Forwards Amend 12 to OL Application,Containing Revision 2 To

REGULATORY INFORMATION OISTRISUTION SYSTEM (RIOS)

ACCESSION NBR:7906040208 DOC,lr TE! 79/06/01 NOTAR ED: Yt,' FACIL:50 387 SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATIONS UNIT ig PENNSYLVA 50 388 SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION UNIT 2g PENNSYLVA Ob AUTH INANE AUTHOR AFFILIATION CURTISE N ~ le„PENNSYLVANIA POWER 8 LIGHT CO ~ REC IP ~ NAME RE C IP I EN T AFFILIATION BOYDER AS, DIVISION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

SUBJECT: FORl'lARDS AMEND 12 TO OL, APPLI CAT ON CO'NTAINING EV ISIO ' ENYIRON REPT> I/4 /j pp ~ DISTRIBUTION COOEs C001B COPIES RECEIVEDoLTR . f, ENCL g SIZEo +~ TITLE: ENVIRONS REPORT AMDTS 8 RELATED CORRESPONDENCE - se Ys FsNYR.

INTERNAL: 0 FILE 1 1 02 NRC POR 1 1 - 06 — BR 1 1 07 CT BNFT ANAL 1 1 08 EFLT TRT SY8 i 09 RAD ASMT BR 1 1 10 ACONT ANALY 1 1 11 AD SITE TECH 4 15 IEE 2 2 17 TA/EDO 1 1 AD ENVIRON TECH 1 0 AD SITE, ANALYS 1 0 DIRECTOR DSE 0 OELD 1 0

EXTERNAL: 03 I„POR 1 1 04 NSIC 1 1 20 ACRS 3

g Oog.<~ ~e 8-eC ~ HER l Pl

TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES REQUIRED: LTTR 27 ENCL 22 1 TWO NORTH NINTH STREET, ALLENTOWN, PA. 18101 PHONE~ (215) 821-5151

Jua

Mr. Roger S. Boyd, Director Docket Nos. 50-387 Division of Project Management 50-388 Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION AMENDMENT NO. 12 TO OPERATING LICENSE APPLICATION ER 100450 FILE 991-2 PLA-356

Dear Mr. Boyd:

Attached are forty-one (41) copies of Amendment No. 12 to the operating license application. This amendment contains Revision No. 2 to the Susquehanna SES Environmental Report-Operating License Stage.

N. W. Curtis Vice President-Engineering 6 Construction

NWC:cah See Attached Distribution List

VOO6O4O ZO 8 PENNSYLVANIA POWER 8 L I GH T COMPANY

DISTRIBUTION LIST

Dr. Sidney R."'Galler Deputy Assistant Secretary Mr. Joseph Canny For Environmental Affaris Office of Environmental Affairs U. S. Department of Commerce U. S. Department of Transportation 14th & Constitution, NW, Rm. 3425 400 7th Street, SW, Room 9422 Washington, DC 20230 Washington, DC 20590

Mr. Robert Ochinero, Director Capt. William R. Riedel National Oceanograhic Data Center Water Resources Coord'inator Environmental Data Service W/S 73 USCG, Room 7306 National Oceanic and Atmospheric U. S. Department of Transportation Administration 400 7th Street, SW U. S. Department of Commerce Washington, DC 20590 Washington, DC 20235 Mr. James T. Curtis, Jr., Director Mr. Bruce Blanchard, Director Materials Transportation Bureau Office of Environmental Projects 2100 Second Street, SW Review, Room 4239. Washington, DC 20590 U. S. Dept of the Interior . 18th & C Streets, NW Ms. Florence Bicchetti Washington, DC 20240 Secretarial Representative U. S. Department of Transporation Mr. Charles Custard, Director Suite 1000 Office of Environmental Affairs 434 Walnut Street U. S. Department of Health, Education Philadelphia, PA 19106 and Welfare, Room 524FZ 200 Independence Avenue, SW Director Washington, DC 20201 Technical Assessment Division (AW-459) Chief Office of Radiation Programs Division of Ecological Services U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Crystal Mall No. 2 Wildlife Washington, DC 20460 U. S. Department of Interior 18th & C Streets, NW Environmental Impact Coordinator Washington, DC 20240 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Curtis Building, 2nd Floor Dr. Jack M. Heinimann 6th and Walnut Streets Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Philadelphia, PA 19106 Room 9200 825 North Capitol Street, NE U. S. Army Engineering District, Washington, DC 20426 ,Philadelphia U. S. Custom House 2nd and Chestnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19106 1 C 0 '

S 0

1 Mr. Robert Garvey, Executive Director Mr. Richard A. Heiss Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Pennsylvania State Clearinghouse 1522 K. Street, NW, Suite 430 Governor's Budget Office Washington, DC 20050 Intergovernmental Relations Division P. 0. Box 1323 Executive Director Harrisburg, PA 17120 Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Mr. Edward Heiselburg Box 1026 Luzerne County Planning Commission Harrisburg, PA 17120 Courthouse Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Mr. James E. Carson Argonne National Laboratory Economic Development Council of 9700 South Cass Avenue Northeast Pennsylvania Argonne, Illinois 60439 P. 0. Box 777 Avoca, PA 18641 Mr. Robert J. Bielo Executive Director Librarian Susquehanna River Basin Commission Thermal Reactors Safety Group 1721 North Front Street Building 130 Harrisburg, PA 17102 Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, L.I., New York 11973 Regional Administrator Department of Housing and Mr. S. L. Nakumara Urban Development Atomic Industrial Forum Cur'tis Building 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 6th and Walnut Streets Washington, DC 20006 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Mr. Richard H. Broun Environmental Clearance Officer Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, SW, Room 7258 Washington, DC 20410

Mr. Bruce Thomas, President Board of Supervisors R. D. 81 Berwick, PA 18603

Mr. Thomas M. Gerusky Director, Office of Radiological Health Department of Environmental Resources P. O. Box Box 2063 Harrisburg, PA 17105 SU S CRUE HANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION

LJNITS 1 R 2

ENVIRONMENTALREPORT OPERATING LICENSE STAGE VOLUME4

PENNSYLVANIAPCIWER R LIGHTCOMPAN Allent;own, Pennsylvania ~-as~ ~~ (/ilwt 7qoggy/QQQ) (fQ

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION

LINITS 1 R 2

ENVIRONMENTALREPORT OPERATING LICENSE STAGE

MAY 1 978

4. ~~clf8tN ~ VQLLjME p'gog3g gE6tlt .'~0

P ENNSYLVANIAPOWER R LIGHTCOMPANY Allentown, Pennsylvania SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL

SUMMARY TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE VOLUME

PURPOSE OP THE FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION . ~ I

1 0 Introduction...... o.....I System Demand and Reliability-Applicant....I

1 2 Other Objectives-Applicant...... I 3 Consequences of Delay-Applicant...... I

1 1a System Demand and Reliability- Coopera tx. ve...... I

1 2a Other Objectives-Cooperative...... I

1 3a Consequences of Delay-Cooperative. .. . I

THE SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPACES ~ .I

2 1 Geography and Demography...... oooo ~ eI 2 2 ECOlog ye ~ o o ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ o e ~ o o o ~ o ~ o o o ~ o ~ ~ o e oe ~ oo ~ I 2 3 Neteorolog yo ~ e e ~ e ~ e o ~ e ~ e e e e o oooo ~ e e e e e e o e e ~ I

4 Hydrologyo e o o e o o o o o ~ o o e o o o e o e o ~ o o o ~ o o o o o ~ o o II

2 5 G eologyooe ~ ooeeoeeeoo ~ oooeoo coo ~ ~ ~ oeoeooeoeZI 2 6 Reg ional Historic, Scenic, Cultural and Natural Resources...... o ~ eoooo ~ ~ ooeoo ~ oII

2 7 N 0lsee o ~ o e e e ~ ~ o e ~ 0 o o 0 o e o e e ~ o e o o 0 o e o ~ ~ o o e ~ e o I! THE STATION II 3 External Appearance...... II 3 2 Reactor and Steam Electric System...... II

3 3 Station Wa ter Use...... II 3 4 Heat Dissipation System...... II 3.5 Radwaste Systems and Source Termo o o o o o e o o o o o o o o ~ o o o o o o o e o o o e oooo ~ e ~ ooeoII SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL

SECTION TITLE VOLUME 3.6 Chemical and Biocide Wastes...... II 3 7 Sanitary and Other Waste Systems...... II 3 8 Reporting of Radioactive Material Movementsssooo ~ oo ~ o ~ o ~ soosooss ~ ssoooosoooooII 3s9 Transmission Facilities...... II

4 0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF SITE PREPARATION, STATION CONSTRUCTION A ND TRANSMISSION FACILITY CONSTRUCTION . II Site Preparation and Station Construction...... II 4 2 Transmission Facilities Construction...... II 4 3 Resources Committed...... ;...II 4 4 Radioacti vity...... II 4 5 Construction Impact Control Program...... II

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF STATION OPERATION~oooo ~ so.so ~ ~ oooo ~ sos ~ ~ ssso ~ ooosoo ~ ~ o sII

5 1 Effects of Operation of Heat Dissipation System...... 'Il 5 2 Radiological Impact from Routine 0 pera tron...... II 5 3 Environmental Effects of Chemical and Biocide Discharge...... ~ sos %II

5 4 Ef fects of Discharged Sanitary Wastes. o os s sIZ 5 5 Effects of Operation and Maintenance of the Transmission System...... II 5.6 Other Effects...... II 5 7 Resources Committed ...... II 5.8 Decommissioning and Dismantling Alternatives...... II 5 9 The Uranium Fuel Cycle...... II SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL

SECTION TITLE VOLUME

6 EFFLUFNT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMEHTS AHD MONITORING PROGRAM . ~ ~ ~ III

6 1 Applicant's Preoperational Environ- mental Programs...... III 6 2 Applicant's Proposed Operational Monitoring Program...... III 6.3 Related Fnvironmental Measurement and Monitoring Program...... III 6 4 Preoperational Environmental Radiological Monitoring Data...... III

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTS ~ ~ ZZI

7 1 Station Accidents Involving Radxoactx vityo o o ~ o o o ~ o o ~ o o ~ ~ oo o o ~ o o o o o o ~ ~ o or ZI 7 2 Transportation Accidents Involving Rad ~oact x. vent y...... IZI Other Accidents...... III

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF STATION CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION ~ . IIZ

8o1 B enefxts...... III

8 2 Costsoooo ~ ~ oo ooooo oooo oooooo oooo oo ~ ooo oo ~ oo III

ALTER NATE EN ERGY SOURCES A ND SIT ES. ~ . ~ ~ III

10 STATION DESIGN ALTERNATIVES -- ~ - ~ ~ ~ ZII

10 1 Alternative Circulating Systems...... III 10. 2 Alternative Intake Systems...... ZII 10 3 Alternative Discharge Systems...... III 10 4 Systems...... IZIAlternative Chemical Maste Treatment 10 5 Alternative Biocide Treatment Systems...... ZZI 10 6 Alternate Sanitary Haste System...-...... IZI 10.7 Alternative Liquid Radwaste Systems...... III SUSQUEHANNA SES-EB-OL

SECTION TITLE VOLUME

10. 8 Alternative Gaseous Radwaste Systems...... III 10. 9 Alternative Transmission Facilities...... III 10 10 Other Alternative Systems ...... III

S UM M A R Y BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS . ~ III 11 1 B enef its...... III 11 2 Costs Incurred...... III 11 3 Conclusions...... III ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATION III

12 1 Permits.O 00 ' 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ ~ 00 ~ 0 III 12 2 Laws and Ordinances for Transmission Lines'0.00001. ~ ~00100% F 0.0 ~ tOOOO ~ 0000 ~ 0 ~ oIII 12. 3 Rater Quality Certification...... III 12 3 Additional Consultation...... III 13 REFEBENCZSe oo oooo' ~ ~ e ~ oooo oooo o ee ~ o ~ ooo ~ o oooo ~ III

SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL

SECTION VOLUME

APPENDICIES ~ ~ ~ . ~ ~ . ~ ~ . ~ ~ ~ . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~ ~ ...o ~ ...... IlI

AN EVALUATION OF THE COST OF SERVICE IMPACT OF A DELAY IN THE IN-SERVICE DATES OF SUSQUEHANNA SES (JANUARY 1978)...... III

Bl CURRENT LONG-RANGE FORECAST ENERGY SALES 8c PEAK LOAD 1976-1990...... III

B2 APPLICANT'S FORECASTING METHODOLOGY KWH SALES AND PEAK LOADS OCTOBER, 1978 ...... ,,...,.III NATIONWIDE FUEL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO FPC ORDER NO. 496...... III D SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATER ANALYSES SUMMARY...... III EQUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS UTILIZED IN THE CALCULATION OF INDIVIDUALAND POPULATION DOSES TO MAN...... III ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS...... III RESPONSES TO NRC QUESTIONS...... III

POND HILL LOW FLOW AUGMENTATION RESERVOIR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT...... ,.....IV

REV. 2, 5/79 SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE VOLUME

APPLICANT'S LONG RANGE PRODUCTION COST PROGRAM

CURRENT LONG RANGE FORECAST ENERGY SALES AND PEAK LOAD 1976-1990

B2 FORECASTING METHODOLOGY KWH SALES AND PEAK LOAD PENNSYLVANIA POWER 8c LIGHT COMPANY DECEMBER 1976

APPLICANT'S RESPONSE TO THE NATION- WIDE FUEL EMERGENCY~ ORDER NO. 496.

WATER ANALYSES SUMMARY 1968-1976 F EQUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS UTILIZED IN THE CALCULATION OF INDIVIDUAL AND POPULATION DOSES TO MAN. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL,SPECIFICATIONS III RESPONSES TO NRC QUESTIONS

POND HILL FLOW AUGMENTATION RESERVOIR IV ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Rev. 2p 5/79 SUSQUEHANNA SES-ER-OL APPENDIX 6

POND HILL LOW FLOW AUGMENTATION RESERVOIR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Rev. 2, 5/79 PAGE

IWZRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ACTION

SSCrION 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PRMECZ BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE PRMECZ

II 1.2 OZHER POSSIBLE PRMECT FUNCTIONS 1.2.1 Recreation 1-2 1.2.2 Water Supply 1-2

1.3 AUGMEPZATION AND WATER SUPPLY CRITERIA 1-2 1.3.1 Conservation Releases 1-3

1.3.2 Water Supply Requirements 1-3

1.4 PRMECT DESCRIPZION 1-6 1.4.1 Physical setting 1-6 1.4.2 Design and Specifications 1-7 1.4.2.1 Embankment dan and dike 1-7 1.4.2.2 Spillway 1-7 1.4.2.3 Inlet-outlet structure 1-8 1.4.2.4 Water conduit 1-8 1.4.2.5 Pump station

1.4.3 Land and Property Acquistion 1-9

1.4.4 Relocation of Existing Facilities 1-9

1.4.5 Construction 1-10 1.4.5.1 Schedule 1-10 1.4.5.2 Construction procedures 1-10

1.4.6 Reservoir Operation 1-13 1.4.6.1 Summary of operational procedures 1-13 1.4.6.2 Historical operations analysis 1-14

PRMECT COSTS 1-15 CONZEÃXS (Continued) PAGE

SECTION 2 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 2-1 2.1 INTRODUCTION 2-1

2.2 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE — "RIVER 83LUXG1%" 2-1

2.3 USE OF EXISTING RESERVOIRS 2-2

2.4 ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR A NEW RESEKQIR 2-3

2.4.1 Previous Studies 2-3

2.4.2 Selection of a Preferred Site 2-4 2.4.2.1 Introduction 2-4 2.4.2.2 Environmental evaluation 2-5 2.4.2.3 Technical evaluation 2-7

2.4.3 Selected Site 2-7

2.4.4 Alternate Sites 2-8 2.4.4.1 Graves Pond Creek 2-11 2.4.4.2 Little Meshoppen Creek 2-11

SECTION 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMEPZ 3-1 WITHOUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3.1 INZB3DUCTION 3-1

3.2 EXISTIN ENVI ROKER 3-1 3.2.1 Physical Features 3-1 3.2.1.1 Physiography and geology 3-1 3.2.1.2 Soils 3-2 3.2.1.3 Hydrology 3-4

3.2.2 Terrestrial Ecology 3-7 3.2.2.1 Intrcduction 3-7 3.g.2.2 Vegetation 3-7 3.2.2.3 Wildlife 3-12 CONZEHIS (Continued)

3.2.3 Aquatic Ecology 3-46 3.2.3.1 Pond Hill Creek 3-46 3.2.3.2 Susquehanna River 3-52

3.2.4 Social and Econanic characteristics 3-71 3.2.4.1 Introduction 3-71 3.2.4.2 Social and econanic characteristics of the region and site vicinity 3-71 3.2.4.3 Social and econanic characteristics of the site' surroundings 3-83 3.2.4.4 Social and econcmic characteristics of the site 3-84

3.2.5 Land Use 3-105 3.2.5.1 Introduction 3-105 3.2.5.2 Setting 3-105 3.2.5.3 Site vicinity 3-108 3.2.5.4 Site proximity 3-110 3.2.5.5 Lard use in the site 3-111

3.2.6 Agriculture 3-120 3.2.6.1 Introduction 3-120 3.2.6.2 Luzerne County profile 3-120 3.2.6.3 Physical pattern of agriculture ard land capability within the site 3-122 3.2.6.4 Agricultural activity within the site 3-123 3.2.6.5 Agriculture in the borrow area, water conduit route and punp station locations 3-124 3.2.6.6 Land use policies relating to farmland 3-124

3.2.7 Transportation and Utilities 3-133 3.2.7.1 Roads ard highways 3-133 3.2.7.2 Railroads 3-134 3.2.7.3 Pipel ines 3-134 3..2.7.4 Electrical and telephone transmission lines 3-134 CDÃZENTS (Continued) PAGE

3.2.8 Recreation 3-136 3.2.8.1 Introduction 3-'136 3.2.8.2 The region 3-136 3.2.8.3 The site vicinity., 3-137 3.2.8.4 Recreation within the site 3-138

3.2.9 Archaeological and Historic Sites 3-143

3.2.10 Other Factors „ 3-146 3.2.10.'1 Climate and air resources 3-146 3.2.10.2 Noise 3-146 3.2.10.3 Aesthetics 3-146

3.3 PROBABLE FUTURE ENVIRONNEhTZ NITHOVZ PROPOSED PRCOECZ 3-148 3.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology 3-148

3.3.2 Aquatic Ecology 3-149 3.3.2.1 Pond Hill Creek 3-149 3.3.2.2 Susquehanna River 3-149

3.3.3 Social and Econcmic Characteristics 3-152 3.3.3.1 Introduction 3-152 3.3.3.2 Probable Suture of social, and econanic conditions in site vicinity 3-152 3.3.3.3 Probable future of the site 3-155

3.3.4 Land, Use 3-161 3.3.4.1 Introduction 3-161 3.3.4.2 Land use projections 3-161 3.3.4.3 Future land use without the .project in Pond Hill proximity 3-162 3.3.4.4 Future land use without .the project in the site 3-162

iv CDPZENTS (Continued) PAGE

3.3.5 Agriculture 3-165

3.3.6 Recieation 3-167 3.3.6.1 Regional recreation plans and prograns 3-167 3.3.6.2 Probable future of recreation in the site vicinity 3-168 3.3.6.3 Probable future of recreation within the site 3-169

SECTION 4 ENVIRONMEÃZAL,IMPACZSOF THE PRMECT 4-1 4.1 INTBODUCTION 4-1

4.2 ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS 4.2.1 Physical 4-1 4.2.1.1 Physiography and geology 4-1 4.2.1.2 Soils 4-2 4.2.1.3 Hydrology 4-2 4.2.1.4 Ground water hydrology 4-4

4.2.2 Terrestrial Ecology 4-6 4.2.2.1 'eneral 4-6 4.2.2.2 Inundated area and enbankment 4-6 4.2.2.3 Surrounding area 4-10 4.2.2.4 Borrow area and water conduit route 4-11

4.2.3 Aquatic Ecology 4-14 4.2.3.1 Operations schane 4-14 4.2.3.2 Water quality impacts 4-14 4.2.3.3 Impacts on aquatic life 4-21

4.2.4 Social and Econanic Impacts 4-32 4.2.4.1 Introduction 4-32 4.2.4.2 Population 4-33 4.2.4.3 Econany 4-35 CDMZENTS (Continued) PAGE Housman 4.2.4.4 4-39 4.2.4.5 Canmunity facilities and services 4-40 4.2.4.6 Goverrxnent 4-41 4.2.4.7 Caranunity structure and cohesion 4-42 4.2.4.8 Social and econanic consequences of induced develognent 4-44

4.2.5 Land,Use 4-53 4.2.5.1 Introduction 4-53 4.2.5.2 Inundated and enbankment area 4-53 4.2.5.3 Buffer surrounding inundated area and embankment 4-54 4.2.5.4 Water conduit route 4-55 4.2.5.5 Pump station 4-56 4.2.5.6 Borrow area 4-56 4.2.5.7 Impact of lard use changes on the site vicinity 4-57

4.2.6 Agriculture 4-63 4.2.6.1 Introduction 4-63 4.2.6.2 Impact on agricultural land within the site 4-63 4.2.6.3 Impact on livelihoods supported by agriculture 4-64 4.2.6.4 Indirect impacts on agriculture 4-64 4.2.6.5 Summary . 4-65

4.2.7 Transportation and Utilities 4-67 4.2.7.1 Roads and highways 4-67 4.2.7.2 Railroads 4-69 4.2.7.3 Pipelines 4-69 4.2.7.4 Electrical and telephone trananission lines 4-70 CDNZEÃlS (Continued) PAGE 4.2.8 Recreation 4-72 4.2.8.1 Introduction 4-72 4.2.8.2 Impacts on existing recreation 4-72 4.2.8.3 Recreational potential of the Pond Hill Reservoir 4-72

4.2.9 Archaeological and Historic Sites 4-78

4.2.10 Other Factors 4-79 4.2.10.1 Climate and air resources 4-79 4.2.10.2 Noise 4-79 4.2.10.3 Aesthetics 4-80 4.2.10.4 Energy 4-82

4.3 MEASURES K) ENHANCE THE EHVIR0%1EMZ AND AVOID OR MITIGATE IMPACTS 4-84 4.3.1 Design 4-84

4.3.2 Construction 4-85 4.3.2.1 'rosion and sediment control 4-86 4.3.2.2 Work limits 4-86 4.3.2.3 Traffic control 4-86 4.3.2.4 Dust ard noise control 4-87 4.3.2.5 Waste disposal 4-87 4.3.2.6 Other 4-88

4.3.3 Operation and Maintenance 4-89

SECTION 5 PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WHICH CANNVZ BE AVOIDED 5-1

SECTION 6 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PROJECT TO LAND USE PLANS, POLICIES AND CONTROLS 6-1 CONTENTS (Continued)

PAGE

SECTION 7 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PKGECT TO THE SHO~ERN USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCEMEÃZ OF ITS LONG-TERN PRODUCTIVITY 7-1 7.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES 7-1 7.2 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY 7-1 7.3 AQUATIC ECOLOGY 7-2 7.4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 7-3 7.5 LAND USE 7-3 7.6 AGRICULTURE 7-3 7.7 TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES 7-4 7.8 RECREATION 7-4 7.9 .ARCHAEOIDGICAL AND HISTORIC SITES 7-4

'.10 OTHER FACTORS 7-4

SECTION 8 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMEHZS OF RESOURCES 8-1 8.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES 8-1 8.2 TERRESTRIAL ECOIDGY 8-1 8.3 AQUATIC ECOLDGY 8-2 8.4 SOCIAL AND ECONMIC CONDITIONS 8-2 8.5 LAND USE 8-2 8.6 AGRICULTURE 8-2 8.7 TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES 8-3 8.8 RECRFATION 8-3 8.9 ARCHAEOIDGICAL AND HISTORIC SITES 8-3 8.10 OTHER FACTORS 8-3 03NTENTS (Continued) PAGE APPENDIX A

DISCUSSION OF TECHNICAL METHODOIDGIES

A-1 A-1 A-2 AQUATIC ECOLOGY A-8 A-3 SOCIAL AND ECONCNIC CHARACTERISTICS A-11 A-4 LAND USE A-13 A-5 AGRICULTURE A-14 A-6 RECRE'ATION A-15

APPENDIX 8

COMMUNITY IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MEASURES FOR MITIGATION

GENERAL B-l TRAFFIC 8-2 CONSTRUCTION IMPACIS

- RESKMZION OF DISTURBED AREAS 8-3 8-5 RECREATION 8-4 8 6 DAM SAFETY 8-4 8-7 IMPACT ON WELLS IN LILY LAKE AREA 8-6 8-8 IMPACTS ON LILY lAKE WATER QUALITY 8-6 8-9 IDSS OF WATER FROM LILY LAKE 1Q NEN IMPOUNDMENT 8-10 PROZHCTIVE BUFFER 7DNE B-ll CONCLUSION

APPENDIX C

BENTHIC MACROINVERKBRATES COLLECZED AT POND HILL CREEK STATIONS 1 2 AND 3 CDNTEhTZS (Continued)

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NUMBER TITLE

Site Location 1-2 :Sus'quehanna River at Wilkes-Barre Frequency Curve 7-Day Low Flow 1-3 Site Vicinity 1-4 Aerial Photograph of Site 1-5 General Plan 1-6 Plan of Dam and Structures 1-7 Typical Embankment Section and Grout Curtain Profile 1-8 Spillway 1-9 Inlet-Outlet Structure Water

Conduit'''umping l-ll Plant 1-12 Construction Schedule

2-1 Location of Alternative'ites ' 2-2 Reservoii Envi.ronmental Evaluation Matrix 2-3 Graves Pond Vegetation Cover

Map'ittle 2-4 Meshoppen Vegetation Cover Map

3-1 Vegetation Cover Map t 3-2 Water Quality and Aquatic Life Sanpling Stations 3-3 Trends in Monthly Means of.Total Iron, Specific Conductance, Sulfate, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen and pH, 1972-1976 3-4 Seasonal Variations in Phytoplankton Densities, All Stations,.- 1972-1973 3-5 Seasonal Variations in Phytoplankton Densities and,Standing, Crops, SSES, 1972-1973 CKÃZEÃlS (Continued)

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NUMBER TITLE PAGE

Seasonal Variations in Mean Number of Organisms in Zooplankton, SSES, 1972-1973 3-66 3-7 Number of Macronivertebrates in 5-Minute Drift, SSES, 1973 3-66 3-8 Seasonal Occurrence of Fish Eggs and Larvae, SSES, 1974-1975 3-66 3-9 Seasonal Occurrence of Various Species of Larval Fish, SSES, 1973 3-66 3-10 Mean Densities of Fish Larvae, SSES, 1975 and 1976 3-66 3-11 Luzerne County Municipalities 3-102 3-12 Conynghan Township 3-132 3-13 Agricultural Capability Map 3-132 3-14 Landmarks of Pond Hill 3-146 3-15 Physical Features of the Reservoir Site '-146

4-1 Area Capacity Curve

LIST OF TABLES PAGE

1.3.2-1 Summary of reservoir operation based on historical flem records of Susquehanna River at Wilkes-Barre 1-4

3.2.2-1 Pond Hill vegetation cover types 3-19 302%2 2 Pond Hill plant species inventory 3-20 3.2.2-3 Overstory analysis 3-33 3.2.2-4 Understory analysis 3-36

Xi COÃZ1WZS (Continued)

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NUMBER TITLE PAGE

3.2.2-5 Herb layer analysis 3-38 3.2.2-6 Pord Hill wildlife species inventory 3-39

3.2.3-1 Water quality criteria for Porxl Hill Creek 3-58

3 ~ 2 ~ 3 2 Water quality data fran the upper section of Pond Hill Creek 3-60 3.2.3-3 Water quality data fran the lower section of Pond Hill Creek 3-61 3.2.3-4 Total number of individuals of fish species for each collection period in.the upper section of Pond Hill Creek 3-62 3.2.3-5 Total number of individuals of fish species for each collection period in the lower section of Pond Hill Creek 3-63 3.2.3-6 Water quality criteria for the Susquehanna River 3-64

3 ~ 2 ~ 3 7 Water quality in the Susquehanna River near the proposed intake site 3-66

3.2.4-1 Regional population change 3-85 3.2.4-2 Population size a+3 density 3-86 3.2.4-3 Population estimates — 1975 3-87 3.2.4-4 Household population in 1970 3-88 3.2.4-5 Age characteristics in 1970 3-89 3.2.4-6 Fanily incane characteristics in 1969 3-90 3.2.4-7 Educational characteristics in 1970 for persons 25 years and older 3-91 3.2.4-8 Residence in 1965 3-92 3.2.4-9 Occupations of employed persons, 16 years and over 3-93

X11 CONTENTS (Continued)

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NUMBER TITLE PAGE

3.2.4-10 Industry of employed persons, 16 years and over 3-94 3.2.4-11 Place of work 3-95 3.2.4-12 Labor force and enploynent characteristics Northeast Pennsylvania labor market area 3-96 3.2.4-13 Personal inccme by source —Luzerne County 3-97 3.2.4-14 Trends in key econcmetric indicators for manufacturing industries as percentage of national — .3-98 average Luzerne County t 'I 3.2.4-15 Employment statistics for manufacturing industries —Luzerne County, 1975 3-99 . 3.2.4-16 Housing characteristics 3-100 „';3-101 3.2.4-17 . Second hanes '" 3.2.4-18 Housing and population estimates by municipality, April 1976 3-102

3.2.5-1 Regional land use 3-113 3.2.5-2 1975 land use in Luzerne County 3-114 3.2.5-3 1975 land use distribution —greater Shickshinny area 3-115 3.2.5-4 1975 land use in Conynghan Township 3-116 3.2.5-5 Existing lard use of project area 3-117

3.2.6-1 Luzerne County trends in selected types of production 1965 —1975 and 1976 3-125 3.2.6-2 Classification of farms in Luzerne County 1965 — 1975 3-126 3.2.6-3 Farms and land in farms in Luzerne County 1969 — 1974 3-127 CONZEhTZS (Continued)

LIST OF TABLES TITLE PAGE

3.2.6-4 Agricultural capability classif ications 3-128 3.2.6-5 Agricultural and woodlard ratios for soil series of Pond Hill 3-129

3.2.8-1 Outdoor recreation supply, uniform region 3 3-139 3.2.8-2 State game.and p&lic access, acreage, uniform region 3 3-140 3.2.8-3 Recreation facilities — Conynghan Township 3-141

3.3.3-1 Population and housing estimates: 1970-2020 3-156

3 ~ 3 ~ 3 2 Pennsylvania population projections: 1970-1990 3-157

3 ~ 3 ~ 3 3 Total resident enployment by industry 1985 projections —Luzerne County 3-158 3.3.3-4 Total resident enployment by occupation, 1985 projections —,Luzerne County 3-159

3.3.4-1 Estimated year 2000 land use (in acres) 3-163

4.2.4-1 Labor supply for reservoir construction 4-46 4.2.4-2 Major ird'ustri.es providing inputs to construction industry 4-47 4.2.4-3 Taxes and assessed valuation of site in relationship to taxing units 4-48 4.2.4-4 Municipal service ratios 4-49

4.2.5-1 Impact of reservoir site on Conynghan Township 4-61

x1v IÃZKIDUCZION

The Susquehanna Stean Electric Station (SES) is presently under construction near Berwick, Pennsylvania. This two-unit, 2,100 MW facility is 90 percent owned by Pennsylvania Power ard Light Co. (PAL) and 10 percent owned by Allegheny Electric Cooperative (Allegheny). Construction on this project was 70 percent canplete as of January 1, 1979. It is anticipated that Unit 1 would be placed in canmercial operation by February 1, 1980, and Unit 2 by May 1, 1982.

In order to operate the Susquehanna SES, water will be withdrawn frcm the Susquehanna River. While sane of this water will be returned to the river, approximately two-thirds will evaporate during the cooling process for the power plant. The anticipated average rate of loss is 50 cfs.

The consunptive use of water for the operation of the Susque"- hanna SES is regulated by the Susquehanna River Basin Cattmission (SRBC), which was created by a 'canpact between the canmonwealth of Pennsylvania', the states of Maryland and New York, and the federal goverrrnent. Under SRBC regulations, PP&L ard Allegheny would be obligated to augment the anount of water in the river during certain periods of low river flow, if water is being withdrawn at such low flow periods for plant operation.

The purpose of this envirormental report is to consider, generally, the options for low flow augmentation, and specifically, the environmental consequences of constructing a reservoir to supplement Susquehanna River flow when necessary. As background for this report, it should be indicated that there are three general methods that could be adopted by PAL and Allegheny to meet SRBC regulations. First, the plant owners could choose not to operate the plant during low flow periods. This would bring the plant into canpliance with the SHBC regulations. Intermit- tent operation of the plant would require the purchase of replacenent electricity when the plant was not functioning. This general method of

xv operation has been referred to as "river follower," since the operation of the plant follows the flow of the river.

A second general option potentially available to >PGL and Allegheny would be to purchase augmentation supply from a reservoir already in existence or presently under construction.

- The third alternative for low flow augmentation would be the construction of a new reservoir with the capacity to replace water that is withdrawn.„for the operation. of the Susquehanna SES.

This report briefly considers the first two general options in Section 2. As will be explained in this discussion, it has been concluded by the plant owners that neither of these two options is desirable. River follower .operation, it will be shown, .may force the owners to incur costs in purchasing replacement electricity (assuming such electricity is available) that are excessively high. The purchase of water from reservoirs that presently exist or are under construction is also not a viable option at this time. It appears that the necessary authorizations from the owners of such reservoirs or. from the SRBC cannot te .obtained in the near term.

Consequently, the plant owners have concluded that the most economically desirable and most reliable means of meeting low-flow augmentation requirements is by the construction of a new. reservoir. Hhile .there is some further information in this report on the river follower and water purchase options, the great part of the report is intended as an analysis of the. environmental impacts of constructing such a reservoir. SUMMARY OF IMPACTS

The potentially adverse impacts on the enviroment and community include the following:

Pond Hill Creek will be permanently altered —about 1.4 miles of it from free flowing to reservoir status, the remaining 0.8 miles to a partially regulated stream with minimum flows maintained.

About 260 acres of land will be inundated or covered by tne embankment. Vegetation in tnis area will be lost along with some wildlife and other streambank communities.

The borrow area within the site boundary will be disturbed and reclaimed, temporarily resulting in an increase in noise and dust. Fluctuating water levels, to the extent the project is used low flow augmentation, will result in exposed areas and 'or alter aquatic habitat for the period of drawdown. There will be an increase in traffic as workers commute to and from the area during construction.

The potentially -beneficial impacts on the environment and the community include the following: The reservoir will provide a makeup water supply to the Susquehanna River during low flow conditions. In the reservoir area there will be an increase in water fowl, aquatic and lakeshore wildlife. Recreational uses compatible with the reservoir operation and requirements of the habitat will be possible.

xv11 SECTION 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PRQECT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF PRMECZ

Pond Hill Reservoir is proposed as a source of water supply capable of ccmpensating for water consigned by the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SES) now under construction near Berwick, Pennsylvania. The proposed reservoir is located on a small, east bank tributary of the Susquehanna River about twenty miles downstrean fran Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania. Figure 1-1 shows the location of the Susquehanna and the reservoir. The strean is unnamed on maps of the area and is known locally as Catfish Creek. However, the creek is located near the settlement of Pond Hill, and for purposes of this report the proposed site is known as the Pond Hill Reservoir and the stream will be called Pond Hill Creek. (Note: Pond Creek flows fran LilyLake; see Figure 1-3.)

This report describes a reservoir project which would augment the Susquehanna River flow during drought periods by an anount equal to the average consunptive use of the Susquehanna SES. With 10,100 acre-feet of water supply storage, the proposed reservoir would provide the needed augmentation should the most severe drought of record recur.

Regulations established by the Susquehanna River Basin Canmis- sion (SBBC) require augmentation during periods of critical low river flow, -.defined by the canmission as the average consecutive seven-day low flow with a recurrence interval of ten years.

Of the sites considered by PP&L for develcgnent to supply augmentation needs for the Susquehanna SES, based on technical, envirorxnental and econcmical considerations, it was determined that the Pond Hill site had the fewest adverse environmental impacts. This selection was based on appraisal studies of thirteen potential sites in the vicinity of, or upstream fran the Susquehanna SES, judged to warrant consideration for developnent. The thirteen sites were selected frcm those identified in the Susquehanna River Basin Coordinating Committee, study (1970) and from unpublished studies by PAL engineers and TAMS. Cost and the potential environmental impacts within the reservoir areas were the primary factors in the assessments.

1.2 OTHER POSSIBLE PRQ7ECZ FUNCTIONS

While the primary purpose of the reservoir is low flow augmentation, it also could be used for additional water supply for other purposes. Flood control for Pond Hill Creek is a by-product of the reservoir but is not considered a function because of the lack of developnent downstream fran the dam. The proposed project will not have any measurable effect on flood control in the Susquehanna River.

1.2.1 Recreation

The potential for recreation at the reservoir site will be developed on a small scale to preserve the natural features of the landscape and to maintain and provide enjoyment of the aesthetic features of the area. Recreational impacts are discussed in section 4.2.8.

1.2.2 Water Supply

It is possible to include some naninal water storage to supply incidental municipal water uses such as fire fighting. These possibilities have not yet been explored.

1.3 AUGMENTATION AND WATER SUPPLY STORAGE CRITERIA

The average consumptive use of the Susquehanna SES is 50 cubic feet per second (cfs). The Pond Hill Reservoir is one possible source to provide the compensating flow to meet SRBC requirements.

In estimating the requirements for the reservoir, the Susque- hanna River flow as measured at the U.S. Geological Survey Gaging Station at Wilkes-Barre has been used as an index. In operation since 1899 this is the nearest gage to the Susquehanna SES. A frequency study based on the records for .the period 1900 to 1972 indicates the seven-day, ten-year low flew to be 770 cfs. This frequency study is summarized in Figure 1-2. Based on the SH3C criteria, Pond Hill Reservoir auld be used to augment the river flow when the gage at Wilkes-Barre indicates the flow to be 820 cfs or less (the critical low flow of 770 cfs plus Susquehanna SES consumptive use of 50 cfs) . This formula would be ad justed for augmentation releases made fran other sources for other facilities.

1.3.1 Conservation Releases

In addition to the augmentation criteria, a minimum flow past the dan into the downstrean channel of Pond Hill Creek will be provided. This will be a conservation release of 0.15 cfs per square mile of drainage area (or about 0.2 cfs for the 1.27 square mile drainage area).

It should be noted that for most of the time; dcwnstrean releases will exceed this rate. $hen the reservoir is full, all inflow fran runoff will be released to the creek. Also, the outlet for low flow releases will be designed so that part of the water can be released to the downstrean channel. The rest of low flow releases will be released to the Susquehanna River through a conduit.

1.3.2 Water Supply Requirements

Pond Hill Reservoir water supply storage was designed to provide a yield of 50 cfs for a period of 96 days. This period is equivalent to the length of time the Susquehanna flow was below 820 cfs at Wilkes-Barre during the 1964 drought (1964-1965 water year). This is the year of record for low flow.

Table 1.3.2-1 is a tabulation of the days during each month of the period 1905-1975 that the flow at the Wilkes-Barre gage was below 820 cfs. These are the periods when releases frcm the reservoir auld have been necessary. Clearly the critical drought was at least three times greater than the length of any other low flow period. The total number of days requiring augmentation during the period of record would have been 236 days or an average'f about 3 days per year. In 59 out of the 71 years analyzed, the reservoir would not have been needed for augmentation releases. 1-3 TABLE 1.3.2-1

SUMMA OF RESERVOIR,OPERATION BASED ON HISTORICAL FLCN RECORDS OF SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AT WILKES-BARRE * (Does not include operations for.maintenance purposes)

YEAR DRAWDOWN REFILL No. of Min. Acres No. Period ~da s Level ~Ex sed Period ~of da s

1905-1907 No Operation

1908 Sept. 17-28 12 935.0 12 Jan. 6-14 10

1909-1910 No Operation i x SV 1-3 1911 . Aug. 17-19 3 939.0 Sept.

1912 No Operation

1913 Sept. 12 1 Sept. 16-17 2 Sept. 20 1 938.5 Oct. 21-23

1914-1938 No Operation ~ e

1939 Aug. 26-31 6 937.5 6 Sept. 1-7 '7 Sept. 10-24 15 927.5 28 Oct. 29-Nov. 19 24

1940 No Operation

' 1941 Sept. 26-30 5 938.0 Nov. 9-'13 e Oct. 1-9 9 934.0 14 Dec. 24-29 12

1942-1952 No Operation (i 1953 Sept. 1 1 939.8 2 Oct. 3-5 3 938.5 4 Nov. 23-25

1954 No Operation

1955 July 31 1 939.8 Aug e 1 1 Aug. 3-10 8 936.0 Aug. 14-21

1956-1958 No Operation

' ' 1959 Sept. 24-30 937.0 Oct. 9-14 , 6

1960-1961 No Operation

1-4 TABLE 1.3.2-1 (Continued)

REFILL No. of Min. Acres No. Period ~da s Level ~Ex sad Period ~of da s

1962 Aug. 3-6 4 938.5 4 Aug. 25-27 3 937.0 8 Aug. 31 1 936.6 8 Sept. 1-15 15 930.0 23 Sept. 20-27 8 926.0 32 Oct. 1-24

1963 Oct. 12-18 7 937.0 8 Oct. 20-31 12 931.5 20 Nov. 1-6 6 928.5 26 Nov. 29-Dec. 17 21

1964 -Critical Drought- Aug. 8-11 4 937.5 5 Aug. 15-18 4 936 3 8 Aug. 20-21 2 935 3 11 Aug. 28-29 2 933.0 15 Sept. 3-30 28 919.0 45 Oct. 1-31 31 900.0 83 Dec. 28, 1964- Jan. 18, 1965 Nov. 1-25 25 878.0 127 Feb. 7-Apr. 12 - 86

1965 July 30-31 2 939.5 2 Sept. 26-27 2

1966-1975 No Operation

1-5 1.4 PRQ7ECT DESCRIPTION

1.4.1 Location

Pond Hill Reservoir will be located on a small tributary to the Susquehanna River in Conyngham Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The site is approximately seven miles northeast of the borough of Berwick and one mile south of the village of Mocanaqua. Figures 1-3, 1-4, and 3-12 show the proposed project and its immediate vicinity. Access to the site fran Berwick is via Route 93 north to Route 239, east and north on Route 239 to Legislative Route (L.R.) 40120, which is two miles south of Nocanaqua, and then by secondary roads to the dam site. The Pond Hill Reservoir site is about 2.3 miles upstream from the Susquehanna SES.

1.4.1 Physical setting

The project is located in a small valley on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. The valley stream flows west to the river. The north slope is steep, with a ridge line 700 to 800 feet above the valley floor. The south side of the valley is flatter with a ridge line about 200 to 300 feet above the stream bed. The stream is steep,- dropping some'500 feet to the river from its origin near Lily Lake, a distance of 2.2 miles.

To create the reservoir a dam would be constructed across the Pond Hill Creek valley about one mile upstream from its confluence with the Susquehanna River. The drainage area controlled by the dam would be 1.27 square miles.

The valley is relatively undeveloped. The north side is wooded with no development. The south side is mostly wooded with some agricultural laa3. All the residences in the valley are along the south ridge. Both the residential development and agricultural use are well above the maximum reservoir level.

The reservoir will be located in the geological area of the Great Valley of the Ridge and Valley Physiographic Province. Bedrock

1-6 consists of sedimentary rocks of the Paleozoic era. These rocks are folded ard deeply eroded along the less resistant strata. Formations within the site are the Irish Valley member of the Catskill formation on the north side and the Trimmers Rock formation on the south. Pond Hill Creek is the approximate boundary between these formations. The upper twenty to twenty- five feet on the south side. of the valley are highly weathered and friable. On the north side, bedrock is within a few feet of the surface.

Design and Specifications

A general plan of the project is shown in Figure 1-5. The project layout is based on the facilities necessary to obtain the reservoir storage required for a yield of 50 cfs during the critical drought and to provide for safe operation of the project"'under all conditions. Details of the design and criteria for sizing of the various facilities are explained in the Pond Hill Reservoir Design Report (TAIS 1979) .

The reservoir will have all the features typical of this type of project including dam, spillway and outlet works. Since natural runoff fran the mpounded stream is too small to provide any substantial water supply at the site, a pmp station at the Susquehanna River will be provided to insure filling under all hydrologic conditions. Provisions will be included in the design to renotely control the pump station and all control valves fran the Susquehanna SES.

1.4.2.1 Embankment dan and dike

The reservoir will be formed by an earth and rockfill dam constructed across the valley. The embankment would be about 1,900 feet in length at crest level. "The maximka height above the strean bed will be 190 feet (Figures 1-6 and 1-7).

1.4.2.2 Spillway

An overflow type spillway located at the south abutment of the dam will be 'provided to release flood flows when water levels exceed the

1-7 spillway crest level. The location and details of the spillway are shown in Figures 1-7. and 1-8. The spillway capacity, in conjunction with the reservoir storage available. above the spillway crest, will be adequate to prevent overtopping of the embankment, under probable maxim'lood conditions. The spillway will consist of an approach channel, a concrete ogee overflow weir, and a 1,200-foot concrete lined chute.

1.4.2.3 Inlet-outlet structure

An inclined structure will be located on the north slope of the reservoir to control releases for augmentation and for piped inflows. The structure will be connected to the panp station on the Susquehanna River by a pipeline. Pumped inflow will enter the reservoir through the inlet at the lowest level of the structure. Augmentation releases will be through the outlet ports to the pipeline directly to the Susquehanna River. Four gated outlet ports, each at a different level, will be located so releases can be made fran the reservoir level where the water temperature most closely matches that of the Susquehanna River (Figure 1-9).

1.4.2.4 - Water conduit

The inlet-outlet structure will be connected to the pump station by a 4,080-foot pipeline constructed partly in a cut and cover trench and partly in an unlined tunnel (Figure 1-10). The tunnel will be horseshoe- shaped with a width of eight feet. A portion of the steel pipe is thirty- six inches in dianeter and the other portion is forty-eight inches in dianeter. It will be capable of carrying up to 60 cfs of pxnped flows to the reservoir.

A bypass will be provided at the downstrean end of the pipeline so reservoir releases can be discharged into the river without passing through the punps. I

A twenty-four-inch branch with a control valve will bifurcate fran the pipeline near the downstrean toe of the dan for conservation re- . leases to the existing, channel. The system will be capable of discharging

1-8 up to about 20 cfs of the augmentation releases to the existing channel. This is the approximate capacity of the channel.

1.4.2.5 Pump station

A pump station (Figure l-ll) to refill the reservoir fran water flow in the river will be located on the bank of the Susquehanna River about 0.8 miles south of the village of Mocanaqua. The pump station will have a capacity of 60 cfs. Three pumps and electric motors will be provided, each equipped with a shut-off valve and a surge suppressor. The maximum intake velocity will be 0.5 feet per second. The station will have trash racks and traveling screens to prevent fish and debris from entering. Debris will be disposed of by a commercial trash hauler. The installation will be well secured from vandals and will be inspected regularly.

1.4.3 Land and Property Acquisition

The proposed reservoir will cover about 230 acres at maximum water supply level, and the embankment will cover an additional 30 acres. A buffer around the perimeter of the reservoir is proposed which will increase the total land requirment to about 1,300 acres. It is expected that no property owner will be left with a land parcel too small for practical use.

Approximately five acres of land will be needed at the Susque- hanna River for the pump station.

1.4.4 Relocation of Existing Facilities

Construction of Pond Hill Reservoir will not require any permanent relocations. Except for disturbances due to construction and some temporary relocations, the existing access roads and utilities in the area will be maintained.

1-9 1.4.5 Construction

1.4.5.1 Schedule

A schedule for implementing the detailed design and construction of the Pond Hill Reservoir is shown in Figure 1-12. This schedule was set to implement the reservoir project as rapidly as possible, based on reasonable allowances for the licensing and permits, design and construction. It indicates that the reservoir project could be ready to supply augmentation flows to the Susquehanna River by the summer of 1983.

The critical consideration in preparing the schedule is that -'review of the environmental report and the feasibility report can be completed, all necessary approvals for construction can be obtained, and land acquisition can be completed in about one year.

The planned two years for construction is sufficient to complete the project as now envisioned. An experienced contractor with sufficient resources should be able to schedule the purchase of equipnent and carry out the construction to meet the project completion date.

The critical const'ruction item is the water conduit. Based on a reasonable rate of advance in the tunnel excavation of about thirty feet per day and working from one heading, the excavation can be-completed well within the first year of construction. This would leave sufficient time to install the pipeline and connect it to the pump station and the inlet-outlet structure. Ifdifficultgeological problems are encountered, additional time might be needed for the tunnel construction. It should be pointed out, however, that based on available geological information, no unusual construction problems are anticipated.

1.4.5.2 Construction procedures

The project design has been based on the following, traditional construction methods.

1-10 Dam. Material excavated in the vicinity of the project will be used for the embankment. Part of it will come fran required excavation for other project features, and part will be obtained from borrow. As much of the borrow as possible will be obtained from within the area which will be inundated and the remainder fran a borrow area located within the project area.

Borrowing of rock will be a quarry type operation using drilling and blasting. Material will be hauled by trucks to the damsite where most of it will be used.

Borrow areas for core material first will be stripped of top soil using bulldozers or possibly scrapers. The top soil will be stockpiled for later use. After all required material has been removed, the borrow areas will be regraded; areas outside the reservoir will be graded, will have top soil replaced, and will be seeded and planted.

Areas currently planned for core material for the dam are located south of the reservoir {Figure 1-3). Material will probably be hauled to the dam site on a haul road constructed by the contractor. The contractor will be required to maintain the road, exercise safety precautions and maintain dust and noise control.

~Sillwa . The spillway will be constructed of reinforced concrete. Excavation for the spillway by bulldozer will remove the over-burden and weathered rock. The remainder of the rock excavation will be done by drilling and blasting. Suitable material from required excavation will be used in construction of the dam to the extent that it is economical.

It is aniticipated that a concrete batch plant will be set up within the site and that all concrete aggregates will be produced from quarried rock. The concrete will be hauled by trucks to the areas of construction.

Inlet-outlet structure. The lower portion of the inlet-outlet structure would be built in advance for use for diversion of flows while the dam is being constructed. The remainder would be constructed in two stages. In the first stage the concrete shell would be built using slip forms. Blockouts would be provided for installation of gates and"-equipnent during the second stage. Internal piping would be installed and the blockout concrete would be placed during this later stage.

Tunnel. Excavation by drilling and blasting and mucking by using rail equipment is envisioned as the procedure for construction of the tunnel. The size of the tunnel has been specifically set to accommodate this method of construction. The contractor might, however, propose to use a drilling machine or "mole." If such a proposal were found acceptable, it could be used.

The tunnel will be unlined through most of its length. Concrete lining, rock bolts, gunite and steel supports will be used where and if necessary for supporting the tunne1. It is anticipated that the rock excavated from the tunnel will be used for construction of the embankment and bank protection in the vicinity of the pump station.

That part of the tunnel under Route 239 and the railroad track adjacent to the pump house will probably be constructed by cut and cover methods. Adequate detours will be provided to maintain traffic at these facilities. These detours would be coordinated with the township and the railroad owners.

~Pi line. The steel pipeline will be purchased fram a gualified manufacturer and transported by rail or truck to the site. The portion under the dam, the manhole and the low-flow outlet branch will be installed early for use in diverting flows past the dam construction site. The schedule for placing the remainder would have to consider the tunnel construction schedule. The pipeline in the tunnel will be placed on concrete saddles and welded together. There will be sufficient space in the tunnel for inspection and maintenance of the pipeline after construction.

1-12 of the Susquehanna River adjacent to the railroad track. Either an embankment or sheet pile coffer dam will be required in the river for dewatering the construction area. All material used in construction of the coffer dam will be removed when the pump station is completed.

The pump station will be constructed of concrete and steel. The mechanical and electrical equipment will be manufactured offsite, transported to the pump house and installed according to a prearranged schedule. All electrical and mechanical equipment will be of staridard design.

1.4.6 Reservoir Operation

1.4.6.1 Summary of operational procedures

The Pond Hill Reservoir will be operated to augment the flow of the Susquehanna River. Releases at least equal to the volume used consumptively at the Susquehanna SES (50 cfs average) will be made when the Susquehanna flow as measured at the Wilkes-Barre gage is 820 cfs or less.

Conservation releases to the existing downstream channel will be made continuously at a minimum of 0.20 cfs.

The reservoir will be refilled by pumping from the Susquehanna River when flows are in excess of 3,000 cfs. This will usually occur in late fall and winter. The pump station capacity was selected to refill the reservoir within a ninety-six-day period. The pumping rate based on this criteria is 60 cfs.

Based on the historical record, releases for flow augmentation would have occurred between the end of July and November, even during the drought of record. Use of the reservoir is not expected to be extensive, unless conditions occur which are similar to the 1964 drought. It is estimated that the reservoir water surface elevation would have been near minimum pool and exposed an area of about 127 acres (see section 4.2.1.3.1), during that year (Table 1.3.2-1).

1-13 ' In eleven of the twelve years when, pumping would have been necessary "(section 1.3.2), it-would have occurred any time fran late August to early January, but the most frequent pumping would have occurred fran October to December. In the drought of record, piping would have occurred fran Decenber through April. It is expected that the reservoir-will always be filled by May l.

The operations would normally be carried out fran the Susque- hanna SES where remote controls for operating all major project equignent would be installed. This operating center will be manned continuously including the periods when releasing or pumping is in progress. The punp station would be inspected and operated as needed to insure that all controls and equipnent function properly. A regular inspection and maintenance program would be established to insure the safety of the project and the quality of the operations under all possible conditions. The services of an experienced and properly equipped maintenance force will be available to

~ mak'e both routine and emergency repairs.

To keep the mechanical equignent operating properly, a minimun operation schedule will be established so that sane releases and piping occur each year. Such a schedule will be established based on equignent manufacturers'ecaamendations and actual reservoir operating experii nce gained after the project is canpleted.

1.4.6.2 Historical operations analysis

A simulated operation of the reservoir was developed based on the Susquehanna River f 1m's measured at the Wilkes-Barre gage for the period 1905 — 1975, on the refilling criteria given above and on a 50 cfs consunptive use at the Susquehanna SES. Table 1.3.2-1 suomarizes this study. It indicates the dates when drawdown would have occurred and estimates minimun reservoir levels. The estimated time when refilling could canmence and the number of days of pumping necessary to refill are shown.

1-14 The operation simulation indicates that the reservoir would Wave been operated for augmentation releases in only.twelve years of the'eriod of record. In the remaining fifty-nine years, only conservation releases would have been required. During 1964, the reservoir would have been drawn down to the minimum storage level of 878 feet (see Table 1.3.2-1).

The next lowest drawdown level auld have been to an elevation of 926 feet in 1962.

1.5 PRMECZ COSTS

The cost of construction of the reservoir in 1977 dollars has been estimated at $ 32.4 million. The estimated in-service cost of the project in 1978 dollars is $ 47 million, with costs spread through the construction period and taking escalation into account. Costs of the project are described in more detail in the design report (TAMS, 1979).

1-15 References Consulted —Section 1

Federal R ister Vol. 41, p. 43135, September 30, 1976.

Susquehanna River Basin Coordinating Canmittee (SRBC). 1970. Susquehanna River basin study.

Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton (TAMS) . 1979. Design Report, Pond Hill Reservoir.

Tippetts-Abbett-.McCarthy-Stratton (TAMS). 1977. Assessment of sites for an augmentation reservoir for the Susequehanna Stean Electric Station.

1-16 E LIVII RA 0 OT

17 BINGHAMTON GLEN LYON 'v N.Y. KOONSVILLE 0 PA. CO SAYRE SHICKSHINNY +81 „oo POND HILL MANSFIELD S ITE 0 b. gO TROY 0 0 TOWANDA q. POND HILL IOe LR 40028 +Ie 0 14

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118

WILLIAMSPORT WILKES-BARRE g Q380 0 NANT I COKE o ~4 11 6 LOCK HAVEN POND HILI SITE 209

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(0 @15 ii III BLOOMSBURG GI HAZLETON ~(

SUNBURY +81 PENNSYLVANIA POWER 5 LIGHT COMPANY

61 susauEHANNA sEs REsERvoIR svuav POND HILL RESERVOIR 0 W( SITE LOCATION SCALE S SHAMOKIN FI'GURE I-I 5 0 20 ML 0 POTTSVILLE TIPPETTS.ASSETT-McCARTHV.STRATTON 5 0 5 30Km 0 ENOINEERS ANO ARCHITECTS NEW YORK - SEMI-LOGARITHMIC~ 2 CYCLES X 70 DIVISIONS KZ KEUFFEL dt ESSER CO. MADC IM VS.* 46 4970

Ch < 00 IO O OI '4 00 %0 I I I I I l I I I I I

Ref: Based on Data Contained in Water Resources Bulletin No. l2, Low Flow Characteristics of Pennsylvania Streams, Department of Environmental Resources., Harrisburg, Pa. October 1977

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PROJECT AVAILABLEFOR OPERATION SECTION 2 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

2.1 IPZH3DUCTION

The purpose of the proposed action is to provide a water supply source capable of canpensating for water mnsumed by the Susquehanna SES during periods of low flow in accordance with regulations of, the Susque- hanna River Basin Caamission (SRBC). The following sections briefly review alternatives which were considered.

2.2 NO ACTION ALTERATIVE — "RIVER 83LXlNI56"

One alternative to the proposed project is to avoid low flow augmentation by stopping the Susquehanna SES during periods when flow is less than critical low flow plus consumptive use. Based on a repeat of the historical average low flow (3.3 days per year) and evaluated over a thirty-year period, the present worth (1978) of the replacement energy for randan outages of Susquehanna SES is approximately $ 27 million. This is based on an assumed escalation rate of 7 percent for on-peak replacement energy cost and 6 percent for off-peak replacement energy cost. Based on the best and worst thirty-year periods of record, the range of replacement energy costs which could be expected have a present worth of between $ 3 million and $ 58 million. The present worth of the average outages is less than the present worth of the proposed project ($ 27 million vs. $ 47 million). However, the cost of Susquehanna SES outages only includes the cost of replacenent energy and does not consider possible detrimental effects of plant shutdown on fuel cycle efficiency or on plant and systen reliability. These effects would tend to increase the cost of the average outages.

This present worth analysis is based on a 30-year period and dqes not consider a possible longer life for the Susquehanna SES which

would . increase the present worth of the outages. The exposure to higher shutdown costs due to early drought is considerable. Such costs actually could double because droughts can last weeks, many times the average 3.3 days, and often occur in several successive years. If annual 30-day shutdowns due to low flow were to occur during 1983, 1984 and 1985 (the

2-1 first three years Pond Hill is scheduled to be available), these outages would have a present worth of $ 48.7 million.

In summary, the replacement value of energy is slightly less than the present worth of Pond Hill construction. However, this equation ignores other important cost factors which are governing. One of the principal cost factors is that the need for flow augmentation is very irregular. Secondly, the need to start up and shut down may decrease plant and system reliability and fuel cycle efficiency. Therefore, the financial risks of the no-action alternative were judged to be unacceptable and the no-action alternative was rejected.

2.3 USE OF EXISTItK RESEEQIRS

The potential for using water supply storage in an existing reservoir or one under construction was explored. Both privately and publicly owned reservoirs were reviewed including reservoirs owned by Pennsylvania Gas & Water Canpany, the Corps of Engineers (COE) and the Soil Conservation Service.

In general, the existing reservoirs are not adaptable to provide the water needed by PP&L and to provide storage for their designed purpose. In the case of federal projects, sane were not authorized for water supply and congressional action would be required for a change in project use. The possibility, of,increasing the size of what appeared to be the most favorable existing, privately owned water supply reservoir was investigated in sane detail, but was found less favorable environmentally and econanically than other possibilities.

The two COE projects which are under construction in Tioga County, Pa., Tioga-Hanrmnd and Cowanesque are scheduled for ccmpletion in 1979 and 1980, respectively. Both projects were evaluated as potential sources for flow augmentation, and the Cowanesque project was determined by the Corps. to be more favorable. Based on review of available technical - and .ccogressional data, it, was concluded that it is technically feasible and legally permissible, to consider an agreement with the COE to utilize

2-2 the Cowanesque project to supply flow augmentation for the Susquehanna SES. PP&L pursued this route and forwarded a formal request on March 15, 1978 to the COE to purchase seasonal storage in the reservoir. The SRBC ccmmented on the request (in a letter of April 17, 1978) and suggested that a new study of all potential water supply uses, the effect of these uses on other authorized project functions, and a determination of necessary re-authorizations be made. The COE estimates the study will take a minima of two years to canplete fran the date of obtaining funds which are anticipated for early 1979. The SRBC caaments indicate that Cowan'esque Reservoir is not now a timely alternative.

As discussed in section 2.2, in order to operate its Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, PP&L finds it econanically necessary to have an assured source of low-flow augmentation. Because of the uncertainty of obtaining seasonal storage in the Cowanesque project in a timely fashion, PP&L must pursue the proposed action to construct a new reservior.

2.4 ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR A NEH RESERVOIR

2.4.1 Previous Studies

Possible reservoir sites have been studied in the Susquehanna basin by a variety of investigators. The Susquehanna River Basin Coordi- nating Ccaanittee Report of June, 1970, considered many reservoirs proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture and others. Host of these previous studies considered only streams with drainage areas large enough to provide a relatively high yield. TAHS has been periodically retained by PP&L since 1972 to perform studies of potential conventional reservoirs as well as reservoirs supplemented by pumping from nearby streams. In addition, PP&L engineers have made several of their own investigations.

In 1977, TAMS investigated thirteen potential reservoir sites, capable of meeting augmentation water supply storage requirements for consunptive water use at the Susquehanna Stean Electric Station. These sites were selected for evaluation on the basis of knowledge of the topography

2-3 and environmental conditions of the area gained during the earlier research, in edition to further research required during the initial selection process.,A discussion of the technical and envirorxnental, characteristics of each site is presented in TAMS (1977).

The thirteen sites discussed in the TAMS (1977) report are (see Figure'-1):

Graves Pond Creek Salen Creek Little Meshoppen Creek Tributary to Nescopeck Creek Riley Creek Pond Creek Butler, Creek Little Wapwallopen Creek Idlewild Creek Tributary to South Branch of Laning Creek Newport Creek Fargo Creek Pord Hill

The Little Wapwallopen site would develop the needed water supply, or yield, by storing. runoff frcm its drainage area. Supplemental piping frcm a nearby source would be required to develop the yield at the other sites.

The stay consisted of establishing criteria for project re- quirenents, developing a plan for each site ard appraising the technical and envirormental qualities of each site. The assessments were based primarily on office studies using existing maps and a literature search. Each site also was given a field inspection.

2.4.2 Selection of a Preferred Site

2.4.2.1 Introduction

Two elements made up the process used to identify the preferred site. An environmental evaluation of the thirteen sites defined the constraints of each with respect to both ecology and the hunan envirorment. A technical evaluation based on available information identified whether a

2-4 reservoir could be constructed at each site and determined the approximate cost of construction. These elements were used in canbination to determine an optimal reservoir site.

2.4.2.2 Environmental evaluation

The envirorxnental evaluation of the thirteen potential reservoir sites in the Susquehanna River basin was part of a screening process to identify a primary site for developnent. The assessment was limited to environmental concerns associated with reservoir develognent which were of particular importance or of potentially significant impact.

Each site was analyzed according to eleven factors: number of residential units within the site; amount of residential developnent below the proposed dan site; amount and type of agricultural activity affected; agricultural capability classif ication of soils within site; length of strean inundated; quality of the affected stream's fishery; water quality of the reservoir's water source (this would directly affect the reservoir's potential water quality); potential impact on piping source (with particular emphasis on proportion of total flow to be pumped and fishery quality); a qualitative judgment of the wildlife habitat within the site relative to the other sites studied; length and type of water conduit (i.e., pipeline or tunnel) and character of area which would be traversed by a pipeline; and area exposed by maximum drawdown (directly related to the size and shape of the reservoir).

The following ass+options were made to facilitate the evaluation of. the sites considered: (a) A site was defined as that area bounded by the topographic contour at the elevation of the top of the dan. This elevation was five feet above maximum water level. Xt is within this area that the analyses of such factors as residential relocations and land use were focused. (b) Construction impacts were assumed to be essentially similar for each site, with the exception of the water conduit route which was treated separately for each.

2-5 The canbined factors rated sites as potential reservoirs relative to each. other, and did not summarize envirormental impacts at each site. The ratings used on each factor were: relatively good, fair or poor. Although the process is inherently subjective, a set of'criteria for each factor was established so that the evaluation for each site was consistent. For example, in rating each site on the amount of active agricultural land affected, the criteria appl ied are as follows: 0-25 acres, good; 26-75 acres, fair; ) 75 acres, poor.

After completing the ratings for each factor, the thirteen potential reservoir sites were canpared and placed in, one of three categories: category l sites were recanmended for further consideration for developnent; category 2 sites were possibilities for further consideration, but did not appear as favorable as category l; and category 3 sites were to be dropped fran further consideration.

The sites were classified as follows, based on the envirorxnental evaluation: Category l — Reccmmended for further stud : —Pond Hill —Graves Pond Creek

Category 2 — Further stud should be considered: Little Neshoppen Creek Riley Creek Fargo Creek Laning Creek Tributary to South Branch Newport Creek

Category 3 — Not reamnended for further stud: —Butler Creek Idlewild Creek Salem Creek Tributary to Nescopeck Creek Pond Creek Little Wapwallopen Creek

2-6 2.4.2.3 Technical evaluation

Several factors including topography, hydrology, geology and existing facilities, anong others, were evaluated to determine the physical suitability of each site as a location for developing a reservoir,(TAMS 1977). Since the rating for each of these factors relates inversely to project cost—e.g., as the suitability rating of topography goes higher, the cost goes lower—cost determinations were used as a surrogate for technical assessment.

The following ranking frcm the technical evaluation reflects the suitability of the sites fran this standpoint. (The tributary to the South Branch of Newport Creek was eliminated fran cost considerations because of geological uncertainties resulting fran past surface and deep mining in the immediate vicinity.)

Ranking of sites based on costs:

(Project cost less (Project cost $ 32.0 (Project cost greater than $ 32.0 million) to $ 39.0 million) than $ 39.0 million)

Little Meshoppen Creek Graves Pond Creek Fargo Creek Riley Creek Butler Creek Salem Creek Idlewild Creek Trib. to Nescopeck Cr. Pond Creek Little Wapwallopen Creek Pond Hill Laning Creek

2.4.3 Selected Site

The ccmbination envirormental and technical assessment identified Pond Hill as the preferred site. Clearly Pond Hill rated most suitable on the envirormental criteria, and its cost level was in the middle range of all the sites. It was rated as good on eight of the eleven factors as shown in Figure 2-2. Graves Pond Creek and Little Meshoppen Creek ranked second and third envirorxnentally as discussed in chapter 4 of the TAMS report (1977), and because of their closeness in cost to Pond Hill, they were renxrmended as first and second alternates, respectively, for further study.

2-7 2.4.4 Alternate Sites

The Graves Pond Creek and Little Neshoppen Creek sites are both located in the northwest corner of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania about 35 miles north of the Susquehanna SES. Graves Pond is a small west bank tributary to the Susquehanna River in Windhan Township about 4.7 miles west of the borough of Meshoppen. The Little Meshoppen Creek is a tributary to Neshoppen Creek and is in Neshoppen Township, Wyoming County, about 1.5 miles north of the borough of Meshoppen. The inundation area would extend partly into Auburn Township, Susquehanna County (see Figure 2-1).

Data collection at Graves Pond Creek and Little Meshoppen Creek was carried out in parallel with that at Pond Hill Creek. A geotechnical investigation was made for Pond Hill but not for Graves Pond and Little Neshoppen. Based on review of available literature it was assumed the latter two sites were technically feasible for reservoir develognent.

Terrestrial and aquatic ecology studies at Graves Pond and Little Meshoppen were corducted using the sane methods as described for Pord Hill in Appendix A-1 and A-2. At the Graves Pond site, however, site investigations were limited to reconnaissance studies along the three roads traversing the site because the field study tean did not have permission to enter a major portion of the site. Since the predcminant land use at Graves Pond is agriculture, limited site access did not impair terrestrial studies as seriously as it could have if the site were predaninantly woodland or other natural wildlife habitat. Aquatic and water quality studies were conducted at Graves Pond downstream from the dan site (see Figure 2-3).

Water quality samples were taken at three locations in the Little Neshoppen Creek and in the Neshoppen Creek at its confluence with the Little Meshoppen (piping site). Water quality sanples were also taken in the Susquehanna River near the confluence of the Meshoppen Creek (a possible alternate piping site) (see Figure 2-4).

2-8 A technical description of the two sites was discussed by TAMS (1977) along with reservoir plans ard a brief discussion of natural resources, water quality, and land use. Further discussion of natural resources appears separately for each site in section 2.4.4.1 and 2.4.4.2.

Land use in the sites is shown on Figures 2-3 and 2-4 and,is summarized and compared to Wyoming and Susquehanna counties in Table 2.4.4-1. (Similar information for Pond Hill is found in Table 3.2.5-5).

Monthly water quality analyses are found in Tables 2.4.4-2 through 2.4.4-6.

None of the plants or animals listed as rare, endangered or threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Pennsyl- vania Fish Canmission were found at the Graves Pond or Little Meshoppen sites and none are believed to inhabit then.

The socioeconanic character of the area is typical of counties in northern Pennsylvania, with low ~pulation, low per capita incane, and a predcininantly rural-agricultural econanic base with a few industries.

Population and per capita income are shown for Wyoming and Susquehanna counties in Tables 2.4.4-7 through 2.4.4-10. Current and projected population for radial sectors containing the sites are found in the Susquehanna SES Envirormental Report by PP&L (1978).

Manufacturirg is the leading industry in both counties based on employment and produced value (Pa. Dept. of Commerce, 1977). Mehoopany Township and Tunkhannock borough are the nearest industrial centers. Due to the amount of cropland, agriculture is a major industry and source of inccme. Wholesale and retail trade ard services also play important roles in the econanies of these counties. Impacts to the local econcmy due to reservoir construction and operation at either of these sites would be similar to that described for Pond Hill. Minimal econcmic impact would be expected.

2-9 Recreation for the Graves Pond and Little Meshoppen region is reported by PP&L in section 2.1.3.7.2 and Figure 2.1-18 of the Susquehanna SES Environmental Report (1978) ..Wyaning County and Susquehanna County have 43.9 and 22 square miles, respectively, of state game lands providing hunting and fishing. There are no state game or forest lands in the sites. Campgrounds, ski lodges, hiking trails, and golf courses are also available. Wyoming County has 2 square miles of state forest lands (Pa. Dept. of Cannerce, 1977).

None of,the items listed in the Department of the Interior's National Register of Historic Places or by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Canmission is found in either of the site areas. There are no known remains of archaeological significance in the sites.

There is no evidence of sources of air or noise pollution in the sites. The air quality of the area is described as good (PDER Air Quality Engineer, Wilkes-Barre Office, Personal Catmunicat ion) . A discussion of climate ard further description of air quality is found in section 3.2.10.1.

Both Graves Pond and Little Meshoppen have residential development within the sites and downstream fran the dam sites. At Graves Pond three or four hanes would need to be relocated fran a local road on the northern frise of the site. There are approximately five to eight residences located about a mile below the dan site, although the dam would probably not be visible fran them. Little Meshoppen has four or five hcmes scattered through the site. There is also a significant anount of residential develapnent below the proposed dam, including three or four hanes which would be within sight of the structure as well as the borough of Meshoppen about 1.5 miles downstrean. Disturbance to this residential lard use was regarded as a daninant adverse impact. The hanes within, and downstrean fran, these two sites, canpared to the lack of any residences at the Pond Hill site, together with other environmental and technical factors discussed in this report and by TAMS (chapters 3 and 4, 1977), preclude the Graves Pond and Little Meshoppen sites fran further consideration.

2-10 2.4.4.1 Graves Pond Creek

Graves Pond Creek is a small stream. Flow is intermittent during dry periods. Water quality in the stream and in the Susquehanna 'River at the proposed piping station site is discussed by TM% (1977).

The site has average wildlife habitat quality canpared to the region and the other sites studied. It is a deer winterirg area and also is reported to contain turkey, rabbit, raccoon, mink, and muskrat. No pheasants have been reported and the site is neither given pheasant classification nor stocked. Turkey winter in the creek bottan area but live the rest of the year in the seep or wetland areas to the south of the inundation area. Compared to the wildlife populations found elsewhere in the county, the inundation and embankment areas contain inferior game animals and bird habitat due to lack of cover in much of the site and the lack of marshy areas. Graves Pond Creek is not stocked or listed, as a fishery by the Pennsylvania Fish Caamission. Minnows and suckers, among other species, inhabit the strean.

2.4.4.2 Little Meshoppen Creek

Little Meshoppen Creek is a mediun to anall stream approximately nine miles long and includes three small ponds in the upper half of its reach. During the one-year period of field studies the stream maintained scme flow. Approximately 2.75 miles of the stream would be inundated, but none of the three ponds would be affected by the project.

~ The mixed character of this site's wildlife habitat, including the presence of beaver, results in its being classed as having sanewhat alxxre average wildlife habitat relative to the other sites studied. The meadows and wet areas created by abardoned beaver dams provide good habitat for deer and rabbits. The central area of the site, where trees cane down to the edges of the beaver ponds, is good woodcock habitat. Sane migrant turkeys have appeared in the site, but there are apparently no residents.

2-11 Much of the creek bottan at the Little Meshoppen site has been cleared for agriculture, especially dairy and beef cattle grazing. There is considerably more disturbance to the creek bottan area at Little Mes- hoppen than at the Pond Hill site. 1hese land uses have lessened the site's suitability for turkey and, to a lesser extent, deer residence. The farmland does offer scme winter cover for deer. Despite the developnent of the creek bottan land, much of the valley wall area is st'ill covered by timber and contains many seeps.

The quality of the water in Little Meshoppen Creek appears to be good due to the lack of pollution sources other than agriculture in its watershed. With the exception of occasional high coliform levels, analysis of the monthly water quality sanples confirms this (see Tables 2.4.4-3 to -6). Water quality in Meshoppen Creek, which would be the piping source, at this point is good but also has occasional high levels of coliforms. Trout are stocked in the area directly above the proposed punping point. Little Meshoppen Creek was stocked with brook and brown trout during the middle fifties, but was last stocked in 1958. The Little Meshoppen supports brown bullheads, black crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass (which may have been washed fran Carlin Pond), white sucker, carp, minnow, and shiners. The reservoir would be expected to support a good warmwater fishery.

2-12 TABLE 2.4.4-1

~ IAND USE GF INUNDATION AND EMBANKMENT AREAS CKNPARED TO WYOMING AND SUSQUKQNNA COUNTIES (Acres)

Graves Pond Little Mesho n

Forest 147,648 282,560 Mixed Coniferous —deciduous 173 133 Mixed Deciduous 39 106 Crop Land 85 0 53,184 113,536. Pasture Land 57 116 24,448 76,224 Other 2 29,248 60,800

Total 354 357 254,528 533,120 TABM 2.4.4-2 HATER QUALXXY OF GRAVES POND CREEK AT PMPOSED DAM SITE, SZLTION NO. 3

PARAMETER (Units mg/1 uQess stated otherwise ~Se .77 Oct. Hav. Dec. Jan.78 Feb. NM:. A~. ~Ma Jlme ~Jul Auu. N Mean Max. Min.

Temperatur~ater (C') 6.5 5.0 1.5 -1.0 0.0 1.5 5.0 9.0 10.5 13.5 19.0 1I 6.41 19.0 -1.0 Dissolved Oxygen-pKm 12.1 12.3 13.5 13.2 12.0 13.6 11.3 11.5 6.0 5.0 10 11.05 13.6 5.0 B.O.D. 3.0 1.7 0.8 <0.5 <1.0 1.0 <1.0 2.0 <1.0 <1.0 4.0 ll 1.55 4.0 <0.5 C,O,D, 10.2 5.1 2.0 10.1 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 15.0 6.0 <5.0 13.0 ll 7.40 15.0 2.0 pH (sou+) 7.00 7.75 7.35 7.20 7.50 7.40 7.95 6.85 6.80 6.40 10 7.220 7.95 6.40 Alkalinity—as CaCo3 8.3 6.9 29.4 23.9 7.4 9.2 17.5 6.0 22.0 32.0 37.0 11 18.15 37.0 6.0 Total Hardness —as CaCo3 35.0 34.0 30.0 30.0 31.0 27.6 28.0 36.0 30.0 50.0 52.0 11 34.87 52.0 27.6 Total Dissolved Solids 69.6 31.4 13.8 92.2 69.2 20.4 57.4 51.9 76.1 82.4 123.0 11 62.49 123.0 13.8 Total Suspended Solids <0.5 2.0 1.9 45.1 5 9 4 8 2 6 1 2 3 4 4 5 2.6 11 6.77 45.1 <0.5 Turbidity —FTU 0.80 2.50 0.60 2.30 2.00 0.73 1.10 1.60 1.90 1.50 0.80 ll 1.439 2.50 . 0.60 Specif ic Corductance-~ thos 88 86 89 88 86 90 80 78 86 125 10 89.6 125 78 Color - CPU 3 15 10 11 6.8 15 <1 Sulphate as S 3.0 17.7 17.1 22.1 17.6 16.6 17.0 15.0 16.0, 19.0 '4.0 11 16.83 24.0 3.0 Ort)n Phosphate as P 0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.02 0.03 0.02 <0.02 0.04 0.02 0.15 <0.01 11 0.032 0.15 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.02 0.10 0.08 0.02 0.14 0.02 0.02 0.73 ll 0.118 0.73 0.02 Nitrate as N 0.13 0.12 0.17 0.35 0.36 0.64 <0.10 0.09 0.38 0.45 <0.01 11 0.255 0.64 <0.01 Chloride 4.2 13.9 <0 05 7.3 4.9 6.5 5.6 3.8 0.4 5.09 6.8 11 5.36 13.9 <0.5 Total Oopper <0.02 <0.02 0.03 0.02 0 06 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 ll 0.025 0.06 <0.02 Total Iron 0.62 0.23 — 0.19 0.16 0.24 0.29 0.07 0.39 0.26 0.56 0.25 11 0.296 0.62 0.07 Total Manganese 0.04 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 0.03 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 11 0.023 0.04 <0.02 Colifoan - Total MPgfl00 ml 460 460 1100 >2400 1100 1100 460 460 >2400 >2400 1100 11 1221.8 >2400 460. Coliform - Fecal MPg/100 ml 43 43 93 240 9 93 23 23 93 460 43 11 105.7 460 9 Fecal Streptooocci MPg/100 ml <1 20 <1 15 <1 <1 <1 10 5 90 15 ll 14.5 90 <1 TABLE 2.4.4-3 WATER ()UALITYOF LITTLE MESHOPPEN CREEK NEAR CARLIN POND~ SZATIGN Ãl. 1

PARAMETER (Units mg/I unless stated otherwise) ~Se .77 Jan.78 Feb. Apr. ~Ma June ~Jul ~A. N Min.

Tanperature-Water (C') 16.5 7.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -0.5 0.5 8.5 13.0 16.5 19.0 20.0 12 8.83 20.0 -0.5 Dissolved Oxygen-pgn 8.6 11.4 12.7 13.6 13 3 13.2 12.0 11.2 9.3 5.4 6.0 11 10.61 13.6 5.4 B.O.D. 15.0 5.0 2.0 0.7 <0.5 <1.0 1.0 <1.0 8.0 <1.0 8.0 4.0 12 3.93 15.0 <0.5 C.O.D. 21.0 22.6 13.2 10.0 8.0 <5.0 6.6 <5.0 <5.0 20.0 40.0 21.0 12 14.78 .22.6 <0.5 pH (s.uo) 6.90 6.60 6.70 6.75 6.90 6.80 6.70 7.20 6.70 7.40 7.35 6.90 12 6.908 7.40 6.70 Alkalinity—as CaGo3 9.2 12.0 4.6 9.2 24.8 18.4 <1.0 14.7 9.0 41.0 42.0 39.0 12 18.74 42.0 <1.0 Total Hardness —as CaGo3 31.0 29.0 32.0 24.0 31.0 31.0 29.6 23.0 30.0 32.0 47.0 48.0 12 32.30 48.0 23.0 Tbtal Dissolved Solids 107.0 71.0 55.0 17.0 96.4 67.0 29.0 56.6 45.9 76.0 105.0 77.6 12 66.96 107.0 17.0 Total Suspended Solids 118.0 4.9 3.4 1.4 9.9 9.4 1.7 7.7 5.2 8.8 16.4 8.0 12 16.23 118.0 1.4 Turbidity - FIU 2.8 2.5 3.5 4.7 67 48 50 64 58 110 5.4 ll 5.33 11.0 '.5 Specific Goniuctance-~ thos 100 82 87 83 70 92 92 75 77 95 100 11 86.6 100 70 — 12.0 12.0 17.0 7.0 5.0 55.0 55.0 48.0 12 27.50 67.0 5.0 Color CPU , 25.0 67.0 15.0 12.0 Sulphate as S 12.9 13.0 14.1 14.4 15.0 12.5 11.1 11.0 11.0 10.0 8.0 4.0 12 11.42 15.0 4.0 Ortho Phosphate as P 0.07 0.02 0.23 <0.01 0.02 <0.02 0.03 <0.02 0.05 0.07 <0.01 <0-01 12 0.047 0.07 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.07 0.04 0.02 0.09 0.14 0.13 0.10 0.03 0.09 0.05 0.07 0.68 12 0.071 0.68 0.02 Nitrate as N 0.34 0.21 0.23 0.38 0.30 0.52 0.77 <0.10 0.16 0.45 0.16 0.40 12 0.335 0.77 <0.10 Chloride 3.5 6.4 2.9 0.8 3.8 9.3 2.2 3.0 2.6 2.4 3.73 3.5 12 3.68 9.3 0.8 Total Copper <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 2.07 <0.02 0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 12 0.193 2.07 <0.02 12 0.107 3.92 0.33 Total Iron 1.00 1.26 , 0.33 3.92 0.90 0.46 0.51 0.71 '0.98 1.23 1.02 0.96 Total Manganese 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.11 0.06 0.15 0.17 0.65 0.60 12 0.175 0.65 0.05 Coliform - Total ~100 ml >2400 240 460 >2400 >2400 240 >2400 150 460 1100 93 43 12 1032.2 >2400 43 Coliform - Fecal MPg/100 ml 1100 23 23 210 1100 23 460 23 93 43 4 <3 12 258.8 1100 <3 Fecal Streptococci MPH/100 mix 60 <1 10 15 35 <1 <1 <1 5 65 35 30 12 21.6 65 <1 TABKZ 2.4.4H NATER QUALITY OF LITXLE HESEPPEN CREEK NEAR NKHI?G-SUSQUEHANNA GXÃZIES BOUNDAHYJ KATION M. 2

PARAHETER (Units mg/I unless stated otherwise) ~ne .77 ncn. Ncu: nec. Jan.78 Nec. Nau. AJu. ~na June J~ul Auu. N Nean Nan. Nin.

Temperatur~ater (C') 16.0 5.5 4.0 1.5 -1.0 -1.0 1.0 6.5 10.0 15.0 17.5 20,0 12 7.92 20.0 -1.0 Dissolved Oxygen-pgn 8.5 11.9 12.4 13.4 13.1 12.8 13.4 11.2 10.9 5.0 5.6 ll 10.75 13.4 5.0 B,O,D 22.0 4.0 1.8 0.6 <0.5 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 3.0 <1.0 1.0 3.0 12 3.33 22.0 <0.5 C.O,D 18.2 37.2 9.4 12.0 7.0 <5.0 8.0 10.0 31.0 24.0 17.0 27.0 12 17.15 37.2 <0.5

'2 pH (Seue) 6.95 6.80 7.05 7.00 6.90 7.15 7.20 7.60 7.10 7.35 6.90 6.90 7.075 7.60 6.80 Alkalinity—as CaOo3 10.6 12.9 11.0 11 0 26.7 9.2 10.1 19.3 11.0 29.0 49.0 27.0 12 18.90 49.0 9.2 Total Hardness —as CaCo3 36.0 31.0 37.0 31.0 30.0 36.0 27.6 30.0 30.0 39.0 53.0 50.0 12 35.88 53.0 27.6 Total Dissolved Solids 99.4 63.0 49.6 12.9 111.0 73.6 24.8 59.6 50.5 77.3 79.8 88.4 12 65.83 111.0 12.9 Total Suspended Solids 125.0 2.1 5.1 8.9 22.6 11.3 6.2 7.0 5.8 15.6 16.1 7.1 12 19.40 125.0 2.1 Turbidity - FLU 2.4 5.0 2.2 4.0 6.7 3.5 2.8 4.7 7.6 12.0 5.8 ll 5.15 12.0 2.2 Specif ic Oorductance-~ thos 90 83 94 78 95 94 80 84 82 100 ll 91.6 128 82 Color - CPU 22 42 ll 12 12 14 12 7 15 37 60 55 12 24.'9 60 Sulphate as S 14.2 15.0 10.9 13.6 16.7 17.7 10.8 12.0 10.0 9.0 4.0 <1.0 12 11.24 17.7 <1.0 Ort)a Phosphate as P 0.05 0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.02 <0.02 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.20 <0.01 12 0.042 0.20 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.05 0.04 0.19 0.02 0.03 0.07 0.09 0.03 0.13 0.03 0.06 0.38 12 0.093 0.38 0.02 Nitrate as N 0.39 0.13 0.26 0.45 0.70 0.50 0.76 0.30 0.14 0.61 0.08 0.05 12 0.364 0.76 0.05 Chloride 3.5 7.2 7.3 3.3 4.7 6.7 3.3 15.0 2.8 1.7 3.73 3.2 12 5.20 15.0 1.7 Total Oopper <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.03 0.02 0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 12 0.023 0.05 <0.02 Total Iron 0.83 0.63 0.37 0.48 0.38 0.59 0.75 0.76 1.38 1.25 . 3.18 1.05 12 0.971 3.18 0.37 Total Hanganese 0.06 0.06 0.13 0.05 0.07 0.09 0 13 0.05 0.17 0.24 0.99 1.00 12 0.253 1.00 . 0.05 Colifoan - Total HPg/100 ml 1100 240 1100 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 460 >2400 >2400 93 12 1649.4 >2400 . 93 Colifoan - Fecal ~100 ml 93 23 93 1100 >2400 23 >2400 93 93 1100 240 9 12 638.2 >2400'5 9 Fecal Streptococci HPg/100 ml <1 5 20 25 30 <1 <1 <1 5 25 45 <1 12 13.3 TABLE 2e4 4-5 WATER QUALI1Y OF LITXLE MESHOPPEN CREEK NEAR BENNIEGER'S DAM, SI'ATION NO. 3

PARAMETER (Units mg/1 unless stated othexwise ~ue .77 nca. ueu. Dec. Jan.78 nen. uac .~A. ~na June J~tn auu. N nean uaa. nun

Temperature-Water (C ) 16.0 6.0 4.0 1.0 -1.0 -1.0 1.0 6.5 10.0 14.0 15.0 F 17.0 12 7.38 17.0 -1.0 Dissolved Oxygen-pgn 10.0 12.6 12.5 13.6 13.5 12.5 13.0 11.3 10.6 9.1 7.4 11 11.46 13.6 7.4

B.O.D 13.0 4.0 2.0 0.5 <0.5 1.0 <1.0 <1.0 3.0 <1.0 <1.0 2.0 12 2.50 . 13.0 <0.5 C.O.D. 17.2 11.3 9.8 5.0 <5.0 11.7 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 11.0 14.0 18.0 12 9.83 18.0 <5.0 pH (s.u.) 7.10 7.10 7.45 7.20 7.35 7.20 7.45 7.70 7.75 7.70 6.90 11 7.35 7.75 6.90 Alkalinity—as CaCo3 5.5 13.8 7.4 11.0 28.5 10.1 11.0 18.4 11.0 37.0 50.0 55.0 12 21.56 55.0 5.5 Total Hardness — as CaCo3 38.0 35.0 36.0 34.0 27.0 33.0 27.6 37.0 32.0 36.0 61.0 63.0 12 38.30 63.0 27.0 Total Dissolved Solids 104.0 59.8 30.6 9.4 67.6 72.4 30.4 61.8 56.4 80.4 94.4 104.0 12 64.27 104.0

9.4'otal Suspended Solids 102.0 <0.5 3.0 12.7 23.0 7.0 11.6 3.2 9.0 5.6 2.0 20.5 12 16.68 102.0 <0.5 Turbidity —FIU 1.8 3.5 3.0 4.0 6.3 4.3 2.1 4.0 3.4 3.0 1.0 11 3.31 6.3 1.0 = Specif ic Corductance-~ ahos 100 84 100 102 96 98 90 82 88 85 137 11 96.55 137 82 Color - CPU 20 <1 9 12 10 10 7 25 35 15 22 12 14.8 35 <1 Sulphate as S 16.1 31.0 14.1, 12.7 17.3 14.2 12.4 13.0 11.0 9.0 8.0 8.0 12 13.90 31.0 8.0 Ortho Phosphate as P 0.05 0.02 .0.02 <0.01 0.03 <0.02 0.04 <0.02 0.05 0.08 0.04 <0.01 12 Oe033 0 08 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.02 0.11 0.03 0.04 0.16 12 0.064 0.16 0.02 Nitrate as N 0.45 0.38 0.28 0.44 0.74 0.56 0.77 0.30„ 0.31 0.38 0.35 0.25 12 0.434 '.77 0.25 Chloride 5.3 4.9 6.2 1.8 5.5 11.1 5.4 21.0 3.2 2.4 5.09 6.5 12 6.53 21.0 1.8 Total Copper <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 12 0-023 0.06 <0.02 Total Iron 0.73 0.68 0.29 0.50 0.51 0.57 0.75 0.45 0.76 0.65 0.94 0.09 12 0.577 0.94 0.09 Total Manganese 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.24 0.10 <0.02 0.11 0.05 0.06 0.20 12 0.083 0.24 <0.02 Golifban - Total MPN/100 ml >2400 93 1100 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 460 240 1100 460 >2400 12 1487.8 >2400 . 93 Coliform —Fecal MPN/100 ml >2400 9 43 240 >2400 43 240 43 43 93 93 240 12 490.6 >2400 9 Fecal Streptococci MPN/100 ml 100 <1 <1 45 <1 10 <1 <1 35 100 40 12 30.0 100 <1 TABLE 2.4.4W WATER ()UALITY OF MESEPPEN CREEK NEAR CRT)EN E WITH LITZLE MESKPPEN CREEKg SZRCIGN Q)o 1

PARAMETER (Units mg/1 "unless stated otherwise ~Se .77 Jan.78 Feb. ~A. ~Ma June ~Jul ~A. N HBx o Millo

Temperature-Water (C') 17.0 5.5 4.0 1.5 -1.0 -1.0 1.0 5.5 9.0 13.0 16.0 . 18.0 12 7.38 17.0 -1.0 Dissolved Qxygen-ppn 11.0 12.8 12.2 14.0 13.8 13.4 - 14.3 12.5 11.0 9.4 8.7 11 12.10 14.3 8.7 B.O.D. 8.0 3.0 1.5 1.0 <0.5 <1.0 1.0 <1.0 3.0 <1.0 <1.0 3.0 12 2.08 8.0 <0.5 C.O.D. 18.5 6.7 4.0 15.0 6.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 5.0 12.0 12.0 12 8.27 18.5 4.0 pH (souo) 7.95 7.20 7.80 7.20 7.25 7.40 7.30 9.15 8.50 8.00 8.00 11 7-795 9.15 7.20 Alkalinity- as CaCo3 29.4 13.8 12.0 10.1 38.6 5.5 9.2 24.8 13.0 33.0 39.0 . 41.0 12 22.45 41.0 5.5 Total Hardness - as CaCo3 34.0 32.0 36.0 32.0 38.0 33.0 31.7 35.0 32.0 39.0 47.0 51.0 12 36.73 51.0 31.7 Total Dissolved Solids 148.0 63.2 70.4 41.0 144.0 80.4 24.4 65.1 59.5 80.1 76.0 = 97.4 12 79.13 148.0 24.4 'D>tal Suspended Solids 252.0 1.8 7.7 3.5 <0.5 7.1 14.3 1.6 4.1 4.6 2.5 1.1 12 25.07 252.0 <0.5 Turbidity - PIU 1.3 2.5 1.3 2.5 2.3 3.2 1.0 1.2 2.0 2.6 0.7 ll 1.87 2.6 0 7 Specific Conductance ~ mhos 110 90 99 93 100 100 100 92 94 110 137 ll 102.3 137 90 Color - CFU 23 <1 6 10 3 12 10 20 18 12 10.1 23 <1 Sulphate as S 15.5 13.0 11.4 12.5 16.6 15.6 11.7 13.0 10.0 11.0 11.0 12.0 12 12.78 16.6 10.0 Ortlm PhosPhate as P 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 <0.02 0.08 <0.02 0.05 0.05 0.15 0.06 12 0.053 0.15 <0.02 Total Phosphate as P 0.10 0.04 0.08 0.05 0.19 0.09 0.07 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.18 12 0.085 0.19 0.04 Nitrate as N 0.59 0.60 0.52 0.60 0.90 0.81 1.08 0.10 0.28 0.45 0.09 0.12 12 0.512 1.08 0.09 Chloride 3.5 4.2 28.3 1.3 12.6 4.9 10.7 3.0 4.1 3.8 6.08 7.0 12 7.46 28.3 1.3 Total Copper <0.02 0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.06 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 12 0.026 0.06 <0.02 Total Iron 0.78 0.52 0.28 0.38 0.18 1.85 1.07 0.07 0.41 0.27 0.56 <0.05 12 0.535 1.85 <0.05 Total Manganese 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.09 <0.02 0.05 0.03 0.02 <0.02 12 0.033 0.09 <0.02 Coliform —Total ~100 ml >2400 1100 1100 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 240 >2400 >2400 460 12 1841.7 >2400 240 Colifoan —Fecal MPN/100 ml 1100 93 240 1100 >2400 93 93 93 15 75 460 43 12 483;8 >2400 15 Fecal Streptococci MPN/100 ml 55 20 30 35 20 <1 <1 <1 20 20 10 65 12 23.2 65 TABLE 2 4.4-7

SUSQUEHANNA GXNIY POPUIATIM BY MUNICIPALITY Per Capita Area (1) Inacme Population 99. 92. ~1972 2) 1973 2 1970

1. Little Headows 2.7 $2,781 367 377 2. Friendsville 1.5 2,781 85 77 3. R>ntrose 1.2 3,404 2,008 29058 4. Hop Bottan 0.6 2,781 460 '30 5. Forest City 1.0 2,968 2,190 29322 6. Uniordale 2.7 2,781 294 279 7. Thcmpson 0.5 2,781 308 307 8. Lanesboro 1.6 2,742 571 550 9. Oakland 0.4 2,204 857 817 10. Susquehanna Depot 1.0 2,575 2,281 2,319 ll. Great Bend 0.3 2,380 881 826 12. Hallsteai 0.4 2,901 1,421 19447 13. New Hilford 0.9 3,512 19103 1,143

1OthNSHIPS

Apolacon 22.7 $2,781 352 319 Ararat 20.4 2,781 341 325 Auburn 50.3 2,711 19424 1,222 Bridgewater 40.7 2,972 2,047 1,876 Brooklyn 24.6 49715 840 807 Choconut 19.0 2,781 515 492 Clifford 39.5 3,388 1,538 1,351 Dimock 29.6 2,384 1,053 983 Forest Lake 30.3 2,849 910 837 Franklin 24.5 49251 726 675 Gibson 32.1 19850 723 674 Great Herd 37.5 2,836 19565 1,441 Harford '2.9 39165 965 918 Harmony 33.5 2,781 387 365 Herrick 24.7 2,781 460 436 Jackson 26.6 29229 718 678 Jessup 21.7 2,781 350 327 Lathrop 20.9 2,808 596 550 Lenox 40.8 2,129 19103 1,045 Liberty 29.7 29519 19150 19051 Hiddleton 28.8 2,781 287 261 New Hilfozd 45.2 2,483 1,432 19266 Oaklard 17.3 29781 516 489 Rush 38.7 2,482 989 925 Silver Lake 33.6 29795 973 899 Spr ingville 31.4 39469 1,019 919 Thanpson 22.2 2,781 309 301

(1) Figures do not reflect revisions subsequent to 1960 for land that is now water area; consequently, municipality areas will not a9d to total County areas. (2) U.S. Department of Caanerce - Current Population Reports - Series P-25, No. 583.

. Source: Pennsylvania Department of Ccmmerce, Pennsylvania Industrial Census, Susquehanna Co., 1977.

2-19 TABLE 2 4.4-8 SUSQUEHAN+ GXNIY PER,CAPITA INCOME (in $1,000) e

~1974 1) ~1980 2) ~1985 2 ~1974 1 ~2980 2 ~1985 2

Total Personal Inmne $1429052 $219,066 $312,478 $64,465,013 $96,641,959 $139,496,972 Per Capita Inocme 39960 6,317 9,152 59447 7,845 10,880

PERSQVJ INXME BY SOURCE (in $19000)

~1974 1 ~1980 2) ~1985 2 ~1974 1 1980 2 1985 2

Total Personal Inmne (3) $1109436 $1639632 $233,406 $6495559718 $9699629892 $1399960,220 Total Wage ard Salary 52,124 889602 127,099 42,910,694 65,222,725 94,007,191 Other Labor Inmne 3,143 59558 8,125 3,133,920 497169280 69853,793 Propr ietors Incme 16,735 15,668 21,419 3,857,388 6,341,755 9,112,285 Property Inmne 179784 30,825 45,438 8,586,963 1290409255 17,2809665 Transfer Payments 249247 299210 40,779 8,893,334 13,006,544 1990719480 ITS r Personal Qontributions for Social Insurance 3,597 6,231 9,453 2,826,581 4,364,667 6,365,194

Total Earnings $ 72,002 $109,828 $1569643 $4999029002 $76,280,760 $10999739268 Farm 8,593 12,393 14,861 531,176 3999890 450,548 Goverrment 15,621 24,898 38,285 6,828,457 11,092,976 16,493,581 Manufactur ing 165482 24,809 35,110 17,544,277 269743,237 38,064,774 Mining 404 1,132 1,539 661,352 6199534 7919182 Contract Construction 7,525 6,775 109791 39080,863 590029502 7,242,733 Transportation, Gammications and Public Utilities 3,486 49681 59963 3,6819406 5,153,719 790569541 Wholesale ard Retail Trale 109659 179112 24,903 7,706,302 11,246,381 16,032,376 Finance, Insurance ard Real Estate D 2,397 3,680 2,2499457 3,583,078 5,236,122 Services 6,815 15,007 20,738 7,518,048 12,344,675 18,498,346 D 625 773 100,664 94,769 107,066

Detail may not add to total because of rounding. (1) All 1974 figures are actual figures, other years are estimates prepared by the Office of State Planning and Develagnent. (2) Estimates revised as of August 1974. (3) Personal contributions for social insurance (a negative figure) have been included.

D - Data withheld to avoid disclosure of confidential information for irdividual estr)blishnents.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Camnerce, Pennsylvania Industrial Census, Susquehanna Co., 1977.

2-20 TABLE 2.4.4-9 MRtKN2 IUMY POPUIATIGN BY MUNICIPALITY

Per Capita Area Inccme Population 99. N2. ~1972 1 1973 1 1970

1. Pactoryville 2.2 $2,574 1,033 922 2. Laceyville 0.3 2,836 510 452 3. Meshoppen 0.6 2,836 526 482 4. Nicholson 0.6 39514 971 877 5. Tunkhannock 0.7 3,218 2,352 2,251

KSNSHIPS

Braintrim 5.8 $2,835 406 351 Clinton 12.1 2,904 764 658 Eaten 34.8 2,875 1,304 1,163 Exeter 2.9 2,604 680 601 Falls 20.4 2,384 1,728 19473 Forkston 71.7 2,835 248 223 Lemon 16.3 29064 804 701 Mehocpany 16.7 2,476 782 677 Meshoppen 15.3 2,836 509 452 Monroe 20.5 2,249 1,112 19045 Nicholson 23.0 29323 848 737 North Branch 22.8 2,835 144 126 Norttmorelard 19.8 29399 846 767 Noxen 29.4 29859 924 822 Overfield 10.5 39171 1,038 913 Tunkhannock 31.1 3,280 2,831 29200 Washington 17,8 2,243 724 614 Wirdhan 22.4 29618 636 575

SPECIAL CENSUS (2) NJNICIPALITY

Tunkhannock Twp. 3/1/76 3,838 Monroe TWp. 6/1/76 19)76

Note: All are figures are lard ard exclude inland water. (1) U.S. Department of Ccanarce - Current Population Reports - Series P-25, No. 583.

(2) Special census was taken by U.S. Department of Gcrmerce Bureau of Census on indicated dates. No information was obtained as to where the increase (decrease) cane dxut —by inter-county migration or natural increases.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, Pennsylvania Industrial Census, Wpming Go., 1977.

2-21 TABLE 2.4.4 10

Count State Percent, of State Naxch 90 1) March 1980(1) March 1980(1) ~7970 0 ~7977 1 Estimated ~1975 A ~1977 A) Estimated ~1975 A ~1977 A estimated

9 population (1973) 21,718* 21,927 11,861,836* 12,319,165 0.18* 0.18 Civilian Work Force 9',100, 8,900 5,072,000 5,060,200 0.18 0.18 Unonployrent 1,300 10100 422,000 400,000 0.31 0.28 Percent Civilian Wodc Force 14. 3 12.4 8.3 7.9 Employrent 7,800 7,800 8,754 4,650,000 4,660,200 5,429,906 0.17 0.17 0.16

1972 ECOKHIC CENSUSES

Payxol10 )amber of Total per Nunber of Entire Year (3) Bstabl ishments ~91 000 Bstabl ishment ~Em 1 e~s2 ~$ 1 000

Wholesale Trade 31 $ 16 0479 $5310581 212 $10159 Retail Trade 232 30,678 1320233 480 2,300 Selected Sexvices (4) 150 3,526 23,507 263 714

1973 COUNIY BUSINESS PATZBlSS (5)

Nunber of )amber of employees Taxable payrolls Indust re rt units mid-March ried Jan.-Har. Sl 000

*r'110028 379 50450 Agricultural services, forestry, fisheries 8 D D 5 D Mining D'09 Contract construction 54 382 Manufacturing 37 3,401 7,998 Transportation ard other philic utilities 34 179 254 Qrolesale trade 28, 228 353 Retail trrde 103 545 650 Finance, insurance and real estate 21 105 )36 Services (6) 72. 544 690 Unclassif ied estr4>1 ishrents 17 28 24 Federal civilian anployrent (7) N.A. 32 83

JQRIQJLRJRE - 1974

Sales $ 1 000 and Rank in State Sales Per Farm 8 I vestock Nurber of Farms Total Rank Czrs Rank Livestock Products Rank ~Count Rank State Percent

500 $110389 43rd $1,207 59th $100182 39th $ 220778 20th $220239 102.4

D Data withheld to avoid disclosing figures for irdividual estrrblishrents. N.A. - Not available.

(A) 1975 ard 1977 employrent estimate figures are prepared on a place-o&residence basisr whexeas, the 1980 figures are on a place-o&woxk basis. (1) Employrent and population estimates prepared by the Office of State Planning ard Develcprent. (2) Nurrber of paid employees for week incltding Harch 12r therefore, employrent figures may be mislerding because of seasonal anployrent. (3) Consists of salaries, wages, crmmissions, bonuses, vacation allowances, sick leave pay, the value of payments in kird (steh as free meals ard lodgings), tips and gratuities. (4) Consists of Hotels, Hotels, Trailering Parks ard Crraps; Personal Services; Business Sexvicesr Autxxrative Repair, Services ard Garages> Miscellaneous Repair Sexvicesr Notion pictures; and Amusarent ard Recreation Services. (5) Does not include state ard local goverrrrent employees, sel& employed.persons, farm workers, and dcmestic service workers reported separately. Also, railxoal anployrent srfrject to the Railxord Retirarent Act ard aaployrent in oceanborne vessels are not incltded. (6) Incltdes total service industry so not directly ccmparable to selected services presented in the census. (7) Regional Econcmics Division, Office of Business Econcmics, U.S. Department of Gcnrrerce. (8) Excludes govexrment payrents, U.S. Depaxtnent of Gcrrrrerce - Current Population ReIerts - Series P-25, No. 583. **Taxable wages pa(d for ccrvered anployrent during the. three month period Jan.-Har. 1974. Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Gcrrrrerce, Pennsylvania Industrial Gensus, Wyoming Co., 1977.

2-22 References Consulted —Section 2

Pennsylvania Power 6 Light Company (PP6L). 1978. Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Envirormental Report. PAL, Allentown, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Commerce. 1977. Pennsylvania Industrial Census, Susquehanna County. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Commerce. 1977. Pennsylvania Industrial Census, Wyoming County. Harrisburg, Pa.

Ti~tts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton (TAMS) . 1977. Assessment of sites for an augmentation reservoir for the Susquehanna Stean Electric Station.

2-23 ELVIRA Q'. 6 : $ 7 BINGHAMTQN

N.Y. PA. j SAYRE I HANCOCK,

MANSFIELD 6 LANING CR E E K ~ I IBERTY 0

TGWANQA N 3 FARGO CREEK BUTLER CREEK LITTLE MESHOPPEN CREEK IDLEWILDCREEK MONTfQEI LQ 0 RILEY », CREEK CARBQNDAf...F GRAVES POND CREEK

SCAAÃ

PORT 3ERVIS rON'WBO --- M4.'" tIIS ~

WILLfAMSPGRT WfLKES-BARRE NANTICOKE,.~G ~EEO . ~ TRIBUTARYTO SOUTH BRANCH LOCK HAVFN POND HILL NEWPORT CREEK ~2~09 0 '

SUNBURY PENNSYLVANIA POWER IIt LIGHT COMPANY

Leg SUSQUEHANNA SES RESERVOIR STUDY POND HILLRESERVOIR 0 SCAL E S SHAfHQKIN LOCATION OF ALTERNATIVESITES 5 0 5 20 MI. FI GUR E 2- I 5 0 5 30K'. POTTSVIf I E TIPPETTS.ASSETT-McCARTHY.STRATTOH e ENGINEERS ANO ARCHITECTS NEW YORK ) RESERVOIR ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATIONMATRIX (Pond Hilland Alternate Sites)

SITES

sc Key: Rating as a Potential Reservoir z tc Relative to Other Sites Studied O — zb Good Reservoir Site 0 —Fair Reservoir Site Z W —Poor Reservoir Site b tu tc U cs

RESIDENTIALACTIVITY 0.2 Residences —Good 3.6 Residences —Fair ) 6 Residences —Poor DEVELOPMENT BELOW DAM — 0.5 Residences Good leaf 6 15 Residences —Fair 0 ) 15 Residences —Poor ACTIVE AGRICULTURALLAND AFFECTED 0.25 Acres —Good 26.75 Acres —Fair 0 )75 Acres —Poor I AGRICULTURALCAPABILITYOF SOILS WITHINSITE Predominantly Class IV —Vill—Good Significant Amount of Class III-Fair lsgsl ~ Significant Amount of Class I and II —Poor LENGTH OF STREAM INUNDATED ( 1.5 mile —Good 1.6.2.9 mile —Fair ~ 0 ) 3.0 mile —Poor I STREAM FISHERY QUALITY Small {Intermittent Flow) Unstocked —Good Other Unstocked Streams —Fair iligl Stocked Streams —Poor I I QUALITYOF RESERVOIR WATER SOURCE Good to Excellent Quality —Good Fair to Good Quality —Fair 0 {ass Poor to Fair Quality —Poor POTENTIAL IMPACT ON WATER SOURCE Never Withdraw More Than IOSS of Flow —Good Normally, Flows Not Reduced Below Long term Median —Fair ~ Flows Sometimes Reduced to Conservation Flow —Poor I WILDLIFEHABITAT Worse Than Average {For Sites Studiedl —Good Average Quality {For Sites Studied) —Fair {sgsi 0 — 0 Better Than Average {For Sites Studied) Poor CHARACTER/LENGTH OF WATER CONDUIT ROUTE Tunnel, or Pipeline Less Than 1.0 Mile Long —Good Pipeline 1.0 3.0 Miles Long —Fair {Igal lglgf Pipeline More Than 3.0 Miles Long or Pipeline of Any Which Traverses Sensitive Area —Poor I Length AREA EXPOSED BY DRAWDOWN (150 Acres —Good 150 200 Acres —Fair {gal 0 )200 Acres —Poor

F IGURE 2-2 graves 7oea'egetal a CLvervv/ap

II I I I I I II Ct I / ~ g.( / r / .rr / r Pfoxirvur/ / I I l/'ofer Ze ve( I II II I q rr

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7unnel d /oumg S jog/or/— Jaga~o' - Cropla& g — g/y / /C/y / +5LGOC - 9 ~ijcaa Zae/d'coup Ci lsd - Pij''g/// Conifrrovs - Sea/duo//s ~4 res ~ AF Opsy c'ua je broad Li&lc PcsAoIIIco Crook VtgoFafrors C~wr A~ Fjcoo 2-4

rr I f P" f g j Jt /j:I ~ Skier Los'ol t.'awmum V ~i

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( t I: S eP':! 2 Pump Sfobon on '"- Me'ahoppc'n Cie. k "":3 .'

~ 400 IAIIP 4

l' SECTION 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE PROPOSED PRMECT

3.1 INTH3DUCZION

This section describes the environment in and around the site proposed for the Pond Hill Reservoir. The description is divided into two general parts: a presentation of existing conditions, and a discussion of probable future conditions without the project. Each of these parts is further subdivided into various specific areas of interest. In the discussion of the probable future environment without the proposed project, only those areas of the environment which may experience significant change are discussed; such things as physiography and geology, and climate and air resources are likely to remain essentially stable over the life of this project, and thus, existing conditions are considered to be representative of conditions in the foreseeable future.

3.2 EXISTIM ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 Physical Features

3.2.1.1 Physiography and geology .

Most of Luzerne County is part of the Appalachian Mountain system known as the Valley and Ridge Physiographic Province. The proposed Pond Hill Reservoir site is located in the Penobscot Mountain portion of the Valley and Ridge Province.

The province is characterized by sedimentary rocks of the Paleozoic era that have been intensely faulted and deeply eroded. As a result there are steeply inclined sandstone formations and long narrow ridges, whereas valleys were eroded in less impervious limestones and shales.

The Pond Hill Reservoir site is located toward the northern portion of the Valley and Ridge Province. During the Paleozoic era, the

3-1 Appalachian Mountain region was the site of„deposition of sediments. Sedimentation was delayed three times by orogenic 'activities climaxing in the Appalachian Mountains toward the end of the, era. Since that time period the geologic story has been mostly one of erosion. Uplifting and erosion were greatest in the southeastern portion of the Valley and Ridge Province; however, in the northern part where the site is situated, the exposed rocks are fran the Devonian Age. Thus, the rocks are younger and J represent the later part of the Paleozoic era.

The bedrock throughout the Pond Hill Reservoir site is sandstone, siltstone and shale. The rock in the site area is of the Catskill 'formation of the Devonian Age. In the area to the north of the site, the Catskill formation is covered by the Pocono formation of the Mississippi age and by younger Mississippian and Pennsylvania formations. Also, the anthracite beds of the Northern Anthracite Field are located to the north of the site area. The anthracite beds pass northeasterly through the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton area. In the area to the south of the site, the Catskill formation is underlaid by older sedimentary rocks of the Berwick anticline.

The reservoir site is in an area that was glaciated during the last ice age. The significance of this is that the highly weathered rocks and in situ soil were transported away, and soils characteristic of glaciated regions were deposited.

3.2.1.2 Soils

In Luzerne County the organic matter of soils was formed ustly fran deciduous trees, tending to be gray-brawn podzolic in nature. They have sustained intensive, leaching; however, various differences exist throughout the county depending on degrees of slope, parent material and type of drainage.

3-2, On Penobscot Mountain, a dark grayish brown silt loam of low pH, underlaid by a yellowish brown silt loam subsoil dominates. Differences occur depending on exposure of parent material or slope.

In the Pond Hill Reservoir site and neighboring areas soils are usually loamy of moderate depth and about the same acidity as soils of the lower plateau area in central and western Luzerne County. Area soils vary in nature according to the bedrock (usually of shale and/or sandstone). Soils in the site area range from shallow to moderately deep and are well drained on steeply sloping ridges with occasional rock outcrops formed mostly from weathered glacial till. However, south of the reservoir site are soils characteristic of the plateau areas, with less slope and more depth.

Although soils in the site area are classed into various types, all have basically the same soil profile. Variations are due primarily to the slope or stoniness of the area. All have a well-developed, gray-brown p'odzolic profile. Where the soil is shallow and well drained, the following layers can be classified:

Surface layer about eight inches thick of loose, friable, gray-brown silt loam.

Subsoil of loose, friable, yellowish brown silt loam.

Bedrock begins to appear at a depth of 1.5-3 feet. All Penob- scot Mountain soils naturally have an acid pH ranging from 4.0 to 5.5.

The soils are not necessarily unproductive, but an abundance of stones, shallowness and steep slopes (8-25 percent on the site) characterize the area. Drainage is good, but bedrock is too close to the topsoil, making cultivation difficult. However, this soil can support woodlands. Discussions of the value of soils in the site for agricultural use will be found in section 3.2.6.

3-3 3.2.1.3 Hydrology

3.2.1.3.1 Description of basins

Su ehanna River. The Susquehanna River drains a large watershed which is largely mountainous, heavily forested and sparsely populated. The river basin extends fran the Southern. Tier region of New York State through northeastern Pennsylvania, draining over 10,500 square miles by the time it reaches the project area. It joins with the West, Branch of the river at Northumberlard, and then continues dawnstrean past Harrisburg and into Maryland ard the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de.Grace..

The Susquehanna River flaws forty-two miles through Luzerne County, dropping 40 feet over this distance for an average gradient of 0.95 feet per mile. At Wilkes-Barre, the river's law water mark was caaputed at 512.07 msl, ard the flood stage was twenty-two feet. The river is about 800 feet wide at the pump station site.

As previously mentioned, most of the watershed abave the project site is mountainous ard heavily forested. The only major exception to this is the major urban area known as the Wyoming Valley, which encanpasses the city of Wilkes-Barre and numerous smaller towns, boroughs ard villages. This area streches northeastward along a twenty to thirty-mile portion of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers, starting about ten miles north of the project area.

The largest tributary of the Susquenhanna above the proposed project is the Lackawanna River, which flows into the Susquehanna at the lower erd of Scavell Island near Exeter and West Pittston, about twenty- seven miles north of the pumping station site. The Lackawanna River drains 350 square miles to the northeast of the Susquehanna.'verage annual discharge of this river for the twenty-one-year peiiod of record fran 1945 to 1965 was 514 cfs, measured at Old Forge in Lackawanna County. The Lacka- wanna has exerted a great influence on the quality of the Susquehanna's water due to high iron and acid concentrations frcm mine drainage.

3-4 Pond Hill Creek. Pond Hill Creek is located in a small valley on the east bank of the Susquehanna, draining west to the river. The north valley slope is steep, with a ridge line 700 to 800 feet 'above the valley floor. The valley side on the south is flatter with a ridge line about 200 to 300 feet above the stream bed. The stream is steep, falling scme 500 feet between its upstrean end near Lily Lake and the Susquehanna, a distance of just over two miles. The drainage area of the strean above the damsite is 1.27 square miles.

3.2.1.3.2 Historical record of flows

Sus ehanna River. The nearest USGS gaging station is located at Wilke-Barre. The average discharge over seventy-six years of record is 13,210 cubic feet per second. The maximun discharge during the period of record is the 345,000 cubic feet per second flow on June 24, 1972 (Trcpi- cal Storm Agnes). The seven-day ten-year low flow is estimated by USGS to be 770 cubic feet per second. The minimum flow was 528 cubic feet per second on Septenber 27, 1964 (USGS 1976). Drought records are discussed in the description of reservoir operations in section 1.4.6.

Pond Hill Creek. No gaging station is located on this creek; therefore, flaw levels for this strean were canputed using the procedure for triangular hydrograph analysis proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclana- tion (U.S. Bureau of Reclanation 1973) and information fran the Susquehanna River Basin Study (Susquehanna River Basin Study Coordinating Gxanittee 1970). These methodologies and canputations are contained in the Pond Hill Reservoir Feasibility Study: Appendix A —Hydrology (TAMS 1977).

The 100-year flood for Pond Hill Creek was estimated in the design study to be 1,756 cubic feet per second, the 50-year flood to be 1,490 cubic feet per second, and the 25-year flood to be 1,387 cubic feet per second. The probable maximun flood is canputed to be 7,120 cubic feet per second ~

3-5 References Consulted —Section 3.2.1

Darton, N.H. 1940. Scme Structural Features of the Northern Anthracite Coal Basin, Pa. U.S. Geological Survey, Prof. Ppr. 193D. Washington, D.C.

Gray, Carlyle, editor. Geology Map of Pennsylvania, Pa. Geological Survey, 4th series. Harrisburg, Pa.

Luzerne County. 1974. Interim Soil Survey Report, Volume II, Soil Maps Prepared by United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Harrisburg, Pa.

Pennsylvania Geological Survey. Open file copies of maps on a scale of 1:24,000 showing revisions of the geology of the Shickshinny, Berwick, Sybertsville and Nanticoke quadrangles. Soil Interpretations for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Volume I; prepared by United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service 1976.

Susquehanna River Basin Study Coordinating Ccmmittee. 1970. Susquehanna River Basin Study - Appendix D, Hydrology.

TAMS. 1979. Design Report, Pond Hill Reservoir. Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy- Stratton, New York. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Reclanation. 1973. Design of Small Dams, 2nd edition. Bureau of Reclanation, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. U.S. Geological Survey. 1976. Water Resources Data for Pennsylvania Water Year 1975. Volte 2 — Susquehanna and Potanac River Basins. Report PA-75-1. U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, Harrisburg, Pa. Mod, Gordon H., and others. 1969. Geology of the West-Central Part of the Southern Anthracite Field and Adjoining Areas, Pennsylvania. U.S. Geological Survey, Prof. Ppr. 602. Washirgton, D.C.

3-6 3.2.2 Terrestrial Ecology

3.2.2.1 Introduction

To facilitate the evaluation of the reservoir site in terms of vegetation and wildlife, emphasis is placed on important plant and animal species. The plant species which are considered important include those which are ecologically dominant, rare or endangered, or unique or unusual to the region. The animal species which are highlighted are those which are commercially or recreationally valuable, rare or'ndangered, or unique or unusual to the region.

Field investigations of the communities found within and adjacent to the project area were directed at determining their composition, quality, quantity and successional stage. In the course of these field investigations, distinctions were made between forest cover and open areas, such as marshes, bogs, and abandoned farmland. In evaluating forest cover, emphasis was placed on the overstory (trees taller than five meters); however, the understory (trees and shrubs fifty centimeters to five meters tall) and herb layer (plants less than one meter) were also studied (see Tables 3.2.2-3 through 3.2.2-5 for vegetation analyses).

3.2.2.2 Vegetation

3.2.2.2.1 Inundated area and embankment

General Descri tion. Located in the Appalachian Mountain section of the Valley and Ridge Province, the Pond Hill Creek site consists of a narrow, steep-walled, U-shaped valley. Penobscot Mountain, lying to the north, is a long, high, narrow ridge. The town of Pond Hill is located south of the site and lies on a slightly shorter, broader ridge which extends around the eastern perimeter of the site to Penobscot Mountain. The inundated and embankment area encompasses approximately 260 acres and contains a number of distinctive vegetation cover types including mixed deciduous forest (secondary growth), mixed conifer and deciduous forest,

3-7 and two types of wetland areas. Table 3.2.2-1 gives the acreage per cover type found at the Pond Hill site and Figure 3-1 is a map indicating where each is found. Detailed lists of the plants found within each community are given in Table 3.2.2-2.

Several factors have contributed to the establishment of a variety of cover types at Pond Hill. First, the site ranges in elevation fran 500 feet (Susquehanna River) to 1,400 feet (Penobscot Mountain) above sea level and contains significant ranges in soil moisture content. Conse- quently, the major plant canmunities found on site include those characteristic of valley-bottom lowlands, uplands and ridge tops. In addition, the large number of ground water seeps have resulted in the presence of an inland shallow fresh marsh, i.e., a type 3 wetland area (Shaw and Fredine 1956) located in the eastern valley bottom. Second, several new cover types have been introducted by the activities of man and animals. Sometime during the period from 1954 to 1969, at least five small areas in the valley bottom were inundated by beaver activity, destroying the secondary forest which formerly grew there. The beavers left or were removed from the area sometime between 1969 and the present. Their dams ard ponds are also no longer present. These beaver pond areas are now in an inland fresh meadow sere of secondary succession, i.e., type 2 wetland (Shaw and Fredine 1956). Much of the valley appears to have been lumbered during the early 1900s so that it is now in a mixed deciduous sere of secondary succession. Other areas are old fields and croplands. No residents inhabit the inundated area and for the most part, it has been undisturbed for the past thirty to forty years.

The most extensive habitat within the inundation and embankment area at the Pond Hill site is mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, fairly mature, but still undergoing secondary succession following logging operations. Dominant overstory vegetation in this habitat consists of American elm, eastern helmock, red maple, white pine, and white ash. Associate species include black ash, white oak, round-leaf dogwood, flowering dogwood, hawthorn, and shagbark hickory. The dcminant understory and herb layer vegetation includes chestnut oak, swamp white oak, American beech, witch- hazel, hawthorn, Virginia creeper, lady fern, Christmas fern, and poison

3-8 ivy. This mixed mesophytic community (i.e., adapted to medium moisture conditions) is located mostly in the valley bottom and lower sides of the valley where a fairly high soil moisture is prevalent year round. This habitat can be found at a higher elevation on the north facing slope than the south facing slope, also as a result of soil moisture level. North facing slopes typically tend to be moister than south facing slopes as a result of reduced insolation. This mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland appears to be a healthy, vigorous sere reverting to a natural forest community.

A second, almost equally extensive habitat type in the inundation and embankment area of the Pond Hill site is dry, rocky deciduous woodland, also in the mid to later stages of secondary succession following logging. This community type is found on the mid and upper valley walls and on the ridge tops. Dominant overstory vegetation consists of red maple, white oak, American elm, shagbark hickory and sassafras. Associate species include chestnut oak, flowering dogwood, gray birch, eastern hemlock and eastern white pine. In the understory and herb layers, dominant vegetation includes flowering and round-leaf dogwoods, witch-hazel, American chestnut, American elm, red maple, white oak, gray birch, sassafras, mountain laurel, ground cedar and tree clubmoss. This community, too, appears to be robust.

As shown on the cover map, there are several wetland areas in the Pond Hill site, all located in the valley bottom. The largest of these is a type 3 wetland (i.e., an inland shallow fresh marsh) located at the eastern end of the valley. This wetland is formed by the union of several seeps with the stream in the valley floor. The soil here is constantly wet and consists of rich deposits of decaying organic material. Much of the area is covered by large, mature eastern hemlock trees, as well as cinnamon ferns, cattails, sphagnum moss and skunk cabbage. Other principal species include shining clubmoss, may-apple and assorted sedges and grasses. The smaller weltand areas are type 2 wetlands (i.e., inland fresh meadows) formed by the draining of beaver ponds which had been located at points along the stream up until five or six years ago. Numerous large, dead trees still stand in these meadows testifying that a mature forest existed here prior to the Onset of beaver activity. Dominant vegetation here consists of

3-9 mad-dog skullcap, goldenrods, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage, and assorted wildflowers, ferns, grasses, sedges, and rushes.

Also within the site are old fields and cropland. The term old field refers to abandoned farmland which, because it is no longer actively cultivated or grazed, is undergoing secondary succession. (Odum 1971). Typically, the cover transition in old fields is from one or two crops or pasture grasses to a large number of fruit- and seed-bearing .plants, and then to a forest canmunity. For the most part, old fields are rapidly changing, unstable habitats whose canposition varies over time (NcElroy 1974). The old fields in the Pond Hill area do not undergo the succession described above, but rather are mowed every two or three years and the vegetation baled and sold as hay. This community can be considered to be an anthropogenic (i.e., man-induced) subclimax (Odum 1971) maintained in the very earliest stages of succession by regular mowing and plowing-unders. No actual planting is done so these fields have not been considered as cropland. Dominant species in these old fields are white and red clovers, field sorrel, oxeye daisy, common and English plantains, timothy, junegrass and sweet vernal grass.

Rare and endan ered s cies. The state of Pennsylvania has not yet published an official list of rare or endangered plants which would be protected by law. None of the plants listed on the "Federal List of Endan- gered Flora" are believed to be located within the inundation area (Federal Resister, October 1976). None of the field investigations uncovered any endangered plants and no records of their presence on site have been found. PAL will consult available preliminary information and will conduct additional field studies to check for the presence of, any rare or endangered plants.

Unusual cies. Field investigations of the inundated and embankment area in each of the four seasons did not reveal the presence of any species which could be considered unusual.

The Pond Hill site does not appear to provide regionally unique habitat types. The adjacent Penobscot Mountain represents an extensive

3-10 forested area with which the Pond Hill site forest is contiguous, and there are other very large areas of forest nearby. Topographic maps indicate many small valleys in the region which appear to be quite similar in terms of habitat types.

3.2.2.2.2 Buffer area

The land surrounding the inundated and embankment area which would be included in the property purchased for the reservoir consists of 1,040 acres and is referred to as the buffer. Essentially, the buffer consists of mixed deciduous forest, mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, old fields, cropland and open water (see Table 3.2.2-1). The dominant vegetation in the buffer is basically the same as that found within corresponding areas in the inundated area. The principal differences are the large percentage of old fields and farmland rather than woodland, and the absence of wetlands in the buffer area.

3.2.2.2.3 Borrow area and conduit route

Test borings conducted near the reservoir site indicate that several potential sources of core material for the dam exist within the buffer" area and consist of old fields, hedgerows and a small pocket of mixed deciduous woodland. Dominant vegetation in the borrow area is basically the same as that of the old fields found elsewhere in the buffer area.

For most of the distance between the intake structure on the Susquehanna River and the reservoir, the water will be transported via a tunnel which will run through the northwestern wall of the valley. The vegetation in this area consists of mixed deciduous woodland with two small pockets of mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, and contains basically the same species found in corresponding woods in the inundation area.

3-11 3.2.2.3 Wildlife

3.2.2.3.1 Inundated and embankment area

General Descri ion. The variety of vegetation cover types found within the inundated area at Pond Hill provides a large number of habitats for wildlife species. Habitat types include deciduous woodland, mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, meadow and shallow fresh marsh. In addition, the interspersion of open, wooded and aquatic areas has resulted in the presence of numerous ecotones. An ecotone is "a transition between two or more diverse ammunities as, for example, between forest and grassland" (Odum 1971). Within ecotones there is a tendency for increased variety and birds, in particular, congregate along these edges. The inventory at the end of this section (see Table 3.2.2-6) lists the mananals, birds, reptiles, arxl amphibians likely to be present within the inundated and emban)anent area, based on range maps for each species. Those species that were actually observed within the site are so designated.

Many of the animals within the inundated and embankment areas take advantage of the various habitats and go back and forth anong them in search of food and shelter. This pattern is particularly true of gane species such as the white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, southeastern woodchuck, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey, as well as certain high level consuners such as turkey vultures and broad-winged hawks.

The daninant habitat consisting of mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, with high densities of eastern hemlock trees, contains the greatest number of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer; southern red and northern gray squirrels; eastern cottontail rabbit; northeastern chipnunk; porcupine; canmon flicker; hairy, downy and pileated woodpeckers; great crested, Acadian and least flycatchers; red-eyed and solitary vireo; hermit thrush; northern dusky salanander; red-backed salanander; eastern box turtle; eastern garter snake; and northern copperhead.

3-12 Another large habitat type in the 'Pond Hill site is a dry, rocky, deciduous woodland in the mid to later stages of secondary growth following logging operations. It is less favorable wildlife habitat than the mixed mesophytic woodland for sev'eral reasons:'igher or steeper gradient, less moisture due to more wind exposure at the higher elevations and fewer seeps or springs; and the close proximity of man from the Pond Hill section of Conyngham Township, a community which is developing northward toward the valley. Nonetheless, many species were observed here, including Carolina wren, yellow-billed cuckoo, American goldfinch, and rufous-sided towhee. The same species of herpetiles and mammals found in the mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland are present "here but are fewer in number.

The stream running through the site traverses both woodland and meadow areas and is attractive to amphibians, including long-tailed, mountain dusky, northern dusky, northern red, and two-lined salamariders. Pickerel, green, wood, and northern leopard frogs and American toad -were I also abundant in the stream and seep areas. The meadows, which are" the sites of former beaver ponds, provide habitat 'suitable for many 'mall mammals and birds, including LeConte's deer mouse; white-footed mouse; j hai,ry-tailed and star-nosed moles; red-backed vole; tree and barn swallows; redwinged blackbirds and migrating birds such as spotted and solitary sandpipers and great blue and green herons.

The shallow fresh marsh, a type 3 wetland present at the'astern end of the valley, provides breeding'abitat for golden-winged warbler, northern waterthrush, indigo bunting, song sparrow, grey catbird, Ame'rican redstart and rose-breasted grosbeak (Shaw and Fredine 1956). -The'astern garter snake and northern water snake also occur here.

Commerciall -recreationall valuable s cies. Commercially and recreationally valuable wildlife species include both game and nongame animals. Game animals, as designated by Pennsylvania law, include those animals which may be hunted with firearms or bows and arrows,'s well as trapped (Pennsylvania Game Commission 1975). The nongame animals which are considered recreationally valuable are the resident and migratory birds which occur within the site.

3-13 Animals which may be hunted in Pennsylvania are: gray, black and red squirrels; ruffed grouse; cottontail rabbit; ring-necked pheasant; bobwhite quail; eastern raccoon; southeastern woodchuck; wild turkey; snowshoe rabbit; white-tailed deer; and black bear.

Animals which may.be trapped are: eastern skunk; Virginia opossum; eastern raccoon; eastern red and eastern gray foxes; short- and long-tailed weasels; coyotes; southeastern mink; canmon muskrat; and Canada beaver (Pennsylvania Game Canmission 1975) .

The principal gene animal in Pennsylvania is the white-tailed deer. On the basis of data provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for Luzerne County, the yearly deer population size for the 260 acre 'area consisting of inundation, embankment, and spillway areas is approximately seven animals. Yearly harvest during the fall hunting season is estimated to be two. These figures are consistent with information obtained by a survey, of local hunters. The hemlocks growing along creek bottan seep areas are an important winter food source for deer.

The site is characterized as class 3 for ring-necked pheasants on a scale of 1 to 3 with 1 as the highest. The east part of the site is stocked with farm pheasants, by the Pennsylvania Game Canmission. Pheasants here are in the "put and take." category, where few if any of these birds actually live and brood here, but rather are stocked and hunted out each season. This, too, is consistent with information obtained by the Bianetric Services, Inc. (BSI) hunter survey. No pheasants or signs of pheasants were observed in any season during the course of the study.

Pennsylvania Game Canmission estimates of the yearly population and yearly hunting of cottontail rabbits in the 260-acre-inundation and embankment area are 1,407 and 43 rabbits, respectively. These figures are inconsistent with information obtained by the BSI hunter survey, and local game officials agreed that the cottontail population here is much lower due in part to the relatively sparse open field or meadow acreage and to high natural predation by great horned owl, eastern red fox, eastern gray fox, and wild dogs (Palmer 1978).

3-14 Northern gray squirrels are numerous in the inundation and embankment area with a yearly population of about 451 animals, based on state game commission estimates. This is undoubtedly due to an abundance of trees which provide a good food source and suitable habitat, e.g., oaks, hawthorns,'eech, hemlock and white pine. The southern red squirrel population is low here due to predation and red-gray interactions.

The area is characterized as class 2 (on a scale of 1 to 3 with 1 the highest) turkey land. There are some resident as well as stocked birds here, i.e., some of stocked turkeys are not taken by hunters the first year, survive the winter, and possibly breed. Stocked turkeys are released in the same area as the pheasants.

Black bears have been reported in and near the reservoir site. However, these sightings are infrequent and it is believed that the bears are residents of Cranberry Swamp, located to the east of Lily Lake.. The bears are probably foraging for food when seen in the Pond Hill Creek .valley.

The inundation and embankment area is also 'reported to be good habitat for other important game animals such as ruffed grouse and American woodcock. Grouse have feeding requirements similar to those of turkeys and 'sually roost in low cover such as is afforded by brush growing in burnt- off or logged forests. Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates for annual grouse population and harvest for the area are forty-seven and two birds, respectively. Grouse sightings were common during the course of this study. Also, the site is considered typical woodcock habitat and is enhanced by the presence of alders, hophornbeams, and birch (Palmer 1978). The site is frequented by trappers who get muskrat, raccoon, mink, and in some years, beaver. Trappers in this region are often supplementing their income, not just seeking a recreational outlet; the value of pelts has been increasing 'ov'er the past few years.

Beavers were in the area up to as recently as-six years ago, but have since disappeared. There are no signs of beaver activity in the site

3-15 at present, although it has suitable habitat and a .history of natural beaver repopulation.

Also of significance, are the resident and migratory birds which inhabit the area. The list of birds for the region in which the inundated area is located totals 135'pecies, 60 of which have been verified by L recent field work. The 75 species not field checked.may=also be using the area.

KM*-. nor the Pennsylvania ~Game Commission has published an offical,list of rare or endangered animals which would be protected by law. However, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission has compiled a list of (1) .endangered, (2) threatened or (3) indeterminate fishes, amphibians or reptiles of Pennsyl- vania with the categories classified as follows: (1) Endangered: Actively threatened with extinction in'he state. Continued survival unlikely without special protection measures. (2) Threatened: Not under immediate threat of extinction in the state, but occurring in such, small numbers and/or in such restricted habitat that it could quickly cease to be a part of the state fauna. (3) Indeterminate: Apparently threatened or uncommon to rare, but insufficient data currently available on which to base a reliable assessment of status.

According to range maps, ranges of two indeterminate (eastern

. hognose snake and timber rattlesnake) and one endangered (bog turtle) species of reptiles extend through the study area (Conant 1975).

Field investigations of the inundated area in each of the four seasons did not reveal the presence of any of these species, although the two snakes may occur here. Field studies failed to uncover even so much as suitable habitat (type 8 wetland) for the bog turtle so it is highly unlikely that this herpetile inhabits the study area.,

3-16 Of those species listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered and threatened, none was found or is beli'eved to inhabit or breed within the site. The American peregrine falcon >nd the bald eagle may migrate over the area, but probably do not actually'se it.

An adult cooper's hawk which exhibited excited behavior (possibly indicating defense of a nearby nest) was observed near the margi@ of the sit'e by the study team during visits in Nay and June. The ruby- throated hummingbird also was observed at the site.

The Pond Hill site also appears to be good habitat for, and within the range of, three snakes whose distribution is "local" (i.e., spotty) throughout their range: red-bellied snake, timber rattlesnake (also 'considered indeterminate), and the northern copperhead. A copperhead was sig»ted by a fi:eld team.

3.2.2;3.2 Surrounding area

Field'econnaissance indicates that the land surrounding the inundated a'rea'hich'would be included in the buffer contains habitat similar to'hat found within the maximum water level boundary. The principal difference is that there is more dry, rocky, deciduous woodland (associated with the upper sides of the valley and ridge tops), fewer pockets of mixed cropland. As a result, the wildlife populations associated with these habitats (see preceding section) are probably somewhat lower than those within the inundated area. The proximity of man to the buffer area also tends to reduce wildlife diversity and population size. Since the mixed coniferous-deciduous forest and wetlands provide the richest habitats for wildlife, the buffer is probably not as productive as the inundated area. However, there are no physical boundaries between the inundated area and the buffer which might impede animal migration; therefore, although productivity in the perimeter is probably lower than that of the inundated area, species composition in both areas is probably comparable.

3-17 3.2.2.3.3 Borrow area .and water conduit. route.

C As described in section 3.2.2.1.3, the area under consideration as a source of core materials consists of old fields and a. pocket of woodland, located immediately adjacent to the town of Pond Hill. The wildlife of this area consists of species adapted to a relatively developed environment, including voles, mice, rabbits, raccoons, an occasional deer, and possibly the more common reptiles such as the eastern garter snake and the eastern box turtle. The borrow area, being a rather dry habitat, appears not to be suitable for amphibians. No unusual, rare or endangered species or habitats for these species were found in the sites under consideration for borrow materials.

The water conduit route will run through the northwestern wall of the valley to the Susquehanna River. Habitat which would + affected by construction consists of two small areas of mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland and a larger area of mixed deciduous woodland. Field investigations did not uncover any unusual, rare, or endangered wildlife species or habitat for such species along the length of the proposed water conduit route. There are no physical boundaries between the woodlands in the inundation and embankment area and the anticipated water conduit route; consequently, it is. unlikely that any wildlife species are found in the water conduit route which are not in the surrounding area.

3-18 TABLE 3.2.2-1

POND HILL VEGETATION ONER TYPES

t INUNDATION AND EMBANKMENT AREA

ONER TYPE ACREAGE (rounded off to nearest acre)

Mixed coniferous-deciduous forest 137 Mixed deciduous forest 115 Type 2 wetland (inland fresh meadow) 4 Type 3 wetland (inland shallow fresh meadow marsh) Water

260

PRCGECT BUFFER ZONE

COttER TYPE ACREAGE

Mixed deciduous forest 845 Mixed coniferous-deciduous forest 106 Old fields/cropland 88 Water

1,040

SITE TOZRL 1,300

3-19 TABLE 3.2.2-2

POND HILL: PLANT SPECIES INVEMXORY (ALL FIELD CHECKED)

I. OVERSTORY VEGETATION

ACERACEAE Acer rubrum (red maple) Acer saccharum (sugar maple)

CORNACEAE Comus florida (flowering dogwood) Comus rucuosa (roundleaf dogwood)

CORYLACEAE Betula lenta (sweet birch) Betula lutea (yellow birch) ee ''' inus carol inianaw'Car (american hornbeam)

FAGACEAE

~9Quercus alba (white oak) Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak) Quercus prinus (chestnut oak) Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

HAMAMELIDACEAE h

JUGLANDACEAE ~Car a ovata (shagbark hickory)

LAURACEAE Sassafras albidum (Sassafras)

LEGUMINOSAE Cladrastis lutea (yellowwood)

MAGNOLIACEAE

NYSSACEAE ~wssa ~slvatica (black gum)

OLEACEAE Fraxinus americana (white ash) Fraxinus nicier (black ash)

PLANTANACEAE Plantanus occidentalis (sycamore)

3-20 I. OVERSTORY, VEGETATION (continued)

RINACEAE Pinus riciida (pitch pine) Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) 9 Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)

KSACEAE Crataerus sp. (hawthorn) Prunus cerasus (sour cherry)

SALICACEAE ~po ulus deltoides (eastern cottonwocd)

ULMACEAE Ulmus americana (American elm)

3-21 TABLE 3.2.2-2

POND HILL: PLANT SPECIES INVENIORZ (ALL FIELD CHECKED)

II. UNDERSTORY VEGETATION

ACERACEAE Acer negundo (ashleaf maple) Acer rubrum (red maple) Acer saccharum (sugar maple) Acer ~s icatum (mountain maple)

ANACARDIACEAE Bhus ~thina (staghorn sumac)

BERBERIDACEAE

CORYLACEAE Ainus rucuosa (speckled alder) setula lenta (sweet birch) Betula lutea (yellow birch) lac ~Car inus caroliniana (American hornbeam)

ERICACEAE Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) Rhododendron nudiflorum (pink azalea)

FAGACEAE Castanea dentata (American chestnut) ()cereus alba (white oak) Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak) Quercus prinus (chestnut oak) Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

HAMAMELIDACEAE

JUGLANDACEAE ~Car a ovata (shagbark hickory)

LAURACEAE Sassafras albidum (sassafras)

LEGUMINOSAE Cladrastis lutea (yellowwood)

LILIACEAE Smilax rotundifolia (common greenbriar)

3-22 II. UNDERSIGN VEGETATION (Continued) NAGNOLIACEAE vw MYRICACEAE ~Com tonia perec(ring (sweetfern)

NYSSACEAE ~Nasa ~slvatica (black gum)

OLEACEAE Fraxinus americana (white ash) Fraxinus nicier (black ash)

PINACEAE

Picea ~un ens (blue spruce) Pinus riciida (pitch pine) Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) b Ts

ROSACEAE Cra~erus sp. (hawthorn) Malus pumila (wild apple) Prunus cerasus (sour cherry)

Rosa sp. (roses)

Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry) ~Siraea cur~@>sa (dwarf spirea)

SALICACEAE ~po ulus deltoides (eastern cottonwood) Salix bebbiana (bebb willow) Salix z»fnicira (black willow) Salix riciida (rigid willow)

SAXAFRAGACEAE

~H rain ea arborescens (wild hydrangea) Ribes rotundifolium (roundleaf gooseberry)

3-23 c TABLE 3.2.2-2

POND HILL: PLANT SPECIES INVENXORY (ALL FIELD CHECKED)

III. HERB LAYER VEGETATION IN FORESTED AREAS: CXNN3N SPECIES

ACERACEAE Acer rubrum (red maple)

ANACARDIACEAE Rhus radicans (poison-ivy)

ARACEAE Arisaema atrorubens (woodland Jack-in-the-pulpit) Orontium ac(uaticum (golden club)

ARALIACEAE Panax trifolium (dwarf ginseng)

BALSANINACEAE ~rm tiens ~ca nsis (jewelweed)

BERBERIDACEAE c

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Dianthus armeria (Deptford pink)

QR1POSITAE Achillea millefolium (yarrow) Taraxicum officinale (common dandelion)

CRUCIFERAE Alliaria officinalis (garlic mustard) Arabia laevic(ata (smooth rock cress) Earbarea yule(aria (winter cress)

EQUISETA,CEAE ~Eisetum arvense (field horsetail) 'ff

If ERICACEAE ~Ei aea ~re ens (trailing arbutus) Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) Vaccinium staminium (deerberry)

3-.24 III. HERB LAYER VEGETATION (Continued)

FAGACEAE Quercus alba (white oak) Quercus bicolor ( swamp white oak) acetous prinus (chestnut oak) Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

LIBIATAE Glechoma hederacea (gill-over-the-ground)

LAURACEAE Sassafras albidum (sassafras)

LILIACEAE

Maianthemum canadense (wild lily-of-the-valley)

LYCOPODINEAE

OLEACEAE Ftaxinus nicita (black ash)

OPHIOGIDSSACEAE Botrichium multifidum (leathery grape fern)

OROBANCHACEAE

OSMUNIRCEAE

PAPAVERACEAE PIE)

POLEMONIACEAE Phlox subulata (moss phlox)

POLYGALACEAE

POLYGONACEAE bl

3-25 III. HERB LAYER VEGETATION (Continued)

POLYPODIACEAE Adiantum ~datum {maidenhair fern)

~Ath rium filix-femine (lady fern)

Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern)

iWd ) R

PYROIACEAE

RANUNCULACEAE

Anemonella thalictroides (rue anemone) Acruilegia canadensis (columbine) ~se atica americana (round-lobed hepatica) Ranunculus abortivus (kidneyleaf buttercup) Ranunculus fascicularis (early buttercup) Ranunculus ~his idus (hispid buttercup)

ROSACEAE Gillenia trifoliata (Indian physic) Potentilla canadensis (dwarf cinquefoil) potentilla ~sim lex (ccmmon cinquefoil)

RUBIACEAE Houstonia caerulea {bluets) Mitchella ~re ens (partridgeberry)

SAXIFRAGACEAE Mitella ~di h lla (miterwort)

TRILLIACEAE Trillium crectum (red trillium)

UIÃACEAE Ulmus americana (American elm)

VERBENA.CEAE Verbena hastata (blue vervain)

3-26 III. HERB LAYER VEGETATION (Continued)

VIOU)).CEAE Viola ~aliens (northern white violet) ww'' """"w Viola )cubescens (downy yellow violet) Viola renifolia (kidney-leaved violet)

VITACEAE

3-27 TABLE 3.2.2-2

POND HILL: PLANT SPECIES IINENZQRY {ALL,FIELDCHECKED)

IV. OLD FIELD AND N"TLANDVEGETATION: COMM)N SPECIES

AMARYLLIDACEAE ~Huis hirsuta (yellow stargrass) ANACARDIACEAE Rhus radicans (poison-ivy)

ARACEAE Orontium ac(uaticum (golden club) bN

ASCLEP IADACEAE

~Ascle ias ~sriaca (cmseon milkweed)

BORAGINACEAE ~mosotis lake (small forget me-not)

BERBERIDACEAE

CAPRIFOLIACEAE

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Cerastium vulcuatum (large mouse-eared,chickweed) Dianthus armeria {Deptford pink) Stellar ia Sraminea (lesser stitchwort) Stellaria ~ubera (great chickweed)

QOMPOSITAE Achillea millefolium (yarrow) Antennaria neelecta (field pussytoes) Ericreron annuus (daisy fleabane) Hieracium aurantiacum (devil's paintbrush) Hieracium iiratense (field hawkweed) Rubeckia serotina (black-eyed Susan) Senecio aureus (ragwort) i9'"'' " t ' '1'"'a) Solidaco rucuosa (rough-stemmed goldenrcd) SolidacOo sp. (goldenrod) Taraxicum off icinale (ccmrmn dandelion)

3-28 OLD FIELD AND WETZAND VEGETATION (Continued)

CONVOLVUIACEAE Convolvulus ~se ium (hedge bindweed)

CORNACEAE Comus rucuosa (roundleaf dogwood)

CORRIGIOLACEAE

CORYU)),CEAE wa

CRUCIFERAE Alliaria officinalis (garlic mustard) Arabia laevicaata (smooth rock cress) Barbarea vuiruarls (winter cress)

CYPERACEAE

Carex leersii (little prickly sedge)

ERICACEAE

FAGACEAE Quercus alba (white oak)

GERANIACEAE Geranium maculatum (wild geraniun)

GRANINEAE Aqrostis palustris (creeping bent) Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernal grass) Koelaria cristata (junegrass) Panicularia ~terre ana (long manna-grass) Phleum ~ratense (timothy)

IRIDACEAE

JUNCACEAE Juncus effusus (common rush)

3-29 IV. OLD FIELD AND WETLAND VEGETATION (Continued)

IABIATAE Glechoma hederacea (gill-over-the-ground) prunella vulcuaris (selfheal) Scutellaria laterifolia (mad-dog skullcap)

LAURACEAE Sassafras albidum (sassafras)

LEGUMINOSAE ~Ba tisia tinctoria (wild indigo) Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) Melilotus alba (white sweet clover) Trifolium ~a rarium (hop clover) Trifolium~ratense (red clover) Trifolium ~re ens (white clover)

LILIACEAE

Maianthemum canadense (wild lily-of-the-valley)

LYCOPODINEAE

ONAGRACEAE Oenothera )mrennis (snail sundrops)

ORCH IDACEAE ~Good era ~ubescens (downy rattlesnake plantain)

OSMUNDACEAE Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern) "9

GKALIDACEAE Oxalis eur~oa (yellow wood sorrel) Oxalis ~randis (great word sorrel)

PLANTAGINACEAE Pl~talo lanceolata (English plantain) Pl~taclo ~ma or (cammn plantain)

POLEMONIACEAE Phlox subulata (moss phlox)

POLYGONACEAE

3-30 OLD FIELD AND WETLAND VEGETATION (Continued)

POLYPODIACEAE ~Ath rium filix-femine (lady fern)

Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) Pteridium ~ailinum (bracken fern)

PRINUIACEAEa'""

9'AN UNCULACEAE Caltha palustris (marsh marigold) Ranunculus abortivus (kidneyleaf buttercup) Ranunculus acr is ( tall buttercup) Ranunculus fascicularis (early buttercup) Ranunculus ~his idus (hispid buttercup) Ranunculus recurvatus (hooked crowfoot)

ROSACEAE

Potentilla are(uta ( tall cinquefoil) Potentilla norvecica (rough cinquefoil) Potentilla recta (rough-fruited cinquefoil) Potentilla ~sim lex (common cinquefoil)

~S iraea tomentosa (steeplebush)

RUBIACEAE Galium )mlustre (marsh bedstraw) Galium sp. (bedstraw) Houstonia caerulea (bluets)

SCROPHUU)kRIACEAE Penstemon hirsutus (hairy beardstongue) Veronica officinalis (conmon speedwell)

SPHAGNACEAE ~Sha num sp. (sphagnum moss)

TYPHACEAE 1~ha Latifolia (canmon cattail)

UMBELLIFERAE Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace)

VERBENACEAE Verbena hastata (blue vervain)

3-31 IV. OLD FIELD AND NETLAND VEGETATION (Continued)

VIOLACEAE Viola pallens (northern white violet) Viola pubescens (downy yellow violet) Viola renifolia (kidney-leaved violet)

3-32 TABLE 3.2.2-3

OVERSTORY ANALYSIS

RELATIVE RELATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES COVER FREQUENCY DOMINANCE DENSITY IMPORTANCE RANK

Acer rubrum Maple, Red .038 12.987 14.064 20.000 47.051

Acer saccharum Maple, Sugar .001 1.299 0.153 0.976 2.428 17 ifolia Birch, Gray .001 1.299 0.239 0.488 2.026 19

~car a overs Hickory, Shagbark .022 6.493 7.991 7.317 21.801 Cladrastris lutea Yellowwood .001 1.299 0.110 0.488 1.897 20 Comus florida Dogwood, Flowering .001 5.195 0.408 2.439 8.042 10 Comus rugosa Dogsocd, Round-leaf .002 6.493 0.590 3.415 10.498 Cra~erus sp. Hawthorns .001 2.597 0.501 1.463 4.561 15 Fraxinus americana Ash, White .007 5.195 2.623 2.927 10.745

* See Appendix A, Methodology for further discussion of the density, dominance, frequency, and importance values calculated for the site.

CONTINUED..; OVERSTORY ANALYSIS (continued frcm the previous page)

REIATIVE RELATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES COVER FREQUENCY DOMINANCE DENSITY IMPORTANCE RANK Fraxinus nicira Ash, Black .001 1.299 0.017 0.488 1.804 23

Witch-hazel .001 1.299 0.049 0.488 1.836 22

Poplar, Tulip .016 1.299 5.747 0.976 8.022

. ~Nasa ~slvatica Gum, Black .001 1.299 0.306 0.488 2.093 18 Pinus strobus- Pine, Eastern White .039 7.792 14.278 6.829 28.899

~Po Bus deltoides Cottonwood, Eastern .007 2.597 2.523 1.951 7.071 12

Aspen, Bigtooth .001 1.299 0.462 0.976 2.737 16 Quercus alba Oak, White .055 9.091 20.264 14.634 43.989 {}uercus bicolor Oak, Swamp White .005 1.299 1.996 1.463 4.758 14 guercus prinus Oak, Chestnut .001 3.896 0.444 1.463 5.803 13

CONTINUED... OVERSTORY ANALYSIS (continued from the previous page)

REIATIVE RELATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES CGVER FREQUENCY. DOMINANCE DENSITY IMPORTANCE RANK Quercus rubra .Oak, Northern Red .001 1.299 0.077 0.488 1.864 21

Sassafras albidum e Sassafras .003 3.896 0.938 3.902 8.736

Tsuga canadensis Hemlock, Eastern .038 6.493 14.179, 7.317 27.989

Ulmus amer icana Elm, American .033 «14.286 12.043 19.024 45.353 TABLE 3.2.2-4

UNDERSXOBY ANALYSIS

RELATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES FREQUENCY DENSITY IMPORTANCE RANK

Acer rubrum Maple, Red 10.606 11.278 21.884 Acer saccharum Maple, Sugar 1.515 0.752 2.267 18 ea Birch, Gray 3.030 1.504 4.534 - 14

~Car a ovata Hickory, Hhagbark 1.515 0.752 2.267 18 Castanea dentate Chestnut atllefloan 4.546 3.759 8.305 10 Cladrastris lutea Yellowwocd 1.515 0.752 2.267 18 Comus florida Dogwood, Flowering , 7.576 8.271 15.847

Comus rucuosa Dogwood, Round-leaf 6.060 7.519 13.579- Crataegus sp. Hawthorns 7.576 6.015 13.591

Beech, Amer ican 1.515 0.752 2.267 18 Fraxinus americana Ash, White 3.030 3.759 6.789 Praxinus nicira Ash, Black 1.515 0.752 2.267 18

Witch-hazel 6.060 9.023 15.083 Kalmia latifolia Laurel, Mountain 1.515 3.759 5.274 13

CONTINUED. ~ ~

3-36 UNDERSTORY ANALYSIS (continued from previous page)

RELATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES FREQUENCY DENSITY IMPORTANCE RANK 'Pinus strohus Pine, Eastern White 6.060 3.759 9.819

Prunus cerasus Cherry, Sour 0.752 2.267 18 Quercus'lba Oak, White 6.060 3.759 9.819

Quercus bicolor Oak, Swamp White 3.030 8.271 Quercus Rrinus Oak, Chestnut 3.030 2.256 5.286 12

Quercus ruhra Oak, Northern Red 3.030 1.504 4.534 14 Sassafras albidum Sassafras 1.515 1.504 3.019 17

Tsucea canadensis Hemlock, Eastern 3.030 1.504 4.534 14

Ulmus americana Elm, Amer>can 15.152 18.045 33.197

3-37 TABLE .3.2.2-5

HERB LAYER ANALYSIS

REIATIVE RELATIVE SPECIES FREQUENCY DENSITY IMPOREANCE RANK

Acer rubrum maple, Red 4.348 0.806 5.154 Comus florida rX>gwocd, Flowering 8.696 41.129 49.825 Fraxinus nicira Ash, Black 4.348 4.839 . 9.187 Kalmia latifolia Laurel, Mountain 21.739. 35.484 57.223

Clubmoss, Tree 4.348 5.645 9.993

Cedar, Ground 4.348 0.806 5.154

Virginia Creeper 4.348 0.806 5.154

Christmas Fern 8.696 2.419 11.115 0 Quercus alba Oak, Nhite 4.348 0.806 5.154

Quercus bicolor Oak, Swamp White 4.348 0.806 5.154 Quercus prince Oak, Chestnut 4.348 0.806 5.154

Ouercus rubra Oak, Northern Red 4.348 1.613 5.961 Sassafras albidum Sassafras 4.348 0.806 5.154

New York Fern 4.348 0.806 5.154

Ulmus americana Elm, Pmerican 13.044 2.419 15.463'

3-38- TABLE 3.2.2-6

POND HILL: WILDLIFE SPECIES INVENTORY

I ~ MAMMALS SPECIES FIELD CHECKED

SPECIES HABITAT

ARTIODACTYLA White-tailed Deer forest

CARNIVORA- Black Bear forest (Ursus americanus) Raccoon forests, streams (~Proc on inter)

INSECTIVORA Shorttail Shrew all terrestrial habitats (T) (Blarina brevicauda)

LAGOMORPHA Eastern Cottontail brushy areas

NARSUPIALIA Oppos sum all terrestrial habitats

RDDEhEIA Beaver streams (Castor canadensis) LeConte's Deer Mouse all terrestrial habitats Muskrat marshes, streams (Ondatra .zibethica) Northeastern Chipmunk forests (Tamias striatus ~1 steri) Northern Gray Squirrel forests (Sciurus carolinensis leucotis) forests Pinet~~Mouse/Voles "" Red-backed Vole — wet areas in forest Southern Red Squirrel forest (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus locpax) Southeastern Woodchuck forest edges (Marmota monax) ((aite-rooted mouse forest

(T)= specimen trapped

'3-39 POND HILL: WILDLIFE SPECIES INVENTORY (Continued)

II. BIRDS SPECIES FIELD CHECKED

SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT

APODIFORMES Ruby-throated Hummingbird all terrestr ial (Archilochus colubris) habitats

CUCULIFORMES Yellow-billed Cuckoo SR forest edges (~Cocc zus amer icanus)

FALCONIFORMES Br os-winged Hawk SR forest

Cooper's Hawk SR,M forest (~Acci iter ~coo er) Red-tailed Hawk M,W all terrestr ial 3 habitats Sharp-shinned Hawk (PRY ) forest (~Acci iter striatus) Turkey Vulture SR,M all terrestrial (Cathartes aura) habitats

GALLiFORMES Ruffed Grouse PR forest (Bonasa umbellus) Wild Turkey (PRY) forest (~elaeeris ~allo avo)

PASSERIFORMES American Goldfinch forest edges (~S inus tristis) Amer ican Redstar t SR forest (~Seto ha a ruticilla) American Robin edges

Barn Swallow meadow (Hirundo rustica) Bay-breasted Warbler M edges (Dendroica castanea)'lack-ani-Whzte Warbler SR forest (Mniotilta varia)

* PR —Permanent Residents SR — Summer Residents M — Migrants W —Winter Residents

~ 3-40, =-POND HILL: -, WILDLIFE SPECIES INVENTORY (Continued)

SPECIES STATUS, HABITAT

PASSERIFORMES Blackburnian Warbler SR forest (Dendroica fusca) Black-capped Chicadee PR forest Blackpoll Warbler forest (Dendroica striata) Black-throated Green Warbler M(SR? ) forest (Dendroica virens) Blue Jay PR forest

Brown Creeper SR forest (Certhia familiaris) Cardinal PR forest, edges (Richmondena cardinalis) Carolina Wren SR forest, edges

Common Crow PR all terrestrial habitats

Common Grackle SR edges (Quiscalus ~uiscalus) Common Yellowthroat SR

Dark-eyed Junco (PR?) forest (Junco ~hamelin) Eastern Phoebe stream margins (~Sa ornis ~hoebe) Golden-crowned Kinglet M(SR? ) forest (Reeulus ~satra ) Golden-winged Warbler SR

Gray Catbird SR edges

carolinensis)'Dumetella Great-crested Flycatcher SR forest (~M iarchus ctinitus) Hermit Thrush M(SR?) forest

Hocded Warbler SR forest (Wilsonia citrina) Indigo Bunting SR bog (Passerine ~c ance) Northern Oriole SR forest edge (icterus Salbula) Northern Waterthrush SR (Seiurus noveboracensis) Ovenbird SR forest

Purple Finch (PR? ) forest

3-41 POND HIL'L".'WILDLIFE SPECIES INVENIORY (Continued)

SPECIES STATDS HABITAT

PASSERIFORMES Red-eyed Vireo SR forest (Vireo olivaceus) Red-winged Blackbird edges (a ' Rose-breasted Grosbeak SR forest, edges (Pheucticus ludovicianus) Ruby-crowned Kinglet forest (Reeuius calendula) Rufous-sided Towhee SR forest,

(~Pi ilo er thro hthalmus) edges'orest Scarlet Tanager SR (Pir~cia olivacea) Solitary Vireo SR forest (Vireo solitarius) Song Sparrow PR edges (~Malus isa melodia) Tennessee Warbler forest (Vermivora peregrina) Tree Swallow SR meadow

Tufted Titmouse PR forest (Parus bicolor) Veery SR forest

White-breasted Nuthatch PR forest (Sitta carolinensis) White-throated Sparrow MPW forest, edges (Zonotrichia albicollis) Wood Thrush SR forest Yellow-rumped Warbler forest (Dendroica coronata) Yellow-throated Vireo SR forest (Vireo flavifrons)

PICIFORMES Common Flicker SR forest edges (~Cola tes auratus) Downy Woodpecker' PR forest Hairy Woodpecker PR forest

Pxleated Woodpecker PR forest (~Dr oco us ~ileatus) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker forest

3-42 POND HILL: WILDLIFE SPECIES INVEN1QRY (Continued)

III. Reptiles

SPECIES FIELD CHECKED SPECIES HABITAT

SQUAMATA Eastern Garter Snake all habitats, aquatic and ter restr ial Northern Copperhead forest Northern Water Snake all aquatic habitats (Natrix ~si edon)

TESTUDINES Eastern Box Turtle all terrestrial habitats (~Terra ne carolina) Midland 'Painted Turtie mar shes (~Chr sem s ~iota marcainata)

3-43 POND HILL: WILDLIFE SPECIES INVENTORY (Continued)

IV. AMPHIBIANS

SPECIES FIELD CHECKED SPECIES HABITAT

ANURA American Toad forests near water (Bufo amer icanus) Bullfrog . marshes (Rang catesbeiana) Eastern Gray Treefrog forested areas nea'r water (~H la versicolor) Green Frog. streams, marshes (Rang clamitans melanota) Northern Leopard Frog meadows (Rane piiiens) Northern Spring Peeper forested areas near water (~H la crucifer) Pickerel Frog marshes, streams (Rang ~lustris) Wood Frog moist wooded areas, streams (Rang ~slvatica)

CAUDATA Long-tailed Salamander streams

Mountain Dusky Salamander streams, wet woods streams Northern Duskye Salanander Northern Red Salanarder streams (Pseudotriton ruber) Northern Spring Salanander streams, wet woods Northern Two-lined Salamander streams (~Eur cea bislineata) Red-backed Salanander forests (Plethodon cinereus) Red-spotted Newt streams Slimy Salamander rocky woods

3-44 ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o r/CIoh" SA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ro g ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~4+I q)),ooo.rO+)'t o ~ ~ ~ o~pPj+i0+pip+Nrgg"yw'fl pope~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 'o ~ "r, ",, r. ~ hr" ~ ~ '' . ~' ~ ,r ~ g''r orh o: ...~ ': '''

LEGEND:

h ~ '. Deciduous Forest

r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Mixed Cont ferous/Dectduous Forest yllllii~~ll PlÃÃ/rr. Old Field/Cropland Type 2 Wetland Type 3 We'tland Water Maximum Water Level 0 I /4 1/2 mi Minimum Water Level 0 1/4 1/2 3/4 km. Road Site Perimeter

PENNSYLVANIA POWER 8r LIGHT COMPANY

SUSQUEHANNA SES RESERVOIR STUDY POND KILLRESERVOIR VEGETATION COVER MAP

FIGURE 5-1 TIPPETTS-AeeETT.McCARTHY-STRATTON ENOINEEAS ANO AACNITECTS NEW YORK C, References Consulted —Section 3.2.2

Conant, R., 1975. A Field Guide to Re tiles and ibians of Eastern and Central North America, 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin Canpany, Boston, Mass.

Threatened Wildlife and Plants: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Wildlife and Fisheries. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

McElroy, P.T., Jr. 1974. The Habitat Guide to Birdin . Alfred Knopf, New York, N.Y.

Odum, E.P. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecol . W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, Pa.

Palmer, J.H. March 21, 1978. State Wildlife Biologist, Pennsylvania Game Gxmission. Personal ccmmunication.

Pennsylvania Fish Caamission. April 18, 1977. Personal caamunication and Endangered, Threatened, or Indeterminate Fishes, Amphibians or Reptiles of Pennsylvania. Enclosure to Scientific Collector's Permit.

Pennsylvania Game Commission. 1975. Tne Game Law of the Canmonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Game Canmission, Harrisburg, Pa.

Shaw, S.P., and C.G. Fredine. 1956. Wetlands of the United States. Circular 39; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.

Villee, C.A. 1977. Biolo~. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, Pa.

3-45 3.2.3 Aquatic Ecology

3.2.3.1 Pond Hill Creek

3.2.3.1.1 General description

Pond Hill Creek is a small stream with headwaters that originate approximately 0.8 miles north of the town of Pond Hill. The stream flows generally west over a total of 2.2 miles to its confluence with the Sus- quehanna River, 2.3 miles upstrean from the Susquehanna Stean Electric Station. There are no significant tributaries to Pond Hill Creek. During dry periods, the stream flow decreases to a point where some sections become essentially intermittent, with water remaining only in the stream bed interstices. The proposed reservoir will inundate 1.4 miles (64 percent) of the stream, leaving a 0.8 mile downstream section fran the dam to the Susquehanna River. For purposes of this discussion, these two stream sections are respectively referred to as the "upper" and "lower" portions of Pond Hill Creek.

The upper section of Pond Hill Creek has an average stream gradient of about fifty-seven feet per mile. Throughout most of this section, the stream exhibits an alternation of small pool and riffle habitats with a substrate composed of boulders, rubble and some bedrock. This pattern is interrupted in two places where the stream flows through areas which were previously inundated by beaver dams. Here the stream bed is mostly silt, mud and gravel and the stream habitat may be described as a long continuous run. Overall, the upper stream section has an average width of about 7.1 feet with measurements ranging fran 2.5 to 12 feet throughout the year. Similarly the average depth is approximately 0.5 feet, with a total range fran O.l to 1.3 feet. Current velocities average around .0.9 feet per second, ranging from 0.5 to 3.3 feet per second.

3-46 The lower section of Pond Hill Creek is slightly larger and much steeper than the upper portion. the average stream gradient here is about 375 feet per mile. The average width is about 8.6 feet ranging fran 3 to 14 feet, and the average depth is approximately 0.5 feet with a minimum of O.l and a maximum of 1.3 feet. Current velocities average roughly 1.3 feet per second with a range from 0.7 to 3.3 feet per second Characteristically, the stream substrate is mostly bedrocks and boulders along with some rubble and isolated patches of gravel. Because of the sharp gradient, stream habitats here are typically shallow, fast- flowing riffles interspersed with small pools. There are several small, and one relatively large, waterfalls in this part of the stream. In addition, at Route 239 the stream passes through a culvert and falls about five feet from the elevated culvert back into the stream channel.

There are no existing data concerning the aquatic ecology of Pond Hill Creek, and information presented in the following sections was gathered from field surveys conducted from September, 1977, to August, 1978. The locations of the water quality and biological sampling stations used at Pond Hill Creek are presented in Figure 3-2. Water quality samples were taken monthly at the site, and biological samples were collected quarterly. In addition, a fish sample was taken fran three small farm ponds, which are located in the site and drain into Pond Hill Creek.

3;2.3.1.2 Water Quality

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources '(PDER) has recently promulgated a revised set of water quality regulations for the state's surface waters (PDER 1978). The water quality criteria which apply to Pond Hill Creek under these regulations are presented in Table 3.2.3-1. In this system, Pond Hill Creek is classified with the unnamed tributaries to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, and has a designated protected water use for the maintenance and/or propagation of cold water fishes, specifically the Salmonidae (trout). However, after extensive fish sampling, no trout were found to inhabit the stream (see below).

3-47 Monthly water samples were collected from both the upper and lower sections of Pond Hill Creek. Results of the analyses of these samples are presented in Tables 3.2.3-2 and 3.2.3-3. In general, Pond Hill Creek is a clear, highly oxygenated, cold water stream. It is weakly buffered and has soft water. The water quality of Pond Hill Creek meets both the criteria proposed by PDER (1978) a+3 those recommended for fish and other aquatic life by the Environmental Protection Agency (1972, 1976). A few parameters, specifically fecal coliforms and ammonia, occasionally exceeded the PDER criteria, but the magnitude by which the standards were surpassed was not excessive, and the water quality of the stream can be considered excellent.

3.2.3.1.3 Aquatic life

Qualitative samples were collected of the plankton, periphyton and macrophytes present in Pond Hill Creek. Quantitative sanpling was conducted for benthic macroinvertebrates and fishes.

Very few organisms were found in any of the plankton sanples taken at Pond Hill Creek. In addition, virtually all of the planktonic species were washed out or detached from the periphyton community. These included the diatoms, ~Sedra Nitzschia, Navicula and dtautoneis along with fragments of the filamentous green algae ~Siroqyra. Zooplankton samples revealed the presence of a few rotifers, ostracods, cladocerans cope- pods and some drifting insect larvae. In general, the plankton of Pond Hill Creek is typical of most small streams, where the constant turbulent and fast-flowing water usually inhibits the developnent of a true drifting canmunity of self-reproducing organisms. Instead, a normally sparse "make- shift" plankton community is derived from organisms washed out of small ponds and quiet backwaters or dislodged from the stream bed and periphyton (Slum 1956, Russell-Hunter 1970, Hynes 1972, Wetzel 1975, Reid and Wood 1970).

The periphyton community in Pond Hill Creek is dominated by filamentous algae and attached diatoms. The most abundant diatcms were

3-48 those listed above which also appeared in the plankton sanples. Other relatively canmon diatoms inclu3ed Melosira and ~Cbella. The most canmonly observed filanentous algae was the green algae ~Siiro~ra. Collectively, filanents of ~Sir~~ra often formed noticeable tufts upon rocks, sticks and other debris in the strean. Other filanentous algae present in the peri- @! ! ! * ! in the periphyton consisted primarly of protozoans, particularly the ciliate ~Col idium and rotifera fran the fanily Brachionidae.

The most carman flowering plants found in the stream included ! (*e !, ~(), p ! ~f), d (Elodea), iris (Iris) and water cress (Nasturtium). Cattails, pondweeds and waterweeds were relatively abundant in the upper section of Pond Hill Creek where the strean flows through the areas previously inundated by beaver dans. The softer substrates in these portions of the stream are more favorable for root developnent. However, the most noticeable macrophytes in the

~us), both of which formed dense growths on most of the stones ard boulders in the stream bed. Fontinalis arxl liverworts in general are considered to be typical inhabitants of hardbottaned, cold water streans (Hynes 1972}.

A total of 12,435 macroinvertebrate specimens were collected fran seasonal visits to each of three sanpling stations at Pond Hill Creek. Enuneration of the macroinvertebrate taxa which were collected is presented in Appendix C. The average density of these macroirnrertebrates was 346 organians/square foot, ranging fran a low 161 to a high 937.

The macroinvertebrate canmunity in Pond Hill Creek was daninated by fly larvae (Diptera) ard mayfly nynph (Epheneroptera}. These two groups of insect larvae canprised 44.2 percent and 28.3 percent, respectively, of all of the organisms collected. The most abundant Dipteran larvae were

3-49 the most numerous mayflies observed. Other macroinvertebrates which were well represented included stonefly larvae (10.3 percent of the total specimens), caddisfly larvae (8.8 percent), beetles (2.3 percent), clans (2.1 " 'ercent) ard worms (1.9 percent). Collectively, these macroinvertebrates are typical of stony-bottaned, small streams (Hynes 1972).

Diversity indices calculated for all of the, macroinvertebrate sanples collected in Pond Hill Creek ranged in value fran 2.87 to 4.18. Only two of the twelve indices were below 3.0. The overall average index was 3.66. These are very high values indicating that Pond Hill Creek supports a well-balanced caanunity of macroinvertebrates. There is no evidence of envirormental stress, and Pond Hill Creek (both the upper ard lower sections) can be described as a high-quality aquatic envirorment.

However, the stream supgorts a very limited fish canmunity. Seasonal fish sanples collected in both the upper ard lower sections of the strean revealed the presence of only five species. The primary factor which limits the fish caanunity in -Pond Hill Creek is apparently the small size of the strean. In addition, fish are prevented fran moving up into the stream fran the Susquehanna River by the elevated culvert near the strean's mouth. Thus, there are no migratory species present in the stream.

Fish sampling in Pond Hill Creek covered a distance of about 750 feet of the lower section and approximately 2,500 feet in the„upger section. Sanples were collected with an electrical shocker and minnow seines. Results of these sanples are presented in Tables 3.2.3-5 and 3.2.3-6.

Of the five species found, only one was abundant, the blacknose

other parts of the northeastern United States. A total of 986 blacknose dace specimens were collected'ran the stream. Three of the other species found in the stream are also axurnn minnow sgecies: 'golden shiners (Notemi- tb (Sernotilus atrcxnaculatus). However, only 9, 10 ard 1 specimens, respectively, of these three species were collected. The remaining fish sgecies

3-50 ' p M 8 1 moides) caught in the lower section of the stream in December,~1977. The bass was a juvenile with a total length of 2.9 inches. However, it is clear that Pond Hill Creek does not support a large resident population of this species, since only one individual was found in all of the fish samples. Furthermore, it is probable that the single bass juvenile originated from one of the small farm ponds located near the stream. These ponds are connected to Pond Hill Creek near its source by a small rivulet.

The ponds were stocked by the owner several years ago with largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, catfish and baitfish. Electro- fishing along the shorelines of these ponds in April, 1978, revealed the presence of golden shiners, fathead minnows, juvenile bluegills and juvenile largemouth bass. The shiners and minnows are probably the "baitfish" stocked by the owner of the ponds. Young bluegill and bass were abundant in the ponds.

Golden shiners, fathead minnows and the largemouth bass, which were collected in the stream are all more commonly found in slowflowing, warm water habitats (Pennsylvania Fish Commission 1975). The presence of all three of these species in Pond Hill Creek may have resulted from their introduction into the small ponds, followed by downstream movements along the connecting waterway to the creek. In this case, the only truly native fish species presently found in Pond Hill Creek 'are the blacknose dace and the creek chub.

None of the species found in Pond Hill Creek is included on either the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services's list of Endangered and Threat- ened Wildlife and Plants (Federal Resister, July 14, 1977) or the Pennsyl- vania Fish Commission's list of Endangered, Threatened or Indeterminate Fishes, Amphibians or Reptiles of Pennsylvania. The stream has never been stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and no fishermen were observed during the sampling program.

3-51 3.2.3.2 Susquehanna River

3.2.3.2.1 General description

Since water will be pumped from the river to fillthe reservoir,. the aquatic ecosystem which will develop in the newly formed lake will depend to some extent upon the conditions prevailing in the river and the time of the year when pumping occurs. Specifically, an understanding of the effects that the existing river water quality has on various aquatic organisms can provide a basis for predicting the nature of the aquatic ecosystem which can be expected in the proposed reservoir. Taking these factors into consideration,- relevant information was selected from the available literature concerning the water quality and aquatic biota of the Susquehanna River near the proposed pump station locality, and is presented in the following section.

The U.S. Geological Survey (1976) reports that the average discharge of the Susquehanna River at Wilkes-Barre is 13,000 cfs, which, based on drainage areas, corresponds to an. average discharge of about 13,440 cfs in the section of the river where the intake will be located. River discharges fluctuate seasonally. Higher flows normally occur during the winter and spring and low flows during the summ r and fall. During late summer and early fall, the river becomes of a series of large pools separated by faster flowing riffle areas. In periods of moderate to high discharge the river may be described as a continuous fast-flowing open channel. Near the proposed pump station the width of the river ranges from about 330 to 1,575 feet with maximum depths of approximately 3 to 16 feet (Jacobsen 1977).

3.2.3.2.2 Water quality

The water quality criteria recommended by PDER (1978) for the section of the Susquehanna River where the proposed reservoir intake would be located is presented in Table 3.2.3-6. This portion of the river has a designated protected water use for the maintenance and propagation of warm water fish species. Historically, this part of the river has been polluted by iron rich; acid mine runoffs and raw sewage effluents. Both of these

3-52 pollutants enter the river upstream fran the intake site and their points of release are described by Smith and Soya (1976) and Jacobsen and Soya (1977).

Water quality has been monitored in the Susquehanna River both upstream and downstream fran the reservoir intake site fran 1971 to 1976 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (PAL). Samples were collected fran Falls to Columbia, Pennsylvania; but most of the sanpling effort was concentrated at stations near the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES). Falls is located upstream fran most of the sources of acidic mine ard sewage pollution. A smanary of the water quality data gathered in this sampling progran, along with sanpling station localities ard methods used to analyze the parameters, is given by PAL (1978).

In general, the summarized data shown in Table 3.2.3-10 indicate that most of the water quality parameters measured in the river meet the criteria recanmended by PDER (1978). However, the high total iron levels resulting fran the acidic mine runoffs exceed the 1.5 mg/1 standard established by the PDER.

During the PP&L survey of the river, the water quality sanpling area which was closest to the proposed reservoir intake site was at SSES about 2.3 miles downstrean fran the intake site. A few additional sanples were collected fran the river at the intake location and results of the analyses are tabulated in Table 3.2.3-7. This sampling was conducted fran March to August, 1978, ard the data indicate that all the paraneters except total iron and fecal coliform bacteria canply with the PDER (1978) recanmended criteria for the river.

At the SSES sanpling area PAL (1978) reports that mean monthly water temperatures were lowest in January and February (1'C). In addition, despite acidic mine and sewage pollution, the concentrations of dissolved oxygen near SSES fran 1972 to 1975 ranged fran 5.85 to 14.80 mg/1 with the mean annual concentration always greater than 10 mg/l.

3-53 Fecal coliform densities at SSES often have exceeded the reccmmended levels of,PDER (1978). Higher levels occurred in 1972 and 1973 when- floodirg decreased the effectiveness of several sewage plants along the river (PP&L 1978). Bacterial densities were lower in 1974 and 1975 and should continue to decrease as more treatment facilities are put into operation.

A discussion of water quality in this vicinity of the Susque- hanna River is presented in PP&L (1978).

Jacobsen and Soya (1977) performed a trend analysis fran data gathered at SSES fran 1972 to 1976 on six water quality paraneters associated ed with acidic mine pollution. This analysis revealed that over the period 1972 — 1976 significant annual trends existed in the data wherein dissolved oxygen and pH increased while turbidity, specific conductance, sulfate and total iron decreased. monthly means fran 1972 to 1976 for these parameters are graphically depicted in Figure 3-3. These trends indicate that the river is in a period of general improvement at present. The trend will probably continue in the future, but it will likely take decades before the acid mine deposits, which are the source of iron, will have leached sufficiently to lower the iron concentrations in the Susque- hanna River within established standards (PP&L 1978). The river is not expected to meet all of the water quality standards of PDER by the year 1983 (PDER 1977). However, it is likely that all of the criteria except for total iron will be met at that time.

3.2.3.2.3 Aquatic life

In conjunction with the water quality survey, PP&L also conducted an extensive biological sanpling progran in the Susquehanna River frcm 1971 to 1976. Similarly, the biological data gathered near SSES provide the most adequate representation of the nature of the aquatic biota in the vicinity of the proposed reservoir intake site.

As part of the PP&L studies, Gale, Jacobsen and Smith (1976) prepared a report concerning the effects of iron on the river. A general

3-54 conclusion of this report was that "ferric iron in the River seened to impair the ecosystem at all tropic levels." However, although the iron concentrations in the river consistently exceed the 1.5 mg/1 criteria reaxmended by PDER (1978), it is apparent that the iron levels are not acutely toxic to most of the aquatic organisms found in the section of the river surveyed by PPaL. The most ccmnanly observed detrimental impacts of iron on the river ecosystem appear to be sublethal in nature and are generally associated with the physical effects of the large quantities of ferric ccmpounds which precipitate out of the water colunn. These effects include increasing river turbidity and thus decreasing light penetration; forming aggregates around microorganisms and settling them to the bottan; and altering substrates making then unsuitable for successful colonization ard/or spawning.

Water containing high iron concentrations may be pumped fran the river which could affect aquatic organians in the proposed reservoir. The effects of iron on aquatic life in the Susquehanna River are discussed in sane detail by PAL in section 2.2.1.1 (1978) to provide perspective on the effects that river water containing high iron concentrations may have on aquatic life in Pond Hill Reservoir after it is pooped into the reservoir. In general phytoplankton populations are apparently not severely inhibited by the river's iron levels in the vicinity of the proposed punp station. High iron concentrations were found to be detrimental to periphyton and macroinvertebrate ccaununities in this reach of the Susquehanna.

In general, plankton densities and standing crops exhibit pronounced seasonal fluctuations in the river (Gale and Mohr 1973, Gurzynski and Lowe 1973, Gurzynski 1974) . Densities and standing crops of both phytoplankton and zooplankton are lowest around November to March. They increase in April through June and usually reach their highest levels in July or August. These seasonal variations in densities and standing crops are illustrated in Figures 3-4 through 3-6.

Drifting macroinvertebrates were also sanpled in the river by Gale, Holley and Thcmpson {1974) and Sabin {1977) . In both of these studies the density 'of drifting macroinvertebrates near the SSES was considerably

3-55 higher from June through August than at any other time of the year. Seasonal densities of drifting invertebrates at SSES are graphically depicted in Figure 3-7. Chironanids were found to be the predominant component in the drift samples.

PP&L (1978) r'eports that fran 1971 to 1975 a total of 57,475 fish of forty-nine species were collected at six river sampling stations fran Falls to Bloomsburg-Danville, including stations near SSES. Sampling gear included trapnets, seines, setlines and electrofishing. Results of this survey are discussed by PP&L in section 2.2.1.8 (1978). Overall, white sucker and spotfin shiner were the most abundant species found, followed in total numbers by quillback, shorthead redhorse, bluegill, carp, bluntnose minnow, spottail shiner and smallmouth bass. Collectively these nine species comprised about 77 percent of the total catch. None of the species collected in this section of the river is included on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services's list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Federal R ister July 14, 1977).

the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, were captured in 1973 (PP&L 1978). However, both of these individuals probably entered the river from Harvey's Lake where they were stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission in 1969— 1972. It is unlikely that a permanent cisco population has been established in the Susquehanna River as a result of escapement fran Harvey's Lake (PP&L 1978).

Data gathered by Jacobsen et al. (1972) and Tuttle (1973) indicate that the most sought after game species in the section of the river near the proposed pump station were walleye and smallmouth bass. Other game fish caught here included muskellunge, chain pickerel, white and channel catfish, brown and yellow bullheads, rock bass, black and white crappies and yellow perch. Anglers also hooked many white suckers, shorthead redhorses, carps and quillbacks. However, Gale, Jacobsen ard Smith (1976) concluded that, in comparison to Falls, "only very limited spot fishing occurs near SSES."

3-56 Based on available information, it is apparent that acid mine pollution, specifically the high iron levels, does not have a direct lethal effect on the fish occurrirg near SSES. Further, for three of four fish species studied near SSES, growth rates were found to be relatively unaffected by acid mine pollution. Buynak and Gurzynski (1977) reported that the growth rates for muskellunge, white sucker, and shorthead redhorse were "similar to that found elsewhere." Buynak and Gurzynski (1978) found that growth rates of 3 — and 4 — year-old smallmouth bass were significantly lower (P(0.05) for specimens collected at SSES than at Falls which is upstrean fran most acidic mine pollution. The difference possibly is due to a food chain organisms resulting fran mine drainage pollution. A scarcity of r ccmparison of SSES and Falls, however, revealed no significant differences in growth rates of 1 — and 2 — year-old specimens. In addition, the relative abundance of smallmouth bass near SSES has been increasing in the past few years. Growth rates and abundance of smallmuth bass would be expected to increase with a continuation of water quality improvement in the river.

Acidic mine pollution appears to have had little effect on the spawning success of fish near SSES. Sanpling has shown that many fish species spawn in the vicinity of SSES, and that eggs are yielding viable offspring (Gale and Mohr 1976a).

Studies concerning the occurrence and abundance of driftirg fish larvae near SSES have been conducted by Jacobsen, Gale and Mohr (1974), Gale and Mohr (1976a, 1976b) arxl Buynak and Mohr (1976, 1977). Overall, eggs ard/or fish larvae of twenty-six species have been found in the vicinity of the SSES. In general, the density of fish larvae in the drift was considerably higher at SSES than at Falls. At SSES, the earliest appearance of fish larvae was in May and the latest usually at the end of August. A few larvae were found in September and October. Densities were highest in June. The seasonal occurrences of fish larvae near SSES are depicted in Figures 3-8, 3-9 and 3-10. The most abundant fish larvae were those of the quillback, followed by carp and other cyprinids.

3-57 TABLE 3.2.3-,1

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA H)R POND HILL CREEK

Stream Zone

Unnammed Tributaries of the Basins, Lackawanna River to West Branch Susquehanna River Susquehanna River (North Branch)

Protected Water Uses Cold Water Fishes — maintenance and/or propagation of fish species including the fanily Salmonidae and additional flora and fauna which are indigenous to a cold water habitat

pH Not less that 6.0 and not more than 9.0.

Dissolved Oxygen Minimum daily average 6.0 mg/1; no value less than 5.0 mg/1. For lakes and impoundments only, no value less than 5.0 mg/1 at any point.

= Iron Not to exceed 1.5 mg/1 as total iron; not to exceed 0.3 mg/1 as dissolved iron.

Temperature No measurable rise when ambient temperature is 58'F or above; not more than a 5'F rise above ambient temperature until stream temperature reaches 58'F; not to be changed by more than 2'F during any one-hour period. Total Filtrable Residue at 105~C Not more than 500 mg/1 as a monthly average value; not more than 750 mg/1 at any time. Bacteria (Fecal Coliform) During the swimming season (May 1 through September 30), the fecal coliform level shall not exceed a geometric mean of 200 per 100 ml based on five consecutive samples collected on different days; for the remainder of the year, the fecal coliform level shall not exceed a geanetric mean of 2000 per 100 ml based on five consecutive samples collected on different days. Alkalinity Alkalinity shall be 20 mg/1 or more as CaCo3 for fresh water aquatic life, except where natural conditions are less.

Total manganese Not to exceed 1.0 mg/l.

3-58 TABLE 3.2.3-1 (Continued)

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR POND HILL CREEK

Flour ide Not to exceed 2.0 mg/l.

Cyanide Not to exceed 0.005 mg/1 as free cyanide.

Sulfate Not to exceed 250 mg/1. Phenol Not to exceed 0.005 mg/l.

Cooper Not to exceed 0.1 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species.

Zinc Not to exceed 0.01 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species.

Aluminum Not to exceed 0.1 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species. Arsenic Not to exceed 0.05 mg/1.

Chranium Not to exceed 0.05 mg/1 as hexavalent chranium. Not to exceed 0.05 mg/l.

Nickel Not to exceed 0.01 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species. Nitrite plus Nitrate as Nitrogen Not to exceed 10 mg/1 as nitrate nitrogen.

Ammonia Nitrogen Not more than 0.5 mg/l.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Envirorxnental Resources (1978).

3-59 TABLE 3.2.3-2 WATER ()UALITY DATA FKH THE UPPER SECTION OF POND HILL'REEK

PARAMETER (Units mg/1 unless stated Hean S.D. Hax. Min. otherwise) Se t. 77 Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 78 Feb. Mar. r. Ha June Jul A . N 17.5 "0.5 Temperature-Rater (C4) 17.0 9.0 6.0 3.5 -0.5 0.0 5.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 17.5 12 8.5 2.92 3.30 13.0 8.2 Dissolved Oxygen-ppn 9.3 11.2 11.3 12.5 13.0 12.4 12.3 11.6 9.9 8.4 8.2 11 10.9 7.0 3.0 2.1 0.5 <0.5 <1 <1 <1 2.0 <1.0 <1.0 1.0 12 1.8 1.33 7.0 <0.5 B.O.D. 2.92 23.0 3.6 C.O.D. 10.1 8.0 3.6 4.0 <5 7.3 <5 <5 <5 17.0 9.0 23.0 12 8.5 6.60 6.80 11 6.88 2.622 7.30 6.30 PH (s.u.) 7.00 6.30 7.25 6.70 ,6.80 7.25 6.45 7.20 7.30 ~ 17.0 12 8.4 2.89 17.5 1.8 Alkalinity- as CaCo3 5.5 2.8 2.3 6.4 17.5 3.7 1.8 8.3 4 0 14.0 17.0 82.0 20.0 12 24.0 4.90 82.0 14.0 Total Hardness —as CaCO3 24.0 17.0 20.0 15.0 15.0 16.0 17.5 30.0 14.0 18.0 Total Dissolved Solids 89.4 44.8 8.4 <0.5 99.4 37.8 , 3.0 45.5 37-6 56.5 ,47.4 50.4 12 43.4 6.59 99.4 <0.5 Solids 150.0 <0.5 516.0 3.4 11.3 13.1 6.1 6.3 2.5 9.6 6.3 40.7 12 63.8 7.99 516.0 0.5 Total Susperded 1.93 10.0 0.6 - F1U 1.0 2.5 0.6 2.2 6.0 :2.3 2.0 1.9 5.5 7.0 10.0 ll 3.7 ' Turbidity 49.2 7.10 55 42 cr Specific Corductance- jrhos 55 48 42 46 48 48 48 52 52 49 53 ll ~ 22 23 28 12 10.1 3.18 28 <1 Golor —CPU 11 <1 3 5 6 <1 7 10 1.0 <1.0 12 9.7 3.12 16.0 1 Sulphate as- S 13.7 11.0 12.0 11.0 16.0 10.5 11.3 12.0 11.0 6.0 12 0.02 0.144 0.05 ~ 0.01 Ortho Phosphate as P 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.01 <0.02 0.03 0.02 0.05 <0.01 1.11 12 0.13 0.358 1.ll 0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.09 <0.02 0.05 0.03 0.27 0.20 0.24 0.20 0.43 0.13 0.12 0.16 12 0.16 0.402 0.43 0.01 Nitrate as N 0.01 0.05 0.10 0.4 Chloride 1.6 3.4 2.3 4.3 5.5 3.1 <0.5 0.5 1.7 0.4 1.7 0.6 12 2.1 1.461 5.5 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.03 <0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 12 0.02 0.153 0.05 <0.02 Total Copper 0.794 1.64 0.21 TOtal Iron 0.47 0.49 0.21 0.26 0.29 0.39 0.40 0.35 0.80 0.87 1.40 1.64 12 0.63 12 0.05 0.224 0.20 <0.02 Total Manganese 0.05 0.03 0.03 <0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04 <0.02 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.02 12 1045.3 32-33 >2400;. 43 Coliform —TOtal MPN/100 ml 1100 1100 1100 210 43 240 240 >2400 210 >2400 1100 2400 12 279.3 16.71 1100 <3 Coliform - Fecal MPN/100 ml 93 93 150 64 <3 <3 240 460 23 1100 23 1100 12 10.9 3.30 35 <1 Fecal Streptococci MPN/100 ml <1 <1 5 25 <1 <1 <1 <1 20 35 10 30 TABLE 3 '.3-3 WATER {}UALI1YDATA FRCM THE LCÃER SECTION OF POND HILL CREEK

PMrAmxm (Units m3/1 unless stated otherwise Se t. 77 Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 78 Feb. Mar. r. Ma June Jul N Mean S.D. Max+ Min. Temperature-Water (C') 16.0 9.0 6.5 3.5 0.0 1.0 4.0 6.5 8.0 10.0 14.5 19.0 12 8.2 2.86 16.0 00 Dissolved Green-pgn 9.5 11.8 12.0 13.0 13.9 13.1 13.3 13.2 12.4 8.9 8.0 11 ll 7 3.43 .13.9 8.0 B.O.D. 8.0 4.0 1.2 0.5 <0.5 <1 3 <1 2.0 <1.0 <1 1.0 12 2.0 1.42 8.0 <0.5 C.O.D. 11.1 7.4 3.4 9.0 6.8 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 7.0 18.0 12.0 12 7.9 2.81 18.0 3.4 PH (s.u.) 7.10 6.65 7.60 7.10 7.00 7.30 7.30 7.55 7 10 6.70 6.80 ll 7.11 2.666 7.60 6.65 Alkalinity- as CaCo3 7.4 11.0 23 1.8 23.0 1.8 <1.0 11.0 5.0 11.0 19.0 16.0 12 9.2 3.03 23.0 <1.0 'lbtal Hardness —as CaCO3 . 24.0 23.0 19.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 15.5 21.0 22.0 14.0 20.0 21.0 12 19.0 4.35 24.0 14.0 'lbtal Dissolved Solids 108.0 49.6 15.4 <0.5 102.0 56.0 14.2 133.0 43.3 52.3 44.4 56.2 12 56.2 7.50 133.0 <0 5 'lbtal Susperded Solids 120.0 <0.5 1.4 3.1 8.9 6.1 5.2 4.9 8.3 8.2 22.4 8.0 12 16.4 4.05 120.0 <0.5'.7 Turbidity —FIU 0.7 3.0 0.8 1.6 5.5 0.6 1.3 2.5 3.6 5.2 3.8 ll 2.6 1.61 5.5 Speci fic Conductance- m thos 59 45 48 48 46 45 68 49 50 50 55 ll 51 7.2 68 45 Cblor - CPU 10 <1 3 4 5 4 <1 3 15 12 10 22 12 8 2.7 22 1 Sulphate as S 13.2 12.0 11.8 12.5 16.8 13.6 11.9 11.0 9.0 12.0 6.0 7.0 12 11.4 3.38 16.8 6.0 Orttn Phos~te as P 0.02 0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 0.04 0.06 0.02 <0.01 12 0.02 0.150 0.06 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.01 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.01 0.05 0.10 <0.02 0.08 0.04 0.02 0.47 12 0.07 0.265 0.47 <0.01 Nitrate as N <0.01 0.07 <0.05 0.03 0.33 0.21 0.12 <0.10 0.08 0.27 0.24 0.21 12 0.14 0.379 0.33 0.01 Chloride 0.7 2.6 9.5 <0.5 2.9 11.1 <0.5 <0.5 2.1 0.4 1.08 1.0 12 2.7 1.66 11.1 0.4 Total Copper <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 12 0.03 0.158 0.06 <0.02 Tbtal Iron 0.60 0.46 0.22 0.20 0.25 0.39 0.34 0.25 0.41 1.08 3.11 0.65 12 0.66 0.814 3.11 0.20 Total Marganese 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.03 0.04 0.21 0.10 12 0.05 0.222 0.21 <0.02 Coliform —Total MPN/100 ml 460 240 150 150 43 43 460 460 210 >2400 240 >2400 12 609 24.7 >2400 43 Coliform - Fecal MPnt/100 ml 240 9 23 23 <3 43 43 43 93 9 93 12 52 7.2 240 <3 Fecal Streptococci MPN/100 ml 10 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 10 20 <1 <1 12 4 2.0 20 <1. TABLE 3.2.3 — 4

KYZAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALSOF FISH SPECIES FOR'EACH QOLLECZION PERIOD IN THE UPPER SECPION OF POND HILL CREEK (Nomenclature according to Bailey et al. 1970)

Sept. 21, Dec. 4, Feb. 23, April 28, Species 1977 1977 1978 1978

Cyprinidae —Minnows Golden Shiner

Fathead Minnow 2 Blacknose Dace 195 253 27 323

3-62 TABLE 3.2.3 — 5

TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALSOF FISH SPECIES FOR EACH COLLECTION PERIOD IN THE UPPER SECTION OF POND HILL CREEK

(Nomenclature according to Bailey et al. 1970)

Sept. 21, Dec. 4, Feb. 23, April 28, Species 1977 1977 1978 1978 Cyprinidae — Minnows

Blacknose Dace 122 60 102

Creek Chub

Centrarchidae —Sunfishes

Largemough Bass

3-63 TABLE 3.2.3-6

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA K)R THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

Stream Zone

Susquehanna River Main Stan, Lackawanna River to (North Branch) West Branch Susquehanna River protected Water Uses Warm Water Fishes —maintenance and propagation of fish species and additional flora and fauna which are indigenous to a warm water habitat. Not less than 6.0 and not more than 9.0.

Dissolved Oxygen Minimum daily average 5.0 mg/1; no value less than 4.0 mg/1. For the epilimnion of lakes, ponds and impoundments, minimum daily average of 5.0 mg/1, no value less than 4.0 mg.l.

Iron Not to exceed 1.5 mg/1 as total iron, not to exceed 0.3 mg/1 as dissolved iron.

Temperature No measurable rise when anbient temperature is 87'F or above; not more than 5'F rise above ambient temperature until stream temperature reached 87'F, not to be changed by more than 2'uring any one-hour period.

Total Filtrable Residue at 105'C Not more than 500 mg/1 as a monthly average value; not more than 750 mg/1 at any time.

Bacteria (Fecal Coliform) During the swimming season (May 1 through September 30), the fecal coliform level shall not exceed a geanetric mean of 200 per 100 ml based on five consecutive sanples collected on different days; for the remainder of the year the fecal coliform level shall not exceed a geanetric mean 2000 per 100 ml based on five consecutive sanples collected on different days. Alkalinity Alkalinity shall be 20 mg/1 or more as CaCO3 for fresh water aquatic life, except where natural conditions are less.

3-64 TABLE 3 .2.3 — 6 (Continued) Hater Quality Criteria for the Susquehanna River

Total Maganese Not to exceed 1.0 mg/l. Flouride Not to exceed 2.9 mg/1.

Cyanide Not to exceed 0.005 mg/1 as free cyanide. Sulfate Not to exceed 250 mg/1. Phenol Not to exceed 0.005 mg/l.

Copper Not to exceed O.l of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species. Zinc Not to exceed 0.01 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important speciel.

Aluminum Not to exceed O.l of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species. Arsenic Not to exceed 0.05 mg/l.

Chromium Not to exceed 0.05 mg/1 as hexavalent chranium.

Lead Not to exceed 0.0 mg/l. Nickel Not to exceed 0.01 of the 96-hour LC 50 for representative important species. Nitgrite plus Nitrte as Not to exceed 10 mg/1 as nitrate nitrogen. Nitrogen

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (1978)

3-65 TABLE 3.2.3-7 WATER QUALITY IN THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER NEAR 'IHE PROPOSED INZAKE SITE

PARAMEZER (Units mg/1 unless stated otherwise) Se . 77 Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 78 Feb. Mar. A r. Ma June Jul A . N Mean S.D. Max. Min.

Temperature-Water (C') 3.0 7.0 13.5 16.0 22.0 25.0 6 14.4 3.80 25.0 3.0 Dissolved Oxygen-pgn 12.6 10.7 14.9 8.9 9.0 5 11.2 3.35 14.9 3.35 B.O.D, 1.0 <1 3.0 <1 2.0 5.0 6 2.2 1.47 5.0 <1 C.O.D. 7.0 24.0 5.0 7.0 10.0 25.0 6 13.0 3.61 25.0 5.0 PH (s.u.) 7.25 7.60 8.60 7.20 7.20 5 7.57 2.751 8.60 7.20 Alkalinity— as CaCo3 23.0 41.4 19.0 46.0 66.0 60.0 6 42.6 6.52 66.0 19.0 Total Hardness — as CaO03 66.1 84.0 73.0 109.0 167.0 136.0 6 105.9 10.29 167.0 66.1 Total Dissolved Solids 67.2 122.0 138.0 196.0 290.0 215.0 6 171.4 13.09 290.0 67.2 T>tal Suspended Solids 9.1 21.7 7.5 19.9 9.5 36.5 6 17.4 4.17 36.5 9.1 Turbidity —FIU 16 7.5 5.1 9.8 11.0 12.0 6 10.2 3.20 16.0 5.1 Specif ic Gorductance-~mhos 160 190 200 230 330 5 222 14.9 330 160 Color - CPU 26 7 25 68 65 80 6 45 6.72 80 7 Sulphate as S 28.8 30.0 46.0 97.0 180.0 148.0 6 88.3 9.40 180.0 28.8 Ortho Phosphate as P 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.02 <0.01 0.10 6 0.05 0.22 0.10 <0.01 Total Phosphate as P 0.07 0.05 0.12 0.10 0.04 0.84 6 0.20 0.45 0.84 0.04 Nitrate as N 0.97 1.00 0.73 0.61 0.43 0.55 6 0.72 0.846 1.00 0.43 Chloride 0.51 0.07 O.ll 0.05 0.03 <0.02 6 0.13 0.363 0.51 <0.02

Total Copper 12.8 11.0 6.2 11.5 18.4 14.5 6 12 ' 3.52 18.4 , 6.2 Total Iron <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 6 <0.02 0.141 <0.02 <0.02 Total Manganese 2.11 1.96 1.63 2.43 2.34 4.70 6 2.53 1.590 4.70 1.63 Coliform —Total MPN/100 ml 0.29 0.19 0.32 0.49 0.66 0.90 6 0.48 0.689 0.90 0.19 Colifoxm — Fecal MPN/100 ml >2400 43 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 6 2007 44.8 >2400 43 Fecal Streptococci MPN/100 ml 240 3 210 460 460 1100 6 412 20.3 1100 3 10 <1 35 85 10 65 6 34 5.9 85 <1 pcj4ccc, . -~ceo~~ N

''c"f c

- ; 'c c TRWCITUIIE

.' ". ccc ~Y(0 'jjj i rm / P H I>-.-.—.--c ~ ~ ~ ~ C ~ ~ ~ '>..BU IED.PIPELIN ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 1%i c ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c~ ~ to ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c ~ r ~ ~ chic ~ ~ ~ c ~A

-''PL N 4 LS ~SPJLLWAY - ~ "L .ic . ~ 4cc

r 4

] IT /rg/4,'414.c II ~" 0 r ' l ~ ip > 4'4 4 rr) W Il '„ 4 / // Crr /:(- 4.'i.I',

i:ii///'.''/ j

cr I!"-'

4 4

PENNSYLVANIA pOWER IA LIGHT COMPANY RESERVOIR MAXIMUMWATER WATER CHEMISTRY AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES SUSOUEHANNA SES RESERVOIR STUDY SUPPLY ELEVATION POND HILLRESERVOIR 'PH I - POND HILL CREEK SAMPLE 0 AI- I WATER QUALITYAND AQUATIC SAMPLE 0AI-2 FISH SAMPLING AREA OPH2- POND HILL CREEK LIFE SAMPLING STATIONS OLS - LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER SAMPLE 0 AI-3 (INCLUDES ZOOPLANKTON) 0 I/2 444i FIGURE 5-2 T44c44ETTS-AIMIETT-McCAIITHY-STIIATTOII 0 I/2 K444. EAIGIIIEEIISANO AIICHITECTS NEW TOAI(

15.0

TOTAL IRON TURBIDITY

12.0

9.00

4.0 10

S.OO

0.00 J A J 0 J A J 0 A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 J A J 0 A J 0 J A J 0

08 SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE DISSOLVED OXYGEN Z P 420 IS CII xO C9 DNO 10

IO A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J SULFATE

200

C9 E IOO

A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 A J 0 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

FIGURE 3—3.

Trends in monthly means of total iron, specific conductance, sultate, turbidity, dissoved oxygen, and pH in the Susquehanna River at SSES from 1972 through 1976. (Source: Jacobsen and Soya, 1976)

TOTAL PHYTOPLANKTON

0 J F M A M J J A S 0 N D J F M A M J J A 8

FIGURE 3 - 4

Seasonal variations in phytoplankton densities at all river stations from January 1972— September 1973 (excluding) September 1972. (Source: Gurzynski, 1973) ~ I

~ * 75 4 0 0 y 0 )0 0 ~7(g 400~000 UNITS/LITER (MONTHLY) ~ UNITS/ SEC (MONTHLY) !000 40

/4 O O x 625 /I / O / OI I X 500 ? R 0 O I I '!C X 0 O O I +I. 375 (

/'xq // 0 0 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I JAN FEB IIAR APR IIAY JUN JUL AUO BEP OCT NCV CEC JAN FEB NAR APR WY JUN JUL AUO BEP I972 l975

FIGURE 3 - 5

Seasonal variations in phytoplankton densities and standing crops at SSES from January 1972 - September 1973. (Source: PPL, 1978) 30

270

0 J F M A M J J A S 0 N D J F M A M J J A S 0 N D 540 l972 l975

480

500

I20

0 J F M A M J. J A S 0 N D J F M A M J J A S 0 N D 1972 l975

FIGURE 3 - 6

Seasonal variations in the mean number of organisms in zooplankton samples at SSES in 1972 and 1973 (organisms/sec ~ mean daily river discharge at SSES x organism density) (Source: Gale and Mohr, 1973) r 'I

N " P 4 700 —SURFACE SEES ———BOTTOM S SES

600 I ~ I I I

500 \

\ I I I 400

500

200

/ 100

APR JUN AUG OCT NOV

FIGURE 3 - 7

Numbers of macroinvertebrates in 5 minute drift samples at SSES in 1973. Sample totals are unadjusted for differences in river discharge. (Source: Gale, Molley and Thompson, 1973) FNsPNs BLUNTNOSE MINNOW AS,SS LONGNOSE DACE EGGS CHANNEL CATFISH FN,PN,P PROLARVAE YELLOW BULLHEAD ps POSTLARVAE WHITE CATFISH ~FN,PN ~ PN PUMPKINSEED 0 NEST LARVAE LARGEMOUTH BASS l 0 (NEST LARVAE) SMALLMOUTHSASS l 0 (NEST LARVAE) GREEN SUNFISH I.I I 0 (EGG) NORTHERN HOG SUCKER I (POSTLARVA) FN BLUEGILL FN,PN ROCK BASS FNsPNsP (EGG 2 2) COMELY SHINER FN,PN (POSTI.ARVA8 PN BROWN BULLHEAD AS,O CRAPPIE SPP. FNsPNsP

CAR P FHsPNsP SS,P,O SPOTFIN SHINER FN,PN,P AS,P

FN s PNs P SPOTTAIL SHINER

FNsPNsP SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

I P (EGG) UNIDENTIFIEDMINNOW PN,P I.e 0 YELLOW PERCH FNsPNsP OUILLSACK AS,SS,P FNsPNsP WHITE SUCKER 3 AS,SSsP FNs PNsP WALLEYE AS,P ' ' ss sss '1'I st'1 ~ s.sss» 'st ~ PN FN ~ s P TESSELLATED DARTER

Io 20 I IO 20 I Io 20 I Io 20 I IO 20 I 10 20 I Io APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

FIGURE 3- 8

Seasonal occurrence of fish eggs and larvae with collection methods (FN = push net; P = pumping; SS = SCUBA SEARCH; AS= artificial spawning materials; 0 = observed from shore), in the Susquehanna River at SSES in 1974-5. Decimal values are mean diam'eters of fish eggs (preserved in 10/o formalin). (Source: Gale and Mobr, 1974a) P COMELY SHINER (20) SPOTFIN SHINER (I,OO2) BLUNTNOSE MINNOW (I7) LARGEMOUTH BASS (ONLY I FISH COLLECTED)

FALLFISH ( u n n II ) BLUEGILL PUMPK INSEED (98 ) SPOTTAIL SHINER (30) SMALLMOUTH BASS (3) ROCK BASS (33) CRAPPIE (17) CARP (3,838) UNIDENTIFIED CYPRINID (83O) QUILLBACK (7,552) TESSELLATED DARTER (58I) SHORTHEAD REDHORSE (282) WHITE SUCKER (I,3IO) YELLOW PERCH (I3) WALLEYE ( I58)

APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

FIGURE 3 - 9

Seasonal occurrence of various species of larval fish captured in weekly push.and fixed-net samples at SSES on the North Branch Susquehanna River, 1973. Total numbers of each species captured are in parentheses. (Source: Jacobsen, Gale and Mohr, 1973) "—l975 —1976 50

0 IO 20 I IO 20 I IO 20 I IO 20 M J A

FIGURE 3 - 10

Mean densities of fish larvae found during each sampling period on the Susquehanna River at SSES in 1976 and 1976. (Source: Buynak and Mohr, 1976) ~ ~

~ I i References Consulted —Section 3.2.3 Bailey, R.M., J.E. Fitch, E.S. Herald, E.A. Lachner, C.C. Lindsey, C.R. Robins and W.B. Scott, 1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication No. 6, Washington, D.C. Blum, J.L. 1956. The Ecology of River Algae. Bot. Rev. 22(5): 291-341.

Buynak, G.L., and A.J. Gurzynski. 1977. Age and growth of fishes. In "Ecological studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Buynak, G.L., and H.W. Mohr. 1976. Larval fishes. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Annual Report for 1975," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power ard Light Co., Allentown Pa.

Buynak, G.L., and H.W. Mohr. 1977. Larval fishes. In: "Ecological studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Deutsch, W.G. 1976. Macronivertebrates. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, progress report for 1974," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Deutsch, W.G. 1976. Macronivertebrates. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1975," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co. Allentown, Pa.

Deutsch, W.G. 1977. Benthic macronivertebrates. In "Ecological studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Federal R ister, July 14, 1977.. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Gale, W.F., and A.J. Gurzynski. 1976. Periphyton. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1975," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Gale, E.F., and H.W. Mohr. 1973. Zooplankton. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1972," by Ichthyological Associ- ates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. 3-67 Gale, W.F., and H.W. Mohr. 1974. Zooplankton. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susque- hanna Steam Electric Station, progress report for 1973,"'by Ichthy- ological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Gale, W.F., and H.W. Mohr. 1976a. Spawning and larval fish drift. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, progress report for 1974," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown Pa.

Gale, W.F., and H. W. Mohr. 1976b. -Larval fishes. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, progress report for 1974," by Icthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown Pa. Gale, W.F., T.V. Jacobsen and K.M. Smith. 1976. Iron and its effects. In "Ecological studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Progress Report for 1974," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power ard Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Gale W.F., M.O. Molley and J.D. Thompson. 1974. Macronivertebrates. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1973," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvnia Power arxl Light Co., Allentown Pa.

Gale, W.F., J.D. Thompson and D.W. Zimmer. 1973. Benthos. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1972," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Gaufin, A.R., and C. M. Tarzwell. 1956. Aquatic Macro-Invertebrate Communities as Indicators of Organic Pollution in Lytle Creek. Sew. Ind. Wastes 28: 906-925. Gurzynski, A.J. 1974. Phytoplankton. In "An Ecological study of the North ~ Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1973," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Gurzynski, A.J. and R.L. Lowe. 1973. Phytoplankton. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1972," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power ard Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Hynes, H.B.N. 1972. The Ecol of Runni Waters. Univ. of Toronto Press, Toronto.

3-68 Jacobsen, T.V. 1977. Introduction. In "Ecological studies of the Susque- hanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Jacobsen, T.V., and W.J. Soya. 1976. Physicochemical analyses. In "Ecologi- cal studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1975," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Jacobsen, T.V., and W.J. Soya. 1977. Physiochemical analyses. In "Ecolo- gical studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Assoicates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Jacobsen, T.V., W.F. Gale and H.W. Mohr. 1974. Larval fishes. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1973," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Jacobsen, T.V., W.F; Gale, J.D. Thompson and T.B. Hess. 1972. Fishes. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1971," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Odum, E.P. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecol . 3rd ed. W.B. Saunders Co., Phildelphia. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (PDER). 1977. Common- wealth of Pennsylvania 1977 water quality inventory. Publication No. 42. PDER, Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Envirormental Resources (PDER). 1978. Proposals for recommended revisions to water quality criteria, wastewater treatment requirements arxl industrial wastes. Penns lvania Bulle- tin. Vol. 8, 9, March 4, 1978: pp. 511-708. Pennsylvania Fish Commission. 1975. Pennsylvania Fishes. Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Harrisburg, Pa.

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (PP&L). 1978. "Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Environment Report." PP&L, Allentown, Pa.

Reid, G.K., and R.D. Wood. 1970. Ecology of Inland Waters and Estuaries. D. Van Nostrand, New York.

Russell-Hunter, W.D. 1970. A uatic roductivit . Macmillan, New York.

3-69 Sabin, L. 1977. 'acroinvertebrate drift. In "Ecological studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Schenck, K.M., and J.A. Steckel. 1973. Water chemistry. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1972," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power ard Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Schenck, K.M., and J.A. Steckel. 1974. Physiochemical analyses. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1973," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light.Co., Allentown, Pa. Smith, K.M., and W.J. Soya. 1976. Physicochemical analyses. In "Ecological studies on the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, progress report for 1974," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Tuttle, L.R. 1973. Fish movements. In "An ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1972," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown Pa. Tuttle, L.R. 1974. Fishes. In "An Ecological study of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Berwick, Pennsylvania, progress report for 1973," by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsyl- vania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1972. Water quality criteria-1972. Committee on water quality criteria, EPA, Washington, D.C. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. Quality criteria for water. EPA, Washington D.C. U.S. Geological Survey. 1976. Surface water supply of the United States 1966-70. Part 1. North Atlantic Slope Basins. Vol. 3. Basins fran Maryland to York River. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2103. U.S. Geological Survey, Arlington, Va.

Whitton. University of California Press, Los Angeles.

Wilhm, J.L. 1970. Range of Diversity Index in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Populations. JWPCF 42: R221-R224. Wilhm, J.L. and T.C. Dorris. 1968. Biological Parameters for Water Quality Criteria. Bioscience 18: 477-481.

3-70 3.2.4 Social ard Econanic Characteristics

3.2.4.1 Intrcduction

The description of facial ard econanic characteristics has two purposes: to provide the foundation for a subsequent analysis of impacts ard to depict the population and econanic base surrounding the site ard in the region as a basis of canparison for the site. The characteristics of people, the econcmic base of their region ard local area, their housirg, canmunity facilities ard services, goverrment ard the kind of canmunity they have developed form the principal canponents of this discussion. Figure 3-11 illustrates the municipal units of Luzerne County and its surrounding counties.

Conynghan Township, in which the site is located, is defined as the site vicinity, the smallest geographic unit containing the site for which census data are available. In order to provide meaningful canpari- sons, data pertaining to other townships, Luzerne County, the state ard the U.S. are presented. The minor civil division or census tract (Conyngham Township is both) covers a large area ard larger population by canparison with the site ard the canmunities of Pond Hill and Lily Lake in the site's immediate proximity. For these smaller areas, treated as separate subsections, description relies upon site reconnaissance, interviewing and inference.

The site is defined as the inundated and embankment area and the buffer surrounding it.

3.2.4.2 Social ard econanic characteristics of the region ard site vicinity

3.2.4.2.1 Population

Conyngham Township lies within the rural portion of the Wilkes- Barre —Hazleton Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) synonymous with Luzerne County for the 1970 census. Subsequently, this SMSA has been

3-71 grouped with the Scranton SMSA (Lackawanna County) and Monroe County; this larger SMSA designation bears witness to the increased social and econanic interdependence of these counties as a metropolitan focus of Northeast Pennsylvania. The urbanized area of the central city SMSA is canprised of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding, closely settled territory roughly equivalent to the Wyoming Valley which borders the Susquehanna River. Extending north fran part of Newport Township through Wilkes-Barre to Pittston, Duryea m3 Avoca at the border of Lackawanna County and including Dallas to the west, this urbanized area had a 1970 population of 222,830 or 65% of the county's population (U.S. Census 1970). Within Luzerne County (the SMSA in 1970), 22% of the population was considered rural of which the bulk (over 21% of the total county population) was classified as rural nonfarm and only a small nunber (less than 1%) as a rural farm population (U.S. Census 1970).

Gonynghan's rural population of 1,693 represented approximately one half of 1% of the county's 1970 population in about 6% of the county's land area. It lies outside, but close to, the urbanized area. The township's population is concentrated in four areas of settlement: Mocanaqua, a densely settled town linked to the coal mining industry; Wapwallopen along the Susquehanna at the southern extremity of the township; the rural settlenent of Pond Hill in the mid-portion of the township and Lily Lake, a camnunity clustered around a lake and lying partly in bordering Slocum Township.

A post-Depression history of population decline and the current distribution of population in Luzerne County and in Conynghan Township are part of more widespread changes which have characterized the seven-county region of the Northeast Econanic Developnent Council. Since the 1930s the population of the more urban and anthracite based counties of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon and Schuylkill has declined, while the population of the rural, agricultural and recreation oriented counties of Wayne, Pike and Monroe generally has increased. Table 3.2.4-1 shows the relative changes in population of these counties during the decades 1950-1970 and their 1970 population density. Population losses in the coal counties are attributed to the outmigration of adults aged twenty-five to fifty-four who have left

3-72 for better job opportunities. The migration of this group, those most likely to have children, canbined with a general lowerirg of the birth rate in recent years, has also meant that a analler proportion of the population is under fourteen years of age and that the proportion of people in older age brackets has increased (EDCNp 1975a). Estimates of net migration out of Luzerne County during the decade 1960-1970 range between 10,000 and 12,000 people. This rate of outflow represents a considerable slowing of migration by ccmparison to the previous decade when net migration was estimated at a loss of nearly 70,000 persons (EDCNP 1975a).

The overall population decline between 1960 and 1970 of 1.3% in the SMSA, or county, was not consistently distributed among its townships and boroughs. The central city of Wilkes-Barre declined in population by 7.4% and accounted for 42% of the 4.7% decline in the population of the urbanized area (U.S. Census 1970). Like Wilkes-Barre, the cities of Hazelton and Pittston and many of the small, relatively densely populated 'oroughs in the county lost population. The population in areas outside central cities ard in more rural areas had a greater tendency to register gains. Townships in the greater Back Mountain area (lying west and north of the Susquehanna River fran Wilkes-Barre and including townships such as Dallas, Harveys Lake, and Jackson) ard in the greater Mountaintop area (south ard west of Wilkes-Barre and including townships such as Dorrance ard Fairview) increased in population (Luzerne CPC 1974 and 1977) . Many townships in the greater Schickshinny area maintained a relatively stable population or increased (e.g., Salen Township) while sane such as Conynghan and Schickshinny Borough experienced considerable decline. Table 3;2.4-2 shows both the population densities and the changes in population for those boroughs and townships which border Conynghan Township.

Despite the historic declines in population and the floods of 1972, the county as a whole, Conynghan Township ard many townships bordering it have ha) increases in population fran 1970 to 1975 as Table 3.2.4-3 illustrates. The county anticipates future increases in population as it continues its long-term econanic recovery fran the repercussions of progressive declines in the tonnage of coal mined since 1926 and its short- term recovery frcm the devastation wrought by the floods of 1972.

3-73 The canposition of the population in Conynghan ard townships which border it is presented in Table 3.2.4-4. 1~ All of the population in the site vicinity of Conynghan is in households —a reflection of the fact that it contains no institutions or other group-like quarters. In contrast to many surrounding municipalities, it has a smaller household size than either the county or the state. This smaller size may well be a reflection of the age distribution of the township's population.

The median age in Conynghan is higher than that of most surrounding areas as Table 3.2.4-5 illustrates. Although the proportion of people over sixty-five is not notably different fran the proportion over sixty-five in the county, it has a lower proportion of its population in the under eighteen age category ard a higher proportion in the middle years.

The inmne distribution in Conynghan, portrayed in Table 3.2.4- 6, shows a population of lower"'rd lower-middle-inccme with many fewer families earning more than $ 10,000 per year in 1970 than was characteristic of the county, the state or the'.nation. The proportion of fanilies in the lowest bracket (less than $ 5,000< per year), however, was not as high as that for the county as a whol'e. About 45% of the fanilies had heads over sixty-five; the proportion of:fafnilies below the poverty line 2/ was 7.2% (Wilbur Smith 1973). Canparable statistics for the county were 32.8% of the families with heads over sixty-"'five ard 8.9% of families below the poverty line. A canparison of Table 3.2.4-6 and Table 3.2.4-4 reveals that approximately 80% of the 581 households canprising the total township population were fanilies. This implies that approximately 20% of the households were ccmposed of one person living alone or a group of unrelated individuals.

Detailed census statistics have certain limitations which must be kept -in mind. The information collected for the 1970 census is no longer current. For the site vicinity which has not experienced dranatic change since 1970, one may assume that characteristics of the popula-, tion in relative terms have renained generally the sane, even if one might expect the actual numbers to be different.

In 1969 the average poverty threslmld for a non-farm fanily of 3 persons headed by a male was $ 2,957. The census uses 124 thresholds based on size of family unit, presence and number of fanily members under 18, sex of head of family ard farm or non-farm residence (U.S.Census 1970). 3-74 The more detailed characteristics of the population presented in Tables 3.2.4-6 and -7, confirm corditions often typical of a rural area. The level of educational achievement of the population is below the characteristic of the county; only 36.2% of the population canpleted four years of high school or more. The proportion of the population residing in the same house for five years prior to 1970 as shown in Table 3.2.4-8 was considerably higher than that for the county, the state or the nation. The population which has remained in the township has generally not been mobile. Other census statistics for Conynghan show that about one fifth of the population has always lived in the same house. Another two fifths have lived in the same house since 1950 or before.

The occupational distribution of the working population, presented in Table 3.2.4-9, indicates relatively little dependence on farming, sales or clerical occupations in canparison with the county or the state, and a relatively high prcgortion (46.1%) of workers employed as operatives (e.g., factory workers ard other blue-collar occupations such as welders, assemblers, wrappers, or meat cutters). The classification of workers by the industry in which they are employed, shown in Table 3.2.4-10, reveals a large proportion employed in manufacturing, particularly of nondurables such as food. A food manufacturing plant and a forge at Berwick in neighboring Columbia County are reputed to enploy many people in the township (Jenkins 1978) . This information is indirectly substantiated by Table 3.2.4-11, Place of Work, which shows that 40% of the township's workers had jobs outside the county.

3.2.4.2.2 Econany

Conynghan Township is in the heart of the "Anthracite Belt," a reference to the extensive coal mining which once daninated econanic activity in the region. It is part of the larger Northeast Pennsylvania labor market area (Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties) ard the Econcmic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties).

3-75 Coal mining is still an important element in the emnanic structure of the region: in 1970 roughly 30% of total anthracite coal production in Pennsylvania was mined in Luzerne County alone (Wilbur Smith 1973). However, mining today employes only a.small share of the total labor force. With the overall decline of mining in Luzerne County, a heavy concentration of garment and textile industries (needle industries) located in the area is replacing the coal industry as the major employer of labor (Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmerce 1976). The construction of the Susquehanna SES near Berwick (employing a labor force which has exceeded 4,000) is an additional source of work in Columbia County not reflected in the'1970 census.

The enployment structure of this region, because of this pattern of econanic developnent, is quite different fran that of other regions of the United States, and even fran that of the rest of Pennsylvania. In manufacturing industries, nondurable goods production enploys a greater share of the labor force than durable goods production, while the opposite is true for other areas of the country. This has generally been an unfavorable element in the overall econanic health of the region, as the nondurable goods sector pays lower wages than the more capital-intensive durable goods sector (EDCNP 1976). In recent years the growth of new industries and service and goverrment sectors has replaced nondurables, reducing employment in nondurables fran 72.8% of the county work force in 1966 to 66.-1% in 1975 (Pennsylvania Department of Commerce 1976). In edition, the growth of retail and wholesale tra3e has improved the econanic climate and provided greater stability in enployment.

The Northeast Pennsylvania labor market area had a total labor force in 1975 of more than 275,000 persons of which 11.1% were unemployed. The 1975 recession had a severe impact in this region, especially in the manufacturing and mining industries. It is useful to exanine employment trends for the region arer the period 1970-1975 to understard the changes which the econanic structure of this area is undergoing. Table 3.2.4-12 presents enployment figures for 1970, 1973 and 1975. The emncmy experienced gains in employment over the first three years of this period, with a 4% gain in nonagricultural employment, and a gain of 3% overall. Norxnanu- facturing industries showed the largest gains, while the manufacturing

3-76 industries showed losses in both durables and nondurables. Mining, food products, nonelectrical machinery, transportation equipnent and instruments and related products bore the greatest share of the losses, Mile electrical machinery, paper products and contract construction showed the greatest improvement. During a period of stagnation, 1973-1975, many sectors of the regional econcmy sustained severe losses. The number of unenployed more than doubled during this period. Mining and transportation equipnent suffered even greater losses than during the previous time period, and furniture and the needle industries accelerated their rate of decline. Few industries showed appreciable gains. Thus, it can be seen how crucial the link is between the region ard the national econany in terms of export demaA3 ~

Personal incane in Luzerne County grew during this period, however, as shown in Table 3.2.4-13. In fact, wage ard salary incane began to increase its share of the total, while transfer payments lost ground. As sources of earnings, manufacturirg and services showed considerable gains, in contrast to the declining shares in goverrment, mining, contract construction and tra3e.

Manufacturirg has made appreciable gains since the 1950s relative to the national averse, as Table 3.2.4-14 shows. Increases in capital expenditures and value added have resulted in a narrowing of the gap between Luzerne County and the nation in terms of wages ard salaries. The 1975 recession resulted in lost ground, however, as capital expenditures dried up for the county.

A more detailed description of manufacturing in Luzerne is presented in Table 3.2.4-15. As described earlier, apparel and related products is the largest employer of labor, and generates the largest value added of any industry; at the sane time it pays the smallest average incane per worker. In terms of value added, apparel, food, fabricated metals and machinery provide over half of the county total. As a result of this high degree of specialization, Luzerne County may be less stable in terms of sensitivity to fluctuations in export denand than is desirable (Thanpson 1965) .

3-77 While Luzerne County has a large nunber of industries, Conyngham is largely a rural area and contains only two establishnents, according to the Pennsylvania Industrial Census (Pa. Dept. of Ccmmerce 1976). A sawmill employing four workers in 1975 was found to have expanded to six to ten workers in 1978 (Andreas 1978). Fran averages for Luzerne County, the value added is estimated at $ 39,000 and the average wage at.$ 5,444 for 1975. The additional labor force today should increase the value added and perhaps the average wage, also. Of more significance to the township is a footwear firm, employing seventy-three workers in 1975. This had a value added of $ 852,000 and an average wage of $ 6,536 for the sane year, using the sane estimation procedure as above. Thus, the local industry in Conynghan enploys roughly eighty workers with a value added of around $ 1 million at the present time. Annual capital expenditures are estimated at $ 20,000 for both firms by apportioning total capital expenditures in the county for these industries by the total labor force working in the township. Conynghan also has a number of retail and service facilities to serve the needs of local residents. These are located primarily in Mocanaqua, Wapwallopen, and Pond Hill.

3.2.4.2.3 Housing

Housing characteristics of Conynghan Township and Luzerne County are presented in Table 3.2.4-16. The township's nousing stock is old; 82.7% was built prior to 1939. Owner-occupied and single-fanily housing predani- nates. Conynghan has a smaller proportion of households in structures with two or more units ard a higher percentage of mobile hanes than does the county. The median and average values of housing in the township are lower than the county. The vacancy rate is apparently higher in Conynghan than in the county, but second hanes (year-round units for occasional use) concentrated around Lily Lake may well account for this higher rate. According to studies made after Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972, only ten housing units in Conyngham were destroyed by the 1972 flood (Wilbur Smith 1973). A low vacancy rate in the county as a whole canbined with the devastation of the flood in the Wilkes-Barre area, however, has resulted in a relatively tight housing market in recent years (EDCNP 1975b).

3-78 Table 3.2.4-17 provides statistical estimates of second hcmes in the county, in Conynghan and in the municipalities surrounding it. The number of second hcmes increased between 1970 and 1973, but over a relatively small base. Despite the increase, Zuzerne County's proportion of all such hanes estimated for the seven-county region declined fran 8.6% in 1970 to 8.3%:.n 1973 (EDCNP 1975c) '.

More recent housing unit and population estimates (Luzerne County Planning Commission 1977) are shown in Table 3.2.4-18. The number of housing units has increased in Conynghan as has the population, but the average household size has declined. This prcbably means an increase in the number of units occupied by one or by two persons since the 1970 census. At that time Conyngham had 20.6% of its units occupied by one person, 32.2% occupied by two persons, 20.1% occupied by three persons.

3.2.4.2.4 Community facilities aalu services

Conyngham Township is part of the Greater Nanticoke School District which had an elenentary school enrollment of 1,779 pupils and a secondary enrollment of 1,933 pupils in 1977-78 (Pa. Dept. of Education 1978a). The Brick Elenentary School in Mocanaqua (enrollment of 135), a junior high school in Glen Lyon (enrollment of 295) and the high school in Nanticoke (enrollment of 980) serve the township's population. Parochial elementary schools are located in Nanticoke; the closest parochial secondary schools are in Wilkes-Barre.

A water ccmpany suppl ies the ccmmunity of Mocanaqua but the water is reputedly of poor quality and the town is in need of an improved source of supply. bhile there is no municipal sewage treatment plant in Mocanaqua, some homes are served by old collection systems for which permits have never been issued. Construction is new underway for secondary sewage treatment to serve Shickshinny (across the river) with a plant located in Mocanaqua. Wapwallopen has its own water ccmpany but no municipal sewage treatment. Sewage treatment is now accanplished largely by individual on-site systems.

3-79 The township has a four-man, part-time police force and is also served by the state police located in Shickshinny. Volunteer fire canpanies provide fire protection. Emergency and anbulance service is also volunteer. There is no municipal garbage collection; individuals contract privately for the service (Ceretta 1978).

Hospital and health services are not located in the township; the township utilizes hospitals in Nant icoke, Berwick and Wilkes-Barre and a rural health center in Shickshinny.

Recreational facilities (playing fields and playground) are located in Mocanaqua and the township has some recreational programs sponsored by the school district, scouting organizations, Little League and Luzerne County Recreation and Social Enrichment Authority (Luzerne CPC 1974). The need for additional active recreation facilities has been identified ard is further discussed in section 3.2.8., Recreation. Open space for hunting, nature study, hiking, fishing and the like are available in the township. Large, regional recreational facilities exist closeby.

3.2.4.2.5 Goverrment

Conynghan is a second class township (less than 300 people per square mile) governed by an elected board of to'nship supervisors. The three supervisors are elected at large for six-year terms. The township can exercise general goverrmental functions ard can levy and collect taxes (Pa. Dept. of Canmunity Affairs 1975). The township does not yet have a separate zoning or planning board. It maintains a township building and township roads, provides money for police, recreation services and other general government functions and makes donation to the volunteer fire forces (Conynghan Township 1977). Its estimated receipts for 1978 were close to $ 94,000 frcm the general fund; in a3dition it receives revenue sharing monies, highway aid and other special purpose funds of approximately $ 42,000.

The township levies a general property tax of 2.0 mills per dollar of assessed valuation. In 1977 the assessed valuation of $ 1,790,900

3-80 producel a potential yield of $ 3,582 (Pennsylvania Econcmy League 1977 and Conynghm Township 1977). More recent data irdicate an assessed valuation of $ 1,868,620, an increase of 4.3 percent (Pennsylvania Econany League 1978). Assesanents on property are made at 35 percent of market value, the standard used in Luzerne County (Pennsylvania Econany League 1977 and 1978). Although estimates of the 1975 market value of real estate indicate a total market value of $ 5,333,000 in 1975 and an actual assessment ratio of 32.6 percent (Pa. Dept. of Canmunity Affairs 1977a), data fran the State Tax Equalization Board show that for the county as a whole taxable values have not kept pace with market value (Pennsylvania Econcmy League 1978).

Under the Local Tax Enabling Act (Act 511) of Pennsylvania, the township can levy a variety of other taxes (see Pa. Chanber of Ccamerce 1971 for details of the act). Conyngham utilizes: the earned inccme tax equal to one half of one percent on ccmpensation earned by residents; occupational privilege tax of $ 10. per person employed in the township but shared equally with the school district; and the realty transfer tax equal to one half of one percent on the value of real property transferred. These taxes were estimated to yield close to $ 26,000 for 1978 (Conynghan Township 1977).

The Greater Nanticoke School District also utilizes the earned inccme tax and the realty transfer tax. It levies a tax equal to one half of one percent on earned incane ard on the value of property transferred. Under Pennsylvania law, overlapping jurisdictions must share the maximun 1 percent rate limitation on these taxes (Pa. Dept. of Community Affairs 1973). In edition the district levies the per capita tax ($10. per resident) under Act 511 and a per capita tax under Public School Code Section 679 (Pa. Dept. of Education 1978b). The district also levies taxes on real estate. The rate on assessed valuation for 1977-78 was 51 mills per dollar of. valuation (Pennsylvania Econany League 1977). Total School taxes in the district in 1977-78 were close to $ 1.5 million.

Luzerne County also levies taxes on local real estate at a 1978 rate of 18 mills per dollar of assessed valuation (Pennsylvania Econcmy League 1978) ard a 4-mill personal property tax (Pennsylvania Dept. of

3-81 Community Affairs 1977a) . Total assessed valuations of 9484 million'n 1978 produced a tax yield of $ 8.7 million (Pennsylvania Econany League 1978). Personal property tax amounted to less than $ 200,000 in 1975 (Pa. Dept. of Canmunity Affairs 1977b) .

3.2.4.2e6 Ccmmunity structure

The ccmmunity character of the township is generally rural in terms of its population density, atansphere ard kinds of facilities available. 1~ The shared heritage of coal minirg, especially daninant in the settlenent of l4oncanaqua, the township's Italian ard Polish population ard its high proportion of factory workers offer a distinctly nonagricultural ard more diverse character than is typically associated with rural areas.

The township has not yet beccme a suburban area or a bedrocm carumnunity, despite its proximity to an urbanized area. Residents have generally lived there a long time ard have grown up there or in the vicinity. Perceptions of canmunity leaders irdicate that the township has undergone econcmic depression and decline ard that it seeks to encourage more prcgress through more developnent. A study of local goverrments in the seven-county region which ranked canmunities in terms of tax effort, incane levels, tax base, public expenditures, size, age groups, borrowing capacity ard education placed Conynghan in the lowest 20 percent (EDCNP 1977).

With respect to the proposed reservoir, members of the canmunity in Conyngham Township and in neighborirg townships have participated in the Po»d Hill Reservoir Advisory Canmittee (PHRAC) established to provide a means for citizens to participate in project planning. The ccmmittee, formed in October 1977, has met periodically to discuss the progress of the

—~ The lifestyle and sense of canmunity of a group is related to many variables, e.g., incane, education, occupation, family background, ethnicity, bonds of a ccaumn histoy, religious and political affilita- tions and ties to a shared locale. The term rural portrays a convenient picture, but its use does not imply that place of residence defines lifestyle or cultural values. The ters ~amnunit, also sd>ject to varying interpretations, is used here to represent people who share a locale and canaan interests or concern. It does not imply that a canmunity has been def ined sociologically. 3-82 feasibility study with pp&L ard TAMS. Canments provided by the ccmmittee help to insure developnent of the site is consistent with the best interests of Pond Hill and Conyngham Township. Specific concerns of this canmittee are addressed in Appendix B.

3.2.4.3 Social and econanic characteristics of the site's surroundings

The population closest to the site, in Pond Hill, is approximately 275. The average 1976 Conynghan household size of 2.64 persons -(Luzerne CPC 1977) was applied to a count of occupied structures. In Lily Lake, which straddles the township border, the sane procedure yields a population of 230, sane of whan are seasonal. There are no residential canmunities on the forested slopes ard ridge to the north of the site ard only one residence is .located along the Susquehanna, just upstream of the c'onfluence with Pond Hill Creek.

This residential area nearest to the reservoir site has limited cannerical developnent, but does contain the sawmill referred to previously (section 3.2.4.2.2). A field survey of the area revealed a service station, two grocery stores, a bait shop ard a few hane businesses in the Pond Hill canmunity. The Lily Lake area contains a tavern-inn and an older hotel.

Site reconnaissance s~ that these ccmmunities contain a total of approximately 188 hanes; about 105 in Pond Hill and 83 in Lily Lake. Housing is predaninantly sirgle family and owner occupied. Most of the housing stock is old as is typical of the township, but sane hanes have been recently built or are in the process of construction. Much of the housing stock consists of old farmhouses, sane of early century Victorian vintage; the renairder includes newer raised ranch or two-story hcmes, trailers ard small one-story hcmes. About 5 percent are mobile hanes. Housing in Lily Lake is generally newer; former seasonal hanes appear to have been converted into winterized year-round hanes.

The ccmmunity serds its children to the Brick Elenentary School in Mocanaqua and outside the township for junior high and high school. A

3-83 church, a lodge-meeting hall and the Pond Hill-LilyLake fire and ambulance

ccmpany ( two punpers) serve the canmunity. Utilities are'rovided by private wells ard septic tanks and by United Gas Improvement, Inc. Other than Lily Lake which provides public access, operated by the Pennsylvania Fish Ccmmission, no specialized recreational facilities exist, but the area has much open space and is known for its deer hunting. The social and econcmic characteristics of the population appear similar to those described'or the site vicinity, Conynghan Township.

3.2.4.~~ Social ard econcmic charcteristics of the site

The project area contains no resident population and only one structure which is no longer used for residential purposes.

No canmerical or industrial activity exists in the reservoir site itself. The nearest econanic activity is located in the Pond Hill— Lily Lake area about a half mile away.

The site does not contain any facilities or structures associated with the provision of ccmmunity services. It is served by facilities and services described for Pond Hill —Lily Lake.

3-84 TABLE 3.2.4-1

REGIONAL POPVLATION CHANGE

Population Density Po lation %Ch e 1970 ( r . mile) 1950 1960 1970 1950-60 1960-70

Carbon 125.2 57,558 52,889 50,573 — 8.1 —4.4

Lackawanna .515.7 257,396 234,531 234,131 — 8.9 \ 2

Luzerne 386.3 392,241 346,972- 342,329 .-11.6 — 1.3

Schuylkill 204.3 200,577 173,027 160,089 -13.7 — 7.5

Monroe 74.3 33 f773 39,567 45,422 17.2 14.8 Pike 21.8 8,425 9,158 11,818 8.7 29.0

Wayne 39.9 28,478 28,237 29,581 .8 4."8

Source: U.S. Census of Population 1970 and Economic Development Council of Northeast Pennsylvania, 1973. rABI.E 3.2.4-2

POPUIATION SIZE MD DENSITY

Population Density Po lation Jurisdiction... 1970 ( r . mile) 1950 1960 1970 1950-60 1960-70 Luzerne Co. 386 39'2,241 346,972 342,329 -11.5 — 1.3

',274 — Conynghan Twp.1/ 103 1,819 1,693 -20.0 6.9 Dorrance Twp. 2/ 47 969 983 1,209 1.4 23.0 Hollenback Twp. 1/ 46 566 626 663 10.6 5.9 — Nescopeck Twp. 1/ 40 694 640 708 7.8 10.6 Newport Twp. 3/ 373 9,347 7,083 6,002 -24.2 -15.3 3,124 3,890 24.5 Salem Twp. 1 139 2,859 9.3'14.5 Shickshxnny 1/ 3,370 2,156 1,843 1,685 — 8.6 858 — 4.9 Slocan Twp. 2/ 87 837 796 7.8'3.2 Union Twp. g 63 1,278 768 1,253 -39.9 Pennsylvania in (000') 262.3 10 f498 llJ319 llg794 7.8 4.2 United States in (000's) 57.2 152 g326 179 ~323 203g325 18.5 13.3

1/ Part of the 12 municipality Greater Shickshinny Area.

2/ Part of the 8 municipality Greater Hountaintop Area. 3/ Part of the Greater Nanticoke Area which also includes Nanticoke City and Plymouth Township.

Source: '.S. Census of Population, 1950, 1960 .and 1970. TABLE 3.2.4-3

POPUIATION ESTIMATES, 1975

Estimated Population Population % Change Jurisd iction 1970 1975 1970 - 1975

Luzerne Co. 341,956 345,645 1.1 Conynghan Twp.+1 1,693 1,809 6.9 Dorrance Twp. 2/ 1,209 1,272 5.2 Hollenback Twp. 1/ 663 840 26.7 Nescopeck Twp. 17 708 747 5.5 Newport Twp. 3/ 6,002 5,751 - 4.2 Salem Twp. 1 3,890- 4,397 13.0 Shickshinny 1/ 1,685 1,590 — 5.6 Slocun Twp. 2/ '58 951 10.8 Union Twp. Ql 1,219 1,495 22.6

1/ Part of the 12 municipality Greater Shickshinny Area

2/ Part of the 8 municipality Greater Mountaintop Area.

3/ Part of the Greater Nanticoke Area which also includes Nanticoke City and Plymouth Township.

Source: U.S. Department of Canmerce, Current Population Reports, Series P-25, May 1977.

3-87 TABLE 3.2.4-4

HOUSEHOLD POPULATION IN 1970

Population Persons Total in . NUmber of per Jurisdiction

Luzerne Co. 342;301 Ql 335,102 111,701 3.00 Conyngnan Twp. 1,693 1,693 581 2.91 Dorrance Twp. 1 209 1,160 339 3.42 Hollenback Twp. 663 656 178 3.69 ,Nescopeck Twp. 708 708 211 3.36 Newport Twp. 6;002 5,265 1,914 2.75 Salem Twp. 3",890 3,879 1,235 3.14 Shickshinny 1,685 1,669 584 2.86 Slocun Twp. 858 849 252 3.37 Union Twp. 1,253 1,253 377 3.32 Pennsylvania (in 000's) 11,794 11,492 3,705 3.10

1/ Revised population for Luzerne County is 342,329.

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970.

3-88 TABLE 3.2.4-5

AGE CHARACZERISTICS IN 1970

% Under % 18-64 % 65 Years Median Jurisdiction ~18 ass Years and over ~AB

Luzerne Co. 28.8 58.3 13.0 36.4 Conynghan Twp. 26.6 60.3 13.1 41.0 Dorrance Twp. 38.1 53.9 8.0 26.1 Hollenback Twp. 37.3 51.1 11.6 28.9 Nescopeck Twp. 29.2 54.2 16.6 36.2 Newpor t Twp. 23.2 60.1 16.7 45.6 Salem Twp. 33.4 56.2 10.4 32.0 Shickshinny 30.0 56.3 13.7 35.4 Slocum Twp. 34.0 54.2 11.8 32.6 Union Twp. 34.3 56.2 9.5 30.9 Pennsylvania 32.6 55.6 10.8 30.7

United States . 34.3 55.9 9.9 28.1

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970.

3-89 TABLE 3.2.4-6

FAMILY INCOME CHARACTERISTICd IN 1969

NUMBER OF INCOME Jl INCOME g2 INCOME 3 JURISDICTION FAMILIES LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III

Luzerne County 90,642 21.4% 43. 6% 34.9% $ 8,244

Conyngham Township 463 19.9% 51.6% 28.5% $ 7,669 Pennsylvania 3,011,130 16.9% 36.5% 46.5% $ 9,558 United States 51,168,599 20.3% 32.5% 47.2% $ 9,586

1/ Yearly income of $ 4,999 or less.

2/ Yearly income of $ 5,000 to $ 9,999.

3/ Yearly income of $ 10,000 or more.

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970. TABLE 3.2.4-7

EDUCATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN 1970

K)R PERSONS 25 YEARS AND OLDER

% LESS THAN % LESS 'ISAN % "4 YEARS t 4 YEARS . 5 YEARS 1 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE JURISDICTION NUMBER ELEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL OR MORE OR MORE

Luzerne County 210,470 6.5 34.2 = 46.9 -5:5

Conyngham Township 1,048 7.6 44.5 36.2 '1'.9 .. Pennsylvania 6,689,938 '4.2 29.2 50;2 8:7 .United States 109,899,359 5.5 28.3 52.3 10.7

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970 TABLE 3.2.4-8

RESIDENCE IN 1965

MOVED, 1965 SAblE SAblE SANE DIFFERENT RESIDENCE KlZAL POPULATION HOUSE COUNTY STATE STATE ABROAD NOZ REPORTED JURISDICTION 5 YEARS AND OLDER %) (~ ' (<)

Luzerne County 318,784 71.5 18.3 2.8 3.6 0.3 3.6

Conyngham Township 1,514 82.6 12.9 0.9 0.0 0.0 3.5 pennsylvania 10,867,523 63.7 20.8 5.7 4.7 0.7 6.0

United States 186 g 094 g 822 52.9 23.3 8.4 8.6 1.4 5.2

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970. TABLE 3.2.4-9

OCCUPATIONS OF EMPLOYED PERSONS, 16 YEARS AND OVER

CONYNGHAM OCCUPATION TOWNSHIP PENNSYLVANIA

Professions, Technical and Kindred 10.4 % 4.1 % 13.0 %

Managers/Administrators (except farm) 6.0 % 6.5 % 7.0 %

Sales Workers 6.8 % 0.8 % 7.0 %

Clerical and Kindred 13.6 % 6.5 % 17..3 %

Craftsmen, Foremen, and Kindred 14.5 % 13.6 % 14.9 %

Operatives (except transport) 28.9 % 46.1 % 17.7 %

Transport Equipment Operatives 4.3 % 5.0 % 4.1 %

Laborers 4.2 % 6.9 % 4.9 %

Farmers, Farm Mgrs., Laborers and Foremen 0.7 % 0.0 % 1.4 %

Service and Private Household Workers 10.6 % 10.5 % 11.9 %

100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

NUMBER OF WORKERS 135,051 707 4,536,903

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970. TABLE 3.2.4-10

INDUSTRY OF EMPIDYED PERSONS, 16 YEARS AND OVER

IOZEHNE CONYNGHAM INDUSTRY COUNTY KINSHIP PENNA.

Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries 0.8 % 1.0 % 1.8 % Mining 1.4 3.0 0.9 Construction 5.8 6.4 5.4

Manufacturing (Durables) 13.3 25. 6 20.4 Manufacturing (Non-Durables) 27.5 38. 5 13.7 Transportation 2.6 0.8 3.6 Communications 1.0 0.0

Utilities 6 Sanitary Services 1.9 0.6 1.6 Wholesale Trade 3.3 6.4 3.6

Retail Trade 14. 8 5.5 15.3 Banking, Finance, Insurance 6 Real Estate 3.4 0.0 4.2

Business & Repair Services 2.1 0.7 2.7 Personal Services 2.9 2.4 3.6

Entertainment 6 Recreation 0.5 0.0 0.6

Hospitals a Health Services 5.3 0.4 5.5 Education 5.6 3.1 3.9 Other Professional 3.3 2.8 7.3 Public Administration 4.5 2.8 4.7 100.0 100.0 100.0

NUMBER OF WORKERS 135'j 051 707 4,536,903

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970.

. 3-94 TABLE 3.2.4-11

PLACE OF WORK

8 NORKED IN % WORKED OUT- % NOT JURISDICTION COUN'ZY OF SIDE COUNTY OF REPORTED RESIDENCE RESIDENCE

Luzerne County 132,771 81.4 11.5 7.1

Conyngham 752 54.1 40.0 5.9 l .. Pennsylvania 4,447,825 73.9 18.7 7.4

Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1970.

3-95 TABLE 3.2.4-12

LABOR FORCE AND EHPLOYKKZ CHARACTERISTICS (In Thousands) NORIHEAST PENNSYLVANIA LABOR MARKET AREA (Area includes all of Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties)

RESIDENT DATA 1970 1973 8 CHANGE 3.975 4 CHANGE 1970-1973 1973-1975

Civilian Labor Force 269.1 275.0 2 275. 5 0 Employment 254.4 261.5 3 244.7 -6 Unemp.loyment 14.7 13.4 -9 30.7 129 Percent of Civilian Labor Force 5,5 4.9 -ll 11.1 127

ESTABLISHMENT DATA

Nonagricultural wage & salary 231.5 241.6 224.6 -7 Hanufacturing 91.0 86.0 -5 71.4 -17 Durable goods 31.5 31,7 1 26.7 '16 Furniture & fixtures 2.8 2.7 1.8 -33 Primary metals 1.0 1.1 10 0.9 -18 Fabricated metals 5.9 6.2 5 5.6 -10 Nonelectrical machinery 4.6 3.5 -24 3.8 9 Electrical machinery 5.9 7.5 27 6.2 -17 Transportation equipment 2.5 1.9 -24 1.2 -37 Instruments & related products 0.8 0.,6 -25 0.6 0 Other durable goods 8.0 8.2 3 6.6 -2O -9 -18 ~ Nondurab.le goods 59.5 54.3 44,7 Food products 6.5 5.2 -20 5.2 0 Textile products 5.7 5.7 0 4.5 -21 Apparel & related products 29.1 26.4 -9 20.4 -23 Paper products 1.3 1.9 46 2.0 5 Printing & publishing 5.1 4.5 -1? 3,9 -13, Chemical products 1.1 1.3 -18 1.1 -15- -3 -11,. Rubber & misc. plastics 2.9 2.8 2.5 " Leather products 4,.0 3.4 -15 2. -21 7'.4. 9 Other nondurable goods 3.9 3.0 -23 -20 Nonmanufacturing 139.0 155.3 12 152.7 -2- Hining 2.5 1.8 -28 1.0 -44 Contract construction 9.0 12.3 37 11.1 -10 Transportation & public utilities 12.4 13.0 5 11.9 -8'. Nholesale & retail trade 41.3. 46.0 ll 46.1 Finance, insurance & real estate 7.5 8.5 13 8.8 4'2 Service & miscellaneous 35.0 39.0 ll 38.1 —. Government 31.1 34,.8 12 35.7 3 Federal 8.0 9.1 14 8.6 State & local 23.1 25.7 ll 27. 1 5.- Persons involved in labor- management disputes 1.6 0'.3' -81 0.5 67

Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and Statistics Division, Total Civilian Labor Force Une lo nt and Em lo nt 1970 — 1977, Hay 1976.

3-96 TABLE 3.2.4-13

PERSONAL INCOME BY SOURCE

LUZERNE COUNTY

1973 1975

KVZAL PERSONAL INCOME $ 1,516,528,000 $ 1 639 ~830 f000 Total Wage and Salary 61.3% 63.4'%,4 Other Labor Inmne 4.3 Proprietors Inccme 5.3 6.4 Property Inocme 12.1 13.5 Transfer Payments 21.0 16.7 LESS: Personal Contributions 4.0 4.4 for Social Insurance

~ EARNDGS $ 1,075,416,000 $ 1,215,486,000 Farm 0.2% 0.2% Government 14.8 12.7 Manufacturing 36.0 40.4 Min'ing 1.6 1.2 Contr'act Construction 8.2 6.3 Transportation, Canmunication and Public Utilities '.1 7.1 Wholesale and Retail Trade 16.6 15.5 Finance, Insurance and Real Estate 3.7 3.6 Services 11.6 12.5 Other 0.1 0.4

l/ Estimates prepared by the Office of State Planning and Developnent. Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmerce, Bureau of Statistics, Research and

3-97 TABLE '3.2. 4=14

TRENDS IN KEY ECONONETRIC INDICT)Rb KIR blANUFACTURIHG INDUSTRIES Ab PERCENTAGE OF NATIONAL AVERAGE

LUZERNE COUNTY

Percent Percent Percent Indicator 1958 1968 1975

Value Added Per Employee 57.39 71.19 67.59

Average Wage and Salary 59.65 69. 21 68. 77 Payment Per Employee Capital Expenditures Per- 30.66 83.10 43,58 Employee

Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of- statistics, Research

19,7,5, U.S. Dept. of'Commerce.

3-.98 TABLE 3.2.4-15

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

IljZERNE COUNTY, 1975

Average Total Wage and Total No. of Total Wages and Salary Payment Added by Establishments lo nt Salaries* r lo ee Manufacture*

TOjM, ALL INDUSTRIES 644 40,866 $321,757 7,873 $667,785 Food and Kindred Products 69 3,187 26,750 8,393 72,127 Tobacco Manufacturers 5 1,844 11,708 6,349 43,662 Textile Mill Products 27 2,754 22,108 8,028 35,962 Apparel and Related Products 215 12,428 65,829 5,297 102,324 Lumber and Wood Products 27 450 2,977 6,616 5,622 Furniture and Fixtures 18 1,217 10,912 8,966 22,089 Paper Products 9 726 6,359 8,759 20,671 Printing and Publishing 54 1,545 16,833 10,895 24,923 Chemical Products 17 927 8,921 9,624 - 25,463 Petroleum Products 2 144 D D .D Rubber and Miscellaneous h Plastics 14 1, 270 11,284 8,885 22,622 Leather Products 13 2,182 12,957 5,938 20,753 Stone, Clay, Glass and Concrete 27 1,998 19,392 9,706 34,329 Primary Metals 6 607 7,113 11,718 10,564 Fabricated Metals 55 3,021 33,922 11,229 78,860 Nonelectrical Machinery 36 2,230 25,632 11,494 59,067 Electrical Machinery 10 2,917 23,839 8,172 54,978 Transportation Equipment 12 322 3,519 10,929 10,638 Instruments and Related Products 5 52 D D D Miscellaneous 23 1,045 9,671 9,255 18,127

* In thousands D —Data withheld to avoid disclosing figures for individual establishments.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, Bureau of Statistics, Research ana Planning, Penns lvania Count Industr Re rt: Luzerne Count , 1976, Harrisburg, Pa. RIBLE 3.2 ~ 4-16

HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Luzerne Conyng ham C~ount ~Townshi

Occu n and Vacanc Status

All Housing Units 116,924 640 All Year-Round Housing Units 116,138 640 % Occupied 96.2 91.1 % Vacant 3.8 8.9

s of Units

All Year-Round Occupied Housing Units 116,694 583 % in One Unit Structure 62.2 67.2 % in Two or more Unit Structures 36.8 26.8 % in Mobile Homes 1.0 6.0

A e of Units

All Year-Round Occupied Housing Units 111,694 583 % Built 1960-1970 8.6 6.0 % Built 1950-1959 6,6 6.7 % Built 1940-1949 5.3 4.6 % Built 1939-Earlier 79.6 82.7 Renters Owners All Year-Round Occupied Housing Units 111,694 583" % Owner Occupied 66.6 72.2 % Renter Occupied 33.4 27.8 Value

Median Housing Value $ 10,700 $ 8g300 Average Housing Value $11,800 $9,500

Source: U.S. Census 1970.

3-100 TABLE 3.2.4-17

SECOND HOMES +

% with all Total Second Total Second % Increase Plumbing, Jurisdiction Homes 1970 Homes 1973 1970-1973 1970- Luzerne County 1,874 1,986 6.0 86.9

Conyngham Township 41 46 12.2 75.6

Dorrance Township 33 35 6.1 69.7 Hollenback Township 0.0 63.6

Nescopeck Township 31 32 3.2 90.3

Newport Township 57 59 3.5 89.5

Salem Township 14 15 7.1 78.6

Shickshinny 16 14 -12.5 68.8 Slocum Township 0.0 85.7

Union Township 15 18 20.0 93.3

Ql Estimated only for non-urban portion of county. Source: Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inventor of Second Home Develo nt in Northeastern Penns lvania, June 1975.

3-101 TABLE 3.2.4-18

HOUSE AND POPULATION ESTIMATES BY MUNICIPALITYi APRIL 1976

Jurisdiction Po lation Housin Units Persons r Unit Luzerne County 353,339 125,295 2.82

Conynghan Tow'nship 1,803 683 2.64

Dorrance Township 1,620 531 3.05

Hollenback To'wnship 891 274 3.25

Nesccpeck Township 804 287 2.80

Newport Township 1~ 5,905 2,084 2.56 Salen Township 4,820 1,635 2.95

Shickshinny 1,360 503 2.70

Slocun Township 1,014 327 3.10

Union Township 1 i790 592 3.02

Ql Includes persons iri group quarters and institutions.

Source: Luzerne County Plannioj Canmission, Hous'nd Po lation Estimate b Munici it, 1976.

3-102 > Y () IdI Id W West Pittston 4p n*LLAs KINGsToN CO. I. ZERNE Lak D a sr veys West Wyomin C/p ~- LAKE w yersvill Luzerne Wyomin upont Dallas ughestown ROSS LEHMAN Courtdale Y tesvills Fort FAIRMOUNT gdwardsyiiie LBLflin PITTSTON Pringl JENKINS rks ville Wilkes-Barre PLAINS g H U N LocK Ply outh Plains PLYMOUTH Ashley~ WILK/a BARRE HANOVER ~ urel Run UNION I Nanticoke Nor Columbus \ ugsr Note BEAR CREEK Glen L,yo Warrio un UNTINGTON NEWPORT BUCK Nuangola Shickshinny k BLOCUM RICE FAIRY I EW CONYNG. SITE WRIGHT HAM ! DORRANCE SALEM DENNISON 0 EaBI Bcrunck C HOLLENBACK White Haven TP escopeck NESCOPECK BUTLER Freeland t Q FOSTER SUGARLOAF Woodeids-DTT'fIon KAZLE Jeddo BLAcK Conyngham ~p.yO CREEK Weit Hazleton

~ N Hazleton ~egg~ SCALE 5 IO Mi. lgg

PENNSYLVANIA POWER 8 LIGHT COMPANY

SUSOUEHAHHA SES RESERVOIR STUDY POND HILL RESERVOIR LUZERNE COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 3- i FIGURE I I TIPPETTS ABBETT McCARTHY STRATTOH ENOINTTRS ANO AACNITTCTI NEW YORK References Consulted —Section 3.2.4

Andreas, Carl. Property owner and owner of sawmill, Pord Hill Pa. Personal communication. February, 1978.

Ceretta, F. Conyngham Township Superv isor. Personal communication. February, 1978.

Conynghan Tmmship. 1977. Budget Estimate for 1978. Personal canmunication with F. Ceretta, Township Supervisor. February, 1978. Econcmic Developnent Council of Northeastern pennsylvania. 1975a. Popula- tion Migration Affecting Northeastern Pennsylvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa. Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975b. Housing Needs and Demands 1970-1990. EDCNP, Avoca Pa. Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975c. Inventory of Second Home Developnent in Northeastern Pennsylvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa. Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1976. Econanic Indications of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1957-1975. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa.

Economic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1977. A Fiscal Sto9y of Local Governments in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Reprinted by Pennsylvania Department of Canmunity Affairs. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa. Gilbert and Associates, Inc. 1973. Master plan for Water Supply and Wastewater Management. Prepared for Luzerne County Planning Ccmmission. Gilbert and Associates, Reading, Pa.

Jenkins, J. Sewage enforcement officer, Conynghan Township, Pond Hill, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978.

Luzerne County Planning Comnission. 1974. Recreation, Park and Open. Space, Historic Preservation and Tourism Re~rt. Luzerne County Planning Ccmmission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Canmission. 1977. Luzerne County Housing and Population Estimates by Municipality 1970-2020. Luzerne County Planning Caamission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Pennsylvania Chanber of Cawerce. 1971. Pennsylvania Local Tax Primer. Pa. Chanber of Ccmaerce, Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmerce. 1976. County Industry Report: Luzerne County. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmunity Affairs. 1975. Canparison of Pennsylvania Borough and Township Goveranent. Harrisburg, Pa.

3-103 pennsylvania Dept. of Canmunity Affairs. 1973. The Local Tax Enabling Act. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmunity Affairs. 1977a. Local Government Financial Statistics. Release no. 43, Luzerne County. Harrisburg, Pa. pennsylvania Dept. of Canmunity Affairs. 1977b. Local Government Financial Statistics. Release no. 1, Pennsylvania Counties. Harrisburg, Pa. pennsylvania Dept. of Education. 1978a. A Listing of Pennsylvania Schools Having Elenentary Enrollments 1977-78. Harrisburg, Pa. pennsylvania Dept. of Education. 1978b. A Measure of Local Effort. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Dept. of Education. Personal communication with George Cole and others. Harrisburg, Pa. May, 1978. Pennsylvania Dept. of Envirormental Resources. 1978. David Lanereaux, Bureau of Canmunity and Environmental Control, and Walter Gilbert, Supervising Sanitarian. Personal canmunication. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. February, 1978. pennsylvania Econany League. 1977. Taxes ard Property Valuations —Part I and Part II. Pennsylvania Econany League, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Pennsylvania Econany League. 1978. Tax Rates and Property Valuations— Part I. Pennsylvania Econany League, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Wilbur Smith and Associates. 1973. Planning and Develognent Considera- tions: The Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania. Prepared for Luzerne. County planning Canmission and Econanic Developnent Council of Northereastern Pennsylvania. Wilbur Smith, Philadelphia, pa.

Thcmpson, Wilbur. 1965. A Preface to Urban Econanics. Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, Baltimore. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 1977. Current Popula- tion Reports: 1975 Population Estimates and 1974 Per Capita Incane Estimates for County and Municipal Goverrments in Northeastern Pennsyl- vania. Series P-25, no. 686. Reprinted by Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Avoca, Pa. U.S. Department of Cmarerce, Bureau of Census. 1970. Census of Popula- tion and Housing. Vol. 1, part 40, April 1973. 4th count data for Conynghan Township obtained fran printouts at Econanic Develcgnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Avoca, Pa.

3-104 3.2.5 Land Use

3.2.5.1 Introduction

This section portrays land use within the site and its surroundings. Reference to geographic units of varying scope furnishes the legal and the landscape context of land use for the site. Although patterns of land use are not defined by political boundaries, land use regulations are. The following geographic units are descrbied: (a) setting, (b) site vicinity, (c) site proximity and (d) site. The term ~setti denotes the generalized land use ard developnent pattern of Luzerne County and larger 'seven-county region. Site ~vicinit refers to the the local political unit (Conynghmn Township) in which the site is located. Site ~roximit corresponds to the locale near the site, e.g., Lily Lake and Pond Hill. Site is defined, as in other sections of the report, as the inundated and embankment area (reservoir) ard the buffer surrounding it; the borrow area, water conduit route and punp station are included within the defined site. See Figure 1-4 (aerial photo of the site and portions of the proximity), Figure l-l (general location), Figure 1-3 (site vicinity) and Figure 3-13, (Luzerne County municipalities) for use with this section.

3.2.5.2 Setting

The reservoir site at Pond Hill lies east of the Susquehanna River in central Luzerne County. Flanked by Penobscot Mountain to the north and the rural Pond Hill canmunity to the south, the site, in Conynghan Township, is near the southwestern extremity of the Great Northern anthracite belt. The larger region known as the Northeast Developnent District, enccmpasses the counties of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Schuylkill, Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Carbon. The topography and the natural resources of the region have played a major role in shaping its develognent. Urban developnent in the region stemmed from, and has concentrated in, the valleys of the Susquehanna arxl Lackawanna rivers. The urban corridor, which includes the major cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, stretches northeast fran Nanti- coke in Luzerne County to Carbondale in Lackawanna County. Over most of the region, forests predaninate and it is sparsely settled. The rugged hills

3-105 in the west, the rolling plateau in the east ard an abundance of streans and lakes have made the region. a scenic recreational resource and. attracted second hcme developnent particularly in the Pocono portion of the region (Monroe, Pike and'Wayne counties arxl part of Carbon). Agriculture has. concentrated in Wayne County and in the flatter southern tier of the region. Table 3.2.5-1 ccmpares land use in the region with ccmparably classified data for Luzerne County.

Land use policy of the northeast region is based upon a number of options selected for each specific subarea of the region. The options accord with a regional land use strategy formulated by the Economic Developnent Council of Northeast Pennsylvania and take into account each 'ubarea's develcgnent potential and pressures (EDCNP 1975a). The overall strategy is twofold: restrict develcgnent to existing urban centers ard guide develcgnent into new urban activity centers which are linked to existing centers. Critical to the approach is the preservation of open space and agriculture in the region. The site lies within an area now classified as a recreation and open space area (subarea 8) and between the mining and urban activity areas in the existing develognent corridor and an agricultural area of southwestern Luzerne. Subarea 8 has potential for a variety of more developed land uses as well as continued recreation, open space and forest. Options selected for its future develagnent include industrial and ccrnmerical develognent, residential use and recreational anenities. The subarea is classified with respect to lard use policy as a selective develcgnent area with focus on industry, residential use and supporting ccmmerical uses (EDCNP 1975a) .

At the county scale also, land use reflects Luzerne County's varied terrain and resources. Urban developnent dcrninates the area known as the Wyoming Valley in the coal region along the Susquehanna. The valley contains numerous small urban settlenents and the county seat, Wilkes- Barre, which foans the core of the valley. Hazleton in south-central Luzerne is the county's second largest city and only other large urban concentration. Like the region, the county is predcrninantly forested, but unlike the Pocono counties, it has had a small share, 8.3 percent in 1973, of the region's second hcrne and seasonal housing develcgnent (EDCNP 1975b

3-106 and 1976). Table 3.2.5-2 sunmarizes recent (1975) land use data for Luzerne County. Of the developed area (15.1 percent of the county area), the Nyxning Valley accounted for 35 percent and the greater Hazelton area for 23 percent (Luzerne County Planning Canmission 1976) .

Land use policies of Luzerne County call for ccmpact growth and limitation of major develcpnent to already urbanized or urbanizing parts of the county. Developnent in areas not proposed to be served by public sewer and water should have a minima lot size of one acre, and in conservation areas, two acres. Steep slopes, fragile soils, the 100-year floodway, mineral resource areas and prime farmland should have only limited or no developnent. Areas recanmended for developnent inclu3e the Wyoming Valley (Nanticoke - Wilkes-Barre — Pittston corridor), greater Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake, Mountaintop (Fairview, Wright and Rice townships and Nuangola borough), Nescopeck, Shickshinny and Mocanaqua (Luzerne CPC 1976). Following flooding and devastation by Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 much emphasis has been placed on prograns to renovate urban areas and to protect against future flooding diasters (Wilbur Smith 1973, and U.S. Department of Army 1972 and 1974).

Most (71 percent) municipalities in Luzerne have their own zonirg ordinances and slightly over half have their own subdivision regulations. Where local controls are lacking, county zoning and subdivision regulations apply to the municipalities (Luzerne CPC 1976).

For land use planning purposes, Conyngham Township is considered part of the greater Shickshinny area. Table 3.2.5-3 shows how land uses are distributed within this twelve-municipality area. Mst develognent has occurred in Salem Temship which accounted for 18 percent of the area's residential development and 36 percent of its industrial developnent (Luzerne CPC 1976). The ongoing construction of the Susquehanna SES is the principal new developnent activity in this part of Luzerne County. Most of the public and semipublic acreage, in Fairmount Township, consists of Ricketts Glen State Park. Although certain townships and boroughs have relatively different concentrations of various land use types, the area as a whole is largely undeveloped with 87.7 percent of its land area in open

3-107 space and 7.0 percent in public use,, most of which is a state park. The area has maintained an average density of approximately seventy persons per square mile since 1950 (Luzerne CPC 1974).

An indication of recent developnent in the county can be gained by comparing housing units in 1970 with estimated 1976 housing units, (Luzerne CPC 1977). For the county, the number of housing units increased by approximately 6,850 over a base of 118.4 thousand, a net gain of 5.8 percent. In the greater Shickshinny area, the net gain of 1,580 was equivalent to a percentage increase of 25.8 percent; those townships and boroughs of the Shickshinny area west of the Susquehanna accounted for aproximately 1,370 of the units.

3.2.5.3 Site vicinity

Conynghan Township, approximately sixteen miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre and nine miles frcm Naticoke, lies just outside the area typically designated as the Wyoming Valley, Despite its relative closeness to the urbanized area, it has not undergone rapid developnent. Table 3.2.5-4 sunmarizes land use in the township. By canparison with the overall lard use distribution for the laxger area (Table 3.2.5-3), a relatively similar proportion of its area is devoted to residential, canmerical, industrial and transportation lard uses; a. relatively larger proportion is in open space and state gamelands ard a relatively analler proportion is in public and senipublic uses. Its 1970 density of 103 persons per square mile xepresents a decline fran its 1950 density of 138 persons per square mile. A lard use analysis perfoxmed for Luzerne County's recreation stay in 1974 (Luzerne CPC 1974) classified ecologically sensitive areas. While the categories are not mutually exclusive (i.e., percentages add to more than 100), the data cast light on the physical character of the township. Those areas classed as sensitive are: wooded (62 percent); agricultural (21 percent); steep slopes (nearly 15 percent); water (almost 5 percent); flood plains (over 2 percent); state ganelands (nearly 3 percent); and prcminent unique features (15 percent). This last category includes Council Cup, known for -its view and as a site of Indian conferences near Wagvallopen. Coalbearing strata, a continuation of the anthracite belt, make a swath through the northern part of the township, east of Nocanaqua. 3-108 Four clusters of residential developnent account for most of the developed portion of the township: Mcanaqua on the Susquehanna in the northern section; Napwallopen on the Susquehanna at the southern tip; Pond Hill in the center of the township; and develognent around Lily Lake which straddles Conynghan and Slocum townships. Proximity to the river, coal mining, and availability of level land appear to have established the developnent pattern which was further reinforced by the road network and utility services. A ccmbination of steep slopes, soils with constraints for septic tanks and few roads have limited developnent in much of the remainder of the township.

Major developnent activity in the township has been negligible in recent years. No suMivision activity {defined as three or more lots in two years) has occurred since 1973 (Heiselberg 1978). Lot by lot development is more typical but takes place in an idiosyncratic fashion; such developnent, according to local observers, has not been major. The township's sewage enforcement officer issued fourteen new permits for septic tanks in 1976 and nineteen new permits in 1977 (Jenkins 1978). According to estimates of the number of housing units in 1976 (Luzerne CPC 1977), the 'ownship has gained fifty-seven units since 1970, a net gain of 9 percent; this represents a greater rate of increase than the county as a whole, but considerably less than the greater Shickshinny area or the faster growing townships of the Back Mountain and Mountaintop areas, to the northwest and southwest of Nilkes-Barre. Second hane developnent is minor (EDCHP 1975b and 1976). Through use of census data, forty-six second hanes were estimated 'to exist in the township in 1973, a 12 percent gain over 1970. According to state, utility service and developers'ata, no second hcme developnents as such existed in the township in 1975 (EDCNP 1975b). Table 3.2.4-17, Second Home Housing, presents data for Conynghan and surrounding townships. Lily Lake' developnent within Conynghan Township probably acmunts for most of these second hanes.

Since township land use controls are absent, land use is regulated by the county. The majority of properties are zoned either C-1 Conservation District (two-acre minimum lot) or A-1 Agricultural District (one-acre minimum lot).. An M-1 Mining District parallels the anthracite

3-109 belt in the northern part of the township. Within the existing canmunities of Wapwallopen, Nocanaqua and Pond Hill, zoning reflects existing land use —sirgle-fanily residential ard business districts with some industrial and two-family residential zones in Nocanaqua arxl Wapwallopen. Lot sizes for one- and two-fanily residential districts range fran 20,000 sq. feet to a low of 6,000 sq. feet, according to the availability of public water ard sewage systems. A tract of more than 200 acres in the Little Wapwallopen valley is zoned for heavy industry. Although the township does not currently have its own canprehensive plan or a planning and zoning board, a plan is now in preparation. Subsequent to its scheduled canpletion in 1979, township zoning and suMivision control is a likely next step (Pawlowski 1978). Luzerne County's depiction of future land use (Luzerne CPC 1976 and solid waste management plan maps, n.d.) indicates some expansion of residential lard use in the existing canmunities but a continuation of wooded, open space and agricul tural lard use throughout most of the township.

3.2.5.4 Site proximity

Figure 3-12 depicts the site in relation to Conynghan Township an3 the transportation network. To the north of the site are forested lands with no developnent. To the west is the Susquehanna River paralleled by railroad tracks and Pennsylvania Route 239. T~e site's extreme northwest corner lies above Mocanaqua, a anall but dense coal mining settlenent. Topography and lack of roads prevent access to the site fran any of these directions. The Pond Hill and Lily Lake canmunities border the site at its southern ard eastern limits. Develcgnent in these canmunities has strung out along Legislative Route 40120 which provides access to the site ard around Lily Lake. The two canmunities are physically close but different in nature.

Poa3 Hill is an older rural-agricultural canmunity characterized by older farmhouses, other dwellings in a variety of styles and ages and scattered mobile hanes. In addition to the hundred-odd hanes which constitute the daninant developed use, other developed uses include a church, meeting hall, fire and anbulance facility, service station, two stores, a sawmill ard a few hane-occupational uses. Although forest covers much of

3-110 the surroundings, about 500 acres are open, agricultural land (cultivated, tree farms, pasture and old fields).

Along Pond Hill-LilyLake Road, R-1 zones (20,000 sq. foot lots) and scattered B-1 Neighborhood Business zones reflect existing uses. A few R-1 designations exist on township roads that stem frcm the principal road, but generally the ammunity is surrounded by an agricultural district (one-acre lots) north ard south of the road.

In contrast, Lily Lake, located partly in neighboring Slocum Tmmship, is characterized by newer, denser develcgnent. Approximately eighty-five homes cluster around the lake. Once privately owned, the lake is now property of the Pennsylvania Fish Caamission. Retirement homes and seasonal second hanes constitute a more daninant form of develognent than in Pond Hill and evidence of a past or ongoing farming tradition is lacking. The Lily Lake Hotel and local tavern are the principal nonresidential developed uses. Zoning in the Lily Lake community is principally R-1 (20,000 sq. foot lots) with a few B-3 Highway Business designations.

This portion of Conyngham Township, although not now undergoing lard use change, has potential for developnent. Neither hemmed in by topography like Wapwallopen nor an older mining town like Mocanaqua, it offers relatively flat land and pleasant rural surroundings not scarred by coal mining operations.

3.2.5.5 Land use in the site

Forests cover most of the site; they are the only land use within the steeply sloped northern and western portions of the site a+3 at its eastern tip. Agricultural and open areas dot the gently rolling lands of the southern portion of the site. No developed uses except an unoccupied structure are contained within the site which is zoned as a conservation district north of Pond Hill Creek, and as an agricultural district south of the creek. Residential uses, part of the Pond Hill proximity described earlier, occur near the potential borrow areas which are located on lard now open or used for farming.

3-111 The proposed pump station would occupy the riverbank-,west, of the railroad tracks ard Pennsylvania Route 239. The wooded and rocky valley wall rises sharply fran the 18-foot wide road paralleling the railro'ad tracks and river.. Few houses occupy the riverbank or front on Pennsyl'vania Route 239 between Lily Lake-Pond Hill Road (L.R. 40120) and the settlement of Mocanaqua, one half mile to the north. The water conduit route, linking the pump station and the reservoir, is in a tunnel for most of its length through the valley wall, but a short section of pipeline will traverse forested lard before entering the dan and embankment structure.

Land use in the site per se is not currently in transition. The pattern of land ownership indicates little past change. South of the stream, property lines run north ard south, perpendicular to the principal road and the stream; in the southwestern portion of the site, large tracts run parallel to the road and descend down the slope into the valley. In this area, only four tracts less than five acres in size have been carved out; most are fifty acres or more. North of the stream, one landholder, a bankrupt coal company, owns all of the land, approximately 500 acres or rmre than one-third of the site. Coal canpany lands extend beyond the site and surround its northern edge.

Table 3.2.5-5 suamarizes land use within the site. The pmp station, water conduit route and horror areas are located within the site and are reflected in the acreages provided for land use in each project area.

3-112 TABLE 3.2.5-1

REGIONAL LAND USE 7- Count '- 1/ Luzerne Count (1969)

. Acres Acres (000) of Total (000) of Total Residential 89.6 3.1 27.0 4.7 Canmercial 11.1 0.4 2.7 0.5 Industrial 8.6 0.3 2.8 0.5 Public & Sanipublic 144.2 5.0 63.8 11.0

TOZAL DEVED3PED 253 5 2/ 8.8 96.3 16.6

Woodland 1,817.1 62.8 386.1 16;6 Agriculture 637.8 22.0 97.1 66.6 Mines 137.7 4.8 3/ Water 48.2 16.6 3/

KlTAL UNDEVEU)PED 2,640.7 91.2 483.2 83.4

TOZAL DEVELOPED & UN''.VEIDPED 2,894.2 100.0 579.5 100.0

Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, Schuykill, L'aekawanna ard Luzerne. Z/ Does not include utilities and transportation. 3/ Subtotals not available.

Sources: Regional data fran Econanic Developnent Council of Northeast Pennsylvania 1975. Luzerne County data fran EDCNP 1973. Regional data dates fran 1964 —1971. Luzerne County dates fran 1969. TABLE 3.2.5-2

. 1975 LAND USE IN LUZERNE COUNTY

Act'BS Residential 24,747 4.3 Commerical 4,044 .7 Industrial 1/ 12,200 2.1. Transportation 22,260 3.8 Public & Semipublic Z~ 24,035 4.1

TOTAL DEVEIDPED 87,284 15.1

Open space 3~ 447,912 77.3 State Gamelands 44,077 7.6

491,990 84.9

TOTAL ACRES 4/ 579g274 100.0

Includes canmunications and utilities. Includes recreation and state parks. Includes state forest but excludes state ganelands shown separately.

Q4 Figures may not add to totals due to rounding.

Source: Luzerne County Planning Commission. Land Use Plan, 1976.

3-114 TABID 3.2.5-3 1975 LAND USB DISTRIBUTION, GREATM SHICKSHINNY AREA

Public & ~n LCD Total Municipality (Minor Residential Comner ical Industrial 2 Transpor tation Semi-public 22 Space 2 AS 4 EGO Civil Division) (4) (>) (4) (4) (4) (4) of Area (Acres)Z4 Conyngham Twp. 5.4 9.4 3.4 6.2 0.2 7.4 6.8. 10,797 Fairmount Twp. 6.9 7.0 3.1 11.8 91.1 14.1 19.2 30,285 Hollenback Twp. 5.4 3.1 0.0 6.6 0.4 6.7 6.2 9,755 Hunlock Twp. 15.1 13.5 22.1 7.2 2.6 8.9 8.6 13,614 Hunting ton Twp. 11.0 2.5 1.5 14.4 0.2 12.5 11.6 18,360 New Columbus 1.1 1.0 0.0 1.2 0.0 1.4 1.3 1,986 Nescopeck Boro. 4.9 10.1 8.7 2.3 0.2 0.2 0.4 622 Nescopeck, Twp. 5.6 11.6 16.3 14.0 0.1 8.0 7.6 11,890 Ross Twp. 14.2 9.8 1.6 11.7 3.4 19.3 17.8 .28,061 Salem Twp. 17.8 24.8 36.0 11.9 0.5 12.8 12.1 '19,117 Shickshinny 3.3 4.2 2.6 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 253 Union Twp. 9.3 3.0 4.7 11.4 1.1 8.7 8.2 12,923

Total Greater 100.0% 100.0% 100.08 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Shickshinny Area Total Acres in 4,329 239 213 3,586 10,987 138,309 157 i663 Land Use Category Category as % 2.7 0.2 0.1 2.3 7.0% 87.7 100 of Total Area

Jl Includes comnunication and utilities. Includes recreation and state parks. Includes state gamelands and state forests. g4 Municipal acres may not total due to rounding.

Source: Luzerne County Planning Coamission, Land Use Plan, 1976. TABLE

3.2.5-4'975

LAND USE IN CONYHGHAN ~SHIP

8 of Total Acres Area

Residential 234 2.1 Commerical 23 .2 Industrial 7 Zl'ransportation 223 2.1 Public 6 Semipublic 2 23 .2

P ~ DEVELOPED 510 4 '

Open Space 3/ 9,986 92.5 State Gamelands 301 2.8

TOTAL UNDEVEIDPED 10,287 95.3

TOTAL ACRES IN KINSHIP Q4 10,797 100.0

Includes transportation and utilities. W Includes recreation and state parks. W Includes state forest, but excludes state gamelands shown separately. D4 Municipal acres may not add to total due to rounding.

Source: Luzerne'ounty Planning Commission, Land Use Plan, 1976.

3-116 TABLE 3.2.5-5 EXISTING LAND USE OF PRCOECT AREA

INUNDATH) AREA BUFFER 1/ TOTAL SITE 2/

LAND USE (Acres) (Acres) (Acres) (%)

Agricultural & Open 88 88 6.8

Forest 260 951 1211 93.1

Develo~ W <1 .1

260 1,040 1i300 100.0

No. of Residential Uses

No. of Non-Residential Uses 0

The buffer includes land contiguous to the inundated area.

Site includes punp station, water conduit route and all borrow areas. Developed category includes roads, houses, farm out-buildings, other buildings and the like.

Source: Acreages derived frcm aerial photos. Number of uses derived fran site reconnaissance.

3-117 References Consulted —Section.3.2.5

Econcmic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1973. Housing, Population and Land Use for Northeastern Pennsylvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa. Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975a. North- eastern Pennsylvania; Toward the Year 2000: Land Use Policies. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa. Econanic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975b. Inventory of Secord Hane Develognent in Northeastern Pennsylvania. EDCNP, Avcoa, Pa. Econcmic Develcpnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1976. Impact of Second Hane Developnent on Northeastern Pennsylvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa.

Gilbert ard Associates, Inc. 1973. Master Plan for Water Su 1 and Wastewater Man ement, Prepared for Luzerne County Planning Canmission. Gilbert and Associates, Reading, Pa. Heiselbexg, E. Planning Director, Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978.

Jenkins, J. Conynghan Township Sewage Enforcenent Officer, Pond Hill, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978. Luzerne County. 1976. Subdivision and Land Developnent Ordinance. Luzerne County Goverrment Offices, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County. 1976. Zoning Ordinance and Maps. Luzerne County Govern- ment Offices, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County. Assessors'rd Map Office Property Maps of Conynghan Town- ship. Obtained in February, 1978, fran Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Ccmmission. 1974. Recreation, Park and Open Space, Historic Preservation and Tourism Report. Luzerne County Planning Canmission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1976. Land Use Plan of Luzerne Count for the Year 2000. Luzerne County Planning Canmzssion, Wxlkes- Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Camnission. 1977. Luzerne County Housing and Population Estimates by Municipality 1970-2020. Luzerne County Plannirg Canmission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Camnission. n.d. Solid Waste Management Plan' Maps of Existing Land Use and Future Land Use (Year 2000). Luzerne County Planning Canmission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

3-118 Pawlowski, M. Planning Consultant to Conynghan Tcamship, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal canmunication. June, 1978.

Wilbur Smith and Associates. 1973. Planning and Developnent Considera- tions: The Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania. Prepared for Luzerne County Planning Canmission and Econcmic Develop'ment Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Wilbur Smith, Philadelphia, Pa. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1976. Interim Soil Survey Report. Vol. I: Soil Interpretations for Luzerne County. Vol.II: Soil Survey Maps. Harrisburg, Pa. U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers. 1974. Wyoming Valley Flood Control — Final Envirorment Statement. U.S. Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers. 1972. Wymirg Valley Flood Control Survey Report. U.S. Army, Baltimore District Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md. Ziolkowski, L. Deputy Director, Econcmic Developnent Council of North- eastern Pennsylvania, Avoca, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978.

3-119 3.2.6 Agriculture

3.2.6.1 Introduction

This section provides a description of agriculture within ard adjacent to the site through a discussion of agricultural land use and land capability and a portrait of the social and occupational character of agricultural activity. In order to ccmmunicate a general understarding of agriculture within the larger vicinity and as a basis of canparison for the site, a profile of agriculture within Luzerne County is presented first. Where possible, information for smaller units is provided.

3.2.6.2 Luzerne County profile

Luzerne County, lying within the anthracite region of Pennsyl- vania, is not a principal farming county of the state. Relative to its size, its lard is not concentrated in agriculture; despite its large size (fifteenth among the sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties), it does not rank high absolutely as an agricultural producer. Its canbination of steep slopes ard soils unsuited to agriculture has discouraged modern agriculture.

Approximately 16.7 percent of the county' inventoried. land area (Miller 1975), or about 15 percent of its total land area of 886 square miles, was devoted to crops and pasture in 1968. Among the sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties, it ranked fifty-second in the proportion of cropland to total inventory, forty-ninth in the proportion of pasture to inventory, ard thirty-sixth in the average value of production per farm (Miller 1975). By contrast, 75 percent of the county's inventoried acreage (68 percent of total area) was in forest, of which most was canmercial forest land; it ranked twentieth in the state in proportion of forest to total inventoy (Miller 1975).

Those areas of Luzerne County that are cultivated for field, forage and vegetable crops do have, on the average, a high value of production per acre, third in the state in 1970 (Miller 1975). In total acres of vegetables harvested which yield a substantially higher value per acre than field or forage corps, Luzerne County ranked tenth in the state in 1975 and 1976 (Pa. Department of Agriculture 1975, 1976). It did not rank anong the top ten in production of field or forage crops, livestock, poultry, milk or eggs. The portions of the county considered predcminantly agricultural lie in the extreme southwestern and west central sectors (EDCNP 1975).

Cash receipts fran farm products in 1975 totaled approximately $ 9.99 million, derived principally fran dairy products (45 percent), vegetables (19 percent) and field crops (13 percent); meat animals, poultry and horticultural specialities ard mushrocms each accounted for about 7 percent (Pa. Department of Agriculture 1976). Table 3.2.6-1 illustrates recent percentage changes for selected types of production fran 1965 to,1975 and the most recent 1976 production statistics. Such statistics fluctuate with charging demand and changing prices for commodities, but in general the statistics reveal that agricultural production overall has declined in the county.

Decreases in farm production have paralleled a decline in the number of farms between 1965 and 1976. As Table 3.2.6-2 shows, the decline in number of farms has exceeded the statewide decline in all categories.

scme decline in the number of farms. (Number of farms is not canparable to the previous table because of the differing definitions of farms used by

between 1969 and 1974; numbers in parentheses indicate the appropriate count if the alternate definitions had been used. Thus, while the number of farms has decreased as measured by the old definition, which included . many very small farms, the number of farms as. measured by the new definition has actually increased. For those farms with sales over $ 2,500 in each of the two census years, the nunber of farms (351) remained the sane and the proportion of the county's land area in these farms dropped fran 9.5 percent to 9.2 percent in 1974 (U.S. Bureau of the Census 1974).

The 8.7 percent tenancy rate for Luzerne is higher than that of the state (7.5 percent). Relatively few farms are incorporated or held as

3-121 partnerships; most are owned by individuals or fanilies (U.S. Bureau of the Census 1974). Exanination of the characteristics of farm operators (corpo- rations excluded) in Luzerne County reveals: the average age of an operator in 1974 was 51 (50.6 for the state); approximately 85 percent lived on the farm (90.3 percent for the state); 63 percent had farming as their principal occupation (60.2 percent for the state); of farm operators reportirg days of work off the farm, 39 percent reported 100 or more days (40.6 percent for the state).

Conyngham Township has more agricultural area than many townships, but it is not a principal agricultural center of the county (EDCNP 1975, Sheets 1978, and Chadwick 1978). Agriculture in the township has concentrated within the Little Wapwallopen valley, south of the Pond Hill ccmmunity. Near the defined site (discussed below) a Christmas tree operation an3 sane cultivated areas exist, but these are not extensive. Culti- vated land outside the site, but within the Pond Hill proximity covered approximately 500 acres in 1974, based on SCS aerial photos (SCS 1976), but more recent photography of portions of this proximity indicate sane lands have passed out of cultivation. The soils and slopes of this Pond Hill proximity are generally not the most favorable for agriculture. Soils consist principally of Lackawanna Channery silt loans, Oquaga and Lordstown Channery and extrenely stoney silt loans ard Wellsboro Channery and very stony silt loams. These soils are further described in section 3.2.6.3.

3.2.6.3 Physical pattern of agriculture and lard capability within the site

Most of the reservoir site's steep terrain does not lend itself to modern farming methods. Cultivation within the site is limited to the flatter or more gently slopirg lands near the site's southern border (see Figure 1-4, an aerial photo of site). Hay and corn, aside fran individual vegetable gardens, constitute the principal crops. In 1977 the crop ard pasture land within the site totalled approximately ninety-five acres. All of the site's cultivated lard occurs within the buffer.

3-122 Agricultural land capability varies within the site. Table 3.2.6-4 summarizes the proportion of land in different agricultural capability classifications; the acmnpanying map, Figure 3-13, illustrates the distribution of capability classifications within the site. Agricultural capability classifications, as defined by the Soil Conservation Service, rank land in eight categories according to its suitability for cultivation. Prime farmlard in classes I ard II has few or moderate limitations; class III land requires conservation measures or a special selection of plants; class IV land has severe limitations; land in classes V-VIII is generally not suited to cultivation because of a particular limitation, e.g., erosion, steep slope, wetness, shallowness, stoniness or low fertility. No cultivated larxl and no land classified as favoring agriculture lies within the inundated and embankment area; all soils rated in classes I-III are located within the buffer surrounding the reservoir.

Soils within the state of Pennsylvania are also classified acmrding to prime farmland, additional farmland of statwide importance ard unique farmland (unique qualities for special types of crops). Prime farmlard correspondends to classes I and II. Additional faanland of statewide importance is equivalent to class III. No unique farmland has been designated in Luzerne County (Kujl 1978).

Soils within the site generally fall into four major series- Arnotg Lackawanna, Oquaga ard Lordstown, and Wellsboro. Stoniness, slope, soil depth and wetness are limiting factors for croplard potential on most of the site's soil series. Table 3.2.6-5 provides canparative interpretations of these major soil series ard others according to land capability class and subclass, productivity ratings for crops and site quality for wood lard s.

3.2.6.4 Agricultural activity within the site

There are no major farms or farmstea3s within the site. Nhile farming was once a more significant occupation in the Pond Hill area, the econanics of agriculture ard the trend to larger, more mechanized farms have contributed to a decline in the dependency on agriculture for a

3-123 livelihood. Aside fran fanily gardens, only five owners appear to use the site for scme farming purposes; one renter travels to the Pond Hill area fran elsewhere in the township (Sheets 1978).

Although many areas which have undergone a decline in agriculture retain a farming heritage as the socially significant and salient feature of the ccmmunity, the canmunity within and close to the site does not appear to perceive agriculture as its identifying characteristic. proximity to coal mining areas and ties to the larger anthracite- region have long superseded the farming tradition.

3.2.6.5 Agriculture in the borrow area, water conduit route. and punp station locations

These canponents of the project are contained within the site. The lards on which potential borrow materials have been located nearly coincide with the active and potentially productive agricultural lard (canpare Figure 1-3 and Figure 3-16).

3.2.6.6 Lard use policies relating to farmland

Preservation of farmland has been identified as an important goal in both the lard policy progran for Pennsylvania and- the envirormental master plan of the Pennsylvania Envirormental Quality Board. In the latter, both prime farmlards and farmlands of regional importance (productive agricultural lards in areas not defined as prime farmlands) are designated for preservation and protect ion of their "prcductive capability, resource potential, ecologic significance ard aesthetic and open space values" (Pennsylvania Envirormental Quality Board 1976.) The interim policy report of the lard policy progran for Pennsylvania also establishes a policy for preservation of agricultural land and suggests among other mechanisms, "impact evaluation of all proposed public work projects that would threaten continuation of normal farming practices within Agri-Zones" (Pennsylvania Office of State Planning 1976) . The objectives include not only protecting productivity but also preserving the fanily farm and the traditions of rural life, . improving rural service, increasing employment opportunities and balancing econanic requirements'and envirormental protection.

3-124 TABLE 3.2.6-1

LUZERNE COUN'READS IN SELECTED TYPES OF PRODUCTION 1965 — 1975 and 1976

TYPE OF PRODUCTION 1965 1970 1975 4 CHANGE, 1965 — 1975 1976

Field & Forage Crops (acres harvested) 43,600 33,294 33,700 22 %7 31,800

Vegetable Crops (acres harvested) 3,560 1,894 2,104 -40.9 1,983 Milk Production ( thousand lbs.) 60,400 58,000 29,520 -51.1 38,220

Egg Production ( thousand eggs) 32,800 31,987 16,005 -51.2 15,217

All Livestock (head) 19,500 16,300 13,150 22 Q 3

Hogs & Pigs 3,900 3,800 3,300 -15.4 3,300 Cattle & Calves 14,200 11,800 11,300 -20.4 10,500 Sheep & Lambs 1,400 700 550 -60.7 650 Chickens (all classes excluding broilers) 172,000 189,000 75,500 -56.1 68,900 Broilers (number produced) 109,000 75 F000 60 g000 -45.0 69,000

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Cro . & Livestock Annual Summaries, 1965, 1970, 1975, and 1976. TABLE 3.2.6-2

CLASSIFICATION OF FABNS IN LOSERS COVEY

1965 - 1975

'tCHANGE STATEHIDE

1965 1970 1975 1965-75 1965-75 All Farms 4 1 i138 800 670 — 41.1 — 11.0 Livestock (Cattle) 690 550 400 — 42.0 — 13.3 Canmerical Dairy 245 175 95 - 61.2 — 36.0 Hog 220 125 120 — 45.5 — 11.5 Sheep 60 40 20 - 66.7 — 38.8 Chicken 409 170 100 - 75.6 „- 65.6

Total of farm types is larger than category designated "All Farms."

Source: Department of Agriculture, Crop and Livestock Annual Sumnaries, 1965, 1970 and 1975.

3-126 TABLE 3.2.6-3

FARMS AND LAND IN FARMS IN UJZEHNE RUNTY 1969 AND 1974

LUZEHNE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA

FARM MEASURES 1969Dl 197M2 1969+1 197&2

Number of Farms 607 482 62,824 53,171 (447 by new (530 by old (48,077) (56,586) definition) definition) Lard in farms

(in acres) 75,652 64,245 8 ~900 ~767 8 g 186 g 378 Average Size of Fams { in acres) 125 133 142 154

Percent of Area in Farms {in acres) 13.3 11.3 30.9 28.4

Farm defined as operation with sale of $ 250 or rmre if farm less than 10 acres or $ 50 or more if greater than 10 acres. Number in () irdicates number of farms if 1974 definition had been used in 1969.

Faxm defined as land for agricultural operation with $ 1,000 or narc of agricultural products sold. Number in () indicates number of farms if definition had been the sane in 1974 as in 1969 ard 1959.

Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture,'974.

3-127 TMKE 3.2.6-4

AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY CXASSIFICATIONS

Agricultural Acres Within Percentage Capability Class Site Of Site

0.0 125 9.6 35 2.7 50 3.8 V thru VIII 1,090 83.9

1,300 100.0

Source: Data assembled fran soil maps and descriptions for Luzerne County, SCS 1976.

3-128 TABLE 3.2.6-5

AGRICULTURAL AND WOODLAND RATINGS FOR SOIL SERIES OF POND HILL

SOIL SERIES & MAPPING IAND CAPABILITY PRODUCTIVITY INDEXES 5 WOUULAND 4/ WIT >/ CLASS Z/ (DRN ALFALFA SITE RATINGS

Arnot-Rock Outcrop Complex MhB (0-8%) VIIs MhB (8-25%) VIIs Fair ExF (Steep) VIIs

Chenango Gravelly Loam ChC (8-15%) IIe Fair Excellent ,Very Good

Chippewa NrA (0-3%) IVw NtB (0-8%) VIIs

Lackawanna Channery Silt Zoam LaB (3-8%) VIs LaC (8-15%) IIIe

Lackawanna Very Stony Silt Loam LcB (3-8%) VIs LcD (8-25%) VIs TABID 3.2.6-5 (Continued)

AGRICULTURAL AND WOODLAND RATINGS K)R SOIL SERIES OF POND HILL

SOIL SERIES 6 MAPPING IAND CAPABILITY PBODUCTIVITY INDEXES 3~ 'l430DLAND 4~ UNIT 21 CLASS Z/ CDHN ALFALFA SITE RATINGS

Lackawanna and Bath Very Stony Silt Loam LcF (Steep) VIIs

Norris Channery Silt Loam NoB (0-8%) IIIw Fair Fair

Norris Very Stony Silt Loam NsB (0-8%) VIIs NsD (8-15%) VIIs

Oquaga and Lordstown Channery Silt Loams 01B (3-8%) IIe Fair Fair Olc (8-15%) IIIe Fair Fair 01D (15-25%) IVe Fair Fair

Oquaga and Lordstown Extremely Stony Silt Loam OpB (3-8%) VIIs OpD (88-25%) VIIs OpF (Steep) VIIs

Wellsboro Channery Silt Loam WlB (3-8%) IIw Good Very Good Wlc (8-15%) IIIe Fair TABLE 3.2.6-5 (Continued)

AGRICULTURAL AND WOODLAND RATINGS H)R SOIL SERIES OF POND HILL

4/ SOIL SERIES & MAPPING LAND CAPABILITY PRODUCTIVITY INDEXES / KGDLANU WIT 1/ CLASS 2/ CORN ALFALFA SITE RATINGS

Wellsboro Very Stony Silt Loam MnB (3-8%) VIs Very good MnD (8-25t) VIs

Wyaning Gravelly Sand Loam ChD (15-25%) IVe Fair Fair

Soil series are divided into mapping units with first two letters denoting type of soil and third letter (A, B, C etc.) percent of slope which is indicated in parentheses in the table. General suitability of soil for cultivation graded I through VIII. Erosion hazard (e), water problem (w) or physical soil problem (s) such as stoniness or shallowness indicated by lower case letters.

Rated in four categories: excellent ) 120 bu corn or 4.5 ton alfalfa/acre; good, 100-120 bu corn or 3.5 -4.0 ton alfalfa/acre; fair, 80-100 bu corn or 2.6 —3.5 ton alfalfa/acre; poor, less than 80 bu corn or < 2.5 ton alfalfa/acre. Absence of rating indicates soil is not suited to purpose listed. 4/ Rated in five categories (excellent to poor) based on yield for upland oak and yellow poplar, e.g., very good = 24,400 bd ft/ac. See source for further explanation of ratings.

Source: SCS, Interim Soil Survey and Maps of Luzerne County, 1976. References Consulted —Section 3.2.6 Chadwick, E.V. Luzerne County Agent, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, /978.

Econanic Develcpnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (EDCNP) . 1975. Toward the year 2000: lard use policies. Prepared by Cardeub, Fleissig a Associates for Econcmic Develcjxnent Couricil of Northeastern Pennsyl- vania, Avoca, Pa.

Federal R ister. Decenber 2, 1977. Kujl, Arthur D. State Soil Scientist, Soil Conservation Service, Harris- burg, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978. Hiller, E.W., 1975. Socioeconcmic patterns of Pennsylvania: an atlas. Canmnwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. 1965, 1970, 1975, . 1976..Crop and livestock annual senary. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Envirormental Quality Board. 1976. Policies for critical enviranental areas. Harrisburg, Pa.

I Pennsylvania Office of State Planning & Develcgnent. 1976. A:land policy. program for Pennsylvania: an interim policy report. Harrisburg, Pa. Sheets, Phillip. District Conservationist, Soil Conservation Service, Nanticoke, Pa. Personal canmunication. February, 1978. U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1974. Census of riculture. Washington,: D.C.: The Bureau. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation .Service, in cooperation with Pennsylvariia State University College of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Envirormental Resources. 1976. Interim soil survey report; Volume I: Soil interpretations for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and Volume II: Soil survey maps.. Harrisburg, Pa.

3-132 Shickshinnp

MOCANAQUA BRIDGE CIe~eII

~BIO ~

'ocanaqua LR4ppsp

APPROXIMATE Jr '8- PROJECT BOUNDARY

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l7 C II fl

Creegk

"a 0 l 0026 l<0 ' gO y45811 II 'Yi~o eVv, isa

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pw a I Ia pa a susauEHAHHA sEs REsERVOIR sTUDY Qs POND HILL RESERVOIR (~ I/2 I/2RII CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP

SCALE FIGURE 3-12

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dh'4(.h'q iA-'. --. ' —— Ph '. = . = .I». ~ Pg~j'".~Jgji'P"» Q~h4 I PENNSYLVANIA POWER 4 LIGHT COMPANv Class ZZ - High Potential Productivity Class K thru ZIK-Not Suited to Agriculture Water SUSOUENANNA SES RESERVOIR STUDY POND NILI. RESERVOIR Reservoir Maximum Water Supply Elevation Class ZK — Fair Potential Productivity AGRICULTURALCAPABILITY Site Perimeter - 0 I/2 mi. FIGURE 3 I 5 — Class 3K Severe Agricultural TIPPETTS.ABSETT.McCARTHY-STRATTON Limitations 0 I/2 Km. ENGINEERS ANO ARCHITECTS NEW YORK 3.2.7 Transportation and Utilities

3.2.7.1 Roads and highways

Route 239 links Wapwallopen and Mocanaqua and passes the Pond Hill site to the west along the Susquehanna River. This is a narrow road bordered by the railroad tracks on the west and the rise of the land on the east. Route 239 continues past Mocanaqua ard crosses the Susquehanna River into Shickshinny, &ere it intersects U.S. Route ll (Figure 3-12). This intersection is controlled only by a stop sign which causes a delay for traffic approaching U.S. Route ll frcm Mocanaqua. At the present time, the volume of traffic on U.S. Route ll renders the stop sign inadequate to allow a smooth traffic flow and cars approaching frcm Mocanaqua can encroach on traffic patterns within the town.

The volume of traffic passing through this intersection during the morning and evening is heavy. A Shickshinny traffic policeman has been assigned to direct traffic at the request of the R)canaqua citizens.

The main access road fran Route 239 to the Pond Hill Reservoir site is L.R. 40120.

Traffic volunes along these routes are estimated by the Pennsyl- vania Department of Transportation for annual twenty-four-hour average traffic volumes (J. Petrucci 1978, Pennsylvania Department of Transporta- tion 1974). Peak hour traffic was estimated at 8 percent of daily flow per hour, for a total of four hours per day, Off-peak traffic was ccmputed as the renainder of the traffic volune over the remaining twenty hour period. Traffic volumes (both directions) in the site vicinity are estimated as follows. Route 239 Crossing LR40120 Route 239 at Mocana a Bri e 1974 700 cars/day 1,450 cars/day 3,650 cars/day 1978 750 cars/day 1,550 cars/day 3,900 cars/day Peak 60 cars/hour 124 cars/hour 312 cars/hour Off-peak 26 cars/hour 53 cars/hour 133 cars/hour

3-133 In addition to these roads, the township maintains rce9s T464 and T466 near the Pond Hill site. -These are unfinished roasts which provide access to Legislative Route 40120 for local residents. Road T464 is a loop of approximately two miles, while road T466 i.s a dea3 end of roughly one-half mile length. d

The local school district buses make use of Route 239 and LR 40120 for transporting children to and fran school. Two buses ard two cars are used for these trips. Total daily volume along each of these roads is roughly five trips/day (Rokes 1978). These trips do not make a significant contribution to the total daily traffic volune along these roads;

3.2.7.2 Railroads

The Delaware and Hudson runs a line along the Susquehanna River in Conynghan Township between the river edge ard Route 239. This consists of one track carrying an average of two to three trains per day past the site vicinity. A maximum daily use of this line is four trains per day. This volume of service is expected to continue; no plans are being made for changes (Peterlin 1978).

3.2.7.3 Pipelines

No natural gas pipelines, petroleum pipelines or water lines exist in the vicinity of the reservoir site (Reeder 1978, Holmes 1978). A transcontinental gas pipeline, located about one mile south of the'ite, will not be affected.

3.2.7.4 Electrical and teleplmne transmission lines

Along local roads Caomonwealth Telephone Co. owns utility poles ard lines with feeder cable hardling fifteen to twenty local subscribers (Kuzemka 1978). No telephone or electrical transmission lines exist in the site itself.

Eiectric service in the vicinity of the project is provided by the Luzerne Electric Division, United Gas Improvement Corp. 3-134 References Consulted —Section 3.2.7

Holmes, Joseph. Engineerirg Department, Pennsylvania Gas & Water Company, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal ccmmunication. June 23, 1978.

Kuzemka, John. Engineering Department, Ccmmonwealth Telephone Company, Dallas. Personal ccmmunication. June 23, 1978. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Plan- nirg Statistics, 1974. Traffic Volume Map, Luzerne County. Harrisburg, Pa.

peterlin, Willian. Train Dispatcher's Office, Delaware & Hudson R.R., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal canmunication. July 5, 1978. Petrucci, Jerry. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Scranton, Pa. Personal canmunication. June 22, 1978.

Reeder, Edward. Gas Safety Section, Pennsylvania Public Utilities Canmiss- ion, Harrisburg, Pa. Personal ccmmunication. June 23, 1978. Rokes, Richard. Transportation Officer, Greater Nant icoke Area School District, Nanticoke, Pa. Personal ccmmunication. June 6, 1978.

3-135 3.2.8 Recreation 1

3.2.8.1 Intrcduction

The recreational role of the pond Hill site is described within the context of the site vicinity (Conyngham Township) and of the region. Conynghan Township is part of Uniform Region 3 in Pennsylvania's recreation plan ard corresponds to the region of the Econcmic Developnent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (encompassing Schuylkill, Luzerne; Carbon, Monroe, Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike counties) .

3.2.8.2 The region

Uniform Region 3 provides almost three-quarters of a million acres in parks, forests, historic ard museun properties,- overlooks, ganelards ard the like for recreational activities. Table 3.2.8-1 presents a breakdown of this acreage into ownership categories ard types of recreational facilities. The region is well supplied with state ganelards as shown in Table 3.2.8-2. It also contains a large number of streams, ponds and lakes; these water based recreation areas offer both fishing and boating activities ard many of the fishing areas are stocked by the Penn- sylvania Fish Camnission. According to the Penns lvania's Recreation Plan- l975, the region has a large share of recreation activities which are enjoyed in a natural setting, such as swimming, fishing, hiking and the like. Based upon the relationship of the region's share of state supply to its share of state population, Region 3 has a greater than proportionate share of resources for swimming, pincnicking, boating, fishing, golf, hikirg, canping, sightseeing, snow skiing and ice skating. The region contains such resources as Beltzville Lake, Francis E. Walter Dam, Pranpton Lake and numerous state parks such as Tuscarora, Locust Lake, Ricketts Glenn, Frances Slocum, Gouldsboro, Tobyhanna and Hickory Run.

The supply of recreational resources, however, does not measure demand or need. Recreational demand as forecast in the state recreation plan showed a need for more facilit'ies in almost all outdoor recreational activities but priorities in Uniform Region 3 placed a heavy emphasis on

3-136 facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, bicycle paths, and off road recreational vehicles.

Luzerne County contains a number of streans, and water bodies for boating and fishing, as well as state gane lards,and forests. A canprehensive listing of Luzerne County recreational facilities can be found in two countywide recreation reports (Luzerne CPC 1974 and Econanic Develognent Council 1976) and in Pennsylvania's Recreation Plan (Pa. Office of State Planning and Developnent 1976). Data for the Shickshinny area ard neighborirg parts of Columbia County are available in the environmental report for the Susquehanna Stean Electic Station (PAL 1978) .

Luzerne County's 1974 report on recreation identified recrea- 'I tional and open space needs'or the county a's a whole ard for analler planning areas. Conynghan Township is part of the southeast portion of the greater Shickshinny planning area.

A recreation survey conducted as part of the county recreation study to determine citizens'esires for recreation ard participation in recreation activities indicated'hat people -in the 'greater,Shickshinny area voiced a desire for specialized facilities such as tennis courts or swimming facilities and cultural or indoor sports activities (Luzerne County CPC 1974).

3.2.8.3 The site vicinity

Conynghan Township provides a small nunber of facilities and recreational prograns in keeping with the rural character of the environment and the size of its population. The local recreation programs include activities such as arts ard crafts, baseball, softball, basketball, wrest- ling, track, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts ard similar organized activities. These often are provided in cooperation with local schools. Table 3.2.8-3 presents information about recreational facilities in Conynghan. In addition to these facilities, the Little Wapwallopen Creek is a resource for trout fishing and Lily Lake offers fishing and facilities for mooring and launching boats up to eighteen feet and up to sixty horsepower. Council

3-137 Cup, a historical site near Wapwallopen, provides a scenic overlook as well as a hiking and -pincnicking area. State gamelands are irdicated on scme county maps in the Pond Creek area in the southern part of the township, but no designated state gamelands currently exist in the township (Molski 1978). The game canmission does, operate,a faxm-pane cooperative project of approximately 700 .acres, in.conjunction;with PAL in the vicinity of Council Cups

3.2.8.4 Recreation within the site

Recreational use of the site for walking, hiking and nature study has not been quantified, but the site is used by those who live near it. Fishing does not appear to,be,a.carumn activity in Pond Hill Creek; no fishermen were observed during stu3ies of the stream's aquatic ecology (see section 3.2.3.1). It is not stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish Caamission and does not support a ganefish population. Although the site does not contain any state .gamelands or other lands which are part of the state game canmission's fa~ane prograns (Molski 1978), land is,available for hunting and local residents use it for hunting (Jenkins 1978).

3-138 TIBIA 3.2.8-1

OUZDOOR RECREATION SUPPLY, UNIFOHN REGION 3

OWNERSHIP OF RECREATION ACREAGE AS % OF STATE SUPPLY Federal 25,462.1 4.0 State Forest 85,422.0 4.5 Park 59,583.0 21.4 159,051.6 14.0 Other (historic and museum properties, 6,941.7 3.9 roadside rests, overlooks and institutions) 311,268.3 13,991.7 11.0 Schools 1,380.7 6.4 Private Profit 336,506.4 6.3 Non-Profit 56,283.9 20.5 392,790.3 7.0 744,893.1 7.5

Source: Pennsylvania Office of State Planning and Development, 1976. TABLE 3.2.8 — 2

STATE'AME AND PUBLIC ACCESS ACREAGEi UNIFORM REGION 3

AS a OF STATE' ACRES RESOURCES

Gamelands 159,052 14% 'Farm Game Co-op Pragran 99,213 5.2S Forest Gane Co-op Progran Safety Zone Progran 149 i924 5.7%

Total Region 3 408,189 6.6%

3-140 TABLE 3.2.8-3

RECREATION FACIIITIESI CONYNGHAM KINSHIP

TYPE OF CMNERSHIP AREA FACILITIES OR MANAGEMEÃZ St. Mary's Playground 0.75 acres Basketball court Quasi-Public Brick School (Elan) 2.50 acres Auditorium, ballfield, basketball Public court, benches, playfields, playground St. Mary's Grove 1.00 acres Benches, playfield Quasi-Public

Mocanaqua Baseball Field 2.50 acres Ballfield, playfield Quasi-Public

Mocanagua Little League Field 2.00 acres Ballfield, football field, playfield Quasi-Public

Little Wapwallopen Creek 3 strean mi. Trout and anall mouth bass fishing Pa. Fish Commission LilyLake 160 acres Fishing, boat mooring ard launching Pa. Fish Commission

Council Cup Overlook 100 acres Hiking, picnicking and overlook Pa. Power and Light .

Sources: Luzerne County Planning Ccmmission, Recreation and 0 n S ce, Historic Preservation and Tourism Re rt, 1974. Econanic Develognent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Outdoor Recreation Facilities in Northeastern Penns lvania —Luzerne Count , 1976. References. Consulted —. Section 3.2;8

Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1976. Outdoor Recreation Facilities in Northeastern'ennsylvania -" Luzerne County. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa; Jenkins, J. Conyngham Township Sewage'nforcement Officer. Personal communication. Febiuary'; 1978:

Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1974. Recreation, Park and Open Space, Historic PreservaEio'n and Tourism Repoit. Luzerne County Planning Commission,'ilkes-Barre," Pa.

Molski, J. Regional Supervisor of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Dallas, Pa. Person'al communication.- Febiuary,- 1978.

Pennsylvania'ffice'f State'lanning'nd Development: 1976 Pennsylvania's Recreation Plan —1975: Harrisburg; Pa;

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company 1978. Env'ironmental Report for the Suejuehanna Steam Electric Station." PP&L, Alle'ntoQn; Pa.

3-142 3.2.9 Archaeological and Historic Sites

To test for the presence or possibility of prehistoric or historic materials at the Pond Hill site, a field examination along with a literature search was made under the direction of Jacob W. Gruber, pro- fessor of anthropology at Temple University. The field examination consisted of thorough visual inspection to locate areas which would have been favorable for prehistoric occupation. A surface search was conducted as appropriate.

In general, this small creek valley is characterized by rough terrain which is not likely to have been the scene of 'any but the most transitory of prehistoric activities. Nevertheless, the sandstone outcrop- pings along the valley walls suggest that temporary prehistoric occupation might have occurred, especially on the north side of the valley which receives the longest exposure to the winter sun.

The Susquehanna Valley has long been recognized as a major area of prehistoric occupation, during the so-called Archaic Period frcm 5000 to 6000 B.C. and during the periods of greater population concentration in the millenium prior to European contact. It was the occurrence of artifacts fran the cultivated fields in the Wyoming Valley flats abare Nanticoke which prcmpted the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society to sponsor a 1923 survey of the area by Max Schrabisch. He noted specifically that the area of the Susquehanna Valley where Pond Hill Creek flows is not suited to heavy settlenent in contrast to the Weaning Valley upstream. Thus, this valley provides little rocm for settlenents by relatively large populations. (A surface search of a small flat, now farmed in corn, a short distance down the Susquehanna River frcm the Pond Hill site showed no arti- factual evidence of occupation.) This absence of evidence frcm previous surveys, supported by current information provided by local inhabitants, indicates that whatever temporary and tentative use was made of the Pond Hill Creek valley by transient or seasonal hunters was not intensive enough to leave remains of significant occupation.

3-143 This inference is supported by results of a field survey, which included walking virtually the entire area to be covered by the reservoir. Gruber's tean entered the area frcm the mouth of the creek, moving up to ard beyord the proposed dan location, as well as entering fran an access road at the opposite erd of the reservoir site. The topography of the zone suggested the area was not'uitable for any extended period of occupation. A further examination of many; of the rocky. outcrops indicated that they, too, were unsuitable by, their dimensions, ard conformations to any but the most transient of occupations., Gne or more of the large bluffs may have served as an overnight shelter,, but the probability of uncovering significant information that acids to an understandirg of prehistoric occupation of 'he area is too low to make extended excavation worthwhile. The importance of this small valley to prehistory and history is, at best, minimal.

3-144 References Consulted —Section 3.2.9

Gruber, Jacob W. 1977. Cultural Resource Presurvey, Luzerne County, Pa. Report prepared for TAMS, Decenber 15, 1977.

-3-145 3.2.10 Other Fa'ctors

3.2.10.1 Climate and air resources

The climate of the region in which the Pond Hill Reservoir site is located is characteriied as hiinid continental. The nearest major weather station is located at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport. In the Pond Hill area, the local temperature averages 72'F in seamer ard 26'F in winter with extremes of 101'F and -ll'F, respectively. Relative hunidity is usually greater than 50 percent arid often greater than 85 percent.. Prevailing winds are fran the southwest.

Air quality in the Pond Hill area is generally good. The predominant air flow for the reservoir site is west by southwest. The nearest air quality monitoring station is located in the Wyomirg Valley at Wilkes- Barre, thirty-seven miles northeast of the Pond Hill site. Air pollution is scmetimes a problem at Wilkes-Barre due to a canbination of unfavorable topography; industrial, auto ard residential emissions; burning mine refuse banks, and underground mine fires. However, since the reservoir site is located upwind of Wilkes-Barre, the air pollution fran the Wyoming Valley does not affect the site (PDER Air Quality Eng'neer, Wilkes-Barre Office, Personal ccmmunication). There are no air pollution sources at the Pond Hill site.

3.2.10. 2 Noise

No ambient measurements were taken as part of this study. However, field surveys indicated that the area has noise levels typical of a rural area. Major noise sources are traffic on local roads, agricultural equipnent, and an occasional passing airplane.

3.2.10.3 Aesthetics

The southern border of the site and its immediate surroundings present an attractive rural landscape. Older hanes dot the Pond Hill—

3-146 Landmarks of Pond Hill,though centers of activity in the community, clearly characterize the rural setting. St. Mark's Church and the Odd Fellows meeting hall are centrally located while the sawmill anchors the eastern end of town, north of the principal road. The new home at lowerright, on the northern fringe of the community, would border the reservoir site buffer. ,( t

-c

.4 n

FIGURE 3—14 a ~

v, Landmarks of Pond Hill,though centers of activity in Iw" the community, clearly characterize the rural setting. St. Mark's Church and the Odd Fellows meeting hall are centrally located while the sawmill anchors the eastern end of town, north of the principal road. The + new home at lower right, on the northern fringe of the %.)~ ~ community, would border the reservoir site buffer. )Ii

FIGURE 3-14 Ir

0 Lily Lake Road where farmsteads with gingerbread porch decorations contribute the charm of a past era to the Pond Hill canmunity. The cultivated land and old fields which stretch frcm either side of the principal road impart a pastoral quality to the area. Clustered around Lily Lake are homes set into wocded surroundings; Penobscot mountain which rises to the north francs the lake.

Fran its southern border, the site slopes gently to the valley of Pond Hill Creek. Largely forested, the valley is not generally visible fran a southern vantage point. Once within the site, openings in the forest cover offer pleasant contrasts to the woods ard an opportunity to view wandering deer. Stands of hemlock interspersed among the oak and hardwoods provide variety to the forest's texture. The forested wall of Penobscot Mountain def ines the northern half of the site and creates a changing seasonal view for travelers and residents along Pond Hill — Lily Lake Road. Descending westward to the Susquehanna, Pond Hill Creek narrows as its gradient steepens sharply. As the descent beccmes more severe, the strean casca3es into a series of waterfalls ard rapids. These falls are depicted during wintertime in Figure 3-15.

Views of the site, its surroundings ard Pond Hill are shown in Figures 3-14 and 3-15 to provide a sense of the aesthetic qualities of the area.

3-147 3.3 PROBABIE FUZURE ENVIRONMENT NITHOUZ PROPOSED PROJECT

3.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology

The uncertainty surrounding future ownership of the large portion of the site currently owned by the Blue Coal Company, which is currently in receivership, makes speculation about the future of that portion of the site difficult. Interviews with a number of the other landowners indicate that present land use will be continued hence little change in cover type is expected. Those people who own old fields or cropland plan to continue mowing their fields at regular intervals to 'arvest hay or to cultivate timothy as hay. In either case, the fields will be kept in their present state and not allowed to succeed to forestea secondary growth areas. Those people who own woodlands plan to selectively lumber their land or allow it to remain untouched. Selective logging woula partially open up presently wooaed areas, promoting growth of more shrubby, browse type vegetation, improving the quality of the habitat for rabbits, deer, and pheasants. This would maintain the land at an earlier successional stage than it is at present. Following logging, it would succeed to the white pine-hemlock-hardwood climax community characteristic of the region. Those wooded areas that remain untouched will continue to succeed to the above-mentioned climax community. The type 2 wetlands will eventually succeed to the regional climax community barring repopulation of the area by beavers. The type 3 wetland, too, will probably succeed to the regional climax community but at a much slower rate due to the constant influx of water via springs and seeps.

Increased residential or recreational developnent in the site is not likely; therefore, the area should continue to support productive, diverse vegetation and wildlife communities.

3-148 3.3.2 Aquatic Ecology

3.3.2.1 Pond Hill Creek

Nithout reservoir implementation, the stream ecosytem of Pond Hill Creek generally can be expected to persist and continue to support the existing aquatic life. Future water quality of the stream will depend mainly on the future land uses in the reservoir site. If the land remains primarily wooded, future water quality should be very similar to present conditions if the reservoir is not built. Major development for agricultural or residential use is expected to be minimal because the reservoir is not in the path of suburban growth patterns. Thus, the water quality of the stream is not expected to change significicantly in the future.

Similarly, aquatic life in Pond Hill Creek will remain relatively unchanged with respect to species composition and abundance. The stream will continue to support only a limited fish population because of its small physical size, and because upstream access from the Susquehanna River is blocked by the elevated culvert through which the stream passes near its mouth. The excellent water quality and the dense insect fauna in the stream would probably provide a suitable habitat for trout. However, the stream is not large enought to meet minimum stream size requirements for trout stocking by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Thus, the stream will continue to have little sport fishing value.

3.3.2.2 Susquehanna River

At present, the section of the Susquehanna River upstream from the intake site is being polluted by iron rich acid mine runoff and raw sewage effluent. High coliform bacteria levels resulting from the

. sewage inflow should decrease significantly in the near future, as primary treatment of the major raw sewage effluents begins (PP&L 1978). Similarly, a trend analysis (see section 3.2.3.2.2) performed on water quality parameters associated with acid mine run off indicates that the river

3 149 is in a period of general improvement. However, it .will probably take decades before the acid mine deposits which are the source of iron will have leached sufficiently to lower their contribution to limits which will not adversely affect iron concentrations in Susquehanna River water (PP&L 1978). The river is not expected to meet PDER standards by the year 1983 (PDER 1977). However, it is likely that all of the criteria, except for iron, will be met at that time.

The river near the intake has a designated protected use for the maintenance and propagation of warm water fishes. It is unlikely that this use will be changed in the near future. Reduction of sewage ard„acid mine pollution will undoubtedly improve the habitat for aquatic organians, especially the bottan dwellers. Sane fish spawning areas would probably be expanded which could increase the number of game species in the area. However, it may take many years to eliminate the overall negative effects of acid mine runoff.

3-150 References Consulted —Section 3.3.2

Jacobsen, T.V. and N.J. Soya. 1977. Ecological studies of the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, annual report for 1976, by Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (PDER). 1977. Common- wealth of Pennsylvania: 1977 water quality inventory. Publication No. 42. PDER, Harrisburg, Pa.

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (PP&L). 1978. Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Environmental Report. PP&L, Allentown, Pa.

3-151 3.3.3 Social a>xi Econcmic Characteristics

3.3.3.1 Introduction

Future social and econcmic conditions can be both cause and effect of changes in land use, agriculture, recreation ard the like (refer to appropriate subsections of section 3.3). They: also. are dependent upon structural or institutional alterations in society, varying policies of goverrxnent, the fluctuations of the econany and the changing nature of social attitudes. Population forecasts, the basis of this analysis of probable future, make varying assunptions about these factors in order to arrive at estimates of future population. The following discussion of probable social and econcmic conditions focuses first on the site vicinity in the context of the region and then interprets the projections for the probable future of the site ard its immediate proximity.

3.3.3.2 Probable future of social and econcmic conditions in site vicinity

Population and housing forecasts for Luzerne County and Conyng- han Township are presented in Table 3.3.3-1. These indicate relatively modest growth in population in the township and an anticipated rate of growth in housing units exceeding that for population. The population per housing unit is thus expected to decline. Conynghan's projected share of county population by the year 2000 auld renain at less than half of one percent (0.48 percent). This projection for Conynghan stands in contrast to projections for the greater Shickshinny area of which Conynghan is a part. The greater Shickshinny area is projected to increase its share of county population fran 5.1 percent in 1970 to 6.4 percent by the year 2000. The Mountaintop area is projected to increase its share fran 3.2 percent to 5.3 percent between 1970 and 2000 and the greater Back 8ountain area is projected to have 9.5 percent of county population by the year 2000, an increase of 2.9 percent.

3-152 Table 3.3.3-2 presents population data compiled by the Pennsyl- vania Office of State Planning for the state and the county. A comparison of the two Luzerne county projections indicates that the estimates made by the Luzerne County Planning Commission are more conservative than projections mme by the state, although the results are not very different.

The meaning of the population projections for Conyngham Township can be portrayed by comparing projected population density to current density. In the year 2000, the projected density of the township would equal approximately 118 persons per square mile as opposed to the current density of 103 persons per square mile. The Pona Hill-LilyLake area is likely to capture a share of the anticipated population growth at least equal to, and probably greater than, its current share. An estimated 157 oi the 188 dwelling units in the proximity are in the township, representing about 23 percent of the township's estimated 683 dwelling units. (Refer also to sections 3.2.5.4 and 3.3.4.)

Changes in community facilities and services are likely to occur as a response to current needs. Extension of sewerage, the factor most likely to change growth patterns, to Napwallopen and to the Pond Hill-Lily Lake area has been suggested (Luzerne CPC 1976 and Gilbert Associates 1973) but not proposed or programmed for the near future.

The future economy of Luzerne County is largely dependent upon its ability to adapt to changing conditions. Its history suggests that such a shift may be successful, since the garment and textile industries once replaced the mining industry and 'provided a new direction for economic growth. A major thrust of the present growth in the county has come from the service and financial sectors, which have taken up the slack created by further declines in mining, apparel and manufacturing indus-

~ tries. In addition, the growth of the government sector, partly as a result of aid-related programs from Tropical Storm Agnes, has helpea to spur growth in Luzerne. The healthy advances in the retail and wholesale trade sectors have added to future employment prospects in the county.

3-153 Employment projections for Luzerne County in.1985, presented in Table 3.3.3-3, indicate an increase of almost 14,000 workers, a rise of 10 percent. Significant gains in 'certain industries are contrasted with declines in others. Thus agriculture, forestry,.- fisheries, mining and manufacturing show a loss of 268 employees, a decline of approximately 0.5 percent of the base for these industries. These declines are offset by high rates of growth in other industries. The service sector alone accounts for almost half the net projected gain in employment.

Trade and public administration make up most of the balance. Reflecting the shift from farming, mining .and manufacturing industries to se'rvice and government oriented industries, Table 3.3.3-4 shows a large increase in white-collar occupations, while blue-collar employment remains constant and farm employment shows a significant decline. The largest projected increase occurs in clerical employment, which should experience the highest rate of growth during this period. Professional, technical, crafts and service workers will contribute the most to net employment gains.

In general, these projections show an important shift in the structure of the economy. Declines in the primary sector (agriculture, mining) and relative stability in secondary=activity (manufacturing, construction) are balanced by major growth trends in tertiary activities (service, government, trade, communications) . This route to a moaern industrialized economy is common to urbanized areas of the United States, and Luzerne County appea'rs to be following the traditional growth path.

The economic structure of Conyngham consists of only two industries at the present time, the sawmill and the footwear factory described in section 3.2.4.2.2. Nith the expansion of industry in Luzerne County, it may be expected that the greatest share of growth will occur in areas with an already established infrastructure, the physical structures (roads, public buildings) -as well as supportive services (banks, retail outlets, eating establishments, etc.). Economic central place theory (Berry 1967) suggests that new industries will tend to locate where population poten- tials are highest, in this case the Hazleton, Hilkes-Barre and Nanticoke 3-154 areas. A realistic appraisal of opportunities for econanic growth in Conynghan suggests that, at most, a doubling of industrial establishments would occur by 1985.

Within the Pond Hill-LilyLake area no industrial develcgnent is likely to occur. Any enployment growth in this area auld be limited to the addition of a retail store, service station or other residential service establishment. Significant industrial develcgnent is not likely to occur at the site itself because of topographic and geographic constraints.

3.3.3.3 Probable future of the site

It scans unlikely that any ccaanerical or industrial activities would be attracted to the site itself because of its lack of roads and other infrastructure. Any residential (i.e., population) growth would probably occur to the south where land is less steep. Given the relatively anall changes in population, projected for the township, such growth is likely to be small and to occur slyly.

3-155 TABLE 3.3.3-1

POPUIATION AND HOUSING ESTIMATES: 1970 — 2020

Luzerne Count Con ham Townshi

Estimates by Years 1970 (census) 342,329 118,444 1693 ,626 1976 (estimates) 353,339 125 i295 1803 683 1980 358,700 130,400 1800 698 1990 379,400 140,400 1870 748 2000 401,000 150,000 1930 788 2010- 422,700 159,000 1990 820

-,. 2020, 444,100 167,500 2055 850

% Chan e b .Decade

1970-1980 4.8 10.1 6.3 11.5 1980-1990 5.8 7.7 3.9 7.2 1990-2000 5.7 6.8 3.2 5.3 2000-2010 5.4 6.0 3.1 4.1 2010-2020 5.1 5.3 3.3 3-7.

Ch e 1970-1990

Numeric Change 37,071 21,956 177 122

% Change 10.8 18.5 10.5 19.5

Source: Luzerne County Planning GcEttmission, 1977.

3-156 TABLE 3.3.3-2

PENNSYLVANIA POPUIATION PRCGECTIONS: 1970 —1990

Estimates b 5- ear intervals 1/ 1970 11,817,000 342,478 1975 12,001,090 348,378 1980 12,319,165 360,661 1985 12,822,389 373,826 1990 13,385,204 384,508

%Chan e b Decade 1970-1980 4.3 5.3 1980-1990 8.7 6.6

Ch e 1970-1990 Numeric Change 1,568,204 42,030 Change 13.3 12.3

Estimated as of July 1 for each year.

Source: Pa. Office of State Planning & Developnent Pennsylvania Projection Series, 1973.

3-157 TABLE 3 ' '-3

REAL RESIDENT R1PLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

1985 PBMECTIONS WZERNE COUNTY

PERCENT 1974 1985 CHANGE CHANGE

Total, All Industries 137 '75, 151 E 259 13'84 +10 ~ 0 Agri., Forestry, and Fisheries 1,181 1,129 -4. 4

Mining 1,214 1,114 -100 -8. 2

Construction 10,412 11,125 713 +6. 8 Manufactur ing 47,644 47,528 -116 -0.2

Tfanspog Communog and Utilities 7,454 8,281 827 +ll.1 Trade 28,423 31,474 3,051 +10.7 Finance, Insurance and Real Estate 4,949 5,787 838 +16. 9

Service Industries 28,297 34 g 904 6E 607 +23 ~ 2 Public Administration 7,901 9,917 2,016 +25.5

Source: Labor Market Information Section, Pennsylvania Dept. Of Labor and Industry, Penns lvania Occ tional Pro'ections, 1976.

3-158 TABLE 3 3.3-4

KfZAL RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION

1985 PRMECTICNS IQZERNE COUNTY

PERCENT 1974 1985 CHANGE Total, All Occupations 137,475 151,259 13,784 +10.0 Professional and Technical Workers 14,484 17,062 2, 578 +17.8 Managers, Officials, Nonfarm Proprietors ll,233 12,751 1,518 +13. 5 Sales Workers 8,905 10,186 1,281 +14. 4 Clerical Workers 19,072 22,490 3,418 +17. 9

Crafts a Kindred Workers 20,974 23,212 2,238 +10. 7 Operatives 39,425 39,405 -20 -0. 1 Service Workers 16,241 19,096 2,855 +17. 6 Laborers, Except Farm 6,274 6,440 166 +2.6

Farmers & Farm Workers 867 617 -250 -28.8

Source: Labor Market Information Section, Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry, Penns lvania Occu ational Pro'ections, 1976.

3-159 References Consulted —Section 3.3.3

" Berry, Brian J.L. 1967. Ge r'a h of Market Centers and Retail Distribu-. tion. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N;J. ' Gilbert Associates, Ihc; 1973. Master..Pla'n for Water Su and Waste Mana ement in Luzerne. Count, Pa.....Vol. I:..General. Sewera e. Plannxn Reading, Pa. Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1977. Ldzerne Count Housi ,and Po ulation Estimates b Mdnici alit's of June 1, 1977. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1976. Band Use Plan for the Year 2000. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 'ennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and Statistics Division. 1976. Penns lvania Occu tional.Pro'ections. Harrisburg, Pa. d Pro'ection.Series Summar . Report No. 73 PPS-1. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa. 3.3.4 Land Use

3.3.4.1 Introduction

Probable future land use will generally be the product of the following variables: (1) market forces, (2) perceived amenities of an area, (3) physical capacity for development and (4) effectiveness of land use plans and controls (Clawson 1971, and Reilly 1973). The following discussion of probable future land use is directed toward the site and its vicinity within the context of the larger setting.

3.3.4.2 Land use projections

A land use analysis performed by the Luzerne County Planning Commission projected land use needs for the county and its constituent municipalities (Luzerne CPC 1976). The results of this analysis, shown in Table 3.3.4-1, indicate that Conyngham is expected to undergo less increase in development land uses than the county or the greater Shickshinny area. The analysis, formulated as a land use plan for the year 2000, sets forth the distribution of county needs in each land use category. The decline in industry use at the county level reflects a decrease in acres of strip coal mining not offset by a comparable increase in manufacturing uses. Generally at the county, area, and municipal levels, residential uses are expected to grow. The relatively large increases in all developed categories shown for the greater Shickshinny area are not equally distributed throughout the twelve-municipality area, but will be concentrated in Salem Township, especially the East Berwick area.

Conyngham township is estimated to have additional development, but the absolute amounts of land involved are not large. Thus by the year 2000, the township would still have 94.5 percent of its land in the open space category by comparison with 95.3 percent in open space in 1975. In the residential category, the projected increase of eighty-one acres from 1975 to 2000 is consistent with the projected increase of 105 housing units (Luzerne CPC 1977) between 1976 and 2000.

3-161 3.3.4.3 Future land use without the project in Pond„Hill proximity

Within the Pond Hill-LilyLake area, limited development potential does exist for residential use. Although the area has no facilities to support extensive commerical or industrial land uses and few locational advantages for such, it is an attractive rural area within reasonable commuting distance of Wilkes-Barre or Berwick in nearby Columbia County. Without sewering (not currently anticipated), the probable future land use will be dictated by regulations regarding septic systems and,.wells and the kinds of land use policies and regulations which the township might adopt following completion of its comprehensive plan. Soils predominant in the " southern section still have severe limitations for septic tanks, but slopes are less steep and road access is better. While not conducive to large- scale development, the Pond Hill area might well attract a considerable proportion of the anticipated increase in residential land use.

3.3.4.4 Future land,use without the project in the site

As discussed at section 3.3.3.3, most of the site, principally the forested portion including all the inundated area and the riorthern and western portions of the buffer, has relatively little protential for development. The combination of steep slopes, soils with severe limitations for septic tanks (USDA 1976), and lack of road access would make development extremely difficult.

3-162 TABLE 3.3.4-1

ESTIMATED YEAR 2000 LAND USE (IN ACRES)

Con ham Townshi Great Shickshinn Area Luzerne Count

2000 Cha~e 1975 2000 Cn~cne 1975 2000 Cha~e

Residential 234 315 34.6 4,329 6,018 39.2 24,747 36,768 48.6

Commercial 27 17.4 239 319 33.4 4 044 4,700 16.2

Industrial- 8 14.3 213 760 256.8 12g200 llg405 -6.5

Transportation 223 233 0.0 3,586 3,850 7.4 22,260 25,118 12.8

a 2/ Public & Semi-Public- 23 23 0.0 10,987 11,477 4.5 24,035 30,394 26.5

Open Space- 10g287 l0g201 0 ~ 8 138,309 135,240 2Q 2 491g989 470g888 -4.3

10,797 157,663 579,274

Includes communications and utilities.

2/ Includes recreation and state parks.

3/ Includes state gamelands.

Source: Luzerne County Planning Commission, Land Use Plan, 1976. References. Consulted —, Section 3:.3.4

Clawson,, Marion. 1971. Suburban~ L'andi Conversion; in the U.S'., Johns; Hopkins University, Press,: Baltimore,, Md. Luzerne County Planningi Commission.. 1977'. Luzerne Count Housin and Po ulation Estimates b Munici alit 1970-2020, as of. June 1, 1977. Luzerne County Planning Commissi;on,, Nilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning. Commission. 1976. Land Use. Plan of. Luzerne Count for the ear 2000. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes- Barre, Pa., Reilly, Nilliam, ed. 1973. Use of Land: A Citizen's Polic Guide to Urban Growth. thomas Y. Crowell, New York, N.Y. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University College'f'griculture and Pennsylvania Department. of Environmental Resources., 1976. Interim Soil Surve -Re rt: Vol'. 1: Soil inter retations for Luzerne Count Pa. and Volume II: Soil surve ma s.

3-164 3.3.5 Agriculture

The probable future of agriculture in much of the Northeast United States according to current trends, is continued decline, particularly in the number of farmers. Although developnent is frequently decried as the cause for the denise of agriculture, much farmland simply has reverted from agricultural use to woodland because farming is no longer a profitable venture.

Farms, however, are assigning a new role of increasing importance. Those not too distant fran metropolitan centers have a special attraction as retirement, leisure and gentlenan farms. This type of farm provides an alternative for some to suburban living and will probably maintain its appeal.

The Pond Hill site already has experienced a decline in the econcmic importance of agriculture (Chadwick 1978) . The trend is unlikely to be reversed. The site's situation near Wilkes-Barre and Scranton does suggest that former farms have the potential for conversion into recreational and retirement farms. Part-time farms which supplement other inccmes already exist in the site and are likely to continue as supplemental inccme sources.

3-165 References Consulted —Section 3.3.5 Chadwick, E.V. Cooperative Extension Agent of Luzerne County, Wilkes- Barre, Pa. Personal ccmmunication. February, 1978. Hart, J.T. l975. The Look of the Land. Prentice — Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

3-166 3.3.6 Recreation

3.3.6.1 Regional recreation plans ard prograns

The future prospects for recreation facilities ard prograns in the region appear to be primarily an extension of present trends or progranmed facilities. Within Uniform Region 3, the develcpnent of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, acquisition of land by the National Park Service, additional acres of state ganelands, fisheries developnent by the Pennsylvania Fish Ccmmission and projects of the Penn- sylvania Historical ard Museum Ccmmission were scheduled between 1976 and 1980.

The Susquehanna River has been proposed for inclusion in the state system of wild, recreational and scenic rivers ard with a 1B Priority Rating (Pa. Dept. of Envirormental Resources 1975 and Pa. Office of State Planning and Develcgnent 1976) . Although various tributaries have been proposed for inclusion in the system, Pord Hill Creek is not among these.

Nesccpeck Creek State Park and Lehigh River Gorge State Park in southern Luzerne County are being acquired ard developed (Luzerne CPC 1974 ard Pa. Office of State Planning and Develognent 1976). Matching grants fran government agencies to counties or to municipalities also may be forthccming. As documented in the recreation report for Luzerne County (1974), the capital improvements progran relies heavily on such extralocal reserve sources.

The recreation report for the county also provides information about needs and plans for the future, as well as a capital improvement program for implementing them. The report recanmends the acquisition of one forty-acre or two twenty-acre parks in the Shickshinny area. However, no provisions for this acquisition were included in the capital imprare- ments progran itself. The most probable course of action in the future is the augmentation of present facilities which have been shown to be lacking,

3-167 as described in section 3.2.8. Thus, posible additions to the county's recreation facilities would include basketball courts, tennis courts and baseball fields. Swiraning pools also are needed but represent a more substantial allocation of resources.

Because of the nature of the steep terrain in Luzerne County, the Luzerne County Planning Commission recommends emphasis on acquiring sensitive, natural environments in order to preseve open space and serve recreation needs. As sanitary sewage releases to the Susquehanna River are reduced by stricter environmental controls, the plan also calls for development of the river as a resource for swiraning, bathing and fishing and for acquisition of sites by the state fish commission providing access to the river (Luzerne CPC 1974).

3.3.6.2 Probable future of recreation in the site vicinity

Conyngham Township is not expected to increase its present supply of county or state recreation facilities and programs by more than modest amounts. The small population and low rate of population growth, coupled with the modest resources available to the municipality for recreation activities, suggest only minor additions to the present activities anci structures. An investigation of the Luzerne County recreation report (1974) shows that the county's plans for expanded parklands and other recreational facilities do not call for any major expansion of activities within Conyngham Township; rather, an emphasis upon more densely populated areas of the county is evident.

Two small parks are planned for Conyngham Township: a one- to two-acre facility near the fire hall in Pond Hill and a larger active recreational facility to serve Napwallopen (Pawlowski 1978) . Swimming facilities remain an important but unserved need in the township (Pawlowski 1978).

3-168 Xn neighboring Salem Township, the Susquehanna Riverlands Project, planned in conjunction with the Susquehanna Stean Electric Sta- tion, will include approximately 400 acres on the west side of the Susque- hanna River. The project will provide opportunities for a number of different recreational activities, for exanple, pinic areas ard playfields for baseball and volleyball, hikirg trails, nature trails, ice skating, fishing and boating. Outdoor recreational prograns ard nature study will be offered for school groups ard adults (Arbogast 1978).

The cooperative farm-gane project in the vicinity of Council Cup will remain as a hunting area with possible developnent of trails.

3.3.6.3 Probable future of recreation within the site

Current casual recreational use of the site for hunting, hiking, nature study and similar activities is likely to continue. No plans for acquisition of parklands, gamelands or the like have been identified for the site. No historic structures or sites of geological or historical interest exist within the site.

3-169 References Consulted —Section 3.3e6 Arbogast, Mark. Recreational Planner, Pennsylvania Power and Light, Allentown, Pa. Personal communication. July, 1978.

Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1974. Recreation, Park and Open Space, Historic Preservation and Tourism Report of Luzerne County. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Pawlowski, M. Planning Consultant to Conyngham Township, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal communication. June, 1978.

Scenic Rivers Inventor . Prepared by the Bureau of Resources Program- ing, Division of Outdoor Recreation, and the Pennsylvania Wild and Scenic Rivers Task Force. Harrisburg, Pa.

Pennsylvania Office of State Planning anti Develolsnent. 1976. ~Penna 1- vania's Recreation Plan — 1975. Harrisburg, Pa.

3-i70 SECTION 4 ENVIROHMERZAL IMPACTS OF THE PRMECT

4.1 INZRODUCTION

The environmental impacts of the project are discussed in detail in the following section. The major subheadings in this discussion are the same as those used for the description of conditions without the 'project. within each section the impacts of the project are related specifically to existing and future conditions without the project.

The impacts are defined in terms of construction and operation, short- and long-term, direct and indirect. Impacts are quantifiea wherever possible, and detailed qualitative descriptions are presented for all impacts.

4.2 ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS

4.2.1 Physical

4.2.1.1 Physiography and geology

Construction of the dam and appurtenance structures, filling of the reservoir, and borrowing core material from the builder area will alter the land form in the project area. However, these changes will not seriously affect the natural physiography of the region.

Because of the small size of the reservoir and the geological and seismic history of the project area, no reservoir induced seismic activity is expected to occur. Construction of the project will not adversely affect the mining and quarry operations of the region.

4-1 4.2.1.2 Soils

As is normally the case with a construction project of this size, construction activities together with construction of haul roads will cause temporary adverse impacts such as added soil erosion and general degradation of the landscape in the immediate vicinity of the project area. These adverse effects will be minimize'd kiJJ requiring the contracto'r to utilize standard construction techniques and follow a'n erosion and sedimentation control plan developed in cooperation with the Pennsylvania DER designed to mitigate such impacts.

4.2.1.3 Hydrology

4.2.1.3.1 Susquehanna River

Construction of the Pond Hill Reservoir and pump station will have no adverse impact on the hydrology of the Susquehanna River. Opera- tion of the project will provide 50 cfs to compensate for the water used consumptively at the Susquehanna SES. Water will be released from Pond Hill when the Susquehanna flow as measured at the Nilkes-Barre gage is 820 cfs or less. A minimum conservation release of 0.2 cfs will be made to the existing downstream channel of Pond Hill Creek.

The reservoir will be refilled by pumping from the Susquehanna River when flows are at least 3,000 cfs at the Wilkes-Barre gage. This will usually occur during late fall and winter. The pump station will have the capacity to refill the reservoir within ninety days at the rate of 60 . cfs.

t An operation study of the reser'voir was made based on the Susquehanna River flows as measured at the Wilkes-Barre gage for the period 1905-1975, on the refilling criteria given above and on a 50 cfs consumptive use at the Susquehanna SES. Figure 4-1 is an area/capacity curve for the project on which the study, summarized in Table 1.3.2-1 and discussed

4-2 in sections 1.4.6.1 and 1.4.6.2, is based. The table indicates the dates when drawdown would have occurred and estimates minimun reservoir levels and the number of acres that would have been exposed by drawdown at the minimum reservoir elevation. The estimated time when refilling could canmence and the number of days of punping necessary to refill also are shown.

The operation stol indicates the reservoir would have been operated for Susquehanna River augmentation releases in only twelve years of the period of record. In the remaining fifty-nine years, only conservation releases to Pond Hill Creek would have been required. During the 1964-1965 drought year, the reservoir would have been drawn down to the minima storage elevation of 878 feet. The next largest drawdown would have been to 926 feet in 1962. Note that in 90 percent of the years on record, the reservoir would either not be drawn down at all or drawn down less than five feet.

At no time would augmentation releases (maximum of 50 cfs) increase Susquehanna River flmrs more than 10 percent, and the releases are not anticipated to have a serious impact on downstream hydrology.

The reservoir operations would normally be carried out fran the SSES where renote controls for operating all major project equignent would be installed. This operating center would be manned continuously during periods when releasing or piping is in progress. At other times, the center would be inspected and operated as needed to insure that all controls and equipnent were functionirg properly.

4.2.1.3.2 Pond Hill Reservoir and Pond Hill Creek

Construction and operation of the Pond Hill Reservoir will affect the hydrology of Pond Hill Creek. During construction, the cutting of vegetation and earth moving association with dan and dike building may temporarily allow water to run off more rapidly. This could increase peak

4-3 flows, especially during thunderstoims and.other periods, of heavy precipi- tation- (Linsley et .al. 1972) . Operation-.of the, reservoir will reduce- the 100-year flood flow below the dan. fran 1,756 .cfs to 226 cfs. Details of the flood canputations are contained in the, pond Hill Reservoir Design Report (TAMS 1979). Shen the reservoir is full,-downstream flows will be much as they are at present since all inflow fran the watershed will be allowed to pass downstream. During periods of drawdown and refilling,

0.2 cfs 'will be released as a conservation release. ~

4.2.1.4 Ground water hydrology

Filling of the reservoir will alter the ground water conditions along the perimeter of the reservoir. The groundwater level, as is typical in reservoir operations, should be expected to rise adjacent to the reservoir. This potential change in groundwater level will not have any significant impact on existing land use, however, because there are no dwellings or agricultural activity in the immediate area. The potentially affected lard is well within the proposed reservoir buffer zone, and thus future lard use in the area will be closely controlled by PP&L.

4-4 IOOO 300 200 100 Reservoir Surface in Acres

= Storage at given level ——= Surface area at given level 60

Cl LL C 0 0C 900 Ql Llj L

rK 80

POND HlLL RESERVOIR AREA CAPACITYCURVE 20

FIGURE 4-1

Storage Volume in Thousands of Acre Feet 800 6 10 I2 I4 I6 I8 20 22 24 26 28

References Consulted —Section 4.2.1

Linsley, R.K., and J.B. Franzini. 1972 Water Resources E ineer' 2nd edition. McQraw-Hill, New York.

Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton (TAMS). 1979. Design Report, Pond Hill Reservoir. TAMS, New York.

4-5 4.2.2 Terrestr ial Ecology

4.2.2.1 General

The construction of a reservoir results in the replacement of a terrestrial habitat by an aquatic one. Vegetation and wildlife communities which are affected by such projects are those found within the inundation and drawdown zone, the surrounding area, and downstream from the impoundment. This section identifies the most important impacts and discusses their relative significance.

4.2.2.2 Inundated area and embankment

The total land area required for the dam, the spillway, and the reservoir is 260 acres.

The principal impact of the reservoir construction will be to transform most of the 260 acres of terrestrial and wetland habitat into aquatic habitat, and a small portion into developed land. Consequently, all ecosystems found within the 260 acres will be altered.

In assessing the significance of 260 acres of terrestrial habitat, several factors are considered. First, the general characteristics of the area in terms of floristic composition and successional stage; second, the quality of the habitats afforded by the vegetation; third, the wildlife community which would be affected; and fourth, the relative quality of the site in relation to the surrounding region.

The 260 acres under consideration contain diverse and productive vegetation and wildlife coranunities. This is due partially to the range in elevation and soil moisture content found on site, and partially to the history of the area. Elevations range from approximately 500 feet to 1,400 feet above sea level. Soil moisture content varies from very high in the wetlands to dry along the ridgetops. The vegetation found in the site reflects these variations. Additional vegetational variation has resulted from man' utilization of the area.

4-6 Following the logging operations conducted in the early 1900s, with the exception of the beaver activity during the past decade, the inundation and embankment areas have been largely undisturbed for thirty to fiftyyears. Today, the 260 acres comprising the inundation and embankment areas consist of a wide variety of vegetational cover types which include mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, mixed deciduous woodland, and wetlands. The vegetation is undergoing succession toward the white pine- hemlock-hardwood climax community characteristic of the region.

Approximately 18 species of mammals, 5 species of reptiles and 17 species of amphibians are known to inhabit the area. Also, about 135 species of birds occur in the area, of which at least 60 species were observed in the site (see Nildlife Species Inventory at the end of section 3.2,2.2).

The construction of the reservoir and its embankment will directly or indirectly result in the death or displacement of most of the individual animals inhabiting the site. The habitats provided by the forested areas will be lost during inundation. Specifically, many of the small game animals and most of the reptiles and amphibians have relatively small home ranges. They probably will not relocate and, thus, will perish during construction. The more mobile animals such as deer, birds, and foxes will probably be able to escape during construction, as will at least some of the squirrels and rabbits. Animals forced out of the reservoir site may not be able to find an available niche in the surrounding areas because those habitats may already be fully utilized. If the displaced animals try to establish themselves when the habitat is at its carrying capacity, there will be increased competition for available food and cover which would temporarily increase mortality. Once the wildlife populations are in equilibrium with the carrying capacity, deaths resulting from competition and stress will drop off (Ricklefs 1973, Odum 1971, Ortolano 1973).

4-7 The effect on wildlife populations will be local since the region contains thousands of acres of habitat similar to that being .used for the reservoir which harbor large numbers of the species affected by the reservoir. Management of the buffer zone as described in section 4.3 will improve the habitat and substantially offset this effect.

In addition to the individual animals which will be lost, the annual productivity of those species which are not able to adapt to a lacustrine habitat will be lost. Specifically, species adapted to a,. running water or terrestrial habitat will not be able to reproduce in the lacustrine environment. Certain animal populations which use the inundated and embankment areas for sources of food will also be adversely affected. For example, high-level consumers such as owls and hawks, which feed on small rodents inhabiting old fields and wetlands, will lose a portion of their hunting grounds (Ortolano 1973). Moreover, the riparian and wetland vegetation which provides a year-round food source for nonhibernating animals, such as the white-tailed deer, will be lost (Bureau of Reclamation 1972). As noted previously, however, habitat similar to that affected by the reservoir is plentiful in the area and supports many of the same species which occur in the reservoir site.

The reservoir will provide new habitat and food sources for a number of animals. The construction of a 230 acre reservoir can be viewed as the creation of 230 acres of lacustrine environment, from which those species that thrive in such an environment will benefit. Populations of species of frogs, toads, and certain turtles and snakes will increase and possibly, in time, new species adapted to such a habitat may move into the area. In addition, piscivores such as ducks, herons, ospreys, kingfishers, raccoons and water snakes will benefit from an increased fishery resource. In fall and spring, it is expected that migratory waterfowl such as the common loon, mallard and wood ducks, Canada geese and American coot will stop over at the reservoir as it will be located along a major waterway, the Susquehanna River. As discussed later, however, the reservoir will probably provide little additional waterfowl habitat.

4-8 In conjunction with reservoir construction and the establishment of an aquatic habitat, two additional new habitats will be created which affect vegetation and wildlife: the drawdown zone and the reservoir perimeter or edge. A detailed discussion of the drawdown characteristics of the Pond Hill Reservoir are found in section 4.2.3.2.1, Inundation impacts. This section will summarize those drawdown characteristics which are critical to vegetation and wildlife.

The impact of the drawdown and refilling on vegetation and wildlife will vary from year to year. During those years when acreage is exposed (by drawdown) for several months, little emergent vegetation will be able to establish itself in the drawdown zone (which will be the areas where the reservoir walls are steep). This is because the drawdown will occur between July and December of which only July, August and September can be considered growing months. Some wildlife species may feed on whatever emergent vegetation does develop during these months; however, for most shoreline dwellers, it will be too late in the season to provide nesting cover. During the one out of seventy-one years when the reservoir is drawn down to the minimum pool, no impact on vegetation is expected because this exposure will occur only in November and/or December.

According to the period of record, drawdown and refilling will not normally occur during months which would affect the reproauction of reptiles and amphibians living within the reservoir. Also, since shoreline dwellers will probably not find suitable nesting sites within the drawdown zone, there will probably not be an effect on wildlife reproduction.

The construction of the reservoir will break tne terrestrial canopy and will create an edge or ecotone at its perimeter. As noted in section 3.2.2, Terrestrial Ecology, edges tend to be very productive and support a large number of wildlife species. Several yards of flooded timbers will be left below the maximum water level line in selected areas to create a productive edge. Given the steep slopes, light drawdown schedule, and possibilities for mitigation, it is predicted that the Pond

4-9 Hill Reservoir would be suitable — for creating a moderately productive j edge.

In summary, the project will result in the loss of 260 acres of productive and varied terrestrial habitat. In addition to the individual animals which will perish, the annual productivity of the breeding animals found within the inundation area will be lost. Certain high-level consumers may be adversely affected due to loss of hunting grounds. Nearby areas do afford food sources for these species so that the populations as a whole will probably not suffer, although individual animals may. Animal species present which can adapt to a lacustrine environment will remain, and additional species benefiting from the reservoir may migrate or could be introduced into the area over time. The limited extent of recreational development and use should not disturb the new habitat provided for shoreline species.

Endan ered and threatened s cies. No endangered or threatened species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or plants are known to inhabit the inundation and embankment areas. Consequently, inundation of the Pond Hill site would not constitute a habitat loss for any threatened or endangered species. The area is suitable habitat for, and within the range of, two indeterminate species of reptiles, the eastern hognose snake and the timber rattlesnake; however, as this habitat type is found through this area of Pennsylvania, no major impact on either species will occur as a result of inundation of the Pond Hill site.

4.2.2.3 Surrounding area

The preceding section discusses the changes which are anticipated in the terrestrial community occurring at the edge of the maximum water level. In addition to these changes, it is expected the vegetation surrounding the edge of the reservoir and the riparian vegetation found downstream of the dam will be affected by reservoir construction.

4-10 An impact of reservoir construction on the terrestrial habitat surrounding the inundation area will be the competition occurring between existing wildlife species and those displaced by the reservoir. Those animals which are able to leave the inundated area will compete for available food and shelter with animals inhabiting the surrounding area. Following a transition period during which some of the animals will perish, the surrounding areas will stabilize in population at approximately their carrying capacity.

Approximately 1,040 acres surrounding the reservoir will be purchased along with the 260 acres required for the inundation and embankment area. If not developed, the wildlife will be of the same character as now inhabits the site. Controlled recreation will be allowed in the area without appreciably affecting the vegetation and wildlife.

4.2.2.4 Borrow area and water conduit route

The extraction of core materials for dam construction will temporarily displace existing wildlife and terrestrial communities. It is expected that the excavation site and the construction road which will be built to it will primarily affect old fields. The borrow areas will be restored as closely as possible to their original condition once the excavation work is completed. In general, the impact of removing core materials will be minimal, since the terrestrial habitat which will be affected is not very productive or unusual, and the disruptions which will occur will be temporary.

The installation of the pipeline will probably have a temporary negative impact on existing vegetation and wildlife. The pipeline for the most part will be buried; however, a right-of-way of approximately 50-100 feet wide will be established to accommodate the pipeline. This right-of- way will be kept cleared of any vegetation which might hinder access to the pipeline. The initial impact of installing the pipeline and maintaining the right-of-way will be to remove existing mixed coniferous-deciduous and

4-11 mixed deciduous woodlands and to displace existing wildlife. The long-term impact of this construction work will be to create an edge of woodland vegetation. It is probable that this edge will provide improved habitat for a number of animal species, most of which inhabited the area prior to construction. That portion of the water conduit route that will be a tunnel will have no impact on existing vegetation or wildlife.

4-12 References Consulted —Section 4.2.2 Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City, Utah, Region 4. 1972. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: China Meadows Dam and Reservoir, Lyman Project, Wyoming.

California Department of Fish and Game. 1970. Preliminary Report on Impact of Trinity River - Water Development to Fish and Wildlife Resources. Environmental Services Admin. Report. Sacramento, Cali. pp. 70-72. Odum, E.P. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecol . N.B. Saunders Co., Phila- delphia, Pa.

Ortolano, L. 1973. Analyzing the Environmental Impacts of Water Projects. NTIS Springfield, Va.

Ricklefs, R.E. 1973. Ecology. Chiron Press, Newton, Mass.

Trefethen, J.B. 1973. Man-made Lakes and'ildlife Values. In: Man-made Lakes: Their Problems-and Environmental Effects, ed. by Ackerman et al. American Geophysical Union. pp. 750-755.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1974. An Assessment Methodology for the Environmental Impact of Water Resource Projects. EPA, washington, D.C.

4-13 4.2.3 Aquatic Ecology

4.2.3.1 Operations scheme

Nhen filled to the maximum water supply level, the reservoir will have a surface area of approximately 230 acres. It"willbe relatively steep sided, ranging in depth from a few feet at the upper end of .the reservoir to about 150 feet at the dam. The depth in the middle of the reservoir will be roughly 90 feet. The Susquehanna River will act as both source and receiver of water pumped through the conduit between the river g and the reservoir. The remaining portion of the Pond Hill Creek watershed outside the reservoir's inundated area will contribute only a small frac- tion of runoff to the new reservoir. There will be a conservation release to the portion of Pond Hill Creek below the dam of 0.2 cfs. Nost of the time, the downstream releases will exceed this rate.

4.2.3.2 Hater quality impacts

4.2.3.2.1 Construction impacts

Stripping of vegetation from the inundated area and of earthfill will expose soils to erosion, thus increasing the turbidity of Pona Hill Creek downstream from the reservoir site during the period of construction. The exposed soil will have a higher runoff coefficient, thereby changing runoff characteristics and possibly increasing flood peaks during construction (EPA 1975a). Erosion from access roads, storage piles and the borrow area can also cause increased sedimentation in the stream. However, the effect on water quality of increased turbidity and sedimentation from the construction activities will be temporary and controlled to the extent " practicable by an erosion control plan which will include the use of diversion ditches, hay bale check dams, and sediment traps by the contractor as appropriate. This plan will be developed in cooperation with state and local agencies and will be consistent with applicable regulations. Following construction, erosion of the remaining exposed areas will be prevented by proper landscaping.

4-14 Strean tenperatures also may be temporarily raised, since the removal of overhanging vegetation will expose more water surface to solar radiation (EPA 1972). However, this is expected to have little long-term impact, since this condition will exist only for a few months between the removal of vegetation and the fillingof the reservoir.

Use of self-contained toilet units or similar sanitation facilities will effectively limit the impact of a large crew of construction workers.

On the Susquehanna River, construction activities related to the intake structure will have minimal impacts on the river's water quality. The inletoutlet and pump station will be located on the bank of the river; thus, the disturbance of the river bottan will be minimal. Some erosion of soils fran the intake site can be expected to add sediment to the river and contribute to elevated turbidity levels. However, these effects will be temporary and localized, and sediment traps will be used to control erosion, as described in section 4.3.

4.2.3.2.2 Inundation impacts

The upstream section of Pond Hill Creek will be transformed frcm a small, free-flowirg strean into a relatively deep 230 acre reservoir. The renaining watershed of Pond Hill Creek will contribute very little to the quantity and quality of the water in the new reservoir. Water quality conditions in the reservoir will be determined to a large extent by the quality of inflowing water fran the Susquehanna River and by various other factors such as climate, water depth, retention time and biological activities.

A general ccmparison with similax sized lakes and reservoirs in the northeastern United States indicates that Pond Hill Reservoir would be expected to exhibit seasonal, vertical thermal stratification (Berg 1966, EPA 1975b). In addition, the HEC Water Quality Nodel employed by TAMS (1979). has predicted that the proposed Pond Hill Reservoir will be

4-15 thermally stratified during the summer months with turnovers occurring in both the early spring and late fall. The pattern of thermal stratification which would be anticipated throughout the year can be described from the results of the HEC Model in conjunction with the typical thermal characteristics observed for most temperate lakes (Ruttner 1963, Odum 1971 g Hutchinson 1975).

The HEC Model predicted the presence of a relatively stable thermocline in Pond Hill Reservoir from around late April through October. The top of the thermocline is predicted to be approximately fifteen to twenty feet below the surface. During the summer stratification, tempera- / 'tures in the epilimnion are predicted to be from 20'o 25'C while temperatures in the hypolimnion will range from 5'o 10'C.

Nhen a reservoir stratifies thermally, chemical stratification usually results with little interaction between the epilimnion and tne hypolimnion. Often in highly productive or eutrophic lakes, there will be a progressive decrease of dissolved oxygen levels in the hypolimnion through the summer. If oxygen concentrations reach very low levels, the hypolimnion may become unsuitable for most fish species. However, during those times, fish can inhabit the epilimnion.

Productivity levels in Pond Hill Reservoir will depend, to a large extent, on the amount of nutrients available for the growth of phytoplankton. The principal nutrients which influence algal growth are carbon, nitrogen and especially phosphorous, which is usually considered the most important limiting factor (Vollenweider 1968, Fuhs 1974, Hutchin- son 1975). The Susquehanna River, which will be the main source of inflowing water for the reservoir, contains more than sufficient quantities of all these nutrients to support algal growth. High nutrient concentrations are evident in the river year round (see section 3.2.3), and consequently, any time water is pumped from the river, large quantities of nutrients will be introduced into the reservoir. To prevent the development of -algae blooms and to control eutrophication, EPA (1976) has recommended that toal

4-16 phosphates should not exceed 0.050 mg/1 in any strean at the point where it enters any lake or reservoir, nor 0.025 mg/1 within the lake or reservoir. Data gathered frcm 1972 to 1976 indicate that nearly all monthly and annual means of total phosphate levels in the river near SSES exceeded these criteria considerably (section 3.2.3). Consequently, based on the total phosphate levels which would be expected in the inflowing water, the potential that eutrophic conditions will occur in Pond Hill Reservoir is relatively high.

The potential for high productivity levels during the first few years of impoundment is enhanced, since the recently inundated terrestrial vegetation and soils will provide an additional large source of nutrients (Sylvester and Seabloan 1965, Neel 1967) . Typically, initial production levels are high in many reservoirs but a reservoir may beccme less productive due to a decline in the quantities of land-supplied organic matter and a loss of nutrients to the bottcm sediments (Sylvester and Seablocm 1965, Neel 1967, Lowe-NcConnell 1973) . Reservoirs terd to act as traps for nutrients which settle to the bottom and are then prevented fran reaching surface waters by thermal stratification. During overturns some of the nutrients are recycled to the surface for use by phytoplankton.. However, once plmsphorous reaches the bottom sediments, usually very little of it returns to the epilimnion (Schindler and Lean 1973, Fuhs 1974). Thus, with increasing age, productivity levels in the reservoir may be dependent to a large extent upon nutrients which are introduced by inflowing waters and are brought to the surface during overturns.

Once in operation, nutrients in high concentrations will enter Pond Hill Reservoir whenever water must be pumped from the river to meet storage requirements. Consequently, although nutrients may be scme- what depleted in the reservoir as time passes, an additional supply will be provided dur ing refil1 i'perations. On the other hand, very 1 ittle punping will be required in most years.

4-17 Overall, Pond Hill Reservoir would appear to have a relatively high potential for eutrophication initially, followed by a gradual decline in productivity levels as nutrients are lost to bottan sediments. This pattern may be generally repeated following prolonged periods of pumping to fillthe reservoir.

High anounts of iron will enter the reservoir fran the Susque- hanna River ( sect ions 3.2.3.2. 2) . Mean monthly levels of iron from 1972 to 1976 in the river ranged frcm 2.2 to 7.3 mg/l. Thus, the concentration of iron entering the reservoir will probably always exceed the PDER (1978) recanmended criteria of 1.5 mg/l.

The iron cycle in impounded waters has been described by Stunm and Lee (1960), Hutchinson (1975), and EPA (1976) . In general, the ferrous form of iron is only present in water devoid of dissolved oxygen. In the presence of oxygen, ferrous iron is rapidly oxidized to the ferric form, which for all practical purposes is insoluble. "Thus, when the reservoir is stratified, very little iron will remain in the epilimnion due to the presence of dissolved oxygen. On the other hand, soluble ferrous iron will occur in the hypolimniori if it beccmes anaerobic. During the fall ard spring overturns, the water throughout the reservoir is highly oxygenated, and as the ferrous iron is circulated it is oxidized to the ferric form precipitating sediments to the bottcm as ferric hydroxide or other canplexes which may include phosphates.

Consequently it is apparent that most of the iron entering the proposed reservoir will be canbined into precipitates that will subsequently settle to the bottcm. Scme of this iron will appear in the water column during overturns and in the hypolimnion if its beccmes anaerobic, but eventually it will be returned as insoluble canpounds to the bottan. Sjnce sane of,the iron will probably remain trapped in bottan sediments, the dissolved iron concentration in the water column will be less than that originally intrcduced fran the river. However, iron levels exceeding the reccaunended criteria of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/1 (EPA 1976, PDER 1978) for the protection of aquatic life may still occur in the reservoir.

4-18 The precipitating iron may reduce productivity in the reservoir by renoving phosphate fran the surface waters. Because of the canplex nature of the chemical reactions involving iron, it is difficult to determine the magnitude of the effect iron will have on the productivity of the reservoir. If large amounts of phosphate are precipitated with iron during lake overturns, productivity levels may be sharply reduced. However, based on the existing water quality conditions in the river at the SSES, high iron concentrations occur simultaneously with high prosphate levels. This may be due to the presence of other substances in the water, such as sulfates, which bind the iron or at least prevent it fran forming insoluble canplexes with the phosphate (Hutchinson 1975). In addition, although iron apparently hah a highly detrimental effect on river phytoplantkon immediately below acid-mine outfalls, phytoplankton population near the SSES were found to be only slightly depressed (see section 3.2.3.2.3). Furthermore, compared to criteria given by EPA (1972), the chlorophyll content near SSES often reached levels indicative of highly productive waters.

Iron does not appear to have reduced phosphate levels nor severely limited phytoplankton productivity near the SSES. Because iron concentrations in the Pond Hill Reservoir will decrease and the levels recorded in the river at present do not appear to have seriously reduced primary production, the effects of iron on productivity in the Pond Hill Reservoir may not be great.

Impacts on water quality fran other substances entering the reservoir fran the river should be insignificant, since the remaining parameters have been found to meet criteria reccmmended by PDER (1978) and EPA (1976). Fecal coliform levels in the river usually exceed standards acceptable for bathing waters. However, fecal pathogenic bacteria will survive only a few days in the reservoir (Chanlett 1973).

4.2.3.2.3 Discharge impacts

The quality of water discharged from the reservoir into the downstrean section of Pond Hill Creek and into the Susquehanna River will

4-19 be controlled by a multilevel release tower. The tower can selectively remove water fran different depths in the reservoir. This will insure that, in general, water quality conditions in the discharge water will meet applicable criteria reccmmended by PDER (1978).

TAMS (1979) has used the HEC Water Quality Model to estimate whether the temperature criterion of not more than a 2.8'C.(5.0'F) rise above the ambient temperature of the receiving water would be exceeded during discharges to the Susquehanna River. The results indicate that the criterion can be met except in late November. At this time, the reservoir has overturned and mixed to a uniform temperature. Therefore, the entire reservoir could possibly be more than 54C. warmer than the Susquehanna River. However, the release volume will be small in ccmparison to the river flows, and it is unlikely that river temperatures would be increased by more than the standards set for the section of the river by PDER (1978). In addition, based upon the flow records for the river, releases would be necessary in November only once every fifty years. Thus, the infrequent elevated thermal releases to the river would not be expected to have a serious impact.

Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the discharge water should be high, even if water is removed fran an anaerobic hygolimnion, because of reaeration in the release structure. Iron levels in the discharge water may be high, especially if releasing coincides with overturns. In addition, since the reservoir may be eutrophic, large amounts of organic matter may appear in discharges. High iron and organic matter concentrations in the discharges should have little impact on the Susquehanna River, since augnentation releases will be infrequent and usually anall in volume. In addition, selective withdrawal fran various reservoir depths= could help control the levels of organic matter and other substances in the discharges, if necessary. Impacts may be more noticeable in the downstream section of Pond Hill Creek, since it will receive a conservation release fran the reservoir. Iron precipitates may at times coat the stream substrate, altering it considerably. High organic loads probably will be

4-20 infrequent and be beneficial by increasing productivity in the stream. Most of the time relatively high-quality water should be released into lower Pond Hill Creek.

4.2.3.3 Impacts on aquatic lite

4.2.3.3.l Construction impacts

The clearing of terrestrial vegetation and/or construction activities at the dam and intake sites will result in subsequent surface erosion which will increase suspended solids and siltation in the lower section of Pond Hill Creek and the Susquehanna River. Benthic organisms and perhaps a few fish nests in the immediate vicinity of the intake site may be adversely affected. However, these impacts will be substantially reduced through the use of sedimentation control measures which will be installed to contain sediment yield from the areas being cleared and under construction. In addition, siltation impacts will be only temporary and confined to relatively small areas. Generally, habitat conditions are expected to return to normal following construction.

4.2.3.3.2 Inundation impacts

Reservoir pool formation will inundate 1.4 miles (64 percent) of Pond Hill Creek. The aquatic habitat here will oe markedly altered, resulting in subsequent changes in community organization and species composition. The impounded stream section which is characterizea by shallow, fast-flowing water and hard substrates will be replacea by a lake habitat of deep, very slowly moving water and a softer substrate. Accom- panying these transitions will be specific changes in the aquatic biota. Some existing organisms will be excluded from the new lake ecosystem, and others will occur which were not present in the previous stream ecosystem.

The phytoplankton community in Pond Hill Creek consists of attached periphytic algae and diatoms which become free floating only wnen

4-21 detached during high flaw. After inundation, conditions in the reservoir will permit the establishment of self-sustaining phytoplankton and zooplankton populations which will beccme the principal source of primary production in the newly created lake ecosystem. This will represent a significant change frcm the present strean ecosystem which relies. upon the input of organic matter fran the surrounding area as the chief source of primary production.

Since the reservoir will have a relatively high potential for eutrophication, large growths or blocms of diatans, green algae and blue- green algae may occur in some years (Neel 1967, Odum 1971) . However, extensive algae bloans would not be anticipated every year, since there will be a net loss of nutrient salts to the bottan sediments as discussed in section 4.2.3.2. Periphyton and macrophytes which presently exist in the stretch of Pond Hill Creek to be inundated will also be present in the reservoir although their species cangosition and distribution will be changed. Bosses and liverworts which are abundant in Pond Hill Creek will be eliminated following inundation, since they require hard, unsilted subtrates and continuously flowing water for survival (Hynes 1972). Other periphyton will be generally confined to the littoral or inshore areas of the new reservoir since growing conditions in the flooded strean channel will no longer be suitable. Similarly, macr~hytes, such as cattails arxl gondweeds should appear in the shallow, inshore waters. The amount of growth of macrophytes and periphytic algae in Pond Hill Reservoir will be limited, since much of the shoreline will be steep sided. In addition, iron deposits may also inhibit macrophyte developnent.

Followirg reservoir pool formation, a thin layer of silt will accumulate on the bottan, and a fairly uniform benthic habitat will result throughout the new reservoir. Consequently, the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the progosed reservoir should be less than observed in Pond Hill Creek, where there are both quiet and riffle water habitats

4-22 and a variety of substrates. In addition, species composition will change significantly. The Pond Hill Creek macroinvertebrates which require a running water habitat, such as stoneflies, caddisflies and most mayflies, will not survive in the impoundment. Those capable of adjusting to quieter waters and/or preferring soft substrates, such as oligochaete worms, snails, drangonflies and midge larvae, will become more abundant in the reservoir (Needham 1969, Hynes 1972). However, benthic macroinvertebrates may be further limited by iron deposits on the bottom and/or low dissolved oxygen levels in the hypolimnion. Thus, only the more tolerant macroinvertebrate forms would be expected to inhabit the bottom of the lake. Midge larvae (Chironomidae) will probably dominate the reservoir benthos, since they survive at very low oxygen levels (Hynes 1960, U.S. EPA 1972) and were found to be abundant in sections of the Susquehanna River where heavy iron deposits were observed (see section 3.2.3.2.3).

With regard to fish life in general, the loss of 1.4 miles of Pond Hill Creek due to inudation may be considered relatively insignificant. The stream is very small and presently supports a limited fish population comprised chiefly of minnows. No endangered or rare fish species inhabit the stream, nor are there any permanent game fish populations.

A number of factors will affect the type of fish community which will occur in the reservoir. The fish species presently found in Pond Hill Creek which prefer and/or require running water habitats would not be expected to occur in the proposed reservoir. These would include blacknose dace and creek chubs. On the other hand, golden shiner and fathead minnows along with biuegills, largemouth bass and other species inhabiting the small ponds adjacent to the stream may become abundant in the new reservoir.

Low dissolved oxygen and chemically reduced substances released from bottom sediments may create an unfavorable habitat in the hypolimnion during late summer for many fish species. However, oxygen levels in the

4-23 epilinmion should remain sufficiently high to support fish life. Tempera- tures there will be suitable for most warm water fish (Lagler 1956).

High iron levels will probably be found in the reservoir, particularly during spring and fall overturns. However, the iron concentrations will not be as high as those in the river, since some of the imported iron will become trapped in bottom sediments. Nonetheless, levels of iron exceeding the recommended criteria for the protection of aquatic life of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/1 (EPA 1976, PDER 1978) may occur in the reservoir. However, the reported effects of iron on fish are highly variable. Condensed reviews of these effects are presented by Gale, Jacobsen and Smith (1974) and EPA (1972, 1976). Investigators have reported iron concentrations as low as 0.2 mg/1 to be lethal to some fish species, while a level of up to 40 mg/1 had no effect on the hatching of shad eggs. EPA (1976) states that "data obtained under laboratory conditions suggest a greater toxicity for iron than that obtained in natural ecosystems," and further, that "ambient natural waters will vary with respect to alkalinity, pH, hardness, temperature and the presence of ligands which change the valence state and solubility, and therefore the toxicity of the metal." Consequently, the most appropriate data to be used for assessing the impact of iron on fish with respect to Pond Hill Reservoir is that provided by the recent studies conducted on the Susquehanna River near the intake site.

Iron levels near the intake site have been consistently higher than the 1.0 and 1.5 mg/1 criteria. However, a total of forty-two species have been found to inhabit this section of the river (PP&L 1978). The ambient iron concentrations in the river are apparently not directly toxic to these species. In addition, neither growth nor spawning success appears to have been adversely affected. Consequently, most of the fish species, including a number of game fish, inhabiting the Susquehanna River near the intake site would be relatively unaffected by the iron levels in the reservoir. Furthermore, possible detrimental effects of iron on the fish in the reservoir should be reduced, since iron concentrations will be lower than those usually found in the river.

4-24 Periodic drawdowns should not nave major detrimental effects on fish or other aquatic life in the reservoir. Drawdowns generally will be infrequent and will expose a relatively small amount of the inshore waters. An extensive drawdown of the reservoir would be anticipated only once in about 71 years. Even then, a minimum pool of about 112 acres will be maintained. All drawdowns would be expected to occur in the late summer and fall months.

Fall drawdowns may in fact be beneficial to game fish in the reservoir. As the water level falls, small fish will be forced from the protection of shoreline cover and become easy prey for predatory game species (Bennett 1970, Herman, Campbell and Redmond 1969, Lackey 1974).

In general, the proposed reservoir would be a suitable habitat for many warm water game fish. These could include pickerel, muskellunge, catfish, bluegill (and other sunfish), crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch and walleye, all of which occur presently in the Susquehanna River near the intake site. These fish will be introduced and maintained by a fishery management program. A number of these species would establish permanent populations in the reservoir.

4.2.3.3.3 Impacts of intake operation

During intake operations, larger aquatic organisms, which approach too close to the intake structure and are unable to overcome the intake velocity, will be drawn into the structure and impinged on the traveling screens. Aquatic plants, some macroninvertebrates and, more importantly fish inhabiting the Susquehanna River near the intake may be susceptible to impingement. Smaller aquatic organisms in the river which pass through the 3/4 inch mesh traveling screens will be entrained in the conduit and deposited in the reservoir. Typically, phytoplankton, zooplankton, drifting macronivertebrates along with fish eggs and larvae are susceptible to entrainment. Most of the impinged organisms woula be killed or seriously injured by abrasion against the screens, but many of the

4-25 entrained organisms which do not incur physical damage during transport may survive in the reservoir. However, the impacts of impingement and entrainment on the river biota will be negligible. A major reason for this is that water will be withdrawn from the river infrequently. In most years, pumping will be limited to only a few days for maintenance purposes. During years when pumping is required to fillthe reservoir, the operation period will last only 3 to 35 days, except when a severe drought occurs. In this drought of record, pumping would continue for a maximum of 96 days. However, this would be anticipated only once in a 71 year period.

In addition, a very small percentage of river water will be withdrawn during pumping. This would amount to about 0.5 percent of the average river flow of 13,440 cfs near the intake site. At the minimum river flow rate at which pumping will be allowed (3,000 cfs), about 2.1 percent of the water will be removed from the river. It should be empha- sized that, with respect to the degree of entrainment, the above percentages are high, since pumping will never be continuous throughout the year. Even in a worst case situation (pumping 60 cfs at minimum permissible flows of 3,000 cfs for 96 days), only 0.6 percent of the annual total of organisms susceptible to entrainment would be removed.

Furthermore, this latter estimate is also exaggerated, since pumping in any year will coincide with seasons when the densities of phytoplankton, zooplankton, drifting macroinvertebrates, fish eggs and fish larvae are all comparatively low. All of these organisms are present in the water column in much higher numbers during the summer months (see section 3.2.3.2.3). When pumping is necessary, it will occur sometime from late August to the end of April. Pumping is not anticipated in any year during the period from May 1 to the middle of August. Because of the pumping schedule, the possibility of any fish egg or fish larvae entrainment is greately limited.

Similarly, the loss of fish due to impingement also will be very small. As already stated, intake operations are relatively infrequent. In

4-26 addition, when pumping does occur, the maximum velocity at the intake will be only 0.5 fps. Swim speed data for fish in general indicate that most adults as well as small -juvenile fish are capable of overcoming current speeds of 0.5 fps (Bell 1973, Robbins and Nathur 1974, U.S. Nuclear Regula- tory Commission 1975). Consequently, very few fish found in the area should be susceptible to impingement at the proposed intake.

In summary, considering the small volume of the intake, the schedule of intake operations, the spawning and development cycles of fish species in the river and the swimming speed capability of juvenile and adult fish, the impacts of entrainment and impingement on the aquatic biota in the Susquehanna River will be very limited. No significant reduction of existing fish populations will result from entrainment and/or impingement at the „intake.

4.2.3.3.4 Discharge impacts

A conservation releaseI of 0.2 cfs will be maintained for the remaining section of Pond Hill Creek below the dam. Nost of the time, however, the downstream releases will exceed this rate due to natural runoff in the watershed. There should be a sufficient quantity of water to support the existing aquatic life in the stream. However, the quality of the downstream release water may be detrimental to some of the stream organisms. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and most other water quality parameters will meet criteria recommended by EPA (1976) and PDER (1978) for the maintenance of fresh water aquatic life. But iron levels in the release water may exceed the recommended criteria, particularly during reservoir overturns. This could result in the deposition of iron precipitates on the stream substrate. This in turn could limit periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities to iron tolerant species.

Discharge of water into the Susquehanna River to augment flows will cause some scouring of the river substrate, resulting in reduced densities of benthic organisms in the immediate area. A number of macroin-

4-27 vertebrates and a few fish nests may be adversely. affected. A localized increase in turbidity will follow initial outflows as loo'se sediments are suspended in the water column. These impacts will be confined to a very small area, and hence, there should be no significant- or long-term adverse effects from them. The quality of the discharge water will,meet applicable PDER and U.S. EPA criteria except for an occasional high level of iron. However, there should be little impact on river biota, since augmentation releases are infrequent and usually small in volume compared to the river flows.

4-28 References Consulted —Section 4.2.3

Bell, M. 1973. Fisheries Handbook of Engineering Requirements and Biologi- cal Criteria. Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Div., Portland, Oregon.

Bennett, G.W. 1970. Mana ement of Lakes and Ponds. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York.

Benson, N.G., and B.C. Cowell. 1967. The Environment and Plankton Density in Missouri River Reservoirs. In: Reservoir Fishery Resources Sympo- sium Athens, Georgia, April, 1967. Southern Division American Fish Society. Berg, C.O. 1966. Middle Atlantic States. In: Limnol of North America, ed. D.G. Frey. Univ. of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wise.

Boyd, C.E. 1971. The Limnological Role of Aquatic Macrophytes and Their Relationship to Reservoir Management. In: Reservoir fishes and limno- logy, ed. G.E. Hall. Special Publication no. 8. American Fisheries Society, Washington, D.C.

Chanlett, E.T. 1973. Environmental Protection. McGraw-Hill, New York, New York.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1972. water Quality Criteria — 1972. Committee on water quality criteria, EPA, Washington, D.C. Environmental Protection Agency. 1975a. Impact of Hydrologic Modifications on Water Quality. EPA Report no. 60012-75/007. Prepared by MITRE Corporation. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Environmental Protection Agency. 1975b. Report on Harvey's Lake, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. U.S. EPA National Eutrophication Survey Working Paper no. 429. EPA, Washington, D.C. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. Quality Criteria for water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

Fuhs, G.W. 1974. Nutrients and aquatic vegetation effects. Proceedings of ASCE, Environmental Engineering Division, Vol. 100 EE2, April, 1974.

Gale, W.F., T.V.Jacobson and K.M. Smith. 1976. Iron and Its Effects. In: Ecological Studies of the North Branch Susquehanna River in the Vicinity of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Progress Report for 1974. Ichthyological Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa.

Herman, M.I., R.S. Campbell and I.C. Redmond. 1969. Manipulation of Fish Population through Reservoir Drawdown. Trans. American Fisneries ~8ociet 98: 293-304.

Hutchinson, G.E, 1975. A Treatise on I imnol . Vol. 1. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

4-29 Hynes, H.B.N. 1960. The Biol of Polluted Waters. Univ. of Toronto Press, Toronto. Hynes, H.B.N. 1972. The Ecol of Runnin Water. Univ. of Toronto t Press, Toronto. Lackey, R.T. 1974. Introductory Fishery Science. Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg Va. Lagler, K.F. 1956. Freshwater Fishe Biol . Mn. C. Brown Co., Dubuque, Iowa.

Lowe-McConnell, R.H. 1973. Summary: 'eservoirs in Relation to Man- Fisheries. In: Man-made Lakes: Their Problems and Envirormental Effect, ed. W.C. Ackerman et al. American Geophysical Union, Washing- ton, D.C.

Needhan, P.R. 1969. Trout Streams. Holden-Day, San Francisco. Neel, J.K. 1967. Reservoir Eutrophication and Dystrophication Following Impoundment. In: Reservoir Fishery Resources Symposium, Athens, Georgia, April, 1967. Southern Division, American Fisheries Society.

Odum, E.P. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecol . 3rd ed. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (PDER). 1978. Propo- sals for Reccmmended Revisions to Water Quality Criteria, Wastewater Treatment Requirements ard Industrial Wastes. Penns lvania Bulletin Vol. 8 no.9, March 4, 1978: pp. 511 — 708. Reynolds, J.Z. 1966. Sane Water Quality Considerations of Piped Storage Reservoirs. Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan. University Microfilms, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich. Robbins, T.W., and D. Mathur. 1974. Preoperational Report on the Ecology of Conowingo Pond, Peach Bottan Atanic Power Station. Philadelphia Electricl Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Rutter,, F. 1963. Fundanentals of Limnol . Univ. of Toronto Press, Toronto.

Schirdler, D.W., and D.R.S. Lean. 1973 . Biological and Chemical Mechanisms in Eutrophication of Freshwater Lakes. Annals New York Academ of Sciences 1973: 129-135.

Stnxnm, W., and G.F. Lee. 1960. The Chemistry of Aqueous Iron. Schweiz Z. ~H rol. 22(l): 295-319. Sylvester, R.O., and R.W. Seabloan. 1965. Influence of Site Characteris- tics on Quality of Impounded Water. J. Amer. Water Works 57:1,528-1, 545.

Ti~tts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton (TAMS). 1979. Design Report: Pond Hill Reservoir. Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., Allentown, Pa. 4-30 V.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 1975. Draft Environmental Statement: Sterling Power Project, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, washington, D.C. Vollenweider, R.A. 1968. Scientific Fundamentals of the Euthrophication of Lakes and Flowing Rater with Particular Reference to Nitrogen and Phosphorus as Factors in Eutrophication. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris, France.

4-31 4.2.4 Social and Economic Impacts

4.2.4.1 Introduction

A reservoir, like any other major change in land use, can affect population, the local economy, demands on publica and private services, housing, social conditions; lifestyle and community attributes (Schaenman It and Muller 1974). These changes are interdependent; a change in eacn one can induce a change in the othei. Different socioeconomic impacts also can result from different phases of the project: its planning, its construction and its operation. In making socioeconomic assessments, many factors are unknown, difficult to predict or dependent upon other changes exogenous to the project. Therefore, the assessments are general ratner than precise and reflect broad categories of possible change. In the subsequent analysis, assumptions are sometimes made to demonstrate the maximum possible extent or quantity of change. When tney are made, these assumptions are spelled out and modified to reflect the more probable situation.

This discussion analyzes categories of socioeconomic impacts for each of three aspects of the project in anticipation of the project; short-term, mostly construction related; and long-'term operational, excluding impacts of induced development discussed separately. Because of the interconnections among impacts related to any induced residential development which might occur and their highly unpredictable nature, these potential impacts are discussed as a whole. Viithin these sections, references to site-specific or other geographically specific impacts are made where appropriate. An assessment of impacts organized by place (site, pump station, water conduit route, borrow area and site vicinity) 'is provided in section 4.2.5, Land use.

4-32 4.2.4.2 Population

4.2.4.2.1 Impacts on population in anticipation of project

During planning of a project, pecple can anticipate possible problems or benefits ard act according to their evaluations of the future (Burdge- and Ludtke 1970, Burdge and Johnson 1973, Napier and Wright 1976). Negative reactions, as reported in the literature, which stem fran fear of involuntary moves and fran general uncertainty about, or hostility to, a project, have not appeared with respect to the Pond Hill Reservoir. No involuntary moves are required; little adverse reaction to the project has been reported by the Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Cmanitte (PHRAC); and information has been disseminated through the canmittee. Thus the site selection process has not generally ha9 adverse impacts upon the population.

During the period prior to the granting of permits and actual construction apprehension will be minimized by the continued participation of the advisory ccaanittee in the planning process and by continued canmit- ments on the part of the project applicant to inform the canmunity and to mitigate those problems which are anticipated. Specific concerns raised by PHRAC and mitigative measures are discussed in Appendix B.

4.2.4.2.2 Short-term impacts on population

Short-tean impacts on the population produced by construction activity will brief or localized and mitigated to the extent feasible. No residents live near the dam where the major impacts of construction activities (noise, dirt, disruption) will occur; the nearest household is approximately 2,000 feet away. Construction of the pump station on the Susquehanna and waterways beneath Route 239 and the railroad will not affect a resident peopulation; the nearest household is approximately 1,000 feet away. Occasional interruptions in traffic, requiring detours, will occur as described in section 4.2.7.

4-33 Transport of equipnent into the site during the start-up phase ard out of it ugon canpletion of consturction, transport of materials requiring approximately one truck per day for an eight- or nine-month period, and construction workers'ars will result in additional traffic, principally on the western portion of Pond Hill — Lily Lake road. In order to reduce impacts on the households (fewer than ten) along this portion of the road, the following measures will be followed: distribution of information about the procedure, frequency, and timing of truck 'ransgort ard worker traffic; posting of a safety officer during periods of transport of heavy equipnent ( i.e., at beginning and end of construction phase) and construction workers'ravel periods; and coordination of the more routine transport and traffic to avoid interfering with any school bus pick-ups ard deliveries of children. (see section 4.3.2.3).

Some traffic related impacts also may be experienced by those who live along roads used by canmuting construction workers. The number of these autos ard their likely distribution anong the area's roasts in proportion to existing traffic volunes on these roads do not constitute a major change in traffic (see section 4.2.7).

Residents near the borrow area may be subject to the noise, dust, dirt and appearance of borrowing activities. The designated borrow area (see Figure 1-3) is sufficiently large, however, that the impact on households will be minimal. There are sixteen households within 1,000 feet of borrow area. Aesthetic impact, if it occurs for closeby households, will be reduced by screening the operation with a temporary bean, fence or other barrier. Control of access to borrow areas will be undertaken as a safety precaution. The transport of borrow material to the dan will occur in a direction away fran those households near the borrow area ard should not result in any major impacts on population.

4-34 4.2.4.2.3 Long-term impacts on population

No dislocations of people are required for this project; there will be no lory-term relocation impacts nor any psychological and social costs of displacenent.

Changes in land ownership will occur on fewer than twenty properties. Since the largest owner, a coal ampany, now in receivership, holds more than one third of the site, acquisition will result in fewer ownership charges than might otherwise be expected.

The reservoir has no operational characteristics that produce negative impacts on a surrounding population. Changes in recreational opportunities will occur as a consequence of the transformation of forested land to water (see section 4.2.8, Recreation). Changes will also occur if the reservoir precipitates develognent in the Pond Hill — Lily Lake vicinity (see 4.2.4.8 of this section and section 4.2.5, Land Use).

4.2.4.3 Econany

4.2.4.3.1 Econanic impacts in anticipation of the project

During the planning and site selection process, only negligible impacts on the econcmy have resulted, or are likely to result as planning and design continue. The nunber of extra visitors of generators of additional incane is too small to produce any discernible econanic impact.

Typically, people perceive that changes in property values will occur during site selection, as a project nears the permit-grantiog stage or at the beginning of construction. Expectation of recreational potential, hopes for possible hanesites within the proximity of a reservoir and anticipation of the infusion of money and manpower during the construction stage can bid up property values (Dwyer and Espeseth 1977) . For this

4-35 project, minor or very modest increases rather than dramatic increases seen probable because of its scale, the availability of other lakes, and the supply of undeveloped land in the area.

4.2.4.3.2 Short-tean econanic impacts

Within the context of the reeional econaay, the econcmic impact of a construction project of this size will be small and. will generate a relatively snail gain in employment and regional incane. Luzerne County may derive greater benefits locally from the increase in purchase of materials and equipnent. However, canpared to a 1975 total manufacturing production of nearly $ 1.3 billion, the econanic impact will not be large enough to alter the econanic structure of the county or produce enough of a multiplier effect to make more than a minor impact on the local econanic climate.

At the present time the unemployment picture in the region is unfavorable; unemployment rates are much higher than the national or state average. In December, 1978, the unenployment rate for Pennsylvania was 6.7%, (seasonally adjusted) ccmpared to 5'.9S for the nation. The rate for the Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton Labor Market Area was 9.1% (Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry). The unanployment rate for Luzerne County is not expected to fall below 5% in the next several years; unemployment in the construction industry is likely to be even more severe (Magagna 1978).

Given these condition, employment projections (Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry 1976) which assume a 4.5% level of unemployment provide a conservative estimate of the available labor supply for the reservoir project. Table 4.2.4-1 presents estimates of available labor supply in major labor market areas within a fifty-mile radius for selected occupations relevant to reservoir construction. These figures were obtained by using total employment for each category, adjusting ty the unenployment rate to canpute the total lobor force and canputiog the total unenployment labor in each category. For a 4.5% unemployment rate, the

4-36 formula

U = ~E(4.N) 100'%-4.5%

Where E = unemployment, U = unemployed laborers and i = occupational category, was used to ccmpute available labor suppy for each occupation. As can be seen fran the table, a surplus of labor exists in the area and will continue to exist for the duration of the project. Because of the large resident supply of labor, it is not expected that any in-migration to the area will result fran the project's average yearly employment of 100 workers. All labor easily can be supplied frcm the region, and additional labor markets exist in the fifty to seventy-five mile ring circumscribing the fifty mile radius. As a result, no additional housing or ccmmunity facilities will be necessary to support the labor force during the construction phase.

The impact of 100 construction workers employed for a period of two years and the purchase of supplies and equipnent necessary for the reservoir project will affect the local and regional econcmies to different extents. The construction cost (50% in materials) will have multiplier effects on the regional econany as spending in one sector induces spending in another, and so on, until the original investment is mutiliplied throughout the econany. To what degree this occurs in the local and regional econcmies is determined by the structural interdependence of the econanic system (Isard 1960).

The purchase of suppliers for reservoir construction may in fact occur to a great extent within the local econcmy. Table 4.2.4-2 shows the anount of construction related industry in Luzerne County which may supply the reservoir construction. Local materials may prove to be sufficient for the major share of supplies. This would result in additional spending as these industries increase their purchases fran other industries and hire more labor. Within the regional econany, it can be expected that all spending on materials and supplies will be absorbed by the industrial

4-37 sectors of Allentown, Reading, Philadelphia and Scranton, in Pennsylvania, and Phillipsburg in New Jersery. etc., which canprise a major industrialized region.

In the short term, while the reservoir is under construction, local land may beacme more valuable for the reasons described in section 4.2.4.3.1. The realization of such possible gains will depend upon pex ceptions people have regarding the future desirability of land near the reservoir and the liquidity of the real estate market.

4.2.4.3.3 Long-term econanic impacts

After the reservoir has been constructed, its operation will not create any econanic impacts on the local or regional econanies. Operation of an autcmated punp station and of the reservoir requires only a maintenance crew (one or two men); few supplies or equipment will be purchased fran the region for operations. Therefore, upon the canpletion of the construction phase any impacts on the emnany will end.

The reservoir project will not change enploynent opportunities in the site or region and the site itself provides no source of enploynent; therefore, there will be no loss or spatial displacement of jobs. The construction and operation of the reservoir also will have no negative impacts on employment in the region as a result of canpetition with the present labor force.

The recreation facilities at the site, which are primarily intended to take advantage of the natural features of the reservoir and surrounding area, will be limited in scope as described in section 4.2.8, Recreation. The number of jobs created by the recreation activities, if any, is expected to be quite small, possibly a part-time person to super- vise the boat ranp and parking lot.

Changes in lard values are typical on properties surrounding a reservoir site. In most cases, one expects changes because of proximity to

4-38 the reservoir, (Burby et al. 1973). Other factors also will affect land values: percolation capacity of the soil; availability and quality of public facilities; zoning, tax structure and the costs of preparing land near the site relative to other land available for development. Predicting increases in land value is difficult because of the many interacting variables involved and the need to consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the landowners and their predispositions (Burby et al. 1973).

In the Pond Hill — Lily Lake proximity, the distance of available land from the water is likely to keep very modest any long-range increases in property values. Should land value increase and speculation occur, they can have an impact other than raising assessed values and taxes. First, they often can cause a less desirable pattern of residential development and difficulties for planning commissions in coping witn development. Second, rising land prices and speculation result in the capture by some private individuals of unearned income, i.e., they profit from land value increases that are created by quasi-public investment paid for by those within the utilities'ervice area. This represents an inequitable distribution of land value benefits. This situation- is no different from that encountered in many public projects. Barring structural or institutional changes in the method of land dvelopment, such as land banking by a public authority, taxation or other major changes, this inequitable distribution of benefits cannot be avoided (Burby et al. 1973) .

4.2.4.4 Housing

There will be no direct impacts on housing during the planning, construction or operation of the project. Since the project neither withdraws units from the housing stock nor creates a sigificant demand for additional units, no impacts from anticipation should occur.

In the short term, construction workers should not create additional demand for housing units. The required number of workers

4-39 are available within fifty or fewer miles of the site as discussed in 4.2.4.3.2. Because of the current and probably high unemployment rates in the future for construction workers in the labor market area, many workers will commute from homes within the Hilkes-Barre-Hazelton Labor Market area. It is unlikely that workers drawn from other labor markets within fifty miles would choose to move their families to the county. Thus any pressure on available housing is likely to be quite small.

In the long term, no direct impact on the housing market will occur. Relocations are not necessary. Land is available for housebuilding in tne proximity.

4.2.4.5 Community facilities and services

The project does not require acquisition of community facilities or structures. Since no relocations of people are necessary and no additional housing demand by construction workers is contemplated, no extra burdens on comrmnity facilities or services should be anticipated or should result as spinoffs. No community institutions such as churches, schools, social groups or the like should be affected either by loss of -members or by addition of members as a direct result of the project.

During the construction period, the community can expect and will experience additional traffic on roads, but no major demands on community services are likely to ensue. (Refer to section 4.2.7.) If the project creates traffic back-ups, mitigative measures can be applied. The Pond Hill — Lily Lake Road and portions of Route 239 will undergo added wear and tear because of use by heavy vehicles.

The project will provide an addition to the area's recreational facilities and preserve open space in the township.

4-40 4.2.4.6 Goverrment

The principal direct impact on government will be a small change in fiscal flow because of the way in which the state of Pennsylvania taxes the property of,utility ccmpanies. Any other possible impacts would result fran induced develognent; section 4.2.4.8 analyzes these.

In Pennsylvania, local taxing jurisdiction do not directly tax the land or buildings of utility corgorations. Instead, the utilities pay taxes to,the state which reapportions these to local taxing units. The reapportionment, however, does not directly depend upon the amount of the utilities'axable valuation in the jurisdiction. Instead, the formula distributes utility taxes according to the proportion of total revenues each taxing unit collects in relation to the total revenues of all taxing units in the state. Thus, if the utility taxes are thought of as a pie, the pie is shared among taxing units in such a way that the taxing unit which collects the most taxes is given the largest slice. Indirectly this means. that taxes are redistributed according to the population; rural areas with much land but with low density and lower taxable values receive the smallest amounts (Antonuk 1977). The subsequent analysis does not estimate net tax effect, but gross tax effect. No dollar estimate can be made on the net tax effeet (gross tax loss plus the reapgortioned utility tax revenue for each taxing unit). The situation is ccmplicated by the number of taxes involved in addition to real estate taxes, by the unknown amount of tax revenue to be added by the reservoir project, and by the unknown relationship that 1978 estimated taxes within the site's taxing units bear to tax revenues collected by other units of Pennsylvania goverrment (these statistics have not yet been ~lished).

Real estate taxes constitute the principal source of tax change. Since the country, the school district and the township each levy a tax on real estate, estimates of impact are made for each of these taxing units, each of which also will receive scme reapgortiorment frcm the state. Table 4.2.4-3 sunmarizes the 1978 assessed valuations in the site as a progortion

4-41 of total real estate ratables in each taxing unit and in terms of dollar amounts. As this table illustrates, gross tax effects on any taxing unit are extremely small. Furthermore for Conyngham Township, the real estate tax represents only 10-12% of total taxes collected (Pa. Dept. of Community Affairs 1977a and Conyngham Township 1978 Budget 1977). For the school district, local real estate taxes are 65% of total taxes (Pa. Dept. of Education 1978). Refer also to section 3.2.4.6.

Since there is no disruption or loss of employment and no relocation, the Act 511 and other taxes levied by the township and the school district will not be affected. Neither should revenues (road maintenance reimbursements, reimbursements and subsidies to the school system or the like) be affected.

During the construction phase, the tax on occupational privilege shared by school district and municipality and applicable to nonresidents may increase. So may the tax on earned income which the township can levy on nonresidents, but currently does not; school districts can not levy tne tax on nonresidents. The latter tax is subject to reciprocal credits in other jurisdictions since the place of residence'takes precedence over the

of employment. The former tax also is subject to sgecial rules 'lace regarding number of jobs held and place of employment versus place of residence (Pa. Chamber of Commerce 1971 and Pa. Dept. of Community Affairs 1973).

4.2.4.7 Community structure and cohesion

4.2.4.7.1 In@acts on community cohesion, anticipation of the project

For this project, no changes in community cohesion have happened or are likely to happen. Although different vested interests exists, the number of people who could anticipate gain is not large nor would others in the community perceive gain to be at their own expense or in substantial conflict with their interests. In addition, no portion of the community

4-42 anticipates a major negative impact such as loss of home or job or similar disruption. Some conflict may arise during the planning stage over the type of recreation desired, but the issues and possible divergences of opinion do not appear so major that they would produce rifts in the community. Greater community cohesion, on the other hand, resulting from generally shared negative anticipations, has not occurred and probably will not. The Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee has tapped community concern and has not reported such attitudes (Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee 1977-78).

4.2.4.7.2 Short-term impacts on community cohesion

Studies of other water resource projects have observed that during the construction period, community cohesion did not break down and that neither alienation nor community exodus occurred, even tnough the community had and continued to have negative attitudes toward the project (Napier and Wright 1976, Napier 1975b). These results suggests that negative effects initially anticipated by the community did not materialize. In one community studied, frustration and friction did disrupt the community when promises or expectations of local construction employment were not fulfilled (Napier 1975a).

In the immediate Pond Hill — Lily Lake community and the larger community of Conyngham Township, no short-teem impact on community cohesion is likely. Not only is there an abesence of widespread negative attitudes (Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee 1977-78), but the small scale of the project, measured by land area acquired (see section 4.2.5, Land Use) and number of people affected by construction impacts, does not create the potential for community antagonisms or loss of cohesion.

4..2.4.7.3 Long-term impacts on community cohension

For reasons discussed previously, the project should cause no long-term impact on the community. The reservoir project neither

4-43 physically divides the larger community nor separates portions of a smaller community, nor affects community institutions. Any possible impact on tne community such as changes in lifestyle, organization, cohesion or cultural values, would be precipitated by induced development rather than as direct impacts of the project. As discussed subsequently (section 4.2.4.8) these types of potential impacts have been minimized.

4.2.4.8 Social and economic consequences of induced development

Acquiring a buffer zone around the reservoir limits the potential for speculation and development and thus serves to preserve open space and the natural character of the setting.

The probable magnitude of induced development ranges from 35 to 140 units of permanent homes. The analysis which developed this possible range is presented in section 4.2.5.7, Land Use. This range is basea upon modifications to housing unit projections for the township between 1976 and 2000. Seasonal second home development, while possible, is considered less likely than permanent home development for reasons described in section 4.2.5.7. The analysis which follows represents a maximum possible case; such an increase seems unlikely at this time, but is presented in order to indicate the small impact even in the maximum case.

Should induced development of 35 to 140 units occur, approximately 133-532 more people would reside in Conyngham Township over a twenty-year period. This estimate of induced population assumes 3.8 persons per household, significantly larger than the 1970 household size of Conyhgham (2.91) or its lower (2.45) projected population per housing unit (Luzerne CPC 1977), but more typical of the type of dwelling units which could be constructed (Burchell and Listokin 1978) and probably the upper limit of household size.

Spread out over twenty years, induced development would have impacts, but relatively minor ones. In addition to extra tax revenue which

4-44 would accrue to the township and to the school district, more people would place additional denands on the services which these districts supply. The principal potential burden would fall upon the school district. For example, the anount of developnent, if it were evenly distributed over the next twenty-odd years, could result in 1.75 to 7 extra units per year with 2-8 more school aged children per housing unit per year. This estimate assumes 1.211 school aged children per housing unit (Burchell and Listokin 1978). This effect is small if spread out over twelve gra3es and twenty years. It could mean (based on current pupil/staff ratios of the Pa. Dept. of Education 1977) the need for two to nine additional employees over the twenty years. Based on statistics for school districts in the Northeastern United States (Burchell and Listokin 1978) the impact would be three to thirteen extra staff for the twenty-year period. Other impacts on municipal services would be minimal. For a municipality with a population less than 2,500, the nunber of employees per thousand population is given in Table 4.2.4-4. An induced population even as large as 500 produces the need for less than one extra employee in each municipal service category.

The impacts of recreational develognent of the site will be quite small. Any influx of recreational visitors, mostly for day-trips and outings and fran nearby areas, is not at all likely to cause a substantial change in ccmmunity character or to bring in added revenue.

The extra traffic on local roads would be too small to have any significant impacts on either traffic generation (a maxim'f 40-50 cars per day on a peak day and fewer most of the time) or wear and tear on local roads (see section 3.2.7). The surface condition of the local road to Pond Hill and Lily Lake, however, is poor.

4-45 TABLE 4.2.4-1

LABOR SUPPLY FOR RESERVOIR QONSTRUCTION

Northeast Pennsyl- vania SMSA Ql 50 Mile Radius +2 of Labor 1974 1985 1974 1985 Carpenters and apprentices 1'76 187 756 900 Bulldozer operators 12 16 52 74

Cement and concrete finishers ll 13 39 49 Electricians and apprentices 81 100 373 473 Excavators, graders, machine operators 49 63 167 Plumbers, pipef itters and apprentices 57 73 254 336

Welders and flame cutters 104 127 510 624 Construction laborers 148 153 556 628

638 732 2,707 3,317

1/ Includes Luzerne, Lackawanna and Monroe counties 2/ Includes all Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Labor Market Areas which fall within a 50 mile radius of the reservoir site: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Harrisburg, Northeast Pennsylvania, Reading and Williamsport SMSA's; Berwick-Bloomsburg, Lebanon, Lewistown, Pottsville, Sayre-Athens-Towanda and Sunbury- Shamokin-Mt. Carmel LHA's. This excludes six counties in the 50 mile radius which are not in a major labor market area: Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, Pike and Tioga.

Source: Computed from employment projections in Penns lvania Occu ational

Research and Statistics Division, 1976.

4-46 TABLE 4.2.4-2

MAJOR INDUSTRIES PROVIDING INPUTS K) CONSTRUCZXON INDUSTRY

Industry SIC Code Number Employment

Structural Metal 343, 344 30 1,649 Stone and Clay 324-329 20 425 Lumber and Wood 24 (exc. 244) 25 447 Primary Iron and Steel 331, 332, 3391, 3399 2 110 Nonferrous Metal 333-336, 3392 4 826

81 3,457

Source: Bureau of Statistics, Research and Planning, Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, 1976.

County Industry Report: Luzerne County. Release Number M-5-75

4-47 TABIZ 4.2.4-3

TAXES AND ASSESSED VALUATIONS OF SITE IN RELATIONSHIP TO TAXING UNITS

Greater Conyngham Nanticoke Area Townshi School District Luzerne Count Total Assessed Value of Taxing Unit, 1978 $1 i868 i620 $ 21 i359 i450 1/ $484 i003 i055

1978 Estimated Assessed Value of Site Taxing Unit $ 25,000 $ „ 25,000' $ . 25,000

Site's Assessed Value as % of Total in Taxing Unit 1.3% 0.12% 0.01%

1978 Millage Rate of Taxing Unit 2.0 51.0

Tax Yield of Valuation in Site of Taxing Unit 50 $ 1 275 450

+1 Estimated for 1977-78

Sources: Pennsylvania Economy League, 1978; Pennsylvania Department of Education, Personal Communication 1978, and Assessment Records from Luzerne County.

4-48 TABLE 4.2 ~ 4-4 MUNICIPAL SERVICE RATIOS (Municipal Population of Less than 2,500)

Full-time employees Munici al Functions r l,000 ulation General Government Finance Administration 0.50 General Control 0.63 Public Safety Police l.26 Fire 0;09 Public Works Highways l.29

Source: R.W. Burchell and David Listokin, The Fiscal act Handbook, l978.

4-49 References Consulted — Section 4.2.4 Antonuk, J. Pennsylvania Utility ,Commission, Harrisburg, Pa. Personal communication. March, 1977. Arnett, V.E., and S. Johnson. 1976. Dams and people: geographic impact area analysis. Research report no. 97. University of Kentucky, water Resources Research Institute, Lexington, Ky.

Burby, R.J.; T.G. Donnelly, and S.F. Weiss. 1973. The effects of authori- zation for water impoundments on shoreline transition. University of North Carolina, Hater Resources Research Institute, Raleigh, N.C. Burchell, R.H., and David Listokin. 1978. The Fiscal I acct Handbook, Center for Urban Policy Research, New Brunswick, N.J. Burdge, R.L., and K.S. Johnson. 1973. Social costs and benefits of water resource construction. Research report no. 64. University of Kentucky Hater Resource Research Institute, Lexington, Ky.

Burdge, R.J., and R.L. Ludtke. 1970. Factors affecting relocations in response to reservoir development. Research report no. 29. University of Kentucky, Hater Resource Institute, Lexington, Ky. ,Dwyer, John F., and R.D. Espeseth. 1977. Improved Local Planning for Reservoir oriented Recreation Opportunities. University of Illinois at UrbanaMhampaign, Water Resources Center, Urbana, Ill. Gilbert Associates, Inc. 1974. Impact on one hundred new jobs on a community. Gilbert Associates'ewsletter, Reading, Pa. Illinois Institute for Environmental Studies. 1976. Ex post reservoir evaluation: progress report. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Ill.

Isard, W. 1960. Methods of r ional anal sis: an introduction to r ional science. MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. Johnson, S., and R.J. Burdge. 1974. Social impact statements: a tentative methodology. Paper presented at the workship on Social Impact Assessment for the 5th Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Luzerne County. Assessment Records for Conyngham Township. wilkes-Barre, Pa. Consulted in February, 1978. Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1977. Luzerne County Housing and Population Estimates by Municipality, 1970-2020. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

4-50 Magagna, Carl. Labor Market Analyst, Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry, Wilkes-Barre-Hazelton Labor Market Area. Personal canmunication. July, 1978. Napier, T.L., and C.J. Wright. 1974. "Impact of rural develognent: case study of forced relocation." Journal of Canmunit Develo ent Societ 5,2 (fall). Napier, T.L. 1975a. An analysis of the social impact of water resource develognent and subsequent forced relocation of population upon rural ccmmunity groups: an attitudinal study. Research Bulletin 1080. Ohio Agricultural Research and Develognent Center, Rater, Ohio. Napier, T.L. 1975b. Social impact assessment of forced relocation of rural populations resulting fran planned land use change. E SS 525. Ohio Agricultural Research ard Develognent Center, Rmster, Ohio. Napier, T.L., and C.J. Wright. 1976. A longitudinal analysis of the attitudinal response of rural people to natural resource develognent: a case study of the impact of water resource develognent. Research Bulletin 1083. Ohio Agricultural Research and Develognent Center, Wooster, Ohio. pennsylvania Chanber of Commerce. 1971. Local Tax Primer. Pennsylvania Chanber of Canmerce, Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Dept. of Canmerce, Bureau of Statistics, Research and planning. 1976. Count Indust Re rt: Luzerne. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Canmunity Affairs. 1973. The Local Tax Enabling Act. 3rd edition, Harrisburg, Pa. pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs. 1977a. Local government financial statistics: 1975. Release no. 43: Luzerne County. Harrisburg, pa. pennsylvania Department of Canmunity Affairs. 1977b. Zocal goverrment financial statistics. Release no. 1: Pennsylvania Counties. Harrisburg, pa. Pennsylvania Department of Education. 1977. Statistical Report of the Secretary of Education, Harrisburg, Pa. pennsylvania Department of Education. 1978. A Measure of Local Effort. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Educational Statistics. Personal canmunication. May, 1968. pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Employment Se- curity. Pennsylvania Labor Market Areas Ranked on Basis of Rate of Unenployment Monthly. Prepared by Research and Statistics Division, Labor Market Information Section, Department of Labor and Industry, Harrisburg. Pa.

4-51 r Pennsylvania Economy League. 1977. Tax Rates and Property Valuations— Part II, Luzerne County. Pennsylvania Economy League, Central Division, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Pennsylvania Economy League. 1978. Tax Rates and Property Valuations— Part I, Luzerne County. Pennsylvania Economy League, Central Division, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee. 1977-78. Minutes of meetings November, 1977Mune, 1978. Files, Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton, New York, N.Y. Schaenman, P.S., and T. Muller. 1974. Measurin 'cts of land develo ment. Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census. 1970. The 1970 Census of

4-52 4.2.5 Land Use

4.2.5.1 Introduction

Generically, a reservoir project can have a variety of impacts on land use. They include absolute and relatively irreversible changes in existing use, the preclusion of future uses for a lengthly time span to accommodate the reservoir'tself and relatively minor changes in the buffer surrounding it.'ndirect or induced impacts 'on land use surrounding a reservoir site can range from minimal to severe and endure for short or long periods of time. Among the most important of these are short-term impacts upon the pace and character of development near a reservoir and long-run, impacts on the direction of future development in the larger community e

Many impacts made visible through changes in land use tend to oe the accumulated result of alterations in vegetation, water quality, aquatic life, noise, air quality (i.e., biological and physical parameters), tne economy and recreation. This section addresses the related questions of how a reservoir might alter existin human use of the site and the larger landscape and how it might alter the potential for human use of the lena in years to come. More specific discussion of those factors which bring about land use changes can be found in appropriate sections of this report. Discussion of impacts related to each component of the project precedes a discussion of overall impacts on the community.

4.2.5.2 Inundated and embankment area

Of total site acquisition at Pond Hill, the inundated and embankment area covers approximately 260 acres of existing forest, including shall areas of wetlands and - swamps and the creek to be impounded.

4-53 The most dramatic and long-term impact on land use is the change of these 260 acres of land to approximately 230 surface acres of water and 30 acres of embankment and spillway. Since the land is not currently logged or otherwise used for commercial purposes, reservoir development does not withdraw this land from productive use other than its current, informal recreational use. It does, however, preclude future use of this land for commercial forestry or other land-related open space uses. Development, given the steep slopes, lack of road access and soil types, would not have been suited to or likely to occur on these lands; thus, reservoir construction does not foreclose options for development.

In the short term before the reservoir is full, the area to be inundated. will undergo changing land use, such as the clearing of vegetation, principally trees. A short-term economic gain can be realized prior to reservoir filling through harvesting of the canmerically valuable lumber and pole timber, a portion of which would otherwise be removed during site preparation. During construction of the inlet-outlet tower, dam, dikes and spillway, the area near the proposed dam will resemble a large construction site. Limitation of access to the mnstruction area is advised to avoid possible vandalism or potential accidents. Construction activity. around the dam will.produce noise, dirt and the intrusion of heavy equipment into an area, that is now secluded (see section 4.2.10, Other Factors). No residential or other uses, however, are in sufficiently close proximity to the embankment area to affect negatively any human use of the land.

4.2.5.3 Buffer surrounding inundated area and embankment

All of some properties and portions of others adjoining the reservoir and dam will be acquired. The buffer was defined by property lines, topography, and the location of occupied residences. The northern portion of the buffer is owned by a mal mmpany whose holdings are more extensive than those shown as included in the project area. The project line here follows the crest of the hill (Figure 1-4).

4-54 The buffer zone of 1,040 acres will undergo relatively little long-term impact on its land use, except for the borrow area portion (see section 4.2.5.6) and those recreational facilities (see section 4.2.8, Recreation) developed in accordance with natural features and sensitive to the ecological character of the site. Generally, 951 acres of forest will remain so. Open and agricultural land of 88 acres will be permitted to remain in agricultural use or managed for wildlife habitat through a land management program to be initiated in the site. Since no development other than recreation would be permitted within the site's confines, the project does foreclose future land use options for housing or other development. This option would have been possible but not highly probable in the near future in the southern portion of the site on roughly one-third of the buffer (350-450 acres) currently zoned for one-and two-acre lots.

Short-term impact on land use will occur during the construction phase on a portion of the buffer around the dam likely to be used as a staging area for construction. A parking lot for construction personnel and a road to permit access to the dam construction area for workers and equipment will be necessary. Following construction, replacement of soil and replanting can mitigate any negative effects associated with construction. Where feasible these facilities could be utilized to provide continuing access to the embankment area for maintenance and in connection with recreation.

4.2.5.4 Water conduit route

No long-term impact on land use is anticipated for the tunnel portion of the route. It would remain forested. For the short section of pipeline within the buffer, approximately 800 feet, a right of way 50-100 feet wide would be kept open (i.e., no trees).

4-55 In the short term, the noise, dirt and disruption associated with tunneling activity and earth removal to bury the pipeline will result in disturbance of existing land use, but no human use of the land is involved. In the area where the tunnel connects to the pump station, some disturbance of highway and rail use can be anticipated. These are discussed in section 4.2.7.

4.2.5.5 Pump station

Construction of the pump station, on the Susquehanna west of the railroad tracks, will foreclose options for any other land use on this site; development options, however, are already foreclosed by regulation of the flood plain. Impact on surrounding property or land use will oe negligible other than the visual presence of the pump station on the landscape. A structure of this size, appearance and mode of operation should not pose significant aesthetic or amenity problems.

In the short run, impact from construction with its consequent noise, dust and traffic should be anticipated along the river's edge. In order to facilitate hauling material excavated from the tunnel and to help minimize disruption to traffic, the area east of Pennsylvania Route 239 will require excavation during construction. The principal impacts relate to transportation and terrestrial ecology (see sections 4.2.7 and 4.2.1). The closest residential or other developed uses are approximately 1,000 feet or more down the road.

4.2.5.6 Borrow area

Excavation of borrow areas would have principally short-term impacts on land use. Eleven residential units are within 500 feet and sixteen are within 1,000 feet of the borrow areas. Since. distance to residential uses was measured from the outermost edge of the possible extent of the borrow area and borrowing is more likely to take place closest to the reservoir, the estimate of properties affected represents a

4-56 worst possible, rather than a probable, case. Anticipated impacts include noise, dirt and visual intrusion. Stripping of the vegetative cover and excavation activity will be seen or heard in the area for a period of one and a half to two years. Visual impact on surrounding land use and potential accidents involving trespassers will be mitigated by erection of an opaque fence to screen and protect the borrow areas. Noise effects will be minimized by restricting construction to daylight hours.

Construction of an access road for trucks carrying borrow material through the site to the dam construction area will not disrupt residential uses. Such a road, however, will require changing additional open and wooded lands from their current use to a haul road.

No long-term negative impacts need be associated with the borrow area. Restoration of the borrow area close to its original condition will be accomplished by grading and replanting. The borrow transport road will be utilized to provide access to the completed dam.

4.2.5.7 Impact of land use changes on the site vicinity

4.2.5.7.1 Direct impact on township

Conyngham Township will incur minimal impact in terms of change in existing land use or the foreclosure of potential future use. tiost of the site is now quasi-recreational and forested, and it will remain so. Table 4.2.5-1 illustrates that acquisition of the site will change ownership of approximately 13 — 14 percent of the township's area; the inundated and embankment area, however, affects only 2.4 percent of the township's area. Although the township does not yet have a comprehensive land use plan that could be used as a comparison for interpretation of this land use change, town officials have indicated that use of the land for the reservoir would be viewed positively. Impact on tax revenue related to change in ownership is assessed in section 4.2.4, Social and Economic Impacts.

4-57 The reservoir is located in such a way that it does not hamper or cut off access, create a barrier in the township or isolate portions of the community. It changes ownership of fewer than twenty pare'els among sixteen owners.

During the construction and filling of the reservoir (two to three years), speculation on land outside the site may occur; the raising of land prices and the submission of suMivision plans could be expected. Immediate realization of development, however, is not likely. Some speculation in anticipation of the possible reservoir already may have taken place during the planning and site selection stage.

4.2.5.7.2 Induced development impacts

Indirect, induced (sometimes termed secondary or tertiary) impacts on land use surrounding reservoir sites are variable. The assessment of induced development in Pond Hill has been based upon an evaluation of local conditions and research of induced development around other reservoirs (Prebble 1969, Hargrove 1971, Burby et al. 1973, Institute for Environmental Studies 1977). A small recreational facility compatible with the natural character of the site is not likely to promote intensive development. Drawdown, the effect on wells or water table and water quality will not, on the other hand, be limiting factors which could prevent development.

One source of induced land use change is the possible stimula- tion of service and tourist enterprises to serve recreational visitors. The proposed reservoir at Pond Hill will enhance and make more public an area that already attracts recreational use. The kind and quantity of induced change will depend largely upon the kind of recreational facility which will result from the project. Given a small facility (as described in section 4.2.8, Recreation) to serve primarily local residents of the township and neighboring areas, overnight tourist facilities and associated restaurants and commerical recreation attractions are not foreseeable.

4-58 Aside from a bait and tackle shop or extra business at local restaurants or service stations, no land use change induced by visitors is expected.

Induced residential development constitutes another source of possible land use change. Residential land use change will hinge upon the perceived attractiveness and uniqueness of a reservoir. The more attractive and the rarer such a facility is within the region, the greater the likelihood of induced development in that area. A reservoir or lake is not unique in this part of Pennsylvania, and many other opportunities for the location of seasonal homes exist (EDCNP 1975 and 1976, Luzerne County Planning Commission 1974). The market for seasonal homes is unstable, and some past developments in the county have not been successful (HeiselrN rg and Ziolkowski, Personal Communications, 1978). Furthermore, the defined project area precludes the possibility of lake-front homes. Thus no major seasonal home development is anticipated. One rationale used in determining the project acquisition line was to minimize the possibility of extensive seasonal or second home development. Such development would pre-empt open space, alter the natural, ecological and scenic qualities of the reservoir's surroundings and place extra demands on municipal services.

Permanent home development could more easily be prompted to locate in the Pond Hill proximity, since the reservoir and its surrounding buffer would provide a recreational amenity and protect the existing aesthetic amenities of the area. The extent of any development would be limited by septic tank and well regulations in addition to existing zoning. Minimum lot sizes of one acre or more would probably be required, if regulations were strictly enforced.

The principal impact of the reservoir project is to confer upon land in the proximity a locational and aesthetic advantage it does not currently have. The resevoir could bring and/or hasten development there. Since current conditions indicate that imninent development or development in the near future is not likely, the hastening of development which might occur in the long run must also be considered an impact.

4-59 The demand for residential housing must be consiaered in order to provide a more reasonable estimate of induced growth. Luzerne County projects an increase of approximately 25,000 units from 1976 to the year 2000 for the entire county (Luzerne CPC 1977). Currently, Conyngham Township is projected to have an increase of approximately 105 units or 0.4 ll percent of the total county increase. A minimum estimate of probable induced growth can be made by assuming that the township will maintain its share of county growth, but of this 105-unit increase projected for the township,, of which one-third might have otherwise located in the Pond Hill proximity, two-thirds might.do so because of the reservoir. These assumptions yield an induced development effect of approximately 35 units. A maximum effect can also be calculated. If reservoir aevelopment, were to double the township's share (0.8 percent) of projected county increase in housing units and attract growth to the Pond Hill area tnat would have otherwise'ocated in other townships, then approximately 105 additional units could be attracted from other areas. These assumptions yield an induced effect of 140 units. Zl

Community planners may prefer to restrict any induced development in the Pond Hill —Lily Lake proximity. Should the township enact its own zoning and subdivision controls upon completion of its comprehensive plan, it could at that time consider zoning for larger lots, mechanisms for timing development and regulations which require sensitivity to natural topography and the capacity of land to withstand development.

Estimated development in Conyngham Township between 1970 and 1976 of 57 units (a rate of 9.5 units per year) and indications of development based on number of recent sewage permits (see section 3.2.5) represents a greater rate of increase than that projected by the county estimates (Luzerne CPC 1977) from 1976 to 2000 (4.4 units per year). If the current higher rate were to continue and the assumptions of the analysis of induced development were maintained (i.e., an additional one-third of projected township development would locate in .Pond Hill at a minimum, or the township would double its share of the county's total increase in projected development at a maximum), then the range of possible development would increase proportionately or approximately double.

4-60 TABLE 4.2.5 — 1

INPACZ OP RESERVOIR SITE GN CONYNGHAN TONIuSHIP

As% of township Acres area 21

Pro'ect Area Inundated and embankment area 260 2.4 Buffer 1,040 9.6 KfZAL SITE 1,300 12.0

V 'and Use Plan, 1976.

4-61 References Consulted —Section 4.2.5

Burby, R.J., T. Donnelly and S.F. Weiss. 1973. The Effects of Authoriza- tion for Water Im oundment, on Shoreline Transition. |Nater Resources Research Institute, Univ. of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C. Economic Develognent Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975. Inven- tor of Second Home Develo ment in Northeastern Penna lvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa.

Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1976 Impact of Second Home Develo ment in Northeastern Penns lvania. EDCNP, Avoca, Pa.

Hargrove, Michael B. 1971. Economic Develo ent of Areas Conti uous to Multi ur se Reservoirs: The Kentuck -Tennessee Ex rience. University of Kentucky Water Resources Inst., Lexington Ky. Heiselberg, E. 'irector, Luzerne County Planning Commission, Hilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal communication. February, 1978. Institute for. Environmental Studies. 1976 and 1977. Ex Post Reservoir Evaluation Progress Report to the Illinois Department of Trans- portation, Division of Water Resources. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1976. Land Use Plan Year 2000. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1977. Luzerne Count Housin and Po ulation Estimates b Munici alit . Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1974. Recreation Park and 0 n S ace, Historic Preservation and Tourism Re rt. Luzerne County Planning Commission. Wxlkes-Barre, Pa.

Prebble, Billy R. 1969. Patterns of Land Use Chan e Around a.Lar e Reservoir. University of Kentucky Water Resources Institute, Lexington Ky. Ziolkowski, L. Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania Deputy Director, Avoca, Pa. Personal communication. February 1978.

- 4-.62 4.2.6 Agriculture

4.2.6.1 Intrcduction

Impacts on agriculture can generally be gauged in a variety of ways: loss of agricultural land or productive capacity, .change in the number of livelihoods that can be supported by agriculture including disruption to a way of life, and the effect of induced developnent upon agriculture. The subsequent discussion addresses each of these issues as well as possible mitigative measures where appropriate.

4.2.6.2 Impact on agricultural land within the site

The area to be inundated or covered by the dam and embankment structures contains no agricultural acreage, either currently cultivated or in a capability class that would favor cultivation (see Figure 3-16 and refer to section 3.2.6.3). Therefore no agricultural land will be permanently or irreversibly lost due to inundation. Since no land actively used for agriculture will be inundated and only a small anount of active hay and pasture lard is included within the project boundary, the proposed project does not conflict with national land use policy relating to farm land.

The buffer surrounding the reservoir includes 125 acres of prime farmland and 35 acres of farmlm9 of additional statewide importance. Of these 160 acres, approximately 95 have been recently cultivated.

Farming on a controlled basis (minimal use of fertilizers, pesticides ard proper erosion control to avoid pollution of the reservoir) will be permitted to continue within the buffer as a means to offset the loss in agricultural production, if there is sufficient econanic denand by farmers in the vicinity, or as part of a land management program.

Borrowing activity, which will occur on farmlands within the buffer, will tenporarily remove topsoil and prevent farming on approximately fifty acres. Replacement of topsoil and restoration as close as possible to original conditions will permit resunption of agricultural or wild life use after borrowing activities have ceased. 4-63 4.2.6.3 Impact on livelihoods supported by agriculture

The project will have a minimal effect on livelihoods supported by agricultural activity (Sheets 1978, Chadwick 1978). For those owners who farm within the sites, renters, and the households which derive rental income, the site's farmlands do not appear to provide the households'ole means of support. Moreover, as indicated above, farming could be permitted to continue.

Since the farming community in the Pond Hill proximity is relatively small and already diminished in comparison with the past, tne impacts on agriculture generated by the reservoir should neither disrupt nor substantially affect the already weakened =fabric of the agricultural

COMlunltya

4.2.6.4 Indirect impacts on agriculture

Indirect impacts on agriculture can occur as the result of a reservoir project, should the project make the area surrounding the reservoir more desirable for uses other than agriculture. These questions are d iscussed in section 4.2. 5, Land Use; changes in agr iculture will result from overall changes in the land use pattern. Indirect impacts on agriculture even after the fact, will be difficult to measure. Given some potential for development and a diminished role for agriculture according to past trends and future pojections, changes in agricultural land use are likely to occur anyway. It is likely that some of the approximately 500 acres now farmed outside the site's southern border will not remain in agriculture; it seems unlikely, however, that such future change will be entirely due to the reservoir project.

Another possible category of indirect impact is the reduction of farming activity to such an extent that suppliers and service enterprises would find it uneconomical or inefficient to serve the area. The potential reduction in agricultural acreage at Pond Hill is deemed insufficient to have such'an impact.

4-64 4.2.6. 5 Summary

The impact on agriculture at the Pond Hill site is small. Acreage losses, changes in agricultural livelihoods, and disruption of farming tradition would be minimal. Other than appropriate compensation for agricultural land and buildings acquired and restoration of topsoil on agricultural land disturbed by construction activities, no special mitigative measures for agriculture seem necessary.

4-65 References Consulted —Section '4.2.6 Chadwick, E.V. Luzerne County Cooperative Extension Agent, Viilkes-Barre, Pa. Personal comnunication. February, 1978.

Sheets, Phillip. District Conservationsist, SCS, Nanticoke, Pa. Personal communication. February, 1978. U.S. Department, of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in Cooperation with Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture ana the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. 1976. Interim soil survey report; Volume I: Soil Interpretations for Luzerne County, Pa., and Volume II: Soil survey maps. Harris- burg, Pa.

4-66 4.2.7 Transportation and

Utilities'.2.7.1

Roads and highways

Implementation of the resevoir project would result in impacts on the transportation network in the vicinity of the reservoir site. These impacts would occur primarily as a consequence of the anticipated two-year construction operations, and to a lesser extent as a result of "possible increased traffic volumes generated by recreational opportunities developed in tandem with the reservoir project.

The most direct impact on the network would occur on the local roads nearest the site, Route 239 and LR 40120 (Figure 3-12), resulting from increased use for .the transport of construction related equipment, materials and workers.

Based upon cost estimates of the proposed reservoir, an average of approximately 100 workers per day over a period of two years will be required, with a peak of about 150 workers during periods of high activity. This is consistent with the experience of similar dam construction in Pennsylvania, employing 60 workers per day over a 3-1/2 yea» time period with no work performed during winter months at the Blue Marsh site, and an 85-100 worker peak at the Bear Creek site (Schwartz 1978).

Estimating that 80 percent of the workers will drive a car to work (assuming a moderate degree of car pooling), 80 to 120 cars per day will be driven to the site by workers. Given some adjustment of working hours in relation to peak hour traffic flows on U.S. Route ll, Route 239, and LR 40120, the impact on peak hour traffic volume could be minimized.

Interstate 80 is located to the south of the reservoir site which suggests that some workers will be arriving from the Conyngham side of the river south of the project site. However, most construction workers in the Hilkes-Barre labor market area will probably commute into and out of

4-67 the site fran the north and will have to pass through the intersection of Route ll and the Mocanaqua Bridge. Assuming a maximum of 80% of the workers arriving via Route 239 fran the north, a range of 64-96 additional trips per day will pass through Mocanaqua. Morning flows probably will be spread out in time. But hanebound workers fran the construction site may aggravate traffic congestion in Mocanaqua, across the bridge to Shick- shinny, and at U.S. Route ll. Given a peak hour flow of 312 cars/hour on -Route 239 (fran section 3.2.7.1), the potential increase of 64-96 additional trips per day could result in an increase of 20% to 30% if they were all to occur within the same peak hour. However, traffic problems which now exist at the intersection of Route 239 and Route ll, due primarily to construction workers fran the Susquehanna SES, are expected to subside by -the time reservoir construction begins. The approximate number of workers at the Susquehanna SES currently is 4,400 and is expected to decrease by about one-third by the time reservoir construction begins.

The continued use of a policeman to facilitate traffic flow will be necesary to avoid major transportation impacts fran construction of the reservoir. This will avoid further aggravation of the traffic flow within Mocanaguae

Construction equiKment can be transported to the reservoir site without any widening or upgrading of Pond Hill Road. The use of this equipnent will be confined to the project site, thus minimizing its effects on public roads.

The transport of cement to the reservoir site will require approximately one truck load per day for a period of about nine months. The reservoir site itself should provide enough rock to fulfillthe re- quirement for aggregate for the concrete. Transport of other construction materials will be minimal in relation to the transport of cement.

Another impact of the transportation network will occur in the construction of the punp station. This will require carving out a small

4-68 staging area from Route 239 both for the site and for working room at the site. It is expected that over the two-year construction period the road will be reduced to one lane in the vicinity of the pump station at least once. Traffic flow will be maintained using appropriate traffic control and warning devices. Impacts on the township roads in the Pond Hill site would be twofold: the inclusion of parts of the road network in the site, and the induced traffic volume due to recreational facilities at the reservoir itself. Township road T466 will not be affected by the project. It is'outside the site area and provides no access to the site.

As discussed in section 4.2.8, Recreation, the reservoir site will provide a boat ramp, hiking trails, and the like. A parking facility will be built at the site with a capacity of thirty to fifty cars. An extension of road T464 to the parking lot of approximately one~uarter mile will be required. Recreation facilities would be planned in keeping with the natural setting of the reservoir site with no major changes; as a result, only moderate traffic is expected along this road. PP&L will cooperate with the local townships to repair roads damaged due to reservoir construction activity.

4.2.7.2 Railroads

The construction of the pumping station and water conduit will require a delay of railroad freight service along the Delaware and Hudson line for one-half to one full day. This will result in a probable resched- uling of four trains during this period.

4.2.7.3 Pipelines

No impact will occur related to natural gas pipelines, petroleum pipelines or water lines. Only one such facility, a gas pipeline about a mile south of the site, is located in the vicinity.

4-69 4.2.7.4 Electrical and telephone transmission lines

The construction of the reservoir will not affect transmission lines for electricity. or telephones in the site itself because none exist. 'I Local subscriber utility poles exist along local roads but will not be affected by the reservoir project.

The operation of the pump station and the dam will require the ..construction of a three-phase, 12 kv supply line. The 2.84-mile overhead distribution line will extend from the existing 230 kv switchyard near River Church on the east bank of the Susquehanna River to the proposed pump station. A 230-l2 kv transformer would be supplied at the switchyard. A small distribution line will be run from the pump station to the inlet- outlet structure.

4-70 References Consulted —Section 4.2.7

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company. 1978. Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Environmental Report. PP 6 L, Allentown, Pa.

Schwartz, B. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Blue Marsh Dam, Berks County, Pa. Personal communication. June, 1978.

4-71 4.2.8 Recreation

4.2.8.1 Introduction

An assessment of recreation at Pond Hill can. be made in two ways: (a) an assessment of the change in or impact upon existing recreation; and (b) .an assessment of the recreational potential which reservoir development can provide. The following analysis addresses each of these approaches.

4.2.8.2 Impacts on existing recreation

Development of the reservoir will change 260 currently forested acres to 230 acres of water and 30 acres of dam and embankments. These 260 acres will no longer be available for land based hunting. The potential hunting days lost because of inundation are likely to be more than compen- sated for by the public access for hunting contemplated in conjunction witn recreational plans for the remainder of the site. The existing stream, Pond Hill Creek, will no longer be available, but it is not a significant fishing resource. It is not stocked and not intensively used for fishing. The remaining acres in the site will not be affected negatively in terms of their potential for the recreational use they now provide and the hunting lands they offer. Criteria for land management within the site call for maintenance of open space, preservation of the natural and scenic qualities the site possesses, and wildlife habitat improvement.

4.2.8.3 Recreational potential of the Pond Hill Reservoir

4.2.8.3.1 Recreational development approach

The approach to recreational development will stress five objectives: (1) protection of the ecological characteristics of tne site;

4-72 (2) facilities compatible with the relatively wild and remote setting; (3) development that is limited in scope and will have minimum impacts on the local community in terms of extra traffic or other disturbances, (4) sensitivity to the local community's needs and desires and (5) development that will not denude large areas of vegetation, thereby accelerating erosion and runoff and affecting water quality in the r'eservoir.

As noted in section 3.2.8, Existing Recreation, the community has specific needs for certain types of intensive recreation, for which the site is not well suited. Generally, soils in the site have severe limitations for intensive types of recreational uses (SCS 1976). The Susquehanna Riverlands Project will provide for more developed types of recreational facilities. Plans for these two facilities are being designed to complement rather than compete with each other or duplicate facilities.

4.2.8.3.2 Types of compatible recreational activities

The following types of recreational facilities are considered compatible with the objectives for recreation at the proposed reservoir:

Boating: sailboats, canoes, small electric powered boats (no combustion engines), other non-motorized boats. Fishing: boat and shoreline fishing Hiking and walking Nature study Winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snow.-shoeing and tobogganing.

Activities which are not compatible include motorboating, water- skiing, snowmobiling and trailbiking. Noise, degradation of the natural character of the site and, in the case of snowmobiling and trailbiking, disturbance to underlying vegetation and wildlife are the primary reasons for avoiding such uses. Swimming is not appropriate because of requirements regarding provision of bath houses and enlarged sanitary facilities and safety considerations. The steep terrain precludes bicycling. Picnicking

4-73 is compatible with the other recommended uses, but will be designed as a secondar'y use rather *than a'rimary activity. Development of a,large pinic are'a,would detract, from -the objectives of wildland forms. of,.recreation.

By design, intense use is being concentrated at, the Riverlands project which is more suited for intense use and where a higher, degree of supervision can be provided.

4.2.8.3.3 Extent and location of recreational development

The area most suitable for recreational uses, in terms of easy access and.minimum disturbance to residents of Pond Hill village, is in tne southwest portion of the site, off township Road 464. Soils in this particular area also have only moderate limitations for non-intensive recreational facilities (SCS 1976). Parking lot and road access, however, will require careful planning because of soil limitation in the site. A parking area for thirty to fifty"cars is appropriate in order to maintain the wild character of tne area and to maximize potential use of the site by local residents.

One boat launching ramp in this portion of the reservoir, designed to work under. fluctuating water level conditions, will be provided. Use of this facility will be limited to unpowered or electric powered noats because the ramp at Lily Lake can accommodate larger, combustion engine boats. One boat launch ramp accommodates forty boats per day and is in keeping with the recommended size of parking facilities (U.S. Dept. of Interior 1970).

The reservoir creates a considerable potential for warmwater fishing and the. Pennsylvania Fish Commission will be asked to stock the lake. In addition to boat fishing, shoreline fishing will be available in this general vicinity.

Public hunting on most of the lands within the site during late fall and winter should„,not interfere with other activities planned for the

4-74 site. Recommendations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission with regard to safety precautions and stocking will be followed.

A system of trails will ring the reservoir to accommodate hiking, walking and nature study. These trails also can serve as firebreaks and access routes. A trail beginning in the vicinity of the parking and boat ramp area will be laid out to cover approximately five to six miles around the site. A loop to the entrance area at a two or three-mile point is recommended to allow for shorter, more casual walks.

The design capacity of these recommended facilities is estimated at approximately 160--200 persons per day (40 cars x 3-4 persons per car plus approximately 40 additional persons who might walk or bicycle from the Pond Hill proximity).

4.2.8.3.4 Recreational potential created

The recreational potential created by these facilities is approximately 7,300 to 10,000 visitor days per year. (Potential for hunting and winter sports is not included.) The number of visitor days was derived by applying a formula to an approximate design capacity of 200 persons at a maximum using facilities at one time. The formula accounts for varied use according to the season of the year and the day of the week. The maximum anticipated use, then, up to the site's capacity, could be expected on summer weekends.

In addition, hunting lands could supply a minimum of 1,300 hunting days based on the existing habitat spread over the various hunting seasons (see Table 3.2.8-7). Management practices also may increase this potential.

4.2.8.3.5 Operation of recreational facility

Limitations on roadside parking and enforcement of regulations will help avoid greater use of the site than its intended design capacity. Such limitations are recommended if patterns of use 'indicate a need. Operation and maintenance will be supervised by the recreation and land management staff headquartered at the Susquehanna Riverlands. In making lands available to hunting and fishing, the Pennsylvania Game and Fish canmissions will provide enforcement assistance.

4.2.8.3.6 Induced impacts

No induced impacts are expected as a result of recreational develapnent. The number of potential visitors is too small to have an impact on the local or regional econany (see section 4.2.4.8). As noted elsewhere, no recreational hanesites with lake access will be available and recreational or second hane developnent is expected to be minor, given canpeting facilities which are available. Developnent of the reservoir will not affect regional or county recreational facilities. Its recreational opportunities should not ccmpete with than substantially and/or cause any impact on their current usage. Rather, it will add to the recreational supply and provide facilities in an area of the county where few similar ones currently exist.

4-76 References Consulted —Section

4;2.8'ouncil on Environmental Quality. 1975. Recreation on hater Su 1 Reservoirs. CEQ, Washington, D.C.

URS/Madigan-Praeger, Inc. 1975. A Comprehensive Study of Tocks Island Lake'ioject and Alternatives. Volume A, Chapter IV. Madigan-Praeger, New York.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1976. Luzerne Count Penns lvania Interim Soil Surve Re rt; Volume 1: Soil Inter- retations and Volume 2: Soil Ma s. USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. 1970 Outdoor Recreation S ace Standards. BOR, Washington, D.C.

4-77 4.2.9 Archaeological and Historic Sites

Topography and dimensions along the Pond Hill Creek valley make the area unsuitable for any but the most transient occupation. Therefore the area's significance in aiding understanding of prehistory is minimal. All evidence Dl indicates that the project will have no historical or archaeological impacts.

Based on a report (see section 3.2.9) by Jacob Gruber, Phila- delphia, Pa. 4-78 4.2.10 Other Factors

4.2.10.1 Climate and air resources

Construction of a dan and reservoir in the Pond Hill area will not significantly affect climate or air quality in the area. The short- term effects of fugitive dust, construction equignent exhaust emissions, and disposal of vegetation will be minimized by strict adherence to the applicable air quality permits, rules and regulations.

The major impact of operation of the reservoir on climate will be the possible formation of stean fog over lake waters. This fog can form under conditions of light winds and sizable air-water temperature differences; these conditions predaninantly occur between midnight and 9 a.m. during fall and winter. This localized impact will occur only a few nights of the year. At worst, the fog would cover the reservoir surface and scme areas up to one-half mile fran the reservoir edge. The additional moisture present in the air because of the reservoir might lead to sane additional icing on roads and bridges within one-half mile of the reservoir. The absence of any major traffic arteries in the affected area should prevent this fran being a serious problem (Woodward — Envicon, Inc. 1974, Forsdyke 1970) .

4.2.10.2 Noise

Noise levels will increase during construction activity due to blasting, machinery operation, and other related procedures. Wile these levels will be of a short-term nature, all efforts will be made to minimize construction noise impacts so as to protect nearby people and wildlife. (News releases will be issued in advance of blasting, and pre- and post- blast inspections will be made. Also, blasting will be monitored by an independent firm.) The contractor will be responsible for making sure all OSHA regulations are followed. The most severe area of construction noise

4-79 impact will be along the access road between the borrow area and the dam site. However, this road will be entirely within the project confines, since the borrow area is within the site. Long-term operation of the reservoir system will have no discernible noise impacts. Pump noise at the Susquehanna River pump station also should not have a significant impact on ambient noise levels.

4.2.10.3 Aesthetics

4.2.10.3.1 Temporary changes in aesthetic qualities

During the construction phase, the excavated borrow areas will present an unattractive appearance by comparison with present conditions. Screening and phasing of operations can help to mitigate this effect. Replacement of top soil and revegetation will restore the appearance of borrow areas. (Impacts related to borrow areas are also discussed in sections 4.2.4.2. 2 and 4.2.5.6. ) Similarly, clearing of ,vegetation in the area to be inundated and blasting near the dam will disturb both the visual quality and serene mood that presently exists. The I blasting will be intermittent and will last a few days at a time extending over a period of one year. The sound will be attenuated by forest cover as well as by the distance between it and the Pond Hill settlement. Clearing operations will not be generally visible fran settled areas (see section 4.2.10.2).

Construction also will produce dust and dirt which will temporarily affect water quality and clarity downstream from the dam and air quality downwind. These impacts are localized, however, and should not be experienced except by those working within the site. Construction related traffic is not expected to be sufficiently severe to alter aesthetic characteristics significantly. Once the reservoir is full and construction is completed these disturbances will cease.

4-80 4.2.10.3.2 Long-term aesthetic impacts

The reservoir project will not appreciably change the aesthetic quality of the buffer surrounding the inundated area. No major changes in vegetation or topography are contemplated. Neither should the project charge the view fran the Pond Hillor Lily Lake canmunities, since the area to be inundated generally would not 'be visible fran these settlements.

The reservoir will inundate approximately 230 acres of forested lard and change its current aesthetic character. This waterscape should provide additional contrast and form to the site' landscape and heighten its aesthetic qualities. Plans call for preservation of the site's natural features and for sufficient acquisition to limit developnent that might otherwise intrude upon or disrupt the site' scenic and ecological qualities.

The series of waterfalls, downstream from the dan, will not be eliminated by inundation or the embankments; care has been taken to ensure that construction activities for the dan do riot alter them. Although conservation releases will provide water to feed the lower portion of the strean, decreased waterflow during sane seasons may result. Nhen possible, releases adequate to maintain the current streanflow or to augment it during dry seasons will be made in order to sustain and enhance the existing aesthetic qualities of the waterfalls.

Based upon the past record of the need for augmentation to the Susquehanna, the proposed reservoir will undergo neither severe nor frequent drawdown (see section 4.2.1.3). The visual effect will be significant at the time of maxim'rawdown, particularly in the eastern extrenity of the site (refer to Figure 1-5). Drawdown will normally occur during late suwer or fall. In most years ard in most seasons, however, the reservoir will present an attractive appearance with no drawdown or minimal exposure of land surface.

4-81 Project features will generally not be visible from public highways.. The dam and reservoir will not be visible 'from roads in Pond Hill and,Lily, Lake. Motorists traveling River Road (Route 239).will have a brief view of the pump station, but with the exception of a distribution line will not be able to see other project features. The dam is about one mile from U.S. Route 11 and will be screened from view by topographic features. The dam would be visible from a short section of LR 40028 which .traverses the hilltops to the west of Route 11.

4.2.10.4 Energy

For the purpose of refilling the reservoir with water from the river, a pump station on the Susquehanna River near the Pond Hill site is proposed. The energy required for pumping during various possible hydrologic conditions is as follows: 1. Minimum pumping ...... as required for maintenance 2. Average annual pumping . . . 2,367,000 kwh 3. Maximum pumping — drought of record . . . . 7,574,000 kwh

Average annual pumping is based on a thirty-day usage per year. Included in this average is the pumping necessary to refill the reservoir each year as well as an allowance for scheduled operation for maintenance. Maximum pumping is based on the actual pumping that would have been needed to refill the reservoir after the 1964 drawdown period.

4-82 References Consulted —Section 4.2.10

Forsdyke, A.G. 1970. Weather and Weather Forecastin . Grosset and Dunlap, New York.

Woodward — Envicon, Inc. 1974. Unpublished data. Clifton, New Jersey.

4-83 4.3 MEASURES TO ENHANCE THE ENVIMNMENTAND TO AVOID OR MITIGATE IMPACZS

The developrient of a low flow augmentation reservoir for the Susquehanna River has been based on a canprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation aimed at identifying a preferred site ( frem numerous sites judged technically feasible) which would have the least envirorxnental effect. After identifying a preferred site, a year-long field investigation was conducted to provide data on the aquatic and terrestrial envirorment including water quality, the social and econcmic envirorment including agriculture and land use, and its scenic and cultural values. This section describes how the information developed fran this study was used in the design of the project and influenced the planning for construction and operation so as to avoid or mi.tigate adverse effects or enhance environmental values.

4.3.1 Design

The inlet-outlet structure has been designed with the capability of withdrawing water fran one or more elevations so that desired temperature or other water quality objectives can be achieved. The structure will have five valves between elevation 806 and 930 feet so that releases to pond Hill Creek or the Susquehanna River for low flow augmentation can be selected so as to mix hypo- and epilimnetic water or select only fran one stratum of the water column. The reservoir has been designed sufficiently large so that a minimum conservation release to Pond Hill Creek can be maintained.

Analysis of the substrate and morphology of the reservoir basin as discussed in section 4.2.2.2 indicates that the relatively steep side slopes will limit the value of the newly created edge for wildlife and to a lesser extent fish, unless measures are taken to enhance the habitat. The habitat value of the edge could further be reduced by fluctuating water I levels associated with the operation scheme.

4-84 A review of other reservoirs with fluctuating water surfaces and informal discussions with the Pennsylvania wildlife and fisheries management staff led to a suggestion for leaving uncleared some portions of the area to be inundated near the proposed shoreline in an effort to enhance fish and wildlife habitat. It was concluded that vegetation will not be left in water depths of more than 10 feet and, to make best use of the littoral zones, will extend approximately-100 feet from the shoreline when the water surface is at elevation 940 feet. A review of the existing topography was conducted to locate areas with slopes of 10% or less where this technique would achieve the maximum benefit.

As discussed previously (section 4.2.5.7), the creation of a new reservoir tends to increase land prices because of the expectations of building shoreline cottages or vacation homes. To avoid artificially high lard prices based on speculation and to protect water quality and the wildland character of the site for broader public use, acquisition of a buffer zone was planned. The buffer zone follows natural topography to provide adequate physical protection for the reservoir itself and then conforms to existing property lines to the extent practical but in no case leaves a property owner with an unusable parcel. Care was exercised to avoid occupied dwellings.

In addition to physically insulating the site, the buffer will enhance public use for recreation. Plans call for recreation facilities to be designed and laid out to prevent degradation of the site and to maintain its natural and wild character. These include a small parking area, a boat launching ramp and a network of hiking trails.

4.3.2 Construction

Construction of the project is governed by detailed specifications which require the contractor to build the planned facilities as designed and to meet other requirements. The major environmental objectives in planning construction are to avoid or minimize off site effects on

4-85 the local area and to provide for the long-term productivity and use of the site to the extent practicable, The measures planned to meet these objectives'are'iscussed in 'this section.

4.3.2.1 Erosion and sediment control

Construction of the project has been planned to minimize erosion (the suspension and transport of soil particles) and control sedimentation (deposition of soil) . Agreement on the fundamental approach to . erosion and sedimentation control will be developed in cooperation with the appropriate reviewing agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. The contractor will be required to submit a plan which is consistent with this approach and will be required to insure the ''effectiveness of the structures through periodic maintenance or adapting the 'plan to- field conditions as required. The contractor'ill"'also"be required to plan his work so as to minimize the amount of exposed area susceptible to erosion. Topsoil will be stripped fran work areas and stockpiled in an area suitable for storage and protected fran erosion by a tenporary vegetative cover.

~ 4.3.2.2 Work limits

The project site includes attractive areas ard land which will not have to be disturbed by construction of the project. Contractor operations will be confined to reasonable limits around the structures required for construction and the contractor will be required to implenent traffic control within work limits. These precautions will avoid unnecessary adverse effects on aesthetic or other areas and on the fish and wildlife resources living there.

4.3.2.3 Traffic control

The effects during construction of the Pond Hill project on local traffic patterns are described in section 4.2.7. The transport of heavy construction equignent into and out of the site will be coordinated

4-86 with the appropriate highway officials to prevent damage to roadways and bridges. Transport will also be scheduled to avoid periods when students are being transported to and from school in Mocanaqua and to minimize impact on travelers.

The effects on Mocanaqua by commuting. construction workers will be minimized by the continued presence of a traffic control policeman at the intersection of the Mocanaqua Bridge and U.S. Route ll during peak traffic hours. Impacts due to commuting construction workers may be reduced by adjusting working hours. Provision for traffic flow and safety at the project site will be the responsibility of the contractor.

Construction has been planned so that traffic flow along Pa. Route 239 will not be interrupted in the vicinity of the pump station during construction of the underground waterway. Appropriate traffic control will be implemented to avoid safety hazards fran trucks entering the highway at that vicinity and during the short period when only one lane will be available to pass traffic.

4.3.2.4 Dust and noise control

Equipment used in construction will comply with the criteria established by OSHA and EPA for noise and exhaust emissions. Those operations which generate high noise levels will be limited to daylight hours. Construction traffic will be limited, to the extent possible, to haul roads which will be located to use existing terrain, vegetation, or a temporary physical obstruction to buffer the effects of noise and dust on adjacent property owners. Dust control measures will be required. A more detailed search for deposits of suitable selected borrow within the reservoir, will be conducted during the detailed design phase.

4.3.2.5 Waste disposal

The disposition of construction debris and other waste will be in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Such

'-87 material primarily will consist of rock excavation, woody material generated by clearing, and packing for materials and equipment delivered to the site.

Materials generated by construction will be utilized to the extent practical for productive purposes. Some rock and soil excavation will be suitable for construction and some wood generated by clearing will be commercially valuable for firewood or other wood products. Unusable material will be spoiled in such a 'way so as to preserve environmental values. Combustibles generated during clearing, such as slash up to four inches in diameter and other similar wood material, will be burned following regulations set forth in Pennsylvania Standards for Sources, Title 25, Chapter 129. Care will be taken to prevent wildfires and to avoid affecting receptors with smoke by selecting burn sites carefully, regulating the composition of the burn piles, limiting their size and conducting burn operations on days which facilitate plume dispersal and high burn temperatures. No tires or other similar methods will be used to ignite the piles.

Materials unsuitable for burning will be buried or transported to appropriate landfill sites.

A suitable number of chemical toilets or similar facilities will be provided for construction workers.

4.3.2.6 Other

Taken together, the measures discussed above will preserve the scenic nature of the area to the extent practical. If sufficient selected borrow is not found within the reservoir site, then borrow will be removed fran the area indicated on Figure 1-3. If this area is used as a source of borrow, the contours will be smoothed into the existing topography and the original drainage patterns will be restored to the extent possible. The area will be retopsoiled and seeded with a mixture of grasses suitable for pasture or other purposes, as appropriate, which will restore it to an attractive and productive condition. PP&L- will cooperate with the local townships to repair roads damaged due to reservoir construction activity.

4-88 There is no evidence that archaeological or historical remains exist in the site. However, the contractor will be required to report a discovery suspected of possessing cultural value and to take measures to avoid further disturbance until a determination is made regarding its disposition.

A survey will be conducted to establish limits on the intensity of the vibrations resulting from blasting so as to avoid damage to structures. Additionally, vibration monitoring will be conducted to insure the contractor is not exceeding these limits. Pre- and post-blast inspections will be conducted by an independent firm.

It is anticipated that the Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Commit- tee will continue to meet during reservoir construction to identify problems as they arise and review measures to alleviate them.

4.3.3 Operation and Maintenance

The adverse effects of operating and maintaining the Pond Hill Reservoir have been described in section 4.2 and are minimal. The measures implemented to enhance the environmental values of operating the project have been discussed in section 4.3.1. Additional measures intended to provide continuing benefits during operation are discussed in this section.

The project will be operated to provide sufficient flow in Pond

Hill Creek so that the series of . small waterfalls will continue to be attractive.

Operation of the recreation area will involve monitoring the nature and extent of use over time so that recreation facilities can be modified for better utilization. The effects of recreational use will also be assessed so that measures may be implemented to prevent degradation of the site while encouraging full utilization. Plans for managing the fish and wildlife resources of the site E will be developed in cooperation with the Pennsylvania commissions on fish and wi.'ldlife. These plans would involve stocking fish of desirable species and monitoring their development. The use of the site by wildlife will be encouraged through maintenance of diverse habitat.

4-90 SECZION 5 PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED

1 In spite of all mitigating measures, some net. soil loss is likely to occur as a result of construction; if proper methods of rehabil- itation are used, this long-term loss can be limited to inundated and developed areas.

About 260 acres of existing terrestrial habitat will be eliminated along with about l.4 miles of Pond Hill Creek. Most of this habitat will be submerged and converted to aquatic conditions. Although some aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife will notably increase, a net loss in terrestrial productivity is inevitable. During periods of maximum drawdown, losses may be slightly increased as a result of fluctuations in water level, but the increased disturbance is not expected to be severe. I

High iron and organic matter concentration in the discharge will have little impact on the Susquehanna River, but may have more pronounced impacts on the 0.8-mile downstream section of Pond Hill Creek. A localized increase in turbidity of the river will result from initial outflow as loose sediments are suspended in the water column. Infrequent elevated thermal releases may occur in late November, with minor impact.

Some impingement and entrainment of fishes will occur in the Susquehana River at the pump station intake, and in the reservoir at the outlet tower, but this is not expected to be a serious problem.

Some temporary construction effects on water quality due to sedimentation will occur. Stream temperatures also may be temporarily raised from increased solar radiation as a result of removing overhanging vegetation.

Some inevitable inconveniences will occur as a result of noise, dust, and disruption during construction and borrow transportation. Increased danger of accidents will also be a potential impact of construction, as well as brief delays caused by traffic congestion when detours are necessary.

5-l Some future land uses, such as residential and commerical developnent, will be precluded on the approximately 1,300 acres oi the site, for the life of the project. In addition, the reservoir construction will eliminate land available for hunting, although hunting will be allowed within the buffer area.

5-2 SECTION 6 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PROJECT TO LAND USE PLANS, POLICIES AND

Federal policies which bear some relationship to the project include those which address the preservation of farmland (see section 3.2.6, Agriculture), the protection of floodplains (Executive Order 11988) and the program of federal flood insurance. Nyoming Valley studies of local flood protection (U.S. Department of the Army 1978) do not extend as far south as the pump station location on the Susquehanna. Flood insurance studies for Conyngham Township, however, have been completed. l

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission regulates the use of water resources and transfer of water within the river basin. with regard to land use, the Susquehanna River Basin Compact charges the commission with promoting sound practices of watershed management in the basin (Sus- quehanna River Basin Commission 1972). awhile the Susquehanna River Basin Plan (1973) puts forth goals and objectives for the management and development of water and watershed resources generally applicable to the site, no land use plan or policy specifically applicable to the proposed project has been identified.

The Pennsylvania Hild and Scenic Rivers Inventory (1975) nomi- nates various portions of the'Susquehanna River in Luzerne County as Priority 1A and Priority lB river segments for inclusion in the Pennsyl- vania Scenic Rivers System. The portion of the Susquehanna near the site is designated Priority lB of statewide significance but with less" urgent need for protection than A rivers (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources 1975). Its status has remained the same since nominated (Fickes 1978).

Land use policies formulated for the region (Economic Develop- ment Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania 1975) designate the township containing the site and nearby townships as a selective development area defined as "areas in transition from present extensive uses to more intensive uses." Regional land use policy is further described in section 3.2.5.

6-1 The Land Policy Program for the State of Pennsylvania (1976), with respect to underdeveloged areas, calls for preserving agricultural land, improving the quality of rural life, maintaining and improving water quality and quantity on forest lands, providing forest oriented recreation and assuring that development in special resource areas (such as natural areas or wild areas) is compatible with their resource capabilities. Similarly, the Environmental Quality Board's policies for critical environmental areas (1977) stress policies designed to protect prime farmlands, watersheds with high quality streams, floodplains, coal resources, limitea water supply areas, clean air resource areas, open space in metropolitan areas and geologic areas with development restraints. Since only a small amount of land used for agriculture is located within the site, the proposed project will not interfere with land use policy related to farmland.

Luzerne County has a number of plans which indicate future land use and land use policy: the Solid Waste Management Plan (n.d.), Recrea- tion Report (1974), Master Plan for Water Supply and Wastewater Management (Gilbert Associates 1973), Land Use Plan for the Year 2000 (1976) and goals for the Comprehensive Plan of Luzerne County (Personal communication 1978). The most recent land use plan (1976) shows the reservoir site designatea for open space. The maps of the Solid Waste Management Plan designate the area of the site as agriculture, woodlands and vacant.

The recreation report and capital program includes no specific plans applicable to the site but establishes a policy of keeping in open space steep lands and other ecologically sensitive lands. The proposed project is consistent with the recreation and open space land use classification. The Master Plan for Water Supply and Wastewater Management proposes a 0.06 MGD sewage treatment plant near Lily Lake to serve that portion of Conyngham and Slocum townships by 1990, but such a facility is not programmed. No proposed water supply systems or facilities are indicated for the site or areas near it.

Land use controls for Conyngham Township in which the site is located are under the county's jurisdiction. In the portion of the site

6-2 north of Pond Hill Creek, the applicable zoning is C-l Conservation Dis- trict (two-acre lots) which permits agriculture, parks, museums, private recreational facilities, public and semi-public uses, utilities, state gamelands and trailers. Single-family homes (except farm houses) and planned developments require zoning board approval as do other types of uses such as public recreational facilities. The southern portion is zoned as an A-l, Agricultural District (one-acre lots) which permits single and two-family homes, agriculture, museums and the like, public recreational facilities, planned developments and other more intensive uses. Flooa zoning is designated along the Susquehanna. The zoning ordinance has special provisions regulating extraction of sand, gravel or other minerals. Extraction is permitted in agricultural and conservation districts, but requires approval of the zoning hearing board and compliance with blasting distance and slope and drainage regulations.

Conyngham Township is now in the process of preparing a master or comprehensive plan (Ceretta l978). Upon its completion, the township may decide to enact its own zoning ard suMivision controls. Currently, the township has no land use policies or controls.

6-3 References Consulted —Section 6.0 Ceretta, F. Conyngham Township Supervisor. Personal communication. February, 1978.

Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1975. North- eastern Pennsylvania: Toward the Year 2000 Land Use Policies. EDCHP, Avoca, Pa. Gilbert Associates, Inc. 1973. Master Plan for Nater Supply and Nastewater Management for Luzerne County, Pa. Gilbert Associates, Inc., Reading, Pa. Fickes, Roger. Chief, Planning and Research Bureau of Resources Program- ming, Pa. Wild and Scenic Rivers Task Force. Personal communication. July, 1978. Luzerne County. 1976. Zoning Ordinance. Luzerne County, Nilkes-Barre, Pa. Luzerne County Planning Commission. 1974. Recreation, Park and Open Space, Histroric Preservation, and Tourism Report. Luzerne County Planning Commission, Nilkes-Barre, Pa.

Luzerne County Planning Commission. n.d. Future Land Use (from Solid Waste Management Plan). Luzerne County Planning Commission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Pennsylvania Depar tment of Environmental Resources, Pennsylvania Wild and Scenic Rivers Task Force. 1975. The Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Inven- tory. Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, Environmental Quality Board. 1977. Policies for Critical Env'ronmental Areas. Pa. DER, Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania Office of State Planning and Development. 1976. A Land Policy Program for Pennsylvania: An Interim Policy Report. Pa. Office of State Planning and Development, Harrisburg, Pa.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission. 1972. Susquehanna River Basin Compact. SRBC, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission. 1973. Comprehensive Plan. SRBC, Mechanicsburg, Pa. U.S. Department of the Army, Baltimore District Corps of Engineers. 1978. Phase I Advance Engineering and Design, Wyoming Valley Local Flood Protection. Baltimore District Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md.

6-4 SECTION 7 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PRGJECT TO THE SHO~ERM USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF ITS LO~ERM PRODUCTIVITY

7.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES

The topography of the reservoir site will undergo an essentially permanent change due to the substitution of a lake and associated embankments for the present stream and valley.

The soil area inundated will be permanently lost to production of vegetation. -In addition, some soil will be lost during the process of embankment construction, borrow operation and road building. However, much of the latter area will be restored as closely as possible to its original condition and planted in accordance with the restoration plan (section 4.3) which will apply to those areas not permanently required for reservoir purposes.

Some short-term contamination of downstream sites will occur during construction as a result of erosion and siltation. Due to use of reservoir water the downstream flow in Pond Hill Creek will be set at a minimum flow of approximately 0.2 cfs when the reservoir is being filled or augmentation releases are being made. Pond Hill Creek presently is essentially intermittent during dry periods. Peak flow associated with the 100-year flood will be decreased from a value of 2,030 cfs to 230 cfs.

7.2 TEKKSTfGAL ECOLCGY

The vegetation communities of the inundated area will be can- pletely eliminated. Some clearing of vegetation also will occur in the areas of borrow a'ctivity, new roads, the pipeline and pump station. Most of. the areas- not permanently used for reservoir purposes may be revege- tated, although restoration of the original plant community may require some time, depending on the maturity of the original community. The total area lost amounts to about 260 acres. In addition, flooding of the area will destroy wildlife populations within the site. Construction also will increase stress on all species in the immediate area, but this impact will be short term.

Some harmful impact may be anticipated |rom periodic drawdown, exposure of mudflats, etc., but this is expected to be minimal except in the driest months, at which time productivity of the border will decrease.

Improvement of habitat for waterfowl or wildlife characteristics ~ of lake shores will occur to a minimal degree. This community will partly compensate for the loss of terrestrial habitats but its productivity will be less. A wildlife habitat improvement program will help maintain or increase productivity in the buffer area which will help compensate for the loss.

7.3 AQUATIC ECOLOGY

Water quality in Pond Hill Creek will meet most criteria recommended by U.S. EPA and PDER, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen and other parameters. Iron levels in the release water may result in a deposition of iron precipitate on the stream substrate, limiting the periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities to iron tolerant species. In certain periods the flow downstream will be reduced to a constant flow of 0.2 cps. There will be no significant impact on the Susquehanna River due to the infrequent releases, which are usually small in volume compared to the river flow.

The present fish community above the proposed embankment is limited chiefly to minnows; no endangered species, rare fish or game fish inhabit this stream. Therefore, the overall effect of inundating this section of the creek will be negligible. Some entrainment of fish eggs, larvae, phytoplankton, zooplankton and drifting macroinvertebrates may occur but is not likely to affect total production. Impingement effects in the river generally are expected to be low.

7-2 A new warmwater fishery could be created in the proposed reservoir and could continue for the life of the project. Drawdown effects on this fishery would not be significant since a minimum level will be maintained. Aquatic productivity of the area should thus remain high, although the species involved in the area of greatest productivity will differ from those which currently exist.

7.4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Changes in land ownership will occur on fewer than twenty proper ties.

The impact of the reservoir on population, housing and the local economy is expected to be minimal; a small change in fiscal flow may occur because of property taxes on utility companies. The extent of development induced by the presence of the reservoir will be limited and will not significantly alter the development path of the community.

7.5 LAND USE

Throughout the life of the reservoir no intense development of the site will be possible. Only uses compatible with reservoir operation can be allowed, not including residential or commercial.

7.6 AGRICULTURE

All present agricultural usage and pasturage of the land probably will cease for the life of the reservoir, although farming on a controlled basis is exoected to continue as part of wildlife and land management programs. The impact will be slight since only about 88 acres have been recently used for agricultural or grazing purposes and no developed agricultural community exists on the site.

7-3 7.7 TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES

Local road systems intended to serve site residences and Pond Hill Reservoir generally will be adequate to serve the needs of the new reservoir. The extension of a road within the site to a boat ramp and recreation area will be the only modification of the local transportation network. No major change in local circulation patterns is expected.

7.8 RECREATION

The present use of the area for hunting will be coordinated with other recreational plans. However, recreational use in the long run will be increased as the site is developed for uses compatible with both operation of the reservoir and the local ecology.

7.9 ARCHAEOIDGICAL AND HISK)RIC SITES

The probability of the site yielding materials or information about prehistoric occupation of the area is so low that nothing of archaeological or historic significance will be lost in construction of the project.

7.10 OTHER FACTORS

Some increase in local fog potential is expected as a result of the reservoir; however, no favorable or adverse effect on use of the area is expected.

Recreational use of the area may create some permanent increase in noise. However, neither this nor the temporary noise of construction need affect any anticipated use of the area in the long term although some controls may be necessary to prevent decrease in potential recreational value.

7-4 SECTICN 8 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES

8.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES

The altered shapes of the local land forms as a result of reservoir construction would be essentially permanent.

Inundated soil will be unavailable for growth of terrestrial vegetation during the life of the reservoir. This amounts to 260 acres.

For the most .part, Pond Hill Creek will be lost, though downstream flow will be continued. Some permanent change of the water table level, fluctuating with the level of the reservoir, will occur.

8.2 TERRESTRIAL ECOIDGY

All of the 260 acres to be inundated are occupied by natural, or at least nonagricultural, vegetation. As evidenced by flooding of portions of the valley bottom due to beaver activity, few, if any, of the communities would survive even shallow inundation and, therefore, would irretrievably be lost after filling of the reservoir. Some additional area would be cleared for borrow activities, road building, etc.; however, any land not need for reservoir use might be allowed to revert to its original condition. The length of time required for succession to former climax would depend on local edaphic conditions and maturity of the original site community.

The cessation of flow of the stream and seeps feeding it will have some effect on streambank communities. Any such effect would be for the life of the reservoir. The most probable effect would be to increase lakeshore communities at the expense of wetland and streambank comnunities.

Most wildlife residents in the inundated area must be considered irretrievably lost although individuals of the more mobile species may escape to the perimeter area. A permanent decrease in the area available

8-1 to terrestrial wildlife will occur. Equally permanent, as long as maintenance occurs, is an increase in area available for waterfowl, aquatic and lakeshore wildlife.

8.3 AQUATIC ECOIDGY

Tne change of Pond Hill Creek from an essentially free flowing stream to a reservoir with a partially regulated stream issuing from it is irreversible for the life of the project. The amount of flow into Pond Hill Creek at certain times could, however, be increased if studies show it to be desirable and feasible.

The loss of Susquehanna River aquatic life due to, entrainment may also be considered irretrievable, although it should have little effect on the total river population.

8.4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Any economic effects on tax structures resulting from curtail- ment of development must be viewed as permanent.

8.5 LAND USE

A permanent barrier will be raised to development other than possible limited recreation facilities and agricultural use on. the l,300 acres. Any use of this land must be compatible with reservoir operations.

8.6 AGRICULTURE

No irretrievable losses of agricultural land will occur within the impoundment and embankment site because none exists. Agricultural and pastural potential of the remainder of the site will not be lost, with use continuing on a controlled basis.

8-2 8.7 TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES

The permanent road extension constructed to the boat ramp and recreation area will probably be used as long as the reservoir is in existence. The distribution line to the pumping station and to the dam must also be considered to be permanent during the life of the reservoir.

8.8 RECREATION

The loss of 260 currently forested acres to impoundment and embankment is permanent loss of hunting grounds. Plans for other recreational uses of the area can be designed in whatever form required by the needs of reservoir operation and the requirements of habitat.

8.9 ARCHAEOLCGICAL AND HISTORIC SITES

No archaeological or historic artifacts were discovered in the site, and based on its characteristics, their presence is highly unlikely. Only the areas disturbed during construction would represent a potential irretrievable loss of cultural resources. The contractor will be required to report and protect any discoveries made during construction until a competent investigation can be conducted.

8.10 OTHER FACZORS

No irreversible climatic changes are expected as a result of the project except for a slight increase in fog.

An increase in noise level at times is inevitable during recreational use of the site. However, appropriate restrictions and the anticipated low level of use will avoid disturbances to the area.

8-3 The scenery will be converted from meadow, forest and stream to meadow, forest and lake for the life of the project.

The use of energy for pumping is necessary as long as the reservoir is used for its intended purpose.

8-4 APPENDIX A DISCUSSION OF TECHNICAL METHODOLOGIES

A-l TERRESTRIAL ECOMGY

Field investigations of the site were conducted including the inundation and embankment areas, the buffer or surrounding area, and the borrow area and water conduit route. The primary purpose was to assess the impacts associated with reservoir construction, operation and maintenance on the terrestrial ecology of the site. Given that the impact of the inundation and embankment areas will have the most significant and long- lasting effect, the vegetation and wildlife surveys conducted in these locations were much more detailed than those carried out in the perimeter, borrow and water conduit locations.

The vegetation sampling program conducted within the inundated and embankment area was designed to provide a description of vegetation in terms of floristic characteristics, successional stage and habitat quality.

Since the primary purpose of this study was to obtain botanical information enabling decision makers to examine the proposed reservoir site from an ecological viewpoint, it was felt that subjective sampling, as opposed to objective sampling, was better suited to this end. In subjective sampling, the investigator selects sample plot locations which appear to be representative of the area being studied. The advantage of subjective sampling is that usually the number of sample plots required is considerably lower than than required for random sampling. The disadvantage of subjective sampling is that probability statistics cannot be used in treating the data.

To increase the likelihood that the plot locations selected were, in fact, representative of on-site vegetation, both a reconnaissance and preliminary survey of the site were conducted. During these surveys, different vegetation communities were located, i.e., old fields and meadows, cultivated land, early successional woodland, mature woodland and wetland areas. A second purpose of these initial surveys was to establish the var ious habitat types in which semiquantitive analyses would take place. In addition, as the site is essentially bowl-shaped, consisting of a valley containing a small stream flanked by steepsided walls, distinctions between moist valley-bottom and upland vegetation were made.

In sampling the vegetation in old fields and meadows, no quadrats or line transects were examined because these areas constituted less than 10 percent of the inundation and embankment area. Visual examinations were conducted for the purpose of generating species lists.

In wooded areas, communities were defined during preliminary surveys by dominant tree species, associated undergrowth species and location along a topographic moisture gradient. Three layers of vegetation in the wooded areas were sampled: the tree layer (taller than 5 m.); the understory or shrub layer (50 cm. to 5 m. tall); and herb layer (greater than 30 cm. and less than 1 m. tall). The tree layer was sampled by quadrats measuring ten meters by ten meters, the shrub layer by quadrats of five meters by five meters, and the herb layer by quadrats of one meter by one meter. These quadrats were used to calculate density, i.e., number of individuals, as well as frequency and cover (Hueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974). The data obtained from the vegetation survey were used to determine:

(1) Frequency —the percent of sample plots in which a given species occurred; (2) Density—-the average number of individuals per sampled area or per unit area; (3) Cover ——-the percent of unit area covered by a given species; (4) Dominance —in the case of overstory vegetation, the total basal area of given species divided by the total basal area of all species. Since the basal area of understory and herb layer vegetation was not measured, dominance for these species was not calculated;

A-2 (5) Importance-the sum of relative density, relative aominance, and relative frequency for the overstory vegetation, where,

number of individuals of a s cies Relative densit — g 100 total number of individuals dominance of a s cies X 100 dominance of all species uen of a s cies Relative frequency- fr X 100 sum of frequency of all species

The leading dominant for each stand is the taxon with the highest importance value.

Brief field investigations of the surrounding, borrow, and water conduit areas were conducted to determine principal vegetation cover types and habitats.

To compile a wildlife species inventory of the animals found within the inundated and embankment areas, field investigations, trappings of small nongame mammals, a hunter survey, literature searches, and interviews with Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel and local residents were undertaken. Emphasis was placed on commercial or recreationally valuable animals, unique species, and rare or endangered species. Actual sightings of wildlife species, as well as animal signs such as tracks, droppings, burrows and browse lines were recorded. Sherman live and snap trap lines were run quarterly in order to give an indication of the presence and abundance of small nongame matinal species. Representatives of the Pennsyl- vania Game Commission evaluated the quality of the habitats and the relative size of the game animal populations found within the inundation an@ embankment areas relative to the surrounding counties.

Herpetological and maranalogical studies were conducted each season according to the following timetables:

Hinter (late November — early December), best time for animal signs and trapping if some snow on the ground.

A-3 Spring (late March — early April), best for detecting amphibians and reptiles coming out of hibernation and moving. to breeding areas.

Summer (late June), best time for observing young herps and maanals.

Fall (late September — early October), most species of herps and mammals active before hibernation.

Ornithological studies were conducted in all seasons, whenever qualified personnel were in the field. Identifications were made by sight, sound and other evidence such as eggs and/or nests. Of note is the fact that many birds were identified by song alone. This is a perfectly reliable method of identification and, in fact, with some groups (e.g., flycatchers), sight alone is not sufficient, the song must also be heard to identify the bird to species. In additional, representatives of the New Jersey Audubon Society evaluated the quality of habitats of rare or endangered species inhabiting the site.

As there are few accepted or proven techniques for collecting reptiles and amphibians other than simply looking in areas of suitable habitat, this is the technique which was used. Areas investigated included stream banks, pools, springs, marshy and seep areas, under rocks, in leaf litter, on sun-exposed rocks, rock outcrops, rotting tree stumps and all other likely areas. A preliminary one-day reconnaissance survey was taken to establish the most suitable habitats for herpetiles. Ninter survey work for herps was not attempted as no unusually warm series of days occurred which might have brought out some of the hibernating species.

The mammal survey also was initiated with a late summer reconnaissance trip to inspect the area for general habitat types and to locate areas of ecotones, which are especially productive for a small manrnal trapping program. The traps used were simple household snap traps, mostly

A-4 mouse size, although a few rat traps were used during the fall ana winter trapping sessions. In spr ing and summer the use of the rat traps was abandoned because they had produced no captures. Two sizes of Sherman live traps also were used: the smaller 'for mice, moles, shrews, etc., and the larger for rats and other large rodents. Traps were usually set in a grid pattern with sets of one or two live traps and two snap traps at each set. Distance between sets was approximately 20 meters. Each line extended about 140 meters, running a north-south direction with the stream flowing perpendicular at about the center of each line. Distance between lines was about 40 meters. Voucher specimens in the form of skins of small mammals were kept. In view of the large population of the rodents in the site, it is felt that there was no harm in removing individuals from the community during the course of the study.

Larger mammals were studied by direct observation, analysis of tree rubs, tracks, seats, burrows, and dens, and all other available evidence. A representative of the Pennsylvania Game Commission evaluated the quality of the habitats and provided field kill records and population estimates for important game species such as white-tailed deer, black bear, cottontail rabbit, red and gray squirrels, muskrat, mink, raccoon, skunk and others. In addition, scientific literature (mostly at Penn State University) was reviewed to determine historical presence of species in the area. The Federal Re ister was consulted to produce a list of possible rare and endangered species in the area. Also, during the 1977 deer hunting season, local residents, land owners and hunters were surveyed and asked to describe habitats, hunting and trapping pressure, and frequency of sightings of game animals in the Pond Hill area.

A-5 The field guides and references most frequently used were:

Booth, E.S. 1971. How to Know the Mammals. Nm. C. Brown Company, Dubuque, Iowa ~

Britton, N.L., and H.A. Brown. 1970. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. Dover Publications, New York.

Brockman, C.F. 1968. Trees of North America. Golden Press, New York. Burt, W.H., and R.P. Grossenheider 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals. Houghton Mifflin,Boston.

Cobb, B. 1963. A Field Guide to the Ferns and Their Related Families. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide to Re tiles and hibians of Eastern and Central America. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Grimm, W.C., and R. Whitebread. 1952. Mammal Surve of Northeastern

Harlow, W.M. 1959. Fruit Ke and Twi Ke to Trees and Shrubs. Dover Publications, New York. 1957. Trees of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. Dover Publications, New York. Hitchcock, A.S. 1971. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. Dover Publications, New York.

Martin, A.C.; H.S. Zim, and A.L. Nelson 1951. Am rican Wildlife ana Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Dover Publications, New York. Mueller-Dombois, D., and H. Ellenberg 1974. Aims and Methods of V etation Ecology. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Murie, O.J. 1974. A Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin,Boston.

Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown, and Co., Boston. parsons, F.T. 1961. How to Know the Ferns. Dover Publications, New York.

Pennsylvania Game Commission 1975. The Game Law of the Commonwealth of

l Peterson, R.T., and M. McKennsy. 1968. A Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and Northcentral America. Houghlin Mifflin,Boston.

A-6 Petrides, G.A. 1972. A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs. Houghton h1ifflin, Boston.

Pohl, R.N. 1968. How to Know the Grasses. Nm. C. Brown Company, Dubuque, Iowa ~

Robbins, C.S.; B. Bruun, and H.S. Zim. 1966. Birds of North America. Golden Press, New York.

Sargent, C.S. 1965. Manual of the Trees of North America. Dover Publica- tions, New York. Shaw, S.P., and C.G. Fredine. 1956. Netlands of the United States: Circular 39. U.S. Fish and Nildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Nashington, D.C.

Nilkinson, R.E., and H.E. Jacques. 1972. How to Know the Needs. Nm. C. Brown Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

A-7 A-2 AQUATIC ECOIOGY

S 1 in stations. Water quality, macrophytes, per iphyton, plankton, macroinvertebrates and fishes were collected in Pond Hill Creek from September,— 1977, to August, 1978. Figure 3-2 depicts the localities of the sampling stations along the stream. Water quality samples were taken monthly at two stream stations. In addition, water quality was monitored in the Susquehanna River at the intake site from March to August, 1978. The biological samples were collected quarterly in upper and lower stream sections. At the time of seasonal sampling, physical measurements including. widths, depths and current velocities were made according to Lagler (1956).

™M for the following parameters: water temperature, dissolved oxygen, biochem- ical oxygen demand, pH, alkalinity, hardness, color, turbidity, suspended solids, total dissolved solids, specific conductance, chlorides, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate, phospahte, sulphate, iron, copper, total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria and fecal streptococci. All samples were collected, preserved ana analyzed in accordance with the standard methods of the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and the Water Pollution Control Federation (1976). Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and specific conductance were measured in the field using a YSI Model 51B dissolved oxygen/temperature meter, a LaMotte Model HA pH Meter and a LaMotte Model DA-1 conductivity meter. Other parameters were analyzed at the laboratories of Brandt Associates, Inc., consulting analytical chemists, Martin's Creek, Pa.

Macro h tes Peri h ton and Plankton. Qualitative samples were taken of macrophytes, periphyton and plankton. Macrophyte sampling included visual observation and hand collection of the representative types found in the study area.

Periphyton samples were collected by scraping various hard substrates, especially rocks and logs, located in the stream bed. Field observations were made concerning the relative abundance of noticeable filamentous algal growths. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin and returned to the laboratory for analysis and identification. A-8 Wholewater plankton samples were taken by hand grabs. Net plankton samples were collected by suspending a No. 20 mesh plankton net in the current for approximately three minutes. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin and returned to the laboratory for identification and analysis.

Macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates were collected from the stream sampling station with a square-foot Surber Sampler. Three replicate samples were taken during each station visit, and care was taken to insure that all samples were made on substrates which were generally similar at all sampling stations. Samples were preserved in 70% alcohol and returned to the laboratory for sorting, identification and analysis. Numbers of individual taxa are presented along with the total number of organisms per square foot and a Shannon-Weaver diversity index for each sampling period at each sampling station. Total organisms per square foot are presented as the average number per square foot of the replicate samples. Likewise, diversity indices were calculated from the composite information gathered for all the replicate samples.

The Shannon-Weaver diversity index is discussed by Weber (1973) and was calculated based upon the following formula:

C ( og N 10N " 'g 10 "' where d = diversity index; C = 3.321928 (converts base 10 log to base 2); N = total number of individuals; and n.i = total number of individuals .th in the i species.

Fish. Fish collections were made in the upper and lower sections of Pond Hill Creek using a 4 x 4 foot, 3/8 inch mesh minnow seine and a Smith-Root Type VIII backpack electrofisher. About 2,500 feet of the stream was sampled in the upper section and about 750 feet in the lower portion. Specimens were preserved in 10% formalin, and later in 40% isopropyl alcohol, for laboratory identification and analysis.

A-9 References Consulted —A-2 American Public- Health Association, American Water Works Association and Water Pollution Control Federation. 1976. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Washington, D.C.

Lagler, K.F. 1956. Freshwater Fisher Biol . Wm. C. Brown Co., Dubuque, Iowa.

Weber, C.I., ed. 1973. Biological Field and Laboratory Methods for Measur- ing the Quality of Surface Waters and Effluents. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio.

A-10 A-3 SOCIAL AND ECONONIC CHARACTERISTICS

The following methodology describes the means used to define the socioeconomic characteristics of the reservoir site, its site vicinity and the region and to assess the socioeconomic impacts of the proposed reservoir.

Information about the community near the site was obtained from published sources, patterns of land ownership and land use ("reading of the landscape" ), meetings of the Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee, site reconnaissance and interviews.

A socioeconomic profile of the township was obtained by reference to census data, other published statistics, documents of the township and interviews with staff or officials of county and township groups., Interviews with local residents and government officials helped describe community character and sentiment.

A socioeconomic profile of the region was directed to obtaining information about the characteristics of the county and larger region from county and regional agencies and through interviews with staff of these groups.

An analysis of the property taxes and assessments within the site was performed by consulting assessors'olls; impact was analyzed by reviewing the appropriate state laws which would apply to taxation of land and structures owned by a public utility.

An analysis of impact on community facilities and services was made by reference to the available published information on school districts, fire departments, police service and the like; any impacts which appeared particularly significant in these areas were further supplemented by interviews with appropriate officials. A search of the literature and an examination of the kinds of impacts to be expected or anticipated from a reservoir project were performed. This application of past experience with other reservoir projects provided insight into the problems that the proposed reservoir project might cause.

The principal focus of this research was to understand the impacts a reservoir can have on people (their livelihoods, their relationship to the land, their income, their property values and their lifestyle) and on the community structure that supports and surrounds them. The investigations aimed to identify any specially impacted subpopulations, such as farmers or those with low income, who might merit special atten- tion.

Different impacts were assumed to occur at different phases of the project. For example, during the planning of the project and in anticipation of its construction, one might expect changes in property values or changes in coranunity cohesion. These impacts are particularly difficult to measure in a precise way without a regular monitoring of the market and social behavior around both the proposed site and a control area. Such effects, however, were described in applying past experience as recorded in the literature and by using anecdotal data, e.g., records of meetings and the results of interviews. Construction related impacts were likewise analyzed by application of past experience as recorded in the literature and insight into the community provided by the socioeconomic profiles and interviews. Impacts of a more long-range nature were assessed by using information about the community and its residents and by, applying the knowledge gained from the literature.

A-l2 A-4 LAND USE

In order to describe and assess the impact of a reservoir on land use the following analyses were performed:

Reconnaissance of the site was conducted in order to determine the pattern and types of land use and recent changes in land use. This reconnaissance was supplemented by analysis of land use as depicted in aerial photographs and by classification of the land to be acquired by types of ownership and types of land use. Property maps were used to determine the pattern of land holding.

The land use statistics and maps of the appropriate levels of government (state, region, county and township) were gathered and analyzed. Any plans, policies or guidelines of the various levels of government were consulted as were the pertinent land use plans and development controls.

Interviews with planning staff and officials of the region, county and township provided a mechanism for interpreting and checking the reliability of data gathered from the site and from statistics, maps ana plans. Furthermore, the interviews revealed any intentions or community desires that were not reflected in the plans.

A search of the literature with respect to the impacts of reservoirs on land use was made; such information guided the analysis of impacts, both direct and induced.

A-13 A-5 AGRICULTURE

In order to describe and assess the impact of a reservoir on agriculture, the following analyses were performed:

Reconnaissance 'of the site and analysis of aerial photographs were supplemented by interviews. Both the site reconnaissance and the aerial photography analysis helped to document the relative importance of agriculture within the site in terms of land use and in terms of agricultural employment. Classification of land lost according to land use capability characteristics was made with information derived from soils the Conservation Service. maps and soils series descriptions of Soil I

Interviews with and data collection from the county extension agent and district conservationist helped to evaluate and interpret the information obtained from site analysis. Statistics were gathered from state livestock and crop reports and the U.S. Census of Agriculture.

Analysis of the site, county statistics and interviews aided in documenting the likelihood of future use of the site for agricultural purposes. A literature search regarding the impact of reservoirs on agriculture and general agricultural trends helped to define the possible range of impacts. A-6, RECREATION

In order to describe existing recreation, estimate the potential for recreation at the site as it exists and develop guidelines for recreation at the site as it might be developed with a reservoir, the following types of analyses were performed:

In order to place the project area in a larger perspective, an analysis of existing recreation and open space plans of the county and the state was made. From this, the resources available, the recreational demand and the recreational need were derived. This analysis was further supplemented by interviews with appropriate state and county officials to determine anticipated future needs. The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of the overall role that the site might now play or could play in recreation for the region and to determine how the proposed project might impede or enhance local or state recreational plans.

Existing recreation at the site was describea from information collected during site reconnaissance and interviews and from specific data on fishing and hunting collected by TABS'cologists.

The site was then analyzed for: (a) potential of the site to compensate for change in existing recreation, and (b) kinds of recreation that the reservoir and its surroundings could support. Subsequent to this

~bilit for various types of recreation according to the following criteria: (a) the quality of the setting, aesthetic and ecological; (b) the limitations of the setting, such as drawdown; and (c) location of and access to the setting. This site suitability was then tested against the kinds of recreational needs that had been identified by an analysis of'tate and county plans. A reading of reports about recreational development at other types of reservoirs helped to provide a general framework for the kinds of recreational use that might be appropriate. The final results of this approach were guidelines for the development of a potential recreation area and objectives for recreational development. Greater emphasis was placed on site oriented vis-a-vis user oriented analysis because of the qualities and limitations of the setting at Pond Hill Creek.

A-l6 APPENDIX B COMMUNITY IMPACZS AND PROPOSED MEASURES FOR MITIGATION

The construction activities required for the proposed Pond Hill Reservoir will affect local canmunities in the project area. Scme of, the effects will require specific measures or programs to assure minimal disturbance to ccmmunity facilities or services. PP&L believes that the programs described below will be helpful in offsetting the effects of project construction and operation.

GENERAL

A canmittee ccmposed of nearby residents and canmunity leaders, the Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Committee (PHRAC), has been instrumental in conveying canmunity concerns to PAL. Numerous discussions have been held between PPEL representatives and members of the committee since October, 1977, and periodic meetings have been held. This ccaunittee will continue to meet with PPGL during construction of the Pond Hill Reservoir. The director of the Susquehanna information center and the PAL Blocmsburg area manager will have the specific responsibility of conveying canmittee concerns to PP&L project management. PP6L will arrange a preconstruction meeting between members of PHRAC and the project contractor in order to present and discuss specific construction details that may impact the local canmunity. Following this meeting, PHRAC may wish to hold a public meeting to convey information obtained at the preconstruction conference.

The following specific areas of concern have been raised by the canmittee members thus far. 'here possible, definitive resolutions of these concerns are discussed. Otherwise, details of solutions requiring more input will be discussed with the camnittee at an appropriate time. TRAFFIC

During project construction, traffic will increase in and around nearby ccmmunities. To prevent this traffic fran beaming a significant nuisance or safety hazard, PP&L will implenent the following types of programs: distribution of information concerning the procedure, frequency, and timing of truck transport and worker traffic; posting of a safety officer during periods of heavy equipnent or other significant movement through local roads; and coordination of the more routine tiansportation to avoid interfering with school bus stops. These concerns are more fully discussed in the environmental report (sections 4 .2.4 .2, 4 .3.2 and 4 .2.7) .

By the time reservoir construction begins, construction traffic for the Susquehanna SES will have subsided a considerable extent. Traffic congestion should not be as heavy as might be anticipated based on today' conditions. Alternatives to moving heavy trucks and equipnent through the local canmunities are being explored.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

Construction of the project will require the movement and operation of heavy machinery and excavation operations in the immediate area of the dam, reservoir ard piping station. This will include blasting and drilling. The distance fran the project area to nearby residential structures lessens the likelihood of any impacts resulting fran vibrations due to construction activities. To insure that local hanes are not affected by construction activities, PPSL will establish a monitoring progran. This will include conducting surveys to establish pre- and post-blasting levels, and by conducting vibration monitoring to insure that contractors are not exceeding previously determined limits.

Dust and noise generally acnxnpany major construction projects. Several factors limit the nuisance associated with high levels of dust and noise acccmpanying construction activities. The Envirorxnental Protec- tion Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have both developed noise and exhaust emission levels intended to protect both workers as well as nearby residents. The appl ication of dust control measures, such as spraying unimproved roads with water or calciun chloride/ are conventional practices and they will be used as appropriate. Another significant limitation to dust and noise will be the fact that much of the project' mobile equignent will be using roads within the project site.

Nevertheless, it will be necessary to use certain local roads to haul equipnent and materials and to transport workers. PPSL will cooperate with local officials in determining appropriate restitution for local road danage caused by project activities.

These and other items, such as visual screening, are more fully discussed in the envirorxnental report (sections 4.2.4.4, 4.2.4.5, 4.2.5.3, 4.2.5.7.2 and 5).

RESTORATION OF DISTVRBED AREAS

A description of restoration measures is contained in the envirorxnental report section 4.2.2.4 and section 4.2.5.6.

A number of other measures will be implemented to assure that the effect of construction activity is minimized. For exanple, construction debris ard other waste will be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. To protect attractive natural features within the project site which do not have to be disturbed by project construction, the contractor will be confined to a reasonable work area around project structures and will have to stay within these work limits. Any exposed borrow area will be restored as closely as possible to its original land form. The disturbed area will have topsoil applied and be seeded with a mixture of grasses. RECREATION

The project will be developed to provide recreation for. the public. Based upon local ccmmunity wishes ard PP&L's own evaluation of the recreation potential of the project, recreational development and facilities will reflect passive, non-motorized forms of recreation. Initially, they will include a boat launch, parking area, and network of trails around the reservoir. Operation of the recreation facilities will be monitored so that they can be modified for better utilization. Maintenance of the areas will be the responsibility of PP&L and will be provided through staff operating the Riverlands Recreation Area associated with the Susquehanna Stean Electric Station.

The fish and wildlife resources of the site will be .developed ard managed in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish Caamission and the Pennsylvania Game Canmission. These plans will involve stocking fish of desirable species and monitoring their developnent. Wildlife habitat, will also be encouraged and maintained through selective habitat management.

Recreational developnent at Pond Hill Reservoir will be ccmpati- ble with the objectives discussed in section 4.2.8.3 of the environmental report. Facilities will provide for non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, nature study and winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and tobogganing.

DAM SAFETY

The dam safety question recently has been one of the main issues for new reservoirs. While no one can unconditionally guarantee the safety of a dam, PP&L will do everything feasible to assure safe operation of the dam and reservoir. PP&L has had over 50 years experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of dans and reservoirs beginning with the construction of Lake Wallenpaupack in 1926. First, a highly qualified consultant with substantial dam design experience will be engaged to design the dam and prepare construction drawings and specifications. An independent design review board canprised of several experts will be retained to review the design to insure the strictest appropriate standards of safety in design ard operation have been applied and that no details have been overlooked in the project design.

The dam will be designed to be safe during all probable conditions. The spillway will be designed to release runoff fran the greatest flood probable in Pond Hill Creek. The dam will be designed to remain stable during and after occurrence of the strongest probable earthquake in the site vicinity. There are no reports of any Pennsylvania earthquakes felt in the site vicinity.

Although PPGL firmly believes that the dam will be safe, a hydrologic study will be conducted to determine the impacts of a dam failure. This stay will be done in response to concerns expressed by local citizens.

During operation of the reservoir, inspection of the dan by PAL engineers will be enhanced by instrumentation which will monitor the integrity of the dam. Modern techniques now developed for instrumentation and rmnitoring, together with precautions taken duing design, construction and maintenance, have greatly improved the safety of dans beirut built today.

In summary, overflowing or topping of the dam is extremely unlikely because the heaviest rainfall that could reasonably be expected in the drainage area would not be enough to overtop the dam. Modern instrumentation for monitoring dam integrity plus advanced design, construction and operation procedures will provide early indications of any corrective measures that may be necessary. PAL is confident that the dam proposed for Pond Hillwill be stable throughout the life of the project. IMPACT ON WELLS IN LILY LAKE AREA

Since even the deepest part of Lily Lake is at a higher elevation than the proposed Pond Hill Reservoir, any ground water that would flow between the two bodies of water would flow downward in the direction fran Lily Lake toward the reservoir. Wells in the Lily Lake area therefore would be subject to groundwater flow fran Lily Lake rather than fran the proposed reservoir. Thus, it would not be possible for the Pond Hill Reservoir to contaninate wells in the vicinity of the Lake.

IMPACTS ON LILY LAKE WATER QUALITY

For the reasons given in the preceding paragraph, it would not be possible for Pond Hill Reservoir to adversely impact Lily Lake water quality. However, because of the concerns voiced by PHRAC, water quality in Lily Lake will be periodically sanpled before and after operation of the reservoir. Details of the sampling progran will be determined at a later date.

LOSS OF WATER FROM LILY LAKE TO NEW IMPOUNDMEFZ

Although surface water outflow fran Lily Lake is to Pond Creek, scme water now seeps underground fran Lily Lake to Pond Hill Creek. The presence of the Pond Hill impoundment may decrease this rate but cannot increase it. In any event, the effect on the water level in Lily Lake would not be noticeable. (Note: Water flows over a controlled outlet at the southwest corner of Lily Lake into Pond Creek. It will continue to do so regardless of the presence of Pond Hill Reservoir. The rate of flow into Pond Creek will be essentially unchanged.)

B-.10 PROTECTIVE BUFFER ZONE

To protect water quality and the natural character of the site for broader public use, acquisition of a buffer area of several hundred

'-6 feet around the reservoir is planned. This buffer zone follows natural topography to provide adequate physical protection for the reservoir itself and to conform to existing property lines to the extent practical.

CONCLUSION

To the extent possible, PHRAC has anticipated local inconveniences and problems associated with the construction of the proposed Pond Hill Reservoir project. The preceding measures are. intended to provide relief where problems are anticipated. With regard to unforeseen problems that have not been recognized or addressed, the continued functioning of the Pond Hill Reservoir Advisory Caomittee will provide information to PP&L on a timely basis as canmunity problems develop. PAL is ccmmitted to continuing dialogue with PHRAC and developing mutually agreed upon solutions to any problems which may arise. TABLE C-1

BENTHIC MACRGINVERTEBRATES COLLECTED AT POND HILL CREIK STATION 1

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Turbellaria Pha ocata mor ani

Nematomorpha Gordius Oligochaeta Branchiobdellidae dae sp. 1 2 Naidium 6 4 14 Nais ll 21 35 Paranais 30 2. 4 38

Decaponda Cambarus bartoni Hydracardia Lebertia Collembola Isotomurus alustris 3 Podura a uatica 12 13 Plecoptera . 12 7.. ll 1 31 Nemoura 18 10 28 1 1 Acroneuria 1 1 3 3 8 ~Iso erla 23 93 110 22 248 TABLE C-1 (Continued) 0

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Ephemeroptera Ameletus 19 3 22 Baetis 2 6 8 14 ll 21 10 56 a 54 189 106 23 372 ~ison chia 4 4 Parale to hlebia 95 70 80 16 261 26 20 ll ll 68 ~Ehemexa 1 1 ~Ehoxon 3 Hexaceenia 16 1 28 Ephemeridae sp. 1 1 2 ~Cin cplula 2 1 3 ~ixono sis 2 2 S tenonema 149 51 82 61 343 Heptageniidae sp. 25 13 40 30 108 Odonata ~so eria 2 ~Axion 9 Hetaerina 5 Coenagrionidae sp. 2 1 5 Lanthus 20 Gromphidae sp. 10 Hemiptera Nicrovelia Negaloptera Chauliodes ll Sialis 17

C-2 TABLE C-1 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Trichoptera 186 32 43 262 H dro s chidae s . 157 1 2 160.'1 30 1 1 1 Orthotrichia 2 1 1 ~Neo h lax 56 63 5 12 Psilotreta 1 3 Wormaldia 10 13 Ptilostomis 3 10 1 1 6 23 10 37 Ps chom iidae s . 1 2 7 Lepidoptera t ~Elo hila Coleoptera AcCabus 1 Oulimnius 15 13 28 Elmidae sp. 32 21 2 55 ~Ecto cia 20 12 1 33 ~Pse heous 5 Diptera 1 1 ~has helea 1 1 Probezzia 50 9 9 3 71 Stilobezzia 1 26 7 2 36 Chironomidae Sp. 328 301 1,467 272 2,368 Dixa 1 1

C-3 TABLE C-1 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Empididae sp. 5 10 33 Per icoma 1 1 Simuliidae sp. 4 71 452 2 529 ~Chr so s 39 3 1 3 46 " Antocha 19 18 75 ll 123 Dicranota 5 3 8 Eriocera 4 4 Hexatoma 23 16' 15 57 Limonia 2 9 Tipulidae sp. 2 2 Gastropoda Ferrissia 1 1 ~Csaulus 12 12

, Pelecypoda Pisidium 1 1 Shaerium 12 12

Total Number 1,522 1,082 2,812 589 6,005

Number/Square Foot 507 361 937 196 Diversity Index 4.18 3.77 2.87 3.40

C-4 ' TABLE C-2

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES COLLECT%) AT POND HILL CREEK STATION .2 September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977- , , 1977 1978 1978 Totals

, Oligochaeta Naidi'um 1 1 2 6 Nais 4 22 10 36 Paranais . 9 3 23 81

Decapoda Cambarus bar toni 14 Hydracarina Limnesia Collembola Isotomurus alustris 1 2 Podura a uatica 40 40 Plecoptera ~Hasta tl a 7 14 29 Nemoura 9 14 23 ~Taeni.o tc~tx 5 5 Acroneuria 16 8 3 28 ~lso tie 58 67 21 146 ~Pelto etia 1 1

Ephemeroptera Ameletus 15 3 18 Baetis 5 5 7 11 29 47 26 49 103 56 234 Parale to hlebia h 2 29 40 35 106 Baetidae sp. 30 11 6 47 ~shemeta 64 37 21 138 1 1 ~itono sis 7 3 2 12 Stenonema 31 10 17 61 Heptageniidae sp. 21 4 28 Unidentified sp. 1

C-5 TABLE C-2 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Odonata ~Bo eria 2 10 10 1 1 Lanthus 7 Gomphidae sp. S Megaloptera Chauliodes Sialis Trichoptera 9 20 29 19 77 12 1 13 Hydropsychidae sp. 1 1 3 3 N~eo h lax 19

Molanna Wormaldia 2 Ptilostomis 3 1 6 13 26 8 10- Coleoptera Oulimnius 4 Stenelmis 4 Elmidae sp. 6 6 ~Ecto cia 19 61 ~Pae heoua 1 1

C-6 TABLE C-2 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Diptera Probezzia 40 8 9 4 61 Stiloezzia 4 7 2 13 Chironomidae sp. 337 103 295 199 934 Emididae sp. 4 2 6 2 Atherix 3 ~Hdzom za 1 Simuliidae sp. 130 149 279 1 1 ~Chz so s 18 19 Antocha 23 32 Dicranota ll 15 Eriocera 5 1 6 Hexatoma 10 10 10 35 Limonia 7 4 ll T~iula 1 2

Gastr opdoa Ferrissia ~Ph sa

Pelecypoda Pisidium 58 15 ll 85 ~shaezium 18 21

Total Number 652 689 1,007 566 2,914

Number/Square Foot 217 230 336 189 Diversity Index 2.94 4.10 3.88 3.70 0'-7 TABLE C-3

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES COLLECZED AT POND HILL CREEK STATION 3

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

TBXa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Turbellaria Rhabdocoela Ducuesia Oligochaeta Branchiobdellidae sp. 1 1 Enchytraeida sp. 1 1 Naidium 4 5 Nais 1 4 Paranais ll 18 Amphipoda Gammarus

Decapoda Cambarus bartoni Collembola '0 Isotomurus alustris

Plecoptera A~llo ala 10 10 131 19 22 17 189 Nemoura 45 14 59 1 3 Acroneuria 10 2 25 Perlidae sp. 1 1 ~lso ala 8 314 89 35 446

Ephemeroptera Ameletus 5 10 8 23 Baetis 4 36 107 44 191 2 17 40 13 72 26 16 38 12 92 16 52 30 35 133 Baetidae sp. 17 66 25 8 116 ~Ehemesa 2 1 3

C-8 TABLE C-3 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

TBxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals

12 12 ~Cin gmula 2 3 16 ~ltcnc sis 217 484 108 809 Stenonema 6 8 1 20 Heptageniidae sp. 4 32 6 51 Odonata Lanthus Hemiptera

Megaloptera Chauliodes Sialis Trichoptera Goera 4 4 33 46 25 15 119 4 4 4 2 14 Hydropsychidae sp. 15 15 -,- ~Nec h les 10 11 8 29 30 ll 41 Limnephilidae sp. 1 2 3 12 12 Wormaldia 6 9 Ptilostomis 7 18 2 10 8 12 6 Rhyacophilidae sp. 4 Coleoptera Dytiscidae sp. 1 Oulimnius 2 Elmidae sp. 50 27 77 ~ECte lie 1 2 5 ~sse henus 9 1 12 1

C-9 TABLE C-3 (Continued)

September 17 November 27 February 18 April 26

Taxa 1977 1977 1978 1978 Totals Diptera Probezzia 3 Stilobezzia 10 10 Chironomidae sp. 179 122 69 60 430 Empididae sp. 1 3 4 Simuliidae sp. 94 114 14 222 ~Chr ao a 25 1 6 32 Antocha 12 12 3 34 Dicranota 3 ~Erio tera 1 2 Hexatoma 15 17 36 Limonia 3 3 ~Ti ula 2 Tipulidae sp. 1 Gastropoda Ferrissia ~Graulua

Pelecypoda Pisidium 10 12

Total Number 659 1,161 1,214 482 3,516

Number/Square Foot 220 387 405 161 Diversity Index 3.91 3.64 3.33 4.15

C-10