ML050630026
| ML050630026 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Brunswick  |
| Issue date: | 11/30/2003 |
| From: | Progress Energy Carolinas |
| To: | Emch R Division of Regulatory Improvement Programs |
| Emch R, NRR/DRIP/RLEP, 415-1590 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML050630026 (44) | |
Text
BRUNSWICK STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT 2002 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT Prepared by:
Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas New Hill, North Carolina November 2003
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring, Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 BioIoQical Monltorinq Report Preface.-
This copy of the report is not a controlled document as detailed in the Environmental Services Section Biology Program Procedures Manual and Quality Assurance Manual. Any changes made to the original of this report subsequent to the date of issuance can be obtained from:
Director Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas Harris Energy and Environmental Center 3932 New Hill-Holleman Road Box 327 New Hill, North Carolina 27562-0327 Progress Energy Carolinas Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas i
Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Rep3ort BuscStm le cPn20MoNton Table of Contents.
Page Preface.1 List of Tables.11i List of Figures.................................................................
iv Metric-English Conversion and Units of Measure.............................................................
vi Common and Scientific Names of Species Used in this Report.................
vi Executive Summary.................................................................
vii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
.1-1 2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM RESULTS.2-1 2.1 Introduction...........................................................
2-1 2.2 Methods...........................................................
2-1 2.3 Results and Discussion...........................................................
2-3 2.3.1 Water Quality..........................................................
2-3 2.3.2 Dominant Species..........................................................
2-3 2.3.3 Seasonality and Abundance..........................................................
2-4 2.3.4 Fine-Mesh Screens..........................................................
2-5 2.35 Survival Estimates...........................................................
2-5 2.3.6 Marsh Trawl Results...........................................................
2-5 2.4 Summary and Conclusions...........................................................
2-7
3.0 REFERENCES
3-1 Progress Energy Carolinas Ii Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas ii Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Rep~ort i
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M in List of Tables Table Page 2.1 Cumulative density and percent of total for fish, penaeid shrimp, and portunid megalops collected during entrainment sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2001 and 2002.2-9 2.2 Total number of the ten most abundant taxa estimated for larval impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002, ranked by percent.................................................................................................
2-10 2.3 Total number, total weight, and percent of total of the ten most abundant juvenile and adult organisms collected in the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant impingement samples during 2002..................
2-11 2.4 Entrainment densities of selected taxa at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002......................................................
2-12 2.5 Entrainment rates of selected taxa at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.........................................................
2-13 2.6 Total number of selected taxa estimated by monthly samples of larval impingement at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002............
2-14 2.7 Juvenile and adult impingement densities for selected species per month at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002...........................
2-15 2.8 Modal lengths for selected juvenile and adult impingement species collected by month at the BSEP during 2002......................................................
2-16 2.9 Time-series analysis of Brunswick Steam Electric Plant juvenile and adult impingement data indicating trends in density from January 1977 through December 2002.........................................................
2-17 2.10 Percent effectiveness of fine-mesh screens in reducing the number of selected taxa entrained per sample at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002......................................................
2-18 2.11 Number of main cooling-water pumps and fine-mesh screens operating by sampling date at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.....................
2-19 2.12 Estimated number and percent survival of selected larval organisms collected during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.........................................................
2-20 Progress Energy Carolinas iii Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas Iiii Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report List of tables (continued)
Table Page 2.13 Estimated number, weight, and percent survival of selected juvenile and adult organisms collected during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.2-21 2.14 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort and percent catch of the dominant organisms collected with marsh trawl sampling in the Cape Fear Estuary during 2002........................................................
2-22 List of Figures Figure Page 1.1 Location of fish diversion structure, fish return system, and return basin at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.1-2 1.2 Impingement and entrainment sampling locations at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.1-3 1.3 Marsh trawl sampling locations in the Cape Fear Estuary during 2002.1-4 2.1 Mean daily freshwater flow to the Cape Fear River and monthly intake canal salinity at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002......................
2-23 2.2 Mean annual freshwater flow to the Cape Fear River, 1998-2002......................
2-23 2.3 Mean monthly intake canal water temperature at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.2-24 2.4 Mean monthly winter and summer intake canal water temperature at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1998-2002.2-24 2.5 Number of taxa collected in entrainment and larval impingement samples at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant during 2002.2-25 2.6 Time-series analysis of juvenile and adult Atlantic menhaden data collected during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1977-2002.2-25 Progress Energy Carolinas iv Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas iv Environmental Services Section
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-Brunswick Steamn Electric Plant' 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant*
2002 Biological Monitoring Report List of figures (continued)
Figure Page 2.7 Time-series analysis of juvenile and adult white shrimp data collected during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1977-2002.2-26 2.8 Length-frequency distributions and catch-per-unit-effort of spot collected in Walden Creek, Mott's Bay, and Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June during 2002.2-27 2.9 Length-frequency distributions and catch-per-unit-effort of croaker collected in Walden Creek, Mott's Bay, and Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June during 2002.2-28 2.10 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort of spot collected in Walden Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June of 1981 through 1993, 1999, and 2001.2-29 2.11 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort of croaker collected in Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June of 1981 through 1993 and 2002.2-29 Progress Energy Carolinas V
Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas v
Environmental Services Section
I Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloaical Monitorina Report lBrunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina Reoort Metric-English Conversion and Units of Measure Length Volume 1 micron (itm) = 4.0 x 10-5 inch 1 millimeter (mm) = 0.001 m = 0.04 inch 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 mm = 0.4 inch 1 meter (m) = 100 cm = 3.28 feet 1 kilometer (kin) = 1000 m = 0.62 mile Area 1 square meter (rn2) = 10.76 square feet 1 hectare (ha) = 10,000 m2 = 2.47 acres Temperature Degrees Celsius (0C) = 5/9 (0F-32) 1 milliliter (ml) = 0.034 fluid ounce 1 liter = 1000 ml = 0.26 gallon 1 cubic meter = 35.3 cubic feet Weight 1 microgram (ptg) = 10-3 mg or 10-6 g = 3.5 x 10-8 ounce 1 milligram (mg) = 3.5 x 10-5 ounce 1 gram (g) = 1000 mg = 0.035 ounce 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 g = 2.2 pounds 1 metric ton = 1000 kg = 1.1 tons 1 kg/hectare = 0.89 pound/acre Common and Scientific Names of Species Used in this Report Atlantic stingray Atlantic menhaden Anchovies Bay anchovy Striped anchovy Silversides Pinfish Star drum Silver perch Weakfish Spot Croaker Striped mullet Dasyatis sabina Brevoortia tyrannues Anchoa spp.
A. initchilli A. hepsetus Atherinidae Lagodon rhomboides Stellifer lanceolatus Bairdiella chrysura Cynoscion regalis Leiostonus xanthurus Micropogonias undulatus Mugil cephalus Gobies Gobies Atlantic cutlassfish Southern flounder Blackcheek tonguefish Shrimp Brown shrimp Pink shrimp White shrimp Hardback shrimp Grass shrimp Swimming crab larvae Blue crabs Blue crab Lesser blue crab Gobionellus spp.
Gobiosoma spp.
Trichitrus leptuius Paralichthys lethostigma.
Symphurus plagiusa Litopenaeus &
Farfantepenaeus spp.
F. aztecus F. duoraruni L. setiferus Trachypenaeus spp.
Palaemontes spp.
Portunid megalops Callinectes spp.
C sapidus C. sinmilis Progress Energy Carolinas vi Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas vi Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Executive Summary Biological monitoring of the Cape Fear Estuary (CFE) at Progress Energy Carolinas'(PEC) Brunswick Steam Electric Plant (BSEP) was conducted in 2002 as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. Entrainment and impingement studies monitored the effectiveness of the intake modifications in reducing entrainment and impingement of fish and shellfish.
A trawl special study was conducted to evaluate recruitment of fish and shellfish to nursery areas in the Cape Fear Estuary.
Seasonalities of organisms collected in the 2002 entrainment and larval impingement studies were similar to previous years and corresponded to seasonalities of larval organisms in the CFE.
Anchoa spp. and Gobiosoma spp. were the most abundant taxa collected in entrainment samples while shrimp and crab larvae were the most abundant organism collected in larval impingement samples. The density of total organisms collected in entrainment samples decreased approximately 45% from that collected during 2001 in part due to the use of relatively less coarse-mesh screens. Based on survival estimates data, approximately 45% of the larval species historically tested for survival were returned alive to the estuary by use of fine-mesh screens and the fish return system.
Results of time-series analysis on 27 years of data indicated significant reductions in the impingement of larger fish and shellfish as a result of the diversion structure. Ten of eleven selected taxa, including total organisms, exhibited significant decreases in impingement densities from 1977 through 2002. The impingement density of juvenile and adult Atlantic menhaden exhibited the greatest decline. Data collected during 2002 continued to show a change in species composition and a shift towards impingement of smaller individuals as a result of the construction of the diversion structure and the use of fine-mesh screens. Impingement is now dominated by bay anchovy and shrimp rather than larger finfish species since the diversion' structure successfully excluded most larger finfish. This is important because larger individuals comprise the reproducing members of the population.
In addition, shrimp exhibit excellent survival in the fish return system. Approximately 87% to 91% of the shrimp impinged during 2002 were returned alive to the estuary. Approximately 47% of the total number and 43% of the total weight of all impinged organisms, excluding bay anchovy, were returned alive to the estuary Results of intensive sampling throughout the 1970's, before the installation of fine-mesh screens and the fish return system, indicated that operation of the plant had no measurable adverse effect on fish and shellfish populations in the CFE. Marsh trawl sampling results during 2002 continued to support these conclusions. No disruption in recruitment or abundance patterns of organisms using the CFE was evident during 2002. In addition, the annual abundance of the two dominant species, spot and croaker, was as great or greater than the median values reported during the long-term marsh study initiated 22 years ago.
Biological monitoring during 2002 continued to show that the combination of the diversion structure, fine-mesh screens, and fish return system reduced the number of fish and shellfish entrained and impinged. These modifications also continued to ensure that the most valuable commercial species are returned alive to the estuary in large numbers.
Progress Energy Carolinas vii Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas vii Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorinci Report
1.0 INTRODUCTION
PEC, formerly Carolina Power & Light Company (CP&L), was issued a permit in December 1974 to discharge cooling water from the BSEP into the Atlantic Ocean under a NPDES permit. Cooling water is withdrawn from the CFE. As a stipulation of the NPDES permit, biological monitoring is required to provide sufficient information for a continuing assessment of power plant impacts on the marine and estuarine fisheries of the CFE. Data are reported annually and will provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the fish diversion structure and fine-mesh screens in minimizing the entrainment and impingement of organisms.
A stipulation of the renewed 1981 NPDES permit and subsequent permits was the implementation of power plant modifications to reduce entrainment and impingement of estuarine organisms resulting from the intake of cooling water. A permanent diversion structure was constructed across the mouth of the intake canal in November 1982 to reduce impingement by preventing large fish and shellfish from entering the intake canal (Figure 1.1). To reduce entrainment, fine-mesh (1-mm) screens were installed on two of the four intake traveling screen assemblies of each unit in July 1983 and a third was installed on each unit in April 1987. The NPDES permit required that three of the four intake traveling-screen assemblies on each unit be covered with fine mesh screens.
Under the permit, a maximum intake flow of 26.1 cubic meters per second (cms) per unit is allowed from December through March, and 31.1 cms per unit is allowed from April through November. Normally only fine-mesh screens are used during these periods of maximum intake flow. The flow of one unit may be increased to 34.8 cms during July, August, and September by using a fourth intake pump operating with coarse-mesh (9.4-mm) screens.
Beginning in 1994, PEC reduced the biological monitoring program with the concurrence of the North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources. Based on almost two decades of operation with no adverse impact on fish and shellfish populations in the CFE, the monitoring program was modified to concentrate on the impingement and entrainment of organisms (Figure 1.2). This report presents data for 2002 on impingement and entrainment rates of larval, juvenile, and adult fish and shellfish and evaluates the effectiveness of the NPDES-required plant intake modifications.
In recent years (2000-2002), the BSEP faced an operational challenge in the form of a marine macroalgae, Gracilaria tenuistipitata, causing screen clogging and increased maintenance of the fish diversion structure and fine-mesh intake traveling screens. The increased abundance of this non-native species of Gracilaria may have been influenced by changing environmental conditions such as temperature, high salinity associated with drought conditions, and hurricane related nutrient inputs in addition to a lack of native herbivores. During periods of vulnerability, the intake traveling screens were operated with reduced fine-mesh screens for short periods of time during 2001 and to a lesser extent during 2002 as allowed by the NPDES permit. In order to evaluate the potential operational effects from use of fewer fine-mesh screens on fish and shellfish populations, a marsh trawl special study was conducted from January through June to evaluate recruitment of postlarval fish and shellfish to the primary nursery areas adjacent to and upriver of the BSEP intake canal (Figure 1.3).
Progress Energy Carolinas 1-1 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 1 -1 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monhtorina Report Figure 1.1 Location of fish diversion structure, fish return system, and return basin at the BSEP.
Progress Energy Carolinas 1-2 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 1 -2 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steamn Electric Plant 2002 Bioloaical Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monhtorina Report Figure 1.2 Impingement (fish return flume) and entrainment (discharge weir) sampling locations at the BSEP during 2002.
Progress Energy Carolinas 1-3 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 1-3 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Stearn Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Re d i
-Il
-Bnjnswick Steam i Electric Plant NORTH CAROLINA A
N Plant Site Dutchman Creek ~-
0 2
4 6
I e
I I
Kilometers 0
2 4
I Miles Ocean Discharge Area Atlantic Ocean Baldhead Creek Figure 1.3 Marsh trawl sampling locations in the Cape Fear River Estuary during 2002.
Progress Energy Carolinas 1-4 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 1 -4 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biolocildal Moriltorina Report -
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2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM RESULTS 2.1 Introduction Past data indicated that the impingement of large fish and shellfish of the CFE was reduced as a result of the 9.4-mm mesh screening on the diversion structure (CP&L 1984, 1985a, 1985b).
Organisms small enough to enter the intake canal through the diversion structure may be impinged on the plant intake screens and returned to the CFE via a fish-return flume or they may be entrained through the plant. Previous studies by PEC have documented a reduction in the entrainment of small organisms due to installation of fine-mesh screens at the intake structure and the subsequent survival of a percentage of impinged larvae returned to the CFE via the fish-return flume (Hogarth and Nichols 1981; CP&L 1989).
Entrainment sampling during 2002 documented the species composition, seasonality, and abundances of larval and postlarval organisms passing through the cooling system.
Larval impingement sampling evaluated the success of the fine-mesh screens in reducing entrainment of these organisms.
Juvenile and adult (J/A) impingement sampling documented species composition, densities, weights, and lengths of juvenile and adult organisms impinged during 2002 and provided evidence of the continued effectiveness of the diversion structure. Survival study results from previous years were used to determine the effectiveness of the return system for returning impinged organisms alive to the CFE (CP&L 1987, 1988).
The marsh trawl special study was conducted from January through June to evaluate recruitment of postlarval fish and shellfish to the primary nursery areas adjacent to and upriver of the BSEP intake canal. This was a continuation of the study conducted during the spring and summer of 2001 and was designed to collect information regarding winter-spawning species during 2002. The study focused on information concerning species composition and abundance by location and date. Although reduced in scope and frequency, the marsh trawl study was conducted in a fashion similar to the long-term study from 1981 through 1993 so that results were comparable (CP&L 1994). These results could then provide insight regarding potential impact by the BSEP on the populations of fish and shellfish in the CFE.
2.2 Methods Intake canal water temperature and salinity measurements were collected from the fish return flume during impingement sampling. Daily freshwater flow values presented in the report were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey website. Total freshwater input to the CFE was estimated using data from stream gaging stations in the Cape Fear, Northeast Cape Fear, and Black Rivers according to the methods presented by Giese et al. (1979, 1985).
The collection gear used for entrainment and impingement sampling has remained unchanged since 1984 (CP&L 1985a).
Because sampling has been conducted only once per month since 1990, results were not expanded to obtain annual estimates of organisms entrained or impinged; rather, entrainment and impingement rates, densities, and total number of organisms collected were expanded to give an estimate for 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />. The juvenile and adult Progress~~~~ EnryCrlnsE1EvrnetlSrie eto Progress Energy Carolinas 2-1 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloaical Monitorina ReDort '
Brunwic Stam Eectic lan 200 BiloacalMonioria Roor impingement program included fish and shrimp 2 41 mm, portunid crabs 2 25 mm, and eels and pipefish 2 101 mm.
Individual organisms smaller than these size limits would have been entrained without use of fine-mesh screens and were analyzed with the larval impingement program.
Densities calculated for all larval organisms were averaged to obtain a mean number-per 1000 m3 of water entrained through the plant per sampling date. Densities for juvenile and adult organisms impinged on each sampling date were calculated by dividing the total number of organisms collected by the volume of water pumped through the plant. Densities were expressed as the number per million cubic meters of water pumped through the plant during each 24-hour sampling period.
Time-series analysis (In [density + 1]; CP&L 1985a) was performed on juvenile and adult impingement data from January 1977 through December 2002. Selected species included bay anchovy, Atlantic menhaden, croaker, spot, weakfish, southern flounder, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, white shrimp, and blue crabs. The 1983 data were excluded from analysis because impingement samples were not collected during July through December of that year.
One sampling effort per month was used for all years for comparable sampling effort.
Survival was determined for selected size classes of the dominant organisms that have been impinged at the BSEP in past years (CP&L 1985a, 1986, 1987, 1988). Survival estimates were calculated using survival rates determined during previous studies for slow-screen rotation (CP&L 1987, 1988). A mortality rate of 100% was used for taxa that have never been tested.
Thus, the estimated survival rate for total organisms is a conservative estimate.
The marsh trawl study was conducted with 3.2-m trawl having a 6.4-mm bar mesh body and 3.2-mm mesh cod end. Sampling methods and laboratory procedures were identical to those used in previous years (CP&L 1982, 1994). Sampling frequency was reduced in scope to once per calendar month (rather than once every 3 weeks) and conducted during the same week that entrainment and impingement sampling were conducted at the BSEP. Three nursery areas representing different salinity regimes in the CFE were sampled (Figure 1.3). Four stations (21, 24, 27, and 28) were sampled in Walden Creek adjacent to the BSEP intake. Walden Creek usually exhibits mesohaline salinity conditions (< 5.0-18.0 ppt salinity) during most of the year.
Mott's Bay (Stations 31 and 32) were located approximately 30.5 km upriver from the mouth of the CFR and exhibits oligohaline (> 0.5-5.0 ppt salinity) to mesohaline salinity conditions.
Alligator Creek (Stations 42 and 43) is located approximately 42.3 km from the mouth of the CFR. This creek system varies from freshwater to oligohaline depending upon the magnitude of fresh water input to the CFE. Results were expressed as catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) and obtained by dividing the total number collected by the number of trawling efforts.
Since sampling during 2002 was from January to June, analysis periods from 1981-1993 were also restricted to January through June. Historical results for Mott's Bay encompass the years 1984-1993 since sampling of Station 32 did not begin until 1984. A preliminary study was conducted in Walden Creek only during 1999 and results were included where appropriate.
Progress Energy Carolinas 2-2 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-2 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report 2.3 Results and Discussion 2.3.1 Water Quality Intake canal salinity recorded during impingement sampling ranged from a low of 17 ppt during December to a high of 32 ppt during June (Figure 2.1). High salinity during the summer corresponded with stable, low freshwater input to the CFE. Variable peaks in freshwater flow occurred during winter, spring, and fall. However, overall freshwater input to the CFE was similar to inputs during 2001 and considerably less than inputs from 1998 to 2000 (Figure 2.2).
Intake canal water temperature ranged from 9.3 C during December to 28.6 C during July (Figure 2.3). Mean water temperature during the peak recruitment season for most winter-spawners (January-March) was slightly greater than the mean from the previous four years (Figure 2.4). Little difference was evident for mean summer water temperature (June-August) among these years.
2.3.2 Dominant Species Similar to previous years, Anchoa spp. was the most abundant taxon collected in entrainment samples during 2002 and comprised 26.3% of all organisms collected (Table 2.1). The second most abundant was Gobiosoma spp. (21.6%).
The numerically dominant winter-spawning species entrained were spot, Atlantic menhaden, croaker and pinfish. The cumulative density of total organisms collected in entrainment samples during 2002 was approximately 45% less than that collected during 2001 (Table 2.1).'
Ten taxa accounted for 92.8% of the total larval organisms collected in larval impingement samples during 2002 (Table 2.2). Shrimp and Anchoa spp. were the most dominant larvae taxa impinged.
Although the relative ranking has varied, the ten most abundant species have generally dominated larval impingement samples each year since 1984. Croaker, spot, pinfish, and Atlantic menhaden were the most dominant winter-spawning larvae impinged. The number of all larvae collected with larval impingement sampling during 2002 decreased by approximately 33% compared to the number collected during 2001 (Table 2.2; CP&L 2002).
The number of larval taxa collected in larval impingement samples by month was generally greater than the number collected in entrainment samples during 2002 due to the use of fine-mesh screens (Figure 2.5).
Ten taxa accounted for 83.5% of the total number of organisms collected in J/A impingement samples during 2002 (Table 2.3). Bay anchovy was the most numerous species impinged, accounting for 36.1% of the total number impinged. White shrimp was the second most abundant taxon impinged, accounting for 13.8% of the total number collected. Prior to intake modifications in 1983, Atlantic menhaden numerically dominated J/A impingement samples (CP&L 1980a, 1980b, 1982, 1983). Spot, lesser blue crab, brown shrimp, pinfish, pink shrimp, threadfin shad, striped anchovy, and star drum combined accounted for an additional 33.6% of the total number collected.
These ten most numerically abundant taxa comprised 64.5% of the total weight collected during impingement sampling. Other taxa that contributed substantially to the biomass collected during J/A impingement sampling were Atlantic cutlassfish Progress Energy Carolinas 2-3 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-3 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bloloqical Monitorinq Report Brunswick-Sta ElcrcPat20 ilqclMntrnjRpr (17.6 kg), blue crab (13.1 kg), Atlantic menhaden-(6.2 kg), mantis shrimp (6.1 kg), spotted hake (5.0 kg), Atlantic stingray (4.8 kg), and croaker (4.3 kg).
No threatened or endangered fish species were collected with entrainment or impingement sampling during 2002.
2.3.3 Seasonality and Abundance Seasonal variations for larvae entrained and impinged in 2002 were similar to those observed in previous years and corresponded to the seasonalities of larval fish in the CFE (Tables 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6; CP&L 1994). Peaks of abundance in entrainment and impingement of organisms can be influenced by environmental conditions such as changing freshwater discharge to the estuary, operating screens without fine mesh, increasing or decreasing the flow of cooling water as determined by plant operational needs, and sampling period.
The typical winter and summer periods of abundance observed during 2002 in the entrainment program were also observed in the larval impingement program. (Table 2.6).
Atlantic menhaden, spot, croaker, and pinfish, all ocean-spawned species, were most abundant during winter and early spring. Shrimp larvae were most abundant during spring and mid-summer. Estuarine-spawned species (e.g., anchovy, Gobiosomna spp., and silversides) were most abundant during summer. The period of abundance for portunid megalops occurred during the fall and early winter. Larval Gobionellus spp., present year-round, was most abundant during spring.
Seasonality's of larger individuals collected during J/A impingement sampling were consistent with previous years and the natural seasonality's reported for these species in the lower CFE by Schwartz et al. (1979). Atlantic menhaden abundant during the winter were yearlings as indicated by modal lengths of 50-65 mm (Tables 2.7 and 2.8). Yearling fish also comprised the majority of spot collected during February and March. Peak densities of spot during May were comprised of young-of-year individuals as was the case for croaker collected during April. These results indicate that impingement of finfish was comprised mostly of young-of-year and yearling individuals. Thus, impingement of significant numbers of larger fish has been virtually eliminated by the installation of the fish diversion structure.
Bay anchovy, collected year round, was most abundant during May. Peak densities of white, brown, and pink shrimp occurred during the summer and fall. Blue crab was most abundant during summer.
Installation of the diversion structure has resulted in a decline in the impingement densities of most J/A organisms. Results of time-series analysis indicated that total organisms and nine of the ten selected taxa exhibited significant decreases in impingement density over the past 27 years (Table 2.9).
Atlantic menhaden exhibited the greatest decline in impingement density (Figure 2.6). White shrimp was the only species that exhibited a significant increase in density over the study period (Table 2.9 and Figure 2.7). This trend was a result of a natural increase in white shrimp populations in the CFE. Previous studies have shown that significant increases in the white shrimp population in Walden Creek coincide with increases in impingement of this species (CP&L 1994). Postlarval shrimp too small to be excluded by the diversion structure Progress Energy Carolinas 2-4 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-4 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam-Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 BioloQical Monitorinci Report successfully recruited to the intake canal and used it as nursery habitat and. were subsequently impinged (Birkhead et al. 1979; Copeland et al. 1974, 1979; CP&L 1991).
2.3.4 Fine-Mesh Screens Entrainment and larval impingement rates per 24-hour sampling period during 2002 were summed to find the total number of larvae affected. The percent effectiveness (how successfully the organisms were kept from being entrained) of fine-mesh screens was calculated as the ratio between the larval impingement rate and the total number (entrainment plus larval impingement) affected for each sampling trip. The overall effectiveness for total organisms ranged from 7%
during April to 42% in September (Table 2.10).
These efficiencies were greater than those reported for 2001 since fewer coarse-mesh screen panels were operated during 2002 (Table 2.11; CP&L 2002).
In addition to the number of fine-mesh screens operating, the variability of their effectiveness was influenced by species composition, seasonality, and organism size. Body size and shape have been shown to have an effect on screening efficiency for other species of larval fish (Tomljanovich et al. 1978; Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation 1984). By taxon, the overall annual effectiveness ranged from 1% for silversides to 73% for hardback shrimp. During September, when fine-mesh screen efficiencies were highest, the dominant larvae were shrimp and portunid megalops (taxa exhibiting relatively high fine-mesh screen efficiency) (Tables 2.5, 2.6, 2.10, and 2.11). The lowest fine-mesh screen efficiencies for the year were recorded during May when taxa such as Gobiosoma spp., Anchoa spp. < 13 mm, and silverside larvae were numerically dominant (taxa exhibiting relatively poor fine-mesh screen efficiency).
2.3.5 Survival Estimates Nine of the most commonly impinged larval taxa were previously tested for survival on slow screen rotation speed (Table 2.12). These nine taxa accounted for approximately 76% of the total larval impingement catch. Survival during slow-screen rotation ranged from 0% for Atlantic menhaden to 94.0% for blue crabs. Approximately 47% of the selected organisms were returned alive to the estuary. Estimates indicated that approximately 35% of all larval taxa impinged were returned alive to the estuary (assuming 100% mortality for organisms not tested for survival).
Six taxa of the dominant J/A organisms impinged were previously tested for survival during slow-screen rotation (Table 2.13; CP&L 1987, 1988). These taxa accounted for approximately 73% of the total number collected and 59% of the total weight collected.
Excluding bay anchovy, survival ranged from 53.1% for croaker to 92.1% for blue crabs. The most valuable commercial species (shrimp and blue crabs) exhibited the highest survival rates.
Survival estimates indicated that 47.3% of the total number and 43.3% of the total weight of the selected J/A organisms impinged, excluding bay anchovy, were returned alive to the estuary during 2002.
2.3.6 Marsh Trawl Results Adverse effects on populations of fish and shellfish due to Plant operation was likely minimal. Results of intensive sampling throughout the 1970's, prior to the installation of fine-Progress Energy Carolinas 2-5 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-5 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report' Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bolociical Monitorina Report mesh screens and the fish return system; indicated that operation of the plant had no measurable adverse effect on fish and shellfish populations in the Cape Fear River Estuary (CP&L 1980a).
Annual population levels were determined by temperature, freshwater flow, and salinity (CP&L 1980a). Marsh trawl results during 2002 continued to support these conclusions.
Spot and croaker dominated the trawl samples at one or more of the nursery areas sampled during 2002 (Table 2.14).
Grass shrimp, Atlantic menhaden, brown shrimp, pinfish, bay anchovy, and southern flounder also comprised significant portions of the trawl catch.
The species compositions of trawl samples collected during 2002 were similar to species compositions documented from 1981 through 1993 indicating no major changes since that time (CP&L 1993, 1985b). Except for grass shrimp and bay anchovy, these species spawn offshore during the winter months. The larvae are transported into the CFE during winter and early spring.
Water withdrawal due to operation of the BSEP did not limit movement of organisms into Walden Creek or the upstream nursery areas of Mott's Bay and Alligator Creek.
Spatial distributions of organisms within the CFE were a result of environmental variables such as changing freshwater flow during recruitment periods of respective species. Spot was distributed throughout the estuary during 2002 as a result of reduced freshwater input during this species' recruitment period (Table 2.14; Figures 2.1 and 2.2). Historically spot were generally more abundant in the lower estuarine nursery areas such as Walden Creek. Lower freshwater input during the recruitment period for larval spot (January-March, December) tends to expand the available nursery habitat for spot by facilitating upstream transport of larval spot (CP&L 1985b, 1993; Thompson 1989; Weinstein et al. 1980a and 1980b).
Atlantic menhaden, brown shrimp, and pinfish were more abundant in Walden Creek compared to the upriver sampling areas. This is the spatial distribution these species normally exhibit within the estuary (CP&L 1985b, 1993, 2002; Weinstein et al. 1980a and 1980b). Typical of the pattern observed during previous years, grass shrimp was most abundant in both the lower and upper estuary creek systems as opposed to Mott's Bay. Croaker and southern flounder were more abundant in the upriver Alligator Creek nursery area.
The spatial and temporal recruitment patterns of these species, especially for spot and croaker, provide another means to measure whether impact due to plant operation has occurred to these populations of fish. No disruption in recruitment or abundance patterns for these species was evident during 2002.
Both spot and croaker young-of-year recruits were present at all locations sampled as early as January (Figures 2.8 and 2.9). Peak recruitment, as measured with the trawl gear, occurred during March and April for spot and during March for croaker.
Differences in the vertical migratory behavior of larval spot and croaker during movement into the estuary accounted for the more rapid dispersal and greater abundance of croaker in the upriver nursery areas compared to the lower estuary, a consistent pattern evident during previous years (Copeland et al. 1979, Weinstein et al. 1980b, Lawler et al. 1988).
Comparisons to long-term historical trends in the abundances spot and croaker were of particular interest with respect to operation of the BSEP during 2002. Twenty-two years after initiation of the original marsh study there was no evidence that operation of the Plant has adversely affected the abundances of these two species in their customary nursery areas. During Progress Energy Carolinas 2-6 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-6 Environmiental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report' Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Repoit 2002, the annual abundance of spot collected in Walden Creek was similar to the median of values reported during the long-term study period from 1981 to. 1993 (Figure 2.10). The relative abundance of croaker collected in Alligator Creek during 2002 was the highest recorded over the entire study period (Figure 2.11). These results are representative of species that spawn and recruit to the estuary during the winter months. Similar conclusions were evident from results for spring/summer spawning species sampled during 2001 (CP&L 2002).
2.4 Summary and Conclusions Seasonality's of organisms collected in the 2002 entrainment and larval impingement studies were similar to previous years and corresponded to seasonality's of larval organisms in the CFE.
Anchoa spp. and Gobiosonza spp. were the most abundant taxa collected in entrainment samples while shrimp larvae and portunid crab megalops were the most abundant organisms collected with larval impingement samples. The density of total organisms collected in entrainment samples decreased approximately 45% from that collected during 2001 in part due to the use of relatively less coarse-mesh screens Entrainment of total organisms was reduced by approximately 16% with a range of 7% to 42% by using fine-mesh screens in 2002. The greatest reductions in entrainment were evident for shrimp and crab larvae, the most valuable commercial species. Based on survival estimates data, approximately 45% of the larval species historically tested for survival were returned alive to the estuary by use of fine-mesh screens and the fish return system.
Bay anchovy and white shrimp numerically dominated the juvenile and adult impingement catch during 2002. Larger finfish such as Atlantic menhaden, spot, and croaker comprised the majority of the organisms impinged prior to 1983. Data collected during 2002 continued to show a shift towards impingement of smaller individuals for most of the selected species as a result of the construction of the diversion structure and the use of fine-mesh screens. This is important because larger individuals comprise the reproducing members of the population. Results of time-series analysis on 27 years of data indicated significant reductions in the impingement of larger fish and shellfish as a result of the diversion structure. Ten of eleven selected taxa, including total organisms, exhibited significant decreases in impingement densities from 1977 through 2002. The impingement density of juvenile and adult Atlantic menhaden exhibited the greatest decline. Based on survival estimates, approximately 47% of the total number and 43% of the total weight of the impinged organisms, excluding bay anchovy, were returned alive to the estuary. Greater than 90% of the blue crabs and 87% to 91% of the shrimp impinged during 2002 were returned alive to the estuary. These were the most valuable commercial species.
Results of intensive sampling throughout the 1970's, before the installation of fine-mesh screens and the fish return system, indicated that operation of the plant had no measurable adverse effect on fish and shellfish populations in the CFE. Annual population levels were determined by temperature, freshwater flow, and salinity. Marsh trawl sampling results during 2002 continued to support these conclusions. Water withdrawal due to operation of the BSEP did not limit movement of organisms into Walden Creek or the upstream nursery areas of Mott's Bay and Alligator Creek. No disruption in recruitment or abundance patterns of organisms using the CFE was evident during 2002. Additionally, the annual abundance of the two dominant Progress Energy Carolinas 2-7 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 2-7 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioiocjicai Monitorincj Report
.species, spot and croaker, was as larger or larger than the median values reported during the long-term marsh study initiated 22 years ago.
The BSEP intake modifications continued to be effective in reducing the number of organisms affected by the withdrawal of cooling water from the CFE. The diversion structure excluded most large organisms and many of the larval, juvenile, and adult organisms impinged were returned alive to the estuary by using fine-mesh traveling screens and the fish return system.
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. 2-8 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.1 Cumulative density (NoJ1000 m3) and percent of total for fish, penaeid shrimp, and portunid megalops collected during entrainment sampling at the BSEP during 2001 and 2002 (based on ranking for 2002).
2001 2002 Cumulative+
Cumulative+
Taxon density Percent density Percent Gobiosorna spp.
3,040 21.8 1,665 21.6 Anchoa spp. (Ž13 mm) 2,201 15.8 1,060 13.8 Anchoa spp. (< 13 mm) 2,344 16.8 960 12.5 Spot 1,629 11.7 901 11.7 Shrimp 431 3.1 810 10.5 Atlantic menhaden 348 2.5 673 8.8 Croaker 1,879 13.5 576 7.5.
Portunid megalops 219-1.6 227 3.0 Pinfish 163 1.2 141 1.8 Microgobius spp.
31 0.2 137 1.8 Other taxa 1,527 10.9 544 7.1 Totallo 13,939 100.0 7,694 100.0
+ Cumulative density is the sum of all sample densities.
sTotal may vary from summation due to rounding of individual taxon.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 1 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.2 Total number of the ten most abundant taxa estimated for larval impingement sampling at the BSEP during 2002, ranked by percent.
Taxon Total number' Percent Shrimp 1;6x 106 24.3 Portunid megalops 1.0 x 106 14.7 Anchoa spp. (Ž13 mm) 1.0 x 106 14.5 Croaker 6.5 x 105 9.7 Anchoa spp. (< 13 mm) 4.6 x 105 6.8 Gobiosoma spp.
4.5 x 105 6.8 Spot 4.3 x 10' 6.5 Pinfish 2.6x 105 3.8 Atlantic menhaden 2.4 x 10 5
3.6 Hardback shrimp 1.4 x 105 2.1 Other taxa 4.8 x 105 7.2 Totals 6.7 x 106 100.0
+Total number is a sum of the twelve sampling-day totals.
1Total may vary from summation due to rounding of individual taxon.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report" -
Table 2.3 Total number, total weight, and percent of total of the ten most abundant juvenile and adult organisms collected in the BSEP impingement samples during 2002.
Taxon Bay anchovy White shrimp Spot Lesser blue crab Brown shrimp Pinfish Pink shrimp Threadfin shad Striped anchovy Star drum Other taxa Number+
16,935 6,469 2,828 2,357 2,302 2,111 2,077 1,659 1,275 1,208 7,407 Percent$
36.1 13.8 6.0 5.0 4.9 4.5 4.4 3.5 2.7 2.6 16.5 Weight (kg)+
32.6 49.9 16.7 8.0 14.9 9.5 6.9 5.2 6.4 4.3 84.9 Percents 13.6 20.8 7.0 3.3 6.2 4.0 2.9 2.2 2.7 1.8 35.5 Total 46,888 100.0 239.4 100.0
+Numbers and weights are sums of the twelve sampling day totals.
Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitor'ing Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitodng Report Table 2.4 Entrainment densities.(mean no./1000 m3 per sampling day) of selected taxa+ -.:
at the BSEP during 2002.
Taxa Jan Spot 109 Atlantic menhaden 228 Pinfish 83 Croaker 77 Gobionellus spp.
0 Silversides 0
Anchoa spp.
(<13 mm) 0 Gobiosomna spp.
0 Blennidae 0
Microgobius spp.
0 Shrimp 18 Hardback shrimp 0
Portunid megalops 0
Portunidae 0
Anchoa spp.
(Ž 13 mm) 213 Total organisms 749 Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 72 18 6
23 0
0 0
0 0
0 50 0
0 0
711 426 42 119 16 0
0 0
0 0
85 0
3 0
8 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
5 0
0 0
156 0
0 0
14 6
0 6
49 29 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 3
0 0
20 0
0 3
799 53 1,110 215 55 23 63 27 15 183 0
0 0
2 0
3 68 141 1
15 129 9
3 3
0 0
0 0
0 18 146 6.3 28 190 3
18 3
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 13 27 0
5 6
0 0
'0 5.2 17 0
33 14 2
0 0
0 3.0 0
0 48 56 15 6
2.9 0
0 25 174 0
3 3
0 6
160 8
0 0 '
2 0
0 0
0 2
0 521 722 69 152 2.5 15 13 247 1,610 273 2,209 531 18 37 3
9 6
399 466 102 148 237
+Selected taxa comprised > 1% of the total sampled in either entrainment or larval impingement.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.5
... Entrainment rates (million per sampling day).of~selected taxa+ at the BSEP during 2002.
Month Taxa Spot Jan 0.493 Feb 0.325 Mar 1.605 Apr 0.043 May 0
Month Jun Jul 0'
0 Aug 0
Sep Oct 0
0 Nov 0
Dec 0
Atlantic menhaden Pinfish Croaker Gobionellus spp.
Silversides 1.030 0.083 0.962 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0.373 0.348 0
0 0.027 0.103 0
0 0.095 0.270 0.037 0
0.028 0.842 0.076 0.263 0
0 0.034 0.154 0
0 0
0 0
0 0.034 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0.073 0.029 0
0 0.145 0.033 0.
0.025 0.720 0.034 0
Anchoa spp.
(< 13 mm)
Gobiosoma spp Blennidae Microgobitis spp.
Shrimp Hardback shrimp Portunid megalops Portunidae Anchoa spp.
( 13 mm)
Total organisms Volume (X10 6 m 3 )19 0
0 0
0 0.083 0
0 0
0.962 0
0 0
0 0.227 0
0 0
0.310 0
0 0
0 0.192 0
0.007 0
0.342 0
0.013 0
0 0.106 0
0 0.014 0.013 4.300 5.976 0.298 0.340 0.082 0
0 0
0.081 0.284 1.159 0.123 0.147 0.987 0
0.008 0.017 0.067 0.389 0.801 0.008 0.087 0.733 0.051 0.016 0.016 0.105 0.104 0.830 0.036 0.160 1.084 0.017 0.102 0.017 0.210 0.016 0.101 0
0.009 0.146 0.018 0
0 0.009 0.092 0.075 0
0 0.300 0.015 0.137 0.014 0.047 0
0.008 0
0 0.083 0
0.938 0.016 0.032 0
0.009 0
0 0
0 0.008 0
2.352 3.382 1.116 3.633 1.471 11.89 2.858 2.275 2.656 0.307 0.796 1.273 3.256 4.512 4.512 2.256 5.383 5.383 5.383 5.701 5.701 3.010 5.383 5.383 4.512
'Selected taxa comprised > 1% of the total sampled in either entrainment or larval impingement.
'OEstimated volume of water pumped at the BSEP each sampling day.
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--Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloqical Monitorinq Report Table 2.6..
Total number (million persampling'day) of selected taxa+ estimated by monthly samples of larval impingement at the BSEP during 2002.
Taxa Spot Atlantic menhaden Pinfish Croaker Gobionellits spp.
Silversides Anchoa spp.
(< 13 mm)
Gobiosoma spp.
Blennidae Microgobius spp.
Shrimp Hardback shrimp Portunid megalops Portunidae Anchoa spp.
(Ž 13 mm)
Total organisms Jan 0.105 0.192 Month Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul 0.126 0.166 0.034 0.003
. 0 0
0.021 0.024 0.002 0
0 0
Aug Sept Oct Nov 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0.
0.
226 0.006 0.008 < 0.001 0.001 < 0.001 0
057 0.078 0.024 0.251 <0.001 0
0 0
0.001 0.012 0.023 0.008 0
0.OC 0
0 01 0
0 52 0.010 0
0 0.002
< 0.001 0.001 0.056 0
< 0.001 0
0 0
0
< 0.001 < 0.001 0
Dec 0
0 0.010 0.181 0.018 0
0 0
< 0.001 0
0 0
<0.001 0.002 0
0 0.379 0.
0 0
.015 0.05 0
0 0
0 0.298 0
0 0
0 0.006 0
0 0
0 0.011 0.019 0.119 0.242 0.126 0.041 0
0.002 0.001 0.001 0.007
< 0.001 0.001 0.008 0.018 0.014 0
0.007 0
<0.001 0.004 0.029 0.057 0.022 0.003 0.043 0.016 0.091 0
< 0.001 0.002 0.011 0.240 0.462 0.013 0.14 0.054 0.049 0.010 0.035 0.003 0.032 0.030
< 0.001 0.021 0.188 0.052 0.051 0.021 0.018 0.016 0.001 0
< 0.001 0.002 0
0.134 0.029 0.031 0.003 0.033 0.165 0.002 0.008 0.002 0.001 0
0.001 0
0 0
0 0.026 <0.001 0.008 0.010 0.568 0.024 0.005 0
0.031 0.730 0.645 0.428 0.517 0.484 0.935 0.366 0.770 0.408 0.224 0.213 0.699 1.012
+Selected taxa comprised > 1% of the total sampled in either entrainment or larval impingement.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.7 Juvenile and adult impingement densities (No./million m3 of water entrained during each 24-hour sampling period) for selected species' per month at the BSEP during 2002.
Bay Atlantic White Brown Pink Blue Month anchovy menhaden Spot Croaker shrimp shrimp shrimp crab Jan 170 3
0
<1 5
0 2
2 Feb 690 55 103 27 24 0
22 22 Mar 692 0
171 14 8
0 11 8
Apr 789 4
15 143 1
0 23 16 May 1,181 23 299 33 0
122 34 95 Jun 64 3
14 0
1 259 24 144 Jul 5
0 3
< 1 32 28 39 45 Aug 18 1
0 0
498 25 167 82 Sep 2
0 0
0 232 0
34 33 Oct 0
0 1
0 39 0
18 68 Nov 298
< 1 0
0 111 6
49 33 Dec 83 45 96
< 1 390 0
1 6
Selected species, with the exception of bay anchovy, are commercially and recreationally important species that accounted for greater than 1% of the total catch by number or weight.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.8 Modal lengths (mm) for selected+ juvenile' and adult impingement speciesl collected by month at the BSEP during 2002.
Atlantic White Brown Pink Month menhaden Spot Croaker shrimp shrimp shrimp Jan 60 0
IDE 130 NC1 ID Feb 65 80 45 130 NC 85, 105 Mar NC 85 45 ID NC ID Apr ID 95 60 ID NC 105 May 50 45 70 NC 60 115,120 Jun 150 55,60 NC ID 105 50 Jul NC 60 ID 55 105 55 Aug NC NC NC 115 115,125 60 Sep NC NC NC 110 NC 55 Oct NC ID NC 75 NC 70 Nov ID NC NC 115 ID 65 Dec 90 65 ID 85 NC ID
'Selected species are commercially and recreationally important species which accounted for greater than 1% of the total catch by number or weight.
1Fish Ž 41 mm and crabs Ž 25 mm.
INC= None Collected.
LID = Insufficient number collected (< 10).
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.9 Time-series analysis of BSEP juvenile and-adult impingement data indicating trends in density tIn(no.imillion m3+1)] from January 1977 through December 2002.
Taxon Trend+
Slope R'
Atlantic menhaden 0.00038 0.99 Weakfish 0.00023 0.98 Blue crabs 0.00017 0.99 Spot 0.00018 0.99 Croaker 0.00021 0.98 Flounder 0.00015 0.98 Pink shrimp 0.00011 0.98 Bay anchovy 0.00011 0.99 Brown shrimp 0.00005 0.98 White shrimp 0.00023 0.99 Total organisms 0.00015 0.99
+Trends are explained with the following notation:
NS =P>0.05
- 0.01
< P < 0.05
- = 0.001 < P < 0.01 p < 0.001
+ = Increasing trend
-=
Decreasing trend R2= Amount of variation explained by the dependent variable-in the time-series model.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloqical Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina Reoort...
Table 2.10 Percent effectiveness' of fine-mesh screens in reducing the number of selected taxa entrained per sample at the BSEP during 2002.
Month Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Annual Shrimp 19 34 56 54 33 20 39 15 48 9
24 100 29 Portunid megalops Anchoa spp.
(< 13 mm)
Croaker Anchoa spp.
( 13 mm)
Spot Gobionellus spp.
100 100 53 100 100 87 75 33 100 55 38 75 100 NP" NP NP 8
5 12 9
4
<1 NP NP 14 43 8
23 100 NP NP NP 100 2
28 20 3
16 6
19 35 4
23 8
18 2
49 24 18 28 9
44 100 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 45 8
21 18 15 NP 100 25 23 19 NP 3
NP NP 2 0
35 19 Gobiosoma spp.
Silversides Atlantic menhaden Pinfish Hardback shrimp NP NP NP NP 5
1 10 4
14 1
0 10 NP NP NP <1 1
NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 16 20 2
100 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 38 18 8
3 100 100 NP NP NP NP 100 29 100 100 100 100 100 100 73 75 63 17 100 100 5
1 10 32 73 Microgobius spp. NP NP NP NP Blennidae NP NP NP NP 3
2 1
0 11 12 18 NP NP NP 7
2 NP 100 NP NP 6
2 Total Organisms 16 28 13 25 7
11 25 13 42 21 35 24 16
'Percent effectiveness = [no. collected in larval impingement samples/( no. collected in larval impingement samples + no. collected in entrainment samples)] x 100 5NP = Not Present.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.11
- Number of main cooling-water -pumps and fine-mesh screens+ operating by-sampling date at the BSEP during 2002.
Number Date of pumps Number of Fine-mesh traveling screens" January 6
Unit 1 - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 21-22 Unit 2 - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh switched at 16:00 h; Unit 2-1 fine mesh & 2 50% fine mesh February 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 4-5 March 3
Unit 2 - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh (Unit 1 refueling outage) 11-12 April 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 8-9 May 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 13-14 June 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 25-26 July 7
Unit 1-2 fine mesh, 1 50% fine mesh screen 16-17 Unit 2-2 fine mesh, 2 50% fine mesh screens August 7
Unit 1-2 fine mesh, 1 50% fine mesh screens 28-29 Unit 2-2 fine mesh, 2 50% fine mesh screens September 4
Unit 1- (forced outage to repair leaking fuel bundles) 24-25 Unit 2-2 fine mesh, 2 50% fine mesh screens October 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 15-16 November 6
Unit 1-1 fine mesh, 2 50% fine mesh screens 12-13 Unit 2-2 fine mesh, 1 50% fine mesh screens December 6
Both units - 2 fine mesh & 1 50% fine mesh 17-18
'Fine-mesh screen configurations represent those in effect during the 24-hour sampling trip.
"The NPDES permit allows for a fine-mesh traveling screen to be switched with a coarse-mesh screen for routine maintenance or during periods of high vulnerability from potential clogging.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.12 Estimated number and percent survival of selected larval organisms collected during impingement sampling at the BSEP during 2002.
Taxon Number collected Percent survival+
Number surviveds Croaker 650,016 14.4 93,602 Spot 433,584 9.0 39,023 Shrimp 1,627,776 80.3 1,307,104 Portunid megalops 984,528 86.3 849,648 Anchoa spp. (2 13 mm) 970,128 0.3 2,910 Atlantic menhaden 239,616 0.0 0
Striped mullet 4,176 0.7 296 Hardback shrimp 141,840 48.4 68651 Blue crabs 11,232 94.0 10,558 Total selected taxa 5,062,896 46.9 2,371,792 Total all taxa§ 6,701,616 35.4 2,371,792
+
Reference:
CP&L 1987 and 1988 (slow-screen rotation).
IThe number survived is a total for the 12 sampling days and not the entire year.
§Survival estimate is for all taxa including those not tested for survival during slow-screen rotation. This estimate is very conservative in that 100% mortality is assumed for taxa not tested. In reality, many of these individuals survived.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report
- Table 2.13 Estimated number, weight (kg), and percent survival of selected juvenile and adult organisms collected during impingement sampling at the BSEP during 2002.
Number Weight Percent Number" Taxon collected collected survival+
survived Bay anchovy 16,935 32.6 1.1 186 Shrimp (pink and white) 8,546 56.8 86.5 7,392 Brown shrimp 2,302 14.9 90.7 2,088 Blue crabs 2,742 16.4 92.1 2,525 Spot 2,828 16.7 57.1 1,615 Croaker 1,043 29.1 53.1 554 Total 34,396 142.0 14,360 Percent survivals 30.6%
37.6%
(all species) by number by weight Percent survivals 47.3%
43.3%
(all species by number by weight excluding bay anchovy)
+
Reference:
CP&L 1988 (Slow-screen rotation).
19The number survived is a total for the 12 sampling days and not the entire year.
6Survival estimate is for all taxa including those not tested for survival during slow-screen rotation. This estimate is very conservative in that 100% mortality is assumed for taxa not tested. In reality, many of these individuals survived.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Table 2.14 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) and percent catch of the dominant organisms collected with marsh trawl sampling in the Cape Fear Estuary during 2002+.
Walden Mott's Alligator Creek Bay Creek Mean Mean Mean Taxa CPUE Percent CPUE Percent CPUE Percent Spot 475 68.1 326 69.8 356 55.5 Croaker 1
< 1 9
2.0 183 28.5 Grass shrimp 51 7.3 5
1.1 32 5.0 Atlantic menhaden 54 7.7 11 2.4 4
0.6 Brown shrimp 33 4.7 23 4.9 4
0.6 Pinfish 35 5.0 12 2.6 3
< 1 Bay anchovy 1
< 1 25 5.4 10 1.6 Striped mullet 13 2.0 0
0
< 1
< 1 Southern flounder 1
< 1 5
1.1 20 3.1 Swimmingcrabs 3
< 1 7
1.5 6
< 1 Pink shrimp 3
< 1 11 2.4 0
0 Other organisms 28 4.0 33 7.7 24 3.7 Total organisms 698 100.0 467 100.0 642 100.0
+ Sampling was conducted from January through June only. Twenty-four trawling efforts were conducted in Walden Creek and twelve efforts each were conducted in Mott's Bay and Alligator Creek.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report, -
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report E
C.,
0 I-co (n
0 U.
800 600 400 200 0
35 30 25.
0.
20 a 15 *E 10 (t 5
0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC I
ntake canal salinity -
Freshwater FlowI Figure 2.1 Mean daily freshwater flow to the Cape Fear River and monthly intake canal salinity at the BSEP during 2002.
W E
C.,
0 al 3-Q)
U.
sL 500 400 300 200 100 0
1998 1999 2000 2001l 2002 Figure 2.2 Mean annual freshwater flow to the Cape Fear River, 1998-2002.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report 30 25 25 10 5
0~
25 Jan~ ~
Fe Mantr ApCa JnJl AugmSep Ocl o e
Figure 2.3 Mean monthlywitradsme intake canal water temperature ( C) atthBSPdrn20.
20 a) 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 U Winter 0 Summer Figure 2.4 Mean monthly winter and summer intake canal water temperature(C at the BSEP, 1998-2002.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biologlical Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina Report 70 60 coxco I-0 0
E z
50 40 30 20 10 0
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Annual Figure 2.5 8
Number of taxa collected in entrainment and larval impingement samples at the BSEP during 2002.
Y am C
C_
co a) 7 6
5 4
3 2
1 0
Diversion structure completed Significant decrease 4
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 Year Figure 2.6 Time-series analysis of juvenile and adult Atlantic menhaden data collected during impingement sampling at the BSEP, 1977-2002.
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Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report 14+
.4 On
-M co 8
7 -
6-5-
4.
3.
1 -
Diversion structure completed Significant Increase 0
a a
I~~
~
I I
I 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 Year Figure 2.7 Time-series analysis of juvenile and adult white shrimp data collected during impingement sampling at the BSEP, 1977-2002.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloqical Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina Reoort Walden Creek Mott's Bay Alligator Creek 80 60 40 20 0
60 40 20 0
60 40 C
20 0)
CL.6 20 01)
~60 40 20 -
0-60-40 -
20 -
0-60 -
40 -
20 -
0 '
TI 4-83%
.4-93%
n =65 CPUE=70 n =58 CPUE = 29 n =2 CPUE=tI I
I 4-94%
n=45 CPUE=11 n = 101 CPUE=71 I n = 19 CPUE=10 I
I I
n = 649 CPUE=1,348 III,.
Ii n=225 CPUE= 1,19 -
I n = 191 CPUE = 261 I
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun n = 561 CPUE=642 n = 184 CPUE=284
.ii1i.
III1
.Ii.
n = 163 CPUE = 1,361 1.........
I....I........
I......,,,,-
n = 263 CPUE=54S n = 186 CPUE = 382 n = 100 CPUE = 322
,Ill.
.IIi..
111.
n = 264 CPUE=2SS
.1...
n =61 CPUE=4!
.iili, n = 102 CPUE = 181 Ill.
10 25 40 55 70 85 100 11510 25 40 55 70 Length 85 100 11510 25 40 55 70 85 100 115 Figure 2.8 Length-frequency distributions and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of spot collected in Walden Creek, Mott's Bay, and Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June during 2002.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina Report Walden Creek Mott's Bay Alligator Creek 80 60 -
40-20-0 60 40 20-0 60-40 3-T I
n=1 CPUE = 0.25 4
100%
n=10 CPUE=5 n = 56 CPUE=93 1,
Ill.
T
-TI n=0 CPUE = 0 n =38 CPUE=19 n = 59 CPUE =30 Is IL n = 14 CPUE = 3 II n =22 CPUE=11 1.111.1 n = 234 CPUE = 883 (0) 01)C-20 -
0 -
60 -
I 1.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
- 4 i
I 40 -
n=7 CPUE =2 1,11,,
n=4 CPUE =2 1
i I I n =73 CPUE = 37 I
20 0
60 I
n=0 CPUE =0 n =24 CPUE = 12 n = 48 CPUE = 24 40 -
20-Ill 6.
in
.m.le..
3 0 -
60-n=5 CPUE = 1 81% -*
40 -
CPUE=3 I 1II n =56 CPUE = 31 Si I...
20-1
.1 2
0.. 5..
- 7.
- 85. 100. 1151 10 25 40 55 70 85 100 t1510 25 40 55-70 85 Length 100 11510 25 40 55 70 85 100 115 Figure 2.9 Length-frequency distributions and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of croaker collected in Walden Creek, Mott's Bay, and Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June during 2002.
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biologilcal Monitoring Report-Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcal Monhtorina Report 800-700 -
600 -
500-w IL400-O-.,,,,,,,,,
300-200 100 0
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 99 01 02 Year Figure 2.10 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of spot collected in Walden Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June of 1981 through 1993, 1999, and 2002.
LU 0.C.
200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 99 01 02 Year Figure 2.11 Mean annual catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of croaker collected in Alligator Creek by the marsh trawl from January through June of 1981 through 1993 and 2002 (Alligator Creek was not sampled during 1999).
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Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report
3.0 REFERENCES
Birkhead, W. A., B. J. Copeland, and R. G. Hodson. 1979. Ecological monitoring in the lower Cape Fear River Estuary 1971-1976. BSEP Cape Fear Studies, Volume VI. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
CP&L. 1980a. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, Cape Fear Studies Interpretive Report. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1980b. 1979 monitoring program. BSEP Cape Fear Studies, Supplement I. Carolina Power
& Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1982. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual-biological monitoring report, 1981. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
. 1983. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1982. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1984. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1983. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
.1985a. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1984. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1985b. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant Cape Fear Studies, Interpretive Report. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1986. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1985. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
. 1987. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1986. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
1988. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1987. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
. 1989. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1988. Carolina Power & Light Company, Southport, NC.
. 1993. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1992. Carolina Power & Light Company, Southport, NC.
- 1994. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1993. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
Progress Energy Carolinas 3-1 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 3-1 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Bioloalcol Monitorina Ranorl.
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 BioloaicnI Monitorina Renort
. 2002. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 2001. Carolina Power & Light Company, New Hill, NC.
Copeland, B. J., W. S. Birkhead, and R. G. Hodson. 1974. Ecological monitoring in the area of Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant, 1971-1973. Report to Carolina Power & Light Company.
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
Copeland, B. J., R. G. Hodson, and R. J. Monroe. 1979. Larvae and postlarvae in the Cape Fear River Estuary, North Carolina, during operation of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1974-1978. BSEP Cape Fear Studies, Volume VII. Report No. 79-3 to Carolina Power & Light Company. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
Giese, G. L., H. B. Wilder, and G. G. Parker, Jr. 1979. Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds of North Carolina. United States Geological Survey. Water resources investigations 79-46.
Raleigh, NC.
1985. Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds of North Carolina.
United States Geological Survey. Water-supply paper 2221. Alexandria, Va.
Hogarth, W. T. and K. L. Nichols. 1981. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant intake modifications to reduce entrainment and impingement losses. Carolina Power & Light Company,. New Hill, NC.
Lawler, J. P., M. P. Weinstein, H. Y. Chen and T. L. Englert. 1988. Modeling the physical and behavioral mechanisms influencing the recruitment of spot and Atlantic croaker to the Cape Fear Estuary. Am. Fish. Soc. Sym. 3: 115-131.
Schwartz, F. J., P. Perschbacher, L. Davidson, C. Simpson, D. Mason, M. McAdams, K. Sandoy and J. Duncan. 1979. An ecological study of fishes and invertebrate macrofauna utilizing the Cape Fear River Estuary, Carolina Beach inlet, and adjacent Atlantic Ocean, 1973-1977.
BSEP Cape Fear Studies, Volume XIV. Report to Carolina Power & Light Co., Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, Morehead City, NC.
Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation. 1984. Advanced intake technology study. Research project 2214-2. Prepared for the Electric Power Research Institute. Prepared by Stone &
Webster Engineering Corporation. Boston, MA.
Thompson, T. E. 1989. Factors limiting the movement of spot, Leiostomrus xanthutrs, into a freshwater-oligohaline tidal marsh. Master's thesis. Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C.
Tomljanovich, D. A., J. H. Heuer, and C. W. Voigtlander. 1978. A concept for protecting fish larvae at water intakes. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 30:105 - 106.
Progress Energy Carolinas 3-2 Environmental Services Section Progress Energy Carolinas 3-2 Environmental Services Section
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2002 Biological Monitoring Report Brunswick Steam Electric Piant 2002 Bioloalcal Monitorina ReDort Weinstein, M. P., S. L. Weiss and M. F. Walters. 1980a. Multiple determinants of community structure in shallow marsh habitats, Cape Fear River estuary, North Carolina. Marine Biology. 58: 227-243.
Weinstein, M. P., S. L. Weiss, R. G. Hodson and L. R. Gerry. 1980b. Retention of three taxa of postlarval fishes in an intensively flushed tidal estuary, Cape Fear River, North Carolina.
Fishery Bulletin. 78(2): 419-435.
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