Kasitsna Bay Marine Research Center Expansion Project

SRI's Envirotechnical Program prepared a highly detailed and complex environmental assessment for the expansion of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service marine research facilities at Kasitsna Bay located in Southcentral Alaska. The project was challenging because of the location of the proposed action in or near remote coastal and marine habitat areas studied by NOS and researchers from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

The project included the renovation or replacement of 15 structures associated with wet laboratories, seasonal housing, utility services, and a new dock. Development and environmental constraints associated with seawater intake, critical habitat areas, coastal zone management policies, and other issues were evaluated and resolved to balance facility requirements with regulatory concerns. Satisfactory mitigation measures were negotiated resulting in a finding of no significant impact determination and appropriate federal, state, and local permits and approvals.