DOCSLIB.ORG

Lloyd Shoals

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lloyd Shoals Southern Company Generation. 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, NE BIN 10193 Atlanta, GA 30308-3374 404 506 7219 tel December 20, 2018 FERC Project No. 2336-094 Lloyd Shoals Project Proposed Study Plan, Georgia Power Response to Stakeholder Scoping Comments and FERC Additional Information Request (AIR) dated November 05, 2018 Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20426 Dear Ms. Bose: On behalf of Georgia Power Company, Southern Company is filing this letter to provide the Proposed Study Plan for relicensing the Lloyd Shoals Project, to respond to stakeholder scoping comments, and to also respond to FERC’s Additional Information Request (AIR), dated November 05, 2018. There are two parts to this filing with five components total: Part 1 of 2 1) Cover Letter 2) Appendix A – Lloyd Shoals Proposed Study Plan 3) Appendix B – Response to Scoping Comments Part 2 of 2 4) Cover Letter 5) Appendix C - Response to AIR If you require further information, please contact me at 404.506.7219. Sincerely, Courtenay R. O’Mara, P.E. Hydro Licensing and Compliance Supervisor cc: FERC/OEP – Neetu Deo, Allan Creamer Geosyntec – Cristin Krachon Kleinschmidt – Steven Layman, Ph.D. Troutman Sanders – Hallie Meushaw APPENDIX A Lloyd Shoals Project Proposed Study Plan P-2336-094 Proposed Study Plan Lloyd Shoals Hydroelectric Project FERC Project Number 2336 Prepared with: Southern Company Generation Hydro Services and December 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Content of Proposed Study Plan ............................................................... 1-1 1.2 Study Plan Meeting .................................................................................. 1-2 1.3 Study Implementation Master Schedule ................................................... 1-2 1.4 Relationship of the Resource Studies to the License Application ............ 1-3 2.0 GEOLOGY AND SOILS .................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 2-1 2.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 2-1 2.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 2-4 2.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 2-4 2.6 Reporting .................................................................................................. 2-7 2.7 Schedule.................................................................................................... 2-8 2.8 References ................................................................................................ 2-8 3.0 WATER RESOURCES ..................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 3-1 3.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 3-1 3.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 3-1 3.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 3-6 3.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 3-6 3.6 Reporting .................................................................................................. 3-8 3.7 Schedule.................................................................................................... 3-8 3.8 References ................................................................................................ 3-8 4.0 FISH AND AQUATIC RESOURCES .............................................................. 4-1 4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 4-1 4.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 4-1 4.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 4-2 4.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 4-6 GL6318/GA180587_Lloyd Shoals_PSP.docx i 12.20.18 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 4.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 4-6 4.6 Reporting ................................................................................................ 4-11 4.7 Schedule.................................................................................................. 4-12 4.8 References .............................................................................................. 4-12 5.0 AMERICAN EEL ABUNDANCE AND UPSTREAM MOVEMENTS ......... 5-1 5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 5-1 5.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 5-1 5.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 5-1 5.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 5-6 5.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 5-6 5.6 Reporting .................................................................................................. 5-8 5.7 Schedule.................................................................................................... 5-8 5.8 References ................................................................................................ 5-9 6.0 TERRESTRIAL, WETLAND, AND RIPARIAN RESOURCES .................... 6-1 6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 6-1 6.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 6-1 6.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 6-1 6.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 6-4 6.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 6-4 6.6 Reporting .................................................................................................. 6-6 6.7 Schedule.................................................................................................... 6-7 6.8 References ................................................................................................ 6-7 7.0 RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ............................. 7-1 7.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 7-1 7.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 7-1 7.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 7-1 7.4 Study Area .............................................................................................. 7-12 7.5 Methodology ........................................................................................... 7-12 7.6 Reporting ................................................................................................ 7-14 GL6318/GA180587_Lloyd Shoals_PSP.docx ii 12.20.18 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 7.7 Schedule.................................................................................................. 7-14 7.8 References .............................................................................................. 7-15 8.0 RECREATION AND LAND USE .................................................................... 8-1 8.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 8-1 8.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 8-1 8.3 Study Background .................................................................................... 8-1 8.4 Study Area ................................................................................................ 8-6 8.5 Methodology ............................................................................................. 8-6 8.6 Reporting .................................................................................................. 8-8 8.7 Schedule.................................................................................................... 8-9 8.8 References ................................................................................................ 8-9 9.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................. 1 9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 9.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................... 1 9.3 Study Background ......................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Stream-Temperature Characteristics in Georgia
    STREAM-TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS IN GEORGIA By T.R. Dyar and S.J. Alhadeff ______________________________________________________________________________ U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203 Prepared in cooperation with GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION Atlanta, Georgia 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services 3039 Amwiler Road, Suite 130 Denver Federal Center Peachtree Business Center Box 25286 Atlanta, GA 30360-2824 Denver, CO 80225-0286 CONTENTS Page Abstract . 1 Introduction . 1 Purpose and scope . 2 Previous investigations. 2 Station-identification system . 3 Stream-temperature data . 3 Long-term stream-temperature characteristics. 6 Natural stream-temperature characteristics . 7 Regression analysis . 7 Harmonic mean coefficient . 7 Amplitude coefficient. 10 Phase coefficient . 13 Statewide harmonic equation . 13 Examples of estimating natural stream-temperature characteristics . 15 Panther Creek . 15 West Armuchee Creek . 15 Alcovy River . 18 Altamaha River . 18 Summary of stream-temperature characteristics by river basin . 19 Savannah River basin . 19 Ogeechee River basin. 25 Altamaha River basin. 25 Satilla-St Marys River basins. 26 Suwannee-Ochlockonee River basins . 27 Chattahoochee River basin. 27 Flint River basin. 28 Coosa River basin. 29 Tennessee River basin . 31 Selected references. 31 Tabular data . 33 Graphs showing harmonic stream-temperature curves of observed data and statewide harmonic equation for selected stations, figures 14-211 . 51 iii ILLUSTRATIONS Page Figure 1. Map showing locations of 198 periodic and 22 daily stream-temperature stations, major river basins, and physiographic provinces in Georgia.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemical Character of Surface Waters of Georgia
    SliEU' :\0..... / ........ RO O ~ l NO. ···- ··-<~ ......... U )'On no l~er need this publication write to the Geological Sur»ey in Washlndon for ali official maillne label to use In returning it UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CHEMICAL CHARACTER OF SURFACE WATERS OF GEORGIA Prepared In cooperation wilh the DIVISION OF MINES, MINING, AND GEOLOGY OF 'l'HE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 889- E ' UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Harold L. Ickes, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY W. E. Wrather, Director Water-Supply Paper 889-E CHEMICAL CHARACTER OF SURFACE WATERS OF GEORGIA BY WILLIAM L. LAMAR Prepared in cooperation with the DIVISION OF MINES, MINING, AND GEOLOGY OF THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Contributions to the Hydrology of the United States, 19~1-!3 (Pages 317- 380) UN ITED STATES GOVEHNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 1944 For sct le Ly Ll w S upcrinkntlent of Doc uments, U. S. Gover nme nt Printing Office, " ' asbingtou 25, D . C. Price 15 ce nl~ CONTENTS Page- Abstract ___________________________________________ -----_--------- 31 T Introduction __________________ c ________________________________ -- _ 317 Physiography_____________________________________________________ 318 Climate__________________________________________________________ 820 Collection and examination of samples_______________________________ 323 Stream flow __________________________ --------- ___________ c ________ . 324 Rainfall and discharge during sampling years_____________________
    [Show full text]
  • Lloyd Shoals
    Southern Company Generation. 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, NE BIN 10193 Atlanta, GA 30308-3374 404 506 7219 tel July 3, 2018 FERC Project No. 2336 Lloyd Shoals Project Notice of Intent to Relicense Lloyd Shoals Dam, Preliminary Application Document, Request for Designation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and Request for Authorization to Initiate Consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20426 Dear Ms. Bose: On behalf of Georgia Power Company, Southern Company is filing this letter to indicate our intent to relicense the Lloyd Shoals Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2336 (Lloyd Shoals Project). We will file a complete application for a new license for Lloyd Shoals Project utilizing the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) in accordance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (Commission) regulations found at 18 CFR Part 5. The proposed Process, Plan and Schedule for the ILP proceeding is provided in Table 1 of the Preliminary Application Document included with this filing. We are also requesting through this filing designation as the Commission’s non-federal representative for consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and authorization to initiate consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. There are four components to this filing: 1) Cover Letter (Public) 2) Notification of Intent (Public) 3) Preliminary Application Document (Public) 4) Preliminary Application Document – Appendix C (CEII) If you require further information, please contact me at 404.506.7219. Sincerely, Courtenay R.
    [Show full text]
  • List of TMDL Implementation Plans with Tmdls Organized by Basin
    Latest 305(b)/303(d) List of Streams List of Stream Reaches With TMDLs and TMDL Implementation Plans - Updated June 2011 Total Maximum Daily Loadings TMDL TMDL PLAN DELIST BASIN NAME HUC10 REACH NAME LOCATION VIOLATIONS TMDL YEAR TMDL PLAN YEAR YEAR Altamaha 0307010601 Bullard Creek ~0.25 mi u/s Altamaha Road to Altamaha River Bio(sediment) TMDL 2007 09/30/2009 Altamaha 0307010601 Cobb Creek Oconee Creek to Altamaha River DO TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010601 Cobb Creek Oconee Creek to Altamaha River FC 2012 Altamaha 0307010601 Milligan Creek Uvalda to Altamaha River DO TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 2006 Altamaha 0307010601 Milligan Creek Uvalda to Altamaha River FC TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010601 Oconee Creek Headwaters to Cobb Creek DO TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010601 Oconee Creek Headwaters to Cobb Creek FC TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010602 Ten Mile Creek Little Ten Mile Creek to Altamaha River Bio F 2012 Altamaha 0307010602 Ten Mile Creek Little Ten Mile Creek to Altamaha River DO TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010603 Beards Creek Spring Branch to Altamaha River Bio F 2012 Altamaha 0307010603 Five Mile Creek Headwaters to Altamaha River Bio(sediment) TMDL 2007 09/30/2009 Altamaha 0307010603 Goose Creek U/S Rd. S1922(Walton Griffis Rd.) to Little Goose Creek FC TMDL 2001 TMDL PLAN 08/31/2003 Altamaha 0307010603 Mushmelon Creek Headwaters to Delbos Bay Bio F 2012 Altamaha 0307010604 Altamaha River Confluence of Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers to ITT Rayonier
    [Show full text]
  • Report (ADR), (U.S
    Summary of Hydrologic Conditions in Georgia, 2008 The United States Geological and new historic minimum flows were Survey (USGS) Georgia Water Science recorded at several streamgages with Center (WSC) maintains a long-term 20 or more years of record. New historic hydrologic monitoring network of more low water levels were recorded in some than 290 real-time streamgages, more of Georgia’s confined and unconfined than 170 groundwater wells, and 10 lake aquifers, and many recorded water levels and reservoir monitoring stations. One of were below the historic median. Several the many benefits of data collected from lake and reservoir water levels were well this monitoring network is that analysis below average and continued to decline as of the data provides an overview of the the end of the 2008 WY approached. hydrologic conditions of rivers, creeks, Historically, droughts in Georgia Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia. Photo by Brian E. McCallum, USGS, February 2008. reservoirs, and aquifers in Georgia. typically have lasted between 2 and Hydrologic conditions are determined 5 years. The latest drought began in spring by statistical analysis of data collected 2006. Georgia’s Drought Level One Local governments asked residents to limit during the current water year1 (WY) and through Four are issued by the Georgia showers to 5 minutes or less, reuse clean comparison of the results to historical data Environmental Protection Division household water, and install low-flow collected at long-term stations. During (Regan and Cash, 2009). The drought toilets, faucets, and showerheads, if the drought that persisted through 2008, levels implement water saving techniques possible, in older homes (City of Union the USGS succeeded in verifying and with Level One Drought being the least City, 2008).
    [Show full text]
  • The Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail
    2010 The Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail This project was funded in part by the Coastal Management Program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant award #NA09NOS4190171, as well as the National Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of OCRM or NOAA. September 30, 2010 0 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center Project Team .......................................................... 3 Planning and Government Services Staff ................................................................................................... 3 Geographic Information Systems Staff ....................................................................................................... 3 Economic Development Staff .......................................................................................................................... 3 Administrative Services Staff .......................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Of Georgia Water Coalition Re Draft Environmental Impact Statement
    GIEORGIA WATER COALITION '-Fl FC- C-3, November 28, 2007 Ti Chief, Rules and Directives Branch I-F-i --A Division of Administrative Services '7/P//tP 7 IC Office of Administration Mailstop T-6D59 1~2fX~ ~ U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 E-mail: [email protected] 0 RE: Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Plant Vogtle Early Site Permit To Whom It May Concern: The Georgia Water Coalition ("GWC" or "the Coalition") wishes to submit the following comments concerning the draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") for Plant Vogtle's Early Site Permit ("ESP"). The GWC is composed of 150 conservation, recreation, evangelical, civic and business organizations and represents hundreds of thousands of Georgians; a list of member organizations is attached to this letter. The Coalition is dedicated to the protection of water quality and water resources throughout the state. We have serious concerns about the implications of the expansion of Plant Vogtle on the water quality and stream flow of the Savannah River and its tributaries and believe that the DEIS is deficient in adequately addressing those concerns. Additionally, four of our member groups including Atlanta WAND, Center for a Sustainable Coast, Savannah Riverkeeper, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, have challenged the legality of the ESP, which raises several important water related issues. In our previously filed scoping comments, we asked that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") conduct a thorough environmental review of the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed expansion on the Savannah River's ecology and on the local economies of downstream communities.
    [Show full text]
  • At-Risk Species Assessment on Southern National Forests, Refuges, and Other Protected Areas
    David Moynahan | St. Marks NWR At-Risk Species Assessment on Southern National Forests, Refuges, and Other Protected Areas National Wildlife Refuge Association Mark Sowers, Editor October 2017 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 20036 • 202-417-3803 • www.refugeassociation.org At-Risk Species Assessment on Southern National Forests, Refuges, and Other Protected Areas Table of Contents Introduction and Methods ................................................................................................3 Results and Discussion ......................................................................................................9 Suites of Species: Occurrences and Habitat Management ...........................................12 Progress and Next Steps .................................................................................................13 Appendix I: Suites of Species ..........................................................................................17 Florida Panhandle ............................................................................................................................18 Peninsular Florida .............................................................................................................................28 Southern Blue Ridge and Southern Ridge and Valley ...............................................................................................................................39 Interior Low Plateau and Cumberland Plateau, Central Ridge and Valley ...............................................................................................46
    [Show full text]
  • Stream-Temperature Charcteristics in Georgia
    STREAM-TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS IN GEORGIA U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Prepared in cooperation with the GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203 STREAM-TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS IN GEORGIA By T.R. Dyar and S.J. Alhadeff ______________________________________________________________________________ U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203 Prepared in cooperation with GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION Atlanta, Georgia 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services 3039 Amwiler Road, Suite 130 Denver Federal Center Peachtree Business Center Box 25286 Atlanta, GA 30360-2824 Denver, CO 80225-0286 CONTENTS Page Abstract . 1 Introduction . 1 Purpose and scope . 2 Previous investigations. 2 Station-identification system . 3 Stream-temperature data . 3 Long-term stream-temperature characteristics. 6 Natural stream-temperature characteristics . 7 Regression analysis . 7 Harmonic mean coefficient . 7 Amplitude coefficient. 10 Phase coefficient . 13 Statewide harmonic equation . 13 Examples of estimating natural stream-temperature characteristics . 15 Panther Creek . 15 West Armuchee Creek . 15 Alcovy River . 18 Altamaha River . 18 Summary of stream-temperature characteristics by river basin . 19 Savannah River basin . 19 Ogeechee River basin. 25 Altamaha River basin. 25 Satilla-St Marys River basins. 26 Suwannee-Ochlockonee River basins . 27 Chattahoochee River basin. 27 Flint River basin. 28 Coosa River basin. 29 Tennessee River basin . 31 Selected references. 31 Tabular data . 33 Graphs showing harmonic stream-temperature curves of observed data and statewide harmonic equation for selected stations, figures 14-211 .
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia Power Study Plan Meeting Presentations
    Lloyds Shoals Study Plan Meeting (FERC No. 2336) January 16, 2019 Introduction Courtenay O’Mara, P.E. Southern Company 2 Study Plan Meeting Agenda Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. ‒ 12:00 p.m. • Welcome, Introductions & Operations Presentation 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. • Recreation and Land Use Study 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. • Terrestrial, Wetland, and Riparian Resources Study 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. • Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Study 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch: 12:00 p.m. ‒ 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. ‒ 5:00 p.m. • Water Resources Study 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. • Fish and Aquatic Resources Study 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. • American Eel Abundance & Upstream Movements Study 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. • Geology and Soils Study 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. • Cultural Resources Study 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. • Q&A Discussion (if none, Early Dismissal at 3:30 p.m.) 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 3 Study Plan Development Schedule Mar 20, 2019 Nov 5, 2018 Dec 20, 2018 Jan 16, 2019 45 Comments on GPC Files 90 Comments PAD and SD1, Proposed Study on 30 and Study Plan 30 Study Plan Proposed Requests FERC Issues SD2 Meeting Study Plan if Necessary DUE DATE Resolution of Study Issues Apr 19, 2019 May 20, 2019 May 2019-Apr 2020 GPC Files 30 20 FERC Issues No Disputes Revised Study Plan First Study Plan Determination Jun 10, 2019 Season File Reply 20 70 Studies Notice of Study Dispute Comments within Study Dispute Resolution 15 days Process If Necessary If Necessary 4 Content of Study Request (18 CFR § 5.9(b)) 1.
    [Show full text]
  • DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR Fish
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2011–0049] [MO 92210-0-0009] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 404 Species in the Southeastern United States as Endangered or Threatened With Critical Habitat AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of petition finding and initiation of status review. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a partial 90- day finding on a petition to list 404 species in the southeastern United States as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that for 374 of the 404 species, the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted. 1 Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the 374 species to determine if listing is warranted. To ensure that the review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding these 374 species. Based on the status reviews, we will issue 12-month findings on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. Of the 30 other species in the petition, 1 species—Alabama shad—has had a 90- day finding published by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and 18 species are already on the Service’s list of candidate species or are presently the subject of proposed rules to list.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development and Evaluation of a Freshwater Mussel Sampling
    THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A FRESHWATER MUSSEL SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR A LARGE LOWLAND RIVER by JASON RAY MEADOR Under the direction of James T. Peterson ABSTRACT Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled aquatic species within the southeastern United States. Mangers are faced with the task gathering information via monitoring, and making decisions based on available information about local mussel populations. I gathered data on mussel behavior, demography, distribution, and detection to develop a cost-effective protocol for monitoring freshwater mussel populations within the Altamaha River. Surface abundance, survival, occupancy, and detection varied spatially, temporally, and among species. I then developed sampling stratum within mesohabitats based on empirical data and evaluated the efficacy of several sampling protocols via simulation. Spatial and temporal variation among species emphasize the importance for properly estimating and evaluating habitat based on use and detection and suggest refraining from raw count indices. INDEX WORDS: Altamaha River, Freshwater Mussels, Occupancy, Abundance, Estimation, Robust Design, Migration Patterns, Sample Design, Detection THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A FRESHWATER MUSSEL SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR A LARGE LOWLAND RIVER by JASON RAY MEADOR B.S., North Carolina State University, 2004 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE ATHENS, GEORGIA 2008 © 2008 Jason Ray Meador All Rights Reserved THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A FRESHWATER MUSSEL SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR A LARGE LOWLAND RIVER by JASON RAY MEADOR Major Professor: James T. Peterson Committee: Brett Albanese Michael J. Conroy Electronic Version Approved: Maureen Grasso Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia May 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many people that offered assistance throughout the duration of this project for whom I am grateful.
    [Show full text]