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Terrapower CP Env Docs - Ute Ladies’-Tresses, Supplemental Survey, NOV 2023, Tetra Tech
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UTE Ladie's-Tresses Survey_November 2023.pdf William K. Burris, P.G.

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UTE LADIES-TRESSES SUPPLEMENTAL SURVEY Natrium Demonstration Project Lincoln County, Wyoming November 2023 Prepared for Bechtel Power Prepared by Confidential Business Information. Do Not Distribute.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1

2.

PROJECT BACKGROUND............................................................................................... 1

3.

2023 ULT HABITAT ASSESSMENT................................................................................... 2

4.

2023 ULT SURVEY......................................................................................................... 4

5.

SUMMARY

AND CONCLUSIONS....................................................................................... 6

6.

CREDENTIALS OF SURVEYORS....................................................................................... 6

7.

LITERATURE CITED....................................................................................................... 6 LIST OF TABLES Table. 1. Ute Ladies-tresses Survey Results.......................................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. ULT Survey Area..................................................................................................... 3 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A - FIGURES APPENDIX B - PHOTO LOG APPENDIX C - RESUME TP-LIC-LET-0362 SUBJECT TO DOE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. DE-NE0009054 Copyright © 2024 TerraPower, LLC. All Rights Reserved

1.

INTRODUCTION This technical report describes the 2023 survey effort for Ute Ladies-tresses orchid (ULT; Spiranthes diluvialis) conducted in support of the Natrium Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project (Project). As part of the environmental impact assessment for the Project, a desktop analysis was conducted to determine what protected/sensitive resources were known to occur or had the potential to occur within the survey area, which encompassed the Kemmerer Unit 1 site and associated corridors for power and water utilities (Figure 1). The USWFS IPaC (Information for Planning and Consultation) database indicated that six federally listed and/or candidate fish and wildlife species and one federally listed plant species, the ULT, could potentially occur within the survey area.

2.

PROJECT BACKGROUND In early September 2022, a team of wetland scientists and botanists surveyed accessible wetlands, wetland fringes, and riparian corridors of perennial and intermittent streams in the survey area to determine whether suitable ULT habitat was present. Two wetlands (Wetlands 3 and 4; see Appendix A, Figure A-3) in the northwest portion of the survey area were not assessed for suitability as ULT habitat in 2022 because permission to enter the properties had not been obtained.

On September 1 and 2, 2022, all accessible wetlands, wetland fringes and riparian corridors in the Project Area were visited and evaluated to determine whether potential habitat for ULT was present. At each sample location, the presence or absence of key habitat attributes was assessed in the field. These attributes included, but were not limited to:

perennial hydrology or a water table near the surface (within 12.5 - 45 cm);

stabilized and periodically flooded stream terraces, sub-irrigated or spring-fed abandoned stream channels, alluvial banks or point bars; irrigation canals, berms, levees, irrigated meadows, human modified wetlands; moderate-to-well drained shallow sandy loam, silty-loam, or clayey-silt alluvial soils overlying more permeable cobbles, gravels, and sediments; presence of common associate species, including, but not limited to, perennial graminoids and forbs such as Agrostis stolonifera, Elymus repens, Juncus arcticus, and Equisetum laevigatum; low to moderately saline/alkaline soil conditions; locations in full to partial sun with low-to-moderate vegetation density.

Of the locations selected for 2022 surveys, two locations adjacent to perennial streams were deemed potentially suitable habitat for ULT - Wetland 8/Stream 8 and Wetland 13/Stream 10 (see Appendix A). None of the other locations surveyed contained suitable habitat for the species. The largest area of potentially suitable habitat (Wetland 13/Stream 10) was associated with the riparian zone along North Fork Little Muddy Creek (see Appendix A, Figures A-8, A-9, and A-10).

Some locations in this riparian zone showed suitable hydrology, soils, and vegetation, with acceptable levels of disturbance. The other area containing potentially (but marginally) suitable habitat (Wetland 8/Stream 8) was associated with a perennial stream that receives flow from the TP-LIC-LET-0362 SUBJECT TO DOE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. DE-NE0009054 Copyright © 2024 TerraPower, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Naughton Power Plant and crosses the east-west utility corridor portion of the survey area (see Appendix A, Figure A-7). No ULT or other similar orchid species was observed during the surveys (Tetra Tech 2023). The 2022 and 2023 habitat assessment and survey results are provided in Table 1; photos of survey areas are presented in Appendix B.

3.

2023 ULT HABITAT ASSESSMENT Access authorization was granted for the two wetland areas (Wetlands 3 and 4) that were not evaluated in 2022 and, on August 15, 2023, these areas were evaluated to determine whether they contained potentially suitable habitat for ULT. Wetlands 3 and 4 are associated with small impoundments downgradient and east of the Kemmerer Mine.

Wetland 3 was created by the impoundment of Stream 4, in the western elbow of the utility corridor portion of the survey area. Stream 4 originates on Kemmerer Operations, LLC land to the west of the survey area and receives drainage from the mine site via a culvert. The stream was sluggish and poorly drained in August 2023, with no defined floodplain, and thickly vegetated with a mosaic of shortawn foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) and hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus) monocultures with heavy thatching within low-lying areas of the wetland interior (Photos 1 and 2).

Meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), mountain rush (Juncus arcticus), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and whitetop (Lepidium draba) were observed along the wetland fringe and periphery. Canada thistle and whitetop have been designated Noxious Weeds by the state of Wyoming [W.S. 11-5-102(a)(xi)].

Two of the species observed at Wetland 3, smooth brome and mountain rush, are commonly associated with ULT in Wyoming, according to a range-wide status review (Fertig et al. 2005). Both of these species are ubiquitous in wetland and wetland fringe areas across Wyoming. As noted earlier, ULT are normally found in well-drained, not-too-densely vegetated sites and require an open canopy because they are shade-intolerant. No ULT were found here in August 2023. This site was determined to be unsuitable for ULT and will not be re-surveyed in 2024.

Wetland 4 is approximately 0.5 mi southeast of Wetland 3 and was created by the impoundment of Stream 7. Like Stream 4, Stream 7 originates on Kemmerer Operations land west of the survey area, with its primary hydrologic input coming from the mine. This stream was also sluggish and poorly drained in August 2023, with no stabilized floodplain (Photos 3-6). Wetland plant species including hardstem bulrush, shortawn foxtail, common spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), Rocky Mountain rush (Juncus saximontanus), mountain rush, and whitetop were present when the site was evaluated in August 2023. Although wetland plants were present, the only species observed that is strongly associated with ULT in Wyoming is mountain rush (Fertig et al. 2005), which is ubiquitous in wetland areas across Wyoming. No ULT were observed here during the August 2023 Wetland 4 ULT habitat evaluation. The site was determined to be unsuitable for ULT and will not be re-surveyed in 2024.

4.

2023 ULT SURVEY ULT presence/absence surveys were conducted for the second time on August 15, 2023, at two sites (Wetland 8/Stream 8 and Wetland 13/Stream 10) that were determined in 2022 to have potentially suitable ULT habitat. Surveys were conducted in accordance with the 1992 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Survey Protocol (USFWS 1992). Conditions during 2023 ULT surveys were sunny and mild and did not affect ULT surveys or data collection activities.

Wetland 8, which was determined to be marginally suitable in September 2022, was characterized by a dense monoculture of hardstem bulrush and a soil surface that was in places encrusted with salt (Photo 7). Within the survey area, Stream 8 is an incised perennial stream with mostly vertical, actively undercutting/sloughing banks, an absent or very confined floodplain and, in most areas, an abrupt transition from to waters edge to a stream terrace comprised of a dense mix of upland and facultative vegetation (Photo 8). Species observed within the riparian area associated with Stream 8 included big sagebrush, yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), mountain rush, shortawn foxtail, common spikerush, beaked sedge (Carex utriculata), Canada thistle, Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis), and perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis).

Clearance surveys focused on portions of the confined floodplain that were not densely vegetated, point bars within the stream channel, and the portions of Wetland 8 that did not have a salt crust on the soil surface. Two species commonly associated with ULT in Wyoming according to Fertig et al.

(2005) were observed - yellow sweetclover and mountain rush. No ULT were observed at this site in August 2023. This wetland will be re-surveyed in 2024.

Wetland 13/Stream 10 is the largest wetland in the survey area and the wetland most likely to harbor ULT, based on conditions observed in 2022 and 2023. However, the condition and quality of this riparian wetland vary (longitudinally) from location to location along the stream. Some streamside areas are relatively open, with a mix of low-growing grasses and forbs, habitats that could (assuming soil moisture was adequate during the growing season) support ULT (Photos 9 and 10). Other areas are too densely vegetated for ULT or have been denuded by grazing cattle.

Plant communities varied from location to location along Stream 10, which adjoins Wetland 13.

Shortawn foxtail and hardstem bulrush dominated the wetland plant community. Common wetland species included beaked sedge, common spikerush, and mountain rush. Species associated with terraces and wetland inclusions included western yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Canada thistle, hoary tansyaster (Dieteria canescens), slender wheatgrass, curly dock (Rumex crispus), and greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus). Three species that are commonly associated with ULT in Wyoming were observed at Stream 10/Wetland 13: Elymus lanceolatus, Juncus arcticus, and Typha latifolia (Fertig et al. 2005).

Clearance surveys focused on the stream channel, which contained several point bars, and portions of the floodplain that supported wetland vegetation. No ULT were observed in August 2023. This wetland will be re-surveyed in 2024.

Table. 1. Ute Ladies-tresses Survey Results Survey Location Habitat and Notes Suitable Habitat?

ULT Observed in 2022?

Resurvey in 2023?

ULT Observed In 2023?

Resurvey in 2024?

Wetland 1 Wetland 2 Stream 2 Stream 18 Large floodplain with a high groundwater table.

Unsuitable habitat. Highly saline soils.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 3 Stream 4 None Unsuitable*

Not surveyed Yes No No Wetland 4 Stream 7 None Unsuitable*

Not surveyed Yes No No Wetland 5 Stream 5 Saline soil conditions and area dominated by intermediate wheatgrass and Juncus spp.

Observed from adjacent property.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 6 Large floodplain. Minor grazing pressure.

Unsuitable habitat.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 7 Stream 7 Drainage floodplain.

Highly saline. Minor grazing pressure.

Unsuitable habitat.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 8 Stream 8 Marginally suitable flowing stream drainage.

Suitable No Yes No Yes Wetland 9 Stream 17 Flowing stream but unlikely for the species to occur due highly saline soils and lack of associated vegetation.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 10 Wetland 11 Drainage floodplain.

Highly saline. Minor grazing pressure.

Unsuitable habitat.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 12 Stream 16 Drainage floodplain.

Highly saline. Minor grazing pressure.

Unsuitable habitat.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 13 Stream 10 North Fork Little Muddy Creek. Portions are suitable habitat with small branches of unsuitable habitat.

Survey Location Habitat and Notes Suitable Habitat?

ULT Observed in 2022?

Resurvey in 2023?

ULT Observed In 2023?

Resurvey in 2024?

Wetland 14 Stream 14 North Fork Little Muddy Creek. This portion is unsuitable habitat. The stream drainage is dry with very saline soils and the only hydric plant observed was Juncus balticus.

Unsuitable No No No Wetland 15 Stream 15 Drainage floodplain. Dry and saline conditions.

Unsuitable No No No Stream 11 Stream 13 Dry upland swale.

Unsuitable habitat Unsuitable No No No

Not accessible for survey in 2022

5.

SUMMARY

AND CONCLUSIONS Wetlands and floodplains within the survey area were evaluated as potential habitat for ULT on September 1 and 2, 2022 (Tetra Tech 2023). Two wetland/stream areas (Wetland 8/Stream 8 and Wetland 13/Stream 10) were determined to have potentially suitable habitat for ULT in 2022. ULT were not observed during the 2022 clearance surveys. These areas were re-surveyed on August 15, 2023, during the ULTs peak blooming period (July 20-August 31) and again no ULT were discovered.

Two areas, Wetland 3/Stream 4 and Wetland 4/Stream 7, that were not accessible to search for ULT in 2022 were also evaluated in August 2023. No suitable habitat was present, and no ULT were found.

In accordance with the (1992) USFWS Survey Requirements, which call for three consecutive years of surveys to rule out the presence of ULT, the two sites deemed potentially suitable that were surveyed in 2022 and 2023 will be re-surveyed during the blooming period in 2024.

6.

CREDENTIALS OF SURVEYORS ULT habitat suitability and clearance surveys were conducted in 2023 by Mr. Joe Schroeder, an experienced botanist with 15 years of experience identifying wetland vegetation and conducting rare plant surveys in the western United States. Mr. Schroeders resume is included as Appendix C.

7.

LITERATURE CITED Fertig, W., R. Black, and P. Wolken. 2005. Rangewide Status Review of Ute Ladies-Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis). Prepared for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Central Utah Water TP-LIC-LET-0362 SUBJECT TO DOE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. DE-NE0009054 Copyright © 2024 TerraPower, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Conservancy District. Available online at https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/WY/UtesRangewideStatusReview2005by Fertig.pdf.

Tetra Tech. 2023. Ute Ladies-Tresses Survey, Natrium Project, Lincoln County, Wyoming (Rev. 1).

Prepared by Tetra Tech, Aiken, SC, for Bechtel Power, Reston, VA. November.

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1992. Interim Survey Requirements for Ute Ladies-tresses Orchid (Spiranthes Diluvialis). USFWS Mountain-Prairie Region. November 23.

Photo 1. Wetland 3. To West. Representative Photo of Area. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 2. Wetland 3. Representative Photo of Dense Vegetation. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 3. Stream 7. To North. Barren salt flat. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 4. Stream 7. To West. Representative Photo of Area. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 5. Wetland 4. To West. Representative Photo of Area. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 6. Wetland 4. To South. Representative Photo of Area. Unsuitable Habitat.

Photo 7. Wetland 8. To North. Representative Photo of Area. Potentially Suitable Habitat.

Photo 8. Stream 8. To West. Representative Photo of Area. Potentially Suitable Habitat.

Photo 9. Stream 10/Wetland 13. To North. Potentially Suitable Habitat.

Photo 10. Stream 10/Wetland 13. To South. Potentially Suitable Habitat.

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