BLM's EIS did not explain, in detail, potential impacts, resulting 

 from secondary development. Large population increases will stimulate 

 commercial, residential, and public utility development. Dredging, 

 filling, and effluent discharges from these activities may result in 

 greater impacts than those arising from oil pollution and habitat 

 destruction from primary petroleum activities. In addition OCS development 

 may act as a stimulus for much greater regional growth in the future. 

 This would probably greatly alter the character and environment of the 

 area. 



5.2.4 Western Gulf of Alaska 



Description of the Region 6 J 



The western Gulf of Alaska extends from Middleton Island south of 

 Prince William Sound to the south side of the Kodiak Island archipelago. 

 The coastal region encircling the western Gulf of Alaska typically is 

 rugged with a fjord-indented coastline. Few narrow Ibeaches interrrupt 

 the generally steep, rocky shore. However, along the southwestern part 

 of Kodiak Island the coastline is relatively smooth with no major fjord 

 indentations. 



The coastal zone fror^ Prince William Sound westward is prone to 

 frequent and severe earthquakes. During the last 70 years, eight 

 seismic events have equalled or exceeded a magnitude of 8. 



Circulation in the western Gulf of Alaska is generally westward, 

 influenced by the counterclockwise gyre in the gulf proper. Surface 

 currents are influenced greatly by strong winds associated with frequent 



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