projects

Kawerak, Inc. Hazard Mitigation Planning for 10 Rural Alaskan Communities

In 2021 Kawerak, Inc. received grant funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for the development of 10 Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans (THMP). The Emergency Preparedness department at Kawerak contracted Fairweather Science to develop these plans from proposal, to research and drafting, and finally submitting to the communities, the State of Alaska, and FEMA. Fairweather Science, in drafting these plans, strives to put the local and indigenous knowledge of Alaskans at the forefront, matching lived experience with rigorous scientific research. When possible, Fairweather Science urged Tribes and Cities to come together and draft a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The end product of this effort is tailored to each community, identifying hazards and proposing solutions to match each community's goals and values. The communities include: Brevig Mission, Diomede, Elim, Gambell, Golovin, Koyuk, St. Michael, Teller, Unalakleet, and White Mountain. Learn more …

AECOM – State of Alaska 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Fairweather Science supported AECOM with the State of Alaska 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan update by reviewing and updating hazard profiles and completing the updated Risk Assessment. Alaska experiences a wide variety of natural hazards and disasters, from extreme cold and blizzards in winter to wildfires in the summer, as well as nonseasonal hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

City and Borough of Yakutat and Yakutat Tlingit Tribe 2024 HMP Update

Fairweather Science is supporting the update of the City and Borough of Yakutat and Yakutat Tlingit Tribe's Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Native Village of Noatak 2024 HMP

Fairweather Science is supporting the development of a Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Native Village of Noatak.

City of Wasilla 2023 HMP Update

Fairweather Science expedited the update of the City of Wasilla's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

North Slope Polar Bear Monitoring (2014-current)

Since 2014, Fairweather Science has performed Polar Bear Den Monitoring for North Slope oil and gas operators in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Working with ERC, our study team conducts these monitoring operations on behalf of many North Slope operators, allowing those companies to pool their resources and streamline the mandated process. The survey utilizes a plane equipped with high resolution and infrared cameras to conduct aerial surveys. On board each flight, a data analyst performs an initial assessment. Upon landing, scientists conduct a second analysis of the imagery for quality control and assurance. Any hot spots or points of interest, determined with USFWS and our North Slope clients, are surveyed a second time for a complete operating picture.

Hilcorp Cook Inlet Rig Moves

Fairweather Science provided Protected Species Observers to support Hilcorp's marine mammal monitoring and mitigation requirements for the relocation of a jack-up oil rig in the Cook Inlet near Kenai, Alaska. The FWS Observers conducted multiple aerial surveys over Cook Inlet within a 10-mile radius of the platform prior to rig transport as well as providing Lead Observers and on-rig PSO support on the oil rig. The on-rig Lead PSO oversaw monitoring efforts on the oil rig during transportation. The PSOs also provided post-survey support for data review to assist with reporting requirements. This support has been ongoing with four moves since the fall of 2022.

AHTNA Ketchikan NOAA Fairweather Homeport Recapitalization

Fairweather Science was contracted by AHTNA to manage the Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Program for the NOAA Fairweather Homeport Recapitalization Project along with Western Marine Construction in Ketchikan, Alaska. FWS deployed multiple PSOs to collect marine mammal sightings data and ensure the client was in compliance with all permits. After completion of the monitoring portion of the project, FWS completed all necessary agency-required reports, which fully documented the methods and monitoring protocols, summarized the data recorded during monitoring, and described, assessed, and compared the effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures that were implemented.

Brice Engineering Eareckson Air Station Short Term Fuel Pier Repairs, Shemya Island

Fairweather Science provided Protected Species Observers to support Brice Engineering's marine mammal monitoring and mitigation requirements for the 2021 Short Term Fuel Pier Repairs at Eareckson Air Station, on Shemya Island, Alaska. The PSOs were deployed to one of the most remote locations in Alaska and documented all marine mammal sightings while complying with all permit and military protocols.

City of Ketchikan Rock Pinnacle Removal

Fairweather Science provided Protected Species Observers to support the City of Ketchikan's blasting and dredging operations to remove an existing rock outcrop (rock pinnacle). We worked with JE McAmis and Moffat & Nichol through the design and permitting process. Three PSOs, including one Lead PSO, monitored for marine mammals and dead fish during daylight hours in accordance with all permits and the blasting schedule. The Lead PSO oversaw monitoring efforts on the barge. Fairweather Science completed all agency reporting for this project.

City of Seward Small Boat Harbor Float Repair

Fairweather Science provided Protected Species Observers to support the City of Seward's float repair in the small boat harbor with Harris Sand & Gravel. Two PSOs monitored for marine mammals in Resurrection Bay near the construction site to ensure the client was complying with all permits regarding marine mammal harassment. Fairweather Science completed all agency reporting for this project.

Whittier Ferry Terminal Modification

Fairweather Science provided Protected Species Observers to support the modification of the ferry terminal in Whittier, Alaska with Harris Sand & Gravel. Three PSOs monitored continuously for at least 30 minutes prior to initiation of pile driving activities, and 30 minutes after activities ceased. One PSO was stationed at the ferry terminal to monitor the Level A (shutdown) zone, and the other two PSOs monitored the larger Level B (harassment) zone from locations along the shoreline. Fairweather Science completed all agency reporting for this project.