoa.

2-2

2.8 Hurricanes and storms have damaged agricultural crops, roads, and
homes in the Samoa Islands. Samoa lies across the path of tropical
cyclones including hurricanes which generally move into the area from
the north, but occasionally from the east, southeast, or west. The
hurricane season occurs primarily between the months of November and
April.

2.9 The prevailing wave direction is similar to the prevailing wind
direction. Between June and November, approximately 80 percent of the
waves along the Tutuila southern coast are produced by swells from the
east and southeast. For the rest of the year, about 75 percent of the
waves are produced by swells from the northeast, east, and southeast.
The Auasi coastline is protected from waves approaching from the west
clockwise to the northeast by the Tutila Island landmass and is somewhat
protected from the southeast by Aunu'u Island. Refraction diagrams
indicate that waves approaching from the east are greatly attenuated by
local bathymetry. Auasi is most vulnerable to open-ocean swells and
waves approaching from the south and southwest. Waves 6- to 8-feet in
height, generated by a southerly swell, were observed at Auasi during a
5-day period between March and April 1977. The offshore reef slope and
reef bathymetry cause wave height and direction to be irregular and make
navigation into the existing channel unpredictable, difficult or im-
possible at times.

2.10 There are no tide gages at Auasi. Because of Auasi's close proxi-
mity to Pago Pago, tidal data from Pago Pago are considered applicable
to Auasi. Two high and two low tides occur daily. The tidal data from
the U.S. National Ocean Survey station at Pago Pago, referenced to mean
low water reveal a mean high water of 2.5 feet, a mean low water of 0.0
foot, and a mean tide level of 1.2 feet with lowest tide expected at
-2.0. Tide charts for the Pago Pago area in March and April 1977 showed
a maximum daily spring tide range from a high of 3.7 feet to a low of
-0.2 footo a difference of 3.9 feet. The average mean and spring
differences for Pago Pago are 2.5 and 3.1 feet, respectively.

2.11 Earthquakes occur infrequently on Tutuila. Recently, one was felt
in Pago Pago area on the evening of 31 March 1977. The epicenter was
several hundred miles from Tutuila. A tsunami resulting from a 1960
Chilean earthquake produced a runup of 4.5 feet at the entrance to Pago
Pago. No report of tsunami activity affecting Auasi could be found.

Terrestrial Environment.

2.12 The terrestrial vegetation of American Samoa consists of various
botanical communities. Dense tropical rain forest covers approximately
70 percent of the island of Tutuila, attaining a coverage as high as 90
percent on the Manu'a Islands. Tutuila has a less tropical rain forest
area because of the higher level of human-related activities. Tutuila

2-3

is the population and economic center of all of American Samoa. As a
result, a higher incidence of land-clearing activities related to
agriculture, transportation, housing, and economic development occur on
the island. Taro and bananas are American Samoa's most important cash
crops. They are grown in small plots for a maximum of two seasons,
after which the plots are allowed to revert back to forest in order to
regenerate lost soil nutrients. Small commercial plantations also grow
breadfruit, sugarcane, and coconuts.

2.13 The vegetation in the Auasi area, between the road and
the shoreline, consists of several kinds of trees including coconut,
Futu, Fetau, Fau, Gatae, Milo, Papaka, Pua, and Tau, beach morning
glory, banana, and grass and ornamental plants, such as Lautalotalo.

2.13 Few native birds and mammals inhabit the Samoa Islands due to the
island's relative geographic isolation from continental land masses.
Fowls, pigs, the polynesian rats and dogs were introduced by the early
Samoan settlers. There are no snakes in American Samoa, but lizards,
millipedes, and centipedes are common. The land toad, imported from
South America to control mosquitoes and centipedes, is abundant on
Tutuila. Insects associated with the warm tropical climate are present
on all the islands. Birds are the most abundant form of terrestrial
wildlife, but the number of species are limited to approximately 30
species of native birds. The White Collared Kingfisher, the Polynesian
Starling, and the Fiji Shrikebill, are included on a preliminary list of
endangered birds in American Samoa. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
vegetation and wildlife survey of Samoa was recently completed, but the
findings have not yet been published. Freshwater animals are uncommon
since most of the streams flow only intermittently as in the case of
Auasi. The presence of endangered species in freshwater streams on
Samoa has not been reported.

2.14 No sensitive wildlife habitats were noted between Cape Fogausa and
Cape Matalula, which include the Auasi area, based on a biologic field
survey conducted by CH2M Hill in 1974 for a wastewater facilities study
in American Samoa (reference No. 3).

Marine Environment.

2.15 Fringing reefs protect much of the shoreline of Tutuila from wave
erosion. Freshwater stream discharge often cut channels through reef
flatso and rip currents often flow seaward through the channels. Shore-
line areas are devoid of living coral reefs where substantial amounts of
freshwater flows into the sea and temperature and dessication. stresses
are high. The shoreline areas are characterized by heavy wave action,
low salinity seawater, and rocky shores. Numerous species of reef fish
inhabit the reefs and waters surrounding the islands. Numerous invertebrates,
such as crabs, lobsters, various mollusks (snails, octopus), sea urchins,

2-4

and soft or stony corals may also be found on the fringing reef. A
variety of marine algae either fleshy or calcareous contributes to the
benthic community structure and is important in the basic framework of
the reef itself. Beyond the reefs, skipjack and yellowfin tuna are
being commercially exploited by foreign fishing vessels which process
their catch at two canneries located in Pago Pago Harbor. Marlin,
sailfish, and dolphin attract both subsistent and sport fishermen.

2.16 The Auasi area, between Taugamalama. Point on the southwest and
MaatuLaumea Point on the northeast, is fronted by a wide reef flat. The
reef has a maximum width of 600 to 700 feet at its center and is some-
what narrower near the southwest side of the natural channel which
bisects the reef about 500 feet southwest of Maatalaumea Point. Thus,
the reef flat at Auasi can generally be described as consisting of a
large southwest sector and a much smaller northeast sector. The natural
channel is the major.outlet on the reef flat, and currents flowing
seaward through the channel are often strong. Other smaller channels
were said to have been cut into the back reef areas at Auasi around 1963
to provide a safer land beaching area for longboats carrying people and
cargo between Auasi and Aunu'u Island. Only one such cut was evident
during the marine ecological survey in 1977. Otherwise, the natural
channel is the only navigational passage through the reef providing
access to the open sea. The natural channel appears to strongly in-
fluence the direction and magnitude of the longshore current on the
reef. Nearly all the water on the reef flat is exchanged during each
tidal cycle. Water on the reef flat flows toward the channel, then
through the channel off the reef. The reef flat is almost entirely
exposed during low tide, as a result solar heating of the water results
in high ambient water temperatures; a variation of 88-92*F was recorded
along the shoreline during low tide by the Bishop Museum (reference No.
8).

2.17 Based on a marine survey of the project area by the Bernice Po
Bishop Museum of Honolulu, Hawaii, for the Corps (reference No. 8) the
reef fronting the Auasi area can be divided into several zones or biotopes.
Five main biotopes were delimited on the Auasi reef area by the Bishop
Museum during a marine ecological survey in 1977. These include (1)
biotope I, the shoreline consisting of sand and boulders; (2) biotope II
consisting of the reef depressions mainly on the inner and the mid-reef
flat containing spotty beds of stony corals (facies B) and the rubble
areas between 100- and 300-feet offshore covered by collarine algae and
exposed at very low tides (facies C), and the mid and outer areas of the
reef platform consisting of compact limestone pavement where corals are
common (facies D); (3) biotope III, the seaward edge of the reef known
ae the reef margin; (4) biotope IV, the seaward reef slope below the
reef front boundary with developed coral growth and high coral coverage;
and (5) biotope V, the natural channel. The.reef platform, from the
shoreline to the reef margin, exhibits a highly variable distribution of

2-5

live coral cover. However, the averages for all sampling locations
indicated fair cover generally decreasing from 9 to 4 percent over a
distance of 0 to 300 feet from shore, gradually increasing to 22 percent
at the reef margin, 600 feet from shore. Coral growth is well developed
on the seaward reef slope, 600 feet from shore, with live coral covering
60 to 79 percent of the bottom.

2.18 The fish population at Auasi is quite diverse and reflects a broad
spectrum of species as expected on the basis of previous surveys in
American Samoa. The abundance and diversity of fish increases with
distance from shore and amount of coral cover with adult fish becoming
more dominant than juveniles. The majority of reef fish on the mid and
outer portions of the reef platform are highly dependent on the benthic
substratum for concealment and food with only a minority of the wide
ranging fish species present. Offshore, on the reef slope, the number
of fish species increases while benthic-associated forms decrease. The
reef front at Auasi has been characterized by Dr. Richard Wass, fisheries
biologist with Government of Samoa, as one of the richest in terms of
fish and corals species (117 total species) observed around Tutuila
(reference No. 5). Only one other area, Larsen Bay (121 total species)
showed a greater number of species; however, Auasi was felt to be highe;t
in both total number of fishes and total fish biomass. The reef front
adjacent to Auasi for several miles on either side would expect to be
equally rich.

2.19 Subsistence fishing occurs frequently on the reef, especially on
the reef margin. Local residents spearfish along the reef front, and
night spearing is usually done using a hand-held torch.

Land Use and Cultural Resources.

2.20 Auasi is typical of most coastal populated areas on the island of
Tutuila with the exception of Pago Pago. Auasi is a low-density (one-
dwelling unit per acre) village located on a valley floor and narrow
coastal plain where the highlands meet the sea. There are about a dozen
buildings which include a food market with two gasoline pumps. Land use
is heavily influenced by physiography and is characterized by extensive
exploitation of what little land or marine area and agricultural and
marine resources are available. Village expansion is limited by the
lack of flat-land area.

2.21 Historically, little information is available for the Auasi area.
Auasi is the traditional landing place for persons traveling to and from
the offshore island of Aunu'u. A reconnaissance survey of the project
area by the Bishop Museum Department of Anthropology revealed no visible
archaeological remains or historic sites along the shoreline. The
landward limit of the survey area coincided with the edge of the modern
road, which by virture of its construction, would have obliterated any

2-6

traces, if any, of surface archaeological or historic remains. In-
terrelated with land use is the established practice of re-utilizing
stones and coral from abandoned house platforms. As a result, the
preservation of older structural remains in American Samoa has been, in
many cases, almost nonexistent.

2.22 The Bishop Museum indicated that four traditional land divisions
exist in the Auasi area. The land divisions are controlled by different
high chiefs. Beginning at Taugamalama Point and proceeding towards
Maatulaumea Point, the land divisions are (1) Oloie, (2) Vaovai, (3)
Siigavaa, and (4) Vaisa. The area encompassing Taugamalama Point and
Oloie has been controlled by High Chief Sigagege, while the inherited
title he assumed was in control of Vaovai and Vaisa extending up to the
headland on the east side of Auasi. Siigavaa was said to be ruled by
the Sa'ole title. Finally, the entire village area of Auasi is said to
be owned by the Amouli peopleo Land title in Samoa traditionally includes
the reef platform and fishing rights thereon.

Demogrghic Characteristics.

2.23 Tutuila is divided into two districts of which Auasi is part of
the eastern district. Within this district, Auasi is further contained
within Sa'ols County which also includes Aunu'u Island. This county
showed the lowest rate of population change between 1960 and 1970 with a
population increase from 1,105 to 1,295 (17.2 percent). During the same
time, the total eastern district increased 43.3 percent compared to 46
percent for the entire island of Tutuila. The 1970 population of the
six villages in Sa'ola County was 378 persons in Alofau, 357 in Amouli,
74 in Auasi, 425 on Aunu@u, 31. in Fogaau, and 30 in Utumea (reference
No. 3).

2.24 Although the census shows an overall increase in the population of
the territory and Sa'ole County between 1960 and 1970, a breakdown of
the data for Salole County shows an approximately 2.5 percent decline in
the population of Aunu'u Village from 436 in 1960 to 425 in 1970. All
of the villages in Sa'ole County that are located on Tutuila registered
an increase in population, while Aunu'u which isisolated from the main
island showed a decline. The population decline, which also occured in
outlying villages without connecting roads on Tutuila, is attributed to
the migration of persons to urban centers on Tutuila (Pago Pago) or
leaving Samoa altogether, as well as to inadequate overland and inter-
island transportation. The population shift to Pago Pago is of concern
to government officials because it is contributing to urban congestion.

2.25 Population projecticna or the three residential areas nearest
Auasi from 1970 to 2010 estimates that Aunu'u will have a population
growth of less than I percent (400 to 500 persons); Faga'itua, 2.5 percent
population increase (900 to 1,400) and Matuli Point, 3.6 percent population

2-7

increase (1,200 to 2,000, reference No. 4). The projected population
increase could reflect high natural birth rates as out-migration has is
significantly reduced the size of many outlying villages. The popula-
tion considered to be most affected by the Auasi project is located on
Aunu'u Islando

2.26. Socio-Economic Factors. There are about a dozen buildings at
Auasi, the majority are western style in construction. A store across
from the beach sells mainly imported commodities and also provides two
gasoline pumps which are adjacent to the main roado The store, gasoline,
cars, television, telephone, water, and electrical power are present and
reflect the regional trend toward a cash economy.

2.27 No public sever facilities exist at Auasi. A building code requires
septic tanks for now units. Sewer service is planned for the adjacent
villages of Amouli by 1980 and Utumea by 1995. The entire area will
have a centrally located treatment plant with deep-ocean disposal at
Matuli Point and with a pump station at Auasi after 1980 (reference No.
3). Leaching of sewage into coastal waters from septic tanks has not
been investigated at Auasi.

2.28 Recreational activities for the small population at Auasi cannot
be easily defined. No centralized facility exists in the village.
Children normally seek the company of other village children and play in
the general area. Makeshift cricket grounds are sometimes available.

2.29 Coral and basalt rubble from the reef flat and shore have been
utilized to build "rock" walls and a simple groin along a portion of the
shoreline to prevent erosion near Vaisa Stream.

2.30 There are no supportive records indicating what percent of the
people at Auasi commute to other areas for work or school. In 1975,
approximately 150 persons commuted between Auasi and Aunu'u Island
across the mile-wide strait for work and school on Tutuila. This
represents about 30 percent of the entire population on Aunu'u.

2o3l There was no evidence of the existence of local handicrafts or
commercial industry at Auasi. Agriculture is evident by the sizeable
banana crop planted up on the hillside on the southwest side of Auasi
Village. Tourism which is considered an important upcoming industry for
Aunu'u is related to Auasi insofar as this village is somewhat of a
mainland terminus for any visitor wishing to get to and from Aunu'u.
However, access to and from the island Is unreliable and infrequent and
at the control of the Aunu'u villagers.

2.32 Transportationo The main Tutuila coastal road passes between the
shoreline and main village area at Auasi. While government and commercial
boats provide occasional transportation between Pago Pago and Aunu'u,
travel between Aunulu and Auasi, or Tutuila is most commonly provided by

2-8

wooden, oar-powered longboate and outboard-motor boats. With a seven-
man crew, a longboat is able to carry 40 children or 20 adults, or up to
2-1/2 tons of cargo. The longboat transportation is time consuming and
hazardous especially entering or leaving the shore at Auasi or Aunu'u.
Approximately 22 persons have been killed in the last 10 years between
the two locations. Furthermore, approximately 25 percent of all trans-
ported goods are damaged or lost due to saltwater immersion, spray, and
other accidents; a portion (but certainly not all) of which is due to
the hazardous landing conditions at Auasi,

2-9

I
SECTION 3

RELATIONSHIP OF THE ALTERNATIVES TO LAND USE PLANS

3. RELATIONSHIP OF THE ALTERNATIVES TO LAND USE PLANS.

3.1 No land use plans or zoning have been established for the Auasi
area. The only land use plans in existence in American Samoa involve
Government owned lands in Pago Pago Harbor. Two zoning districts have
been established in the Pago Pago Harbor area and the Tafuna airport
industrial park area. Due to the geographic separation, the project has
no obvious conflict with existing land use plans.

3.2 Western land use concepts which regulate land use through govern-
ment control conflicts with traditional polynesian land use concepts
which determine land use through communal agreement and traditional
village leaders. Thus, the siting of any plan of improvement must have
the consent of village leaders and landowners.

3-1

SECTION 4

THE PROBABLE EFFECT OF THE ALTERNATIVES
ON THE ENVIRONMENT

4. THE PROBABLE EFFECT OF THE ALTERNATIVES ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

Habitat Modification and Loss

4.1 Each of the alternative plans will modify the reef environment by
destroying marine organisms and creating new subtidal habitats and
covering existing habitats. Plan 1 destroys 1.2 acres, while Plans 2, 3
and 4 destroy 2.5, 3.2, and 2.3 acres of reef habitat respectively.

4.2 New habitats and exposed surfaces created by construction on the
reef platform will be colonized by marine organisms, although the
abundance and diversity of organisms will be lower in the dredged areas
as compared to the remaining and neighboring reef areas. The fish fauna
will be temporarily dominated by transient forms, until biological
colonization provides shelter and food for a more diversified and stable
benthic community. Fish might be attracted temporarily to the dredged
site to feed on organisms stirred up, killed, or exposed by dredging.
The entrance channel and boat basin may provide hook and line fishing
opportunities by allowing pelagic fish to come closer to shore in the
channel and basin.

4.3 Species recovery rate, abundance and productivity could be slow if
species recruitment and replacement from surrounding reef areas is low.
Construction on the reef will destroy shallow water habitat valuable to
fishery resources. The shallow reef platform is normally considered a
natural marine organism spawning and nursery area, as the shallow waters
protect smaller fish from larger predators. The shallow nursery areas
are believed to serve as a source of-fish species normally found on the
reef front. Areas on the reef devoid of corals or sparsely covered with
coral have a variety of algae which contribute extensively to the producti-
vity of the reef. Algal growth supports many edible reef fishes which
use nearby corals for shelter, and provides nutrients for invertebrate
marine communities on the reef. The release of nutrients from algal
decay could be essential in maintaining existing levels of production in
coral communities. Plan 1 destroys the smallest amount of habitat and
would be expected to exert the least impact,in the shallow water reef
areas. It may be possible that the dredged portions of the reef and
intertidal areas of the breakwaters can serve as eventual spawning
/nursery areas by providing shelter to small fish. Algae will colonize
the new substrate providing a food source for colonizing organisms.
Normal food chain production can still occur on the remaining 90 to 75
percent of the reef flat.

4.4 Blasting may be necessary for each alternative plan and may kill
marine life depending upon their location, resistance to the force of
shock waves, size of charge, depth of water and substrate characteris-
tics. Corals close to the detonations will be compressed or broken by
shock waves. The rich outer reef slope may be subjected to possible
fractures and slumping of the framework with the loss of corals in and

4-1

beyond the immediate project location. The impact of blasting may be
reduced by using warning charges to frighten fishes away from blasting
areas prior to detonation, using directional charges, by blasting at ebb
tide when the reef is exposed or by using other methods to block or
interrupt the shock wave. Blasting in the existing channel (Plan 4)
will result in coral lose along both sides of the channel, especially
where corals are attached to vertical or sloped surfaces. Coral re-
colonization can be expected In time through recruitment from adjacent
areas. Broken or fractured portions of the reef will be cemented by
calcified algae, and some live coral will be able to survive and form
new colonies.

Water Circulation.

4.5 Water quality in the harbor will influence the recovery rate and
composition of the marine environment and will be dependent upon flush-
ing effectiveness which appears to be dependent upon tidal flow and wave
energy. While the tidal exchange on the remaining reef flat will remain
virtually unchanged, the deep channel and basin areas will not flush as
effectively if only the tidal currents are driving water exchange in the
deeper areas. If wind, wave and current energy input into the channel
and basin can mix the water column, water exchange should be more effi-
cient, particularly in the deeper portions of the channel and harbor
basin. Water residence time in the channel and basin will probably be
higher for plans which include structural features which protect the
basin from wave energy input, alter current patterns and block the wind.

4.6 The harbor plans will alter the flow of water over the reef plat-
form. The dredged areas will serve as alternate pathways for reef water
either entering or leaving the reef flat during tidal exchange or because
of wave action. The channel and basin plans in the middle of the Auasi
reef flat will tend to divide the reef platform into about 3 equal
sections rather than the two existing unequal sections, and will probably
reduce the velocity and volume of water flowing northeastward on the
reef flat. Structures perpendicular to the shoreline will tend to
deflect longshore currents. The channels and basins in Plans 1 and 2
will tend to intercept water flowing northeastward toward the existing
channel and possibly reduce the amount of flow through the existing
channel. Plan 3 will tend to deflect the northeast flow of water south-
eastward around the causeway or out to the ocean through channel. The
30-inch diameter circulation culverts spaced along the base of the
causeway are intended to permit tidal flow under the causeway and to
help flush the turning/mooring basin. Plan 3 has the greatest potential
for altering currents on the Auasi reef flat. In Plan 4, the breakwater
extending out from Maatulauma Point will tend to deflect water moving
southward from Maatulauma Point and divert it toward the channel, but
water will continue to flow northeastward off the Auasi reef flat into
the channel and out into the coastal waters. In Plan 4, the deepening

4-2

and widening of the existing channel in the reef flat may reduce the
velocity of water flow through the channel. Plan 4 represents the least
amount of change to currents on the Auasi reef flat. If the longshore
currents are presently transporting sand, the channel and basin areas
will tend to trap sand suspended in the water by reducing the capacity
of currents to move the sand, causing the basin and channel to shoal.
Marine organisms reaction to the change in current patterns, flow velocity
and volume is difficult to assess.

4.7 Sedimentation and Turbidity.

Dredging and filling will temporarily increase turbidity around the
project site, reducing light penetration in the water and creating
stressful conditions for photo-synthetic and light sensitive organisms.
The magnitude of turbidity and sedimentation stress will depend upon the
method of dredging, the amount and size of fine sediment produced and
suspended by dredging, and the rate of dispersion and deposition which
are dependent upon water currents and wave action. Large particles will
settle out within or close to the work areas. Finer and lighter particles
will settle more slowly and be dispersed quickly, and are not anticipated
to create significant stress problems. Wave action and currents will
agitate the deposited material increasing turbidity and creating abrasion
stresses. Sedimentation will smother and destroy some coral, and abrasion
may damage and destroy others. Smothering stresses will be more apparent
in relatively quiet waters, such as depressions where currents cannot
flush bottom surfaces. The reef areas which will be most susceptible to
turbidity, scour and siltation will be those close to the work site.
The plan requiring the least amount of dredging and filling would create
the least amount of silting and turbidity stress. However, high velocity
longshore currents moving northeast towards the existing channel during
high tides suggests that a rapid flushing time can quickly disperse the
suspended sediment and turbid waters out into coastal waters away from
the rich coral reef areas. Thus, Plan 4 may create the least amount of
sedimentation and turbidity stress. Plans 1, 2 and 3 are located in
areas of rich coral growth and can be expected to create the greatest
amount of sedimentation and turbidity stress. How much sediment settles
in the basin and channel will determine whether a silty bottom habitat
will develop.

4o8 Effects on Groundwater. None of the alternative plans is likely to
tap the basal ground water system since each is located offshore and
limited to the reef flat and no excavation is planned on shore.

4.9 Shoreline Erosion. The harbor protective structures will alter the
physical forces acting on the shoreline. Breakwater and revetted struc-
tures will tend to reflect wave energy even while reducing some of the
wave force. The presence of shoreline protection walls and a rock groin
along the Auasi shoreline indicates both human encroachment and filling

4-3

along the shoreline and the presence of existing erosion problems which
are pronounced at the mouth of Vaisa Stream. During severe storm periods,
large waves could enter the harbor channel and basin and break directly
on the shoreline. Rock structures may focus wave energy on the shoreline.
The plan which provides shore protection or shoreline revetment and
preserves reef flat area in front of the shoreline may have the least
potential to induced shoreline erosion.

4.10 Ciguatera. Construction of a harbor will create new surfaces
which have been suggested to trigger outbreaks of ciguatera fish poison-
ing. Recent research has related ciguatoxin to a marine dinoflagellate,
Diplopsalis which is speculated to grow on a marine algae. The dino-
flagellate may become more prevalent when new surfaces are colonized by
algae. It is hypothesized, but not substantiated, that fish eat the
algae which contain the dinoflagellate and become toxic. The fish
appear unaffected by the toxin, but the fish are toxic to man when
eaten. To date, ciguatera outbreaks have not been reported following
construction of the Ofu Harbor on Ofu Island in 1976.

4.11 Breakwater, Revetment and Causeway. Breakwaters, revetted moles
and causeway construction on the reef platform will crush or cover
marine organisms. The plan having the least amount of structural improve-
ments would least damage the marine environment. In terms of area,
Plans 3 and 4 each would cover nearly.1 acre of reef flat while Plan 2
would cover about one-half acre. Plan 1 has no protective rock structures.
The armor stone will be colonized by intertidal organisms. Crevices
formed by the armor rock will provide habitats for cryptic or photo-
phobic organisms. The composition of this benthic life is expected to
differ in species diversity and abundance from that of the adjacent reef
platform due to the difference in substrate composition, vertical relief
and periods of inundation and exposure. The magnitude and duration of
environmental stress caused by construction can be lessened by constructing
the structures and dredging simultaneously. Similarly, the construction
of impermeable revatments prior to filling will reduce erosion of the
fill and minimize sedimentation and turbidity stresses to the surrounding
reef areas.

4.12 Construction, Mobilization, Storage and Billeting. For the period
of construction, heavy equipment and blasting will increase noise and air
pollution levels above quiet and relatively pristine ambient conditions.
Location of mobilization, storage and billating areas are subject to ap-
proval of village residents, thus should not interfere with village acti-
vities or subsistence agriculture. Heavy equipment movement between the
work and construction site will create temporary traffic hazards. The
possibility of non-Samoans residing in the village may enhance a certain
amount of cultural interchange, but may also create a certain amount of
cultural friction. These effects, although temporary, can be minimized
by proper planning and selection of storage and marshalling areas, and

4-4

management of traffic, construction and related human activities at the
site. Situating marshalling areas as close as possible to the construction
site will minimize traffic movement. The use of noise suppression devices
conforming to occupational-industrial safety standards and emission control
devices will minimize noise/air impacts.

4.13 RaAELyin&. Quarrying will be done on Tutu ila with rock being
brought to Auasi from an existing quarry at Mapua or elsewhere. If a
new quarry is opened solely for the Auasi project, archaeological and
biological studies necessary to evaluate probable effects will be performed
and a supplement to this environmental statement prepared as necessary.
The use of field stone, talus rock, will eliminate or reduce the need
for quarry material.

Tourism and Long-Term Socio-Economic Effects.

C14 The harbor at Auasi together with Aunulu Harbor may influence the
rate of socio-economic change on the island of Aunugu, as well as in the
village of Auasi, by improving the transportation link between Tutuila
Island and Aunulu Island. However harbor influences are dependent upon
surface transportation between Tutuila and Aunu'u which is presently
unreliable and irregular, and which is dependent almost solely upon
Aunu'u communal efforts. While the harbors at Auasi and Aunulu provide
navigational and access safety, particularly at the point of landing,
the development of regular and,reliable transportation service and
rights-of-access are solely dependent upon socio-economic factors unrelated
to the project. At the present time, the existing trend in American
Samoa is toward a cash economy based upon western concepts of gainful
employment and away from the traditional subsistence economy based upon
conjunal cooperation and agricultural use of the land. At Aunu'u, the
village has promoted and encouraged the development of tourism, considered
the Territory's greatest potential economic resource, by improving
sewage and water systems, setting aside and developing housing accommodations,
and working to declare a portion of their island as a Natural Landmark.
Regularity and reliability of transportation and right-of-access to
Aunu'u appear to be limiting factors which may be slowing the development
of tourism on Aunulu. Other human endeavors such as advertising, providing
for basic humanly comforts and entertainment are also needed if tourism
is to prosper on Aunu'u. Should tourism become a major source of income
on Aunu'u, Auasi may become a point of departure and return for tourist
traffic to Aunu'u dependent upon where and how reliable and regular sea
transport to and from the offshore island, is developed. Auasi is
already easily accessible by road from Pago Pago and is located along
the major touring routs on Tutuila, however, the village does not have
and has not developed any significant tourist attraction.

4.15 Tourism consumes vital resources, such as water and imported or
manufactured commodities, and also encourages the commercialism of
traditional customs and influences changes in the social structure of
indigeneous societies. The rates of change and the kind of change is

4-5

dependent upon local goverment and residents. Presently, western
technology, cash economies, culture, ideology, schooling and communications
has resulted in the subversion of traditional social customs, heirarchy
and values with the resultant increase in alcoholism, juvenile delinquency,
crime and social conflicts. Traditional housing structures have been
replaced by modern western style construction. Increased world travel
by Samoans has resulted in an infusion of many new ways of viewing life
in American Samoa.

4.16 Navigation safety improvements may encourage a resurgence in
agricultural activities on Aunu'u. Aunu'u was said to have been a prime
agricultural area producing citrus fruits and taro, and is today the
largest producer of wetland taro in American Samoa even though only a
small amount of the available wetlands is being utilized. If agricul-
tural activities are enhanced as a result of increased demand because of
fast and reliable shipment to local markets, more of the wetland areas
on Aunu'u may be developed for taro cultivation resulting in the removal
of natural wetland vegetation in the marshes on Aunu'u.

4.17 Harbor Use. Each of the alternative plans will attract boaters to
the area resuNling in an increase in the number of boaters utilizing the
reef area at or around Auasi. However, much is dependent upon the
ability of local Samoans to purchase, own and operate trailered or
untrailered, motor or unpowered boats. At the present time, most boats
are utilized by Samoans for fishing or transporting goods and people
with use confined to specific localities. Government agencies and
contract government workers presently have the resources to own and
operate trailerized or portable motor boats. The establishment of a
SCUBA club in American Samoa and an Office of Marine Resources suggest
that new cultural concepts and technology concerning utilization of reef
resources are evolving. Exploitation of reef resources off Auasi is
also dependent upon village attitudes toward intrusion upon traditional
fishing areas. Should the number of motor boats operating out of Auasi
increase, air, noise and water pollution resulting from boating activities
would be expected to increase proportionally. Because the harbor provides
minimal protection, boats will not be able to be moored permanently in
the harbor and would have to be removed during storms. Potential damage
to the coral reef resulting from boating activities would include anchoring
damage,, prop wash stirring up sediment, petro-chemical pollution, littering,
and possible groundings. Engine noise and vibrations may scare fish,
but the harbor may also provide a refuge for some species. Local awareness
and periodic surveillance and maintenance by local authorities are
factors affecting petro-chemical pollution and littering, and boating
activities in general.

4.18 Temporary Equipment Causeway. Construction and removal of equipment
causeways will destroy habitats and kill marine life on the sea bottom
and contribute to an increase in turbidity due to erosion of the causeway.
To minimize these effects, the causeways could be placed within the

4-6

center of areas to be dredged or filled, reducing the amount of marine
habitat disturbed, and could be constructed using large boulders instead
of coralline or terrigenous aggregate or fill, lessening erosion and
associated turbidity and sedimentation stresses.

4.19 Maintenance Dredging. These requirements will periodically disturb
marine organisms which will colonize the harbor bottom and will temporarily
increase turbidity within the small boat facility once every five to ten
years. The Government of American Samoa will be required to make the
arrangements for a disposal land site. Due to the lack of evidence of
any major influx of terrigenous material into the marine environment or
lack of terrigenous deposits on the reef flat in the central platform
area, the bulk of the dredged material is expected to be calcareous.
However, there is a scattering of basaltic boulders eroded from the
Maatulaumea headland on the surface of the reef flat, the site of harbor
Plan 4. The revetted shoreline in Plan 4 will prevent erosion and
deposition of'any shoreline material into the harbor channel or,basin.

Effects on Wetlands or Submerged L dso

4.20 Dredging and filling on a portion of the Auasi reef flat does not
permanently alter food chain production in the coastal marine environment,
however, localized changes specific to the harbor site will result in a
reduction in species abundance and diversity, in reef subsistence fishing
and foraging area, and in shallow water habitat used by marine organisms
as a breading and nursery habitat. New fishing opportunities will be
provided by the harbor as pelagic fishes will have an opportunity to
come closer to shore in the harbor channel and basin and as fishing from
the harbor protective structures and docking facilities will most likely
occur. Marine organisms will colonize the harbor, but specie abundance
and diversity in the harbor is expected to be lower than the surrounding
reef areaso Colonization of the breakwater and revetments may increase
species diversity at a particular location in the harbor, however,
species abundance is expected to be lower than on the reef.

4.21 The harbor channel, basin and structures are expected to alter
current patterns on the reef flat and acting on the shoreline. Flushing
characteristics on the reef flat will not be altered, however, water
residence time in the harbor is expected to increase. Harbor construction
is not expected to tap basal waters systems and later salinity dis-
tribution on the reef flat. The project will not alter or modify tribu-
taries entering the nearshore marine environment, thus should not alter
sedimentation patterns on the reef flat. However, the harbor construction
may create a silty harbor bottom environment, and the harbor basin and
channel may shoal, reflecting a change to the existing conditions. The
project will not affect upland drainage.

4-7

4.22 The project will not affect upland storm or flood water storage.
While the integrity of the reef as a barrier zone to the Auesi shoreline
is maintained, dredging on reef flat will alter physical oceanic regimes
on the reef flat, i.e., the deeper channel and basin may allow large
waves to act on the shoreline. The breakwaters and revetments will
reflect wave energy and may alter the direction of wave action along the
shoreline. The project will not affect potable ground water resources.

4.23 The project will not affect any properties listed as a national
wild and scenic river, park, wilderness area, shoreline, lake, monument
landmark, or historic place. Species listed as endangered, nor critical
habitat area for endangered species or marine sanctuaries will not be
affected by the project.

4.24 The project will not require any ocean disposal of dredged material.
All excess dredged material will be stockpiled on land at a site to be
determined by the Government of American Samoa and village leaders.

4-8

SECTION 5

ANY PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED

5. ANY PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED.

5.1 Harbor construction will result in reef habitat loss varying between
1.2 and 3.2 acres; an amount equal to 10 to 25 percent of the reef
surface. Marine organisms will be destroyed within the dredged and
filled areas and there will be reduction in fish/nursery and reef foraging
and fishing areas. The loss should not affect total population and
recuperative abilities of any particular species, but will result in a
change in ecosystem and species composition within the affected areas.
New fishing opportunities within the harbor may be realized as pelagic
reef fish will have an environment in which they can move closer to
shore. Marine organisms can be expected to colonize the hard surfaces
of the dredged areas as well as the intertidal surfaces of breakwaters
and revetments. The difference between the newly created subtidal
habitats and those of the existing natural channel will depend, in the
long-termp upon the water exchange and circulation patterns. Temporary
increases in sedimentation and turbidity will be experienced during
dredge and fill operation. Turbid plumes are expected to be disversed
quickly because of the openness of the area to the ocean. Shoreline
erosion adjacent to the project site in Plans 1, 2, ana J suggests that
construction in this central area at Auasi could influence shoreline
erosion by altering oceanographic factors. Revetting the shoreline and
preserving shallow water reef area fronting the shoreline will provide
protection to the shoreline. Dredging of the entrance channel will
alter currents on the reef flat. Plan 4 will alter the configuration of
the natural channel and inshore northeastern reef area by widening and
deepening the existing channel and will also alter currents in the
channel.

5.2 The harbor will not displace any people and will improve navigational
safety at the Auasi landing and launching site. The harbor will help to
protect human lives and property and will not have any direct adverse
effect upon human resources. However, specific actions related to
establishing modes and frequencies of travel between Aunulu and Auasi
may result in localized socio-economic changes to existing conditions at
Auasi and Aunuu. Tourism could become a major source of local income
possibly resulting in an erosion of traditional cultural values and
customs. Agricultural activities may expand with an increase in reliability
of produce transportation to market. The out-migration or decline of
village population at Aunu'u may be attenuated with improved means of
transportation and increase in safety.

5-1

SECTION 6

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

6. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED.

6.1 No Action. The alternative means no action by anyone or any govern-
ment to improve navigational safety at Auasi. The alternative would
result in no change to the reef environment by dredging or filling in
conjunction with navigational improvements. Commuter traffic would
continue to traverse the strait and to encounter the navigational hazards
discussed earlier. Tourism potential on Aunu'u will continue to be
limited by the availability andregularity of surface transport from
Pago Pago and commuter boats from Auasio The import and transportation
of commercial.bulk items and large quantities of commodities would be
handled by boat directly from Pago Pago once the Aunu'u Harbor is
completed, but a variety of smaller commodities would continue to be
transported by commuter boats from Auasi. The navigational hazards of
landing at Auasi would continue to pose a threat to human lives and
property. The continued threat to and possible loss of human lives and
property did not meet planning objectives to improve navigational safety,
and some sort of action was considered to be necessary.

6.2 'Increased Use of Motorized Boats. Motorized boats may be presently
replacing oar-powered longboats as common means of providing commuter
service. The motorized boats improve navigational safety through rough
waters by eliminating the hazards and problems of seamanship now dependent
upon coordinated group rowing. However, problems could still occur
within the reef surf zone where the shallow waters prevent the operation
of the motor and require the,use of manpower to maintain the direction
and stability of the boat. While the initial purchase, maintenance and
operation costs fore motorized boat may be prohibitive to the common
individual, communal purchasing power may be able to acquire motorized
boats over a period of time, if nothing is done by the government. The
alternative does not increase navigational safety at Auasi, but may
improve sea worthinese of boats presently providing the commuter service.

6.3 'Improve Boat Transportation From Aunu'u to Pa&o Pago. The majority
of commuters from Aunu'u travel to Pago Pago for work, for school, and
to buy or sell goods and produce at the market. The present trip by
boat from Aunu'u to Auasi and then by 2&a bus to Pago Pago is approximately
17 miles taking up to an hour or longer to complete. If boat transportation
service could be improved from Aunu'u directly to Pago Pago and return,
the commuter distance would be 8 miles, however, the time required to
commute would not be reduced due to the slowness of boat travel. The
alternative would preserve the reef at Auasi from dredge and fill damage
resulting from harbor construction activities. Tourism activities on
Aunu'u could increase with better availability and regularity of boat
transportation. If tourism becomes a major economic factor on Aunu'u,
social contact between villages of Aunu'u and Auasi would be disrupted
and may result in a loss of local trade and income as the flow of people
through Auasi would decline. While improved boat transportation directly
between Aunu'u and Pago Pago may help to reduce navigational hazards at
Aussi, some commuters would continue to traverse the strait for school

6-1

and to trade in the coastal areas between Auasi and Pago Pago. These
commuters would continue to be subjected to navigational hazards presently
experienced at Auasi. For these individuals improvement to navigational
safety was considered desirable.

6.4 The implementation of the alternative would be responsibility of
the local government. Problems with implementation involve the lack of
the availability of vessels to maintain regular commuter service between
Aunu'u and Pago Pago at reasonable cost. Commuters presently travel
between Aunu'u and Pago Pago for the price of aiga bus fare with the
cost of the boat being reduced by communal cooperation and manpower.
The Government of American Samoa may not be able to operate a non-profit
transportation service without additional US subsidy.

6.5 Bridge. A bridge between Auasi and Aunu'u could probably provide a
quick ground transportation link between Aunulu and Auasi except during
violent weather conditions. However, constructing a bridge over one
mile distance in water depths up to 240 feet will be difficult engineer-
ing-wise and cost prohibitive. The bridge would be susceptible to
hurricane damage and require maintenance.

6.6 Relocating the People on Aunulu. The landing at Auasi is mainly a
hazard to the people on Aunulu Island. If the people were relocated
from the island to a location on Tutuila, the hazard would no longer
exist. The alternative is considered socially unacceptable both to the
government who must find lands and homes for the displaced villagers and
the Aunu'u villagers. The Samoan society places high values on tradi-
,41.-ional land ownership and communal life-styles, and the displacement of
the people of Aunu'u to Tutuila Island would create unresolvable hardships
for the people of Aunu'u who own Aunutu Island, and for the people of
-the areas to where the Aunulu people would be moved.

6-2

SECTION 7

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S
ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND
ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY

7. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT
AND @HE-MAINTF.NANCE-AND'ENHANCEt4ENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY,

7.1 The harbor would serve the immediate and long-term need for a safe,
more efficient and convenient commuter landing and temporary moorage for
commuters traveling between the Tutuila mainland and Aunu'u Island.
Between 1.2 and 3.2 acres of reef habitat would be altered depending
upon the plan adopted with a resulting reduction in subsistence reef
foraging and shallow water nursery and breeding areas. The channel,
basin and protective structures may provide new fishing opportunities.
The harbor may stimulate agricultural production on Aunu'u by increasing
market transportation convenience and safety provided boat services are
improved. A new marine ecosystem will be created in the channel and
boat basin that will be lower in species diversity and abundance than
the remaining reef habitats at Auasi. The reduction in reef flat area
for spawning or nursing, as well as potential food supply for juvenile
or herbivorous organisms, may result in the long-term reduction and
replacement of species on the reef front if similar recruits and re-
sources from adjoining reef areas are not available.

7.2 The harbor will complement the local government plans to enhance
and improve the territory's economic and agricultural programs to encourage
population stability and to improve intraterritorial travel between
Aunu'u and Tutuila. The role the harbor will play in contributing or
altering the socio-sconomic trends and intrinsic cultural values is
dependent upon many factors, one being the development of reliable,
frequent and scheduled boat service between Tutuila and Aunu'u.

7-1

SECTION 8

ANY IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT
OF RESOURCES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED
SHOULD THE ALTERNATIVES BE IMPLEMENTED

8. ANY IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES WHICIi
WOULD BE'INVOLVED'SHOULD'THE'ALTERNATIVES*BE'IMPLEMENTED.

8.1 All the plans requires the commitment of existing and future money,
human labor and fuel resources. Plan 1 alters approximately 1.2 acres
of reef habitat and destroys associated shallow water and reef organisms.
Similarly, Plan 2 alters 2.5 acres of reef habitat. Plan 3 alters 3.2
acres and Plan 4 alters 2.3 acres. The loss of shallow water reef
foraging area has an unquantifiable effect on subsistence fishing oppor-
tunities. In addition, Plans 2, 3 and 4 will each require several
thousand cubic yards of rock material.

8-1

SECTION 9

COORDINATION COMMENT AND RESPONSE

9. COORDINATION, COMMENT AND RESPONSE.

9.1 Coordination. The development of the project alternatives was a
result of coordination with the Auasi and Aunu'u village chiefs who
indicated their desire for a harbor on the reef flat, and the Government
of American Samoa who had initiated the project request, provided some
planning data and aided in developing planning objectives. The US
Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the
Environmental Protection Agency were notified of the detailed studies in
December 1976. The Detailed Project Report will be sent to the above
individuals and agencies for review and comment. In addition, this
draft environmental statement will be sent for comment and review to the
following government agencies and interested parties.

US Department of Agriculture
US Department of Commerce
US Department of the Interior
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Department of Health, Education and Welfare
US Department of Transportation
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Government of American Samoa
Government of American Samoa, Department of Public Works
Office of the Governor, Environmental Coordinator
Village chiefs of Aunu'u and Auasi

9.2 A public hearing is scheduled for October 1977.

9-1

APPENDIX A

SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVE COSTS

APPENDIX A

SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVE COSTS

Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 3 Plan 4

1. Estimated First Costs $360,000 $620,000 $680,000 $510,000

% Federal Costs 335,000 555,000 575,000 435,000
% Non-Federal Costs 25,000 65,000 105,000 75,000

2. Average Annual Costs
(includes maintenance
costs) 26,500 470000 52,000 39,000

3. Total Average Annual
Benefits 40,000 59,900 60,400 58,900

Transit Time Savings 8,700 13,000 13,000 13,000
Loss Wages 26,200 39,400 39,400 39,400
Fishing l/ 1,800 1,800 1,800 1,800
EDA 2/ 3,300 5,700 6,200 4,700

4. Benefit to Cost Ratio 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.5

5. Other Information

Maintenance Cost 3/ 1,500 4,000 5,000 4,000

6. Benefit-cost analysis does not include either the loss of marine
resources, which include reef foraging area, nursery area and individual
organisms or the difference in fishing opportunities and safety of human
lives.

Note: Economic data extracted from the Draft Detailed Project Report,
Aunu'u Harbor, Auasi, Tutuila Is land, American Samoa, prepared by the US
Army Engineer District, Honolulu.

l/ Some commercial fishing will be realized as future project benefits,
but data is insufficient to quantify potential added benefits.

2/ EDA benefits derived from employment of local labor resources.

9/ Maintenance costs are estimated on maintenance work required once
every 5-10 years.

A-1

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. US Geological Survey, Topographic Map of Tutuila Island, American
Samoa.

2. US Army Corps of Engineers, December 1971, Geological Survey -
Aunulu Small Boat Harbor.

3. CH2M HILL, Inc., December 1974, Draft Wastewater Facilities Plan
and Environmental Assessment for American Samoa, for Government of
American Samoa Department of Public Works.

4. Chiefs of Aunu'u Island, Letter to Scott Sullivan, April 21, 1977.

5. Richard G. Wass, Letter to D. M. Devany, June 3, 1977.

6. Governor Haydon, Letter to Colonel Pender, January 1970.

7. US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, January 1970, American
Samoa Aunu'u and Auasi,-Reconnaissance Report on Navigation
Improvements.

8. Bishop Museum, June 1977, Cultural and Marine Ecology Reconnaissance
Surveys, Auasi, Tutuila, American Samoa, for the US Army Corps of
Engineers, Honolulu District.

NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY

3 6668 14111075 1

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