ML12110A225

Environmental Report, Enclosure 2, Book 4 of 11

ML12110A225
Person / Time
Site:	Limerick
Issue date:	02/28/2012
From:	Exelon Nuclear
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML12110A225 (363)

Text

Limerick Generating Station Units 1 & 2 License Renewal Project Environmental Report Response to Request for Additional Information (RAI) for the Review of LGS LRA ER, Dated February 28, 2012 Enclosure 2 Book 4 of 11

E2-9: Enclosure 2: Aquatic Ecoloy, item G RMC (RMC Environmental Services). 1986. Progress Report, Non-Radiological Environmental Monitoring for Limerick Generating Station 1985. Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company.

September.

Exelon Response The requested document is provided.

PROGRESS REPORT Non-Radiological Environmental Monitoring for Limerick Generating Station 1985 Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company 1.

by RMC-Environmental Services Pottstown, Pennsylvania SEPTEMBER 1986

PROGRESS REPORT Non-Radiological Environmental Monitoring for Limerick Generating Station 1985 Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company by RMC-Environmental Services Pottstown, Pennsylvania SEPTEMBER 1986

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

............ .................. 1.0-1

2.0 INTRODUCTION

.... ......... . ...... .......... 2.0-1 3.0 DELAWARE RIVER ............... .................... 3.0-1 3.1 WATER QUALITY ....... . ................ 3.1-1 3.2 POINT PLEASANT ICHTHYOPLANKTON. ..... .......... 3.2-1 4.0 EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEH CREEK ......... ............. 4.0-1 4.1 WATER QUALITY ................................. .. 4.1-1 4.2 BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES ....... ............ 4.2-1 4.3 FISHES COLLECTED BY SEINE ....... ............. 4.3-1 4.4 FISHES COLLECTED BY ELECTROFISHING ....... ........ 4.4-1 4.5 AGE AND GROWTH OF SELECTED FISHES ... ......... 4.5-1 5.0 PERKIOMEN CREEK ............... ................... 5.0-1 5.1 WATER QUALITY . .... ....................... 5.1-1 5.2 FISHES COLLECTED BY ELECTROFISHING ... ........ 5.2-1 6.0 SCHUYLKILL RIVER ..... .......... .............. 6.0-1 6.1 WATER QUALITY .......... ....................... 6.1-1 6.2 BENTHIC NACROINVERTEBRATES ................... 6.2-1 6.3 FISHES COLLECTED BY SEINE ......................... 6.3-1 6.4 FISHES COLLECTED BY ELECTROFISHING ............ 6.4-1 6.5 AGE AND GROWTH OF SELECTED FISH .... .......... 6.5-1 6.6 CREEL SURVEY ............... .... ........... 6.6-1 7.0 ASIATIC CLAM .... ......................... .... 7.0-1 8.0 COOLING TOWER BIRD MORTALITY ....... ............. 8.0-1 9.0 LITERATURE CITED ................ ............ ...... 9.0-1 i

LIST OF TABLES 2.0-1. Ecological and water quality studies conducted on the Delaware River, East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Perkiomen Creek, and Schuylkill River in relation to Limerick Generating Station.

2.0-2. List of progress reports which pertain to non-radiological environmental monitoring for Limerick Generating Station, 1970-1985.

3.1-I. Mean daily Delaware River discharge (cu. ft./sec.)

measured at the Trenton U.S. Geological Survey gage in 1985.

3.1-2. Mean monthly Delaware River discharge (cu. ft./sec.)

measured at the Trenton U.S. Geological Survey gage, 1971-1985.

3.1-3. Summary of Delaware River water quality at Station A11760, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

3.1-4. Summary of Delaware River water quality at Station A11760, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

3.1-5. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station A11760 on the Delaware River.

3.1-6. Hew maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station A11760 on the Delaware River.

3.2-1. Total catch of ichthyoplankton collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

3.2-2. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

3.2-3. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-4. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected at Station A10960-3 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

ii

List of Tables (cont.)

3.2-5. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected at Station A11263-1 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-6. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected at Station A11263-3 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-7. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected at Station A11760-3 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-8. Period of occurrence and maximum density (number/l0O cu. meter) of American shad eggs and herring eggs col-lected in the Delaware River near. Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-9. Daytime mean densities (numbers per 100 m3 ) of American shad eggs and larvae collected from the Delaware River at Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

3.2-10. Nighttime mean densities (numbers per 100 M3) of American shad eggs and larvae collected from the Delaware River at Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

3.2-11. Period of -occurrence and maximum density (number/100 cu. meter) of larvae and juveniles of selected taxa collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982-1985.

3.2-12. Density (number/lO0 cu. meter) of all larvae collected during day and night ichthyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

3.2-13. Density (number/100 cu. meter) of all eggs collected during day and night ichthyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

3.2-14. Density (number/lO0 cu. meter) of American shad larvae and juveniles collected during day and night ich-thyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

iii

List of Tables (cant.)

3.2-15. Density (number/lO0 cu. meter) of American shad eggs collected during day and night ichthyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

3.2-16. Approximate state of embryonic development of American shad eggs collected at Point Pleasant during 1982-19851.

3.2-17. Estimated entrainment of American shad eggs and larvae at the Point Pleasant intake station, 19851.

4.1-1. Mean daily East Branch Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu.

ft./sec.) measured at the Bucks Road U.S. Geological Sirvey gage in 1985.

4.1-2. Mean monthly East Branch Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu.

ft./sec.) measured at the Bucks Road U.S. Geological Survey gage, 1984-1985.

4.1-3. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E32300, 30 March 1983 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-4. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E32300, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-5. New maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E32300 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

4.1-6. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E32300 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

4.1-7. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E22880, 30 March 1983 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-8. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E22880, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-9. New maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E22880 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

iv

List of Tables (cont.)

4.1-10. Hew minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E22880 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

4.1-11. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E2800, 5 January 1983 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-12. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station E2800, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

4.1-13. Hew maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E2800 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

4.1-14. Hew minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E2800 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

4.2-1. Replicate samples collected in 1985 that were subsam-pled in the laboratory prior to sorting.

4.2-2. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected kn the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.2-3. Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

meter) measured in East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.2-4. Ilacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) measured in East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.2-5. Percent composition (by number) of macroinvertebrates collected in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.2-6. lacroinvertebrate taxa collected in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1983-1985.

4.2-7. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

m.), all taxa combined, in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.2-8. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2%) at Station E12500 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

v

List of Tables (cont.)

4.2-9. macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa 02%) at Station E23000 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.2-10. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2%) at Station E26700 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.2-11. Hacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2%) at Station E29910 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.2-12. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2%) at Station E36725 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.2-13. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of *important taxa (>2%) at Station E36985 in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

4.3-1. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Morris Run, and Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.3-2. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek by stations during 1985.

4.3-3. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek by date during 1985.

4.3-4. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, during 1977.

4.4-1. Summary of the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofish-ing sample sites and dates.

4.4-2. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished in 1985.

vi

List of Tables (cant.)

4.4-3. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E36235 in 1985.

4.4-4. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E30614 in 1985.

4.4-5. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E22240 in 1985.

4.4-6. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E12111 in 1985.

4.4-7. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E5650 in 1985.

4.4-8. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E1637 in 1985.

4.5-1. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Redbreast sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1985.

4.5-2. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at an-nulus with observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Redbreast sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-3. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1985.

4.5-4. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for White sucker collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1985.

4.5-5. Comparison of back-calculated mean length (mm) at an-nulus with observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of White sucker collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

vii

List of Tables (cont.)

4.5-6. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Smallmouth bass collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1985.

4.5-7. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at an-nulus with observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Smallmouth bass collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-8. Age composition of Redbreast sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.5-9. Age composition of Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.5-10. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at an-nulus with observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-11. Age composition of White sucker collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.6-1. Bimonthly estimates of fishing pressure with standard error and coefficient of variation (from angler counts), and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) based on ob-served effort, total catch (includes released fish),

harvest (includes only fish kept) from angler inter-views on East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

4.6-2. Number of anglers interviewed at East Branch Perkiomen Creek access points during 1985.

4.6-3. Bimonthly species composition and estimated number of fish caught and number of fish harvested by anglers fishing the East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

4.6-4. Estimated weight of angler harvest by species from East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

4.6-5. Age and sex composition and mode of access for anglers interviewed on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

4.6-6. Preferred fishes of East Branch Perkiomen Creek' anglers during 1985.

viii

List of Tables (cont.)

5.1-1. Mean daily Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Graterford US Geological Survey gage in 1985.

5.1.2. Mean monthly Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Graterford US Geological Survey gage, 1970-1985.

5.1-3. Summary of Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station P18700, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

5.1-4. Summary of Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station P18700, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

5.1-5. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P18700 on the Perkiomen Creek.

5.1-6. New maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P18700 on the Perkiomen Creek.

5.1-7. Summary of Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station P14390, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

5.1-8. Summary of Perkiomen Creek water quality at Station P14390, 4 January 1984 through 18 December 1985.

5.1-9. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P14390 on the Perkiomen Creek.

5.1-10. New. maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P14390 on the Perkiomen Creek.

5.2-1. Summary of the Perkiomen Creek electrofishing sample sites and dates.

5.2-2. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished in 1985.

5.2-3. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P14030 in 1985.

ix

List of Tables (cont.)

5.2-4. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P14170 in 1985.

5.2-5. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P14540 in 1985.

5.2-6. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P20035 in 1985.

5.3-1. Bimonthly estimates of fishing pressure with standard error and coefficient of variation (from angler counts), and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) based on ob-served effort, total catch (includes released fish),

and harvest (includes only fish kept) from angler in-terviews on Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

5.3-2. Humber of anglers interviewed at Perkiomen Creek access points during 1985.

5.3-3. Bimonthly species composition and estimated number of fish in the total catch and harvest by anglers fishing the Perkiomen Creek creel survey area in 1985.

5.3-4. Estimated weight by species of angler harvest from Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

5.3-5. Number of anglers classified by age and sex, and number of parties classified by mode of access, observed during the Perkiomen Creek creel survey in 1985.

5.3-6. Preferred fishes of Perkiomen Creek anglers during 1985.

6.1-1. Mean daily Schuylkill River discharge (cu. ft./see.)

measured at the Pottstown U.S. Geological Survey gage in 1985.

6.1-2. Mean monthly Schuylkill River discharge (cu. ft./sec.)

measured at the Pottstown U.S. Geological Survey gage, 1970-1985.

6.1-3. Daily Schuylkill River temperature (C) measured at the Pottstown Water Treatment Plant in 1985.

6.1-4. Mean monthly Schuylkill River temperature (C) measured at the Pottstown Water Treatment Plant, 1970-1985.

x

List of Tables (cont.)

6.1-5. Summary of Schuylkill River water quality at Station S77660, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

6.1-6. Summary of Schuylkill River water quality at Station S77660, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

6.1-7. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station S77660 on the Schuylkill River.

6.1-8. New maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station S77660 on the Schuylkill River.

6.1-9. Summary of Schuylkill River water quality at Station S77140, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

6.1-10. Summary of Schuylkill River water quality at Station S77140, 2 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

6.1-11. New minimum values observed for water quality parameters in 1985 at Station 577140 on the Schuylkill River.

6.1-12. New maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station S77140 on the Schuylkill River.

6.2-1. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected in the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.2-2. Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

meter) measured in the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.2-3. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) measured in the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.2-4. Dates of sample collection in 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985 that were used in data comparison.

6.2-5.. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected in the Schuylkill River during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

6.2-6. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

i.), all taxa combined in the Schuylkill River, during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

xi

List of Tables (cont.)

6.2-7. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

m.) and percent composition of important taxa at Station S75770 in the Schuylkill River, during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

6.2-8. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

m.) and percent composition of important taxa at Station S76760 in the Schuylkill River, during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

6.2-9. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

m.) and percent composition of important taxa at Station S77120 in the Schuylkill River, during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

6.2-10. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

m.) and percent composition of important taxa at Station S78620 in the Schuylkill River, during 1973-1976, 1984, and 1985.

6.2-11. Dates of sample collection in 1973-1976 and 1983-1985 that were used in data comparison for detection of LGS plant operation effects.

6.2-12. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

6.2-13. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.),

all taxa combined, in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

6.2-14. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2X) at Station S75770 in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during the years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

6.2-15. flacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2X) at Station S76760 in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during the years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

6.2-16. Ilacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (>2%) at Station S77120 in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during the years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

xii

List of Tables (cont.)

6.2-17. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. m.)

and percent composition of important taxa (2>%) at Station S78620 in the Schuylkill River in the month of October during the years 1973-1976 and 1983-1985.

6.3-1. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the Schuylkill River, 1975-1978 and 1981-1985.

6.3-2. Monthly catch and relative abundance of fishes col-lected by seine from the Schuylkill River by station during 1985.

6.3-3. Analysis of variance used to compare four catch varia-bles for fish collected by seine from the Schuylkill River, 1985.

6.3-4. Comparison of 1985 site means for Schuylkill River seine catch variables using Duncan's multiple-range test.

6.3-5. Comparison catch (all stations combined) of fishes col-lected by seine from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.3-6. Comparison of 1985 monthly means for Schuylkill River seine catch variables using Duncan's multiple-range test.

6.3-7. Initial appearance of young in the Schuylkill River seine catch in 1985 and relative year-class strength of selected species.

6.4-1. Summary of the Schuylkill River electrofishing sample sites and dates.

6.4-2. Species composition and relative abundance of large fishes electrofished from the Schuylkill River, 1985.

6.4-3. Annnual relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished in 1985.

6.4-4. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S79310 in 1985.

6.4-5. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S77640 in 1985.

xiii

List of Tables (cont.)

6.4-6. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S76940 in 1985.

6.4-7. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S76440 in 1985.

6.4-8. Total catch of young-of-year catfishes in annual elec-trofishing samples from the Schuylkill River since 1981.

6.5-1. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.5-2. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus by age for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.5-3. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at an-nulus with observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River, October 1985.

6.5-4. Age composition of Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

6.5-5. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River 1973, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

6.6-1. Monthly fishing pressure estimates in angler-hours, with standard errors and coefficients of variation (in X) from the 1985 Schuylkill River creel survey.

6.6-2. Number of anglers interviewed at Schuylkill River ac-cess points during 1985.

6.6-3. Age and sex composition and mode of access for anglers interviewed on the Schuylkill River during 1985.

6.6-4. Observed catch, effort (in angler-hrs) and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE in fish/angler-hr) by month from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

6.6-5. Species composition and estimated angler catch from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

xiv

List of Tables (cont.)

6.6-6. Species composition and estimated angler harvest from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

6.6-7. Estimated weights of projected harvest by species, and statistics used in their calculation, from the 43-ha, 8.6-km creel survey reach on the Schuylkill River in 1985.

6.6-8. Preferred fishes of Schuylkill River anglers during 1985.

6.7-1. Fish observed during impingement surveys at the Limerick Generating Station Schuylkill River cooling water intake screens.

7.0-1. Results of qualitative sampling for Corbicula in the Delaware River, 1982-1985.

7.0-2. Results of qualitative sampling for Corbicula in the Schuylkill River, 1982-1985.

. 7.0-3. Results of qualitative Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

sampling for Corbicula in the 8.0-1. Birds collected at LGS cooling towers in 1985.

xv

LIST OF FIGURES 4.5-1. Length frequency distribution of redbreast sunfish col-lected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-2. Length frequency distribution of green sunfish col-lected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-3. Length frequency distribution of white sucker collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

4.5-4. Length frequency distribution of smallmouth bass col-lected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

6.5-1. Length frequency distribution of redbreast sunfish col-lected from the Schuylkill River, September and October 1985.

xvi

1.0 Executive Summary This report summarizes nonradiological environmental monitoring studies related to Philadelphia Electric Company's Limerick Generating Station (LGS) conducted in 1985. Although LGS did not reach full power operation until 26 December 1985, the plant operated intermittently at 5X power throughout 1985.

Therefore, this document is a postoperational report. Because the Point Pleasant diversion has not been completed, it did not operate in 1985.

The year 1985 was notable as a period of low flow. Monthly mean discharges on all four study water bodies were among the lowest observed in 10-15 years. The greatest discharges measured were those in response to heavy rains associated with the passage of Hurricane Gloria in late September.

A large fish kill occurred in the Schuylkill River study area during 31 July-2 August. Several thousand dead fish were observed. Although no definitive cause was established, govern-mental agency personnel hypothesized several possible causes in-volving industries located upstream of LGS. Portions of the fish kill occurred upstream of LGS and therefore plant operation was deemed not contributory to the kill.

Water quality in the Delaware River in 1985 was similar to that observed previously. Many of the new extremes recorded were 1.0-1

slightly outside of the established ranges. Ichthyoplankton species composition in 1985 was similar to that observed during 1982-1984.

Many new extremes of water quality parameters were measured in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, most of them associated with low stream flow. Although a large percentage of them were slightly outside established ranges, new copper and zinc maxima were major range extensions. The macroinvertebrate communities present in 1985 were similar to those observed previously, except that total number was substantially higher. The composition of the small fish community (collected by seine) reflected low stream flow conditions. Species such as golden shiner that preferred sluggish flow and weedy habitat were abundant. The composition of the large fish community (collected by electrofishing) changed in terms of relative abundance of the dominant species. Long-term improvement in stream habitat quality in the middle reach is reflected by differences in species composition from that reported in the EROL. Growth rates of several fish species in 1985 were similar to those observed in previous years. Although total fishing pressure in 1985 was lower than the average observed over previous study, the weight of seasonal harvest in 1985 appeared to be comparable to earlier estimates.

1.0-2

Relative densities of most of the common species of large fish in the Perkiomen Creek were higher in 1985 than in 1984, re-flecting the catch of more young-of-year fish in late summer.

The highest catch rates since 1981-1983 were observed at several stations. Lower fishing pressure in 1985 resulted in a lower total estimated catch than in previous years.

Water quality in the Schuylkill River in 1985 was similar to that observed in previous years. Most new extremes were as-sociated with the sustained low and occasional high flow events and many of these were slightly outside of established ranges.

The macroinvertebrate communities were not greatly changed from 1984 to 1985. No effects of LGS plant operation on down-river macroinvertebrate communities were observed. The large fish com-munity was dominated by several species that evidently enjoyed extremely successful spawning due to unusually low, stable river flows observed throughout spring and early summer. Catch of larger adult fish of some species was reduced after the mid-summer fish kill. Age and growth data indicated that redbreast sunfish grew slowly in 1984 and at a much higher rate in 1985, the result of differing river flow and water temperature conditions. Fishing pressure in the Schuylkill River was the lowest measured in 6 years. Angler success was moderate, al-though the total catch also was the lowest observed in 6 years.

1.0-3

Lou numbers of fish were observed in LGS impingement collections, except during high river flow associated with Hurricane Gloria.

Surveys of the presence of Asiatic clam (Corbicu l) in 1985 indicated that the species' range has expanded in the Delaware River to within 11 miles of the intake for the proposed water diversion and in the Schuylkill River to within 3 miles and 11 miles of Cromby Generating Station and LGS, respectively.

Study of bird mortality due to impaction with the LGS cooling towers indicated that the number of birds killed in 1985 was in-significant compared to the large number of migrants passing through the area.

1.0-4

2.0 Introduction The aquatic ecology of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, and Perkiomen Creek and East Branch Perkiomen Creek (EBPC) as they relate to Limerick Generating Stations (LGS) have been studied for Philadelphia Electric Company (PECo) since 1970. A terrestrial ecological survey was conducted from 1972 through 1975, and aquatic chemistry investigation was incorporated into the monitoring program in Ilay 1974. The basic objective of these studies, which are listed in Table 2.0-1, has been to document natural variation in the organisms or parameters under study, thereby developing a preoperational database which can be used to assess future change.

Progress reports have been prepared periodically for PECo and are listed in Table 2.0-2. The results of studies conducted 1971-1977 were integrated and analyzed in the Limerick Generating Station - Environmental Report: Operating License Stage (EROL) submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by PECo (1981).

This report summarizes results of the aquatic ecological, water quality, and bird impaction studies conducted for PECo on all four stream systems in 1985. The emphasis is on presentation of study results and comparison of these findings with those reported in the LGS EROL and subsequent Progress Reports.

2.0-1

The year 1985 was a year of transition in LGS operation. The plant operated at no more than 5X power from January until August when a full power operating license was issued. LGS then began to operate at an increasing level of power output, reaching full power operation on 26 December. Therefore 1985 is considered an operational year for purposes of Schuylkill River data analysis.

It is important to note that any LGS operational effects would be observed only in terms of water withdrawal from and dis-charge to the Schuylkill River. A number of the components of the Point Pleasant Hater Diversion has not as yet been completed.

Therefore, no water was pumped from the Delaware River, nor has

. any been discharged to the East Branch Perkiomen Creek at Elephant Road. Construction of the Graterford Intake on the Perkiomen Creek is complete, but to date little if any water has been withdrawn.

In general, discharge of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and the East Branch Perkiomen and Perkiomen Creeks in 1985 was the lowest observed over the period 1970-1985. Discharge was low in all months in the interval January through early November, al-though it occasionally increased in response to precipitation.

Of particular interest was the passage through the area of heavy rains associated with Hurricane Gloria on 26-28 September. River and stream discharge increased rapidly from low flows to the highest levels recorded during 1985.

2.0-2

I Table 2.0-?. Ecological and water quality studies conducted on the Delaware River, East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Perkiomen Creek, and Schuylkill River in relation to Limerick Generating Station.

DELAWARE RIVER Program 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Water Quality x x x x x x x x x x x Fisheries Survey X x Macroinvertebrate Drift x x Larval Fish x x x x Asiatic Clam x x x x EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEN CREEK Program 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Water quality x x x X X X x x Periphyton x x Benthic Macroinvertebrates x x x X X x X Larval Fish x x Seine x x x x x x x x Large Fish Population Estimate x X x Electrofishing K X X X X X X Age and Growth x x x K X X Creel Survey x K x X

Table 2.0-1. (Continued)

PERKIOMEN CREEK Proaram 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Water Quality x x x X X X X X x x x x Phytoplankton x Periphyton x Benthic Macroinvertebrates x x x x Larval Fish x x x x Seine x K x x Small Fish Population Estimate x x Large Fish Population Estimate x x K Electrofishing x x x x x X X Age and Growth x x x Creel Survey x x K x Asiatic Clam x x X SCHUYLKILL RIVER Prnarnm 1971 1972 1973 1974 197% 197A 1977 197A 1979 1q9R 1981 1982 1983 1984 19R5 Water Quality x X X x X X X X X X X X Phytoplankton x K Periphyton x x Macrophytes x Benthic Macroinvertebrates x K x x x x x X x X Larval Fish x K K K Seine x K x X K x x x K Small Fish Population Estimate x x K K Large Fish Population Estimate K K x x Electrofishing x K x x x K x K Trap Net K K x X X K Age and Growth x X x x K K x Creel Survey K x K X x Asiatic Clam K K x x Cooling Tower Bird Mortality x x x x K Impingement x

Table 2.0-2. List of progress reports which pertain to non-radiological environmental monitoring for Limerick Generating Station, 1970 - 1985.

Denoncourt, R. F., and C. H. Hocutt. 1971. An ecological stud.y of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Schuylkill Progress Report No. 1. (Part One).

Brett, J. J., and R. F. Denoncourt. 1971. An ecological study of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Schuylkill Progress Report No. 1. (Part Two).

Denoncourt, R. F., C. H. Hocutt, and C. B. Milstein. 1971. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Pottstoun, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Perkiomen Progress Report No. 1. (Part One -

Fishes).

Brett, J. J., R. F. Denoncourt, and R. J. Stira. 1971. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Perkiomen Progress Report No. 1. (Part Two -

Macroinvertebrates).

Harmon, P. L., W. A. Potter, K. W. Knopf, and R. H. Ellis. 1971.

An ecological study of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Ichthyological Associates, Schuylkill Progress Report No. 2.

Molzahn, R. F. 1971. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Ichthyological Associates, Perkiomen Progress Report No. 2.

(Part One - Fishes).

Knopf, K. W. 1971. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Ichthyological Associates, Perkiomen Progress Report Ho. 2.

(Part Two - Macroinvertebrates).

Ellis, R. H., T. P. Poe, and D. C. Stefan. 1973. An ecological study of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Schuylkill Progress Report No. 3. (Volume I).

Harmon, P. L., R. F. Molzahn, T. M. Kincaid, A. K. Megay, R. J.

Stira, and R. W. Blye. 1973. An ecological study of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Schuylkill Progress Report. Ho. 3. (Volume II).

Molzahn, R. F., and R. P. Rutter. 1973. An ecological study of the East Branch Perkiomen Creek system near Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Perkiomen Progress Report No. 3.

Harmon, P. L., and Associates. 1974. An ecological study in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Inc., Schuylkill Progress Report No. 4.

Harmon, P. L., and Associates. 1974. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Graterford, Pennsylvania. Ichthyological Associates, Inc., Perkiomen Progress Report Ho. 4.

Harmon, P. L., V. 11. Douglass, K. R. Fite, T. P. Poe, and Associates. 1976. An ecological study in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstoun, Pennsylvania.

Ichthyological Associates, Inc., Schuylkill Progress Report Ho. 5.

Harmon, P. L., V. M. Douglass, K. R. Fite, T. P. Poe, and Associates. 1976. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Graterford, Pennsylvania.

Ichthyological Associates, Inc., Perkiomen Progress Report Ho. 5.

Edinger, J. E., E. M. Buchak, and H. J. Reisinger. 1976.

Limerick Water Chemistry Program. 1974 Annual Report. J. E.

Edinger Associates, Inc. and Ichthyological Associates, Inc.

Harmon, P. L., V. M. Douglass, K. R. Fite, T. P. Poe, H. J.

Reisinger, and Associates. 1978. An ecological study in the vicinity of Limerick Generating Station, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Radiation Management Corporation, Schuylkill Progress Report Ho. 6.

Harmon, P. L., V. 11. Douglass, K. R. Fite, T. P. Poe, H. J.

Reisinger, and Associates. 1978. An ecological study of the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek system near Graterford, Pennsylvania. Radiation Management Corporation, Perkiomen Progress Report Ho. 6.

RMC-Environmental Services. 1984. Progress Report: Non-radiological Environmental Monitoring for Limerick Generating Station 1979-1983. Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company.

RMC-Environmental Services. 1985. Progress Report: Mon-radiological Environmental Monitoring for Limerick Generating Station 1984. Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company.

3.0 Delaware River at Point Pleasant The Delaware River, a major river system of the eastern United States, drains 12,765 square miles in Delaware, Maryland, Hew Jersey, Hew York, and Pennsylvania. It flows 370 miles in a southerly direction from the state of New York to Delaware Bay and is tidal to Trenton, Hew Jersey, at river mile 133.

The Delaware River at Point Pleasant (river mile 157) is the subject of study because water will be withdrawn, when needed, by the Point Pleasant Pumping Station (PPPS) for diversion to Limerick Generating Station. PPPS is to have an ultimate (projected for year 2020) capacity of 95 million gallons per day (147 cfs) of which 46 mgd (65 cfs) will be released to the upper reaches of East Branch Perkiomen Creek and flow by gravity in the stream channel to a diversion point near Graterford and then via transmission main to LGS.

The PPPS site is located on the west bank of the Delaware River near the southern limits of the village of Point Pleasant in Plumstead Township, Bucks County. The study reach consists of about 1 mile of river centered on the PPPS site. Tohickon Creek which drains a 112 sq. mile watershed that includes an impoundment, Lake Hockamixon, enters the study area just upriver of the intake location.

3.0-1

The intake for PPPS consists of an assembly of profile wire screens located at a point about 245 feet off shore. mithdrawal rates for LGS use will be subject to several regulatory agency limitations but, in general, will range from a low of 10 cfs (a minimum conservation flow to protect East Branch Perkiomen Creek instream uses) to a maximum 65 cfs with two Limerick units in full-power operation.

Although in-river construction at PPPS is complete, no water was pumped from the Delaware River in 1985 because the pumphouse, associated pipeline, and Bradshaw Reservoir were not yet built.

Therefore, the limited operation of LGS in 1985 did not affect the Delaware River.

Biological studies were conducted on behalf of PECo at Point Pleasant from July 1972 to December 1973 and are described in Smith and Harmon (1974). Studies of water quality were initiated in 1974 and continued through 1985. Ichthyoplankton collections made in 1982-1984 and water quality investigations conducted in 1979-1984 were reported in previous progress reports (RIC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985). The results of these studies conducted in 1985 are reported below.

To aid in comprehension of sample station locations, the stations are designated by the letter A for Delaware River stations and followed by a number that indicates the distance in 3.0-2

meters upstream from an arbitrary reference point of river mile ISO.

3.0-3

3.1 Water Quality Summary

1. Delaware River water quality continued to be monitored on a biweekly basis in 1985. Subsurface grab samples were collected at a sampling site some 500 m upstream of the Tohickon Creek confluence.

2. Low flows characterized most of 1985, but high flow events also were observed. Most of the new minimum and maximum water quality constituent values observed in 1985 were directly related to flow conditions, but many of these new extreme values were just slightly outside of the previously established post-EROL period ranges.

3. The 1985 data show that Delaware River water quality was quite similar to that reported in the EROL and post-EROL progress reports.

Introduction and Methods Water quality of the Delaware River at Point Pleasant was in-vestigated from 1974 through 1985 to chemically characterize the river and to permit comparisons of Delaware River water quality with the water quality of the streams that will receive water from the diversion. Results of water quality analyses conducted 3.1-1

from 1975 through 1978 were reported in the EROL and the Environmental Report for the Bradshaw Reservoir, Transmission Main, East Branch, and Perkiomen Creek (PECo 1979). Results of water quality sampling on the Delaware River near Point Pleasant Pumping Station (PPPS) in 1985 are reported herein.

Surface water grab samples were collected biweekly beginning 2 January about 15 m off the Pennsylvania shore at the Point Pleasant Canoe Outfitters boat ramp, Station A11760. This station is located in a free-flowing reach of the river about 500 m upstream of the intake location.

Samples were analyzed using analytical procedures approved or accepted by state and federal regulatory agencies.

Results and Discussion Low flows characterized most of 1985 (Table 3.1-1). Mean monthly flows in 1985 were below the monthly mean values cal-culated for the period 1977-1985 in eight months (Table 3.1-2).

Median monthly flows in 1985 were less than corresponding median flows for the period 1977-1985 in nine months (Table 3.1-2).

However, only one new minimum flow (2100 cfs on 18 September) was established for the 1977-1985 period.

Tables 3.1-3 and 3.1-4 provide seasonal summaries of Delaware River water quality data for the period 1979 through 1985 and for 3.1-2

1985 alone, respectively. Several new minimum and maximum values were observed in 1985 (Tables 3.1-5 and 3.1-6, respectively).

,many of these new extremes were only slightly outside the ranges established from 1979 through 1984.

Most new minima established in 1985 were related to flow events. For example, total hardness, total dissolved solids, sodium, and the major cations vary inversely with flow, and dates on which new minimum values were established for these parameters coincided with high flow events, e.g., 20 November. On 24 April during an unusually low flow and warm temperature period, a new low dissolved oxygen value was recorded.

New maximum values were established in all but the summer quarter. In winter, the high dissolved oxygen value obtained on 2 January approximated the saturation level of dissolved oxygen at the water temperatures observed on this date.

In the spring quarter new chloride and potassium maxima were established. The chloride value is not high in comparison to es-tablished water quality standards, and is less than the maxima previously established for two other quarters. The new potassium maximum is less than that observed in all other quarters.

In fall the new orthophosphate phosphorous maximum was ob-tained during a very low flow period and was indicative of in-creased nutrient availability. The new manganese value was just 3.1-3

0.01 mg/1 greater than the previous maximum for this quarter and was much less than maxima observed in every other quarter.

The water quality of the Delaware River at Point Pleasant in 1985 was quite similar to that observed in previous years. The new extrema established in 1985 and differences between median parameter values observed in 1985 as opposed to the previously reported 1979-1984 period were related to flow conditions.

The data obtained in 1985 indicate that Delaware River water quality was quite similar to that reported in the EROL and in post-EROL progress reports. Variations outside of previously es-tablished ranges were related to river flow conditions that were not experienced in prior years of monitoring.

3.1-4

Table 3.1-1. Mean daily Delamare River discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Trenton US Geological Survey gage in 1985.

Date Jan Feb Nar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 11700 3830 12500 6430 4160 7890 4270 5800 3390 26700 5560 33600 02 11200 3780 10900 7400 4150 8490 4440 5720 3570 18900 5380 33600 03 10800 3660 9910 8730 9820 7920 4210 5930 3620 16700 6680 36500 04 10200 3430 8820 9350 19200 7750 3960 5650 3410 15000 6600 33100 05 9590 3060 8380 8670 17800 7650 3640 4820 3080 13800 7080 26900 06 8780 3060 8630 8110 14200 8050 3440 4080 2500 13500 8550 23300 07 7860 3800 8510 8040 12000 8510 3460 3470 2360 19600 9760 21000 08 7420 3980 9080 7760 10500 7490 4310 3980 2690 16600 10200 18300 09 7250 3470 8660 8220 9360 7040 4200 4530 3030 12900 8760 16700 t0 6110 3140 8560 8750 8440 6300 4620 4000 3040 10300 7050 15800 11 5290 3400 8110 8590 7530 5200 4330 3910 3600 8870 6220 15000 12 5230 5220 8090 7780 6940 4980 3780 3920 5880 8020 5840 15300 13 5110 12400 11700 7310 6570 4%0 3920 3430 4670 7570 6860 17500 14 5310 10300 22700 6970 6150 4660 4800 3280 3640 7100 9160 18500 15 4960 8610 18000 6530 5400 4380 5650 3090 2980 6880 10900 17100 16 5720 7710 14900 6300 4850 5050 6720 2960 2550 7020 14200 14600 17 4490 6950 12800 6230 4620 8680 7180 2890 2290 6730 37000 13500 18 4460 6450 10900 6040 7590 8780 6760 3070 2100 6410 45900 13000 19 4380 5910 10000 5860 8070 8620 5430 3180 2710 6080 39800 11900 20 4690 5470 9650 5620 7880 7190 4430 2950 2970 5940 30900 10500 21 4170 5160 8400 5610 7680 5790 3880 2830 2990 5880 25000 9950 22 3110 5090 8640 5720 7400 4920 3330 2710 2950 5680 22400 10100 23 3240 5670 8230 5580 6850 4580 3280 2700 2970 5570 22900 9710 24 4990 7090 8120 5270 5720 4490 4960 2600 2790 5410 20200 11000 25 5530 9810 7460 5170 5320 4570 5140 2590 2810 5770 18200 11900 26 4550 16200 7110 5140 4920 4730 5070 4160 2750 6640 16800 10100 27 4390 18500 7630 5130 4470 4790 7870 3500 22900 6970 21000 8830 28 4200 14800 6400 5030 4250 4590 8020 3510 65400 6750 28200 8340 29 4040 5970 4810 4250 4470 5650 3390 62500 6080 38000 8260 30 3860 5930 4410 5980 4160 4630 2940 38000 5840 35900 6950 31 3820 6000 7590 4340 2980 5740 6820 Minimum 3110 3060 5930 4410 4150 4160 3280 2590 2100 5410 5380 6820 Mean 6015 6784 9700 6685 7731 6223 4830 3696 9005 9708 17727 16376 Median 5110 5345 8630 6365 6940 5495 4430 3430 3010 6970 12550 14600 Maximum 11700 18500 22700 9350 19200 8780 8020 5930 65400 26700 45900 36500

Table 3.1-2. tean monthly Delamare River discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Trenton US Geological Survey gage# 1971 - 1985.

Year Jan Feb Nlar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1971 7639 9936 19719 1972 13032 10602 25448 23560 18699 33460 15396 4866 4055 4152 24992 25010 1973 20006 19376 15878 26680 23626 17852 18497 9157 5544 5111 6306 31066 1974 19442 16362 19255 26380 14616 7594 4826 5729 11695 8570 9254 19699 1975 18638 21507 23461 18120 16841 14764 13753 6694 12170 17679 16611 10473 1976 19774 26831 16448 13415 12665 7490 8610 8007 4800 18019 10800 7476 1977 3755 7511 38406 26528 11277 4454 3723 3515 8275 19926 17242 25552 1978 29116 12350 25049 23202 20596 9669 4818 6141 4289 4045 4127 8821 1979 34946 15170 30235 18343 19916 10538 5330 4366 9062 15490 14054 11310 1980 7532 4176 20283 26610 11920 4874 4008 3198 2981 3512 3986 3784 1981 2539 22787 7715 8100 18721 6836 5158 3524 3565 4500 6301 6695 1982 10321 13616 16599 25023 9298 13759 7424 5390 4430 4188 5129 6842 1983 8681 15607 23232 45187 18687 12404 5459 3879 3310 4030 8171 27813 1984 8081 20886 14741 34900 26758 18427 15937 5891 3667 3642 3559 7283 1985 6015 6784 9700 6685 7731 6223 4830 3696 9005 9708 17727 16376 linfaum 1900 2200 3370 4410 3760 3230 2440 2490 2100 2630 2570 2370 Mean 14420 15258 20461 23052 16525 12025 8412 5290 6203 8681 10546 15195 Median 10050 11100 17250 19200 13800 8515 5580 4460 4035 5410 7255 11000 Maxtmum 106000 88000 107000 129000 130000 109000 108000 23900 65400 58200 63100 107000

Table 3.1-3. Summary of Delaware River water quality at Station A11760, 20 March 1979 through IS December 1985.

Dee, Jan) Feb liar, Apr, May Jun, Jul* Aug Sept Oct, Nov I of Parameter Min led Max in fled Ilax Min Ned Max Mi n Med Max Samples Temperature (C) 0.0 1.8 8.0 2.0 9.0 2'1. 0 14.0 23.8 30.0 5.0 15.0 26.0 182 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 8.2 12.4 15.3 7.5 11.0 1 7.2 5.0 8.3 14.0 7.2 10.3 14.4 193 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mw/1) 0.4 1.8 5.1 0.0 1.5 3.5 0.1 2.0 7.7 0.2 1.8 6.8 195 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/1) 0.0 10.2 68.3 0.0 10.6 5'5.1 0.0 13.3 88.6 0.0 10.4 36.2 192 Total Organic Carbon (m/1) 0.0 3.5 15.0 0.0 2.1 I 2.1 0.0 3.9 40.6 0.0 2.9 20.3 188 pH 7.03 7.53 8.58 6 .55 7.51 8 .79 6.78 7.95 9.02 7.15 7.82 8.98 195 Total Alkalinity (mg/1l 8.7 35.7 72.3 9.3 28.7 4i6.S 18.9 47.4 71.6 21.0 49.6 82.7 194 Total Harckdess (mug/) 25.4 58.4 128.5 8.5 47.0 711.1 42.7 67.1 97.2 27.8 67.2 134.7 194 Specific Conductance (uss/cu) 81 146 309 76 123 310 108 171 225 94 184 373 195 Total Suspended Solids (mw/l) 0 3 145 0 8 35 0 9 214 0 3 18 195 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 16 112 224 37 93 158 43 143 223 5o 128 260 195 Total Inorganic Carbon (mg/l) 10.1 45.6 75.1 0.6 34.7 4 7.0 27.9 48.6 73.5 22.9 51.4 82.1 116 Chloride (mwg/) 6.9 12.5 32.8 5.0 9.1 2!5.3 3.3 11.6 18.0 4.6 14.5 49.4 195 Sulfate (mw/i) 2.7 27.6 87.8 6.5 21.9 3:3.2 5.1 24.9 41.0 8.7 27.9 56.9 '95 Sodium (mg/l) 3.72 8.29 19.70 3 .10 6.03 13 .70 4.45 8.18 15.40 4.45 9.40 36.10 195 Potassium (mg/i) 0.9 1.4 5.3 0.6 1.1 2.5 0.6 1.5 3.0 0.4 1.7 9.2 195 Calcium (mg/1) 7.0 14.0 29.7 4.2 9.5 2!5.3 0.0 13.5 27.1 8.7 14.2 26.6 195 IMagnesium (mw/1) 0.00 6.55 13.60 .60 4.60 8 .80 3.88 7.42 12.05 2.47 8.23 14.10 195 Ammonia Nitrogen (mw/li 0.000 0.133 0.700 0. 000 0.080 0.; 270 0.000 0.050 0.260 0.000 0.072 0.570 195 Nitrite Nitrogen (mw/ll 0.000 0.018 0.061 0.( 000 0.017 0.1080 0.000 0.033 0.220 0.000 0.044 0.093 195 Nitrate Nitrogen (mw/i) 0.29 1.16 3.48 0 .16 0.77 5 .90 0.00 0.94 6.11 0.00 1.20 12.57 195 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.00 0.09 0.27 0 .00 0.06 0 .20 0.00 0.11 1.09 0.00 0.11 0.76 183 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mw/1) 0.00 0.06 0.16 0 .00 0.03 0 .11 0.00 0.07 0.13 0.00 0.07 0.26 193 Chromium (mg/i) 0.000 0.005 0.032 0. DoD 0.006 0.1 044 0.000 0.006 0.076 0.000 0.004 0.032 194 Copper (mg/i) 0.000 0.003 0.048 0. 000 0.003 0.1056 0.000 0.003 0.121 0.000 0.002 0.011 195 Iron (mg/i) 0.00 0.18 3.64 0 .07 0.27 1 .11 0.06 0.25 5.42 0.00 0.15 0.79 195 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.001 0.148 0. 000 0.001 0.i 032 0.000 0.001 0.029 0.000 0.000 0.017 195 Manganese (mg/li 0.00 0.00 0.46 0 .00 0.05 0 .15 0.00 0.05 0.42 0.00 0.00 0.09 195 Zinc (mw/l) 0.00 0.04 0.48 0 .00 0.03 0 .44 0.00 0.02 0.39 0.00 0.02 0.19 195 Cyanide (mg/i) 0.000 0.000 0.012 0. 000 0.000 0.1 008 0.000 0.000 0.013 0.000 0.000 0.006 193 Phenols (mg/I) 0.000 0.000 0.021 0.000 0.000 0.' 012 0.000 0.000 0.088 0.000 0.000 0.051 194 Trichloroethylene (ug/i) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.1 0.0 0.0 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 166 Total Coliforms (c/.I1) 20 770 21500 6 400 321000 5o 1100 154000 10 600 54000 189 Fecal Coliforms (c/.Il) 0 140 10000 4 75 870 3 200 40000 I 79 7000 188

Table 3.1-4. Smmary of Delamare River mater quality at Station A11760, 2 January 1985 through I* December 1985.

Dec. Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, eay Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct Neov 9 of Parameter "in fled Max Min tied eax Hin tied Max Min ied Hax Samples Temperature (C) 0.0 1.6 6.0 7.0 12.5 19.5 20.0 24.5 29.0 9.4 14.0 23.5 26 Dissolved Oxygen (mw/IX 8.3 10.8 15.3 7.5 10.6 12.2 8.2 9.3 11.1 8.0 10.3 10.4 25 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.6 1.4 4.1 0.5 1.4 2.3 0.8 1.2 1.8 0.2 0.9 2.4 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 14.4 20.3 0.0 17.1 24.9 0.0 13.5 16.6 0.0 18.0 34.2 26 Total Organic Carbon (mg/li 2.1 2.7 4.0 2.1 2.7 3.1 2.1 3.8 4.0 2.8 3.5 4.0 26 pH 7.03 7.25 7.59 7.42 7.89 7.97 7.35 8.19 8.87 7.35 7.76 8.78 26 Total Alkalinity (mw/li 18.7 30.0 45.1 26.2 31.4 33.2 27.7 41.6 52.6 24.0 40.0 53.6 26 Total Hardness (mg/l) 25.4 49.2 64.8 40.0 45.1 47.5 43.1 48.2 64.2 27.8 37.8 47.2 26 Specific Conductance (use/cmi 87 123 168 113 128 141 132 170 195 94 15O 204 26 Total Suspended Solids (mg/li 1 6 48 3 9 11 0 4 26 0 5 17 26 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/1l 16 70 112 61 108 148 67 131 154 63 88 161 26 Chloride (mg/li 8.8 13.4 18.9 9.9 11.5 25.3 10.7 13.4 15.5 6.2 12.3 15.7 26 Sulfate (mg/1l 18.7 19.9 30.2 15.4 18.9 21.9 22.6 23.9 29.2 15.9 25.0 29.7 26 Sodium (mw/l) 3.72 6.19 11.12 5.95 7.18 9.49 5.57 8.62 10.69 4.45 7.24 10.58 26 Potasslim (mw/l) 1.0 1.2 2.8 0.8 1.1 2.5 1.2 1.4 1.8 1.2  !.5 1.7 26 Calcium (mg/l) 7.0 10.1 14.0 11.8 14.2 22.5 13.5 18.6 21.8 8.7 15.1 19.3 26 mlagnesium (mg/1) 3.01 4.69 7.55 3.61 5.09 5.96 5.01 7.42 8.83 2.47 6.50 8.30 26 Am2onla Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.000 0.071 0.308 0.034 0.109 0.198 0.045 0.078 0.180 0.000 0.123 0.191 26 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.008 0.010 0.047 0.017 0.032 0.061 0.014 0.033 0.059 0.011 0.037 0.072 26 Nitrate Nitrogen (mw/l) 0.68 0.92 1.36 0.65 0.84 0.87 0.53 0.77 0.98 0.66 0.74 1.05 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/1i 0.04 0.08 0.20 0.04 0.09 0.19 0.09 0.12 0.16 0.04 0.08 0.16 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus inm/l) 0.00 0.04 0.12 0.01 O.OS 0.09 0.06 0.07 0.13 0.03 0.07 0.26 24 Chromium (mw/l) 0.001 0.005 0.007 0.004 0.005 0.008 0.004 0.006 0.010 0.000 0.007 0.009 26 Copper (mw/l) 0.002 0.003 0.009 0.001 0.004 0.006 0.000 0.002 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.003 26 Iron (mw/l) 0.08 0.32 1.66 0.08 0.15 0.40 0.07 0.22 0.81 0.00 0.28 0.49 26 Lead (mw/l) 0.000 0.003 0.005 0.000 0.001 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Manganese (mg/l) 0.00 0.09 0.25 0.00 0.03 0.07 0.00 0.05 0.07 0.00 0.03 0.09 26 Zinc (mg/l) 0.01 0.04 0.10 0.00 0.03 0.08 0.00 0.01 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.03 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 *0.000 0.000 26 Phenols (1q/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichloroethylene (ug/lD 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 26 Total Coliforms (c/.1l1 20 800 3200 10 185 230 50 90 1900 50 890 2500 25 Fecal Coliforms (/.11D 0 160 400 4 47 IS0 24 125 580 15 ISO 180 25 I

Table 3.1-5. Nem minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station A 11760 on the Delaware River.

Season Parameter Value Date 5

Deco Jan, Feb pH 7.03 12/18/8!

Total Hardness (mg/l) 25.4 12/04/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/I) 16 02/27/85 Sodium (mg/l) 3.72 12/04/85 Calcium (mg/l) 7.0 01/02/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.il) 0 01/30/85 Total Coliforus (c/.Il) 20 01/30/85 Mar, Apr, eay Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.5 04/24/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 50 08/28/85 Sept Oct, Nov Total Hardness (mg/l) 27.8 11/20/85 Specific Conductance (usm/cm) 94 11/20/85 Sodium (mg/l) 4.45 11/20/85 Calcium (mg/l) 8.7 11/20/85 Magnesium (mg/l) 2.47 11/20/85 Table 3.1-6. Hem maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station A 11760 on the Delaware River.

Season Parameter Value Date Deco Jan, Feb Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 15.3 01/02/85 Mar, Apr, May Chloride (mg1l) 25.3 05/22/85 Potassium (mg/l) 2.5 05/08/85 Sep. Oct. Nov Manganese (mw/l) 0.09 10/09/85

3.2 Ichthyoplankton Summary

1. Ichthyoplankton of the Delaware River near Point Pleasant were studied in 1985 to determine the identity, dis-tribution and abundance of spawning fish, their spawning periods, and to estimate potential entrainment losses.

Emphasis was placed on American shad and walleye.

2. Twenty taxa representing eight families were identified in ichthyoplankton collections. Species composition was similar to that of the previous three years of study, 1982 through 1984.

3. The majority of eggs collected were herrings (probably blueback herring and alewife); American shad and walleye comprised only a small percentage of the egg catch.

4. Herrings followed by sunfishes (Levomis), carp and American shad comprised the majority of the larvae collected. No walleye larvae were taken.

5. Larval fish and fish eggs exhibited a diel pattern of abundance with generally greater densities collected at night.

3.2-1

6. Larval fish density was greatest in the eddy inshore of the intake location. Egg density was greatest in the river channel.

7. Although American shad likely spawn in the upstream vicinity of Point Pleasant, the study area is not an in-tensive spawning ground for American shad.

8. American shad and walleye will be subject to a low degree of potential entrainment with minimal impact to their populations.

Introduction and Methods A study of ichthyoplankton near the Point Pleasant Pumping Station (PPPS) has been conducted during the spring and summer of 1982 through 1985. Ichthyoplankton is the assemblage of fish eggs and larval fish that have no or very limited powers of locomotion. The objectives of this study were to determine the identity, abundance and distribution of fish which spawn in the vicinity of the PPPS, to determine their spawning periods, and to estimate potential entrainment losses. The emphasis was on American shad and walleye because of their importance in the re-creational fishery. Samples were collected during the day and night at four stations located at the pumping station intake, the 3.2-2

Pennsylvania shore near the intake and upstream and downstream of the intake.

In 1985 only Point Pleasant stations were sampled and the frequency of sampling was weekly in April, lay and June and biweekly in July. Ho samples were collected in the vicinities of Hew Hope, or Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Results and Discussion A total of 8,420 specimens was obtained in 112 ichthyoplank-ton samples collected from 9 April through 18 July 1985 (Tables 3.2-1 - 3.2-2). Eggs, larvae, or juveniles of 20 taxa represent-ing eight families were identified.

Species Comnosition Species composition of fish collected during the years 1982-1985 are presented in Tables 3.2 3.2-7. The most commonly occurring taxa were river herrings, sunfishes (Lenomis), carp, American shad, quillback, white suckers and channel catfish.

Slight differences in species composition occurred during the years 1982-1985. Small numbers of yellow bullhead, largemouth bass and crappie (Pomoxis) were collected in 1982 only; margined madtom in 1983 and 1985 only; white perch in 1984 and 1985 only; and gizzard shad in 1985 only.

3.2-3

Relative Abundance Larvae of most taxa tended to predominate in most collections because this is the life stage most susceptible to capture by the sampling gear employed in this study. The demersal or adhesive characteristics of the eggs of most species and spawning behaviors such as the use of nests and cavities for egg deposition limited the availability of the eggs to the sampling gear.

Herring eggs and larvae were most abundant and accounted for approximately 70% of all organisms collected. The herring taxon was comprised primarily of alewife and blueback herring, but could have included some unidentifiable American shad and gizzard shad larvae. As in 1982 through 1984 (RYIC 1984, 1985), herrings comprised the majority of the eggs collected in 1985 (N=3,471, 97X of total), since they are open water spawners which broadcast their eggs and do not utilize nests. Results for 1982, 1983 and 1984 were 8,414 (86%), 4,610 (88%), and 2,106 (94%) respectively (Table 3.2-8). Five walleye eggs, 0.1X of total, were collected in 1985. Walleye eggs were not collected in 1982, 1983, or 1984 (Table 3.2-3). American shad comprised only a small part of the total egg catch for 1985 (13, 0.4X), quite similar to results ob-served in 1982 (5, 0.5X), 1983 (35, 0.7%) and 1984 (4, 0.2X)

(Table 3.2-8).

3.2-4

The mean abundance between years of American shad eggs was very similar since very few eggs were collected in any year (Table 3.2-9-10). Peak densities of shad eggs during this study 3

were 3.7/100m3 in 1982; 11.6/10Om in 1983; 1.3/10Om3 in 1984 and 5.1/100m3 in 1985 (Table 3.2-8). Eggs were collected as early as 17 April in 1985 (Table 3.2-1) and as late as 25 June in 1984 (RMC 1985). Temperatures at which eggs were collected ranged from 12.8 C to 26.7 C (RMC 1984).

Herrings (2414, 5OX) were the most abundant larvae and juveniles collected in 1985, followed by sunfishes (Lepomis)

(1,182, 24%), carp (447, 9X), American shad (247, 5%) and suckers (244, 5X) (Table 3.2-11). Walleye larvae were not collected in 1985. only twenty were collected in 1984 and one larva was taken in 1982 and one in 1983 (Table 3.2-3).

A total of 1,741 American shad larvae and early juveniles were collected during 1982 through 1985 (Table 3.2-3). The American shad catch ranked third in both 1982 (387, 11) and 1983 (715, 10X), fifth in 1984 (384, 6.6X) and fourth (246, 5.1X) in 1985. Larvae exhibited considerable variation in relative abun-dance between years. Mean abundance increased greatly from 1982 to 1983 and then decreased somewhat in 1984. Larvae were least abundant in 1985 (Tables 3.2 3.2-10). Peak densities during this study were 339.5/10O0M in 1982; 947.6/10Om3 in 1983; 465.3/100m3 in 1984 and 169.3/100m3 in 1985 (Table 3.2-11).

3.2-5

Larvae were collected as early as 9 [ay in 1985 (Table 3.2-1) and as late as 11 July in 1984 (RHC 1985).

Periodicity A diel pattern of egg and larval fish abundance was evident with greater densities almost always collected at night (Tables 3.2-12 - 3.2-13). American shad larvae exhibited a diel pattern of abundance, however eggs did not exhibit a similar abundance pattern (Tables 3.2-14 - 3.2-15). The phenomenon of diel periodicity in ichthyoplankton abundance was more fully discussed in the 1979-1983 Progress Report (RMC, 1984).

Spatial Distribution The spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton observed from 1982 through 1985 was similar. Fewer eggs were taken at the eddy station (A11263-1), while greater numbers of eggs were collected at the other stations which are in the river channel (Table 3.2-12). This is a result of the spawning behavior of river herring, which comprised 89% of the total egg catch and prefer to spawn in the fast currents and the gravel - cobble substrate of the river channel rather than the slow current and silt bottom of the eddy.

Conversely, larvae were primarily concentrated at the eddy station (Al1263-1), probably because it serves as a nursery area 3.2-6

and refugerfrom the much faster current of the main river channel (Table 3.2-13).

Target Species The target species of this study are the walleye and the American shad due to their importance in the recreational fishery. Walleye spawning activity within the vicinity of the study area has been minor since only five eggs and twenty-two larvae were collected during 1982 through 1985 (Table 3.2-3).

Spawning activity by American shad was not intense during 1982 through 1985 since egg densities never exceeded 11.6/100m3 .

. Most of the eggs likely drifted downstream to the vicinity of Point Pleasant from upstream spawning grounds (Table 3.2-16). In order to add perspective to the findings of this study a summary of the available information concerning American shad spawning activity in the Delaware River is provided below.

Prior to the early 1900's, American shad used as spawning grounds most of the freshwater areas of the Delaware River, in-cluding the freshwater tidal section, the East and West Branches and many tributaries (Ilansuetti and Kolb 1953; Walburg and Nichols 1967; Chittenden 1976; Miller et al. 1982). The prin-cipal spawning ground was in tidal freshwater in the vicinity of Philadelphia (Cable 1945, cited in Mansuetti and Kolb 1953).

3.2-7

During the early 1900's, the principal spawning grounds shifted to upstream of the Delaware Water Gap (river mile 214) in the region from Port Jervis, New York (river mile 255) to Hancock, New York (river mile 330), and extending into the lower East Branch (Cable 1945 cited in Mansuetti and Kolb 1953; Sykes and Lehman 1957; Chittenden 1976). This shift was attributed to severe pollution of tidal waters in the region from Wilmington, Delaware (river mile 72) to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (river mile 91 to 112) and coincided with a rapid decline in the size of Delaware River shad runs (Ellis 1947; Sykes and Lehman 1957; Chittenden 1969; Miller et al. 1982).

Ichthyoplankton surveys primarily conducted in the region downstream of the Delaware Water Gap from 1944 through the mid-1970's indicated a minimal level of spawning by American shad.

Cable (1945 cited in Mansueti and Kolb 1953) documented spawning from Bordentown, New Jersey (river mile 128) to Equinunk, Pennsylvania (river mile 323) in samples collected during early May through early June 1944. Very few eggs were taken at any of the collecting stations and most of the eggs collected below Milford, Pennsylvania (river mile 247) were dead when taken.

Normal survival was found only in samples collected at the mouth of the Lackawaxen River (river mile 278) and Equinunk. No num-bers or densities of eggs and larvae were available for com-parison to the present study.

3.2-8

Barker (1965) made ichthyoplankton collectiond at Belvidere, New Jersey (river mile 198), Easton, Pennsylvania (river mile 186) and Milford, New Jersey (river mile 168) in lay and early June of 1963 and at Easton, Milford, Lumberville, Pennsylvania (river mile 156) and West Trenton, New Jersey (river mile 140) in May and early June of 1964. Densities of eggs and larvae were not given but were estimated for 1963 by considering gear type, flow rate and length of sample time. In 1963, 27 eggs and 67 larvae were collected at densities estimated to range from 1 to 13/100 m 3 and 2 to 20/100 m3 respectively at Belvidere. At Easton 27 eggs and 10 larvae were collected at estimated den-sities of from I to 6/100 m 3 and I to 5/100 M 3 respectively. At Milford, 4 larvae were taken at estimated densities of 1 to 2/100 M3 . In 1964 a total of only 8 eggs was collected and they were taken at Easton. Spawning at Belvidere and Easton is strongly indicated since twenty of the eggs collected at Belvidere and fifteen of those collected at Easton in 1963 were at the one cell stage of embryonic development, having been spawned approximately two hours previously. Spawning activity at Belvidere and Easton was apparently not intense and the downstream terminus of spawning in the early 1960's was probably in the vicinity of Easton.

More recently Didun (1978) reported the collection of 4 eggs and 9 larvae in densities ranging from 7 to 23/100 m3 and 5 to 3.2-9

23/100 m3 respectively near Portland, Pennsylvania (river mile 206) in May through August 1977. Samples collected during 13 April to 18 May 1978 yielded no eggs or larvae. Weston (1977) did not report any eggs or larvae from samples collected during 12 April through 29 June 1976 near Martins Creek, Pennsylvania (river mile 195). At Gilbert Generating Station (river mile 171) 80 eggs were collected at densities of 2 to 15/100 m3 and 3 lar-vae were taken at a density of 3/100 m3 during April through August 1976 (Willis and Harmon 1977). Apparently the low spawning intensity of the 1960's continued through the mid-1970's.

Numerous ichthyoplankton surveys conducted in the tidal region from Wilmington, Delaware to Trenton, Hew Jersey (river mile 134) during the 1970's yielded virtually no American shad eggs or larvae. (Anselmini 1974a, b, c; 1976; Potter et al.

1974a, b; Preddice 1974; Harmon and Smith 1975; Molzann and Associates 1975; Didun and Harmon 1976; Morrisson and Associates 1976; Philadelphia Electric Company 1977a, b, c, d, e, f; Ichthyological Associates 1979a, b.)

Additionally, river-wide studies involving observations and collections of adult and juvenile shad conducted during the early 1950's and the mid-1960's indicated that very little spawning oc-curred downstream of the Delaware Water Gap. The chief spawning grounds were determined to be in the region from Port Jervis, New 3.2-10

York (river mile 255) to Hancock, New York (river mile 331) and extending into the East Branch (Sykes and Lehman 1957; Chittenden 1976).

This study and an ichthyoplankton survey conducted near Hutchinson, New Jersey (river mile 192) in April through July from 1981 through 1984 suggest a greater level of spawning ac-tivity in recent years in the region between Trenton, Hew Jersey and the Delaware Water Gap. This resurgence in spawning activity by American shad is likely related to improved water quality in the tidal region between Wilmington and Philadelphia (Albert 1982).

At Hutchinson densities of eggs and larvae were almost always much greater than what was reported from nearby areas in previously mentioned studies by Barker (1965) and Weston (1977).

Spawning activity by American shad was observed on numerous oc-casions and a total of 18,555 eggs and 7,033 larvae was collected. Peak densities 3 of eggs and larvae were 71/10Om and 7/100m3 in 1981; 85/10Om 3 and 189/10Om 3 in 1982; 2122/10Om 3 and 635/100m3 in 1983 and 469/10Om 3 and 673/10OM 3 in 1984 (Charles T.

Main, Inc. 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985).

Spawning activity in the region of Point Pleasant to Trenton is very limited in intensity. Spawning was not documented below Easton, Pennsylvania, 29 river miles upstream of Point Pleasent, 3.2-11

Pennsylvania in the mid-1960's (Barker 1965). The findings of Harmon and Willis (1977) may suggest potential spawning near Gilbert Generating Station, 14 river miles upstream of Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania in 1976. However those specimens may have drifted downstream from upstream spawning grounds. At Point Pleasant spawning activity was not observed during this study.

Only 58 eggs, most of which were in an advanced state of em-a bryological development, were collected at low densities and had likely drifted downstream from upstream spawning grounds (Table 3.2-16). However two specimens collected on 30 May 1985, 3.4% of the total, were likely spawned in close proximity to Point Pleasant. The large densities of larvae collected there further

. suggest that spawning activity is now likely occurring in the up-stream vicinity. The collection of 33 larvae, most of which still had yolk sacs, at densities ranging from 1 to 20/10OM 3 , in the vicinities of Hew Hope and Yardley, Pennsylvania (RMC 1985) suggests that some spawning may occur as far downstream as Trenton, Hew Jersey.

Entrainment As discussed previously, American shad eggs and larvae will be subjected to a low degree of entrainment by the Point Pleasant intake (R11C 1984). In 1985, American shad eggs were collected at the intake station (A11263-3) on only two sample dates, 17 April 3.2-12

and 30 May (Table 3.2-15). American shad larvae were collected at this station on only one date, 16 May (Table 3.2-14). The es-timated worst case loss of eggs and larvae in 1985, if they had been entrained in the same densities at which they occurred in the river, is 10,733 and 1,928 respectively (Table 3.2-17). The potential effects of entrainment of American shad eggs and larvae on the Delaware River American shad stocks are limited and are discussed more fully in RIC (1984).

3.2-13

0 .

I Table 3.2-1. Total catch of lchthyoplar*ton collected In the Delaiare River near Point Pleasant, Permsylvania during 1985.

Life-Common "am Stage 4/09 4/17 4/24 5/01 5/09 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/05 6/13 6/19 6/26 7/01 7/18 Total Lampreys Larvae 82 15 8i 2 2 - 20 Herrings Eggs 14 53 1201 2052 42 82 8 a 10 1 - 3471 Larvae 1 245 7 2025 107 6 3 9 4 6 - 2414 American shad Eggs 2 - I - I - 14 10 Larvae - I 17 26 76 71 40 10 5 - 246 Juvenile - I Gizzard shad Eggs - - 2 3 I - 6 Larvae 3 - 2 Hiruwwo and carps Eggs - - -q 4 - 4 Larvae - - - I 3 16 7 10 4 3 5o 6

Juvenile 1 - I Carp Eggs 7 3 3 - 14 3 I Larvae - 45 - 36 326 8 18 10 447 Suckers Eggs -- -- I - - I Quiliback Larvae - - I 111 I I - 178 51 13 wlhite sucker Eggs - 9 Larvae 13 4 18 6 II 3 - 59 3

Juvenile 4 I - 7 White catfish Larvae I 1 Juvenile I 4 I 7 Brown bullhead Juvenile I - I Channel catfish Larvae 32 32 Juvenile 21 13 60 94 Margined madtom Juvenile 2 - 2 W4hite perch Larvae - - - 11 S - 18 2

Rock bass Larvae 23 20 - 44 Lepomis Larvae -- -- 8 .29 296 26 208 432 124 30 20 1173 Juvenile 7 1 1 9 Suallmouth bass Larvae 5 - 5 Juvenile 2 I - 3 Tessellated darter Larvae I 1 2 2 - 7 Juvenile - I Shield darter Larvae 4 - 4 Walleye Eggs - 5 Unidentif led fish Larvae I - 2 4 6 2 - 17 Unildentif led eggs Eggs 4 2 17 26 - 53

• Total Eggs 15 16 53 1206 2056 66 I1l .25 13 - 13 2 - 3577 Larvae I 15 300 29 2220 241 787 127 267 465 163 36 66 4717 Juvenile I 6 2 13 28 14 62 126 tllean Water Temp (C) 9.0 13.6 16.2 20.9 18.0 20.7 18.9 22.4 20.8 21.3 22.6 21.6 22.8 26.6 19.7

Table 3.2-2. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, PennsvIylvania during 1985.

A10960-3 AI1263-1 A 11263-3 Al 1760-3 Common Hame Scientific Name Lifestage 1985 1985 1985 1985 Total

---

..---------- m--

Lampreys Petromyzont idae Larvae 15 1 4 20 Herrings Clupeldae Eggs 464 29 2322 656 3471 Larvae 77 279 1966 92 2414 Ameri can shad Alosa saptdissima Eggs 6 4 4 14 Larvae 2 241 2 246 Juvenile - I 1 61=ard shad Dorosoma cepedianm Eggs ¶ 5 6 Larvae 1 2 Niinoews and carps Cyprinidae Eggs 3 4 Larvae 2 41 7 50 Juveni le - 0 I Carp Cyprinus carplo Eggs - I0 2 2 14 Larvae 46 339 48 14 447 Suckers Catostomi dae Eggs 1 1 Quillback Carpiodes cypr Ius Larvae 27 69 53 29 178 White sucker Catostomus commersoni Eggs 7 2 9 Larvae 10 28 19 2 59 Juvenile I 4 2 7 White catfish Ictalurus catus Larvae I 1 Juvenil s 2 4 7 Drom bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Juvenile 1 Channel catfish 2ctalurus punctatus Larvae 32 - 32 Juveni le 43 1 36 14 94.

?Iar*ined madtom Noturus Imignis Juvenile - f 2 8

White perch lorone americana Larvae 2 3 5 18 Rock bass A-bloplites rupestris Larvae - 44 44 Lepomia Lepomis Larvae 2 1168 3 1173 Juveni le - 9 9 Smailmouth bass Mi cropterus dolomi eui Larvae - 5 5 Juvenile - 3 3 Tessellated darter Etheostoma olm-tedi Larvae 2 2 3 7 Juvenile 1 Shield darter Percine peltata Larvae 1 3 (4 Halleye Stizostedlon vi treum Eggs 1 4 2 5 Unidentif led fish Unidentified fish Larvae 5 "6 4 17 Uni dentified eggs Unidentified eggs Eggs it 21 4 17 53 756 2305 4515 844 8420

Table 3.2-3. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected In the Delamare River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Common Hame Scientific Name Wafestage 1982 1983 1984 1985 Total

-- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - - -l--------l Lampreys Petromyzont idae Larvae 20 25 6 20 71 Herrings Clupei dae Eggs 8414 4.610 2106 3471 18601 Larvae 1150 3374 3281 2414 10219 Juven le 3 - 3 American shad Alas& sapidissima Eggs 5 35 4 14 58 Larvae 387 715 384 246 1732 Juvenile B 1 9 Gizzard shad Dorosome cepedi anu Eggs 6 6 Larvae 2 2 Minnoms and carps Cyprinidae Eggs 189 3 4 196 Larvae 81 183 103 50 417 Juveni le 3 1 4 I - 1 Goldfish Carassitus auratus Larvae Goldfish or carp Goldfish or carp Larvae 70 6 - 76 Carp Cyprinus carpio Eggs 1 7 14 22 Larvae 161 1485 469 447 2562 Cutlips minnow Exoglossum maxi 11 i ngua Juvenile 1 - I Notropis Hotropis Larvae 32 - 32 Common shiner Hotropis cornutus Larvae * - 1 Spottail shiner Hotropis hudsonius Larvae 133 - 134 Juvenile 2 3 - 5 Swallowtail shiner Notropis procne Juvenile - I Spotfin shiner Notropis spilopterus Larvae - 1 Juvenile 1 - I Suckers Catostomidae Eggs 40 39 9 7 89 Larvae 1319 292 1 - 1612 Juveni le 10 - 10 Carpiodes cyprinus Larvae 12 666 178 '856 Quil lback White sucker Catostomus commersoni Eggs 21 23 9 53 Larvae 167 560 59 786 Juveni le 8 7 8 Larvae 89 - 97 Creek chubsucker Erimyzon oblongus Freshwater catfishes Ictaluridae Eggs 3 - 3 Larvae - I hite catfish Ictalurus cat,- Larvae 9 1 Juvenile 2 2 7 I4 Yellom bullhead rctalurus natalls Juveni le 2 - 2 Brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Juvenile 10 1 12 Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Larvae 7 32 39 Juvenile 230 140 80 94 544 Margined madtom Hoturus insignis Juveni le 1 2 3 Killifishes Cypri nodont i das Juveni le 1 - 2 Banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus Larvae 3 Whtite perch Morone americana Larvae 1 18 19 7 10 44 85 Rock bass Ambloplites rupestris Larvae 24 Lepomi s Lepomis Larvae 14 322 178 1173 1817 Juvenile 1 9 10 SmallImouth bass Hicropterus doloeleul Larvae 3 11 5 20 Juvenile 3 4 1

Largemouth bass Hicropterus salmoi des Larvae - 1 Pomoxis Pomoxis Larvae - I Tessellated darter Etheostoma olustedi Larvae 12 26 31 7 76 Juvenile 1 1 Shield darter Percina peltata Larvae 21 20 14 4 59 Walleye Stizostedion vi tretm Eggs 5 5 Larvae I 1 20 - 22 Unidentified fish Unidentifled fish Larvae 265 14 17 296 Unidentified eggs Unidenti fied eggs Eggs 1115 545 96 53 1809 13586 12402 8105 8420 42511

Table 3.2-4. Total numbers of ichthyoplanktan collected at station A10%0-3 In the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania durlng 1982 - 1985.

Cmmon Name Lifestage 1982 1983 1984 198S Total Lampreys Larvae 10 14 6 15 45 Herrings Eggs 2409 1000 671 464 4544 Larvae 27 248 37 77 389 American shad Eggs 2 11 1 6 20 Larvae 2 S 1 2 10 Juvenile 1 - - - 1 Gizzard shad Eggs - - - I I Larvae - - - I I Minnimo and carps Eggs I - - 1 2 Larvae 28 8 14 2 52 Goldfish or carp Larvae - 17 2 - 19 Carp Eggs - 1 4 - 5 Larvae 31 329 147 46 553 Spottail shiner Larvae I - - - 1 Suckers Eggs 5 9 2 1 17 Larvae 297 72 - - 369 Qu!llback Larvae - 4 444 27 475 White sucker Eggs - 14 8 - 22 Larvae - 10 60 10 80 Juvenile - I - 1 2 Creek chubsucker Larvae 37 - - - 37 White catfish Larvae - - - I 1 Juvenile - I - 2 3 Yellow bullhead Juvenile I - - - I Broom bullhead Juvenile 1 3 - - 4 Channel catfish Larvae - 2 - 32 34 Juvenile 41 27 27 43 138 Whlite perch Larvae - - 1 2 3 Rock bass Larvae 2 - 8 - 10 Lepomis Larvae 3 1 22 2 28 Smallmouth bass Larvae - - 2 - 2 Largemouth bass Larvae I - - - I Tessellated darter Larvae 1 S it 2 .19 Shield darter Larvae 6 4 1 I 12 Walleye Eggs - - - I I Larvae I - - - I Unidentified fish Larvae - 36 S 5 46 Unidentified eggs Eggs 332 126 18 11 487 3240 1948 1492 756 7436

Table 3.2-5. Total numbers of ichthyoplankton collected at Station A11263-1 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Common Name Lifestage 1982 1983 1984 1985 Total Lampreys Larvae 1 I - 1 3 Herrings Eggs 95 22 47 29 193 Larvae 263 2513 3161 279 6216 Juvenile - - 3 - 3 American shad Larvae 384 699 380 241 1704 Juvenile 7 - - I 8 lmnnows and carps Larvae 19 157 75 41 292 Juvenile 1 - - 1 2 Goldfish Larvae - - I - I Goldfish or carp Larvae - 12 1 - 13 Carp Eggs - - - 10 10 Larvae 109 412 47 339 907 Cutlips minnow Juvenile I - - - I Notropis Larvae 32 - - - 32 Spottael shiner Larvae 132 I - - 133 Juvenile 2 2 - - 4 SwallowtalI shiner Juvenile - - - I Spotf in shiner Larvae - I - - I Juvenile I - - - I Suckers Eggs 8 - - - 8 Larvae 674 48 - - 722 Juvenile 8 - - 8 Qulllback Larvae - - 78 69 147 Whiite sucker Eggs - I - - I Larvae - 130 404 28 562 Creek chubsucker Larvae 20 8 - - 28 Freshwater catfishes Larvae - - I - I Channel catfish Larvae - 2 - - 2 Juvenile I - 4 1 6 Margined madtom Juvenile - - - 1 1 Banded killifish Larvae - - I - I Whiite perch Larvae - - - 3 3 Rock bass Larvae 4 9 t0 44 67 Lepomis Larvae 138 312 122 1168 1740 Juvenile - - - 9 9 Smallmouth bass Larvae 1 3 1 5 10 Juvenile - - 1 3 4 Pomoxis Larvae I - - - I Tessellated darter Larvae 3 13 10 2 28 Shield darter Larvae 9 II 11 3 34 W4alleye Larvae - 1 20 - 21 Unidentified fish Larvae - 41 7 6 54 Unidentified eggs Eggs 16 41 22 21 100 1930 - 441 4407 2305 13083

Table 3.2-6. Total numbers of Ichthyoplankton collected at Station A11263-3 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Common Hame Lifestage 1982 1983 1984 1985 Total Lampreys Larvae 4 10 - 4 18 Herrings Eggs 1821 2243 526 2322 6912 Larvae 44 448 52 19%6 2510 American shad Eggs 1 10 1 4 16 Larvae - 8 I 1 10 Gizzard shad Eggs - - - S 5 Larvae - - - I I Hinorms and carps Eggs 188 - - 3 191 Larvae 10 5 11 7 33 Goldfish or carp Larvae - 41 2 - 43 Carp Eggs - - 2 2 4 Larvae 14 470 131 48 663 Common shiner Larvae - I - - I Spottail shiner Juvenile - I - - I Suckers Eggs 4 17 4 - 25 Larvae 210 120 - - 330 Juvenile 2 - - - 2 Quillback Larvae - - 76 53 129 wiite sucker Eggs - 2 8 7 17 Larvae - 16 67 19 102 Juvenile - - - 4 4 Creek chubsucker Larvae 18 - - - 18 White catfish Juvenile - - 1 4 5 Yellow bullhead Juvenile 1 - - - I Bromn bullhead Juvenile - 2 - 1 3 Channel catfish Larvae - 2 - - 2 Juvenile 178 25 33 36 272 Margined aadtow Juvenile - I - 1 2 Killifishes Juvenile - I - - I Banded killifish Larvae - - 2 - 2 W4hite perch Larvae - - - a 8 Rock bass Larvae I - 6 - 7 Lepowis Larvae 3 5 27 3 38 Juvenile - 1 - - I Smallemouth bass Larvae - - 5 - 5 Tessellated darter Larvae 6 5 6 3 20 Juvenile - - - I I Shield darter Larvae 2 3 - - 5 Halleye Eggs - - - 4 4 Unidentified fish Larvae - 133 1 4 138 Unidentified eggs Eggs 249 199 17 4 469 2756 3769 979 4515 12019

Table 3.2-7. Total numbers of Ichthyaplankton collected at Station Ai1760-3 in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Common Name Lifestage 1982 1983 1984 1985 Total Lampreys Larvae 5 - - - 5 Herrings Eggs 4089 1345 862 656 6952 Larvae 816 165 31 92 1104 American shad Eggs 2 14 2 4 22 Larvae 1 3 2 2 8 Mnnomo and carps Eggs - 3 - - 3 Larvae 24 13 3 - 40 Juvenile 2 - - - 2 Goldfish or carp Larvae - - I - I Carp Eggs - - 1 2 3 Larvae 7 274 144 14 439 Suckers Eggs 23 13 3 - 39 Larvae 138 52 1 - 191 Qui Ilback Larvae - 8 68 29 105 Wh*ite sucker Eggs - 4 7 2 13 Larvae - 11 29 2 42 Juvenile - - - 2 2 Creek chubsucker Larvae 14 - - - 14 Freshwater catfishes Eggs 3 - - - 3 White catfish Juvenile - I 1 1 3 Brasn bullhead Juvenile - 5 - - 5 Channel catfish Larvae - I - - 1 Juvenile 10 88 16 14 128 White perch Larvae - - - 5 5 Rock bass Larvae - I - - 1 Lepomis Larvae - 4 7 - 11i Smallmouth bass Larvae - - 3 - 3 Tessellated darter Larvae 2 3 4 - 9 Shield darter Larvae 4 2 2 - 8 Unidentified fish Larvae - 55 1 2 58 Unidentified eggs Eggs 518 179 39 17 753 5658 2244 1227 844 9973

Table 3.2-8. Period of occurrence and maximum density (.uber/100 cu. meter) of American shad eggs and herring eggs collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Penrsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Location Total Date Water Date water Date of of Mater tumber First Temp. Last Temp. Maxiu Maximum Maximum Temp.

Collected Collected (C) Collected (C) Density Density Density (C)

Amer lcan shad 1982 5 04/28 14.5 05/13 18.0 3.7 05/13 A10960-3 18.0 1983 35 05/04 14.0 06/16 26.5 11.6 05/26 A11760-3 18.0 1984 4 05/10 13.0 06/25 22.0 1.3 06/25 A11760-3 21.0 1985 14 04/17 15.0 05/30 22.0 5.1 05/30 A10960-3 22.0 Herrings 1982 8414 04/28 14.5 06/22 21.0 4236.1 05/13 A11760-3 20.0 1983 4610 05/04 14.0 06/16 26.2 730.6 06/03 A11263-3 19.5 1984 2106 05/02 14.5 06/15 25.0 652.5 05/14 A11760-3 14.5 1985 3471 04/17 14.0 06/26 22.0 1531.5 05/09 A11263-3 16.5

Table 3.2-9. Daytime mean densities (numbers per 100 M3) of American shad eggs and larvae collected from the Delauare River at Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

no+ 1QR7 1QRAt 1QAU ¶qR8 eaas larvae eggs larvae eggs larvae eggs larvae April 15-20 0 0 <1 0 21-25 0 0 26-30 <1 0 0 0

May 1-5 2 0 0 0 0 0 6-10 0 0 <1 0 0 0 11-15 0 0 <1 0 0 16-20 0 0 0 0 0 4 21-25 0 0 10 26-31 0 <1 5 1 1 9 June 1-5 0 17 0 9 0 10 6-10 0 21 1 4 0 30 11-15 0 102 0 <1 16-20 0 20 <1 121 0 3 21-25 0 0 0 3 <1 10 26-30 0 3 0 10 0 0 July 1-5 0 5 0 6-10 0 0 0 0

Table 3.2-10. Nighttime mean densities (numbers per 100 M3) of American shad eggs and larvae collected from the Delaware River at Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

no +as 1982 1983 1qaI 1 9RS egas larvae eggs larvae egas larvae eggs larvae April 15-20 0 0 <1 0 21-25 0 0 26-30 0 0 0 0 May 1-5 0 0 0 0 <1 0 6-10 <1 0 0 <1 11-15 <1 0 0 0 0 0 16-20 0 16 0 0 <1 8 21-25 0 0 0 .12 26-31 0 13 <1 2 2 42 June 1-5 0 3 <1 63 0 33 6-10 0 85 0 8 <1 6 11-15 0 32 0 28 16-20 0 16 <1 238 0 4 21-25 0 32 0 71 0 117 0 0 26-30 0 62 0 9 0 7 0 4 July 1-5 0 0 0 6-10 0 3 0 0 11-15 0 <1

Table 3.2-11. Period of occurrence and aximu density (rumber/lO0 cu. meter) of larvae and juveniles of selected taxa collected in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1982 - 1985.

Location Total Date Water Date Hater Date of of Hater Number First Temp. Last Temp. tlaxium tiaxiam Maximum Temp.

Collected Collected (C) Collected (C) Density Density Density (C)

American shad 1982 395 05/19 20.0 07/07 23.5 339.5 06/10 A11263-1 20.0 1983 715 05/26 18.0 06/30 25.5 947.6 06/16 AI1263-1 28.0 1984 384 06/08 24.0 07/11 22.0 465.2 06/22 A11263-1 23.5 1985 247 05/09 18.0 06/26 21.0 169.3 05/30 A11263-1 21.0 Carp 1982 161 05/13 18.0 07/21 26.0 322.7 05/13 A11263-1 18.0 1983 148S 05/12 11.5 06/30 24.0 1018.3 06/16 A11263-1 28.0 1984 469 06/08 22.0 06/25 22.0 107.3 06/15 A11263-1 23.0 1985 447 05/01 20.0 07/18 26.0 359.8 05/30 A1I263-1 21.0 Herri ns 1982 1150 05/06 20.0 06/22 20.0 863.8 05/19 A11760-3 20.0 1983 3374 05/12 13.0 06/22 25.0 5605.5 05/26 A11263-1 18.5 1984 3284 05/02 15.5 07/26 25.0 4019.6 06/08 A11263-1 22.0 1985 2414 04/24 16.0 07/01 22.0 2429.0 05/16 A11263-3 20.0 Lepomis 1982 144 06/02 18.0 07/21 26.0 500.0 07/21 A11263-1 28.0 1983 323 06/16 28.0 08/04 27.5 496.2 07/21 A1I263-1 28.5 1984 178 06/15 25.0 08/09 26.0 113.2 06/25 A11263-1 22.5 1985 1182 05/16 21.0 07/18 26.0 1081.2 06/19 A11263-1 22.0 Suckers 1982 1418 04/28 14.5 06/22 21.0 1875.9 06/02 A11263-1 18.0 1983 480 05/12 11.5 06/30 24.0 297.1 06/03 A11263-1 19.5 1984 1227 05/02 14.0 06/25 22.0 670.1 05/21 A11263-1 16.0 1985 244 04/09 8.0 06/19 24.0 167.7 05/16 A11263-1 20.0

Table 3.2-12. Density (mober/lO0 cu. eater) of all eggs collected during day and night Ichthyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

Mater Basstreem Eddy Intake Boat Ramp Tewp A 0960-3 A1 1263-1 A11263-3 A11760-3 Date (C) Day Night "ean Day Hight Mean Day Hight IMean Day Night Mean 1985 04/09 9.0 1.3 0.7 3.2 1.6 14.9 7.4 2.6 1.3 04/17 13.6 1.2 0.6 1.1 1.4 10.4 5.9 5.4 3.3 04/24 16.2 1.3 0.7 40.7 9.2 25.0 2.6 7.0 4.8 05/01 20.9 11.3 40.3 25.8 13.2 13.5 13.3 65.5 826.8 446.2 112.5 223.7 168.1 05/09 18.0 168.7 310.5 239.6 9.7 66.2 38.0 293.5 1531.5 912.5 69.5 336.5 203.0 05/16 20.7 13.4 5.7 9.6 15.1 24.1 19.6 19.0 10.6 14.8 05/23 18.9 15.6 18.5 17.0 63.0 31.5 21.2 34.7 28.0 13.2 17.9 15.6 05/30 22.4 2.7 5.1 3.9 8.6 4.3 8.5 1.2 4.8 6.7 5.5 6.1 06/05 20.8 1.2 0.6 7.2 3.6 5.5 1.3 3.4 2.1 1.1 1.6 06/13 21.3 06/19 22.6 4.6 2.3 7.6 3.8 3.7 2.4 3.1 1.2 0.6 06/26 21.6 2.9 1.5 1.2 0.6 07/01 22.8 3.3 1.6 07/18 26.6

• "iean 16.3 27.0 21.7 5.7 6.8 6.3 31.1 177.9 104.5 16.0 43.6 29.8 Table 3.2-13. Density (nuwber/l00 cu. meter) of all larvae collected during day and night ichthyoplankton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

Mater Dowestream Eddy Intake Boat Ramp Tem A10960-3 A11263-1 A!1263-3 A1I1760-3 Date (C) Day Night Mean Day Hight Mean Day Night Mean Day Night Mean 1985 04/09 9.0 . . .. . .. 11.4 0.7 04/17 13.6 04/24 16.2 2.6 1.3 31.3 15.6 1.1 3.4 2.3 - 2.8 1.4 05/01 20.9 1.3 4.0 2.6 39.5 209.5 124.5 220.3 110.1 - 7.4 3.7 05/09 18.0 5.0 2.5 56.3 28.1 11.0 5.5 05/16 20.7 10.8 56.8 33.8 35.3 984.5 509.9 26.0 2492.9 1259.5 1.3 81.0 41.1 05/23 18.9 11.4 74.1 42.7 145.7 109.8 127.7 15.9 62.5 39.2 21.0 34.4 27.7 05/30 22.4 17.2 58.8 38.0 554.3 1251.3 902.8 23.9 32.9 28.4 16.1 5.5 10.8 06/05 20.8 1.2 0.6 48.5 244.0 146.3 2.7 1.3 - 3.4 1.7 06/13 21.3 1.2 2.3 1.8 8.7 711.9 360.3 10.8 5.4 06/19 22.6 2.6 1.3 39.2 1124.4 581.8 1.2 0.6 1.2 2.3 1.8 06/26 21.6 473.7 236.8 - 1.2 0.6 07/01 22.8 1.1 0.6 3.2 111.1 57.1 07/18 26.6 31.6 15.8 39.1 49.4 44.3 1.1 0.6 atlean 3.1 17.0 10.0 62.9 411.2 237.1 4.3 184.1 94.2 2.8 10.0 6.4

Table 3.2-14. Density (number/100 cu. meter) of American shad larvae and juveniles collected during day and night Ichthyoplaekton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

Hater Downstream Eddy Intake Boat Ramp Temp A10960-3 A11263-1 A11263-3 A11760-3 Date (C) Day Night "tean Day Night Mean Day Night Mean Day Night Mean 1985 04/09 9.0 04/17 13.6 04/24 16.2 05/01 20.9 05/09 18.0 - - - 3.3 1.7 -

05/16 20.7 - 1.4 0.7 16.0 31.1 23.5 1.4 - 0.7 05/23 18.9 - 1.3 0.7 39.4 45.7 42.6 -

05/30 22.4 - - - 34.3 169.3 101.8 -

06/05 20.8 - - - 38.8 128.0 83.4 - - 2.3 1.1 06/13 21.3 - - - 2.9 110.2 56.5 -

06/19 22.6 - - - 9.8 15.2 12.5 -

06/26 21.6 - - - 17.5 8.8 -

07/01 22.8 07/18 26.6 a*ean - 0.2 0.1 9.8 41.5 25.7 0.1 - 0.0 - 0.2 0.1 Table 3.2-15. Density (number/100 cu. meter) of American shad eggs collected during day and night ichthyoplanrcton sampling in the Delaware River near Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania during 1985.

Water Dowmstream Eddy Intake Boat Ramp Temp A10960-3 A11263-I A11263-3 A11760-3 Date (C) Day Night Mean Day Night Mean Day Night Mean Day Night Mean 1985 04/09 9.0 04/17 13.6 - 1.4 1.3 1.4 - - -

04/24 16.2 05/01 20.9 - 1.3 0.7 05/09 18.0 05/16 20.7 - 1.4 0.7 05/23 18.9 05/30 22.4 - 5.1 2.6 - 2.8 - 1.4 2.7 2.8 2.7 06/05 20.8 06/13 21.3 06/19 22.6 06/26 21.6 07/01 22.8 07/18 26.6

• Mlean - 0.5 0.3 - - - 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

Table 3.2-16. Approximate state of embryonic development of American shad eggs collected at Point Pleasant during 1982-19851.

Approximate state of Development Number Percentage Embryonic development time in hours of eggs of eggs

-1orula 1 -2 2 3.4 Blastula 3 -5 6 10.3 Gastrula 5 - 14 18 31 Primitive streak 14 - 25 6 10.3 Early Embryo 25 - 33 13 22.4 Tail Free Embryo 33 - 35 1 1.7 Indeterminate 12 20.6

'Based on Marcy (1976)

Table 3.2-17. Estimated entrainment of American shad eggs and larvae at the Point Pleasant intake station, 19851.

Cubic meters of Mean Estimated Sample water withdrawn Density Number Date Interval during interval (No./100 m )

3 Entrained 4/17 4/13-4/20 215,080 1.4 3,011 5/30 5/27-6/2 551,567 1.4 7,722 Larvae Cubic meters of Mean Estimated Sample water withdrawn Density Humber Date Interval durina interval (No./lO0 M3) Entrained 5/16 5/13-5/19 275,359 .7 1,928 1

Potential entrainment was calculated using the total projected Delaware River water withdrawals for 1985 which include the requirements for public water supply, Limerick Units I and II and maintenance flows (Table 1, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources 1982). The projected 1985 withdrawal schedule was used since it most closely approximated the study period.

4.0 East Branch Perkiomen Creek East Branch Perkiomen Creek (EBPC) is a warmwater stream which drains 158 km 2 of the Piedmont physiographic province in southeastern Pennsylvania. It flows southwest approximately 39 km from its source in Bedminster Township to its confluence with Perkiomen Creek just below Schwenksville. The creek has a low gradient (1.9 m/km) and consists of riffle and run habitats with few natural pools. Several small man-made impoundments are located in the lower half. The stream supports a diverse and productive flora and fauna. Much of the watershed is used for agriculture but land is increasingly being developed for residen-

. tial use. The major population concentration occurs midpoint on the creek at Sellersville-Perkasie.

Low natural base flows and frequent localized storms produce an extremely variable, often flashy, flow regime. Spring flows are generally high due to snow melt and precipitation. As summer approaches flows become lower and in late summer and fall surface flow in upper reaches often ceases but may fluctuate rapidly due to local thunderstorms. Riffle habitat is much reduced or eliminated in about one-third of the stream length and the creek becomes a series of pools or quiescent reaches connected by sub-surface percolation.

4.0-1

The proposed diversion discharge point is located about 150 m upstream of Elephant Road, thus the East Branch Perkiomen Creek study area includes the creek from just above Elephant Road bridge downstream to the confluence with Perkiomen Creek. For a further description of this area, refer to LGS EROL Section 6.1.

Sample stations are designated by common name and by the letter

'E' followed by a number that indicates the distance in meters upstream from the mouth of the Creek. Where stations include several meters of stream, site numbers designate the downstream end of the station.

The biota and water quality of East Branch Perkiomen Creek were studied extensively from 1970 through 1978 and were sum-marized in the EROL (Section 2.2.2.3). Additional studies of water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fishes conducted in 1979-1984 were summarized in subsequent progress reports (RIC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985). The results of these studies conducted in 1985 are summarized below.

The East Branch Perkiomen Creek was not affected by LGS operation in 1985. The pipeline and discharge structure that would introduce diversion water from the Delaware River have not yet been built.

4.0-2

4.1 Water Quality Summary

1. Water quality samples were collected at two week inter-vals at three stations in EBPC.

2. Many new extremes were recorded, most of them associated with the extended low stream flows observed. A large percentage of them were slightly outside the established ranges.

3. New maxima recorded for copper (E32300) and zinc (all stations) were major extensions of their established ranges.

Introduction and Methods East Branch Perkiomen Creek water quality in relation to future LGS water supply was studied from May 1974 through December 1978 and again from January 1983 through the present.

The results of samples collected in 1985 are summarized below.

The objectives of this program are to monitor existing water quality conditions on EBPC to provide a more extensive database with which to predict and assess diversion-induced water quality changes, and to provide water quality information for concurrent aquatic ecological programs.

4.1-1

As in previous years, three sample stations were located within the study area which extended from the upper reach near Branch Road bridge to near the confluence with Perkiomen Creek.

Station E32300 is immediately downstream of Branch Road (Bucks County, PA) bridge over EBPC and about 4.7 km downstream from the diversion outfall location. Station E22880 is downstream of the Cathill Road (Bucks County, PA) bridge and some 3.2 km downstream of the Pennridge Sewage Treatment Plant. E2800 is upstream of the Garges Road (Montgomery County, PA) bridge.

Sampling began on 2 January and all stations were sampled once every 2 weeks. All samples were collected as subsurface

• grab samples and were analyzed according to standard, widely ac-cepted methods.

Results and Discussion EBPC flow data obtained by the USGS in 1985, the first full year o-f operation of the Bucks Road gage, are presented in Tables 4.1-1 and 4.1-2. Overall, 1985 was characterized by unusually low flows punctuated with only a few high flow events. Many new maximum and minimum parameter values for the post-EROL period (1983-1985) were recorded in 1985. host were associated with the extended low flows, but a few were due to infrequent high flow events. Overall, many of the exceedances of the established seasonal ranges were only slightly outside the previously esta-4.1-2

blished ranges or they were more characteristic of the normally drier months of the year. In some cases (e.g., sulfide), the ex-ceedances were due to the limited record available for comparison.

E32300 Seasonal summaries of water quality data obtained for this station for 1983-1985 are shown in Table 4.1-3 and 1985 alone in Table 4.1-4. Several new maximum and minimum values were recorded for 1985 when compared to the data obtained in 1983 and 1984 (Tables 4.1-5 and 4.1-6). In winter, the high ammonia ni-trogen concentration occurred during a period of particularly high flow. Coincidentally, several new minima were established on this date for parameters which tend to vary inversely with flow. The new zinc maximum was a major extension of the esta-blished range for the winter quarter. In spring, the new maxima established for alkalinity, total dissolved solids, calcium, and magnesium were all associated with the unusually low flows. In summer, the new copper and zinc maxima occurred on the same date and were major extensions of their respective ranges.

4.1-3

Seasonal summaries of water quality data obtained at this location are provided for 1983-1985 in Table 4.1-7 and for 1985 alone in Table 4.1-8.

As with the upstream station, several new extreme values were established in each quarter and most were due to the extended low flow period or coincided with isolated high flow events (Tables 4.1-9 and 4.1-10). In winter, the new potassium and nitrate ni-trogen maxima were substantially higher than those previously established, and approximated the values usually seen in the nor-mally drier summer and fall quarters. Likewise, in spring during an unusually dry period in April nine new maxima were established on the same sampling date. Again, these new high values were unusual for spring, and approximated values that had previously been observed in summer and fall. The new zinc maximum was much higher than observed in 1983-1984, but was substantially lower than the new maximum recorded in summer. Hew maxima were also recorded for chloride and potassium in both summer and fall.

The 1983-1985 water quality data are summarized in Table 4.1-11 and for 1985 alone in Table 4.1-12. As described for the other EBPC sampling stations, the several new seasonal extremes

'1.1-4

established in 1985 were associated with the unusual flows observed. Kew maxima were established for sodium, chloride, and potassium in all quarters and all were related to extremely low flows (Tables 4.1-13 and 4.1-14). The new zinc maximum was well outside the previously established range as was the new nitrate nitrogen maximum in spring.

All of the new maxima recorded in spring occurred on the same sampling date in April. This date was near the end of a 2-month long period of consistently low stream flow, an unusual condition for spring. The new maxima recorded in fall and winter were also associated with the extended low flow conditons. host of the new

. maxima established in spring were associated with the high flows sampled on 13 February and due to the fact that the affected parameters tend to vary inversely with flow.

4.1-5

Table 4.1-1. Mean daily East Branch Perklomen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Bucks Road US Geological Survey gage In 1985.

Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Hov Dec 01 6 1 3 5 0 6 0 0 0 2 0 43 02 20 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 27 03 9 2 2 2 56 1 0 0 0 21 0 8 04 5 2 2 2 11 0 0 0 0 12 0 5 05 6 2 4 1 4 5 0 0 0 10 5 4 06 5 2 2 I 3 2 0 0 0 6 3 4 07 5 2 2 1 2 I 0 0 0 3 2 5 08 5 2 2 1 2 3 0 0 0 2 I 5 09 2 2 2 1 I 2 0 0 0 1 1 4 10 I 2 2 I 1 1 0 0 0 I I 4 11 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 12 1 177 9 I 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 4 13 1 37 S I I I 0 0 0 1 I 8 14 1 17 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 1  ! 10 15 I 8 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 I I 4 16 1 6 2 I 0 5 0 0 0 2 59 3 17 I 5 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 5 82 2 18 1 4 1 0 7 1 0 0 0 5 12 2 19 I S 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 7 1 20 1 5 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 5 1 21 I 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 22 I 6 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 40 1 23 1 13 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 33 16 1 24 1 12 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 25 1 10 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 26 1 7 1 0 I 0 0 0 0 1 20 1 27 1 7 1 0 0 0 I 0 372 1 26 .1 28 1 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 10 1 78 1 29 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 32 1 30 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 23 0 31 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Minmtum 1 I 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mean 3 12 2 1 3 1 0 0 13 4 15 5 Median 1 4 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 4 3 Mlaxiu 20 177 9 S 56 6 1 0 372 33 82 43

Table 4.1-2. Mean monthly East Branch Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Bucks Road US Geological Survey gage, 1984 - 1985.

Year Jon Feb "or Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1984 1 2 6 1985 3 12 2 1 3 I 0 0 13 4 15 5 Minium I I 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mean 3 I2 2 1 3 1 0 0 13 3 8 5 Median 1 4 2 I 1 I 0 0 0 1 1 3 Maximm 20 177 9 5 56 6 1 0 372 33 82 43

I Table 4.1-3. Summary of East Branch Perklomen Creek mater quality at Station E32300, 30 March 1983 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov I of Parameter Min ied Max Min Red Max Min Nled max Min Red max Samples Temperature (C) -1.0 1.0 8.0 1.0 9.0 21.0 17.0 21.0 26.0 5.0 13.1 21.5 57 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 10.6 11.8 14.4 6.1 12.0 13.9 3.8 7.3 9.6 3.4 9.0 11.6 62 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 1.4 4.2 0.4 1.2 3.2 0.2 1.5 3.9 0.0 1.0 5.9 63 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 11.5 65.7 0.0 14.4 41.1 0.0 20.4 223.0 0.0 15.9 36.6 64 Total Organic Carbon (mg/l) 0.0 3.2 25.8 0.0 3.6 13.3 0.9 4.7 111.8 1.7 3.8 27.8 60 pH 6.86 7.10 7.45 6.95 7.57 8.57 7.04 7.70 8.06 7.23 7.46 8.03 64 Total Alkalinity (mg/i) 10.1 29.2 63.4 14.6 33.6 65.4 0.0 62.6 91.7 18.5 54.2 114.3 64 Total Hardness (tg/l) 38.9 66.8 98.3 12.7 67.0 96.1 47.1 84.7 180.7 61.5 88.8 105.0 64 Specific Conductance iusm/cm) 121 167 224 126 171 255 142 229 289 179 240 313 64 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 0 4 431 0 4 73 0 9 331 0 3 20 64 Chloride (mg/l) 10.0 19.8 33.3 5.4 12.3 25.8 7.4 19.0 28.8 12.0 19.1 26.9 64 Sulfate (mg/l) 16.1 29.9 35.9 15.1 26.5 37.5 19.5 29.7 93.3 16.6 33.3 40.7 64 Sodium (mg/1) 6.25 10.29 15.09 6.58 8.74 14.09 5.74 12.20 20.58 8.80 12.04 16.11 64 Potassium (mg/l) 1.5 2.1 3.3 1.4 1.7 2.8 1.9 2.8 4.4 2.3 3.3 4.3 64 Calcium (m/li) 5.8 14.3 18.4 5.7 13.1 24.9 7.0 16.0 28.8 8.2 21.6 28.5 64 Mlagnesium (mg/l) 5.25 8.29 13.71 4.46 8.97 14.19 7.20 11.80 16.68 8.26 12.64 17.77 64 Ammonia Nitrogen Iug/li 0.000 0.000 0.246 0.000 0.031 0.068 0.021 0.046 0.164 0.000 0.000 0.061 64 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.000 0.008 0.030 0.000 0.007 0.076 0.000 0.003 0.135 0.000 0.000 0.020 64 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.43 2.19 3.31 0.00 1.35 2.46 0.00 0.24 2.06 0.00 0.45 3.88 64 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.00 0.04 0.35 0.00 0.03 0.07 0.00 0.03 0.26 0.00 0.04 0.19 61 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.00 0.02 0.12 0.00 0.02 0.07 0.00 0.02 0.26 0.00 0.00 0.06 62 Chromium (mg/l) 0.001 0.005 0.014 0.002 0.004 0.009 0.000 0.006 0.054 0.000 0.005 0.008 64 Copper tug/l) 0.000 0.002 0.010 0.000 0.002 0.006 0.000 0.002 0.034 0.001 0.002 0.007 64 Iron (mg/1) 0.00 0.27 8.77 0.00 0.20 1.56 0.09 0.22 10.93 0.00 0.14 0.50 64 Lead (mg/I) 0.000 0.001 0.008 0.000 0.001 0.014 0.000 0.001 0.006 0.000 0.000 0.002 64 Manganese (mg/l) 0.00 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.30 64 Zinc lug/l) 0.00 0.01 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.03 64 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.001 1.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.002 64 Phenols (mg/1) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.191 0.000 0.000 0.000 64 Trichloroethylene (ug/1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 62 Total Coliforams (c/.11) 20 600 4700 10 520 6000 250 2000 60000 60 710 13000 61 Fecal Coliforms Ic/.11) 14 70 3000 5 140 2900 89 430 17550 18 238 3500 61

Table 4.1-4. S9imary of East Branch Perkiosen Creek mater quality at Station E32300, 02 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sap, Oct, Nov I of Parameter Min Med max in Meda max Bin Bed max Min Med max Samples II Temperature (Ci 0.0 1.0 8.0 5.0 10.5 143.0 19.0 22.0 25.0 11.5 13.0 18.0 25 Dissolved Oxygen (ag/li 10.9 11.4 14.1 6i.1 12.0 1: 5.1 8.0 9.6 5.7 9.2 10.5 24 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 1.0 3.7 00.4 1.2 2.2 0.2 0.7 1.9 0.0 0.7 2.S 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 14.0 21.5 20.0 15.4 1l9.5 0.0 16.2 31.6 0.0 18.1 36.6 26 Total Organic Carbon (mg/lI 1.8 2.5 5.2 t.1 3.1 3.9 2.8 4.2 4.7 3.3 3.7 6.3 26 PH 6.86 7.27 7.45 7..57 7.64 7 .96 7.51 7.89 8.06 7.28 7.75 7.84 26 Total Alkalinity (mg/li 10.1 34.9 63.4 299.9 45.4 6!5.4 65.7 82.9 91.7 35.5 63.7 114.3 26 Total Hardness (mg/l) 38.9 65.5 98.3 600.3 67.6 946.1 72.4 85.0 96.0 61.5 71.9 105.0 26 Specific Conductance (usm/cam 121 168 224 72 220 255 235 273 286 189 237 313 26 Total Suspended Solids (mg/li 0 3 48 21 0 4 7 0 3 22 3 10 26 Chloride (ag/li 16.8 22.8 26.7 4.0 23.5 2!1.8 20.6 24.5 28.8 18.5 22.9 26.9 261.5 26 Sulfate (ag/l) 16.1 29.9 34.1 28.5 3' 4.2 29.4 31.9 35.9 26.7 36.8 38.5 26 Sodiu-m, (ag/l) 9.42 11.60 13.37 12. 07 13.44 14. .09 12.48 14.81 16.76 11.37 13.12 16.11 2.8 26 Potassium (ag/li 1.7 2.2 3.2 16.6 2.3 2.2 2.8 3.3 2.8 3.4 3.7 26 Calcium (ag/li 5.8 14.6 18.4 1.8 20.5 2V4.9 22.0 26.7 28.8 17.3 22.3 28.5 26 Magnesium (ag/li 5.81 8.63 13.71 9. 60 10.74 14..19 12.16 14.90 16.68 9.60 13.19 17.77 26 Ammonia Nitrogen tag/l) 0.000 0.020 0.246 0.0 100 0.017 0.A154 0.034 0.045 0.094 0.000 0.017 0.061 26 Nitrite Nitrogen (ag/ID 0.000 0.008 0.018 0.0 406 0.013 0.1 176 0.000 0.000 0.028 0.000 0.004 0.015 26 Nitrate Nitrogen (ag/li 1.73 2.19 2.52 0.00 1.24 I .93 0.00 0.00 0.79 0.00 0.91 2.32 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorum fag/li 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.00 0.02 0, .03 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.02 0.05 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (ag/l) 0.00 0.02 0.07 0. 00 0.00 0..03 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.05 24 Chromium (ag/li 0.001 0.006 0.006 0.0 403 0.005 0.1 106 0.003 0.006 0.017 0.000 0.005 0.008 26 Copper (mg/li 0.001 0.001 0.005 0.0 401 0.002 0.1 006 0.000 0.001 0.034 0.001 0.002 0.003 26 Iron (ag/li 0.10 0.54 1.70 0. 00 0.24 0..39 0.09 0.19 0.49 0.00 0.04 0.38 26 Lead (ag/l) 0.000 0.000 0.006 0.0 400 0.000 0.A003 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 26 Manganese (ag/li 0.00 0.00 0.08 0. 00 0.00 0..07 0.00 0.06 0.10 0.00 0.03 0.18 26 Zinc (ag/l) 0.00 0.00 0.25 0. 00 0.01 0..06 0.00 0.01 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.01 26 Cyanide (ag/li 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.0 400 0.000 0.A001 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Phenols (ag/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 100 0.000 0.A000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichloroethylene (ug/i) 0.0 0.0 0.0 04.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 25 Total Coliforms (W/.AI1 20 300 4200 10 320 60 00 250 2100 12000 120 1400 13000 24 Fecal Coliforms (W/.111 20 56 1180 5 190 2' WO0 130 360 690 110 240 3500 24 I

Table 4.1-5. Hem maximum values observed for rater quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station E 32300 on the East Branch Perktomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Deco Jane Feb Temperature (C) 8.0 01/02/85 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.246 02/13/85 Zinc (mg/1) 0.25 02/27/85 oar, Apr, May Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 65.4 04/24/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 252 05/22/85 Calcium (mg/l) 24.9 04/24/85 magnesium (mg/l) 14.19 04/24/85 Cyanide (mg/i) 0.001 03/27/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.Ii) 2900 05/22/85 Total Coliform (c/.ii) 6000 05/22/85 Jun, Jul, Aug PH 8.06 08/28/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 242 07/17/85 Magnesium (mg/l) 16.68 08/14/85 Copper (mg/l) 0.034 06/05/85 Zinc (mg/l) 0.70 06/05/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 114.3 09/11/85 Magnesium (mg/l) 17.77 09/11/85 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.061 10/23/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/1) 36.6 10/09/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.!l) 3500 11/06/85 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 13000 11/06/85 Table 4.1-6. Hem minimum values observed for mater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E 32300 on the East Branch Perklomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb pH 6.86 02/13/85 Total Alkalinity (mg/li) 10.1 02/13/85 Total Hardness (mg/l) 36.9 02/13/85 Specific Conductance (usem/c* 121 02/13/85 Sulfate (mg/1) 16.1 02/13/85 Calcium (mg/l) 5.8 02/13/85 Total Coliforms (c/.111 20 01/30/85 iar, Apr, May Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 6.1 04/24/85 Iron (mg/l) 0.00 03/27/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.il) 5 03/27/85 Total Coliforms (W/.!1) 10 03/27/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Iron (mg/l) 0.09 08/28/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 07/17/85 Total Coliforms (c/.1l) 250 07/17/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Iron (mg/1) 0.00 09/25/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 10/23/85

Table 4.1-7. Summary of East Branch Perkiomen Creek Mater quality at Station E22880, 30 "arch 1983 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sap, Oct, Nov 8 of Parameter Min hled Max Min lied 1lax Nin Ned Max "in Nled Max Samples Temperature (C) -3.0 1.0 8.0 1.0 31.0 2(0.0 18.0 21 .5 25.0 3.0 14.0 22.0 65 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/I) 8.3 11.4 14.0 6.3 9.9 I. 3.2 4.9 7.3 10.9 5.8 8.7 31.9 69 Biochemical Oxygen Demand Ing/i) 0.1 1.5 4.2 0.3 1.3 1.1 0.5 1.4 7.6 0.1 1.4 6.7 72 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 13.9 21.1 0.0 13.8 311.7 0.0 17.1 39.3 0.0 17.9 36.0 72 Total Organic Carbon (mg/i) 0.0 4.1 19.1 0.0 3.4 31ý.7 0.0 4.9 18.5 0.0 5.8 24.3 68 PH 6.94 7.37 7.68 6 .97 7.58 8..25 7.00 7.62 8.42 6.64 7.57 8.08 72 Total Alkalinity (mg/i) 15.7 50.3 99.6 1 4.6 46.7 7d2.7 40.1 71.2 101.2 36.1 69.1 102.2 72 Total Hardness (mg/I) 51.6 91.3 184.5 2'2.8 83.2 1894.6 70.9 131.4 228.3 75.7 156.5 363.2 72 Specific Conductance (usn/cm) 162 266 576 148 259 696 174 536 911 251 - 549 1358 72 Total Suspended Solids (mg/i) 0 8 429 0 7 99 0 7 52 0 4 23 72 Chloride (mg/i) 15.1 37.8 110.4 0.1 36.3 1117.4 9.9 83.8 155.2 25.5 98.8 226.1 72 Sulfate (mg/i) 16.6 37.7 80.9 0.0 36.8 9*7.6 19.5 59.4 124.8 29.1 73.8 142.0 72 Sodium (mg/ lI 9.01 21.94 71.48 9 .78 22.56 73..88 9.37 48.84 96.82 16.46 65.51 157.84 72 Potassium (mg/1) 1.9 3.9 9.9 1.8 2.5 f0.1 2.4 5.7 11.0 3.3 7.5 16.4 72 Calcium (mg/i) 10.1 21.7 41.1 8.1 18.7 51 .4 12.0 33.9 65.6 16.0 29.2 80.3 72 Magnesium (mg/i) 7.05 11.29 19.95 5 .46 II.55 20. .13 8.52 16.44 25.10 9.35 19.05 27.05 72 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.000 0.213 2.092 0.I 000 0.085 I.2t0 0.000 0.049 0.136 0.000 0.046 0.352 72 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.000 158 +0.000 0.041 0.176 0.025 0.402 0.I 007 0.029 0. 0.007 0.036 0.057 72 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/i) 1.65 3.40 8.45 I. .14 2.77 7. 71 1.65 5.76 12.66 2.05 7.28 29.70 72 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.02 0.09 0.34 0 .03 0.06 0. .12 0.04 0.08 0.18 0.04 0.10 0.26 69 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.02 0.06 0.21 0 .01 0.04 0..13 0.02 0.06 0.11 0.01 0.05 0.22 70 Chromium (mg/i) 0.003 0.014 0.100 0.1305 0.010 0.4 15 0.001 0.009 0.193 0.002 0.010 0.090 72 Copper (mg/i) 0.004 0.010 0.038 0.0003 0.009 0.4 127 0.000 0.018 0.053 0.003 0.015 0.059 72 Iron (mg/i) 0.00 0.23 9.54 0 .08 0.28 2..50 0.00 0.27 0.86 0.00 0.19 1.87 72 Lead (mg/i) 0.000 0.000 0.015 0.1000 0.001 0.0007 0.000 0.001 0.010 0.000 0.002 0.004 72 Manganese (mg/1 ) 0.00 0.05 0.32 0 .00 0.00 0..10 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.06 0.13 72 Zinc (mg/1) 0.01 0.03 0.12 0 .00 0.01 0..11 0.00 0.01 0.58 0.00 0.03 0.09 72 Cyanide (mg/i) 0.000 0.002 0.016 0.I 000 0.000 0.0007 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.000 0.003 0.011 72 Phenols (mg/I) 0.000 0.000 0.029 0.I 000 0.000 0.0005 0.000 0.000 0.039 0.000 0.000 0.000 72 Trichloroethylene (ug/i) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1;.2 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 71 Total Coltforms (c/.I1) 0 355 5100 50 585 100 00 120 1950 97000 50 1900 27000 70 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 0 21 1800 16 89 61100 160 495 15000 0 195 4700 71

Table 4.1-8. Summary of East Branch Perkloen Creek water quality at Station E22860, 02 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

Deco Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov 8 of Parameter "in fed flax Min ed Mlax "in fed Max Min ied Mlax Samples Temperature (C) -0.1 1.0 8.0 6.0 10.5 17.5 18.0 21.5 25.0 12.3 13.0 21.0 26 Dissolved Oxygen (mw/i) 8.3 10.6 14.0 6.3 9.9 1i.2 6.4 8.2 10.9 5.8 8.5 9.6 25 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/I) 0.1 0.5 4.2 0.3 1.2 2.1 0.6 0.9 1.5 0.1 0.6 3.8 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 7.9 15.2 21.1 13.1 16.3 29.1 10.1 13.5 38.2 0.0 27.2 36.0 26 Total Organic Carbon (magl) 2.5 3.6 4.6 3.0 3.8 5.1 3.2 4.9 5.5 4.0 5.4 6.8 26 pH 6.94 7.38 7.67 7.58 7.71 8.25 7.53 7.84 8.42 7.33 7.76 8.08 26 Total Alkalinity (mg/i) 15.7 53.9 99.6 40.4 59.6 72.7 65.8 82.9 101.2 39.8 77.1 86.7 26 Total Hardness (mg/l) 51.6 91.9 184.5 81.4 114.1 184.6 131.4 167.1 205.4 75.7 121.1 239.1 26 Specific Conductance (usa/cu) 176 242 576 259 370 696 502 714 833 263 455 968 26 Total Suspended Solids (mg/I) 2 8 32 0 8 13 0 3 8 0 3 *23 26 Chloride (mg/I) 26.0 39.0 110.4 40.2 53.4 117.4 83.8 128.0 155.2 28.2 66.0 226.1 26 Sulfate (mi/li 16.6 38.2 80.9 32.1 46.1 97.6 66.5 101.6 110.8 35.1 59.3 80.3 26 Sodium (mg/l) 15.99 20.42 71.48 25.24 31.81 73.88 41.86 77.12 95.20 18.89 44.62 94.54 26 Potassium (mg/li 2.6 4.0 9.9 3.1 4.3 8.1 5.7 9.2 11.0 3.7 7.5 16.4 26 Calcium (mi/l) 10.1 22.0 29.3 24.8 31.3 51.4 40.8 53.0 65.6 23.2 36.1 78.7 26 Magnesium (mg/l) 7.75 11.49 19.95 11.89 7.44 20.13 13.50 19.30 24.59 10.94 16.44 26.57 26 Ammonia Nitrogen (mi/l) 0.000 0.327 1.709 0.000 0.029 0.097 0.041 0.060 0.103 0.000 0.054 0.077 26 Nitrite Nitrogen (mi/l) 0.000 0.015 0.042 0.011 0.023 0.050 0.013 0.036 0.057 0.000 0.026 0.093 26 NItrate Nitrogen img/1) 1.94 3.35 8.45 2.33 3.28 7.71 5.13 9.15 12.66 2.05 4.33 11.60 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.02 0.13 0.33 0.03 0.06 0.12 0.04 0.08 0.13 0.06 0.10 0.26 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.03 0.10 0.21 0.01 0.03 0.10 0.02 0.05 0.09 0.04 0.07 0.22 24 Chromium (mg/l) 0.003 0.010 0.025 0.005 0.007 0.009 0.003 0.008 0.014 0.005 0.008 0.010 26 Copper (mg/l) 0.004 0.005 0.015 0.007 0.011 0.023 0.007 0.021 0.037 0.003 0.007 0.028 26 Iron (mi/1) 0.00 0.23 1.11 0.08 0.15 0.56 0.00 0.16 0.31 0.00 0.14 1.87 26 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Manganese (mg/l) 0.00 0.06 0.12 0.00 0.03 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.06 26 Zinc (mg/l) 0.01 0.04 0.12 0.01 0.03 0.11 0.01 0.03 0.58 0.00 0.02 0.03 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.004 0.006 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.008 26 Phenols (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trtchloroethylem (ug/l) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 26 Total Coliforms (c/.11) 0 30 2800 50 280 2500 120 1650 2100 100 1300 16000 25 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 0 6 300 16 59 2100 210 410 1400 0 173 600 25

Table 4.1-9. ememaximum values observed for uater quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station E 22880 on the East Branch Perklomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb Temperature (C) 8.0 01/02/85 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 14.0 01/02/85 Potassium (mg/1) 9.9 01/30/85 Nitrate Nitrogen (m/l) 8.45 01/30/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/I) 21.1 02/13/85 Har, Apr, "lay Total Hardness (mg/i) 184.6 04/24/85 Specific Conductance (usm/cm) 696 04/24/85 Chloride (mg/l) 117.4 04/24/65 Sulfate (mg/l) 97.6 04/24/85 Sodium (mg/i) 73.88 04/24/85 Potassium (mg/1) 8.1 04/24/85 Calcium (mg/i) 51.4 04/24/85 Magnesium (mg/i) 20.13 04/24/85 Nitrate Nitrogen (mog/l) 7.71 04/24/85 Zinc (mg/l) 0.11 03/13/85 Trichloroethylene (ug/l) 5.2 04/11/85 Juno Jul, Aug Chloride (mg/1) 155.2 07/31/85 Potassium (mg/l) 11.0 07/31/85 Zinc (mg/1) 0.58 06/05/85 Sep, Oct*, Nov Chloride (mg/l) 226.1 09/25/85 Potassium (mg/li 16.4 09/25/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 36.0 10/09/85 Table 4.1-10. New minimum values observed for mater quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station E 22880 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.1 01/16/85 pH 6.94 02/13/85 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 15.7 02/13/85 Total Hardness (mg/1) 51.6 02/13/85 Sulfate (mg/l) 16.6 02/13/85 Calcium (mg/i} 10.1 02/13/85 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.000 12/04/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/I) 0.000 12/18/85 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/I) 0.02 01/16/85 Chromium (ms/I) 0.003 12/18/85 Iron (mg/I) 0.00 12/04/85 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 0 01/16/85 Mar, Apr, May Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.3 05/08/85 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.03 04/24/85 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/I) 0.01 04/11/85 Iron (mg/i) 0.08 04/24/85 Total Coliforms (c/.1l) 5o 03/27/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.04 08/28/85 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/1) 0.02 07/31/85 Iron (mg/l) 0.00 07/02/85 Total Coliforms (c/.11) 120 07/17/85 Sap, Oct, Nov Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.000 10/09/85 Iron (mg/I) 0.00 09/25/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 10/23/85 Fecal Coliforms -(/. 1) 0 11/20/85

Table 4.1-11. Sumary of East Branch Perklomen Creek mater quality at Station E2800, 05 January 1983 through 18 December 1985.

Dec. Jan, Feb art, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sept Oct$ Nov I of Parameter Min Mled Mlax min led ftax Min ied Max In Med Max Samples Temperature (C) -1.0 1.0 8.0 1.0 9.0 21 .0 18.0 21.S 26.0 1.0 14.0 z: 3.5 70 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 8.1 12.4 15.2 6.1 11.4 14 .7 3.9 7.3 10.4 5.4 9.7 1 3.0 77 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.3 2.5 5.2 0.3 1.4 4 .3 0.4 1.2 5.2 00.2 1.0 4.5 78 Chemical Oxygen Demand (lg/i) 0.0 11.8 44.0 0.0 17.6 46 .3 0.0 15.6 88.7 0.0 17.0 310.2 78 Total Organic Carbon lmg/i) 0.0 3.3 19.4 0.0 3.5 10 .5 0.0 4.8 14.0 O.0 5.4 3*3.4 73 pH 6.89 7.52 8.27 7 .10 7.77 9.i 04 6.97 7.96 8.87 7..40 7.90 8 .97 77 Total Alkalinity (ag/i) 12.5 52.9 68.2 6.0 44.6 79 .4 32.4 85.1 105.3 281.2 89.8 IIi0.5 78 Total Hardness (ag/I) 45.1 100.1 182.2 2i7.3 83.9 154 .3 65.3 132.6 192.1 777.6 140.6 22i8.4 77 Specific Conductance (ustm/cm) 155 318 583 166 274 51s0 168 494 793 141 543 832 78 Total Suspended Solids (mg/1) 0 3 536 0 2 3 33 0 3 29 2! 0 3 12 78 Chloride (mg/i) 17.9 47.8 114.2 1'4.3 34.0 103 .6 9.0 71.8 151.0  ;.2 99.6 22 1.1 78 Sulfate (mg/i) 20.9 37.1 73.4 9.7 36.7 62 .6 10.3 49.9 90.7 1.4 57.1 9 1.4 77 Sodium (lg/1) 11.44 26.75 69.79 10 .58 21.29 56. 71 9.06 50.34 91.99 16. .14 62.28 106 .08 78 Potassium (mg/i) 2.1 3.6 6.7 2.1 2.6 6 .1 2.2 5.1 9.5  ;.5 6.3 110.2 78 Calcium (mg/i) 8.4 17.4 39.3 6.1 19.4 39 .7 8.7 27.1 47.5 4.8 30.0 6' 4.4 78 Magnesium (mg/i) 6.46 12.33 19.52 6 .56 10.66 17. 19 7.58 15.57 22.10 8. .55 18.40 24 .10 78 Ammonia Nitrogen (ms/i) 0.000 0.137 1.268 0.i 000 0.036 0.3'46 0.000 0.034 0.104 000 0.028 0.1096 78 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/1) 0.012 0.033 1.099 0.1014 0.035 0.1;28 0.000 0.018 0.062 0.0407 0.031 0. 142 78 0.1 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/i) 1.90 3.78 6.90 I .26 2.52 4.463 0.00 1.76 3.58 0. .90 3.50 5 .81 78 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/I) 0.06 0.13 0.59 0 .00 0.10 0.* 18 0.00 0.11 0.25 0. .03 0.13 0 .26 72 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (ag/i) 0.06 0.10 0.23 0 .00 0.08 0.; 20 0.00 0.10 0.20 0. .01 0.10 0 .18 76 Chromium (ma/1) 0.000 0.009 0.051 0. 004 0.008 0.0 20 0.001 0.006 0.185 0.0 002 0.007 0.4 014 78 Copper (lg/i) 0.000 0.006 0.022 0. 001 0.005 0.0O29 0.000 0.004 0.015 0.O002 0.006 0.4 Oil 78 Iron lmg/i) 0.00 0.10 10.70 0 .00 0.13 6.d46 0.00 0.07 0.98 0.0 00 0.07 0 .70 78 Lead (mg/i) 0.000 0.001 0.019 0. 000 0.001 0.0116 0.000 0.000 0.015 0. 400 0.001 0.4 008 78 Manganese (mg/i) 0.00 0.00 0.41 0 .00 0.00 0.; 27 0.00 0.00 0.09 0. 00 0.00 0 .07 78 Zinc (mg/l) 0.00 0.01 0.30 0 .00 0.00 0.4 06 0.00 0.00 0.02 0. 00 0.01 0 .04 78 Cyanide (mg/I) 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.1 o00 0.000 0.0O04 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.0 100 0.000 0.4 002 78 Phenols (mg/i) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.1 000 0.000 0.0O05 0.000 0.000 0.010 0D00 0.000 0.4 000 78 Trichloroethylene (ug/1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 .0 0.0 0.0 7.3 1.0 0.0 0.0 75 Total Coliforms (W/.11) 10 315 10100 10 150 280 834O0 60 750 12000 1050 94000 76 Fecal Coliforms lc/.Il) 2 79 4300 3 70 680D0 34 295 9300 27 240 I1300 77

Table 4.1-12. Sumary of East Branch Perklomen Creek water quality at Station E2800, 02 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

Deco Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, Hay Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov

• of Parameter Min ied Max Min Hed Max Min Had Max Mtn fed Max Samples Temperature (C) -0.1 1.0 8.0 6.0 10.5 18.5 18.0 20.8 25.0 11.5 12.8 21.0 25 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 8.1 11.0 14.1 6.1 10.9 11.4 4.9 7.3 10.4 6.2 9.4 10.4 25 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.3 0.8 5.2 0.3 1.3 1.7 0.4 1.1 1.2 0.2 0.4 2.7 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 7.6 10.6 27.2 13.6 17.9 23.0 0.0 15.6 88.7 0.0 17.5 30.2 26 Total Organic Carbon (mg/l) 2.5 3.4 4.2 3.2 3.5 5.2 2.5 4.8 5.6 4.0 5.0 5.7 26 pH 6.89 7.52 7.93 7.78 8.21 9.04 7.67 8.05 8.87 7.73 8.00 8.37 25 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 12.5 56.9 88.2 50.9 60.9 79.4 73.4 98.6 105.3 48.7 82.1 110.5 26 Total Hardress (mg/l) 45.1 90.7 182.2 99.0 108.3 154.3 101.5 132.6 167.1 78.0 110.8 158.0 25 Specific Conductance (usm/cm) 155 268 583 321 405 580 414 494 697 249 449 806 26 Total Suspended Solids (m*/l) 0 3 40 0 2 8 0 1 9 0 2 5 26 Chloride (og/I) 27.0 45.3 114.2 46.3 70.8 103.6 71.2 87.7 151.0 32.0 85.7 221.1 26 Sulfate (mg/l) 20.9 36.9 73.4 37.1 42.2 62.6 41.0 49.9 83.9 33.1 52.9 65.0 25 Sodium (mg/l1 15.99 23.36 69.79 32.23 40.67 56.71 33.14 62.00 85.90 20.59 47.60 88.11 26 Potassium (mg/I) 2.7 3.8 6.7 3.6 4.3 6.1 4.7 5.8 9.5 4.0 6.7 10.2 26 Calcium (mg/1) 8.4 21.3 27.9 29.2 32.8 39.7 31.7 35.8 47.5 24.1 35.5 55.8 26 MagTeslum (mg/) 6.46 10.58 19.52 12.85 13.89 17.19 11.40 15.66 20.42 10.78 16.73 22.72 26 Armonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.028 0.086 0.338 0.000 0.013 0.101 0.021 0.048 0.091 0.000 0.047 0.064 26 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/I) 0.015 0.021 0 . 053 0.014 0.044 0.088 0.010 0.015 0.037 0.007 0.017 0.040 26 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.03 3.50 6.90 1.34 3.01 3.13 0.57 1.48 2.26 0.90 2.48 4.90 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.06 0.16 0.29 0.07 0.11 0.14 0.14 0.17 0.25 0.03 0.13 0.19 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.06 0.10 0.14 0.03 0.06 0.11 0.10 0.14 0.20 0.01 0.12 0.16 24 Chromium (mg/l) 0.000 0.007 0.014 0.004 0.006 0.007 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.002 0.006 0.008 26 Copper (mg/l) 0.002 0.005 0.011 0.005 0.007 0.029 0.002 0.004 0.007 0.002 0.005 0.011 26 Iron (mg/l) 0.00 0.10 1.49 0.00 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.05 0.33 26 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Manganese (mg/1) 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.07 26 Zinc (mg/l1 0.00 0.01 0.30 0.00 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.01 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Phenols (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichloroethylene (ug/l) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 25 Total Coliformas (c/.Il1 10 120 5000 10 220 380 60 225 400 160 1050 8500 25 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 2 5o 600 4 76 160 34 145 340 50 275 1100 25

Table 4.1-13. Nem maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station E 2800 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Decp Jan, Feb Temperature (C) 8.0 01/02/85 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 5.2 02/13/85 Chloride (mg/I) 114.2 01/30/85 Sodium (mg/l) 69.79 01/30/85 Potassium (mg/I) 6.7 01/30/85 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 6.90 01/30/85 Zinc (mg/i) 0.30 02/27/85 Mar, Apr, May Total Hardness (mg/l) 154.3 04/24/85 Specific Conductance (usm/cm) 580 04/24/85 Chloride (mg/l) 103.6 04/24/85 Sodium (mg/li 56.71 04/24/85 Potassium (mg/l) 6.1 04/24/85 Calcium (mg/i) 39.7 04/24/85 Magnesium (mg/l) 17.19 04/24/85 Jun, Jul# Aug Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 531 07/17/85 Chloride (mg/l1 151.0 07/17/85 Potassium (mg/l) 9.5 07/17/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 88.7 07/31/85 Sept Oct, Nov Chloride (ag/l) 221.1 09/25/85 Potassium (mg/l) 10.2 09/25/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 30.2 09/11/85 Table 4.1-14. Hen minimum values observed for mater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station E 2800 on the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec. Jan, Feb Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 8.1 01/16/85 pH 6.89 02/13/85 Total Alkalinity (mg/I) 12.5 062/13/85 Total Hardness (mg/l) 45.1 02/13/85 Specific Conductance (usme/cm) 155 02/13/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 102 02/13/85 Sulfate (mg/l) 20.9 02/13/85 Calcium (mg/l) 8.4 02/13/85 Magnesium (mg/l) 6.46 02/13/85 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.06 01/16/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.il) 2 01/16/85 Total Coliforms (c/.1l1 10 01/30/85 Mar, Apr, May Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 6.1 04/24/85 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.3 05/08/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/1) 0.014 05/22/85 Total Coliform (t/.Il) 10 03/27/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Fecal Coliforms (c/.il1 34 08/14/85 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 60 08/14/85 Sept Oct, Nov Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.03 09/25/85 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.01 09/25/85

4.2 Benthic Nacroinvertebrates Summary

1. Samples were collected at 6 stations on 31 January, 20

[arch, 21 [ay, 9 July, 26 September, and 12 November 1985.

2. In 1985, a total of 93 taxa was collected at all stations with 45-60 collected at individual stations. Taxonomic composition generally was similar at all stations.

3. Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/m 2 )

generally was lowest in the stream headwaters. Standing crop was substantially higher at the other stations on most dates.

4. Cheumatopsyche, Chironomidae, Simuliidae, and Stenelmis were present in large numbers at nearly all stations.

Several other taxa were numerous at particular stations.

5. The macroinvertebrate communities present in 1985 generally were similar to those observed in 1983 or 1984.

The total number of taxa and taxonomic composition changed little. Nearly the same taxa were numerically important each year. The greatest change was a substan-tial increase in total macroinvertebrate numerical stand-4.2-1

ing crop, including great increase in that of Simuliidae.

Introduction and Methods Studies of the benthic macroinvertebrate community of the East Branch Perkiomen Creek were conducted in 1972-1974, 1976, 1983, and in 1984. Data obtained in the 1970's were used in preparation of the EROL and those obtained in 1983 and 1984 were reported in subsequent progress reports (RMC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985).

Presently (1983-1985), samples are collected at six stations at approximately 60 day intervals. At each station, three replicate samples are collected using a Portable Invertebrate Box Sampler. Sample station location and all methods are fully described in the EROL (Section 6.1) and in RMC-Environmental Services (1984).

In 1985, samples were collected on 31 January, 20 March, 21 May, 9 July, 26 September, and 12 November. Samples were col-lected at all stations on all dates except at E29910, E36725, and E36985 in January due to ice conditions and in September due to absence of stream flow. There was no deviation from previously established sampling procedures.

However, laboratory handling procedures for certain samples were modified due to the large number of macroinvertebrate 4.2-2

specimens or volume of residue within them. They are shown in Table 4.2-1. Rather than sorting these samples in entirety, one-quarter subsamples of each were randomly selected for sorting.

The total number of specimens of each macroinvertebrate taxon presumed to be present within an entire sample was obtained through multiplication by 4 of the number sorted from the subsample.

Results and Discussion 1985 Ninety-three macroinvertebrate taxa were collected (Table 4.2-2). They included Oligochaeta (worms), Decapoda (crayfish),

Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Coleoptera (beetles), Trichoptera (caddisflies), Diptera (true flies), and Mollusca (snails and clams). Similar total numbers of taxa (53-

60) were collected at 5 of 6 stations. The lowest number (45) was collected at E23000. Taxonomic composition generally was similar at all stations.

Total nacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/mz) is shown in Table 4.2-3. The lowest standing crop generally was measured in the headwaters at E36725 and £36985. Standing crop was substantially higher at the other stations on most dates.

4.2-3

Standing crop (mean number/m 2 ) for all taxa measured during the entire study period is shown in Table 4.2-4. Several taxa were present in large numbers at nearly all stations:

Cheumatopsvche, Chironomidae, Simuliidae, and Stn.e.mis. Other taxa were numerous at particular stations: E12500- Chimarra and Hydropsyche; E23000- Uvdroosvche; E26700- .Duaesia; E299g0-Caenis, £*3_m-atLma, and Oligochaeta; E36725- Allocahnia; and E36985- Allocainia.

The relative importance of individual taxa in the macroin-vertebrate community as indicated by percentage of the community that they represented is shown in Table 4.2-5. Chironomidae were important at all stations (the most important taxon at several of them- E12500, E29910, and E36985), representing 15.3-46.8X of all macroinvertebrates collected at individual stations. Simuliidae also were important at all stations, including being the most im-portant taxon at E23000 and E26700, and comprised 3.0-47.OX at individual stations. The most important taxon at E36725 was Allocaenia (36.2X), also important at E36985 (22.6X). Other im-portant taxa included Cheumatopsvche (2.4-24.3X), Stenelmis (2.7-19.2X), Hydropsyche (6.3 and 12.8X at two stations), and Oligochaeta (2.0-5.2X at four stations).

4.2-4

1983-1985 All taxa collected in 1983-1985 are shown in Table 4.2-6.

Nearly equal numbers of taxa were collected each year. In addition, the composition of the taxa was quite similar from year to year.

Annual numerical standing crop was highest at five of six stations in 1985 with the greatest 1983-1985 increase recorded at E23000 and E29910 (Table 4.2-7). In each year the largest stand-ing crop was observed at E12500 with the smallest standing crops observed at several upstream stations.

The numerically important taxa (i.e., those representing a

. 2.OX of the macroinvertebrates collected) at E12500 did not change greatly during the years 1983-1985 (Table 4.2-8).

Chironomidae, Cheumatonsyche, and Stenelmis were among the most important taxa in each year with Simuliidae and Hvdropsvche in-creasingly more important in 1984 and 1985. Standing crop of each of these taxa increased from year to year with the 1983 to 1984 increase of Simuliidae most striking. Standing crop of Physa substantially decreased from 1983 to 1984, and remained steady in 1985.

Little change was observed in the numerically important taxa at E23000 during 1983-1985 (Table 4.2-9). Cheumatousyche and Chironomidae were among the most important taxa in each year with 4.2-5

Simuliidae becoming most important in 1984 and 1985. Large year to year fluctuations in standing crop of nearly all taxa were observed. Standing crop increase of Simullidae through the en-tire period was substantial.

The numerically important taxa at E26700 were similar during 1983-1985 (Table 4.2-10). Chironomidae and Stenelmis were among the most important taxa in each year. Simuliidae rose in impor-tance in 1984 and 1985 due to substantial increase in standing crop observed in both years. Decline in the importance of Oligochaeta in 1984 reflected the observed substantial reduction in standing crop.

Little change was observed in the numerically important taxa at E29910 during 1983-1985 (Table 4.2-11). Chironomidae and Stenelmis were the most important taxa each year with oligochaeta, Cheumatopsyche, and Caenis also very important in particular years. Increases in most of these taxa were observed in each year, some of them substantial.

The numerically important taxa at E36725 did not change greatly during 1983-1985 (Table 4.2-12). Although Chironomidae, All1a0nia, and Stenelmi.1 were among the most important taxa in each year, changes in relative importance among them were ob-served from year to year. Of these taxa, only the standing crop of Ajlog__anni changed substantially between particular years.

4.2-6

Little change in the numerically important taxa at E36985 during 1983-1985 was observed (Table 4.2-13). Allogapnia and Chironomidae were the most important taxa each year. Standing crop of these taxa increased each year and was much greater than that of any other taxon.

In summary, the macroinvertebrate communities present at the sample stations in 1985 generally were similar to those observed in 1983 or 1984. The number of taxa and composition of the taxa changed very little. The composition of the numerically impor-tant taxa was similar each year, although some change in relative importance among them was observed. The greatest change observed was a large increase in total macroinvertebrate numerical stand-ing crop. Increase in standing crop of many taxa was observed, with that of Simuliidae at several downstream stations par-ticularly great.

4.2-7

Table 4.2-1. Replicate samples collected in 1985 that were subsampled in the laboratory prior to sorting.

Station Date E12500 E23000 E26700 E29910 21 May 1,3 1,2 2 1 9 July 1,3 1,2,3 3 12 Hovember 2,3 2,3 1,2,3

x x X 8 1OlSOJd x x x ndoaqtue*,AOd x E!1 pls!d x x x x K x x all Ild x x x K X X x x x x

X X x 5sIoJ~m54u,.IJd x x x seio~po*Fa~Jed x X X 61*OUJAEJ*Jgd x x x X *IlC0T~4dOldOs!J~d x smomaeed x s.oa:FeaoJo x x x x Sn*,eAo Il.do x x x K x x x x xey A.Lgdo IlO/,N x x x uWlISiA H X

X X WIIOTAOJ9 [IU K x X X X Grb4oAuo.LeW

'muo.joel almojoem4 K

x 00OLMAI x x t14"Iiloonal K K euOsoptdo1 s~v~iue,..

x x x K aliedosZ K K

• 1,oALJosz K * ! IITLodOpAH x

x qx*Asdo.pAH x wuod*.pAH K *ePI! t4dojpAj4 x el llqaloHR x X K eloIpqo eH K K snintid*9 X X x K

K K x K UK jopqodJ3

• ! lJS~m~d X K K K eJsma4d3

• J4OOU3 K

x X x K X K

• iJdoto3 oepioSItAa x X X K e&sohna x K X x x xX e videj Iqoa snlrwulO x

X x snlepAjoO x x K sadJeoa.oJo K sep tilUo-ojoL K x K x x X K K x OJJml43 x x x X x X eap IllOanodolaJ83 io K x x eoltej&3 X K x

x x snJeqmue K X X X *Iuse3 K x K X K K x x xX X unscJag K X 940e' x sanlte[sy K K X X X X K K X x X x ijwLJm i eduiv x X K K X X

x X X x x eludeoolly x wiquxy S9690l fiL9EL 01661:3 001923 OOIZ3 0 COa 13

• i~nausojoy

---

0 "S961 mIl-nP f*J3 umlolJid 40utJg 1603 e4; Ut Pi*0il10 exit Gt*Jq*:&AUlIoJ*6N "3-10! O.qej.

Table 4.2-2. Macroinvertebrate tax& collected In the East Branch Perktoeen Creek during 1985.

Taxon E12500 E23000 E266700 E29910 E36725 E36985 Prostoma x x x x x x Psephenus x x x x x x Pti lostomls x Scl omyzi ae Sialls x x x x x x x x Shgare x x Slaullidee x x x x x x Sphaeriu,m x x x Stenacron x x x x x Stenelats x x x x x x Stenonema x x x x x X Tabanidae x x x X Taenl opteryx x TIpuKla x x x x x Tipulidae X X Tr aenodes x Tr corythodes x x x x Mor-aldia x x Total Number of Taxa 57 45 60 60 53 54 Table 4.2-3. Total namcroinvertebrate standing crop (man smber/sq. meter) measured in the East Branch Perklomen Creek during 1985.

Date E12500 E23000 E26700 E29910 E36725 E3698S Jan 77063.3 9193.3 6886.7 - - -

Mar 52796.7 10363.3 40193.3 55110.0 18973.3 28023.3 fay 66486.7 1S8053.3 118660.0 40513.3 8303.3 12976.7 Jul 43160.0 65996.7 24350.0 30023.3 5363.3 7620.0 Sep 45053.3 25226.7 21113.3 - - -

Nov 20986.7 6360.0 20260.0 31703.3 14910.0 12873.3 roan 50924.4 45868.9 38910.6 39337.5 11887.5 15373.3

Table 4.2-4. Mlacroirvertebrate standing crop tmen nmber/sq. meter) measured In East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

Taxon E 2500 E23000 E26700 E29910 E36725 E36985 Acroneuril - - - 3.3 - -

Agabus .. - - 3.3 Allocapnia 14.4 10.6 214.4 815.0 4306.7 3471.7 Ameletus - - - 3.3 - -

Amphinewura 5.0 0.6 5.0 10.0 122.5 280.0 Ancyronyx 2.2 - - 0.8 1.7 Argle 210.6 201.7 100.0 70.8 - -

Asellus 1.7 - 12.2 - 0.8 -

Baetts 957.8 658.3 26.7 141.7 23.3 17.5 Berosus 36.1 27.2 47.8 167.5 2.5 0.8 Caenis 666.7 6.7 686.1 3244.2 349.2 227.5 Cambarum - 3.3 0.6 - 0.8 4.2 Campelom. - - 749.4 1161.7 - -

Ceraclea - - 6.7 3.3 - -

Cerstopogonldae 10.6 5.0 21.1 79.2 35.8 65.8 Cheumaatopsyche 9268.3 11124.4 938.9 2670.0 580.8 1302.5 Chlmerra 2326.1 18.9 101.1 655.0 12.5 1.7 Chfronomidae 12080.0 7023.3 8342.2 14942.5 3599.2 7196.7 Chloroperlidae - - - - - 2.5 Choroterpes - - - 0.8 147.5 51.7 Corydalus 156.1 6.7 - - - -

Dineautus - 0.6 - - -

Oromauomphus 0.6 - - - - -

Dubiraphia 8.9 5.6 3.9 10.8 10.8 30.0 Duges ia 44.4 293.9 1291.1 489.2 17.5 -

Dytilscdae - - - 0.8 - -

Ectopria 10.0 - - - -

Empididne 172.8 54.4 237.8 164.2 44.2 93.3 Enochrus - - - - 0.8 Ephemera - - - 6.7 0.8 -

Ephemerelle 1.1 - 0.6 1.7 - -

Erpobdella 1.7 - 186.7 75.8 - 5.8 Erythemis - - 0.6 - - -

Ferrtssta 33.3 0.6 186.1 160.0 6.7 7.5 Gyraulus 198.3 11.7 20.6 51.7 1.7 -

aelisoma 23.9 2.2 43.3 27.5 - -

Helobdelle 1.1 - 10.0 32.5 0.8 Hyalella 146.1 2.2 15.6 14.2 59.2 22.5 Hydrophllldaes - - 2.2 - - -

Hydroporus - - 0.6 23.3 60.0 137.5 Hydropsyche 6525.0 2874.4 17.2 130.8 1.7 3.3 Hydropttla 18.9 23.3 11.1 18.3 4.2 0.8 Ischnura 3.9 1.1 3.3 - - -

Zsonychia - 4.4 54.2 - -

Isoperla 0.6 0.6 0.6 - 13.3 28.3 Lanthus 0.6 - - 2.5 - -

Leptdostoum - - 0.6 - - 0.8 Leucotrtchla 323.3 132.2 3.9 40.0 - -

Lynaesa 0.6 16.7 5.0 - - -

Hacromia - - 0.6 - - -

tacronemim 482.2 0.6 - -.

Macronychus - - 0.8 - -

Hicrocylloepus 31.7 0.6 1.1 0.8 - -

Hicrovelfa - - 0.6 - 15.8 7.5 ouscullum 220.0 - 825.6 5.8 -

Ilystactdes - 17.2 - - 20.0 -

Neureclipsts 256.1 0.6 - - -

Ntgronia 1.1 2.2 - - 0.8 -

myctfophylex 0.6 - - 1.7 - 0.8 Oecetis 30.6 1.7 1.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 Ollgochaeta 32.8 32.8 997.8 2050.8 295.8 313.3 Optioservus 130.6 10.0 200.0 593.3 1.7 2.5 Orconectes - - 1.1 2.5 - -

Paracymus - - - - 0.8 -

Paraleptophlebfo 0.6 - 1.1 31.7 54.2 15.8 Parargyractis 141.1 385.6 5.6 - 0.8 -

Peltodytes - - - 8.3 14.2 1.7 Perttheuis .- -. 0.8 Perlesta 1.7 2.2 5.0 5.0 90.8 250.0 Physa 228.3 18.9 44.4 35.0 55.8 253.3 Pilaala - - - - 20.0 1.7 Pisidium 234.4 - 477.2 830.0 221.7 220.0 Placobdella - - - 1.7 Polycentropus - - 2.2 66.7 2.5 -

Prostola 0.6 - - - 10.8 10.8

Table 4.2-4. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean umbe /sq. meter) measured In East Branch Perkfowsn Creek durfng 1985.

Taxon -E12500 E23000 E26700 E29910 E36725 E36985 Prostoem 56.7 49.4 24.4 10.0 9.2 7.5 Psephen.u 273.9 2.2 375.6 1385.8 45.8 0.8 Ptilostomts - - - - - 0.8 Sciemyzidne - - - - 0.8 1.7 Sialis 27.8 7.8 36.7 104.2 207.5 169.2 Sigara - - - - 14.2 3.3 Simullidne 7308.9 21572.8 15957.8 1160.8 703.3 670.8 Sphaerliin 25.6 - 755.0 0.8 - -

Stenacron 17.2 - 8.9 3.3 65.8 4.2 Stenelmis 8013.9 1256.1 5882.8 7549.2 625.8 460.0 Stenonema 57.2 0.6 5.6 126.7 0.8 0.8 Tabanidae - - 0.6 5.8 1.7 2.5 Taeniapteryx 1.7 - - - - -

Tipula - 0.6 0.6 5.8 0.8 4.2 Ttpulidae - - - - 1.7 1.7 Triaenodes - - - 3.3 - 3.3 Trtcorythoces 98.9 1.1 1.7 75.0 - -

1ornaldin - - - 0.8 - 3.3

• All Taxa 50924.4 45868.9 38910.6 39337.5 11887.5 15373.3

Table 4.2-5. Percent composition (by mruber) of umcrolnvertebrates collected in the East Branch Perklomen Creek cdurins 1985.

Taxon - EI2500 E23000 E26700 E29910 E36725 E36985 Acraneuria - - - - -

Avabus - - -..

Allocapnla 4 + 0.6 2.1 36.2 22.6 Ameletus - - + - -

Amphlnewura 4+ 4 1.0 1.8 Ancyronyx + - - - 4 4 Aregi 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 - -

Asellum + - + - + -

Baetis 1.9 1.4 + 0.4 0.2 0.1 Berosus + 4 0.1 0.4 + +

Ceenis 1.3 + 1.8 8.2 2.9 1.5 Cambarts - + + - + +

Campelom. - - 1.9 3.0 - -

Ceraclea - - 4 4 - -

Ceratopogolldoe +

4 0.2 0.3 0.4 Cheumatopsyche 18.2 24.3 2.4 6.8 4.9 8.5 Chlmarra 4.6 + 0.3 1.7 0.1 +

Chironoe"dae 23.7 15.3 21.4 38.0 30.3 46.8 Chloroperlidae - - - - - +

Choroterpes - - - 4 1.2 0.3 Corydalus 0.3 + - -

Dineutus - 4 ....

Dromos* m . . . .

Oubiraphia + ,+ +

4 0.2 Ougesla 4 0.6 3.3 1.2 0.1 -

Dytiscidne - - - 4 - -

Ectopris 4 . . . . .

Empididae 0.3 0.1 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.6 Enochrus - - - - - +

Ephemera - - - + -

Ephemerella 4 - 4+ - -

Erpobdella + - 0.5 0.2 - 4 Erythemis - - -+- -

Ferrissla + 4 0.5 0.4 +

Gyraulus 0.4 + + 0.1 -

Hellsoma + + 0.1 + - -

Helobdells 4 - + -

Hyalella 0.3 + + + 0.5 0.1 HydrophlIldae - - + - - -

Hydroports - - + + 0.5 0.9 Hydropsyche 12.8 6.3 + 0.3 + +

Hydroptils + + + + + 4 Ischnura + + - - -

Isonychia - - 4 0.1 - -

Isoperla 4 4 4 - 0.1 0.2 Lanthus - - -

Lepidostoma - - 4 - - 4 Leucotrichil 0.6 0.3 + 0.1 - -

Lymnaea + + + - - -

Macromt. - - + - - -

Macronemutm 0.9 + . . . .

Macronychto - - - - -

mNcrocylloepto + +4 4 - -

Microvelia - - 4 - 0.1 IMsculli, 0.4 - 2.1 - -

Mystacides +

4 - - 0.2 -

Neureclipsls 0.5 + - - -

Nigronia + +

4 - - -

Hyetiophylax 4 - - -

Oecetis + + 4 4 +

011gochmets + 4 2.6 5.2 2.5 2.0 Opttoservus 0.3 4 0.5 1.5 +

4 Orconectes - - + - -

Paracymus . . . .-

Paraleptophlebfa -

• 0.5 0.1 Parargyractis 0.3 0.8 + -

Peltodytes - - - 0. +

4 Per*themis . +

Perlesta 4 4 + 4 0.8 1.6 Physa 0.4 0.1

• + 0.5 1.6 PMiaria - - - 0.2 +

Pisidlus 0.5 1.2 2.1 1.9 1.4 Placobdella ..- - -

Polycentropum - - + 0.2 + -

Prostoia 4 - - - + +

Table 4.2-S. Percent composition (by number) of macrolmwvrtebrates collected In the East Branch Perkiomen Creek during 1985.

Texan EI2S00 E23000 E26700 E29910 E36725 E36985 Prostoma 0.1 0.1 4. 4.

Psephemnt 0.5 4. 1.0 3.5 0.4 Pt lostoels Sciosyzldne 4.

• 4 + 0.3 1.7 1.0 Simile 51 sermr 0.1 4*

Simull idne 14 .4 47.0 41.0 3.0 5.9 Sphaeri Lm *I. - 1.9 4 0.6 4" Stenacron Stenelmut I. .7 2.7 15.1 19.2 5.3 3.0

4. 4" Stenonewa 0. .1 4 + 0.3 4* 4*

Tabanidae 4 Taeni opteryx Tipula -~ 4+

4 Tipulidle Tr aenodes - - 4 4 TrW corytxhodes 0. I Worualdia

+ = Less than 0.01.

Table 4.Z-6. M mcroinvertebrate taxa collected In the East ranch Perk been Creek during 1963- 1985.

Texan 1983 1984 1985 Acroneuria X X Agabus X Allocapnla x X X Ameletus X x X Amphinemurm X X X X X Ancyronyx Antocha x Argia x X X Asellus X X X Baetis x x X Berosus X X X X

Bayeri a x X X X X Cambarus X X X Camieloma X X Ceraclea X X X Ceratopogoni dae X Chaoborus x

X X Cheumatopsyche X X X Chimarra X x X Chi ronori due X X X Chloroperl idae X Choroterpes x X Cli macis Cloeon Cori xl dne Corydalus X X Cultcidae Dineut us X Dol i chopodi dae x Dromosomphus X Dubi raphtia X X Ousesia X X Oyt*tscildee X X Ectopria X X Empi di dae X X Enallagm X Enochrus X Epf mera X x x

Ephemerel I.

Ephydri darn x X Erpobdella Erythemts X x X Ferrfssis Gerris X Gomphidae X Gyraulus X X X Hellsoma X X X Helobdella X X X Hyalella X X X Hydraeni due X Hydropht lidde X X X

Hydroporus X X Hydropsyche X X X Hydropt 1la X X X Ironoqul X Ischnura X X.

Isonychis X X X Isoperla X X X Lanthus X X Lepi dostoma X Leucotrichla X X X Libellulidae X Li odessus X Lywmaea X X X lacromi a X Kacronemum X X X Hacronychus X MI crocyl loepui X X X X X X Hicrovel Ia Maci dae X Ilusculiur X Ptystact des X X Nemoura X Heophylax X

Table 4.2-6. Nacroir rvmrtebrate taxa collected In the East Branch Perki omen Crreek during 1983 - 1985.

Texan 1983 19* B4 1985 Neureclipsi s X X Higrania X X X Hycti ophylax X Oecetis X X X Ol1gochaeta X X X Optioservus X X X Orconectes X X Paracyums X Paraleptophlebl a X X X Parargyractis X X X Peltodytes X X Peritheels X Perlesta X X X Perlidae X Physe X X X Pi laria X Pisidlu X X X Placobdelle X Polycentropus X X Prowmenetus X Prostola X X Prostome X X X Psephenus X X X Pseudocloeon X Pseudollmmoph l1 X Psychoda X Psycho**yi X Pti lostoels X X Rhagovel la X Scl om-yzi dare X Setodes X S X Sialts X X X Sigara X X X Simull Idae X X X Sphaerlium X x X Stenacron X X X x X

Sterelals X X X Stenonews X Stratiomyl idae X Stygobromus X Stylogomphus X Tabani dane X X X Teenl opteryx X Telmotoscopus X Tetragoneur! a X X Tipula X X Tipultdae X X X Trnaenodes X X Trncorythodes X X X Normaldia X Total Nuber of Taxm 87 66 93

Table 4.2-7. Annual aacrolnvertebrate standing crop (man number/sq. meter), all taxo combined. In the East Branch Perkioen Creek, 1983 - 1985.

Station 1983 1984 1985 E12500 24039.3 38758.7 50924.4 E23000 11908.0 11476.0 45868.9 E26700 12784.7 29188.9 38910.6 E29910 6968.3 34824.0 39337.5 E36725 6293.3 12711.3 11887.5 E36985 7084.7 11293.3 15373.3 Table 4.2-8. Ma croinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

me. ter) and percent composition of important tax&

2Z) at Station E12500 In the East Branch Pecrklowen Creek, 1963 - 1985.

1983 1984 1985 Taxon Mean x Mean Mean Bautts 724.0 3.0 1915.3 4.9 957.8 1.9 Caenis 1121.3 4.7 520.7 1.3 666.7 1.3 Cheumatopsyche 3913.3 16.3 8084.0 20.9 9268.3 18.2 Chlmarra 743.3 3.1 1454.7 3.8 2326.1 4.6 Chi ronoml dan 5188.7 21.6 8304.0 21.4 12080.0 23.7 Hydropsyche 1404.0 5.8 4630.0 11.9 6525.0 12.8 Macronemum 475.3 2.0 862.7 2.2 482.2 0.9 Physa 2983.3 12.4 125.3 0.3 228.3 0.4 Psephenus 532.7 2.2 379.3 1.0 273.9 0.5 Simullidae 430.7 1.8 5220.0 13.5 7308.9 14.4 Stenelmsi 4157.3 17.3 5326.0 13.7 8013.9 15.7 Table 4.2-9. HMa croinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq.

me ter) and percent composition of important taxa

()> MZ1 at Station E23000 In the East Branch Pe, rkloren Creek, 1983 - 1985.

1983 1984 1985 Taxon Hean X Mean x Plean x Cheumatopsyche 5609.3 47.1 2556.0 22.3 11124.4 24.3 Chi ronoarndae 3036.0 25.5 3030.0 26.4 7023.3 15.3 Hydropsyche 1041.3 8.7 78.0 0.7 2874.4 6.3 Parargyractis 252.0 2.1 2.0 0.0 385.6 0.8 Simull idae 62.0 0.5 4281.3 37.3 21572.8 47.0 Stenelmis 1024.0 8.6 1048.7 9.1 1256.1 2.7

Table 4.2-10. Itmcroinvrtebrate standing crop twean nmr/sq.

aNster) and percent compo ltion of Important taxa P:)2Z) at Station E26700 In the East Branch irklowmn Creek, 1983 - 1985.

1983 1984 1965 Texan Mean X Mean IMean X Allocapnia 55.3 0.4 1142.2 3.9 214.4 0.6 Caenis 485.3 3.8 418.3 1.4 686.1 1.8 Campeloua 732.7 5.7 583.9 2.0 749.4 1.9 Cheumatopsyche 140.0 1.1 1500.6 5.1 938.9 2.4 Ch ronmi dee 4285.3 33.5 13308.9 45.6 8342.2 21.4 Dugesia 196.0 1.5 541.1 1.9 1291.1 3.3 Empi di de 68.7 0.5 913.3 3.1 237.8 0.6 luscullt, 825.6 2.1 011gochaeta 3032.7 23.7 760.6 2.6 997.8 2.6 Physa 321.3 2.5 57.8 0.2 44.4 0.1 Psepht.as 305.3 2.4 132.8 0.5 375.6 1.0 Slaul IIdon 320.0 2.5 3817.2 13.1 15957.8 41.0 Sphaerhm 372.0 2.9 583.3 2.0 755.0 1.9 Stenelais 1786.7 14.0 3348.3 I1.5 5882.8 15.1 Table 4.2-11. ftmcroinvertebrate standing crop (mean n. ar/sq.

eter) and percent composition of Important taxa

>27.) at Station E29910 In the East Branch

.rkioman Creek, 1983 - 1985.

1983 1984 1985 Texan "ean Mlean z Mean .

98.3 1.4 894.7 2.6 815.0 2.1 Allocapnia Bautis 40.8 0.6 .2326.0 6.7 141.7 0.4 Caents 513.3 7.4 1634.7 4.7 3244.2 8.2 Campeloma 23.3 0.3 217.3 0.6 1161.7 3.0 Cheumatopsyche 206.7 3.0 5734.7 16.5 2670.0 6.8 Chi marra 41.7 0.6 732.7 2.1 655.0 1.7 Chi ranol doe 3654.2 52.4 9398.7 27.0 14942.5 38.0 Hydropsyche 12.5 0.2 1265.3 3.6 130.6 0.3 Oi gochaeta 747.5 10.7 1757.3 5.0 2050.8 5.2 Pisiditu 51.7 0.7 70.0 0.2 830.0 2.1 Psephenm 321.7 4.6 123.3 0.4 1385.8 3.5 Simull idae 82.5 1.2 1292.0 3.7 1160.8 3.0 Stenelmis 810.8 11.6 6496.7 18.7 7549.2 19.2

Table 4.2-12. Nocrognvertebrate standing crop (mean nmber/sq.

Of nter) and percent composition of umportant taxa p.>2X) at Station E36725 In the East Branch P4irkiomen Creek, 1983 - 1985.

1983 1984 1985 Taxon Mean x Mean x Mean Al locapnf a 524.7 8.3 3750.0 29.5 4306.7 36.2 Amphlnemura 485.3 7.7 415.3 3.3 122.5 1.0 Caenim 101.3 1.6 329.3 2.6 349.2 2.9 cheumatopsyche 280.7 4.5 545.3 4.3 580.8 4.9 Chi ronomt dae 2645.3 42.0 5302.7 41.7 3599.2 30.3 Ol gochaeta 164.7 2.6 331.3 2.6 295.8 2.5 Paraleptophlebla 198.0 3.1 35.3 0.3 54.2 O.S Perlests 104.7 1.7 436.7 3.4 90.8 0.8 Simuli*dae 84.7 1.3 349.3 2.7 703.3 5.9 Stenelmf 1300.7 20.7 529.3 4.2 625.8 5.3 Table 4.2-13. Macrolnvertebrate standing crop (man .u. er/sq.

Me iter) and percent composition of Important taxa

>2X) at Station E36985 in the East Branch P, erklomen Creek, 1983 - 1985.

1983 1984 1985 Taxon Plean x "ean . Mean Allocapnia 2497.3 35.2 2942.7 26.1 3471.7 22.6 Amphinesuar 660.7 9.3 620.0 5.5 280.0 1.8 Caenis 6.7 0.1 639.3 5.7 227.5 1.5 cheumatopsyche S3.3 0.8 115.3 1.0 1302.5 8.5 Chi ronouidae 2739.3 38.7 4394.0 38.9 7196.7 46.8 Olsochaeta 22.7 0.3 252.0 2.2 313.3 2.0 Paraleptophlebia 158.0 2.2 194.7 1.7 15.8 0.1 Perlesta 50.7 0.7 659.3 5.8 250.0 1.6 Smullidae 284.7 4.0 746.7 6.6 670.8 4.4 Stenrlais 384.0 5.4 284.7 2.5 460.0 3.0

4.3 Fishes Collected by Seine Summary

1. Monthly seine collections yielded a total of 14,066 specimens of 29 species and sunfish hybrids from seven EBPC stations in 1985. An additional 1,521 fish of 22 species and 1,043 fish of 15 species were collected from one station each on Perkiomen Creek and Morris Run, respectively.

2. Small cyprinids were the most numerically important fishes in seine samples at most stations. Spotfin shiner was a dominant species at all stations except E36690 in the EBPC headwaters, where golden shiner was relatively more abundant, and the Morris Run station, where banded killifish was the numerically dominant species.

3. Judging from the number of YOY fish collected compared with numbers collected in earlier years, several minnow species exhibited relatively weak spawning success, while recruitment of white sucker and centrarchids, especially smallmouth bass, was relatively good.

4. Seine catches in 1985 generally corroborated earlier ob-servations related to longitudinal succession of the EBPC fish community made by seining and electrofishing.

4.3-1

Introduction and Methods A survey of fishes vulnerable to seining was conducted at monthly intervals in 1985 at seven EBPC stations, one station on Morris Run (a headwater tributary of EBPC), and one station on Perkiomen Creek upstream of its confluence with the EBPC.

Similar surveys were made in 1975-1976 and in 1981-1984. The ob-jective of this series of seine collections was to provide baseline data that can be compared to similar data that would be collected after the EBPC begins to receive water diverted from the Delaware River. The Morris Run and Perkiomen Creek stations were included to detect possible changes in the sampled fish com-munity that occur within a larger portion of the drainage basin and that are unrelated to the diversion.

Examples of the kinds of biological information provided by the seining program include species composition and relative abundance of a target portion of the fish community (i.e., fish of small size such as minnows, darters, and young of rough, sport, and pan fishes), approximate time of spawning estimated from the dates that young-of-year (YOY) fish appeared in samples, relative spawning success based on the contribution of YOY fish to the sample, observations on preferred habitat, and incidence of disease and abnormalities. This report will focus primarily on the species composition and relative abundance of fishes in the 1985 seine collection, drawing on supporting information as 4.3-2

necessary to clarify particular observations or contrast 1985 data with data collected in previous years.

Fish were collected with a seine 2.4 m long, 1.2 m deep, having a 3.2 mm mesh. Sampling effort was standarized as a num-ber of net sweeps within the bounds of each station. The number of net sweeps and area sampled varied among selected stations, but remained consistent within a station. Station boundaries were selected to include a variety of microhabitats charac-teristic of each local stream reach. These microhabitat types consisted of riffles, runs, and shallow pools with variable sub-strate and cover. To a varying degree, each type of microhabitat within a station was sampled, but stations by necessity excluded habitat too deep to wade. On the EBPC, water of such depth was primarily found in the larger downstream pools and small impound-ments above low-head dams. Sampling of a variety of microhabitat types ensured a high probability of collecting -most species present in the EBPC.

Any adult rough, pan, and sport fishes collected were measured to the nearest 5-mm interval fork length (FL), examined for disease, and released. All other specimens were preserved for laboratory processing. For each station, fish captured in different net sweeps were pooled to form a composite sample for a particular date. Thus, no attempt to quantify microhabitat use was made, but qualitative observations were sometimes made. In 4.3-3

the laboratory each collection of fish was sorted by species into 5-mm FL intervals. When a large number of fish (>200) of a given species was collected, a length distribution was determined for a random subsample of approximately 100 individuals. Counts of fish were expressed as percentages of species and sample totals.

Presence of disease and other abnormalities of individual fish was also recorded.

Results and Discussion Species Composition and Relative Abundance East Branch Perkiomen Creek A total of 29 species and Lenomis (sunfish) hybrids was col-lected by seine in 1985 (Tables 4.3-1, 4.3-2, and 4.3-3).

Although a more comprehensive species list can be generated by seining than by the electrofishing methods employed on the EBPC (which excluded small species), some kinds of fish (e.g.,

American eel, adults of larger species), are more vulnerable to electrofishing than seining. Therefore, neither technique alone could be expected to collect all species present. Since 1970, however, both methods together have generated a collection list containing 44 species and four hybrid groups (EROL; RMC 1984, 1985).

4.3-4

Zn 1985, five species or hybrids were not seined from the EBPC, but were collected by electrofishing, including American eel, chain pickerel, carp x goldfish hybrid, brown bullhead, and margined madtom. Fishes on the EBPC collection list not taken by either method in 1985 included brook trout, muskellunge, muskel-lunge x northern pike hybrid, fathead minnow, silvery minnow, Notropis (minnow) hybrids, white catfish, mummichog, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, shield darter, and walleye.

This latter group included fishes that were either naturally present only in low numbers, or were occasionally introduced by various means. Some may no longer be present in the stream.

A total of 14,066 specimens was collected by seine in 1985 (Table 4.3-1). Five species accounted for nearly 80X of the total sample, including spotfin shiner (51X of the total catch),

satinfin shiner (Mw), common shiner (MX), banded killifish (6X),

and comely shiner (6X). No other species comprised more than 5X of the 1985 seine catch.

Although many of the more abundant species were numerically important at all stations, between-station differences were ob-served in the fish communities present that were related to differences in stream size and habitat diversity between the EBPC headwaters and progressively larger downstream reaches.

Collections made at each station (Table 4.3-2) were therefore examined individually to illustrate the pattern of longitudinal 4.3-5

succession (Odum 1971) apparent in the stream fish community.

The stream-wide catch by month is summarized in Table 4.3-3 to illustrate seasonal treands in the data and permit comparisons with similar tables in earlier progress reports (R11C 1984, 1985).

E36690 In 1985, eleven monthly seine collections at this headwater station yielded 804 fish of 17 species and sunfish hybrids. The most abundant species were golden shiner (54X of the total catch), green sunfish (12X), and pumpkinseed (9M). These species also comprised relatively high proportions of the 1985 elec-trofishing catch (Section 4.4). Two other species consistently taken with greater frequency in the EBPC headwaters than in down-stream areas were redfin pickerel and bluegill. Previous seining and electrofishing surveys CEROL, RMC 1984, 1985) showed that redfin pickerel are locally abundant in the EBPC only in the headwaters. Its restricted distribution may result in this species being particularly susceptible to the effects of water diversion (EROL).

The catch of golden shiner at E36690 varied considerably in recent years, apparently as a result of differential year class strength. Total catch of golden shiner was relatively high in 1982, 1983, and again in 1985 when YOY fish comprised 90X or more of the total number of golden shiners collected. Although not an 4.3-6

obligate headwater species, the distribution of golden shiners within the stream was influenced by the location of areas of preferred habitat. Except for headwater pools and the short im-pounded reaches downstream, much of the EBPC lacked the sluggish, weedy habitat preferred by this species.

,lore adult green sunfish and pumpkinseed were collected in 1985 than in any previous year. Intermittent flow conditions in summer created a series of isolated pools in which these fish were concentrated and as a result they were more vulnerable to repeated capture. Both species comprised a greater percentage of the total sunfish catch here than at other seining stations. A

. similar trend was noted in electrofishing samples in that the headwater samples were comprised of relatively large proportions of both species compared to several downstream stations where redbreast sunfish predominated.

A total of 2,397 fish of 17 species and sunfish hybrids was taken in twelve monthly collections in 1985. A fish community different from the one at E36690 was present at this station, which was downstream of the immediate EBPC headwaters. Spotfin shiner was the most abundant species and comprised 54X of the yearly catch. Other numerically important species were common shiner (12X) and banded killifish (aX). The catch of common 4.3-7

shiner at E29810 was lower in 1985 than in all but one previous annual collection, while that of tesselated darter was the lowest recorded. Both species prefer areas of faster current, and low flow conditions in late summer may have been related to decreases in local population density through several possible mechanisms, including movement downstream, increased susceptibility to predation, and stranding and dessication. Many common shiners died in late summer when they became trapped in isolated puddles of water that later evaporated.

Golden shiner and spotfin shiner were the only species for which appreciable numbers of YOY fish were collected. Other species did not spawn well in the vicinity, although three YOY smallmouth bass were collected. E29810 is believed to be near the upper limit of smallmouth bass distribution within the EBPC.

This recreationally important species was common in pools between the Morris Run confluence and Sellersville (RMC 1985) but was seldom collected by any method upstream in either Morris Run or the EBPC headwaters.

A total of 3,513 specimens of 24 species and sunfish hybrids was taken in 1985. Sample species richness was greater here than at any other station. Collections contained species that were important at downstream stations, species that were more abundant 4.3-8

in the headwaters, and species that were likely abundant in one of the larger of the small EBPC impoundments located immediately upstream of E26630. Included in this latter group of species were carp, goldfish, and largemouth bass. Largemouth bass was the most frequently collected centrarchid at E26630; nearly all of those taken were YOY fish which indicated that largemouth bass spawned successfully in the vicinity.

Spotfin shiner was the most abundant species at E26630, com-prising 53X of the annual catch. Other numerically important species were banded killifish (13X), bluntnose minnow (6X) and comely shiner (5X). In contrast, comely shiners comprised 20X of the 1984 seine catch at E26630 and ranked second in overall relative abundance from this location. In 1985, a moderate de-cline in stream-wide catch for this species was observed as well.

Using similar amounts of effort, an average of 1,184 comely shiners per year were seined during 1981-1984 but only 874 were collected by seine in 1985.

E22980 A total of 1,018 fish of 18 species was taken in 1985.

Spotfin shiner catch and common shiner catch were almost iden-tical (238 and 241 fish respectively) and for spotfin shiner was the lowest recorded catch for this species from E22980 in any 1 year. The catch of common shiner was more similar to that in 4.3-9

1981-1983 (172 to 327 fish) than in 1984 (66 fish). Overall, total catch from E22980 was the lowest recorded in any year surveyed, which suggested relatively weak recruitment of several of the more numerically abundant species, including spotfin shiner, comely shiner, and satinfin shiner. In contrast, catches of YOY white sucker, blacknose dace, and smallmouth bass were relatively high compared to catches made in previous years.

Increased abundance of juvenile and adult smallmouth bass was also noted in electrofishing samples (Section 4.4).

A total 3,302 fish of 19 species was taken in 1985 which was

. considerably higher than the total catch in any year between 1981 and 1984. A newly felled tree near the downstream end of the station created a backwater in which many fish concentrated, and much of the 1985 seine catch came from this quiescent area.

During winter months fish were collected nowhere else within the bounds of the station but in this backwater. Presence of this unusual condition confounded interpretation of catch as an index of relative fish density, but may not have affected sample species composition if fish vulnerable to the seine were equally attracted to the backwater.

Four species accounted for over nine-tenths of the seine catch at E12440, including spotfin shiner (64X), comely shiner 4.3-10

(12X), satinfin shiner (12X), and common shiner (M7). Numerous young redbreast sunfish, smallmouth bass, and white sucker also were taken. More YOY white sucker were collected at this station in 1985 than in any year since 1981, which was suggestive of above average recruitment for this species.

C5475 A total of 2,659 fish of 19 species was taken at this location in 1985. Spotfin shiner (59.2X of the total catch),

satinfin shiner (17.3X) and common shiner (6.5X) were numerically important in the sample, but YOY of these species were not col-e lected with the same frequency as in some earlier years.

Relatively poor recruitment of small cyprinids was also noted at most other stations on the EBPC in 1985, judging from the con-tribution of YOY fish to the seine sample. In contrast, small-mouth bass and white sucker exhibited above average recruitment at many stations, including E5475.

E1890 This station consists of broad, shallow riffle-run habitat with few calm areas where small fishes tend to aggregate.

Consequently, total fish catches from E1890 have remained con-sistently lower than those from other EBPC stations, but species composition has remained relatively stable. Spotfin shiner was 4.3-11

the most abundant species in the seine catch from this station, as it was from a majority of EBPC stations. Rank abundance of common shiner decreased considerably at E1890 in 1985, but the catch of YOY smallmouth bass was relatively high. Similar obser-vations were made throughout most of the EBPC, which suggests that spawning success for many minnow species was relatively low while that of white sucker and centrarchids, especially small-mouth bass, was comparatively high.

Perkiomen Creek In 1985, seine collections from Perkiomen Creek upstream of

.tthe EBPC influence yielded 1,521 fish of 22 species (Table 4.3-1). The most abundant species in the seine catch were spotfin shiner (68X), fallfish (6X), blacknose dace (4X) and smallmouth bass (4X). Shield darters were collected for the first time since 1983 when a single specimen was collected. Catches of YOY smallmouth bass by seining and electrofishing were relatively high at many localities within the drainage basin in 1985; P19775 was no exception.

Mortis Run Morris Run is a headwater tributary of the EBPC above Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Stream gradient is higher, and sub-strate rockier in Norris Run than in the EBPC above the con-4.3-12

fluence of the two streams. Banded killifish and young redbreast sunfish were more abundant at the Morris Run station than at the headwater EBPC station, E36690. In all, 1,034 fish of 15 species were collected from M2900 in 1985 (Table 4.3-1).

Important Species Several species were selected as important to the EBPC fish community according to criteria that consider a species' func-tional role in the community, its sensitivity to environmental change, and the likelihood of ecological impact (EROL). Redfin pickerel, yellow bullhead, white sucker, satinfin shiner, common shiner, spotfin shiner, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, and tessellated darter were the species selected. For these important fishes, seine data were examined in more detail to describe aspects of each species' ecology in the EBPC.

aedfin nickerel The redfin pickerel was locally abundant only in EBPC head-waters (E36690) and was commonly taken in low numbers as far downstream as E26630. Incidental seine catches were made from stations further downstream, but these amounted to only one or two fish per year. In a pattern that mirrored concurrent elec-trofishing results, the seine catch of redfin pickerel peaked in 4.3-13

1983 following two years of steady increase, and then declined markedly in 1984 and 1985.

Redfin pickerel catches were low in 1975 (EROL) and again in 1984 (RHC 1985). In both years, spates occurred frequently throughout the spring and summer. Redfin pickerel catch was also low in 1985, a dry year in which stream flow was much reduced in the EBPC headwaters. Abundance of redfin pickerel appeared to be quite. variable and is possibly related to stream discharge al-though the nature of any relationship between these two variables is unclear.

Yellow bullhead Although occasionally taken by seine, too few yellow bull-heads were collected by this method to provide much information on the abundance and distribution of this species in the EBPC.

Small yellow bullheads hide in crevices and under rocks and are not collected efficiently by seine, and adults usually inhabit deeper water. Due to "galvanotaxis" (forced movement within an electric field), YOY yellow bullhead were often taken by elec-trofishing along with many juveniles and adults. Present throughout the stream, this ubiquitous catfish was most often found in deep pools and weedy areas impounded by small dams.

4.3-14

White sucker Although found throughout the stream, white suckers were more abundant in the middle EBPC than in either headwater or down-stream reaches (EROL, RMC 1984, 1985). Large adult white suckers are very mobile and inhabit deeper pools, therefore, the seine sampled primarily YOY and juvenile white suckers. Seine collec-tions indicated that this species spawned primarily in the EBPC headwaters. Over 50 of YOY were taken at the upper two stations (E36690 and E29810) in 6 out of 8 years in which seine collec-tions were made.

Using the number of YOY white sucker collected per year (in parenthesis) as an index of relative spawning success, year classes produced in 1976 (1,462) and 1982 (935) were stronger than those produced in 1983 and 1984, when only 100 YOY were col-lected per year with similar amounts of effort. Relative abun-dance of YOY white sucker in other years was intermediate between these extremes.

Satinfin shiner This species, which closely resembles the congeneric spotfin shiner, was a common inhabitant of the middle and lower EBPC.

Seine catches were greatest at E22980, E12440, and E5475. None was ever collected from stations upstream of a dam in 4.3-15

Sellersville. During years of above-average stream flow (1975, 1982, 1984), the number of YOT collected was from 2-6 times the number collected in any other year. Highest catches of young came from 95475, a broad, shallow riffle-run area thought to provide optimum satinfin shiner spawning habitat. In 1985, year class production appeared to be very low. Only four YOY satinfin shiners were collected, compared to the next-lowest yearly total of 97 YOY satinfin shiners taken in 1983.

Common shiner Present at all EBPC seining stations, common shiners were abundant in mid-reach, with peak densities observed at E29810.

Relative abundance was stable as common shiner was the second-to-fourth-most numerous species in 7 out of 8 annual seine collec-tions and ranked no lower than sixth in 1976. Relative abundance was more variable at two stations, however. At E22980, annual seine catches in 1977 and in 1981-1984 were approximately 10 times as great as the total collected each year in 1975-1976 and in 1985. In the headwaters, annual seine catches from E36690 in 1975-1976 were about five times the yearly total collected in 1977 and 1981-1985. Greatest reproductive success occurred in 1976 and 1982, years in which the most YOY common shiners were taken. (Note: 1977 seine data were never included in previous 4.3-16

reports. Therefore, Table 4.3-4 was included to reference seine collections made in that year.)

Spotfin shiner The spotfin shiner was the most abundant fish species col-lected in each year, comprising over SOX of the number of fish taken by seine from the EBPC. Seine catches were highest at stations upstream of E26630 prior to 1984, while spotfin shiner catch was highest from ES475 and E12440 in 1984 and 1985, respectively.

Relative abundance of spotfin shiner appeared to be highly

.dependant on the degree of spawning success and over-winter sur-vival of young fish, which in turn appeared to depend on late-summer stream flow conditions. Recruitment of young spotfin shiner was lowest in years when late-summer stream flow was unusually high or low.

Redbreast sunfish More redbreast sunfish were taken by seine than any other species in the sunfish family in all but three years in which seining was conducted on the EBPC. More green sunfish than red-breast sunfish were taken in 1976-1977, and the seine catch of smallmouth bass exceeded that of redbreast sunfish in 1985.

4.3-17

Relative abundance of young redbreast sunfish taken by seine followed closely a pattern seen in the distribution of juveniles and adults taken by electrofishing. Redbreast sunfish was the dominant sunfish species at downstream stations (E5475 and E1890) and also just upstream of Sellersville at E32170. Prior to 1982, green sunfish was the most abundant sunfish at E22980 in the mid-dle SBPC downstream of Sellersville. Seine catches of redbreast sunfish exceeded those of green sunfish in every year since 1982 at E22980, and electrofishing samples taken nearby at E22240 also were comprised of increasing proportions of redbreast sunfish that peaked in 1985 when for the first year more redbreast sun-fish than green sunfish were taken (see section 4.4). Poor Shabitat conditions, including pollution stress, were at one time thought to severely limit redbreast sunfish populations in the middle EBPC (EROL). The present-day makeup of the fish community indicates that these conditions have been ameliorated.

Compared to 1983, when 375 were collected, the catch of 30 YOY redbreast sunfish in 1985 was considerably low, since similar amounts of effort were expended within the same seining areas.

These values represent the extremes in YOY seine catch for this important species over the period of record. Fluctuations in re-cruitment were in part responsible for variation in the number of young redbreast sunfish collected, since age-structure analysis 4.3-18

(see section 4.5) showed that the 1983 year class was excep-tionally strong.

Green sunfish Seine catches of this important species followed trends that were similar to observations made by electrofishing. Green sun-fish was the dominant Lego~ms at the headwater station, E36690, but was not abundant at E5475 and E1890 downstream. In the mid-dle EBPC, green sunfish once maintained a competitive advantage over other sunfishes due to its tolerance of the poor habitat quality and pollution stress once present in the reach below Sellersville (EROL). Although green sunfish remained abundant in this reach of stream, catches of redbreast sunfish by both seining and electrofishing increased steadily since 1982. As in-dicated in the previous section on redbreast sunfish, the decline in green sunfish dominance implies an improvement in stream con-ditions consistent with the relative increase in the abundance of less-tolerant species.

pumpkinsaed This important species. was more abundant in the upper EBPC than at downstream stations, but was never as abundant as green sunfish or redbreast sunfish. Electrofishing surveys indicated this species was common in the impoundments above small dams, but 4.3-19

this type of habitat was not sampled by seine. Greatest numbers of YOY pumpkinseed were taken in 1976 (144 fish) and in 1982 (77 fish). Only 7 young were taken collectively between 1983 and 1985, indicative of relatively weak recruitment through most of the stream during the last three years.

Smallmouth bass A total of 215 smallmouth bass was taken in 1985. [ost were YoY fish. This was the greatest number of smallmouth bass col-lected by seine in any I year since 1977, when 255 were captured.

This relatively large catch was indicative of a successful spawn.

In contrast, only 72 YOY were taken in 1984, a year in which smallmouth bass recruitment was poor. Young smallmouth bass were first recruited to the seine in June 1985 at a FL between 16 and 21 mm. By August, large numbers of YOY smallmouth bass greater than 50-mm FL were recruited to electrofishing gear (section 4.4) and by autumn, some had reached 120-mm FL or more (section 4.5).

Smallmouth bass were most abundant at downstream stations and were rarely taken in the headwaters above the Morris Run confluence. Only two smallmouth bass were seined in 8 years at E36630. In samples taken by electrofishing from E22240 down-stream of Sellersville, smallmouth bass were considerably more numerous in 1981-1985 than in the mid-1970's. Many YOY small-mouth bass were collected in 1983 (31 fish) and in 1985 (58 fish) 4.3-20

from a nearby seining station (E22980) which indicated that the species was able to reproduce successfully in an area of the stream that at one time was too degraded to support a viable smallmouth bass population.

Tessellated darter A total of 263 tessellated darters was taken in 1985. Seine catches in other years ranged between 196 in 1984 and 1,198 in 1976, the year when the most YOY were collected. Although present at all stations, tessellated darters were considerably more abundant at E26630 and E29810 that than at stations down-stream of Sellersville.

Comparisons with EROL Findings Earlier progress reports (RNC 1984, 1985) focused primarily on descriptions of annual species composition and relative abun-dance of fishes seined monthly from the EBPC over a period of years. Although some reference to EROL information was made, little emphasis was placed on the similarities and differences between recent (1981-1985) fish population information and that collected in the mid-1970's which was used in preparation of the EROL. Assessment of natural change is an important aspect of a monitoring program since it is against this background of variability that the significance of project impacts must be 4.3-21

judged. The following paragraphs are therefore included to com-pare present-day EBPC fish populations to those reported in the EROL.

Overall, species composition within the stream was similar among the two periods. Several species, including silvery minnow (one specimen in 1975), black crappie (not taken in 1975-1976),

and fathead minnow (taken infrequently in 1981-1985) were rarely collected by seine and no young were ever found. The rock bass was common at downstream seining stations in 1981-1985 but was not collected by seine in 1975-1976. This species was taken by electrofishing in 1975-1976, and is more common today in the lower reaches of the EBPC than it was in the earlier period.

The overall pattern of longitudinal succession in species composition remained similar throughout the period of record.

Pronounced replacement of headwater species (bridle shiner, gol-den shiner, creek chubsucker, and redfin pickerel) with those more abundant at midstream and downstream stations occurred in the vicinity of Sellersville. Certain species (rock bass, red-breast sunfish, fallfish, and smallmouth bass) were most abundant in the larger downstream reach near Perkiomen Creek in both periods. Stations in the middle reaches of the EBPC (from Sellersville to the vicinity of the Wawa Road crossing) con-sistently displayed the greatest amount of seasonal and annual variability in sample species composition. In part, this was due 4.3-22

to the occasionally capture of displaced headwater species.

Also, several seining stations fell within this relatively long reach, so the large amount of effort expended resulted in the more frequent capture of lesser abundant species. Species that are abundant in the small impoundments scattered along the EBPC (carp, goldfish, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed) were also taken occasionally which added to the variability in sample species composition observed in the middle reaches of the EBPC.

Nevertheless, a pronounced shift in the abundance of several species has occurred in the middle EBPC. Redbreast sunfish and smallmouth bass were far more numerous from stations as far up-stream as E22240 (electrofishing) and E22980 (seining) in 1981-1985 than in 1975-1976. Collection of large numbers of YOY of these species by seine indicated that suitable spawning habitat was available. Rock bass were found only from extreme downstream stations in 1975-1976 but are now abundant in the Moyer Road vicinity CE12440) and were taken in low numbers by electrofishing as far upstream as E22240 near Sellersville. At the same time, the green sunfish and white sucker (species that are tolerant of degraded stream conditions) no longer dominate the middle EBPC fish community to the extent that they did in 1975-1976. These shifts in relative species abundance imply a long-term reduction in pollution stress that strongly influenced EBPC fish populations in the past (EROL).

4.3-23

Table 4.3-1. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by saine from the East Branch Perklceen Creek, Morris Run, and Perklomen Creek during 1985.

East Branch Morris Run Perkiomen Cr Species Catch Catch . Catch Redfin pickerel 4 Goldfish 2 Carp 2 44 0.3 0.5 Cutltps oirvow - 8 Golden shiner 524 3.7 0.1 3 0.2 Cosmly shiner 874 6.2 4 0.4 40 2.6 Satinfin shiner 1019 7.2 II 0.7 Bridle shiner 2 Common shiner 996 7.1 214 20.7 10 0.7 Spottail shiner 75 0.5 18 1.2 Swallomtail shiner 342 2.4 43 4.2 49 3.2 Spotfin shiner 7231 51.4 252 24.4 1031 67.8 Bluntnose minnow 396 2.8 64 6.2 6 0.4 Blacknose doce 157 1.1 64 6.2 62 4.1 Lonivnose dace 35 0.2 - 26 1.7 Creek chub 3 0.1 Fallfish 11 0.1 I - 95 6.2 Rhite sucker 482 3.4 0.1 32 2.1 Creek chubsucker 33 0.2 I 0.1 Yellom bullhead 5 Banded killifish 875 6.2 326 31.5 7 0.5 Rock bass 3 Redbreast sunfish 163 1.2 49 4.7 9 0.6 Green sunfish 118 0.8 4 0 .4 .

Pumpkinseed 85 0.6 0.3 Bluegill 51 0.4 I 0.1 7 0.5 Lepomis hybrid 21 0.1 Smal lacuth bass 215 1.5 6 0.6 62 4.1 Larvemouth bass 35 0.2 I 0.1 Tessellated darter 263 1.9 4 0.4 27 1.8 Shield darter 11 0.7 Total Catch 14066 1034 1521 Number of Species 29 15 22 IksdNer of Stations 7 I 1

1. = Less then O.IX

I Table 4.3-2. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek by station during 1985.

E 1890 E 5475 E12440 E22980 E26630 E29810 E36690 Species Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch x

--.. -in----- w w--- - - .

--- - w Redfin pickerel - - - - - - - - I * - - 3 0.4 Goldfish - - - - - - - - 2 0.1 - - - -

Carp - - - - - - - - 2 0.1 - - - -

Cutlips minnom - - 7 0.3 10 0.3 15 1.5 12 0.3 - - - -

Golden shiner - - - - 12 0.4 2 0.2 41 1.2 36 1.5 433 53.9 Comely shiner II 2.9 103 3.9 404 12.2 70 6.9 175 5.0 110 4.6 I 0.1 Satinfin shiner 61 16.4 460 17.3 379 I1.5 36 3.5 83 2.4 - - - -

Bridle shiner - - - - - - - - - - - 2 0.2 Common shiner 10 2.7 174 6.5 133 4.0 241 23.7 144 4.1 292 12.2 2 0.2 Spottall shiner - - 20 0.8 4 0.1 3 0.3 29 0.8 19 0.8 - -

Sallo¢tall shiner 2 0.5 17 0.6 52 1.6 20 2.0 148 4.2 101 4.2 2 0.2 Spotfin shiner 140 37.5 1573 59.2 2097 63.5 238 23.4 1872 53.3 1289 53.8 22 2.7 Bluntnose minnom - - 6 0.2 12 0.4 38 3.7 197 5.6 109 4.5 34 4.2 Blacknose dace 10 2.7 23 0.9 10 0.3 63 6.2 46 1.3 5 0.2 - -

Longnose dace 11 2.9 17 0.6 2 0.1 5 0.5 - - - - - -

Creek chub - - - - I * - - 2 0.1 - - - -

Fallfish 2 0.5 9 0.3 - - - - - - - - - -

White sucker 7 1.9 80 3.0 58 1.8 172 16.9 62 1.8 86 3.6 17 2.1 Creek chubsucker -. . . . . . . . . I + 32 4.0 Yellow bullhead - - * !1 0.1 3 0.1 - - - -

Banded killifish 18 4.8 103 3.9 51 1.5 34 3.3 462 13.2 190 7.9 17 2.1 Rock bass 2 0.5 1 + - - - - - - - - -

Redbreast sunfish 16 4.3 17 0.6 40 1.2 7 0.7 12 0.3 68 2.8 3 0.4 Green sunfish 1 0.3 - - 4 0.1 7 0.7 2 0.1 10 0.4 94 11.7 Pumpkitnseed - - 2 0.1 - - - - I 0.3 3 0.1 69 8.6 Bluegill - . - - 3 0.1 - - II 0.3 6 0.3 31 3.9 Lepomls hybrid . . . . 2 0.1 - - 6 0.2 9 0.4 4 0.5 Smallmouth bass 81 21.7 45 1.7 23 0.7 59 5.8 4 0.1 3 0.1 - -

Largemouth bass - - - - - - - - 33 0.9 - - 2 0.2 Tessellated darter 1 0.3 1

• 5 0.2 7 0.7 153 4.4 60 2.5 36 4.5 Total Catch 373 2659 3302 1018 3513 2397 804 Number of Species 15 19 19 18 24 17 17 Number of Stations I I I I I I I

+ = Less than O.AX

Table 4.3-3. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Perklamen Creek by date during 1985.

1/7 2/20 3/14 4/11 5/10 6/6 Species Catch . Catch . Catch '.Catch zC Catch '. Catch z

- 1 0.1 - - 2 0.1 Redfin pickerel Goldfish - - 2 0.1 Carp Cutllps wlimsa 6 0.4 Golden shiner 6 0.3 7 0.9 4 0.2 19 1.3 12 0.9 220 12.1 61 6.0 67 8.3 150 8.2 156 10.4 30 2.1 Comely shiner Satlnfin shiner 280 15.4 IS6 15.2 91 11.2 260 14.3 67 4.5 28 2.0 Bridle shiner 1 0.1 Common shiner 10 0.6 34 3.3 5 0.6 13 0.7 66 4.4 91 6.5 Spottail shiner 9 0.9 4 0.2 1 0.1 5 0.4 5 0.3 3 0.3 5 0.6 72 4.0 37 2.5 17 1.2 SNallowtail shiner Spotfin shiner 1243 66.6 725 70.7 559 68.9 1004 55.1 869 58.1 668 47.7 9 1.1 143 7.8 28 1.9 23 1.6 Biuntnose minnou 0.1 I 1.1 2 0.2 Blacknose dace 0.1 0.1 1 0.1 45 3.0 8 0.6 Longnose doce 2 0.1 0.1 10 0.7 I 0.1 0.1 Creek chub Fallfish S.2 White sucker 1 0.1 4 0.2 77 219 15.7 Creek chubsucker S- - - -- 4 0.3 2 0.1 Yellow bullhead 38 2.1 21 2.0 41 5.1 149 8.2 74 4.9 36 2.6 Banded killifish Rock bass 1 0.1 0.1 I 0.1 2 0.1 11 0.7 35 2.5 Redbreast sunfish 0.1 11 2 0.1 2 0.2 3 0.4 2 0.7 9 0.6 Green sunfish a Pumpkinseed 3 0.4 4 0.2 0.5 8 0.6 I 0.1 5 0.6 3 0.2 4 0.3 Bluegill 2 Lepoeis hybrid 7 0.9 2 0.1 0.1 1 0.1 0.1 107 7.6 Seallouth bass 11 Largewwuth bass 0.1 1 0.1 4 0.2 4 0.5 S 0.3 0.7 78 5.6 Tessellated darter Total Catch 1813 1025 811 1822 149S 1399 Nhmber of Species 13 12 16 16 22 24 Iumber of Stations 1 I 1 1 1 1

+ = Less than 0.I1.

Table 4.3-3. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the East Branch Parkiomen Creek by date during 1985.

7/12 6/22 9/24 10/21 11/20 12/17 Species Catch Catch . Catch X Catch z Catch x Catch x Redfin pickerel - 0.1 - - -

Goldfish 2 0.1 Carp Cutlips miunnom 4 0.3 17 1.4 10 0.8 7 1.1 -

Golden shiner 24 1.6 136 10.8 235 18.8 24 3.8 36 4.3 21 9.6 Comely shiner 34 2.3 16 1.3 57 4.6 42 6.6 38 4.5 3 1.4 Satinfin shiner 34 2.3 26 2.1 53 4.2 11 1.7 6 0.7 7 3.2 Bridle shiner - 1 0.1 -

Common shiner 178 11.9 236 18.8 162 13.0 125 19.6 60 7.2 16 7.3 Spottaal shiner 21 1.4 1 0.1 4 0.3 10 1.6 6 0.7 14 6.4 Swalloteall shiner 55 3.7 62 4.9 44 3.5 13 2.0 24 2.9 5 2.3 Spotffn shiner 587 39.1 360 28.7 376 30.1 230 36.0 500 59.8 110 50.2 Bluntnose almnm. 29 1.9 34 2.7 43 3.4 21 3.3 49 5.9 5 2.3 Blacknose dace 69 4.6 14 1.1 8 0.6 7 1.1 1 0.1 Longnose dace 13 0.9 3 0.2 3 0.2 3 0.5 -

Creek chub - 0.1 - - -

Fallfish 2 0.1 1 0.1 B 0.6 - - -

Wh3ite sucker 160 10.7 10 0.8 3 0.2 4 0.6 2 0.2 2 0.9 Creek chubsucker 3 0.2 8 0.6 14 1.1 - - 2 0.2 Yellow, bullhead - I 0.1 3 0.2 - - 1 0.1 Banded killifish 68 4.5 160 12.7 111 8.9 81 12.7 62 7.4 34 15.5 Rock bass - 2 0.2 -

Redbreast sunfish 26 1.7 32 Z.5 28 2.2 9 1.4 18 2.2 Green sunfish 17 1.1 41 3.3 25 2.0 I 0.2 4 0.5 1 0.5 Pumpk Inseed 25 1.7 5 0.4 23 1.8 3 0.9 6 0.7 Bluegill 5 0.3 20 1.6 2 0.2 7 1.1 4 0.5 Le lIs hybrid - 1 0.1 - - 9 1.4 -

Smallmouth bass 41 2.7 44 3.5 15 1.2 1 0.2 5 0.6 Larsemouth bass 7 0.5 18 1.4 5 0.4 2 0.3 1 0.1 Tessellated darter 98 6.5 6 0.5 16 1.3 29 4.5 11 1.3 1 0.5 Total Catch 1502 1255 1250 639 836 219 23 25 25 20 20 12 Number of Species I 1 I I 1 1 INuber of Stations

• = Less then 0.1.

Table 4.3-4. Total . catch and relative abunidance of fIshes collected by seine from the EEast Branch Perklomen Creek, durir wU1977.

East Branch Species Catch x 23 Redfin pickerel 2 0.1 Goldfish 4*

2 4*

Carp -1F CutlIps mirnow 205 1.1 Golden shiner 624 3.3 Comely shiner 420 2.2 Satinfin shiner 299 1.6 Bridle shiner 6 4*

Common shiner 3215 17.1 Spottail shiner 270 1.4 Swallomtail shiner 761 4.0 Spotf in shi ner 5586 29.7 Bluntnose minnow 877 4.7 Blacknose dace 630 3.4 Longnose dace 200 1.I Creek chub 43 0.2 Fallfish 34 0.2 Hi nnom hybrid White sucker 1670 8.9 Creek chubsucker 70 0.4 Yellow bullhead 41 0.2 Bromn bullhead 8 4*

Margined madtom 4*

Banded kMllifish 1650 8.8 Rock bass 2 4*

Redbreast sunfish 322 1.7 Green sunfish 422 2.2 Pumpki nseed 58 0.3 Bluegill 90 0.5 Lepomis hybrid 23 0.1 Smallmouth bass 255 1.4 Largemouth bass 47 0.3 Tessellated darter 935 5.0 Total Catch 18792 Number of Species 32 Number of Stations 8

+ = Less than O.IX -

'J

4.4 Fishes Collected by Electrofishing Summary

1. An electrofishing survey of a target portion of the fish community present at six EBPC stations was conducted at monthly intervals from April through October 1985.

2. A total of 9,362 fish of 19 species and 1 hybrid was caught in 35.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> of electrofishing at an overall rate of 266 fish/hour.

3. Redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, and white sucker were the only species to comprise more than 1OX of the stream-wide electrofishing catch and ranked first through third in relative abundance, respectively.

4. Compared to 1984, relative abundance of rock bass, creek chubsucker, and goldfish increased while that of bluegill and golden shiner declined. Other common species were present in nearly the same proportions seen in earlier surveys.

5. Fish community differences between headwater stations and those downstream were similar to past observations, and reflected known or hypothesized species-habitat relationships. Differences in fish community composition in the middle EBPC from EROL information infers a long-4.4-1

term improvement in stream habitat quality, which may in-clude a reduction in pollution stress.

Introduction and Methods An electrofishing survey of the EBPC large fish community continued in 1985 for the fifth consecutive year. The primary objective of the survey was to provide species composition and relative abundance data for a target portion of the stream fish community (RMC 1984).

Electrofishing methods used to collect fish were described in RMC (1984). After collection, individual fish were identified, measured to the nearest mm fork length (FL), weighed to the nearest g, and examined for the presence of disease, broadly defined herein to include presence of parasites and anomalies.

Fish less than 50 mm FL were excluded from analysis to avoid possible gear bias against small fish. Electrofishing efforts were timed to the nearest minute to permit calculation of catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE), expressed in terms of fish/hour-of-electrofishing, or simply fish/hour. CPUE was used as an index of relative fish density to facilitate comparison between fish catches made at different places and times.

Spatial and temporal variation in these aspects of fish ecology were addressed by sampling several' stations at monthly 4.4-2

intervals between April and October (Table 4.4-1). Sample stations were described in an earlier progress report (RMC 1984).

Results and Discussion Species Composition and Relative Abundance A total of 9,362 fish of 19 species and 1 hybrid was caught in 35.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> of electrofishing from six EBPC stations in 1985 (Table 4.4-2). Annual electrofishing catch rates from 1981 through 1984 ranged between 249 fish/hour and 347 fish/hour, thus the annual catch rate in 1985, 266 fish/hour, was not unusually high or low.

Redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, and white sucker were the only species to comprise more than lOX of the streamwide elec-trofishing catch and ranked first through third in relative abundance, respectively. Compared to 1984, many young-of-year (YOY) rock bass, creek chubsucker, and goldfish were caught, which approximately doubled catch rate and percent composition for these species. Relative abundance indices were approximately halved for bluegill and golden shiner compared to 1984. Other common species were present in about the same proportions ob-served in earlier surveys (RMC 1984, 1985).

No species or hybrid was collected in 1985 that was not reported in earlier progress reports or the EROL. Muskellunge x 4.4-3

northern pike hybrid, carp x goldfish hybrid, white catfish, white crappie, black crappie, and walleye were collected from EBPC in one or more past years but not in 1985.

Community Relationships Changes in habitat, energy flow, and competitive interactions that occur as a stream increases in size are reflected in the composition of the fish community present at different locations along the EBPC. Past studies (EROL, RNC 1984, 1985) showed that certain fishes are abundant only in the EBPC headwaters (e.g.,

redfin pickerel, creek chubsucker) and others normally occur only in the lower reaches of the stream (e.g., fallfish, American eel). Some, such as margined madtom and chain pickerel, were collected only from specific areas with appropriate habitat. The relative abundance and distribution of more ubiquitous species are probably determined by many factors, including but not limited to local habitat and water quality characteristics, and complex biological interactions. This latter group of fishes in-cludes white sucker, carp, goldfish, yellow bullhead, Layomfs sunfishes, rock bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. In order to better comprehend these naturally occurring changes in the stream fish community, results from each of the EBPC elec-trofishing stations were examined individually.

4.4-4

E36235 Samples from this headwater station in 1985 contained 13 species plus sunfish hybrids (Table 4.4-3). A total of 808 fish was caught in 2.32 hours3.703704e-4 days <br />0.00889 hours <br />5.291005e-5 weeks <br />1.2176e-5 months <br /> of electrofishing at an overall rate of 348 fish/hour, compared to between 206 fish/hour in 1982 to 406 fish/hour in 1981 and 1984.

Green sunfish, white sucker, and bluegill were the only species to comprise more than 10X of the annual catch from E36235, and ranked first through third in relative abundance, respectively. Most of these fish were juveniles. As in 1984, relative abundance of redfin pickerel remained relatively low, compared to a peak in population abundance of this headwater species observed in 1983. Relative abundance of another head-water species, creek chubsucker, also was lower than during 1981-1983, but was higher than that seen in 1984. Much of the in-crease could be attributed to recruitment of young creek chubsuckers.

A single chain pickerel, 458 mm FL that weighed 796 g, was taken in April 1985 and was only the second chain pickerel col-lected since 1981. Other species that were relatively more abun-dant at E36235 than at other lotic stations included golden shiner, brown bullhead, and largemouth bass.

4.4-5

E306I4 Although situated in the headwaters of the EBPC above Sellersville, Pennsylvania, E30614 is located downstream of the confluence with Morris Run, below which the EBPC approximately doubles in size. Adult white sucker, redbreast sunfish and smallmouth bass are locally abundant in several 1-m deep, slow pools that are separated by short riffles and chutes. In the summer of 1985 this station was disturbed by construction of a rock dam a short distance downstream. Stream surface elevation within the station was raised approximately 0.5 m, which prevented sampling after July. Exploratory collections in pools upstream of the newly impounded channel section revealed the presence of a fish community similar to that at E30614, but these data are not reported herein.

Between April and July 1985, a total of 796 fish was col-lected in 2.15 hours1.736111e-4 days <br />0.00417 hours <br />2.480159e-5 weeks <br />5.7075e-6 months <br /> of electrofishing at an overall rate of 370 fish/hour (Table 4.4-4). Catch rates in previous years ranged between 246 fish/hour in 1982 and 426 fish/hour in 1981, thus relative total fish density was not particularly high or low in 1985.

Redbreast sunfish was the dominant target species at E30614 and comprised nearly one-half of the annual electrofishing catch.

Green sunfish and yellow bullhead were the only other species to 4.4-6

comprise more than lOX of the sample. Catch rate of white sucker declined markedly in 1985 relative to earlier surveys, in which this species ranked first or second in relative abundance at E30614. This decline may be an artifact of not having sampled in late summer and autumn when YOY white suckers would normally con-tribute to the catch. host other species were present in the same proportions seen in past samples.

No new species for this station was collected in 1985.

Species collected at E30614 in at least one year between 1981 and 1984 but not collected in 1985 include American eel, golden shiner, white catfish, and walleye. The latter two species were presumably introduced by anglers and were represented by single captures.

E22240 This station was the first one downstream of effluent dis-charge from a wastewater treatment plant in Sellersville. In 1985, a total of 2,594 fish was taken in 8.0 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br /> of elec-trofishing at an overall rate of 324 fish/hour (Table 4.4-5).

host species were present in the same proportions and relative densities observed in 1984. Exceptions among the more common species were yellow bullhead and redbreast sunfish. Both percent composition and CPUE of yellow bullhead were approximately one-half of 1984 values. Sample abundance of redbreast sunfish at 4.4-7

E22240 has risen steadily in recent years, ranking fifth in 1981, third in 1982-1983, and second in 1984. In 1985, redbreast sun-fish attained the position of greatest relative abundance at this station for the first time. In the 1970's, when the middle reach of the EBPC was more severely polluted than it is now, redbreast sunfish was dominant in the lower EBPC but much less abundant nearer Sellersville, where green sunfish was the dominant sunfish species. Green sunfish is more tolerant of poor water quality than redbreast sunfish, and presumably possessed a competitive advantage at E22240 for this reason (EROL). Possibly, recent reductions in phosphorous loading and median concentrations for some conservative parameters in summer (RHC 1985) have improved

. water quality enough to have negated the advantage that green sunfish once held. A marked and sustained increase in smallmouth bass abundance in the reach is another biological indicator of improved stream conditons.

A total of 1,786 fish of 14 species plus sunfish hybrids was caught in 6.12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> of electrofishing in 1985 (Table 4.4-6).

The overall catch rate, 292 fish/hour, was similar to that of 1984 (306 fish/hour) and was within the range of CPUE values ob-served each year since 1981, 201 to 450 fish/hour.

4.4-8

Redbreast sunfish was the dominant large fish species at E12111 as it has been in every yearly electrofishing sample.

Compared to 1984, goldfish, white sucker, creek chubsucker, and rock bass increased in relative abundance, due mostly to large catches of young fish in late summer. Sample abundance of green sunfish and smallmouth bass decreased relative to the 1984 collection; smallmouth bass CPUE was within the range of 1981-1984 values but green sunfish CPUE reached a new minimum for that time period. However, sample abundance of many species has tended to fluctuate more at E12111 than at other EBPC elec-trofishing stations. Differences in habitat between E12111 and other EBPC lotic stations may be responsible for the greater

. variability in local fish density. host EBPC stations consist of relatively deep, distinct pools bounded by riffles, but much of E12111 consists of wide, shallow run habitat with little canopy coverage. Larger fish especially tend to congregate in the deeper, shaded pools in summer. Thus, fluctuations in catches at J E12111 may be more a function of fish location than of changes in population abundance in the vicinity.

This location differs from other EBPC stations in being a slow, deep pool impounded by a low-head dam. Fourteen species plus sunfish hybrids were collected in 1985. In all, 8.37 hours 4.4-9

of electrofishing yielded a total catch of 1,351 fish at an overall CPUE of 161 fish/hour, up from the 1984 value (127 fish/hour) but somewhat below the CPUE values determined in 1981-1983 (204-244 fish/hour).

Green sunfish ranked first in relative abundance, while equal numbers of white sucker and redbreast sunfish were caught. No other species individually comprised more than 10X of the sample.

Several species that prefer slower, weedier habitat were relatively more abundant at E5650 than at most other EBPC stations. This group included goldfish, carp, carp x goldfish hybrid (collected in previous years but not in 1985), brown bullhead, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, and sunfish hybrids.

Abundance of several of these species was also relatively high at E36235 and E22240, two other stations that consist of more slug-gish habitat (Table 4.4-7).

E1637 The large fish community in this downstream EBPC station was dominated by redbreast sunfish (which comprised 46X of the total sample), smallmouth bass (19X) and rock bass (16X). No other species comprised more than 10X of the annual sample. In all, 2,027 fish of 15 species plus sunfish hybrids were captured in 8.25 hours2.893519e-4 days <br />0.00694 hours <br />4.133598e-5 weeks <br />9.5125e-6 months <br /> of electrofishing (Table 4.4-8). Annual CPUE, 246

4. 4-10

fish/hour, was not particularly high or low compared to previous annual CPUE values.

Many YOY white sucker, rock bass, and smallmouth bass con-tributed to an increase in relative population density of these species compared to 1984, while CPUE of pumpkinseed and bluegill declined. Relative abundance of other common species did not change appreciably.

Several species were generally more abundant at 91637 thqn at stations upstream, which contributed to the pattern of lon-gitudinal zonation in fish community composition observed along the stream. With the percentage of each species' total EBPC catch from 1981-1985 taken at this station given in parentheses, this group of species included American eel (64%), fallfish (1OOX), rock bass (66X), redbreast sunfish (31X), and smallmouth bass (45X). The larger habitat, improved water quality relative to some upstream stations, and proximity to the bigger Perkiomen Creek just downstream may all contribute to fish community diff-erences between E1637 and stations upstream.

Important Species Certain species were selected as important according to Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines that consider a species' functional role in the community, importance to man, and sen-4.4-11

sitivity to environmental change. Selected EBPC species include redfin pickerel, white sucker, yellow bullhead, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, and smallmouth bass (EROL).

Redfin nickerel The redfin pickerel is locally abundant only in the EBPC headwaters. For the period 1981-1985, 93Z of redfin pickerel collected from the EBPC came from the uppermost station, E36235.

A total of 37 redfin pickerel was collected in 1985. One ex-hibited scoliosis (crooked spine) and one was parasitized by anchor-worm, a parasitic copepod. No other redfin pickerel examined was diseased. The largest redfin pickerel captured in 1985 was only 200 mm FL. Although occasionally regarded as a sport fish in some areas, redfin pickerel are not recreationally important in the EBPC due to small adult size and absence of fishing pressure in the headwaters. Relative abundance of redfin pickerel was low in both 1984 and 1985 compared to 1983, when it was the most abundant species in the electrofishing sample that year.

White sucker White sucker ranked third in streamwide relative abundance in 1985, the same as its ranking the previous two years. Adults 4.4-12

tended to congregate in the larger, deeper pools in the middle and lower EBPC, as indicated by higher catches of adult white suckers at E22240 and E5650. Ten percent of white sucker examined were diseased, with body wounds and parasitic copepods being the commonest afflictions.

Yellow bullhead Yellow bullhead comprised just over 5X of the 1985 sample and were taken at an overall rate of 13.6 fish/hour. Both indices of relative abundance were somewhat lower than values from 1981-1984 surveys, when yellow bullhead comprised an average of 7.9X of an-nual electrofishing catches and was taken at an average rate of 23 fish/hour. Distribution along the length of the EBPC was similar to that seen in past years, as was the rate of disease, about 7X. Body wounds and fin damage were common maladies.

Redbreast sunfish Redbreast sunfish retained the position of greatest relative abundance among target species, comprising 37X of the 1985 elec-trofishing sample. Relative density, as measured by CPUE, was high everywhere except the impounded station at E5650 and the headwater station, E36235. In fact, these two were the only stations where redbreast sunfish was not the most abundant species in the electrofishing catch. The increase in population 4.4-13

density at E22240, which began in the early 1980's and has con-tinued through the present, is especially noteworthy and suggests that a general improvement in overall water and stream quality has occurred since the 1970's.

Disease rates were similar to those observed in past surveys.

In all, 9X of redbreast sunfish examined were diseased. Leech and copepod parasitism were common maladies, but the incidence of eye fluke, a parasite that causes a "pop-eye" condition, was greatly reduced.

Green sunfish Green sunfish was the second-most abundant sunfish and the second-most abundant species overall in the 1985 electrofishing sample. It was the most abundant target species at E36235 and E5650, two stations that offer the sluggish conditions preferred by green sunfish. Although it remained abundant at E22240, green sunfish was replaced by redbreast sunfish in terms of numerical dominance at this middle EBPC station.

Green sunfish hybridizes readily with other sunfishes, especially pumpkinseed, judging from the appearance of most crosses. Hybrid sunfish were more abundant at those stations (E36235, E22240, and E5650) where densities of green sunfish and pumpkinseed were also high.

4.4-14

Approximately one-fourth of green sunfish examined in 1985 were diseased; parasitism by black spot was by far the most com-mon affliction although individual infestations were seldom severe.

Pumpkinseed This sunfish species was not as abundant in the EBPC as the redbreast sunfish and green sunfish, but in most years was more abundant than bluegill, the only other species of Lenomis sunfish that occurs in this stream. In 1985, pumpkinseed comprised 4X of the annual electrofishing catch and was captured at a rate of

. nearly 11 fish/hour. These indices of relative abundance were similar to 1984 values but somewhat below values obtained in 1981-1983 surveys. Pumpkinseed were most often collected from the same stations where green sunfish was abundant, as were hy-brids between these two sunfishes. Blackspot, the most common disease of pumpkinseed, occurred on 20X of those examined in 1985, but individual fish were seldom heavily parasitized.

Smallmouth bass Smallmouth bass ranked fourth in streamwide relative abun-dance in 1985, comprised 6.4X of the total electrofishing catch, and were caught at an average rate of 17 fish/hour. Although this recreationally and ecologically important predatory species 4.4-15

is most abundant in the louer EBPC, density remained higher in the middle reaches of the stream compared to observations made in the 1970's (EROL). Similar to other centrarchids (sunfish family) in the EBPC, nearly one-fourth of the smallmouth bass examined in 1985 were in some way diseased. Minor occurrence of blackspot was frequently observed, uhile smallmouth bass at E1637 were more often parasitized by leeches than blackspot.

Production of a relatively strong year-class was evidenced by the capture of many YOY in late summer. Growth of these young fish appeared to be excellent. Many ¥OY smallmouth bass exceeded 100 mm FL by the end of their first summer of life.

4.4-16

Table 4.4-1. Summary of the East Branch Perkiceen Crack electrofIshing sample sites and dates.

Nam Station Type ANJ J A S 0 Total Loutc Elephant E3623S 191 X X X X 4 1982 XX X X 4 1983 X X X XXXX 7 1984 X X X XXXX 7 1985 X X X XX X 6 a 28 Covered Br. E30614 Lotlc 1981 x X X X 4 1982 XX X X 4 1983 X X X XXXX 7 1984 X X X XXXX 7 1985 X X X X 4 a

26 cathll1 E22240 Lotic 1981 X X X X 4 1982 X XX X 4 1983 X X X x x 5 1984 X X XXXX 6 1985 X X X XX X 6 45 Mayer E12111 Lotic 1981 X X X X 4 1982 x x X X 4 1983 X x x XXXX 7 1984 X x XXXX 6 1985 X x x XX X 6 27 Maua E 5650 Lentic 1981 xx X X 4 XX x 1982 x 4 1983 X Xx XXXX 7 1984 X X XXXX 6 XX X 1985 X x X 6 a 27 Carges E 1637 LoWfe 1982 X XX X 4 1983 X XXXXXX 7 1984 X XXXXXX 7 1985 X XXXX X 6 a 24 157

Table 4.4-2. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perktomen Creek electrofished in 1985 (3 Less than 0.014. CPUE = fish per hour).

E 1637 E 5650 E12111 E22240 E30614 E36235 Total Species 8.25 Hr 8.37 Hr 6.12 Hr 8.00 Hr 2.15 Hr 2.32 Hr 35.20 Hr 10 I 2 13 American eel Catch x 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.21 0.16 0.25 0.37 CPUE Redfin pickerel Catch 5 1 31 37 x 0.2 0.1 3.8 0.4 CPUE 0.63 0.47 13.36 1.05 Chain pickerel Catch

- - 0.1 CPUE - - 0.43 0.03 Goldfish Catch 3 16 55 74 x 0.2 1.2 3.1 0.8 CPJE 0.36 1.91 8.99 2.10.

Carp Catch 30 35 3 20 88 1.5 2.6 0.2 0.8 0.9 CPUE 3.64 4.18 0.49 2.50 2.50 Golden shiner Catch - II 16 27

- 0.8 2.0 0.3 CPUE - t1.31 6.90 0.77 Fallfish Catch 8 8 z 0.4 0.1 CFUE 0.97 0.23 Whi te sucker catch 5o 319 124 535 53 161 1242 2.5 23.6 6.9 20.6 6.7 19.9 13.3 CPUE 6.06 38.11 20.26 66.88 24.65 69.40 35.28 Creek chubsucker Catch 2 6 100 4 9 68 189 0.1 0.4 5.6 0.2 1.1 8.4 2.0 CPUE 0.24 0.72 16.34 0.50 4.19 29.31 5.37 Yellow bullhead Catch 116 48 102 124 80 9 479 x 5.7 3.6 5.7 4.8 10.1 1.1 5.1 CPUE 14.06 5.73 16.67 15.50 37.21 3.88 13.61 Brmm bullhead Catch 6 24 1 6 2 14 53 0.3 1.8 0.1 0.2 0.3 1.7 0.6 CPUE 0.73 2.87 0.16 0.75 0.93 6.03 1.51 Margined madtom Catch - 10 - - - 10

- 0.6 - - - 0.1 CPUE - 1.63 - - - 0.28 Rock bass Catch 321 37 152 510 15.8 2.7 8.5 5.5 CPUE 38.91 4.42 24.84 14.49 Redbreast sunfi sh Catch 936 319 996 788 380 39 3458 46.2 23.6 55.8 30.4 47.7 4.8 36.9 CPUE 113.45 38.11 162.75 98.50 176.74 16.81 98.24 Green sunfish Catch 121 378 131 751 146 298 1825 x 6.0 28.0 7.3 29.0 18.3 36.9 19.5 CPUE 14.67 45.16 21.41 93.88 67.91 128.45 51.85 Pumpkismeed Catch 15 80 10 186 28 55 374 0.7 5.9 0.6 7.2 3.5 6.8 4.0 CPUE 1.82 9.56 1.63 23.25 13.02 23.71 10.63 Bluegill Catch 12 18 52 38 85 205 0.6 1.3 2.0 4.8 10.5 2.2 CPUE 1.45 2.15 6.50 17.67 36.64 5.82 Lepomis hybrid Catch 16 35 5 51 10 16 133 7 0.8 2.6 0.3 2.0 1.3 2.0 1.4 CPUE 1.94 4.18 0.82 6.38 4.65 6.90 3.78

Table 4.4-2. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perklowen Creek electrofished In 1985 (÷ = Less than O.OI., CPUE = fish per hour).

E 1637 E 5650 E12111 E22240 E30614 E36235 Total Species 8.25 Hr 8.37 Hr 6.12 Hr 8.00 Hr 2.15 Hr 2.32 Hr 35.20 Hr Smallmouth bass Catch 380 24 94 54 42 I 595 x 18.8 1.8 5.3 2.1 5.3 0.1 6.4 CPUE 46.06 2.87 15.36 6.75 19.53 0.43 16.90 Largemouth bass Catch I 1 2 16 7 14 41 z 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.9 1.7 0.4 CPJE 0.12 0.12 0.33 2.00 3.26 6.03 1.16 Catch 2027 1351 1786 2594 796 808 9362

Table 4.4-3. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electroftshed at E36235 In 1985 i1 = Less than 0.17.4 CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Speacies 0.18 Hrs 0.45 Hrs 0.48 Hrs 0.38 Hrs 0. 28 Hrs 0.53 Hrs Redfin pickerel Catch 5 8 7 6 5

7. 3.6 4.8 4.5 4.4 3.0 CPUE 11.1 16.7 18.4 21.4 9.4 Chain pickerel Catch I x 2.2 CPU! 5.6 Golden shiner Catch 2 5 7 2

7. 1.2 3.2 5.1 1.2 CPUE 4.2 13.2 25.0 3.8 White sucker Catch 22 30 31 26 26 26 48.9 21.9 18.5 16.6 19.0 15.9 CPUE 122.2 66.7 64.6 68.4 92 .9 49.1 Creek chubsucker Catch 3 7 15 18 16 9

x. 6.7 5.1 8.9 11.5 11.7 5.5 CPUE 16.7 15.6 31.3 47.4 57.1 17.0 Yellom bullhead Catch 3 2 3 1

7. 2.2 1.2 1.9 0.7 CPUE 6.7 4.2 7.9 3.6 Braom bullhead Catch 1 4 2 5 2

7. 2.2 2.9 1.2 3.2 1.5 CPUE 5.6 8.9 4.2 13.2 7.1 Redbreast suifish Catch I 8 11 6 8 5

7. 2.2 5.8 6.5 3.8 5.8 3.0 CPuE 5.6 17.8 22.9 15.8 28.6 9.4 Green sunf ish Catch 4 45 65 58 49 77

7. 8.9 32.8 38.7 36.9 35.8 47.0 CPUE 22.2 100.0 135.4 152.6 175.0 145.3 Pumkinseed Catch 7 12 15 8 13

7. 5.1 7.1 9.6 5.8 7.9 CPUE 15.6 25.0 39.5 28.6 24.5 Bluegill Catch 11 22 14 10 8 20

x. 24.4 16.1 8.3 6.4 5.8 12.2 CPUE 61.1 48.9 29.2 26.3 28.6 37.7 Lepomes hybrid Catch 2 3 1 5 5

z. 1.5 1.8 0.6 3.6 3.0 CPUE 4.4 6.3 2.6 17.9 9.4 Smallmauth bass Catch 1

z. 0.6 CPUE 1.9 Largemouth bass Catch 2 4 3 3 1 1

z. 4.4 2.9 1.8 1.9 0.7 0.6 CPUE 11.1 8.9 6.3 7.9 3.6 1.9

Table 4.4-4. Ianthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomei Creek electrofished at E30614 In 1985 (+ = Less than 0.17., CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr Hay Jun Jul Species 0.32 Hrs 0.52 Hrs 0.62 Mrs 0.70 Mrs Redf in pickerel Catch 1 0.4 CPUE 1.4 White sucker Catch 21 15 10 7 20.0 8.8 4.2 2.5 CPJE 65.6 28.8 16.1 10.0 Creek chubsucker Catch 3 2 2 2 2.9 1.2 0.8 0.7 CPUE 9.4 3.8 3.2 2.9 Yellow bullhead Catch 16 15 24 25 15.2 8.8 10.1 8.9 CPUE 50.0 28.8 38.7 35.7 Brom bullhead Catch 2

7. 1.9 CPUE 6.3 Redbreast sunfish Catch 14 69 132 165 13.3 40.4 55.5 58.5 CPUE 43.8 132.7 212.9 235.7 Green sunfish Catch 32 42 33 39 30.5 24.6 13.9 13.8 CPU! 100.0 80.8 53.2 55.7 PumpkIrneed Catch 5 7 6 10 4.8 4.1 2.5 3.5 CPUE 15.6 13.5 9.7 14.3 Bluagill Catch 4 9 14 11 3.8 5.3 5.9 3.9 CPUE 12.5 17.3 22.6 15.7 Lepomis hybrid Catch 2 1 3 4 1.9 0.6 1.3 1.4 CPUE 6.3 1.9 4.8 5.7 Semlleouth boss Catch 4 9 13 16

7. 3.8 5.3 5.5 5.7 CPUE 12.5 17.3 21.0 22.9 Largemuth bass Catch 2 2 1 2 1.9 1.2 0.4 0.7 CPUE 6.3 3.8 1.6 2.9

Table 4.4-5. "ont hly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E22240 In I 985 (+ a Less than O.1X, CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr Pay Jum Jul Aug Oct Species 1.25 Hrs 1.22 Hrs 1.37 Hrs 1. 28 Hrs 1.47 Hrs 1.42 Hrs American eel Catch - 2 z - 0.5 CPUE - 1.6 Redfin pickerel Catch 1 2 1 1 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.7 1.6 0.7 0.7 Carp Catch 1 4 5 3 6 1 x 0.3 1.0 1.1 0.6 1.4 0.2 CPUE 0.8 3.3 3.6 2.3 4.1 0.7 Ihi te sucker Catch 169 60 75 88 75 68 z 43.4 14.9 16.9 17.8 16.9 16.3 CPUE 135.2 49.2 54.7 68.8 51.0 47.9 Creek chubsucker Catch I I 1 1 x 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 Yellow bullhead Catch 26 22 20 22 22 12 C. 6.7 S.4 4.5 4.4 5.0 2.9 CPUE 20.8 18.0 14.6 17.2 15.0 8.5 Browm bullhead Catch 2 3 l 0.5 0.7 0.2 CPUE 1.6 2.5 0.8 Redbreast sunfish Catch 58 128 140 144 170 148

'. 14.9 31.7 31.5 29.1 38.3 35.5 CPUE 46.4 104.9 102.2 112.5 115.6 104.2 Green sunfish Catch 70 127 143 168 1ts 128

'. 18.0 31.4 32.1 33.9 25.9 30.7 CPUE 56.0 104.1 104.4 131.3 78.2 90.1 Pumkinseed Catch 36 32 36 31 17 34 9.3 7.9 8.1 6.3 3.8 8.2 CPUE 28.8 26.2 26.3 24.2 11.6 23.9 z

Bluegill Catch 15 11 3 9 11 3

'. 3.9 2.7 0.7 1.8 2.5 0.7 CPUE 12.0 9.0 2.2 7.0 7.5 2.1 Lepomls hybrid Catch 6 10 10 to 9 6 CPUE 1.5 2.5 2.2 2.0 2.0 1.4 4.8 8.2 7.3 7.8 6.1 4.2 z

Smalleouth bass Catch 6 5 I1 11 1o 12

'. 1.5 1.2 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.9 CPIJE 4.8 4.1 7.3 8.6 6.8 8.5 Larwemouth bass Catch 1 5 7 3 0.2 1.0 1.6 0.7 CPUE 0.7 3.9 4.8 2.1

Table 4.4-6. Honthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perklomen Creek electroflshed at E12111 In 1985 (4 = Less than 0.1X, CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct species 0.35 Hrs 1.05 Frs 1.08 Nrs 0.87 Hrs 1.78 Hrs 0.98 Hrs American eel Catch C. - 0.1 -

CPUE - 0.6 -

GoldfIsh Catch 2 1 5 45 2

7. 0.6 0.6 1.3 6.3 1.4 CPUE 1.9 0.9 5.7 2S.3 2.0 Carp catch 2 I

7. 0.6 0.1 CPUE 1.9 0.6 lhite sucker Catch 14 2 2 97 9 33.3 0.6 0.5 13.6 6.1 CPUE 40.0 1.9 2.3 54.5 9.2 Creek chubsucker Catch  ! 96 3

7. 0.3 13.4 2.0 CPUE 1.0 53.9 3.1 Yell*w bullhead catch 3 9 2 6 78 4

7. 7.1 2.9 1.1 1.6 10.9 2.7 CPUE 8.6 8.6 1.9 6.9 43.8 4.1 Brown bullhead Catch I -

7. 0.3 CPUE 1.1 -

Margined eadtom Catch 1 I 2 6

7. 2.4 0.3 0.5 0.8 CPUE 2.9 1.0 2.3 3.4 Rock bass Catch 35 15 21 66 is 11.1 8.3 5.4 9.2 10.1 CPUE 33.3 13.9 24.1 37.1 15.3 Redbreast sunf Ish Catch 15 214 134 319 257 57 Y. 35.7 68.2 74.0 82.4 36.0 38.5 CPUE 42.9 203.8 124.1 366.7 144.4 58.2 Green sunfish catch 7 33 25 16 31 19 16.7 10.5 13.8 4.1 4.3 12.8 CPUE 20.0 31.4 23.1 18.4 17.4 19.4 Pumpk*nseed Catch 2 2 2 4 1.1 0.5 0.3 2.7 CPUE 1.9 2.3 1.1 4.1 I Iepols hybrid catch I 2 2

x. 2.4 0.3 1.4 CPU! 2.9 1.1 2.0 Smallmouth bass catch I 15 2 13 30 33

z. 2.4 4.8 1.1 3.4 4.2 22.3 CPUE 2.9 14.3 1.9 14.9 16.9 33.7 Largemouth bass Catch

x. - - - - 0.3 CPUE .... 1.1

Table 4.4-7. Mionthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek electrofished at E 5650 in 1985 (+ = Less than O.l., CFUE = fish per hour).

Apr Play Jun Jul Aug Oct species 1.07 Hrs 1.10 Hrs 1.27 Hrs 1.30 Hrs 1.62 Hrs 2.02 Wre Goldfish Catch 4 I 2 - 6 3 x 2.6 0.4 0.6 - 2.7 1.0 CPUE 3.7 0.9 1.6 - 3.7 1.5 Carp Catch 6 7 6 1 14 1 3.9 2.8 1.9 1.0 6.4 0.3 CPUE 5.6 6.4 4.7 0.8 8.6 0.5 Golden shiner Catch 2 2 7 x 0.8 0.9 2.2 CPUE 1.8 1.2 3.5 MhIte sucker Catch I 35 132 70 69 12 z 0.6 13.8 42.4 70.0 31.4 3.8 CPUE 0.9 31.8 103.9 53.8 42.6 5.9 Creek hu.bsucker Catch S I x 2.3 0.3 CPUE 3.1 0.5 Yellom bullhead Catch 14 6 12 1 5 10 9.0 2.4 3.9 1.0 2.3 3.2 CPUE 13.1 5.5 9.4 0.8 3.1 5.0 Brom bullhead Catch 3 3 7 5 2 4 CPue 1.9 1.2 2.3 S.0 0.9 1.3 2.8 2.7 5.5 3.8 1.2 2.0 Rock bass Catch 3 5 I 18 10 7 1.9 2.0 1.0 8.2 3.2 CPUE 2.8 4.5 0.8 11.1 5.0 Redbreast sunfish Catch 38 66 39 7 23 146

'. 24.5 26.1 12.5 7.0 10.5 46.8 CPUE 35.5 60.0 30.7 5.4 14.2 72.3 Oreen Sunfish Catch 46 89 98 11 54 80

'. 29.7 35.2 31.5 11.0 24.5 25.6 CPUE 43.0 80.9 77.2 8.5 33.3 39.6 Pumpkl nseed Catch 20 25 10 2 9 14 C. 12.9 9.9 3.2 2.0 4.1 4.5 CPUE 18.7 22.7 7.9 1.5 5.6 6.9 Bluegill Catch 7 3 3 I 3 1

'. 4.5 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.4 0.3 CPUE 6.5 2.7 2.4 0.8 1.9 0.5 Lepel s hybrid Catch 11 9 2 5 8 7.1 3.6 0.6 2.3 2.6 CPUE 10.3 8.2 1.6 3.1 4.0 Smallmouth bass Catch 2 2 1 4 15 1.3 0.8 1.0 1.8 4.8 CPUE 1.9 1.8 0.8 2.5 7.4 Largemouth bass Catch I z 0.5 CFUE 0.6

Table 4.4-8. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the East Branch Perklomen Creek electroflshed at E 1637 in 1985 (+ = Less than 0.17., CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr Hay Jun Jul Aug Oct Species 0.83 Mrs 1.47 Mrs 1.17 Mrs 1.83 Mrs 1.58 Mrs 1.37 Mrs American eel Catch 2 2 2 4 1.7 0.9 0.7 0.8 CPUE 2.4 1.4 1.7 2.5 Goldfish Catch I 1 I z 0.8 0.2 0.2 CPUE 1.2 0.6 0.7 Carp Catch 3 3 - 10 4 10 x 2.5 1.4 - 2.5 0.8 2.1 CPUE 3.6 2.0 - 5.5 2.5 7.3 Fallfish Catch 1 1 2 4 - -

x 0.8 0.5 0.7 1.0 - -

CPUE 1.2 0.7 1.7 2.2 - -

White sucker Catch 13 1 7 11 18 z 10.9 0.3 1.8 2.1 3.8 CPUE 15.7 0.9 3.8 7.0 13.1 Creek chubsucker Catch 1 I x 0.3 0.2 CPUE 0.5 0.7 Yellow bullhead Catch 16 15 13 14 37 21 z 13.4 6.8 4.2 3.5 7.2 4.5 CPUE 19.3 10.2 11.1 7.7 23.4 15.3 Brom bullhead Catch 3 2 1 -

z 2.5 0.9 0.3 -

CPU! 3.6 1.4 0.9 - -

Rock bass Catch 6 31 40 53 130 61 z

CPUE 5.0 14.2 13.0 13.4 2S.1 13.0 7.2 21.1 34.2 29.0 82.3 44.5 Redbreast sunfish Catch 22 118 195 211 206 184 z 18.5 53.9 63.5 53.1 39.8 39.3 CPUE 26.5 80.3 166.7 115.3 130.4 134.3 Green sunfish catch 21 20 13 19 30 18 17.6 9.1 4.2 4.8 5.8 3.8 CPUE 25.3 13.6 11.1 10.4 19.0 13.1 Pumpkinseed Catch 8 1 6

'. 6.7 O.S 1.3 CPUE 9.6 0.7 4.4 Bluegill catch 1 2 1 2 6 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.4 1.3 CPUE 0.7 1.7 0.5 1.3 4.4 Lepoels hybrid Catch 6 1 3 2 4 5.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 - 0.9 CPUE 7.2 0.7 2.6 1.1 - 2.9 Seal lmouth bass Catch 17 24 35 7S 92 137 14.3 11.0 11.4 18.9 17.8 29.3 CPUE 20.5 16.3 29.9 41.0 58.2 100.0 Larvemouth bass Catch - 1

- 0.2 CPUE - 0.7

4.5 Age and Growth of Selected Fishes Summary

1. Age and .growth characteristics and year-class strength of four species of fish from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek were evaluated using data collected in 1985. These species were redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker, and smallmouth bass.

2. Growth characteristics of all species of fish remained similar to findings in previous years. Redbreast sunfish, and to a lesser degree white sucker, exhibited an upstream to downstream increase in length at annulus.

Length at annulus for green sunfish was similar for all sites.

3. No significant variation in annual growth rates was evident for any species studied.

4. Year-class analysis reiterated most previous findings.

The 1985 year-class of smallmouth bass was very strong, and individuals of this age-group grew rapidly.

Introduction and Methods The age and growth program is part of a study designed to detect diversion-induced changes in the growth and year-class 4.5-1

strength of representative and important species of fish. Fish were aged by reading scale samples taken from specimens collected by electrofishing in the fall of the year, after most annual growth had been completed. Redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, and white sucker have been studied since 1973; smallmouth bass have been studied since 1983.

five sample stations were E36020, E30540, E22240, E12040, and E1550. These stations were essentially the same as those for the EBPC electrofishing program, but to ensure sufficient numbers of fish for age and growth analysis, fish from above and below the designated site were sometimes collected. Goals were set for sample size for each species at each station. It was known in advance, however, that these goals would probably not be met at some stations for some species.

Results and Discussion Age Determination and Growth History Redbreast sunfish collected in 1985 were assigned to age-groups I-XV on the basis of scale reading. Mean lengths at an-nulus were back-calulated for 309 fish (Table 4.5-1). The previously established upstream to downstream increase in growth rate was once again evident. With the exception of length at an-nulus II for fish at upstream sites E36020 and E30540, back-4.5-2

calulated length at annulus was greater for a given annulus at each station when viewed from upstream to downstream.

Validation of the methodology for aging and back-calculation was accomplished by comparison of observed mean lengths at cap-ture with the back-calculated mean lengths (Table 4.5-2). Good agreement was observed.

Green sunfish collected in 1985 were assigned to age-groups I-IV on the basis of scale reading. Mean lengths at annulus were back-calculated for 346 fish (Table 4.5-3). Lengths at annulus for all sites were quite similar, except when sample size for an annulus was very small. Greatest growth occurred in the second year of life.

White sucker collected in 1985 were also assigned to age-groups I-IV on the basis of scale reading. Mean lengths at an-nulus were calculated for 225 fish (Table 4.5-4). Back-calculated lengths at annulus exhibited a strong upstream to dow-nstream increase in growth. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths at annulus with observed mean length at capture (Table 4.5-5) supports the validity of age determination by scale reading, even though growth of individual white suckers tends to be quite variable compared to other species being studied.

Seventy-seven smallmouth bass collected in 1985 were assigned to age groups I-V. Back-calculated mean lengths at annulus are 4.5-3

presented in Table 4.5-6. Back-calculated lengths were validated by comparison with observed lengths at capture (Table 4.5-7).

Excellent agreement was observed except for Age 0 fish which were larger at capture (121 mm) than back-calculated length at Annulus 1 (91 mm). This discrepancy may be due simply to the likelihood that YOY smallmouth bass grew faster in 1985 than in previous years. or to greater gear efficiency for larger YOY smallmouth bass.

Greatest growth of smallmouth bass occurred in the first year of life. Differences in growth between stations were not clear due to small sample sizes at some sites. Greatest growth ap-peared to occur at station £22240, with growth at station E30540 being nearly as great. Sample size, however, was very small (5 fish) at station E22240.

Year-Class Strength Year-class analysis of fish collected in 1985 confirmed some previous conclusions about relative year-class strengths, but also produced some unexpected results. Some of the inconsisten-cies noted may have been related to the low flow conditions that existed throughout 1985. These low flows tended to dewater areas that in the past held fish and also to cause some areas to be so shallow that only smaller individuals of a species would occupy them. Redistribution of this type could change the age com-

position of a group of samples without any major changes in the actual age composition in the stream.

Redbreast sunfish displayed an age composition approximating a normal catch curve that reflects a healthy population (Table 4.5-8). Nine individuals (Age 5) of the abundant 1980 year-class uere collected. This is an unusually large number of such old fish. The abundant 1983 year-class (Age II) remained very strong, comprising35.9X (111 of 309) of fish collected. Age I redbreast comprised 29.1X (90 of 309) of the catch, demonstrating adequate but not good reproduction. This result is in contrast to the great scarcity of Age I redbreast sunfish that occurred in the Schuylkill River. Possibly the adverse affects of high ilows

. during the spauning season were less intense on the EBPC.

Station E30540 continued to support a large number of older and larger redbreast sunfish (21 individuals of Age IV or older).

A length-frequency histogram for redbreast collected in October (Figure 4.5-1) suggests that most year-classes are adequately represented. However, peaks representing year-classes in stream-wide length-frequency histograms can be obscured by overlap caused by differential growth at various stations, which is a characteristic of East Branch redbreast sunfish.

Green sunfish displayed an age composition that confirmed adequate reproduction in each of the three years, 1982-1984 4.5-5

(Table 4.5-9). In fact, the 1984 year-class (Age I) comprised 63.6X (220 of 346) of fish collected, indicating much greater than average reproduction. The development of this large year-class is further evidence that the adverse environmental factors that negatively impacted strength of the 1984 year-class of Schuylkill River redbreast did not exert a similar effect on the EBPC sunfish populations.

The overall age composition demonstrates the high natural mortality to which EBPC green sunfish are subjected. Age III green sunfish had declined to 7.8X (27 of 346) of collected fish.

Only 9 of 346 (2.6X) green sunfish were Age IV or older.

Observed mean length at capture of Age I, II, and III green sunfish aged by reading of scales (Table 4.5-10) corresponded roughly to local maxima in the October length-frequency histogram (Figure 4.5-2). The histogram reiterated the apparent intense mortality.

Age composition of white sucker collected from EBPC in 1985 (Table 4.5-11) showed that most year-classes of white sucker were well-represented, with the 1983 year class (Age II) being the exception. This age-group had appeared as the relatively weak Age I year-class in the 1984 collection, and appears weaker still as the Age II year-class in 1985. The stream-wide length-frequency histogram for white sucker collected during the October

4. 5-6

1985 electrofishing sample showed the abundance of Age 0 (1985 year-class) fish (Figure 4.5-3).

Comparison with Earlier Findings Length at annulus of redbreast sunfish continued to be similar when compared with results from earlier years; greatest growth again occurred in the second year of life. The upstream to downstream increase in growth first reported in the EROL and demonstrated in each collection thereafter, was once again seen in the 1985 collection.

Redbreast sunfish continued to display a healthy age dis-

. tribution with the 1983 year-class (Age II), previously iden-tified as very abundant, continuing to be strong. The 1984 year-class had been labeled relatively weak in the 1984 Progress Report as a result of seine and electrofishing collections. This finding was confirmed by the age composition of the 1985 age and growth collection; however, the 90 Age I redbreast collected in 1985 did represent 29.1X of the sample, which indicates an adequate, but low, level of reproduction in 1984. The EBPC red-breast sunfish population continued to be a relatively long-lived one, with 42 of 309 (13.6X) fish Age IV or older.

Green sunfish, however, showed no consistent upstream to dow-nstream growth rate differences; this was in agreement with 4.5-7

previous findings. Greatest growth continued to occur in the second year of life. Only eighteen green sunfish could be col-lected from site E1550. Low flows had eliminated much of the preferred back-water habitat of this species.

The 1984 year-class (Age I) of green sunfish was surprisingly strong. Green sunfish did not seem to be adversely affected by high flows and low temperatures during 1984 as had redbreast sun-fish in both the EBPC and Schuylkill River. The previously esta-blished high natural mortality rate of green sunfish was reiterated by the 1985 collection.

The upstream versus downstream difference in growth of white

. sucker (faster growth downstream), first reported in the EROL and then appearing in subsequent data, continued to be manifested in the 1985 data. Lengths at annulus were quite similar to those calculated for data collected in 1981, 1983, and 1984. Age com-position of the 1985 age and growth sample suggests that the 1983 year-class is extremely weak, a characteristic of the population not detected in the 1984 sample. However, conclusions about year-class strength are somewhat speculative due to sample biases inherent with this species, which were discussed in detail in the 1979-1983 Progress Report. Once again, the average age of white suckers tended to increase as sampling proceded downstream.

4.5-8

Back-calculated mean lengths at annulus of smallmouth bass uere similar to back-calculated lengths for data collected in 1983 and 1984. Observed length at capture as uell as the length-frequency histogram (Figure 4.5-4) indicated that YOY smallmouth bass grew exceptionally well in 1985. YOY smallmouth bass were also abundant.

4.5-9

Table 4.5-1. Back-calculated mean lengths (m) at annulus for Redbreast sumflsh collected from the East Branch Perklomen Creek, 1985.

Mean Standard Station Am lus No. Length Deviation E36020 1 17 30.8 4.1 1T 16 65.3 5.Z ZT 2 86.1 13.0 IV 2 106.3 2.0 E30540 1 78 32.0 7.0 11 56 65.2 10.2 111 38 94.7 9.2 IV 21 115.9 8.9 E22240 1 84 33.4 6.0 1I 63 74.9 10.1 111 20 104.8 11.7 IV 4 121.3 10.S E12040 I 58 34.8 9.7 II 29 93.0 11.6 IIZ 15 133.3 10.0 IV 4 151.6 6.1 72 40.3 9.9 55 96.7 16.4 IV 33 134.1 13.8 11 154.2 11.7 Combined 309 34.8 8.6 219 79.6 17.7 IV 108 113.8 21.6 42 129.4 20.6 Table,4.5-2. Comparison of back-calculated man lengths (m) at annulus Nith observed man lengths (m) at capture of Redbreast sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, October 1985.

Annulus No. Back-calculated Observed mean mean length length at capture No. Age I 309 35 56 26 0 11 219 80 79 90 I 111 108 114 114 111 1I IV 42 129 137 66 111 144 32 IV

Table 4.5-3. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perkiomen Creek* 1985.

Mean Standard Station Annulus No. Length Deviation E36020 1 87 37.0 7.9 it 11 72.9 17.0 111 4 102.3 14.8 IV 3 126.1 13.1 E30540 I 69 38.2 7.9 U1 40 77.2 10.9 111 11 117.0 10.5 IV I 134.6 -

E22240 I 97 32.9 6.4 11 51 66.2 9.5 1II 18 100.7 12.0 IV 4 115.9 14.7 E12040 1 78 35.8 8.1 11 21 82.9 12.5 111 3 108.0 17.5 IV 1 131.4 -

E 1550 1 15 38.0 11.7 Ux 3 93.8 26.4 III - - -

IV - - -

Combined I 346 35.9 8.0 11 126 73.7 13.5 111 36 106.4 13.9 IV 9 123.1 13.3

Table 4.5-4. Back-calculated mean lengths (m) at annulus for lWhite sucker collected from the East Branch Perklome Creek, 1985.

Mean Standard Station Ann,ulus No. Length Deviation E36020 I 65 74.3 7.9 11 21 132.9 23.2 211 7 186.3 22.6 IV 1 228.3 -

E30540 I 66 82.3 10.3 II 25 150.4 24.3 2[11 17 218.7 29.7 IV 3 252.4 27.7 E22240 I 42 91.6 13.9 II 3S 157.5 18.1 2 11 32 221.8 20.5 IV 14 254.4 16.8 E12040 I 37 93.3 15.2 II 37 177.9 23.0 2[1 37 253.4 27.5 IV 18 287.0 25.5 E 1550 I 13 90.4 20.0 11 5 216.6 14.1 2 II 4 307.4 28.5 IV 1 367.1 -

Combined I 225 84.0 14.1 II 123 160.4 28.9

[I 97 23.3 35.4 IV 37 272.4 32.0 Table 4.5-5. Comparison of back-calculated man lengths (m) at annulus Nith observed mean lengths (me) at capture of W4hite sucker collected from the East Branch Perklomen Creek, October 1985.

Back-calculated Observed mean Annulus No. man length length at capture No. Age I 225 84 124 55 0 Ix 123 160 151 102 I 11 97 234 212 26 II IV 37 272 289 60 I1I 308 29 IV

Table 4.5-6. Back-calculated man lengths (m) at annulus for Smallmouth bass collected from the Erast Branch Perkiomen Creek, 1985.

Iean Standard Station Annulus No. Length Deviation 82.8 E36020 III 1 -

iI'r . _ -

IV - - -

E30540 I 13 92.1 12.5 1I 11 172.9 17.8 III 5 215.3 8.3 IV 2 237.7 10.2 E22240 I 5 97.4 12.9 II 4 175.7 26.6 ZII 1 224.0 IV 257.8 E12040 I 20 90.0 10.6 13 156.8 1S.0 IV  ! 209.4 E 1550 1 38 90.2 9.9 IV 31 151.1 12.0 13 194.0 15.0 4 241.8 18.4 Combined I 77 90.8 10.6 59 158.1 17.4 IV 20 201.6 16.6 7 242.9 15.3 Table 4.5-7. Comparison of back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus mith observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Seallmouth bass collect froa the East Branch Perklmen Creek, October 1985.

Back-calculated Observed mean Annulus No. mean length length at capture No. Age 1 77 91 121 28 0 1I 59 158 161 18 I III 20 202 212 39 11 IV 7 243 238 13 111 278 6 IV

Table 4.5-8. Age coqmosition of Redbreast sunfish collected from the East Branch Perklomen Creek during 1985.

Humber of Specimens Year Location I II III IV V VI TOTAL 1985 E36020 1 14 - 2 - - 17 E30540 22 18 17 16 4 1 78 E22240 21 43 16 3 1 - 84 Ei2040 29 14 11 3 1 - 58 E 1550 17 22 22 8 3 - 72 Combined 90 111 66 32 9 I 309 Table 4.5-9. Age composItion of Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perklomen Creek during 1985.

ikmber of Specimens Year Location I II III IV V VI TOTAL 1985 E36020 76 7 I 3 - - 87 E30540 29 29 10 1 - - 69 E22240 46 33 14 3 1 - 97 EI2040 57 18 2 1 - - 78 E 1550 12 3 - - - - 15 Combined 220 90 27 8 1 - 346

Table 4.S-I0. Comparison of back-calculated "ean lengths (m) at annulus ootth observed mean lengths (mm) at capture of Green sunfish collected from the East Branch Perktomen Creek, October 1985.

Back-calculated Observed mean Annulus No. mean length length at capture No. Age 1 346 36 54 24 0 I I 126 74 76 220 1 111 36 106 113 90 II IV 9 123 133 27 111 137 8 IV Table 4.5-11. Age composition of WIhite sucker collected from the East Branch Perklomen Creek during 1985.

4 r of Specimens Year Location III IV V VI TOTAL 44 14 1985 E36020 6 1 - - 65 E30540 43 8 14 3 - - 68 E22240 7 3 18 11 3 - 42 E12040 - - 19 14 4 - 37 E1550 8 1 3 - I - 13 Combined 102 26 60 29 8 - 225

FIGURE 4.5-1. LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF REDBREAST SUNFISH COLLECTED FROM THE EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEN CREEK, OCTOBER 1985.

40

~35 30 F

R 25 E

U 20 E

N X C i Y

I. - I I\ I. I

• I/ 4/v X - 1 4x \ **,

10 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 1H0 M15 120 125 130 135 140 145 50 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 LENGTH MIDPOINT (ru)

FIGURE 4.5-2. LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF GREEN SUNFISH COLLECTED FROM THE EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEN CREEK, OCTOBER 1985.

30 25 F 20 R

E 0

U 15 E

N C

Y to 5

0 50 55 50 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 tO0 105 H1O 115 120 125 t30 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 LENGTH MIDPOINT (mm)

.1 1

p 5 FIGURE 4.5-3. LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF WHITE SUCKER COLLECTED FROM THE EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEN CREEK, OCTOBER 1985.

IB 16 t4 F t2 R

E a io U

E B N

C Ye 4

2 0

50 60 70 80 90 100 M0 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 250 290 300 30 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400 LENGTH MIDPOINT (mm)

FIGURE 4.5-4. LENGTH FREOUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF SMALLMOUTH BASS COLLECTED FROM THE EAST BRANCH PERKIOMEN CREEK, OCTOBER 1985.

45 40 35 F

R E 30 U 25-" ,

E N 20 C

15 to 10 0

50 60 70 80 90 100 11O 120 t30 t40 150 160 170 18O 190 200 2t0 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 LENGTH MIDPOINT (mm) 1r

4.6 Creel Survey Summary

1. A creel survey was conducted at EBPC access points from April through September in 1985.

2. Total fishing pressure estimated at bimonthly intervals summed to 8,940 angler-hours for the season. Fishing pressure peaked in June and July and declined sharply thereafter. Fishing was concentrated in public parks, especially at MaWa Dam and in the town of Sellersville.

3. Anglers caught fish at an overall rate of 1.73 fish/angler-hour. An estimated 15,866 fish, 80% of which were Lepomis sunfish, were caught along with an estimated 871 smallmouth bass. In all, 12 species or hybrids were taken by recreational anglers.

4. Nearly 90% of the estimated 3,653 fish harvested were Lepomis sunfish. A relatively high percentage (23%) of the total catch was harvested compared to past EBPC creel surveys, but over one-half of the estimated harvest oc-curred in late season when a small group of anglers har-vested a disproportionaltely large percentage of their catch. Annual harvest by weight amounted to an estimated 4.6-1

292 kg, or about 6 kg per surface ha or 8 kg per km of stream.

5. Proportions of anglers fishing EBPC in 1985 classified by age, sex, and mode of access were similar to past determinations. "Bass" was the most popular kind of fish among anglers having a preference, although a majority fished for anything.

Introduction and Methods A survey of recreational fishing at EBPC access points began in 1980 and was also conducted in 1981, 1983, and 1985. The level of survey effort in 1985 was reduced to one-half the level used in previous surveys. The original sampling design (RMC 1984) was modified to estimate fishing pressure for bimonthly in-stead of monthly intervals. Other field and computational procedures did not change.

Fishery characteristics that were investigated included 1) bimonthly fishing pressure at public access points along the en-tire length of the stream, 2) bimonthly catch and harvest by species, and 3) information about preferred fish species, access, and the age and sex composition of anglers. Creel survey data can augment studies of fish population dynamics and are useful in fisheries management. Baseline preoperational creel survey data 4.6-2

would be of potential use in evaluating postoperational changes in the large fish community following diversion of Delaware River water into EBPC.

Results and Discussion Fishing Pressure Total fishing pressure estimated at bimonthly intervals (Table 4.6-1) summed to 8,940 angler-hour for the season. This total was below the average seasonal fishing pressure of 10,128 angler-hour measured in 1980, 1981, and 1983 (RMC 1984). Fishing pressure peaked in June and July and then declined sharply during August and September. Late summer and early autumn declines in fishing pressure on EBPC were observed in previous survey years.

Most fishing in 1985 took place at previously identified popular locations including WaWa Dam and Park and the town of Sellersville (Table 4.6-2). Three closely spaced access points between Moyer Road and Old Sumneytown Pike were also used frequently. Two angling parties, one containing eight anglers and another with three anglers, were sighted in the reach above Sellersville, however, none was in the immediate vicinity of the proposed outfall for the Point Pleasant Water Diversion Project.

4.6-3

Catch and Harvest Averaged over the season, anglers caught fish at a rate of 1.73 fish per angler-hour (Table 4.6-1). An estimated 15,866 fish were caught between April and September (Table 4.6-3). One-half of the seasonal total was caught in the June-July sampling period when fishing pressure peaked. Although catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) was greatest in the August-September period, CPUE was based on only a few anglers, and total catch for this period was greatly reduced due to the lack of fishing pressure.

Unidentified (released) sunfish comprised 60% of the estimated catch, and one-half of the remainder was comprised of Lepomis sunfish, including (in order of decreasing abundance) - bluegill, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, hybrid sunfish, and green sunfish (Table 4.6-3). Anglers caught an estimated 871 smallmouth bass.

Peak catches of this recreationally important species occurred in June and July. In all, 12 species or hybrids appeared in the catch.

Compared to past creel surveys on EBPC, a relatively high proportion (23%) of the total catch was harvested (Table 4.6-3).

Hearly 90% of the 3,653 fish harvested were Lepomis sunfish, principally bluegill and pumpkinseed. Over one-half of the es-timated harvest occurred during August and September when a small group of anglers harvested a disproportionately large percentage of their catch. If the harvest rate by these individuals was not 4.6-4

representative of other anglers during this period, then the true harvest during August and September may have been considerably lower. The estimated harvest for April through July was only 11%

of the total catch, which was more similar to previous creel sur-vey information. The weight of seasonal harvest (Table 4.6-4) could not be estimated with precision because of the low number of fish actually observed in anglers' creels, but appeared to be comparable to previous estimates (RIC 1984). In all, an es-timated 292 kg of fish were harvested in 1985, which amounts to about 6 kg per surface ha or 8 kg per km of stream.

Characteristics of Anglers Proportions of anglers fishing EBPC in 1985 classified by age, sex, and mode of access (Table 4.6-5) were not much diff-erent from previous determinations (RaC-Environmental Services 1984). Fifteen percent of EBPC anglers were female, which was slightly higher than the percentage of female anglers on the Perkiomen Creek or Schuylkill River creel survey areas, but was lower than a recently determined national average of 30% (U.S.

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S.

Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census 1982).

"Bass" was the most popular kind of fish among anglers having a preference, although a majority fished for whatever they could 4.6-5

catch (Table 4.6-6). host of the remaining effort uas directed towards sunfish, carp, and catfish.

4.6-6

Table 4.6-1. Bimonthly estimates of fishing pressure with standard error and coefficient of variation (from angler counts),

and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) based on observed effort, total catch (includes released fish), harvest (includes only fish kept) from angler interviews on East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Fishing pressure Bimonthly Number of Fishing pressure Standard Coefficient of period survey trips (angler-hours) error variation (%)

Apr-May 8 3159 782 25 Jun-Jul 8 4931 1504 30 Aug-Sep 8 850 428 50 Total 24 8940 Mean: 35 CPUE Number of Observed Bimonthly anglers effort Total Total Total Harvest period interviewed (angler-hours) catch CPUE harvest CPUE Apr-May 54 75.3 127 1.69 16 0.21 Jun-Jul 50 61.5 99 1.61 11 0.18 Aug-Sep 8 8.5 26 3.06 21 2.47 Total 112 145.3 252 1.73 48 0.33

Table 4.6-2. Nua4mer of anglers Interviewed at East Branch Perkionen Creek access points during 1985.

tie ter Access Point tkumber 1985 Garges Rd. 2100 4 Camp Wlawa Rd. + Park 5550 16 Old Sumneytomn Pike 11700 7 Pa. Route 63 11800 7 Moyer Rd. 12500 9 liorwood Rd. + Park 15900 3 Cowpath Rd. 20950 4 Cathill Rd. 23000 2 Sellersvi lie Gamre 26250 5 Pa. Route 152 26650 2 Sellersville Dam

• Park 26720 30 Lenape Park 27080 14 Blooming Glenn Rd. 31380 8 Branch Rd. 32200 3

Table 4.6-3. Bimonthly species composition and estimated number of--

fish caught and number of fish harvested by anglers fishing the East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Bimonthly period: Apr-May Jun-Jul Aug-Sep Total Species Catch Harvest Catch Harvest Catch Harvest Catch Harvest White sucker 168 168 Carp 42 80 122 Golden shiner 160 160 Brown bullhead 100 100 100 100 Unidentified catfish 252 252 Bluegill 126 561 401 500 500 1187 901 Green sunfish 252 252 160 160 100 100 512 512 Pumpkinseed 42 42 160 700 700 902 742 Redbreast sunfish 168 168 80 80 300 300 548 548 Hybrid sunfish 84 84 160 160 300 300 544 544 Unidentified sunfish 3524 5693 400 - 9617 Rock bass 294 42 241 - 535 42 Smallmouth bass 210 42 561 80 100 871 122 Largemouth bass 42 42 80 100 100 222 142 Unidentified bass 126 126 Total 5330 672 7936 881 2600 2100 15866 3653

Table 4.6-4. Estimated weight of angler harvest by species! from East Branch Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Number in Average weight Estimated number Weight of Species creel per fish(g) harvested harvest(kg)

Brown bullhead 1 278.0 100 27.8 Bluegill 10 55.1 901 49.6 Green sunfish 9 56.2 512 28.8 Pumpkinseed 8 60.2 742 44.7 Redbreast sunfish 8 54.0 548 29.6 Hybrid sunfish 7 51.6 544 28.1 Rock bass 1 157.0 42 6.6 Smallmouth bass 2 405.0 122 49.5 Largemouth bass 2 191.0 142 27.2

Table 4.6-5. Age and sex composition and mode of access for anglers interviewed on the East Branch Perkiomen CreiI during 1985.

Sex trmber I1ales 95 85 17 15 Females 112 Age( Years)

Child (<13) 38 1I Teen (13-191 12 Adult (20-64) 62 55 112 100 Mode of Access Boat 2 2 Shore 107 94 Wdadinrg 5 4 114 100 Table 4.6-6. Preferred fishes of East Branch Perkiowen Creek anglers during 1985.

t4umer of anglers identifying as:

Category ist Choice 2nd Choice Total Anything 44 - 44 Bass 31 6 37 Sunfish 15 10 '5 Carp 10 2 12 Catfish 8 2 10 Sucker 2 2 4 Trout 2 - 2

5.0 Perkiomen Creek Perkiomen Creek is located in the Triassic Lowland section of the Piedmont physiographic province, a rich farming area of roll-ing hills. It is a major Schuylkill River tributary and drains 938 kmZ of Lehigh, Berks, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties.

Ho major population centers occur within its relatively rural watershed which contains a number of small boroughs. Most sur-rounding land is residential or used for agriculature. Low base flows and frequent spates characterize an extremely variable flow regime. Spring flows are generally high due to snow melt and precipitation; late summer and early autumn flows are very low

. but subject to rapid fluctuation due to local thunderstorms.

The aquatic community of the Perkiomen Creek system has been influenced by man's long history of activities in the watershed.

Water quality and flows have been altered, habitat changed or eliminated, and the species complex directly manipulated.

Although these activities probably have reduced diversity somewhat, the community remains relatively stable and healthy.

The creek downstream of the East Branch confluence will be impacted by water diversion and water withdrawal will occur at Graterford. The Graterford intake design incorporates state-of-the-art technology, i.e., 2-mm slot width, wedge-wire screens located mid-channel and oriented parallel with the current.

5. 0-1

Although Graterford intake construction is complete, little water was pumped from the Perkiomen Creek. Therefore, LGS operation had limited impact on the Perkiomen Creek.

The Perkiomen Creek study area included that stretch from Spring Mount Road bridge downstream to the Collegeville Dam. For a detailed description of this area, refer to the LGS EROL (PECo

.1981 Section 6.1). Sample stations are designated by common name and by the letter 'P' followed by a number that indicates distance in meters from the mouth of the creek. Where sample stations include several meters of stream, the numbers designate the downstream end of the stations.

Aquatic biota of the Perkiomen Creek study area was studied extensively from 1970 through 1978 and is summarized in the LGS EROL (PECo 1981, Section 2.2.2.2). Additional studies of water quality (1979-1984) and fishes (1980-1984) were summarized in subsequent progress reports (RMC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985). The results of these studies conducted in 1985 are sum-marized below.

5.0-2

5.1 Water Quality Summary

1. Perkiomen Creek water quality continued to be monitored in 1985. Grab samples were obtained biweekly at one con-trol station and one station on the future diversion-affected reach of the stream.

2. Low flows characterized most of 1985, but high flow events were also observed. Most of the new minimum and maximum water quality constituent values observed in 1985 were directly related to the low flow conditions, but many of the new extreme values were just slightly outside the previously established post-EROL period ranges.

3. The 1985 data show that Perkiomen Creek water quality was quite similar to that reported in the EROL and post-EROL progress reports.

Introduction and Methods Investigation of Perkiomen Creek water quality in relation to LGS began in May 1974 and continued through 1985. The objectives of this program are to assess impacts of future diversion operation on water quality of the creek, provide water quality information regarding the consequences to LGS operations of 5.1-1

Perkiomen Creek use as a cooling water source, and to complement concurrent aquatic ecological programs.

As in previous years, sampling was conducted at two stations on the mainstem Perkiomen Creek (Fig. 5.1-1). Station P18700 is located just upstream of the Route 73 bridge and above the East Branch confluence. This control station provides water quality information on the diversion-unaffected portion of the Perkiomen Creek. Station P14390 is situated downstream of the East Branch confluence and in the immediate vicinity of the Graterford Intake. Sampling was conducted once every 2 weeks at both sample stations. All samples were collected as mid-channel, subsurface grabs and were analyzed according to standard, widely accepted methods.

Results and Discussion Overall, Perkiomen Creek flows were low and interrupted by few high flow events in 1985 (Table 5.1-1). Compared to flow data recorded over a 15 year period, 1970-1985, the mean monthly flows in 1985 were below average in all months except September and November (Table 5.1-2).

Many new maximum and minimum parameter values for the post-EROL period (1979-1985) were recorded in 1985. Host were as-sociated with the extended low flows experienced in the current

5. 1-2

reporting period, and the vast majority were only slightly out-side the previously established ranges.

Perkiomen Creek is a moderately hard warmwater stream which receives moderate amounts of nonindustrial pollution inputs as indicated by elevated concentrations of nutrients. The stream appears to fluctuate between a sulfate and carbonate ionic base and often contains high concentrations of major cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium).

P18700 Seasonal summaries of water quality data obtained at this location are provided for 1979-1985 in Table 5.1-3 and for 1985 alone in Table 5.1-4. Several new minimum and maximum values were recorded for 1985 when compared to the 1979-1984 period (Tables 5.1-5 and 5.1-6, respectively).

In winter the new zinc maximum was a significant extension of the quarterly range and was the highest concentration observed at either Perkiomen Creek station in 1985. New minima established for biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness, and calcium coin-cided with new minima established for these parameters at the downstream station. The new minimum dissolved oxygen value recorded in spring occurred during an extended low flow and high temperature period in late April. Of the four parameters for 5.1-3

which new maximum concentrations were recorded in the spring quarter, all parameters except nitrite nitrogen are conservative and vary inversely with flow. Thus, the new records established for the conservative parameters can be explained by the low flows which occurred in spring. The nitrite nitrogen maximum was a slight extension of the range and coincided with a new maxima es-tablished on the same date at the lower sample site. In summer, the only new maximum value observed was for sulfate, and it did not represent a major extension of the range established prior to 1985. The new minima for biochemical oxygen demand and fecal coliforms were minor exceedances of the previously established ranges. In the fall quarter, new maximum values were recorded for six parameters, and all represented minor range extensions.

P14390 Water quality data for this station are presented as seasonal summaries for 1979-1985 in Table 5.1-7 and for 1985 alone in Table 5.1-8. The new minimum and maximum values established in 1985 are shown in Tables 5.1-9 and 5.1-10, respectively.

In winter, only the new maximum total dissolved solids value was a major extension of the established range. Exceedances for the other parameters were minor. In spring a new dissolved oxygen value was recorded on 24 April and on this same date new maxima were established for five conservative parameters which

5. 1-4

vary inversely with flow. In summer, new maxima were recorded for several conservative parameters as low flows persisted. The new iron and coliform minima extended the previously established ranges to minimum values found in other quarters. The ex-ceedances observed in the fall quarter were unremarkable.

5. 1-5

Table 5.1-1. Mean daily Perkiomen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Graterford US Geological Survey gage in 1985.

Date Jan Feb Mlar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dee 01 353 229 387 300 96 125 68 414 72 221 113 2520 02 672 294 358 365 114 163 61 135 63 171 111 H/A 03 766 333 310 290 2850 124 59 82 52 1280 110 tI/A 04 457 278 '276 258 1420 107 55 70 55 912 111 653 05 440 256 342 249 628 109 52 64 56 603 317 512 06 374 286 401 243 401 191 55 63 58 430 339 474 07 359 283 317 264 340 IS1 76 61 57 277 195 458 08 372 261 321 239 262 127 80 133 60 215 153 421 09 257 244 334 214 195 141 112 101 68 172 130 389 1o 266 235 280 195 172 123 87 68 82 156 119 Il/A It 247 234 253 187 162 109 69 56 70 138 120 327 12 272 3300 390 182 149 96 60 50 62 11 120 343 13 292 3150 543 172 156 89 55 49 54 110 128 375 14 235 1020 345 163 163 82 52 49 54 113 126 680 15 176 646 282 160 135 75 57 52 52 122 144 419 16 193 456 221 163 123 198 69 47 52 114 535 337 17 204 379 205 161 160 279 64 43 52 101 4820 319 18 180 331 198 149 572 181 56 45 52 87 1070 290 19 159 344 168 138 347 125 49 45 52 90 634 232 20 261 383 162 132 230 105 44 47 55 88 472 241 21 270 353 164 129 104 96 42 50 54 88 368 216 22 193 353 150 130 191 82 66 57 55 94 1230 W/A 23 225 621 174 125 192 76 60 56 55 76 1420 171 24 242 834 279 125 183 69 49 53 54 88 696 H/A 251 745 277 130 156 91 46 97 St 123 467 ff/A 26 249 573 251 120 129 80 62 237 53 115 F/A 187 27 242 529 210 III 116 66 165 122. 11900 202 1740 N/A 28 237 446 192 104 107 62 146 83 2130 104 3380 N/A 29 231 192 97 108 66 83 73 537 104 3020 I/A 30 218 187 98 98 69 71 66 313 102 1410 WiA 31 215 180 95 91 81 N,/A t/A Minimum 159 229 150 97 95 62 42 43 51 76 110 171 Mean 294 621 269 180 330 115 70 86 546 217 814 478 Median 249 353 276 162 163 106 61 63 55 115 339 359 mlaxiwm."u 766 3300 543 365 2850 279 165 414 11900 1280 4820 2520

Table 5.1-2. Mean monthly Perkiogmen Creek discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Graterford US Geological Survey gage, 1970 - 1985.

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1970 238 871 552 1123 167 240 83 89 64 183 727 395 1971 458 1241 770 467 361 162 116 493 1163 396 672 302 1972 468 691 984 482 601 1330 248 75 58 82 1132 1092 1973 719 731 521 1074 541 519 242 172 98 81 114 1311 1974 762 267 730 953 371 171 80 167 416 217 131 696 1975 895 903 836 471 466 790 1076 168 586 534 431 310 1976 1006 723 424 403 199 127 102 103 75 371 168 270 1977 134 710 1243 819 230 98 90 104 70 Z8O 827 1307 1978 1344 278 1525 351 864 191 218 273 133 104 118 704 1979 2071 1186 752 527 733 298 136 143 648 657 661 398 1980 354 156 1043 816 379 112 93 74 80 99 137 83 1981 76 539 209 564 488 173 100 54 73 II1 137 331 19P2 542 973 387 933 290 946 143 84 58 5. 128 217 1983 410 587 1112 1759 542 250 66 63 46 151 734 1491 1984 291 1106 946 1100 1259 557 1286 189 93 103 171 397 1985 296 621 272 180 330 115 70 86 546 217 814 478 Miniiu 58 58 83 97 74 62 31 38 28 35 35 58 Mean 630 723 770 751 489 380 262 146 263 229 448 625 Median 280 350 424 396 262 162 90 78 70 99 162 311 Maximum 14602 10000 9440 11399 8350 13300 14800 9000 11900 4430 8080 14300

Table 5.1-3. Summary of Perklomen Creek mater quality at Station P18700, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jui, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov 9 of Parameter Min led Max fin Mid rlax Min ied Max Min lied Max Samples Temperature (C) -1.0 1.1 8.0 1.0 9.9 211.0 14.0 22.5 27.0 3.5 14.5 23.5 166 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 8.7 12.5 15.8 6.8 11.1 11i.1 5.8 8.0 12.7 6.8 10.1 14.4 174 Biochemical Oxyrren Demmnd (mg/li 0.1 1.7 4.7 1.0 2.0 3.5 0.4 1.6 3.7 0.2 1.5 7.0 176 Ch~emical Oxygen Demand (mg/li 0.0 11.6 61.9 0.0 13.9 4*2.7 0.0 II.0 76.6 0.0 13.1 42.1 175 Total Organic Carbon (m*/l) 0.0 3.8 20.2 0.0 3.5 I 5.7 0.0 4.7 16.0 0.0 4.9 21.4 169 plt 7.04 7.60 8.82 7 .33 7.86 8. .79 7.28 7.92 9.19 7.41 8.03 9.09 176 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 11.4 50.6 99.6 4.7 43.4 6( 1.5 20.5 59.2 77.8 34.9 66.5 83.8 176 Total Hard, ess (mJ/l) 40.3 80.3 147.2 4' 0.9 70.8 It1 2.5 54.4 82.7 123.6 53.4 92.7 179.1 175 Specific Conductance (usm/ca) 126 213 381 109 182 239 106 222 '(152 145 250 585 176 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 0 2 471 0 7 63 0 9 37 0 2 23 176 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 85 167 275 99 148 244 70 178 325 100 180 397 176 Total Inorganic Carbon (Mg/I) 12.6 54.7 102.2 I00.8 45.1 5;7.7 20.9 61.7 79.3 50.8 68.7 85.1 98 Chloride (mg/l) 12.1 22.7 49.3 9.2 16.7 2*9.4 4.6 19.1 64.0 11.0 23.0 67.1 176 Sulfate (mg/l) 15.4 32.8 70.4 2.0 29.2 410.1 0.0 18.4 76.7 18.2 35.0 96.6 176 Sodium (mg/l) 6.03 13.32 26.60 6 .09 9.75 17,.20 4.11 11.99 32.22 7.53 14.90 50.70 176 Potassium (mg/l) 1.7 3.2 12.2 1.5 2.4 1.4, 1.7 4.2 14.8 2.3 5.5 30.5 176 Calcium (mg/i) 10.1 17.6 43.3 6.1 16.9 3;2.9 8.4 18.0 43.8 12.6 21.0 36.7 176 Magnesium (mg/l) 5.33 8.80 14.70 4 .80 7.86 10,.80 4.92 8.98 11.90 6.43 10.10 22.73 176 Armonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.000 0.113 0.940 0.i 000 0.053 0. 380 0.000 0.030 0.150 0.000 0.020 0.570 176 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.008 0.020 0.049 0.I 010 0.022 0.( 092 0.000 0.019 0.060 0.000 0.018 0.200 176 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/li 0.92 2.12 4.84 0.42 1.46 6,.94 0.00 1 .02 2.09 0.00 1.15 4.17 176 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/li 0.00 0.08 0.38 0 .00 0.06 0..18 0.00 0.08 1.16 0.00 0.09 0.37 166 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus lug/l) 0.00 0.05 0.16 0 .00 0.04 0O.17 0.00 0.05 0.18 0.00 0.04 0.41 174 Chromium (mg/l) 0.000 0.005 0.026 0.o 000 0.005 0. 050 0.000 0.004 0.056 0.000 0.004 0.030 175 Copper (mg/l) 0.000 0.002 0.082 0.o 000 0.003 0.1020 0.000 0.003 0.036 0.000 0.001 0.017 176 Iron (mg/li 0.00 0.24 10.70 0 .00 0.34 1 .41 0.08 0.30 1.74 0.00 0.20 1.10 176 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.020 0.o000 0.000 0. 015 0.000 0.000 0.049 0.000 0.000 0.013 176 t.anganese (mg/l) 0.00 0.00 0.42 0. .00 0.04 0O.15 0.00 0.05 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.07 176 Zinc (mg/l) 0.00 0.00 0.59 0..00 0.01 0..21 0.00 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.00 0.16 176 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.o 000 0.000 0. 104 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.004 174 Pheniols (v7/1) 0.000 0.000 0.030 0.o no0 0.000 0. 013 0.000 0.000 0.019 0.000 0.000 0.0144 175 Trichloroethylene (ug/l i 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 147 Total Colifor*s (c/.i11 13 DO0 18000 is 270 34( 00 120 600 37000 40 480 40000 171 Fecal Coliferms (c/.11) 1 85 3400 0 85 8(b00 50 25000 ^3 124 4100 170

Table 5.1-4.. Summar-, of Perkloaen Creek. maier quality at Station P18700, 02 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

Dee, Jan. Feb Mar, Apr, May JuLi, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct. Nov

• of Parameter Hil In"t.*

Max Hin Pled [lax Miin Med Max Min ied flax Samples Temperature (C) 0.0 1.5 7.0 6.0 10.5 18.0 18.0 22.0 24.0 11.2 13.8 21.5 26 Dissolved Oxygen (ig/i) 8.8 11.4 14.2 6.8 11.0 11.0 6.7 8.5 9.8 6.8 9.3 9.7 25 Diochemical Oxygen Demind (mg/1) 0.1 1.3 4.4 0.5 1.8 2.2 0.4 0.9 1.3 0.3 0.7 3.0 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 11.8 22.6 0.0 16.4 22.6 0.0 14.4 19.8 0.0 26.0 42.1 26 Totni Organic Carbon (mg/i) 2.7 3.4 4.2 3.2 3.5 3.9 3.6 4.2 5.0 4.4 5.2 6.6 26 pfi 7.26 7.68 7.91 7.63 8.04 8.39 7.79 8.08 8.26 7.63 7.92 8.00 26 lotal Alkalinity (mg/i) 25.2 57.8 81.7 47.4 56.1 60.5 55.3 69.1 74.7 41.3 65.2 77.1 26 Total Hardness (mg/i) 40.3 72.0 104.9 68.2 74.8 91.7 65.3 77.4 92.4 56.1 70.4 104.0 26 Specific Conductarnce (usm/cu) 152 172 256 188 215 239 237 271 291 180 240 345 26 Total Suspended Solids (mg/I) 0 5 32 I 5 14 0 2 10 0 2 23 26 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/]) 92 138 174 114 165 244 148 180 238 150 169 242 26 Chloride (mg/l) 16.4 20.5 33.0 21.4 24.5 29.4 24.9 29.3 37.5 13.5 27.8 47.9 26 Sulfate (mg/i) 20.9 28.8 36.8 23.0 26.7 31.4 25.3 30.9 76.7 25.8 34.8 37.1 26 Sodium (,g/1) 7.60 10.14 17.31 11.65 13.64 14.57 14.96 16.42 17.86 9.44 13.61 22.90 26 Potassitm (r.g/1I 2.3 3.2 6.2 2.8 3.8 5.0 4.1 5.4 6.5 3.1 6.7 11.4 26 Calcium (rg/i) 10.1 17.6 20.6 23.0 24.1 26.3 23.7 27.4 31.8 21.0 23.8 33.2 26 Magniesium (m9/i I 6.40 7.88 10.94 8.71 9.38 10.13 8.34 10.03 11.11 6.98 9.91 22.73 26 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.048 0.096 0.282 0.000 0.054 0.073 0.024 0.047 0.096 0.000 0.048 0.075 26 Nli trite Nltrogem (mg/I) 0.008 0.019 0.043 0.012 0.028 0.092 0.000 0.017 0.025 0.010 0.030 0.031 26 Nitrate Ilitrogen (mg/l) 1.33 1.54 2.38 0.76 1.13 I .37 0.58 0.70 1.26 0.76 1.22 1.76 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.01 0.08 0.11 0.02 0.07 0.11 0.09 0.12 0.15 0.08 0.11 0.22 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/I) 0.00 0.04 0.07 0.00 0.01 0.08 0.07 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.07 0.13 24 Chromium (mg/l) 0.000 0.005 0.007 0.003 0.005 0.007 0.003 0.005 0.009 0.000 0.006 0.008 26 Copper (mg/l) 0.000 0.002 0.005 0.000 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.001 0.002 0.000 0.001 0.004 26 Iron (mg/]) 0.08 0.21 2.66 0.08 0.19 0.33 0.08 0.19 0.24 0.09 0.29 1.10 26 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Manganese (mg/i) 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.03 0.07 26 Zinc (mg/1) 0.00 0.00 0.59 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 26 Cyanide (mg/i) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00O 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 26 Fhenols (mg/i ) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichloroethylerse (ug/i) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 25 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 170 350 3300 30 255 600 180 265 510 120 295 13500 25 Fecal Coliforms (c/.Il) 6 91 600 8 53 120 50 115 360 60 101 4100 25 I I

Table 5.1-5. Hem minimum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P18700 on the Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date 0.1 01/16/85 Dec. Jan, Feb Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l)

Total Hardness (mg/l) 40.3 12/04/85 Calcium (mg/1) 10.1 02/13/85 Mar, Apr, May Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.8 04/24/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.4 08/28/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 50 06/19/85 Table 5.1-6. He" maximum values observed for water quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P10700 on the Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb Zinc (mg/1} 0.59 02/27/85 Mar, Apr, May Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 60.5 04/11/85 Total Dirsolved Solids (mg/l) 244 03/27/85 Chloride (ag/1l 29.4 03/27/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.092 04/11/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Sulfate (mg/1) 76.7 06/05/85 Sep. Oct# Nov Total Suspended Solids (mg/i) 23 11/06/85 Magnesisum (mg/l) 22.73 09/25/85 Iron (mg/l) 1.10 11/06/05 Manganese (mg/1) 0.07 09/25/05 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/1) 42.1 10/09/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.I1) 4100 11/06/85

Table 5.1-7. Summary of Perklomen Creek water quality at Station P14390, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

Dec Jan, Feb lart Apr, Hay Jun, Jul, Auga Sep, Oct, Nov 9 of Parameter Min ted flax Min Hed max "Iin Had Mlax Iin fled Mlax Samples Temperature (C) -1.0 2.0 8.0 1.0 10.9 24.0 14.0 23.0 2B.O0 3.0 14.5 24.0 167 Dissolved Oxygen (,u/li) 7.6 12.5 15.0 5.5 11.4 16.5 4.6 7.7 13.4 4.5 9.7 14.2 174 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 1.8 5.4 0.0 2.0 3.6 0.5 2.0 6.1 0.3 1.5 7.0 176 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 12.4 50.0 0.0 12.5 42.6 0.0 12.3 135.8 0.0 14.0 164.7 174 Total Organic Carboni (mg/]) 0.0 4.3 36.2 0.0 2.6 12.1 0.0 4.4 19.2 0.0 4.8 25.8 169 pit 6.73 7.60 9.95 7.25 7.82 9.08 7.01 7.93 9.23 7.24 8.04 9.34 176 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 16.5 52.4 104.2 9.3 45.0 66.2 17.8 63.5 79.3 32.6 71.0 89.4 176 Total Hardness (mg/i) 45.0 81.8 507.7 42.2 73.2 102.0 56.8 87.3 133.0 61.5 98.8 183.2 175 Specific Conductance (usm/cml 127 221 411 116 195 279 123 252 333 163 280 523 176 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 0 4 676 0 6 101 0 9 383 0 2 29 176 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/i) 67 170 402 120 160 225 85 187 292 103 192 327 176 Total Inorganic Carbon (mg/i) 18.2 55.7 107.8 10.0 45.9 58.7 19.2 64.4 78.3 48.7 74.8 90.6 98 Chloride (mq/I) 11.4 23.6 56.1 9.2 17.7 38.7 5.8 24.1 52.2 11.9 30.4 102.4 176 Sulfate (mu/i) 10.5 35.7 72.6 16.6 30.6 44.3 0.0 31.1 101.0 19.9 36.9 76.3 176 Sodium (mg*/) 7.39 14.30 35.20 3.20 11.10 19.41 4.88 8.72 26.90 8.64 18.97 48.00 176 Potassium (mg/i) 1.9 3.6 7.6 1.0 2.8 5.9 1.7 3.8 11.0 2.5 5.0 15.5 176 Calcium (mg/i) 9.6 18.3 41.6 6.7 16.6 34.2 9.4 18.1 32.2 14.4 22.3 3#.9 176 Mlagnesium (mg/i) 6.18 9.30 15.00 2.90 8.19 11.80 5.00 9.50 13.40 6.55 10.50 16.50 176 Arrmonia Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.000 0.107 0.800 0.000 0.050 0.430 0.000 0.037 0.140 0.000 0.027 0.580 176 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.009 0.019 0.051 0.012 0.023 0.111 0.000 0.019 0.110 0.000 0.018 0.220 176 Nitrate Nitrogen (m/Il) 0.95 2.30 4.01 0.37 1.52 3.03 0.00 0.98 5.00 0.00 1.30 3.77 176 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.03 0.09 0.66 0.00 0.06 0.13 0.00 0.09 2.98 0.00 0.09 0.35 166 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.00 0.05 0.15 0.00 0.04 0.20 0.00 0.06 0.23 0.00 0.06 0.42 174 Chromium (mg/I) 0.000 0.005 0.032 0.000 0.004 0.020 0.000 0.003 2.523 0.000 0.004 0.029 175 Copper (mg/l) 0.000 0.002 0.053 0.000 0.002 0.031 0.000 0.002 0.053 0.000 0.001 0.015 176 Iron (mg/1) 0.00 0.22 16.49 0.04 0.25 2.43 0.00 0.28 3.V8 0.00 0.25 1.59 176 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.034 0.000 0.000 0.027 0.000 0.000 5. 368 0.000 0.000 0.013 176 Manganese (mg/i) 0.00 0.00 0.62 0.00 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.05 0.38 0.00 0.00 0.08 176 Zinc (m-g/I) 0.00 0.01 0.34 0.00 0.01 0.13 0.00 0.01 0.53 0.00 0.00 0.23 176 Cyanide (mg/i) 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.003 174 Phenols (mg/l ) 0.000 0.000 0.01/5 0.000 0.000 0.013 0.000 0.000 0.020 0.CO0 0.000 0.027 175 Trichloreathyletie (ugJ/1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 145 Total Collforams (c/.ll) 8 440 15500 4 340 37000 50 950 43000 70 818 43000 170 Fecal Coliforr.s (c/.ll) 80 3100 0 66 12500 18 339 20000 13 152 4100 172 I I I I IU

0 0 I Table 5.1.-8. Summary of Perklomen Creek water quality at Station P14390, 02 January 1985 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, May Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Hov a of Parameter Min led Max "in Mied 1lax Min Med Max MIn tied flax Samples Temperature (C) 0.0 1.5 7.5 6.0 10.5 1 7.5 19.0 22.0 26.0 11.5 13.4 22.0 26 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/I) 11.0 12.1 14.1 5.5 10.2 12.2 5.1 6.3 8.9 4.5 8.5 9.7 24 Biochemical Oxygen Demrind (mg/I) 0.0 1.0 4.2 0.6 1.7 3.4 0.5 1.0 1.4 0.3 0.6 2.7 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/1l) 0.0 10.8 22.3 7.5 15.3 210.8 0.0 12.3 35.3 0.0 23.0 37.7 26 Total Organic Carbon mag/l) 2.6 3.3 4.1 3.0 3.4 3.7 4.5 5.0 3.9 5.1 6.6 26 1

pH 7.12 7.60 7.88 7 .61 7.86 8 .22 7.76 8.24 8.58 7.51 7.88 8.07 26 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 31.6 59.3 72.6 5,0.9 58.2 616.2 65.6 73.4 77.5 40.3 68.8 83.0 26 Total Hardness (mg/l) 45.0 75.8 110.8 7,2.3 77.3 9;7.2 75.4 82.4 100.5 61.5 77.7 117.6 26 Specific Conductance (usm/cml 137 200 270 207 237 279 280 306 333 191 281 377 26 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 2 6 28 0 5 12 0 4 12 0 2 20 26 Toial Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 67 153 402 132 206 225 172 254 292 153 173 302 26 Chloride (mg/l) 13.0 22.8 39.3 222.2 28.6 313.7 35.2 38.1 52.2 15.7 31.8 54.9 26 Sulfate (mg/l) 21.7 31.2 51.4 4.5 28.4 3Y 29.5 31.6 78.1 23.5 35.3 40.3 26 Sodium (mg/1i 8.58 12.04 21.81 13 .63 15.98 19,.41 20.65 21.44 24.64 9.77 17.31 28.41 26 Potassium (ng/l) 2.6 3.6 6.0 2.8 3.8 1.9 4.7 5.6 3.4 7.4 10.7 7.6 26 Calcium (mg/I) 9.6 17.8 22.0 2'4.0 25.3 2V3.0 27.1 30.3 32.2 21.0 27.7 33.2 26 tlaunesitmi (mg/l) 6.69 8.57 11.24 8 .41 10.47 10..76 8.72 10.82 II .58 7.63 10.92 12.83 26 Ari.onia 1tltragen (mg/ ) 0.000 0.068 0.261 0.4 000 0.066 0.( 082 0.045 0.076 0.125 0.000 0.064 0.095 26 1i trite tiitrogen (mg/l) 0.009 0.016 0.051 0.4 014 0.029 0.1111 0.000 0.016 0.025 0.017 0.024 0.032 26 Nitrate tlitrogen (mo/I) 1.58 1.85 2.84 0 .71 1.10 1 .49 0.28 0.65 1.32 0.5' 1.32 2.07 26 Total Phosphate Phorphorus (mg/l) 0.04 0.09 0.17 0 .03 0.06 0..It 0.07 0.11 0.15 0.07 0.12 0.21 25 Ortho Phosphate Phoaphorus (mg/I) 0.00 0.06 0.09 0 .01 0.02 0..09 0.05 0.08 0.12 0.05 0.09 0.15 24 Chromium (mg/l) 0.000 0.006 0.015 0.4 003 0.005 0.( 407 0.003 0.006 0.003 0.000 0.006 0.009 26 Copper (mg/l) 0.000 0.002 0.004 0.4 002 0.003 0.( 404 0.000 0.001 0.007 0.000 0.002 0.005 26 Iron Img/l) 0.10 0.21 1.42 0 .08 0.12 0. .26 0.00 0.13 0.16 0.00 0.24 1.12 26 Lead (mg/lI 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.4 000 0.001 0.( 402 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Manganese (mg/l) 0.00 0.00 0.10 0 .00 0.00 0..05 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.04 0.08 26 Zinc (mg/l) 0.00 0.00 0.25 0 .00 0.01 0. .06 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.01 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 0oo 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 26 Phenols I(.g/l) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 000 0.000 0.CD4o O.OO 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichloroethylene (ug/l) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 04.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 24 Total Coliforms (c/,Il) 130 400 4500 30 300 3160 50 150 610 100 695 10000 25 Fecal Coliforms (c/,ll) 16 100 1100 14 53 2;60 18 57 3A0 23 110 4100 25

Table 5.1-9. Mete minimum values observed for s.ater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P14390 on the Perkiomen Creek.

Season Parameter Value Date Dee, Jan, Feb Bioch-,-mical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 0.0 01/16/85 Total Hardness (mg/l) 45.0 12/04/85 Total Dissolved Solids (me/i) 67 01/30/85 Calcium (me/l) 9.6 02/13/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (es/i) 0.009 01/16/85 Mar, Apr, May Dissolved Oxygen (ms/I) 5.5 04/24/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Iron (mg/I) 0.00 07/02/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.1l) 18 07/31/85 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 50 07/17/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Dissolved Oxygen (es/I) 4.5 09/11/85 Total Hardners (ms/l) 61.5 11/20/85 Table 5.1-10. Nem maximum values observed for Hater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station P14390 on the Perkiomen Creek.

I Season Parameter Value Date Dee, Jan, Feb Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 402 02/27/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/1) 0.051 02/13/85 Mlar, Apr, May Total Alkalinity (mg/I) 66.2 04/24/85 Specific Conductance (usm/ce) 279 04/24/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 225 05/22/85 Chloride (ms/l) 38.7 04/24/85 Sodium (mg/l) 19.41 04/24/85 Potassium (mg/l) 5.9 04/24/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.111 04/11/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Specific Conductance (usm/cm) 333 07/17/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mq/l) 292 07/17/85 Chloride (mg/l) 52.2 07/17/85 Calcium (mg/l1 32.2 07/17/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Fecal Coliforms (c/.1l) 4100 11/06/85

5.2 Fishes Collected by Electrofishing Summary

1. In 1985, a total of 4,468 fish of 20 species and three hybrids was collected in 19.88 hours0.00102 days <br />0.0244 hours <br />1.455026e-4 weeks <br />3.3484e-5 months <br /> of electrofishing in Perkiomen Creek at an overall rate of 226 fish/hour.

2. Redbreast sunfish (25.3% of the total sample), white sucker (19.1%), smallmouth bass (16.6%), and rock bass (15.9%) were the only species to comprise more than 10%

of the 1985 electrofishing catch.

3. Exceptionally low catch rates of most species seen in 1984 at P14540 and P14030 were not evident in 1985 as catches rebounded to levels seen in 1981-1983.

4. Host species produced relatively strong year-ciasses in 1985, especially smallmouth bass. Differences between stations in the rank order of more common species were probably due to local habitat differences rather than large-scale effects of longitudinal zonation, due to the proximity of stations to each other.

Introduction and Methods An electrofishing survey of the Perkiomen Creek large fish community continued in 1985 for the fifth consecutive year. The 5.2-1

primary objective of the survey was to provide species com-position and relative abundance data for a target portion of the stream fish community (RIC 1984).

Electrofishing methods used to collect fish were described in RMC (1984). After collection, individual fish were identified, measured to the nearest mm fork length (FL), weighed to the nearest g, and examined for the presence of disease, broadly defined herein to include presence of parasites and anamolies.

Fish less than 50 mm FL were excluded from analysis to avoid possible gear bias against small fish. Electrofishing efforts were timed to the nearest minute to permit calculation of. catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE), expressed as fish/hour-of-electrofishing-effort, or simply fish/hour. CPUE was used as an index of relative fish density to facilitate comparisons between fish cat-ches made at different places and times.

Spatial and temporal variation in these aspects of fish ecology were addressed by sampling several stations at bimonthly intervals, flay through November (Table 5.2-1). Sample stations were described in an earlier progress report (RMC 1984).

5.2-2

Results and Discussion Species Composition and Relative Abundance In 1985, a total of 4,468 fish of 20 species and three hy-brids was collected in 19.88 hours0.00102 days <br />0.0244 hours <br />1.455026e-4 weeks <br />3.3484e-5 months <br /> of electrofishing (Table 5.2-2). Annual CPUE, 226 fish/hour, was higher than any previous year since 1981, and was double the annual catch rate in 1984 (R1IC 1985). Four species exceeded 10% of the annual catch; in decreasing order these were: redbreast sunfish (25.3%), white sucker (19.1%), smallmouth bass (16.6%), and rock bass (15.9%).

Relative densities of these and most other common species were all increased compared to 1984, due in part to the catch of more young-of-year (YOY) fish in late summer 1985. Relative density of bluegill, white crappie, and black crappie declined.

Exceptionally low catch rates of most species that were seen at P14540 and P14030 in 1984 were not evident in 1985 as catches rebounded to levels seen in 1981-1983.

Ho new species was collected from Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Six target species known or thought to occur in the stream were not collected in 1985, including white catfish, northern pike, muskellunge, brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Hybrid northern pike x muskellunge were collected in small numbers each year since 1981; most appeared to be recently stocked juveniles although occasional adult specimens were collected at P20035 in 5.2-3

the past. host introductions are of the hybrid (EROL), and pure muskellunge, if they occur in the study reach at all, are ex-ceedingly rare. Salmonids were seasonally stocked upstream of the study area and in tributaries, but none was collected in 1985.

Site Comparisons The large fish community at each station appeared similar, although some shifts occurred in the rank order of the more com-mon species (Tables 5.2-3 to 5.2-6; RMC 1985). Due to the proximity of stations to each other with respect to the overall length of the stream, station-to-station differences were proba-bly due more to local differences in habitat rather than a shift in community structure due to longitudinal zonation.

Important Species Five species, including muskellunge, carp, white sucker, red-breast sunfish, and smallmouth bass were selected as important to the Perkiomen Creek fish community according to regulatory guidelines that consider a species' functional role in the aquatic community, importance to man, and sensitivity to environ-mental change. Results for these species were therefore examined individually.

5.2-4

fluskellunae Three hybrid muskellunge x northern pike hybrids were caught from Perkiomen Creek in 1985 that were 157, 298, and 308 mm FL.

Two of these were caught at P20035, where most Esox hybrids have been caught in the past. The other hybrid was collected in May at P14170 and was the first to be caught from a Perkiomen Creek electrofishing station other than P20035 since this program began in 1981.

Car a Relative abundance of carp was similar to that seen in past surveys (RMC 1984, 1985). Highest densities occurred at P20035 and P14540, which consist of large, deep pools. Most carp cap-tured were large adults although a few that were between 100-200 mm FL may have been YOY or Age I fish. Ten percent of the carp examined were afflicted with wounds, fin damage, or copepod parasitism.

White sucker White sucker was the second-most abundant species in the 1985 electrofishing sample. The overall catch rate, 43 fish/hour, was similar to the catch rate in 1981 (51 fish/hour). White sucker was a ubiquitous species and comprised a fairly similar propor-5.2-5

tion of the electrofishing catch at each station. Incidence of disease among white suckers was lower than that seen in 1983-1984, when 20% to 25% of those examined were afflicted with a variety of maladies. In 1985, 9% of white sucker collected were diseased. Copepod parasitism, fin damage, body wounds, and blindness were the afflictions most frequently observed.

Redbreast sunfish Redbreast sunfish was the most abundant species in the elec-trofishing catch from P14030 and P14170, ranked second to small-mouth bass at P14540, and was the most abundant species in the overall sample. Relative population density appeared lowest at the upstream station, P20035, where the overall catch rate was 12 fish/hour. In contrast, CPUE was highest at P14170 (149 fish/hour) and intermediate at P14030 and P14540 (74 fish/hour and 39 fish/hour, respectively). The high catch rate at P14170 was in part due to the presence of many small YOY fish.

Parasitism by leeches was the most frequently observed malady; in all, 7% of redbreast sunfish examined were in some way diseased.

Smallmouth bass Smallmouth bass ranked third in overall relative abundance and comprised 16.6% of the 1985 electrofishing sample. Annual CPUE, 37 fish/hour, was the highest observed in 5 years.

5.2-6

Increased relative density was due mostly to the production of a strong year-class. Out of 706 smallmouth bass collected in September and October, 670 (95X) were identified by length frequency distribution as YOY fish. Growth of young smallmouth bass was excellent, with many attaining 120 to 130 mm FL by early Hovember. This observation is in contrast to what was seen in 1984 when very few YOY smallmouth bass were collected. The largest smallmouth bass captured weighed 1.020 g and measured 386 mm FL. Twice, a smallmouth bass thought to exceed 2 kg in weight was partially stunned near a fallen tree at P14540 but was not captured. A smallmouth bass of that size may approach the maximum size for this species in Perkiomen Creek. Incidence of disease, 29%, exceeded the rate seen in 1981-1984, as over one-fourth of the YOY smallmouth bass observed were parasitized by black spot. Individual infestations were seldom severe; usually only a few parasites were lodged at the base of pectoral and caudal fins.

5.2-7

Table 5.2-1. Stmary of t1e Perkiomen Creek electrofishinr sample sites and dates.

Name Station Type A IM J J A S 0 N Total Sch*e**svtlle P20035 Upstream-control 1981 X X X X 4 1982 X X X X 4 1983 X X X X 4 1984 X X X X 4 1985 X X X X 4

• 20 Graterford Pool P14540 Intake-affected 1981 X X X X 4 1982 X X x X 4 1983 X X X X 4 1984 X X X X 4 1985 X X X X 4 20 Nest Island P14170 Below Intake 1981 X X X X 4 1932 X X X X 4 1983 X X X X 4 1984 X X X X 4 1985 X X X X 4 M

IF 20 East Island P14030 Below@ Intake 1981 X X X X 4 1982 X X X X 4 1983 X X X 3 1984 X X X K 4 1985 X X X K 4 79

Table 5.2-2. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the Perklowen Creek electrofished in 1985 (÷ = Less than 0.01%p CPUE = fish per hour).

P14030 P1i4170 P14540 P20035 Tota 1 Species 1.02 31 Hr 3.72 Hr 7.22 Hr 5.93 fir 19.88 Hr American eel Catch 1 2 2 14 19 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.6 0.4-CPUE 0.33 0.54 0.28 2.36 0.96 Esox hybrid Catch -I- 2 3

- 0.1 - 0.2 0.1 CPUE - 0.27 - 0.34 0.15 Goldfish Catch - - I 2

- - 0.1 0.1 ÷ CPUE - - 0.14 0.17 0.10 Carp Catch 15 16 40 53 124 2.1 1.0 3.2 6.1 2.8 CPUE 4.97 4.30 5.54 8.94 6.24 Golden shiner Catch 3 4 I 8 x 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 CPUE 0.99 1.05 0.14 0.40 Falifish Catch 1 - I 2 0.1 - 0.1 +

CPUE 0.33 - 0.14 0.10 Minnow hybrid Catch S- 3 3

- - 0.2 0.1

- - 0.42 0.15 l4,tte sucker 149 257 223 221 850 20.8 15.9 17.6 25.4 19.0 CPUE 49.34 69.09 30.89 37.27 42.75 Creek chubsucker Catch - 5 7 3 15

- 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.3 CPUE - 1.34 0.97 0.51 0.75 Yellmw bullhead Ca tch 19 59 38 15 131 z 2.7 3.7 3.0 1.7 2.9 CPUE 6.29 15.86 5.26 2.53 6.59 Browq bullhead Catch - 13 18 28 59 z - 0.8 1.4 3.2 1.3 CPUE - 3.49 2.49 4.72 2.97 7.

Chanr'el catfish Catch 3 3 0.3 0.1 CPIE 0.51 0.15 Miargined madtom CaCI*JE tch 2 3 x 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.33 0.54 0.15 Rock bass Catch 139 405 112 54 710 7 19.4 25.1 8.8 6.2 15.9 CPUE 46.03 108.87 15.51 9.11 35.71 Redpreast sunfish Catch 222 553 282 73 1130 31 .1 34.2 22.3 8.4 25.3 CPUE 73.51 148.66 39.06 12.31 56.83 Green sunfish Catch 20 18 87 67 192 7 2.8 1.1 6.9 7.7 4.3 CPUE 6.62 4.84 12.05 11.30 9.66 Pupk inseed Catch I5 48 80 56 199 2.1 3.0 6.3 6.4 4.5 CPUE 4.97 12.90 11.08 9.44 10.01 Bluegill Catch .I 28 28 97 154 0.1 1.7 2.2 11.2 3.5 CPUE 0.33 7.53 3.88 16.36 7.75

Table 5.2-2. Aru*ml relative abundance of target fishes from the Perklomen Creek electrofished in 1985 (+ = Less than 0.017, CPUE =fish per hour).

P14030 P14170 P14540 P20035 Total Spec i es 3.02 Hr 3.72 ttr 7.22 Hr 5.93 Hr 19.80 Hr Lepomis hybrid Ca tch 3 19 15 38 0.1 0.2 1.5 -* I.7 0.9 CPUE 0.33 0.81 2.63 2.53 1.91 Smallmouth bass Catch 127 192 319 103 741 17.8 11.9 25.2 11.8 16.6 CPUE 42.05 51.61 44.18 17.37 37.27 Large*outh bass Catch "8 1 41 50 0.5 0.1 4.7 1.1 CPUE 2.15 0.14 6.91 2.51 White crappie Catch 1 6 7 0.1 0.7 0.2 CPUE 0.14 1.01 0.35 Black crappie Catch I 2 4 18 25

7. 0.1 0.1 0.3 2.1 0.6 CPUE 0.33 0.54 0.55 3.04 1.26 Catch 715 1616 1267 870 4468

Table 5.2-3. Ialonthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electroflshed at P14030 in 1985 (4 = Le-s than 0.1%., CPUE = fish per hour).

May Jul Sep Nov Species 0.53 firs 0.68 Hrs 0.98 Hrs 0.82 Hrs American eel Catch

z. 0.2 CPUE 1.0 Carp Catch 9 6

7. 37.5 1.4 CPUE 17.0 6.1 Golden shiner Catch 3 3.4.

CPUE 1.4 Fallfish Ca tch 1 1.1 CPUE 1.5 7.

White sucker Ca tch 7 11 118 13 1,2.4 29.2 28.5 6.9 CPUE 13.2 16.2 120.4 15.9 Y.

Catch Yellow bullhead 2 5 6 6 8.3 5.6 1.4 3.2 CPUE 3.6 7.4 6.1 7.3 7.

Catch narglned madto'.

CPUE 0.2 1.0 Catch Rock bass 1 I0 74 5'4 z.

CPUE 4.2 11.2 17.9 28.7 1.9 14.7 75.5 65.9 7.

Catch Redbreast sunfish 2 40 123 57 CPUE 8.3 44.9 29.7 30.3 3.8 58.8 125.5 69.5 7.

Catch Green sunfish 1 6 9 4 CPUE 4.2 6.7 2.2 2.1 1.9 8.8 9.2 4.9 Catch7.

Pumpk inseed 1 3 4 7 CPUE 4.2 3.4 1.0 3.7 1.9 4.4 4.1 8.5 7.

Ca tch Blue1t I1 - -I CPUE - - 0.5

- - 1.2 7.

Catch Lepowis hybrid - - I CPUE - - 0.5

- - 1.2 7.

Catch Smalimouth bass 10 72 45 CPUF 11.2 17.4 23.9 14.7 73.5 54.9 7.

Catch Black crappie 1 4.2 CPUE 1.9

Table 5.2-4. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perktomen Creek electrofished at P14170 in 1985 (+ = Less than 0.I17- CPUE = fish per hour).

May Jul Sep Nlov Speci es 0. 97 tirs 0. 78 lrs 1.07 lHrs 0. 90 Hrs I I American eel Ca tch 1.2 0.1 CPUE 1.0 0.9 Esox hybrid Catch I x 1.2 CPUE 1.0 Carp Catch 3 - 9 4 3.5 - 1.1 0.7 CPUE 3.1 - 8.4 4.4 z

Golden shiner Catch - -- 4 x - - 0.5 CPUE - - 3.7 Whilte sucker Catch 20 25 174 38 23.3 19.5 21.4 6.4 CPUE 20.6 32.1 162.6 42.2 Creek chubsucker Catch S- 5

- 0.6 CPUE - - 4.7 Yellow bullhead Catch 11 14 19 Is 12.8 10.9 2.3 2.5 CPUE 11.3 17.9 17.8 16.7 z

Broai bullhead Catch 2 9 2

- 1.6 il.1 0.3 CPJE - 2.6 8.4 2.2 Margined madtom Catch 2 0.3 CPUE 2.2 Rock bass Catch 15 13 216 161 17.4 10.2 26.6 27.3 CPUE 15.5 16.7 201.9 178.9 z

Redreast sunfish Catch 20 62 195 276 23.3 48.4 24.0 46.8 20.6 79.5 182.2 306.7 x

Green sunfish CaCPUE tch 5 1 5 7 5.8 0.8 0.6 1.2 CPUE 5.2 1.3 4.7 7.8 Pumpkinseed Catch 2 2 28 16 2.3 1.6 3.4 2.7 CPUE 2.1 2.6 26.2 17.8 x

1 Blupgill Catch 6 6 Is 7.0 4.7 1.8 0.2 6.2 7.7 14.0 1.1 CrUE -I 1 Lepowis hybrid Catch 0.8 0.1 0.2 I1.3 0.9 1.1 z

Smallwmoth bass CPUE Catch 2 2 129 59 2.3 1.6 15.9 10.0 CPUE 2.1 2.6 120.6 65.6 x

Largemouth bass Catch - - I 7 x - - 0.1 1.2 CPUE - - 0.9 7.8 Black crappie Catch - - 1 1

- - 0.1 0.2 CPUJE - - 0.9 I.1

Table 5.2-5. tMonthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P14540 In 1985 (+ = Less than O.I., CPUE = fish per hour).

Hay Jul Sep Nov Species 1.50 Hrs 1.17 Hrs 2.62 Hrs 1.93 Hrs American eel Catch 2 0.3 CPUE 0.8 Goldfish Catch - I

- 0.9 CrUJE - 0.9 Carp Ca tch 9 6 I8 7 16.1 5.3 2.8 1.5 CPUE 6.0 5.1 6.9 3.6 Golden shiner Ca tch I 0.2 CPUE 0.5 Fallfish Ca tch 0.2 Cr'UE 0.5 Miinnom hybrid Catch 0 2 0.9 0.3 CPUE 0.9 0.8 Catch 5 16 70 132 Whilte sucker

7. 8.9 14.0 11.0 28.8 CPUE 3.3 13.7 26.7 68.4 Creek chubsuck or Ca tch 7 1.1 CFUE 2.7 Yellow bullhea d Catch 5 14 13 6 8.9 12.3 2.0 1.3 CPUE 3.3 12.0 5.0 3.1 Brotm bullhead Catch - 5 9 4

- 4.4 1.4 0.9 CPUE - 4.3 3.4 2.1 Rock bass Catch 3 9 72 28 5.4 7.9 11.3 6.1 CPUE 2.0 7.7 27.5 14.5 Redbreast sunf ish Catch 5 19 193 65 x 8.9 16.7 30.3 14.2 CPUE 3.3 16.2 73.7 33.7 Green sunfish Catch 7 21 45 14 12.5 18.4 7.1 3.1 CPUE 4.7 17.9 17.2 7.3 PIsk i nseed Catch I1 8 32 29 19.6 7.0 5.0 6.3 CrUE 7.3 6.8 12.2 15.0 Bluegill Catch 6 7 5 10 10.7 6.1 0.8 2.2 CR1JE 4.0 6.0 1.9 5.2 x

Le"Is hybrid catch I 3 7 8 1.8 2.6 1.1 1.7 CPUE 0.7 2.6 2.7 4.1 Saallmouth basss Catch 3 2 163 151 5.4 1.8 25.5 32.9 CPUE 2.0 1.7 62.2 78.2 Largemouth basss Catch 1 0.2 CPUE 0.5

Table 5.2-5. .lonthlv relative abqndance of target fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P14540 in 1985 (+ = Less thon O.1X, CPUE = fish per hour).

May Jul Sep Nov Species 1.50 firs 1.17 Hrs 2.62 Hrs 1.93 Hrs White crappie Ca tch - 1 z - 0.9 CPUE - 0.9 Black crappie Ca tch I I - 2 x 1.8 0.9 - 0.4 CPUE 0.7 0.9 - 1.0

Table 5.2-6. tlonthlv relative abimdance of tarnet fishes from the Perkiomen Creek electrofished at P20035 in 1985 (+ = Less than 0.17, CPUE = fish per hour).

May, Jul Sep Nov Spec ies 1.68 Hrs 1.40 Hrs 1.40 firs 1.45 Hrs Ame*rican eel Ca tch 2 5 7 1.0 2.7 3.6 CFUE 1.2 3.6 5.0 Esox hybrid Catch 1 0.5 0.3 CPUE 0.6 0.7 Goldfish Catch 1 0.3 CPUE 0.7 Carp Catch 6 29 12 6 3.1 15.8 6.2 2.0 CPUE 3.6 20.7 8.6 4.1 White sucker Catch 18 65 61 77 9.4 35.3 31.6 25.5 CPUE 10.7 46.4 43.6 53.1 Creek chubsucker Catch 2 1.0 0.3 CPUE 1.4 0.7 Yellow bullhead Catch 4 2 4 5 x 2.1 1.4 2.1 1.7 CPUE 2.4 2.9 3.4 1 11 Brom bullhead Catch 3 13 0.5 6.0 1.6 4.3 CPUE 0.6 7.9 2.1 9.0 Channel catfish Catch 1 2 0.5 1.0 CPUE 0.6 1.4 Rock bass Catch 14 3 9 28 7.3 1.6 4.7 9.3 CPUE 8.3 2.1 6.4 19.3 Redbreast sunfish Catch 25 15 24 9 x 13.1 8.2 12.4 3.0 CPUE 14.9 10.7 17.1 6.2 Green sunf ish Catch 18 i8 14 17 9.4 9.8 7.3 5.6 CPUE 10.7 12.9 10.0 11.7 Purk ir eed Catch 27 I0 5 14 14.1 5.4 2.6 4.6 CPUE 16.1 7.1 3.6 9.7 Bluegtill CPUE Catch 45 12 13 27 Catch 8.9 23.6 6.5 6.7 CPUE 26.8 8.6 9.3 18.6 Lepomis hybrid Catch 7 2 2 4 3.7 1.1 1.0 1.3 CPUE 4.2 1.4 1.4 2.8 Smallmouth bass Catch 7 5 31 60 3.7 2.7 16.1 19.9 CPUE 4.2 3.6 22.1 41.4 Largewoth bass Catch 2 2 4 33 1.0 1.1 2.1 10.9 CPUE 1.2 1.4 2.9 22.8 White crappie Catch 3 3 1.6 1.0 CPUE 2.1 2.1

Table 5.2-6. MontF ly relative abundance of target fishes from the F'erklomen Creek electrofished at P20035 in 19985 (+ = Less than 0.IX. CPUE = fish per hour).

m1av Jul Sep Nov Species 1.68 Hrs 1.40 Hrs 1.40 Hrs 1.45 Hrs Black crappie Catch 13 - 3 6.8 1.1 - 1.0 CPUE 7.7 1.4 - 2.1

5.3 Creel Survey Summary

1. A creel survey was conducted on the Perkiomen Creek between Schwenksville and Collegeville, Pennsylvania, from April through September, 1985.

2. Total fishing pressure estimated at bimonthly intervals summed to 10,232 angler-hours for the season. Fishing pressure peaked in early to mid-summer as in past years, and was similarly distributed along the stream.

3. Anglers caught fish at an overall rate of 1.66 fish/angler-hour. The total estimated catch, 13,926 fish, was lower than the catch in previous years, due mostly to less fishing pressure coupled with low catch rates early and late in the season.

4. Unidentified sunfish (caught and released) comprised almost one-half of the total catch; smallmouth bass, rock bass, and redbreast sunfish accounted for most of the remainder.

5. Redbreast sunfish comprised 55% of the angler harvest, which totalled 1,374 fish for the season. Harvest was especially low in August and September.

5.3-1

6. Characteristics of anglers (age, sex, and mode of stream access) and preferences for particular kinds of fish did not change appreciably from past determinations. host fishing was conducted from shore by adult males, and was directed mostly toward "anything", "bass", "sunfish", and carp.

Introduction and Methods A survey of recreational fishing on the Perkiomen Creek between Schwenksville and Collegeville in southeast Pennsylvania began in 1980 and was also conducted in 1981, 1983, and 1985.

The creel survey reach contained Perkiomen Creek segments above, within, and below a reach that would be used to carry water diverted from the Delaware River at Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

The proposed diversion reach extends from the confluence of East Branch Perkiomen Creek with Perkiomen Creek downstream to a water intake constructed in 1984 on Perkiomen Creek in Graterford, Pennsylvania.

The level of survey effort in 1985 was reduced to one-half the level used in previous surveys. The original sampling design (RHC 1984) was modified to estimate fishing pressure for bimonthly instead of monthly intervals. Other field and com-putational procedures did not change. Fishery characteristics that were investigated included 1) bimonthly fishing pressure 5.3-2

between stream meters 21100 and 11770, 2) bimonthly catch and harvest by species, and 3) information about preferred fish species, access, and the age and sex composition of anglers.

Creel survey data can augment studies of fish population dynamics and are useful in fisheries management. Baseline preoperational creel survey data would be of potential use in evaluating postoperational changes in the large fish community following diversion of Delaware River water into Perkiomen Creek.

Results and Disscussion Fishing Pressure Total fishing pressure estimated at bimonthly intervals (Table 5.3-1) summed to 10,232 angler-hr for the season. This total was below the average seasonal fishing pressure, 17,527 angler-hr, measured during 1980, 1981, and 1983 (RIC 1984).

Fishing pressure peaked in early to mid-summer as in past years, and was similarly distributed along the stream. The greatest amount of fishing pressure occurred at the park and dam at Ott's Road and in the towns of Schwenksville, Graterford, and Collegeville. Nine anglers were observed near the Graterford Pumping Station, which accounted for 9% of the total number of anglers seen during the year (Table 5.3-2).

5.3-3

Possible reasons for the lighter fishing pressure in 1985 are unclear, but one is noteworthy. The nearby Green Lane Reservoir was opened to expanded public use in 1984, and a highly popular recreational fishery has developed there. Possibly, some anglers were attracted away from Perkiomen Creek by expansion of the Green Lane facility.

Catch and Harvest Overall catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) was 1.66 fish/angler-hr, only slightly above the previous maximum CPUE of 1.60 fish/angler-hr measured in 1980 (Table 5.3-1). Most fish were caught during June and July. Overall, the low total catch, es-timated to be 13,926 fish, was a function of less fishing pres-sure coupled with relatively poor CPUE early and late in the season.

Unidentified (released) sunfish accounted for nearly one-half the total catch (Table 5.3-3). Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and redbreast sunfish accounted for most of the remainder. In all, only 10 species were taken by interviewed anglers, eight fewer than the average number of species caught in past years. The reduced survey design, probably underestimated the number of species in the recreational catch because there were fewer oppor-tunities to observe the catch of less common species.

5.3-4

Angler harvest was also lower than in past years (Table 5.3-3), both in terms of the total number of fish harvested and the percentage of total fish caught. Redbreast sunfish comprised 55%

of the estimated harvest. Harvest was especially low in the last one-third of the season when only one black crappie was kept by the 13 anglers interviewed during August and September. The weight of seasonal harvest (Table 5.3-4) was only roughly es-timated due to the low sample size, but it appeared that only the harvested weight of redbreast sunfish, black crappie, smallmouth bass, and rock bass exceeded 10 kg each for the season.

Characteristics of Anglers Characteristics of anglers fishing on Perkiomen Creek in, 1985, including their age, sex, and mode of access (Table 5.3-5),

and preferences for particular kinds of fish (Table 5.3-6), did not change to an important degree from what was determined in previous creel surveys (RIC-Environmental Services 1984). Host fishing was conducted from shore by adult males, and was directed mostly toward "anything", "bass", "sunfish", and carp.

5.3-5

Table 5.3-1. Bimonthly estimates of fishing pressure with standard error and coefficient of variation (from angler counts),

and catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) based on observed effort, total catch (includes released fish), and harvest (includes only fish kept) from angler inter-views on Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Fishing pressure Fishing Bimonthly Humber of pressure Standard Coefficient of period survey trips (angler-hours) error variation (M)

Apr-May 8 2167 1188 55 Jun-Jul 8 4042 946 23 Aug-Sep 8 4023 2321 58 Total 24 10232 MHean: 45 CPUE Humber of Observed Bimonthly anglers effort Total Total Harvest period interviewed (angler-hours) catch CPUE Harvest CPUE Apr-May 27 31.2 27 0.87 9 0.29 Jun-Jul 50 71.6 158 2.21 9 0.13 Aug-Sep 13 16.7 13 0.78 1 0.06 Total 90 119.5 198 1.66 19 0.16

Table 5.3-2. Number of anglers Interviewed at Perkiomen Creek access points during 1985.

Meter Location Humber 1985 am---- --

C-- --- ---e --- --- -

Collegeville Dam 11789 11 Collegeville Houses 12399 3 Upper Collegeville Pool 13159 4 Above Ralns Road 14189 1 Intake Area 14399 4 15299 2 Intake Pool Graterfoor RR Bridge 15309 2 Bridge St. Grateriord 15,169 6 Above Graterforel 6 17319 Ott* Road & Dan Complex 17469 30 East Branch Confluence 18259 2

Above East Branch 18829 Highway 23 Bridge 18899 7 Schwenksvilie Dam 19259 2 Schewnksville Dock 19269 12 ScFnee*sv lIle 19899 Schtendsville Bridge 19949 Control Site 21000 97

Table 5.3-3. Bimonthly species composition and estimated number of fish in the total catch and harvest by anglers fishing the Perkiomen Creek creel survey area in 1985.

Bimonthly period: Apr-flay Jun-Jul Aug-Sep Total Total Total Total Total Species Catch Harvest Catch Harvest Catch Harvest Catch Harvest White sucker - - 169 - - -169 -

Carp 208 - 56 - - - 264 -

Fallfish - - 56 - - - - 56 Pumpkinseed 417 69 - - 241 - 658 69 Green sunfish 69 - - - - - 69 -

Redbreast sunfish 486 417 621 339 241 - 1348 756 Unidentified sunfish 278 - 4743 - 1686 - 6707 -

.Rock bass 139 139 1355 56 - - 1494 195 Black crappie - - - - 241 241 241 241 Unidentified crappie - - 56 - - - 56 -

Smallmouth bass 278 - 1807 113 723 - 2808 113 Largemouth bass - - 56 - - - - -

Total 1875 625 8919 508 3132 241 13926 1374

Table 5.3-4. Estimated weight by species of angler harvest from Perkiomen Creek in 1985.

Number Average weight Estimated number Weight of Species in creel per fish(g) harvested harvest(kg)

Pumpkinseed 1 24 69 1.7 Redbreast sunfish 12 125 756 94.5 Rock bass 3 102 195 19.9 Black crappie 1 240 241 57.8 Smallmouth bass 2 183 113 20.7

Table 5.3-5. lusber of anglers classified by age and sex, and numtbr of parties classified by mode of access, observed during the Perkiomen Creek creel .urvey in 1985.

1985 Sex Number X Males 86 96 Females 4 4 90 100 Age( Years l Child (<13) 10 Teen (13-19) 11 12 Adult (20-64) 68 76 Senior ( >64) 1 90 100 Mode of Access Boat 11 11 Bridge 1 1 Shore 70 72 IPading 15 97 100 Table 5.3-6. Preferred fishes of Perkiomen Creek anglers during 1985.

Number of anglers identifying as.

Category 1st Choice 2nd Choice Total Bass 41 9 50 Anything 24 24 Carp 10 2 12 Sunfish 4 7 11 Catfish 6 7 Sucker 3 3 Crappie 2 2 Eel 2 2 tluskellurne I I

6.0 Schuylkill River The Schuylkill River meanders 209 km from its source at Tuscarora Springs, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to its con-fluence with the Delaware River at Philadelphia. The river cuts through portions of the Appalachian Mountain, Great Valley, Reading Prong, Triassic Lowland, Piedmont Upland, and Coastal Plain physiographic regions, and drains 4,972 kmz of southeastern Pennsylvania. The river near the LGS site is productive and dependent to a large degree on allochthonous sources of energy as it is measurably heterotrophic most of the year.

The main effort of the ecological and water quality studies has focused on a 10-km reach of river which extends from river meter 72120 (Vincent Pool Dam, the only impoundment in the study area) to river meter 81750 (just above the Hooker Chemical Company, formerly Firestone Tire and Rubber Company plant). This reach includes both control (upriver of LGS) and potentially af-fected (downriver of LGS) sections. The river in this reach is about 100 m wide, low gradient (0.4-0.5 m/km), averages 53 m 3 /s discharge, and has a predominantly gravel-rubble bottom. The study area is about 95X run habitat; riffle and pool habitats each account for about 2.5X of the study area and some backwater areas also are present. Limerick Island, situated at the cooling water intake location, is the only substantial island in the study area. It is wooded, about 300 m long and 100 m wide, and 6.0-1

divides the river into two channels near the plant intake and discharge structure. Occasional sampling was conducted outside the primary study area.

Sample stations on the Schuylkill River are designated by the letter 'S' followed by a number which indicates distance in meters from the mouth of the river. Where sample stations in-cluded several meters of stream, the numbers designate the down-stream end of the station.

Ecological and water quality studies were conducted from 1973 through 1978 and are summarized in the LGS EROL (Section 2.2.2.1). Additional studies of water quality (1979-1984),

. benthic macroinvertebrates (1983 and 1984), and fishes (1980-1984) conducted on the Schuylkill River were reported in sub-sequent progress reports (RlIC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985). The results of these studies conducted in 1985 are reported below.

LGS received its full power operating license in August 1985 and began to operate at increasing levels of power generation un-til full power operation (100Y power generation) was reached on 26 December. An event of potential significance to the Schuylkill River fisheries programs, a fish kill associated with heavy rainfall, occurred on the Schuylkill River between 31 July and 2 August 1985. The cause(s) of the fish kill remain 6.0-2

speculative. Three hypotheses concerning the causes that were suggested by various individuals employed by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources were as follows:

1. leakage of ethyl benzene from an industrial plant in Reading (or washing of previous leakage from the banks of the river).

2. dumping of raw sewage by a municipal sewage treatment plant from 1400 hours on Wednesday, 31 July to 0200 hours on 1 August.

3. pumping of oil residues from a tank an industrial plant in Pottstown and/or run-off of oil residues from this property caused by rainfall.

Of these three possible causes the last one seemed the most likely, but no conclusive evidence was collected.

The magnitude of the fish kill was great. An estimated 1000 large dead fish were observed by an RIC biologist on the morning of 2 August at 0930 hours in the general vicinity of Cromby Generating Station. Another biologist reported approximately 500 dead fish in Vincent Pool at 1400 hours on Saturday, 3 August.

These fish were of various species, predominantly white sucker, but also included redbreast sunfish, bullheads, smallmouth bass, and other species. The kill appeared to have been selective for 6.0-3

larger fish, possibly resulting from either the greater volumes of water required by larger fish for respiration, or by the position of large fish in the main channel to where the toxic substances may have been somewhat restricted.

6.0-4

6.1 Hater Quality Summary

1. Monitoring of Schuylkill River water quality was con-tinued on a biweekly basis in 1985. Subsurface grab sam-ples were obtained at two stations, one 200 m upstream of the LGS intake and the other some 200 m below the discharge.

2. The longest period of sustained low flow since the pro-gram was initiated occurred in 1985. In addition, water temperatures were above average for several months.

3. New minimum and maximum values were recorded for several parameters. Most of the new extremes were associated with the unusually low flows and occasional high flow events, and most were just slightly outside of the previously established ranges.

4. Several of the new maximum values occurred simultaneously at both sample stations. Those that did not were examined for possible LGS effect. The data from this program show that the LGS influence, if any, on water quality, was minimal.

6.1-1

Introduction and Methods Water quality studies of the Schuylkill River in relation to LGS were initiated in May 1974 and continued through 1985. Data obtained in 1985, are summarized in this third post-EROL progress report. The objectives of this program are to monitor ambient water quality in order to provide data to complement concurrent aquatic ecological studies and to evaluate water quality changes in the Schuylkill River in relation to LGS operation.

As in previous years, two sample stations were monitored in 1985: Station S77660 approximately 200 m upstream of the LGS intake, and S77140 520 m downstream of 577660 and approximately 200 m below the LGS discharge. Sampling began on 2 January and both stations were sampled once every 2 wk. Subsurface grab sam-ples were collected by wading off the Montgomery County shore to mid-channel or, in cases of high flow, to just offshore.

Analyses were performed according to standard, widely accepted methods.

Results and Discussion The 1985 monitoring period included the longest period of sustained low flow since the water quality program began in 1974 (Tables 6.1-1 and 6.1-2). Comparison with discharge data for the period 1970-1985 indicates that 1985 accounted for new low flow 6.1-2

minima in five months (April-August). In addition, the mean monthly flows in 1985 were lower than the overall 1970-1985 mean monthly flows in every month but November. Median flows for 1985 were lower than the corresponding 1970-1985 medians in every month.

Schuylkill River temperatures were also above average for most months in 1985 when compared to long term (1970-1985) averages (Tables 6.1-3 and 6.1-4).

Seasonal summaries of water quality data for upriver (control) station S77660 for the post-EROL period 1979-1985 are included in Table 6.1-5 and for 1985 alone in Table 6.1-6. The

. data are indicative of a moderately hard, warmwater stream which is moderately polluted.

Several new minimum and maximum values were recorded in 1985 (Tables 6.1-7 and 6.1-8). Most of the new extremes were as-sociated with the unusually low flows observed in 1985 and most were only slightly outside the previously observed ranges. An exception in the winter quarter was the new manganese maximum which was just 0.02 mg/l greater than the previously established range. It occurred on the day for which the highest flow of the quarter was measured.

An exception in the spring quarter was the low dissolved oxygen observed on 24 April which was 3 mg/l lower than the 6.1-3

previous minimum. This extreme occurred during a period of unusually low river flow for April and on a day when the water temperature (Table 6.1-3) was relatively high. Additional dis-solved oxygen data obtained during the course of other LGS en-vironmental monitoring program elements on this date confirmed the occurrence of record-setting low dissolved oxygen conditions both above and below LGS. The new minimum iron concentration on this date and the new minimum manganese value in flay were also related to the unusually low flows.

Also recorded for 24 April were new maxima for specific conductance, nitrite nitrogen, and orthophosphate phosphorous.

. These parameters vary inversely with flow and are reflective of high nutrient content wastewater discharges to the Schuylkill from upstream sources and reduced dilution under low flow conditions.

The co-occurrence of three new minima on 20 November was related. to the high flow period during which sampling took place.

Concentration of these parameters varies inversely with flow.

Seasonal summaries for downstream station S77140 are provided in Table 6.1-9 for the post-EROL period and in Table 6.1-10 for 1985. In general, the water quality at S77140 was very similar to that at S77660.

6. 1-4

The new minimum and maximum values established for S77140 in 1985 are shown in Tables 6.1-11 and 6.1-12, respectively. Again, several of these values were just slightly outside of the previously observed ranges, and several of these occurrences took place at both sampling stations on the same date.

Hew maxima that did not occur simultaneously at both stations were examined for possible LGS effect. In the winter quarter the new maximum total coliform value was not accompanied by a similar high value at the upstream site and for the quarter overall the median value for S77140 was more than twice the median for S77660. In the spring and summer quarters the total coliform concentrations were very similiar and in the fall quarter a higher value was recorded for the upriver site.

Except for potassium in the spring quarter all new maxima and nitrite nitrogen, corresponded to new maxima at the upriver site.

On 24 April the new maximum potassium concentration of 3.1 mg/l at S77140 was less than the value (3.6 mg/l) recorded for S77660.

The new nitrite nitrogen maximum at the downstream site (0.207 mg/l) was higher than the value for S77660 (0.114 mg/l), but still at least an order of magnitude below levels that might prove harmful to fishes.

Only two new maxima that did not occur simultaneously at both stations were observed in the summer quarter. The high pH of

6. 1-5

9.19 on 2 July at S77140 was accompanied by a similarly high value of 9.05 at S77660. Each value exceeded slightly both the Pennsylvania water quality standard level of 9.0 and the National Secondary Drinking-Water Regulation maximum of 8.5. Chloride concentrations were elevated at both stations on 28 August when the new maximum of 43.7 mg/l was recorded at S77140 and 40.5 mg/l was determined for S77660. Although this chloride level is a new maximum for the water quality program, it is not high when com-pared to the National Secondary Drinking-Water Regulations which specify 250 mg/l as the maximum contaminant level for chloride.

In the fall quarter, the two new chemical parameter maxima at S77140 without corresponding new maxima at S77660 were potassium and copper. In the case of potassium, the value at the upstream station on 25 September equalled the established maximum (5.5 mg/l) recorded prior to 1985. Potassium concentrations as low as these do not constitute a water quality problem. The copper concentration of 0.033 mg/l on 6 November occurred during a high flow event and corresponded to a value of 0.006 mg/l at S77660 on this date. While this value establishes a new maximum, it remains the lowest maximum of any of the other quarters. As a point of reference, the National Secondary Drinking-Water Regulations assign a maximum contaiminant level of 1.0 mg/l for copper.

6.1-6

In summary, the water quality data for 1985 often varied within or near established ranges. The early onset and extended duration of low flows together with occasional high flow events were reflected in the data. As determined by this program, the water quality effects, if any, due to LGS operation were minimal.

6. 1-7

Table 6.1-1. Mean dairy Schuylkill River discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Pottstomn US Geological Survey gage in 1985.

Date Jan Feb Mar Apr ray Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 1580 957 1670 1180 510 851 564 3120 446 1450 481 6190 02 1900 1040 1490 1360 799 868 563 1420 363 1220 460 H/A 03 2000 880 1400 1200 4160 771 592 877 353 1770 442 IV/A 04 1960 760 1330 1180 3710 936 676 701 450 1540 462 4740 05 1990 797 1570 1140 2700 897 572 617 495 1220 1100 3940 06 1920 746 1450 1130 2300 1200 537 474 476 1460 1260 3530 07 1820 755 1240 1120 2030 902 838 446 452 1240 1120 3050 08 1760 775 1170 1040 16W0 818 622 877 484 1060 738 2720 09 1590 977 1200 1050 1480 808 649 819 615 931 652 2430 10 1460 1150 1120 983 1350 754 593 608 627 952 609 N/A 11 1490 731 1070 927 1280 699 518 504 498 913 591 2070 12 1450 3140 1320 920 1200 668 466 510 415 865 580 2150 13 1440 6230 1570 897 1270 621 423 499 424 829 671 2220 14 1400 4300 1330 858 1270 522 430 507 448 817 805 2290 15 1150 3180 1220 842 1030 517 490 472 426 810 1040 2110 16 1000 2050 1160 84+ 974 1130 620 438 418 735 1660 1900 17 1050 1780 1120 870 1170 1670 479 418 417 652 6770 1950 18 1090 1670 1100 805 1640 1270 451 388 408 581 5610 1870 19 1010 1600 1050 757 1280 1090 383 380 528 571 4410 1700 20 902 1690 908 771 1020 966 346 369 577 564 3260 1680 21 929 1540 977 750 943 926 326 375 584 554 2390 1690 22 1260 1470 939 715 956 751 339 323 593 570 Wt/A H/A 23 1430 1730 988 688 924 686 390 287 616 568 3260 1650 24 1270 2070 1080 659 955 700 355 276 484 580 2600 H/A 25 1120 2220 1130 657 848 645 358 618 434 641 2330 N/A 26 1080 2370 1180 636 771 585 700 810 435 708 N/A 1480 27 1060 2190 945 612 726 551 1270 674 7810 607 3680 H/A 28 999 1840 898 577 718 544 1100 555 7450 575 5540 H/A 29 994 937 556 757 638 687 466 2940 553 6440 H/A 30 985 960 533 750 786 493 419 1880 '515 5470 N/A 31 956 934 702 931 463 478 1250 Minifium 902 731 898 533 510 517 326 276 353 478 442 1250 Mean 1356 1809 1179 875 1352 826 573 -- 636 1005 856 2301 2511 Median 1270 1635 1130 851 1030 779 537 499 480 735 1190 2110 Maximum 2000 6230 1670 1360 4160 1670 1'70 3120 7810 1770 6770 6190

Table 6.1-2. Mean monthly Schuylkill River discharge (cu ft/sec) measured at the Pottstomn US Geological Survey gage, 1970 - 1985.

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1970 982 3717 2217 4889 1613 1175 1459 1045 540 32 96 51 1971 49 145 ill 45 54 39 21 64 46 1017 2706 2992 1972 2429 2692 4253 2389 2952 7634 2721 825 609 768 3510 4872 1973 3928 3734 2386 4799 3181 3095 2141 1408 1609 1030 1006 4733 1974 3343 2315 2911 4030 1916 1143 843 697 1478 833 766 2660 1975 2962 3402 3718 3249 2645 2500 3189 1399 3433 3348 3263 2025 1976 4953 3619 2508 2556 2002 1686 1562 1124 1033 3870 1716 1428 1977 731 1513 5497 3534 1490 852 795 822 720 2206 3192 5213 1978 5418 1897 5451 2526 3822 1533 1012 1683 949 904 837 2158 1979 7383 4097 4144 2720 2621 1399 991 814 2112 3235 1960 1932 1980 1394 834 3029 3497 2412 1007 611 483 457 487 525 419 1981 316 2933 1101 1675 1687 1230 1080 450 452 505 666 881 1982 1907 2706 2154 3043 1550 4171 1480 993 619 631 936 1320 1983 1392 2807 3535 7820 2654 2169 894 514 357 852 2543 6805 1984 1728 4093 3078 5065 4952 3105 3940 1604 782 743 858 1788 1985 1356 1809 1179 875 1352 826 573 636 1085 856 2301 2511 "fnIlum 26 19 60 32 29 20 16 19 24 12 24 36 Mean 2517 2651 2960 3294 2306 2098 1457 910 1017 1332 1683 2614 Median 1639 2070 2430 2687 1950 1375 994 756 607 i1l 991 leO0 Maximum 37800 24600 20600 27400 22600 71200 17100 5670 18600 13000 10400 30100

Table 6.1-3. Daily Scfuylkill River teaiperature (C) measured at the Pottstoan Water Treatment Plant in 1985.

Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Oec 01 10 4 9 14 17 22 24 26 25 21 15 13 02 10 4 8 12 19 22 23 26 25 21 15 13 03 10 3 9 12 18 23 23 26 25 21 15 13 04 10 5 9 10 15 24 23 26 25 20 15 13 05 10 4 9 10 15 23 23 26 26 18 15 13 06 10 3 II 13 15 23 24 26 26 17 14 1I 07 9 3 9 13 17 21 25 26 27 17 14 10 08 7 4 9 13 18 21 25 26 27 17 14 9 09 7 4 10 13 17 21 25 26 27 15 16 11 10 6 5 10 13 17 21 25 26 27 15 16 12 11 5 5 10 13 18 22 25 26 27 16 15 12 12 6 5 10 13 19 22 25 26 25 16 15 10 13 8 5 11 13 20 23 26 26 24 18 15 10 14 5 4 11 13 21 23 26 27 23 18 16 10 15 6 6 11 14 21 22 26 27 22 19 16 9 16 6 5 11 14 22 22 26 27 22 19 16 8 17 4 5 10 14 21 22 26 28 22 10 15 8 18 4 5 9 15 22 22 26 28 22 18 15 8 19 5 6 10 15 21 22 26 27 20 18 14 7 29 4 7 10 17 21 22 26 27 20 18 14 7 21 3 7 10 17 21 23 26 27 20 18 14 6 22 4 6 I1 16 21 22 27 25 20 18 15 5 23 4 7 10 17 22 23 26 25 21 18 14 5 24 4 7 10 21 22 23 26 25 21 18 14 6 25 4 9 11 17 20 24 26 25 21 IS 14 5 26 5 9 12 17 20 24 26 25 22 17 13 5 27 6 10 12 17 20 24 26 26 22 18 13 5 28 6 10 t2 17 20 24 25 26 22 17 13 6 29 5 14 17 22 24 26 26 22 16 13 5 30 3 14 17 22 24 26 26 22 16 13 5 31 4 14 22 26 26 16 5 Minium 3 3 8 10 15 21 23 25 20 10 13 5 Mea)n 6 6 11 15 20 23 25 26 23 17 15 9 Median 6 5 10 14 20 23 26 26 22 18 15 8 Mlaximum 10 10 14 21 22 24 27 28 27 21 16 13

Table 6.1-4. tlman monthly Schuylkill River temperature (C) measured at the Pottstown Water Treatment Plant. 1970 - 1985.

Year Jarn Feb Mlar Apr May Jun Jul Auq Sep Oct Nov Dec 1970 4 5 7 11 19 23 25 26 25 19 14 8 1971 5 6 9 14 18 24 27 25 24 19 13 10 1972 8 6 9 13 18 22 24 26 24 17 12 9 1973 7 6 10 13 16 22 25 26 24 19 13 10 1974 7 6 9 13 19 23 26 27 23 17 13 8 1975 7 6 9 It 18 22 24 26 21 16 12 8 1976 5 6 10 15 19 24 25 25 22 16 9 6 1977 4 5 10 14 19 22 27 26 24 17 14 7 1978 6 5 7 13 15 23 26 26 24 19 15 9 1979 6 2 7 14 19 22 25 26 23 17 13 8 1980 5 5 7 12 17 21 25 27 24 16 10 5 1981 3 5 8 13 17 22 25 25 22 15 10 5 1982 5 8 9 12 18 20 24 24 22 17 13 9 1983 6 6 9 10 16 21 25 26 24 18 I1 8 1984 5 7 8 12 IS 21 23 24 21 17 12 9 1965 6 6 11 15 20 23 25 26 23 17 15 9 Mininum 1 0 0 7 11 15 19 22 16 10 6 3 Mean 5 6 9 13 18 22 25 26 23 17 12 8 Median 5 6 9 13 18 22 25 26 23 17 13 8 Maximmum 12 18 14 22 25 28 30 29 29 23 19 13

Table 6.1-5. Stmoary of Schuylkill River mater quality at Station S77660, 20 Hlarch 1979 throush 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mlar, Apr, Hay Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov # of Parameter Min Hed Max ill fled Max Min fled flax "in tied 1ax Samples Temperature (C) -1.0 2.0 9.0 4.0 11.0 21.5 14.0 23.5 30.0 3.0 15.8 24.0 163 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.6 11.0 14.4 3.2 10.2 13.4 5.0 8.0 15.4 5.8 9.0 12.4 173 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.9 2.8 7.1 1.0 2.8 6.2 1.1 2.7 7.3 0.9 1.9 5.9 176 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 12.2 197.5 0.0 11.5 53.9 0.0 11.1 46.9 0.0 13.2 39.5 175 Total Organic Carbon (mg/l) 0.0 3.4 20.9 .0.0 2.4 15.3 0.0 3.2 19.0 0.0 3.6 30.6 169 pH 7.06 7.58 8.20 7.15 7.62 8.99 7.23 7.85 9.09 7.38 7.66 8.65 176 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 14.2 64.2 130.6 28.9 54.3 71.3 2.7 73.4 105.5 14.2 83.9 126.9 176 Total Hardiiess (mu/l) 64.6 122.7 687.1 37.0 104.0 156.4 88.7 136.3 786.6 83.7 169.8 255.0 175 Specific Conductance (usa/cal 159 316 537 181 277 386 215 363 550 224 437 581 176 Total Suspended Solids (mu/l) 0 5 238 0 12 36 0 9 273 0 2 42 176 Total Dissolved Solids (mu/1l 127 231 388 101 218 346 77 290 495 138 299 425 175 Total Inorganic Carbon (mg/1) 16.7 71-2 142.1 31.5 58.5 76.8 2.9 69.0 108.2 15.3 86.9 132.7 98 Chlor'ide (mg/1) 12.0 23.6 62.0 9.3 18.6 50.2 8.8 25.0 41.2 10.8 35.1 51.5 176 Sulfate (img/l) 33.0 62.7 146.0 25.9 54.2 105.9 28.0 79.0 141.9 30.9 90.6 141.9 176 Sodium (mg/li 8.70 17.40 46.90 7.15 13.87 29.30 6.43 19.20 38.20 9.48 26.90 40.40 176 Potassium (mW/l) 1.9 3.0 4.8 1.5 2.2 4.3 1.4 2.7 7.0 1.2 3.8 5.5 176 Calcium (mg/I) 13.7 26.5 63.6 10.8 25.0 41.7 13.4 28.8 46.3 17.2 30.2 60.4 176 flamlesitzi (mg/I) 7.30 14.52 29.00 6.30 12.30 19.30 10.70 16.99 25.90 8.48 19.90 28.60 1 76 Ammonia Nitrogen (mu/lI 0.030 0.410 2.680 0.000 0.229 1.200 0.000 0.072 0.560 0.000 0.140 0.580 176 HI trite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.009 0.037 0.143 0.015 0.065 0.191 0.000 0.064 0.175 0.030 0.076 0.420 176 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.37 3.00 4.20 1.71 2.44 3.59 0.00 2.29 3.04 0.00 2.76 9.96 176 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.00 0.20 0.67 0.04 0.11 2.45 0.04 0.19 3.48 0.00 0.28 0.50 167 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.00 0.15 1.60 0.00 0.08 0.33 0.00 0.14 0.33 0.00 0.20 0.35 174 Chromium (mg/I I 0.001 0.009 0.075 0.001 0.008 0.139 0.002 0.007 0.194 0.000 0.008 0.104 175 Copper (mg/l) 0.000 0.006 0.048 0.001 0.008 0.031 0.000 0.007 0.295 0.000 0.006 0.030 176 Iron (mg/l) 0.00 0.30 6.83 0.10 0.42 1.32 0.00 0.27 3.75 0.00 0.18 1.42 176 Lead (mg/li 0.000 0.002 0.028 0.000 0.004 0.041 0.000 0.002 0.171 0.000 0.000 0.028 176 Manuanese (m/li) 0.05 0.23 0.76 0.09 0.23 0.68 0.00 0.09 0.41 0.00 0.05 0.29 176 Zinc (-m/i) 0.00 0.04 0.81 0.01 0.03 1.20 0.00 0.02 8.34 0.00 0.02 0.62 176 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.008 0.000 0.000 0.009 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.007 174 Phenols (mg/I) 0.000 0.000 0.030 0.000 0.000 0.019 0.000 0.000 0.020 0.000 0.000 0.0s0 175 Trichlorcethylene (uag/!) 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.0 0.0 6.2 0.0 0.0 8.2 0.0 0.0 3.2 147 Total Coliforms (c/.ll) 4 2600 62000 151 3200 116000 60 7300 67000 140 6600 138000 173 Fecal Coliforms (c/.Il) 0 270 61000 10 395 12100 3 1378 43000 10 465 30500 171

T 0 Teble 6.1-6. Suimary of Schuylktll River water quaality at Station 577660, 02 January 1985 through 18 Dece-mber 1965.

Dec Jan, Feb Mat, Apr, fay Jun, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov 9 of Parameter Hiln ied Mtax H"n lied flax In fed lax Hll tied fax Samples 20 Temperature (C) 0.0 1.8 8.0 8.0 11.0 21.5 P.0 26.0 2'9.5 11.3 16.4 24.0 26 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 6.6 10.5 13.2 3.2 8.9 13.4 i.6 11.7 1I5.2 8.0 8.3 10.8 23 Biochemical Oxy!nen Demand (mv/l) 1.0 2.2 7.1 1.1 2.8 4.4 I.1 1.9 (4.0 1.2 1.8 4.0 26 Clx.-41cal Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 8.0 14.4 22.8 13.9 14.7 19.9 9.2 12.0 2.2.6 0.0 24.1 39.5 26 Total Organic Carbon (mg/i) 1.7 2.5 3.5 2.5 2.6 3.5 2.9 4.3 4.9 3.7 4.2 4.8 26 pHl 7.06 7.61 8.13 7.26 7.63 8.99 7..50 8.34 9 .09 7.54 8.07 8.19 26 Total Alkallinity (wg/l) 46.4 64.2 79.3 51.1 65.3 71.3 9.7 79.0 9*6.3 63.3 87.4 116.6 26 Total Hardness (mu/l) 64.6 115.9 149.9 92.1 108.2 126.9 1.0 133.2 16 6.2 03.7 123.8 151.0 26 Specific Conductance (usX/cal 193 276 373 223 319 3e6 329 385 453 235 391 440 26 Total Suspendad Solids (ag/l) 0 13 100 i 4 5 0 8 !1 1 6 26 26 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 133 165 216 179 222 292 202 309 3q9 138 258 355 25 Chloride (mv/1l 12.7 25.7 34.2 20.4 26.1 31.2 13 5.1 37.0 4 0.5 18.1 35.8 43.2 26 Sulfate (mg/I) 33.6 51.6 73.2 40.0 57.4 69.7 622.6 72.5 11, 4.0 30.9 63.3 73.4 26 Sodium (mg/1) 9.23 15.95 23.78 16.99 18.90 22.67 17. .88 23.41 30 .34 10.65 25.74 30.17 26 Potassium (-/i1) 2.4 2.7 4.3 2.5 2.9 3.6 S.1 3.8 5.1 2.9 4.1 5.5 26 Calcium (Vm/1I 17.2 24.3 36.2 31.5 35.4 37.1 303.9 44.2 4 6.3 25.9 39.1 48.2 26 Magn-esium (rg/i) 8.33 14.22 16.35 10.54 14.12 16.06 13. 77 17.17 19 .96 9.60 17.78 19.55 26 Aemonia Nitrogen (mg/I) 0.151 0.366 1.552 0.195 0.333 0.617 0.0 039 0.117 0. 199 0.163 0.210 0.285 26 Nit trite Nitrogen (mg/i) 0.030 0.044 0.083 0.042 0.096 0.191 0.0 144 0.062 0. 175 0.053 0.095 0.116 26 fitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.32 2.89 4.03 1.85 2.48 2.74 62 2.25 2 .77 1.83 2.87 3.22 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/i) 0.12 0.18 0.44 0.11 0.17 0.41 0. 21 0.28 0 .40 0.18 0.26 0.35 25 Ortho Phosphate PhosphorUs (mg/I) 0.06 0.12 0.20 0.04 0.09 0.33 0. 19 0.25 0 .33 0.10 0.22 0.27 24 Chrcmium (mg/li 0.004 0.007 0.023 0.004 0.006 0.017 0.( 004 0.007 0. Oil 0.004 0.008 0.010 26 Cclppir (wg/l ) 0.003 0.006 0. 038 0.004 0.005 0.007 0.0 002 0.004 0. 012 0.004 0.006 0.007 26 0.

Iron (mg/*) 0.20 0.41 4.08 0.10 0.15 0.28 .00 0.15 0 .28 0.00 0.32 0.74 26 Lead (mg/l) 0.000 0.002 0.022 0.000 0.001 0.003 0.0 000 0.001 0. 005 0.000 0.001 0.004 26 Manganese (rv/i) 0.12 0.16 0.76, 0.09 0.14 0.25 0. .00 0.00 0 .21 0.00 0.12 0.18 26 Zinc (ml/l) 0.00 0.05 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.07 0. .01 0.01 0 .02 0.00 0.02 0.02 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.0 000 0.000 0.' 000 0.000 0.001 0.002 26 Phenols (I/l I 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 000 0.000 0. 000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 Trichlorcethylene (us/I) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 26 Total Coliforms (c/.Ill 300 81#00 50000 800 1050 2100 2200 800 2000 1800 10500 21500 25 recal Coliforms (c/.tll 0 170 6000 10 60 400 3 40 170 80 260 4300 25

Table 6.1-7. Nem minimum values observed for mater quality parameters measured In 1985 at Station S77660 on the Schuylkill River.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan. Feb Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.6 01/16/85 PH 7.06 01/16/85 Total Hardness (m/l) 64.6 12/04/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 0 02/27/85 Harp Apr, Hay Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 3.2 04/24/85 Iron (mu/1) 0.10 04/24/85 Manganese (u/i1) 0.09 05/22/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.11) 10 03/27/85 Jun, Jul. Aug Iron (mu/i) 0.00 07/02/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.1l) 3 07/17/85 Sept Oct, Nov Total Hardness (mg/i) 83.7 11/20/85 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/I) 138 11/20/85 Sulfate (mu/l) 30.9 11/20/85 Table 6.1-8. New maximum values observed for tater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station 577660 on the Schuylkill River.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec. Jan, Feb Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mu/I) 7.1 02/13/85 Mtanganese (mg/1) 0.76 02/13/85 Mar, Aprt, ay Temperature (C) 21.5 05/22/05 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 13.4 04/11/85 PH 8.99 03/27/85 Total Alkalinity (mg/I) 71.3 03/27/85 Speci fic Conkuctance (usm/cm) 306 04/24/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/I) 0.191 04/Z4/85 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mu/l) 0.33 04/24/85 Jun, Jul, Aug pH 9.09 07/17/85 Calcium (m7/1) 46.3 08/14/85 Nitrite Nitrogen (mu/l) 0. 175 06/19/85 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mu/I) 0.33 07/31/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Chemical Oxygen Demand (mu/1) 39.5 10/09/85

I Table 6.1-9. Summary of Schuylkill River water quality at Station S77140, 20 March 1979 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan, Feb Mar, Apr, lay Jtu, Jul* Aug Sep, Oct, Nov 8 of Parameter Min ied Max fin Med Max Min Hed Max lin Med lax Samples Temperature (C) -1 .0 2.0 9.0 4.0 11.0 21.5 14.0 24.0 !0.0 3.5 15.8 24 '.5 163 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 6.1 11.0 13.8 3.1 10.6 13.9 4.7 8.1 15.0 5.6 9.1 124.6 175 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/I) 0.9 2.9 8.4 0.7 2.8 7.6 I.1 2.8 7.1 0.8 2.0 55.8 176 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 0.0 12.6 196.6 0.0 11.5 56.2 0.0 11.7 64.5 0.0 12.3 376.7 174 Total Organic Carbon (mg/l) 0.0 2.8 18.7 0.0 2.3 16.3 0.0 A.2 20.0 0.0 3.0 299.3 168 pH 7.01 7.59 8.21 7.22 7.63 8.98 6.91 7.A1 9.19 7 .24 7.74 8. .67 176 Total Alkalinity (mg/li 8.9 63.9 172.1 27.7 54.8 73.7 4.3 71.0 102.9 449.1 87.9 1304.7 175 Total Hlardness (mg/l) 65.5 123.7 675.2 51.9 107.7 160.6 69.2 143.3 724.9 3.5 173.0 44t* 1.0 174 Spocific Conductance (tsm/ca) 156 315 611 157 272 387 215 360 518 223 431 5'77 176 Total Suspended Solids (mg/i) 0 5 232 0 13 55 0 8 280 0 3 43 175 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/i) 131 220 509 135 207 338 160 275 445 141 304 4i19 175 Total Inorganic Carbon (mg/i) 23.2 70.0 184. 1 29.7 58.1 74.6 4.7 67.8 106.0 6.2 87.0 136&.1 97 Chloride (mg/l) 11.7 24.2 62.4 9.5 18.3 51.3 8.8 24.7 43.7 0.6 33.7 51 .3 175 Sulfate (mg/l) 33.6 62.4 185.2 30.9 53.5 99.7 28.0 78.0 144.6 2.4 87.6 152'.2 175 Scdium (mg/i) 8.70 17.59 62.00 4.90 13.85 29.12 6.74 19.06 36.00 9 .07 26.91 38. .60 176 Potassium (mg/i) 1.9 3.0 6.5 0.8 2.1 3.1 1.4 2.8 8.0 1.2 3.9 .4 176 Calcium (mg/l) 14.1 26.2 83.5 5.9 25.3 44.3 13.0 31.2 69.7 107.4 32.0 622.4 176 Magnesiun (cg/1) 8.00 13.92 35.80 3.60 12.25 20.30 10.20 17.20 28.93 9 .12 20.20 26. 90 176 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/I) 0.000 0.420 2.470 0.000 0.205 1.480 0.000 0.080 0.490 9. 000 0.110 0.' ;80 176 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.008 0.039 0.138 0.023 0.070 0.207 0.000 0.066 0.190 0.0 030 0.071 0.9900 175 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/1) 1.40 3.02 4.80 1.60 2.37 3.63 0.00 2.34 4.38 0 .03 2.68 4. .68 175 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/1) 0.02 0.20 0.85 0.03 0.13 0.89 0.04 0.21 3.48 0 .00 0.28 2. .24 166 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0.00 0.15 0.85 0.00 0.08 0.33 0.00 0.14 0.33 0 .00 0.20 0. .37 174 Chromium (mg/I) 0.002 0.010 0.060 0.002 0.008 0.068 0.000 0.007 0.070 0. 000 0.008 0.0036 175 Copper (mg/I) 0.000 0.008 0.072 0.001 0.007 0.039 0.000 0.007 0.055 0.4 000 0.006 0.C '33 176 Iron (mg/i) 0.00 0.28 7.45 0.11 0.45 1.54 0.00 0 .C4 4.68 0..00 0.17 1..68 176 Lead (mg/i) 0.000 0.001 0.025 0.000 0.002 0.014 0.000 0.001 0.022 0. 0o0 0.000 0.( 119 176 Manganese (mg/l) 0.08 0.23 0.72 0.07 0.23 0.88 0.00 0.09 0.44 0 .00 0.06 0. .34 176 Zinc (mg/1) 0.00 0.Oe4 0.70 0.00 0.03 0.89 0.00 0.03 2.56 0 .00 0.02 0. .16 176 Cyanide (mJ/li 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.009 0.000 0.000 0.018 0. 100 0.000 0.0007 174 Phenols (m'1/i) 0.000 0.000 0.035 0.000 0.000 0.0Q42 0.000 0.000 0.022 0.4 000 0.000 0.0439 174 Trichloroethylene (ug/1 0.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.0 4.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 23.4 147 Total Coliforms (c/.Il) 13 2200 69000 170 2900 107000 40 5900 77000 140 5900 1500 00 172 Fecal Coliforms (c/.ill 0 330 55000 10 34.0 11500 2 708 63000 27 440 29C 00 172

Table 6.1-10. Summary of Schuylkill River mater quality at Station S77140, 02 January 1965 through 18 December 1985.

Dec, Jan,, Feb Har, Apr, Mlay Juns, Jul, Aug Sep, Oct, Nov I of Parameter lire tied flax Hir Hod Mfax t in tied M lax Hin fled Max Samples Temperature (C) 0.0 1.8 8.0 8.0 11.0 21.5 2O0.5 26.0 219.5 11.0 16.2 24.5 26 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/li 6.1 9.6 13.5 3.1 10.7 12.8 1.7 11.3 1I 2.3 8.2 8.7 10.8 25

[ioch*.mical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 2.0 3.0 7.1 1.4 2.5 3.9 1.1 1.7 i3.5 1.2 2.1 4.1 26 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/li 9.0 16.5 31.9 11.0 16.8 26.7 0.0 11.8 46'6.9 0.0 21.2 37.7 26 Total Organic Carbon (mg/I) .6 2.5 6.3 2.0 2.8 3.9 2.9 4.4  ! ..1 3.6 4.4 5.0 26 pl1 7. .01 7.56 8.11 7.52 7.93 8.98 7..58 8.42 9. 19 7.60 8.09 8.35 26 Total Alkalinity (mg/li ).9 64.4 77.7 51.5 64.4 73.7 6' 5.4 81.7. 9(1.3 66.8 92.1 124.7 26 Total H1ardiess (mg/lI 6! 5.5 115.9 148.9 9.2 133.2 1721.4 26 90.6 112.0 124.0 83.5 131.4 170.6 Specific Conductance (usa/cal 191 257 365 227 317 367 332 383 i65 238 402 479 26 Total Suspended Solids (ag/l) 0 11 122 1 3 9 1 3 8 I 8 26 26 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) 131 176 217 195 213 266 189 324 2303 190 300 331 26 Chloride (mg/l) 115.4 25.3 34.0 19.7 26.8 31.3 1.1 38.4 4243.7 18.4 36.7 47.1 26 Sulfate (mg/li 3.6 51.6 71.6 39.7 56.4 71.1 6*4.5 73.7 111 f.9 32.4 67.1 75.4 26 Sodium (mg/l) 9. .51 16.12 24.48 16.21 19.23 20.74 18 .17 23.79 30. 81 10.93 26.23 32.51 26 Potassium (mg/li 2.2 3.0 4.1 2.4 2.9 3.1 2.9 3.7 15.0 2.9 4.1 6.4 26 Calcium (MV/li 6.0 24.4 32.2 30.8 32.6 38.0 3' +.7 40.6 419.9 26.5 40.7 55.8 26 iagnesium (mg/l) .80 12.83 16.08 11.09 13.87 15.94 14..10 17.20 19. 90 9.71 18.78 21.00 26 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.i 0.058 0.375 0.790 0.117 0.308 0.536 0.0 039 0.097 0.1 167 0.158 0.207 0.268 26 N4itrite Nitrogen (mg/l) 0. 030 0.043 0.084 0.042 0.098 0.207 0.0 041 0.058 0.169 0.054 0.102 0.139 26 Hitrate Nitrogen (ms/l) 0. .38 2.72 3.48 1.88 2.39 2.75  !. .63 2.25 2. .79 2.00 2.65 3.79 26 Total Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/l) 0. .13 0.18 0.51 0.12 0.20 0.42 0. .22 0.29 0. .38 0.16 0.26 0.29 25 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/il 0. .06 0.12 0.23 0.03 0.10 0.33 0.0 .19 0.26 0. .33 0.13 0.21 0.33 24 Chromium (mg/l) 0. 003 0.008 0.022 0.005 0.006 0.011 104 0.006 0.0to1 0.004 0.008 -0.010 26 Copper (mg/1) 004 0.007 0.035 0.004 0.006 0.010 0.0 102 0.009 0.cIs 0.004 0.010 0.033 26 0.

Iron (rg/l) 0. .17 0.39 4.54 0.11 0.16 0.28 0.0 .00 0.10 0. 32 0.15 0.33 0.74 26 Lead (mg/li 0. g00 0.002 0.023 0.000 0.001 0.002 0, 000 0.0Of 0.( 0.0102 0.000 0.001 0.007 26 Manganese (mg/l) 0. .12 0.18. 0.72 0.07 0.14 0.25 0..00 0.05 0. .24 0.00 0.09 0.19 26 Zinc (mg/l) 0.0 .00 0.05 0.14 0.00 0.02 0.07 0. .01 0.02 0. 02 0.00 0.02 0.03 26 Cyanide (mg/l) 0.0 00 0.000 0.00i 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.0 000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.002 26 Phenols (mg/l) 0. 00

0. 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 26 7richloroethylene (ug/l) 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 26 Total Coliforms Ic/.il) P00 18000 69000 800 1400 2900 300 750 I1;00 1500 7000 17000 24 Fecal Coliforms (c/.ll) 0 30 4300 10 105 900 2 55 .150 90 215 3000 25

Table 6.1-11. He" minimum values observed for mater Cqality parameters measured In 1985 at Station S77140 on the Schuylkill River.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 6.1 01/16/85 pit 7.01 01/16/85 Total Alkalinity (mu/I) 8.9 01/02/85 Total Hardness (mg/i) 65.5 12.'04/85 Total Oissolved Solids (mg/1) 131 12/04/85 Sulfate (Og/l) 33.6 12/04/85 Zinc (mg/I) 0.00 12/04/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.1l) 0 01/30/85 liar, Apr, May Dissolved Oxygen (mg/i) 3.1 04/014/85 Iron (mg/1) 0.11 03/27/85 Manganese (mgl/l) 0.07 05/22/85 Zinc (mg/'I) 0.00 04/11/65 Fecal Coliforms (c/.Il) 10 03/27/85 Jun, Jul, Aug Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) ,.7 07/31/85 Fecal Coliforms (c/.ll) 2 07/17/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Total Hordness (mg/l) 83.5 11/20/85 Sulfate (mg/I) 32.4 11/20/05 Table 6.1-12. We" maximum values observed for mater quality parameters measured in 1985 at Station 577140 on the Schuylkill River.

Season Parameter Value Date Dec, Jan, Feb Manganese (mg/I) 0.72 02/13/85

.Total Coliforms (c/.11) 69000 01/02/85 Mar, Apr, May Temperature (C) 21.5 05/22/85 PH 8.98 03/27/85 Total Alkalinity (mg/I) 73.7 03/27/85 Potassium (mw/1l 3.1 04/24/65 Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/1) 0.207 04/1I/05 Ortho Phosphate Phosplhrus. (mg/i) 0.33 04/24/85 Jump Jul, Aug pH 9.19 07/02/85 Chloride (mg/i) 43.7 08/28/35 Ortho Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/1) 0.33 07/31/85 Sep, Oct, Nov Temperature (C) 24.5 09/11/85 Potassium (mg/1) 6.4 09/25/85 Copper (mg/l) 0.033 11/06/85 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/i) 37.7 10/09/85

6.2 Benthic Ilacroinvertebrates Summary

1. Samples were collected at 4 stations on 28-29 January, 16 April, 10 July, and 8 October 1985.

2. In 1985, a total of 75 taxa was collected at all stations with 48-59 taxa collected at individual stations.

Taxonomic composition was similar at all stations.

3. Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/mz) was greatest at S78620. It was substantially lower at both S75770 and S76760, which were similar. Standing crop at these two stations was also usually lower than that measured at S77120.

4. Nearly the same taxa were numerically important at all stations. Certain taxa (Chironomidae, Crangonyx, and Oligochaeta) were present in the greatest numbers at two or more stations.

5. The macroinvertebrate communities present at all stations were not greatly changed from 1984 to 1985. Taxonomic composition, annual mean standing crop, and composition of the numerically important taxa generally were similar in both years.

6.2-1

6. Impacts due to LGS operation were evaluated by comparing data obtained on the one sample date (8 October) that followed granting of the full power operating license with that obtained during the same month in prior years.

No effects on downriver macroinvertebrate communities were evident.

Introduction and Methods Studies of the macroinvertebrate community of the Schuylkill River near LGS were conducted in 1970-1976 and resumed in late 1983. Data obtained during the earlier period were used in preparation of the EROL and those obtained in 1983-1984 were reported in subsequent progress reports (RMC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985).

Presently (1983-1985), four sample stations are located in the vicinity of LGS, one upstream (S78620) and three at various distances downstream (S77120, S76760, and S75770). Three replicate samples are collected quarterly at each station using Buried Cylinder Samplers. Sample station location and all methods are fully described in the EROL (Section 6.1).

In 1985, samples were collected on 28-29 January, 16 April, 10 July, and 8 October. There was no deviation from the previously established sampling or sample handling methods.

6.2-2

Results and Discussion 1985 A total of 75 taxa was collected at all stations, including Oligochaeta (worms), Decapoda (crayfish), Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Coleoptera (beetles),

Trichoptera (caddisflies), Diptera (true flies), and Mollusca (snails and clams) (Table 6.2-1). Similar total numbers of taxa were collected at the four stations. In addition, taxonomic com-position was very similar at all stations.

Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/mz) was greatest at S78620 on all sample dates (Table 6.2-2). Standing

. crops at S75770 and S76760 were quite similar on several dates and usually lower than that observed at S77120.

Standing crop for each taxon measured in 1985 and the cor-responding percent composition of the community are shown in Table 6.2-3. Although a large number of taxa were present at each station, only a few taxa were present in sufficiently large number to be considered numerically important (i.e., represented

• 22 of total numbers). Nearly the same taxa were numerically im-portant at all stations. Chironomidae, Cranqonyx, and Oligochaeta were present in the greatest numbers at two or more stations. Other taxa were numerically important at individual stations: S75770 - Gammarus, Goniobasis, Physa, Pisidium, 6.2-3

Stenacron, and Stenelmis; S76760 - Gammarus, Goniobasis, Pisidium and Stenacron; S77120 - Gammarus, Oligochaeta, Physa, and Pisidiu  ; and 578620 - Cheumatopsyche, Physa, Simuliidae, Musculiju, Pisidium, Stenacron, and Stenelmim.

Similar to what was observed in 1984 (RMC-Environmental Services 1985), the macroinvertebrate communities present at the sample stations in 1985 may be separated into 2 groups: S75770, S76760, and S77120; and S78620. The latter station's community may be distinguished from those present at the other locations by substantially higher standing crop of all taxa combined and Cheumatopsyche and Simuliidae in particular. The observed diff-erences in communities between the groups of stations may be related to river current velocity. The current velocity is greatest at S78620 and would be expected to favor taxa that prefer such conditions, including Cheumatopsyche and Simuliidae.

1973-1976 and 1984-1985 The objective of this section is to compare data obtained in 1985 with that prepared previously (1973-1976 and 1984) to iden-tify any changes in community structure that have taken place.

During the 1970's samples were collected monthly, whereas in 1984 and 1985 they were collected quarterly. Therefore, in order to more properly compare data among the years, only particular 1970's data were used. These data represent only samples col-6.2-4

lected on those calendar dates closest to the 1984 sample dates.

These sample dates are listed in Table 6.2-4. The thrust of inter-year comparison is directed toward 1984-1985, although some reference to the previous years is made. Changes observed between the 1970's and 1984 were discussed in greater detail in the previous progress report (RIIC-Environmental Services 1985).

The total number of taxa collected at all stations in 1985 was nearly the same as collected in 1976 and 1984 (Table 6.2-5).

The taxonomic composition was quite similar in these years and in the earlier years (1973-1975) as well.

Compared to 1984, annual mean standing crop was slightly

. greater in 1985 at three stations and approximately two-thirds greater at the other (Table 6.2-6). Standing crop at all stations in these years was substantially larger than recorded in the 1970's.

There was little variation observed in the composition of those taxa considered numerically important at any station from 1984 to 1985 (Tables 6.2-7 through 10). However, changes in the standing crop of individual taxa resulted in shifts in relative importance among them at all stations. Cheumatopsyche, Ferrissia, Goniobasis, and Sphaerium declined substantially at three or more stations whereas Crangonyx, Gammarus, Physa, Pisidium, and Chironomidae increased substantially at three or

• 6.2-5

more stations. Other taxa declined (Argia, Oligochaeta, Gammarus, and Hvdropsyche) or increased (Stenacron, Oligochaeta, Musculium Simuliidae, and Stenelmis) greatly at fewer stations.

In summary, the macroinvertebrate communities present at the stations in 1985 were not greatly changed from those observed in 1984. Nearly the same taxa were present in both years and annual mean standing crop was only somewhat greater at several stations in 1985. Composition of the numerically important taxa was vir-tually unchanged at all stations from 1984 to 1985, although shifts in relative importance among them were observed.

LGS Operational Impacts In order to describe any observed LGS operational impacts to the Schuylkill River benthic macroinvertebrate community, it is important to note that in 1985 the plant operated at greater than 5% capacity only after receipt of its full power license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on 8 August (see Section 6.0 Schuylkill River). Consequently, the only date on which samples were collected during the LGS operational period was 8 October.

This date followed approximately 2 months of plant operation.

Therefore, the following analysis of LGS impacts is preliminary in that it is based on samples collected on only one date.

6.2-6

Since operational period samples were collected only on 8 October, the resulting data were compared to those obtained from samples collected only in October during previous years. These dates are shown in Table 6.2-11. As in the previous section, data from the 1970's are presented. However, the 1980's data is emphasized in discussion.

The macroinvertebrate taxa collected in October in all years are shown in Table 6.2-12. A general increase in the number of taxa through the period 1975-1985 is evident. Nearly the same taxa were collected in 1984 and 1985.

Ilacroinvertebrate standing crop at three stations, including S78620 located upstream of the LGS discharge, was substantially lower in 1985 than in 1984 and more closely reflected measurements made in 1983 (Table 6.2-13). This reduced standing crop probably was the result of river bottom scouring by high flows associated with rains from Hurricane Gloria approximately one week before the sample date (see Section 6.1 Water Quality).

The numerically important taxa collected at all sample stations are shown in Tables 6.2-14 through 17. A fairly wide spread and great decline in standing crop among several of these taxa was observed. Standing crop of a number of taxa was sub-stantially reduced at three or more stations, including S78620:

Cheumatopsyche, Chirononomidae, Ferrissia, Hydropsyche, Physa, 6.2-7

Pisidium, and Gammarus. Seven other taxa greatly declined at only one or two stations. Although standing crop of other taxa substantially increased, the observed reductions were not balanced. Standing crop of only two taxa, Berosus and Crangonyx, substantially increased at three stations. Mine other taxa also substantially increased, but mostly at only one station. The ob-served fluctuation in standing crop of individual taxa from 1984 to 1985 resulted in change in relative numerical importance among them at individual stations. Such standing crop fluctuation and resultant reordering of numerical importance among the taxa were not phenomena restricted to only these years; they also were ob-served between all consecutive years at all stations.

In summary& it does not appear that the operation of LGS during the two months prior to the October sample date had any effect on the macroinvertebrate communities located downriver of the plant discharge. The total number of collected taxa and the taxonomic composition were similar before and after plant operation. Total standing crop was reduced both upriver and downriver of the plant discharge. Fluctuation in standing crop of individual numerically important taxa resulting in reordering of the relative importance among them occurred at all stations from 1984 to 1985 and this also was observed in previous years.

6.2-8

Table 6.2-1. Macroir ivertebrate taxa collected In the So xylkill River during 1985.

Taxon S75770 576760 577120 S78620 Acroreuri a x Alboglossiphonia x x x x Allocapnia x x Anax x Ancyronyx Argia x x Asel lus x x Baetis x Beromus x x Caenis Cambarus Carpeloma Ceratopogoni dae Cheumatopsyche Chi marra Chironomidae Corydalus Cranroriyx Dromogoirplus Dubi rephia Dugesia Ectapria Elliptio Empidfdme Ephydri dae Erpobdel la Ferrissla Garmarus Goniobasis Gyraulus Hel isoma Helabdella Hydrolimmx Hydropsyche Hydropti la Ischnura Isonychi a Laom I ii Lanthus Lepfdostoe" Limnophi la x LyVmnaea x x tiacronychus Manayunkia x Musculium x x Nigronta Oecetis x x 1Ogochaeta x x Optioservus x x Orconectes x x Pararuyractis 'C Per i coma Phasganophora 'C Physa 'C '

Pisidi u x 'C Polycentropus Prostoma x 'C Protopti la 'C '

Psephenus x 'C Pti lostomis x sialis x 'C Simul i Idae x 'C Sphaerium x Stenacron x x Stenelmis 'C X S tenonema x 'C Strationyi idae 'C Stygabromus X Tabanidae 'C Telmatoscopus x Tetragonemuria 'C Tipula x x 'C Tipulidae

Table 6.2-1. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected In the Schuylkill River during 1985.

Taxan 975770 S76760 977120 578620 Trinenodes x X X X Tricorythodes X X X X Total Humber of Taxa 48 55 55 59 Table 6.2-2. Total macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean nmber/sq. meter )

measured In the Schuylkill River during 1985.

Date S75770 576760 577120 578620 Jan 13174.9 19661.2 29431.7 44765.0 Apr 7191.3 4644.8 17038.3 42016.4 Jul 26092.9 29114.8 28163.9 45683.1 Oct 5169.4 5803.3 7857.9 22551.9 Mean 12907.1 14806.0 20623.0 38754.1

Table 6.2-3. Hacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean nmber/sq. meter) measured in the Schuylkill River during 1985.

575770 576760 S77120 578620 Taxon Density . Camp Density X Comp Density Z Comp Density X Coop Acroneuri - - - - 9.6 +

Alboglosslphonla 8.2 + 2.7 + 1.4 + 61.5 0.2 Allocapnia 1.4 + - - - 1.4 +

Anax - 1.4 + - - -

Ancyronyx 2.7 4 - - 2.7

• 10.9 +

Argia 24.6 0.2 139.3 0.9 38.3 0.2 333.3 0.9 Asellus 2.7 + 53.3 0.4 20.5 4 65.6 0.2 Baetis - - 1.4 4 - - 66.9 0.2 Berosus 31.4 0.2 75.1 0.5 133.9 0.6 84.7 0.2 Caenis - - - - 1.4 + 2.7 +

Caobarus 1.4 + - - -

Campeloea - - 1.4 + - - -

Ceratopogonidae 1.4 + 6.8 + 20.S 5.5 +

Ch*,matopsyche 187.2 1.5 140.7 1.0 80.6 0.4 3229.5 8.3 Chimarra 1.4 + 1.4 + - 5.5 +

Chironomidae 3061.5 23.7 3407.1 23.0 3711.8 18.0 14696.7 37.9 Corydals - - - - - - 23.2 +

Crangonyx 2289.6 17.7 3251.4 22.0 4374.3 21.2 1687.2 4.4 Dromogomphus - - 2.7 + 2.7 + 2.7 +

Oubiraphia 49.2 0.4 77.9 0.5 162.6 0.8 34.2 +

OuiesIa 39.6 0.3 64.2 0.4 229.5 1.1 58.7 0.2 Ectopria - - 1.4 + 1.4 + -

Elltptlo 1.4 4 - - 4.1 + -

Empididae 6.8 + 8.2 + 4.1 + 57.4 0.1 Ephydridae - - - - 1.4 - -

Erpobdella 38.3 0.3 34.2 0.2 88.8 0.4 94.3 0.2 Ferrlssia 110.7 0.9 150.3 1.0 113.4 0.5 676.2 1.7 Gammarus 1566.9 12.1 1945.4 13.1 1336.1 6.5 2.7 +

Goniobasis 1056.0 8.2 568.3 3.8 710.4 3.4 603.8 1.6 Gyraulus 80.6 0.6 10.9 4 - - 57.4 0.1 Helisoma 222.7 1.7 5.5 + 5.5 + 21.9 +

Helobdello 13.7 0.1 39.6 0.3 32.8 0.2 1.4 +

Hydrolimax 26.0 0.2 161.2 1.1 56.0 0.3 26.0 +

Hydropsyche 168.0 1.3 112.0 0.8 92.9 0.5 647.5 1.7 Hydroptila 2.7 + - - 1.4 + 36.9 +

Ischnura 4.1 + 9.6 + 21.9. 0.1 1.4 +

Isonychia - - 1.4 + - - 12.3 +

Lanpsllls 1.4 + - -.

Lanthus - 4.1 + 1.4 + 1.4 +

Lepidostome - - - 1.4 + 35.5 +

Li - Pophi a - - 1.4 + -.

Lyetaea 1.4 + 174.9 1.2 5.5 + 23.2 +

tlacronychus - - - 1.4 - -

IMana,*k ia - - 4.1 + 4.1 + 1 1.4 Musculium 98.4 0.8 19.1 0.1 28.7 0.1 877.1 2.3 Higronla - - - - 2.7 + 1.4 +

Oecetis 1.4 + 2.7 + - - 16.4 +

ollgochaeta 1224.0 9.5 2881.2 19.5 7098.4 34.4 2169.4 5.6 Optioservus 17.8 0.1 5.5 + 23.2 0.1 172.1 0.4 Orconectes 2.7 + 6.8 + 2.7 + 2.7 +

Parargyractis - 5.5 + - - 174.9 0.5 Pericoma - - - 1.4 + - -

Phasganophora - 2.7 + 1.4 + 10.9 +

Physa 1236.3 9.6 189.9 1.3 814.2 3.9 2657.1 6.9 Pisidtum 348.4 2.7 513.7 3.5 694.0 3.4 1629.8 4.2 Polycentropus - - - - - 2.7 +

Prostoma 16.4 0.1 9.6 4 51.9 0.3 120.2 0.3 Protoptila 4.1 + 4.1 + 1.4 + 54.6 0.1 Psephet-s 8.2 + 10.9 + 2.7 4 38.3 +

Ptllostomis - - 1.4 + - - - -

Sialls 23.2 0.2 47.8 0.3 35.5 0.2 57.4 0.1 Simulildae 106.6 0.8 60.1 0.4 53.3 0.3 4557.4 11.8 Sphaerium 42.4 0.3 - - 12.3 + 15.0 +

Stenacron 263.7 2.0 293.7 2.0 10.9

• 1032.8 2.7 Stenelmis 333.3 2.6 157.1 1.1 390.7 1.9 1987.7 5.1 Stenonema 20.5 0.2 6.8 + - - 277.3 0.7 Strationytidae - - 1.4 + - - -

Stygobromus - - - 1.4 + - -

Tabanidae - - 5.5 -. .. .

Telmatoscopus - - - 1.4 - -

Tetragoneuria - - - 1.4 +- -

Tipula 2.7 + 15.0 0.1 8.2 + 1.4 +

Table 6.2-3. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean numer/sq. meter) mesured In the Schuylkill River during 1985.

575770 576760 577120 578620 Taxon DeOwnity Z Comp Density X Caup Density X Camp Density X Coop Tipulidae - - - - - - 1.4 +

Triaenodes 13.7 0.1 19.1 0.1 24.6 0.1 4.1 +

Trtcorythodes 140.7 1.1 87.4 0.6 97.0 0.5 211.8 0.5

• AIl Tmxa 12907.1 W/A 14806.0 W/A 20623.0 4/A 38754.1 W/A

Table 6.2-4. Dates of sample collection and 1985 that were in 1973-1976, used in data comparison.1984, Year Station 1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 S75770 17 Jan 17 Jan --

19 Apr -- 10 Jan 24 Apr -- 28 Jan 15 Aug 21 Apr 27 Apr 13 Aug -- 16 Apr 12 Oct 22 Jul 7 Aug 15 Oct --

10 Jul 19 Oct 17 Oct 8 Oct S76760 16 Jan 17 Jan 12 Feb 19 Apr 21 Jan 10 Jan 25 Apr 16 Apr 28 Jan 15 Aug 21 Apr 27 Apr 14 Aug 14 Aug 16 Apr 10 Oct 22 Jul 7 Aug

-- 28 Oct 10 Jul 19 Oct 17 Oct 8 Oct S77120 ....

11 Feb 21 Jan

.... 10 Jan 28 Jan 15 Apr 21 Apr

-- 13 Aug 27 Apr 16 Apr 14 Aug 22 Jul

-- 15 Oct 7 Aug 10 Jul 28 Oct 19 Oct 17 Oct 8 Oct S78620 16 Jan 17 Jan 11 Feb 19 Apr 21 Jan 10 Jan 24 Apr 15 Apr 29 Jan 16 Aug 21 Apr 27 Apr 13 Aug 14 Aug 16 Apr 10 Oct 22 Jul 7 Aug 15 Oct 28 Oct 10 Jul 19 Oct 17 Oct 8 Oct

Table 6.2-5. Itacroanvertebrate tax. collected In the Schuylkill River during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.), 1984, and 1985.

Texan 1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 Acroneuri a X X X X X Actnobdellla X Asraylea X Alasmidonta 'C Alboglossiphanla X X Allocapnia X X X X X Ameletus X Anax x Ancyronyx 'C Anodonta 'C Antocha X 'C 'C Argla X X 'C 'C Asellus X 'C 'C Atherix X X Baetis x 'C Ba tracobdel la X 'C 'C Belostoma x Berosus X X 'C 'C Caeni s x Caebarus X X 'C Campeloma Ceraclea Ceratopogoni de x 'C x Chetmatopsyche x x x C1imarra X x 'C Chi roromi dae x 'C 'C Corydalus x Crangonyx X x Diplectrona x Dolichopodidae X x Oromogomphus 'C Dub1iraphia 'C

'C x

Dugesia 'C Ectopria x

Elliptic Empididae 'C ' 'C Enallagma x Ephemera 'C 'C Ephemerel la x 'C 'C Ephydr I die x 'C Erpobdella x X 'C Erythem is Ferrissla 'C ' 'C Gam*arus X Gomphi dae Gomphus Goniobasls 'C X 'C GVroulus 'C Helichus 'C Hel isoma x 'C '

Helobdella X x x Hydracarina 'C Hydrolimax 'C X Hydrophi lidae Hydroporus XC Hydropsyche 'C 'C X Hydropti la 'C 'C '

Ischnura 'C x 'C Isonychia X Isoper la X Lamps Ilis Lanthus 'C 'C '

Lepfdostoma Leucotrichia 'C Limnophila 'C Limonia X Lyrmnaea 'C '

tlacromia X x 'C X Mlacronemum x Mlacronychus 'C X flanayunk*a HMenetus tiusctdae x 'C flusculium X

Table 6.2-5. Macroinvertebrate tax. collected In the Schuylkill River during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.), 1984, and 1985.

Taxon 1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 ftycetophi i dee x Mystaci des x Hectopsyche x Neurecltpsis x x X x Higronla X Gecetis x x x x x Oli gochaeta x x X X K x Ophi ogophius x x Optioservus x K X K X Orconectes x X X K X Ormosia K Para leptophlebi a Parargyract is K X X x x Pel todytes x Per I coma K Perlesta x X Phasganophora x x Phoridae X X x K X K Physa Piscicolaria Pisdiu, x Placobdel li x x x Polvcentropum x K X Potamanthus x K X x

X Prostoma x K Protopti la X X X x

x K x Psephenus Pseudocloeon x Pseudol 1 mnophi la x K K Psvchoda x Psychomyl a x x Pti lostomis x Rhyacophi la x Sialis x x x K K SI !iidae K x x K x Sphaeri u- x x K x S tenacron x Stenelmis x x K K x x Stenonema K K K x x K Stratiomyl idae x x K K Stygobromus K XX x Stylurus x X x x Tabanidae K K Taeni opteryx X X Tel matoscopus x x x x K K Tetrag*neur*ia K X x x x x K TIpula Tipulidae x Triaenodes K X X K K Tricorythodps 53x x K K Total tkmiber of Taxa 53 65 59 73 77 75

Table 6.2-6. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (man number/sq. meter), all tax& combined, in the Schuylkill River, during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.),

19864, and 1985.

Station 1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 198S S75770 2288.9 4970.3 - 6397.5 11207.7 12907.1 S76760 3250.0 5482.2 11107.6 5669.1 10225.4 14806.0 S77120 - 6448.8 7935.5 4200.8 12504.1 20623.0 S78620 6133.2 8633.2 13573.8 13607.6 35497.3 38754.1 Table 6.2-7. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent composition of Important taxa at Station 575770 in the Schuylkill River, during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.1, 1984, and 1985.

1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 Taxon P1ean z Mean fean X Plean X Mean z. Mean Cheumatopavche 3.1 0.1 43.0 0.9 - 26.0 0.4 605.2 5.4 187.2 1.5 Chironomidae 557.4 24.4 647.5 13.0 - 12%.4 20.3 2439.9 21.8 3061.5 23.7 Crangonyx 9.2 0.4 23.6 0.5 - 359.3 5.6 2289.6 17.7 Ferrissia 80.9 3.5 19.5 0.4 - 1.4 0.0 247.3 2.2 110.7 0.9 Gammarus 5.1 0.1 610.7 5.4 1566.9 12.1 Gonlobasis 776.7 34.0 2990.8 60.2 - 1338.8 20.9 1267.8 11.3 1056.0 8.2 Hydroptila 41.0 0.8 - 329.2 5.1 9.6 0.1 2.7 0.0 01igochaeta 588.1 25.7 329.9 6.6 - 1702.2 26.6 4041.0 36.1 1224.0 9.5 Physa 142.4 6.2 235.7 4.7 - 53.3 0.8 157.1 1.4 1236.3 9.6 Pisidlu 1.0 0.0 38.9 0.8 - 715.8 11.2 168.0 1.5 348.4 2.7 Sphaerim 32.8 1.4 376.0 7.6 - 248.6 3.9 284.2 2.5 42.3 0.3 Stenacron 184.4 1.6 263.7 2.0 Stenelmis 10.2 0.4 16.4 0.3 20.5 0.3 176.2 1.6 333.3 2.6 No samples collected in 1975.

Table 6.2-8. Annual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter and percent composition of important taxa at Station S76760 In the Schuylkill River, during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.),

1984, and 1985.

1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 Texon Mean Mean x Mean Mean z Mean . Mean 178.3 1.6 55.3 1.0 467.2 4.6 140.7 1.0 Cheumatopsyche 2.0 0.1 17.8 0.3 Chi ronomi dee 829.9 25.5 785.5 14.3 1812.5 16.3 1347.3 23.8 2520.5 24.6 3407.1 23.0 Crangonyx 53.3 1.6 26.0 0.5 197.7 1.8 277.7 4.9 3251.4 22.0 66.9 1.2 2.0 0.0 6.1 0.1 564.2 5.5 150.3 1.0 Ferrissia 50.2 1.5 Gammarus 9.6 0.2 345.6 3.4 1945.4 13.1 Goniobasis 172.1 5.3 2881.1 52.6 5205.9 46.9 1627.0 28.7 2177.6 21.3 568.3 3.8 Hydropsyche 2.0 0.1 2.7 0.0 131.1 1.2 33.8 0.6 270.5 2.6 112.0 0.8 0O1 gochaeta 1915.0 58.9 864.8 15.8 2850.4 25.7 1904.7 33.6 2666.7 26.1 2881. 1 19.5 Physa 59.4 1.8 453.6 8.3 31.8 0.3 20.5 0.4 77.9 0.8 189.9 1.3 Ptsidium 8.2 0.3 15.0 0.3 376.0 3.4 114.8 2.0 129.8 1.3 513.7 3.5 Sphaerium 10.2 0.3 112.0 2.0 24.6 0.2 77.9 1.4 31.4 0.3 Stenacron 140.7 1.4 293.7 2.0 Table 6.2-9. Arn ual macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent cog, position of important taxa at station 577120 in the Schuylkill River, dur Ing 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.),

198 4, and 1985.

1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 Taxon Mean x Mean x Mlean x Mean z Mean 2 Mean Argia - 381.1 5.9 14.3 0.2 115.8 2.8 118.9 1.0 38.3 0.2 Cheumatopsyche 186.5 2.9 76.8 1.0 43.0 1.0 340.2 2.7 80.6 0.4 118.9 1.8 1749.0 32.

22.0 880.1 21.0 1478.1 11.8 3711.7 18.0 Chi ronomi dae - -

Crangonyx - - 43.0 0.7 125.0 1.6 120.9 2.9 4374.3 21.2 1.0 0.0 603.8 4.8 1336.1 6.5 Gamwarus 4711.1 73.1 3016.4 38.0 1547.1 36.8 3468.6 27.7 710.4 3.4 Goniobasfs - -

51.2 0.8 2600.4 32.8 1098.4 26.1 4786.9 38.3 7098.4 34.4 Oligochaeta - -

7.6 4.1 0.1 0.6 215.8 1.7 814.2 3.9 Physa - - 489.8 25.6 20.5 0.3 80.9 1.0 76.8 1.8 318.3 2.5 694.0 3.4 Ptsidlium - -

334.0 5.2 33.8 0.4 57.4 1.4 162.6 1.3 12.3 0.1 Sphaertum - -

Steneleis - - 4.1 0.1 2.0 0.0 353.8 2.8 390.7 1.9 No samples collected In 1973.

Table 6.2-10. Anuiual eacroilnvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent composition of Important taxa at Station S78620 In the Schuylkill River, during 1973 - 1976 (Selected sample dates only, see Table 6.2-4.),

1984, and 1985.

1973 1974 1975 1976 1984 1985 Texon Mean x Mean Mean Mean x Mean x Mean 28.0 Cheumatopsyche 156.8 2.6 2417.0 1223.4 9.0 3223.4 23.7 7187.2 20.2 3229.5 8.3 Chi ronomidae 3862.7 63.0 2263.3 26.2 7326.8 54.0 5854.5 43.0 7049.2 19.9 14696.7 37.9 Crangonyx 84.0 1.4 23.6 0.3 155.7 1.1 105.5 0.8 1687.2 4.4 Ferrissia 87.1 1.4 105.5 1.2 23.6 0.2 223.4 1.6 1826.5 5.1 676.2 1.7 Gammarus 1140.7 3.2 2.7 0.0 Gontobasis 6.1 0.1 1229.5 14.2 1837.1 13.5 2125.0 15.6 2680.3 7.6 603.8 1.6 Helisoma 349.4 5.7 1172.1 13.6 395.5 2.9 8.2 0.0 21.9 0.1 Hydropsyche 71.7 1.2 33.8 0.4 809.4 6.0 165.0 1.2 2221.3 6.3 647.5 1.7 Musculium 877.0 2.3 Olisochaeta 311.S 5.1 111.7 1.3 780.7 5.8 228.5 1.7 4334.7 12.2 2169.4 5.6 Physa 753.1 12.3 634.2 7.3 82.0 0.6 500.0 3.7 3158.5 8.9 2657.1 6.9 Pisidium 108.6 1.8 19.5 0.2 238.7 1.8 548.2 4.0 450.8 1.3 1629.8 4.2 Siruliidae 3.1 0.0 1.0 0.0 10.2 0.1 2060.1 5.8 4557.4 11.8 Sphaeritm 198.8 3.2 377.0 4.4 336.1 2.5 284.8 2.1 209.0 0.6 15.0 0.0 Stenacron 892.1 2.5 1032.8 2.7 Stenelmis 20.5 0.3 9.2 0.1 12.3 0.1 11.3 0.1 788.3 2.2 1987.7 5.1

Table 6.2-11. Dates of sample collection in 1973-1976 and 1983-1985 that were used in data comparison for detection of LGS plant operation effects.

Preoperational Period Station 1973 194 1975. 1976 1983 1984 S75770 12 Oct 15 Oct -- 19 Oct 6 Oct 17 Oct S76760 10 Oct -- 28 Oct 19 Oct 6 Oct 17 Oct S77120 -- 15 Oct 28 Oct 19 Oct 6 Oct 17 Oct S78620 10 Oct 15 Oct 28 Oct Ig Oct 6 Oct 17 Oct Operational Period Station 1985 S75770 8 Oct S76760 8 Oct S77120 8 Oct S78620 8 Oct

Table 6.2-12. Hacroinverfebrate taxa collected In the Schuylkill River In the month of October during years 1973 -

1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperational Period Period Taxon 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 AcroneurI a x X x X Allocapnia x Ancyronyx x AKnodonta X Argia x x x x X X x Asellus x Bautis x X X X K Batracobdella X K K X X X x Berosus K Caenis K Cambarus Ceraclen Ceratopowonl due x X x Cheumatopsyche x x X x x x K Chi I arra x x Chironowldas x X X x x x x Corydalus X X K Crangonyx x X X x x Dronogoophus K Oubi raphlia x x x X X K Ougesla x x x x Ectopria K Elliptio X X K Empidldae x X x Enal luagra K Epicordulia K Erpobdella x K K x Ferrissia x x x x x K x Gammarus K K x Goniobasis x x x K x Gyraulus x x x x Helisoma X x Helobdella X x x K K Hydracarina X Hydrol imax x x x K x Hydropsyche x x x x x Hydropti la x x xX x

Ischnura x x x x K Isonychi a K Lawps i lls x Lanthus X X X K K Lepi dostoma x Leucotrichia K Lymmea x x K Macromi a X hacronychus x

x Musci due Huscul itum xX, Mlystacides x Neureclipsis X K K Higronla K K Oeceti* x x x Olgochaeta X X K x x K K Opt ioservus K x X K K K Orconectes x x K K Parargyract Is K x x Pericoma K Phasganophora x x Physa K K X K x x P1stdi um K X x K K Polycentropus x x Prostoae K x K x x K K Protopt la x K Psephenuu K K X K K x Pseudocloeon K Pseudolimnophi la x x Pti lostomis x

x Sialls K K K K Simuli idae K x x Sphaer luis x x X x K x Stenacron x x

Table 6.2-12. Macroinvertebrate taxa collected In the Schuylkill River In the month of October during years 1973 -

1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperational Period Period Taxon 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 Stenelmts X x x x x x X Stenonema X x x X x x

Stygobromau X X Tabanicdae X x Tipula X X X X X

Tipulidae X X

Triaetrdes X X X Tricorythodes X X X Total Number of Taxa 31 31 33 38 40 52 56 Table 6.2-13. Hacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter), all taxa combined, in the Schuylkill River In the month of October during years 1973 - 1976 acid 1983 - 1985.

Station 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 575770 3241.8 7594.3 - 6676.2 5699.5 16541.0 5169.4 576760 3155.7 6663.9 4741.8 6098.4 19191.3 5803.3 S77120 - 7008.2 4602.5 4897.5 9442.6 9267.8 7857.9 578620 3463.1 10766.4 6188.5 16811.5 43721.3 85*694.0 22551.9

Table 6.2-14. Mlacroinvertebrate standing crop Imean number/sq. meter) and percent composltion of important taxa (>2.) at Station S75770 In the Schuylkill River In the month of October during the years 1973 - 1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperatlonae Period Period 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 Taxon Ilean . Mlean . Mean z Mean . IMean x Mean Mean Argla 209.0 2.8 225.4 3.4 448.1 7.9 185.8 1.I Berosus 12.3 0.2 797.8 14.0 10.9 0.1 92..9 1.8 Cheucatopsyche 4.1 0.1 151.6 2.0 12.3 0.2 1333.3 8.1 191.3 3.7 Chironomidae 4.1 0.1 57.4 0.8 188.5 2.8 54.6 1.0 4218.6 25.5 114.8 2.2 Cransonyx 20.5 0.3 163.9 2.5 475.4 9.2 Dtbiraphia 16.4 0.3 65.6 0.4 131.1 2.5 Ferrissia 147.5 4.6 4.1 0.1 852.5 5.2 5.5 0.1 Gam~arus 92.9 1.6 978.1 5.9 1382.5 26.7 Goniobasis 2954.9 91.2 5381.1 70.9 1332.0 20.0 1464.5 25.7 218.6 1.3 989.1 19.1 HIydrcpsyche 4.1 0.1 16.4 0.2 535.5 3.2 169.4 3.3 O1igochaeta 32.8 1.0 430.3 5.7 1877.0 28.1 2054.6 36.0 4857.9 29.4 934.4 18.1 Physa 57.4 1.8 94.3 1.2 135.2 2.0 5.5 0.1 486.3 2.9 Pistdium 98.4 1.3 1778.7 26.6 240.4 4.2 273.2 1.7 10.9 0.2 Prostoma 49.2 0.6 184.4 2.8 16.4 0.1 5.5 0.1 Si mulI idae 688.5 4.2 Sphaerium 32.8 1.0 897.5 11.8 463.1 6.9 213.1 3.7 322.4 1.9 Stenacron 726.8 4.4 Stenelmis 4.1 0.1 20.5 0.3 60.1 1.1 185.8 1.1 530.1 10.3 Ho samples collected In 1975.

-1 Table 6.2-15. tacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent composition of important taxa (>2X) at Station 576760 in the Schuylkill River In the month of October during the years 1973 - 1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperational Period Period 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 Taxon Ilean z Mean z "eafo z flean . Hean x Mean . lean Argia - 86.1 1.3 45.1 1.0 256.8 4.2 655.7 3.4 5.5 0.1 Berosus 4.1 0.1 82.0 1.3 38.3 0.2 136.6 2.4 Cheuma topsyche 4.1 0.1 479.5 7.2 82.0 1.7 5.5 0.1

- 1349.7 7.0 87.4 1.5 Chi ronouidae 98.4 3.1 - 143.4 2.2 536.9 11.3 224.0 3.7 6196.7 32.3 311.5 5.4 Cranronx 143.4 4.5 - 229.5 3.4 381.1 8.0 524.6 9.0 DuJi raphil 8.2 0.3 - 8.2 0.1 4.1 0.1 10.9 0.2 131.1 0.7 I15.8 3.2 Ferrissia 131.1 4.2 - '4.1 0.1 20.5 0.4 - - 2213.1 11.5 Ganarus 92.9 1.5 1142.1 6.0 519.1 8.9 6onlobasis 684.4 21.7 - 1508.2 22.6 1573.8 33.2 2431.7 39.9 770.5 4.0 1180.3 20.3 Helobdella 114.8 3.6 - 4.1 0.1 28.7 0.6 5.5 0.1 43.7 0.2 10.9 0.2 Hydropsyche - 344.3 5.2 61.5 1.3 5.5 0.1 961.7 5.0 16.4 0.3 Ischnura 4.1 0.1 - 8.2 0.1 8.2 0.2 235.0 3.9 - - 16.4 0.3 1Ogochaeta 1778.7 56.4 - 3311.5 49.7 1053.3 22.2 2371.6 38.9 3606.6 18.8 2393.4 41.2 Pisidium 12.3 0.4 - 282.8 4.2 454.9 9.6 - - 169.4 0.9 43.7 0.8 Prostemal 131.1 4.2 - 57.4 0.9 131.1 2.8 - - 27.3 0.1 16.4 0.3 Sphaerisum 188.5 4.0 16.4 0.3 5.5 0.0 Steracron - - 551.9 2.9 Stenonema 4.1 0.1 .32.8 0.5 - - - - 464.5 2.4 Tr i aenodes - - 8.2 0.2 158.5 2.6 32.8 0.2 No samples collected In 1974.

0 Table 6.2-16. flacroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent composition of Important taxa 1>2X) at Station 577120 In the Schuylkill River In the month of October during the years 1973 - 1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperational Period Period 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 Taxon Mean z Mlean x Mean x. Mean Mean Mean z IMean x Argia 1%.7 2.8 24.6 0.5 426.2 8.7 371.6 3.9 207.7 2.2 32.8 0.4 Berosus 8.2 0.1 8.2 0.2 4.1 0.1 136.6 1.4 10.9 0.1 251.4 3.2 Cheuma topsyche 262.3 3.7 53.3 1.2 77.9 1.6 5.5 0.1 38.3 0.4 60.1 0.8 Chlronomfdae 45.1 0.6 237.7 5.2 627.0 12.8 1043.7 11.1 1612.0 17.4 568.3 7.2 Crangonyx 49.2 0.7 57.4 1.2 86.1 1.8 655.7 8.3 Dubiraphia 12.3 0.3 12.3 0.3 43.7 0.5 32.8 0.4 491.8 6.3 Erpobdel la 4.1 0.1 8.2 0.2 4.1 0.1 32.8 0.3 76.5 0.8 218.6 2.8 Ganiarus 98.4 1.0 1136.6 12.3 464.5 5.9 Gonicbas5s 6041.0 86.2 1159.8 25.2 1340.2 27.4 5224.0 55.3 661.2 7.1 978.1 12.4 Oligochaeta 16.4 0.2 2811.5 61.1 1258.2 25.7 1032.8 10.9 3759.6 40.6 34409.8 43.4 Physa 163.9 2.3 4.1 0.1 98.4 2.0 316.9 3.4 136.6 1.5 5.5 0.1 Pisidium 61.5 1.3 303.3 6.2 300.5 3.2 595.6 6.4 49.2 0.6 Prostoma 45.1 1.0 254. I 5.2 32.8 0.4 43.7 0.6 Sphaerium 118.9 1.7 12.3 0.3 155.7 3.2 158.5 1.7 21.9 0.2 Stenelmis 8.2 0.2 54.6 0.6 601.1 6.5 103.8 1.3 Tricorythodes 12.3 O.Z 12.3 0.3 5.5 0.1 267.8 3.4 Ho samples collected in 1973.

I

Table 6.2-17. Macroinvertebrate standing crop (mean number/sq. meter) and percent composition of Important taxa (M2%) at Station 578620 In the Schuylkill River In the month of October during the years 1973 - 1976 and 1983 - 1985.

Operational Preoperational Period Period 1973 1974 1975 1976 1983 1984 1985 Taxon Mean Mean flean x Mean Mean (lean z (lean z Argla 45.1 1.3 135.2 1.3 36.9 0.6 163.9 1.0 1382.5 3.2 92.9 0.1 1218.6 5.4 Cheuma topsyche 602.5 17.4 3053.3 28.4 1618.9 26.2 6471.3 38.5 24278.7 55.5 17683.1 20.6 3868.9 17.2 Chironomidame 1163.9 33.6 1594.3 14.8 377.0 6.1 696.7 4.1 3885.2 8.9 16890.7 19.7 1726.8 7.7 Crangonyx 286.9 8.3 8.2 0.1 86.1 1.4 131.1 0.8 2327.9 10.3 Ferrissla 36.9 1.1 61.5 0.6 24.6 0.4 840.2 5.0 1721.3 3.9 6355.2 7.4 437.2 1.9 Gamearus 87.4 0.2 2573.8 3.0 10.9 0.0 Goni obas ts 24.6 0.7 4131.1 38.4 1401.6 22.6 3471.3 20.6 945.4 2.2 1551.9 1.8 1109.3 4.9 Heilsoma 77.9 2.2 245.9 2.3 5.5 0.0 10.9 0.0 Hydropsyche 262.3 7.6 61.5 0.6 1069.7 17.3 332.0 2.0 961.7 2.2 7650.3 8.9 557.4 2.5 Mluscul im 2901.6 12.9 Oligochaeta 69.7 2.0 82.0 0.8 295.1 4.8 262.3 1.6 147.5 0.3 11071.0 12.9 469.9 2.1 Parargyract Is 8.2 0.1 1710.4 3.9 770.5 0.9 661.2 2.9 Physa 704.9 20.4 168.0 1.6 123.0 2.0 1471.3 8.8 6224.0 14.2 6961.7 8.1 207.7 0.9 Pisidium 53.3 0.5 188.5 3.0 1881.1 11.2 284.2 0.6 251.4 0.3 2174.9 9.6 Prostoma 20.5 0.2 541.0 8.7 94.3 0.6 5.5 0.0 344.3 1.5 Simulildae 12.3 0.1 7366.1 8.6 10.9 0.0 Sphaerium 69.7 2.0 1004.1 9.3 315.6 5.1 770.5 4.6 393.4 0.5 Stenacron 32.8 0.1 3557.4 4.2 76.5 0.3 Steinelmis 24.6 0.7 8.2 0.1 4.1 0.1 12.3 0.1 349.7 0.8 322.4 0.4 3098.4 13.7

6.3 Fishes Collected by Seine Summary

1. Fish species of small body size and young-of-year (YOY) of larger species in the Schuylkill River near LGS were sampled with a small-mesh seine at monthly intervals in 1985.

2. A total of 9,471 specimens of 29 species and Lepomis sun-fish hybrids was collected. The most abundant species in the sample were redbreast sunfish (24% of the catch),

spottail shiner (23X), spotfin shiner (19%), and swal-lowtail shiner (9M).

3. Unusually large catches of several species that spawn in spring and early summer were made. White sucker, goldfish, spottail shiner, redbreast sunfish, pumpkinseed, and smallmouth bass produced strong year classes as evidenced by the capture of YOY specimens in record or near-record numbers. Also, YOY of these species appeared in seine sampled earlier in the year than ever before. Low, stable river flow and rapidly climbing water temperatures in the spring were thought to provide favorable spawning conditions for many species.

6.3-1

4. Annual catch was comparatively low, however, due to poor recruitment by spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner, two species that spawn later in the summer that dominated seine catches in previous years.

5. A fish kill (Section 6.0) on 31 July had an observable impact on the large fish population, but there were no visible signs of minnow mortality. Seine catches were abnormally low for several species immediately after the kill, notably spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner.

Thus, the lowered annual catch and poor recruitment by these two dominant species were possibly related to ef-fects from the fish kill, which occurred both upstream and downstream of LGS.

6. Relative fish density varied considerably among stations.

Greatest numbers of fish were consistently taken from stations with extensive beds of aquatic vegetation and sheltered backwater areas.

7. Compared to the effects of flow regime, a fish kill, and between station habitat differences, any effects from the operation of LGS on the sampled community were not evident.

6.3-2

Introduction and Methods A reach of the Schuylkill River near LGS was sampled monthly with small-mesh seine from January 1975 through December 1978 and from March 1981 through December 1985. Fishes vulnerable to the seine are those of small body size such as minnows, darters, and the young of many other species. The 'kinds of information provided by the seine program included species composition and relative abundance of the targeted fish community, approximate time of spawning estimated from dates that young-of-year (YOY) fish were first collected, relative spawning success based on the contribution of YOY fish to the sample, observations on preferred habitat, and incidence of disease and abnormalities. This report focuses on the species compositon and relative abundance of fishes in the 1985 seine collections, drawing on supporting in-formation as necessary to clarify particular observations or con-trast 1985 data with data collected in previous years.

Six sampling stations (two upstream and four downstream of LGS) were seined once per month in 1985. The 3.2-mm mesh seine used to collect fish measured 2.4 m long by 1.2 m deep. Seining effort consisted of six uniform seine hauls along 30 m of shoreline at each station. Catches from individual seine hauls were pooled to form a composite sample from each station on each sampling date. Adult pan and sport fishes and other large specimens were measured to the nearest 5-mm interval fork length 6.3-3

(FL), examined for disease, and released. Smaller specimens com-prised the bulk of most collections and were preserved for sub-sequent laboratory processing. Each collection was sorted by species into 5-mm FL intervals. A length-frequency distribution was determined from a subsample of 100 individuals when 200 or more fish of a given species were present in a collection.

Presence of disease and other abnormalities of individual fish was also recorded.

Results and Discussion Seine collections in 1985 yielded 9,471 specimens of 29 species and Levomis (sunfish) hybrids (Table 6.3-1). The most abundant species were redbreast sunfish (24% of the total catch),

spottail shiner (23X), spotfin shiner (19%), and swallowtail shiner (9M). Relative abundance of these more common species differed substantially from that observed in previous years.

Together, spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner comprised 57-93%

of past yearly samples, but in 1985 they contributed only 28% to the total number of fish collected. In contrast, greater numbers of twelve other species were collected in 1985 than in any previous year. For example, more YOY white sucker were taken than in any other year. Nearly twice as many redbreast sunfish were captured in 1985 than in 1983, the year when the second-highest catch of this species was made. More YOY goldfish were 6.3-4

collected in 1985 than in all other years combined; the same was true for YOY smallmouth bass and pumpkinseed. In addition, more spottail shiner were collected in 1985 than in any year except 1977.

Shifts in relative abundance within the sampled fish com-munity were probably related to the unusually low, stable flow regime present in 1985. Spring flows were the lowest on record, and low, stable stream discharge persisted throughout much of the summer. Extensive beds of submerged aquatic vegetation developed along the shoreline, expecially in areas out of the main river current. At the same time, water temperatures conducive to spawning were reached earlier than normal in the year. Cold, scouring floods deleterious to reproduction were absent. From January through [ay, seine catches exhibited the continued dominance of spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner which were by far the most abundant species the previous year. For the remain-der of 1985 these two species were not dominant components of the seine catch due to their low spawning success compared to relatively high production of young by several other species (Table 6.3-2). Apparently, the unusual conditions in 1985 favored the production of large year classes by many species but not by spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner.

The unusual conditions encouraged many species to spawn early, and YOY of many kinds of fish appeared in Schuylkill River 6.3-5

seine collections earlier in the year than ever before. White sucker spawned initially before other species, and its young were first collected in early May (Table 6.3-3). YOY of most other species were collected by June or July 1985. Typically, young of many fishes were often not taken until July or August in past years.

The total seine catch displayed a general pattern of seasonal variation reflective of the population dynamics of small, short-lived species. Due to recruitment of YOY fish, catches were greater in late spring, summer, and early fall than at other times of the year (Table 6.3-2). Lowest catches were made in the colder months. In winter, many species are semi-dormant and of-ten aggregate in very specific habitats; these factors probably accentuated seasonal differences in the seine catch.

There were no discernable differences between seining stations upstream and downstream of LGS that could be isolated from natural effects and attributed to plant operation. Station-to-station differences in vegetation density, current velocity, and other habitat features were likely factors contributing to variation in the size and composition of seine catches. Young fish were concentrated in weedy areas away from current and seine catches were greater at stations with such habitat (e.g. S77010, S77220, and S77940) than at stations where faster current swept over a cleaner bottom (Table 6.3-4).

6.3-6

Seine collections in early August 1985 yielded an unexpec-tedly small number of specimens. These collections were made 5-6 days after a major fish kill that occurred on the Schuylkill River between Pottstown and Phoenixville. It appeared that mostly adult fish were killed, and although the August seine catch comb-ined over all stations decreased, several less common species were relatively more numerous. Large numbers of fish were seined in September. Electrofishing catch rates of larger adult fish declined sharply immediately after the kill (Section 6.4), but catches of YOY of several species (goldfish, redbreast sunfish, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead) by this method were exceptionally large. Although the August de-cline in seine catch suggests that the kill affected at least some of the smaller species, electrofishing and seining samples taken a month later indicated that the population of larger adults was more severely affected by the kill than the populations of smaller species and YOY fish. Poor recruitment by spotfin shiner and swallowtail shiner, which spawn relatively late in the season, may have been related to effects from this fish kill.

6.3-7

I

. (

I 0

Table 6.3-1. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the Schuylkill River, 1975 - 1978 and 1981 - 1985.

1975 1976 1977 1978 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Total Species Catch X Catch X Catch Z Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch X Catch Z Catch Catch z Esox hybrid I + 2 4. 3 Goldfish I 4. 3 4. 273 1.4 3 4. 16 0.1 1 4. 22 0.1 394 4.2 713 0.6 Carp 3 4. I 4. 4. 31 0.3 36 Cutllps minnow 2 4.

2 4. 6 4. 4 2 4.

4 4 0.1 is 0.2 39 Golden shiner 258 2.8 274 3.3 585 3.0 58 0.3 37 0.2 11 0.1 153 0.9 12 78 0.8 1466 1.2 0.2 flotropis 886 4.5 886 0.7 Comely shiner 91 1.0 73 0.9 16 0.1 86 0.4 47 0.3 107 0.7 43 0.2 33 0.5 44 0.5 540 0.4 Common shiner It 0.1 38 0.5 41 0.2 84 0.4 49 0.3 16 0.1 23 0.1 13 0.2 298 3.1 573 0.5 Spottail shiner 33 0.4 346 4.2 7286 37.2 175 0.9 121 0.7 34 0.2 326 1.8 2z 0.3 2166 22.9 10509 8.5 Swallowtail shiner 5025 55.5 3057 37.2 3003 15.3 6579 32.4 4465 27.2 6472 41.9 8837 49.7 2616 36.8 826 8.7 40880 33.1 Spotfin shiner 3329 36.7 3283 40.0 2743 14.0 12322 60.7 10638 64.7 7990 51.8 6502 36.6 3975 55.9 1786 18.9 52568 42.6 Bluntnose mitnnow 3 4. 7 0.1 1 4+ 4 0. 2 4. 7 4. 2 0.1 4 0.1 10 0.1 40 Fathead minnow I ,I I Blacknose dace 4 4. 49 0.6 11 0.1 15 0.1 4 18 0.1 15 24 0.3 56 0.6 196 0.2 0.1 Longnose dace 5 0.1 5 + 2 4. 4. J 4* 13 Creek chub 7 0.1 245 1.2 3 1 4 17 0.1 5 0.1 10 0.1 289 0.2 4.

Fallfish I 4. 4 4 1 4.

+ 4 4. 26 0.3 38 Quillback 5 0.1 4 1 4. 4 4.

4 I 14 White sucker 6 0.1 227 2.8 1222 6.2 161 0.8 0.14. 7 4. 24 12 0.2 272 2.9 194W2 1.6 I 0.1 Creek chubsucker I + 2 + 2 + I 4. 6 White catfish 3 + 2 6 Yellow bullhead 2 + 4 + I 4. 37 0.4 52 4 5 2 4.

Bromn bullhead 8 0.1 6 0.1 1061 5.4 4. 2 I 4. I 4.

14 0.1 1094 0.9 Channel catfish 1 4. 4. 2 Margined madros I 4. I 2.3 Bancd killifish 45 0.5 131 1.6 615 3.1 17 0.8 374 169 1.1 215 1.2 82 1.2 353 3.7 2152 1.7 Rock bass 5 0.1 19 0.2 56 0.3 168 0.1 35 0.2 39 0.3 86 0.5 22 0.3 382 4.0 660 0.5 Lepomis 337 1.7 337 0.3 Redbreast sunfish 82 0.9 405 4.9 547 2.8 130 0.6 480 2.9 241 1.6 1094 6.2 139 2.0 2226 23.5 5344 4.3 163 0.1 Green sunfish 40 0.4 40 0.5 180 0.9 17 0.1 20 15 0.1 15 4 0.1 13 0.1 344 0.3 0.22.3 0.1 Pumpk inseed 5.4 0.6 44 0.5 118 0.6 48 0.2 38 43 0.3 253 1.4 18 0.3 125 1.3 741 0.6 Bluegill 16 0.2 25 0.3 11 0.1 163 0.8 170 1.1 44 0.2 29 53 0.6 514 0.4 0.2 0.4 Lepomis hybrid 7 0.1 I 4 + 2 4. 3 + 2 4. 17 2 0.1 Smallmouth bass 5 0.1 I 4. 6 9 36 0.2 23 0.1 9 0.1 190 2.0 279 0.2 4.

Largemouth bass 5 0.1 10 0.1 13 0.1 6 2 + 10 0.1 2 4. 3 4. 51 White crappie 2 # 16 0.2 2 4 14 0.1 4 4. 0.1 46 3 5 Black crappie 13 0.1 II 0.1 I 4.

6 0.1 31 Tessellated darter 19 0.2 118 1.4 335 1.7 234 1.2 70 38 0.2 62 0.3 69 1.0 53 0.6 998 0.8 Total Catch 9061 8215 19604 20304 16438 15438 17782 7108 9471 Nu.mber of"-peees"e,.. 24 30 31 29 26 24 26 25 29 Number of Stations 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6

1. = Less than 0.1 Z (Excludes sites not sampled in 1985)

Table 6.3-2. MIonthly catch (all stations combined) of fishes collected by seine from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

1/14 2/19 3/15 4/8 5/6 6/4 7/9 8/6 9/17 10/14 11/7 12/31 Total Species Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch

-- - -- - - - - - - - - 2 - 2 Esox hybrid Goldfish . . . . . 217 105 24 6 31 6 5 394 Carp .. . . 20 - - 4 5 2 - 31 Cutlips atwinow . . . . . 2 12 - - I - - 15 Golden shiner - - - 2 - - 43 8 5 17 3 - 78 Comely shiner 3 3 3 3 1 - I I - - 2 27 44 Common shiner - - - 5 6 45 208 14 10 3 6 1 298 Spottail shiner - - - - I 454 1491 111 64 21 18 6 2166 Sallowtail shiner 26 65 36 29 53 42 55 24 120 132 178 66 826 Spotfin shiner 24 114 32 158 179 124 a 71 195 358 362 161 1786 Bluntnose mirnom - - I 2 5 2 - - - - - - 10 Blacknose dace - 9 11 16 7 7 6 - - - - - 56 Creek chub - - - 3 - 3 - 4 - - - 10 Fallfish .- 3 16 1 2 3 I - 26 Quillback . . .. . 4 - - - 4 W4hite sucker - - - 20 219 19 4 10 - 272 Creek chubsucker . . .. - I - - - - - 1 Yellow bullhead . . .. . 8 18 5 4 - 2 37 Bromn bullhead . . .. . 2 6 1 5 - - 14 Chanrnel catfish . . .. -. . I - - - - 1 Banded killifish 6 10 11 10 9 2 3 64 107 60 55 16 353 Rock bass - 2 - 1 1 14 199 41 37 38 43 6 382 Redbreast sunfish 1 4 2 2 10 2 149 467 711 630 232 16 2226 Green sunfish .. . . . 3 - 4 1 1 4 13 Puwpkinseed - 1 4 - I - 39 55 24 1 125 Bluegi 11 6 I 2 1 I - - 7 25 3 7 - 53 Lepomis hybrid . . . . .- I - -  ! - - - 2 Smalimouth bass . . . . 1 49 116 4 2 9 8 1 190 Largemouth bass . . . . I - - - - I I - 3 Tessellated darter I - 2 4 - 11 9 3 4 9 7 3 53 Total Catch 67 208 101 233 302 1215 2461 869 1346 1396 958 315 9471 Number of Species 7 8 10 12 16 17 22 18 19 21 19 14 Nuaber of Stations 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Table 6.3-3. Initial appearance of young in the Schuylkill River seine catch in 1985 and relative year-class strength of selected species.

First catch of Relative year-Species vouna-of-year class strength Goldfish 4 June Strong Swalloutail shiner 9 July Weak Spotfin shiner 6 August Weak White sucker 6 May Strong Banded killifish 9 July Strong Tesselated darter 4 June Weak Redbreast sunfish 9 July Strong Pumpkinseed 9 July Strong Smallmouth bass 9 July Strong

Table 6.3-4. Total catch and relative abundance of fishes collected by seine from the Schuylkill River by station during 1985.

576840 S77010 577220 577240 577960 578460 Species Catch . Catch X Catch . Catch 0. Catch 7 Catch .

Esox hybrid 1 + I 4 0.4 2.0 298 12.3 2 0.3 35 1.9 2 0.3 Goldfish 53 1 0.1 5 0.2 21 0.9 2 0.3 2 0.1 Carp Cutl1ps minnow 2 0.2 4 0.2 2 0.1 0.1 6 0.8 Golden shiner 14 1.4 53 2.0 4 0.2 3 0.4 4 0.2 Comely shiner 2 0.2 4 0.2 8 0.3 2 0.3 28 1.5 Common shiner 27 2.6 76 2.9 13 0.5 12 1.6 118 6.3 52 6.9 Spottafl shiner 143 13.9 1026 38.6 690 28.4 2 0.3 247 13.2 58 7.7 Smallowtail shiner 48 4.7 174 6.6 293 12.1 63 8.6 225 12.0 23 3.1 Spotf in shiner 336 32.7 292 11.0 337 13.9 156 21.3 547 29.2 118 15.7 Bluntnose minnom I - I 0.1 7 0.4 1 0.1 Blacknose dace 10 1.0 21 0.8 8 0.3 8 I.1 3 0.2 6 0.8 Creek chub 3 0.1 - - 5 0.7 2 0.3 Pallfish 1 0.1 12 0.5 3 0.1 6 0.8 I 0.1 3 0.4 QuI l1back 4 0.2 -

White sucker 38 3.7 92 3.5 43 1.8 37 5.0 36 1.9 26 3.5 Creek chubsucker 1 0.1 2 0.2 8 0.3 6 0.2 2 0.3 0.6 8 1.1 Yellow bullhead Brown bullhead 12 0.5 2 0.1 Channel catfish 1 0.1 Banded killifish 29 2.8 51 1.9 190 7.8 20 2.7 49 2.6 14 1.9 Rock bass 41 4.0 104 3.9 84 3.5 35 4.8 109 5.8 9 1.2 Redbreast sunfish 296 28.8 576 21.7 298 12.3 304 41.4 356 19.0 396 52.7 Green sunfish 1 0.1 2 0.1 - - 5 0.7 4 0.2 1 0.1 Pumpkinseedd 7 0.7 47 1.8 39 1.6 3 0.4 19 1.0 10 1.3 Bluegill 4 0.4 5 0.2 22 0.9 5 0.7 16 0.9 I 0.1 Lepomis hybrid 7 0.1 1 0.1 Smaliamouth bass 6 0.6 16 0.6 58 2.4 54 7.4 47 2.5 9 1.2 I1 Largemouth bass 1 0.1 I 0.1 Tessellated darter 12 1.2 12 0.5 11 0.5 7 1.0 7 0.4 4 0.5 Total Catch 1026 2655 2431 734 1873 752 Number of Species 23 27 22 22 22 Humber of Stations 1 1 1 1 1

+ = Less than 0.1X

6.4 Fishes Collected by Electrofishing Summary

1. An electrofishing survey of the Schuylkill River large fish community near LGS continued in 1985 for the fifth consecutive year.

2. A total of 9,814 fish of 21 species and 3 hybrids was caught in 40.38 hours of electrofishing at an overall rate of 243 fish/hour.

3. Unusually low, stable flows throughout the spring and early summer created apparently ideal spawning conditions for many species, particularly goldfish, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, and smallmouth bass.

4. A substantial fish kill in early August was followed by a decrease in CPUE of larger adult fish, particularly white sucker and redbreast sunfish.

5. Compared to the effects of flow regime and the fish kill, which occurred both upstream and downstream of LGS, any effect from the start-up and testing of the Unit I reac-tor in 1985 were not evident.

6.4-1

Introduction and Methods An electrofishing survey of the Schuylkill River large fish community near LGS continued in 1985 for the fifth consecutive year. The primary objective of the survey is to provide data on species composition and relative abundance of a target portion of the riverine fish community. The target species list (RiC 1983) has been expanded to include members of the herring family which are finding their way into the system.

Fishes were collected with a 240-volt pulsed DC electrofish-ing unit mounted on a flat-bottomed boat having fixed electrodes suspended from bow and side booms. Each station was sampled by electrofishing in a downstream direction within two opposing shoreline zones, two adjacent off-shore zones, and one mid-channel zone. Fishing a zone constituted a pass, and each pass was timed to the nearest minute to permit expression of catch values on a catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) basis. CPUE values were expressed as fish-per-hour-of-electrofishing-effort, or fish/hour.

After collection, individual fish were measured to the nearest mm fork length (FL), weighed to the nearest g, and examined for the presence of disease, broadly defined herein to include presence of parasites and anamolies. Fish smaller than 6.4-2

50 mm FL were excluded from analysis to avoid possible gear bias against small fish.

Spatial and temporal variation in these aspects of fish ecology were addressed by sampling several stations at monthly intervals between April and October (Table 6.4-1). Beginning in 1983, one station below and one above the LGS cooling tower blow-down discharge (S76940 and S77640, respectively) were sampled monthly from November through larch, weather permitting, to as-sess reaction of fishes to the potentially heated discharge in winter. Descriptions of sample stations, locations, and minor changes in procedure appear in earlier progress reports (RMC 1984, 1985) and the EROL.

Results and Discussion Species Composition and Relative Abundance In 1985, a total of 9,814 fish of 21 species and 3 hybrids was caught in 40.38 hours of electrofishing at an overall rate of 243 fish/hour (Tables 6.4-2 to 6.4-7).

A catch of 5,061 goldfish, the largest ever, comprised 51.6X of the total electrofishing sample in 1985. This large catch ranked goldfish greatest in relative abundance as was the case in 1983. Annual electrofishing catch rates of goldfish have varied nearly seven-fold in recent years due to the production of large 6.4-3

year-classes in 1983 and 1985. As in 1983, the vast majority of goldfish collected in 1985 were YOY fish less than 150 mm FL.

Catch rates of carp and carp x goldfish hybrid (listed as minnow hybrid in Table 6.4-2 to 6.4-6) have followed a similar pattern.

Catch rates of yellow bullhead and brown bullhead also in-creased substantially in 1985 relative to previous years. Adult brown bullheads were abundant in 1981 electrofishing samples, but catches declined steadily thereafter through 1984, when yellow bullhead became the most common catfish in electrofishing samples. In the spring of 1985, large adults of both bullhead species were common in April through June samples, and by mid-

.summer, many YOY of each were recruited to the electrofishing gear (Table 6.4-8).

A few YOY yellow bullhead were taken each year since 1981, but only four young brown bullheads were captured between 1981 and 1984. In 1985, 581 yellow bullheads and 256 brown bullheads less than 100 mm long were collected. A total of 16 YOY channel catfish was taken in 1985, the first time in recent years that young of this species were captured. These data indicate the production of by far the largest year class of yellow bullhead and brown bullhead in the river near LGS since the present pro-gram began in 1981. Possibly, the same is true for channel catfish, since 1985 was the only recent year in which young were collected. Only one adult white catfish was taken in 1985, and 6.4-4

no YOY was identified. This species is uncommon in the LGS vicinity and in 1985 did not produce a noticeable year class as did other catfishes.

Relative abundance indices for most species of sunfish de-clined somewhat in 1985 (Table 6.4-2). For example, overall catch rates for redbreast sunfish ranged between 33 and 87 fish/hour and averaged 52 fish/hour during the period 1981-1984.

Redbreast sunfish were caught in 1985 at an overall rate of 17 fish/hour. The percent of the total catch comprised of redbreast sunfish fell from a 4-year (1981-1984) mean of 31% to 79, but this index of relative abundance was in part lowered by the disproportionate quantity of YOY goldfish in the 1985 sample.

Indices for most other species in the sunfish family similarly declined. Relative abundance of rock bass remained high for this species, and CPUE for smallmouth bass, 11 fish/hour, was the greatest yet seen due to the production of many YOY that appeared in late summer and autumn samples. [any YOY rock bass and red-breast sunfish were also captured, indicating that these sun-fishes also reproduced successfully in 1985.

Relative abundance of several other species, including American eel, hybrid muskellunge x northern pike (listed as Zsox hybrid on tables), golden shiner, and white sucker, was similar to that in recent years.

6.4-5

One young-of-year American shad was caught from S77640 in September. This specimen presumably was stocked earlier in the year by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.

Target species known or thought to occur in the Schuylkill River near LGS, but not collected in 1985 were:

- bowfin

- brown and rainbow trout (stocked in tributaries)

- muskellunge (the stocked hybrid with northern pike was collected)

- redfin pickerel (a tributary species)

- chain pickerel (a tributary species)

- alewife (stocked as a forage species in upstream reservoirs and taken in low numbers on the LGS intake screens during the winter of 1985-1986)

- quillback

- margined madtom (a tributary species)

- yellow perch

- walleye (introduced)

Important Species Several species were selected for close study due to their importance to the Schuylkill River fish community. Using NRC criteria (EROL), American eel, American shad, muskellunge, goldfish, white sucker, brown bullhead, redbreast sunfish, 6.4-6

pumpkinseed, and largemouth bass were the large fish species originally selected (EROL); smallmouth bass has since been con-sidered important due to the increase in abundance of this predatory game fish (RIC 1984, 1985).

American eel Thirty-five American eels were taken in 1985 at a rate of 0.9 per hour, which comprised 0.4X of the total electrofishing sample. Catch locations were more evenly distributed throughout the study area than in 1984, when two-thirds of eels captured came from the upper two stations (RMC 1984). This catadromous species has apparently maintained a low but stable population in the river.

American shad A single juvenile American shad 125 mm FL weighing 28 g, was collected at S77640 on 18 September 1985. Earlier in the summer, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission stocked approximately 100,000 YOY American shad near the mouth of flanatawny Creek located upriver. It is presumed that the one American shad collected near LGS in 1985 came from that introduction.

6.4-7

Recent introductions of large esocids have consisted primarily of the sterile hybrid of muskellunge with northern pike, the so-called "tiger muskellunge". Low numbers of juvenile Esox hybrids have been collected every year since 1983, and three were collected in 1985 that ranged in size from 236 to 270 mm FL.

Goldfish The production of an exceptionally large year-class of gold-fish has been noted previously. Numerous large adults were col-lected in early spring prior to the advent of spawning. Unlike those made in the 1970's (EROL), electrofishing collections since 1981 contained many goldfish longer than 250 mm FL. Goldfish grow rapidly in the river and probably mature sexually at a len-gth of 185 mm (Carlander 1977). Since goldfish from the large 1983 year class were probably even longer and sexually mature at Age II, a large spawning stock could have contributed to the tremendous reproductive success seen in 1985. Any effect of spawning stock size on recruitment was undoubtedly confounded with the effect of apparently ideal spawning conditions, i.e.,

low, stable flows through the spawning season and an abundance of dense aquatic vegetation.

6.4-8

Only 5X of goldfish examined in 1985 were noticeably diseased in some way. Low incidence of disease is related to the abun-dance of YOY goldfish in the sample. Older fish are more likely to exhibit disease, and excluding those less than 185 mm FL, the rate of disease among goldfish was 27X. Parasitic copepods, fin damage, and body wounds were common maladies.

White sucker This species ranked third in relative abundance in 1985, and has maintained a stable population in recent years. Overall catch rates since 1981 have varied only by a factor of 2.1 times, and have been even more stable since 1982. White suckers were taken in 1981 at a rate of 38 fish/hour. Catch rates in sub-sequent years were: 1982 - 16 fish/hour, 1983 - 26 fish/hour, 1984 - 19 fish/hour, and 1985 - 18 fish/hour.

The white sucker prefers mid-channel areas with current and was somewhat more abundant at S79310 and S76940 than at S77640 and S76440, where current is less swift. Humerous YOY white suckers were collected at all stations in late summer and early fall, indicative of a successful spawn. In 1985, 15X of white suckers examined were diseased, compared to from 8% to 13X of those examined in previous samples (EROL, RHC 1984, 1985). Fin damage, often associated with a bacterial or fungul infection, 6.4-9

and body wounds were often observed, especially in May when white suckers are weakened by post-spawning stress.

An undetermined but large number of white sucker died in an extensive fish kill in early August. The kill seemed to be selective for adults of white sucker and other resident species.

Only one adult white sucker was captured in the entire August sample. By October, adult white suckers were taken in fair num-bers at the upstream station, but were rare in samples from down-stream stations.

Brown bullhead Recent trends in relative abundance and the first record of significant reproductive success in many years for this important species were previously noted. The overall rate of disease in this species, 24X, was lower than that noted recently (RYC 1983, 1984). Excluding YOY fish, however, nearly one-half of older brown bullhead examined were diseased. Several afflictions were common, including tumors about the mouth, damaged and infected fins, and leech infestations.

Redbreast sunfish Although a large year class of YOY was produced, the adult population of redbreast sunfish was noticeably reduced in 1985.

6.4-10

The decline in relative abundance was probably caused by at-trition of adults from the large 1980 year class, and relatively weak representation of 1981 and 1982 year classes, exacerbated by the effects of the fish kill in early August. Even the strong 1983 year class was poorly represented in fall 1985 electrofish-ing samples.

The incidence of disease in redbreast sunfish, 9X in 1985, was similar to that seen in recent years.

Pumpkinseed Relative abundance of pumpkinseed declined somewhat in 1985, as did that of several other sunfish species. Catch rate de-clined from a four-year (1981-1984) mean of 16 fish/hour to 8 fish/hour in 1985. Incidence of disease (7X) was similar to rates recently observed, falling within the range of 7X to 14l found in samples from 1981 through 1984.

Larmemouth bass Only 8 largemouth bass were collected in 1985 from the Schuylkill River near LGS, but this species has never been abun-dant in the area. Electrofishing surveys indicated a moderate increase in population density that peaked in 1984. Catch rates rose steadily from 0.4 fish/hour in 1981 to 1.1 fish/hour in 6.4-11

1984. In 1985, it took five hours of electrofishing effort to capture one largemouth bass. This important predatory species is known to be more abundant in the deeper, slower reaches of the river nearer to Philadelphia.

Smallmouth bass Not as many adult smallmouth bass were collected in 1985 as in 1984, but the overall relative density of this important game fish was higher than in any previous year due to the production of the largest year class seen since 1981 when the present pro-gram began. YOY smallmouth bass also grew quickly. Many in-dividuals attained a size of 130 to 140 mm FL. This rate of growth may be unusually rapid. Typically, smallmouth bass do not achieve a length of 150 mm until near the end of the second sum-mer of life (R. Hoopes, Warmwater Unit Leader, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, personal communication).

Approximately 20X of Age I+ smallmouth bass were diseased, with mild infestations of blackspot the most common affliction.

An undetermined number of smallmouth bass, primarily adults, died in the August 1985 fish kill.

6.4-12

Preliminary Assessment of LGS Operational Effects Three readily identifiable factors operated in 1985 to poten-tially affect measurements of large fish species composition and relative abundance in the Schuylkill River near LGS. First, the river exhibited an unusually low, stable flow regime throughout the spring and early summer. Second, an undetermined but large number of fish died in a midsummer fish kill. Third, the start-up and testing of the Unit I reactor at LGS marked the initiation of cooling water withdrawal and discharge of cooling tower blow-down. Each of these factors will be examined in turn to make a preliminary assessment of LGS operational impacts on the large fish community.

Flow regime- Measurements of species composition and relative abundance were strongly influenced by production of exceptionally large year classes by many resident species. For goldfish and several catfish species, relative year class strength as deter-mined by CPUE of YOY fish was the greatest on record. Relatively high numbers of YOY white sucker, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, and smallmouth bass were also captured. It is believed that the unusual flow regime in spring of 1985 was responsible for this degree of reproductive success. Several mechanisms associated with the absence of high, muddy flows probably operated to promote successful spawning:

6.4-13

- river temperatures condusive to spawning were reached early in the year

- eggs and larvae were not exposed to the damaging effects of cold, scouring floods

- nest guarding behavior of sunfishes was not disrupted by sudden drops in temperature

- dense weed beds developed rapidly and provided extensive nursery areas

- probably, a protracted spawning period and longer-than-normal growing season promoted above-average fry produc-tion and rapid growth of YOY fish.

Fish kill- After a fish kill in early August, a considerable drop in CPUE of larger adult fishes was observed in the August sample. Adult white sucker and redbreast sunfish seemed to be particularly affected. However, YOY fish of most species con-tinued to be caught in great numbers. If a toxic "slug" was responsible for the kill, perhaps young fish escaped being killed because they inhabited the dense weed beds near shore. Adult fishes, on the other hand, tend to congregate along the outer edges of weed beds nearer to mid-channel, where exposure to a toxic substance might have been greater. The etiology of the fish kill, however, remains speculative.

Operation of LGS- Withdrawal of cooling water and discharge of cooling tower blow-down might affect populations of large fish 6.4-14

species if fish impingement on intake screens is high or selec-tive for particular species, if a significant fraction of fish eggs and larvae are entrained, or if the plant's effluent somehow chemically or physically alters the river below the discharge to make it less productive for fish. Many of these effects may be evident only over a long period of time, and cannot be addressed with the limited amount of available operational data. Nothing was observed in 1985 to suggest that start-up and testing of LGS had an appreciable affect on local large fish populations.

Changes in relative abundance noted earlier occurred throughout the reach at stations upstream and downstream of the plant.

No thermal discharge was detected any time during field sampling. Thus, attraction of fishes to a heated effluent, often seen in winter at power plants that discharge significant amounts of waste heat, should not occur at LGS. Poor weather and frozen or high flow river conditions prevented sampling of the discharge area in November and December of 1985, so a direct assessment of potential winter attraction cannot be made at present.

Only 135 fish were found in periodic impingement surveys.

Although this count may be conservatively low, it is apparent that, when compared to the large population of fish in the river, this magnitude of impingement is insignificant. However, a noteworthy observation is the apparent selection of the screens for young catfish, which comprised 69X of the impingement sample 6.4-15

but less than 15X of the 1985 electrofishing catch. It is not known at this time, however, how selective the screens would be under different conditions.

In conclusion, the electrofishing program in 1985 detected ecologically significant changes in the relative abundance of many species in the Schuylkill River, specifically, tremendous year class production brought about by near optimum conditions for reproduction, and the effect of a substantial fish kill that was apparently selective for larger adult fish. Both phenomena occurred both upstream and downstream of LGS and were thus un-related to plant operation. Given the magnitude of the effects from these factors, any effects from station operation on the large fish community of the Schuylkill River near LGS were not evident.

6.4-16

Table 6.4-1. Summary of the Schuylkill River electrofishing sample sites and dates.

Name Station Type F M A J A S a N D Total FIrestone S79310 Upstream-control 1981 x x x x 4 1982 x x x x 4 1983 x x x x x x 6 1984 x x x x x x x 7 1985 x x x x x x 6 Limerick A 577640 Intake-affected 1981 x x x x 4 1982 x x x x 4 1983 x x x x x x x x x 9 1984 x x x x x x x 10 1985 x x x x x x x 10

• 37 Limerick B S76940 Discharge-affected 1981 x x x x 4 1982 x x x x 4 1983 x x x x x x x x x 9 1984 x x x x x X X 10 1985 x x x x x x 9 a 36 Limerick C S76440 Recovery Zone 1981 x x x x 4 1982 x x x x 4 1983 x x x x x x 6 1984 x x x x x x x 7 1985 x x x x x x x 7 a 28 128 Table 6.4-2. Species composition and relative abundance of large fishes electrofished from the Schuylkill River, 1985.

Number Percent Catch Species Caught Total Per Hour American eel 35 0.4 0.9 American shad 0.0 Esox hybrid 3 0.1 Goldfish 5061 51.6 125.3 Carp 405 4.1 10.0 Golden shiner 57 0.6 1.4 Fallfish 1 4 0.0 Minnowm hybrid 30 0.3 0.7 Wihite sucker 719 7.3 17.8 Creek chubsucker it 0.1 0.3 White catfish I + 0.0 Yellow bullhead 913 9.3 22.6 Bromn bullhead 510 5.2 12.6 Channel catfish 16 0.2 0.4 Rock bass 460 4.7 11.4 Redbreast sunfish 706 7.2 17.5 Green sunfish 65 0.7 1.6 Pumpkinseed 322 3.3 8.0 Bluegill 16 0.2 0.4 Lepomis hybrid 12 0.1 0.3 Smallmouth bass 456 4.6 11.3 Largemouth bass 8 + 0.2 White crappie 4 + 0.1 Black crappie 2 + 0.0 9814

+ : Less then 0.IX

Table 6.4-3. Annual relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished in 1985 (+ = Less than 0.01%, CPUE = fish per hour).

S76440 $76940 S77640 579310 Total Species 9.17 Hr 10.88 Hr 14.82 Hr 5.52 Hr 40.38 Hr American eel Catch 5 12 6 12 35 x 0.3 0.3 0.2 .0.8 0.4 CPUE 0.55 1.10 0.40 2.17 0.87 American shad Catch 1 I x

CPUE 0.07 0.02 Esox hybrid Catch 1 2 3 x 0.1 0.1 +

CPUE 0.11 0.18 0.07 Goldfish Catch 715 2345 1542 459 5061 40.5 66.7 50.9 30.6 51.6 CPUE 77.97 215.53 104.05 83.15 125.32 Carp Catch 73 174 117 41 405 z 4.1 5.0 3.9 2.7 4.1 CPUE 7.9 15.99 7.89 7.43 10.03 Golden shiner Catch -- 9r 48 57 7 - 0.3 1.6 0.6 CPUE - 0.83 3.24 1.41 Fallfish Catch I 1 7

CPUE - 0.09 0.02 Minnow hybrid Catch 4 13 8 5 30 z 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 CPUE 0.44 1.19 0.54 0.91 0.74 Whi te sucker Catch 169 218 194 138 719

. 9.6 6.2 6.4 9.2 7.3 CPUE 18.43 20.04 13.09 25.00 17.80 Creek chubsucker Catch 2 4 5 11 x 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 CPUE 0.22 0.37 0.34 0.27 Wlhite catfish Catch 1 4 x

CPUE 0.07 0.02 Yellow bullhead Catch 278 221 204 210 913 x 15.7 6.3 6.7 14.0 9.3 CPUE 30.32 20.31 13.77 38.04 22.61 Brown bullhead Catch 74 150 259 27 510 z 4.2 4.3 8.6 1.8 5.2 CPUE 8.07 13.79 17.48 4.89 12.63 Channel catfish Catch 5 3 7 16 1

. 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.2 CPUE 0.55 0.09 0.20 1.27 0.40 Rock bass Catch 115 103 134 1O8 460 6.5 2.9 4.4 7.2 4.7 CPUE 12.54 9.47 9.04 19.57 11.39 Redbreast sunfish Catch 155 126 102 323 706 8.8 3.6 3.4 21.5 7.2 CPUE 16.90 11.58 6.88 58.51 17.48 Green sunf ish Catch 9 4 26 26 65 x 0.5 0.1 0.9 1.7 0.7 CPUE 0.98 0.37 1.75 4.71 1.61 Puqpkinseed Catch 29 70 210 13 322 1.6 2.0 6.9 0.9 3.3 CPUE 3.16 6.43 14.17 2.36 7.97

Table 6.4-3. Anmual relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished in 1985 (. Less than O.0tZ, CPUE = fish per hour).

576440 576940 S77640 S79310 Total Species 9.17 Hr 10.88 Hr 14.82 Hr 5.52 Hr 40.38 Hr Bluegill Catch 7 3 3 3 16 Y. 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.76 0.28 0.20 0.54 0.40 Lepomis hybrid Catch 3 I 7 1 12

7. 0.2 + 0.2 0.1 0.1 CPUE 0.33 0.09 0.47 0.18 0.30 Smallmouth bass Catch 121 57 151 127 456 6.9 1.6 5.0 8.5 4.7 CPUE 13.20 5.24 10.19 23.01 11.29 Largemouth bass Catch 2 2 4 a C. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.22 0.18 0.27 0.20 White crappie Catch 4 4 0.1 CPUE 0.27 0.10 Black crappie Catch 2 2 z 0.1 CPUE 0.13 0.05 Catch 1767 3516 3031 1500 9814 z.

Table 6.4-4. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at 579310 in 1985 1( = Less than 0.1%, CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr Kay . Jun Jul Aug Oct Species 0.80 Hrs 0.67 Mrs 0.82 Nrs 0.97 Nrs 1.07 Nrs 1.20 Hrs American eel Catch 3 2 4 7 4.8 1.7 1.5 1.1 0.1 CPUE 3.0 3.7 2.1 3.7 0.8 Goldfish Catch 1 i 116 341 7 3.8 0.6 32.7 44.5 CPUE 1.3 1.2 108.4 284.2 Carp Catch 1 8 32 7 0.6 2.3 4.2 CPUE 1.2 7.5 26.7 Iinnow hybrid Catch 5 0.7 CPUE 4.2 White sucker Catch 7 14 37 7 3 70 26.9 33.3 20.6 5.3 0.8 9.1 CPUE 8.8 20.9 45.1 7.2 2.8 58.3 Yellow bullhead Catch 8 3 12 23 119 45 30.8 7.1 6.7 17.6 33.5 5.9 CF'UE 10.0 4.5 14.6 23.7 111.2 37.5 Bromn bullhead Catch 2 1 15 9 4.8 0.6 4.2 1.2 3.0 1.2 14.0 7.5 Channel catfish CPUE Catch 7 0.9 5.8 Rock bass CPUJE 1 2 36 30 18 21 CPUE 3.8 4.8 20.0 22.9 5.1 2.7 catch 1.3 3.0 43.9 30.9 16.8 17.5 Catch Redbreast sunfish 6 15 70 59 53 120 CPUE 23.1 35.7 38.9 45.0 14.9 15.7 7.5 22.4 85.4 60.8 49.5 100.0 Catch Green sunfish 12 6 6 2 CPUE 6.7 4.6 1.7 0.3 14.6 6.2 5.6 1.7 Catch Pumpkinseed 12 0.8 1.6 CPUE 1.0I 10.0 y.

Catch Bluegill 2 0.8 1.1 CPUE 1.0 2.4 Catch 1 Lepomis hybrid CPUE 0.6 Catch 1.2 Suallmouth bass 3 4 4 2 13 101 11.5 9.5 2.2 1.5 3.7 13.2 CPUE 3.8 6.0 4.9 2.1 12.1 84.2

Table 6.4-5. tlonthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at 577640 In 1985 (+ = Less than O.I, CPUE = fish per hour).

Feb Mar Apr may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Species 1.15 Hrs 1.03 Hrs 0.98 Hrs 1.00 Hrs 1.25 Hrs 1.48 Hrs 1.70 Hrs 2.08 Hrs 2.48 Hrs 1.65 Hrs American eel Catch - 1 - - 2  ! - I 1

- 3.7 - - 1.2 1.3 - 0.1 0.2 CPUE - 1.0 - - 1.6 0.7 0.5 0.6 American shad Catch I 0.1 CPUE 0.5 Goldfish Catch 46 11 2 3 30 30 111 310 863 136 41.4 40.7 11.8 4.9 18.4 38.0 50.7 43.5 69.6 33.9 CPUE 40.0 10.7 2.0 3.0 24.0 20.3 65.3 149.0 348.0 82.4 Carp Catch 3 1 3 4 2 6 21 49 26 2.7 5.9 4.9 2.5 2.5 3.7 2.9 4.0 6.5 CPUE 2.6 1.0 3.0 3.2 1.4 4.7 10.1 19.8 15.8 Golden shiner Catch 3 1 1 26 13 4 2.7 0.6 1.3 3.6 1.0 1.0 CPUE 2.6 0.8 0.7 12.5 5.2 2.4 inrow hybrid Catch 0 1 5 1 x 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.9 0.5 2.0 0.6 Nhite sucker Catch 6 3 13 41 18 4 53 42 24 5.4 17.6 21.3 25.2 10.1 1.8 7.4 3.4 6.0 CPUE 5.2 3.1 13.0 32.8 5.4 2.4 25.5 16.9 14.5 Creek chubsucker Catch 3 2 x 0.4 0.2 CPUE 1.4 0.8 Wilte catfish Catch 1 x 0.6 CFUE 0.8 Yellot bull-ead Catch 3 2 2 2 5 2 34 101 27 26

. 2.7 7.4 11.8 3.3 3.1 2.5 15.5 14.2 2.2 6.5 CPUE 2.6 1.9 2.0 2.0 4.0 1.4 20.0 48.6 10.9 15.8 Br-mn bullhead Ca tch 1 9 I 15 24 7 36 73 51 42 0.9 33.3 5.9 24.6 14.7 8.9 16.4 10.2 4.1 10.5 CPIJE 0.9 8.7 1.0 15.0 19.2 4e.7 21.2 35.1 20.6 25.5

Table 6.4-5. Mlonthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at 377640 in 1985 (1 m Less than S.1Z, CPUE = fish per hour).

Feb lear Apr "ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct moa Species 1.15 Hrs 1.03 Hrs 0. 98 Hrs 1.00 Hrs 1.25 Hrs 1.48 Hrs 1.70 Hrs 2.08 Firs 2.48 Hrs 1.65 Hrs Channe L catfish Catch 3 x 0.4 CPUE 1.4 Rock bass Catch 1 2 9 16 5 7 52 35 7 0.9 11.8 14.8 9.8 6.3 3.2 7.3 2.8 1.7 CPUE 0.9 2.0 9.0 12.8 3.4 4.1 25.0 14.1 4.Z Redbreast sunfish Catch 0 9 16 6 2 23 27 18

. 0.9 14.8 9.8 7.6 0.9 3.2 2.2 4.5 CPUE 0.9 9.0 12.8 4.1 1.2 11.1 10.9 10.9 Green sunfish Catch 2 I I 2 1 10 6 3 X 1.8 3.7 5.9 2.5 0.5 1.4 0.5 0.7 CPUE 1.7 1.0 1.0 1.4 0.6 4.8 2.4 1.8 Pripk i nseed Catch 23 3 2 5 20 4 9 28 71 45 x 20.7 11.1 11.8 8.2 12.3 5.1 4.1 3.9 5.7 11.2 CPUE 20.0 2.9 2.0 5.0 16.0 2.7 5.3 13.5 28.6 27.3 Bluegill Catch 2  !

z 1.8 0.6 CPUE 1.7 0.8 Lepomis hybrid Catch 0 1 2 2 1 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.6 Sunallouth bass Catch 10 3 2 1 1I 7 4 46 67 x 9.0 17.6 3.3 0.6 13.9 3.2 0.6 3.7 16.7 CPUE 8.7 3.1 2.0 0.8 7.4 4.1 1.9 18.5 40.6 Largemouth bass Ca tch 2 I I x 1.8 0.1 0.1 CPUE 1.7 0.5 0.4 Idiite crappie Catch 4 3.6 CPUE 3.5 Black crappie Catch 2 1.8 CPUE 1.7

Table 6.4-6. Mionthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S76940 In 1985 (1 = Less than 0.1%, CPUE = fish per hour).

Feb Mar pr Hay Jun Jul Aug Sep . Oct SpecIes 0.92 Hrs 0.83 Hrs 0.918 Hrs 1.48 lIrs 0. 90 Hrs 0.88 Hrs 1.33 Hrs 2.07 lHrs 1.48 Hrs American eel Catch 1 I 5 1 2 2 7 2.6 1.1 3.4 0.8 0.2 0.1 CPUE 1.0 0.7 5.6 1.1 1.0 1.4 Esox hybrid Catch 2 x 0.1 CPUE 1.4 Goldfish Catch 8 1 8 7 16 35 421 597 1252 x 27.6 6.7 20.5 7.9 10.7 29.4 63.2 66.1 83.1 CPUE 8.7 1.2 8.2 4.7 17.8 39.8 316.5 288.4 845.9 Carp Catch I 2 3 6 20 60 82 z 2.6 2.Z 2.0 5.0 3.0 6.6 5.4 CPUE 1.0 1.4 3.3 6.8 15.0 29.0 55.4 Golden shiner Catch 6 I 2

. 4.0 0.1 0.1 CPUE 6.7 0.5 1.4 Fal If ish Ca tch I

. 0.1 CPUE 0.5 Minrnow hybrid Catch 1 1 11

. 0.2 0.1 0.7 CPUE 0.8 0.5 7.4 Nhito sucker Catch 16 1 10 iI 25 16 27 8a 24 7 55.2 6.7 25.6 12.4 16.8 13.4 4.1 9.7 1.6 CVUE 17.4 1.2 10.2 7.4 27.8 18.2 20.3 42.5 16.2 Creek chubsucker Catch 1 3 z 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.8 2.0 Yellow bullhead Catch 2 4 8 2 3 4 95 72 31 7 6.9 26.7 20.5 2.2 2.0 3.4 14.3 8.0 2.1 CrJE 2.2 4.8 8.2 1.4 3.3 4.5 71.4 34.8 20.9 Droti bul lhead catch 2 2 22 12 10 34 30 38 z 13.3 5.1 24.7 8.1 8.4 5.1 3.3 2.5 CPUE 2.4 2.0 14.9 13.3 11.4 25.6 14.5 25.7

Table 6.4-6. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at S76940 In 1985 (1 = Less than 0.I1, CPUE = fish per hour).

Feb Mar Apr may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Species 0.92 Mrs 0.83 Mrs 0.98 Mrs 1.48 Mrs 0.90 Mrs 0.88 Mlrs 1.33 frs 2.07 Mrs 1.48 Mrs Channel catfish Catch 0.2 CPUE 0.8 Rock bass Catch 2 2 12 13 9 37 11 17 13.3 5.1 13.5 8.7 7.6 5.6 1.2 1.1 CPUE 2.4 2.0 8.1 14.4 10.2 27.8 5.3 11.5 Redbreast sunfish Catch - 3 14 32 22 14 21 20

- 7.7 15.7 21.5 18.5 2.1 2.3 1.3 CPUE - 3.1 9.5 35.6 25.0 10.5 10.1 13.5 Green sunfish Catch 1 2 1 6.7 1.3 0.2 1.2 2.2 0.8 Pumpk inseed 3 4 14 26 2 3 8 10 20.0 10.3 15.7 17.4 1.7 0.5 0.9 0.7 CFUE CPUE 3.6 4.1 9.5 28.9 2.3 2.3 3.9 6.8 Bluegill Catch Catch 2 I x 2.2 0.7 Catch CPUE 1.4 1.1 Lepolmis hybrid I 0.2 Catch 0.8 Smallmouth bass CPUE 3 I 2 4 14 9 I1 13 10.3 6.7 2.2 2.7 11.8 1.4 1.2 0.9 Catch 3.3 1.2 1.4 4.4 15.9 6.8 5.3 8.8 Largemouth bass CPUE 1 1 0.7 0.2 1.1 0.8 a

Table 6.4-7. Monthly relative abundance of target fishes from the Schuylkill River electrofished at 576440 In 1985 (+ = Less than 0.1., CPUE = fish per hour).

Apr may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Species 1.10 Hrs 1.47 Mrs 1.02 Nrs 1.17 Mrs 1.20 Mrs 1.95 Mrs 1.27 Nrs American eel Catch 2 1

- 2 -

1.9 1.2 - 0.4 CPUE 2.0 0.9 - 1.0 Esox hybrid Catch I 1.0 CPUE 1.0 goldfish Catch 14 1 8 6 196 205 285 17.9 1.8 7.7 7.5 45.7 36.0 63.1 CPUE 12.7 0.7 7.8 5.1 163.3 105*. 224.4 Carp Catch I 42 15 1.5 1.2 9.8 2.6 3.3 0.9 35.0 7.7 11.8 Miniow hybrid CPUE Catch 1 2 1 1.3 0.4 0.2 CPUE 0.9 1.0 0.8 White sucker Catch 4 9 23 14 74 45 7.3 8.7 28.7 3.3 13.0 10.0 CPUE 2.7 8.8 19.7 11.7 37.9 35.4 x

Creek chubsucker Catch 2 0.5 CPUIE 1.7 Yellow bullhead Catch 8 7 7 7 69 162 18 10.3 12.7 6.7 8.7 16.1 28.5 4.0 CPUE 7.3 4.8 6.9 6.0 57.5 83.1 14.2 Brown bullhead Catch 16 II 15 11 17 4 29.1 10.6 18.8 2.6 3.0 0.9 CPUE 10.9 10.8 12.8 9.2 8.7 3.1 Channel catfish Catch 1 4 7 0.2 0.7 CP1jE 0.8 2.1 Rock bass Catch 30 15 19 2 12 28 9 38.5 27.3 18.3 2.5 2.8 4.9 2.0 CPUE 27.3 10.2 18.6 1.7 10.0 14.4 7.1 Redbreast sunfish Catch 13 4 36 16 11 44 31 16.7 7.3 34.6 20.0 2.6 7.7 6.9 11.8 2.7 35.3 13.7 9.2 22.6 24.4 Green sunfish CPUE 3 5 I 3.8 9.1 0.2 catch 2.7 3.4 0.5 Pumpkinseed 6 1 6 4 6 S 1 7.7 1.8 5.8 5.0 1.4 0.9 0.2 CPUE 5.5 0.7 5.9 3.4 5.0 2.6 0.8 Bluegill Catch 3 3 1 3.8 2.9 0.2 CPUE 2.7 2.9 0.8 Lepamis hybrid Catch 1 1 1 z 1.0 0.2 0.2 Cl'UE 1.0 0.5 0.8 Smal]mouth bass Catch 2 1 5 65 8 40 3.6 1.0 6.3 15.2 1.4 8.8 CPUE 1.4 1.0 4.3 54.2 4.1 31.5 Largemouth bass Catch 1 I

. 0.2 0.2 CPUE 0.5 0.8

Table 6.4-8. Total catch of young-of-year catfishes In annual electrofishing samples from the Schuylkill River since 1981.

Species 1961 1982 1983 1984 1985 h4ite catfish I Yellow bullhead S 1 22 7 581 J

Bromn bullhead 4 256 Charnel catfish 16

6.5 Age and Growth of Selected Fish Summary

1. Redbreast sunfish age and growth characteristics and year-class strength were studied for fish collected in 1985 from the Schuylkill River.

2. Little difference in growth rate attributable to sample location was detected. Growth in 1984 was depressed due to high river flows and cool water temperatures. A much higher than average growth rate in 1985 was indicated by size at capture of young-of-year redbreast sunfish and by observed length at capture of older fish. Back-calculations from 1986 collections will be used to con-firm this high growth rate.

3. Greatest linear growth continued to occur in the second year of life.

4. The 1983 and 1985 year-classes dominated the catch of redbreast sunfish. The 1985 year-class appears to be the strongest year-class in this decade.

Introduction and Methods The age and growth program is part of a study designed to detect LGS operation-induced changes in the growth and year-class 6.5-1

strength of representative fish. Redbreast sunfish were selected for study on the Schuylkill River because they are considered im-portant and representative and are collected in relatively large numbers in the vicinity of LGS. Direct and indirect effects of impingement, entrainment, or exposure to chemical or thermal dis-charges could cause mortality of fishes or produce changes in the growth rate and age structure of fish populations in the river.

Fish were aged by reading scale samples taken from specimens collected by electrofishing in the fall of the year, after most annual growth has been completed. Sample stations along the 3 km segment of the Schuylkill River included one upstream control (S79400) and two downstream stations (S77240 and S76440, intake and discharge affected, respectively).

Goals were set for sample size of 125 at each station, al-though it was known in advance that on occasion these goals would not be met. Only 99 redbreast sunfish could be collected at S77240 for the age and growth sample in 1985.

Methodology was fully described in Section 4.5 of the 1979-83 Progress Report (RIC 1984).

The age and size composition of the redbreast sunfish population in the sampled section of the Schuylkill River had an unusual effect on the sample size in the 1985 age and growth sample. Due to the abundance and rapid growth of young-of-year 6.5-2

(YOY; Age 0) redbreast sunfish, many YOY redbreast between 60 and 70 mm in length were collected as part of the sample. However, since these fish have no annuli on their scales, they cannot be utilized for back-calculating growth. This phenomenon reduced the effective sample size. In previous annual samples redbreast sunfish between 60 and 70 mm were almost exclusively Age I fish.

Results and Discussion Age Determination and Growth History Schuylkill River redbreast sunfish collected in 1985 were as-signed to age-groups I-V on the basis of scale reading. Mean lengths at annulus were back-calculated for 258 fish (Table 6.5-1). Greatest linear growth occurred in the second year of life.

Little difference in growth rate attributable to station could be detected.

Back-calculated mean lengths at annulus by age (Table 6.5-2) indicate that Age I and II redbreast sunfish grew slower than usual during 1984, reaching only 30 mm and 79 mm, respectively by the end of the year. This phenomenon had been predicted in the 1984 Progress Report (RMC, 1985). The retarded growth can be at-tributed to high, muddy flows and low temperatures which occurred throughout much of the growing season in 1984 (Tables 6.1-2 and 6.1-4).

6.5-3

Comparison of observed length at capture with back-calculated mean lengths (Table 6.5-3) shows that Age I and Age II fish have more than compensated for slow-growth during 1984 by growing ex-ceptionally well during 1985. The high growth rate is attributa-ble to the low clear flows and relatively high temperatures oc-curring during the 1985 growing season (Tables 6.1-2 and 6.1-4).

This high rate of growth in 1985 should be readily observable in back-calculations for fish to be collected in the 1986 sample.

Year Class Strength Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River in 1985 displayed a slightly uneven age distribution (Table 6.5-4). This phenomenon was almost completely due to the great difference between levels of reproductive success in 1983 and 1984. The predominant 1983 year-class (Age II) comprised 55.OX (142 of 258) of the fish collected. Age I fish (1984 year-class) comprised only 9.3% (24 of 258) of fish collected. In a hypothetical situation, where reproductive success is constant, numbers of Age I fish should exceed numbers of Age II fish due to the longer period of time during which the older fish are subjected to natural mortality. In this sample the opposite relationship exists, with Age II redbreast sunfish being nearly six times as abundant as Age I fish. Also collected concurrently with the age and growth sample were 77 Age 0 (YOY) fish. These fish represent 6.5-4

the fastest-growing individuals of the very abundant 1985 year-class. The overwhelming numbers of this year-class are readily apparent in both electrofishing and seine samples. A length-frequency histogram for redbreast sunfish collected in September and October 1985 (Figure 6.5-1) illustrates the size of the 1985 year-class (fish less than approximately 75 mm) relative to older year-classes. From this sample it appears that the 1985 year-class is about ten times more abundant than any other group.

Seine samples indicated that the 1985 year-class of redbreast sunfish was at least twice as large as any previously studied year-class and many times larger than the relatively weak 1984 year-class.

It is thought that the relative scarcity of older redbreast sunfish may be related to the fish kill which occurred for several days after 31 July 1985. The kill appeared to be selec-tive for older, larger fish. In addition, the dearth of older fish may also be related to low water levels that caused larger fish to seek deep water areas outside our sampling zones.

Comparison with Previous Findings Greatest growth of redbreast sunfish continued to occur in the second year of life, a characteristic of all annual samples.

The predominant 1983 year-class continued to be evident, although 6.5-5

it declined from 74.9X of the 1984 sample to 55.O? of the 1985 sample.

Modal length at capture for one-year-old redbreast sunfish had been previously examined with annual length-frequency histograms. This procedure, however, was not effective utilizing the 1985 sample because Age I fish were not numerous enough to generate a curve (Figure 6.5-1). The mode had varied from 75 to 95 in previous samples.

Back-calculated mean lengths for annual samples collected in 1973, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1984, and 1985 are shown in Table 6.5-5.

Back-calculated lengths at annuli I, II, and III for fish col-lected in 1985 show slight decreases in length compared with previous years, notably length at annulus I1 (84 mm). These differences appear to be related to the previously discussed poor growth conditions in 1984.

Operation of LGS could have had, at most, a negligible effect on the growth and year-class strength of Schuylkill River red-breast sunfish. Hydrological conditions which affected these characteristics of the population were firmly in place many months prior to withdrawal of any substantial amounts of water from the river, which began in August 1985. Hydrological con-ditions which produced excellent reproduction and good growth in 1985 were related to extremely low, stable water levels and high 6.5-6

temperatures. Stable river flow and warm temperatures allowed early spawning (and thus a longer effective growing season for YOY redbreast), good parental care of nests, fast growth due to high metabolism of fish and high productivity of supporting trophic levels, and good survival of small redbreast sunfish due to cover provided by lush growth of aquatic vegetation. No diff-erences in growth rates or age composition could be detected between control and downstream stations.

6.5-7

Table 6.5-1. Back-calculated mean lengths (mm) at annulus for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

Mean Length at Annulus No. of Year Locatio. rl Specim-ns I I l1 IV 1985 579400 95 40 86 130 156 577240 58 39 85 123 145 576440 105 38 81 123 156 258 39 84 126 153 Table 6.5-2. Back-calculated mean lengths (mi at arwulus by age for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River during 1985.

Mean Length at Annulus No. of Year Age Speci mens I I! III IV 1985 1 24 30 N/A W/A N/A 2 142 40 79 H/A W4A 3 53 38 89 124 H/A 4 32 45 95 131 '55 5 7 37 79 110 143 258 39 84 126 153 Table 6.5-3. Cowparison of back-calculated mean lengths (-m) at annulus with observed mean lengths ("im) at capture of Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River, October 1985.

Back-calculated Observed mean Annulus No. mean length length at capture No. Age I 258 39 65 77 0 II 234 04 89 24 1 III 92 126 132 142 II IV 39 153 155 53 I11 172 32 IV

Table 6.5-4. Age composition of Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

N*mber of Specimens Year Location 1 1Z 111 IV V TOTAL 1985 S79400 12 50 19 12 2 95 S77240 4 36 8 6 4 58 S76440 8 56 26 14 1 105 24 2 142 53 32 7 258 Table 6.5-5. Back-calculated mean lengths (m) at annulus for Redbreast sunfish collected from the Schuylkill River 1973, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Mean Length at Annulus No. of Year Specimens I ii inI IV v 1973 521 38 92 130 144 153 1975 68 41 91 116 111 1901 355 46 95 132 155 156 1983 318 43 95 133 162 1984 398 41 89 128 153 163 1985 258 39 84 126 153 156

FIGURE 6.5-1. LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF REDBREAST SUNFISH COLLECTED FROM THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1985.

70 60 ,

50 -

F R

E 40 a

U E

N 30 C

Y 20 10 4 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 11O 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 LENGTH MIDPOINT (mm)

-- w

6.6 Creel Survey Summary I. In 1985, fishing pressure on the Schuylkill River near LGS was estimated at 4,228 angler-hours, the lowest amount measured in 6 years. Lower fishing pressure may have been caused by poorer access to several shoreline fishing areas. Access to the stream was further res-tricted by posting of private land and the closing of a delapidated bridge within the study area.

2. Angler success in terms of fish caught per unit of fish-ing effort was moderate in 1985. The fishery is mostly a catch-and-release recreational fishery directed at sunfishes, smallmouth bass, carp, and catfishes.

3. An estimated 6,679 fish of 15 species or hybrids were caught but only 12X of this total (782 fish) were ac-tually harvested. Total weight of harvest was estimated at 176.1 kg for the season, or about 4.1 kg/ha or 20.5 kg/km of stream.

4. Compared to past creel surveys, a higher proportion of anglers used boats to fish the Schuylkill River near LGS in 1985, but the age and sex composition of the angling population did not change substantially. The propor-6.6-I

tional increase in boating activity probably resulted from the reduction in shoreline access mentioned previously.

5. Unlike the situations at several other power-plants in southeastern Pennsylvania, no winter fishery has developed near the LGS discharge. Poor access and the very limited degree of thermal enrichment are two factors that will likely preclude the development of any sig-nificant winter fishery.

Introduction and methods A survey of recreational fishing on an 8.6-km reach of the Schuylkill River near LGS began in 1980 and continued in 1985 for the sixth consecutive fishing season (April-September). Fishery characteristics that were investigated include: 1) monthly fish-ing pressure occurring between river meters 71860 and 80450; 2) locations frequented by anglers; 3) monthly catch and harvest by species; and 4) information about preferred fish species, access, and the age and sex composition of anglers. Creel survey data can augment studies of fish population dynamics and are useful in fisheries management. Fishing mortality provides a relative measure with which to place fish impingement losses in perspective, thus helping to evaluate the ecological significance of power-plant impacts (lathur et al. 1977, Denoncourt 1984).

6.6-2

A roving creel survey based on a nonuniform probability sam-pling design was used to gather information on the recreational fishery near LGS. The design was similar to ones used by Pfieffer (1966), lalvestuto et al. (1978), Euston and Hathur (1979), and is described in detail in R[C (1984).

Results and Discussion Fishing Pressure Estimates of monthly fishing pressure with standard errors and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated for the period April-September 1985 (Table 6.6-1). Estimated fishing pressure for the season was the lowest measured in any year since the sur-vey was initiated in 1980, despite relatively stable weather and stream conditions throughout most of the spring and summer. It is probable that restricted access to several popular fishing locations within the survey reach has discouraged angler use of the Schuylkill River near LGS. Although a majority of anglers fished from the same shoreline access areas identified in past years (Table 6.6-2), there was an increase in the proportion of anglers using boats (Table 6.6-3), from 26X in 1984 to 40% in 1985. Over SOX of the boat angling activity took place between the Vincent Dam tailwater (river meter 71860) and Linfield (river meter 75400) in the lower half of the creel survey reach.

Meanwhile, the proportion of angler use at two shoreline access 6.6-3

points upstream of LGS, Sanatoga Creek and Sprogles Run, collec-tively declined from 49% of total anglers in 1984 to 36X in 1985.

The amount of fishing adjacent to the LGS site was again low in 1985. Only 10 anglers, or 7X of the total seen in 1985, fished between river meters 76840 and 77720, which is approximately the reach of the Schuylkill River bounded on one shore by LGS.

Several of these sightings were of one gentleman, a PECo employee who regularly used the RIC boat ramp to gain access to this limited section of the Schuylkill River. Incidentally, there has been no observations of angler use below the cooling tower blow-down discharge structure in either the winter of 1984-1985 or 1985-1986, despite the start-up and testing of the Unit I reactor at LGS, which from time to time may have produced a slightly heated effluent. Winter-time fisheries have developed near some other generating stations with heated discharges in southeast Pennsylvania (Euston and flathur 1979, Denoncourt 1984), but because of limited access and the slight degree of thermal enrichment, a similar fishery is not likely to develop at LGS.

Catch and Harvest Total catch, effort, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE in fish/angler-hour) calculated from the results of angler inter-views are presented in Table 6.6-4. Monthly CPUE ranged from 0.33 fish/angler-hour in July to 6.30 fish/angler-hour in 6.6-4

September. Overall CPUE for the year, 1.50 fish/angler-hour, was intermediate in the range of values observed since 1980. The projected angler catch of 6,679 fish of 15 species or hybrids (Table 6.6-5) was the lowest seasonal total yet observed but can be attributed more to the lesser amount of fishing pressure measured in 1985 than to-below normal catch rates. Peak catches occurred in June, August, and September, while only an estimated 74 fish were caught by anglers in July. Redbreast sunfish was the most common species in the Lepomis sunfish group which dominated the projected catch, and probably was the species most often caught, although catches of smallmouth bass and rock bass exceeded the identifiable redbreast sunfish catch (Table 6.6-5).

The harvest rate for 1985 amounted to 0.18 fish/angler-hour (Table 6.6-4), yielding an estimated seasonal harvest of 782 fish of 12 species or hybrids (Table 6.6-6). Anglers released 88X of the fish they reportedly caught in 1985, including 96X of the re-creationally important smallmouth bass. These release rates are similar to those found in the past. Although high release rates are caused in part by small fish size, there is considerable anecdotal evidence that harvestable-size fish are frequently released as well. Data are insufficient, however, to estimate the release rate of fish larger than the legal minimum. In contrast, Paragamian (1984) found it uncommon to hear of small-mouth bass being released from the Naquoketa River, Iowa. Austen 6.6-5

(1984) found that 'imposing a 305-mm minimum length limit in-creased the release rate of smallmouth bass in a Virginia section of the Hew River, compared to a similar section of the Hew River in West Virginia where there was no length limit. Through the 6-year course of this study, about 50X of smallmouth bass observed in anglers' creels were shorter than the 254-mm minimum legal length imposed in 1981 on Pennsylvania streams, while about 30X have been shorter than the previously imposed minimum length, 229 mm.

Estimates of harvested weight were calculated for species ap-pearing in anglers' creels in 1985 (Table 6.6-7). Low sample size prevented making precise estimates of harvested weight in many cases, but for some species harvested weight was at least roughly estimated. Estimated total harvest amounted to 176.1 kg, or about 4.1 kg/ha or 20.5 kg/km for the survey reach. Four species, carp, smallmouth bass, goldfish, and redbreast sunfish, collectively comprised almost 75% of the total weight of fish harvested in 1985.

Characteristics of Anglers There were no major changes in the age or sex composition of Schuylkill River anglers compared to information collected in previous creel surveys (Table 6.6-3). In 1985, 93X of anglers 6.6-6

interviewed were males, and nearly 75X were 16 years of age or older and hence required a fishing license.

As previously stated, there was an increase in the proportion of anglers accessing the stream in boats, possibly due to res-tricted shoreline access at several locations (Table 6.6-3).

Most fishing effort was directed at "bass" or "anything"; cat-fishes and muskellunge were also preferred by many anglers (Table 6.6-8).

6.6-7

Table 6.6-1. Monthly fishing pressure estimates in angler-hours, with standard errors and coefficients of variation (in X) from the 1985 Schuylkill River creel survey.

Humber of Fishing Standard Coefficient Month survey trips pressure error of variation Apr 8 890 190 21 May 9 749 226 30 Jun 9 1341 337 25 Jul 9 225 161 71 Aug 9 555 155 28 Sep 8 468 205 44 Total 52 4228

Table 6.6-2. Number of anglers interviewsd at Schuylkill River access points during 1985.

Mleter Access Point Humber 1985 Below Vincent Dam 71959 16 Vincent Dam 71960 I1 State Game Lands 71980 6 Home Hater Co. Dock 73880 12 Pigeon Creek 74870 3 Linfield RR Bridge 75250 4 Linfield Boat Rawp 75350 6 Linfield Auto Bridge 75400 24 Above Linfield 76839 3 Brooke Evans Run 76840 5 Lower Linerick Run 77239 I Diffuser 77240 2 PEL Ramp 77720 2 Upper Limerick Run 79039 2 Sanatoga Bridge 79060 22 Sanatoga Creek 79110 10 Fi restone Rui 80099 2 Sprogles Run 80120 8 Firestone Gate Two 80450 10 149 Table 6.6-3. Age and sex composition and mode of access for anglers Interviemed on the Schuylkill River during 1985.

Sex Number X Hales 135 93 Females 10 7 145 100 Age(Years)

Child (<13) 19 13 Teen (13-191 32 22 Adult (20-64) 94 65 145 100 Mode of Access Boat 59 40 Bridge 6 4 Shore 83 56 Wading I I 149 100

Table 6.6-4. Observed catch, effort (in angler-hrs) and catch-per-unit-effort (CFUE In fish/angler-hr) by month from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

Total Catch Month Catch Effort CPUE April 37 69.3 0.53 hay 44 73.1 0.60 June 57 51.7 1.10 July 10 30.5 0.33 August 94 41.5 2.27 September 206 32.7 6.30 Annual 448 298.8 I .50 Harvest (Fish Kept)

Month Catch Effort CPUE April 7 69.3 0.10 Kay 4 73.1 0.05 June 4 51.7 0.08 July 0 30.5 0.00 August 23 41.5 0.55 September 17 32.7 0.52 Annual 55 298.8 0.18 Table 6.6-5. Species composition and estimated angler catch from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

Apr Hay Jun Jul Aug Sep Total Species Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Catch Broam trout - 10 - 14 25 Carp 188 43 231 Goldfish 54 54 Yellow bullhead - 14 14 Brom bullhead 13 10 13 - 36 Channel catfish 7 13 - 21 Unidentified catfish 51 10 161 86 308 Bluegill - 29 29 Pumpkinseed 13 26 40 43 122 Green sunfish - 14 14 Redbreast sunfish 26 20 52 - 200 298 Unidentified sunfish 268 143 776 15 509 1302 3014 Rock bass 13 61 26 161 472 733 White crappie 26 26 Black crappie - 14 14 Unidentified crappie 51 - 72 123 Smallmouth bass 89 143 233 45. 40 644 1194 Unidentified bass 336 80 417 Yellom perch 7 7 472 449 1475 74 1260 2948 6679

Table 6.6-.. Species copostition and estimated angler harvest from the Schuylkill River in 1985.

Apr Hay Jun Aug Sep Total Species Harvest Harvest Harvest Harvest Harvest Harvest Brown trout - 9 S- - 9 Carp - - - 27 - 27 Goldfish - - - 53 - 53 Brown bullhead 13 - - 13 - 26 Bluegi 11 - - - - 29 29 Pumpkinseed 13 - 27 40 - 79 Green sunfish - - - - 14 14 Redbreast sunfish 13 19 54 - 172 257 Unidentified sunfish - - - 159 - 159 Rock bass 13 - - - 14 27 White crappie - - 27 - - 27 Black crappie - - - - 14 14 Soalluouth bass 38 9 - - 48 Unidentif led bass - - - 13 - 13 89 37 107 305 243 78Z

Table 6.6-7. Estimated weights of projected angler harvest by species, and statistics used in their calculation, from the 43-ha, 8.6-km creel survey reach on the Schuylkill River in 1985. Total harvested weights are also expressed in kg/ha and kg/km of stream.

Mean Harvested Harvest per Number weight Number weight unit of stream Species in creel (g) harvested (kg) (kg/ha) (kg/km)

Brown trout 1 711 9 6.4 0.15 0.74 Carp 2 1616 27 43.7 1.02 5.08 Goldfish 4 533 53 28.2 0.66 3.28 Brown bullhead 2 508 26 13.2 0.31 1.53 Bluegill 2 110 29 3.2 0.07 0.37 Pumpkinseed 4 129 79 10.2 0.24 1.19 Green sunfish 1 64 14 0.9 0.02 0.10 Redbreast sunfish 17 104 257 26.7 0.62 3.10 Rock bass 2 128 27 3.5 0.08 0.41 White crappie 2 205 27 5.5 0.13 0.64 Black crappie 1 205 14 2.9 0.07 0.34 Smallmouth bass 4 519 611 31.7 0.74 3.69 Totalz 176.1 4.11 20.47

'Includes 13 unidentified bass harvested in September, assumed to be smallmouth bass.

ZTotal excludes weight of 159 unidentified sunfish harvested in August.

Table 6.6-8. Preferred fishes of Schuylkill River anglers during 1985.

kember of anglers identifying as:

Category 1st Choice 2nd Choice Total Anything 66 - 66 Bass 52 10 62 Catfish 13 6 19 Muskellunge 4 10 14 Carp 6 1 7 Sunfish 4 3 7 Ial leye 2 2 Goldfish 1 - I

6.7 Impingement Summary

1. Fish impinged at the LGS Schuylkill River cooling water intake were surveyed on 16 dates in 1985.

2. A total of 135 fish representing seven species were impinged: Young-of-year (YOY) catfish (69X), sunfish (12X), and goldfish (10X) comprised 91X of impinged fish.

3. The greatest numbers of fish (79X of annual total) were impinged on 30 September during elevated Schuylkill River discharge resulting from rains associated with Hurricane Gloria.

Introduction and Methods A postoperational impingement survey was initiated at the LGS Schuylkill River pump station (cooling water intake) on 29 April 1985 and continued to the end of the year. Ho prior survey had been conducted.

The objective of this program was to evaluate the level of fish mortality caused by impingement against the rotating debris collection screens at the pump station. An additional objective was to observe species and sizes of fish impinged by the screens.

6.7-1

The survey was conducted weekly, biweekly or at greater in-tervals of time depending upon river conditions and the expected level of impingement based on prior experience at other generating stations. A list of sampling dates is included in Table 6.7-1. Debris collected from the Schuylkill River by the rotating screens was deposited in a trash bin. Impinged fish were manually sorted from the debris and counted. Unless badly decomposed, each fish was identified and measured to the nearest mm fork length (FL). After processing, dead fish were returned to the trash bin. Live fish were processed and returned to the river.

Mixing of impinged fishes from different survey intervals was prevented by placing a clean plastic sheet over each mass of sorted debris. Fish that occasionally spilled onto the pump station floor were processed, returned to the trash bin, and covered by the new plastic sheet. The plastic sheet effectively separated fish from different survey intervals, and since the in-door location of the trash bin prevented scavenging of dead fish, both the number of fish impinged and the rate at which they ac-cumulated were estimated closely. A few small fish were probably missed because they either decomposed or were lost amidst a large volume of debris, but the extent to which this occurred was con-sidered small.

6.7-2

Results and Discussion Throughout the survey period, a total of 135 fish of seven species was found (Table 6.7-1). YOY catfish comprised 69X of the annual total; sunfish and goldfish comprised 12X and 10, respectively. The remainder consisted of minnows, rock bass, white suckers, and unidentifiable fish.

River discharge had an apparent effect on the level of impingement. Nearly 80X of the total number of fish impinged during the survey were collected on 30 September 1985, following a period of heavy rains and elevated river flow associated with Hurricane Gloria. During periods of high flow fish must seek

. shelter near shore and those moving near the water intake may be more susceptible to impingement at those times.

host fish impinged were YOY. The 1985 year classes of most species were extremely strong (see Section 6.3-Fishes Collected by Seine) and these small fish are more susceptible to imp-ingement than stronger-swimming larger individuals.

In conclusion, the survey provided a reasonable estimate of total fish impingement in 1985. The number of fish impinged was a very small percentage of the fish population present in the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of LGS (see Sections 6.3-Fishes Collected by Seine and 6.4-Fishes Collected by Electrofishing).

Impingement appeared to be selective for YOY fish, particularly 6.7-3

young catfish. YOY brown bullhead and yellou bullhead together comprised a much larger fraction of the impingement sample than of seine or electrofishing samples. Nevertheless, the number impinged was only a negligible fraction of the population of young catfish in the vicinity. Compared to angling mortality (see Section 6.4-Creel Survey) the number of adult fishes lost to impingement was also quite small. Therefore, impingement of fishes on the LGS intake screens uas of little ecological significance.

6.7-4

Table 6.7-1. Fish observed during impingement surveys at the Limerick Generating Station Schuylkill River cooling water intake screens.

Total Number Fork numbers per length Date found Species species (mm) 4-29-85 1 White sucker 1 321 5-06-85 2 Redbreast sunfish 2 114, 139 5-13-85 0 5-23-85 0 5-28-85 0 6-21-85 0 7-05-85 2 Redbreast sunfish 2 36, 41 7- 19-85 3 Redbreast sunfish 2 31, 36 minnow 1 73 7-29-85 0 8-26-85 5 Redbreast sunfish 2 53, 55 Catfish sp. 3 72, 77, 79 9-16-85 7 Redbreast sunfish 4 41, 46, 53, 55 Yellow bullhead 1 81 Goldfish 2 99, 105 1

9-27-85 4 Redbreast sunfish 1 33 Yellow bullhead' 1 56 Goldfish 75 White sucker 1 83

Table 6.7-1. Fish observed during impingement surveys at the Limerick Generating Station Schuylkill River cooling water intake screens.

Total Number Fork numbers per- length Date found Species species (mm) 9-30-852 107 Redbreast sunfish 3 38, 116, 172 Sunfish 1 47 Yellow bullhead 13 69, 70, 75, 83, 86, 87, 89 92, 97, 99, 100, 101, 111 Brown bullhead 9 72, 77, 86, 101, 101, 102 105, 110, 209 Catfish 65 68, 73, 75, 76, 76, 76, 76 77, 78, 78, 79, 79, 81, 82 82, 83, 83, 84, 84, 85, 86 86, 87, 88, 89, 89, 90, 90 90, 91, 91, 92, 92, 92, 92 92, 93, 94, 94, 94, 95, 95 95, 96, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 100, 100, 100, 101, 101, 105 105, 106, 110, 111, 111, 113 116, 120, 125, 145 Rock bass 3 44, 146, 168 Goldfish 7 102, 102, 108, 121, 134 142, 162 Unidentified 6 -

10-7-85 3 Catfish sp. 1 210 Goldfish 2 106, 127 10-16-85 1 Goldfish 1 133 11-14-853 0 -

I - Fish found alive z - After Hurricane Gloria 3 - Survey area flooded out by clogged drain

7.0 Asiatic Clam Summary

1. Field surveys for the presence of Corbicula were con-ducted in late summer and early fall at 2-4 mile inter-vals in the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and Perkiomen Creek.

2. Corbicula was found in the Delaware River from near the Commodore Barry Bridge (river mile 81.8) to Washington Crossing State Park (river mile 146.0), only 11 miles downriver of the Delaware River intake for the proposed water diversion, and in the.Schuylkill River from its mouth (river mile 0) to Black Rock Dam (river mile 36),

only 3 miles and 11 miles downriver of Cromby Generating Station and LGS, respectively.

3. Corbicula was not found in the Perkiomen Creek, nor was it observed in benthic macroinvertebrate samples col-lected in the East Branch Perkiomen Creek.

Introduction and Methods Studies of Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) conducted in 1982-84, including both qualitative survey of the species' dis-tribution in the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and Perkiomen 7.0-1

Creek and quantitative sampling conducted in the Schuylkill River at Morristown, were considered part of non-radiological environ-mental monitoring at Limerick Generating Station (LGS) and reported as such (RMC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985).

However, only the 1985 qualitative survey will be described in this report. The Corbicula studies have expanded in response to increased concern for biofouling at several additional generating stations and now are not considered to be part of LGS non-radiological monitoring. Consequently, the results of these studies will appear in a separate report.

In short, field surveys were conducted in late summer and early fall at approximately 2-4 mile intervals on the Delaware River from the Commodore Barry Bridge (river mile 81.8) to Pt.

Pleasant, Pennsylvania (river mile 157.2); on the Schuylkill River from its mouth (river mile 0) to LGS (river mile 48); and on the Perkiomen Creek from its mouth (river mile 0) to the Schwenksville Road bridge (river mile 12.0). At locations where water depth permitted, the stream or river bottom was visually scanned for Corbicula shells. Samples of stream or river bottom materials were collected and washed through a 3.2 mm mesh sieve and inspected for Corbicula at all stations.

7.0-2

Results and Discussion The results of 1985 qualitative sampling for the presence of Corbicula in the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and Perkiomen Creek are shown in Tables 7.0-1, 2, and 3, respectively. For ease of comparison, data obtained in 1982, 1983, and 1984 also are included in these tables.

Attention is drawn to the misidentification of Burlington Generating Station as Croydon Generating Station on Table 7.0-1 in the previous reports (RMC-Environmental Services 1984 and 1985). This location is at Delaware River mile 117.0.

Sampling in 1985 indicated continued presence of CorbiculaL in the Delaware River (Table 7.0-1). Distribution of the population in the lower study reach from near the Commodore Barry Bridge (river mile 81.8) to the Tacony Palmyra Bridge (river mile 107.1) appeared to be spotty in that living clams were collected at only a few sample stations. This may be a reflection of less than op-timal habitat conditions in this part of the river.

In the upper end of the Delaware River study reach, Corbicula was found to be present at Washington Crossing State Park at river mile 146.0 (Table 7.0-1). This represents a range exten-sion of 4 miles since 1984, reducing the distance to the Delaware River intake for the proposed water diversion to approximately 11 miles.

7.0-3

In 1985, living Corbicula were collected at only 1 of 8 sam-ple stations within the tidal reach (river miles 0-8) of the Schuylkill River (Table 7.0-2). As in the Delaware River, Corbicula distribution probably was restricted by less than favorable habitat conditions. With one exception, Corbicula was found to be present at all sample stations from Fairmount Dam (river mile 8) to Black Rock Dam (river mile 36). Collection of Corbicula at Black Rock Dam represents a 7 mile upriver extension of the species' range and places it approximately 3 miles from Cromby Generating Station and approximately 11 miles from LGS.

Cor* ulJgaiwas not collected at any sample station in the Perkiomen Creek (Table 7.0-3). However, it is noteworthy that the range of Corbicula in the Schuylkill River includes the Perkiomen Creek confluence. Therefore, the appearance of Corbicula in Perkiomen Creek probably will occur shortly.

The East Branch Perkiomen Creek was not part of the 1985 Corbicula qualitative survey program. However, the species was not collected at the 6 sample stations that are part of the benthic macroinvertebrate sampling program (see Section 4.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrates).

7.0-4

Table 7.0-1. Results of qualitative sampling for Corbicula in the Delaware River, 1982-1985.

Distance from Location Point Pleasant (River Mile) (miles) 1982 1983 1984 1985 Point Pleasant Canoe Livery (157.2) 0 0 0 Lumberville Canal Park Footbridge (155.4) 1.8 0 0 PA Rt. 263 Bridge, town of Center Bridge (151.9) 5.3 0 0 PA Rt. 179 Bridge, Hew Hope (148.7) 8.5 0 0 Washington Crossing 4-State Park (146.0) 11.2 100 yds above PA Rt. 532 Bridge 15.2 0 4-(142.0) 0.75 mi above 1-95 Bridge (139.7) 17.5 0 +

Under 1-95 Bridge (139.0) 18.2 +

0 Yardley Boat Ramp (138.4) 18.8 0 + + +

1.5 mi below Yardley Boat Ramp (136.9) 20.3 0 Below 3-island archipelago, above Trenton Avenue and Calhoun Street Bridge (134.0) 23.2 +

Table 7.0-1. (Cont.)

Distance from Location Point Pleasant (River Mile) (miles) 1982 1983 1984 198 Below railroad bridge (mid-town Trenton) (133.0) 24.2 + +

Between buoys 105 and 106 (131.7) 25.5 0 Biles Creek (131.2) 26.0 + +

Buoy 97 (130.6) 26.6 + +

Buoy 92 (129.1) 28.1 + +

0.5 mi above Newbold Island (127.0) 30.2 + +

Southern tip of Newbold Island (124.9) 32.3 + + +

Florence Boat Ramp (122.6) 34.6 +

Above 1-276 Bridge (121.3) 35.9 + +

Burlington Island at Buoy 45 (118.9) 38.3 +

Burlington Generating Station (117.0) 40.2 + +

1.5 mi below Neshaminy Creek (114.1) 43.1 +

Mouth of Rancocas Creek (111.1) 46.1 + + +

Table 7.0-1. (Cant.)

Distance from Location PIoint Pleasant (River Mile) (miles) 1982 1983 0.5 mi downstream of buoy 18 (109.3) 47.9 4 0.5 mi downstream of buoy 15 (108.0) 49.2 0 Under Tacony Palmyra Bridge (107.1) 50.1 0 4- 0 Betsy Ross Bridge (104.8) 52.4 0 0 Richmond Generating Station (104.4) 52.8 0 0 0 Northern tip of Petty Island (103.2) 54.0 0 0 Delaware Generating

+.

Station (101.1) 56.1 0 0 0 Benjamin Franklin Bridge (100.2) -57.0 0 Upstream of Walt Whitman Bridge (98.0) 59.2 0 0 Southwark Generating Station (97.5) 59.7 0 0 0

+-

Buoy 46A (95.0) 62.2 0 Mouth of Schuylkill River (92.5) 64.7 0 + +-

Opposite Paulsboro, NJ (90.0) 67.2 0

Table 7.0-1. (Cont.)

Distance from Location Point Pleasant (River Mile) (miles) 198 1984 Northern tip of Tinicum Island (87.5) 69.7 0 ÷ +

Northern tip of

[ond's Island (85.6) 71.6 0 Eddystone Generating Station (84.3) 72.9 + ÷ Just north of Commodore Barry Bridge (81.8) 75.4 0 0 A "0" indicates that no clams were present.

A "+" indicates that clams uere present.

A blank indicates that no sample was collected.

Table 7.0-2. Results of qualitative sampling for Corbicula in the Schuylkill River, 1982-1985.

Location Distance from (River Mile) LGS (miles) 1982 1983 1984 1985 Limerick Generating Station (S48) 0 0 a 0 0 Vincent Dam (S45) 3.5 0 0 0 Main Street, Spring City (S42) 6.0 0 0 0 0.25 mi above Cromby Generating Station (CGS)

CS40) 8.25 0 0 0, Adjacent to CGS (S40) 8.5 0 0 0 0.25 mi belou CGS (S39) 8.75 0 0 0 Phoenixville Water Treatment Plant (S38) 9.25 0 0 0 Black Rock Road, Rt. 113, phoenixville (S37) 10.0 0 0 0 Public Picnic Area opposite Fish Com-mission boat ramp (537) 10.5 0 0 0 Black Rock Dam (536) 11.25 0 0 +

Bridge Street, Rt. 29, Phoenixville (S35) 13.0 0 +

Pawlings Road, Phoenixville (S31) 17.0 0 0 0

Table 7.0-2. (Cont.)

Location Distance from 1.0 mi above 1982 1983 Betzwood Bridge (529) 19 0.5 mi above +

Betzwood Bridge (S28.5) 19.5 Detzwood (S28) Bridge + +

20.0 0.75 mi above Abrams +

Creek (527) 21.5

+ +

Abrams Creek (S26) 22.25 Tip of Barbadoes Island (S26) 22.5

+ +

Intake to Barbadoes Generating (S25) Station 23.25 Under Rt. 202 +

Bridge (S25) 23.5

+ +

Norristoun Dan (S24) 24.0

+

+ +

1-276 Bridge, Swedesburg (S22) 26.0

+

Plymouth Dam, Conshohocken West (S20) 28.0

+

Near Montgomery County/Philadelphia County line (517) 31.0

+

Rest of Green Bridge (sT') Lane 34.0

Table 7.0-2. (Cont.)

Location Distance from (River Mile) LGS (miles) 1982 1983 1984 198!

Pencoyd Bridge (512) 36.0 + +

Strawberry Bridge (SlI) 37.0 + +

Fairmount Dam (SS) 40 + + +

Under Park Drive Bridge (S8) 40.25 0 0 Under Market Street Bridge (S7) 40.75 + +

Under South Street Bridge (S6) 41.5 0 0 0 Adjacent to Schuylkill Gen-erating Station (SGS) (S5) 42.0 0 + + 0 0.25 mi below SGS (S5) 42.25 0 0 +

Under Passyunk Avenue Bridge (S3) 44.0 0 0 0 South of 1-95 Bridge (SI) 47.0 0 0 0 Mouth of Schuylkill River (SO) 48.0 0 0 + 0 A "0" indicates that no clams were present.

A "+" indicates that clams were present.

A blank indicates that no sample was collected.

Table 7.0-3. Results of qualitative sampling for Cerbicula in the Perkiomen Creek, 1983-1985.

Distance from Confluence w/

Location Schuylkil I Ci) 0 0 0 Below Metherill's Dam 0.75 0 0 0 Egypt Road 1.5 0 0 Indian Road Dam 2.25 0 0 0 Yerkes Road Bridge 4.5 0 0 0 0 Collegeville Dam 6.5 0 0 0 Rahn's Bridge, Rt. 113 7.25 0 0 0 Graterford Road Bridge 9.25 0 0 0 Ott's Dam Bridge 10.5 0 0 0 Rt. 73 Bridge 11.25 0 0 0 Schwenksville Road Bridge 12.0 A "0" indicates that no clams Mere present.

A "+" indicates that clams Mere present.

A blank indicates that no sample uas collected.

8.0 Cooling Tower Bird Mortality Summary

1. Bird impaction at both LGS cooling towers was in-vestigated during spring and fall migrations during 1985.

2. A total of 57 birds of 14 species was collected.

3. This total is considered insignificant when compared to the number that migrate through the area.

Introduction and Methods The potential for migrating bird mortality due to impaction in the LGS cooling towers was identified early in the environmen-tal impact review process. A fall survey of bird mortalities at a nearly completed cooling tower at Susquehanna Steam Electric Station produced a mortality count of 80 birds during a 2-month survey period.

A survey to document the extent of bird mortality, the time periods when most bird kills occur, and the bird species involved was initiated in spring 1981 and continued in subsequent years until the present. Regular, almost daily, checks of both cooling towers were made during the work week throughout the spring and fall migration periods.

8.0-1

Each inspection consisted of an early morning, usually between 0700-0900, search of the precast concrete deck which covers the fill structure of each cooling tower. Experience in-dicated that virtually all the birds which strike the LGS towers can be found on the concrete decking which overtops the fill structure.

Results and Discussion A total of 57 birds of 14 species was found between 11 April and 29 October 1985. One of these specimens was not identifiable to species because of deteriorated condition (Table 8.0-1).

Greatest apparent mortality occurred just prior to 7 October 1985. Seventeen dead birds were recovered on this day.

Mortalities continue to be insignificant when compared to the large number of birds which migrate through the area.

8.0-2

Table 8.0-1. Birds collected at LGS cooling towers in 1985.

April flay August September Common Namel 11 19 7 28 29 4 6 9 11 16 18 20 Golden-crowned kinglet Ruby-crowned kinglet 1 Gray-cheeked thrush White-eyed vireo Solitary vireo I Philadelphia vireo Red-eyed vireo 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 Chestnut-sided warbler 1 Magnolia warbler Black-throated green warbler Blackburnian warbler 1 Prairie warbler Bay-breasted warbler Common yellowthroat Unidentified specimen September October Common Hamel 23 25 26 7 9 11 14 17 28 29 Totals Golden-crowned kinglet 1 1 2 Ruby-crowned kinglet 2 1 4 Gray-cheeked thrush 1 1 White-eyed vireo 1 Solitary vireo 1 2 1 1 6 Philadelphia vireo 1 1 Red-eyed vireo 2 2 4 1 1 2 24 Chestnut-sided warbler 1 Magnolia warbler 4 4 Black-throated green warbler 2 2 Blackburnian warbler 1 Prairie warbler 1 Bay-breasted warbler 2 2 Common yellowthroat 2 1 6 Unidentified specimen 1 1

'Common names are from the American Ornithologist Union Checklist of North American Birds, Sixth edition, 1983.

9.0 Literature Cited Albert, R. 1982. Cleaning up the Delaware River. Delaware River Basin Commission, West Trenton, New Jersey.

Anselmini, L. D. 1974a. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of Burlington, New Jersey in 1972.

Prepared for Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Newark, Hew Jersey, by Ichthyological Associates, Ithaca, Hew York.

Anselmini, L. D. 1974b. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of Burlington, Hew Jersey in 1973.

Prepared for Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Newark, Hew Jersey, by Ichthyological Associates, Ithaca, Hew York.

Anselmini, L. D. 1974c. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of the Mercer Generating Station, Trenton, Hew Jersey. Prepared for Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Newark, Hew Jersey, by Ichthyological Associates, Ithaca, Hew York.

Anselmini, L. D. 1976. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of Newbold Island. Progress report for the period January-December 1971. Prepared for Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Newark, Hew Jersey, by Ichthyological Associates, Ithaca, Hew York.

Austen, D. J. 1984. Evaluation of the effects of a 305-mm minimum length limit on the smallmouth bass populations in the Hew River. master's thesis, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg.

Barker, J. 1965. Observations on some areas of the Delaware River between Belvidere and Scudders Falls, Hew Jersey in respect to their utilization by American shad, Alosa sapidis-sima (Wilson), for spawning purposes in 1963 and 1964.

Miscellaneous report number 28. Hew Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development Bureau of Fisheries Laboratory. Lebanon, Hew Jersey.

Cable, L. E. 1945. The pollution problem in the Delaware River in relation to restoration of the shad fishery. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Cited in Mansueti and Kolb 1953).

Carlander, K. D. 1977. Handbook of freshwater fishery biology, volume 1. Iowa State University Press, Ames.

9.0-1

Chittenden, M. E. 1969. Life history and ecology of the American shad, Alosa sapidissima, in the Delaware River, Doctoral disseration. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Hew Jersey.

Chittenden, M. E. 1976. Present and historical spawning grounds and nurseries of American shad, (Alosa sanidissima) in the Delaware River. Fisheries Bulletin 74:343-352.

Denoncourt, R. F. 1984. Recreational/sport fishery benefits as-sociated with a fossil fuel generating station. Pages 170-190 in S. K. Majumdar and E. W. Miller, editors. Solid and liquid wastes: management, methods, and socioeconomic considerations. The Pennsylvania Academy of Science.

Didun, A., and P. L. Harmon. 1976. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of Chester Generating Station.

Chester progress report number 2. Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company by Ichthyological Associates, Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Didun, A. 1978. A study of the fishes of the Delaware River in the vicinity of the Portland Generating Station of Metropolitan Edison Company. Prepared for Metropolitan Edison Company, Reading, Pennsylvania, by Ichthyological Associates, Ithaca, New York.

Ellis, M. M., B. A. Westfall, D. K. Meyer and W. S. Platner.

1947. Water quality studies of the Delaware River with reference to shad migration. Special scientific report num-ber 38. U.S. Fish and Wildilfe Service, Washington, D.C.

Euston, E. T., and D. Mathur. 1979. Effects of heated discharge on the winter fishery in Conowingo Pond, Pennsylvania.

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Harmon, P. L., and D. C. Smith. 1975. An ecological study of the Delaware River in the vicinity of Eddystone Generating Station. Eddystone progress report number 4. Prepared for Philadelphia Electric Company by Ichthyological Associates, Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

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