ML073240766

Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Reconnaissance Study

ML073240766
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	07/31/1999
From:	US Dept of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NL-07-2097, USACE 1999
Download: ML073240766 (65)

Text

• US Army Corps of Engineers Sannah District SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN COMPREHENSIVE' RECONNAISSANCE STUDY."."....",..

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JULy 1999

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The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers (US,ACE), Savannah District, is conducting a Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Study (SRBC), as outlined in the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, Section 414 (public Law 104-303).The SRBC shall address the current and future needs for flood damage prevention and reduction, water supply, and other related water resource needs in the Savannah River Basin.The scope of the study shall be limited to an analysis of water resources issues that fall within the traditional civil works mission oftheUSACE.In addition, the study will be coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and the'ongoing Savannah River Basin Watershed Project (SRBWP)being conducted by the Agency of the Savannah River Basin.2.SJJJDY PURPOSE..The purpose.oof this expedit.ed reconnaissance..;'itudy is to identify, water reallocation issues in the Savannah River Basin and evaluate the extent of Federal interest in locally cost shared feasibility studies for water resource needs, as identified in Enclosures 1-7 of this report.Because the current allocations and designated uses of the

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. the Savannah River Basin are now outdated, js..a;peed for a

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..study the development of an updated plant.'.*, addressing current and future needs in.the ,basin,.examine reallocation of.stQr.age at Corps of:';;1:;-".'.;.C;.l,',>:','*

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/','.!' Engineers multi-purpose projects, and develop a better management structure to address basin water resources including env4-onmentaI rest,oration opportqnities.

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'1'*ti.:)J.(::Y..*:(:..:;,*(.!.....>..consists of the main stem Sayannah Basin which incluqes all ,or portions of 44.

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'A'::.:".,'counties within Geot:gla, Soutp..Carolina aI;ld North Carolina, (Figure 1).'The surface area of.

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'"_the basin is compris'ed of approximately 10,577 square miles, of which 5,821

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,;':,'are in Georgia;4,581 square miles are in South Carolina;and 175 square milesliein North Carolina (Figure 2).

The senators in Georgia are Honorable Max Celand and Honorable Paul Coverdale and those in South Carolina are Honorable Strom Thurmond and Honorable Fritz Hollings.Table 1 displays the representatives of the congressional districts within the basin area.Table 1.Congressional Districts and Representatives in Savannah River Basin State','

District Representative'""Georgia" South Carolina;;'.......!....-;The 1998 population estimate of the portions of the counties within the study area is 1.08 million, with the majority located in Georgia (637,310 people).The city of Savannah, located in Chatham County in Georgia, is the largest municipality in the study area, with an estimated population of 136,262 as of 1996.The city of Augusta, located in Richmond County in Georgia, had a 1996 estimated population of 41,783.Augusta is situated in the central portion of the basin and is the largest city in the study area.Due to the differing types of issues facing the upper and lower portions of the basin, the Savannah River Basin water issues are separated into the upper region and the lower region.The upper region is the city of Augusta and the basin area north of Augusta, and is characterized by urban areas, recreation developments and farming centers.The lower region consists of the area south of Augusta and is characterized by sparsely populated areas, wetlands and agricultural uses.1 ,://;I'2 ()

4.DISCUSSION OF PRIOR STUDIES, REPORTS, AND EXISTING WATER PROJECTS.This study is based on existing studies and analyses which have been conducted for the SRBC and the Savannah River Basin Watershed Project (SRBWP).The SRBWP was initiated in 1993 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EP A)with its goal being to implement a multi-agency environmental protection project that incorporates the authorities and expertise of all interested stakeholders in the future management and protection of the Savannah River Basin's resources.

This effort is still ongoing and involves a number of basin stakeholders.

The SRBWP's direction is established by the Policy Committee, but also includes seven other committees.

These are the Management Committee and six Resource Management Committees for the following resources:

Water Quality, Fish&Wildlife, Recreation

&Cultural Resources, Water Quantity/Navigation/Hydropower, Land Use&Wetlands, and Industry,8{;

Economic Each Resource COIl1illittee has developed a Baseline Assessment of their assigned resource;these Baseline Assessments can be found in Volume 2 of the Management Committee's Report (EPA, 1995).The Policy Committee is working with various action teams to develop and implement a Watershed Strategy (EPA, 1997)to address 26 priority issues of the basin that were identified by the Management Committee (EPA, 1995).At least nine of these issues have been linked to the Corps SRBC study as a possible means by which to address and resolve these issues.The SRBWP supported the SRBC study, and the USACE, Savannah District, has been an active participant in the SRBWP.The following is a list of reports and studies which were used to scope for An Assessment of Issues Affecting the Savannah River Basin.Prepared for the USACE, Savannah District and Strom Thurmond Institute, Clemson University, 1992.Economic Impact Analysis as a Tool in Recreation Program Evaluation.

USACEWES, Environmental Laboratory, Department of Park and Recreation Michigan State University, USDA Forest Service, Timber/Land ManagementPlanning Staff.1992.Savannah RiverBasin Drought.Contingency Plan.U.S.Army Corps of Savannah,.

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....'.:::'!'/'.,:;3 Savannah River Basin Watershed Project.Initial Assessment and Prioritization Report for the Savannah River Basin.Volume 1.Management Committee of the Savannah RiverBasinWatershed Project, 1995.Savannah River Basin Watershed Project.Initial Assessment and Prioritization Report for the Savannah River Basin.Volume 2.Management Committee of the Savannah River Basin Watershed Project, 1995.Savannah River Basin Watershed Proiect.Watershed Implementation Strategy for the Savannah River Basin.Policy Committee of the Savannah River Basin Watershed Project, 1997.Savannah River Basin Georgia.South Carolina.and North Carolina.Water Resources Management Sfudy, Preliminary Basin Assessment.

U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, 1990.5o"PLAN FORMULATION.

Through a review of existing documents and conversations with the Federal and non-Federal sponsors, seven broad categories have been identified as having the potential for feasibility studies.Recognizing that thee issues have been identified in the past, this Reconnaissance Study is concentrating on re-validating these issues and developing detailed study plans for future feasibility studies.Table 2 summarizes the seven categories.

They are as follows: water supply allocations, flood control, hydropower, water quality, fish and wildlife issues, aquatic plant control, and recreation issues.Each is discussed in the attached Enclosures 1-7Many of these issues stem from the successive droughts of the 1980's which brought about new concerns over water usage throughout the basin.A n important area of concern is the need for additional water supply.The continued, drought-induced drawdown prompted concerns about providing more stable pool levels for recreation, while causing heightened concerns over water quality in the lower Savannah River.Furthermore, hydropower customers face curtailment of power production during these drought conditions.

The present reservoir operations represent a balance of storages and releases which provide maximum hydropower generation while maintaining conservation pool levels and providing releases which meet downstream water supply and water quality needs.However, there are additional concerns, including the need for additional water supply storage for upper basin and developing downstream users, for boosting low flows during droughts, and for generating"flushing" flows for the lower river basin wetlands and bottomland hardwoods.

With the redefming of the IOO-year flood discharge level at Augusta, the use of flood control storage in the reservoir projects needs to be revisited.

Table 2.Summary of Issues to be Evaluated in Feasibility Studies Mamtam or ModIfy Current Levels."

Affects of Reallocations Water Quality and Flow*Discharge Permits and Droughts*Saltwater Intrusion*DO Impacts in Savannah Harbor*Impacts to Lake WQ from Development Fish and Wildlife."*Estuarine Issues*Instream Flow Requirements

• Lake Issues*Wetland Impacts Aquatic Plant Control"'-*liistre'lim

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• Lake Levels for Recreation/Commercial Activities

• Regional Economic Value of Recreation Upper Basin Needs vs.Downstream Needs Water Supply Allocations

..Lake Levels for RecreatiorilCdi1'in1ercial Activities

• in-lake reallocations

..Downstream In-River Allocations Groundwater CaplFtitu.re Coastal Supply*Future Demands:.,"",'.l:*Inter-basin Transfers.Flood Control ,., ,...,;.,....:.....,"I**,."*Flood Control Below J.Strom Thurmond Lake.;." Storage Reduction..'"*Flood Plain Mitigation Hydropower

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6.FISH AND WILDLIFE PLANNING AID REPORT.The planning aid report evaluates existing fish and wildlife resources within the Savannah River Basin study area and identifies problems, opportunities, and planning objectives for these resources.

The extensive forested wetlands of the Savannah River below Augusta are important habitat to many significant commercial and recreational fish and wildlife species, as well as to endangered and threatened plants and animals.These wetlands are also important for flood control and purification, soil enrichment, erosion control, and support for downstream fishing.By modifying the natural flow regime, reservoir construction in the Piedmont has caused loss and degradation of forested wetlands and aquatic habitat along the lower Savannah River.The Corps'actions in the lower river, dredging and placement of pile dikes associated with construction and maintenance of the navigation channel to Augusta, have_...also affected hydrological in the." forested wetlands and aquatic habitat.Reservoir construction also has blocked passage of anadromous fish to historic spawning grounds.The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service has recommended eight studies and actions to address the problems identified in the Savannah River Basin Project.The Corps have responded to these recommendations and stated how they will be addressed.

The Corps responses follow the U.S.Fish and Wildlife recommendations 1.In conjunction

'with fish and wildlife agencies and other stalceholders, determine and implement a Savannah River flow regime that provides for diverse and productive fish and wildlife habitat.TlW flow regime evaluation should include determination of the quantity, duration and periodicity of flows needed to support aquatic and wetland functions.

Comment: The Corps will ensure this activity is included in the SRB Comprehensive Study Feasibility study.2.Evaluate the potential to reduce salinity intrusion in Savannah Harbor, and restore tidal freshwater marsh and striped bass habitat, by modifying management and operation of J.Strom Thurmond Reservoir.

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/I r-"*,-.Comment: This activity will be addressed under the Savannah Harbor Ecosystem Restoration Study.Should the results of that study indicate that releases from 1.Strom Thurmond would be necessary, the effects of that release would be address with in the SRB Comprehensive Study.3.Evaluate the extent and impact of development in the Savannah River flood plain subsequent to construction of Corps flood control projects.Comment: The Corps will ensure this activity is included in the SRB Comprehensive Study Feasibility study.4.Do not conduct any dredging maintenance activities on the Savannah to Augusta navigation project and of this project.Comment: The Corps is currently reviewing the status of the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam under Section 216 Authority.

Upon completion of that study we will review the need to act further as suggested by FWS.5.In conjunction with fish and wildlife agencies, determine need for further restoration action on cutoff bends.Comment: The reconnaissance report for the Lower Savannah River Basin Study examined a number cutoff bends, and recommended some level of action for a number of these.Subject to identification and willingness to cost-share in feasibility studies, the authority of the Lower Savannah River Basin Study still remains open.6.Continue to ensure anadromous fish passage at New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam using lock operations or upstream flow releases.Evaluate removal of this obstruction to anadromous fish.Ensure that fish passage is continued if the disposition study leads to a new lock and dam manager.7 Comment: The Corps is currently reviewing the status of the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam under Section 216 Authority, to include anadromous fish passage..Upon completion of that study we will review the need to act further as suggested by FWS.7.Improve water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen level, below 1.Strom Thurmond Dam.Comment: The Corps is currently designing DO enhancing means in the turbine rehabs for JST.Upon operation we will review the need for further residual measures.8.Evaluate instream flow impacts of surface water withdrawal in the piedmont region of the basin.Comment: The Corps;, will ensure this activity is included in the SRB Comprehensive Study Feasibility study. FEDERAL INTEREST.Changing water needs in the 44 county study area over the past 50 years provides the necessary justification for reevaluation of the functions of the Savannah River Basin projects, such as Hartwell, Russell and Thurmond Lakes.Many of the problems in the basin today were not relevant and were not considered when these proj ects were originally formulated.

Just in the past 10 years, population growth in the basin area and resulting increases in demand for various water resources has increased the need for further study to ensure that the projects best serve current and future needs.Population growth in the study area increased 11 percent from 1990 to 1998 and is projected to increase another 16 percent through the year 2010.8.PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS.A letter of intent from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is included (Enclosure 8).8

(" 9.RECOMMENDATIONS.

It is reconunended that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the US ACE, Savannah District proceed to the feasibility phase.Prior to conducting feasibility studies, a Project Study Plan (PSP)will be prepared.The PSP will include cost estimates of feasibility studies for the various water use issues presented herein and the Federal cost sharing breakdowns will be discussed.

rf-(Date: 30 July 1999 Joseph K.Schmitt Colonel, U.S.Anny Commanding

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((Enclosure One Water Supply Allocations Identified Issues: Future Water Demand.The Savannah River Basin provides surface water to over 500 users, including public supplies, agriculture and industrial facilities.

These users primarily depend on surface water to satisfy current and future demand.Many groundwater users in the lower basin will be forced to utilize surface water supplies to replace groundwater supplies that are experiencing lower quantities and quality.The need for meeting future lower river users requirements stems from the states of Georgia and South Carolina have capped current groundwater use at existing leveis, directing that future coastal water supply requirements will be met with surface water from the Savannah River.As future_growth i.t is expected pressures will mount to use water from the Savannah River Basin to meet water supply needs in neighboring growth centers.Already, 150 million gallons is scheduled for transfer from Lake Keowee to the city of Greenville in the year 2030.At present, there is no standardized regulation for managing surface water users in an efficient manner;users are regulated by agencies within each state.As demand increases with the high rate of community development that is currently taking place, users will look to surface water supplied by the Federal reservoirs as well as the Savannah River.Increased use of the surface water supply will mandate standardized water management practices.

Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

The high quality of life offered by the basin is evidenced by the rapid growth in the study area, which indicates that demand for water will increase.Thus, municipal and industrial water use studies would be performed in the feasibility phase.Such studies would be conducted in order to properly assess water demand (which reflects the high growth rates in the basin area)and the ability of current storage allocations to satisfy the demand.Possible solutions, to be evaluated in the feasibility phase, for satisfying the present and future water demands of communities situated near the reservoirs in the upper basin as well 10 as those in the lower basin area include the reallocation of lake water storage currently used for hydropower or flood control.An important factor to evaluate when studying the feasibility of reallocation of in-lake water is the benefit of maintaining constant lake levels to preserve recreation and commercial activities.

Additionally, in-lake reallocations of storage from hydropower and flood control uses to downstream in-river allocations should be evaluated in the feasibility phase.Interbasin water transfers may become an option as communities near the Savannah River Basin continue to develop.The feasibility of future interbasin transfers and regulating those transfers should be evaluated.

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(Enclosure Two Flood Control Identified Issues: One of the original purposes of the reservoirs was to regulate river flow to alleviate flooding.Because there has not been a major flood over the past 50 years, Federal Emergency Management Agency established a new 100-year discharge in the Augusta, Georgia area.This lowered the 100-year floodplain elevation.

The result has been increased floodplain development below Thurmond Lake.Thus, there is a need to re-evaluate floodplain uses to acknowledge the development that has taken place and re-evaluate stormwater management plans/practices.

With introspection of the floodplain and its uses comes the opportunity to identify areas for floodplain management and ecosystem restoration.

Alternative Plans and Evaluations:Potentialfeasibility level studies would include an update of flooqcontrol storage le-yels to reflect the lower 100-year floodplain elevation and an evaluation of the reallocation of flood control storage to other needs.12 I"I.n I f Enclosure Three Hydropower Identified Issues: Water is used in 14 hydroelectric power plants in the Savannah River Basin.Hydropower is one of many diverse water uses in the basin which competes with various other uses, such as fish and wildlife habitat and recreation.

In the past, there have been impacts on water quality, fish and wildlife, recreation, and water supply from hydroelectric facilities.

When this happens, operating procedures for hydropower facilities may be altered, which can impact the ability of power plants to meet power generation requirements.

In examining the possibility of providing for other uses of current storage, the impacts to current storage levels for hydroelectric power production must be examined.However, it is entirely possible that some alternatives may maintain or increase current levels of hydroelectric power output.With the possibility of changing the storage designated for hydroelectric power, the level.of storage required to meet seasonal needs in other basin should be reassessed.

Currently, the combined system of Altamaha/Chattahoochee/Flint (ACF), Alabama/Coosa/Tallapoosa (ACT), and SRB projects are used to meet the regional capacity and energy needs of the Georgia-Alabama-Carolinamarketing area of Southeastern Power Administration (SEP A).Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

When evaluating other uses of current in-lake storage, the impacts to the water storage for hydropower should be examined, based upon economic and operational feasibility.

A hydropower optimization study has been suggested for the feasibility phase.13

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('Enclosure Four Water Quality and Flow Identified Issues: c:"".;",;{:, ,;In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and drainfields.

This could be contributing to the degradation of the water quality being observed in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The fIrst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species..>.",*'.;it,;,."J The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge

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)<, Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the futUre.".j: 14 Enclosure Four Water QtiaIity'abd Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result innegativeimpacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and drainfields.

This could be contributing to the degradation of the water quality being observed.in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14 (Enclosure Four Water Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of celtain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report....'.*In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and.,.

This could b.e cgntributingto the ofthe.water in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is neededtolimit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14 Enclosure Four Water QliaIity and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and---drainfields.

This-could be contributing to the degradation of the water quality being observed in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low Row periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14 Enclosure Four Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Iinprovements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and.Praipfields.could lJe to the.degr'l<1ation of the watet: quality being in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The frrst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.:";,;_,:: The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow p.eo.oq.s.

There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the futw:e.c ,: i,'.'.<xv;;: 14 Enclosure Four Water Quality and Plow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and drainfields.

This could-be contributing to the degradation of the-water quality being observed in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The fIrst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14i ()

(Enclosure Four Wflter Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and_

l)1is cou14 be contDbutingJ9 the water qUl:!lity being 09served in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The fIrst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.'" rrr-'.::<The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.'-'" 14 Enclosure Four Water Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality hi the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and drainfields.

-This could be contributing to the degradation of the water qualitycbeing observed..,..in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14(,V

,.......Enclosure Four and Flow Identified Issues:;'", In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.j;;'*C.>,<;;(;'<':/, In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of;having leaking septic tanks and d[ainfielQ§:

This bt;S9ntributingto of the quality being obs,erved in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.',: I ,f.:;":'C:\}

The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.":i

".'.'i'\\, Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.:;,';"";',,'."'T 14 Enclosure Four Water Qli'ality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and drainfields.

could be contributing to the degradation of the-water quality being ,observed in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet fufure water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14 ,)j\

(.Enclosure Four Water Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and could be the of qlJ.ali!J in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater

,.'".

The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potentialfeasibilitystudies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.,C"'", 14 Enclosure Four Water Quality and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased developmentin the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and

..This could be.contributing to the degradation of the water quality being observed.in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The first issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant arid animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14/)i'.\:

(I Enclosure Pour Ruality and Flow Identified Issues:..e,';.,,: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increaseddevelopmentin the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.nt;,...j;.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and ,9r.ajnfields.

T4is 1?e_contributjpg to the degraQation of the water,quality being in the lakes.In addition to the water quality issues mentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The fIrst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species..'.':.-:';': The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits."";:'Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.'.I;:.'

'.,,,-,:..H,;14 Enclosure Four Water Quality'and Flow Identified Issues: In general, water quality in the Savannah River Basin is acceptable for the uses it supports.Improvements in water quality have been observed from a reduction in the use of certain pesticides, improved erosion control, and better management of municipal and industrial wastewater.

However, increased development in the basin area and use of fertilizers may result in negative impacts to water quality in the future.Many water quality issues have been identified for the basin;however, some issues are being studied under other projects and will not be addressed in this report.In addition to new communities being constructed near the basin, there are many older developments along the lakes which are suspected of having leaking septic tanks and-drainfields.

This could be contributing to the degradation of the water quality being observed in the lakes.In addition to the water qualityissuesmentioned above, two water flow issues have also been identified for the feasibility phase.The flIst issue refers to the area of the basin near the city of Savannah, where a specific amount of freshwater flow is needed to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion that can occur.This is important, as the surface water in the lower basin will be depended upon to meet future water demands.Additionally, changes in salinity can result in changes in plant and animal species in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed for freshwater species.The second flow issue involves the low flow releases below Thurmond Lake.These flows should be evaluated to ascertain whether the proper flow is provided to allow adequate assimilation for the current level of wastewater discharge permits.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Potential feasibility studies include evaluating the reallocation of stored water quantities to provide dedicated storage for release during low flow periods.There is also a need for the development of an improved model of low flow releases which incorporates the increased demands of the future.14 Enclosure Five lfisJI and Wildlife Identified Issues: Human activities in the basin have influenced and changed aquatic and terrestrial habitats.Significant factors contributing to the changes in aquatic habitat are reservoir construction, hydropower generation and pollution.

Agriculture, silviculture and urban land use has resulted in changes to the terrestrial habitat in the basin.Of critical concern is the effect of flow releases during droughts on the habitat in the Savannah River estuary (in the lower basin area).Estuarine wetlands are highly productive natural systems which provide spawning, nursery and feeding habitat for commercial and sport fish and also provide important habitat for other wildlife.Low flows entering the harbor area directly affect the amount of saltwater that proceeds upstream.As the salinity estuarY7 the more likely that plants andallimals will be negatively impacted.":"'Extensive water quality studies have been performed on the lakes in the upper basin area and contaminants are known, however there is speculation that contaminants entering the lakes from the tributaries are also causing degradation.

Economic growth and expansion in the area are attracting contractors and developers to the lake areas.Such waves of development will inevitably diminish wildlife habitat.Often the impacts of community growth and development on habitat loss are not given sufficient consideration.

Wetland impacts have occurred to the lower Savannah floodplain areas due to alteration of the once natural flow regime by regulation of flow from several impoundments.

Studies are needed to identify the nature of impacts and if the reservoirs can be used to alter flows to simulate flushing events Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Feasibility studies corresponding to the development of land around the lakes involves assessing the land holdings at the lakes and reservoirs for current and future value for wildlife habitat.15 Suggested feasibility studies relating to poor land use practices which impact habitat are, conducting Indexes of Biological Indicators (IBI)and also evaluating land use changes along Savannah River tributaries.

There has been very limited research conducted on the lower basin area as it relates to fishery habitats.Most of the interest in feasibility studies relates to Iustream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM)covering specific stretches oftheriver.There is interest in determining the magnitudes of flows most beneficial to fish swimming upstream from the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (NSBL&D)and successfully spawning.Another lower basin study was that would investigate the level of flow that" would be advantageous to fish nurseries out of the channel as well as in the channel.Striped bass have been extensively studied in the Savannah Harbor area, but there is interest-in studying the population-that is located between-the harbor and the NSBL&D to determineif there is successful spawning and the ideal flow requirement.

Feasibility studies are warranted to analyze scheduled releases from the reservoirs in the context that they can be used to simulate natural flushing events and prevent the intrusion of saltwater.

16I.1 J Enclosure Six Aquatic Plant Control Identified Issues: Aquatic plant growth is a topic of concern in numerous reservoirs of the Southeast.

Many states have undertaken active programs to remove and control several exotic plant species, which if left unmonitored, can render waterbodies inaccessable.

The three Federal reservoirs have aquatic plant control programs in place.However, instrearn measures to reduce the amount of aquatic growth in the reaches of the Savannah River below J.Strom Thurmond need to be identified and actions proposed to regulate growth.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

Feasibility studies should include surveys of the Savannah River reaches to determine which areas contain excessive aquatic plant growth.These areas can then be targeted for aquatic plant control measures, such as biological-control(triploi carp),*"physical removal;-c*and chemical-application.

Another"control measure would be prevention through education, such as implementing best management practices at industrial/municipal facilities and at cleaning stations at public boat launches.17

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(.....-.......Enclosure Seven Recreation Identified Issues: Recreational access was not initially an authorized use of the Federal reservoirs.

Utilization of reservoir land for recreation purposes was provided for under Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 and the Outdoor Recreation Act of 1956.Because Hartwell and Thurmond attract millions of visitors each year, fluctuations in the water level which lead to reductions in visitation can result in economic impacts to the local economy.Alternative Plans and Evaluations:

In order to address the potential impacts from low lake levels, it will be necessary to determine the water level of the lakes that is required to support recreational facilities and activities.

In addition, there is also interest, at the feasibility phase, in determining the value of recreation opportunities at the reservoirs.

18

..1.;.;':*or.: RECONNAISSANCE PLANNING AID REPORT ON SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN STUDY<'\*,'1,\..;;

"'.,;Edwin M.EuDaly Under the Supervision of Roger L.Banks, Field Supervisor...

"'i Division of Ecological Services Charleston, South Carolina.,-:",/..J;::':!..\"..:"\'":'l.':.j ,\U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia../',.;.

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

..*****..********************iii IN"TRODUCTION 1 AUTHORITY 1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1 PRIOR STUDIES AND REPORTS 1 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 3 FISH RESOURCES7-.FISH 7 WETLANDS 8 9 ENDANGERED SPECIES 10 PROBLEMS.OPPORTUNITIES.

AND PLANNIN"G OBJECTIVE 11 FUTURE FWCA ACTIVITIES AND FUNDIN"G NEEDS 15 RECOMMENDATIONS

• • ..*****..*..*..*****.**..*.*15 LITERATURE CITED , 16 APPENDIXA_Elements of Consensus on American Shad Management in the Stretch of Savannah River Between Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill)Dam and Augusta'i Number 1 LIST OF FIGURES Page Counties in the Savannah River Basin Study Area 4 2 Savannah River Basin Study Area"".," ,.."

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This planning aid report evaluates existing fish and wildlife resources within the Savannah River Basin study area and identifies problems, opportunities, and planning objectives for these resources.

The extensive forested wetlands of the Savannah River below Augusta are important habitat to many significant commercial and recreational fish and wildlife species, as well as to endangered and threatened plants and animals.These wetlands are also important for flood control and purification, soil enrichment, erosion control, and support for downstream fishing.By modifying the natural flow regime, reservoir construction in the Piedmont has caused loss and degradation of forested wetlands and aquatic habitat along the lower Savannah River.The Corps'actions in the lower river, dredging and placement of pile dikes associated with construction and maintenance of the navigation channel to Augusta, have also affected the hydrological conditions in the forested wetlands and aquatic habitat.Reservoir constsuction also has blocked passage of_anadromous fish to historic spawning grounds.The Service recommends the following studies and actions to address the problems identified in the Savannah River Basin project.In conjunction with fish and wildlife agencies and other stakeholders, determine and implement a Savannah River flow regime that provides for diverse and productive fish and wildlife habitat.The flow regime evaluation should include determination of the quantity, duration and periodicity of flows needed to support aquatic and wetland functions.

The flow regime study should include an evaluation of the potential to reduce salinity intrusion in Savannah Harbor, and restore tidal freshwater marsh and striped bass habitat, by modifying management and operation of 1.Strom Thurmond Reservoir.

The study should also evaluate the extent and impact of development in the Savannah River flood plain subsequent to construction of Corps flood control projects.With regard to the navigation project to Augusta, we recommend that the Corps seek de authorization of this navigation project and determine the need for further restoration action on cutoff bends.We also recommend that you continue to ensure anadromous fish passage at New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam using lock operations or upstream flow releases and evaluate removal of this obstruction to anadromous fish.In addition, we recommend that efforts to improve water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen level, below J.Strom Thurmond Dam, continue.Instream flow impacts of surface water withdrawal in the Piedmont region of the basin also need to be evaluated.

iii....I*v (SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN STUDY-INTRODUCTION AUTHORITY Section 414 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 authorized the Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Study.The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat.401, as amended;16 U.S.C.661 et seq.)(FWCA)authorized the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service)involvement in this study.The Service prepared this report with funds transferred from the Corps under the National Letter of Agreement between our agencies for funding of FWCA activities.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive study to address the current and future needs for flood damage prevention' and reduction, water supply, navigation and environmental restoration.

This planning aid report evaluates existing fish and wildlife resources within the lowerSavannahRiver study area and identifies problems, opportunities, and planning objectives for these resources.

PRIOR STUDIES AND REPORTS The Service provided a reconnaissance level Planning Aid Report (P AR)in August 1985 which provided fish and wildlife resource information on the Savannah River Basin and identified problemsopportunitiesand planning objectives relative to these resources.

In December 1989 the Service provided another reconnaissance level PAR addressing water allocation and new water supply requests in the Savannah River Basin.In November 1991, the Service provided a reconnaissance Planning Aid Report that surveyed fish and wildlife conditions in the river from Augusta to Savannah and discussed potential restoration measures.In May 1995, the Service provided a draft Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report on restoration of cut off bends from Savannah to Augusta.In February lQ96 the Service provided a final Fish and Wildlife,.':,.to l Coordinat.ion Act Report on restoration measures in the lower Savannah.River Basin./The Service several reports on Savannah Harbor.

Sayanmm Harbor Comprehensive Study (SHCS)planning aid letters to the Corps dated March 21, 1981, July 23, 1981, and September 18, 1981, expressing concerns related to dredged material disposal, Savannah NWR, harbor deepening, and harbor extension.

The Service submitted a SHCS Planning Aid Report (PAR)on September 16, 1982, which provided: (1)an analysis of wetland resources in thestudyarea; (2)an evaluation of the impacts of tide gate operation on Savannah NWR and striped bass habitat;and (3)a habitat evaluation procedures study of potential spoil areas.On December 1, 1983, the Service completed a second SHCS PAR which provided: (1)an evaluation'of fish and wildlife resources on two new potential dredged material disposal areas;(2)resource categories and general mitigation goals and measures for all potential spoil areas;and (3)further analysis of freshwater supply problems on Savannah NWR.

The Service provided a reconnaissance level PAR on September 27, 1984, which analyzed impacts of harbor extension on fish, wildlife, and wetlands of Savannah NWR and adjacent areas.The PAR also identified information and studies needed to adequately assess impacts of harbor extension.

In November 1986, the Service provided a Draft FWCA Report on the SHCS.This report evaluated existing and future fish and wildlife resources in the study area and identified problems, opportunities, and planning objectives for these resources.

In addition, using information available at that time, the report evaluated fish and wildlife impacts of tide gateoperationand harbor deepening.

The report also questioned the reliability of the Corps'hydrodynamic model and recommended adequate verification before using the model for evaluation of harbor deepening.

The Service provided a revised SHCS Draft FWCA Report in November 1990.This report concluded that deepening of Savannah Harbor in conjunction with continued operation of the tide gate project would exacerbate currently unacceptable fish and wildlife impacts.The Service opposed channel deepening until such time as the impacts of the tide gate project were completely offset and strongly recommended that the.Corps remove the tide gate and fill New Cut.The Service provided a Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report on Savannah HarborClosure of New Cut in June 1991.The Service supported the plan to close New Gut and take the tide gate out of operation.

The Service provided a Reconnaissance Planning Aid Report on Port Wentworth Deepening Project in December 1993.The purpose of the Corps'study was to evaluate deepening of Savannah Harbor in the vicinity of Port Wentworth from Station 102+000 to Station 112+500.In August 1996 the Service provided a Reconnaissance Planning Aid Report on Savannah Harbor Expansion.

The Service recommended that a reliable Savannah Harbor hydrodynamic model be developed to estimate impacts of the alternative plans on river system salinitypatterns.The Service expressed concern that the project could increase salinity levels in the lower Savannah River system.An increased salinity level would adversely impact managed wetlands, tidal freshwater wetlands, and striped bass habitat on and near Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.The service also expressed concern that moderate incremental increases in the salinity level may become cumulatively significant if depth of the harbor is repetitively increased over time.3

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DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA The Savannah River basin, with a surface area of about 10,577 square miles, of which 5,821 square miles are in Georgia, 4,581 square miles are in South Carolina and 175 square miles are in North Carolina.The basin includes portions of 27 counties in Georgia, 13 counties in South Carolina and fOUf counties in North Carolina (Figure 1).Although thebasin is predominantly rural, metropolitan areas are experiencing significant growth and development pressures.

The growth is occurring primarily in the cities of Augusta and Savannah, Georgia, although many smaller cities and towns are also growing.The study area drains portions of three physiographic provinces:

the Blue Ridge mountains, the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain.In its middle and upper reaches the river flow is regulated by several reservoirs, including three large multipurpose Corp projects (Hartwell Lake, Richard B.Russell Lake and Thurmond Reservoir) and two large private power reservoirs (Lakes Keowee and Jocassee)(Figure 2).The Blue Ridge Mountain province is characterized as a region of dissected rugged mountains with narrow valleys underlain by acid, crystalline, metamorphic rock of pre-Cambrian origin.Elevations range from about 1,000 to 5,000 feet M.S.L.Streams have narrow to moderately wide flood plains that are nearly level and are frequently flooded in-the winter and spring.Moderately deep to deep soils formed mainly from schist, gneiss, and granite occur on the ridges and side slopes.Original topsoil on the slopes has a gray sandy surface.The more productive soils on the terraces and river bottoms are loams and clays.Most of the Blue Ridge province in the basin is forested but a few small farms are located in the valleys and coves.About 30 percent of the basin in the Blue Ridge province is owned and managed by the U.S.Forest Service in the N antahala National Forest and Chattahoochee National Forest.Located southeast of the mountains, the Piedmont province consists of gently rolling to hilly slopes with narrow stream valleys in the northern part and broad inter-stream areas in the southern part.This area is underlain by acid crystalline and metamorphic rock of Pre-Cambrian origin.Elevations range from about 600 to 1,000 feet M.S.L.In the upper Piedmont, the level to nearly level flood plains adjacent to creeks and rivers are flooded frequently for short periods.The predominant soils on these flood plains are mostly well drained to somewhat poorly drained and loamy.In the southern Piedmont flood plains are moderately wide and the bottom lands along the major streams and their tributaries are subject to frequent ovefflow in winter and early spring.These river bottoms drain slowly and remain wet for long periods.The red upland soils of the Piedmont are generally well drained.These soils are acid and low in nitrogen and phosphorus in their native state with gray, loamy to sandy surface layers.Subsoils are red to dark red with sandy clay to clay textures.Much of the original topsoil has been eroded due to poor cultivation practices leaving the clay subsoil exposed.The Coastal Plain is a region of gently to moderate slopes underlain by marine sands, loam, and clays.Elevation ranges from approximately 10 to 500 feet M.S.L.Although sandy and infertile in the native state, most Coastal Plain soils are productive when fertilized and limed.Except for 4 (5

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((the lowland areas, Coastal Plain soils are well drained and consist of light gray, sandy surface zones underlain by friable yellow, sandy clay loam to clay subsoils.Agriculture is important in the Coastal Plain, comprising about one third of the land use and most of the remaining area is forested.Throughout the study area Coastal Plain there is little development on the Savannah River and the flood plain ranges up to more than two miles in width.Palustrine forested wetlands (swamps)cover most of the flood plain.Water discharge in the Savannah River varies considerably both seasonally and annually, even though it is largely controlled by releases from the Corps'J.Strom Thurmond Dam located about 20 miles northwest of Augusta, Georgia.Discharge is typically high in winter and early spring and low in summer and fall, but regulation by upstream reservoirs has reduced natural flow variations.

At the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam 12 miles downstream of Augusta average discharge is about 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).The range in water year 1998 was about 4,300 cfs to 42,700 cfs.Average discharge at Clyo (Effmgham County, Georgia)is 12,040 cfs with a range for water year 1998 of 6,280 cfs to 52,600 cfs (Cooneyet al.1999).Tidal effects extend upstream to approximately river mile 45.The Corps maintains and operates three large multipurpose projects in the basin.Hartwell Dam and Lake (55,950 acre summer pool)is located 89 miles upstream of Augusta and was filled in 1962.Richard B.R.ussell Dam and Lake acre summer pool)is located 59 miles upstream of Augusta and was filled in 1984.The Corps is seeking to operate Russell as a pumped storage project.J.Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake (70,000 acre summer pool)is located 22 miles upstream of Augusta and was filled in 1954.The authorized project for the SavCl;nnah River between Augusta and Savannah, Georgia, provides for a navigation channel 9 feet deep and 90 feet wide from the upper end of Savannah Harbor (mile 21.3)to the head of navigation just below the 13th Street bridge (mile 202.2), a distance of 180.9 miles.The project also includes the lock and dam at New Savannah Bluff, located about 12 miles downstream from Augusta.Channel modifications, including deepening, widening, snagging, construction of bend cutoffs, and construction of pile dikes, have been made on the river to provide the 9-foot depth.However, by 1980, shipping on the river had virtually ceased, and channel maintenance was discontinued.

Also, due to the lack of commercial traffic, a study is currently underway on the disposition of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam The existing authorized Savannah Harbor navigation project provides for a channel 44 feet deep and 600 feet wide across the ocean bar;42 feet deep and 500 to 600 feet wide to the vicinity of Kings Island Turning Basin;and 30 feet deep and 200 feet wide to a point 1,500 feet below the Houlihan Bridge (Highway 17).

.. 8.avannah Harbor is at approximately river mile 21.

vesseisat various locations in the harbor..:{."!'"...\.'.\.: ':.

FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES FISH A comprehensive five year fishery survey concluded that the lower Savannah River supports an abundant, diversified fish community, but has a low tomoderatelyutilized fishery (Schmitt and Hornsby 1985).Based on number and weight collected the most abundant game fish were largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow perch, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, flier, and pumpkinseed.

Important non-game fish include longhbse gar, bowfm, white catfish, channel catfish, common carp, spotted sucker, silver redhorse, striped mullet, and brown bullhead.The most important forage fish are gizzard shad and a number of minnow species.Anadromous fish found in the lower Savannah River are striped bass" American shad, hickory shad, bhieback herring, shortnose sturgeon, and Atlantic sturgeon.In southern waters (south of Cape Hatteras, NC)striped bass occupy riverine and estuarine waters and don't frequent the open During the early part of the 19th century, anadromous fish (with the exception of sturgeon)annually migrated as far as the headwaters of the Savannah River, through the Tugaloo River and up the Tallulah River to Tallulah Falls, Georgia, approximately 384 river miles from the ocean.After 1846 the Augusta Diversion Dam acted as a barrier to inland migration of anadromous species.Completion of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (NSBLD)in 1937 further restricted spawning migrations to below river mile 265.During the late 1950's through the early 1960's, the Corps'Savannah River navigation project constructed 38 cuts across meander bends and as a result shortened the river by 78 miles.Therefore, New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam is now located at river mile 187.3.The Stevens Creek Dam, a South Carolina Electric and Gas hydroelectric project, was constructed upstream of the Augusta Diversion Dam in 1914.Anadromous fish are still an important component of the River's sport and commercial fisheries.

Large numbers of American shad and blueback herring, and lesser numbers of striped bass and sturgeon migrate to the NSBLD facility which is the first major obstruction to passage on the river.However, some fish have continued to migrate to historical spawning grounds above the facility.The fish pass upstream by swimmingthroughfully opened dam gates at flows of 16,000 cfs or higher, and by swimming through the navigation lock when it is operated in a manner suitable for fish passage.Because of the national importance of anadromous fishery resources and the historical significance of the Savannah River in supporting these resources, in 1986 the Service initiated studies aimed at restoring full anadromous fish passage to historical spawning grounds above NSBLD.This cooperative effort among the Service, Corps of Engineers, Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)has continued to the present.Various combinations of lock operation and flow releases from J.Strom Thurmond reservoir have been used to facilitate fish passage at NSBLD.On-going studies led by the SCDNR are attempting to assess the effectiveness of fish passage efforts.Results to date indicate that both methods are effective for upstream passage of American Shad.8

((In 1992, the Service, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved an"Elements on consensus on American shad management in the stretch of Savannah River between Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill)Dam and Augusta.Goals identified for this reach of the Savannah River included (1)the continued lockage of American Shad at NSBLD, (2)the design and implementation of an upstream fish passage mechanism at the Augusta Diversion Dam and (3)similarly at the Stevens Creek Dam, (4)improvement of poor dissolved oxygen, and (5)safe downstream passage mechanisms for out migrant anadromous fish, if deemed necessary (Appendix A).The lower Savannah River provides extremely important striped bass habitat.Prior to initiation of tide gate operation in 1977, the primary spawning area for striped bass in the Savannah River system was the tidal fresh water zone approximately 18-25 miles from the river moutlJ.., specifically the Little Back River (Mc.LlflY 1968;Rees 1974).Salinity changes due to the tide gate operation (1977-1992) reduced the extent of this tidal freshwater zone.Studies indicated significant declines in numbers of striped bass eggs and larvae in the lower Savannah River system duringthisperiod.

These declines were related to increased salinity and modified transport patterns caused by the tide gate and associated hydrologic modifications (Van Den Avyle et al.1990, Winger and Lasier 1990).the Little Back-River, due'to its unIque physical characteristics, is the oniy-suitable area within the Savannah River System for efficient collection of brood fish for Georgia statewide i ,).., propagation and stocking program of striped bass and hybrid bass (white bass x striped bass).;:In the early 1980's, an average of 4,291 kilograms of striped bass were harvested annually by&Pprt fishermen in the Savannah River downstream of the (Scrrt,it,t and Hqf;nsby 1985.)Since 1989, because of the documented reproduction decline, there has been a striped bass harvest moratorium on the Savannah River downstream of NSBLD.WETLANDS J Palustrine forested wetlands dominate.the extensive alluvial plain of the Savannah River.The wettest parts of the flood plain, such as swales, sloughs, and back swamps are dominated by bald cypress, water tupelo, and swamp tupelo.Slightly higher areas, which are usually flooded for much of the growing season are often dominated by oyercup oak and water hickory.Most of the Savannah River floodplain consists of low relief flats or terraces.These areas are flooded during most of the winter and early spring and one or two months during the growing season.Laurel oak is the dominant species on these flats and green ash, American elm, sweetgum, spruce pine, sugarberry, and swamp palm are often present.Swamp chestnut oak, cherrybark oak, spruce pine, and loblolly pine are found on the highest elevations of the flood plain, which are only flooded infrequently during the growing season.On the Savannah River downstream of Interstate Highway 95 tidal palustrine emergent wetlands, also known as tidal freshwater marsh, becomes prevalent.

Tidal palustrine emergent wetlands are flooded twice daily by tidal action in the study area.These marshes are vegetated with a'...;'_1 9 diverse mixture of plants including giant cutgrass, spikerushes, and up to 58 other plant species (Pearlstine et al.1990, Applied Technology and Management 1998).In palustrine emergent wetland, primary productivity is high, falling in the range of 500 to 2000 grams/square meter/year (Odum et aL 1984).The quality of primary production of the fresh marsh community is also high.Major primary producers in the salt marsh community are grasses that have little immediate nutritional value to fish and wildlife but support an important detritus based food web (Teal 1962).In contrast, the fleshy broad-leaf plants characteristic of fresh marshes generally are high in nitrogen and low in fiber content and there is a high incidence of direct grazing or feeding on these plants (Odum et al.1984).Fresh marsh vegetation also contributes to the food web base that supports the study area's freshwater fishery.The leaves of the larger macrophytes in this community are used as attachment places by mollusks, insect nymphs, rotifers, hydra, and midge larvae, all important fish foods.The submerged littoral zone is vital to the development of freshwater fish, as well as some marine and estuarine species, as these areas are the principal spawning sites and provide nursery and juvenile habitats.Wildlife associated with forested wetlands is numerous and diverse.The furbearers are an important component of these wetlands and include beaver, muskrat, mink, otter, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, and opossum Deer, turkey, and even black beat in the more isolated areas, use the bottomlands.

Palustrine emergent wetlands also provide excellent habitat for furbearers including the mink, beaver, and river otter.Terrestrial species from surrounding areas often utilize the fresh marsh edge for shelter, food, and water;these include raccoon, opossum, rabbit, and bobcat.The study area is part of the Atlantic Flyway and forested wetlands provide important wintering habitat for many waterfowl species and nesting habitat for wood ducks.Many species of woodpeckers, hawks, and owls use the bottomlands and swamps.N eotropical migratory birds, many of which are decreasing in abundance, depend upon contiguous tracts of forested swamps for breeding and as corridors during migration.

Robbins et aL (1989)found that the most area-sensitive bird species required at least 2,800 acres of contiguous forest to be present.The extensive forested wetlands of the Savannah River flood plain provide very valuable habitat for these birds.The American swallow-tailed kite, a state (SC)listed endangered species, can be observed on the study area.Swallow-tailed kites nest in and are closely associated with palustrine wetlands.Palustrine emergent wetlands also provide habitat for many bird species.Resident, transient, and migrating birds of both terrestrial and aquatic origin utilize food and shelter found in this community; some species use freshwater marshes for nesting and breeding.Waterfowl feed upon fresh marsh vegetation, mollusks, insects, small crustaceans, and fish found in the fresh 10 (marsh community.

Wading birds such as the wood stork, great blue heron, little blue heron, green heron, snowy egret, and great egret also heavily utilize the tidal freshwater marsh.The study area provides excellent habitat for a large number of reptiles and amphibians.

Wetland habitats support many kinds of frogs including bullfrog, bronze frog, southern leopard frog, and several species of tree frogs, cricket frogs, and chorus frogs.Turtles found in the wetlands include river cooter, Florida cooter, pond slider, eastern chicken turtle, snapping turtle, mud turtle, and stinkpot.Snakes found in the wetlands include red-bellied water snake, banded water snake, brown water snake, eastern mud snake, rainbow snake, and eastern cottonmouth.

The American alligator can be observed on streams and ponds of the Coastal Plain study area.ENDANGERED SPECIES Federal Endangered (E), Threatened (T), and Candidate (C)species that are likely to occur in the Savannah Basin Study Area include: (Mammals: Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)-E West Indian manatee (Trichechus

-E Birds: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)-E Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leuGo(:ephal'f:ts)

-T Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)-E Piping plover (Charadrius tJ7elodus)

-T Wood stork (Mycteria americana)

-E Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii)

-E Reptiles Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi)-T Amphibi'a-ns Flatwoods:s.aJamander (Ambystoma cingutatum)

-T"';.'J

.:::...J"....:.;::;*:'i::r*.f,',',',i Fishes:.':.;<,*r;;:,:.,";".Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser

[;.""..;...;'Plants: Canby's drqpWQIJ (Oxyp'plis canbyi)-E Chaff-seed (Schwalbea aTnerica1.t.a)

-E.-,.,j.Schweinitz's sunflower (Heliaiithus schweinitzii)

-E Small whorled pogonia (Is 0 tria medeoloides)

-T

.;,

:" ,:

,;-".:, ,".....Rough-leaved loosestdfe (Lysimachia asperulde[olia)

-E 11:.'i:'::: '!..:.}..;.....

Bunched arrowhead (Sagittariafasciculata)

-E White irisette (Sisyrinchiurn dichotomum)

-E Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis ndniflora)

-T Mountain sweet pitcher plant (Sarracenia rubra E Harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum)-E Swamp-pink (Helonins buttata)-T Smooth coneflower (Echindcea laevigata)

-E Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus)-T Persistent trillium (Trillium persistens)

-E Relict trillium (Trillium reliquum)-E Little amphianthus (Amphianthus pusillus)-T Miccosukee gooseberry (Ribes echinellum)

-T Bog asphodel (Narthecium americanum)

-C Maintenance and enhancement of habitat for endangered and threatened species is an important Service goal.The species listed above should be taken into consideration in any future federal projects.PROBLEMS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND PLANNING OBJECTIVES Representative of Georgia Department of Natural Resources have expressed concern with maintaining adequate instream flows and habitat in piedmont tributary streams that flow into the Corps reservoirs.

Population growth and development are increasing demands for surface water(.J withdrawals.

Modification of instream flows can lead to loss of aquatic habitat quality and quantity and reduced biodiversity and productivity.

Stream sediment input and non-point source pollution also are frequently associated with development.

These stream modifications need to be evaluated and identified problems need to be addressed.

Upstream of Augusta, the Stevens Creek pool experiences low dissolved oxygen for two to three months each year due to unaltered hypolimneti y releases from J.Strom Thurmond Dam.Through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing process the Service, SCDNR and GADNR are seeking to restore passage of anadromous fish at the Augusta Diversion Dam and Stevens Creek Dam tothebase of Thurmond Dam.Cooperative efforts underway in conjunction with turbine renovation at Thurmond Dam should improve dissolved oxygen below the dam.Design of the new system is underway and the system could be installed by the year 2001.This improvement would help ensure survival of spawned American shad fry and improve the resident aquatic community.

The extensive forested wetlands of the Savannah River below Augusta are important habitat to many significant commercial and recreational fish and wildlife species, as well as to endangered and threatened plants and animals.These wetlands are also important for flood control and purification, soil enrichment, erosion control, and support for downstream fishing.12

((By modifying the natural flow regime, reservoir construction and operation in the Piedmont has caused loss and degradation of forested wetlands along the lower Savannah River.The character of southeastern forested wetlands is determined by many factors including:

(1)duration and periodicity of flooding;(2)depth of flooding;(3)intensity of stream flow;(4)quantity, nature and deposition rates of sediment carried by the stream, and (5)chemical aspects of the water (Bozeman and Darrell 1975).Regulation of river flow at the reservoirs has significantly modified all these factors.One result has been the succession of many of the remaining forested wetland communities to drier habitat types.This has reduced the richness and diversity of the river swamp and eliminated and degraded wetland habitats and associated values and functions that are important for fish and wildlife.Reduced river flow to the seasonally flooded wetland have also made it possible for landowners to convert hundreds of acres of this habitat type to agriculture and pine plantations and residential development which are less productive for wildlife.Riverine fish communities benefit from natural spring floods.Overbank flooding allows for inundation of extensive spawning habitat.Flood water slowly recedes allowing the larval and juvenilefishto contribute to the river's population.

Temporary connection of the natural oxbow lakes on the flood plain to the river, which allowed for the movement of adult fish into the frequently isolated oxbows, and the emigration of younger fish to the river, is especially important.

The carbon cycle of Coastal Plain rivers also is closely tied to overbank flooding.Productivity (primary and advanced)suffers with the loss of flood episodes.Due to reduced flooding resulting from upstream dams and the construction of cutoffs, these natural mechanisms to recharge the riverine fish populations have been reduced.There is little question that fish populations in the river and floodplain downstream of Augusta have been reduced.In addition, water quality in the Coastal Plain tributary system has been degraded.Under unregulated conditions, tributaries were subject to pulses of high flow, which helped flush the system and thereby reduced the organic content and nutrient levels and increased dissolved oxygen.Therefore, under unregulated conditions, these blackwater tributaries were oligotrophic systems that exhibited good water quality.The lower portion of Ebeneezer Creek, designated a Georgia, Scenic River and a National Natural Landmark at river mile 45 is a prime example.This area contains a backwater swamp with old-growth bald cypress-water tupelo.Ebeneezer Creek has , become plagued with nuisance aquatic vegetation, declining water quality, and fish kills.Reduced flushing due to river flow modification is thought to be a contributing factor to these problems.More study is needed to assess the extent and magnitude of all of these flow regime impacts.The Corps'actions in the lower river, dredging and placement of pile dikes associated with maintenance of the navigation channel to Augusta, are also affecting the hydrological conditions in the forested wetlands.Shortening of the river by 30 percent has steepened the gradient of the river and undoubtedly led to channel degradation.

Sediment buildup at the entrance to waterways since the channel modifications, in combination with the lower flows resulting from the reservoirs has reduced water flow into swamps, creeks, and lakes.Changes in vegetative communities and lower population levels of wildlife may result from these reduced flows." 13.,'t In addition, the channel cuts have increased current velocity in the new channel and degraded the quality and quantity (78 miles)of high value fish habitat in the cutoff meander bends.Some of the meander bends have filled so that flow has been essentially eliminated under all except flood conditions.

Some of the meander bends contain flow during high river discharge but do not support flows during low flow periods.The cutoff bends have accumulated organic matter that reduces dissolved oxygen in the water during low flow/warm water conditions.

Fish and macro invertebrate habitats have been adversely affected under these conditions and fish recruitment may be reduced.Site specific data is needed to assess the magnitude of this water quality problem at specific cutoff bends and to develop appropriate remedies.The following example illustrates the flow regin1eandstream modification problems.The City of Savannah has experienced declining water quality (PH)at its pump station on Little Abercorn Creek.City officials believe that this problem is caused by reduced flow and wetland flushing from tributaries of the Savannah River.The tributaries that flow into Little Abercorn Creek include Bear Creek and Mill Creek.The entrance to Bear Creek is located on Savannah River Cutoff Bend Number 3.Reduced flow in the cutoff bendresultingfrom construction of the cutoff has reduced flows into Bear Creek.Mill Creek is partially fed water by channels off of the Savannah River at Flat Ditch Point.Reduced flow in this cutoff bend resulting from construction of cutoff number 4 has reduced flows into Mill Creek.In addition to affecting the city water supply these flow conditions reduce the duration and depth of flooding in adjacent Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and privately owned wetlands.Flushing of detritus and nutrients from the wetlands is reduced as is access to the flood plain for larval and juvenile fish.Wetland vegetation species composition may over time due to the reduced flooding.:,

The tidal fresh marsh on Savannah NWR supports an extremely diverse plant community providing food, cover and nesting habitat for awidevariety of wildlife species.Tidal freshwater marsh is relatively scarce in comparison to coastal brackish and salt marshes.Because of tidal freshwater marsh scarcity and its high fish and wildlife value, a primary Service goal is to restore and maintain tidal freshwater marsh in the lower Savannah River.Past harbor modifications, including harbor deepening, have greatly increased salinity levels throughout much of Savannah NWR and reduced the quantity of tidal freshwater marsh.According to our preliminary evaluation,.Savannah NWR contained about 6,000 acres of tidal freshwater marsh when it was established in 1927.By 1997, due to the cumulative impacts of harbor deepening, tidal freshwater marsh had declined to 2,800 acres, a reduction of 53perceilL

.Measures to reverse this habitat degradation need to be evaluated and implemented;

..-.'co Prior to 1977, the Savannah River supported the most important naturally reproducing striped bass population in the State of Georgia but production of striped bass eggs in the Savannah River estuary has declined by about 95 percent since that time.Tide gate operation, in conjunction with the cumulative impacts of harbor deepening, caused a number of impacts, including increased salinity and loss of suitable spawning habitat throughout most of Little Back River and the lower Savannah River.Striped bass eggs and larvae were also transported through New Cut and then rapidly downstream to areas with toxic salinity levels.It was hoped that the tide gate restoration 14 (project would improve most of these conditions.

Unfortunately, in spite of suppleJl1entw stocking and an increase in adult numbers, the striped bass population has not recovered as anticipated.

The failure of recovery may be due, in part, to the cumulative impacts of harbor deepening.

An interagency Section 1135 environmental restoration project, led by the Corps'and GADNR, is currently underway to identify and implement stripedbassrestoration measures in Rack River.The following planning objectives were developed considering the above problems.1.Implement a Savannah River flow regime that will provide diverse and productive fish and wildlife habitat in the lower Savannah River.The flow regime should be established by evaluating the quantity, duration and periodicity of flows needed to support aquatic and wetland functions.

2.Evaluate the potential to reduce salinity intrusion in Savannah Harbor, and restore tidal freshwater marsh and striped bass habitat, by modifying management and operation of 1.Strom Thurmond Reservoir.

',.<',.,i/,',"::::.3.Evaluate the extent and impact of development in the Savannah River flood plain subsequent to construction of Corps flood control projects..i," I,...'t{:;',;;1': 4.Allow the Sava.qnah River to.establisfi.-

a new hydraulic'equilibrium by no longer maintaining the Augusta to Savannah navigation channel and associated structures.

5.Restore Savannah River cutoff bends to natural conditions where fish and wildlife and/'or other benefits can be demonstrated.."

':"..:';6.Maintain small (fishing)boat access to those cutoff bends providing significant fishing opportunities.

....';).'*;,..-;i,.

.,':,:\" 7.Gather water quality and morphometry survey information on selected cutoff bends to help determine the need for restoration or other actions at additional cutoff bends..,1'":-;.**,,!o'".'"'..:..8.Maintain and enhance fish passage at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam or remove this ,

'.1>;;r'9.Improve water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen level, below J.Strom Thurmond Dam.

(.<.)d\:;;:.<;:*

',,;..::

,.';,/.;:'-,,':: ':'..(,':.!I

"':'(;'..**

.,\','10.Eyaluate,

{low of;surface in:the o(the'

,>;,,'i,'.'<..'.....,.,,',;,"1;"':.;1*FUTURE FWCA ACTIVITIES AND FUNDING NEEDS Projecting the specific FWCA activities that would be necessary to adequately describe existing 15 fish and wildlife resources, assess impacts and evaluate alternative plans.and develop necessary conservation measures is difficult because the scope of the potential study has not been well defmed.Requiredactivitieswill be directly related to problems evaluated and potential solutions and their likely impacts upon fish and wildlife resources.

For planning purposes, we have assumed that future studies would focus on the flow regime.The Service would anticipate providing assistance in scoping, designing and analyzing the results of studies needed to evaluate flow problems.In addition, study results would be used to prepare Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Reports evaluating fish and wildlife habitat with and without the project and providing recommendations on management measures.Our funding estimate for these activities is$60,000.Should the study continue, detailed scopes of work and associated funding needs will be developed under our transfer funding agreement.

RECOMMENDATIONS The Service recommends that the Corps perform the following actions to address the problems associated with the Savannah River Basin project.1.In conjunction with fish and wildlife agencies and other stakeholders, determine and implement a Savannah River flow regime that provides for diverse and productive fish and wildlife habitat._The flow regime evaluation should include determination of the quantity, duration and periodicity of flows needed to support aquatic and wetland functions.

2.Evaluate the potential to reduce salinity intrusion in Savannah Harbor, and restore tidal freshwater marsh and striped bass habitat, by modifying management and operation of 1.Strom Thurmond Reservoir.

3.Evaluate the extent and impact of development in the Savannah River flood plain subsequent to construction of Corps flood control projects.4.Do not conduct any dredging maintenance activities on the Savannah to Augusta navigation project and seek deauthorization of this navigation project.5.In conjunction with fish and wildlife agencies, determine need for further restoration action on cutoff bends.6.Continue to ensure anadromous fish passage at New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam using lock operations or upstream flow releases.Evaluate removal of this obstruction to anadromous fish.Ensure that fish passage is continued if the disposition study leads to a new lock and dam manager.7.Improve water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen level, below J.Strom Thurmond Dam.8.Evaluate instream flow impacts of surface water withdrawal in the piedmont region of the basin.LITERATURE CITED 16 (/)

(Applied Technology and Management.

1998.Savannah Harbor expansion environmental impact statement.

Georgia Ports Authority.

Savannah, Georgia.244 pp.T.W.Cooney, K.H.Jones, P.A.Drews, S.W.Ellisor and B.W.Church.1998.Water resources data for South Carolina-Water year 1998.U.S.Geological Survey Report1.Columbia, South Carolina.546 pp.Bozeman, IR., and I R.Darrell.1975.The river swamp ecosystem and related vegetation.

A study of Georgia's Coastal area.Ga.Dept.of Nat.Resour.t Off.Planning Res., Atlanta.37 pp.McBay, L.G.1968.Location of sexually mature striped bass.Ga.Game and Fish Comm.Coastal Region Fish Invest.Report.Job ll-1:27-48.

Odum, W.E., T.I Smith ill, J.K.Hoover, and C.C.McIvor.1984.The ecology of tidal freshwater marshes of the United States east coast: a community profile.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.FWS/OBS-83/17.

Pearlstine, L.,"W.Kltchens, P.Latham, and 1990.-Application of allabitat succession model for the wetlands complex of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Florida.Gainesvilie.

Rees, R.A.1974.Statewide Fish.Invest.Ga.Game and Fish Div.Final Rept.Fed.Aid Proj.5 study 14 job 1.llpp.Robbins, C.S., D.K.Dawson, and B.A.Dowell, 1989.Habitat area requirements of breeding forest birds of the middle Atlantic states.Wildlife Monograph No.103.34 pp.Schmitt, D.N.and J.H.Hornsby.1985.A fisheries survey of the Savaimah River.Georgia Department of Natural Resources Final Report for Project Number F-30-12.Atlanta, Georgia.91 pp.Teal, J.M.1962.Energy flow in the salt marsh ecosystem of Georgia.Ecology, 43(4): 614-624.Van Den Avyle, M., M.Maynard, R.Klinger, and V.Blazer, 1990.Effects of Savannah harbor development on fishery resources associated with the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Georgia.Athens.Winger, P.V., and P.J.Lasier.1990.Effects of salinity on striped bass eggs and larvae.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fisheries Contaminant Research Center, Univ.of Georgia, Athens.Report submitted to U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District.17

',:1" 18 APPENDIX A ('j\..I Interior ,'FISf.I , 217 FORT JOHNSON ROAD CHARLESTON.

SOUTH CAROLINA 29(-ft October 15, 1994'.:.:;,

Lois: D.cashell:',,", , ,;'Secretary,,".!'" Federal Energy Regulatory Corruilission 825 North Capitol Street, N.E.Washington, D.C.20426

Dear Ms.Cashell:

/...'",..*.';:

," The attached document entitled"Elements of Consensus on American Shad Management in the Stretch of Savannah River Between Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill)Dam and presents background and details of a preliminary management plan addressing restoration of access to historical anadromous fish spawning habitat in Savannah River, South Carolina and Georgia.'" The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service hereby submits this document under Section 10'(a)(2)(a)of the Federal Power Act for your information and- Roger L.Banks Field Supervisor RB/SG';:".:t::.;...'-:'.,:;.';..;,-',..;"

ELEMENTS OF CONSENSUS ON AMERICAN SHAD MANAGEMENT IN THE STRETCH OF SAVANNAH RIVER BETWEEN STROM THURMOND (CLARKS KILL)DAM AND AUGUSTA On June 11, 1992 an interagency meeting was held to ascertain those elements of the Fish and Wildlife Service Goals for Savannah River anadromous fish (especially American Shad)management which were held in common by all area resource agencies.The area resource agencies in attendance included the US Fish and Wildlife Service (F&WS), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR), and South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources (SCWMRD).The US Soil Conservation Service (SCS)was invited to attend to acquaint the State fisheries agencies with the special efforts of the Georgia Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)Council.The soil conservation agent acts as the RC&D coordinator for the 14 county council.The position of the F&WS is that habitat expansion and enhancement of the stretch of the Savannah River between Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill)Dam and New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (NSBLD)to anadromous species spawning use would be beneficial to the stocks of those fishes, especially American shad.American shad are known to have had historical Savannah River spawning migrations of over 385 miles.The fIrst major dam built on the Savannah River, the Augusta Diversion Dam, was constructed in 1845 at then approximate river mile 285.In about 1938 the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE)constructed the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam at what was then approximate river mile 265.Subsequent COE projects cut valuable meanders from the lower river to shorten the river channel by approximately 78 miles, so that NSBLD is now located at river mile 187.3.Nearly half of the Savannah River spawning habitat once available to anadromous fishes has been lost.Restoring use of as much river as is possible is desirable for nationally important fish species.Construction of fish ladders, with concomitant expansion of suitable spawning and nursery areas, has increased run sizes of American shad in selected northeast rivers.American shad have already responded positively to passage into the NSBLD pool.There is no reason to believe that successful utilization of habitats further upstream could not also be obtained.The current Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's relicensing of both the Augusta Diversion Dam and Stevens Creek projects presents a unique temporal window of opportunity to provide American shad passage above these facilities through prescriptive authorities delegated to the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce by Section 18 of the Federal Power Act.Five elements ofF&WS goals for this area were identified.

They involve (1)the continued lockage of American shad at New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, (2)the design and implementation of the upstream fish passage mechanism at the Augusta Diversion Dam and at the (3)Stevens Creek Dam, (4)improvement of poor dissolved oxygen, and (5)safe downstream passage mechanism for outmigrant anadromous fishes if deemed necessary.

i/\i)}

Three areas of consensus were initially identified by the interagency group.1.2.3.The group agreed that continued lockage of American shad to the NSBLD pool is desirable.

The group agreed that dam discharge water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen levels, should at least meet each State's minimum quality criteria.Thus, the low DO late summer discharges of Strom Thurmond Dam need upgrading.

It was agreed by the group that it would be beneficial to evaluate American shad population responses, possibly as monitored by commercial and recreational harvest, to the passage provided.It was further agreed that the means for such evaluation would best be determined by an interagency committee.

This committee would design a study plan and meet periodically to evaluate the data generated by the identified work plan.Monies required to pursue this effort would be jointly sought and delegated to cooperators engaged in the actual field work, as arranged for by the committee.

American shad commercial harvest rate catch per unit effort (CPUE)data has been compiled by SCWMRD for some 12 years.The group agreed that although this data has several weaknesses, it is a very valuable data base and its collection should continue to possibly show long term trends.Sources of new monies to continue the compilation of this data is desirable and should be encouraged by the interagency committee.

Formation of the Savannah River Anadromous Fish Interagency Committee (SRAFIC)then is the immediate first need to further action on the consensus items.

f*;;.()..\;l

,e'Georgia Department of Natural Resources 205 Butler Street, S.B., East Floyd Tower, Ge9rgia'.

COilUriiS$i6ner Harold F.Reheis, Director"., lUly27,:i9'99'" Colonel J oseRh K.Schmitt, District Engineer of Engineers 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue

.Savannah, Georgia 31402-0889 RE: Savannah River Basin Reconnaissance Study

Reference:

DACW21-98-D-Q019, 0027;"'.:;We appreciate the opportunity to work with your staff on efforts

,;: Savannah Rj:ver Basitl Reconnaissance Study*.We believe this program can be of great benefit in.--'",

We would like to continue to the next step of this study process, which is to develop a for UridefSta:hd we will have to enter into.an agreement Cost EImir.g before a study as any commitment offundS at this time.We are preparea to,;discuss the study costs and proposed the appropriate time., ,.*.

..::\

.,i'.

.::'.

Sincerely,\\("'\-&1'\" t, t ,.\1\ Harold F.Reheis:,'.-..".:'Director HFR:hw cc: Lonice C.Barrett David Waller Nolton G.Johnson Alan W.Hallum

....,:..";'.. ':.1.*;*

'..""**.s,tputry Depart.:nent of..'r\j"atural Resou rces r::-),."".r'.J July 29, 1999 ColonelJosephK District Engineer U.S.Anny Corps of Engineers 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue P.O.Box889 Savannah, GA 31402-0889 Paul A.Sandifer, Ph.D.Director Alfred H.Yang Deputy Director for"Water.R.¢sources,\.UII'id;Raourca It

'\ilOd,-,..Geolo'gtciif SUrVcv Re

Savannah River Basin Reconnaissance Study, Reference DACW21-98-D-00 19,0027

Dear Colonel ScbI;Qi,

tt:

J,:__.'.'....:.\'_.....:

tl,1,e oppprtw;rltyto Your staff on efforts Savannah River Basin Reconnaissance Study.We believe this program will Qenetitin solving some of the existing issues in the basin, such as water supply allocations, flood control, hydropower, water quality and flow, fish and wildlife, aquatic plant control, and recreation.

We would like to continue the step of this study process, which is to develop a preliminary cost estimate for feasibility studies.We understand we will have to enter into an agreement and sign a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement before a feasibility study can b.egin.This should not be construed as any commitment of funds at this time.We are prepared to discuss the study costs and proposed improvements at the appropriate time.Sincerely, V'

>./-'1'" Deputy Director AHV:jk',', 2221

• Suite 222*Columbia, S.C.29205*Telephone:

803/734-9100 (EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PRINTED 0 N RECYCLED PAPER 0