Draft Environmental Assessment- Revision of Cordell Hull Reservoir

US Army Corps of Engineers ® Nashville District

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Revision of Cordell Hull Reservoir Master Plan

October 14, 2019

For Further Information Contact:

Cody A. Flatt, Biologist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Project Planning Branch Telephone: (615) 736-7954 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ...... 2

3 ALTERNATIVES ...... 3

3.1 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 3

3.2 No Action ...... 3

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...... 4

4.1 Project History and Setting ...... 4

4.2 Climate, Physiography, Topography, Geology, and Soils ...... 6 4.2.1 Existing Conditions ...... 6 4.2.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 9 4.2.3 No Action ...... 9

4.3 Aquatic Environment ...... 9 4.3.1 Existing Conditions ...... 9 4.3.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 16 4.3.3 No Action ...... 17

4.4 Terrestrial Resources and Land Use ...... 17 4.4.1 Existing Conditions ...... 17 4.4.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 28 4.4.3 No Action ...... 29

4.5 Threatened and Endangered Species ...... 29 4.5.1 Existing Conditions ...... 29 4.5.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 32 4.5.3 No Action ...... 32

4.6 Archaeological and Historic Resources...... 32 4.6.1 Existing Conditions ...... 32 4.6.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 33 4.6.3 No Action ...... 33

4.7 Air Quality ...... 33 4.7.1 Existing Conditions ...... 33 4.7.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision or No Action ...... 33

i Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

4.8 Socio-Economic Resources ...... 33 4.8.1 Existing Conditions ...... 33 4.8.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 40 4.8.3 No Action ...... 40

4.9 Recreation Resources ...... 40 4.9.1 Existing Conditions ...... 40 4.9.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 41 4.9.3 No Action ...... 41

4.10 Health and Safety ...... 42 4.10.1 Existing Conditions ...... 42 4.10.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 42 4.10.3 No Action ...... 43

4.11 Aesthetics ...... 43 4.11.1 Existing Conditions ...... 43 4.11.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision ...... 43 4.11.3 No Action ...... 43

4.12 Cumulative Impacts...... 43 4.12.1 Past and Present Actions ...... 43 4.12.2 Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ...... 44 4.12.3 Effects ...... 46

5 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ...... 47

5.1 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act ...... 47

5.2 Endangered Species Act ...... 47

5.3 Environmental Justice ...... 48

5.4 Cultural Resource Requirement ...... 48

6 PUBLIC AND AGENCY COORDINATION ...... 49

6.1 Public and Agency Involvement ...... 49

6.2 Scoping Comments ...... 49

7 CONCLUSIONS ...... 50

8 REFERENCES ...... 51

9 LIST OF PREPARERS ...... 53

ii Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Tables and Figures

Table 1. Resources Likely to be Affected by Implementation of the Proposed MP Revision ...... 3 Table 2. Relevant Figures for Cordell Hull Lake ...... 5 Table 3. Theoretical Minimum Flows at Old Hickory for Water Quality ...... 13 Table 4. Cordell Hull Surface Water Designations (normal summer pool elevation) ...... 15 Table 5. Current Vegetation Composition at Cordell Hull Lake ...... 17 Table 6. Definitions of NVCS Classifications ...... 20 Table 7. Vegetation Condition Descriptions ...... 21 Table 8. Land Classification Acreage ...... 21 Table 9. Proposed Designation of Project Lands ...... 29 Table 10. Federally Listed Species Recorded in the Cordell Hull Lake Project Area ...... 30 Table 11. State Listed Species Recorded in the Cordell Hull Lake Project Area ...... 30 Table 12. Historic and Projected Populations for Primary Area Counties ...... 34 Table 13. Primary City Population Data...... 34 Table 14. Proportion of Urban and Rural Populations, 2016...... 35 Table 15. Primary Area County Population Diversity ...... 35 Table 16. Primary Area County Median Age ...... 36 Table 17. Primary Area County Education Level ...... 36 Table 18. Clay County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry ...... 36 Table 19. Jackson County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry ...... 37 Table 20. Smith County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry ...... 38 Table 21. Primary Area Counties Historic Unemployment Rates ...... 39 Table 22. Primary Area Counties Per Capita Personal Income ...... 39 Table 23. Visitation at Cordell Hull Lake by Fiscal Year ...... 40 Table 24. Projected Population Growth between 2020 and 2030 in Area of Review ...... 45 Table 25. Federal Act/Executive Order Compliance ...... 47 Table 26. Percentage of Caucasian Residents in Counties Surrounding Cordell Hull Lake ...... 48

iii Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Figure 1. Cordell Hull Vicinity Map ...... 1 Figure 2. Map of the Cumberland River Basin ...... 5 Figure 3. Physiographic Provinces of Tennessee, from the Tennessee Division of Geology ...... 7 Figure 4. Geologic Map of Tennessee, from the Tennessee Division of Geology ...... 8 Figure 5. Average Monthly Discharges from Cordell Hull ...... 11 Figure 6. Cordell Hull Watershed with Locations of Stream and Rain Gauges ...... 12 Figure 7. Comparison of Shad and Asian Carp ...... 16 Figure 8. Typical Forest Types at Cordell Hull Lake ...... 19 Figure 9. Vegetation Classification Acreage Records for Cordell Hull Lake, as designated by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) ...... 20 Figure 10. Invasion Curve ...... 23 Figure 11. 2016 Emerald Ash Borer Quarantined Areas, shaded ...... 24 Figure 12. Cordell Hull Land and Water Classification Map ...... 27 Figure 13. Campground Total Percent Usage (Days Available/Days Occupied) by Fiscal Year for Defeated Creek and Salt Lick Campgrounds ...... 41

Appendices Appendix A. Scoping Letter and Mailing List ...... 54

1 INTRODUCTION Cordell Hull Lock and Dam project was authorized by the Flood Control Act, approved 28 June 1938 (Public Law No. 761, 75th Congress, 3rd Session), however, the construction of the project did not begin until 1963. Ten years later, Cordell Hull Lock and Dam became operational for full beneficial use. The primary authorized purposes of Cordell Hull Lock and Dam Project include: hydroelectric power production, navigation and recreation. Although recreation was not originally an authorized function of this project, lands were acquired and recreation facilities constructed to assure unencumbered access to the lake for the general public. Today, the resources of the project are managed to not only provide recreation but also to improve fish and wildlife habitat and provide water supply for surrounding municipalities. The project is located at Cumberland River mile 313.5, about five miles upstream of the city of Carthage, Tennessee. Cordell Hull Reservoir encompasses approximately 67.3 miles of the Cumberland River to Celina, TN. Major tributaries to the Cumberland River within Cordell Hull Lake pool include the Obey and Roaring Rivers. The project is one of ten multipurpose projects in the Corps of Engineers coordinated plan for development of the water resources of the Cumberland River Basin.

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0 5 10 20 !, D Te nessee Counhes ~~!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Ml 9$ Figure 1. Cordell Hull Vicinity Map

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

2 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION Following passage of the Flood Control Act of 1944, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertook preparation of master plans for Recreation Development at USACE projects in compliance with Section 4 of that Act. Moreover, Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 states, "…to construct, maintain, and operate public park and recreational facilities in reservoir areas under the control of the Secretary of the Army; and to permit construction, maintenance and operation of such facilities." In 1959, and again in 1962, the Chief of Engineers issued instructions on inclusion of recreation development at reservoirs as a project purpose under specific limitation. The Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 (PL 89-72) established development of the recreational potential of Federal water resource projects as a full project purpose. Another legislative project purpose includes fish and wildlife management.

In April 1968, a Master Plan (MP) for recreation development at Cordell Hull Lock and Dam Project had been prepared and approved for implementation in accordance with Engineering Regulation (ER) 1130-2-550 and ER 1130-2-540 and their corresponding Engineering Pamphlets (EP’s). The MP described in detail how all project lands, waters, forests, and other resources would be conserved, enhanced, developed, managed, and used in the public interest throughout the life of the project. Since that time, portions of the Cordell Hull Lock and Dam MP have been reevaluated on a site-by-site basis in response to particular development needs or opportunities. MPs are periodically revised to ensure focus on three primary components: regional and ecosystem needs, project resource capability and sustainability, and expressed public interests/ desires. In summary, the purpose of a revised MP is to present a current inventory and assessment of resources, provide an analysis of resource use, and evaluate existing and future needs required to protect and improve the value of resources.

With the proposed 2019 MP Revision, an Environmental Assessment (EA) is being completed to evaluate existing conditions and potential impacts of proposed alternatives. The EA is prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR, 1500–1508), and the USACE implementing regulation, Policy and Procedures for Implementing NEPA, Engineering Regulation 200-2-2, 1988. Full citations are included in Section 8 of this document. As the MP Revision and EA would be combined documents, this EA will reference sections of the MP revision when information has already been expounded and there is no need for reiteration.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

3 ALTERNATIVES Land Classification for fee property is the primary use for which project lands are managed. Project lands are zoned for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of NEPA and other Federal laws. USACE currently uses five categories of classification of project lands identified as: Project Operations, High Density Recreation, Mitigation, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Multiple Resource Management Lands. Project waters can be classified as Restricted, Designated No Wake, Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary or Open Recreation.

Alternatives evaluated in the Environmental Assessment include the following:

3.1 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision With implementation of the proposed MP Revision, three actions would be incorporated: 1) project land and water allocations and classifications would be made current, 2) an analysis of resource and project use would be conducted, and 3) an evaluation of existing and future needs and demands on the project would be completed. Classifications for project lands and water would be revised to reflect current and anticipated use. Additional descriptions of these classifications and project areas are provided in the Cordell Hull Lake MP Revision, Chapters 4 and 5 and in Section 4.4.1 of this document.

Implementation of the proposed MP Revision is the preferred alternative. A revision to the MP would allow the most comprehensive revision that best reflects environmental stewardship and conservation of Cordell Hull Lake project lands and waters while meeting public, social, and economic demands.

Table 1. Resources Likely to be Affected by Implementation of the Proposed MP Revision Affected Environment Likely to be Affected Climate, Physiography, Topography, No Geology and Soils Aquatic Environment Yes Terrestrial Resources/Land Use Yes Threatened & Endangered Species Yes Archaeological & Historic Resources Yes Air Quality No Socioeconomics Yes Recreation Resources Yes Health & Safety Yes Aesthetics Yes

3.2 No Action The No Action alternative is defined as USACE taking no action and, therefore, not implementing a revision to the Cordell Hull Lake MP. Under this alternative, no new resource analysis and allocation would occur, nor would a revision to project sites’ inventory be completed. Requirements regarding periodic revision of MPs as outlined in EP 1130-2-550 (30 January 2013) would not be incorporated. Operation and management of Cordell Hull Lake would continue as outlined in the original MP.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Detailed descriptions of the environmental setting of Cordell Hull Lake are provided in the original MP and Operational Management Plans. The following discussions provide a summary of the project area.

4.1 Project History and Setting The Cumberland River is one of the major tributaries of the Ohio River. The source of the Cumberland River is located at the junction of the Poor and Clover Forks near the City of Harlan, Kentucky. From Harlan, the Cumberland River meanders southwesterly to the City of Nashville, Tennessee. From Nashville, the river flows in a northwesterly direction to Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.

The Cumberland River Basin, depicted in Figure 2, contains 17,598 square miles of land and water area. The Cumberland River drops more than 800 vertical feet in its course from Harlan, Kentucky, to the Ohio River. There are five existing multipurpose Projects on the main stem of the Cumberland River, which include: Barkley, Cheatham, Old Hickory, Cordell Hull, and Wolf Creek (Lake Cumberland).

Cordell Hull Lock and Dam lies near the middle of the Cumberland River Basin, located in Smith County, Tennessee at Cumberland River Mile 313.5 about 5.3 miles upstream from the town of Carthage, at the upper end of Old Hickory Lake, with the dam being the head of that impoundment. The Cordell Hull Project Impoundment lies in Smith, Jackson, and Clay Counties in Tennessee. The lake extends 67.3 miles from Cordell Hull Lock and Dam to Dale Hollow Dam near Celina, Tennessee. It has 381 miles of shoreline with a local, drainage area of 1,372 square miles. Cordell Hull Lake is operated primarily for hydroelectric power production, navigation, and recreation and experiences annual pool fluctuations of five feet with potential fluctuations, during flood periods of nine feet. The lake has 11,960 acres of water surface at summer recreation pool elevation 504.0. Statistics for the project are shown below in Table 2.

The MP Revision specifically addresses recreation, cultural resources, and fish and wildlife (natural resources) management authorizations. This includes operation and management of recreational facilities as well as outgrants to other public agencies and concessionaires to provide additional features. Natural resource management includes management of lands and surface waters and coordination with public agencies and non-profit organizations to protect, enhance, and conserve the environmental resources of the project. Flood control, hydropower, and water supply are beyond the scope of this review and are managed by the Nashville District Office in conjunction with other projects on the Cumberland River.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

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umberland R1Ver Pro.t9cts L Cumberland River Watershed

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Figure 2. Map of the Cumberland River Basin

Table 2. Relevant Figures for Cordell Hull Lake Unit Type Unit Quantity Land Base Units Total Fee Property (Purchased) 26,703 Total Easement Property (Purchased) 441 Shoreline Miles 381 Pool Backwater Length (Cordell Hull Dam to Celina) 67.3 Miles Maximum Pool Elevation (508 feet ASML) 13,920 acres Minimum Pool Elevation (499 feet ASML) 9,820 acres Normal Pool Elevation (504 feet AMSL) 11,960 acres Total Storage Capacity (508 feet AMSL) 310,900 acre-feet Cordell Hull Lock Chamber Dimensions 84 feet x 400 feet

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Unit Type Unit Quantity Normal Lift (445-504 feet ASML) 59 feet Chamber Volume (505 feet AMSL) 2,675,000 cubic feet Lock Wall Elevation 512 (AMSL) Minimum Depth Over Sills (Upper) 14 feet Minimum Depth Over Sills (Lower) 13 feet Cordell Hull Dam Concrete-gravity and Type earthfill Height (above streambed) 87 feet Total Length 1,306 feet Lock Section 168 feet Spillway Section 291 feet Gates 5-Tainter Gate Size (width x height) 45 feet x 41 feet Discharge Capacity at Max Pool (508 feet AMSL) 51,510 CFM Powerhouse Section 310 feet Earth Embankments (Approximate) 468 feet Cordell Hull Powerhouse Number and Capacity of Units 3 @ 33.34 mw Total Installed Capacity 100 mw

4.2 Climate, Physiography, Topography, Geology, and Soils 4.2.1 Existing Conditions 4.2.1.1 Climate The climate of Cordell Hull Lake is moderate but variable throughout the year. Average high temperatures peak in August at 89°F and drop to 48° F in January. Average low temperatures range from 67-27° F in August and January respectively. The annual average daily temperature is 59° F. The record high of 111° was recorded in 1930 with a record low of -17° in 1985. The first and last frosts occur on October 27th and April 8th yielding a 202 day growing season. Annual rainfall averages 52 inches with an additional 3 inches of snow. There are an average of 80 precipitation days per year. Precipitation is highest in April and December. High levels of humidity are likely between May and September reaching an average of 93%. Winds average less than 8 miles per hour and typically blow out of the south and west. Air quality is high with average Air Quality Index falling in the good range with occasional drops to the moderate range. (Data drawn from Weather Spark, National Weather Service and EPA)

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

4.2.1.2 Physiology, Geology, and Topography, and Soils Physiology: The state of Tennessee is divided into several physiographic provinces, as shown below on Figure 3. Cordell Hull Reservoir and Dam lie in north-central Tennessee at the eastern edge of the Central Basin physiographic province. The physiographic region of the Central Basin was formed by the platform deposition of carbonate sediments in a shallow inland sea, followed by uplift, which allowed subsequent erosion to form a topography of gentle plateaus, wide valleys and rolling hills.

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Figure 3. Physiographic Provinces of Tennessee, from the Tennessee Division of Geology

In some areas, the limestone has undergone dissolution to form caves, sinkholes, depressions and sinking streams that are typical of a karst terrain. These karst features often control major groundwater movement within the surficial bedrock.

Some minor karst features in the form of small sinkholes exist downstream of Cordell Hull, but they do not pose serious concern to the operation of the dam or its facilities. They are inspected by the site operations crew on a regular basis.

Topography: The topography around Cordell Hull Reservoir is typical of that found within the Eastern Highland Rim region of Tennessee, with alternating broad, grassland valleys and foothills of moderate steepness that are predominantly covered by forest. The crests of the foothills range from gently rolling to peaked, with development typically present on the flatter valley bottoms. In the vicinity of Cordell Hull Dam the Cumberland River meanders, with steep bluffs being incised along the outside of the river bend and broad, rolling grasslands being present along the inside of the river bends. The majority of roads, residents and farms are located along the stream valleys or plateaus in the area, in order to take advantage of the flat topography in those areas. Flooding concerns and steep topography restrict development along much of the shoreline areas of Cordell Hull Lake.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Geology: Cordell Hull Dam is located within bedrock of Ordovician to Mississippian in age. Figure 4, below is a geologic map of Tennessee with the location of Cordell Hull Dam shown.

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100 ~--'~'--~"- -~"__ _, ml los ,----~-CENOZOIC-- --.,------"-----~------MESOZOIC ----~~------PAL EOZOIC -----~ PllECA~I DHIA N D D D CA!'.tDIU AN SEDIM ENTARY AND IGNEOUS AND ~h:il .. ,dolnmh~, !'.f ETAMORPHIC ROCKS !'.!ET AMORPHIC ROCKS llmenonf,, umb:one, SJnda1ono·, coni.lomu:&tl!, M~1•mor11h

The Central Basin region was formed by the Cincinnati arch, which extends from Cincinnati, Ohio in a southwestern trend past Nashville, TN where it is termed the Nashville Dome. The response of the sedimentary bedrock undergoing uplift within the dome was up-warping, then decompressional stress-relief fracturing resulting from the unloading of the overlying rock by erosion. The forces together produced vertical joint sets that trend generally parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dome, following the regional trend of the arch. Since the axis of the arch varied slightly with each tectonic event, there is regional variation in the joint orientation between different bedrock formations. The formations within the eastern edge of the Central Basin are gently dipping Ordovician limestone with inter-bedded shale members. Within the area of Cordell Hull Lake, these formations are in ascending order; the Carters Limestone, the Hermitage Formation, the Bigby-Cannon Limestone, the Leipers and Catheys Formations, the Chattanooga Shale and the Fort Payne Formation. Some of the limestone beds within these formations are susceptible to solutioning of open joints/bedding planes, forming sinkholes, caves and the sinking streams that are characteristics of a karst terrain.

Soils: Cordell Hull Lake is located on the Cumberland River in Smith, Jackson, and Clay counties of Tennessee. Most of the area is in the outer, north east portion of the Nashville Basin. Landscapes in this area consist of highly dissected ridges and hills with long, steep and very steep side slopes drained by streams in long, narrow valleys. The soils of the project area have developed from two general kinds of parent material; the more predominant soils are residuum formed by weathering of sedimentary rocks in place. The other soils consist of the weathering products of accumulations of sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments transported by water, wind, or

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir gravity. The soils of project site exhibit considerable variation from one point to another as a result of the diverse, geologic and topographic formations that characterize the area. 4.2.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Greater consideration would be given to land uses on areas with geological, topographical, or soil concerns with implementation of the proposed MP Revision. Updating project site assessments to reflect current and potential futures uses, as well as designating environmentally sensitive areas, such as existing wetlands, islands, and other areas with unique attributes or sensitivity, could prevent encroachment into incompatible use areas where soils, geology, or topography need to be protected. This reclassification would also reflect the best possible use(s) of project lands based on terrain, topography, access, etc. Implementation of the proposed revision would have no effect to the climate, physiography, topography or geology of the project but could have a minor, long-term, beneficial effect to soils on the project. 4.2.3 No Action Under the No Action alternative, areas of special concern for topography, geology, soils, and climate extremes could still be protected based on the original MP and individual review of proposals. However, without special consideration, these areas of concern are more likely to be encroached upon or damaged. In addition, areas of special interest discussed in the original MP would not be formally recognized as environmentally sensitive areas. Similarly, site assessments would not be revised to reflect more realistic existing and future site uses and areas of special concern would be overlooked.

4.3 Aquatic Environment 4.3.1 Existing Conditions 4.3.1.1 Hydrology The entire reservoir system in the Cumberland River Basin operates in a coordinated manner to provide multiple benefits. Under normal operations, water in storage is utilized to improve river flows and ameliorate conditions at various key locations during the later summer and fall low flow season. Runoff is captured and stored at the storage projects where it is slowly released in a controlled fashion when downstream conditions allow.

The principal source of moist air for the Cumberland Basin is the Gulf of Mexico; therefore, there exists a gradual decrease of average precipitation from south to north. This effect is largely obscured however, by the overruling influence of topography. Air forced to ascend, cools and condenses out a portion of its moisture. Thus, average precipitation ranges from 46 to 54 inches, increasing from Mississippi bottomlands to the slight hills farther east. In Middle Tennessee the variation is from a minimum of 45 inches in the Central Basin to 50 to 55 inches in the surrounding hilly Highland Rim. Over the elevated Cumberland Plateau average annual precipitation is generally from 50 to 55 inches. In contrast, average annual precipitation in the Great Valley of East Tennessee increases from near 40 inches in northern portions to over 50 inches in the south. The northern minimum, lowest for the entire State of Tennessee, results from the shielding influence of the Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast and the Cumberland Plateau to the northwest. The mountainous eastern border of the State is the

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir wettest, having average annual precipitation ranging up to 80 inches on the higher, and well- exposed peaks of the Smoky Mountains.

Over most of the State, the greatest precipitation occurs during the winter and early spring due to the more frequent passage of large-scale storms over and near the State during those months. A secondary maximum of precipitation occurs in midsummer in response to thunderstorm activity. This is especially pronounced in the mountains of the east where July rainfall exceeds the precipitation of any other month. Lightest precipitation, observed in the fall, is brought about by the maximum occurrence of slow moving, rain suppressing high pressure areas. Although all parts of Tennessee are generally well supplied with precipitation, there occurs on the average one or more prolonged dry spells each year during summer and fall.

Average annual snowfall varies from four to six inches in the southern and western parts of the State and in most of the Great Valley of East Tennessee to more than 10 inches over the northern Cumberland Plateau and the mountains of the east. Over most of the State, due to relatively mild winter temperatures, snow cover rarely persists for more than a few days.

The most important flood season is during the winter and early spring when the frequent migratory storms bring general rains of high intensity. During this period both widespread flooding and local flash floods can occur. During the summer, heavy thunderstorms can frequently result in local flash flooding. In the fall, while flood producing rains are rare, a decadent tropical system on occasion causes serious floods.

The Cumberland River is a major waterway of the Southern United States. The 688-mile-long river drains almost 18,000 square miles of southern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. The river flows generally west from a source in the Appalachian Mountains to its confluence with the Ohio River near Paducah, Kentucky, and the mouth of the Tennessee River. Major tributaries include the Obey, Caney Fork, Stones, and Red rivers. Near Celina, the river crosses south into Tennessee, where it is joined by the Obey River and Caney Fork. Northeast of Nashville, the river is dammed twice more, forming Cordell Hull Lake and Old Hickory Lake. The majority of the Cordell Hull drainage area is controlled by Wolf Creek and Dale Hollow dams. Discharges from Wolf Creek typically take 24 to 30 hours to reach the Cordell Hull reservoir while discharges from Dale Hollow take approximately 12 hours. The majority of the tributaries and streams entering the Cordell Hull local area have unit hydrographs which reach peak inflow in 5 to 8 hours. The Cordell Hull local runoff area and the Roaring River above Gainesboro unit hydrographs usually take 10 to 14 hours from initial runoff to peak. Due to Cordell Hull being a “run-of–river” project (the project has no flood storage capacity), inflows basically are equal to outflows. In addition, since the majority of the Cordell Hull drainage area is controlled by Wolf Creek and Dale Hollow projects, the releases from those projects have a greater influence than the local runoff over the entire drainage area. Average monthly discharges from Cordell Hull

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir are shown in Figure 5. An outline of the Cordell Hull watershed and locations of stream and rain gages is shown in Figure 6.

Average Monthly Discharges (cfs) 20,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 I I I I I

■ Average Monthly Discharges (cfs)

Figure 5. Average Monthly Discharges from Cordell Hull

4.3.1.2 Water Quality The Cordell Hull Reservoir water quality is primarily affected by the releases from two upstream storage projects, Wolf Creek and Dale Hollow. Cold water released from these projects moves rapidly through the main channel of Cordell Hull resulting in a theoretical hydrologic retention time of about one week. Because of this short retention time in the mainstem of the reservoir, thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion are typically moderate and occur for short periods during the summer months. Reservoir tributary embayments exhibit a higher degree of thermal stratification and DO depletion during the warm season because of greater retention times and influence of higher nutrient inputs from local watersheds. The most critical months for DO levels are typically observed from June through September. Destratification in the reservoir is normally completed by mid-October, but may occur later in some years depending on air temperature and flows.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

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Figure 6. Cordell Hull Watershed with Locations of Stream and Rain Gauges

Improvements in the quality of releases from Wolf Creek and Dale Hollow enhance water quality both in the Cordell Hull pool and for a considerable distance downstream of the dam. The Tennessee state standard for water quality requires a minimum DO level of 5 mg/L, which is consistently met or exceeded in releases from Cordell Hull Dam. However, periods of low flow during the drawdown of Lake Cumberland from 2007-13 to repair Wolf Creek Dam resulted in DO for turbine discharges falling below 5.0 mg/L. During those occurrences, aerated releases from spillway gates were used to supplement the low DO in turbine discharges in order to meet the state standard. Concentrations of metals and nutrients in the reservoir are typically consistent from year to year and are generally not a concern in discharges from the dam. Although water quality legislation does not require permits for discharges from reservoirs, downstream water quality standards should be met whenever possible without significantly affecting operation of the project for the originally authorized purposes.

Across the reservoir, Cordell Hull historically ranks as ‘Eutrophic’ in terms of biological productivity. Some of the elevated productivity can be attributed to several years where low flows from Wolf Creek Dam adversely impacted temperatures and water chemistry. Forebay phytoplankton communities tend to be dominated by golden algae, green algae, and dinoflagellates. The combination of cold water temperatures and low residence time likely help

12 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir reduce the influence from problematic groups such as cyanobacteria and issues from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Historically, there have been no HABs observed at Cordell Hull.

The mainstem portions of the reservoir bottom are generally dominated by environmentally tolerant benthic macroinvertebrate organisms such as worms (Oligochaetes), true flies (Diptera), and midges (chironomids). Organisms that are indicators for good water quality are present in the reservoir but comprise a small percentage of the overall benthic community in Cordell Hull. This likely relates to the sort of habitat present, which is typically shifting and originally enriched mud/sand/silt substrate. Benthic communities are more variable in the tributary embayments, which show some influences from upstream watershed areas. As with the mainstem of Cordell Hull, tributary embayments are generally dominated by tolerant organisms.

Under non-drought conditions, operations are not usually conducted at Cordell Hull for water quality purposes. The water quality monitor in the Cordell Hull tailwater is used primarily to determine if supplemental releases from Dale Hollow and Wolf Creek are needed for water quality control. Even though water quality is the second highest regulation priority during a drought, it is doubtful that specific water quality operations would be required at Cordell Hull during such an event. Releases for water quality would probably originate at upstream storage projects. If inflow ever got so low that it took a considerable period of time to fill the pool, releases for water quality might become necessary. Such releases would probably take the form of brief mandatory periods of generation. The details of such operations will probably not be worked out unless there are occurrences of droughts worse than those of record to this date.

In addition to meeting the state minimum DO limit of 5 mg/l in the tailwater at Cordell Hull, operations can also play a role in meeting targeted DO minimums on the Cumberland mainstem. Old Hickory Dam is considered the water quality control point for the Cumberland River basin system operations. Generally, when desirable dissolved oxygen conditions in releases from Old Hickory are maintained, acceptable water quality conditions along the Cumberland River mainstem are assured. The theoretical bi-weekly minimum average flows needed to meet the state standard of 5 mg/l below Old Hickory are listed in Table 3.

Table 3. Theoretical Minimum Flows at Old Hickory for Water Quality Month Theoretical Minimum Flow (cfs) April 2,000 May 4,900 June 7,600 July 9,100 August 9,400 September 7,4001 October 2,000 1Higher flows are needed until Old Hickory destratifies

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Actual flow requirements during a specific year may vary significantly from these numbers. Since there is no significant storage capacity at Cordell Hull or Old Hickory to supply such flows, releases from the upstream storage projects would be used to meet this need.

4.3.1.3 Aquatic Resources Cordell Hull Lake supports an excellent fishery due to adequate nutrient inputs. The Lake boasts the state record striped bass (striper or rockfish), Morone saxatilis, caught on 1 May 2000. Striped bass were formerly strictly anadromous along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but are now stocked in many inland waters of the United States (Etneir, 1993) including reservoirs such as Cordell Hull where the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) maintains the striper population from their annual hatchery stockings. Other popular game fish in Cordell Hull Lake are largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), white bass (Morone chrysops), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and crappie (Pomoxis annularis, P. nigromaculatus).

Common non-game fish present in the lake include: channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), and American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula).

Typical forage fishes located in the reservoir include gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) and the central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum).

Cordell Hull Lake has a surface water management program that would following four classifications: Restricted, Designated No-Wake, Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary, and Open Recreation. Acreages for each water surface classification can be found in Table 4.

Restricted These are water areas restricted for project operations, safety and security purposes. This would include the waters directly adjacent to the Cordell Hull Dam that are restricted during certain operational conditions. There are three designated swim areas that are open only to swimmers, and boat traffic is restricted.

Designated No-Wake Water areas designated to protect environmentally sensitive shoreline areas, recreational water access areas from disturbance and for public safety. Typically these areas are located around commercial marinas and public boat ramps. These areas are designated with guidance from state boating guidelines.

Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary Water areas with annual or seasonal restrictions to protect fish and wildlife species during periods of migration, resting, feeding, nesting and/or spawning.

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Open Recreation The remainder of the lake is open to recreational use. There is no specific zoning for these areas, but there is a buoy system in place to help aid in public safety. Regulatory buoys are maintained by the Cordell Hull Lake Resource Manager’s Office, except for in marina areas where the marina operators are responsible for buoys designating their approved no wake zones.

Table 4. Cordell Hull Surface Water Designations (normal summer pool elevation) Classification Acreage Percentage of Water Area Restricted 12 0.1 % Designated No-Wake 55 0.5 % Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary 873 7.6 % Open Recreation 10,612 91.8 % Total Water Surface Acres 11,552 100%

4.3.1.4 Aquatic Invasive Species Invasive plants and animals may have many impacts on fish and wildlife resources; they may degrade, change, or displace native habitats and complete with our native wildlife (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2012). Invasive species are serious threats which may cause significant damage to the environment, harming not only wildlife resources and fisheries, but also the human economy and human health. Public agencies often expend enormous amounts of time and money related to the prevention, monitoring, and management of invasive species. Public resources are also expended on community education regarding the dangers of introducing and spreading invasive species.

Plants Historically, USACE Resource Managers, state agencies and adjacent landowners have tried to reduce the abundance and prevent the spread of exotic, invasive aquatic plants such as hydrilla, Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). These non-native plants can pose a serious threat to biodiversity as they invade and displace native plant communities which may disrupt and alter wildlife habitat.

Asian Carp Asian carp (Cyprinus carpio) were accidentally released in Arkansas during floods on the Mississippi River in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both bighead and silver carp are at large throughout the basin. Substantial numbers of silver carp were discovered in the Mississippi River in the early 2000s. To date, they are abundant in reservoirs on the lower Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. They are most abundant in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, but are apparently migrating through locks up the Cumberland River. They have been documented in low numbers as far upstream as the upper end of Old Hickory Lake just downstream of Cordell Hull Dam (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 2018). Asian carp have not been observed to occur within Cordell Hull Lake.

Precautions should be taken to help limit the spread of Asian carp. If fishermen harvest these invasive species, they should be instructed not to return them to the lake or river, and they

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should report their catch to the TWRA. Young carp look very similar to young shad; one observable difference is the dorsal fin. Shad will have a long, thread-like fin that extends toward the tail while Asian carp will not have this thread-like fin; see Figure 7, below.

Figure 7. Comparison of Shad and Asian Carp

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 (Public Law 113-121) included direction from Congress to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to lead a multiagency effort to slow the spread of Asian carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins, in coordination with USACE, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Specifically, WRRDA called for the USFWS to develop and deliver a report to Congress summarizing all activities and expenditures (both federal and non-federal) related to Asian carp prevention efforts in the two watersheds over the previous two years, as well as describing any observed changes in the range of Asian carp in Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins. The USFWS Director determined that research could improve the ability to control the spread of Asian carp; and quantitative measures proposed for use in documenting progress in controlling the spread of Asian carp. 4.3.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision The aquatic environment, specifically the lake’s water quality and aquatic fauna, is less likely to receive direct impacts from a proposed MP Revision. However, secondary impacts to this resource would be realized. These impacts would be concentrated to the transitional zone adjacent to the shoreline. With approximately 2,325 acres of land classified as environmentally sensitive areas, impacts can be more easily avoided or minimized. Protection or conservation of these areas around the lake provides positive impacts to aquatic resources. Where these areas are islands or provide riparian corridors, benefits include canopy cover/vegetation, thereby reducing temperatures near the shoreline, increasing habitat at the water’s edge, and providing a source of detritus, as well as tree roots holding the banks in place. In addition, a wider riparian corridor with mature trees serves to filter runoff before reaching the reservoir. Overall, implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to aquatic resources.

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4.3.3 No Action Impacts to hydrology, water quality and aquatic resources would most likely be affected with increased land disturbance on adjacent, private lands, creating non-point source pollution from areas within the watershed, but beyond USACE control. Management of project lands would continue as outlined in the original MP and the Resource Manager would continue to work with local municipalities and interest groups to alleviate concerns to water quality and the aquatic resources outside USACE control which influence the condition of the reservoir.

The Natural Resource Management Mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ER 1130-2- 550, Chapter 2, Paragraph 2-2.a. (1), dated 15 November 1996) states the following: ‘The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resource Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.”

The above pre-1996 guidance would be maintained, which is not as protective of land and water resources as the proposed alternative. The No Action alternative would have no effect on aquatic resources.

4.4 Terrestrial Resources and Land Use 4.4.1 Existing Conditions 4.4.1.1 Vegetation The vegetative cover that occurs on the project represents an element in the natural beauty of the landscape. Site planning of all recreational areas at the project will capitalize on the screening and buffering attributes of vegetative cover while also providing an attractive and diverse environment. The following discussion includes descriptions of past land use and current vegetation conditions on project lands at Cordell Hull Lake.

Table 5. Current Vegetation Composition at Cordell Hull Lake Percent of Project Vegetation Type Lands Non‐Vegetated (open water) 30% Herb Dominated 12% Shrub Dominated <1% Tree Dominated – Closed Canopy 53% Tree Dominated – Open Canopy 4%

The existing vegetative pattern is primarily a product of human alteration of the land as opposed to natural succession. The vegetative pattern is the result of previous timber harvests, farming, and livestock grazing. The Forest Management Plan (found in Part 1 of the Operational

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Management Plan, discussed in Chapter 6), are designed to improve or maintain the vegetation surrounding Cordell Hull Lake.

Four general forest types have been identified within the project boundaries. They are discussed below and seen in Figure 8.

Oak‐Hickory Type: The oak‐hickory type tends to be "dominant" in Middle Tennessee in that the representative species associated with this type have the ability to spread into and maintain dominance over other forest types in the area. In general, the oak hickory forest type occurs on all types of terrain throughout the project; from well drained, thin soiled slopes to dry ridges. The exact composition of a particular stand is determined by a variety of related environmental factors such as aspect, depth to bedrock, and soil characteristics. Dominant canopy species which characterize this forest type include northern red oak, white oak, chestnut oak, southern red oak, post oak, black oak, mockernut hickory, black walnut, shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, yellow poplar, white ash and American beech. The understory vegetation consists primarily of viburnum, huckleberry, dogwood, redbud, black cherry, persimmon and sassafras.

Eastern Red Cedar Type: Next to the oak‐hickory forest type, the eastern red cedar type is the most prevalent plant community on the project. The eastern red cedar forest type is prevalent on old fields and rocky areas that are too poor to support other forms of vegetation. Red cedar may occur in pure stands or it may include other woody and herbaceous plant species such as broom sedge, honeysuckle and eastern redbud.

Mixed Mesophytic: Mixed mesophytic is a climax forest type that favors moist coves, lower slopes, flats, and hollows where the soils are deep, fertile and moist. Species occurring within this type include American beech, various oaks and hickories, sugar maple, red maple and box elder. Common understory species include pawpaw, sourwood, redbud and dogwood.

Cove Hardwood Type: The cove hardwood forest type requires deep, fertile, moist soils that are found on lower slopes, creek bottoms, coves and flats within the project. This type of habitat is generally limited to the heads of small creeks and streams that flow into the lake.

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OAK HICKORY

EASTERN RED CEDAR

MIXED MESOPHYTIC

COVE HARDWOOD

OPEN LANO

WET LANO

Figure 8. Typical Forest Types at Cordell Hull Lake

The vegetation on Cordell Hull Lake is classified by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) (Figure 9), with the goal being to understand the composition and vegetation of project lands using a consistent national system. Knowledge of what lands are available allows for better management of that land.

The percent acreages (Figure 9) on Cordell Hull Lake are broken down into vegetated and non‐ vegetated divisions and descriptions (Table 6) of the type of vegetation in each class (Multi- Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium (MRLC, 2011). Table 7 describes the condition of Cordell Hull Lake’s vegetation.

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3.4% 3.0% 4.1%

7.4% 30.1%

10.0% 42.0%

■ Non - Vegetated (includes surface water) ■ Herbaceous Annual graminoid of forb vegetation

■ Deciduous closed tree canopy ■ Evergreen forest

■ Mixed evergreen-deciduous closed tree canopy ■ Deciduous open tree canopy

■ Other

Figure 9. Vegetation Classification Acreage Records for Cordell Hull Lake, as designated by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS)

Table 6. Definitions of NVCS classifications Class\Value Classification Description Non-Vegetated Developed, Medium Areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Intensity Impervious surfaces count for part of the total cover. Open Water Areas of open surface water without vegetative cover. Areas of bedrock, desert, pavement, scarps, talus, slides, volcanic Barren Land material, glacial debris, sand dunes, and other accumulations of (Rock/Sand/Clay) earthen material. Generally, vegetation accounts for less than 15% of total cover. Herbaceous Areas dominated by gramanoid or herbaceous vegetation, generally Grassland/ greater than 80% of total vegetation. These areas are not subject to Herbaceous intensive management such as tilling, but can be used for grazing Forest Areas dominated by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and greater than 20% of total vegetation cover. More than 75% of the Deciduous Forest tree species shed foliage simultaneously in response to seasonal change.

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Class\Value Classification Description Areas dominated by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and greater than 20% of total vegetation cover. More than 75% of the Evergreen Forest tree species maintain their leaves all year. Canopy is without green foliage. Areas dominate by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and Mixed Forest greater than 20% of total vegetation cover. Neither deciduous nor evergreen species are greater than 75% of total tree cover.

Table 7. Vegetation Condition Descriptions Vegetation Condition Description Condition Sustainable Meeting desired state. The acreage is not significantly impacted by any factors that can be managed and does not require intensive management. The acreage also meet operational goals and objectives set out in project OMP or other applicable management document. These acres are considered healthy and sustainable for future generations. Only minor management practices may be required to maintain the health. On land at Cordell Hull Lake, 93.02% can be described as sustainable. Transitioning Managed to meet desired goals. The acreage is impacted by human or other environmental factors that require management of the acreage to meet goals and objectives outlined in the project OMP or other applicable management document. On lands at Cordell Hull Lake, 0.23% can be described as transitioning. Degraded Does not meet desired goals. The acreage is significantly impacted by human or other environmental factors that prevent the acreage from meeting desired goals outlined in the project OMP or other management documents. The acreage is not considered healthy. Intense management may be required to meet desired goals. On lands at Cordell Hull Lake, 6.75% can be described as degraded.

4.4.1.2 Terrestrial Wildlife Cordell Hull Lake provides a suitable environment for a variety of birds, amphibians, and mammals. Compared to older USACE lakes, the land acquisition for Cordell Hull resulted in comparatively large tracts which provide a diversity of habitat for many game and nongame species.

TWRA has primary jurisdiction for wildlife management on public lands at Cordell Hull Lake. The Corps of Engineers has issued a license to TWRA to implement, operate, and manage a wildlife program on public lands surrounding the lake through the establishment of the approximately 25,000-acre Cordell Hull Wildlife Management Area. These lands provide excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife species and excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities for people. Species to be managed will include small upland game, waterfowl, deer, and a variety of non-game species.

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Major mammals found on project fee lands include: whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), squirrel (Sciurus niger and S. carolinensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), opossum (Didelphis virginiana), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), coyote (Canis latrans), and numerous species of gamebirds-bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), wood duck (Aix sponsa), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Numerous non-game songbirds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals are known to inhabit project lands as well.

4.4.1.3 Invasive Terrestrial Fauna The Nashville District is faced with numerous and diverse issues concerning invasive species. These problems occur on USACE managed lands and waters and on USACE lands utilized for outgrants and permits. Invasive species are serious threats impacting wildlife and fisheries habitat as well as human health. They may impose enormous costs for eradication and management efforts. The management of invasive species requires steps to be taken against them. These include prevention, early detection and rapid response, eradication, and control. Early detection is a key goal in managing invasive species. As shown in Figure 10, being proactive and increasing awareness helps lower costs associated with invasive species management.

Invasive species have been introduced through routes called invasion "pathways." Transported by air, water, rail, or road, invasive species move beyond natural geographic barriers and inhabit new sites. By altering species diversity, hydrology, nutrient cycling, and other ecosystem processes, invasive species can change whole ecosystems and irreparably damage natural resources. Recreational boaters introduce invasive species by, for example, transporting vegetation on trailers and by the release of live bait in bodies of water. Ornamental plants and pets may be imported from a different country to provide unusual products to the market. Some non-native species, intentionally introduced for beneficial purposes, later turn out to be invasive. A small percentage cause serious problems in their new environments and are collectively known as "invasive species." For example, Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was introduced from Japan to the United States in 1876 where it was promoted as a forage crop. It is currently found naturalized throughout the southeastern states 140 years later.

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INVASION CURVE i 0 Ill I.I.I t t;; VI w u. 8 z ...J 0 ~ ~ a:: t <( z 0u

TIME -+

Figure 10. Invasion Curve

When possible, cultural, mechanical, or biological means to control invasive species will be used in lieu of chemical control. However, if populations pose serious problems, chemical applications may be required. Biological control is defined as the reduction of pest populations by natural enemies and typically involves an active human role. Natural enemies may include parasitoids, predators, and/or pathogenic microorganisms. For instance, three species of parasitoid wasps – Spathius agrili, Tetrastichus planipennisi and Oobius agrili, are reared and provided by the USDA as biological control agents for the emerald ash borer.

USACE has coordinated with State agencies, as well as other Federal natural resource agencies and non-governmental organizations, to develop Policy Letter #32 as an appropriate firewood policy for USACE lands. Consistent policy and management actions among natural resource agencies within a State are critical to delivering a clear message to users of public facilities.

This policy will prevent or slow the introduction and transportation of invasive forest pest and insects (such as emerald ash borer) to project lands. These pests are generally slow moving when left to their own movement patterns; however, all can move great distances as hitchhikers on firewood transported from one location to another. While the threat of pest movement exists with local firewood, it is greatly reduced.

The emerald ash borer beetle, Agrilus planipennis, attacks only ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). It is believed to have been introduced into Michigan a few decades ago on wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in Asia, where the insect is native. Since its introduction, this destructive pest has spread quite rapidly and has been found in more than 30 states, including Tennessee. There have been confirmed findings of the species in Jackson and Smith Counties.

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Figure 11. 2016 Emerald Ash Borer Quarantined Areas, shaded

Emerald ash borers are believed to have killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in the United States and Canada since its discovery in 2002. The beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of the initial infestation. The infestation of a tree begins when female adults lay their eggs in bark crevices. The larvae then feed on the inner bark disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Adults are dark iridescent green, one-half inch long and one eighth inch wide. They will fly only from April to September, depending on the climate of the area. In Tennessee, the beetles will fly only in May and June. Larvae spend the rest of the year hidden beneath the bark of the ash trees. When they emerge as adults they leave D-shaped holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide (Michigan State University, 2018).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIDS) along with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the University of Tennessee organizes emerald ash borer trapping activities. The large purple traps are placed in ash trees to monitor the spread of the pest in the state. Insecticides have demonstrated some efficacy against the beetle, but more effective pesticides are being developed and better management options are being researched. Cordell Hull Lake is located in the portion of the state of Tennessee covered by a firewood quarantine to help mitigate the transport and spread of emerald ash borers. DR1165-1-1 (Previously Policy Letter #32) has been developed by USACE in conjunction with other state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations as an appropriate firewood policy for USACE lands. Potential biological control agents (parasitoid wasps) are currently being reared and provided to infested regions by the USDA.

Under the authority of Title 36 Rules and Regulations, Section 327.12(a), the District Commander established a restriction on Nashville District project lands that prohibits the possession, transportation, use, or storage of non-certified heat-treated firewood, or the current State limit, whichever is more restrictive, or from across State or national boundaries, unless the firewood has been officially certified heat – treated firewood. This restriction will be enforced by USACE staff with citation authority using the lowest level of enforcement necessary, as per ER 1130-2-550, Section 6-2.f.

4.4.1.4 Land Classification Project staff completed a thorough evaluation of the identified recreation areas at Cordell Hull Lake. This evaluation included consideration of the 1968 MP use classifications and reallocating sites to the revised classification system now required by guidance.

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Land Classification for fee property is the primary use for which project lands are managed. Project lands are zoned for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of NEPA and other Federal laws. However, the zoning classification of lands and waters has changed since the previous update in 1968. There are currently five categories of classification identified as: Project Operations, High Density Recreation, Mitigation, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Multiple Resource Management Lands. Proposed acreages for each classification under the MP revision are listed in Table 8.

Proposed Classifications:

Project Operations This category includes those lands required for the dam, powerhouse, switchyard, saddle dam area, resource shop compound and other facilities that are protected by fences and/or gates. The management goal for these areas is to provide basic safety and security of USACE facilities to protect and insure proper operations of the project.

High Density Recreation Lands developed for intensive recreational activities for the visiting public including boat ramps, day use areas and campgrounds. These could include areas for concessions (marinas, comprehensive resorts, etc.) and quasi-public development.

Mitigation This classification will only be used for lands acquired specifically for the purposes of offsetting losses associated with development of the project. Cordell Hull Lake does not have any lands classified for this use.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas Areas where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. Designation of these lands is not limited to just lands that are otherwise protected by laws such as the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act or applicable State statues. These areas must be considered by management to ensure they are not adversely impacted. Typically, limited or no development of public use is allowed on these lands. No agricultural or grazing uses are permitted on these lands unless necessary for a specific resource management benefit.

Criteria for Environmentally Sensitive Areas • Federally listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species. • Rich species diversity, large mature native tree species or ecologically sensitive plant/animal species. • High value as nesting, resting, feeding or roosting areas for sensitive neotropical songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. • Visual buffer to adjacent private development, wildflower/wildlife viewing areas or natural landscape appeal. • Important water quality function – serves to buffer runoff for streams, wetlands and erosion sensitive areas. • Presence or high probability for presence of archeological, historical or geological significance.

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Multiple Resource Management Lands: This classification allows for the designation of a predominate use as described below, with the understanding that other compatible uses described below may also occur on these lands. (e.g. a trail through an area designated as Wildlife Management). Land classification maps reflect the predominant sub-classification rather than just Multiple Resource Management.

Low Density Recreation Lands with minimal development or infrastructure that support passive public recreational use (e.g. primitive camping, fishing, hunting, trails, wildlife viewing, etc.).

Wildlife Management: Lands designated for stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. Most, but not all, lands in this classification are outgranted to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for the purposes of active wildlife management and public hunting or fishing.

Vegetative Management: Lands designated for stewardship of forest, prairie and other native vegetative cover.

Future or Inactive Recreation Areas: Areas with site characteristics compatible for potential future recreational development or recreation areas that are closed. Until these lands are developed by others or funding is obtained by USACE, they will be managed for multiple resources. If proposals for future development arise by state or local governments, further analysis of these sites would be conducted to ensure compatibility of proposed actions with statutory requirements.

Table 8. Land Classification Acreage Percentage of Fee Land Classification Acreage (above normal pool) Project Operations 149 0.9% High Density Recreation 1,763 10.5% Environmentally Sensitive Areas 2,325 13.8% Multiple Resource Management Lands 132 0.8% Vegetative Management Multiple Resource Management Lands 11,919 70.8% Wildlife Management Multiple Resource Management Lands 449 2.7% Low Density Recreation Multiple Resource Management Lands 94 0.5% Future/Inactive Recreation Area Total Land Acres 16,831 100%

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High Density Re creation Environmentally Sensitive Area 100 - Right Bank Tailwaler 600 - Islands Classification Key 101 - Left Bank Ta tlwater 601 - Horseshoe Bend 102 - Horseshoe Bend 610 - Brooks Bend Fee Land Classifications Easement Land 103 - Veterans Park 613 - Flynns lick 104 - Defeated Creek Recreation Area 614 - Wartrace Creek - High Density Recreation Eesement 105 - Sullivans Bend Launchmg Area 624 - Brimstone Project Ope

127 - Moodys Place leunchmg Area MR - Future/Inactive use Area 203 - Wi1tes Bend Launchmg Area 71 1 - Martm Creek 211 - Martins Creek LaunchmgArea 719 - Sugar Creek 212 - Smiths Bend Launching Area 213 - Ftynns Lick Launch mg Area MR • WIidiife Monogement 22 1 - Bullers Launching Area 501 - Horseshoe Bend 224 - Bnmstone Launching Area 505 - Sulllvans Bend 225 - Overtook Recreation Area 506 - McClures Bend 30 1 - Camp Discovery 509 - Granville 302 - Camp Nee Kah Nah 51 0 - Brooks Bend 304 - Defeated Creek Manna 513 - Flynns lick 309 - 'Al'ildwood Resort and Manna 514 - Wartrace Creek Project Operations 517 - Roanng Rrver 518 - Hensley Creek 98 Ma1ntenence Shop Area 99 - Dam and Sw1tchyard - Veyetat1ve a11agement

Figure 12. Cordell Hull Land and Water Classification Map

4.4.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Classification or reclassification of project lands as proposed in the revision would allow proper designation of lands as they are currently being used or have future potential for use. By properly designating the lands, protection and most appropriate uses could more easily be accomplished. The revision also more accurately demonstrates the activities and actions project staff utilizes for implementing conservation and management of the land resources of Cordell Hull Lake. Potential impacts from land use activities such as vandalism and vegetative management would continue to be evaluated on a case by case basis and in accordance with existing guidance. Where vegetation is permitted for removal or alteration, impacts are minimized by what is allowable and conditions are incorporated that result in positive impacts such as additional plantings of native vegetation. In cases of vandalism, tree loss is remediated with replanting where possible or natural regeneration occurs.

Additional sites may be added as Environmentally Sensitive Areas in the future, or the designations may be removed if changes occur that would substantially alter the conditions for which a site was originally selected. Proposed designation changes, inclusion or removal of designation, would include notification to the public and federal, state and local agencies before final decisions were made. The intention of Environmentally Sensitive Area designation is to ensure environmental, aesthetic, or historic values of the sites are documented and considered in any potential decisions involving use of project lands and waters. Sites designated as inactive and/or future recreation areas would require further environmental review beyond the scope of the EA if development of the site for specific use was identified. Implementation of the plan would have a major, long term, beneficial effect to terrestrial resources on Cordell Hull Lake.

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Table 9. Proposed Designation of Project Lands Percentage of Fee Classification Acreage Land (above normal pool) Project Operations 149 0.9% High Density Recreation 1,763 10.5% Environmentally Sensitive Areas 2,325 13.8% Multiple Resource Management Lands 132 0.8% Vegetative Management

Multiple Resource Management Lands 11,919 70.8% Wildlife Management

Multiple Resource Management Lands 449 2.7% Low Density Recreation

Multiple Resource Management Lands 94 0.5% Future/Inactive Recreation Area Total Land Acres 16,831 100%

4.4.3 No Action With no implementation of a MP Revision, there would be no classification or reclassification of project lands to better represent current or future uses. Project staff would continue to operate and maintain the lands and waters as outlined in previous planning documents. The No Action Alternative would have no effect to terrestrial resources.

4.5 Threatened and Endangered Species 4.5.1 Existing Conditions In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) which identifies those species of flora and fauna determined by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be endangered or threatened with extinction, and which are protected by law. There are currently 719 species of animal and 944 species of plant in the United States listed as federally threatened or endangered under Section 4 of the ESA (USFWS, Environmental Conservation Online System, 2019). In Tennessee alone, 80 species of animal and 21 species of plant were listed as either federally threatened or endangered. Only five states (Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii and Texas) have more federally listed species. These numbers may increase significantly in the future as USFWS continues to list additional species and critical habitat. For instance, in April 2019, there are 22 species of animal and plant in the United States (1 in Tennessee) that are candidate species, for which USFWS has sufficient information on biological vulnerability to support issuance of proposal to list but issuance of proposed rule is currently precluded by higher priority listing actions. Another 15 species (2 in Tennessee) have been proposed in the Federal Register to be listed under Section 4 of the ESA.

Any Federal actions which may directly or indirectly affect a federally listed threatened or endangered species, or the critical habitat of a listed species, would require consultation with

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USFWS to ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Consultation could be formal or informal depending on whether or not a Federal action is likely to adversely affect a listed species or critical habitat. During consultation, the potential effects of the action to Federally-listed species would be addressed.

A list of federally endangered species within USACE fee and easement properties on Cordell Hull Lake (shown in Table 10) was generated by using the USFWS online iPac tool. The list contains three mammals, one species of plant, and sixteen species of mussels, which may still survive in reaches of the river or historically occurred prior to impoundment. Also, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) which have been delisted from the Endangered Species Act, are present throughout the area (US Fish & Wildlife Service, 2017).

Table 10. Federally Listed Species in the Cordell Hull Lake Project Area Group Species Common Name Mammals Myotis sodalis Indiana bat Myotis grisescens Gray bat Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat

Mussels Villosa trabalis Cumberland bean Pleurobema clava Clubshell Epioblasma brevidens Cumberlandian Combshell Dromus dromus Dromedary pearlymussel Cyprogenia stegaria Fanshell Plethobasus cooperianus Orangefoot Pimpleback Lampsilis abrupta Pink mucket Epioblasma capsaeformis Oyster Mussel Epioblasma obliquata obliquata Purple Cat’s Paw Obovaria retusa Ring Pink Pleurobema plenum Rough Pigtoe Plethobasus cyphyus Sheepnose Mussel Pleuronaia dolabelloides Slabside Pearlymussel Cumberlandia monodonta Spectaclecase Epioblasma torulosa torulosa Tubercled Blossom Plethobasus cicatricosus White Wartyback

Plants Physaria globosa Short’s Bladderpod Source: (USFWS, 2018)

The State of Tennessee passed legislation in 1974 entitled the “Tennessee Nongame and Endangered or Threatened Wildlife Species Conservation Act of 1974” (Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 70-8-105 and 70-8-107) that contains a listing of animals considered threatened, endangered or in need of protection and management. The legislation is implemented by TWRA and the listing contains nearly 700 species of animals.

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Also, the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program, a part of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Department of Natural Areas (TDNA), publishes the state’s rare plant list. The ability to legally list plants as Threatened, Endangered, and Special Concern is granted by the State of Tennessee Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1985. The list contains over 530 species of plants and fungi. The species and State listing status of plants and animals in the approximate vicinity of Cordell Hull Lake are included below in Table 11. Species that are also federally listed were excluded from Table 11 as they were already described above. The list was formed by searching the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program website and searching for species by applicable quadrangle maps (Tennessee: Carthage, Gainesboro, Granville, and Whitleyville).

Table 11. State Listed Species in the Cordell Hull Lake Project Area State Category Scientific Name Common Name Status Mammal Neotoma magister Allegheny Woodrat D Perimyotis subflavus Tri-colored bat R Myotis Lucifugus Little Brown Myotis R

Amphibian Ambystoma barbouri Streamside Salamander D

Bird Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle D

Fish Crystallaria cincotta Crystal Darter D Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon E Etheostoma olivaceum Sooty Darter D Cycleptus elongatus Blue Sucker T

Crustacean Stygobromus nortoni Norton’s cave amphipod R Orconectes incomptus Tennessee Cave Crayfish R Sagittocythere barri Ectocommensal Ostracod R

Arachnid Hesperochernes mirabilis Southeastern Cave R Pseudoscorpion

Insect Psuedotremia wallaceae Wallace’s Cave Millipede R Pseudanophthalmus Simple Cave Beetle R simplex

Invertebrate Cambarincola marthae A Cave Obligate Worm R (Other)

Flowering Plant Elymus svensonii Svenson’s Wild-rye T Periderdia americana Eastern Yampah E Heteran limosa Blue Mud-plantain T Castanea dentata American Chestnut S

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Juglans cinerea Butternut T Carex hitchcockiana Hitchcock's Sedge T Lonicera diocia Mountain Honeysuckle S

Explanation of Tennessee State Status Codes: E-Endangered; T-Threatened; D-Deemed in Need of Management; S-Special Concern; R-Rare (not state listed)

It should be noted that although several species of mussels are listed in both the State and Federal species list, they have most likely been extirpated by impoundment of Cordell Hull Lake.

4.5.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Threatened and endangered species would benefit most from implementation of a proposed MP Revision with the designation of Environmental Sensitive Areas. With this special designation there would be limitations and restrictions to land uses that would further protect and conserve species of concern. The designations would require a more detailed evaluation of areas proposed for various public or concessionaire uses to ensure impacts were avoided and/or minimized. Implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to endangered species. 4.5.3 No Action Threatened and endangered species would continue to be protected. In addition, sensitive areas would still be considered areas of special significance. Project staff would continue to work with state and federal staffs for access and monitoring of threatened and endangered species. However, without the MP Revision, there would not be a formal designation for Environmental Sensitive Areas to afford the species extra protection. The No Action alternative would have no effect to federally listed threatened/endangered species.

4.6 Archaeological and Historic Resources. 4.6.1 Existing Conditions The record of human settlement extends in the Cumberland River Basin to at least 10,000 B.C. In the mid-south, human occupation is generally divided into five broad cultural-chronological periods: Paleoindian (10,000-8,000 B.C.), Archaic (8,000-1,000 B.C.), Woodland (1,000 B.C.- A.D. 1000), Mississippian (A.D. 900-1000 - 1700-1750), and Historic (A.D. 1700- present). Cultural resources of all periods exist at Cordell Hull Lake (CHG, 2019). Archaeological sites include small prehistoric campsites, Woodland and Mississippian villages, and Historic homesteads.

Numerous Federal laws, executive orders, and regulations provide guidance on identification, consideration, and management of cultural resources on federal lands. The most prominent of these laws include the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA), the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979, as amended (ARPA), Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1989, (NAGPRA), Executive Order 11593, and ER 1130-2- 540.

Prior to the construction of Cordell Hull Lock and Dam, the University of Tennessee, under contract with the National Park Service, surveyed the inundation area (Morse1963). This survey

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir recorded 27 archaeological sites that were easily identifiable on the land surface or eroded river banks. Currently, 328 archaeological sites are recorded on Cordell Hull fee and easement property (CHG 2019). The Cordell Hull Cultural Resource Management plan presents summary information of these sites.

The majority of sites have experienced erosion from the fluctuation in lake levels. Additionally, the exposure leaves sites vulnerable to vandalism. Despite these disturbances, many sites likely retain integrity and may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. All sites over 100 years of age are protected under the provisions of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

New developments within the Cordell Hull Lake would likely require a cultural resource inventory survey to identify previously unknown historic properties. Information from these surveys would be used to plan projects and comply with Section 106 of the NHPA. In accordance with Section 110 of the NHPA the USACE shall continue a program that identifies, evaluates, and nominates properties to the National Register. In addition, USACE preservation related activities shall be carried out in consultation with other Federal, State, local agencies, and Indian tribes. 4.6.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Management and protection of archeological and historic resources would benefit with implementation of a proposed MP Revision. Each request for land use would also be further evaluated to ensure consideration of historic resources. Coordination with Tennessee State Historic Preservation Offices and Tribes would occur as needed. Implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to cultural resources. 4.6.3 No Action Management and protection of archeological and historic resources would continue without a revised MP. However, implementation of the proposed MP Revision would provide the greatest protection for these non-renewable resources.

4.7 Air Quality 4.7.1 Existing Conditions The proposed project is subject to the Clean Air Act, as amended (432 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards website: https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/ancl3.html provided state information effective December 31, 2018. The project area is in attainment with regard to national air quality standards. 4.7.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision or No Action There are no large scale activities implemented by USACE that would affect air quality conditions or local area attainment status. Management of Cordell Hull Lake fee lands currently promotes, and would continue to promote under both alternatives, conservation of natural areas, which in turn, encourages vegetation that can help buffer air quality concerns.

4.8 Socio-Economic Resources 4.8.1 Existing Conditions Cordell Hull Dam and the majority of the reservoir lies within Smith County with the reservoir extending into surrounding Jackson and Clay Counties. These three counties, or the primary

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir market area, are considered the area of greatest impact and will be the focus of the following demographic and economic analysis.

4.8.1.1 Demographics The region of demographic significance being considered is the general market area in which the reservoir is situated and is confined in one geographic area is referred to as the Primary Area Counties (PAC). The Primary Area consists of Clay, Jackson and Smith counties in Tennessee. Population growth for the Primary Counties (18%) was slightly behind the State of Tennessee (19%) and the Nation as a whole (19%) from 1990 thru 2010. However, Clay County, TN’s growth rate was well behind other Primary Counties from 1990 thru 2010 which was 8%. Population projections for the Primary Area Counties shows that growth in the area will be limited.

Table 12. Historic and Projected Populations for Primary Area Counties % Change from 1990- County 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2010 Clay County, TN 7,238 7,976 7,861 8,162 8,162 8%

Jackson County, TN 9,297 10,984 11,638 11,779 11,992 20%

Smith County, TN 14,143 17,712 19,166 19,964 20,853 26%

State of Tennessee 4,877,185 5,689,283 6,346,105 6,860,231 7,397,302 23%

The Nation 249,600,000 282,200,000 309,300,000 333,896,000 358,471,000 19%

Source: Tennessee Data Center UTK

Table 13, below displays the historic population of the Primary Cities within the Primary Counties. As shown, the growth rate in these cities is stagnant.

Table 13. Primary City Population Data

City 1990 2000 2010 2016 Celina, TN 1,493 1,379 1,495 1,488

Gainesboro, TN 1,002 879 962 945

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Carthage, TN 2,386 2,251 2,306 2,286

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Table 14, below displays the proportion of urban dwellers versus rural dwellers. As shown the PAC’s population is predominately rural as to where their residence is located. The population makeup of the PAC’s differs slightly from that of the State of Tennessee.

Table 14. Proportion of Urban and Rural Populations, 2016

County Urban Rural Clay County, TN 82% 18% Jackson County, TN 92% 8%

Smith County, TN 89% 11% State of Tennessee 80.7% 19.3% Source: City-Data

The PAC population is primarily white. Of the just over 39,905 people living in the PAC, approximately 95.6% are white. The Hispanic/Latino and Black population in the PAC makes up on average 2.2% and 1.5%, respectively. Table 15, below displays the population makeup of the PAC.

Table 15. Primary Area County Population Diversity American Two or

Indian/Alaska More County White Hispanic/Latino Black Native Races Clay County, TN 94.8% 2.3% 1.4% 0.8% 0.7% 100.0%

Jackson County, TN 97.1% 1.8% 0.5% 0.0% 1.9% 101.3% Smith County, TN 95.0% 2.5% 2.5% 0.6% 1.2% 101.8% * Due to lack of available data percentages may not equal 100%. Data Source - American Fact Finder, U.S, Census Bureau

The PAC median age is presented in Table 16. All counties in the PAC have a higher median age than the State of Tennessee. Clay County, Tennessee has the highest median age of 47.5 just under 10-years higher than the State of Tennessee’s median age.

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Table 16. Primary Area County Median Age County Median Age Clay County, TN 47.5

Jackson County, TN 46.2 Smith County, TN 41.3

PCA Median Age Average 45.0

State of Tennessee 38.6 Source: City-Data

The PAC’s high school graduate or higher rate is slightly below that of the State of Tennessee by roughly 4% to 10% on average. There is a larger discrepancy of those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Primary Area’s average of bachelor’s degree or higher for the PAC is 10.8% while the State of Tennessee’s average is 25.4%. Table 17, below displays the PAC’s education level.

Table 17. Primary Area County Education Level Percentage of People 25 Years or Older

Bachelors H.S Graduate Degree of County or Higher Higher Clay County, TN 76.3% 13.7%

Jackson County, TN 76.6% 8.0% Smith County, TN 82.7% 10.7% State of Tennessee 86.0% 25.4% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Quick Facts

4.8.1.2 Economics Tables 18-20 displays percentage of employment by major industry for each county in the PAC as compared to the State of Tennessee.

Table 18. Clay County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry Clay State of County, TN TN Civilian employed 16 years and older 2,522 2,937,131 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Mining 3.3% 1.0%

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Construction 9.2% 6.3% Manufacturing 19.9% 13.0%

Wholesale Trade 0.0% 2.6%

Retail Trade 11.4% 12.2% Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities 4.6% 6.3%

Information 1.8% 1.9%

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, Leasing 4.8% 5.7% Professional. Scientific, Management, Admin, Waste Management 6.7% 9.5%

Educational Services, Health Care, Social Assistance 24.3% 22.7% Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, Food Services 5.8% 9.4% Other Services (except Public Administration) 4.0% 4.9% Public Administration (Including government) 4.2% 4.4% *Note: Percentages for counties may not total to 100%. This table displays the top industries in the county, not all industries. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Table 19. Jackson County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry Jackson County, State of TN TN Civilian employed 16 years and older 3,946 2,937,131

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Mining 2.7% 1.0% Construction 10.9% 6.3% Manufacturing 18.2% 13.0%

Wholesale Trade 2.4% 2.6%

Retail Trade 12.1% 12.2%

Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities 8.3% 6.3%

Information 2.7% 1.9% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, Leasing 2.6% 5.7% Professional. Scientific, Management, Admin, Waste Management 5.0% 9.5%

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Educational Services, Health Care, Social Assistance 21.6% 22.7% Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, Food Services 4.4% 9.4%

Other Services (except Public Administration) 4.4% 4.9%

Public Administration (Including government) 4.7% 4.4% *Note: Percentages for counties may not total to 100%. This table displays the top industries in the county, not all industries. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Table 20. Smith County, Tennessee 2016 Employment Percentages by Major Industry Smith County, State of TN TN Civilian employed 16 years and older 8,281 2,937,131 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Mining 3.3% 1.0% Construction 7.7% 6.3%

Manufacturing 24.7% 13.0% Wholesale Trade 3.0% 2.6%

Retail Trade 10.9% 12.2% Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities 6.7% 6.3% Information 0.7% 1.9% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, Leasing 3.6% 5.7%

Professional. Scientific, Management, Admin, Waste Management 5.9% 9.5% Educational Services, Health Care, Social Assistance 19.4% 22.7% Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, Food Services 5.3% 9.4%

Other Services (except Public Administration) 4.9% 4.9%

Public Administration (Including government) 4.1% 4.4% *Note: Percentages for counties may not total to 100%. This table displays the top industries in the county, not all industries. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Table 21, below displays the Primary Area Counties historic unemployment rate from 2005 – 2017. The historic county unemployment rates are generally higher than the State of Tennessee’s rate. In 2010, all counties and states were still experiencing higher than normal

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir unemployment rates due to the Nation’s economic downturn, but as can be seen all counties recovered.

Table 21. Primary Area Counties Historic Unemployment Rates County 2005 2010 2015 2017 Clay County, TN 11.5% 12.1% 8.9% 5.1%

Jackson County, TN 10.9% 15.1% 9.5% 7.8%

Smith County, TN 8.7% 15.4% 6.9% 5.3%

State of Tennessee 5.6% 9.7% 5.6% 3.7% Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Table 22, below presents the Primary Area Counties per capita personal income for 1999 and 2016. The PAC per capita personal income increased approximately 39% between 1999 and 2016. However, the counties still trail the State of Tennessee’s per capita personal income by over 27%.

Table 22. Primary Area County Per Capita Personal Income County 1999 2016 Clay County, TN 17,158 31,434

Jackson County, TN 18,297 28,273 Smith County, TN 21,330 34,653 State of Tennessee NA 43,484 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

USACE provides water-based recreation opportunities throughout the country which in turn provide economic benefits to the local and regional economies. To estimate the economic impact from recreation related spending at these projects, USACE, in collaboration with researchers at Michigan State University (MSU), developed the Recreation Economics Assessment System (REAS). The REAS model is an economic input-output model that was developed for all USACE projects based on recreation visits in 2016 and a set of economic ratios and multipliers for a region. During 2016 Cordell Hull reservoir accumulated over 677,000 visits. Using available survey data, it is estimated that visitor spending at Cordell Hull Reservoir to be $20.0 million. Cordell Hull Reservoir generates 195 jobs within 30-miles of the lake. It is also estimated that the reservoir is responsible for $6.9 million in labor income within 30-miles of the lake (MSU, USACE 2016).

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4.8.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Implementation of the proposed MP Revision would accurately reflect project facilities inventory and conditions. In addition this would allow allocation of resources to project facilities that are used most by project visitors. This in turn addresses socioeconomic benefits gained from project visitation. Municipalities in proximity to Cordell Hull Lake receive economic benefits from visitors to the lake. Furthermore, the MP updating process has solicited and incorporated comments from tourism and recreation managers in affected municipalities and counties, as well as state officials who manage tourism. As project facilities are best managed to provide for recreation and environmental conservation, adjacent municipalities could continue to benefit from visitation. Implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to socioeconomic resources. 4.8.3 No Action Under the No Action alternative, the MP would not be revised to accurately reflect current project inventories, classification, and future needs. Project facilities in need of reallocation would remain as outlined in the 1984 MP Revision. Therefore optimization of project resources would be limited. Economic benefits to surrounding municipalities would continue based on visitation to Cordell Hull Lake.

4.9 Recreation Resources 4.9.1 Existing Conditions Visitors to Cordell Hull Lake are a diverse group ranging from campers who enjoy the two campgrounds at the lake, hunters who use the Wildlife Management Areas associated with Cordell Hull Lake, day users who picnic and use playgrounds, marina customers accessing the water, and many other user groups. Visitation on Cordell Hull Lake is at its highest during the months of April to August, with a decline during the colder months of December to March (OMBIL, 2017).

Visitation to Cordell Hull Lake is consistently in the top 26% most visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation, ranked the 105th most visited in fiscal year 2016 (VERS, 2019). Recent trends in visitation, shown in Table 23, indicate about 680,000 visits to Cordell Hull Lake annually.

Table 23. Visitation at Cordell Hull Lake by Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Number of Visits to Cordell Hull Lake (October to September) FY 2016 677,837

FY 2015 635,973

FY 2014 729,640

It should be noted that at the time of publication of this Master Plan, the Corps of Engineers is undergoing a reassessment and modification of the way visitation counts are calculated across the nation. As a result the new visitation data collection is becoming more precise and has resulted in a drop in visitation numbers at Cordell Hull Lake and across USACE based on the new procedures used to collect and calculate project visitation.

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In addition to overall visitation numbers, utilization data gives a picture of how frequently the campground facilities are being occupied. Figure 13 shows campground utilization data for Cordell Hull Lake’s campgrounds, Defeated Creek and Salt Lick. This data is from the national reservation system, NRRS. Nationally speaking in FY17, Defeated Creek (68.45%) had a utilization rate at nearly 70% putting it in the top 5% of most utilized Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the nation and Salt Lick (40.70%) utilization rate putting it in the top 40% with over 500 campgrounds reporting use rates. The high utilization of these areas speaks to the value and importance the public places on these amenities and the enjoyment they offer to visitors.

CAMPGROUND UTILIZATION 68.45% 68.41% 66.64% 65.00% 59.75% 59.58% 58.00% 42.08% 40.70% 36.59% 34.37% 31.13% 30.22% 29.36%

DEFEATED CREEK PARK SALT LICK CREEK

■ FY12 ■ FY13 ■ FY14 ■ FY15 ■ FY16 ■ FY17 ■ FY18

Figure 13. Campground Total Percent Usage (Days Available/Days Occupied) by Fiscal Year for Defeated Creek and Salt Lick Campgrounds

4.9.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Recreation needs of the visiting public would be better accommodated with implementation of a MP Revision. Reallocation of facilities and services would be reflected in the MP by having an inventory and assessment that accurately reflects existing project facilities as well as those proposed to accommodate future needs and demands. If non-USACE entities expressed an interest in assuming operation and maintenance of existing recreation facilities, these requests would be considered. With this consideration would be a case by case evaluation, including NEPA compliance and further coordination. Implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to recreation resources. 4.9.3 No Action Provision of recreational facilities and services would continue at Cordell Hull Lake without a revision to the original MP. However, the plan by which the Resource Manager and staff operate would not accurately reflect the current status of project facilities. Nor would there be

41 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir additional measures in place, such as land use designations, to better accommodate recreational needs while protecting the natural resources. The No Action Alternative would have no effect on recreational resources.

4.10 Health and Safety 4.10.1 Existing Conditions With over 250 million annual visits, USACE is one of the largest federal providers of outdoor recreation. Since a large majority of these visitors engage in water related activities, water safety education is top priority. USACE in the Nashville District started an organization in 1951 that became the National Water Safety Congress. In the mid-1970's, the Chief of Engineers issued the first official directive for USACE to amplify its water safety educational efforts after nearly 500 lives were lost at USACE lakes in a single year. In 1986, USACE National Water Safety Program was started with a mission is to increase public awareness of boating and water safety through educational materials and products.

With public safety as a primary concern, Cordell Hull Lake implements the water safety program at the project level to reduce public accidents and fatalities through education, publicity, patrols on land and water and teamwork with partners. Education is provided through information in recreation areas, bulletin boards, posters, signs, banners, and brochures. The water safety promotional materials provided by the HQUSACE Water Safety Committee are used extensively to leave a lasting impression. Web pages (like the National Water Safety Congress and the National Safe Boating Council), fishing reports, and exhibits in the Visitor Center provide educational information. The Cordell Hull Lake staff routinely conducts water safety programs for schools, summer camps and various civic groups. Social media is also heavily utilized to disseminate the water safety message. The Cordell Hull Lake staff also participates in the Nashville District Water Safety Task Force to review ways to promote water safety, share information and develop strategies for reducing public accidents and fatalities at Nashville District lakes, locks and dams.

In addition to public awareness efforts, safety of project visitors and staff is regarded as the highest priority in daily project operations. Facilities and recreational areas are routinely evaluated to ensure sites are safe for visitor use. In implementing the Recreation Excellence at Army Lakes (REAL) program, safety is better achieved where resources are allocated to areas most needed. Project staff conducts numerous water safety programs and public announcements to educate children and project visitors about ways to be safe on the lake.

In coordination with TWRA, water safety hazards and no wake zones are marked with buoys. Park Rangers provide visitor assistance and work with the state and county law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. USACE and TWRA also provide water safety patrols on the reservoir. 4.10.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision As status and classification of project land and facilities are revised and future needs and demands are outlined, resource staff at the reservoir would be more readily prepared to address health and safety issues with a revision to the MP. As outlined, health and safety of project visitors and staff have been considered in the analysis of current and future needs of project resources. Therefore, implementation of the revision would assist resource staff in ensuring

42 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir health and safety is addressed and would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to aquatic resources. 4.10.3 No Action Safety would remain highest priority for daily park operations. Projects and programs to promote visitor safety and awareness, and coordination with other Federal, state, and local agencies, would continue even with no implementation of a MP Revision. The No Action Plan would have no effect on project safety.

4.11 Aesthetics 4.11.1 Existing Conditions Before completion of the project, a large buffer area of federal lands above the normal lake pool was purchased by USACE. Thus, adjacent property owners are separated from the lake by several hundred feet of forested uplands in most locations. Management of fee lands on Cordell Hull Lake provide a wooded buffer between private lands and the reservoir, which significantly enhance the natural, aesthetic properties of the lake. Tree vandalism and other unauthorized encroachments on public fee lands can diminish the aesthetic qualities of the lake if continued on a widespread basis. Populations in Smith, Jackson and Clay counties are expected to climb as the rapidly expanding Nashville metropolitan area expands development in the entire region (See Table 15, Section 4.12.2). 4.11.2 Implementation of Proposed MP Revision Requests for outgrants of project lands are common and will continue to increase as the population in Middle Tennessee continues to grow. Private, individual use facilities are managed through the Shoreline Management Plan. Implementation of the proposed MP revision would reduce potential impacts to the aesthetics of Cordell Hull Lake through the designation of land use areas and amount and type of development allowed. By designating environmentally sensitive areas and limiting disturbance and potential uses of these sites, the aesthetic qualities of these areas would be maintained or enhanced. Therefore, implementation of the plan would have a minor, long term, beneficial effect to aesthetics. 4.11.3 No Action Cordell Hull Lake project lands and waters would continue to be managed in accordance with the original MP. Without updating site characteristics and classifications, areas needing special attention for protecting aesthetics or opportunities to concentrate activities in areas already aesthetically disturbed could be more difficult. Federal lands on the lake would continue to provide a buffer between growing residential developments and the lake itself.

4.12 Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts would result from the incremental impact of the proposed action added to those of other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future actions in the local area. Geographical boundaries for this discussion of cumulative impacts are the Cordell Hull Reservoir and surrounding counties. Temporal boundaries established span from reservoir impoundment (1973) to fifty year’s future projection. 4.12.1 Past and Present Actions The Cumberland River was impounded for the creation of Cordell Hull Lake. Initially authorized purposes for construction were flood control and hydropower generation. Other project uses such as recreation; fish, wildlife, and natural resources management; and water quality have

43 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir also placed a demand on project resources. Project purposes for recreation and associated natural resource management is the focus of the MP Revision. The two most predominant land covers are deciduous forest and pasture/hay agriculture. Although many portions of the Cumberland River watershed remain rural, areas around the reservoir have experienced impacts from logging and agriculture for many decades.

Recreational usage and tourism of Cordell Hull Lake is high, particularly in summer months. As stated in Section 4.9.1, Cordell Hull is consistently one of the top fifty most visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. As a result, the reservoir contributes to the local economy in visitor spending and local jobs. Associated with the high volume of visitation is use of recreational facilities. Many areas reach and sometimes exceed capacities for parking, camping and picnicking facilities. Boat traffic on the reservoir is often heavy, primarily during summer months and holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Not only have numbers of recreational users increased, but the type of recreational equipment being used has changed. Vehicles, such as campers and motor homes, have become larger, longer and truly can function as second homes given their amenities. Given these changes, the electrical, water and sewage treatment demands at campgrounds have increased to accommodate capacities. There has been an increase in demand for wider, longer ramps to accommodate launching vessels that are becoming larger and faster.

The public land managed by USACE is a large forested buffer around normal summer pool of Cordell Hull Lake. Some lands have been managed for recreation with establishment of day use areas, campgrounds, boat ramps, etc. or outgranted to entities to further provide recreational amenities (such as marinas). Most of the project lands (see Section 4.4.1) are designated Multiple Resource Management Lands (Vegetative and Wildlife Management) and have remained relatively undeveloped. Long range management of the shoreline resources of Center Hill Lake are established in the project SMP (Appendix H of the Operational Management Plan), which provides definitive guidance and balances certain private exclusive uses of public resources (e.g. vegetation management, construction of shoreline structures, and shoreline stabilization) while protecting and restoring the natural environment. This plan undergoes review and revision, if applicable, every five years. The SMP was updated in 2005 and therefore is not part of this review.

4.12.2 Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions Based on projections from the University of Tennessee, Boyd Center for Business and Economic Development (Tennessee State Data Center), the counties surrounding Cordell Hull Lake are expected to experience moderate growth between current conditions and 2070 (UT, 2017).

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Table 24. Projected Population Growth between 2020 and 2030 in Area of Review % Change from 1990- County 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2010

Clay County, TN 7,238 7,976 7,861 8,162 8,162 8%

Jackson County, 9,297 10,984 11,638 11,779 11,992 20% TN

Smith County, 14,143 17,712 19,166 19,964 20,853 26% TN

State of 4,877,185 5,689,283 6,346,105 6,860,231 7,397,302 23% Tennessee

The Nation 249,600,000 282,200,000 309,300,000 333,896,000 358,471,000 19%

Therefore, pressures on the lake’s resources are expected to continue. Carrying capacities for recreational facilities would continue to be maximized and/or exceeded, especially during summer months and holidays. In addition, damages such as water quality due to runoff, continued requests for outgrants, and encroachments on public lands are expected to continue and possibly become worse. Necessary precautions would need to be implemented to ensure the resources are not overused or damaged to an unacceptable level. The MP Revision is one tool that Resource staff implements to ensure optimal use of facilities and resources and conservation and protection of natural resources while providing recreational opportunities to the visiting public. Along with the MP, project staff will continue to manage project resources in accordance with project Operational Management Plans and Shoreline Management Plans; these documents will also continue to be evaluated and revised as necessary to provide the most effective management tools to balance resource protection and public use.

Climate Change. Climate change is a topic to be considered along with project area activities and factored into discussions for resource availability and potential impacts and consequences. Lands identified as vulnerable to extreme climate impact (flood and drought) would need to be managed to protect natural resources and human safety. Although information available for review specific to climate change varies, most will acknowledge similar expected trends. Noted generally for the Southeast section of the United States, thus applicable for the Cordell Hull Lake project area, temperatures are expected to increase over the next century. Regional average summer temperature increases (assuming a scenario with steadily rising emissions of greenhouse gasses) are projected to be approximately 4.9o by 2055 and 8.5o F by 2085 (NCA, 2014). Trends evaluated more directly to the Ohio River Basin estimate average temperature increases to be 5-70F looking outward through 2055 (USACE, 2015).

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

Views on changes in precipitation are less aligned among scientists than temperature changes (NCA 2014). Most agree with projections of decreased amounts of precipitation and increased storm frequencies (USACE, 2015, NCA, 2014). Thus, the rainfall that is received within the Cordell Hull drainage basin would be in more intense rainstorms, resulting in sudden and more extreme flooding.

4.12.3 Effects Despite watershed impairments, the Environmental Protection Agency “2012 Waterbody Report for Cordell Hull Lake” (EPA, 2017b) assessed Cordell Hull Lake for the following usage categories: domestic water supply, fish consumption, secondary contact recreation water and warm water aquatic habitat. Cordell Hull Lake was assessed a status of “good” for all categories and an overall status of “good”. The existing water quality impairments increase the need to maintain a forested buffer surrounding the lake where fee lands are available. Land use practices associated with agriculture and commercial/residential development have improved from past years and should continue to improve in the future as new best management practices (BMPs) are developed. However, the scale of development and impervious surfaces associated with buildings, roads and parking lots are expected to increase into the future. New technologies afforded by modern recreational vehicles, emissions and waste management/containment will likely continue to improve and minimize impacts to natural resources.

Water resources in the region are expected to be further compromised with increased temperatures resulting in increased plant transpiration and water evaporation. Population growth will also likely lead to an increase in impervious surfaces, making the watershed flashier and increasing flood events. Managing water quality impacts associated with flashy storm events, potential flooding and surface water runoff will continue to be a challenge for land and water managers.

Terrestrial resources, specifically naturally vegetated lands, surrounding the reservoir will continue to be resources highly valued by the public. Cordell Hull Lake, along with the other adjacent state and federal landholdings, provides tremendous recreational opportunities for the permanent and visiting public. Tourism for this commodity will continue to be high and an important economic factor for this region. Demands for recreational facilities and amenities will also likely continue to increase. Facilities will need continual repair and upgrade to satisfactorily meet visitor expectations. In addition, there will be conflicting demands for recreational opportunities on the reservoir and project lands. The continued requests for various uses of project lands by municipalities and other interests will also add more demands on the limited project lands and waters.

A MP Revision would provide a tool for the Resource Manager’s staff of Cordell Hull Lake to ensure natural resources and project facilities are being used while minimizing impacts to the resources. Revising existing data to reflect current status and classification, as well as project future uses, demands and potential challenges, would better provide for accommodating demands for varying recreational opportunities while avoiding potential conflicts.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

5 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Compliance with Federal Acts (Acts) and Executive Orders (EO) are summarized in Table 25. For those identified as “not applicable (N/A)” under Compliance, there would be no effect from implementation of MP Revision as it is a planning document. Future land and water use requests would be further evaluated in accordance with each Act and/or EO.

Table 25. Federal Act/Executive Order Compliance Act/Executive Order Compliance* Wetlands (EO 11990) N/A Prime/Unique Farmlands N/A Floodplain Management (EO 11988) N/A Clean Water Act Section 404 N/A Section 401 N/A NPDES N/A Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act C Endangered Species Act C National Historic Preservation Act C Environmental Justice (EO 12898) C Clean Air Act N/A Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation N/A and Liability Act (CERCLA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) N/A Wild and Scenic Rivers Act N/A Rivers and Harbors Act N/A Climate Change (EO 13653) N/A

5.1 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act USACE is required to coordinate proposed federal actions with the USFWS and TWRA under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 USC 661 et seq.). Coordination is initiated with a scoping notice and continues with review of the EA. Both USFWS and TWRA were included on the Scoping Notice and Notice of Availability as described in Section 6 but neither agency provided substantive comments.

5.2 Endangered Species Act The Endangered Species Act requires the determination of possible effects on or degradation of habitat critical to Federally-listed endangered or threatened species. Implementation of a revised MP would benefit listed species. Individual requests for use of project lands would be evaluated and coordinated as necessary to ensure compliance with this Act. Section 7 (a) (1) of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to " utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered species and threatened species listed pursuant to Section 4 of this Act". Therefore, USACE decisions concerning land use and other actions such as water quality (dissolved oxygen, temperature, etc.) of discharges from Cordell Hull Dam consider conservation measures for these species. A more detailed discussion of threatened and endangered species on Cordell Hull Lake is contained in Section 4.5 of this document.

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

5.3 Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations, requires Federal agencies to promote “nondiscrimination in Federal programs substantially affecting human health and environment”. In response to this directive, Federal Agencies must identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. The final step in the environmental justice evaluation process is to evaluate the impact of the project on the population and to ascertain whether target populations are affected more adversely than other residents. Implementing the proposed MP Revision would not disproportionately affect minority or low-income populations. Project lands are available for use by all members of the general public. There are no known adverse effects to a minority or low-income population from the proposed changes to the MP. As discussed in Section 4.8.1, the median household income within surrounding counties of Cordell Hull Lake is, on average, lower than Tennessee’s average household income. However, low-income populations are identified using the Census Bureau’s statistical poverty threshold. The Census Bureau defines a “poverty area” as a Census tract with 20% or more of its residents below the poverty threshold. None of the counties in the study area met the criteria of a “low-income population”. According to the information collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, populations within this area are principally Caucasian (Table 18). Based on 2016 census data, approximately 39,905 people lived in the counties surrounding Cordell Hull Lake and approximately 37,750 or 94.6% were classified as “white alone” (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017). A more detailed illustration of ethnicity of citizens within the study area is shown below in Table 26. Based on this information, Cordell Hull Lake is not located in a low income or high percentage minority area.

Table 26. Percentage of Caucasian Residents in Counties Surrounding Cordell Hull Lake County Total Population % White (Alone) Clay 8,162 94.8% Jackson 11,779 93.7% Smith 19,964 95.3% Cumulative 39,905 (surrounding 94.6% (171,521 Caucasian) counties) Tennessee 6,651,194 78.7% Data current as of July 1, 2016 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017)

5.4 Cultural Resource Requirement The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) provide provisions for the management of significant cultural resources on federal lands. The Cultural Resource Management Plan for Cordell Hull Lake (CHG 2019) provides guidance for cultural resource identification needs and compliance requirements. Undertakings with the potential to

Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir cause effects to historic properties would be reviewed under the Section 106 process promulgated at 36 CFR 800. ARPA violations would be recorded, processed, and prosecuted, as appropriate. Currently, there are no outstanding NAGPRA collections. However, should inadvertent discoveries occur, then consultation with appropriate tribes would be conducted in accordance with 43 CFR 10 to determine the final disposition for collections.

6 Public and Agency Coordination

6.1 Public and Agency Involvement NEPA is a Federal law that requires federal agencies to consider the potential environmental impacts of their proposed project and to ask for comments from interested groups about the work plan before any action is taken. Through the NEPA process, a Scoping Letter describing the proposed project was sent to other governmental agencies and officials, Indian Tribes, the public, private individuals, and other interested parties on 14 September 2018 (Appendix A). The letter states the need for action and provides general information on the scope of work and the area of land and/or water that would potentially be affected by the agency project. The scoping letter attempts to identify environmental concerns by requesting comments on alternatives and a list of environmental resources to consider.

6.2 Scoping Comments Comments received from the Scoping Letter are discussed in this section.

Comment 1: On 17 September 2018, Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation – Division of Water (TDEC DOW) responded to the scoping notice via e-mail. TDEC DOW stated “The TDEC Division of Water Resources (Cookeville Environmental Field Office) has received a letter soliciting public and agency comments concerning the Cordell Hull Lake Master Plan and possible revisions to the plan. In regard to unknown changes or revisions no comments are offered at this time. Any forthcoming proposed changes may elicit future comments.”

Comment 2: On 19 September 2018, U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) responded to the scoping notice via email. USFWS notably mentions that Cordell Hull provides valuable resources to federally protected bat species such as Dud’s Haile Cave. USFWS also mention that Cordell Hull project lands contain federally endangered Short’s bladderpod critical habitat and the management of these lands are vital to the future recovery to the species. Other federally species mentioned were the Bald Eagle and Tennessee Cave Crayfish.

Comment 3: On 15 October 2018, Tennessee Jaycee Foundation provided a comment letter via email. The Foundation provides therapeutic and recreational programs to individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The Foundation is requesting assistance to maintain the river bank along their property that is eroding.

USACE Response: The Resource Manager’s Office of Cordell Hull Lake can provide information regarding your comment.

49 Draft Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Cordell Hull Reservoir

71 Corps Lane Carthage, TN 37030 615-735-1034 Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM [email protected]

Comment 4: On 15 October 2018, USACE received a comment from a member of the public in regards to the scoping notice. They commented on the lakes different water level elevation relative to the weather season.

USACE Response: Prior to the formation of Cordell Hull Lake, frequent flooding occurred ruining both lives and land. So USACE set out to form an ingenious system of dams and reservoirs it could operate to keep floods under control by managing water levels differently at different times of the year.

USACE prepares for the winter flood season by lowering the level of flood-storage reservoirs to make room to hold the runoff produced by winter storms. When a storm hits, USACE holds the water back by reducing releases from the dams in areas where it is raining. When the rain stops and the danger of flooding is over, USACE gradually lets the water out to get ready for the next storm.

In the summer, when flood risk is lower, USACE keeps lake levels higher to support recreation. To get ready for winter, USACE begins releasing water from tributary storage reservoirs—in “drawdowns”—at a faster rate following Labor Day weekend. This allows USACE to put the stored water to good use during September and October—which are typically hot, dry months— by generating electricity to power air conditioners and supplementing flows for water quality and navigation.

7 CONCLUSIONS This Environmental Assessment did not reveal significant onsite impacts with the preferred alternative, implementation of the proposed MP revision. By adopting this preferred alternative, the resources at Cordell Hull Lake would be allocated to best provide services for public recreation as well as ensuring environmental protection and conservation. In addition, classification and inventory would be revised to reflect the most accurate use of project lands. The MP Revision has evaluated past, present, and anticipated future uses of project lands and resources. Implementation of this proposed revision would provide the best representation of how the project can best carry out its authorized purposes while ensuring best use and conservation of all natural, cultural, and man-made resources. Specific actions and requests for work within Cordell Hull Lake project lands and waters would continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and all necessary coordination with Federal and state agencies with jurisdiction would occur to ensure project compliance.

8 REFERENCES

Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc. 2019. Cultural Resource Management Plan, Cordell Hull Lake, Clay, Jackson, Putnum, and Smith Counties, Tennessee, and Monroe County, Kentucky. Report prepared by CHG, Inc. for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District.

Department of Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014. National Wetlands Inventory. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html

Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service. Environmental Conservation Online System, Species By County Report. http://www.fws.gov/endangered/. Accessed August 6, 2019.

Moore, G., & Wilson, J. (n.d.), 1972. Water Resources of the Cordell Hull Lake Region. Water Resources Series No. 9: Tennessee Division of water Resources. National Climate Assessment, 2014. US Global Change Research Program. www.globalchange.gov

Morse, Dan, 1963. An Archaeological Survey of the Cordell Hull and J. Percy Priest Reservoirs, Tennessee. Report prepared by the Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee for the National Park Service.

NOAA, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Carthage, TN. Climatological Report accessed at http://w2.weather.gov/climate/ on December 27, 2018.

Steila, Donald and Thomas E. Pond, 1989. The Geography of Soils Formation, Distribution and Management, 2nd edition. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Savage, Maryland.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), 2012. 2012 305(b) Report-- The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee. Planning and Standards Section, Nashville, TN.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), 2014. Final 2014 303(d) List. Planning and Standards Section, Nashville, TN. https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/environment/attachments/2014-draft-303d-list.pdf

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 2017 (a), Cordell Hull Master Plan (Draft).

USACE, 2015. Recent US Climate Change and Hydrology Literature Applicable to US Army Corps of Engineers Missions-Ohio Region 5. Civil Works Technical Report, CWTS 2015-05, USACE, Washington, DC.

USACE, 2014. Value to the Nation web site at www.CorpsResults.us

USACE, 1996a. Engineering Regulation (ER) 1130-2-550, Recreation Operations and Maintenance Policies. Chapter 3: Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans. Washington, DC.

USACE, 1996b. Engineering Pamphlet (EP) 1130-2-550, Recreation Operations and Maintenance Policies. Chapter 3: Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans. Washington, DC.

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USACE, Nashville District, 1984. Master Plan, Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee.

US Census Bureau 2017. QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts

U.S. Climate Data (USCD). Weather Data for Carthage, Tennessee https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/cookeville/tennessee/united-states/ustn0107 . Site Accessed December 27, 2017.

US Environmental Protection Agency, 2017 (a). Ecoregions of Tennessee. ftp://ftp.epa.gov/wed/ecoregions/tn/tn_eco_lg.pdf . Accessed June 26, 2017.

US Environmental Protection Agency, 2017 (b). Water Quality Assessment Webpage for Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee. https://iaspub.epa.gov/waters10/attains_waterbody.control?p_au_id=TN05130108013_1000&p_ cycle=2014&p_state=TN&p_report_type= Accessed December 13, 2017.

US Government Printing Office, 2017. Public Law 113-121; Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-113publ121 Website accessed August 7, 2017.

University of Tennessee, 2017. Tennessee State Data Center website. Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, Tennessee Population Projections: 2016-2070. http://tndata.utk.edu/sdcpopulationprojections.htm Website Accessed December 27, 2017.

WeatherSpark. Average Weather for Carthage, Tennessee https://weatherspark.com/y/15151/Average-Weather-in-Cookeville-Tennessee-United-States- Year-Round Site Accessed December 27, 2017.

9 LIST OF PREPARERS

Cody A. Flatt, Biologist, Environmental Section, Project Planning Branch, Primary EA Preparation

David A. Adams, Biologist, Environmental Section, Project Planning Branch, Secondary EA Preparation

Valerie McCormack, Archaeologist, Environmental Section, Project Planning Branch, Nashville District, EA Preparation – Cultural and Historic Resources

Timothy Higgs, Chief, Environmental Section, Project Planning Branch, EA Review

APPENDIX A

Scoping Letter and Mailing List

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NASHVILLE DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS 110 9TH AVENUE SOUTH, ROOM A-405 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37203

REP LY TO ATTENTION OF:

SEP 1~ 2018 Project Planning Branch

To All Interested Parties:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Nashville District, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess impacts of a proposed revision to the Cordell Hull Lake Master Plan. Cordell Hull Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and Rivers and Harbors Act of 1946 for flood control and hydropower production. Additional operating purposes that were subsequently authorized by legislation include: recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish/wildlife conservation.

Cordell Hull Lock and Dam is located on the Cumberland River system at Mile 313.6. The dam is approximately 50 miles east of Nashville, TN. The lake has Corps fee and easement land in Smith, Jackson, Clay and Putman Counties, TN. Construction of Cordell Hull lock and dam began in May 1963 and was completed for full beneficial use in November 1973. Cordell Hull reservoir encompasses approximately 67 .3 miles of the Cumberland River to Celina, TN. Major tributaries to the Cumberland River within Cordell Hull Lake pool include the Obey and Roaring Rivers.

Cordell Hull Lake has a surface water area of 13,920 acres at maximum power pool (summer pool) elevation of 508 feet above mean sea level. Its primary purposes are navigation, hydropower and recreation.

The original Cordell Hull Lake Master Plan was signed in July, 1968. This Master Plan serves as a guide for coordination of project development and management of all project land and water resources. The intent of an updated Master Plan is to present a current inventory and assessment of resources, provide an analysis of resource use, and evaluate existing and future needs required to protect and improve the value of resources at Cordell Hull Lake.

By way of this letter, we are soliciting public and agency comments concerning social and environmental issues that should be addressed. We encourage comments not only about project lands and waters, but also of plans or proposals for any other development that may impact or influence project resources.

The following alternatives will be evaluated: Alternative 1 (No Action) and Alternative 2 - (Revision of the Existing Master Plan). The term "No Action" means that there would be no change to the existing Master Plan and no new resource classification , assessment, and inventory would occur. Revising the Master Plan would mean permanent changes to the existing document. Specifically, three actions would be incorporated: 1) project land and water al locations and classifications would be made current, 2) an analysis of resource and project use would be conducted, and 3) an evaluation of. existing and future needs and demands on the project would be completed.

If you have any information, comments, or questions concerning the EA, please submit written comments no later than 30 days from the date of this letter to ensure consideration in the EA. Send your written comments to the address above, ATTN: CELRN-PMP (Cody Flatt), or email your comments to [email protected]. If you have comments or questions specific to Cordell Hull Lake, you can contact the Resource Manager's Office at (615) 735 1034. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Angela E. Dunn Chief, Project Planning Branch

Enclosures Legend

0 5 10 20 [==:J Tennessee Counti es Mile s

Figure 1. Cordell Hull Lake Vicinity Map Terry Cook, State Director HONORABLE LAMAR ALEXANDER Tennessee Nature Conservancy UNITED STATES SENATOR

210 25th Ave. N. Suite 300 455 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BLDG Nashville, TN 37203 WASHINGTON DC 20510

TWRA Region 2 Office TWRA Region 3 Office Ellington Agriculture Center 464 Industrial BLVD. 5105 Edmonson Pike Crossville, TN 38555 Nashville, TN 37211

HONORABLE MARSHA BLACKBURN TDEC Nashville Office UNITED STATES SENATOR 711 R.S. Gass Blvd 357 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BLDG Nashville, TN 37216 WASHINGTON DC 20510

Philip Oldham TDEC Cookeville Office Tennessee Technological University 1221 South Willow Avenue 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38506 Cookeville, TN 38505

Terri Lynn Weaver Bill Lee, Governor Tennessee State Representative State Capitol, 1st Floor 425 5th Avenue North 600 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd Suite 554 Cordell Hull Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 Nashville, TN 37243

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Honorable Lloyd Williams Tennessee Field Office 400 East Hull Ave 446 Neal Street Gainesboro, TN 38562 Cookeville, TN 38506

U.S. EPA Smith County Farm Service Agency REGION IV-WETLAND SECTION 125 Gordonsville HWY 61 FORSYTH STREET Carthage, TN 37030-1876 ATLANTA GA 30303

John Mark Windle FEMA Tennessee State Representative REGIONAL ENVRIONMENTAL CENTER 425 5th Avenue North 3003 CHAMBLEE TUCKER ROAD Suite 570 Cordell Hull Bldg. ATLANTA GA 30341 Nashville, TN 37243 Mark Pody Tennessee State Farm Service Agency Tennessee State Senator 801 Broadway STE 579 425 5th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37203-3878 Suite 618 Cordell Hull Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243

Lee Russell Christy Luna, District Conservationist Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning 125 Gordonsville Hwy 130 Tabor Road Carthage, TN 37030-1876 Oak Ridge, TN 37830-5537 Honorable John Rose Honorable Joe Rich United States Representative 330 Dow Avenue 1232 Longworth House Office Bldg Celina, TN 38551 Washington DC 20515

Paul Bailey Jeff Young, District Conservationist Tennessee State Senator 757C South Grundy Quarles Hwy 425 5th Avenue North Gainesboro, TN 38562-5904 Suite 736 Cordell Hull Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243

Ed Carter Honorable James Gibbs Tennessee Wildlife and Resource Agency 63 East Main Street 440 Hogan Raod Gordonsville, TN 38563 Nashville, TN 37220

Wildwood Resort & Marina Honorable Jeff Mason 7316 Granville Hwy 122 Turner High Circle Granville, TN 38564 Carthage, TN 37030

Ruth Dyal, Executive Director Jackson County Sentinel Upper Cumberland Tourism Association Anderson Haile Bldg. P.O. Box 2411 P.O. Box 37 Cookeville, TN 38502 Gainesboro, TN 38562-0573

Rob Halfacre, District Conservationist Honorable Randy Heady USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service P.O. Box 617 125 Gordonsville Hwy, Suite 400 Gainesboro, TN 38562 Carthage, TN 37030

Frank Hardegree, President Chester Lowe Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 2072 Catalina Way 402 E Hull Avenue Nolensville, TN 37135 Gainesboro, TN 38562

E. Patrick McIntyre Tammy Mattingly State Historic Preservation Officer 4 Parks Rd 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave Buffalo Valley, TN 38548 Nashville, TN 37243

Honorable Sarah Marie Smith Honorable Dale Reagan 314 Spring Street P.O. Box 387 Carthage, TN 37030 Celina, TN 38551

McKayle Houghton Honorable Hollis Mullinax Cumberland River Compact 106 South Main St 2 Victory Avenue Suite 300 Carthage, TN 37030 Nashville, TN 37203 Randy Porter Johnny Poston, WMA Officer County Executive TWRA

300 E. Spring St., Room 8 5105 Edmondson Pike Cookeville, TN 38501 Nashville, TN 37204

Chief George Wickliffe Pam Self United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians 4522 Granny White Pike P.O. Box 746 Nashville, TN 37204 Tahlequah, OK 74464-0746

Chairperson Ron Sparkman Tom and Bernadine Thornton Shawnee Tribe 160 Marina Lane P.O. Box 189 Carthage, TN 37030 Miami, OK 74355

Governor George Blanchard Mr. Joseph Blanchard, Historic Preservation Officer Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee, OK 74801-9381 Shawnee, OK 74801-9381

Principal Chief Michell Hicks Principal Chief Bill John Baker Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Cherokee Nation Qualla Boundary P.O. Box 948 P.O. Box 445 Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948 Cherokee, NC 28719 Chief Glenna J. Wallace Governor Bill Anoatubby Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Chickasaw Nation P.O. Box 350 P.O. Box 1548 Seneca, MO 64865 Ada, OK 74821-1548

Tara Wohlegumuth Jackson/Clay County Farm Service Agency TDEC, Regional Director for External Affairs 757A South Grundy Quarles Hwy 1221 South Willow Ave Gainesboro, TN 38562-5904 Cookeville, TN 38506

Billy Woodard Jackson County Executive Smith County Chamber of Commerce 101 North Main Street 939 Upper Ferry Rd Gainesboro, TN 38562 Carthage, TN 37030

Herald-Citizen Smith County Executive P.O. Box 2729 122 Turner High Circle #100 Cookeville, TN 38502-2729 Carthage, TN 37030

WRKM-AM & WUCZ-FM Celina Citizen Statesman Upper Ferry Road P.O. Box F P.O. Box 179 Celina, TN 38551 Carthage, TN 37030 Jackson County Sentinel Citizen-Statesman South Main Street 801 East Lake Avenue Gainesboro, TN 38562 Celina, TN 38551

Overton County News CARTHAGE COURIER 415 West Main Street 509 MAIN STREET / P.O. BOX 239 P.O. Box 479 CARTHAGE, TN 37030 Livingston, Tennessee 38570