INITIAL CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

Transcription

1 INITIAL CONSULTATION DOCUMENT YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT FERC NO Submitted by: PROGRESS ENERGY Raleigh, North Carolina FEBRUARY 2003

2 Initial Consultation Document Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project FERC No Submitted by: PROGRESS ENERGY Raleigh, North Carolina February 2003 Copyright 2003 by Progress Energy

3 INITIAL CONSULTATION DOCUMENT YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT FERC NO TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page No. LIST OF ACRONYMS...AL-1 1. INTRODUCTION Relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery Developments Areas to be Addressed as Part of Relicensing Water Quality Aquatic Resources Terrestrial Resources Recreation and Land Use Cultural Resources Power Generation and Project Economics Water Management Purpose of this Document GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION Project Location Project Description Tillery Development Blewett Falls Development Project Lands PROJECT OPERATION River Coordination Dam and Reservoir Operation Tillery Reservoir Blewett Falls Reservoir Description of Power Operations Description of Non-Power Operations Project Flow Rates and Flow Duration Data Project Operations Model ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Project Setting i

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Section Title Page No. 4.2 Hydrology and Water Use Water Quality Historical Water Quality Studies at the Project Surface Water Quality Classifications and Identified Impairments Progress Energy Water Quality Surveys at the Project Aquatic Resources Fishery Resources Fishery Management Activities Historical Studies Fishery Resources - Progress Energy Fisheries Surveys ( ) Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Fish Species Benthic Invertebrate Resources Historical Review of Benthic Invertebrate Studies Conducted at Project Reservoirs and Associated Tailwater River Reaches Benthic Invertebrates Progress Energy Survey Results Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Botanical Resources Wildlife Resources Cultural Resources Recreation Resources Land Use and Aesthetics RELICENSING STUDIES Consultation Process and Study Plan Development LITERATURE CITED APPENDICES APPENDIX A - PROJECT DRAWINGS APPENDIX B - TILLERY AND BLEWETT FALLS FLOW DURATION CURVES APPENDIX C - EMERGENCY DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL APPENDIX D - PROGRESS ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY METHODOLOGY APPENDIX E - PROGRESS ENERGY WATER QUALITY SURVEY DATA APPENDIX F - PROGRESS ENERGY AQUATIC RESOURCES SURVEY DATA APPENDIX G - RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES AND SIGNIFICANT NATURAL AREAS MAPS ii

5 INITIAL CONSULTATION DOCUMENT YADKIN PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT FERC NO LIST OF FIGURES Figure Title Page No. 2-1 PROJECT LOCATION MAP PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TILLERY DEVELOPMENT TILLERY SPILLWAY RATING CURVE AND RESERVOIR ELEVATION -STORAGE CURVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE BLEWETT FALLS DEVELOPMENT BLEWETT FALLS SPILLWAY RATING CURVE AND RESERVOIR ELEVATION -STORAGE CURVE HIGH ROCK DEVELOPMENT OPERATING GUIDE TILLERY AND BLEWETT FALLS DEVELOPMENTS EXAMPLE OF HOURLY GENERATION DISCHARGES TILLERY AND BLEWETT FALLS DEVELOPMENTS ANNUAL FLOW DURATION CURVES TILLERY AND BLEWETT FALLS DEVELOPMENTS MEAN DAILY DISCHARGES BY MONTH YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER WATERSHED MAP YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER DISCHARGE FLOWS YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER DISCHARGE FLOWS PUBLIC RECREATION LOCATIONS AT TILLERY DEVELOPMENT, MAP 1 OF PUBLIC RECREATION LOCATIONS AT TILLERY DEVELOPMENT, MAP 2 OF PUBLIC RECREATION LOCATIONS AT BLEWETT FALLS DEVELOPMENT NORTH CAROLINA S CENTRAL PARK REGION iii

6 INITIAL CONSULTATION DOCUMENT YADKIN PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT FERC NO LIST OF TABLES Table Title Page No. 2-1 SUMMARY OF TILLERY TURBINE-GENERATOR EQUIPMENT SUMMARY OF BLEWETT FALLS TURBINE-GENERATOR EQUIPMENT LAKE TILLERY SHORELINE LAND USE PEE DEE RIVER TEMPERATURE REGIME ELECTROFISHING AND GILL NETTING MEAN CATCH RATES FISH COLLECTED AT TILLERY TAILWATER IN SPAWNING CONDITION RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR POTENTIALLY PRESENT WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA REPRESENTATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES LIST FOR THE PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA RTE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR POTENTIALLY PRESENT WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA LAKE TILLERY RECREATIONAL RESOURCES BLEWETT FALLS LAKE RECREATIONAL RESOURCES LAKE TILLERY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES USE BLEWETT FALLS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES USE POPULATION BY COUNTY PERCENT OF COUNTY LAND COVER iv

7 List of Acronyms Federal/State Agencies Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) National Park Service (NPS) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) formerly known as Soil Conservation Service National Weather Service (NWS) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (NCEMC) North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Management (NCDEM) North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer (NCSHPO) North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Other Entities Alcoa Power Generating, Inc., Yadkin Division (APGI) CP&L A Progress Energy Company (CP&L) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH) Facilities/Places Yadkin - Pee Dee River Project (entire two-development project including both powerhouses, dams and impoundments) Blewett Falls Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment) Blewett Falls Dam (when referring to the structure) Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse) Blewett Falls Lake (when referring to the impoundment) Tillery Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse & impoundment) Tillery Dam (when referring to the structure) AL-1

8 Acronym List Tillery Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse) Lake Tillery (when referring to the impoundment) Documents 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC) Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) Environmental Assessment (EA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) Initial Consultation Document (ICD) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Notice of Intent (NOI) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) Preliminary Draft Environmental Assessment (PDEA) Programmatic Agreement (PA) Scoping Document (SD) Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Laws/Regulations Clean Water Act (CWA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Electric Consumers Protection Act (ECPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Federal Power Act (FPA) Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Terminology Alternative Relicensing Process (ALP) Cubic feet per second (cfs) Degrees Celsius (C) Degrees Fahrenheit (F) Dissolved oxygen (DO) Feet (ft) Gallons per day (gpd) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Gigawatt Hour (GWh) Global Positioning System (GPS) Grams (g) Horsepower (hp) Kilogram (kg) Kilowatts (kw) Kilowatt-hours (kwh) Mean Sea Level (msl) Megawatt (MW) Megawatt-hours (MWh) AL-2

9 Acronym List Micrograms per liter (µg/l) Milligrams per liter (mg/l) Millimeter (mm) Million gallons per day (mgd) National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) Ounces (oz.) Outstanding Remarkable Value (ORV) Parts per billion (ppb) Parts per million (ppm) Pounds (lbs.) Power Factor (p.f.) Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) Project Inflow Design Flood (IDF) Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (RTE) Ready for Environmental Assessment (REA) Resource Work Groups (RWG) Revolutions Per Minute (rpm) Rights-of-way (ROW) Stakeholders (federal and state resource agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties) Volts (V) AL-3

10 Section 1 Introduction 1.1 Relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery Developments Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. (Progress Energy) also known as Carolina Power & Light (CP&L), a subsidiary of Progress Energy, owns and operates the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project (Project), located on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in North Carolina. The Project consists of the 84 megawatt 1 (MW) Tillery Development and the 24.6 MW 1 Blewett Falls Development. Each development consists of a dam, powerhouse, impoundment, primary transmission lines from the Project, structures used in connection with the Project, and water rights, rights-of-way (ROW), lands, and interest in lands necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Project. The Project produced an annual average of 335 million kwh of renewable energy over the 17-year period of 1984 to The Blewett Falls and Tillery Developments were constructed in the early 1900s. Blewett Falls was placed in operation in 1912 and the Tillery Development began operating in In 1958, the Federal Power Commission, the predecessor to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), issued to CP&L a 50-year license for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project designated as FERC No This license expires on April 30, The Project has provided valuable service as a peaking and load-following electrical generation resource throughout its entire history. The Federal Power Act (FPA) authorizes FERC to license non-federal water power projects on navigable waters and federal lands. The FPA, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA), and other federal statutes require FERC to consult with federal and state resource agencies, the public, and affected Native American tribes when considering applications for the licensing of hydroelectric projects within its jurisdiction. 1 FERC-authorized licensed capacity. 1

11 Section 1 Introduction FERC has implemented regulations that require applicants for a new license 2 to undertake active consultation with the public, resource agencies, and affected Native American tribes prior to filing an application. Under FERC regulations, Progress Energy must initiate the process of relicensing no later than five years prior to license expiration, that is, by April 30, Progress Energy is required to file its application for a new license with FERC no later than two years prior to the expiration of the current license, or April 30, Progress Energy intends to comply with FERC s requirements for consultation by following FERC s traditional three-stage consultation process consisting of preparing and issuing an Initial Consultation Document (ICD), a draft license application for review, and then a final application filed with FERC. Progress Energy has for many years worked cooperatively and closely with local, state, and federal resource agencies as well as other parties with a direct interest in the Project. Progress Energy desires to and will continue this cooperation by expanding the three-stage consultation process beyond what is required under the traditional FERC process, as discussed in Section 1.3 below. The issuance of the ICD is an early step in the relicensing process. This ICD presents a description of the Project design and operation as well as a characterization of the environmental setting of the Project. This document also presents an initial discussion of potential issues associated with relicensing of the Project and a suggested framework through which Progress Energy and stakeholders can come together to further identify and discuss issues, define needed studies, and share information. 1.2 Areas to be Addressed as Part of Relicensing There will be a number of operational and resource needs to be considered in relicensing. An overview of Project-related resources is provided below Water Quality FERC regulations require Progress Energy to consult with the certifying agency under Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The certifying agency for the Project is the North 2 The processing of obtaining a new license is referred to as relicensing. 2

12 Section 1 Introduction Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality (NCDENR). Water quality is a major consideration in the relicensing of the Blewett Falls and Tillery Developments, and concerns related to water quality may affect both North Carolina and South Carolina Aquatic Resources An abundance of native and non-native resident fish species, both game and non-game, inhabit waters of the Project area. A number of state- or federal-listed rare, threatened and endangered mussel and fish species also inhabit the waters of the Pee Dee River. Lake Tillery is well known for having a healthy warmwater fishery attracting recreational anglers. Blewett Falls Lake also provides good warmwater fishing opportunities. Relicensing provides the opportunity to address management objectives for these species and the potential needs of the respective populations. There are seven species of migratory fish found in the lower Pee Dee River. These species include American eel, American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, hickory shad, herring, and striped bass. Located approximately 190 miles upstream of the river s mouth, Blewett Falls is the first hydroelectric development on the Pee Dee River. The relicensing process will provide an opportunity to review and discuss resource agency management objectives and priorities for these species, and the Project s ability to contribute to achieving these objectives Terrestrial Resources There are a number of important natural areas within and adjacent to the Project boundary. While much of the Tillery shoreline has undergone some form of development, there are large areas of relatively undisturbed habitat downstream of the Tillery Development and throughout much of Blewett Falls Lake and downstream to the state line. Some of the natural communities are of statewide and regional significance and support a number of rare plant and wildlife species. In addition, the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, Morrow Mountain State Park, and the Uwharrie National Forest are in close proximity to the Project. The protection of key 3

13 Section 1 Introduction wildlife areas and finding the appropriate balance in the development of the land and water resources within the Project boundary will be an integral part of the relicensing process Recreation and Land Use The Project is located within a two-hour drive from the large urban area extending from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham, referred to as the Piedmont Crescent (ASU 1999). The Project location is convenient to these urban population centers for outdoor recreation and tourism. The Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project, a non-profit organization, was formed in the early 1990s with an initial objective to highlight the region s potential for sustainable tourism. From this effort, a planning concept was developed for the seven county region centered on the reservoirs along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. This Yadkin-Pee Dee region is referred to as North Carolina s Central Park ; a region which serves as a rural hub for outdoor recreation and tourism. Progress Energy has recently developed, with agency and public consultation, a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for the Tillery Development describing Progress Energy s approach to managing shoreline activities at Lake Tillery. The SMP was filed with FERC on December 28, 2001, and is currently under review. During relicensing, information on recreational uses will be used to describe the amount and type of recreation in the Project area and the adequacy of existing facilities. In addition, how the Project fits into the regional concept for the development of recreation, sustainable tourism, and land uses will be considered Cultural Resources The Project is located in an area of central North Carolina rich in cultural resources. Prior to the issuance of any license, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires that FERC take into account the effect of its actions on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register. FERC requires Progress Energy to consult with the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and affected Native American tribes as a part of the relicensing process. 4

14 Section 1 Introduction Power Generation and Project Economics The primary purpose of the Project is to generate electricity and meet other ancillary electrical system needs for the benefit of Progress Energy s ratepayers. The Project is used for loadfollowing and on-peak generation and its economic viability is dependent on serving these purposes. Both Tillery and Blewett Falls have the capability to black start, meaning the ability to come on-line under system blackout conditions to support local loads and aid in overall system restart and recovery. FERC requires that Progress Energy demonstrate its ability to operate and maintain the Project in a manner which provides efficient and reliable service. A plan for the continued economic operation of the Project will be developed as part of relicensing Water Management The waters of the entire Yadkin and Pee Dee Rivers have historically been managed for numerous municipal, agricultural, public, and industrial uses including domestic and industrial water supply, wastewater management, power generation, recreation, wildlife, and irrigation. Upstream of Progress Energy s Tillery Development is the Yadkin Project, FERC No. 2197, owned and operated by Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. (APGI). The current FERC license for the Blewett and Tillery Developments states that it is desirable and in the public interest that the operation of Project Nos and 2206 be coordinated to the greatest extent compatible with the several and distinct purposes for which the two projects are designed and operated. The Blewett and Tillery reservoirs have limited storage capacity. Currently, the primary storage reservoir in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River system is High Rock Lake, APGI s uppermost impoundment. High Rock functions as the primary seasonal storage and water regulation facility for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, including Progress Energy s hydroelectric operations (APGI 2002). Water storage at Blewett and Tillery is adequate to provide important daily and weekly adjustments in flow, with seasonal storage provided at High Rock Lake. Progress Energy has worked with both upstream and downstream users of the river s waters throughout the life of the Project. Most recently, due to unprecedented drought conditions in the basin, Progress Energy worked proactively with water resource authorities from the states of 5

15 Section 1 Introduction North Carolina and South Carolina and APGI to reach a temporary protocol to provide water releases to satisfy the needs of downstream users. The long-term management of the water resources of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River under various flow conditions will likely be a major topic of discussion amongst stakeholders throughout the relicensing process. 1.3 Purpose of this Document Progress Energy has prepared this ICD consistent with FERC regulations to present an overview of the Project operations and a description of the existing resources associated with the Project. This document represents the initiation of the consultation process for the relicensing of the Project. The relicensing process will provide local, state, and federal authorities and other stakeholders with the opportunity to become actively involved with the relicensing of the Project. This ICD is the first step in this process. Progress Energy has recently performed environmental surveys of existing water quality and aquatic and terrestrial resources in the vicinity of the Project. The survey data collected has been included in this document in Appendices E and F, and is thoroughly discussed in Sections 4.3 through 4.6. Progress Energy is providing this survey data to stakeholders as an introduction to these resources. As part of relicensing, Progress Energy is proposing to establish various work groups focused on specific resource areas to review the existing data, identify areas where additional information may be needed, and to jointly develop appropriate study plans for obtaining the needed information. Following issuance of this ICD, Progress Energy will hold a Joint Meeting as required by FERC regulations. The purpose of the Joint Meeting is to explain the Project, review information provided in this ICD, provide opportunity for identification of concerns and issues related to Project operations and Project effects. Progress Energy plans to expand the purposes of the Joint Meeting by using it as an opportunity to invite resource agencies and other stakeholders to participate in one or more Resource Work Groups (RWG). The initial purpose of the RWGs would be to (1) review existing data, (2) identify resource issues and needs, (3) identify needed studies and their goals, and (4) review study plans. 6

16 Section 1 Introduction It is Progress Energy s desire to conduct needed studies using study plans that have been cooperatively developed within the RWGs. Progress Energy is suggesting the following RWGs be formed: Water Resources Work Group; Terrestrial Resources Work Group; Recreation and Land Use Work Group; and Cultural Resources Work Group. It is Progress Energy s intent that as relicensing proceeds, these RWGs will also review study results and develop effective solutions, as necessary, to address resource needs of the Project. A suggested schedule for the initial RWG meetings will be presented at the Joint Meeting. 7

17 Section 2 General Project Information 2.1 Project Location The Project is located on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in south central North Carolina (Figure 2-1). The Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin is the second largest in North Carolina covering 7,213 mi 2 as measured at the North Carolina South Carolina state line (NCDWQ 1998). The Yadkin-Pee Dee River originates near the town of Blowing Rock and flows northeasterly for approximately 100 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Piedmont physiogeographic region. As the river turns southeast, it enters an area in central North Carolina that has experienced considerable urban growth. This growing urban area that extends from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham is known as the Piedmont Crescent (ASU 1999). Just to the south of the Piedmont Crescent, the river enters an area known as the Uwharrie Lakes Region. This region is named for the chain of six reservoirs located along this reach of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, two of which are Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. It is in this region that the Uwharrie River joins the Yadkin River at the upper end of Lake Tillery to form the Pee Dee River. The Pee Dee River continues from Blewett Falls Lake for approximately 190 miles flowing southeasterly through the coastal plain of South Carolina, where open farmland, stands of hardwood and pine, and bottomlands/swamp dominate the landscape prior to the river entering the Atlantic Ocean through Winyah Bay at Georgetown, South Carolina. There are a number of towns and communities in South Carolina located along the lower Pee Dee River. The largest towns are Cheraw and Florence. Cheraw is located approximately 23 miles downstream of the Blewett Falls Development; Florence is located approximately 88 miles downstream of Blewett Falls. Numerous commercial and industrial facilities are located in proximity to these municipalities along or near the Pee Dee River and use the river as a source of water and for discharge of wastewater. 8

18 Virginia North Carolina N W. Kerr Scott Dam Yadkin River Winston-Salem Greensboro.-, 40 Durham North Carolina South Carolina Lake Wylie Lake Norman.-, 77 Charlotte High Rock Dam Salisbury High Rock Tuckertown Dam Lake Narrows Dam Falls Dam Albemarle Lake Tillery.-, 85 Rocky River Uwharrie River Blewett Falls Lake Little River Tillery Dam Blewett Falls Dam Rockingham Raleigh Cheraw Lake Wateree Pee Dee River.-, 95 Florence Lake Murray Columbia Little Pee Dee River Congaree River Wateree River Map Area Yadkin - Pee Dee River North Carolina South Carolina Atlantic Ocean Regional Location Map Lake Marion Lake Moultrie Cooper River Santee River Winyah Bay Atlantic Ocean Figure 2-1 Project Location Map Miles

19 Section 2 General Project The flow of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River is regulated by a federal flood control development and six hydroelectric developments on the main stem of the river (Figure 2-1). The first development (traveling downstream from the headwaters) is W. Scott Kerr Dam, a federal flood control project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). The next four developments make up the Yadkin Project. These four hydroelectric developments High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls are owned and operated by APGI and are located along a 38-mile stretch of the river (river miles 272 to 234). High Rock Reservoir is operated as a storage reservoir and serves as the principal storage and water regulation facility for the lower Yadkin-Pee Dee River (APGI 2002). The next two hydroelectric developments on the river, located approximately at river miles 218 and 188 are the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, which constitute Progress Energy s Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project. The primary purpose of the Project is to provide peaking and load-following generation. Its ability to provide such benefits and meet other flow-related needs is largely dependent on the schedule of flows being released from upstream reservoirs. Currently, an agreement between APGI and Progress Energy governs the release of waters from the APGI developments to the Progress Energy developments. Section 3.1 presents a more detailed discussion of river coordination. 2.2 Project Description Tillery Development The Tillery Dam and its powerhouse are located in Montgomery and Stanly Counties, four miles west of Mount Gilead. The Tillery impoundment (also known as Lake Tillery) extends upstream to the tailrace of the Falls Project powerhouse. Progress Energy began construction of the Tillery Development in In the spring of 1928, Tillery was completed and the plant was placed in service. The facilities have operated safely and reliably for 75 years. The powerhouse contains four turbine-generator units as well as one auxiliary turbine-generator unit. A summary of the turbine-generator equipment at the Tillery Development is presented in Table

20 Section 2 General Project TABLE 2-1 SUMMARY OF TILLERY TURBINE-GENERATOR EQUIPMENT Turbine: Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Auxiliary Manufacturer I.P. Morris I.P. Morris I.P. Morris Allis-Chalmers J. Leffel Type Vertical, Francis Vertical, Francis Vertical, Francis Vertical, Propeller Vertical, Francis Rated Power (hp) 31,100 25,600 31,100 33, Rated Head (feet) Speed (rpm) Discharge Capacity (cfs) 4,456 3,627 4,456 5, Generator: Manufacturer Allis-Chalmers Allis-Chalmers Allis-Chalmers Westinghouse Westinghouse Rated p.f Power rating (kw) 22,000 18,000 22,000 22, Photographs of the facility are provided in Figure 2-2. Detailed engineering drawings of the entire facility can be found in Appendix A. Dam and Spillway Tillery Dam (also known as Norwood Dam) consists of approximately 1,200 ft of earth embankment and 1,550 ft of concrete structures. The concrete works include a 758-ft-long spillway consisting of a 62-ft-high ogee section, a concrete stilling basin, a 310-ft-long powerhouse intake structure, and 485-ft-long east and west non-overflow segments. The spillway at Tillery is controlled by 18 tainter gates, each 34-ft-wide by 24-ft-high. Six of the tainter gates can be partially operated remotely from the powerhouse control room. The other gates can be operated by means of controls located at the gates on the spillway deck. A 14-ftwide trash gate is located between the intake and spillway. The spillway rating curve is presented in Figure 2-3. Non-Overflow Sections There are two non-overflow structures that form abutments for the concrete gravity spillway and powerhouse structures. The 176-ft-long west bulkhead has a top width of six feet and maximum height of 88.5 ft. It is located between the gated spillway structure and the earth embankment. 11

21 Tillery Dam and Powerhouse Tillery Dam Figure 2-2 Photographs of the Tillery Development

22 300 Tillery Spillway Rating Curve (all gates full open) Reservoir Elevation (ft) Normal Maximum Reservoir Elevation Discharge (cfs x 1000) Tillery Reservoir Elevation-Storage Curve Normal Maximum Reservoir Elevation 270 Reservoir Elevation (ft) ,000 40,000 60,000 80, , , , ,000 Storage (acre - ft) Figure 2-3 Tillery Spillway Rating Curve and Reservoir Elevation-Storage Curve Based on NGVD 1929

23 Section 2 General Project The east abutment is 308-ft-long with a top width of 20 ft and a maximum height of 88.5 ft. It is located at the east end of the powerhouse intake structure and extends to natural ground at the east abutment. Powerhouse The Tillery powerhouse is a concrete, semi-outdoor structure containing four generating units, each with its own penstock and headgates, discharging into Moody-type draft tubes. Each turbine drives a direct-connected vertical-shaft generator. The turbine discharge exits directly into the Pee Dee River. The gross head is 72 ft. The powerhouse is integral with the dam. Turbines The turbines at the Tillery Development consist of three Francis turbines and one fixed-blade propeller turbine. Units 1 and 3 are I.P. Morris vertical-shaft, Francis-type turbines rated at 31,100 horsepower (hp) at 70 ft of head and 90 rpm with a discharge capacity of 4,456 cfs. Unit 2 is also an I.P. Morris vertical-shaft, Francis-type turbine, but is rated at 25,600 hp at 70 ft of head and 75 rpm with a discharge capacity of 3,627 cfs. Unit 4 is an Allis-Chalmers vertical shaft, fixed-blade propeller rated at 33,000 hp at 70 ft of head and rpm with a discharge of 5,145 cfs. The auxiliary turbine is a Leffel vertical Francis turbine rated at 650 hp at 70 ft of head and 600 rpm. Generators The generators for Units 1, 2, and 3 are Allis-Chalmers three-phase, 60-cycle generators. Units 1 and 3 are rated at 27,500 kva at 0.8 p.f., 22 MW, and 13,800 V. Unit 2 is rated at 22,500 kva at 0.8 p.f., 18 MW, and 13,800 V. Unit 4 is a Westinghouse three-phase, 60-cycle generator rated at 27,500 kva at 0.8 p.f., 22 MW, and 13,800 V. The generators have been rewound as follows Units 1 through 3 were rewound in 1966, and Unit 4 was rewound in

24 Section 2 General Project Reservoir The Tillery Dam creates the impoundment known as Lake Tillery. The impoundment extends approximately 15 miles to the tailwaters of APGI s Falls Development. At the normal maximum operating elevation of ft, Lake Tillery is approximately 72-ft-deep at the dam and has a reservoir surface area of approximately 5,697 acres 3. The reservoir elevation-storage curve is shown on Figure 2-3. The lake is widely used by the public for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other recreational activities. The lake has a shoreline length of approximately 118 miles (CP&L 2001a). Approximately 55 percent of the shoreline is residential or commercial development. There are two municipal water withdrawals located on Lake Tillery. These are for the town of Norwood and for Montgomery County. The intake structure for the Norwood Water Treatment Plant is located on the west shoreline, and the intake pipe itself is approximately 25 ft below the normal reservoir elevation at ft. There are two intakes on the east shoreline for the Montgomery County Water Treatment Plant, only one intake is used at any one time. The lower intake pipe is located at elevation 255 ft or 22 ft below the normal reservoir surface elevation. It can be operated if the lake level is too low to use the upper intake. Recreational Facilities There are five public access areas with a total of eight boat ramps and a canoe portage at Tillery Dam. Progress Energy leases all of its public access areas to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the recreation facilities. A detailed discussion of recreational facilities is provided in Section Unless otherwise noted, all elevations are in NAVD 88 datum. NAVD 88 datum is 0.9 feet lower than 1929 NGVD datum. 15

25 Section 2 General Project Blewett Falls Development Construction of the Blewett Falls Development began in Financial problems prevented the original builders from completing the Project. The Yadkin River Power Company acquired the rights to the Blewett Falls Development and finally brought it into service in June Progress Energy acquired the Yadkin Power Company in The Blewett Falls Dam and powerhouse are located approximately 17 miles upstream of the North Carolina-South Carolina State border. The powerhouse contains six turbine-generator units. A summary of the generating equipment at the Blewett Falls Development is presented in Table 2-2. Photographs of the Blewett Falls Development are provided in Figure 2-4. Engineering drawings depicting the development are located in Appendix A. The spillway rating and reservoir elevation-storage curves are included on Figure 2-5. TABLE 2-2 SUMMARY OF BLEWETT FALLS TURBINE-GENERATOR EQUIPMENT Turbine: Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6 Manufacturer S. Morgan Smith S. Morgan Smith S. Morgan Smith S. Morgan Smith S. Morgan Smith S. Morgan Smith Rated Power (hp) 5,350 5,350 5,350 6,400 6,400 6,400 Rated Head (feet) Speed (rpm) Discharge Capacity (cfs) 1,351 1,351 1,351 1,715 1,715 1,715 Generator: Manufacturer General General General General General General Electric Electric Electric Electric Electric Electric Rated p.f Power Rating (kw) 3,200 3,200 3,200 5,000 5,000 5,000 Dam and Spillway The Blewett Falls Dam is a 3,168-ft-long structure consisting of 1,700-ft-long earthen embankment and 1,468-ft-long concrete spillway and abutments. A 300-ft-long powerhouse intake is separated from the main dam by a portion of the earthen embankment. The spillway is a concrete ogee-type structure topped by four feet of flashboards. The concrete crest elevation is ft. The normal maximum pond elevation is ft. The concrete nonoverflow abutment sections are approximately 150-ft-long with a top elevation of ft. 16

26 Blewett Falls Spillway with 4-ft-high Flashboards Blewett Falls Intake and Powerhouse Figure 2-4 Photographs of the Blewett Falls Development

27 200 Blewett Falls Spillway Rating Curve 195 Reservoir Elevation (ft) with flashboards without flashboards Normal Maximum Reservoir Elevation Discharge (cfs x 1000) Blewett Falls Reservoir Elevation-Storage Curve Normal Maximum Reservoir Elevation Reservoir Elevation (ft) ,000 40,000 60,000 80, , , , , , ,000 Storage (acre-ft) Figure 2-5 Blewett Falls Spillway Rating Curve and Reservoir Elevation-Storage Curve Based on NGVD 1929

28 Section 2 General Project Powerhouse The powerhouse is a concrete structure with a brick-masonry and steel superstructure. It is located at the downstream end of an approximately 300-ft-long canal. The gross head is approximately 52 ft. The Blewett Falls Powerhouse contains six generating units, each with its own penstock. Each of the turbine units drive a direct-connected, horizontal-shaft generator. The turbines discharge via steel conical draft tubes into a 900-ft-long tailrace channel, which connects with the Pee Dee River. Turbines The Blewett Falls Development contains six S. Morgan Smith horizontal-shaft double-runner camel back turbines each controlled by a separate governor. Units 1, 2, and 3 are rated at 5,350 hp at 47 ft of head and 164 rpm with a discharge capacity of 1,351 cfs each. Units 4, 5, and 6 are rated at 6,400 hp at 47 ft of head and 160 rpm with a discharge capacity of 1,715 cfs. Generators The original six generators were built by General Electric and are all 3-phase, 60-cycle, directconnected, indoor-type, horizontal-shaft generators. The generators for Units 1, 2, and 3 are nameplate rated at 3,200 kw with a p.f. of 0.8, 4,800 volts at full load. They are 164 rpm with 396 coils. Generators for Units 4, 5, and 6 indicate ratings of 5,000 kw at a p.f. of These 4 kv machines are 160 rpm and have 525 coils each. The generators were rewound as follows: Unit 1 coils were replaced in 1982, Units 2 and 4 were rewound in 1990, Unit 3 was rewound in 1986, Unit 5 was rewound in 1975, and Unit 6 was rewound in Intake The powerhouse intake is fed by a 300-ft-long forebay canal. The intake is a concrete gravity structure with steel trashracks. 19

29 Section 2 General Project Upstream Fish Passage Facilities The remnants of a concrete fishway exist on the right (west) abutment of the spillway. The date of the original construction is unknown. Embankment There are earthen embankments with concrete core walls on both sides of the spillway. The core walls do not extend the full length of the embankments. The north embankment is approximately 870-ft-long and 48-ft-high with a top elevation of ft. The south embankment is approximately 850-ft-long and 56-ft-high with a top elevation of ft. Reservoir The Blewett Falls Dam creates the Blewett Falls Lake impoundment. The normal maximum pool elevation is ft and the reservoir extends approximately 11 miles upstream. The surface area of the lake at the normal maximum operating pool is approximately 2,866 acres. The reservoir elevation-storage curve is provided in Figure 2.5. The Blewett Falls shoreline is largely undeveloped. The lake is available to the public for boating, fishing, and recreation. There are two municipal water supply intakes in the reservoir, one each for Anson and Richmond counties. The intake for the Anson County Water Treatment Plant is located on the west shoreline and the invert of the intake is at elevation ft. Progress Energy notifies the plant if they will be drawing down the reservoir below ft. The Richmond County intake is located on the eastern shoreline at the southern end of Blewett Falls Lake. Recreational Facilities Recreational facilities include three developed public access areas with four boat ramps located on the impoundment and one at the tailwater, a canoe portage, and a tailwater fishing pier. Recreational facilities are discussed in greater detail in Section

30 Section 2 General Project Project Lands The Project boundary for the Tillery Development and the Blewett Falls Development are identified on the Project drawings located in Appendix A. Progress Energy owns approximately 6,468 acres of land within the Project boundary of the Tillery Development and approximately 4,431 acres of land within the Project boundary at the Blewett Falls Development. Progress Energy also has permanent flowage easements located within each development. There are no Federal or Tribal lands located within the Project boundaries. Progress Energy manages activities along the shoreline to accommodate the numerous uses that occur within the Project boundaries of the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments. Progress Energy has historically administered a lease and dock-permitting program. For the Tillery Development, Progress Energy has prepared the guidelines for shoreline management described in its Guidelines for the Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery, which outlines the process for permitting and managing certain activities on the Project lands. Progress Energy has also prepared in consultation with federal, state, and local agencies a SMP for Lake Tillery. The SMP provides for the protection and enhancement of the environmental, scenic, and recreational values provided by the lake and Project lands while ensuring the continued reliable production of hydroelectric power (CP&L 2001a). The SMP also provides guidelines for the use of leased properties and outlines procedures for permitting activities along the shoreline within the Project boundary. The SMP is currently under review by FERC. Progress Energy has also characterized the current shoreline land uses within the Project boundary at Lake Tillery (CP&L 2001a). These land uses are summarized in Table

31 Section 2 General Project TABLE 2-3 LAKE TILLERY SHORELINE LAND USE Shoreline Miles Percentage Commercial Residential Agricultural Project Operations Public Infrastructure Developed Public Recreation Undeveloped Public Recreation Undeveloped Lands Total Progress Energy also leases lands within and adjacent to the Project boundary to the NCWRC which manages the lands under the Game Lands Management Program. 22

32 Section 3 Project Operation 3.1 River Coordination The Yadkin Pee Dee River Project has been continuously operated since It is operated to provide peaking, load-following, and system control services. Progress Energy operates the Project in coordination with flow releases provided by the upstream Yadkin Project. Daily operation of the two power stations is managed to comply with reservoir level requirements based on inflows. In addition, Progress Energy is required by its FERC license to provide continuous releases from the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments of no less than 40 cfs and 150 cfs, respectively. The FERC license for the Project states that the operation of the Tillery and Blewett Falls facilities and the upstream Yadkin Project should be coordinated to the greatest extent compatible with the several and distinct purposes for which the two projects are designed and operated. APGI s Yadkin Project consists of four developments: High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls. In general, High Rock Lake and Narrows are operated in a store-and-release mode, and Tuckertown and Falls are operated primarily as run-of-river developments. However, Tuckertown has the ability to fluctuate water elevations up to three feet, and Falls is operated with a maximum daily fluctuation of three to four feet. High Rock Lake serves as the principal water storage and regulation facility for the lower Yadkin Pee Dee River (APGI 2002). The Tillery Development is designed to be operated to meet peaking, load-following, and system support needs, whereas the Blewett Falls Development, downstream of Tillery, is operated as a peaking facility with block loading. Tillery and Blewett Falls are operated in an integrated fashion. The peaking operation at Tillery allows Progress Energy to provide electricity at periods of peak demand when its ratepayers need it most. In addition, because of its critical loadfollowing ability, Tillery is used to adjust to rapid changes in system needs and local transfers of power between control areas. This type of operation can result in relatively rapid changes in discharge from Tillery. Blewett Falls is operated as a block loaded facility, meaning that the units are either operating at best efficiency or are off. Importantly, Blewett Falls acts to re- 23

33 Section 3 Project Operation regulate discharges from Tillery, thereby reducing the magnitude of flow fluctuations downstream of Blewett Falls. The maximum turbine hydraulic capacity is 17,700 cfs at Tillery and 9,200 cfs at Blewett Falls. This difference in hydraulic capacity is indicative of the importance of the peaking and load-following capability of Tillery, and it also underscores the need for close coordination between the two developments for flow management purposes. Progress Energy s operations are affected by the operation and management of the Yadkin Project. In accordance with Article 29 of the Yadkin Project s FERC license, the Yadkin Project must be operated in a manner that allows Progress Energy to meet its continuous flow requirements. Yadkin s seasonal operations are in accordance with a rule curve developed to manage water surface elevations at High Rock Lake. The rule curve, referred to as Yadkin s Operating Guides for Operation of Badin Works, is provided in Figure 3-1. A FERC Order Amending License issued in March 1968 (39 FPC 397) also requires Yadkin to maintain a recreational pool for High Rock Lake. Under normal and dry conditions, this rule curve governs the general level of inflows into Narrows Reservoir and subsequently into Lake Tillery. 3.2 Dam and Reservoir Operation Tillery Reservoir The inflows into the Tillery Development consists primarily of the outflow from APGI s Falls Development coupled with inflow from the Uwharrie River. APGI provides information to Progress Energy on expected daily plant generation and discharge. Specific information is also provided by APGI on water levels at and inflows to High Rock Lake. Progress Energy s license allows drawdowns at Lake Tillery of up to 22 ft below full pond. Over the past several years, Progress Energy has voluntarily made its best efforts to operate Lake Tillery within a four-foot range under normal conditions, and much of the time operates within a two-foot range except during times of maintenance. During periods of maintenance, Progress 24

34 Figure 3-1 High Rock Development Operating Guide Source: APGI 2002

35 Section 3 Project Operation Energy draws Lake Tillery down approximately 12 ft. There is also an informal agreement with the NCWRC to maintain Lake Tillery levels during the period of April 15 to May 15 within approximately one foot of full pond to facilitate largemouth bass spawning. There are also two water withdrawals from the Tillery reservoir, one for the town of Norwood and one for Montgomery County. The intakes are located at least 20 ft below the normal maximum pond level, but operational problems can be experienced when lake levels drop by as little as six to eight feet. Outflows from the Tillery Development flow into Blewett Falls Lake after passing through a 17-mile reach of the Pee Dee River. Under normal operating conditions, it takes approximately eight hours for releases from the Tillery Development to be observed at the Blewett Falls powerhouse Blewett Falls Reservoir The Blewett Falls Development is operated in coordination with the upstream Tillery Development. The normal operation of the Blewett Falls Lake results in a daily drawdown of approximately two to three feet below the normal maximum operating level of ft. The drawdown provides the storage capacity needed to regulate flows from the Tillery Development. The Blewett Falls turbine-generator units normally begin operation at the same time that the Tillery Plant begins generation. Due to the travel time from Tillery to Blewett Falls, Blewett Falls Lake is drawn down approximately two to three feet. Generation at Blewett Falls is usually stopped by midnight, allowing the reservoir to refill. This operating method provides power during the day when there is a higher demand for electricity, while it reduces spilling as much as possible. The difference in hydraulic capacity between Tillery and the Blewett Falls Development would result in significant spill at Blewett Falls if storage capacity was not provided. As stated previously, there are two municipal water withdrawals from Blewett Falls Lake; Anson and Richmond Counties. Operation of Blewett Falls must consider the potential impact to these water intakes. 26

36 Section 3 Project Operation Description of Power Operations The Tillery Development is operated as a peaking and load-following resource. Typical operation includes daily (weekday) generation and load-following during hours of peak demand with scheduling and output varying seasonally, based on peak electrical demand and water availability. The Blewett Falls Development is operated as a block-loaded facility, meaning the units are either operated at best efficiency or are off. The hydraulic capacity of Blewett Falls is significantly less than Tillery; therefore, the Blewett Falls Development must anticipate flows from Tillery generation and begin generating in advance of flows reaching the lake. This can result in a daily reservoir fluctuation of up to three feet. This also serves as a means to reregulate peaking flows from Tillery using the Blewett Falls Lake storage to reduce discharge fluctuations and minimize spill at the dam. This operation is consistent year-round and varies only with seasonal availability of water. An example of the discharge cycle from the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments for a one-week period during April 2001 is presented in Figure Description of Non-Power Operations Periodic maintenance may require the lowering of the reservoir levels at both developments. At Tillery, the drawdowns are associated with the maintenance of the steel spillway gates, repairs to the powerhouse intake trash rack filter system or repairs to the upstream slope of the earthen embankment. Drawdowns required at the Blewett Falls Development are similar to Tillery except the most frequent maintenance requirement is to service the wooden flashboards atop the spillway. During periods of high inflow, damage to these flashboards may occur and repairs require that the lake be drawn down about four to five feet to safely perform the necessary maintenance. 27

37 20,000 18,000 16,000 Blewett Falls Generation Discharge Tillery Generation Discharge USGS Gage : Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC 14,000 Discharge, cfs 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Mon 4/9/01 Tue 4/10/01 Wed 4/11/01 Thu 4/12/01 Fri 4/13/01 Sat 4/14/01 Sun 4/15/01 Mon 4/16/01 Date Note: Figure only depicts flows used for generation, it does not incldue continuous releases or leakage. Figure 3-2 Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments Example of Hourly Generation Discharges

38 Section 3 Project Operation A continuous release of at least 40 cfs is maintained at Tillery, and a continuous release of at least 150 cfs is maintained at Blewett Falls Project Flow Rates and Flow Duration Data The long-term (1928 to 2001) average annual flow at the USGS Rockingham, North Carolina, gage located just downstream of the Blewett Falls Development is 7,943 cfs. The mean daily flow over the period 1984 to 2001 from the Tillery Development is 5,029 cfs and 7,078 cfs at Blewett Falls 4. Annual flow duration curves for each development are provided in Figure 3-3; monthly flow duration curves for each development are provided in Appendix B, and mean daily discharge data by month are presented in Figure 3-4. In 2002, large portions of North Carolina and South Carolina continued to experience extreme drought conditions that have been occurring since The Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin reached exceptional drought classification, the most serious category, in the summer of These extreme drought conditions jeopardized the traditional uses of the river including public and private water supplies, power generation, and recreation. To respond to the public health and safety concerns that had arisen as a result of the drought, Progress Energy worked proactively with water resource authorities from both states, as well as APGI, to collaboratively develop a water release protocol for the coordinated operation of both Progress Energy s and APGI s hydroelectric projects. Progress Energy agreed to release a daily average flow of 900 cfs as measured at the USGS Rockingham gage. This release was sufficient to meet the needs of downstream users located on the lower Pee Dee River in South Carolina during this extreme period of drought. These users had been effected not only by the drought conditions in the mainstem Pee Dee River but also by the reduction in tributary flows into the Pee Dee River, which had been severely reduced or eliminated due to the drought conditions. Progress Energy also agreed, as described in the Emergency Drought Management Protocol, to continue release of the 900 cfs until the parties agree that the drought has passed or March 6, 2003, whichever comes first (Refer to Appendix C). 4 As recorded at USGS gage near Rockingham, North Carolina. 29

39 100,000 Tillery Development Blewett Falls Development (USGS Gage Pee Dee River near Rockingham, NC) 10,000 Discharge, cfs 1, % 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Exceedence Period of Analysis: Tillery Development flow based on daily "Net Discharge" data plus the average leakage flow, 78 cfs. Average leakage flow is based on 10 USGS measurements from 1978 to 2001, taken below Tillery Dam with the gates closed and all units off line. Blewett Falls Development flows are based on daily flows from the USGS Gage Pee Dee River near Rockingham, NC. USGS gage mean daily flows less than 150 cfs were recorded on 5 days from 1984 to Figure 3-3 Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments Annual Flow Duration Curve

40 16,000 14,000 Tillery Development Blewett Falls Development (USGS Gage : Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC) 12,000 10,000 Discharge, cfs 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Annual January February March April May June July August September October November December Period of Analysis: Tillery Development flow based on daily "Net Discharge" data plus the average leakage flow, 78 cfs. Average leakage flow is based on 10 USGS measurements from 1978 to 2001, taken below Tillery Dam with the gates closed and all units off line. Blewett Falls Development flows are based on daily flows from the USGS Gage Pee Dee River near Rockingham, NC. USGS gage mean daily flows less than 150 cfs were recorded on 5 days from 1984 to Figure 3-4 Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments Mean Daily Discharges by Month,

41 Section 3 Project Operation Project Operations Model Progress Energy has developed an operations model to evaluate various equipment upgrade alternatives for the Project. CHEOPS tm is a computer-based simulation model, which allows for evaluation of operational changes and physical modifications at individual and multipledevelopment hydroelectric projects. Progress Energy has developed the model using historic data from both the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments. Progress Energy intends to utilize this model throughout the licensing process as needed to assess options for project operations that arise during consultation. 32

42 4.1 Project Setting The Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project is located on the Pee Dee River in the south-central part of North Carolina, approximately 50 miles east of Charlotte and 60 miles south of Greensboro. The Project, consisting of the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, is located between river miles 188 to 230. There is an approximately 17-mile stretch of river between Tillery Dam and the upper reaches of the Blewett Falls impoundment. The Pee Dee River has its headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mountains and then flows through central North Carolina to the Project area. Below Blewett Falls, it flows another 190 miles before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Winyah Bay at Georgetown, South Carolina (Figure 4-1). The river is an important resource for power generation, recreation, wildlife habitat, and a source of domestic and industrial water supply for the region (Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project website 2002). The Project is located in the Uwharrie Lakes region, in North Carolina s central piedmont. This region consists of rolling hills accentuated by one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America the Uwharrie Mountains (Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project website 2002). The Uwharrie Mountains are aligned northeast to southwest in the Project area and range up to approximately 1,000 ft above msl in elevation (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] 2001). The Uwharrie River flows through this region and empties into the Yadkin River below Falls Dam. It is at this confluence that the river is known as the Pee Dee River. Although the Project is located in a rural farming region characterized by rolling hills, much of the land immediately adjacent to the Project is managed for timber. The Uwharrie Lakes region is comprised of the area associated with six lakes that were formed as a result of the construction of six dams along a stretch of the river from Salisbury, North Carolina, downstream approximately 60 miles to the Blewett Falls Dam near Rockingham. The 33

43 Virginia North Carolina N W. Kerr Scott Dam Yadkin River Winston-Salem Greensboro.-, 40 Durham North Carolina South Carolina Lake Wylie Lake Norman.-, 77.-, 85 Charlotte Salisbury High Rock Lake Albemarle Lake Tillery USGS Gage # Rocky River High Rock Dam Tuckertown Dam Narrows Dam Falls Dam Uwharrie River Blewett Falls Lake USGS Gage # Little River Tillery Dam Blewett Falls Dam Rockingham Raleigh Cheraw USGS Gage # Lake Wateree Pee Dee River.-, 95 Florence USGS Gage # Lake Murray Columbia Little Pee Dee River Congaree River Wateree River Lake Marion Santee River Winyah Bay Atlantic Ocean Lake Moultrie Source: USEPA, Based on USGS Hydrologic Units: Black ( ), Little Pee Dee ( ), Lower Pee Dee ( ), Lower Yadkin ( ), Lumber ( ), Lynches ( ), Rocky ( ), South Yadkin ( ), Upper Pee Dee ( ), and Upper Yadkin ( ). Cooper River Figure 4-1 Yadkin-Pee Dee River Watershed Map Miles

44 Yadkin Project, owned and operated by APGI, is located upstream of the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, and consists of four dams and their respective reservoirs: High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls. Flow into the Tillery Development is dependent on the releases from the upstream APGI project, and to a much lesser extent, the Uwharrie River. The region s population centers are located along U.S. Interstate Highways I-85 and I-40, extending from Charlotte to the Raleigh-Durham area in an area known as the Piedmont Crescent. This is one of the most rapidly developing regions in the country (NCDWQ 1988). The population increase in this region has resulted in pressure for residential development along the lakes. Lake Tillery has experienced greater shoreline residential development than Blewett Falls. While there are over 1,000 homes and cottages along the Tillery shoreline, there are only a few homes or seasonal dwellings at Blewett Falls Lake. The region of the state centered around the six reservoirs has been termed as North Carolina s Central Park. The Central Park area has been considered by some organizations as a region that can serve as a rural hub for outdoor recreation and tourism for local residents and the surrounding metropolitan areas (ASU 1999). This planning concept is discussed further in Section 4.9. Downstream from the Project, the Pee Dee River flows approximately 17 miles where it enters South Carolina. From there it continues for another approximately 170 miles through bottomland forests and eventually into swamp lands and the coastal flats before it discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via Winyah Bay. Much of the area in South Carolina is rural; however, the Pee Dee River is important to municipalities and industry alike as a source of water and for receiving treated wastewater. The major municipalities that utilize the Pee Dee include Bennettsville, Cheraw, Florence, and the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority. Industries and commercial development in proximity to the river are located primarily in the areas near Cheraw, Bennettsville, and Florence. The climate of the project area is typical for the southeast U.S. The average annual air temperature recorded in Wadesboro is 60.9 F, with a daily average maximum of 72.0 F and daily average minimum of 49.8 F. Average annual precipitation is inches (USDA 2002 NRCS website). 35

45 4.2 Hydrology and Water Use The Yadkin-Pee Dee basin is the second largest in North Carolina. It drains a total area of 7,213 mi 2 at the North Carolina-South Carolina State line and contains approximately 5,991 linear miles of freshwater streams and rivers (NCDWQ 1998). Approximately 18 percent of North Carolina s population lives within the basin (NCDWQ, River Basin Statistics). The Yadkin River becomes the Pee Dee River at the confluence with the Uwharrie River located in Lake Tillery. The Yadkin-Pee Dee River drains an area of approximately 6,839 mi 2 upstream of the Blewett Falls Development, and the drainage area at Tillery is approximately 4,600 mi 2. The major tributaries located in the Project area include the Uwharrie, Rocky, and Little Rivers (Figure 4-1). The Uwharrie River is located on the eastern side of the Yadkin River. The river flows southward from its headwaters near Trinity, North Carolina, in northwestern Randolph County, through the Uwharrie National Forest. The river empties into the Yadkin River in the upper reaches of Lake Tillery, approximately four miles southwest of the town of Uwharrie, North Carolina, in Montgomery County. The drainage area of the Uwharrie River is 373 mi 2, comprising 5.5 percent of the total drainage area at Blewett Falls Dam. The Rocky and Little Rivers enter the Pee Dee River between Tillery Dam and the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake, located outside of the Project boundary. The Rocky River is located on the western side of the Pee Dee River and flows generally east-southeasterly from its headwaters near the junctures of Iredell, Davidson, and Cabarrus Counties, about 30 miles northeast of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Rocky River and its tributaries continue to drain in an easterly direction until joining the Pee Dee River, approximately four miles south of Tillery Dam. The drainage area for Rocky River is approximately 1,457 mi 2, comprising 21 percent of the total drainage area at Blewett Falls Dam. The Rocky River is unregulated and tends to be subject to rapid and significant changes in flow. The Little River is located on the eastern side of the Pee Dee River, and flows southward from its headwaters near Asheboro, North Carolina in Randolph County. The Little River empties into the Pee Dee River in Richmond County, just upstream of Blewett Falls Lake. The drainage area 36

46 for the Little River is 354 mi 2, comprising five percent of the total drainage area at Blewett Falls Dam. Water Use The Yadkin-Pee Dee River is utilized in many ways including power generation, municipal and industrial water supplies, wastewater discharge, irrigation, water-based recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. However, over time, with the increased population associated with the growth of the Piedmont Crescent and the development of shorefront homes and associated infrastructure and businesses in the Uwharrie Lakes region, the use of water for water-based recreation activities and municipal and industrial water supplies has increased. Water use in Tillery and Blewett Falls lakes is primarily for power generation. Water-based recreation is also very popular and is discussed in greater detail in Section 4.8. There are four municipal water intakes within the Project boundaries of Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments. Downstream in South Carolina, municipal and industrial interests utilize the river as a source of water as well as for receiving treated wastewater. Gaging Stations The USGS maintains a number of gaging stations throughout the Yadkin-Pee Dee River watershed. There are two gaging stations that are located in proximity to the Project; these include the Rocky River (No ) and Rockingham (No ) gages located in North Carolina. The Rockingham gage is used to measure minimum flows released from Blewett Falls Development. There are also three USGS gages located on the mainstem of the river downstream of the Rockingham gage: (No ) near Bennettsville, South Carolina; (No ) near Pee Dee, South Carolina; and (No ) located near U.S. Highway 701 near Bucksport, South Carolina. The locations of these USGS gages are shown in Figure 4-1. Flows downstream of the Project are recorded by these gages. Seasonal examples of daily flows observed during 1999 are presented in hydrographs shown in Figures 4-2 and

47 25,000 January ,000 April ,000 20,000 15,000 15,000 Discharge, cfs 10,000 Discharge, cfs 10,000 5,000 5, Sun 1/3/99 Tue 1/5/99 Thu 1/7/99 Sat 1/9/99 Mon 1/11/99 Wed 1/13/99 Fri 1/15/99 Sun 1/17/99 Sun 4/11/99 Tue 4/13/99 Thu 4/15/99 Sat 4/17/99 Mon 4/19/99 Wed 4/21/99 Fri 4/23/99 Sun 4/25/99 25,000 July ,000 October 1999 Tillery Development Total Flow 20,000 20,000 Blewett Falls Development Total Flow USGS Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC 15,000 15,000 Discharge, cfs Discharge, cfs 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 0 Sun 7/4/99 Tue 7/6/99 Thu 7/8/99 Sat 7/10/99 Mon 7/12/99 Wed 7/14/99 Fri 7/16/99 Sun 7/18/99 0 Sun 10/17/99 Tue 10/19/99 Thu 10/21/99 Sat 10/23/99 Mon 10/25/99 Wed 10/27/99 Fri 10/29/99 Sun 10/31/99 NOTES: USGS discharges based on hourly Provisional USGS data. Tillery and Blewett Falls Development flows based on CP&L hourly data plus leakage flow. Figure 4-2 Yadkin-Pee Dee River Discharge Flows

48 25,000 January 1999 USGS Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC 25,000 April 1999 USGS Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC USGS Pee Dee River Near Bennettsville, SC USGS Pee Dee River Near Bennettsville, SC USGS Pee Dee River at Pee Dee, SC USGS Pee Dee River at Pee Dee, SC 20,000 20,000 15,000 15,000 Discharge, cfs 10,000 Discharge, cfs 10,000 5,000 5,000 0 Sun 1/3/99 Tue 1/5/99 Thu 1/7/99 Sat 1/9/99 Mon 1/11/99 Wed 1/13/99 Fri 1/15/99 Sun 1/17/99 25,000 20,000 July 1999 USGS Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC USGS Pee Dee River Near Bennettsville, SC USGS Pee Dee River at Pee Dee, SC 0 Sun 4/11/99 Tue 4/13/99 Thu 4/15/99 Sat 4/17/99 Mon 4/19/99 Wed 4/21/99 Fri 4/23/99 Sun 4/25/99 30,000 25,000 October 1999 USGS Pee Dee River Near Rockingham, NC USGS Pee Dee River Near Bennettsville, SC USGS Pee Dee River at Pee Dee, SC 20,000 Discharge, cfs 15,000 10,000 Discharge, cfs 15,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 0 Sun 7/4/99 Tue 7/6/99 Thu 7/8/99 Sat 7/10/99 Mon 7/12/99 Wed 7/14/99 Fri 7/16/99 Sun 7/18/99 0 Sun 12:00 AM 10/17/99 Tue 12:00 AM 10/19/99 Thu 12:00 AM 10/21/99 Sat 12:00 AM 10/23/99 Mon 12:00 AM 10/25/99 Wed 12:00 AM 10/27/99 Fri 12:00 AM 10/29/99 Sun 12:00 AM 10/31/99 NOTES: USGS discharges are based on hourly Provisional USGS data. Figure 4-3 Yadkin-Pee Dee River Discharge Flows

49 4.3 Water Quality Historical Water Quality Studies at the Project Several water quality investigations have been conducted in Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Lake, and the associated tailwaters over the life of Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project. Some of the initial investigations of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin, which included the Project waters, began during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Two water quality issues within the basin since these early studies have been sedimentation and nutrient loading (e.g., North Carolina State Stream Sanitation Committee 1953; U.S. Department of Agriculture 1980; Korfmacher 1996; NCDWQ 2002a). During 1953, the state of North Carolina published a pollution survey report of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin (North Carolina State Stream Sanitation Committee 1953). Surface waters of Lake Tillery were classified as A-II or water supply with approved completed treatment. The water quality was described as natural or of non-polluted watershed conditions based on turbidity, color, solids, nutrients, biological oxygen demand, coliform bacteria, sulfates, chloride, and several heavy metals. Blewett Falls Lake, and the riverine portion of the Pee Dee River below the Tillery Development, was classified as C and best suited for fishing. The waters were considered slightly polluted based on the same measured water quality variables. Most of the tributaries in the watershed were classified as natural or undisturbed. However, several main tributaries were classified as grossly polluted (e.g., Clarke Creek, Irish Buffalo Creek, and Rocky River) or slightly polluted (e.g., Coodle Creek, Dutch Buffalo Creek, and the Little River) during this study. The Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development to the South Carolina state line was classified as A-II or water supply. The North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development conducted an assessment of the water resources in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin in Water quality was determined to be of good quality although there were localized areas of industrial and municipal pollution (North Carolina Division of Water Resources, Inlets, and Coastal Waterways 1955). Heavy sediment loading in the basin during periods of high runoff from precipitation events was noted in the report. 40

50 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) conducted an assessment of both lakes trophic status (i.e., each lake s biological productivity) and nutrient loadings during 1973 as part of the National Eutrophication Survey (USEPA 1975a, 1975b). During that study, both lakes were characterized as eutrophic or over-enriched by nutrients. Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake ranked eleventh and thirteenth, respectively, in overall trophic condition of 16 North Carolina lakes sampled in 1973 based on six water quality parameters (total phosphorus, dissolved orthophosphorus, inorganic nitrogen, Secchi disk transparency, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen concentrations). The study also concluded that primary productivity in Blewett Falls Lake might have been light-limited based on the low chlorophyll a concentrations, high nutrient concentrations, high turbidity, and short hydraulic retention time. Nutrient loading in both reservoirs, cited in the study, included both point (wastewater treatment plants) and nonpoint sources along the main stem of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River as well as associated tributaries. Weiss and Kuenzler (1976) conducted another trophic assessment of both reservoirs during 1976 and determined that the reservoirs should be classified as mesotrophic or of moderate biological productivity. This classification was based on the investigator s water quality classification system of North Carolina reservoirs and used only summer water quality data. The North Carolina Division of Water Quality (formerly known as the Division of Environmental Management) has also monitored both reservoirs and the free-flowing reaches of the river below each development since 1981 as part of its statewide lake assessment and basinwide water quality management programs (NCDEM 1983, 1989, 1992a, 1992b; NCDWQ 1998). Deviations from the state water quality standards in Lake Tillery, cited in these studies, included percent oxygen saturation during 1983 and a few instances of lead and copper concentrations during 1983, 1984, and These studies determined that major sources of pollution (mainly nutrient loading and sedimentation) were from mining, construction, wastewater treatment, and agricultural land practices. Overall, these studies found Lake Tillery to be mesotrophic and fully supporting its designated water quality uses. 41

51 Blewett Falls Lake was classified as eutrophic during a 1982 study and ranked 53 out of 59 water bodies considered the most nutrient-enriched throughout the state (NCDEM 1983). Only five other reservoirs had nutrient concentrations greater than Blewett Falls Lake at that time. The Rocky River was cited as a tributary of elevated nutrient enrichment and suspended solids. In assessments conducted from 1981 to 1986, Blewett Falls Lake was predominantly classified as eutrophic with nutrient concentrations and chlorophyll a concentrations exceeding the state water quality standards at that time. The lake fully supported its designated uses during this period although the potential for water quality problems continued to exist. A subsequent assessment during 1984 also found the reservoir to be eutrophic but fully supporting its uses. During 1992 and 1994, Blewett Falls Lake was classified as threatened in water quality support use (NCDEM 1992b, 1994). Threatened lakes are those typically experiencing eutrophication that could become problematic in future years. Progress Energy also conducted periodic water quality surveys of Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake during 1986, 1992, and 1993 (CP&L 1987, 1993, and 1995). These surveys indicated that the river-reservoir system fully supported the designated uses for the water bodies and further concluded that the system s water quality had not appreciably changed over a 20-year period based on data comparisons from other historical surveys. Water quality concerns elevated nutrient and sediment loading cited by state and federal resource agencies during the early 1970s to the 1980s were still relevant in the early 1990s. Instances of water quality standards not being met in either lake were due to known sources of pollution upstream of each lake. These surveys also documented brief seasonal (summer) depressions of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the headwaters of Lake Tillery just below Falls Hydroelectric Plant and in the immediate tailwaters downstream of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. The river below the Blewett Development was relatively well-oxygenated owing to the well-mixed water column of the lake. The NCDWQ has conducted the most contemporary assessments of water quality in the Yadkin- Pee Dee River Basin (NCDWQ 1998, 2000, 2002a). Basinwide water quality issues were increased nutrient enrichment, increased urbanization, instream sedimentation from nonpoint sources, and instream impacts from permitted municipal and industrial discharges. Turbidity was noted as regularly exceeding water quality standard (50 NTU) throughout the basin, and 42

52 copper concentrations were also elevated and above the North Carolina action level of 7 µg/l at most monitoring locations. Trophic status of either Lake Tillery or Blewett Falls Lake has not changed appreciably since Each reservoir continues to fully support its designated uses (NCDWQ 2002a). The NCDWQ cited the short hydraulic residence times of both reservoirs (Blewett Falls Lake - 7 days and Lake Tillery - 15 days) as a factor influencing primary production, which reduced the residence time for nutrient uptake by phytoplankton. Seasonal depressions of DO concentrations (August 1999) were noted in the headwaters of Lake Tillery and the immediate tailwaters downstream (at North Carolina Highway 731 Bridge) of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. The portion of the Pee Dee River below Lake Tillery was considered partially supporting its designated uses due to low DO concentrations from the hypolimnetic discharge from the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant (NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). In Blewett Falls Lake, the NCDWQ monitoring found elevated ph, DO, and percent oxygen saturation. Secchi disk transparency was less than one meter, and nutrient concentrations ranged from moderate to elevated. Long-term monitoring by the NCDWQ since 1980 has shown DO concentrations below the state water quality standard of 5.0 mg/l at least 10 percent of the 13-year period at the following locations: (1) Pee Dee River at North Carolina Highway 731 below the Tillery Development; (2) Brown Creek, a tributary associated with the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Pee Dee River at North Carolina Highway 109; (4) Pee Dee River at U.S. Highway 74 below the Blewett Development; and (5) Marks Creek, a tributary downstream of the Blewett Development. During 1999 through 2000, the NCDWQ analyzed fish tissue samples from the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development for mercury and other trace metals (NCDWQ 2002a). All results indicated non-detectable levels based on laboratory reporting limits and below applicable state and federal human health and fish consumption criteria. The first comprehensive water resources management plans for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River were completed during the early 1980s (North Carolina Office of Governor, South Carolina Office of Governor, and U.S. Water Resources Council 1981). Subsequent basinwide assessments have 43

53 been conducted by the NCDWQ with the most recent assessments occurring in 1998 and 2002 (NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). South Carolina initiated watershed planning and assessment of the Pee Dee River beginning in The most recent assessments of the river in South Carolina were published in 1997 and again in 2001 (SCDHEC 1997, 2001). The portion of the Pee Dee River watershed from the state line to Florence County, including physiographic areas in the Sand Hills and Upper and Lower Coastal Plains, was determined to be fully supporting its designated use during 1997 (SCDHEC 1997). Trends noted at the three mainstem monitoring locations included: (1) a significant decreasing ph trend, (2) a significant increasing trend in turbidity, and (3) occasional elevated concentrations of zinc, lead, nickel chromium, PCBs, DDTs, and diazinon in either water or sediments. Notable improvements included decreases in biochemical oxygen demand and total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations. The lower segment of the Pee Dee River in Dillon, Marion, and Florence Counties was fully supporting recreational uses during the 1997 assessment. Aquatic life uses were threatened due to occasional elevated concentrations of chromium and copper in excess of aquatic life standards. There was also a decreasing temporal trend in DO concentrations. This segment was identified as impaired in the (d) secondary list due to elevated concentrations of copper from unknown sources. In the 2001 assessment, the SCDHEC noted the river was fully supporting its designated use at the two monitoring sites in the upper portion of the river from Cheraw to Society Hill. Recreational uses were fully supported, but aquatic life uses were not supported at the third site located near Darlington due to elevated copper concentrations. A significant decreasing temporal trend in DO concentrations was also noted at this station. In the lower portion of the river, the river was fully supporting recreational use, but not aquatic life use, due to continued occurrences of elevated copper concentrations. 44

54 4.3.2 Surface Water Quality Classifications and Identified Impairments Surface water quality classifications are designations applied to surface water bodies, to define the uses to be protected within the identified water body. These classifications have an associated set of water quality standards necessary to protect the uses (NCDWQ 2002b; SCDHEC 2001). Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Lake, and the Pee Dee River reach between the two hydroelectric developments have been classified by the NCDWQ as drinking water supplies (WS-IV and WS-V) and suitable for primary (Class B) and secondary recreation uses (Class C) including fishing, wildlife, fish, aquatic life propagation and survival, and agriculture. Both lakes were classified as fully supporting the classified uses during a lake assessment conducted by the NCDWQ (NCDWQ 2000). The Pee Dee River reach below the Blewett Falls Development to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line is classified as Class C or suitable for secondary recreational uses. In South Carolina, the Pee Dee River (also known as the Great Pee Dee River) from the state line to Florence County has been classified as FW or freshwaters, which are suitable for primary and secondary contact recreation, and as a source for drinking water (SCDHEC 2001). This designation also includes waters that are suitable for fishing and the survival and propagation of a balanced indigenous aquatic community. Sources of Water Quality Impairment Impaired water quality refers to water bodies that do not meet state designated water quality use classifications, such as water supply, fishing, or propagation of aquatic life (NCDWQ 2002c). Best professional judgment is applied by the responsible state water quality agency, along with numeric and narrative standards criteria and anti-degradation requirements defined in 40 CFR 131 when evaluating the ability of a water body to serve its uses. Impaired water bodies are identified by state water quality agencies through a listing process of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. 45

55 The Pee Dee River from Tillery Dam to the mouth of Turkey Top Creek, including Blewett Falls Lake (24.5 river km or 15.2 river miles), was listed as impaired and partially supporting its designated use due to low DO concentrations during the summer months (NCDWQ 2002c). In addition, the segment of the Pee Dee River from Turkey Top Creek to Savannah Creek was also listed as impaired due to ph fluctuations from agricultural sources. Turkey Top Creek is located approximately 5 km (3 miles) below the North Carolina Highway 109 Bridge while Savannah Creek is located in the headwaters area of Blewett Falls Lake. Below the Blewett Falls Development, the North Carolina segment of the Pee Dee River was listed as support threatened due to low DO concentrations during the summer months. Three locations in the lower Pee Dee River in South Carolina have been listed as impaired under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (SCDHEC 2002a, 2002b). Recreational use was listed as impaired due to elevated fecal coliform counts at the monitoring station located near Society Hill at U.S. Highway 15/401. Elevated copper concentrations at South Carolina Highway 34 resulted in impairment of aquatic life use at that river location. Aquatic life use was also listed as impaired due to low DO concentrations in the lower Coastal Plain reach of the river at U.S. Highway 701 near Yauhannah, South Carolina, approximately 276 km (171 miles) downstream of the Blewett Development. The lower Pee Dee River in South Carolina was also listed as impaired for fish consumption due to elevated mercury concentrations in fish. A fish consumption advisory is in effect for bowfin and largemouth bass for the entire South Carolina portion of the river (SCDHEC 2002b) Progress Energy Water Quality Surveys at the Project Progress Energy has conducted recent surveys from 1998 to 2001 of water quality conditions in the vicinity of the Project. Sampling methodology for the surveys as well as sample location maps are provided in Appendix D. Figures and tables prepared from the results of these surveys are located in Appendix E. Progress Energy is proposing to establish an RWG with stakeholders and stakeholders in the spring of 2003 to review these data. The RWGs will discuss, and as appropriate, identify areas where additional surveys may be required by Progress Energy to 46

56 address specific Project operation impacts provided there is some reasonable evidence of a Project impact. Hydrological Conditions During Water Quality and Other Environmental Surveys Precipitation levels and subsequent river flows varied greatly during this period in the two river reaches below each hydroelectric development (Figures E-1 and E-2). An El Niño pattern occurred during 1998 resulting in above normal precipitation levels and river flow (discharge peaks ranging from 43,100 to 81,300 cfs) in the river reach below the Blewett Development during first six months of the year. However, river flows declined below the average long-term flow conditions from 1999 through 2001 as a result of below normal precipitation and drought conditions experienced during the majority of months for that period (Cooney et al. 1999, 2000, 2001; Ragland et al. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002) (Figure E-1). Occasional peak river flows observed from 1999 to 2001 were the result of above average precipitation events such as tropical storm systems (e.g., Hurricane Floyd in September 1999) or other weather systems. Flows below the Blewett Development, ranged from 187 cfs (baseflow conditions) to 12,462 cfs during water quality studies associated with that facility during 1999 and 2001 (Figure E-3). In the river reach below the Tillery Development, peak discharges were the greatest from January through May 2000 and again during March and April 2001 with the highest flows ranging from approximately 28,000 to 29,000 cfs (Figure E-2). However, discharge was generally less than 5,000 cfs in that river reach for the majority of the study period during (Figures E-2 and E-3). Mean total flows from the Tillery Development during 2000 and 2001 ranged from 52 (baseflow conditions) to 9,350 cfs (Figure E-3). In summary, precipitation levels and streamflow in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin were generally characterized as below normal conditions during the majority of the period of water quality surveys, particularly from 1999 to From a water quality perspective, it would be expected that nutrient and sediment inputs in both reservoirs would be less, on the average, than during normal or above average precipitation and streamflow years. However, periodic high flow events during this period would influence environmental variables, depending upon the 47

57 magnitude and time of the year. Thus, these meteorological and hydrological conditions should be considered when evaluating and discussing the environmental data. Lake levels were relatively stable at both lakes on the sampling dates of water quality studies from 1999 to 2001 (Figures E-4 and E-5). Lake Tillery usually deviated 0.3 m (one foot) or less during the period of study. In Blewett Falls Lake, lake fluctuation was greater and averaged approximately 0.6 m (two feet) owing to the smaller reservoir volume vs. river inflow and the hydraulic capacity of the Blewett Hydroelectric Plant. There was a noticeable decline in both lake levels ( m or 6-10 ft) during September through November of 2001, which resulted from a FERC required inspection and testing of the tainter gates at the Tillery Development. Blewett Falls Lake was also lowered during this testing to receive water released during the draw down of Lake Tillery. Both lakes returned to normal operating levels by the end of November. Water Quality Results The water quality raw data (i.e., temperature, DO, specific conductance, ph, and Secchi disk transparency depth) collected at both reservoirs and the receiving Pee Dee River tailwaters of each hydroelectric development are presented in Appendix E.1. The water chemistry data are presented in Appendix E.2 and includes alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, solids constituents, nutrient concentrations, total organic carbon, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and selected metal concentrations. Lake Tillery Water Quality During the surveys conducted in 2000 by Progress Energy, Lake Tillery was characterized as a mesotrophic reservoir with moderate nutrient and solids concentrations, high water clarity, and weakly buffered with low anion and cation concentrations (i.e., chloride, sulfate, sodium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations) (Appendix E.2; Tables E-1 and E-2). Surface water cation and anion concentrations were ranked respectively as follows: sodium > calcium > magnesium and bicarbonate (alkalinity) > chloride > sulfate. Chlorophyll a concentrations, an indirect indicator of algal productivity, were usually in the low to moderate range with no values greater than the North Carolina water quality standard of 40 mg/l. Chlorophyll a concentrations 48

58 ranged from less than 1 mg/l at Station K2 during December to 32 mg/l at Station F2 during March. The short retention time of the reservoir, coupled with the filtering effect of the four upstream reservoirs (i.e., High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Narrows Reservoir, and Falls Lake), influenced the nutrient and solids concentrations, turbidity values, and the trophic status of the lake. Lake Tillery exhibited defined seasonal patterns of temperature and DO stratification during 2000 (Appendix E.1; Figures E-6 and E-7). The lake was isothermal with a well-mixed water column during the fall (September through December) and winter months (January and February). Thermal and DO stratification existed, primarily during the summer months, with well-defined epilimnion, metalimnion (thermocline), and hypolimnion strata. A brief period of thermal and DO stratification was evident in March of 2000; but the lake destratified by April, which was most likely related to increased reservoir inflow and outflow. Stratification patterns returned during May and persisted until September. During August, a period of strong thermal stratification, the temperature gradient in the reservoir (Stations B2, D2, F2, and H2) ranged from 5.7 to 7.4 º C from the surface to bottom waters. A strong clinograde oxygen curve was observed in the summer stratification period with oxygen depletion to less than 5 mg/l occurring below 5-7 meters in the middle and lower lake areas (Stations B2, D2, and F2) (Figure E-7). In the upper reservoir at Stations H2 and K2, the entire reservoir water column remained oxygenated during the summer stratification period due to the shallower depth and the influence of inflows from the Uwharrie River and the Falls Hydroelectric Plant. Station K2 was freely circulating throughout the entire year due to its location just below the Falls Hydroelectric Plant tailwaters. Thermal stratification was disrupted in the reservoir by early September with displacement of anoxic bottom waters throughout the water column, particularly in the deeper, lower reservoir areas at Stations B2 and D2 (Appendix E.1 and Figures E-6 and E-7). DO concentrations remained above the North Carolina water quality standard of 5.0 mg/l in the surface waters of Lake Tillery during 2000 (Table E-1). No seasonal summertime depression of surface DO concentrations below 5.0 mg/l was evident in the upper reservoir areas (Stations H2 or K2) as noted in other environmental investigations conducted in the 1980s and 1990s (CP&L 49

59 1993; NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). However, there was a distinct longitudinal gradient in surface temperature and DO concentrations during the summer months from the upper to lower reservoir (Appendix E.1; Table E-1; and Figures E-6 and E-7). This gradient indicated the Falls Hydroelectric Plant, and to some extent the Uwharrie River, influenced the surface temperature and DO concentrations in the upper reservoir (i.e., cooler temperatures in the upper reservoir but with lower oxygen concentrations). Biological (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were generally low in surface and bottom waters with values usually less than laboratory reporting limits of 2 and 20 mg/l, respectively (Tables E-1 and E-2). No spatial differences were evident in surface or bottom waters of the upper, middle, or lower reservoir areas during Slightly elevated values of COD were observed in March, July, or October depending upon reservoir location. The greater COD values in October may have been related to reservoir destratification of Lake Tillery and the upstream reservoirs associated with normal fall turnover of reservoir water columns (Appendix E.2). There were longitudinal surface gradients in turbidity, solids, and nutrient concentrations within the reservoir although these spatial patterns were not always statistically significant (Table E-1). These constituents were generally greater in the upper reservoir areas as compared to lower reservoir areas. Nitrate+nitrite-N and total phosphorus concentrations exhibited a significant decreasing gradient from the headwaters area (Station K2) to the lower reservoir area (Station B2) (Table E-1). The ions calcium and sodium also exhibited a similar statistically significant spatial pattern; however, these differences were not considered of a magnitude to be of biological or water quality significance. Although longitudinal gradients were observed in surface waters in several water quality and chemistry variables, there were no statistically significant spatial patterns observed in bottom waters of the upper, middle, and lower reservoir areas (Table E-2). Occasional pulses of nutrients, aluminum, solids, and turbidity, and lowered Secchi disk transparencies into the reservoir were related to large precipitation events in the river basin, 50

60 which resulted in increased inputs of nutrient and sediment from the watershed (e.g., February 2000; see Appendix E.2 and Figures E-2 and E-3). Surface vs. bottom differences (paired t-tests) in concentrations of water chemistry variables were not consistently observed throughout the reservoir (Table E-3). There were statistically significantly greater concentrations of total solids, nitrate+nitrite-n, total phosphorus, and aluminum concentrations in the bottom waters at the deeper, lower reservoir area (Station B2) (Table E-3). Total nitrogen was also greater in bottom waters as compared to surface waters but this difference was not statistically different. Nutrient constituents were expected to be greater in bottom waters due to anoxic conditions and associated biochemical processes associated with seasonal stratification in deeper reservoir areas. In the middle reservoir, total dissolved solids, nitrate+nitrite-n, hardness, and the anions calcium and magnesium were significantly greater in bottom vs. surface waters. As mentioned previously, the upper reservoir area, Station K2, was shallow and well mixed due to its location just below the Falls Hydroelectric Plant. Few vertical differences in water chemistry variables would be expected in this area. Chlorophyll a concentrations were greater in the middle reservoir area (Station F2) as compared to the upper and lower reservoir areas (Stations B2 and K2) (Table E-1 and Figure E-8). This spatial pattern was most likely related to reservoir hydrodynamics (flow and circulation patterns) as influenced by power plant discharge or withdrawal depending upon the area. Chlorophyll a concentrations peaked throughout the reservoir during March with smaller peaks observed during May and October, depending upon reservoir location (Figure E-8). Elevated ph values (9.0) were also observed throughout the reservoir in March, which indicated an algal bloom occurred during this period (Appendix E.1; Table E-1). Total nitrogen to total phosphorus ratios ranged from 17:1 to 22:1 in the reservoir during 2000 which suggested phosphorus was the limiting factor in algal productivity (Table E-1). The trace elements aluminum, copper, and mercury were generally low in the reservoir during 2000 (Tables E-1 and E-2). A pulse of aluminum levels was observed in February 2000 as a result of a large precipitation event and sediment inputs into the reservoir from the watershed. Aluminum is bound to clay soil particles, and there is usually a positive relationship between precipitation events, sediment loading, and aluminum levels in Piedmont reservoir 51

61 systems (NCDWQ 2002a). Copper concentrations ranged from less than 1.0 to 4.5 µg/l, and no values were greater than the North Carolina action level of 7 µg/l. 5 A long-term comparison of was made between 1992 and 2000 Progress Energy annual baseline data sets to determine if there were any significant changes in surface and bottom water quality over the past eight years (Table E-4). Only odd month data (i.e., January, March, May, July, September, and November) were evaluated for both years to provide for a valid data comparison. Bimonthly sampling was conducted in 1992 while monthly sampling was conducted in Total dissolved solids, hardness, total organic carbon, and most anions and cations were significantly greater in both surface and bottom waters during 2000 than during 1992 (Table E- 4). Specific conductance was significantly greater in surface waters during Conversely, most nutrient concentrations, aluminum, and copper were generally greater in 1992 than in Turbidity values were not statistically different between these years. Surface water temperatures, DO concentrations, chlorophyll a, and ph were also comparable between years. Differences in water quality and chemistry variables most likely reflected varying amounts of precipitation, reservoir inflow, and reservoir outflow between the two years rather than any significant long-term changes in the overall water quality in Lake Tillery. There was more rainfall and inflow during 1992 (CP&L 1993; Ragland et al. 2001) than in 2000 (drought year with below average precipitation and inflow), which subsequently influenced anion and cation concentrations, solids constituents, hardness, aluminum concentrations, and specific conductance. Greater nutrient concentrations indicated additional inputs from the watershed during a wetter year (1992). Blewett Falls Lake Water Quality Blewett Falls Lake continued to be characterized as a nutrient-enriched, turbid, eutrophic reservoir with elevated solids and weakly buffered soft waters during 1999 and 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6). Surface water cation and anion concentrations were ranked respectively as follows: 5 The action level refers to a water borne concentration of an analyte that if exceeded may require further regulatory action by the responsible water quality agency (NCDENR 2002(b)). 52

62 sodium > calcium > magnesium and bicarbonate (alkalinity) > chloride > sulfate. This predominance pattern was consistent with ionic composition of Lake Tillery. The eutrophic characterization was consistent with results from previous investigations since the early 1980s (CP&L 1995; NCDEM 1983, 1989, 1992a; NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). Nutrient and sediment inputs from the surrounding watershed, most notably from the Rocky River tributary of the Pee Dee River, resulted in distinct differences in the water quality characteristics and trophic status of Blewett Falls Lake when compared to Lake Tillery. For example, mean turbidity values were 1.3 to 3.3 times greater in Blewett Falls Lake than Lake Tillery. One turbidity value in the lower reservoir area of Blewett Falls Lake (52 NTU) exceeded the North Carolina water standard of 50 NTU during March 2001 (Appendix E.2 and Table E-6). Large precipitation events and subsequent stream inflow influenced temporal patterns relative to nutrient and sediment inputs into Blewett Falls Lake (e.g., January and February 1999; see Appendix E.2 and Figure E-3). For example, total phosphorus mean concentrations were 1.8 to 5.0 times greater in Blewett Falls Lake than Lake Tillery (Tables E-1, E-5, and E-6). Mean turbidity values were approximately twice as great in Blewett Falls Lake than Lake Tillery, while the converse pattern applied to Secchi disk transparency. Blewett Falls Lake exhibited weak to moderate thermal stratification patterns in the middle and lower reservoir areas during 1999 and 2001 (Appendix E.1; Figures E-9 and E-10). The upper reservoir (Station H2) was always well-mixed and uniform in temperature and DO throughout the year due to the shallow, semi-riverine nature of this headwaters area. In the middle and lower reservoir areas, the water column was uniformly mixed and freecirculating during the majority of both years with stratification only evident during two or three months during the late spring (May) or summer (June and August). During 1999, thermal stratification existed in May and June; de-stratification occurred during July and only a weak thermocline existed in August (Figure E-9). Thermal stratification was weak to nonexistent during 2001 (Figure E-10). These results continued to indicate that Blewett Falls Lake was a well-mixed reservoir due to its shallow depth, small storage volume, short retention time 53

63 (7 days), and the generating capacity and operating mode of the hydroelectric plant (CP&L 1995). Correspondingly, DO concentrations were uniform and indicative of a well-mixed water column except during periods of thermal stratification (Figures E-11 and E-12). A pronounced clinograde oxygen curve was observed in June and August 1999 with DO concentrations declining rapidly from 2 to 6 m, depending upon reservoir location. There was also DO depletion in September of 1999 even though the reservoir was only weakly stratified. The reservoir water column was well mixed and uniform in both temperature and DO by October. DO stratification and reduction in the lower water column in the middle and lower reservoir areas were more persistent and pronounced during 2001 and occurred from May through September (Appendix E.1; Figure E-12). Additionally, DO stratification occurred during November, which was atypical for shallow warm water Piedmont North Carolina reservoir. This DO stratification was most likely related to the reservoir drawdown during September 2001 when there was a period of low reservoir inflow and little or no hydroelectric power generation (Figures E-2 to E-5). These conditions, along with the eutrophic nature of the reservoir, were most likely responsible for this DO pattern. Uniform DO concentrations appear again in December 2001 with the return to normal lake levels, resumption of power plant operations, and cooler fall temperatures. There were no statistically significant longitudinal gradients in either water temperature or DO in Blewett Falls Lake during 1999 or 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6). Furthermore, surface DO concentrations in Blewett Falls Lake were above the North Carolina water quality standard of 5.0 mg/l during 1999 and Dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 5.7 to 12.3 mg/l during 1999 and from 6.0 to 14.2 mg/l during 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6). Chlorophyll a concentrations in Blewett Falls Lake ranged from 1.8 to 41 mg/l during 1999 and from 2.7 to 39 mg/l during 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6). A chlorophyll a value of 41 mg/l was observed in the middle reservoir (Station F2) in June 1999 during an algal bloom and slightly exceeded the North Carolina water quality standard of 40 mg/l. 54

64 All other chlorophyll a values were below the water quality standard during 1999 and 2001 although seasonal trends indicated algal bloom conditions present during the spring and summer, and early fall months of both years (Figures E-4 through E-8). During an algal bloom at Station F2 during June 2001, a surface ph value of 9.3 was measured and slightly exceeded the North Carolina water quality standard of 9.0 (NCDWQ 2002a; Appendix E.2). The DO concentration was above 100 percent saturation and also indicative of algal bloom conditions on this sampling date. There was a longitudinal gradient in chlorophyll a concentrations with significantly greater concentrations in the lower and middle reservoir areas as compared to the upstream river (Station 12B) and reservoir headwaters (Station H2) areas during 1999 and 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6; Figure E-8). This gradient was expected as the reservoir transitioned from a riverine to reservoir environment. As previously observed during 1993 water quality surveys (CP&L 1995), very few longitudinal differences were observed in water chemistry characteristics during 1999 and 2001 within the reservoir or the upstream river station when compared to reservoir data (Tables E-5 and E-6). Total nitrogen and nitrate+nitrite-n were significantly greater at the upstream river area (Station 12B) when compared to the reservoir during 1999, but that spatial pattern was not observed in Total phosphorus exhibited a spatial gradient during both years; however, this relationship was not statistically significant. Total nitrogen to total phosphorus ratios ranged from 9:1 to 11:1 during 1999 and 2001 and indicated that phosphorus was not a limiting factor in algal productivity within the reservoir. The BOD and COD mean values in Blewett Falls Lake were less than laboratory reporting limits of 2 and 20 mg/l, respectively, during 1999 and 2001 (Tables E-5 and E-6). However, more COD values were above the reporting limits during 2001; a year of lower inflow and outflow when compared to 1999 (Figure E-3). Twelve of the 36 BOD values were above the reporting limit during 2001 with the majority of these values observed in the middle and lower reservoir areas (Appendix E.2). The BOD values were the greatest during the summer months of 2001 while COD exhibited no defined seasonal pattern. 55

65 Trace metals aluminum, copper, and mercury were generally uniform and did not exhibit any significant longitudinal gradients in the reservoir during 1999 or 2001 (Appendix E.2; Tables E-5 and E-6). As observed in Lake Tillery, occasional pulses of aluminum were related to precipitation and subsequent river inflow events (e.g., upper reservoir area, Station H2, January 1999). All mercury concentrations were below the laboratory-reporting limit of 0.2 µg/l during both years. Mean copper concentrations were below the North Carolina action level of 7 µg/l in both years. However, 25 percent of the 1999 copper values were above the action level. Copper levels exceeding the action level have been observed in previous studies and the source of the copper was apparently from an unknown source(s) in the river basin (CP&L 1995; NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). Pee Dee River Reach from the Tillery Development to Blewett Falls Lake The water quality in this reach of the Pee Dee River was spatially and temporally influenced by operations of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant and inputs from tributaries from the intervening watershed, most notably the Rocky River (Tables E-7 and E-8). The water quality in the river reach above the Rocky River confluence generally reflected characteristics of Lake Tillery due to the deep, hypolimnetic discharge of reservoir waters through the power plant. Nutrients, solids constituents, anions, and cations, hardness, alkalinity, and trace metals were similar between the immediate tailwaters area and Lake Tillery bottom waters based on a comparison of the 2000 data (Tables E-2 and E-7). The majority of BOD and COD values in the tailwaters area were less than respective reporting limits during 2000 and 2001 (Appendix E.2). From the confluence of the Rocky River to Blewett Falls Lake, the water quality characteristics were influenced primarily by Rocky River inflow. The effect of this inflow on the Pee Dee River can be observed in the water quality data collected during 2000 and 2001 (Tables E-7 and E-8; Figures E-13 and E-14). During 2001, the majority of monitored variables most solids and nutrient constituents, COD, anions and cations, hardness, total alkalinity, specific conductance, and trace elements were significantly greater in the Rocky River compared to the two Pee Dee River stations. The 2000 data corroborated the Rocky River influence as a similar statistical pattern was observed in water quality variable between the immediate tailwaters (Station 1B) compared to the downstream mid-reach area (Station 12B). Turbidity 56

66 values, concentrations of most solids and nutrient constituents, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and copper were significantly greater at Station 12B compared to values at Station 1B (Table E-7). The spatial pattern of copper concentrations during both years indicated an unknown source of copper entering the reach from the Rocky River (Appendix E.2; Tables E-7 and E-8). The copper concentration was at the North Carolina action level of 7.0 µg/l during May 2001 in the Rocky River. The drought conditions during 2000 and 2001 most likely magnified the effects of point source discharges on water quality within the entire river basin, including the Rocky River watershed (NCDWQ 2002a). These spatial differences indicated both point and nonpoint discharges in the Rocky River watershed were affecting a major portion of this river reach, as well as Blewett Falls Lake, and the immediate downstream reach of the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development. Significant inputs of nutrients, sediments, and associated solids from the Rocky River occurred after high precipitation and stream flow events. In several instances, the turbidity at Station 12B was approximately two to three times greater than the North Carolina water quality standard (Appendix E.2; Figures E-13 and E-14). The water temperature and DO regimes in this river reach were influenced to an extent by the hydroelectric plant discharge (Figures E-13 and E-14). Water temperatures were moderated in this reach by the power plant discharge and remained cooler than downstream surface water temperatures in Blewett Falls Lake and the reach of the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development (Tables E-8, E-9, E-11, and E-12; Figures E-13 to E-17). No statistical differences were found in either mean temperatures or DO concentrations between the immediate tailwaters area and the middle portion of the reach at North Carolina Highway 109 Bridge (Station 12B) during 2000 and 2001 (Tables E-7 and E-8). There were also no statistical differences in mean temperatures of the two Pee Dee River stations when compared to the Rocky River station during 2001 (Table E-8). Onset Stowaway Tidbit continuous temperature recording devices were used to evaluate the differences in the temperature regimes between this Pee Dee River reach and the reach below the Blewett Development (Figures E-15 and E-16). These devices were operating during January 2000 to April 2001 (Station 12B below Tillery Development and Station 1B below Blewett 57

67 Development) and January through August 2002 (Stations 1B and 12B below Tillery Development and Stations 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B below the Blewett Development). For the period of January 2000 to April 2001, the temperature regime in the Pee Dee River reach below the Tillery Development was significantly cooler than the immediate tailwaters below the Blewett Development (Figure E-15). The annual mean temperatures of the two reaches were 15.9 and 16.7 C, respectively, with a mean difference of 1.3 C (Figure E-15). Furthermore, the January through August 2002 data also showed significant differences (P < 0.001) with the mean temperature gradient as shown in Table 4-1. TABLE 4-1 PEE DEE RIVER TEMPERATURE REGIME Station Location ( C) + 1B Pee Dee River, N.C. below Tillery NC Highway f 12B Pee Dee River, N.C. below Tillery NC Highway e 1B1 Pee Dee River, NC. at Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant Discharge 18.5 d 1B2 Pee Dee River, N.C. below Blewett U.S. Highway c 2B Pee Dee River, S.C. below Blewett U.S. Highway b 3B Pee Dee River, S.C. below Blewett S.C. Highway 15/ b 4B Pee Dee River, S.C. below Blewett U.S. Highway b 5B Pee Dee River, S.C. below Blewett at Staples Lake Landing 20.8 a + Different letter superscripts indicated statistically different mean values. The lag time associated with warming of temperatures in the river reach below the Tillery Development during the spring and early summer months of 2002 appeared to be approximately 2 to 4 weeks compared to the river reach below the Blewett Development (Figure E-16). DO concentrations in the river reach below Tillery were affected during the warmer summer months (June through September) by the power plant withdrawal of anoxic, stratified bottom waters from Lake Tillery (Tables E-8 and E-9; Figures E-13 and E-14). DO concentrations were below the North Carolina water quality standard (5.0 mg/l) on four occasions during the monitoring period of 1999 to 2001 twice in the mid-reach area (Station 12B) during August 1999 (4.6 mg/l) and July 2001 (4.5 mg/l) and twice in the immediate tailwaters area (Station 58

68 1B) during June and September of 2000 (3.5 mg/l and 3.0 mg/l respective values) (Appendix E.1; Figures E-13 and E-14). Pee Dee River Reach Below the Blewett Development The water quality of the immediate downstream area of this river reach (Station 1B at U.S. Highway 74) closely resembled the water quality characteristics of Blewett Falls Lake due to the shallow depth of the power plant intake and the well-mixed lake water column (Tables E-9 and E-10). With increasing distance from the hydroelectric development (Stations 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B), water quality characteristics were more influenced by physiographic topography changes, watershed inflow, natural inputs of organic matter, and point and nonpoint discharge sources. This reach transitioned from the Piedmont Fall Line zone into the Sandhills and Coastal Plain physiographic regions with changes in several physical features including channel gradient, substrate and soil properties, and land use patterns. Waters of this reach were near neutral to slightly acidic in ph, moderately soft, and with low buffering capacity. Turbidity values and nutrient and solids concentrations were moderate to elevated in this reach and widely varied both spatially and temporally. Nutrients and solids generally increased with increasing distance from the hydroelectric development from the Piedmont to Coastal Plain regions as demonstrated by the statistical rankings of mean station values (Tables E-9 and E-10). Water quality characteristics changed as the river transitioned from a Piedmont river (Stations 1B and 2B) to a Coastal Plain river in South Carolina (Stations 3B, 4B, and 5B). Total organic carbon concentrations were significantly greater in the lower reach due to organic matter inputs from blackwater tributaries and swamps. Sodium, chloride, and sulfate also become significantly more predominant in the lower river reach with a corresponding increase in specific conductance. Chlorophyll a concentrations were generally low except for elevated levels observed in the lower river reach (Station 5B) during the summer months of 1999 and Total nitrogen values were elevated at Stations 3B and 4B during September 1999 with values of 4.9 and 5.8 mg/l, respectively, and most likely reflected inputs from a high stream flow event 59

69 associated with the passage of Hurricane Floyd through the area (Appendix E.2; Figure E-1). Most other water quality variables, including total phosphorus, were also elevated at these two stations after this high flow event. There was no significant difference in annual mean temperatures or DO concentrations at the five river reach stations during 1999 or 2001 (Tables E-9 and E-10; Figures E-17 and E-18). However, as discussed previously, significant differences were observed in the temperature regime of the river reach during January through August of 2002 based on continuous recorder data (Figure E-16) (see Pee Dee River Reach from the Tillery Development to Blewett Falls Lake section). DO concentrations below the North Carolina water quality standard of 5.0 mg/l occurred at Station 1B, immediately below the Blewett Hydroelectric Plant, on two occasions during 1999 and 2001; a measurement of 4.4 mg/l on August 2, 1999, and a measurement of 4.8 mg/l on August 19, 2001 (Appendix E.1; Figures E-17 and E-18). Dissolved oxygen concentrations remained above the water quality standard at the other downstream stations during these periods. The exact distance and duration of these low DO events in the river reach below the Blewett Hydroelectric Plant was not determined during the 1999 or 2001 water quality studies. However, rapid re-aeration most likely took place in the set of shoals immediately below Station 1B. Although there were no statistical differences, increases in DO concentrations were observed at Station 2B, downstream of Station 1B, as waters were re-aerated through series of shoals in the Fall Line zone between the stations during both years. Turbidity values varied widely within the river reach during 1999 and 2001 with no explicit spatial statistical differences (Figures E-17 and E-18). No values exceeded the North Carolina or South Carolina water quality standard of 50 NTU during either year (Tables E-9 and E-10). Spatial differences in turbidity values from the two reaches of the Pee Dee River below the Tillery and Blewett Developments indicated that Blewett Falls Lake was trapping sediment inputs from the intervening watershed. Aluminum concentrations did not vary significantly throughout the river reach in 1999, but there was a significant spatial trend during 2001 with greater values at downstream river stations 60

70 (Tables E-9 and E-10). All mercury concentrations were below the laboratory detection limit. Copper concentrations exhibited no spatially significant pattern in 1999, but concentrations were significantly greater in the lower river areas during 2001 (Table E-10). Three of the twelve copper concentrations at Station 1B were above the North Carolina action level of 7 µg/l during 1999 (Appendix E.2). South Carolina uses copper concentrations of 2.9 and 3.8 µg/l, respectively, for calculation of chronic and acute aquatic life toxicity for discharge permit limitations (SCDHEC 1976). Copper concentrations exceeded the acute level in 16 samples from South Carolina waters during 1999 and five samples during 2001 (total sample size during each year equaled 48) (Appendix E.2). Elevated copper concentrations were cited as an impairment of aquatic life use in the river at South Carolina Highway 34 (SCDHEC 2002b). 4.4 Aquatic Resources Fishery Resources Fishery Management Activities Fishery management studies conducted by the NCWRC on Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake since the 1960s have primarily assessed the largemouth bass and crappie populations (Tatum 1960; Van Horn et al. 1981, 1986; Chapman 1983; Van Horn and Jones 1990). These studies were primarily designed to determine abundance, size, and age structure, young-of-year recruitment, and relative body condition of these sport fishes as related to harvest by anglers. Other fishery management activities have focused on the development of white bass fisheries within the reservoir-tailwater systems and a put-grow-and-take stocking program to develop striped bass fisheries within both reservoirs. The NCWRC has stocked several species of sport fish in Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake since the 1950s to enhance the reservoir sport fisheries and angler utilization (Tatum 1960; NCWRC 1966). Eight species have been stocked in Lake Tillery and included channel catfish, striped bass, white bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Of these species, only northern pike and walleye failed to develop viable populations. Smallmouth bass have been reportedly caught on occasion by anglers from Lake Tillery based on anecdotal 61

71 conversations with anglers. These smallmouth bass most likely migrated out of the Uwharrie River where the species was stocked previously by NCWRC. In Blewett Falls Lake, stocked fish species included largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, and striped bass. Walleye stocking was unsuccessful in 1954, but white bass and striped bass stocked in 1954 and 1959, were deemed successful. Threadfin shad, blueback herring, gizzard shad, and flathead catfish were also stocked by the NCWRC during the 1950s and 1960s in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River chain of lakes and, in some instances, have moved downstream in the reservoir-river system. All of these species currently have reproducing populations in Project waters. The NCWRC managed Lake Tillery as a Trophy Largemouth Bass Lake from January 1978 until January During that time, the harvest of largemouth bass was restricted to eight fish per day with a size limit of 450 mm. The management objective was to increase the average size of adults and thereby create a trophy fishery. During January 1982, the largemouth bass creel restriction was changed to a 350 mm size restriction with the stipulation that two fish of any size could be included in the eight-fish-per-day creel limit (Chapman 1983). The NCWRC concluded from these studies that angling pressure was sufficient in Lake Tillery to alter the largemouth bass size structure; however, no creel data were available to estimate actual catch and harvest rates of largemouth bass or other sport fishes. The NCWRC published The North Carolina Black Bass Management Plan during This plan provides direction for managing largemouth bass populations throughout the state, including the project reservoirs (NCWRC 1993). Several strategies were outlined in the plan, most notably habitat protection, angler creel restrictions to manage age and size structure, angler use feedback on management strategies, and management of fish stocking activities in reservoirs that is compatible with the plan s objectives. The NCWRC currently has a creel restriction of 5 largemouth bass per day with a minimum size limit of 356 mm (14 inches) for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River chain of lakes, including both project reservoirs (NCWRC 2002a). During the spring (April 15-May 15), Progress Energy has a voluntary agreement with the NCWRC to hold the lake elevation of Lake Tillery as constant as practicable during the largemouth bass spawning season. 62

72 The NCWRC has also regulated angler harvest of crappie populations in Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, with a size restriction of 203 mm (8 inches) and a 20 fish-per-day creel limit. This regulation was implemented during July Similar creel regulations have also been imposed by the NCWRC on other hydroelectric reservoirs upstream in the Yadkin River system (NCWRC 2002a). The management goal of this regulation is to maintain quality crappie populations in the reservoirs. Striped bass populations within both reservoirs are currently maintained by the NCWRC with annual stocking. The NCWRC management objective is to maintain a put-grow-and-take striped bass fishery in both reservoirs (NCWRC 1995). The striped bass that have been utilized in this stocking program were derived from Roanoke River, North Carolina, parental stock (Rulifson and Laney 1999). For the period from 1967 to 1997, the NCWRC stocked over four million striped bass fingerlings into the Yadkin-Pee Dee River chain of lakes. During 2002, the NCWRC stocked 1- to 2-inch striped bass fingerlings at rates of five fish per acre in both reservoirs (NCWRC 2002b). The creel restrictions are eight fish per day with two fish less than 406 mm (16 inches). Management of migratory fish species (American eel, American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, hickory shad, herring, and striped bass) in North Carolina or South Carolina is under jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Beal 2000; Stirratt 1999, 2000a, 2000b). The SCDNR and NCWRC regulate harvest of migratory and resident warmwater fish species in the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development. Recreational harvest of American shad and striped bass in the Pee Dee River North Carolina waters is permitted in both states with creel limits of 10 fish per day with no size restriction. For striped bass, the creel limits are 3 fish per day and fish must be 18 inches total length in North Carolina waters. South Carolina permits a recreational harvest of 10 striped bass per day with no size restrictions. 63

73 Commercial gill netting harvest for American shad and herring is permitted in South Carolina waters of the river by the SCDNR. The commercial netting season for American shad occurs from February 1 to April 30 and from February 15 to April 15 for herring. The NCWRC banned commercial gill netting activities in North Carolina waters, effective July Prior to the ban, commercial gill netting for American shad was permitted in North Carolina. No harvest of Atlantic or shortnose sturgeon is permitted in either state. A recovery plan has been prepared by the NMFS for shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), a federally listed endangered species (NMFS 1998). The plan outlines several steps for recovery of this species, which includes establishing listing criteria for specific river populations and protection and restoration of populations and habitat respective to key life stage requirements. The river below Lake Tillery has also been rated by the NPS as having an Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORV) designation for fish (NPS 2001). This rating is provided to rivers that are nationally or regionally an important producer of resident and/or anadromous fish species. Of significance is the presence of wild stocks or habitat and/or federal- or state-listed (or candidate) threatened, endangered, or sensitive species (NPS 2001) Historical Studies Investigations of the fishery resources in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin date to the 1800s (e.g., Mills 1826; Cope 1870; Jordan 1889; Stevenson 1897, 1899; Smith 1907). These early investigations surveyed populations of resident and migratory fish species. The NCWRC conducted an extensive survey and classification inventory of the Yadkin River and tributaries during the early 1960s (Tatum et al. 1963). Fishery resources of the basin were also described in an inventory assessment during a comprehensive water resource basinwide assessment conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) during 1980 (Dunn 1980). The NCDWQ has performed recent assessments on the health of fish communities in the tributaries of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River (NCDWQ 1998, 2002a). APGI provided a contemporary characterization of the fish communities present in its hydroelectric reservoirs (High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Narrows Reservoir, and Falls Reservoir) located upstream of the Progress Energy hydroelectric project (APGI 2002). 64

74 Initial studies by the NCWRC of the river basin, including the project reservoirs, began during the late 1940s and early 1950s (North Carolina Stream Sanitation Committee 1953; Fish 1968; NCWRC 1966, 1982; Chapman 1976, 1983; Van Horn et al. 1981, 1986, 1991; Duval 1988; Van Horn and Jones 1990; Chambers 1993). As a result of greater recreational focus and use, both reservoirs fishery resources have been more extensively studied and managed than the fishery resources in the tailwater reaches below both developments. The North Carolina Stream Sanitation Committee (1953) summarized early NCWRC studies in its water pollution survey report. "Fishing is quite extensive throughout the basin. In addition to game fishing in the lakes and streams of the mountains, the power lakes on the main stem of the Yadkin River are used by many fishermen. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports that a large variety of fish are to be found in the waters of the basin. It is reported that a few trout, small mouth bass, rock bass, along with a variety of pan fish, are found in the waters of the extreme upper part of the basin while the fish population through the central portion consists of largemouth bass, crappies, bream, and catfish. In the lower portion of the basin, crappies, catfish, and a few largemouth bass are caught. During the spring, rockfish (striped bass) are found in the main stem of the Yadkin River below the Blewett Falls Reservoir. Some carp and suckers are also found in the streams throughout the lower portion of the basin, but are not reported to be in large quantities. The report also stated that fishing was usually good in Lake Tillery with white perch, bass, and catfish the main species caught. Fishing was extensive in Blewett Falls Lake and associated backwaters with crappie and catfish caught along with a few largemouth bass. Fishing was described as not as good below Blewett Falls Lake due to the predominance of carp and catfish. Tatum et al. (1963), conducted a synoptic rotenone sampling of the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development, approximately 4 miles north of the South Carolina state line, during July Sixteen fish taxa were collected and the dominant species included brown bullhead (49 percent of the numerical sample composition), gizzard shad (38 percent), unidentified redhorse species (3 percent), white catfish (3 percent), and redbreast sunfish (1 percent). Fishing pressure was described as light to moderate within this reach. 65

75 Progress Energy has conducted fishery surveys of Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake and the Pee Dee River. The Pee Dee River fish community in the vicinity of Old Sneadsboro and near Wallace, South Carolina, downstream of the Blewett Development, was examined during power plant siting studies in the late 1970s (CP&L 1980a, 1980b). An inventory of the composition, abundance, and distribution of fish was conducted in 1986 (CP&L 1987), and the influence of water level fluctuations on the reproductive success of largemouth bass in Lake Tillery was investigated in 1989 (Crutchfield 1989). Reservoir and tailwater fishery surveys were also conducted during the period (CP&L 1993, 1995). The Progress Energy surveys concluded that fishery resources in both reservoirs had not changed substantially since the late 1950s. Fish populations in both lakes consisted of gizzard and threadfin shad, sunfishes (Lepomis spp.), largemouth bass, white perch, and catfish. Smallmouth buffalo was also a dominant species in Blewett Falls Lake. Biomass per acre (kg/hectare) of two major sport fishes, bluegill and largemouth bass, were typical of southeastern reservoirs in Lake Tillery. However, biomass of these species was lower than the range of expected values in Blewett Falls Lake. Young-of-year recruitment of both species in each lake was considered good during these assessments. In the immediate tailwater area below the Blewett Development, gizzard and threadfin shad, bluegill, largemouth bass, and longnose gar were the dominant species. Migratory species American eel and American shad were also collected in smaller numbers from this area. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources conducted fishery assessments of the lower Pee Dee River, South Carolina, from 1993 to 1996 (Crochet and Sample 1996; Crochet and Black 1997). The study showed over 90,000 angling hours were expended on the lower Pee Dee River with most anglers targeting catfish species. Blue catfish, a nonnative species, and bluegill were the dominant species in angler creels. Flathead catfish, another dominant nonnative species during the 1995 survey, was not very abundant during later surveys. Crochet and Black (1997) recommended no active management for the nonnative blue catfish based on the abundance of catfish in angler creels and electrofishing samples coupled with the good size structure. 66

76 Bulak et al. (1998) evaluated the age and growth of flathead catfish from the Pee Dee River compared to several other large river systems in South Carolina. Flathead catfish, which established a reproducing population within the river by 1981, had slower growth rates than the Edisto River; a river system where the species was more recently introduced in Fishery Resources - Progress Energy Fisheries Surveys ( ) Progress Energy has recently ( ) collected fisheries data to characterize the fishery resources in the Project area. Sampling methodology for the surveys as well as sample location maps are provided in Appendix D. Figures and tables prepared from the results of these surveys are provided in Appendix F. Progress Energy is proposing to establish an RWG with stakeholders in the spring of 2003 to review these data. Progress Energy believes these data characterizes existing conditions at the Project. The RWG will discuss, and as appropriate, identify areas where additional surveys by Progress Energy may be required to address specific Project operational effects on aquatic resources provided there is reasonable evidence of a Project impact. Sampling Methods The sampling methodology for fisheries surveys at the Project is provided in Appendix D. The fisheries surveys included: (1) biweekly migratory and resident fish spawning surveys below the Blewett Development from March through June of 1998 and 1999; (2) biweekly resident fish spawning surveys in the Tillery Development tailwaters from March through June of 2000; (3) seasonal surveys of tailwaters fisheries, with emphasis on resident fish species, below the Blewett Development during 1999 and 2001 and below the Tillery Development during 2000; (4) cooperative, multi-agency intensive surveys for rare redhorse species (robust redhorse and Carolina redhorse) of these tailwater reaches during the spring months from 2000 to 2002; (5) reservoir fishery surveys of Blewett Falls Lake in 1999 and 2001 and Lake Tillery in 2000; and (6) intensive spring survey of largemouth bass, sunfish species, and redhorse species in Blewett Falls Lake during April

77 Results and Discussion Precipitation and stream flow were generally above normal during the first half of 1998 due to an El Niño weather pattern. However, for the remainder of 1998 through 2002, precipitation and streamflow were below normal due to drought conditions experienced in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. Lake levels, however, were generally within one foot of full pool elevation in Lake Tillery and with two feet of full pool elevation in Blewett Falls Lake for the majority of the period during the environmental surveys. Fish taxa composition records were compiled from Progress Energy data collected at the Project since 1986 (Table F-1). The number of collected taxa varied by sampled location relative to physiographic province (Piedmont Plateau, Fall Line, and Coastal Plain provinces), habitat type (reservoir vs. riverine environments), watershed drainage area size, fish movement patterns, and employed sampling methods and effort. Fish diversity was greatest (84 taxa) from the Pee Dee River reach below the Blewett Development followed by Blewett Falls Lake (59 taxa), the Pee Dee River reach below the Tillery Development (50 taxa), and Lake Tillery (46 taxa). The greater number of taxa present in the river reach below the Blewett Development reflected both the presence of several migratory and mobile, euryhaline species that were not collected above the dam (i.e., American shad, hickory shad, sea lamprey, striped mullet, Atlantic needlefish, southern flounder, and hogchoker), and the fact that this reach also reflects changes in the fish community as river habitat transitions from the piedmont to coastal plain physiographical regions (e.g., spotted sunfish, Santee chub, redfin pickerel, eastern mudminnow, brook silverside, flier, and bluespotted sunfish). Several taxa were only collected from one or two locations. Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) a rare native sucker species, bigmouth buffalo a nonnative sucker, and grass carp a nonnative herbivorous species were only collected from the river reach below the Blewett Falls Development. Highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer), a rare sucker species, was only collected from Blewett Falls Lake and the river reach below the Blewett Development. Carolina redhorse (undescribed Moxostoma species), another rare sucker species, was collected from Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Lake, and the river reach below the Blewett Falls Development. American eel, a migratory species, was collected from Blewett Falls Lake and both river reaches 68

78 but not from Lake Tillery. Smallmouth buffalo, a nonnative species, was also present in both river reaches and Blewett Falls Lake but absent from Lake Tillery. Common carp, another nonnative, were also absent from Lake Tillery during the 1992 and 2000 studies. Brassy jumprock was collected from Lake Tillery and the two river reaches below the hydroelectric developments. Bowfin was collected from the river reaches but not from the project reservoirs. Taillight shiner was only collected from Blewett Falls Lake. Striped bass-white bass hybrids were collected from both river reaches but not the project reservoirs. The presence of this hybrid suggested either natural hybridization was occurring between striped bass and white bass populations or there was downstream movement from a stocked source in the river basin. Nonnative, introduced species are prevalent in Project waters (e.g., blue catfish, smallmouth buffalo, common carp, threadfin shad, red shiner, and grass carp) and often dominated the fish community at a particular location. Of the 91 taxa collected from the four sampled locations, 15 of these taxa were non-natives based on distributional records given in Menhinick (1997a) and Fuller et al. (1999). Lake Tillery Fish Populations Species Composition Lake Tillery supports a good warmwater sport fishery for largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, white bass, white perch, catfish, and panfish (Lepomis spp.). Gizzard shad, threadfin shad, white perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, white catfish, and yellow perch dominated the fish community in Lake Tillery during 2000 (Tables F-6 to F-8). Forty fish taxa were collected during the 2000 study with most taxa represented by the sunfish (Centrarchidae), bullhead catfishes (Ictaluridae), and sucker (Catostomidae) families (Table F-1). Overall, 46 fish taxa have been collected by Progress Energy biologists from the lake since 1986 (Table F-1). Species Abundance and Community Composition The electrofishing reservoir-wide total mean catch rates were 156 fish/hr with a weight of 28.7 kg/hr (Table F-6). Numerically dominant species, as defined by five percent of the reservoir 69

79 wide total mean catch, were bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, gizzard shad, redbreast sunfish, and redear sunfish. By weight, largemouth bass, gizzard shad, white catfish, and redear sunfish were the dominant species. The gill net reservoir-wide total mean catch rates were 48.9 fish/24 hours with a weight of 11.6 kg/24 hours (Table F-7). White perch and gizzard shad open-water species dominated gill net catches throughout the reservoir. White perch accounted for 47 percent and 78 percent of the reservoir mean weight and number per 24 hours, respectively. White perch was a dominant species in gill net catches in the APGI s hydroelectric reservoirs located upstream of Lake Tillery (High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls Reservoirs), although threadfin shad tended to be the dominant shad species in the more eutrophic reservoirs, High Rock and Tuckertown (APGI 2002). White perch are prolific in Lake Tillery and other Yadkin Reservoirs and large schools are often observed feeding on shad at the reservoir surface during the summer. White perch introductions into reservoirs have often resulted in rapid expansion of populations, stunting of growth, increased competition for food sources with other species, and predation on other species (Schaefer and Margraf 1987). White perch were most likely present during the impoundment of the Yadkin-Pee Dee reservoirs based on accounts given by the NCWRC from the late 1950s (Tatum 1960; NCWRC 1966). The electrofishing and gill netting total mean catches were generally lower in Lake Tillery compared to the upstream APGI hydroelectric impoundments (High Rock, Tuckertown, and Narrows Reservoirs) and the downstream Blewett Falls Lake (Tables F-9 to F-12; APGI 2002 [see Table 4-2). Only Falls Reservoir had lower catch rates. Differences in catch rates were expected given the relative inter-reservoir differences in biological productivity, retention times, water clarity, and habitat. Generally, the more eutrophic reservoirs High Rock, Tuckertown, and Blewett Falls had greater total catch rates and dominance by predominantly planktivorous insectivorous species, such as gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and bluegill. Falls Reservoir is a small run-of-river facility with a short retention time and generally low biological productivity, and catch rates were the lowest in that impoundment (APGI 2002). Given these factors, the electrofishing and gill netting catch rates for Lake Tillery were within the expected range for a reservoir of moderate biological productivity with a short hydraulic retention time. 70

80 Electrofishing catch rates of largemouth bass were fairly uniform throughout the Lake Tillery (16-23 fish/hour with overall mean of 19 fish/hour) and comparable to catch rates from High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls Reservoirs (15 to 22 fish/hour) (APGI 2002). Electrofishing catch rates of largemouth bass were slightly lower in Blewett Falls Lake (3-28 fish/hour with a reservoir-wide mean of 16 fish/hour for 1999 and 2001, combined data) but still comparable to Lake Tillery and the upstream impoundments (Tables F-9 and F-10). Total fish mean density and biomass estimates from cove rotenone sampling during 2002 were 17,331 fish/ha and kg/ha, respectively (Table F-8). The mean density and biomass estimates were lower than estimates for 1992 from the reservoir, the NCWRC estimates for the 1980s from Narrows Reservoir, and Progress Energy estimates for Blewett Falls Lake during 1993, 1999, and 2001 (Tables F-8, F-13, and F-14; Figure F-1). However, the Lake Tillery estimates during 1992 and 2000 were greater than mean estimates (5,198 fish/ha and 89 kg/ha) from cove rotenone samples collected by the NCWRC during the 1956 through 1959 period (Tatum 1960). The dominant species in cove rotenone samples by mean density were bluegill, threadfin shad, redear sunfish, and pumpkinseed (Table F-8 and Figure F-1). The biomass mean estimate was comprised mainly of bluegill, gizzard shad, redear sunfish, threadfin shad, and white catfish. A similar dominance pattern was observed in cove rotenone samples collected from the lake during 1992 (CP&L 1993). Tatum (1960) reported that Lepomis spp., gizzard shad, white perch, white catfish, and white crappie were the most numerically abundant species in cove rotenone samples collected during the 1956 through 1959 period. Gizzard shad, Lepomis spp., white perch, and white catfish were the most abundant species by biomass during this same period. Gizzard and threadfin shad comprised 28 percent of the total fish mean biomass, which was lower than estimates (usually 40 percent to 60 percent) of the relative contribution of shad to the total fish mean biomass in other southeastern impoundments (Grinstead et al. 1978; Davies et al. 1982). The contribution of shad to total mean biomass in Lake Tillery was comparable between 1992 (26 percent) and Shad contributed 44 percent to 51 percent of the total biomass in Blewett Falls Lake during 1999 and 2001 and 46 percent of the total mean biomass in Narrows Reservoir during the 1980s (Tables F-13 and F-14; Figure F-1). Shad abundance has been 71

81 positively correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations, and hence, biological productivity in southeastern reservoirs (Siler et al. 1986; Rodriquez and Olmsted 1994). The abundance of shad, as well as other species, in Lake Tillery was influenced by the moderate biological productivity. Bluegill constituted 29 percent of the total mean biomass estimate which was comparable to the 1992 reservoir estimate for this species (26 percent) and Davies et al. (1982) observation that bluegill contributed up to 20 percent of the total biomass in southeastern mainstream impoundments. Additionally, the bluegill biomass estimate was greater than Jenkins (1975) biomass estimate of 20.7 kg/ha for 144 southeastern U.S. reservoirs. Bluegill comprised a smaller portion of the total fish biomass when compared to more productive lakes Narrows Reservoir and Blewett Falls Lake where shad were dominant in the fish communities (Tables F-13 and F-14; Figure F-1). Bluegill comprised between 14 to 16 percent of the total mean biomass in these shad-dominated reservoirs. The mean biomass of largemouth bass was 7.9 kg/ha and comprised approximately 4.7 percent of the total mean biomass (Table F-8). Black basses, including largemouth bass, typically constitute five percent of the total biomass in southeastern impoundments (Davies et al. 1982). The biomass estimate was also slightly less than the estimate of 10 kg/ha for black basses from 170 southeastern United States reservoirs (Jenkins 1975). Biomass of largemouth bass was less than five percent in cove rotenone samples collected from Blewett Falls Lake and Narrows Reservoir where shad dominated the fish communities (Figure F-1). Size Structure, Reproductive Success, and Body Condition Length-frequency histograms for the major prey and sport fishes in electrofishing, cove rotenone, or gill net samples showed multiple size classes present for most species, and the presence of young-of-year fish indicating good reproductive success in 2000 (Figures F-2 to F-4). Bluegill, largemouth bass, and threadfin shad showed good reproductive success in 2000 as evidenced by the number of young-of-year present in cove rotenone samples (Figure F-3). The gizzard shad population was comprised mainly of older adults and reproductive success of this species may have been affected by competitive interactions with threadfin shad. 72

82 Proportional stock and relative stock density values were calculated for major prey and sport fishes (Figures F-2 and F-4). The proportional stock density (PSD) is defined as the number of fish minimum quality length ) number of fish minimum stock length x 100 (Anderson and Neumann 1996). Relative stock density (RSD) is defined as the number of fish preferred length ) number of fish minimum stock length x 100. Minimum stock, quality, and preferred lengths are equivalent to 20 to 26 percent, 36 to 41 percent, and 45 to 55 percent respectively of the world record length for a particular species (Gabelhouse 1984). The PSD and RSD values were within acceptable ranges for redear sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white perch as cited in Anderson (1980) and Anderson and Newman (1996). Largemouth bass PSD values between 40 and 70 and RSD values between 10 and 40 are indicative of a balanced population (Anderson 1980; Anderson and Neumann 1996). Bluegill PSD and RSD values were variable by sampling method (Figures F-2 and F-3). The bluegill PSD value calculated from electrofishing samples was within the accepted range for a balanced population (20 to 60). The low cove rotenone PSD and RSD values reflected the predominance of young-of-year individuals in the sample. Small sample sizes for blue catfish and channel catfish made it difficult to make meaningful conclusions on the size structure, although there appeared to be few large, quality-size individuals present in the reservoir. The large PSD value for gizzard shad reflected the lack of smaller, young-of-year individuals in the population during Relative weight (W r ) values, an index of body condition, were greater than 90 and near the optimal value of 100 for channel catfish and blue catfish (Figure F-5). The largemouth bass mean W r was 90, which was slightly below the range of 95 to 100 often considered optimal for management purposes of this species (Murphy et al. 1991). The bluegill mean W r value also was below optimal and suggested high inter- and intra-specific competition for available food sources within the reservoir. The PSD, RSD, and W r values for white perch indicated the presence of quality-size fish in the reservoir even with an existing large population. In summary, fish species composition and dominance patterns in Lake Tillery have been similar over the past 50 years, when considering the reservoir s moderate biological productivity, the natural aging of the reservoir, and the introductions of other species into the community over 73

83 time (e.g., threadfin shad, striped bass, flathead catfish, and blue catfish). Community composition and dominance patterns were similar between 1992 and 2000 although the total fish density and biomass estimates were lower in Reproductive success of the major prey and sport fishes was good during 2000 with multiple size classes present. The size structure and body condition of most major sport fishes was within or just below the desired ranges. Blewett Falls Lake Fish Populations Species Composition Gizzard shad, threadfin shad, blue catfish, smallmouth buffalo, bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass were dominant species in the reservoir (Tables F-6 to F-11; Figure F-1). In particular, native and nonnative planktivorous or benthivorous feeding fish species-bluegill, threadfin shad, blue catfish, and smallmouth buffalo-were very prevalent in the fish community. Despite the dominance of a few species, the reservoir had a diverse fish community (Table F-1). Fifty-two taxa were collected from the reservoir during 1999 and 2001 with Centrarchidae, Cyprinidae, and Catostomidae families representing most taxa. Species composition may have been influenced, to some extent, by fish movement to and from the river reach located above the reservoir. The NCWRC (1966) reported 30 taxa from the reservoir during fishery surveys in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and most of these taxa were represented in Progress Energy contemporary surveys. Species Abundance and Community Composition The electrofishing reservoir-wide total mean catch rates ranged from 216 to 227 fish/hr with weights of kg/hr during 1999 and 2001 (Tables F-9 and F-10). Numerically dominant species, as defined by five percent of the reservoir wide total mean catch, for both years were bluegill, threadfin shad, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, and smallmouth buffalo. By weight, largemouth bass, gizzard shad, white catfish, and redear sunfish were the dominant species. The gill net reservoir wide total mean catch rates ranged from 62.6 to 65.4 fish/24 hours with weights of kg/24 hours (Tables F-11 and F-12). Threadfin shad, blue catfish, gizzard shad, black crappie, white perch, and gizzard shad were the most numerically abundant species. 74

84 Blue catfish, black crappie, channel catfish, and gizzard shad comprised most of the weight. White perch, a dominant species in gill net catches in the upstream hydroelectric reservoirs, was not very abundant in Blewett Falls Lake, comprising less than 10 percent by number and weight. Conversely, blue catfish was very abundant in Blewett Falls Lake with greater catch rates than the other upstream reservoirs (< 2 fish/24 hours) (Table F-7; APGI 2000). Productivity of the fish community in Blewett Falls Lake and the upper Yadkin-Pee Dee hydroelectric reservoirs reflected the nutrient availability, trophic status, available cover and habitat types, and retention times of each reservoir. The electrofishing and gill netting numerical total fish mean catch rates were ranked in decreasing order for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River reservoirs, including Blewett Falls Lake, and are presented in Table 4-2. TABLE 4-2 ELECTROFISHING AND GILL NETTING MEAN CATCH RATES Electrofishing Total Fish Mean Catch Gill Netting Total Fish Mean Catch Reservoir Number fish/hr Reservoir Number fish/24 hrs Tuckertown 469 High Rock 102 Narrows 251 Tuckertown 80 Blewett Falls 222 Blewett Falls 64 High Rock 201 Narrows 54 Tillery 156 Tillery 49 Falls 120 Falls 14 Generally, the more biologically productive reservoirs produced greater total fish catch rates with bluegill, shad, or white perch the dominant species depending upon the sampling method. Electrofishing annual mean catch rates of largemouth bass in Blewett Falls Lake were 13 and 18 fish/hour during 1999 and 2001, respectively, and were comparable to catch rates from Lake Tillery and other upstream reservoirs (15-22 fish/hr) (Table F-6; APGI 2000). Largemouth bass catch rates were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the lower and middle reservoir areas as compared to the headwaters area. Catch rates of largemouth bass were also significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the winter, spring, and fall months reflecting inshore/offshore movements related to temperature preferences, feeding, and spawning. Total fish mean density and biomass estimates from cove rotenone sampling during 1999 and 2001 were very high and reflected the reservoir s eutrophic characteristics (Tables F-13 and F-14; Figure F-1). These estimates were greater than the 1993 reservoir estimates and the Lake 75

85 Tillery estimates in 1992 and The Blewett 1999 and 2001 estimates were comparable to the NCWRC 1980s estimates from Narrows Reservoir. The NCWRC also conducted rotenone sampling at Blewett Falls Lake during 1956 through 1959 and in 1965 (NCWRC 1966). The NCWRC density estimates during 1956 through 1959 were 1,284 to 23,857 fish/ha and 9,701 fish/ha in Biomass estimates during this same period were 35 to 236 kg/ha and 109 kg/ha, respectively. Given these results, Blewett Falls Lake overall fish production has apparently increased through time, and these increases were largely driven by shad production (Figure F-1). Varying periods of reservoir retention time during low vs. high flow years may influence nutrient uptake and assimilation by algae and subsequently young-of-year recruitment dynamics in reservoirs, particularly for shad. Cove rotenone samples reflected the predominance of shad and bluegill in the reservoir by number and weight. Smallmouth buffalo also comprised a large portion of the fish biomass (Tables F-13 and F-14). There has been a shift towards greater shad dominance in the fish community when the composition was compared from 1993 to 2001 (Figure F-1). The relative contribution of bluegill to total fish density and biomass has remained similar among years. The NCWRC (1966) reported shad contributing about equal percentages of the total density (31 percent) and biomass (34 percent) during rotenone sampling in Bluegill comprised 13 percent and 15 percent to the total biomass and density estimates, respectively. During the 1993 Progress Energy sampling, shad comprised 26 percent and 53 percent of the density and biomass estimates, respectively. Bluegill comprised about equal percentages (12 to 13 percent) of these same respective estimates. In 1999 and 2001, shad comprised 81 percent of the combined total mean density and 49 percent of the total mean biomass. However, the percent contribution of bluegill to total mean density (16 percent) and total mean biomass (15 percent) was similar to previous investigations. Relative contributions of shad biomass to total fish biomass were with the expected range for southeastern reservoirs (40 to 60 percent) while bluegill was slightly less than the average value (20 percent). Total bluegill biomass, however, greatly exceeded the southeastern average of 20.7 kg/ha reported by Jenkins (1975). The biomass estimates of largemouth bass were highly variable by year. During 1999, the biomass estimate of 5.1 kg/ha was less than 10 kg/ha reported by Jenkins (1975) for southeastern United States impoundments. In contrast, the biomass mean estimate in 2001 (23 kg/ha) was 76

86 approximately twice the southeastern average. The biomass estimates of largemouth bass were consistently even across sampled transects during Given the dominance of shad and smallmouth buffalo, the contribution of largemouth bass biomass to total fish biomass was less than five percent during both years. Intensive Spring 2002 Survey Intensive electrofishing conducted during April 2002 also showed bluegill was the predominant sunfish species in the reservoir (Table F-15). Largemouth bass catch rates ranged from 16 to 33 fish/hr with an overall reservoir mean of 27 fish/hr. The reservoir wide mean catch of largemouth bass was approximately twice the mean values observed with quarterly electrofishing which reflected the amount of sampling effort and the inshore movement of spawning largemouth bass during the spring (Tables F-9 and F-10). Bluegill and largemouth bass catch rates were significantly greater catches (P < 0.001) in the lower and middle reservoir areas (below Grassy Islands complex) than the upper reservoir (above Grassy Islands complex). Spatial differences in fish abundance probably reflected the relative habitat conditions and prey availability within the reservoir. The upper reservoir was shallow with more semi-riverine conditions, and algal productivity (as indicated by chlorophyll a concentrations) was significantly lower in this area. The substrate tended to be alluvial in this upper area and cover types included emergent vegetation and woody debris. In the middle and lower reservoir, there was more woody debris and hard bottom substrate (sand, boulders, cobble, and gravel) suitable for protective cover and spawning for sunfish species. Three adult Carolina redhorse were collected during the study from the upper reservoir area near the river-reservoir transition area (Tables F-2 and F-15). Two fish were collected from the main reservoir while one fish was collected from the side channel located on the east side of the reservoir. These fish were not in spawning condition. Length-frequency histograms showed multiple size classes present for bluegill, largemouth bass, and redear sunfish indicating successful reproduction in past years (Figure F-6). Yearling largemouth bass (< 200 mm) comprised 24 percent of the entire reservoir sample while yearling bluegill (< 80 mm) comprised 25 percent of the total sample. A large percentage of the 77

87 largemouth bass population was within the 250 to 430 mm size class (10 to 17 inches) and 27 percent of the population was of harvestable-size ( 356 mm or 14 inches). The largemouth bass PSD and RSD values were within acceptable ranges considered for balanced populations (Figure F-6). Larger, preferred-size fish 380 mm accounted for 21 percent of the total number of largemouth bass. The bluegill PSD was within the acceptable range (20 to 60) for a balanced population; however, few large fish were present which is typical for this species in large impoundments. The redear sunfish PSD and RSD values were within acceptable ranges although the sample size was small. Relative weight (W r ) values for redear sunfish and bluegill indicated below average body condition (Figure F-6). The largemouth bass W r was slightly below the optimal fishery management range of 95 to 100 but considered to be within an average range for warmwater reservoirs. Size Structure, Reproductive Success, and Body Condition Multiple size classes were observed for major prey and sport fish species indicating successful reproduction through time (Figures F-7 to F-10). Reproductive success of each species varied by year. Largemouth bass produced a good year class during 1999, which should sustain the fishery for the next several years (Figure F-8). Largemouth bass reproductive success was lower during Bluegill produced good year classes during 1999 and 2001 with large numbers of youngof-year present in cove rotenone samples (Figure F-8). Threadfin shad reproductive success was good during both study years while gizzard shad produced a strong year class in 2001 (Figure F-7). The PSD, RSD, and W r values varied widely depending upon the species (Figures F-7 to F-11). Largemouth bass PSD values from cove rotenone samples were within the balanced range during 1999 and 2001 (Figure F-8). The largemouth bass RSD value was with the acceptable range during 1999 but slightly lower in Relative weights of largemouth bass were considered average (89 to 90). Bluegill PSD values from cove rotenone samples were within the acceptable range during 2001 but not during 1999 (Figure F-8). The RSD values for bluegill were low and reflected the large number of small individuals present in the population. Bluegill relative weight was low during 78

88 both years and indicative of low body condition and high competition for food resources. Redear sunfish also had low W r mean values (Figure F-11). Black crappie exhibited PSD values above the acceptable range (30 to 60) due to a large number of intermediate-size fish in the population. However, the black crappie RSD values also indicated a large number of quality-sized fish in the population (Figure F-10). Black crappie W r mean values were near optimal indicating good growth and body condition. The abundant shad prey base in the reservoir benefited this species (Figure F-11). The blue catfish, channel catfish, and white perch populations were comprised mainly of smaller individuals and few quality-size fish were present in the reservoir. Blue catfish W r mean values were less than 90 suggesting overpopulation and stunting of growth rates, possibly from competition for available food resources (Figure F-11). The W r mean values for channel catfish and white perch ranged from 90 to 93 and were considered average. The few collected striped bass during 2001 were near optimal body condition and exploiting the shad prey base. Smallmouth buffalo body condition was low in both years. In summary, Blewett Falls Lake supported a very productive, warmwater fish community that reflected the eutrophic conditions of the reservoir. The fish community was dominated by the planktivorous and benthivorous feeding species-shad, bluegill, blue catfish, and smallmouth buffalo. Shad dominance within the fish community has apparently increased over time and may reflect changes in algal productivity, particularly in lower flow years when there may be greater nutrient uptake and assimilation within the reservoir. Body condition and population size structure for these species suggested high competition for available food resources in the reservoir. Despite the dominance of these few species, the reservoir had a fairly diverse fish community as demonstrated by the taxa richness. The reservoir supported reasonable sport fish populations for largemouth bass and crappie as demonstrated by the catch rates, size structure, and body condition. Largemouth bass biomass estimates in 2001 were twice the expected biomass for a southeastern reservoir. Young-of-year recruitment for largemouth bass appeared to be variable. A good year class was produced during 79

89 1999, which should help sustain the fishery over the next several years. Electrofishing catch rates of largemouth bass were comparable to the upstream hydroelectric reservoirs although the rates were on the lower end of the range of values. Largemouth bass body condition was below the optimal range for fishery management purposes but still considered to be average. The black crappie population, in particular, was of good quality. A large number of harvestable-size fish were present with good body condition, presumably a reflection of the abundant shad prey base. The few striped bass that were collected also exhibited good body condition indicating they were exploiting the abundant shad prey base. Tailwater Fish Populations Pee Dee River Reach from the Tillery Development to Blewett Falls Lake Species Composition The number of taxa collected during fishery surveys conducted in 2000 was slightly greater in the immediate tailwaters area (38 taxa at Transect 1 excluding the unidentified fish) as compared to the downstream mid-reach station (31 taxa at Transect 12) (Table F-16). The notable differences were the collection of several bullhead catfish, sucker, and sunfish taxa at Transect 1. Flathead catfish and blue catfish were only collected at the downstream station (Tables F-5 and F-16). Bullhead catfish species were only collected at Transect 1 in the absence of flathead catfish, even when taking into account differences in sampling effort (i.e., no gill nets used at Transect 12). Smallmouth buffalo, an omnivorous feeding generalist, was prevalent throughout this river reach. Intensive Biweekly Spawning Surveys Water temperatures ranged from 9.1 to 23.8 C in the immediate tailwaters and 11.9 to 25.4 C at the downstream mid-reach area during the March through June 2000 study (Figure F-12). The immediate tailwaters area was slightly cooler and differed by 0.6 to 5.6 C between the two transects during the study period. DO concentrations decreased from approximately 11 mg/l to 4-6 mg/l as a function of changes in oxygen solubility with warming of water temperatures and discharge of oxygen-deficient hypolimnetic lake waters through the power plant. The DO concentration at Transect 1 (3.8 mg/l) was below the state water quality standard on June 28, the 80

90 last week of the study. Turbidity was usually low except for an elevated value of 130 NTU that occurred at Transect 12 during the third week of March following a high precipitation and inflow event from the Rocky River. This value was 2.6 times the state water quality standard of 50 NTU. Mean velocities measured in the water column ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 feet/sec at Transect 1 and from 0.1 to 1.6 feet/second at Transect 12 (Figure F-13). The greater velocities at Transect 1 reflected the proximity of the powerhouse discharge, the amount of power generation, and the channel gradient. Mean velocities at Transect 12 decreased to less than 0.5 feet/second during baseflow conditions encountered in May and June. Dominant species at Transect 1 during March through June period were gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, threadfin shad, longnose gar, and white perch (Tables F-17 and F-18). At downstream Transect 12, dominant species were gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, common carp, threadfin shad, blue catfish, and channel catfish. Common carp and catfish species were more prevalent at Transect 12. Seventeen species were ripe, mature, or spent indicating reproductive activity within the reach. Table 4-3 shows sequencing of fish in spawning condition, as indicated by the presence of fish in reproductive condition, in the river reach by sample date: TABLE 4-3 FISH COLLECTED AT TILLERY TAILWATER IN SPAWNING CONDITION Week Species 3/6 3/20 4/3 4/17 5/1 5/15 5/29 6/12 6/26 Gizzard shad * * + Threadfin shad * + Common carp + + * + * + + * + * * Quillback * * Brassy jumprock * Shorthead redhorse * Smallmouth buffalo + * + * + * + * + * + * * + Channel catfish + Bluegill * Redbreast sunfish * Pumpkinseed * Warmouth + Largemouth bass * Striped bass * White bass * + * * + * + White perch * * * Yellow perch * + * * Symbols denote presence at a particular transect * = Transect 1 and + = Transect

91 More sexually mature species were observed in the immediate tailwaters area (Transect 1) than the downstream mid-reach area (Transect 12). The presence of sexually mature fish also showed a seasonal progression based on water temperatures for spawning of a particular species. Sexually mature white bass, striped bass, white perch, and yellow perch were present in the tailwaters from early March through mid-april. Striped bass and white bass most likely migrated out of Blewett Falls Lake or the lower river reach, as these species were not collected by June. Common carp and smallmouth buffalo had prolonged spawning periods as noted by the presence of sexually mature individuals from March through June. Other sucker and sunfish species were observed in April through May. Reproductive activity, as measured by larval densities, was greater at Transect 1 than Transect 12 (Table F-19; Figure F-15). Ten larval fish/egg taxa were collected at Transect 1 from March through June. The dominant taxa were blueback herring, threadfin shad, gizzard shad, white perch, and yellow perch (Table F-19). Seven larval taxa were collected downstream at Transect 12 and dominant taxa were carpsuckers/buffalo species (Carpiodes/Ictiobus spp.) and white perch. No white bass larvae or striped bass eggs or larvae were collected at either transect. The total larval mean density at Transect 1 was an order of magnitude greater than the total mean density at Transect 12. Total larval densities peaked during April through late May at Transect 1 (Figure F-4). Blueback herring and white perch larval densities peaked during mid-april while gizzard shad/threadfin shad peaked during mid- to late May. Total larval densities peaked in during mid-april at Transect 12, as a result of a pulse of carpsucker/buffalo larvae. Larval densities had declined to low levels at Transect 12 by the third week of May (Figure F-15). The presence of blueback herring larvae at Transect 1, and to a lesser extent, at Transect 12, suggested larvae were likely produced in Lake Tillery and passed through the hydroelectric plant or over the dam to downstream areas. Few adult blueback herring were collected at either transect during the spawning assessment or intensive shocking for redhorses in May. Moreover, blueback herring were not collected during the resident fish survey (Tables F-20 and F-21). 82

92 Although no white bass larvae were collected during ichthyoplankton sampling, the population inhabiting this river reach and Blewett Falls Lake has been self-sustaining. This species was introduced during the 1960s by the NCWRC. White bass were observed in NCWRC fishery sampling of Blewett Falls during 1965 and during Progress Energy studies in 1986 and Fish (1968) reported white bass during creel surveys and noted the good fishing for this species in the reservoir. The striped bass population in the river reach and Blewett Falls Lake is managed by the NCWRC as a put-grow-and-take fishery and sustained through annual stocking, therefore, spawning is not expected. Resident Fish Survey Species dominance within the fish community differed by river reach location. In the immediate tailwaters reach, smallmouth buffalo, gizzard shad, longnose gar, and largemouth bass were dominant species by number and weight (Tables F-20 and F-21). The dominance patterns shifted downstream at Transect 12 with common carp and catfish predominantly detritivorous and benthivorous feeding species more prevalent. Gizzard shad, common carp, channel catfish, and smallmouth buffalo were the numerically dominant species. By weight, common carp, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, channel catfish, and blue catfish were dominant. The shift in species dominance may have reflected the changes in fish habitat (e.g., temperature regime, river channel substrate, and velocities) and/or food availability downstream of the Rocky River confluence (see Section 4.4.2, Benthic Invertebrates). Visible sedimentation was evident at this station, which most likely was deposited mainly from Rocky River inputs over time. Upstream of the Rocky River confluence, the substrate was cleaner with more cobble, gravel, and boulders visible due to the high velocities and associated scouring with releases from the hydroelectric plant, and lack of sediment loading. Although there were differences in community composition, there were no significant spatial or temporal differences in total fish mean number per hour or weight per hour between Transects 1 and 12 (Figure F-15). No statistical differences occurred in the number of fish taxa collected between transects during However, more fish taxa were collected in May, August, and November than in February (Figure F-15). 83

93 Average sizes of common carp, smallmouth buffalo, channel catfish, redbreast sunfish, and bluegill were greater at Transect 1 than at Transect 12 (Table F-22). The average size of gizzard shad was larger at Transect 12. Length ranges indicated multiple size class present for most species indicating successful reproduction over years. Young-of-year and yearling fish were collected for gizzard shad, threadfin shad, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Body condition was near optimal for common carp, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and largemouth bass, as indicated by W r values (Table F-22). The body condition of gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, and bluegill was below average. Tailwater Fish Populations - Pee Dee River Reach Below the Blewett Development Species Composition The number of taxa collected throughout the reach ranged from 47 (Transect 6) to 57 (Transects 1 and 2) (Table F-23). Generally, a greater number of taxa were collected in the immediate tailwaters and the downstream transect located at U.S. Highway 1 at Cheraw, South Carolina The fewest taxa were collected at the mid-reach area, Transect 3, located below South Carolina Highway 15/401 and the lower most area, Transect 6, located below U.S. Highway 701 near Yauhannah, South Carolina. Species differences were related to changes in habitat and the fish community composition as the river transitioned from the Fall Line to Lower Coastal Plain physiographic provinces (e.g., pirate perch, flier, spotted sunfish, and southern flounder). Several species were present throughout the entire river reach (e.g., American eel, longnose gar, gizzard shad, common carp, eastern silvery minnow, fieryblack shiner, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie, and striped mullet). Migratory Fish Surveys Intensive biweekly sampling was conducted during 1998 and 1999 for a migratory fish survey and resident fish spawning. Each year was distinctly different in hydraulic regimes and water quality characteristics (Figures E-1, F-16, and F-17). River flows exceeded the long-term monthly average during the 1998 spring spawning period due to the El Niño weather pattern. 84

94 The river flow was below normal during the spring of 1999 and only one high flow event (early May) occurred during the March through June study period. The temperature regimes also differed in both years (Figure F-16). The spring of 1998 was cooler and wetter and, subsequently, river temperatures gradually warmed during the study period. Water temperatures rose above 15ºC throughout the river by the week of March 30 and reached above 20ºC by the week of May 11. In contrast, river temperatures warmed quickly during 1999 and reached 20ºC by the week of April 12, approximately one month earlier than in DO concentrations generally exhibited a spatial gradient with greater DO concentrations in the upstream areas (Transects 1 and 2) as compared to downstream areas (Transects 3, 4, 5, and 6). (Figure F-16). A DO sag was observed in the lower river (Transects 5 and 6) during the weeks of May 25 and June 8 of 1998 with DO concentrations ranging from mg/l. The DO concentrations ranged from ºC at the other upstream stations on these same dates. This sag was likely caused by DO deficient water naturally draining from blackwater swamps and creeks as the river flows dropped after rainfall ceased in May. Turbidity levels were greater and more variable during 1998 as a result of the greater river flows (Figure F-17). Turbidity levels were less variable during 1999 with values usually 20 NTU or less throughout the river. Values greater than 50 NTU were observed in the upper river during the week of March 16, 1998, after a flood event when river flows ranged from approximately 60,000 to 80,000 cfs (Figure E-1). Five species of migratory fish-american shad, American eel, blueback herring, hickory shad, and striped bass-were documented utilizing the Pee Dee River reach below the Blewett Development for reproductive purposes during 1998 and 1999 (Tables F-24 to F-31). American shad, blueback herring, hickory shad, and striped bass are anadromous species whose adults return upstream from the sea to reproduce. The American eel is a catadromous species whose adults leave the river system to spawn in the Sargasso Sea and young then return to natal rivers to grow into adults. Sea lamprey, a parasitic anadromous species, was also collected at Transect 1 during 1999 (Table F-25). 85

95 American shad - American shad was the most abundant of the migratory species collected during 1998 and Electrofishing catch rates of American shad were significantly greater (P < 000.1) in the immediate tailwaters area, Transect 1, as compared to other transects located downstream over both years (Tables F-24 and F-25). Therefore, the remainder of the results and discussion of catch rates will focus on Transect 1. American shad ranked in the top five most abundant species collected at Transect 1 during the 1998 and 1999 biweekly studies. Mean catch rates for electrofishing and gill netting in 1998 were approximately twice the 1999 catch rates. However, there was no statistical difference (P = 0.24) in annual catch rates between years. Gill net mean number and weight catch rates at Transect 1 were 8.7 fish/24 hours weighing 8.3 kg in 1998 and 2.4 fish/24 hours weighing 2.0 kg in Electrofishing mean catches were 13 to 29 fish/hour and 11 to 24 kg/hour during 1998 and 1999 (Tables F-24 and F-25). American shad electrofishing catch rates for the Pee Dee River were greater than the average spring catch rate of 6.4 fish/hour (peak catches of 14 to 18 fish/hour) reported for the uppermost station located on the Roanoke River, North Carolina, during a migratory fish assessment conducted in 1996 (Knutzen 1997). No biweekly surveys were conducted during 2000 and 2001; however, electrofishing mean catch rates for American shad were obtained in the vicinity of the tailwaters area during intensive electrofishing for robust redhorse in both years (Tables F-3 and F-4). American shad catch rates ranged from 15 to 20 fish/hour, and the species was the first or second most numerically abundant species collected during these studies. Mean catch rates were comparable to the 1999 biweekly estimate but less than the 1998 estimate. American shad catch rates at Transect 1 varied by sample week within a particular year as fish migrated up the river into the vicinity of the tailwaters area (Figure F-18). The peak catches during 1999 were also approximately one-half of the 1998 peak catches. Most American shad were caught in both years from the end of March through mid-june. During 1998, electrofishing catch rates peaked during the week of April 13 (66 fish/hour) with subsequent smaller peak catches during the weeks of May 11 (52 fish/hour) and June 8 86

96 (26/fish/hour). Water temperature during these weeks ranged from 16.7ºC to 24.3ºC (Figure F-16). The catch curve during 1999 was lower and without pronounced peaks as observed in 1998 (Figure F-18). The peak catches occurred during the weeks of May 10 (28 fish/hour) and May 24 (26 fish/hour). Water temperatures were warmer during 1999 and ranged from 20.0º to 22.7ºC during peak catch weeks (Figure F-16). Walburg and Nichols (1967) reported most American shad spawning usually occurs between 13 to 20ºC. American shad ranged from 327 to 567 mm during 1998 and from 284 to 555 mm during 1999, combining all data from sampled transects (Figure F-19). Three prominent modal lengths were observed in the spawning population during 1998 at 405, 445, and 505 mm. During 1999, modal peaks were more frequent ranging from 425 to 515 mm. Fish collected during intensive electrofishing survey during 2000 and 2001 had similar size ranges. Modal lengths were 445 and 455 mm in 2000 and 2001, respectively (Figure F-20). The size range of spawning American shad in the Pee Dee River was similar to Roanoke River population during 1996 where lengths ranged from 365 to 576 mm (Knutzen 1997). Males in the spawning population were smaller at a given age than females (Tables F-32 and F-33). The age composition of the spawning populations during 1998 and 1999 was similar. Males ranged in age from two to six years while females ranged from three to six years (Table F-32). The majority of males and females in the spawning population were three to five years of age. The oldest fish were mostly females. Mean length at age estimates for both sexes was also consistent between 1998 and Age structure of spawning American shad in the Pee Dee River was consistent with studies conducted along the eastern U.S. seaboard. American shad usually mature by ages three to six with some males maturing by age two in more southern latitudes (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). Typically, fewer repeat spawners occur in American shad populations in the more southern U.S. populations with most adults spawning only once in rivers south of Cape Hatteras, including the Pee Dee River (Leggett and Carscadden 1978; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). The historical spawning migration range for American shad of the Pee Dee River appeared to be near Wilkesboro, North Carolina, approximately 451 miles inland according to an anecdotal historical account by Stevenson (1897) and a historical range map in National 87

97 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration historical photograph archives (NOAA 2002). However, it is unclear what the extent of the American shad migration to this historical area was over time, particularly in naturally occurring drought years when shad ascension through the Narrows Canyon (at present day Narrows Dam) would have been difficult. Stevenson also reported the migration limit in 1896 was at the Grassy Island area, 242 miles from the sea, and only one American shad was reported for that location and year. This migration limit dates before the construction of hydroelectric projects on the river. Stevenson also indicated that intensive overfishing was the single most important factor impacting the inland range of American shad in the 1800s (Stevenson 1897, 1899). Blueback Herring - Blueback herring had relatively low abundance during 1998 and 1999 with mean electrofishing catch rates # 4 fish/hour and gill net catch rates < 1 fish/24 hrs (Tables F-24 to F-27; Figure F-18). The abundance of sexually mature fish was slightly greater in Knutzen (1997) reported blueback herring had low abundance in the Roanoke River with an average electrofishing spring catch rate of 1.4 fish/hr with a peak catch of 8.4 fish/hr. The abundance of blueback herring in the Pee Dee River was greater in 1998 than Most adults were collected at Transects 4, 5, and 6 in the lower Coastal Plain area of the river. A small number of adults in spawning condition (mature or ripe) were collected in the upper river at Transects 1 and 2. Eighty-seven percent of spawning adults (n = 52) were collected in the lower Coastal Plain reach extending from Transect 4 to Transect 6 during 1998 and These results suggested the lower reach of the river (from Florence area to below Yauhannah, South Carolina) was the most utilized spawning area for this species with the upper river of lesser importance. Additionally, it is unclear whether the adults observed in the vicinity of the Blewett Development are true migratory fish or resident fish that emigrated out of Blewett Falls Lake. Most fish were collected in March and April when water temperatures ranged from 9.3º to 21.6ºC. Electrofishing catch rates peaked at 26 fish/hour at Transect 5 during the week of March 16 in 1998 and 4 fish/hour on the week of March 29 in Water temperatures during these peak catches were 10.9ºC and 14.2ºC during 1998 and 1999, respectively. In contrast, peak catches at Transect 1 were 3 fish/hour in 1998 (weeks of March 30 and April 13) and 2 fish/hour in 1999 (weeks of April 12 and 26) (Figure F-18). 88

98 The size distributions were similar during 1998 and 1999 with fish ranging from 225 to 295 mm (Figure F-21). A few smaller fish were observed in 1998 ( mm). There was a pronounced modal peak at 270 mm during 1998; however, in 1999, the size classes were more evenly distributed (Figure F-21). Most sexually mature adult fish were three and four years old, and females were slightly larger than males at a given age (Tables F-32 and F-33). All sexually mature females were greater than 250 mm, which was consistent with observations on the Roanoke River blueback population during 1996 (Knutzen 1997). Scant information exists on the extent of upstream migration limits for blueback herring in the Pee Dee River Basin. Cooke and Welch (2000) reported from a historical account given by Mills (1826) that herring (most likely blueback herring) appeared to have ascended the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers, portions of the Lynches and Black Rivers and possibly the Little Pee Dee River. Mills (1826) reported blueback herring as far upstream as Darlington County, South Carolina, where the fish was in great abundance in Louder s Lake. Blueback herring have been stocked by the NCWRC and currently have populations in all Yadkin-Pee Dee River reservoirs although the reservoir populations appeared to be low compared to the other planktivorous clupeids, gizzard shad and threadfin shad. It is unknown what river parental population was utilized for stocking or whether genetic/behavioral differences exist in the landlocked vs. migratory sea run populations. Hickory shad - Hickory shad was not very abundant in catches during 1998 or 1999 (Tables F-24 to F-25). Most adults in spawning condition (mature or ripe) were located in the lower river reaches in the middle to lower Coastal Plain regions (Transects 4, 5, and 6) during both years. No hickory shad were collected in the immediate tailwaters area; however one adult was captured at Transect 2 (Cheraw, South Carolina) just below the Fall Line zone during February quarterly sampling in Hickory shad usually spawn in main river channels, tributaries, sloughs, and flooded swamps in freshwater tidal to lower river reaches from February to May (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). All sexually mature fish were collected during February (quarterly sampling) or March (biweekly sampling) of 1998 and 1999 when water temperatures ranged from 9.3º to 21.6ºC. 89

99 The few adult fish that were collected ranged from 337 to 469 mm (Figure F-22) and 2 to 5 years of age (Tables F-32 and F-33). Jenkins and Burkhead (1993) reported hickory shad generally mature at 3-5 years of age with a few fish of both sexes as young as two years old. Striped bass - Striped bass were not very abundant during the spring spawning periods from 1998 to 2001 (Tables F-3, F-4, F-27 to F-30; Figure F-18). There were no apparent spatial or temporal differences in striped bass catch rates throughout the river as shown by electrofishing or gill net catch rates. Of the few fish collected at Transect 1, the abundance of adults in spawning condition was the greatest during May of both years (Figure F-18). Water temperatures during May 1998 ranged from 20.3º-24.8ºC and from 20.0º-22.7ºC in May Spawning of striped bass in the Roanoke River, North Carolina, occurred from 14º-24ºC with the optimal range from 16º to 21ºC with most spawning occurring prior to June (Hassler et al. 1981; Knutzen 1997). The presence of hybrid striped bass-white bass in this river reach during fishery studies indicated the potential for backcrossing with fertile striped bass, if these hybrids were also fertile (Tables F-24 and F-26). Length-frequency histograms showed similar size distributions during both years ranging from 182 to 872 mm during 1998 and from 168 to 921 mm during 1999 (Figure F-23). The majority of fish in spawning condition ranged 350 to 600 mm with a few large individuals present. Spawning condition males ranged from 2 to 6 years old and females ranged from 2 to 10 years old (Tables F-32 and F-33). The oldest fish present in the samples were females (8 to 10 years old), which was consistent with other studies of striped bass (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; Kornegay 1997). The young, sexually immature fish present during both years (< 250 mm) suggested that some stocked striped bass had emigrated from Blewett Falls Lake and inhabited the immediate tailwaters area. The upstream migration limit of striped bass was most likely near the Fall Line zone of the Pee Dee River based on the species life history characteristics and accounts given from Virginia waters by Jenkins and Burkhead (1993). The abrupt change in river gradient in the Narrows Canyon would have made striped bass migration past this natural barrier difficult. Cooke and Welch (2000) reported one historical account given by Mills (1826) that said 90

100 striped bass ascended the Pee Dee River to present day Marlboro County, South Carolina. The striped bass population in the Pee Dee River is most likely a near-shore coastal population that does not undergo extensive oceanic migrations. Populations south of Cape Hatteras rarely undergo extensive coastal migrations (Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). American eel - American eel, a catadromous species, was common in springtime and seasonal electrofishing catches throughout the river from 1998 to 2001 (Tables F-3, F-4, F-24, F-25, F-28, and F-29). Electrofishing catch rates of American eel (juvenile or yellow stage) were greater in the upper river areas (Transects 1 and 2) and mainly comprised of young eels (< 200 mm) immigrating into the river during the spring months (Tables F-24 and F-25; Figure F-24). Mean catch rates of this species was similar throughout the river in 1998 or However, electrofishing catches of this species were probably, to a certain extent, lower than the actual abundance. Eels were not very susceptible to this sampling method (pulsed DC current), and it was extremely difficult to capture them in the electrofishing field. Many eels were observed at all transects that were not captured during sampling. The electrofishing catch rate for this species averaged 4 to 5 fish/hour at Transect 1 during March through June of both years (Tables F-24 and F-25). Catch rates of youngof-year American eel (elvers) were low during 1998 with peak catches of 6 fish/hour (weeks of March 2 and May 11 and 25). Catch rates of elvers at Transect 1 were greater during 1999 and peaked during the weeks of May 10 and June 7 (12 and 20 fish/hour, respectively) with water temperatures ranging from 20.0º to 25.1ºC. Five out migrating adult silver American eels were observed in electrofishing catches during November 1999 at Transects 2, 3, 4, and 5. The lengths of these adults ranged from 455 to 655 mm. Water temperatures during sampling ranged from 11.7º to 16.5ºC. Length-frequency distributions varied by year with fish lengths ranging from 100 to 710 mm (Figure F-24). There were distinct pronounced modal lengths of fish in the 290, 330, and 490 mm size classes in 1998, although sample sizes were small. Modal lengths of size classes were not distinct in A large percentage of eels in both years ranged from 220 to 400 mm. Young eels contributed a smaller percentage of the population in 1998 (15 percent) as compared to 1999 (30 percent). 91

101 Small numbers of immature juveniles were collected in Blewett Falls Lake and in the river reach from the reservoir to the base of Tillery Dam during the 2000 and 2001 fishery studies. No American eels were collected in Lake Tillery or the upstream portion of the river basin suggesting the reach below Tillery Dam was the current migration limit of this species (Table F-1; Tatum et. al. 1963; CP&L 1987, 1993, 1995; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993; APGI 2002). Moser et al. (2001) conducted a 1998 through 1999 study of the infestation rates of the exotic nematode parasite Anguillicola crassus in North Carolina waters, including the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development. This nematode was first documented from an eel collected in Winyah Bay, South Carolina, during Heavy infestations of this swim bladder parasite have caused some deleterious effects in European eel populations. The intensity of infestation and percent occurrence in eels was substantially higher in North Carolina waters than reported for the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Overall, in North Carolina waters, 52 percent of the eels were infected with an intensity rate of 3.9 nematodes/eel. In the Pee Dee River, 26 percent of the eels were infected with an intensity rate of 2.0 nematodes/eel. There were no statistical differences in infected eels relative to location or sampled month within the Pee Dee River. The investigators speculated that overall eel fitness might be affected in areas where prevalence and intensity of infection was the highest (Albemarle Sound drainages). The role that this parasite may play in affecting fitness of migrating American eels in the Pee Dee River is presently unknown. White Bass - White bass is a resident sport fish of importance that makes upstream migratory movements within freshwater tributaries for spawning. The species is nonnative to the Yadkin-Pee Dee River and was introduced by the NCWRC into the basin during the 1960s. This species was collected mainly in the immediate tailwaters vicinity at Transect 1 during 1998 and 1999 (Tables F-24 to F-27). Electrofishing mean catches ranged from 3 to 4 fish/hour during the spring spawning period (Tables F-24 and F-25). In 1998, the electrofishing peak catch of white bass (11 fish/hour) occurred during the week of April 13 when the water temperature was 16.7ºC (Figure F-18). Two peaks of white bass abundance (10 fish/hr) occurred in 1999 during the weeks of March 15 and April 12 at water temperatures of 9.6º and 18.2ºC, respectively. Based on the presence of sexually mature fish 92

102 and water temperature data, spawning may have occurred from early April to late May in both years. White bass spawn at temperatures ranging from 15º to 17ºC (Rhode et al. 1994; Jenkins and Burkhead 1993). White bass ranged from 95 to 452 mm during 1998 and 1999 with most fish in spawning condition greater than 250 mm (Figure F-25). The age of white bass ranged from two to six years old, and most females were larger than males at a given age (Tables F-32 and F-33). Larval Fish Survey A total of 28 taxa of larvae and eggs, including unidentified larvae/eggs, were collected in the river reach during 1998 (Table F-34). The number of taxa collected during 1999 was slightly lower (23 taxa, including unidentified larvae/eggs were collected) (Table F-35). Most of the collected taxa were resident species. Larvae or eggs of migratory species American shad, blueback herring, hickory shad, and striped bass were observed during 1998 and/or Total larval mean densities exhibited a defined spatial pattern during 1998 with the greatest mean densities in the upper reach areas, Transects 1, 2, and 3 (Table F-34 and Figure F-26). During 1999, the spatial pattern was not as explicit due to the large number of Carpiodes/Ictiobus spp. (carpsucker/buffalo species) larvae observed at Transect 4 during April and May (Table F-35 and Figure F-27). The total numbers of taxa collected at each transect also varied by year but more taxa were collected at Transect 1 during both years. Dominant taxa varied by transect and year (Tables F-34 and F-35). Alosa spp., American shad (eggs and larvae), blueback herring, Carpiodes spp. (carpsucker species), Carpiodes/Ictiobus spp., gizzard shad, Dorosoma spp. (gizzard or threadfin shad), striped bass eggs, black crappie, and unidentified larvae/eggs were the dominant taxa, depending upon the transect. Spatial and temporal patterns of selected larval densities varied greatly depending upon the sequencing of reproductive events for a particular species, as mediated by water temperatures and river flows (Figures F-26 and F-27). Water column mean velocities were generally greater during 1998 due to the high river flows associated with the El Niño weather pattern 93

103 (Figure F-13). Mean velocities were lower in 1999, usually 1.0 feet/second or less on the larval fish sampling dates. Total densities peaked at Transect 1 during the last week of May in 1998 and 1999 due to the large number of blueback herring encountered that week (Figures F-26 and F-27). Total larval densities at the other transects peaked during from late March until mid-june depending upon the river location. During 1999, the timing of total larval density peaks throughout the river was similar to 1998 except for Transects 5 and 6 where peak densities occurred two to four weeks later (Figure F-27). There were two high peak densities of Carpiodes/Ictiobus spp. observed at Transect 4 during the weeks of April 12 and May 10 with the number of larvae ranging from 70,000 to 90,000/m 3. Pronounced peaks of this taxa group were not observed at the downstream areas (Transects 5 and 6) on these same dates. Resident Fish Survey Resident species composition (taxa richness) and abundance varied depending upon the location within the river reach and sampled year (Tables F-24 to F-31; Figures F-28 and F-30). Generally, the electrofishing total number of taxa, total fish mean number/hour, and total fish mean weight/hour was greater at Transect 1 than downstream areas (Figures F-28 to F-29). There were a greater number of taxa collected at Transect 1 in 1999 (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the number of taxa observed among transects during 2001 (P = 0.17) (Figure F-28). The number of taxa (in parenthesis) collected with electrofishing was spatially ranked in 1999 as follows: Transect 1 (29) > Transect 2 (28) > Transect 3 (24) > Transect 4 (23) > Transect 5 (15). During 2001, the number of taxa by transect ranked as follows: Transect 1 (27) > Transect 2 (25) = Transect 3 (25) > Transect 5 (22) > Transect 4 (20). The gill net data were not utilized in this comparison due to uneven sampling at some transects, particularly at Transects 2 and 3, where heavy vegetation fouling prevented sampling on some dates during both years. The electrofishing total mean number and weight were usually greater at Transect 1 than the other transects during 1999 and 2001 (Figures F-29 and F-30). There was a transect-by-month 94

104 interaction for total mean number/hr for 1999, which precluded discussion of significant differences among transects. General trends, though, showed greater catch rates at Transect 1. Total mean number and weight, as well as taxa richness, were also greater in the February, May, and November as compared to August (Figures F-28 to F-30). Species dominance also exhibited spatial differences (Tables F-24 to F-31). Gizzard shad and longnose gar were dominant species throughout the river reach. Sunfish and sucker species (e.g., bluegill, redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth buffalo, silver redhorse, and shorthead redhorse) were more abundant in the upper reach (Transects 1 and 2) while blue catfish, flathead catfish, and common carp became more predominant in the lower reach (Transects 4 and 5). Common carp and blue catfish were also dominant species within or just below the tailwaters area (Tables F-3, F-4, and F-24 to F-31). Shiner species (e.g., eastern silvery minnow and whitefin shiner) were occasionally dominant species at various transects, but there was no explicit distributional pattern for this family within the river reach. The distribution patterns of sunfish, particularly Lepomis spp., suggested predation by large catfishes might have affected these species populations in the lower reach. Species composition and dominance patterns from this study were comparable to results from a SCDNR (Crochet and Black 1997) fishery assessment of the South Carolina portion of the river reach during the 1994 through 1996 period. Forty-seven fish taxa were collected with electrofishing by the SCDNR from six reaches extending from the Piedmont Fall Line Zone to the Lower Coastal Plain region. Bluegill, blue catfish, longnose gar, whitefin shiner, eastern silvery minnow, largemouth bass, smallmouth buffalo, and common carp were the most numerically abundant species in electrofishing species. Blue catfish, common carp, smallmouth buffalo, and longnose gar were the dominant species by weight. Tables F-36 and F-37 show summary length and weight statistics for major resident fish species collected with electrofishing during 1999 and A range of size classes was present for most species and there were few obvious differences in size ranges among transects. American eels were of a smaller average size at Transect 1 compared to other transects due to presence of more elvers in this area. Because the electrofishing sampling technique is size-selective against smaller fish (Reynolds 1996), conclusions about the young-of-year abundance in the river reach 95

105 were not possible (Tables F-36 and F-37). However, a few general observations were noted in the presence and absence of young fish. Few young-of-year were collected with the exception of gizzard shad, flathead catfish, and American eel. Gizzard shad young-of-year were more often observed in samples from Transect 1 while flathead catfish young were more often observed at Transect 5. A few young-of-year American shad were collected at Transects 1, 4, and 5 during both years. Relative weights (W r ) varied depending upon the species and given sample size (Figures F-31 to F-34). Channel catfish, blue catfish, and shorthead redhorse generally had W r values near optimal throughout the river reach in 1999 and The high W r values for shorthead redhorse at Transect 1 were likely related to the presence of more rotund fish in spawning condition at that transect during the spring months. The W r values for bluegill and largemouth bass were variable depending upon transect and year. Largemouth bass had optimal W r values at Transect 1 during both years indicating fish in good body condition. The W r values for largemouth bass were below optimal at other transects although sample sizes were small. Gizzard shad, longnose gar, and smallmouth buffalo exhibited below optimal W r values throughout the river reach in both years. There were no obvious inter-annual differences in body condition of examined fish species Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Fish Species A search was made of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP), North Carolina State Museum of Natural Science (NCMNS), and South Carolina Natural Heritage Program (SCNHP) records for the presence of rare, threatened and endangered species inhabiting the Project reservoirs or associated tailwaters reaches (Menhinick and Braswell 1997; LeGrand et al. 2001). Additionally, fishery surveys were recently conducted to search for rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species. Location of RTE species found in the Project area are indicated in Appendix G. Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) - The state and federally endangered shortnose sturgeon has been documented in the Pee Dee River with a collection of a gravid female just below the Blewett Development near U.S. Highway 74 during February

106 (Ross 1997). The species was documented in the lower reaches of the Pee Dee River, South Carolina during 1982 and in Winyah Bay, South Carolina during 1994 (Collins and Smith 1997). This species was not collected in Progress Energy surveys of the river during the 1970s and early 1990s or surveys conducted from 1998 to 2001 (CP&L 1980a, 1980b, 1995). Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhincus) - Atlantic sturgeon is listed as state special concern species in North Carolina waters (LeGrand et al. 2001). Collins and Smith (1997) reported this species from the lower Pee Dee River, South Carolina, and Winyah Bay with last reports in 1981 and 1995, respectively. Two records exist from the Pee Dee River in the vicinity of the Blewett Development. Ross (1997) showed a record of the species in the Pee Dee River, North Carolina, below the Blewett Development, but this collection could not be validated from a review of NCMNS records (personal communication with Dr. Wayne Starnes, NCMNS). One anecdotal record (photograph) was obtained from a commercial fisherman who caught a specimen in 1951 from the Pee Dee River, North Carolina below the Blewett Development at the U.S. Highway 74 Bridge. The specimen was estimated to be approximately 2 m total length with a weight of 48 kg (personal communication with Mr. Jim Clark). Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) - The robust redhorse, a Federal Species of Concern, has been recently collected from the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development during cooperative multi-agency intensive surveys from 2000 to 2002 (Tables F-1 to F-4; Figure 4-4). Prior to these collections, one specimen was collected during June 1985 from the Pee Dee River, near Old Sneadsboro, North Carolina, approximately 19 km (12 miles) downstream of the Blewett Development (personal communication with Dr. Robert Jenkins, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia). The species was originally described from a specimen collected by Edward D. Cope during 1869 from the upper Yadkin River above High Rock Lake (Cope 1870). The historical and contemporary occurrence records suggested this species might have inhabited the Yadkin-Pee Dee River from the upper Coastal Plain to upper Piedmont regions of the basin. The species currently has no RTE state status in North Carolina or South Carolina. 97

107 Three juveniles were collected from pool/run habitat in the Upper Coastal Plain region of South Carolina during November 2001, May 2002 and October 2002, approximately km (24-55 miles) downstream of the Blewett Development (Table F-2). Two adult females were collected on shoal habitat in the Fall Line region during April 2000 and May 2001, at 6 km (4 miles) and 18 km (11 miles), respectively, below the hydroelectric development. Both females were gravid which suggested possible spawning activity was occurring at the collection sites. The estimated age of the specimens ranged from 2+ to 11 years old based on scale analysis by Dr. Robert Jenkins with Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia. No robust redhorse were collected from the river reach between Tillery Dam and Blewett Falls Lake during intensive, spring surveys conducted in May of 2001 and 2002 (Tables F-1 and F-5) or the project reservoirs (Tables F-6 to F-14). Total electrofishing effort expended during these surveys was hrs in the reach below the Blewett Development and hrs in the reach below the Tillery Development. The intensive surveys were coordinated with the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee (RRCC); a multi-agency committee formed to address conservation of this species. The RRCC consists of state and federal resource agencies, power company utilities including Progress Energy, universities, and non-governmental organizations. The RRCC was organized in 1995 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Progress Energy has been a member since its inception. The RRCC was formed to identify priority conservation needs and help coordinate restoration efforts for this species throughout its known range in Atlantic Slope Rivers located in Georgia and the Carolinas. The RRCC has been highly successful in achieving conservation goals, research priorities, and restoration of this species in its range through a multi-agency, inter-disciplinary approach. The RRCC meets annually to review conservation goals and prioritize research activities. The RRCC activities are published in annual reports with the most recent data reported by DeMeo (2001). A Yadkin- Pee Dee River Technical Work Group (TWG) of the RRCC was formed during February 2002 to address conservation issues related to the species in the river basin. Progress Energy is an active TWG member. The TWG has met on a regular basis since February

108 The actual status of this species in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River remains presently unclear. The presence of gravid females and juvenile fish indicated some level of spawning activity and self-perpetuation of the population was occurring in the river reach below the Blewett Development. No spawning aggregations of males and females have been located on shoal or gravel bar habitat to date. The species is long-lived attaining a maximum age of at least 27 years, so it is possible other individuals are present but remain undetected by conventional fishery sampling methods. The TWG has developed conservation goals and research priorities for the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. Prioritized areas to search for spawning robust redhorse are the Fall Line and upper Coastal Plain reaches of the river below the Blewett Development during 2002 and Carolina redhorse (undescribed Moxostoma species) - Carolina redhorse, a Federal Species of Concern, is an undescribed sucker species currently known to exist in the Pee Dee River and Cape Fear River drainages. The undescribed status means established professional scientific committees have not officially validated the fish as a formal, distinct species through peer-review of its taxonomic and genetic characteristics. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program listed the species as significantly rare (LeGrand et al. 2001). Significantly rare is defined by the NCNHP as species existing in small numbers within the state and need of further monitoring to determine status. Carolina redhorse does not have RTE State status in either North Carolina or South Carolina. Fourteen Carolina redhorse were collected from Blewett Falls Lake (10 individuals) and the river reach below the hydroelectric development (four individuals) from 1999 to 2002 (Tables F-1 and F-2). One Carolina redhorse was collected from the headwaters of Lake Tillery during November No specimens were collected from the river reach below the Tillery Development (Table F-1). Five other specimens of Carolina redhorse have been documented from 1961 to 1994 from the Pee Dee River just below the Blewett Development to near Florence, South Carolina. One small juvenile was also collected from Mill Creek, a tributary of the Pee Dee River, approximately 19 km (12 miles) downstream of the Blewett Development (personal communication with Dr. Robert Jenkins, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia). 99

109 The exact distributional occurrence and life history requirements for this species, including spawning habitat, are presently unknown. This species may inhabit other mainstem reaches and tributaries of the Pee Dee River, including reservoirs, based on current records and habitat preferences. Sexually mature adults and spawning aggregates of this species have presently not been located within the areas of known inhabitation. Young-of-year, juveniles, and adults were present in Blewett Falls Lake with most specimens collected near woody debris at water depths less than 2 meters, mainly in the upper reservoir headwaters area. These collections indicated the reservoir was providing young-of-year rearing and nonspawning juvenile and adult holding habitat. Adult fish collected in the river below the Blewett Falls Development were found in shallow water (1-2 m depth) either near woody debris in pool habitat (Coastal Plain region) or boulders with cobble substrate in shallow run habitat (Fall Line region). No spawning fish were collected from either location. The specimen collected in Lake Tillery was collected in shallow water habitat (2-3 meters in depth) with boulder/cobble substrate and woody debris. It is unknown whether the specimen inhabited the lake on a year-round basis or whether it may have migrated into the lake from the Uwharrie River. Highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer) - The highfin carpsucker is listed as a state special concern species by the NCNHP. This species was collected by Progress Energy in Blewett Falls Lake during 1986 (2 adults from Transect D) and from the Pee Dee River in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, below the Blewett Development in 1977 (1 adult male). One ripe male in spawning condition (414 mm, 1000 g) was collected in the immediate tailwaters below the Blewett Development during April 1999 indicating possible reproductive activity (Table F-1). No other records of this species exist in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin (Menhinick 1997b). Accounts of this species given by Menhinick (1997a) and Fuller et al. (1999) indicated this species might have been introduced into the Yadkin- Pee Dee River basin. 100

110 4.4.2 Benthic Invertebrate Resources Historical Review of Benthic Invertebrate Studies Conducted at Project Reservoirs and Associated Tailwater River Reaches Few detailed studies exist of the benthic invertebrate communities associated with the Project reservoirs and downstream tailwaters. The NCDWQ has performed benthic invertebrate sampling of tributaries associated with Project waters as part of its basinwide assessment program. These assessments rated the health of streams (Poor, Fair, Good, and Excellent with additional inter-classification scores such as Good-Fair) based on a biotic bioclassification protocol developed by the agency (NCDWQ 1998, 2001, and 2002a). Major tributaries that were assessed by the NCDWQ during 2001 included the Uwharrie River, Clarks Creek, Brown Creek, Rocky River, Little River, Mountain Creek, Cartledge Creek, and Hitchcock Creek. Bioclassification ratings ranges from Good-Fair (Clarks and Hitchcock Creeks) to Excellent (lower Uwharrie River). The lower reach of the Rocky River received a Good bioclassification rating during The NCDWQ also previously sampled the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development at U.S. Highway 74 Bridge on September 11, 1985 and July 23, 1990 (personal communication with Mr. Dave Lenat, NCDWQ). The river was rated Good-Fair on both sample dates. The NCWRC, NCDWQ, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have conducted directed searches for mussel and snail species in the mainstem and tributaries of the Pee Dee River in the vicinity of the project (personal communication with Ms. Judith Ratcliffe, NCWRC). These surveys included the reach of the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development from 1987 to The SCDHEC has also performed benthic invertebrate bioclassifications of major tributaries of the Pee Dee River in the Coastal Plain area of the river. These assessments have been used in river basin assessments (SCDHEC 2001). The SCDHEC has not conducted any bioclassifications of the mainstem Pee Dee River in South Carolina. 101

111 Benthic Invertebrates Progress Energy Survey Results Progress Energy has recently performed surveys for benthic invertebrates. The sampling methodology for the benthic invertebrate surveys at the Project are given in Appendix D. Benthic invertebrate data and figures are located in Appendix F. The benthic invertebrate surveys were: (1) quarterly survey of the benthic invertebrate communities at Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, and (2) quarterly biotic bioclassifications of the aquatic invertebrate communities in both tailwater river reaches below the hydroelectric developments. Additionally, the river mussel fauna, observed during the stream or reservoir surveys, was evaluated to determine the presence of any state or federal RTE species that might inhabit tailwater reaches. These mussel searches were only conducted at the fixed environmental sampling locations. To ensure consistency in sampling methods and scoring protocol, Progress Energy, NCDWQ, and SCDHEC conducted a joint sampling effort at Transect 3 below the Blewett Development on February 2, Progress Energy and SCDHEC collected separate samples using the same sampling methods. The NCDWQ assisted in the sample collection. The Progress Energy and SCDHEC scores for the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) score, the Biotic Index (BI) values, and the final biotic bioclassification rankings were comparable. Progress Energy and SCDHEC collected the same number of EPT taxa (25) and derived the same EPT score (4.0). The BI values were also similar with a 4.97 for the SCDHEC data and a 4.98 score for the Progress Energy data. The EPT and BI score average was 4.5 for both data sets. The value of 4.5 is a midpoint value in ranking classifications, as defined in the scoring protocol. The final bioclassification ranking is based on the rounding protocol outlined in the SCDHEC standard operating procedures. The value is rounded up to excellent or down to good based on the EPT abundance in the sample. The SCDHEC s bioclassification rating was excellent while the Progress Energy bioclassification was Good. Thus, the results indicated Progress Energy s sampling methodology and taxonomic identification of benthic invertebrates were consistent in producing similar bioclassification rankings compared to another independent data set. 102

112 Mussel Collections Thirteen mussel taxa were collected by Progress Energy from Project reservoirs and the tailwater river reaches below the hydroelectric developments (Table F-38). These collections included three species currently listed as state Threatened in North Carolina. Specific information regarding these species is presented in the RTE section. Beside the mussel fauna, the nonnative Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) was abundant throughout the reservoirs and Project tailwaters. Surveys conducted by the NCWRC, NCDOT, and NCDWQ found 13 mussel taxa in the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development from 1987 to 2001 (Table F-39). One aquatic snail species, the gravel elimia (Elimia catenaria) was also found in these sampled areas. Twelve mussel taxa were observed near U.S. Highway 74 Bridge, approximately 5.6 km (3.5 miles) below the hydroelectric development. Eight mussel taxa were observed below the Mill Creek confluence near old Sneadsboro, North Carolina, approximately 19 km (12 miles) below the hydroelectric development. Four mussel species (Roanoke slab shell, alewife floater, eastern lampmussel, and eastern pondmussel) are listed as state Threatened in North Carolina while one mussel species (yellow lampmussel) was listed as state Endangered. Combining the Progress Energy and NCWRC data sets, a total of 15 mussel taxa were documented in the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development since Bogan (2002) listed 27 freshwater mussel species that are expected to occur in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. The following additional 14 mussel taxa, which were not observed in the Progress Energy and NCWRC surveys, are expected to occur in the river: 1. Brook floater (Alasmidonta varicose) North Carolina Endangered 2. Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) North Carolina Endangered 3. Savannah lilliput (Toxolasma pullus) North Carolina Endangered 4. Caolina creekshell (Villosa vaughaniana) North Carolina Endangered 5. Triangle floater (Anodonta implicata) North Carolina Threatened 6. Pod lance (Elliptio Folliculata) North Carolina Special Concern 7. Cape Fear spike (Elliptio marsupiobesa) North Carolina Special Concern 103

113 8. Notched rainbow (Villosa constricta) North Carolina Special Concern 9. Carolina lance (Elliptio angustata) 10. Box spike (Elliptio cistaelliformis) 11. Atlantic spike (Elliptio producta) 12. Carolina spike (Elliptio raveneli) 13. Lampmussel species (Lampsillis n.s.) 14. Florida pondhorn (Uniomerus caroliniana) Reservoir Benthic Invertebrates Lake Tillery A total of 85 benthic invertebrate taxa representing 24 families were collected from the 1-m, 2-m, and 4-m depths in Lake Tillery during 2000 (Table F-40). The benthic community was dominated by chironomids and oligochates (midges and worms), which was typical for reservoir environments (Tables F-40 and F-41). The dominant taxa varied within the reservoir according to water depth and longitudinal location (Table F-41). Dominant taxa at Station B3 (lower reservoir) included Ablabesmyia spp., A. mallochi, Amphichaeta americana, Argia spp., Bratislavia unidentata, Caenis spp., Chironomus spp., and Cladotanytarsus spp. A similar dominance pattern occurred at Station F1 (midreservoir) except that A. annulata, Arcteonais lomondi, and Axarus spp. were prevalent. At Station H1 in the reservoir headwaters, Chaoborus spp. was also a dominant taxa. A station-by-depth-by-sample date interaction (P < 0.001) precluded discussion of significant spatial or depth differences in total organism densities and taxa richness. General observations, however, indicated a greater number of taxa and total organism densities collected at the 1-m and 2-m depths compared to the 4-m depth (Tables F-40 and F-41). Spatially, total organism densities were slightly greater at the 1-m depth in the middle and upper reservoir areas than the 2-m depth in the lower area (Table F-41). A converse spatial pattern was observed at the 4-m depth (i.e., greater densities in the lower reservoir with lesser numbers in the middle and upper areas). A t-test was performed at 1-m and 2-m depths at the three stations to determine if there 104

114 were any depth differences prior to the analysis-of-variance tests for taxa richness and total density. No significant differences existed for these variables between the 1-m and 2-m depths. Temporal trends in taxa richness and total organism densities were variable (Figures F-35 and F-36). There were no explicit seasonal trends in the taxa richness or total organism densities at the 4-m depth. Total organism densities appeared to decline from February to November; however, the statistical interaction precluded definitive statistical statements concerning this trend. Benthic invertebrate taxa richness and total organism densities in Lake Tillery were considered in the moderate to high range when compared to reservoirs of similar status. The total number of taxa collected at Lake Tillery was similar to taxa composition at Blewett Falls Lake (Tables F-40 and F-44). However, organism densities were much greater in Lake Tillery compared to Blewett Falls Lake (Tables F-41 and F-45). The total densities of benthic invertebrates in Lake Tillery ranged from 5,793 to 55,348 organisms/m 2 across depth and station locations. In Blewett Falls, total densities ranges from 5,340 to 12,739 organisms/m 2. For comparison, total densities of benthic invertebrate in Hyco Reservoir, North Carolina, ranged from 1,881 to 15,859 organisms/m 2 during a 1990 study. Hyco Reservoir is a piedmont-cooling reservoir for the coal-fired Roxboro Steam Electric Plant (CP&L 1990). The reservoir trophic status ranges from oligotrophy to mesotrophy. Benthic invertebrate sampling was also conducted in the semi-riverine tailwater section of the upper portion of Lake Tillery just below APGI s Falls Hydroelectric Plant during Qualitative stream sampling techniques were used in this tailwater area to sample the benthic community in this area (Transect K). A total of 102 taxa were collected from this transect. No density estimates of benthic invertebrate abundance were obtained. Oligochaetes and chironomids were the dominant taxa in all sampled months (Table F-42). Few stonefly, mayfly, and caddisfly taxa were observed in this area (Table F-43; Figure F-39). Seasonally, a greater number of taxa, including the EPT taxa, were collected in the summer and fall months than the winter (Table F-43). 105

115 Blewett Falls Lake A total of 85 benthic invertebrate taxa representing 17 families were collected from the 1-m, 2-m, and 4-m depths in Blewett Falls Lake during 1999 (Table F-44). Similar to Lake Tillery, the benthic community was dominated by chironomids and oligochates (midges and worms) (Tables F-44 and F-45). The dominant taxa varied within the reservoir according to water depth and longitudinal location (Table F-44). Ablabesmyia spp., A. annulata, and A. mallochi, chirononmids were dominant throughout the reservoir at the sampled depths (Table F-45). Other dominant species included Amphichaeta americana, Arcteonais lomondi, Bratislavia unidentata, Caenis spp., Chironomus spp., Cladopelma spp., Cladotanytarsus spp., Chaoburus spp., and Branchiura sowerbyi. There was also a transect-by-depth-by sample date interaction (P = 0.05) indicating variable trends in taxa richness and total organism density at the 3-m and 5-m depths at Stations B3, D2, and F3. Station H3 was not included in this factorial analysis-of-variance test. Generally, there was no spatial pattern in taxa richness with respect to water depth. Taxa richness was greater at Station H3 located in the upper reservoir, which may have reflected a habitat edge effect within this riverine-reservoir transitional area. Total organism density was greater at the 3-m depth as compared to the 5-m depth at Stations B3, D2, and F3 (middle to lower reservoir areas). The total organism density at Station H3 in the upper reservoir was lower than densities observed at the 3-m depth in the middle and lower reservoir areas. Seasonal trends in taxa richness and total organism densities were not consistent with respect to station or depth variables (Figures F-38 and F-39). Taxa richness was variable at the 1-m and 3-m depths over sample months while there was a decline in taxa richness at the 5-m depth from February through November. Total organism density increased during this same period at the 1- m and 3-m depths. There was a decrease in total organism density at the 5-m depth from February through August for Stations B3, D2, and F3. Total organism densities increased during November at Stations D2 and F3 but not at Station B2. Seasonal shifts in total organism densities can be related to maturation and hatching of midge larvae as temperatures increase through the spring and summer months. 106

116 Pee Dee River Reach from the Tillery Development to Blewett Falls Lake A total of 176 benthic invertebrate taxa were collected from the river reach below the Tillery Development (Transects 1, 9, and 12) during 2000 (Table F-42). Taxa richness increased with distance from the immediate power plant tailwaters area, Transect 1. The number of taxa was 71 at Transect 1, 111 taxa at Transect 9 (vicinity of Leak Island and Buzzard Island), and 126 taxa at Transect 12 (North Carolina Highway 109). A similar trend was observed in the number of EPT taxa collected at each transect (Table F-43 and Figure F-39). A consistent seasonal progression was observed at each transect in total taxa richness, as well as the number of EPT, with greater richness in the spring, summer, and fall as compared to the winter. (Figure F-39). Bioclassification rankings at Transect 1 ranged from Poor during February and November to Fair during May and August (Table F-43 and Figure F-39). At Transects 9 and 12 located below the Rocky River confluence, bioclassification scores were higher and ranged from Fair to Good-Fair depending upon the transect and month. Bioclassification rankings at Transect 12 increased from Fair in February and May to Good-Fair in August and November. Transect 9, although not sampled in February, had rankings of Good-Fair in May and August and Fair in November. Pee Dee River Reach below the Blewett Development A total of 316 benthic invertebrate taxa were collected from the river reach below the Blewett Development during 1999 (Table F-46). The total number of taxa ranged from 121 taxa at Transect 1 to 172 taxa at Transect 5, and the number of taxa increased from immediate tailwaters area to the lower Coastal Plain area of the river. Similar results were observed in taxa richness during 2001 with 322 total taxa collected from all transects (Table F-47). A similar spatial pattern also existed for total number of taxa at transects except at Transect 5 where taxa richness was lower than upstream stations, Transects 3 and 4. The number of EPT taxa was generally greater at Transects 2, 3, 4, and 5 than at Transect 1 during 1999 and 2000 (Tables F-48 and F-49). There were no consistent spatial patterns of greater numbers of EPT taxa at the lower Coastal Plain stations (Transects 4 and 5) as compared 107

117 to the Upper Coastal Plain stations (Transect 2 and 3) during either year. Seasonal trends in total taxa and EPT taxa varied with station location and year (Figures F-40 and F-41). Abundance of stoneflies (Plecoptera) was generally greater in February of both years at all transects. This was related to the presence of mature, juvenile instars of several stonefly species that metamorphose in the winter and early spring months to reproduce. There were no discernible changes in mayfly and caddisfly abundance with respect to sampled month. Bioclassification stream rankings, based on the NCDWQ protocol, ranged from Good-Fair (Transect 1) to Excellent (Transect 5) during 1999 (Table F-48; Figure F-40). The bioclassification rankings were Good-Fair at Transect 1 during all months of 1999, while the downstream transects received Good rankings with the exception of Transect 5. Transect 5 received the Excellent bioclassification ranking during November. The NCDWQ also ranked Transect 1 Good-Fair during assessments conducted on September 11, 1985, and July 23, During 2001, there was some shift in bioclassification rankings, but, overall, these rankings were comparable to the 1999 data (Table F-49; Figure F-41). Transect 1 bioclassification rankings declined from Good-Fair to Fair during May and November. No changes occurred in the bioclassification rankings during February and August at this transect. Transects 3 and 4 had some bioclassification rankings change from Good to Excellent between 1999 and 2001 (Tables F-48 and F-49). The bioclassification ranking at Transect 5 during November changed from Excellent to Good between 1999 and Transect 3 also had the November bioclassification ranking change from Good to Good-Fair between years. The SCDHEC utilizes the NCDWQ protocol with the exception of the seasonal adjustment of EPT scores based on the presence of winter stonefly species (see Appendix D for description of protocol). Generally, the NCDWQ protocol with the seasonal adjustment will yield a more conservation bioclassification ranking (lower ranking), particularly during February and May, when the last instars of juvenile stonefiles are present prior to adult metamorphosis. The data from Transects 2, 3, 4, and 5 were scored using the SCDHEC protocol to determine where differences existed in bioclassification rankings. Bioclassification rankings increased from Good to Excellent at Transects 2 and 4 during February 1999 while Transect 2 changed 108

118 from Good to Excellent in February Other transect bioclassification rankings remained unchanged during both years Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species A search was made of NCNHP, NCMNS, and SCNHP records for the presence of rare, threatened and endangered mussel or other aquatic invertebrate species inhabiting the project reservoirs or associated tailwater reaches (LeGrand et al. 2001). Additionally, searches were made for aquatic invertebrate RTE species during the stream and reservoir environmental studies conducted from 1998 to Locations of RTE species found in the Project area are indicated on figures in Appendix G. Carolina heel splitter (Lasmigona decorata) - The Carolina heel splitter is a federally and state endangered mussel species. This species is a medium-sized mussel reaching about 115 mm in length and has a greenish to brown shell (Keferl 1991). The species was historically found in the Catawba, Pee Dee River, Savannah, and possibly the Saluda drainages in North Carolina and South Carolina but appears to have been extirpated from much of its former range. Currently, four known small populations of this mussel exist in tributaries of the Catawba River, Pee Dee River, and Savannah Rivers. The Carolina heel splitter appears to have been extirpated from the mainstem of the Pee Dee River for several decades based on current and historical records (USFWS 2002a). One historical record exists for this species (Lasmigona charlottensis synonomous with L. decorata) from the mainstem Pee Dee River (Richmond County) below the Tillery Development at Leak Island on July 5, 1971 (personal communications with Mr. John Fridell, USFWS, and Dr. Art Bogan, NCMNS). Recent surveys conducted by the NCWRC and NCDOT in the river reach at this site and downstream areas have failed to find any evidence of this species (USFWS 2002a; Table F-39). No Carolina heelsplitters were observed during the Progress Energy benthic surveys conducted from 1999 to 2001 (Table F-38). 109

119 Roanoke slabshell (Elliptio roanokensis) - The Roanoke slabshell is listed as a state Threatened species in North Carolina (LeGrand et al. 2001). Individuals of this species were collected by Progress Energy from four locations from 1999 to 2001: (1) the Pee Dee River, North Carolina, below the Tillery Development at North Carolina Highway 109 Bridge (Transect 12), (2) the Pee Dee River, North Carolina below the Blewett Development at U.S. Highway 74 Bridge, (3) the Pee Dee River, South Carolina below the Blewett Development near U.S. Highway 76 Bridge, and (4) Blewett Falls Lake at Transect F (Table F-38). This species was common to abundant at these locations based on qualitative observations. Occupied habitat by the species included both riverine and reservoir environments. Specimens ranged in length (diameter) from to 43 to 145 mm. Excluding the one small individual of 45 mm, the mean size of collected specimens was 138 mm. The NCWRC, NCDOT, and NCDWQ studies located this species at U.S. Highway 74 Bridge and below the Mill Creek confluence near Old Sneadsboro, North Carolina Eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) - The Eastern pondmussel is listed as a state Threatened species in North Carolina. The species was found by Progress Energy at Transects 1 and 5 located in the Pee Dee River below the Blewett Development during 1999 and Visual observations indicated this species was rare in these areas, although the noted occurrences indicate a rather wide habitat range spanning the Fall Line zone in North Carolina to the lower Coastal Plain zone in South Carolina. This species has no state-listed status in South Carolina waters of the river. The NCWRC studies also located specimens at the U.S. Highway 74 Bridge. Eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata radiata) - The eastern lampmussel is listed as a state Threatened species in North Carolina. Three individuals were located in the Pee Dee River at U.S. Highway 74 Bridge from January through June 2002 (Table F-39). Two specimens were also documented below the Mill Creek confluence during January 2001 by the NCWRC. Creeper (Strophitus undulatus) - The creeper is listed as a state Threatened species in North Carolina. One specimen was located at Transect 12 in the Pee Dee River reach below 110

120 the Tillery Development during May 2000 (Table F-38). Visual surveys and additional searches indicated this species was rare at this location. Alewife floater (Anodonta implicata) - The alewife floater is listed as a state Threatened species in North Carolina. The NCWRC, NCDOT, and NCDWQ studies documented this species at the U.S. Highway 74 Bridge during February 2001 (Table F-39). The estimate of abundance of this species was not given for this location. LeGrand et al. (2001) reported the inhabitation range for this species was the Chowan, Meherrin, and lower Roanoke Rivers in northeastern North Carolina. Collection of this specimen represents a new record and range extension of the species based on this information. Yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) - This species is listed as a state Endangered species in North Carolina. Three specimens were collected below the Mill Creek confluence during January and May 2001 by the NCWRC. Progress Energy also collected this species from the Pee Dee River in the Coastal Plain region of South Carolina during August The species has no state-listed status in South Carolina. 4.5 Botanical Resources This section presents a characterization of the botanical resources within the Project area. This includes discussions on terrestrial as well as wetland communities and identifies significant natural communities as well as rare, threatened, or endangered species found or with the potential to be found in the Project area. Progress Energy has performed surveys and reviewed records at the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) to characterize these resources associated with the Project. Methodology for the surveys are included in Appendix D. Progress Energy is proposing to establish an RWG for terrestrial resources with stakeholders in the spring of 2003 to review these data together. The RWG will discuss and as appropriate, identify areas where additional surveys by Progress Energy may be required to address specific Project operational effects on botanical resources provided there is reasonable evidence of a Project impact. 111

121 General Description Terrestrial Vegetation and Communities - In general, the majority of the natural communities along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River shoreline in proximity to the Project consist of hardwood and pine woodland. These deciduous areas can range from dry to mesic hardwood forest to rather extensive piedmont bottomland forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Planted pine stands are also scattered throughout and adjacent to the shoreline areas. Representative tree species in these deciduous areas include red maple (Acer rubrum), boxelder (A. negundo), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), white ash (Fraxinus americana), red oak (Quercus rubra), southern red oak (Q. falcata), willow oak (Q. phellos), white oak (Q. alba), and chestnut oak (Q. montana). Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia pine (P. virginiana), shortleaf pine (P. echinata), and longleaf pine (P. palustris) are also scattered throughout this community (Bates 2002; EA 2000). Typical shrubs and vines include mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum), dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa), common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), St. John s wort (Hypericum hypericoides), fetter-bush (Leucothoe racemosa), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), greenbrier (Smilax spp.), and muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) (Bates 2002; EA 2000). The representative and rather diverse herbaceous plant community typically consists of bottlebush grass (Elymus hystrix), poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), tick trefoil (Desmodium rotundifolium), white avens (Geum canadense), perfoliate bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), upright yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta), woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus), white wood aster (Aster divaricatus), whorled coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), halberd-leaved yellow violet (Viola hastata), black bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica), Carolina elephantfeet (Elephantopus carolinianus), downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera pubescens), ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), Christmas fern (Polystichium acrosticoides), and broom-sedge (Andropogon virginicus) (Bates 2002). 112

122 Larger stands of monotypic pine plantation are also found within some of the Progress Energy landholdings. Most of these areas are managed for timber production. The common pine species include loblolly and shortleaf pine. The relatively sparse understory, due to the closed canopy, typically consists of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and poison ivy. Terrestrial natural communities that are classified by the NCNHP and found within the project area include the following types. 6 A brief discussion of representative species for each comminuty is presented in below. Dry Oak-Hickory Forest - This common community is typically found on ridgetops, upper slopes, steep south-facing slopes, and other dry areas on acidic soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990). This community is found throughout the Piedmont and Coastal Plain areas of North Carolina. Representatives of this community are found on the east shoreline of Lake Tillery in association with the Morrow Mountain area, north of Tillery Dam, and along the slopes of the Little River north of Blewett Falls Lake. Species representative of the canopy include water oak, white oak, southern red oak, blackjack oak (Q. marilandia), red maple, sweet gum, and Virginia pine. Representative understory and shrub species include American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), flowering dogwood, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American holly (Ilex opaca), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), sparkleberry, and Virginia creeper. The typical herb species include ebony spleenwort, spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), rattlesnake hawkweed (Hieracium venosum), arrowleaf heartleaf (Hexastylis arifolia), northern oatgrass, and creeping bushclover (Lespedeza repens) (Bates 2002; Schafale and Weakley 1990). Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest - This community is typically located on mid slopes, low ridges, and flats on acidic soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990). A representative 6 According to Schafale and Weakley (1990), a natural community is a distinct and reoccurring assemblage of populations of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi naturally associated with each other and their physical environment. A natural community is characterized by vegetation composition and physiognomy, animal assemblages, topography, soils, hydrology, and other abiotic factors (Schafale and Weakley 1990). 113

123 community is found along the east shore of Lake Tillery on the slopes adjacent to the Rocky Creek arm. The canopy of this community consists of chestnut oak (Q. montana), water oak, white oak, willow oak, bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and shortleaf pine (P. echinata). The understory layer includes American hornbeam, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), American basswood (Tilia americana), flowering dogwood, spicebush (Lindera benzoin), bigleaf snowball (Styrax grandifolius), sparkleberry, Japanese honeysuckle, common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), and poison ivy. Herbs typical of this community include ebony spleenwort, southern lady fern (Athyrium asplenoides), rattlesnake fern (Botrychium virgianianum), spotted wintergreen, plume grass (Erianthus contortus), may apple (Podophyllum peltatum), Christmas fern, false Soloman s Seal (Smilacina racemosa), and little sweet trillium (Trillium cuneatum) (Bates 2002). Basic Oak-Hickory Forest - This community is found on slopes, ridges, upland flats, and other dry areas associated with basic or circumneutral soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Locations of this community are scattered throughout the Piedmont. A representative of this community is found along the east shore of Lake Tillery near Morgan Mountain and Cedar Creek. The species found in this community are indicative of basic soils and include canopy and shrub species such as chalk maple (Acer leucoderme), downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Georgia hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), flowering dogwood, American beech, smooth blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), and sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus). Herbs include thick-pod white wild indigo (Baptisia alba), dwarf iris (Iris verna), downy false indigo (Aureolaria virginica), and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) (Bates 2002). Piedmont Monadnock Forest - This community is found on monadnocks and dry ridges, generally over quartzite, ryolite or other highly resistant rock with very acidic 114

124 soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The canopy of this community is dominated by chestnut oak. Sparkleberry and dangleberry were the typical shrub species found in this community. The herb layer is sparse and consists of needle grass (Stipa avenacea) and bracken. This community is found in the area of Morrow Mountain State Park on Lake Tillery. Piedmont Mafic Cliff - This community consists of very steep to vertical slopes on rocky substrates, especially along stream and river bluffs (Schafale and Weakley 1990). A mafic rock outcrop is located at the Falls Hydroelectric Dam in Stanly County. Scattered canopy trees include post oak, sweet pignut hickory (Carya glabra), and chestnut oak. A rare shrub, Piedmont indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii) and a rare herb Yadkin River goldenrod (Solidago plumosa) were documented at this site located upstream of the project (Bates 2002). Pine Plantation - This community consists of managed pine plantation consisting of loblolly and shortleaf pine. Due to the pine density, the shrub and herb layer is typically sparse. Japanese honeysuckle and poison ivy can be common in certain locations. This community can be found along Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. Early Successional Communities - The early successional communities include existing maintained utility right-of-ways and recent timber harvesting areas. The existing utility corridors are maintained in an early successional stage ranging from herbaceous- to shrub-dominated habitats depending upon maintenance schedules and native vegetation. Timber harvesting is common throughout the area and clearcutting is one of the dominant harvest techniques. Vegetation composition and structure associated with these areas gradually change over time through natural successional processes. Blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) and herbaceous plants typically dominate these areas in the first few years following the harvest. Fast growing tree species such as cherries (Prunus spp.), sweetgum, red maple, and pines gradually shade the herb species and quickly dominate the clearcuts. These early successional habitats 115

125 generally remain thick and shrubby for up to 20 years following harvest unless they are replanted in the first few years. Agricultural Areas - Agricultural cover types along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River include cropland, pastures, hayfields, and fallow fields. The most common croplands include cotton, soybeans, and corn. Agricultural areas are common along the Pee Dee River between Lake Tillery and the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake. Wetland Vegetation and Communities - Palustrine or freshwater wetlands are relatively common within and adjacent to the waterbodies associated with the Project area. The majority of the wetlands within the Project area are associated with islands and the surrounding shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The area known as the Grassy Islands are representative of these wetlands. These islands are found in the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake (see Figure 4-2). Emergent and scrub/shrub wetlands are also associated with several of the larger protected coves distributed in the upper portion of Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery (CP&L 2001a). Wetlands are considered present when observations of vegetation, hydrology, and soil indicated that the current criteria for wetland jurisdictional determination was met (Environmental Laboratory 1987). Wetland natural communities that are classified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and found within the project area include the following types. A brief discussion of typical species found in these communities is presented below. Piedmont Alluvial Forest - This seasonally or intermittently flooded forested wetland community is located along river and stream floodplains within the project area. Associated with this community, as well as the other bottomlands, are scattered ephemeral or vernal pool depressional areas. These pools are subject to seasonal fluctuation and provide important breeding areas for several amphibian species such as mole salamanders. Emergent hydrophytes such as lizard s-tail (Saururus cernuus), sedges (Carex spp.), and rare Coastal Plain species such as water purslane (Didiplis diandra) are found in this community. 116

126 In the Project area the typical canopy species include the sycamore, red maple, river birch, and willow oak. The understory species include red maple, spicebush, box elder (Acer negundo), ironwood, and American holly. Shrubs and vines include brook-side alder, swamp rose, common elderberry, southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), poison ivy, and Virginia creeper. Representative herbs include cane, southern lady fern, rattlesnake fern, fringed sedge (Carex crinita), shallow sedge (C. lurida), Indian sea-oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica), spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimeneum), early meadowrue (Thalictrum dioicum), green dragon (Arisaema triphyllum), and perfoliate bellwort (Bates 2002; Schafale and Weakley 1990). The invasive Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Japanese honeysuckle can be prevalent in several areas along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. Piedmont Bottomland Forest - The bottomland forests consist of floodplain ridges and second and third terraces adjacent to the river channel or at least open water. The hydrology in this system is typically seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year) to temporarily flooded. Although depending on the terrace location, semi-permanently and intermittently flooded areas are also found within this community. The bottomland hardwood community consists of a high quality wetland and mature forest community. This community is diverse in vegetative structure and species richness and is relatively undisturbed. Most of the bottomland forest areas are associated with the Grassy Islands and surrounding floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. These islands and floodplains are found in the upper reaches of the impoundment and support some of the best remaining bottomland forests in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). There are several areas where swamp chestnut oaks, willow oaks, and loblolly pines are estimated to be at least 150 to 200+ years old and have a diameter at breast height from three to four feet. This area is an area of relatively undisturbed Piedmont bottomland community, which has been classified as Rare (S3) in North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The vegetation associated with the bottomlands forests consist of a mature canopy of various trees such as sycamore, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm 117

127 (Ulmus americana), red maple, lowland hackberry (Celtis laevigata), swamp chestnut oak, water oak, willow oak, loblolly pine, and cottonwood (Populus deltoides). These mature canopy trees were at least 80 to 100 years in age. In most of the bottomlands, the shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), poison ivy, greenbrier, cross vine (Bignonia capreolata), black willow (Salix nigra), Chinese privet, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varied in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consisted of false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Indian wild oats, fleabane species (Erigeron spp.), violet species (Viola spp.), sedge species (Carex spp.), giant cane, Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), and marshpepper smartweed (P. hydropiper). The herb layer can be nonexistent to quite dense depending on the duration of standing water and the extent of canopy closure. In several areas, including some channel fringe and cove areas, dense, monotypic stands of southern wild rice or giant cutgrass (Zizaniaopsis miliacea) are evident. Black willow and crimson-eyed mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are also found in the higher portions of these coves. These large, permanently to semi-permanently flooded areas are found in the vicinity of Mountain Island Creek confluence and several large coves on the Anson County side of Blewett Falls Lake. Piedmont Levee Forest - This natural community is associated with natural levee and point bar deposits on large floodplains, especially within Blewett Falls Lake (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The community is typically bordered by the river channel and grades into and is closely associated with the bottomland hardwood community. The Grassy Islands associated with Blewett Falls Lake exhibit some of the best remaining levee communities in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). The canopy is dominated by a mixture of large trees including sycamore, river birch, sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), boxelder, sweetgum, American elm, and cottonwood (Populus deltoides). These mature canopy trees are typically at least 80 to 100 years in age. The shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine, poison ivy, greenbriar, cross vine (Bignonia capreolata), black willow, spicebush, and pawpaw. This shrub and 118

128 vine layer varies in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consists of false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), wild oats, fleabane species, violet species (Viola spp.), sedge species (Carex spp.), giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), and smartweed species (Polygonum spp). Oxbow Lake - This natural community is associated with abandoned river channel meanders with permanent hydrology (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Within Blewett Falls Lake, this community is associated with an old oxbow/slough(s) of the Little River. These oxbows and sloughs are old historical channels believed to have formed as the Little River migrated north to its present location. A unique black gum (Nyssa aquatica) swamp community has been documented within the oxbow lake associated with Blewett Falls. Sorrie (2001) and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program believe that this specific Oxbow Lake community occurs nowhere else in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is listed as being of Statewide Significance. This community, including several of the representative plant species, is usually found only in the Coastal Plain physiographic region. The community is located approximately 2,000 ft upstream of the confluence of the Pee Dee River and the old oxbow. The identified gum swamp community is found on the first terrace adjacent to the oxbow open-water channel. This terrace is approximately one to two feet above the normal water level of the channel. Within this first terrace, and northeast to the manmade impoundment Smith Lake (at the headwaters of the swamp), the gum swamp can be found in a relatively discontinuous but locally dense band along the west side of the oxbow. The first terrace is bisected by a series of several parallel, meander sloughs that also are included within this community. These sloughs may be hydrologically connected to the main oxbow channel or they may be isolated by silt plugs (i.e., naturally occurring sediment blockages). Ephemeral or vernal pools are also common in this community. 119

129 Inundation frequency is influenced by the local climate including natural flooding from high rainfall events and daily/weekly operations of the Blewett and Tillery hydroelectric plants. The hydrology or water regime associated with this community is typically intermittently exposed to higher flows with semi-permanent inundation and permanent soil saturation. The community is also characterized by the dominant presence of water tupelo (i.e., black gum), with some red maple (Acer rubrum) and water hickory (Carya aquatica) present. It is estimated that there are approximately 300 water tupelos within the Progress Energy landholdings. The majority of the trees are approximately 100+ years. However, the range is estimated at 10 to 250+ years of age. The most common herb species included lizard-tail, clearweed, inflated sedge (Carex folliculata), and pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata). Two State Rare and disjunct, Coastal Plain plant species have been found in this natural community including prickly hornwort (Ceratophyllum echinatum) and water purslane (Sorrie 2001). Other Wetland Communities - Several other wetland communities are found throughout the project area. One of the more common emergent wetlands, especially on Lake Tillery, includes those areas consisting of water willow (Justicia americana). The water willow beds found on Lake Tillery are the most frequently mapped habitat types on the lake (CP&L 2001a). These semi-permanently flooded areas can be found at the mouth of the Uwharrie River, the Cedar Creek complex, and the Richmond Creek confluence. Submergent and aquatic bed wetlands can also be found throughout the project area, especially in protected coves. These permanently to semi-permanently flooded wetlands include aquatic species such as pondweed (Potomogeton spp.), muskgrass (Chara spp.), coontail (Ceratophyllum sp.), and brittle naiad (Najas minor). 120

130 Significant Natural Communities Each natural area or community in North Carolina is assigned a significance level such as national, state, regional, or county (Sorrie 2001). There are several significant natural communities or natural communities of concern in the Project area. Nationally significant areas consist of outstanding ecological values and rank with the best of their kind within the U.S. Areas of statewide significance have high ecological value and are among the best in the state of North Carolina. Regionally significant areas are the best of their kind in a multi-county area. Areas of countywide significance generally contain common habitat types that are not especially exemplary (Sorrie 2001). Communities of significance in the Project area are located on figures located in Appendix G and include the following areas: Badin Mafic Macrosite - The Uwharrie River flows through the Uwharrie National Forest in the Badin area to the confluence with the Yadkin area. The dominant rock in this area is argillite, which is a metasedimentary rock (Bates 2001). However, interspersed with this formation are pockets of mafic volcanic, felsic volcanic and diabase. The neutral to basic soil ph found in the mafic and diabase formations supports several rare natural communities and plant species (Bates 2001). The sites in this complex are described below. Falls Dam Slope - This State Significant, Montgomery County site is located on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands directly downstream of Badin Lake and Falls Dam on the Yadkin River. This area is located adjacent to the upper reaches of Lake Tillery. The site supports numerous rare plant populations and exemplary natural communities (Bates 2001). The site consists of Piedmont Monadnock Forest, Piedmont Heath Bluff, Basic Oak-Hickory Forest, and Piedmont Mafic Cliff (Bates 2001). The rare plant species found onsite include piedmont indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii), Carolina thistle (Cirsium carolinanum), littleleaf sneezeweed (Helenium brevifolium), Schweinitz s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii), and eastern agave (Manfreda virginica). A historic record of Yadkin River goldenrod was also documented at this site. 121

131 Dutch John Creek Area - This Montgomery County site is listed as Regional Significant (Bates 2001). The site is located on USFS and private land and is approximately 6,000 ft downstream of the Falls Dam. This site consists of large unfragmented, Dry Oak-Hickory Forest and Piedmont Heath Bluff (Bates 2001). Several rare plants including Carolina thistle and piedmont indigo-bush have been documented within this site. Gold Mine Branch Longleaf Pine Forest - This State Significant site in Montgomery County occurs in a large block of USFS property (Bates 2001). The site supports a remnant Piedmont Longleaf Pine Forest that is uncommon within the county. Pee Dee River Megasite - The Pee Dee River megasite comprises nearly the entire western boundary of Richmond County, from the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge down to the South Carolina border and a portion of Anson County (Sorrie 2001). Part of this megasite includes Blewett Falls Lake, with the remaining being free-flowing river. Overall, this statewide significant area contains some of the best remaining representatives of riverine communities on the North Carolina reach of the Pee Dee River (Sorrie 2001). Within this megasite are seven natural communities of significance. Five of which are within proximity to the Project. Lower Little River - This Richmond County site contains high quality bottomland hardwood forests along the Little River. This area supports the largest remaining bottomland on the Pee Dee River (Sorrie 2001). This regional significant area has been recognized as one of the 13 Significant Aquatic Biodiversity Areas in North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). This area, which is located between the Tillery Dam and Blewett Falls Lake supports the state s only population of mossy valvata snail (Valvata sincera) and one of the largest populations of southern nodding trillium (Trillium rugelii). Pee Dee River Grassy Islands/Oxbow Site - According to Sorrie (2001), this is the most important natural area within the piedmont of Richmond County and includes a mix of habitats found nowhere else in the piedmont (i.e., oxbow lake with water tupelo 122

132 or blackgum). This area supports a variety of floodplain and slope forests, extensive marshes, and an oxbow lake. The site also supports the largest expanse of levee forest and bottomland hardwood forest along the Pee Dee River (Sorrie 2001). Piedmont and coastal plain species are found together in this community. There are six state rare plant species also found in this area (Sorrie 2001). Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes Significant Natural Heritage Area - This community is located east of the Pee Dee River in Rockingham County, just north of U.S. Highway 74 (i.e., downstream of Blewett Falls Lake). The area is approximately 102 acres in size and is owned in part by Progress Energy (EA 2000). This area is regionally significant and represents a quality climax mixed hardwood community that has developed over high-base soil and gabbro intrusion (EA 2000; Sorrie 2001). The slopes support areas of Basic Mesic Forest in rich soil. However, the majority of the site consists of drier forest such as Basic Oak-Hickory Forest (Sorrie 2001). This site is notable for its mixture of piedmont and coastal plain species, which are distinct many miles from their next known occurrence in North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). Several rare plants such as piedmont aster (Aster mirablis), Cumberland spurge (Euphorbia mercurialina), and glade milkvine (Matelea decipiens) are found in this community (Sorrie 2001). Hitchcock Creek/Pee Dee River Slopes - This Richmond County site occurs in part on a rare gabbro rock formation that yields relatively high ph soils and indicative communities such as the Mesic Basic Forest and the Basic Oak-Hickory Forest (Sorrie 2001). This site includes rocky slopes, a steep ravine, floodplain forest, and the Pee Dee River (Sorrie 2001). This site is only one of four significant communities that originates in the coastal plain and terminates in the piedmont. This regionally significant site supports four state-listed rare plant species and a number of other species rare in Richmond County including the piedmont aster, Cumberland spurge, and glade milkvine (Sorrie 2001). 123

133 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Progress Energy has contacted the NCNHP and the USFWS concerning RTE plant species in the Project area. The majority of the listed plants are associated with the significant natural communities mentioned above. Figures showing locations of any known RTE plant species within the Project area are presented in Appendix G. Table 4-4 provides a summary of the 24 listed plants that have been documented or potentially occur in the project area. TABLE 4-4 RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR POTENTIALLY PRESENT WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA Common Name Status Distribution Habitat Notes (Species Name) Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) Canby s Dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi) Rough-leaved Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia) Schweinitz s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) Yadkin River Goldenrod (Solidago plumosa) Bog Spicebush (Lindera subcoriacea) FE, NCE FE,NCE FE,NCE FE,NCE FSC, NCE FSC, NCE Restricted to VA, NC, SC, GA. Six populations in NC One population in NC Coastal plain of NC and SC Piedmont of NC and SC only Stanly and Montgomery counties, NC Southeastern U.S (NC to FL) Open woods, cedar barrens, clearcuts, powerline corridors, roadsides, and dry basic soils Coastal plain habitats of organicrich wet meadows, wetland pine savannas, cypress ponds Longleaf pine ecotones and pond pine pocosins. Seasonally saturated soils Prairie-like areas such as clearings, roadsides, and utility right-of-ways. Moist to dry clays and clay-loams Open thin woods with sandy soils Swamp edges and moist pinelands, savannas, and bogs Potentially present due to available habitat in thepproject. Perennial blooms from May-July Potentially (unlikely) present due to available habitat in the periphery of Project area. Perennial blooms from May-August Potentially present due to available habitat in the periphery of Project area. Perennial blooms from mid May-June Documented in Stanly and Montgomery counties (Falls Dam Slope area). Perennial blooms from September to frost Documented project area in Montgomery County- along shoreline of Lake Tillery and Morrow Mountain State Park. Blooms from July-October Documented in Richmond and Montgomery counties. Historic record in Anson County. Peripheral of Project area. Blooms in March-June 124

134 Common Name (Species Name) Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii) Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Riverbank Vervain (Verbena riparia) Littleleaf Sneezeweed (Helenium brevifolium) Piedmont Aster (Aster mirablis) Cypress-knee Sedge (Carex decomposita) Carolina Thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) Cumberland Spurge (Euphorbia mercurialina) Glade Milkvine (Matelea decipiens) Thick-pod White Indigo (Baptisia alba) TABLE 4-4 (Continued) Status Distribution Habitat Notes FSC, NCSR-T FSC, NCWL FSC, SR-T NCE NCSR-T NCSR-T NCSR-P Piedmont of NC, GA, and AL Canada south to Georgia and Arkansas NC to FL and TX NC, FL, AL, and MS Piedmont of Carolinas, GA, FL and south LA Southeastern U.S. NC, SC, GA, TN, and KY Rocky river bluffs, rock outcrops, and woods Rich bottomlands mostly in mountains Roadsides and riverbanks with sandy soils Streambanks and bogs Wooded slopes and alluvial woods with basic or circumneutral soils Marshes and swamp forests Roadsides and woodland openings. Requires sunlight for germination NCSR-P VA to FL Open thin woods with sandy soils NCSR-P NCSR-P Scattered locations in NC, SC and TN piedmont /coastal plain Piedmont Carolinas, VA, GA, FL, TN Woodland margins and clearings Open woodlands and clearings Documented project area within Montgomery County near Lake Tillery Dam (Falls Dam Slope) and other locations along Lake Tillery Potentially occurs in Project area Documented in Stanly County. Blooms June through September. Potentially occurs in Project area Potentially occurring in Montgomery County. Historic record just below Falls Dam Documented in Stanly and Richmond counties. Found along shoreline of Blewett Falls Lake (Gabbro Slopes) and downstream of lake. Blooms in late summer Documented in Richmond County along tributaries to Pee Dee River Documented in Montgomery County within Uwharrie National Forest and adjacent to Lake Tillery Documented in Montgomery and Richmond counties along both Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. Blooms from April- September Documented in Richmond County along Pee Dee River south of Blewett Falls Dam Documented in Stanly and Montgomery counties within Lake Tillery Project area (Basic Oak-hickory forest) 125

135 Common Name (Species Name) Heller s Rabbit Tobacco (Gnaphalium helleri var helleri) Dissected Toothwort (Cardamine dissecta) Water Purslane (Didiplis diandra) Bluff Oak (Quercus austrina) Pink Thoroughwort (Eupatorium incarnatum) Huger s Carrion-Flower (Smilax hugeri) Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) Large Yellow Lady-slipper (Cypripedium pubescens) TABLE 4-4 (Continued) Status Distribution Habitat Notes NCSR-P NCSR-P NCSR-P NCSR-P NCSR-P NCSR-P NCWL NCWL Eastern U.S. (piedmont), IN, AK, TX Carolinas, VA, FL, TN, KY Coastal plain NC, VA, GA, FL, and MS NC, GA, FL, AL, MS Mountains, coastal plain, and piedmont of NC and SC. Also FL, and WV Coastal plain and piedmont of Carolinas. Also GA, FL, AL Piedmont and mountains of SC and NC and other southeastern states Mountains and piedmont of NC, SC and other southeastern states Dry sandy woods over mafic rocks Rich woods and bottomlands Vernal and ephemeral pools, ponds within bottomlands Rich soils along bluffs and bottomlands Basic and circumneutral soils in deciduous woods and thickets Deciduous woods Upland woods usually near granite outcrops Rich and moist wooded slopes Documented in Montgomery County. Historic record in Anson County. Blooms September - October Documented in Anson and Montgomery counties (Lake Tillery alluvial forests). Documented in project area within Richmond County. Found in oxbow lake of Blewett Falls Lake (vernal pools) Documented in Anson, Montgomery and Richmond counties. Located in bottomlands of Blewett Falls Lake Documented in Richmond County. Located along Blewett Falls Lake Documented in Anson and Richmond counties (bottomlands of Blewett Falls Lake) Documented in Montgomery County along Lake Tillery (Basic Oak-Hickory Forest near Cedar Creek Documented in Montgomery County along Lake Tillery (Uwharrie River area) Note: FE=Federal Endangered; FT=Federal Threatened; FSC=Federal Species of Concern; NCE=North Carolina Endangered; NCT=North Carolina Threatened; NCSC=North Carolina Species of Concern; NCR=North Carolina Significantly Rare; NCWL=North Carolina Watch List (LeGrand et al. 2001). 4.6 Wildlife Resources This section presents a characterization of the wildlife resources within and adjacent to the Project. Progress Energy has performed surveys to characterize these resources. Methodologies for wildlife surveys have been included in Appendix D. Progress Energy is proposing to establish an RWG for terrestrial resources with stakeholders in the spring of 2003 to review these 126

136 data together. The RWG will discuss and as appropriate, identify areas where additional surveys by Progress Energy may be required to address specific Project operational effects on wildlife resources provided there is reasonable evidence of a Project impact. General Description The Pee Dee River Basin, including Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, is known to be an area of significant vertebrate diversity (Wharton et al. 1982). For instance, the nearby Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge, which is situated on the banks of the Pee Dee River in Anson and Richmond counties, outside of the Project boundary between Tillery and Blewett Falls, has documented 28 mammal species, 171 bird species, and 56 reptiles and amphibians (EA 2000). The Uwharrie National Forest, which is located in Davidson, Montgomery, and Randolph counties and borders Lake Tillery, has documented 15 mammal species, 106 bird species, 36 reptile species and 22 amphibian species. This wildlife diversity is primarily due to the excellent habitat found in the project area that provides shelter, breeding areas, food, and water to the various species (EA 2000). The river below Lake Tillery has been rated as having an ORV designation for wildlife (NPS 2001). Rivers are designated should the river or river corridor contain nationally or regionally important populations or exceptionally high quality habitat and/or may provide unique habitat or a link in habitat conditions for federal- or state-listed (or candidate) threatened, endangered, or sensitive species (NPS 2001). A list of species known to be present in the Project area is presented in Table 4-5. TABLE 4-5 REPRESENTATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES LIST FOR THE PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA Common Name Scientific Name Riverine Habitat Birds Canada goose Branta canadensis Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Wood duck Aix sponsa Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Great blue heron Ardea herodius Great egret Casmerodius albus Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Osprey Pandion haliaetus Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 127

137 TABLE 4-5 (continued) Common Name Scientific Name Mammals Beaver Castor canadensis Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus River otter Lutra canadensis Reptiles and Amphibians Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Banded water snake Nerodia fasciata Common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina Common musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus Dwarf waterdog Necturus punctatus Eastern river cooter Pseudemys concinna Yellowbelly slider Trachemys scripta Spiny softshell Trionyx spiniferus Wetland and Riparian Habitats Birds Prothonotary warbler Prothonotary citrea Hooded warbler Wilsonia citrina Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Acadian flycatcher Empidonax virescens Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Wood duck Aix sponsa Barred owl Strix varia Wild turkey Meleagris gallapavo Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus Green heron Butroides virescens Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Osprey Pandion haliaetus Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Wetland and Riparian Habitats Birds (Continued) Great blue heron Ardea herodius Wood duck Aix sponsa Green-winged teal Anas crecca Black duck Anas rubripes Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Canada goose Branta canadensis Mammals Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus Southern short-tailed shrew Sorex longirostris Marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Southern flying squirrel Glaucomys volans Mink Mustela vison Bobcat Lynx rufus 128

138 TABLE 4-5 (continued) Common Name Scientific Name Raccoon Procyon lotor White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Reptiles and Amphibians Marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum Spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum Mud salamander Pseudotriton montanus Red-spotted newt Notophthalmus viridescens Green frog Rana clamitans Gray tree frog Hyla versicolor Northern cricket frog Acris crepitans Southern leopard frog Rana utricularia Box turtle Terrapene carolina Eastern painted turtle Chrysemys picta Canebrake rattlesnake Crotalus horridus atricaudatus Black racer Coluber constrictor Black rat snake Elaphe obsoleta Eastern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus American toad Bufo americanus Upland Habitat Birds Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus Wild turkey Meleagris gallapavo Chuck-will s-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Great-crested flycatcher Myiachis crinitus American crow Corvus brachyrhyncos Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Carolina chickadee Poecile carolinensis Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Blue-headed vireo Vireo solitarius Pine warbler Dendroica pinus Hooded warbler Wilsonia citrina Ovenbird Seiurus noveboracensis Common grackle Quiscalus quiscalus Summer tanager Piranga olivacea Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis American kestrel Falco spaverius Northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea Song sparrow Melospiza melodia Mammals Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Least shrew Cryptotis parva Meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius Eastern chipmink Tamias striatus Opossum Didelphis virginianus Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus 129

139 TABLE 4-5 (continued) Common Name Scientific Name Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus Golden mouse Ochrotomys nuttali Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Coyote Canis latrans Red fox Vulpes vulpes Reptiles and Amphibians Spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum American toad Bufo americanus Fowler's toad Bufo woodhousii fowleri Northern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix Corn snake Elaphe guttata Black rat snake Elaphe obsoleta Eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis Box turtle Terrapene carolina Broadhead skink Eumeces laticeps Five-lined skink Eumeces fasciatus Green anole Anolis carolinensis Six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus Northern dusky salamander Desmognathus fuscus Two-lined salamander Eurycea bislineata Three-lined salamander Eurycea guttolineata The majority of the shoreline along both Project developments is characterized by a mix of wetland, riparian, and upland habitats. This location and landscape position of wetland, hardwood forest, pine forest, and early successional growth provides favorable habitat interspersion for most of the region s wildlife species. The shoreline and adjacent habitats are largely forested, undeveloped, and provide important travel corridors and breeding habitat for the wildlife (Sorrie 2001). Wildlife habitats within the Project area include riverine, wetland, riparian, and upland communities. Riverine Habitats - The riverine habitats, which include the main channel of the river and adjacent shallows, provide extensive foraging area for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Wetland and Riparian Habitats - Wetland and riparian habitats are associated with the extensive and mature hardwood bottomlands located along the river and the islands such as the Grassy Island complex within Blewett Falls Lake. The forested wetlands are similar in structure to other forested cover types and generally have a diverse assemblage of canopy and cavity dwelling wildlife species. Understory shrubs and herbaceous vegetation are 130

140 typically better developed in these wetland and riparian types. These bottomland areas also include communities such as ephemeral or vernal pools that serve as important breeding areas for several species of amphibians, such as the spotted salamander and American toad. There is also extensive scrub-shrub and emergent wetlands scattered throughout the Project area. The scrub-shrub wetlands are structurally similar to early successional habitats although they generally have a greater diversity and abundance of wildlife species due in part to the presence of at least a seasonal hydrology. The common scrub-shrub wetlands in the project area include the black willow communities in the backwater and fringes of the larger coves. The emergent wetland habitats are dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little or no shrub or tree cover. The backwaters, old channels, and coves of Blewett Falls Lake have extensive areas of southern wild rice, as well as lizard s-tail, arrow arum, and various sedges. The Pee Dee River in the vicinity of Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake is listed by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (Atlantic Coast Joint Venture) as a North Carolina Focus Area (NAWMP undated). The bottomland hardwood forest and adjoining upland buffer is listed as high value for breeding and migratory black duck, mallard, and the wood duck. The adjoining Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is managed for waterfowl and is adjacent to the Project area in Anson and Richmond counties. Upland Habitats - The upland habitats within and immediately adjacent to the Project area include hardwood forest, pine forest, and successional lands such as existing utility rightof-ways, clearcuts, and agricultural lands. Significant Wildlife Communities Significant wildlife communities are those areas that include habitats for state- and federallylisted endangered and threatened species, wading bird breeding areas (i.e., rookeries), and stateor federally-designated refuges or wildlife management areas. Significant wildlife communities in the Project area are located on figures in Appendix G and are discussed below. 131

141 Bald Eagle Nesting Areas - The bald eagle is listed as a federally-threatened and stateendangered species. The bald eagle is also protected through the Bald Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The state of North Carolina has seen an increase from no breeding pairs in the late 1960s to approximately 34 pairs as of 2000 (Watts and Bradshaw 2001a). Bald eagles typically nest along wooded shorelines near large expanses of open water with an abundance of food items (e.g., fish, carrion, and waterfowl). These nests usually occupy one of the dominant pine trees in the area (Peterson 1986). Adult eagles mate for life and return to the same nesting area each year. There are six known bald eagle nests in the vicinity of the Project area from High Rock Lake down to the Blewett Falls Lake. A brief description of the bald eagle nests found within or adjacent to the Project boundary are presented below. There is one bald eagle documented on Lake Tillery in Stanly County. This active nest is located along the west shore of the lake just below Tater Top Mountain and the within Morrow State Park boundary (Watts and Bradshaw 2001a). This nest, found in a dead loblolly pine, is in good condition. In 2001, a single chick was observed in the nest. A chick was also fledged from this nest in 2002 (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). There is also a documented eagle nest located in the river reach between the Tillery Dam and Blewett Falls Lake (Watts and Bradshaw 2001a). This nest is located in close proximity to the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant, along the west shore of the river. In 2001, two chicks were documented in this nest. In 2002, no eagles were observed in association with this nest (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). This is probably due to the considerable wind damage the nest received in the non-breeding season. During this time, most of the nest had been blown out of the live loblolly pine tree (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). In 2002, Progress Energy biologists reported that a pair of eagles were attempting to build a new nest in the vicinity of the original but damaged nest below the Lake Tillery dam (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). This nest is located along the edge of a field near North Carolina Highway 731 and appeared to be a replacement nest. However, during 132

142 the 2002 aerial eagle surveys, this nest could not be located and no eagles were sighted (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). An eagle nest known to occur in the Project area is located on a short peninsula along the west shore just above the Blewett Falls dam (Watts and Bradshaw 2001a). Two chicks were observed in this nest in However, the original nest occupied in 2001 was lost late to windthrow late in the season (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). In April 2002, a new nest was found to be constructed in the same location, and it produced two chicks (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). In June 2002, no birds were observed at this location, and the nest appeared to have been completely lost to windthrow. During the 2002 eagle survey, an additional pair of adult eagles and a young-of-theyear bird was documented within the river reach from the Blewett Falls Dam to Cheraw, South Carolina (i.e., southern tip of Leak Island) (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). Given the behavior and age of the young bird, it is surmised that the birds were within 1 to 2 km of an active nest (Watts and Bradshaw 2002). This site is considered to be an occupied territory and active during the 2002 season. Osprey Nesting Areas - The osprey is a widely distributed raptor that occurs primarily along rivers, lakes, and seacoasts or any waterbody where fish are available (Vana-Miller 1987). Fish that frequent shallow waters or occur near the surface of deeper waters are those most often taken by this species. Bottom-feeding fish such as suckers, catfish, and carp are also forage species for the osprey (Vana-Miller 1987). Tall dead snags or live trees with missing crowns that are surrounded by water provide the ideal nesting sites for inland breeding ospreys (Vana-Miller 1987). The particular species of nest tree, height of the tree, and surrounding tree density are highly variable and do not appear to be critical to the nest site (Vana-Miller 1987). Ospreys typically choose stable nesting structures with maximum visibility from the nest at a height similar to surrounding 133

143 structures. Ospreys exhibit strong nest fidelity, usually returning to the same nest for a number of years. One active osprey nest is known to exist in the Project area. This nest is found on one of the Grassy Islands within the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake. The osprey is not a state- or federal-listed species, although it is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wading Bird Rookeries - A wide variety of nesting habitats is used by the great blue heron and other similar wading birds (Short and Cooper 1985). These wading birds are known to be colonial nesters and form large rookeries or heronries in riparian and bottomland areas, as well as isolated islands (CP&L 2001b). Trees are the preferred rookery substrate with nests commonly 5 to 15 meters above the ground (Short and Cooper 1985). Heron nest colony sites are largely traditional, although the interchange of individuals between rookeries is common (Short and Cooper 1985). In North Carolina, heron rookeries are classified as rare and uncommon (S3). The herons and the rookeries are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. There are a total of six documented great blue heron rookeries in the stretch of the Yadkin- Pee Dee River from High Rock Lake to just below Lake Tillery (CP&L 2001b, Watts and Bradshaw 2001b). One great blue heron colony is located along the west shoreline immediately below the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant (CP&L 2001b). This colony has extensive foraging use of the Lake Tillery tailwater area. A total of 30 pairs, including 28 nesting pairs, were associated with this colony in During the bald eagle survey of 2002, 39 nesting pairs were documented at this colony (CP&L 2002; Watts and Bradshaw 2002). Overall, during the 2002 wading bird survey, 45 heron nests with 76 hatchlings were counted. Refuges and Wildlife Management Areas - Within the Project area, there are several state- and federal-managed lands that are important to local and regional wildlife resources. In the area adjacent to High Rock Lake (i.e., Uwharrie and Alcoa Gamelands) to downstream of Blewett Falls Lake, there is over 87,668 acres of state and federal land dedicated for wildlife management and outdoor recreation. 134

144 On Lake Tillery, there are several wildlife lands of significance. The first area is associated with the 4,700-acre Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County. This park, which is administered by the NCDENR, is located on the west shore of the Project just downstream of Falls Dam. The park provides a variety of wildlife habitat up through an elevation of 936 ft msl at Morrow Mountain. The park is well known for its wildlife viewing. The other area of wildlife significance in the Lake Tillery area consists of the 47,000-acre Uwharrie National Forest. The National Forest is located in Montgomery, Davidson, and Randolph counties east of both Badin Lake and Lake Tillery. This recreational area is well known for its healthy populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, small game, and waterfowl. Although most of the National Forest is in mature hardwood, regional biologists have established several large early successional areas and food plots within the boundaries. The National Forest has documented 15 mammal species, 106 bird species, 36 reptile species, and 22 amphibian species within the boundaries. The Blewett Falls Lake area is also known for several high quality wildlife lands (USFWS 2002b). The first area consists of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge located in Anson and Richmond counties between the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, but outside of the Project boundary. This 8,843-acre refuge is part of the Savannah-Santee-Pee Dee Ecosystem and provides a diversity of habitats and management programs for a broad range of wildlife species. The refuge lands are comprised of 3,000 acres of high quality bottomland hardwoods, 1,200 acres of upland pine forest and 4,300 acres of croplands, old fields, moist soil management areas, and mixed pine hardwoods (USFWS 2002b). The refuge provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and songbirds, endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, and game animals such as the white-tailed deer, bobwhite, and wild turkey. The refuge is regionally well known for its birding potential especially during the spring and fall migration periods. The refuge has documented 28 mammal species, 171 bird species, and 56 reptiles and amphibian species within its borders. 135

145 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species There are 18 documented RTE species found within the four-county Project area. However, 10 of these species are closely tied to the longleaf pine and scrub oak sandhills located within eastern Richmond and Montgomery counties. These Coastal Plain sandhills are located at the periphery of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project area. Suitable habitat for these species, although limited, is provided in the project area or immediately adjacent to Project land. The bald eagle is the RTE species most commonly observed in the Project area. Based on 2001 and 2002 survey data, there are six active eagle nests in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River area (see Significant Wildlife Communities above). Eagles are also observed in the tailwater areas associated with several of the river developments. Figures locating known RTE species found within the Project area are presented in Appendix G. Table 4-6 provides a listing of RTE wildlife species that are known to occur or potentially be present in the project area. TABLE 4-6 RTE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR POTENTIALLY PRESENT WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA Common Name Status Distribution Habitat Notes (Species Name) Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Eastern Cougar (Felis concolor cougar) Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) Rafinesque s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) FE, NCE FT, NCE NCE NCT FSC, NCSC Closely tied to longleaf pine, East TX to FL to NJ. Current estimates 10,000 to 12,000 individuals North America; 2,000+ pairs in NC Remote scattered sites Coastal Plain of eastern U.S. and Midwest Eastern U.S. and scattered counties throughout NC Open stands of old growth longleaf and loblolly pine ( years) Coasts, large lakes, rivers with forested areas Large forested area with adequate food supply Sandy pinewoods; vernal pools for breeding Colonial roosts in caves, mines, and hollow trees near water Existing population (one individual) at Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge (Anson County). Also in Montgomery and Richmond County sandhills Six known nests in the Yadkin-Pee Dee project area. Proposed for delisting Probably not a viable eastern population. Sighted in Uwharrie National Forest and Carolina Sandhills NWR Documented in Richmond County Documented in Richmond County 136

146 Common Name (Species Name) Bachman s Sparrow (Aimophilia aestivalis) Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) Pine Barrens Treefrog (Hyla andersonii) Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) Star-nosed Mole [Coastal Plain Population] (Condylura cristata) Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus) Swainson s Warbler (Limnothlypsis swainsonii) TABLE 4-6 (continued) Status Distribution Habitat Notes FSC, NCSC FSC, NCSC NCR NCR NCR Southeastern U.S Scattered location throughout the southeastern U.S. Eastern and Midwestern U.S. Midwestern and western U.S.; mostly west of the Appalachians Coastal southeastern U.S Open longleaf pine forests Dry and sandy woods associated with pine/scrub oak sandhills Open forests associated with longleaf pine/scrub oak and sandhills Open sandhills with scrubs and trees Sandy woods; sandhill longleaf pine/scrub oak NCR Southeastern U.S. Dry and sandy woods NCR NCR NCSC NC, SC, FL, and NJ Eastern and midwestern U.S. Eastern and midwestern U.S. Pine barrens, bay forests, swamps, and boggy areas Upland forest Pools and seepages in hardwood forests NCSC Southeastern U.S. Bottomlands with vernal pools NCSC NCSC Coastal Plain of NC Throughout most of North American; declining east of the Mississippi River Bottomlands, moist meadows, and swamps Fields and old pastures with perches and thorny scrubs NCWL Southeastern U.S. Bottomlands, swamps, and stream bottoms Documented in Richmond County Documented in Montgomery and Richmond counties Documented in Anson and Richmond counties Documented in Richmond County Documented in Richmond County Documented in Anson, Stanly and Richmond counties Documented in Richmond County Potential in Montgomery County Documented in Montgomery County Documented in Montgomery and Richmond counties Documented in Richmond County Documented in Montgomery County Documented in Richmond County along the Pee Dee River and tributaries Note: FE=Federal Endangered; FT=Federal Threatened; FSC= Federal Species of Concern; NCE=North Carolina Endangered; NCT=North Carolina Threatened; NCSC=North Carolina Species of Concern; NCR=North Carolina Significantly Rare; NCWL=North Carolina Watch List (LeGrande et al. 2001). 4.7 Cultural Resources The record of available information regarding historical properties in the Project area will be researched during the consultation and study process. Progress Energy is proposing to establish 137

147 an RWG for Cultural Resources with stakeholders in the spring of Studies performed following development of consultation and study protocols will be designed to address the concerns of the involved parties to satisfy the consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. History of the Project Area The Project region is rich in historic and prehistoric resources. The first known inhabitants of the project area were Native Americans who traveled along the banks of the Pee Dee River more than 12,000 years ago. These inhabitants lived in the Paleo-Indian Period, which lasted until approximately 11,450 years ago (National Park Service [NPS] 1996). Although poorly understood, inhabitants of this period are thought to have lived in small camps of seasonallymobile family groups who hunted deer, elk, bear, and possibly caribou. Their tools and weapons likely included scrapers, spears, knives, and baskets (North Carolina Archaeological Society [NCAS] 1984). Native groups who followed the Paleo-Indians are called Archaic cultures. These cultures existed during the Archaic Period, which is believed to have lasted approximately 8,000 years, from approximately 11,450 years ago to 3,200 years ago (NPS 1996). The tools and weapons used by the area s inhabitants during the Archaic Period consisted of a variety of projectile points, knives, scrapers, and drills. Baskets, nets, mats, canoes, and other items of wood or other perishable materials were also probably common (NCAS 1984). The Archaic cultures took the first steps towards farming with the intentional act of seed dispersal, spending longer periods in base camps and making more non-portable and artistic possessions than their predecessors. This process poised people for transition to that of potterymaking and horticulture that archeologists have labeled the Woodland era. This period is believed to have lasted from approximately 3,200 to 1,000 years ago. People of this period commonly made clay pottery and settled much of the year in small villages near rivers, tributaries, and inlets. Constructed craft items, such as stone pipes and pottery were developed, and advancement in artistry and complexity in societal structure were evident during this period (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [UNCCH] 2002). The tools and weapons used by 138

148 people of this period included the use of the bow and arrow, introduction of pottery vessels for cooking and storage, and advancement in small triangular arrowheads. Settlements consisted of small and large camps, permanently occupied villages with substantial houses of wood or wattle and daub with thatched roofs. Seasonal movements to collect available plants or to hunt animals were also common (UNCCH 2002). During the 1540s, Spanish explorers under the leadership of Hernando de Soto discovered several Indian groups occupying the interior regions of the Carolinas. The Native Americans whom de Soto met included Siouan, Iroquoian, and Muskogean speakers, whose descendants are now recognized as the historic tribes of the Catawba, Cherokee, and Creek Indians. Within a short period of time, approximately 50 years after the first contacts, the early European explorers of North Carolina had met, interacted with, and begun the process of significant cultural displacement of all the major native groups in the state (NCSHPO 2002a). The Project region boasts a history of gold mining, where gold was first discovered in North Carolina in 1799 long before the California Gold Rush of Second to farming, gold mining employed more North Carolinians than any other industry during its peak years (The Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project 2002). Presented on the following pages is an overview of the historic and archaeological sites in the vicinity of the Project that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical Properties There are no sites located within the Project boundary currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Progress Energy will consult with the SHPO to make a determination of eligibility of the Tillery Dam and Hydroelectric Plant and Blewett Falls Dam and Hydroelectric Plant for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The following is a list of historic sites in the vicinity or near the Project area, by county, that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NCSHPO 2002b). Progress Energy is not contemplating any actions that would impact these sites. 139

149 Stanly County Badin Historic District (Badin) Narrows Dam and Power Plant Complex (Badin) Opera House/Starnes Jewelers Building (Albemarle) Pfeiffer Junior College Historic District (Misenheimer Vicinity) Randle House (Norwood vicinity) Isaiah Wilson Snuggs House and the Marks House (Albemarle) West Badin Historic District (Badin) Montgomery County Montgomery County Court House (Troy) Richmond County Bank of Pee Dee (Rockingham) Covington Plantation House (Rockingham Vicinity) Alfred Dockery House (Rockingham Vicinity) Ellerbe Springs Hotel (Ellerbe Vicinity) Great Falls Mill (Burned) (Rockingham) John Phillips Little House (Little s Mill Vicinity) Main Street Commercial Historic District (Hamlet) The Manufactures Building (Rockingham) Hannah Pickett Mill, No. 1 (Rockingham) Richmond County Courthouse (Rockingham) Roberdel Mill No. 1 (Rockingham) Rockingham Historic District (Rockingham) Seaboard Coast Line Passenger Depot (Hamlet) (former) U.S. Post Office and Courthouse (Rockingham) H.C. Watson House (Rockingham) Anson County Boggan-Hammond House and Alexander Little Wing (Wadesboro) Chambers-Morgan Farm (White Store Vicinity) Billy Horne Farm (Polkton Vicinity) U.S. Post Office (Federal Nom.) (Wadesboro) Wadesboro Downtown Historic District (Wadesboro) 140

150 Archaeological Properties Archaeological sites have been documented to occur in the vicinity of the Project. As part of Progress Energy s preparation of the SMP for the Tillery Hydroelectric Development, Progress Energy consulted with the NCSHPO to determine the extent of the archaeological sites found within one-quarter mile of the shoreline of Lake Tillery. Through the use of the NCSHPO files, Progress Energy has documented 91 archaeological sites and 11 architectural sites. The majority (80 of 91) of the archeological sites are located adjacent to the northern portion of Lake Tillery, outside of the Project boundary within Morrow Mountain State Park, and the Uwharrie National Forest (CP&L 2001a). Due to the sensitive nature of these sites and their locations and to prevent vandalism or destruction, the site locations will not be discussed in this document. Progress Energy recognizes the sensitivity of these sites and has proposed in the Tillery SMP that Progress Energy will monitor permit applications and construction along Lake Tillery to ensure that sensitive areas are avoided. If a lease application is submitted that may affect any of the known archaeological sites, Progress Energy will direct the applicant to the NCSHPO and seek concurrence on any measures needed to protect the site. The applicant then must provide Progress Energy with documentation of concurrence with the NCSHPO before moving forward. Another important archeological site in the vicinity of the Project area is the Town Creek Indian Mound located in Montgomery County. This site has been designated as a National Historic Landmark in North Carolina. Although inhabited for several thousand years, the major occupation at the Town Creek Site was from approximately 1450 A.D. until about 1550 A.D. (Reeves 1976). The main features at the Town Creek Site included an earthen mound and temple and a priest s house and mortuary house. Several smaller sites have been recorded in the general vicinity of Town Creek and may have been associated farmsteads and communities (NCAS 1985). The following is a list of archaeological sites outside of the Project boundary but in the vicinity of the Project area, by county, that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NCSHPO 2002b). 141

151 Stanly County Hardaway Site 31St4 (Archaeology) (NHL) (Hardaway Point) Montgomery County Doerschuk Site 31Mg22 (Archaeology) (Badin Vicinity) Town Clerk Indian Mound (Archaeology) (NHL) (Mount Gilead Vicinity) Further review and research of the Historic Properties in the Project area will commence after consultation with the SHPO. 4.8 Recreation Resources Existing Facilities General Area - The Project is located in the Uwharrie Lakes region of south central North Carolina. The Uwharrie Lakes consist of six manmade lakes created as a result of the construction of hydroelectric facilities, including the Projects, Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments. The Uwharrie Lakes provide a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and most other water sports. The lands surrounding the Project areas offer scenic beauty and a variety of activities including hiking, camping, hunting, biking, horseback riding, and nature viewing. This is also a region that has been termed as North Carolina s Central Park with the idea that this region could serve as a rural hub for outdoor recreation and tourism for local residents and the growing urban population of the crescent metro areas in the region (ASU 1999). The Project is located within four counties - Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly. Outdoor public recreation facilities are available in each of the counties. There are also additional regional attractions in the Project area providing recreational facilities. These attractions include the Uwharrie National Forest, Morrow Mountain State Park, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Pee Dee River Canoe Trail. Uwharrie National Forest - The Uwharrie National Forest, located just to the northeast of the Tillery Development, is comprised of 49,857 acres. There are five developed 142

152 campgrounds within the forest. The campgrounds vary in the amenities offered at each location. Some of the campsites have modern bathroom facilities, electric hook-ups, and parking aprons. But the more remote campsites offer limited amenities. Although the Uwharrie National Forest is the smallest National Forest in North Carolina, it has over 50 miles of trails. From a one-mile loop trail along Densons Creek to the 21-mile Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, the Uwharrie s many maintained trails vary in length and mode. There are over 240,000 visitors annually to the Uwharrie National Forest (ASU 1999). Morrow Mountain State Park - Morrow Mountain State Park is located in Stanly County on the upper northwestern section of Lake Tillery, outside of the project boundary. The park, which is the third oldest State Park in North Carolina, was opened to the public in The park boundary encompasses approximately 4,742 acres (NCDPR 2002). Water-related recreation facilities at the park include a one-lane boat ramp, two docks, parking for about 35 vehicles, and boat and canoe rentals. Other recreation facilities at the park include primitive camping, cabins, a swimming pool, hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, a natural history museum, and an outdoor amphitheater (CP&L 2001a). There are approximately 300,000 visitors annually to the Morrow Mountain State Park (ASU 1999). Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge - The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Anson and Richmond counties bordering the Pee Dee River. The refuge is located between the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments. The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge was established in The objective of the refuge is to provide habitat for geese and ducks as well as to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The park encompasses 8,443 acres (U.S. Department of Interior [DOI] 1983). Activities at the Pee Dee National Wildlife refuge include wildlife viewing, hiking, and hunting. The refuge is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There is one 3-mile-plus nature trail, a three-mile auto tour with interpretive kiosks, a ¼-mile handicapped- 143

153 accessible nature trail, and two wildlife observation blinds. Fishing is open from March 15 to October 15, and there is hunting seasons for dove, white-tailed deer, raccoon/opossum, squirrel, quail, and rabbit (Gorp 2002). Pee Dee River Canoe Trail - The Pee Dee River Canoe Trail consists of the southern leg of the larger Yadkin-Pee Dee River Canoe Trail, a 230-mile water trail designated by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR). The Pee Dee River Canoe Trail begins at the Lake Tillery boat access at Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County, and ends at the Blewett Falls Dam between Anson and Richmond counties. The journey is a 37-mile paddle, and several side rivers provide for a number of interesting variations and trip options. Pee Dee River Designation - The Pee Dee River below Lake Tillery was rated by the National Park Service (NPS) as having an ORV designation for recreation. The river was designated for its recreational opportunities that are, or have the potential to be, popular enough to attract visitors from throughout or beyond the region of comparison or are unique or rare within the region (NPS 2001). Tillery Development - There are a variety of opportunities for recreation on Lake Tillery. Formal recreation facilities exist in the form of marinas, public boat ramps, designated bank fishing facilities, private recreation facilities, and a nearby state park. Informal opportunities exist at unmarked sites throughout the project where wildlife observation and fishing occur as well as other areas used informally for water or shoreline access. Progress Energy leases all of its public access areas to the NCWRC. Figures 4-4 and 4-5 locate the recreational facilities located along Lake Tillery and downstream from Tillery Dam. A summary of the recreational resources available on Lake Tillery is presented in Table

154

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156 BOATING FISHING PARKS TABLE 4-7 LAKE TILLERY RECREATIONAL RESOURCES Recreational Resource Types Number of Recreational Resources Public Access Areas 5 Boat Ramps (Improved) 8 Boat Launching Lanes 11 Marinas 4 Canoe Portages 1 Tailwater Fishing Facilities 1 Fishing Piers 1 Swimming Areas 1 Hunting Areas 7 Marinas - Four marinas are located on the Lake Tillery Development Ken s Marina, Family Boat Center, Cook s Marina, and Dock-N-Shop. Services provided by the marinas include boat storage, fuel sales, boat repair, and boat and jetski rentals. Two of the marinas, Cook s Marina, and Dock-n-Shop, are located near NCWRC public boat ramps. Public Boat Ramps - Lake Tillery has five public access areas with a total of eight boat ramps. Progress Energy, working with the state, has developed the Lilly s Bridge boating access area, which includes two boat ramps, approximately one mile upstream of the dam. The Swift Island boating access area offers a large parking area and two wide paved boat ramps. The Stony Mountain boating access area offers a large parking lot and two paved boat ramps. Norwood boating access area, approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the dam, offers two paved ramps and a parking area. Developed Fishing Area - The Lilly s Bridge fishing pier is located directly across from the Lilly s Bridge Access Area. It includes two bank-fishing piers, one of which is handicapped accessible. The area is maintained by the NCWRC. 147

157 Private Recreation Facilities - There are over 1,500 homes and seasonal cottages around the Lake Tillery. Several private recreation facilities are located at major subdivisions on the lake. These private facilities include areas at Woodrun, Holiday Shores, Sugar Loaf Shores, Carolina Forest, and Twin Harbor. Developers of these projects and, subsequently, the homeowner associations, operate and maintain recreation facilities including boat ramps, dock facilities, swimming/beach areas, and boat storage. Informal Recreation Areas - Informal unmarked recreation opportunities are scattered around the lake and frequently occur on Progress Energy land. The major undesignated recreation areas at the reservoir include angler access and a canoe portage at Tillery Dam tailrace and the Progress Energy lands leased to NCWRC. The predominant activity at these sites is bank fishing (CP&L 2001a). Blewett Falls Development - There are a variety of opportunities for recreation at the Blewett Falls Development. A summary of the recreational resources available on Blewett Falls Lake is presented in Table 4-8. Figure 4-6 identifies the recreational facilities located at Blewett Falls Lake. TABLE 4-8 BLEWETT FALLS LAKE RECREATIONAL RESOURCES Number of Recreational Recreational Resource Types Resources Public Access Areas 3 BOATING Boat Ramps 4 Boat Launching Lanes 6 Canoe Portages 1 FISHING Tailwater Fishing Facilities (including pier) 1 CAMPS Camping Areas 1 148

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159 Public Boat Access - There are many old submerged tree stumps in the reservoir, which are just below the water surface at full pool. Because of this navigational hazard, the reservoir is better suited for small fishing boats rather than high-speed motor ski-boats or large sailboats. A total of three developed public access areas with a total of four boat ramps are at Blewett Falls Lake. There is a small-developed access site at the put-in area at the end of the canoe portage route just below the dam. This site has a boat ramp and a sand parking area. Progress Energy has leased the two access areas, Mountain Creek Public Access Area and the Pee Dee Public Access Area to the NCWRC. Grassy Island is lightly used and offers boating access via a paved ramp and has a small parking area. The Pee Dee offers boating access, two paved ramps and a large parking area. It is maintained by NCWRC. Developed Fishing Area - Blewett Falls Development provides an accessible fishing pier for persons with disabilities below the powerhouse. This area was cooperatively built with the NCWRC. There is a fishing pier and tailwater bank fishing facilities located below the powerhouse area. A paved parking area and walkway allows for easy access to the site. Informal Recreation Areas - Informal camping occurs along sections of the undeveloped reservoir shoreline. Most of the camping is concentrated along the shoreline just upstream of the Pee Dee Public Access Area. Just upstream of the dam, is a public shoreline access site. Informal swimming, bank fishing, and picnicking occurs at this area. Existing Use Tillery Development - Progress Energy monitors recreational use of Lake Tillery through the FERC Form 80 and Environmental and Public Use Inspection report processes. The latest FERC Form 80 was submitted to FERC in 1997 and the Environmental and Public Use Inspection was conducted in Progress Energy is in the process of preparing a FERC Form 80 to be submitted in

160 Progress Energy estimated recreational use through surveys of visitors and adjacent landowners, aerial counts, and spot counts. Progress Energy estimated total recreational use at Lake Tillery in 1997 to be 621,295 recreation days, with a peak weekend average of 17,881 recreation days. As a part of the recreation monitoring, Progress Energy also examined issues of carrying capacity. The carrying capacity for Lake Tillery is estimated at 503 boats, based on Guidelines for Understanding Optimum Recreation Carrying Capacity (BOR 1977). A summary of recreational use at Lake Tillery is presented in Table 4-9. BOATING TABLE 4-9 LAKE TILLERY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES USE Recreational Resource Types Total Miles/Acres Facility Capacity (Percentage Use) Access Areas (Unimproved) N/A 16 Boat Ramps (Improved) N/A 13 Boat Launching Lanes N/A 13 Marinas 5 Acres 25 FISHING Tailwater Fishing Facilities N/A 15 PARKS Swimming Areas 2 Acres 20 Hunting Areas 1,435 Acres 25 Source: Progress Energy FERC Form 80, March 27, Blewett Falls Development - Progress Energy monitors recreational use of Blewett Falls Lake through the FERC Form 80 and Environmental and Public Use Inspection report processes. The latest Form 80 was submitted to FERC in 1997 and the Environmental and Public Use Inspection was conducted in Progress Energy is currently in the process of preparing a Form 80 to be submitted to FERC in A summary of recreational use at the Blewett Falls Development is presented below in Table

161 BOATING TABLE 4-10 BLEWETT FALLS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES USE Facility Capacity Recreational Resource Types Total Miles/Acres (Percentage Use) Access Areas (Unimproved) N/A 10 Boat Ramps (Improved) N/A 10 Boat Launching Lanes N/A 10 FISHING Tailwater Fishing Facilities N/A 40 Fishing Piers N/A 50 CAMPS Camping Areas 2 Acres 10 Source: Progress Energy FERC Form 80, March 27, Land Use and Aesthetics Regional Land Use The creation of the Uwharrie Lakes has resulted in an evolution in land use and development in proximity to the lakes from primarily agricultural and natural-resource-based to that supporting a recreation-based economy as well. The growing population along U.S. Interstate 85 and U.S. Interstate 40 from Charlotte to Raleigh-Durham known as the Piedmont Crescent has had an effect on land use in the area. In addition, there has been an increase in population of approximately 10 percent in the surrounding four counties surrounding the Project since Table 4-11 provides the population for surrounding four counties. TABLE 4-11 POPULATION BY COUNTY Percent Change Anson 23,474 25, Montgomery 23,346 26, Richmond 44,518 46, Stanly 51,765 58, Total 143, , Source: U.S. Census. 152

162 Land use patterns are primarily forest and agricultural land as shown in Table Deciduous and evergreen forestland make up the largest percentage of land cover for all four counties. TABLE 4-12 PERCENT OF COUNTY LAND COVER Land Cover Anson Montgomery Richmond Stanly Developed Cultivated Grasslands/Pasture Shrubland Deciduous Forests Evergreen Forests Mixed Forests Water Sand/Gravel Source: (ASU 1999). Although the region has rich agricultural traditions, farming continues to decline as an occupation. The trend is that more residents are commuting out of their communities to work. The pressure of urban development is leading to the development of large tracts of land and loss of forested lands. Subdividing these large tracts of land for individual and community residential development is increasing in the Piedmont region. Statistics provided by the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) indicate that during the 10-year period from 1982 to 1992, there was a 46 percent decrease in cultivated and uncultivated croplands. It is likely that some of this cropland was converted to pastureland and to urban and built-up areas (NCDENR 2002a). Today, less than 20 percent of the North Carolina Piedmont is in row crops such as corn, tobacco and soybeans. In the mid-1930s, by comparison, nearly 50 percent of the Piedmont was rowcropped. There have been some small increases in pastureland and forestland over the same period. The past 60 years has, however, seen a rapid increase in the amount of land used for urban and residential development, with almost 20 percent of the Piedmont now being used for these purposes. Cropland has been almost entirely replaced by urban and suburban development in some parts of the Yadkin River Basin (Duke University 1997). Forest lands (both private and federal forests) cover approximately 51 percent of the basin. Federal forestlands (approximately 2 percent) are located within the Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge, 153

163 the Uwharrie National Forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Agriculture (including cultivated and uncultivated cropland and pastureland) covers approximately 30 percent of the land area (NCDENR 2002a). The citizens from the seven counties in the region, including Anson, Richmond, Stanly, Montgomery, Rowan, Davidson, and Randolph, have taken a proactive approach to the future development of their region. A non-profit organization called the Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project was established in The Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project commissioned Appalachian State University and University of North Carolina - Charlotte to study the region s potential for developing a significant tourism economy of sustainable tourism based on the region s natural and cultural assets such as eco-tourism, agri-tourism, and heritage tourism (ASU 1999, UNCCH 1999). The study was commissioned with the idea that the region could become North Carolina s Central Park serving as a rural hub for outdoor recreation and tourism for local residents and the growing urban population of the Crescent Metro areas surrounding the region (ASU 1999). After considering various alternatives, it was decided that the Central Park plan would combine local initiatives and low-impact development supplemented by festivals and special events as the goal to assist in future development of the area (ASU 1999). The plan will promote sustainable tourism so that the area may benefit from the added economic growth but retain the rural, natural, cultural and historic assets that will draw tourists to the Central Park area (Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project 2002). The Central Park region is illustrated in Figure 4-7. Lands Abutting the Project Boundary Project Area Description - The landscape around the project is rolling hills, forestland, and farmland. Pine and hardwood species are mixed within a secondary forest growth along the shoreline. Development of and maintenance to lands surrounding Lake Tillery within the Project boundary are managed by Progress Energy. Outside of the Project boundary, Federal and state authorities as well as local counties regulate land use and development. 154

164 Figure 4-7 North Carolina s Central Park Region K/CP&L/ICP/Central Park Region.jpg