Cave Run Hydropower Project
Preliminary Application Document
FERC No.: P - 14376
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 1401 Walnut Street, Suite 301 Boulder, CO 80302
July 2013
Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document Cave Run Hydropower Project Preliminary Application Document FERC No.: P-14376 Contents 1. Introduction and Purpose ...... 1
2. Applicant Information / FERC Process Plan and Schedule ...... 2
3. Description of Project Features ...... 4
4. Facility Maps ...... 10
5. Stream Flow and Water Regime Information ...... 13
6. Environmental Setting ...... 15 Water Resources ...... 16 Geology & Soils ...... 19 Fish & Aquatic Resources ...... 21 Wildlife & Botanical Resources ...... 24 Floodplains, Wetlands, Riparian & Littoral Habitats ...... 29 Rare, Threatened & Endangered Species ...... 33 Recreation & Land Use ...... 38 Cultural and Historic Resources ...... 39 Socio-Economic Resources ...... 39
7. Preliminary Issues and Studies ...... 40
References ...... 41
Appendices Project Service List Monthly Flow Exceedance Curves Supplemental Environmental Information: USDA – NRCS Soil Mapping & Report FWS Preliminary Listed Species Assessment Excerpts from Kentucky Water Quality Regulations Recreational Facilities Map
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Table of Contents Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
1. Introduction and Purpose
Purpose and Authority Cave Run Energy, LLC (CRE) intends to pursue an original license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for development of a minor water power project at the Cave Run Lake Dam on the Licking River in Farmers, Kentucky (herein referred to as the Cave Run Hydropower Project – FERC P-14376, or “project”). CRE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gravity Renewables (herafter “applicant” or “proponent”), who intends to develop, own and operate the proposed project.
Pursuant to 18 CFR 4.38, CRE is requesting to utilize the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) to develop a license application for the Cave Run Hydropower Project. The TLP involves a three stage consultation process for engaging resource agencies and other interested parties in the preparation and submission of information and materials defining the physical, operational and environmental details of the proposed project.
This Preliminary Application Document (PAD) has been developed by CRE as the first step in the TLP process. The information provided in this PAD is intended to familiarize stakeholders with the project, outline what is currently known about the project and its setting, identify information gaps, and discuss methods for addressing information gaps where applicable. The PAD provides a description of the proposed project (including existing and proposed facilities and their operation), identification of environmental resources potentially affected by the proposed project, and identification of any protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures intended to minimize potential adverse environmental impacts associated project development and operation.
Pursuant to 18 CFR 385.2010, notice of the applicant’s intent to pursue an original license has been provided to interested parties as identified on the FERC service list, other potentially interested stakeholders and property owners of record within the proposed bounds of the project. A copy of the project service list is provided as an appendix. Each of the entities identified on the service list has been provided a copy, or provided a means of access to this PAD pursuant to 18 CFR 385.2010(f).
Goals and Objectives CRE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gravity Renewables, which develops, owns and operates low impact hydropower projects in several states. Development of the Cave Run Hydropower Project represents a valuable component in growing and adding value to Gravity’s portfolio of hydropower assets. It is the intention of Gravity to develop and operate the project in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation with stakeholders to realize the goal of adding value to the existing infrastructure through the addition of renewable generating capacity without compromising current federally approved uses or environmental standards.
Document Organization This PAD has been organized to provide information required at 18 CFR 4.38 in a clear and understandable format. The general organization of the document is as follows:
Section 1 – Introduction and Purpose Section 2 – Applicant Information, FERC Process Plan and Schedule Section 3 – Description of Project Features and Operational Summary Section 4 – Maps and Figures of Project Features Section 5 – Stream Flow and Water Regime Information Section 6 – Description of Environmental Resources Section 7 – Preliminary Issues and Studies
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2. Applicant Information / FERC Process Plan and Schedule
Application and Owner Information The exact name and business address of the project Applicant is:
Cave Run Energy, LLC 1401 Walnut St, Suite 301 Boulder, CO 80302 303.440.3378 phone 303.957.2362 fax E-mail: [email protected]
The applicant is a limited liability company registered in the state of Kentucky and is claiming preference under Section 7(a) of the Federal Power Act.
The name and addresses of the owner of the existing project facilities is:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville P.O. Box 59 Louisville, KY 40201-0059
Authorized Agents The exact name and business address of the agents authorized to act for the Applicant in this application are:
Mark Boumansour 1401 Walnut St, Suite 301 Boulder, CO 80302 303.440.3378
Edward Rose 1401 Walnut St, Suite 301 Boulder, CO 80302 303.440.3378
Anthony Marra 700 East 73rd St. Cleveland, Ohio 44103 440.804.6627
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FERC Process Plan and Schedule This PAD has been compiled in accordance with the FERC Integrated Licensing Process. The contents correspond with the requirements listed under 18CFR§5.6. It is the intent of the Applicant to request use of the FERC Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) as provided under 18CFR§5.3.
The anticipated plan and schedule for pre-application activities is given below.
Activity Target Date Notification of Intent July 2013 File PAD and TLP Request July 2013 30 Day Comment Period for TLP Request Ends August 2013 Anticipated date of FERC authorization to use TLP October 2013 Joint Meeting with Public and Site Visit November 2013 60 Day Comment/Study Request Period Ends December 2013 Perform Necessary Studies September 2013 to January 2014 Distribute and File Draft Application with Study Results February 2014 90 Day Comment Period Ends May 2014 File Final Application for License June 2014
The Schedule calls for a site visit and public meeting within 30 to 60 days following FERC’s approval of the TLP request. The exact date and time and location of this meeting will be announced at that time.
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3. Description of Project Features
Overview The proposed project is located at the Cave Run Dam, a development of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Project is located on the Licking River near the small community of Farmers in Bath and Rowan Counties Kentucky, 10 miles west of Morehead. The project includes the existing earth and rock-filled dam, as well as the downstream area adjacent to the outlet works and the existing distribution line located .2 miles downstream. The exact type, number, capacity, and arrangement of the turbine units and project features may be modified after further engineering, design study, and consultation.
Existing Facilities Authorized by the Flood Control Act of June 22, 1936, construction of the Cave Run Lake project began in June 1965 and it became operational in February 1974. The lake project serves as one unit of the comprehensive plan for the Ohio River Basin to reduce flood stages downstream from the dam. The Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed, built, and operates the dam.
Following heavy precipitation, the dam's control structure reduces the release of water from the lake and the runoff from the watershed is stored in the lake. After the streams and rivers below the dam have receded, the stored flood water is released at a rate that will not endanger lives or property.
In addition to flood control, the lake project serves as a water supply, increases low-flow conditions on the lower Licking River in the interest of water quality, provides public outdoor recreation opportunities, and offers habitat for many species of fish and wildlife. Tabulated below is a summary of the dam’s key characteristics:
Metric Value Dam Type Earth and Rock Fill Structural Height 148 ft Length 2,700 ft Drainage Area 826 mi2 Winter Pool Elevation 724 ft (MSL) Surface Area 7,390 acres Length 44.9 miles Storage 28,300 acre-ft
Summer Pool Elevation 730 ft (MSL) Surface Area 8,270 acres Length 48.1 miles Storage 47,000 acre-ft
Maximum Pool Elevation 765 ft (MSL) Area 14,870 acres Length 66.2 miles Storage 438,500 acre-ft
Outlet Works Two 24” Bypass/Water Quality Pipes, Two 15’Hx 6.75 ftW Service Gates, One 15 ft Dia Outlet Conduit
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Proposed Modifications The proposed project will require extensive design study and consultation with the USACE, however, the initial design concept proposes to use the existing 167 ft high by 30 ft wide by 35 ft long intake structure and existing 685 foot long 15 ftdiameter concrete conduit. No modifications are proposed to the existing intake. The existing discharge conduit would be slip-lined to allow for pressurization of the existing conduit and would be fit with a slide gate and jet valve to control flow diversion and discharge. A new bifurcation would be installed upstream of the slide gate to allow a portion of the flows to be directed through a new penstock to the powerhouse and generating units.
A conceptual design of key project features is depicted in Figure 3.1 below. Note that the schematic is for illustration purposes only – it does not reflect the exact size and configuration of project features. Brief descriptions of each feature are provided in the following sections working from upstream to downstream.
Bifurcation Penstock
Powerhouse
Slide Gate & Jet Valve
Figure 3.1 – Proposed bifurcation concept1. (Note: Exact size/location of proposed project features are not accurately depicted in this illustration)
Conduit Liner The existing 15 ft diameter outlet conduit would be lined from the intake tower to the penstock bifurcation (approximately 800 ft) with a new 14 ft diameter steel epoxy lined pressure rated pipe. The annular space between the existing pipe and the new liner would be filled with concrete grout. The grout would prevent exterior deterioration of steel liner and epoxy coating would prevent interior deterioration and improve flow capacity. In addition the new liner would prevent any infiltration or leakage through the existing conduit and protect the integrity of the impervious fill dam.
Bifurcation and Penstock Near the end of the conduit liner, a gated bifurcation will divert water into a 130 ft long 12 ft diameter steel penstock that leads to the powerhouse. The bifurcation section will be pre-fabricated out of ½ inch thick steel and encased in 36 inch thick reinforced concrete. Rock anchors would also be used to provide additional stabilization at the
1 Design Concept and Illustration created by Wilkesboro Hydropower, LLC for the W. Kerr Scott Project in NC
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 5 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document bifurcation structure to provide sufficient trust. The conduit gate is a slide gate, 132 inch wide by 250 inch high, located at the end of the discharge conduit. The bifurcation structure would be located far enough downstream that no excavation into the toe of the dam would be necessary. The penstock would include a 12 ft isolation gate valve.
Conduit (Slide) Gate The conduit gate is a slide gate, 162” wide by 180” high, located at the end of the discharge conduit. The gate is designed to be operated either fully closed or fully opened. When the gate is closed the existing conduit will be pressurized and flows would be diverted to the penstock and powerhouse. Throttling of bypass flows will occur at the jet valve (see jet valve description below). Prior to moving to the full open position the conduit would be de- pressurized through the jet-valve and the hydropower project would go offline. When fully opened the conduit would return to the existing condition with full unpressurized discharge capacity into the existing stilling basin.
Jet Valve A 90 inch diameter ring jet valve will be installed in the conduit gate to allow a controlled release of water from the discharge conduit, into the spilling basin. By placing the valve in the slide gate, water released from the valve will be directed into the stilling basin much like that of the original discharge conduit. The ring jet valve will be used with the conduit gate closed and the conduit pressurized, and will allow excess water to be released while the turbines are operating. When the conduit gate is opened, the ring jet valve will rise with it, and will be completely clear of flow out of the discharge conduit. A hydropower project with a similar concept was licensed by FERC at the USACE W. Kerr Scott Dam in North Carolina (FERC Project No. P – 12642).
Powerhouse The applicant proposes to construct a new powerhouse (50 ft Wx 100 ft Lx 30 ftH) below the existing dam on the north side of the existing stilling basin. This powerhouse will accommodate a turbine generating system with a design head of 60-76 feet.
Generating Units The proposed project will consist of 3 propeller type turbine/generator units with a nominal total capacity of 5 MW. Unit 1 will be a double regulated Kaplan unit with a capacity of 1.3 MW, and units 2 and 3 will be fixed blade units each with a capacity of 1.85 MW. The expected annual average generation of the Project is 20,917 MWh.
Transmission Line The project will include a new 1,250 foot long 12.7 kV transmission line. It is anticipated at this time that the proposed project would interconnect with existing distribution line to the west of the proposed powerhouse owned by Clark Energy Cooperative.
Operational Summary
Current Operations The lake operates as a unit of the comprehensive plan for the Ohio River Basin to effect reduction of flood stages at all points downstream from the lake. The lake also operates to augment natural low flow conditions on the lower Licking River in the interest of water quality control. The Louisville District of the USACE provided the following detail description of existing operations at Cave Run Dam:
Cave Run Lake targets a Winter Pool elevation of 724. On or about 15 March, the project initiates runoff storage at a rate of ~500 cfs over inflow in order to reach a Summer Pool Elevation of 730 ft by 1 May. The project has been in operation since 1974 and has not experienced any significant issues with reaching summer pool. The lake initiates its drawdown on 15 September, evacuating storage at a rate of ~300 cfs over inflow. The target date for obtainment of Winter Pool is 1 December.
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During the Summer Pool season, the project’s pool is normally held between 730 and 730.5 ft. Releases from Cave Run Lake range from a minimum of 50 cfs to an authorized maximum of 5,500 cfs. However, due to downstream encroachments, we rarely exceed 3,500 cfs. The last time this value was exceeded by an appreciable amount was in May of 2011, when the max release approached 5,000 cfs. Coincidently, the event which necessitated this release rate was also the event which resulted in a new record high pool elevation for the lake, 759.7 ft.
Project operation is driven first and foremost by the project’s Flood Control mission. Due to the highly erodible nature of the downstream embankments, gate changes are made in increments of ~500 cfs per hour. As a result, it is often necessary to initiate decreases in the outflow well in advance of observed precipitation. If the forecast precipitation fails to materialize the operations will then be reversed. If the precipitation and resulting runoff does occur, maximum release rates are dependent upon stages measured at the USGS gages 03249505 (Licking River at Hwy 60 at Farmers, KY), 03250100 (North Fork Triplett Creek near Morehead, KY) and 03252500 (South Fork Licking River at Cynthiana, KY). Allowable release rates are greater during the winter months (non-crop season) than they are during the summer months (crop season). In addition to the aforementioned gages, USGS gages 03253500 (Licking River at Catawba, KY) and 03255000 (Ohio River at Cincinnati, OH) are monitored prior to making flood releases. Low volume releases (<300 cfs) can be made thru the by-pass gates via one of three intakes. These intakes allow for water temperature and DO control.
Inflows into Cave Run vary widely. Heavy precipitation can lead to flooding at any time of the year, although it’s most prevalent during the late winter - early spring. Due to the lowered releases resulting from encroachment and a release schedule which is based on downstream conditions, it can take weeks before excess storage can be evacuated and the project returns to its target elevations.
The City of West Liberty, KY has a Water Supply Contract for ~1MGD, from Cave Run Lake. There is also a block of storage in Cave Run allocated to Water Supply (WS). Although releases exclusively for WS have not been a driving force in the determination of releases from the lake, this may change as conditions warrant.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky maintains a large fish hatchery immediately downstream of Cave Run. Withdrawal rates approaching ~20 cfs can occur directly from the lake.
Monthly Mean Lake Elevation and Lake Elevation Curve information based on data provided by USACE Louisville District are included below. In addition the rule curve used by the USACE is shown in figure 6.2.
Monthly Mean Lake El. at Cave Run 1983-2012 736.0 734.0
732.0 730.0 728.0
Elevation (ft) Elevation 726.0 724.0 722.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mean Lake El. (ft) 727.0 727.9 729.9 731.4 733.5 731.8 730.4 730.2 730.0 728.6 727.2 726.3
Figure 3.1 Monthly mean lake elevations (1983-2012)
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Cave Run Lake Elevation Curve (% Time Lake El. Exceeded) 1983-2012 770.0
760.0
750.0
740.0
730.0 Head (ft) Head 720.0
710.0
700.0 0% 5% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 95% 100.0 Lake El. 759.6 738.5 733.1 730.6 730.3 730.1 729.6 728.4 727.3 725.7 724.6 724.3 724.0
Figure 3.2 Lake elevation exceedance curve (1983-2012)
Proposed Operations CRE is proposing to operate the project in run-of-release (ROR) mode, where existing discharges from the Federal flood protection project and associated lake levels would not be altered by the proposed hydropower project. Normal operating discharges would be passed either through the turbines, through the Cave Run Dam discharge conduit or a combination of both (depending on the volume of flows). No flow would be retained as storage for future generating purposes. When the plant is offline all discharges would flow through the existing discharge conduit. No modifications are proposed to the existing intake elevations or gates used at the existing intake structure.
CRE intends to pursue certification as a low impact project from the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI). LIHI has established rigorous environmental and social criteria addressing river flows, water quality, fish passage and protection, watershed health, endangered species protection, cultural resources, recreational use and access, and whether or not the dam has been recommended for removal. A project must meet all of these tests in order to be certified as “low impact”. Additional information on LIHI and the certification process is available at http://www.lowimpacthydro.org/existing-certification-application-program.html.
Table 1: Proposed Hydro Operations PROPOSED HYDRO OPERATIONS
162"x180" Hydro Bifircation Flow Range Turbines 90" Ring Jet Gate Valve 50-1026 cfs Primary 1,026-3,500 cfs Primary Secondary
3,500 cfs or more Primary
It is anticipated that all relevant pre-hydro conditions will be maintained during hydro operation using automated and operational methods as described below:
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Proposed Measures to Maintain Flows During Power Outages
During power outages the turbine will go off line and flows would be automatically bypassed through the jet valve or through the bifurcation valve to restore the pre offline flow level. The turbine will automatically restart upon recovery of grid power.
Proposed Measures to Maintain Pre-Hydro Water Quality Conditions
The proposed project will not modify the pre-hydro intake elevation, therefore, minimal impacts are anticipated to virtually all water quality conditions. There is a possibility lowered DO levels downstream in late summer to early fall since the turbine captures the energy and gently releases it rather than releasing it at high energy through the existing service gates or bypass pipes. CRE will monitor temperature and DO levels in the tailwaters of the dam during hydro operation to verify the existing water quality standards are being met. If downstream DO levels fall below the established pre-hydro level, flows will be decreased through the turbine and increased through the ring jet incrementally until the pre-hydro level is achieved or until all flows are 100% bypassed. No oxygen injection or compressed air is proposed.
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4. Facility Maps The maps and figures provided in this section are intended to illustrate a conceptual view of the project. The figures included are:
Figure 4.1 – Project Location o Depicts the location of the project site relative to known boundaries and landmarks. Figure 4.2 – Project Boundary and General Arrangement o Defines the proposed spatial and geographic limits of all project features. o Illustrates the project components and lay-out (described further in Section 3).
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Figure 4.1. Cave Run Hydropower Project Location Map.
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Figure 4.2. Cave Run Hydropower Project Boundary and General Arrangement Map.
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5. Stream Flow and Water Regime Information Stream flows in the Licking River are measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at a number of stream gaging stations on the river. Hydrologic data for the project site were obtained from the USGS Licking River at Farmers, Kentucky stream gaging station (Station No. 3249500), which is approximately 1 mile below the project dam. Flow records for this gage are available beginning in 1928. The drainage area at the USGS gage is about 827 mi2. The drainage area at the project is reported to be about 826 mi2. Data obtained from the USGS gage records were used to determine the project’s hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics by applying a simple drainage area correction. Additional flow data were made available by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) based on releases from the Cave Run Dam from 1983-2012. These data were recorded at the project site requiring no drainage area correction and were therefore used as the primary hydrologic data set to evaluate the project.
The Cave Run Dam began operation in 1975, flow data from the USACE are available beginning with project operations. In order to document historic high and low flow events in the Licking River data from the USGS gage at Farmer’s, KY were evaluated. A maximum historic flow of 24,000 cfs was recorded at the USGS Farmer’s, KY gage in February 1962 and the minimum flow of 6 cfs occurred in July 1983. Since operation of the Cave Run Lake Dam commenced in 1974 the maximum recorded flow at the Farmer’s gage is 5,110 cfs in February 1979.
According to the USACE data, average annual flow releases from the Cave Run Dam to the Licking River between 1983 and 2012 were 1,061cfs. Low flows usually occur in the summer months (July – September) and high flows occur in winter and continue to early summer (December – June). Mean and maximum monthly flows at the project site from 1983 – 2012 are tabulated below.
Mean Flow Max Flow Period (cfs) (cfs) Jan 1,401 5,307 Feb 1,752 5,228 Mar 1,905 5,147 Apr 1,536 4,721 May 1,416 5,238 Jun 1,001 5,188 Jul 420 3,746 Aug 276 3,197 Sep 318 3,934 Oct 556 3,799 Nov 917 4,292 Dec 1,286 4,360 Annual 1,061 5,307
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An annual flow duration curve for the Licking River at Cave Run Dam is provided in Figure 5.1 (below). The flow duration curve and tabular data below indicate the percent of time the specified flows are exceeded based on historical flow observations. Monthly flow duration curves and corresponding flow values for the Licking River at Cave Run Lake are provided as an appendix.
Licking River Annual Flow Exceedance @ Cave Run Dam (Based on USACE Release Data, 1983-2012)
5,000
4,000
3,000 Flow (cfs)Flow 2,000
1,000
0 0% 5% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 95% 100% Annual 5,307 3,847 3,288 2,084 1,036 514 351 337 250 169 57 50 - % Exceedance / Flow (cfs) Figure 5.1. Annual flow duration curve for the Licking River at Cave Run Lake Dam.
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6. Environmental Setting The following sections describe the existing conditions of specific environmental resources in the project area as well as the anticipated project-related effects on these resources. Where appropriate, protection, mitigation and enhancement (PM&E) measures are discussed on a resource specific basis.
Information on existing resource conditions was obtained primarily from publically available information. A complete listing of reference materials is provided at the end of this document. Informal discussions were also conducted with representatives from key State and Federal regulatory agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as a supplement to publically available information and to obtain preliminary feedback on the development concept and proposal.
Tabulated below is a summary of anticipated environmental resource concerns and associated preliminary PM&E strategies.
Resource / Concern Preliminary PM&E Strategy Water Resources Operate in run-of-release mode (no modifications to existing hydrograph or lake levels). Configure project to minimize length of bypass reach to less than 500 ft. Develop and implement a water quality monitoring program to ensure compliance with water quality anti-degradation policies. Geology and Soils Limit project footprint and land disturbance to approximately 5,000 ft2. Develop and implement sediment and erosion control measures during construction activities. Fish and Aquatic Resources Maintain existing river hydrograph and seasonal reservoir levels. Configure project to minimize length of bypass reach to less than 500 ft. Employ avoidance and minimization strategies where appropriate. Develop and implement a water quality monitoring program to ensure compliance with water quality anti-degradation policies. Wildlife and Botanical Resources Limit project footprint and land disturbance to approximately 5,000 ft2. Employ avoidance and minimization strategies where appropriate. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Limit project footprint (including transmission and Species interconnection lines) and other land disturbance to approximately 5,000 ft2. Employ avoidance and minimization strategies where appropriate. Wetlands, Floodplains and Limit project footprint and land disturbance to approximately Riparian Habitats 5,000 ft2. Employ avoidance and minimization strategies where appropriate. Recreation Maintain existing river hydrograph and seasonal reservoir levels. Site and operate project to avoid conflicts with existing recreational use in the tailwater area. Cultural and Historic Resources Employ avoidance and minimization strategies where appropriate.
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Water Resources
River Basin Description The Cave Run project is located within the Licking River basin which drains a diverse watershed of 3,600 square miles (Figure 6.1). The Licking River begins in the highlands of the Allegheny Plateau in Magoffin County and flows northwest through the Eastern Bluegrass for about 300 miles before emptying into the Ohio River between Newport and Covington (KDW 1998). The watershed consists of forested hills in the upper reaches, rolling farmland along the middle regions and urban/industrial development near the confluence with the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky (KDW 1998).
Figure 6.1. Cave Run Project Location within the Licking River Watershed
The two principal tributaries are the North Fork, which joins the main stem of the river near Milford, and the South Fork, which joins at Falmouth. Cave Run Lake Dam is located approximately 173 miles upstream from the Ohio River. The dam creates an 8,300-acre reservoir that impounds 38 miles of the main stem and the lower reaches of several tributaries (KDW 1998).
The creeks, streams and rivers of the region are mostly upland types, with moderate to steep grades, well-developed riffles and shoals, rocky creek bottoms, and relatively narrow floodplains. Much of the lower half of the Licking River main stem below Cave Run Lake and the North and South forks are subject to excessive siltation linked to poor agricultural practices,land clearing activities and sewage pollution from a variety of sources (Kentucky Division of Water [KDW] 1998). Coal-bearing regions in the upper reaches of the river have been affected by siltation from surface mining and brine from oil wells, and now have less diverse communities of organisms than in the past (KDW 1998).
Water Use The Drought of 1887 spurred construction of dams on the Ohio River to reduce the impact of periods of low flow on river boat navigation on which the region’s economic health depended. Cave Run Lake Dam was constructed by the USACE for flood prevention in the early 1970s.
During periods of low flow, the water level of the Ohio and Licking Rivers near their confluence in Northern Kentucky is now maintained at least 20 feet higher than what it would be without controls (KDW 1998). This
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 16 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document elevated water level is common to each tributary to the Ohio River, and is also common to the streams that have been flooded by the construction of the dam at Cave Run Lake. These inflated streams have permanently submerged sand beaches previously used for recreation, wetlands once adjacent to the rivers, farmland, and wildlife habitat.
According to the KDW, the Licking River and its tributaries provide a source of drinking water for about 80 percent of the 340,000 residents of the basin (KDW 1998). The City of West Liberty, KY has a Water Supply Contract for ~1MGD, from Cave Run Lake. There is also a block of storage in Cave Run Lake allocated to Water Supply (WS) (USACE 2013). Fluctuations of rainfall impact groundwater storage and surface water flows. During droughts – especially in the 1980’s, some areas of the Licking River region have suffered water shortages. In addition, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maintains the Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery immediately downstream of Cave Run, withdrawal rates approaching ~20 cfs to support hatchery operations can occur directly from the lake (USACE 2013).
Water Quality There are more than 30 sewage treatment plants in the Licking River region that discharge treated effluent into the river and its tributaries. Thousands of homes use on-site systems, usually septic systems with tanks with drainage fields. Some households illegally pipe wastewater directly from houses (straight pipes) or from septic tanks (straight-line septic) into streams. Other discharges affecting water quality include flows from sanitary sewer overflows or combined sewer overflows during times of heavy rains, briny effluents from old, abandoned oil and gas wells and some contaminated coal mine drainage in the headwaters region (KDW 1998). The effectiveness of waste treatment by individual residential septic systems varies greatly.
According to studies conducted over the past five years, the most common problems in the Licking River are nutrients, bacteria and sediments (KDW 1998). Nutrients come from farm and residential fertilizers, livestock manure, faulty septic systems, and other sources. The phosphorus and nitrogen – nutrients – in fertilizers, manure and sewage can cause algae to grow in the water. Bacterial decomposition of algae consumes the dissolved oxygen in the water; dissolved oxygen deficiencies can cause fish to suffocate and die. Sediment in the water causes muddy or cloudy conditions, interferes with fish reproduction and feeding, increases drinking water filtration costs, and generally degrades habitat. Sediment comes from poor farming, logging, development, and home building practices and stream bank erosion.
Other reported problems in the region come from clearing away vegetation on stream banks, straightening creek channels, undersized or poorly operated sewage treatment plants, and some industrial plants (KDW 1998).
Cave Run Lake is a relatively wide, moderately deep, man-made reservoir located at river mile 173.6 on the Licking River (USFS 2003). The lake has 166 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 8,270 acres, contains 222,600 acre- feet of water and an average depth of 15 feet with a maximum depth of about 75 feet (Axon, 1981). The lake is almost completely surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF).
Discharges from Cave Run Lake to the Licking River are controlled by the USACE and are governed by the projects primary mission of flood control. There are however several operational guide rules utilized to the extent practicable to provide environmental and recreation benefits (see Figure 6.2).
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Figure 6.2. Cave Run Lake discharge; water temperature (black line) and lake levels (red line) guide curves. Reproduced from USACE 2012.
Water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels are the primary water quality drivers for releases to the Licking River. Tabulated below is a summary of average water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels in Cave Run Lake as reported by the USACE between April 2000 and October 2012 (USACE 2013).
Lake Depth (range in ft) 0-20' 21-40' 41-60' 61-80' >81' Avg. Temp. (°C) 23.1 18.1 14.1 12.4 10.7 Avg. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.3 5.9 2.9 2.5 6.1 Number of Samples (n) 2,736 3,845 1,926 841 9
The project’s intake tower has multiple gates located at different elevations in the water column which are used to selectively draw water from the lake to meet downstream water quality targets. There are three water quality gates located approximately 5-10 ft, 20-25 ft, and 35-40 ft depths. According to USACE, the project’s water quality gates have a hydraulic capacity of approximately 500 cfs; when flows exceed this value discharges are provided from the dam’s main gates, located at approximately 60-75 ft depth.
Monthly flow duration curves indicate that long-term average flows at the project exceed 500 cfs 50% of the time, or more, during January, February, March, April, May and December (see Figure 5.1). The remaining months, flows are typically below the water quality gates hydraulic capacity, allowing for use of the gates to provide better control of water quality releases. Preliminary analysis of water quality data recorded at depths of greater than 50 ft (water quality column profile range for non-water quality gate releases) for April, May, and December (the months in which water quality data was available and water quality gates would not be available to control temperature and dissolved oxygen content) suggests that discharges from the project are below 5 mg/L dissolved oxygen content
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 18 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document approximately 37% of the time. This finding is generally consistent with discussions with USACE operations staff regarding the project’s existing environmental performance relative to meeting downstream water quality targets.
Project Effects The project will be operated in a run-of-release mode – generating power with releases normally provided at the dam governed by existing USACE operation protocols. There are no anticipated project-related impacts to the river basin characteristics or existing water supply arrangements.
The USACE currently provides releases from the dam from a series of intake structures located at varying reservoir depths to provide target water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels to the Licking River. As the proposed project would use the existing intake we do not anticipate any significant impacts to water quality resulting from project operations as project discharges are not anticipated to be significantly different than water quality conditions observed at the operating intake in the lake.
There is the potential for short-term impacts to water quality associated with construction activities. The applicant will develop an erosion and sediment control plan in coordination with the KDW to ensure that potential water quality impacts are avoided and minimized during construction activities.
The applicant will work collaboratively with the KDW to ensure that combined discharges from the project and reservoir meet Kentucky’s Surface Water Standards during construction and operation; specifically Antidegradation Policy guidelines for the receiving waters of the Licking River (as outlined in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations [KAR] 10:0310 and 401 KAR 10:030, respectively). To ensure compliance with these standards the applicant will develop and implement a water quality monitoring program in consultation with KDW and other stakeholders.
Geology & Soils
Existing Conditions Cave Run Lake falls within two ecological subsections, Northern Escarpment (221 Hb) and Low Hills Belt (221 He) (USGS 2003).
The Northern Escarpment is characterized by narrow to broad winding ridges with side slopes averaging 50 %, but may exceed 65 % in the most entrenched valleys. Ridges are capped with resistant conglomerate and sandstone, although mixtures of soft clay shale, siltstone, sandstone and coal are also present. The floors of the largest valleys consist of cherty limestone, sandstone, shale and siltstone. The geology includes Pennsylvanian-age Lower Breathitt and Lee formations on the ridges and side slopes, and Mississippian-Age Borden and Newman formations lower in the larger valleys.
Ridges that are broad and rolling with some narrow and winding, characterize the Low Hills Belt subsection. Side slopes average 30 to 40 % but may exceed 50 % in the most entrenched valleys. Rolling ridges are capped with a mixture of soft clay shale, siltstone, coal and a few ridges have small caps of resistant conglomerate. The geology includes Pennsylvania-Age Lower Breathitt and Lee formations (USDA Forest Service [USFS], 2001).
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Geology Rock formations underlying the upland Eastern Coalfield region include sandstone, siltstone and shale, with some interbedded coal deposits. Geologic maps of the area (Figure 6.3) indicate that the following geologic resources are located in the immediate project area:
Map Unit Geologic Formation Brief Description Symbol Qa Unconsolidated Deposits - Clay, silt, sand, gravel or similar unconsolidated detrital Alluvium material, deposited during comparatively recent geologic time by a stream or other body of running water, as a sorted or semi-sorted sediment (USGS 2013).
MDbb Interbedded clay shales, Composed dominantly of gray argillaceous siltstone and siltstones and sandstones - of shale; fine-grained sandstone is common (Rexroad, Borden Formation 1986). Interbedded limestones form discontinuous lenses and facies that are generally minor.
MDnb Fractured shales – New The New Albany Shale is an organic-rich black shale Albany Shale & Boyle that contains thin beds of greenish-gray shale in two Dolomite zones, one near the top and the other near the base.
Figure 6.3. Geologic map of the Cave Run project area.
Soils Soils in the Licking River watershed range from thin silty clays in the hilly uplands to deeper loamy and sandier clays in the lower regions. The river flows though the Knobs Region near Cave Run Lake and enters the rolling, limestone hills of the Bluegrass Region. Soil mapping available from the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) were used to identify soils in the immediate project area (tabulated below). A complete copy of the NRCS soil report for the vicinity is provided as an attachment.
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Map Unit Soil Group Brief Description Symbol Ux Urban land – Urban land is a miscellaneous soil unit. Udorthents complex
AIC Allegheny loam This soil unit is on stream terraces and river valleys. The parent material consists of fine- loamy alluvium.
ChB Chavies fine sandy loam This soil unit is on stream terraces and river valleys. The parent material consists of coarse- loamy alluvium.
MtF Muse-Trappist stony silt loams This soil unit is on hillslopes and hills. The parent material consists of clayey colluvium derived from acid shale.
St Stendal silt loam This soil unit is on floodplains and hills. The parent material consists of fine-silty alluvium.
WtB Whitely silt loam, terrace This soil unit is on stream terraces on river valleys. The parent material consists of fine-silty alluvium.
Project Effects The applicant does not anticipate any significant long-term impacts to geologic or soil resources associated with project operations. Limited excavation of soil and bedrock will be required to construct the project powerhouse which will alter a small area downstream of the dam. The applicant will develop an erosion and sediment control plan in coordination with the KDW to ensure that potential short-term impacts are avoided and minimized during construction activities.
Fish & Aquatic Resources
Existing Conditions Several segments of the Licking River are designated Special Use Waterways by the KDEP, including approximately 5 miles of river below the Cave Run Lake Dam which is designated as cold water aquatic habitat. Further downstream the river supports at least two species of Federally listed freshwater mussels. These segments are considered exceptional and/or outstanding resources. There are no areas identified as Essential Fish Habitat (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] 2013).
Outstanding Federally Listed Cold Water River Mile Exceptional State Threatened or Boundary Aquatic Range Water Resource Endangered Habitat Water Species River Mile 175.6 (U.S. Hwy 180.8 – 60 Bridge) to River Mile Y N N None known. 175.6 180.8 (Cave Run Lake Dam) SR 211 to Unnamed Road 170.6 – N Y Y Lampsilis abrupta off Slatey Point Road 159.5 S.R. 536 Bridge to 1.3 117.6 – River Miles Above Fishtrap N N Y Cyprogenia stegaria 19.2 Creek
The Licking River andsome of its tributaries, are described as rare examples of native muskie streams (KDW 1998). A total of 110 species of fish are reported to inhabit the region (KDW 1998). Largemouth, spotted and smallmouth
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 21 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document bass, rock bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish are the most popular for fishing throughout the region. The basin also supports several unique fish species: redside dace, mimic shiner, streamline chub, slender madtom, blue sucker, an occasional paddlefish, and eastern sand, tippecanoe and sharpnose darters. Tabulated below is a summary of fishery resources which have been reported in association with lotic habitats in the region (USFS 2003).
Common Name Scientific Name American Brook Lamprey Lamptera appendix Arrow Darter Etheostoma sagitta Banded Darter E. zonale Banded Sculpin Cottus carolinae Blackside Dace Phonix cumberlandensis Botched Chub Erimystax insignis Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Freshwater Drum Aplodinotus grunniens Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Kentucky Snubnose Darter Etheostoma rafinesquei Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Logperch Percina carpodes Longear Sunfish Lepomis megalotis Muskellunge Esox masquinongy Northern Hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans Palezone Shiner Notropis albizonatus Redside Dace Clinostomus elongatus Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris Sauger Stizostedion canadense Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieui Spotted Darter E. maculatum Walleye Stizostedion vitreum White Crappie Pomoxis annularis White Sucker Catastomus commersoni Yellow Perch Perca flavescens
Fluctuating water levels of Cave Run Lake, results in very limited populations of some aquatic species; species that could occur here do not due to this habitat restriction (USFS 2003). Results of a 2010 KDFW fishery survey for Cave Run Lake indicate that at the time of the survey the muskellunge fishery was meeting management objectives for all age classes. Due to sampling limitations the largemouth and white bass fisheries could not be assessed (KDFW 2011). The white crappie fishery did not meet management objectives for fish age 1 and greater, but did meet the objectives for younger age classes (KDFW 2011). A 2012 KDFW assessment of the largemouth bass fishery in Cave Run Lake notes that the average fishery rating since 1993 is “fair” (KDFW 2012). Results of the 2012 assessment resulted in a “good” rating for this fishery; it is suggested that this improvement is partially attributable to a relatively recent increase in the protective slot limit (KDFW 2012). Tabulated below is a summary of fishery resources reported in Cave Run Lake (USFS 2003).
Common Name Scientific Name Brief Description Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris Native benthic game sp., spawns May-June, non-migrant. Muskellunge Esox masquinongy Native sedentary game sp., spawns March-May, local migrant. Northern Hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans Native benthic non-game sp., spawns April-May, local migrant. Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Native benthic game sp., spawns April-September, non- migrant. Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieui Native benthic game sp., spawns May-June, non-migrant. Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Native benthic game sp., spawns April-June, non-migrant. Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Native benthic game sp., spawns March-May, non-migrant.
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White Crappie Pomoxis annularis Native benthic game sp., spawns April-June, non-migrant.
The Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery near Cave Run Lake is operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFW) is one of the largest warm-water fish hatcheries in the nation (USFS 2013). The hatchery produces nearly four million fingerlings annually that are released into Kentucky lakes, rivers and streams. Fish reared at the hatchery include: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, striped bass (rockfish), hybrid striped bass and walleye (USFS 2013). In 2012 KDFW reportedly stocked approximately 6,000 rainbow trout in the Licking River at the Cave Run Dam tailrace (KDFW 2012). Approximately 1.2 miles of the Licking River from the Cave Run Dam downstream are classified by the KDFW as a Class IV trout fishery (“marginal, put-and-take”) (KDFW 2012).
Besides fish, the Licking River is home to more than 50 species of mussels, 11 of which are rare or endangered (KDW 1998). Some of these mussels face reproduction problems from cool water discharges from the Cave Run Lake (KDW 1998). Additional detail on listed species is provided in a subsequent section. The recent appearance of the non-native zebra mussel in the basin may also threaten native mussel species (KDW 1998). Tabulated below is an incomplete summary of freshwater mussels reported in the region (USFS 2003, USFWS 2013) – note, not all of these species are known to occur within the project area.
Common Name Scientific Name2 Cumberland Elktoe Alasmidonta atropurpurea Cumberland Combshell Epioblasma brevidens Elktoe A . marginata Fanshell Cyprogenia stegaria* Green Floater Lasmigona subviridus Clubshell Pleurobema clava* Northern Riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana* Pink Mucket Lampsilis abrupt Sheepnose Mussel Plethobasus cyphyus*
Approximately 0.2 miles of natural river channel immediately below the Cave Run Lake Dam was modified to a trapezoidal rip rap armored reach (stilling basin) as part of during dam construction to accommodate high flow volumes and velocities (see Figure 6.4). These modifications are suspected to have severely degraded habitat quality for mussels within the tailrace area.
Figure 6.4. Licking River at the dam outlet works – note two distinct channel morphologies.
2 Species marked with an asterisk (*) are Federally listed rare, threatened and endangered species.
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Project Effects The applicant anticipates minimal project related effects to fishery and aquatic resources. The applicant is proposing to operate the project in run-of-release mode without modification to the existing USACE flow release or reservoir operations protocols. As a result current discharge from the dam are expected to have essentially the same water quality characteristics (temperature and dissolved oxygen), volume and timing as under existing conditions thereby maintaining key aquatic habitat attributes associated with existing fishery and aquatic resource requirements.
There is the potential for some entrainment mortality of fish that are passed through the project. The applicant will coordinate with resource agencies to develop appropriate protection mechanisms and operating protocols to avoid and minimize entrainment impacts.
In addition, the applicant will consult with resource agencies regarding the potential presence of listed species within the project area to ensure that appropriate avoidance measures are taken to the extent practicable. Alternatives to mitigate for any unavoidable adverse interactions with project development or operational activities will be developed in coordination with regulatory agencies. Additional information on the applicants proposed management of potential impacts to listed species is provided in the Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species section.
As noted earlier, an erosion and sediment control plan will be developed in coordination with the KDW to ensure that potential impacts to fishery and aquatic resources are avoided and minimized during construction activities.
Wildlife & Botanical Resources
Existing Conditions The Licking River region drains the far western edge of the Eastern Broadlead Forest Ecoregion (Baily 1995). Characterized by varied geography and a wide range of plant and animal species, the region contains some highly valued habitat and important living resources (KDW 1998). This is represented by a complex mixture of vegetation resulting from variations in soil and aspect and changes from historic use patterns (USFS 2003). The forest is dominated by tall broadleaf trees that provide a dense, continuous canopy in summer and shed their leaves completely in winter (Bailey 1995). Lower layers of small trees and shrubs develop weakly (Bailey 1995). In spring, a luxuriant ground cover of herbs quickly develops, but is greatly reduced after trees reach full foliage and shade the ground (Bailey 1995).
Forest vegetation within the ecoregion is further divided into three major associations: mixed mesophytic, Appalachian oak, and pine-oak (Bailey 1995). Mixed mesophytic vegetation, the deciduous forest with the greatest diversity, occupies moist, well-drained sites in the Appalachian Plateaus. Widespread dominants include American beech, tuliptree (yellow-poplar), several basswoods, sugar maple, sweet buckeye, red oak, white oak, and eastern hemlock, in addition to 20-25 other species (Bailey 1995). The Appalachian oak association occurs east of the mountains. The dominant species are white oak and northern red oak (Bailey 1995). Pine-oak forest occupies dry sandy soils that are frequently exposed to naturally occurring fires along the northern Coastal Plain (Bailey 1995). Atlantic white-cedar swamps occur on mesic sites. The KDW identifies the Mountain and Bluegrass bioregions within the immediate project area (KDW 2013).
Cave Run Lake is almost entirely surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF). The DBNF 2004 Land and Resource Management Plan outlines the USFS approach to providing sustainable uses of the land for: outdoor recreation, minerals, timber, watersheds, fish and wildlife, wilderness, etc. (USFS 2004). Forested lands of the DBNF are generally classified as mixed mesophytic forest and Appalachian oak forest; with the oak-hickory association as the most common forest type (USFS 2004). The Forest is a mosaic of various developmental stages of ecological succession with mostly upland hardwood types including more than 40 commercially valuable tree species (USFS 2004).
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Vegetation within the immediate project area is dominated manicured grass, which are maintained by the USACE as part of routine dam maintenance activities. Natural vegetative communities are confined to riparian corridors bordering the Licking River near the Cave Run Lake Dam tailrace as well as oak-hickory associations which occupy the slopes of the river valley.
Typical plant species for the area include: Common Name Scientific Name Running Buffalo Clover Trifolium stoloniferum* Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia American Beech Fagus grandifolia Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Red Maple Acer rubrum Red Oak Quercus rubra White Oak Quercus alba Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoids Black Willow Salix nigra Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida Redbud Cercis canadensis Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Silver Maple Acer saccharinum Boxelder Acer negundo Walnut Juglans sp. Mockernut Hickory Carya tomentosa Black Oak Quercus velutina Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica Chestnut Oak Quercus prinus Pignut Hickory Carya glabra Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea
Aquatic vegetation of Cave Run Lake is limited due to seasonal fluctuations in lake levels, lakeshore steepness and the impact of wave action caused by recreational watercraft (USFS 2003). Tabulated below is a listing of plant species associated with recent vegetation surveys of select littoral zone areas of Cave Run Lake (Luken and Bezold 2000):
Common Name Scientific Name Sweet Waterlily Nymphaea odorata Eelgrass Vallisneria Americana Spotted Pondweed Potamageton pulcher Englemann’s Quilwort Isoetes englemannii Virginia Buttonwood Diodia virgininia Beggar’s Tick Bidens frondosa Stinging Nettle Boehmeria cylindrica Japanese Stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum Carolina Horsenettle Solanum carolinese Common Threeseed Mercury Acalypha rhomboidea Dogbane Apocynum cannibinum Heath Aster Aster ericoides Indian Tobacco Lobelia inflata Common Yellow Oxalis Oxalis stricta St. John’s Wort Hypericum mutilim Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Riverbank Grape Vitis riparia
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Ragweed Ambrosia artemesiifolia Blunt Broom Sedge Carex tribuloides Poverty Rush Juncus tenuis Maddog Skullcap Scutellaria laterifolia Wool Grass Scirpus cyperinus Marsh Seedbox Ludwigia palustris Spotted Sandmat Euphorbia maculata Rose Mallow Hibiscus moscheutos
Mammals like the gray and fox squirrel, whitetail deer, chipmunks, gray fox, beaver, muskrat, mink, and river otter utilize streams corridors and upland areas. Tabulated below is a listing of mammals reported in the area (USFS 2003):
Common Name Scientific Name American Beaver Castor Canadensis River Otter Lutra Canadensis Mink Mustela vison Eastern Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Raccoon Procyon lotor White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Bobcat Lynx rufus Smoky Shrew Sorex fumerus Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Sylvilagus floridanus Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Striped Skunk Mephitus mephitus Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana Virginia Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii virginanus* Indiana Bat Myotis grisescens*
More than 248 species of birds have been seen over time at the Minor Clark fish hatchery and the Cave Run Lake area (KDW 1998). Woodducks, warblers, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, and great blue herons are common; more rare are the tundra swan and marbled gotwit. Bald eagles also overwinter in this area. Woodland birds, including the wild turkey, grouse, and several species of owl, have also been reported the area (KDW 1998). Tabulated below is an incomplete summary of the bird species reportedly observed in the area:
Common Name Scientific Name Wood Duck Aix sponsa Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Pie-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Canada Goose Branta canadensis Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Bonaparte’s Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula American Widgeon Anas americana Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Mallard Anas platyrhynchos American Black Duck Anas rubripes
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Gadwall Anas strepera Canvasback Aythya valisineria Common Loon Gavia immer Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus American Coot Fulica Americana Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicians Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronate American Redstart Setophage ruticilla Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrine White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo American Woodcock Scolopax minor Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Amphibians and reptiles known to occur the region include:
Common Name Scientific Name Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus Hellbender Crytobranchus alleganiensis Northern Dusky Desmognathus fuscus Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber ruber Gray Tree Frog Hyla chrysoscelis Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Spring Peepers Psuedacris brachyphona Eastern American Toad Bufo americanus Green Frog Rana clamitans Pickerel Frog Rana palustris Wood Frog Rana sylvatica Southern Leopard Frog Rana utricularia Stinkpot Turtle Sternotherus odoratus Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata Spiny Softshell Turtle Apalone spinifera Banded Watersnake Nerodia fasciata Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus Black Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta Timber Rattle Snake Crotalus horridus Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix
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Project Effects The proposed project is anticipated to have minimal effect on wildlife and botanical resources. The existing stream flow and reservoir regimes will be maintained, resulting in no modification to wildlife and botanical habitats outside of the project footprint.
Within the project footprint, natural areas capable of providing significant wildlife habitat value are limited to portions of the proposed transmission line alignment. Particularly, a narrow vegetated riparian corridor and portions of the manicured turf area associated with the dam toe and embankment. The final alignment of the transmission line will be developed in coordination with resource agencies to avoid and minimize impacts to the habitat value of the riparian corridor. The manicured turf area appears to have the potential to provide habitat for the Federally listed plant species, Running Buffalo Clover. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to avoid and minimize potential impacts to any existing populations of listed species within the project area. Additional details regarding the approach to avoiding and managing potential impacts to listed species is provided in the Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species section.
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Floodplains, Wetlands, Riparian & Littoral Habitats
Floodplains Floodplain mapping from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not identify any regulated floodplains within the project area. However, based on local topographic conditions it is possible that some low- lying areas immediately downstream of the Cave Run Lake Dam, and within the project boundary, could be subject to flooding during overbank flow events.
Wetlands According to National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data the following wetland communities occur in the vicinity of the project (Figure 6.5).
Figure 6.5. National Wetlands Inventory project area mapped wetlands.
Wetland Type Description Lacustrine Open water habitat of Cave Run Lake and several constructed breeding ponds located within the Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery.
Emergent Includes several palustrine emergent wetland complexes associated with drowned tributary inlets to Cave Run Lake.
Riverine Licking River from the Cave Run Lake Dam outlet works downstream.
Palustrine Oxbow remnant located within the Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery complex.
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Lacustrine Wetlands and Littoral Zone Habitats Lacustrine wetlands in the project area identified by NWI mapping are classified according to the Cowardin et. al (1979) wetland type classification system to include the following:
L1UBHx – lacustrine, limnetic, unconsolifated bottom, permanently flooded/impounded, excavated L1UBHh – lacustrine, limnetic, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded/impounded L2USAh – lacustrine, littoral, unconsolidated shore, temporarily flooded, impounded L2USCh – lacustrine, littoral, unconsolidated shore, seasonally flooded, impounded
By far the largest wetland in the project area is the open water habitat (L1UBHh) of Cave Run Lake, which was formed and maintained by the impounding effect of the Cave Run Lake Dam. There are no natural lakes in eastern Kentucky, all lake habitats on the Cumberland Plateau are man-made reservoirs.
The Corps operates the dam for flood control purposes. The target winter pool elevation is 724 feet msl; creating a lake with a surface area of approximately 7,390 acres and a length of about 45 miles. The target summer pool elevation is 730 feet msl; creating a lake with a surface area of approximately 8,270 acres with a length of about 48 miles (USACE 2011). The USFS (2003) reports that Cave Run and other area lakes tend to support good populations of game and forage fishes (maintained by stocking) but otherwise harbor fairly depauperate aquatic faunas composed largely of exotic and/or weedy species.
Littoral zone lacustrine wetland resources (L2USAh & L2USCh) occur in scattered locations along the perimeter of the Cave Run Lake shoreline. Shoreline topography of the lake is generally steep and precludes the development of extensive littoral wetland resources. Additionally, seasonal operation of the Cave Run Lake Dam by the USACE results in reservoir fluctuations of approximately 6 ft and effect the seasonal availability of littoral zone habitats. Tabulated below is a summary of seasonal reservoir operation protocols implemented by the USACE.
Target Lake Period Operational Notes Elevation (ft) Runoff storage to meet summer pool target elevation Winter Pool 724 initiated near Mar. 15. (Dec. 1 – Apr. 30) Storage rate is ~500 cfs over inflow. Drawdown to meet winter pool target elevation initiated Summer Pool 730 – 730.5 near Sept. 15. (May 1 – Nov. 30) Release rate is ~300 cfs over inflow.
Based on the size of Cave Run Lake (+8,000 acres), the length of the shoreline and seasonal reservoir fluctuations, the extent of littoral zone (shallow water) habitat is significant. These shallow water habitats can be important spawning and rearing areas for a variety of aquatic organisms including larval and fry stages of all fish species; aquatic insects and aquatic plants; algae and phytoplankton/ zooplankton. Depending on the extant and composition of vegetated shallow water areas this zone can also provide foraging opportunities for game species and waterfowl.
Palustrine Emergent and Forested Wetlands Palustrine wetlands in the project area identified by NWI mapping are classified according to the Cowardin et. al (1979) wetland type classification system to include the following:
PEM1Fh – palustrine, emergent, persistent, semi-permanently flooded, impounded PEM1Ah – palustrine, emergent, persistent, temporarily flooded, impounded PEM1Ch – palustrine, emergent, persistent, seasonally flooded, impounded PUBH – palustrine, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded PUBHh – palustrine, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded, impounded PSS1Ah – palustrine, scrub-shrub, broad leaved deciduous, temporarily flooded, impounded
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PFO1A – palustrine, forested, broad leaved deciduous, temporarily flooded
Palustrine wetlands in the project area occur in association with some of the coves and drowned inlets of Cave Run Lake where substrate and water depths are conducive to their formation and maintenance. These wetland resources form an important ecological gradient (ecotone) between the open water habitat of the lake and upland terrestrial habitats. NWI mapping does not identify any palustrine emergent or forested wetlands within the immediate project area.
Riverine Wetlands Riverine wetlands in the project area identified by NWI mapping are classified according to the Cowardin et. al (1979) wetland type classification system to include the following:
R2UBH – riverine lower perennial, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded R2UBHx - riverine lower perennial, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded, excavated
Riverine wetland habitats within the project area are dominated by the Licking River. There are two riverine wetland types identified reflecting the distinct channel morphology of the Licking River in the project area. Beginning at the outlet works of the Cave Run Lake Dam and extending approximately 1,000 feet downstream the river is a straight, rip-rap lined trapezoidal channel with unvegetated banks. This reach was engineered and modified as part of dam construction to accommodate high velocity flows from the outlet works and is characterized as “excavated”, denoting its modification from natural channel morphology and substrate. Further downstream the armored channel abruptly transitions to a more natural river morphology with earthen banks and riparian vegetation.
Flows in the river are the primary drivers of riverine wetland maintenance and are controlled by releases from the Cave Run Lake Dam, operated by the USACE. Releases from Cave Run Lake range from a minimum of 50 cfs to an authorized maximum of 5,500 cfs. However, due to downstream encroachments, outflows rarely exceed 3,500 cfs.
Project operation is driven first and foremost by the USACE’s Flood Control mission. Due to the highly erodible nature of the downstream embankments, gate changes are made in increments of ~500 cfs per hour. As a result, it is often necessary to initiate decreases in the outflow well in advance of observed precipitation. If the forecast precipitation fails to materialize the operations will then be reversed. If the precipitation and resulting runoff does occur, maximum release rates are dependent upon stages measured at the USGS gages 03249505 (Licking River at Hwy 60 at Farmers, KY), 03250100 (North Fork Triplett Creek near Morehead, KY) and 03252500 (South Fork Licking River at Cynthiana, KY). Allowable release rates are greater during the winter months (non-crop season) than they are during the summer months (crop season). In addition to the aforementioned gages, USGS gages 03253500 (Licking River at Catawba, KY) and 03255000 (Ohio River at Cincinnati, OH) are monitored prior to making flood releases. Low volume releases (<500 cfs) can be made thru the by-pass gates via one of three intakes which allow for water temperature and DO control.
Riparian Habitat Riparian habitat within the project area is confined to the area immediately adjacent to the Licking River. These linear habitat features form the terrestrial boundary interface with riverine habitats and follow the rivers’ course. Within the project area these habitats are limited in lateral extent by topography and/or adjacent land use patterns.
Project Effects There are no FEMA identified floodplains within the project area which could be impacted by the project.
There are no anticipated project related impacts to river flows or reservoir operations. Since these processes are the primary drivers of wetland formation and maintenance as well as littoral zone habitat dynamics there are no anticipated project related impacts to vegetated wetland or littoral zone resources.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 31 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Project construction will require limited disturbance and modification in the area of the confluence of the dam outlet works and the Licking River – a riverine wetland resource. The proposed project footprint is relatively small so any long-term impacts will be localized to the immediate project area which was previously modified from a natural channel to a rip-rap armored “excavated” reach. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to develop appropriate strategies to minimize potential adverse impacts to this resource resulting from project construction and operation.
In addition, disturbance to a small portion of existing riparian habitat associated with the transmission line alignment will be minimized to the extent practicable. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to determine the most appropriate alignment for the transmission line to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to riparian habitats.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 32 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Rare, Threatened & Endangered Species
Existing Conditions Preliminary review of listed species within the project area (FWS Information, Planning and Conservation System (IPAC) v1.4, 2013) identified several federally listed species that may occur in the project area, all of which are classified as endangered (see table below). We are unaware of any site specific surveys for RTE species within the immediate project area. A complete copy of the preliminary FWS species list is provided as an attachment.
Common Name Scientific Name Listing Status Freshwater Mussels Clubshell Pleurobema clava Federally Endangered Fanshell Cyprogenia stegaria Federally Endangered Northern Riffleshell Epioloblasma torulosa rangiana Federally Endangered Pink Mucket Lampsilus abrupta Federally Endangered Sheepnose Mussel Plethobasus cyphyus Federally Endangered Flowering Plants Running Buffalo Clover Trifolium stoloniferum Federally Endangered Mammals Gray Bat Myotis grisescens Federally Endangered Indiana Bat Myotis sodalist Federally Endangered Virginia Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii virginanus Federally Endangered
In addition the State of Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) has identified the Licking River below Cave Run Lake as a “hot spot” for the conservation of imperiled freshwater mussels and fishes (KSNPC undated). State listed species not already identified by FWS include:
Common Name Scientific Name Listing Status Freshwater Mussels Snuffbox Epiloblasma triquetra State Special Concern Longsolid Fusconaia subtrotunda subtrotunda State Special Concern Fish Northern Madtom Notorus stigmosus State Special Concern
The following sections provide brief summaries of the listed species identified through preliminary screening that have the potential to occur in the project area.
Freshwater Mussels Each of these mussel species feed by filtering food particles from the water column. Each of them has a glochidia lifestage, whereby they engage in a short-term parasitic relationship with an appropriate species of fish while they develop into juvenile mussels.
Clubshell The clubshell can live for 20 years or more and reach a size of about 3 inches in length. The species typically burrows completely beneath the substrate, apparently relying on water to percolate between the sediment particles. Consequently, the species is very susceptible to siltation, which clogs the substrate interstices and suffocates the animal. The clubshell generally is found in runs with clean, coarse sand and gravel, often just downstream of a riffle. It cannot tolerate mud or slackwater conditions. According to the FWS recovery plan for this species (FWS, 1994), the clubshell was widespread throughout most of the Ohio River and Maumee River drainages prior to 1800 and was apparently very common. This species now exists in 8 to 10 isolated populations, most of which are small and peripheral. The largest remaining clubshell population is in the Tippecanoe River of Indiana. FWS (1994)
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 33 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document states that the clubshell is threatened by runoff and channelization, domestic and commercial pollution, in-stream sand and gravel mining, impoundment, and zebra/quagga mussel infestation.
Fanshell The fanshell is a medium-sized freshwater mussel that reaches a size of approximately 3 inches in length. It inhabits medium to large rivers and has been primarily reported to inhabit relatively deep water with gravelly substrate and moderate current. According to the FWS recovery plan for this species (FWS, 1991a), this freshwater mussel historically occurred in the Ohio River and many of its large tributaries in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia. The recovery plan states that the fanshell is believed to be reproducing in only three rivers—the Green and Licking Rivers in Kentucky and the Clinch River in Tennessee and Virginia. Additionally, small (apparently non-reproducing) populations may still persist in the Muskingum and Walhonding River, Ohio; the Kanawha River, West Virginia; the Wabash River System, Illinois and Indiana; the Barren River and Tygarts Creek, Kentucky; and the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, Tennessee. The recovery plan indicates that construction of impoundments and navigation facilities, dredging for channel maintenance, sand and gravel mining, and water pollution have seriously affected the distribution and reproductive capacity of this species.
Northern Riffleshell The northern riffleshell is a small to medium size freshwater mussel that reaches a size of up to three inches long (DOI 2012). The northern riffleshell occurs in clean, firmly packed, coarse sand and gravel in riffles and runs of small and large streams (DOI 2012). Of the 54 streams once known to be occupied by this species, six still support populations of the northern riffleshell, and only three of these populations show evidence of reproduction two in the Allegheny River system (Allegheny River and French Creek, Pennsylvania), and one in the Sydenham River (Ontario, Canada) (DOI 2012). The breeding season appears to be initiated by seasonal changes, such as water temperature; reproduction requires a stable, undisturbed habitat and a sufficient population of fish hosts to complete the mussel's larval development (DOI 2012). Threats to this species include; loss of suitable habitat, limited access to fish hosts, genetic isolation, erosion and siltation, agricultural and industrial runoff and non-native invasive species (such as zebra mussels) (DOI 2012).
Pink Mucket The pink mucket is a medium-sized freshwater mussel that reaches a size of approximately 4 inches in length and has a life span that exceeds 50 years (FWS, 2008a). The pink mucket typically inhabits medium to large rivers with strong currents. However, it has also been able to survive and reproduce in areas of impounded reaches with river/lake conditions without standing water. Substrate preferences include sand, gravel, and pockets between rocky ledges in high velocity areas and mud and sand in slower moving waters. Individuals have been found at depths up to 3 feet in swiftly moving currents and in much deeper waters with slower currents. The pink mucket was historically distributed in 25 rivers and tributaries in the Ohio, Cumberland, Mississippi, and Tennessee River systems. The species is likely extirpated in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois (FWS, 2008a). Records from 1990 indicate that the species remained in only 16 rivers and tributaries at that time.
Sheepnose Mussel The sheepnose is a medium-sized freshwater mussel that reaches a size of approximately 5 inches in length (DOI 2012). The sheepnose is a larger-stream species occurring primarily in shallow shoal habitats with moderate to swift currents over coarse sand and gravel (DOI 2012). Historically, the sheepnose occurred in the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee River systems and their tributaries, totaling at least 76 streams (including 1 canal) (DOI 2012). Currently, the species is known from roughly five sites in the middle Licking River (DOI 2012). There is no documented evidence of recent recruitment, and, therefore, the sustainability of the population is unknown; it is possible this population represents a population cluster with the Ohio River (DOI 2012).
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 34 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Snuffbox The snuffbox is a small triangular-shaped freshwater mussel that reaches a size of approximately 2.5 inches (NatureServe 2013. Found in riffles of medium and large rivers with stony or sandy bottoms, in swift currents, usually deeply buried (NatureServe 2013). It was historically widespread in the upper Mississippi and Ohio River drainages and widespread but never abundant in the Tennessee River system (NatureServe 2013). In Kentucky, it is sporadic in the upper Green River and eastward (NatureServe 2013). The decline in the overall range suggests that it is not tolerant to poor water quality and is sensitive to pollution, siltation, habitat perturbation, inundation, and loss of glochidial hosts (NatureServe 2013).
Longsolid The longsolid is a relatively large freshwater mussel that with a highly variable size (NatureServe 2013). This species is found in medium to large rivers in gravel with a strong current often in sand and gravel (NatureServe 2013). Although this species still remains widespread through the Ohio River drainage (NatureServe 2013). Current distribution is greatly fragmented but remains relatively wide although many populations have questionable viability, especially those in large rivers where zebra mussel populations are now established (NatureServe 2013). Once thought to be nearly extirpated from Kentucky however recent reports indicate that it is "sporadic in the lower Green River and eastward" (NatureServe 2013).
Flowering Plants
Running Buffalo Clover Running buffalo clover occurs in 101 populations in three geographical regions: Appalachian (West Virginia and southeastern Ohio), Bluegrass (southwestern Ohio, central Kentucky and Indiana), and the Ozarks (Missouri) (FWS 2007). The majority of populations occur within the Appalachian and Bluegrass regions, with the largest population in West Virginia and the most populations in Kentucky (FWS 2007). Running buffalo clover occurs in mesic habitats of partial to filtered sunlight, where there is a prolonged pattern of moderate periodic disturbance, such as mowing, trampling, or grazing (FWS 2007). The primary threat to running buffalo clover is habitat alteration. Factors that contribute to this threat include natural forest succession, and subsequent canopy closure, competition by invasive plant species, permanent habitat loss through development or road construction, and may include the elimination of bison and other large herbivores (FWS 2007). In addition to these threats, inherent biological vulnerabilities for this species include its reliance on pollinators, seed scarification, and dispersal mechanisms as well as a dependence on disturbance (FWS 2007). Populations are considered protected when there are permanent assurances that the habitat will be managed. Management objectives for running buffalo clover include 1) controlling invasive species, 2) reducing habitat succession, and 3) defining population regulation factors (FWS 2007).
Fish
Northern Madtom The Northern madtom is a small benthic fish in the catfish family whose typical habitat includes large creeks and small rivers with clear to turbid water and moderate current; this madtom avoids extremely silty situations; it occurs in areas with little cover other than tree limbs and debris (NatureServe 2013). The range includes much of the Ohio River basin northward to east-central Illinois, northern Indiana, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, and east to western West Virginia and eastern Kentucky; also in western Lake Erie drainage in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (NatureServe 2013). In Kentucky, 26 documented localities from 8 streams; extensively surveyed during 1980s- 1990s where the population is considered stable (NatureServe 2013). Local declines are due to declining water quality, siltation, increased turbidity, and pollution, however the greatest threat is probably channelization (NatureServe 2013).
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Mammals
Gray Bat The gray bat is the largest member of its genus in the Eastern United States occupying a limited range in limestone karst areas of the southeastern U.S. (FWS 1982). Populations are found primarily in Alabama, northern Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennesee (FWS 2007). Approximately 95% of the entire known population hibernates in nine caves, with more than half in a single cave (FWS 2007). The species is thought to be restricted to caves which meet specific roost and habitat criteria – it is estimated that fewer than 5% of available caves are meet these criteria (FWS 2007). As a result of these specific requirements gray bats are often found in large colonies associated with suitable cave habitats (FWS 1982). Gray bats migrate seasonally between hibernating and maternity caves – distance between caves varies by colony. As of 1987 the gray bat was estimated to have declined by up to 76% from its original population (Burton and Pearson 1987). The decline has been attributed mainly to destruction by vandals and disturbance by spelunkers and tourists (Burton and Pearson 1987).
Indiana Bat During winter, Indiana bats are restricted to suitable underground hibernacula.3 The vast majority of these sites are caves located in karst areas of the east-central United States. However, Indiana bats also hibernate in other cave-like locations, including abandoned mines (FWS, 2007). In summer, most reproductive females occupy roost sites under the exfoliating bark of dead trees that retain large, thick slabs of peeling bark. Primary roosts usually receive direct sunlight for more than half the day. Roost trees are typically within canopy gaps in a forest, in a fenceline, or along a wooded edge. Habitats in which maternity roosts occur include riparian zones, bottomland and floodplain habitats, wooded wetlands, and upland communities. Indiana bats typically forage in semi-open to closed (open understory) forested habitats, forest edges, and riparian areas (FWS, 2007).
Virginia Big-Eared Bat In Kentucky only one Virginia big-eared bat colony location was known at Stillhouse Cave in Lee County (FWS 1984). Big-eared bats are reported to utilize caves in karst regions dominated by oak-hickory or beech-maple- hemlock associations (FWS 1984). Species decline is attributed to partially to limited habitat availability (suitable caves surrounded by adequate foraging habitat); however, it is speculated that there are additional unknown ecological factors restricting habitat use (FWS 1984). Other factors for their decline may include human disturbance, attributed mainly to destruction by vandals and disturbance by spelunkers and tourists (Burton and Pearson 1987).
Project Effects Potential project related effects on rare, threatened and endangered species include both short-term direct impacts from construction activities as well as long-term impacts resulting from alteration of habitat to accommodate proposed project features.
Construction and operation of the project has the potential to alter existing freshwater mussel beds located within the project footprint and/or within the proposed tailrace. The proposed location of the project powerhouse is within a relatively high energy reach of the Licking River, which was highly modified during dam construction from a natural channel to a rip-rap lined trapezoidal channel to accommodate releases from the Cave Run Lake Dam. It is likely that these historic modifications adversely impacted habitat conditions for listed mussel species within the immediate project area. Information on the existing presence of listed mussel species in this reach was not available, however informal discussions with USACE environmental personnel suggest that there are no freshwater mussel beds in the armored tailrace reach, but are known further downstream. The applicant will consult with resource
3 Caves or other underground areas where bats hibernate.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 36 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document agencies to identify existing freshwater mussel habitat within the proposed project footprint and develop appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures.
The proposed project will operate in run-of-release mode, maintaining the existing hydrograph, therefore there are no anticipated long-term project related impacts to the Northern Madtom. Any disturbances to existing populations of this State listed species of special concern are likely to be associated with construction activities and of short duration. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to develop appropriate measures to avoid and minimize potential impacts to this species during construction which may include evacuation of individuals from within the construction area through electro-fishing prior to any physical disturbance.
Habitat requirements of Running Buffalo Clover (open canopy, regular disturbance regime, etc.) suggest that there may be suitable habitat and/or existing populations of this listed plant species associated with the manicured turf of the dam embankment and toe. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to identify existing populations of Running Buffalo Clover potential impacted during construction and operation of the project. Measures to avoid and minimize direct or indirect project related impacts to existing populations will be developed in consultation with resource agencies.
There are no known caves which could provide hibernacula to listed bat species within the immediate project area. However, the presence of critical habitat features for listed bat species within the project area is possible but not currently known. The proposed transmission line alignment includes a crossing of a narrow vegetated riparian corridor at the edge of the Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery which has the potential to provide roosting opportunities. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to identify habitat features within the project area that are suitable for use by listed bat species. Measures to avoid and minimize any direct or indirect impacts to listed bats will be developed in consultation with resource agencies and could include seasonal restrictions on vegetation clearing activities
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 37 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Recreation & Land Use
Existing Conditions
Recreation The rivers and streams of the Licking River region provide opportunities for: fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, biking, social outings, and community development. Cave Run Lake, in the upper third of the Licking basin, is a tremendously popular recreational lake with catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie,muskellunge. Hikers can travel throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest along the Sheltowee Trace or dozens of other trails around Cave Run Lake, or visit the natural areas and wildlife management lands scattered through the region.
The Daniel Boone National Forest offers approximately 134 developed recreation sites covering approximately 3,730 acres to the public including: 28 campgrounds, 23 picnic areas, 29 boat launch sites, 4 shooting ranges, 7 information sites, 2 documentary sites, 6 fishing sites, 24 observation points, and 13 trail heads (USFS 1997). According to a USFS recreational needs assessment, Cave Run Lake has an estimated recreational capacity of 4,610 persons at one time (PAOT) (USFS 1997). A map of recreational facilities associated with Cave Run Lake is provided as an attachment.
The USACE also provides public access to the lake and tailwater area for recreational use. USACE recreation areas in the area include: Stoney Cove (picnic area), High Bank Picnic Area, and the Cave Run Lake Dam Tailwater. The tailwater recreation area offers a public boat ramp fishing, picnic area, group pavilion and playground.
There are also several marinas on Cave Run Lake which offer opportunities for motorized and non- motorized boating opportunities. Recreational boating on Cave Run Lake is a popular summer pastime due to the lake’s scenic beauty and fishing opportunities.
Figure 6.6. Cave Run Lake Tailwater Boat Ramp Land Use Land use within the vicinity of the project is predominately forested, to the north and west of the dam there is some agricultural land use. Approximately 35% of Rowan County is federal land (primarily the DBNF); 20% of the county is utilized for agricultural purposes with the tobacco and hay as the primary crops. Bath County is primarily agricultural land, with approximately 65% of the land area being utilized for tobacco, hay,corn and soybean production.
The majority of land surrounding Cave Run Lake is managed by the USFS as part of the DBNF, as such there is very little shoreline development. Immediately downstream of the dam is the State owned and operated Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery. These two features dominate land use within the immediate project area.
Project Effects The proposed operation of the project does not involve any modifications to the existing release schedule or reservoir operations (i.e., lake levels) and will therefore have no effects on recreational opportunities on the lake or in the Licking River. Releases provided by the USACE will be utilized to the extent practicable for generation. There may be short-term impacts to recreational access in the tailwater area associated construction of the project. The applicant will coordinate and schedule these activities with the USACE to avoid and minimize these short-term impacts.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 38 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
The project will have minimal impact on land use – with the exception of constructing, operating and maintaining a new powerhouse at the existing outlet works of the Cave Run Lake Dam. Since this area is already maintained as manicured turf the effect is anticipated to be insignificant.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Existing Conditions The Kentucky Heritage Council's Site Protection Program coordinates the federally mandated protection of historic properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. According to the Kentucky Heritage Council (State Historic Preservation Office – SHPO), there are no archeological or historic sites within the project area.
The immediate project area has a fairly recent history of disturbance associated with dam construction (circa 1965). It is likely that any archeological resources of significance were disturbed at that time.
Although there were Native Americans in Kentucky in prehistoric times, when explorers and settlers began entering Kentucky in the mid-1700s, there were no permanent Kentucky Indian tribes or Native American settlements in the region. Instead of serving as a home for Kentucky Indian tribes, the country was used as common hunting grounds by Shawnees from the north and Cherokees from the south. The Iroquois also claimed their possession until 1768, though did not occupy them.
Project Effects Due to the lack of existing resources we do not anticipate any project-related effects on cultural or historic resources. The applicant will consult with resource agencies to confirm this preliminary assessment and identify any necessary avoidance and/or management strategies.
Socio-Economic Resources
Existing Conditions Tabulated below is a summary of key demographic metrics from the 2010 U.S. Census for the counties in the project area as compared to Statewide and National values.
Metric Bath County Rowan County Kentucky National Population 11,591 23,333 4,339,367 308,745,538 Avg. Household Size (people) 2.50 2.36 2.45 2.58 Median Family Income (annual) $52,046 $51,350 $50,392 $62,982 Families Below Poverty 13.5% 13.9% 14.5% 10.1% * Data in the table above was obtained from 2010 U.S. Census – American Fact Finder.
Census data indicate that Bath and Rowan counties are comparable to State and National demographic metrics. Family earnings for the State are consistently lower than the national average. However, median household income in Bath and Rowan counties is slightly above the State average. The percentage of families below the poverty line is approximately 3% higher than the national average; this is consistent with the relatively lower median family income for Bath and Rowan Counties and Kentucky as compared to the national average.
Project Effects The applicant does not anticipate any project-related impacts to socio-economic resources. Development of the project will create the need for several short-term construction jobs. Operation and maintenance activities associated with the project have the potential to provide limited benefit to local businesses and technical tradesmen.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 39 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
7. Preliminary Issues and Studies CRE initiated informal outreach to several stakeholders during the development of the PAD. Initial outreach efforts do not represent a complete representation of stakeholders with potential interest in the proposed project and were conducted for planning and informational purposes only. The specific goals initial outreach efforts was:
To introduce the proposed project and establish lines of communication with the development team; To obtain preliminary feedback on the project design and operational concepts; To identify sources of information and data necessary to characterize existing infrastructure, natural resources and management activities, and; To identify areas of specific concern associated with development and operation of the project.
Tabulated below is a summary of contacts and communications made as part of the initial outreach efforts for the Cave Run project.
Affiliation Contact(s) / Title Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Joseph Zimmerman, Environmental Section Kentucky Division of Water Barbara Scott, Water Quality Section Supervisor U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service James Gruhala, Wildlife Biologist The Nature Conservancy Terry Cook, Director – Kentucky Chapter U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kenneth Lamkin, Hydropower Coordinator Jade Young, Water Quality Jeff Esterle, Dam Safety Jackie Rowe, Dam Safety Lee Anne Devine, Chief Regulatory – South Section Patricia Hull, Green River Basin Bernice Amburgey, Upper Kentucky River Basin Doug Archer, Operations Anthony Orr, Operations Thomas Jackson, Operations Lori Brewster, Operations
Based on preliminary discussions with the above stakeholders the following have been identified as potential items of concern. Please note that this listing is preliminary in nature as not all stakeholders have been consulted. We recognize that additional items of concern may be identified as we move through the formal consultation process and more stakeholders are consulted.
Maintenance of USACE congressionally authorized purposes (i.e., mission) for the Cave Run Lake Dam during all phases of project development and operations; Potential impacts to water quality associated with project development and operations; Avoidance and protection of State and Federally listed species and associated habitats; Avoidance and minimization of project-related impacts to public recreation – particularly in the tail race fishing area, and; Avoidance and minimization to fishery resources of Cave Run Lake and Licking River associated with project development and operations.
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References Axon, J. R. 1981. Development of a Muskellunge Fishery at Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, 1974 1979. North American journal of fishery management, vol. 1, no. 2. 134-143pp.
Bailey, R.G. (1995). Description of the Ecoregions of the United States. http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/index.html
Burton & Pearson. 1987. Rare Mammals of the World. Stephen Greene Press, Lexington, MA, USA.
Department of Interior (DOI) (2012). Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for the Sheepnose and Spectaclecase Mussels Throughout Their Range; Final Rule. Federal Register. 77(49) – Part III. March 13, 2012. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-13/pdf/2012-5603.pdf
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFW) – Fisheries Division. (2011). Annual Performance Report: District Fisheries Management, Part I, Project 1: Lake and Tailwater Fishery Surveys.
KDFW (2012a). Cave Run Lake Bass Assessment 2012. 7 pp.
KDFW (2012b). Trout Streams Program in Kentucky for 2012. 10 pp.
KDFW (2012c). Annual Trout Stocking Report. 4 pp.
Kentucky Division of Water (KDW). (1998). The Licking River Region in Kentucky: Status and Trends. November 1998. http://water.ky.gov/watershed/Documents/Licking%20River/StatusandTrendscomplete.pdf
KDW. (2013). State Special Resource Waters. Licking River Basin Assessment Report.
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) (no date). As Assessment of “Hot Spots” & Priority Watersheds for Conservation of Imperiled Freshwater Mussels and Fishes in Kentucky. Poster. http://naturepreserves.ky.gov/data/Documents/PriorityWshds_Poster.pdf
Luken J.O. and Bezold T. N. (2000). Plant Communities Associated with Different Shoreline Elements at Cave Run Lake, Kentucky. Wetlands 20(3). September 2000. pp. 479-486.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (2013). NOAA Habitat Conservation – Essential Fish Habitat Mapper. http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/index.html
NatureServe. 2013. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: May 9, 2013 ).
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (2013). Select Water Quality Sampling Data – Cave Run Lake. via electronic correspondence.
USACE. (1981). Water resources development by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kentucky. Louisville, KY
U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2010, using American FactFinder; http://factfinder2.census.gov; (May 7, 2013).
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) (2013). Web Soil Survey – National Cooperative Soil Survey. Soil Map – Bath County, Kentucky, and Menifee and Rowan Counties, Kentucky. Accessed online at:
United States Forest Service (USFS) – Daniel Boone National Forest. (2003). Viability Assessment Report for Lake Cumberland/Cave Run Lake Habitat Association. Prepared by: John R. Omer. 118 pp.
Gravity Renewables, Inc. 41 Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
USFS (2004). Land and Resource Management Plan for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Management Bulletin R8-MB 117A. 286 pp.
United States Forest Service (USFS) – Daniel Boone National Forest. (1997). Wildlife and Fish Resources: Examination of Supply and Demand. Document #10 of the Analysis of the Management Situation for the Proposed Revision of the Land and Resource Management Plan. Prepared by: Brian Knowles. 19 pp.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (2007). Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Recovery Plan: First Revision. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN 76 pp. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/070627.pdf
USFWS (1984). A Recovery Plan for the Ozark Big-Eared Bat and the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities, MN. 119 pp. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/840508.pdf
USFWS (1982). Gray Bat Recovery Plan. 143 pp. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/820701.pdf
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Appendices
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Project Service List
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Monthly Flow Exceedance Curves
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Supplemental Environmental Information: USDA – NRCS Soil Mapping & Report FWS Preliminary Listed Species Assessment Excerpts from Kentucky Water Quality Regulations Recreational Facilities Map
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
USDA – NRCS Soil Mapping & Report
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
FWS Preliminary Listed Species Assessment
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Excerpts from Kentucky Water Quality Regulations
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices Cave Run Hydroelectric Project FERC No. P – 14376 Preliminary Application Document
Recreational Facilities Map
Gravity Renewables, Inc. Appendices