&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle WA 98101
EPA-10-AK-Valdez-NPDES-79
December 1979
EPA 910/9-79-064
Draft
Environmental
Impact Statement
Alaska Petrochemical Company
Refining and Petrochemical Facility
Valdez, Alaska

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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Alaska Petrochemical Company
Refinery and Petrochemical Facility,
Valdez, Alaska
Prepared by
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
Seattle, WA 98101
With Technical Assistance from
CCC/HOK-DOWL
4040 B Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
Regional
Dubois
Administrator
December 7, 1979
Date

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION X
1200 SIXTH AVENUE
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
m
REPLY TO
ATTN OF:
M/S 443
To: All Interested Government Agencies, Public Officials, Public
Groups and Citizens
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 and implementing Federal Regulations, I am forwarding
for your review and comment this Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the Alaska Petrochemical Company's (ALPETCO) proposed
Refinery and Petrochemical Facility in Valdez, Alaska. ALPETCO has
applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit to discharge pollutant to navigable waters pursuant to the
provisions of the Clean Water Act (Public Law 95-217). The proposed
facility has been determined to be a New Source under Section 306 of
the Clean Water Act and hence is subject to the provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act (83 Stat. 852) under Section 511(c)
(1) of the Clean Water Act. Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 124.31(d), the
draft New Source NPDES permit has been released for concurrent public
review with this EIS. Please see the attached Notice for details.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will announce
the availability of this document in the Federal Register on Friday,
December 7, 1979, initiating a 59-day review and comment period. It
is requested that comments on the draft EIS be submitted by 1 February
1980. Comments on the draft EIS should be submitted to Ms. Deborah Kirk,
Environmental Evaluation Branch, Mail Stop 443, at the above address.
Substantive comments on the draft EIS will be considered in the
preparation of the final EIS.
Please note that this draft EIS consists of a Text, Attachments
and multiple technical appendices. All technical appendices were
not distributed to all agencies and persons. If you need additional
copies of the draft EIS or any of its technical appendices, please
contact Deborah Kirk at the listed address or telephone (206) 442-4011
or (FTS) 399-4011. All volumes are available for review at the
locations noted on the attached Notice.
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2
Public hearings on the draft EIS and the draft New Source NPDES
permit will be held in Anchorage, Valdez and Juneau on January 29,30
and 31, 1980, respectively. Please see the attached Notice for details.
It should be noted that if changes to the proposed project and draft
EIS are minor, the final EIS will consist primarily of: 1) a summary,
2) pages with modifications, addition and/or deletions as necessitated
by the coordination and review process; and 3) a new coordination
section containing comment letters received on the draft EIS with
EPA's responses to those comments. Therefore, the draft EIS should be
retained since it, along with the final EIS, will provide a full
analysis of the environmental issues. The final EIS will be sent only
to the agencies and interested parties who request a copy or make
substantive comments on the draft.
If you need additional information, please contact Ms. Deborah Kirk
at (206) 442-4011 or (FTS) 399-4011.
Regional Administrator
Attachment
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united States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-1270
NOTICE OF PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL POLLUTANT
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT(S)
TO DISCHARGE TO WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES,
NOTICE OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, AND
1. Applicant: Alaska Petrochemical Company
(ALPETCO)
Valdez, Alaska
a.	The applicant has applied for a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge
pollutants to navigable waters pursuant to the provisions of the
Clean Water Act (CWA). The applicant proposes to operate an oil
refinery and petrochemical facility in Valdez, Alaska. The
treated wastewater discharges resulting from the proposed
facility will be discharged to Port Valdez, which is classified
as Type II/Marine Waters according to the State's federally
approved water quality standards.
b.	The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires
that a detailed statement be prepared for every major federal
action with a potential for significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment. This statement, called an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), evaluates the potential
environmental effects of such federal actions in addition to
identifying alternatives to the proposal. EPA's NPDES
regulations state that the issuance of an NPDES permit to a new
source may be a major federal action and therefore subject to
the NEPA requirements.
An NPDES permit is required for the proposed ALPETCO facility.
ALPETCO has been determined to be a new source under the NPDES
regulation definitions. An environmental review conducted for
this proposal shows that significant environmental impacts may
occur. Therefore, the issuance of an NPDES to the proposed
ALPETCO facility is a major federal action requiring the
preparation of an EIS.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, AND
NOTICE OF STATE CERTIFICATION
Public Notice No.:
Public Notice Issuance Date:
Public Notice Expiration Date
AK-002763-4
December 7, 1979
February 1 , 1980
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c.	The EIS has been prepared and is being released for
concurrent public review with the proposed NPDES permit. The
EIS considers the environmental impacts of the proposed facility
as well as feasible alternatives (such as the location and
design of the refinery). Social and economic impacts on the
City of Valdez in particular and State of Alaska in general are
discussed at some length.
EPA has been the lead agency in preparing the EIS; the U.S.
Corps of Engineers (COE) has been a cooperating agency.
d.	On the basis of the information in the draft EIS, EPA
has made a preliminary determination to issue the NPDES permit
to the applicant.
e.	The applicant has also applied to EPA for a Prevention
of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit, under the Clean Air
Act of 1977. EPA is presently reviewing the application and
will be making a preliminary determination of the approvability
of a PSD permit. This preliminary determination will be made
available for public comment in the near future. The analysis
of air quality impacts in the EIS is based on the analyses
conducted by the applicant in preparing the PSD application.
Should significant changes in EPA's assessment of the air
quality impacts of the proposal result from EPA's review of the
PSD application, the EIS would be supplemented to reflect that
new information.
2. State Certification
This notice also serves as public notice of the intent of the
State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation to
consider certifying that the subject discharges will comply with
the applicable provisions of Sections 208(e), 301, 302, 303, 306
and 307 of the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit will not be
issued until the certification requirements of Section 401 have
been met.
3. Public Hearings
EPA will hold public hearings on the proposed NPDES permit and
the draft EIS at the following locations and times:
Anchorage
January 2 9, 1980
Sheraton Anchorage
Yukon Room
401 East 6th Avenue
7:30 pm
Valdez
January 30, 1980
City Council Chambers
City Hall
7:30 pm
Juneau
January 31, 1980
Juneau High School
1250 Glacier Highway
7:30 pm
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The purpose of these hearings is to allow all interested parties
an opportunity to express their views and furnish specific data
on matters pertinent to the proposed NPDES permit and draft
EIS. Written and oral comments are welcomed and will be placed
into the record.
4.	Public Comments
The proposed issuance of the NPDES permit and the availability
of the draft EIS will be announced in the Federal Register on
December 7, 1979.
This announcement will initiate a 59 day review period, ending
February 1, 1980. EPA solicits comments from all interested
persons and will consider these comments before any final
actions are taken. All comments should include the name and
address of the commentator, and concise statements of the
relevant background documentation or facts which the comment is
based upon.
Written comments on the EIS should be submitted to EPA to the
attention of Deborah Kirk, Mail Stop 443, 1200 Sixth Avenue,
Seattle, Washington 98101 by February 1, 1980 or presented to
EPA at the public hearing. Written comments on the NPDES permit
should be submitted to EPA to the attention of Michael Johnston,
Mail Stop 521, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101 by
February 1, 1980 or presented to EPA at the public hearing.
Oral comments will be accepted at the public hearing.
Persons wishing to comment on the State Certification should
submit written comments to the State of Alaska, Department of
Environmental Conservation, Central Office, Pouch 0, Juneau,
Alaska 99811, by February 1, 1980, or presented at the public
hearing.
5.	Administrative Record
The proposed NPDES permit, draft EIS and other related documents
are on file and may be inspected at any time between 8:30 am and
4:00 pm Monday through Friday at EPA in Room 11D, 1200 Sixth
Avenue, Seattle, Washington. A copying machine is available in
the Seattle office for public use at a charge of 20 cents per
copy sheet.
Additional copies of the NPDES permit and fact sheet may be
obtained from Kim Wilson, Mail Stop 521, EPA, 1200 Sixth Avenue,
Seattle, Washington 98101 or by calling (206) 442-1270.
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Additional copies of the draft EIS may be obtained from Deborah
Kirk, Mail Stop 443, EPA, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle,
Washington 98101 or by calling (206) 442-4011.
6. Availability of Documents
The proposed NPDES permit, fact sheet and draft EIS will be
available for inspection at the following locations:
Alaska Operations Office
EPA
Federal Building, Room E535
701 'C1 Street
Anchorage, Alaska
City of Valdez
Public Library
Egan Drive
Valdez, Alaska
City of Juneau
Public Library
114 W. Fourth Street
Juneau, Alaska
Please bring this information to the attention of other persons
who might be interested in this matter.
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SUMMARY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
New Source NPDES Permit for the
Alaska Petrochemical Company
Refinery and Petrochemical Facility, Valdez, Alaska
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
Seattle, Washington
(X) Draft Environmental Impact Statement
( ) Final Environmental Impact Statement
Type of Action:
(X) Administrative
( ) Legislative
Summary Description of Administrative Action:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering the
issuance of the New Source National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit for wastewater discharge from the proposed Alaska Petrochemical
Company (Alpetco) Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Valdez, Alaska. The
issuance of such a permit requires that the provisions of the National Environ-
mental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) apply to that action. Pursuant to NEPA and
implementing regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and EPA,
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to evaluate the poten-
tial impacts of the proposed action on the environment.
EPA's action will consist of either the issuance, denial or issuance with con-
ditions of an NPDES permit. Such a decision will follow a complete evaluation
of any significant beneficial and adverse environmental impacts which would
occur.
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Summary Description of the Proposed Project
The Alaska Petrochemical Company (Alpetco) proposes to build a grassroots refin-
ery and petrochemical facility in Valdez, Alaska, to process 150 thousand bar-
rels per day of Alaska North Slope crude oil into the maximum practicable quan-
tity of refined products to supply the West Coast petroleum fuels market. Roy-
alty crude oil would be purchased from the State of Alaska under an existing
contract ratified by the Alaska legislature in June 1978.
It is estimated that the proposed project would require three years and $1.8
billion to construct. The plant would be fully operational in early 1984.
The proposed location is a 1,400-acre tract of land owned by the City of Valdez
which lies north of the Richardson Highway and south of Valdez Glacier. Other
facilities would include a products shipping dock near Solomon Gulch on the
south shore of Port Valdez, an industrial wastewater treatment plant and an on-
site power plant. A construction barge dock would be built at an old city dock
site adjacent to a leased staging area, and a temporary construction camp would
be located on the plant site.
Feedstock for the facility would be provided via a 20 inch pipeline connection
from an existing valve in the trans-Alaska pipeline to on-site storage. All
product storage also would be on-site. Refined products would be carried in
small-diameter pipelines to the products dock.
Projected Impacts
Air pollutant concentrations would increase in the plant vicinity. EPA will
soon make a determination on the most representative method for predicting air
quality impacts. Sulfur dioxide standards would be the most difficult to meet.
Also, an average of 7.4 million gallons per day of treated industrial wastewater
would be discharged into Port Valdez. It is expected that the treated effluent
would meet the EPA refinery effluent standards and State of Alaska receiving
water standards.
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Shipping of refined products would add approximately 128 vessels per year to the
Port Valdez marine traffic. General marine cargo would be transported from the
Valdez city dock. The increased vessel traffic would be well within the capa-
bility of the existing Coast Guard Vessel Traffic System to provide navigational
assistance.
The available supply of permanent housing in Valdez would not be sufficient to
accommodate growth during the early years of refinery construction and opera-
tion. Positive economic impacts would affect employment, the proposed new city
dock and public revenues. Municipal services seem adequate to meet the result-
ing population growth. Valdez community support for the proposed facility is
strong.
Although in a seismically active area, the proposed site has no seismic con-
straints to construction of a safe facility assuming proper design and construc-
tion practices. The soils generally are well graded and have a low potential
for frost heave and would not be a construction problem. There is a sufficient
supply of groundwater to supply the refinery's needs without affecting the sur-
rounding area.
The National Marine Fisheries Service and U. S. Fish and Wildlife have deter-
mined that there are no endangered species that would be threatened by the pro-
posed facility. Several salmon-spawning streams adjacent to the site would have
to be protected by design and operating procedures.
Other impacts from noise, odor, solid waste disposal and visual effects do not
appear significant.
The facility poses no known threat to any property listed in, or eligible for
inclusion in, the National Register of Historic places.
Alternatives Considered
The constraints of the Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Alaska Royalty
Crude Oil between Alpetco and the State of Alaska require that the proposed
refinery be constructed within Alaska. The merits of 12 locations throughout
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Alaska were considered during final site selection. Valdez was selected as the
site for the proposed facility, primarily due to the community support received,
the proximity to the crude supply, the deep-water port, no evidence of insur-
mountable environmental problems, and an existing infrastructure to accommodate
anticipated growth.
From four alternative access routes on the south and west sides of the site the
existing Valdez Glacier Stream Haul Road is proposed as the primary access to
the facility. Solomon Gulch on the south shore of Port Valdez was selected over
Ammunition Island on the north shore and Allison Point adjacent to the Alyeska
Marine Terminal as the site for a tanker dock for shipping refinery products.
In order to best meet potential West Coast market demands and to minimize the
production of unmarketable residual heavy fuel oils, a slate of products is
planned consisting of about 52% unleaded gasoline, 20% jet fuel and 28% other
fuel and chemical products. More than one hundred variations of several process
schemes were evaluated to arrive at an ultimate process design. Coal, fuel oil
and by-product gas were considered as energy sources.
A biological treatment system using rotating biological contactors was preferred
to activated sludge, activated carbon, stabilization ponds, trickling filters
and deep well injection as an industrial wastewater treatment design. Best
available control technology (BACT) must be used to meet air quality standards.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
1.0	INTRODUCTION
1.1	Project History	1
1.2	EPA's Decision to Prepare an EIS	2
1-3	U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program	3
2.0	PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
2.1	Need for the Project	4
2.2	State of Alaska Objectives	4
2.3	Alaska Petrochemical Company Objectives	5
3.0	THE PROPOSED PROJECT
3.1	General Description	6
3.2	Project Siting	6
3.3	Land Requirements and External Appearance	7
3.4	Refinery Processes	14
3.5	Off-Site Operations	36
3.6	Labor Force	42
3.7	Products and Marketing	42
3.8	Spill Prevention and Control	51
3.9	Plant Security	52
3.10	Fire Protection Design	53
3.11	Health and Safety	57
4.0	ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PROJECT
4.1	Alternatives to Refinery Construction in Alaska	59
4.2	Site Alternatives	64
4.3	Plant Design Alternatives	74
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page No.
5.0	EXISTING CONDITIONS
5.1	Geotechnical	106
5.2	Hydrology	116
5.3	Oceanography	123
5.4	Meteorology/Air Quality	129
5.5	Acoustics	137
5.6	Ecosystems	140
5.7	Archaeological and Historic Features	158
5.8	Socioeconomics	160
6.0	ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
6.1	Geotechnical	179
6.2	Hydrology	181
6.3	Oceanography	190
6.4	Wastewater Discharge	200
6.5	Air Quality	208
6.6	Acoustic Environment	215
6.7	Solid Waste	218
6.8	Ecosystems	220
6.9	Archaeological and Historic Features	237
6.10	Socioeconomics	238
7.0	MITIGATION MEASURES
7.1	Implementation Plan	264
7.2	Monitoring Program	274
8.0	SUMMARY OF PERMITS AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS
8.1	Description of Regulatory Programs	276
8.2	Summary of Permitting Requirements	278
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page No.
9.0
COORDINATION

9.1
Introduction
282
9.2
State and Federal Agencies
282
9.3
Local Agencies and General Public
284
9.4
Exhibits
285
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LIST OF FIGURES
Page No.
3.2-1	Regional Map	8
3.2-2	Vicinity Map	9
3.3-1	Site Plan and Access	10
3.3-2	View of the Proposed Facility from the Richardson Highway 12
3.3-3	Products Dock	13
3.3-4	View of the Proposed Products Dock (Looking East)	15
3.3-5	Typical Pipeline Configurations	16
3.4-1	Process Flow Diagram	18
3.4-2	Material Balance	23
3.4-3	Wastewater Treatment Flow Diagram	32
4.2-1	Alternative Sites	68
5.1-1	Surficial Soils	109
5.1-2	Earthquake Epicenters	111
5.1-3	Major Faults in Southcentral Alaska	113
5.1-4	Cumulative Magnitude/Frequency Relationship	114
5.1-5	Seismic Risk	115
5.3-1	Inferred Sediment Distribution for Eastern Port Valdez	128
5.4-1	Hourly Average Surface Winds	131
5.4-2	Location of Meteorological Data Sources	135
5.5-1	Existing Sound Levels	139
5.6-1	Seasonally Flooded and Wetland Areas	151
5.8-1	Existing Land Uses	168
5.8-2	Valdez Housing	170
5.8-3	Existing and Proposed City-Owned Lands	171
5.8-4	Municipal Sewer and Water Systems	177
6.2-1	Flood Hazard Zones	184
6.3-1	Zone of Initial Dilution for Wastewater Discharge	193
6.3-2	Circulation Model Simulation for July 5, 1979	195
6.3-3	Model of Average Concentration of Effluent in	Port Valdez 196
6.6-1	Projected Sound Levels	217
6.10-1	Projected Land Use Impacts	245
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LIST OF TABLES
Page No.
3.4-1	Comparison of NSPS and Ballast Water Effluent Quality	29
3.4-2	Comparison of NSPS and Wastewater Effluent Quality	31
3.4-3	Estimated Air Emissions	33
3.4-4	Estimated Solid Waste	35
3.5-1	Estimated Quantity of Products for Shipment	40
3.7-1	Product Slate	43
3.7-2	Projected Market Shares - Leaded vs Nonleaded	44
3.7-3	PAD V Demand	46
3.7-4	PAD V Refining Capacity	46
3.7-5	Refined Products Demand in Alaska	47
3.7-6	Projected Refined Products Demand in Alaska	48-49
4.2-1	Non-Economic Site Selection Parameters	71
4.2-2	Site Selection Parameters - Summary Sheet	72
4.3-1	Alpetco Refinery Fuel Sources	77
4.3-2	Individual Refinery Unit Fuel Requirements	78
4.3-3	Alpetco Emission Estimate Comparison - Fuel Gas/Coal
Steam and Power Facility	80
4.3-4	Solid and Liquid Waste from Coal Combustion	81
4.3-5	National Ambient Air Quality Standards	85
5.2-1	Summary of Hydrologic Conditions of the Streams at
Selected Crossings in the Project Area	118
5.4-1	Valdez Seasonal Mixing Depths	132
5.4-2	Valdez Annual Stability Class Frequency Distribution	132
5.4-3	First 6 Months Summary of Air Quality Data - Alpetco
Sites 1 and 2	134
5.4-4	Summary of Alyeska Air Quality Data	136
5.8-1	Employment Estimates - City of Valdez 1968 and 1978	162
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LIST OF TABLES
(Continued)
Page No.
6.3-1	Initial Dilutions at ZID Boundary	192
6.4-1	Concentrations of Effluent Parameters at Three
Locations After Discharge	203
6.5-1	Summary of PSD Increment Consumption for the Alpetco
Facility	210
6.5-2 Summary of NAAQS Compliance for the Alpetco Facility	212
6.10-1 Peak Employment and Population Impacts - Construction
and Operation	239
6.10-2 Estimated Public and Private Expenditures - Construction
and Operation	241
6.10-3 Annual Number of Tank Vessels and Pollutions	254
6.10-4 At-Berth Spill Predictions	255
6.10-5 At-Berth Spills - Alyeska Terminal (1977-1978)	256
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO OTHER VOLUMES OF THIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
ATTACHMENT A
List of Preparers
Bibliography
Abbreviations
Glossary of Terms
ATTACHMENT B
Memorandum of Understanding
NPDES Permit Application and Draft Permit
PSD Permit Application Submittal Letter
COE Sections 10 and 404 Permit Applications
COE Public Hearing Notice
ATTACHMENT C
PSD Permit Application
APPENDIX VOLUME I
Geotechnical
Hydrology
Ecosystems
Oceanography
APPENDIX VOLUME II
Socioeconomics
Refinery Processes
Archaeology
Acoustics
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The Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum provided historical photographs
of the Valdez area which appear on the divider pages. Their cooperation and
assistance are appreciated. Following are descriptions or captions for the
photographs.
MAIN TEXT
Introduction
Cliff Mine, Valdez Bay (now called Port Valdez), Alaska. Circa 1905.
Purpose and Need
Valdez residence known for its splendid garden. Circa 1905.
Proposed Project
Whip sawing, a hard craft in Valdez. Circa 1905.
Alternatives
In to celebrate the "Fourth". Valdez, 1911.
Existing Conditions
James Fish in front of his cabin on the Valdez Dairy and Poultry Farm.
Environmental Consequences
Preparing for a journey out of Valdez.
Mitigation Measures
23 mules and horses, 46 sleds and 12 tons of whiskey and hardware leav-
ing Valdez for Fairbanks. March 9, 1905.
Regulatory Programs
Brewery and Bottling Works, Valdez. Circa 1905.
Coordination
Goddess of Liberty, Maids of Honor and States. Valdez, July 4, 1907.
ATTACHMENT A
List of Preparers
Christmas Day. Valdez, 1909.
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Bibliography
S. S. Excelsior at Keystone Wharf. Valdez, August 10, 1905.
Glossary
Lower Falls and Canyon, Solomon Gulch. Circa 1905.
ATTACHMENT B
EPA Permits
Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Valdez. Circa 1905.
Corps of Engineers Permits
Moving the Alaska Home Railway's Engine No. 1 from the Wharf. Septem-
ber 16, 1907.
APPENDIX VOL. I
Geotechnical
First gold from Shushitna District showing the $900.00 nugget found in
Lucky Gulch - a tributary to Valdez Creek, property of the Oregon-
Shushitna Mining Company. September 30, 1907.
Hydrology
Foot of the Valdez Glacier from the flats near Valdez. Circa 1905.
Ecosystems
Valdez, Alaska. July 4, 1907.
Oceanography
The White Roadhouse from opposite side of Sheep Creek. Circa 1905.
APPENDIX VOL. II
Socioeconomics
Excursion to Columbia Glacier. July 23, 1905.
Refinery Processes
Valdez's first newspaper in its last home before the beginning of new
Valdez. August 24, 1907.
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Archaeology
Entering the "Gap" on the Summit of Thompson Pass. Circa 1905.
Acoustics
Goddess of Liberty Float, Valdez. July 4, 1907.
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1. INTRODUCTION

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1.1	PROJECT HISTORY
On August 1, 1977, in response to a request for proposal, Alaska Petro-
chemical Company (Alpetco) presented to the State of Alaska a prelimi-
nary proposal to purchase 85 percent of the one-eighth share of State
of Alaska royalty crude oil and to construct a grassroots refinery
petrochemical complex (hereafter referred to as the refinery or facil-
ity) in Alaska. This response was followed by the presentation of a
final proposal. Alpetco, a corporation formed specifically for this
project in July 1977, is owned by Alaska Interstate Company, Seatrain
Lines, Inc., and six Alaska Regional Native Corporations.* In February
1978 Alpetco was awarded a 27-year contract to purchase up to 150 thou-
sand barrels per day (thousand bpd) of the state's royalty crude oil
and to build and operate a refinery and petrochemical facility in
Alaska. The contract was ratified by the Alaska legislature in June
1978. The proposed facility would be located at Valdez and would sup-
ply various products principally for West Coast markets.
The Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Alaska State Royalty Crude
Oil between Alpetco and the State of Alaska (the State Contract)
includes several benchmarks, or specific performance measures, which
were designed by the state to insure both compliance with the contract
and that Alaska obtain maximum benefits from in-state processing of the
royalty oil. Since ratification of the contract by the state legisla-
ture, Alpetco has: developed its project staff; selected design and
construction management consultants; selected a site in accordance with
the State Contract; begun negotiations with major suppliers; proceeded
with marketing and financing negotiations; and initiated preliminary
design criteria and extensive environmental studies.
* In late October 1979, Alpetco informed the State of Alaska that E. F.
Hutton of New York, an international financial service company, and the
Charter Company of Jacksonville, Florida, a company heavily engaged in
refinery and petrochemical activities, have agreed to form a joint-
venture corporation called the Alpetco Company to build the proposed
facility. Participation in the joint-venture would be Charter (70 per-
cent), E. F. Hutton (6.6 percent) and Alpetco (23.4 percent).
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1.2
EPA'S DECISION TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Alpetco submitted an application (AK-002763-4) on September 12, 1978 to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 10, for a National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of
wastewater from the proposed refinery. Based on a review of informa-
tion submitted with the application, EPA determined that the facility
would be a new source of discharge (under 40 CFR 6.906d promulgated 11
January 1977) and, therefore, the issuance of a permit would be a major
federal action requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (under
40 CFR 6.910 promulgated 11 January 1977).
EPA's alternatives in this case are limited to issuing the NPDES per-
mit, denying it, or issuing it with conditions. The draft of an NPDES
permit for this facility (see Attachment B) already contains several
conditions directly related to the wastewater discharge, including a
long-term monitoring program. Mitigating measures already incorporated
into the design of the facility or which will become design constraints
at the appropriate planning stage, are discussed individually in Sec-
tion 6, Environmental Impacts, and are summarized in Section 7, Miti-
gating Measures. However, EPA will consider the complete range of
environmental impacts in acting on this application and will not make a
final decision until the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
review process has been completed.
Through a "Memorandum of Understanding," (see Attachment B) Alpetco and
EPA agreed to engage a third-party consultant for the purpose of pre-
paring the EIS under the provisions of the National Environmental Pol-
icy Act. CCC/HOK-DOWL, of Anchorage, Alaska, was selected as the EIS
consultant.
Preparation of the EIS began before final promulgation of the Council
on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations on implementation of the
procedural provisions of the NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). However,
during preparation of the EIS every effort was made to comply with the
proposed regulations, particularly with respect to coordination among
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agencies or groups interested in or affected by the proposed project.
The coordination efforts are described in Section 9.
1.3	U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGULATORY PROGRAM
During review of the proposed project it was determined that components
of the refinery complex would come under the jurisdiction of the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers (COE) regulatory program. Acting at the
request of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Corps became a
cooperating agency in EIS preparation. Therefore, for the purpose of
satisfying COE requirements under the National Environmental Policy
Act, the proposed action is issuance of permits under Section 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972 as amended by the Clean Water Act of
1977. Additionally, the EIS serves to identify the impacts of this
proposed action.
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2. PURPOSE AND NEED

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2.1	NEED FOR THE PROJECT
The Alpetco project stands on its own economic merits independent of
the compelling national need to develop long-term solutions to national
energy problems and to the present West Coast crude oil surplus. The
Alpetco project would alleviate some of these problems in a number of
concrete and important respects: (1) reduce the West Coast crude oil
surplus by 150 thousand bpd; (2) provide nearly 145 thousand bpd of
unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, and other refined products for which the
demand is strong and growing; (3) reduce the present import of refined
petroleum products to the West Coast; and (A) add no residual fuel oil
to the West Coast residual market (see Section 4.1 for a discussion of
the West Coast crude oil and residual oil markets).
The proposed refinery would fill a void that has been created on the
West Coast, as well as create a foundation for future economic develop-
ment in the city of Valdez and the state of Alaska. There are no known
major new refinery facilities and only one major expansion planned for
the West Coast. Alpetco's proposed facility would play an important
role in the supply of refined petroleum products in this area. The
proposed facility, using the latest technology, would process 150 thou-
sand bpd of crude oil into approximately 75 thousand barrels of un-
leaded high-octane gasoline, 30 thousand barrels of jet fuel, 5 thou-
sand barrels of diesel fuel, and 35 thousand barrels of benzene,
toluene and other petrochemicals.
2.2	STATE OF ALASKA OBJECTIVES
Alaska's royalty crude oil, one-eighth of all crude oil produced from
wells on state leases, represents one of the state's major natural
resources. Processing the oil in Alaska would provide essential new U.
S. refining capacity on the West Coast, as well as stimulate economic
development in Alaska.
Significantly, Alpetco enjoys the strong support of the State of
Alaska's administration. This is perhaps best illustrated by the words
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of Governor Jay S. Hammond who, responding to reporters after a June
1978 contract ratification vote in the legislature to approve Alpetco's
royalty oil contract, stated: "I've said we should have three consid-
erations in looking at projects of this type--is it a good business
deal, is it environmentally sound, and do the people of the state want
it; Alpetco is a good deal on all three counts." It is the goal of the
State of Alaska administration to promote orderly development of
Alaska's natural resources and encourage a broader, more stable eco-
nomic base for its citizens. The administration feels the proposed
project is compatible with those goals.
2.3	ALASKA PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY OBJECTIVES
Alpetco intends to construct a state-of-the-art refinery to process 150
thousand bpd of crude oil into refined fuels and petrochemical feed-
stocks. The facility would be ready to start-up late in 1983 and to be
fully operational early in 1984.
Alpetco's product slate has been defined by the anticipated refined
products demand in Petroleum Administration for Defense District V
(PAD-V) which includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,
Oregon and Washington. Unleaded gasoline and jet fuel are expected to
be the major components of growth in refined products demand on the
West Coast and Hawaii, and the products which existing refiners will be
least able to supply. There are several political and economic factors
which support this expectation; these factors combine to create a need
for additional PAD-V refining capacity which is insulated from the
uncertainties of crude supply and environmental problems (see Section
A. 1).
Alpetco's principal target market is the West Coast and includes major
West Coast refiners and marketers, large independent refiners and dis-
tributors, airlines, and chemical companies.
Page 5

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3. PROPOSED PROJECT

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3.1	GENERAL DESCRIPTION
EPA categorizes refineries into five classes (A through E) according to
their processing capabilities. The proposed facility would be a Class
C refinery, meaning it would have cracking and petrochemical production
capabilities. When crude oil enters a refinery it initially is heated
and separated into different components according to boiling tempera-
ture range. Cracking takes this component separation process a step
further through a complex rearrangement of hydrocarbon molecules.
It is proposed that the facility be a "bottomless" refinery thereby
processing 100 percent of the raw material crude into a maximum practi-
cable slate of products leaving only about 3 percent of the products as
residual heavy fuel oils. No crude bottoms would be returned to the
crude source pipeline. In response to the environmental, contractual
and marketing constraints on this project, the refinery would be the
most technologically advanced facility of its kind in existence today.
Including start-up cost, the total capital investment in 1979 dollars
would be $1.8 billion. Constructed during a three-year period, the
facility would have a minimum operating life of 21 years (the remaining
duration of the 27-year royalty oil contract period).
3.2	PROJECT SITING
The proposed project site is within jurisdictional limits of the City
of Valdez, a town in Southcentral Alaska located on Port Valdez, which
is connected by the Valdez Narrows and Valdez Arm to Prince William
Sound, the Gulf of Alaska and the North Pacific. Valdez is a year-
round ice-free port. Details of the site selection are presented in
Section 4.2.
Valdez has become known as the terminus of the trans-Alaska oil pipe-
line and the location of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's marine
terminal. The town includes an area sometimes called old Valdez, which
sits on the shore at the east end of Port Valdez. This was the orig-
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inal townsite, which virtually was destroyed as a result of the Great
Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. After the disaster, the town was quickly
rebuilt about 6.5 km (4 mi) west on the north shore of the port. This
rebuilt townsite area is sometimes called new Valdez. Both areas are
within the current city limits. Figures 3.2-1 and 3.2-2 are regional
and vicinity maps of the area.
3.3	LAND REQUIREMENTS AND EXTERNAL APPEARANCE
The proposed refinery would be comprised of facilities at three loca-
tions: the process facilities, tankage, off-site operations and tempo-
rary construction camp located on the proposed refinery site east of
Valdez Glacier Stream; the construction barge dock and mobilization
yard at the old Valdez townsite; and the products dock near Solomon
Gulch on the south side of Port Valdez, and inter-connecting pipelines.
The refinery would be served by one primary access road and by incoming
crude oil and outgoing refined product pipelines. The pipeline cor-
ridor would include a service road. This section discusses the land
area requirements and visual exposure and appearance of these proposed
facilities.
3.3.1 The Refinery Site
The proposed refinery would include approximately a 263-hectare (650-
acre) industrial complex comprised of a 26-hectare (65-acre) process
area, a 113-hectare (280-acre) tract for various types of tankage, a
36-hectare (90-acre) industrial wastewater treatment facility and 87
hectares (215 acres) for a power plant, administration building, vari-
ous supporting facilities and access (see Figure 3.3-1). The facility
would be located on a 567-hectare (1,400 acre) tract which is part of
the City of Valdez industrial park development at the eastern end of
Port Valdez (see Figures 3.2-1 and 3.2-2). A products shipping dock
would be constructed about 8 km (5 mi) west of the facility on the
south shore of Port Valdez. The complex would contain approximately 30
Page 7

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REGIONAL MAP
Figure 3.2-1

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VICINITY MAP
Figure 3.2-2

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refining and distillation units ranging in height from 46-76 m (150-250
ft) in the northern part of the site. The tankage would consist of
approximately 77 steel storage tanks ranging in size from 70 m (232 ft)
in diameter and 17 m (56 ft) high downward to smaller spherical and
horizontal cylindrical pressure vessels. Situated in the western and
southern parts of the site would be such support facilities as the
administration building, fire station, warehouses, and wastewater
treatment facility. The power plant, emergency flare, and a construc-
tion camp housing 2,500 employees in approximately 23 prefabricated,
two-story dormitory-style buildings, are shown located to the north
(see Figure 3.3-1).
Because trees and low hills surround the site, only one clear, ground-
level public view of the refinery would be possible: looking northeast
from the vicinity of the Richardson Highway bridge across Valdez Gla-
cier Stream (see "Viewpoint" on Figure 3.2-2 and view on Figure 3.3-2).
The process units, the 91 m (300 ft)-high emergency flare and much of
the tankage would be visible above the trees.
3.3.2	Construction Barge Dock and Mobilization Yard
A dock suitable for accommodating barge traffic would be located on a
4.8-hectare (12-acre) tidelands lease near the old townsite. Being low
profile, the only visual effect would be barges at the dock.
An adjacent area of about 40 hectares (100 acres) would be leased from
the City of Valdez for use as a mobilization and staging area. The
site was the Alyeska pipe storage yard during pipeline construction.
3.3.3	Products Dock
A two-berth dock to accommodate tankers for shipping refinery products
would be located on a 91-hectare (225-acre) tidelands lease near Solo-
mon Gulch on the south shore of Port Valdez. It would be visible as an
elevated trestle structure with the most prominant feature being the
loading arms and control towers at the berths (see Figure 3.3-3). The
Page 11

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Proposed
Bridge Across
Valdez Glacier
Stream
Emergency
Flare
Process Units
Tankage
Low Hills at
South Boundary
VIEW OF THE PROPOSED REFINERY FROM THE RICHARDSON HIGHWAY
Figure 3.3-2

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Access & Pipelines

SCALE IN FEET
ELEVATION
697 in
2300 ft
0 (Mean Lower Low Water Elev)
2Q0 100 0
SCALE IN FEET
PLAN
PRODUCTS DOCK
Figure 3.3-3
Page 13

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products dock would be visible from many vantage points in Valdez,
including sections of the Richardson Highway and most of Dayville Road
(see "Viewpoint" on Figure 3.2-2 and view on Figure 3.3-4).
3.3.4 Pipelines
There would be 10 products pipelines and one crude supply line which
would be constructed in a buried mode for about three-quarters of the
overall length from the refinery site to the products dock. The final
2.1 km (1 1/3 mi) of the products lines, from the point of departure
from the Dayville Road right-of-way to the dock, would be constructed
above-ground on a two-level structure (see Figure 3.3-5). The elevated
segment would not be visible from Dayville Road. The pipeline rights-
of-way, to be acquired by lease from the State of Alaska, would be 91 m
(300 ft) wide except for a 2.1 km (1 1/3 mi) stretch immediately west
of the Lowe River Bridge which would use the southern 21 m (70 ft) of
the Dayville Road right-of-way.
3.4	REFINERY PROCESSES
3.4.1 Feedstock and Process Raw Materials
Sources: The royalty oil contract would allow Alpetco to purchase 150
thousand bpd of the State of Alaska's North Slope royalty crude oil
(26.7° API, 1.02 weight percent sulfur) which is to be supplied via the
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Having secured this steady source of
principal refinery feed, the facility can be self-sufficient in produc-
ing intermediate feed streams for all the units and other process raw
materials with proper design. No significant outside sources in the
southern Alaska area exist for such intermediate feedstocks.
Other commodities required for operation of the facility include	cata-
lysts, gasoline additives, lubricating materials, soaps, and such items
which can be obtained readily from many sources. Higher delivery	costs
are to be expected compared to locations in the contiguous U. S.
Page 14

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VIEW OF THE PROPOSED PRODUCTS DOCK (LOOKING EAST)
Figure 3.3-4

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Availability: Daily crude oil production from Alaska's Prudhoe Bay
field was approximately 1.2 million barrels per day (MMBD) early in
September 1979 and was to reach 1.5 MMBD by 1980. Proven reserves of
the Prudhoe Bay field is 9.6 billion barrels as of year-end 1977.
While lease activity has been dormant in recent years, the State of
Alaska has announced plans for at least 15 lease sales in the next
three years, including additional leases on the North Slope which could
lead to increased availability of oil to the trans-Alaska pipeline.
Alpetco's 27-year contract assures the right to purchase a total of up
to 150 thousand bpd from any state leases, should production from cur-
rent Prudhoe Bay leases fall short.
Miscellaneous supplies such as catalysts, gasoline additives and spare
parts are readily obtainable from conventional sources. Existing Cana-
dian and West Coast refiners now use these materials, and only addi-
tional shipping charges should be incurred to transport them to Valdez.
3.4.2 Process Facilities
The proposed Alpetco refinery has been designed to convert 150 thousand
bpd of Alaska North Slope crude oil (ANS crude) into premium transpor-
tation fuels and petrochemicals. As a result, the refinery design is
extremely complex, containing several conversion units (i.e., units
where molecules are rearranged to produce higher quality products).
Figure 3.4-1 is a schematic flow sheet of the proposed refinery which
directly follows the process description.
Process description: Crude oil from tankage is pumped through a de-
salting process to the crude distillation unit which, by heating,
separates the crude oil into various boiling range fractions. The unit
consists of two main sections, an atmospheric column where the lighter
fractions are separated and a vacuum column where the higher boiling
fractions are separated.
Naphtha and lighter components are routed to a saturates gas concentra-
Page 17

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MIPMCRV tow WAT**
BENZENE
TOLUENE
Cg AHOHATICS
Sou rce : Pace 1979
PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM
Figure 3.4-1

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tion unit where the streams are separated into a fuel gas stream,
stream (a mixture of propane, propylene, butane and butylene), and
naphtha stream. Fuel gas is routed to an amine scrubbing unit (DEA
scrubber) where hydrogen sulfide (H^S) is removed before the fuel gas
is burned as plant fuel. The C3/C4 stream is also denuded of hydrogen
sulfide in an amine unit and then mercaptans are extracted in a Merox
unit. The is then separated from the in a	splitter and
routed to the hydrogen plant as feedstock. The is routed to the
hydrogen fluoride (HF) alkylation process or a splitter.
Naphtha from the gas concentration unit flows to the naphtha hydro-
treater for removal of sulfur compounds and nitrogen. Nonreformable
isohexane and lighter components are removed as overhead product in the
deisohexanizer. Isopentane is then fractionated from this overhead for
gasoline blending by use of a deisopentanizer. Deisopentanizer bottoms
(low-octane components) are routed to paraffinic naphtha.
Deisohexanizer bottoms are routed to the continuous reformer where the
octane of the stream is upgraded chiefly by conversion of naphthenes
and paraffins to high-octane aromatic compounds. As the reaction pro-
ceeds, hydrogen is produced and used in hydroprocessing units. During
the reforming process a portion of the feed is converted to butane and
lighter components. These are removed in a debutanizer and routed to
the gas plant.
The debutanizer bottoms (reformate) are routed to the reformate split-
ter. Here the xylene and lighter components are taken overhead and the
components heavier than xylene are produced as a bottoms product and
routed to gasoline blending. The splitter overhead stream is routed to
the Sulfolane unit where the aromatic components (benzene, toluene and
xylene) are separated from the non-aromatic components by use of a
selective solvent. These non-aromatic components are routed to paraf-
finic naphtha. The aromatics are routed to a clay treater for removal
of trace olefins and then separated into benzene, toluene, xylene, and
gasoline streams by a series of three conventional fractionators.
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Kerosene from the crude unit is caustic washed for mercaptan removal
and then routed to jet fuel blending.
Diesel and heavy atmospheric gas oil from the crude unit are routed to
the hydrocracker where it is cracked into light ends, naphtha and jet
fuel in the presence of hydrogen. Light ends are routed to the gas
concentration unit; purge hydrogen is routed to fuel gas; jet fuel is
routed to blending; naphtha is routed to the naphtha hydrotreater.
Vacuum gas oil from the vacuum unit is routed to the fluid catalytic
cracker feed hydrotreater. This unit removes sulfur and nitrogen com-
pounds and upgrades the feed for improved gasoline production. There
is a slight amount of light ends produced in the hydrotreating reaction
which is routed to fuel gas. The hydrotreated gas oil then flows to
the fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU). Here the gas oil is cracked
to gasoline and lighter components in the presence of a circulating
stream of catalyst. The net products from this unit are fuel gas,
C^/C^, gasoline, light cycle oil and decanted oil. These products are
separated at the unit by means of a main fractionator and gas concen-
tration unit. Product dispositions are:
Material	Disposition
Fuel Gas	Plant Fuel (following amine treating)
C3/C4	^3^4 Splitter
FCCU Gasoline	Gasoline Blending
Light Cycle Oil	No. 4 Fuel Oil
Decanted Oil	Bunker C
For maximizing gasoline yield there is a recycle of the cycle oil.
Before being recycled to the reactor, the recycle is hydrotreated for
gasoline yield improvement.
The C-j/C^ stream is routed to an amine unit for removal of hydrogen
sulfide and then to a Merox unit for mercaptan removal. The stream is
then split into propane/propylene and butane/butylene streams.
Page 20

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The propane/propylene stream is routed to the polymer gasoline unit
where propylene (and any contained butylene) is polymerized to gasoline
in the presence of a solid phosphoric acid catalyst. This polymer gas-
oline subsequently is routed to gasoline blending. Unreacted propane
is routed to storage for refinery fuel and unreacted butane is routed
to gasoline.
The butane/butylene stream is routed to a splitter where isobutane and
most of the butylenes are separated from normal butane. This stream
then flows to the HF alkylation unit where isobutane reacts with buty-
lenes in the presence of the hydrofluoric acid catalyst (and any con-
tained propylenes) to produce high-octane alkylate for gasoline blend-
ing.
Bottoms material from the vacuum tower in the crude unit is routed to
the Flexicoker. Here the material is converted into the following
light clean fuels plus low-BTU gas by combined fluid coking and coke
gasification processes:
Material
Fuel Gas
VC4
Naphtha
Coker Distillate
Coker Gas Oil
Low-BTU Gas
Disposition
Plant Fuel
Polymer Gasoline Unit
Naphtha Hydrotreater
Hydrocracker
FCCU Feed Hydrotreater
Plant Fuel
The unit has a fractionator and a gas concentration unit to separate
the reactor effluent into these various products.
Coke from the fluid coking reactor is transported to the gasification
section where steam and air are used to produce a low-BTU gas which
comprises 35 percent of the plant fuel requirement.
Hydrogen sulfide-rich amine from several amine contactors is routed to
a central regenerator where the hydrogen sulfide is stripped overhead
Page 21

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as acid gas. This acid gas then flows to a sulfur recovery unit where
the is reacted with air to produce elemental sulfur. Tail gas from
the sulfur plant is processed in a Beavon/Stretford unit which reduces
the concentration of sulfur compounds in the effluent to less than 100
parts per million (ppm).
Process water streams bearing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia (NH^)are
sent to a sour water stripper where the NH^ and H^S are removed. This
acid gas then is routed to the sulfur recovery unit.
To provide security and reliability for complete and continuous sulfur
recovery, two sulfur plants, each having sufficient capacity to process
all hydrogen sulfide gas, are provided in the facility design.
Material balances: A material balance is a weight accounting in which
all the pounds per hour charged to the facility are shown to equal the
total pounds per hour of all products and materials produced by the
facility. The bases for the material balance are the linear program-
ming (LP) results prepared by Alpetco's design consultant. These were
checked independently, and the material balance was found to be reason-
able and to reflect actual operations to a reasonable degree of accur-
acy.
The bases for checking the reasonability of the material balance are:
yields of products from the crude unit were checked based on indepen-
dent assays of ANS crude; the LP results were checked for internal con-
sistency; process unit yields and utilities were checked with data for
similar units and also with several computer process models; and the
overall LP material balance was compared to the process design for each
of the individual units.
The overall feed and product material balance is shown in Figure 3.4-2.
Essentially, 150 thousand bpd of ANS crude is converted into sufficient
fuels to operate the refinery, and into approximately 145 thousand bpd
of fuels and petrochemical products. These figures are based on the
daily receipt of Alpetco's entitlement to 150 thousand barrels; how-
Page 22

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i.aey bp»o
PROPANE
Source: Pac* 1979
MATERIAL BALANCE
Figure 3.4-2

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ever, because the facility would not refine crude oil 365 days per
year, the process schematics reflect the number of barrels per stream
day (160 bpsd), or per day of refining, which would be handled. Flow
diagrams of acid gas, solid emissions and waste streams, and tables of
waste streams and emissions and of caustic streams for disposal, are
contained in the Appendix Vol. II.
Intermittent process operations: During certain intermittent refinery
operations some processes produce emissions which are not produced dur-
ing normal operations. These intermittent modes are: start-up; shut-
down; in situ catalyst regeneration; furnace decoking; and equipment
cleaning.
Start-up: In general, emissions during unit start-up are not sig-
nificant. An exception is the sulfur recovery plant since some sulfur
dioxide (SO^) emissions are inevitable before bringing the unit to
design conditions.
Shutdown: The shutdown of all units usually results in some
amount of flaring during the depressuring and purging operations. As a
result there can be minor amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides
(NO^) emitted to the atmosphere.
In situ catalyst regeneration: Catalysts lose their activity due
to the accumulation of coke and sulfur as a part of the normal opera-
tion of the unit. Some catalysts can be regenerated in place several
times, while others must be replaced once the initial activity is lost.
At the proposed facility, the only catalysts that could be regenerated
in place would be hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts. On the
average, these catalysts require regeneration at approximately six-
month intervals. The following deposits on the catalyst are typical:
Deposit
Sulfur
Carbon
Weight Percent
on Catalyst
4-7
Hydrogen
5-25
0.4 - 1.8
Page 24

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The catalyst is regenerated by burning the deposits from the catalyst,
yielding sulfur oxides, carbon dioxide, and water. This burn is accom-
plished by circulating a stream of nitrogen with a small quantity of
air injected to provide oxygen for the combustion. The products of
combustion are vented to the atmosphere. Total sulfur emissions during
a simple regeneration at the proposed facility would be about six tons
(or about 2.7 percent of the total annual SC^ emissions from the refin-
ery). The overall regeneration procedure is completed in about four
days.
Furnace decoking: As the crude oil flows through the process fur-
nace and is heated, some small amount of coking occurs on the interior
of the furnace tubes. These coke deposits gradually accumulate and
retard heat transfer, resulting in excessive tube wall temperatures.
It is necessary to remove this coke from the furnace tubes of both the
atmospheric and vacuum heaters approximately every one to two years.
This removal is effected by a procedure known as steam/air decoking.
Steam/air decoking refers to the cleaning of furnace tubes by the
action of steam and air on the coke deposit. Coke is removed by three
distinct processes: (1) Shrinking and cracking the coke loose by heat-
ing the tubes from the outside while steam flows through the tube; (2)
The chemical reaction of hot coke and steam (coal gas reaction) produc-
ing carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO^), and hydrogen (l^); and
(3) The chemical reaction of coke with oxygen in the air, producing CO
and CO2.
The steam/air/gas mixture would be vented to the atmosphere through a
stack.
Equipment cleaning: Additional process wastewater can be produced
as pieces of equipment are cleaned after unit shutdown. Instances of
this are: caustic soda wash of hydrocracker and hydrotreater reactor
sections; caustic soda wash of amine units for degreasing; and FCCU
gasoline sweetener water wash.
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This wastewater would be combined with the normal refinery wastewater
streams and treated in the wastewater treatment facility.
3.4.3 Control of Waste Streams
Wastewater: The proposed refinery would produce several types of
wastewater. The treatment requirements for each type or category of
wastewater vary considerably. The basic treatment concept for refinery
wastewater is to segregate various types of streams, provide the appro-
priate treatment for each, and then combine the treated streams into a
single outfall. Wastewater from the Alpetco refinery would fall into
one of these seven categories: clean storm runoff; contaminated storm
runoff; non-organic waste streams; ballast water; high-oil waste
streams; low-oil waste streams; and sanitary wastes.
The proposed outfall location would be immediately northwest of the
mouth of Valdez Glacier Stream off the shore of old Valdez. The out-
fall, a 53 cm (21 in)-diameter pipe, would extend approximately 366 m
(1,200 ft) offshore to a depth of 55 m (180 ft) (see Section 6.3.2 for
diffuser description).
Clean, uncontaminated storm water would be routed directly to the out-
fall and would be monitored during storm conditions to ensure effluent
quality.
Contaminated storm runoff would be collected in an impoundment basin to
allow treatment at a controlled flow rate. The surge pond would be
sized to collect runoff from a 10-year, 10-day storm. Water would be
released from the system at a constant rate equivalent to one-tenth of
the design volume per day. A skimmer would remove any floating oil.
The skimmer would discharge to the API separator. This would allow for
a greater pumping rate, and the oil concentration in the pond would be
kept at a very low level.
Non-organic waste streams are created by regeneration of demineral-
izers, the hydrogen plant, and boiler water blowdown.
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The wastewater from regenerating demineralizers would contain the same
types of organic material found in the water supply. The pH of the
stream would vary from highly acidic to highly basic depending on the
phase of the regeneration cycle. The regenerant wastewater streams
would be routed to an equalization tank where adequate retention time
(24 hours) would allow for partial self-neutralization of the stream.
Following equalization, the stream would enter a neutralization tank
where pH would be controlled to a range of 6.5 to 8.5 before discharge.
Wastewater from the hydrogen plant would be essentially free of organic
contamination. Therefore, this stream would be directed to the regen-
erant equalization tank rather than biological treatment. The buffer-
ing capacity of the stream also assists in neutralizing the acid
streams.
The boiler blowdown would contain relatively high concentrations of
dissolved solids, some suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), and phosphorus. Since the phosphorus is an essential nutrient
for biological treatment, boiler blowdown would be mixed with deoiled
process water and treated at the main treatment system.
The proposed ballast water system would provide treatment within the
normally anticipated range of characteristics. Since ships discharge
ballast at very high flow rates, the water would be pumped to a steam-
traced receiving tank to allow for equalization and rapid oil-water
separation.
Water in the receiving tank would be pumped at a constant rate to a
corrugated plate interceptor (CPI). The plate separator operates on
the principle of reducing the distance oil must travel before reaching
the collecting surface. The oil particles coalesce on the underside of
the plates and creep up to the surface of the water. The distance an
oil drop travels before being trapped is only a few inches, versus a
few feet in an alternate unit, the API separator. Alum and polymer
then would be added to the CPI effluent to further coagulate oil and
solids. These residual materials would be removed in a dissolved air
flotation (DAF) unit.
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The primary treatment methods are designed to remove free and emulsi-
fied oil plus suspended solids. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and
the BOD of the wastewater would be reduced by rotating biological con-
tactors. Effluent suspended solids generated by biological treatment
would be removed by a clarifier. Filtration of the effluent would
ensure maximum effluent quality.
International agreements and Coast Guard regulations are leading to a
future requirement that all ballast be clean and transported in segre-
gated ballast tanks in the ships, making biotreatment unnecessary.
Therefore, the two biotreatment systems (ballast and process waste-
water) were segregated in the design of this facility so that ballast
could be phased out without upsetting process wastewater treatment.
Identical systems would be used for each principal wastewater stream so
that treatment units could be switched to different service if
required.
The proposed treatment system represents the best available demon-
strated technology for ballast water. Table 3.4-1 provides a compar-
ison of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and the anticipated
quality of treated ballast water. After treatment, the water would be
mixed with the inorganic wastewater in the equalization basin.
The basic treatment concept for oily waste streams consists of oil
removal, biological oxidation, and suspended solids removal.
The sulfide caustic streams from the Merox units would be pretreated
using air oxidation to convert sulfide to thiosulfates and sulfates.
The effluent from the oxidation tower would be combined for treatment
with water from the desalter, the olefin poly plant, and oily water
sewer. Since each of these streams would have the potential to contain
very high oil concentrations, the API separator would be used to remove
oil and to protect downstream operations.
Alum and polymers would be added to the combined API separator and
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Tab I e 3 . *+-1
COMPARISON OF NSPS AND BALLAST WATER
EFFLUENT QUALITY
(Excluding Process Wastewater)
Average Monthly Lbs./Day
Component
NSPS
Projected Effluent
Biochemical
Oxygen Demand
630
375
Total Suspended
So Ii ds
509
375
Chemical Oxygen
Demand
5,992
3,Mt9
OiI & Grease
201
200
Flow (gpm) = 2,080
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storm surge pond effluent. The floculated wastewater then would be
treated further for oil removal in a DAF unit. The DAFs proposed for
process water and ballast water are similar in design.
Wastewater from the sour water stripper, the sulfur plant tail gas
cleanup, and pretreated HF alkylation wastes would have relatively low
oil concentrations. These waste streams would be combined with deoiled
process wastes and storm water for biological oxidation. The combined
streams would be neutralized prior to bio-treatment to ensure maximum
treatment efficiency. Nutrient in the form of phosphoric acid would be
added as required.
Biological oxidation of soluble organic molecules in the deoiled waste-
water would be achieved using a rotating biological contactor (RBC). A
typical RBC unit consists of a series of thin, large diameter corru-
gated plastic discs mounted on a central steel shaft to form a unified
treatment module. Microorganisms adhere to the disc surfaces, which
are partially (approximately 40 percent) submerged in the wastewater,
to be treated. As the discs rotate, the microorganisms alternately are
exposed to the wastewater and to the air.
As the biomass metabolizes organics in the wastewater, the biological
growth on the discs increases. Eventually rotational stress shears a
portion of the biomass from the surface of the disc. Typical of fixed
growth biological systems, the excess sludge sloughs from the discs in
an agglomerated mass. In this condition the sludge is quite amenable
to gravity clarification. A polishing filter would be used to ensure
maximum effluent quality.
The system proposed would provide considerably better treatment than is
required by the guidelines. Table 3.4-2 provides a comparison of the
anticipated process water effluent quality and the NSPS. Figure 3.4-3
is a schematic flow diagram of the proposed wastewater treatment sys-
tem.
All sanitary wastes would be collected and discharged by sanitary sewer
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Table 3.^-2
COMPARISON OF NSPS AND WASTEWATER
EFFLUENT QUALITY
(Excluding Ballast Water)
Average Monthly Lbs./Day
Process Water
NSPS
Biochemi caI
Oxygen Demand	1,0^1
Total Suspended
Sol ids	838
Chemical Oxygen
Demand	6,096
OiI & Grease	330
Phenolies	6.9
NHj-N	965
SuIf i de	5.6
Total Chromium	17.3
HexavaIent
Chromium	1.1
pH	6-9
Proj ected
EffIuent
216
216
1,655
115
129
2.02
Process Water and
Contaminated Storm Water
Projected"
NSPS
1,^91
1,202
10,317
1+52
EffIuent
i*16
*tl6
3,187
222
6.5-8.5
FIow (gpm)
1,201
2,301
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	 Sourc*: P«c« 1979
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FLOW DIAGRAM	Figure 3.4-3

-------
to the Valdez municipal treatment plant.
Atmospheric emissions: The sources of atmospheric emissions fall into
three major categories: refinery (including processes, incinerator and
tankage); power plant; and docks. The major generators of pollutant
emissions are the process heaters and combustion systems. Other
sources include ships under power at the loading berths, and fugitive
emissions. Fugitive emissions are those vapors which are not confined
to a specific vent or stack such as those emitted to the atmosphere
from leaking tank seals, valve seals and similar related peripheral
equipment. Emissions in tons per year anticipated from the proposed
facility are summarized in Table 3.4-3.
Table 3.^-3
ESTIMATED AIR EMISSIONS
(Tons/Year)
Pollutant
Sulfur Dioxide
Total Suspended
Particulates
Nitrogen Oxides
Hydrocarbons
Carbon Monoxide
Refinery
1,920
461
2,529
38
215
Plant
54
144
1,439
22
122
Docks
105
14
56
6
3
Total
2,079
619
4,024
66
340
Because an emission inventory alone provides no indication of severity
or seriousness of effect upon ambient conditions for any of the pollu-
tants inventoried, the relative magnitude of emission among the various
pollutant classifications has little meaning. However, the inventory
does provide an indication of relative source contribution of a given
pollutant to the atmosphere. To illustrate the order of magnitude of a
pollutant, a non-technical analogy is that the 619 tons/ year of sus-
pended particulates is somewhat equivalent to the dust that would be
produced by one vehicle traveling on a dry gravel road at 40 kph (25
mph), eight hours per day for one year. Since Valdez is an attainment
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area for all pollutants governed by the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1977, air emissions control standards are governed by the definition of
Best Available Control Technology (BACT). Section 4.3.3 describes the
BACT for the proposed facility.
3.4.4 Solid Waste
The solid wastes the refinery would generate are divided into two cate-
gories: hazardous wastes and other solid wastes. A hazardous waste,
as defined by the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, is
"a solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its
properties may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human
health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported,
or disposed of, or otherwise managed." Other solid wastes include all
other construction and refinery operation solid wastes, exclusive of
sanitary waste.
Hazardous wastes as described in the proposed Federal Hazardous Waste
regulations would be generated during operation of the proposed facil-
ity. These consist primarily of refinery process spent catalysts,
clays, and sludges from the API (wastewater treatment) separator and
the HF alkylation process unit. The catalysts, after having served
their useful purpose, retain various degrees of toxicity. The clay, a
synthetic material from the benzene, toluene, xylene clay treater, con-
tains residual aromatics and a heavy polymer. The clay is toxic
because of the difficulty of stripping all aromatics and polymers from
the spent clay.
The sludges are normally a semi-solid by-product of a process that
retain their toxicity due to unreacted chemicals. The hydrofluoric
acid alkylation sludge is a cream-brown slurry of relatively insoluble
calcium fluoride (CaF2) produced by neutralizing with lime the spent
hydrofluoric acid used in alkylation. Lime must be kept in excess and
the contents mixed to assure complete reaction. Spent catalysts,
occurring usually in a dry powdery state, would be generated at the
rate of approximately 4,400 tons/year from the fluid catalytic cracker
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(largest user) and around 400 tons/year from all other sources. This
would be equivalent to about 12 thousand 50-gallon drums per year, or
35 drums per calendar day.
Construction activities would generate land clearing and excavation
material, shipping material, construction materials, construction camp
refuse and scrap metal. Very small quantities of replaced machinery
oil and cleaning solvents also would be generated during construction.
Refinery operations would produce other solid wastes such as solids
from wastewater treatment, scrap metal, worn out machinery and refuse
from offices and the cafeteria.
Approximate quantities of solid waste materials are summarized in Table
3.4-4.
Table 3.
SOLID WASTE
I tem
Land Clearing Debris
Scrap/Excess
Construction and
Shipping Materials
Domestic Refuse
Construction
	Source	
Site Preparation
Construction
Activi ties
Construction Camp
Quant i ty
250,000 cu yds
1,500 tons
1,600 tons
I tem
Spent Catalysts
SIudges/CI ays
Scrap
Refuse
Operation
Source
Process Units
Process Units/
Water Treatment
Maintenance and
Housekeeping
Office and Cafeteria
Quanti ty
it, 800 tons/yr
2,100 tons/yr
No Estimate
500 tons/yr
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3.5	OFF-SITE OPERATIONS
3.5.1	General Description
The proposed refinery would consist of the process area, which is the
core of the plant, and various supporting facilities known in the
refining industry as off-site operations. The primary off-site opera-
tions in the proposed refinery would be the product transportation and
storage facilities (products dock, pipelines and tankage), the power
plant and the wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater treatment is
discussed separately under Section 3.4.3.
3.5.2	Product Storage
The tankage area described in Section 3.3.1 would have a total liquid
storage capacity of 10 million barrels.
Liquid storage facilities can be divided conveniently into four primary
service categories: feedstock, intermediate, gasoline blend, and pro-
duct shipping. The feedstock tanks would provide a 10-day, 24-thou-
sand-barrel stored reserve of crude oil to avoid shut-down of the
refinery in the event of an interruption of the crude supply from the
Alyeska pipeline.
Intermediate tankage holds materials that are feeds to process units or
that are refinery products awaiting testing and transfer to larger pro-
duct storage tanks. Most intermediate storage at the proposed refinery
would be at atmospheric pressure; however, some tankage designed for
liquefied gases would be pressurized from 15 to 200 pounds per square
inch gauge (psig). Some intermediate tankage for heavy stocks would be
insulated and kept hot.
Gasoline blend component storage tanks would hold the various process
unit products that later would be mixed (blended) to make the various
grades of finished gasoline. Both atmospheric and pressure storage
would be involved.
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Shipping tankage, as the name implies, would accumulate large volumes
of the various products for loading aboard ships as they arrive at the
dock. These tanks would experience infrequent but rapid withdrawals
followed by less rapid refilling. The ballast water tanks and a slop
oil tank also are included in this category because of their close
association with ship-loading operations. Ballast tanks would accom-
modate surges in the line during deballasting and provide short-term
storage if necessary before the ballast water is pumped to the waste-
water treatment plant.
Tanks which would contain products which have a true vapor pressure at
storage temperatures of less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute
(psia) would be of the fixed roof design. Tanks which would contain
heavy high boiling oils (residues and gas oils) would be ventilated.
Such oils can be stored in this manner even at elevated temperatures
without excessive hydrocarbon loss to the air. Tanks which would con-
tain the higher vapor pressure materials would have a fixed roof with
an internal floating roof to reduce hydrocarbon loss to the atmosphere.
The products so stored would have a true vapor pressure at storage con-
ditions of less than 11 psia. Pressurized storage does not pose an
emission problem because any changes in vapor volume are compensated
for by evaporation of or condensation to the liquid phase.
3.5.3 Pipeline System
Products would be transported from the refinery to the shipping dock
via pipelines ranging in size from 8-inch diameter to 28-inch diameter.
Ten adjacent pipelines would be used to transport all liquid products
to the dock and to deliver ballast water from the ships to the refin-
ery's wastewater treatment facility. Pipeline length from the refinery
site to the dock would be approximately 8.5 km (5-1/3 mi). Approxi-
mately 2.1 km (1-1/3 mi) would be supported on above-ground structures
and the remainder would be buried (see Figure 3.3-5).
Crude oil feedstock would flow under pressure directly from the Alyeska
pipeline via a 20-inch diameter pipeline connection to an existing
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valve. The 20-inch crude oil pipeline would join the products pipeline
bundle at Dayville Road and would parallel the products pipelines to
the refinery. Pipeline length from the crude source to the refinery
site would be approximately 5.6 km (3-1/2 mi).
3.5.4	Products Dock
The two-berth products dock would extend about 394 m (1,300 ft) off-
shore near Solomon Gulch. The dock would accommodate tankers up to
45,000 dead weight tons (dwt) at one berth, and up to 80,000 dwt at the
other berth. The average tanker that would call at the dock would be
in the range of 36,000 dwt.
The dock would be an elevated steel structure on a driven pile founda-
tion, and would be about 12.1 m (40 ft) wide. The products pipeline
bundle would terminate at loading arms at the end of the dock. Ship
loading rates would range from 120-475 barrels per minute.
3.5.5	Transportation
Land: The proposed project would generate both truck and passenger
vehicle traffic. Truck traffic would be low because nearly all prod-
ucts from the refinery would be transported by pipeline to the products
dock for shipment, and requirements for local supplies would be rela-
tively small.
If by-product sulfur is stored at a location near the Valdez City Dock,
an estimated 15-20 semi-trailer or flat-bed, five-axle truck loads of
sulfur by-products and catalytic wastes would be carried each day
between the plant and the dock area. Most non-process wastes would be
incinerated on-site, and approximately 8-10 remaining truck loads per
week including the ash would be hauled to a city landfill site (see
Section 3.4.3).
The project would generate an estimated 1,250-1,300 vehicle trips per
day, primarily employee traffic. Of these, approximately 20-30 trips
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would be attributed to the products dock. The products dock would not
generate general cargo traffic.
Air: Demand for air transportation would be related more to general
community population increases (discussed in Section 6.10.7) than to
the specific operational requirements of Alpetco. Air freight require-
ments would be minor.
Marine: A construction barge dock would be built at the far east end
of Port Valdez at the former old Valdez city dock site. The site would
allow direct access to an adjacent City of Valdez tract of land that
Alpetco would lease for a mobilization yard, to offload heavy mate-
rials, equipment and prefabricated modules during refinery construc-
tion. Sheet piling would be driven along one side of an existing pro-
jection of land and fill would be placed behind it. Construction of
the dock would require approximately 765 cubic meters (1,000 cubic
yards) of dredging and 3,058 cubic meters (4,000 cubic yards) of fill.
The dock would accommodate approximately 31 x 122 m (100 x 400 ft)
barges. Upon completion of the project and expiration of the tidelands
lease, ownership of the barge dock would revert to the City of Valdez.
During two years of construction, large pressure vessels, equipment,
and construction materials totaling approximately 750 thousand tons
would be transported to Valdez by cargo vessels and barges and off-
loaded across this dock. General cargo would arriv at the Valdez City
Dock.
During operation of the proposed refinery, petroleum products would be
transported in tank vessels and barges from the products dock, primar-
ily to the ports of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu.
Certain products may also be barged to Anchorage and Kenai, Alaska.
The possibility exists that naphtha, benzene, toluene, xylene and sul-
fur would be shipped to Japan and/or the Far East. Table 3.5-1 summa-
rizes the estimated quantities of products which would be shipped. All
vessel traffic into and out of Port Valdez would be tug-assisted and
under the navigational control of the U. S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic
System (VTS) control center in Valdez.
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Table 3.5-1
ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF PRODUCTS FOR SHIPMENT
Product
Barrels per
Calendar Day
Thousands
Long Tons
Per Annum
Motor GasoIi ne
Aviation Jet Fuel
Diesel Fuel
Residual Fuel (No. 4 grade)
Heavy Gas Oil (clarifier oil)
Naphtha (for ethylene production)
Benzene
To Iuene
XyIenes
75,090
29,139
5,000
2,959
4,	861
13,700
2,546
5,	640
6,177
5.208.6
1.286.7
242.7
153
252
616
127
281
306
Tota
145,112
6,553.6*
Sulfur
Fluid Coke
214 T/D
25 T/D
78.1
9.1
xlncludes sulfur
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Vessels would range in size from 10,000 dwt to 80,000 dwt. Based on an
average vessel size of 36,000 dwt, 186 trips annually or about one ves-
sel every two days would be required to transport refined products from
Valdez.
Containerized or bulk dry sulfur in 1,000- to 10,000-ton lots would be
shipped across the Valdez City Dock in ordinary cargo vessels. The
total annual quantity of sulfur to be shipped (78,100 tons) would be
equivalent to about 10 cargo vessels each year. The cargo vessels
which would carry the sulfur probably would not be destined for the
four U.S. West Coast ports which would be the destinations for products
vessels.
During approximately nine months preceding the refinery start-up antic-
ipated in 1983, approximately 2,000 tons of catalysts and chemicals
would be transported to Valdez in cargo vessels. These materials would
include: catalytic cracking catalysts; hydrocracking catalysts; desul-
furization catalysts; reforming catalysts; activated clays; ethanola-
mines; caustic soda; and hydrofluoric acid. Following the commission-
ing of the refinery, replacement of catalysts and chemicals would be at
a rate of 1,000 tons annually.
3.5.6 Power Generation
The refinery would have its own power plant located in the northwest
corner of the site adjacent to the process area (see Figure 3.3-1).
The power plant would produce about 70 MW of electricity with multiple,
equally sized, gas turbine-driven generators plus one standby unit and
space for a future unit of similar size. Refinery operation would
require approximately 45 MW for the process units and 25 MW for off-
site operations. Generation and distribution would be at 13.8 kV and
60 Hz. Primary fuel source for the power plant would be plant fuel gas
(propane/butane) from the process units supplemented as required by
low-BTU Flexicoker gas and refinery-produced fuel oil. The power plant
would be situated near the process units.
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3.6
LABOR FORCE
3.6.1	Construction Work Force
It is estimated that construction of the refinery would begin late in
1980 and continue into 1983, a total of more than 36 months. Peak con-
struction labor force of 2,820 workers would occur in approximately
October 1982. Monthly average work force would be approximately 1,128.
Peak manpower requirements by craft are estimated to be 800 pipefit-
ters, 500 electricians, 400 ironworkers, 300 laborers, 200 each carpen-
ters, equipment operators, and insulators, and 100 or fewer each boil-
ermakers, cement finishers, millwrights, riggers, truck drivers, and
painters.
3.6.2	Operations Work Force
Total permanent operations work force requirement is estimated to be
579. This includes 231 persons in plant process operations; 291 in
maintenance; and 57 in administration.
3.7	PRODUCTS AND MARKETING
Alpetco's product slate from the process facilities described in Sec-
tion 3.4 and shown in Table 3.7-1.
The total U. S. market for refined products is indicative of the sit-
uation on the West Coast. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates
that by 1980 it will be necessary for the U. S. to import 300 thousand
barrels of gasoline per day. Approximately 220 thousand barrels per
day were imported by the U. S. in 1977. Total U. S. gasoline demand is
expected to increase at a 2.5-3.0 percent annual rate through 1982 or
1983 and increase at a lower rate or decline slightly thereafter. This
suggests that there will be little need for additional gasoline capac-
ity after 1983. However, there is a demonstrated need for additional
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Table 3.7-1
PRODUCT SLATE
	Fuel Products	
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Jet Fuel
Diesel Fuel
No. k FueI Oil
Barrels Per
Calendar Day
49,474
25,616
29,139
5,000
2,959
Chemical or Other Products
Benzene
Toluene
XyIenes
Naptha
Clarified Oil (Bunker C)
SuI fur
Fluid Coke
(1)
2,546
5,61+0
6,177
13,700
4,861
214 tons/calendar day
25 tons/calendar day
(1) Cracking feedstock for ethylene production
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unleaded gasoline capacity as the proportion of total unleaded marketed
will increase. This need is created by a shift in demand toward
unleaded gasoline induced by EPA's lead phase-down requirements.
The demand for unleaded gasoline was 10 percent of the total gasoline
demand in 1975, and is expected to be almost 80 percent of the total by
1985 as shown in Table 3.7-2.
Table 3.7-2
PROJECTED MARKET SHARES OF LEADED VS. UNLEADED GASOLINE
(Percentage)


Leaded
Leaded

Un1eaded
Regu1ar
Premi um
1977
25-3
59.4
15.4
1978
33.3
54.4
12.3
1979
«fl. 2
49.1
9.7
1980
49.4
43.2
7.5
1981
56.9
37.4
5.6
1982
63.6
32.2
5.6
1983
69.2
27.7
3.1
1984
73.8
23.8
2.3
1985
77.5
20.8
1.7
Source: U. S. Department of Energy
Even though total U. S. gasoline demand is expected to level off after
1983, the demand for unleaded gasoline will continue to increase in the
foreseeable future. This refinery would produce only unleaded gaso-
line.
It is generally believed that the West Coast gasoline market will fol-
low the same general pattern as the U. S. market with certain signifi-
cant differences: West Coast damand for gasoline and jet fuel is
expected to grow faster than overall U. S. demand; it is less likely
that additional refining capacity can be built on the West Coast than
elsewhere due to stringent environmental regulations in PAD-V; and
effective capacity of West Coast refineries is reduced by increased use
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of heavy California and Alaska North Slope crude oils in response to
economic and political pressures.
Table 3.7-3 summarizes the historical and projected demand for refined
products in PAD-V, and Table 3.7-4 summaries PAD-V refining capacity.
The PAD-V refining industry is confronted with an environment charac-
terized by rapidly increasing demand for unleaded, high octane gaso-
line; an increased proportion of heavy, high-sulfur crude oil being
processed, causing a greater dependence of refinery economics on the
vagaries of the West Coast residual fuels market; and environmental and
economic restrictions on new refining capacity.
Section 4.3 of the Alaska Royalty Crude Oil Contract states:
"In order to provide fuels for distribution within the State of
Alaska, Buyer shall design and construct the Petrochemical Facil-
ity to include a capacity to process 30,000 barrels of crude oil
per day into energy fuels. If Buyer does not utilize the royalty
oil sold and delivered hereunder, or traded or exchanged oil, in
the Petrochemical Facility, then it shall utilize its best efforts
to assure that at least 30,000 barrels per day of said royalty oil
will be processed instate for production into energy fuels for
intrastate distribution and sale, unless such processing would be
surplus to the then prevailing intrastate domestic and industrial
needs."
In view of this commitment, the Alaska refined products market is con-
sidered separately.
Total 1976 demand for refined products in Alaska was about 63 thousand
bpd, increasing to 68 thousand bpd in 1977, the first post-pipeline
year. In Alaska's thin, undeveloped economy, a single major project,
such as the trans-Alaska pipeline, can have a significant impact on
in-state fuels consumption. Demand forecasting is therefore highly
speculative.
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Table 3.7-3
PAD V DEMAND
Thousand Barrels per Calendar Day
Growth Rate
Percent

1975
1976
1977
1978"
1980
1985
(1978-1985)
Gasoline (total)
973
1022
1080
1113
1143
1083
0
Leaded
849
822
804
751
581
287
(12.8)
Unleaded
124
200
276
362
562
796
11.9
Jet Fuel
290
291
297
300
360
427
5.2
Distillate
264
280
298
337
415
434
3.7
Residual
398
452
566
550
633
689
3.3
Other
570
597
316
316
427
479
6.1
TOTAL
2125
2359
2600
2616
2987
3112
2.5
^Estimates based on 7 months actual
Source: Sherman H. Clark Associates
DOE Petroleum Statements
Industry Sources
Table 3.7-1+
PAD V REFINING CAPACITY
as of January 1, 1978
Thousand Barrels per Calendar Day
Number of
Ref i ners
kO
8
8
5
1
1
1
57
Page 46


Percent

Capaci ty
of Total
Ca1i forn i a
2,37k
80.0
Wash i ngton
382
13.0
Hawa i i
107
k.O
A1aska
96
3.0
Oregon
lk
.5
Ari zona
6
.2
Nevada
2
0
TOTAL
2,981
100.0

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The Alaska refined products demand for 1977 was:
Table 3-7-5
REFINED PRODUCTS DEMAND IN ALASKA 1977
Product
Barrels per Day (bpd)
GasoIi ne
Jet Fuel
15,000
22,1+00
17,000
13,600
Diesel Fuel
FueI Oil
TOTAL
68,000
Source: Alpetco/State of Alaska
This demand is generated 85 percent by the private and commercial
sector and 15 percent by the government and military sectors.
Unless industrial development and associated migration into Alaska
accelerate, total refined products demand is expected to stabilize at a
4 percent growth rate, all in the commercial sector. Demand for jet
fuel and aviation gasoline is expected to increase more than 6 percent
annually, and considering recent trends in the airline industry, this
may be conservative. The growth for the remaining refined product mar-
kets is stimulated solely by a modest 3 percent population growth rate.
Projected demand by type and use is presented in Table 3.7-6.
The existing Alaska refineries with a total capacity of 95,600 bpd* can
supply the present local demand for fuel oil, all but high grade
diesel, less than half the jet fuel and about half the gasoline.
* On October 30, 1979, Tesoro-Alaskan Petroleum Company announced plans
to expand its Kenai refinery cracking capacity to increase jet fuel
production by 4 thousand bpd and automobile gasoline production by 5
thousand bpd.
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Table 3.7-6
DEMAND FORECAST FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN ALASKA
(bpd)
C
0
M
M
E
R
C
1
A
L
H i ghway
GasoIi ne
D i eseI
Aviation
GasoIine
Jet Fuel
1976
ACTUAL
11,930
9,111
1980	1985
FORECAST FORECAST
13,427
11,074
899
15,105
1,139
19,134
15,565
14,134
1,530
25,715
1990
FORECAST
18,0*15
18,039
2,056
34,559
COMMENTS
Gasoline demand has declined since completion of the
pipeline. Growth in per capita demand and conserva-
tion measures should be approximately offsetting.
Therefore, it is assumed that increases in gasoline
consumption will correspond to the population growth
rate of 3%. Diesel fuel demand also declined signi-
ficantly (22%) in 1977. Any major in-state construc-
tion projects will reverse this trend. Diesel fuel
demand is assumed to grow at 5% annually.
The historical pattern of aviation demand in Alaska
has been erratic, subject to the decisions of a few
international carriers. Demand should increase at
least with population growth (3%), and given recent
trends in the airline industry, a per capita growth
in demand of 3% seems reasonable.
E
M
A
N
D
Marine
Gasoline/Diesel 2,009
2,441
3,117
ISER states that: "Marine diesel use has grown 4%
annually since 1971...increased consumption...is
3,977 closely related to the level of activity in the
fisheries industry. With the institution of the 200
mile limit an avowed policy of assistance to renew-
able resources industries by the state government,
demand for marine diesel fuel should continue to ex-
pand. 5% annual growth is assumed..."
EIectr i ci ty
Diesel/Fuel Oil 5,336 6,242 7,594
A modest 4% growth in demand for fuel oils to
9,240 generate electricity is assumed.

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Table 3-7-6
DEMAND FORECAST FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN ALASKA
(bpd)
Conti nued
Space Heating
Fuel Oil
1976
ACTUAL
8,838
1980
1985
1990
TOTAL COMMERCIAL 53,228
TOTAL MlLITARY	9,701
GRAND TOTAL
FORECAST FORECAST FORECAST
9,947
63,404
9,701
62,932 73,105
11,531
79,186
9,701
88,887
13,368
99,284
9,701
108,985
COMMENTS
Fuel oil constitutes 56% of Alaska home heating
fuel. The proportion is expected to stabilize.
A 3% increase in demand is assumed for this sector.
The commercial sector demand for petroleum products
is expected to grow at 4.55%.
Given a relatively stable population of military per-
sonnel, fuel consumption is expected to remain constant.
Total in-state consumption of petroleum products is
estimated to increase at 4% annually.
"Sources:
Discussions with Division of
(August, 1978)
Economic Enterprise and Institute of Social and Economic Research Economists

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Alpetco believes opportunities exist to market the following quantities
of products in Alaska:
Product
Quantity bpd
Unleaded Gasoline
7,000 to	8,000
10,000	to	12,000
3,000	to	5,000
3,000	to	5,000
Jet Fuel
High Grade Diesel
Low-Sulfur Fuel Oil
The following is a summary of Alpetco's current plans for product mar-
keting:
Unleaded Gasoline - 75,000 bpd: Alpetco expects to sell all of the
unleaded gasoline (except approximately 7,000 bpd reserved for the
Alaska market) to major West Coast refiners, large independent
refiners, and large gasoline distributors.
Jet Fuel - 29,140 bpd: No problem is anticipated securing contracts
for the jet fuel. Alpetco's potential customers include a major oil
company, a large independent, and several airlines which operate on the
West Coast mainland, and in Alaska and/or Hawaii.
Diesel Fuel - 5,000 bpd and No. 4 Fuel Oil - 3,000 bpd: Since the
Alaska market is expected to absorb these products, such sales would be
made preferentially in Alaska.
Aromatics: Benzene - 2,550 bpd, Toluene - 5,640 bpd and Xylene - 6,180
bpd: Alpetco expects to sell these aromatics on a long-term contract
to one or more Japanese trading companies.
Naphtha - 13,700 bpd: The logical market for naphtha is in Japan for
use as ethylene plant feedstock; export of naphtha would require a per-
mit from the Department of Commerce.
Sulfur - 214 tons/day: Sulfur most likely would be sold to a Japanese
trading company for use in Southeast Asia; a small market exists in the
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Pacific Northwest in the pulp and paper industry.
Fluid coke - 25 tons/day: This product would be sold to a Japanese
trading company; the possibility of metals recovery from this product
is also being considered by potential purchasers.
3.8	SPILL PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Prevention of spills of oil and related petroleum products is one of
the prime objectives both in the design and the operation of the pro-
posed facility and includes but would not be limited to: siting and
design criteria for all facilities; operating procedures and their pe-
riodic review; inspection and monitoring of facilities; personnel
training; revision of operating procedures (where required); and rede-
sign of facilities (if necessary).
Among specific design parameters are: containment dikes around all
tankage (feedstock and product); ability to treat contaminated storm
water in the wastewater treatment facility; containment of storm water
from the process area(s); leak-detection for the pipeline system; and
appropriate use of valves to minimize potential spill volumes.
Prior to facility operation, Alpetco would develop an oil spill contin-
gency plan that would address (at least) the following: facility test-
ing (to include pipelines); operational procedures specific to opera-
tion of the products dock; detection and reporting of oil spillage;
operational procedures to minimize spill volumes; operational proce-
dures to contain and cleanup spills; rehabilitation and/or restoration
of affected areas; notification procedures; operational procedures
necessary to insure public safety; procedures for cooperation with
local, state and federal authorities; procedures for cooperation with
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company; training, emergency drills, and field
exercises; chemical treatment; and liability and responsibility.
The oil spill contingency plan would be developed in at least three
specific parts: general provisions, storage tanks and pipelines, and
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products dock. All would be compatible with plans developed by the
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (1978), Alyeska Pipe-
line Service Company (1978), and the Marine Safety Office of the U. S.
Coast Guard (Valdez, 1979).
3.9	PLANT SECURITY
Alpetco would establish security groups, organized and staffed by spec-
ially selected people trained to respond to all levels of incidents
ranging from minor to major events, natural or man-made.
The responsibilities of the security department would include fire pre-
vention and detection; prevention of unauthorized entrance; protection
of plant equipment, property, and employees' personal property; control
of all in-coming and out-going traffic; response to emergencies;
assisting plant visitors; assisting management as necessary; and
assisting the City of Valdez when feasible.
Alpetco would develop a security manual which would assist personnel in
the execution of their duties. The manual would include as a minimum
the following sections:
1.	Security department responsibilities: A description of security
group organizational structure, authority and duties.
2.	General directives: A list of standard orders for conduct and
appearance.
3.	Patrol procedures/equipment: A description of mobile patrols,
vehicle equipment, equipment for security personnel, and duties of each
patrol.
4.	Emergency procedures: A detailed definition of situations which
would require a Response Action (ReAct) by the security group. The
ReAct procedures would be defined, within limits, for potential situa-
tions such as fire, injury/medical emergency, mechanical incident, and
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power failure; natural disasters such as severe weather, and earth-
quakes; and bomb threats.
5.	Civil disorders: A definition of civil disorders and appropriate
ReAct procedures.
6.	Emergency communication: A description of communications equip-
ment, visual/audio alarms, and staff requirements; and call lists to
plant personnel, mutual aid groups and proper local, state and federal
agencies.
3.10 FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN
Because a limited number of refinery operations personnel would be pre-
sent and available for fire-fighting purposes, and due to the physical
size of the proposed facilities and the hazards involved, Alpetco's
proposed primary fire protection design emphasizes automatic fire
detection and protection systems, backed up by manual systems.
3.10.1 Scope
Alpetco would develop fire protection design criteria which consider
the standards and recommended practices of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) and the current requirements of the Alaska Safety Code and ordi-
nances of the City of Valdez.
Alpetco's stated design philosophy is to provide systems and equipment
to limit the loss of life and the extent of damage to property from the
potential hazards involved with refinery facilities and their opera-
tions. The following specific measures are proposed by Alpetco.
Water would be used extensively for fire-fighting protection. A buried
pipeline system would be installed to distribute water throughout the
facilities to supply hydrants, monitors, water spray and sprinkler sys-
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terns, and foam systems. The underground system would be designed in
accordance with NFPA Standard No. 24.
Water spray primarily would provide exposure protection and fire con-
trol. The sprinkler and spray systems could be operated manually or
would be actuated automatically by fire detection systems. Automatic
sprinkler protection would be provided where necessary. Water spray
and sprinkler systems would be designed in accordance with NFPA Stan-
dards No. 13 and 15.
Foam systems would be installed where flammable liquids are handled,
transported or stored. Foam systems would conform with NFPA Standards
No. 11 and 11A.
Dry chemical extinguishing systems would be provided in areas where
rapid knock-down of fires involving flammable liquids could be
required. Dry chemical systems would be designed in accordance with
NFPA Standard No. 17.
In areas near extensive electronic or electrical equipment, halon
extinguishing systems would be installed, designed in accordance with
NFPA Standard No. 12A.
Fire trucks and other mobile equipment would be provided for backup of
the fixed fire-fighting systems, and to transport manpower and special
equipment to the scene of an emergency. Appropriate sizes and types of
portable fire extinguishers would be situated throughout the facilities
in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 10. Pipe racks and structures
would be provided with fire-proofing as necessary.
An integrated alarm and detection system would activate appropriate
fire-fighting systems and would signal alarms locally and at the cen-
tral control building.
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3.10.2 Fire Water Supply
Alpetco would determine the maximum probable fire-water demand based on
providing water-based protection for the largest single fire risk area,
and would install a system of appropriate capacity.
The proposed fire-water system would be charged under normal conditions
with water supplied by an electrically driven, horizontal, centrifugal
jockey pump. The primary firewater source would be the final effluent
pond of the wastewater treatment system.
The fire-water system would be pressurized during use by one electric
pump and several diesel-driven horizontal, centrifugal fire-water
pumps. The fire-water pump controllers would automatically start the
fire-water pump drivers in sequence as the demand for water increased.
The number and size of the fire-water pumps would be based on providing
the maximum probable fire-water demand, with one additional pump on
standby reserve. This pump would be activated automatically if one of
the primary pumps were out of service.
The underground fire-water distribution system would consist of a net-
work of appropriately sized pipe, looped throughout the facility to
provide water from more than one direction. Indicating post-type con-
trol valves would allow any section of a loop to be isolated for repair
without impairing the remainder of the system. Pipe and fittings would
conform to the guidelines of NFPA Standard No. 24.
Fire hydrants would be located to make each important building or
structure accessible from at least two hydrants. The maximum space
between hydrants around major facilities would be 121 m (400 ft).
Water in the underground distribution system would be circulated
through the fire-water pumps and heated at several points to prevent
freezing of the system. A series of automatic valves would insure com-
plete circulation, and during fire conditions would allow full flow to
all areas.
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3.10.3 Detection and Alarm Systems
Alpetco would install automatic alarm systems with detectors of com-
bustible gas and flame; manual alarm stations; and television monitor-
ing of selected areas. All detection systems would actuate a local
alarm and transmit signals to the main alarm panel at the central con-
trol room. Alarm signals would be interconnected to a site-wide alarm
system for immediate action by on-duty personnel. Signals to mutual
assistance organizations and emergency units would be by telephone from
the central control room.
Manual fire alarm stations throughout the facility would be connected
to the central fire alarm panel for proper annunciation. They also
would actuate certain extinguishing and fire control systems.
Detectors of combustible gas would provide continuous monitoring and
would sound an alarm at two selected levels of gas concentration which
are both below the lower flammable limit.
The fire detection system would include high-temperature, rate-of-rise
and ultraviolet detectors. The system would be supervised and would
have both actuation and reporting responsibilities. Upon receiving
alarm signals at the central panel, actuation signals would be trans-
mitted automatically to fire extinguishing and control systems. A
delay before actuation of some systems would allow manual override.
Other parts of the system would require confirmation by a second detec-
tor before automatic actuation.
The main alarm panel would be in the central control room for contin-
uous monitoring. The panel would be a zone-type display and would
annunciate, by audible and visual indication, the status of each detec-
tion system and the fire-water pumps, and the operation of each indi-
vidual fixed fire control system. Trouble in the detection equipment
would be indicated by visible and audible alarms. Emergency power
would be provided for the alarm and detection systems. In addition,
audible alarms to signal fire or a concentration of combustible vapors
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would be distinctly different from any other audible signal.
3.10.4 Mutual Aid
Alpetco would pursue mutual aid programs with the City of Valdez Fire
Department, City of Valdez Police Department, Alyeska Pipeline Service
Company, Alaska State Troopers, U. S. Coast Guard, and Federal Aviation
Administration.
3.11 HEALTH AND SAFETY
3.11.1 General
The following considerations have been and continue to be included in
the design criteria: safety and health of employees during facility
operation is a paramount design goal; reduction of the possibility of
an undesirable occurrence is a design constraint; safe design will take
precedence when a design choice exists; and compliance with all safety
and health laws, statutes, ordinances and established industrial stan-
dards and practices will be required.
A comprehensive accident prevention and loss control program would be
developed prior to refinery start-up. An annual formal review of the
safety and health and loss prevention status of the Alpetco facilities
would be conducted, and the safety engineer would, as indicated by the
review, institute corrective actions to eliminate problem conditions
found during the review or as a result of spot inspections.
3.11.2 Safety, Health and Loss Prevention Standards
Shift supervisors would be the key figures in the effective application
and direction of safety at the proposed facility. Safety would be
enhanced by eliminating known hazards, and by personnel training. All
personnel would be responsible for preventing and eliminating unsafe
conditions and practices and for reporting such conditions or practices
to the appropriate authority.
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The refining process and the equipment used within a refinery are
increasingly complex, and while no single reference can address all
questions, Alpetco proposes to develop a manual of safety standards and
procedures. The procedures would be developed to conform with local,
state and federal standards and regulations.
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4. ALTERNATIVES

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4.1
ALTERNATIVES TO REFINERY CONSTRUCTION IN ALASKA
Environmental Impact Statements prepared under Section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 must include a discussion of
"alternatives to the proposed action," which is meant to include "the
alternative ways of accomplishing the objectives of the proposed action
and the results of not accomplishing the proposed action."
The following discussion considers the alternatives of: not authoriz-
ing the proposed project; imposing regulatory measures which would
obviate the need for the project; and building a plant outside Alaska.
The general conclusions are that the facility would increase the supply
of gasoline on the West Coast and generally help to reorganize the West
Coast petroleum market, benefits which would be lost if permits were
denied. Regulatory action by the federal government to increase the
supply of gasoline or decrease demand for gasoline, and thereby obviate
the need for the project, is not realistic because it is uncertain
whether and when such regulatory action could be implemented; and loca-
tion of the proposed refinery on the West Coast outside Alaska might
involve net economic advantages over an Alaska site; however, the sub-
ject is moot because the royalty oil contract between the State of
Alaska and Alpetco requires Aleptco to build the processing plant in
the state.
4.1.1 No Project
Denial of necessary permits would prevent construction of the proposed
refinery. Local impacts of plant construction and operation, including
positive economic benefits to the state and local economies, are fully
discussed in later portions of this statement. These impacts would not
be realized if the necessary permits were denied. In addition to these
considerations, denial of the project would have other, non-local con-
sequences as well, because the proposed project would affect the gen-
eral economic efficiency of the entire West Coast petroleum fuel mar-
ket.
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This section discusses the effects of the proposed project on the West
Coast energy market in order to identify all consequences of the no-
project alternative. The West Coast petroleum supply and demand situa-
tion is extremely complex, and a full explanation of every facet of it
is well beyond the scope of this statement.
In general, the pertinent features of the West Coast petroleum market
have been: shortages in the supply of gasoline, particularly unleaded
gasoline; excess supplies of ANS crude oil"; a surplus of high sulfur
residual fuel oil; and continued imports of Indonesian crude oil.
The West Coast petroleum market is characterized by a mismatch of
refining capabilities and domestic crude oil properties. ANS crude is
sour, which means it has a high sulfur content (approximately 1 percent
by weight) and it is relatively heavy (gravity of 27° API), which means
it has comparatively fewer easily extracted light fractions, which pro-
duce gasoline. California crude, the only other domestic crude pro-
duced in PAD-V, is even heavier and more sour. In contrast, Indonesian
crudes are sweet (less than 0.1 percent sulfur by weight) and light
(gravity of 35° API or higher).
Under conventional refining, a barrel of ANS crude yields less gasoline
and more residual fuel oil than does most light crude; however, there
is a relatively high demand for gasoline on the West Coast and rela-
tively low demand for residual fuel oil. Furthermore, without expen-
sive desulfurization, ANS crude produces a residual fuel oil that is
too high in sulfur content (1.5 to 1.7 percent) to meet California air
pollution regulations (fuel oil may not exceed 0.25 percent sulfur in
southern California and 1.0 percent sulfur in northern California).
Residual fuel oil produced from sweet, light crude such as Indonesian
" A recent report of the Senate Energy Committee found that, technically,
there was little or no ANS crude surplus to West Coast refinery
demands. Rather, it said, North Slope producers would not sell ANS
crude to independent or competing refiners; instead they ship it
through the Panama Canal' to Gulf Coast refineries which they own.
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is within these limits. Thus, refiners prefer sweet, light crude to
better match their slate of products with current market demands.
Furthermore, West Coast refineries generally are not equipped to handle
large volumes of high sulfur crude, because it requires more expensive
and elaborate refining equipment. To refine sour crude, critical pro-
cess units such as distillation towers and catalytic reactor vessels
must be fabricated with special alloy steel to resist the corrosive
effect of sulfur at high temperature and pressure. Also, in order to
produce low sulfur fuel oil from sour crudes, a refinery must have a
sulfur recovery system; and to obtain the maximum gasoline production
from heavy crudes, a refinery must have downstream processing units
such as catalytic crackers and cokers which break the heavy fractions
into lighter products. Therefore, to handle larger proportions of
heavy, sour crude in the existing mix of crude feedstocks, most West
Coast refineries would have to undergo modification, referred to as
"retrofitting" or making a "sour crude revamp."
Because Indonesian sweet crude yields a slate of products that is bet-
ter suited to the local market than does ANS crude, imports have con-
tinued even though abundant ANS crude is available. Prudhoe Bay oil
has displaced most sour crude imports on the West Coast since it
entered the market in 1977. Nevertheless, approximately 500 thousand
bpd of foreign oil, primarily Indonesian, continues to be imported to
the West Coast (USDOI, 1979; USDOE, 1979).
ANS crude that is not refined on the West Coast is shipped via the
Panama Canal to refineries on the Gulf Coast and in the Virgin Islands.
North Slope production early in September 1979 was about 1.2 million
barrels per day (MMBD), and producers expected to increase that rate to
1.5 MMBD by the end of 1979. About .84 MMBD of this oil is refined on
the West Coast; therefore, approximately .36 MMBD or more are shipped
through the canal.
The Jones Act requires that U.S.-built ships be used in trade between
United States ports, so ANS crude must travel in comparatively costly
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American tankers, and it must be off-loaded for trans-shipment through
the Panama Canal because the very large crude carriers (VLCCs) that
transport the oil from Valdez are too big to pass through the canal.
As a result, the shipment of ANS crude from Valdez to Gulf ports makes
it "by far the most expensive tanker transportation in the world"
(Martingale, Inc., 1978). Transportation charges for ANS crude beyond
West Coast ports are approximately $1.80 per barrel (Martingale, Inc.,
1978). This cost is subtracted from the value of the oil at the well
head, reducing producer profits and royalty income to the State of
Alaska.
An objective of federal, State of California, and State of Alaska poli-
cies is to reorganize the West Coast petroleum market by increasing
gasoline production, increasing refining capacity for sour crude and
thereby increasing West Coast processing of ANS and California crudes,
and reducing imports of foreign sweet oil.
West Coast refiners are proceeding slowly with expansions and modifica-
tions necessary to accomplish these objectives. There are several
reasons for this slow response:
1.	The spread between the cost of sweet imported crude and ANS crude
is not great enough to justify major, investments in sulfur recovery and
cracking capacity, particularly where existing equipment is not fully
depreciated; and even if the current price spread were attractive to
some refiners, it is expected to shrink if a proposed west-to-east ANS
crude oil pipeline were constructed (USDOE, March 1979; A. D. Little,
Inc., 1978).
2.	Other major investments already are required immediately by
refiners to increase the octane rating of the gasoline without using
lead, primarily through additions to catalytic reforming and isomeriza-
tion capacity ( Oil and Gas Journal, April 9, 1979, June 4, 1979).
3.	Refiners are hesitant to invest in new refineries or major expan-
sions of existing plants because the demand for gasoline is expected to
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decline, or the rate of increase of demand to slow dramatically, in the
1980s (Wall Street Journal, October, 10, 1978; National Petroleum News,
May 1979); and there is apprehension concerning the availability of
cheaper foreign imports when U. S. price controls on domestic crude oil
are phased out (Oil and Gas Journal, March 12, 1979).
4. The permitting process for construction of new refineries and for
modifications to existing refineries, which involves local, regional,
state and federal agencies, involves substantial expense, potential for
protracted administrative proceedings and litigation, and a high risk
of eventual denial.
The proposed Alpetco refinery has been designed to maximize the yield
of light products from ANS crude, so it would help reorganize the West
Coast petroleum market by increasing the supply of gasoline by approxi-
mately 75 thousand bpd (this would eliminate the need for gasoline
imports into the region); by increasing by 150 thousand bpd, the volume
of ANS crude which is refined on the West Coast; and by alleviating 150
thousand bpd freight charges through the Panama Canal (at $1.80 per
barrel, this amounts to a total annual savings of $98.5 million to
North Slope producers and the State of Alaska).
The Alpetco project would slow the rate of increase of sweet crudes to
the West Coast.
While denial of permits would prevent construction of the Alpetco
refinery, it also would result in loss of the foregoing benefits to the
local economy and to the West Coast energy market.
4.1.2 Regulatory Measures that would Eliminate Need for the Project
Regulatory measures could be taken by the federal government which
would reduce overall gasoline demand and/or increase fuel production
from existing refineries, thereby partially obviating the need for the
proposed project. Administrative agencies acting under existing statu-
tory authority could implement some measures that would have marginal
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impact on supply and demand. For example, EPA could delay its sched-
uled phase-down of lead additives in gasoline. However, major actions
would require new congressional authorization. For example, congress
could offer attractive financial incentives for installation of sulfur
recovery equipment on existing refineries; accelerate new car mileage
performance standards; or impose gasoline rationing.
While regulatory measures of this type are potentially effective means
of manipulating both supply and demand of petroleum fuel, thereby alle-
viating need for the project, the possibility of any such measures
being implemented is remote and speculative. Existing federal regula-
tions affecting fuel consumption and production in the United States
have long, complicated procedural histories. These regulations are key
elements of federal energy policy, and changes in them could affect
many public and private interest groups. Thus, the outcome and timing
of an effort to change regulatory policy by congressional action would
be so uncertain that this avenue is not a realistic and practical
alternative to accomplishing the desirable policy objectives of the
project.
4.1.3 Locate a Refinery on the West Coast Outside Alaska
A refinery located on the West Coast outside Alaska would make the same
contribution to reorganizing the petroledm market as would an Alaska
refinery. In addition, refinery construction and operation costs would
be lower. However, location outside Alaska for this refinery is not a
realistic alternative because the State of Alaska has made it an
explicit condition of the sale of royalty oil that a refinery be con-
structed in the state of Alaska. Indeed, the main objective of the
state of Alaska in taking its royalty "in kind" (oil) rather than "in
value" (dollars) is to create economic development in the state through
local refining and petrochemical manufacturing.
4.2	SITE ALTERNATIVES
Alpetco's site selection and evaluation process occurred in three
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phases. The pre-contract analyses (preliminary phase) were made pre-
paratory to the August 1977 preliminary proposal to purchase Alaska
State royalty crude oil, and the subsequent final proposal the follow-
ing October. Then, more detailed post-contract evaluations began in
February 1978 and included both a screening phase and an evaluation-
review phase.
Under terms of the State Contract, Alpetco is required to locate the
petrochemical facility within Alaska, and further to notify the state
of the final choice and show the reasoning behind the selection. The
final location was subject to approval of the State Commissioner of
Natural Resources, with a primary consideration being the desires of
the people who live in the vicinity of the proposed site. In addition,
site selection and certain other activities were assigned performance
deadlines in the State Contract, and the post-contract analyses took
place within that timetable.
4.2.1 Site Evaluation Criteria
In its Preliminary Proposal for the Purchase of Alaska State Royalty
Crude Oil and the Construction of a Petrochemical Refinery Complex in
Alaska (the Proposal), Alpetco noted the following considerations in
the selection of any site: location near the crude supply, to minimize
tankage and crude pipeline requirements; location near a deep-water
harbor, to allow shorter and simplified product pipelines and reduce
materials handling difficulties; availability of services, such as
access roads to the site, temporary facilities for a construction stag-
ing area, permanent facilities such as housing, utilities, roads, waste
disposal, and dock facilities to receive construction material; and
manpower, in terms of availability of both local construction workers
and permanent personnel, and availability of training or education pro-
grams .
Other considerations included evaluations of the current air quality
and climatic conditions, and flora, fauna and terrain conditions, in
order to establish the best system technology to minimize any adverse
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effects; constraints on the methods of disposal for liquid, solid and
gaseous streams; and noise control.
Site evaluation criteria also involved anticipating and resolving any
construction problems which might arise related to soil conditions or
mechanics, temperature, precipitation and other weather conditions, and
access roads and transportation for heavy equipment.
4.2.2 Candidate Sites
Alpetco initially considered the following locations in three general
areas to be potential sites. In the Prince William Sound area: Sheep
Creek Camp (30.6 km [19 mi] east of downtown Valdez), Valdez Harbor
(City of Valdez Property 5.6 km [3 1/2 mi] east of the Alyeska ter-
minal), Point Gravina, and the vicinity of Parshas (north side of Point
Gravina); In the Cook Inlet area: the vicinity of Nikishka, the west
side of Cook Inlet, the Wildwood Military Reservation, and Cape Stari-
chkof; and in Southeast Alaska: the vicinities of Ketchikan (Metla-
katla) and Haines.
Selection process: From the beginning, sites in Interior and northern
Alaska were eliminated from consideration due to the economics of mov-
ing crude to those areas, and the economics of moving the finished pro-
duct to market. Therefore, on the basis of maps, aerial reconnaissance
and on-the-ground inspections and analyses, the aforementioned 10 sites
in Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet and Southeast Alaska were selected
for study and comparison.
Alpetco's August 1977 preliminary Proposal stated an initial preference
to locate the refinery in or near Valdez, in order to be near the crude
supply and existing shipping facilities, and to avoid the cost of added
tankage which would be necessary in order to receive the oil at Valdez,
then ship it to a remote site.
However, subsequent, more detailed evaluations and comparisons of the
10 candidate sites indicated the Wildwood Military Reservation near
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Kenai was the best choice. Alpetco's initial site selection report,
and its final Proposal, summarized the advantages of the Wildwood site
as follows: ample land is readily available; up to 40 percent of the
land is desirable for plant construction with minimal clearing and
stripping required; housing is available; an initial labor force pro-
bably is available; weather is relatively advantageous; potential for
environmental problems is relatively low (no anadromous fish streams,
or known air quality problems); and plant arrangement would not be
inhibited by the shape of the property. Distance from the source of
crude oil, and uncertainty regarding availability of adequate fresh
water were the only disadvantages detected relative to the Wildwood
site.
After February 1978, when the Contract was awarded to Alpetco, the sec-
ond phase of site selection began.
To ensure that no potential site within the state was overlooked, news-
paper advertisements were placed statewide to solicit suggestions. The
advertisement requested suggestions of sites meeting the following cri-
teria: minimum 607 hectares (1,500 acres) of contiguous land, roughly
rectangular in shape, with minimal seismic risk, reasonable soil-bear-
ing conditions, level terrain, free of permafrost, and well drained;
adjacent to or near the state highway system; adjacent to or access to
an ice-free port capable of handling 12 m (40-ft)-draft vessels; com-
munity infrastructure capable of accommodating a population increase of
about 2,500; no major environmental problems; and community interest
and support.
Alpetco received 12 responses to the advertisement: Valdez, Seward,
Kenai-Wildwood, Kenai-Starichkof, Delta Junction, Gravina Point and Icy
Bay area, Seldovia, Point MacKenzie and area, Fairbanks, Haines, Boul-
der Point, and Metlakatla (see Figure 4.2-1). Several of these
responses suggested previously considered candidate sites.
Evaluation process: The 12 sites were evaluated equally with regard to
the general criteria mentioned in the advertisement, and specifically
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N
LEGEND
•	Candidate Site
*	Preferred Site
BERING
SEA
o
t>
ARCTIC
OCEAN
BEAUFORT SEA
ALEUTIAN	fvQ.
ISLANDS

GULF
1 Se Idov j a
OF	ALASKA
ALTERNATIVE SITES
Figure 4.2-1

-------
with regard to the characteristics set out in Section 4.2.1 above. On
the basis of these comparisons, four of the sites were selected for
more intensive study.
The following sites were eliminated from further consideration for the
primary reasons indicated: Kenai-Starichkof (lack of infrastructure,
proximity to major recreational and commercial fishing areas); Delta
Junction and Fairbanks (lack of port access); Gravina Point and Icy Bay
area (lack of access and infrastructure); Seldovia (lack of access,
unsuitable site topography, and proximity to major recreational and
commercial fishing area); Haines and Metlakatla (excessive transporta-
tion distance from crude, land use conflicts with the Tongas National
Forest, proximity to scenic Alaska State Ferry route, potential wilder-
ness lands classification, and limited infrastructure); and Boulder
Point (limited acreage, rough terrain, and lack of deep-water dock
site).
4.2.3 Preferred Sites
Valdez, Seward, the Wildwood site near Kenai, and the Point MacKenzie
area were deemed potentially suitable sites for the project, and were
evaluated further. This evaluation by Alpetco was constrained by the
State of Alaska's selection criteria which were primarily to insure
that the facility is sited "(1) in a location where local residents
support its construction and (2) in a location where there are no
insolvable environmental problems that can be foreseen before specific
study. The intent in the contract was to leave the commercial and eco-
nomic aspects of site selection to the discretion of the buyer," as
stated in a letter from Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources Robert
LeResche to Alpetco Environmental Programs Manager, Ronald Dagon dated
August 24, 1978 (see Section 9.4).
Evaluation process: The final four candidate vicinities were visited
by Alpetco's site selection team for a close examination of the charac-
teristics set out in Section 4.2.1. These sites also were evaluated on
the basis of broad-base estimates of costs of docks, pipelines, site
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preparation, transportation, and any special problems anticipated.
At Valdez, a tract of land northwest of Robe Lake appeared favorable
environmentally and enjoyed great community support. The Seward site
was attractive due to the availability of deep water and the transpor-
tation infrastructure. The topography of the Wildwood and Nikishka
areas near Kenai was favorable, and a local infrastructure also made
the Kenai area attractive. In the Point MacKenzie area, topography of
the available land was attractive for development, and in addition it
was determined that soil conditions there are good and adequate ground-
water is available.
Elimination criteria: The four sites were evaluated in detail and com-
pared with one another in regard to the following aspects: Site condi-
tions : availability of land, topography, soil conditions, and seismic
risk; Marine Transportation: dock sites, hazards, and crude shipment;
Land and Air Transportation: roads, air services, and railroad;
Environmental: physical, biological, and socioeconomic; Support
Facilities: infrastructure, port facilities, future development, and
public acceptance; Economics: land acquisition, construction costs and
operating costs (see Table 4.2-1). Also, it was estimated that ship-
ping the crude by barge to any acceptable site other than Valdez would
cost some $20 million per year; and while specific pipeline costs were
difficult to estimate, experience indicates that the cost of a small
diameter crude line would be difficult to offset (see Table 4.2-2).
Seward was eliminated primarily because of anticipated excessive site
preparation costs resulting from a hilly terrain with significant ele-
vation changes. In addition, the area might be subject to flooding,
and has a potential for tsunamis, landslides, williwaws, heavy snow
loads and possible air inversion conditions. Also, crude supply would
have to be barged to the site. Point MacKenzie was eliminated from
consideration because of a lack of infrastructure, and shallow water
conditions which would make port development difficult, as well as its
immediate proximity to the Anchorage-Mt. McKinley viewscope.
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Table <4.2-1
NON-ECONOMIC SITE SELECTION
PT. MC KENZIE SEWARD
VALDEZ WILDWOOD
A. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
1.	Acceptance
2.	General desirability
of commun i ty
3.	AbiI i ty of commun i ty
to absorb labor force
a.	construct i on
b.	permanent
b. Access
a.	road
b.	air
c.	ra i I
d.	marine
5.	SchooIs
6.	Technical Training
7 .	HeaIth £ Safety
8.	Pub lie F i nance
9.	Aesthetics
10.	Cost-of-Living Index
2.5
it
b
b
b
b
3
if
k
b
b
3
2.5
2
2	. 5
3
2.5
1. 5
1
1
3
1.5
2
1
1
2.5
1. 0
1
2.5
3.5
2 . 5
1 . 5
2
2
1.5
1.5
k
3
2
1
2.5
2
1
1
Totals
Relative Rank	b
38.5
3	
25 . 0
1
27.5
2
B. SITE SPECIFIC
1.
Suitable Acreage
2.5
k

2.5
1
2.
CI imate
2
3.
5
3.5
1
3.
Geo 1ogy






a. foundation
<~
3

1
2

b. erosion
2
3.
5
3.5
1

c. special problems
b
3

2
1
it.
Se i smi c Risk
2
b

3
1
5.
Groundwater/Surface Water
3
2

1
b
6.
Floodplain, Watershed,






Wet 1ands
1
it

3
2
7.
Ai r Qua 1i ty
3
it

1.5
1.5
8.
Environmental Concern(s)
3
it

2
1
9.
Natural Resources Utiliza-






tion (competition with)
3
it

2
1
10.
Natural Hazards
2
it

3
1
11.
Uniqueness of Fauna & Flora






a. terrestrial
3
1.
.5
1.5
b

b. aquatic
3
it

2
1

c. marine
2
it

2
2
12.
Rights-of-Way (environ-






mental problems)
3.5
3.
,5
1
2
13.
Marine Access (environ-






mental problems)
b
2

1
3
l^t.
Historic and/or Archeo-






1og i ca1 Si tes
b
2

2
2
15.
Controversy (degree of)
b
3

2
1

Tota1s
5b
67

39.5
32.5

Relative Rank
3
it

2
1
C. PERMITS (Deqree of Difficulty) 3
b
1.5
1.5
Relative Rank 3
b
1.5
1.5
Ranked in order of relative merit with 1 being highest and k being
lowest (from Alpetco's perspective)
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Table <+.2-2
SITE SELECTION PARAMETERS''
Summary Sheet
POINT
WJ	MACKENZIE SEWARD VALDEZ WILDWOQD
ECONOMIC
A.	Land Acquisition 10%	2 (0.20) 3 (0.30) 1 (0.10) 4 (0.40)
B.	Construction
Costs	20%	4 (0.80) 3 (0.60) 2 (0.40) 1 (0.20)
C.	Operating Costs 50%	4 (2.00) 2 (1.00) 1 (0.50) 3 (1.50)
I. NON-ECONOMIC
A.	Community
Infrastructure	3%	4 (0.12)	3	(0.09)	1	(0.03)	2	(0.06)
B.	Site Specific	7%	4 (0.28)	3	(0.21)	2	(0.14)	1	(0.07)
C.	Permits	8%	4 (0.32)	3 (0.24)	2	(0.16)	1	(0.08)
D.	Intervenors	2%	4 (0.08)	3	(0.06)	2	(0.04)	1	(0.02^
RANKING 100%	4 (3.80) 3 (2.50)	1	(1-37)	2	(2.33)
JC Ranked in order of relative merit with 1 being highest and 4 being
lowest (from Alpetco's perspective)
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The Kenai-Wildwood site and the Valdez site appeared equally favorable
in most respects, even following site-specific soils investigations.
The Wildwood site proved to have level terrain, good soil conditions
and excellent accessibility and infrastructure. However, crude oil
would have to be barged to the site; availability of an industrial
water source was uncertain; and a location for a products dock was dif-
ficult to identify. At Valdez, development would require a flood con-
trol levee along the west side, moderate site preparation, and con-
struction of an access road from the nearby Richardson Highway. How-
ever, other aspects appeared favorable. Economic considerations tipped
the balance in favor of Valdez.
4.2.4 Final Site
The preferred site of Valdez meets the physical requirements for devel-
opment and also is economically attractive. An important advantage of
the Valdez site is its proximity to the crude supply at Alyeska's mar-
ine terminal. The location would allow crude oil to be moved to the
plant by pipeline rather than by barge. The need to barge the crude to
other potential sites would have meant increased marine traffic with
increased potential for spills in waterways. Another economic advan-
tage to the Valdez site is the ability and expressed willingness of the
City of Valdez to finance some of the plant facilities by revenue bond
financing. Community support for the plant was demonstrated at a pub-
lic hearing conducted in January 1979 by the Alaska Commissioner of
Natural Resources, and by letters of support to Alaska Petrochemical
Company from Valdez city officials which indicate the community "cur-
rently has all the necessary utilities, schools and other community
facilities necessary to accommodate the demands of a construction boom
followed by additional permanent residents without the need for addi-
tional facilities or financial support" (see Section 9.4).
The Valdez location selected was a 567-hectare (1,400-acre) site lying
east of Valdez Glacier Stream and north of the Richardson Highway in a
nearly flat glacial outwash basin. This site best meets the siting
criteria and is available through long-term lease from the City of
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Valdez. Other Valdez locations had prohibitive air emission, waste-
water discharge, access, space and economic constraints.
A final site analysis complete with financial considerations estimating
costs of infrastructure, off-site, and marine facilities ($70-90 mil-
lion; $195-205 million; and $80-90 million respectively) was submitted
to the State of Alaska in November 1978, and the state's formal approv-
al of the selected site of Valdez was contained in a letter dated March
5, 1979 from Commissioner of Natural Resources Robert LeResche to
Alpetco President Gordon Cain. His letter of approval quotes the
Department of Environmental Conservation as indicating, "...there were
not insurmountable environmental problems evident from knowledge pre-
sent at this time which would prevent location of the plant at Valdez,"
and quotes the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as approving the
selection because "no additional tanker transport of crude oil would be
required and navigation for tankers carrying products was relatively
safe because of the sophisticated ship traffic control system in the
area" (see Section 9.4).
4.3	PLANT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
This section discusses the plant design alternatives which were con-
sidered during development of plans for the proposed refinery, includ-
ing alternate process designs for the refinery itself; alternate
sources of energy to fuel the refinery; alternate methods to achieve
air quality standards compliance; alternate methods of disposal for
solid waste and wastewater; alternate types of cooling systems for the
refinery; alternate sites for the refinery products dock; and alternate
transportation routes relative to the proposed site.
4.3.1 Alternate Process Design Considerations
In selecting the process design proposed for the plant, Alpetco con-
ducted an extensive study involving the use of computer refinery model-
ing. This is a linear program with which all feasible technology can
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be analyzed with respect to economics, technology, and environmental
factors.
Selection of a process design was based on these criteria: The refin-
ery must be a clean facility, in keeping with strict environmental
standards; it must be self-contained with utilities such as electrical
power; the technology which is employed must be well proven; it must
minimize production of residual fuel oil; the facility must be fueled
entirely with by-product gas; and the design must be compatible with
the manufacture of petrochemicals.
This section discusses the major alternatives which Alpetco had avail-
able in designing the basic refinery flow scheme (see Figure 3.4-1) to
optimum handling of naphtha, gas oils, FCCU cycle oil, and vacuum
residuum (resid).
Naphtha processing: Alternate schemes for processing naphtha are
determined by the need for high octane quality gasoline and aromatic
production. The industry standard process is the catalytic reformer.
Gas oil processing: Gas oil can be processed for maximum production of
gasoline, jet fuel or diesel. Alternate schemes of hydrotreating,
hydrocracking, and catalytic cracking of atmospheric and vacuum gas
oils result in varying yields of these products. The desire to mini-
mize the production of heavy products establishes an optimum blend of
these operations.
FCCU cycle stock: To keep the quantity of residual fuel produced by
the plant at a minimum, the light cycle stock may be processed further.
This is normally accomplished by either a hydrocracking operation or by
hydrogenation to saturate polycyclic aromatics and then recycling back
to FCCU feedstock. Recycle to the FCCU is usually favored because of
capital, process stability, and operating costs.
Residual processing: The heaviest crude cut, the vacuum resid, con-
tains the highest fraction of sulfur and metals. This stream must be
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subjected to the most severe refining operations to minimize the quan-
tity of heavy products. Several processes theoretically are feasible,
but would not be practical for Alpetco's requirements. Residual cata-
lytic cracking is not fully proven for such feedstock and would pose
unacceptable process and environmental risks. Use or sale of resid for
plant fuel wouldn't be practical economically or favorable environment-
ally. Deasphalting and partial oxidation would create severe disposal
problems and would require a large investment. The only viable alter-
natives are delayed coking and flexicoking, both of which have certain
advantages. The delayed coker has higher quality products while the
Flexicoker produces a low-BTU, low sulfur fuel gas to supplement the
plant fuel.
4.3.2 Alternate Energy Sources
This section defines the energy requirements of the proposed facility,
and evaluates the feasibility of providing that energy using oil, coal,
refinery by-product gas and low-BTU gas. The availability, cost and
benefits of the various energy sources then are compared and refinery
by-product gas is identified as the preferred major fuel source of the
refinery's energy supply.
Energy requirements: The Alpetco refinery is designed to be totally
self-sufficient with regard to electricity and fuel. Process electric-
ity, steam and fuel would be supplied by burning the light noncondens-
able gases from various process units, low-BTU gas produced in the
Flexicoker, and clarified oil from the catalytic cracking unit.
Table 4.3-1 presents the type and quantity of the fuel sources planned
for use in the proposed refinery. Approximately 97 percent of the
refinery fuel needs would be met by combustion of various refinery fuel
gases, including Flexicoker low-BTU gas.
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Table <+.3-1
ALPETCO REFINERY FUEL SOURCES
Descr i pt i on
Quant i ty
MMBTU/D
Fuel Gas
Low-BTU Gas
Propane
Liquid FueI
<+8,372
20, <+96
10,115
2,176
Tota I
81,159
The fuel requirements for individual refinery units are shown in Table
4.3-2 and are classified by service categories. These service cate-
gories are: Process heaters for high-temperature process reactions or
reactions at high pressures and associated elevated temperatures; pro-
cess heaters operating under conditions in which the process fluid is
subject to thermal decomposition; process heaters used for general
heating service in which little or no thermal decomposition occurs; and
steam generation and electrical generation units.
Process heaters used for high temperature and high pressure operations
generally require close control of maximum tube metal temperatures and
heat flux. Process fluid subject to thermal decomposition requires
that the process heater be designed for close temperature control,
short response times and be capable of instantaneous shutdown under
such conditions as flow stoppages or power failures. Process heaters
for general heating service and steam generation and electrical genera-
tion units have less severe design requirements regarding process con-
trol, circulation control, temperature control and heat flux control
than the aforementioned categories.
Fuel requirements during construction for equipment operation and elec-
trical power generation are estimated to average 26 thousand gallons
per day of diesel fuel and 2,500 gallons per day of gasoline.
Evaluation of alternate energy sources: Following is a comparison of
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Tab Ie 4.3-2
NDIV I DUAL REFINERY UNIT FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Process Un i ts
Crude Unit
Vacuum Un i t
Distillate Hydrocracker
FI ex i coker
Gas Oi I Hydrotreater
HF A IkyI at i on
Catalytic Condensation
Naphtha Hydrotreater
PIatformer
BTX Sulfolane and Prefrc
Hydrogen Plant
Amine and Sulfur Plant
Fuel Requirements
(MMBTU/D)
11,687
6,858
5,094
240
2, 691
1,367
958
7,756
11,284
3,490
6,313
576
Service Category
General Heater
General Heater
High Pressure/
Temperature
General Heater
High Pressure/
Temperature
General Heater
General Heater
High Pressure/
Temperature
High Pressure/
Temperature
General Heater
High Pressure/
Temperature
High Pressure/
Temperature
Power and Steam
22,831
Steam/EIectr i c i ty
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the availability, cost and benefits associated with use of oil, coal,
refinery by-product gas and low-BTU gas to power the proposed facility.
Fuel oil: The Alpetco refinery's planned fuel system would use a
very small amount of liquid fuel to supply refinery energy needs.
Approximately 2.2 billion BTU per day or 335 bpd of No. 4 fuel oil
would supplement the refinery fuel system. This represents 3 percent
of the total refinery energy demand.
Combustion of liquid fuels in process heaters is an established prac-
tice. The design of heaters which burn oil is similar to gas-fired
units, with the major difference being in the design of the burners.
Selection of the hydrotreated (desulfurized) cycle oil (No. 4 fuel oil)
stream to help supply refinery energy needs was based on a trade-off
between value of the stream and environmental (sulfur content less than
0.3 weight percent) considerations. The use of the stream would reduce
the amount of marketable refinery products; however, this is considered
the most logical supplemental fuel supply due to the small quantities
involved and other considerations such as availability of supply,
environmental desirability, and relative interchangeability with refin-
ery fuel gas.
Estimated emissions in pounds per million BTUs resulting from burning
the cycle oil stream are: particulates, 0.014; sulfur dioxide, 0.150;
carbon monoxide, 0.036; nitrogen oxide, 0.16; and nonmethane hydro-
carbon, 0.007.
Coal: Direct coal combustion for the proposed refinery was con-
sidered only in supplying energy for electrical power and for steam
generation because the technology for combustion in process heaters has
not been demonstrated. The preliminary design of a coal-fired steam
and power system is based on a net process requirement of 270 thousand
lb/hr of 150 and 50 psig steam and 51,671 kW of electrical demand.
Coal-fired boilers designed to produce 800 thousand lb/hr of steam,
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including the 270 thousand lb/hr process requirement, coupled with a
topping and a condensing turbine would be capable of providing the
necessary power and steam requirements. Approximately 1,300 tons per
day (TPD) of coal would be needed to fire the boilers.
The most attractive source for supplying coal to the proposed refinery
would be the Usibelli mine near Healy, Alaska. Coal reserves at the
mine are adequate to supply the refinery for a 30-year period. Coal
could be shipped from the mine to Whittier via an existing railroad and
then transported by barge to Valdez. This would require upgrading of
the railroad to handle unit train traffic, and the construction of coal
transfer and barge loading and unloading facilities. Delivered cost in
1979 dollars is estimated at $29.26 per ton or $1.78/MMBTU.
Technology for control of emissions resulting from the handling, burn-
ing and disposing of waste streams from coal-fired boilers is available
for industrial applications. Table 4.3-3 presents an estimate of emis-
sions which would result from burning coal at the proposed refinery and
compares these emissions with those which would result from burning
refinery fuel gas.
Table 3-3
ALPETCO EMISSION EST I MATE. COMPARI SON
FUEL GAS/COAL STEAM AND POWER FACILITY
(Tons/Year)
SO„	NO„ CO HC Particulate
	4	X	'
Fuel Gas	165	929 98 17	58
Coal	123 1,967 231 69	117
Direct coal combustion is not considered feasible for the refinery for
the following reasons: Emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons and particulates from burning coal would be more than
double the emissions from fuel gas; in order to supply the refinery
with coal, the capacity of the Usibelli mine would have to be doubled
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or a new mine would have to be opened in another area; the existing
railroad would have to be upgraded to handle unit trains; coal receiv-
ing and handling facilities for barge transport would have to be in-
stalled; and the cost per BTU of burning coal would be considerably
more than for by-product oil and gases (approximately 20 percent more
plus additional related costs such as handling and storage).
Other factors preclude burning coal at the proposed plant. First, coal
use at the refinery would require a large plant area to accommodate the
required 45-day coal inventory storage pile, a reclaim system, and coal
crushers, feeders, conveyors, silos, and bunkers. In addition to these
systems, space also would be required for the particulate and sulfur
removal systems. Storage of coal would generate fugitive TSP emis-
sions, and combustion of coal would generate considerable quantities of
solid and liquid waste (see Table 4.3-4).
Tab I e .3-k
SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE
FROM COAL COMBUSTION
(Lb/Day)
Descr i pt i on	Quant i ty
Bottom Ash	38
Fly Ash	214,91*+
Scrubber Solids	552,340
Scrubber Liquids	451,915
By-product gas: Refinery by-product gas (including Flexicoker low-BTU
gas) is the major fuel source planned for the proposed refinery and
accounts for 97 percent of the total refinery energy supply. Table
4.3-1 lists the refinery fuel gas sources and their quantities. These
gases are produced in the cracking, hydrotreating and Flexicoking oper-
ations. The preferred disposition of these gases is refinery fuel.
There is no current market for LPG near the proposed refinery. The
recovery, purification and separation of by-product gases into market-
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able products would be difficult due to the fluctuations which would
occur in composition and quantity of these gases.
Low-BTU gas: There are two ways in which low- and medium-BTU gas
could be produced for use as fuel in the Alpetco refinery. The first
method is gasification of coke produced in the Flexicoker unit and the
second is by gasification of coal. The technology for combustion of
low- or medium-BTU gas is commercially available no matter which method
is used.
The gasification of coke to produce low-BTU gas is included in Alpet-
co1 s proposed base design and includes the necessary gas cleanup system
to produce a clean, low-sulfur (less than 0.2 weight percent sulfur)
fuel gas. This method of low-BTU gas production is attractive in that
it takes a low quality refinery by-product (coke) and converts it into
a clean refinery fuel.
Gasification of coal to produce low- or medium-BTU gas is technically
feasible and could replace propane and cycle oil in the fuel system.
However, this alternative fuel source is faced with the same problems
as direct combustion of coal (see coal discussion above) related to
source availability, transportation, cost, and environmental emissions.
With coke valued at $20/ton, low-BTU gas can be produced at a cost of
about $1.50 per million BTU. The capital required is $28 million.
Coal gasification requires a comparable capital outlay of $34 million.
With a delivered coal cost of $29.26/ton, low-BTU gas production cost
would be about $3.50 per million BTU. The economic advantage of the
coke gasification is created by its association with a coking operation
and the input of energy required to support that operation. Heat input
to the coking operation is by direct contact of hot low-BTU gas with
recycle coke. The resulting hot recycle coke is fed back to the coking
reactor. The sensible heat is recovered from the low-BTU gas.
Preferred energy source: Refinery by-product gas (including Flexicoker
low-BTU gas) is the major fuel source planned for the proposed Alpetco
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refinery. Combustion technology for burning refinery by-product gases
is highly developed so that design of process heaters to handle these
gases would not present a problem. In addition, the available process
technology can control potential pollutants, such that emissions meet
applicable air quality standards.
4.3.3 Air Quality Standards Compliance
Four sets of national air quality standards could or do apply to the
proposed Alpetco refinery: National Emission Standards of Hazardous
Air Pollutants (NESHAPS), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS),
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and Best Available Con-
trol Technology (BACT). The Alpetco refinery would not produce mate-
rials currently regulated by NESHAPS. However, in the near future ben-
zene probably will be regulated by NESHAPS, and possibly toluene and
xylene will as well.
New Source Performance Standards: The three sections of NSPS which
apply to the proposed refinery are 40 CFR 60 Subparts D, J, and K.
Subpart D controls emissions from steam generators greater than 250
million BTUs per hour of heat input. Subpart J includes the control
required for petroleum refineries and Subpart K addresses the NSPS for
petroleum storage vessels.
Boilers are controlled under Subpart D of NSPS, which requires emission
levels of less than 0.8 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTUs for
oil fired boilers; and 0.2 pounds of nitrogen oxides per million BTUs
and 0.3 pounds of nitrogen oxides per million BTUs for gas- and oil-
fired boilers respectively. Alpetco would meet these requirements by
burning low sulfur fuels. In addition, the boilers would be fitted
with low nitrogen oxides burners reducing the emissions to well below
the NSPS.
Within a refinery are three major areas of control under NSPS Subpart
J. Particulates emissions from the FCCU are not to exceed 1.0 pound
per thousand pounds of coke burned in the regenerator. Carbon monoxide
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emissions from the FCCU regenerator gases are not to exceed 0.050 per-
cent carbon monoxide on a dry weight basis. The sulfur dioxide
released from burning refinery fuel gas is controlled by limiting the
hydrogen sulfide content of the refinery fuel gas to 0.1 grains per dry
standard cubic foot. The Alpetco refinery would meet the NSPS for
refineries by using an electrostatic precipitator to control particu-
late matter from the FCCU; by using high temperature regeneration to
control carbon monoxide; and by amine stripping the fuel gas.
Subpart K requires hydrocarbon storage vessels containing materials
with high vapor pressures to be equipped with vapor recovery systems.
Those storage vessels containing materials which have intermediate
vapor pressures are to be equipped with floating roofs. Alpetco would
store high vapor pressure hydrocarbons in pressure vessels and inter-
mediate vapor pressure hydrocarbons in cone roof tanks with internal
floating roofs.
In addition to these two subparts, EPA has proposed NSPS for gas tur-
bines. Alpetco would comply with the NSPS when it is finalized.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards: The NAAQS are standards which
establish baselines above which pollution levels are hazardous to pub-
lic health (primary standards) or public welfare (secondary standards).
EPA has established NAAQS for sulfur oxides, particulate matter, carbon
monoxide, photochemical oxidants/hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
lead. These NAAQS are shown in Table 4.3-5.
Valdez is considered an attainment area for all pollutants. An attain-
ment area is an area which does not violate the NAAQS. Monitoring has
confirmed this at Valdez. In addition, no industrial growth has occur-
red since 1975 which would consume allowable sulfur dioxide or particu-
late increments.
Best Available Control Technology: Since Valdez is an attainment area
for all pollutants governed by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977,
control standards are governed by the definition of Best Available Con-
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Tab Ie k.3-5
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
(pg/m3)
PRIMARY STANDARD
SECONDARY STANDARD
PoI Iutant
Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
(measured as SO^)
Part i cuIates
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Photochemical Oxidants
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Lead
Annua I
Mean
80
75
100
1. 5:
Maximum Concentration
(Allowed Once Yearly)
365
(over 2k hours)
260
(over 2k hours)
10 mi I Ii grams/m3
(over 8 hours)
kO m i I I i grams/m3
(over 1 hour)
234
(over 1 hour)
160
(over 3 hours 6-9 a.m.)
Annual Maximum Concentration
Mean (A I lowed Once Yearly)
1300
(over 3 hours)
60	150
(over 2k hours)
Same	as	Primary Standard
Same as	Primary Standard
Same	as	Primary Standard
Same as	Primary Standard
Same	as	Primary Standard
Quarter Iy mean

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trol Technology (BACT). BACT is defined in the Clean Air Act as:
"...The maximum degree of reduction of each pollutant... tak-
ing into account energy, environmental, and economic impacts
and other costs..."
In actual practice this definition has become essentially the best
proven control in use unless considerable energy is wasted, emissions
of other pollutants increase, or cost increases substantially.
Each abatement device and each application are reviewed on a case-by-
case basis. Although there are some standard devices which are com-
monly accepted as BACT for a refinery, other pollution control equip-
ment may be substituted if it shows a considerable cost saving or is as
effective in reducing pollution.
BACT definitions must be determined for a series of units and opera-
tions within the Alpetco refinery. These include combustion equipment,
sulfur recovery, fluid catalytic cracking, incineration, flare, storage
tanks, fugitive emissions, and the products BACT is the only alterna-
tive available to Alpetco for controlling air emissions dock. The
Alpetco refinery would control emissions from all of these units by
using the following proposed best technology available. The EPA BACT
determination will appear in the Final EIS.
Combustion equipment: The particulate, carbon monoxide, and
hydrocarbon emissions would be controlled by monitoring the excess air
which will allow proper burner adjustments. The sulfur dioxide would
be controlled by burning refinery fuel gas or low sulfur fuel oil. The
nitrogen oxides would be controlled by limiting excess air and using
low nitrogen oxides burners.
Sulfur recovery: Sulfur dioxide emissions would be controlled by
employing tail gas recovery.
FCCU: The particulate emissions from the FCCU would be controlled
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by using an electrostatic precipitator. The carbon monoxide emissions
would be controlled by employing high temperature regeneration.
Incineration: Incinerator offgases would be fired in an after-
burner chamber to affect complete combustion. These offgases then
would be scrubbed to remove particulates to less than 3 pounds per ton
of dry feed before being vented to the atmosphere.
Flare: Emissions from the flare would be reduced by using steam
injection to accomplish proper mixing and reduce thermal nitrogen oxide
production.
Storage tanks: High vapor pressure hydrocarbons would be stored
in pressure vessels vented to the flare. Intermediate vapor pressure
hydrocarbons would be stored in cone roof tanks with internal floating
roofs. Low vapor pressure hydrocarbons would be stored in cone roof
tanks.
Fugitive emissions: The only fugitive emissions within the
Alpetco refinery would be hydrocarbons. Fugitive hydrocarbon emissions
would be controlled by incorporating proper engineering design and by a
maintenance and monitoring program designed to locate and repair
sources of emissions. Since all roads would be paved, no fugitive TSP
emissions would be generated.
4.3.4 Alternate Methods of Solid Waste Disposal
Available disposal techniques: There would be both hazardous and non-
hazardous solid waste by-products from operation of the proposed facil-
ity. In the past there have been no comprehensive federal regulations
governing the disposal of hazardous solid wastes. Alaska currently
does not have a federally approved hazardous waste management program;
however, the state does have a solid waste disposal permit program.
Federal hazardous waste guidelines and regulations which are pending
promulgation would allow EPA to delegate the program to states with
approved plans, or to retain regulatory responsibility in states not
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prepared to assume the responsibility. The solid waste disposal plan
for the refinery is intended to be responsive to the provisions of the
draft regulations.
The four basic alternatives for disposing of solid wastes are on-site
incineration, landfill, recycling and secondary use. A variation might
involve long-term on-site storage prior to disposal. The City of Val-
dez has offered to allow Alpetco to use the municipal landfill for dis-
posal of certain non-hazardous wastes (see Section 9.4). Hazardous
wastes would require removal to a suitable hazardous waste disposal
site outside Alaska, presumably on the West Coast.
Preferred disposal alternatives: The preferred alternative for dis-
posal of a spent catalyst is to return it to a processor for reclaiming
inherent precious metals. This is economically viable and also recy-
cles a resource. Approximately 10 percent of the catalysts can be
handled in this manner. Universal Oil Products, Inc., has offered to
reclaim or serve as a broker for specified catalysts in this category.
A majority of the spent catalysts come from the FCCU in an inert state.
There is a potential recycle market for these; however, the market is
unstable and periodic landfill may be required at the Valdez municipal
landfill. Two catalysts from the hydrogen plant are expected to be
toxic and without reclamation value, thereby requiring removal to a
specially designated off-site hazardous material disposal area, either
in Alaska or on the West or Gulf coast. There currently are no areas
designated for hazardous waste disposal in Alaska. Capacity and future
regulatory constraints preclude a treater or receiver of solid waste
from making a commitment this early in the project to take these
wastes. The fluid coke and sulfur both have market value and are
included in the proposed product slate. The 214 tons of sulfur gener-
ated daily would be either accumulated on-site under cover storage or
stored in a similar manner in a facility provided by the City of Valdez
near the city shipping dock. When sufficient quantities for shipment
have been acquired, the sulfur would be barged or shipped from Valdez
(see Section 3.5.5).
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The preferred alternative for handling waste sludges and clays is
incineration, with subsequent disposal of the ash in the Valdez munici-
pal landfill. Incineration reduces the sludge to a sterile state and
removes offensive odors. The volume of clays and sludges from the
refinery processes closely represents the volume of final ash due to
the small amount of combustible substance in the materials. Many of
the combustible substances already would have been removed in the high
temperature process units, some of which operate at higher temperatures
than does an incinerator. Wastewater solids, however, are reduced con-
siderably in volume as the biological substance is burned.
Other alternatives for disposing of sludge include wet landfill, on-
site retention, and removal to off-site waste treatment or receiving
sites, all of which are either uneconomical or environmentally unsound
for the proposed project. Calcium fluoride sludge from the proposed
refinery would be retained on-site in a neutralization pit designed for
20-year retention. The final disposition of this material upon reach-
ing capacity of the neutralization pit is uncertain due to regulatory
and receiving facility constraints 20 years hence, but likely would
involve removal and transportation to a reclaimer or receiver of such
materials. Alternatives include treating (neutralizing, washing and
filtering) and selling to a hydrogen fluoride manufacturing company, or
regular removal to an off-site hazardous waste disposal area neither of
which would be feasible economically for this facility, primarily
because of distance and quantities.
Domestic refuse, construction shipping materials and normal plant main-
tenance housekeeping scrap would be disposed of in the Valdez municipal
landfill. The viable alternatives to this include incineration of some
of the combustibles (which could be done during operations but is not
possible during construction), and salvage of certain scrap metals and
worn out machinery. Alpetco proposes to use these options wherever
practical.
Debris from land clearing would be removed to a landfill (location yet
to be determined) in the Valdez area and the surplus excavation would
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be used as fill material for the dikes. The larger trees would lie made
available to local citizens for firewood.
4.3.5 Alternate Wastewater Treatment Systems
Several alternatives were considered in developing a wastewater treat-
ment facility for the proposed refinery. The criteria used to evaluate
the alternatives were: All applicable federal, state, and local water
quality standards must be met or exceeded; the system must be economi-
cally feasible; and the system must be operationally and mechanically
reliable with a proven track record in other similar facilities.
By adhering to the criteria listed above, Alpetco has selected a waste-
water treatment facility which would provide a high-quality, low-volume
effluent stream. Refinery wastewater would receive efficient treatment
which is based on proven technology. Segregated sewer systems would be
employed to maximize water reuse and recovery, consistent with the
goals of the Clean Water Act Amendments. The various sewer systems can
be classified as contaminated, uncontaminated, sanitary, and storm
water impoundment.
The secondary wastewater treatment system which was selected for the
proposed Alpetco refinery is based on biological treatment. Biological
treatment has been proven cost-effective in removing soluble organics
from refinery wastewaters, it is highly dependable, and it produces an
effluent of excellent quality. In general, the goal of the biological
process is to remove organic material either by oxidation to carbon
dioxide, water, and other derivitives, or by conversion of organic
material into a settleable form that can be removed by sedimentation.
The wastewater treatment system proposed for the Alpetco refinery is
shown in Figure 3.4-3.
The following discussion concerning wastewater treatment alternatives
applies to ballast water treatment as well as contaminated process
water treatment, except that a gravity separator is not included with
the ballast water treatment since removal of large quantities of oil is
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not a necessity for ballast water which the proposed Alpetco refinery
would be receiving.
Activated sludge: This discussion concerns conventional activated
sludge processes as well as enriched air (oxygen) systems which cur-
rently are offered by several manufacturers. Activated sludge pro-
cesses are used extensively to coagulate and remove non-settleable col-
loidal solids, as well as to stabilize organic matter. A high quality
effluent is obtainable from a properly designed and operated activated
sludge system. The process is an aerobic biological procedure wherein
a high concentration of microorganisms is maintained within a reaction
tank by recycling thickened biomass (sludge). Oxygen is supplied to
the wastewater in the reaction tank either by mechanical aerators or a
diffused-air system. Since the microorganisms remove the organic mate-
rials by biochemical synthesis of new cell mass and oxidation reac-
tions, the converted organic matter must be removed by sedimentation.
The sludge removed from the sedimentation tank is recycled to maintain
the required concentration of microorganisms.
Nutrients—primarily nitrogen and phosphorus—are required to maintain
a healthy growth of microorganisms within the system. Generally,
refinery wastewater contains enough ammonia to supply adequate nitro-
gen, but it may be deficient in phosphorus. Some of the sources of
these elements are: water condensate from the FCCU normally contains
ammonia and other nitrogen compounds; phosphates can be leached with
water from spent phosphoric acid catalyst from the catalytic polymeri-
zaton units; and boiler or cooling tower blowdown contains phosphates.
An inadequate supply of nutrients results in poor stabilization of the
wastes and will stimulate fungi growth. This results in poor sludge
settling characteristics and the need for longer periods of aeration.
The following removal efficiencies are typical of activated sludge pro-
cesses: BOD 80-99 percent; COD 50-95 percent; total suspended solids
(TSS) 60-85 percent; oil 80-99 percent; phenol 95-99+ percent; ammonia
33-99 percent; and sulfides 97-100 percent.
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Some of the major advantages of the activated sludge system are: min-
imal land requirements; the excellent response of the activated sludge
systems to changing organic loads obtained by varying solids recycle;
and the ready availability of data on treatability of similar refinery
effluents by the activated sludge process.
Disadvantages of the activated sludge process include: temperature
sensitivity, since the optimum temperatures for the activated sludge
process are 20 - 30°C (68-86°F). In the cool Valdez climate, this
would present a problem; and energy consumption for this process is
relatively high since oxygen must be supplied either by mechanical
aerators or a diffused air system.
Activated carbon: There has been a tremendous development in recent
years in the use of activated carbon for the removal of dissolved
organic material from wastewater. However, since experience with this
system as secondary treatment on a commercial scale has not been proven
successful, it is normally used for final polishing of the effluent
from a biological treatment process. It is feasible only if a very
high quality effluent is needed.
Activated carbon removes organic contaminants from water by the process
of adsorption (the attraction and accumulation of one substance on the
surface of another). In general, high surface area and pore structure
of carbon are the prime considerations in adsorption of organics from
water; whereas, the chemical nature of a carbon surface is of rela-
tively minor significance. Granular activated carbons typically have
surface areas of 500 to 1,400 square meters per gram. Activated carbon
has a preference for organic compounds and, because of the selectivity,
is particularly effective in removing organic compounds from aqueous
solutions.
A carbon adsorption unit consists of the adsorbers in which the waste-
water stream contacts the activated carbon bed; a transport system for
moving the carbon from the adsorbers to the regenerator and back; and a
regeneration system usually consisting of a rotary kiln furnace. The
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adsorbers may be arranged in parallel, or in a moving carbon bed in
which carbon periodically is removed from the bottom and fresh carbon
is added at the top. Of the various methods of carbon regeneration
that have been used, thermal regeneration is the most applicable
because multiple-hearth furnaces, rotary kilns, or fluidized bed fur-
naces may be utilized.
Experience with activated carbon as secondary wastewater treatment has
not proven successful. In one well documented instance, a 2.2 million
gallons per day (mgd) filtration-carbon adsorption wastewater treatment
plant was placed in operation at the Marcus Hook refinery of BP Oil,
Inc., in March 1973, after extensive pilot plant testing. After more
than two years in operation, this system was not producing equal to
design expectations. The major problems experienced with this acti-
vated carbon system were: a substantial reduction in the adsorptive
capacity of the regenerated carbon was observed after several months;
design flow rate could not be maintained because of plugging of the
effluent septums (screens) by carbon fines; the production of sulfides
across the carbon columns was observed and was shown to be the result
of bacterial action as well as influent characteristics; and various
significant mechanical problems involving the carbon transport system,
automatic valves, and the regeneration furnace were experienced.
Although granular activated carbon is unproven as sole secondary treat-
ment for refinery wastewaters, it has shown some promise as a polishing
step following biological treatment. Of particular interest is the
possibility of using powdered activated carbon for wastewater polish-
ing, since this system would result in substantially reduced costs and
would eliminate the need for carbon transfer and regeneration equip-
ment.
Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC): The RBC process is the fixed-
film biological treatment system which has been selected for secondary
treatment of the proposed Alpetco refinery wastewater. The RBC system
consists of a number of large-diameter, high-density polyethylene
discs, which are mounted on a horizontal shaft and placed in a basin
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with a sloped floor. The discs rotate with approximately 40 percent of
their surface area submerged in the wastewater.
Organisms naturally present in the wastewater adhere to the rotating
surfaces and cover the entire surface of the discs with a biomass
growth. During rotation, the discs carry a thin film of wastewater
into the air, where the water trickles down the surface of the discs
and absorbs oxygen. Organisms in the biomass then assimilate both dis-
solved oxygen and organic materials from this film of wastewater. As
the discs continue to rotate through the wastewater in the basin, fur-
ther assimilation of dissolved oxygen (DO) and organic materials is
performed by the biomass. Operating in this manner, the discs perform
these functions: provide support media for the development and propa-
gation of a fixed biological growth; provide intimate contact of the
growth with the wastewater; provide an oxygen enriched wastewater film
for high metabolism rates; and provide an excess amount of aeration in
the treated wastewater.
Shearing forces exerted on the biomass as it passes through the waste-
water cause excess biomass to slough from the discs into the water.
This maintains a fixed and relatively constant microbial population on
the discs' surfaces. The mixing action caused by the rotating discs
keeps the sloughed solids in suspension until the treated wastewater
carries them out of the RBC unit for separation and disposal.
The major advantages of the RBC system are: minimal land requirements;
minimal energy requirements; simplicity of operation, since it is a
"once-through" system with no recycle necessary and requires minimal
operator attention; quick recovery from major upsets is achieved, even
in the case of a complete bug population kill. Often only the organ-
isms on the discs of the first few shafts in series are affected by an
upset, leaving the biomass intact and functional on the last discs in
series; and, should powdered activated carbon be proven as a reliable
means for polishing wastewater or for control of toxics or aromatic
hydrocarbons, the RBC system is readily adaptable to the addition of
powdered activated carbon at the bio-disc effluent trough.
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Disadvantages of the RBC system are: the initial capital cost is rela-
tively high and earlier installations of such systems experienced many
mechanical failures. The shafts, discs, and support members have been
redesigned, and now appear to be mechanically sound.
Stabilization (oxidation) ponds: A stabilization pond is simply a
large shallow pond in which bacteria stabilize the wastewater fed to
the pond. The ponds normally are 4 feet deep, since shallower ponds
tend to have excessive weed growth and deeper ponds do not get adequate
oxygen transfer to maintain aerobic conditions which are essential to
refinery wastewater treatment.
Stabilization ponds were not considered for the proposed Alpetco refin-
ery because large land requirements are essential; the soils on the
proposed refinery site are extremely porous, and thus would quickly
diffuse into the groundwater any wastewater which might leak through a
crack in the pond liner; and stabilization in an oxidation pond is
influenced by climatic conditions. During cold weather under ice
cover, biological activity is extremely slow. The process, for all
practical purposes, is reduced to sedimentation, and BOD reductions are
generally about 50 percent.
Trickling filter: A trickling filter is an aerobic biological device
that is used extensively in the refining industry. Although it may be
used as secondary treatment by itself, whenever a high quality effluent
is required, a trickling filter is not used. This system consists of a
filter bed with a wastewater distributor and a sedimentation tank. The
filter is usually a bed of broken rock, coarse aggregate, or plastic
sheets. Only at extremely low loadings can a high quality effluent be
obtained and it is at such loadings that the cost of the trickling fil-
ter is higher than other comparable processes. Consequently, this fil-
ter is feasible only as a "roughing" device rather than as a complete
treatment system.
Deep well injection: It is generally agreed that deep well injection
should be practiced only for those wastes which are not amenable to
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conventional surface treatment. Since the proposed Alpetco refinery
wastewater could be treated quite efficiently by conventional proces-
ses, deep well injection has not been considered as a treatment alter-
native .
Alternate processes: In addition to the main biological treatment
options discussed above, alternative designs for other integral units
of the wastewater treatment system were evaluated.
Sulfide ammonia stripping: Significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide and
ammonia are found in refinery wastewaters due to the breakdown of
organic sulfur and nitrogen compounds during the various refining pro-
cesses. These compounds can be removed by air or steam stripping.
Oil removal: The traditional method of oil separation in refinery
wastewater has been the API gravity separator, which is sized to allow
most of the free oil to float to the surface and the heavier solids to
fall to the bottom. These separators are normally an integral part of
the operation due to the amount of recoverable oil in refinery waste-
waters. Wastewaters that contain a high volume of free oil normally
are treated in the gravity separator before being mixed with other non-
oily streams. This allows a separator to be sized for a smaller
throughput volume.
Another type of gravity separator finding increased use in the refining
industry is the tilted plate separator. The corrugated plate inter-
ceptor (CPI) is one of the most common tilted plate separators. This
unit is made up of one or more modules consisting of corrugated plates
tilted at a 45° angle. As the water flows between the plates, oil
droplets collect on the underside and move to the top of the module.
Improved efficiencies at less cost and space than those needed by the
API separators have been reported. The CPI was selected for use in the
ballast water treatment process of the proposed refinery wastewater
treatment system.
The API separator has been selected as the primary gravity separator
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for the proposed refinery. This decision was based mainly on the API
separator's ability to handle an accidental massive oil release into
the wastewater system. The API separator can retain larger quantities
of oil than a CPI separator without permitting oil breakthrough to the
secondary treatment system.
Intermediate oil and suspended solids removal: Dissolved air flotation
(DAF) normally is considered an intermediate treatment process for
further removal of oil and suspended solids from API separator efflu-
ents, prior to biological treatment. In the dissolved air flotation
process the waste stream is saturated with air under a pressure of
several atmospheres. The stream then is held in a retention tank for a
period of minutes so that the air will dissolve. As the stream exits
from the retention tank it flows through a pressure-reducing valve --
dropping the pressure to atmospheric -- and then into a flotation tank.
When the pressure is released, the air comes out of solution forming
minute bubbles within the liquid. These bubbles, which are about 30 to
120 microns in diameter, adhere to the suspended particles, forming an
aggregate which rapidly rises to the surface and is skimmed from the
flotation tank. Although the use of DAF as an intermediate treatment
step is not necessary for secondary treatment, its use generally does
produce a higher quality effluent from the downstream secondary biolog-
ical treatment system.
Final filtration: A sand filter was selected for final filtration of
the proposed Alpetco refinery wastewater effluent to obtain a very
high-quality effluent. Organic matter in suspended or colloidal form
is filtered to reduce solids in the effluent to extremely low levels.
Multimedia filters or microscreens also can be used in this service but
were not selected for the proposed Alpetco refinery. The multimedia
filter, which may be composed of anthracite and sand, activated carbon
and sand, or resin beds and sand, would not produce a higher quality
effluent than the sand filter in this application and would result in
higher capital costs. Microscreens would not produce effluent of as
high a quality as either sand filters or multimedia filters since
available screen mesh size is too large.
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4.3.6 Cooling Systems
Most of the refining and petrochemical processes require heating of the
crude oil feedstock and intermediate streams with either steam exchang-
ers or fired heaters to initiate chemical reactions or effect separa-
tions by distillation. To conserve energy the processes are designed
to recover, to the greatest extent possible, the heat from the product
streams before routing them to tank storage. This heat is recovered by
exchange with feed streams or by raising steam. Unfortunately it is
not economically feasible (or technically possible) to recover all of
this heat for useful purposes and thus it is necessary to reject the
residuum by means of cooling water exchangers or air coolers.
With a few exceptions (discussed below) Alpetco has selected air cool-
ing to avoid the problems that would be inherent with either evapora-
tive cooling (wet cooling towers) or once-through seawater cooling with
resulting thermal plume. Evaporative cooling could cause fogging with
reduced visibility and freezing problems during cold weather, and
wastewater pollution problems (chromates) at all times. Once-through
seawater cooling could cause thermal discharge problems in the receiv-
ing body of water, such as upsetting the environment for marine life.
The areas where air cooling would not be used are:
Alkylation reactors: These reactors have been developed over a number
of years based on water cooling. An alternative to water cooling would
require a pioneer development effort.
Alkylation coolers: Where cooling of an acid-bearing stream is
required, water cooling must be used to guard against the possibility
of spraying acid about the unit in the event of a tube failure. Air
cooling would introduce that danger.
Pump and compressor cooling: It is necessary to use a liquid coolant
for cooling of the internals of these rotating machines.
Flexicoker gasifier condenser: Water cooling is used in this service
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to minimize the required surface area. The stream being cooled is
extremely corrosive and therefore an expensive alloy must be used for
fabrication of the exchanger. As a result there is a strong economic
incentive to use water cooling to minimize the required exchanger sur-
face area.
In all of the above cases, Alpetco proposes to use a circulating
glycol-water stream for cooling. The glycol-water solution would be
pumped to the process for cooling and the heat picked up by the glycol-
water would be transferred to air in air coolers. The glycol-water
would then be recirculated to the various processes. It is necessary
to use a glycol-water system for cooling instead of a simple water sys-
tem because of the low ambient temperatures at the refinery site.
4.3.7 Alternate Products Dock Sites
Consideration of the alternatives: Several factors influenced the
selection of potential Port Valdez sites for the products dock. The
area on the north side of the port, west of Valdez townsite, was elimi-
nated because of the lack of road access, difficult topography and the
necessity to cross the townsite with product pipelines. All areas west
of the Alyeska marine terminal on the south side of the port were elim-
inated because that facility cuts off all road and pipeline access.
Areas in the far east end of the port, in the vicinity of the old town-
site, were eliminated because this area has been designated a high
seismic risk zone and the bathymetry would require dredging or an unne-
cessarily long dock structure. From the remaining eastern Port Valdez
areas three locations were originally considered as potential dock
sites: (1) Ammunition Island, (2) Allison Creek and (3) Solomon Gulch.
The Ammunition Island site is located on the north shore of Port Val-
dez, east of the Valdez small boat harbor and adjacent to Island Flats.
The positive aspects of this site include proximity to existing indus-
trial land use zones in the old townsite area and reasonably short dis-
tance from the proposed refinery site. The area, however, has a number
of negative aspects. This site has been proposed by the City of Valdez
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as the location for a new port facility and joint use would not be com-
patible. Furthermore, the Island Flats is an environmentally sensitive
area. The mudflat/marsh area is productive and utilized seasonally by
concentrations of waterfowl and salmon. Additionally, a pipeline from
the refinery site would have to cross several small salmon streams.
The Allison Creek site is located on the south shore of Port Valdez,
adjacent to Allison Creek and immediately east of the Alyeska marine
terminal. The primary positive aspect of this site is its favorable
bathymetric features allowing a short access trestle and, consequently,
lower dock construction costs than at the other sites. The Allison
Creek site, however, would involve longer products pipelines—about 2.1
km (1 1/3 miles) longer than either of the other alternatives. The
mountainous and possibly unstable terrain adjacent to the site could
create engineering problems for the dock or its associated pipelines.
Geophysical studies conducted by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and
earlier USGS studies show this area to have potentially unstable bottom
conditions. Potential environmental impact resulting from a refinery
dock at the Allison Creek location would be moderate and less severe
than at the Ammunition Island site. The productivity of marine organ-
isms (primarily worms and clams) is moderate to high, but the habitat
is not unique and not used by unusual numbers of predators.
The Solomon Gulch site is located on the south shore of Port Valdez,
adjacent to Solomon Gulch Creek and about 2.1 km (1 1/3 miles) east of
Allison Creek. This site was selected as the preferred location for
the refinery products dock because it represents a reasonable compro-
mise in regard to the positive and negative features associated with
the other alternatives. Bathymetric and engineering studies indicated
that a dock on the south shore at Solomon Gulch would be feasible and
almost as economical to construct as at Allison Creek. Since the Solo-
mon Gulch site is closer to the proposed refinery than is the Allison
Creek site, a substantial savings in both cost and environmental impact
would result from shorter pipelines. The soils are not unstable, nor
is the pipeline access as mountainous as for Allison Creek. Potential
adverse environmental impacts resulting from a dock at Solomon Gulch
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would be similar to impacts resulting from a dock at Allison Creek and
less than impacts which would result from the Ammunition Island site.
A dock at Solomon Gulch would be sufficiently isolated to assure safety
and prevent conflicts with other industrial facilities.
Description of the Solomon Gulch site: Dock dimensions and basic
facilities are shown in Figure 3.3-3. They would consist of a 335 m
(1,100 ft) pipeline and roadway trestle leading from Dayville Road to a
dock and berthing structure roughly paralleling the 15 m (50 ft) bathy-
metric contour. The structure would be supported by driven piles and
elevated above mean lower low water 12 m (40 ft) at the berths and 8 m
(26 ft) at the road junction. No dredge or fill operations are antic-
ipated .
Solomon Gulch Creek flows off of the mountainside and enters Port Val-
dez immediately west of the proposed dock site. A gravel delta extends
into the intertidal area opposite the stream mouth. To the east the
intertidal zone increases in breadth due to sand and silt deposition on
the Lowe River delta. Dayville Flats, a broad mudflat/ marsh area, is
located about 1.2 km (3/4 mile) east of the site.
A seismic reflection survey and preliminary soils investigation (August
1979) conclude that the site conditions are suitable for the construc-
tion of the proposed dock. The area is characterized by a wedge of
unconsolidated sediments atop an irregular surface of greywacke bed-
rock. Both the bathymetric and sub-bottom surveys indicate that slump-
ing has been an active process in this region, but no clear evidence of
recent displacements, either slumps or faults, could be identified in
the data. The soils at the site are essentially frictional silt and
sand. Due to frictional resistance it may not be possible to drive the
piles to the desired depth; therefore, some predrilling may be neces-
sary.
The biological resources of the intertidal zone consist of an assem-
blage dominated by burrowing worms, and small clams, (see Appendix Vol.
I). Productivity is moderate in the upper intertidal and becomes
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relatively high in the lower regions. This assemblage is uniformly
present along the south shore of Port Valdez between Allison Creek and
the Lowe River. The shallow subtidal region also supports a character-
istic and widespread assemblage dominated by different species of worms
and clams.
The gravel delta of Solomon Gulch Creek represents a departure from the
typical intertidal habitat. A relatively dense growth of rockweed
covers portions of the area. Also present are barnacles and blue mus-
sels (Feder et al 1979).
Pink and chum salmon spawn within the intertidal zone at the mouth of
Solomon Gulch Creek. As many as 1,500 pink salmon have been observed
(Johnson and Rockwell, 1978). The spawning area is about 609 m (2,000
ft) from the edge of the proposed facility. Pink salmon fry can be
expected to occur in the area for a short time in the spring following
their emergence from the gravels. The southeast shore is not thought
to be a concentration area for salmon fry (see Appendix Vol. I).
The intertidal and shallow subtidal area is utilized by various species
of birds including ducks, gulls, and shorebirds. Harbor seals and sea
otters occasionally feed in the area. Harbor seals have been observed
to haul out on an old piling structure seaward from Solomon Gulch. Sea
ducks also tend to concentrate in the vicinity of the structure.
A National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological monitoring site
is located within the intertidal zone about 0.8 km (1/2 mile) east of
the proposed facility. Populations of marine organisms, particularly
the clam Macoma balthica, are being observed to detect oil pollution in
relation to the Alyeska marine terminal activities.
In addition to this effort, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration Office of Marine Pollution Assessment has a project
development plan for studying, in part, the fate and effects of petro-
leum hydrocarbons in Port Valdez. This plan is an initiative for fis-
cal year 1982 and has not yet been funded by NOAA.
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4.3.8 Alternate Transportation Routes Relative to the Site
Vehicular routes: There are four alternative vehicular routes to the
proposed site: Route #1 is coincident with the proposed products pipe-
line route directly north from the intersection of the Richardson High-
way and Dayville Road; Route #2 is the existing levee off the Richard-
son Highway, adjacent to the east side of Valdez Glacier Stream; Route
#3 is Glacier Stream Haul Road from the Richardson Highway; and the
Route #4 is the Valdez Airport Road, with construction of a connecting
road to the site (see Figure 3.3-1).
The proposed primary access to the site is Route #3 using the city-
owned Glacier Stream Haul Road. A 606-m (2,000-ft) connecting road
would be needed from the haul road to the site, including a bridge
across the main channels of Valdez Glacier Stream. For primary access,
Route #3 provides the most direct route to the administrative sector of
the site and minimizes traffic in or adjacent to plant process and
tankage areas. Route #3 also uses an existing road that will be
central to a future Valdez Industrial Park and consequently avoids all
residential areas. Because the Glacier Stream Haul Road would be
improved and maintained for construction access, continued use of this
route as a permanent access would be expeditious, cost effective and
would avoid committing undeveloped areas to new road construction. A
secondary service road is proposed along Route #1. This road would
serve a dual purpose of also providing access to the proposed crude and
products pipelines route.
Alternate Route #2, entering the southwest corner of the site, would
require improving approximately 914 m (3,000 ft) of existing dike. The
1,829 m (6,000-ft) distance from the southwest corner of the site to
the refinery administrative headquarters would be less compatible with
the site layout and also would incur an economic penalty in approxi-
mately 1,220 m (4,000 ft) of additional new road construction. There
also would be river and wetland crossings along this route. Route #2
therefore was considered less desirable for a main access than the haul
road and not reasonable for emergency access since Route #1 coincident
with the preferred pipeline corridor would be required anyway.
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The Valdez Airport Road, Route #4, was not desirable for a main access
route because of potential conflicts with airport-related traffic, and
the need to construct a mile of new connecting road to the site.
Pipeline routes: From the intersection of the Richardson Highway and
Dayville Road there are two alternative routes to enter the site with
the crude and products pipelines. The preferred route is directly
north from the intersection of the Richardson Highway and Dayville
Road. The alternate route is to travel parallel to the Richardson
Highway from Dayville Road to the existing levee along Valdez Glacier
Stream, then along alternate vehicular Route //2 to the proposed site.
The preferred route would be shorter than the alternate route by
approximately one mile. It would be located in a 290 m (950 ft)-wide
corridor immediately adjacent to Robe River residential subdivision and
in a 122 m (400 ft)-wide corridor from there to the site. Adjacent to
the subdivision the pipelines and a service road would be placed on the
far east side of the wide corridor to provide a buffer zone between it
and the subdivision. This route would involve crossing two anadromous
fish streams, Robe River and Corbin Creek (Robe), and adjacent wetland
areas. The remainder of the route would be located on suitable soils
and would avoid marsh and other wetland areas.
The alternate pipeline route would be located on the south side of the
Richardson Highway right-of-way. This would minimize conflicts with
adjacent privately owned property but would not avoid private residen-
tial property located in the route west of the Robe River. This route
would require three crossings of Robe River due to the meandering of
the channel immediately west of Dayville Road, and a crossing of Corbin
Creek (Glacier). Robe River is an andromous fish stream. By entering
the site at the southwest corner, this route would be less compatible
with the preferred site layout and most likely would require crossing
the wetland area near the southern perimeter of the site.
The preferred pipeline route was selected as having the least direct
environmental impact. The economic impact of the additional mile
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length associated with the alternate route is more than $2 million plus
costs and other factors associated with maintaining and operating the
additional length of line. The preferred route likely would have clear
right-of-way through the lease of state land whereas it may be diffi-
cult to obtain necessary right-of-way across private property for the
alternate route.
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5. EXISTING CONDITIONS

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5.1	GEOTECHNICAL
5.1.1 General Geologic Description
The proposed refinery site lies in a foothill valley of the Chugach
Mountains. The valley is of glacial origin and is filled with outwash
deposits of the Valdez and Corbin glaciers. The site is bounded on the
north, east and south by bedrock outcrops, and on the west by Valdez
Glacier Stream. The topography is relatively flat, falling 30 - 38 m
(100 - 125 ft) to the south at a slope averaging 1.5 percent, and ris-
ing slightly to the east to conform to the outwash of Corbin Creek
(Glacier). The surrounding bedrock outcrops rise steeply to the north
and to the south and more gently to the east.
A wetlands area which is connected to the Robe Lake system extends
northward into the southeast portion of the property bounds but falls
outside the proposed plant siting. The proposed site is generally well
drained as a result of gently sloping topography, permeable soils and
surface drainage features.
The rock surrounding the site is slightly metamorphosed graywacke and
phyllite. The beds of this mildly metamorphic rock dip at a steep
angle to the north and have a high density of joints and fractures.
The joints can be grouped into sets of similar orientation. The folds,
faults, fractures and joints are results of intense tectonic activity
which has occurred in this region during the past 70 million years.
The most recent period of major orogeny (mountain-building by folding
and thrusting) occurred more than 30 million years ago.
Prince William Sound lies close to the boundary of the North American
and Pacific tectonic plates. This boundary is a megathrust fault,
termed a subduction zone, and is the direct cause of the area's intense
tectonic and earthquake activity.
Although Prince William Sound is noted for its abundance of economic
mineralization, no evidence of ore minerals was found on-site or in
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the immediate area. However, some placer mining has been conducted on
Valdez Glacier Stream in the past.
The site lies approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) south of Valdez Glacier.
Valdez Glacier has been receding at an average rate greater than 10.5 m
(35 ft) per year since 1898 with the exception of the year 1906. In
that year it advanced 76 - 107 m (250 - 350 ft). The continued reces-
sion of the glacier since 1906 and the present recessional trend
observed for coastal glaciers throughout Alaska suggest that advance-
ment of the glacier, which might affect the site, is unlikely during
the life of the proposed facility.
5.1.2 Soils
The valley floor within the project area is composed of glacial stream
deposits and includes till from Valdez and Corbin glaciers. These
heterogeneous deposits originated in the talus slopes (rockfalls) of
the steep valley walls, the moraines at the terminus of glaciers, and
from direct release of the glacial load material (material scoured and
transported by glaciers). Local sorting is significant and common
throughout the site, and is evident in the five distinct structural
soil layers encountered within the project bounds.
The first layer is topsoil and an organic mantel varying in thickness
from a few centimeters to 0.6 m (2 ft). This layer is deepest in the
eastern and southern portions of the site.
The second layer is a noncohesive mixture of boulders, cobbles, gravel,
sand and silt which lies above a depth of 15 m (50 ft). This layer is
typically sandy gravel with layers of cobbles and occasional layers of
sand which range from several inches to several feet. Boulders seldom
exceed 30 cm (12 in) in diameter, and are estimated to constitute less
than 5 percent of the material in this layer. Silts are encountered
throughout the soil mass, often in isolated lenses up to 30 cm (12 in)
thick. Some of the silt lenses contain buried root systems.
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In the eastern and southern portions of the site, the soils of the
second layer tend to grade toward sands; in the north and west the
trend is toward gravels. Loose saturated sand with liquefaction poten-
tial is suspected in the eastern and southern portions of the site,
shown as Area A on Figure 5.1-1. The area shown as Area B has soils
which are considered satisfactory in both the static and seismic modes
for foundation purposes. During field studies in the summer of 1979,
the water table was encountered during drilling from the surface to
more than 18 m (60 ft) below grade. The water table was deepest in the
northwest portion of the site.
The third layer is approximately 39 m (130 ft) thick and lies below a
depth of 15 m (50 ft). The soils of the third layer are similar to,
though finer than, those of the second layer. However, potential for
liquefaction in the third layer is not a threat. Below a depth of 15 m
(50 ft), the potential for liquefaction is no longer a structural con-
cern.
The fourth layer is a silt believed to be a lake deposit. The deposit
appears to become thinner from northwest to southeast and to conform
roughly to a maximum elevation of 15 m (50 ft) below sea level. The
silt layer's great depth below existing grade, 55 m (180 ft) or more,
its coarseness, and its stiff to hard consistency indicate no signifi-
cant potential for time-dependent consolidation. The silt ranges from
slightly plastic to nonplastic and has the strength properties of a
dense noncohesive soil.
The fourth layer appears to separate the groundwater system into an
unconfined upper and confined lower aquifer. This is discussed further
in Section 5.2.2.
The fifth layer is similar to the second and third layers in texture
and physical characteristics except that it appears to be somewhat
denser. This layer may be the result of a glacial deposition, which
subsequently was overridden and densified by glacial advances. This
layer may include remnant morainal deposits as well as outwash. The
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SURFICIAL SOILS
Figure 5.1 1

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strength of the fifth layer is equal to or greater than that of the
overlying layers.
Bedrock as determined by geophysical methods (seismic refraction)
varies from 91 - 213 m (300 - 700 ft) below grade, and conforms to the
shape inferred from the visible portions of the Valdez and Corbin
glacier valleys.
Within the area proposed for development, hazards such as rock falls,
avalanches, slope failure, time-dependent deep-seated settlement, and
permafrost appear to be absent.
5.1.3 Seismology
The proposed refinery site is located in one of the most seismically
active areas of the world. The Pacific Ocean Plate dips below the
North American Continental Plate directly below the southern coast of
Alaska. The Aleutian Island chain and the coastal mountain ranges are
the surface expressions of the collision of these two tectonic plates.
Their interaction, and the continual realignment of faults within the
region, results in approximately 6 percent of the world's earthquakes
occurring along the fault systems of southcentral Alaska.
More than 2,300 earthquakes are known to have occurred since 1890 with-
in a 192 thousand sq km (74 thousand sq mi) area centered around Valdez
(see Figure 5.1-2). The radius of this area ("search area") is defined
as the farthest distance from the proposed site that an 8.5+ magnitude
earthquake could occur and cause ground shaking significant to struc-
tures at the site. Six of the 2,300 earthquakes have produced signifi-
cant effects in Port Valdez and on the Valdez Glacier/Lowe River out-
wash delta. Some of these effects included strong ground shaking, sub-
marine slides, and seiching (seismically induced waves in closed bodies
of water) (Tarr and Martin, 1912; Grant and Higgins 1913; Coulter and
Migliaccio, 1966; Plafker, et al, 1971; Wilson and Torum, 1972).
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Ml
100
Source: DOWL 1979
KM
100
ZJ
o
(^) 7.0-7.!
lEfiiMB
Earthquake Magnitude
O 6.0-6.9
O 5.0-5.9
~ 4.0-4.9
o <4.0 or no magnitude
reported
N
EARTHQUAKE EPICENTERS 1899-1977
Figure 5.1-2
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One of the six earthquakes, the 1964 Great Alaskan Earthquake, produced
liquefaction and ground stretching on the Valdez Glacier/Lowe River
outwash delta. During this event, gross tectonic deformation -- both
uplift and depression -- occurred over an area of approximately 280
thousand sq km (108 thousand sq mi). However, the neutral axis which
formed the "hinge" between tectonic uplift and depression passed dir-
ectly south of Valdez Arm and Port Valdez (Plafker, 1972); therefore,
no gross tectonic deformations occurred in the site area.
Several active major fault systems (see Figure 5.1-3 and the Appendix
Vol. I), as well as many lesser and often ill-defined associated
faults, traverse southcentral Alaska; however, no active or inactive
faults are know to exist within a 16 km (10 mi) radius of the site.
The known faults nearest the proposed site are the Jack Bay and Whalen
Bay faults near the entrance to Port Valdez.
The average annual frequency of occurrence of earthquakes for the past
100 years in the "search area" centered around Valdez is shown in
Figure 5.1-4. A similar plot of the earthquake history, or seismicity,
of southern California is also shown on this graph. Comparing the
seismic history of the Valdez region to that of an equivalent area in
southern California shows Valdez to be slightly more seismically active
than Los Angeles with respect to events large enough to be significant
to structures (magnitude greater than 5). A probabilistic assessment
of expected levels of ground motion at the site during the 30-year
design life of the refinery is shown in Figure 5.1-5.
Port Valdez is subject to submarine slides and seiches, which may cause
extensive wave run up along the shoreline. However, the surface eleva-
tion of the proposed refinery site, and its distance from the shoreline
suggest the probability of seismic sea wave run up to the proposed
refinery site is negligible. The possibility of flooding at the site
due to seismically induced major calving into the lake at the terminus
of Valdez Glacier also is extremely remote (Post, 1967).
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^ ^ J j FAULT SYSTEMS
j 1 DENALI
/V ! IA FAREWELL SEGMENT
fcS I IB HINES CREEK STRAND
j ic Mckinley strand
\ j ID SHAKWAK VALLEY STRAND
	©, 2 CASTLE M0UNTAIN
(/A) j 4 CHUGACH - ST. ELIAS
J?* ^1 ^ J 6 JACK BAY # WHALEN BAY
n \ vf^ 7 ALEUTIAN MEGATHRUST
^ MARGIN
^Tfc*n«J or reverse fouJt. Dashed
a -*« ^gf c°'* Sfeepfy dipping fault, Oosfted ^^3^ {bCT)
£{)6£ where inferred Sor and b«rfl on YJ V'^V
downthrow*) side. r^l ^~S
~ Volcano
SO O IOO
SOLE IN MILES

MAJOR FAULTS IN SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA Figure 5.1-3

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1000 t-
S 100
c
A|
oc
<
til
>
OC
111
Q.
CO
111
*
§
o
X
&
UJ
OC
111
(0
S
D
1.0
0.10
001
PERIOD OF RECORD = 100 YRS
o	o VALDEZ
SO CALIF
log n = 3.71- 0.73M
log n = 4.66 - 0.92M
3	4	5	6	7
MAGNITUDE, M
Source: DOWL 1979
CUMULATIVE MAGNITUDE/ FREQUENCY RELATIONSHIP
Figure 5.1-4
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100
50
30 YEAR DESIGN PERIOD
TJ
3)
O
CD
1>
CO
O
"n
rn
O
c
r-
Z
o
o
3
m
x
o
m
rn
a
s
o
10
20
30
40
50
60
xO
0s
MAXIMUM BEDROCK ACCELERATION (dmo, J, %g
Source: DOWL 1979
SEISMIC RISK
Figure 5.1-5

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5.2 HYDROLOGY
5.2.1 Surface Water
Hydrologic description: Figure 3.2-2 illustrates the important streams
within the project area. Valdez Glacier Stream, draining an area of
approximately 406 sq km (157 sq mi), is the principal drainage system
immediately adjacent to the site. The principal tributary of Valdez
Glacier Stream is Corbin Creek (Glacier), and the principal tributary
of Corbin Creek (Glacier) is Slater Creek. They originate from Corbin
Glacier and an unnamed glacier to the northwest of Rubin Glacier
respectively, and together comprise 49 sq km (19 sq mi) of drainage
basin. Corbin Creek once flowed directly into Robe Lake, but in the
late 1950s it was diverted into Valdez Glacier Stream by construction
of a dike. The dike was built by Valdez citizens, because a channel of
Valdez Glacier Stream had broken into Corbin Creek in the 1930s causing
glacial sediment to be deposited in Robe Lake. The dike is constructed
of streambed gravels, and allows leakage in the summer of 0.11-0.23
cubic meters per second (cms) (4-8 cubic feet per second [cfs]) to the
old Corbin Creek channels south of the dike to form another creek. The
upper stream now is called Corbin Creek (Glacier), and the lower one is
called Corbin Creek (Robe).
Water leaking through and beneath the Corbin Creek dike is filtered
naturally and has little siltation effect on Robe Lake. However, ero-
sion of the dike is very severe at some locations. The width of the
dike crest at the worst locations after temporary repairs made in 1979
is no more than 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft). Along the dike, aggradation of the
streambed and erosion of the bank appear to be the present trend. It
is doubtful that the dike can survive without maintenance for many more
years. If the dike erodes away, the natural flow of Corbin Creek (Gla-
cier) again will be in the direction of Robe Lake.
The southern half of the study area occupies the upper drainage basins
of the Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek hydrologic units. Water
temperature comparisons suggest that the two systems may be independent
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of each other. Brownie Creek begins immediately southeast of the pro-
posed site and is fed primarily by shallow groundwater there. Corbin
Creek (Robe) also is fed by shallow groundwater, as well as by seepage
through and beneath the dike. Temperatures in Corbin Creek (Robe) in
late winter, are 2°-4°C (36°-39°F) and Brownie Creek stays at approxi-
mately 4°C (39°F).
Larger streams, such as Valdez Glacier Stream, Slater Creek, and Corbin
Creek (Glacier), are fed by rainfall and by meltwater from snowfields
and glaciers.
Estimates of average annual runoff for the study area can be made from
drainage area relationships and precipitation data. However, a paucity
of weather stations which record precipitation data on the mountains
restricts the precision of this analysis. The mean annual runoff
ranges from approximately 0.09-0.1 cms per square km (cmsk) (8-9 cfs
per sq mi [cfsm]). During late summer, as a result of rapid glacial
melt and heavy precipitation, mean annual peak runoffs average 0.9-1.1
cmsk (80-100 cfsm), nearly a tenfold increase over the mean annual
runoff. Mean annual low monthly runoffs, which occur in late winter,
are in the range of 0.006-0.011 cmsk (0.5-1 cfsm) (Grumman Ecosystems
Corp., 1975). Between 80 and 90 percent of the annual runoff occurs in
the four months from June through September.
Severe channel erosion and lateral migration occurs on Valdez Glacier
Stream, which tends to meander toward the east. Lateral erosion rates
computed from aerial photographs taken 14 years apart range from 2.6-
6.7 m/year (8.5-22.3 ft/year). The streambed material in the vicinity
of the proposed project consists primarily of very coarse gravel and
cobbles. Near its headwaters, Valdez Glacier Stream has deeply cut
banks, indicating that scouring of the bed material is the general
trend there. Terraces at various levels along the stream show that the
recent history of the river has been one of degradation rather than
aggradation, and the stream is degrading moderately at present. A
summary of hydrologic conditions of the streams within the study area
is presented in Table 5.2-1.
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Table 5.2-1
SUMMARY OF HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS OF THE STREAMS
AT SELECTED CROSSINGS IN THE PROJECT AREA
STREAM
GENERAL
BED MATERIAL
WINTER
SUMMER
Valdez Glacier Swift braided meandering Gravels, cobbles and
Stream
Corbin Creek
(Glacier)
Slater Creek
glacial
boulders and some sand.
Swift, straight, glacial Gravels, cobbles, some
sand.
Swift, highly braided
at the confluence;
otherwise straight.
Glacial
Gravels, cobbles, some
bounders. Large de-
position of silt and
sand at the confluence.
Dry upstream 0.01-0.06 cms
(0.4-2 cfs) by Richardson
Highway bridge. Ice thick-
ness 0.3-0.6 meters
(1-2 feet)
Open surface flow upstream
by the foothills, 0.11-
0.14 cms (4-5 cfs). Dry
downstream. Ice thickness
less than 0.2 meters (0.7
feet).
Dry. Ice thickness less
than 0.1 meters (0.3 feet).
45 to 56 cms (1,600-2,000
cfs) normal flows. Large
diurnal fluctuations.
Avg. Vel. = 1.5-2.4 mps
(5-8 fps).
11 to 14 cms (400-500
cfs) normal flows. Large
diurnal fluctuations.
Avg. Vel. = 1.2-1.8 mps
4-6 fps).
3 to 7 cms (105-250 cfs)
normal flows. Ave. Vel.
= 1.2-1.5 mps (4-5 fps).
Corbin Creek
(Robe)
Slow, braided, non-
glacial
Brownie Creek Slow, braided, non-
glacial
Gravels, cobbles
Fine gravel and coarse
sand.
Dry upstream. 0.006-0.014
cms (0.2-0.5 cfs) in the
middle reaches.
Flows year-round. 4°C
(39°F) winter tempera-
tures 0.006-0.014 cms
(0.2-0.5 cfs) flow.
0.1-0.2 cms (4-7 cfs)
normal flows. 0.2-0.3
mps (0.5-1.0 fps).
0.2-0.4 cms (7-14 cfs)
normal flows. Avg. Vel.
= 0.2-0.5 mps (0.5-1.5
fps) .

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Hydrologic hazards pertinent to the project site include the potential
for sudden release of water stored in or dammed by the glaciers (jokul-
hlaups), and the tendency of the Valdez Glacier Stream channel to mi-
grate laterally across the valley to the east. A previous study lists
three glacier-dammed lakes on Valdez Glacier, posing "moderate (flood)
hazard on the Valdez River floodplain" (Post and Mayo, 1971). Dumping
history of these glacial lake outbursts is not recorded.
As part of an ongoing flood risk study, field reconnaissance trips to
the glacier-dammed lakes in the summer of 1979 by Woodward-Clyde Con-
sultants under contract to the City of Valdez have identified five gla-
cial lakes within the drainage basin of Valdez Glacier Stream. One of
the lakes was observed to be blocked off by a lateral moraine rather
than an ice dam, and hence is not considered a potential threat.
Visual observations and relatively high discharge values measured on
Valdez Glacier Stream have shown that two of these lakes drained sub-
glacially during the summer of 1979, releasing an estimated 71 million
cubic meters (2.5 billion cubic feet) of water into Valdez Glacier
Stream. The flow rate was between 142-170 cms (5,000-6,000 cfs). The
fourth lake potentially could drain into either the Valdez Glacier
Stream or Lowe River drainage basin. The fifth lake lies near the
terminus of the Valdez Glacier and is fed by meltwaters from Camicia
Glacier.
Water quality: The surface waters, particularly those of glacial ori-
gin, vary in quality during the year. The variance is seated in the
suspended-sediment concentrations which are greatest in the summer and
least in the early spring. Turbidity values are increased greatly due
to increased fine sediment discharge.
The surface waters are of the calcium bicarbonate type and are con-
sidered medium to hard. The dissolved solids content shows seasonal
variations and also variations from stream to stream. During the pe-
riods of high runoff, the concentrations of dissolved substances are
low.
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During the winter, since the surface flows are of groundwater origin,
the concentrations of all chemical constituents are within EPA and
State of Alaska drinking water standards. In the summer, suspended
sediments (glacial flour, clays, silts) impart high turbidity, beyond
the drinking water standards, to the waters of Valdez Glacier Stream,
Slater Creek, and Corbin Creek (Glacier). Dissolved oxygen content
ranges from 8 1/1 at the headwaters of Brownie Creek in winter, to 14
1/1 in Corbin Creek (Glacier) in summer. Values of pH are well within
the State of Alaska water quality standards for most uses, ranging from
6.5 to 8.5.
Surface water winter temperatures range from 0°C+ (32°F+) in Corbin
Creek (Glacier) to 4°C (39°F) in Brownie Creek. Corbin Creek (Robe)
winter temperature also remains in the range of 2-4°C (36-39°F). Since
Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek are not directly glacier-fed
(both are fed by groundwater), they are free of suspended sediments and
maintain chemical and physical water-quality characteristics within the
acceptable limits throughout the year.
Utilization of waterways and water bodies: Currently, no direct sur-
face water consumption exists within the proposed project area. The
only physical limitations for utilization of surface water during the
periods of high flow are the high suspended sediment concentrations and
the increased turbidity values. During winter, most of the streams are
at zero or low flow and surface water for beneficial use becomes unre-
liable. Groundwater would be used for refinery construction and opera-
tion activities. There are no other navigational or commercial uses of
the streams in the project area with the exception of occasional gravel
extraction during low flow periods on the west side of Valdez Glacier
Stream.
5.2.2 Groundwater
Regional groundwater conditions:
region are located in the larger
cent glacial action. The floors
The developable areas of the Valdez
valleys which have been carved by re-
of these valleys are formed predomi-
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nantly of very permeable sands and gravels, deposited by the glacial
outwash streams. These permeable deposits compose the aquifers invest-
igated for the proposed project. Recharge to the aquifers comes from
the streams which flow through the valleys, as well as from the high
amount of direct rainfall occurring during the summer months. During
winter, many of the streams dry up as glacial melt and rainfall cease.
Thus, recharge to the aquifers occurs primarily during summer months.
The water table elevation probably declines during winter months due to
the reduction of recharge, even where no man-made withdrawals are made.
Due to the low density of Valdez population and the absence of signifi-
cant water-using industry in the region, very little use is being made
of the existing groundwater resources. The nearest residential wells
are 3.6 km (2\ mi) south of the proposed refinery production wells.
The only sizable uses include that of the Valdez municipal water supply
wells, which withdraw a quantity estimated to be less than 3,785,000
liters per day (lpd) (1 million gallons per day [mgd]), and two inter-
mittently used industrial wells located in gravel pits approximately
1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 mi) northwest of the site. Due to the high rates of
runoff and recharge experienced during summer months, it appears that
very substantial quantities of water could be withdrawn before a sig-
nificant lowering of the water table would result.
Site groundwater conditions: The site is underlain by two major aqui-
fer systems: the upper, unconfined aquifer, and the lower, confined
(or artesian) aquifer. The upper aquifer is highly permeable. Test
pumping at rates approaching 7,600 liters per minute (1pm) (2,000 gpm)
for 72 hours was not sufficient to cause measurable drawdown of the
water table in observation wells 150 m (500 ft) from the pumped well.
An observation well 15 m (50 ft) from the pumped well showed 1.2 m (4
ft) of drawdown during the test. The static water level (level of
standing water in wells drilled into this aquifer) was found to vary
from more than 18 m (60 ft) deep near the northern edge of the site, to
the ground surface near the southern edge.
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The upper aquifer appears to be the winter water source of Corbin Creek
(Robe) and Brownie Creek, the streams which originate near the southern
edge of the site. Investigations during the spring of 1979 noted that
the Valdez Glacier Stream bed was dry, as were beds of other streams
that traverse the proposed site; but open water was appearing in the
Valdez Glacier Stream bed slightly upstream of the Richardson Highway
bridge. The only known winter stream recharge to this aquifer in the
vicinity of the site is a flow of approximately 0.14 cms (5 cfs) which
enters at the eastern edge of the site via the Corbin Creek (Glacier)
channel and promptly permeates the porous material of that streambed.
In addition, some snowmelt and winter rains are believed to enter the
soil directly with little or no runoff. Due to the highly seasonal
nature of the groundwater recharge and the slope of the groundwater
table, the water table elevation probably fluctuates rather widely over
the year. Groundwater level data recorded during 1979 seems to verify
this fluctuation; however, no field data is available for the winter
season to verify the pattern.
The lower, confined aquifer seems to be separated from the water table
aquifer. There is abundant water in the upper aquifer, and existing
wells drilled in this region of the valley probably have penetrated
only the upper aquifer. The static level of the lower aquifer lies
much flatter than that of the unconfined formation, and in fact has
about 2.7 m (9 ft) of artesian head near the southern boundary of the
site. A 24-hour pump test at 1,250 1pm (330 gpm) was performed in a
15-cm (6-in) well drilled into the formation near the north edge of the
site. The well drawdown recovery data indicated that, although of good
permeability, the formation apparently has little if any recharge with-
in the vicinity of the project site.
Logs of the wells and test holes and other field data appear in Appen-
dix Vol. I.
Groundwater quality: The quality of the site groundwater meets or ex-
ceeds EPA and State of Alaska drinking water standards.
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5.3	OCEANOGRAPHY
5.3.1	Introduction
Port Valdez is a glacial fjord approximately 5.5 km (3.4 mi) wide and
18 km (11 mi) long. With steep sides on the north and south, it has a
nearly horizontal bottom at a depth of about 240 m (787 ft) over
three-quarters of its length. The bottom rises rather uniformly in the
easternmost quarter to the eastern shore at the former townsite of
Valdez. The maximum depth of Port Valdez is 247 m (810 ft) in the
southwestern corner while the overall mean depth is approximately 180 m
(590 ft). At Valdez Narrows is a sill with a maximum depth of 160 m
(525 ft) which limits direct exchange water below that depth of Port
Valdez with the deep waters of Prince William Sound. The tides in Port
Valdez are mixed, semi-diurnal with a mean height of 3 m (10 ft). The
tidal prism is about 1.6 percent of the total volume of the port.
Weather fronts, wind and runoff, in addition to tidal exchange affect
the oceanographic conditions of Port Valdez.
5.3.2	Data Sources
Port Valdez has been the subject of two intensive surveys in the past
nine years (IMS, 1973 and 1979). These studies first were initiated in
response to the construction of the Alyeska marine terminal. In 1971-
1972, an intensive one-year survey was undertaken to establish baseline
conditions in the port and to describe the significant physical, chem-
ical, biological and geological oceanographic features of the Port
Valdez region. The second study, lasting 32 months from 1976-1978,
continued the oceanographic baseline studies and developed monitoring
procedures designed to detect changes in the environment resulting from
the discharge of Alyeska's ballast water treatment system. The studies
included extensive hydrographic sampling as well as various short- and
long-term current meter stations. Both studies were undertaken by the
Institute of Marine Science (IMS) of the University of Alaska.
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A limited field program was undertaken as part of this investigation to
supplement the existing data with physical oceanographic data essential
to evaluating the proposed discharge. On May 12, 1979, current meters
were deployed at two sites in eastern Port Valdez and one in Valdez
Narrows. Each of the Port Valdez moorings consisted of continuous
recording current meters at three depths, while meters at Valdez
Narrows were installed at four depths. Also, a seven-station survey of
salinity-temperature-depth (STD) profiles in the eastern quarter of
Port Valdez was taken at low tide. A subsequent field effort on July
28-30, 1979, recovered the current meters. Additional STD profiles
also were obtained at high and low tides at the stations occupied pre-
viously.
5.3.3 Physical Hydrology
Flushing: Studies in Port Valdez indicate that STD profiles are sim-
ilar throughout the port except at the peak runoff time when eastern
Port Valdez tends to be less dense at the surface than the western por-
tion of the port. In March, densities (calculated from salinity and
temperature) are nearly uniform, with little or no evidence of strati-
fication. In April, solar warming increases the temperature of the
upper waters and begins to melt the glacial streams. The freshwater
flows continue to increase and reach their peak in July or August,
resulting in stratification in the upper 20-30 m (66-99 ft) of the
water column. During the summer this upper layer tends to flow outward
due to the driving force of the advective freshwater inflow. Prevail-
ing winds are toward the Gulf of Alaska (which tends to have low pres-
sure) from the cold interior (which tends to have high pressure). Thus
these winds are the primary outward driving force of the surface layers
during the winter months. The surface waters then are replaced by an
intrusion of denser bottom waters from Valdez Arm. As the temperatures
drop in October and November, the stratification weakens, and eventu-
ally disappears by March allowing greater mixing of the port waters.
The two-layered flow driven principally by fresh water is only one of
the mechanisms which causes replacement of the port waters. Current
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measurements at Valdez Narrows are available for varying lengths of
time during all seasons of the year. While current measurements con-
firm the classic estuarine flows of the high runoff summer stratified
season, they also show two-layered reversing flows at other times of
the year. The upper layer (20-50 m or 66-164 ft thick) flows opposite
the lower layer and the layers can reverse directions over a period of
several days. These direction changes correlate well with rapid
changes in barometric pressure. The pressure changes, which are
believed to be due to intense storm activity, result in large exchanges
of water with Prince William Sound. For example, on May 19, 1979 the
exchange of water in the port was about 8,000 cms (282 thousand cfs)
resulting in a residence time in Port Valdez of 25 days. Although
frequent at other times of the year, such storm activity is not fre-
quent during the height of the freshwater runoff season.
In summary, Port Valdez has excellent flushing capacity for its size
due to freshwater advective flows in the summer, and large weather-
related exchanges of water during the rest of the year. Significant
flow events occur at Valdez Narrows, possibly caused by storm-induced
barometric pressure variations, and are instrumental in the good flush-
ing characteristics of the port.
Circulation: Circulation patterns in the eastern end of Port Valdez
are summarized based on continuous recording current measurements in
the eastern port area (taken from May through July 1979) and the rela-
tion of these measurements to concurrent measurements taken at Valdez
Narrows. Flows are east-west due to tidal currents except at the far
eastern end, where flows turn north-south, parallel to the shoreline at
the eastern port boundary. Two layers exist which flow opposite each
other; the layer interface is approximately 20-50 m (66-164 ft) deep.
Data from both this summer's study and earlier studies in the vicinity
of Jackson Point indicate currents at depths greater than 15 m (50 ft)
are generally low, 0.015 meters per second (m/s) (.05 ft/sec), which is
at or below the limit of detection of the current meters.
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Significant flow events at Valdez Narrows were found to affect current
direction changes at the eastern end of the port near the proposed dis-
charge. These events cause either northerly (counterclockwise) or
southerly (clockwise) circulation patterns parallel to the eastern port
boundary, with layers flowing opposite to each other. For example, a
large flow event occurred at Valdez Narrows on May 18-20, 1979. In the
eastern port area, the upper layer direction changed from southerly to
northerly, with the reverse occurring in the lower layer.
Similarly, low flows at Valdez Narrows are associated with low veloc-
ities in the eastern end of the port. For example, a "quiet" period
occurred from about June 17 to about July 15, 1979. During this
period, currents were at or below the threshold value (lowest record-
able value) of the current meters. Such periods occur primarily during
summer months, when storm-driven circulation is at a minimum and fresh-
water runoff is near its annual maximum.
5.3.4 Chemical Hydrology
Water quality: Water quality in Port Valdez also was investigated dur-
ing the IMS studies. Dissolved oxygen, pH and various trace metals
were among the parameters investigated in the extensive earlier hydro-
graphic studies. The lowest DO measured was 6.7 1/1 in bottom waters
in the winter. The flushing characteristics of the port appear to keep
all waters well oxygenated. No standards violations for either DO or
pH have been recorded. Trace metal concentrations also are within the
expected ranges. Overall, the available data suggest that the port
waters are a clean environment which easily permits "the intended use
of Port Valdez for growth and propagation of fish, shellfish, aquatic
life and wildlife, including seabirds, waterfowl and furbearers" (State
of Alaska, 1979).
Current discharges: The water quality of Port Valdez is currently
affected by two NPDES permitted discharges. The City of Valdez is per-
mitted to discharge an average daily effluent of 1.25 mgd from its
sewage treatment lagoon. The treatment plant discharges into a ditch
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at the head end of the port near the old townsite. The ditch is known
as Sewage Lagoon Creek and has become a salmon spawning habitat since
the discharge was initiated. The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company is
permitted to discharge a daily average of 41.4 mgd of treated effluent
from its ballast water facility through a diffuser outfall near Jackson
Point on the south side of the port.
Two studies conducted by the IMS have determined the dilution and dis-
persion of the Alyeska discharge (1979). In each of these studies, the
water was stratified to varying degrees and the dye plume was found to
be trapped below the surface because of this density stratification.
The two studies indicated that initial dilutions of 30 to over 1,000
were being achieved by the Alyeska diffuser. Since both studies
occurred during the stratified conditions, near-surface dilutions could
not be tested. During these studies, it also was observed that the dye
tended to move along shore in easterly and westerly directions, rather
than offshore.
5.3.5 Sedimentology
The principal sediment load into Port Valdez originates as glacial out-
wash, mainly from the Lowe River and Valdez Glacier Stream at the head
end of Port Valdez and from Mineral Creek and Shoup Glacier Stream on
the port's northern side. A minor, undetermined amount of sediment
entering the port is derived from bank erosion under normal wave activ-
ity or ship wakes. The mean annual sediment load into Port Valdez is
on the order of 2.5 - 3.4 million tons. More than 95 percent of the
influx of sediments occurs during the meltwater season from May to
October, with 60 percent occurring in July and August.
During earthquakes, exceedingly large volumes of sediment may enter the
port as massive landslides, and submarine slides could occur which
would resuspend sediments. For example, following the Great Alaskan
Earthquake of March 27, 1964, the sediment concentration was 30 times
more than the annual values mentioned above.
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INFERRED SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR EASTERN PORT VALDEZ	Figure 5.3-1
FINE
SILT
GRANULE
RICHARD^..
VERY
FINE
SILT
COARSE
CLAY
FINE SAND
NEW
FINE- MEDIUM
NEARSHORE
SILT
valde;
VALDEZ
GLACIER
STREAM
LOWE
RIVER<
ALYESKA
TERM IAL
ABERCROMBIE

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Bottom deposits: In general, sediments in the eastern portion of Port
Valdez are poorly sorted clays and silts with local accumulation of
sand and granule-sized sediment at the distal portions of the glacial
outwash fans. Figure 5.3-1 shows the approximate distribution of sur-
ficial bottom deposits with coarse clay forming the dominant grain
size. Mean grain size increases toward the mouths of the Valdez
Glacier Stream and the Lowe River. The near-shore and intertidal zones
around the port consist mainly of sand and mud, forming extensive tidal
flats east of downtown Valdez due to the relatively high tidal range.
Beaches, principally located near the high water level, consist of
coarse granule to gravel-sized sediments.
The majority of bottom sediments tend to be fine to extra fine due to
the mixture of clay-sized sediment in most samples. Clay is present in
sediments throughout the port and along the near-shore zone. Fine-
grained sediments generally are absent from beaches fringing Port
Valdez near the high water level.
5.4 METEOROLOGY/AIR QUALITY
5.4.1 Meteorology
General climatology: The complex terrain surrounding Valdez and the
proposed project location influences many aspects of the local climate.
Port Valdez is virtually surrounded by the Chugach Mountains which,
except for the south and southwest portions, are glaciated and rise to
elevations exceeding 1,219 m (4,000 ft). The high mountain ridges to
the north protect Valdez from extreme cold in winter and prevent the
warmer interior air from reaching Valdez in summer. The mountains to
the south provide a barrier to the warm, moist air from the Gulf of
Alaska in winter, but any protection they provide in summer by modifi-
cation of the marine air and the resulting increase in temperature is
offset by cool drainage winds off the nearby glaciers. Temperatures
average -8°C (18°F) during the coldest month (January) and 12°C (53°F)
during the warmest month (July). Comparative mean temperatures for the
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coldest and warmest months in Fairbanks are -23°C to 16°C (~10°F to
60°F), respectively. Temperatures reach -18°C (0°F) or below about 15
days annually in Valdez (USDC, 1978).
Rainfall is abundant in Valdez, averaging 150.7 cm (59.31 in) per year.
September, the wettest month, averages 19.66 cm (7.74 in), while June
the driest month, averages 6.86 cm (2.70 in). Snowfall in Valdez is
heavy, averaging almost 747.3 cm (294.2 in) annually, with an average
of more than 100 cm (39.4 in) each month from December through March.
There is considerable cloudiness the entire year.
The prevailing wind direction is from the northeast from October
through April and from the southwest from May through September, dem-
onstrating the strong influence of the local terrain. Annual percent-
age frequencies of surface winds for the 3-1/2-year period from July 1,
1975 through December 31, 1978 are shown in Figure 5.4-1. These data
indicate that, on an annual basis, the prevailing wind direction is
east-northeast. The annual average wind speed based on these data is
4.3 knots (2.2 m/s [4.9 mph]); and it is calm approximately 33 percent
of the time.
Air pollution climatology: Meteorological conditions which lead to
high air pollution potential are light winds accompanied by surface
inversions and above-surface stable layers (limited mixing). Surface
inversions are typically short-term, early morning phenomena; usually
heating eliminates inversions and creates a uniform mixing layer by
mid-afternoon. Mixing depth is defined as the surface layer in which
relatively vigorous vertical mixing takes place.
Mixing depth data are available in the Valdez area as a result of two
local studies. Starting in January 1979, acoustic measurements have
been made at Alpetco preconstruction monitoring site No. 2 (see Figure
5.4-2) to obtain mixing depths. An earlier mixing depth study was con-
ducted by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska, 1974).
Average seasonal mixing depths resulting from these studies are sum-
marized in Table 5.4-1. The winter data from Alpetco Site 2 were
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HOURLY AVERAGE SURFACE WINDS PRECENTAGE FREQUENCY
OF OCCURANCE VALDEZ WSO WIND ROSE (7/75-12/78)	Figure 5.4-1
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Table 5.^-1
VALDEZ SEASONAL MIXING DEPTHS
(Meters)
Season
Valdez
Airport
Lowe
River
Shoup
Spit
Valdez
Narrows
Alyeska
Terminal
Alpetco
Site 2
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring
221
221
184
194
186
111
105
166
734
310
Table 5.^-2
VALDEZ ANNUAL STABILITY CLASS FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
Stab i I i ty
Class Def i ni t ion	Frequency
A	Extremely Unstable	0.10
B	Unstable	*+.62
C	Slightly Unstable	10.78
D	Neutral	63.11
E	Slightly Stable	5.35
F	Moderately Stable	9.k2
G	Extremely Stable	6.62
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biased by a "short" winter season, and an unusual windy period in
February (Dames and Moore, 1979) which produced many mixing depths of
1,000 m (3,300 ft)--the limit of the instrumentation.
Variations of the seasonal mixing depths for four different time
periods each day are given in Table 6.4 of Attachment C. Generally,
the variations per time of day are fairly small, ranging from only 50 m
(165 ft) at Valdez Narrows in the fall to approximately 500 m (1650 ft)
at the Alyeska terminal site in summer.
The mean annual frequency distribution of stability classes for the
3-1/2-year period of record at Valdez (July 1, 1975 through December
31, 1978) is summarized in Table 5.4-2. The stability classes are
based on Pasquill's classifications (Turner, 1964).
In the Valdez area, the high frequency of low wind speeds and corre-
sponding poor ventilation is offset by a low frequency of limited dis-
persion conditions as evidenced by the fact that Stability Classes E, F
and G, combined, were present only about 20 percent of the time.
5.4.2 Existing Ambient Air Quality
Ambient air quality levels in the vicintiy of the proposed facility are
available as a result of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's monitoring
network and the preconstruction monitoring program established by
Alpetco for the proposed project. Applicable state and National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are listed in Attachment C.
A summary of the first six months of data at Alpetco Sites 1 and 2,
covering the period from November 20, 1978 to May 23, 1979 is presented
in Table 5.4-3. Locations of Site 1 and Site 2 are shown in Figure
5.4-2. These data indicate that the air quality in the site vicinity
is excellent; uniformly low values of all pollutants were measured.
All pollutant concentrations were less than 20 percent of the appli-
cable standards except for ozone and the maximum ozone concentration
was only 50 percent of the NAAQS.
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Table 5.4-3
FIRST 6 MONTHS SUMMARY OF AIR QUALITY DATA
ALPETCO SITES 1 AND 2
(November 20, 1978 To May 23, 1979)^
Concent rat i ons^*3)
Po I I utant 	Averaging Period	 S i te 1 s i te 2
SO„	Highest 24-Hour Average	0.01	0.02
2nd Highest 24-Hour Average	0.01	0.02
Highest 3-Hour Average	0.01	0.03
2nd Highest 24-Hour Average	0.01	0.03
TSP	Geometric Mean	6	5
Highest 24-Hour Average	48	21
2nd Highest 24-Hour Average	46	16
CO	Highest 8-Hour Average	2	1
2nd Highest 8-Hour Average	1	1
Highest 1-Hour Average	5	1
2nd Highest 1-Hour Average	3	1
O,	Highest Daily 1-Hour Average	0.05	0.06
2nd Highest Daily 1-Hour Average	0.04	0.05
NOj	Arithmetic Mean	0.003	0.004.
(a)	Attachment C
(b)	Concentrations in ppm except jjg/m3 for TSP. The format of
these tables is based on EPA recommendations for data
reporting as given in 40 CFR Part 58 Appendix F (44 FR 27558
May 10, 1979).
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+
N
0.5 0.25 0 0.5 1.0
SCALE IN MILES
1 • ALPETCO OR OTHER STATIONS
) ® ALYESKA STATIONS \
/ new - - 7 ^	, //-•'F C ^—K PRotostir"
/ valdez - - / S \ \ /V XOv ! J \ ^1^-ALPETCO
wso^J^X /T \ '/ \r \ '• SITE
COAST GUA ^ ^~
_J — *""\ \ ,J : • v£:?-1 ( ROBE LAKE
TERMINAL JACKSON ^^^-Te ' ^ ^
@ POINT EAST GATE \ f vO**>	
QUARRY 1 \ ->ON



LOCATION OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA SOURCE
USED IN MCRSVAL MODELING ANALYSES Figure 5.4-2

-------
Table 5.k-k
SUMMARY OF ALYESKA AIR QUALITY DATA
(Concentrations in ppm)
Coast Guard
SO
NO	n	THC	
_2	 	3	Highest 3-Hour
2	 Highest 1-Hour Highest 1-Hour	Average
Highest 3-Hour Average Highest 2't-Hour Averaqe	Averaqe	Average	(6 to 9 a.m )
9/77 - 8/78 9/78 - 6/79 9/77 - 8/78 9/78 - 6/79 9/78 - 6/79	9/78 - 6/79	9/78 - 6/79
Building	O.O't	0.10^	0.02	0.02^	0.05	0.07	0.06
Robe River	0.03^	-_(c)	0.01^	_-(c)	0.01^	O-Oe^-5	0.0^('b-)
Quarry	0.07	0.05	0.01	0.01
.(d)	__(d)	__(d)
East Gate	0.06	0.08	O.Ct	0.03	-_(d)	__(d)	__(d)
(a)	Value may have been slightly higher--instrument pegged at 100 for U hours.
(b)	Questionable data due to improper exposure.
(c)	Insufficient data.
(d)	Not monitored.

-------
Alyeska has maintained an air quality monitoring network in Valdez
since 1977; station locations are shown in Figure 5.4-2. Extensive
sulfur dioxide data and limited nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and total
hydrocarbons (THC) data are available. These data are summarized in
Table 5.4-4. Consistent with the Alpetco monitoring data, the Alyeska
data indicate that existing air quality is very good in the Valdez
area. Maximum 3-hour and 24-hour sulfur dioxide concentrations were
much below applicable standards, for example, at 20 percent and 29
percent, respectively. The maximum 1-hour nitrogen dioxide value
measured during the 10-month period from Septemter 1978 to June 1979
just matched the annual NAAQS for nitrogen dioxide, while the maximum
ozone concentration was about 60 percent of the NAAQS and the maximum
3-hour THC concentration was only 40 percent of the NAAQS for non-
methane hydrocarbons (NMHC).
5.5	ACOUSTICS
5.5.1 Noise
Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound. The characteristics of
sound and its measurements are: level (loudness), measured in decibels
(dB); frequency (pitch), measured in Hertz (Hz); and time history (the
levels of sound which occur over a particular time period), measured
using various descriptors in units of dB. Day-night sound level (Ldn)
is a 24-hour equivalent level with a 10 dB penalty applied to the hours
of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Background ambient sound level (Lb) is the noise
level on which the noise from intermittently occurring events is super-
imposed .
For purposes of comparing sound levels applicable here to human hear-
ing, a difference of 1-2 dB would be barely perceptible; 3-5 dB would
be clearly perceptible; and 7-10 dB would be an approximate halving or
doubling of loudness. The judgment of a sound's loudness is therefore
not directly proportional to the sound level, since loudness is judged
to double for each 7-10 dB increase in level.
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The result of combining two sounds, is not additive. When two sounds
are combined, the overall sound level is not normally more than 3 dB
greater than the louder component.
EPA Region 10 offers the following general noise guidelines: day-night
sound levels greater than 70 dB generally have unacceptable public
health and welfare impacts; significant adverse impacts are associated
with day-night levels of 65-70 dB; adverse impacts are associated with
day-night levels of 55-65 dB; and levels less than 55 dB generally are
acceptable. Further, increases over the present ambient levels of up
to 5 dB are considered to have slight impact; increases of 5-10 dB
would have significant impact; and increases of more than 10 dB would
have very serious impacts.
5.5.2	Noise-Sensitive Land Uses
Residential and recreational areas are the principal noise-sensitive
land uses. Robe River Subdivision is the nearest permanent residential
development to the proposed facility and Valdez Glacier Wayside camp-
ground is the nearest overnight facility (see Figure 5.5-1). There has
been an expansion considered for Robe River Subdivision for the area
, between the present subdivision and the proposed refinery site.
5.5.3	Existing Sound Levels
Sound levels in the eastern Port Valdez area are quite low, with occa-
sional vehicular traffic or light aircraft fly-overs being the only
significant sources of noise. Existing sound levels in areas adjacent
to the proposed site were monitored in April 1979. Day-night sound
level generally is in the low to mid 40 dB range except near the high-
way and airport where the Ldn is about 10 db higher. Residential areas
near large cities generally are about four times noisier (approximately
60 dB). The measured background noise level (Lb) was due primarily to
cascading water; without the waterfalls, the fall and winter Lb on
which refinery noise would be superimposed are about 24 dB at night and
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EXISTING NOISE LEVELS
Figure 5.5-1

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26 dB during the day. These levels are typical of undeveloped area;
the typical Lb in an air conditioned office is four times louder
(approximately 45 dB).
5.6	ECOSYSTEMS
This section provides information on the ecology of eastern Port
Valdez. The study area is defined as that portion of the port that
lies east of a line drawn between downtown Valdez and the Alyeska
Marine Terminal. First, the assemblages, primary production, and
trophic structures associated with the marine, freshwater, and terres-
trial ecosystems are described. These ecosystem descriptions then are
synthesized into a description of the regional ecology. Emphasis is
placed on species of commerical, recreational, or subsistence impor-
tance as well as other species of special concern. Details of field
studies in each area are presented in Appendix Vol. I.
5.6.1 Elements of the Ecosystem
Marine: This section discusses marine assemblages of the study area.
An assemblage is a group of organisms of several species that are typi-
cally found within the same habitat.
Benthos: The major benthic habitats within Port Valdez are clas-
sified as: (1) intertidal and subtidal rock, (2) intertidal mud and
sand flats, (3) subtidal mud slopes, and (4) deep sedimentary basin.
Rocky shore and a narrow subtidal shelf line much of the western half
of Port Valdez. In the east, this habitat is reduced to small patches
of rocky substrate. A broad and steep sloping incline from the basin
floor culminates in intertidal mud and sand flats, stream deltas, and
marsh lands.
The intertidal rocky habitat supports a typical temperate community of
low diversity. Brown and red algae, blue mussels, barnacles, and
snails are the visually dominant species. Many of these species ex-
hibit seasonal and spatial patterns of variation in population density.
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Barnacle densities vary throughout the fjord, probably as a result of
sediment deposition patterns. Red algae, sea stars, and sea urchins
increase in abundance toward the west, where there is less variation in
salinity. Seasonal variations in density stem from activity and repro-
ductive cycles stimulated by annual changes in temperature and photo-
period (day-length).
The rocky subtidal habitat, which is confined mainly to submerged
extensions of intertidal areas, has not been extensively studied.
Species typically found in more temperate waters have been recorded in
Port Valdez. Kelps visually dominate with about 15 to 55 percent cover
depending on the season. Invertebrate fauna in the rocky subtidal
includes sea anemones, bryozoans, and sun stars. Resident or transient
fish such as greenling, tomcod, sculpins, and ronquils are common to
this community.
The intertidal mud and sand flats of Port Valdez, though visually less
heterogenous than rocky intertidal areas, support many species of poly-
chaetes(annelid worms), crustaceans, and bivalve molluscs. Deposit
feeding species which depend on the "rain" of organic matter, such as
the worms and crustaceans, dominate in the eastern portion of Port
Valdez.
The assemblage of the mud slope is distinct from that of the intertidal
shelf, but grades into the deep sedimentary basin assemblage. The
dominant organisms in all three habitats are bivalve molluscs and poly-
chaetes. The mud slope also is used by tanner crabs for foraging and
mating, and the abundance of very young individuals indicates that this
habitat may be a nursery area. Tanner crabs are exploited commercially
in Prince William Sound, but the local population will not support a
fishery within Port Valdez.
Diversity of soft-bottom dwelling molluscs and polychaetes is greatest
in the deep subtidal of Port Valdez. Species are distributed unevenly
across the deep subtidal basin expanse, and studies have shown that
statistically distinct groups segregate along its east-west axis. The
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eastern group is dominated by deposit feeders, while the western group
is dominated by suspension feeders (Feder and Matheke, 1979). The two
areas support about equal biomass of consumers. This pattern reflects
the gradient of sediment deposition in Port Valdez, with rates highest
in the east near the mouths of glacial streams.
Notable epibenthos and nekton (highly mobile animals living on or above
the bottom) include two species of panadalid shrimp, tanner crab, and
Dungeness crab. Density, as sampled by trawl catches is lower than in
other areas of Prince William Sound (Columbia Bay and Port Etches).
Plankton: Zooplankton (animals that drift with the current)
assemblages of Port Valdez appear to be less diverse than those of
fjords on the Gulf of Alaska, though they are similar in composition
and structure. Zooplankton biomass follows the typical seasonal pat-
tern, peaking in spring in response to the phytoplankton bloom.
Phytoplankton (microscopic plants that drift with the current) assem-
blages are highly seasonal, both in species compositon and levels of
standing stocks. Typically, diatoms dominate the spring blooms, while
dinoflagellates dominate the smaller fall bloom. Midsummer and fall
production levels are relatively low due to the low salinity and high
turbidity resulting from the influx of silt-laden glacial meltwaters
(Alexander, 1979).
Marine fish: Fishes inhabitating the deepwater region of Port
Valdez are poorly known. The limited data suggest that demersal fishes
such as yellowfin sole, flathead sole, scupins, tomcod, and pollock are
moderately abundant (Smith and Stoker, 1969). Other fish occasionally
caught by fishermen include lingcod, greenling, and halibut (Alyeska,
1977). Starry flounder may constitute the most common fish found in
the intertidal. Pelagic species that migrate into Port Valdez include
red, silver, pink, chinook, and chum salmon and Pacific herring.
Marine birds: Approximately 90 bird species are found in the Port
Valdez area. Nearly two-thirds of these species are associated with
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the marine environment for at least a part of their life cycle. Most
of these species inhabit the near-shore or intertidal zone and feed on
benthic invertebrates of the shelf and slope communities. A lesser
number prey on the inshore and pelagic fish species.
The time of peak activity is during the winter months when large num-
bers of sea ducks and dabbling ducks return from inland breeding
grounds to spend the winter in near-shore areas of Port Valdez. Loons,
grebes, mergansers, gulls, and alcids also winter in this region.
Barrow's Goldeneye is the most abundant species during this time
period. Diving duck densities averaged 10.3 birds/km of shoreline in
the winter of 1977-1978 (Sangster, 1978).
The major feeding areas for these wintering birds at the east end of
Port Valdez are located at Solomon Creek and Allison Point on the south
shore, and Island Flats, east of downtown Valdez on the north shore.
Migrating geese, dabbling ducks, and some shorebirds utilize the inter-
tidal and marsh areas during spring and fall migrations. However,
their numbers are relatively low (in the hundreds).
Summer is the period of least activity for marine birds in Port Valdez.
Gulls are the predominant species and are found mainly along salmon-
spawning streams, where they feed on salmon carcasses, and around the
city landfill.
The closest large seabird colonies include a black-legged kittiwake and
Arctic tern colony at Shoup Bay near the west end of Port Valdez.
Small numbers of Arctic terns nest on the small islands off Island
Flats and along the outside beach of Valdez Harbor. Waterfowl nesting
occurs primarily in Shoup Bay, with some activity on Mineral Creek
delta.
Primary production: Rates of net primary production in Port Valdez
have been reported to be impressively high. However the general appli-
cability of earlier studies and the importance of open-water phyto-
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plankton production in Port Valdez to marine systems in Valdez Arm or
Prince William Sound is uncertain. Mudflat assemblages appear to de-
pend primarily on plant material from marsh grasses and phytoplankton.
Such assemblages also depend to a lesser degree on local benthic algae
and seagrass. This is a consequence of the bathymetry, salinity, tur-
bidity, and substrate of Port Valdez, which impose specific develop-
mental limitations on marine plant resources and restrict them primar-
ily to the western end of the port.
Trophic structure: Energy pathways for the major marine communities of
Port Valdez are short and comparatively simple. Low levels of primary
productivity limit the energy flow through the ecosystem. This is
reflected in the low species diversity and standing stocks of primary
consumers and predators. Phytoplankton, benthic diatoms, algae, sea-
grasses, and marsh and terrestrial plants all contribute to the supply
of organic energy at the base of the food web.
Energy pathways in Port Valdez are divided into two systems, linked
only at their terminal points. Both rely primarily on the consumption
of plant material. The pelagic system depends mainly on the primary
consumption of living plant material to transfer organic energy from
plant to animal tissues, as is the case in classic terrestrial food
webs. In sharp contrast, in the benthic system most of the plant mate-
rial is converted to organic debris, or detritus, by physical action
and/or microbial degradation. Detritus then is ingested by both sus-
pension feeders and deposit feeders primarily for the colonizing bac-
teria, which constitute a nitrogen-rich diet. The detritus is subse-
quently egested, usually having been ground into smaller particles. In
a few days, following bacterial recolonization, the particles may be
reingested to begin the cycle anew.
Predators on primary consumers in the shallow benthic system include
starry flounders, sea ducks, shorebirds, and sea stars. Shorebirds and
salmon fry prey on harpacticoid copepods. Starry flounder and sea
ducks feed extensively on the intertidal clams and crustaceans. Starry
flounder subsequently are eaten by seals and sea lions, and salmon fry
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are the prey of fish and diving marine birds. Few members of this
group are strict residents of the fjord. Thus, it appears that much of
the energy transformed by consumers in the shallow habitats ultimately
is transported to other systems, sometimes quite far removed from Port
Valdez.
Primary consumers of the slope and deep subtidal habitats are preyed
upon by tanner crabs, shrimp, and demersal fish such as tomcod. Preda-
tors at the next levels include fish, seals, and salmon. Seals, sea
otters, and sea lions are the ultimate predators of the system.
In the open-water assemblage, direct consumption of phytoplankton by
copepods is an important interaction. In addition to transforming
large amounts of energy, this interaction facilitates the movement of
detritus from the euphotic zone (where light levels permit photosynthe-
sis) to the deep subtidal zone. In the open waters overlying the deep
subtidal zone, two energy pathways exist. The first links chaetognaths
(a planktonic predator) with pelagic forage fish, a series of verte-
brate predators such as salmon, marine birds, seals, sea lions, killer
whales, and ultimately, with man. In the benthic detrital pathway,
tanner crabs and pandalid shrimp are important predators on primary
consumers. The benthic pathway rejoins the open-water pathway through
the same series of vertebrate predators.
Species commercially exploited by man primarily are associated with the
open-water and offshore assemblages. These assemblages include pelagic
forage fish, marine mammals and birds. In the offshore benthos, tanner
crabs and pandalid shrimp are important predators on primary consumers.
Most ecologically important interactions occur there. However, the
inshore areas support the out-migrating fry of pink and chum salmon,
which spend their first several weeks in marine shallow waters feeding
on benthic and planktonic crustaceans. At this point in their life,
they are particularly susceptible to perturbations in food supply. The
inflexible migratory patterns of salmon fry and their limited fat
reserves establish the conditions wherein gross alterations in the
quality or quantity of inshore habitat could damage seriously the sport
fishery of Port Valdez.
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Freshwater systems: The assemblages, primary production, and trophic
structures of the freshwater systems in the Valdez area vary widely
according to the river or stream system considered. Therefore, the
rivers and streams potentially affected by development of the proposed
facilities have been divided into five major groups to facilitate the
discussion of their ecological characteristics. These groups are: (1)
the Valdez Glacier Stream System; (2) Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie
Creek; (3) the Robe River; (4) the Lowe River System; and (5) addi-
tional tributaries of eastern Port Valdez.
The Valdez Glacier Stream System: The Valdez Glacier Stream Sys-
tem is that freshwater system closest to the proposed refinery. The
system includes the Valdez Glacier Stream and its two major tribu-
taries: Slater Creek and Corbin Creek (Glacier). All of the above
streams receive a major portion of their flow from glacial meltwater.
Common physical characteristics, typical for streams of glacial origin,
include high midsummer flow, little or no winter flow, and turbid water
due to the presence of glacial silt. The biological productivity of
these streams is extremely low, and within some stream sections may be
nonexistent. Documentation of fish usage is limited to one unidenti-
fied fish in Slater Creek (see the Appendix Vol. I) and a small number
of eulachon in Valdez Glacier Stream (Johnson and Rockwell, 1978).
Detailed information on ecosystem structure is lacking. Production of
plants and stream dwelling invertebrates can be assumed to be small.
An isolated portion of the upper end of Corbin Creek (Glacier) contains
clear flowing water in the winter and may sustain a minimum year-round
aquatic community. The lower portion of Corbin Creek (Glacier) freezes
to the bottom in winter.
Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek: Corbin Creek (Robe) and
Brownie Creek are two small stream systems that drain the area adjacent
to the southern boundary of the proposed refinery site and flow south
into Robe Lake. These streams derive their flows primarily from
groundwater input and are characterized by year-round discharge, clear
water, and partially ice-free conditions in the winter. Biological
communities are moderately well-developed. Corbin Creek (Robe) sup-
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ports the greatest number of silver salmon spawners (up to 4,839 fish)
of any Port Valdez drainage (ADFG, 1978) and also contains a resident
Dolly Varden population. Silver salmon spawning occurs from late
August to early November. Brownie Creek supports up to 9,188 spawning
red salmon per year (ADFG, 1977), serves as a rearing area for red and
silver salmon, and contains a large Dolly Varden population in the sum-
mer. Red salmon spawning occurs from mid-June to late September.
Information on other members of the biotic community within the above
streams is scant. Invertebrates appear to be moderately abundant.
Some production of plant matter occurs in these streams; however, it is
likely that much of the organic matter needed to support the aquatic
ecosystems is derived from the surrounding terrestrial areas (leaf
litter). The yearly input of organic matter and nutrients from salmon
carcasses undoubtedly is another important factor in sustaining produc-
tivity .
The Robe River: The Robe River, which would be crossed by the
proposed crude oil and products pipelines and service road, connects
Robe Lake with Port Valdez. Salmon are the most important biological
resource. The river serves as a migratory corridor for silver and red
salmon enroute to Robe Lake tributaries such as Corbin Creek (Robe) and
Brownie Creek, provides spawning habitat for substantial numbers of
pink and chum salmon, and provides rearing habitat for silver and red
salmon. Dolly Varden and three-spine stickleback are also present.
Other components of the biota are poorly known. The Robe River prob-
ably should be considered highly productive relative to other streams
in the vicinity.
The Lowe River System: The large Lowe River system enters Port
Valdez at its southeastern corner. Pink, chum, and silver salmon spawn
within tributaries of this glacial river. Red salmon and Dolly Varden
also use this system. The other components of the biota are poorly
known; however, biological communities are probably well-developed.
The Lowe River, like the Robe River, should be considered highly pro-
ductive.
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Additional tributaries of eastern Port Valdez: Eleven short
streams flow directly into eastern Port Valdez. All of these streams
provide spawning habitat for pink and/or chum salmon. One short stream
of particular interest is Solomon Gulch Creek, adjacent to the proposed
products dock. Moderate numbers of pink salmon spawn within the inter-
tidal zone at the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. Peak numbers occur in
odd years and spawning takes place from late June to late August.
Terrestrial assemblages
Vegetation: The vegetation occurring in and adjacent to the pro-
posed refinery site can be classified by floristic components into four
major communities (1) deciduous forest, (2) alder shrub, (3) spruce
forest, and (4) freshwater marsh; and one minor community, riparian
woodland.
Deciduous forest dominated by black cottonwood is the largest and most
widespread community in the proposed site. This plant complex occurs
throughout the central portion of the site along the floodplain of the
Valdez Glacier. This type of deciduous forest is typical of vegetation
occurring in old glacier floodplains throughout the region and appears
to be a sub-climax state of the spruce forest. All successional stages
of deciduous forest development are present in the area, ranging from
open stands of immature black cottonwood, alder, and willow (with an
understory of lichens, moss, fireweed, and grass) to mature, closed-
canopy cottonwood forest (with a dense understory of devil's club,
alder, mountain ash, and ferns). The understory, although generally
limited to the elements cited above, varies in density and species dis-
tribution within the on-site deciduous forest. The ground-cover ele-
ment of the mature cover-canopy forest typically is wintergreen.
The alder shrub community is found above the 30 m (100 ft) contour of
all mountain slopes around the refinery site. The dominant species is
alder with lesser occurrence of mountain ash and red-berried elder.
The understory is dominated by devil's club and salmonberry. Bent
grass and false helebore occur in open areas throughout this community.
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Spruce forests are the least abundant vegetation type in the vicinity
of the proposed site and are generally located in the service road/
pipeline corridor to the southeast of the refinery site. In the older
spruce forests, the species deversity is relatively low with the under-
story dominated by devil's club, alder, and marsh ferns. Blueberry,
stink current, and salmonberry are present, although relatively sparse.
Ground cover basically consists of wintergreen and enchanter's night-
shade. Spruce forests mix with deciduous forests in much of the area
south of Corbin Creek (Robe).
Riparian woodland is a minor community type that occurs along the
streams of the proposed refinery site. Vegetation occurring in ripar-
ian woodlands consists of dominant shrubs such as willow, alder, and
black cottonwood, with an occasional Sitka spruce, and an understory of
lichens, bedstraw, and horsetail. Species diversity throughout this
area is very low. The largest riparian woodland on the refinery site
is located on the east bank of Valdez Glacier Stream. Other large com-
munities in this area are located on the west bank of the Valdez Gla-
cier Stream and on the north bank of the Lowe River where it enters
Port Valdez. Smaller communities are located on Corbin Creek (Glacier)
in the eastern portion of the proposed refinery site and along Brownie
Creek. The smaller riparian communities are characterized by differing
floral compositon and closely resemble adjacent deciduous forests.
Several freshwater marshes are located on each side of the transporta-
tion/pipeline corridor south of the refinery site. The most signifi-
cant of these is located in the old bed of Robe Lake. Two smaller
marshes are located north and northwest of the Robe Lake marsh. All
these marshes are characterized by standing water and are dominated by
moss and emergent aquatic vegetation such as horsetail, buckbean, and
sedge. Decreasing water levels in Robe Lake have resulted in dramatic
increases in aquatic vegetation in the large associated marsh. The
occurrence of such freshwater marshes is unusual in the Port Valdez and
Prince William Sound areas.
Wetlands: The Corps of Engineers (COE) describes wetlands as "those
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areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted
for life in saturated soil conditions" (Federal Register Vol. 42, No.
138, Tues. 19 July 1977). The proposed project site being located
contiguous to various streams, marshes and headwaters does contain wet-
land areas that meet the above description.
Delineation of wetlands was based on COE criteria. Seasonally flooded
land, all permanently flooded land, lands of saturated soil, intertidal
lands, and lands currently supporting hydrophytic species were in-
cluded. In areas of high surface water infiltration rates and high
groundwater percolation rates, the distribution of certain plant spe-
cies was used only as a general guide. Wetland limits in these cases
were defined by the flood debris line, the silt line, or an estimate of
the one- to two-year flood recurrence elevation. In areas of braided
stream channels, the outer limits of the channel pattern were used.
Valdez Glacier Stream, Slater Creek, Corbin Creek (Glacier), Corbin
Creek (Robe), Robe River, Lowe River, Abercrombie Creek, and unnamed
tributaries attendant to these systems have wetlands which are delin-
eated as mentioned above. Figure 5.6-1 shows the wetland areas rele-
vant to the proposed project.
Mammals: Mammal diversity throughout these communities is rela-
tively low. The most common small mammal species is the red-backed
vole, which occurs in all habitats but is most abundant in the decid-
uous forest. Only two other species, the masked shrew and the tundra
vole, are found in significant concentration between the alder shrub
community and the deciduous forest.
Although 24 other species of mammals are believed to frequent this
area, the only species of major significance are the black and brown
bears. Black bears are common throughout this area in a variety of
habitats from late spring to fall. Black bears feed both on vegetation
(salmonberries, blueberries, fern and horsetail) and spawning salmon
(Mcllroy, 1970). Brown bears are also common summer residents, partic-
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N
SEASONALLY FLOODED AND WETLAND AREAS	Figure 5.6-1
if*'' OLD
VALDEZ

ROao
CORRIDOR
PIPELINE
SOLOMON
GULCH CREEK
ABERC ROBBIE
GULCH CREEK
"IVER
BARGE
DOCK
WASTE WATER
OUTFALL —
SEASONALLY FLOODED
and
WETLAND AREAS
ROBE LAKE
PRODUCTS
DOCK —

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ularly when the salmon are spawning in Corbin and Brownie Creeks.
Birds: The highest bird diversity and abundance is found in the
deciduous forest community. The common species are rather evenly dis-
tributed throughout all successional stages of the forest. However,
bird abundance is greater in the mixed-age stands, which also provide
the greatest plant diversity. Five species each of warblers and
thrushes, three species of sparrows, and red polls and juncos made up
the majority of the birds found in the deciduous forest. The riparian
woodland supports many of the same bird species as the adjacent decid-
uous forest, although abundance appears much lower in the riparian
woodland along Valdez Glacier Stream.
Bald eagles are commonly observed in the deciduous forest. However, no
recent nesting activity was noted near the proposed refinery site.
Five eagle nests are know to exist in the area. All are located in the
deciduous forest. One old nest remnant is located along Corbin Creek
at the base of the hillside. Four nests (three were inactive in 1979)
are located near Dayville Flats adjacent to the proposed pipeline
route. The fifth nest is located near Mineral Creek Road on the south
fork of Siwash Creek.
The alder shrub community of the lower slopes appears to support many
of the same bird species as the deciduous woodland. However, abundance
appears much lower, possibly due to the lack of habitat diversity in
this community.
The spruce forest has the lowest diversity of bird species. The common
species include black-capped chickadee, chestnut-backed chickadee,
golden-crowned kinglet, ruby-crowned kinglet, brown creeper, and varied
thrush. Numbers also were relatively low.
The freshwater marsh surrounding Robe Lake provides feeding and nesting
habitat for loons, grebes, and several species of ducks. The most com-
mon bird utilizing this area is the red-necked grebe. The most unusual
species found in the study area was the red-winged blackbird, which
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occurred exclusively in this habitat type.
Primary production: The community with the highest primary production
appears to be the alder shrub community, with its dense annual growth
of alder, ferns and bent grass. This high net production is of major
importance in the development of soils. The deciduous forest also
appears to have relatively high primary production. This is consistent
with the observed tendency for net productivity in newly established
communities to be high due to the high ratio of producer to consumer
(Odura, 1959).
Once the stability of the climax community has been attained, such as
in the spruce forest, net production is relatively low with primary
production approximating the community respiration (Odum, 1959).
Trophic structure: The trophic structure of the terrestrial ecosystems
is basically simple, with plant species assimilating large amounts of
organic material during the summer months and thereby providing the
basis of the food web. During this period, consumption rates of the
major primary consumer species such as insects, birds, voles, and bears
is at its highest. Both the black and brown bears browse on vegetation
for part of the season and feed heavily on salmon during the spawning
season. Birds are also important secondary consumers in the system,
feeding heavily on the insect population during the summer months.
Raptorial birds and carnivores do not appear to be of major importance
in this system, perhaps due to low numbers of resident prey species.
5.6.2 Regional Synthesis
The regional ecology of the Valdez area is complex. The several eco-
systems involved are in one sense independent in that different sorts
of factors operate to limit production, and in another sense dependent
on each other due to the variety of interrelationships.
Seasonal climatic factors exert a strong influence on terrestrial sys-
tems. Most of the primary production, energy flow, and animal activity
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occurs during the summer months. In contrast, the marine and perpetu-
ally flowing freshwater ecosystems are influenced less by extremes in
temperature and snowfall. The Port Valdez marine environment has a
peak primary production in spring followed by a drastic reduction in
summer because of increased suspended sediments. Energy flow through
the higher food chain levels occurs all year within the marine system.
The productivity of the Valdez area as a whole is probably moderate
relative to other Alaska coastal areas.
The freshwater ecosystems appear to be the most dependent on other sys-
tems. Organic matter supplied to streams by the surrounding forest and
by the annual salmon migrations provide an energy base upon which
higher levels in the food web can build. The salmon provide an ecolog-
ical link between the open ocean, estuarine, freshwater, and finally
terrestrial ecosystems, where they are consumed by bears and other
animals. Some flow of energy and nutrients also occurs in the reverse
direction as streams carry organic matter and chemicals from the forest
to the sea. Salt marshes and other intertidal habitats supply impor-
tant quantities of plant matter to detritus-based benthic communities
within the mudflats and deepwater areas. Birds and marine mammals
feeding within the estuary transport energy to other ecosystems, some-
times far removed from Valdez.
5.6.3 Field programs
This section provides a brief description of field studies undertaken
to establish baseline data about the proposed project area. Details of
the programs and finds are in the Appendix Vol. 1.
Marine: Various alternative sites were surveyed intertidally and sub-
tidally using quantitative sampling techniques and complemented with
qualitative visual assessments.
Freshwater: Limited field investigations were conducted to determine
the characteristics of freshwater aquatic habitats near the proposed
refinery site. Some additional information of these habitats was col-
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lected during the salmon fry dispersion studies.
Terrestrial: Field programs were conducted in the project area to
determine the characteristics of terrestrial communities and ecosys-
tems. Small mammal characteristics were determined by transect sam-
pling and a limited qualitative mapping survey. Characteristics of the
bird and large mammal populations were determined by random qualitative
evaluation. Vegetation and characteristics were determined by transect
sampling.
5.6.4 Commerical, Recreational, and Subsistence Use of Systems
Marine: Commercial salmon fishing in Port Valdez has been closed since
the mid-1950s to protect spawning stock. However, pink and chum salmon
are fished in Valdez Arm and in eastern Prince William Sound using
purse seines. Utilizing average escapements and assuming that contri-
bution to the fishery is proportional to escapement, it has been calcu-
lated that approximately 20 percent of the pink salmon caught in that
fishery during odd years is contributed by the major Island Flats
streams (City Limits, Siwash, Loop Road No. 1, and Loop Road No. 2) and
the Lowe River and Robe Lake systems (Dames and Moore, 1979). The
largest pink salmon escapement of any stream in the eastern management
district for 1973 and 1975 was in Siwash Creek (Pirtle, 1977). Also,
about 1 percent of the chum salmon harvested commercially are contri-
buted by the Island Flats streams (Dames and Moore, 1979).
The once-substantial commercial salmon fishery may be enchanced in the
future by the Valdez Fisheries Development Association. The associa-
tion in the fall of 1979 constructed a pink and chum salmon incubation
facility with a capacity for 1-1/2 million eggs adjacent to City Limits
Creek, and, pending additional funding, plans to construct a similar
facility near Solomon Gulch. In late September 1979 the association
was filing permit applications for the Solomon Gulch facility.
A very intensive salmon sport fishery exists in Port Valdez during July
and August. The major species fished include the silver salmon (which
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spawn in the Robe Lake and Lowe River systems) and pink and chum sal-
mon. Additional species fished recreationally include saltwater fish,
such as halibut and red snapper, as well as Dolly Varden char entering
stream in the fall
A minor subsistence fishery for halibut and Dungeness crab exists.
Most of the fishing for the latter occurs near the eastern end of Port
Valdez.
Freshwater: Difficult access combined with the long-standing closure
of Port Valdez tributary streams to salmon fishing has prevented recre-
ational or subsistence utilization of fish resources within streams on
or near the proposed refinery site. Some sportfishing for Dolly Varden
occurs in the Robe River and Robe Lake. In addition, some future
potential may exist for a Dolly Varden sportfishery in Brownie Creek.
The Robe Lake system, including Corbin Creek (Robe), Brownie Creek, and
the Robe River, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for
salmon species that contribute to the sport and commercial marine sal-
mon fishery described above. Other tributary streams of eastern Port
Valdez also provide salmon habitat. The proposed products dock would
be constructed about 610 m (2,000 ft) east of the mouth of one such
stream: Solomon Gulch Creek.
Terrestrial: Hunting is permitted in areas 1.6 km (1 mi) or greater
from the Richardson Highway. Potential hunting pressure on black bear
is considered high is the Valdez area while potential hunting pressure
on moose, generally occurring in the Lowe River Valley, is considered
low. Mountain goat are hunted heavily in the surrounding mountains.
Migratory waterfowl hunting occurs on the north side of Robe Lake
(Brantley, 1979). Sport trapping of land otter, lynx, wolverine, and
mink exists in the Valdez area.
The habitat in the spruce forest along the corridor is suitable for
blueberry and salmonberry picking.
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5.6.5 Species of Special Concern
Marine: All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Pro-
tection Act of 1972, which prohibits the taking (except by natives) of
any species. Marine mammals found in Port Valdez include harbor seal,
sea otter, Steller (Northern) sea lion (Pitcher, 1975; Dames and
Moore, 1979), harbor and Dall porpoise, and killer whale (Perkins,
1979). Minke and hump-backed whales may use Port Valdez infrequently.
Sea birds are protected under various treaties and acts, including the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (as amended), the Japanese-United
States Migratory Bird Treaty, and the Canadian-United States Migratory
Bird Treaty. These treaties specifically prohibit destruction of the
birds, the taking of their eggs, and any harassment that leads to mor-
tality.
The American bald eagle is protected under the Bald Eagle Act of 1940,
as amended in 1972. The act prohibits harassment or destruction of the
birds, their eggs, and nests. It has been an accepted practice in
Alaska to impose a protective zone of 91 m (300 ft) around nest trees
on federal property. Human activities that could potentially disturb
bald eagles are discouraged within this zone. Such activities include
logging, development of industrial site, use of chemicals toxic to
eagles, and even human entry into the zone during critical nesting or
breeding periods. There are five known American bald eagle nests
(three were inactive in 1979) in the vicinity. The locations of these
nests are described above in the bird subsection of Section 5.6.1.
Freshwater: The four Pacific salmon species inhabiting freshwater hab-
itats within the proposed development area are all of special concern
because of their economic and ecological importance. Silver salmon,
the most important sport fish species, are the most vulnerable because
of limited spawning and rearing habitat primarily in Corbin Creek
(Robe). Red salmon from the remnant Robe Lake population are not com-
mercially important at present; however, the potential exists for
enhancement and possible future exploitation. Pink and chum salmon are
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the most abundant species.
Terrestrial: Endangered species that may migrate through the Valdez
area in the spring and fall include two peregrine falcon subspecies:
Falco peregrinus anatum and F. peregrinus tundrius. Falco peregrinus
pealei nests in Prince William Sound but is not considered an endan-
gered species (Benfield, 1979). There are no records of endangered
species in the project area (see Section 9.4).
Black bear and brown bear are found in the Valdez area. The latter is
particularly common along Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek near
Robe Lake. Both bear species frequent garbage dumps and occasionally
raid human dwellings (it is well documented that bears have attacked
and injured people in the Valdez area). Brown bear, in particular, are
known for incompatibility with human activity and, as such, constitute
a species of special concern.
5.7	ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL FEATURES
A three-part program was designed to locate significant historic and
prehistoric sites within the proposed project area. A literature
search, focused on habitat parameters, was followed by helicopter re-
connaissance and an on-the-ground archaeological survey search for
significant historic and prehistoric features. In addition, several
Valdez residents were questioned concerning their knowledge of possible
significant sites in the project area. No significant historic or
prehistoric sites were revealed through the literature review, the sur-
veys or the interviews with Valdez residents.
5.7.1 National Register of Historic Places
Consultation with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Office pro-
duced confirmation that no sites listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, or known to be eligible for listing on the Register,
are located within the boundaries of the project area and related off-
site facilities.
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5.7.2 Archaeological Resources
Archaeological research has demonstrated human presence along the North
Pacific Rim since at least early Holocene times (the period since the
last major glaciation, roughly the past 10 thousand years) and possibly
earlier. Late Holocene times saw the occupation of Pacific Eskimos
along the shores of Prince William Sound. Athapaskan speaking Indians
(Eyak and Ahtna) inhabited the adjacent interior regions.
Aboriginal population along Prince William Sound remained undisturbed
until the search for precious metals brought hundreds of prospectors to
Port Valdez. An overland trail quickly became established over the
Valdez Glacier, and the Gold Rush of 1898 saw it clogged with men and
supplies.
The U. S. Army quickly recognized the need for an alternate route to
Interior Alaska, and in 1899 work was begun on what was to become known
as the Richardson Trail. Within the first two decades of the Twentieth
Century, three unsuccessful attempts were made to construct a rail link
between the Port of Valdez and the newly discovered copper fields at
the headwaters of the Copper River.
Later gold rushes, farther inland, helped maintain a flow of men and
goods through Valdez and along the then-completed Richardson Trail.
Hard-rock miners attempted to unlock the minerals from the mountains
surrounding Valdez, and fishermen began to fish the rich waters of
Prince William Sound.
Valdez tradition, anchored in the historic events just described, is
revealed through a well preserved material culture record. Much of
this record is housed in the municipal museum. A search of the pro-
posed refinery site and pipeline and access corridors revealed no
record of the historical events which created Valdez. A concentrated
effort also produced no documentation of the prehistoric peoples pre-
sumed to have inhabited the region.
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5.8	SOCIOECONOMICS
This section describes baseline conditions dealing with population and
employment, public sector revenue and taxation, public services, land
use and housing, transportation and utilities. Subjects are discussed
at the state, regional and local levels, as appropriate to the prob-
ability of impact.
The planning horizon adopted for the study is 1979-1990, a period with-
in which trends can be extrapolated with some degree of confidence.
During this time frame, the Alpetco project could have been built and
in operation for a period of six years, and nearly all requirements to
serve the new population with housing and public services would have
been met.
5.8.1	Population Characteristics
The population of Valdez has fluctuated dramatically in the past decade
because of the local construction boom associated with the trans-Alaska
pipeline and marine terminal. From a town of approximately 1,000
people in 1969, Valdez grew to some 8,000 inhabitants (temporary and
permanent) in mid-1976. The 1978 population of Valdez certified by the
Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs was 4,481, although
a recent census and estimates based on such factors as current labor
force size, occupied dwellings and school enrollment suggest fewer
full-time permanent residents. A base population of 3,350 is assumed
in this study. Growth without the proposed project is assumed to occur
at 3 percent per year after 1979.
Residents of Valdez are predominantly working age; 89.9 percent are
Caucasian; 5.4 percent are Alaska Native; and the balance are other
minorities.
5.8.2	Employment and Economic Base
In its early years Valdez was an important transportation link to
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Interior Alaska. This role diminished with construction of the Alaska
Railroad from Seward to Fairbanks, and with the emergence of Anchorage
at the largest city in Alaska. In the years immediately preceding con-
struction of the trans-Alaska pipeline, government was by far the larg-
est employer in Valdez (69 percent of total). Government continues to
be the largest employer, but its relative importance has declined (now
about 29 percent of total). Employment in the transportation sector,
which includes approximately 250 full-time Alyeska terminal employees,
numbers 283 (22 percent of total) (see Table 5.8-1). The City of
Valdez recently has undertaken a major port development project in
hopes of recapturing its former role as a transportation center.
5.8.3	Public Revenues and Expenditures
The City of Valdez has a very high assessed value per capita ($372,589
compared with the statewide average assessed value of $47,342) because
of the presence of the Alyeska marine terminal and the comparatively
small city population. As a result, Valdez supports a comparatively
high level of municipal services. For example, in 1978 Valdez spend
almost twice as much per capita as did Anchorage on general government,
and more than three times as much per capita on capital improvements.
While Valdez had more than twice as much bonded debt in 1978 as did
Anchorage, this debt represented only .75 percent of its total property
valuation, in contrast to 4.38 percent for Anchorage.
5.8.4	Public Service and Facilities
Many of the public services and facilities available in Valdez today
were developed to meet needs arising from the pipeline construction
boom and its aftermath.
The health care needs of Valdez are met by the 15-bed Valdez Community
Hospital, the Valdez Mental Health Center, and the Harborview Develop-
mental Center, which is a state facility for the mentally and physi-
cally handicapped. Three physicians, a dentist and an optometrist pro-
vide medical care which is supplemented by a public health nurse and by
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Tab I e
EMPLOYMENT
CITY OF VALDEZ
5.8-1
EST I MATES
1968 and 1978
	1968	 	1978	
I ndustry	 Number Percent Number Percent
Mi n i ng
0
-
0
-
Construct i on
15
k.7
209
16.3
Manufactur i ng
10
3.1
0
-
XT ransportat i on


35
22. 0

15
k.7
283
22.0
>cCommunication & Utilities


35
2.7
Wholesale Trade
8
2.5
6
O.if
Reta i1 Trade
23
7.2
218
17.0
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
3
0.9
28
2.3
Serv i ces
26
8.1
102
7.9
Government
220
68.8
kOk
31.^
Tota 1
320
100
1, 285
100
x Transportation, communications and
ut i1i t i es
comb i ned
i n
1968 data.
1968 data source: Alaska Department of Economic Development
(now Commerce and Economic Development), Standard Industr i a I
Survey of VaIdez, 1969.
1978 data source: City of Valdez, OveralI Economi c Development
PI an, June 1978 (full-time employment).
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specialists who visit Valdez periodically. Emergency medical care is
provided by the Emergency Service Team, an organization of trained vol-
unteers .
Valdez has grammar, junior high and senior high schools. Since the
grammer school has had to rely on 12 modular classroom units to sup-
plement its permanent classrooms, the school board in August 1979
authorized the construction of a 24-classroom elementary school de-
signed for approximately 500 students, and a seven-classroom school to
teach approximately 90 residents of Harborview Developmental Center.
The Division of Social Services of the State of Alaska Department of
Health and Social Services employs one social worker in Valdez on a
part-time basis.
The Fire Department has a full-time paid staff of four, supplemented by
56 volunteers. With fire stations in four locations in the city, the
department has adequate capacity to meet current and projected needs,
including Alpetco-related population growth.
The size of the Police Department grew to meet the increased demand for
service during the pipeline era. At present, the department has 13
full-time officers and five full-time dispatchers. New jail facilities
are under construction scheduled to be completed in December 1979.
5.8.5 Land Use
The purpose of this section is to examine land use and development pat-
terns in the region and in Valdez, with an emphasis on long-term
changes and emerging patterns of land use in Valdez. This section also
describes scenic and recreation resources in the region.
Regional land use and resource development: With the exception of iso-
lated communities, most of the area around Valdez is wilderness (see
Figure 3.2-1). Southwest of the city is the Chugach National Forest.
To the north and east are mountains and glaciers of the Chugach Moun-
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tains, much of which has been selected for ownership by Ahtna Regional
Native Corporation. Widely separated communities in the area include
Cordova, 72 km (45 mi) southwest, the native village of Tatitlek, 37 km
(23 mi) south, and Glennallen, 160 km (100 mi) north of Valdez. A
fisheries-related economy supports most residents of towns in Prince
William Sound, with secondary support coming from government, tourism,
private services, timber and mineral development - not necessarily in
that order. Most employment in Valdez is derived from government and
the transportation industry (which includes the Alyeska Pipeline Ser-
vice Company). Because of its isolation from other towns in the region
and its ties to state government, Valdez influences and is influenced
more by its connections to cities outside of the region, than by any
activities within the region.
With respect to resource development feasibility in remote areas, prox-
imity to a nearby community is not normally an important factor. Al-
though there might be significant timber and mineral resources in the
area, the actual presence or scarcity of a resource is less important
than are other variables. Available export markets, restrictions on
land ownership and use, climatic conditions, and transportation prob-
lems all affect the feasibility and timing of resource development.
Valdez, for example, hopes to overcome some of these limitations by
construction of new port facilities for export of agricultural products
and timber which could be trucked over the Richardson Highway from in-
land locations.
Analyses which consider all of these factors, however, indicate little
potential for significant new resource development in the region during
the assumed 1990 impact horizon of the proposed Alpetco facility. The
Alaska Department of Natural Resources estimates that most coastal tim-
ber and mineral resources will not be developed for at least 25 years
in Price William Sound. With respect to fisheries, historical statis-
tics confirm a major decline in overall numbers of fish (increases in
harvest in recent years were not due to an increase in the resource,
but to greater numbers of boats operating) (Alaska Department of Trans-
portation and Public Facilities [ADOTPF]). Isolated mineral claims
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north of Valdez are mostly inactive, and areas of highest mineral de-
velopment potential are in the Wrangell Mountains, 160 km (100 mi) to
the northeast (ADEC, Division of Water Programs, 1978). Timber devel-
opment potential, with the exception of approximately 40 hectares (100
acres) southeast of Port Valdez is rated low (ADOTPF, Oct. 1978).
Although some resource development is possible (e.g., timber and min-
eral development on regional and village-selected lands near Tatitlek,
or construction of new fish hatcheries to reverse declining salmon
yields), it is not expected to significantly impact settlement patterns
in Valdez or in other communities in the region.
Scenic resources: The Prince William Sound region is characterized by
steep-walled fjords (Port Valdez) and glaciers, and dense coastal for-
ests. Port Valdez is a 5 km (3 mi)-wide glaciated fjord extending
east-west about 22 km (14 mi). At its eastern end, mountains rise
quickly to a height of 900 to 1,500 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft) from the
river deltas and level glacial moraines which support the built-up and
developable portion of the city.
Port Valdez has been given the name "Switzerland of Alaska" because of
its fine views of mountains, glaciers and rivers. The most prominent
views are generally directed across Port Valdez from either the Rich-
ardson Highway or Dayville Road. Consequently, views across the water
are obstructed more by development along the water's edge than by
inland development. However, the large scale of the mountains tends to
diminish the size of even such large installation as the Alyeska marine
terminal.
Lower Solomon Gulch Falls, adjacent on the west to the proposed prod-
ucts dock, is one of the major scenic values of the area.
Recreation resources: Numerous opportunities exist for sportfishing,
hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, and boating in the vicinity of Val-
dez. Most activity focuses upon existing and proposed facilities of
federal, state or local agencies.
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Recreational use patterns in the nearby Chugach National Forest are
changing. Access by boat or plane now accounts for an estimated 5,000
user-days per year in the Columbia Glacier Unit of the forest and
12,000 user days per year in the Fidalgo/Gravina Unit. However, the
forest service has placed these two management units in a "further
planning" category for additional study of the merits of wilderness
classification. If the pending Forest Land Management Plan calls for
such a designation, the use of snow machines would be prohibited; new
cabins, docks or campsites would not be permitted; and existing cabins
would be eliminated (USDA Forest Service, June 1978).
The Alaska Division of Parks, however, is proposing a system of marine
parks in the National Forest which, if implemented, would increase
recreational usage. As of August 1979, none of the four proposed parks
in the vicinity of Valdez, of the total of 64 proposed in Southeast and
Southcentral Alaska, had been approved by the Forest Service (Johan-
nsen, April 1979).
Within the city limits of Valdez, the State Division of Parks provides
campsites west of Valdez Glacier Stream, 101 spaces maintain by the
city and three other sites (totaling 12 spaces) in Keystone Canyon,
where a new state park is also proposed (ADNR, Parks Division, 1976).
While there are not immediate plans to expand the existing campsites, a
total of 150 spaces, three picnic areas and trails totaling 110 km (70
mi) are among the proposed park improvements. The city has projected a
total of $50 thousand in its 1983-84 budget for development of the park
itself, although the Recreation Department believes that the narrow
canyon cannot accommodate campgrounds as large as the state has envi-
sioned (Rutherford, 1979). The City of Valdez is in the process of
significantly expanding its recreational facilities. Boat slips at the
Valdez Small Boat Harbor were increased from 180 to 349 in 1978, in
response to a demand for spaces for larger pleasure crafts. Additional
expansion is possible within the harbor (100 spaces or at a new loca-
tion east of the harbor (Valdez Harbormaster, 1979).
Since recreational facilities were described by community residents as
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"very inadequate" in 1975 (Baring-Gould and Bennet, 1976), numerous
facilities such as parks, playgrounds, outdoor and indoor athletic
facilities, trails, and a ski area have been built. The city's 1978-79
$400 thousand recreation budget includes a $100 thousand camper park
proposed on University of Alaska land near the Small Boat Harbor, a new
ski area, bike path construction, and a multipurpose indoor athletic
facility. Construction of facilities proposed in the five-year budget
of the department ($28.5 million) should further improve the livability
of the city and accommodate the needs of a significantly larger popu-
lation (Rutherford, 1979).
Valdez City land use: Developed areas account for a relatively small
part of the present 450 sq km (174 sq mi) jurisdictional limits of
Valdez (see Figure 5.8-1). Industrial development, including the
Alyeska terminal, port and storage depot, accounts for approximately
1,000 hectares (2,500 acres). The airport limits cover 320 hectares
(800 acres), and housing covers 185 hectares (460 acres). Public uses
such as the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and Har-
borview hospital occupy 25 hectares (65 acres). Housing is inter-
spersed with industrial use in the area of the airport and the old
townsite.
Nearly all of the land proposed for development by Alpetco for the
refinery, pipeline alignments, products dock and access road alignments
is undeveloped land. Open space and water areas account for fully 85
percent of the land within the city limits.
Residential land use: Available residential land become both essential
and difficult to provide during periods of rapid industrial growth, a
problem that confronted Valdez during the construction of the trans-
Alaska pipeline. Between 1974 and 1976, Valdez faced a severe housing
shortage: trailers "squatted" on available land; single-family zoning
often was set aside to accommodate temporary (mobile home or trailer)
housing; and the value of existing single-family housing rapidly in-
creased. Mobile homes are considered an inappropriate form of housing
in Valdez because of high winds that can make them unstable, and heavy
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N
EXISTING LAND USE
Figure 5.8-1

-------
snow loads which can damage roofs or frames (Schmidt, 1979).
A housing survey undertaken in May 1979 revealed Valdez has 970 occu-
pied housing units, of which 738 are owner-occupied and 232 are rented.
The present vacancy rate is 3.1 percent, which indicates little avail-
able housing to accommodate new population growth.
Outside of the new townsite, in the Zook Subdivision and Airport Area
(Subarea 2), the Robe River Subdivision (Subarea 3) and the Alpine
Woods and Nordic Subdivisions (Subarea 4), single-family mobile homes
and trailers are the dominant housing types (see Figure 5.8-2).
Details of the housing survey are presented in Appendix Vol. II.
Emerging land use patterns in Valdez: Since the completion of the
Alyeska pipeline terminal, the city has sought to encourage new eco-
nomic growth and development. First, many improvements have been made
to roads, utilities, schools and recreational facilities to better
serve existing and future residents. Second, the city plans to lease
portions of its municipal land entitlement to private developers for
residential and industrial development. A total of 1,943 hectares
(4,800 acreas) of land are expected to be conveyed to the City of
Valdez by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Lands Division,
under authority of the Municipal Entitlement Act (Section 29.18 as
amended). Of the 4,800 acres, approximately 1,400 acres comprising the
Alpetco site should be conveyed by the end of 1979 (see Figure 5.8-3).
Land use planning: Development of these and other land areas in Valdez
will be guided by four land use planning mechanisms which are now being
developed: the new City Comprehensive Plan, the City District Coastal
Management Program, the federal Flood Hazard Analysis, and the city's
new zoning ordinance.
The new Comprehensive Plan is due for completion in the summer of 1980.
According to the Planning Director, the plan will project new residen-
tial development west of Hazelet Street to and across Mineral Creek,
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N
EXISTING and PROPOSED CITY OWNED LANDS
Figure 5.8-3

-------
and industrial development in the old Valdez townsite/airport area
(Schmidt, 1979).
The District Coastal Management Program, an element of the Comprehen-
sive Plan being developed by the city, is mandated under the Alaska
Coastal Management Act of 1977 as amended (Chapter 84, Section
46.35.030).
The purpose of the plan is to establish policies and regulations to
guarantee the orderly, balanced utilization of coastal resources and
sound economic development within a coastal zone of direct interaction
and direct influence. This zone corresponds to the 455 m (1,500 ft)
contour elevation, or essentially all developable land in Valdez. The
plan is not expected to prevent development within the new residential
and industrial area identified above, but could affect the siting of
individual buildings. For example, the geophysical hazards could pre-
sent some limitations to construction at the old townsite where damage
from the 1964 earthquake was more severe (Prasse, 1979).
Until the plan is completed and approved by the Alaska Department of
Community and Regional Affairs and the state legislature, development
proposals such as the Alpetco project will be subject to compliance
with the U. S. Coastal Zone Management Act and the state's federally
approved Coastal Zone Management Program. The proposed project is
being reviewed by the Office of Coastal Managment within the Governor's
Division of Policy Development and Planning.
Additional limitations on development and construction are possible due
to flood potential. A study conducted for the U. S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development Federal Insurance Administration (HUD,
FIA) in 1978 delineated flood zones representing base flood elevations
for a hypothetical 100-year flood. The community must use the eleva-
tions shown on the Flood Hazard Map (Figure 6.2-1) as the minimum fin-
ished floor elevation for any new construction. These elevations indi-
cate various degrees of flood potential in much of Valdez. Because
the city's position is that the published flood elevations are overly
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conservative, it has undertaken a one-year study to refine the FIA maps
on the basis on new on-site data.
Under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1978 and the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973, communities must adopt floodplain management
measures in flood hazard areas identified by such analyses. No federal
assistance is available for development in floodplains if the community
does not modify its local building standards to require floodproof new
construction.
The potential for serious flooding has clear implications for land use
in Valdez. If projected flood elevations are high enough to make
building construction impractical, areas may be diked or new construc-
tion prohibited. For example, a three-meter-high dike is planned along
the entire western boundary of the proposed Alpetco refinery to prevent
site flooding from Valdez Glacier Stream. The flood hazard study is
discussed further in Section 6.2.
A new zoning ordinance is being written for the City of Valdez which,
among other things, will respond to the floodplain studies, increase
residential densities in areas now zoned for residential use, expedite
conditional use applications, create new industrial zones, and elimi-
nate inconsistencies between existing zoning and actual use. While
this ordinance will define the parameters for land use within each
zone, the zoning plan which establishes the boundaries of the zones
will not be written until completion of the Comprehensive Plan. If the
ordinance is adopted, residential densities would be increased in areas
with public water and sewer service. For example, duplex lots would be
allowed on single-family lots in current RA Residential Zone areas such
as Robe River Subdivision (south of the proposed Alpetco site), and the
area west of Hazelet Street in the downtown area. Townhouses also
would be allowed under conditional use in an RA Zone. Plans to
increase building densities respond to the limited availability of
developable land and to the public cost of providing utilities to
isolated or low-density subdivisions. New industrial zones also will
be created to accommodate petroleum-related and other potential indus-
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tries.
5.8.6 Transportation Systems
Land: The two-lane Richardson Highway is the principal component of
the Valdez road system, with an average daily traffic (ADT) in 1978 of
5,200 in central Valdez. Volumes decline to 4,325 ADT at mile 7.0
beyond Dayville Road, and 1,600 ADT at Mile 17, Keystone Canyon.
Trucks account for 12.5 percent of traffic close to Valdez and 18 per-
cent east of Dayville Road. Traffic volumes in Valdez are expected to
increase at the pre-pipeline rate of about 3 to 5 percent per year (or
2,100 ADT) for all vehicles, in the absence of proposed Alpetco devel-
opment. These increases would not materially affect the capacity of
the Highway, estimated at 1,700 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Planned improvements to the highway include a bridge in Keystone Canyon
to bypass the existing narrow tunnel and sharp curves, and accelera-
tion-deceleration lanes at the Valdez Airport Road intersection. Work
in Keystone Canyon is under way, scheduled for completion in the summer
of 1980.
Air: The Valdez Airport has a 1,515 m (5,000 ft) east-west runway and
is located approximately 6.4 km (4 mi) east of downtown. It is owned
and maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities. The airport handled approximately 20 thousand flight
operations in 1978 (70 percent of which took place between April and
September), which is well below its estimated capacity of 100-200
thousand per year (FAA, 1979). Three air carriers provide scheduled
service between Valdez and Anchorage with one route via Cordova. All
use twin-engine aircraft, most of which carry eight to nine passengers.
In the summer of 1979, about 53 to 58 direct round trips were made each
week to Anchorage, and about seven round trips per week were made to
Anchorage by way of Cordova. The carriers operate at about 55 percent
of seat capacity during the winter months and 60 percent for the summer
(Polar Airlines, 1979).
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Improvements to the airport should significantly improve operations. A
DMV-VOR instrument landing system was installed in 1979, and a 457 m
(1,500 ft) runway extension is planned for the summer of 1980 to bring
the total length to 1,981 m (6,500 ft). The planned instrument landing
system would not provide for all-weather operations, because the moun-
tains are too close to allow recovery from a missed approach. However,
the installation is estimated to reduce the number of cancelled flights
due to winter weather from 30 percent to approximately 10 percent.
Experience during 1977, the peak year of airport operations, showed the
air carriers were able to accommodate substantial increases in demand
as they occurred. One airline operated Boeing 727 jets on a scheduled
basis during the peak pipeline construction period. The existing oper-
ations schedule would be able to absorb increased demand of about 50
percent.
Marine: The Alaska Marine Highway system provides ferry service to
Valdez and five other cities. The MV Bartlett, operating between
Valdez and Whittier, has a capacity of 170 passengers and 38 standard
passenger vehicles. The Bartlett carries 75 percent of its traffic in
June, July and August, when it frequently operates at capacity. Since
most of the passengers are tourists who have reserved space long in
advance, little opportunity exists for local residents to use the
ferry.
The Alaska Railroad, which transports passengers and vehicles between
Whittier and Anchorage, also operates near capacity during these
months. As current rates of demand increase, ferry capacity on the run
is expected to be reached in 1980 or 1981 (ADOTPF, 1978). The state
marine highway division has no plans to replace the Bartlett with a
larger vessel or to add additional vessels to this route.
5.8.7 Utilities Systems
Valdez*s sewer, water, solid waste, power and telephone systems have
surplus capacity.
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Sanitary sewer: The City of Valdez operates a numicipal sewage treat-
ment plant located in the center of the old Valdez townsite. Beginning
operation in 1976, the facility consists of a three-pond aerated lagoon
system that provides secondary treatment. Rated capacity of the plant
is 1.25 mgd.
The city provides sewer service to all of the new townsite, the airport
and adjacent trailer parks, and to the Zook Subdivision (see Figure
5.8-4). The efficiency of the sewage treatment plant declines in win-
ter as a result of increased domestic water use for freeze prevention
and reduced bacterial action resulting from Low temperatures in the
settling lagoons.
Areas relying on septic tank disposal include the Robe Rive, Alpine
Woods and Nordic subdivisions. Because of a high water table, there
are periodic problems of well-water contamination (Schmidt, 1979).
Water system: The water system in Valdez is characterized by the
availability of enormous quantities of high-quality subsurface water
and by a water distribution system that has significant problems. The
most important problem is that water lines were not buried at a depth
sufficient to prevent freezing in winter. To prevent pipe freezing,
Valdez residents keep their water taps partially open, using 200 thou-
sand gpd and so diluting the effluent in the sewer system that it is
difficult to treat the sewage.
The city provides water service to both the new townsite and the area
surrounding the Valdez airport, as is shown in Figure 5.8-4. Other
areas rely on domestic wells.
Solid Waste: Valdez uses city property at the old townsite as a dis-
posal area for solid waste. Since the landfill is nearing capacity,
the city is examining other sites, as well as alternative processes of
disposal.
Electricity: Electrical service in Valdez is provided by Copper Valley
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N
MUNICIPAL SEWER and WATER SYSTEMS
Figure 5.8-4

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Electric Association (CVEA). The source of electricity is seven diesel
generators with an installed capacity of 10.1 megawatts (mw). Peak
demand occurs during the winter months; in 1979, peak demand was 3.9
mw. The greatest peak demand ever recorded was A.875 mw and occurred
in December 1976, when Valdez had a population of approximately 8,000
persons.
CVEA has 32 miles of distribution line in Valdez and covers a service
area that includes the downtown business and residential section and
extends out the Richardson Highway approximately 16 km (10 mi) to
Alpine Woods Subdivision. No significant limitations exist to the
extension of electrical services to areas zoned for development.
The completion of a new CVEA hydroelectric project in 1981 at Solomon
Gulch on the south side of Port Valdez will both increase the capacity
of the electrical system, and reduce dependence on diesel oil as a fuel
source.
Telephone: Installation of new equipment by the Copper Valley Tele-
phone Cooperative in 1977 eliminated the local and long-distance tele-
phone problems Valdez experienced during construction of the Alyeska
pipeline and marine terminal. Existing equipment has surplus capacity
which, when necessary, can be increased by the purchase of additional
equipment.
5.8.8 Life-Style and Culture:
From the time of its founding in the late 1890s, Valdez has had a dis-
tinct merchant orientation that distinguishes it from other coastal
communities, which have a strong fishing industry. Valdez's commitment
to the transportion and industrial development is an important aspect
of the life-style of the community. Despite the problems that beset
Valdez during the construction of the pipeline and marine terminal, the
community's pro-development attitudes persist (Valdez Vanguard, Nov. 9,
1977; Anchorage Times, April 11, 1979; Alaska Industry, March 1979).
Impacts of pipeline development are discussed in the Appendix Vol. II.
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6 Environmental Consequences


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6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

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6.1	GEOTECHNICAL
6.1.1	Short-Term Effects
The gravel requirement for construction purposes and riprap for dike
facing are not expected to exceed 1 million cu m (1.3 million cu yd).
Any material excavated from the site and suitable for fill or riprap
would be used on site with the balance coming from local commercial
sources. No other short-term impacts are expected.
6.1.2	Long-Term Effects
Seasonal frost heave is generally a minimal hazard due to the coarse
and well drained nature of the soils found on much of the site. The
design and construction should be such that differential movement can
be tolerated by and between vessels, pipelines, connections and miscel-
laneous items whose foundations are not specifically protected from
freezing. The site soils generally have a low potential for frost
heave.
The response of irregularly shaped alluvial filled valleys to earth-
quake excitation is varied and complex (Seed and Idriss, 1968; Idriss,
Seed, Sherff 1974). Moreover, the various components of the proposed
facility (cracking towers, storage tanks, pipelines, etc.) would
respond quite differently to the same earthquake motion in both their
frequency of vibration and their elastic deformations. If final design
studies confirm a potential for liquefaction in the southern and east-
ern portions of the site, the products pipelines probably would present
the greatest risk to the environment. Section 6.8 presents an analysis
of spill risks.
No major landslides or rockfalls have been associated with seismic ac-
tivity in the Valdez region. However, minor rock falls and talus land-
slides have been reported during past earthquakes (Tarr and Martin,
1912). The natural rock slopes within the site should remain stable
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during the expected ground shaking in this area. However, a portion of
the pipeline route along the lower bench for approximately 2.4 km
(1-1/2 mi) east of the products dock traverses several erosional fea-
tures which may be susceptible to local slope slippage, minor ava-
lanches and small rockfalls.
Clearing of snow and removal of organic overburden on the site would
allow the soil to freeze to a greater depth in the winter, which would
affect depth of burial of structure footings and pipelines.
6.1.3 Mitigation Measures
This section presents a list of measures which could be considered to
mitigate the effects discussed above.
1.	To allay the impact of seismically induced ground motion on the
proposed facility, incorporate a ground response analysis in the struc-
tural design of refinery components (foundations, structures, pipeline
systems, etc.) to assess the dynamic behavior of the coupled site/re-
finery components. Piping, catwalks and other inter-unit connections
should be designed to allow for seismically induced out-of-phase dif-
ferential motion.
2.	If liquefaction is determined to be a significant hazard along any
portion of the pipeline corridor, the pipelines could be supported on
pilings founded below the zone(s) of liquefaction, or the soil could be
stabilized by a deep densification process such as "vibroflotation."
The proposed leak detection system on the pipelines and the proper use
of valves would minimize any potential leaks.
3.	Any potential erosion, avalanche or rockfall hazards to the above-
ground segments of the pipelines could be mitigated by maintaining
drainage patterns established for the adjacent Alyeska pipeline, and by
placement of the pipelines in sound rock wherever site-specific studies
confirm soil or surficial rock slope instability. If determined neces-
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sary, an alternate design could be considered for these segments of the
pipeline route.
4. To the extent possible, seismic design considerations should be
included in the design of the containment dikes and pipelines.
6.1.4 Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
No unavoidable adverse environmental impacts are expected.
6.2	HYDROLOGY
6.2.1 Surface Water
Short-term effects: Site preparation and construction activities could
result in local surface erosion and increased turbidity in Corbin Creek
(Glacier) particularly during periods of high runoff. Soils on the
eastern and southern portion of the site are finer than on the western
and northern portions, and therefore are more prone to surface erosion
at similar flow rates. During periods of particularly heavy precipita-
tion and snowmelt, runoff follows the ruling topography, draining to
the south. Additionally, several waterfalls normally appear on the
slopes of East Peak, draining into the eastern portion of the site.
Due to the granular nature of the soil most of the runoff currently
recharges the groundwater system, while the excess forms a drainage
course along the perimeter of the foothills, draining toward either
Slater Creek or Corbin Creek (Glacier). The natural surface drainage
patterns would be altered locally during the various construction
phases, which could result in temporary increases in surface runoff.
Within the proposed project area, there are to be several access road
and pipeline stream crossings. Localized increases in suspended sedi-
ment concentration and turbidity could occur at all stream crossings.
The effect would depend on stream flow volumes and velocities. The
crossing of Corbin Creek (Robe), which is identified by the Alaska
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Department of Fish and Game as a salmon spawning habitat, would be the
most sensitive crossing (see Section 6.8.2 for impacts on freshwater
fisheries).
An estimated 20-25 million gallons of hydrotest water which would be
withdrawn from site wells for initial testing of refinery tanks and
pressure vessels would be discharged either directly to Port Valdez
through a pipeline, or to the adjacent non-anadromous streams such as
Valdez Glacier Stream or Corbin Creek (Glacier). The impact of dis-
charged test water on the receiving waters would be minimal as test
water would not contain appreciable amounts of deleterious substances.
Brownie Creek, a salmon spawning stream, would not be affected directly
by the construction, as no crossing of this stream would be necessary.
In addition, topography of the service road and product pipeline cor-
ridor would direct any spills in a southerly direction, away from
Brownie Creek.
Moderate siltation potential would exist during construction of the
crossing of Corbin Creek (Glacier). However, it probably would not
cause significant impacts since this stream is naturally silt-laden
part of the year. Any degradation of water quality would be both
localized and short-term.
Winter construction activities would require cleanup of accumulated and
drifted snow, which could be from 1.8-6 m (6-20 ft) in depth. Clearing
of site vegetation would further increase the snow drifting tendency
caused by the strong downdrafts coming from the mountain barriers and
through Valdez Glacier Valley from the north. Observations in 1978-
1979 indicated that the snow tends to drift against the slopes of the
bedrock facing north, and to fill most depressions. Drifting snow
might impede winter construction activities and general access.
Long-term effects: Assessment of flood potential for the project site
is based on a U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Flood Insurance Administration (FIA) study (Tryck, Nyman and Hayes,
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1977). The purpose was to research the existence and severity of flood
hazards in the City of Valdez, in order to aid in the administration of
the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Pro-
tection Act of 1973. The study predicts that the peak discharge level
of a 100-year flood in Valdez Glacier Stream would be 6,570 cms (232
thousand cfs). The report predicts that most of the project area may
be submerged under an average depth of 1.8 m (6 ft) of water. The mag-
nitude of the 100-year flood is based on cumulative catastrophic events
with special consideration given to glacial dammed lake outbursts,
which compose about 87 percent of the estimated 100-year flood.
The proposed HUD floodplain management measures stipulate that "where
no floodway has been designated, no new construction, etc. can be per-
mitted that would raise the elevation of the base ("100-year") flood
more than 1 foot at any point in the community. This determination
must consider the cumulative effect of other anticipated development."
Figure 6.2-1 shows the flood hazard assessment in the vicinity of the
proposed refinery site.
The main access roadway and bridge across Valdez Glacier Stream as well
as the proposed flood control levee would encroach into the Glacier
Stream floodplain. The portion of flood waters which would have
flooded the project area would be diverted away from the site and would
spread over the remaining flood-prone areas. The proposed main access
road bridge across Valdez Glacier Stream would constrict the cross-
sectional flow area, but would be designed at an elevation to preclude
raising flood waters above the HUD one-foot limit. Localized scour
upstream and aggradation downstream of the bridge would be expected due
to increased stream flow velocities during flood stage. It is expected
that flood waters would overflow the Richardson Highway and empty into
Port Valdez before the HUD one-foot limit was exceeded, with or with-
out the proposed dike. There is no other known development planned for
the area that would alter this conclusion.
A modification to the hydrologic system is proposed which would divert
Slater Creek (which now meanders through the proposed site) into Valdez
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N
FLOOD HAZARD ZONES
Figure 6.2-1

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Glacier Stream through existing but abandoned and vegetated braided
channels of Valdez Glacier Stream. Photographs indicate that Slater
Creek historically has discharged a portion of its flow to Valdez
Glacier Stream during periods of high flow. This diversion scheme
would result in a loss of 2.7-6.8 cms (100-250 cfs) of normal surface
flow in Corbin Creek (Glacier) during the four months June through
September. It also would mean that the contribution from Slater Creek
into groundwater storage would be lost. Conversely, the flood flows of
Corbin Creek (Glacier) would be reduced by up to 35 percent during the
high flow season, thus decreasing the flood potential of this stream.
The proposed diversion should have an insignificant effect on the total
amount of subsurface flow during the summer due to the large recharge
capabilities, and the fact that Slater Creek normally is dry in the
winter.
Greater runoff than now occurs would result from the loss of permeable
surface area due to compaction, paving, and erection of structures.
A drainage system would collect any surface water within the process
and tankage areas for treatment in the wastewater treatment facility.
Uncontaminated water from non-process and vacant lands would be allowed
to percolate into the groundwater system. Runoff resulting from snow-
melt and heavy precipitation would be collected and diverted around the
process and tankage areas, and channeled into Corbin Creek (Glacier).
Since Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek are spawning areas for
salmon, contamination of runoff entering these streams from the site
could cause significant damage to salmon fry.
Mitigation measures: This section presents a list of measures which
could be considered to mitigate the effects discussed above.
1. Lateral erosion and eastern migration of Valdez Glacier Stream, as
well as floods resulting from glacial outbursts, would be mitigated by
the flood control levee proposed along the western boundary of the
site. The levee also would prevent Valdez Glacier Stream from breaking
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into Corbin Creek (Glacier) .
2.	Design and proportion the roadway and bridge across Valdez Glacier
Stream, as well as the flood control levee, in a manner that any con-
striction or encroachment into the floodplain would not increase the
100-year flood base elevations more than 0.3 m (1 ft) anywhere in the
community.
3.	Alpetco's proposed plans to collect runoff and snowmelt originat-
ing east of the site and direct it to a discharge point on Corbin Creek
(Glacier) would mitigate the potential for contamination of a portion
of the surface runoff.
4.	Schedule those construction activities which could affect the
streams during no-flow, or very low-flow, periods to minimize the prob-
lems associated with increases in erosion and turbidity. The period of
minimum flow is from late October to mid-April. During this period,
dry construction techniques with allowance for ice and snow problems
could be utilized.
5.	Sediment and erosion control programs for all disturbed soil sur-
faces would minimize erosion and subsequent siltation into the streams.
Furthermore, following completion of construction, revegetation of
areas which were stripped of cover would stabilize the soils and aes-
thetically enhance the environment.
Unavoidable environmental impacts: The proposed diversion of Slater
Creek into Valdez Glacier Stream would result in a permanent reduction
of surface drainage into Corbin Creek (Glacier), affecting adversely
the aquatic environment between the point of diversion and Corbin Creek
(Glacier). It could, furthermore, lower the water table elevations
somewhat. The degree of impact is discussed further in Section 6.2.2.
During construction in any stream which flows year-round, short-term
increases in turbidity and suspended sediment concentrations are likely
to occur despite mitigation measures.
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6.2.2 Groundwater
Short-term effects: The effects of construction of the proposed facil-
ity on the groundwater resources of the area would fall into two main
categories: effects on water table, and effects on recharge. Initial
estimates of construction water usage average less than 154 thousand
gpd for full-scale concrete pouring operations for approximately two
years of construction, and up to 4 million gpd for the maximum expected
hydrotesting requirements. Since most construction activities would
occur during the summer high-recharge period, and are of a short-term
nature, this level of water usage should not significantly affect the
upper unconfined aquifer.
The high permeability of the surface materials makes it imperative that
spills of construction fuels or toxic substances be prevented. The
groundwater would be very susceptible to contamination.
Long-term effects: Two 12-inch diameter production wells each with
approximately 1,400 gpm capacity are proposed for operation of the
refinery. It is anticipated that the proposed withdrawal of approxi-
mately 1.7 mgd of water from the unconfined aquifer would have little
impact upon the quality and the available quantity of water from that
aquifer. The greatest impact on the water table likely would be a
slight lowering of the elevations, which normally would be expected
during winter months when recharge is at its annual minimum. Available
information suggests that this lowering would not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft)
average in the site area during winter (assume six months). Barring
any major spills of hydrocarbons or toxic substances, the quality of
the groundwater would not be affected.
If water for the facility were withdrawn from the lower aquifer, it
could deplete that aquifer. However, no such withdrawal is planned.
The lower aquifer could be used to meet minor water supply demands or
infrequent high capacity demands, but its long-term production capabil-
ity probably is limited severely by its apparent low recharge rate.
Due to its depth and the protective, confining layer of silt, the lower
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aquifer should be immune from contamination by surface activities.
It is expected that the wetlands and small creeks, mainly Corbin Creek
(Robe), near the southern edge of the site which apparently depend on
the unconfined aquifer for their existence, would be affected only
slightly by withdrawal of the design flow rates from that aquifer.
Whatever drawdown of the aquifer did occur during the winter months due
to withdrawal would be expected to cause only a slight down-slope shift
of the point at which the stream heads, or first appears. It is esti-
mated that this shift would not exceed 61 m (200 ft) and that it would
have little if any effect on total downstream flow. If these effects
occur, their magnitude would be greatest in late winter, just prior to
spring breakup (thawing).
There is a lack of winter water table monitoring data upon which to
base a more conclusive impact determination. The water well, stream
flow and snow depth monitoring program which is planned for the 1979-
1980 winter period should provide a more definitive basis for predict-
ing effects on the streams.
Due to the gradient, or slope, of the water table of the unconfined
aquifer, and its significant elevation above sea level (approximately
21 m [70 ft] on the site), the relatively small drawdown of the water
table in the area due to withdrawal of water for refinery operation
would not cause intrusion of saltwater into the aquifer. The lower
aquifer also has a water pressure level considerably above sea level
(approximately 20 m [65 ft]), thus it would be necessary to lower the
pressure in that aquifer by nearly 30 m (100 ft) to provide the eleva-
tion difference necessary to allow the possibility of saltwater intru-
sion.
Currently, there are no significant withdrawals of water from the upper
aquifer in the general vicinity of the site and no known withdrawals
from the confined, or lower, aquifer. Due to the considerable recharge
available from Valdez Glacier Stream, rather significant withdrawals
(on the order of 10 mgd or more) would be required in the developable
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area west of the site to cause any area-wide effect on the groundwater
table which could affect the supply available for the proposed facil-
ity.
Mitigation measures: This section provides a list of measures which
could be considered to mitigate the effects discussed above.
1.	Two major facility design features to minimize the effect of pump-
age on the water table elevations in that area already are planned.
First, wherever feasible, water-saving features are being incorporated
in the design, such as re-use of water where possible, and use of air
cooled rather than water cooled heat exchangers (see Section 4.4.6).
Second, groundwater would be withdrawn near the north edge of the site
to minimize drawdown in the vicinity of Brownie and Corbin (Robe)
creeks. These measures should hold the effects on the water table in
that area to an acceptable level.
2.	If the water levels and flow rates in Brownie Creek and Corbin
Creek (Robe) become adversely affected by a declining water table,
arrangements could be made to replace the flow deficit with well water
or storm retention water. This extra pumpage likely would not be
required for more than two or three months and would be replenished
easily by the high recharge which occurs during the summer months.
3.	Enchancement of recharge on the site as discussed above also would
assist in maintaining water table levels. In addition, the seeding of
all cleared areas which are not covered by buildings, tanks or pavement
would minimize runoff and thereby further accentuate infiltration and
groundwater recharge.
4.	In order to compensate partially for the loss of Slater Creek
recharge, the facility design could incorporate provisions to channel
runoff from adjacent mountains into undeveloped areas of the site for
groundwater recharge.
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5. Although pollution of the groundwater source is potentially ser-
ious, the possibility of occurrence would be mitigated by the planned
provision of impervious diking and surfacing of areas where hazardous
materials would be stored or spills would be possible.
Unaviodable environmental impacts: With appropriate mitigating mea-
sures, unavoidable impacts would be limited to those listed in Section
6.8.2.
6.3	OCEANOGRAPHY
6.3.1 Construction Effects
Oceanographic conditions within Port Valdez probably would be only
slightly and temporarily affected by construction of the proposed
facility. The primary impact would be a relatively small increase in
the amount of sediment deposited in Port Valdez.
Excavation of the site and construction of the flood control levee
could increase sediment runoff into the Valdez Glacier Stream. Once
completed, the levee would be expected to prevent erosion and runoff
during the remainder of the construction process. The ocean floor
would be disturbed temporarily by the driving of piles for both the
products dock and the construction barge dock. Barge dock fill mate-
rial would be clean, well graded sands and gravels to minimize the
impact on water quality.
Installation of the effluent outfall system would require trenching
across the intertidal area. Sediment that is disturbed by construction
of the outfall and by construction of the barge dock probably would
move northward toward Island Flats. During construction of the refin-
ery itself, barge traffic probably would stir up sediment and cause a
small amount of shoreline erosion at the barge dock site. The esti-
mated suspended sediment which would be created by all the construction
activities is very small relative to the normal amount of sediment
which is deposited annually by influent rivers and streams.
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6.3.2 Operation Effects
Impacts of operating the proposed refinery would result mainly from the
discharge of treated effluent into Port Valdez. The operational
impacts of mixing and dilution of this discharge and its pollutants,
and the transport and dispersion of accidental spills at the products
dock and Valdez Narrows, are discussed.
Effluent plume characteristics: When treated effluent is discharged
into ocean water, it mixes and forms buoyant plumes which rise toward
the surface. During the rise, these plumes mix with ocean water and
grow appreciably in size, thereby diluting the effluent. If the
ambient density is uniform, these buoyant plumes rise to the surface.
Otherwise, the plume reaches neutral buoyancy at some level below the
surface. At completion of the rise, the plume spreads horizontally,
creating a field of diluted effluent.
Many factors affect the initial dilution of a buoyant jet, such as
effluent characteristics, diffuser design, depth of the outfall, ocean
water stratification and magnitude of the ocean current. Ocean current
plays a significant role in determining initial dilutions and magnitude
of the zone of initial dilution (ZID). Depending on the magnitude of
the ambient current, the location of the plume can be away from the
diffuser and the increase in dilution can be several times the value
under stagnant conditions.
When jet buoyancy and momentum-induced fluctuations of velocity and
concentrations cease, initial dilution is considered to be complete.
The distance from the diffuser where this occurs at the surface under
the strongest currents, the weakest density gradients, and the smallest
discharge from the diffuser is considered the boundary of the ZID.
Zone of initial dilution: In accordance with the draft NPDES permit
the diffuser would be located to obtain a minimum 75:1 dilution at the
mixing zone boundary. The proposed effluent outfall used in these pre-
liminary design studies would extend 366 m (1,200 ft) offshore. The
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configuration selected for the proposed diffuser consists of a 53 cm
(21 in)-diameter, 37 m (120 ft)-long manifold (pipe) with sixteen
10.2 cm (4 in) horizontal ports placed alternately on both sides and
spaced at 2.4 m (8 ft) center to center. The depth of water at the
proposed location ranges from 50 m (164 ft) at the near-shore end to
55 m (180 ft) at the offshore end.
Preliminary studies of effluent behavior were carried out based on the
above proposed outfall design and location. Computer models (Fan and
Brooks, 1979; EPA, 1976) were used to calculate initial dilution and to
determine the ZID for the proposed discharge. The size of the ZID was
determined using recorded maximum current of 0.06 m/s (0.20 ft/s) at
the proposed diffuser site. The width of the ZID was determined by
adding twice the maximum horizontal distance from the diffuser where
the plume reaches the surface to the plume diameter at the surface
under uniform density stratification. The length of the ZID was deter-
mined by adding the length of the diffuser to the ZID width. The
length and width of the ZID for the proposed discharge, so calculated,
would be 316 m (1,036 ft) and 280 m (918 ft), respectively (see Figure
6.3-1).
Calculated average initial dilutions range from 74 for maximum strat-
ification in stagnant water to 4,368 in unstratified water with the
maximum recorded ocean current of 0.06 m/s at the diffuser site. The
smallest average initial dilutions under worst case conditions of maxi-
mum stratification in stagnant water at all times at various depths on
the boundaries of the ZID are presented in Table 6.3-1.
Table 6.3-1
INITIAL DILUTIONS AT ZID BOUNDARY
Surface
5 meters below surface at
Location
Calculated Average
Dilutions
310
vertical boundary
40 meters below surface
260
(trap level)
75
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PORT VALDEZ
80
58
N
\
\\ \ ^ n i
62
l6 \
V \ \ \
\
\
X \X
42 \ \
> IP
% °
8
\
\
i
/
\
/
47
^ \.
\
/

24

GLACIER
ZONE OF INITIAL DILUTION FOR WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
Figure 6.3-1

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Near-field circulation: To determine pollutant concentrations in the
eastern end of the port, outside of the ZID, a circulation model
(Adams, et al, 1979) is used. This model accounts for pollutant trans-
port and spreading, and uses near-field model results as input. A sim-
ulation for July 5, 1979, is shown in Figure 6.3-2. This date repre-
sents summer stratified conditions (the most critical in terms of init-
ial dilution) and low exchange at Valdez Narrows (the most critical in
terms of pollutant build-up). Results are presented as contours of di-
lution of the proposed discharge water; dilutions range from 100 to
500. This is a typical pattern observed with the plume oriented toward
the south. The effluent discharge is assumed to be trapped in a con-
stant layer at a depth of about 40 m (131 ft) below the surface to pro-
vide conservative results. Additional studies will be undertaken in
1980 to further investigate the circultaion characteristics of eastern
Port Valdez in order to determine a final location for the diffuser
outfall which will ensure at least a 75:1 dilution of the effluent
under worst case conditions at the boundary of the mixing zone.
Port Valdez flushing: A two-layer flushing model was developed to
observe variations in pollutant concentrations, and to predict critical
time periods for pollutant build-up in Port Valdez due to the proposed
discharge. The model accounts for the wastewater discharge into the
lower layer, freshwater advective flows, and water exchange at Valdez
Narrows based on measured currents. The model was run for 1-1/2 years
starting from zero concentrations. The simulation represented in
Figure 6.3-3 indicates maximum concentrations of about 75 parts efflu-
ent per one million parts Port Valdez water, or a dilution of about 13
thousand. The worst period of pollutant build-up in both layers is
late June and early July, because of the lack of exchange water, pre-
sumably due to calm summer weather. During the worst-case period, the
pollutant residence time is calculated at 48 days based on the rate of
mass of discharge water entering the port and the mass of the discharge
water already in the port.
Discharge water concentrations or their resulting dilutions have been
presented for three zones: the ZID (or near field); the circulation
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CIRCULATION MODEL SIMULATION FOR JULY 5, 1979
Figure 6.3-2

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FIRST
YEAR
SECOND
YEAR
s
i
t- N
ZK Ul
uJ"Q
3 -
g;«e5
» III
W < K
!zn
O in |_
H
^ III Z
u«2
O £ -I
2
iLij:
z Z a
2HJ«
S2S
S|l£
Hill *
znz
Ulgo
*sl
8^2
50-
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER	DECEMBER
Source:Metcalf A Eddy 1979
MODELED AVERAGE CONCENTRATION OF EFFLUENT IN PORT
VALDEZ DURING A SELECTED 1-1/2 YEAR PERIOD
Figure 6.3-3

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zone in the eastern end of the port; and the far field (or entire port)
flushing zone. Using the described methodology, during worst-case con-
ditions, which implies stratification and lack of exchange at Valdez
Narrows, dilutions for these zones are calculated to be 75 to 100, 100
to 500 and 13 thousand respectively.
Effects of accidental spills: The risks of spills due to tanker activ-
ities are considered later in Section 6.10.7. The following discussion
considers the source and transport of those potential spills. The most
likely opportunity for an accidental spill would be at the products
dock, either during maneuvering or load transfer operations. Spills
also could occur in transit, most commonly due to equipment failures,
human error, ballast discharges, structural failures or vessel casual-
ties. However, hazards formerly associated with vessel passage through
Valdez Narrows near Middle Rock have been mitigated by implementation
of the U. S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic System.
The two main factors which affect transport of spills are currents and
wind. Several mathematical models have been developed to account for
oil slick movement under the influence of current and wind. An excel-
lent summary of these models has been prepared by Stolzenbach et al,
(1977). An often used "rule of thumb" which relates oil slick trans-
port due to current and wind is known as the "3 percent rule." This
rule, incorporated into many oil slick models, states that the speed of
the oil slick is 3 percent of the wind speed plus the current speed.
The 3 percent rule, which would also be applicable to a distilled pro-
ducts spill, is used here to obtain an approximate estimate of the
movement of probable accidental spills in eastern Port Valdez and at
Valdez Narrows.
An accidental spill at the proposed products dock is considered first.
The currents in this area of the port, as discussed in detail in Sec-
tion 5.3, are low tend to move along shore parallel to the land bound-
ary. The upper layer of the water body moved both clockwise and coun-
terclockwise during the May to July 1979 measurement period, and a
predominance toward counterclockwise motion was observed. A counter-
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clockwise motion also has been observed in the landsat photographs of
eastern Port Valdez taken during the summer months to study the motion
of suspended sediments. Information of this motion is not available
for non-summer months.
Available wind data (Dames and Moore, 1979) indicate that the east-west
orientation of the Valdez Basin helps funnel winds in those directions.
There is a slight predominance of easterly winds (toward the ocean)
over westerly winds. This is caused by the flow of air from the high-
pressure zones in the interior of the state toward the low-pressure
zones in the Gulf of Alaska. Records at Valdez weather service office
(WSO) indicate wind magnitudes of 6 knots or less about 76 percent of
the time.
Applying the 3 percent rule to eastern Port Valdez, oil movement due to
wind would be from 0 to about 9 cm/s. This is about the same order of
magnitude as movement due to currents. Thus, slick movement would be
due to both current and wind and would respond to specific weather and
current patterns occurring on the day of the spill. Movement of the
oil spill would be on the order of 1 to 16 km/day and would most likely
distribute itself along the south shore from the Lowe River to Valdez
Narrows with a tendency to move toward the narrows during certain times
of the year. Because distilled products dissipate rapidly, a spill
would be less identifiable with distance from the incident.
A spill at Valdez Narrows would move much faster due to higher winds
and faster currents. Measured upper layer currents at this location
are on the order of 10 to 50 cm/s and change direction due to the tide.
The funneling effect of the narrows' geography causes northeast or
southwest current motion. The winds also are funneled through the nar-
rows in the same directions due to the mountains on each side, and tend
to be faster than those at Valdez WSO.
Net flows at Valdez Narrows (i.e. flow direction and rate without the
effect of tidal flows) are inward or outward with direction changes
every few days. Outward motion predominates during the summer due to
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large freshwater flow and calm weather. Thus, a spill at Valdez Nar-
rows would be equally likely to move into or out of the port, except
during summer, when it would most likely move out. Since tidal cur-
rents are fast, the time at which a spill occurs is an important fac-
tor. A spill during an incoming tide would move rapidly out of the
narrows and into Port Valdez. Based on tidal current alone, the spill
would move out of the narrows in several hours. Once the spill moved
into or out of the port, it would be affected by different current and
wind regimes.
6.3.3	Mitigation Measures
The following measures could be considered to minimize effects on the
port due to construction and operation of the proposed facility.
1.	Discharge of effluent into the port through a diffuser designed for
the particular outfall location should mitigate effects from wastewater
discharge. Natural currents and proper diffuser design are expected to
provide efficient dispersion and movement of the discharge from the
port. Under the terms of the draft NPDES permit, the diffuser design
and location must be approved by EPA prior to construction.
2.	A spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan would be
developed to satisfy state and federal requirements. Enforcement of
these plans would minimize impacts of any accidental spills of petro-
leum or petroleum products.
6.3.4	Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
The discharge of treated effluent would be an unavoidable impact
resulting from operation of the proposed facility.
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6.4	WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
6.4.1 Impacts of Wastewater Discharge
General: The draft NPDES permit and the Fact Sheet containing EPA's
rationale for the permit limitations are included in Attachment B of
this EIS. The draft NPDES permit establishes effluent 1 imitations for
the proposed discharge, defines a mixing zone under state Water Quality
Standards and establishes certain state receiving water quality stan-
dards which must be met at the boundaries of the mixing zone. A moni-
toring program also is part of the permit. A comparison of the pro-
jected effluents and NSPS was presented in Section 3.4.3. The mixing
zone defined in the draft NPDES permit was based on the EIS analysis on
the zone of initial dilution. The mixing zone boundaries proposed in
the draft permit are very close to those of the ZID, except that the
mixing zone has an upper boundary of 5 m below the surface and a lower
boundary of 0.5 m above the bottom of the port. In addition, the draft
NPDES permit requires a 75:1 dilution at the boundaries of the mixing
zone.
Effluents from oil refinery operations and product transfer operations
(including ballast water) typically are complex chemical mixtures with
continually changing compositions. Assessment of the biological
impacts of these various parameters is complicated by the lack of ade-
quate historical information on acute or chronic impacts on local
species, and the total lack of information on the combined effects
(additive, synergistic or antagonistic) of all of these factors in a
single plume.
In addition to the parameters covered by the NPDES permit effluent
limitations, the State of Alaska has receiving water quality standards
which apply to concentrations of certain parameters at the boundary of
the mixing zone. In particular, pH, sediment concentrations, total
aromatic hydrocarbons and cyanide limitations at the mixing zone bound-
aries are specified in the draft NPDES permit. Based upon the State of
Alaska water quality standards, effluent limitations for aromatic
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hydrocarbons and cyanide were established.
The state has set a total aromatic hydrocarbon standard, in the water
column at the boundary of the mixing zone, of not-to-exceed 10 micro-
grams per liter ()Jg/) or 0.01 of a value which would be determined by
the state using a formula which considers duration of exposure and con-
centration of a substance versus the survival rate of specific species
(96 hour LC50). There is very little data available industry-wide on
the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons in effluent streams. No
attempt has been made to quantify or predict concentrations of such
substances in the proposed refinery wastewater. Also, due to different
crude properties, processing schemes, processing equipment, age of
facilities and other such variables, it is not currently understood how
to correlate the priority pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, found in
one refinery's waste streams with what might be expected in another
refinery's waste stream. However, EPA has analyzed the waste treatment
systems of a number of refineries for such substances (EPA/DOE, July
1978). These studies indicate that in no cases were concentrations of
individual compounds greater than 10 |Jg/£ found in the final effluent
from biological treatment systems which are similar to but older than
that proposed for this facility. However, no measure of total aro-
matics as defined by the State of Alaska in the draft NPDES permit has
ever been made. The level of 10 (Jg/JU in this case reflected the limit
of detection of the analytic system in use.
Under the terms of the 1976 Consent Decree in NRDC vs Train (8 ERC
2120), EPA must establish water quality criteria for 65 toxic sub-
stances (recently expanded to 129). Various aromatic hydrocarbons as
well as substances such as cyanide are on that list. EPA is in the
process of developing guidelines for these priority pollutants. Pro-
posed guidelines have been published for some of these substances. In
its most recent proposed water quality criteria, EPA (1979) states that
there are insufficient data to calculate or estimate safe criteria for
marine life for exposures to phenols, chlorinated phenols, or cyanide.
Criteria for several other parameters are not yet available; therefore,
earlier criteria must be used to evaluate wastewater impacts (EPA,
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1972, and 1976). The state's water quality criteria for toxic and
other deleterious organic and inorganic substances are based on EPA's
1976 Quality Criteria for Water.
Impacts of specific chemical components: Table 6.4-1 summarizes con-
servatively estimated concentrations of effluent parameters in the
draft NPDES permit. Concentrations of these substances in the receiv-
ing water following initial dilution are presented under unstratified
and stratified conditions. Calculations for stratified conditions used
the smallest dilution factor of 74 representing worst case conditions.
Effects of some of the various anticipated components of the proposed
discharge are discussed individually. State water quality standards
are applied at the boundary of the mixing zone. EPA guidelines refer
to EPA's effluent guidelines for petroleum refineries.
PH: The effluent would be discharged with a pH ranging between
6.5 and 8.5, compared with a naturally occurring pH range of 8-8.9.
State Water Quality Standards applied at the boundary of the mixing
zone require that the pH not be less than 6.5 or greater than 8.5 and
not vary by more than 0.1 pH units from natural conditions. This
range would not create deleterious conditions for marine organisms.
BOD, COD, and TSS: The concentration of oxygen-demanding material
in the effluent would be low. The minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) con-
centration which normally would not be deleterious to fish is 5.0 mg/£
(Todd, 1970). Neither the BOD nor the COD concentrations found in the
effluent from the proposed refinery would depress the existing DO con-
centrations of greater than 7.6 mg/SL to the harmful level. State water
quality standards which require maintaining DO concentrations greater
than 5 mg/JH would not be violated anywhere in the mixing zone. By way
of comparison, EPA allows the discharge of up to 30 mg/£ of BOD and
suspended solids from domestic sewage treatment plants. The projected
BOD and suspended solids (TSS) concentrations would be less than one-
half of this value. Discharge of the reported concentrations of BOD,
COD and TSS would not adversely affect the marine environment near the
diffuser, and would not be measurable at the edge of the mixing zone.
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Table 6.4-1
CONCENTRATIONS OF EFFLUENT PARAMETERS AT
THREE LOCATIONS AFTER DISCHARGE
No Ambient Current
Parameter
pH, pH Units
BOD, mg/£
COD, mg/£
T.S.S., mg/£
Ammonia, mg/$,
Aluminum, mg/jfc
Phenol, mg/i
OiI and Grease mg/£
Nickel, mg/£
Cyanide, mg/SL
At Diffuser
6.5-8.5
10
135-250
<5-10
7
Trace
<0.02
<2.0
0.5
0.5
Strat i f i ed1
7-8.5
0.14
1.8-3.4
<0.07-0.14
0.09
<0.0003
0.007
0.006
Non stratified2
7-8.5
0.03
0.4-0.7
0.03
0.02
<0.0001
0.002
0.0014
DiIution Factor:
74
337
Worst case condition - July stratified water column; Trap
Level 11 to 13 m above diffuser;
w/o ambient current	dilution 74
w/minimum ambient current 0.15 m/sec	dilution 100
Best case condition - March non-stratified water column; plume
reaches surface (55 m);
w/o ambient current	dilution 337
w/ambient current 0.015 m/sec	dilution 606
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Projected effluent TSS concentrations of less than 5 mg/i are within
EPA effluent limitation guidelines.
Oil and grease: Oil and grease from the effluent would not affect
the environment at the diffuser. The oil and grease concentration
would be less than 2 mg/&, the lowest level of detection, and within
the EPA effluent limitation guidelines.
Aluminum: Aluminum would be found only in trace amounts in the
effluent and thus would not impact the environment at the diffuser or
in the mixing zone. It is assumed that a trace is less than 0.1 mg/£,
which is the lower limit of detection for aluminum under standard con-
ditions (EPA, 1974).
Phenols: The U. S. Public Health Service and EPA have set 0.001
mg/JI as the limit on phenol (Sawyer and McCarty 1967, EPA 1976), to
protect against taste and odor problems and fish flesh tainting.
Phenol would be 0.0003 mg/£ at the edge of the mixing zone under strat-
ified worst case conditions. The phenol concentrations at the diffuser
likely would not be toxic to marine organisms and the effluent concen-
tration would be less than one-tenth of the "safe" level for phenol
toxicity (EPA, 1976).
Nickel: Nickel occurs naturally in sea water, ranging between
0.001 mg/A and 0.006 mg/JH (Oppenheimer, 1974) or 0.005 mg/£ and 0.007
mg/SI (EPA, 1976). The proposed refinery effluent would contain 0.5
mg/Z at the diffuser, but only 0.007 mg/SL at the edge of the mixing
zone under worst conditions. The area immediately around the diffuser
would pose a hazard to marine organisms, since concentrations of nickel
in excess of 0.1 mg/JU are considered harmful (EPA, 1976). Nickel con-
centrations would be below 0.22 mg/JI as a 24-hour average, and there-
fore concentrations in the outer portion of the mixing zone should not
be harmful to the indigenous flora and fauna. State water quality
standards would not be violated.
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Ammonia: Ammonia equal to, or exceeding, 0.4 mg/£ constitutes a
hazard to the marine biota, and levels less than 0.01 rag/£ present min-
imal risk of deleterious effects (EPA, 1972). A given concentration of
ammonia becomes more toxic as pH increases, as with sea water; however,
the toxicity decreases with colder temperatures and increased salinity.
The relatively cold temperatures and high salinity of Port Valdez may
offset the pH factors. The ammonia concentration at the edge of the
mixing zone under worst conditions is estimated to be 0.09 mg/£, below
the level considered to be acutely hazardous, but above the level that
presents chronic risks.
Cyanide: The toxicity of cyanides varies widely with pH, tempera-
ture, and dissolved oxygen concentration (EPA, 1972). Cyanides become
more toxic as temperature increases and as dissolved oxygen decreases
(Hynes, 1966) and as pH decreases (EPA, 1976). Free cyanide concentra-
tions between 0.05 and 0.1 mg/£ are usually fatal to many sensitive
fishes, and a level as low as 0.01 mg/it is known to have a pronounced,
rapid and lasting effect on the swimming ability of salmonid fishes
(EPA, 1972). The EPA had set a limit of 0.005 mg/A; however, this cri-
terion was re-evaluated in proposed EPA (1979) criteria due to lack of
sufficient data for marine effects. State water quality standards
require 0.005 mg/£ at the edge of the mixing zone.
The anticipated concentration of cyanide at the mixing zone boundary
with no or minimum current and extreme stratified conditions is 0.006
mg/£. Under maximum current stratified conditions, the anticipated
concentrations of cyanide would be 0.003 mg/£. Under non-stratified
conditions, the anticipated cyanide concentrations would be 0.0014 mg/£
under no current conditions and .008 mg/SL under minimum current condi-
tions .
Overall ecological impacts: From the available data, the near-field
impact of the combined discharge on benthic fauna could be severe.
However, because of plume buoyancy the total area directly affected
would be small, on the order of a few square meters. Localized effects
probably could result from direct toxicity of the discharge or from
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consumption of "tainted" residues by the deposit feeding worms. During
periods of high sediment loading from the glaciers, the sediment set-
tling through the plume could adsorb some of the effluent constituents,
thus widening the eventual distribution in the sediment of some of the
effluent constituents. The extent to which this might occur and the
magnitude of impact are unpredictable.
The intertidal mud and sand flat region in the vicinity of the zone of
initial dilution (see Figure 6.3-1) could be vulnerable. This shallow
intertidal zone is populated with clams and mussels and there is con-
siderable bird activity in the area. Salmon are seasonally abundant in
the area as adults migrating to nearby Sewage Lagoon Creek and as fry
migrating out. However, this area likely would be affected by the
plume only in the winter when the water column is not stratified.
Dilution of the effluent during this time could be expected to minimize
effects on benthic organisms. The only exception might be potential
accumulation of pollutants in long-lived intertidal species such as the
clam Macoma balthica. This species is estimated to live in excess of
10 years, and also serves as a major food item to various bird and fish
species. Seasonal stratification of Port Valdez should prevent the
effluent plume from entering the upper layers during the period when
major salmon migrations occur.
During the summer under stratified conditions, the projected 40 m trap
depth would result in the plume affecting the bottom sediments at that
depth on the shoreward side of the diffuser. The sediments there are
unstable and the biological community consists principally of burrowing
worms. The impacts of the effluent in this area would be minimal.
The effect of the discharge on planktonic organisms entrained in the
plume and drifting with it as it dissipates cannot be accurately pre-
dicted. Mortalities to organisms entrained in concentrated areas of
the plume near the diffuser, while possible, are unlikely due to the
depth of the diffuser. The number of organisms that might be affected
would not represent a significant percentage of Port Valdez popula-
tions .
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Fish encountering concentrated areas of the plume would have a natural
propensity to avoid the changed condition and therefore significant
mortality would not be expected; however, some short-term stress would
be likely.
6.4.2	Mitigation Measures
This section presents a list of design features which could minimize
effects of the discharge:
1.	State-of-the-art in-plant wastewater treatment (described in Sec-
tion 3.4.3).
2.	Location of the discharge offshore and in an area of relatively
good circulation and low productivity.
3.	A back-pressure sensing system to detect breaking of the diffuser
and/or outfall line.
6.4.3	Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
Severe degradation of benthic biota in bottom areas frequently con-
tacted by concentrated portions of the plume would be unavoidable. In
the event of a loss of the diffuser, a much larger area would be
affected. lesser population shifts in the local intertidal and shallow
subtidal regions would be dependent on the duration and frequency of
plume contact in these zones and the degree of dilution achieved before
contact.
Chronic exposure to organisms may result in uptake of heavy metals
(e.g. nickel) and perhaps hydrocarbons that could adversely affect
organism survival or suitability as food for humans or other animals.
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6.5	AIR QUALITY
6.5.1	Construction Effects
Construction impacts on air quality would consist mainly of the rela-
tively minor amounts of pollutants emitted from the heavy construction
equipment required for site preparation, and from fugitive dust emis-
sions. Exhaust emissions from construction equipment would cause only
localized, temporary effects upon existing air quality with no adverse
impacts beyond the site boundary.
Fugitive dust emissions are expected to be the most noticeable impact
during construction. The amount of dust would vary with the level of
activity and the weather. Overall fugitive dust should add only mini-
mally to existing background particulate levels in the area.
6.5.2	Operation Effects
Assessment methods - Primary effects of atmospheric emissions: Signif-
icant air emissions which would occur during operation of the proposed
facility were analyzed to assess the impact on ambient air quality.
The analytical approach taken was to determine compliance with appli-
cable air quality standards using three dispersion models: VALLEY —a
screening model; MCRSVAL—a refined model; and RADM--a state-of-the-art
model. Modeling was performed for both proposed and existing emission
sources in the area using maximum pollutant emissions rates and appro-
priate meteorological data.
Expected impacts of the proposed facility were assessed in terms of
compliance with the NAAQS, the PSD regulations. Details of all input
data and the dispersion modeling methodology used to determine compli-
ance with the NAAQS and PSD regulations are presented in Attachment C.
Model input parameters - Primary effects of atmospheric emissions:
Analysis of the impact on air quality of the proposed facility required
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two primary types of input data, meteorological data, and emission
source characteristics.
Two types of meteorological data input files were generated for use in
the dispersion modeling analyses. One type is the normalized annual
joint frequency distribution of wind direction, wind speed, and atmos-
pheric stability. The second type consists of hourly values of wind
direction, wind speed, stability class, and mixing heights. These data
files were generated separately for the existing sources and proposed
sources since meteorological conditions vary considerably in the Valdez
area due to the effects of the complex terrain.
The other type of input data used in the dispersion modeling is emis-
sion source characteristics. These data consist of maximum expected
pollutant emission rates from significant emission sources, both pro-
posed and existing, and stack design parameters such as height, inter-
nal diameter, exit temperature, and exit velocity.
Modeling results - Primary effects of atmospheric emissions: Part C
(Prevention of Significant Deterioration) of the Clean Air Act requires
the preconstruction review of any major emitting facility. The pro-
posed refinery qualifies as a major emitting facility under the Clean
Air Act definition. EPA has received a PSD application from Alpetco.
The PSD regulations require that the applicant demonstrate that the
proposed source will apply the best available control technology, and
will not cause a violation of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard
or PSD increment. In order to demonstrate that no violation of the
NAAQS or PSD increments will occur, atmospheric dispersion modeling was
conducted.
Dispersion modeling was performed for significant sources of TSP, sul-
fur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions. Table
6.5-1 presents a summary of dispersion model predictions of PSD incre-
ment consumption for the Alpetco facility as well as the Class II maxi-
mum allowable increments. Ambient concentrations during operation of
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Table 6.5-1
SUMMARY OF PSD INCREMENT CONSUMPTION FOR THE ALPETCO FACILITY
(|jg/m3)
Increment, Consumption
Class II Maximum
Allowable Increment
RADM Consumption
MCRSVAL Consumption
Modified MCRSVAL
Consumption
VALLEY
20
10
Pollutant Averaging Period
SO,
91
65
155
77
103
512
340
727
462
TSP
Annual 24-Hour 3-Hour Annual 24-Hour
19
37
31
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the proposed facility were determined by adding maximum predicted
ground-level concentrations from the existing sources to the maximum
predicted ground-level concentrations from the proposed facility. Sig-
nificant uncertainties exist concerning dispersion processes in the
Valdez area due to complexities of terrain and meteorology. These
uncertainties translate directly to the model estimates. VALLEY and
MCRSVAL indicate possible violations of short-term NAAQS and PSD incre-
ments for SC>2 while RADM indicates compliance. The PSD permit applica-
tion is currently under review by EPA to determine the most representa-
tive method for predicting air quality impacts. The results of this
determination will be presented in the Final EIS. Until the PSD review
is complete it is not possible to conclude that the proposed refinery
would not cause or contribute to voilations of NAAQS or PSD increments.
Table 6.5-2 presents a summary of dispersion model predictions for the
applicable pollutants and averaging periods as well as the applicable
National and Alaska Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Effects of fugitive emissions: Fugitive emissions are those emissions
which are not confined to a specific vent or stack. Since all roads
would be paved, no significant fugitive TSP emissions would be
expected. Therefore, the only fugitive emissions from the Alpetco
facility would be hydrocarbons, of which there would be approximately
827 tons per year. These emissions would be controlled at this level
by a maintenance and monitoring program.
Atmospheric effects of cooling systems: The proposed facility would
not contain any cooling system with which there are associated any sig-
nificant atmospheric air quality effects, such as those which are asso-
ciated with large nuclear and power plant air cooling towers in the
contiguous states.
Visibility effects: Generally, visibility impairment due to pollutant
emissions is due to the large number of very small particles (less than
1 micron in diameter) that are directly emitted or are formed by chem-
ical reactions of the emitted gases. Currently, there are no accepted
methods available to assess the degree of visibility reduction that
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Table 6.5-2
SUMMARY OF NAAQS COMPLIANCE FOR THE ALPETCO FACILITY
(M9/m3)
Standards,
Pred i ct i ons
National Primary
Standard
National Secondary
and Alaska Standard
RADM Prediction
MCRSVAL Prediction
Modified MCRSVAL
Pred i ct i on
Annua I
80
80
28
Pollutant Averaging Period
SO,
365
365
220
301
1,300
1,200
2,637
879
TSP
2^-Hour 3-Hour Annual
75
60
260
150
NO,
2^-Hour Annual
CO
8-Hour 1-Hour
100 10,000 *+0,000
100 10,000 *+0,000
73
225
VALLEY Prediction
21
122
kO
28

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might be associated with particular emissions. However, since the
estimated TSP emissions from the proposed facility are only 619 tons
per year or less than two tons per day, the impact on visibility should
be relatively minor. This is particularly probable since the high
humidity in the atmosphere at Valdez causes water drop growth on small
particulates. In addition, the naturally occurring liquid microdrop-
lets of highly humid air can cause a significant visibility reduction
which would far overshadow the small particulate impacts.
Although ice fog is a special visibility concern in Alaska, tempera-
tures at Valdez are seldom cold enough (below about -30°C or -22°F)
to cause plumes released from the proposed facility to result in
reduced visibility from formation of ice fog.
Health and safety: Health and safety effects are covered by definition
in the regulations pertaining to national primary and secondary, and
Alaska, ambient air quality standards which have been established to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
Soils and vegetation effects: No adverse impacts are expected on soils
and vegetation.
Acid rains, which occur when rain has fallen through a layer of air
with sulfates or nitrates, or as drops of rain form around polluted
nuclei, are not expected to occur from emissions from the proposed
facility at least in the magnitude they occur in the contiguous states
(especially the Northeast). There they are associated with high re-
gional levels of sulfur and nitrogen emissions. In southcentral
Alaska, regional levels of sulfur and nitrogen emissions are low inso-
far as this region is an attainment area for both sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen dioxide. There have been no reports of acid rains in the
southcentral Alaska region, or Valdez in particular.
6.5.3 Mitigation Measures
The following measures could be considered to minimize the extent and
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significance of potential adverse impacts of the proposed refinery on
air quality.
Site preparation and construction:
1.	Reduce fugitive dust by wetting down dry, exposed soil.
2.	Whenever practicable, employ alternate land clearing debris dis-
posal methods in lieu of open burning (e.g. shredding or mulching and
landfill).
Operations: Emissions to the atmosphere from the operation of combus-
tion equipment, the sulfur recovery system, the FCCU, the flare, the
incinerator, storage tanks, and from fugitive emissions would be con-
trolled by using the best available control technologies as presented
in Section 4.4.3.
6.5.4 Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
Impacts on air quality which cannot be avoided despite the application
of mitigative measures, are summarized below.
Site preparation and construction: Air quality in the vicinity of the
proposed refinery would be only slightly affected by site preparation
and construction activities. Impacts would be short-term and confined
to a relatively small area. Emission sources include construction
equipment and fugitive dust.
Operation: During operation of the proposed Alpetco refinery, pollut-
ant concentrations would increase in the plant vicinity thereby con-
suming PSD increments. The proposed facility may stimulate further
industrial growth in Valdez which can be expected to cause further con-
sumption of the PSD increments.
There would be no adverse impacts expected on PSD Class I areas or on
soils and vegetation. Visibility impairment from the pollutant emis-
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sions also is expected to be very small. There are no nonattainment
areas in the vicinity of the proposed facility.
6.6	ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT
6.6.1	Construction Effects
Construction noise would be generated primarily by trucks and heavy
equipment; stationary equipment (pumps, generators, compressors); and
impact equipment (pile drivers). Due to the high sound levels and
impulsive nature of sound associated with impact equipment, these
sounds might be noticeable at Robe River Subdivision and Valdez Glacier
Wayside campground but the effect would not be serious and would be of
short duration. Construction of the southern service road and laying
of the pipelines there could increase the Ldn to 79 dB at parts of Robe
River Subdivision for short term periods, creating a temporary signif-
icant impact. Other construction sounds on the refinery site and traf-
fic between the construction barge dock and the site probably would not
affect residential or recreational areas.
At the peak of construction, the increased heavy construction and gen-
eral vehicular traffic could increase the Ldn by 4-7 dB in some areas.
In areas not used by heavy construction equipment, the increase prob-
ably would be about 4 dB. Increased air traffic could raise the Ldn by
about 3 dB near the airport. These increases would be perceptible at
locations near the sources but would not be significant.
6.6.2	Permanent Effects
The proposed refinery would generate fairly high noise levels (85-95
dB) within the immediate processing complex because of equipment such
as pumps, compressors, steam jets, flare stacks, etc. During normal
atmospheric conditions (approximately 80% of the time), the outdoors
noise increase due to refinery operations would be slight or nonexis-
tent at Robe River Subdivision, the only permanent residential area in
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the vicinity of the proposed facility. Upset conditions which would
cause sufficient flaring for noise to be noticeable could be expected
to occur less than five times per year with a probable duration of five
to 10 minutes. Such flaring would not be expected to continue more
than 30 minutes in any case. A major upset would produce a low pitched
rumble resembling a distant run up of a jet engine. The trees and low
hills between Robe River Subdivision and the refinery are the primary
sound buffer. Without them the refinery operation probably would
become the predominant outdoors background noise. This should be con-
sidered if plans for an expansion to Robe River Subdivision material-
ize .
Substantial noise increases of 10 dB or more would be expected outdoors
at Southcentral Trailer Court (temporary residential land use) and
Valdez Glacier Wayside campground, but noise still would not exceed Ldn
of 55 dB, which is considered generally acceptable.
During temperature inversions which are estimated to occur about 20% of
the time, refinery noise would be noticeable or predominant at Robe
River Subdivision, Southcentral Trailer Court and Valdez Glacier Way-
side campground. Background ambient levels could be increased by more
than 10 dB outdoors at these locations, but the day-night level pro-
bably would not increase by more than 5 dB outdoors at any residential
area. These estimates are based on assumptions of worst case condi-
tions (see Figure 6.6-1).
Refinery noise might have some impact on wildlife. There is not suf-
ficient research available on this subject to predict accurately where
and how the effects may occur; however, they are likely to be in the
form of habitat abandonment.
6.6.3 Mitigation Measures
The following measures could be considered to minimize the noise
impacts of refinery construction and operation.
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N
PROJECTED NOISE LEVELS	Figure 6.6-1
VALDEZ
AJRP05I
PROPOSED
ALPETCO
SITE
NEW
VALDEZ
ROBE LAKE
ALYESKA
TERMINAL
53	Ld„
B: Nighttime background
ambient (L^)
<0 NOISE SENSITIVE AREAS:
3 1 ROBE RIVER SUBDIVISION
2	PROPOSED SUBDIVISION
3	TRAILERS, PROPOSED CON DO
4	HOUSES
5	ZOOK SUBDIVISION
6	TRAILER COURT
7	NEW VALDEZ
8	GLACIER WAYSIDE
CAMPGROUND
9	MILE 1.5
CAMPGROUND
SCALE IN MILES

-------
1.	Avoid construction near residential areas (pipeline corridor) dur-
ing night-time hours. The distance to residences would mitigate most
noise impacts.
2.	Use noise abatement components on refinery equipment. Technology
provided for noise control inside the facility also will prove effec-
tive in controlling impacts beyond the refinery site.
6.6.4 Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
Temporary construction noise would affect Robe River Subdivision for a
limited time. There would be a day-night level increase of 4-7 dB due
to construction traffic along the Richardson Highway, and an increase
of about 3 dB in aircraft noise near the airport. These temporary out-
doors increases would decline after construction to a permanent Ldn
increase of about 3 dB along the highway due to heavier general traf-
fic.
Noise from normal operation of the facility would be noticeable at the
closest residential areas and the Valdez Glacier Wayside campground
during temperature inversion atmospheric conditions and during refinery
upset conditions.
Refinery noise may cause some species of wildlife to seek new habitat.
6.7	SOLID WASTE
6.7.1 Short-Term Effects
Construction related solid wastes primarily would impact the Valdez
municipal landfill. The City of Valdez estimates that the present
landfill site has a capacity for approximately two more years of use.
The city has awarded a contract for an evaluation of the city's long-
term solid waste needs and a list of recommended alternatives for
future waste disposal. There currently is no schedule for when Valdez
would upgrade the facility but it appears likely the city would be pre-
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pared to handle the short-term wastes generated by Alpetco. The latest
state permit for the Valdez municipal landfill expired September 1,
1979 and has not been renewed.
There are no construction wastes considered hazardous except for
replaced machinery oil and solvents in relatively small quanitities.
6.7.2	Long-Term Effects
No impacts on the terrestrial or aquatic environment are expected from
the disposal of solid waste during refinery operation. With the excep-
tion of on-site calcium fluoride sludge retention, the wastes would go
either to the municipal landfill in a non-hazardous form or would be
shipped to receiving areas off-site. The calcium fluoride sludge to be
stored in a pond on-site is a potential source of toxic release to the
groundwater, due to the high permeability of the site soils and the
high static groundwater level in the southwestern portion of the site
where this pond is to be located. Storage of hazardous materials on-
site until quantities sufficient for removal have accumulated could be
a source of groundwater contamination through spillage without adequate
safeguards. The incinerator would have an impact on air quality and is
included in the Section 6.4 air quality impact evaluation.
6.7.3	Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures which could be considered are:
1.	Use of concrete or some other positive-seal liner in the calcium
fluoride sludge pond to prevent any seepage of toxics into the ground-
water. Chemical stability of the calcium fluoride bond, the pond liner
and soil attenuation capabilities should mitigate a fluoride threat to
groundwater.
2.	Containerize any hazardous materials temporarily stored in a secure
area on-site, using sealed 50-gallon drums or similar sealable and
transportable containers in accordance with federal regulations regard-
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ing transportation of hazardous materials.
3. Install emission controls on the incinerator.
6.7.4 Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
The following effects would be unavoidable in disposing of the refinery
solid wastes:
1.	Air emission impacts discussed in Section 6.4.4.
2.	A more rapid filling of the Valdez municipal disposal facility.
6.8 ECOSYSTEMS
6.8.1 Marine
Construction impacts
Products dock: At the products dock site, construction impacts
would be expected to result mainly from pile driving and steel erection
operations. Steel-jacketed piles would be driven from land-based or
floating equipment and would not affect the intertidal region except in
the immediate vicinity of each pile. At these locations, a distortion
of the surface sediments and a resuspending of fine silt components
would occur. However, the effects would be localized and relatively
minor to the intertidal benthic assemblage. Subtidally, the mud plume
would disperse over a slightly larger area but again would have a gen-
erally negligible impact.
If pile driving occurred during the "clear" water seasons (spring or
winter), then a minor reduction in phytoplankton productivity could
occur in the immediate area.
Additionally, Solomon Gulch Creek is utilized as a solmon spawning
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stream from April to mid-May. The distance between the proposed con-
struction site and the mouth of the creek, about 606 m (2,000 ft), is
considered sufficient to preclude impact on salmon eggs from shock
waves during pile driving (see Post et al. 1974). However, turbidity
and/or mechanical disturbance during the period of April 15 to May 30
may adversely affect pink salmon fry which are present along the south-
ern shoreline during that period. In-migrating routes of spawning sal-
mon along the south shore would be altered temporarily during pile
driving activities.
Construction and operation of a hydroelectric plant at Solomon Gulch by
Copper Valley Electric Association should not affect any conditions
below Solomon Gulch Falls including the Solomon Creek fishery, so there
should be no change in conditions there which Alpetco would need to
consider. CVEA is committed (COE Permit 071-OYD-4-780253) to monitor
the temperature and flow of waters and to maintain natural conditions;
to construct the facility such that fish may not enter or become
entrained in the facility; to exercise siltation control measures dur-
ing construction; and to flush salmon gravel at any time if a need is
determined by ADFG.
Noise and activity during initial construction temporarily would dis-
place birds and marine mammals within a local zone of impact. Concen-
trations of waterfowl utilize the south shoreline during the winter
period (October to May), and various species of sea ducks have been
observed aggregated in the vicinity of the old wharf ruins offshore
from Solomon Gulch Creek in both winter and spring. Harbor seals occa-
sionally haul out at the same location. Barring direct harassment,
these animals generally can coexist with moderate human activities.
Accidental spills of hazardous substances (e.g. paints, solvents, or
fuels) could have a moderate impact on the immediate area. The degree
of impact would depend on the nature and amount of material spilled,
physical conditions at the spill site, and the success of cleanup
activities.
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The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) operates a biological mon-
itoring site, located within the intertidal zone about 0.8 km (1/2
mile) east of the proposed products dock. Populations of marine organ-
isms, particularly the small clam Macoma balthica, are being observed
to detect any effects of oil pollution arising from the Alyeska termi-
nal activities. Such monitoring could detect short- and long-term
impacts from Alyeska and Alpetco facilities.
Sportfishing for salmon, especially silver salmon, occurs along the
south shore of Port Valdez in July and August. The dock construction
would eliminate access to a portion of the shoreline.
In summary, localized short-term impacts could be expected during con-
struction at the products dock site. However, with proper controls and
scheduling, significant adverse impacts on the Port Valdez ecosystem as
a whole would be unlikely.
Effluent pipeline: Placement of the refinery effluent pipeline would
require digging of a 3 m (10 ft)-wide trench 366 m (1,200 ft)-long
(from MLLW) through the intertidal zone immediately northwest of the
mouth of Valdez Glacier Stream. A zone of impact would occur along the
trench and for a short distance downstream (generally north) of the
immediate site. The intertidal area is relatively sparsely populated
by mussels, clams and seaweeds. At approximately 0.3 m (1 ft) MLLW,
the shelf area breaks and becomes steeply sloping to approximately 100
m (330 ft). This slope has loosely consolidated sand and silt sedi-
ments, is directly affected by glacial silt deposition from Lowe River
and Valdez Glacier Stream, and shows evidence of active slumping.
Low-level populations of burrowing worms appear to be the dominant
biological community. Since the benthic assemblage in this region has
already "preadapted" for the heavy seasonal surface water suspended
sediment loads from the nearby rivers (1.0 to 421.3 mg/£ [or ppm] at
Island Flats) (Feder et al 1979), the impact would be minor, with quick
recovery anticipated.
Noise and construction activities would temporarily displace local
waterfowl and marine mammals.
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Construction barge dock; Installation of pilings and riprap and
filling behind these bulkheads to form the construction barge dock
would cause the destruction of existing benthic fauna in the immediate
dock area of approximately 0.3 hectare (1 acre). The fill site is an
intertidal area with a gravel and cobble substrate. The area is influ-
enced strongly by turbidity and sediment from the Lowe River. As a
result, the area is sparsely populated with the clams Macoma balthica,
the predominant organism. The impacts would be minimal. A fouling
community similar to that found on other hard substrates (e.g. rocks,
pilings) at like tide levels in Port Valdez would develop on the bulk-
heads and partially compensate for lost productivity from the filled
area.
Presence of the vertical bulkheads could cause a minor inconvenience
for small pink and chum salmon moving along the shoreline. These fish
might be subjected to increased predation by larger fish as they pass
along in front of the bulkhead.
Operation impacts
Normal operations: The impacts of discharge from the wastewater
treatment facility at the proposed refinery are described in Section
6.4.
Normal operations at the products dock should have little impact on
water quality and marine biota. There could be some short-term distur-
bance of finer bottom sediments due to propellor wash; however, this
effect would be very local and of negligible significance. Occasional
small product spills probably should be considered a normal occurrence
(see Section 6.10.7). It is expected that cleanup operations would
recover most of the spilled material and prevent it from contaminating
the shore. Marine organisms may suffer temporary adverse effects dur-
ing small spill incidents.
The noise and activity of ship movement and docking could cause a minor
disruption of movement patterns of marine fish, birds, and mammals in
the area. The impact would be similar to that resulting from shipping
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activity at any of the currently active piers in Port Valdez and would
not cause significant stress to these species.
The pilings of the products dock would provide a substrate for coloni-
zation by marine fouling organisms similar to those found on existing
piers in Port Valdez. This colonization can constitute a positive
impact on local production of several important species (e.g. crab,
shrimp, and several fish species). These organisms either feed direct-
ly on organisms on the piles or on debris sloughed from the piles. The
proposed dock, like existing piers in the area, could harbor predatory
fish (cottids, rockfish) that prey on juvenile salmonids out-migrating
along the shorelines of Port Valdez.
The open nature of the design of the pilings under the causeway should
allow juvenile salmonids to select water depths where they are capable
of avoiding predators that are present, and little increases in overall
losses to predation would be likely.
Occasional occurrences: This section contains a brief summary of
the anticipated impacts of a petroleum products spill on marine habi-
tats where the risk of spillage is considered greatest. The Appendix
Vol. I presents detailed discussions on the impacts of hydrocarbons on
each habitat type and discussions of the sensitivities of various types
of organisms. The biological communities associated with each habitat
are described in Section 5.6 and the Appendix Vol. I. An analysis of
the risk of spills is presented in Section 6.10.7.
There are insufficient data available to distinguish impacts among the
various products at a significant level of detail; therefore all are
considered equally toxic. The biological effects of a product spill
would depend on many factors including type and amount of product
spilled, season, weather, tide, currents, and type of habitats con-
tacted by the product. Refined products such as fuel oil, diesel,
kerosene, and gasoline are widely recognized to be more toxic to marine
organisms than are most crudes (Rice et al, 1977; Craddock, 1977). On
the other hand, refined products tend to evaporate and dissolve into
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water readily and as a result cause lesser long-term physical impacts
to organisms.
Those specific habitats most vulnerable to a small product spill that
escaped containment at the berth would be the steep coarse beach along
the southeastern shore of Port Valdez and the mud and sand habitats and
salt marsh on Dayville Flats and at the mouth of Valdez Glacier Stream.
A large spill at the berth or due to a grounding or collision in Valdez
Narrows, Valdez Arm, or Port Valdez could have an impact on virtually
all of the habitat types present.
A product spill contacting mixed cobble, gravel, sand, and shell
beaches would cause heavy mortalities of organisms attached to sub-
strate materials (barnacles, limpets, snails), organisms living under
rocks (shore crabs, amphipods, isopods), and algae. In addition,
petroleum products entering the sediments underlying these beaches
could cause mortalities of some sediment dwellers (bivalves, polychae-
tes). Intertidal fish such as cottids, gunnels, and pricklebacks also
would suffer some mortalities. Recovery of these beaches to near pre-
spill conditions could take several years, depending on how rapidly the
spill was cleaned and degraded by natural processes and cleanup
efforts.
Sand beach areas would have less obvious mortalities. However, loss of
organisms in the sediments (bivalves, polychaetes, amphipods, and small
organisms) would be likely. Recovery of species which reproduce annu-
ally or biannually on the sandy beaches likely would occur within two
years after spilled material was cleansed from the sediments.
In the kelp beds lying just offshore of rocky areas, especially to the
west, some products could be retained for a time by the floating kelp
blades and cause some mortalities among the invertebrates and epiflora
of the kelp canopy. Mucous coatings should protect the kelp them-
selves, and the community should be largely recovered in a year or two.
Herring spawn deposited on subtidal kelp in this area could be affected
by water-soluble fractions of spilled material, but probably would be
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protected by the cleansing action of tides and currents.
In the open water habitat of Port Valdez, Valdez Narrows, Valdez Arm,
or northeastern Prince William Sound, the major impact would be on cor-
morants, gulls, alcids, grebes and ducks using these areas for feeding
or resting. Mortalities of planktonic organisms immediately under the
spill also could occur. Fish in open water areas and subtidal algae
and invertebrates probably would escape harm because of the excellent
water circulation and, for some species, their mobility and avoidance
reactions.
Small furbearers and marine mammals using these habitats could also be
affected if they come in contact with a spilled material or ingest con-
taminated food.
If spilled products became worked into the sand and mud beaches of Day-
ville or Island flats, cleansing of the product from the sediments and
organisms, and recovery of population in the sediments could take sev-
eral years. If the wind and wave conditions did not work the spilled
product into sediment, subsequent tides would remove the product and
weathering would reduce its toxicity, greatly lessening the long-term
effects. Regardless of wave conditions, a spill covering these flats
during the fall or spring periods of heavy migratory bird usage could
cause numerous mortalities and could significantly reduce populations
of some species.
The effects of petroleum product coverage on rocky beaches would be
similar to those that would occur in the boulder and cobble habitats,
with expectations to include heavy mortalities of organisms living on
the substrate and of some algae. Recovery to near pre-spill conditions
would take one year or more.
In addition to the ecological effects briefly described above, a spill
in this region, especially in Prince William Sound, at certain times of
the year (particularly spring through fall) would curtail commercial
fishing, and in some cases sportfishing, for salmon, herring, bottom
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fish, and crab. Fouling of gear and loss of harvest time on transient
stock (salmon) could cause a considerable economic burden on fishermen.
Mitigation measures: This section provides a list of measures that
could be considered to reduce project impacts on the marine environ-
ment.
1.	To the extent possible, locate facilities away from nesting areas
or resting areas for migrating birds.
2.	Schedule construction work at the products dock to avoid the inter-
tidal spawning period for salmon in Solomon Gulch Creek (mid-July to
late August).
3.	Trenching activities for burial of the effluent pipeline in the
intertidal zone should be scheduled to avoid the pink salmon run in
nearby Sewage Lagoon Creek.
4.	Implementation of a spill prevention, control, and countermeasure
plan would reduce the chances of spillage of petroleum hydrocarbons and
maximize the effectiveness of control and cleanup measures in the event
of a spill.
5.	Possibly place containment booms around all vessels, before heavy
product transfer begins, to trap any containable potential spill mate-
rial.
Unavoidable environmental impacts: Despite mitigation measures des-
cribed above, some adverse impacts on the marine environment would be
unavoidable. Most of these impacts have been determined to be rela-
tively minor and/or of short duration.
1. Benthic organisms, fish and wildlife in the vicinity of marine
construction areas would be subject to disturbance from noise,
increases in suspended sediments, and other human activities.
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2.	Benthic organisms in the area of direct disturbance by pile driving
and trenching for the effluent pipeline would be destroyed, displaced,
or otherwise disturbed.
3.	Large accidental spills of hydrocarbons could have severe and long-
lasting impacts on the marine ecosystem of Port Valdez.
6.8.2 Freshwater
Construction impacts: The proposed diversion of Slater Creek into the
V&ldcz Glacier Stream would eliminate the stream segment that flows
south across the site into Corbin Creek (Glacier). This would withdraw
from production about 2,163 m (7,095 ft) of marginal seasonal fish hab-
itat .
Some increase in suspended sediments would occur in Corbin Creek (Gla-
cier) during construction of a bridge. Valdez Glacier Stream would be
disturbed similarly during bridge and dike construction. During gen-
eral site development, surface drainage could erode the exposed soils
and add to siltation within these streams. All of the above streams
are poor fish habitat with high natural sediment loads, and impact on
aquatic biota probably would be minor.
The proposed pipeline corridor from the southern boundary of the refin-
ery site to the products dock would cross several streams including a
headwater tributary to Corbin Creek (Robe), Corbin Creek (Robe) main
channel, Robe River, Lowe River, Abercrombie Slough, Abercrombie Gulch
Creek, and Dayville Flats Creek. The wastewater pipeline would cross
Valdez Glacier Stream. The buried products pipelines crossings of
these streams represent the greatest potential construction impact
relative to freshwater habitats. Corbin Creek (Robe) and Robe River
are the most sensitive of these streams because of salmon spawning
ground at or near the proposed crossing locations and year-round pres-
ence of young salmon.
Burial of the 11 pipelines within the corridor would require a ditch 11
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m (36-1/2 ft) wide. Depth of burial would vary depending on stream
scour potential. Impacts on the stream biota would include blockage of
fish passage during ditching, mechanical disruption of streambed habi-
tat, sedimentation that could cover spawning grounds and smother fish
food organisms in downstream areas, and possible direct suspended sedi-
ment effects on aquatic biota. None of these sediments has a history
of contamination by toxic substances. Therefore, resuspension of sedi-
ments would not involve resuspension of toxic materials.
The extent of the disturbance would depend heavily on flow conditions,
soil characteristics, construction methods, and construction schedul-
ing. Road crossings of Robe River and Corbin Creek (Robe) would be
bridged. Some disturbance of stream banks and increased suspended sed-
iments would occur during bridge construction. However, with proper
scheduling, effects would be minor and fish passage would not be
impeded significantly.
Construction of the proposed products dock would create noise distur-
bance (pile driving) in front of and about 690 m (2,300 ft) seaward of
intertidal salmon spawning habitat at the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek.
Some disturbance could occur to spawning salmon if construction took
place during the July 15 to August 15 spawning period. Adverse impacts
on salmon eggs or alevins in the gravel due to ground shock from pile
driving are unlikely in view of the 690 m buffer distance (Post et al ,
1974).
Operation impacts: Little impact on freshwater aquatic ecosystems
would be expected during normal operation of the proposed refinery
except as discussed below.
Some continuing stream siltation could result from erosion of the var-
ious areas depending on the success of revegetation and slope stability
activities. The highly permeable soil and minimal surface drainage
would minimize these effects.
Continuous use of fresh water drawn from on-site wells might lower
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groundwater levels and, consequently, reduce flows in Corbin Creek
(Robe) and Brownie Creek. Hydrological studies have shown that effects
on the water table would be negligible in the summer. However, no
information is available for the winter period, during which time ade-
quate flow is critical to the survival of salmon eggs. Any drop in
groundwater level could reduce the length of stream suitable for salmon
spawning and/or egg survival.
Continuous disturbance resulting from use of the products dock could
adversely affect pink salmon spawning in the intertidal zone at the
mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. Significant effects are unlikely in view
of extensive spawning observed in other areas of high disturbance in
Port Valdez.
Improved access to the proposed refinery site vicinity could increase
human disturbance of salmon spawning streams (Corbin Creek [Robe] and
Brownie Creek).
A significant accidental spill of hazardous substances on-site would be
most likely to originate at the tank farm. While equipment failures
and personnel errors tend to result in more frequent but low volume
spills, natural disasters, fires and explosions could result in high
volume, more damaging spills. The amount and resulting effect of oil
escaping from a tank farm and reaching bodies of water depends upon
many factors. The most important is the effectiveness of the contain-
ment dike encompassing the storage tanks. The dikes are intended to
prevent a spill from contaminating groundwater or reaching streams.
Casualty of a dike during a spill incident could have a serious effect
on the groundwater and stream drainage systems. Statistical informa-
tion and methodology used in the U. S. Bureau of Land Management/Ocean-
ographic Institute of Washington oil spill analysis for the proposed
Northern Tier Pipeline, indicate a predicted tankage spill for the
proposed refinery once every 5.8 years. This computation, with a 95
percent confidence interval, uses total volume stored (10 million bar-
rels in this case) as the exposure variable. The probable size distri-
bution for each predicted spill incident would be: 2.4-10 barrels, 36
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percent; 10-100 barrels, 49 percent; 100-1,000 barrels, 14 percent;
and 1,000-10,000 barrels, 1 percent.
A leak in any of the pipelines in the vicinity of a stream crossing
could have a significant impact. Some of the refined products are
highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and salmonid fishes are unusually
susceptible (Cote, 1976). The most sensitive spill area would be near
Corbin Creek (Robe) since spilled substances would pass through the
whole Robe Lake system.
Computations using the BLM Northern Tier analysis methodology indicate
a predicted pipeline related spill for the proposed project once every
6.1 years. This computation, with a 95 percent confidence interval,
uses the total length of pipeline (75 miles in this case) as the expo-
sure variable. The probable size distribution for each predicted spill
incident would be: 2.4-10 barrels, 68 percent; 10-100 barrels, 20 per-
cent; 100-1,000 barrels, 5 percent; 1,000-10,000 barrels, 5 percent;
10-100 thousand barrels, 2 percent.
Mitigation measures: This section provides a list of measures that
could be considered to reduce project impacts on the freshwater envi-
ronment .
1.	Plan construction activities in or near streams to minimize in-
stream work and disturbance of stream banks. Rehabilitate disturbed
streams to assure fish passage and to replace natural streambed mate-
rials. Stabilize disturbed stream banks, dikes, and other areas with
vegetation or riprap as soon as possible after construction to prevent
excessive erosion and siltation.
2.	Construct settling berms as necessary to allow settling of sus-
pended solids before work area runoff enters surface waters.
3.	Install buried pipeline stream crossings during the least biolog-
ically sensitive time of the year (normally the time between fry emer-
gence and adult escapement to streams; see Table 5, Appendix Vol. I),
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employing the construction method that is least damaging for that type
of stream. A stream bypass flume could carry stream flows during pipe
burial at Corbin Creek (Robe), Robe River, and Dayville Flats Creek.
This construction method proved most successful during Alyeska pipeline
construction.
4.	Align crude oil and products pipelines to minimize the number of
stream crossings, and bury pipelines to reduce the risk of hydrocarbon
spills from accidental pipeline damage and vandalism.
5.	Design culverts, bridges, and other drainage structures on fish
streams to assure that water velocities could not impede fish passage,
and install culverts in concert with the natural streambed to prevent
"perched" conditions which could impede fish passage.
6.	Monitor groundwater drawdown on the refinery site during the winter
near Corbin Creek (Robe), and develop a contingency plan to supply
water to Corbin Creek (Robe) and Brownie Creek if necessary to maintain
winter flow.
7.	Develop oil spill contingency plans which consider all aspects of
refinery and pipeline operation with special emphasis on protection of
the Robe Lake drainage.
8.	Replace gravel in trenches for pipeline creek crossings to minimize
sedimentation, erosion and siltation.
9.	Establish setbacks from streams for storage of fuels during con-
struction.
10.	Assist in establishing an interdisciplinary team of engineers,
fishery biologists and hydrologists to provide early review of con-
struction plans and schedules for stream crossings. The feasibility of
such a team was pioneered during recent Alyeska construction. However,
in this case, the number of streams is relatively small and the soil
conditions are described adequately.
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11. Indoctrinate management and construction personnel concerning
potential environmental problems.
Unavoidable environmental impacts: Despite the mitigation measures
described above, the following impacts on freshwater aquatic ecosystems
are considered unavoidable:
1.	Slater Creek is not a productive fish stream (see Section 5.6.1)
and is dry in the winter; however, the creek would be lost permanently
as a potential fish habitat.
2.	Short-term disturbance, including increased suspended solids and
increased sediment deposition, would occur within the numerous streams
affected by pipeline burial and other construction activities.
3.	Severe loss of aquatic life would be unavoidable in the unlikely
event of a pipeline rupture that introduced substantial quantities of
petroleum hydrocarbons into surface waters.
Construction impacts: The construction activity associated with the
proposed refinery would result in the loss of the natural vegetation
now occupying the refinery site and associated access road and pipeline
corridors.
6.8.3 Terrestrial
Vegetation Types
Vegetated area lost in hectares (acres)
Refinery Site	Roads/Pipelines
Riparian Woodland
Deciduous Woodland
Mixed Deciduous and
85.0 (210.0)
109.2 (269.8)
5.1 (12.6)
13.8 (34.1)
Spruce Forest
Spruce Forest
Alder Shrub
3.2 (7.9)
4.2	(10.4)
2.3	(5.7)
TOTAL
194.2 (479.8)
28.6 (70.7)
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The deletion of the natural vegetation would result in the loss of hab-
itat for small mammals, black and brown bears, and birds now utilizing
these ecological formations. Displaced animals likely would utiliae
adjacent habitats except for some small mammals that may be eliminated.
Increased human activities in the area during construction likely would
cause disturbance of nesting birds during the summer months. Some bird
species such as ravens, magpies, and gulls likely would be attracted to
the area. Bald eagles nesting activity also could be affected by the
construction of the products and crude oil pipelines in the vicinity of
the four eagle nests near Dayville Road (three were inactive in 1979).
The numbers of accidental bird and small mammal kills on the existing
road system and on access roads likely would increase due to increased
traffic.
Confrontations between humans and bears could be expected to increase
with road development and general construction activities. The area
has high black bear and brown bear concentrations in the summer, and
increased bear mortality and possible injury to humans could occur.
Noise levels during construction of the proposed project could cause
birds and mammals to abandon adjacent habitats which are not directly
affected by the clearing of vegetation.
Operational impacts: Impacts on the local biota due to operation of
the proposed facility would be mainly from increased human activity,
noise levels, and air pollution.
Human activity likely would decrease with the completion of construc-
tion. Human/bear confrontations still could occur but to a lesser
degree. This would depend largely on the sanitary disposal of garbage
associated with refinery maintenance.
Noise from the operation of the refinery and associated vehicle traffic
would be a chronic disturbance to the animals of the surrounding area.
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Toxic emissions (particularly sulfur dioxide) from the operation of the
refinery could alter vegetation patterns by inhibiting lichen growth
and fern reproduction by a phenomenon which is largely unknown in
Alaska, called acid rains. Acid rain is discussed further and the
likelihood of its occurrence is analyzed in Section 6.5.2 and Attach-
ment C.
Mitigation measures: This section provides a list of measures that
could be considered to reduce adverse effects on the terrestrial envi-
ronment.
1.	Minimize the loss of habitat from erosion of exposed slopes by
covering with gravel, mulching, and/or seeding exposed areas.
2.	Leave a buffer zone of undisturbed natural vegetation with minimum
radius of 91 m (300 ft) around all bald eagle nest sites to reduce dis-
turbance and prevent "blowdown" of nest trees. Also, do not conduct
pipeline construction or blasting activities in the vicinity of bald
eagle nests during the nesting period if the nests are active.
3.	Dispose of construction and fill material only in approved landfill
sites.
4.	Fences around the construction camp and all permanent facilities
and garbage disposal areas would help minimize human/bear interaction.
Unavoidable environmental impacts: This section provides a list of
impacts which could not be completely avoided through mitigation mea-
sures described in Section 6.8.2 and elsewhere.
1.	Destruction or disruption of the existing vegetation in the immedi-
ate "work zone" of the refinery site and roads would result in the
removal of 260 hectares (650 acres) of wildlife habitat.
2.	Additional habitat would be lost and degraded through chronic dis-
turbance from human activity and noise in the area surrounding the
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refinery site. A reduction/displacement of wildlife in the vicinity
would result.
3. Human/bear confrontations, although sometimes avoidable, likely
would result in increased mortality of bears using this area.
6.8.4 Wetlands
Various refinery facilities would affect wetland areas delineated on
and adjacent to the proposed refinery site. Bridge and pipeline cros-
sings of Valdez Glacier Stream, Robe River, Corbin Creek (Robe), and
Corbin Creek (Glacier) would cross these wetlands. In addition, a
flood control levee would be constructed adjacent to Valdez Glacier
Stream.
Slater Creek, with seasonal flows from north to south across the site,
would be diverted into Valdez Glacier Stream near the northern edge of
the site. Storage tanks would occupy portions of the abandoned Slater
Creek wetland areas.
Intertidal wetland areas would be affected by construction of the pro-
ducts dock, construction barge dock and effluent outfall pipe. In each
case, the impacts would be localized and of short duration. At the
products dock, driving of steel-jacketed piles would cause a distortion
of surface sediments and resuspending of fine silts in the immediate
vicinity of each pile. Dredge and fill operations for the barge dock
would cause destruction of the existing benthic fauna in an area of
approximately an acre, but the area is populated only sparsely and the
impacts would be minimal. Placement of the effluent outfall pipe would
require digging a trench through an intertidal area which is populated
sparsely with an assemblage accustomed to heavy seasonal suspended
sediment loads. Effects there also would be minor.
All other wetlands fall outside of the areas proposed for development
and would not be affected.
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6.9
6.9.1
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC FEATURES
Construction Effects
Construction of the proposed Alpetco facility poses no known threat to
any property listed in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National
Register of Historic Places.
6.9.2 Operation Effects
Operation of the proposed Alpetco facility poses no known threat to any
property listed in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register
of Historic Places.
6.9.3	Mitigation Measures
In the remote possibility that construction or operation activities
unveil the presence of a property determined to be potentially signifi-
cant on a local, state or national level, the Alaska State Historic
Preservation Office should be contacted immediately. It is the respon-
sibility, under existing historic perservation law, of the permitting
federal agency(s) and the State Historic Preservation Office and
Alpetco, to develop appropriate mitigation measures.
1.	Such a newly discovered site would almost certainly be very small
in area. Avoidance of the area might be the preferred mitigation plan.
2.	Any archaeological site could be quickly excavated; and any his-
toric site or object could be as quickly documented and removed to an
appropriate repository.
6.9.4	Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
With respect to cultural resources, when appropriate measures are
taken, there would not be any unavoidable effects.
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6.10 SOCIOECONOMICS
Socioeconomic impacts of the proposed project are described for the
construction period 1980 through 1983 and for an operational period
1984 to 1990. Wherever possible, both short- and long-term impacts are
discussed with terms relating to population projections through 1990.
However, for some subject areas, such as land use, there are inadequate
data on which to make detailed projections.
In addition to such direct impacts as Alpetco tax payments, secondary
impacts of population growth and housing development are discussed.
These secondary effects are among the most important long-term socio-
economic changes anticipated in Valdez. Since no other significant
industrial projects are identified which would be affected directly by
development of the Alpetco project, no specific cumulative impacts are
expected.
6.10.1 Employment and Population
Local: Table 6.10-1 summarizes estimated local employment population
impacts of the proposed Alpetco project. During the construction
period there would be private and public construction under way, in
addition to refinery construction. Therefore, estimates of total
incremental employment and population have been made for the construc-
tion period as well as estimates of incremental impacts attributable to
the proposed project only.
Statewide: Construction and operation of the Alpetco plant would gen-
erate new employment at the state level by way of the public and pri-
vate expenditures described in Section 6.10.2. It is difficult to
estimate this employment, and even more difficult to determine if it
would cause a population increase. The Alpetco project probably would
have a lower employment multiplier than the trans-Alaska pipeline.
Peak incremental employment (including that in Valdez) probably would
not exceed 6,232 during the construction phase, nor would it be likely
to exceed 2,267 during operation. The extent to which this incremental
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Table 6.10-1
PEAK EMPLOYMENT AND POPULATION IMPACTS
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
Phase
Construction (Peak)
Alpetco (a)
Total (b)
Incrementa
EmpIoyment
3,442
3,592
I ncrementaI
PopuI at i on
4,130
4,310
IncrementaI
HousehoIds
I ncrementaI
SchooI
EnroI Iment
413
431
Operation (c)
1,180
2,124
708
467
Source: CCC/HOK
See Table 6.10.1-5 and Discussion of Method Used to Derive Employment and
Population Impacts, Section 6.10.1-1, Appendix Vol. II
(a)	Based on peak primary Alpetco labor force of 2,820, October 1982
(b)	Based on peak total primary labor force of 2,935, September, 1982
(c)	Based on operations work force of 579; peak = average.

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employment would cause a net population increase at the state level
depends largely upon the condition of the Alaska economy at the time:
a condition of high unemployment would result in minimum population
growth, while boom conditions would result in maximum population
growth.
6.10.2	Income
Estimates have been made of the total wage payments by Alpetco, of fed-
eral and state personal income taxes paid on these wages, of expendi-
tures in Valdez and elsewhere in Alaska by the construction and opera-
tions work forces, and of corporate income tax payments by Alpetco.
These estimates are presented in Table 6.10-2.
6.10.3	Local Economy
This section discusses in non-quantitative terms the impact the pro-
posed project would have on the Valdez economy. Construction actiity
would cause a local boom in the private sector. During this period and
in the early years of operation, there would be considerable private
investment in residential and commercial buildings. Some 708 new resi-
dential units would be needed to accommodate the permanent population,
and upgrading of the existing housing stock would also occur. Opera-
tion of the proposed refinery would create a potential for downstream
petrochemical processing and manufacturing facilities to be built in
Valdez. However, it seems unlikely that local businesses would be able
to provide many of the goods and services required by either the refin-
ery or associated industries. Rather, the private sector would con-
tinue to be oriented to the needs of the resident population.
Some temporary shortages of goods and services would occur during the
construction period, but these effects would not be as prolonged or as
severe as during the trans-Alaska pipeline boom (Valdez is larger and
the boom would be smaller than during the Alyeska period). The rela-
tively high cost of living in Valdez should decrease as a result of the
permanent growth, because of economies of scale in the distribution and
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Table	6.10-2
ESTIMATED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EXPENDITURES
CONSTRUCTION	AND OPERATION
(Mi I I ions of	1979 Do Ilars)
Construct i on
(TotaI 42 Mos.)
Wage Payments by Alpetco	624
Federal Personal Income Tax	62.6
State Personal Income Tax	12.1
Expenditures in Valdez by Work Force	20.4
Expenditures in Alaska except Valdez
by Work Force	66.1
Corporate Income Tax (Prior to
Investment Tax Credit in years
1984-1988)"
FederaI
State
Operat i ons
(Annua I)
18.6
4.3
.9
6.1
3.0
61.5
13.9
" Annual average over 20-year life of plant (payments increase
year Iy).
Source: Brown S Root, Alpetco, and CCC/HOK
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retail sale of goods. Also, retailers would be able to offer a larger
variety of goods than they do now because of expansion of the local
market.
6.10.4	Public Fiscal Impacts
The Alpetco project would add some $1.25 billion (1979 dollars) direct-
ly to the property tax rolls of the city. With additional residential
property valued at $65 million, the city would have a total assessed
value of approximately $2.95 billion in 1984 (or about $500 thousand
per capita assuming a total population of 6,000). With this property
tax resource, plus existing surplus capacity in public sector infra-
structure, Valdez would be able to provide all of the public services
required by the construction and permanent populations without the need
for supplemental impact aid.
Valdez will have some $442 million of bonding capacity in 1984 (the
city currently has debts of $70 million, so it would have a debt margin
of $372 million in 1984 if no more debt were acquired in the interim).
Within existing state statutory limits on the ability of local govern-
ments to raise property tax revenue for operating purposes, Valdez
could raise a maximum of $19,173,500 with a tax of 30 mills (assuming
6,000 people), or about $3,196 per capita compared with about $1,500
per capita at present. Because it is unlikely that Valdez will need
tax revenue of this magnitude, the city probably would choose to lower
its tax rate from 6 to 3 mills, which would generate $9 million or
$1,500 per capita (assuming 6,000 people) in property tax revenue.
There is no limitation on the city's ability to tax real property to
raise revenue to retire bonded debt; therefore, the city will be
encouraged to fund many capital improvement projects with general obli-
gation bonds.
6.10.5	Public Services and Facilities
Based on their experiences in providing services during trans-Alaska
pipeline construction, service providers in Valdez are anticipating
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increased demand for social counseling and referral services, including
mental health, crisis, marriage, and juvenile counseling; alcohol and
drug abuse counseling; fire protection; and criminal justice services.
The Valdez Community Hospital has sufficient capacity to serve a popu-
lation of more than 12 thousand (based on Health Systems Agency Stan-
dard) . Both the fire and police departments have sufficient personnel
and facilities to provide adequate protection during the construction
and operation of the proposed Alpetco refinery. The operating refinery
would not require city firefighting equipment or personnel. Before the
height of the construction phase in 1982, the new elementary school
should be complete and have excess capacity; the junior high school
(grades 7-8) likely would face slight overcrowding; and the high school
(grades 9-12) would be near capacity. By 1990, the school system would
require additional facilities to accommodate its student population.
6.10.6 Land Use
This section describes the effects the proposed Alpetco development
would have on resource extraction and recreation resources in the
region, and on patterns of land use in Valdez. Important land use
impacts in Valdez would include a demand for housing which would result
in a probable housing shortage, and expansion of the urban area to
accommodate the Alpetco project and new housing. Accompanying these
effects would be possible construction of temporary housing at the
expense of more permanent housing; and pressure for housing development
on land planned for another long-term use, such as industry (for
instance, in the vicinity of the airport).
On September 28, 1979, Alpetco certified to the State of Alaska, Divi-
sion of Policy Development and Planning, that the proposed project com-
plies with the approved Alaska Coastal Management (CZM) Program. Noth-
ing has been identified that is inconsistent with that certification.
The local CZM plan currently being drafted specifically identifies the
Valdez Industrial Park as a location for facilities such as being pro-
posed by Alpetco.
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Regional impacts: Construction and operation of the Alpetco facility
probably would have little impact upon land use or economic development
in the region outside of Valdez. The development of hard rock min-
erals, timber, fishing and agriculture is influenced principally by
such factors as the inherent value of the resource, export markets for
products, and land ownership restrictions. Of secondary importance
would be the availability of a larger labor force in Valdez brought
about by Alpetco, or the development of new city industrial facilities
financed in part by Alpetco tax revenues. Because Valdez is isolated
from other communities and areas of known resource development poten-
tial, effects of the proposed project on development patterns and
resource use would be confined to land areas accessible to the Richard-
son Highway near Valdez. No specific sites or cumulative impacts can
be identified.
Valdez impacts: Implementation of the proposed project would produce
important direct and secondary land use impacts in Valdez. Direct
impact would include the conversion of approximately 2.4 square miles
from open space to industrial use, although the refinery would be
located on an isolated site for which few alternative uses exist.
Direct impacts: The direct impacts of the proposed refinery on
surrounding land uses, including scenic impacts, are judged to be very
modest for a facility of this size. Because the refinery is separated
from the community by Valdez Glacier Stream and low hills, construction
and operation impacts upon housing near the airport or at Robe River
Subdivision should not be significant. Only the construction of the
service road and burial of pipelines to the east and north of Robe
River Subdivision would temporarily disrupt residents. At the same
time, however, land values should rise, as development by Alpetco would
bring about a needed sewer connection to the subdivision.
Secondary impacts: Secondary land use impacts include potential
industrialization of land areas around the proposed refinery site,
demand for additional recreational opportunities and facilities (see
Figure 6.10-1), and impacts on city planning functions in Valdez. An
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PROJECTED LAND USE IMPACTS
Figure 6.10-1

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additional important secondary impact -- the use of land for housing of
Alpetco and other support employees and their families -- is discussed
in the following section on residential land use.
The City of Valdez has created a new Valdez Industrial Park covering an
area which includes the proposed Alpetco site and four adjacent par-
cels. A portion of one of these sites--the former Alyeska pipeline
storage yard in the old townsite--also is planned for lease by Alpetco
as a construction staging area. Areas now zoned for industrial use
include all of the old townsite and the airport, extending east to
Valdez Glacier Stream, and most of the delta of the Lowe River.
Although there is considerable overlap between the old and proposed
zoning areas, the new zone would expand the total present industrial
zoning by more than 931 hectares (2,300 acres). The net effect of the
industrial area expansion would be to expedite the phase-out of mobile
homes and other houses in the Airport and Zook subdivisions. The pace
with which the transition from residential to industrial use takes
place would, of course, depend upon the demand for industrial develop-
ment in that area.
Recreation: The new population would create demand for recreational
opportunities and facilities. Demand would be mitigated partially by
the significant number of new and planned recreational facilities of
the City of Valdez. For Alpetco construction workers, recreation
facilities also would be provided at the construction camp.
Demand for temporary housing during a short period between July and
September 1982 could conflict with tourists in need of recreational
vehicle campsites. If housing for Alpetco construction workers were
not available in the construction camp in quantities sufficient to sat-
isfy demand, construction workers might bring their own campers to the
Valdez Glacier Wayside campground. Construction of an in-town camper
park, proposed by the city for a location near the Small Boat Harbor,
could help alleviate overcrowding.
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Over the long term, demand for additional recreational boat slips at
the boat harbor probably would increase as permanent employees of
Alpetco establish residency in Valdez. Boat ownership could, in time,
provide added support to development of proposed state marine parks in
the vicinity of Valdez. Proposed parks at Anderson Bay, Jack Bay, and
Sawmill Bay could include such facilities as docks, mooring floats,
campsites and restrooms. However, the U. S. Forest Service is consid-
ering wilderness classification for areas within which some of these
marine parks are proposed (USDA, Forest Service, June 1978). There
also would be additional consumptive demand (hunting and fishing) on
the fish and wildlife resources due to the increased population.
Impacts on land using planning: In order to provide needed new housing
and other facilities during the period of rapid industrial growth in
Valdez, the city would rely upon new regulations due for completion by
summer 1980: Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordi-
nance, and Coastal Management Plan. Delays in completion of these
regulations could create procedural delays in the processing of permits
and the construction of housing and other facilities. There also could
be repetition of granting zoning exceptions, such as occurred during
the Alyeska boom, if new approval processes are perceived as cumbersome
or ambiguous. The proposed addition of another full-time planner to
the city's staff should assist in completion of the regulations, and in
processing development applications, but no other assistance to the
planning function is expected.
Residential land use: Both short- and long-term demand for housing
would be significant. This impact would be felt throughout the commu-
nity, with the infilling of vacant lots with new housing and the devel-
opment of whole new subdivisions beyond of the existing urban area.
Construction phase 1980-1984: Demand for housing during both the
construction and operation phases would be significant. During con-
struction of the facility, the total incremental population would peak
at approximately 4,310 people in 1982, of which 2,820 would be employed
directly by Alpetco. Of the Alpetco construction work force, 2,540
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would be housed in the on-site construction camp, while the balance of
280 would seek housing in Valdez, or would already be living in Valdez.
The remaining support population of 1,490 also would require housing.
Since the present and projected vacancy rate in mobile homes and sin-
gle-family houses is 3 percent, there would be a housing shortage not
long after construction began. It is difficult to project the number
of new households needed for primary and support construction workers
and their families, because of the short-term nature of contracts, and
the fact that two or more construction workers may obtain housing
together. Given this situation, the present supply of 390 vacant
mobile home spaces would be occupied and additional space would have to
be provided. The city may resist the construction of additional mobile
home parks to meet short-term demands since such developments have
tended to become permanent. There would also be demand for single- and
multi-family housing, particularly near the end of the construction
period, when some construction workers would decide to make Valdez
their permanent home.
Operations phase: At the start-up of the refinery in 1984, Valdez
already would be in the midst of a housing shortage. Approximately 708
new permanent housing units would be required for the total new popula-
tion associated with primary, secondary, and residual employment.
About half of the projected demand for new housing in 1984 derives from
the housing needs of Alpetco employees. Demand would increase at an
estimated 3 percent or 20 units per year after that, representing immi-
gration and latent demand by existing mobile home residents for a more
permanent type of housing. It is assumed that mobile homes will be
used only until more permanent frame dwellings can be built, and that
the city will require the gradual phasing out of mobile home parks
after the proposed Alpetco construction period is over.
Demand for housing would not only require infilling existing subdivi-
sions but also the construction of new subdivisions. There now are 390
vacant single-family lots and an undetermined number of multi-family
lots. Assuming that 80 percent of the Alpetco-induced demand would be
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for single-family houses, approximately 170 new lots would be required
in 1984 (.80 x 708 - 390). This estimate may be very conservative
because some existing platted lots are located on land which is poorly
drained or subject to flooding. Approximately 140 new multi-family
units also would be required.
New subdivisions will be developed, primarily in areas west of Hazelet
Avenue in the downtown area. A total of approximately 390 hectares
(965 acres) of public and private land have been identified for pos-
sible residential development by the city (Schmidt, 1979). Of the
total, 259 hectares (640 acres) west of Mineral Creek have been
selected under the city's Municipal Entitlement (see Figure 5.8-3).
Much of this land, however, might be subject to flooding from Mineral
Creek (see Figure 6.2-1). The balance of 132 hectares (325 acres)
includes land between Hazelet Avenue and Mineral Creek, unimproved
platted lots in Robe River Subdivision, and land north of that subdi-
vision. The total amount of land available for housing is more than
adequate to meet long-term housing needs associated with the proposed
project.
Production of housing: Production of housing to meet demand cre-
ated by the project would be constrained by the shortness of the time
period in which housing must be produced (beginning in 1984 an immedi-
ate demand would exist for about 708 units); the availability and pro-
ductivity of builders, most of whom would be drawn from outside Valdez;
reluctance on the part of builders to construct housing much in advance
of the actual arrival of refinery operations personnel; and lack of
market acceptance in Valdez for multi-family housing, a portion of the
housing market important to residents unable to afford or uninterested
in owning single-family housing.
6.10.7 Transportation Systems
Land: Direct impacts of Alpetco construction traffic would be related
principally to the hauling of construction materials: an estimated
30-50 one-way truck movements per day (assuming five-axle trucks) dur-
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ing the period mid-1981 to mid-1983. Additionally, special low-profile
crawler transporters would carry 80 - 100 prefabricated refinery mod-
ules weighing from 40 to 100 tons (with one unit of 500 tons). These
movements would be concentrated on the Glacier Stream Haul Road and at
the crossing of the Richardson Highway. The planned reinforcement of
the highway segment to be used as a heavy equipment crossing would min-
imize or eliminate any structural impact on the highway. There would
be occasional, short delays of regular highway traffic during highway
crossings. Minor damage due to construction traffic would be expected
on the Richardson Highway between the Glacier Stream Haul Road and Day-
ville Road, and on Dayville Road to the products dock, especially dur-
ing freeze and thaw periods.
Vehicular traffic on the Richardson Highway between the Alpetco site
and the downtown area is expected to increase by 2,000-3,000 vehicles
per day. This increase can be divided between those trips to or from
the Alpetco site (1,400 trips per day) and the general increase in
traffic due to population growth (600-1,600 trips per day). Average
daily traffic at the highway office at Mile 1 on the Richardson Highway
is expected to increase from 7,300 vehicles per day to 9,500-10,500
vehicles with the proposed development. Less than 10 percent of this
volume is expected to be truck traffic.
Alpetco would generate approximately 500 vehicles during the peak hour,
which would generally occur between 3 and 5 p.m. Peak hour traffic
volumes on the highway are projected to increase from 500 to 1,000-
1,100 vehicles per hour. These volumes are below the estimated highway
capacity of 1,700 vehicles per hour. The increase in volume could,
however, result in a reduced average highway operating speed.
Air: Impact on the airport and air carrier operations during construc-
tion of the proposed refinery would be expected to be moderate. It is
anticipated that work force arrivals/departures could be accommodated
within existing carrier schedules. Additional air traffic would be
generated by support and ancillary services, and light air freight.
The air carriers expect to expand air charter and scheduled services
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where necessary. During project construction the probable maximum
annual airport operations (take-offs and landings) would be 30-40
thousand, well below the estimated capacity of 100-200 thousand.
Planned installation of runway lighting and navigational aids will
further improve operations scheduling, particularly in winter.
During operation of the refinery, total air passenger demand should
increase by 10-13 thousand annual passenger trips, or a 35-40 percent
increase over the current level. Because the average planeload factor
would be close to 100 percent on many occasions, carriers might utilize
larger planes, but jet service probably would not be justified econom-
ically. Total airport operations would be unlikely to exceed 30 thou-
sand a year, from a 1978 base of 20 thousand operations per year.
Marine: Impacts upon the Alaska Marine Highway system due to construc-
tion and operation of the proposed project are expected to be minor.
Shipments of sulfur and fluid coke would have a positive economic
impact on the proposed new city dock planned for completion in October
1982. The dock would have ample capacity to handle the Alpetco
requirements. If the new dock were not operational when needed, the
sulfur and coke could be shipped across the existing dock facility with
possible material handling improvements being necessary.
Marine transportation of the refined products would introduce product
tankers to move an average of 145 thousand bpd of liquid that formerly
left Valdez in the form of crude oil. The main differences are vessel
size, and the number of port calls necessary to transport the same vol-
ume. The product tankers expected to call at the Alpetco facility
would average 36,500 dwt in size, requiring an estimated 186 port calls
per year (see Section 3.5.5). Currently, the 150 thousand bpd of crude
oil that Alpetco would refine is transported from the Alyeska terminal
in crude carriers averaging 115,000 dwt, requiring 58 port calls per
year compared to 186 to carry essentially the same volume. This dif-
ference assumes a conservative average product vessel size at a time
when the trend is to use larger vessels. The proposed berths would
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accommodate tankers up to 80,000 dwt. The net result is an increase in
vessel traffic in Port Valdez.
The increased vessel traffic would be well within the capability of the
existing Coast Guard Vessel Traffic System to provide navigational
assistance. The risk of spills from marine operations would be attri-
butable primarily to at-berth spills during liquid cargo transfer or to
in-transit casualties. Statistical information and methodology from
the Milford Haven ports in Wales, U. K. , and from the BLM oil spill
risk analysis for the proposed Northern Tier Pipeline are used to
assess spill risks for the proposed project. Information which is
cited frequently on the subject of oil spills at tanker loading termi-
nals was presented by Captain G. Dudley, Harbormaster for the Milford
Haven ports area, at a symposium, "The Ecological Effects of Oil Pol-
lution on Littoral Communities" in London, England, in December 1970.
The port of Milford Haven provides a basis for predicting at-berth
spill risks. Milford Haven, situated at the entrance to the Bristol
Channel, is comparable to U. S. West Coast ports. Prior to 1960 there
was no petroleum industry in this area. For this reason all the sub-
sequent pollution incidents were the result of modern petroleum loading
and unloading operations. These are reasonably comparable to the oper-
ational standards expected in 1984 when the new United States Coast
Guard regulations (33 CFR Part 157 - CGD 77-058B) are in force. Since
the port of Milford Haven had not handled petroleum products until
1960, it was possible as the result of experience in other ports to set
regulations and coordinate activities for recording and dealing with
all minor and major oil spills.
The water depths in the Milford Haven petroleum port areas vary from
11-22 m (35-71 ft) at mean high water. The range of the tide varies
from 16-26 ft. The tidal currents in this area are very strong (up to
6 knots). The tidal range and currents are greater than those experi-
enced in United States West Coast ports and their physical effects will
tend to increase marginally the risk of spills during loading and
unloading operations at Milford Haven compared with United States West
Coast ports.
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An analysis of pollution incidents from vessels calling at Milford
Haven is given in Table 6.10-3. Over the nine-year period, 55 percent
of all spills were of less than 2.3 barrels and 29 percent were between
2.3 and 4.6 barrels. The remaining 16 percent are only given in the
original tables as more than 4.6 barrels. Except for three, these were
in the range of 4.6 to 75 barrels. The three special cases were not
directly attributable to loading and unloading operations as shown
below and could be omitted from the analysis. These are: (1) year
1962 includes one grounding in which about 750 barrels of crude was
spilled; (2) year 1967 includes arrival of one vessel with damaged
shell plating below the water line which resulted in 1,875 barrels
spilled; and (3) year 1968 includes a crude tank in a refinery which
overflowed and about 750 barrels escaped into the harbor waters.
At Milford Haven, tank vessels registered in many nations were received
and it was observed that this tended to reduce the effectiveness of
many vessels as far as pollution was concerned. In the Alpetco case,
the majority of vessels would be of American flag and therefore should
meet the stringent requirements of the United States Coast Guard. For
this reason it is considered that, in practice, for the United States
ports it could be possible to reduce the frequency of pollution inci-
dents below the Milford Haven record.
The analysis of the number of vessels calling at the port of Milford
Haven to load or discharge cargo shows that the nine-year average was
2.7 pollution incidents per 100 vessels. Based on the Milford Haven
example, the following numbers of at-berth pollution incidents would be
predicted for the products dock at Valdez and the four main U. S. des-
tination ports (see Table 6.10-4). This statistical prediction of
incidents relating to all refined products handling does not represent
a net increase in West Coast pollution incidents. The present risks of
handling and transporting 150 thousand bpd of crude oil are being
replaced with the risks of handling and transporting an average of 145
thousand bpd of refined products.
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Table 6.10-3
ANNUAL NUMBER OF TANK VESSELS AND POLLUTIONS
Tankers		Number of Pollutions
Year
Number
of
Vesse1s
Volume of
Cargo
M i 1 1 i ons
of Barrels
Less
Than
2.3
Barre1s
2.3
to
4.6
Barre1s
More
Than
4.6
Barre i s
Tota 1
Number
Per
100
Vesse1s
1961
1,066
74.25
25
9
11
45
4.2
1962
1,192
86.25
18
4
11
33
2.8
1963
1,236
97.50
18
6
6
30
2.4
1964
1,392
132.75
27
14
2
43
3.1
1965
1,985
186.75
46
28
18
92
4.6
1966
2,378
216.75
42
22
14
78
3-3
1967
2,680
211.50
32
16
7
55
2.1
1968
2,669
225.00
26
25
2
53
2 . 0
1969
3,266
299.25
34
19
5
58
1.8
Tota 1
17,864
1,530.0
268
143
76
487
2.7
Percent


55
29
16
100
.

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Harbor
Table 6.10-it
AT-BERTH SPILL PREDICTIONS
Duty
Number of
Vessels
Annual
Pollution
Incidents
Valdez
Seattle
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Honolulu
Loading Products
Unloading Products
Unloading Products
Unloading Products
Unloading Products
186
45
45
51
45
5.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.2
TOTAL/YEAR
10.0
Of these, a total of 84 percent or 8.4 at-berth incidents per year
would be less than 192 gallons. In Valdez, five incidents per year
would be predicted, or 4.2 less than 192 gallons.
Using criteria used for the Puget Sound oil spill risk analysis for the
proposed Northern Tier pipeline (BLM/OIW, 1978), risks of at-berth
spills of greater than 2.4 barrels can be predicted using the number of
port calls as the exposure variable. With a 95 percent confidence
interval, two spills per year could be expected. Considering that this
calculation excludes spills of less than 2.4 barrels, the prediction
reasonably substantiates the level of risk predicted using the Milford
Haven data.
Sources and causes of at-berth spills are illustrated by the following
data from the first year (1977-1978) of operation of the Alyeska marine
terminal in Port Valdez.
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Table 6.10-5
AT-BERTH SPILLS
ALYESKA TERMINAL (1977-1978)
Cause of Spill
	(quantities in barrels)
Source
Unknown
Equipment
Failure
Maintenance
Error
Design
Tankage Subsystem
0
0.95
0
0
Pipe
0
0
0
0
Valves
0
0.29
2.24
0
Loading Subsystems
0.12
0.07
0
0.24
Safety Subsystem
0
2.38
0
0
Tanker
0.05
14.95
0.10
0
TOTAL
0.17
18.64
2.34
0.24
Source: USDOI, Alyeska Pipeline
Office (1978)
, OIW (1978)

The total at-berth spillage for approximately 500 port calls was less
than 22 barrels.
With the same BLM/OIW criteria, in-transit spill risks can be predicted
using the distance traveled per harbor call as the exposure variable.
The in-transit category includes mooring and departing as well as oper-
ations while underway. With a 95 percent confidence interval, 9.5
in-transit tanker spills per year could be expected.
6.10.8 Utilities Systems
Sanitary sewer: The City of Valdez is planning a sewer trunk line that
would extend municipal sanitary sewer service to Robe River Subdivision
and the proposed refinery site (see Section 9.4). The temporary con-
struction work force for the proposed project would generate a maximum
average sewage load of about 250 thousand gpd. This would be the high-
est direct sewage load impact from the project. Volumes during opera-
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tion of the proposed refinery would be reduced to that generated by the
permanent work force, approximately one-fifth the peak construction
work force population.
The primary impact on the municipal treatment plant would result from
general city incremental growth attributable to the proposed project.
This would amount to 2,124 persons (see Figure 6.10-1) by 1990 or at
150 gpd an increased treatment plant load of about 320 thousand gpd.
With an additional average load of about 30 thousand gpd from the
refinery operation, the total long-term impact on the municipal treat-
ment plant would be an average of 370 thousand gpd. The average plant
load during 1978 was 705 thousand gpd. An additional 370 thousand gpd
would raise this to 1.07 mgd. Peak plant load during 1978 was 1.1 mgd
(D. Hunt, 1979). The design rated capacity of the existing plant is
1.25 mgd. Based on 1978 average treatment plant loads, it appears that
the average refinery long-term population impacts could be accommodated
with about 15 percent of rated capacity remaining. In reality, the
capacity of the plant might have to be expanded in the mid-1980s to
adequately treat peak loads.
At some point along its route between the refinery site and the Valdez
sewage treatment plant, the sewer trunk line would be intercepted by a
lateral line serving Robe River Subdivision. The provision of sewer
service to Robe River Subdivision would diminish problems of well con-
tamination caused by the proximity of wells and septic tanks. The
refinery project would be an incentive to earlier construction of the
Robe River lateral line.
Water system: Hydrology studies of the proposed Alpetco site indicate
that there is sufficient groundwater to meet on-site requirements for
both industrial and domestic uses (see Section 5.2.2).
The major impact of the Alpetco project on the city's water system
would be felt in the development of new residential areas to accommo-
date the permanent Alpetco work force. In the downtown area east of
Mineral Creek, the city will extend existing water lines to newly
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developed areas; west of Mineral Creek, the city will either develop an
independent water system or one that is connected to the existing sys-
tem in the downtown area. Newly developed residential areas outside
the downtown area either will rely on an independent water system or on
privately owned wells.
Solid waste: The Valdez city engineer estimates that at the present
rate of usage, the landfill site at the old townsite can be used for
another four years; and with the Alpetco project under way, the site
would reach capacity in two years.
In addition to considering alternative disposal sites, the city has
commissioned a study to consider future solid waste loads, including
wastes generated by the proposed Alpetco facility; to recommend an
appropriate waste disposal system that complies with existing environ-
mental regulations; and to identify funding sources. The study is
scheduled to be complete by the end of 1979.
Electricity: The Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) is expand-
ing its capacity. The cornerstone of the expansion is the Solomon
Gulch Hydroelectric Project, currently under construction, supplemented
by the possible installation of a generator in the form of a pressure-
reducing turbine in the trans-Alaska pipeline.
Alpetco plans to purchase electricity from CVEA during construction of
the facility. During operations, Alpetco would own and operate its own
electrical generation facility. Therefore, there would be no long-term
impacts.
Telephone: Electronic switching equipment which serves the Valdez ser-
vice area (downtown to Thompson Pass) has a capacity for 2,500 lines;
1,300 lines are in use. The remaining lines can accommodate up to
1,500 new households, so the system is more than adequate to meet
demand resulting from the proposed project. The system also can be
expanded readily, with equipment which requires four months lead time
for delivery.
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6.10.9 Life-Style and Culture
Many of the impacts that Valdez could experience during construction of
the Alpetco refinery would be similar to, but not as severe as, those
experienced during the construction of the Alyeska pipeline and marine
terminal.
Compared to circumstances that existed during the pipeline era, factors
that would diminish the Alpetco-induced impacts on life-style include
community confidence gained from overcoming the inconveniences and
problems associated with construction of the pipeline; Valdez has a
population three to four times larger than it had during the pipeline
era; the peak manpower requirements for the Alpetco project would be
2,820 workers, compared to 4,500 in Valdez for the pipeline; Valdez now
offers a greater array of public services; utilities have excess capa-
city; the city is developing new land use controls to better influence
land development patterns; and Valdez, with its great tax base, would
not be dependent on the state for impact aid.
Likely changes in the community's life-style include further loss of
Valdez's small-town flavor; a severe, temporary housing shortage until
supply catches up with demand; some perceived crowding as subdivisions
are developed at higher densities; strains on the social service deliv-
ery system; tensions between construction workers and longer-term resi-
dents; and increased use (and possible overcrowding) of nearby recrea-
tional resources.
Positive changes to the life-style of Valdez could include increased
retail and recreational opportunities, as well as a better integration
of new residents into the community life than occurred during the
trans-Alaska pipeline era.
6.10.10 Mitigation Measures
Public services: The City of Valdez has accepted the responsibility of
mitigating impacts on local public services. In a letter dated Septem-
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ber 28, 1978, Mark Lewis, then Acting City Manager of Valdez, assured
the president of Alpetco that "Valdez currently has all the necessary
utilities, schools and other community facilities necessary to accommo-
date the demands of a construction boom followed by additional perman-
ent residents without the need for additional facilities or financial
support" (see Section 9.4). The size of the Valdez tax base will make
it possible to expand locally funded public services, such as addi-
tional staff for the Mental Health Center or a greater number of recre-
ation programs, as required. The city also might consider funding
resources for family support such as day care centers.
The State Department of Health and Social Services probably would
require additional staff in Valdez during construction of the proposed
Alpetco project to accommodate an increased case load during this per-
iod.
The president of the community college believes that the college can
provide another form of recreation and entertainment. During construc-
tion of the Alpetco facility, the college would expand its offerings to
include daytime courses to meet the needs of newcomers, particularly
women who are not employed.
The administration of Valdez Community College anticipates expansion of
its vocational programs to meet the staffing requirements of the pro-
posed facility during its construction and operation. Alpetco has com-
mitted $500 thousand to training programs.
Land use: This section discusses measures which could be considered to
mitigate impacts on land use.
Recreation: The City of Valdez is prepared to meet demand for new
recreation facilities. These needs could include new recreational
vehicle campsites, indoor recreation facilities, and parks and recrea-
tion boat slips. Provisions for some of these already are included in
the city's five-year preliminary budget. Specific programs under which
the city might obtain government assistance to acquire land to con-
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struct or provide management of facilities include:
1.	Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) authorized under the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1976, P. S. 94-370. This program provides
grants for the acquisition of recreational facilities to compensate for
the loss of recreation resources resulting from the siting, construc-
tion, expansion, or operation of any coastal energy facility.
2.	Outdoor Recreation Development and Planning authorized by the Land
and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Grants are made for the
acquisition and development of such projects as picnic areas, city
parks, tennis courts, boat launching ramps and campgrounds. A combina-
tion of federal and state matching funds leaves 25 percent funding by
local government.
3.	Community Development Block grants authorized by Title I of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, P. E. 93-383. Grants
are made which can include the buying or leasing of lands to conserve
open space, and provide neighborhood recreational facilities such as
parks and playgrounds.
4.	Alaska Municipal Entitlement Act of 1978. Some of Valdez's enti-
tlement of 4,805 acres of vacant, unappropriated and unreserved state
land could be used for recreation facilities developed in conjunction
with projected housing west of Mineral Creek.
5.	Legislative appropriations for development of the proposed Keystone
Canyon State Park. Campsites could be constructed in the new park to
supplement demand from construction workers or others for temporary
sites for mobile homes or trailers. Better coordination between the
city and state is necessary to bring about a realistic development of
the park and its proposed facilities.
Housing: A series of public and private actions could help miti-
gate the housing shortage that Valdez would face when the facility be-
gins operation. Actions that the City of Valdez could consider include:
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1.	Make available to builders land that is served by city utilities.
The cost of infrastructure per housing unit for large tracts of city-
improved land should be less than for small parcels of developer-
improved land.
2.	Shorten the city's review and approval process so as not to unduly
delay the production of needed housing.
3.	Permit the placement of modular units on temporary foundations, for
a specific time period only. Once demand for housing has abated, the
modular units should be resited onto permanent foundations. Utilities
should have to meet permanent construction standards.
4.	Issue mortgage subsidy bonds, if the U. S. Congress permits the
program to continue.
Actions that the State of Alaska could consider:
1.	Issue mortgage subsidy bonds through the Alaska State Housing
Finance Corporation, if the U. S. Congress permits the program to con-
tinue .
2.	Produce housing through the Alaska State Housing Authority for
low-income families and the elderly in Valdez.
An action that Alpetco could consider:
Intervention directly or indirectly in the production of housing.
Transportation: The following mitigation measures could be con-
sidered for the project construction period:
1. To reduce dust on the Glacier Stream Haul Road, undertake heavy
watering or applications of a dust retardant.
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2.	Repair the Richardson Highway and Dayville Road in the vicinity of
the Alpetco operations to their preconstruction condition at the close
of construction.
3.	Reduce the speed limit on the Richardson Highway when trucks are
using the highway for construction of the products dock and laying of
pipelines.
During operations, the following measures could be considered:
1.	Design the four-way intersection of the primary access road (Gla-
cier Stream Haul Road) and the Richardson Highway to accommodate pro-
tected left turn lanes on the Richardson and acceleration lanes onto
the highway.
2.	Use small buses to carry employees to and from the refinery at
shift changes. Buses could operate efficiently, providing virtually
door-to-door service in the small neighborhoods of Valdez.
6.10.11 Unavoidable Impacts
The long-term economic impacts of the Alpetco project would be posi-
tive. Unavoidable adverse economic impacts might occur during the con-
struction period, such as inflationary pressures in the housing market
(affecting renters negatively, landlords positively), and shortages of
goods and services at the peak of construction. In general, these
adverse impacts would be less severe and of shorter duration than
similar impacts during the peak of the Alyeska construction era.
Adverse land use effects which could not be avoided if the project were
implemented include the commitment of land for urbanization, land spec-
ulation, and disruption of existing neighborhoods for the construction
of housing. Urbanization includes the direct conversion of open land
for the refinery complex, the removal of trees and a modification of
the scenic quality of the area (particularly at the site of the pro-
ducts dock), as well as the development of other parts of Valdez for
secondary support facilities such as housing and commercial services.
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7. MITIGATION MEASURES

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7.1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
During the study programs for this Environmental Impact Statement, Alpetco made several
changes in the design concepts of the proposed facility to mitigate certain adverse impacts
that were identified. By Alpetco allowing the environmental program to influence facility
design criteria at an early planning stage the adverse impacts identified in this EIS were
minimized. Following is a summary of the more significant mitigation actions of this type
which were implemented.
Original Design and Impact
The original site plan lay-out placed the tank-
age farther south than the current proposed
southern boundary of the site. However, wetland
and marsh areas identified in the area of Corbin
Creek (Glacier) unavoidably would have been lost.
This area contains the headwaters of Corbin Creek
(Robe) and Brownie Creek, and the Robe Lake sal-
mon spawning system.
The original route proposed for the primary
access road was north from the Richardson
Highway along the east side of Robe River
Subdivision (route alternative I 1 on Figure
3.3-1). Daily refinery traffic during con-
struction and operations would increase the
risk of adverse effects on a sensitive eco-
system and would create potential land use
conflicts and noise impacts upon the residen-
tial subdivision.
Original plans anticipated the proposed facil-
ity would be water cooled. Undesirable energy
consumption, air quality (visibility) and water
requirement effects were identified.
Mitigation Implemented
The site plan was redesigned to locate all
refinery facilities north of Corbin Creek
(Glacier) and the proposed boundary of the
site was realigned to exclude much of the
sensitive area. Only the crude and products
pipelines and service road now are proposed
across this area.
The preferred primary access to the proposed
site was changed from the southern alternate
route # 1, to the existing Glacier Stream
Haul Road (alternate I 3 on Figure 3.3-1).
The originally preferred primary access was
retained and designated a service road to
allow service access to the products pipelines
corridor and restricted to emergency access.
Design criteria was altered early in project
planning, to make this largely an air cooled
plant. Air cooling reduces internal plant
energy consumption, avoids fogging and
reduced visibility from evaporative cooling,
and substantially lowers the groundwater
requ i rements.

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Original Design and Impact
Earlier plans called for location of the tem-
porary construction camp on the far east side
of the site. However, it was determined that
the camp would partially occupy a wetland area,
and would damage an area that would be best left
in its natural condition as a groundwater re-
charge source to help compensate for the pro-
posed realignment of Slater Creek.
Mitigation Implemented
The site plan was revised to locate the camp
to the far north of the site, leaving land on
the east side of the site unused.

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Numerous mitigation measures are suggested in this EIS, many of which are included in the
plans for the proposed facility. Commitments may be made to others as the planning and design
procedure reaches the appropriate level of detail. Others are beyond the authority of Alpetco
to perform. Some items which normally are part of permitting stipulations are not identified
below as suggested mitigation measures. The following mitigation measures suggested in the
EIS are categorized as described below.
COMMITTED: These are mitigation measures
Alpetco has committed to perform.
that are included in the project description or that
NOT YET COMMITTED: These are suggested mitigation measures only, that are
sideration when project planning reaches the appropriate level of detail.
offered for con-
OTHER AUTHORITY: These are suggested mitigation measures that are beyond the authority of
Alpetco to implement.
MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS
SECTION
COMMITTED
NOT YET
COMMITTED
OTHER
AUTHORITY
1) Incorporate a ground motion analysis in the struc-
tural design of refinery components to assess the
dynamic behavior of the coupled site/refinery com-
ponents .
6.1
2) If liquefaction is determined to be a significant
hazard along any portion of the pipeline corridor,
the pipeline could be supported on pilings founded
below the zone(s) of liquefaction, or the soil
could be stabilized by a deep densification process
such as "vibrofIotation".
6.1
X
3)
The proposed leak detection systems on the pipe-
lines and the proper use of valves would minimize
potenti a I spiI Is.
6.1
X

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS
SECTION
COMMITTED
NOT YET
COMMITTED
OTHER
AUTHORITY
*t) Any potential erosion, avalanche or rockfall hazards
to the above-ground segments of the pipelines could
be mitigated by maintaining drainage patterns estab-
lished for the adjacent Alyeska pipeline, and by	6.1
placement of the pipelines in sound rock wherever
site-specific studies confirm soil or surficial
rock slope instability. If determined necessary,
an alternate buried configuration could be con-
sidered for these segments of the pipeline route.
5)	Collect rain runoff and snowmeIt along the eastern
periphery of the site and direct it to a discharge
point on Corbin Creek (Glacier) mitigating the	6.2
potential for contamination of a portion of the
surface runoff.
6)	Schedule those construction activities which could 6.2
affect the streams during no-flow or very low-flow	6.3
periods to minimize the problems associated with 6.8
increases in erosion and turbidity.
7)	Sediment and erosion control programs for all dis-	6.2
turbed soil surfaces would minimize erosion and 6.8
subsequent siltation into the streams.
8)	Furthermore, following the completion of construc-
tion, revegetation of areas which were stripped	6.2
of cover would stabilize the soils and aestheti- 6.8
cally enhance the environment.
9)	The point of groundwater withdrawal could be
located near the north edge of the site so that	6.2
drawdown in the vicinity of the Brownie and
Corbin (Robe) creeks would be minimized.
10) Provide additional water to Corbin Creek (Robe)
and Brownie Creek if necessary to maintain	6.2
winter flow. Monitor groundwater drawdown	6.8
during plant operation to determine need to
implement the contingency plan.

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS	NOT YET	OTHER
SECTION COMMITTED COMMITTED AUTHORITY
11)	Incorporate provisions to retain maximum amounts
of precipitation runoff in undeveloped areas of	6.2	X
the site to enhance groundwater recharge.
12)	Pollution of the groundwater source could be
mitigated by the provision of impervious diking	6.2	X
and surfacing of areas where hazardous materials
are stored or where spills are possible.
13)	During construction, reduce fugitive dust by	6.5	X
wetting down dry, exposed soil. 6.10
14)	Whenever practicable employ alternate land
clearing debris disposal methods in lieu of	6.5	X
open burning (e.g. shredding and land fill).
15)	Emissions to the atmosphere from the operation of
combustion equipment, the sulfur recovery system,
the FCCU, the flare, the incinerator, storage tanks, 6.5	X
and from fugitive emissions would be controlled by 6.7
using the best available control technologies as
presented in Section 4.3-3.
16)	Avoid construction near residential areas (pipeline
corridor)*between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The distance	6.6	X
to residences would mitigate most noise impacts.
17)	Use noise abatement components on refinery equip-	6.6	X
ment.
18)	Use state-of-the-art in-plant wastewater treatment	6.4	X
(described in Section 3.4.3).
19)	Location of the discharge offshore and in an area
of relatively good circulation (described in	6.4	X
Section 5.3.1).

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS	NOT YET	OTHER
SECTION COMMITTED COMMITTED AUTHORITY
20)	Use a back-pressure sensing system to detect a
loss of the wastewater discharge diffuser.
21)	Use positive-seal liners in all ponds containing	6.7	X
hazardous materials and in all tank containment 6.8
structures.
22)	Containerize any hazardous materials temporarily
stored on-site, using sealed 50-gallon drums or	6.7	X
similar sealable and transportable containers.
23)	To the extent possible, locate project facilities	6.8	X
away from nesting areas or resting areas for migrat-
ing birds.
2*t) Schedule construction work at the products dock to
avoid the intertidal spawning period for salmon in 6.8	X
Solomon Gulch Creek (mid-July to late August).
25) Trenching activities for burial of the effluent
pipeline in the intertidal zone should be sche-	6.8	X
duled to avoid the pink salmon run in nearby
Sewage Lagoon Creek.
26) Implementation of a spill prevention, control and
countermeasure plan and oil spill contingency plans
for offshore and onshore operations would reduce	6.8	X
the chances of spillage of petroleum hydrocarbons
and maximize the effectiveness of control and cleanup
measures in the event of a spill.
27) Place containment booms around all vessels before
heavy product transfer begins to trap any contain-
able potential spill material.
6.8
X

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS	NOT YET	OTHER
SECTION COMMITTED COMMITTED AUTHORITY
28)	Install buried pipeline stream crossings during the
least biologically sensitive time of the year, mid-
April to July, employing the construction method	6.8	X
that is least damaging for that type of stream. A
stream bypass flume could carry stream flows during
pipe burial at Corbin Creek (Robe), Robe River, and
Dayville Flats Creek.
29)	Align crude oil and product pipelines to minimize
the number of stream crossings, and bury pipelines 6.8	X
to reduce the risk of hydrocarbon spills from
accidental pipeline damage and vandalism.
30)	Assist in establishing an interdiscipIinary
team of engineers, fishery biologists, and	6.8	X
hydrologists to provide early review of con-
struction plans and schedules.
31)	Design culverts, bridges, and other drainage struc-
tures on fish streams to assure that water velocities
could not impede fish passage, and install culverts 6.8	X
in concert with the natural streambed to prevent
"perched" conditions which could impede fish passage.
32)	Leave a buffer zone of undisturbed natural vegeta-
tion with minimum radius of 91 m (300 ft) around
all bald eagle nest sites to reduce disturbance
and prevent "blowdown" of nest trees. Do not con-	6.8	X
duct pipeline construction activities in the
vicinity active of bald eagle nests during the
nesting period if the nests are active.
33)	Dispose of construction and fill material only in	6.8	X
approved landfill sites.

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS
SECTION
COMMITTED
NOT YET
COMMITTED
OTHER
AUTHORITY
3*0 Fences around the construction camp and ail per-
manent facilities and garbage disposal areas would
help minimize human/bear interaction.	6.8	X
35)	If any historical or archaeoIogicaI site is
discovered, construction work should be	6.9	X
stopped at that location and the appropriate
authorities contacted.
36)	The state Department of Health and Social Services
probably would require additional staff in Valdez	6.10	X
during construction of the proposed Alpetco project
to accommodate an increased case load during this
period.
37)	Establish training programs to meet the staffing
requirements of the proposed facility during its	6.10	X
construction and operations phases.
38)	Specific programs under which the city might obtain
government assistance to acquire land to construct
or provide management of facilities include:
1) Coastal Energy Impact Program authorized under	6.10	X
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1976. 2) Out-
door Recreation Development and Planning author-
ized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act
of 1965. 3) Community Development Block grants.
*t) Alaska Municipal Entitlement Act of 1978.
5) Legislative appropriations for development of
the proposed Keystone Canyon State Park.
39)	The city could make available to builders land that 6.10	X
is served by city utilities.
*t0) The city could shorten the city's review and approval
process so as not to unduly delay the production of 6.10	X
needed housing.

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
FROM EIS	NOT YET	OTHER
SECTION COMMITTED COMMITTED AUTHORITY
t+l) The city could permit the placement of modular
units on temporary foundations, on the condition	6.10	X
that once demand for housing has abated, the
modular units would have to be resited onto per-
manent foundations.
^2) The city could issue mortgage subsidy bonds, if the 6.10	X
U.S. congress permits the program to continue.
*+3) The state could issue mortgage subsidy bonds
through the Alaska State Housing Finance Cor-	6.10	X
poration, if the U.S. congress permits the
program to continue.
kb') Intervene directly or indirectly in the production
of housing.	6.10	X
^5) Provide a guaranteed buy-back of any housing pur-
chased by an Alpetco employee. In this way,
Alpetco would eliminate the risk of home owner-	6.10	X
ship for current employees while guaranteeing
the availability of permanent housing for future
empIoyees.
*~6) Repair any damage to the Richardson Highway and
Dayville Road in the vicinity of the Alpetco	6.10	X
operations to its preconstruction condition at
the close of construction.
*~7) Reduce the speed limit on the Richardson Highway
when trucks are using the highway for construction	6.10	X
of the products dock and laying of pipelines.

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MITIGATION MEASURE SUMMARY
^8) Design the four-way intersection of the primary
access road (Glacier Stream Haul Road) and the
Richardson Highway to accommodate protected left
turn lanes on the Richardson and acceleration
lanes onto the highway.
*+9) Public transportation to carry employees to and
from the refinery at shift changes. Buses could
operate efficiently, providing virtually door-to-
door service in the small neighborhoods of Valdez
FROM EIS	NOT YET	OTHER
SECTION	COMMITTED COMMITTED AUTHORITY
6.10	X
6.10	X

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7.2
MONITORING PROGRAMS
7.2.1 Water Quality
Water quality monitoring programs would be based on the stipulations
imposed by the NPDES permit and the State of Alaska's "certificate of
reasonable assurance" (ADEC).
7.2.2 Air Quality Monitoring
Experiments with the effects of acid rains on the sexual reproduction
in Braken Ferns (Pteridium aquilinum) have shown the acidic solutions
have a marked effect on sperm mortality and fertilization (Evans et
al., 1977). Although the braken fern is not found in the vicinity, two
similar ferns, the Lady Fern ( Athyrium Filix-femina) and northern
shield fern (Dryopteris dilata), which have similar sexual productive
strategy, are common in the vicinity of the proposed refinery. These
species could prove valuable as air quality indicators during the oper-
ational phase of the proposed project.
Air quality monitoring, however, (both pre- and post-construction)
would be based on stipulations imposed by the PSD permit and the State
of Alaska's "permit to operate" (ADEC).
7.2.3 Ecosystems
Various species may be suitable as indicators or monitoring species.
These would include the abundantly occurring polychaetes, Polydora
quadrilobata (suspension feeder), Haploscoloplos panamensis and Lum-
brineris luti (deposit feeders). These polychaetes would probably be
more sensitive to the effects of pollutants than some larger sessile
organisms. In addition, the burrowing deposit feeders would serve to
indicate the persistence of a pollutant in the sediments.
Some additional benthic marine species which may be useful as indica-
Page 274

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tors in soft substrates are the intertidal echiuids, and subtidal clam,
Macoma obliqua, the subtidal polychaete, Nephtys punctata, and the var-
ious benthic cumaceans and amphipods.
Monitoring of aquatic ecosystems (both pre- and post-construction)
would be based on stipulations imposed by the NPDES permit, the "certi-
ficate of reasonable assurance" (ADEC), the Anadronomous Fish Act
(ADF&G), the pipeline right-of-way lease (ADNR), and Section 10/Section
404 permits (COE).
Monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems is not anticipated as a stipula-
tion of the permits required.
7.2.4 Other
Alpetco is conducting monitoring programs during the present time.
These include:
Air Quality Monitoring
Hydrologic Surveys
Goundwater Evaluation
Snow Surveys
Page 275

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8. REGULATORY PROGRAMS

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8.1	DESCRIPTION OF REGULATORY PROGRAMS
Construction and operation of the proposed refinery would be contingent
upon Alpetco securing approximately 110 federal, state and local per-
mits, approvals, or leases. Of these, the following four are major
federal permitting actions of either the Environmental Protection
Agency or the Corps of Engineers.
EPA - National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Permit
for discharge of wastewater
EPA - Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit for dis-
charge of air emissions
COE - Federal Water Pollution Control Act Section 404 Permit for dis-
charge of dredged or fill material
COE - River and Harbor Act Section 10 Permit for structures in or
affecting navigable waters of the U.S.
As discussed in Section 1.2, Alpetco first submitted an application to
EPA for an NPDES Permit in November 1978, and that resulted in the
decision by EPA to prepare this Environmental Impact Statement. Under
Section 10.2(3)(g) of the Agreement for the sale and purchase of the
state's royalty oil, and a letter dated September 27, 1979 from the
Commissioner, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alpetco has a
contractual requirement to file applications for 14 specified permit-
ting actions, including the major permits listed above, by December 18,
1979. Alpetco submitted all required applications, in compliance with
this requirement, by November 2, 1979. These permitting requirements
are summarized in Section 8.2. All other regulatory and permitting
requirements would be fulfilled by Alpetco at the appropriate time dur-
ing planning and construction of the project.
There are pending new and revised regulatory requirements that may
become effective which would impose additional permitting requirements
Page 276

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on the construction or operation of the refinery. The following pro-
posed regulations or guidelines may be anticipated as future permitting
requirements.
1.	EPA has proposed regulations for hazardous wastes under subtitle C
of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. These regula-
tions have been proposed in the Federal Register at various times dur-
ing 1978 and 1979. Final promulgation of these regulations is expected
in 1980.
2.	EPA currently is revising its Prevention of Significant Deteriora-
tion Regulations under the Clean Air Act. These revisions were pro-
posed in the Federal Register, September 5, 1979 and are expected to be
promulgated early in 1980. It is not known at this time whether the
new regulations would apply to this facility, or if so, how they would
affect it. It does not appear that substantive new issues would be
raised; however, that determination would not be made until the final
regulations were promulgated.
3.	EPA currently is revising its new source NPDES effluent guideline
regulations for the petroleum refining category. Proposed regulations
may be released for public review late in 1979. Although the proposed
facility would be subject only to those regulations if they were pro-
posed, revised if necessary and then promulgated in final form prior to
a decision on this application, EPA will re-evaluate the proposed fa-
cility in light of those regulations when they become available. EPA
may supplement the draft EIS on the basis of that re-evaluation. No
decisions on this matter will be made until the regulations are pro-
posed in the Federal Register.
Page 277

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8.2 SUMMARY OF PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS
The following permitting requirements were
ulation of all other permitting actions is
FEDERAL AUTHORITY
Regulated Activity Regulatory Agency
1. Discharge of waste- U. S. Environmental
water (NPDES)	Protection Agency
2. Prevention of	U. S. Environmental
significant deteri- Protection Agency
oration of air
qua Ii ty (PSD)
Discharge of	U. S. Dept. Defense
dredged or fill	Dept. of Army, Army
material into	Corps of Engineers
U. S. waters,
including wetlands
complied with by November 2, 1979. A tab-
beyond the intent of this section.
Author i ty
Descr i pt i on
§^02 Federal
Water PoI Iu-
tion Control
Act, Amend-
ments of 1972
P.L. 92-500
The operator of any activ-
ity or wastewater system
which discharges waste from
one or more points into a
waterway must obtain a per-
mit for such discharge.
This permit is a part of
the EPA's National Pol-
lutant Discharge Elimin-
ation System.
Part 2,
§160-169
CI ean A i r
Act as
Amended i n
1977
The EPA must review
the proposed effect that
construction may have on
the sources of air emis-
sions to insure that air
qua I ity standards wi I I
not be violated.
33 USC
33 CFR 32*4
33 CFR 323
§*t0*t of the
Federal Water
PoI Iut i on Con-
trol Act,
Amendments
1972
The Army
neers mus
d i scharge
fill mate
waters.
wouId be
construct
p i peI i nes
products
roads.
Corps of Eng i-
t authorize the
of dredged or
rials i nto U.S.
This permit
relevant to the
ion of the dike,
, bridges, the
dock and access

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FEDERAL AUTHORITY
Regulated Activity
k. Structures or work
in or affecting nav-
igable waters of the
U.S.
Regulatory Agency
U. S. Dept. of
Defense, Dept.
of Army, Army
Corps of Engineers
5. Permits for
bridges over navi-
gable waters
U. S. Dept. of
T ransportat i on,
U. S. Coast Guard
Author i ty
Descr i pt i on
33 USC <+03	The Army Corps of Eng i-
§10, River	neers must authorize the
and Harbor	construction of any
Act of 1899	structure in or over
navigable waters of the
U.S.; the excavation
of material in such or
the accomplishment of any
other work affecting the
course, location, condi-
tion or capacity of such
waters. This permit would
be relevant to the pro-
ducts dock.
33 CFR 11*+	The plans and location
33 CFR 115	for construction or
alteration of bridges
across navigable waters
of the United States must
be approved by the Coast
Guard prior to the start
of construction. By a
Sept. 25, 1979 letter
Alpetco requested a Coast
Guard determination as to
whether Valdez Glacier
Stream is navigable. This
permit is relevant to the
main access road bridge
across Valdez Glacier
Stream.

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STATE AUTHORITY
Regulated Activity
1. Air quality permit
to operate
Regulatory Agency
Alaska State
Dept. of Environmental
Conservat i on
2. Discharge into
navigable waters
Alaska State
Dept. of Environmental
Conservat i on
3.
So Ii d waste
d i sposaI
Alaska State
Dept. of Environmental
Conservat i on
Author i ty
Descr i pt i on
AS 46.03.010	The Department of Environ-
AS 46.03.140	mental Conservation (ADEC)
AS 46.03.150	must authorize plans and
AS 46.03.160	specifications for construc-
AS 46.03.170	tion that will be undertaken
18 AAC 15	and must assess emission
18 AAC 50	standards and possible
air contamination resulting
from that construction.
P.L. 92-500	ADEC must issue a certifi-
18 AAC 15	cate of reasonable assur-
18 AAC 70.081	ance stating that the
to .085	proposed activity will
comply with the require-
ments of §401 of the Fed-
eral Water Pollution Con-
trol Act Amendments of
1972, as modified by the
Clean Water Act of 1977.
Completion of the fed-
eral permit is pending
the certification of
reasonable assurance.
AS 46.03.020	ADEC must authorize the
18 AAC 15	plans and specifications
18 AAC 60	for a facility to dispose
of so Ii d waste.

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STATE AUTHORITY
Regulated Activity Regulatory Agency
4. Wastewater
di sposal
Alaska State
Dept. of Environmental
Conservat i on
Right-of-Way or
easement permit
Alaska State
Dept. of Natura
Resources
Water use
Alaska State
Dept. of Natura!
Resources
1.
LOCAL AUTHORITY
Regulated Activity
Ground lease from
C i ty of VaIdez
Regulatory Agency
City of Valdez
2. Tide lands lease
from the City
City of Valdez
Author i ty
Descri pt i on
AS 46.03.100	ADEC must authorize any
AS 46.03.110	operation which results
AS 46.03.090	in the disposal of waste-
AS 46.03-720	water into or upon the
18 AAC 15	waters or surface lands
18 AAC 70	of the State of Alaska.
18 AAC 72	This permit has been
waived per a letter
dated November 1, 1979
to Alpetco from the ADEC.
AS 38.05-330	If a road, pipeline, or
11 AAC 58.200 dock crosses State lands
a right-of-way or ease-
ment permit is required.
AS 46.15.030- The appropriation of
185	State water requires a
11 AAC 72	pe rm i t.
Authori ty	Description
Valdez City	Application must be made
Code §2-15	for lease of City-owned
land. This is relevant to
the refinery site, the
wastewater pipeline route
and the staging area.
Valdez City	Application must be made
Code §27-4	for tide lands lease. This
applies to the barge dock
site and the wastewater
outfall route across the
intertidal area.

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9. COORDINATION

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9.1	INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Statement was initiated prior to final pro-
mulgation of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations on
implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR Parts
1500-1508). However, during preparation of the EIS every effort was
made to comply with the proposed regulations, particularly with respect
to coordination among agencies and groups affected by or interested in
the proposed facility. Extensive coordination efforts have been made
with federal, state and local agencies and the public throughout the
preparation of the draft EIS.
Twenty-three formal meetings were conducted in Anchorage, Valdez,
Juneau, Cordova and Seattle for coordination of agency and consultant
work and for public participation. In addition to these meetings,
there have been continual close coordination and consultation efforts
among EPA (both on the local and regional levels), the State of Alaska,
CCC/HOK-DOWL (the third-party consultant), and the Applicant (including
Alpetco's own administrative and technical staffs). Open channels of
communication were maintained throughout preparation of the EIS which
allowed expeditious transfer of information and timely consideration of
and solutions to questions which arose as a result of environmental
studies, and project design development.
Many comments, both written and verbal, have been received from the
federal, state and local levels. The EPA thanks those persons who have
provided comments and guidance during the past year. Their cooperation
is greatly appreciated.
9.2	STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES
The staff of EPA, the team of consultants and Alpetco have had numerous
informal meetings with various agencies. Formal written requests for
information and advice on subjects concerning the proposed project also
have been issued. A brief summary of these coordination efforts fol-
lows .
Page 282

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At the outset of preparation efforts for this EIS, the State of Alaska
designated Glenn Akins, Director of the Division of Environmental Qual-
ity Management, as the State Coordinator through whom all communica-
tions officially occur. Akins is located in the offices of the Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation in Juneau. The state staff has pro-
vided the EPA with invaluable help in defining and studying the issues
related to the proposed facility.
A scoping meeting for state and federal agencies was conducted on
November 9, 1978, to identify major concerns other agencies thought
should be addressed in the EIS. The EPA also requested at that time
that each agency specify from its staff a single contact person for the
EIS. Discussions at that meeting helped to identify some of the issues
which would need to be addressed in the EIS, as well as some of the
regulatory requirements to which the proposed facility would be sub-
ject. Agencies which were not represented at the meeting were con-
tacted later to identify any initial concerns. As a result, agencies
which had a regulatory involvement or an active interest in the project
were identified. Both formal and informal communications with those
agencies continued throughout the preparation of the EIS.
A second state/federal meeting was conducted on August 29, 1979, to
update all agencies on the status of the EIS and to discuss issues
which had arisen during its preparation.
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries
Service were contacted with regard to endangered species which might be
affected by this project (pursuant to Section 7, P.L. 95-632, The
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1979). Their responses appear in
Section 9.4.
Upon the request of EPA as the lead agency, the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) became a cooperating agency in preparing the EIS (see
Section 9.4). The COE has jurisdiction by law through Section 404 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and Section
10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899. As a result the COE partici-
Page 283

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pated closely in delineating wetlands and reviewing the scope of the
EIS.
The U. S. Coast Guard was informed of the proposed project, specifi-
cally in reference to the proposed products dock and associated marine
traffic, and of the approach being taken toward a spill risk analysis.
Also, a Coast Guard determination of navigability of Valdez Glacier
Stream was requested by Alpetco on October 8, 1979. The subsequent
determination of non-navigability appears in Section 9.4.
Because of the proximity of the proposed project to an FAA command sup-
port facility, the FAA was advised of the project, and the relationship
of tall structures to the adjacent Valdez airport was described.
Comments from state and federal agencies have been too extensive and
detailed to reproduce here; however, every effort has been made to
accommodate suggestions either through Alpetco design changes or
through adjustment of the scope of the EIS.
9.3	LOCAL AGENCIES AND GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordination with Valdez public officials has been almost continuous
from the early stages of facility planning. This coordination included
numerous meetings with the Valdez City Council, the city manager,
mayor, engineer, planner, and port director.
In addition to the city officials listed above, other members of the
local community were contacted, including banking institutions, the
Copper Valley Electric Association, Valdez Community College, Valdez
Airport, Valdez Mental Health Center, Valdez Heritage Center, Valdez
City Schools, Harborview Developmental Center, Alyeska Pipeline Service
Company, Valdez Community Hospital and Valdez Public Library.
9.4	EXHIBITS
Following are letters of commitment and documents showing determina-
tions which have been made regarding the proposed project.
Page 284

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ITEM
DATE
AUTHOR
RECIPIENT
SUBJECT
Letter
8/24/78
LeResche/ADNR
Dagon/Alpetco
state site selection
criteria
Letter
9/28/78
Lewis/City of
Valdez
Cain/Alpetco
no need for impact ai<
Letter
11/17/78
Cain/Alpetco
LeResche/ADNR
notice of site selec-
ton
Letter
1/17/79
Mueller/ADEC
Curl/EPA
state/federal
coordination
Letter
3/5/79
LeResche/ADNR
Cain/Alpetco
site approval
Letter
5/29/79
Sowl/USFWS
Kirk/EPA
endangered species
Letter
7/18/79
Rietze/NMFS
Kirk/EPA
endangered species
Letter
7/19/79
Hanable/SHPO
Bacon/Alaskarctic
no known historic
properties
Letter
10/9/79
Nunn/COE
DuBois/EPA
cooperating agency
Letter
10/9/79
Lewis/City of
Valdez
Dagon/Alpetco
sewer service
Letter
10/9/79
Lewis/City of
Valdez
Dagon/Alpetco
solid waste disposal
Form
10/11/79
Dagon/Alpetco
FAA
notice of proposed
construction
Letter
10/31/79
Moncrief/USCG
Dagon/Alpetco
non-navigability of
Valdez Glacier Stream
Page 285

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j
/^cp ri crprp fn\ rp P\ H [A (r^
^1M1 ^ ml3 Mi! b\%
& LI iru U IL m lrubirti&>
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES /
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER / uth floor, state office bldg.
' POUCH M - JUNEAU 93111
August 24, 1978
Mr. Ron Dagon
Alaska Petrochemical Company
601 West 5th Avenue
Suite 320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Dear Mr. Dagon:
This letter will clarify the type of information the
State will require from Alpetco pursuant to the site
selection terms of our royalty oil contract.
First of all, the purpose for requiring state review
of site selection by Alpetco was primarily to insure that
the petrochemical facility is sited (1) in a location
where local residents support its construction and (2)
in a location where there are no insoluble environmental
problems that can be foreseen before specific study. The
intent in the contract was to leave the commercial and
economic aspects of site selection to the discretion of
the buyer.
Secondly, the information required in Article 10.2(1)(d)
("...cost estimates of infrastructure, offsite and marine
facilities.") should be in great enough detail to allow
the State, the local community, and local businesses to
accurately plan for and provide for the facilities'
impacts. It should give a fairly complete picture of
all offsite facilities and services that the project will
stimulate, and of how much of the cost and planning will
be borne by Alpetco. For example, if your firm intends
to make use of municipal bonding capabilities, or state-
related financing (e.g., AIDA instruments), the site
submission should make this clear.
I hope this clarifies these contractual terms.
Page 286
JA V S. HAMMOND. GOVERNOR


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%il6ez
September 28, 1978
Mr. Gordon A. Cain; President
Alaska Petrochemical Ccnpany
601 West 5th Avenue
Suite 320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Dear Mr. Cain:
The City of Valdez would like to express its sincere
appreciation for the time and consideration you and your staff have
given Valdez in your activities to select a site to locate your petrochemical
ccnplex.
As you know, the city has expressed a strong desire to have you locate your
facility in Valdez. We firmly believe that the combination of the economics of
oil transport, accecptable site, camunity infrastructure and ccocunity support
will make Valdez your location far the development of a petrochenical carp lex.
Please let me review some of these factors for you.
1. Economics
A.	Project "Financing - The city of Valdez stands ready to aid in the
financing of the project; possibly by:
1.	Constructing pol dock and support facilities financed by the
sale of city revenue bonds;
2.	The use of tax-exoqpt revenue bonds similar to those that rare
used to finance the pipeline marine terminal.
B.	Low local taxes - Valdez enjoys very low taxes.
1.	No personal property tax.
2.	No sales tax.
3.	Seal property millage of 5.32.
C.	Oil Transport Economics - Oil transport costs from Valdez to Kenai
range from .40 to .50 per barrel or an estimated 18,000,000 to 20,000,
000 per year.
D.	No impact aid need - Valdez currently has all the necessary utilities,
schools and other camunity facilities necessary to accomodate the de-
mands of a construction boas followed by additional permanent residents
without the need far additional facilities or financial support.
P. O. BOX 307 .. . VALDEZ, ALASKA 99686 . . . TELEPHONE (907) 835-4?
Page 287

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Page - 2 -
2.	Acceptable site location - The City will lease to Alpetco at least
1900 acres of land as previously described for 99 years at $1.00 per
year. The proposed site is flat, has more than adequate water supply
and has road access to the Richardson Highway. Additionally, there
are construction camps available near the proposed cite along with pro-
posed city constructed pol dock facilities.
3.	Ice-free port - Valdez has one of the finest ports in the world.
Depth average Is 800 feet with deep water access to facilities close
to natural shorelines. Additionally, major airport inprovanents have
been financed by the state and city.
A. Environmental Assurances - The City of Valdez has received assur-
frrrn rvrr t-Kar rhg rwreccary permits for a project can be issued
in the Valdez area.
Finally, ccnnunity support for the project docunemted by the city in-
dustrial development poll, is firm. The support for the project will grow
with the designation of Valdez as your site. Thank you for your interest
in our cannunity; vre stand ready to assist you in reaching your goal in any
way we can.
Mark Lewis
City Manager
(Acting)
Page 233

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Alaska Petrochemical Company
601 West 5th Ave., Suite 320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-1517
P. O. Box 6554
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 621-8710
November 17, 1978
Dr. Robert E. LeResche
Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Pouch "M"
Juneau, Alaska 99811
RE: Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of State Royalty
Oil between Alaska Petrochemical Company and the State
of Alaska dated February 22, 1978 (the Agreement)
Dear Commissioner LeResche:
In accordance with the terms of Articles 4.2.2 and 10.2(1)(d) of
the Agreement, I hereby notify you that we have chosen Valdez as the
site of Alpetco's proposed refinery-petrochemical facility.
Within the next two weeks, Alpetco will provide to you a report
on site selection prepared by Brown & Root, Inc., in which cost
estimates for the infrastructure, offsites and marine facilities, a
summary of the major factors that went into the selection and a
tentative plant and offsites layout will be included.
As stated in your letter of August 24, 1978 to Alpetco, "the
purpose for requiring state review of site selection by Alpetco was
primarily to insure that the petrochemical facility is sited (1) in a
location where local residents support its construction and (2) in a
location where there are no insoluble environmental problems that can
be foreseen before specific study."
The Valdez site as well as several other sites in Southcentral
Alaska meets these requirements. Consequently, the choice of the site
was dictated primarily by economic considerations.
Page 289

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Commissioner Robert E. LeResche Page 2
November 17, 1978
While the subject of air quality in Valdez relating to sulfur
dioxide emissions had been previously raised as an issue, Alpetco is
confident it can design and build this facility under the general
guidelines outlined by the Department of Environmental Conservation
in correspondence between both Alpetco and the City of Valdez. The
detailed meteorological and air quality data program needed to comply
with federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements is
already underway.
As to the general suitability of the site, Northern Technical
Services of Anchorage in a report to Brown & Root indicated "On the
basis of information developed in the preliminary site and soils
investigation conducted on this site, we conclude that soil and
foundation conditions are suitable for the proposed development."
The major economic consideration involved in site selection is
that the crude is available at Valdez. Transportation of the crude
from Valdez to any other acceptable site would cost some $20,000,000
a year. After extensive study, Alpetco could not find any economic
advantages to any other acceptable site that would overcome the cost
of moving the crude from Valdez.
The estimated costs of the infrastructure, offsite and marine
facilities are:
Alpetco will be responsible for providing these facilities.
However, the fact that the City of Valdez has the ability and the
willingness to finance some of these facilities by revenue bond
financing was an additional factor in our choice of Valdez. Alpetco
will not make a decision on the extent to which we will use revenue
bond financing until we have evaluated the cost of other sources of
financing and its availability.
An additional consideration involved in this site selection was
the fact the City of Valdez had indicated to Alpetco in a letter dated
September 6, 1978 that "With regard to our community infrastructure,
Valdez currently has all the necessary utilities, schools and other
community facilities necessary to accommodate the demands of a
construction boom followed by additional permanent residents without
the need for additional facilities or financial support." This position
of the city was restated in a letter dated October 25, 1978 "Because of
our present infrastructure, there would be no need for impact aid."
Infrastructure
Offsite facilities
Marine facilities
70 to 80 million dollars
195 to 205 million dollars
80 to 90 million dollars
Page 290

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Commissioner Robert E. LeResche Page 3
November 17, 1978
Alpetco executed a "Memorandum of Understanding" with the United
States Environmental Protection Agency-Region X on November 3, 1978
to provide a draft Environmental Impact Statement on or about
October 18, 1979. With the concurrence of the Department of Environ-
mental Conservation, the firm of Crittenden Cassetta & Cannon/Hellmuth
Obata & Kassabaum - Dickinson-Oswald"Walch'Lee (CCC/HOK-DOWL) of
Anchorage has been selected as the consultant to prepare this impact
statement.
Following your receipt of Brown & Root's report on site selection
which highlights the site selection activities over the past five
months, Alpetco would be most willing to discuss these topics with you
further if that should be necessary. The City of Valdez is prepared
to host a public hearing at your earliest convenience; we understand
that you would like to hold such a hearing as soon as possible after
this nomination of a site as is convenient to all parties. It is also
our understanding that EPA-Region X would also participate in that
hearing in order to provide public input into the proposed scope of work
for the draft Environmental Impact Statement. The Alpetco organization
also would be available for the public hearing in any capacity you might
require.
The cooperation of both the Department of Natural Resources and the
Department of Environmental Conservation during the past few months is
gratefully acknowledged.
Sincerely yours
President
GAC:br
Page 291

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r
I


n, (> o n n n
/A\ ! a\ /M
)LT\]V^j Uui/'U
/
/4K £ HAMMOND, GOVERNOR
DEPT. OF ENVIRONMEmL CONSERVATION
POUCH 0—JUHCAU 99811
January 17, 1979
Mrs. Deborah Curl
EPA, Region X
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Mrs. Curl:
Alaska state agencies have completed review of the "Scope of Wbrk" for
preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed
ALPETCO petrochemical facility in Valdez, Alaska.
We find the "Scope of Wbrk" to be an adequate list of topics which must
be addressed to process environmental permits and other authorizations
necessary for approval of the ALPETCO facility.
We recommend proceeding to the next stage of EIS preparation, the draft-
ing of the "Plan of Study."
As you know, several Alaska state agencies recomnended revisions in
early drafts of the "Scope of Work." The final draft provided to vis had
been changed to include our reoctrmendations.
State agencies consistently reooitmended that the "Scope of Wbrk" include
comprehensive and detailed descriptions of the EIS work tasks. You have
assured us that the "Plan of Study" will add the desired level of detail.
We believe the best way for specific state agency concerns to be addressed
in preparation of the EIS will be through review and revision of the
"Plan of Study."
BACKGROUND
The Coirmissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources is
responsible for the state performance under the terms of the contract
between ALPETCO and the State of Alaska. The Coirmissioner of Natural
Resources, and the Governor, have designated the Commissioner of Environ-
mental Conservation to coordinate state agency processing of environ-
mental permits and other approvals necessary for the ALPETCO petro-
chemical facility.
Therefore, DEC is responsible for fulfilling that part of the contract
with ALPETCO which requires the state to " . . . support, lend aid and
facilitate the grant or approval" of permits and other authorizations
required by ALPETCO, consistent with all applicable laws and regula-
tions.
Page 292

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Mrs. Deborah Curl
-2-
January 17, 1979
In a series of meetings between the State, ALPETCO, and the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, it was agreed that the EIS would be
prepared consistent with new regulations for EIS preparation, issued by
the U. S. Council on Environmental Quality. The initiation of the
ALPETCO EIS pre-dates the adoption of these regulations, and therefore,
the EIS is not required to comply. However, the regulations provide for
the inclusion of all state and federal permit requirements within the
draft EIS. This offers an excellent tool for inter-agency coordination.
The "Memorandum of Understanding" between ALPETCO and the U. S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency provides for review of the "Plan of Study" and
subsequent products leading to the draft EIS by the State of Alaska,
through the Department of Environmental Conservation.
DEC participation, on behalf of the state agencies, began with a meeting
on July 31, 1978, attended by DEC, chief executives of ALPETCO, and
representatives of the EPA and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. On
October 20, ALPETCO and EPA met with DEC in Juneau to recommend revi-
sions to the first draft of the "Scope of Wbrk." Further revisions were
completed in a meeting in Seattle on November 2 and 3, 1978. A third
meeting was held in Anchorage on December 12, 1978. At this meeting,
DEC stated that the "Scope of Wbrk" had been revised sufficiently to
incorporate state agency concerns. Further, DEC reconmended that work
begin on preparation of the "Plan of Study" because of increasing state
interest in more detailed descriptions of the EIS work tasks.
We look forward to working with you on the next stage of this process.
Sincerely,
vJErnst W. Mueller
Ccntnissioner
cc: Conmissioner Robert LeResche, DNR
Tom Cook, DNR
State Agency & Legislative Contacts
on ALPETCO
Ron Dagon, ALPETCO
Page 293

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CTP r\ CTP
DEPARTMENT Ol NATURAL RESOURCES
omci or m comsaona
MY S. HAMMOND, GOVERNOR
POUCH M-WHUU SStll
March 5, 1979
Mr. Gordon Cain
President
Alaska Petrochemical Company
P. 0. Box 6554
Houston, Texas 77005
Dear Mr. Cain:
In accordance with the terms of Article 4.2.2 of the
Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of State Royalty
Oil between Alaska Petrochemical Company and the State
of Alaska dated February 22, 1978, the Commissioner of
Natural Resources must approve the site selected for
the petrochemical facility. This letter constitutes that
approval.
Upon receipt of your formal notice of your choice of Valdez
as the site for the Alpetco facility, I forwarded copies of
the Site Report to all concerned departments of State
Government for their review and comments. I have enclosed
copies of those comments for your information. In summary,
the Department of Environmental Conservation indicated
that while there was much work to be done to secure
approval of air and water discharge permits, there were no
insurmountable environmental problems evident from knowledge
present at this time which would prevent location of the
plant at Valdez. The Department of Fish and Game approved
of the selection of Valdez because (1) no additional tanker
transport of crude oil would be required and (2) navigation
for tankers carrying products was relatively safe because of
the sophisticated ship traffic control system in the area.
Fish and Game felt there was a possibility of water quality
problems resulting from discharge of refinery effluent into
Port Valdez but did not feel that the potential for water
quality deterioration was grounds for rejecting the Valdez
site. The Department of Community and Regional Affairs
brought up the matter of the potential flood hazards at
the proposed site and the fact that the site would be
subject to initial consideration under the Valdez Coastal
Page 294

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Mr. Gordon Cain
-2-
March 5, 1979
Zone Program. The Department of Community and Regional
Affairs has conferred with the City of Valdez Planning
Director on these matters.
On January 2, 1979, notices of a public hearing to be held
in Valdez concerning its selection as the facility site were
sent to ten major newspapers in Alaska to be published
several times during the month of January. Also on that
date Legislative leaders and the Legislators representing
the Valdez area were notified of the scheduled hearing and
invited to attend or comment.
On January 29, 1979, at 7 p.m. I conducted the public
hearing in Valdez for the purpose of gathering information
regarding the selection of Valdez as the site for the
petrochemical facility and to determine public acceptance of
the proposed facility by the residents of the Valdez area.
Approximately 180 citizens attended the public hearing as
well as several state and federal officials and officials
from the Alaska Petrochemical Company. The responses from
the sixteen people who testified were unanimously in favor
of the selection of Valdez as the site for the facility.
In view of the favorable response received by the Department
of Natural Resources from State and local officials and the
residents of Valdez, your selection of Valdez as the site
for the petrochemical facility to be built under the terms
of the Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of State Royalty
Oil between Alaska Petrochemical Company and the State of
Alaska is hereby approved.
^bert E. LeResche
Commissioner
Enclosures
cc: Jay S. Hammond
Page 295

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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
1011 E TUDOR RD
IN REPLY REFER TO AAD/AW (FA/SE) ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99503	-
I907I 276 3800	^ ^ j- ^jj >
Deborah Kirk
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region X
Environmental Evaluation Branch
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Ms. Kirk:
Thank you for your letter requesting information on listed and proposed
endangered species or their habitats in the area of Alpetco's proposed
oil refinery at Port Valdez. Having reviewed the information you
provided and the available data on the distribution of listed and
proposed endangered species, we conclude that neither are present in
the proposed project area.
Sincerely,
o. ijJ
a
Area Director
R7-1
Page 296

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceand Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARFISHERIES SERVICE
P. 0. BOX 1668 - JUNEAU, ALASKA 99802
NATIONAL MAR
July 18, 1979
RECEIVED
Deborah K. Kirk
Environmental Evaluation Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Ms. Kirk:
This is in response to your June 25, 1979, letter pursuant to Section 7
of the Endangered Species Act, requesting information on endangered
species that may be affected by the proposed Alpetco oil refinery in
Port Valdez.
The only endangered species likely to occur in the area of the proposed
refinery is the humpback whale. Humpback whales are seen so infre-
quently in Port Valdez that we do not anticipate any harmful impacts
from the proposed facility and dock, providing that there is no pol-
lutant run-off from the onshore facility which might adversely affect
species which comprise their diet (mainly herring, capelin, pollock and
sand lance in Prince William Sound).
We would appreciate the opportunity to comnent on your draft EIS.
^ i nrovol v/
Page 297

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ctp
/T\
\zJ
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF PARKS
JAYS. HAMMOND, GOVERNOR
619 Warehouse Dr., Suite 210
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
July 19, 1979
Re: 1130-13
Mr. Glenn Bacon
Consultant Archaeologist
Alaskarctic
P. 0. Box 397
Fairbanks, AK 99707
Dear Glenn:
Reference our telephone conversation yesterday concerning the ALPETC0 project and
historic preservation concerns. This will confirm that there are no known properties
which are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places located in the project
area, nor are there any properties which are already listed on the Register located in
that area.
Should we be able to provide any further assistance, please do not hesitate to con-
tact us.
Sincerely,
-fltWilliaJh S. Handle ' ' '
State Historic Preservation Officer
TLD:tld
Page 298

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ALASKA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 7002
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99510
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
RECEIVES
NPAEN-PL-EN
9 OCT 1979
ocJism
Or
Mr. Donald P. Dubois
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
-«'UIV To
°Cr 1 8 1979
*'n* mm
Dear Mr. Dubois:
This is in reference to your letter of 27 August 1979 concerning the
proposal by the Alaska Petrochemical Company to build a refinery in
Valdez. The Alaska District is pleased to act as a cooperating agency,
under current Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, in preparing
the Environmental Impact Statement for the project. We are presently
working toward making the Draft Environmental Impact Statement adequate
for our needs and are adjusting our work to meet your established schedule.
I fully support your proposal that we consolidate, as much as possible,
agency requirements for public notification and review of the proposal.
In this regard I would appreciate timely notification of your needs and
staff discussion toward arriving at appropriate time saving procedures.
Your staff's continued coordination with Mr. Jim Caruth, Chief, Regulatory
Functions Branch and Mr. Ben Kutscheid, Ecologist, Environmental Section,
on these matters is encouraged.
I am looking forward to meeting you and hope your duties bring you to
Anchorage in the near future. We indeed share many responsibilities in
the public trust for wise economic development and the conservation of
a finite environmental resource base.
Sincerely
LEE R. NUNN
Colonel, Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
RECEIVED
OCT I 6 1979
EPA-FIS
Page 299

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OCT | | 1979
0CJ I I 1979

'OZ
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
October 9, 1979
Ronald R. Dagon
Manager, Environmental Programs and Permitting
Alaska Petrochemical Company
601 West 5th, Suite 320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Dear Mr. Dagon:
The City of Valdez is prepared to provide sewer service from
the proDosed Alpetco site within the Valdez "industrial zone"
to the Valdez Wastewater Treatment Plant. I understand from
your revised NPDES Permit Application No.: AK-oo2763-4 dated
Sentember 19, 1979 that the estimated sanitary water from this
facility is 30,000 gpd.
AlDetco has already received a January 18, 1979 City of Valdez
memorandum (Alexander to Lewis) relatinq to "Alpetco sewer
service" that could serve as a planning document to estimate
the costs of this service to Alpetco. The actual costs of and
the mechanism for providing this service will be charged to
A1petco.
As indicated in other City of Valdez-Alpetco correspondence, I
would expect Alpetco to keep the City of Valdez administration
informed of any significant changes to the proposed facility
design and operation which could impact the City's physical and
fiscal planning.
Sincerely yours,
Mark Lewis
City Manager
cc: Homer Alexander
Dave Hunt
r; j,
Page 300
P. O. BOX 307 . . . VALDEZ, ALASKA 99686 . . . TELEPHONE (907) 835-4313

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OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
October 9, 1979
OCT | 5 ia<9

Ronald R. Daqon
Manager, Environmental Programs
and Permitting
Alaska Petrochemical Company
601 West 5th, Suite 320	—
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Dear Mr. Danon:
The City of Valdez is willing to acceot the solid wastes
indicated on enclosure #1 to this letter during the period of
plant construction and operation. I have asked our consultants,
Woodward-Clyde, to consider these quantities in its on-going
study efforts.
The rate for accepting this material will be determined at a
later date.
You recognize, of course, that the City of Valdez will not
accept any material for disposal in its facilities that under
any circumstances can be considered toxic and/or hazardous.
I expect Alpetco to keep both the administration of the City
of Valdez and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
current on your anticipated needs and any significant changes in
the material quantities indicated on the enclosed table.
* iurs,
Mark Lewis
City Manager
Enclosure
cc: Woodward-Clyde
Page 301
P. O. BOX 307 .. . VALDEZ, ALASKA 99686 . . . TELEPHONE (907) 835-4313

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Enclosure #1 (Lewis to Dagon, October 9, 1979)
SOLID WASTES
(Alpetco to City of Valdez)
construction (late 1980 to mid 1983)
scrap and excess construction
material	1,500 tons - total*
shipping cartons	600 tons - total**
garbage	9,200 tons - total***
operation (early 1983 and onward)
inert solid wastes (ash, spent clay, and spent alumina)
following incineration by
Alpetco	6,600 tons per year***
* may be necessary for Alpetco to ship some from Port of Valdez
for disposal (metals, etc.)
** pre-incineration
*** 6,600 tons per year has the following equivalents (approximate)
18 tons per day
38 cubic yards per day
4 dump trucks per day
Page 302

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Dciorc compicimg uns luiiu m is rccommcnucu mai tnc toiiowing excerpts ironrmc
Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 77, Subchapter B below be reviewed.
USE BACK. OF THIS SHEET AS WORKSHEET
DO NOT REMOVE CARBONS	Form Approved O.M.B. No. 04-R0001
1. NATURE OF STRUCTURE
A. TYPE
1X1 NEW CONSTRUCTION
| [alteration
B. CLASS
m permanent
| 1 TEMPORARY
C. PROPOSED LENGTH OF
TIME TO COMPLETE
(Month*)
30 - 36
DEPARTMENT OP TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION
J. NAME AND ADDRESS Of INDIVIDUAL, COMPANY, CORPORATION, ETC. PROPOSING
THE CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION (Sumber, Street, City, State and Zip Code)
ALASKA PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY
TO 601 West 5th Avenue, #320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
3. COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE (Include effective radiated power of proposed or
modified AM, FM or TV ntntion and . DESCRIPTION OF LOCATION OF SITE WITH RESPECT TO HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AIRPORTS, PROMINENT TERRAIN FEATURES, EXISTING STRUCTURES,
ETC. {Attach a highway, street, or any other appropriate map cr sealed drawing showing the relationship of construction site to nearest
Qirport(s). If more space is required, continue on a separate sheet of paper and attach to this notice.)
Project site is located between Slater and Corbin Creeks east of Valdez Glacier
Stream in the outwash plain of Valdez Glacier (see attached map for appropriate
relationships). The flare stack is located in the northern portion of the site
(see attached site plan).
1. HEIGHT AND ELEVATION (Complete A, B and C to the nearett foot)
6. WORK SCHEDULE DATES
A. ELEVATION OF SITE ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL MeV3.ge
145
A. BEGINNING
1981
. HEIGHT OF STRUCTURE INCLUDING APPURTENANCES AND LIGHTING
*- (1/ any) ABOVE GROUND, OR WATER IF SO SITUATED
300
B. END
1983
C. OVERALL HEIGHT ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL U -f B)
445
7. OBSTRUCTION MARKED AND/OR LIGHTED IN AC-
CORDANCE WITH CURRENT FAA ADVISORY CIR-
CULAR 70/7440-1, OBSTRUCTION MARKING AND
1IGHTING
A. MARKED
YES
NO
X

B. AVIATION RED OBSTRUCTION LIGHTS


C. HIGH INTENSITY WHITE OBSTRUCTION LIGHTS


D. DUAL LIGHTING SYSTEM
X ,

I HEREBY CERTIFY thai all el tha ibor* atataiuanta mad* by ma ara tru*. canplata, and corract ta tha bnMoi ay knowladg/
DATE
10/11/79
TEL. NO. {Give area
code)
(907)272-i517
TYPED NAME/TITLE OF PERSON FILING NOTICE
Ronald R. Dagon, Manager
Environmental Program & Permit
SIGNATURE
ting

Notlca la raquirad by Part 77 of tha Federal Aviation Regulation! (14 C.F.R. Part 77) pursuant to Section
1958, at amended (49 U.S.C. 1101). Paraont who knowingly and willfully violate tha Notica requirement;
(criminal panalty) of not mora than >500 lor tha tint ottemx and not mora than )2.000 for subsequent
of tha Fadaral Aviation Act of 1958, aa amandad (49 U.S.C. l47.Ua)).
101 of tha Fadaral AyStion Act of
of Part 77 ara subnet to a fina
pursuant to Sactlon 902(a)
ffenset,
FAA Form 7460-1 o-7ai supersedes previous edition
Page 303
DO NOT REMOVE CARBONS

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UcrAKiMCNl Ut- I KANiPOK FA I ION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
ALASKAN REGION
701 C STREET, BOX 14
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99513
in w«.r «rr* to
AERONAUTICAL STUDY
HO. 79-AAL-142-OE
AERONAUTICAL STUDY OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION
rr
at
a
¦4
zc.
a
a.
M
Alaska Petrochemical Company
601 West 5th Avenue, #320
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
CONSTRUCTION LOCATION
flACI NAMl
Valdez, Alaska
LATITUOC
61°07'55"N
LONOI tuoc
146°Uf30,,W
CONSTRUCTION
PROPOSED
oescaiPTion
Refinery Flare Stack approximately 7000'
east-southeast of Valdez Airport.
MC1GHT (!» F«tt)
AtOVC t»OUMO
300'
aio«c USC
.445'
A notice has been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration that ihe above described structure is proposed (or construc-
tion. As proposed the structure would exceed the standards of Subpart C of Part 77 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and
would be identified as an obstruction to air navigation. Accordingly, the FAA is conducting aii aeronautical study of the pro-
posal to determine its effect upon the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace by aircraft and on the operation of air
navigation facilities.
In the study, consideration will be given to all facts relevant to the effect of the proposal on existing and planned airspace use;
air navigation facilities; airports; aircraft operations, procedures and minimum flight altitudes; and the air traffic control sys-
tem. However, only those plans on file with the FAA, on the date the notice concerning the above described proposed construc-
tion was received, will be considered.
Interested persons are invited to participate in the aeronautical study by submitting comments to ihe FAA office issuing this
notice. To be eligible for consideration, comments must be relevant to the effect the proposed construction would have on avi-
ation, provide sufficient detail to permit a clear understanding, and be received on or before December 8, 1979.
Pleas* refer to the aeronautical study number printed in the upper right hand comer of this notice.
This notice may be reproduced and recirculated by any interested person.
The proposed structure would exceed the obstruction standards of Part 77
of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
1.	Section 77.23(a)(2) by 125 feet, the height above 200 feet
within 3 miles of an airport.
2.	Section 77.25(b) by 97.5 feet, the height above a conical
surface sloping outward from the horizontal surface by a 20:1
ratio.
The proposed structure would not require revision to any Instrument Flight
Rule (IFR) altitudes or procedures.
*	See chart on reverse.
T.at Operations, Procedures &	Airspace
ROBERT F. HARIK
lssutD )H	Anchorage, Alaska	November 8. 1979 	
FAA Form 7460-8 (~-TU AIRPORT MANAGERS-PLEASE POST (OVER)	erono.iy
Page 304

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VALDEZ AIRPORT
CONTOUR INTERVAL 100 FEET
OUHffl UNC3 KIWttMNT HJMJ INTt*v«t CONTOURS
Q»tUH S MEAN SO I EVIL
OU10«U»CU LOCATION
»r»«OXIW*Tt MEAN
OCCUPATION, 1912
FOR SALE BY U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
DENVER 2. COLORAOO	WASHINGTON 25. 0. C.
FAIRBANKS. ALASKA
Page 305

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NOV 21979
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
Address reply to:
COMMANDER (0aw)
Seventeenth Coast Guard District
P.O. Box 3-5000
Juneau, Alaska 99802
(907) 5S6-736S
16590
3 1 OCT 1979
Rbnald R. Vagon
Environmental Programs and Permitting
Alaska Petrochemical. Company
601 West 5th Avenue.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Vexir Mr. Vagon:
Thank you. fok your letteA oh S October 1979 concerning the. navigability
deXermination for Vald&z Gla.QA.eJt Stream near Vatde.z, Alaska.
Our investigation halt determine.d that Valdzz Glacier Stream at your
proposed crossing site. i& non-navigable. for the. purpose of exercising
Coast Guard j'uAASdicJtion under the. Bridge Act. Coast Guard jurisdiction
is, therefore, de.cJU.ned with respect to the. proposed bridge, to be con-
structed across VaZdez GlacieA Stream and no bridge permit will be. re-
quired.
This determination is subject to modification based upon discovery of
new facts ofi subsequent judicial ok congressional action, and is not to
be. considered applicable. {,or the purposes of administering any lam the.
Coast Guard enforces otheA than the various bridge lam.
Sincerely,
W. M. M0NCRIEF J/C. ^
Commander, U. S. Coast Guard
Chief, Kids to Navigation Branch
Seventeenth Coast Guard District
By direction of the. Vist/Uct CommandeA
Copy to:
Corps of Engineers, Anchorage., AK
Page 306

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