Kaweah Hydroelectric Plant

Sequoia Nat'l Park, California

Environmental Impact Analysis

The National Park Service commissioned Jordan/Avent & Associates to conduct a comprehensive ecological and hydrological analysis of the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park. This report was mandated by Congress to objectively determine the impacts associated with the continued operation of a hydroelectric power plant which diverted flow from the river.

 

A three-year monitoring program was established to evaluate physical/chemical parameters associated with the distribution of vertebrate and invertebrate species native to the area. Other issues included recreational uses, riparian vegetation, impact on wildlife migratory patterns and socio-economic effects.

 

Desalting Plant Deep Well Disposal

Laverkin Springs, Utah

F.E. Jordan Associates, Inc. undertook this most challenging two-phase study to investigate the potential for deep-well disposal of desalting plant blow down (brine) into a deep limestone formation 5,000 6,000 ft. below ground surface.

 

With Woodward/Clyde Consultants as a subconsultant, J/A provided engineering, environmental, geotechnical and hydrogeologic data for the design for the test well. The project was undertaken for the Bureau of Water and Power, U.S. Department of Interior.

 

Pinecrest Herring Creek

Stanislaus National Forest, California

Composite Recreation

This project involved a comprehensive recreational study for 20,000 acres of the Stanislaus National Forest. This region offers a diverse range of recreation activites such as camping, boating, swimming, wilderness hiking, Nordic skiing and Alpine skiing. Potential demands for 10-year and 30-year periods were determined and an extensive resource analysis was undertaken.

 

Studies performed included assessment of impacts on traffic, economics, water quality, hydrology, timber management and visual quality. The JA report provided recommendations based on this analysis and an extensive public participation program. JA's recommendations were adopted as part of the National Forest Service's Land Management Plan.

 

Surface Mining Operations

Nationwide

Environmental Impact Analysis

More than 1.1 million acres of land have been impacted by surface mining operations in the United States. As a result, stringent Federal regulations have been adopted to protect environments endangered by surface mining operations. One of these requirements involve provision of sediment and erosion control facilities to prevent stream siltation.

 

JA was retained by the Office of Surface Mining to conduct a nationwide study addressing the potential environmental consequences and economic requirements for either removing or maintaining existing sediment control facilities. The study is particularly concerned with the impacts on wildlife habitat, site revegetatlon, stream and general site restoration.