NHC was one of several firms selected to provide technical support to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in their review, under the FERC Integrated Licensing Process, of the Alaska Energy Authority’s (AEA’s) proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project.

The proposed Project would include construction of the 700-ft high Watana Dam on the upper Susitna River in south-central Alaska, and would provide 600 MW of installed generating capacity. NHC’s support to the Services was provided through contract with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

NHC provided technical support in the areas of fish passage, ice processes, and fluvial morphology. NHC’s work included review and comment on AEA’s study plans, expert review of study reports and other technical documents prepared by AEA’s consultants, participation in technical workshops and public meetings, and advising the Services of study gaps, deficiencies, or other study limitations.