FHWA Project Development
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
FHWA Environmental Guide Book
Fisheries Field Work
• Fish surveys to determine fish species and characterize the use of habitat.
• Sediment sampling to determine the invertebrate species in the area.
Beluga Whale Observations
• Visual documentation of the numbers and locations of beluga whales in
Knik Arm at five different observation points.
• Acoustic data collection with underwater recording devices to supplement visual observations, and to document sounds of underwater construction of Port
MacKenzie.
Oceanography and Tidal Current Studies
• Bottom soils were sampled, tidal currents mapped and tidal velocities measured.
• Ice studies are scheduled for winter of 2005.
Engineering, Seismic and Geotechnical Studies
• Soils and seismic drilling across Knik Arm determined materials and potential
suitability for construction.
• Bathymetry characterized the contours of the channel for concept designs.
• The engineering team developed initial design criteria and initiated field studies
to further refine the corridor and a conceptual design to develop a cost estimate.
Economic and Demographic Studies
• Economic and demographic studies explored population and employment
trends; transportation; and residential, port, industrial and commercial
development in the Mat-Su Borough and the Municipality of Anchorage.
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