ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203
EXHIBIT E DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
Alabama Power Company Birmingham, Alabama
Prepared by:
July 2012
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203
EXHIBIT E DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
Alabama Power Company Birmingham, Alabama
Prepared by:
July 2012
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
EXHIBIT E DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... VI
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 CONTENTS OF EXHIBIT E ...... 1 1.2 COMMONLY USED TERMS IN EXHIBIT E ...... 2 1.3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RIVER BASIN ...... 2 1.4 PROJECT FACILITIES...... 6 1.5 PROJECT LANDS AND WATERS ...... 8 1.5.1 FLOOD CONTROL OPERATIONS ...... 12 1.6 SUMMARY OF PROJECT GENERATION AND OUTFLOW RECORDS ...... 13
2.0 PROJECT CONSULTATION ...... 14
3.0 APPLICABLE LAWS ...... 16 3.1 SECTION 401 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT ...... 16 3.2 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT/NATIONAL BALD EAGLE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES ...... 16 3.3 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT...... 17 3.4 MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT ...... 17 3.5 NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ...... 18 3.6 WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS AND WILDERNESS ACTS ...... 18
4.0 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT...... 18 4.1 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES ...... 18 4.1.1 EXHIBIT G MAP REVISIONS ...... 19 4.1.2 CONDUCT WATER QUALITY MONITORING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION ...... 20 4.1.3 CONTINUE LIGHT MAINTENANCE OF THE OVERLOOK PARK AND CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS WITH USACE AND ADCNR...... 21 4.1.4 MAINTENANCE OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE...... 21 4.2 PME MEASURE TIMELINE ...... 21
5.0 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 22 5.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 22 5.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 25
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5.3 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 25
6.0 WATER RESOURCES ...... 26 6.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 26 6.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 31 6.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 40 6.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 41
7.0 FISH AND AQUATIC RESOURCES ...... 41 7.1 FISH RESOURCES ...... 41 7.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 44 7.3 STUDY RESULTS ...... 47 7.4 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 48 7.5 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 49
8.0 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES ...... 49 8.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 49 8.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 55 8.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 55 8.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 56
9.0 RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ...... 56 9.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 56 9.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 60 9.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 60 9.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 60
10.0 RECREATION RESOURCES ...... 60 10.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 60 10.2 RECREATION NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN MANAGEMENT PLANS ...... 66 10.2.1 ALABAMA STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN 66 10.2.2 SPECIALLY DESIGNATED RECREATION AREAS ...... 66 10.3 STUDY RESULTS ...... 66 10.4 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 67 10.5 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 67
11.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 68 11.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 68 11.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 68 11.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 69 11.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 71
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12.0 LAND USE AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES ...... 71 12.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 71 12.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 74 12.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 74 12.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 74
13.0 SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES ...... 74 13.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 74 13.2 STUDY RESULTS ...... 76 13.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT ...... 76 13.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS ...... 76
14.0 REFERENCES ...... 76 14.1 SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION ...... 76 14.2 SECTION 2.0 – PROJECT CONSULTATION ...... 77 14.3 SECTION 3.0 – APPLICABLE LAWS ...... 77 14.4 SECTION 4.0 – EXISTING MEASURES ...... 77 14.5 SECTION 5.0 – GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 77 14.6 SECTION 6.0 – WATER RESOURCES ...... 77 14.7 SECTION 7.0 – FISH AND AQUATIC RESOURCES ...... 78 14.8 SECTION 8.0 – TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES ...... 79 14.9 SECTION 9.0 – RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ...... 79 14.10 SECTION 10.0 – RECREATION RESOURCES ...... 80 14.11 SECTION 11.0 – CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 80 14.12 SECTION 12.0 – LAND USE AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES ...... 80 14.13 SECTION 13.0 – SOCIOECONOMICS RESOURCES ...... 80
LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE E-1 BLACK WARRIOR RIVER BASIN PROJECTS ...... 4 FIGURE E-2 BLACK WARRIOR RIVER BASIN LOCK AND DAM SITES ...... 5 FIGURE E-3 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY ...... 9 FIGURE E-4 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY ...... 10 FIGURE E-5 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY SHOWN AS EXISTING EXHIBIT K MAP AND THE CORRECTED EXHIBIT G MAP ...... 11 FIGURE E-6 BEFORE HOLT CONSTRUCTION ...... 19 FIGURE E-7 HOLT AFTER CONSTRUCTION ...... 20 FIGURE E-8 GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ALABAMA ...... 24 FIGURE E-9 WATER QUALITY PROFILES COLLECTED AT HOLT FOREBAY (JUNE- OCTOBER 1990-2009) ...... 39 FIGURE E-10 SCAN OF NWI MAP FOR THE IMMEDIATE AREA SURROUNDING HOLT LOCK AND DAM ...... 53 FIGURE E-11 LOCATION OF RECREATION SITES AT HOLT RESERVOIR ...... 63
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LIST OF PHOTOS PHOTO E-1 OVERLOOK PARK AND PICNIC TABLES AT SCENIC OVERLOOK ...... 65 PHOTO E-2 RIP-RAP BELOW POWERHOUSE AND HOLT TAILRACE ...... 65 PHOTO E-3 HOLT LOCK AND DAM AND HOLT PROJECT—POWERHOUSE VISIBLE ON NEAR SIDE OF RIVER ...... 73 PHOTO E-4 HOLT PROJECT TAILRACE ...... 73
LIST OF TABLES TABLE E-1 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM HYDRAULIC CAPACITY FOR THE HOLT PROJECT...... 7 TABLE E-2 HOLT PROJECT AVERAGE MONTHLY ACTUAL GENERATION FROM 2002 TO 2011...... 13 TABLE E-3 SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION ...... 15 TABLE E-4 PME MEASURES ...... 22 TABLE E-5 MEAN, MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM MONTHLY FLOW STATISTICS FOR THE BLACK WARRIOR RIVER IN THE PROJECT AREA ...... 27 TABLE E-6 SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR STATE OF ALABAMA WATERS WITH DESIGNATION AS FISH AND WILDLIFE/SWIMMING APPLICABLE TO THE HOLT PROJECT* ...... 29 TABLE E-7 SUMMARY OF TAILRACE DATA (2005-2010) ...... 31 TABLE E-8 SUMMARY DATA FOR WATER CHEMISTRY VARIABLES MEASURED AT THE PROJECT BY ALABAMA POWER COMPANY* ...... 32 TABLE E-9 FISH SPECIES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF THE USACE HOLT LOCK AND DAM PROJECT ...... 43 TABLE E-10 TOTAL NUMBER OF FISH ENTRAINED BY MONTH AND BY SEASON ...... 45 TABLE E-11 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF FISH POTENTIALLY ENTRAINED WITHIN EACH FAMILY GROUP BY SEASON ...... 46 TABLE E-12 ESTIMATED ANNUAL TOTAL NUMBER OF POTENTIALLY ENTRAINED FISH KILLED DUE TO TURBINE MORTALITY AT THE HOLT PROJECT ...... 46 TABLE E-13 FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS (SNAILS, MUSSELS) SUMMARY OF FIELD COLLECTIONS ...... 48 TABLE E-14 INVASIVE BOTANICAL SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE HOLT PROJECT VICINITY ...... 51 TABLE E-15 FEDERALLY THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND CANDIDATE SPECIES IN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY...... 58 TABLE E-16 RECREATION SITES LOCATED AT HOLT LAKE...... 62 TABLE E-17 ESTIMATED USE (IN RECREATION DAYS) OF RECREATION SITES AT HOLT LAKE BY TYPE OF ACTIVITY ...... 64 TABLE E-18 CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSULTATION RECORD ...... 68 TABLE E-19 PERCENTAGE OF LAND USE CLASSIFICATION IN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA ...... 71 LIST OF APPENDICES - iv - TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D.)
APPENDIX A SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM APPENDIX B TABLES OF REPRESENTATIVE WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL SPECIES IN THE PROJECT AREA
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ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
EXHIBIT E DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS HOLT PROJECT EXHIBIT E A AABC Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center ACAMP Alabama Coastal Area Management Program ADCNR Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ADEM Alabama Department of Environmental Management AIPC Alabama Invasive Plant Council AL Alabama B BMP Best Management Practices C C Celsius CBMP Plan Construction Best Management Practices Plan CFR Code of Federal Regulations cfs Cubic feet per second CWA Clean Water Act CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act D DLA Draft License Application DO Dissolved oxygen E EA Environmental Affairs EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act EFH Essential Fish Habitat F F Fahrenheit F&W Fish and Wildlife FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- vi - ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONT’D.)
HOLT PROJECT EXHIBIT E FLA Final License Application ft Foot/Feet G GPS Global Positioning Systems H hp Horsepower J JAM Joint Agency Meeting K kV Kilovolts Kva Kilovolt ampere kW Kilowatt kWh Kilowatt-hour M mi Miles ml Milliliters mg/l Milligrams per liter mg/M3 Milligrams per cubic meter msl Mean sea level MW Megawatt N NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NGO Non-governmental Organization NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOI Notice of Intent NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NRHP National Register of Historic Places NTU Measure of Turbidity NWI National Wetlands Inventory O OAR Office of Archaeological Research OAW Outstanding Alabama Water P PAD Pre-Application Document PCU Platinum-Cobalt Unit pH Measure of the strength of an acid or base PME Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement R
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HOLT PROJECT EXHIBIT E RTE Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species S S Swimming SCORP Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer SU Standard Unit T TLP Traditional Licensing Process TMDLs Total Maximum Daily Loads TSI Trophic State Index U ug/l Micrograms per liter (one millionth of a gram per liter) Umhos/cm Micromhos per centimeter USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey
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ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
EXHIBIT E DRAFT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Holt Hydroelectric Project (Project) is an existing hydropower facility owned and operated by Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power) and licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) as Project Number 2203. The original license was issued in 1965 and the Project was completed in 1968. The Project is located on the Black Warrior River at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Holt Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam) in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The existing Project license expires on August 31, 2015.
1.1 CONTENTS OF EXHIBIT E
The Exhibit E is also referred to as the “Environmental Exhibit” and must address the resources included in the Holt Pre-Application Document (PAD) that Alabama Power prepared and distributed in 2010. This Exhibit E includes:
• A general description of the river basin; • A description of Project facilities and operation; • Documentation of consultation • A discussion of applicable laws; • Alabama Power’s proposed operation and protection, mitigation and enhancement measures (PME); • A description of the existing environment; • A description of the studies and study results; • The proposed environmental measures by resource area; and • Literature cited.
In consultation with participating federal, state and local agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Native American tribes, and the public, Alabama Power developed study
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plans, which were filed with the Commission (contained in the “Study Plans” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD). These studies were completed in 2011 and 2012, and the results of these studies were incorporated into this Exhibit E. Copies of all final reports are available on Alabama Power’s website at http://www.alabamapower.com/hydro/h_studyreports.asp and in the “Final Study Reports” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
1.2 COMMONLY USED TERMS IN EXHIBIT E
There are a few terms in Exhibit E used to discuss the Project and Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement (PME) measures. Those terms and definitions are listed below for the reader’s reference.
1. Project Boundary – this term refers to the land and water contained in the area defined by the FERC as the lands and waters necessary to operate the Project. For this Project, the Project Boundary is limited to the powerhouse, adjacent lands, and the transmission line. 2. Project Area – this term refers to the land and water in the immediate geographic area adjacent to the Project Boundary. Examples would be Holt Lake, which is the reservoir upstream of the Project powerhouse and the tailrace area downstream of the turbine outfall. 3. Project Vicinity – this term refers to a larger geographic area near the Project, for example, a county. 4. PME Measures – this term refers to environmental, recreational and cultural resources measures that a licensee might propose to protect Project resources, mitigate for Project effects, and/or enhance various aspects of the Project resources.
1.3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RIVER BASIN
The Holt Project is located on the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama within the Black Warrior River Basin (Figure E-1 and Figure E-2). The Black Warrior River Basin flows through 15 counties in Alabama and is part of the larger Mobile River Basin (Keith, 1998). Both the headwaters and mouth of the Black Warrior River originate in the state of Alabama and it is the larger of only two rivers in Alabama that do so (Hartup, et. al., 2002). The Black Warrior River is formed by the confluence of three primary rivers: the Sipsey, Mulberry and Locust. After flowing roughly 300 miles (mi), the Black Warrior River converges with the Tombigbee
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River at Demopolis, Alabama. The Black Warrior River has a drainage area of approximately 6,278 square mi.
A key land feature associated with the Black Warrior River near Tuscaloosa is the presence of the Fall Line. This topographic feature serves to separate the upper Black Warrior watershed from the lower Black Warrior watershed. Characterized by moderate to steep gradients, the upper Black Warrior watershed consists of rocky shoals, riffles, and elevations of 1,100 feet (ft) to 600 ft. The upper Black Warrior watershed is located within the Cumberland Plateau physiographic region of the State. The lower Black Warrior watershed is located within the East Gulf Coastal Plain region and is characterized by lower elevations, generally between 150 to 300 ft, rolling hills, and stream gradients of one foot per mile on average. River substrates of the lower Black Warrior watershed generally consist of sand, gravel and mud (Rivers of Alabama, 2009).
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FIGURE E-1 BLACK WARRIOR RIVER BASIN PROJECTS (Source: USACE, 2009)
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FIGURE E-2 BLACK WARRIOR RIVER BASIN LOCK AND DAM SITES (Source: USACE, 2009)
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1.4 PROJECT FACILITIES
The Project was placed into service in 1968 by Alabama Power. The Project consists of a powerhouse connected to the USACE’s Lock and Dam. The powerhouse contains one 46,944 kilowatt (kW) generator connected to a diagonal flow turbine rated at 66,410 horsepower (hp) with a net head of 60 ft and 115 kilovolts (kV) transformer. The existing Holt turbine is a 6-blade vertical “diagonal flow” design. The flow off the turbine has a diagonal pattern, and is also referred to as a “mixed-flow” turbine. A diagonal flow turbine is somewhat of a mix between a Francis turbine and a propeller turbine. The diagonal flow turbine has longer blades than a propeller, which results in the blades overlapping. The turbine has a rated minimum hydraulic capacity of 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), and rated maximum hydraulic capacity of 11,200 cfs1. There is a 5 ft high concrete parapet wall along the upstream face of the Project powerhouse to prevent overflow of flood waters into the powerhouse.
The Project has steel trashrack panels that cover the intake area that feeds water to the turbine. The trashrack bar rack spacing is 6 inches wide. After flowing through the turbine, the water releases directly back into the Black Warrior River.
Also associated with the Project are approximately 2.39 mi of transmission line and 46.59 acres of lands within the Project Boundary. The lands within the Project Boundary are owned by the USACE, state of Alabama (inundated lands), and private interests. Alabama Power has transmission easements on these lands from the USACE and private interests. The Single Line Diagram for the Holt Project is included in Appendix A of Exhibit E and Exhibit A.
The Holt Dam (Dam) construction started in 1963 and was completed in 1968. The portions of the structures owned by the Alabama Power include the headworks/powerhouse structure (maximum height approximately 100 feet), a 130 foot long concrete non-overflow dam section (maximum height approximately 100 feet), and a 110 foot long homogenous earth fill dam section (approximately 70 feet in height) located between the non-overflow structure and the right abutment. The adjacent spillway and navigation lock across the river are owned and
1 The actual minimum hydraulic capacity is 9,451 cfs (due to vibration) and actual maximum hydraulic capacity is 11, 044.
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operated by the USACE (Alabama Power, 2006). In the USACE spillway, there are 14 individually operated tainter gates, which are used for pool level management to support navigation and flood control. The maximum reservoir level for the spillway design flood as determined by the USACE is El. 206.4, which is 0.6 ft below the top of the embankment Dam, gravity section and intake.
The lock was placed in operation in May 1966 (USACE, 2009). The chamber dimensions of the lock are 110 ft wide and 600 ft long (USACE, 2009). The lock allows for water vessels to pass both upstream and downstream at the Dam. An average of 3 -5 vessels pass through the Lock daily.
Table E-1 contains a list of the rated minimum and rated maximum hydraulic capacities along with the installed capacity.
TABLE E-1 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM HYDRAULIC CAPACITY FOR THE HOLT PROJECT (Source: Alabama Power, 2010) MEGAWATT CFS (MW) MIN HYDRAULIC MAX HYDRAULIC AUTHORIZED / UNIT CAPACITY CAPACITY INSTALLED (BEST GATE) (FULL GATE) CAPACITY 1 1,000 11,200 46.9
Alabama Power supplies electric power throughout a large part of Alabama and exchanges electric power with other operating subsidiaries of Southern Company in Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia, and with the Tennessee Valley Authority by means of physical connections with the transmission systems of each.
The Project unit is connected through a dedicated three phase 115 kV step-up transformer rated at 48.5 kilovolt amperes (Kva) each.
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1.5 PROJECT LANDS AND WATERS
FERC requires that lands, waters and structures needed to operate the Project are enclosed by the Project Boundary. Figure E-3 through Figure E-5 depicts the Holt Project Boundary. Figure E-3 and Figure E-4 show the corrected Exhibit G map Project Boundary. Figure E-5 shows the existing Exhibit K map Holt Project Boundary and the corrected Project Boundary. Alabama Power is responsible for managing activities within the FERC Project Boundary.
Alabama Power leases land from the USACE and private interests. The Lock and Dam and Holt Lake are owned and operated by the USACE and are not licensed by FERC.
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FIGURE E-3 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY
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FIGURE E-4 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY
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FIGURE E-5 HOLT PROJECT BOUNDARY SHOWN AS EXISTING EXHIBIT K MAP AND THE CORRECTED EXHIBIT G MAP
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Alabama Power operates the Project based on the USACE’s management of Holt Lake. USACE’s first priority at the Holt Lock and Dam is to support river navigation. Alabama Power operates the Project using excess water provided by USACE. Since the electrical generation at the Project is considered secondary to the USACE’s navigation use, the Project has operational restrictions from the USACE to which Alabama Power must adhere, as described below:
POOL LEVEL
Limiting elevations for reservoir operation are a maximum of 187 ft msl and a minimum of 186 ft msl, and the reservoir will normally be maintained between these levels. Because of navigation requirements, based on channel depths in the upper end of the reservoir, the pool must not be drawn down below elevation 186 ft msl. The upper limit of 187 ft msl will not be exceeded, except during floods when inflows exceed the full discharge capacity of the Project, unless otherwise directed by the Reservoir Regulation Section.
OPERATION FOR NAVIGATION
The reservoir will be operated to provide 9-foot depths in the navigation channel which extends approximately 19 mi upstream to Bankhead Lock and Dam. It is expected that very little maintenance dredging will be required and in general the 9-foot depth will be provided by controlling the reservoir level at or above elevation 186 ft msl, the lower limit of drawdown.
1.5.1 FLOOD CONTROL OPERATIONS
There is no flood control in the Project; however, the USACE does implement flood control operations. During floods, the Holt reservoir will be held at maximum operating pool, elevation 187 ft msl, by passing the inflow through the spillway gates and/or the power plant until the full discharge capacity of the spillway is reached. When the full capacity of the spillway is reached, free overflow with all gates fully opened will prevail until the reservoir peaks and recedes to elevation 187 ft msl.
Between 1984 and 2010, daily inflow into Holt Lake exceeded maximum hydraulic capacity approximately 16% of the time.
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The total spillway capacity of the Dam is 393,000 cfs at pool elevation 187 ft mean sea level (msl), and 639,500 cfs at pool elevation 206.4 ft msl.
1.6 SUMMARY OF PROJECT GENERATION AND OUTFLOW RECORDS
TABLE E-2 HOLT PROJECT AVERAGE MONTHLY ACTUAL GENERATION FROM 2002 TO 2011 (Source: Personal Communication, Stacey Graham, Alabama Power, June 28, 2012)
MONTH KWH January 18,538,100 February 19,640,500 March 19,314,200 April 16,037,100 May 15,791,700 June 10,191,700 July 9,586,700 August 6,253,300 September 7,904,700 October 6,117,500 November 10,462,900 December 18,791,300 YEAR 158,629,700
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2.0 PROJECT CONSULTATION
During preparation of the PAD, Alabama Power distributed a questionnaire to a comprehensive list of stakeholders (including state, federal and local resource agencies, local and national NGOs). Alabama Power requested that stakeholders provide information about resources in the Project Area, and identify any preliminary concerns with the Project. No specific issues were identified in the responses to Alabama Power.
On August 27, 2010, Alabama Power filed the Project PAD including the proposed study plans with FERC and distributed it to the consulting agencies and stakeholders for review. Alabama Power filed its Notice of Intent (NOI) simultaneously with the distribution of the PAD. Alabama Power held a joint agency meeting (JAM), a public meeting, and a site visit on December 1, 2010. Alabama Power requested that stakeholders provide comments on the PAD and the proposed study plans, as well as any additional requests for studies by February 1, 2011. Alabama Power finalized the proposed study plans (Baseline Water Quality; Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Survey; and Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality) on August 31, 2011 and October 20, 2011 (Cultural Resources Survey and Programmatic Agreement). In October and November 2011, Alabama Power distributed several draft reports for agency and stakeholder comment (Baseline Water Quality Study Report, Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace, and Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality Study Report). Comments from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were incorporated into the reports and final reports (Final Baseline Water Quality Study Report, Final Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace, and Final Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality Study Report) were distributed on February 10, 2012. On February 7, 2012, Alabama Power distributed a progress report on the Project that included a summary of 2011 activities and 2012 proposed activities. On June 1, 2012, Alabama Power distributed the draft Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of Alabama Power Company’s Holt Hydroelectric Project to stakeholders on the FERC Restricted Service List for cultural resources. Finally, on July 12, 2012 Alabama Power distributed the draft Holt Terrestrial Species Survey Report.
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On April 10, 2012, Alabama Power held a meeting with agencies and interested stakeholders to discuss the proposed Project operations and PME measures associated with the Project relicensing.
A summary of all of the Project consultation is presented in Table E-3.
TABLE E-3 SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION
DATE DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION/MEETING RECORD August 27, 2010 NOI, PAD, Questionnaire Distribution October 26, 2010 FERC authorization to use TLP December 1, 2010 Holt JAM and Public Meeting January 28, 2011 Holt Transcript Package February 1, 2011 Letter from Black Warrior Riverkeeper (Nelson Brooke) Comments on PAD February 14, 2011 Letter from Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Section 106, NHPA Review March 8, 2011 FERC Designation of Non-Federal Representative to Conduct Informal Endangered Species Consultation March 14, 2011 FERC Consultation Authorization Pursuant to Section 106 NHPA April 8, 2011 FERC Consultation with Tribes for the Holt Project April 20, 2011 Alabama Power Response to Mr. Nelson Brooke’s Comments on the Holt PAD July 14, 2011 Alabama Power Files USACE Black Warrior- Tombigbee River Basin Regulation Manual August 30, 2011 FERC Issues Notice of Restricted Service List August 31, 2011 and October 20, 2011 Study Plan Distribution October 6, 2011 Water Use at the Holt Project Report October 7, 2011 Alabama State Historic Commission Officer Agrees with Project APE October and November 2011 Alabama Power Distributes Draft Reports- Baseline Water Quality Study Report, Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace, and Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality Study Report February 7, 2012 Letter describing Holt Summary of 2011 and Proposed 2012 Activities February 10, 2012 Letter Transmitting Final Study Reports- Final Baseline Water Quality Study Report, Final Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace, and Final Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality Study Report
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DATE DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION/MEETING RECORD April 10, 2012 Holt Draft Relicensing Proposal Meeting June 06, 2012 Jena Band Request for Addition to Restricted Service List June 12, 2012 Notice of Revised Restricted Service List June 21, 2012 Choctaw Nation Request for Addition to Restricted Service List June 25, 2012 Notice of Revised Restricted Service List
3.0 APPLICABLE LAWS
3.1 SECTION 401 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that any applicant for a federal license, that may conduct any activity which may result in any discharge into the navigable waters, provide to the licensing agency a certification from the state in which the discharge originates that the discharge will comply with state water quality standards adopted under the CWA. See 33. U.S.C § 1341 (a). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations implementing section 401 require that the certification issued by the state certifying agency contain a statement that there is “reasonable assurance that the activity will be conducted in a manner which will not violate applicable water quality standards.” 40 C.F.R. § 121.2(a)(3).
Pursuant to section 401, Alabama Power filed an Application for a 401 Water Quality Certification to the ADEM on May 10, 2012. The ADEM has one year to make a decision on a water quality certification request.
3.2 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT/NATIONAL BALD EAGLE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), §16 U.S.C. 1536(a), requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of federally listed endangered or threatened species, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat of such species. Federal agencies are required to consult with the USFWS when a proposed action may adversely affect listed species. By letter dated March 8, 2011, FERC
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designated Alabama Power as the Commission’s non-federal representative for carrying out informal consultation, pursuant to Section 7 of the ESA.
Although the bald eagle was de-listed from the Federal Endangered Species List effective July 2007 (72 FR 37345 37372), it remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C.668-668d) (72 FR 37345-37372).
Surveys performed during the relicensing process found no federally listed species at any of Alabama Power’s sampling sites. None of the proposed relicensing actions are likely to result in adverse effects to any listed species.
3.3 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT
The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, as amended, requires review of the Project’s consistency with the state’s coastal management program. The State of Alabama has a Coastal Area Management Program (ACAMP) that applies to the coastal lands and waters seaward of the continuous 10 ft contour in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Implementation of the ACAMP is shared by the ADCNR and the ADEM. Due to the location of this Project, the Coastal Zone Management Act does not apply. By letter dated February 10, 2011, the ADEM noted that the Holt Project is “outside of Alabama’s Coastal Area and is therefore not subject to ADEM’s Division 8 Regulations” (see letter in the “Documents” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD).
3.4 MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT
The purpose of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is to provide for the conservation and management of the fisheries, and for other purposes (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/magact/ accessed May 1, 2012). The National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) is the primary manager of activities covered under this act. FERC’s regulations at 18 C.F.R. Section 5.18 (3) (iii) require a licensee to document any essential fish habitat (EFH) that may be affected by the Project. To date, neither EFH was documented at the Project nor has the issue of EFH been raised by any stakeholder.
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3.5 NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, requires that every federal agency “take into account” how each of its undertakings could affect historic properties. Historic properties are districts, sites, buildings, structures, traditional cultural properties, and objects significant in American history, architecture, engineering, and culture that are listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register. By letter dated March 14, 2011, FERC designated Alabama Power as the Commission’s non-federal representative for carrying out informal consultation, pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA.
As described further in Section 11, Alabama Power consulted with the Alabama State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and federally recognized Native American tribes from 2010 – 2012.
3.6 WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS AND WILDERNESS ACTS
There are no river segments designated as Wild and Scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act within the Project Boundary. There is also no wilderness designation at or in the Project Vicinity or the Project Boundary. The only Wild and Scenic Rivers in Alabama are associated with the Bankhead National Forest located in the northwestern part of Alabama in Lawrence, Winston and Franklin Counties. There is also the Sipsey Wilderness area located in Bankhead National Forest and the Cheaha Wilderness located within the Talladega National Forest near Talladega, Alabama.
4.0 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
This section contains: Alabama Power’s proposal for the continued operation of the Project and a description of Alabama Power’s proposed PME measures.
4.1 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
Alabama Power proposes to implement a number of PME measures at the Project. Table E-4 lists the PME measures and anticipated schedule for implementation.
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4.1.1 EXHIBIT G MAP REVISIONS
The existing Holt Project Boundary map, formerly Exhibit K, is being revised to file as Exhibit G, to reflect what actually occurred in erecting the Holt-Holt (Holt) Transmission Line (TL) during initial construction. Figure E-3 (Before Holt Construction) shows the original proposal to erect the Holt TL in red (the proposed towers are marked as red circles). The existing Holt- Gorgas (Gorgas) TL is shown in black and the existing towers are marked as black circles.
During the initial construction of the Holt TL, Alabama Power suspected that that there may be high voltage interference with the proposed Holt TL as it intersected with the existing Gorgas TL.
To resolve the high voltage interference, Alabama Power placed the Holt TL on the existing Gorgas towers (marked as black circles) in Figure E-4 (Holt After Construction). The Holt- Gorgas line was actually placed where the initial proposed Holt TL is depicted (red circles). The placement of the Holt TL was not updated on the Exhibit K maps after construction; therefore, Alabama Power proposes to correct and file revised Exhibit G maps to reflect the existing Holt TL. Correcting the Project Boundary will involve removing 3.8 acres and adding 7.3 acres. The removed and added lands are privately owned and Alabama Power has retained the necessary rights to use these lands for Project purposes.
FIGURE E-6 BEFORE HOLT CONSTRUCTION
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FIGURE E-7 HOLT AFTER CONSTRUCTION
4.1.2 CONDUCT WATER QUALITY MONITORING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
Alabama Power proposes to collect dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature data for the time specified in the 401 Water Quality Certification following issuance of the new FERC license. If the monitoring results do not indicate substantial compliance with the state water quality standard for DO (maintenance of a DO concentration of 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or greater in turbine releases), Alabama Power will develop and implement additional measures to increase DO in the turbine releases from the Project through structural or operational modifications. These measures provide reasonable assurance that the state DO standard of 4.0 mg/l will be met at the Project.
Alabama Power anticipates that the 401 Water Quality Certification will include a requirement to record DO concentrations and water temperature at 60-minute intervals during periods of generation, following one continuous hour of generation, beginning June 1 and extending through September 30 each year. During flood events, the monitoring may be temporarily discontinued until tailrace elevations return to normal.
The current turbine aeration system will be automatically activated when the intake DO concentration declines to less than or equal to 4.5 mg/l. When the DO concentration rises to 5.0 mg/l or greater, the aeration system will automatically terminate. The DO in the Holt tailrace will
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be calculated as the sum of the incoming DO concentration plus the increase in DO concentration by the turbine aeration system (+0.25 mg/l) when it is activated.
Annual DO monitoring reports will be submitted with appropriate certifications to the ADEM 90 days following the cessation of monitoring. Following the final year of monitoring, the complete set of data will be submitted to ADEM for review and comment prior to submittal to the FERC.
4.1.3 CONTINUE LIGHT MAINTENANCE OF THE OVERLOOK PARK AND CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS WITH USACE AND ADCNR
Alabama Power proposes to continue operating and maintaining the recreation area (Overlook Park and picnic tables) at the Scenic Overlook near the powerhouse. Alabama Power will mow the grass at the Overlook Park, empty the trash cans, maintain the picnic tables, and preserve the security (lock the gates) of the Overlook Park. In addition, Alabama Power will continue discussions with the USACE and ADCNR regarding opportunities to provide additional recreation access in the tailrace area.
4.1.4 MAINTENANCE OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE
Alabama Power will maintain the transmission lines at the Project. Alabama Power will remove dangerous trees, trim the side of the area, mow the grass, and apply herbicide as needed, in accordance with applicable application guidelines.
4.2 PME MEASURE TIMELINE
Table E-4 provides a summary of Alabama Power’s proposed PME measures and anticipated timeline for implementation.
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TABLE E-4 PME MEASURES
PME MEASURE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE Exhibit G Map Revisions Alabama Power will submit the final modified Exhibit G maps within 90 days of license issuance. Conduct Water Quality Alabama Power proposes to implement a water quality Monitoring to Comply with the monitoring plan in adherence with the 401 WQC following Requirements of the 401 Water issuance of the new FERC license. Quality Certification Continue Light Maintenance of Alabama Power will continue to operate and maintain the the Overlook Park recreation area through the current license and following the issuance of the new license. Maintenance of the Alabama Power will maintain the transmission lines at the Transmission Line Holt Project through the current license and following the issuance of the new license.
5.0 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
5.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
TOPOGRAPHY
The Project is located in the Cumberland Plateau physiographic section of Alabama. This vicinity is characterized by high, flat-topped plateaus oriented from northeast to southwest. The plateaus are often separated by deep valleys, steep in slope, frequently forming gorges. Elevations within the Cumberland Plateau can range from 600 ft to 1,100 ft; however, the Project is located near the Fall Line, where elevations are typically only about 200 ft (Encyclopedia of Alabama, 2008).
GEOLOGY
The geological material and bedrock of the area includes sandstones, shale, limestone, and dolomite. Valleys and plateaus of the Cumberland Plateau are formed by various anticlines and synclines in Paleozoic rock layers, ranging from Cambrian to Pennsylvanian in age. The limestones and sandstones of the area have also been known to be rich in fossils, holding a diversity of both marine and non-marine organisms. Though the Cumberland Plateau is rich in
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sedimentary rocks, most of Alabama’s igneous and metamorphic rocks are located outside of the region. Due to the presence of limestone, sinkholes are also known to occur in this region (Encyclopedia of Alabama, 2008).
Mineral resources of Tuscaloosa County include brown and red iron ore, which were mined extensively in the northeastern part of the county. Shale is found in abundance north of Tuscaloosa, and pottery clay is also plentiful in the area. Both of these resources are associated with coalfields and both strip mining and underground mining of coal occurs in Tuscaloosa (USDA, 1981).
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FIGURE E-8 GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ALABAMA (Source: University of Alabama, 2012)
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SOILS
The Project foundation overburden soils are predominantly impervious lean clays, varying from fat clay to sandy clay to silty clay (USACE, 1962). Soils bordering the Black Warrior River in the Project Area include Choccolocco silt loams (see the soil map of Tuscaloosa County at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm). These soils are deep and well drained, characteristic of high stream banks, and range from 0 to 3 percent slope. Ellisville silt loams are also found surrounding the Project. Frequently flooded and well drained, Ellisville silt loams are associated with floodplains and low stream terraces. Soils of the Montevallo-Nauvoo complex, typically 15 to 45 percent slopes, contain the Montevallo shaley loams and Nauvoo fine sandy loams and are present in the Project Area. The Smithdale-Flomation soil complex is also located sporadically through the Project Area. Typically having a 15 to 35 percent slope, this soil series contains an amalgamation of fine-sandy and gravelly loams (USDA, 1981). Rip-rap extends the length of the tailrace.
5.2 STUDY RESULTS
No issues regarding soils and geology were raised during the relicensing process and no studies were conducted. Alabama Power is not proposing any PME measures for soil and/or geological resources.
5.3 CONTINUING IMPACTS
Alabama Power doesn’t anticipate any ongoing impacts to soils and/or geological resources associated with operation of the Project. Should any PME involve ground disturbing activities, prior to conducting those activities, Alabama Power Environmental Affairs (EA) will review the work plan and recommend appropriate best management practices (BMPs) for the project to minimize erosion and prevent siltation of the reservoir. These BMPs include such things as silt fencing, straw wattles, temporary grassing, and disturbance minimization. If land disturbance equals or exceeds one acre, a construction permit from the ADEM will be obtained by submitting the appropriate NOI and preparation of a construction best management practices plan (CBMP Plan). Upon initiation of construction (if applicable), EA will perform appropriate monitoring
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and record keeping to meet the requirements of the construction permit until the site is stabilized and the permit terminated.
6.0 WATER RESOURCES
6.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
WATER QUANTITY
The Holt powerhouse has one turbine with a rated maximum hydraulic capacity of 11,200 cfs. It is operated remotely from Alabama Power Headquarters in Birmingham. Holt is not a storage Project; however, it peaks on a daily basis. It does not have a minimum flow requirement. The Holt Lock and Dam is not part of the FERC license for the Project, nor is the impoundment that is created by the USACE Dam. Under current operations, the Project uses the river flow of the Black Warrior River to generate hydroelectric power, taking advantage of the head created by the USACE’s Lock and Dam and of the available water not otherwise needed for navigation or other higher priority purposes as determined by the USACE.
The Holt Lock and Dam and resulting Holt Lake uses the waters of the Black Warrior River for moving boat traffic between the downstream Oliver Lake and the upstream Bankhead Lake. In addition to recreational boating, commercial barges use the lock to transport approximately 15 million tons of goods in the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway each year. Coal represents approximately 49 percent of the volume of goods carried on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway. Other commodities transported on the river, along with their respective percentage of volume are as follows: forest and farm products (25 percent); iron ore and scrap products (9 percent); other products (3 percent), primary iron and steel products (2 percent); sand, rock and stone products (2 percent); and chemical and related products (2 percent) (USACE, 2012).
FLOW STATISTICS
Annual and monthly flow duration curves for the Project were developed using inflow values into Holt Lock and Dam which are calculated based on basin inflows and releases from the Dam
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(see Holt Exhibit B). The period of record used in the development of the flow duration curves was January 1984 to December 2011 and the drainage area for the gage is 4,219 square mi.
The average daily flow at the Project is 7,442 cfs (United States Geological Survey (USGS, 2012).
TABLE E-5 MEAN, MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM MONTHLY FLOW STATISTICS FOR THE BLACK WARRIOR RIVER IN THE PROJECT AREA (Source: USGS Gage No. 02462951 – Holt Lock and Dam (Period of Record: 1976-2011, 2012))
MEAN MAXIMUM MINIMUM MONTH DISCHARGE DISCHARGE DISCHARGE (CFS) (CFS) (CFS) January 12,400 26,030 941.3 February 13,400 46,480 2,869 March 15,300 38,490 2,560 April 11,500 26,820 952.0 May 7,490 33,160 484.8 June 4,160 24,760 787.9 July 3,490 17,140 1,244 August 2,210 4,800 1,203 September 2,970 11,460 864.4 October 2,700 19,010 99.6 November 4,670 20,630 57.7 December 8,520 27,650 98.7
WATER RIGHTS AND WITHDRAWALS
The Project does not have any alternative uses for river water other than electricity generation. ADEM issued a General National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Holt Project effective on February 2011 (see the “Documents” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD). There are no identified potential water withdrawals in the Holt Lake.
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Alabama Power operates the Project using flows established by the USACE, which vary based on upon multiple conditions, including upper and lower pool levels, river flow, and navigation traffic.
The impoundment created by the Holt Lock and Dam is not within the Holt FERC Project. The impoundment is maintained at approximately elevation 187 ft msl (plus or minus one foot daily), and extends approximately 19 miles upstream to the tailrace of the USACE’s Bankhead Dam. The USACE maintains a navigational channel through the impoundment to ensure safe passage for commercial boats and barges.
In 2011, Alabama Power produced a report on water use at the Project. The report describes annual and monthly flow duration curves, Project operations, and includes the USACE’s Holt Reservoir Regulation Manual (Alabama Power, 2011b; see the in the “Final Study Reports” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD).
WATER QUALITY
FEDERALLY-APPROVED WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Water quality standards for the State of Alabama are guided through implementation of the Federal CWA, which directs individual states to monitor and report on the condition of their water resources. Protection and management of Alabama’s water quality consists of three components: an anti-degradation policy, designated uses, and numeric and narrative criteria (ADEM, 2010). The State’s anti-degradation policy, defined in Alabama State Code 335-6-10- .04, provides for the prevention of further exacerbation of water quality issues in State waters.
Alabama employs a designated use classification system to identify the best uses of individual waterways. Best uses generally include recreation, municipal and industrial water supply, and habitat for fish and wildlife. The primary designations for best use for Holt Lake are swimming (S) and fish and wildlife (F&W) (Ala. Admin Code r. 335-6-11-02(11)).
Alabama’s assessment and listing methodology establishes a process to assess the status of surface waters relative to their designated uses. Pursuant to Section 305(b) of the CWA, the State
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of Alabama provides biennial reports to Congress on the condition and status of statewide water quality. The Alabama Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report is developed biennially and includes a list of water bodies, per CWA section 303(d), that fail to attain set standards. Impaired waters are placed in a program to develop mitigative actions and achieve total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) to bring water quality to within set criteria. The most recent Integrated Report is dated 2010 and covers monitoring conducted between 2008 and 2009 (ADEM, 2010).
Numerical water quality standards and criteria are established in the Alabama State Code 335-6- 10-.09, and form the basis for determining if water bodies meet their intended uses or are impaired. Numeric criteria applicable to the Project are listed in Table E-6. Criteria for metal concentrations can be calculated using formulas provided by the State of Alabama (Alabama State Code 335-6-10-.09, Specific Water Quality Criteria).
TABLE E-6 SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR STATE OF ALABAMA WATERS WITH DESIGNATION AS FISH AND WILDLIFE/SWIMMING APPLICABLE TO THE HOLT PROJECT* (Source: ADEM, 2010)
STANDARD FOR FISH, WILDLIFE VARIABLE AND SWIMMING pH Between 6.5 and 8.5 Not less than 5.0 mg/l at a depth of 5 ft DO Not less than 4.0 mg/l for hydroelectric turbine discharges. Water Temperature Not greater than 90º F Not greater than 50 NTUs Turbidity (measure of turbidity) Not more than 1,000 colonies/100 Bacteria ml (for fish & wildlife) or 200 colonies/100 ml (for swimming) Not greater than 5 ug/l Chlorophyll-a (micrograms per liter)
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Section 314(a)(2) of the CWA requires states to assess the water quality of publicly-owned lakes and report the findings as part of the biennial 305(b) report to Congress. The State of Alabama classifies publicly-owned lakes (including reservoirs) as water bodies that are managed for multiple uses, are publicly accessible, and exhibit physical and chemical characteristics typical of impounded waters (ADEM, 2010). To assess lake water quality, ADEM uses Carlson’s trophic state index (TSI) to classify the trophic status of Alabama lakes. The TSI uses chlorophyll-a concentrations during the summer, when phytoplankton is the dominant plant community, as an estimate of the biotic response of lakes to nutrient enrichment. Values for TSI are low for nutrient deficient systems and increase as nutrient levels increase. Alabama uses the following categories of TSI values to classify lake conditions: <40 = oligotrophic; 40 to 50 = mesotrophic; 50 to 70 eutrophic; >70 = hyper-eutrophic and in need of regulatory action (ADEM, 2010). Long-term monitoring of Holt Lake water quality associated with Section 314(a)(2) of the CWA indicates that Holt Lake is currently eutrophic, with an average TSI value of 56 (ADEM, 2010). A eutrophic classification indicates high productivity and excessive nutrients.
NPDES
The CWA authorizes the State of Alabama, via ADEM, to implement the NPDES permit program, which regulates point and nonpoint sources of discharge to waters of the United States in order to control water pollution. Point discharges originate at a discrete point, such as a pipe. Non-point source pollution occurs when precipitation captures pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals, and transports them to receiving waters. There are numerous active point and non-point NPDES permits at and near the Project. In February of 2011, Alabama Power secured a new NPDES permit required for continued operation of the Project.
Alabama Power identified 70 active NPDES permits on or near Holt Lake. A map and spreadsheet with permit locations and other details is included on the “Documents” folder on the “Holt Project Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
305(B)/303(D) WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT INTEGRATED REPORT
The state of Alabama does not list Holt Lake as impaired on its 2010 list of impaired waters pursuant to section 303(d), nor does Holt Lake require a TMDL program. The Black Warrior
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River Basin does include waters that the state has classified as impaired, but these riverine sections with TMDL programs are outside of the FERC designated Project Boundary for the Project and outside of Holt Lake. Waters with TMDL programs in the Black Warrior Basin that feed into Holt Lake include Pegues Creek and Daniel Creek. Both waters are listed as impaired because of metals (chromium and lead), and Pegues Creek is also impaired because of siltation (habitat alteration). TMDLs for both will be prepared by the state of Alabama by 2014 (ADEM, 2010).
6.2 STUDY RESULTS
In 2011, Alabama Power conducted a Holt Baseline Water Quality Study (Alabama Power,
2011a) designed to compile and synthesize historic and current data to characterize water quality in the Project. DO and temperature data collected during 1990 through 2009 for the turbine outfall were compiled. Historic water chemistry data available for the Project was also compiled and presented in the Study Report. At the request of ADEM, Alabama Power retested the current turbine venting system that was put in place during the recent turbine upgrade to make sure that it was still effective in adding DO to the turbine outfall. Alabama Power determined that the continued use of this aeration system during June 1 to September 30 of each year will allow them to comply with state water quality standards. To verify compliance, Alabama Power has monitored DO levels at the project during that same time period each year since the turbine upgrade.
Alabama Power has performed extensive water quality monitoring of forebay since 1990 and tailrace since 2003. Table E-7 and Table E-8 summarize Alabama Power’s DO and temperature sampling, and chemical measurements (Alabama Power, 2011a).
TABLE E-7 SUMMARY OF TAILRACE DATA (2005-2010) (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2011a)
TEMPERATURE (°C) DISSOLVED OXYGEN (MG/L)
Min 17.52 2.72 Max 32.39 12.01 Average 27.07 6.98 # Points 2992 2992 % >4 mg/l n/a 99.4%
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TABLE E-8 SUMMARY DATA FOR WATER CHEMISTRY VARIABLES MEASURED AT THE PROJECT BY ALABAMA POWER COMPANY* (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2011a)
FOREBAY CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
PARAMETER UNITS COUNT MIN. AVG. MAX. Alkalinity, Bicarbonate (as CaCO3) mg/l 164 24.5 56.1 92.2 Alkalinity, Carbonate (as CaCO3) mg/l 164 0 0.3 3.4 Alkalinity, Hydroxide (as CaCO3) mg/l 164 0 0.01 0.3 Alkalinity, Total (as CaCO3) mg/l 170 24.6 56.3 92.7 Aluminum, Total mg/l 170 0 0.16 1.27 Arsenic, Total mg/l 171 0 0.003 0.07 Barium, Total mg/l 170 0.02 0.045 0.113 Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 5 Day mg/l 67 0 1 3 Cadmium, Total mg/l 170 0 0 0.044 Calcium, Total mg/l 170 10.6 19.3 30.7 Carbon Dioxide, Free mg/l 164 0.2 4.8 24.7 Carbon Dioxide, Total mg/l 164 24.1 54.4 94.3 Chloride, Total mg/l 170 1.87 10.2 28.6 Chlorophyll A, Spectro, Corrected mg/M3 132 0 5.66 41.54 Chromium, Total mg/l 170 0 0.001 0.02 Color PCU 39 1 7 20 Conductivity umhos/cm 206 136 292 424 Copper, Total mg/l 170 0 0.001 0.017 Field pH SU 141 6.4 7.4 8.73 Fluoride mg/l 165 0 0.11 0.32 Hardness, Total, (as CaCO3) mg/l 170 0 92.7 149 Iron, Total mg/l 170 0 0.14 1.24 Lead, Total mg/l 170 0 0.002 0.03 Magnesium, Total mg/l 170 5.39 10.84 17.6 Manganese, Total mg/l 170 0.008 0.15 1.67 Mercury, Total mg/l 39 0 0 0.0005 Nickel, Total mg/l 170 0 0.0004 0.023 Nitrogen, Ammonia mg/l 148 0 0.03 0.25 Nitrogen, Nitrate mg/l 134 0.12 0.4 1.18 Nitrogen, Nitrate/Nitrite mg/l as N 36 0.03 0.19 0.51 Nitrogen, Nitrite mg/l 129 0 0.014 0.11 Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl mg/l as N 137 0 0.34 2.4 Organic Carbon, Total mg/l 170 0 2.34 3.86 Oxygen, Dissolved mg/l 41 4.4 6.8 11.5 pH SU 80 6.79 7.61 8.79 Phosphate, Ortho (as P) mg/l 165 0 0.012 0.07 Phosphorus, Total mg/l 169 0 0.029 0.14
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PARAMETER UNITS COUNT MIN. AVG. MAX. Potassium, Total mg/l 159 0.36 2.35 3.57 Selenium, Total mg/l 171 0 0.002 0.05 Silicon, Total mg/l 104 0.41 2.19 30.99 Sodium, Total mg/l 170 4.78 19.8 45.5 Solids, Total mg/l 168 73 186 264 Solids, Total Suspended mg/l 170 0 4 20 Sulfate mg/l 170 21.3 66.5 466 Temperature °C 41 10 27 35 Turbidity NTU 170 0.8 3.1 22 Vanadium, Total mg/l 170 0 0.001 0.01 Zinc, Total mg/l 169 0 0.013 0.297
TAILRACE CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
PARAMETER UNITS COUNT MIN. AVG. MAX. Alkalinity, Bicarbonate (as CaCO3) mg/l-CaCO 69 10.2 56.9 91.4 Alkalinity, Carbonate (as CaCO3) mg/l-CaCO 69 0 0.3 1.8 Alkalinity, Hydroxide (as CaCO3) mg/l-CaCO 69 0 0 0.1 Alkalinity, Total (as CaCO3) mg/l-CaCO 74 10.2 57 92.1 Aluminum, Total mg/l 74 0 0.2 0.99 Arsenic, Total mg/l 74 0 0 0.018 Barium, Total mg/l 74 0.014 0 0.113 Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 5 day mg/l 22 0 1 2 Cadmium, Total mg/l 74 0 0 0.008 Calcium, Total mg/l 74 3.74 19.4 27.7 Carbon Dioxide, Free mg CO2/L 69 0.8 3.6 17.9 Carbon Dioxide, Total mg CO2/L 69 10 53.8 83.1 Chloride, Total mg/l 74 1.86 10.3 28.3 Chlorophyll A, Spectro, Correct mg/M3 65 0 4.12 21.52 Chromium, Total mg/l 74 0 0.0004 0.007 Color PCU 8 7 12 21 Conductivity umhos/cm 92 63 296 459 Copper, Total mg/l 74 0 0.001 0.027 Field pH SU 74 6.84 7.5 8.09 Fluoride mg/l 74 0 0.11 0.3 Hardness, Total, (as CaCO3) mg/l 74 19.8 93.5 135 Iron, Total mg/l 74 0.036 0.171 1.01 Lead, Total mg/l 74 0 0.007 0.332 Magnesium, Total mg/l 74 2.55 10.94 16.32 Manganese, Total mg/l 74 0.034 0.128 0.401 Mercury, Total mg/l 8 0 0 0 Nickel, Total mg/l 74 0 0.0003 0.005
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PARAMETER UNITS COUNT MIN. AVG. MAX. Nitrogen, Ammonia mg/l as N 73 0 0.04 0.15 Nitrogen, Nitrate mg/l as N 56 0 0.4 1.27 Nitrogen, Nitrite mg/l as N 56 0 0.01 0.06 Nitrogen, Total Kjedahl mg/l as N 66 0 0.32 1.13 Oil and Grease mg/l 6 0 1 2 Organic Carbon, Total mg/l 74 1.35 2.54 5.45 Oxygen, Dissolved mg/l 11 4.6 7.82 12.4 pH SU 27 6.91 7.73 8.33 Phosphate, Ortho (as P) mg/l as P 74 0 0.013 0.08 Phosphorus, Total mg/l as P 66 0.007 0.05 1.28 Potassium, Total mg/l 74 0.62 2.48 3.56 Selenium, Total mg/l 74 0 0.002 0.02 Silicon, Total mg/l 53 0.446 2.23 5.33 Sodium, Total mg/l 74 2.03 20.33 40.7 Solids, Total mg/l 73 77 188 268 Solids, Total Suspended mg/l 74 0 5 24 Sulfate mg/l 74 14.1 63.1 115 Temperature °C 11 10.1 23.3 29 Turbidity NTU 74 1 3.7 21 Vanadium, Total mg/l 74 0 0.0003 0.005 Zinc, Total mg/l 74 0 0.018 0.136
Alabama Power also collected DO and temperature profiles in the forebay from 1990 through 2009, primarily during the critical summer months; however in 1998, DO and temperature profiles were collected from January through December. The measurements from 1998 show how DO and temperature change throughout the year. During the summer months, the DO declines significantly as the water depth increases, while the temperature remains fairly consistent from the surface to the deeper waters.
The Holt forebay is rather shallow in comparison to other Alabama Power reservoirs such as Smith Lake on the Black Warrior River and Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River. The Holt forebay is operated between 186 and 187 ft msl, and the bottom depth of the forebay is approximately 80 ft from the surface or approximately 106 to 107 ft msl. Intake water is collected from the normal operating pool of 186 -187 ft msl to 132 ft msl. Therefore, as shown in the forebay profiles, DO levels during the summer in the intake water can at times be less than the state water quality standard of 4 mg/l. It is at these times that the turbine aeration system is
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activated to ensure the DO in the water being released into the tailrace is above 4 mg/l. All forebay profile data is shown below.
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FIGURE E-9 WATER QUALITY PROFILES COLLECTED AT HOLT FOREBAY (JUNE-OCTOBER 1990-2009) (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2011a)
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ADEM AND OTHER PROJECT RELATED MONITORING DATA
In addition to the monitoring performed by Alabama Power, ADEM has conducted a monitoring program on Holt Lake that includes three sampling stations within the lake and one location downstream of the Project on Oliver Lake. ADEM’s sampling included reservoir profiles and water chemistry and covers the time period 1992-2011. In general, ADEM’s data shows that the water temperature in the Holt forebay ranged from 17.7°C to 31.18°C during the monitoring period. DO levels varied throughout the year, principally between 4.62 mg/l and 11.54 mg/l at the five ft depth in the forebay (average of 7.98 mg/l) and 4.87 mg/l and 12.07 mg/l throughout the reservoir. The pH at the five ft depth in the Holt forebay ranged from 6.57 to 8.87 with an average of 7.57.The sample frequencies associated with ADEM’s monitoring program, along with a statistical analysis of the water quality and water chemistry data collected, is presented in the Holt Baseline Water Quality Report (Alabama Power, 2011a) in the “Final Study Reports” folder on the “Holt Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
6.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
Alabama Power’s monitoring programs demonstrate that the Project complies with state water quality standards. The continued operation of the existing generating unit at the Project will not affect the present overall quality of the Holt Lake or downstream in the Black Warrior River.
Alabama Power proposes to continue using the existing fully automated closed loop aeration system to ensure compliance with applicable state water quality standards at the Project. Alabama Power will also continue installing the DO monitor in the scroll case between June 1 and September 30 each year to monitor the incoming DO concentration of the water being released by the hydroelectric unit. The output from the DO monitor will be used during turbine generation to activate and terminate the Holt aeration system. When the intake DO concentrations decline to less than or equal to 4.5 mg/l, the aeration system will be automatically activated to ensure timely compliance with applicable water quality standards for DO. When the DO concentration rises to 5.0 mg/l or greater, the aeration system will automatically terminate. Alabama Power has also recently installed a real-time mechanism to verify that the aeration
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system is operating correctly. This allows Alabama Power to respond to any operational issues as quickly as possible.
Alabama Power submitted the 401 application to ADEM on May 10, 2012. Alabama Power’s monitoring programs demonstrate that the Project complies with state water quality standards. The continued operation of the existing generating unit at the Project will not affect the present overall quality of the Holt Lake and the downstream Black Warrior River. Consequently, there is reasonable assurance that the continued operation of the Project will be conducted in a manner that will ensure compliance with applicable state water quality standards.
The Project will not likely have any adverse impacts to water quality or water quantity.
WATER QUANTITY
There are no identified potential water withdrawals at Holt Lake. In addition, the Holt Lake is owned and operated by the USACE.
6.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
Continued operation of the Project, as proposed by Alabama Power, would meet state water quality standards. Thus, waters released from the Project would be of good quality and not cumulatively add to any collective reduction in water quality downstream on the Black Warrior River. The Project would provide an overall beneficial cumulative effect on water quality.
7.0 FISH AND AQUATIC RESOURCES
7.1 FISH RESOURCES
The Black Warrior River, above the Fall Line in the vicinity of the Project, is characterized as having a moderate gradient with predominately bedrock substrate, composed of sandstone, shale and slate in areas with flow, and silt, sand and gravel in pools. Holt Lake is home to
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approximately 44 fish species (Table E-9). The Lake is characterized as a deep clear impoundment providing excellent habitat for spotted and largemouth bass (Mettee et al., 1996).
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), also known as Kentucky bass, are native throughout Alabama. Spotted bass are most abundant in the riverine portions of Holt Lake around submerged logs, aquatic vegetation and rock or riprap. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) generally occupy almost all aquatic habitat types, but are primarily found in the backwater areas of Holt Lake. Spotted and largemouth bass species are the primary target species of most recreational and tournament bass anglers fishing in Holt Lake (ADCNR, 2008a). The Holt Reservoir Spring Management Report for 2008 described the catch rate for spotted bass as being the highest ever recorded for Holt Lake and it also reported an increase in catch rates for largemouth bass from 2007 to 2008 (ADCNR, 2008b).
White and black crappie (Pomoxis annularis and P. nigromaculatus) are other popular sport fish species in Holt Lake. White and black crappie are most abundant in back waters, specifically in the creeks and sloughs. These species prefer areas with submerged trees, stumps, brush, aquatic vegetation, and boulders. White crappie are more tolerant of turbid waters than black crappie, but both prefer the clearer waters found in Holt Lake. In early April, prior to spawning, white and black crappie move into littoral areas of the Lake to feed on juvenile threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense). During this period, anglers target these species and may catch them using shad or jigs for bait. The ADCNR maintains a nine inch minimum catch length limit regulation for both white and black crappie (ADCNR, 2008c). The 2007 Holt Reservoir Crappie Management Report describes the catch rate for white crappie as being the highest ever recorded for Holt Lake. The recruitment of white crappie was described as excellent when compared to previous sample years, but was considered to be poor compared to other reservoirs in the state of Alabama (ADCNR, 2007).
Other popular sport fish include the palmetto bass or hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), which are frequently targeted by anglers in the headwaters of Holt Lake below the Bankhead Dam. This species is stocked by the ADCNR at an annual rate of two per acre, as part of their fisheries recreational management goals. Hybrid striped bass are pelagic in nature and
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are typically found in deep open waters of Holt Lake during the summer and winter months; however, during the spring they begin to migrate upriver both as a “spawning run” and to follow forage species such as threadfin and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) as they move upriver into the headwaters of the Holt Lake (ADCNR, 2008d).
There have been no anadromous or catadromous fish species reported in the Holt Lake or tailrace. The construction of several lock and dams on the Black Warrior River have restricted fish movement since the early 1900s. Operation of most of these locks and dams allow some movement of fish both upstream and downstream. Most downriver fish passage occurs through the locks and gated sections of the dams and over spillways. Upriver fish passage occurs primarily through the locks of the dams.
TABLE E-9 FISH SPECIES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF THE USACE HOLT LOCK AND DAM PROJECT (Source: ADCNR, 2009)
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Alabama Hogsucker Hypentelium etowanum Alabama Shiner Cyprinella callistia Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Blackbanded Darter Percina nigrofasciata Blackspotted Topminnow Fundulus olivaceus Blacktail Redhorse Moxostoma poecilurum Blacktail Shiner Cyprinella venusta Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus Bluegill Sunfish Lepomis macrochirus Brook Silverside Labidesthes sicculus Chain Pickerel Esox niger Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Common Carp Cyprinus carpio Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus Creek Chubsucker Erimyzon oblongus Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum Golden Redhorse Moxostoma erythrurum Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas
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COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Green Sunfish Lepomus cyanellus Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Largescale Stoneroller Campostoma oligolepis Longear Sunfish Lepomis megalotis Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Palmetto Bass Morone chrysops x saxatilis Pretty Shiner Lythrurus bellus Quillback Carpiodes cyprinus Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redfin Darter Etheostoma whipplei River Redhorse Moxostoma carinatum Silverstripe Shiner Notropis stilbius Smallmouth Buffalo Ictiobus bubalus Speckled Darter Etheostoma stigmaeum Spotted Bass Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Sucker Minytrema melanops Steelcolor Shiner Cyprinella whipplei Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense Warmouth Lepomis gulosus Weed Shiner Notropis texanus White Bass Morone chrysops White Crappie Pomoxis annularis Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis
7.2 STUDY RESULTS
Alabama Power and Kleinschmidt performed a desktop fish entrainment and turbine mortality study at the Project during 2011 (Alabama Power, 2012a). Alabama Power utilized results of fish entrainment from similar hydroelectric projects to determine the magnitude of fish entrainment that potentially occurs at the Project. Kleinschmidt used a database of nine studies to estimate potential entrainment at the Project. This analysis estimated that 687,851 fish are potentially entrained by the Project annually. The majority of fish were entrained in the spring and the least number of fish were entrained in the fall (Table E-10). Kleinschmidt also used the database as well as site-specific information to estimate the species composition and length frequency of the fish entrainment estimate. The major families of fish represented in this estimate are Clupeidae,
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Centrarchidae (panfish type species), and Ictaluridae (Table E-11). Most of the fish in this estimate were six inches or smaller.
Turbine mortality estimates from 58 studies of propeller type turbines such as those at Holt were reviewed and yielded species specific mortality rates ranging from 3.9 to 37%. When these percentages were applied to the entrainment estimate, it was predicted that 66,768 fish are lost by turbine operation at the Project during an average water year (Table E-12).
TABLE E-10 TOTAL NUMBER OF FISH ENTRAINED BY MONTH AND BY SEASON (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2012a)
ENTRAINMENT RATE 10-YEAR AVERAGE TOTAL MONTH INFORMATION MONTHLY FLOWS NUMBER OF FISH FROM THE 9- (MCF) ENTRAINED STUDY DATABASE December 4.57 15,748.72 71,971.7 January 4.57 14,221.98 64,994.47 February 4.57 18,498.41 84,537.7 Winter 221,503.9 March 6.11 17,191.85 105,042.2 April 6.11 13,033.61 79,635.4 May 6.11 12,653.83 77,314.9 Spring 261,992.5 June 5.56 8,050.49 44,760.7 July 5.56 7,456.13 41,456.1 August 5.56 5,807.04 32,287.1 Summer 118,504.0 September 3.67 7,185.54 26,370.9 October 3.67 6,281.38 23,052.7 November 3.67 9,925.55 36,426.8 Fall 85,850.4 TOTAL 687,851
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TABLE E-11 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF FISH POTENTIALLY ENTRAINED WITHIN EACH FAMILY GROUP BY SEASON (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2012a)
NAME WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL TOTAL Clupeidae 162,583.84 92,247.55 20,643.39 27,575.14 303,049.92 Centrarchidae-panfish 8,328.55 53,053.47 43,408.00 30,640.00 135,430.01 Centrarchidae-black bass 199.35 1,440.96 948.03 291.89 2,880.23 Ictaluridae 32,073.76 33,823.23 38,620.44 14,740.51 119,257.94 Percidae 9,746.17 32,172.67 1,232.44 1,064.54 44,215.83 Catostomidae 5,515.45 33,089.65 3,448.47 5,185.36 47,238.92 Cyprinidae 1,041.07 14,147.59 10,250.59 5,537.35 30,976.60 Moronidae 2,104.29 1,860.15 11.85 892.84 4,869.13 Atherinopsidae 0.00 104.80 0.00 0.00 104.80 Aphredoderidae 0.00 26.20 0.00 25.76 51.95 Esocidae 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Anguillidae 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Lepisosteidae 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Poeciliidae 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sciaenidae-freshwater drum 0.00 550.18 1,777.56 37.77 2,365.52 TOTAL 221,592 262,516 120,341 85,991 690,441* *Annual totals differ due to rounding
TABLE E-12 ESTIMATED ANNUAL TOTAL NUMBER OF POTENTIALLY ENTRAINED FISH KILLED DUE TO TURBINE MORTALITY AT THE HOLT PROJECT (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2012a)
WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL ANNUAL 17,362 27,0656 12,595 10,014 66,768
More detailed information on fish entrainment and turbine mortality is presented in the “Final Study Reports” folder on the “Holt Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS (MUSSELS AND SNAILS) RESOURCES
On July 26, 2011, Alabama Power Environmental Affairs, Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC), and Environmental Aquatics, Inc. personnel conducted a qualitative mussel and snail survey on the Black Warrior River below the Holt tailrace in order to partially fulfill the
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relicensing requirements of the Project. The objective of the survey was to determine the presence of rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) mussels and snails within the Project Boundary. The Holt PAD identified fourteen federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Tuscaloosa County that may be present in the Project Boundary. Seven of the species identified in the PAD were federally listed freshwater mussels including Hamiota (= Lampsilis) altilis (Finelined Pocketbook), Hamiota (= Lampsilis) perovalis (Orangenacre Mucket), Medionidus acutissimus (Alabama Moccasinshell), Pleurobema decisum (Southern Clubshell), P. perovatum (Ovate Clubshell), P. furvum (= rubellum) (Warrior Pigtoe), and Potamilus inflatus (Inflated Heelsplitter) (Alabama Power, 2012b).
The survey area ranged from 450 ft to 0.5 mi downstream of the Dam. Qualitative sampling was performed at 6 sites by divers at water depths ranging from the surface to 15 ft. Each survey site was investigated for approximately 30 minutes and GPS, water depth, visibility, and substrate were also collected at each site. All mussels and snails were brought to the surface for identification. After the mussels were identified by Todd Fobian (AABC) and recorded, they were returned to the sample site. Snails were preserved for later identification by Dr. Paul Johnson (AABC) (Alabama Power, 2012b).
7.3 STUDY RESULTS
No RTE species were found during the survey (Table E-13). Two species of snails, Elimia hydei (Gladiator Elimia) and Pleurocera annulifera (Ringed Hornsnail), and nine species of native mussels including Lampsilis ornata (Southern Pocketbook), L. straminea (Southern Fatmucket), L. teres (Yellow Sandshell), Lasmigona alabamensis (Alabama Heelsplitter), Obliquaria reflexa (Threehorn Wartyback), Plectomerus dombeyanus (Bankclimber), Potamilus purpuratus (Bleufer), Quadrula apiculata (Southern Mapleleaf), and Strophitus subvexus (Southern Creekmussel) were collected during the survey. The most commonly collected mussel was Quadrula apiculata, and the most commonly collected snail was Elimia hydei. The non-native Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea, was also collected from the study area (Alabama Power, 2012b).
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Additional detail (Alabama Power, 2012b) regarding mollusk surveys conducted during relicensing is provided in the “Final Study Reports” folder on the “Holt Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
TABLE E-13 FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS (SNAILS, MUSSELS) SUMMARY OF FIELD COLLECTIONS (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2012b)
SITE SITE SPECIES FOUND # DESCRIPTION 1 Mouth of Yellow Cr.; Corbicula fluminea RDB 2 DS of buoys; Corbicula fluminea and RDB Elimia hydei
3 DS end of buoys and Corbicula fluminea, Elimia hydei, end of island; Lampsilis straminea, mid-channel and Pleurocera annulifera 4 Sandbar DS of island None below transmission lines; RDB 5 Sandbar DS of Corbicula fluminea, Lampsilis transmission lines; ornata, L. teres, Lasmigona RDB alabamensis, Obliquaria reflexa, Potamilus purpuratus, Plectomerus dombeyanus, and Quadrula apiculata 6 Riprap across from Corbicula fluminea, Elimia hydei, Site 5, DS of Plectomerus dombeyanus, transmission lines; Pleurocera annulifera, and LDB Strophitus subvexus
7.4 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
Fish will continue to be entrained at the Project; however, no significant changes to the existing fishery are expected to result from continued operation of the Project. Available data on the status of the fish community indicate that the fishery contains a wide variety of fish species and provides substantial recreational opportunities for the public. Alabama Power’s proposal to
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ensure that the Project’s tailwaters continue to meet state water quality standards would continue to benefit fish and aquatic resources.
There are no aquatic RTE species in the Project Boundary, therefore no PME measures are proposed specific to aquatic RTE species.
7.5 CONTINUING IMPACTS
The continued operation of the Project would have some continuing impacts on the aquatic resources of the Black Warrior River Basin. Periodic entrainment and mortality of fish will continue to occur but should not significantly impact the structure of the Holt Lake fishery. Alabama Power’s proposal to ensure that the Project’s tailwaters continue to meet state water quality standards would benefit fish and aquatic resources. Overall, there should be negligible cumulative effects on fish and aquatic resources in the Black Warrior River.
8.0 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES
8.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
Vegetation within the physiographic region of the Project is mainly distinguished by hardwood communities. However, the characteristics of this physiographic region, including soil chemistry, contribute to the Cumberland Plateau having one of the most highly diverse botanical communities in the State (Encyclopedia of Alabama, 2008).
Botanical resources are extremely limited within the Project Boundary because of its small size surrounding the powerhouse and in the transmission line corridor. These areas are dominated by paved parking areas, rip-rap armored shorelines, mowed transmission rights-of-way, manicured lawns, and transmission and distribution equipment.
Areas surrounding Holt Lake (i.e., the Project Vicinity), are characteristic of the Shale Hills ecoregion of Alabama (Griffith et al., 2001), with extensive hills and strongly sloping topography, and are largely undeveloped and forested. Potential natural vegetation for this region
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is considered to be oak – hickory – pine association (Barbour and Christensen, 1993). This association is a component of the extensive eastern deciduous forest province which is dominated by a number of mesophytic species including beech (Fagus grandifolia), yellow- poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), basswood (Tilia americana), white (Fraxinus americana) and green ash (F. pennsylvanica), and numerous oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory (Carya spp.) species. The title of the association refers to commonly encountered contemporary components of the community, i.e., oaks, hickories, and pines (Pinus spp.). The addition of pine to the title is somewhat problematic since original vegetation likely had pines much more restricted in importance. Most likely, oaks and hickory forest dominated this area in pre-settlement times. Although mostly forested, lower successional botanical communities also occur on the numerous reclaimed coal mine sites and on haylands which dot the region (Griffith et al., 2001).
NOXIOUS WEEDS AND INVASIVE PLANTS
No site-specific data are available regarding occurrence of invasive plants within the Project Boundary; however, invasive plant species are widespread in Alabama and in the region surrounding Holt Lake, with more than 140 species having documented occurrences in Tuscaloosa County (UGA, 2012). The number of species occurring within the Project Boundary is somewhat limited due to the small area encompassed by the Project Boundary. Invasive species commonly occurring in Alabama, and thus potentially occurring in the Project Vicinity, are summarized in Table E-14.
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TABLE E-14 INVASIVE BOTANICAL SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE HOLT PROJECT VICINITY (Source: Alabama Invasive Plant Council (AIPC, 2012))
COMMON GROWTH SCIENTIFIC NAME HABITAT/INVASIVE CHARACTERISTICS NAME PATTERN Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense Shrub/small Forms dense thickets along roadsides, fence rows, tree fields, rights-of-way, and in bottomland forests; high fruit productivity and aggressive suckering often results in elimination of the herb layer in multi-storied communities. Kudzu Pueraria lobata Vine Ornamental, as suggested by large number of abandoned homesites overgrown with this aggressive species. Used for erosion control USDA and other agencies used the species for erosion control. Few species can tolerate the competition by kudzu. Forms a dense blanket of leaves and stems that limits light penetration. Limited spread by seeds means most infestations result from persistence rather than new introductions. Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Herbaceous Dense surface mats crowd out native plants and aquatic cause reduced oxygen conditions unsuitable for fish. Interfere with water flow, drainage, navigation, and often harbor mosquitoes. Invasive Roses multiflora rose Shrub Invade pastures, forest edges, right-of-ways, and (Rosa multiflora), wetland habitats. Cherokee and Macartney roses Cherokee rose are evergreen and multiflora is deciduous, but all (R.laevigata), and form impenetrable entanglements that stop land use Macartney rose (R. and management. bracteata) Alligatorweed Alternanthera Herbaceous Forms dense mats in water bodies, wetlands, and philoxeroides aquatic low-lying and upland areas. The thick mats in water replace native species and can result in fish kills and prevent recreational use as well as slow drainage that may cause flooding. Eurasian Water Myriophyllum Aquatic Submersed, mat-forming perennial occurs MiIlfoil spicatum Perennial throughout Alabama in both fresh and brackish waters. Aggressive invader of reservoirs, rivers, and lakes. Forms dense mats that replaces native plants and prevents light penetration causing fish habitat destruction.
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COMMON GROWTH SCIENTIFIC NAME HABITAT/INVASIVE CHARACTERISTICS NAME PATTERN Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica Perennial Tall grass forms dense circular infestations that Grass exclude all native species. Highly flammable and poses a severe fire hazard. Over half of Alabama’s counties have infestations with the most severe being in the southern tier of counties. Steadily spreading northward by windblown seeds, movement of contaminated fill dirt, and probably through horticultural plantings (commercial red variety) as well as hay, pinestraw, and straw sells from infested areas. Tropical Soda Solanum viarum Perennial This thorny perennial shrub invaded an estimated 1 Apple Shrub million acres in five southern states within 7 years after its arrival. Over 15 thousand acres are currently infested in Alabama with extremely rapid spread underway. Entire pastures are occupied following an initial plant. It migrates by interstate movement of cattle, hay, and composted manure from infested areas, while local spread by wildlife is now suspected. Tallowtree Triadica sebifera or Deciduous Colorful fall foliage and rapid growth has made it a Sapium sebiferum Tree popular landscape tree. Prolific seed production and dispersal by birds and water has resulted in increasingly infested stream banks, riverbanks, and wet areas as well as upland forests, especially in southern Alabama. Is replacing valuable bottomland forests and has limited value for honey production. Japanese Lygodium japonicum Perennial Spreading by windblown and water carried spores Climbing Fern Viney Fern and shipments of contaminated pinestraw, and now is increasingly found scattered throughout Alabama. Prior year’s vines provide a trellis for expansive new growth that eventually covers shrubs and trees. Native species of plants are displaced, wildlife habitat is destroyed, and access to lands is denied by this species.
WETLANDS, RIPARIAN AND LITTORAL HABITATS
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data suggest that no significant wetlands occur within the Project Area or in the immediate Project Vicinity. The immediate Project Vicinity is dominated by permanently flooded Lower Perennial Riverine and Lacustrine Limnetic open water habitats (NWI codes R2OWH and L1OWH, respectively); Figure E-7. Similarly, riparian habitats are extremely limited within the Project Boundary due to shorelines in the immediate vicinity of the powerhouse being mostly armored with rip-rap. Riparian areas surrounding Holt Lake and in areas immediately downstream are typical of the narrow, steep-sided riparian zones found
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throughout the Shale Hills of Alabama, and are primarily forested and likely dominated by mesophytic species typical of the region including beech (Fagus grandifolia), maple (Acer rubrum), poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and gum (Nyssa spp.) (Mettee et al., 1996). Finally, littoral habitat is limited throughout Holt Lake and in downstream areas due to maintenance of the Black Warrior River for navigation by the USACE. This is evidenced by the lack of NWI Lacustrine Littoral classification upstream of the Dam (Figure E-7). No data are available that provide the acreage of this habitat, which is outside the Project Boundary.
FIGURE E-10 SCAN OF NWI MAP FOR THE IMMEDIATE AREA SURROUNDING HOLT LOCK AND DAM (Source: USFWS, 2009)
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WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Wildlife habitat within the Project Boundary is limited to the 46.59 acres in the Project Boundary (lands surrounding the powerhouse and the existing transmission line). These areas are dominated by mowed, lower successional habitats, which likely provide habitat for a number of forest edge dwelling species typical of the southeastern U.S., including gray fox, white-tailed deer, Virginia opossum, wild turkey, nine-banded armadillo, and gray squirrel. Site specific data is not available for the immediate vicinity surrounding the Project; however, Alabama Power’s Bankhead Project is located in the same forest category (oak-hickory-pine) and likely has similar wildlife resources. As such, potential wildlife resources at Holt are described using site-specific survey data from the Bankhead Project (Alabama Power, 2000).
Holt Lake and the surrounding woodland and agricultural areas provide high quality habitat for a variety of upland and semi-aquatic wildlife species. Bird life typical of uplands in the Project Vicinity includes game species such as, wild turkey and mourning dove; resident songbirds including downy woodpecker, American robin, eastern bluebird, and eastern meadowlark; and an abundance of neotropical migrants including numerous warblers, vireos and hummingbirds (Alabama Power, 2000). A number of raptors are known to occur in this region of Alabama including osprey, American kestrels, broad-winged and red-tail hawks, bald eagles, and barred, great horned and screech owls. Typical small mammals of uplands include least and short-tailed shrews, southern flying squirrels, eastern woodrat, and eastern red and big brown bats (Alabama Power, 2000). Reptiles and amphibians likely to be found on these uplands include eastern spadefoot toads; marbled and spotted salamanders; green anole and Northern fence lizards; five- lined and broad-headed skinks; copperhead, black racer, and gray ratsnakes; and eastern box turtle (Alabama Power, 2000).
Representative wildlife species (mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) with potential to be found in the Holt Project Area are listed in Appendix B on the “Holt Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
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8.2 STUDY RESULTS
Alabama Power performed limited terrestrial surveys to determine the presence or absence of RTE species in the Project Boundary. The survey was completed in June and July 2012. The draft Holt Terrestrial Species Survey Report (Alabama Power, 2012) was distributed on July 12, 2012. The results presented here are draft. The final results and the final study report will be included in the Final License Application (FLA). Alabama Power focused their survey on three species: the candidate species white fringeless orchid (Platanthera integrilabia), the bald eagle2 (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) (Picoides borealis).
The survey area included the Holt - Gorgas transmission line corridor (tree-to-tree) and other lands within the Holt Project Boundary. The field survey was accomplished by walking all of the Project lands and performing a visual inspection for the appropriate habitat for each of the three species or for the actual presence of individuals of the three species.
No white fringeless orchids were found during the survey. Although it could be slightly early for the orchids to be in flower (and therefore more conspicuous), no habitat that was close to appropriate for the species was found. In addition, there were no eagle nests, eagles, RCWs, nor cavity trees observed during the survey. In conclusion, there were no RTE species or their essential habitat observed in the terrestrial Project Boundary of the Holt Project.
8.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
No significant impacts on wildlife resources were identified as resulting from continued operation of the Project.
Alabama Power proposes to continue light maintenance of the Overlook Park and maintain the transmission line. Alabama Power controls weeds and overgrowth in the Project lands in the Overlook Park and transmission line. These lands may be suited to some small wildlife.
2 Protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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8.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
Shoreline development will likely continue to fragment the terrestrial habitats around Holt Lake and result in impacts to the wildlife resources in the Project Area. However, the shoreline is controlled by the USACE and not under the purview of Alabama Power’s license to operate the Project.
9.0 RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
9.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The USFWS Daphne Field Office’s county-level list of federally threatened and endangered species documents 18 species as occurring or having historically occurred in Tuscaloosa County, where the Project is located (Table E-15). This list includes species that are federally listed as threatened or endangered or that are candidates for such listing. The USFWS county-level listing also includes the bald eagle, which is no longer federally listed under the ESA, but remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Of the terrestrial species listed by USFWS for Tuscaloosa County, only the bald eagle likely occurs in the Project Area (Table E-15). Although bald eagles likely do not nest within the Project Area, the Project tailrace and Holt Lake provide an abundance of high quality foraging habitat, resulting in these areas likely being used by transient resident and/or migratory eagles.
The Holt PAD identified 14 federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Tuscaloosa County that may be present in the Project Boundary (Table E-15). Seven of the species identified in the PAD were federally listed freshwater mussels including Hamiota (= Lampsilis) altilis (Finelined Pocketbook), Hamiota (= Lampsilis) perovalis (Orangenacre Mucket), Medionidus acutissimus (Alabama Moccasinshell), Pleurobema decisum (Southern Clubshell), P. perovatum (Ovate Clubshell), P. furvum (= rubellum) (Warrior Pigtoe), and Potamilus inflatus (Inflated Heelsplitter).
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The USFWS has also designated critical habitat within Tuscaloosa County for six federally listed freshwater mussel species: ovate clubshell (Pleurobema perovatum), southern clubshell (Pleurobema decisum), Alabama moccasinshell, orange-nacre mucket, triangular kidneyshell, (Ptychobranchus grenii) and dark (Warrior) pigtoe (Pleurobema furvum (=rubellum)) (USFWS, 2004). This critical habitat is located in two units, Sipsey River (CH Unit 11) and North River (CH Unit 7), neither of which is affected by the Project. The Sipsey River is a tributary to the adjacent Tombigbee River Basin. The North River unit is located in extreme northern Tuscaloosa County in the headwaters of the North River, a tributary to the Black Warrior that enters the mainstem approximately three mi downstream of the Project. Both units are well isolated from influence from the Project.
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TABLE E-15 FEDERALLY THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND CANDIDATE SPECIES IN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY (Source: USFWS, 2010)
CRITICAL 2 FEDERAL LIKELY TO OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME 1 HABITAT IN STATUS (Y/N)—J USTIFICATION COUNTY Medionidus Alabama T Y Yes – Documented in Black Warrior in vicinity acutissimus moccasinshell mussel of Fall Line. Haliaeetus Bald Eagle BGEPA Yes – Transient eagles likely pass through Project leucocephalus Area during foraging or migration; no nests are known from within the Project Area. Necturus alabamensis Black Warrior C No – Currently known only from Yellow Creek waterdog and North River in Tuscaloosa County (Amphibiaweb, 2012). Hamiota (=Lampsilis) Fine-lined T No – No current populations known from Black altilis Pocketbook Mussel Warrior Basin. Sternotherus depressus Flattened musk turtle T No – Occurrence limited to areas upstream of Bankhead Lake on Black Warrior River. Potamilus inflatus Inflated heelsplitter T Y Yes – Documented downstream of Holt Dam, mussel beginning near mouth of Yellow Creek. Neonympha mitchellii Mitchell's satyr E No – Typically occurs only in calcareous mitchellii butterfly wetlands (fens) (Black and Vaughan, 2005).
Hamiota (=Lampsilis) Orange-nacre mucket T Y Yes – Documented near mouth of Yellow Creek, perovalis mussel downstream of Holt Dam.
Pleurobema perovatum Ovate clubshell E Y No – Limited to areas upstream of Bankhead mussel Lock and Dam.
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CRITICAL 2 FEDERAL LIKELY TO OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME 1 HABITAT IN STATUS (Y/N)—J USTIFICATION COUNTY Picoides borealis Red-Cockaded E No – Requires contiguous stands of old growth Woodpecker longleaf pine forest, which do not occur in the limited terrestrial Project Area. Pleurobema decisum Southern clubshell E Y No – Limited to areas upstream of Bankhead mussel Lock and Dam. Pleurobema furvum Warrior pigtoe mussel E Y No – Limited to areas upstream of Bankhead (=rubellum) Lock and Dam and well downstream of Holt Dam (Sipsey Fork and tributaries Clear Creek, North River and tributary, Black Warrior mainstem downstream of confluence with North River). Platanthera White fringeless C No – Generally found in wet, flat, boggy areas at integrilabia orchid the head of streams or seepage slopes. (NatureServe, 2012). Mycteria americana Wood stork E No – Coastal Plain species. 1 E = federally listed as Endangered, T = federally listed as Threatened, C = candidate for federal listing, BGEPA = not federally listed, but protected under Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 2 Refers to occurrence in the Black Warrior Basin; Mussel occurrences are as summarized in Williams et al. (2008), unless otherwise cited.
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9.2 STUDY RESULTS
Alabama Power developed the Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Survey Study Plan to determine the presence or absence of RTE species in the Project Boundary. These surveys included both aquatic and terrestrial habitats located in the Project Boundary. Results of the aquatic surveys for mussels and snails are presented in Section 7.0 of this Exhibit E. The survey determined that no aquatic RTE species are currently present in the Project Boundary.
Alabama Power also performed terrestrial surveys to determine the presence or absence of RTE species in the Holt Project Boundary. The survey determined that no terrestrial RTE species are currently present in the Project Boundary. The results of the survey are presented in Section 8.2 of this Exhibit E.
9.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
No RTE species were found in the Project Boundary. Therefore, no significant impacts on RTE species have been identified as a result of continued Project operation.
Alabama Power will maintain water quality and maintain the property in the Project Boundary and protect any RTE species found.
9.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
There is no continuing impact to RTE species as there are none in the Project Boundary.
10.0 RECREATION RESOURCES
10.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The Holt Project includes one formal recreation site within the Project Boundary. For purposes of this section, recreation opportunities are described for the Project Vicinity, generally meaning Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and the surrounding region.
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Alabama Power operates and maintains the recreation area (Overlook Park and picnic tables) shown as Scenic Overlook near the powerhouse (Table E-16; Figure E-8; and Photo E-1). The Overlook Park is open year round. Anglers also park outside the security gate and walk approximately three-tenths of a mile to access the tailrace from the rip-rap (Photo E-2) on the right bank (Alabama Power, 2000). All other recreation sites are located outside the Project Boundary and are either privately owned (Eagle Cove or Hide-a-way Harbor Marinas) or owned and operated by the USACE. Collectively, all recreation sites provide opportunities for boat launching, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
In 2000, Alabama Power estimated that approximately 125 to 150 anglers fish from the bank in the tailrace per year (Alabama Power, 2000). The most recent FERC Form 80-Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report (filed in 2009; these are filed every 6 years) indicates the Overlook Park is used at 10 percent capacity. The USACE collects recreation estimates by traffic counters and has estimated total use of the Scenic Overlook, along with other recreation sites not operated or maintained by Alabama Power, for 2009 (Table E-17). The majority of use of the Scenic Overlook is sightseeing (81%), with smaller percentages of picnicking (10%), fishing (6%), and “other” (3%). Most of the total use at Holt Lake is sightseeing (34%), followed by fishing (18%), boating (16%), and picnicking (14%).
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TABLE E-16 RECREATION SITES LOCATED AT HOLT LAKE (Source: USACE 2012, as modified by Kleinschmidt)
&
T
UPPLIES ATER ARK EACH IER RAIL P /S
REA B AMP W P OILE T ENTER ENTER ISHING A R OCKING HELTER T C OILET F OAT S D UEL T B AMPING /F OAT IT
IKING IKING C LAYGROUND ANK ICNIC ICNIC LUSH ISHING ISHING B NFORMATION OAT P P I H B F ROUP P F RINKING VERLOOK B ISITOR ISITOR WIMMING WIMMING D G O V S ENTAL R
Burchfield Branch Park1 X X X X X X X X X X Blue Creek Park X X X X X X Scenic Overlook2 X X X Deerlick Creek Park1 X X X X X X X X X X X Eagle Cove Marina X X X X X Hide-a-way Harbor Marina X X X Holt Resource Office X X X X X X X Old Lock 151 X X X Rock Quarry Boat Ramp1 X X X X X Rocky Branch Park1 X X X X X X X X X X X 1 These sites charge a fee for some, if not all, amenities. 2 This is the only site within the Holt Project Boundary.
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FIGURE E-11 LOCATION OF RECREATION SITES AT HOLT RESERVOIR (Source: USACE, 2012)
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TABLE E-17 ESTIMATED USE (IN RECREATION DAYS) OF RECREATION SITES AT HOLT LAKE BY TYPE OF ACTIVITY (Source: Personal Communication, Daniel Richardson, USACE Park Manager, July 19, 2010)
SITE TOTAL THER KIING ISHING OATING AMPING S O F WIMMING ICNICKING B C IGHTSEEING S P S Burchfield Branch 5,178 7,423 5,637 6,497 1,005 5,626 17,233 1,687 50,287 Park Blue Creek Park 44 616 929 1,548 87 0 2,597 90 5,912 Scenic Overlook 0 1,147 0 667 0 0 9,436 397 11,647 Deerlick Creek Park 3,946 5,423 3,809 5,094 596 2,747 13,597 1,335 36,548 Eagle Cove Marina 4,134 2,048 12,154 10,821 585 291 3,485 3,485 37,003 Hide-A-way Harbor 4,463 2,241 13,080 11,699 629 320 3,653 3,653 39,739 Marina Holt Resource Office 0 2,040 0 1,149 0 0 15,996 666 19,851 Old Lock 15 82 857 1,411 2,470 157 0 3,786 167 8,929 Rock Quarry Boat 288 3,920 5,451 9,253 753 0 14,856 586 35,106 Ramp Rocky Branch Park 486 14,311 3,314 3,859 2,087 8,818 13,607 1,327 47,809
TOTAL 18,620 40,028 45,786 53,057 5,899 17,803 98,246 13,392 292,831
E-64
PHOTO E-1 OVERLOOK PARK AND PICNIC TABLES AT SCENIC OVERLOOK
PHOTO E-2 RIP-RAP BELOW POWERHOUSE AND HOLT TAILRACE
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10.2 RECREATION NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN MANAGEMENT PLANS
Management plans that include recreation resources for the Project Area are found solely within the 2008-2012 Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) (ADECA, 2009). The SCORP utilizes planning regions for data analysis and presentation. The Project lies within planning region for the West Alabama Regional Commission. The following summarizes the recreation needs identified in the SCORP for this region.
10.2.1 ALABAMA STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN
The 2008-2012 SCORP identifies the five most popular activities in terms of percent of the population that participates in the West Alabama planning region as: walking for pleasure (64.2 percent), freshwater beach (55.6 percent), pool swimming (48.2 percent), visiting historical sites (46.6 percent), and football (42.1 percent). Fishing in freshwater is also a popular activity in the region. The SCORP also identifies the top outdoor recreation needs for the area (as identified by respondents) as swimming pools, walking/jogging trails, playgrounds, parks, and fishing areas/lakes; however, most people did not cite a need when interviewed.
10.2.2 SPECIALLY DESIGNATED RECREATION AREAS
There are no nationally designated Wild and Scenic areas or state-protected river segments within the Project Boundary, nor are there any locations within the Project Boundary that are under study for such designations.
There are no trails included in the National Trail Systems within the Project Boundary and no lands within the Project Boundary under study for inclusion in the National Trails System or lands designated as, or under study for inclusion as, a Wilderness Area.
10.3 STUDY RESULTS
During relicensing, the ADCNR requested that Alabama Power identify potential ways to enhance or provide tailrace fishing opportunities at the Project. Alabama Power and ADCNR coordinated to identify two specific areas that could provide recreational opportunities at the
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Project. Alabama Power is continuing discussions with ADCNR and the USACE to determine if tailrace fishing access can be developed.
10.4 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
Alabama Power maintains the Overlook Park. All other recreation sites are located outside the Project Boundary and are either privately owned (Eagle Cove or Hide-a-way Harbor Marinas) or owned and operated by the USACE. Collectively, all recreation sites provide opportunities for boat launching, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking and this will not be impacted by continued operation of the Project.
Alabama Power proposes to continue operating and maintaining the recreation area (Overlook Park and picnic tables) at the Scenic Overlook near the powerhouse. Alabama Power will mow the grass at the Overlook Park, empty the trash cans, maintain the picnic tables, and preserve the security (lock the gates) of the Overlook Park. In addition, Alabama Power will continue discussions with the USACE and ADCNR regarding opportunities to provide additional recreation access in the tailrace area.
10.5 CONTINUING IMPACTS
Should any Alabama Power proposed PME measure involve ground disturbing activities, there would be the limited possibility of an increase in erosion and water turbidity during development. Prior to conducting any ground disturbance activity, Alabama Power EA would review the work plan and recommend appropriate BMPs for the project to minimize erosion and prevent siltation of the reservoir. If land disturbance equals or exceeds one acre, a construction permit from the ADEM will be obtained by submitting the appropriate NOI and preparation of a CBMP Plan. Upon initiation of construction (if applicable), EA will perform appropriate monitoring and record keeping to meet the requirements of the construction permit until the site is stabilized and the permit terminated. Some noise from recreational users of the Project may impact terrestrial species; however, this impact should be minimal due to the limited size of the existing facilities.
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11.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES
11.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
Alabama’s rivers have long served as sources of food, water, cropland and transportation for its inhabitants, and the Black Warrior is no exception. In the fourteenth century, the Mississippian Indians were early inhabitants of the area, living in an established community along the Black Warrior River. The community, called Moundville, is thought to have been one of the largest communities north of Mexico and home to 1,500 inhabitants (Know Alabama/Cahaba Trace Commission, 2002). For the Moundville people, the River was undoubtedly a resource for food, water, and transportation for their 40 ft long canoes.
The first European settlers came to the Tuscaloosa area from the Carolinas in 1816 (Kleinschmidt, 2005). The city and county of Tuscaloosa were created in 1819 and became the state capital in 1826. The capital was later moved to Montgomery in 1847. Tuscaloosa County and City are named after Choctaw Creek Indian Chief Tascaluza, whose name translates to Black Warrior. Tuscaloosa was the historic head of navigation on the Black Warrior, and was a center of trade. Steamboat traffic stopped at Tuscaloosa Shoals, a two-mile stretch of rocky outcrops.
A list of dates of all Cultural Resource meetings to date is presented in Table E-18.
TABLE E-18 CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSULTATION RECORD
September 22, 2011 October 11, 2011
11.2 STUDY RESULTS
Alabama Power developed a study plan to address the presence and potential eligibility of archeological resources within the Project Boundary. The study was performed by the University of Alabama, Office of Archaeological Research (OAR). One of the tasks in the study was to determine the presence and significance of the Bear Meat Path. Reportedly, the Bear Meat Path served as a transportation avenue adjacent to Hurricane Creek for Native American groups as
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early as 10,000 years ago (Callahan, 2010). According to anecdotal evidence, the path crossed the Black Warrior River and followed Hurricane Creek to the headwaters (Randy Mecredy, personal communication, February 16, 2012). No evidence of the Bear Meat Path was observed. However, such a path would likely have been a dynamic feature on the landscape with its course experiencing occasional changes due to environmental and other conditions. Terrain within the Survey Area directly adjacent to Hurricane Creek was in floodplain on the west side of the creek and extremely sloped and eroded on the east side. Furthermore, these locations have been modified from the aforementioned ground disturbing activities. The path may have crossed and re-crossed the drainage or been altered by past land use activities. Regardless, no evidence of an established trail system was encountered.
No archaeological sites or historic standing structures were identified during the OAR survey of the Project Boundary. Any terrain within the Project Area that could be associated with the Bear Meat Path has been previously disturbed and eroded and was void of cultural materials. The OAR recommended that continued use, operation, and maintenance of the Project will have no impact on any significant cultural resources and a finding of no properties is recommended (OAR, 2012). Five archaeological sites are recorded within a one-mile radius of the Project Area (OAR, 2012).
11.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
The current Project operations are not affecting any historic and/or archaeological properties.
Given that current Project operations are not affecting any historic and/or archaeological properties, Alabama Power has not proposed any new PME measures. However, in 2018, the Holt powerhouse will be 50 years of age, which is the age when it may be considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Buildings, structures, objects, and districts less than 50 years of age may be considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP if they exhibit extraordinary significance. The Holt powerhouse has not exhibited extraordinary significance but prior to any significant alterations of the powerhouse; Alabama Power will evaluate the powerhouse in accordance with the standards for ordinary significance to determine
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if it is eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. The respective evaluation will be submitted to the appropriate agencies for approval.
Alabama Power has proposed no additional historic and/or archaeological resource surveys. Alabama Power proposes that FERC include in any new license issued for the Project, a standard license article regarding protection of cultural resources, as follows:
CULTURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION
If the licensee discovers previously unidentified archeological or historic properties during the course of constructing, maintaining, or developing Project works or other facilities at the Project, the licensee shall stop all land-clearing and land-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the properties and consult with the SHPO and the USACE to determine the need for any additional cultural resource studies or measures. If no additional studies or measures are needed, the licensee shall file with the Commission documentation of its consultation with the SHPO and the USACE.
If the identified cultural resource is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the licensee shall file for Commission approval an avoidance/mitigation plan (plan) prepared by a qualified cultural resource specialist after having consulted with the SHPO and the USACE. In crafting the plan, the licensee will use the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and Commission’s Guidelines for the Development of Historic Properties Management Plans for FERC Hydroelectric Projects (dated May 20, 2002). The plan shall include the following items, at a minimum: (1) a description of each discovered property, indicating whether it is listed on or eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register); (2) a description of the potential effect on each discovered property; (3) proposed measures for avoiding or mitigating effects; (4) documentation of the nature and extent of consultation; and (5) a schedule for mitigating effects and conducting additional studies. The Commission may require changes to the plan.
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11.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
Even though no cultural resources were discovered, some properties may still be discovered in the future. Alabama Power proposes to address this type of discovery in compliance with Alabama Power’s proposed Cultural Resources license article in Section 11.3
12.0 LAND USE AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES
12.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
Land uses within the Project Boundary include one area designated as an overlook. The remaining Project land is used for operation and maintenance of the Project.
The Project is within Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, an area that is approximately 1,324 square mi. Tuscaloosa County is predominantly forested Table E-19.
TABLE E-19 PERCENTAGE OF LAND USE CLASSIFICATION IN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA (Source: Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium, 2001, as modified by Kleinschmidt)
1 LAND COVER CLASS PERCENTAGE Water 2.40 Developed, Open Space 5.03 Developed, Low Intensity 1.80 Developed, Medium Intensity 0.53 Developed, High Intensity 0.18 Barren Land 0.23 Deciduous Forest 27.50 Evergreen Forest 14.74 Mixed Forest 9.46 Scrub/Shrub 8.28 Grassland/Herbaceous 1.62 Pasture/Hay 14.90 Cultivated Crops 6.17 Woody Wetlands 6.91 Emergent Herbaceous Wetland 0.25 1 For a definition of land cover class, see http://www.mrlc.gov/nlcd_definitions.php.
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There are no formal management plans or zoning regulations that would affect Project lands. The USACE retains flowage easements on Holt Lake that allow them to flood to elevation 196 ft msl. The easement also gives the USACE the right to prohibit construction for human habitation and the right to approve all other structures.
The USACE issues permits for facilities on the shoreline of Holt Lake. The USACE provides general guidelines for permitting docks, piers, boathouses, seawalls, etc. on their website at http://bwt.sam.usace.army.mil/permits.htm. Because Alabama Power has no shoreline lands within the Project Boundary, there is no licensee developed shoreline management plan for this Project.
AESTHETIC RESOURCES
The overall character of Holt Lake is relatively rural in nature, with views of forested landscapes dominating the viewshed.
The Project Area upstream from the Lock and Dam is dominated with views of forested landscapes, interspersed with rural development and an occasional recreation area. Mining and agriculture are common in this area. Downstream from the Lock and Dam lays the community of Holt, Alabama and the cities of Northport and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Viewscapes from the river downstream of the Project include industrial centers dependent on the barge traffic on the Black Warrior River as well as views of the University of Alabama and downtown Tuscaloosa.
Project lands include an Overlook of the Lock and Dam and river from the north bank of the Black Warrior River (Photo E-3) and tailrace (Photo E-4). The USACE maintains a visitor center on the south bank of the river that offers views of the Lock and Dam, as well as the powerhouse.
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PHOTO E-3 HOLT LOCK AND DAM AND HOLT PROJECT—POWERHOUSE VISIBLE ON NEAR SIDE OF RIVER
PHOTO E-4 HOLT PROJECT TAILRACE
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12.2 STUDY RESULTS
No issues regarding land use and aesthetic resources were raised during the relicensing process and no studies were conducted.
12.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
Land uses within the Project Boundary include one area designated as a scenic overlook. The overall character of Holt Lake is relatively rural in nature, with views of forested landscapes dominating the viewshed. These views will not be impacted by continued operation of the Project.
A map of the corrected Project Boundary is provided as Exhibit G on the “Holt Draft License Application and Supporting Documents” CD.
Maintaining the Overlook Park and transmission line will not have an effect on land use and aesthetic resources within or downstream of the Project Boundary.
12.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
No continuing impacts were identified for land use and aesthetic resources.
13.0 SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES
13.1 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The following summary of selected socioeconomic variables for Tuscaloosa County is from the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2007), the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office (2011), and the Alabama County Data Book (Collins, 2003).
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GENERAL LAND USE PATTERNS
According to the 2000 Census, approximately 71 percent of the population of Tuscaloosa County lives in an urban setting, generally meeting population densities of at least 1,000 people per square mile. Although the population is predominantly urban, land use is dominated by forest and agriculture (Rivers of Alabama, 2009).
In 2008, there were an estimated 179,448 people living in Tuscaloosa County. From 2000 to 2008, the population grew 8.8 percent. The population growth in Alabama for the same time period was 4.8 percent. Tuscaloosa County ranked 6th out of 67 counties in Alabama in terms of total population in 2008. Population density is higher in Tuscaloosa County compared to Alabama; Tuscaloosa County had 124.5 persons per square mile compared to 87.6 persons per square mile in Alabama.
In 2000, there were 64,517 households in Tuscaloosa County with about 2.4 persons per household, which is approximately the national average. The median household income in 2007 was $41,543, which is lower than the national median of $44,334. About 19 percent of the population of Tuscaloosa County is below poverty level. The federal poverty level for an individual in 2007 (the year of these estimates) was $10,590.
In 2007, 4,220 private nonfarm establishments in Tuscaloosa County employed 73,813 persons. Major manufacturing industries in Tuscaloosa County include coal mining, sport utility vehicles, tires, industrial fabric, publishing, specialty steel products, automobile parts, poultry processing, DVDs and CDs, automatic axle systems, and prepared meats. Top employers include the University of Alabama, Mercedes-Benz, and DCH Regional Medical Center. In 2008, the unemployment rate in Tuscaloosa County averaged 4.2 percent; the statewide average was 5.0 percent in 2007. The unemployment rate rose in 2009. Although data are not available for the entire year, rates rose to an average of 8.9 percent in Tuscaloosa County and 9.7 percent in Alabama during the first ten months of 2009 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).
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According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there were 613 farms in Tuscaloosa County. Approximately 8 percent of the county is used for agriculture. The average market value of production per farm in 2007 was $47,417.
13.2 STUDY RESULTS
There were no studies performed to measure any impacts on socioeconomic resources of the area.
13.3 EXISTING MEASURES TO BE CONTINUED AND NEW MEASURES PROPOSED BY APPLICANT
Alabama Power proposes to continue operating and maintaining the recreation area (Overlook Park and picnic tables) at the Scenic Overlook near the powerhouse. Alabama Power will mow the grass at the Overlook Park, empty the trash cans, maintain the picnic tables, and preserve the security (lock the gates) of the Overlook Park. In addition, Alabama Power will continue discussions with the USACE and ADCNR regarding opportunities to provide additional recreation access in the tailrace area.
13.4 CONTINUING IMPACTS
There are no anticipated impacts to socioeconomic resources as a result of Alabama Power’s proposed PME measures.
14.0 REFERENCES
14.1 SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION
Alabama Power Company. 2006. Holt Hydro Project Supporting Technical Information. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Critical Energy Infrastructure Information – Not publicly available. Alabama Power Company. 2010. Holt Pre-Application Document (PAD). Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Hartup, Wendi, Allison Busby, and Bill Deutsch, eds. 2002. Citizen Guide to Alabama Rivers, Black Warrior and Cahaba. [Online] URL: http://www.aces.edu/dept/fisheries/natural- resources/pdf/war-cah.pdf. Accessed May 2012.
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Keith, Todd, ed. 1998. Alabama the River State. Birmingham: Natura Press. Rivers of Alabama. 2009. Home/Black Warrior River/Species Diversity. [Online] URL: http://www.riversofalabama.org/Black%20Warrior/BW_Species_Diversity.htm. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. Rivers of Alabama. 2009. Home/Black Warrior River/Species Diversity. [Online] URL: http://www.riversofalabama.org/Black%20Warrior/BW_Species_Diversity.htm. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2009. Black Warrior-Tombigbee River Systems. [Online] URL: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/op/tu/Project_Links.htm. Accessed May 2012.
14.2 SECTION 2.0 – PROJECT CONSULTATION
No references in this section.
14.3 SECTION 3.0 – APPLICABLE LAWS
No references in this section.
14.4 SECTION 4.0 – EXISTING MEASURES
No references in this section.
14.5 SECTION 5.0 – GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Encyclopedia of Alabama. 2008. Auburn University. [Online] URL: www.encyclopediaofalabama.org. Accessed May 2012. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District. 1962. Holt Lock and Dam, Design Memorandum No. 7, Design of Lock and Spillway. Mobile, 1962. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1981. Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Tuscaloosa County, AL. University of Alabama. 2012. Alabama Maps. [Online] URL: http://alabamamaps.ua.edu/contemporarymaps/alabama/physical/basemap6.pdf. Accessed May 2012.
14.6 SECTION 6.0 – WATER RESOURCES
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). 2010. 2010 Alabama Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. [Online] URL http://www.adem.state.al.us/programs/water/waterforms/2010AL-IWQMAR.pdf Accessed May 2012.
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Alabama Power Company. 2011a. Holt Baseline Water Quality Study Report. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. 2011b. Water Use at the Holt Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2012. Black Warrior-Tombigbee River Systems. [Online] URL: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/op/tu/Project_Links.htm. Accessed May 2012. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2012. USGS 02462951 Black Warrior River at Holt L&D Near Holt AL. [Online] URL: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/al/nwis/uv/?site_no=02462951&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. Accessed May 2012.
14.7 SECTION 7.0 – FISH AND AQUATIC RESOURCES
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2007. Holt Reservoir Crappie Management Report FY 2007. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2008a. Home/Fish Alabama/Spotted Bass. [Online] URL: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/bassblack/spotted/. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2008b. Holt Reservoir Spotted Bass Management Report FY 2007. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2008c. Home/Fish Alabama/White Crappie. [Online] URL: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/crappie/white/. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2008d. Home/Fish Alabama/Striped Bass. [Online] URL: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/bassstriped/hybrid/. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). 2009. Alabama Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. [Online] URL: http://www.outdooralabama.com/research-mgmt/cwcs/outline.cfm. Accessed May 2012. Alabama Power Company. 2012a. Holt Fish Entrainment and Turbine Mortality Study. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. 2012b. Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Mettee, M.F., P. E. O’Neil, and J.M. Pierson. 1996. Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Inc, Alabama. North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology (NCSU). 2006. Compendium of Hexapod Classes and Orders. [Online] URL: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/compendium/. Accessed May 2012.
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14.8 SECTION 8.0 – TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES
Alabama Invasive Plant Council (AIPC). 2012. Alabama’s TenWorst Invasive Weeds. [Online] URL: http://www.se-eppc.org/pubs/alabama.pdf. Accessed May 2012. Alabama Power Company. 2000. Bankhead Initial Information Package. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. 2012. Draft Holt Terrestrial Species Survey Report. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Barbour, M.G. and N. L. Christensen. 1993. Vegetation. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993+. Flora of North America. Oxford. Encyclopedia of Alabama. 2008. Auburn University. [Online] URL: www.encyclopediaofalabama.org. Accessed May 2012. Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, G. Martin, A. Goddard, and V.J. Hulcher. 2001. Ecoregions of Alabama. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR. Mettee, M.F., P. E. O’Neil, and J.M. Pierson. 1996. Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Inc, Alabama. North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology (NCSU). 2006. Compendium of Hexapod Classes and Orders. [Online] URL: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/compendium/. Accessed May 2012. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2009. National Wetlands Inventory Online Wetlands Mapper—Google Earth Extension. [Online] URL: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/GoogleEarth.html. Last Updated August 18, 2009. Accessed May 2012. University of Georgia (UGA). 2012. Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System for the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. [Online] URL: http://www.eddmaps.org/about.cfm. Updated April 8, 2009. Accessed May 2012.
14.9 SECTION 9.0 – RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
Alabama Power Company. 2012. Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. AmphibiaWeb: Information on Amphibian Biology and Conservation. [web application]. 2012. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. [Online] URL: http://amphibiaweb.org/. Accessed: May 2012. Black, S.H., and D.M. Vaughan. 2005. Species Profile: Neonympha Mitchellii Mitchellii. In Shepherd, M.D., D.M. Vaughan, and S.H. Black (Eds). Red List of Pollinator Insects of North America. CD-ROM Version 1 (May 2005). Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. NatureServe, Version 7.1. Arlington, Virginia. 2012. [Online] URL:http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. Accessed: May 2012. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Three Threatened Mussels and Eight Endangered Mussels in the Mobile River Basin. Federal Register 69:40083-40171.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2010. Alabama's Federally Listed Species by County. [Online] URL: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/countySearch!speciesByCountyReport.action?fips=0112. Accessed 2010. Williams, J.D., A. E. Bogan, and J.T. Garner. 2008. The Freshwater Mussels of Alabama and the Mobile Basin of Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL.
14.10 SECTION 10.0 – RECREATION RESOURCES
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). 2009. Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2008—2012. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power). 2000. Alabama Power submits requested information re the turbine replacement for the Holt Dam Project-2203. FERC Accession Number: 20000804-0285. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2012. Holt Lake: Overview. [Online] URL: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/bwt/holt/. Accessed May 2012.
14.11 SECTION 11.0 – CULTURAL RESOURCES
Callahan, N. 2010. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Hurricane Creek. [Online] URL: http://encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-2548. Accessed February 17, 2012. Kleinschmidt. 2005. Warrior River Project Applicant Prepared Environmental Assessment. Lewis Smith and Bankhead Developments. Prepared for Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Know Alabama/Cahaba Trace Commission. 2002. Alabama, The River State: A Collection of Historical Essays Exploring Alabama Rivers. Natura Press, Birmingham, AL. 42 pgs. University of Alabama, Office of Archeological Resources (OAR). 2012. A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of Alabama Power Company’s Holt Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2203) Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Moundville, AL.
14.12 SECTION 12.0 – LAND USE AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES
Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium (MRLC). 2001. National Land Cover Database 2001 (NLCD 2001). [Online] URL: http://www.mrlc.gov/nlcd.php. Accessed May 2012.
14.13 SECTION 13.0 – SOCIOECONOMICS RESOURCES
Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2010. Local Area Unemployment Statistics. [Online] URL: http://www.bls.gov/data/. Accessed May 2012.
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Collins, P., (ed). 2003. Alabama County Data Book 2003. Eighteenth Edition. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs: Montgomery, AL. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office. 2011. Alabama Agricultural Statistics. Bulletin 53. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office, Montgomery, AL. Rivers of Alabama. 2009. Home/Black Warrior River/Species Diversity. [Online] URL: http://www.riversofalabama.org/Black%20Warrior/BW_Species_Diversity.htm. Updated 2008. Accessed May 2012. United States Census Bureau. 2010. State and County QuickFacts. [Online] URL: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html. Accessed May 2012. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2007. Census of Agriculture. [Online] URL: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/. Accessed May 2012.
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APPENDIX A
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM
A-1
APPENDIX B
TABLES OF REPRESENTATIVE WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL SPECIES IN THE PROJECT AREA TABLE B-1 BIRD SPECIES TYPICAL OF THE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT VICINITY (Source: Alabama Power, 2000)
2 3 COMMON NAME STATUS SEASON SCIENTIFIC NAME Gaviidae common loon (W) GAVIA IMMER Podicipedidae pied-billed grebe M (W) Podilymbus podiceps Ardeidae great blue heron PR Ardea herodias great egret M (S, Su) Casmerodius albus little blue heron M (Su, F) Florida caerulea green heron M (S, Su) Butorides virescens black-crowned night heron M (Su, F) Nycticorax nycticorax yellow-crowned night heron M (S, Su, F) Nyctanassa violacea Anatidae wood duck PR Aix sponsa green-winged teal M (W) Anas crecca blue-winged teal M (S, Su, F) Anas discors Mallard PR Anas platyrhynchos northern shoveler M (S, F, W) Anas cylpeata Gadwall M (W) Anas strepera American widgeon M (S, F, W) Anas americana ring-necked duck M (W) Aytha collarisa bufflehead M (W) Bucephala albeola hooded merganser PR Lophodytes cucullatus ruddy duck M (W) Oxyura jamaicensis Rallidae American coot PR Fulica americana Cathartidae black vulture PR Coragyps atratus turkey vulture PR Cathartes aura Falconidae sharp-shinned hawk M (Su) Accipter striatus Cooper’s hawk PR Accipter cooperii red-tailed hawk PR Buteo jamaicensis red-shouldered hawk PR Buteo lineatus broad-winged hawk M (S, Su, F) Buteo platypterus bald eagle M (S, Su, W) Haliaeetus leucocephalus osprey M (S, F, W) Pandio haliaetus kestrel PR Falco sparverius Phasianidae northern bobwhite PR Colinus virginianus Meleagrididae wild turkey PR Meleagris gallopavo Charadriidae
B-1 2 3 COMMON NAME STATUS SEASON SCIENTIFIC NAME killdeeer PR Charadruis vociferus Scolopacidae American woodcock PR Scolopax minor common snipe M (S, F, W) Gallinago gallinago greater yellowlegs M (S, F, W) Tringa melenoleuca lesser yellowlegs M (S, F, W) Tringa flavipes spotted sandpiper M (S, F, W) Actitis macularia Laridae ring-billed gull M (S, F, W) Larus delawarensis Columbidae rock dove PR Columba livia mourning dove PR Zenaida macroura Cuculidae yellow-billed cuckoo M (S, Su, F) Coccyzus americanus black-billed cuckoo M (S) Coccyzus erythropthalmus Tytonidae / Strigidae barn owl PR Tyto alba eastern screech owl PR Otus asio great horned owl PR Bubo virginianus barred owl PR Strix varia Caprimulgidae Chuck-will’s-widow M (S, Su, F) Caprimulgus carolinensis whip-poor-will M (S, F) Caprimulgus vociferus common nighthawk M (S, Su) Chordeiles minor Apodidae chimney swift M (S, Su, F) Chaetura pelagica Trochilidae ruby-throated hummingbird M (S, Su, F) Archilochus colubris Alcedinidae belted kingfisher PR Ceryle alcyon Picidae northern flicker PR Colaptes auratus pileated woodpecker PR Dryocopus pileatus red-bellied woodpecker PR Melanerpes carolinus red-headed woodpecker PR Melanerpes erythrocephalus yellow-bellied sapsucker M (W) Sphyrapicus varius hairy woodpecker PR Picoides villosus downy woodpecker PR Picoides pubescens Tyrannidae eastern kingbird M (S, Su) Tyrannus tyranus great crested flycatcher M (S, Su, F) Myiarchus crinitus eastern phoebe PR Sayornis phoebe acadian flycatcher M (S, Su, F) Empidonax virescens eastern wood pewee M (S, Su, F) Contopus virens
B-2 2 3 COMMON NAME STATUS SEASON SCIENTIFIC NAME Hirundinidae southern rough-winged swallow M (S, Su, F) Stelgidopteryx ruficollis barn swallow M (S, Su, F) Hirundo rustica purple martin M (S, Su) Progne subis Corvidae blue jay PR Cyanocitta cristata American crow PR Corvus brachyrhynchos fish crow PR Corvus ossifragus Paridae Carolina chickadee PR Parus carolinensis tufted titmouse PR Parus bicolor Sittidae white-breasted nuthatch PR Sitta carolinensis red-breasted nuthatch M (W) Sitta canadensis Certhiidae brown creeper M (F, W) Certhia americana Troglodytidae winter wren M (W) Troglodytes troglodytes Carolina wren PR Thryothorus ludovicianus Mimidae northern mockingbird PR Mimus polyglottos gray catbird PR Dumetella carolinensis brown thrasher PR Toxostoma rufum Turdidae American robin PR Turdus migratorius wood thrush M (S, Su, F) Hylocichla mustelina hermit thrush M (F, W) Catharus guttatus Swainson’s thrush M (S, F) Catharus ustulatus gray-cheeked thrush M (S,F) Catharus minimus veery M (S,F) Catharus fuscescens eastern bluebird PR Sialia sialis Sylviidae blue-gray gnatcatcher PR Polioptila caerulea golden-crowned kinglet M (F, W) Regulus satrapa ruby-crowned kinglet M (S, F, W) Regulus calendula Bombycillidae cedar waxwing PR Bombycilla cedrorum Laniidae loggerhead shrike PR Lanius ludovicianus Sturnidae European starling PR Sturnus vulgaris Vireonidae white-eyed vireo PR Vireo griseus yellow-throated vireo M (S, Su) Vireo flavifrons
B-3 2 3 COMMON NAME STATUS SEASON SCIENTIFIC NAME solitary vireo M (S, F, W) Vireo solitarius warbling vireo M (S) Vireo gilvus Philadelphia vireo M (F) Vireo philadelphicus red-eyed vireo M (F) Vireo olivaceus Parulidae black-and-white warbler M (S, Su, F) Minotilta varia prothonotary warbler M (S, Su, F) Protonotaria citrea Swainson’s warbler M (S, Su, F) Limnothlypis swainsonii worm-eating warbler M (S, Su, F) Helmitheros vermivorus blue-winged warbler M (Su, F) Vermivora pinus golden-winged warbler M (Su, F) Vermivora chrysoptera Tennessee warbler M (S, F) Vermivora peregrina orange-crowned warbler M (S, F) Vermivora celata Nashville warbler M (F) Vermivora ruficapilla northern parula M (S, Su, F) Parula americana yellow warbler M (S, Su, F) Dendroica petechia magnolia warbler M (S, Su) Dendroica magnolia Cape May warbler M (S) Dendrocia tigrina black-throated blue warbler M (S, F) Dendroica caerulescens yellow-rumped warbler M (S, F, W) Dendroica coronata black-throated green warbler M (S, F) Dendroica virens cerulean warbler M (S, Su) Dendroica cerulea Blackburnian warbler M (S, F, W) Dendroica fusca yellow-throated warbler M (S, Su) Dendroica dominica chestnut-sided warbler M (S, F) Dendroica pensylvanica bay-breasted warbler M (S, F) Dendroica castanea blackpoll warbler M (S) Dendroica striata pine warbler PR Dendroica pinus prairie warbler M (S, Su, F) Dendroica discolor palm warbler M (S, F, W) Dendroica palmarum ovenbird M (S, Su, F) Seiurus aurocapillus northern waterthrush M (S, F) Seiurus novebaracensis Louisiana waterthrush M (S, Su, F) Seiurus motacilla Kentucky warbler M (S, Su, F) Oporornis formosus Connecticut warbler M (W) Oporornis agilis mourning warbler M (S, F) Oporornis philadelphia common yellowthroat PR Geothlypis trichas yellow-breasted chat M (S, Su, F) Icteria virens hooded warbler M (S, Su, F) Wilsonia citrina Wilson’s warbler M (S, F) Wilsonia pusilla Canada warbler M (S, Su, F) Wilsonia canadensis American redstart M (S, Su, F) Setophaga ruticilla Ploceidae house sparrow PR Passer domesticus Icterdidae eastern meadowlark PR Sturnella magna
B-4 2 3 COMMON NAME STATUS SEASON SCIENTIFIC NAME red-winged blackbird PR Agelaius phoeniceus orchard oriole M (S, Su, F) Icterus spurius northern oriole M (S, F) Icterus galbula rusty blackbird M (W) Euphagus carolinus common grackle PR Quiscalus quiscula brown-headed cowbird PR Molothrus ater Thraupidae scarlet tanager M (S, Su, F) Piranga olivacea summer tanager M (S, Su, F) Piranga rubra Fringillidae northern cardinal PR Cardinalis cardinalis rose-breasted grosbeak M (S, F) Pheucticus ludovicianus blue grosbeak M (S, Su, F) Guiraca caerulea indigo bunting M (S, Su, F) Passerina cyanea evening grosbeak M (W) Cassothraustes vespertinus purple finch M (W) Carpodacus purpureus house finch PR Carpodacus mexicanus pine siskin M (W) Carduelis pinus American goldfinch PR Carduelis tristis eastern towhee PR Pipilo erythrophthalmus Savannah sparrow M (F, W) Passerculus sandwichensis dark-eyed junco M (F, W) Junco hyemalis chipping sparrow PR Spizella passerina field sparrow PR Spizella pusilla white-throated sparrow M (S, F, W) Zonotrichia albicollis fox sparrow M (F, W) Passerella iliaca swamp sparrow M (F, W) Melsopiza georgiana song sparrow M (F, W) Melsopiza melodia 1 These birds may be expected to be found in or on contiguous lands in the appropriate habitat. 2 PR – Permanent Resident – Found throughout the year. M – Migrant – Found only seasonally. These may be: - Spring or summer resident, - Fall or winter resident, or - Transient during spring and/or fall 3 (S) - Spring March – May (Su) - Summer June – August (F) - Fall September – November (W) - Winter December – February Note: Nomenclature and taxonomy follows 7th edition of American Ornithological Union check list.
B-5 TABLE B-2 MAMMAL SPECIES TYPICAL OF THE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT VICINITY (Source: Alabama Power, 2000)
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Didelphidae Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana Soricidae southern short-tailed shrew Blarina carolinensis least shrew Cryptotis parva southeastern shrew Sorex longirostris Talpidae eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus Vespertilionidae big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans red bat Lasiurus borealis hoary bat Lasiurus cinereous southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius evening bat Nycticeius humeralis eastern pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus Dasypodidae nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Laporidae swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Sciuridae southern flying squirrel Glaucomys volans woodchuck Marmota monax gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis eastern fox squirrel Sciurus niger eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus woodchuck Marmota monax Castoridae beaver Castor canadensis Muridae pine vole Microtus pinetorum eastern woodrat Neotoma floridana golden mouse Ochrotomys nuttalli muskrat Ondatra zibethicus marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus white-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus old field mouse Peromyscus polionotus eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus house mouse Mus musculus
B-6 COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Norway rat Rattus norvegicus Canidae coyote Canis latrans gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus red fox Vulpes vulpes Procyonidae raccoon Procyon lotor Mustelidae river otter Lutra canadensis striped skunk Mephitis mephitis spotted skunk Spilogale putorius mink Mustela vison long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Felidae bobcat Felis rufus Cervidae white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
B-7 TABLE B-3 REPTILE SPECIES TYPICAL OF THE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT VICINITY (Source: Alabama Power, 2000)
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Alligatoridae American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Chelydidae common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentina alligator snapping turtle Macroclemys temmincki Emydidae southern painted turtle Chrysemys picta dorsalis chicken turtle Deirochelys reticularia reticularia common map turtle Graptemys geographica black-knobbed map Graptemys nigrinoda nigrinoda turtle Alabama map turtle Graptemys pulchra river cooter Pseudemys concinna eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina pond slider Trachemys scripta scripta Kinosternidae eastern mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum stripenecked musk turtle Sternotherus peltife stinkpot turtle Sternotherus odoratus Trionychidae spiny softshell Apalone spiniferus aspera Anguidae eastern slender glass Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus lizard eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis Polychrotidae green anole Anolis carolinensis carolinensis Phrynosomatidae fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus Scincidae coal skink Eumeces anthracinus five-lined skink Eumeces fasciatus southern five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus broad-headed skink Eumeces laticeps ground skink Scincella lateralis Teiidae six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus Colubridae worm snake Carphophis amoenus scarlet snake Cemphora coccinea copei black racer Coluber constrictor priapus ring-necked snake Diadphis punctatus
B-8 COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME corn snake Elaphe guttata guttata gray rat snake Elaphe obsoleta spiloides eastern hognosed snake Heterodon platirhinos mole kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata black kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus nigra scarlet kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum yellow-bellied water Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster snake midland water snake Nerodia sipedon pleuralis green vine snake Opheodrys aestivus northern pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus queen snake Regina septemvittata midland brown snake Storeria dekayi wrightorum Florida red-bellied snake Storeria occipitomaculata obscura southeastern crowned Tantilla coronata snake eastern ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus sauritus eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis smooth earth snake Virginia valeriae valeriae rough earth snake Virginia striatula Viperidae copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Carolina pygmy Sistrurus miliarius miliarius rattlesnake
B-9 TABLE B-4 AMPHIBIAN SPECIES TYPICAL OF THE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT VICINITY (Source: Alabama Power, 2000)
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Bufonidae southern toad Bufo terrestris Fowler’s toad Bufo woodhousii Hylidae northern cricket frog Acris crepitans crepitans southern cricket frog Acris gryllus gryllus gray treefrog Hyla chrysocelis barking treefrog Hyla gratiosa mountain chorus frog Pseudacris brachyphona spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer crucifer upland chorus frog Pseudacris triseriata feriarum Microhylidae eastern narrow-mouthed Gastrophyrne carolinensis toad Pelobatidae eastern spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrooki holbrooki Ranidae bullfrog Rana catesbeiana green frog Rana clamitans southern leopard frog Rana utricularia Ambystomatidae spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum eastern tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum Plethodontidae green salamander Aneides aeneus spotted dusky Desmongnathus fuscus conanti salamander two-lined salamander Eurycea cirrigera three-lined salamander Eurycea longicauda guttolineata spring salamander Gryinophilus porphyriticus four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum zigzag salamander Plethodon dorsalis slimy salamander Plethodon glutinosus red salamander Pseudotriton ruber Proteidae Black Warrior waterdog Necturus alabamenis Salamandridae eastern newt Notophthalmus viridescens
B-10 1 TABLE B-5 BOTANICAL SPECIES TYPICAL OF THE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC VICINITY (Source: Alabama Power, 2000)
FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Acanthaceae Water willow Justicia americana Aceraceae Red maple Acer rubrum Aceraceae chalk maple Acer leucoderme Aceraceae box-elder Acer negundo Anacardiaceae Winged sumac Rhus copallina Anacardiaceae Smooth sumac Rhus glabra Anacardiaceae Poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans Anacardiaceae winged sumac Rhus copallina Anacardiaceae shining sumac Rhus glabra Anacardiaceae poison-ivy Toxicodendron radicans Aquifoliaceae possumhaw Ilex decidua Araliaceae Devil's-walking-stick Aralia spinosa Aspidiaceae Christmas fern Polystichium acrostichoides Asteraceae Golden aster Chrysopsis gramnifolia Asteraceae Joe-Pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum Asteraceae Rosinweed Silphium sp. Asteraceae Ironweed Vernonia sp. Asteraceae fragrant goldentrod Solidago odora Asteraceae goldenrod Solidago altissima Asteraceae goldenrod Solidago arguta Betulaceae Tag alder Alnus serrulata Betulaceae River birch Betula nigra Betulaceae hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Betulaceae hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana Bignoniaceae Cross-vine Bignonia capreolata Bignoniaceae cow-itch-vine Campsis radicans Bromeliaceae Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides Calycanthaceae sweet shrub Calycanthus floridus Caprifoliaceae Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Caprifoliaceae Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Clusiaceae St. John's-wort Hypericum hypericoides Convolvulaceae Compact dodder Cuscuta compacta Convolvulaceae Man-root Ipomea pandurata Cornaceae Flowering dogwood Cornus florida Cornaceae Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica Cyperaceae Wool-grass Scirpus cyperinus Dennstaedtiaceae bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum Ebenaceae Persimmon Diospyros virginiana Ericaceae Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
1 Species list is adapted from a site specific botanical survey for Alabama Power’s Martin Project (Whetstone, 2006), which is located in the same Potential Natural Vegetation zone (oak-hickory-pine forest) and thus would expect to have similar botanical composition to the Holt Project vicinity.
B-11 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Ericaceae Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum Ericaceae Swamp azalea Rhododendron viscosum Ericaceae Sparkleberry Vaccinium arboreum Ericaceae Elliott's blueberry Vaccinium elliotti Ericaceae lowbush blueberry Vaccinium pallidum Ericaceae deerberry Vaccinium stamineum Fabaceae Silk tree Albizia julibrissin Fabaceae Amorpha Amorpha fruticosa Fabaceae Groundnut Apios americana Fabaceae Sericea Lespedeza cuneata Fabaceae Kudzu Pueraria lobata Fabaceae Black locust Robinia pseudocacia Fabaceae Goat's rue Tephrosia virginiana Fabaceae black locust Robinia pseudoacacia Fagaceae White oak Quercus alba Fagaceae Rock chestnut oak Quercus montana Fagaceae Water oak Quercus nigra Fagaceae Willow oak Quercus phellos Fagaceae Black oak Quercus velutina Fagaceae American beech Fagus grandifolia Fagaceae Post oak Quercus stellata Fagaceae Southern red oak Quercus falcata Fagaceae scarlet oak Quercus coccinea Fagaceae blackjack oak Quercus marilandica Hamamelidaceae Sweet-gum Liquidambar styraciflua Hamamelidaceae American witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana Hydrangeaceae Oak-leaf hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Juglandaceae Sand hickory Carya pallida Juglandaceae Mockernut hickory Carya tomentosa Juncaceae Soft rush Juncus effusus Lauraceae sassafras Sassafras albidum Liliaceae sweet Betsy Trillium cuneatum Loganiaceae yellow jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens Magnoliaceae Tulip poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Magnoliaceae Bigleaf magnolia Magnolia macrophylla Magnoliaceae cucumber magnolia Magnolia tripetala Malvaceae Marsh mallow Hibiscus militaris Myricaceae wax-myrtle Myrica cerifera Nyssaceae Black gum Nyssa sylvatica Oleaceae Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense Oleaceae green ash Fraxinus pensylvanica Oleaceae white ash Fraxinus americana Oleaceae Grandsir's-gray-beard Chionanthus virginicus Osmundaceae Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea Pinaceae Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
B-12 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Pinaceae Longleaf pine Pinus palustris Pinaceae Loblolly pine Pinus taeda Pinaceae Scrub pine Pinus virginiana Platanaceae Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Poaceae Switch cane Arundinaria gigantea Poaceae Indian woodoats Chasmanthium latifolium Poaceae Torpedo grass Panicum repens Poaceae Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea Poaceae Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Poaceae Giant cutgrass Zizaniopsis miliacea Poaceae needle grass Stipa avenacea Poaceae spike grass Chasmanthium laxum Polygonaceae American buckwheat vine Brunnichia ovata Polypodiaceae resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides Ranunculaceae Virgin's bower Clematis virginiana Rosaceae Hawthorn Crataegus spp. Rosaceae black cherry Prunus serotina Rosaceae blackberry Rubus argutus Rosaceae crabapple Malus spp. Rubiaceae Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Salicaceae Black willow Salix nigra Saxifragaceae Sweet-spire Itea virginica Scrophulariaceae Indian cigar tree Catalpa bignonioides Smilacaceae cat-briar Smilax spp. Tiliaceae Basswood Tilia americana Ulmaceae hackberry Celtis occidentalis Vitaceae Peppervine Ampelopsis arborea Vitaceae Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Vitaceae Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia Vitaceae fox grape Vitis vulpine
B-13