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

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                                                                                                                                              Public Hearing Draft
                                                   .A4
                                                   V35
                                                                                                                                                                                                r -1982
                                                                                                                                                                   Februa y
                                                   1982
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                                                                                                  Valdez Community Development Department
                                                                                         Valdez Coastal Management Citizens Committee
                                                                                                                             Woodward-Clyde Consultants&-A

                                        CITY OF VALDEZ PUBLIC OFFICIALS

                                                    COUNCIL

                                            Steven McAlpine - Mayor
                                          John Devens - Mayor Pro-tem
                                                   Bob Kellar
                                                 Mac McDonald
                                                 George Hillar
                                                  Chuck LaPage

                                                    MANAGER

                                                   Mark Lewis

                                                KEY CONTRIBUTORS

                                           Mark Lewis, City Manager
                                  Rob Ridgway, Community Development Director
                                           Jerry Zoet, Port Director
                                          Fred Hanson, City Engineer
                               Martha Rutherford, Assistant to the City Manager
                                        Joe Altick, Planning Technician
                             Jason Wells, Valdez Fisheries Development Association
                                   Michael Schmidt, Former Planning Director

                                        PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

                                          Mary Jo Evans, Chairperson
                                                Lyle Von Bargen
                                                  Joe Beaudion
                                                Chris Batchelder
                                                  Bill Metcalf
                                                 Lynn McArthur
                                                   Bob Walker

                                    COASTAL MANAGEMENT CITIZEN'S COMMITTEE

                                                  George Small
                                                   Walter Wood
                                                 Steve Brittain
                                                  Lew Brantley
                                                 George Perkins
                                                   Lee Doering
                                                Claude Robinson
                                                   Carol Alley
                                                   Jeff Kelly

                                                       Valdez Coa@tal Management Program

                                                  The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from
                                                the Alaska Coastal Management Program and the Office of Coastal
                                                Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
                                                U. S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Division of
                                                Communuity Planning, Department of Community and Regional Affairs.     TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                                                                     I

                                                                                                                                              Page

                                  1.'0 ISSUES,          GOALS,     AND OBJ,ECTIVES                                                             1-1

                                          1.1      INTRODUCTION

                                          1.2      GOALS                                                                                       1-1

                                          1.3      ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES                                                                       1-3

                                                   1.3.1       Economic Productivity/Diversification                                           1-3
                                                   1.3.2       Public Safety                                                                   1-6

                                                   1.3.3       Resource Enhancem           ent and Protection                                  1-7

                                                   1.3.4       Land and Water Uses                                                             1-7

                                                   1.3.5       Regional Interests                                                              1-8

                                                   1.3.6       Permits and Government                Control                                   1-9

                                  2.0 COASTAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOUNDARIES                                                                   2-1

                                  3.0 RESOURCE INVENTORY                                                                                       3-1

                                          3.1      NATURAL RESOURCES                                                                           3-1
                                                   3.1.1       General Description of                Port    Valdez                            3-1
                                                   3.1.2       Habitats and Biological                 Resources                               3-3

                                                   3.1.3       Climate                                                                         3-22
                                                   3.1.4       Air Quality                                                                     3-24
                                                   3.1.5       Hydrology                                                                       3-27
                                                               Water Quality                                                                   3-29

                                                                                      iij

                                                                                             Pa@e

                            3.2 CULTURAL RESOURCES                                            3-30

                                 3.2.1   Archaeological and  Historical Resources             3-30
                                 3.2.2   Population Characteristics                           3-34
                                 3.2.3   Housing                                              3-37
                                 3.2.4   Land Use and Management                              3-39

                                 3.2.5   Recreation                                           3--46

                                 3.2.6   Transportation                                       3-48
                                 3.2.7   Energy Facilities                                    3-53

                                 3.2.8   Coastal Access                                       3-54

                                 3.2.9   Community Facilities and Services                    3-55

                                 3.2.10  Public Finance                                       3-59

                                 3.2.11  Cultural Resources Literature Cited                  3-60

                            3.3  ECONOMIC RESOURCES                                           3-64

                                 3.3.1   Introduction                                         3-64

                                 3.3.2   Employment Base                                      3-64
                                 3.3.3   Resource Development                                 3-67

                                 3.3.4   Economic Growth                                      3-69

                      4.0 GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS                                                 4-1

                            4.1  REGIONAL SETTING                                             4-3

                            4.2  POTENTIAL HAZARDS                                            4-4

                                 4.2.1 Seismic Hazard                                         4-4

                                 4.2.2 Mass Wasting Hazard                                    4-8
                                 4.2.3 Avalanche Hazard                                       4-9

                                 4.2.4 Flood Hazard                                           4-10

                            4.3 GEOPHYSICAL HAZARD LITERATURE CITED AND BIBLIOGRAPHY          4-12

                      5.0 RESOURCE ANALYSIS                                                   5-1

                            5.1 INTRODUCTION                                                  5-1

                            5.2 REGIONAL ANALYSIS                                             5-3

                                 5.2.1 Economic Growth                                        5-3
                                 5.2.2 Population                                             5-4

                                                         iv

                                                                                                   Page

                                    5.2.3,  Transportation                                         5-5

                                    5.2.4   Housing                                                5-7

                                    5.2.5   Community Facilities and Services                      5-8
                                    5.2.6   Physical Oceanography                                  5-9
                                    5.2.7   Air Quality                                            5-10
                                    5.2.8   Water Quality                                          5-12

                                    5.2.9   Geophysical Hazards                                    5-13

                              5.3   GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS                                            5-15

                                    5.3.1   Keystone Canyon                                        5-15

                                    5.3.2   Lowe River                                             5-17

                                    5.3.3   Robe Lake Watershed and Robe River                     5-22

                                    5.3.4   Valdez Glacier Stream                                  5-26

                                    5.3.5   Old Town                                               5-32

                                    5.3.6   Loop Road                                              5-35

                                    5.3.7   Valdez Duck Flats                                      5-39

                                    5.3.8   New Townsite                                           5-43

                                    5.3.9   Mineral Creek Flats                                    5-49

                                    5.3.10  Mineral Creek Canyon                                   5-53
                                    5.3.11  Dayville Road                                          5-56

                                    5.3.12 Western Port     Valdez                                 5-62

                        6.0 POLICIES, SUBJECT USES, AND PROPER        AND IMPROPER USES            6-1.

                              6.1 GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT                                         6-1

                              6,1   GENERAL POLICIES                                               6-2

                                    6.2.1 Land and Water Activities                                6-2

                                    6.2.2 Consistency and Coordination                             6-3

                              6.3   SPECIFIC USE POLICIES                                          6-3

                                    6.3.1   Coastal Development                                    6-3
                                    6.3.2   Energy Facilities                                      6-6
                                    6.3.3   Recreation, Tourism, and Natural Setting               6-7
                                    6.3.4   Transportation and Utility Routes                      6-8
                                    6.3.5   Geophysical Hazards                                    6-9

                                                             v

                                                                                            Page

                                 6.3.6  Coastal Access                                      6-11

                                 6.3.7  Fisheries and Seafood   Processing                  6-12

                                 6.3.8  Gravel Extraction '                                 6-12

                                 6.3.9  Archaeological and Historical Resources             6-13
                                 6.3.10 Air and Water Quality                               6-13

                                 6.3.11 Resource Enhancement and Protection                 6-13
                            6.4  DEVELOPMENT CLASSIFICATION POLICIES                        6-14

                                 6.4.1 Areas Meriting Special Attention (AMSA)              6-14
                                 6.4.2 Conditional Development Areas                        6-14
                                 6.4.3 Development Areas                                    6-15

                            6.5  SUBJECT USES                                               6-15

                                 6.5.1 Uses of State Concern                                6-16

                            6.6  PROPER AND IMPROPER USES                                   6-17

                      7.0 IMPLEMENTATION                                                    7-1

                            7.1 FEDERAL AND STATE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES                   7-6

                            7.2 IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES                                     7-6

                                 7.2.1 Private and Local Government Ac    ti'ons            7-7

                      8.0 AREAS MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION                                  8-1

                      APPENDIX A - PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT                                       A-1

                      APPENDIX B - FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS                            B-1

                      APPENDIX C - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE VALDEZ ZONING
                                    ORDINANCE                                               C-1

                      APPENDIX D - PROJECT TEAM                                             D-1

                                                        vi

                                                                         LIST OF FIGURES

                                                                                    Page

                    Figure 7.1. Policy Implementation.                               7-2

                                                     vii

                                                                                   LIST OF TABLES

                                                                                               Page

                       Table 3.1.    Common habitat terms and their relationship
                                     to Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP)
                                     habitat descriptions.                                     3-4

                       Table 3.2. 'Total estimated adult salmon escapement by
                                     species for the eastern Port Valdez area,
                                     1971-1979.                                                3-8

                       Table 3.3.    Salmon escapement for selected eastern
                                     Port Valdez streams. 1971-1979.                           3-16

                       Table 3.4.    A comparison of Port Valdez sport fish effort
                                     and harvest estimates, 1974, 1.977, and 1978.             3-20
                       Table 3.5.    Summary' of game harvests in the Valdez area,
                                     1973-1979.                                                3-23

                       Table 3.6.    Climatological characteristics of the Valdez
                                     area, 1972-1978.                                          3-25

                       Table 3.7.    Summary of Valdez Air Quality Data in
                                     micrograms per cubic meter.                               3-26

                       Table 3.8.    Estimated population of Valdez, Alaska,
                                     1920-1980.                                                3-35

                       Table 3.9.    Total housing in Valdez, a summary of a
                                     1979 visual survey.                                       3-38

                       Table 3.10.   Valdez traffic volumes, local and regional,
                                     1978.                                                     3-51

                       Table 3.11.   City of Valdez, general fund expenditures,
                                     1968-1980.                                                3-61

                                                        viii

                                                                                     Page

                     Table 3.12. Summary of Valdez city budget, 1978-1979.            3-62

                     Table 3.13. Employment statistics, Alaska Department
                                   of Labor.                                          3-66

                                                     ix

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    1       1.0 ISSUES, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
    I

                                                                                           1.0

                                                              ISSUES, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

                     1.1    INTRODUCTION'

                            The citizens of Valdez are both resource users and resource man-

                     agers, and in these roles they make many decisions about what types of
                     land and water development are desirable, where the developments will
                     take place, and what, in general terms, they will look like.

                            The Valdez Coastal Management Program set forth in the following
                     pages establishes an agenda and provides the tools to direct development
                     and to manage the resources of the coastal zone. The program emphasizes
                     management tools that are explicit yet flexible enough to provide guid-
                     ance in,a changing physical, economic, and regulatory environment.

                    .1.2    GOALS

                            The goals for the District Plan reflect a wide spectrum of issues
                     pertaining to coastal management and the economic well-being of Valdez.
                     They are:

                            1. To enhance the economic productivity and diversification of

                                the region;

                            2.  To provide for public safety and the economic welfare of the
                                community when siting future industrial, commercial, and resi-
                                dential development;

                          3. To protect and enhance all coastal habitats and air and water
                             quality in accordance with federal and state statutes and in
                             concert with desired industrial expansion;

                          4. To enhance the scenic beauty, uni  queness, and historical sig-

                             nificance of the Valdez area;

                          5. To sensibly open up new land for residential and industrial

                             use;

                          6. To strive for compatible use of coastal lands and waters for
                             residential, industrial, commercial, recreation, fish and

                             wildlife needs, and open space activities;

                          7. To seek, through appropriate channels, continued navigational
                             safety and recreational opportunities in Prince William Sound;

                             and,

                          8. To expedite and simplif y permit procedures and governmental
                             agency project review and implementation of the district pro-

                             gram.

                   Underlying these goals is the recognition that the City of Valdez fully
                  @strives to enjoy continued economic prosperity and development. While
                   coastal management cannot by itself ensure this outcome, it can help
                   to make the unfolding of economic events orderly and sensible within
                   the constraints of limited land, potential geologic hazards, and sensi-

                   tive habitats.

                          It is to this end that the goals reflect a set of concerns ex-
                   pressed by the citizens of Valdez and form the basis for selected ob-
                   jectives to be achieved under this program.

                                                     1-2

                    1.3     ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

                    1.3.1   Economic Productivity/Diversification

                            Because.of its strategic location, Valdez historically was the
                    port of entry for a number of resource development activities in Interior
                    Alaska and', most recently, has become the tidewater port for the trans-
                    Alaska pipeline. As resource developments.are most often single events
                    with lingering spinoff activities, Valdez has benefited from large con-
                    struction projects and, at the same time, gone wanting for sustained
                    economic activity. Dependence on seasonal employment opportunities con-
                    tinues to be a major issue, and thus the citizens of Valdez wish to
                    develop stable, year-round sources of income and employment. Four exist-
                    ing industries in Valdez hold promise for future industrial expansion:

                            Transportation. Commodities port facility, supply and pipe ship-
                            ping station for gas and oil pipeline, runway and airport expan-
                            Sion, and highway improveme nts;

                            Fisheries. Fish processing plant, fish hatcheries, and'rehabil-

                            itation and enhancement of Robe Lake and other historic salmon

                            runs, boat repair and construction facilities, and cold storage

                            facilities;

                            Tourism/Recreation. Waterfront improvements program and expansion
                            of recreational and tourist activities (both seasonally and as to
                            type); and

                            Petroleum. Fuels refineries and petrochemical plants.

                    The Valdez Coastal Management program seeks to positively influence
                    the development pattern of these industries in the following ways:

                                                      1-3

                          Transportation

                                1. Maximize use of waterfront land zoned for commercial

                                   and industrial purposes dependent on water-based trans-

                                   portation;

                                2. Upgrade transportation corridors both between the port
                                   and the airport and between the port and Interior Alaska;

                                3. Identify future land requirements for port and airport
                                   expansion and reserve appropriate land; and

                                4. Maintain coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure

                                   navigational safety in Prince William Sound.

                           Fisheries

                                1. Maintain and enhance biological productivity of  Port
                                   Valdez;

                                2. Rehabilitate Robe Lake to improve its productive capacity;

                                3. Monitor and evaluate salmon enhancement program  and
                                   proposed fish hatchery sites in the district; .                       1

                                4. Plan for expansion of recreational boat harbor and con-

                                   struction of a commercial boat harbor; and

                                5. Determine siting requirements/f easibility of Valdez
                                   as a bottomfish and onshore support base and for high-
                                   value fish processing.

                                                   1-4

                           Tourism/Recreation

                                 1. Site industrial facilities and industrial oarks to mini-

                                    mize damage to natural setting;

                                 2.. Encourage enf orcement of building codes and land use.
                                    controls to improve the aesthetics of the downtown area
                                    and to reduce conflicts between incompatible land uses.;

                                 3. Improve attractiveness of commercial waterfront;

                                 4. Support establishment of city and state marine park

                                    facilities;

                                 5. Encourage boating safety through improved navigation and
                                    communication aids and search and rescue capability;

                                 6., Encourage expanded ferry service for Prince William Sound;

                                 7. Encourage municipal development of diversified recrea-
                                    tional facilities;. and

                                 8. Implement a municipal parks and recreation program that

                                    identifies areas  of coastal recreation and tourist inter-

                                    est and provides access to these locations.

                            Petroleum

                                 1. Determine siting requirements for petroleum industry

                                    expansion; and

                                 2. Reserve sufficient land for residential and other uses

                                    without preempting lands suitable for petroleum-related

                                    expansion.

                                                     1-5

                         Power Generation

                                1. Identify and promote the development of all potential
                                   sources of power generation such as Allison Lake and the
                                   Pressure Reducing Turbine.

                                2. Investigate power gr,id interties with the City of Cordova

                                   and the.railbelt intertie system.

                         General Industrial Expansion

                                1. Determine the nature and siting requirements of general
                                   industrial expansion that will accompany growth in the
                                   transportation, fisheries, tourism/recreation, and petro-

                                   leum industries; and

                                2. Identify and reserve appropriate land for future indus-

                                   trial expansion.

                  1.3.2 Public Safety

                         It is an accepted fact that Valdez, like other areas of Alaska,
                  may be subject to future earthquakes, marine landslides, seiche activity,
                  and certainly flooding and avalanches.

                         To provide for public safety and to minimize uncertainty when
                  developing coastal areas, the Valdez Coastal Management Program will
                  pursue the following objectives:

                         1. Evaluate seismic avalanche and flood hazards, and specify

                            development criteria;

                         2. Site industrial, commercial, and residential development in

                            areas that minimize risk to life and property;

                                                   1-6

                            3. Require sound engineering practices to ensure the.safe design
                               and construction of public and private facilities;

                            4. Determ.ine the best.,use of hazard-prone. lands; and,

                            5. Recommend further studies to evaluate the magnitude of poten-
                               tial hazards, identify mitigatiommeasures, and suggest ways to

                               use hazardous land.

                    1.3.3 Resource Enhancement and Protection

                            Valdez will seek to ensure the compatibility of new development
                    with the resource values expressed in this plan. To do this, the program

                    will:

                            1. Identify important coastal and upland habitats that should

                               be protected and enhanced;

                            2. Continue to promote and enhance renewable resources;

                            3. Protect resource values through siting, design, and appropriate

                               construction measures;

                            4. Require maintenance of current air and water quality in Valdez.

                    1.3.4   Land and Water Uses

                            Land and water uses are inextricably connected to economic develop-
                    ment, public safety, and resource protection. However, because of steep
                    terrain and seismic and flood-prone areas, suitable land for industrial,
                    commercial, and residential use is limited and thus deserves special
                    attention in the coastal management program.                             4b

                            1. Determine future land and water use needs;

                                                      1-7

                          2. Reserve waterfront land for industrial and other uses requiring
                             direct access to water;

                          3. Encourage innovative development to maximize use of available
                             land;

                          4. Work closely with the State of Alaska to coordinate and expe-
                             dite the land disposal program and other state land management
                             programs; and

                          5. Maximize compati ble9',multiDle use of land and water resources
                             through siting and design measures.

                   1.3.5 Regional Interests

                          Valdez is linked economically to Interior Alaska and the Prince

                   William Sound region.

                          Valdez is keenly interested in how regional resource and land
                   management decisions and development projects will affect its own economy
                   and growth. Land'conveyances, increased vessel traffic, implementation of
                   fisheries management plans, and establishment of state parks are, in
                   fact, local issues and thus the coastal management program has incorpor-
                   ated regional interests as a part of its program agenda.

                          1. Coordinate future land use decisions with Prince William Sound

                             and Interior communities and concerned federal and state agen-

                             cies;

                          2. Support improved transportation and communications systems

                             for Prince William Sound and Interior communities; and

                          3-Cooperate with the State of Alaska in the identification and
                             design of marine parks.

                                                   1-8

                   1.3.6 Permits and Government Control

                           Increasingly, all levels of government are participating in deci-
                   sions to alter the natural and man-made environment. Through the consis-
                   tency provision of the Coastal Management Act, Valdez intends to expedite
                   and simplify permit procedures and to make certain that state and federal
                   actions are consistent with the district program.

                           The matter of consistency is important to Valdez, si.nce approxi-
                   mately half of the land within city limits is state-owned and nearly 20
                   percent is federally-owned. Consistency will require that state and
                   federal agencies comply with the local district program to the extent
                   that the district program is consistent with existing regulations. Thus
                   it is important that the district program adopt policies and an implemen-
                   tation scheme that streamlines decision-mdking and consistency revi.ew. In
                   the course of program devel opment, Valdez will:

                           1. Specify policies that ensure that state and federal activities
                              are consistent with the local district Program;
                           2. Conside'r mechanisms to coordinate local permitting and con-

                              sistency review; and

                           3. Maximize use of existing ordinances and regulations to imple-
                              ment the district program.

                                                    1-9

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    1             2.0 COASTAL MANAGEMENT
     .1                DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
    I

                                                                                       2.o

                                                   COASTAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

                            The Phase One Valdez District Coastal Management Program set
                     its boundaries to include all areas within municipal boundaries up to

                     1500 feet in elevation. These boundaries were based on the zones of

                     direct-interaction and influence as identified in the Alaska Department
                     of Fish and Game Biophysical Boundaries.

                            The Phase Two Resource Inventory included all areas within the
                     municipal boundaries, to examine resource uses and activities that might
                     directly or indirectly influence the coastal areas of Valdez. After
                     completion of the resource inventory and analysis, it was determined
                     that the 1500-foot elevation includes all of the level and developable
                     lands within municipal boundaries. It was also felt that resource use
                     or activities above the 1500-foot elevation were unlikely to have a
                     direct or indirect influence on coastal resource,s. Valdez Coastal Manage-
                     ment District Boundaries are shown in Map 1.

                                                     2-1

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    1              3.0 RESOURCE INVENTORY
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                                                                                           3.o

                                                                           RESOURCE INVENTORY

                       -3.1   -NA'TURAL-RESOURCE"S

                       3.1.1  General Description   of Port Valdez

                              Port Valdez:and Valdez Arm   form a 46 km northeasterly extension.of
                       Prince William Sound in southcentral Alaska. Connection with the north

                       Pacific Ocean is via Hinchenbrook   Entrance, which opens on the Gulf of
                       Alaska about 110'km from 'the town of Valdez. Port Valdez is a relatively
                       deep; narrow, east-west oriented, glaciated formation that is properly
                      :termed a-fjord, extending about 23 km eastward from Valdez Narrows. The
                       latter, a nearly right-angle constriction, is a narrows silled entrance
                            is regarded as the demarcation between Port Valdez and Valdez Arm.
                       The town of Valdez lies near the northeast corner of the fjord, while the
                       Alyeska Marine'Terminal is'on'the south shore at Jackson Point (Map 2).

                              Port Valdez is about 5 km wide by 18    km long and is shaped some-
                       what like-a' bathtub, with- steep sides on the north and south and a re-
                       markably flat horizontal bottom at a depth    of about 240 m over three-
                       quarters of its length. In the   easternmost  quarter of the fjord the
                       bottom rises rather uniformly to the eastern shore at the former townsite
                       of Valdez. The maximum depth of Port Valdez is 247 m (in the southwestern
                       corne'r),'while the overallmean-  Idepth of'the'fj ord is about 180 m.

                                                       3-1

                             Port Valdez has an oceanographic regime that is strongly strati-
                       fied (vertically) both in temperature and salinity during the summer, but
                       is virtually unstratified during the winter months (Muench and Nebert
                       1973; Colonell 1979). The fjord would be classified as a "positive"
                       estuary since it receives more fresh water by runoff and precipitation
                       than is lost through evaporation. This implies that the classical estu-
                       arine circulation, with seaward movement of a brackish layer and landward
                       movement of deeper waters, would prevail in Port Valdez, at least during
                       periods of maximum runoff. Hydrographic data suggest that such flow
                       does occur during the summer mont"hs, but that it is confined to the top
                       15 m of the water column (Muench and Nebert 1973; Colonell 1979). While
                       a fairly vigorous current structure exists in Valdez Narrows due to
                       tidal and weather-induced flows (Colonell 1979), current Measurements

                       at the eastern end of Port Valdez have suggested water movements there
                       to be rather sluggish at best, and virtually stagnant much of the time
                       (Colonell, personal communication)..

                             Tides in Port Valdez are the mixed, semidiurnal (two highs and two
                       lows per day) type with a maximum range of 5.3 m and a mean height of
                       3.0 m. The tidal prism (volume of water that comes in on a high tide) is
                       about 1.6 percent of the total volume of the fjord. Recent estimates
                       (Colonell 1979) of freshwater inputs to the fjord during maximum runoff
                       (July) suggest a mean value of about 7 percent of the tidal prism with
                       extreme values of 2 to 15 percent. The major portion of freshwater input
                       is, from the Lowe River, Valdez Glacier Stream, and Mineral Creek. Especi-
                       ally notable are the large amounts of glacial silt and sediment deposited
                       in Port Valdez by the Lowe River and,Valdez Glacier Stream. Rates of
                       sediment deposition range from 4.3 to 13.5 cm/yr in the eastern end
                       of the fjord (Sha'rma and Burbank 1973) to as little as 1 cm/yr in the

                       western end.

                              Most of the Port Valdez shoreline is steep and rocky, except
                       where major streams and rivers discharge into the fjord. At the eastern
                       end, the Lowe and Robe Rivers, and the Valdez Glacier Stream, have formed
                       the extensive Valdez outwash delta upon which the town of Valdez was

                                                     3-2

                       formerly located. The present.site of Valdez is an alluvial fan    deposited
                       by Mineral Creek. Both the,Valdez outwash delta'and the Mineral    Creek
                      .alluvial fan consist of poorly consolidated alluvial and glacial de-
                       posits of silt, sand, and  gravel. Large tidal flats have formed at the
                       seaward edge of these-deltas because of the high tidal range and the
                       large amounts of fine sediments provided by the streams and rivers
                       (Sharma and Burbank 1973).

                       3.1.2 Habitats and Biological Resources

                              The Alaska Coastal  P.olicy.Council recognizes six marine and two
                       inland habitats subject to the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP):

                                           o Offshore areas

                                           o Estuaries

                                           o Wetlands And tideflats

                                           o Rocky islands and sea cliffs
                                           o Barrier islands and lagoons
                                           o Exposed high energy coasts
                                           o Rivers  streams,  and lakes

                                           o Import,ant upland habitat

                              Other   habitat terms are commonly used to describe eight habitat
                       types or portions of  them. Table 3.1 relates  those terms to the habitat
                       designations used by  theACMO.

                       Habitat Description s

                       Offshore Areas. Offshore areas are defined as submerged lands and waters
                       seaward of the coastline,  presumably at mean lower low water (MLLW).
                       Offshore areas within the  Valdez city limits include Port Valdez, Valdez
                       Narrows, and portions of VaIdez Arm and Jack Bay.

                              The high rate of  sedimentation in the eastern Port Valdez offshore
                       area has resulted in a deep-water benthic population that shows a low

                                                      3-3

                                   Tablo 3.1. Common habitat terms and their,relationship to Alaska Coastal
                                                 Management Program (ACMP) habitat descriptions.

                                                                                      Alaska Coastal Management        Program
                                                                                      (ACMP) Habitats      Occurring   Within the
                                                                                      City of Valdez

                                                                                                             r
                                                                                                             0         E
                                                                                                             0    0    0
                                                                                                             00   M    0    M
                                                                                                        U    M    0    W
                                                                                                        M         U
                                                                                                        (n   a    ;-I
                                                                                                             C    cc
                                                                                                        V    M    W    r
                                                                                                        r

                                                                                                   41                       M
                                                                                                        U)   C         0    -                                    I
                                                                                                   "a   V    q    .9   W    Q.
                                                                                                                  00   X
                                                                                                                       M
                                                                                                                            r

                                                                                         0
                                                                                                             W    0    v    0
                                                                                         W         4j   0         0.        a.
                                                                                                        0         x         E
                                   Habitat Terms                                                        i=   go   W    V.

                                   'Alpine tundra                                                                           x

                                   Benthic or benthos                                    x    x    X                   x

                                   Rog                                                                                      x

                                   Braided streams                                                                     x
                                   Clam and worm flats                                      Ix     x

                                   Cut-bank                                                   x    x                   x

                                   EcIgrass   Bed                                             x    x
                                   Epifakina                                             x    x    x                   x

                                   Estuary                                                    x    x

                                   Exposed   outer coast                                                x         x
                                   Floodplain                                              Ix I    x               I x

                                   Crass-sedge meadows                                             x

                                   crnvel beach                                                              x    x
                                   Infauna                                               x    x    x         x       _X
                                   Intertidal zone                                            x    x    x    x    x

                                   Islets and seatacks                                                  x

                                   Kelp bed                                                             x         x

                                   Mudflat                                                         x -

                                   Mttskcg                                                         x              x
                                   old-growth forest (climax forest)                                                        x

                                   offshore bar                                                              x
                                   110 Ing ic                                            x    x    I

                                   Productive shallows                                             X                   x

                                   protectod ombayment                                        x    x         x
                                   Riparian community                                         x    x                   x

                                   SaItchuck                                                  x    x

                                   Scrub forest                                                                             x

                                   spit                                                                      x
                                   spruce-hardwood (broadleaf) forest                                                  x    x

                                   ,St rcam-Influence zone                                    x    x                   x

                                   Subtidal zone                                         x              x         x
                                   .14.1tershed                                                                        x    x
                                   Wetland                                                  Ix     x               LX I

                                   Source: Woodward-Clyde Consultants, 1981

                                                                               3-4

                        number of species and organisms compared with the western area (Feder and
                        Matheke 1979). The benthic infauna (animals living within sediments) is
                        dominated by deposit-feeding organisms typically found in soft sub-
                        strate s. Dominant groups. are p-olychaete worms and small bivalves. Epi-
                        benthic invertebrates (animals living on top of the sediments) are also
                        present in low numbers and include five species of   pandalid shrimp,
                        Tanner crab, king crab, and Dungeness crab, with juvenile Tanner crab the
                        only species taken in abundance.

                               Marine fish species in the deep Port Valdez offshore area have
                        been captured in low numbers, but the gear used in recent studies was a
                        small otter trawl (3-4 m) that was not efficient at capturing larger,
                        more mobile fishes (Smith and Stoker 1969, Feder et al. 1973, Feder and
                        Matheke.1979). The species list, however, indicates a reasonably diverse
                        fauna, considering the gear used. Twenty-three species were reported from
                        these surveys. Many of the fish captured are typically found on soft
                        substrates, including five species of flounder, one species of skate, and
                        members of the cod and sculpin families. The presence of Pacific ocean
                        perch and yelloweye rockfish, however, indicates that deep hard-bottom
                        a.reas are.present in some parts of the fjord. Exploratory drags made by
                        the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 1954 and 1970 with commer-

                        cial-siz ed trawls indicated a low biomass of catchable fish; eleven
                        trawls yielded an average of 115 pounds per hour Ob/hr) of tow (NMFS
                        1975). In contrast, a single*tow in Jack Bay in 1970 yielded 1500 lb/hr,
                        primarily pollock and herring

                               Shallow regions of the offshore area are more diverse, with both
                        rocky and soft  subtidal habitats. The shallow rocky areas around Seal
                        Rocks contain a rich kelp bed community with an abundant and diverse
                        group of invertebrates (Rosenthal 1977). The group of fish present in

                        this area is considerably different from that in the deeper regions,
                        with many'of the species dependent on the rocky habitat. In contrast,
                        the''S*ha'llow clay or sandy areas, such as below Island Flats, contain
                        low algal*densities and the invertebrates are dominated by an echiurid

                                                       3-5

                      worm (spoonworm) and a tube worm, with a number of other small worms
                      and snails also present (Lees et al. 1979). These shallow soft-bottom
                      habitats do contain a fair number of juvenile and breeding adult Tanner
                      crabs, however, and may be important in the life cycle of this species.
                      There is a recreational fishery for Dungeness crab in the shallow eastern
                      portion of Port Valdez, although this species has not been detected
                      during scientific sampling. The fish fauna is relatively impoverished
                      during the day, with starry flounders dominating; however, since many of
                      the deep water fish and mobile invertebrate species move into these
                      shallow waters at night to feed, daytime observations of apparent den-
                      sities or distributional patterns can be misleading.

                             Herring utilize the shallow subtidal algal beds of Jack Bay and
                      Valdez Arm Tor spawning, primarily in April and May. These spawning
                      aggregations are followed by a host of predators, including chinook
                      salmon and a variety of fish-eating birds (including murres, cormorants,
                      and gulls) and mammals (including porpoise, seals, and sea lions).

                             Whales are the only marine mammals that use the offshore habitats
                      exclusively; othermarine mammals are associated with various shoreline
                      features. Seven species of whales or porpoises have been sighted within
                      Por t Valdez, including three species with an endangered classification
                      under the Endangered Species Act: the humpback whale, finback whale, and
                      sei whale (J. Nickles, USFWS, personal communication).

                             Estuaries. Estuaries are defined as semienclosed coastal bodies of

                      water that have a free connection with the sea and within which seawater

                      is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage. Under
                      this definition, all of Port Valdez can be considered an estuary, since
                      the freshwater input from the various streams and glaciers measurably
                      dilutes the surface layer during the summer. On a smaller scale, the
                      mouths of all streams that are under the influence of tidal action and
                      the various bays rec.eiving freshwater run-off would be considered estu-
                      aries. In streams, the estuarine portion extends upstream to the limit of

                                                    3-6

                     saltwater intrusion. The downstream extent  of the estuary is less well-
                     defined and, as indicated in the definition, is generally considered to
                     be where the freshwater input can no longer be detected. Major estuaries
                     in the Valdez area include the Lowe River estuary, the many creeks enter-
                     ing the bay through Old Town and Island Flats, Mineral Creek, Shoup Bay,
                     and Jack Bay. As indicated, the lower reaches of all streams are part of
                     the estuarine system.

                            Estuaries are characterized by high productivity due to the deposi-

                     tion of land-derived nutrients. The rivers deliver dissolved nutrients

                     that stimulate production of algae, which in turn are utilized by herbi-
                     vores such as copepods. An additional significant nutrient source is the
                     decaying carcasses of spent salmon. McRoy and Stoker (1969) believe that
                     the organic matter derived from salmon is as important. a nutrient source
                     as phytoplankton production. Organic detritus is another important
                     nutrient source and can be directly utilized by bacteria and detrivores,
                     such as mysids and amphipods. These primary consumers form the basis for
                     a complex food web typically found in estuaries. The rich feeding grounds
                     are critical feeding areas for chum and pink salmon fry. For example,
                     salmon fry (primarily chum salmon during a studying period in 1979) feed
                     in and around Island Flats for at least a month (late April to early May)
                     before moving tolthe marine environment (Morsell and Perkins 1979). These
                     estuarine areas are also used by crabs, shrimp and a large number of
                     deposit and filter-feeding invertebrates, such as clams and polychaete
                     worms, for both feeding and spawning. Marine fish and birds are attracted
                     by the high populations of prey organisms and are often concentrated
                     around estuaries at certain times of the year. For example, maximum or
                     high numbers of Arctic terns, mergansers, and horned grebes, all fish
                     eaters, occurred at Island Flats during the period of salmon fry out-
                     migration (late April to late May) (Hemming and Erickson 1979, Hogan and
                     Colgate 1980).

                            The estuaries are also critical migratory  pathways for anadromous
                     fish during juvenile out-migration and return of  mature adults. Up to
                     an estimated 143,000 adult salmon per year passed through the eastern
                     Port Valdez estuarine system in recent years (Table 3.2).

                                                      3-7

                  Table 3.2. Total  'estimated adult-salmon escapement by species for the eastern
                              Port Valdez area, 1971-1979.

                                Pink            Chum            Coho          Sotkeye
                  Year         Salmon           Salmon          Salmon         Salmon         Total

                  1971         56,850           3,273           9,9-90         @6,000         76,113

                  1972              725         3,512           1,627          5,027          10,891

                  1973         68,620           11,271          4,093          1,300          85,284

                  1974           2,079          2,470           1,740          3,000            9,289

                  1975         139,048             800          3,075               12        142,935

                  1976              102         1,922           2,427                4          4,455

                  1977         79@027                0          2,916          9,188          91,131

                  1978               78            180          6,734          1,005            7,997

                  1979         62,028           1,417           5,037          2,236          70,718

                  Estimates from Dames and Moore' (1979a) and Williams (1979 and unpubished data).

                                                         3-8

                              Wetlands and Tideflats. The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) wetlands

                      and tideflats classification is a mix of fresh and saltwater habitats

                      with and without vegetation. Wetlands are considered to be vegetated
                      areas that are partially submerged either continuously or periodically.
                      Saltwater wetlands are coastal areas along sheltered sho 'relines character-
                      ized by halophytic hydrophytes (moisture-tolerant plants growing in a
                      saline soil) and macroalgae extending from extreme low tide to an area
                      above extr eme high tide that is influenced by sea spr ay or tidally in-
                      fluenced water table changes. Fresh water wetlands contain water of less
                      than 0.5 parts per thousand salt content and do not exceed 9 feet (3
                      meters).in depth. Tideflats are defined as primarily unvegetated areas
                      that are alternately exposed and inundated by the falling and rising of

                      the tide.

                              Saltwater wetlands and the associated tideflats are common in

                      .eastern Port Valdez, but less common west of the Alyeska Terminal and
                      Gold Creek. Major saltwater wetlands and tideflats extend from the south-
                      west portion of Dayville Flats to the northwest edge of Island Flats.
                      Additional significant wetlands and tideflats occur at Mineral Creek
                      Flats, Gold Creek, and Sawmill Spit (Crow 1977). Jack Bay also has exten-
                      sive salt marsh habitat at the head of the major coves.

                              The generally estuarine condition of Port Valdez is evident in
                      the vegetation communities of the salt marshes, as t hey show a fresh
                      to brackish water character rather than a marine character (Crow 1977).
                      The diversity of.these communities is quite highi with about 28 to 30
                      frequently occurring species.

                              A variety of birds are associated with the salt marshes and tide-
                      flats and use these habitats as staging, feeding, or nesting areas.
                      Canada geese and numerous species of ducks have been observed in many of

                      the saltmarsh-tideflat communities around Port Valdez. Because of its

                      size,' the Island Flats marsh in particular has been identified as im-
                      portant habitat for many species (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Hemming and

                                                     3-9

                      Erikson 1979, Hogan and Colgate 1980). Fifty-three species of birds were
                      reported from Island Flats in 1979, with other marshes containing both
                      fewer species and numbers (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Bird use of all
                      saltmarsh-tideflat habitat in Port Valdez is highly seasonal; many
                      species migrate through the area only in the spring and fall, while other
                      species, such as sea ducks, principally use these marshes during winter.

                             Tideflats are associated with.all the above salt marshes and the
                      terminus of Shoup Glacier. This tideflat habitat represents approximately
                      11 to 19 percent of the Port Valdez shoreline (McRoy and Stoker 1969,
                      Hogan and Colgate 1980). Island Flats appears to be the most productive
                      tideflat in this area, but this conclusion is based primarily on circum-
                      stantial evidence (Lees et al. 1979). Starry flounder and diving duck
                      predation on mussels and clams appears to be high (Lees et al. 1979).
                      Chum salmon fry feed heavily on.copepods over the tideflats in the vicin-
                      ity of Mineral Creek Islands (Morsell and Perkins 1979), and a variety of
                      fish-eating birds, feed over the flats during the salmon fry and adult
                      migrations (Hemming and Erikson 1979, Hogan and Colgate 1980). The Island
                      Flats communities generally increase in complexity from the high to low
                      tide level and from east to west. The central and eastern areas, however ,
                      appear to be the most productive (Lees et al. 1979). The high level of
                      observed predation on tideflat invertebrates and fishes by other fish,
                      birds and mammals at Island Flats is not obvious at other tideflats,
                      suggesting a higher density of prey at Island Flats. Comparable data on
                      other tideflats, however, are scarce or lacking.

                             Freshwaterwetlands are primarily found in the Robe Lake water-
                      shed (Dames and Moore 1979b). The main freshwater wetland within the

                      Valdez boundaries covers the area formerly occupied by Robe Lake.
                      Additional wetlands are identified in the upper reaches of Brownie Creek
                      and Corbin Creek (Robe). These wetlands have received low study effort.
                      The Robe Lake wetlands are.probably utilized as salmonid rearing habitat
                      by juvenile coho and sockeye salmon and Dolly Varden char, and as spawn-
                      ing habitat by three-spine stickleback (Williams 1979). This wetland

                                                    3-10

                      provides nesting and juvenile rearing habitat for dabbling ducks, shore-
                      birds, grebes, red-winged blackbirds, and other marsh-nesting birds
                      (Dames and Moo're 1979b).

                             Rocky Islands and Sea Cliffs. Rocky islands and se a cliffs are
                      defined as islands of volcanic or tectonic origin with rocky shores and
                      steep faces; offshore rocks; capes; and steep, rocky seafronts. Rocky
                      islands are represented by the Mineral Creek Islands, Saw Island,
                      Entrance Island, Bunch Island, and Middle Rock, as well as by a variety
                      of apparently unnamed islands in Anderson and Jack Bays. Seacliff habitat
                      comprises approximately 18 percent of the Port Valdez shoreline, with
                      much of this habitat occurring in western-Port Valdez (Hogan and Colgate
                      1980). Sea cliff intertidal epifauna have been studied extensively in
                      other parts of the northeastern Pacific because of the strong zonation of
                      organisms observable at low tide. Areas specific to Port Valdez, however,
                      have not been studied. In general, these areas support barnacles and
                      mussels with associated predatory starfish and snails. The subtidal
                      habitat often contains kelp beds of mixed algal species and a variety of
                      invertebrates typically associated with rock substrate or kelp beds. The
                      dominant invertebrates include anemones, starfish, snails, shrimp, hermit
                      crabs, and polychaete worms. Fishes typically  found in rocky subtidal
                      habitat are found at the base of these islands or cliff habitats; for
                      example, kelp gre enling, black rockfish, wolf eel, and lingcod frequently
                      inhabit these areas (Rosenthal 1977).

                             Some birds utilize these areas as  both nesting and summer or
                      winter feeding habitat. Species commonly  observed include Arctic terns,
                      which nest on Mineral Creek Islands, and  goldeneyes, pigeon guillemots,
                      and marbled murrelets, which seasonally utilize these areas primarily for
                      feeding (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Black-legged kittiwakes and glaucous-
                      winged gulls also are abundant during the summer and use a unique rocky
                      island habitat for nesting: the island in the lagoon at the base of Shoup
                      Glacier contains the fourth largest breeding colony of this species in
                      Prince William Sound (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Hogan  and Colgate 1980).

                                                      3-11

                             The eddies and rips formed around islands and steep points also
                       serve to concentrate schools of small pelagic fishes Zi.e., herring
                       and sandlance)-, often attracting predators, such as salmon, piscivorous
                       birds, and marine mammals. Some marine mammals, such as seals and sea
                       lions, also use the islands and offshore rocks as hauling-out areas,
                       while seals, sea lions, and sea otters use the surrounding subtidal areas
                       for feeding. The rocks in Valdez Narrows have been identified as im-
                       portant hawling-out areas for harbor seals (McRoy and Stoker 1969).

                             Barrier Islands and Lagoons. Barrier islands are depositional
                       coastal environments formed by deposits of sediment offshore or coastal
                       remnants that form a barrier of low-lying islands and bars protecting a
                       saltwater lagoon with a free exchange of water to the sea. Classical
                       barrier islands and lagoons are not found in Port Valdez but there are a
                       few coastal features with a morphology similar to that described. The
                       morrainal deposit at the mouth of Shoup Bay has acquired some character-
                       istics of a depositional spit. A similar feature, the spit at Gold Creek,
                       appears,:to have been formed by coastal processes. Both of these areas
                       contain significant Arctic tern breeding colonies (Hogan and Colgate
                       1980). The man-made structure known as Sontag Spit has acquired some of
                       the characteristics of aspit, and three pa'irs of terns unsuccessfully
                       nested there in 1979 (chicks did not survive). Canada geese are 'reported
                       from the protected side of the Shoup Bay spit, and gulls use all three
                       spits (McRoy and Stoker 1969).

                             Exposed High Energy Coasts. Exposed high energy coasts are defined
                       as "open and unprotected sections of coastline with exposure to ocean-
                       generated wave impacts and usually characterized by coarse sand, gravel,
                       boulder beaches, and well-mixed coastal water." The enclosed nature of
                       Port Valdez precludes this.habitat, as ocean-generated waves are not
                       present and there is insufficient fetch (distance over a water surface of
                       unobstructed exposure to wind) within the fjord to allow the generation
                       of high waves. Much of the coastline, however, does have a coarse sub-
                       strate (i.e., gravel to boulders or bedrock) which is often associated

                                                    3-12

                      with Alaskan high energy coasts. Up to 60 percent of the Port Valdez
                      shoreline contains coarse substrate, 15 percent being medium gradient
                      sand or gravel beach and 45 percent being rocky beach (Hogan and Colgate
                      1980). Thus, in this case, the term "high energy coast" will be used to
                      define these predominant Port Valdez shoreline habitats.

                             The flora and fauna  of the rocky coastline is similar to that
                      found on rocky islands and  sea-cliffs, often dominated by rockweed,
                      mussels, and barnacles., Limpets and small-snails are also abundant (McRoy
                      and Stoker 1969). Similar species assemblages are found in the coarse
                      gravel/cobble habitats (Nauman and Kernodle 1976, Feder et al. 1979).

                      Pronounced zonation with tide level is evident in both habitats.

                             Various intertidal fishes inhabit these areas, but this group
                      has not received much attention. The invertebrate intertidal surveys have
                      identified three species of common intertidal fishes with some uniden-
                      tified sculpins also reported (McRoy and Stoker 1969, Nauman and Kernodle
                      1976, Feder et al. 1979, Lees et al. 1979). The fish species p resent in
                      the subtidal regions would be determined by the substrate present in the
                      intertidal region. Some species, such as members of the cod and rockfish
                      families, move into the rocky intertidal region to feed at night during
                      high tides. The adult salmon migrate past these areas, often in close
                      proximity to the shoreline, during their return migration.

                             The sand and gravel beaches are used by harlequin ducks and breed-
                      ing Arctic terns, while goldeyes, pigeon guillemots, and marbled
                      murrelets are found along the rocky  area. Bird densities along the rocky
                      beaches are the lowest recorded in any Port Valdez habitat (Hogan and
                      Colgate 1980).

                             M arine mammals frequently feed in the vicinity of these shoreline
                      habitats. For example, the area west of Payville Flats to the Alyeska
                      Terminal is identified as an important feeding area for sea otters and
                      harbor seals (Dames and Moore 1979c, USFWS 1980).

                                                    3-13

                             Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. At least 50 streams are reported to
                       enter Port Valdez (McRoy and Stoker 1969). Over half of these streams are
                       known to support runs of salmon (Alaska Department of Fish and Game
                       1979). The three largest rivers, Lowe River, Valdez Glacier Stream and
                       Mineral Creek, are fed by glaciers.and have a braided configuration and
                       highly turbid water in the summer. Most of the floodplain is unvegetated
                       gravel, with numerous channels weaving around and through the abundant
                       gravel bars. The small single-channel streams that flow through Old Town
                       and Mineral Creek Flats are former glacier-stream channels that now
                       receive ground water flow, resulting in year-round clear water. The
                       numerous small clearwater streams that originate in the mountains around
                       Port Valdez are primarily snow-melt streams.

                             Lake habitat is rare in Valdez, with only three lakes of any size:
                       Robe, Allison, and Solomon Lakes. There are a number of small pond-sized
                       lakes, including Deep and Crater Lakes. The Robe Lake system has under-
                       gone significant environmental change over the past 50 years. In the
                       late 1930s, a branch of Valdez Glacier Stream diverted into Corbin Creek,
                       causing a rapid deposition of glacial sediments in Robe Lake. The silt
                       quickly reduced the depth of the lake and altered spawning habitat. In
                       the late 1950s, a dike was constructed that diverted Corbin Creek into

                       Valdez Glacier Stream. Diversion of Corbin Creek has reduced sediment-

                       ation, but the shallow depth resulting from the deposited sediment and
                       increased water clarity, allowing for increased photosynthetic activity,
                       have caused natural eutrophication of Robe Lake to accelerate. The
                       portion of Corbin Creek downstream from the dike has retained some   clear-
                       water flow from groundwater seepage.

                              Most of the clearwater streams within the Valdez boundary have
                       suitable gravel for salmon spawning, but the total area available for
                       spawning is limited by the steep gradients that occur above the inter-
                       tidal zone. This spatial limitation restricts spawning to the lower
                       reaches of t.he streams, often only to the intertidal area, and results
                       in the large number of streams with small runs of salmon. The turbid

                                                     3-14

                      glacial riv ers are used as migration corridors to the spawning areas
                      in clearwater tributaries. Pink salmon and chum salmon are particularly
                      adapted to spawning in the,lowerreaches, or intertidal areas. The fry
                      do not rear in fresh water, but migrate to sea shortly after emerging
                      from the incubation gravel. Coho salmon, however, spend one to two years
                      in fresh water before migrating to sea as smolts. As a result, they are
                      found only in rivers that contain suitable rearing habitat year-round.
                      In Valdez, only two systems presently support coho salmon -- Lowe River
                      and Robe Lake (Table 3-3). The coho spawn in small streams, rear in
                      clearwater areas during the summer, and.move to overwintering areas in
                      the rivers or lake during the winter. Smolt out-migration occurs in
                      late spring after one to two years in fresh water.

                             Sockeye salmon populations typically require a river system con-
                      taining a lake suitable for rearing, although exceptions are known.
                      Sockeye salmon fry typically spend one to three years in a lake prior to
                      smolt out-migration in the spring. Robe Lake provides the only suitable
                      rearing area for sockeye. The quality of this rearing area has declined
                      drastically in the past 50 years due to well-documented sedimentation
                      from Corbin Creek (Glacier).

                             Previously, the Robe Lake system supported runs in excess of
                      40,000 sockeye salmon (ADF&G 1979); now the average run is approximately
                      5,000 sockeye (Williams 1979). Within the Robe Lake System, sockeye spawn
                      primarily in Brownie Creek, while the majority of the coho spawn in
                      Corbin Creek (Robe).

                             Other fish that utilize rivers or lakes include Dolly Varden char,
                      eulachon, and three-spine stickleback. Anadromous Dolly Varden char,
                      .found in most of the freshwater habitats during certain times of the
                      year, support a sport fishery. Eulachon are reported from at least Valdez
                      Glacier Stream and Siwash Creek, probably spawning in March and April,
                      but the size of the run is unknown (ADF&G, unpublished data). Stickle-
                      backs can occur as marine, estuarine, and freshwater populations, and
                      provide important forage to piscivorous birds and larger fish.

                                                    3-15

                                                                                            Ta@!- 3.3. Salmon escapement for sel@-cted castern P@,-.t ','.ildez streams . V,-, 1-197'4.

                                                  Cit,          City                                    Loop Rd.            Loop Rd.          Se.age          Robe           Lc,e         Dayv i I I e      So 10-on                                                M inera I
                                                Limit 5        Lim it s        Ess         S i-@ash       No. 2              No. I            Lagoon          Lake           R ive r        Flats             Gu lch         A I I i son      Abercrombie            Creek
                           Year                 Creek          Slough        Creek         Creek          Creek              Creek            Creek           Syste.        System          Creek              Creek          Creek          Gulch Creek            Svstem                   T@tal

                     Pink Salmon
                           1971                    940                                     13.070             100            1,080                            4,500         35.310          1.300                                300                  250                                    56.850
                           1972                      30                                         22o                              475                                 0              0                                                                                                        725
                           1973                 1,700                      1.              34,080             330            7.000                            15,000         8.060                                                 25                 250           2,235                    68.602
                           1974                    860                                              70                           262                                            670                                                                                    2t7                   2.079
                           1975                 1,520                                      79,180         3,790              6,420                            2,461         41,430          1,300              1.500             500                                   947          139.048
                           1976                    @ 5                         65                   5                              18                                0              1                                                                                      8                 102
                           1977                 3,620            333                       46,550         4,101              18,718           1,418              330         1,441                                                                 2,337               09                    79.027
                           1978                       10                                            0            0                 66               0                2              0                                                                                      0                 78
                           1979                 5,5t2                                      29,232         6,012              16,246           1 657           1,546          1 9770                                                                                        53                62,028

                     Chum Salmon
                           1971                 2,660                          32               .120                                                                            411                                                                    50                                    3,273
        .1                 1972                 1.200                                           220                                45                                40      2,007                                                                                                           3.512
        C71                1973                 1,930                                           232                                                              125         1,063                                  to                                goo           7,111                    11.271
                           1974                 1,000                                               16                              0                                                                                                                               1,454                    2.47o
                           1975                                                                 too                                                                                                                              700                                                         800
                           1976                 1,080                                               2                               6                                0          270                                                                                    564                   11922
                           1977                         0                                           0                               0               0                0              0                                                                                      C                 0
                           1978                    111                                              0            0                  0               0                0              1                                                                                      68                180
                           1979                 1,277                                               2            0                  0               0                11             1                                                                                  126                   1.417

                     Coho Salmon
                           1971                                                                     57                                                        9,690             193                                                                    50                                    9.990
                           1972                                                                     41                                                           875            711                                                                                                          627
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ':o93
                           1973                                                                     6                                                         4,000                 67                                                                                     20                4
                           1974                                                                     0                                                         1,662                 79                                                                                     0                 1.740
                           1975                                                                     0                                                         1,553          1,506                                                                                         16                3.075
                           1976                         2                                           0                               0                         1,049          1,310                                                                                         66                2.427
                           1977                                                                                  0                                  0         1 552          1,363                                                                                         1                 2 916
                           1978                         0                                           0            0                  0               0         5,091          1,643                                                                                         0                 6:734
                           1979                         0                                           0            0                  0               0         3,470          t,536                                                                                         31                5.03@

                     Sockeye Salmon
                           1971                                                                                                     0                         6,000                                                                                                                          6,000
                           1972                                                                                                     0                         5,000                 27                                                                                                       5.027
                           1973                                                                                                     0                         1,300                 0                                                                                                        t.300
                           1974                                                                                                     0                         3,000                 0                                                                                                        3.000
                           1975                                                                                                                                      10             2                                                                                                        12
                           1976                         t                                           0                               C                                               1                                                                                      2                 4
                           1977                                                                                                                     0         9,188                                                                                                                          9 188
                           1978                         0                                           0            0                  0               0            972                29             0                                                                       L                 1:005
                           1979                         0                                           0            0                  0               0         2,216                 16             0                                                                       4                 2.236

                        From Dames and Moore (1979a) and Williams (1979 and                          unpublished data).

                               Most of the 24 recorded eagle  nests within the Valdez boundaries
                        are associated with:.nearby si'almon-spawn,ing streams (Map 3). The existence
                        of inactive nests-near. .'streams not presently containing salmon has been
                        used to indicate where salmon runs have been   lost (Dames and Moore

                        .1979a). Concentrations of.eagles occur along  spawning streams during the
                        salmon runs, with:,up to:58 individuals counted along the Lowe River alone
                        (Dames and Moore 1979b).-S.imilarly, gulls congregate along.and around the
                    @'.@mouths of streams at.this;'time, leading to the peak recorded-con-
                    J..centrations of these sp  ecies (Hogan and Colgate 1980). Carnivorous
                        mammals, including bear, river otter, and-mink,.also gather to feed
                        on the salmon, leading to increased concentrations of the'se species
                        during the s'almon runs.

                               Allison and Solomon Lakes are high-altitude,   glacier-fed lakes

                        on the south side ot Port Valdez; Allison,Lake lies   atan elevation
                        of 1350 ft and Solomon Lake is at  625 ft. The streams connelcting the
                        lakes with the marine system have a steep gradient with high current
                        velocities@, restricting anadromous fish to the extreme lower reaches
                        and intertidal region. Fish are not known to occur in the lakes (USFWS
                        1980). Waterfowl use of the Allison Lake system is limited, but Canada
                        geese are known to use the lake for molting and nesting. Most mammals
                        that are typically found throughout the Valdez area,-except moose, are
                        known to occur in the Allison Lake drainage (USFWS 1980).

                               An additional important habitat associated with rivers and streams
                        is the riparian woodland found alon g the floodplains. In Valdez, this
                        habitat is dominated by willow, alder, and cottonwood. These areas pro-
                        vide important willow ptarm,igpn and small-bird nesting and feeding habi-
                        tat, and often provide bald eagle nesting habitat. The riparian wood-
                        lands, particularly along,the-Lowe River, also provide moose habitat, and
                        are pref erred winter and calving areas*.Th,e Lowe River and Valdez,
                        Glacier Stream floodplains contain most of the riparian woodland habitat
                        in Valdez with the Mineral Creek floodpldin also containing a significant
                        amount of this-habitat.-The other streams contain relatively small

                        amounts of riparian woodland-habitat.

                                                      3-17

                            Important Upland Habitat. Much of the upland habitat within the
                     Valdez boundaries has steep contours, contains snow for much of the year,
                     and was recently.glaciated. The combination of these factors reduces the
                     value of this habitat-for many animals and, as a result, populations in
                     these areas are characterized by low numerical densities. The low-lying
                     deciduous and spruce forests provide a more productive habitat, but are
                     generally limited to small areas along the coastline. Three areas that
                     support larger areas of productive upland habitat include the triangle
                     between the Lowe River and Valdez Glacier Stream (continuing Robe Lake)
                     and the Mineral Creek alluvial fan. The Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie

                     Creek watersheds, in particular, contain the most diverse upland habitat
                     and provide high-quality habitat for large mammals and furbearers (Dames
                     and Moore 1979c). Mountain goats can be observed at higher elevations,
                     while wolves, coyote, red fox, lynx, and moose also occupy upland
                     habitats and can occur in the area. Black bear, brown bear, wolverine,
                     black-tailed deer, river otter, and mink have been identified in this
                     area (City of Valdez 1979, Dames and Moore 1979c). The upland habitat
                     around Mineral Creek is isolated and somewhat restric@ed in area; thus

                     its value as large mammal habitat is limited.

                     Biological Resource Utilization

                            Offshore Areas. The biological communities found in the offshore
                     habitat within the Valdez boundary are currently being utilized in the
                     following manner (not in order of importance):

                                         o Recreational fishing
                                         o Subsistence fishing
                                         o Scientific sampling

                     At present, commercial salmon fishing is not conducted within the Valdez
                     boundaries, as Port Valdez is.a closed terminal area. The known her-
                     ring spawning areas within the Valdez boundaries are also closed to
                     commercial harvest-Stocks of other specdes-, such as crabs, shrimp, and

                                                   3-18

                   bottomfish,  are too low to generate commercial interest. An increase in
                   the size.of  the salmon runs, however, could lead to increased commercial
                   fishing activity in the Port Valdez offshore region. The Valdez Fisheries
                   Development Association (VFDA) is in the process of implementing plans
                   to enhance Valdez salmon runs. If project goals are met, an additional
                   2 million adult salmon will return through the offshore region (VFDA
                   1979). VFDA has proposed a terminal harvest area, with    closures in the
                   vicinity of selected streams, to commercially harvest excess fish under
                   emergency openings as needed (VFDA, unpublished report).

                          Recreational fishing in the offshore area is directed primarily
                   toward salmon. Creel censuses have estimated 9,700, 19,400, and 7,500
                   angler-days of fishing effort in Port Valdez for 1974, 1977, and 1978,
                   respectively, with 13. 355, 18,320, and 10,698 total salmon harvested
                   (Table 3.4). The effort and catch are substantially higher during the
                   odd-year pealc run of pink salmon (1977). The decrease in angler effort
                   between 1974 and 1978 was due to a reduction in effort by nonresidents;
                   effort by Valdez residents in creased slightly (Williams 1979). As with
                   commercial fishing, the increased salmon production proposed by VFDA
                   should significantly increase the offshore sport fishing activity in Port

                   Valdez.

                          There is some spo-rt fishing effort directed toward halibut, bottom-
                   fish, and.shellfish. In 1977, an estimated 528 halibut and 1,895 rockfish
                   were harvested (Table 3.4).

                          Subsistence salmon harvest within Port Valdez is presently low
                   but can be expected to increase if the salmon enhancement projects are
                   successful. There is currently a minor subsistence fishery for Dungeness
                   crab in eastern Port Valdez (Morsell and Perkins 1979).

                          Scientific sampling is currently being conducted in the offshore
                   area by the NMFS Auke Bay Laboratory in relation to continuing studies of
                   the effects of the Alyeska ballast water treatment facility. These

                   studies are confined to areas in the vicinity of the Alyeska Marine

                   Terminal.

                                                    3-19

                      Table 3.4. A comparison'of Port Valdez sport fish effort and harvest
                                 .estimates, 1974, 1977, and 1978.

                                                    19741         19772        19781

                      Angler days                  9,708        19,423       7,462

                      Chinook salmon                   --         247            --

                      Coho salmon                  6,750         5,277       1,967

                      Sockeye salmon                   --         557            --

                      Pink salmon                  6,142        12,020       7,492

                      Chum salmon                     463         219        1,239

                      Halibut                          --         528            --

                      Dolly Varden char                           594

                      Smelt                                       905

                      Rockfish                                   1,895

                      Other                                      1,236

                      1 From Williams (1979).

                      2 From Mills (1979).

                                                      3-20

                            Estuaries..There is currently little utilization of estuarine
                     resources, mainly because streams in Valdez are closed to salmon fishing.
                     Some fishing for Dolly Varden char probably occurs in the estuarine areas
                     in and around streams containing anadromous runs of this species.

                            Wetlands and Tideflats. Migratory waterfowl tend to seek out
                     wetlands during their fall migration; thus these areas are utilized by
                     hunters. Waterfowl hunting would be expected around Robe Lake and Lowe

                     River as well as some of the smaller wetlands in western Port Valdez and

                     possibly Jack Bay. The wetlands at Island Flats, being closed to hunting,
                     are used for nature study, photography, education activities, and

                     research.

                            The tideflats of Port Valdez are  used primarily for research,
                     education activities, and nature studies. Some harvest of bay mussels
                     may occur. NMFS maintains long term study sites at Mineral Creek Flats
                     and Dayville Flats, and the U.;S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long-

                     term interest in the Island Flats wetlands.

                            Rocky Islands and Sea Cliffs. The  current patterns and kel p beds
                     often found around rocky islands and sea cliffs tend to concentrate fish,
                     focusing sport fishing effort in these areas. These rugged areas are
                     quite scenic, often with seals, sea lions, sea otters, and sea birds, and
                     attract photographers and sightseers. The subtidal cliffs and kelp beds
                     a.lso are preferred areas for,sport diving and underwater photography.

                            Barrier Islands and Lagoons. The sheltered waters behind barrier
                     islands and spits provide protected moorage and may be used as anchorages

                     or harbors with associated recreational activities. other uses are un-

                     known.

                            Exposed High Energy Coasts. Although this is the dominant habitat
                     in Port Valdez, there is minimal resource utilization in these areas.
                     NMFS has.a number of long-term study sites in this habitat scattered

                                                  3-21

                     around.Port Valdez, with the studies directed at monitoring long-term
                     effects of the Alyeska.Terminal. Some harvest of mussels may occur. The
                     principal use may be for nature study and photography.

                           Rivers, Streams and Lakes. All freshwater areas within the Valdez
                     boundaries are closed to the taking of salmon, considerably reducing the
                     sport fishing effort in these habitats. Freshwater sport fishing is
                     directed toward-Dolly Varden char, primarily during the fall anadromous
                     runs in the Robe Lake system and at various clearwater areas in the Lowe
                     River drainage. Small runs in other drainages receive less pressure. The
                     riparian habitat in the Lowe River floodplain provides good ptarmigan
                     habitat, and may be used as a hunting area.

                         . Important Upland Habitat. Utilization of upland habitat has not
                     been extensively documented. Big game harvest rates are low, restricted
                     primarily to black bear and mountain goat (Table 3.5). This low harvest
                     rate is due primarily to low densities of game animals in the area.
                     Waterfowl and upland bird harvests are undocumented (ADF&G, personal
                     communication).

                     3.1.3 Climate

                           Valdez typically has short, mild summers and long, cold winters.
                     During the summer, cool air from the sea and from snow and ice fields
                     moderates temperatures. During the winter, high mountain ridges to the
                     north provide some barrier to the flow of cold air from the Interior, but
                     the moderating effect of these ridges is largely offset by downslope
                     drainage of cold air from snow fields and glacier areas. The coldest
                     temperatures are thought to be related to the latter factor. Temperatures
                     average -80C (180F) during January and +120C (530F) during July.

                           The surrounding mountains also have the effect of channelling
                     local winds. From.October through April, the prevailing direction is from
                     the northeast; from May through September, the prevailing direction is

                                                  3-22

                      'Table.3.5.  Summary of game harvests in the Valdez area, 1973-1979

                       Species             1973    1974    1975     1976    1977  1978    1979

                       Mountain Goat         12       4      11        6      10     20

                       Black Bear                     5      28       22      15     19      15

                       Brown Bear       Estimated maximum   total of 5   during this period.

                       Moose            Very low harvest,   not recorded.

                         From Alaska Department of Fish and Game harvest data.

                                                        3-23'

                                            0

                    from the southeast. During the winter, high-pressure systems in the
                    Interior interact with low-pressure systems in the gulf to cause occasion-
                    ally strong and sustained northeast winds. The annual average wind speed
                    is 4.9 mph, and it is calm approximately 33 percent of the time.

                           The growing season extends from the end of May to mid-September.
                    The ground is normally frozen from the end of October through the end of
                    April.

                           Rainfall in Valdez averages about 60 inches per year; October is
                    the wettest month, while June is usually the driest. Snowfall is heavy,
                    averaging nearly 300 inches annually. There is considerable cloudiness
                    the entire year. Table 3.6 summarizes of climatological characteristics

                    for 1972-1978.

                    3.1.4 Air Quality

                           Air quality in Valdez is a function of the types and sources
                    of pollutants present and the topographic/meteorological characteristics
                    that affect the dispersion of pollutants. Seven types of pollutants are
                    emitted by a variety of local sources: sulfur dioxide (SO 2), ozone (03
                    nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide,(CO)
                    hydrocarbons (HC) and fugitive dust. The principal sources of these pollu-
                    tants are the Alyeska Terminal complex and associated tanker traffic
                    (SO 2Y PM, HC); automobile traffic (NOx); and unpaved roads, gravel
                    mining, and construction activities (PM and fugitive dust). The Environ-
                    mental Protection Agency has designated Valdez a Class II air quality
                    impact region. According to air quality monitoring conducted in antici-
                    pation of the Alpetco Project, ambient levels of CO and nitrogen dioxide
                    NO2 are low, with 03 and SO2 occasionally reaching moderate levels (EPA
                    1980). Air quality monitoring conducted by ALYESKA in conjunction with
                    their facilities indicates that present ambient air pollution con-
                    centrations are not approaching values in excess of the standards. These
                    measured values are presented in Table 3.7. The highest value 'recorded

                                                  3-24

                          Table 3.6. Climatological characteris-tics-of the-Valdez area, 1972-1978.

                                                                      Monthly      Monthly         Monthly
                                               Fastest Recorded       Average      Average         Average
                                                 Wind Speed            Rain         Snow          Tem9erature
                                                    (mph)            (inches)     (inches)           F

                          January                    38                 4.94        54.6            19.9
                          February                   32                 4.47        51.9            23.2

                          March                      29                 2.85        44.1            28.2

                          April                      33                 4.99        29.7            36.0
                          May                        21                 2.45         0.7            44.2

                          June                       23                 2.42         0.0            51.0

                          July                       20                 2.53         0.0            55.3
                          August                     24                 3.98         0.0            54.7
                          September                  35-                8@88         0.0            47.5

                          October                    30                 8.91        14.3            38.0

                          November                   53                 6.29        32.4            27.5

                          December                   44                 4.95        66.'5           22.5

                          Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1978.

                                                         3-25

                     Table 3.7. Summary of Valdez Air Quality Data in micrograms per cubic
                                 meter.

                                                       Highest,                  1
                     Pollutant                    Measured Value           AAAQS

                     so2     3 hour                    2722                  1,300
                             24                        2192                   365

                     TSP     24                          48                   150

                     CO      1 hour                    5,725                40,000
                             8 hour                    2,290                10,000

                     03      1 hour                       145                 235
                     NO2    arithmetic mean                 8                 100

                     Reduced Sulfur

                     Compounds - 30 minutes            ------

                     Source:  State of Alaska (1981).

                     1Alaska  Ambient Air Quality Standard
                      Values  measured after ALPETCP PSD application submitted.

                                                        3-26

                                                                                          3
                     was the 24-hour So2  level, which reached a maximum level of 219 u/m
                     This level was probably due to emmissions from the tankers during tanker
                     loading. PM and fugitive dust, measured in the winter, were low, but were
                     expected to rise in the summer with construction activities and dry
                     conditions. Current air quality is considered to be good, although there
                     is a potential for future problems, depending on future types and sources
                     of pollutants.

                            Port Valdez is essentially surrounded on all sides by  steep moun-
                     tains; several glacial and river valleys feed into the port.  These topo-
                     graphic characteristics of air drainage into the "confined" port and the
                     land-water interface create a complex "bowl-like" effect. Meteorological
                     conditions also contr ibute to a high air pollution potential: a rela-
                     tively high frequency of calm surface winds accompanied by early morning
                     surface inversions and stable above-surface layers. Estimations of mixing
                     heights are relatively low, and combined with the high frequency of calm
                     conditions, lead to generally poor dispersion conditions (DOWL 1979).

                     3.1.5 Hydrology

                     Surface Water

                            Major freshwater inflow-sources to Port Valdez include Shoup

                     Glacier Stream, Mineral Creek, Valdez Glacier Stream, and Lowe River.
                     Shoup Glacier Stream discharges into the northeast corner of Port Valdez
                     in an area assumed to have low potential for development. Mineral Creek
                     flows along the western edge of the new townsite before discharging into
                     the port from the north. Its drainage area is 46 square miles.

                            Valdez Glacier Stream flows approximately four miles from the

                     terminus of Valdez Glacier to the northeast corner of Port Valdez. It

                     flows across a wide outwash delta composed primarily of silty sand and
                     gravel. The old Valdez townsite was located on this outwash delta prior

                                                   3-27

                    to the destructive 1964 earthquake, after which the townsite was moved to
                    its present location. Valdez Glacier Stream drains an area of 159 square
                    miles, over half of which is covered by glacier. It is subject to floods
                    resulting from glacier-dammed lake releases.

                           Lowe River originates in the mountains approximately 28 miles
                    east of the Valdez townsite, draining an area of 346 square miles, 35 per-
                    cent of which is covered by glaciers. Its floodplain character alternates
                    between steep-walled canyons and broad, braided configurations. Several
                    tributary streams to Lowe River contain glacier dammed lakes or empty
                    lake basins in their drainage areas; these have historically caused
                    floods damaging bridges across the tributaries (Post and Mayo 1971). The
                    Lowe River discharges into the southeast corner of Port Valdez.

                           Many smaller streams discharge into Port Valdez or into these
                    major watercourses. Most of these have a relatively low potential for
                    development because of steep terrain bordering the floodplain. Small
                    streams passing through developable areas include Robe River, Corbin
                    Creek, Slater Creek, and an unnamed creek flowing west of the Valdez

                    airport.

                            Estimates of mean annual runoff range from approximately 3 cubic
                    feet per second per square mile (ft   3/s/mi 2) for small streams with head-
                    waters of low elevation to 8-9 ft   3/s/mi 2- for large streams draining
                    'mountainous areas with high precipitation. Mean annual floods are likely
                    to be approximately ten times larger than the mean annual runoff values
                    (Balding 1976, EPA 1979). Flooding typically occurs in the early summer

                    as the result of snowmelt and in late summer or fall as the result of

                    rainfall combined with glacier melt. The rainfall/glacier melt floods are
                    often larger than the snowmelt floods. Winter flow is very low in most

                    streams in the area.

                    Groundwater

                            Because of the steep areas with shallow bedrock that predominate
                    in the Valdez area, groundwater supplies are limited to those glacially-

                                                      3-28

                   formed stream valleys containingdeposits of mixed alluvium, colluvium,
                   and glacial outwash deposits.;.These materials are typically composed
                   predominantly of sands and gravels with high permeability. These de-
                   posits serve as aquifers,.that are recharged by snowmelt, glacier melt,
                   and rainfall from late spring through late fall. The water table ele-
                   vation likely lowers during the winter, when water percolates into Port
                   Valdez, and recharge from streams is negligible.

                          Specific groundwater studies near Corbin and Slater Creeks, lo-
                   cated to the east of Valdez Glacier Stream (DOWL 1979), indicate the
                   existence of two aquifers in thatarea. An upper aquifer of highly perm-
                   eable.materials has a water table surface that slopes downward in the
                   direction of Port Valdez but ata lesser angle than the slope of the
                   ground surface. The aquifer appears to be the winter water source for a
                   few small streams that discharge into Robe Lake.

                          The lower aquifer identified during groundwater investigations
                   (DOWL 1979) is confined by an extensive silt layer that completely'separ-
                   ates the two aquifers in the,area studied. The lower aquifer has a much
                   flatter static water level than that of the upper aquifer, and has about
                   9 feet of artesian head at one end of the study area. Although the materi-
                   als of the lower aquifer are very permeable, the aquifer appears to
                   have little if any recharge in the vicinity of the study area.

                   3.1.6 Water Quality

                   Surface Water

                          The quality of the surface,waters varies during the year. The
                   suspended sediment concentrations are greatest in the summer, when
                   glacier melt is at a maximum. Normal suspended sediment concentrations
                   during summer are expected to be about 300-500 milligrams per liter
                   (mg/1) in glacial systems (Balding 1976) and much less than this in
                   streams of nonglacial origin. Other than the high turbidity associated

                                                   3-29

                   with glacial streams in the summer, the streams that were tested gen-
                   erally met the EPA and State of Alaska drinking water standards (EPA
                   1979). These streams are of the calcium bicarbonate type and are con-
                   sidered medium to hard. The dissolved solids content varies from stream
                   to stream and during the year within a stream (EPA 1979). The dissolved
                   solids in the surface waters in the area are generally less than 200 mg/l
                   in the area (Balding 1976).

                   Groundwater

                          Water quality samples collected from both groundwater aquifers
                   indicate that the water quality of the upper, unconfined aquifer slightly
                   exceeds that of the lower, confined aquifer@, but both were well within
                   EPA and State of Alaska water quality standards (DOWL 1979). Water in
                   both aquifers was moderately hard.

                   3.2    CULTURAL RESOURCES

                   3.2.1  Archaeological and Historical Resources

                   Prehistory

                          Prince William Sound has long proved attractive for human habita

                   tion; archaeological studies suggest that Chugach Eskimos and neighboring
                   groups were present in the region during the early Holocene period.
                   Separate from the Athabaskan-speaking Eyak (Cordova Region) and the
                   Ahtna (Copper River Basin) peoples, the Chugachmuit consisted of eight
                   subgroups with an estimated total population of under 500. The Tatitlek
                   group was the nearest to Valdez. Villages usually occupied protected,
                   shoreline sites with unobstructed views of all approachs; closed bays
                   were considered traps and were avoided. It is unlikely that Port Valdez
                   was used for anything more than sporadic foraging and hunting activities.

                          Nearly all activities revolved around the sea. The Chugachmuit
                   hunted the abundant populations of mar  ine'mammals, fish, and shellfish.

                                                    3-30

                    Trade routes to the Ey4k,.Ahtna, and Port Graham Eskimos also depended
                    upon the sea.

                    History

                           The 1700s marked  the entry of European exploratory expeditions
                    into the region. Vitus Bering led a Russian expedition into the Gulf
                    of Alaska in 1741, and was later followed by Captain James Cook, who
                    explored and charted Prince William Sound in 1778. The Spaniards are
                    credited with the disco,)'ery of Port Valdez; in 1790, Don Salvador Fidolgo
                    named the bay after a fellow naval officer. Prior to the purchase of
                    Alaska by the United States, the Russians periodically visited Port

                    Valdez to trade with Interior Indians.

                           Within five year,s of purchase, American prospectors started to
                    make their appearance in  Alaska. In 1884, Captain William R. Abercrombie
                    of the U.S. Army surveyed a portage route from the Interior to Port
                    Valdez. Valdez was established as a transportation route to the Interior,
                    and by 1889 the makings of a port town began to take shape. In addition
                    to miners passing through Valdez, prospectors were active in the area
                    around Valdez and early editions.of the Valdez         Prospector con-
                    tinually reported new-finds.. The City of Valdez was officially founded in

                    1897.

                           The U.S. Army quickly  recognized the need for an alternate,route

                    and line of communic at,i.on to the Interior-A series of events followed:

                    the establishment of Fort Liscum on Port,Valdez in 1900, the construction
                    of the Valdez-Eagle.Tra il in 1901, the completion of the WAMCATS (Washing-
                    ton-Alaska Military  Cable and'Telegraph System) telegraph line in 1902,
                    and the connIection with Sitka by submarine cable in 1904. With the dis-
                    covery of massive copper deposits, Valdez entered an unsuccessful compe-
                    tition with Cordova.for the terminus of a railroad to the copper fields.
                    Traffic to the Interior continued to pass through Valdez, but the con-
                    struction of the government-subsidized Alaska Railroad in 1923 from

                                                    3-31

                   Seward to Fairbanks soon eclipsedNaldez as the region's major transpor-

                   tation center.

                          Fishing became important to the economy during the 1920s and-
                   1930s. In the early 1930s, the Dayville Cannery was constructed at the
                   Fort Liscum site, which had been abandoned in 1925. This cannery operated

                   until 1950.

                          During World War II Valdez became a busy port again, shipping
                   military freight via the Richardson Highway. However, the end of the
                   war brought a slump. Winter closure of Thompson Pass, the only road link
                   to the Interior, prevented Valdez from competing successfully with Seward
                   and Whittier for freight hauls.

                          A local truck and freight operator worked throughout the winter
                   of 1949-50, proving that the pass could be kept open. Most of the local
                   townspeople and businessmen contributed monetarily to assist in this
                   effort. This encouraged the Alaska Road Commission to employ a permanent
                   crew to provide winter service and maintenance on Thompson Pass, and new
                   freight operators again came, to Valdez.

                          Statehood in 1959 had little effect on Valdez, until decisions
                   were made to utilize the community as a location to house the mentally
                   handicapped and later, the State Highway Regional Offices and Maintenance
                   Shops. Tourism began to increase when a museum was built and local char-
                   ter boat operations were formed bu.t on March 27, 1964, at 5:37 PM, the
                   economy of Valdez literally stopped, when the earth shook for three
                   minutes under a major earthquake and the town was partially destroyed.
                   Unstable soils and the town's location on sandy, loose soil of the allu-
                   vial fan of Glacier Stream brought tremendous damage and destruction. The
                   federal and state governments responded with disaster aid and helped to
                   relocate the City of Valdez four miles southwest to the new townsite,
                   where more stable ground conditions existed.

                                                   3-32

                          A period of very slow economic activity followed until 1969, when
                   oil development hit Alaska, initiating land speculation and rapid change.
                   Valdez was selected as the terminus of the trans-Alaska pipeline and the
                   site of the oil storage-transfer marine terminal. From the -initial haul-
                   ing of the pipe to be stored along the route of,the pipeline until con-
                   struction of the line and the new 800-acre terminal was completed in
                   1977, a boom town situation existed. Left with a stabilizing population
                   and a healthier economy, the City of Valdez embarked on a program to
                   encourage sound economic growth.

                   Resource Sites

                          The Valdez Coastal Management District contains 11 known Alaska
                   Heritage Resource  Survey Sites (Map 4). All 11 sites are historic (rather
                   than prehistoric): Comfort Roadhouse, Keystone Canyon Railroad Tunnel,

                   Fort Liscum, Wortmann's Roadhouse, McIntosh's Roadhouse, Old Goat Trail,

                   Valdez Glacier Trail, Trans-Alaska Military Road, St. Nicholas Church,

                   Old Town Valdez, and the Meals-Whalen Cabin.

                          As part of the Valdez Coastal Management Program, the Office
                   of History and Archaeology, Division of Parks, prepared a cu.1tural re-
                   sources distribution forecast map. This forecasts the potential distri-
                   bution of undiscovered cultural resources as high, low, and medium proba-
                   bility. The only high probability area within the District is the
                   southern shoreline of.Jack Bay. Medium probability areas include the
                   following (progressing west to east): Potato Point, Eastern Valdez
                   Narrows and Anderson Bay, Camp Bovie, Fort Liscum, Alyeska Terminal and
                   southeastern Port Valdez, Mineral Creek and new townsite, and Old Valdez.
                   The remainder of the District is considered low probability. It should
                   be noted that this forecast is for coastal planning purposes and does
                   not substitute for the requirements of 36 CFR Part 800 (Procedures for
                   the Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties) or AS 4.35 (Alaska

                   Historic Preservation Act).

                                                   3-33

                         In addition to those sites contained in the Alaska Heritage Re-
                  source Survey, the City of Valdez has identified four sites of local
                  historical importance: the Chinese Cemetary, the Old Town Valdez Ceme-
                  tary, the Granby Mine Tramway site, and the Cliff Mine/Gold Creek Trail

                  site.

                  3.2.2 Population Characteristics

                         Even conservative estimates indicate the population of Valdez has
                  tripled since 1970. By contrast, the population of Alaska as a whole has
                  increased on 32.4 percent since 1970, according to the 1980 U.S. Census.
                  The population growth of Valdez comes notwithstanding a precipitous
                  decline since 1977, completion date of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS).

                         As shown in Table 3.8, the population of Valdez swelled to over
                  B,000 during the peak of pipeline construction. It has since fallen
                  somewhere between 3,079 and 4,107, still considerably higher than pre-
                  pipeline days. According to the 1970 U.S. Census, the Valdez population

                  was 1,005.

                         The City of Valdez currently estimates their population at 4,107.
                  The figure is based on an extrapolation using the number of housing units
                  multiplied by the number of occupants per unti,.a standard procedure. The
                  4,107 represents the summer peak, and includes seasonal inhabitants.
                  During the off-season, the population of Valdez slips to 3,500, according

                  to Valdez officials.

                         The Department of Community and Regional Affairs (DC&RA) used
                  4,066 for revenue sharing calculations in fiscal year 1981. The figure
                  was supplied to them by the City of Valdez. A population of 4,066 repre-
                  sents a downturn from an earlier estimate by the City of Valdez. In 1978,
                  the City of Valdez estimated their population at 4,481. The estimate was
                  derived by taking a dwelling count (1469) and multiplying that by the
                  average number of inhabitants per dwelling unit (3.05). The DC&RA re-
                  jected Valdez's current estimate of 4,107 for revenue sharing purposes in
                  favor of the earlier more conservative estimate of 4,066.

                                                 3-34

                     Table 3.8. Estimated population of,Va.ldez, Alaska, 1920-1980.

                     Year                           Population                     Percent Change

                     1920 1                              466
                     1930 2                              442                                5.1
                     1940 1,2                            529.                              19.7
                     1950 1,2                            554                                4.7
                          1,2
                     1960                                555                                o.2
                     197.01                            1,005                               81.1
                      19705                            1,005

                     1972 2                            1,106                               10.0
                     1973 2                            1,760                               59.1
                     1974 2                            2,271                               29.0
                     1975 2                            6,670                               193.7
                     1976 2                            8,,253                              23.7
                     1977 2                            7,483                              - 9.3
                     1978 3                            3,349                               -55.2
                     1979 3                            3,350                                0.0
                     1980 4                            3,500                                4.5
                          5
                     1980                              3,079
                     1980 6                            4,066

                     Sources
                     1 Lin, P.C. Alaska   's Populat  io n.and School Enrollment. Univer-
                       sity of Alaska, ISEGR. December 1971.
                     2 City of Valdez. Inventory ReporL District       Program - Phase One. Jun   e
                       1971.
                     3 University of Alaska, Anchorage. Gould, 1979.
                     4 Ridgeway, R. City of Valdez Planning Department. Personal Communi-
                       cation. May 1980..
                     5
                       U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Census of Popu-
                       lation and Housing.
                     6
                       State of Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs.

                                                         3-35

                         The 1980 Census by the   U.S. Department of Commerce shows a popu-
                  lation of 3,079, considerably   lower than other estimates. The City of
                  Valdez is contesting the U.S.'  Census estimate, as are* other Alaskan'
                  municipalities.

                         The most  in-depth look  at the population of Valdez was done in
                  1978 by the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Headed by sociologist Dr.
                  Michael Baring Gould, the University prepared a census under contract to
                  the City of Valdez. The 1978 University of Alaska Census reported a
                  population of 3,349, including 106 inhabitants of the Harborview Develop-
                  ment Center. The figure of 3,349 was a  Iso disputed by the City of Valdez,
                  but was used by planners in preparing the Alpetco EIS.

                         The University of Alaska study contains other population statis-
                  tics. The Valdez population is predominantly caucasian (89.9 percent),
                  young (71.1 percent under 35 years of age) and has slightly more males
                  (54.5 percent) than females (45.5 percent). Nearly 68.1 percent have
                  lived in Valdez less than three years, or are new residents.

                         The City's population is centered in the Central Core (41.1 per-
                  cent) and Airport Zook Subdivisions (24.1 percent), followed by Western
                  Valdez/Alyeska (19.1 percent) and Richardson Highway out (Robe River,
                  Alpine Woods, 12.7 percent).

                         Population projections are difficult to make given the uncertainty
                  of future economic development in Valdez and in Alaska as a whole. Three
                  percent per year is used by the Valdez School District for planning
                  purposes. State population planners estimate a low growth scenario at 1.5
                  percent per year assuming no major economic development. With major
                  economic development, state planners estimate population growth as high
                  as 5 percent per year.

                         Discrepancies in the  different population estimates presented in
                  this section suggest possible counting errors; or, Valdez could be in the
                  final stage of a population decline that started in 1977 with completion

                                                   3-36

                   of TAPS. The relative newness of their population suggests this trend. To
                   be certain, a few more years of data would vastly improve estimates and

                   projections.

                   3.2.3 Housing

                          There are three estimates of housing stock in Valdez. The City of
                   Valdez used an estimate of 1,469 to calculate their 1978 Census figure.
                   The 1980 U.S. Census data estimates the number of houses at 1,147.
                   Northrim and Associates, CCC/HOK estimate the "good" housing stock at

                   1,204.

                          The estimate by Northrim; CCC/HOK (1,204) for the Alp etco EIS
                   contains considerable data regarding the characteristics of the Valdez
                   housing stock. Because of a dearth of information regarding Valdez hous-
                   ing at the time the Alpetco EIS was being prepared, CCC/HOK planners
                   conducted an on-site visual survey to obtain reliable information. Some

                   of their statistics are shown in Table 3.9.

                          Most dwellings.are in good repair, and are occupied. Excluding
                   hotel/motel units, the vacancy rate is a low 3.1 percent. This is sur-
                   prising given the rapid exodous of construction workers, upon completion
                   of TAPS. However  during the pipeline boom there was a.housing shortage
                   in Valdez of near crisis proportions. Certainly a crisis would have
                   developed, had not Alyeska Pipeline Service Company actively intervened.
                   Alyeska provided most of the housing used by pipeline employees, however,
                   these were generally temporary accommodations.

                          Alyeska housed a great percentage of its construction work force
                   at Terminal Camp, a site adjacent to the marine terminal. The camp con-
                   sisted of approximately 300 trailers, grouped to form barracks. At capa-
                   city, the camp housed 3,500 persons. With completion of the pipeline, use
                   of the camp has been discontinued, although the facilities still remain

                   in place.

                                                   3-37

             Table 3.9. Total housing@in VaLdez, a summary,of a 1979      visual survey.

                                                       Needs.
             Type of Housing                    Good   Repair    Abandoned     Total   Vacant    Rental

             Single-family frame                 197     1          2           200        2         3
             single-family modular               114                            114                 20
             Single-family mobile home           481     5         35           521       23        34
             Muiti-family row units                10                             10                10
             Multi-family apartment   units      161                            161        6       161
             Campers, camp trailers                 6                              6
             Hotel, motel units                  219                            219      209       219

             Commercial-residential
              combined                            16'                             16

             Total Housing Units                1,204    6         37          1,247     240       447

             Vacant lots                         307

             Vacant trailer spaces               390

             Total No. vacant residential
              lots and spaces                    760

             Source:.No rthrim Associates, 1nc. (1979).

                                                     3-38

                            Housing for Alyeska's management staff was constructed in an area
                     subdivided as Black Gold Number 1 and Black Gold 2 (also called Flour
                     Housin g). The area was zoned for single family units, but Alyeska re7
                     ceived a five year conditional use permit to place temporary housing   on
                     the site at twice the density normally permitted. This housing develo  p-
                     ment consisted of 200 modular units. Although the initial agreement
                     called for removal of the modular  units by Alyeska, the City agreed to
                     let a portion of the modular units remain if they were brought up to
                     code. As Table 3.9 shows, the Valdez housing stock count by CCC/HOK

                     includes 114 modular units.

                            Most housing in  Valdez is in good repair. Nearly half the housing
                     is single family mobile homes,(excluding hotel/motel units). Single.
                     family houses comprise 20 percent of the housing stock, and multi-family
                     apartment units 16 percent. Of the 940 occupied dwellings, 738 are owner
                     occupied and 232 are r entals. The total of 1,204 included 219,hotel/motel
                     units, only 10 of which were occupied at the time.

                            Low vacancy rates and the  predominance of mobile homes are impor-
                     tant characteristics of the local housing stock. With such a low vacancy
                     rate, the ability to absorb housing demand  created by major development
                     projects is limited. The high cost of single-family housing and perceive.d
                     risk to contractors and  financial institutions probably influence avail-
                     ability of housing. In addition, construction of new multi-family units

                     has been minimal.

                     3.2.4 Land Use and Management

                            Valdez municipal boundaries encompass 274 square miles, including
                     52 square miles occupied by the Valdez Arm. Of the remaiiiiing 222 square
                     miles, approximately 86,699 acres (61.0 percent) are state-owned; 48,081
                     acres (33.8 percent) are federally-owned; 4,800 acres are municipal land
                     (3.4 percent) and 2,500 acres (1.8 percent) are privately owned. Map 5
                     shows land ownership. Land outside municipal boundaries is predominantly

                     federal, state, and native-owned.

                                                     3-39

                           Decisions concerning regional land use and land status will affect
                    Valdez in two important ways. First, activities and uses of land and
                    resources outside city boundaries may affect the city's economy;
                    secondly, state and federal agencies will manage lands within the city

                    boundaries.

                    Federal

                           'The Chugach National Forest adjoins the City of Valdez on the

                    western third of its boundaries and occupies 25,300 acres of land within
                    city limits. The Forest Service is preparing a Forest Land and Resource
                    Management Plan, which consists of dividing the forest into planning
                    units; a resource inventory and analysis; identification of issues; and
                    preparation of management alternatives. Units 101, 102, and 1-04 include
                    land within the Coastal Management District boundaries. While final
                    recommendations on management policies for these districts have yet to be
                    formulated, a preliminary designation is for scenic resources and public
                    recreation use (Lyons 1980, personal communication.).

                           The Anchorage District Office of the Bureau of Land Management
                    (BLM) administers approximately 2,280 acres of land within the City of
                    Valdez. BLM lands are managed under a multiple-use policy. Shoup Bay has
                    been identified by the State Division of Parks as an area with high
                    recreation potential.

                    State

                           Of the 86,699 acres of patented and tentatively approved state
                    lands, approximately 51,440 acres (59 percent) were identified as public
                    interest lands. Thirty-five percent, or 30,454 acres, will go into a land
                    bank, and the City of Valdez will eventually get title to the remaining
                    4,805 acres'(6 percent) under the Municipal Entitlement Act. Approx-
                    imately 400 acres near Robe Lake were disposed as a subdivision in fiscal
                    year 1980.

                                                     3-40

                          Public Interest.Lands. The Department of Natural Resources,
                   through the Public Interest Land'Identification Project, identifies
                   lands within municipalities that will be retained and managed by he
                   state, and land that will be disposed of for private use. Public Interest
                   Lands classifications are shown in Map   6, and described below:

                          Public Recreation - As previously mentioned, the Valdez    city
                   council approved a motion requesting the state to designate and retain
                   specific areas for recreational purposes. These public recreation areas
                   are primarily of local interest, and are briefly   described as follows:

                          o Robe Lake Recreation Area - This is the only lake within city
                            boundaries. It is.heavily used for recreation throughout the
                            year and is also classified as a fish and wildlife habitat. Addi-
                            tionally, this proposed recreation area encompasses an identi-
                            fied watershed that contains the only red salmon run streams.in

                            the Valdez area.

                          0 Mile l-2 Recreation Area - Thi s is a local picnicking site with
                            a swimming pond. The area includes river flats suitable for fish-
                            ing, as well as the historic Chinese graveyard.

                          o Glacier Trail -' This recreational  corridor follows the original
                            trail to the Glacier Camp, which was established in the early
                            gold mining days and is still the site of a viable campground.

                          o Airport Recreation Area -,This -area, contiguous to the Glacier
                            Trail corridor, is being retained as a site'for various recrea-
                            tional and sports activities as well as trails, picnic areas,
                            etc., for the local population.

                          o Mineral Creek Historic Trail - This recreational corridor is

                            of historic value and also contains spectacular scenery, includ-
                            ing views of numerous waterfalls, a turbulent river, and moun-

                                                    3-41

                           tains; Wildlife abounds through out the area. Of historic value
                           are the Stamp Mill and various gold and ore mines which dot the

                           hillsides.

                         o Canyon Slough Recreation Area - The City of Valdez envisions
                           that this site may be more intensively developed as a ski area.

                         The proposed Keystone Canyon Sta@e Park was identified by both
                  the city council and the state for retention as a state interest area.
                  Keystone Canyon is an area of beautiful scenery readily accessible to
                  any traveller of the Richardson Highway. The area abounds with wildlife,
                  has historic value (including the o'ld railroad tunnel and Goat Trail),
                  and contains areas suitable for a variety of recreational pursuits.
                  This proposed.state park encompasses portions of the Lowe River, the
                  Alyeska Pipeline, and the Richardson Highway.

                         Fish and Wildlife Habitat - Brownie Creek, Corbin Creek, Deep
                  Creek, Deep Lake, Robe Lake, Robe River, Lowe River including its flood-
                  plain, Canyon Slough, and several spawning areas adjacent to the Richard-
                  son Highway have been identified as wildlife habitat and floodplains.
                  These salmon spawning, rearing, and production habitats support Port
                  Valdez's commercial, subsistence, and sport fisheries, including the
                  Valdez Silver Salmon Derby. The protection of this fisheries resource is
                  a high priority for both the state.,and the city.

                         Watersheds- Three watershed areas have been designated as public

                  interest lands. One is the Mineral Creek waters-hed, which the City of
                  Valdez utilizes for its groundwater reserves. The Allison Creek watershed
                  provides water for domestic as well as industrial purp-oses. The water
                  rights to this watershed are owned by the Alyeska Pipeline Service
                  Company. The third identified watershed is Abercrombie Gulch. This sur-
                  face watershed has a substantial valid water right existing on it, and
                  has been identified as public interest.

                                                  3-42

                           Forests - The'forest lands designated for    retention are south
                    of the Lowe River and are t*ransected by the Alyeska Pipeline. This timber
                    resource will benefit local loggers and mill owners, who are currently
                    without a reliable supply of sawtimber, as well as local residents who
                    need a supply of houselogs and firewood. Anticipated growth within the
                    decade and upcoming state land disposal's in the Valdez area will likely
                    increase the demand for wood products.

                           Materials - The tw Io identified materials sites are located along
                    the'Richardson Highway. They will be used as sources of sand and gravel
                    for road building and maintenance.

                           Public Facilities - The City Council of    Valdez has identified a
                    40-a cre parcel as a future school site, sewage   treatment plant, or other
                    public facility. This site is located east of Robe Lake adjoining the
                    Richardson Highway.

                           The City of Valdez has taken an active role in identifying public
                    interest lands through the adoption of a motion requesting the state to
                    retain specific areas. Three of Valdez's advisory commissions - the
                   .Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission,
                    and the Transportation Commission - reviewed areas that might be con-
                    sider6d public interest lands. Their recommendations were brought before
                    the city council, and a motion was passed unanimously approving and
                    recommending that the lands be retained by the state.

                           Other State Lands. The Department of Natural Resources has no
                    plans for a Valdez Land Management Study, and will continue to rely on
                    cooperative planning with the city. However, there are other state plan-
                    ning activities that are important to Valdez and its Coastal Management
                    Program. To improve recreational boating opportunities, the Alaska
                    Division of Parks is proposing a system of marine parks in Prince William

                    Sound and Southeast Alaska. To be located on state-selected land within

                    the national forests, these parks could include such facilities as docks,
                    mooring floats, beach campsites, trails, and t6ilets.,Of the 25 sites

                                                     3-43

                  identified in Prince William Sound, four potential sites are located
                  close to Valdez: Sawmill Bay, Port Fidalgo, Anderson Bay, and Jack Bay.
                  The last two are partially or completely within' the coastal management
                  district. As of September 1979, only three of the total 64 proposed state
                  marin e parks have been approved by the Forest Service (Johannsen 1979).

                         Three marine park sites have been selected from Chugach National
                  Forest under Community Grant Land Entitlements: Sawmill Bay, Anderson
                  Bay, and Jack Bay. These lands are selected primarily for expansion of an
                  existing community or establishment of new communities. Use for other
                  purposes is not prohibited, and upon receiving title, Community Grant
                  Land will undergo classification for management categories. DNR expects
                  title to be conveyed within the next year.

                  Local

                         Land use planning and, management in Valdez is implemented through
                  three..major mechanisms: a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance, and a
                  recently enacted emergency floodplain ordinance. Current land use is
                  shown in Map 7.

                         Comprehensive Plan. As in many Alaskan communities, the Comprehen-
                  sive Plan is outdated and has never effectively served as a guide for
                  community development. The most recent Comprehensive Plan was prepared in
                  1971, before the change wrought by the trans-Alaska pipeline. At that
                  time, the Comprehensive Plan recommended that new development take place
                  in three general areas. Single-family and multi-family residential devel-
                  opment, supported by shopping, school, and park facilities, was slated
                  for the area west of the new Valdez townsite (including the far side of
                  Mineral Creek). The Old Valdez/Airport area was proposed for industrial
                  development, with the exception of the old townsite, which was designated
                  as not developable. The area in the general vicinity of Robe Lake was
                  projected as a new, large single- and multi-family residential neighbor-
                  hood. Shopping and convenience centers and recreation areas also were to

                  be located in this area.

                                                  3-44

                           During pipeline construction, the city was hard-pressed to meet
                   urgent  demands for housing, utilities, roads, and services. The rela-
                   tively  late establishment of a City Planning Department (1978) and a
                   focus on other immediate problems, such as coastal management and muni-
                   cipal land selection, have further postponed to 1981 the revision of the
                   comprehensive plan. The Coastal Management Program is an important ele-
                   ment of the Comprehensive Plan.

                           Zoning. The city has adopted a new zoning ordinance, which will
                   replace an ordinance based on the 1971 Comprehensive Plan. During pipe-
                   line construction, meeting housing demands often meant approving uses in
                   violation of the old zoning ordinance. As a result, many areas of the
                   city were effectively in violation of the zoning ordinance. The new
                   zoning ordinance uses zoning classifications that are more appropriate
                   for the current land use and economic conditions in Valdez, and allows
                   the city to more effectively direct commercial/industrial activity and
                   increase residential density in the most suitable areas.

                           Emergency Floodplain Ordinance. Much of the flat, developable
                   land in Valdez is located within the floodplains of the Lowe River,
                   Valdez Gla cier Stream, and Mineral Creek. This presents a potential for
                   various degrees of flooding on those lands. A Federal Emergency Manage-
                   ment Agency Flood Insurance study (FEMA, U.S. Department of Housing And
                   Urban Development 1976) was conducted in Valdez. Maps from the FEMA study

                   form the basis for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act

                   of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. The flood analysis
                   program was established to allow property owners to buy flood insurance
                   at rates subsidized by the federal government. In return, communities
                   must carry out local floodplain management measures to protect lives and
                   new construction from flooding. The community must use flood elevations
                   shown on the map as the minimum building elevation for new construction.
                   Private insurance agents establish premium rates on the basis of flood
                   ri sk, identified on the map as letter zones corresponding to flood ele-

                   vations.

                                                    3-45

                         This study identified four major types of flood hazards, and
                  resulted in the designation of significant flood elevations in most
                  developabl.e areas of Valdez. The effective result of this study increased
                  the cost of both flood insurance and development (design and mitigation
                  measures),in those areas, in addition to lim iting the types of develop-
                  ment allowable. A preliminary review of the FEMA study sponsored by
                  Valdez (Woodward-Clyde Consultants 1980) indicated a number of serious
                  technical deficiencies with the FEMA study. Therefore, Valdez has spon-
                  sored new flooding studies to provide more reliable estimates of the
                  flood elevations. Until these studies have been completed and FEMA flood
                  elevations challanged, the City of Valdez has adopted an Emergency Flood-
                  plain Ordinance.

                  3.2.5  Recreation

                         The Valdez area  is used extensively for recreation by local resi-
                  dents and visitors from both in and out of state. Primary recreation
                  activities include sport fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, skiing (down-
                  hill and cross-country), snow machines, recreational boating, softball,
                  swimming, tennis, bike riding, and basketball.

                       . Several factors are responsible for the substantial recreation
                  resources and promising outlook for further resource development in
                  Valdez. The regional setting is an important contribution: a fjord, sur-
                  rounded by rugged, glaciated mountains, that opens onto scenic Prince
                  William Sound. Much of the federal and state lands within and adjacent to
                  the Coastal District are being managed for public recreation, with plans
                  for developing more facilities in the future. The transportation systems
                  serving Valdez allow relatively good access to diverse recreational
                  resources. Finally, the Valdez Department of Parks and Recreation has
                  been extremely active in identifying recreation needs and establishing
                  a program to meet tho.se needs through capital improvements.

                                                  3-46

                   Federal

                          Map 8 sh ows the major federal, state, and city recreation re-
                   sources in the Valdez Coastal Management District. The Chugach National
                   Forest manages most of its lands within the municipal boundaries to

                   maintain their scenic value and recreational use. Forest Service recrea-

                   tion cabins are located in Sawmill Bay and Galena Bay (Outer Valdez Arm).

                   State

                          The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks,
                   is responsible for several waysides in the Valdez area. The Glacier
                   Campground is owned by the state  but leased to the City of Valdez for
                   operation. This campground has 102 spaces and is heavily used during
                   the summer tourist season. Two state waysides are located just outside
                   the district boundaries. The Blueberry Lake Wayside lies just south
                   of Thompson Pass,'and the Worthington Glacier Wayside is located on the
                   northeast side of the pass. These.facilities have a combined capacity
                   of 305 spaces.

                          In addition to the state wayside system, much of the 51,440 acres
                   of state-owned Public Interest Land within Valdez has been nominated by
                   the state and city for recreation management. These areas, described in
                   more detail under land use and management,.include.the following: Robe
                   Lake Recreation Area, Mile l-2 Recreation Area, Glacier Trail, Airport
                   Recreation Area,.Mineral Creek Historic Trail, and the Canyon Slough

                   Recreation Area.

                          At the present time, there are no existing state parks within
                   the Valdez Coastal Management District. However, two proposed parks
                   have been identified. A Keystone Canyon State Park was first proposed
                   in 1970. The boundaries of this potential park encompass 310,000 acres.
                   Whi'le the majority of park land would be outside municipal limits, Key-
                   stone Canyon and some lands along and south of the Lowe River are in-
                   cluded within proposed park boundaries. Local residents have expressed

                                                   3-47

                  concern about the park's impact on the Richardson Highway     transportation
                  corridor through both Keystone Canyon and Thompson Pass.

                         The Alaska Marine Parks System was first conceived in 1977; since

                  th at time, the state has selected lands from the Forest Service in an
                  attempt to eseablish these parks. Sawmill Bay, located southwest of
                  Val.dez Narrows, is the only officially proposed and selected site. Three
                  other local sites, Anderson, Jack, and Shoup Bays, were evaluated during
                  the process and considered to have high recreation potential (Alaska
                  Division of Parks, personal communication, July 1980).

                  Local

                         Over the past three years, the Cit'y Department of Parks and Recre-
                  ation and its citizen advisory committee have developed an impressive
                  parks and recreation program. Program elements are diverse, including
                  park acquisition, facility development (picnic areas, playing fields,
                  recreation halls, trails and bike paths, playgrounds, ski tows), and
                  advising the Alaska Department of Natural Resources on managing public
                  interest lands. Map 8 shows the city's existing and planned parks and
                  recreation facilities. The planned facilities will be funded from the
                  1980-1985 Capital Improvements Plan, with a proposed recreation budget of
                  $28.5 million.

                         The City of Valdez also operates a small boat harbor. In 1978, the
                  number of boat slips was increased from 180 to 34.9, largely in response
                  to demand for pleasure craft space. Further expansion of the small boat
                  harbor is planned within the next five years.

                         The city currently has a study underway investigating the feasi-
                  bility of developing a major downhill ski resort.

                  3.2.6  Transportation

                         Historically, Valdez has been an important transportation center
                  for movement of people and commodities into Alaska's Interior. The city

                                                   3-48

                   was established as a supply port serving Interior gold mining commun-
                   ities. This role as a regional distribution center was further developed
                   with the construction of the trans-Alaska Military Road (the precursor
                   to the Richardson Highway) to Fairbanks in 1905, the first major highway
                   system in Alaska. During the same period, Valdez was competing for a
                   railroad route to the Interior; the route was eventually built from
                   Cordova. However, with the growth of the ports of Anchorage, Seward,
                   and Whittier and construction of the Alaska Railroad, the city's role
                   in serving the Interior declined. Construction of the trans-Alaska pipe-

                   line and terminal facilities reestablished Valdez as a distribution

                   point for the southern portion of the pipeline. In 1978 the residents of
                   Valdez passed a,$48 million bond package to finance construction of
                   a container port to serve Valdez and Interior communities.

                   Highway Transportation System

                          Valdez is the southern terminus of the Richardson Highway, which
                   provides the community's only overland transportation access. Running
                   365 miles north to Fairbanks, the Richardson Highway connects with the
                   Glenn Highway at Glennallen and with the Tok Cutoff just north of Gul-
                   kana. The Richardson Highway is presently the principal route for commod-
                   ity movements into and out of Valdez. It also comprises the principal
                   element of the local highway system, connecting the new townsite with
                   the airport, Alyeska Terminal, Robe River Subdivision, and Alpine Woods
                   Subdivision. In addition to the street grid system that connects with
                   the highway in the new townsite, the paved secondary roads that inte,r-
                   sect the Richardson High way are Mineral Creek Loop Road, Airport Road,
                   and the Dayville Road.

                          The Richardson Highway is open year-round, but is occasionally
                   closed by heavy snowfall and avalanches at Thompson Pass and north of
                   Keystone Canyon. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
                   Facilities (DOT/PF) is currently rerouting the highway within Keystone
                   Canyon and Thompson Pass in an effort to upgrade highway capacity and
                   reduce maintenance problems. DOT/PF has a district office in Valdez.

                                                   3-49

                         Except for the sharp increase and decline associated with con-
                  stiuction of the trans-Alaska pipeline, traffic.volume on the Richardson
                  Highway has been increasing over the last two decades. This increase
                  corresponds with the general increase in the population of Valdez and
                  wi th increased,tourism-related traffic travelling the Anchorage/
                  Fairbanks-Valdez/Whittier Highway and Marine Highway loop. Table 3.10
                  presents 1978 local and regional traffic volumes. Average daily traffic
                  (ADT) is heaviest between.the new townsite and the Robe River Sub-

                  division; traffic levels drop off at Dayville Road and further out of
                  town near Keystone Canyon. The same is true of peak hour volumes. While
                  truck traffic comprises a greater percentage of ADT outside the more
                  populated areas of Valdez, the average number of trucks per day is higher
                  in these areas. The carrying capacity of the Richardson Highway in the
                  Valdez area has been estimated at 1,700 vehicles per hour, which is well
                  in excess of the average daily peak-hour traffic volume of 300 to 370

                  vehicles.

                  Air Transportation System.

                         The Valdez Airport is located approximately four miles east of
                  the new townsite, 0.5 mile north of the Richardson Highway at the old
                  townsite. Facilities include a 5,000-foot paved runway with an east-west
                  orientation, three taxiways that connect a large apron area, and a re-
                  cently constructed terminal. At the present time the airport is owned by
                  DOT/PF, but arrangements are being made to turn the facility over to the
                  City of Valdez. An upgrading of airport facilities was initiated in 1980
                  and will be completed in 1981,- including extension of the runway by 1,500
                  feet; resurfacing and widening of the runway, taxiways, and aprons; and
                  improvements to the lighting system.

                         The operation and potential capacity of the airport has been
                  limited by local geography, weather conditions, and a lack of runway
                  lighting. The current airport improvements and a recently installed
                  approach instrumentation system should allow the airport to handle larger

                                                  3-50

                      Table 3.10. Valdez traffic volumes, local an'd regional, 1978.

                                                                               1
                                                         Average     Peak-Hour               Average
                                                          Daily      Volume                  Trucks
                                                         Traffic      (all      Percent       Per
                           Location                       (ADT)     vehicles) Trucks          Day

                      Mile Point 1.0
                      Valdez Maintenance Station          5,225       370          12.5        655
                      (DOT/PF)

                      Mile Point 3.0                                      2
                      West of Ai.rport Intersection       4,540       340          12.5        570

                      Mile Point 7.0                                      2
                      Valdez Scalehouse                   4,325       325          18.0        780
                      (East of Dayville Road)

                      Dayville Road                                       2
                      (500 feet west of Richardson        1,925       144          18.0        345
                       Highway)

                      Mile Point 17.0                                     2
                      Southwest of Keystone               1,600       120          18.0        290
                       Canyon

                      Mile,Point 67.0
                      Ernestine Maintenance    Ca mp         495        38         18.0          90
                      Mile Point 115.0  3                                                         4
                      Tazlina Bridge                      1,342       100,         NA      200-270

                      Mile Point.123.0  3
                      Gulkana Airfield Access Rd.            650        50         NA      100-130

                      Source: DOWL:Engine'ers 1979.
                      1 Peak hour genera-Ily occurs between 3 and'5 PM.
                      2
                        Assumes that peak hour is 7.5 percent of ADT, based on peak-hour ratios
                        observed at Mile Points 1.0 and,67.0.
                      3 1977 data..
                      4 Estimated number of trucks assuming.range of 15-20 percent trucks in
                        general traffic stream.

                      NA=Not available.

                                                         3-51

                    aircraft and extend the weather and daylight conditions:under which the
                    airport can safely operate. Installation of a microwave landing system
                    (MLS) is being considered.

                           Valdez is served by   two air carriers on a regular, scheduled
                    basis. Alaska Aeronautical   Industries (AAI) services Valdez with DeHavi-
                    land Twin Otters; Valdez Airlines flies Navaho Chieftains. Nearly'all of
                    the air passenger traffic into Valdez originates in Anchorage, although
                    some of AAI's flights also serve Cordova on a triangular route from
                    Anchorage. Valdez Airlines offers six flights a day into Valdez. The
                    number of aircraft takeoffs and landings peaked at 27,989 in 1977, and
                    has declined since then, although it is still above pre-pipeline levels.
                    Passenger movement through.the Valdez airport was estimated at 28,000 for
                    1978. Air freight movement is estimated to be 200 to 500 tons annually,
                    with most of it originating in Anchorage.

                    Marine Transportation System

                           Valdez is one of five Prince William Sound communities served

                    by the southwestern region of the Alaska Marine Highway System. In ad-
                    dition to providing service to Cordova, Seward, Whittier, and Tatetlik,
                    the region also includes Homer, Seldovia, and Kodiak. Two vessels, the
                    MV Tustamena (200 passenger an@ 54 standard vehicles) and the MV Bart-
                    lett (170 passengers and 38 standard vehicles), serve the southwestern

                    region.

                           Ferry service  is provided between Whittier and Valdez and between
                    Cordova and Valdez. The Whittier-Valdez run operates five days a week
                    from mid-May to late September. There is no ferry service to Whittier
                    during the rest of the year. The Cordova-Valdez run operates year-round,
                    arriving in Valdez every other day. In 1977, the Whittier-Valdez route
                    carried 15,853 pasengers and 3,525 vehicles. During peak tourism months
                    (June, July, and August), the ferry runs at capacity and advance reser-
                    vations are necessary. In comparison, the Cordova-Valdez run carried
                    7,292 passengers and 2,311 vehicles in 1977.

                                                     3-52

                           The Marine Highway System has two functions in serving Valdez.
                    First, it provides an alternative means of transporting passengers and
                    commodities into and out of Valdez. Second, it contributes to the com-
                    munity's tourism economy, providing a scenic cruise and convenient connec-
                    tions for organized tours.

                           Other vessel traffic is generated by several sources. The Alyeska
                    Marine Terminal generates 11 trips a week by oil tankers in the 250,000
                    deadweight ton class. A small commercial fishing fleet and local pleasure
                    craft operate out of the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. The harbor contains
                    349 boat slips and a boat repair grid.

                           Keeping an eye on all this activity is the U.S. Coast Guard,
                    which operates a vessel traffic service (VTS) area radar station in

                    V
                     aldez. This station is the center for activities associated with monitor-

                    ing Port Valdez and Prince William Sound traffic lanes. A Coast Guard

                    cutter is stationed in Valdez.

                    3. 2.7 Energy Facilities

                           Since the cons truction of the trans-Alaska pipeline, Valdez has
                    become one of Alaska's most important centers of energy-related indus-,
                    tries and facilities. Approximately 21 miles of the Alyeska pipeline and
                    the storage and marine terminal facilities are located within city boun-
                    daries (Map 9). The pipeline transports 1.4 million barrels of oil daily
                    to the marine terminal-for storage, treatment, and transfer to oil tank-
                    ers. Terminal facilities include: 18 oil storage tanks (14 East Tank
                    Farm, 4 West Tank Farm), 2 API separators, 2 metering facilities, ballast
                    treatment facility, fuel storage tanks, operations buildings, power
                    plant, and 4 oil-loading berths capable of handling 250,000 DWT tankers.

                           Existing and proposed power generation facilities are the second
                    major category of energy-related facilities in Valdez. The Copper Valley
                    Electric Association operates a 10.1 MW diesel-fired generating plant

                                                    3-53

                  near the new townsite, which presently provides power to Valdez. The
                  hydroelectric generation potential of the regio n is high. A 12 MW hydro-
                  electric facility is under construction at Solomon Gulch, and is sche-
                  duled for completion in 1981. Allison Lake, located two miles east of
                  Solomon Gulch, has been described by the Alaska District Corps of
                  Engineers as a potential site for hydroelectric facilities.

                  3.2.8 Coastal Access

                         Access to the Valdez coastline can be evaluated in terms of phys-
                  ical ability to reach the coastline, land ownership as it affects access,
                  and access requirements for type of use.

                         Physical access to the coastline is relatively good. Immediate
                  access by way of the road system is available at the new townsite,
                  Mineral Creek Loop Road (Zook Subdivision), and along Dayville Road to
                  the Alyeska Terminal. The area least suitable for use is also the least
                  accessible (Old Town to the mouth of the Lowe River). Access to Mineral

                  Creek is also currently limited to foot traffic and four-wheel-drive
                  vehicles down the floodplain. Coastline along Port Valdez is accessible
                  by boat, with Shoup and Sawmill Bays on the north side and Saw Creek,
                  Anderson Bay, and Jack Bay being the most popular use areas. The small
                  boat harbor and its boat launch are the focal point for boating activ-

                  ities in Port Valdez.

                         Land ownership and use place minimal restrictions on coastal
                  access. With the exception of the Alyeska Terminal and portions of the
                  Port Valdez Company and Zook Subdivisions, the remainder of the coastline
                  is in public ownership. At a minimum, continued public access is guaran-
                  teed from the small boat harbor/new town area, Dayville Road, and along
                  Port Valdez west of the Alyeska Terminal.

                         Coastal access is required by a number of different types of
                  users: industrial, transportation, commercial fishing, tourism, and

                                                  3-54

                  recreation. Each has different requirements, such as water depth or
                  connection to the road system. Of all the categories, access for indus-
                  trial and transportation uses are most limited,' often requiring a combin-
                  ation of deep water nearshore, sufficient adjacent land for marshalling
                  yards or facilities sites, and proximity to the road transportation
                  system. Existing users include Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the
                  Alaska Marine Ferry System, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Water-based tour-
                  ism, commercial fishing, and recreational boating are dependent on the
                  small boat harbor; shoreline-based recreational activities,.such as sport
                  fishing and general sightseeing, usually depend on highway access and
                  take place at the small boat harbor and along both the Richardson Highway
                  and Davville Road. Coastal access is shown in Map 10.

                  3.2.9 Community Facilities and Services

                  Utilities

                         Private utilities provide electrical and telephone services;
                  sewer, water, and solid waste services are provided by the City of

                  Valdez.

                         The Copper  Valley Electric Association (CVEA), a nonprofit Rural
                  Electrification Administration utility, provides electric service to
                  Valdez and the Copper River Basin, but does not serve the Alyeska
                  Terminal. Electricity in Valdez is currently generated by seven diesel
                  generators with an installed capacity of 10.1 megawatts (MW). The 1979
                  peak demand was 3.9 MW, and occurred during the winter months. CVEA's

                  Valdez service area includes the downtown business and residential dis-

                  trict, and extends out to the airport, Robe River, and Alpine Woods
                  subdivision areas. Construction of the 12 MW Solomon Gulch hydroelectric
                  project is underway, with a 1981 estimated completion date. CVEA also
                  plans eventually to install a 9 MW pressure-reducing turbine in the
                  trans-Alaska pipeline near Valdez. The City of Valdez is presently nego-
                  tiating with CVEA for the purchase of the utility.

                                                  3-55

                          Telephone service is provided by the Copper Valley Telephone
                   Cooperative, which also serves the community of Glennallen. Hard hit
                   by the.pipeline boom, the utility has since updated its equipment. System
                   capacity is 2500 telephone lines, of which 1300 are in use; the remaining
                   1200 lines can serve that many new households (approximately 3600
                   people). The 1979 estimate of telephones in service was 2136.

                   Sanitary Sewer

                          The City of Valdez operates a municipal sewage treatment plant
                   located in the center of the old Valdez townsite. The facility, which
                   began operation in 1976, consists of a three-cell aerated lagoon system
                   that provides secondary treatment and has a capacity to serve the city's
                   anticipated needs through 1983. Plans also are being considered to-treat
                   the lagoons with warm water as part of a solid waste incineration proj-
                   ect. This could extend the life of the lagoons through 1986. Capacity of
                   the plant also can be increased by the addition of settling lagoons when

                   necessary.

                          The city provides sewer service to all of the new townsite, the
                   airport and adjacent trailer parks, along Mineral Creek Loop Road and to
                   the Zook Subdivision. Outlying subdivisions use septic tank and leach
                   field sewage disposal methods.

                   Water System

                          The water system,in Valdez is characterized by the availability of
                   enormous quantities of high quality subsurface water. The city cu   rrently
                   operates two separate water supply and distribution systems. The first

                   system serves the immediate townsite area with three wells and a 700,000
                   gallon insulated steel water storage tank. The city made improvements to
                   the system in 1980 that brought a maximum pumping capacity of 2,470
                   gallons per minute (gpm). improvements planned for 1981 call for a new
                   1,000 gpm well and a 750,000-gallon storage tank, which are expected to
                   provide the city with sufficient supply and storage capacity until 1990,

                                                   3-56

                    given a maximum townsite population of 4,058. The distribution system
                    consists of 6-r, 8-, and 10-inch diameter cast and ductile iron pipe.
                    Pressures range from 45 to 90 psi. Fire hydrant  s are located from 350 to
                    450 feet,apart throughout town.

                           The city collects solid waste from residences and commercial
                    establishments, and uses city property at the old townsite for disposal.
                    Waste hauled to the site is covered duringthe summer with material left
                    over from excavation of the sewage treatment ponds. During the winter,

                    snow is used to cover refuse until it can be handled in the summer.

                    This landfill is also used by Valdez residents, general contractors,
                    and occasionally by  the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. Several serious
                    problems limit continued use of this site. A high water table that is
                    tidally influenced by the site's close proximity to Port Valdez creates
                    a potential for leached contamination of groundwater and surface waters.
                    The site becomes unworkable during extremely wet conditions, and the
                    supply of suitable cover material is limited (Director of Public Works,
                    personal communication, 197-9). In response to these problems, the city
                    initiated a study of alternative processes and sites for solid waste
                    disposal (Woodward-Clyde Consultants 1980), and has included funds for
                    solid waste disposal in its 1980-81 Capital Improvement Plan.

                    Health Care and Medical Services

                           Health care and medical services are provided by the Valdez Com-
                    munity Hospital, the Valdez Mental Health Clinic, five resident physi-
                    c,ia,ns and medical practitioners., and the volunteer Emergency Medical
                    Service Team. Private health care is supplemented by specialists who
                    visit Valdez on fixed schedules. In addition, the Harborview Develop-
                    mental Center, a state facility for the mentally and physically handicap-
                    ped, is located in Valdez.

                    Education

                           The Valdez School System consists of three schools, all located
                    at the new townsite. The Growden-Harrison Elementary School serves grades

                                                     3-57

                  K-6,.but. is scheduled to be replaced by a new 24-classroom school that
                  is under construction. Grades 7 and 8 attend the George H. Gibson Junior
                  High School; the Valdez Senior High School houses grades 9 through 12.
                  School district enrollment in 1979 was 765, broken down as follows:
                  439 in elementary, Ill junior high, and 215 in senior high. The new
                  Hermon Hutchens El ementary School will be operational for the commence-
                  ment of the 1981-82 school year. It will have a special education wing to
                  receive residents from the Harborview Developmental Center, a state
                  facility for the physically and mentally handicapped; and it also will
                  house a swimming pool and a large multi-purpose gymnasium. The combined
                  capacity of the elementary schools, not counting the modular classroom
                  units available to the district, will be 903. The two elementary schools

                  will maintain an 11:1 student:teacher ratio.

                         Given the current student:population ratios, the school facilities

                  listed above would be adequate to handle the addition of 3,064 persons to
                  the city's population (a total population of 7,167). At this level, the
                  high school would have reached design capacity, although the junior and
                  senior high schools still would have a capacity to receive more students.

                  Prince William Sound Community College

                         Prince William Sound Community College was established in July
                  1978 as a member of the University of Alaska network. It currently has an
                  enrollment of 700, students, with a full-time faculty of five and part-
                  time faculty of 30. The college offers Associate of Arts degrees in the
                  humanities, social sciences, office occupations and developmental disa-

                  bilities.

                         The college staff currently is involved in developing new degree
                  programs within fields useful'in industries likely to be developed in the
                  region. Fisheries, transportation and petroleum-related programs are
                  among those under consideration.

                                                  3-58

                           In addition, a Campus Development Committee is being formed by the
                    college to initiate construction of a-major campus in Valdez.

                           The Valdez school system. also provides   special education programs
                    for developmentally disabled children residing at the Harborview Develop-

                    mental Center.

                    Fire Department

                           The Valde z Fire Department consists of four full-time positions,
                    and two CETA positions  supplemented by 56 volunteers. Four fire stations
                    are located throughout  the community, at City Hall,   the airport, Robe
                    River subdivision, and  10 Mile. Between 1972 and 1979 Department respon-
                    ses increased to a high of 92 in 1977, declining to 42 in 1979 (DOWL
                    Engineers 1979c). Mobile home fires were the most frequent response
                    during the pipeline years (1975-1977). False alarms and other responses
                    (rubbish fires, smoke scares, search and rescue, and standby) constituted
                    the most frequent categories of response in 1979.

                    Police Department

                           The Valdez Police Department has 13 full-time officers and five
                    full-time dispatchers. During the pipeline boom, Valdez experienced an
                    increase in crime that exceeded its five-fold increase in population. The
                    incidence of crime decreased substantially after the completion of the
                    pipeline; major crimes declined between 1976 and 1978.

                    3.2.10 Public Finance

                           The City of Valdez is in an unusual public finance position com-
                    pared with most Alaskan communities. Development of North Slope oil re-
                    sources resulted in the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline oil
                    terminal facilities in Valdez. The@ city expanded its city limits to take
                    advantage of the tax revenue that the pipeline and terminal facilities
                    represented. As a result, the City of Valdez has an assessed value per

                                                     3-59

                  capita that is second only to the North Slope Borough and that was esti-
                  mated in 1979 at $372,589 per capita (DOWL Engineers 1979). The state
                  average at that time was $47,342. The City of Valdez has no personal
                  property taxes or sales taxes, and has eliminated user charges for sev-
                  eral city services. The real property tax of 6 mills is one of the lowest
                  in the state. General Fund expenditures between 1968 and 1980, indicative
                  of the change in city public finance, are sh own in Table 3.11.

                         Table 3.12 summarizes the 1978-1979 Valdez City Budget. Of rev-
                  enues totaling $12.6 million, property taxes were the primary compon-
                  ent of city revenues (69.2 percent). Other sources include last year's
                  surplus, use revenue/interest income, and state revenue. Expenditures
                  were needed for capital improvements and education.

                         The financial health of Valdez has allowed the city to pursue
                  the goals of continued economic development and increasing the amenities
                  of living in Valdez. A 1979 sale of $48 million in General Obligation
                  Bonds was passed by Valdez voters for the construction of a commodity
                  port, and the 1979/80 city budget included funds for the construction   of
                  fish hatchery facilities at Solomon Gulch. Capital improvements consti-
                  tuted 39 percent of the 1978/79 city budget, and the city has embarked on
                  an ambitious five-year (1980-85) Capital Improvement Plan. This plan
                  includes administration, planning and zoning, e ngineering, education,
                  public works, port, fire department, parks and recreation, and museum

                  projects.

                  3.2.11 Cultural Resources Literature Cited

                  Alaska Consultants Inc./Harbridge House Inc. 1979. Port of Valdez market
                       penetration study. Prepared by the City of Valdez.

                  Alaska Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development. 1978. Valdez: An
                       Alaskan community profile.

                  Alaska Dept. of Labor.

                  Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Land and Waters. 1980.

                                                  3-60

                     Table 3.11. City of Valdez, general fund expenditures, 1968-1980.

                                                                General Fund Expenditures
                     Year.                                  Amount                  Per Capita

                     1968                                     $  293,418         $     367
                     1969                                        352,814               n/a

                     1970                                        435,545               432
                     1971                                        596,723               n/a
                     1972  (6 months)                           (416,668)1             n/a
                     1973                                        624,232               n/a
                     1974                                        561,912               n/a
                     1975                                       2,255,916              n/a
                     1976                                       4,570,826              n/a

                     1977                                       4,821,251              n/a
                     1978                                     11,163,381               n/a
                     1979  (budget)                           12,623i4O4              2,8172
                     1980  (budget)                           13,755,482

                     Sources: City of Valdez, Annual Financial Report, 1972 through
                                1978; Valdez City Budget, 1979 and 1980.

                     1
                        In 1972 the city fiscal year changed from the calendar year to
                        July 1-June 30.
                     2  Based on population of 4,481; $3,765 based on population esti
                        mate of 3,350.

                                                          3-61

                   Table 3.12. Summary of Valdez city budget, 1978-1    979.

                        Revenue                                    Amount           Percent

                   Surplus Carry-Forward                          $1,970,000         15.6
                   Real Property Taxes                            8,731,404          69.2

                   Use Revenue, Interest Income                   1,313,000          10.4
                   State Revenue                                    491,000           3.9

                   Other                                            118,000             .9

                                                                $12,623,404          100.0

                        Expenditures
                   General Fund 1

                      Council and Administration                    712,189           5.6
                      Engineering                                   198,661           1.6

                      Police                                        786,724           6.2
                      Fire and Emergency Medical Services           376,002           3.o

                      Streets                                       612,050           4.8

                      Parks, Recreation, and
                       Campgrounds                                  323,462           2.6

                      Library and Museum                            139,019           1.1
                      Health and Hospital                           366,400           2.9
                      Planning and Zoning                             75,177          o.6
                      Education                                   3,430,465          27.2

                      Other                                         546,864           4.3

                   General Fund  Transfers

                      Utilities                                        4,561          0.0

                      Boat Harbor                                   139,280           1.1
                      Capital Improvements                        4,912,550          39.0
                   TOTAL                                         $12,623,404         100.0

                   Source: City of Valdez, 1978-1979 Budget and Summary of Capital Program.

                   Notes:
                   1 Functions are summaries of 25 actual budget line items.

                                                     3-62

                     Alaska Dept. of.Natural Resources,.    Division of Parks. 1980. Alaska state
                           parks recreation guide.

                     Baring-Gould, M., M.,C. Bennett, P. Hargis, and J. Taylow. 1978. Valdez
                           city census, 197.8. University of Alaska, Anchorage.

                     Dames and Moore. 1  979.a. City of Valdez port expansion project, environ-
                           mental assessment. Prepared for the City of Valdez.

                    "DOWL  Engineers/CCC-Hok. 1979. Socioeconomics. In: Environmental Impact
                           Statement: Alaska Petrochemical Company Refinery and Petrochemical
                           Facility, Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Rept.
                         ,.EPA-1,0-AK-Valdez-NPDES-79. Appendix,, Vol. 11.

                     Forsi, T. and Associates Inc. 1980.     Environmental assessment for the
                           proposed runway extension, lighting and paving of the Valdez,Air-
                           port. Prepared for the City.of Valdez.

                     Johanssen  ' N. 1979. Marine parks for Alaska, the international connec-
                           tion. Alaska Magazine, April,1979.

                     Northrim Associates, Inc.

                     U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chugach National Forest. 1980a. Draft
                           1978 inventory of,existing recreation on the Chugach National Forest.

                     U.S.  Department of Agriculture. 1980b. Chugach National     'Forest land and
                           resource management plan:.Analysis of public comments and identi-
                           fication of major public issues,

                     U.S.  Department of Commerce, National    Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
                           tion. 1978. Local climatological     data, annual summary with compara-
                          ,tive data, 1978, Valdez, Alaska.

                     Vald.ez, City of. 197  9a. Annual financial report, 1972 through     1978.

                     Valdez, City of.,1979b.    1978-1979  Budget and summary of capital program.

                     Valdez, City of-. 1979c.   Inventory  Report  District Program, Phase One.
                           Valdez,-Alaska. Alaska Coastal Management Program. Valdez Planning
                           Department.

                     Valdez, City of. 1979d.    Valdez overall economic development program. 1979
                           Update. Valdez Planning Department.

                     Valdez, City of. 1980a. City of Valdez Capital Improvement Plan, 1980-
                           1984. Valdez Engineering Department.

                     Valdez, City of. 1980b. Valdez city.budget, 1979 and 19      80.

                     Woodward-Clyde Consultants. 1980. Valdez flood investigation progress
                           report for the Federal Emergency@Management Agency.

                                                        3-63

                     Woodward-Clyde Consultants and Brown, Vence, and Associates. 1980. Valdez
                          solid waste disposal study. Prepared for the City of Valdez.

                     3.3     ECONOMIC RESOURCES

                     3.3.1   Introduction

                             The Valdez economy is supported by oil and gas property tax reven-
                     ue's.* Second only to the North Slope Borough, the City  of Valdez has
                     the next highest per.capita assessed value of any municipality in Alaska.
                     The per capita asse ssed value of property within the-Valdez taxing auth-
                     ority is $429,964, according to the Department of Community and Regional
                     Affairs' publication Alask.a Taxable 1980, January 1981. The North Slope
                     Borough has a per capita assessed value of $1,262,089, significantly
                     higher than Valdez, or any other Alaska municipality.

                             The high per capita assessed value of property of these two local
                     municipalities reflects the location of development and pipeline facil-
                     ities for the Prudhoe Bay oil field within their respective municipal
                     boundaries. For comparison, the per capita assessed value of property
                     within the Anchorage Municipality is only $36,682. Statewide it is
                     $58,896.

                             The per capita assessed value is the value of taxable property
                     within the b*oundaries of a local taxing authority as determined by state
                     And local tax assessors, divided by the number of residents living there.
                     A higher ratio or higher per capita assessed value creates taxing lever-
                     age. In 1980, Valdez collected $10,650,394 in oil property tax receipts
                     with a relatively low mill rate levy -- approximately 6.5 mills. In
                     other words, Valdez can collect a large sum in property tax revenues
                     with a relatively low nominal tax rate, because they tax the pipeline.

                     3.3.2 Employment Base

                             The City of Valdez has not always had such a bountiful and secure
                     source of revenue as oil and gas p  roperty tax@revenues. Prior to the

                                                      3-64

                     pipeline boom,  Valdez was a small local   port town. Its pre-eminence
                     as an ice free  port and link to the Interior was cut short with construc-
                     tion of a railhead at Seward in the 1920's. During the 1930's and 1940's
                     a cannery operated in Valdez, but Cordova became the capital of the
                     Prince William Sound fishery. Cordo   va also served as the railhead for
                     the copper industry that flourished near McCarthy in the early 1900's.

                            Valdez's role as a transhipment point for goods destined for
                     the Inter ior was briefly revived   during World War Il. However, the Valdez
                     community and economy remained relatively stagnant until Valdez was
                     chosen as  the marine terminal site for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
                     (TAPS).

                            The mainstay of the Valdez economy has historically been govern-
                     ment employment. Harborview Hospital was built inYaldez, a facility
                     for the mentally and physically handicapped. Valdez also became the
                     regional district office for.the State Department of Highways, now the
                     Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF). Prior to
                     construction of TAPS, government employed more than 60 percent of the

                     total work force.

                            Table 3.13 shows selected employment statistics for Valdez. The
                     data for 1968 is taken from a profile of Valdez, prepared by the Alaska
                     State, Department of Economic Development. The figures provide a glimpse
                     of the economy and employment base before construction of TAPS.

                            Of the 320 pe.ople working in Valdez during 1968, 220 (68.8 per-
                     cent) were employed  by state and local government. Payroll recorids reveal
                     18 people were employed by the City of Valdez, the remainder by the
                     st ate. The next highest employment sector was retail    which employed
                     only 23 people and accounted for a scant 7.2 percent      of total employment.

                            The effect of the pipeline on the economy of Valdez is clearly
                     shown by the statistics in Table 3.13. In 1976, the average number of

                                                       3-65

                    Table 3.13. Employment statistics, Alaska Department of Labor.      a

                                                 1979     1978     1977     1976     1975     1968b

                    Mining                          0        0        0        0        0       0
                    Construction                   49     .60     1,960C   3,452    1,819      15

                                  d
                    Manufacturing

                    Transportation,
                     Communication,   e
                     Public Utilities            339      346      ill      165      172       15

                    Wholesale                               10       14      14        22       8

                    Retail                       109      155      141      186      263       23

                    Fire                           34       26       40      45        36

                    Service                      226      292      404      544      265       26

                    Miscellaneous                    5                       14         7       3

                    Federal Government              14       5       12      11        10

                    State and Local
                     Government                  273      192      190      153      142       220

                    TOTAL                       1,049    1,086    2,872    4,584    2,729      320

                    aThe statistics are yearly averages from the State of Alaska, Department
                     of Labor, Employment Statistics. The figures are for area code 262
                     which includes the Valdez and Sheep Creek Census divisions. The statis-
                     tics were compiled by Joe Dohner, Research Analyst, Department of Labor.

                    bThese statistics are from a profile of Valdez published by the State
                     of Alaska', Department of Economic Development (now Department of Com-
                     merce and Economic Development) in 1969. The employment data was based
                     on 1968 data.

                    CThis figure is a six month average. The months are April, May, June,
                     July, August, September. No other monthly data was available.
                    dThe data for manufacturing is not    published, because it would reveal
                     statistics of an individual business establishment.

                    eThe data for Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities in-
                     cludes employees of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Inc., involved
                     in operation and maintenance of the pipeline terminal.

                    *Data not available.

                                                       3-66

                  construction workers was 1,411 or 11.3 percent. This was more than three
                  times the entire 1970 popul atio n of Valdez. As shown, st ate and local
                  government shrank to 153 employees or 3.3 percent of the total.

                         With completion of TAPS, government is once again assuming a
                  significant role. However, the transportation, communications and public
                  utilities sector is now the primary employer. This sector employed 339
                  people in 1979, or 32.3 percent of the total work force (including
                  Alyeska Pipeline Service Company employees). Government's share (includ-
                  ing the Federal Government) was 27.3 percent. By 1979, the construction
                  industry's share of the work force had shrunk to only 4.6 percent of
                  the total. Unemployment in Valdez in 1979 was between 16 percent and
                  18 percent, much higher than the statewide average (DOWL 1979).

                  3.3.3 Resource Development

                  Agriculture and Timber

                         Commercial agriculture in the Valdez area is not considered fea-
                  sible (City of Valdez 1979). However, the City of Valdez is actively
                  seeking contracts with Delta Junction area farmers to ship barley through
                  the Valdez port facility.

                         Similarly, there are no timber harvesting activities occurring
                  within the Valdez Coastal Management District at the present time, and
                  the commercial potential of timber lands within the District is minor.
                  Some timber harvesting is occurring on lands owned by Tatitlek Corpora-
                  tion in Prince William Sound, but timber in the round is being shipped
                  directly from the logging  sites

                  Minerals

                         Regarding minerals, the Port Valdez area has no operating mines
                  at the present time even though valuable metals once mined in the area

                                                  3-67

                  included gold (44 mines), silver (9 mines), copper (63 mines), lead (27
                  mines), and zinc (28 mines). The only mineral resource in the Valdez
                  area likely to affect coastal management activities is the copper mining
                  in the northeast area, i.e., from Port Valdez to Port Fidalgo (Valdez
                  Planning Department 1979). This twenty year operation was not only quite
                  limited as a mining activity (only about 100,000 tons were mined [Joint
                  Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission 1974]) but it is no longer
                  considered economically viable.

                         Gravel is currently being mined from several pits in the Valdez
                  Glacier Stream floodplain for local use. Primary users of gravel are
                  the port construction project and highway improvements.

                  Fisheries

                         Currently, salmon are the only commercial fisheries resource
                  being utilized in the.Valdez area. Port Valdez is closed to commercial
                  fishing, but several commercial fishing boats are based out of Valdez.
                  Salmon procesing has occurred on infrequent basis, but no processors
                  are operating-in Valdez at the present time. The City of Valdez is near
                  completion of a fisheries resource development feasibility study, and
                  is pursuing the establishment of a new fish processing facility at the
                  city dock.

                  Recreation/Tourism

                         Valdez has a moderately developed tourism industry at this time.
                  The city is on a Westour route that utilizes bussing from Anchorage,
                  touring the Alyeska Marine Terminal, and departure by one-day cruise
                  boat or ferry. The nearby Columbia Glacier is a prime tourist attraction
                  on the cruise boat and ferry route between Valdez and Whittier. Two
                  large tour boat operators are based in Valdez, and luxury cruise lines
                  have begun making scheduled stops in Valdez over the past two years.

                                                  3-68

                   1*1*4 Economic Growth

                          In many respects, the economy of Valdez reflects the economy
                   of the state as a whole. Both are virtually dependent on oil and gas
                   tax revenues, and current revenues far exceed the historic norm. Govern-
                   ment spending has exploded. In fact, Valdez even has a permanent fund.
                   In 1977, Valdez voters set aside $13.5 million to be held perpetually
                   in trust. Interest earnings may be used to fund either operating or
                   capital budget expenditures, but the principal may not be impaired.

                          The financial well-being of Valdez has allowed the city to attempt
                   to expand its economy. In 1979, the City of Valdez sold $48 million
                   in bonds for construction of port facilities. However, the bond package
                   was put together when Valdez had good reason to believe'Alpetco (Alaska
                   Oil Company) would construct an olefins petrochemical plant. Whether
                   the port facility will pay-off without Alpetco remains to be seen. This
                   will depend on the economic growth of Interior Alaska, and the economies
                   of sending goods through Valdez versus Anchorage, Whittier or Seward.

                          The Dow-Shell group is considering Valdez as a possible site
                   for a petrochemical facility. The abandoned Alpetco site is now avail-
                   able. Also, expanded port facilities should be in place and ready to
                   use. At this time, however, it is impossible to speculate on the location
                   of a gas liquids petrochemical industry, or if in fact there will ever
                   be such an industry in Alaska.

                          The Solomon Gulch hydroelectric  project is near compl etion. The
                   project should provide local low-cost power, some time in the future.
                   At 12 MW, the project is not, however, likely to supply power for any
                   major industrial activity. Total cost for the hydro project is around
                   $35 million.

                          The Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) is also planning
                   to install a 9 MW pressure reducing turbine in the pipeline itself.

                                                   3-69

                   The turbine would provide back-up power, as the flow rate through the
                   pipeline cannot be guaranteed at all times.

                          The City of Valdez is actively promoting fishing and fish proces-
                   sing. Also, the Valdez Fisheries Development Association is applying
                   for a permit to construct a salmon hatchery. The hatchery would be lo-
                   cated on Solomon Gulch Creek. The hatchery is planned to breed 50 million
                   pink salmon eggs and 18 million chum salmon eggs. Total cost of the
                   project is $1,771,000.

                          In the near term, however, the Valdez economy will be fueled
                   primarily by oil and gas property tax receipts. These revenues should
                   be substantial, and will last for some time.

                                                   3-70

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     1                4.0 GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS
     I

                                                                                    4.o

                                                                    GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS

                           The City of Valdez, like many other coastal communities in Alaska,
                    is subject to several categories of potentially destructive geophysical
                    hazards. Concern on the part of residents about the extent and nature of
                    such hazards is reasonable. Sensible community development depends upon
                    recognition of the constraints imposed by these hazards.

                           The objectives of this geophysical hazar ds study are threefold:

                                                           I

                           1. To identify (at the preliminary lev el) potential geophysical

                              hazards;

                           2. To make preliminary maps showing the approximate geographic
                              limits of these hazards; and

                           3. To recommend a logical plan for further detailed studies, where
                              appropriate. (See Appendix B.)

                    These objectives were accomplished by a literature review, aerial photo
                    interpretation, preliminary field reconnaissance, and utilizing results
                    of a detailed flood investigation.

                           This section is compiled from a limited review of existing litera-
                    ture, aerial photo interpretation, a brief field reconnaissance, and
                    abstractions from other Woodward-Clyde Consultants' studies conducted in
                    the Valdez area. All of the data and information presented herein are

                                                    4-1

                    preliminary. The boundaries of the hazard  area are based on interpreta-
                    tions of maps and aerial photographs, and have not been field checked.

                    Little information is available on recurrence intervals of avalanche and

                    mass wasting hazards. Little existing subsurface information is available
                    to evaluate the liquefaction potential of the granular deposits.that

                    underlie most of the flatter areas in the Valdez area.

                           The term "geophysical  hazard" is used here to describe, in gen-
                    eral, the seismic, mass wasting, avalanche, and flood hazards in the
                    Valdez area. Seismic hazards refer to dangers existing due either to
                    the proximity of fault lines and the potential for failure of poor found-
                    ation soils, or to the secondary triggering of mass wasting or avalanche
                    effects. Mass wasting hazards refer to the dangers of rock or debris
                    slides. Avalanche hazards Are related to airborne or groundborne snow
                    slides. Flood hazards refer to storm surges, voluminous rainfall, snow-
                    melt/glacier melt, release of water from glacier-dammed lakes, and tsu-
                    nami or earthquake-generated seiche waves.

                           Most of the information on the accompanying preliminary maps was
                    derived through the interpretation of three types of aerial photographs:
                    low altitude color stereo pairs; low altitude black and white stereo
                    pairs; and high altitude color infrared stereo pairs. A detailed flood
                    investigation was carried out concurrently with this investigation, and

                    the results are included here.

                           A preliminary field reconnaissance was made by helicopter. A
                    limited ground reconnaissance was conducted in the area between the
                    airport and Mineral Creek. The main intent of these reconnaissances

                    was to examine avalanche zones before all the snow had melted in the

                    area. Thus, other  things, such as mass wasting, lineaments, and features
                    covered by snow were not investigated during these reconnaissances.

                           The information and maps contained in this report are general
                    guidelines for future coastal planning, and are not intended to take the

                                                  4-2

                      place of detailed geologic investigations of specific sites.

                      4.1    REGIONAL SETTING

                             The new townsite of Valdez is located on the northeast end of Port

                      Valdez, the northeasternmost extension of Prince William Sound. Port

                      Valdez is separated from the valleys of Tnterior Alaska by the steep
                      slopes of the Chugach Mountains. These mountains are characterized by
                      rugged, steep-walled valleys containing an extensive system of valley
                      glaciers, and commonly rise abruptly from the shoreline. The steep moun-
                      tain walls extend below water level in Port Valdez, resulting in a steep-
                      sided, flat-bottomed trough 400 to 800 feet deep. Much of the Port Valdez
                      shoreline is steep and rocky, except for a few areas where deltas and
                      moraines have been placed in the port by rivers and glaciers. These
                      depositional features provide most of the developable areas of the City
                      of Valdez. This setting is similar to many coastal communities in the

                      mountainous areas of Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.

                             The present geomorphology of Port Valdez is the result of a combin-
                      ation of extensive tectonic forces, including regional uplift and intru-
                      sion of igneous rocks, and massive glaciation. The tectonic forces at

                      work in Lhe Valdez area are associated wi  th its location within the

                      circum-Pacific Seismic Belt and, more specifically, within a region that

                      has been identified as a tectonic subduction zone. The collision of two

                      tectonic plates in this region is believed to be responsible for the high
                      seismic and volcanic activity of the region.

                             The rocks of the Port Valdez region are mainly graywacke, slate,
                      and argillite of the Valdez Group, mildly metamorphosed locally to phyl-
                      lite or greenschist facies. Since the last glaciers that cove   red the
                      region began to recede, these rocks have been rebounding -- rising up-
                      ward. Both the depressing process and the ongoing rebounding have created
                      a complex system of joints (regularly occurring cracks) in the rocks. The
                      presence of these joints has played an important.role in the geomorphic
                      development of the Port Valdez Region.

                                                     4-3

                            Climate also plays an important role. The climate of Valdez is
                     controlled by'both cold polar air masses and warm, moist maritime air
                     masses. These combine to produce a relatively high average annual precip-
                     itation, much of which occurs in the fall. Deep snow accumulations build
                     at higher elevations such as Thompson Pass (to the east of Valdez),
                     which receives a mean of 550 inches of snow annually. During winter many
                     freeze-thaw cycles may occur. The joints in.the bedrock permit ample
                     infiltration of moisture which, upon freezing, wedges blocks and plates
                     of rock apart. These accumulate on the mountain slopes as debris.

                            Soil-forming processes have not made very much progress in the
                     area. The.dominance of mechanical weathering and the steepness of the
                     slopes have resulted in the formation of only a thin mantle of soil.
                     Below about the 2000-foot elevation, vegetation dominated by alder shrub
                     (Dames and Moore 1979) has been established to bind the soils. Above this

                     elevation, soil is rapidly removed by landsliding and soil creep, thus re-
                     tarding or preventing the development of soil-holding vegetation. Without
                     benefit of supporting vegetation, the accumulated debris is drawn down
                     by gravity and precipitation, causing active mass wasting.

                     4.2    POTENTIAL HAZARDS

                            The coastal zone in which Valdez is located is subject to several
                     potential hazards. Some of these are so infrequent as not to be of
                     serious concern, and some are in areas where other features such as

                     terrain may restrict reasonable development. In the following paragraphs
                     the potential hazards associated with seismic events, mass wasting,
                     avalanches, and floods are discussed as they could apply to Valdez.

                     4.2.1 Seismic Hazard

                            Earthquakes are responsible for four basic types of hazards:
                     ground rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, and tsunami. Ground rup-
                     ture is the opening of the ground surface as the result of fault displace-
                     ment or ground failures beneath this particular zone. Ground shaki.ng is

                                                  4-4

                       the movement induced in the ground by the energy release of the earth-
                       quake. Ground failure is the loss of strength of the ground by lique-
                       faction, sliding, and other effects of the earthquake shaking. Tsunamis
                       are the seismic sea waves caused by the energy release of the earthquake.
                       There are eleven major active fault systems within 150 miles of Port
                       Valdez that are capable of producing earthquakes strong enough to affect
                       Valdez. The dominant earthquake source is the plate boundary that under-
                       lies the region around Valdez at a depth of about 12 km.

                             Earthquakes result from displacement or movements of rock along
                       zones of weakness, or faults. These displacements do not always propogate
                       to the surface, but where they do they can cause severe damage to struc-
                       tures that may overlie them. Faults are often visible on aerial photo-
                       graphs as linear features (lineaments). However, not all lineaments seen
                       on aerial photographs result from faulting. A careful analysis is re-
                       quired to distinguish those lineaments that are potentially related to
                       faulting from these that are not. Lineaments not related to faul ting
                       include stream erosional or depositional features, and those of glacial
                       origin. Lineaments in the Valdez area that appear to be fault-related
                       have been mapped (Map 11). To confirm whether these lineaments are faults
                       and to assess their level of activity requires detailed ground geologic
                       studies. These studies will be hampered by the lack of obvious mappable.
                       geologic marker units, soil or glacial deposits and the often-extensive
                       vegetation cover. Although it may be shown that the lineaments are not
                       potentially hazardous faults or that the probability of sudden displace-
                       ments along these features is remote, until additional confirmation
                       studies are completed, these lineaments should be considered potentially
                       hazardous with respect to land use planning.

                             As for the hazards due to ground rupture, ground shaking, and
                       ground failure, geologic units, whether solid or unconsolidated, respond
                       differently to the vibrations of earthquakes. In many instances, struc-
                       tures located on soft ground have suffered greater damage than structures
                       on hard-rock formations. Water-filled alluvium or saturated filled ground

                                                    4-5

                     can magnify the amplitude of earthquake shockwaves. For the purposes of
                     this preliminary study, the areas on the map indicating floodplains,
                     deltas, or tidal zones are considered to have higher exposure to earth-
                     quake effects. In these areas special engineering may be necessary for
                     the construction of safe buildings. A detailed geotechnical investi-
                     gation would be needed to accurately differentiate all such areas.

                            Most damage during the 1964 earthquake occurred along the shore-
                     line of Port Valdez and was caused by ground failures a*nd seiches gen-
                     erated, in part, by submarine ground failures. Ground shaking led to
                     liquefaction of the unsupported delta deposits and submarine sliding
                     which in turn generated, or at least amplified, the seiches. Most of
                     the disturbance occurred within 1500 m (5000 ft) of the prequake shore-
                     line. The exception to.this limit was the area southwest of Knife Ridge
                     along the Dike (Dike Road) south of Valdez Glacier Stream. In that area
                     ground rupture and liquefaction were noted as far as 2450 m (8000 ft) in
                     from the preqvake shoreline (DOWL 1979).

                            During the 1964 earthquake, submarine landslides occurred in at
                     least two areas of Port Valdez, the most important one being at the
                     abovementioned delta front of Old Valdez. Small submarine slumps off
                     Shoup Spit at the western end of Port Valdez also contributed to the
                     seiche already oscillating in Port Valdez. The seiche attained its appar-
                     ent maximum runup height, as indicated by high-water marks on the snow,
                     of 170 feet above mean sea level at Cliff Mine near Shoup Bay (Coulter
                     and Migliaccio 1966). No traces of the 1964 tsunami or seiche damage
                     could be discerned from the available aerial photographs, even in Shoup
                     Bay where the runup was reported to be high. A detailed review of the
                     1964 earthquake and aerial photos taken shortly after the quake may
                     reveal zones affected by these wave phenomena.

                            The principal cause of damage to structures away from the water-
                     front was ground rupture and failure liquefaction of the saturated sands
                     and gravels underlying the structures. About 40 percent of the homes and

                                                  4-6

                      most of the commercial buildings in Valdez were seriously damaged by
                      resulting fissures which disrupted their foundations (Coulter and--,
                      Migliaccio 1966). The absence of evidence of damage due to waves, ground
                      rupture, or ground shaking to the single dwelling on the Mineral Creek
                      alluvial fan demonstrated its preferred location with regard to seismic
                      stability (Coulter and Migliaccio,1966).

                             The key conditions for high liquefaction potential are loose
                      granular sediments and high water table. All areas believed to consist of
                      loose, saturated, fine sand and silt.have been delineated on Map 11.
                      Areas with these conditions have been subjected to disturbance during
                      previous earthquakes. Not all the areas depicted on the map have the same
                      potential for damage, and some areas where the liquefaction potential is
                      high may have been missed in this cursory study. The boundaries presented
                      are generalizations of data prepared by others. Zones that are shown as
                      having a high potential for liquefaction should be thoroughly investi-
                      gated prior to placing structures in these areas. Also, structures placed
                      in these areas should be engineered to adequately withstand effects of
                      liquefaction predicted during site-specific geotechnical studies. The
                      site of Old Valdez probably has the highest potential for liquefaction,
                      since it is located on an unretained saturated delta front subject to sub-
                      marine sliding, liquefaction, and subsidence. The Mineral Creek delta to
                      the west of New Valdez may have similar high potential. The saturated
                      lake deposits adjacent to Robe Lake may also have high potential for
                      ground failure. The Lowe River deposits constitute less of a hazard
                      because they are more or less contained (except at the mouth of the
                      river) by steep valley walls which restrict their movement; therefore,
                      they are not included on the map.

                             In addition to primary seismic hazards, a common secondary effect
                      of earthquakes is the triggering of mass wasting and avalanche events
                      that normally occur in smaller quantities and at slower rates. The devel-
                      opment of some of the larger scars on the map was likely influenced by

                      seismic vibrations.

                                                   4-7

                   4.2.2 Mass Wasting Hazard

                          Mass wasting refers to the down-slope movement of rock, soil, and

                   other debris. Snow avalanches could also be cohsidered a form of mass
                   wasting, but have been treated separately in this study. Rock avalanches
                   and mud flows are typical forms of mass wasting found in Alaska. However,
                   in theValdez area, mass wasting is generally related to rock falls and
                   debris slides. Rock falls, in most cases, are    associated with steep
                   slopes; accumulations of debris at the toes of slopes are limited to
                   20 to 30 feet from the slope. Debris slides occur where thick      deposits
                   consisting of combinations of soil, rock, vegetation, water, snow, and/or
                   ice accumulate on bedrock slopes. These can become a major consideration
                   during hazard assessments because large volumes of materials can begin to
                   slide at high speed and terminate great distances from the toe of the
                   slope.

                          In Valdez, there are many slopes near 90   0, which are generally due
                   to past glaciation. The predominant strike of foliation and/or bedding
                   planes in the area appears to be in a general east-west direction. The
                   predominant dip is steep and to the north. In several areas, such as
                   Mineral Creek and at the Valdez Glacier Stream, these east-west striking
                   formations have been cut by north-south trending fluvial drainage
                   courses, which have left shallower valley wall slopes (near 40    0 to 50 0
                   Most debris slides occur on these flatter slopes, the character of the
                   bedrock and the glacial scouring produced.numerous steps, which contain
                   the limited debris moving downslope. This limits the material coming down
                   the slopes to local rock falls. Debris slides and mass wasting on the
                   north and south-facing slopes are minimal. Obvious debris slides have
                   been mapped (Map 11). Occasional rock fall areas should be expected
                   within about 100 feet of any slopes.steeper than about 400. Rock falls
                   can be contained, in most instances, to minimize the potential hazard.
                   Debris slides, on the other hand, may require extensive and costly engi-
                   neered systems to reduce their potential-impact. Some of the smaller

                                                     4-8

                    debris slopes may not have been detectable on the aerial photographs. For
                    thi's reason caution is recommended in building any structures near steep
                    slopes.

                    4.2.3 Avalanche Hazard

                           Preliminary data on avalanche starting zones, tracks (or chutes),
                    and rbnout zones are indicatedon Map 13. Be@ause of the glaciation of
                    Port Valdez and some of its tributary valleys, there are many steep-
                    walled mountains and consequent potential avalanche zones. As with mass
                    wasting, avalanchesare more likely to occur where slopes are steep and

                    where snow can accumulate. The northern shore of Port Valdez between the

                    airport and the city has low avalanche potential. Here the steeply dip-
                    ping slopes strike east-west and have large steps. The steps catch the
                    snow sliding from higher elevations, thus protecting the lower elevations
                    betwe@n the airport and the new town. The nea,r-vertical lower slopes

                    prevent the accumulation of snow at those levels. Certain areas within
                    Mineral Creek valley and other t@ibutary valleys where fluvial erosion
                    predominated are more prone to avalanche because local slopes are shallow
                    enough to permit accumulation, yet sLeep enough to provide chutes.
                    Keystone Canyon and its near-vertical walls are not conducive to snow

                    accumulation, and therefore have a lower hazard potential than a canyon
                    with more gradual slopes. The avalanche chutes in this area are generally
                    related to areas where erosion has lessened the grade.

                           Avalanches can be a high-frequency problem that will have to be
                    handled thoughtfully. Damage from avalanches is primarily to structures
                    lying in the path of runout zones. Construction near the ends of aval-
                    anche chutes or runout zones should be adequately engineered to mitigate
                    the hazard. Runout zones can be reduced in size by the construction of
                    retarding structures (mounds) and deflecting structures. There are also
                    supporting structures for avalanche starting zones. Avalanche control
                    with explosives and artillery can be considered in some areas. These may
                    eventually become viable solutions since land available for development
                    is so physically limited in Valdez.

                                                     4-9

                   4.2.4 Flood Hazard

                          Flood hazards include those due to tsunamis; storm surges; volumi-
                   nous rainfall, snowmelt, and glacier melt; and release of glacier-dammed
                   lakes. Tsunami flooding is defined in Subsection 4.2.1, Seismic Hazards;
                   because Port Valdez is protected by its orientation, tsunamis are not a
                   likely hazard.

                          The main riverine flows in the developed and developable areas of
                   Valdez come from three sources: Valaez Glacier Stream, Mineral Creek,
                   and Lowe River. In addition,, development has occurred adjacent to Robe
                   River, and has been planned adjacent to Corbin and Slater Creeks. The
                   flood boundaries of these and the other waterways have been indicated on
                   Map 14. Floodways extending beyond the limits of the Valdez Flood Study
                   area (Keystone Canyon, Upper Mineral Creek) have not been mapped.

                   Storm Surge Flo2@

                          Storm surges are relatively long-term, local increases in water
                   level resulting from offshore storms. Maximum hazard results when such
                   a surge coincides with a maximum tide.

                          The City of Valdez is exposed to the hazard of combined storm
                   surge/high-tide flooding due to winter storms in the Gulf of Alaska.
                   Factors affecting storm surges include coastline topography and climato-
                   logical characteristics, such as atmospheric pressure, speed and direc-
                   tion of the storm center relative to the coastline, and the stage of
                   frontal development (Intersea Research Corporation 1977). Storm surges at
                   Valdez may be affected by local conditions such as the dissipative effect
                   of flow through Valdez Narrows or the potential effects of local winds
                   amplifying or damping the water level of the storm surge.

                          Estimated combined storm surge and astronomical tide elevation
                   in Port Valdez with a 100-year recurrence interval is 10.6 feet above sea

                                                   4-10

                    level. Such flooding can occur along the entire Port Valdez shoreline.
                    Because of the steep terrain, the area affected by the hazard is gen-
                    erally small. The relatively flat land of the river deltas allows for
                    greater flooding.

                    Rainfall/Snowmelt/Glacier  Melt Flooding

                           Floods occur in rivers as a result of a large input of water
                    to the drainage basin in the form of rainfall, snowmelt, glacier melt,
                    or a combination of these inputs. In the Valdez area, as well as most

                    coastal areas of Southcentral and Southeast Alaska, the floods due to

                    snowmelt are typically lower in magnitude than those due to rain storms
                    in late summer or fall. Glacier melt is typically largest in late summer,
                    increasing the potential magnitude of late summer rainfall floods in
                    glacial streams.

                           The primary factors that affect the magnitude of riverine flooding
                    include the size of the drainage basin contributing flow to the river;
                    the amount and distribution of the precipitation that falls on the basin;
                    the size and location-of lakes, wetlands, or other water storage basins
                    within the drainage basin; and the size and location of glaciers within
                    the drainage basin. Frequent river flooding should be expected in the
                    unvegetated floodplains of all the rivers in the area. Less frequent
                    flooding occurs in overbank areas adjacent to the rivers.

                    Glacier-Dammed Lake Release Flooding

                           Glacier-dammed lakes form when a stream is blocked by a glacier.
                    Flooding occurs when lake water develops an escape route through, under,
                    or over the glacier dam. The escape route enlarges, allowing the lake to
                    drain rapidly.

                           Little  is known about factors affecting flooding from glacier-
                    dammed lakes. Some potential factors include the mechanism by which
                    the lake releases, the volume of water in the lake, and the route through

                                                     4-11

                    which the lake water travels before reaching the area subject to flood-
                    ing. The frequency of glacier-dammed lake releases is likely related
                    to the time necessary for the lake to fill and for a drainage cIhannel to
                    become blocked, and the position and movement of the damming glacier.

                           Estimates of flood discharges resulting from glacier7dammed lake
                    ,releases combined with potential concurrent rainstorm floods in the
                    basins of Valdez Glacier Stream and Lowe River are 46,000 cubic feet per
                    second (cfs) and 59,900 cfs, respectively. Estimates of the extent of
                    flooding, assuming that the average daily peaks of the rainfall/glacier
                    melt flood and the glacier-dammed lake release flood coincide, are given
                    in Map 14.

                    4.3    GEOPHYSICAL HAZARD LITERATURE CITED AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

                    Coulter, H. W. and E. B. Coulter. 1962. Preliminary geologic map of
                         the Valdez-Tickel Belt, Alaska. U..S. Department of the Interior,
                         Geological Survey, Map 1-356.

                    Coulter, H. W. and R. R. Migliaccio. 1966. Effects of the earthquake
                         of March 27, 1964, at Valdez, Alaska. U. S. Department of the In-
                         terior, Geological Survey, Professional Paper 542-C, 36 p.

                    Dames and Moore. 1977. Geotechnical and environmental evaluation: City
                         of Valdez Port Expansion Study, Phase I, Anchorage, Alaska.
                         13 p. + App.

                    Dames and Moore. 1979. Plant communities of eastern Port Valdez, Alaska.
                         Prepared for Alaska Petrochemical Company, Anchorage, Alaska,
                         p. 1-400 to 1-416.

                    Daniel, Mann,.Johnson, and Mendenhall. 1972. Geophysical hazards invest-
                         igations for the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska. Portland,
                         Oregon.

                    DOWL. 1979. Geotechnical studies for the proposed Alpetco refining and
                         petrochemical facility, Valdez, Alaska, Volume II. Anchorage,
                         Alaska.

                    Federal Insurance Administration. Undated. Flood insurance study, City of
                         Valdez, Alaska. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
                         17 p.

                                                    4-12

                    Ferrians, Jr., 0. J. 1971. Preliminary engineering geologic maps of the
                         proposed trans-Alaska pipeline route-Valdez quadrangle, U. S. Depart-
                         ment of the Interior, Geological Survey, Map 495.

                    Higgs, N. B. 1973. Preliminary en .gineering geology of Keystone Canyon.
                         U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

                    Intersea Research Corporation. 1977. Frequency analysis of combined storm
                         surge and tide elevation for three Alaskan communities. Prepared for
                         Tryck, Nyman, and Hayes, Anchorage, Alaska. 88 p. + App.

                    McGarr, A., and R. C. Vorhis. 1968. Seismic seiches from the March,
                         1964 Alaska earthquake. U. S. Department of the Interior, Geological
                         Survey, Professional Paper 544-E.

                    Miller,.R. D. 1972. Surficial geology of the Juneau urban area and vicin-
                         ity, Alaska, with emphasis on earthquake and other geologic hazards.
                         United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Open
                         File Report.

                    Morsell, J. W., et al. 1979. Environmental assessment, City of Valdez
                         port expansion project. Dames and Moore, San Francisco, California.

                    Municipality of Anchorage. 1979. Anchorage Coastal Management Program
                           final report. Abchorage, Alaska, 179 P.

                    Perla, R. I. and M. Martinelli, Jr. 1976. Avalanche handbook. U. S.
                         Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Handbook 489.

                    Schultz, J. R. and A. B *Cleaver. 1955. Geology engineering. Wiley and
                         Sons, Inc., New York.

                                                    4-13

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     1                     5.0 RESOUCE ANALYSIS
     I                                             I
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                                                                                    5.o

                                                                      RESOURCE ANALYSIS

                   5.1    INTRODUCTION

                          To implement the Coastal Management Program, the residents of

                   Valdez will make decisions on the use of coastal resources. Residents

                   strongly support economic growth of the community and multiple-use manage-
                   ment of resources. Relatively limited level land, g ood air and water
                   quality, and important fish and wildlife resources indicate a need for
                   trade-offs among resource uses. By assessing the demands on coastal
                   resources and the capability of those resources to meet demands, the
                   resource analysis provides a reasoned approach to making resource use

                   decisions.

                          The resource analys is:

                          o Assesses present and anticipated demands on coastal resources;

                          o Evaluates resource sensitivity and capability to meet demands;

                          o Projects significant anticipated changes in inventory charac-

                            teristics; and

                          o Classifies coastal management areas based on local needs, re-
                            source sensitivity, and other factors, such as public safety.

                                                    5-1

                           The resource analysis is structured to consider the Valdez Coastal
                    Management District as a whole and as 12 subareas or analysis zones. The
                    regional analysis examines known and possible chang es that may affect the
                    economic and physical environment of the Valdez area, including new
                    economic activity, population growth, changes in air and water quality,
                    demand for housing and services, and fish and wildlife habitat.

                           The geographic analysis addresses specific,activities, potential
                    problems, and trends within each of the 12 subareas according to the
                    following parameters:

                           � Projected resource use and activities
                           � Coastal habitats
                           � Air and water quality
                           � Geophysical hazards
                           � Land use, management, and status

                           � Transportation

                           � Recreation

                           � Energy facilities
                           � Community facilities

                           � Use classification

                           Areas within subzones are classified for either development or
                    conditional development. Development areas, as the name suggests, permit
                    development to take place according to the zoning ordinance, building
                    code, and applicable federal and state regulations. Conditional develop-
                    ment zones are designed where special biological resources, geophysical
                    hazards, coastal habitats, coastal access, or other factors constrain
                    development. Areas classified as conditional development zones may be
                    subject to sp ecial siting, design, and construction requirements, and

                    w
                     ill be considered by the Community Development Department on a site-by-
                     l

                    site basis.

                                                     5-2

                     5.2     REGIONAL ANALYSIS

                     5.2.1 Economic Growth

                             After experiencing   the boom/bust cycle of Alyeska pipeline con-
                     struction, the City of Valdez is determined to foster stable growth
                     of the local economy. A number of projects are proposed and several
                     already started to assure steady employment and income. These projects
                     include facilities for a major port, a petrochemical complex, hydroelec-
                     tric power generation, and commercial fish processing. Construction
                     of these facilities would generate immediate employment opportunities
                     and the operation of the facilities would provide permanent jobs. Based
                     on the pipeline experience, one new service job would be created for
                     every four construction and operation jobs.

                             The keystone of  this strategy is imp  rovement of the harbor and
                     expansion of the port.   Studies have indicated that savings could be
                     realized if freight destined for Interior Alaska were routed through
                     an improved Valdez port rather than through Anchorage. Vessels bringing
                     goods for the Interior would then be loaded with outgoing minerals,
                     forest and agricultural products such as     barley, and processed fish. The
                     upgrading of the port and harbor would create 115 construction jobs
                     last ing two to three years. Once completed, operation of the port would
                     require 15 permanent employees.

                             The Solomon Gulch hydroelectric project is already underway, and
                     has created 1.00 construction jobs. Upon completion it will employ two
                     operators. Hydroelectric power is favored as an alternative to fossil
                     fuel generation because of the added capacity and possibility for elec-
                     tric rates not tied to the.rising    price of oil..This reasonable, stably-
                     priced source of energy will not only lower-lo.cal rates in the long run,
                     but be a selling point for other industrial development projects.

                             Expansion of the fishing industry is also proposed, with the
                     biggest potential foreseen in salmon. New boats, gear, and support and

                                                        5-3

                    processing facilities would be needed. A new commercial boat harbor would
                    provide space and support facilities for fishing vessels, tenders, and
                    possibly processing vessels. The city has actively promoted the establish-
                    ment of a salmon freezer plant processing facility near the small boat
                    harbor, and a hatchery site at Solomon Gulch. The processed fish would      be
                    shipped out through the new port and up to 50 new     jobs would likely be

                    created.

                            The tourist industry has untapped potential, and the port and
                    expanded harbor would facilitate its realization. The major attraction
                    is the coastal marine environment, and numerous coastal parks have been
                    proposed and several developed.. A bigger port could attract more cruise
                    ship traffic.

                            The city is endeavoring.to create new job opportunities for its
                    citizens. Since many of the jobs require specific skills, the city is
                    considering training residents for these specialized, higher paying

                    jobs.

                            other long-term  potentials include primary processing and ship-
                    ment of timber and mineral resource products. The Tatit'lek Native Cor-
                    poration will be logging some of its lands in Prince William Sound.
                    Depending on the market for round and processed timber, these products
                    could be shipped through the,city's port. Similarly, mineral production
                    in the Valdez area may become economically feasible as mineral prices
                    rise. Processed ore could also pass through the city's port facility. The
                    city is also working to encourage the establishment of a major marine
                    repair facility in Valdez.

                    5.2.2   Population

                            As the City of Valdez pursues its goals of diversifying and stabi-
                    lizing its economy, its population is likely to increase. Some of this
                    growth will be large, temporary increases associated with the influx of

                                                       5-4

                     labor for large construction projects. A long-term increase associated
                     with industry operational workforce and associated service industries

                     will also occur.

                            The most si gnificant constraints-on the ability of the Valdez
                     area to handle these increases are the availability of housing, and the
                     capacity and distribution  of municipal services. Availability of housing
                     for@c,onstruction personnel is relatively good, between local motels,
                     Keystone Camp, And other service camps in the airport area. With a per-
                     manent-housing vacancy rate estimated at 3.1 percent (DOWL Engineers
                     1979b), however, the ability to handle a major increase is limited.
                     Residential expansion will probably take place through a combination of
                     private and city development projects, and possibly through further state
                     land disposal actions. A significant increase, coupled with rising
                     single-family housing costs, may necessitate development of higher den-
                     sity (multi-family) and mobile home housing. Municipal services vary in
                     their ability to meet population.growth. With current capital improve-
                     ments, water supply is adequate to meet future demands with extension of
                     the distribution system. The sewer system has both excess capacity and
                     room for expansion if the service area is expanded. Solid waste disposal
                     is not adequate for current demands, and will require a new location and

                     incineration facilities.

                            The Valdez Coastal Management Survey indicates that 80 percent
                     of Valdez residents would like to see the community's population in-
                     crease. Approximately 34 percent of the residents preferred a population
                     between 7,500 and 10,000, 24 percent between 5,000 and 7,500, 28 percent
                     between 4,000 and 5,000, and 3 percent over 10,000.

                     5.2.3 Transportation

                            The transportation system of Valdez has'fluctuated between a small
                     system serving a typical coastal community to a system more character-
                     istic of a regional industrial and distribution center. Through its

                                                      5-5

                    Capital Improvements Program and bond issues, the city is building.the
                    transportation infrastructure needed to become a regional distribution
                    port and fishing fleet support base.

                          Problems with reliability, frequency of service, cost, and capa-
                    city characterize this transition. Weather and topographic conditions
                    still isolate Valdez from time to time; the Richardson Highway or the
                    Valdez airport can be closed for several days at a time,due to weather
                    and/or avalanches. Both the city and the State Department of Transpor-
                    tation are trying to overcome these problems with airport improvements,
                    and with highway relocation, upgrading, and increased maintenance. The
                    low frequency of truck and marine fre ight service still reflects low
                    volumes generated by a small population, and as a result costs are high.
                    The frequency of ferry service is excellent during the summer season, but

                    service is discontinued to Whittier and reduced to Cordova from October

                    to May as the high-volume tourist traffic drops off. (Nearly three-
                    quarters of respondents to the Coastal Management Questionaire felt that
                    increased ferry service was important to Valdez.) The frequency and
                    capacity of air transportation is.adequate for current passenger traffic,
                    although plane size limits the size of air freight items.

                          The completion of the.Valdez Port facility will have an immense
                    impact on the city's transportation role. It will provide a facility
                    capable of handling large volumes of construction equipment and supplies,
                    both for projects in Valdez and in the Interior of Alaska. As fisheries,
                    mining, agricultural, timber, and petrochemical industries develop at
                    tidewater and in the Interior, the Valdez Port will be capable of hand-
                    ling export of products to domestic and international markets. Through
                    local population growth and capture of distribution to the Interior, the
                    port could break the present reliance on truck and rail transport from
                    Anchorage. Expansion of the small boat harbor and construction of a
                    commercial boat harbor to handle boats too large for the small boat
                    harbor are scheduled for 1981-82 and 1983, respectively. The commerc ial
                    boat harbor will be designed to accommodate vessels'between 60 feet and

                                                    5-6

                     300 feet.long. In addition to the harbor expansion,@a mobile crane boat-
                     lift capable of handling boats of up to 50 feet will be installed at the
                     small boat.harbor in,1983.

                             Development of transportation far-ilities.requires consideration
                     of oth er coastal resource values in two locations. The port project
                     borders the Valdez Duck Flats, an area of high biological and special
                     interest to state and federal agencies. A cooperative effort between
                     the city and agencies has resulted in port development that is compatible
                     with  the Duck Flats-Similarly, the Richardson Highway traverses.the area
                     proposed as Keystone Canyon State Park. Should a park be established,
                     cooperation is needed to ensure that the highway can be improved for
                     transportation to.the Interior, yet enhance park use and appreciation of

                     scenic values.

                     5.2.4. Housing

                             The'.,demand.for housing is linked to population, income, and
                     housing costs. At the current population, demand is high for low-cost
                     single-family housing and multi-family rental units. The supply of bo-th
                     is low, evidenced by a high proportion of mobile home ownership and
                     waiting lists for apartment space.

                             The vacancy rate wa,s estimated at 3.1 percent in 1979 (DOWL
                     Engineers 1979b). There are few vacant units to absorb increased long-
                     term demand; new housing will be required for new, nonconstruction resi-
                     dents. The supply of temporary housing for construction workers appears
                     adequate.,to meet demands. Local motels have been housing construction
                     crews  off-season, and space is available in Keystone Camp and other
                     camps  in the airport area. Some land for residential development is
                     available from private owners (Meals Hills, Port Valdez Company.proper-
                     ties at the -new town site, and Alpine Woods.), and the city has selected
                     Mineral Creek as a residential area. State land disposals also have the
                     potential to provide land for resi  dential development. However, under
                     current land disposal procedures, the state is exempt from meeting local

                                                        5-7

                   Oubdivision standards and.requirements, leaving the City of Valdez with
                    the expense of providing access and other municipal services. The Dis-
                    trict Coastal Management Program.will require that future land disposals
                    meet Valdez subdivision ordinance requirements. The coastal management
                    questionaire indicated that 72 percent of the respondents felt that it
                    was important to make more.residential land available for development.

                           Custom single-family homes will be built on an individual basis,
                    and mobile homes will continue to be an important form of new housing.
                    When project-induced population changes occur, the housing market will
                    probably respond.

                    5.2.5 Community Facilities and Services

                           The adequacy and'cost of community services vary with who pro-
                    vides the service, extent of areas served, and site characteristics.

                    For an Alaskan community of its size, Valdez is unparalleled in its educa-
                    ti on, fire protection, and police services. The financial health of
                    Valdez keeps the cost of these services to residents low. Health care and
                    medical services are also good.

                           Private utilities meet the telephone and electric service needs of
                    the existing population. Telephone service has the capacity for an ad-
                    ditional 1200 households (3600 residents). The Copper Valley Electric
                    Association (CVEA) provides enough electricity-to meet all local demands;
                    however, electric costs are high compared with those in Anchorage 'and

                    Fairbanks. Much of this cost is due to the rate structure for the entire

                    CVEA service area, and construction costs of new projects such as Solomon
                    Gul.ch and its distribution line. Because the City of Valdez feels that
                    the cost of power is both a burden to its residents and a disincentive to
                    industrial development, the city is negotiating with CVEA for the pur-
                    chase of the utility.

                                                     5-8

                           Municipal-run utilities - sewer, water, and solid waste - suffer
                    from service limitations 'and facility/site problems. Two major residen-
                    tial areas, Robe River subdivision and Alpine Woods, are not served
                    by city sewer or water, and utilize on-site.systems. A high groundwater
                    t,able in both-areas has caused problems with properfunctioning of septic
                    tanks. Problems related to pipe depth:and corrosion of water lines,
                    and sewer line infiltration will be corrected   by the completion of the
                    current Capital Improvement Program. Both the water supply and the sewage
                    treatment plant have the capacity for additional demand, or can be easily
                    expanded.

                           The city's sanitary landfill i's beset by poor site conditions
                    and ina dequate expansion space. Installation of an incinerator has b een
                    considered, but a new or auxilliary site for solid waste disposal is

                    also needed.

                           Expansion of specific community facilities is discussed in Section
                    5.3, Geographic Analysis.

                    5.2.6 Physical Oceanography

                           The present knowledge of Port Valdez physical oceanography does
                    not provide a detailed picture of water movements throughout the fjord.
                    As already noted, short-term  current measurements (Colonell 1979) and
                    drogue tracking observations (Muench and Nebert 1973) in the eastern
                    half of the fjord indicate sluggish motion at best, and suggest that
                    the water there is virtually st agnant much of the time. Also, there is
                    the possibility that the eastern half of the fjord is essentially decoup-
                    led from the western half, an impression based on satellite photographs
                    that-show the Lowe River sediment plume tracing a counterclockwise gyre
                    in the east end.of  Port Valdez. While the latter possibility does not
                    rule out the flushing of water (and pollutants) from the east end of the
                    fjord, it does suggest that such flushing might not readily occur. Vig-
                    orous current activity at Valdez Narrows does not necessarily ensure a

                                                     5-9

                   simultaneous circulation and renewal of water throughout the fjord.
                   Because there is no information to the contrary, it cannot be said with
                   certainty that such circulation does not occur. To reiterate, the avail-
                   able physical oceanographic data do not permit conclusions about the
                   overall circulation of water in the fjord.

                          Given the present limited knowledge of water circulation within
                   Port Valdez, a conservative stance in evaluating future effluent dis-
                   charge activities is justified because of the possible accumulation of
                   waterborne pollutants that would occur under stagnation conditions.
                   Presently permitted discharges into the fjord should be monitored, and
                   the consideration of additional discharges given increased scrutiny.
                   Heretofore, successive applications for permits have been regarded as
                   virtually separate and independent matters, without sufficient attention
                   to possible cumulative effects. The lack of knowledge of circulation in
                   the east end of the fjord, and of the ultimate fate of pollutants dis-
                   charged there, underscores the need, to adopt a conservative view with
                   regard to evaluation of additional discharge permit applications. The
                   continued addition of permitted discharges without consideration for
                   possibly detrimental results of their combined and overall effects could
                   lead to irreversible damage to the water quality and biota of Port
                   Valdez. Indeed, the fjord must be viewed comprehensively instead of
                   piecemeal by the regulatory agencies if the biologically productive

                   character of the marine environment is to be maintained..

                   5.2.7 Air Quality

                          The ability to maintain industrial growth within the Valdez
                   Coastal Management District is dependent upon the existing air quality,
                   as well as the air pollution associated with future industrial projects
                   in this area. New sources of air pollution are regulated and controlled
                   by the EPA's recently revised Prevention of Significant Deterioration
                   regulations (PSD) (published in the August 7, 1980 Federal Register).
                   These regulations establish allowable increments for SO 2 and particulate

                                                   5-10

                    matter, above baseline concentration. As industries locate in Valdez,
                    they "tie-up" or consume this available increment in the Valdez airshed.
                    Thus, new projects applying for permits must work within the remaining

                    available increment.

                            Although the PSD increment limits do not necessarily preclude
                    sources from locating in the Valdez airshed, they place a constraint
                    on the siting of new facilities. The PSD regulations essentially prevent
                    large new sources emitting identical.pollutants from locating near each
                    other. Currently, the Alaska Petrochemical Company applied and received
                    a PSD permit fora refinery to be located in the Valdez area. The ALPETCO
                    project was cancelled, however, thereby freeing its allocated increment.

                            As mentioned above, industries wishing to locate within the Valdez
                    area may be constrained by oth  er i ndustries which have received PSD
                    permits and have effectively "reserved" portions of the allowable incre-
                    ment. The City of Valdez should consider what types of industries it
                    wishes to attract with respect to the percentage of increment that will
                    be consumed. Remaining available increment could be calculated by obtain-
                    ing or preparing profiles of typical facility emission types, and perform-
                    ing screening dispersion models. This would provide projections of con-
                    centrations which could be compared with current increment ceilings
                    as well as federal and state ambient air qua    lity standards. Such a pro-
                    gram would provide input to local decisions involving new industrial
                    facilities. It would also provide helpful information to industries

                   .interested in Valdez as a,location.-

                            It should be noted that the PSD review required by the EPA as
                    well as the State of Alaska requires an.extensive modeling analysis,
                    and may include preconstruction monitoring programs. The City of Valdez
                    may wish to consider conducting the   ir own air sampling program. Such
                    data would be available to the public, and would satisfy PSD requirements
                    for many potential sources, saving up to 12 months of. delay in most
                    cases. When designating industrial land and evaluating industrial develop-

                                                      5-11

                  ment proposals, the City of Valdez can make such designations based
                  on monitoring data and screening modeling which takes into account plume
                  impingement on terrain, and the location of residential and commercial

                  use areas.

                  5.2.8 Water Quality

                        Maintenance of local water quality is a goal of the City of
                  Valdez. High water quality is also important to healthy populations
                  of anadromous fish, particularly given local interest in expanding com-
                  mercial and recreation fisheries. As development occurs, water quality
                  can be affected by effluent discharge, urban runoff, and increased sedi-
                  ment loads from man-induced erosion. Existing state and federal regula-
                  tions provide adequate water quality control on a project-specific basis;
                  awareness of potential cumulative problems will also help maintain water
                  quality.

                  Saltwater

                        A preliminary physical oceanographic analysis indicates lack of
                  knowledge on flushing action and circulation within the eastern half of

                  Port Valdez. Potential sources of effluent in this area include treated

                  waste discharges from a fish processing plant at the city dock. Popula-
                  tion growth will increase the volume of treated sewage effluent. As
                  additional in.dustrial development occurs, the capability of Port Valdez
                  to disperse effluent become's more important to maintaining water quality.
                  A study of Port Valdez circulation is recommended to provide information
                  for the evaluation, siting, and design of industrial development.

                  Surface Water

                         Because many rivers and streams carry naturally high sediment
                  loads from glacial action, they are relatively unaffected by increased
                  levels of treated effluent and man-induced sedimentation. Others, such as

                                                  5-12

                   anadromous fish streams, are sensitive to water quality and sediment
                   loads. Activities with the potential to affect site-specific water
                   quality are discussed in Section 5.3, Geographic Analysis.

                   Ground Water

                          The quality of ground water is of concern because of localized use
                   of on-site wells for domestic water supply. In areas of poor drainage and
                   a high water table, contamination of ground water by on-site septic tank
                   waste disposal systems is a potential problem. Industrial and urban water
                   runoff that is not intercepted by storm drains and other systems can also
                   affect ground-water quality. Development activities should consider the
                   potential for these problems as appropriate. Activities with the poten-
                   tial to affect site-specific water quality are discussed in Section 5.3,
                   Geographic Analysis.

                   5.2.9 Geophysical Hazards

                          Responsible coastal management should maximize public safety
                   while minimizing the economic hardship resulting from development restric-
                   tions. Three factors affect the level of analysis of geophysical hazards
                   and resulting management alternatives in Valdez: data availability, the
                   ability of individuals to assess degree of hazard, and acceptable risk.

                          Availability of data on the location, frequency, and magnitude
                   of hazards in Valdez is variable. For some hazards (seiche waves and

                   other seismic events) historic data are available; others are obvious
                   to the eye (avalanche) or identified as a potential hazard (mass wast-
                   ing). Only in the case of the Valdez Flood Study have regional hazards
                   been quantified. When evaluating a use or proposed activity in a specific
                   area, site-specific investigations are 'usually required to determine
                   the degree of hazard and to design appropriate safeguards for mass wast-
                   ing and seismic events.

                                                   5-13

                          The ability of individuals to assess the degree of hazards varies,
                   as do the financial resources required to investigate hazards. Large
                   industrial projects asse.ss hazards to protect their investments and to
                   properly site, design, and construct projects. In addition to being able
                   to afford such studies, large developers,are often .required by permit
                   stipulations to investigate hazards. The individual buying a lot or
                   building a house is less able to afford site-specific studies and more
                   dependent on public information to understand degree of hazard.

                          Finally, both priva te individuals and the City of Valdez need
                   to determine what is an acceptable level of risk from exposure to geo-
                   physical hazards. All of southcentral coastal Alaska faces the probabil-
                   ity of earthquakes and their attendant hazards of tsunami, ground rup-
                   ture, liquefaction, and mass wasting. Living within this large hazard
                   zone is an acceptable risk to coastal Alaskan residents. Building near
                   an avalanche chute or in an area that floods every three years may not
                   be acceptable, particularly to a local government that is responsible for
                   providing services and repairing hazard-damaged public facilities.

                          These factors affect local government decision-making in permit-
                   ting use of potentially hazardous areas. Facing a lack of data, a "conser-
                   vative approach" that unconditionally restricts development in poten-
                   tially hazardous lands can inflict economic hardship on landowners and
                   developers. At the same time a "hands off" approach can result in local
                   government expense and municipal liability as the permitter. Some
                   decision-making options include requiring developers in hazardous areas
                   to show investigation of hazard, or government funding of more detailed
                   hazard investigations.

                          Analysis of geophysical hazards, based on historical data and
                   field reconnaissance, is presented under the appropriate geographic
                   area analysis.

                                                   5-14

                   5.3    GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS (See Map 13.)

                   5.3.1 Keystone Canyon

                   Projected Resource Use and Activities

                          o Richardson Highway Transportation Corridor. Potential highway
                            improvements, sole overland transportation route to Interior
                            market areas for the city's port and to other Alaskan commu-
                            nities. Substantial improvements have recently been completed.

                          o Proposed Keystone Canyon State Park. This proposed state park
                            encompasses 310,000 acres, with boundaries including Keystone
                            Canyon and the Thompson Pass area. Proposed facilities include

                            interpretive signs and turnouts in Keystone Canyon.

                   Coastal Habitats

                          o,Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. Further highway improvement will be
                           .needed in Keystone Canyon, but no major change in inventory

                            conditions is foreseen.

                   Geophysical_Hazards

                          o Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones at several

                            points on the highway side of Keystone Canyon will continue
                            infrequently to close the Richardson Highway. The narrow canyon

                            limits effectiveness of avalanche deflection devices and the

                            ability to relocate the highway outside of runout zones.

                          o Riverine Flooding. During high rainfall events, or other in-
                            creases in flow attributable to glacier-dammed lake release or
                            breakup, the Richardson Highway may periodically be inundated.

                                                   5-15

                         o Mass WaLtipl. Mass wasting occurs throughout Keystone Canyon,
                           presenting infrequent falling rock hazards to vehicular traffic
                           on the Richardson Highway. Occasional debris slides will close
                           the highway at the northwest end,of the canyon.

                  Land Use, Management, and Status

                         � Preferred Local Uses. Transportation    corridor to and from port
                           facility; recreation - scenic corridor with pullouts, picnic
                           areas, and interpretive signs.

                         � Management and Status. The area is currently classified as State
                           Public interest Land, proposed for inclusion in Keystone Canyon

                           State Park.

                  Transportation

                         o Highway Improvements. Valdez citizens are concerned about the
                           ability to maintain and upgrade the Richardson Highway under
                           state park status. The highway is the only road link to the rest
                           of Alaska, and vital to the operation of the municipal port
                           facility.

                  Recreation

                         � Proposed State Park Status. Historic significance and scenic
                           beauty have led to inclusion of this area in the proposed
                           Keystone Canyon State Park.

                         � Activities. In addition to general sightseeing, the Canyon is
                           used for kayaking and climbing.

                         � Facilities. Local residents and state officials have indicated

                           a need for turnouts, picnic areas, and interpretive signs.

                                                  5-16

                    Keystone Canyon Use Classification

                           o Conditional Development. The entire region is classified con-
                             ditional development, to ensure..maintenance of transportation
                             use, recreation use, and scenic value*s.

                    5.3.2 Lowe River

                    Projected Resource Use and Activities

                           o Residential Development. Continued development within Alpine
                             Woods Subdivision, potential residential development of state
                             land disposal areas.

                           o Pressure-Reducing Turbine. A pre sure-reducing turbine (PRT) is
                             scheduled for installation in the summer of 1981 in the trans-

                             Alaska pipeline near Dayville Road. The PRT would produce 7.4 MW

                             'of Dower.

                           o Transportation. Realignment, widening, and general improvements
                             of Richardson Highway are scheduled over the next several years;
                             potential airport relocation.

                           0 Community Facilities. Street upgrading and paving for Alpine
                             Woods/Nordic subdivisions is scheduled for 1984-85.

                           o Recreation. Continued hunting and fishing, designation of Canyon
                             Slough area as alternate site for downhill skiing, natural
                             setting along river and Richardson Highway.

                           o Timber Harvesting. State Public Interest Land designation for

                             timber management.

                                                   5-17

                          o Gravel Extraction. Maintenance and possible expansion of Alaska
                            Department of Transportation and Public Facilities gravel extrac-

                            tion site.

                   Coastal Habitats

                          � Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. Lowe River and nonglacial tribu-
                            taries are sensitive to obstruction of fish passage, and the

                            tributaries are sensitive to sedimentation. Gravel extraction

                            and residential development could obstruct fish passage. Set-

                            backs of 25 feet for anadromous fish streams are recommended at

                            residential areas, and no timber harvesting should occur within
                            50 feet of anadromous fish streams, in accordance with State

                            Forestry Management practices.

                            Lowe River riparian vegetation is high-value habitat, and both
                            timber harvesting and state land disposal could result in habi-
                            tat loss. Likely areas for loss of habitat to occur are new
                            residential areas and the State Land Disposal area across the
                            Lowe River from the Alpine Woods Subdivision.

                          � Important Upland Habitat, Timber harvesting and development
                            of a State Land Disposal site could result in habitat loss,
                            particularly on the south side of the Lowe River. This is one of
                            two important uplands in the.Coastal Management District.

                   Air and Water Quality

                          � Water Quality. Without proper precautions, timber harvesting,
                            residential development, and other site preparation activities

                            could increase sediment loads in tributaries to the Lowe River.

                            Surface and ground water quality is also susceptible to improper
                            siting and operation of on-site waste disposal systems.

                                                  5-18

                   Geophysical Hazards

                           � Riverine and Glacier-Dammed Lake Outburst Flooding. The Lowe
                             River experiences periodic flooding from heavy rainfall, break-
                             up, and glacier-dammed lake outburst. All activities within the
                             floodway and floodway fringe of Lowe River are subject to the
                             Valdez Floodplain Management Ordinance. Where feasible, struc-
                             tures (including bridges and flood diversion structures such
                             as dikes) should not be located in the floodway. Bridges that
                             cross the floodway should be designed to permit flow through the
                             structure at flood levels and to avoid retaining and spreading
                             flood waters behind them. More culverting is needed along the
                             Richardson Highway to promote drainage.

                          o  Avalanche Hazard. Over 30 avalanche chutes, primarily associated
                             with drainages, have been identified-on the steep slopes of
                             both sides of the Lowe River valley. For the most part, these
                             avalanche areas present no hazard to prop osed or existing de-
                             velopment. Avalanches on the north side of the valley do not
                             reach the Richardson Highway. On the south side, avalanches
                             occur in the vicinity of an alternate downhill ski facility site
                             and a State Land Disposal site. Development should not be lo-

                             cated in avalanche chutes and runout zones.

                          �  Mass Wasting. There is an indication of mass wasting occurring

                             on the south side of the Lowe River valley in several loca-
                             tions, including Canyon Slough and Washbowl Basin. Because the
                             degree of hazard can only be determined by site-specific investi-
                             gations, and mitigation measures are also site specific, develop-
                             ment within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appro-
                             priate site investigation and mitigation measures.

                                                   5-19

                  Land Use, Management, and Status

                          o Preferred Local Uses. Transportation - corridor for the
                            Richardson Highway; open space - scenic views from Richardson
                            Highway; residential - potential expansion of the 10-Mile area,
                            development of State Land Disposal Tracts; energy facilities
                            corridor for pipeline and electric transmission line rights-of-
                            way; timber harvesting - State Public Interest Lands designated
                            'for timber management; light industrial - an area of private
                            land off of Dayville Road has been zoned for light industrial
                            use; gravel extraction - Lowe River floodplain; recreation -                I
                            hunting, fishing, skiing (cross-country and potential downhill
                            sites), snow machining, canoeing, and kayaking.

                          o Management and Status. State - continued Public Interest Lands
                            status for recreation, timber management, fish and wildlife
                            habitat, gravel extra ction, State land disposal; private
                            continued development within existing subdivisions and potential
                            development of lands transf erred by state through land disposal.

                  Transp rtation

                          o Highway Improvements. Potential highway improvements have been
                            scheduled for the summer of 1982 for Miles 5@2 through 13 of the
                            Richardson Highway, including highway realignment and widening.

                          o Airport Relocation. Because of operational constraints on the
                            current Glacier Stream site, the City of Valdez is evaluating  a
                            potential airport site in the Lowe River Valley south of Robe
                            Lake and the Richardson Highway.

                  Recreation

                          o Activities. Continued low-density activities (skiing, hunting
                            and fishing, snow machining, hiking).

                                                   5-20

                            o Facilities. Selected alternative feasibility study site for
                              downhill ski facility at Canyon Slough.

                    Energy Facilities

                            o Pressure-Reducing Turbine. A 7.4 MW pressure-reducing turbine
                              will be installed in the summer  of 11981 by the City of Valdez.
                              Power generated will be available for residential and industrial

                              use.

                            o Pipelines. Additional or expanded right-of-way for gas liquids
                              pipeline, looped oil pipeline.

                            o Transmission Lines. Additional  transmission lines or line re-

                              placement as required with development of Allison Lake hydro-
                              electric project, installation.of pressure-reducing turbine on
                              trans-Alaska pipeline.

                    Community Facilities

                            o Water and Sewer. Future residential growth could exceed the
                              capability of on-site water supply and sewage disposal systems.
                              Because of the distance from municipal systems, package water
                              supply, and sewer systems may be installed as service demand

                              increases.

                    Timber Harvesting

                            o Public Interest Lands. Potential timb er harvesting on Public
                              Interest Lands classified for timber management. No state timber
                              sales have been planned.

                    Gravel Extraction

                            o Existing Sites. Continued extraction from Department of Trans-
                              portation site at Richardson Highway milepost 15; reactivation

                                                     5-21

                            of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company sit es for additional pipe-
                            line construction if necessary.

                         o New Sites. Development of new sites for pipeline construction,
                            access roads, as appropriate.

                  Lowe River Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. Floodway and floodway fringe of Lowe
                            River; important upland habitat identified; Lowe River and any
                            future proposed State Land Disposal areas, avalanche chutes and
                            run-out zones; and mass wasting areas. Public Interest Lands
                            classified timber management.

                         o Development. All areas not classified Conditional Development.

                  5.3.3 Robe Lake Watershed and Robe River

                  Projected Resource Use and Activity

                         o Robe Lake Rehabilitation Project. Proposed lake rehabilitation
                            project jointly sponsored by City of Valdez and Department of
                            Environmental Conservation to retard lake eutrophication and
                            improve both salmon spawning/rearing habitat and recreation is

                            commenced in 1981.

                         �  Commercial Float Plane Base. A local private land owner has
                            shown interest in developing a commercial float plane facility.

                  Coastal Habitats

                         � Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. Eutrophication of Robe Lake will
                            continue to diminish quality of salmon spawning/rearing habitat
                            if action is not taken. A lake rehabilitation project has re-
                            ceived funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

                                                  5-22

                            (EPA) and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
                            (DEC). Robe River is an anadromous fish stream, and is sensitive

                            to obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation. Development

                            should not occur within 25 feet of Robe River and other anadro-

                            mous fish streams.

                          � Important Upland Habitat. The area includes the most important
                            upland habitat in the Coastal Management District. Future resi-
                            dential expansion in Robe River subdivision and from state land
                            disposal could eliminate small increments of habitat.

                   Air and Water Quality

                          o Air Quality. Development of a petrochemical complex could reduce
                            ambient air quality in the area, but will necessarily be within
                            acceptable air quality standards set by the U.S. Environmental
                            Protection Agency and the Alaska Department of Environmental

                            Conservation.

                          � Water Quality. Water quality in Robe Lake is deteriorating
                            for habitat and recreation purposes due to eutrophication.
                            Without rehabilitation, water quality will continue to deter-

                            iorate.

                   Geophysica 1 Hazards

                          o Seismic Hazard. Water-saturated areas or wetlands are suscep-
                            tible to liquefactio.n during a seismic event. Wetlands north
                            of Robe Lake would be subject to liquefaction, and structures
                            placed within that area should be permitted only with proper
                            site investigation and siting/design mitigation measures.

                                                   5-23

                            A ground feature that appears to be a lineament, oriented north-
                            west, is located one mile east of Robe Lake. There is a poten-
                            tial for ground rupture along this lineament, if it is a fault.
                            Since site-specific investigation is necessary to determine
                            activity and potential for ground rupture, development proposed
                            in that area should, be preceded by field investigations to
                            determine the necessity for siting/design measures.

                          � Avalanche. Five areas of avalanche hazard have been identified

                            on the south side of Robe Lake. Any residential or other develop-

                            ment in that area should be sited to avoid chutes and runout

                            zones.

                          � Mass Wasting. Four areas of potential mass wasting have been
                            identified in the Robe Lake area. Because the potential and
                            magnitude of mass wasting can be identified only through site-
                            specific investigation, development within identified mass
                            wasting areas should include site-specific investigations and
                            appropriate siting and design measures.

                   Land Use, Management, and-Status _.                                                I

                          o Preferred Local Uses. Recreation - fishing, boating on Robe
                            Lake, hunting in upland habitat; expansion of residential - Robe
                            River subdivision and development of State Land Disposal area;
                            transportation - proposed float plane base on Robe Lake; com-
                            mercial (recreation development).

                          o Management and Status. Much of the land within this area is
                            expected to remain as state-owned Public Interest Lands, managed
                            for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and watershed. It
                            is possible that more State Land Disposal may occur in the
                            area east of Robe Lake, placing more land in private ownership.

                                                  5-24

                            The majority of the area will probably remain in open space.,
                            with some residential expansion occurring in those areas zoned
                            for rural residential, single -family residential, and residen-

                            tial mobile home districts.

                   Transportation

                          o Highway. Increased use of the Richardson Highway associated
                            with residential and port-related economic growth will require
                            highway widening, although this is not foreseen in the near
                            future. Private development of State Disposal Lands could re-
                            quire new access from the Richardson Highway. This is most
                            likely in the area east of Robe Lake.

                          o Air. There is local interest in developing a float plane facil-
                            ity at Robe Lake. Development is partially linked to the rehabil-
                            itation and deepening of Robe Lake.

                   Recreation

                          o Lake Recreation. As the only sizable freshwater lake that is
                            accessible by road, Robe Lake has excellent potential for boat-
                            ing, fishing, and swimming. Rehabilitation of Robe Lake would
                            improve water depth, water quality, and fish habitat, thereby
                            increasing the variety and quality of recreation.

                          o Public Interest Lands. Public Interest Lands in the area have

                            been partially classified for recreation/parks management.
                            Formal development of trails and facilities will depend.on
                            demand levels. Rehabilitation of Robe Lake could lead to develop-
                            ment of a boat launch and swimming facilities.

                                                  5-25

                  Robe Lake Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. All streams and their watersheds contri-
                            buting to Robe Lake (anadromous fish habitat, important upland
                            habitat, potential liquefaction); Robe Lake and its shoreline
                            100 feet back from its edge; anadromous fish habitat north of
                            the Richardson Highway at milepost 7; avalanche chutes and
                            runout zones; mass wasting areas; and the 100-year floodplain of
                            the Robe River (riverine flood hazard).

                         o  Development. All areas not classified Conditional Development.

                  5.3.4 Valdez Glacier Stream

                  Projected Resource Use and Activities

                         o Alaska Oil Company Petrochemical Project Site. A 1170-acre site
                            on the east side of Glacier Stream has been cleared and pre-
                            pared, with access provided across Valdez Glacier Stream. The
                            site will probably remain as is, pending new opportunities for
                            industrial development.

                         o  Valdez Industrial Site. The City of Valdez has identified an

                            additional 1675-acre industrial site on the west side of Glacier

                            Stream. At the present time, the site is under consideration by
                            both the Dow-Shell gas petrochemical consortium and Exxon as a
                            gas liquids petrochemical site.

                         o  Gravel Extraction. Gravel extraction has historically taken
                            place within the Valdez Glacier Stream floodplain, and will
                            continue in support of port construction and other major con-

                            struction.

                                                   5-26

                          o Transportation. The airport and its link to the Port of Valdez
                            will remain a vital part of the city's transportation industry.
                            As industrial development of city and private land occurs,
                            transportation access will be required.

                          o Residential Development. Residential development will remain
                            limited to existing trailer court areas adjacent to the airport.

                   Coastal Habitats

                          o Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. Because of the high sediment load
                            from the Valdez Glacier, neither Valdez Glacier Stream nor its

                            tributaries are anadromous fish streams. Therefore no fish

                            habitat will be affected by development. Floodplain vegetation
                            will be removed, but is not considered important habitat.

                          o Important Upland Habitat. Site preparation for the Alaska Oil
                            Company site resulted in the loss of 800 acres of important
                            upland habitat, in an area considered to be among the best
                            areas of this type of habitat in the Coastal Management Dis-

                            trict. No further loss of habitat is foreseen in the near fu-

                            ture, although other industrial activity could result in further

                            site clearing.

                   Air and Water Qualit.y

                          o Air Quality. Major industrial development, such as a petro-
                            chemical complex, may require mitigation measures to avoid
                            deterioration of air quality.

                            Maintenance of air quality is partly a function of terrain, and
                            also of meteorological characteristics such as inversions and
                            air drainage off Valdez glaciers; facility siting and emission

                                                   5-27

                           control equipment can be used more effectively with knowledge of
                           these functions. Further,industrial development within the
                           Valdez Glacier area should be examined, both as to ability to
                           meet state and federal air quality criteria on-site, and for
                           cumulative impacts on area air quality.

                         o Water Quality. Industrial development will have one major impact
                           on water quality: increased surface runoff from facility sites.
                           Because the high sediment load prevents surface use of Valdez
                           Glacier Stream and it is not an anadromous fish stream, the

                           impact on this area's water quality would be minimal. Potential
                           cumulative impacts on Port Valdez are discussed in Section 5.2,
                           Regional Analysis.

                  Geophysical Hazards

                         o Riverine and Glacier-Dammed Lake Outburst Flooding. Riverine
                           and glacier-dammed outburst flooding events have historically

                           occurred on Valdez. Glacier Stream. All activities within the

                           floodway and floodway fringe are subject to the Valdez Flood-
                           plain Management Ordinance. Where feasible, structure  s (includ-
                           ing bridges and flood diversion structures such as dikes),
                           should not be located in the floodway. Bridges that must cross
                           the floodway should be designed to permit flow through the
                           structure at flood levels and to avoid retaining and spreading
                           flood waters behind them. Structures within the floodway fringe
                           should be designed to meet Floodplain Management Ordinance and
                           FEMA requirements. Gravel extraction within the floodway and
                           floodway fringe, if conducted improperly, could cause the Valdez
                           Glacier Stream to seek a new channel. Downstream damage from

                           such an occurrence could be substantial.

                         o Seismic Hazards. During the 1964 earthquake, an area of lique-
                           faction was observed along Corbin Creek and Valdez Glacier

                                                   5-28

                            Stream near its highway crossing. Because the degree of hazard
                            can be determined only by site-specific investigations, and
                            mitigation measures are also site specific, development within
                            identified liquefaction zones should exhibit appropriate site
                            investigation and mitigation measures.

                          o Mass Wastin&. Mass wasting along the steep slopes north of
                            the airport and west of the glacier terminus present no hazards
                            to existing development, and future development in those areas
                            is unlikely. The two areas to the east of Valdez Glacier Stream,
                            along Slater and Corbin Creeks, lie within municipal land zoned
                            for industrial development. Because the degree of hazard can
                            only be determined by site-specific investigations, and mitiga-
                            tion measures are also site specific, development within identi-
                            fied mass wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site investi-
                            gation and mitigation measures.

                          o Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones occur along
                            the steep slopes north of the airport and Mineral Creek. They
                            present no hazard to existing development, but it is recom-
                            mended that any structural development thatmay take place on
                            the northern side of the airport facility incorporate appro-
                            priate siting design,- and construction mitigation measures.

                   Land Use, Management, and  Status

                          o Preferred Local Uses. Industrial - A petrochemical complex,
                            Valdez Industrial Park; transportation - expansion of the Valdez
                            Municipal Airport and industrial access roads; mineral extrac-
                            tion - gravel extraction along Valdez Glacier Stream floodplain;
                            energy facilities    proposed gas liquids petrochemical plant

                            site; recreation    bike path extension, neighborhood parks,

                            trails.

                                                   5-29

                          o Management and Status. Industrial- and transportation-related
                            development has been encouraged on municipal and private lands.
                            State-owned lands will most likely be managed for transportation
                            uses in the vicinity,of the airport, and for recreation on,
                            Public Interest Lands north and west.of the airport. Use con-

                            flicts could occur between mobile home residential use and

                            industrial development.

                   Transportation

                          � Highway Improvements. Additional road access will be provided
                            with increased industrial development.

                          � Air Transportation. Airport improvements have recently been
                            completed, and others are scheduled for 1981. Additional space
                            will be required to meet requirements for runway expansion,
                            warehouse and hanger space associated with industrial commercial
                            aviation, and port-related development.

                   Recreation

                          o Activities. An increase in bicycling and hiking would occur
                            if proposed facilities are provided. Recreation management

                            of Public Interest Lands could result in rehabilitation of the

                            historic Valdez Glacier Trail. Without separation, some conflict
                            will occur with industrial development in the area.

                          o Facilities. Facilities proposed by the Valdez Department of
                            Parks and Recreation include a bike path extension to the air-
                            port, a trap/skeet range, campground improvements, the Airport
                            Neighborhood park, and rehabilitation of the Valdez Glacier

                            Trail.

                                                   5-30

                   Energy Facilities

                          o Petrochemical Plants and Refineries. The City of Valdez has
                            identified a 1675-acre site on the west side of Valdez Glacier

                            Stream as being suitable for a gas liquids petrochemical or
                            other petroleum-related facility. The Alaska Oil Company site on
                            the east side of Valdez Glacier Stream has reverted to city
                            ownership and is available for other development.

                          0 Products Pipelines. Products pipelines could require rights-of-
                            way in the Valdez Glacier Stream area, if petrochemical develop-

                            ment occurs in this area.

                   Gravel Extraction

                          � Existing Sites. Expansion of existing sites is underway to
                            meet gravel demand from the port construction project and vari-
                            ous highway construction and municipal Capital Improvement
                            projects. Demand is likely to remain hig h, and it is possible
                            that improper extraction could cause Valdez  Glacier Stream

                            to seek a new channel.

                          � New Sites. The Valdez Community Development Department has
                            received applications for new extraction sites. As with existing
                            sites, improper extraction could cause Valdez Glacier Stream to

                            seek a new channel.

                   Community Services

                          o Solid Waste Disposal. The City of Valdez is investigating moving
                            the municipal landfill operation from its location at the sewage
                            treatment facilities. Seven potential sites have been identified

                            in the Valdez Glacier Stream area, and are considered the most

                            promising of those.sites identified within city boundaries.

                                                    5-31

                   Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. Identified seismic hazards areas;
                            mass wasting hazard areas; avalanche chutes and runout zones;
                            the floodway and floodway fringe of Valdez Glacier Stream,
                            Corbin and Slater creeks; and the area north of the airport
                            runway classified as Public Interest Land.

                         o  Development. All areas not classified as Conditional Develop-

                            ment.

                   5.3.5 Old Town

                   Projected Resource Use

                         o Light and Waterfront Industrial. The City of Valdez intends
                            to utilize the Old Town site for low-density industrial pur-
                            poses. Alease has recently been granted for construction of a
                            ship repair facility in this area. Northwest Alaskan Gas Pipe-
                            line Company has proposed using the area for pipeline storage.

                   Coastal Habitat

                          o Wetlands and Tide Flats. It is unlikely that intensive water-
                            front development will occur in Old Town, due to the instability
                            of the shoreline. Development that might be allowed would have
                            little impact other than minor loss of habitat, particularly
                            since the area had been intensely developed prior to the 1964
                            earthquake and is not considered highly productive habitat.

                            Petro Marine Services, Inc. has leased an 88 acre tract within

                            USS 439.

                          o Rivers, Streams and Lakes. An anadromous fish stream occurs
                            in this area. Any proposed development should be set back 25

                                                  5-32

                                feet from the.str'eam ban ks. A salmon run has also established

                                itself in the drainage.from the sewage treatment plant.

                       Air and Water Quality

                              o Water Quality. As discussed under   areawide water quality, the
                                water quality in this end of P-ort  Valdez could be affected
                                by cumulative effluent discharge.   Outfalls or any industrial
                                source'of effluent in this area should'meet state and federal

                                water quality stan'dards, and the cumulative impact on Port
                                Valdez water quality should be considered,

                       Geophysical Hazards

                              o Seismic Hazard. The seismic effects of the 1964 earthquake
                               ,on Old Town are well documented. The area has the potential for
                                ground liquefaction and slumping of the waterfront into Port
                                Valdez during another seismic event. Since the state acquired
                                ownership, the Urban Renewal Agreement has restricted use of the
                                area within the Old Town dikes to nonstructural uses such as

                                pipe storage. One of the pro blems in determining permissible use
                                of the area is that the areal extent, magnitude, and frequency
                                of the potential hazard are unknown. Without data, the course
                                of action has been to restrict use of the area, particularly in
                                light of the damage done in 1964.

                                A comprehensive seismic investigation   of the area could help
                                determine the areal extent, magnitude, and frequency of hazard.
                                Based on that knowledge and assessment of seismic risk, struc-
                                tures could be sited and designed to minimize the consequences
                               ,of a seismic event. This would allow greater utilization of
                                the area. However, structural utilization of the area should
                                not be permitted unless site-specific   seismic investigations
                                and appropriate sit'ing and design measures have been implemented.

                                                       5-33

                         o.Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has
                           been estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage
                           could result from improperly sited and designed development

                           within this area.

                  Land Use, Management, and Status

                         � Preferred Local Use. Light Industrial - warehouse and other
                           lower density uses back from the waterfront; Waterfront Indus-
                           trial - ship repair and other water-related uses.

                         � Management and Status. Land management responsibility for the

                           Old Town area is unclear and needs to be resolved. Because of

                           its waterfront location, transportation access, and the limited
                           amount of available level land in the area, the City of Valdez
                           would like to utilize the Old Town area. At this point, the
                           original Urban Renewal Agreement prohibits structural use of
                           the area and allows use only on a case-by-case basis.

                  Transportation

                         o Marine Transportation. Construction of a ship repair facility
                           has been proposed for this area. Because of the instability of
                           the waterfront, any activity would require siting and design
                           measures to minimize potential hazard.

                  Commu nity Facilities

                         o Sewage Treatment. If a substantial population increase occurs
                           associated with industrial development, expansion of the sewage
                           treatment facility will be required to meet treatment demands.
                           Adequate space for expansion from three to six sewage treatment
                           cells is available if the solid waste disposal operation is
                           moved to a new site. Doubling the treatment capacity would meet
                           the needs of a population of 12,000.

                                                  5-34

                           o Solid Waste Disposal. The city' s current solid waste disposal
                             operation faces several problems in conti nuing to meet current
                             demands and would not be able to serve a larger population.
                             Problems include a high, tidally influenced water table, mar-
                             ginal operation in.wet and winter conditions, and limited space
                             and fill material for continued operation. The city is currently
                             examining incineration as a means of reducing waste volume and
                             is considering a new site in another location.

                    Use Classification

                           o Conditional Development. The entire area is  classified Con-
                             ditional Development due to potential seismic hazard.

                    5.3.6 Loop Road

                    Projected Resource Use and Activities

                           o Valdez Port Project. The City of Valdez is constructing  a con-
                             tainer terminal facility near Ammunition Island between the

                             downtown area and the Ind ustrial Park. The Valdez Container
                             Terminal is scheduled for functional completion by December 1981
                             and full completion by mid-1982. The design consists of a float-
                             ing dock 400 by 100 feet. Under the second option, the facility
                             would be a 704-foot by 90-foot concrete dock on concrete piles,
                           '',with -44 feet mean lower low water-(MLLW) at the face, and

                             mooring dolphins with an expanse of about 1,200 feet. A 21-acre
                             marshalling yard is adjacent. The facility would include a
                             track-mounted crane; container parking for 560 containers; and
                             380 electrical outlets for refrigeration containers or to pre-
                             vent freezing. The wharf would be reached by two 100-foot by
                             54-foot concrete ramps, all connected to the mainland by a
                             1,500-foot trestle and 1,800-foot causeway. Long-range plans
                             include development of an additional 120 acres adjacent to the

                                                    5-35

                              marshalling yard as a staging area. Eventually the port facility
                              will connect to the airport, linking them as a complete freight
                              handling unit.

                    Coastal Habitats

                           � Wetlands and Tideflats. Port construction will result in minor

                              habitat loss from facility and marshalling yard placement.
                              Because of proposed zoning, other unspecified waterfront indus-
                              trial or commercial activity may occur, affecting wetland and
                              tideflat habitat. An occupied eagle's nest is located in this
                              area, and is planned to be buffered by a proposed park.

                           � Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. All three streams traversing the
                              area are anadromous fish streams, whic h are sensitive to obstruc-
                              tion of fish passage and sedimentation from construction activ-
                              ities. Construction activities should not take place within 25
                              feet of stream banks; roads or other uses requiring stream
                              crossing must ensure fish passage and minimize sedimentation. No

                              facilities should be sited within 25 feet of stream banks.

                    Air and Water Quality

                           o Air Quality. Vessel movement into the city port facility will
                              introduce emissions into the area. The level of emission impact
                              will depend on trip frequency, vessel type, city actions such
                              as adoption of a low@sulfur fuel ordinance, and meteorological

                              conditions.

                    Geophysical Hazards

                           o Seismic Hazards. The southeastern portion of the area has a
                              potential for ground liquefaction and slumping of the waterfront
                              into Port Valdez. Site specific seismic investigations on a
                              project-by-project basis would help determine the areal extent,

                                                    5-36

                             magnitude, and frequency of hazard. Based on that knowledge
                             and assessment of seismic risk, structures could be sited and
                            @designed to minimize the consequences of a seismic event.

                           o Seiche/Storm Run-up. The,extent of seiche/storm run-up has
                             been estimated to be 12 feet. Loss.of life and property damag.e
                             could result from improperly sited and designed development
                             within the waterfront portion of this area.

                    Land Use, Management, and Status

                           o Preferred Local Use. Waterfront indus trial and light industrial
                             - general use associated with the port facility and support
                             services associated with petrochemical and refinery industries;
                             transportation - marshalling yards and other transportation
                             support activities associated with the port facility.

                             Currently, there are residential, commercial, and light indus-

                             trial uses of the area. The northwestern and Zook Subdivision

                             areas will develop toward commercial andresidential uses. The
                             remainder of the area is proposed for light industrial use (port
                             and transportation related use). Development will be linked with
                             airport related uses in.the northeast corner of the area (USS
                             455).

                             The status of state land in this area, Public Interest Land
                             for fish and wildlife habitat (anadromous fish streams), will

                             probably remain unchanged in the near future.

                    Transportation

                           o Highway Improvements. The local office of the Department of
                             Transportation has recommended widening the Richardson Highway

                             to,four lanes between the new townsite and its intersection

                             with Airport Road.

                                                    5-37

                            Port operations, associated truck traffic, and industrial devel-
                            opment may require access and intersection improvements on
                            the Richardson Highway.

                          o Marine Transportation. With the development of the city's port
                            facility, this area will become the center of an important
                            regional and city c.ommodity port complex. As facility demand
                            grows, dock and marshalling yard expansion will take place

                            in this area.

                   Recreation

                          o Facilities. The City of Valdez proposes to establish open space
                            in USS 455 southeast of the port entrance.

                   Coastal Access

                          o Industrial Access. Highway access, proximity to town, and avail-
                            able space for port and water dependent industrial facilities
                            make this one of the district's important light industrial
                            development areas. Maintenance of coastal industrial and trans-
                            portation access is' necessary to ensure continued economic
                            growth in the community.

                   Community Services

                          o Water Syste   A port-Loop Road water system project has been
                            scheduled for 1981 construction. Facilities include an insulated
                            distribution line to the port, and water storage tank and dis-
                            tribution network in the Loop Road area.

                   Use Classification

                          o Conditional Development. 25 feet within either bank of anadrom-
                            ous fish streams; the eastern waterfront area bordering Old
                            Town (seismic hazard).

                                                   5-38

                            o Development. All areas not classified Conditional Development.

                     5.3.7 Valdez Duck Flats

                     Projected Resource Use and Activities

                            o Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Waterfowl staging and rearing areas,
                              anadromous fish spawning and rearing areas.

                            o Partial Fill. The City of Vald  ez wishes to reserve the right to
                              fill a portion of USS 447 for waterfront related use.

                            o Highway Improvements.  Valdez subdistrict Department of Transpor-
                              tation and Public Facilities proposes.to widen the Richardson
                              Highway from two to four lanes to meet projected increased
                              traffic levels. This proposal was based on construction of the
                              Alaska Oil Petrochemical Project and may not be necessary.

                            o Camper Park. Deve lopment of an in-town.camper park at the south-
                              western edge of the area has been discussed. Facilities would
                              include 76 RV spaces, picnic areas, dump station, and comfort/

                              shower stations. Construction is recommended for 1983.

                            o Grain Storage. The City of Valdez has selected part of addi-
                              tional land in the Mineral Creek Islands and is investigating a
                              potential site for an export grain storage facility.

                            o Port Expansion. Potential port expansion into Mineral Creek

                              Islands.

                      Coastal Habitats

                            o Offshore Areas. While no projects have been scheduled for the
                              specific area, construction of the city port and commercial

                                                      5-39

                             boat harbor will occur adjacent to the District. The P ort facil-
                             ity has been designed to maintain circulation and fish passage
                             into the Duck Flats; construction and operation may result
                             in temporarily higher sediment levels and accidental hydrocarbon
                             or bilge discharge.

                          o  Wetlands and Tideflats. The Valdez Duck Flats are biologically
                             important wetlands, and are sensitive to dredge and fill, sedi-
                             mentation, and degradation of water qua lity. Proposed widening
                             of the Richardson Highway would result in minor loss of tide-
                             flat. A fill on USS 447 at the western edge'of the Duck Flats

                             has been considered and would result in some loss of habitat.

                             Port expansion has the potential for additional habitat loss.

                          � Rivers, Streams and Lakes. Proposed road improvements should
                             maintain fish passage to spawning areas. north of the Richardson
                             Highway.

                   Air and Water Quality

                          � Water Quality. Port expansion and commercial boat harbor con-
                             struction bord ering the area should maintain water circulation
                             patterns in and around the Duck Flats..With impaired circula-
                             tion, waste discharges without proper safeguards at the port and
                             commercial boat harbor could degrade water quality, and impact
                             the biological productivity of the. area.

                   Geophysical Hazards

                          o Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones occur in

                             the northwest corner of the area. While development in the
                             area is unlikely, none should take place within the chute or

                             runout zone.

                                                   5-40

                          o Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has
                             been estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage
                             could result from improperly sited and designed development

                             within the area.

                   Land Use, Man agement, and Status

                          � Preferred Local Use. Recreation     natural setting, bike path;
                             fisheries - fish hatchery; habitat - salmon and water  fowl habi-
                             tat; expansion of waterfront related use in portions of USS 447,
                             if necessary.

                          �  Management and Status. The area is primarily in state Public
                             InterestLand ownership; howeve  r, both the City of Valdez and
                             private individuals own land in the Duck Flats. Development
                             proposals for the private holdings are likely. Special manage-
                             ment to accommodate multiple use is recommended.

                   Transportation

                          o Highway Improvements. Based on projected demand from the Ala.ska
                             Oil Company petrochemical plant, port facility, and related
                             projects, the Valdez Department of Transportation/Public Facil-
                             ities (DOT/PF) office has recommended widening the Richardson
                             Highway from two to four lanes.

                          o  Access Roads. The commercial boat harbor and any private develop-
                             ment bordering the Duck Flats will require construction of
                             road access from the small boat harbor and Richardson Highway,
                             respectively.

                          o  Port Expansion. Based on the highest econotnic growth scenario
                             (petrochemical development and export of Interior resources),
                             additional port facilities may be required. The Mineral Creek

                                                    5-41

                            Islands are the most economically feasible location for port
                            expansion. A grain storage facility is currently considered for

                            this area.

                   Recreation

                          � Activities  Participation in viewing spawning salmon, bird
                            watching, and enjoying the natural setting of the Duck Flats
                            will grow with increases in local population and tourism. Manage-
                            ment of the area should incorporate existing and projected

                            recreation activities.

                          � Facilities. Construction of the in-town RV park would provide
                            a needed campground for tourists arriving in Valdez by the
                            Alaska Marine and Richardson Highways. Approximately 78 RV
                            spaces, shower facilities, and a dump station are included
                            in the proposal.

                          o Tourism. The Duck Flats are a tourist attraction in the Valdez

                            area, providing a scenic panorama from the Richardson Highway.
                            The salmon viewing platform at the Crooked Creek highway pull-
                            out is also a popular attraction.

                   Coastal Access

                          o Richardson Highway. The Richardson Highway currently provides
                            access as a public road, for recreation and as a scenic corri-
                            dor. Construction of the port facility will add a new element
                            to the view of the Duck Flats from the highway, which may en-

                            hance the view for some and not for others.

                   Use Classification

                          o Conditional Development. All tideflats, coastal wetlands, and
                            anadromous fish streams flowing into the Duck Flats; the Mineral

                                                   5-42

                              Cree k Islands with the exception of the south side of Dock
                              Point; avalanche chutes and runout zones; seiche/storm run-up

                              zones.

                            0 Development. The upland portions of USS 447 is considered a
                              development area. (See Section 8.0, Areas Meriting Special
                              Attention.)

                     5.3.8 New Townsite

                     Projected Resource Use and Activities

                            o General Urban Development. Continued expansion of residential
                              and commercial districts, and various capital improvement proj-

                              ects.

                            o Commercial Boat Harbor. Construction of a commercial boat harbor

                              has been proposed on the south side of Dock Point for 1983-85.
                              Facilities for the 1,000-foot by 2500-foot harbor would include
                              a breakwater and 350-foot floats to support vessels in the 60 to
                              300-foot range.

                            o Small Boat Harbor Expansion. Expansion of the eastern end of
                              the-small boat harbor is scheduled for late 1981, to provide new
                              slips primarily for recreational boating.

                            o Fish Processing. Development of a fish processing operation
                              at City Dock is being considered.

                            o Transportation Improvements. Several potential improvements
                              in Richardson Highway access to the downtown area are being
                              examined: Egan Meals intersection improvement, Chitna extension,
                              Pioneer turnoff. Construction of a new bridge across Mineral

                                                     5-43

                          Creek is also being considered to provide additional access
                          to planned residential development on the west side of Mineral

                          Creek.

                        o Utilities Expansion. Extension of water and sewer service to the
                          western portion of new townsite. Construction of water tank and
                          well in western portion of new townsite in 1981.

                        0 Recreation Vehicle Park. Demand for an in-town RV park has grown
                          over the last four years, as evidenced by the growing number of
                          RVs parking around the small boat harbor during summer months.
                          The City of Valdez is going to work with the University o f
                          Alaska to develop an RV park on USS 447.

                 Coastal Habitat

                        o Rocky Islands and Seacliffs. Construction of the commercial boat
                          harbor could have an impact on rocky island and seacliff habitat

                          on Mineral Creek Island. Habitat removal of the island should be

                          minimized.

                 Air and Water Quality

                        o Water Quality. A proposed fish processing facility could have
                          an impact on Port Valdez water quality within this area. The
                          level of impact will depend on the processing characteristics,
                          waste treatment, and discharge methods adopted by the operator.
                          Expansion of the small boat harbor and a new commercial boat
                          harbor could increase discharges and accidental events such as
                          fuel spills from vessels, although these impacts are considere.d
                          minor. Potential cumulative impacts on Port Valdez are discussed

                          under area-wide impacts.

                                                 5-44

                    Geophysical Hazards

                           o Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones along steep
                             slopes north of town do not threaten existing development,
                             and future development in those areas are unlikely. Avalanches

                             do close road access across Mineral Creek due east of the

                             bridge, and areone of the factors in developing new access
                             across Mineral Creek to proposed residential lands.

                           o Mass Wasting. Mass wasting occurs along the steep slopes north
                             of town. Due to the steep terrain, it is unlikely that develop-
                             ment will occur in these areas. Because the degree of hazard
                             can be determined only by site specific investigations, and
                             mitigation measures are also site specific, development within
                             identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site
                             investigation and mitigation measures.

                           o Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding
                             from heavy rainfall and breakup. One hundred year flood events
                             do not appear to affect existing or proposed residential develop-

                             ment on the eastern side of Mineral Creek. However, several

                             alternate locations have been proposed for a new bridge across
                             Mineral Creek. All activities within the floodway and floodway
                             fringe are subject to the Valdez Floodplain Management Ordi-
                             nance. Where feasible all structures, including bridges and

                             flood diversion structures such as dikes, should not be located
                             in the floodway. Bridges that cross the floodway should be
                             designed to permit flow through the structure at flood levels
                             and avoid retaining and spreading flood waters behind them.
                             Structures wit hin the floodway fringe should be designed to meet
                             Floodplain Management Ordinance and FEMA requirements.

                                                    5-45

                   Land Use, Management, and Status

                          o Preferred Local Uses. Waterfront commercial/industrial         fish
                            processing, petroleum products supply, fishing and marine sup-
                            ply, motels and restaurants; transportation(water related)
                            - ferry terminal, expanded small boat harbor, commercial boat
                            harbor, private and public docking facilities; recreation (water
                            related)    boat launch facilities, harbor boardwalk, trail

                            access in Meals Hill area; non-water-related uses - residential
                            (single family and multi-family), general commercial, transport-
                            ation improvements, community services (schools, water, and
                            sewer improvements), and recreation improvements.

                          o Mana gement and Status. The majority of land within the new
                            townsite area is in private and municipal ownership. Major
                            residential expansion will be taking place at the western new

                            townsite area.

                   Transportation

                          � Marine Transportation. As part of its Capital Improvements
                            Program, the City of Valdez proposes to expand the small boat

                            harbor and construct a commercial boat harbor. These actions

                            will provide additional recreation boat slip space and new
                            facilities more suitable for support of an expanding fishing
                            industry.

                            The residents of Valdez would like to see Alaska Marine Highway
                            service to Valdez expanded to a year-round operation.

                          � Commercial Boat Harbor. Construction of a commercial boat harbor

                            will provide needed space and support facilities for fishing and
                            tourism vessels that are marginally accommodated by the small

                            boat harbor.

                                                     5-46

                           o Highway Transportation. Increasing traffic levels on the Richard-
                             son Highway as it enters the new town area have created a need
                             for highway improvements regarding access and intersection
                             safety. Several options are currently being considered.

                             A new bridge across  Mineral  Creek will, be constructed at West
                             Egan Drive to provide access to potential residential    land west

                             of Mineral Creek.

                    Recreation

                           o Activities and Facilities. With population   growth and increased
                             use by nonresidents, demand for boat slip space has increased.
                             Expansion of the small boat harbor in 1982 has been included in
                             the Five Year Capital Improvement.Program.

                           o Tourism. The general small boat harbor is an important tourism
                             complex, including motels, restaurants, laundry facilities, and
                             tour boat operators. A new boardwalk around the small boat

                             harbor is aimed at tourism attr'action.

                             This project will improve use convenience and aestl.@etic appeal
                             of the harbor area.

                             The lack of a downtown camping area resulted in the proposal
                             to work with.the University of Alaska to develop an RV camp-
                             ground northeast of the small boat harbor on USS 447. This
                             project has been funded for 1985 in the Capital Improvement

                             Program.

                             Residential development has been proposed for the Meals Hill
                             area, located west of the ferry dock and east of Mineral Creek.
                             Its scenic quality, view perspectives, and unique environmental

                             characteristics should be enhanced with trail easements and

                                                    5-47

                           subdivision siting considerations as residential development

                           occurs.

                           The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed establishment
                           of greenbelts on both sides of Mineral Creek.

                  Coastal Access

                         o Marine Access. Small boat expansion and the new commercial
                           boat harbor will increase recreation and fishing boat access

                           in the Valdez harbor area.

                         o Recreation Access. Recreation access to the coastal portion
                           of the downtown area will be improved by construction of the

                           harbor boardwalk.

                  Fish Processing

                         o Facilities. The City of Valdez is promoting a major fish process-
                           ing operation at the city dock. Basically a salmon processing
                           and freezing plant, the facility will be able to handle herring
                           roe, bottom fish, and other species as the fishing industry
                           develops.

                  Comm unity Services

                         o Sewer and Water. Residential development of western and new town
                           site and the Meals Hill area will require connection to city
                           sewer and water systems.

                  Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. The floodway and floodway fringe of
                           Mineral Creek (including the Mineral Creek greenbelt); steep

                                                  5-48

                               slopes north of the new town site (avalanche and mass wasting

                               hazard.

                             o Development@. All areas not classified conditional development.

                     5.3.9   Mineral Creek Flats

                     Projected Resource Us e and Activities

                             o Residential Development. The City of Valdez has selected land
                               under municipal conveyance in the Mineral Creek Flats area for
                               residential development. Proximity to the downtown area and
                               relatively level land make this area a logical spot for residen-
                               tial development as the city's population expands.

                             o New Mineral Creek Bridge. To ensure year-round access to the
                               area across Mineral Creek and to expedite residential develop-
                               ment of municipal land, a new bridge will be constructed at

                               West Egan Drive.

                             o Gold Creek Trail. The Department of Parks and Recreation has
                               proposed construction of hiking trail through the Mineral Creek
                               Flats area and along the coast to Gold Creek.

                     Coastal Habitats

                             o Wetlands and Tideflats. The tideflats and coastal wetlands

                               across the mouth of the Mineral Creek Flats area are important
                               juvenile salmon rearing areas. These areas are sensitive to
                               disturbance from dredge and fill activities and sedimentation
                               from,upstream development. Activities and use of municipal
                               and private lands should avoid or mitigate these impacts.

                                                      5-49

                         � Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. The small streams traversing the
                           Mineral Creek Flat area are sensitive to obstruction of fish

                           passage and sedimentation caused by construction. Development
                           and accompanying access roads could cause both impacts. Access
                           across anadromous fish streams 'should ensure fish passage, and
                           25 foot setbacks from such streams are recommended.

                         � Important Uplands. The Mineral Creek Flat has been identified
                           as an area.of upland habitat, but of lesser importance than Robe
                           Lake and.Lowe River uplands. I t has also been selected by the
                           City of Valdez as one of few areas suitable for residential

                           expansion. When expansion occurs, some upland habitat will
                           be removed. It is recommended that clearing be minimized and
                           .greenbelts be identified prior to development, particularly
                           in the area bordering the mouth of Mineral Creek Canyon. Set-
                           backs will be maintained and greenbelts established to the

                           extent possible.

                  Air and Water Quality

                         � Water Quality. Site preparation for residential development
                           and transportation facilities can cause increased sediment

                           loads in streams. Because of the sensitive nature of anadromous

                           fish streams, such activities should take precautions to mini-
                           mize increasing sediment load in streams.

                  Geophysical Hazards

                         o Mass Wasting. Potential mass wasting areas have been identified
                           on the steep slopes northwest of Mineral Creek Flats. Due to
                           the steep terrain, it is unlikely that development will occur
                           in these areas. Because the degree of hazard can be determined
                           only by site specific investigations, and mitigation measures

                                                  5-50

                            are also site specific, development within identified mass
                            wasting zones should exhibit appropriate site investigation
                            and mitigation measures.

                          o Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding
                            from heavy rainfall and breakup. Flooding occurs along Mineral
                            Creek and several of the small streams in the Flats area. Be-

                            cause of its designation for residential development, precau-
                            tions should be taken when designing and siting development.

                            All activities within the floodway and floodway fringe are
                            subject to the Valdez Floodplain Management Ordinance., Where
                            feasible all structures, including bridges and flood diversion
                            structures such as dikes, should not be located in the floodway.
                           .Bridges that cross the floodway should be designed to permit
                            flow through the structure at flood levels and avoid retaining
                            and spreading flood waters behind them. Structures within the
                            floodway fringe should be designed to meet the Floodplain Manage-

                            ment Ordinance.

                          o Avalanche Hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones are present
                            on the steep slopes northwest of Mineral Creek Flats. Develop-
                            ment is unlikely on steep slopes, but should.be sited away from

                            runout zones.

                   Tran sportation

                          o Residential Access. Residential development of municipal lands
                            will require additional access across Mineral Creek. A new
                            bridge will be constructed across Mineral Creek at the extension
                            of West Egan Road. Subdivision will result in new roads in the

                            Mineral Creek Flats.

                                                   5-51

                 Recreation

                        o Activities. The northwestern portion of the district has been
                          identified as Public Interest Land, recreation management.
                          Improved access with residential.development will increa se
                          recreation pressure on the area.

                        o'Facilities. Proposed facilities include the Gold Creek Trail

                          and a Mineral Creek Greenbelt on the east and west sides of the

                          stream. Bike trails will be located-in the area.

                 Coastal Access

                        o Recreation Access. Mineral Creek and its floodplain provide
                          boating and foot recreation access. Additional recreation access
                          would be provided by the Gold Creek Trail and its connection
                          to the Mineral Creek Canyon Road. Development should maintain
                          access through easements, greenbelts, or other appropriate

                          measures.

                 Community Facilities

                        o Water and Sewer. Residential development will create demand
                          for water and waste disposal. Proximity to town makes connection
                          to municipal water and sewer service likely.

                        o Other Services. Residential development will create a demand
                          for electric, telephone, and solid waste removal services.
                          Utilities should be placed underground where feasible.

                 Use Classification

                        o Conditional Development. The floodway and floodway fringe of
                          Mineral Creek, a 25-foot buffer on either side of all anadromous

                                                 5-52

                            fish streams, the proposed Mineral Creek Greenbelt on the east
                            and west sides of Mineral Creek, and State Public Interest
                            Lands; avalanche chutes and runout zones; mass wasting areas;
                            seiche/storm run-up areas.

                         o Development. All Areas not classified as Conditional Development.

                  5.3.10 Mineral Creek Canyon

                  Projected Resource Use  and Activities

                         � Hardrock Mining. Several mining claims are located on both
                            sides of Mineral Creek Canyon. Interest has recently  been shown
                            in activating some of those claims, and may increase as econom-
                            ics make hard rock mining more attractive.

                         �  Recreation. Already a popular summer recreation area, recreation
                            use of Mineral Creek Canyon will increase with population growth.

                         o Tourism. Proximity and access to town make this a tourism and

                            wilderness resource.

                  Coastal Habitats

                         � Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. The lower portion of Mineral Creek

                            is an anadromous fish stream and is sensitive to obstruction

                            of fish passage and sedimentation of spawning areas. Mining
                            activities in Mineral Creek Canyon should minimize increasing
                            the sediment load of Mineral Creek and avoid damage to spawning

                            habitat downstream.

                  Air and Water Quality

                         o Water Quality. Hardrock mining can caused increased sediment
                            loads in streams through improper placement of spoils and tail-

                                                   5-53

                          ings piles. On-site measures should be taken to avoid spoil
                          and tailing piles in Mineral Creek and its tributaries.

                 Geophysical Hazards

                        � Avalanche Hazard. Steep sl opes on both sides of Mineral Creek
                          Canyon are prone to avalanche in several locations. Placement
                          of structures for mining or recreation purposes should avoid

                          avalanche chutes and runout zones. Where runout zones cannot

                          be avoided, placement of diversion structures is recommended.

                        � Mass Wasting. Potential mass wasting areas occur along the
                          west-facing slopes of Mineral Creek Canyon. Because the degree
                          of hazard can be determined only by site specific investiga-
                          tions, and mitigation measures are also site specific, develop-
                          ment within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appro-
                          priate site investigation and mitigation measures.

                        � Riverine Flooding. Mineral Creek experiences periodic flooding
                          from heavy rainfall and breakup. All activities within the
                          .floodway and floodway fringe are subject to the Valdez Flood-
                          plain Management Ordinance, Where feasible, all structures,
                          including bridges and flood diversion structures such as dikes,
                          should not be located in the floodway. Bridges that must cross
                          the floodway should be designed to permit flow through the
                          structure at flood levels and avoid retaining and spreading
                          flood waters behind them. Structures within the floodway fringe
                          should be designed to meet the Valdez Floodplain Management

                          Ordinance.

                 Land Use, Management, and Status

                        o Preferred Local Use. Recreation - natural setting, skiing, snow
                          machining, hiking, kayaking (lower section).

                                                  5-54

                         o Management and Status. Most of Mineral Creek Canyon has been
                           designated Public Interest Land for recreation management.
                           This designation may result in future recreation facility im-
                           provements. Several valid private mining claims are located
                           in the area; reactivation may change with mining economics.

                           Residential use of small tract at the lower end of Mineral Creek

                           Canyon is possible at USS 411.

                  Recreation

                         o Activities. Mineral Creek Canyon has long been  considered a
                           summer recreation resource by Valdez residents. Public Interest
                           Land designation should result in improved road and hiking
                           access, if local interest and state funding are available.

                  Coastal Access

                         o Scenic Corridor'and Recreation Access. A gravel/dirt road up
                           Mineral Creek Canyon constitutes a scenic corridor and provides

                           recreation access to both vehicles and hikers. Use of this

                           access will probably increase with population growth.

                         o Industrial Access. Should valid mining claims be reactivated,
                           the road up Mineral Creek Canyon could be used for movement
                           of equipment, supplies, and ore.

                  Transportation

                         o Highway. A summer season road runs from the new town area seven
                           miles up Mineral Creek Canyon. The avalanche hazard poses severe
                           problems to keeping the roa d open year-round; summer access
                           is partially maintained by DOT, but road deterioration in the
                           upper canyon restricts access. A recurrence of mining activity
                           could require increased maintenance or road improvements.

                                                   5-55

                 Mineral Extraction  and Processing

                         o Mineral Extraction. Mineral Creek Canyon was the site of several
                           productive gold mines around the turn of the century; many
                           of these cl aims are still valid but not currently active. Rising
                           gold prices have led to the reactivation of other dormant mines
                           in Alaska, and it is possible that claims in Mineral Creek
                           Canyon will be mined in the near future. Ore extraction and
                           preliminary processing would occur on-site, with the concen-
                           trated ore shipped elsewhere for refining. Mining would require
                           disposal of spoil and tailings in a manner that minimizes degrad-

                           ation of water quality.

                 Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. Mineral Creek Canyon Public Interest
                           Lands; Mineral Creek floodway and floodway fringe; avalanche

                           chutes and runout zones; mass wasting areas.

                         o Development. All areas not classified Conditional Development.
                           These areas are subject to AMSA guidelines.

                 5.3.11   Dayville Road

                 Projected Resources Use and Activities

                         � Allison Point Industrial Site. The City of Valdez has selected
                           land adjacent to the Alyeska Marine Terminal for petroleum
                           related industrial development.

                         � Hydroelectric Power Generation..The Solom on Gulch Hydroelectric
                           Project, generating 12 MW of electricity, will be completed
                           in 1982. Facilities include a lake tap, power tunnel, penstock,

                           and two powerhouses.

                                                  5-56

                            The Corps of Engineers has proposed development of hydroelectric
                            power generation at Allison Lake. Estimated power generation
                            from this project is 8 MW.

                          o. Fish Hatchery. The Valdez Fisherie s Development Association
                            proposes to build a pink and silver salmon hatchery at the mouth
                            of Solomon Gulch. The hatchery, when completed in 1982, will
                            also include saltwater rearing pens off Allison Point.

                          o Recreation/Tourism. The Dayville Road area has enjoyed increas-
                            ing use for pink and silver salmon fishing and as an informal
                            RV camping area.

                   Coastal Habitats

                          o Exposed High Energy Coast. Construction of a petrochemical
                            products dock will result in some habitat loss. However, this
                            habitat type is common in both the area and district, and

                            habitat loss associated with a dock would have minimal biolo-

                            gical impact.

                          o Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. Both Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek
                            are anadromous fish streams. Salmon spawning habitat at Solomon
                            Gulch is intertidal; use of the penstock and other design fea-
                            tures of the Solomon Gulch Hydro Project should maintain flow
                            over spawning areas and prevent habitat impact.

                            Construction and operation of a hydroelectric facility at Alli-
                            son Gulch presents a potential for impact to anadromous fish and
                            habitat if flow is not maintained over spawning areas during
                            construction and operation activities. Anadromous spawning and
                            rearing areas should be located, and facilities designed and
                            placed to minimize impacts.

                                                   5-57

                 Geophysical Hazards

                        � Avalanche Hazard. An avalanche chute and runout zone occurs

                           along Dayville Road between Abercrobmie and Solomon gulches.
                           This chute presents no danger to the road and traffic. Strut-
                           tures, transmission lines, and above-ground pipelines should
                           avoid avalanche chutes and runout zones, unless diversion de-

                           vices or other protection are placed in the runout zone.

                        � Mass Wasting. There are several small, scattered potential mass
                           wasting areas on steep slopes at higher elevations south of
                           Dayville Road. It is unlikely that development will take place

                           in these areas.

                        � Seiche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run- up has been
                           estimated to be 12 feet above MLLW. Loss of life and property
                           damage could result from development within the waterfront
                           portion of this area if design and siting mitigation measures
                           are not employed.

                 Land Use, Management, and Status

                        o Preferred Local Use. Waterfront industrial use associated with

                           the Alyeska Marine Terminal, and other potential petroleum
                           related products dock; municipally owned waterfront industrial
                           land; hydroelectric generation and transmission facilities at
                           Solomon Gulch and Allison Lake; recreation fishing along
                           Dayville Road; scenic corridor - view of City of Valdez, natural
                           setting, and Alyeska Marine Terminal.

                        o Management and Status. Land within the area falls under private,
                           municipal, State Public Interest Land, and Chugach National
                           Forest management. Private and municipal land are likely to
                           be developed for industrial purposes. Both the Allison Lake

                                                 5-58

                             and Abercrombie Gulch watersheds have been designated for water-
                             shed management under State Public Interest Land classification.
                             Hydroelectric generation is allowed under this classification.
                             Chugach National Forest is currentl y preparing a Forest Land
                             and Resource Management Plan; forest land within the Valdez
                             Coastal Management District has been preliminarily designated
                             for scenic resources and public recreation use (Lyons 1980
                             personal communication).

                    Transportation

                           o Marine. Construction of the Alaska Oil Company project will
                             result in an.additional dock and tanker traffic in the area.
                             Approximately 186 tanker calls a year would be made, and the
                             increase in tanker traffic is within the capability of the
                             existing Coast Guard Vessel Traffic System.

                    Recreation

                           o Activities. Recreational fishing for salmon is popular among
                             Valdez residents and tourists, since Dayville Road offers the
                             only major onshore access to saltwater salmon fishing. Highway
                             pullouts between Solomon Gulch and the Alyeska Marine Terminal
                             are used as informal RV campgrounds. This area is encompassed
                             by municipal land zoned for petroleum industry related use.

                           o Facilities. Pavement of popular fishing pullouts and provision
                             of trash dumping facilities would allow more intensive use
                             of the area. The Solomon Gulch project includes development
                             of a hiking trail from Dayville Road to Solomon Lake.

                   Coastal Access

                           o Public Road Access. Dayv ille Road provides the only public
                             road access along the south side of Port Valdez. Its primary

                                                   5-59

                            purpose is to provide road access to the Alyeska Marine Ter-
                            minal, with a secondary role as recreation access and a scenic

                            corridor.

                          o Recreation Access. As the only road-accessable area for salt-
                            water salmon fishing, Dayville Road provides important recrea-
                            tion access. This access will become more valuable if develop-

                            ment of additional marine facilities restricts small boat fish-

                            ing in the area. A trailhead from the road at Solomon Gulch will
                            provide hiking access to Solomon Lake.

                            Industrial development along Dayville Road should maintain
                            recreation access for fishing by easements or other appropriate

                            means.

                          o Scenic Corridor. Dayville Road is a scenic corridor, providing
                            the only road access on the southside of Port Valdez. It pro-
                            vides views of the natural setting, City of Valdez, Solomon
                            Gulch, and Alyeska Marine Terminal (one of the major tourist
                            attractions of Valdez). Construction of transmission lines

                            for the Solomon Gulch project has lowered the quality of.the
                            view along the highway. Future industrial development could
                            have a similar impact, and care should be taken to maintain
                            access to views of Port Valdez, the c.ity, and the Alyeska Ter-

                            minal.

                   Energy Facilities

                          o Hydroelectric Generation Facilities. The Solomon Gulch project,
                            which will generate 12 MW of power for Valdez, Copper Center,
                            and Glennallen, will be completed in 1982. The Corps of Engi-
                            neers has identified Allison Lake as a high priority location
                            for additional hydroelectric development. Estimated to produce

                                                    5-60

                            8 MW of electricity, the Allison Gulch project could replace
                            more costly diesel fuel generation in Valdez and provide for
                            power for industrial development. Construction is projected for

                            the late 1980s.

                         o  Petroleum Related Facilities. The City of Valdez has designated
                            a municipal land selection (Allison Point) adjacent to the
                            Alyeska Marine Terminal for petroleum related industrial use.
                            Energy related facilities are a high priority for this site.

                  Fish Processing

                         o Hatcheries. The Valdez.Fisheries Development Association pro-
                            poses to build a humpback, chum, and silver salmon hatchery at
                            the mouth of Solomon Gulch. The hatchery will produce an esti-
                            mated 50 million humpback, 18 million chum, and 1 million silver
                            salmon. Humpback and chum fry will be held on-site 30 to 45
                            days, with silver fry taken to a warm-water rearing area. The
                            facility is aimed at increasing both commercial and recreation
                            fishery stocks. The return rate of adult salmon is estimated to
                            be 2 to 6 percent of released fry.

                  Use Classification

                         o Conditional Development. All State Public In terest Lands; land
                            and tidelands north of Dayville Road; Chugach National Forest

                            Land.

                         o  Development. All areas not classified as Conditional Develop-

                            ment.

                                                   5-61

                 5.3.12 Western Port Valdez

                 Projected Resource Use and Activities

                        �  Land Transfers. The State of Alaska has selected two parcels
                           of land within Chugach National Forest under Community Grant
                           Lands. Use possibilities include availability for municipal
                           selection, and development of marine oriented recreation facil-

                           ities.

                        �  Recreation. Both Shoup Bay and Anderson Bay have been identified
                           as areas of high recreation quality. Facility development is
                           a long-term possibility. The City of Valdez Department of,Parks
                           and Recreation has proposed construction of a hiking trail
                           along the north side of Port Valdez to Gold Creek.

                        � Industrial Development. The City of Valdez has identified a
                           parcel of land within the Jack Bay Community Grant Land selec-
                           tion as a potential energy facility site.

                 Coastal Habitat

                        � Barrier Islands and Lagoons. The Shoup Bay spit is the only

                           land form that can be classified as a "barrier island." Because

                           it is unique in the district, material borrow or other activi-
                           ties that could damage habitat should be prohibited.

                        �  Rivers, Streams, and Lakes. While timber harvesting and other
                           comsumptive resource use is unlikely in this area, the identi-

                           fied anadromous fish streams are sensitive to obstruction of

                           fish passage and stream sedimentation. Buffer strips of 25

                           feet on either side of anadromous fish streams should be estab-

                           lished. No timber harvesting within 50 feet of streams should
                           occur, in accordance with State Forestry.Management practices.

                                                  5-62

                  Geophysical Hazards

                          � Avalanche  Haz ard. Several avalanche chutes and runout zones

                            have been  identified north of Valdez Narrows. While development
                            in this area is unlikely, none should occur within identified

                            avalanche chutes and runout zones.

                          o Mass Wasting. Several potential mass wasting areas have been
                            identified on both sides of Port Valdez. Because the degree
                            of hazard can be determined only by site specific investiga-
                            tions, and mitigation measures are also site specific, develop-
                            ment within identified mass wasting zones should exhibit appro-
                            priate site investigation and mitigation measures.

                          � Sieche/Storm Run-up. The extent of seiche/storm run-up has been
                            estimated at 12 feet. Loss of life and property damage could
                            result from improperly sited and designed development within

                            this area.

                  Land Use,   Managemen t, and Status

                          o Preferred Local Use. Recreation     saltwater fishing and recrea-
                            tional boating, hiking; energy facilities - potential energy
                            facility site in Jack  Bay.

                          o Land Management and Status. The majority of land in this area
                            is likely to remain in state and federal ownership. The U.S.
                            Forest Service is currently preparing a Forest Land and Resource
                            Management Plan for Chugach National Forest; land within the
                            coastal management district has a preliminary designation for
                            scenic resources and public recreation.

                            The area within the vicinity of Shoup Bay is managed by BLM
                            under multiple use guidelines. Some federal and state interest
                            has been shown in recreation use of Shoup Bay.

                                                    5-63

                          State lands include those managed for watershed and recreation
                          under Public Interest Land classification, and lands selected
                          for Community Grant Lands. Community Grant Lands are    selected
                          primarily for expansion of existing communities or establishment
                          of new communities. As in the case of Jack Bay, they may be
                          used for municipal land selection or classified as Public Inter-
                          est Lands. Both Anderson and Jack Bays have been mentioned
                          as possible recreation areas.

                 Transportation

                        o Marine. Construction and operation of the City Port and the
                          Alaska Oil Company petrochemical project will increase tanker
                          and container ship traffic in Port Valdez.

                          Increased recreational boating and identification of onshore
                          recreation areas may require construction of small boat mooring
                          and landing facilities.

                 Recreation

                        � Activities. Western Port Valdez is a major recreation resource
                          of Valdez. Small boat recreation and fishing is popular during

                          summer months. Lack of facilities limits onshore use to occa-

                          sional landings and camping.

                        � Facilities. Construction of the Gold Creek trail will allow

                          hiking along Western Port Valdez. Shoup Bay, Anderson Bay,
                          and Jack Bay have been identified by state and federal agencies
                          as potential recreation areas. Official designation as recrea-

                          tion areas could result in construction of limited facilities

                          to improve boat access and onshore use.

                                                  5-64

                   Coastal Access

                          o Boat Access. Acce'ss to western Port Valdez is currently limited
                            to small boats, pri ma rily for recreation purposes.

                          o Other Access. Construction of the Gold Creek Trail will open
                            up hiking access along the area's shoreline.

                  Energy Facilities

                          o Ene'rgy Facility Sites. The City of Valdez has identified a
                            potential energy facility site withi n the Jack Bay Community
                            Grant Land Selection. No specific facilities have been proposed,
                            but the area has been studied as a feasible LNG liquefaction

                            and marine terminal.

                  Use Classification

                          0 Co nditional Development. Fifty feet on either side of identified

                            anadromous fish streams. Identified avalanche chutes and runout

                            zones; potential mass wasting areas; identified Public Interest
                            Lands; Shoup Bay and spit for recreation use and coastal habitat.

                          o Development. Ali areas not classified as Conditional Develop-

                            ment.

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     1          6.0 POLICIES, SUBJECT USES, AND
     I              PROPER AND IMPROPER USES
     I

                                                                                      6.o

                                    POLICIES, SUBJECT USES, AND PROPER AND IMPROPER USES

                    6.1     GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

                            In recognition that the Valdez Coastal Management District contains
                    the majority of all developable lands  as well as providing habitat for
                    many species of flora and fauna, the Coastal Management Citizens Committee
                    recommends that viable economic uses be considered that are both geared
                    to a coastal setting and designed for the enhancement of the physical
                    environment. The Committee is especially cognizant of the Valdez life-
                    style and clean environment, keeping in mind the desire to sustain a
                    stable economy, but not to the detriment of the natural beauty of and
                    quality of life in Valdez.

                            To accomplish the goals and objectives of the Valdez Coastal
                    Management Program, a set of principles or policies are set forth here to
                    guide decisions concerning activities and uses in the coastal zone. The
                    policies are grouped in three categories: 1) general policies on land and
                    water activities, and consistency and coordination, 2) policies for
                    specific coastal activ ities and resources, and 3) policies regarding
                    development areas.

                            Where applicable, the policies incorporate the standards and
                    guidelines of the Alaska Coastal Management Act. These policies actively
                    promote: sensible and efficient use of coastal lands; consolidation
                    of activities; concurrent or multiple use of lands; use of sound engineer-

                                                     6-1

                   ing practices; protection of environmental quality; enhancement of fish
                   and wildlife resources; regional c  ooperation; and, coordination between
                   state and federal agencies and the City of Valdez.

                          Achieving balance is also important, particularly where there
                   are potentially competing goals, such as industrial development and
                   resource enhancement; where local preferences differ from state and
                   federal interests, where planning for activities in the coastal area
                   can lead to unnecessary restrictions, or where short-run gains result
                   in the forfeiture of long-run benefits.

                          Finally, the policies are actJoi.-oriented. With its planning
                   and regulatory powers, the City of Valdez intends to implement this
                   program through its municipal authority, the allocation of fiscal and
                   human resources and cooperation with private developers and other levels

                   of government.

                   6.2    GENERAL POLICIES

                   6.2.1  Land and Water Activites

                   1. Waterfront-Dependent and Waterfront-Related Uses

                          Only waterfront-dependent or related activities or uses as defined
                   in this plan will receive priority for waterfront areas. Uses which are
                   neither waterfront-dependent or waterfront-related will be considered in
                   shoreline areas only when inland sites ate not available.

                   2. Facilities

                          Cooperative use of piers; cargo handling, storage, parking or
                   other facilities is strongly encouraged.

                                                     6-2

                     3. Navigable Waters

                            The na vigable.waters in Port Valdez shall be available for mul-
                     tiple use.

                     4. Activities

                            Activities on and uses of adjacent coastal lands shall be com-
                     pa tible.

                     6.2.2 Consistency   and Coordination

                     1. Consistency

                            Uses and activities in the coastal zone, including public acti-
                     vities by all levels of government, shall be consistent with the dis   -trict
                     plan. The Community Development Department will be responsible for enforc-
                     ing compliance with all applicable provisions of the Coastal Management

                     Plan.

                     2. Coordination

                            The City of Valdez shall minimize regulations by using zoning,
                     subdivision, flood plain ordinances and building codes to implement the
                     district plan. Regulations shall allow flexibility in the techniques used
                     to achieve desired goals of local government.

                     6.3    SPECIFIC USE POLICIES

                     6,3,1 Coastal Development

                     Industrial

                     1. Optimum Location

                            The City of Valdez shall assist with the   identification of suit-
                     able sites for industrial development which satisfy industrial require-

                                                      6-3

                   ments, meet safety standards, protect fish and wildlife resources, and
                   maintain environmental quality.

                   2. Natural Features

                          Excavation, shoreline alteration, and disturbance of anadromous
                   streams, tideflats, and wetlands shall be minimized when constructing
                   and operating port, harbor, dock, and industrial facilities.

                   3. Dredge and Excavation Material

                          Dredge and site excavation material shall be disposed of in sites
                   approved by the Community Development Department. Dredge spoil may be
                   utilized in shoreside landfills if permitted under applicable regulations
                   for the purpose of creating usab le waterfront land.

                   4. Facility Design

                          Developments in or over the water, such as piers, docks, and pro-
                   tective structures shall be located, designed, and maintained in a manner,
                   which minimizes adverse impacts upon water quality, fish, wildlife,
                   vegetation, and physical processes.

                   5. Buffer Zones

                          Buffer zones are desirable between industrial areas and major
                   public transportation routes, and between industri al development and adja-
                   cent, non-industrial properties.

                   6. Accessory Development

                          Support facilities of a waterfront development which do not re-
                   quire waterfrontage should be sited inland.

                                                   6-4

                     7. Alteration-of Bodies of Water

                            Filling or drainage of water bodies, floodways, backshores or
                     natural wetlands for expansion of :Upland areas for commercial development
                     is subject to review by the   Community Development Department.

                     Commercial

                            The following industrial policies shall also apply to commercial
                     development:

                            o Natural features

                            � Dredge and excavation material
                            � Facility design
                            � Accessory development

                            o Alteration of bodies of water

                     Residential

                     1. Location

                            In areas with poorly draining soils, development shall not be

                     allowed unless connected to a sewer line. Where not feasible, on-site
                     facilities shall be designed so as not to cause conditions that will
                     pollute rivers, lakes, and other water bodies including the ground water
                     supply.

                     2. Open Space

                            Maximum retention of green areas and open space shall be en-

                     couraged.

                                                        6-5

                   3. Hazardous Lands

                          Development shall not occur in areas designated as hazardous such
                   as avalanche runout zones, active floodways  and high water channels, and
                   unstable slopes and shorelines. Siting, design, and construction measures
                   to minimize exposure to these hazards may be required in Conditional
                   Development areas.

                   6.3.2 Energy Facilities

                          The siting and approval of major energy facilities shall be based
                   on the standards and guidelines set forth in the Alaska Coastal Manage-
                   ment Act. Sites suitable for the development of major onshore, nearshore,
                   offshore, and outer continental shelf energy facilities must be identified
                   by the state in cooperation with the district.

                   1. Site Selection

                          Major energy facilities will be located in areas set aside by the
                   City of Valdez for industrial use.

                   2. Facility Expansion

                          Sites must have enough space for reasonable expansion of facil-
                   ities without pre-empting lands suitable for other development.

                   3. Consolidation

                          Companies must strive to consolidate their activities and, where-
                   ever feasible, share their facilities with other companies or the commu-

                   nity.

                                                   6-6

                   4. Habitat Protection

                          Sites will be approved.which call for a minimum of dredging,
                   c.learing, and construction in productive habitats.

                   5. Accidental Spills

                          Sites must be selected where water discharges and oil spills can,
                   be contained-most effect ively.

                   6. Air Quality

                          Energy facilities with airborne emissions must be located where
                   winds and air currents can disperse emissions and where the cumulative
                   impact does not vi.olate state and federal air quality standards.

                   7. Water Qual.ity

                          Effluent discharge of energy facilities must be located where
                   currents can disperse effluents and where the cumulative impact does not
                   violate state and federal water quality standards.

                   8. Impact Avoidance

                          Energy facilities will be sited to minimize impact on environ-
                   mental and cultural values in the immediate vicinity.

                   6.3.3 Recreation, Tourism., and Natural Setting

                   1. The City of Valdez shall encourage recreational and tourism develop-
                       ment, improvement of the aesthetics of the city, and provi.de public.

                       access to shoreline areas.

                                                    6-7

                  2.  Recreational developments shall provid e the local population a wide
                      range of recreation opportunities in appropriate locations.

                  3.  Since shorelines with a high value for recreation are limited and
                      the long-term demand is unlimited, facilities for water-dependent
                      or water-oriented recreation shall be located near the shoreline,

                      while non-water-related recreation facilities should be located

                      inland.

                  4.1 Recreational and access de velopments shall, wherever appropriate,
                      blend into the surroundings, and preserve or enhance scenic views  and

                      vistas.

                  5. New development shall incorporate recreation access where applicable.

                  6.  The City of Valdez shall offer incentives to city development that
                      incorporate landscaping and historical.displays.

                  7.  The City of Valdez shall support local, state, and federal efforts
                      to develop marine parks, roadside pullouts, and other recreation
                      facilities on public lands within and adjacent to coastal management

                      district boundaries.

                  6.3.4 Transportation and Utility.Routes

                  1. State Highway Construction and Maintenance

                         The City of Valdez shall support state highway construction and
                  maintenance efforts to improve the transportation link to interior Alaska.

                  2. Location

                         Wherever there is a cost effective inland alternative, transpor-
                  tation and utility routes shall be located away from the shorelines. If

                                                   6-8

                    shoreline routes are constructed, they shall provide reasonable means of
                    public access to the water.

                    3. Facility Design, Construction, and Maintenance

                          Design, construction, and maintenance of highways, airport, port,
                    and utilities shall minimize alteration of water courses, wetlands, and

                    intertidal marshes.

                    4. Stream Crossings

                          Roads shall cross anadromous streams only when necessary to pro-
                    vide access deemed necessary by the Ci ty of Valdez. Bridge or culvert
                    construction and design must minimize habitat disturbance and allow
                    fish passage. Construction scheduling shall be done in accordance with
                    good fisheries conservation practices.

                    5. Underground Utilities

                          To the extent feasible, underground installation of utilities is
                    preferred to overhead installation.

                    6. Sanitary Landfills

                          To avoid leachate pollution, landfills shall be located above the
                    groundwater table.

                    6.3.5 Geophysical Hazards

                    1. Utiliza tion

                          The City of Valdez shall require safe and sensible utilization of
                    potentially hazardous lands.

                                                    6-9

                   2. Coordination

                          The City of Valdez shall encourage the state and federal govern-
                   ment and private interests to gather geophysical information, analyze the
                   extent of hazards, and recommend proper siting, design, and construction

                   measures to maximize safe utilization of hazardous lands.

                   3. Geophysical Haza rd Areas: LAndslides and Mass Wasting

                          The District Plan shall identify potential geophysical hazard
                   areas where further investigation is necessary. Development of these
                   areas may not be approved by the appropriate state or local authority
                   until siting, design, and construction measures for minimize property
                   damage and protecting against loss of life have been provided. All devel-
                   opment shall be prohibited in areas identified as subject to landslide
                   and mass wasting hazards unless the Community Development Department
                   approves siting, design, and construction measures to safeguard against
                   property damage and loss of life.

                   4. Riverine Flooding

                          All development is subject to the City of Valdez Floodplain Manage-

                   ment Ordinance.

                   5. Coastal, Seiche, and Tsunami Flooding

                          New development within 10.5 feet elevation above mean sea level
                   (100-year recurrence or 1 percent probability event) shall be limited to
                   water-related uses. Water-related development within 10.5 feet above sea
                   level shall be subject to siting, design and construction measures to
                   safeguard against potential hazards.

                   6  Seismic Events

                          Proposals for development within known and potential seismic areas
                   shall be required to prepare a geotechnical investigation prior to

                                                  6-10

                   development to determine an area's physical capability to accommodate
                   various uses. The investigation shall also recommend siting, design, and

                   construction measures to minimize  the hazard.

                   7.'Glacier Stream Flood Plain Plan

                          The City of Valdez shall prepare a Glacier Stream Flood Plain
                   Plan to guide gravel mining and other activities within the Glacier
                   Stream flood plain.

                   6.3.6 Coastal Access

                   1. Public Access

                          New development shall be encouraged to provide access to shore-
                   lines when such access does not interfere with ope rations or create a
                   hazard to life and property.

                   2. Recreation Facilities

                          The City of Valdez shall continue to provide access to the shore-
                   line through trails, bikepaths, and development of State Public Interest
                   Lands under its management.

                   3. Access to State and Federal Lands

                          The City of Valdez shall continue to encourage state and federal
                   governments to provide marine access to their lands on Port Valdez and
                   Valdez Arm through the Marine Parks, Forest Service Cabins, and other

                   similar programs.

                                                   6-11

                   6.3.7 Fisheries a nd Seafood Processing

                   1. Fisheries Enhancement

                          The City of Valdez shall continue to actively promote the develop-
                   ment of hatcheries and aquaculture programs. Fisheries programs will
                   stri ve to maintain, restore, or enhance the natural biolcgical produc-
                   tivity of Port Valdez, anadromous streams, and lakes in the coastal zone.

                   3. Optimum Resource Use

                          Maintenance and enhancement of fisheries should be given high
                   consideration in reviewing shoreline use proposals which might adversely
                   impact important fisheries habitat, migratory routes, and the harvest

                   of fish.

                   3. Industrial Development

                          Development which has an adverse impact on fisheries and wildlife
                   shall design and implement measures to mitigate these impacts.

                   6.3.8 Gravel Extraction

                   1. Material Sources

                          The City of Valdez shall identify preferred locations for ex-
                   tracting gravel and other material resources within the Coastal Manage-

                   ment District.

                   2. Gravel Mining

                          Mining shall be subject to an), Flood Plain Management Plan adopted
                   by the City of Valdez, and subject to Title 16 Fish and Game regulations,
                   when applicable.

                                                   6-12

                   6.3.9 Archaeological and Historical Resources

                   1. Resource Identification

                          Because prehistoric and archaeological sites are important assets
                   local and state governments should institute programs designed to iden-
                   tify and protect all significant sites not already protected by federal
                   and state programs.

                   6..3.10 Air and Water Quality

                   1. Cumulative Impact

                          New industrial development shall comply with state and federal
                   regulations for air and water quality.

                   2. Wastewater Discharge

                          The discharge of wastewater and toxic wastes into Port Valdez
                   shall be limited to areas with adequate flushing action and be discharged
                   in accordance with State of Alaska regulations.

                   3. Harbors

                          Harbor, small boat harbor, and marina designs shall incorporate
                   facilities for proper handling of sewage and refuse.

                   6.3.11 Resource Enhancement and Protecr-ion

                   1. Habitat Protection

                          Management of sensitive areas such as estuaries; wetlands and tide-
                   flats; beaches; rivers, streams, and lake systems; and high energy coasts

                   shall be done in accordance with the standards of the Alaska Coastal

                   Management Program.

                                                  6-13

                   2. Natural Processes

                         Estuaries, tideflats, and  wetlands shall be managed to assure
                   continued water flow and natural circulation patterns, and appropriate
                   levels of nutrients and oxygen. Dredging shall not be permitted in these
                   areas, unless approved by the Community Development Department, U.S. Army
                   Corps of Engineers, and other appropriate state and federal agencies.

                   3. Upland Habitats

                         Upland habitats shall be managed to prevent excessive runoff and
                   erosion and to retain natural drainage patterns, surface water quality
                   and natural groundwater recharge areas.

                   6.4   DEVELOPMENT CLASSIFICATION POLICIES

                         The following policies are meant to guide activities and develop-
                   ment in areas classified by the resource analysis.

                   6.4.1 Areas Meriting Special Attention  (AMSA)

                         Activities and development within AMSA areas shall be limited
                   to those identified as proper uses for these areas.

                   6.4.2 Conditional Development Areas

                   1. Conditional development areas where coastal development may be subject
                      to constraints created by biological resource needs, geophysical
                      hazards, coastal habitat, land ownership, adjacent land use, coastal
                      access, and air and water quality, shall be identified and period-
                      ically reviewed by the Community Development Department.

                   2. Activities and development within conditional development areas
                      shall be subject to coordination with the Community Development

                      Department.

                                                  6-14

                      3. Potential constraints on activities and development within condition-
                          al development areas shall be identified in the Valdez District
                          Coastal Management Program.

                      6.4.3. Development Areas

                      1. Development areas shall be established within the Valdez Coastal
                          Management District where economic and coastal development objectives
                          are not subject to constraints created by geophysical hazards, bio-
                          logical resources, coastal habitat, recreation, land ownership,

                          coastal access, and air and water quality concerns.

                      2.  Economic and coastal development are preferential uses for these

                          areas.

                      6.5    SUBJECT USES

                             The following activities and uses of coastal land and water re-
                      sources are subject  to the Valdez District Coastal Management Program:

                             o Coastal Development - industrial, commercial, and residential
                                development

                             o  Recrea tion - designation of areas and facilities

                             o  Energy Facilities - petroleum and petrochemical product refin-
                                ing, storage, transportation, and transfer; electric and hydro-
                                electric generation facilities and transmission lines

                             o  Transportation   highway,, air and marine facilities

                             o  Utilities - water and sewer lines and facilities, solid waste
                                disposal, utility lines

                                                       6-15

                           o Fisheries    seafood processing, fishery enhancement and rehabili-

                             tation

                           o Timber Harvesting and Processing      timber sales and harvesting,
                             log storage and transfer

                           o Mining and Mineral Processing      hard rock minerals, gravel,
                             sand, and other construction materials

                           o Subsistence - subsi  stence areas and activities.

                    6.5.1  Uses of Stat e Concern

                           The policies of the Valdez District Coastal Management Program
                    reflect the five categories of Uses of State Concern, which are defined
                    as those land and water uses which would significantly affect the long-
                    term public interest. The five categories are listed below:

                           (A) uses of national interest, including the resources for the
                                siting of ports and major facilities which contribute to
                                meeting national energy needs, construction and maintenance
                                of navigational facilities and systems, resource development
                                of Federal land, and national defense and related security
                                facilities that are dependent upon coastal locations;

                           (B) uses of more than local concern, including those land and
                                water uses which confer significant environmental, social,
                                cultural or economic benefits or burdens beyond a single

                                coastal resource district;

                           (C)  the siting of major energy facilities or large-scale indus-
                                trial or commercial development activities which are dependent
                                on a coastal location and which, because of their magnitude
                                or the magnitude of their effect on the economy of the State

                                                     6-16

                                of the surrounding areas,  are reasonably likely to present
                                issues of more than local significance;

                            (D) facilities serving statewide or interregional transportation

                                and communication needs; and..

                            (E) uses in areas established as Sta te parks or recreational
                                areas under As 41.20 or as State game refuges, game sanctu-

                                aries or critical habitat areas under AS 16.20.

                    6.6     PROPER AND IMPROPER USES

                            In accordance with the policy of multiple use of resources, the
                    determination of proper and improper uses of coastal land and water
                    resources within the Valdez Coastal Management District is not an exclu-
                    sionary process. Proposed uses are measured by performance with regard
                    to policies, resource concerns identified under conditional development
                    areas identified in the Resourc  e Analysis and AMSA management guidelines.

                            Specific proposals for land and water uses or activities shall
                    be  submitt ed to the Community Development Department for review and
                    determination of both proper/improper use and consistency with the Dis-
                    trict Coastal Management Program. Decisions made by the Community Develop-
                    ment Department can be  appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission
                    and City Council. This process in no way precludes the need for compli-

                    ance with the City Zoning Ordinance, Floodplain Management Ordinance,
                    Subdivision Pegulations, Building Codes, and other pertinent city land

                    and water use controls.

                            In addition to the specific policies, conditional development
                    resource concerns, and AMSA guidelines, the following points should
                    be emphasized in the evaluation of resourse use/activities proposals:

                            1. Zoning Ordinance. Acceptable uses under the City Zoning Ordi-
                               nance must address applicable conditional development concerns.

                                                     6-17

                          2-. Water Dependency. Water-dependent or water-related uses have.
                             priority use of the shoreline. Non-water dependent or related
                             uses should be located inland when feasible and prudent inland
                             locations are available. Feasibility reflects zoning.con-
                             straints, population distribution, and economic hardship to
                             private individuals.

                                                   6-18

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     1                   7.0 IMPLEMENTATION
     11

                                                                           IMPLEMENTATION

                            Implementation of the Valdez Coastal Management Program relies
                    on'the utilization of  existing fe Ideral, state, and local government.
                   -regulations and land""use controls (Figure.7-1).  This approach eliminates
                    duplication of authority and 'minimizes the need  for additional regula-
                    tions and permits. The only additional controls   needed for program im-
                    plementation are amendments to the Valdez Zoning   Ordinance to 1) enforce
                   .@policies not covered by*existing ordinance provisions, and 2) establ.ish
                   .-a proceedure for Valdez Community Development Department review of activ-
                    ities,taking place within district boundaries for.determination of    consis-
                    tency with the Valdez Coastal.Management Program.

                            On the local level, the Community Development Department will

                                                                       o a
                    review private and local government activity prop's I's for
                    of consistency with the Valdez Coastal Management Program. The determin-
                    ation of consistency can be appealed through the Valdez Planning and
                    Zoning Commission and-Cit,y Council,.following the stahdard*zoning appeal
                    procedure.

                            The City of Valdez also wishes to undertake the continuing review
                    of state and federal agenc'y actions aftecting the  coastal zone for deter-
                    mination of consistency with the Valdez District Coastal Management
                    Program.,A proposed approach to developing a Memorandum of Understanding
                    with the Division of Policy Development and Planning to implement A-95
                    review consistency determination procedure is included in this section.

                                                      7-1

                                                                                 FEDERAL                                                       STATE                                                 BOROUGH

                                                                                                                                                              Cd                 I
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                General Policies

                Land and          Water I
                                                                   x                                                                                                                                                         x
                                               2                                                                                                                                                                             x
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                                               4
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                             x

                                               2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             x

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                Industrial             Dev.      1                                                                                                                               Ix
                                                                                                                                                                                 I

                                                 2                 x            x      x
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                                                   2                                                                                                                                                              x
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                             x
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                                                                                                                                                                                        x    x                               x
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                                                                                                                                                                                             x
                                                                  4                                                                    Ix
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           Resource Enhancement/
                                                                                                                                                  x
                    Protection
                                             2       x                           x           x                                                    x
                                                                                                                              x      x            x

           DEVELOPMENT CLASSIFICATION
                   POLICIES

           Conditional.
           Development..                                                                                                                            x

                                                                                                                          x                         x

                                                                                                                                                    X
                                              3      x          x

            Development                                                                                                   x

                 7.1   FEDERAL AND STATE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES

                       Several Federal and State regulations have been used to implement
                 coastal management policies. The specific regulations are listed below.
                 A summary of each of these measures is presented in Appendix B.

                       Federal Controls

                       The River and Harbor'Act of 1899, Section 10
                       The Clean Water Act, Section 404, 402, 311
                       The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
                       Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management

                       Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlands

                       The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

                       The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Acc

                       The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
                       The Endangered Species Act of 1973

                       The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1973

                       State Controls

                       Alaska Statute 16

                       Alaska Water Quality Standards
                       Waste Water Disposal"RegulatiIons
                       Water Appreciation Permit

                       Alaska Historic Preservation Act of 1971

                 7.2   IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES

                       The City of Valdez enforces 5 local controls which implement
                 27 of..the policies identified as Coastal Management Plan Policies.
                 They are the Zonin.g,Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Building Code
                 and Floodplain Ordinance. Twenty-three of the Coastal Management Plan
                 Policies do not lend themselves t o implementation through specific
                 regulation, but rather are to be used as general administrative guide-
                 lines for all city 4ctiqns.

                                                     7-6

                     7.2.1 Private and  Loc al Government Actions

                           In acco rdance with Chapter 30.80.010 of the Val.dqz Zoning Ordin-
                     ance, the Valde.z Community Development Department will review proposals
                     for activities taking place within the Valdez Coastal Management Dis-
                     trict.and determine consistency of the   proposal with the Valdez Coastal
                     Mangement. Proposals must include a brief.description of the activity
                     and a mpa showing the location of   development at a.scale of 1:.63,360.
                     The Community Development Department will respond to the applicant
                     within 10 working days as to whether the information submitted is ade-
                     quate to determine consistency, or whether more information is.needed.
                     Major problems associated with Conditional Development Area constraints
                     or consistency will be identified to the applicant at this time. The
                     Community Development Department will reach a determination of consist-
                     ency within 30 days of receipt of activity proposals, or of additional
                     information when required. Consistency.determination decisions.will
                     include development cond itions'and/or r easons for finding proposals
                     not consistent with the District Program.

                           The deterimination of consistency can be appealed     to the Valdez
                     Planning and Zoning Commission, which must consider the     appeal at its
                     next scheduled meeting, and rule on the appeal by the following sqhed-
                     uled meeting. Further appeal can be made to the Valdez City Council.

                     The Community Development Department will review proposed actions for
                     consistency by considering the following factors:

                           1.  Type of Action
                                 A. Municipal
                                     o capi  tal improvement projects

                                      o'permits
                                  B. Private land developments

                           2.     Location of the action within the coastal zone

                                                          7-7

                        3.     Significant affects on the coastal zone, including:

                               -0 Significant changes in the manner in which land,'water'
                                or coastal 'zone naturalresources  are used:
                                   nif* ant :limitation's on the' range of'uses'of coas@a'l
                               0Sig   ic
                                zone nit'u'r*ral reso6rices;
                               0significant changes  in the quality of coastal zone nat-

                                ural resources

                               Resource usie that will be significantly affected

                               .-'b Offshore areas

                               o@ Estuaries

                               o We'stlands and'Tideflats
                               o Rocky Islands and 'Sea Cliffs
                               o@ Barrier Islands and Lagoons
                               o Exposed High Energy Coasts
                               o Rivers, Streams, and Lakes

                               o Important Upland Habitat
                               o Historical', Prehistoric, and Archaeological Areas

                               0 Air Quality

                               o Surface@Water

                               o G@oundwAter

                               o- Scenic Areas

                               @o Coastal Flood Zone and River Floodplains

                               0 Parks and Recreation Areas

                               o Open Space
                               o Developed Waterfront

                                 Urban Residential

                        5.     Consistency with local land and water use controls. If
                               not consistent, name the specific control(s) with whi ch
                               the action is not consistent and describe why the action

                               is not consistent.

                        6.     Consistency with all policies spelled.out in the district
                               plan,

                                                       7-8

                         7.1  Control of development areiksin which the action may be
                              located, and appropriate mitigation measures proposed.

                         8.@  Location of the action within Areas Meriting,Special-@-
                                      z

                              Attention

                         9.   Consistency with the management plan for an Area Meriting
                              Special Attention, if the action is located in the AMSA.

                   Enforcement

                         It will be the responsibility of the Community Development and
                   Engineering Departments to monitor activities with.in the Coastal Manage-
                   ment District to ensure that the policies and conditions of the dis-
                   trict Program are being implemented. A summary of District Enforcement
                   actions will be submitted to the office of Coastal Management on an

                   annual basis.

                   Memoranda of Understanding

                         The City of Valdez wishes to formalize, by means of memoranda
                   of understanding, consistency review of all state and federal actions
                   and to establish procedures for coordinating plans and programs at
                   federal, state, areawide and local levels.

                         Memoranda of Understanding will be drafted between the City of
                   Valdez and at least the following three/state agencies -- Division
                   of Policy Development and Planning, Department of Fish and Came anbd
                   the Department of Environmental Conservation.

                         The memoranda will cover:

                         o procedures and timetables for A-95 review;
                         o assumption by the City of Valdez of primary responsibility
                           for c.onsistency determinations;

                                                      7-9

                         o proce dures' for coor.dina tion 'of consistency determ.in at. iIon with
                           the: Alaska Coastal Management Office:
                         o procedures  for settling disagreements  and providing  for reme-
                           dies@.

                                                        7-10

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    1                     8.0 AREAS MERITING
    I                     SPECIAL ATTENTION
    I

                                                                                      8.0

                                                        AREAS MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION

                          Areas meriting special  attention (AMSAs) are   areas singled out
                   during coastal management program development for detailed     planning.,
                   As defined in the Alaska.Coastal Management.Act [AS46.210(l)], AMSAs

                   are:

                                A detailed geographic area within the
                                coastal area which is sensitive to change
                                or alteration and which, because of plans
                                or commitments or because a claim on the
                                resources within the   area delineated would
                                preclude subsequent use of the resources
                                to a conflicting or incompatible use, warrants
                                special management attention, or which, because
                                of its value to the general public, should be
                                identified for current or.future planning,
                                protection, or acquisition.

                          Acceptable rationales for   designating AMSAs are identified in
                   the Alaska Coastal Management Act (CMA) and the Alaska Coastal Management
                   Program standards. All proposals for AMSAs must be related to one or
                   more of the following:

                          1. Areas of unique, scarce, fragile,   or vulnerable natural habi-
                             tat, cultural value, historical significance, or scenic impor-

                             tance;
                          2. Areas of high natural productivity or essential habitat for
                             living resources;
                          3. Areas of substantial   recreational value or opportunity;
                          4. Areas where development of facilities is dependent upon the
                             utilization of, or access to, coastal waters;

                                                     8-1

                            5. Areas of unique geological or topographic significance that
                               are susceptible 'to industrial or commercial development;
                            6. Areas of significant hazard due to storms, slides, floods,
                               erosion, or settlement;
                            7. Areas needed to protect, maintain, or replenish coastal land
                               or resources, including coastal floodplains, aquifer recharge
                               areas, beaches, and offshore sand deposits;
                            8. Areas important for su .bsistence hunting, fishing, food gather-
                               ing, and foraging;
                            9. Areas with special scientific values or opportunities, includ-
                               ing those whe re on going research projects could be jeopardized
                               by development or conflicting uses and activities; and
                           10. Potential estuarine or marine sanctuaries..[AS 46.40.210 (1)
                               and ACMP Standards 6AAC 80.160 (b)]

                            The City of Valdez feels that  areas important to economic develop-
                     ment, transportation, and energy facilities are also valid rationales for
                     designating an AMSA.

                            The management.scheme which "must preserve,.protect, enhance,
                     or restore the value or values for which-the area was designated, "as
                     specified in 6AAC 80.160(c). The management scheme must include:

                            (a)   A d.escription.of the uses and activities that will be con-
                                  sidered proper and the use and activities that will be
                                  considered improper with respect to land and water within

                                  the area;

                            (b)   A summary or  statement of the policies that will be applied
                                  in managing the area; and

                            (c)   An identifica.tion of the authority that will be  used to
                                  implement the proposed management scheme.

                                                      8-2

                             Any person, federal or state agency, or local government may
                      recommend AMSAs. Coastal Management Dist*ricts must consider recommended
                      AMSAs, but are not bound to accept an AMSA as nominated. Final decisions
                      on AMSA designations.are made during program review by the Coastal Policy
                      Council, which considers state and federal agency comments at that time.
                      This minimizes speculation and diverse interpretatio ns about how the

                      area is to be maintained.

                             The use of AMSAS to manage resource use and activities can be
                      easily abused; ideally AMSAs should be used to resolve conflicts between
                      uses or to protect single-purpose values of public importance only when
                      other coastal management tools are not adequate. In the case of many
                      potential AMSAs, polici es, development conditions, And implementation
                      (including incorporatioh of state and federal reg ulations) are adequate
                      to resolve use conflicts or protect uses. A large number of individual
                      AMSAs can result in piecemeal planning and additional layers of require-
                      ments for potential resource users.

                             Approval of an AMSA as part of a Coastal Management Program in-
                      cludes both the approval of the AMSA boundaries and of the specific
                      management plan adopted for it.

                             - All proposed AMSAs are protected to some degree by other program
                               elements; specifically management classification districts

                               and policies.

                             - AMSAs have been employed when areas have multiple land managers
                               with often conflicting management objectives in areas of impor-
                               tant single or multiple resource value.

                             - The City of Valdez philosophy is that these land managers should
                               work together to develop the scope of an AMSA management plan
                               that protects both their interests and general public interest.
                               Such a development has time and fiscal requirements beyond

                               the scope of this program.

                                                      8-3

                             Interim management will consist of classifying recommended
                             AMSAs, conditional development for those values which make an
                             area worthy of recommendation as an AMSA. Activities within the
                             AMSA must show how those resource values/conflicts are addressed.

                           The Valdez Coastal Management Program has designated four AMSAs:
                    the Duck Flats/Mineral Creek Islandsi Mineral Creek Canyon, Robe Lake and
                    Keystone Canyon. Maps 14a and 14b show the AMSAs and values associated

                    with them.

                                                     8-4

                                               VALDEZ DUCK FLATS

                     1. Name    Duck Flats and Mineral Creek Islands.

                     2.. Location   This area is located on the north side  of Port Valdez,

                                    east of the new townsite, and south of  the Richardson
                                    Highway (Map 14a).

                     3. Description and Significance

                            a) Duck Flats. The flats are a 1000 acre interLidal area consis-

                                ting of 540 acres of mud flats and 460 acres of saltwater
                                marsh. Six clearwater streams, fed by groundwater and snowmelt,
                                flow year-round into the Duck Flats.

                                   The marshland is one of the larger tracts of marsh along
                                Port Valdez. The marshland is made up of two separate marsh
                                areas. The larger east marsh is located along the eastern
                                and northern margin of the flat. The smaller marsh, west marsh,
                                is located at the extreme southwestern margin of the flat.
                                The marshy interchannel topography is quite flat and consists
                                of poorly drained fine silts and clays. Below the marsh the
                                tideland grades into mudflats which are totally exposed during

                                low tide.

                                   The Duck Flats is a highly productive biological area due
                                to high levels of nutrient availability. The East Marsh is
                                dominated by a grass/milkwort community. The West Marsh is on
                                slightly higher ground and is dominated by a sedge/rush com-

                                munity.

                                   All six streams flowing into the Flats are used for spawn-
                                ing by salmon, primarily pinks and chums. Spawning also occurs
                                in the intertidal areas. The outmigrating fry of pink and

                                                       8-5

                              chum salmon feed in the subtidal waters. The Duck Flats streams
                              contribute about 12 percent of the pink salmon taken in the
                              commercial fishery in odd years. The Duck Flats also contrib-
                              ute about one percent of chum salmon to'this fishery. All
                              six of these streams are categorized as "critical spawning
                              habitat" (Dames and Moore 1979). The Alaska Department of
                              Fish and Game classifies these streams as sensitive and/or

                              critical habitat.

                                 The Duck Flats area has substantial ecological value in
                              that it provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl. The salt-
                              marsh and tidal mudf.lats are most important as a feeding area
                              for waterbirds during the spring and fall migrations.

                                 Mallards, green winged teal, pintail and wigeon are the

                              most abundant nesters on the Flats. Much of the saltmarsh

                              surrounding the Flats is a migration staging area for Canada
                              Geese. Several other species of waterfowl and shorebirds util-
                              ize the area during various seasons and stages of the tide.

                                 An active bald eagle nesting site is located on the east

                              side of the marsh near Mineral Creek Road.

                                 Larger land mammals tend to avoid areas such as the Flats
                              due to lack of protective cover and the proximity of human
                              activity. The smaller mammals (rodents and hares) may use
                              the better drained sites adjacent to the mudflats. Predatory
                              mammals such as coyote, weasel, mink and river otter may fre-
                              quent these areas inhabited by smaller land animals.

                                 Marine mammals, primarily harbor seal and sea otter use
                              the Duck Flats for feeding. Harbor seals move into the mudflats
                              to feed on starry flounder and spawning/rearing salmonids.
                              Sea otters forage in the lower intertidal area for clams and

                              mussels.

                                                    8-6

                             b) Mineral Creek Islands. The Mineral Creek Islands consist of

                                a series of bedrock outcrops within the entrance area to the
                                Duck Flats. These hogback islands have served as a crib wall in
                               ,holding back the glacial outwash plain silts and gravels and
                                stabilizing the Duck Flats area behind them. The outer islands
                                (spruce, Cranberry, Raspberry,  and Iris) are less than one acre
                                in surface area with steep rock sides.and flat tops. The domi-

                                nant vegetation is grass interspersed with various shrubs and
                                herbaceous plants. Some of these outer islands are considered
                                ecologically unique in regard to their vegetative composition.

                                   The inner islands (Ammunition, Bluff, Round, and West)
                                are slightl.y larger (1-3 acres). The vegetation is dominated
                                by shrubs.

                                   The outer islands and Sontag Spit serve as a nesting area
                                for about 30-50 pairs of Arctic terns. The outer islands have
                                been classified as a seabird colony by the U.S. Fish and Wild-

                                life Service. Harbor seals have been observed to have "hauled

                                out" on Seal Rock on Spruce Island. The inner islands are also
                                used for roosting by a variety of birds. A few small mammals

                                also inhabit the islands.

                             The Duck Flats are equally important to Valdez residents for
                      economic, transportation, and lifestyle reasons. These uses on lands and
                      waters within the AMSA area include transportation, residential, recrea-
                      tion, fisheries, utility, and communication.

                             One of the major developments in the area is the Richardson High-
                      way/Mineral Creek Loop Road which encircles the entire mainland section
                      of the AMSA. The Richardson Highway is the only land transpor tation route
                      linking Valdez to the Alaskan interior. Daily traffic along that portion
                      of the highway adjacent to the AMSA averaged 4540 vehicles in 1979
                      (Alpetco DEIS 1979). Considerable improvements are planned for the
                      Richardson Highway over the next'five years including a widening of

                      the road bed.

                                                       8-7

                            The Sontag Spit, located off Mineral Creek Loop Road, immediately
                     south of Siwash Creek, consists of a 1500 foot long fill barrier extend-
                     ing out towards Ammunition Island..

                            The city is near completing a port facility south of Ammunition
                    .Island. This will include a 21-acre marshalling yard consisting of
                     dredged material and fill. A floating dock will be connected to the
                     marshalling yard by four walkways and two ramps. A 1500 foot long trestle
                     will connect the marshalling yard to the mainland. Fill material will
                     be required to create a 1000 foot long paved roadway from the trestle
                     to the existing Sontag Spit Road. The city has also selected land in this
                     area as a potential site of an export grain terminal.

                            An area east of the small boat harbor (Harbor Cove) has been
                     suggested for the site of a new commercial harbor. This would require
                     dredging the area immediately south of Dock Point and West Island, be-
                     tween Harbor Point and the outer islands. The portion of this area above
                     mean lower low water is under city ownership.

                            Expansion of the commercial fishing industry in Valdez may also
                     require additional areas for wa rehouses, equipment storage and cold
                     storage facilities. One area that has been proposed is between North

                     Harbor Drive and Inner Point (west of Southwest Cove). The western half
                     of the fill area would be on state land and the eastern half on city

                     lands.

                            Several recreational uses are made of the AMSA area. A highway
                     pullout next to City Limit (Crooked) Creek is heavily used during the
                     tourist season for viewing salmon spawning. The viewing platform at
                     the pullout is also used for nature study and scenic and wildlife view-
                     ing.

                            The city proposed a $100,000 camper park as part of the 1978-
                     1979 recreation budget. This park would be situated north of the small

                                                     8-8

                   boat harbor on state lands (same general area as the proposed commercial
                                          i
                   boat harbor land fill). 'No action has yet been taken.

                          The Valdez Fisheries Development Association hatchery facility
                   on City Limits Creek (northwest of the Richardson Highway and adjacent
                   to the AMSA boundary), built in 1979, consists of a small incubation
                   unit from which a chum and pink salmon brood stock will be developed.
                   The chum salmon stock will be planted in incubation/spawning channels
                   In Old Valdez, taking advantage of the abundance of groundwater in that
                   vicinity. Hatchery reared pink salmon will be used to establish runs
                   for Solomon Gulch. The capacity of the hatchery is 1.5 million eggs.

                   4. Basis for Recommendation

                          The many existing and proposed uses has created intense competi-
                   tion for use of this very productive and unique area. This area's use
                   as a transportation corridor and port site, fishery, aquaculture site,
                   scenic and nature viewing site will create conflicts which will require
                   particular attention to ensure proper management.

                   5. Ownership and Management

                          Lands within the proposed AMSA are under City of Valdez, State
                   of Alaska, and private ownership. Thereare no federal land holdings
                   within the Duck Flats/Mineral Creek Islands area. Of the 1,000 acres

                   included within the AMSA's boundary, approximately 800 acres are owned
                   by the City of Valdez, 150 acres by the State of Alaska (including Uni-
                   versity of Alaska'held lands), and 50 acres by private individuals.
                   Through Title 16 and Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Alaska
                   Department of Fish and Game the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have juris-
                   diction over some activities occurring wi thin the AMSA.

                   6. Ownership and Management ofAdjacent Area

                          Land to the north of the AMSA is owned by the State of Alaska

                   as unclassified land. Private lands border the AMSA to the west and

                   east, and consist of residential and commercial uses.

                                                   8-9

                    7. Potential Conflicts

                           Potential conflicts include port, utilities and other coastal
                    development activities with fish and wildlife habitat. Maintaining water
                    quality and circulation is a key concern. Restriction of activities
                    important to the economy of Valdez is also a concern, as is the potential
                    for condemnation of private lands without compensation.

                    8. management/Development Plan

                           Conditional dev'elopment criteria should be enforced until specific
                    management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA
                    management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Com-
                    munity Development Department; Alaska Departments of Environmental Conser-
                    vation, Fish and Game, and Commerce and Economic Development; the Alaska
                    District Corps of Engineers; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the
                    University of Alaska and other private land holders.

                                                    8-10

                                               MINERAL CREEK CANYON

                       1. Name   Mineral Creek  Canyon.

                       2. Location   Mineral Creek Canyon is located two miles north of the new

                                      townsite.

                       3. Description and Significance

                              Mineral Creek drains a glacier fed watershed, 46 square miles in
                       -area. This watershed recharges the aquifer utilized by the city. The
                       steep-walled canyon is very scenic, with several waterfalls tumbling
                       from the surrounding rugged mountains. The mountain stream is fast flow-
                       ing and alternates between narrow stretches and braided areas.

                              The biological habitat consists of riparian woodland, deciduous
                       forest and alder shrub at h Iigher elevations. Birds and mammals typical
                       of these habitat types are present.

                              Due to the scenic beauty and natural resources, the canyon is
                       considered a high quality recreation area. Several trails, both hiking
                       and winter ski trails, and a park have been proposed for the area.

                              The canyon also has historical signi  ficance as a gold mining

                       area with several claims still active. McIntosh's Roadhouse and the

                       Old Stampmill are historic sites as identified by the Alaska Historical
                       Resource Site Survey. The Survey also concluded that there is a medium
                       probability of archaeological sites being present. One of the proposed
                       trails in the canyon would be a historic trail.

                              In recent years, interest in.the canyon's mineral resources,
                       primarily gold, has grown. The west side of the lower canyon is used
                       as an access route to the currently active mining claims.

                                                        8-11

                          The City of Valdez has proposed improving access to the canyon
                   by building a bridge across the creek, and upgrading'the road.

                   4. Basis for Recommendation

                          Mineral Creek Canyon is nominated as an AMSA because of the scenic
                   importance, historical significance and the substantial recreational
                   value, existing and potential. The area is also"an aquifer recharge
                   area. Potential conflicts exist between mineral development and the
                   recreational and historic resources of the canyon..

                   5. Ownership and Manaaement of the Area

                          The Mineral Creek watershed has been classified as State Public

                   Interest Land for watershed and recreation purpose s. Several active
                   and inactive mining claims are located in t@e canyon.

                   6  Ownership and Management of Adjacent Area

                          The majority of adjacent lands are classified as State Public
                   Interest Land (watershed), although the University of Alaska owns a small
                   portion of land below the AMSA.

                   7. Potential Conflicts

                          Potential conflicts include mining activities with recreation
                   activities, scenic values and aquifer recharge.

                   8. Management/Development Plan

                          Conditional development criteria should be enforced until specific
                   management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA
                   management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Com-
                   munity Development Department; Alaska Departments of Natural Resources

                                                   8-12

                     (Division of Parks and Division of Land and Water), Environmental Conser-
                     vati.on, and Fish and Game; University of Alaska; and owners of mining

                     claims.

                                                     8-13

                                                    ROBE LAKE

                      1. Name   Robe Lake.

                      2. Location   Robe Lake is located north.of the Richardson Highway,
                                    3 miles east of Port Valdez. (Map 14b).

                      3. Description and Significance

                             The 600 acre Robe Lake, the only sizeable lake that is accessible
                      by road in Valdez, is fed by several creeks and drained by the shallow
                      Robe River into Port Valdez. The lake's average depth is 8 feet with
                      a maximum depth of 15 feet. Robe Lake accounts for 12% of the surrounding
                      7 square mile waters hed. Wetlands account for another 17% of the water-

                      shed's area.

                             Three clearwater creeks flow into Robe Lake. Deep Creek, which
                      drains 10 acre Deep Lake, enters Robe Lake on the northeast corner.
                      Brownie Creek, also entering the northeast corner, drains the wetlands
                      north of Rove Lake. Corbin (Robe) Creek, 1@2 miles long, enters Robe

                      Lake from the northwest.

                             Corbin (Robe) Creek, fed by groundwater and dike leakage, flows
                      in the former channel of the glacial Crobin Creek. A dike diverting
                      Corbin Creek into Valdez Glacier Stream was constructed during the 1950's
                      to eliminate the deposition of glacial sediment into the lake. The diver-
                      ted creek is now referred to as Corbin (Glacier) Creek.

                             While the dike has ended sedimentation in the lake, it has also

                      eliminated the major source of water inflow. The resulting lower temper-
                      ature and water level of the lake have led to an increasing rate of
                      eutrophication. The heavy growth of vegetation has reduced the area
                      of open water by one third.

                                                       8-14

                               The Robe Lake system is used by a variety of salmon spec
                       char and Dolly Varden. At present of the salmon species, silvers are
                       most common. The lake system supports the only red salmon run in the
                       Valdez'area. It also contains pinks and a small number of chums.

                               Corbin (Robe) Creek has consistently been the major silver salmon
                       spawning stream in the Valdez area. The number of spawners in recent
                       years 0972-1978) have ranged from 708 to 4839. These numbers generally
                       account for about half of the total spawners in the Port Valdez drainage
                       and, more than 80% of the spawners in the Robe River system (Dames and
                       Moore-1979). Juvenile salmon spe   nd 1-2 years in the lake before moving

                       out to sea.

                               Small numbers of spawning red salmon have been observed in Corbin
                       (Robe)  Creek as well as a number of Dolly Vardens.

                               Brownie Creek is a productive stream and includes valuable red
                       salmon  spawning and rearing habitat (DOWL 1979). The red salmon run used
                       to be large enough to support commercial operations but in the past
                       decade the largest   run was only 9188 fish (DOWL 1979). The decline has
                       been attributed to   a combination of overfishing and changes in the lake.
                       The unusually warm   waters of the creek appear to enhance its spawning
                       potential. Brownie   Creek also supports a large Dolly Varden population

                       and a much smaller   number of silver salmon.

                               Silvers, reds, pinks and chums are all found in the Robe River.

                               The lake and marshes are utilized by numerous waterfowl and marsh
                       nesting birds. Higher ground is heavily vegetated with deciduous-spruce
                       forest or alder shrubs. In addition to the regular upland game birds
                       and mammals there are several brown/grizzly bears who fish for salmon
                       in the small streams flowing into the lake.

                                                         8-15

                             Year round recreation is provided by the lake and its environs.
                      Robe Lake and River are fished for Dolly Varden. The salmon fishery was
                      closed in the 1950's. Waterfowl are hunted in the fall. Boating and
                      swimming are other popular activities. A boat ramp is located on the lake
                      south of the Robe River..

                             To the west of.the AMSA is the 150 home Robe-River subdivision.

                      There are also float plane bases on the west and southeast sides of the

                      lake. Several homes are scattered around the lake.

                             A 1900 acre site was prepared for the now defunct Alaska Oil
                      Company project. This has eliminated 800 acres of important upland habi-
                      tat, part of which is located in the Robe River watershed.

                             The City of Valdez, Valdez Fisheries Development Association, the
                      Alaskan Department of Environmental Conserva tion and Alaska Department of
                      Fish and Game (Division of Sport Fish) have proposed a rehabilitation and
                      enhancement project of the lake. The goal would be the reversal of the
                      eutrophication process and thereby improve the lake's spawning/rearing

                      and recreational characteristics.

                             Several residential projects have been proposed around the lake.
                      A state-land disposal area for residential use is located on the east
                      side. Local interest has been indicated in developing a float plane
                      facility at Robe lake. Development is partially linked to the rehabilita-
                      tion and deepening of Robe Lake.

                             Seismic hazard potential exists in this area that complicates
                      land use decisions. Water saturated areas and wetlands are subject to
                      liquefaction. A possible linement, 1 mile east of the lake, has potential
                      for ground rupture if it is a fault. Five areas on the south side of

                      the lake have been identified as avalanche areas and four areas identi-

                      fied for mass wasting.

                                                      8-16

                     4. Basis for Recommendation

                            The Robe Lake area is a highly valuable resource area for a number
                     of different and possibly incompatible uses. The variety of existing
                     and proposed uses will require careful consideration and planning to
                     achieve optimum use.

                     5. -Ownership and Management of the Area

                            Much of the land within this area is expected to remain state-
                     owned Public Interest lands, managed for recreation/parks, fish and
                     wildlife habitat and watershed. It is possible that more State Land
                     Disposal may occur in the area east of Robe Lake, placing more land
                     in private ownership.

                     6. Ownership and Management of Adjacent Areas

                            Privately owned rural residential land (southeast corner) city
                     owned industrial lands (northwest) and unclassified state lands comprise
                     adjacent areas.

                     7. Conflicts

                            More upland habitat may be lost with residential expansion. Future
                     industrial development on city land has the potential to reduce ambient
                     air quality and could possibly affect the water.quality of the ground-
                     water flowing into Robe Lake.

                     8. Management/Development Plan

                            Conditional Development criteria should be enforced until specific
                     management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA
                     management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Com-
                     munity Development Department; Valdez Fisheries Development Association;
                     Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources

                                                    8-17

                   (Division of Parks and Division of Land and Water) and Fish and Game; and
                   private land holders.

                                                   8-18

                     4. Basis for Recommendation

                            The Robe Lake area is a highly valuable resource area for a number
                     of different and possibly incompatible uses. The variety of existing
                     and proposed uses will require careful consideration and planning to

                     achieve optimum use.

                     5. Ownership and Management of the Area

                            Much of the land within this area is expected to remain state-
                     owned Public Interest lands, managed for recreation/parks, fish and
                     wildlife habitat and watershed. It is possible that more State Land
                     Disposal may occur in the area east of Robe Lake, placing more land

                     in private ownership.

                     6. 0wnership and Management of Adjacent Areas

                            Privately owned rural residential land (southeast corner), city
                     owned industrial lands (northwest) and unclassified state lands comprise
                     adjacent areas.

                     7. Conflicts

                            More upland habitat may be lost with residential expansion. Future
                     industrial development on city land has the potential to reduce ambient
                     air quality and could possibly affect the water quality of the ground-
                     water flowing into Robe Lake.

                     8. Management/Development Plan

                            Conditional Development criteria should be enforced until specific
                     management and development plans can be formulated. Members of an AMSA
                     management task force should include representatives of the Valdez Com-
                     munity Development Department; Valdez Fisheries Development Association;
                     Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources
                     (Division of Parks and Division of Land and Water) and Fish and Game; and

                     private land holders.

                                                    8-19

                                                 KEYSTONE CANYON

                     1.  Name   Keystone Canyon.

                     2. Location - Key stone Canyon is along the Lowe River between Miles
                                    13 and 17 of the Richardson Highway. (Map 14b).

                     3. Description and Significance

                             The extremely narrow and steep-sided canyon has been cut    by the
                     Lowe River  which drains an area of 346 square miles, 35 percent    of which
                     is glaciated. The nearly vertical walls attain heights of 800 feet on the

                     east side and 450 feet on the west. The 500 foot Bridal Veil Falls and

                     100 foot Horsetail Falls are two of the waterfalls in the canyon.

                             In the Narrow river bottom the predominant vegetation is alder,
                     with some cottonwoods in favored localities. Sitka spruce are present
                     on the steep slopes to an elevation of 1500 feet. Dense thickets of alder
                     and willow cover many of the slopes between 500 and 2500 feet. Mountain
                     goats and brown/grizzly and black bears may be seen on occasion. No
                     salmon spawn in the glacial river waters but Dolly Varden may be present
                     seasonally when the waters are relatively clear.

                             The Richardson Highway, which runs through the canyon, is the sole
                     overland transportation route connecting Valdez with the rest of the
                     state. Past transportation use of the canyon has led to the identifica-
                     tion of two historic sites, the Goat Trail and the "Railway Tunnel", by

                     the Alaska Historical Resources Survey.

                          I The trans-Alaska Military Road section on the side of Keystone
                     Canyon was begun in 1898. In 1920 the Alaska Road Commission widened
                     the old military trail and made it into a useable road. This section
                     through Keystone Canyon is called the Goat Trail. The Goat Trail was
                     abandoned in 1947 in favor of a new route along the bottom of the canyon.

                                                      8-20

                             In the early 1900's there were several attempts to build a rail-
                      road to the interior through Keystone Canyon..A shootout between rival
                      companies occurred in 1907. A railroad was never completed and all that
                      remains is the '!Rail War Tunnel", constructed in 190'6-1907, at Mile

                      15.

                             The canyon is alsoutilized heavily for recreation. Motorists
                      view the spectacular scenery from the pullouts...White-wa.ter boaters
                      enjoy the run through the canyon. Hiking along the Goat Trail is a popu-
                      lar activity as it affords good views of the canyon, waterfalls and
                      the peaks and glaciers above. In winter a few enthusiasts enjoy ice-
                      climbing. The scenic and recreational uses of the canyon have led to
                      its inclusion in the proposed 310,00 acre Keystone Canyon State Park.

                             The canyon is also utilized as a utility corridor. The trans-
                      Alaska pipeline runs along a bench above and on the east side of the
                      canyon. The powerlines from the Solomon Gulch Hydropower project also run
                      through the canyon.

                      4. Basis for Recommendation

                             Keystone Canyon's historical and scenic valu e and its importance
                      for recreation, transportation and as a utility corridor recommend its
                      nomination as a AMSA. With so many activities occurring in a limited
                      area, special care will be needed to balance the various uses.

                             Particular concern has been raised over the p9teatial conflict
                      between the canyon's inclusion in the proposed state park and its use
                      as a transportation corridor. The maintenance and upgrading of the high-
                      way in the canyon is essential to the economic livelihood of Valdez.
                      At present no major work is needed on the highway. Minor needs include
                      resurfacing, additional turnouts,  and to enhance the recreational value
                      of the canyon at turnouts, interpretive signs and some benches.

                                                      8-21

                             An additional transportation concern is that all traffic is.stop-
                      ped at Mile 15 when Thompson Pass is closed due to snow. This prevents
                      access to Sheep Creek and many area residents would like the road block
                      moved closer to Thompson Pass.

                             There are several hazards present in the canyon which will have
                      to be considered in planning its future Iuses. The steep sides of the
                      canyon present an avalanche hazard. Avalanche chutes and runout zones at
                      several points in the canyon will continue to infrequently close the
                      highway. The narrow canyon limits the effectiveness of deflection devices
                      or the option of relocating the highway.

                             Mass wasting consisting of rock falls and debris slides occur
                      infrequently. There is also a remote but potential flooding hazard from
                      the release of glacier dammed lakes.

                      5. Ownership and Management of the Area

                             The Keystone Canyon area is classified State Public Interest Land
                      for park and recreational use. The State's DOT/PF and the City of Valdez,
                      Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Copper Valley Electric Associa-
                      tion all have rights-of-way within the canyon.

                      6. Ownership and Management of the Adjacent Area

                             The area surrounding the canyon is also State Public Interest Land

                      for parks and recreation.

                      7. Conflicts

                             Potential conflicts include the use of the canyon as a park and
                      as a transportation corridor. The use of the canyon as a utility corri-
                      dor may also conflict with its scenic values.

                                                      8-22

                     8. Management/Development Plan

                           Conditional development criteria should be enforced until specific
                     management and development plans can be f6rmulated. Members of an AMSA
                     management task force should include representatives of the Community
                     Development Department; the Alaska Depart ments of Natural Resources
                     (Division of Parks and Division of Land and Water) Transportation/Publi,:
                     Facilities, and Commerce and Economic Development; and@the State.Pipeline

                     Coordinators Office.

                                                    8-23

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     I                          APPENDIX A
     I                  PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
     I

                                                                                APPENDIX A

                                                                        PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

                      INTRODUCTION'

                             The purpose-of public involvement in the Valdez Coastal Manage-
                      ment Program has been three-fold:

                             1.    to provide information and to educate the public about
                                   the purpose and impact of the program; and

                             2.    to provide opportunities for public input throughout the
                                   planning and decision-making process.

                                   to utilize local knowledge in the program.

                             During the coastal management program, public involvement activ-
                      ities@have been integrated into the overall planning process. It was
                      -recognized early in the process that a variety of "publics" exists.
                      For that reason, a variety of techniques were used to obtain public
                      involvement. In an effort to involve as.many people as possible, for
                      as long as possible in the program, four interrelated techniques were

                      used:

                             1.    advisory committees (Coastal Management Gitizens Committee,
                                   and Planning and Zoning);

                             2.    public meetings and workshops;

                                                      A-1

                          3.    surveys; and

                          4.    media contacts.

                          With all of the techniques a "reiterative" approach was used.
                   That is, the Community Development Department staff took the responsibil-
                   ity of proposing "something" as a basis of discussion and debate, as
                   well as for review and comment. Based on public input, draft documents
                   were'refined seve-ral times. Two important sections of the report were
                   developed in this manner: issues, goals and objectives, and policies.

                          The rest of this section will highlight each of the four tech-
                   niques used to obtain public input in.Phase II of the City of Valdez Coas-
                   tal Management Program.

                   ADVISORY COMMITTEES

                          Two advisory committees were utilized during preparation of the
                   Phase I and II Coastal Management Programs to ensure consistent citizen
                   input on the direction of the program.

                          The advantages of the advisory committee approach are the contin-
                   uity of the committee throughout the planning process, the potential
                   diversity available in one "working" group, and greater intensity of
                   interaction with the process and its products. One of the disadvantages
                   of this method of public involvement is that it tends to limit public
                   input to those on the committee. This can be a problem if the committee
                   members are not representative of broader community attitudes. In order
                   to overcome the possible disadvantage of the select committee method
                   of public involvement, the City of Valdez complemented its use of two
                   advisory committees with three other public involvement techniques.
                   These techniques are described later in this section.

                          During the Phase I Coastal Management Program, the City of Valdez
                   established a Citizens Committee. The purpose of the Committee was to

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                     "advise the Community Development Depa rtment on matters pertaining to
                     the coastal zone management program. Specifically, the Commit-tee would:

                            1.    Provide input for the development of the  detailed coastal
                                  zone management work program, within the  framework of the
                                  general work program; and

                            2.*   Review and comment on.t he documents prepared for the coastal
                                  zone management program, prior to consideration by the
                                  City Council. The committee played a  key role in the formu-
                                  lation of issues, goals,.objectives, and policies.

                            The City of Valdez CZM Citizens Committee is composed primarily
                     of individuals who represent major cross sections of the community. The
                     individuals and the organization included a lawyer, engineer, real estate
                     agent, oil terminal worker, law enforcemen't officer, marine biologist
                     and insurance salesperson. The committee held six.meetings that were
                     open to the public during 1980. E@ight meetings were conducted during
                     the Phase I Program.

                            In addition to the CZM Citizens Committee, the City of Valdez

                     used one other advisory committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission.
                     the Planning and Zoning Commission was involved in the Valdez Coastal
                     Management Program in a review capacity, and participated in one of
                     the workshops.

                     PUBLIC MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS

                            One of the techniques used to supplement the advisory committee
                     method of obtaining public input w .as public meetings and workshops.

                            Two w6rkshops/meetings were held during the second phase of the
                     coastal managemen t program. The first set of workshops occurred in July
                     1980. The main purpose of the first workshop was educational; to provide
                     City residents with basic information about coastal management. In addi-

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                     tion, the following topics were discussed at the   workshop; The draft
                     coastal management survey and draft issues, goals and objectives. The
                     first workshop in Valdez was attended by 16 residents in addition to

                     advisory committee members.

                            A second workshop occurred in September, 1980 but attendance
                     was poor and the workshop was adjourned. Between October 1980 and January
                     1981, six citizens advisory committee meetings were held and usually
                     atte nded by interested residents. Two public meetings were held during
                     the Phase I program to.review the resource inventory and coordinate
                     with government agencies and regional interest groups.

                            With the exception of the first workshop, the workshops/meetings
                     were more successful in obtaining input from committee members than
                     from local residents. Further information on the workshops/meetings
                     held by the City of Valdez as part of the coastal management program
                     can be obtained from the Community Development Department.

                     SURVEYS

                            The City of Valdez  used a public opinion survey to supplement the
                     other public involvement techniques used in the coastal management pro-
                     gram. The survey was prepared jointly by the Community Development Depart-
                     ment, Woodward-Clyde Consultants, and Kramer and Associates. It was
                     distributed to all boxholders at the U.S. Post Office in the City of

                     Valdez.

                            This section will primarily summarize data obtained from the
                     Valdez Caostal Management survey. Fourteen questions were prepared,
                     addressing issues, industrial development hazards, resource protection,
                     lifestyle, recreation activities, waterfront development,     population
                     growth, and residence. In September 1980, 1600 questionaries were distrib-
                     uted to post office box holders; pick-up boxes were placed in the post .               I
                     office, lib rary, and other downtown locations. Over two weeks, 160 respon-

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                    ses (a 10 percent sample) were received. Two-thirds of the responses
                    came from new town residents, with three-fourths of the respondents
                    living in Valdez six years or less.

                           Survey results are summarized by question below:

                           Coastal Management Issues

                           People identified resource protection (54'percent) as the most
                    important issue. Econo mic productivity was the second most important
                    issue (42 percent). Although people found all the issues important,
                    they felt the impact of activities in Prince William Sound was considered
                    the least important.

                    2.     Industrial Preference

                           People preferred growth of the Port  and fishing industries more
                    than any other industry. The number of people supporting the two ran
                    about 80 percent in both cases. People also supported tourism, recrea-
                    tion, shipyards and marine repair.

                           Support for petroleum related growth was split with 42 percent
                    for, 38 percent agai nst, and 20 percent ambivalent.

                           People felt growth in the timber industry and the mineral extrac-
                    tion industry was unimportant. The timber industry had only 14 percent
                    support and the mineral extraction industry had 22 percent.'

                    3.     Geophysical Hazards

                           The only hazards people felt were important were earthquakes
                    (56 percent) and tidal waves (53 percent). They felt riverine flooding
                    and snow avalanche were generally unimportant, though not by overwhelm-
                    ing majority. Mass wasting and coastal storm flooding were considered
                    relatively unimportant.

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                    4.     Resource Protection Concerns

                           Air quality was the number one resource protection concern with
                    water quality second. About 90 percent of the people supported each
                    of these as important concerfis.

                          'Fish and wildlife habitat and natural setting protection received
                    85 percent and 70 percent support, respectively, as important resource

                    protection concerns.

                    5.     Land Availability and Development Priorities

                           Seventy-two percent of the people felt it was important to make
                    more residential land available' for development.

                           Making recreational, commercial and open space available was
                    important, but not the number one priority.

                           The support for making more industrial land available was split
                    with 43 percent supporting it as important, 37 percent considering it
                    unimportant, and 19 percent ambivalent.

                    6.     Lifestyle Values

                           The most important lifestyle values were Valdez' natural setting
                    (73 percent) and small town character. Other important aspects included
                    its coastal location (64 percent), recreation opportunities (61 percent),
                    employment opportunities (56 percent) and hunting and fishing (53 per-
                    cent).

                    7.     Land and Water Use Preferences Within Specific Geographic Areas

                           Keystone Canyon was the most popular choice as an historical
                    resource, open space area, or natural area. Seventy-four percent of

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                    the people felt that leaving it as a natural set -ting was an appropriate
                    use. Thirty-six percent felt recreation was an appropriate use and 32
                    percent thought that it was an historical resource.

                           The Lowe River was the second most popular choice as a hunting
                    and fishing area. Pe&pie chose hunting and fishing, natural setting,
                    and recreation as the most appropriate uses (in-that order).

                           The uses selected as  appropriate for the Robe Lake watershed
                    were, in order; hunting and fishing, natural setting, wildlife habitat
                    and resi dential. It was the third most frequently chosen residential

                    area.

                           The Valdez Glacier Stream/Airport area was the most popular for
                    gravel extraction and second most popular for industrial development.
                    The uses chosen as most appropriate were, in order; industrial, gravel

                    extract-ion., commercial, recreational and residential.

                           Zook subdivision was the most  chosen residential and commercial

                    area. Thos-e uses and indus-trial use. were the only ones f-e1t: appro.pri.at-e-
                    by a majority of respondents.

                           Old Town was- t-he-mosr- frequently chosen industrial area and secon&
                    most chosen historical and commercial area. The uses most frequently
                    ch'osen as appropriate were, in order; industrial, commercial, historical,
                    and op'en space/hazards.

                           The Duck Flat-s was the most frequenrly chosen habitat area.and
                    least chosen res:i.d:ential. area. The uses most. frequently cho,sen@ as appro.-
                    priate were, in order; wildlife habitat, natural setting, open space,.
                    hunting and fishing,,. and recreational.

                           Mineral. Creek Canyon was the mo.st popular recreational area...
                    The uaes moat fre-quent1y chosen as appropriate were, in order; natuxal.
                    setting, recreational, historical, hunting and fishing, and wildlife

                    habitat.

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                         Uses for the Dayville Road area most frequently chosen as appro-
                  priate were, in order;,industrial, natural setting, commercial, and
                  hunting and fishing. These uses are generally incompatible and the number
                  of people favoring these as appropriate is close; 27 percent, 24 percent,
                  21 percent, and 20 percent, re'spectively. This area was the third most
                  frequently selected industrial area and eighth moA chosen natural set-
                  ting area. It was the fourth most popular residential area.

                         Port Valdez west of Al yeska Terminal was the area most frequently
                  chosen as appropriate for hunting and fishing. The uses most chosen as
                  appropriate were, in order; hunting and fishing, natural setting, rec-
                  reational, and wildlife habitat.

                  8.     Recreation Activity Preferences

                         Over half the people had high interest in fishing, salt water
                  boating, and hiking.

                         Those recreational interests that over-half the people had some
                  interest or no interest in were camping, bike riding, hunting, cross
                  country skiing, tennis, softball and canoeing/kayaking.

                         Those recreational interests over half the people had no interest
                  in at all were downhill skiing (51 percent, no interest) and golf (70
                  percent, no interest).

                         Those write-in responses most frequently received were bowling
                  and ice skating. Other responses received more than twice were, in order;
                  snowmo biling, swimming, racquetball/handball, rollerskating, bird and
                  wildlife watching, movie theater, photography, basketball, shooting
                  and jogging.

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                     9.     Waterfront P riority

                            Those uses  that over 50 percent of the people felt required a
                     waterfront location were, in  order; boat harbors and ferry docks, fish
                     processing plants, open natural areas, fish hatcheries and parks.

                            Those uses that over 50 percent of the people    felt a waterfront
                     location was slightly to very important were, in order of importance;
                     campgrounds and picnic areas, hotels and restaurants, cold storage,
                     warehouses, roads and highways, private homes, parking lots, and timber

                     processing.

                            Those uses that over 50 percent of the people felt a waterfront
                     location was not at all important were; retail shops - 53 percent not
                     at all important, and mobile home courts - 80 percent, not at all.

                     10.    Future Problems

                            Air pollution was seen as the most important future problem (68
                     percent). Water pollution was the only other future problem that con-
                     cerned more than 50 percent of the people (51 percent).

                            Other future problems seen as very to slightly important were,
                     damage to natural areas, loss of scenic beauty, loss of hunting and
                     fishing, loss of access to waterfront and inadequate recreation facili-

                     ties.

                    .11.    Important Coastal Development Needs

                            All items listed were felt to be very important to Valdez by
                     over 50 percent of the people. They were, in order of importance, in-
                     creased ferry service, commercial boat harbor, more fish hatcheries,
                     small boat harbor expansion, state land disposal, more recreational
                     facilities and areas, and increased tourism (49 percent).

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                     12.     Population Growth Preferences

                             Eighty percent of the respondents favored population growth (over
                     4000 people). Thirty-four percent favored a population between 7,500-
                     10,000, 24 percent between 5.,000 and 7,500, 19 percent between 4,000.
                     and 5,000 and 3 percent over 10,000.

                     13.     Area of Residence

                             Sixty-seven percent of the respondents were living in the N,ew
                     Town area with the rest s   cattered fairly evenly throughout the other

                     areas of town.

                     14.     Length of Residence in Valdez

                             less than one year   . . . .    11%
                             1-3 years   . . . . . . . .     23%

                             4-6 years   . . . . . . . .     31%

                             7-10 years  . . . . . . . .     11%
                             10 or more years   . . . . .    24%

                     MEDIA CONTACTS

                             The fourth technique used to obtain public involvement in the
                     City of Valdez Coastal Management Program was contact with local media.
                     Notices of all the workshops and public meetings were published in the
                     Valdez Vanguard. In addition, a story and editorial about the Valdez
                     Coastal Management Program was published in the Vanguard during the
                     Phase II program.

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    I                          APPENDIX B
    I       FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS
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                                                                              APPENDIX B

                                                           FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS

                    INTRODUCTION

                           Some policies of the' Valdez Coastal Management Plan can be
                    achieved through existing federal and state regulatory programs which
                    are designed to protect water quality, wetlands, and anadromous fish
                    st reams. The primary controls applicable to the Valdez plan would be
                    achieved through permit requirements of the River and Harbor Act of
                    1899, the Clean Water Act of 1977 as Amended, and through Alaska Statute
                    16, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Numerous other Presidential
                    Executive Orders, and federal and state policies, regulations, and agree-
                          provide further controls and criteria for evaluating applications
                    for these permits. The  major state and federal controls which could
                    affect location, construction or facility operation in the Valdez coastal
                    zone are described briefly below.

                    FEDERAL CONTROLS

                           The River and Harbor Act of 1899 in Section 10 provides for the
                    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to regulate:

                           o construction of structures or work in or affecting navigable
                             waters of the U.S..;

                           o excavation of materials or accomplishment of other work in
                              or affecting such waters.

                             Activities requiring Section 10 permits also require:

                             o a statement of consistenc y with the Alaska Coastal Zone Man-

                               agement Program;

                             o certain activities also require Water Quality Certification
                               by the ADEC under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

                     The COE conducts public interest reviews which consider the following
                     factors before issuing a Section 10 permit: navigability, fish and wild-
                     life, conservation, pollution, aesthetics, ecology,    the general public
                     interest, energy needs, economics, safety, historic values, food pro-
                     duction, flood damage prevention, land use classification, water supply,
                     and water quality.

                             Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires:

                             o the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to regulate the discharge
                               of dredge or fill material into the waters of the United States;

                             o the administrator of EPA to have further authority, subject
                               to certain procedures, to restrict or prohibit the discharge
                               of dredge or fill material that may cause an unacceptable ad-
                               verse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, fish-
                               ery areas, wildlife areas or recreation areas;

                             o certification of consistency with the state,'Coastal Zone Manage-

                               ment Program;

                             o a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance from the ADEC stating
                               that the proposed activity complies with Section 401 of the
                               Clean Water Act, which includes compliance with the Alaska
                               Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70).

                                                       B-2

                     This jurisdiction extends over wetlands. Permit applications are reviewed
                     using the same guidelines described for a Section 10 Oermit above.

                            Section 402 of the Clean Water Act requires:

                            o A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit from
                              the EPA by the operator of any activity or wastewater system
                              which discharges into a waterway;

                            o certification of consistency with the state.Coastal Zone Manage-
                              ment Program;

                            o a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance from the ADEC stating
                             ..that the proposed act
                                                   ,,ivity complies wi,th Section 401 of the
                              'Clean Water Act, which includes compliance with the'Alaska
                              Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70).

                            For the purpose of the NPDES program, pollutants include dredge
                     spoil, solid waste,'incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge,
                     munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials,-radioactive materials,
                     heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, celler dirt, and indus-
                     trial, municipal and agricultural waste discharged into water.

                            The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).of 1969 as Amended:

                              declares it is -the national policy to encourage a productive

                              and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment;

                            o establishes six goals toward that end;

                            o establishes in Section 102 (c) the requirement for an Environ-
                              mental Impact Statement to be included in every recommendation
                              or report on proposals for legislation and other major federal
                              actions significantly affecting the quality of the environment.

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                            Briefly, the six goals of NEPA which should guide all federal
                    actions or decisi.ons are:

                            o to fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee
                             of the environment;

                            oassure for all Ame ricans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthe-
                             tically and culturally pleasing surroundings-,'

                            oattain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment
                             without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undes-
                             irable or unintended consequences;

                            o preserve important historic, cul tural, and natural aspects
                             of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible,
                             an environment which supports a diversity and variety of indi-

                             vidual choice;

                            o achieve a balance between population and resource use which
                             will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of

                             life's amenities;

                            o enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the
                             maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.

                            Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management establishes overall

                    objectives:

                            o to avoid to the extent possible the long- and short-term adverse
                             impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of flood-
                             plains;

                            o to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development
                             wherever there is a practicable alternative;

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                             o creates general requirements for all federal agencies to follow
                               in conducting activities in floodplains, regardless of land
                               ownership;

                             o requires federal agencies which guarantee, approve, regulate
                               or insure any financial transaction related to a floodplain
                               area to notify private parties involved that the property is
                               located in a floodplain; the notice must explain chances of
                               being flooded, requirements for flood insurance@ and include
                               a statement that the transaction may be subject to floodplain
                               regulations.

                             Actions by federal  agencies which are subject to the provisions
                      of the Order include the management, acquisition, or disposal of federal
                      lands and facilities; financing or assisting in construction and improve-
                      ment; and co nducting activities and programs including planning, regu-
                      lating and licensing. Floodplain Management Guidelines appear in 43 CFR
                      6030. Agencies are required to use the best available information to
                      determine whether an activity  is located in a floodplain. In the case
                      of Valdez, the Val.dez Coastal Management Program.coastal flood zone
                      and river floodpla'in maps should be utilized for determinations. If
                      an activity is determined to be located in a floodplain, the agency
                      involve d is required to make the earliest possib.le public notice and
                      provide for "continuing communication" during the planning, impact assess-
                      ment and alternative selection stages of the activity. When a decision
                     ,to proceed with floodplain development is made, a notice of findings
                      and explanation must be made public. State agencies receiving federal
                      funds.for a project may also be required to satisfy these notice require-

                      ments.

                             Executive Order 11990 Protection  of Wetlands mandates all federal

                      agencies to take certain actions:

                             o to avoid to the extent possible  the long- and short-term adverse
                               impacts associated with the destruction or modification of

                               wetlands;

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                           o to avoid direct or indirect support of new construction in
                             wetlands whenever there is a practicable alternative.

                           When leasing or granting easements or rights-of-way or otherwise
                    disposing of federally owned wetlands, a federal agency is required:

                           o to reference in the conveyance any uses that are restricted
                             under federal, state and local wetland regulations;

                           o to attach appropriate restrictions to,use of the land.

                           This Order applies only to federally owned or controlled wetlands.
                    State agencies using federal funds may be responsible for meeting require-

                    ments of EO 11990.

                           Section 311 'of the Clean Water Act addresses oil spills, and
                    creates the requirement for Spill Prevention, Containment and Counter-
                    measure Plans to be developed by owners and operators of major onshore
                    non-transportation related oil storage facilities.

                           The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as Amended in Section
                    307(c) requires federal agencies conducting activities which could direct-
                    ly affect the coastal zone to comply, to the maximum extent practicable,
                    with an approved state coastal zone management program. Non-federal
                    applicants for federal licenses or permits are required to submit certi-
                    iication that the proposed activity will comply with the state's program.

                           The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act requires any federal agency
                    which proposes to control or modify a body of water to first consult

                    with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries
                    Service, as appropriate, and the head of the state agency exercising

                    control over the wildlife resources.

                           The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes an

                    Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to review and comment upon

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                     any activities licensed by the federal government which would have an
                     effect upon.properties listed in oreligible for listing in the National
                     Register of Historic Places.

                            The Endangered.Species Act of 1973  requires federal agencies
                     to use their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation
                     of endangered or thr-eatened species, and to insure that any authorized
                     action does not jeopardize the continued existence of such endangered
                     or threate ned species or result, in destruction or modification of  its
                     habitat.

                            The Marine Mammal Prote ction Act of 1972 expresses the intent
                     of Congress that marine mammals be protected and encouraged to develop
                     in order to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem.

                            Other federal controls which could affect the operation of an
                     industrial facility in the Valdez coastal zone include the Safe Drinking
                     Water Act, the Marine Protection, Research & Sanctuaries Act of 1972

                     as Amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Toxic Sub-

                     stances Control Act.

                     STATE CONTROLS

                            The primary state controls over development in the Valdez coastal
                     zone would be exercised by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
                     (ADF&G), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)
                     and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR).

                            Alaska Statute 16 provides for the ADF&G to authorize plans and
                     specifications for any'construction that may affect anadromous fish
                     streams of the state, and Also requires that fish passage be provided.

                            Alaska Water Quality Standards, identified in 18 AAC 70, are
                     used by the ADEC in certifying NPDES permits to the EPA, according to

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                      provisions of Section 401   of the Federal  Water Pol lution Control Act
                      Amendments of 1972 as modified by the Clean Water Act of 1977.

                             Wastewater disposal regulations (18 AAC 72) provide means for
                      implementing Alaska Water Quality Standards, by establishing a require-
                      ment for a waste disposal permit from the ADEC in order to conduct an
                      operation which results in the disposal of-wastewater into or upon the
                      waters of the state or surface land. "Wastewater" means sewage, water-
                      borne industrial waste, laundry liquid effluent, shower or sink water,
                      or other wastes which are waterborne and in a liquid state.

                             Water Appropriation Permit (11 AAC 72) establishes the requirement
                      for a permit to appropriate water, which is issued by the ADNR, prior
                      to the diversion, impoundment, or withdrawal of unappropriated waters
                      on state, federal or private lands. Use of the water must be for the
                      benefit of the appropriator, other persons or the public, and must be
                      reasonable and consistent with public interest [AS 46.15.260(3)]. Eight
                      factors are considered in -determining whether an appropriation is in
                      the public interest: benefit to the applicant resulting from the appropri-
                      ation; the effect of economic activity resulting from the appropria-
                      tion; the effect on fish and game resources and public recreational
                      opportunities; the effect on public health; the effect of loss of alter-
                      nate uses of the water;.the harm to other persons; the intent and ability
                      of the applicant to complete the appropriation; and the effect upon
                      access to navigable or public waters.

                              Public notice of water permit applications must be given in a
                      general circulation newspaper, and by service upon other appropriators
                      who may be affected. The ADNR also may conduct hearings.

                              Alaska Historic Preservation Act of 1971 establishes the state
                      policy  to protect and preserve historic and prehistoric sites and ob-
                      jects,  and provides for public access to the results of any archaeologic
                      findings or investigations. The ADNR also can exercise controls over

                                                         B-8

                    .some development through stipulations attached to rights-of-way or ease-
                     ments across state land; Miscellaneous or Special Land Use Permits for
                     activities on state land; and Land or Tideland leases.

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    I                          APPENDIX C
    I        PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
    I            VALDEZ ZONING ORDINANCE
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                                                                            APPENDIX C

                                   PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE VALDEZ ZONING ORDINANCE

                           The following changes are recommended in the Valdez Zoning
                    Ordinance to implement the following policies of the Valdez Coastal
                    Management Program:

                    GENERAL POLICIES

                    Land and Water Activities

                    Policy: 1. 'WATERFRONT DEPENDENT/WATER RELATED USES

                           only waterfront dependent activites or uses as defined in this
                           plan will receive priority for waterfront areas. Uses that are
                           neither waterfront dependent nor waterfront related will be con-
                           sidered in shoreline areas only when inland sites are not avail-

                           able.

                           This policy can be implemented through a combination of means
                           utilizing the Zoning Ordinance and the zoning map. First, to a
                           large extent this policy can be implemented by the existence of
                           the W-C and W-I zones in the Zoning Ordinance (Sections 30.04.110
                           and 30.04.120). These zoning districts emphasize uses that require
                         % a location along the waterfront. The following amendments to the
                           Zoning Ordinance are recommended:

                           30.02.934 Use, Waterfront Related

                           A use of land and/or buildings that
                           benefits from a
                           location on or adjacent to the waterfront.
                           Such uses need not be totally dependent
                           upon the waterfront, but their operations
                           and efficiency are enhanced by proximity
                           to the waterfront.

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                            30.02-936 Use, Waterfront Dependent

                            A use of land and/or buildings that has
                            a primary function of provision of goods
                            and/or services to the waterfront and
                            its users. Locat'
                                            ion on or near the water-
                            front is essential for the efficient
                            operation of these uses.

                            30.40.120A

                            Change Water Related to Waterfront Related.

                            30.04.110A

                            Change Water Related to Waterfront
                            Related. Change Water Dependent to
                            Waterfront Dependent.

                            These changes will make the Zoning Ordinances cognizant of the
                      definition of waterfront related and dependent uses. It is important
                      that the same definitions and terminology be used in the Coastal Manage-
                      ment Program.

                      Consistency and Coordination

                      Policy: 1. The City of Valdez shall minimize regulations by using
                                   zoning, subdivision, and floodplain ordinances and building
                                   codes, and by drafting Memoranda of Understanding between
                                   the city and other governmental agencies.

                            A definition of the Coastal Zon e should be included in the Zoning
                      Ordinance. This'will assure that the Ordinance as applied to the Coastal
                      Zone is specific and consistent with the Coastal Management Plan. The
                      most effective way to accomplish this would be to reference the Coastal
                      Zone as defined in the Valdez Coastal Management Program:

                                         30.02.205 Coastal Zone

                                         The area governed by and/or described
                                         in the Valdez Coastal Management Program

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                                         as adopted by the Alaska Coastal Pblidy
                                         Council.

                            This simple amendment will allow the use of the term "Coastal
                     Zone" within the Zoning Ordinance and by the Planning Commission and City
                     Council in their decisions on zoning matters without creating confusion
                     or uncertainty.

                     SPECIFIC USE POLICIES

                     Industrial Development

                     Po licy: 1. OPTIMUM LOCATION

                                 'The City of Valdez shall assist with the identification
                                  of suitable sites for industrial development which sati6fy
                                  industrial requirements, meet safety standards, protect
                                  fish and wildlife resources, and maintain environmental
                                  quality.

                            Under Policy No. 1 concerning optimum location of industrial
                     development, language should be included within the intent section of
                     the appropriate zoning district to ensure that the area set aside for
                     the use of those districts "meet safety standards, protect fish and
                     wildlife resources and maintain environmental quality." This can be
                     done with the following  amendment:

                                         30.04120 A Intent

                                         The W1 district is intended to be applied
                                         to lands with direct access or close proximity
                                         to navigable tidal waters that can be deve.1-
                                         oped with the listed industrial uses while
                                         still meeting safety, environmental, and
                                         fish and wildlife protection standards set
                                         forth by applicable state, federal, and local
                                         governing agencies.

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                     The same type of wording should be.added to the Intent section of the
                     HI and LI zoning districts. This wording simply allows the Planning
                     Commission to make decisions based upon the satisfaction of the indicated
                     standards. It also strengthens the position of the Planning Commission
                     and City Council in applying such standards to conditional use appli-

                     cations.

                     Policy: 6. BUFFER ZONES

                                  Buffer zones are desirable between.industrial areas and
                                  major publi.c transportation routes, and between industrial
                                  development and adjacent non-industrial properties.

                     This can be accomplished with an amendment to the Conditional Use Section
                     of the Zoning Ordinance relating to submission requirements. The follow-
                     ing section should be added to the Zoning Ordinance:

                                        30.06.020

                                        When proposed industrial or commercial
                                        use abbutts a non-residential zone the
                                        treatment of the common boundary of
                                        those areas should be described in the
                                        application materials along with
                                        measures designed to mitigate any adverse
                                        impacts that could be caused by the pro-
                                        posed conditional use. Such measures
                                        may include, but are not limited to,
                                        upper zones, landscaping, setbacks,
                                        fences, earthen berms, and project
                                        orientation.

                     This amendment would put applicants on notice that there is concern

                     for the interface of industrial and non-industrial uses, and that
                     specific attention should be paid where those areas will affect each

                     other.

                                                    C-4

                       Recreation, Tourism, and Natural Setting

                       Policy: 3.   Since shorelines with a high recreation value are limited
                                    and the long-term demand is unlimited, facilities for water-
                                    dependent or water-oriented recreation shall be located
                                    near the shoreline, while non-water-related recreation fa-

                                    cilities should be located inland.

                       The Waterfront Commercial zone already allows for waterfront    parks,
                       access paths and boardwalks. By including the same allowance    in the
                       'Waterfront Industrial zone the opportunities for waterfront recreation
                       facilities in areas that are uniquely suited for such facilities would
                       be expanded. Consequently, the following amendment should be made to
                       the Zoning Ordinance:

                                           30.04.120D Conditional Uses

                                           Waterfront parks, access  paths and boardwalks.

                       Fisheries and Seafood Processing

                       Policy: 4. OPTIMUM RESOURCE@USE

                                     Maintenance and enhancement of fisheries should be given
                                     high consideration in reviewing shoreline use proposals
                                     which might adversely impact important fisheries habitat,
                                     migratory routes, and harvest of significant fish.

                       Policy: 5.    INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

                                     Development which has an adverse imp act on fisheries and
                                     wildlife shall mitigate these impacts.

                       Policies No. 4 and 5 under Fisheries and Seafood Processing, indicate

                                                      C-5

                      a need to maintain and protect fisheries and fishing related shoreline
                      resources. The appropriate way to do that would be through the Condi-
                      tional Use Section of the Zoning Ordinance. Specific wording should be
                      added to the Ordinance as follows:

                                          30.06.02OG

                                          Impact on fisheries and wildlife habitat
                                          within the Coastal Zone, where applicable
                                          including the mitigation measures pro-
                                          posed to reduce the impact if necessary.

                      This wording puts the burden of proof on the applicant to determine
                      if such impact is occurring and, if so, that appropriate mitigating
                      measures are.to be taken.

                      DEVELOPMENT CLASSIFICATION POLICIES

                      Conditional Development Areas

                      Policy: 1.   Conditional development areas where coastal development
                                   may be subject to constraints created by biological resource
                                   needs, geophysical hazards, coastal habitat, land ownership,
                                   adjacent land use, coastal access, and air/water quality,,
                                   shall be identified and periodically reviewed by the Commun-
                                   ity Development Department.

                      Policy:  2.  Activities and development within conditional development
                                   areas shall be subject to approval by the Community Develop-
                                   ment Department and-with appropriate state and federal

                                   agencies.

                      Development Areas

                      Policy: 1. Development areas shall be established with the Valdez
                                   Coastal Management District where economic and coastal

                                                     C-6

                                 development objectives are not subject to constraints cre-
                                 ated by geophysical hazards, biological resources, coastal
                                 habitat, recreation, land ownership, coastal access, and
                                 air/water quality concerns,.

                    In some areas, because of their sensitivity, all uses would be subject
                    to the.requirements of a Conditional Use Permit. Those areas would be
                    S'hown on the zoning map with an overlay pattern. The following amendments
                    would have to be made  to the Zoning Ordinance:

                                        30.02.255 Conditional Development Area

                                        An area within any zone that, because of the
                                        sensitivity of the land and its relationship
                                        to surrounding areas, is deemed to require
                                        special planning attention. Within Condi-
                                        tional Development Areas all permitted uses
                                        will be reviewed in accordance with the
                                        Conditional Use Permit procedures set forth
                                        in Chapter 30-06 of this title. Conditional
                                        Development Areas will be depicted on the
                                        zoning map by a cross hatch pattern over-
                                        laying the underlying zoning.

                    Add the following section:

                                        30-03.010 Conditional Development Areas

                    The two amendments above would provide a definition of Conditional Devel-
                    opment Areas and would include them in the chapter creating the districts
                    within the Zoning Ordinance. Implementation of the, Conditional Develop-
                    ment Areas would be accomplished by including the following sentence
                    within the following sections of the Ordinance:

                                        Conditional Development Areas subject to
                                        the provisions of Chapter 30.06 of this
                                        title would be included within the
                                        fol lowing sections of the Zoning Ordi-

                                                   C-7

                                          nance:

                                          30.04.01OD22
                                          30.04.02OD5
                                          30.04.03OD5
                                          30.04.04OD10
                                          30.04.05OD5
                                          30.04.06OD7
                                          30.04.07OD3
                                          30.04.08OD6
                                          30.04.09OD3
                                          30.04.10OD2
                                          30.04.11OD2
                                          30.04.12OD2
                                          30.04.136D9
                                          30-04.14OD13

                      By adding the above phrase to these sections, any potential land user
                      is put on notice that if his land is under the cross hatch pattern indi-
                      cating Conditional Development Areas, he will have to go through the
                      Conditional Use Permit process. As further clarification the following
                      sentence should be added in the Conditional Use Regulations:

                      Under Section 30.06.010 Purpose, add a new sentence between   the second
                      and third sentence in the paragraph: "In areas identified as conditional
                      development areas on the zoning map, any land uses within the areas
                      designated conditional development areas would be subject to the provi-

                      sions of the Conditional Use Permits."

                      With this sentence the conditional development areas are added to the
                      purpose of the Conditional Use Permits and are given added importance.

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     I                                 APPENDIX D
     I                             PROJECT TEAM
     I

                                                                            APPENDIX D

                                                                          PROJECT TEAM

                   City of Valdez

                          Rob Ridgway   Director, Community Development Department
                          Joe Altek - Planning Technician, Community Development Department

                   Consultant Team

                          Jonathan Isaacs - Project Manager, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Lois Kramer - Deputy Project Manager, Kramer and Associates

                   Issues, Goals, Objectives

                          Lois Kramer, Kramer and Associates

                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                   Resource Inventory and Analysis

                          Larry Moulton, (Woodward-Clyde Consultants)  Alaska Department
                                         of Fish and Game

                          Bill Steiner, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Larry Rundquist, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Bucky Tart, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                          Jon Lockert, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                          Bob Williams, Kramer and Associates

                                                   D-1

                   Policies

                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                          Lois Kramer, Kramer and Associates

                   Implementation

                          Greg Jones, DOWL Engineers
                          Vicki Sterling, DOWL Engineers
                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                   AMSAs

                          Jon Lockert, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                   Public Participation

                          Jonathan Isaacs, Woodward-Clyde Consultants

                          Lois Kramer, Kramer and Associates

                   Report Production

                          Jayne Johnson, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Dawn Bricker, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Karen Pelroy, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Jean Borstad, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Beverly Dewitt, Editcetera
                          Jessie Woods, Editcetera

                   Graphics

                          Patsy Kallander, ATECH
                          Carol Hutchins, ATECH

                                                     D-2

                   Geographic Inf ormation System

                          Dennis Smith, Woodward-Clyde Consultants
                          Catherine Coffey, Woodward-Clyde  Consultants

                                                    D-3

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