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{{#Wiki_filter:3.5 Water Resources
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====3.5.1 Surface====
Water Resources Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage WF3 is located on the west (right descending) bank of the Mississippi River at River Mile 129.6 AHP , approx i mately 25 miles upstream of New Orleans on Entergy Louisiana , LLC owned property. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property consists of approximately 3 , 560 acres with approximately 7 , 500 feet of river frontage , and the M i ssissippi River is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts (Figure 3.5-1). WF3 is protected from river flooding by levees adjacent to the plant. (WF3 2014a , Sections 2.4.1.1 and 2.4.1.2) The M i ssissippi River and its tributar i es dra in a total of 1 , 245 , 000 square miles , which is 41 percent of the 48 contiguous states of the United States (USACE 2014b). Beginning in Minnesota , the headwaters of the Mississippi flow southward for approximately 2 , 300 miles into the Gulf of Mexico (USGS 1998). Because the river is so vast , i t has been broken i nto three segments , wh i ch contain a variety of habitat conditions and fisheries. The upper 512 miles from Lake Itasca to St. Anthony Falls in M i nnesota i s considered the headwaters of the Mississippi River. This portion of the Mississippi flows alternately through forests and wetlands. Dams have been bu i lt to form 11 small reservoirs and modify the elevation and discharge of several natural river lakes. These dams variously function for flood control , electricity generation , water supply , or recreation. (Schramm 2004) The Upper M i ss i ssippi River reach stretches 668 miles from St. Anthony Falls , Minnesota , to Alton , Illinois , a few miles above the confluence with the Missouri River. The Upper Mississippi River is impounded by 28 locks and dams built for commercial navigation and one dam (at Keokuk , Iowa) built for commercial navigation and hydropower generation. These dams are operated to ma i ntain minimum navigation channel depth (9 feet); thus , the dams have l i ttle effect on the r i ver stage and discharge during spring floods. (Schramm 2004) Downstream from the confluence of the Missouri River near West Alton , Missouri , north of St. Louis , the Mississippi flows un-dammed to Head of Passes in Louisiana where it branches into several d i str i butaries that carry water to the Gulf of Mexico. The 195 miles reach from the mouth of the Missouri River to the mouth of the Ohio River is referred to as the Middle Miss i ssippi R i ve r by management agencies. At the Missouri River confluence , water volumes i n the Mississippi River almost double. The 976 miles reach from the Ohio R i ver to Head of Passes is referred to as the Lower M i ss i ssippi River (LMR). Water from the Ohio River increases M i ssissipp i River discharge 150 percent. Although discharge and channel size d iffer between the two reaches , they share sim i lar hydrologic conditions , methods and levels of channelization , and loss of connectivity with the historic floodpla i n. (Schramm 2004) W i th an average discharge of 593 , 000 cfs , the M i ssissippi River is the largest r i ver in the Un i ted States (NRC 2006 , Sect i on 2.6.1.1 ). The width of the Mississippi River at the WF3 plant is approximately 1 , 850 feet , the average stage is approximately 9.9 feet , and the average veloc i ty i s approx i mate l y 3.65 fps. Based on 1992 USACE bathymetr i c info r mation for t he Mississippi River at the WF3 plant (R i ver Mile 129.6), the average maximum depth is approximately 3-73 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage 129 feet. (Entergy 2005 , Section 2.2) Based on the WF3 LPDES permit fact sheet (Attachment A), the 7-day , 10-year low flow is 141 , 955 cfs. The existing comprehensive flood control and navigation plan for the Mississippi River consists of a levee system along the main stem of the river and its tributaries in the alluvial plain; reservoirs on the tributary streams; floodways to receive excess flow from the river; and channel improvements such as revetment , dikes , and dredging to increase channel capacity. Below Baton Rouge , Louisiana , 92 miles of operative revetment works are in place and a low-water navigation channel 9 feet deep and 300 feet wide between Cairo, Illinois , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , is maintained by dredging and dikes. Other flood control programs consist of control structures , cutoffs , pumping plants , floodwalls , and floodgates. The channel cutoff program inaugurated in the 1930s consisted of 16 cutoffs which , along with two major chutes , have reduced the river distance between Memphis , Tennessee , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , by 170 miles. This program has lowered river stages by 10 feet at Vicksburg , Mississippi , at project design flood stages. Besides the flood control features , the plan provides for construction and maintenance of a navigable channel from Baton Rouge , Louisiana , to Cairo , Illinois. The following are major flood control levee systems , floodways , and control structures near WF3 (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2): Levees The levee line on the west bank of the Mississippi River begins just south of Cape Girardeau , Missouri , and except for gaps where tributaries join the Mississippi , extends almost to Venice , Louisiana , near the Gulf of Mexico. Below Baton Rouge , about 134 miles of levee are protected against river wave wash. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Floodway and Diversion Structures Four primary flooding control structures , operated by the USACE are located in the lower alluvial valley of the Mississippi River. The Bonnet Carre Spillway , Old River Control Structure, Morganza Floodway , and Atchafalaya Basin Floodway (Figure 3.5-1) are major flood control works which control Mississippi River flooding near WF3 (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2). a. Bonnet Carre Spillway The Bonnet Carre Spillway is located on the east bank , near the site of old Bonnet Carre Crevasse and in a straight reach of the Mississippi River approximately 25 miles above New Orleans , Louisiana , and three-quarters of a mile downstream from WF3. The structure is 7,700 feet long and contains 350 bays , each 20 feet wide with a weir crest elevation of +18.0 feet to 16.0 feet msl. The Bonnet Carre Spillway and structure were constructed to divert approximately 250 , 000 cfs of floodwaters from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain to prevent overtopping of levees at and below New Orleans , assuring the safety of New Orleans and the downstream delta area during major floods on the LMR. The spillway and floodway are operated to prohibit the river stage on the 3-74 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Carrollton gauge from exceeding 20 feet , a stage about 5 feet below levee grade. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) b. Old River Control Structure The Old River Control Structure is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River at approximately River Mile 314 AHP. The structure was built to prevent the Atchafalaya River from capturing the Mississippi River flow and to control flows into the Atchafalaya River and Basin. These structures consist of a low-sill control structure and an overbank control structure , and are designed to carry about 620 , 000 cfs of floodwaters. The low-sill control structure was designed to distribute mainly low and moderate flows. The structure consists of 11 gated bays , each having a 44-foot clear width between piers , and a weir crest elevation of +5.0 to 10 feet msl. The overbank control structure was designed to distribute flood flows between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers. The structure consists of 73 gated bays , each having a 44-foot clear width between piers , and a weir crest elevation of +52.0 feet msl. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) c. Morganza and West Atchafalaya Floodways The flow diverted from the main channel near Old River is carried by the Atchafalaya River through the Morganza Floodway and the West Atchafalaya Floodway. These two floodways follow down to the end of the levee system along the Atchafalaya River and merge into a single broad floodway that passes the flow to the Gulf through two outlets: Wax Lake and Lower Atchafalaya River. In major floods , the Morganza Floodway would be the first of these two floodways to be used. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The Morganza Floodway structure , located just above the town of Morganza , Louisiana , and between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway , is designed to convey approximately 600 , 000 cfs of Mississippi River floodwaters to the Gulf of Mexico via the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway , thence through the lower Atchafalaya River and Wax Lake Outlet. At the control structure , the floodway is about 4.4 miles wide and the control structure is approximately 3 , 900 feet in length and consists of 125 gated concrete weirs , each 28.25 feet in width , with a weir crest elevation of +37.5 feet msl. The Morganza Floodway was first used during the 1973 flood. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The Atchafalaya River starts from the confluence of the Red and Old rivers. The Atchafalaya Basin Floodway extends from the confluence to the Gulf of Mexico. The Floodway is designed to carry half of the project flood (1 , 515 , 000 cfs) to the Gulf. These floodwaters enter the floodway through the Red and Old rivers and the Morganza Floodway. Guide levees constructed on the east and west sides of the basin are approximately 15 miles apart. The West Atchafalaya Basin Floodway lies parallel to and on the west side of the Atchafalaya River channel. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) 3-75 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The thalweg of the LMR is below sea level from the Gulf of Mexico to about River Mile 350 AHP. This topographic feature permits salt water from the Gulf , which is denser than the fresh river water , to intrude into the LMR during periods of low flow. This intrusion takes the form of a defined saltwater wedge with little mixing occurring at its boundary , and this boundary is defined by the USACE as that depth at which the salinity equals 5 , 000 parts per million (ppm) chloride. In general , salt-water encroachment is indicated if observed chloride concentrations significantly exceed the value of 50 ppm , which represents the maximum chloride concentration normally found in the river and which persists for only 2 percent of the time. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The maximum intrusion of the salt water wedge was detected in October 1939 at River Mile 120 AHP , approximately 10 miles downstream of the plant site. During this time , the discharge varied between 75 , 000 and 90,000 cfs for 30 consecutive days. Due to the existence of the Old River Control Structure , completed in 1963 , minimum low flows should not fall below 100 , 000 cfs. Therefore , the possible presence of the salt wedge at WF3 is considered highly unlikely.
(WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Potential for Flooding A potential cause of flooding in the Mississippi River Delta Basin is hurricane-induced surge flooding. Although the plant is approximately 60 miles from the open coast , hurricane surges have , historically , flooded large portions of the LMR Delta area. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data , the 100-year flood level is 5 feet (NAVD88) and covers the southwestern portions of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , as shown in Figure 3.5-2. Levees present along the western shoreline of the Mississippi River at WF3 are designed to protect the site against high water levels associated with the 100-year floods , but are subject to overtopping during larger flood events. (FEMA 1992a; FEMA 1992b; FEMA 1992c) As discussed in Section 2.2 , all safety-related components are housed in the NPIS , which is flood protected up to elevation
+29.27 feet msl. All exterior doors and penetrations below elevation
+29.27 feet msl leading to areas containing safety-related equipment are watertight.
The plant grade around the structure varies from elevation
+17 .5 feet msl on the north side to elevation
+14.5 feet msl on the south side. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.1) 3.5.1.1 Surface Water Discharges 3.5.1.1.1 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Chemical additives approved by the LDEQ are used to control the pH , scale , and corrosion in the circulating water system , and to control biofouling of plant equipment.
Discharges containing water treatment additives at or below LDEQ-approved concentrations are monitored and discharged to the Mississippi River via LPDES Outfall 001, or to 40 Arpent Canal via LPDES Outfalls 004 and 005 in accordance with the site's LP DES Permit No. LA000737 4 (Attachment A). The current LPDES permit authorizes discharges from 13 outfalls (3 external 3-76 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage and 10 internal). The outfalls (Figure 3.5-3) and their associated effluent limits are shown in Table 3.5-1. Certain low-volume and chemical wastewaters from the WF3 facility with no detectable radioactivity , as defined by the NRC plant effluent release limits , may be comingled and treated with similar wastes from Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and controlled under the terms of Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 LPDES Permit No. LA0007439. These type wastewaters are pumped to an onsite aboveground concrete holding basin where they are then transferred to the Waterford facility (Units 1 , 2 , and 4) for processing. There are no subsurface ponds , basins , or lagoons associated with WF3 wastewater discharges or plant operations. LPDES Outfall 901 (mobile metal cleaning wastewater), which is permitted to receive metal cleaning wastewaters , is a mobile outfall to allow wastewater treatment skids to be installed prior to discharging to Outfall 001 (once-through non-contact cooling water). The last time a metal discharge occurred at WF3 was associated with the cleaning of the steam generators in 2003. The wastewaters generated from the steam generators were collected in tanks and treated to meet LPDES permit limits prior to discharging. Discharges to Outfall 901 occurred during the months of October 2003 , November 2003 , December 2003 , and January 2004 (WF3 2003; WF3 2004b). The amount of metal chemical wastewaters generated from the cleaning of the steam generators was approximately 254,419 gallons (WF3 2003; WF3 2004b). 3.5.1.1.2 Stormwater Runoff Stormwater discharges associated with WF3 industrial activities are regulated and controlled through LP DES Permit No. LA000737 4 (Attachment A) issued by the LDEQ. WF3 samples stormwater runoff on a quarterly basis at LP DES Outfall 004 , which receives runoff from the entire industrial area , and analyzes for pollutants as specified in the permit. WF3 also maintains and implements a SWPPP that identifies potential sources of pollution , such as erosion , that would reasonably be expected to affect the quality of stormwater , and identifies BMPs that will be used to prevent or reduce the pollutants in stormwater discharges (WF3 2007b). 3.5.1.1.3 Sanitary Wastewaters With the exception of the Energy Education Center (EEC), sanitary wastewater from all plant locations is collected and discharged to the St. Charles Parish publicly owned treatment works (POTW), where it is managed appropr i ately. Sanitary wastewater from the EEC , which is regulated by WF3's LPDES Permit No. LA0007374 (Attachment A), flows to an onsite sewage treatment unit prior to discharging to 40 Arpent Canal via LPDES Outfall 005. No pretreatment permit is required in association with WF3's sanitary wastewater discharges to the St. Charles Parish POTW. However , WF3 continuously monitors the effluent for radioactivity. 3.5.1.1.4 Dredging As previously discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , because the average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant i s estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs , there is no significant 3-77 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage depos it ion of sediment at the i ntake structure. As a result , no dredging activities at the intake structure to remove sediment deposition have been necessary. 3.5.1.1.5 Compliance History As discussed in Chapter 9 , there has been no notice of violations or noncompliances associated with WF3 wastewater discharges to receiving surface waters over the previous 5 years (2010-2014). However , WF3 did receive a Notice of Deficiency from LDEQ regarding the improper cooling of biological oxygen demand , total suspended solids , and fecal coliform samples during delivery to the laboratory (LDEQ 2015a). This deficiency was promptly resolved by revising WF3's sampling procedure to require that samples be cooled upon collection (Entergy 2015 j). 3.5.2 Groundwater Resources 3.5.2.1 Groundwater Aquifers Groundwater in southeastern Louisiana is available in deltaic and shallow marine deposits. The major aquifers in this region are unconsolidated sands that dip southward. In general , these sand deposits are separated and confined by relatively impermeable clays and silts. There are four principal aquifer systems identified at WF3: the Shallow Aquifers , the Gramercy Aquifer , the Norco Aquifer , and the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Shallow Aquifers include point bar deposits and other shallow deposits of sand. Localized sand deposits below depths of about 150 feet have small yields of poor quality water and are not recognized as important aquifers in the region. The shallow deposits occur frequently in the Mississippi River deltaic plain, but are not interconnected regionally. The point bar deposits accumulate on the inside of river bends in the area of WF3 , have a maximum thickness of about 130 feet , and are overlain by 20 to 30 feet of natural levee deposits. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Gramercy Aquifer is the principal freshwater bearing sand in the Gramercy area and has previously been called the "200-foot" sand , but has little use in the region. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -200 feet msl beneath the southern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property and is about 100 feet thick. The aquifer is a medium-to very fine-grained sand and generally increases in thickness in the north to south direction. In the area of WF3 , the Gramercy Aquifer is irregular in thickness and discontinuous. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Norco Aquifer is the principal aquifer in the Norco area and has been called the "400-foot" sand in New Orleans. The top of the Norco Aquifer in both the New Orleans and Norco areas is encountered between depths of about 300 to 400 feet. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -325 feet msl beneath WF3 and is about 125 feet thick. It is a medium-to fine-grained sand in the area of New Orleans and grades to a medium to coarse sand in Norco , where it is the principal aquifer. The Norco Aquifer is usually separated from the overlying Gramercy Aquifer by clay beds with interbedded sand. In the Norco area , a large area of convergence exists between 3-78 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage the two aquifers. The Norco Aquifer is the principal aquifer in the area of WF3. The regional thickening and dip of the aquifer is to the south. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer is a fine-grained quartz sand of uniform texture , which underlies the Norco Aquifer in the region , and it has previously been called the Gonzales Aquifer or the " 700-foot" sand. The depth to the top of the aquifer in the New Orleans Norco area ranges from about 450 to 800 feet. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -600 feet msl beneath WF3 and is about 250 feet thick. It i s the principal aquifer in the New Orleans area. The New Orleans Aquifer is separated from the overlying Norco Aquifer by 200 to 300 feet of clay with interbeds of sand. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) 3.5.2.2 Hydraulic Properties Estimates of permeability in the Shallow Aquifers are based on the texture of the soils composing the deposits and are generally reported as low , with typical sustained yield for wells in the point bar deposits being reported at only a few gallons per minute. The permeability of the Shallow Aquifers in the area of WF3 is estimated to be about 100 gallons per day per square foot (gpd/ft 2), again based on the texture of the deposits. (GZA 2007 , Sect i on 4.2.2) Fifty feet beneath the recent deposits is a reported aquiclude of fairly uniform Pleistocene clay with occasional discontinuous sand lenses (see Figure 3.4-3 , Sheet 2). The reactor foundation mat bears upon the Pleistocene clay at elevation
-47 feet msl. This layer is approximately 40 feet thick and exhibits an average permeability of about 1 x 10-8 centimeters per second (cm/sec). (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) A continuous dense to medium dense silty sand layer with some clay and approximately 19 feet in thickness is situated immediately beneath the uppermost Pleistocene clay , start i ng at e l evation -89 feet msl. This layer reportedly exhibits an average permeability of about 3.0 x 1 o-5 cm/sec. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) A stiff clay stratum from elevation
-108 feet msl to elevation
-330 feet msl is characterized as a local aquiclude. The layer is soft at the upper contact with the medium dense silty sand layer discussed above and has a continuous sand layer approximately 10 feet th i ck located at approximate elevation
-240 feet msl. The Norco Aquifer is locally manifested as a dense silty sand beneath an approximate elevation of -330 feet msl. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) The Gramercy Aquifer is about 100 feet thick in the Norco area and ranges from 30 to 150 feet thick in New Orleans. Values of transmissivity for the Gramercy Aquifer range from 20 , 000 gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft) in the vicinity of New Orleans to as high as 240 , 000 gpd/ft near Norco. Well yields from the Gramercy Aquifer in the area of WF3 range from several hundred to more than 1 , 000 gpm. A transmissivity on the order of 150 , 000 gpd/ft is indicated for the aqu i fer in the vicinity of Destrehan. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) Data from pumping tests in the Norco Aquifer indicate that the transmissivity increases from 50 , 000 gpd/ft in the New Orleans area to as much as 225 , 000 gpd/ft in the Norco area , where the 3-79 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage aquifer is continuous. Well yields as high as 3 , 000 gpm have been obtained from wells tapp i ng the Norco aquifer in the vicinity of Norco; however , the yield of most wells in the area range from 1 , 000 to 1 , 500 gpm. Hydrostatic pressures in the Gramercy and Norco aquifers have been reversed by large-scale pumping activities which began at Norco in 1920. The transmissivity of the Norco Aquifer in the area of WF3 is about 200 , 000 to 224 , 000 gpd/ft , and the permeability is about 1 , 600 to 1 , 800 gpd/ft 2. Most wells in the Norco Aquifer yield from 1 , 000 to 1 , 500 gpm , and most specific capacities range from 45 to 75 gpm/ft. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) Values of transmissivity of the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer range from 90 , 000 gpm/ft to 180 , 000 gpd/ft. Higher values of transmissivity are noted in the Geismer-Gonzales area , where the aquifer ranges in texture from a fine to very coarse sand and gravel. The transmissivity in the area of WF3 is lower than that of the Norco Aquifer , averaging about 148 , 000 gpd/ft. The permeability is on the order of 680 gpd/ft 2 , with most wells yielding between 1 , 000 and 1 , 500 gpm. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) 3.5.2.3 Potentiometric Surfaces Topographically , the WF3 area is relatively flat at an elevation of approximately
+12 feet msl. The land slopes slightly downward away from the river levee. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property to the south of the plant location , once a swamp area , has been reclaimed.
The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is immediately underlain by deposits of clay , silt , and sand of recent geological age. Based on information obtained from piezometric levels measured since June 1972 , this formation is discontinuous and generally unresponsive to fluctuations in the level of the Mississippi River. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) Water levels in shallow aquifers downstream of Baton Rouge area closely follow the stage of the Mississipp i River. Water from the Mississippi River seeps into shallow aquifers during periods of high river stage and from these aquifers into the river during periods of low river stage. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) Historically , shallow groundwater flow at WF3 has been described as flowing generally southwest away from the Mississippi River , except during low river stages when a transient groundwater divide is created. Water-level data collected as part of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) groundwater protection initiative (GPI) program indicate two general groundwater flow scenarios.
In the first scenario , the elevation of the Mississippi River is higher than onsite groundwater potentiometric elevations , and hydraulic gradients direct flow across the site away from the river (Figure 3.5-4). In the second scenario , the highest water-level elevations form a groundwater mound typically coincident with northern portions of the plant foundation excavation.
This groundwater mound creates a divide where hydraulic gradients direct a portion of groundwater flow away from the mound toward the Mississippi River (Figure 3.5-5). (WF3 2014f , Section 2.2) Deeper Aquifer Units: Prior to inception of heavy pumping in the New Orleans and Norco areas , groundwater movement in the regional aquifers was generally down-dip to the south. As groundwater usage has increased , the direction of movement has been altered and is now 3-80 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage generally towards the major centers of pumpage. An increase in vertical leakage through the confining beds has also occurred in some areas where head d i fferentials between adjacent aquifers have resulted from heavy pumpage from one aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) 3.5.2.4 Groundwater Protection Program In May 2006 , the NEI approved the GPI , an industry-wide voluntary effort to enhance nuclear power plant operators' management of their groundwater protection program (NEI 2007). Industry implementation of the GPI identifies actions to improve utilities' management and response to instances where the inadvertent release of radioactive substances may result in detectable levels of plant-related materials in subsurface soils and water , and also describes communication of those instances to external stakeholders. Aspects addressed by the initiative include site hydrology and geology, site risk assessment , onsite groundwater monitoring , and remediation. In August 2007 , NEI published updated guidance on implementing the GPI as NEI 07-07 , Industry Ground Water Protection Initiative-Final Guidance Document (NEI 2007). The goal of the GPI is to identify leaks of licensed material as soon as possible. In conjunction with the GPI , WF3 performs groundwater monitoring from 10 onsite locations to monitor for potential radioactive releases via groundwater pathways at the site in accordance with site procedures (Entergy 2014d). Figure 3.5-6 shows locations of these groundwater monitoring wells , including two basemat wells (BW-01 and BW-02) that are used for water-level data , with construction details presented in Table 3.5-2. 3.5.2.5 Sole Source Aquifers A sole source aquifer (SSA), as defined by the EPA , is an aquifer which is the sole or principal source that supplies at least 50 percent of the drinking water consumed by the area overlying the aquifer (EPA 2015c). The SSA program was created by the U.S. Congress in the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Act allows for the protection of these resources (EPA 2015d). WF3 is located in EPA Region 6 , which has oversight responsibilities for the public water supply in Arkansas , Louisiana , New Mexico , Oklahoma , Texas , and 68 federally recognized Tribal Nations within these five states (EPA 2015d). The EPA has designated six aquifers in Region 6 as SSAs. Two of these SSAs (Chicot Aquifer and Southern Hills regional aquifer system) are located in the state of Louisiana. (EPA 2008) The SSA closest to WF3 (EPA 2008) is the Southern Hills regional aquifer system , the primary source of public and domestic water supplies in the northern 10 counties of southeastern Louisiana and western Mississipp i (USGS 1983). The Southern Hills regional aquifer system is jointly managed with EPA Region 4 (Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Kentucky , Mississippi , North Carolina , South Carolina , and Tennessee)
(EPA 2008). The Southern Hills regional aquifer system is a gulfward dipping and thickening , complexly interbedded aquifer system extending from the northern limit of its recharge area near Vicksburg , Mississippi , to as far south as the Baton Rouge area in southeastern Louisiana. As many as 13 interdependent aquifer units compose the system in the southern part of the area and are 3-81 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage known to coalesce or pinch out northward (updip) into fewer units. (USGS 1983) The southern boundaries of the Southern H i lls regional aqu i fer system are approximately 16 miles north of WF3 on the northern shorelines of Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain (EPA 2008). Entergy Louisiana , LLC's property is not situated over this designated sole source aquifer. 3.5.3 Water Use 3.5.3.1 Surface Water Use The Mississippi River is used as a drinking water source at many locations downstream and is also a source for water to support industrial operations. The drinking water intakes nearest to WF3 are located at Dow Chemical (immediately downstream
 
===1.5 miles===
and on the same side of the River}, and the New Sarpy municipal water treatment plant (the closest municipal user , on the opposite bank , 4.5 m i les downstream). (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.1) In St. Charles Parish , the Mississippi River is by far the dominant surface water supply. In 2013 , surface water withdrawals were reported as 2 , 704.98 MGD , of which 2 , 130.95 MGD was used for power generation. With the exception of power generation , industrial and public water supply companies were the next largest users of surface water in St. Charles Parish with none utilized for rural domestic purposes. (USGS 2015b) A summary of surface water use in St. Charles Parish and the adjoining parishes along the Mississippi River is presented in Tab le 3.5-3. As previously discussed in Sec ti on 2.2.2.1 , WF3 withdraws cooling water from the Mississippi River through a series of intake pipes at a design flow rate of 1 , 555.2 MGD. The average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant (River Mile 129.6) is estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs. Based on this information , it is determined that WF3 withdraws a maximum of approximately 0.48 percent of the flow in the Mississippi River and , in actuality , this percentage is probably much less because of the additional , unaccounted for , stream flow contributions entering the Mississippi River downstream of the Vicksburg station and upstream of the WF3 plant. In Louisiana , there is no general permitting system for surface water withdrawals from the Mississippi River. 3.5.3.2 Groundwater Use Groundwater usage in St. Charles Parish is substantially less than surface water usage. In 2013 , groundwater withdrawals were reported as 3.03 MGD. Industrial facilities were the largest users of groundwater in St. Charles Parish , accounting for 99 percent of the parish groundwater withdrawals in 2013. The remaining water use was for rural domestic purposes.
(USGS 2015c 2015c) A summary of groundwater use in St. Charles Parish and the adjoining par i shes along the Mississippi River are presented in Table 3.5-4. A list of registered groundwater wells within a 2-mile band around the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary (Figur e 3.5-7) is presented in Table 3.5-5. These wells withdraw from the Norco and Gramercy aquifers and are primarily used for non-domestic purposes. (LDNR 2014) The shallow aquifers in the area of WF3 are not commonly used because of poor quality. The 3-82 Waterford Steam E l e c t r ic Sta ti on , Unit 3 Applican t's Environmental Report Opera t i ng License Renewal Stage potential for development of these aquifers is slight; their utility is restricted by their limited extent , poor water quality , and low permeability. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) WF3 does not withdraw groundwater from the site for plant operat i onal purposes. Once-through cool i ng water to remove heat from the condensers is supplied from the Mississippi River , while potable water is prov i ded by St. Charles Parish Water System. 3.5.4 Water Quality 3.5.4.1 Surface Water Quality While the Mississippi River does have some problems with certain contaminants and nutrients , overall the river is cleaner and healthier than i t has been in decades. Recent Louisiana State University studies of the Mississippi River show healthy fish populations , includ i ng important recreational and commercial species such as bass , catfish , buffalo , and shad. In recent LDEQ tissue analyses , fish from the M i ssissippi River were analyzed for more than 100 toxic chemicals , most of wh i ch (95 percent) were undetected. Samples with detectable toxins were at relat i vely low concentrations , falling below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard for edible fish. (Caffey et al. 2002) Nutrient concentrations in the Mississippi River are believed to be primarily derived from po i nt source pollution sources such as runoff from the landscape , and not attributed to source , or end-of-the-pipe discharges. However , some nutrient load from the Mississippi River is vital to maintaining the productivity of the extremely valuable Gulf of Mexico fisheries. Approximately 40 percent of the U.S. fisheries landings come from this productive zone influenced by nutr i ent-r i ch Mississippi River outflow located in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. Public concern exists over the potential for nutrient pollution (eutrophication) where river water i s used in coastal restoration projects.
Yet , recent research suggests that under current flow regimes these inputs are rapidly assimilated. (Caffey et al. 2002) Median fecal coliform bacteria concentrations in the Mississippi River have dropped s i gnificantly since the m i d-1970s. Much of th i s improvement can be attr i buted to the addition and upgrad i ng of numerous municipal sewage treatment facilities , rural septic systems , and an i mal waste management systems all along the r i ver and i ts tributaries ove r the past 25 years. Additionally , no known fisheries impacts are directly associated with bacterial pollution in the r i ver. (Caffey et al. 2002) Concentrations of trace metals in the Miss i ssippi River are well below EPA guidel i nes for both drinking water and aquatic life. No trace metal concentrations found in fish tissue exceeded the FDA standard for edible fish. Mercury concentrations in Mississippi River fish averaged well below the state adv i sory level of 0.5 ppm and the FDA alert l evel of 1.0 ppm. (Caffey et al. 2002) WF3 is located on segment 070301 of the Mississ i ppi River that stretches from Monte Sano Bayou to Head of Passes. This segment of the river is classified suitable for primary contact recreation , secondary contact rec r eation , fish and wildlife propagation , and drinking water supply. 3-83 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Attachment A) As such , the river is suitable for the propagation of fish, aquatic life and wildlife; for fishing , fish consumption
; for drinking water; and primary and secondary contact recreation. Primary contact recreation is defined as direct contact with the water as a result of swimming , bathing , surfing , or similar water contact activities.
Secondary contact recreation is defined as incidental contact with the water during activities such as wading, fishing , and boating , that are not likely to result in full body immersion.
Based on LDEQ's 2014 Louisiana Water Quality Inventory: Integrated Report Fulfilling Requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act , Sections 305(b) and 303(d}, which was finalized in 2015 , the Mississippi River segment on which WF3 is located is not impaired (LDEQ 2015b , Appendix A , page 69). 3.5.4.2 Groundwater Quality The water quality of the Shallow Aquifers is low in chloride but is characteristically hard and usually has a high iron content. Small deposits of potable water are sometimes found in abandoned distributary channel deposits.
Rainwater directly recharges the distributary channel deposits and may locally flush or displace brackish or salty water from shallow aquifers which are connected to the distributaries. Large quantities of fresh water cannot be developed in these deposits because salt water which underlies or is adjacent to these areas would move into the area after a period of continuous pumping. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Fresh water (less than 250 ppm chloride) occurs in the Gramercy Aquifer , in the Gramercy area. Little use has been made of the Gramercy Aquifer as a water supply in the New Orleans and Norco areas because the water of both areas is generally high in magnesium and calcium. The salinity of the water increases in a southerly direction. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Limited use is made of the Norco Aquifer in the New Orleans area; concentrations of chloride are generally greater than 250 ppm except in the extreme northwest portion of Jefferson Parish where fresh water occurs. Heavy pumping in the Norco area and hydraulic connections between the Gramercy and Norco aquifers have resulted in mixing of the water in these aquifers. Salty water from the Gramercy Aquifer has moved into the Norco Aquifer. Hard water in point-bar deposits , in turn , has replaced the salty water in the Gramercy Aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Fresh water (less than 250 ppm chloride) in the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer is generally encountered north of the Mississippi River in the region. The freshwater in the New Orleans area is not entirely satisfactory for public supply because the water has a yellow color of organic origin. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) As part of the WF3 radiological groundwater monitoring program , groundwater samples are collected from selected monitoring wells on site and analyzed for radionuclides to detect potential impacts to groundwater from inadvertent leaks or spills. Samples are collected on at least a quarterly basis, or more frequently if deemed necessary , by chemistry site personnel.
(WF3 2014f , Section 4.4) As discussed in Section 4.5.2.4.3 , no tritium or plant-related gamma isotopes or hard-to-detect radionuclides have been detected since the groundwater monitoring program was initiated in 2007. 3-84 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applican t's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Industrial practices at WF3 that involve the use of chemicals are those activities typically associated with painting , cleaning of parts/equipment , refueling of onsite vehicles/generators , fuel oil and gasoline storage , and the storage and use of water-treatment additives. The use and storage of chemicals at WF3 are controlled in accordance with Entergy's fleet chemical control procedure and site-specific spill prevention plans (Entergy 2015c; WF3 2007b; WF3 2015b). In addition , as discussed in Section 2.2.4 , nonradioactive wastes are managed in accordance with Entergy's waste management procedure which contains preparedness and prevention control measures (Entergy 2015a). 3.5.4.2.1 History of Radioactive Releases In May 1997 , there was a l i quid radioactive release of approximately 800 gallons due to the overfilling of the spent fuel pool. The release eventually flowed under the fuel handling building train bay doors , and across the asphalt outside of the doors. Some the release also made it to the storm drain system. The spill contained a variety of radioisotopes released at a total count of 3.59E-02 curies (including tritium). Remediation efforts included removal of 5 , 000 cub i c yards of affected pavement and soil outside the fuel handling building train bay door, flushing of the storm drains , and remediation of the drainage ditch. (GZA 2007 , Section 3.3) The tritium concentration in this re l ease was approximately 22 , 000 picocuries per liter; however , as of June 2015 , the tritium is no longer detectable (NRC 2015b). As previously discussed , the WF3 radiolog i cal groundwater monitoring program has not detected any tritium or plant-related gamma isotopes or hard-to-detect radionuclides since the groundwater monitoring program was initiated in 2007. 3.5.4.2.2 History of Nonradioactive Releases Based on the review of site records over the previous 10 years (2005-2014), there has been only one inadvertent release that would not be classified as an incidental spill. In September 2008 , it was estimated that greater than 42 gallons of diesel fuel oil was inadvertently released from the Emergency Operations Facility underground emergency diesel generator fuel oil storage tank as a result of the fuel transfer pump being tampered with during a theft event. None of the fuel oil reached navigable waters , and the diesel fuel oil spilled onto the ground was recovered. (WF3 2008) This event did not require LDEQ oversight or result in a notice of violation. Historically , nonradioactive spills that have occurred at WF3 have been m i nor in nature and immediately remediated, and no spill events at WF3 have required a regulatory agency overseeing the incident or resulted in a notice of violation. 3-85 Outfall Description 001 Once-through non-contact cooling water (a) 004 Stormwater runoff , potable water , and maintenance wastewate r s 005 Energy Educat i on Center treated sanitary wastewater 101 Liquid waste management system 201 Boron management system 301 Filter flush wate r Waterford S t eam Elec t r i c S t atio n , Unit 3 Applicant's Env i ronm e nta l Repo rt Operating License Rene w a l Stage Table 3.5-1 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report monthly average and daily maximum i n MGD Temperature 118°F daily maximum Heat 9.5 x 10 3 MM Btu/hr daily ma xi mum Total residual chlor i ne 211 lbs/day daily maximum Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 15 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Biological oxygen demand 30 mg/I monthly average Total suspended solids 45 mg/I daily maximum Fecal coliform 30 mg/I monthly average 45 mg/I daily maximum 200 colonies/100 ml monthly average 400 colonies/100 ml daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) F l ow Report daily maximum in MGD Clarifying agents Record types and quantities used Outfall Description 401 Steam generator blowdown 501 Auxiliary cooling water basin A 601 Auxiliary cooling water basin B 701 Dry cooling sump #1 801 Dry cooling sump #2 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.5-1 (Continued)
LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum O i l and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Free ava i lable chlorine (b) 0.5 mg/I daily maximum Total chromium (b) 0.2 mg/I daily maximum Total zinc(b) 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I da il y maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Free ava i lable chlorine (b) 0.5 mg/I daily maximum Total chromium (b) 0.2 mg/I da i ly maximum Total Zinc (b) 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) 3-87 Outfall Description 901 Mobile metal cleaning wastewater 1001 Miscel l aneous intermittent wastewater (Attachment A) Waterford Steam Elect ri c Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Env i ro n me nt al Report Operating Licens e Renew a l Stag e Table 3.5-1 (Continued)
LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Tota l copper 1.0 mg/I daily maximum Total iron 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 1 00 mg/I daily maximum Oi l and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) a. Whole effluent toxicity testing i s also a permit condition associated with Outfa l l 001. b. Required only during cool i ng tower blowdown discharge. MMBtu/hr: million British thermal un i ts per hour MGD: million gallons per day mg/I: milligrams per lite r SU: standard unit Well Diameter Top of Well (inches) Casing Ground BW-0 1 4 20.66 17.50 BW-02 4 20.2 7 17.50 MW-03 2 16.59 14.01 MW-04 2 18.31 15.58 MW-05 2 12.24 9.65 MW-06 2 14.01 1 1.61 MW-0 7 2 19.46 16.31 MW-08 2 19.84 16.3 7 MW-09 2 15.87 1 3.65 MW-10 2 18.4 7 15.96 MW-11 2 18.77 15.93 MW-1 2 2 18.13 15.22 (WF3 2014f , Table 1) Table 3.5-2 Onsite Well Construction Details Elevations (feet NGVD29) Top of Filter Top of Screen Bottom of (approx.) (approx.)
Screen (approx.)
-35.0 -36.0 -40.0 -35.0 -36.0 -40.0 -8.8 -10.7 -2 0.7 -7.2 -9.2 -19.2 -13.2 -15.1 -25.1 -9.4 -11.1 -2 1.1 -9.2 -11.4 -21.4 -8.6 -11.3 -2 1.3 -7.4 -14.1 -2 4.1 -7.0 -9.8 -1 9.8 -7.1 -9.9 -1 9.9 -11.8 -14.5 -2 4.5 3-89 Wate rf or d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's E nvironmenta l Repo rt Operating License Renewal S tage Well Bottom of Filter Construction (approx.)
Material -40.0 PVC screen and rise r -40.0 PVC screen an d riser -21.0 Sch 40 PVC screen and ri se r -1 9.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and ri se r -2 5.4 Sch 40 PVC sc re en and ris e r -21.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and rise r -21.7 Sch 40 PVC screen and riser -2 1.6 Sch 40 PVC screen and r i s er -24.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and r i ser -20.0 Sch 80 PVC screen and r i ser -20.1 Sch 80 PVC screen and rise r -24.8 Sch 80 PVC scre e n and rise r Category Public supply Industrial Power generation Domestic , rural Total (USGS 2015b) Table 3.5-3 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Mississippi River Water Usage Summary, 2013 Jefferson Parish St. Charles Parish St. John the Baptist Parish (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) 59.87 8.11 3.41 4.57 565.92 52.32 845.74 2 , 130.95 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 910.18 2,704.98 55.73 3-90 Category Publ ic supply Industrial Power generat i on Domestic , rural Total (USGS 20 1 5c) Waterford Steam Electric Stat ion , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.5-4 Groundwater Usage Summary, 2013 Jefferson Parish St. Charles Parish St. John the Baptist Parish (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) 0.00 0.00 4.92 1.44 3.01 8.60 4.79 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.02 0.08 6.26 3.03 13.60 3-91 Table 3.5-5 Waterford Steam Elect r ic Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Registered Groundwater Wells, 2-Mile Band around Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property Boundary Water Well Distance(a)
Well Depth Number (miles) (feet) Use Description Aquifer Name 089-34 0.25 387 Industrial Norco 089-159 0.82 440 Industr i al Norco 089-87 0.87 400 Livestock Norco 089-6047Z 1.37 130 Domestic Gramercy 089-6048Z 1.41 60 Domestic Gramercy 089-167 1.49 464 Fire protection Norco 089-182 1.54 400 Industrial chemical Norco manufacturing 089-164 1.55 410 Industrial Norco 089-192 1.61 400 Industrial Norco 089-6205Z 1.67 405 Domestic Norco (b) 089-179 1.90 460 Industrial chemical Norco manufacturing 089-146 2.06 400 Livestock Norco 089-5257Z 2.20 350 Domestic Norco 089-191 2.51 368 Aquaculture Norco 089-6132Z 2.97 240 Irrigation Gramercy 089-50212 3.94 231 Oil/gas well rig supply Gramercy 089-5109Z 5.18 150 Oil/gas well rig supply Gramercy (LDNR 2014) a. Distance is from the WF3 NPIS. Wells listed are l imited to those wells within a 2-mile band around the property boundary. b. Registration informat i on states the well is completed in the New Orleans Aqu i fer system surfic i al confin i ng unit; however , based on well depth and reported depth of nearby wells , it is assumed this well is completed i n the Norco Aqu i fer. 3-92 Legend *WF3 -* -USA CE Levee Flood Control Structure Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Mississippi River Delta Basin (LOSCO 2014; USCB 2014c; USDOT 2014; USGS 2014a; WF3 2014a , Figure 2.4-2) ------=====:::iM iles 0 1 5 3 0 Figure 3.5-1 Regional Hydrologic Features 3-93 Legend -P roperty Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage ZONE AE -S pecial flood hazard areas c:::J inundated by 1 00-yr flood with base flood elevation determined. ZONE X -A reas protected from 1 00-y r flood by CJ levee , dike , or other structure subject to failure or overtoping during larger flooding.
EL = B ase flood elevation in feet where un iform within zone. (Entergy 2013a; FEMA 2014; USDA 2014a) ------c=:=====
Miles 0 0.5 1 Figure 3.5-2 FEMA F l ood Zo n es , En t ergy Lou i siana , LLC Property 3-94 Legend -Propert y Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applican t's Environmental Repo rt Operating L ic ense Renewa l S t age (Ente rgy 2009a , F i gure 2; Ente rgy 2013a; ESRI 20 14) -------=======F eet 0 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-3 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls 3-95 2 , 400 BW-01 20.66 7.74 12.92 B W-02 20.27 7.45 12.82 MW-03 16.61 6.08 10.53 MW-04 18.34 8.92 9.42 MW-05 12.26 5.90 6.36 MW-06 14'02 4.2 4 9.78 MW-07 19.51 5.55 13.96 MW-08 19.88 4.95 14.93 MW-09 15.88 5.16 10.n MW-10 18.47 9.90 8.57 MW-11 l&n 10.13 8.64 Mw-u* NM NM NM River NA NA 17
* MW-U not installed at t ime of mea su rment Legend S Mon i toring Well __.Flow Direction Potentiometric Surface June 3 , 2013 -Propert y Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; ESRI 2014; WF3 20 1 4f , Figure 5) --------========F eet 0 600 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-4 WF3 Potentiometric Surface Map, Shallow Groundwater Elevation 3-96 (ftNGVD29) 8W*Ol 20.66 12.32 8W-02 20.27 7.95 12.32 MW-03 1 6.61 5.63 10.9 8 MW-04 18.34 8.41 9.93 MW-0 5 12.26 5.83 6.4 3 MW-06 14.02 4.2 9.82 MW-07 19.51 6.25 13.2 6 MW-08 19.88 7.12 12.76 MW-09 15.88 10.88 MW-10 18.47 9.49 8.98 MW*ll 18.n 9.71 9.06 MW*U* NM NM NM R iv er NA NA 3.94
* MW*12 not inst a lled a t t i me of measurment Legend S Monitoring Well ..... Flow D irecti on Potent i omet ric Surface Sep tem be r 10 , 2013 -P roperty Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; ESRI 2014; WF3 2014f , Figu re 6) *******-========F eet 0 600 1, 200 Figure 3.5-5 WF3 Potentiometric Surface Map, Highest Groundwater Elevation 3-97 Legend s Mon it oring Well -Property Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stag e (Enterg y 2013a; ESR I 2014; WF3 2014f , Figure 1) -------======:::i Fe et 0 600 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-6 Onsite Groundwater Monitoring Wells 3-98 Legend O WaterWell
-Property Boundary r--L _ _! 2-Mile Band Waterford Steam Elect r ic Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Enterg y 2013a; ESRI 2014; LDNR 2014) -----=========::::i Miles 0 2 Figure 3.5-7 Registered Water Wells, 2-Mile Band around Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property Boundary 3-99 
 
===3.6 Ecological===
 
Resources Wate rf o r d Steam Elect ri c Stat i on , U nit 3 Applican t's Environmen t a l R e port Operat in g Li c ense Renewa l S t ag e Reg i onal ecology i s greatly influenced by the geomorphic and physiographic characteristics of the region. Soils determ i ne the basic fertil i ty of the region which , in turn , determines the types of plants that may grow. The plants that are present greatly influence the types and number of anima l s that reside in the region. Soil types also greatly influence the basic fert i lity of aquatic ecosystems and the species present. Cl i matological factors , such as temperature and precipitation , further refine the plants and animals that may live in a locale. St. Charles Parish , where WF3 is located , is in the LMR valley , and the site is adjacent to the M i ss i ss i ppi River (Figure 3.0-3). The reg i onal ecology is described below. 3.6.1 Region 3.6.1.1 Geomorphology The Mississippi Rive r has dominated the development of geologic and phys i ographic features in the region s i nce the beginning of Neogene period. The region i s underlain by a complex layer i ng of sand , silt , and clay from former Mississ i ppi River delta lobes , levee , and overbank flood deposits. Typically , deltaic sediments vary from a few feet to more than 700 feet along the course of the Mississippi River. The various geologic and physiographic provinces i n the region are discussed in Section 3.4. 3.6.1.2 Soils Soils are important for defin i ng the general ecological characteristics of the region. Soils i n the region generally contain interbedded , interd i stributary peat and clay; natural levee silt and clay; d i stributary sand; and delta-front and prodelta mud and clay with higher sandy silt , silt , clayey s i lt , silty clay within the natural levees and overbank and point bar deposits along the M i ss i ss i ppi. The soil units in the region include Holocene-aged deposits consisting of sand , sandy silt , s i lt , clayey silt , silty clay , and clay deposited by the Mississippi R i ver (Section 3.4.1.1.2). The distribution of surface soil units within and surrounding the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is shown i n Figure 3.4-4. 3.6.1.3 Cl i mate As discussed i n Section 3.2 , the climate of southeastern Louisiana i s classified as humid subtropical , and it i s i nfluenced to a large degree by the many water surfaces prov i ded by lakes and streams and by proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. From mid-June to mid-September , the prevailing southeast to southwest w i nds carry i nland warm , moist tropical air favorable for sporadic development of thunderstorms.
The hotter drier conditions are usually caused by the formation of a h i gh pressure system over the western Gulf of Mexico. Cool continental air rarely reaches the s i te region in summer. From about m i d-November to mid-March , the area is subjected alternately to tropical air and cold cont i nental air in per i ods of vary i ng l ength. Bursts of cold air do reach southeastern Louisiana from late fall unt i l early spring , but the resu l t i ng cool 3-100 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage temperatures seldom last more than a few days. Even during these seasons , the weather is still usually dominated by maritime tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico. In the New Orleans area , during the 30-year period 1981-2010 , the greatest number of days in New Orleans with temperatures of 90°F or higher was 7 4 days in 197 4 and , on average , there are only about 7 days per year when the temperature rises to 95°F or higher. About 80 percent of the December-February hourly temperatures range from 41°F to 69°F. Freezing temperatures are not common and are generally restricted to the period mid-December to mid-March. Some years have no temperatures below freezing. The mean date of the first occurrence of 32°F or lower temperature is about December 12 , and the mean date of the last occurrence is about February 13. Between these dates , however , temperatures are above freezing more than 6 out of 7 days , with some afternoon temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Relative humidity of less than 50 percent occurs in each month of the year; however , it is less frequent in the summer than during the other seasons. Rather frequent and sometimes very heavy rains are typical for this area. A fairly definite rainy period occurs from mid-December to mid-March. April , May , October , and November are generally dry. Climate is discussed in greater detail in Section 3.2. 3.6.1.4 Regional Water Systems The Mississippi River is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts (Figure 3.5-1 ). The Mississippi River and its tributaries drain a total of 1 , 245 , 000 square miles , which is 41 percent of the 48 contiguous states of the United States (USACE 20 1 5). Downstream from the confluence of the Missouri River near West Alton , Missouri , north of St. Louis , the Mississippi flows un-dammed to Head of Passes in Louisiana where it branches into several distributaries that carry water to the Gulf of Mexico. The Bonnet Carre Spillway is located on the east bank , near the site of old Bonnet Carre Crevasse and in a straight reach of the Mississippi River approximately three-quarters of a mile downstream from WF3 and moves floodwater from the Mississippi River to Lake Ponchartrain. There are many miles of frontage on the Mississippi River and it is important for commercial navigation and for recreation. In addition , the cooling water source for WF3 plant operations is the Mississippi River. Lac Des Allemandes is the only lake in the vicinity of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property (Figure 3.0-3). Detailed discussions of these waters may be found i n Section 3.5.1. 3.6.1.5 Regional Ecosystems The area surrounding WF3 is part of the Southern Holocene Meander Belts. The flood plain of the Mississippi River consists of cypress-tupelo swamps and freshwater wetlands on the backside of a natural levee. In front of the levee is the river and an ever-changing mosaic of forested areas , wetlands , and erosion/deposition areas at the river's edge. (Daigle et al. 2006) 3-101 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage A brief description of the regional ecosystems , including state-listed natural communities , is provided below. 3.6.1.5.1 Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Cypress-tupelo swamp is a forested , alluvial swamp that grows on intermittently exposed soils , most commonly along rivers and streams but also occurs in backswamp depressions and swales. Soils are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater on a nearly permanent basis throughout the growing season , except during periods of extreme drought. All swamps , even deepwater swamps with almost continuous flooding , experience seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Cypress-tupelo swamps generally occur on mucks and clays , and also silts and sands with underlying clay layers (Alfisols , Entisols, Histosols , and lnceptisols). (LDWF 2015a) This natural community exhibits relatively low floristic diversity, and associate species may vary widely from site to site. Undergrowth is often sparse because of low light intensity and long hydroperiod. Establishment of young trees can only occur during periods of exceptionally long drought , because neither bald cypress nor tupelo gum seeds germinate underwater , nor can young seedlings of these trees survive long submergence. These swamps tend to be even-aged stands because the environmental conditions favorable for germination and establishment of saplings occur very infrequently , and also bald cypress is an intolerant tree species requiring high light conditions for establishment and successful growth. They provide important ecosystem functions including maintenance of water quality , productive habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species , and regulation of flooding and stream recharge. (LDWF 2015a) Pre-settlement cypress-tupelo swamp may have covered approximately
 
===2.5 million===
acres (Keim et al. 2006). Sizeable areas of cypress-tupelo swamp still remain , even though the historic extent is considerably reduced. Statewide estimates of swamp loss range from 25 to 50 percent of the original pre-settlement acreage, and old-growth examples are very rare. Threats to cypress-tupelo swamp are agricultural , industrial , and residential development
; saltwater intrusion and subsidence
; hydrological alterations (to include adjacent areas); construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; logging on permanently flooded sites where natural or artificial regeneration is not feasible; soil damage from timber harvesting or industrial activities
; contamination by chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers)
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2015a) Cypress-tupelo swamps may be found throughout Louisiana in all river basins (LDWF 2015a) but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.2 Live Oak Natural Levee Forest Live oak natural levee forest occurs principally in southeastern Louisiana on natural levees or frontlands , and on "islands" within marshes and swamps. This community is similar in some respects to coastal live oak-hackberry forest in that both develop on natural ridges in the coastal zone, and overstory dominants are comparable
; however , natural levee forests have a greater species richness and diversity. Composed primarily of sandy loams and clays , these ridges 3-102 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage range from 4 to 6 feet above sea level. Soil pH is circumneutral (6.6-7.0), and organic matter content is high. Live oak natural levee forest is important wildlife habitat and serves as vital resting habitat for trans-Gulf migratory birds. (LDWF 2014b) These forests occur in the Deltaic Plain of extreme southeastern Louisiana parishes from Orleans and St. Bernard parishes westward to St. Mary Parish. Of the original 500 , 000 to 1 million acres in Louisiana , currently only 1 to 5 percent of pre-settlement extent remains. Threats to live oak natural levee forests are resident i al development
; roads and utility construction
; coastal erosion and saltwater i ntrusion; invasive and exotic spec i es; and overgrazing which damages understory vegetation and inhibits natural stand regeneration. (LDWF 2014b) Live oak natural levee forests may be found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 2014b), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.3 Brack i sh Marsh Brackish marsh is usually found between salt marsh and intermediate marsh , although it may occasionally lie adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. This type of marsh , which is dominated by tolerant grasses , experiences irregular tidal flooding and may have small pools or ponds scattered throughout.
Plant diversity and soil organic matter content are higher in brackish marsh than i n salt marsh , and wire grass (Spartina patens) is typically dominant.
Two other major autotrophic groups in brackish marsh are epiphytic algae and benthic algae. Vertebrate species population levels are generally higher in brackish marsh compared to sa lt marsh. (LDWF 2014c) Salinity averages about 8 parts per thousand (ppt), and this community may be changed to another marsh type by shifts in salinity levels. Brackish marsh acts as a nursery area for myriads of l arval forms of shrimp , crabs , redfish , seatrout , menhadden , etc., and also as important waterfowl habitat. This habitat functions as a nitrogen and phosphorus sink , thereby improving the quality of water that passes through this ecosystem , and it can alleviate the effects of storms and flooding by act i ng as a buffer and prov i d i ng storage for l arge amounts of water. (LDWF 2014c) The pre-settlement extent of brackish marsh is estimated to have been between 500 , 000 and 1 million acres , with 50 to 75 percent remaining today. At present , the total acreage of brackish marsh appears to be increasing due to shifts in marsh salinity levels. However , stable viable examples of brackish marsh are becoming rare in Louisiana. Threats to brackish marsh are shoreline erosion and subsidence
; commercial and industrial development
; construction of roads, pipelines , or utilities; hydrological alterations (channelization and leveeing of waterways , cana l dredging); contam i nation by chem i ca ls or in dustr i al discharge; fire suppress i on; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014c) 3-1 03 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Repo rt Operating License Renewal Stage Brackish marshes may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartra in, Mississipp i, Barataria , Terrebonne , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcas i eu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014c), but were not observed on the Entergy Louis i ana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species hab i tat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.4 Intermediate Marsh As a natural community , intermediate marsh lies between brackish marsh and freshwater marsh , although it infrequently may be adjacent to the Gulf. Intermediate marsh has an irregular tidal regime and is oligohaline (salinity of 3 to 10 ppt). Dominated by narrow-leaved , persistent species , particularly wire grass , this marsh may have small pools or ponds scattered throughout.
Soil organic matter content in intermediate marsh is higher than in brackish marsh. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marsh is characterized by a higher diversity of species than salt or brackish marsh , although many of the same species are found in freshwater marsh , and some of the species are found in brackish marsh. This marsh type is important to many species of avian wildlife; it supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl and is critical nursery habitat to larval marine organisms. Gradual changes in salinity conditions can cause this habitat to shift towards brackish marsh. Two other major autotrophic groups in intermediate marsh are epiphytic and benthic algae , and intermediate marsh is the smallest in extent of the four marsh types. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marsh pre-settlement acreage was estimated at 100 , 000 to 500 , 000 acres , but has been reduced by 50 to 75 percent of this original extent. The largest contiguous tracts of intermediate marsh occur in Cameron , Vermilion , Terrebonne , and Lafourche parishes. Threats to intermediate marsh are saltwater intrusion and subsidence
; canal dredging; commercial , industrial , and residential development
; construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; contamination by chemicals or industrial discharge; fire suppression
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marshes may be found in Pearl , Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014d), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.5 Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh is generally located adjacent to intermediate marsh along the northernmost extent of the coastal marshes , although it may occur beside coastal bays where freshwater input is entering the bay (e.g., Atchafalaya Bay). Small pools or ponds may be scattered throughout this community. Floristic composition of these sites is quite heterogeneous and is variable from site to site. Salinities are usually less than 2 ppt and normally average about 0.5 to 1.0 ppt. Frequency and duration of flooding , which are intimately related to microtopography , seem to be 3-104 Waterford Steam Electric Sta ti on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage the primary factors governing species distributions. Substrate , current flow , salinity , competition , and allelopathy are also important in determining species distribution patterns. (LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marsh has the greatest plant diversity of any of the marsh types. One report claims 92 plant species in freshwater marsh versus only 17 different species in salt marsh. This community has the highest soil organic matter content of any marsh type , and it is frequently dominated by maidencane (Panicum hemitomon). Epiphytic and benthic algae are two other major autotroph groups in freshwater marsh. A significant portion of freshwater marsh is floating marsh (flotant), which occurs in the Deltaic Plain of southeast Louisiana. (LDWF 2014e) Wildlife populations are generally highest in this marsh type and it supports high numbers of wintering waterfowl.
Freshwater marsh acts as important nursery areas for the young of many marine species , such as croaker , seatrout , blackdrum , flounder , and juvenile brown and white shrimp. Saltwater intrusion may cause a change to a more saline marsh type or even open water , if the increase in salinity levels is rapid and persistent.
(LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marsh has undergone the largest reduction in acreage of any of the marsh types over the past 20 years. Pre-settlement acreage was est i mated at 1 to 2 million acres , but has been reduced by 25 to 50 percent of this original extent. The largest contiguous tracts of freshwater marsh occur in Terrebonne , St. Mary , Vermillion , Cameron , Lafourche , and St. Charles parishes.
Threats to freshwater marshes are shoreline erosion and subsidence
; commercial and industrial development
; construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; hydrological alterations (channelization and leveeing of waterways , canal dredging); contamination by chemicals or industrial discharge; fire suppression
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marshes may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartra i n , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014e), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.6 Wetlands As discussed i n Section 3.6.4 , the LMR once was dominated by swamps , marshes , and bottom land forests. Today , the ecoregion is heavily converted , with just under half of the ecoregion covered by forest. One-third has been converted to agriculture , and the remaining areas are composed of water , wetlands , urban , and barren areas. (FEOW 2014) The primary wetland types are freshwater emergent and freshwater forest/shrub. Wetlands are discussed in greater detail in Section 3.6.5.1. 3.6.1.5.7 Regional Animal Communities Historical changes in the vegetation have impacted the contemporary animal communities present in the region. Animals that occur in the region also are typ i cally found on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property if appropriate habitats are available. Animals that may be found in the 3-105 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage vicinity and on the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property are presented in Table 3.6-1 and described in Section 3.6.7. 3.6.2 Site and Vicinity WF3 is located on the west (right descending) bank of the Mississippi River between New Orleans , Louisiana , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , at River Mile 129.6. New Orleans is approximately 25 miles east of the site and Baton Rouge is approximately 50 miles northwest (Figure 3.0-4). The site is in the northwestern portion of St. Charles Parish , Louisiana , near the towns of Killona and Taft. WF3 is located in an industrial complex adjacent to the Mississippi River , which includes a number of large chemical and power plants that are near the WF3 plant. These plants collectively have transformed the local area into a large industrial complex that lines the river with some agricultural fields , primarily sugarcane and soybeans , which are located away from the river. As discussed in Section 3.1.1 , approximately 660 acres of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is currently leased to Raceland Raw Sugar LLC for growing sugarcane crops , milo , or soybeans as stipulated in the lease agreement.
Generally , the Entergy Louis i ana , LLC property is separated into two distinctly different tracts of land. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property on the south side of LA-3127 is a large forested wetland which is of ecological interest.
On the north side of the highway is the industrial plant and agricultural fields that are ecologically disturbed areas. 3.6.3 Potentially Affected Water Bodies The major water resource in the area near the WF3 plant site is the Mississippi River. Water from the river is used for a variety of industrial uses at the plant , but primarily for once-through cooling water. Other than drainage ditches , there are no other significant water bodies on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property where WF3 is located. 3.6.4 Ecological Resources History The LMR ecoregion once was dominated by swamps , marshes , and bottomland forests (primarily oak-hickory-pine forests). The pre-settlement ecological conditions included approximately
 
===2.5 million===
acres of cypress tupelo swamp (Keim et al. 2006); up to 1 million acres of live oak natural levee forest (LDWF 2014b); as much as 1 million acres of brackish marsh (LDWF 2014c); up to 500 , 000 acres of intermediate marsh (LDWF 2014d); and up to 2 million acres of freshwater marsh (LDWF 2014e). Although these areas still exist in many places , they are not as extensive as in pre-settlement times (FEOW 2014). Today , these five natural communities are state-listed (LDWF 2015b). Ten thousand years ago, the Mississippi River was a continuum typical of a floodplain river. Beginning as a small stream in the forested headwaters of Lake Itasca , Minnesota , the river flowed through virgin forests and unbroken prairie to its deltaic outlet into the Gulf of Mexico in 3-106 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applicant's Env iro nmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Louis i ana. From headwaters to the mouth , the river i ncreased in size and discharge , and decreased in slope. Initially , the young river flowed through a small valley bordered by wetlands and lakes. Along its downstream course , the river changed from a single to a braided channel in its midreaches and finally to a meandering , constantly changing channel downstream. Its valley changed rather steadily from a narrow floodplain flanked by tall bluffs upstream to a vast , flat floodplain downstream. (Schramm 2004 , page 303) Historically , the LMR overflowed onto a 30-to 125-mile-wide alluvial valley and , along with its tributaries , encompassed the largest floodplain fishery in North America. Because the river was continually creating and abandoning channels in its 15-to 30-mile-wide meander belt , the area was interspersed with permanent and seasonal wetlands. These wetlands flooded shallowly for extended periods almost annually , and there was a great diversity of aquatic habitat types. More than 150 species of fishes were present. (USFWS 2014a) Following European exploration and settlement of the area , sugarcane product i on , rice cult iv at i on , and logging became the primary econom i c activities that affected the landscape , along with increased settlement (Section 3. 7). Floods of 1849 and 1850 , which caused widespread damage in the Mississippi River Valley , revealed the national interest in controlling the mighty river. By 1879 , the need for improvement of the Mississippi River had become widely recognized. The necessity for coordination of engineering operations through a centralized organization had finally been accepted and , accordingly , in that year the U.S. Congress established the Mississippi River Commission. (USACE 2015) By the early 20th century , most of the area had been t i mbered out , and the plantat i ons and truck farms began to g i ve way to industrial complexes , especially those related to petroleum (Sect i on 3. 7). Majo r floods occurred again in 1912 , 1913 , and 1927. The flood of 1927 was the most disastrous in the history of the LMR valley at the time: an area of about 26 , 000 square miles was inundated; levees were breached; cities , towns , and farms were laid waste; crops were destroyed , and industries and transportation paralyzed. Out of that flood event grew the Flood Control Act of 1928 , which committed the federal government to a definite program of flood control. (USACE 2015) In i ts present form , the Mississippi River changes dramatically and rather in crementally along it s journey from headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Dams have been built to form 11 small reservoirs and modify the elevation and discharge of several natural river lakes. These dams variously function for flood control , electr i city generation , water supply , or recreation. (Schramm 2004 , page 303) As a result , river-control structures have largely locked the river in place. R iv er control structures are discussed in detail in Section 3.5.1. Construction of levees along the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries has severed the river from more than 90 percent of its floodplain (Schramm 2004 , page 305), denying fish and other aquatic species access to m i llions of acres of foraging , spawning , and nursery habitat. Virtually no new habitat is being created while exist in g floodplain lakes and secondary channels are gradually being lost due to sedimentation.
3-107 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The LMR is part i cularly prone to point-source pollution because , over time , Arkansas and Louisiana have become home to many highly pollut i ng industries (Janvrin 2009). In terms of human health , nitrate is the only nutrient compound that represents a problem in the Mississippi River system likely due to extensive agricultural areas adjacent to the Mississippi River basin. In addition to the public health question , nitrate represents an ecological problem as well. Because it is not removed quickly , nitrate is accumulating in the Gulf of Mexico. (Antweiler et al. 1995) Based on USGS monitoring , nitrate levels continue to increase in the Mississippi River , including the Mississippi's outlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Monitoring indicates that nitrate concentrations have increased at the Mississippi River outlet by 12 percent between 2000 and 2010. Factors contributing to these increases include fertilizer use , livestock waste , agricultural management practices , and wastewater treatment.
(USGS 2015d) The terrestrial ecology of the LMR and the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property has also been changed over time. The construction of LA-3127 , which t r averses the property , created minor alterations in certain drainage patterns in the area. Furthermore , use of this highway by vehicles has caused varying forms of pollution and has the potential to result in mortality to adjacent wildlife populations. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-6) The introduction of nutria (Myocastor coypus) into Louisiana may be the most i mportant infestation that occurred in the area. The first appearances of this animal were the result of escapes and releases , the latter representing efforts to control undesirable aquatic plants , such as the water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). With few natural predators to control the growth of nutria populations , the number of these animals soon reached an estimated 20 million. The importance of nutria has been the subject of considerable controversy , and it has been blamed for significant damage to rice and sugarcane crops. The nutria was also implicated as the cause of the decline in the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) population. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-6) Natural catastrophes have also had considerable impact on the terrestrial communities in the site area. These disturbances have taken the form of meteorological phenomena , such as tropical storms or hurricanes. Hurricane winds have increased the spread of animals such as nutria , damaged a great deal of vegetation by blowing over trees and shrubs , and spread salt or brackish water over large areas of freshwater marshes or land. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-7) As previously discussed , today the swamps, marshes , wetlands , and bottomland forests are not as extensive as in pre-settlement times. The LMR region is heavily converted , with just under half of the area covered by forest. One-third has been converted to agriculture and the remaining area comprises water , wetlands , urban , and barren areas. (FEOW 2014) 3.6.5 Places and Entities of Special Ecological Interest On and within the v i cinity of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property are places and entities of special interest.
These include wetlands and WMAs as described below. 3-108 3.6.5.1 Wetlands Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Wetlands historically have been prevalent throughout southern Louisiana. Wetlands are defined as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support , and that under normal circumstances do support , a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
Wetlands generally include swamps , marshes , bogs , and similar areas. (USACE 1999) Thirteen functions and values typically considered by regulatory and conservation agencies when evaluating wetlands are used as part of the New England Method. These include groundwater recharge/discharge
; floodflow alteration
; fish and shellfish habitat; sediment/
toxicant/pathogen retention; nutrient removal/retention/transformation
; production export (nutrient);
sediment/shoreline stabilization
; wildlife habitat; recreation (consumptive and nonconsumptive)
; educational/scientific value; uniqueness/heritage
; visual quality/aesthetics
; and threatened or endangered species habitat. (USAGE 1999) Based on National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data (USFWS 2015a}, there are approximately 49 , 018 acres of wetlands within a 6-mile radius of WF3 composed of the following types (Figure 3.6-1): Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands covering approximately 32 , 013 acres (65.3 percent). Freshwater emergent wetlands covering approximately 9 , 135 acres (18.6 percent). Riverine area covering approximately 4 , 537 acres (9.3 percent).
Ponds and lakes covering approximately 3 , 242 acres (6.6 percent). Other wetland types covering approximately 91 acres (0.2 percent). The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is a roughly rectangular-shaped parcel that lies adjacent to the Mississippi River on the north and is bisected by LA-3127. The WF3 plant and several agricultural fields make up the northern portion of the property. Based on NWI data (USFWS 2015a}, there are also two small parcels of freshwater forested/shrub wetlands in the northern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property: one borders the Mississippi River in the northernmost corner of the property , and a second is adjacent to the north side of LA-3127 and the eastern side of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary (Figure 3.6-2). The southern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property (south of LA-3127) is a large area of freshwater forested/shrub wetlands that contains two relatively small areas of freshwater emergent wetlands (Figure 3.6-2). These wetlands are part of a larger wetland complex , as shown in Figure 3.6-1. Based on NWI data (USFWS 2015a}, there are approximately 2,311 acres of wetlands on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property composed of the following types: 3-109 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage
* Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands covering approximately 2 , 063 acres (89.3 percent). Freshwater emergent wetlands covering approximately 234 acres (10.1 percent). Riverine covering approximately 11 acres (0.5 percent). Freshwater ponds encompassing approximately 3 acres (0.1 percent). 3.6.5.2 Wildlife Management Areas Louisiana has numerous WMAs and wildlife refuges. As shown in Figure 3.0-6 , the WMA closest to WF3 is the 122 , 098-acre Maurepas Swamp WMA , a portion of which lies within a 6-mile radius of WF3 northeast of the plant. The next closest is the 30 , 192-acre Salvador WMA located approximately 17 miles southeast of the site. Both sites provide extensive recreational opportunities. 3.6.6 Aquatic Communities The Mississippi River is the most prominent natural waterbody near WF3 and is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts. As discussed in Section 3.5.1 , the Mississippi River at WF3 is approximately 1,850 feet wide , average stage is approximately 9.9 feet , and average velocity is approx i mately 3.65 fps. Average maximum depth at WF3 (River Mile 129.6) is 129 feet. Flow records have been maintained on the LMR at Red River Landing (1900-1963) and Tarbert Landing (1964-1976).
Because there are no major tributaries below these points , these flows are characteristic of the lower reach of the river and at WF3 , except for flood flows. For a 77-year period of record starting in 1900 , the mean annual d i scharge was 494 , 000 cfs. Flood season is from mid-December to July , and typically flows are generally above the mean from February to June and below the mean for the remainder of the year. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-2) The flow in the Mississippi R i ver has substantial variations throughout the course of the year. Based on 45 years of combined monthly data from Tarbert Landing and Red River Landing , flows are above 200 , 000 cfs approximately 85 percent of the time. A typical low flow (200 , 000 cfs) is estimated to occur about every 4 years during the summer and fall seasons. If all months of the year are considered , the typical low flow would have a recurrence interval of about 6. 7 years. This flow may be compared to seasonal average flows which have been calculated to be 580 , 000; 650 , 000; 280 , 000; and 240 , 000 cfs for winter , spring , summer , and fall , respectively. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-2) Sediment is transported by the Mississippi River as either a bed load or a suspended load. The amount of material in suspension is generally a function of river discharge , turbulence , particle size , and whether or not the flow is increasing or decreasing also appears to influence suspended sediment concentrations. During high flow , the sediment concentration generally increases downstream
; the converse is true for low flows. Sediment size varies with depth , river 3-110 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage mile , and discharge. In general , the percentage of coarser particles increases with increasing depth and river discharge. At a given discharge rate and depth , particle size decreases with increasing distance downstream. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-3) The Mississippi River has always carried sand and sediment to the Gulf of Mexico. Agricultural development of the Mississippi River basin has increased sediment inputs; however , for the LMR , some increases have been offset by impoundment of the Upper Mississippi River , the Ohio River and , principally , the Middle Missouri River. (Schramm 2004 , page 319) The Mississippi River is a highly turbid water body , with high current velocity and low habitat diversity. The productivity of the system is limited by light penetration and high suspended solids concentration , as well as the stability and habitability of the substrate.
The Mississippi River food chain is considered to be detrital based , because phytoplankton occur in low densities and do not seem to be the major energy source that they constitute in more lake-like environments. This is typical of larger southeastern and midwestern rivers. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-4) The populations of aquatic organisms in the LMR appear to be limited mainly by the poor spawning habitats and the effects of high turbidity , high concentrations of total suspended solids , high current velocities , and fluctuating water levels. The high turbidities restrict phytoplankton and periphyton growth due to very limited light penetration.
Productivity of the phytoplankton is further limited by the high turbulence and mixing in the Mississippi River , which may prevent phytoplankton from remaining in the euphotic zone for sufficient lengths of time to effectively photosynthesize. High concentrations of suspended solids (as high as 345 ppm) and high current velocities (2.78 to 7.01 fps) result in scouring of fish eggs and larvae (in nests or attached to submerged objects), scouring of benthic and per i phyton communities , clogging of filter-feeding mechanisms of i nvertebrates , and shifting bottom sediments. Resultant sediment deposition in areas with slower currents smother fish eggs and larvae as well as benthic organisms (both fauna and flora), further limiting their composition and dens i ty. (LP&L 1979 , pages 3-12 and 3-13) Preoperational studies found extremely low concentrations of phytoplankton and attached algae , low zooplankton densities , and an absence of macrophytes.
The dominant benthic invertebrates collected , i.e., Corbicula and oligochaetes , are prey for fish and also play a role in processing organic matter. However , their numbers were so low as to make their contribution minimal , although river shrimp (Macrobrachium ohione), i s probably an important pelag i c forage species. (LP&L 1979 , pages 3-13 and 3-14) No unique habitats in the river ex i st near WF3 and there are typically no good spawning areas (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). Riverine habitat near WF3 includes a small area of seasonally inundated floodplain on the upstream side along the river levee , revetment banks on the downstream side , and the mainstem river channel. The floodplain area on the upstream side of the plant contains some areas of forested wetland. However , this area is adjacent to Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and is routinely cleared for security reasons. The floodplain area does not contain any oxbow lakes , sloughs , borrow pits , or ponds. The revetment banks downstream are composed of crushed concrete and cover a substantial portion of the bank above and below the water surface. Generally , this portion of the M i ssissippi River is characterized by high ri ver flows , 3-1 11 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating L i cense Renewal Stage relatively cool water temperatures , high turbidity , high suspended solids and mob i le bed materials. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) The LMR is distinguished by its extraordinary species richness with regard to fish (FEOW 2014). Plentiful habitat is available for fishes that thrive in swiftly flowing water , but few species can tolerate the high current velocities of the upper and middle water column of the channel (Entergy 2007 , page 3-9). The LMR is noted for i ts assemblages of large r i ver fish , wh i ch include lamprey species (Petromyzontidae), sturgeon (Acipenseridae), the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), gar (Lepisosteus spp.), and the bowfin (Amia calva). Many of these large river fish exhibit adaptations for the constantly turbid character of the Mississippi River. (FEOW 2014) Species less tolerant of high current velocities likely inhabit areas near the banks and channel bottom where the current is less severe. (Entergy 2007 , pages 3-9 and 3-10) 3.6.6.1 Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Species Aquatic populations in the LMR near WF3 are categorized as vascular aquatic plants , invertebrates , benthic invertebrates (macroinvertebrates), and fish. They are discussed below. 3.6.6.1.1 LMR Vascular Aquatic Plants near WF3 Attached aquatic vegetation in the LMR near WF3 is severely limited in growth by high turbidity and widely fluctuating water levels. The relatively high density of suspended sediments and other particulates , as well as the fast currents tend to limit the penetration of sunlight into the water , which greatly reduces light-exposure regimes for submerged primary producers. For these reasons , macrophytes are sparse in the region of the site. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) 3.6.6.1.2 LMR Invertebrate Populations near WF3 Plankton are small organisms that float throughout a water body. They can be broadly characterized as phytoplankton (autotrophic organisms), zooplankton (heterotrophic organisms), and ichthyoplankton (fish or invertebrate eggs and larvae). Phytoplankton Phytoplankton communities of the Mississippi River main channel from Cairo , Illinois , to the Gulf of Mexico are limited due predominantly to high turbidity (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-15). Phytoplankton in the area of WF3 are dominated during most of the year by diatoms , including Cyclotella and/or Melosira. During the 1973-1976 preoperational study , they were the most abundant genera (> 20 percent) each month except August during the period 1973-1974; Melosira was also dominant during 1975 and 1976. Other relatively abundant genera at various times were Scenedesmus , Coscinodiscus , Chrsococcus , and Trachelomonas. About 20 genera were represented each year. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) 3-112 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage During the preoperational study , phytoplankton densities averaged from a low of approximately 1 x 10 5 organisms/liter to somewhat less than 4 x 1 o 5 during the 3-year study. The dominant phytoplankton genera near St. Francisville , Louisiana , (about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge) were fairly similar to those at WF3 (e.g., Cyclotella spp. and Melosira spp.). Average overall densities were greater: about 5 x 10 6/liter in the last quarter of 1975 and 3.8 x 10 5/liter during the first three quarters of 1976. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) Downstream , in the Mississippi River mainstem at New Orleans, the phytoplankton density also was greater than in the preoperational study area. The centric diatoms (round with radial symmetry), Cyclotella spp. and Melosira spp. were dominant , as in the study area. In 1976 , the same taxa were dominant during the first 4 months, but dominance was shared through summer with green and blue-green algae. By September 1976 , the centrics (Cyclotel/a spp. and Me/osira spp.) were again dominant (85 percent of total). (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) A list of phytoplankton species collected in the LMR in the vicinity of WF3 is presented in Table 3.6-2. The dominant plankton genera found in the Mississippi River near WF3 are generally similar to the most frequently encountered true plankton in larger rivers. The genera present also are similar to those found in other studies on the Mississippi River. During the preoperational period 1973-1976 , phytoplankton densities ranged from 24.6 to 1,446.8 cells per cubic centimeter (cells/cm 3) in the Mississippi River near WF3. The mean (average) and median (50th percentile) densities were 260 and 150 cells/cm 3 , respectively. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-5) The generally low phytoplankton densities reported in the preoperational period 1973-1976 , as well as several factors limiting production , suggested that this community is of relatively low importance to the Mississippi River ecosystem. These densities can be compared to those found in lakes where phytoplankton usually occur i n much higher densities and , consequently , make a more significant contribution to the food web than in rivers. For example , phytoplankton densities typically range from 500-8 , 000 cells/cm 3 in some lakes which have been studied. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-5) Zooplankton Low densities of zooplankton were identified i n the Mississippi River near the site (River Mile 129.6) during preoperational studies (NRC 1981 , page 4-25), and many likely originated from areas of slower current upstream of the sampling area (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-16). From June 1973 to May 197 4 , there was an average of 921 zooplankton organisms/m 3 (26 per cubic foot [ft 3]) in the study area of the river; from June 197 4 to August 197 4, the average was 1 , 056/m 3 (30/ft 3); and from October 1975 to September 1976 , it was 298/m 3 (8/ft 3). Zooplankton were randomly distributed at the site throughout the different sampling stations , as well as vertically in the water column but not throughout time. However , the peaks and valleys of zooplankton abundances were essentially simultaneous at all sampling stations. (NRC 1981 , page 4-25) Species of zooplankton at the site , other than rotifers and protozoa were the copepods and cladocerans , common to rivers and lakes. Calanoid and cyclopoid copepods were dominant.
The common cladocerans were Daphnia , Ceriodaphnia , Bosmina , and Daphanosoma. Some 3-113 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage decapod larvae (river shrimp) appeared in the summer samples. None of the species of zooplankton were rare , threatened , endangered , or considered commercially important (NRC 1981 , page 4-25). lchthyoplankton The Mississippi River at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawning by many fish species. It lacks the riffle areas preferred for spawning by many catfish (ictalurids) and most suckers (catastomids), the shallow backwaters and flood areas preferred by pikes (esocids) and some of the shads (clupeids) and sunfishes (centrarchids), and the vegetated areas preferred by other sunfishes and perch (percids). To the extent that sheltered locations (including cans , snags , etc.) are available , a limited number of catfish may spawn near WF3. Other species that may be capable of spawning in this portion of the river include freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), and skip jack herring (Alosa chrysochloris).
However , the spawning habitat appears not to be optimal even for these species. This is supported by the low ichthyoplankton densities found. Average densities for all stations ranged from a low of 0.002/m 3 to 0.106/m 3 over the 3 years of preoperat i onal sampling (197 4-1976). It was found that the five stations did not differ significantly.
Therefore , these data indicated no significant spatial differences in ichthyoplankton densities in the Mississippi River in the WF3 vicinity.
(LP&L 1979 , pages 3-9 and 3-10) lchthyoplankton were identified and densities measured at intervals near WF3 from 197 4 to 1976. Collected ichthyoplankton were identified to family taxa level only (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-30). There is a strong consensus in the literature and among fisheries experts that the fishery of the LMR has not undergone substantial changes since the 1970s when data for WF3 were collected.
Dominant species as well as their population densities are therefore unlikely to have changed since the 1970s. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-23) Densities of fish larvae were low in the WF3 area throughout a 197 4-1976 preoperational sampling period (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). Dominant families in the 1974-1975 samples include Centrarchidae or sunfish family (sunfish , bass , and crappies) and Clupeidae or herrings (shads and skipjack herring). Highest densities were measured in November 197 4 and August 1975. Through the 1975-1976 survey , Cyprinidae or minnow family (carp , chubs , minnows , and shiners) and Centrarchidae were the dominant families identified. During the later survey , ichthyoplankton appeared on samples only from March through August , with peaks occurring in April and May. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-30) There were no significant differences identified in spatial distribution of the ichthyoplankton adjacent to WF3 (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). 3.6.6.1.3 LMR Benthic Invertebrate Populations near WF3 Larger invertebrate animals that live in association with the bottom or submerged substrates , benthic macroinvertebrates , are the least studied organisms of the LMR (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-17). Limited studies in the region indicate this ecoregion does support a moderate number of unionid mussel and crayfish species compared to the Tennessee , Cumberland , and Teays-Old 3-114 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Ohio ecoregions to the north , but an impressive 58 percent of its crayfish species are endemic (FEOW 2014). High currents result in scouring of the river bottom , removing the sheltering substrate needed by many aquatic invertebrates (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-18). Benthic macroinvertebrates collected in the vicinity of the site in the 1973-1976 time period consisted predominantly of aquatic worms (Oligochaetes) and Asian clams (Corbicu/a). However , these organisms were present in relatively low densities.
For example , during the first year of preoperational sampling (1973-1974 ), the average density of all benthic organisms was 59/m 2. The 3-year average (1973-1976) was somewhat higher (92/m 2) due to an increase in aquatic worms. (NRC 1981 , page 4-25) Harrison and Morse (2012) studied the food habits of sturgeon in the Mississippi River to assess benthic macroinvertebrates. They found in 75 young-of-year sturgeon stomachs and guts a total of 215 taxa of invertebrates representing nine classes. They found 10 taxa not previously reported from the Mississippi River. Chironomids were the best represented family in the study. The river shrimp has been consistently found in high numbers at WF3. Both females " in berry" and decapod larvae , probably river shrimp , were observed during the WF3 preoperational sampling program indicating that spawning takes place near the site. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-7) 3.6.6.1.4 LMR Fish Populations near WF3 As would be expected for a river that grows from a first to a tenth or eleventh order stream and flows more than 2 , 17 4 miles from its origin in a cool temperate climate to its subtropical outlet , the Mississippi River supports a rich fish assemblage.
In a comprehensive assessment , there are listed 193 freshwater species in 27 families for the Mississippi River. Although no thorough ichthyofaunal surveys have been conducted in at least the past 30 years , additional inventories have been compiled since 1989. (Schramm 2004 , page 307) Limited biological data for the LMR are available due to lack of appropr i ate sampling equipment and the availability of inland boats sized to handle a water body as vast as the Mississippi River. High water velocities , heavy boat and barge traffic , and the presence of obstacles and debris in the water column and on the bottom are common in the LMR and create safety concerns for routine sampling efforts. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-1) During a 3-year fish preoperational sampling effort conducted from 1973 to 1976 , 61 species of fish were identified.
The more abundant fish identified near WF3 were gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catfish (lctalurus furcatus), freshwater drum , and striped mullet (Mugil cephalus). All of these fish have a statewide distribution. Significant differences in the distribution of dominant fish between sampling stations within years , or between years were not detected (Freidman's two-way analysis of variance).
(LP&L 1979 , pages 3-7 and 3-8) Additionally, most of the fish species sampled at the site are also found upstream in the River Bend (River Mile 262) and Grand Gulf (River Mile 406) reaches of the river (NRC 1981 , page 4-26) and downstream at the 3-115 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Luling station (River Miles 117-125) (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-19). Table 3.6-3 presents a list of probable fish species in the LMR. Seasonal trends in the abundance of gizzard shad , freshwater drum , and striped mullet either were nonexistent , or were obscured by high month-to-month variability in the numbers of these species caught by gill netting and electroshocking. In two of the three sampling years , the number of blue catfish caught by electroshocking was usually higher during the fall and winter months than during the spring and summer. The number of threadfin shad caught by electroshocking appeared to decrease during the winter months. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-8) In summary , significant differences in the distribution of dominant fish species among stations within years could not be detected.
The relationship between stations did not vary between Years 1 and 3. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-9) No typical spawning areas have been identified near WF3 and evidence indicates only limited spawning activity. The shads , minnows , carp , catfish , sunfish , and drum spawn to a small extent in the site area. (NRC 1981 , page 4-26) Of the fish species that occur in the WF3 area , most species spawn in shallow areas , sheltered areas , smaller streams , backwaters , areas of aquatic vegetation , or over gravel and sand bottoms. The only abundant (A), commercial (C), sport (S), or threatened (T) species that might spawn over the clay or mud substrate in the waters found in the vicinity of the WF3 area are threadfin shad (A), gizzard shad (A) and possibly blue catfish (C). These were the most abundant groups of ichthyoplankton captured during the preoperational monitoring program. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12) Based on the length distribution of the abundant , commercial , sport , or threatened fish species collected in the WF3 area , it would appear that blue catfish , freshwater drum , gizzard shad , and threadfin shad juveniles utilize the area as a nursery area during specific times of the year. Life history information on sport (S), commercial (C), abundant (A), or threatened (T) species in the WF3 area suggests that some species may undertake spring or summer migrations through the WF3 area. These include longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) (C), gizzard shad (A), bigmouth buffalo (lctiobus cyprinellus) (C), channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) (C), and striped mullet (A). Actual data collected in the WF3 area indicated , however , that longnose gar and bigmouth buffalo apparently do not pass through the area in sizeable numbers. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12) It is also likely that paddlefish and sturgeon may pass by the WF3 plant. Comparison of WF3 preoperational data to other studies of fishery resources in the LMR and fish collected in the area , suggests that the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 is not unique fish habitat (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12). In a study by Miranda and Kilgore (2014) to identify patterns in fish benthic distribution along depth gradients in the LMR , fish were collected over 14 years in depths down to 88 feet. Fish exhibited non-random depth distributions that varied seasonally and according to species. Species richness was highest in shallow water , with about 50 percent of the 62 species no longer collected in water deeper than 26 feet , and about 75 percent no longer collected in water deeper than 39 feet. Although richness was highest in shallow water , most species were not restricted to shallow water. Rather , most species used a wide range of depths. A weak depth zonation occurred , not as strong as that reported for deep oceans and lakes. Larger fish tended to occur 3-116 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage in deeper water during the high-water period of an annual cycle , but no correlation was evident during the low-water period. 3.6.6.1.5 LMR Commercially Important Species The freshwater commercial industry in the LMR corridor naturally depends on the Mississippi River. However , most of the freshwater catch takes place away from the main stem of the Mississippi.
The strong and fast-moving current of the river , along with heavy commercial navigation traffic , puts fishing vessels and fishing equipment at high risk. Consequently , most freshwater commercial fishing takes place on LMR tributaries. (I EC 2014) Table 3.6-4 lists the commercially important fish species in the vicinity of WF3. Except for Louisiana , the LMR states do not report freshwater fishing data at county/parish level. Louisiana's landing from the LMR parishes in 2011 was 8.8 million pounds of crayfish and almost 11 million pounds of finfish , produc i ng $13.2 million total in revenues. (IEC 20 1 4) These harvest amounts vary from those reported in 2004. In 2004 as now , the largest freshwater fishing harvest in the LMR was in Louisiana. Crayfish (approximately 14 million pounds , valued at about $7.1 million) and catfish (approximately 6 million pounds , valued at about $2.3 million) were the two most prominent commercial species harvested in Louisiana.
Other significant commercial species reported in 2004 include buffalo (/ctiobus sp.) (1.35 million pounds , valued at about $318 , 000) and gar (Lepisosteus sp.) (393 , 000 pounds , valued at about $427 , 000). The total economic value of the freshwater harvest in Louisiana reported for 2002 was approximately
$10.3 million. (IEC 2004) Schramm (2004 , page 318) reported that estimated fish harvests from the Mississippi River fell within the realm of expected harvests , based on global harvest-drainage area and harvest-r i ver length relationships developed for large rivers. Further , small and trendless variations in catch over 25 years (1954-1977) and stable catch at varying effort levels have led to the conclusion that the Mississippi River was harvested at near optimal levels. The average harvest for the LMR was 12 , 125 tons , and average effort was 7 , 000-8 , 000 fishers per year during the 25-year period. At this time , the commercial fish stocks in the Mississippi River appear stable and , at least in portions of the LMR , may support additional harvest. 3.6.6.1.6 LMR Recreationally Important Species F i shing on the main LMR channel with its deep waters , fast current , and commercial navigation traffic is challenging. However , there are numerous options for LMR anglers to fish in tributaries , secondary channels , oxbows , backwaters , and along sandbars. The main species of sportfish fish in the LMR corridor include bass , freshwater drum , sunfish , crappie , bluegill , and catfish. Catfish is probably the most popular fish among anglers on the LMR and includes blue catfish , channel catfish , and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). (IEC 2014) Table 3.6-4 lists the recreationally important fish species in the vicinity of WF3. 3-117 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Findings during the WF3 preoperat i onal monitoring program in the 1970s indicated that the only sportfish that can be considered common in the WF3 area (i.e., more than 200 collected during any sampling year) are blue catfish and freshwater drum. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), another valued sport fish , was collected only occasionally during the program. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-11) Schramm (2004 , page 319) reported that although the Mississippi River is a bountiful recreational fishing resource , the recreational fishery has not been measured in the LMR reaches of the open river. Personal observations (i.e., by Schramm) on the LMR suggest that freshwater fishing catch rates are relatively high , but effort and thus catch and harvest , are extremely low. Because of the large size , swift and dangerous currents , the presence of large commercial craft , and lack of public access , recreational fishing on the LMR has been largely discouraged. Providing access is difficult because of the large annual fluctuations in river level and separation of many of the remaining floodplain lakes from the river during low water stages. Management agencies are only beginning to recognize the potential fisheries that the Mississippi River offers , and measures are being initiated to improve access and public education regarding the recreational fishing opportunities. Although catfishes are important to both recreational and commercial fisheries , and channel catfish suffered overfishing before increasing the minimum length limit , recreational fish stocks do not presently appear overfished and , especially in the LMR , can withstand increased harvest. 3.6.6.2 Impingement.
Entrainment.
and Thermal Studies A general description of the habitat surrounding the offshore intake structure (based on conditions as determined during mean flow) includes a small area of seasonally inundated floodplain on the upstream side , revetment banks on the downstream side , and the mainstem river channel. The floodplain area on the upstream side of the plant contains some areas of forested wetland communities. However , this area is adjacent to Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and is routinely cleared for security reasons. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) The floodplain area does not contain any oxbow lakes , sloughs , borrow pits , or ponds. The revetment banks downstream of the CWIS are composed of crushed concrete rocks and cover a significant portion of the bank above and below the water surface. There is little vegetation associated with the revetment bank. The natural steep bank habitat is adjacent and parallel to shore (within 100 feet from the main bank) and is crossed by the cofferdam. The opening to the offshore intake structure is estimated to be at least 50 feet out from the natural steep bank and located within the main channel habitat. This habitat is characterized by high river flows , relatively cool water temperatures , high turbidities , high suspended solids , and mobile bed materials. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) There have been a total of 63 species of fish associated with natural steep banks and channels , 55 species for revetments , and 70 species within the seasonally i nundated floodplains. The smaller seasonally inundated floodplain areas (flooded areas lacking ponded waters) associated with the WF3 plant typically support fewer permanent species. Of the species associated with natural steep banks and revetments , a total of 25 are considered to be common to abundant.
3-118 Waterfo r d S t eam E lect r ic Sta ti on , U nit 3 Applicant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Similarly , only 13 are common to abundant in the channel habitats , and 24 are common to abundant in the floodplain areas. Review of the data collected for the WF3 plant ecological study conducted from 1975 to 1976 suggests that the common-to-abundant species documented during the study are not significantly different from those found 30 years later. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) As previously discussed in Section 3.6.6.1 , the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawn i ng by many fish species. In the 1991 WF3 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the EPA , the agency approved the intake structure as being best technology available (BTA) in accordance with Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act (WF3 1991 ). In 2010 , LDEQ determined that the WF3 CWIS was also BTA based on best professional judgment; however , that determination was based on current i nformation available and would be re-evaluated upon promulgation of revised 316(b) Phase 11 Rule (Attachment A), wh i ch was finalized on August 15 , 2014 (79 FR 48300). These two separate determinat i ons would tend to recognize that the Mississippi River does not offer suitable hab i tat for fish species at WF3 , and thus would not expect to i mpact fish populations i n the river. 3.6.6.2.1 Impingement Impingement studies and/or 316(b) demonstration stud i es conducted at several Entergy facilities on the LMR demonstrated that impingement rates are low at facilities in the LMR , the spec i es i mpinged are common , and that impingement varies seasonally with fish abundance.
Each of these studies evaluated i mpingement for 1 year and assessed both seasonal and diel var i at i on i n i mp i ngement. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-1) Although historical imp i ngement studies have been conducted at several Entergy Louisiana , LLC owned plants along the LMR , the i nformation presented below i s based on the results of a 2006-2007 impingement study conducted a t Wa t erford 1 and 2 , which is located at River Mile 129.9. Due to the proximity of the two plants and the similar habitat settings of the i r CWIS , the annual imp i ngement rate for WF3 was estimated from the impingement data documented for Waterford 1 and 2. The Waterford 1 and 2 impingement rate was then applied to an impingement formula i n conjunction with the des i gn intake capac i ty of WF3 to es t imate the number of organ i sms i mp i nged annually at WF3. (Entergy 2007 , Append i x C , page 4-1) Imp i ngement sampling was conducted w i th i n the slu i ceway of the fish r eturn systems as c l ose to the mesh traveling screens as was safely and logistically manageable. Screens were washed for 10 to 15 minutes and rotated prior to each 12-hour sampling interval.
Screens were then washed and rotated for 30 minutes at the end of the 12-hour interval prior to processing and identification of the impinged organisms. Twelve-hour i ntervals were chosen as they were the most r epresentat i ve of the actual operations of the plant and screens. Samples were collected once during the early morning at 5: 00 a.m. and once dur i ng the evening at 5: 00 p.m. to allow for cha r acter i zat i on of diel m i gratory patterns , if p r esen t. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-1) 3-1 1 9 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Taxonomic identification to the lowest possible taxa level was recorded along with the length of each specimen. An average weight for all specimens of a given species was also recorded (batch weight). Data analysis examined trends in species composition and abundance on both a diel and seasonal basis , and annual impingement rates were determined for each species. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-1) Impingement rate (IMR) was calculated based on the number of organisms captured during a set time period per volume of water pumped through the intake screens (see formula below). Volume of water pumped was based on the number of circulating waters pumps operating during each sampling period. This rate was expressed as number of organisms per 10 , 000 cubic meters of water. This rate was then annualized to reflect impingement of the facility on a yearly basis. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-3) IMR = (#organisms captured +volume of water sampled in cubic meters) x 10 , 000 Because impingement sampling was not performed at WF3 , IMR calculations were performed using the impingement rate documented in the most recent Waterford 1 and 2 impingement study (2006-2007) and the total design intake capacity for WF3. Design intake capacity for WF3 was utilized in place of the "volume of water sampled" in the above IMR calculation to illustrate impingement during peak facility operation (all intake pumps running 24 hours per day annually). (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-3) The total number of organisms impinged over the course of sampling at the Waterford 1 and 2 facility was 18 , 608 individuals comprising 32 species identified from 20 families. No federally listed or state-listed threatened , or endangered species were impinged during the sampling period. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) Based on findings of the 2006-2007 Waterford 1 and 2 study , annual impingement was estimated to be 16.16 organisms per 10,000 m 3. This was a sizeable increase from the 1976-1977 study in which the average annual impingement rate was 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. This disparity is likely the result of dynamic fish populations near the CWIS which would have a marked impact upon the observed impingement rate. Such a difference is consistent with inter-annual variations perceived in impingement rates and ambient populations observed elsewhere , where some systems exhibit more than ten-fold increase or decrease of these parameters.
Such variations can be correlated with the magnitude of spring flooding and summer drought events , which may alter river flows , water temperature , and suitable reproductive habitat , among other conditions. Improvements in tributary water quality (made possible by changes in legislation governing permitted discharges into streams and rivers and more stringent standards for fertilizers available for use on food crops) could also indirectly contribute to increased impingement rates by allowing fish communities that were once stressed by poor water quality to recover. In fact , recent condition assessments of the Mississippi River from bordering states suggest that improvements in the quality of the Mississippi River system (both water quality and habitat) are evident. The dynamic nature of the LMR could also be considered a contributing factor. A water system that is constantly subjected to perturbations will 3-120 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage always exhibit some range of instability which , in turn , will affect ambient populations and thus impingement rates as well. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) Lowest impingement rates were documented in late winter to early spring (0.45 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 during April 2007). During this time (late February through early April), adult species are involved in spawning activities , and most organisms present in the river are of significant size , as recruits from the previous year have reached or are close to reaching spawning size. Organisms of this size typically exhibit strong swimming ability and are able to avoid the intake structure altogether. Increased river flows also allow for more shoreline and backwater habitat to be utilized by small organisms typically subject to impingement , such as river and grass shrimp , aiding in preventing impingement of these organisms. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) At the start of sampling in September , impingement rates were high (27.53 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3). As water temperatures cooled and seasons began to shift , impingement rates slowly declined through late fall into winter and early spring (November 2006-Apr i l 2007). A sharp increase in impingement was exhibited from April to May , with the highest documented impingement rate recorded in August (42.25 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3). Fall and springtime impingement rates were also the highest documented in a previous historical Waterford 1 and 2 study. This suggests that organisms in the LMR are most active and susceptible to impingement from spring to fall months , as would be expected as a result of spawning activity and low water conditions. On the LMR , low water conditions typically drive fish from more favorable habitats in shoreline and backwater areas i nto deeper , more channelized areas , causing a greater concentration of fishes near the intake pipes which may result in increased impingement rates. (Ente r gy 2007 , Appendix C , pages 5-1 and 5-2) The 5 months with the highest imp i ngement rates (September , October , May , June , and August) accounted for 81 percent of total organ i sms impinged during the 12-month study period. It should be noted that these months also exhibited the lowest water conditions during the study , providing further evidence of the correlation between river stage and perceived impingement rates. An impingement rate of less than 6 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 was observed throughout the rest of the sampling period (December 2006-April 2007). Historical studies performed during the period 1976-1977 show similar peaks in impingement rates and river stage data when compared with those documented in the most recent study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) The average daytime impingement rate (16.02 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3) was nearly identical to the nighttime impingement rate (16.30 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3), and the species compos i ng greater than 1 percent of all organisms impinged were consistent.
River shrimp , threadfin shad , grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.), blue catfish , channel catfish , freshwater drum , and bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchi/11) composed greater than 1 percent during both the daytime and nighttime samples. Grass shrimp composed a greater percentage of the daytime samples , while threadfin shad and freshwater drum composed a greater percentage of the nighttime samples. Variation in nightt i me and dayt i me observat i ons can be explained by differences in feeding behavior between organisms. Fish are more active when feeding and thus exhib it a higher impingement rate. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) 3-121 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Species composing greater than 1 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study include river shrimp , threadfin shad , channel catfish , freshwater drum , blue catfish , bay anchovy and grass shrimp. The historic impingement studies performed during the period 1976-1977 indicated a similar balance of species with a few noticeable differences. In the historic study , gizzard shad and skipjack herring each accounted for greater than 1 percent of the total impingement sample. Additionally , grass shrimp did not account for more than 1 percent of the sample. When monthly impingement rates are totaled using only these species , resrective current and historical impingement rates of 15.96 and 4.42 organisms per 10 , 000 m are obtained.
A more specific discussion of impingement, by species , is provided below. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) River Shrimp River shrimp composed nearly 56 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study. The annual impingement rate was calculated to be 9.06 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. In historic studies, the river shrimp was also the most frequently impinged species , composing approximately half of the number of organisms impinged.
(Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) Threadfin Shad The average annual impingement rate for threadfin shad was calculated to be 3.26 organisms per 10,000 m 3 , with threadfin composing more than 13 percent of all organisms impinged.
Average monthly impingement rates during the current study closely mirrored historic monthly impingement rates , as seasonal impingement rates exhibited the same trends throughout the study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) Channel Catfish The average annual rate of impingement for channel catfish was calculated to be 0.44 organisms per 10,000 m 3 , with peak impingement occurring in October (1.72 organisms per 10,000 m 3). Channel catfish accounted for 4.4 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study , but only 2.1 percent during the 1976-1977 study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) Bay Anchovy The average rate of impingement for the bay anchovy was calculated to be 0.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. This species accounted for 1.2 percent of all organisms impinged. Peak impingement for this species was recorded in the fall (September).
Historically, the bay anchovy accounted for 6.1 percent of all impinged organisms , with an average impingement rate of 0.31 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. Impingement also peaked in the fall during historic studies. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) 3-122 Grass Shrimp Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 App l icant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The grass shrimp accounted for 8 percent of all organisms impinged during events. The average rate of impingement for the species was 1.31 organisms per 10 , 000 m with a maximum impingement rate of 7.52 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 during June. In the historic impingement study , grass shrimp did not compose greater than 1 percent of impingement.
(Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) The current impingement rate at the Waterford 1 and 2 plant was calculated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 , while the historic study obtained a rate of 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. The disparity between the current and historical impingement rates at the site is attributable to inter-annual variations documented in the Mississippi River. Such variations can be correlated with the magnitude of spring flooding and summer drought events , which may alter river flows , water temperature , and suitable reproductive habitat , among other conditions. Based on these calculations and the proximity and habitat similarity of the plants , the current impingement rate at Waterford 3 was also estimated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. However , due to the differences in intake capacity of the two plants , the estimated number of organisms impinged annually at WF3 differs from that of Waterford 1 and 2. When the rate of 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 and the annual design intake capacity of the WF3 CWIS are incorporated into the impingement formula , the number of organisms estimated to be impinged at WF3 is 3,472,951. This corresponds to about 2.5 times the number of organisms estimated to be impinged annually at Waterford 1and2 (1 , 379 , 533). (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 6-1) As discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , the mean annual flow of the Mississippi River for the proximity of WF3 is estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs. This can then be calculated in terms of MGD to make a comparison of facility water use and the proportion of organisms impinged at the WF3 facility. Based on the flow rate , the relative calculation for the amount of water at the WF3 plant would be approximately 323 , 000 MGD. Using the design WF3 intake flow of 1 , 555.2 MGD indicates that WF3 is using approximately 0.48 percent of the flow of the Mississippi River. Using the impingement rate previously determined from the 2006-2007 Waterford 1 and 2 study , the number of organisms estimated to be annually impinged at WF3 is 3,472 , 951 (Entergy 2007 , page 4-1 ). When trying to compare the proportion of fish impinged at WF3 to the number of fish in the river at the same time , this value is proportional to the amount of water actually being used by the plant relative to the amount of water flowing by the plant; therefore , the 0.48 percent value of plant water use to river flow quantity would also be representative of the total fish population in the river at the same time and location in the river. In terms of actual numbers , WF3 impinges 3 , 472 , 951 organisms annually compared to the estimated 723 , 531,458 total number of fish in the river at the same time as the water that is used by WF3. Thus , the total number of fish in the river is approximately 208 times greater than the number of fish impinged at WF3. In summary , the Mississippi River's main channel harbors much lower densities of fish than the river's edges and backwaters. Data suggest that population densities in the main channel are less than 5 percent of what is observed in channel borders. This trend appears to be a consensus view among fisher i es biologists. The relatively low densities are driven by the high velocities and reduced preferred habitat , as well as significant suspended sediment load. This 3-123 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage suggests that the current location of the WF3 CWIS in the main channel does sign i ficantly reduce the rates of impingement relative to placement along the shore or in a backwater. (Entergy 2007 , page viii) 3.6.6.2.2 Entrainment As previously discussed , the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawning by many fish species. The primary period of reproduction and peak abundance for most aquatic organisms in the LMR is in the spring and summer months (typically March through June). Peak egg recruitment occurs in early spring (channel-oriented species); larval recruitment occurs from late spring into early summer (all species). Therefore , spring and summer months are typically when the highest levels of entrainment would be documented. (Entergy 2007 , page C-6) The spawning period in the LMR typically correlates to the seasonal flooding/high water period. At WF3 , seasonal average flows have been calculated to be 580 , 000; 650 , 000; 280 , 000; and 240 , 000 cfs for winter , spring , summer , and fall , respectively. Elevated flows increase the flood zone of the river and are most likely responsible for pushing the eggs and larval fish past the CWIS during this time. (Entergy 2007 , page C-6) In Louisiana Power & Light Company's (LP&L's) 1979 316(b) demonstration that the intake structure at WF3 reflected BTA , ichthyoplankton sampling was conducted at five stations in the vicinity of WF3 from November 1974 to September 1976. (LP&L 1979 , Table 3-21) These sampling stations , which were established between River Miles 126 and 132 , represented current , soft-bottomed , shallow areas; and high-current , dense clay sediment areas. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-4) lchthyoplankton collected during this sampling period consisted of Centrarchidae , Clupeidae, Cyprinidae , Esocidae , lictaluridae , Sciaenidae , and unidentifiable fish. (LP&L 1979 , Table 3-22). The average densities for all stations ranged from a low of 0.002/m 3 to 0.106/m 3 over the 3 years of sampling.
No ichthyoplankton were found during the period September to February. Spatial variation by station in total ichthyoplankton concentration was examined by Friedman's two-way analysis of variance using Year 3 ( 1976) data. It was found that the results at the five stations did not differ significantly. Therefore , the data indicated no significant spatial differences in ichthyoplankton densities in the Mississippi River in the WF3 vicinity. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-10) No comprehensive ichthyofaunal surveys have been conducted on the LMR in at least the past 30 years (Schramm 2004 , page 307). The most difficult habitat to sample for any life stage of fish is the main channel , where current velocities and debris loads are highest , and extensive commercial navigation occurs. Because researchers historically could not effectively sample the main channel, relatively little is known about the extent to which fish use this habitat. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-11) 3-124 3.6.6.2.3 Thermal Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The Demonstration under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act submitted by LP&L in April 1979 classified the Mississippi River near WF3 as "an area of low potential impact for thermal discharges
." This classification resulted from (1) the determination that this stretch of the Mississippi River was not "unique" for any shellfish , fish , or wildlife; and (2) the realization that most of the cross-sectional area available for flow in the river would be unaffected by the thermal plume. Therefore , the indigenous population of shellfish , fish , and wildlife , which are present in abundance in areas away from WF3 , either would have ample opportunity to pass by the facility without encountering elevated stream temperatures or would only experience the higher temperatures for such brief periods that no deleterious effects would result. (WF3 1998 , pages 71 and 72) The 316(a) demonstration found that no threatened or endangered species were present near WF3 , and also determined that no special fish spawning habitat existed near the facility (WF3 1998 , page 72). However , there are currently three aquatic species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes: West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) (endangered), Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) (threatened), and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus a/bus) (endangered)
(USFWS 2014b); these federally listed aquatic species are discussed in detail in Sect i on 3.6.11.1 and listed in Table 3.6-5. On August 27 , 1996 , Louisiana became an NPDES authorized state. Previous to 1996 , WF3 discharges were regulated under an EPA-issued NPDES permit and an LDEQ-issued Liquid Waste Discharge Pollutant System permit. During the transition from the EPA NPDES permit to LDEQ's LPDES permitting program , WF3 submitted a permit renewal application to LDEQ in November 1995 with a revised application submitted in February 1998 (WF3 1998 , page 2). In an addendum to the 1998 revised permit renewal application (WF3 1998 , page 2), WF3 requested that the temperature and heat discharge limits , which the facility was currently operating under (110°F and 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour), be increased to 118°F and 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour , respectively. The basis of the request for an increase in temperature and heat discharge limits was due to a planned " power uprate" to be implemented at WF3 (WF3 1998 , pages 69 and 70). Both the temperature and heat limitations that were included in the 1991 NPDES permit were technology-based limitations. "Regulation
[40 CFR Part 423] promulgated as commanded by Section 304" of the Clean Water Act did not establish temperature or heat limitations. Therefore , best professional judgment was used by the EPA to establish the best available technology , economically achievable , for the current temperature and heat limitations contained in the WF3 NPDES permit. (WF3 1998 , page 70) The heat limit in effect for the EPA-issued WF3 NP DES permit (8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour) resulted from the 316(a) demonstration. In the 316(a) demonstration , LP&L requested that the EPA establish 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour as an alternative thermal limitation for WF3. The EPA concurred with LP&L's conclusion in the 316(a) demonstration that the alternative thermal limitation "adequately regulates the amount of heat discharged to the Mississippi River from this facility such that it 3-125 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage protects the balanced indigenous population." Howeve r, the EPA stated that "although the demonstration requests no maximum thermal limitation be placed in the permit , it recommended an instantaneous thermal maximum of 110°F be placed in the permit to further ensure protection of the species." The 110°F stems from a maximum instantaneous heat discharge of 8.5 x 10 Btu/hour , an instantaneous flow rate of 1 , 000 MGD for the once-through non-contact cooling water, and a typical maximum stream temperature of 86°F. (WF3 1998 , pages 70 and 71) LDEQ determined that applying the same EPA methodology for a heat limit of 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour and a maximum fresh water stream temperature of 90°F , specified in Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: 1X.1113.C.4 produces a discharge temperature of approximately 118°F. Using a flow of 1 , 000 MGD in these calculations was considered reasonable because the long-term average flow for Outfall 001 was 1 , 085 MGD. To further ensure attainment of Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: 1X.1113.C.4.b.i(a), the 5°F allowable rise of temperature above ambient was applied at the edge of the mixing zone. LDEQ determined that a violation of the above citation would not occur with a discharge limitation for temperature at 118°F. (WF3 1998 , page 71) The 1979 316(a) demonstration also documented thermal model results for various flow and temperature conditions reflecting seasonal variations in this stretch of the Mississippi River. The models accounted for the historically calibrated thermal discharges for the nearby Waterford 1 and 2 and Little Gypsy steam electricity generating plants , as well as for the 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour anticipated for WF3. A worst-case scenario of an extreme low flow of 100 , 000 cfs was modeled in the study. This minimum flow in the LMR is maintained by the Old River Control Structure operated by the USACE and is less than the 7010 flow for this segment of the river (141 , 955 cfs). Under this worst case , extreme low-flow situation , the model determined that less than 15 percent of the cross-sectional area of the river would experience temperature i ncreases of 5°F. This thermal plume also stayed near the surface of the river extending no deeper than 1 O feet. (WF3 1998 , page 72) In the Final Environmental Statement Related to the Operation of Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit No.3 (FES), the NRC documented model studies conducted by its staff to independently confirm the results presented by LP&L in the 1979 316(a) demonstration. Using a different model , the NRC produced results that were "generally in agreement" with those presented by LP&L. The NRC model produced a slightly larger combined thermal plume or mixing zone, but the WF3 FES concluded that operation of WF3 would be "in compliance with the Louisiana Water Quality Cr i teria relating to temperature
." With all three plants operating at peak loads during extreme low-flow conditions , an adequate zone of passage (83 percent of the river cross-sectional area) will still remain for aquatic species to pass by facilities without entering the combined thermal mixing zone. Species entering the mixing zone probably would pass through it in 1 hour or less , minimiz i ng the impact of the elevated temperatures.
Also , natural ambient river surface temperatures above 86°F should only occur about 2.5 percent of the time. (WF3 1998 , page 72) Applying the percentage increase of thermal discharge at WF3 to the model worst case , LDEQ determined that the extreme low-flow thermal plume should provide a conservative estimate of 3-126 Waterfo r d Steam Electr i c Station , Un it 3 Appl i cant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage the combined thermal m i xing zone that would result from the planned power uprate. This estimate is very conservative due to WF3 contributing less heat to the river than Waterford 1 and 2 and Little Gypsy combined. Increasing the heat discharge to 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour from 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour constituted a 12-percent gain. Applying this proportional gain to the case combined thermal plume (17 percent of river cross-sect i onal area) yielded an anticipated combined thermal mixing zone of 19 percent. This leaves approximately 81 percent of the river flow unaffected by the temperature increase after the WF3 power uprate , even under extreme low-flow conditions. (WF3 1998 , pages 72 and 73) Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: IX.1115.C. 7 specifies the mixing zone for streams with 7010 flow greater than 100 cfs as either 100 cfs or one-third of the flow , whichever is greater. The anticipated thermal mixing zone of 19 percent is substantially less than 33 percent of cross-sectional area or one-third of the flow. Therefore , the increased heat discharge and temperature limits requested for Outfall 001 are expected to meet Louisiana Water Quality Criteria for temperature. (WF3 1998 , page 73) With the average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant estimated at approximately 500 , 000 cfs and the design of the discharge structure to promote rapid mixing with the ambient water as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , fish being subject to cold shock is unlikely to occur. There have been no changes in plant operations that have resulted in a thermal load increase since the study described above was completed in 1998. 3.6.7 Terrestrial Communities WF3 and its associated in-scope transmission lines lie within the Southern Holocene Meander Belts subset of the Mississippi Alluvial Plains Level Ill ecoregion. This ecoregion is described as flat plains and river meander belts with levees , point bars , oxbows , and abandoned channels with elevation ranging from 5 to 100 feet above sea level. Within this ecoregion , the more flood prone areas are dominated by water tupelo (Nyssa sp.) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), while overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), Nuttall oak (Q. nuttalli1), willow oak (Q. phellos), water hickory (Carya aquatica), elm (Ulmus sp.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvan i ca), and sweet gum (Liquidamba styracif/ua) are predominately found in less flood-prone zones. Point bars and natural levees are frequently dominated by sweet gum , cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and ash (Fraxinus sp.) with interspersed areas of live oak (Q. virginiana). Some forested canebrakes with open , mixed deciduous trees and giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) also occur. (Daigle et al. 2006) Herbaceous vegetation found along the sandy portions of the alluvium may include fleabane (Erigeron sp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), ragwort (Senecio sp.), and sow thistle (Sonchus sp.) (NRC 1981 , page 4-20). 3.6.7.1 Principal Plant Communities The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is composed of two distinct geographical zones: natural levee and wetlands. The distribution of the principal plant communities on the Entergy Louisiana , 3-127 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage LLC property is shown in Figure 3.1-1; the most extensive communities are the woody wetlands (i.e., cypress-gum swamp) and agriculture. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-1) 3.6. 7 .1.1 Agricultural Land Historically , most agricultural land was devoted to sugarcane production , but some soybean acreage is rotated in a cyclical manner. Portions of this community have been cultivated for many years and are an important habitat for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), and various rodents. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-1) 3.6.7.1.2 Cypress-Gum Swamp The cypress-gum swamp community is dominated by bald cypress and tupelo gum , both of which are very tolerant of extended periods of flooding. Other characteristic species include button bush and duckweed. Cypress-gum swamplands are excellent habitats for a number of small , passerine birds , such as northern parula (Paruta americana) and prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), and larger non-passerines , such as barred owl (Strix varia), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and wood duck (Aix sponsa). Mammals such as swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), northern raccoon (Procyon /otor), white-tailed deer (Odocoi/eus virginianus), nutria , North American mink (Muste/a vison), and common muskrat frequent this habitat type. (LP&L 1978 , pages 2.2-1 and 2.2-2) 3.6.7.1.3 Batture , Wax Myrtle , and Marsh Communities The batture has a variety of vegetation cover. In some areas , willow is the predominant canopy species. The understory is characterized by asters , peppervine , climbing hempweed , beggars lice , and other weedy species. In other areas , sugar berry is the predominant canopy species , with a shrub and herbaceous layer typical of disturbed communities. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) The wax myrtle community consists of land formerly under cultivation which has reverted to natural vegetation in recent times. This community occupies approximately 420 acres (or about 12 percent) of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. Wax myrtle is the predominant species , forming a fairly dense cover. Maple (Acer sp.), ash , and dogwood (Camus sp.) also occur with the wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).
Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) and briars (Rosa sp.) are common along the border between the wax myrtle community and the agricultural land. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) The marsh community occurs near the southern border of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. This community occupies approximately 808 acres , or about 23 percent of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , and is an overflow area of Lac des Allemands. Common plants found in the marsh area are alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), water hyacinth , giant cutlass (Pisum sp.), cattail (Typha sp.), pennywort (Gotu kola), bull-tongue (Sagittaria sp.), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), water hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia), and sprangletop (Leptochloa sp.). (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) 3-128 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat in g License Renewal Stage A large variety of bird and mammal species also occupies these habitat types. The successional state of the plant communities , in add i tion to the animal tolerance of nearby industrial activity , is a primary force which regulates the species' presence in these habitat types. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) 3.6.7.1.4 Utility Land denoted as utility is the area occupied by Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and WF3. No special plant community characteristics are associated with this category of land use. This area occupies approximately 402 acres , or 11 percent of the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property.
(LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) This area is illustrated in Figure 3.1-1 and described as developed (low intensity , medium intensity , and high intensity). 3.6.7.2 Amphibians and Reptiles The wetlands on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property provide a significant amount of potential habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Wh il e there has not been a significant structured study of the amphibians and reptiles on the site in more than 40 years , it would be expected that the populations of these an i mals on the property would be similar to populations in the surrounding environs. It would not be unusual to find alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) or poisonous snakes , such as western cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), or bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) on the site (Table 3.6-1 ). 3.6.7.3 Birds Bird populations in the WF3 area i nclude year-round residents , seasonal residents , and trans i ents (birds stopping briefly during migration). A large percentage of the bird species in southern Louisiana are migratory. While there are resident bird populations , the region serves as a pass-through area for semi-annual migrations of Neotropical birds that may range between South America and Canada , as well as seasonal migrations of waterfowl.
Bird populations on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property would be representative of those found in the region (Table 3.6-1 ). The LMR corridor is a part of the M i ss i ssipp i Flyway , a major b ir d migratory route. The Mississippi Flyway leads across the United States from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada following the general path of the Miss i ssippi R i ver. It i s est im ated that about 40 percent of all waterfowl migration in the United States takes place along this flyway. The LMR corridor prov i des suitable winter habitats for a variety of waterfowl from the Prairie Pothole and Great Lakes. The naturally flooded forests of the Delta region offer desirable conditions for millions of mallards , wood ducks , and other waterfowl.
The coastal marshes of Louisiana provide winter habitats for pintail (Anas acuta), gadwall (Anas strepera), American wigeon (Anas amer i cana), and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). (!EC 2014) 3-129 3.6.7.4 Mammals Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The area surrounding WF3 is a mosaic of developed land , mowed grass , woodlots , and generation forest that do not appear to provide significant wildlife travel corridors as might be found along watercourses or entry/exit locations for desirable foraging or resting habitats. Because the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary is unfenced , animals have ready access to the site. White-tailed deer , for instance , are frequently seen on site. The varied habitats around the site , however , are well suited to small mammals such as the coyote (Canis latrans), northern raccoon , eastern cottontail, and eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), although the diminished quality of most of the communities discussed provides less than ideal foraging opportunities. None of the mammal species observed or reported at the site (Table 3.6-1) is unusual for the region. 3.6.8 Invasive Species There have been 272 invasive species reported in St. Charles Parish (UGA 2015). The prominent invasive species likely occurring on or adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property are described below. There has been no need to implement management controls because the invasive species discussed below do not interfere with plant operations. 3.6.8.1 Invasive Aquatic Species 3.6.8.1.1 Plants Blue-Green Algae A blue-green algae (Cylindrospermopsis raciborski1), or "Cylindro" for short , is an invasive , subtropical , microscopic blue-green alga. Researchers believe it was introduced to Florida about 30 years ago and has spread rapidly across North America over the last 10-15 years. It is likely that this alga occurs in a wide range of North American water bodies but , due to its size, it is difficult to identify and easily confused with other blue-green algae. It is unclear how this species arrived in the United States , but it is probably spread i ng to new U.S. water bodies by boats , boat trailers , and waterfowl.
This species has been identified in water bodies throughout Florida , parts of Alabama , and central Texas. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this species was found in waters near the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion in summer 2002. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Like most blue-green algae , Cylindro has no serious adverse effect on water quality or wildlife when found in small concentrations. In fact , blue-green algae are beneficial in small concentrations because they fix nitrogen and add nutrients to the water. However , in higher concentrations , Cylindro can be very detrimental.
In some Florida lakes , Cylindro outcompeted other blue-green algae species and now account for 95 percent of the total algal biomass. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Cylindro is known to produce at least three toxins: cylindrospermopsin , anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin , of which the first is the best documented. Cylindrospermopsin is a hepatotoxin which 3-130 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewa l Stage harms the liver and kidneys. Anatoxin-a and saxitoxin are neurotoxins which cause lethargy , muscle aches , confusion , memory impairment , and , at sufficiently high concentrations , death. During Cylindro algae blooms , the concentration of these toxins can reach high levels and adversely impact the ecosystem , agriculture , and human health. For example , researchers suspect that Cylindrospermopsis may be linked to the deaths of more than 200 alligators in Lake Griffin , Florida, between 1998 and 2000. Cylindro accounts for 90 percent of all microscopic algae in Lake Griffin , and researchers observed the Lake Griffin alligators behaving erratically and sluggishly , a symptom consistent with neurotoxicity.
(CBR 2005 , page 45) In 1997 , three cows and 10 calves were found dead near a dam on a cattle farm in Queensland , Australia. Cyanobacteria blooms near the dam consisted of "a virtual monoculture of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
." An autopsy on one of the calves and an examination of several of the calfs organs showed damage consistent with hepatotoxin poisoning. In Florida , the Cylindro seems to be resistant to copper sulfate and benomyl , a fungicide , and is non-responsive to other algae poisons. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Brazilian Waterweed Since as early as 1915 , Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa) has been a popular aquarium plant for its rapid growth and oxygenating properties. Pet and aquarium stores sometimes sell this plant under the name "Anacharis".
To date , it is one of the most widely distributed and utilized aquarium oxygenator plants. Also known as common waterweed and Brazilian elodea , Brazilian waterweed prefers the slow-moving waters of streams , ponds , and lakes. (CBR 2005 , page 38) The aquarium trade deliberately introduced th i s aquatic weed , but its establishment in natural ecosystems is likely due to aquarium releases. It may also have been planted for malaria eradication
; its oxygenating properties led researchers to believe it could control mosquito larvae. Brazilian waterweed forms thick mats at the water surface , impeding recreational activities such as swimming , boating , and fishing. The weed chokes out native vegetation and degrades water quality and fish habitat. Brazilian waterweed can reproduce vegetatively and is therefore prone to spreading through boat traffic and water currents. (CBR 2005 , page 38) Chinese Tallow Tree Chinese tallow trees (Sapium sebiferum) were first introduced to the United States by Benjamin Franklin in 1772 as ornamentals. Widely sold by nurseries and promoted by landscapers for its attractive red and green foliage , the hardy Chinese tallow (a source of tallow oil and wax) was also planted throughout the Gulf South in the early 20th century in hopes of establishing a local soap industry. Tallow trees escaped tree farms when natural processes (animal interaction , bird consumption, wind , etc.) spread the seeds over long distances. Today , these trees are considered nuisances in many Louisiana prairies , parks , and wetlands. (CBR 2005 , page 32) Still sold by some plant nurseries , Chinese tallow trees grow quickly and resist many pests. Sometimes called "popcorn trees ," they can grow to a height of 30 feet , tend to form thick stands , 3-131 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage and can easily shade-out native plants. Chinese tallow trees are dispersed throughout almost every Louisiana parish. (CSR 2005 , page 35) Common Salvinia A floating fern , common salvinia (Sa/vinia minima) is also sometimes called "water spangles" or "water fern." Common salvinia prefers slow-moving freshwaters such as bayous , cypress swamps , marshes , and ponds and lakes. Common salvinia forms thick mats on the water surface , up to almost 10 inches deep in some instances. These mats shade and crowd-out native plants thereby degrading habitat for fish and birds and negatively affecting water quality. (CSR 2005 , page 38) This Central and South American native has been cultivated in the United States since the 1880s for water gardens. Researchers believe common salvinia escaped from cultivation into Florida's St. Johns River in 1928 , probably when a water garden flooded , but possibly from an intentional release. It was first recorded in Louisiana in 1980 in the Bayou Teche area of St. Mary Parish , and is now considered a nuisance throughout the state. Introduction into rice and crawfish farms via irrigation practices has caused problems for farmers. One of the most common pathways is boat traffic traversing Louisiana's waterways. (CSR 2005 , page 41) Eurasian Watermilfoil Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), also called spike watermilfoil , aggressively outcompetes native vegetation and degrades water quality for fish and birds. Eurasian watermilfoil prefers slow moving waters , such as ponds, lakes , bayous , shallow reservoirs , streams , and low-energy rivers , but can tolerate brackish waters. It forms thick, dense mats at the water surface and impedes recreational activities , such as boating and swimming. (CSR 2005 , page 38) Eurasian watermilfoil was first recorded in the United States in Washington , D.C., in 1942 , possibly an intentional introduction by federal authorities. Its rapid spread throughout the country may derive from its use as packing material for baitworms sold to fishermen. Today , the most common pathway is vegetative fragments attached to boats and boat trailers. Eurasian watermilfoil is still sold by some pet stores and on the Internet as an aquarium plant. Some introductions may be due to aquarium releases. (CSR 2005 , page 38) Giant Salvinia Giant salvinia (Sa/vinia molesta) was probably intentionally introduced to the United States as an aquarium plant and , in fact , has been linked to several aquatic plant nurseries.
The plant was probably kept in an aquarium until overgrowth occurred , at which point the aquarium contents were dumped into a local stream or pond. Giant salvinia expands its range through reproduction , wind transport , and boaters and fishermen who do not rinse their gear. (CSR 2005 , page 41) 3-132 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Giant salvinia first appeared in Louisiana in 1998 in the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana border. Since then , it expanded into at least 15 locations throughout southern Louisiana. It is a free-floating , rootless plant that reproduces quickly; under ideal conditions , giant salvinia can double its biomass every 7 to 10 days. It chokes bayous and canals , and can cover large portions of lakes and reservoirs , degrading water quality , harming wildlife , and impeding boat traffic. In Cameron Parish , Louisiana , giant salvinia posed a public health threat because it blocked the operation of floodgates.
(CBR 2005 , page 41) Hydrilla Originally from Asia , hydrilla (Hydri/la verticil/ata) is a rooted , aquatic weed that inhabits both deep and shallow waters. In shallower areas , hydrilla forms thick mats that impede boat traffic and swimming. It adversely affects water quality by shading out native vegetation , lowering dissolved oxygen concentrations , and can result in fish kills. (CBR 2005 , page 35) It is believed that hydrilla was first discarded from a home aquarium or possibly was planted in canals in Miami and Tampa , Florida. Accidental introduction through boating , usually when attached to a boat or boat trailer , is the primary pathway spreading hydrilla into new areas. Hydrilla is appearing more frequently in Louisiana drainages, particularly in the Atchafalaya Basin and along LA-1. In Bayou Lafourche , Louisiana , hydrilla clogged an intake pipe for a drinking water treatment plant , causing public health concerns.
At times , it made several water bodies virtually unusable for aquatic recreation , in particular , the Spring Bayou WMA and Henderson Lake in the Atchafalaya Basin. (CBR 2005 , page 35) Parrot Feather Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow in riparian areas and at water surfaces. Sold at gardening centers , and frequently under an incorrect name , parrot feather is also known as Brazilian watermilfoil and is sometimes mistaken for its "cousin" , Eurasian watermilfoil.
This aquatic weed is a native of the Amazon River basin in South America , but is now found worldwide. Its exact date of introduction to the United States is unknown , but it was first discovered in a Washington , D.C., pond in 1890. (CBR 2005 , page 35) A popular plant in aquatic gardens and indoor and outdoor aquariums , parrot feather probably escaped cultivation through aquarium releases into open water bodies , and it can reproduce vegetatively , so boat traffic or the natural flow of water may serve as a pathway in spreading it. Parrot feather shades out native submerged aquatic vegetation and seriously disrupts the aquatic food chain.
This aquatic weed can block waterways , suspending boat traffic and fishing , and could potentially clog irrigation and drainage canals. Thick growth at the water surface can also provide ideal mosquito breeding habitat. (CBR 2005 , page 35) Purple Loosestrife Purple loosestrife (Lythrum sa!icaria) is an i nvasive plant introduced from Europe i n the 1800s as an ornamental plant. It also may have arrived in the northeastern United States in ships' ballast. 3-133 Waterfo r d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Loosestrife stalks can grow up to 9 feet tall , and just one mature loosestrife plant can produce an estima t ed 3 million seeds annually. Seeds are prone to wind , animal , and water dispersal.
Purple loosestrife stands disrupt wetland ecosystems by displacing native wildlife , and affect agriculture by clogging irrigation systems or destroying grazing pastures by replacing range grasses. (CBR 2005 , page 43) An easy-to-grow plant with attractive purplish-magenta flowers , purple loosestrife can be purchased in many plant nurseries , garden stores , and over the Internet.
Some nurseries claim to sell only sterile loosestrife plants , but these claims have often proven false. While the USFWS reports that purple loosestrife is present in every state except Florida , the USDA and USGS have no record of purple loosestrife in Louisiana. Conflicting reports about the presence of purple loosestrife in Louisiana may be due to two native loosestrife species , wand loosestrife (Lythrum lineare) and winged loosestrife (Lythrum alatum). (CBR 2005 , page 43) Records from Tulane University's Herbarium in New Orleans indicate two purple loosestrife samples were collected and identified i n the mid-to late-1980s. The first sample was collected in 1986 from Plaquemines Parish , approximately 8 miles south of Venice , Louisiana , and about 2 miles east of the Mississippi River. The second specimen was collected from a cultivated garden at Longue Vue House and Gardens in 1988 in New Orleans. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Water Hyacinth Water hyacinth was first introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant at the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans in 1884-1885. A South American native , water hyacinth frequently clogs bayous and canals , impedes boat traffic , slows water currents , and blocks light to native submerged aquat i c vegetation which degrades water quality and harms wildlife. Known for its beautiful flowers, hyacinth can be found in almost every drainage basin in Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 32) Water Lettuce Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a floating plant resembling a head of lettuce with thick green leaves. A perennial , water lettuce infestations impede boat traffic , swimming , fishing , and other recreational activities. It degrades water quality for native vegetation and adversely affects fish and bird populations.
Some experts believe the plant is native to Africa and was introduced in ballast water by early explorers (there are records of water lettuce in Florida as early as 1765). Although this plant is on the Federal Noxious Weed List , water lettuce is still available through aquarium suppliers and on the Internet.
(CBR 2005 , page 38) Wild Taro Wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) was initially introduced to North America in association with the slave trade , but spread when the USDA promoted it as a substitute for potatoes in the early 1900s. Wild taro forms dense growth stands in riparian zones and displaces native vegetation. Many types of taro are sold at garden stores as ornamental plants. (CBR 2005 , page 35) 3-134 3.6.8.1.2 Invertebrates Asian Clam Wa t erford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Ope r at i ng License Renewa l Stage Asian clam is a small (less than 2 inches), light-colored bivalve with shell ornamented by dist i nct , concentric sulcations , and anterior and posterior lateral teeth with many fine serrations. Dark shell morphs exist but are limited to the southwestern United States. The light-colored shell morph has a yellow green to light-brown periostracum and wh i te-to-light blue or l i ght-purple nacre , wh i le the darker shell morph has a dark-olive green to b l ack periostracum and deep blue nacre. Yellow and brown shell color morphs among specimens collected from Sichuan Province in China have been reported. The shells of the yellow morphs were straw yellow on the outside and white on the inside; those of brown morphs were dark brown and purple , respectively. Further analyses revealed that the yellow and brown morphs are triploid and tetraploid , respectively. (Foster et al. 2014) The Asian clam is a filter feeder that removes particles from the water column. It can be found at the sediment surface or slightly buried. Its ability to reproduce rapidly , coupled with low tolerance of cold temperatures (36-86°F), can produce wild swings in population sizes from year to year in northern water bodies. Furthermore , Asian clam is able to reproduce by self-fertilization at different ploidy levels. The life span is about 1 to 7 years. The Asian clam is known mostly as a biofouler of many electrical and nuclear power plants across the country. As water is drawn from rivers , streams , and reservoirs for cooling purposes , so are the larvae. Once inside the plant , this mussel can clog condenser tubes , raw service water pipes , and firefighting equipment.
(Foster et al. 2014) Although the Asian clam has found its way into most of the Mississippi River Basin , it has not been detected at the WF3 facility. Zebra Mussel Zebra mussels and a related species , the Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugens i s), are small , fingernail-sized animals that attach to solid surfaces in water. Adults are 0.25 to 1.5 inches long and have D-shaped shells with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. Female zebra mussels can produce 100 , 000 to 500 , 000 eggs per year. These develop into microscopic , free-living larvae (called veligers) that begin to form shells. After 2 to 3 weeks , the microscopic veligers start to settle and attach to any firm surface using "byssal threads". They are native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia and were introduced to the Great Lakes in ballast water of freighters. Populations of zebra mussels were discovered in the Great Lakes about 1988. Zebra mussels have spread throughout the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River from Brainerd downstream , and are now in other rivers and inland lakes. Zebra mussels cause problems i n intake structures when the veligers attach to the inter i or of an intake structure.
As the zebra mussel grows and others accumulate , the intake structure may become clogged with organisms that are tightly attached to the structure.
(MNDNR 2014a) However , the zebra mussel has seldom been detected at the WF3 facility. 3-135 Zooplanktonic Water Flea Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 App li can t's Environmenta l Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Although several species in the Genus Oaphnia are native to Louis i ana and other parts of the United States , the water f l ea (Oaphnia /umholtzr) i s nat i ve to Africa , Asia , and Austral i a. It was first documented in Texas in 1990 , and today can be found in Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Illinois , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississipp i, Missouri , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Oh i o , South Carol i na , Tennessee , Texas , and Utah. The water flea was first documented i n Louis i ana i n 1994 when 19 zooplankton samples collected from 30 sites in the Atchafalaya Bas i n conta i ned this water flea. Although its pathway is not known , scientists believe th i s daphnid species likely was brought to the United States i n sh i pments of Nile perch from Lake V i ctor i a in Afr i ca. The water flea probably spread throughout the United States through contaminated water used to transport fish stocks , water drained from aquaculture ponds , and/or unwashed recreational boats trailered from one water body to another. (CBR 2005 , pages 62 and 63) The long-term effects of this species' introduction are currently unknown , but negat i ve i mpacts are possible. Water fleas and other zooplankton are an important food source for many larval fish species , but because of the water flea's head and ta i l sp i nes , wh i ch are much longer and more numerous than those of native daphn i d , th i s species of zooplankton i s avoided by fish larvae , thus giving it an evolut i onary advantage over natives. However , it was speculated that if this replacement occurs , the amount of food available to larval and juvenile fishes may be reduced. (CBR 2005 , page 63) 3.6.8.1.3 Fish Bighead and Silver Carp Bighead and silver carp are large filter-feed i ng fish that can we i gh up to 110 pounds (bighead carp) and 60 pounds (s i lver carp). Both spec i es have low-set eyes below the mouth and large upturned mouths without barbels. They were imported from China in the 1970s for use in aquaculture ponds to control plankton. By the early 1980s , both species had escaped into open waters i n southern states. (MNDNR 2014b) Bighead and silver carp eat huge amounts of plankton and detr i tus. Because they feed on plankton , these fish compete for food with nat i ve organisms including mussels , larval fishes , and some adult fish , such as paddlefish. This compet i tion for food could result in fewer and smaller sport fish. Populat i ons of bighead and silve r carp are establ i shed in the M i ss i ss i pp i River and it s tributar i es downstream of Bellevue , Iowa. (MNDNR 2014b) Black Carp Recent black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) collect i ons from the Red River have sparked concern among fisheries managers that t his species may soon become established in natural ecosystems. Also known as the sna i l carp , Chinese b l ack carp , black amur , Ch i nese roach , or black Chinese roach , the black carp is a freshwater fish nat i ve to China , parts of eastern Russ i a , and poss i bly northern Vietnam. A bottom-dwell i ng mollusk eater , black carp a l so are known to 3-136 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage eat freshwater shrimp , insects , and crawfish.
In large numbers , black carp could threaten native shellfish and mollusks , including snails and mussels. Black carp host many parasites and flukes , not to mention bacteria and viruses , which may infect commercially valuable sportfish , food fish , or threatened and endangered species. (CBR 2005 , page 50) The first introduction of black carp to the United States , in the early 1970s , was as an accidental specimen in imported grass carp stocks sent to a private fish farmer in Arkansas. The second introduction in the 1980s was deliberate
; the carp were imported both as a food fish and as a biocontrol for yellow grubs at aquaculture facilities. The only known introduction of black carp to open waters occurred in 1994 when high waters flooded an aquaculture facility near the Missouri River. An estimated 30 black carp , along with thousands of bighead carp , escaped into the Osage River. (CBR 2005 , pages 50 and 51) In April 2004 , a 43-inch black carp was caught by a commercial fisherman in the upper Atchafalaya/lower Red rivers region of Louisiana. A second specimen was caught nearby in early May. Researchers felt that the Osage River population was too far removed from these two Louisiana specimens to explain their origin and suspected a new source. One possible explanation is that the carp escaped from a second aquaculture facility , possibly one to which the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) had previously issued a permit to evaluate triploid black carp effectiveness for snail control. The LDWF had permitted one catfish producer for this evaluation in 1996 and a second producer in 2000. Preliminary tests indicate the two black carp specimens may be diploid , indicating that they may be reproducing in open waters. The commercial fisherman who caught the carp reported that he had been catching " strange-looking grass carp in this area for over eight years." (CBR 2005 , page 51) Common Carp Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were introduced to the United States long ago , and are so widespread they are commonly mistaken as an indigenous species. Records of the earliest common carp introductions are sketchy , but this freshwater fish was certainly introduced to the United States from Asia by at least 1877 and possibly as far back as the 1830s. In 1877 , the U.S. F i sh Commission began stocking this fish throughout the United States for food purposes. In addition to deliberate stockings , common carp escaped cultivation from fish farms and spread into wild water bodies. More recently , use of juvenile common carp as baitfish has resulted in additional introductions. Also known as German or European carp , mirror carp , leather carp , and koi , common carp have been introduced through the aquarium and water garden trade. Kai are more colorful variations of common carp that sometimes are kept as pets. It must be noted that only a small portion of common carp introductions have resulted from this pathway. (CBR 2005 , page 46) Although a freshwater fish , carp are able to withstand brackish waters in their native range. Their non-native range in the Gulf of Mexico is not limited by temperature
; the Gulf of Mexico region's temperate waters are suitable habitat for this fish. An omnivore , carp will consume both zooplankton and phytoplankton , and will frequently disturb bottom sediments while feeding. The increased turbidity and dislodging of plants disturb habitat for native species that require rooted 3-137 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage vegetation and clear waters. Common carp also adversely impact native fishes by consuming fish eggs and larvae. Most abundant in manmade water bodies , common carp are also plent i ful in waters polluted by sewage and agricultural runoff. Common carp are widely distributed throughout Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 48) Grass Carp The grass carp , or white amur , is a very large fish in the minnow family (Cyprinidae).
The body is torpedo shaped with moderately large scales , while the head has no scales. They are silver to olive in color. The adults consume aquatic plants and can weigh up to 70 pounds. The grass carp is native to southeastern Russia and northwestern China , and was introduced to Arkansas in the 1960s to control aquatic plants in reservoirs and aquaculture farms. (MNDNR 2014c) Wild populations of grass carp exist in many waters of the United States. They have been stocked in waters of other states , escaped or spread to other waters during flood events , and have spread throughout connected river systems. They have a strong preference for densely vegetated inshore areas of backwaters of large rivers , ponds , and lakes 3 to 10 feet in depth. Their herbivorous feeding can dramatically reduce aquat i c vegetation. (MNDNR 2014c) Rio Grande Cichlid The Rio Grande cichlid (Cich/asoma cyanoguttatum) also sometimes called the Rio Grande perch or the Texas cichlid , is native to parts of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico , but its range is expanding due to human activities. Researchers speculate that the Rio Grande cichlid was introduced to Louisiana in the late 1980s or early 1990s through aquarium releases into freshwater bayous and canals on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Less than 20 years after its initial introduction , this fish has been collected in numerous habitats surrounding greater New Orleans , including urban canals , freshwater marshes and bayous , and the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. Reproductive populations have been observed in many of these locations , so clearly aquarium releases are no longer the main cause of range expansion.
(CBR 2005 , page 46) An omnivorous fish , the Rio Grande cichlid poses a threat to aquatic vegetation and possibly commercially valuable species such as shrimp. The cichlids also may harbor parasites or diseases that can harm native fish. Recent collection locat i ons indicate this freshwater fish is becoming tolerant of salinities of at least 5 ppt , causing concern that increased salinity tolerance will enable the Rio Grande cichlid to penetrate farther into the Lake Pontchartrain estuary , causing further displacement of native fish. (CBR 2005 , page 46) 3.6.8.1.4 Viruses , Bacteria , and Other Disease-Causing Microbes West Nile Virus is one of the many examples of viruses , bacteria , and other disease-causing microbes that qualify as invasive species (CBR 2005 , page 64). 3-138 3.6.8.2 Invasive Terrestrial Species 3.6.8.2.1 Plants Annual Bluegrass Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewa l Stage Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is an erect or clump-forming , light-green grass with a boat-shaped leaf tip that resembles other lawn and closely related turf grass species , such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), but is much lighter in color and lacks rhizomes. Primarily a weed of lawns and turfgrass found throughout the United States , annual bluegrass tolerates close mowing or may reach 11 inches in height. Leaf blades are 0.5 to 5 inches long , 0.04 to 0.2 inches wide , folded in the bud , and lack hairs on either surface. The seed head is an open panicle (0.75 to 2.5 inches long , and pyramidal i n outline). Fruit is an achene. (UGA 2015) Bermudagrass Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season , prostrate , perennial grass that occurs on almost all soil types. Leaves are gray-green and 1.5 to 5.9 inches long. The ligule has a ring of white ha i rs , which is one of its identifying characteristics. Flowering occurs in late summer; flowers occur on 1-to 3-inch spikes. This grass spreads by scaly rhizomes and flat stolons that allow it to form a dense resilient turf. (UGA 2015) The distinguishing characteristics of bermudagrass are the conspicuous ring of wh i te hairs of the ligule , the fringe of hairs on the keel of the lemma , and the gray-green appearance of the fol i age. Bermudagrass is native to eastern Afr i ca and prefers moist and warm climates with high light. It was introduced into North Amer i ca i n the mid-1800s as a pasture grass. Bermudagrass is widely used as a turf grass. (UGA 2015) Chinaberry Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is a dec i duous tree growing to 50 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. The leaves are alternate , bi-p i nnately compound , 1 to 2 feet in length and turn yellow in fall. Flower i ng occurs in the spring , when showy , lavender , five-petaled flowers develop in panicles. Fruit are hard , yellow , marble-sized , stalked berries that can be dangerous on sidewalks and other walkways. Seeds are spread by birds. (UGA 2015) Chinaberry invades disturbed areas and is commonly found along roads and forest edges. It has the potential to grow in dense thickets , restricting the growth of native vegetation. Chinaberry i s native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia , and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s for ornamental purposes. (UGA 2015) Cogongrass Cogongrass (lmperata cylindrica) is a hardy species tolerant of shade , drought , and high salinities , which tends to invade d i sturbed ecosystems such as roadway shoulders. Its dense 3-139 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage growth pattern creates unsuitable habitat for native plants , insects , mammals , and birds. It has been reported that large infestations of cogongrass can alter the normal fire regime of a driven ecosystem by causing more frequent and intense fires that injure or destroy native plants. Cogongrass was accidentally introduced to the United States in Mobile , Alabama , as a packing material in shipping crates. The USDA also intentionally introduced it for controlling soil erosion and as a foraging grass. Its hardiness and attractive leaves have made it a popular grass sold by plant nurseries. (CBR 2005 , page 43) In Louisiana , cogongrass is rapidly spreading along roads and ROWs through the relocation of soil containing cogongrass rhizomes. Sometimes called "Red Baron" or "Blood Grass" for its striking red foliage , cogongrass is becoming prominent in the "Florida parishes" (West Feliciana , East Feliciana , East Baton Rouge, St. Helena , Livingston , Tangipahoa , Washington , and St. Tammany). (CBR 2005 , page 43) Japanese Climbing Fern Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) is a perennial climbing fern that can reach lengths of 90 feet. Vines are thin , wiry , and green to orange to black in color , and they usually die back in winter. The fronds (leaves) are opposite , compound , usually triangular in shape , 3 to 6 inches long , 2 to 3 inches wide , and finely dissected. This plant does not produce flowers , but fertile fronds bear sporangia that produce tiny , wind-dispersed spores. This plant is also spread by rhizomes. (UGA 2015) Japanese climbing fern often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches , but can also invade natural areas. It generally is scattered throughout the landscape , but can form dense mats that smother understory vegetation, shrubs, and trees. This plant is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States during the 1930s for ornamental purposes. (UGA 2015) Japanese Honeysuckle Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a woody perennial , evergreen to semi-evergreen vine that can be found either trailing or climbing to more than 80 feet in length. Young stems may be pubescent while older stems are glabrous.
Leaves are opposite , pubescent , oval and 1 to 2.5 inches long. Margins are usually entire but young leaves may be lobed or toothed. Flowering occurs from April to July , when showy , fragrant , tubular , whitish-pink flowers develop in the axils of the leaves. The flowers turn cream-yellow as they age. The small shiny globular fruits turn from green to black as they ripen. Each fruit contains two or three small brown to black ovate seeds. (UGA 2015) Japanese honeysuckle invades a wide variety of habitats including forest floors , canopies , roadsides , wetlands , and disturbed areas. It can girdle small saplings by twining around them and can form dense mats in the canopies of trees , shading everything below. A native of eastern Asia, it was first introduced into North America in 1806 in Long Island , New York. Japanese 3-140 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage honeysuckle has been planted widely throughout the United States as an ornamental , for erosion control , and for wildlife habitat. (UGA 2015) Japanese Privet Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a thick , evergreen shrub that grows up to 20 feet in height. The trunks usually occur as multiple stems with many long , leafy branches.
Leaves are opposite , oval , up to 2 inches long , with a pointed apex and often with margins that are slightly rolled. Flowering occurs in spring to summer , when very abundant , white flowers occur in clusters at the end of branches. Fruits are 0.2 inches wide , dark purple to black berries (drupes) that persist into winter. (UGA 2015) Japanese privet commonly forms dense thickets in fields or forest understories. It shades and outcompetes many native species and , once established , is very difficult to remove. Privet was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s. It is commonly used as an ornamental shrub and for hedgerows. Several privet species occur and they are very hard to distinguish. Japanese privet is sometimes set apart by the thickness and glossiness of the leaves. Glossy privet (L. /ucidum) also has thick , glossy leaves , but the leaves are usually larger (3 to 6 inches long). (UGA 2015) Joh nsong rass Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a tall , rhizomatous , perennial grass with culms reaching up to 10 feet high that invades open areas throughout the United States. The 2-foot long , lanceolate leaves are arranged alternately along a stout , hairless , somewhat upward branching stem and have distinct , white midribs. Flowers occur in a loose , spreading , purplish panicle (up to 20 inches long). Fruits are also produced in a panicle , and seeds form in the sessile sp i kelets. (UGA 2015) Johnsongrass is adapted to a wide var i ety of habitats including open forests , old fields , ditches , and wetlands. It spreads aggressively and can form dense colonies which displace native vegetation and restrict tree seedling establishment.
Johnsongrass has naturalized throughout the world , but it is thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. It was first introduced into the United States in the early 1800s as a forage crop. Johnsongrass is considered to be one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. (UGA 2015) Kudzu Kudzu (Pueraria montana var /obata) is a climbing , deciduous vine capable of reaching lengths of over 100 feet in a single season. Its fleshy tap roots can reach 7 inches in width and grow to 9 feet deep , and weigh up to 400 pounds. Leaves are alternate , compound (with three , usually lobed , leaflets), hairy underneath , and up to 5.4 inches long. Flowering occurs in midsummer when 0.5-inch long , purple , fragrant flowers hang in clusters in the axils of the leaves. Fruit are brown , hairy , flat , 3-inch long by 0.3-inch wide seed pods. Each pod can contain 3 to 10 hard seeds. (UGA 2015) 3-141 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Preferred habitat includes open , disturbed areas such as roadsides , ROWs , forest edges , and old fields. This variant of kudzu often grows over , shades out , and kills all other vegetation , including trees. It is native to Asia and was first introduced into the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It was widely planted throughout the eastern United States in an attempt to control erosion. (UGA 2015) 3.6.8.2.2 Animals Asian Tiger Mosquito The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was accidentally introduced to the United States in 1985 when used tires containing larvae-infested water were shipped from Japan to Houston , Texas. Further transport of used tires spread Asian tiger mosquito to other southern cities. Within the first year of its introduction , the Asian tiger mosquito was reported in New Orleans , Lake Charles , Baton Rouge , and Shreveport; today it is found in almost every parish in Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 61) Asian tiger mosquito breeds in stagnant water pools found in outdoor containers , especially in shady areas. For this reason , this species does particularly well in urban residential settings. This mosquito threatens public health as a known vector of the viruses that cause dengue fever , eastern equine encephalitis , and the agent that causes dog heartworm. Asian tiger mosquito is a suspected vector of other viral diseases , including West Nile virus , yellow fever , and other types of encephalitis. (CBR 2005 , page 61) Feral Hog Feral hogs (Sus scrota) are sometimes hybrids of wild boars and domestic livestock.
Domestic hogs were deliberately introduced as livestock to North America during colonial times; some escaped farms and established feral populations. In the 1940s , sportsmen deliberately introduced Russian black boars to the southeastern United States as a new game animal. Interbreeding between the boars and the feral hogs may have produced the hybrid feral hogs present in Louisiana today. (CBR 2005 , page 60) Feral hogs prefer wooded areas , flat coastal plains , swamps , marshes , and other habitats with plentiful water. Louisiana's warm and moist subtropical climate allows for reproduction almost year-round , and nutrient-rich soils and diverse ecosystems abundantly produce the hogs' favorite foods: roots , leaves , nuts , tubers , snails , insects , frogs , snakes , and rats. Besides competing with deer , bears , rabbits , and other native species for habitat and food , feral hogs can pose a risk to humans. In their quest for food , feral hogs have been known to tear up hurricane protection levees with their snouts and hooves , causing scars which could erode , expand , and weaken the flood-prevention structures. Feral hogs are also vectors for bovine tuberculosis and swine brucellosis , a potential human pathogen which could affect agriculture. (CBR 2005 , page 60) 3-1 42 Formosan Termite Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus) were introduced to the United States during and shortly after World War II , via wooden shipping palettes on ships returning from East Asia. The termites were introduced at various ports along the Gulf Coast , including Houston and Galveston , Texas; Lake Charles and New Orleans , Louisiana; as well as Charleston , South Carolina. Formosan termites were not detected at the military bases until 1966 , and the extent and impact of Formosan termite populations was not fully appreciated until the 1980s. By that time , this "super termite" was well established and spreading throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. (CSR 2005 , page 61) Formosan termites cause an estimated
$500 million in damage to Louisiana every year , with $300 million in damages to New Orleans alone. In addition to damaged houses and other buildings , particularly historical structures , Formosan termites infest and structurally weaken native trees , including live oaks and other hardwoods , rendering them more vulnerable to wind damage and other threats. Even cypress are not immune to Formosan termites. (CSR 2005 , page 61) Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents indigenous to South America. In the 1930s , nutria were imported into Louisiana for the fur farming industry and were released by state and federal agencies to provide a new fur resource and to control problem plants such as the water hyacinth and alligator weed. (USGS 2015e) Nutria live in fresh , intermediate , and brackish marshes and wetlands and are extremely prolific , reaching sexual maturity at 6 months of age. With a gestation period of only 130 days , in 1 year , adult nutria can produce two litters and be pregnant for a third. Litter size averages from four to five young , which are born fully furred with their eyes open. With this high productivity , nutria populations can withstand high predation rates. (USGS 2015e) Because of the nutria's feeding habits , high population densities can be especially damaging to wetland vegetation and further wetland loss. Nutria predominantly feed on the base of plant stems , and dig for roots and rhizomes in the winter. Their grazing can strip large patches of marsh , and their digging overturns the marsh's upper peat layer. Plant growth can be reduced when grazing is intensive with little recovery time for the plants or when grazing is coupled with other sources of stress. Nutria have also contributed to the failure of several planting efforts of bald cypress , uprooting and eating as many as 500 newly planted seedlings literally overnight.
(USGS 2015e) Recent efforts to control nutria populations in Louisiana have been aimed at creating a market for human consumption of the meat as well as for fur (USGS 2015e). 3-143 Red Imported Fire Ant Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are thought to be native to Paraguay and the Parana River region in South America and were brought to the United States in the 1930s , probably in soil used as ballast or dunnage in commercial shipping vessels. Red imported fire ants were first detected in Mobile , Alabama , but quickly spread throughout the southeastern United States through the transport of nursery stock and earth-moving equipment.
A federal quarantine was implemented in 1958 to prevent the spread of red imported fire ants by restricting the movement of potentially infested hay , sod , soil , equipment , and nursery stock. (CBR 2005 , page 60) Red imported fire ants cause a variety of adverse economic and environmental effects by outcompeting and preying on native species , feeding on agricultural crops (such as okra , cucumbers , corn , and soybeans), sometimes killing livestock , and nesting in electrical equipment such as air conditioners , traffic signal boxes , computers , airport landing lights , and telephone junctions. The total cost associated with fire ants in the southern United States is estimated at $1 billion per year. (CBR 2005 , page 60) 3.6.9 Procedures and Protocols Entergy relies on administrative controls and other regulatory programs to ensure that habitats and wildlife are protected as a result of a change in plant operations (i.e., water withdrawal increase , new NPDES discharge point , wastewater discharge increase , air emissions increase), or prior to ground-disturbing activities. The administrative controls , as discussed in Section 9.6 , involve reviewing the change , identifying effects , if any , on the environmental resource area (i.e., habitat and wildlife), establishing BMPs , modifying existing permits , or acquiring new permits as needed to minimize impacts. Existing regulatory programs that the site is subject to , as discussed in Chapter 9 , also ensure that habitats and wildlife are protected. These are related to programs such as the follow i ng: stormwater management for controlling the runoff of pollution sources such as sediment , metals , or chemicals; spill prevention to ensure that BMPs and structural controls are in place to minimize the potential for a chemical release to the environment
; USACE permitting programs to minimize dredging impacts; and management of herbicide applications to ensure that the intended use will not adversely affect the environment.
3.6.10 Studies and Monitoring Other than monitoring associated with the site's REMP described in the WF3 Offsite Dose Calculation Manual , there are currently no other active aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs conducted at the site. However , as part of the WF3 license renewal activities , Entergy did conduct a survey at the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property in October 2014 to assess the habitat availability and presence of plants and animals that have been listed by the USFWS and the LDWF as being threatened , endangered , or proposed for l i sting. This survey , which was limited to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property northeast of LA-3127 , included a desktop survey to determine relevant species for St. Charles Parish , Louisiana , as well as the habitat requirements for each federally and state-3-144 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage listed spec i es , and a pedestrian survey to assess the presence or absence of the organism and/ or its habitat on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property northeast of LA-3127. (Entergy 2014e) In addition , since the mid-1970s , Entergy and others have performed ecological studies of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of WF3. These studies have included efforts to describe the fisher i es resources in the Mississippi River including adults , juveniles , and larval life stages. There have also been efforts to describe the habitats that are associated with the Miss i ssippi River. Numerous efforts have been made to mon i tor water quality and river flows in the LMR. All of these studies have been hampered by the size and flow of the Mississippi River in this lower reach of the river , combined with heavy barge traffic that poses a significant safety hazard to smaller sampling boats. Many of these studies have been summarized by Schramm (2004) and Entergy (2007). Some of the studies summarized in Entergy (2007) are as follows: Comparat i ve Analysis of Impingement Mortality Stud i es a t WF3 , 2007 Compared data collected in historic impingement studies conducted at Waterford 1 and 2 , and WF3 , with current impingement study data collected at Waterford 1 and 2. H i stor i cally , impingement rate was documented to be 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 of water pumped through the plant for both units combined. The current rate was calculated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Annual Data Report-Waterford Power Plant Un i ts 1 and 2 , Screen Impingement Studies , February 1976 through January 1977 Study results show higher i mpingement rates in winter and spr i ng. The facility is located at M i ssissipp i R i ver Mile 129.9. Species composit i on was dominated by river shrimp (49.6 percent of the total catch), blue catfish (20.3 percent), threadfin shad (10.5 percent), bay anchovy (6.0 percent), freshwater drum (4.5 percent), and gizzard shad (2.9 percent). Total annual impingement rates were estimated to be 336,454 organisms , which equates to 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 of water pumped through the plant for both units combined. Daily impinged biomass ranged from 3.6 kilograms to 33.6 kilograms. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Willow Glen Power Station 316 (a) and 316(b) Demonstrations under Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92-500), 1977 Impingement and entrainment data were collected from January 1975 through January 1976 at three of the five units (Units 1 & 2 , and Unit 4) at Willow Glen Power Plant. Major species impinged were freshwater drum , gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catf i sh , white crappie (Pomo x is annular i s), black crappie (Pomo x is n i gromaculatus), r i ver sh r imp , and crayfish. Impingement r ates were relatively low: 1.47 (Units 1 & 2) and 0.13 (Unit 4) organisms per 1 0 , 000 m 3. Approximately 126 , 000 organ i sms per year were estimated to 3-145 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage be impinged with all five units in operation. One pallid sturgeon (endangered) was i mp i nged over the course of the study. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Baxter Wilson Impingement Study-Mississippi Power & Light (MP&L), 197 4 Impingement data were collected from March 1973 through March 1974. Major species impinged were gizzard shad , threadfin shad , freshwater drum , crappie , and channel catfish. The shad species and freshwater drum represented more than 90 percent of the total catch. Impingement was relatively low and calculated to be 160,730 individual organisms per year. No threatened or endangered species were documented on the revolving screens; however , paddlefish (state-listed species of concern) were impinged. Common species were consistent with the literature for the LMR. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Grand Gulf Nuclear Plants 1 and 2 Impingement Study-Mississippi Power & Light (MP&L), 1974 Information on Mississipp i River flow , velocities , stage with surveys of fish populations in different habitats (e.g., backwaters , tributary , and river bank) was presented. Difficulty in sampling the river's main flow was also noted. Gizzard shad contributed 37.4 percent of the total catch , followed by freshwater drum (10.3 percent), blue catfish (8.3 percent), flathead catfish (4.9 percent), and river carpsucker (4.8 percent). (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Louisiana Power & Light-Demonstration Under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act , Waterford Steam Electric Plant Unit No. 3 , April 1979 Fisheries data were collected in the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Common species included gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catfish , freshwater drum , striped mullet , skipjack herring , channel catfish , river carpsucker , bluegill , and common carp. The most common species reported were consistent with literature for the LMR. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-3) Application Addendum for a Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and Comprehensive Demonstration Study under the 316 (b) Rule for Track II , 2002 , for Bonnet Carre Power LLC; LaPlace , Louisiana (Sempra); by CK Associates and URS Habitat analysis was conducted at Mississippi River M i le 132.2 using 13 distinct LMR habitats. Six habitats were identified in the study area , and each was reviewed specifically to determine the number of fish species (133 potential species found in the LMR), larval fish , and eggs associated with each habitat type. Each of the six habitat types were determined to have a significantly reduced number of aquatic organisms compared to the total potentially found on the river. Of the six habitats reviewed , the researchers concluded that a CWIS located offshore and at middle depth would minimize the number of organisms potentially impinged and/or entrained. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-3) 3-146 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewa l Stage 3.6.11 Threatened, Endangered, and Protected Species, and Essential Fish Habitat 3.6.11.1 Federally Listed Species Portions of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes fall within a 6-mile radius of WF3. Within these two parishes , there are five federally listed species which are either threatened , endangered , or candidate species: Alabama heelsplitter mussel (Potamilus inf!atus), Atlantic sturgeon , pallid sturgeon , Sprague's pipit (Anthus spraguei1), and West Indian manatee. There are no federally listed amphibians , reptiles , or plant species listed in either St. Charles Parish or St. John the Baptist Parish (Table 3.6-5). The ecological requirements for these five species are summarized below. 3.6.11.1.1 Mollusks Alabama Heelsplitter (Inflated Heelsplitter)
The Alabama heelsplitter , which is referred to as the inflated heelsplitter in the species recovery plan , is a large (sometimes reaching more than 5.5 inches in length) freshwater mussel with a brown to black shell with green rays in young individuals.
Like other freshwater mussels , the Alabama heelsplitter feeds by filtering food particles from the water column. The specific food habits of the species are unknown , but other juvenile and adult freshwater mussels have been documented to feed on detritus , diatoms , phytoplankton , and zooplankton. The diet of Alabama heelsplitter glochidia , like other freshwater mussels , comprises water (until encysted on a fish host) and fish body fluids (once encysted). (USFWS 20 1 5b) The reproductive cycle of the Alabama heelsplitter is similar to that of other native freshwater mussels. Males release sperm into the water column; the sperm are then taken in by the females through their siphons during feeding and respiration. The females retain the fertilized eggs in their gills until the larvae (glochidia) fully develop. The mussel glochidia are released into the water , and within a few days they must attach to the appropriate species of fish , which they parasitize for a short time while they develop into juvenile mussels. The specific life history of this species is largely unknown. Gravid females have been collected from the Amite River in Louisiana during October. At that time , they were observed to extend a mantle margin just above the substratum surface in shallow , clear water. Recent investigat i ons indicate that the freshwater drum is a suitable glochidial host for the Alabama heelsplitter. (USFWS 2015b) The Alabama heel splitter was known historically from the Amite and Tangipahoa rivers in Louisiana; the Pearl River in Mississ i ppi; and the Tombigbee , Black Warrior , Alabama , and Coosa rivers in Alabama. The presently known distribution is limited to the Amite River in Louisiana, and five sites in the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers in Alabama. This species is not abundant within any known habitat. (USFWS 2015b) It is believed that more than 50 miles of available habitat remain for the species; however , exact population numbers are unknown. The USACE recently discovered 63 live animals during their surveys of the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers. In a separate report , two fresh dead 3-147 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage specimens were found in two separate locations in the West Pearl River drainage , the first such records since 1911. Recent surveys indicated that the species remains in the lower Amite River where some small individuals were collected indicating successful recruitment.
(USFWS 2015b) The preferred habitat of this species is soft , stable substrata in slow to moderate currents. It has been found in sand , mud , silt , and sandy-gravel , but not in large or armored gravel. It is usually collected on the protected side of bars and may occur in depths greater than 20 feet. The occurrence of this species in silt does not necessarily indicate that the species can be successful in that substratum. Adult mussels may survive limited amounts of silt , whereas juveniles would suffocate. In addition , it is possible that the species was established in an area prior to deposition of the silt. (USFWS 2015b) The Alabama heelsplitter mussel is not anticipated to be present adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property because the Mississippi River does not provide suitable habitat for this species. 3.6.11.1.2 Fish Atlantic Sturgeon The Atlantic sturgeon is a long-lived , estuarine dependent , anadromous fish. Atlantic sturgeon can grow to approximately 14 feet long and can weigh up to 800 pounds. They are bluish-black or olive brown dorsally with paler sides and a white belly , and they have five major rows of dermal scutes. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are similar in appearance to shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), but can be distinguished by their larger size , smaller mouth , different snout shape , and scutes. Atlantic sturgeon have been aged to 60 years. There is generally faster growth and earlier age at maturation in more southern populations. (NOAA 2015) Spawning adults migrate upriver in spring , beginning in February-March in the south , April-May in the mid-Atlantic , and May-June in Canadian waters. In some areas , a small spawning migration may also occur in the fall. Spawning occurs in flowing water between the salt front and fall line of large rivers. Atlantic sturgeon spawning intervals range from 1 to 5 years for males and 2 to 5 years for females. Fecundity of female Atlantic sturgeon is correlated with age and body size and ranges from 400 , 000 to 8 , 000 , 000 eggs. The average age at which 50 percent of maximum lifetime egg production is achieved is estimated to be 29 years , which is approximately 3 to 10 times older than for other bony fish species. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are anadromous
; adults spawn in freshwater in the spring and early summer , and migrate into estuarine and marine waters where they spend most of their lives. In some southern rivers , a fall spawning migration may also occur. They spawn in moderately flowing water (18 to 30 inches/second) in deep parts of large rivers. Sturgeon eggs are highly adhesive and are deposited on bottom substrate , usually on hard surfaces (e.g., cobble). It is likely that cold , clean water is important for proper larval development.
Once larvae begin migrating 3-148 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage downstream they use benthic structure (especially gravel matrices) as refuges. Juveniles usually reside in estuarine waters for months to years. (NOAA 2015) Following spawning, males may remain in the river or lower estuary until the fall; females typically exit the rivers within 4 to 6 weeks. Juveniles move downstream and inhabit brackish waters for a few months and , when they reach a size of about 30 to 36 inches , they move into nearshore coastal waters. These immature Atlantic sturgeon travel widely once they emigrate from their natal rivers. Subadults and adults live in coastal waters and estuaries when not spawning , generally in shallow (33-to 164-foot depth) nearshore areas dominated by gravel and sand substrates. Long distance migrations away from spawning rivers are common. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are benthic feeders and typically forage on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans , worms , and mollusks.
The Altamaha River supports one of the healthiest Atlantic sturgeon populations in the southeast United States , with more than 2 , 000 subadults captured in research surveys in the past few years , 800 of which were 1 to 2 years of age. The Atlantic sturgeon population appears to be stable. (NOAA 2015) Studies have consistently found populat i ons to be genetically diverse and indicate that there are about 10 populations that can be statistically differentiated. However , there is some disagreement among studies , and results do not include samples from all rivers inhabited by Atlantic sturgeon.
(NOAA 2015) Historically , threats to Atlantic sturgeon included overharvesting (which led to widespread declines in Atlantic sturgeon abundance) and commercial fishing from the 1950s to the 1990s. Current threats include bycatch of sturgeon in fisheries targeting other species; habitat degradation and loss from var i ous human activities such as dredging , dams , water withdrawals , and other development
; habitat impediments including locks and dams; and ship strikes. Although there are no known diseases threatening Atlantic sturgeon populations , there is concern that non-indigenous sturgeon pathogens could be introduced through aquaculture operations. (NOAA 2015) The Atlantic sturgeon could potentially be present i n the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property; however , the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. (Entergy 2014e) Pallid Sturgeon The pallid sturgeon was first recognized as a species different from shovelnose sturgeon by S. A. Forbes and R. E. Richardson in 1905 , based on a study of nine specimens collected from the Mississippi River near Grafton , Illinois. They named this new species Parascaphirhynchus a/bus. Later reclassification assigned it to the genus Scaphirhynchus.
(USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon have a flattened , shovel-shaped snout; a long , slender , and completely armored caudal peduncle; and they lack a spiracle. As with other sturgeon , the mouth is toothless , 3-1 49 Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage protrusible , and ventrally positioned under the head. The skeletal structure is primarily composed of cartilage rather than bone. (USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon are a bottom-oriented , large-river obligate fish inhabiting the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and some tributaries from Montana to Louisiana. Pallid sturgeon evolved in the diverse environments of the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. Floodplains , backwaters , chutes , sloughs , islands , sandbars , and main channel waters formed the large-river ecosystem that met the habitat and life history requirements of pallid sturgeon and other native large-river fishes. Pallid sturgeon have been documented over a variety of available substrates , but are often associated with sandy and fine bottom materials.
(USFWS 2014c) Substrate association appears to be seasonal.
During winter and spring , a mixture of sand , gravel , and rock substrates are used. During the summer and fall , sand substrate is most often used. In the Middle Mississippi River , pallid sturgeon transition from predominantly sandy substrates to gravel during May , which may be associated with spawning. In these river systems and others , pallid sturgeon appear to use underwater sand dunes. (USFWS 2014c) Across their range , pallid sturgeon have been documented in waters of varying depths and velocities. Depths at collection sites range from about 2 feet to greater than 65 feet , though there may be selection for areas at least 2.6 feet deep. Despite the wide range of depths associated with capture locations , one commonality is apparent:
this species is typically found in areas where relative depths (the depth at the fish location divided by the maximum channel cross section depth expressed as a percent) exceed 75 percent. Bottom water velocities associated with collection locations are generally less than 4.9 fps with reported averages ranging from 1.9 to 2.9 fps. (USFWS 2014c) Data on food habits of age-0 pallid sturgeon are limited. In a hatchery environment , exogenously feeding fry will readily consume brine shrimp suggesting zooplankton and/or small invertebrates are likely the food base for this age group. Data available for age-0 Scaphirhynchus indicate mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and midge (Chironomidae) larvae are important.
Juvenile and adult pallid sturgeon diets are generally composed of fish and aquatic insect larvae with a trend toward piscivory as they increase in size. Based on the above diet data and habitat utilization by prey items , it appears that pallid sturgeon will feed over a variety of substrates. However , the abundance of Trichoptera in the diet suggests that harder substrates like gravel and rock material may be important feeding areas. (USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon can be long-lived , with females reaching sexual maturity later than males. Based on wild fish , estimated age at first reproduction was 15 to 20 years for females and approximately 5 years for males. Like most fish species , water temperatures influence growth and maturity.
Female hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon maintained in an artificially controlled environment can attain sexual maturity at age 6 , whereas female pallid sturgeon subject to colder winter water temperatures reached maturity around age 9. Thus , age at first reproduction likely is variable and dependent on local conditions.
Females do not spawn each year. (USFWS 2014c) 3-150 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Observations of wild pallid sturgeon collected as part of the conservation stocking program in the northern part of the range indicates that female spawning periodicity is 2 to 3 years. Fecundity is related to body size. The largest upper Missouri River fish can produce as many as 150 , 000 to 170 , 000 eggs , whereas smaller bodied females in the southern extent of the range may only produce 43 , 000 to 58 , 000 eggs. Spawning appears to occur between March and July , with lower latitude fish spawning earlier than those in the northern portion of the range. Adult pallid sturgeon can move long distances upstream prior to spawning , and females likely are spawning at or near the apex of these movements. This behavior can be associated with spawning migrations. Spawning appears to occur over firm substrates , in deeper water , with relatively fast , turbulent flows , and is driven by several environmental stimuli including flow, water temperature, and day length. (USFWS 2014c) Incubation rates are governed by and depend on water temperature. In a hatchery environment , fertilized eggs hatch in approximately 5 to 7 days. Incubation rates may deviate slightly from this in the wild. Newly hatched larvae are predominantly pelagic , drifting in the currents for 11 to 13 days and dispersing hundreds of miles downstream from spawn and hatch locations. (USFWS 2014c) Douglas ( 197 4) reports that two specimens of the pallid sturgeon were collected from East Carroll Parish in the Mississippi River at Lake Providence.
These were young specimens weighing approximately 1.5 and 3.0 pounds , respectively. The pallid sturgeon could potentially be present in the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana, LLC property; however the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.1.3 Birds Sprague's Pipit Sprague's pipit is the only wholly North American pipit. Males perform a very extraordinary fluttering display flight , circling high above the earth while singing an unending series of pitched calls , for periods of up to an hour. The current decline in the populat i on of the Sprague's pipit is quite likely the result of the conversion of tall-grass native prairie to extensive farmland. (Vuil l eumier 2009) The nest consists of a small cup of loose woven grass on the ground and level with it , often attached to standing vegetation to form a sort of dome; four to five eggs and one to two broods are typical. Nesting occurs May through August. Sprague's pipit feeds almost exclusively on insects (especially crickets and grasshoppers) when breeding , but it occasionally eats seeds. (Vuilleumier 2009) Sprague's pipit breeds along the border of Canada and the United States in dry open , tall-grass upland habitat, especially native prairie systems in the northernmost part of the Great Plains. Most migrate to Mexico in winter , where habitat is similar to breeding grounds. (Vuilleumier 2009) 3-151 Wa t erford Steam Electr i c Station , Un it 3 Appl i can t's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage This bird species prefers na t ive prairie g r asslands as i ts habitat. Although th is b i rd may overw i nter i n St. Charles Par i sh i n proper hab i tat cond i tions , no such hab i tat was found on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey even though ROWs were specifically evaluated for native grass stands. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.1.4 Mammals West Ind i an Manatee Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protect i on Act , which prohibits the take (i.e., harass , hunt , capture , or kill) of all marine mammals. Manatees are found in marine , estuarine , and freshwater environments. On August 14 , 20 1 3 , the USFWS determined that the West Indian Manatee i ncludes two subspecies
: the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). While morphologically distinctive , both subspecies have many common features. Manatees have large , seal-shaped bodies with pa i red fl i ppers and a round , paddle-shaped ta il. They are typ i cally g r ey i n color (color can range from black to l i ght brown) and occas i onally spotted w i th barnacles or colored by patches of green or r ed algae. The muzzle i s heavily whiskered and coarse , single ha i rs are sparsely d i stributed throughout the body. Adult manatees , on average , are about 9 feet long and weigh about 1 , 000 pounds. At birth , calves are between 3 and 4 feet long , and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. (USFWS 2014d) Flor i da and Ant i l l ean manatees range freely between marine and freshwater hab i tats. Spec i fic habitat types/use areas i nclude foraging and drink i ng s i tes , rest i ng areas , travel corridors , and others. Florida manatees , living at the northern limit of the species' range , have l i ttle tolerance for cold. (USFWS 2014d) Histor i cally , th i s subspecies has sought out natural , warm-water s i tes , i ncluding springs , deep water areas , and areas thermally influenced by the Gulf Stream , as refuges from the cold. In the 1930s and 1940s , industrial plants , including power plants , paper mills , etc., were built along coastal and riverine shoreline areas. Plants discharging large volumes of heated discharge water into areas access i ble to manatees have attracted large numbers of wintering manatees to these warm-water sites ever since. In the spr i ng , manatees leave the warm-water sites and may travel great distances during the summer , only to return to warm-water sites i n the fall. (USFWS 2014d) Manatees are herb i vores that feed opportun i stically on a wide var i ety of mar i ne , estuar i ne , and freshwater plants , i ncluding submerged , floating , and emergent vegetation. Common forage plants include , but are not limited to , cord grass , algae , turtle grass , shoal grass , manatee grass , eel grass , and other plant types. Calves initially suckle and may start feeding on p l ants when a few months of age. Weaning generally takes place with in a year of b i rth. Manatees also require sources of freshwater , obta i ned from both natural and anthropogen i c sources. (USFWS 2014d) The Florida manatees' range i s genera ll y rest ri cted to the southeastern United States , although i ndividuals occasionally range as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas. Antillean 3-152 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage manatees are found in coastal and riverine systems in South and Central America (from Braz i l to Mexico) and in the Greater and Lesser Antilles throughout the Caribbean Basin. (USFWS 2014d) Manatees mature at 3 to 5 years of age. Mature females go into heat for anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Mating activity can occur throughout the year. When in heat , females will attract numerous males and mate repeatedly
; aggregations that include an estrus or focal female and numerous males are described as mating herds. Gestation lasts for about 13 months , and cows usually give birth to a single calf , although twinning is known to occur. While calving primarily peaks in the spring , calves may be born at any time of the year. Reproductive senescence is poorly described; a known female has given birth to seven individual calves over a period of about 30 years. A calf may remain with its mother for about 2 years. Calving intervals range from 2 to 3 years. The oldest known manatee is 65 years of age. (USFWS 2014d) The West Indian manatee prefers calm waters which are not found on the river adjacent to WF3; therefore , it would not be expected to be found at this industrial property (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.11.2 State-Listed Species Portions of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes fall within a 6-mile radius of WF3. As shown in Table 3.6-6 , the LDWF has designated eight plants and six animals as species of special concern within these two parishes. With the exception of the two federally listed species (pallid sturgeon and West Indian manatee) already discussed above in Sect i on 3.6.11.1 , below is a discussion of these state-listed species. 3.6.11.2.1 Plants Correll's False Dragon-Head Correll's false dragon-head (Physostegia correl/i1) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
It ranges from Louisiana and Texas to Mexico. It is a robust plant , somewhat succulent , up to about 40 inches tall , and stems are often unbranched. It is a hardy perennial with elongate rhizomes. Mid-stem leaves are opposite , sessile (not stalked), and usually widest in the middle with large sharp teeth. Leaves decrease in size from mid-to upper-stem , and flowers are pink and tubular with two lips. It flowers from May to September , requires full sun , and is almost always found in wetlands. (LDWF 2014 f) Louisiana occurrences are all in roadside ditches. Elsewhere it occurs along river banks , often growing in flowing water. Vigorous growth of rhizomes allows Correll's false dragon-head to be competitive in disturbed areas. Non-natural habitats such as drainage and irrigation ditches and wet utility ROWs represent potential habitat. Threats to Correll's false dragon-head are dredging/
scraping of ditches for maintenance and installation of water lines and other utilities , herbicides used in roadside management, potentially exotic invasive species , and apparently it is naturally rare. In Louisiana , Correll's false dragon-head is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins. (LDWF 2014f) 3-153 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered spec i es habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Floating Antler-Fern Floating antler-fern (Ceratopteris pteridoides) is a member of the water fern family (Parkeriaceae). Its range includes Florida and Louisiana and south to the West Indies , Central and South America , and southeastern Asia (Vietnam).
It is a dimorphic fern with two types of fronds: fertile and sterile. Sterile fronds form a basal rosette and are broad , thin , and glabrous , with net-like venation; simple with pinnate to palmate lobing; ultimate segments are round , and the basal lobes opposite. Petiole bases are inflated to aid in floating. Fertile fronds are erect , longer than the sterile fronds , and have very narrowly divided segments with in-rolled margins. Buds or small vegetative plantlets are present on sterile frond margins and eventually separate to form new plants. (LDWF 2014g) Floating antler-fern requires full sun to shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. It occurs in swamps , sluggish bayous , and ditches and canals; it is usually floating , but occasionally stranded in mud during low-water periods. Threats to floating antler-fern are few given its aquatic habitat and ability to float freely , but saltwater intrusion is presumably a threat. In Lou i siana , floating antler-fern is found in the Pontchartra i n , Baratar i a , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins. (LDWF 2014g) Although there was potential habitat identified in ditches on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). Golden Canna Golden canna (Canna flaccida) is a member of the canna family (Cannaceae). Its range includes the states of Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Louisiana , Mississippi , South Carolina , and Texas , and it is found as an exotic in Virginia. It is a large perennial which grows to nearly 4 feet tall , with green herbaceous stems and large flat leaves. Leaves alternate , to about 24 inches long and with obvious parallel veins; leaves not variegated , which is the case in many cultivated exotic cannas. Flowers are solid yellow (with no red or orange), irregular-shaped , and in terminal racemes. (LDWF 2014h) Golden canna blooms from May to August , requires full sun , and is almost always found in wetlands.
Habitat for golden canna is fresh marsh and open swamps. Because this plant is cultivated and used as an ornamental , some occurrences could be escapes. Records from northern Louisiana are probably escapes. Threats to golden canna are saltwater intrus i on , conversion of marsh to open water , and lack of knowledge regarding status in Louisiana. In Louisiana , golden canna is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria, Terrebonne ,
Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins. (LDWF 2014h) 3-154 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Marshland Flatsedge Marshland flatsedge (Cyperus distinctus) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Its range includes Florida , Georgia , Louisiana , and South Carolina. It is a stout perennial flatsedge with glabrous , round stems , 16 to 24 inches tall , and inflorescence of hemispheric heads on 5 to 9 stalks(= rays). Achenes are three angled , the body linear oblong , and about 0.06 to 0.08 inches long by 0.01 to 0.02 inches wide , and perched atop a minute stipe (stalk}. Achenes are narrowed toward the base then becoming swollen with spongy bases. (LDWF 2014i) Marshland flatsedge flowers from July to October and requires full sun. It usually is found in wetlands. Louisiana has several known occurrences with very little specific habitat data. One occurrence is from the Bonne Carre Spillway in "low wet areas." Another collection was from a "wet meadow" at Audubon Park in New Orleans. The most recent record is from a wet ditch between U.S. Highway 11and1-10 in Orleans Par i sh near Lake Pontchartrain. Threats to marshland flatsedge are characterized as very little basic information on status , habitat preference , and associate species in Louisiana.
In Louisiana , marshland flatsedge is found in the Pontchartrain basin. (LDWF 2014i) No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Rooted Spike Rush The rooted spike-rush (Eleocharis radicans) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Its range includes Arizona, California , Florida , Hawa ii, Louisiana , Michigan , Oklahoma , Texas , Virginia , and Central and South America. This plant , about 1 to 3 inches tall , is a mat-forming rhizomatous perennial.
The stems , which are 0.01 to 0.02 inches thick , are soft and spongy , becoming wrinkled upon drying. The rooted spike-rush is an achenes with several longitudinal ribs separating shallow valleys with horizontally elongated cells. (LDWF 2015c) The rooted spike-rush flowers from April to November. It requires full sun to partial shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are in forested seeps , flotant marshes , and roadside ditches. It was also recently documented on the Atchafalaya River bank at the Delta on Big Island , where it was growing on decaying woody debris and on black willow root systems that anchor sediment.
Potential threats to this plant species are marsh loss by subsidence and nutria herbivory. Rooted spike-rush may be found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne, Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins. (LDWF 2015c) Because this plant species is listed only in St. John the Baptist Parish by the LDWF , it is not anticipated to be present on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property.
3-1 55 Square-Stemmed Monkey Flower Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Square-stemmed monkey flower (Mimulus ringens) is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Its range is the eastern half of Canada and the United States , except Florida , and it is found in several western states. This plant is about 12 to 40 inches tall , and a perennial.
Leaves are opposite , sessile , sometimes clasping the stem , and angles of the stem are rounded and not winged (the common M. alatus has sharp winged angles on the stem). Flowers are lavender , with two lips: upper with two petals and lower with three petals. When fully open , flowers resemble a monkey face. Pedicels (flower stalks) are relatively long , 0.7 to 1.6 inches. (LDWF 2014 j) It flowers from April to September (to November-stage of development depends on water levels) and requires full sun to part shade. It is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are on sand bars , banks , and in batture of large rivers such as the lower Atchafalaya and Mississippi. Threats to square-stemmed monkey flower are channel dredging and soil deposition
; lock and dam construction and operation; and shoreline stabilization , such as lining river banks with rock (riprap). In Louisiana , square-stemmed monkey flower is found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Red , and Ouachita river basins. (LDWF 2014 j) Although there was potential habitat identified along the Mississippi R i ver shoreline on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). Swamp Milkweed Swamp milkweed (Asc/epias incarnate) is in the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). It ranges from Florida west to New Mexico , and north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba. It is a robust , perennial milkweed from a short rootstock to 6.5 feet tall in Louisiana , and it has milky sap which is characteristic of most milkweeds. Leaves are numerous , opposite , linear-lanceolate to elliptic , 2.4 to 6 inches long , and to 1.6 i nches broad with rounded to heart-shaped bases and acute to acuminate tips. Flower color is bright rose-purple (rarely white). Fruit is an erect follicle ("pod"), having seeds with a long tuft of hairs at one end which allows wind dispersal.
(LDWF 2014k) Swamp milkweed flowers from June to September.
It requires full sun to partial shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are in freshwater swamps and marshes; however , it may also occur in ditches. Threats to swamp milkweed are subsidence of fresh marsh and saltwater i ntrusion. In Louisiana , swamp milkweed is found in the Pontchartrain , Barataria , and Terrebonne river basins. (LDWF 2014k) No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3-156 Western Umbrella Sedge Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Western umbrella sedge (Fuirena simplex) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). This sedge ranges from Arizona east to Mississippi and throughout the southern Great Plains. It is often found in wetland areas. The western umbrella sedge is a perennial that reaches up to 1 foot tall. It is rather grass-like in appearance with a fibrous root. Leaves are alternate , simple , and linear. Leaf veins are parallel , and inflorescence is a spikelet.
The plant blooms August through November and has a green bloom with the perianth absent. (LBJWC 2015) Although there was potential habitat identified along the Mississippi River shoreline on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.11.2.2 Fish Paddlefish Paddlefish are one of the most distinctive freshwater fishes in North America. They possess several primitive features including a cartilaginous skeleton , and a heterocercal tail and spiracles.
They have an elongate , spatulate snout , which is dorso-ventrally flattened and longer than the rest of the head , small imbedded scales , an elongate operculum , and relatively small eyes. Adults may reach 100 pounds in weight and up to 5 feet in length (without the paddle). Life expectancy is 15 years (although individuals are known to live 30 years or more). (LDWF 20141) Paddlefish are usually found in large , free-flowing rivers but they are also frequently found in impoundments.
They feed exclusively on zooplankton.
Males reach sexual maturity in 7 years , females in 9 to 10 years. They spawn in shallow, fast-moving waters above gravel bars in early spring during high water; preferred temperatures are around 50 to 60°F. Eggs hatch in about 9 days. (LDWF 20141) Paddlefish were formerly found throughout the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainages, but now are restricted to the Mississippi River drainage and apparently declining in the periphery of its range. In Louisiana , this species is probably found throughout most of the major river systems and in larger impoundments. Threats to the paddlefish are habitat alteration through actions such as river modification and the construction and operation of dams; pollution , as well as fertilizer and pesticide runoff; siltation of spawning habitats from soil erosion; and harvesting , which has in the past caused a decrease in population. (LDWF 20141) In Louisiana , paddlefish are found in the Atchafalaya, Calcasieu , Mermentau , Mississippi , Ouachita , Pearl , Pontchartrain , Red, and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 20141). The paddlefish could potentially be present in the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property; however , the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. Further , the current speed would prevent suitable feeding 3-157 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating L i cense Renewal Stage habitat for the paddlefish , in particular , which prefers more backwater-type areas. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.2.3 Reptiles Alligator Snapping Turtle The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckit) has webbed toes and an upper jaw with a strongly hooked beak. The eyes are positioned on the side of the head and therefore cannot be seen from above. It has three peaked heels on the carapace , which is dark brown and usually has algal growth. There are five pairs of plastral scutes. The plastron is small , narrow , and cross shaped with a long , narrow bridge. (LDWF 2015d) The alligator snapping turtle may be found in swamps with rivers close by , but mainly they are found in large rivers , canals , lakes , and oxbows. They are most commonly found in freshwater lakes and bayous , but also can be found in coastal marshes. Food habits for this species include turtles , fishes , aquatic snails , crustaceans , clams , carrion , and some plant matter. It may actively pursue prey , but is also known to lie concealed underwater and use its tongue's worm like appendage to entice prey. (LDWF 2015d) In southeastern Louisiana , eggs , which are large and leathery , are laid mid-April to late May and from mid-May to early June in northeastern areas. The alligator snapping turtle may have one clutch per year or one every other year , with the clutch size averaging from 16 to 38. In the past , commercial turtle harvesting and selling has depleted population size , although this practice has since been legally banned. Dredging disturbances to stream ecosystems also present a threat to this species. (LDWF 2015d) In Louisiana , the alligator snapping turtle may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , Sabine , Red , and Ouachita river basins (LDWF 2015d). However , this species is not state-listed in St. Charles Parish (LDWF 2015b). 3.6.11.2.4 Birds Bald Eagle Bald eagle (Haliaeetus
/eucocephalus) is no longer protected as a rare species , but is protected as a migratory bird. It is a very large raptor. Adults exhibit a dark brown body , white head and tail , and a large yellow bill. Immature birds are dark brown with pale underwing coverts , irregular light base of tail , and black bill. Subadults are intermediate between immatures and adults and exhibit various amounts of white mottling on body. The bald eagle requ i res 4 to 5 years to attain adult plumage. Wings are very long , broad and rounded at the tip with primary feathers often widely separated , and wings are held flat when soaring. Adults grow to 3.5 feet in length with wingspread of 7.5 feet. (LDWF 2014m) 3-158 Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Bald eagles nest primarily in the tops of cypress trees near open water , and feed in open lakes and rivers. Typically they feed on fish (either self-caught or robbed from other birds , especially osprey [Pandion haliaetus]), as well as carrion , waterfowl , coots , muskrats , and nutria. (LDWF 2014m) Bald eagles breed throughout the United States , southern Canada , and Baja California , although it is rare away from the coast. They winter throughout the United States along river systems , large lakes , or coastal areas. In Louisiana , they nest primarily in southeastern coastal parishes and occasionally on large lakes in northern and central parishes; however , such nests are less successful.
(LDWF 2014m) Louisiana birds nest in winter and early spring. Nests are very large (up to about 8 feet across and 11 feet deep), and they are used year after year. Alternate nests may be constructed by a breeding pair , and the birds may alternate between the two nests annually. They usually produce up to three eggs per clutch. Incubation period is about 35 days; young fledge 72 to 78 days after hatching. Threats to the bald eagle are accumulation of pesticide residues (especially dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
[DDT]) causing thinning of egg shells , which reduces reproductive success rate; loss of habitat; and human disturbances to nesting pairs during nesting season. (LDWF 2014m) In Louisiana , bald eagles are found in the Atchafala_ya , Barataria , Mississippi , Ouach i ta , Pearl , Pontchartrain , Red , Sabine , Terrebonne , and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 2014m). Although there are no known nests on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , because bald eagles are i n the immediate area of WF3 , they can occasionally transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. Osprey The osprey is a large raptor with long , relatively narrow , rounded wings. The head is mostly white with a dark line though the eye and a dark , mottled nape. Upperparts are dark black and under parts white. In flight , distinct patches at the wrist , black wingtips , and distinct crook in wings at wrist can be seen. The length of adults can be up to 25 inches with a wingspread of 72 i nches. Its habitat varies but common elements include an adequate supply of shallow water prey , open nesting areas without predators , and an ice-free season long enough to allow fledging of the young. The osprey dives for prey feet first and therefore feeds on schooling fish. (LDWF 2015e) Osprey nest throughout southern Canada and Alaska , the western United States, the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. Atlantic coast , south along both coasts to Belize , and Old World. Use of artificial sites , such as telephone poles , by these species for nesting has increased recently. Nests are built using large sticks and grasses , are often reused several years , and can weigh up to one-half ton. Two to four eggs are laid per clutch from January through April. Eggs are creamy white to pinkish cinnamon and are heavily dotted in reddish-brown. Both sexes incubate , which lasts 28 to 43 days. Young fledge at 7 to 8 weeks. (LDWF 2015e) 3-159 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The osprey winters in southern parts of its breeding range and South America. In Louisiana , the osprey winters along the coast and on larger inland lakes. Threats to this species include past chemical pollution such as DDT causing eggshell thinning , nesting around highways where they are vulnerable to vehicle collisions , and loss of nest sites due to agricultural development and logging. (LDWF 2015e) In Louisiana , the osprey is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Red , and Ouachita river basins (LDWF 2015e). Although this species is only listed in St. John the Baptist Parish (LDWF 2015b), the possibility exists that the osprey could potentially transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. 3.6.11.3 Essential Fish Habitat Based on consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), no essential fish habitat (EFH) has been designated within the vicinity of WF3 (Attachment B). 3.6.11.4 Other Acts 3.6.11.4.1 Species Protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act In addition to being a state-listed species as discussed in Section 3.6.11.2.4 , bald eagles are also protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Although there are no known nests within the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , because bald eagles are in the immediate vicinity of WF3 , they can occasionally transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. As discussed in Section 9.5.15 , there are currently no Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act permitting requirements associated with WF3 operations. 3.6.11.4.2 Species Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act In addition to the Sprague's pipit (Table 3.6-5) and osprey and bald eagle (Table 3.6-6), there are several bird species that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , as shown in Table 3.6-1 , that may occur on or within the vicinity of WF3. However , as discussed in Section 9.5.13 , there are currently no Migratory Bird Treaty Act permitting requirements associated with WF3 operations. 3-160 Table 3.6-1 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Amphibians Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Eastern spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrookii Peeper Hy/a crucifer Southern chorus frog Pseudacris nigrita Southern leopard frog Rana sphenocepha/a Tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Wood house's toad Bufo woodhousei Reptiles American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Canebrake rattlesnake Grata/us horridus Corn snake Elaphe guttata Eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern hog-nosed snake Heterodon platyrhinos Red-eared slider Trachemys scripta e/egans Southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus Western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus
/eucostoma Yellow-bellied water snake Nerodia erythrogaster f/avigaster Birds(b) American coot Fulica americana American robin Turdus migratorius American wigeon Anas americana Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Barred owl Str ix varia Belted kingfisher Cery/e a/cyan 3-161 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Blue-winged teal Anas discors Bobwhite Co/inus virginianus Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Cardinal Cardinalis cardina/is Cattle egret Bubu/cus ibis Common crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna European starling Sturnus vu/garis Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Gadwall Anas strepera Great blue heron Ardea herodias Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Green heron Butorides virescens Green-winged teal Anas crecca Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucul/atus House sparrow Passer domesticus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Northern mockingbird Mimus po/yg/ottos Northern parula Parula americana Pintail Anas acuta 3-162 Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl ic an t's Environmental Report Operating Lic ense Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Prothonotary warbler Pro t onotar i a citrea Red-tailed hawk Bu te o jamaicensis Red-w in ged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Snow goose Chen caeru/escens Turkey vulture Cathartes aura White ibis Eudocimus a/bus Wood duck Aix sponsa Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Bobcat Lynx rufus Common mu skrat Ondat ra zibethicus Coyote Canis latrans Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern fox squirrel Sc iuru s niger Eastern gray squirrel Sc iuru s carolinens i s Gray fox Urocyon c in ereoargenteus Hispid cotton rat S igmod on hispidus House mouse Mus musculus Least shrew Cryptot i s parva Marsh r i ce rat Oryzomys pa/ustris N in e-banded armadi ll o Oasypus novemc in ctus North American m i nk Mustela vision Northern raccoon Procyon lotor Norway rat Rattus norvegicus 3-163 Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Nutria Myocastor coypus Red fox Vulpes vulpes Spotted skunk Spiloga/e putorius Swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus (Species' likely presence derived from LP&L 1978 , Tables A2.2.1-10 , A2.2.1-11 , A2.2.1-13 , and A2.2.1-18; LDWF 2015f. Scientific names from Dundee and Rossman 1989; LDWF 2015f; Vuilleumier 2009) a. This is not a comprehensive list of all animals that may be found on or in the vicinity ofWF3. b. With the exception of the bobwhite , European starling, and house sparrow , all bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 3-164 Table 3.6-2 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Carteria Green algae Chlamydomonas Green algae Chlorogonium Green algae Eudorina Green algae Pandorina Green algae Pleodorina Green algae Volvox Green algae Gloeocystis Green algae Sphaerocystis Green algae Ch/orosarcina Green algae Dispora Green algae Ourococcus Green algae Binuc/eria Green algae Geninella Green algae U/othrix Green algae Microspora Green algae Bulbochaete Green algae Ch/orococcum Green algae Golenkinia Green algae Micractinium Green algae Dictyosphaerium Green algae Characium Green algae Schroederia Green algae Ped i astrum 3-165 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Ceo/astrum Green algae Ankistrodesmus Green algae Ch/ore/la Green algae C/osteriopsis Green algae Franceia Green algae Kirchneriel/a Green algae Lagerheima Green algae Oocystis Green algae Planktosphaeria Green algae Quadriqula Green algae Selenastrum Green algae Tetraedron Green algae Treubaria Green algae Actinastrum Green algae Crucigenia Green algae Scenedesmus Green algae Tetradesmus Green algae Tetrastrum Green algae Mougeotia Green algae Spirogyra Green algae Arthrodesmus Green algae Closterium Green algae Cosmarium Green algae Euastrum 3-166 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Waterford Steam E l ectric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Hyalotheca Green algae Micrasterias Green algae Penium Green algae Spondy/osium Green algae Staurastrum Euglena Euglena Euglena Lepocinclis Euglena Phacus Euglena T rachelomonas Golden algae Ophiocytium Golden algae Tribonema Golden algae Centritractaceae Golden algae Dynobryon Golden algae Coscinodiscus Golden algae Cyclotel/a Golden algae Melosira Golden algae Stephanodiscus Golden algae Biddulphia Golden algae Tabel/aria Golden algae Meridian Golden algae Diatoma Golden algae Opephora Golden algae Asterionella Golden algae Fragilar i a 3-167 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Wa t e rf ord S t eam E l ect r ic Station , Un it 3 App li c a n t's Environmenta l Report Ope ra t i ng License Renewa l Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Go l den a l gae Synedra Go l den algae Eunotia Go l den algae Achnant h es Go l den a l gae Coccone i s Go l den algae Rhoicosphe ni a Golden a l gae Bebissonia Golden a l gae F r ustulia Golden algae Gyros i g m a Golden algae Mastogloia Golden algae Nav i cu l a Golden algae Neidium Golden algae Pinnula ri a Golden a l gae Pleuros i gma Golden a l gae Staurone i s Golden algae Gomphonema Golden algae Amphora Golden a l gae Cymbella Golden algae Rhopa/odia Golden algae Hantzsch i a Golden algae Nitzschia Golden algae Cyma t opleu r a Golden algae Suri r el/a D in of l age l late Gymnod i n i aceae D i noflagellate Glenod i n i um 3-168 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Dinoflagellate Ceratium Blue-green algae Agmenel/um Blue-green algae Anacystis B l ue-green algae Aphanocapsa (Anacystis)
Blue-green algae Aphanothece (Coccochloris)
Blue-green algae Chroococcus (Anacystis)
Blue-green algae Coelosphaerium Blue-green algae Dactylococcopsis Blue-green algae Gomphosphaeria Blue-green algae Microcystis (Polycystis)
Blue-green algae Phormidium Blue-green algae Spirulina Blue-green algae Anabaena Blue-green algae Nodularia (EOI 2008b , Table 2.4-10) 3-169 Table 3.6-3 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula American eel Anguilla rostrata Bigmouth buffalo lctiobus cyprinellus Black buffalo /ctiobus niger Blacktail redhorse Moxostoma poecilurum Blacktail shiner Cyprinel/a venusta Blue catfish lctalurus furcatus Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Bluehead chub Nocomis leptocephalus Bluntnose minnow Pimepha/es notatus Bowfin Amia ca/va Bullhead minnow Pimephales vigi/ax Carp Cyprinus carpio Chain pickerel Esox niger Channel catfish lctalurus punctatus Chestnut lamprey /chthyomyzon castaneus Creek chubsucker Erimyzon oblongus Dollar sunfish Lepomis marginatus Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris Flathead chub Platygobio gracilis Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Goldeye Hiodon a/osoides 3-170 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-3 (Continued)
Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Green sunfish Lepomis cyanel/us Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovell i Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus Mimic shiner Notropis vo/ucel/us Mississippi silverside Menidia audens Pugnose minnow Opsopoeodus em ilia e Red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redfin pickerel Eso x americanus River carpsucker Carpiodes carpio River shiner Notropis blennius Sauger Sander canadensis Shortnose gar Lepisosteus platostomus Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirh ynchus platorynchus S ilv er chub Macrhybopsis storeriana Silverband shiner Notropis shumardi Silvery minnow Hybognathus nuchalis Skipjack herring Alosa chrysochloris Smallmouth buffalo /ctiobus bubalus Southern brook lamprey lchthyomyzon gagei Speckled chub Macrhybopsis aestivalis Spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus Spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus Spotted sucker Minytrema melanops Steelcolor shiner Cyprinel/a whipplei 3-171 Table 3.6-3 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Stone roller Campostoma anomalum Striped bass Marone saxatilis Threadfin shad Oorosoma petenense White bass Marone chrysops White crappie Pomoxis annularis Yellow bass Marone mississippiensis (Douglas 1974) a. Sc i entific names are taken from Page et al. 20 1 3. 3-172 Table 3.6-4 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Commercial and Recreational Fish Species in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Commercial Importance Use Alligator gar Atractosteus spa tula Commercial fishery Sportfish B i gmouth buffalo lctiobus cyprinellus Commerc i al fishery Sportfish Blackta il redhorse Moxostoma poec ilurum Food species Food species Blue catfish lctalurus furcatus Food species Sportfish Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Food species Sportfish Carp Cyprinus carpio Commercial fishery Sportfish Channel catf i sh lctalurus punctatus Commerc ial fishery Sportf i sh Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas NA Ba itfi sh Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris Commercial fi shery Sportf i sh Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens Commercial fishery Sportfish Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum NA Baitfish Green sunfish Lepomis cyanel/us NA Sportfish Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Food species Sportfish Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus Food species Sportfish Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus NA Sportfish River carpsucker Carpiodes carpio NA Sportfish R i ver shiner Notropis blenn i us NA Baitfish Shortnose gar Lepisosteus platostomus Commerc i a l fishery Sportf i sh Skipjack herr ing Alosa chrysochloris NA Ba itfi sh Smallmouth buffalo lctiobus bubalus Commerc i a l fishery Sportf i sh Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum NA Ba itfi sh Striped bass Marone sa x atilis NA Sportfish White crappie Pomo xi s annularis NA Sportfish (Spec i es' likely p r esence is de ri ved from Douglas 1974; scientific names from Page et al. 2013.) NA: Indicates a fish which i s not commercially important i n the v ici nity of WF3. 3-173 Table 3.6-5 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Federally Listed Species in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes, Louisiana Group Common Name Scientific Name Mollusk Alabama heelspl i tter Potami/us inf/atus (inflated heelsplitter) mussel Fish Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Fish Pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus a/bus Bird Sprague's pipit (a) Anthus spragueii Mammal West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus (USFWS 2014b) a. Species also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. SC: St. Charles Parish SJB: St. John the Baptist Parish Parish Occurrence Status SJB Possible Threatened SC/SJB Known Threatened SC/SJB Known Endange r ed SC/SJB Known Candidate SC/SJB Seasonal Endangered Table 3.6-6 Sta t e-Listed Species in St. Char l es and St. John the Baptist Parishes, Louisiana Group Comm o n Name Plant Correll's fa l se dragon-head Plant F l oating antler-fern Plant Golden canna Plant Marshland flatsedge Plant Rooted spike-rush Plant Square-stemmed monkey f l ower Plant Swamp milkweed Plant Western umbrella sedge Fish Paddlefish F i sh Pallid sturgeon Rept il e Alligator snapp i ng turtle Bird Bald eagle (a) Bird Osprey ( a) Mamma l West Indian manatee (LDWF 2015b) a. Species also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. SC: St. Cha rles Parish SJB: St. John the Baptist Parish State Status Ranks Scientific Name Parish Physostegia carrel/ii SC Ceratopter i s pteridoides SC/SJB Canna flaccida SC Cyperus distinctus SC Eleocharis r adicans SJB Mimulus ringens SC Asclepias incarnate SC/SJB Fuirena simple x SC Polyodon spathu l a SC/SJB Scaphi rh ynchus a/bus SC/SJB Macrochelys temminckii SJB Hal ia eetus /eucocephalus SC/SJB Pandion hal ia etus SJB Trichechus manatus SC/SJB Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's En v ironmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Status S1 S2 S4? S1 S1? S2 S2 S1 S4 S1 S3 S3 S3 S1N S1 =c ritically imperiled in Louisiana because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer known extant populations) or because of some factor (s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation. S2 = imper ile d in Louisiana because of rarity (6 to 20 known extant populations) or because of some fact or (s) making it very vulnerable to extirpation. 3-175 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage S3 = rare and local throughout the state or found locally (even abundantly at some of its locations) in a restricted region of the state , or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation (21to100 known extant populations). S4 =apparently secure in Louisiana with many occurrences (100 to 1000 known extant populations).
S5 =demonstrably secure in Louisiana (1000+ known extant populations). (B or N may be used as qualifier of numeric ranks and indicating whether the occurrence is breeding or nonbreeding).
Legend -Property Boundary l--1 6-Mile Rad ius _ .. CJ Freshwa t er P ond -Lake Waterf o rd Steam E l ectric Station , Un it 3 A pplicant's Envir o nmental Report Op e ra ting Lic e nse Ren e wal S ta g e (E nter g y 2013 a; U SF W S 2015 a) -Freshwater Emerg ent Wetland -Riverine -Freshwa t er Forested/Shrub Wetland -O t he r
* NV\11 catergorized b y wetland ty pe. -------c::======
Miles 0 2 4 Figure 3.6-1 Wetlands , 6-Mile Radius of WF3 3-177 Legend -Property Boundary D F reshwater Pond -Freshwater Emergent Wetland -Ri v erine -Freshwa t er Forested/Shrub Wetla n d
* NWI catergorized by wetland ty pe. Waterfo r d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating Li c ense Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; USFWS 2015a) .. ............
c:::==========::::::J F eet 0 4 , 000 8 , 000 Figure 3.6-2 Wetlands, Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property 3-178 
 
===3.5 Water===
Resources
 
====3.5.1 Surface====
Water Resources Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage WF3 is located on the west (right descending) bank of the Mississippi River at River Mile 129.6 AHP , approx i mately 25 miles upstream of New Orleans on Entergy Louisiana , LLC owned property. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property consists of approximately 3 , 560 acres with approximately 7 , 500 feet of river frontage , and the M i ssissippi River is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts (Figure 3.5-1). WF3 is protected from river flooding by levees adjacent to the plant. (WF3 2014a , Sections 2.4.1.1 and 2.4.1.2) The M i ssissippi River and its tributar i es dra in a total of 1 , 245 , 000 square miles , which is 41 percent of the 48 contiguous states of the United States (USACE 2014b). Beginning in Minnesota , the headwaters of the Mississippi flow southward for approximately 2 , 300 miles into the Gulf of Mexico (USGS 1998). Because the river is so vast , i t has been broken i nto three segments , wh i ch contain a variety of habitat conditions and fisheries. The upper 512 miles from Lake Itasca to St. Anthony Falls in M i nnesota i s considered the headwaters of the Mississippi River. This portion of the Mississippi flows alternately through forests and wetlands. Dams have been bu i lt to form 11 small reservoirs and modify the elevation and discharge of several natural river lakes. These dams variously function for flood control , electricity generation , water supply , or recreation. (Schramm 2004) The Upper M i ss i ssippi River reach stretches 668 miles from St. Anthony Falls , Minnesota , to Alton , Illinois , a few miles above the confluence with the Missouri River. The Upper Mississippi River is impounded by 28 locks and dams built for commercial navigation and one dam (at Keokuk , Iowa) built for commercial navigation and hydropower generation. These dams are operated to ma i ntain minimum navigation channel depth (9 feet); thus , the dams have l i ttle effect on the r i ver stage and discharge during spring floods. (Schramm 2004) Downstream from the confluence of the Missouri River near West Alton , Missouri , north of St. Louis , the Mississippi flows un-dammed to Head of Passes in Louisiana where it branches into several d i str i butaries that carry water to the Gulf of Mexico. The 195 miles reach from the mouth of the Missouri River to the mouth of the Ohio River is referred to as the Middle Miss i ssippi R i ve r by management agencies. At the Missouri River confluence , water volumes i n the Mississippi River almost double. The 976 miles reach from the Ohio R i ver to Head of Passes is referred to as the Lower M i ss i ssippi River (LMR). Water from the Ohio River increases M i ssissipp i River discharge 150 percent. Although discharge and channel size d iffer between the two reaches , they share sim i lar hydrologic conditions , methods and levels of channelization , and loss of connectivity with the historic floodpla i n. (Schramm 2004) W i th an average discharge of 593 , 000 cfs , the M i ssissippi River is the largest r i ver in the Un i ted States (NRC 2006 , Sect i on 2.6.1.1 ). The width of the Mississippi River at the WF3 plant is approximately 1 , 850 feet , the average stage is approximately 9.9 feet , and the average veloc i ty i s approx i mate l y 3.65 fps. Based on 1992 USACE bathymetr i c info r mation for t he Mississippi River at the WF3 plant (R i ver Mile 129.6), the average maximum depth is approximately 3-73 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage 129 feet. (Entergy 2005 , Section 2.2) Based on the WF3 LPDES permit fact sheet (Attachment A), the 7-day , 10-year low flow is 141 , 955 cfs. The existing comprehensive flood control and navigation plan for the Mississippi River consists of a levee system along the main stem of the river and its tributaries in the alluvial plain; reservoirs on the tributary streams; floodways to receive excess flow from the river; and channel improvements such as revetment , dikes , and dredging to increase channel capacity. Below Baton Rouge , Louisiana , 92 miles of operative revetment works are in place and a low-water navigation channel 9 feet deep and 300 feet wide between Cairo, Illinois , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , is maintained by dredging and dikes. Other flood control programs consist of control structures , cutoffs , pumping plants , floodwalls , and floodgates. The channel cutoff program inaugurated in the 1930s consisted of 16 cutoffs which , along with two major chutes , have reduced the river distance between Memphis , Tennessee , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , by 170 miles. This program has lowered river stages by 10 feet at Vicksburg , Mississippi , at project design flood stages. Besides the flood control features , the plan provides for construction and maintenance of a navigable channel from Baton Rouge , Louisiana , to Cairo , Illinois. The following are major flood control levee systems , floodways , and control structures near WF3 (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2): Levees The levee line on the west bank of the Mississippi River begins just south of Cape Girardeau , Missouri , and except for gaps where tributaries join the Mississippi , extends almost to Venice , Louisiana , near the Gulf of Mexico. Below Baton Rouge , about 134 miles of levee are protected against river wave wash. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Floodway and Diversion Structures Four primary flooding control structures , operated by the USACE are located in the lower alluvial valley of the Mississippi River. The Bonnet Carre Spillway , Old River Control Structure, Morganza Floodway , and Atchafalaya Basin Floodway (Figure 3.5-1) are major flood control works which control Mississippi River flooding near WF3 (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2). a. Bonnet Carre Spillway The Bonnet Carre Spillway is located on the east bank , near the site of old Bonnet Carre Crevasse and in a straight reach of the Mississippi River approximately 25 miles above New Orleans , Louisiana , and three-quarters of a mile downstream from WF3. The structure is 7,700 feet long and contains 350 bays , each 20 feet wide with a weir crest elevation of +18.0 feet to 16.0 feet msl. The Bonnet Carre Spillway and structure were constructed to divert approximately 250 , 000 cfs of floodwaters from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain to prevent overtopping of levees at and below New Orleans , assuring the safety of New Orleans and the downstream delta area during major floods on the LMR. The spillway and floodway are operated to prohibit the river stage on the 3-74 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Carrollton gauge from exceeding 20 feet , a stage about 5 feet below levee grade. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) b. Old River Control Structure The Old River Control Structure is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River at approximately River Mile 314 AHP. The structure was built to prevent the Atchafalaya River from capturing the Mississippi River flow and to control flows into the Atchafalaya River and Basin. These structures consist of a low-sill control structure and an overbank control structure , and are designed to carry about 620 , 000 cfs of floodwaters. The low-sill control structure was designed to distribute mainly low and moderate flows. The structure consists of 11 gated bays , each having a 44-foot clear width between piers , and a weir crest elevation of +5.0 to 10 feet msl. The overbank control structure was designed to distribute flood flows between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers. The structure consists of 73 gated bays , each having a 44-foot clear width between piers , and a weir crest elevation of +52.0 feet msl. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) c. Morganza and West Atchafalaya Floodways The flow diverted from the main channel near Old River is carried by the Atchafalaya River through the Morganza Floodway and the West Atchafalaya Floodway. These two floodways follow down to the end of the levee system along the Atchafalaya River and merge into a single broad floodway that passes the flow to the Gulf through two outlets: Wax Lake and Lower Atchafalaya River. In major floods , the Morganza Floodway would be the first of these two floodways to be used. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The Morganza Floodway structure , located just above the town of Morganza , Louisiana , and between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway , is designed to convey approximately 600 , 000 cfs of Mississippi River floodwaters to the Gulf of Mexico via the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway , thence through the lower Atchafalaya River and Wax Lake Outlet. At the control structure , the floodway is about 4.4 miles wide and the control structure is approximately 3 , 900 feet in length and consists of 125 gated concrete weirs , each 28.25 feet in width , with a weir crest elevation of +37.5 feet msl. The Morganza Floodway was first used during the 1973 flood. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The Atchafalaya River starts from the confluence of the Red and Old rivers. The Atchafalaya Basin Floodway extends from the confluence to the Gulf of Mexico. The Floodway is designed to carry half of the project flood (1 , 515 , 000 cfs) to the Gulf. These floodwaters enter the floodway through the Red and Old rivers and the Morganza Floodway. Guide levees constructed on the east and west sides of the basin are approximately 15 miles apart. The West Atchafalaya Basin Floodway lies parallel to and on the west side of the Atchafalaya River channel. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) 3-75 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The thalweg of the LMR is below sea level from the Gulf of Mexico to about River Mile 350 AHP. This topographic feature permits salt water from the Gulf , which is denser than the fresh river water , to intrude into the LMR during periods of low flow. This intrusion takes the form of a defined saltwater wedge with little mixing occurring at its boundary , and this boundary is defined by the USACE as that depth at which the salinity equals 5 , 000 parts per million (ppm) chloride. In general , salt-water encroachment is indicated if observed chloride concentrations significantly exceed the value of 50 ppm , which represents the maximum chloride concentration normally found in the river and which persists for only 2 percent of the time. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) The maximum intrusion of the salt water wedge was detected in October 1939 at River Mile 120 AHP , approximately 10 miles downstream of the plant site. During this time , the discharge varied between 75 , 000 and 90,000 cfs for 30 consecutive days. Due to the existence of the Old River Control Structure , completed in 1963 , minimum low flows should not fall below 100 , 000 cfs. Therefore , the possible presence of the salt wedge at WF3 is considered highly unlikely.
(WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Potential for Flooding A potential cause of flooding in the Mississippi River Delta Basin is hurricane-induced surge flooding. Although the plant is approximately 60 miles from the open coast , hurricane surges have , historically , flooded large portions of the LMR Delta area. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.2) Based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data , the 100-year flood level is 5 feet (NAVD88) and covers the southwestern portions of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , as shown in Figure 3.5-2. Levees present along the western shoreline of the Mississippi River at WF3 are designed to protect the site against high water levels associated with the 100-year floods , but are subject to overtopping during larger flood events. (FEMA 1992a; FEMA 1992b; FEMA 1992c) As discussed in Section 2.2 , all safety-related components are housed in the NPIS , which is flood protected up to elevation
+29.27 feet msl. All exterior doors and penetrations below elevation
+29.27 feet msl leading to areas containing safety-related equipment are watertight.
The plant grade around the structure varies from elevation
+17 .5 feet msl on the north side to elevation
+14.5 feet msl on the south side. (WF3 2014a , Section 2.4.1.1) 3.5.1.1 Surface Water Discharges 3.5.1.1.1 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Chemical additives approved by the LDEQ are used to control the pH , scale , and corrosion in the circulating water system , and to control biofouling of plant equipment.
Discharges containing water treatment additives at or below LDEQ-approved concentrations are monitored and discharged to the Mississippi River via LPDES Outfall 001, or to 40 Arpent Canal via LPDES Outfalls 004 and 005 in accordance with the site's LP DES Permit No. LA000737 4 (Attachment A). The current LPDES permit authorizes discharges from 13 outfalls (3 external 3-76 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage and 10 internal). The outfalls (Figure 3.5-3) and their associated effluent limits are shown in Table 3.5-1. Certain low-volume and chemical wastewaters from the WF3 facility with no detectable radioactivity , as defined by the NRC plant effluent release limits , may be comingled and treated with similar wastes from Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and controlled under the terms of Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 LPDES Permit No. LA0007439. These type wastewaters are pumped to an onsite aboveground concrete holding basin where they are then transferred to the Waterford facility (Units 1 , 2 , and 4) for processing. There are no subsurface ponds , basins , or lagoons associated with WF3 wastewater discharges or plant operations. LPDES Outfall 901 (mobile metal cleaning wastewater), which is permitted to receive metal cleaning wastewaters , is a mobile outfall to allow wastewater treatment skids to be installed prior to discharging to Outfall 001 (once-through non-contact cooling water). The last time a metal discharge occurred at WF3 was associated with the cleaning of the steam generators in 2003. The wastewaters generated from the steam generators were collected in tanks and treated to meet LPDES permit limits prior to discharging. Discharges to Outfall 901 occurred during the months of October 2003 , November 2003 , December 2003 , and January 2004 (WF3 2003; WF3 2004b). The amount of metal chemical wastewaters generated from the cleaning of the steam generators was approximately 254,419 gallons (WF3 2003; WF3 2004b). 3.5.1.1.2 Stormwater Runoff Stormwater discharges associated with WF3 industrial activities are regulated and controlled through LP DES Permit No. LA000737 4 (Attachment A) issued by the LDEQ. WF3 samples stormwater runoff on a quarterly basis at LP DES Outfall 004 , which receives runoff from the entire industrial area , and analyzes for pollutants as specified in the permit. WF3 also maintains and implements a SWPPP that identifies potential sources of pollution , such as erosion , that would reasonably be expected to affect the quality of stormwater , and identifies BMPs that will be used to prevent or reduce the pollutants in stormwater discharges (WF3 2007b). 3.5.1.1.3 Sanitary Wastewaters With the exception of the Energy Education Center (EEC), sanitary wastewater from all plant locations is collected and discharged to the St. Charles Parish publicly owned treatment works (POTW), where it is managed appropr i ately. Sanitary wastewater from the EEC , which is regulated by WF3's LPDES Permit No. LA0007374 (Attachment A), flows to an onsite sewage treatment unit prior to discharging to 40 Arpent Canal via LPDES Outfall 005. No pretreatment permit is required in association with WF3's sanitary wastewater discharges to the St. Charles Parish POTW. However , WF3 continuously monitors the effluent for radioactivity. 3.5.1.1.4 Dredging As previously discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , because the average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant i s estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs , there is no significant 3-77 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage depos it ion of sediment at the i ntake structure. As a result , no dredging activities at the intake structure to remove sediment deposition have been necessary. 3.5.1.1.5 Compliance History As discussed in Chapter 9 , there has been no notice of violations or noncompliances associated with WF3 wastewater discharges to receiving surface waters over the previous 5 years (2010-2014). However , WF3 did receive a Notice of Deficiency from LDEQ regarding the improper cooling of biological oxygen demand , total suspended solids , and fecal coliform samples during delivery to the laboratory (LDEQ 2015a). This deficiency was promptly resolved by revising WF3's sampling procedure to require that samples be cooled upon collection (Entergy 2015 j). 3.5.2 Groundwater Resources 3.5.2.1 Groundwater Aquifers Groundwater in southeastern Louisiana is available in deltaic and shallow marine deposits. The major aquifers in this region are unconsolidated sands that dip southward. In general , these sand deposits are separated and confined by relatively impermeable clays and silts. There are four principal aquifer systems identified at WF3: the Shallow Aquifers , the Gramercy Aquifer , the Norco Aquifer , and the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Shallow Aquifers include point bar deposits and other shallow deposits of sand. Localized sand deposits below depths of about 150 feet have small yields of poor quality water and are not recognized as important aquifers in the region. The shallow deposits occur frequently in the Mississippi River deltaic plain, but are not interconnected regionally. The point bar deposits accumulate on the inside of river bends in the area of WF3 , have a maximum thickness of about 130 feet , and are overlain by 20 to 30 feet of natural levee deposits. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Gramercy Aquifer is the principal freshwater bearing sand in the Gramercy area and has previously been called the "200-foot" sand , but has little use in the region. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -200 feet msl beneath the southern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property and is about 100 feet thick. The aquifer is a medium-to very fine-grained sand and generally increases in thickness in the north to south direction. In the area of WF3 , the Gramercy Aquifer is irregular in thickness and discontinuous. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Norco Aquifer is the principal aquifer in the Norco area and has been called the "400-foot" sand in New Orleans. The top of the Norco Aquifer in both the New Orleans and Norco areas is encountered between depths of about 300 to 400 feet. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -325 feet msl beneath WF3 and is about 125 feet thick. It is a medium-to fine-grained sand in the area of New Orleans and grades to a medium to coarse sand in Norco , where it is the principal aquifer. The Norco Aquifer is usually separated from the overlying Gramercy Aquifer by clay beds with interbedded sand. In the Norco area , a large area of convergence exists between 3-78 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage the two aquifers. The Norco Aquifer is the principal aquifer in the area of WF3. The regional thickening and dip of the aquifer is to the south. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) The Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer is a fine-grained quartz sand of uniform texture , which underlies the Norco Aquifer in the region , and it has previously been called the Gonzales Aquifer or the " 700-foot" sand. The depth to the top of the aquifer in the New Orleans Norco area ranges from about 450 to 800 feet. The top of the aquifer occurs at about -600 feet msl beneath WF3 and is about 250 feet thick. It i s the principal aquifer in the New Orleans area. The New Orleans Aquifer is separated from the overlying Norco Aquifer by 200 to 300 feet of clay with interbeds of sand. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2) 3.5.2.2 Hydraulic Properties Estimates of permeability in the Shallow Aquifers are based on the texture of the soils composing the deposits and are generally reported as low , with typical sustained yield for wells in the point bar deposits being reported at only a few gallons per minute. The permeability of the Shallow Aquifers in the area of WF3 is estimated to be about 100 gallons per day per square foot (gpd/ft 2), again based on the texture of the deposits. (GZA 2007 , Sect i on 4.2.2) Fifty feet beneath the recent deposits is a reported aquiclude of fairly uniform Pleistocene clay with occasional discontinuous sand lenses (see Figure 3.4-3 , Sheet 2). The reactor foundation mat bears upon the Pleistocene clay at elevation
-47 feet msl. This layer is approximately 40 feet thick and exhibits an average permeability of about 1 x 10-8 centimeters per second (cm/sec). (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) A continuous dense to medium dense silty sand layer with some clay and approximately 19 feet in thickness is situated immediately beneath the uppermost Pleistocene clay , start i ng at e l evation -89 feet msl. This layer reportedly exhibits an average permeability of about 3.0 x 1 o-5 cm/sec. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) A stiff clay stratum from elevation
-108 feet msl to elevation
-330 feet msl is characterized as a local aquiclude. The layer is soft at the upper contact with the medium dense silty sand layer discussed above and has a continuous sand layer approximately 10 feet th i ck located at approximate elevation
-240 feet msl. The Norco Aquifer is locally manifested as a dense silty sand beneath an approximate elevation of -330 feet msl. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) The Gramercy Aquifer is about 100 feet thick in the Norco area and ranges from 30 to 150 feet thick in New Orleans. Values of transmissivity for the Gramercy Aquifer range from 20 , 000 gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft) in the vicinity of New Orleans to as high as 240 , 000 gpd/ft near Norco. Well yields from the Gramercy Aquifer in the area of WF3 range from several hundred to more than 1 , 000 gpm. A transmissivity on the order of 150 , 000 gpd/ft is indicated for the aqu i fer in the vicinity of Destrehan. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) Data from pumping tests in the Norco Aquifer indicate that the transmissivity increases from 50 , 000 gpd/ft in the New Orleans area to as much as 225 , 000 gpd/ft in the Norco area , where the 3-79 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage aquifer is continuous. Well yields as high as 3 , 000 gpm have been obtained from wells tapp i ng the Norco aquifer in the vicinity of Norco; however , the yield of most wells in the area range from 1 , 000 to 1 , 500 gpm. Hydrostatic pressures in the Gramercy and Norco aquifers have been reversed by large-scale pumping activities which began at Norco in 1920. The transmissivity of the Norco Aquifer in the area of WF3 is about 200 , 000 to 224 , 000 gpd/ft , and the permeability is about 1 , 600 to 1 , 800 gpd/ft 2. Most wells in the Norco Aquifer yield from 1 , 000 to 1 , 500 gpm , and most specific capacities range from 45 to 75 gpm/ft. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) Values of transmissivity of the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer range from 90 , 000 gpm/ft to 180 , 000 gpd/ft. Higher values of transmissivity are noted in the Geismer-Gonzales area , where the aquifer ranges in texture from a fine to very coarse sand and gravel. The transmissivity in the area of WF3 is lower than that of the Norco Aquifer , averaging about 148 , 000 gpd/ft. The permeability is on the order of 680 gpd/ft 2 , with most wells yielding between 1 , 000 and 1 , 500 gpm. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.2) 3.5.2.3 Potentiometric Surfaces Topographically , the WF3 area is relatively flat at an elevation of approximately
+12 feet msl. The land slopes slightly downward away from the river levee. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property to the south of the plant location , once a swamp area , has been reclaimed.
The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is immediately underlain by deposits of clay , silt , and sand of recent geological age. Based on information obtained from piezometric levels measured since June 1972 , this formation is discontinuous and generally unresponsive to fluctuations in the level of the Mississippi River. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) Water levels in shallow aquifers downstream of Baton Rouge area closely follow the stage of the Mississipp i River. Water from the Mississippi River seeps into shallow aquifers during periods of high river stage and from these aquifers into the river during periods of low river stage. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) Historically , shallow groundwater flow at WF3 has been described as flowing generally southwest away from the Mississippi River , except during low river stages when a transient groundwater divide is created. Water-level data collected as part of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) groundwater protection initiative (GPI) program indicate two general groundwater flow scenarios.
In the first scenario , the elevation of the Mississippi River is higher than onsite groundwater potentiometric elevations , and hydraulic gradients direct flow across the site away from the river (Figure 3.5-4). In the second scenario , the highest water-level elevations form a groundwater mound typically coincident with northern portions of the plant foundation excavation.
This groundwater mound creates a divide where hydraulic gradients direct a portion of groundwater flow away from the mound toward the Mississippi River (Figure 3.5-5). (WF3 2014f , Section 2.2) Deeper Aquifer Units: Prior to inception of heavy pumping in the New Orleans and Norco areas , groundwater movement in the regional aquifers was generally down-dip to the south. As groundwater usage has increased , the direction of movement has been altered and is now 3-80 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage generally towards the major centers of pumpage. An increase in vertical leakage through the confining beds has also occurred in some areas where head d i fferentials between adjacent aquifers have resulted from heavy pumpage from one aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.2.3) 3.5.2.4 Groundwater Protection Program In May 2006 , the NEI approved the GPI , an industry-wide voluntary effort to enhance nuclear power plant operators' management of their groundwater protection program (NEI 2007). Industry implementation of the GPI identifies actions to improve utilities' management and response to instances where the inadvertent release of radioactive substances may result in detectable levels of plant-related materials in subsurface soils and water , and also describes communication of those instances to external stakeholders. Aspects addressed by the initiative include site hydrology and geology, site risk assessment , onsite groundwater monitoring , and remediation. In August 2007 , NEI published updated guidance on implementing the GPI as NEI 07-07 , Industry Ground Water Protection Initiative-Final Guidance Document (NEI 2007). The goal of the GPI is to identify leaks of licensed material as soon as possible. In conjunction with the GPI , WF3 performs groundwater monitoring from 10 onsite locations to monitor for potential radioactive releases via groundwater pathways at the site in accordance with site procedures (Entergy 2014d). Figure 3.5-6 shows locations of these groundwater monitoring wells , including two basemat wells (BW-01 and BW-02) that are used for water-level data , with construction details presented in Table 3.5-2. 3.5.2.5 Sole Source Aquifers A sole source aquifer (SSA), as defined by the EPA , is an aquifer which is the sole or principal source that supplies at least 50 percent of the drinking water consumed by the area overlying the aquifer (EPA 2015c). The SSA program was created by the U.S. Congress in the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Act allows for the protection of these resources (EPA 2015d). WF3 is located in EPA Region 6 , which has oversight responsibilities for the public water supply in Arkansas , Louisiana , New Mexico , Oklahoma , Texas , and 68 federally recognized Tribal Nations within these five states (EPA 2015d). The EPA has designated six aquifers in Region 6 as SSAs. Two of these SSAs (Chicot Aquifer and Southern Hills regional aquifer system) are located in the state of Louisiana. (EPA 2008) The SSA closest to WF3 (EPA 2008) is the Southern Hills regional aquifer system , the primary source of public and domestic water supplies in the northern 10 counties of southeastern Louisiana and western Mississipp i (USGS 1983). The Southern Hills regional aquifer system is jointly managed with EPA Region 4 (Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Kentucky , Mississippi , North Carolina , South Carolina , and Tennessee)
(EPA 2008). The Southern Hills regional aquifer system is a gulfward dipping and thickening , complexly interbedded aquifer system extending from the northern limit of its recharge area near Vicksburg , Mississippi , to as far south as the Baton Rouge area in southeastern Louisiana. As many as 13 interdependent aquifer units compose the system in the southern part of the area and are 3-81 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage known to coalesce or pinch out northward (updip) into fewer units. (USGS 1983) The southern boundaries of the Southern H i lls regional aqu i fer system are approximately 16 miles north of WF3 on the northern shorelines of Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain (EPA 2008). Entergy Louisiana , LLC's property is not situated over this designated sole source aquifer. 3.5.3 Water Use 3.5.3.1 Surface Water Use The Mississippi River is used as a drinking water source at many locations downstream and is also a source for water to support industrial operations. The drinking water intakes nearest to WF3 are located at Dow Chemical (immediately downstream
 
===1.5 miles===
and on the same side of the River}, and the New Sarpy municipal water treatment plant (the closest municipal user , on the opposite bank , 4.5 m i les downstream). (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.1) In St. Charles Parish , the Mississippi River is by far the dominant surface water supply. In 2013 , surface water withdrawals were reported as 2 , 704.98 MGD , of which 2 , 130.95 MGD was used for power generation. With the exception of power generation , industrial and public water supply companies were the next largest users of surface water in St. Charles Parish with none utilized for rural domestic purposes. (USGS 2015b) A summary of surface water use in St. Charles Parish and the adjoining parishes along the Mississippi River is presented in Tab le 3.5-3. As previously discussed in Sec ti on 2.2.2.1 , WF3 withdraws cooling water from the Mississippi River through a series of intake pipes at a design flow rate of 1 , 555.2 MGD. The average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant (River Mile 129.6) is estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs. Based on this information , it is determined that WF3 withdraws a maximum of approximately 0.48 percent of the flow in the Mississippi River and , in actuality , this percentage is probably much less because of the additional , unaccounted for , stream flow contributions entering the Mississippi River downstream of the Vicksburg station and upstream of the WF3 plant. In Louisiana , there is no general permitting system for surface water withdrawals from the Mississippi River. 3.5.3.2 Groundwater Use Groundwater usage in St. Charles Parish is substantially less than surface water usage. In 2013 , groundwater withdrawals were reported as 3.03 MGD. Industrial facilities were the largest users of groundwater in St. Charles Parish , accounting for 99 percent of the parish groundwater withdrawals in 2013. The remaining water use was for rural domestic purposes.
(USGS 2015c 2015c) A summary of groundwater use in St. Charles Parish and the adjoining par i shes along the Mississippi River are presented in Table 3.5-4. A list of registered groundwater wells within a 2-mile band around the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary (Figur e 3.5-7) is presented in Table 3.5-5. These wells withdraw from the Norco and Gramercy aquifers and are primarily used for non-domestic purposes. (LDNR 2014) The shallow aquifers in the area of WF3 are not commonly used because of poor quality. The 3-82 Waterford Steam E l e c t r ic Sta ti on , Unit 3 Applican t's Environmental Report Opera t i ng License Renewal Stage potential for development of these aquifers is slight; their utility is restricted by their limited extent , poor water quality , and low permeability. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) WF3 does not withdraw groundwater from the site for plant operat i onal purposes. Once-through cool i ng water to remove heat from the condensers is supplied from the Mississippi River , while potable water is prov i ded by St. Charles Parish Water System. 3.5.4 Water Quality 3.5.4.1 Surface Water Quality While the Mississippi River does have some problems with certain contaminants and nutrients , overall the river is cleaner and healthier than i t has been in decades. Recent Louisiana State University studies of the Mississippi River show healthy fish populations , includ i ng important recreational and commercial species such as bass , catfish , buffalo , and shad. In recent LDEQ tissue analyses , fish from the M i ssissippi River were analyzed for more than 100 toxic chemicals , most of wh i ch (95 percent) were undetected. Samples with detectable toxins were at relat i vely low concentrations , falling below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard for edible fish. (Caffey et al. 2002) Nutrient concentrations in the Mississippi River are believed to be primarily derived from po i nt source pollution sources such as runoff from the landscape , and not attributed to source , or end-of-the-pipe discharges. However , some nutrient load from the Mississippi River is vital to maintaining the productivity of the extremely valuable Gulf of Mexico fisheries. Approximately 40 percent of the U.S. fisheries landings come from this productive zone influenced by nutr i ent-r i ch Mississippi River outflow located in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. Public concern exists over the potential for nutrient pollution (eutrophication) where river water i s used in coastal restoration projects.
Yet , recent research suggests that under current flow regimes these inputs are rapidly assimilated. (Caffey et al. 2002) Median fecal coliform bacteria concentrations in the Mississippi River have dropped s i gnificantly since the m i d-1970s. Much of th i s improvement can be attr i buted to the addition and upgrad i ng of numerous municipal sewage treatment facilities , rural septic systems , and an i mal waste management systems all along the r i ver and i ts tributaries ove r the past 25 years. Additionally , no known fisheries impacts are directly associated with bacterial pollution in the r i ver. (Caffey et al. 2002) Concentrations of trace metals in the Miss i ssippi River are well below EPA guidel i nes for both drinking water and aquatic life. No trace metal concentrations found in fish tissue exceeded the FDA standard for edible fish. Mercury concentrations in Mississippi River fish averaged well below the state adv i sory level of 0.5 ppm and the FDA alert l evel of 1.0 ppm. (Caffey et al. 2002) WF3 is located on segment 070301 of the Mississ i ppi River that stretches from Monte Sano Bayou to Head of Passes. This segment of the river is classified suitable for primary contact recreation , secondary contact rec r eation , fish and wildlife propagation , and drinking water supply. 3-83 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Attachment A) As such , the river is suitable for the propagation of fish, aquatic life and wildlife; for fishing , fish consumption
; for drinking water; and primary and secondary contact recreation. Primary contact recreation is defined as direct contact with the water as a result of swimming , bathing , surfing , or similar water contact activities.
Secondary contact recreation is defined as incidental contact with the water during activities such as wading, fishing , and boating , that are not likely to result in full body immersion.
Based on LDEQ's 2014 Louisiana Water Quality Inventory: Integrated Report Fulfilling Requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act , Sections 305(b) and 303(d}, which was finalized in 2015 , the Mississippi River segment on which WF3 is located is not impaired (LDEQ 2015b , Appendix A , page 69). 3.5.4.2 Groundwater Quality The water quality of the Shallow Aquifers is low in chloride but is characteristically hard and usually has a high iron content. Small deposits of potable water are sometimes found in abandoned distributary channel deposits.
Rainwater directly recharges the distributary channel deposits and may locally flush or displace brackish or salty water from shallow aquifers which are connected to the distributaries. Large quantities of fresh water cannot be developed in these deposits because salt water which underlies or is adjacent to these areas would move into the area after a period of continuous pumping. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Fresh water (less than 250 ppm chloride) occurs in the Gramercy Aquifer , in the Gramercy area. Little use has been made of the Gramercy Aquifer as a water supply in the New Orleans and Norco areas because the water of both areas is generally high in magnesium and calcium. The salinity of the water increases in a southerly direction. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Limited use is made of the Norco Aquifer in the New Orleans area; concentrations of chloride are generally greater than 250 ppm except in the extreme northwest portion of Jefferson Parish where fresh water occurs. Heavy pumping in the Norco area and hydraulic connections between the Gramercy and Norco aquifers have resulted in mixing of the water in these aquifers. Salty water from the Gramercy Aquifer has moved into the Norco Aquifer. Hard water in point-bar deposits , in turn , has replaced the salty water in the Gramercy Aquifer. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) Fresh water (less than 250 ppm chloride) in the Gonzales-New Orleans Aquifer is generally encountered north of the Mississippi River in the region. The freshwater in the New Orleans area is not entirely satisfactory for public supply because the water has a yellow color of organic origin. (GZA 2007 , Section 4.3.2) As part of the WF3 radiological groundwater monitoring program , groundwater samples are collected from selected monitoring wells on site and analyzed for radionuclides to detect potential impacts to groundwater from inadvertent leaks or spills. Samples are collected on at least a quarterly basis, or more frequently if deemed necessary , by chemistry site personnel.
(WF3 2014f , Section 4.4) As discussed in Section 4.5.2.4.3 , no tritium or plant-related gamma isotopes or hard-to-detect radionuclides have been detected since the groundwater monitoring program was initiated in 2007. 3-84 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applican t's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Industrial practices at WF3 that involve the use of chemicals are those activities typically associated with painting , cleaning of parts/equipment , refueling of onsite vehicles/generators , fuel oil and gasoline storage , and the storage and use of water-treatment additives. The use and storage of chemicals at WF3 are controlled in accordance with Entergy's fleet chemical control procedure and site-specific spill prevention plans (Entergy 2015c; WF3 2007b; WF3 2015b). In addition , as discussed in Section 2.2.4 , nonradioactive wastes are managed in accordance with Entergy's waste management procedure which contains preparedness and prevention control measures (Entergy 2015a). 3.5.4.2.1 History of Radioactive Releases In May 1997 , there was a l i quid radioactive release of approximately 800 gallons due to the overfilling of the spent fuel pool. The release eventually flowed under the fuel handling building train bay doors , and across the asphalt outside of the doors. Some the release also made it to the storm drain system. The spill contained a variety of radioisotopes released at a total count of 3.59E-02 curies (including tritium). Remediation efforts included removal of 5 , 000 cub i c yards of affected pavement and soil outside the fuel handling building train bay door, flushing of the storm drains , and remediation of the drainage ditch. (GZA 2007 , Section 3.3) The tritium concentration in this re l ease was approximately 22 , 000 picocuries per liter; however , as of June 2015 , the tritium is no longer detectable (NRC 2015b). As previously discussed , the WF3 radiolog i cal groundwater monitoring program has not detected any tritium or plant-related gamma isotopes or hard-to-detect radionuclides since the groundwater monitoring program was initiated in 2007. 3.5.4.2.2 History of Nonradioactive Releases Based on the review of site records over the previous 10 years (2005-2014), there has been only one inadvertent release that would not be classified as an incidental spill. In September 2008 , it was estimated that greater than 42 gallons of diesel fuel oil was inadvertently released from the Emergency Operations Facility underground emergency diesel generator fuel oil storage tank as a result of the fuel transfer pump being tampered with during a theft event. None of the fuel oil reached navigable waters , and the diesel fuel oil spilled onto the ground was recovered. (WF3 2008) This event did not require LDEQ oversight or result in a notice of violation. Historically , nonradioactive spills that have occurred at WF3 have been m i nor in nature and immediately remediated, and no spill events at WF3 have required a regulatory agency overseeing the incident or resulted in a notice of violation. 3-85 Outfall Description 001 Once-through non-contact cooling water (a) 004 Stormwater runoff , potable water , and maintenance wastewate r s 005 Energy Educat i on Center treated sanitary wastewater 101 Liquid waste management system 201 Boron management system 301 Filter flush wate r Waterford S t eam Elec t r i c S t atio n , Unit 3 Applicant's Env i ronm e nta l Repo rt Operating License Rene w a l Stage Table 3.5-1 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report monthly average and daily maximum i n MGD Temperature 118°F daily maximum Heat 9.5 x 10 3 MM Btu/hr daily ma xi mum Total residual chlor i ne 211 lbs/day daily maximum Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 15 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Biological oxygen demand 30 mg/I monthly average Total suspended solids 45 mg/I daily maximum Fecal coliform 30 mg/I monthly average 45 mg/I daily maximum 200 colonies/100 ml monthly average 400 colonies/100 ml daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) F l ow Report daily maximum in MGD Clarifying agents Record types and quantities used Outfall Description 401 Steam generator blowdown 501 Auxiliary cooling water basin A 601 Auxiliary cooling water basin B 701 Dry cooling sump #1 801 Dry cooling sump #2 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.5-1 (Continued)
LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum O i l and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I daily maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Free ava i lable chlorine (b) 0.5 mg/I daily maximum Total chromium (b) 0.2 mg/I daily maximum Total zinc(b) 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total organic carbon 50 mg/I da il y maximum Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Free ava i lable chlorine (b) 0.5 mg/I daily maximum Total chromium (b) 0.2 mg/I da i ly maximum Total Zinc (b) 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) 3-87 Outfall Description 901 Mobile metal cleaning wastewater 1001 Miscel l aneous intermittent wastewater (Attachment A) Waterford Steam Elect ri c Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Env i ro n me nt al Report Operating Licens e Renew a l Stag e Table 3.5-1 (Continued)
LPDES-Permitted Outfalls Parameter Permit Requirement Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 100 mg/I daily maximum Oil and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum Tota l copper 1.0 mg/I daily maximum Total iron 1.0 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) Flow Report daily maximum in MGD Total suspended solids 1 00 mg/I daily maximum Oi l and grease 20 mg/I daily maximum pH (6.0-9.0 SU) a. Whole effluent toxicity testing i s also a permit condition associated with Outfa l l 001. b. Required only during cool i ng tower blowdown discharge. MMBtu/hr: million British thermal un i ts per hour MGD: million gallons per day mg/I: milligrams per lite r SU: standard unit Well Diameter Top of Well (inches) Casing Ground BW-0 1 4 20.66 17.50 BW-02 4 20.2 7 17.50 MW-03 2 16.59 14.01 MW-04 2 18.31 15.58 MW-05 2 12.24 9.65 MW-06 2 14.01 1 1.61 MW-0 7 2 19.46 16.31 MW-08 2 19.84 16.3 7 MW-09 2 15.87 1 3.65 MW-10 2 18.4 7 15.96 MW-11 2 18.77 15.93 MW-1 2 2 18.13 15.22 (WF3 2014f , Table 1) Table 3.5-2 Onsite Well Construction Details Elevations (feet NGVD29) Top of Filter Top of Screen Bottom of (approx.) (approx.)
Screen (approx.)
-35.0 -36.0 -40.0 -35.0 -36.0 -40.0 -8.8 -10.7 -2 0.7 -7.2 -9.2 -19.2 -13.2 -15.1 -25.1 -9.4 -11.1 -2 1.1 -9.2 -11.4 -21.4 -8.6 -11.3 -2 1.3 -7.4 -14.1 -2 4.1 -7.0 -9.8 -1 9.8 -7.1 -9.9 -1 9.9 -11.8 -14.5 -2 4.5 3-89 Wate rf or d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's E nvironmenta l Repo rt Operating License Renewal S tage Well Bottom of Filter Construction (approx.)
Material -40.0 PVC screen and rise r -40.0 PVC screen an d riser -21.0 Sch 40 PVC screen and ri se r -1 9.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and ri se r -2 5.4 Sch 40 PVC sc re en and ris e r -21.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and rise r -21.7 Sch 40 PVC screen and riser -2 1.6 Sch 40 PVC screen and r i s er -24.4 Sch 40 PVC screen and r i ser -20.0 Sch 80 PVC screen and r i ser -20.1 Sch 80 PVC screen and rise r -24.8 Sch 80 PVC scre e n and rise r Category Public supply Industrial Power generation Domestic , rural Total (USGS 2015b) Table 3.5-3 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Mississippi River Water Usage Summary, 2013 Jefferson Parish St. Charles Parish St. John the Baptist Parish (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) 59.87 8.11 3.41 4.57 565.92 52.32 845.74 2 , 130.95 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 910.18 2,704.98 55.73 3-90 Category Publ ic supply Industrial Power generat i on Domestic , rural Total (USGS 20 1 5c) Waterford Steam Electric Stat ion , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.5-4 Groundwater Usage Summary, 2013 Jefferson Parish St. Charles Parish St. John the Baptist Parish (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) 0.00 0.00 4.92 1.44 3.01 8.60 4.79 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.02 0.08 6.26 3.03 13.60 3-91 Table 3.5-5 Waterford Steam Elect r ic Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Registered Groundwater Wells, 2-Mile Band around Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property Boundary Water Well Distance(a)
Well Depth Number (miles) (feet) Use Description Aquifer Name 089-34 0.25 387 Industrial Norco 089-159 0.82 440 Industr i al Norco 089-87 0.87 400 Livestock Norco 089-6047Z 1.37 130 Domestic Gramercy 089-6048Z 1.41 60 Domestic Gramercy 089-167 1.49 464 Fire protection Norco 089-182 1.54 400 Industrial chemical Norco manufacturing 089-164 1.55 410 Industrial Norco 089-192 1.61 400 Industrial Norco 089-6205Z 1.67 405 Domestic Norco (b) 089-179 1.90 460 Industrial chemical Norco manufacturing 089-146 2.06 400 Livestock Norco 089-5257Z 2.20 350 Domestic Norco 089-191 2.51 368 Aquaculture Norco 089-6132Z 2.97 240 Irrigation Gramercy 089-50212 3.94 231 Oil/gas well rig supply Gramercy 089-5109Z 5.18 150 Oil/gas well rig supply Gramercy (LDNR 2014) a. Distance is from the WF3 NPIS. Wells listed are l imited to those wells within a 2-mile band around the property boundary. b. Registration informat i on states the well is completed in the New Orleans Aqu i fer system surfic i al confin i ng unit; however , based on well depth and reported depth of nearby wells , it is assumed this well is completed i n the Norco Aqu i fer. 3-92 Legend *WF3 -* -USA CE Levee Flood Control Structure Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Mississippi River Delta Basin (LOSCO 2014; USCB 2014c; USDOT 2014; USGS 2014a; WF3 2014a , Figure 2.4-2) ------=====:::iM iles 0 1 5 3 0 Figure 3.5-1 Regional Hydrologic Features 3-93 Legend -P roperty Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage ZONE AE -S pecial flood hazard areas c:::J inundated by 1 00-yr flood with base flood elevation determined. ZONE X -A reas protected from 1 00-y r flood by CJ levee , dike , or other structure subject to failure or overtoping during larger flooding.
EL = B ase flood elevation in feet where un iform within zone. (Entergy 2013a; FEMA 2014; USDA 2014a) ------c=:=====
Miles 0 0.5 1 Figure 3.5-2 FEMA F l ood Zo n es , En t ergy Lou i siana , LLC Property 3-94 Legend -Propert y Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applican t's Environmental Repo rt Operating L ic ense Renewa l S t age (Ente rgy 2009a , F i gure 2; Ente rgy 2013a; ESRI 20 14) -------=======F eet 0 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-3 LPDES-Permitted Outfalls 3-95 2 , 400 BW-01 20.66 7.74 12.92 B W-02 20.27 7.45 12.82 MW-03 16.61 6.08 10.53 MW-04 18.34 8.92 9.42 MW-05 12.26 5.90 6.36 MW-06 14'02 4.2 4 9.78 MW-07 19.51 5.55 13.96 MW-08 19.88 4.95 14.93 MW-09 15.88 5.16 10.n MW-10 18.47 9.90 8.57 MW-11 l&n 10.13 8.64 Mw-u* NM NM NM River NA NA 17
* MW-U not installed at t ime of mea su rment Legend S Mon i toring Well __.Flow Direction Potentiometric Surface June 3 , 2013 -Propert y Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; ESRI 2014; WF3 20 1 4f , Figure 5) --------========F eet 0 600 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-4 WF3 Potentiometric Surface Map, Shallow Groundwater Elevation 3-96 (ftNGVD29) 8W*Ol 20.66 12.32 8W-02 20.27 7.95 12.32 MW-03 1 6.61 5.63 10.9 8 MW-04 18.34 8.41 9.93 MW-0 5 12.26 5.83 6.4 3 MW-06 14.02 4.2 9.82 MW-07 19.51 6.25 13.2 6 MW-08 19.88 7.12 12.76 MW-09 15.88 10.88 MW-10 18.47 9.49 8.98 MW*ll 18.n 9.71 9.06 MW*U* NM NM NM R iv er NA NA 3.94
* MW*12 not inst a lled a t t i me of measurment Legend S Monitoring Well ..... Flow D irecti on Potent i omet ric Surface Sep tem be r 10 , 2013 -P roperty Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; ESRI 2014; WF3 2014f , Figu re 6) *******-========F eet 0 600 1, 200 Figure 3.5-5 WF3 Potentiometric Surface Map, Highest Groundwater Elevation 3-97 Legend s Mon it oring Well -Property Boundary Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stag e (Enterg y 2013a; ESR I 2014; WF3 2014f , Figure 1) -------======:::i Fe et 0 600 1 , 200 Figure 3.5-6 Onsite Groundwater Monitoring Wells 3-98 Legend O WaterWell
-Property Boundary r--L _ _! 2-Mile Band Waterford Steam Elect r ic Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage (Enterg y 2013a; ESRI 2014; LDNR 2014) -----=========::::i Miles 0 2 Figure 3.5-7 Registered Water Wells, 2-Mile Band around Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property Boundary 3-99 
 
===3.6 Ecological===
 
Resources Wate rf o r d Steam Elect ri c Stat i on , U nit 3 Applican t's Environmen t a l R e port Operat in g Li c ense Renewa l S t ag e Reg i onal ecology i s greatly influenced by the geomorphic and physiographic characteristics of the region. Soils determ i ne the basic fertil i ty of the region which , in turn , determines the types of plants that may grow. The plants that are present greatly influence the types and number of anima l s that reside in the region. Soil types also greatly influence the basic fert i lity of aquatic ecosystems and the species present. Cl i matological factors , such as temperature and precipitation , further refine the plants and animals that may live in a locale. St. Charles Parish , where WF3 is located , is in the LMR valley , and the site is adjacent to the M i ss i ss i ppi River (Figure 3.0-3). The reg i onal ecology is described below. 3.6.1 Region 3.6.1.1 Geomorphology The Mississippi Rive r has dominated the development of geologic and phys i ographic features in the region s i nce the beginning of Neogene period. The region i s underlain by a complex layer i ng of sand , silt , and clay from former Mississ i ppi River delta lobes , levee , and overbank flood deposits. Typically , deltaic sediments vary from a few feet to more than 700 feet along the course of the Mississippi River. The various geologic and physiographic provinces i n the region are discussed in Section 3.4. 3.6.1.2 Soils Soils are important for defin i ng the general ecological characteristics of the region. Soils i n the region generally contain interbedded , interd i stributary peat and clay; natural levee silt and clay; d i stributary sand; and delta-front and prodelta mud and clay with higher sandy silt , silt , clayey s i lt , silty clay within the natural levees and overbank and point bar deposits along the M i ss i ss i ppi. The soil units in the region include Holocene-aged deposits consisting of sand , sandy silt , s i lt , clayey silt , silty clay , and clay deposited by the Mississippi R i ver (Section 3.4.1.1.2). The distribution of surface soil units within and surrounding the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is shown i n Figure 3.4-4. 3.6.1.3 Cl i mate As discussed i n Section 3.2 , the climate of southeastern Louisiana i s classified as humid subtropical , and it i s i nfluenced to a large degree by the many water surfaces prov i ded by lakes and streams and by proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. From mid-June to mid-September , the prevailing southeast to southwest w i nds carry i nland warm , moist tropical air favorable for sporadic development of thunderstorms.
The hotter drier conditions are usually caused by the formation of a h i gh pressure system over the western Gulf of Mexico. Cool continental air rarely reaches the s i te region in summer. From about m i d-November to mid-March , the area is subjected alternately to tropical air and cold cont i nental air in per i ods of vary i ng l ength. Bursts of cold air do reach southeastern Louisiana from late fall unt i l early spring , but the resu l t i ng cool 3-100 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage temperatures seldom last more than a few days. Even during these seasons , the weather is still usually dominated by maritime tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico. In the New Orleans area , during the 30-year period 1981-2010 , the greatest number of days in New Orleans with temperatures of 90°F or higher was 7 4 days in 197 4 and , on average , there are only about 7 days per year when the temperature rises to 95°F or higher. About 80 percent of the December-February hourly temperatures range from 41°F to 69°F. Freezing temperatures are not common and are generally restricted to the period mid-December to mid-March. Some years have no temperatures below freezing. The mean date of the first occurrence of 32°F or lower temperature is about December 12 , and the mean date of the last occurrence is about February 13. Between these dates , however , temperatures are above freezing more than 6 out of 7 days , with some afternoon temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Relative humidity of less than 50 percent occurs in each month of the year; however , it is less frequent in the summer than during the other seasons. Rather frequent and sometimes very heavy rains are typical for this area. A fairly definite rainy period occurs from mid-December to mid-March. April , May , October , and November are generally dry. Climate is discussed in greater detail in Section 3.2. 3.6.1.4 Regional Water Systems The Mississippi River is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts (Figure 3.5-1 ). The Mississippi River and its tributaries drain a total of 1 , 245 , 000 square miles , which is 41 percent of the 48 contiguous states of the United States (USACE 20 1 5). Downstream from the confluence of the Missouri River near West Alton , Missouri , north of St. Louis , the Mississippi flows un-dammed to Head of Passes in Louisiana where it branches into several distributaries that carry water to the Gulf of Mexico. The Bonnet Carre Spillway is located on the east bank , near the site of old Bonnet Carre Crevasse and in a straight reach of the Mississippi River approximately three-quarters of a mile downstream from WF3 and moves floodwater from the Mississippi River to Lake Ponchartrain. There are many miles of frontage on the Mississippi River and it is important for commercial navigation and for recreation. In addition , the cooling water source for WF3 plant operations is the Mississippi River. Lac Des Allemandes is the only lake in the vicinity of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property (Figure 3.0-3). Detailed discussions of these waters may be found i n Section 3.5.1. 3.6.1.5 Regional Ecosystems The area surrounding WF3 is part of the Southern Holocene Meander Belts. The flood plain of the Mississippi River consists of cypress-tupelo swamps and freshwater wetlands on the backside of a natural levee. In front of the levee is the river and an ever-changing mosaic of forested areas , wetlands , and erosion/deposition areas at the river's edge. (Daigle et al. 2006) 3-101 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage A brief description of the regional ecosystems , including state-listed natural communities , is provided below. 3.6.1.5.1 Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Cypress-tupelo swamp is a forested , alluvial swamp that grows on intermittently exposed soils , most commonly along rivers and streams but also occurs in backswamp depressions and swales. Soils are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater on a nearly permanent basis throughout the growing season , except during periods of extreme drought. All swamps , even deepwater swamps with almost continuous flooding , experience seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Cypress-tupelo swamps generally occur on mucks and clays , and also silts and sands with underlying clay layers (Alfisols , Entisols, Histosols , and lnceptisols). (LDWF 2015a) This natural community exhibits relatively low floristic diversity, and associate species may vary widely from site to site. Undergrowth is often sparse because of low light intensity and long hydroperiod. Establishment of young trees can only occur during periods of exceptionally long drought , because neither bald cypress nor tupelo gum seeds germinate underwater , nor can young seedlings of these trees survive long submergence. These swamps tend to be even-aged stands because the environmental conditions favorable for germination and establishment of saplings occur very infrequently , and also bald cypress is an intolerant tree species requiring high light conditions for establishment and successful growth. They provide important ecosystem functions including maintenance of water quality , productive habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species , and regulation of flooding and stream recharge. (LDWF 2015a) Pre-settlement cypress-tupelo swamp may have covered approximately
 
===2.5 million===
acres (Keim et al. 2006). Sizeable areas of cypress-tupelo swamp still remain , even though the historic extent is considerably reduced. Statewide estimates of swamp loss range from 25 to 50 percent of the original pre-settlement acreage, and old-growth examples are very rare. Threats to cypress-tupelo swamp are agricultural , industrial , and residential development
; saltwater intrusion and subsidence
; hydrological alterations (to include adjacent areas); construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; logging on permanently flooded sites where natural or artificial regeneration is not feasible; soil damage from timber harvesting or industrial activities
; contamination by chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers)
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2015a) Cypress-tupelo swamps may be found throughout Louisiana in all river basins (LDWF 2015a) but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.2 Live Oak Natural Levee Forest Live oak natural levee forest occurs principally in southeastern Louisiana on natural levees or frontlands , and on "islands" within marshes and swamps. This community is similar in some respects to coastal live oak-hackberry forest in that both develop on natural ridges in the coastal zone, and overstory dominants are comparable
; however , natural levee forests have a greater species richness and diversity. Composed primarily of sandy loams and clays , these ridges 3-102 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage range from 4 to 6 feet above sea level. Soil pH is circumneutral (6.6-7.0), and organic matter content is high. Live oak natural levee forest is important wildlife habitat and serves as vital resting habitat for trans-Gulf migratory birds. (LDWF 2014b) These forests occur in the Deltaic Plain of extreme southeastern Louisiana parishes from Orleans and St. Bernard parishes westward to St. Mary Parish. Of the original 500 , 000 to 1 million acres in Louisiana , currently only 1 to 5 percent of pre-settlement extent remains. Threats to live oak natural levee forests are resident i al development
; roads and utility construction
; coastal erosion and saltwater i ntrusion; invasive and exotic spec i es; and overgrazing which damages understory vegetation and inhibits natural stand regeneration. (LDWF 2014b) Live oak natural levee forests may be found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 2014b), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.3 Brack i sh Marsh Brackish marsh is usually found between salt marsh and intermediate marsh , although it may occasionally lie adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. This type of marsh , which is dominated by tolerant grasses , experiences irregular tidal flooding and may have small pools or ponds scattered throughout.
Plant diversity and soil organic matter content are higher in brackish marsh than i n salt marsh , and wire grass (Spartina patens) is typically dominant.
Two other major autotrophic groups in brackish marsh are epiphytic algae and benthic algae. Vertebrate species population levels are generally higher in brackish marsh compared to sa lt marsh. (LDWF 2014c) Salinity averages about 8 parts per thousand (ppt), and this community may be changed to another marsh type by shifts in salinity levels. Brackish marsh acts as a nursery area for myriads of l arval forms of shrimp , crabs , redfish , seatrout , menhadden , etc., and also as important waterfowl habitat. This habitat functions as a nitrogen and phosphorus sink , thereby improving the quality of water that passes through this ecosystem , and it can alleviate the effects of storms and flooding by act i ng as a buffer and prov i d i ng storage for l arge amounts of water. (LDWF 2014c) The pre-settlement extent of brackish marsh is estimated to have been between 500 , 000 and 1 million acres , with 50 to 75 percent remaining today. At present , the total acreage of brackish marsh appears to be increasing due to shifts in marsh salinity levels. However , stable viable examples of brackish marsh are becoming rare in Louisiana. Threats to brackish marsh are shoreline erosion and subsidence
; commercial and industrial development
; construction of roads, pipelines , or utilities; hydrological alterations (channelization and leveeing of waterways , cana l dredging); contam i nation by chem i ca ls or in dustr i al discharge; fire suppress i on; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014c) 3-1 03 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Repo rt Operating License Renewal Stage Brackish marshes may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartra in, Mississipp i, Barataria , Terrebonne , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcas i eu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014c), but were not observed on the Entergy Louis i ana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species hab i tat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.4 Intermediate Marsh As a natural community , intermediate marsh lies between brackish marsh and freshwater marsh , although it infrequently may be adjacent to the Gulf. Intermediate marsh has an irregular tidal regime and is oligohaline (salinity of 3 to 10 ppt). Dominated by narrow-leaved , persistent species , particularly wire grass , this marsh may have small pools or ponds scattered throughout.
Soil organic matter content in intermediate marsh is higher than in brackish marsh. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marsh is characterized by a higher diversity of species than salt or brackish marsh , although many of the same species are found in freshwater marsh , and some of the species are found in brackish marsh. This marsh type is important to many species of avian wildlife; it supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl and is critical nursery habitat to larval marine organisms. Gradual changes in salinity conditions can cause this habitat to shift towards brackish marsh. Two other major autotrophic groups in intermediate marsh are epiphytic and benthic algae , and intermediate marsh is the smallest in extent of the four marsh types. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marsh pre-settlement acreage was estimated at 100 , 000 to 500 , 000 acres , but has been reduced by 50 to 75 percent of this original extent. The largest contiguous tracts of intermediate marsh occur in Cameron , Vermilion , Terrebonne , and Lafourche parishes. Threats to intermediate marsh are saltwater intrusion and subsidence
; canal dredging; commercial , industrial , and residential development
; construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; contamination by chemicals or industrial discharge; fire suppression
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014d) Intermediate marshes may be found in Pearl , Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014d), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.5 Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh is generally located adjacent to intermediate marsh along the northernmost extent of the coastal marshes , although it may occur beside coastal bays where freshwater input is entering the bay (e.g., Atchafalaya Bay). Small pools or ponds may be scattered throughout this community. Floristic composition of these sites is quite heterogeneous and is variable from site to site. Salinities are usually less than 2 ppt and normally average about 0.5 to 1.0 ppt. Frequency and duration of flooding , which are intimately related to microtopography , seem to be 3-104 Waterford Steam Electric Sta ti on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage the primary factors governing species distributions. Substrate , current flow , salinity , competition , and allelopathy are also important in determining species distribution patterns. (LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marsh has the greatest plant diversity of any of the marsh types. One report claims 92 plant species in freshwater marsh versus only 17 different species in salt marsh. This community has the highest soil organic matter content of any marsh type , and it is frequently dominated by maidencane (Panicum hemitomon). Epiphytic and benthic algae are two other major autotroph groups in freshwater marsh. A significant portion of freshwater marsh is floating marsh (flotant), which occurs in the Deltaic Plain of southeast Louisiana. (LDWF 2014e) Wildlife populations are generally highest in this marsh type and it supports high numbers of wintering waterfowl.
Freshwater marsh acts as important nursery areas for the young of many marine species , such as croaker , seatrout , blackdrum , flounder , and juvenile brown and white shrimp. Saltwater intrusion may cause a change to a more saline marsh type or even open water , if the increase in salinity levels is rapid and persistent.
(LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marsh has undergone the largest reduction in acreage of any of the marsh types over the past 20 years. Pre-settlement acreage was est i mated at 1 to 2 million acres , but has been reduced by 25 to 50 percent of this original extent. The largest contiguous tracts of freshwater marsh occur in Terrebonne , St. Mary , Vermillion , Cameron , Lafourche , and St. Charles parishes.
Threats to freshwater marshes are shoreline erosion and subsidence
; commercial and industrial development
; construction of roads , pipelines , or utilities; hydrological alterations (channelization and leveeing of waterways , canal dredging); contamination by chemicals or industrial discharge; fire suppression
; and invasive exotic species. (LDWF 2014e) Freshwater marshes may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartra i n , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins (LDWF 2014e), but were not observed on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during the October 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.1.5.6 Wetlands As discussed i n Section 3.6.4 , the LMR once was dominated by swamps , marshes , and bottom land forests. Today , the ecoregion is heavily converted , with just under half of the ecoregion covered by forest. One-third has been converted to agriculture , and the remaining areas are composed of water , wetlands , urban , and barren areas. (FEOW 2014) The primary wetland types are freshwater emergent and freshwater forest/shrub. Wetlands are discussed in greater detail in Section 3.6.5.1. 3.6.1.5.7 Regional Animal Communities Historical changes in the vegetation have impacted the contemporary animal communities present in the region. Animals that occur in the region also are typ i cally found on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property if appropriate habitats are available. Animals that may be found in the 3-105 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage vicinity and on the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property are presented in Table 3.6-1 and described in Section 3.6.7. 3.6.2 Site and Vicinity WF3 is located on the west (right descending) bank of the Mississippi River between New Orleans , Louisiana , and Baton Rouge , Louisiana , at River Mile 129.6. New Orleans is approximately 25 miles east of the site and Baton Rouge is approximately 50 miles northwest (Figure 3.0-4). The site is in the northwestern portion of St. Charles Parish , Louisiana , near the towns of Killona and Taft. WF3 is located in an industrial complex adjacent to the Mississippi River , which includes a number of large chemical and power plants that are near the WF3 plant. These plants collectively have transformed the local area into a large industrial complex that lines the river with some agricultural fields , primarily sugarcane and soybeans , which are located away from the river. As discussed in Section 3.1.1 , approximately 660 acres of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is currently leased to Raceland Raw Sugar LLC for growing sugarcane crops , milo , or soybeans as stipulated in the lease agreement.
Generally , the Entergy Louis i ana , LLC property is separated into two distinctly different tracts of land. The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property on the south side of LA-3127 is a large forested wetland which is of ecological interest.
On the north side of the highway is the industrial plant and agricultural fields that are ecologically disturbed areas. 3.6.3 Potentially Affected Water Bodies The major water resource in the area near the WF3 plant site is the Mississippi River. Water from the river is used for a variety of industrial uses at the plant , but primarily for once-through cooling water. Other than drainage ditches , there are no other significant water bodies on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property where WF3 is located. 3.6.4 Ecological Resources History The LMR ecoregion once was dominated by swamps , marshes , and bottomland forests (primarily oak-hickory-pine forests). The pre-settlement ecological conditions included approximately
 
===2.5 million===
acres of cypress tupelo swamp (Keim et al. 2006); up to 1 million acres of live oak natural levee forest (LDWF 2014b); as much as 1 million acres of brackish marsh (LDWF 2014c); up to 500 , 000 acres of intermediate marsh (LDWF 2014d); and up to 2 million acres of freshwater marsh (LDWF 2014e). Although these areas still exist in many places , they are not as extensive as in pre-settlement times (FEOW 2014). Today , these five natural communities are state-listed (LDWF 2015b). Ten thousand years ago, the Mississippi River was a continuum typical of a floodplain river. Beginning as a small stream in the forested headwaters of Lake Itasca , Minnesota , the river flowed through virgin forests and unbroken prairie to its deltaic outlet into the Gulf of Mexico in 3-106 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applicant's Env iro nmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Louis i ana. From headwaters to the mouth , the river i ncreased in size and discharge , and decreased in slope. Initially , the young river flowed through a small valley bordered by wetlands and lakes. Along its downstream course , the river changed from a single to a braided channel in its midreaches and finally to a meandering , constantly changing channel downstream. Its valley changed rather steadily from a narrow floodplain flanked by tall bluffs upstream to a vast , flat floodplain downstream. (Schramm 2004 , page 303) Historically , the LMR overflowed onto a 30-to 125-mile-wide alluvial valley and , along with its tributaries , encompassed the largest floodplain fishery in North America. Because the river was continually creating and abandoning channels in its 15-to 30-mile-wide meander belt , the area was interspersed with permanent and seasonal wetlands. These wetlands flooded shallowly for extended periods almost annually , and there was a great diversity of aquatic habitat types. More than 150 species of fishes were present. (USFWS 2014a) Following European exploration and settlement of the area , sugarcane product i on , rice cult iv at i on , and logging became the primary econom i c activities that affected the landscape , along with increased settlement (Section 3. 7). Floods of 1849 and 1850 , which caused widespread damage in the Mississippi River Valley , revealed the national interest in controlling the mighty river. By 1879 , the need for improvement of the Mississippi River had become widely recognized. The necessity for coordination of engineering operations through a centralized organization had finally been accepted and , accordingly , in that year the U.S. Congress established the Mississippi River Commission. (USACE 2015) By the early 20th century , most of the area had been t i mbered out , and the plantat i ons and truck farms began to g i ve way to industrial complexes , especially those related to petroleum (Sect i on 3. 7). Majo r floods occurred again in 1912 , 1913 , and 1927. The flood of 1927 was the most disastrous in the history of the LMR valley at the time: an area of about 26 , 000 square miles was inundated; levees were breached; cities , towns , and farms were laid waste; crops were destroyed , and industries and transportation paralyzed. Out of that flood event grew the Flood Control Act of 1928 , which committed the federal government to a definite program of flood control. (USACE 2015) In i ts present form , the Mississippi River changes dramatically and rather in crementally along it s journey from headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Dams have been built to form 11 small reservoirs and modify the elevation and discharge of several natural river lakes. These dams variously function for flood control , electr i city generation , water supply , or recreation. (Schramm 2004 , page 303) As a result , river-control structures have largely locked the river in place. R iv er control structures are discussed in detail in Section 3.5.1. Construction of levees along the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries has severed the river from more than 90 percent of its floodplain (Schramm 2004 , page 305), denying fish and other aquatic species access to m i llions of acres of foraging , spawning , and nursery habitat. Virtually no new habitat is being created while exist in g floodplain lakes and secondary channels are gradually being lost due to sedimentation.
3-107 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The LMR is part i cularly prone to point-source pollution because , over time , Arkansas and Louisiana have become home to many highly pollut i ng industries (Janvrin 2009). In terms of human health , nitrate is the only nutrient compound that represents a problem in the Mississippi River system likely due to extensive agricultural areas adjacent to the Mississippi River basin. In addition to the public health question , nitrate represents an ecological problem as well. Because it is not removed quickly , nitrate is accumulating in the Gulf of Mexico. (Antweiler et al. 1995) Based on USGS monitoring , nitrate levels continue to increase in the Mississippi River , including the Mississippi's outlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Monitoring indicates that nitrate concentrations have increased at the Mississippi River outlet by 12 percent between 2000 and 2010. Factors contributing to these increases include fertilizer use , livestock waste , agricultural management practices , and wastewater treatment.
(USGS 2015d) The terrestrial ecology of the LMR and the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property has also been changed over time. The construction of LA-3127 , which t r averses the property , created minor alterations in certain drainage patterns in the area. Furthermore , use of this highway by vehicles has caused varying forms of pollution and has the potential to result in mortality to adjacent wildlife populations. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-6) The introduction of nutria (Myocastor coypus) into Louisiana may be the most i mportant infestation that occurred in the area. The first appearances of this animal were the result of escapes and releases , the latter representing efforts to control undesirable aquatic plants , such as the water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). With few natural predators to control the growth of nutria populations , the number of these animals soon reached an estimated 20 million. The importance of nutria has been the subject of considerable controversy , and it has been blamed for significant damage to rice and sugarcane crops. The nutria was also implicated as the cause of the decline in the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) population. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-6) Natural catastrophes have also had considerable impact on the terrestrial communities in the site area. These disturbances have taken the form of meteorological phenomena , such as tropical storms or hurricanes. Hurricane winds have increased the spread of animals such as nutria , damaged a great deal of vegetation by blowing over trees and shrubs , and spread salt or brackish water over large areas of freshwater marshes or land. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-7) As previously discussed , today the swamps, marshes , wetlands , and bottomland forests are not as extensive as in pre-settlement times. The LMR region is heavily converted , with just under half of the area covered by forest. One-third has been converted to agriculture and the remaining area comprises water , wetlands , urban , and barren areas. (FEOW 2014) 3.6.5 Places and Entities of Special Ecological Interest On and within the v i cinity of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property are places and entities of special interest.
These include wetlands and WMAs as described below. 3-108 3.6.5.1 Wetlands Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Wetlands historically have been prevalent throughout southern Louisiana. Wetlands are defined as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support , and that under normal circumstances do support , a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
Wetlands generally include swamps , marshes , bogs , and similar areas. (USACE 1999) Thirteen functions and values typically considered by regulatory and conservation agencies when evaluating wetlands are used as part of the New England Method. These include groundwater recharge/discharge
; floodflow alteration
; fish and shellfish habitat; sediment/
toxicant/pathogen retention; nutrient removal/retention/transformation
; production export (nutrient);
sediment/shoreline stabilization
; wildlife habitat; recreation (consumptive and nonconsumptive)
; educational/scientific value; uniqueness/heritage
; visual quality/aesthetics
; and threatened or endangered species habitat. (USAGE 1999) Based on National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data (USFWS 2015a}, there are approximately 49 , 018 acres of wetlands within a 6-mile radius of WF3 composed of the following types (Figure 3.6-1): Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands covering approximately 32 , 013 acres (65.3 percent). Freshwater emergent wetlands covering approximately 9 , 135 acres (18.6 percent). Riverine area covering approximately 4 , 537 acres (9.3 percent).
Ponds and lakes covering approximately 3 , 242 acres (6.6 percent). Other wetland types covering approximately 91 acres (0.2 percent). The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is a roughly rectangular-shaped parcel that lies adjacent to the Mississippi River on the north and is bisected by LA-3127. The WF3 plant and several agricultural fields make up the northern portion of the property. Based on NWI data (USFWS 2015a}, there are also two small parcels of freshwater forested/shrub wetlands in the northern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property: one borders the Mississippi River in the northernmost corner of the property , and a second is adjacent to the north side of LA-3127 and the eastern side of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary (Figure 3.6-2). The southern portion of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property (south of LA-3127) is a large area of freshwater forested/shrub wetlands that contains two relatively small areas of freshwater emergent wetlands (Figure 3.6-2). These wetlands are part of a larger wetland complex , as shown in Figure 3.6-1. Based on NWI data (USFWS 2015a}, there are approximately 2,311 acres of wetlands on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property composed of the following types: 3-109 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage
* Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands covering approximately 2 , 063 acres (89.3 percent). Freshwater emergent wetlands covering approximately 234 acres (10.1 percent). Riverine covering approximately 11 acres (0.5 percent). Freshwater ponds encompassing approximately 3 acres (0.1 percent). 3.6.5.2 Wildlife Management Areas Louisiana has numerous WMAs and wildlife refuges. As shown in Figure 3.0-6 , the WMA closest to WF3 is the 122 , 098-acre Maurepas Swamp WMA , a portion of which lies within a 6-mile radius of WF3 northeast of the plant. The next closest is the 30 , 192-acre Salvador WMA located approximately 17 miles southeast of the site. Both sites provide extensive recreational opportunities. 3.6.6 Aquatic Communities The Mississippi River is the most prominent natural waterbody near WF3 and is the primary hydrologic feature with which the plant interacts. As discussed in Section 3.5.1 , the Mississippi River at WF3 is approximately 1,850 feet wide , average stage is approximately 9.9 feet , and average velocity is approx i mately 3.65 fps. Average maximum depth at WF3 (River Mile 129.6) is 129 feet. Flow records have been maintained on the LMR at Red River Landing (1900-1963) and Tarbert Landing (1964-1976).
Because there are no major tributaries below these points , these flows are characteristic of the lower reach of the river and at WF3 , except for flood flows. For a 77-year period of record starting in 1900 , the mean annual d i scharge was 494 , 000 cfs. Flood season is from mid-December to July , and typically flows are generally above the mean from February to June and below the mean for the remainder of the year. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-2) The flow in the Mississippi R i ver has substantial variations throughout the course of the year. Based on 45 years of combined monthly data from Tarbert Landing and Red River Landing , flows are above 200 , 000 cfs approximately 85 percent of the time. A typical low flow (200 , 000 cfs) is estimated to occur about every 4 years during the summer and fall seasons. If all months of the year are considered , the typical low flow would have a recurrence interval of about 6. 7 years. This flow may be compared to seasonal average flows which have been calculated to be 580 , 000; 650 , 000; 280 , 000; and 240 , 000 cfs for winter , spring , summer , and fall , respectively. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-2) Sediment is transported by the Mississippi River as either a bed load or a suspended load. The amount of material in suspension is generally a function of river discharge , turbulence , particle size , and whether or not the flow is increasing or decreasing also appears to influence suspended sediment concentrations. During high flow , the sediment concentration generally increases downstream
; the converse is true for low flows. Sediment size varies with depth , river 3-110 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage mile , and discharge. In general , the percentage of coarser particles increases with increasing depth and river discharge. At a given discharge rate and depth , particle size decreases with increasing distance downstream. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-3) The Mississippi River has always carried sand and sediment to the Gulf of Mexico. Agricultural development of the Mississippi River basin has increased sediment inputs; however , for the LMR , some increases have been offset by impoundment of the Upper Mississippi River , the Ohio River and , principally , the Middle Missouri River. (Schramm 2004 , page 319) The Mississippi River is a highly turbid water body , with high current velocity and low habitat diversity. The productivity of the system is limited by light penetration and high suspended solids concentration , as well as the stability and habitability of the substrate.
The Mississippi River food chain is considered to be detrital based , because phytoplankton occur in low densities and do not seem to be the major energy source that they constitute in more lake-like environments. This is typical of larger southeastern and midwestern rivers. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-4) The populations of aquatic organisms in the LMR appear to be limited mainly by the poor spawning habitats and the effects of high turbidity , high concentrations of total suspended solids , high current velocities , and fluctuating water levels. The high turbidities restrict phytoplankton and periphyton growth due to very limited light penetration.
Productivity of the phytoplankton is further limited by the high turbulence and mixing in the Mississippi River , which may prevent phytoplankton from remaining in the euphotic zone for sufficient lengths of time to effectively photosynthesize. High concentrations of suspended solids (as high as 345 ppm) and high current velocities (2.78 to 7.01 fps) result in scouring of fish eggs and larvae (in nests or attached to submerged objects), scouring of benthic and per i phyton communities , clogging of filter-feeding mechanisms of i nvertebrates , and shifting bottom sediments. Resultant sediment deposition in areas with slower currents smother fish eggs and larvae as well as benthic organisms (both fauna and flora), further limiting their composition and dens i ty. (LP&L 1979 , pages 3-12 and 3-13) Preoperational studies found extremely low concentrations of phytoplankton and attached algae , low zooplankton densities , and an absence of macrophytes.
The dominant benthic invertebrates collected , i.e., Corbicula and oligochaetes , are prey for fish and also play a role in processing organic matter. However , their numbers were so low as to make their contribution minimal , although river shrimp (Macrobrachium ohione), i s probably an important pelag i c forage species. (LP&L 1979 , pages 3-13 and 3-14) No unique habitats in the river ex i st near WF3 and there are typically no good spawning areas (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). Riverine habitat near WF3 includes a small area of seasonally inundated floodplain on the upstream side along the river levee , revetment banks on the downstream side , and the mainstem river channel. The floodplain area on the upstream side of the plant contains some areas of forested wetland. However , this area is adjacent to Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and is routinely cleared for security reasons. The floodplain area does not contain any oxbow lakes , sloughs , borrow pits , or ponds. The revetment banks downstream are composed of crushed concrete and cover a substantial portion of the bank above and below the water surface. Generally , this portion of the M i ssissippi River is characterized by high ri ver flows , 3-1 11 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating L i cense Renewal Stage relatively cool water temperatures , high turbidity , high suspended solids and mob i le bed materials. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) The LMR is distinguished by its extraordinary species richness with regard to fish (FEOW 2014). Plentiful habitat is available for fishes that thrive in swiftly flowing water , but few species can tolerate the high current velocities of the upper and middle water column of the channel (Entergy 2007 , page 3-9). The LMR is noted for i ts assemblages of large r i ver fish , wh i ch include lamprey species (Petromyzontidae), sturgeon (Acipenseridae), the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), gar (Lepisosteus spp.), and the bowfin (Amia calva). Many of these large river fish exhibit adaptations for the constantly turbid character of the Mississippi River. (FEOW 2014) Species less tolerant of high current velocities likely inhabit areas near the banks and channel bottom where the current is less severe. (Entergy 2007 , pages 3-9 and 3-10) 3.6.6.1 Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Species Aquatic populations in the LMR near WF3 are categorized as vascular aquatic plants , invertebrates , benthic invertebrates (macroinvertebrates), and fish. They are discussed below. 3.6.6.1.1 LMR Vascular Aquatic Plants near WF3 Attached aquatic vegetation in the LMR near WF3 is severely limited in growth by high turbidity and widely fluctuating water levels. The relatively high density of suspended sediments and other particulates , as well as the fast currents tend to limit the penetration of sunlight into the water , which greatly reduces light-exposure regimes for submerged primary producers. For these reasons , macrophytes are sparse in the region of the site. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) 3.6.6.1.2 LMR Invertebrate Populations near WF3 Plankton are small organisms that float throughout a water body. They can be broadly characterized as phytoplankton (autotrophic organisms), zooplankton (heterotrophic organisms), and ichthyoplankton (fish or invertebrate eggs and larvae). Phytoplankton Phytoplankton communities of the Mississippi River main channel from Cairo , Illinois , to the Gulf of Mexico are limited due predominantly to high turbidity (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-15). Phytoplankton in the area of WF3 are dominated during most of the year by diatoms , including Cyclotella and/or Melosira. During the 1973-1976 preoperational study , they were the most abundant genera (> 20 percent) each month except August during the period 1973-1974; Melosira was also dominant during 1975 and 1976. Other relatively abundant genera at various times were Scenedesmus , Coscinodiscus , Chrsococcus , and Trachelomonas. About 20 genera were represented each year. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) 3-112 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage During the preoperational study , phytoplankton densities averaged from a low of approximately 1 x 10 5 organisms/liter to somewhat less than 4 x 1 o 5 during the 3-year study. The dominant phytoplankton genera near St. Francisville , Louisiana , (about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge) were fairly similar to those at WF3 (e.g., Cyclotella spp. and Melosira spp.). Average overall densities were greater: about 5 x 10 6/liter in the last quarter of 1975 and 3.8 x 10 5/liter during the first three quarters of 1976. (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) Downstream , in the Mississippi River mainstem at New Orleans, the phytoplankton density also was greater than in the preoperational study area. The centric diatoms (round with radial symmetry), Cyclotella spp. and Melosira spp. were dominant , as in the study area. In 1976 , the same taxa were dominant during the first 4 months, but dominance was shared through summer with green and blue-green algae. By September 1976 , the centrics (Cyclotel/a spp. and Me/osira spp.) were again dominant (85 percent of total). (NRC 1981 , page 4-24) A list of phytoplankton species collected in the LMR in the vicinity of WF3 is presented in Table 3.6-2. The dominant plankton genera found in the Mississippi River near WF3 are generally similar to the most frequently encountered true plankton in larger rivers. The genera present also are similar to those found in other studies on the Mississippi River. During the preoperational period 1973-1976 , phytoplankton densities ranged from 24.6 to 1,446.8 cells per cubic centimeter (cells/cm 3) in the Mississippi River near WF3. The mean (average) and median (50th percentile) densities were 260 and 150 cells/cm 3 , respectively. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-5) The generally low phytoplankton densities reported in the preoperational period 1973-1976 , as well as several factors limiting production , suggested that this community is of relatively low importance to the Mississippi River ecosystem. These densities can be compared to those found in lakes where phytoplankton usually occur i n much higher densities and , consequently , make a more significant contribution to the food web than in rivers. For example , phytoplankton densities typically range from 500-8 , 000 cells/cm 3 in some lakes which have been studied. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-5) Zooplankton Low densities of zooplankton were identified i n the Mississippi River near the site (River Mile 129.6) during preoperational studies (NRC 1981 , page 4-25), and many likely originated from areas of slower current upstream of the sampling area (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-16). From June 1973 to May 197 4 , there was an average of 921 zooplankton organisms/m 3 (26 per cubic foot [ft 3]) in the study area of the river; from June 197 4 to August 197 4, the average was 1 , 056/m 3 (30/ft 3); and from October 1975 to September 1976 , it was 298/m 3 (8/ft 3). Zooplankton were randomly distributed at the site throughout the different sampling stations , as well as vertically in the water column but not throughout time. However , the peaks and valleys of zooplankton abundances were essentially simultaneous at all sampling stations. (NRC 1981 , page 4-25) Species of zooplankton at the site , other than rotifers and protozoa were the copepods and cladocerans , common to rivers and lakes. Calanoid and cyclopoid copepods were dominant.
The common cladocerans were Daphnia , Ceriodaphnia , Bosmina , and Daphanosoma. Some 3-113 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage decapod larvae (river shrimp) appeared in the summer samples. None of the species of zooplankton were rare , threatened , endangered , or considered commercially important (NRC 1981 , page 4-25). lchthyoplankton The Mississippi River at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawning by many fish species. It lacks the riffle areas preferred for spawning by many catfish (ictalurids) and most suckers (catastomids), the shallow backwaters and flood areas preferred by pikes (esocids) and some of the shads (clupeids) and sunfishes (centrarchids), and the vegetated areas preferred by other sunfishes and perch (percids). To the extent that sheltered locations (including cans , snags , etc.) are available , a limited number of catfish may spawn near WF3. Other species that may be capable of spawning in this portion of the river include freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), and skip jack herring (Alosa chrysochloris).
However , the spawning habitat appears not to be optimal even for these species. This is supported by the low ichthyoplankton densities found. Average densities for all stations ranged from a low of 0.002/m 3 to 0.106/m 3 over the 3 years of preoperat i onal sampling (197 4-1976). It was found that the five stations did not differ significantly.
Therefore , these data indicated no significant spatial differences in ichthyoplankton densities in the Mississippi River in the WF3 vicinity.
(LP&L 1979 , pages 3-9 and 3-10) lchthyoplankton were identified and densities measured at intervals near WF3 from 197 4 to 1976. Collected ichthyoplankton were identified to family taxa level only (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-30). There is a strong consensus in the literature and among fisheries experts that the fishery of the LMR has not undergone substantial changes since the 1970s when data for WF3 were collected.
Dominant species as well as their population densities are therefore unlikely to have changed since the 1970s. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-23) Densities of fish larvae were low in the WF3 area throughout a 197 4-1976 preoperational sampling period (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). Dominant families in the 1974-1975 samples include Centrarchidae or sunfish family (sunfish , bass , and crappies) and Clupeidae or herrings (shads and skipjack herring). Highest densities were measured in November 197 4 and August 1975. Through the 1975-1976 survey , Cyprinidae or minnow family (carp , chubs , minnows , and shiners) and Centrarchidae were the dominant families identified. During the later survey , ichthyoplankton appeared on samples only from March through August , with peaks occurring in April and May. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-30) There were no significant differences identified in spatial distribution of the ichthyoplankton adjacent to WF3 (NRC 1981 , page 4-26). 3.6.6.1.3 LMR Benthic Invertebrate Populations near WF3 Larger invertebrate animals that live in association with the bottom or submerged substrates , benthic macroinvertebrates , are the least studied organisms of the LMR (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-17). Limited studies in the region indicate this ecoregion does support a moderate number of unionid mussel and crayfish species compared to the Tennessee , Cumberland , and Teays-Old 3-114 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Ohio ecoregions to the north , but an impressive 58 percent of its crayfish species are endemic (FEOW 2014). High currents result in scouring of the river bottom , removing the sheltering substrate needed by many aquatic invertebrates (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-18). Benthic macroinvertebrates collected in the vicinity of the site in the 1973-1976 time period consisted predominantly of aquatic worms (Oligochaetes) and Asian clams (Corbicu/a). However , these organisms were present in relatively low densities.
For example , during the first year of preoperational sampling (1973-1974 ), the average density of all benthic organisms was 59/m 2. The 3-year average (1973-1976) was somewhat higher (92/m 2) due to an increase in aquatic worms. (NRC 1981 , page 4-25) Harrison and Morse (2012) studied the food habits of sturgeon in the Mississippi River to assess benthic macroinvertebrates. They found in 75 young-of-year sturgeon stomachs and guts a total of 215 taxa of invertebrates representing nine classes. They found 10 taxa not previously reported from the Mississippi River. Chironomids were the best represented family in the study. The river shrimp has been consistently found in high numbers at WF3. Both females " in berry" and decapod larvae , probably river shrimp , were observed during the WF3 preoperational sampling program indicating that spawning takes place near the site. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-7) 3.6.6.1.4 LMR Fish Populations near WF3 As would be expected for a river that grows from a first to a tenth or eleventh order stream and flows more than 2 , 17 4 miles from its origin in a cool temperate climate to its subtropical outlet , the Mississippi River supports a rich fish assemblage.
In a comprehensive assessment , there are listed 193 freshwater species in 27 families for the Mississippi River. Although no thorough ichthyofaunal surveys have been conducted in at least the past 30 years , additional inventories have been compiled since 1989. (Schramm 2004 , page 307) Limited biological data for the LMR are available due to lack of appropr i ate sampling equipment and the availability of inland boats sized to handle a water body as vast as the Mississippi River. High water velocities , heavy boat and barge traffic , and the presence of obstacles and debris in the water column and on the bottom are common in the LMR and create safety concerns for routine sampling efforts. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-1) During a 3-year fish preoperational sampling effort conducted from 1973 to 1976 , 61 species of fish were identified.
The more abundant fish identified near WF3 were gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catfish (lctalurus furcatus), freshwater drum , and striped mullet (Mugil cephalus). All of these fish have a statewide distribution. Significant differences in the distribution of dominant fish between sampling stations within years , or between years were not detected (Freidman's two-way analysis of variance).
(LP&L 1979 , pages 3-7 and 3-8) Additionally, most of the fish species sampled at the site are also found upstream in the River Bend (River Mile 262) and Grand Gulf (River Mile 406) reaches of the river (NRC 1981 , page 4-26) and downstream at the 3-115 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Luling station (River Miles 117-125) (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-19). Table 3.6-3 presents a list of probable fish species in the LMR. Seasonal trends in the abundance of gizzard shad , freshwater drum , and striped mullet either were nonexistent , or were obscured by high month-to-month variability in the numbers of these species caught by gill netting and electroshocking. In two of the three sampling years , the number of blue catfish caught by electroshocking was usually higher during the fall and winter months than during the spring and summer. The number of threadfin shad caught by electroshocking appeared to decrease during the winter months. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-8) In summary , significant differences in the distribution of dominant fish species among stations within years could not be detected.
The relationship between stations did not vary between Years 1 and 3. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-9) No typical spawning areas have been identified near WF3 and evidence indicates only limited spawning activity. The shads , minnows , carp , catfish , sunfish , and drum spawn to a small extent in the site area. (NRC 1981 , page 4-26) Of the fish species that occur in the WF3 area , most species spawn in shallow areas , sheltered areas , smaller streams , backwaters , areas of aquatic vegetation , or over gravel and sand bottoms. The only abundant (A), commercial (C), sport (S), or threatened (T) species that might spawn over the clay or mud substrate in the waters found in the vicinity of the WF3 area are threadfin shad (A), gizzard shad (A) and possibly blue catfish (C). These were the most abundant groups of ichthyoplankton captured during the preoperational monitoring program. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12) Based on the length distribution of the abundant , commercial , sport , or threatened fish species collected in the WF3 area , it would appear that blue catfish , freshwater drum , gizzard shad , and threadfin shad juveniles utilize the area as a nursery area during specific times of the year. Life history information on sport (S), commercial (C), abundant (A), or threatened (T) species in the WF3 area suggests that some species may undertake spring or summer migrations through the WF3 area. These include longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) (C), gizzard shad (A), bigmouth buffalo (lctiobus cyprinellus) (C), channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) (C), and striped mullet (A). Actual data collected in the WF3 area indicated , however , that longnose gar and bigmouth buffalo apparently do not pass through the area in sizeable numbers. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12) It is also likely that paddlefish and sturgeon may pass by the WF3 plant. Comparison of WF3 preoperational data to other studies of fishery resources in the LMR and fish collected in the area , suggests that the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 is not unique fish habitat (LP&L 1979 , page 3-12). In a study by Miranda and Kilgore (2014) to identify patterns in fish benthic distribution along depth gradients in the LMR , fish were collected over 14 years in depths down to 88 feet. Fish exhibited non-random depth distributions that varied seasonally and according to species. Species richness was highest in shallow water , with about 50 percent of the 62 species no longer collected in water deeper than 26 feet , and about 75 percent no longer collected in water deeper than 39 feet. Although richness was highest in shallow water , most species were not restricted to shallow water. Rather , most species used a wide range of depths. A weak depth zonation occurred , not as strong as that reported for deep oceans and lakes. Larger fish tended to occur 3-116 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage in deeper water during the high-water period of an annual cycle , but no correlation was evident during the low-water period. 3.6.6.1.5 LMR Commercially Important Species The freshwater commercial industry in the LMR corridor naturally depends on the Mississippi River. However , most of the freshwater catch takes place away from the main stem of the Mississippi.
The strong and fast-moving current of the river , along with heavy commercial navigation traffic , puts fishing vessels and fishing equipment at high risk. Consequently , most freshwater commercial fishing takes place on LMR tributaries. (I EC 2014) Table 3.6-4 lists the commercially important fish species in the vicinity of WF3. Except for Louisiana , the LMR states do not report freshwater fishing data at county/parish level. Louisiana's landing from the LMR parishes in 2011 was 8.8 million pounds of crayfish and almost 11 million pounds of finfish , produc i ng $13.2 million total in revenues. (IEC 20 1 4) These harvest amounts vary from those reported in 2004. In 2004 as now , the largest freshwater fishing harvest in the LMR was in Louisiana. Crayfish (approximately 14 million pounds , valued at about $7.1 million) and catfish (approximately 6 million pounds , valued at about $2.3 million) were the two most prominent commercial species harvested in Louisiana.
Other significant commercial species reported in 2004 include buffalo (/ctiobus sp.) (1.35 million pounds , valued at about $318 , 000) and gar (Lepisosteus sp.) (393 , 000 pounds , valued at about $427 , 000). The total economic value of the freshwater harvest in Louisiana reported for 2002 was approximately
$10.3 million. (IEC 2004) Schramm (2004 , page 318) reported that estimated fish harvests from the Mississippi River fell within the realm of expected harvests , based on global harvest-drainage area and harvest-r i ver length relationships developed for large rivers. Further , small and trendless variations in catch over 25 years (1954-1977) and stable catch at varying effort levels have led to the conclusion that the Mississippi River was harvested at near optimal levels. The average harvest for the LMR was 12 , 125 tons , and average effort was 7 , 000-8 , 000 fishers per year during the 25-year period. At this time , the commercial fish stocks in the Mississippi River appear stable and , at least in portions of the LMR , may support additional harvest. 3.6.6.1.6 LMR Recreationally Important Species F i shing on the main LMR channel with its deep waters , fast current , and commercial navigation traffic is challenging. However , there are numerous options for LMR anglers to fish in tributaries , secondary channels , oxbows , backwaters , and along sandbars. The main species of sportfish fish in the LMR corridor include bass , freshwater drum , sunfish , crappie , bluegill , and catfish. Catfish is probably the most popular fish among anglers on the LMR and includes blue catfish , channel catfish , and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). (IEC 2014) Table 3.6-4 lists the recreationally important fish species in the vicinity of WF3. 3-117 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Findings during the WF3 preoperat i onal monitoring program in the 1970s indicated that the only sportfish that can be considered common in the WF3 area (i.e., more than 200 collected during any sampling year) are blue catfish and freshwater drum. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), another valued sport fish , was collected only occasionally during the program. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-11) Schramm (2004 , page 319) reported that although the Mississippi River is a bountiful recreational fishing resource , the recreational fishery has not been measured in the LMR reaches of the open river. Personal observations (i.e., by Schramm) on the LMR suggest that freshwater fishing catch rates are relatively high , but effort and thus catch and harvest , are extremely low. Because of the large size , swift and dangerous currents , the presence of large commercial craft , and lack of public access , recreational fishing on the LMR has been largely discouraged. Providing access is difficult because of the large annual fluctuations in river level and separation of many of the remaining floodplain lakes from the river during low water stages. Management agencies are only beginning to recognize the potential fisheries that the Mississippi River offers , and measures are being initiated to improve access and public education regarding the recreational fishing opportunities. Although catfishes are important to both recreational and commercial fisheries , and channel catfish suffered overfishing before increasing the minimum length limit , recreational fish stocks do not presently appear overfished and , especially in the LMR , can withstand increased harvest. 3.6.6.2 Impingement.
Entrainment.
and Thermal Studies A general description of the habitat surrounding the offshore intake structure (based on conditions as determined during mean flow) includes a small area of seasonally inundated floodplain on the upstream side , revetment banks on the downstream side , and the mainstem river channel. The floodplain area on the upstream side of the plant contains some areas of forested wetland communities. However , this area is adjacent to Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and is routinely cleared for security reasons. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) The floodplain area does not contain any oxbow lakes , sloughs , borrow pits , or ponds. The revetment banks downstream of the CWIS are composed of crushed concrete rocks and cover a significant portion of the bank above and below the water surface. There is little vegetation associated with the revetment bank. The natural steep bank habitat is adjacent and parallel to shore (within 100 feet from the main bank) and is crossed by the cofferdam. The opening to the offshore intake structure is estimated to be at least 50 feet out from the natural steep bank and located within the main channel habitat. This habitat is characterized by high river flows , relatively cool water temperatures , high turbidities , high suspended solids , and mobile bed materials. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) There have been a total of 63 species of fish associated with natural steep banks and channels , 55 species for revetments , and 70 species within the seasonally i nundated floodplains. The smaller seasonally inundated floodplain areas (flooded areas lacking ponded waters) associated with the WF3 plant typically support fewer permanent species. Of the species associated with natural steep banks and revetments , a total of 25 are considered to be common to abundant.
3-118 Waterfo r d S t eam E lect r ic Sta ti on , U nit 3 Applicant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Similarly , only 13 are common to abundant in the channel habitats , and 24 are common to abundant in the floodplain areas. Review of the data collected for the WF3 plant ecological study conducted from 1975 to 1976 suggests that the common-to-abundant species documented during the study are not significantly different from those found 30 years later. (Entergy 2007 , page 2-3) As previously discussed in Section 3.6.6.1 , the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawn i ng by many fish species. In the 1991 WF3 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the EPA , the agency approved the intake structure as being best technology available (BTA) in accordance with Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act (WF3 1991 ). In 2010 , LDEQ determined that the WF3 CWIS was also BTA based on best professional judgment; however , that determination was based on current i nformation available and would be re-evaluated upon promulgation of revised 316(b) Phase 11 Rule (Attachment A), wh i ch was finalized on August 15 , 2014 (79 FR 48300). These two separate determinat i ons would tend to recognize that the Mississippi River does not offer suitable hab i tat for fish species at WF3 , and thus would not expect to i mpact fish populations i n the river. 3.6.6.2.1 Impingement Impingement studies and/or 316(b) demonstration stud i es conducted at several Entergy facilities on the LMR demonstrated that impingement rates are low at facilities in the LMR , the spec i es i mpinged are common , and that impingement varies seasonally with fish abundance.
Each of these studies evaluated i mpingement for 1 year and assessed both seasonal and diel var i at i on i n i mp i ngement. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-1) Although historical imp i ngement studies have been conducted at several Entergy Louisiana , LLC owned plants along the LMR , the i nformation presented below i s based on the results of a 2006-2007 impingement study conducted a t Wa t erford 1 and 2 , which is located at River Mile 129.9. Due to the proximity of the two plants and the similar habitat settings of the i r CWIS , the annual imp i ngement rate for WF3 was estimated from the impingement data documented for Waterford 1 and 2. The Waterford 1 and 2 impingement rate was then applied to an impingement formula i n conjunction with the des i gn intake capac i ty of WF3 to es t imate the number of organ i sms i mp i nged annually at WF3. (Entergy 2007 , Append i x C , page 4-1) Imp i ngement sampling was conducted w i th i n the slu i ceway of the fish r eturn systems as c l ose to the mesh traveling screens as was safely and logistically manageable. Screens were washed for 10 to 15 minutes and rotated prior to each 12-hour sampling interval.
Screens were then washed and rotated for 30 minutes at the end of the 12-hour interval prior to processing and identification of the impinged organisms. Twelve-hour i ntervals were chosen as they were the most r epresentat i ve of the actual operations of the plant and screens. Samples were collected once during the early morning at 5: 00 a.m. and once dur i ng the evening at 5: 00 p.m. to allow for cha r acter i zat i on of diel m i gratory patterns , if p r esen t. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-1) 3-1 1 9 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Taxonomic identification to the lowest possible taxa level was recorded along with the length of each specimen. An average weight for all specimens of a given species was also recorded (batch weight). Data analysis examined trends in species composition and abundance on both a diel and seasonal basis , and annual impingement rates were determined for each species. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-1) Impingement rate (IMR) was calculated based on the number of organisms captured during a set time period per volume of water pumped through the intake screens (see formula below). Volume of water pumped was based on the number of circulating waters pumps operating during each sampling period. This rate was expressed as number of organisms per 10 , 000 cubic meters of water. This rate was then annualized to reflect impingement of the facility on a yearly basis. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-3) IMR = (#organisms captured +volume of water sampled in cubic meters) x 10 , 000 Because impingement sampling was not performed at WF3 , IMR calculations were performed using the impingement rate documented in the most recent Waterford 1 and 2 impingement study (2006-2007) and the total design intake capacity for WF3. Design intake capacity for WF3 was utilized in place of the "volume of water sampled" in the above IMR calculation to illustrate impingement during peak facility operation (all intake pumps running 24 hours per day annually). (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 4-3) The total number of organisms impinged over the course of sampling at the Waterford 1 and 2 facility was 18 , 608 individuals comprising 32 species identified from 20 families. No federally listed or state-listed threatened , or endangered species were impinged during the sampling period. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) Based on findings of the 2006-2007 Waterford 1 and 2 study , annual impingement was estimated to be 16.16 organisms per 10,000 m 3. This was a sizeable increase from the 1976-1977 study in which the average annual impingement rate was 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. This disparity is likely the result of dynamic fish populations near the CWIS which would have a marked impact upon the observed impingement rate. Such a difference is consistent with inter-annual variations perceived in impingement rates and ambient populations observed elsewhere , where some systems exhibit more than ten-fold increase or decrease of these parameters.
Such variations can be correlated with the magnitude of spring flooding and summer drought events , which may alter river flows , water temperature , and suitable reproductive habitat , among other conditions. Improvements in tributary water quality (made possible by changes in legislation governing permitted discharges into streams and rivers and more stringent standards for fertilizers available for use on food crops) could also indirectly contribute to increased impingement rates by allowing fish communities that were once stressed by poor water quality to recover. In fact , recent condition assessments of the Mississippi River from bordering states suggest that improvements in the quality of the Mississippi River system (both water quality and habitat) are evident. The dynamic nature of the LMR could also be considered a contributing factor. A water system that is constantly subjected to perturbations will 3-120 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage always exhibit some range of instability which , in turn , will affect ambient populations and thus impingement rates as well. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) Lowest impingement rates were documented in late winter to early spring (0.45 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 during April 2007). During this time (late February through early April), adult species are involved in spawning activities , and most organisms present in the river are of significant size , as recruits from the previous year have reached or are close to reaching spawning size. Organisms of this size typically exhibit strong swimming ability and are able to avoid the intake structure altogether. Increased river flows also allow for more shoreline and backwater habitat to be utilized by small organisms typically subject to impingement , such as river and grass shrimp , aiding in preventing impingement of these organisms. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-1) At the start of sampling in September , impingement rates were high (27.53 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3). As water temperatures cooled and seasons began to shift , impingement rates slowly declined through late fall into winter and early spring (November 2006-Apr i l 2007). A sharp increase in impingement was exhibited from April to May , with the highest documented impingement rate recorded in August (42.25 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3). Fall and springtime impingement rates were also the highest documented in a previous historical Waterford 1 and 2 study. This suggests that organisms in the LMR are most active and susceptible to impingement from spring to fall months , as would be expected as a result of spawning activity and low water conditions. On the LMR , low water conditions typically drive fish from more favorable habitats in shoreline and backwater areas i nto deeper , more channelized areas , causing a greater concentration of fishes near the intake pipes which may result in increased impingement rates. (Ente r gy 2007 , Appendix C , pages 5-1 and 5-2) The 5 months with the highest imp i ngement rates (September , October , May , June , and August) accounted for 81 percent of total organ i sms impinged during the 12-month study period. It should be noted that these months also exhibited the lowest water conditions during the study , providing further evidence of the correlation between river stage and perceived impingement rates. An impingement rate of less than 6 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 was observed throughout the rest of the sampling period (December 2006-April 2007). Historical studies performed during the period 1976-1977 show similar peaks in impingement rates and river stage data when compared with those documented in the most recent study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) The average daytime impingement rate (16.02 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3) was nearly identical to the nighttime impingement rate (16.30 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3), and the species compos i ng greater than 1 percent of all organisms impinged were consistent.
River shrimp , threadfin shad , grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.), blue catfish , channel catfish , freshwater drum , and bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchi/11) composed greater than 1 percent during both the daytime and nighttime samples. Grass shrimp composed a greater percentage of the daytime samples , while threadfin shad and freshwater drum composed a greater percentage of the nighttime samples. Variation in nightt i me and dayt i me observat i ons can be explained by differences in feeding behavior between organisms. Fish are more active when feeding and thus exhib it a higher impingement rate. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) 3-121 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Species composing greater than 1 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study include river shrimp , threadfin shad , channel catfish , freshwater drum , blue catfish , bay anchovy and grass shrimp. The historic impingement studies performed during the period 1976-1977 indicated a similar balance of species with a few noticeable differences. In the historic study , gizzard shad and skipjack herring each accounted for greater than 1 percent of the total impingement sample. Additionally , grass shrimp did not account for more than 1 percent of the sample. When monthly impingement rates are totaled using only these species , resrective current and historical impingement rates of 15.96 and 4.42 organisms per 10 , 000 m are obtained.
A more specific discussion of impingement, by species , is provided below. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) River Shrimp River shrimp composed nearly 56 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study. The annual impingement rate was calculated to be 9.06 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. In historic studies, the river shrimp was also the most frequently impinged species , composing approximately half of the number of organisms impinged.
(Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-2) Threadfin Shad The average annual impingement rate for threadfin shad was calculated to be 3.26 organisms per 10,000 m 3 , with threadfin composing more than 13 percent of all organisms impinged.
Average monthly impingement rates during the current study closely mirrored historic monthly impingement rates , as seasonal impingement rates exhibited the same trends throughout the study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) Channel Catfish The average annual rate of impingement for channel catfish was calculated to be 0.44 organisms per 10,000 m 3 , with peak impingement occurring in October (1.72 organisms per 10,000 m 3). Channel catfish accounted for 4.4 percent of all organisms impinged during the 2006-2007 study , but only 2.1 percent during the 1976-1977 study. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) Bay Anchovy The average rate of impingement for the bay anchovy was calculated to be 0.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. This species accounted for 1.2 percent of all organisms impinged. Peak impingement for this species was recorded in the fall (September).
Historically, the bay anchovy accounted for 6.1 percent of all impinged organisms , with an average impingement rate of 0.31 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. Impingement also peaked in the fall during historic studies. (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) 3-122 Grass Shrimp Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 App l icant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The grass shrimp accounted for 8 percent of all organisms impinged during events. The average rate of impingement for the species was 1.31 organisms per 10 , 000 m with a maximum impingement rate of 7.52 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 during June. In the historic impingement study , grass shrimp did not compose greater than 1 percent of impingement.
(Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 5-3) The current impingement rate at the Waterford 1 and 2 plant was calculated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 , while the historic study obtained a rate of 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. The disparity between the current and historical impingement rates at the site is attributable to inter-annual variations documented in the Mississippi River. Such variations can be correlated with the magnitude of spring flooding and summer drought events , which may alter river flows , water temperature , and suitable reproductive habitat , among other conditions. Based on these calculations and the proximity and habitat similarity of the plants , the current impingement rate at Waterford 3 was also estimated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. However , due to the differences in intake capacity of the two plants , the estimated number of organisms impinged annually at WF3 differs from that of Waterford 1 and 2. When the rate of 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 and the annual design intake capacity of the WF3 CWIS are incorporated into the impingement formula , the number of organisms estimated to be impinged at WF3 is 3,472,951. This corresponds to about 2.5 times the number of organisms estimated to be impinged annually at Waterford 1and2 (1 , 379 , 533). (Entergy 2007 , Appendix C , page 6-1) As discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , the mean annual flow of the Mississippi River for the proximity of WF3 is estimated to be approximately 500 , 000 cfs. This can then be calculated in terms of MGD to make a comparison of facility water use and the proportion of organisms impinged at the WF3 facility. Based on the flow rate , the relative calculation for the amount of water at the WF3 plant would be approximately 323 , 000 MGD. Using the design WF3 intake flow of 1 , 555.2 MGD indicates that WF3 is using approximately 0.48 percent of the flow of the Mississippi River. Using the impingement rate previously determined from the 2006-2007 Waterford 1 and 2 study , the number of organisms estimated to be annually impinged at WF3 is 3,472 , 951 (Entergy 2007 , page 4-1 ). When trying to compare the proportion of fish impinged at WF3 to the number of fish in the river at the same time , this value is proportional to the amount of water actually being used by the plant relative to the amount of water flowing by the plant; therefore , the 0.48 percent value of plant water use to river flow quantity would also be representative of the total fish population in the river at the same time and location in the river. In terms of actual numbers , WF3 impinges 3 , 472 , 951 organisms annually compared to the estimated 723 , 531,458 total number of fish in the river at the same time as the water that is used by WF3. Thus , the total number of fish in the river is approximately 208 times greater than the number of fish impinged at WF3. In summary , the Mississippi River's main channel harbors much lower densities of fish than the river's edges and backwaters. Data suggest that population densities in the main channel are less than 5 percent of what is observed in channel borders. This trend appears to be a consensus view among fisher i es biologists. The relatively low densities are driven by the high velocities and reduced preferred habitat , as well as significant suspended sediment load. This 3-123 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage suggests that the current location of the WF3 CWIS in the main channel does sign i ficantly reduce the rates of impingement relative to placement along the shore or in a backwater. (Entergy 2007 , page viii) 3.6.6.2.2 Entrainment As previously discussed , the Mississippi R i ver at WF3 does not provide habitat suitable for spawning by many fish species. The primary period of reproduction and peak abundance for most aquatic organisms in the LMR is in the spring and summer months (typically March through June). Peak egg recruitment occurs in early spring (channel-oriented species); larval recruitment occurs from late spring into early summer (all species). Therefore , spring and summer months are typically when the highest levels of entrainment would be documented. (Entergy 2007 , page C-6) The spawning period in the LMR typically correlates to the seasonal flooding/high water period. At WF3 , seasonal average flows have been calculated to be 580 , 000; 650 , 000; 280 , 000; and 240 , 000 cfs for winter , spring , summer , and fall , respectively. Elevated flows increase the flood zone of the river and are most likely responsible for pushing the eggs and larval fish past the CWIS during this time. (Entergy 2007 , page C-6) In Louisiana Power & Light Company's (LP&L's) 1979 316(b) demonstration that the intake structure at WF3 reflected BTA , ichthyoplankton sampling was conducted at five stations in the vicinity of WF3 from November 1974 to September 1976. (LP&L 1979 , Table 3-21) These sampling stations , which were established between River Miles 126 and 132 , represented current , soft-bottomed , shallow areas; and high-current , dense clay sediment areas. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-4) lchthyoplankton collected during this sampling period consisted of Centrarchidae , Clupeidae, Cyprinidae , Esocidae , lictaluridae , Sciaenidae , and unidentifiable fish. (LP&L 1979 , Table 3-22). The average densities for all stations ranged from a low of 0.002/m 3 to 0.106/m 3 over the 3 years of sampling.
No ichthyoplankton were found during the period September to February. Spatial variation by station in total ichthyoplankton concentration was examined by Friedman's two-way analysis of variance using Year 3 ( 1976) data. It was found that the results at the five stations did not differ significantly. Therefore , the data indicated no significant spatial differences in ichthyoplankton densities in the Mississippi River in the WF3 vicinity. (LP&L 1979 , page 3-10) No comprehensive ichthyofaunal surveys have been conducted on the LMR in at least the past 30 years (Schramm 2004 , page 307). The most difficult habitat to sample for any life stage of fish is the main channel , where current velocities and debris loads are highest , and extensive commercial navigation occurs. Because researchers historically could not effectively sample the main channel, relatively little is known about the extent to which fish use this habitat. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-11) 3-124 3.6.6.2.3 Thermal Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The Demonstration under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act submitted by LP&L in April 1979 classified the Mississippi River near WF3 as "an area of low potential impact for thermal discharges
." This classification resulted from (1) the determination that this stretch of the Mississippi River was not "unique" for any shellfish , fish , or wildlife; and (2) the realization that most of the cross-sectional area available for flow in the river would be unaffected by the thermal plume. Therefore , the indigenous population of shellfish , fish , and wildlife , which are present in abundance in areas away from WF3 , either would have ample opportunity to pass by the facility without encountering elevated stream temperatures or would only experience the higher temperatures for such brief periods that no deleterious effects would result. (WF3 1998 , pages 71 and 72) The 316(a) demonstration found that no threatened or endangered species were present near WF3 , and also determined that no special fish spawning habitat existed near the facility (WF3 1998 , page 72). However , there are currently three aquatic species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes: West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) (endangered), Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) (threatened), and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus a/bus) (endangered)
(USFWS 2014b); these federally listed aquatic species are discussed in detail in Sect i on 3.6.11.1 and listed in Table 3.6-5. On August 27 , 1996 , Louisiana became an NPDES authorized state. Previous to 1996 , WF3 discharges were regulated under an EPA-issued NPDES permit and an LDEQ-issued Liquid Waste Discharge Pollutant System permit. During the transition from the EPA NPDES permit to LDEQ's LPDES permitting program , WF3 submitted a permit renewal application to LDEQ in November 1995 with a revised application submitted in February 1998 (WF3 1998 , page 2). In an addendum to the 1998 revised permit renewal application (WF3 1998 , page 2), WF3 requested that the temperature and heat discharge limits , which the facility was currently operating under (110°F and 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour), be increased to 118°F and 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour , respectively. The basis of the request for an increase in temperature and heat discharge limits was due to a planned " power uprate" to be implemented at WF3 (WF3 1998 , pages 69 and 70). Both the temperature and heat limitations that were included in the 1991 NPDES permit were technology-based limitations. "Regulation
[40 CFR Part 423] promulgated as commanded by Section 304" of the Clean Water Act did not establish temperature or heat limitations. Therefore , best professional judgment was used by the EPA to establish the best available technology , economically achievable , for the current temperature and heat limitations contained in the WF3 NPDES permit. (WF3 1998 , page 70) The heat limit in effect for the EPA-issued WF3 NP DES permit (8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour) resulted from the 316(a) demonstration. In the 316(a) demonstration , LP&L requested that the EPA establish 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour as an alternative thermal limitation for WF3. The EPA concurred with LP&L's conclusion in the 316(a) demonstration that the alternative thermal limitation "adequately regulates the amount of heat discharged to the Mississippi River from this facility such that it 3-125 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage protects the balanced indigenous population." Howeve r, the EPA stated that "although the demonstration requests no maximum thermal limitation be placed in the permit , it recommended an instantaneous thermal maximum of 110°F be placed in the permit to further ensure protection of the species." The 110°F stems from a maximum instantaneous heat discharge of 8.5 x 10 Btu/hour , an instantaneous flow rate of 1 , 000 MGD for the once-through non-contact cooling water, and a typical maximum stream temperature of 86°F. (WF3 1998 , pages 70 and 71) LDEQ determined that applying the same EPA methodology for a heat limit of 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour and a maximum fresh water stream temperature of 90°F , specified in Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: 1X.1113.C.4 produces a discharge temperature of approximately 118°F. Using a flow of 1 , 000 MGD in these calculations was considered reasonable because the long-term average flow for Outfall 001 was 1 , 085 MGD. To further ensure attainment of Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: 1X.1113.C.4.b.i(a), the 5°F allowable rise of temperature above ambient was applied at the edge of the mixing zone. LDEQ determined that a violation of the above citation would not occur with a discharge limitation for temperature at 118°F. (WF3 1998 , page 71) The 1979 316(a) demonstration also documented thermal model results for various flow and temperature conditions reflecting seasonal variations in this stretch of the Mississippi River. The models accounted for the historically calibrated thermal discharges for the nearby Waterford 1 and 2 and Little Gypsy steam electricity generating plants , as well as for the 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour anticipated for WF3. A worst-case scenario of an extreme low flow of 100 , 000 cfs was modeled in the study. This minimum flow in the LMR is maintained by the Old River Control Structure operated by the USACE and is less than the 7010 flow for this segment of the river (141 , 955 cfs). Under this worst case , extreme low-flow situation , the model determined that less than 15 percent of the cross-sectional area of the river would experience temperature i ncreases of 5°F. This thermal plume also stayed near the surface of the river extending no deeper than 1 O feet. (WF3 1998 , page 72) In the Final Environmental Statement Related to the Operation of Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit No.3 (FES), the NRC documented model studies conducted by its staff to independently confirm the results presented by LP&L in the 1979 316(a) demonstration. Using a different model , the NRC produced results that were "generally in agreement" with those presented by LP&L. The NRC model produced a slightly larger combined thermal plume or mixing zone, but the WF3 FES concluded that operation of WF3 would be "in compliance with the Louisiana Water Quality Cr i teria relating to temperature
." With all three plants operating at peak loads during extreme low-flow conditions , an adequate zone of passage (83 percent of the river cross-sectional area) will still remain for aquatic species to pass by facilities without entering the combined thermal mixing zone. Species entering the mixing zone probably would pass through it in 1 hour or less , minimiz i ng the impact of the elevated temperatures.
Also , natural ambient river surface temperatures above 86°F should only occur about 2.5 percent of the time. (WF3 1998 , page 72) Applying the percentage increase of thermal discharge at WF3 to the model worst case , LDEQ determined that the extreme low-flow thermal plume should provide a conservative estimate of 3-126 Waterfo r d Steam Electr i c Station , Un it 3 Appl i cant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage the combined thermal m i xing zone that would result from the planned power uprate. This estimate is very conservative due to WF3 contributing less heat to the river than Waterford 1 and 2 and Little Gypsy combined. Increasing the heat discharge to 9.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour from 8.5 x 10 9 Btu/hour constituted a 12-percent gain. Applying this proportional gain to the case combined thermal plume (17 percent of river cross-sect i onal area) yielded an anticipated combined thermal mixing zone of 19 percent. This leaves approximately 81 percent of the river flow unaffected by the temperature increase after the WF3 power uprate , even under extreme low-flow conditions. (WF3 1998 , pages 72 and 73) Louisiana Title 33 Environmental Regulatory Code LAC 33: IX.1115.C. 7 specifies the mixing zone for streams with 7010 flow greater than 100 cfs as either 100 cfs or one-third of the flow , whichever is greater. The anticipated thermal mixing zone of 19 percent is substantially less than 33 percent of cross-sectional area or one-third of the flow. Therefore , the increased heat discharge and temperature limits requested for Outfall 001 are expected to meet Louisiana Water Quality Criteria for temperature. (WF3 1998 , page 73) With the average flow in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the WF3 plant estimated at approximately 500 , 000 cfs and the design of the discharge structure to promote rapid mixing with the ambient water as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1 , fish being subject to cold shock is unlikely to occur. There have been no changes in plant operations that have resulted in a thermal load increase since the study described above was completed in 1998. 3.6.7 Terrestrial Communities WF3 and its associated in-scope transmission lines lie within the Southern Holocene Meander Belts subset of the Mississippi Alluvial Plains Level Ill ecoregion. This ecoregion is described as flat plains and river meander belts with levees , point bars , oxbows , and abandoned channels with elevation ranging from 5 to 100 feet above sea level. Within this ecoregion , the more flood prone areas are dominated by water tupelo (Nyssa sp.) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), while overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), Nuttall oak (Q. nuttalli1), willow oak (Q. phellos), water hickory (Carya aquatica), elm (Ulmus sp.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvan i ca), and sweet gum (Liquidamba styracif/ua) are predominately found in less flood-prone zones. Point bars and natural levees are frequently dominated by sweet gum , cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and ash (Fraxinus sp.) with interspersed areas of live oak (Q. virginiana). Some forested canebrakes with open , mixed deciduous trees and giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) also occur. (Daigle et al. 2006) Herbaceous vegetation found along the sandy portions of the alluvium may include fleabane (Erigeron sp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), ragwort (Senecio sp.), and sow thistle (Sonchus sp.) (NRC 1981 , page 4-20). 3.6.7.1 Principal Plant Communities The Entergy Louisiana , LLC property is composed of two distinct geographical zones: natural levee and wetlands. The distribution of the principal plant communities on the Entergy Louisiana , 3-127 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage LLC property is shown in Figure 3.1-1; the most extensive communities are the woody wetlands (i.e., cypress-gum swamp) and agriculture. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-1) 3.6. 7 .1.1 Agricultural Land Historically , most agricultural land was devoted to sugarcane production , but some soybean acreage is rotated in a cyclical manner. Portions of this community have been cultivated for many years and are an important habitat for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), and various rodents. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-1) 3.6.7.1.2 Cypress-Gum Swamp The cypress-gum swamp community is dominated by bald cypress and tupelo gum , both of which are very tolerant of extended periods of flooding. Other characteristic species include button bush and duckweed. Cypress-gum swamplands are excellent habitats for a number of small , passerine birds , such as northern parula (Paruta americana) and prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), and larger non-passerines , such as barred owl (Strix varia), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and wood duck (Aix sponsa). Mammals such as swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), northern raccoon (Procyon /otor), white-tailed deer (Odocoi/eus virginianus), nutria , North American mink (Muste/a vison), and common muskrat frequent this habitat type. (LP&L 1978 , pages 2.2-1 and 2.2-2) 3.6.7.1.3 Batture , Wax Myrtle , and Marsh Communities The batture has a variety of vegetation cover. In some areas , willow is the predominant canopy species. The understory is characterized by asters , peppervine , climbing hempweed , beggars lice , and other weedy species. In other areas , sugar berry is the predominant canopy species , with a shrub and herbaceous layer typical of disturbed communities. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) The wax myrtle community consists of land formerly under cultivation which has reverted to natural vegetation in recent times. This community occupies approximately 420 acres (or about 12 percent) of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. Wax myrtle is the predominant species , forming a fairly dense cover. Maple (Acer sp.), ash , and dogwood (Camus sp.) also occur with the wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).
Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) and briars (Rosa sp.) are common along the border between the wax myrtle community and the agricultural land. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) The marsh community occurs near the southern border of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. This community occupies approximately 808 acres , or about 23 percent of the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , and is an overflow area of Lac des Allemands. Common plants found in the marsh area are alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), water hyacinth , giant cutlass (Pisum sp.), cattail (Typha sp.), pennywort (Gotu kola), bull-tongue (Sagittaria sp.), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), water hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia), and sprangletop (Leptochloa sp.). (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) 3-128 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat in g License Renewal Stage A large variety of bird and mammal species also occupies these habitat types. The successional state of the plant communities , in add i tion to the animal tolerance of nearby industrial activity , is a primary force which regulates the species' presence in these habitat types. (LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) 3.6.7.1.4 Utility Land denoted as utility is the area occupied by Waterford 1 , 2 , and 4 , and WF3. No special plant community characteristics are associated with this category of land use. This area occupies approximately 402 acres , or 11 percent of the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property.
(LP&L 1978 , page 2.2-2) This area is illustrated in Figure 3.1-1 and described as developed (low intensity , medium intensity , and high intensity). 3.6.7.2 Amphibians and Reptiles The wetlands on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property provide a significant amount of potential habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Wh il e there has not been a significant structured study of the amphibians and reptiles on the site in more than 40 years , it would be expected that the populations of these an i mals on the property would be similar to populations in the surrounding environs. It would not be unusual to find alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) or poisonous snakes , such as western cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), or bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) on the site (Table 3.6-1 ). 3.6.7.3 Birds Bird populations in the WF3 area i nclude year-round residents , seasonal residents , and trans i ents (birds stopping briefly during migration). A large percentage of the bird species in southern Louisiana are migratory. While there are resident bird populations , the region serves as a pass-through area for semi-annual migrations of Neotropical birds that may range between South America and Canada , as well as seasonal migrations of waterfowl.
Bird populations on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property would be representative of those found in the region (Table 3.6-1 ). The LMR corridor is a part of the M i ss i ssipp i Flyway , a major b ir d migratory route. The Mississippi Flyway leads across the United States from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada following the general path of the Miss i ssippi R i ver. It i s est im ated that about 40 percent of all waterfowl migration in the United States takes place along this flyway. The LMR corridor prov i des suitable winter habitats for a variety of waterfowl from the Prairie Pothole and Great Lakes. The naturally flooded forests of the Delta region offer desirable conditions for millions of mallards , wood ducks , and other waterfowl.
The coastal marshes of Louisiana provide winter habitats for pintail (Anas acuta), gadwall (Anas strepera), American wigeon (Anas amer i cana), and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). (!EC 2014) 3-129 3.6.7.4 Mammals Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The area surrounding WF3 is a mosaic of developed land , mowed grass , woodlots , and generation forest that do not appear to provide significant wildlife travel corridors as might be found along watercourses or entry/exit locations for desirable foraging or resting habitats. Because the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property boundary is unfenced , animals have ready access to the site. White-tailed deer , for instance , are frequently seen on site. The varied habitats around the site , however , are well suited to small mammals such as the coyote (Canis latrans), northern raccoon , eastern cottontail, and eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), although the diminished quality of most of the communities discussed provides less than ideal foraging opportunities. None of the mammal species observed or reported at the site (Table 3.6-1) is unusual for the region. 3.6.8 Invasive Species There have been 272 invasive species reported in St. Charles Parish (UGA 2015). The prominent invasive species likely occurring on or adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property are described below. There has been no need to implement management controls because the invasive species discussed below do not interfere with plant operations. 3.6.8.1 Invasive Aquatic Species 3.6.8.1.1 Plants Blue-Green Algae A blue-green algae (Cylindrospermopsis raciborski1), or "Cylindro" for short , is an invasive , subtropical , microscopic blue-green alga. Researchers believe it was introduced to Florida about 30 years ago and has spread rapidly across North America over the last 10-15 years. It is likely that this alga occurs in a wide range of North American water bodies but , due to its size, it is difficult to identify and easily confused with other blue-green algae. It is unclear how this species arrived in the United States , but it is probably spread i ng to new U.S. water bodies by boats , boat trailers , and waterfowl.
This species has been identified in water bodies throughout Florida , parts of Alabama , and central Texas. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this species was found in waters near the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion in summer 2002. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Like most blue-green algae , Cylindro has no serious adverse effect on water quality or wildlife when found in small concentrations. In fact , blue-green algae are beneficial in small concentrations because they fix nitrogen and add nutrients to the water. However , in higher concentrations , Cylindro can be very detrimental.
In some Florida lakes , Cylindro outcompeted other blue-green algae species and now account for 95 percent of the total algal biomass. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Cylindro is known to produce at least three toxins: cylindrospermopsin , anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin , of which the first is the best documented. Cylindrospermopsin is a hepatotoxin which 3-130 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewa l Stage harms the liver and kidneys. Anatoxin-a and saxitoxin are neurotoxins which cause lethargy , muscle aches , confusion , memory impairment , and , at sufficiently high concentrations , death. During Cylindro algae blooms , the concentration of these toxins can reach high levels and adversely impact the ecosystem , agriculture , and human health. For example , researchers suspect that Cylindrospermopsis may be linked to the deaths of more than 200 alligators in Lake Griffin , Florida, between 1998 and 2000. Cylindro accounts for 90 percent of all microscopic algae in Lake Griffin , and researchers observed the Lake Griffin alligators behaving erratically and sluggishly , a symptom consistent with neurotoxicity.
(CBR 2005 , page 45) In 1997 , three cows and 10 calves were found dead near a dam on a cattle farm in Queensland , Australia. Cyanobacteria blooms near the dam consisted of "a virtual monoculture of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
." An autopsy on one of the calves and an examination of several of the calfs organs showed damage consistent with hepatotoxin poisoning. In Florida , the Cylindro seems to be resistant to copper sulfate and benomyl , a fungicide , and is non-responsive to other algae poisons. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Brazilian Waterweed Since as early as 1915 , Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa) has been a popular aquarium plant for its rapid growth and oxygenating properties. Pet and aquarium stores sometimes sell this plant under the name "Anacharis".
To date , it is one of the most widely distributed and utilized aquarium oxygenator plants. Also known as common waterweed and Brazilian elodea , Brazilian waterweed prefers the slow-moving waters of streams , ponds , and lakes. (CBR 2005 , page 38) The aquarium trade deliberately introduced th i s aquatic weed , but its establishment in natural ecosystems is likely due to aquarium releases. It may also have been planted for malaria eradication
; its oxygenating properties led researchers to believe it could control mosquito larvae. Brazilian waterweed forms thick mats at the water surface , impeding recreational activities such as swimming , boating , and fishing. The weed chokes out native vegetation and degrades water quality and fish habitat. Brazilian waterweed can reproduce vegetatively and is therefore prone to spreading through boat traffic and water currents. (CBR 2005 , page 38) Chinese Tallow Tree Chinese tallow trees (Sapium sebiferum) were first introduced to the United States by Benjamin Franklin in 1772 as ornamentals. Widely sold by nurseries and promoted by landscapers for its attractive red and green foliage , the hardy Chinese tallow (a source of tallow oil and wax) was also planted throughout the Gulf South in the early 20th century in hopes of establishing a local soap industry. Tallow trees escaped tree farms when natural processes (animal interaction , bird consumption, wind , etc.) spread the seeds over long distances. Today , these trees are considered nuisances in many Louisiana prairies , parks , and wetlands. (CBR 2005 , page 32) Still sold by some plant nurseries , Chinese tallow trees grow quickly and resist many pests. Sometimes called "popcorn trees ," they can grow to a height of 30 feet , tend to form thick stands , 3-131 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage and can easily shade-out native plants. Chinese tallow trees are dispersed throughout almost every Louisiana parish. (CSR 2005 , page 35) Common Salvinia A floating fern , common salvinia (Sa/vinia minima) is also sometimes called "water spangles" or "water fern." Common salvinia prefers slow-moving freshwaters such as bayous , cypress swamps , marshes , and ponds and lakes. Common salvinia forms thick mats on the water surface , up to almost 10 inches deep in some instances. These mats shade and crowd-out native plants thereby degrading habitat for fish and birds and negatively affecting water quality. (CSR 2005 , page 38) This Central and South American native has been cultivated in the United States since the 1880s for water gardens. Researchers believe common salvinia escaped from cultivation into Florida's St. Johns River in 1928 , probably when a water garden flooded , but possibly from an intentional release. It was first recorded in Louisiana in 1980 in the Bayou Teche area of St. Mary Parish , and is now considered a nuisance throughout the state. Introduction into rice and crawfish farms via irrigation practices has caused problems for farmers. One of the most common pathways is boat traffic traversing Louisiana's waterways. (CSR 2005 , page 41) Eurasian Watermilfoil Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), also called spike watermilfoil , aggressively outcompetes native vegetation and degrades water quality for fish and birds. Eurasian watermilfoil prefers slow moving waters , such as ponds, lakes , bayous , shallow reservoirs , streams , and low-energy rivers , but can tolerate brackish waters. It forms thick, dense mats at the water surface and impedes recreational activities , such as boating and swimming. (CSR 2005 , page 38) Eurasian watermilfoil was first recorded in the United States in Washington , D.C., in 1942 , possibly an intentional introduction by federal authorities. Its rapid spread throughout the country may derive from its use as packing material for baitworms sold to fishermen. Today , the most common pathway is vegetative fragments attached to boats and boat trailers. Eurasian watermilfoil is still sold by some pet stores and on the Internet as an aquarium plant. Some introductions may be due to aquarium releases. (CSR 2005 , page 38) Giant Salvinia Giant salvinia (Sa/vinia molesta) was probably intentionally introduced to the United States as an aquarium plant and , in fact , has been linked to several aquatic plant nurseries.
The plant was probably kept in an aquarium until overgrowth occurred , at which point the aquarium contents were dumped into a local stream or pond. Giant salvinia expands its range through reproduction , wind transport , and boaters and fishermen who do not rinse their gear. (CSR 2005 , page 41) 3-132 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Giant salvinia first appeared in Louisiana in 1998 in the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana border. Since then , it expanded into at least 15 locations throughout southern Louisiana. It is a free-floating , rootless plant that reproduces quickly; under ideal conditions , giant salvinia can double its biomass every 7 to 10 days. It chokes bayous and canals , and can cover large portions of lakes and reservoirs , degrading water quality , harming wildlife , and impeding boat traffic. In Cameron Parish , Louisiana , giant salvinia posed a public health threat because it blocked the operation of floodgates.
(CBR 2005 , page 41) Hydrilla Originally from Asia , hydrilla (Hydri/la verticil/ata) is a rooted , aquatic weed that inhabits both deep and shallow waters. In shallower areas , hydrilla forms thick mats that impede boat traffic and swimming. It adversely affects water quality by shading out native vegetation , lowering dissolved oxygen concentrations , and can result in fish kills. (CBR 2005 , page 35) It is believed that hydrilla was first discarded from a home aquarium or possibly was planted in canals in Miami and Tampa , Florida. Accidental introduction through boating , usually when attached to a boat or boat trailer , is the primary pathway spreading hydrilla into new areas. Hydrilla is appearing more frequently in Louisiana drainages, particularly in the Atchafalaya Basin and along LA-1. In Bayou Lafourche , Louisiana , hydrilla clogged an intake pipe for a drinking water treatment plant , causing public health concerns.
At times , it made several water bodies virtually unusable for aquatic recreation , in particular , the Spring Bayou WMA and Henderson Lake in the Atchafalaya Basin. (CBR 2005 , page 35) Parrot Feather Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow in riparian areas and at water surfaces. Sold at gardening centers , and frequently under an incorrect name , parrot feather is also known as Brazilian watermilfoil and is sometimes mistaken for its "cousin" , Eurasian watermilfoil.
This aquatic weed is a native of the Amazon River basin in South America , but is now found worldwide. Its exact date of introduction to the United States is unknown , but it was first discovered in a Washington , D.C., pond in 1890. (CBR 2005 , page 35) A popular plant in aquatic gardens and indoor and outdoor aquariums , parrot feather probably escaped cultivation through aquarium releases into open water bodies , and it can reproduce vegetatively , so boat traffic or the natural flow of water may serve as a pathway in spreading it. Parrot feather shades out native submerged aquatic vegetation and seriously disrupts the aquatic food chain.
This aquatic weed can block waterways , suspending boat traffic and fishing , and could potentially clog irrigation and drainage canals. Thick growth at the water surface can also provide ideal mosquito breeding habitat. (CBR 2005 , page 35) Purple Loosestrife Purple loosestrife (Lythrum sa!icaria) is an i nvasive plant introduced from Europe i n the 1800s as an ornamental plant. It also may have arrived in the northeastern United States in ships' ballast. 3-133 Waterfo r d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Loosestrife stalks can grow up to 9 feet tall , and just one mature loosestrife plant can produce an estima t ed 3 million seeds annually. Seeds are prone to wind , animal , and water dispersal.
Purple loosestrife stands disrupt wetland ecosystems by displacing native wildlife , and affect agriculture by clogging irrigation systems or destroying grazing pastures by replacing range grasses. (CBR 2005 , page 43) An easy-to-grow plant with attractive purplish-magenta flowers , purple loosestrife can be purchased in many plant nurseries , garden stores , and over the Internet.
Some nurseries claim to sell only sterile loosestrife plants , but these claims have often proven false. While the USFWS reports that purple loosestrife is present in every state except Florida , the USDA and USGS have no record of purple loosestrife in Louisiana. Conflicting reports about the presence of purple loosestrife in Louisiana may be due to two native loosestrife species , wand loosestrife (Lythrum lineare) and winged loosestrife (Lythrum alatum). (CBR 2005 , page 43) Records from Tulane University's Herbarium in New Orleans indicate two purple loosestrife samples were collected and identified i n the mid-to late-1980s. The first sample was collected in 1986 from Plaquemines Parish , approximately 8 miles south of Venice , Louisiana , and about 2 miles east of the Mississippi River. The second specimen was collected from a cultivated garden at Longue Vue House and Gardens in 1988 in New Orleans. (CBR 2005 , page 45) Water Hyacinth Water hyacinth was first introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant at the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans in 1884-1885. A South American native , water hyacinth frequently clogs bayous and canals , impedes boat traffic , slows water currents , and blocks light to native submerged aquat i c vegetation which degrades water quality and harms wildlife. Known for its beautiful flowers, hyacinth can be found in almost every drainage basin in Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 32) Water Lettuce Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a floating plant resembling a head of lettuce with thick green leaves. A perennial , water lettuce infestations impede boat traffic , swimming , fishing , and other recreational activities. It degrades water quality for native vegetation and adversely affects fish and bird populations.
Some experts believe the plant is native to Africa and was introduced in ballast water by early explorers (there are records of water lettuce in Florida as early as 1765). Although this plant is on the Federal Noxious Weed List , water lettuce is still available through aquarium suppliers and on the Internet.
(CBR 2005 , page 38) Wild Taro Wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) was initially introduced to North America in association with the slave trade , but spread when the USDA promoted it as a substitute for potatoes in the early 1900s. Wild taro forms dense growth stands in riparian zones and displaces native vegetation. Many types of taro are sold at garden stores as ornamental plants. (CBR 2005 , page 35) 3-134 3.6.8.1.2 Invertebrates Asian Clam Wa t erford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Ope r at i ng License Renewa l Stage Asian clam is a small (less than 2 inches), light-colored bivalve with shell ornamented by dist i nct , concentric sulcations , and anterior and posterior lateral teeth with many fine serrations. Dark shell morphs exist but are limited to the southwestern United States. The light-colored shell morph has a yellow green to light-brown periostracum and wh i te-to-light blue or l i ght-purple nacre , wh i le the darker shell morph has a dark-olive green to b l ack periostracum and deep blue nacre. Yellow and brown shell color morphs among specimens collected from Sichuan Province in China have been reported. The shells of the yellow morphs were straw yellow on the outside and white on the inside; those of brown morphs were dark brown and purple , respectively. Further analyses revealed that the yellow and brown morphs are triploid and tetraploid , respectively. (Foster et al. 2014) The Asian clam is a filter feeder that removes particles from the water column. It can be found at the sediment surface or slightly buried. Its ability to reproduce rapidly , coupled with low tolerance of cold temperatures (36-86°F), can produce wild swings in population sizes from year to year in northern water bodies. Furthermore , Asian clam is able to reproduce by self-fertilization at different ploidy levels. The life span is about 1 to 7 years. The Asian clam is known mostly as a biofouler of many electrical and nuclear power plants across the country. As water is drawn from rivers , streams , and reservoirs for cooling purposes , so are the larvae. Once inside the plant , this mussel can clog condenser tubes , raw service water pipes , and firefighting equipment.
(Foster et al. 2014) Although the Asian clam has found its way into most of the Mississippi River Basin , it has not been detected at the WF3 facility. Zebra Mussel Zebra mussels and a related species , the Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugens i s), are small , fingernail-sized animals that attach to solid surfaces in water. Adults are 0.25 to 1.5 inches long and have D-shaped shells with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. Female zebra mussels can produce 100 , 000 to 500 , 000 eggs per year. These develop into microscopic , free-living larvae (called veligers) that begin to form shells. After 2 to 3 weeks , the microscopic veligers start to settle and attach to any firm surface using "byssal threads". They are native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia and were introduced to the Great Lakes in ballast water of freighters. Populations of zebra mussels were discovered in the Great Lakes about 1988. Zebra mussels have spread throughout the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River from Brainerd downstream , and are now in other rivers and inland lakes. Zebra mussels cause problems i n intake structures when the veligers attach to the inter i or of an intake structure.
As the zebra mussel grows and others accumulate , the intake structure may become clogged with organisms that are tightly attached to the structure.
(MNDNR 2014a) However , the zebra mussel has seldom been detected at the WF3 facility. 3-135 Zooplanktonic Water Flea Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 App li can t's Environmenta l Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage Although several species in the Genus Oaphnia are native to Louis i ana and other parts of the United States , the water f l ea (Oaphnia /umholtzr) i s nat i ve to Africa , Asia , and Austral i a. It was first documented in Texas in 1990 , and today can be found in Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Illinois , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississipp i, Missouri , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Oh i o , South Carol i na , Tennessee , Texas , and Utah. The water flea was first documented i n Louis i ana i n 1994 when 19 zooplankton samples collected from 30 sites in the Atchafalaya Bas i n conta i ned this water flea. Although its pathway is not known , scientists believe th i s daphnid species likely was brought to the United States i n sh i pments of Nile perch from Lake V i ctor i a in Afr i ca. The water flea probably spread throughout the United States through contaminated water used to transport fish stocks , water drained from aquaculture ponds , and/or unwashed recreational boats trailered from one water body to another. (CBR 2005 , pages 62 and 63) The long-term effects of this species' introduction are currently unknown , but negat i ve i mpacts are possible. Water fleas and other zooplankton are an important food source for many larval fish species , but because of the water flea's head and ta i l sp i nes , wh i ch are much longer and more numerous than those of native daphn i d , th i s species of zooplankton i s avoided by fish larvae , thus giving it an evolut i onary advantage over natives. However , it was speculated that if this replacement occurs , the amount of food available to larval and juvenile fishes may be reduced. (CBR 2005 , page 63) 3.6.8.1.3 Fish Bighead and Silver Carp Bighead and silver carp are large filter-feed i ng fish that can we i gh up to 110 pounds (bighead carp) and 60 pounds (s i lver carp). Both spec i es have low-set eyes below the mouth and large upturned mouths without barbels. They were imported from China in the 1970s for use in aquaculture ponds to control plankton. By the early 1980s , both species had escaped into open waters i n southern states. (MNDNR 2014b) Bighead and silver carp eat huge amounts of plankton and detr i tus. Because they feed on plankton , these fish compete for food with nat i ve organisms including mussels , larval fishes , and some adult fish , such as paddlefish. This compet i tion for food could result in fewer and smaller sport fish. Populat i ons of bighead and silve r carp are establ i shed in the M i ss i ss i pp i River and it s tributar i es downstream of Bellevue , Iowa. (MNDNR 2014b) Black Carp Recent black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) collect i ons from the Red River have sparked concern among fisheries managers that t his species may soon become established in natural ecosystems. Also known as the sna i l carp , Chinese b l ack carp , black amur , Ch i nese roach , or black Chinese roach , the black carp is a freshwater fish nat i ve to China , parts of eastern Russ i a , and poss i bly northern Vietnam. A bottom-dwell i ng mollusk eater , black carp a l so are known to 3-136 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage eat freshwater shrimp , insects , and crawfish.
In large numbers , black carp could threaten native shellfish and mollusks , including snails and mussels. Black carp host many parasites and flukes , not to mention bacteria and viruses , which may infect commercially valuable sportfish , food fish , or threatened and endangered species. (CBR 2005 , page 50) The first introduction of black carp to the United States , in the early 1970s , was as an accidental specimen in imported grass carp stocks sent to a private fish farmer in Arkansas. The second introduction in the 1980s was deliberate
; the carp were imported both as a food fish and as a biocontrol for yellow grubs at aquaculture facilities. The only known introduction of black carp to open waters occurred in 1994 when high waters flooded an aquaculture facility near the Missouri River. An estimated 30 black carp , along with thousands of bighead carp , escaped into the Osage River. (CBR 2005 , pages 50 and 51) In April 2004 , a 43-inch black carp was caught by a commercial fisherman in the upper Atchafalaya/lower Red rivers region of Louisiana. A second specimen was caught nearby in early May. Researchers felt that the Osage River population was too far removed from these two Louisiana specimens to explain their origin and suspected a new source. One possible explanation is that the carp escaped from a second aquaculture facility , possibly one to which the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) had previously issued a permit to evaluate triploid black carp effectiveness for snail control. The LDWF had permitted one catfish producer for this evaluation in 1996 and a second producer in 2000. Preliminary tests indicate the two black carp specimens may be diploid , indicating that they may be reproducing in open waters. The commercial fisherman who caught the carp reported that he had been catching " strange-looking grass carp in this area for over eight years." (CBR 2005 , page 51) Common Carp Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were introduced to the United States long ago , and are so widespread they are commonly mistaken as an indigenous species. Records of the earliest common carp introductions are sketchy , but this freshwater fish was certainly introduced to the United States from Asia by at least 1877 and possibly as far back as the 1830s. In 1877 , the U.S. F i sh Commission began stocking this fish throughout the United States for food purposes. In addition to deliberate stockings , common carp escaped cultivation from fish farms and spread into wild water bodies. More recently , use of juvenile common carp as baitfish has resulted in additional introductions. Also known as German or European carp , mirror carp , leather carp , and koi , common carp have been introduced through the aquarium and water garden trade. Kai are more colorful variations of common carp that sometimes are kept as pets. It must be noted that only a small portion of common carp introductions have resulted from this pathway. (CBR 2005 , page 46) Although a freshwater fish , carp are able to withstand brackish waters in their native range. Their non-native range in the Gulf of Mexico is not limited by temperature
; the Gulf of Mexico region's temperate waters are suitable habitat for this fish. An omnivore , carp will consume both zooplankton and phytoplankton , and will frequently disturb bottom sediments while feeding. The increased turbidity and dislodging of plants disturb habitat for native species that require rooted 3-137 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage vegetation and clear waters. Common carp also adversely impact native fishes by consuming fish eggs and larvae. Most abundant in manmade water bodies , common carp are also plent i ful in waters polluted by sewage and agricultural runoff. Common carp are widely distributed throughout Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 48) Grass Carp The grass carp , or white amur , is a very large fish in the minnow family (Cyprinidae).
The body is torpedo shaped with moderately large scales , while the head has no scales. They are silver to olive in color. The adults consume aquatic plants and can weigh up to 70 pounds. The grass carp is native to southeastern Russia and northwestern China , and was introduced to Arkansas in the 1960s to control aquatic plants in reservoirs and aquaculture farms. (MNDNR 2014c) Wild populations of grass carp exist in many waters of the United States. They have been stocked in waters of other states , escaped or spread to other waters during flood events , and have spread throughout connected river systems. They have a strong preference for densely vegetated inshore areas of backwaters of large rivers , ponds , and lakes 3 to 10 feet in depth. Their herbivorous feeding can dramatically reduce aquat i c vegetation. (MNDNR 2014c) Rio Grande Cichlid The Rio Grande cichlid (Cich/asoma cyanoguttatum) also sometimes called the Rio Grande perch or the Texas cichlid , is native to parts of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico , but its range is expanding due to human activities. Researchers speculate that the Rio Grande cichlid was introduced to Louisiana in the late 1980s or early 1990s through aquarium releases into freshwater bayous and canals on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Less than 20 years after its initial introduction , this fish has been collected in numerous habitats surrounding greater New Orleans , including urban canals , freshwater marshes and bayous , and the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. Reproductive populations have been observed in many of these locations , so clearly aquarium releases are no longer the main cause of range expansion.
(CBR 2005 , page 46) An omnivorous fish , the Rio Grande cichlid poses a threat to aquatic vegetation and possibly commercially valuable species such as shrimp. The cichlids also may harbor parasites or diseases that can harm native fish. Recent collection locat i ons indicate this freshwater fish is becoming tolerant of salinities of at least 5 ppt , causing concern that increased salinity tolerance will enable the Rio Grande cichlid to penetrate farther into the Lake Pontchartrain estuary , causing further displacement of native fish. (CBR 2005 , page 46) 3.6.8.1.4 Viruses , Bacteria , and Other Disease-Causing Microbes West Nile Virus is one of the many examples of viruses , bacteria , and other disease-causing microbes that qualify as invasive species (CBR 2005 , page 64). 3-138 3.6.8.2 Invasive Terrestrial Species 3.6.8.2.1 Plants Annual Bluegrass Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewa l Stage Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is an erect or clump-forming , light-green grass with a boat-shaped leaf tip that resembles other lawn and closely related turf grass species , such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), but is much lighter in color and lacks rhizomes. Primarily a weed of lawns and turfgrass found throughout the United States , annual bluegrass tolerates close mowing or may reach 11 inches in height. Leaf blades are 0.5 to 5 inches long , 0.04 to 0.2 inches wide , folded in the bud , and lack hairs on either surface. The seed head is an open panicle (0.75 to 2.5 inches long , and pyramidal i n outline). Fruit is an achene. (UGA 2015) Bermudagrass Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season , prostrate , perennial grass that occurs on almost all soil types. Leaves are gray-green and 1.5 to 5.9 inches long. The ligule has a ring of white ha i rs , which is one of its identifying characteristics. Flowering occurs in late summer; flowers occur on 1-to 3-inch spikes. This grass spreads by scaly rhizomes and flat stolons that allow it to form a dense resilient turf. (UGA 2015) The distinguishing characteristics of bermudagrass are the conspicuous ring of wh i te hairs of the ligule , the fringe of hairs on the keel of the lemma , and the gray-green appearance of the fol i age. Bermudagrass is native to eastern Afr i ca and prefers moist and warm climates with high light. It was introduced into North Amer i ca i n the mid-1800s as a pasture grass. Bermudagrass is widely used as a turf grass. (UGA 2015) Chinaberry Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is a dec i duous tree growing to 50 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. The leaves are alternate , bi-p i nnately compound , 1 to 2 feet in length and turn yellow in fall. Flower i ng occurs in the spring , when showy , lavender , five-petaled flowers develop in panicles. Fruit are hard , yellow , marble-sized , stalked berries that can be dangerous on sidewalks and other walkways. Seeds are spread by birds. (UGA 2015) Chinaberry invades disturbed areas and is commonly found along roads and forest edges. It has the potential to grow in dense thickets , restricting the growth of native vegetation. Chinaberry i s native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia , and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s for ornamental purposes. (UGA 2015) Cogongrass Cogongrass (lmperata cylindrica) is a hardy species tolerant of shade , drought , and high salinities , which tends to invade d i sturbed ecosystems such as roadway shoulders. Its dense 3-139 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage growth pattern creates unsuitable habitat for native plants , insects , mammals , and birds. It has been reported that large infestations of cogongrass can alter the normal fire regime of a driven ecosystem by causing more frequent and intense fires that injure or destroy native plants. Cogongrass was accidentally introduced to the United States in Mobile , Alabama , as a packing material in shipping crates. The USDA also intentionally introduced it for controlling soil erosion and as a foraging grass. Its hardiness and attractive leaves have made it a popular grass sold by plant nurseries. (CBR 2005 , page 43) In Louisiana , cogongrass is rapidly spreading along roads and ROWs through the relocation of soil containing cogongrass rhizomes. Sometimes called "Red Baron" or "Blood Grass" for its striking red foliage , cogongrass is becoming prominent in the "Florida parishes" (West Feliciana , East Feliciana , East Baton Rouge, St. Helena , Livingston , Tangipahoa , Washington , and St. Tammany). (CBR 2005 , page 43) Japanese Climbing Fern Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) is a perennial climbing fern that can reach lengths of 90 feet. Vines are thin , wiry , and green to orange to black in color , and they usually die back in winter. The fronds (leaves) are opposite , compound , usually triangular in shape , 3 to 6 inches long , 2 to 3 inches wide , and finely dissected. This plant does not produce flowers , but fertile fronds bear sporangia that produce tiny , wind-dispersed spores. This plant is also spread by rhizomes. (UGA 2015) Japanese climbing fern often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches , but can also invade natural areas. It generally is scattered throughout the landscape , but can form dense mats that smother understory vegetation, shrubs, and trees. This plant is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States during the 1930s for ornamental purposes. (UGA 2015) Japanese Honeysuckle Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a woody perennial , evergreen to semi-evergreen vine that can be found either trailing or climbing to more than 80 feet in length. Young stems may be pubescent while older stems are glabrous.
Leaves are opposite , pubescent , oval and 1 to 2.5 inches long. Margins are usually entire but young leaves may be lobed or toothed. Flowering occurs from April to July , when showy , fragrant , tubular , whitish-pink flowers develop in the axils of the leaves. The flowers turn cream-yellow as they age. The small shiny globular fruits turn from green to black as they ripen. Each fruit contains two or three small brown to black ovate seeds. (UGA 2015) Japanese honeysuckle invades a wide variety of habitats including forest floors , canopies , roadsides , wetlands , and disturbed areas. It can girdle small saplings by twining around them and can form dense mats in the canopies of trees , shading everything below. A native of eastern Asia, it was first introduced into North America in 1806 in Long Island , New York. Japanese 3-140 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage honeysuckle has been planted widely throughout the United States as an ornamental , for erosion control , and for wildlife habitat. (UGA 2015) Japanese Privet Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a thick , evergreen shrub that grows up to 20 feet in height. The trunks usually occur as multiple stems with many long , leafy branches.
Leaves are opposite , oval , up to 2 inches long , with a pointed apex and often with margins that are slightly rolled. Flowering occurs in spring to summer , when very abundant , white flowers occur in clusters at the end of branches. Fruits are 0.2 inches wide , dark purple to black berries (drupes) that persist into winter. (UGA 2015) Japanese privet commonly forms dense thickets in fields or forest understories. It shades and outcompetes many native species and , once established , is very difficult to remove. Privet was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s. It is commonly used as an ornamental shrub and for hedgerows. Several privet species occur and they are very hard to distinguish. Japanese privet is sometimes set apart by the thickness and glossiness of the leaves. Glossy privet (L. /ucidum) also has thick , glossy leaves , but the leaves are usually larger (3 to 6 inches long). (UGA 2015) Joh nsong rass Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a tall , rhizomatous , perennial grass with culms reaching up to 10 feet high that invades open areas throughout the United States. The 2-foot long , lanceolate leaves are arranged alternately along a stout , hairless , somewhat upward branching stem and have distinct , white midribs. Flowers occur in a loose , spreading , purplish panicle (up to 20 inches long). Fruits are also produced in a panicle , and seeds form in the sessile sp i kelets. (UGA 2015) Johnsongrass is adapted to a wide var i ety of habitats including open forests , old fields , ditches , and wetlands. It spreads aggressively and can form dense colonies which displace native vegetation and restrict tree seedling establishment.
Johnsongrass has naturalized throughout the world , but it is thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. It was first introduced into the United States in the early 1800s as a forage crop. Johnsongrass is considered to be one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. (UGA 2015) Kudzu Kudzu (Pueraria montana var /obata) is a climbing , deciduous vine capable of reaching lengths of over 100 feet in a single season. Its fleshy tap roots can reach 7 inches in width and grow to 9 feet deep , and weigh up to 400 pounds. Leaves are alternate , compound (with three , usually lobed , leaflets), hairy underneath , and up to 5.4 inches long. Flowering occurs in midsummer when 0.5-inch long , purple , fragrant flowers hang in clusters in the axils of the leaves. Fruit are brown , hairy , flat , 3-inch long by 0.3-inch wide seed pods. Each pod can contain 3 to 10 hard seeds. (UGA 2015) 3-141 Waterford Steam Electr i c Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Preferred habitat includes open , disturbed areas such as roadsides , ROWs , forest edges , and old fields. This variant of kudzu often grows over , shades out , and kills all other vegetation , including trees. It is native to Asia and was first introduced into the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It was widely planted throughout the eastern United States in an attempt to control erosion. (UGA 2015) 3.6.8.2.2 Animals Asian Tiger Mosquito The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was accidentally introduced to the United States in 1985 when used tires containing larvae-infested water were shipped from Japan to Houston , Texas. Further transport of used tires spread Asian tiger mosquito to other southern cities. Within the first year of its introduction , the Asian tiger mosquito was reported in New Orleans , Lake Charles , Baton Rouge , and Shreveport; today it is found in almost every parish in Louisiana. (CBR 2005 , page 61) Asian tiger mosquito breeds in stagnant water pools found in outdoor containers , especially in shady areas. For this reason , this species does particularly well in urban residential settings. This mosquito threatens public health as a known vector of the viruses that cause dengue fever , eastern equine encephalitis , and the agent that causes dog heartworm. Asian tiger mosquito is a suspected vector of other viral diseases , including West Nile virus , yellow fever , and other types of encephalitis. (CBR 2005 , page 61) Feral Hog Feral hogs (Sus scrota) are sometimes hybrids of wild boars and domestic livestock.
Domestic hogs were deliberately introduced as livestock to North America during colonial times; some escaped farms and established feral populations. In the 1940s , sportsmen deliberately introduced Russian black boars to the southeastern United States as a new game animal. Interbreeding between the boars and the feral hogs may have produced the hybrid feral hogs present in Louisiana today. (CBR 2005 , page 60) Feral hogs prefer wooded areas , flat coastal plains , swamps , marshes , and other habitats with plentiful water. Louisiana's warm and moist subtropical climate allows for reproduction almost year-round , and nutrient-rich soils and diverse ecosystems abundantly produce the hogs' favorite foods: roots , leaves , nuts , tubers , snails , insects , frogs , snakes , and rats. Besides competing with deer , bears , rabbits , and other native species for habitat and food , feral hogs can pose a risk to humans. In their quest for food , feral hogs have been known to tear up hurricane protection levees with their snouts and hooves , causing scars which could erode , expand , and weaken the flood-prevention structures. Feral hogs are also vectors for bovine tuberculosis and swine brucellosis , a potential human pathogen which could affect agriculture. (CBR 2005 , page 60) 3-1 42 Formosan Termite Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Unit 3 Appl i cant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus) were introduced to the United States during and shortly after World War II , via wooden shipping palettes on ships returning from East Asia. The termites were introduced at various ports along the Gulf Coast , including Houston and Galveston , Texas; Lake Charles and New Orleans , Louisiana; as well as Charleston , South Carolina. Formosan termites were not detected at the military bases until 1966 , and the extent and impact of Formosan termite populations was not fully appreciated until the 1980s. By that time , this "super termite" was well established and spreading throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. (CSR 2005 , page 61) Formosan termites cause an estimated
$500 million in damage to Louisiana every year , with $300 million in damages to New Orleans alone. In addition to damaged houses and other buildings , particularly historical structures , Formosan termites infest and structurally weaken native trees , including live oaks and other hardwoods , rendering them more vulnerable to wind damage and other threats. Even cypress are not immune to Formosan termites. (CSR 2005 , page 61) Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents indigenous to South America. In the 1930s , nutria were imported into Louisiana for the fur farming industry and were released by state and federal agencies to provide a new fur resource and to control problem plants such as the water hyacinth and alligator weed. (USGS 2015e) Nutria live in fresh , intermediate , and brackish marshes and wetlands and are extremely prolific , reaching sexual maturity at 6 months of age. With a gestation period of only 130 days , in 1 year , adult nutria can produce two litters and be pregnant for a third. Litter size averages from four to five young , which are born fully furred with their eyes open. With this high productivity , nutria populations can withstand high predation rates. (USGS 2015e) Because of the nutria's feeding habits , high population densities can be especially damaging to wetland vegetation and further wetland loss. Nutria predominantly feed on the base of plant stems , and dig for roots and rhizomes in the winter. Their grazing can strip large patches of marsh , and their digging overturns the marsh's upper peat layer. Plant growth can be reduced when grazing is intensive with little recovery time for the plants or when grazing is coupled with other sources of stress. Nutria have also contributed to the failure of several planting efforts of bald cypress , uprooting and eating as many as 500 newly planted seedlings literally overnight.
(USGS 2015e) Recent efforts to control nutria populations in Louisiana have been aimed at creating a market for human consumption of the meat as well as for fur (USGS 2015e). 3-143 Red Imported Fire Ant Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are thought to be native to Paraguay and the Parana River region in South America and were brought to the United States in the 1930s , probably in soil used as ballast or dunnage in commercial shipping vessels. Red imported fire ants were first detected in Mobile , Alabama , but quickly spread throughout the southeastern United States through the transport of nursery stock and earth-moving equipment.
A federal quarantine was implemented in 1958 to prevent the spread of red imported fire ants by restricting the movement of potentially infested hay , sod , soil , equipment , and nursery stock. (CBR 2005 , page 60) Red imported fire ants cause a variety of adverse economic and environmental effects by outcompeting and preying on native species , feeding on agricultural crops (such as okra , cucumbers , corn , and soybeans), sometimes killing livestock , and nesting in electrical equipment such as air conditioners , traffic signal boxes , computers , airport landing lights , and telephone junctions. The total cost associated with fire ants in the southern United States is estimated at $1 billion per year. (CBR 2005 , page 60) 3.6.9 Procedures and Protocols Entergy relies on administrative controls and other regulatory programs to ensure that habitats and wildlife are protected as a result of a change in plant operations (i.e., water withdrawal increase , new NPDES discharge point , wastewater discharge increase , air emissions increase), or prior to ground-disturbing activities. The administrative controls , as discussed in Section 9.6 , involve reviewing the change , identifying effects , if any , on the environmental resource area (i.e., habitat and wildlife), establishing BMPs , modifying existing permits , or acquiring new permits as needed to minimize impacts. Existing regulatory programs that the site is subject to , as discussed in Chapter 9 , also ensure that habitats and wildlife are protected. These are related to programs such as the follow i ng: stormwater management for controlling the runoff of pollution sources such as sediment , metals , or chemicals; spill prevention to ensure that BMPs and structural controls are in place to minimize the potential for a chemical release to the environment
; USACE permitting programs to minimize dredging impacts; and management of herbicide applications to ensure that the intended use will not adversely affect the environment.
3.6.10 Studies and Monitoring Other than monitoring associated with the site's REMP described in the WF3 Offsite Dose Calculation Manual , there are currently no other active aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs conducted at the site. However , as part of the WF3 license renewal activities , Entergy did conduct a survey at the Entergy Lou i siana , LLC property in October 2014 to assess the habitat availability and presence of plants and animals that have been listed by the USFWS and the LDWF as being threatened , endangered , or proposed for l i sting. This survey , which was limited to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property northeast of LA-3127 , included a desktop survey to determine relevant species for St. Charles Parish , Louisiana , as well as the habitat requirements for each federally and state-3-144 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un i t 3 Applicant's Env i ronmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage listed spec i es , and a pedestrian survey to assess the presence or absence of the organism and/ or its habitat on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property northeast of LA-3127. (Entergy 2014e) In addition , since the mid-1970s , Entergy and others have performed ecological studies of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of WF3. These studies have included efforts to describe the fisher i es resources in the Mississippi River including adults , juveniles , and larval life stages. There have also been efforts to describe the habitats that are associated with the Miss i ssippi River. Numerous efforts have been made to mon i tor water quality and river flows in the LMR. All of these studies have been hampered by the size and flow of the Mississippi River in this lower reach of the river , combined with heavy barge traffic that poses a significant safety hazard to smaller sampling boats. Many of these studies have been summarized by Schramm (2004) and Entergy (2007). Some of the studies summarized in Entergy (2007) are as follows: Comparat i ve Analysis of Impingement Mortality Stud i es a t WF3 , 2007 Compared data collected in historic impingement studies conducted at Waterford 1 and 2 , and WF3 , with current impingement study data collected at Waterford 1 and 2. H i stor i cally , impingement rate was documented to be 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 of water pumped through the plant for both units combined. The current rate was calculated to be 16.16 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Annual Data Report-Waterford Power Plant Un i ts 1 and 2 , Screen Impingement Studies , February 1976 through January 1977 Study results show higher i mpingement rates in winter and spr i ng. The facility is located at M i ssissipp i R i ver Mile 129.9. Species composit i on was dominated by river shrimp (49.6 percent of the total catch), blue catfish (20.3 percent), threadfin shad (10.5 percent), bay anchovy (6.0 percent), freshwater drum (4.5 percent), and gizzard shad (2.9 percent). Total annual impingement rates were estimated to be 336,454 organisms , which equates to 4.22 organisms per 10 , 000 m 3 of water pumped through the plant for both units combined. Daily impinged biomass ranged from 3.6 kilograms to 33.6 kilograms. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Willow Glen Power Station 316 (a) and 316(b) Demonstrations under Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92-500), 1977 Impingement and entrainment data were collected from January 1975 through January 1976 at three of the five units (Units 1 & 2 , and Unit 4) at Willow Glen Power Plant. Major species impinged were freshwater drum , gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catf i sh , white crappie (Pomo x is annular i s), black crappie (Pomo x is n i gromaculatus), r i ver sh r imp , and crayfish. Impingement r ates were relatively low: 1.47 (Units 1 & 2) and 0.13 (Unit 4) organisms per 1 0 , 000 m 3. Approximately 126 , 000 organ i sms per year were estimated to 3-145 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage be impinged with all five units in operation. One pallid sturgeon (endangered) was i mp i nged over the course of the study. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Baxter Wilson Impingement Study-Mississippi Power & Light (MP&L), 197 4 Impingement data were collected from March 1973 through March 1974. Major species impinged were gizzard shad , threadfin shad , freshwater drum , crappie , and channel catfish. The shad species and freshwater drum represented more than 90 percent of the total catch. Impingement was relatively low and calculated to be 160,730 individual organisms per year. No threatened or endangered species were documented on the revolving screens; however , paddlefish (state-listed species of concern) were impinged. Common species were consistent with the literature for the LMR. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Grand Gulf Nuclear Plants 1 and 2 Impingement Study-Mississippi Power & Light (MP&L), 1974 Information on Mississipp i River flow , velocities , stage with surveys of fish populations in different habitats (e.g., backwaters , tributary , and river bank) was presented. Difficulty in sampling the river's main flow was also noted. Gizzard shad contributed 37.4 percent of the total catch , followed by freshwater drum (10.3 percent), blue catfish (8.3 percent), flathead catfish (4.9 percent), and river carpsucker (4.8 percent). (Entergy 2007 , page 3-2) Louisiana Power & Light-Demonstration Under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act , Waterford Steam Electric Plant Unit No. 3 , April 1979 Fisheries data were collected in the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Common species included gizzard shad , threadfin shad , blue catfish , freshwater drum , striped mullet , skipjack herring , channel catfish , river carpsucker , bluegill , and common carp. The most common species reported were consistent with literature for the LMR. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-3) Application Addendum for a Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and Comprehensive Demonstration Study under the 316 (b) Rule for Track II , 2002 , for Bonnet Carre Power LLC; LaPlace , Louisiana (Sempra); by CK Associates and URS Habitat analysis was conducted at Mississippi River M i le 132.2 using 13 distinct LMR habitats. Six habitats were identified in the study area , and each was reviewed specifically to determine the number of fish species (133 potential species found in the LMR), larval fish , and eggs associated with each habitat type. Each of the six habitat types were determined to have a significantly reduced number of aquatic organisms compared to the total potentially found on the river. Of the six habitats reviewed , the researchers concluded that a CWIS located offshore and at middle depth would minimize the number of organisms potentially impinged and/or entrained. (Entergy 2007 , page 3-3) 3-146 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewa l Stage 3.6.11 Threatened, Endangered, and Protected Species, and Essential Fish Habitat 3.6.11.1 Federally Listed Species Portions of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes fall within a 6-mile radius of WF3. Within these two parishes , there are five federally listed species which are either threatened , endangered , or candidate species: Alabama heelsplitter mussel (Potamilus inf!atus), Atlantic sturgeon , pallid sturgeon , Sprague's pipit (Anthus spraguei1), and West Indian manatee. There are no federally listed amphibians , reptiles , or plant species listed in either St. Charles Parish or St. John the Baptist Parish (Table 3.6-5). The ecological requirements for these five species are summarized below. 3.6.11.1.1 Mollusks Alabama Heelsplitter (Inflated Heelsplitter)
The Alabama heelsplitter , which is referred to as the inflated heelsplitter in the species recovery plan , is a large (sometimes reaching more than 5.5 inches in length) freshwater mussel with a brown to black shell with green rays in young individuals.
Like other freshwater mussels , the Alabama heelsplitter feeds by filtering food particles from the water column. The specific food habits of the species are unknown , but other juvenile and adult freshwater mussels have been documented to feed on detritus , diatoms , phytoplankton , and zooplankton. The diet of Alabama heelsplitter glochidia , like other freshwater mussels , comprises water (until encysted on a fish host) and fish body fluids (once encysted). (USFWS 20 1 5b) The reproductive cycle of the Alabama heelsplitter is similar to that of other native freshwater mussels. Males release sperm into the water column; the sperm are then taken in by the females through their siphons during feeding and respiration. The females retain the fertilized eggs in their gills until the larvae (glochidia) fully develop. The mussel glochidia are released into the water , and within a few days they must attach to the appropriate species of fish , which they parasitize for a short time while they develop into juvenile mussels. The specific life history of this species is largely unknown. Gravid females have been collected from the Amite River in Louisiana during October. At that time , they were observed to extend a mantle margin just above the substratum surface in shallow , clear water. Recent investigat i ons indicate that the freshwater drum is a suitable glochidial host for the Alabama heelsplitter. (USFWS 2015b) The Alabama heel splitter was known historically from the Amite and Tangipahoa rivers in Louisiana; the Pearl River in Mississ i ppi; and the Tombigbee , Black Warrior , Alabama , and Coosa rivers in Alabama. The presently known distribution is limited to the Amite River in Louisiana, and five sites in the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers in Alabama. This species is not abundant within any known habitat. (USFWS 2015b) It is believed that more than 50 miles of available habitat remain for the species; however , exact population numbers are unknown. The USACE recently discovered 63 live animals during their surveys of the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers. In a separate report , two fresh dead 3-147 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage specimens were found in two separate locations in the West Pearl River drainage , the first such records since 1911. Recent surveys indicated that the species remains in the lower Amite River where some small individuals were collected indicating successful recruitment.
(USFWS 2015b) The preferred habitat of this species is soft , stable substrata in slow to moderate currents. It has been found in sand , mud , silt , and sandy-gravel , but not in large or armored gravel. It is usually collected on the protected side of bars and may occur in depths greater than 20 feet. The occurrence of this species in silt does not necessarily indicate that the species can be successful in that substratum. Adult mussels may survive limited amounts of silt , whereas juveniles would suffocate. In addition , it is possible that the species was established in an area prior to deposition of the silt. (USFWS 2015b) The Alabama heelsplitter mussel is not anticipated to be present adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property because the Mississippi River does not provide suitable habitat for this species. 3.6.11.1.2 Fish Atlantic Sturgeon The Atlantic sturgeon is a long-lived , estuarine dependent , anadromous fish. Atlantic sturgeon can grow to approximately 14 feet long and can weigh up to 800 pounds. They are bluish-black or olive brown dorsally with paler sides and a white belly , and they have five major rows of dermal scutes. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are similar in appearance to shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), but can be distinguished by their larger size , smaller mouth , different snout shape , and scutes. Atlantic sturgeon have been aged to 60 years. There is generally faster growth and earlier age at maturation in more southern populations. (NOAA 2015) Spawning adults migrate upriver in spring , beginning in February-March in the south , April-May in the mid-Atlantic , and May-June in Canadian waters. In some areas , a small spawning migration may also occur in the fall. Spawning occurs in flowing water between the salt front and fall line of large rivers. Atlantic sturgeon spawning intervals range from 1 to 5 years for males and 2 to 5 years for females. Fecundity of female Atlantic sturgeon is correlated with age and body size and ranges from 400 , 000 to 8 , 000 , 000 eggs. The average age at which 50 percent of maximum lifetime egg production is achieved is estimated to be 29 years , which is approximately 3 to 10 times older than for other bony fish species. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are anadromous
; adults spawn in freshwater in the spring and early summer , and migrate into estuarine and marine waters where they spend most of their lives. In some southern rivers , a fall spawning migration may also occur. They spawn in moderately flowing water (18 to 30 inches/second) in deep parts of large rivers. Sturgeon eggs are highly adhesive and are deposited on bottom substrate , usually on hard surfaces (e.g., cobble). It is likely that cold , clean water is important for proper larval development.
Once larvae begin migrating 3-148 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage downstream they use benthic structure (especially gravel matrices) as refuges. Juveniles usually reside in estuarine waters for months to years. (NOAA 2015) Following spawning, males may remain in the river or lower estuary until the fall; females typically exit the rivers within 4 to 6 weeks. Juveniles move downstream and inhabit brackish waters for a few months and , when they reach a size of about 30 to 36 inches , they move into nearshore coastal waters. These immature Atlantic sturgeon travel widely once they emigrate from their natal rivers. Subadults and adults live in coastal waters and estuaries when not spawning , generally in shallow (33-to 164-foot depth) nearshore areas dominated by gravel and sand substrates. Long distance migrations away from spawning rivers are common. (NOAA 2015) Atlantic sturgeon are benthic feeders and typically forage on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans , worms , and mollusks.
The Altamaha River supports one of the healthiest Atlantic sturgeon populations in the southeast United States , with more than 2 , 000 subadults captured in research surveys in the past few years , 800 of which were 1 to 2 years of age. The Atlantic sturgeon population appears to be stable. (NOAA 2015) Studies have consistently found populat i ons to be genetically diverse and indicate that there are about 10 populations that can be statistically differentiated. However , there is some disagreement among studies , and results do not include samples from all rivers inhabited by Atlantic sturgeon.
(NOAA 2015) Historically , threats to Atlantic sturgeon included overharvesting (which led to widespread declines in Atlantic sturgeon abundance) and commercial fishing from the 1950s to the 1990s. Current threats include bycatch of sturgeon in fisheries targeting other species; habitat degradation and loss from var i ous human activities such as dredging , dams , water withdrawals , and other development
; habitat impediments including locks and dams; and ship strikes. Although there are no known diseases threatening Atlantic sturgeon populations , there is concern that non-indigenous sturgeon pathogens could be introduced through aquaculture operations. (NOAA 2015) The Atlantic sturgeon could potentially be present i n the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property; however , the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. (Entergy 2014e) Pallid Sturgeon The pallid sturgeon was first recognized as a species different from shovelnose sturgeon by S. A. Forbes and R. E. Richardson in 1905 , based on a study of nine specimens collected from the Mississippi River near Grafton , Illinois. They named this new species Parascaphirhynchus a/bus. Later reclassification assigned it to the genus Scaphirhynchus.
(USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon have a flattened , shovel-shaped snout; a long , slender , and completely armored caudal peduncle; and they lack a spiracle. As with other sturgeon , the mouth is toothless , 3-1 49 Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un i t 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage protrusible , and ventrally positioned under the head. The skeletal structure is primarily composed of cartilage rather than bone. (USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon are a bottom-oriented , large-river obligate fish inhabiting the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and some tributaries from Montana to Louisiana. Pallid sturgeon evolved in the diverse environments of the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. Floodplains , backwaters , chutes , sloughs , islands , sandbars , and main channel waters formed the large-river ecosystem that met the habitat and life history requirements of pallid sturgeon and other native large-river fishes. Pallid sturgeon have been documented over a variety of available substrates , but are often associated with sandy and fine bottom materials.
(USFWS 2014c) Substrate association appears to be seasonal.
During winter and spring , a mixture of sand , gravel , and rock substrates are used. During the summer and fall , sand substrate is most often used. In the Middle Mississippi River , pallid sturgeon transition from predominantly sandy substrates to gravel during May , which may be associated with spawning. In these river systems and others , pallid sturgeon appear to use underwater sand dunes. (USFWS 2014c) Across their range , pallid sturgeon have been documented in waters of varying depths and velocities. Depths at collection sites range from about 2 feet to greater than 65 feet , though there may be selection for areas at least 2.6 feet deep. Despite the wide range of depths associated with capture locations , one commonality is apparent:
this species is typically found in areas where relative depths (the depth at the fish location divided by the maximum channel cross section depth expressed as a percent) exceed 75 percent. Bottom water velocities associated with collection locations are generally less than 4.9 fps with reported averages ranging from 1.9 to 2.9 fps. (USFWS 2014c) Data on food habits of age-0 pallid sturgeon are limited. In a hatchery environment , exogenously feeding fry will readily consume brine shrimp suggesting zooplankton and/or small invertebrates are likely the food base for this age group. Data available for age-0 Scaphirhynchus indicate mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and midge (Chironomidae) larvae are important.
Juvenile and adult pallid sturgeon diets are generally composed of fish and aquatic insect larvae with a trend toward piscivory as they increase in size. Based on the above diet data and habitat utilization by prey items , it appears that pallid sturgeon will feed over a variety of substrates. However , the abundance of Trichoptera in the diet suggests that harder substrates like gravel and rock material may be important feeding areas. (USFWS 2014c) Pallid sturgeon can be long-lived , with females reaching sexual maturity later than males. Based on wild fish , estimated age at first reproduction was 15 to 20 years for females and approximately 5 years for males. Like most fish species , water temperatures influence growth and maturity.
Female hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon maintained in an artificially controlled environment can attain sexual maturity at age 6 , whereas female pallid sturgeon subject to colder winter water temperatures reached maturity around age 9. Thus , age at first reproduction likely is variable and dependent on local conditions.
Females do not spawn each year. (USFWS 2014c) 3-150 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Observations of wild pallid sturgeon collected as part of the conservation stocking program in the northern part of the range indicates that female spawning periodicity is 2 to 3 years. Fecundity is related to body size. The largest upper Missouri River fish can produce as many as 150 , 000 to 170 , 000 eggs , whereas smaller bodied females in the southern extent of the range may only produce 43 , 000 to 58 , 000 eggs. Spawning appears to occur between March and July , with lower latitude fish spawning earlier than those in the northern portion of the range. Adult pallid sturgeon can move long distances upstream prior to spawning , and females likely are spawning at or near the apex of these movements. This behavior can be associated with spawning migrations. Spawning appears to occur over firm substrates , in deeper water , with relatively fast , turbulent flows , and is driven by several environmental stimuli including flow, water temperature, and day length. (USFWS 2014c) Incubation rates are governed by and depend on water temperature. In a hatchery environment , fertilized eggs hatch in approximately 5 to 7 days. Incubation rates may deviate slightly from this in the wild. Newly hatched larvae are predominantly pelagic , drifting in the currents for 11 to 13 days and dispersing hundreds of miles downstream from spawn and hatch locations. (USFWS 2014c) Douglas ( 197 4) reports that two specimens of the pallid sturgeon were collected from East Carroll Parish in the Mississippi River at Lake Providence.
These were young specimens weighing approximately 1.5 and 3.0 pounds , respectively. The pallid sturgeon could potentially be present in the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana, LLC property; however the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.1.3 Birds Sprague's Pipit Sprague's pipit is the only wholly North American pipit. Males perform a very extraordinary fluttering display flight , circling high above the earth while singing an unending series of pitched calls , for periods of up to an hour. The current decline in the populat i on of the Sprague's pipit is quite likely the result of the conversion of tall-grass native prairie to extensive farmland. (Vuil l eumier 2009) The nest consists of a small cup of loose woven grass on the ground and level with it , often attached to standing vegetation to form a sort of dome; four to five eggs and one to two broods are typical. Nesting occurs May through August. Sprague's pipit feeds almost exclusively on insects (especially crickets and grasshoppers) when breeding , but it occasionally eats seeds. (Vuilleumier 2009) Sprague's pipit breeds along the border of Canada and the United States in dry open , tall-grass upland habitat, especially native prairie systems in the northernmost part of the Great Plains. Most migrate to Mexico in winter , where habitat is similar to breeding grounds. (Vuilleumier 2009) 3-151 Wa t erford Steam Electr i c Station , Un it 3 Appl i can t's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage This bird species prefers na t ive prairie g r asslands as i ts habitat. Although th is b i rd may overw i nter i n St. Charles Par i sh i n proper hab i tat cond i tions , no such hab i tat was found on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey even though ROWs were specifically evaluated for native grass stands. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.1.4 Mammals West Ind i an Manatee Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protect i on Act , which prohibits the take (i.e., harass , hunt , capture , or kill) of all marine mammals. Manatees are found in marine , estuarine , and freshwater environments. On August 14 , 20 1 3 , the USFWS determined that the West Indian Manatee i ncludes two subspecies
: the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). While morphologically distinctive , both subspecies have many common features. Manatees have large , seal-shaped bodies with pa i red fl i ppers and a round , paddle-shaped ta il. They are typ i cally g r ey i n color (color can range from black to l i ght brown) and occas i onally spotted w i th barnacles or colored by patches of green or r ed algae. The muzzle i s heavily whiskered and coarse , single ha i rs are sparsely d i stributed throughout the body. Adult manatees , on average , are about 9 feet long and weigh about 1 , 000 pounds. At birth , calves are between 3 and 4 feet long , and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. (USFWS 2014d) Flor i da and Ant i l l ean manatees range freely between marine and freshwater hab i tats. Spec i fic habitat types/use areas i nclude foraging and drink i ng s i tes , rest i ng areas , travel corridors , and others. Florida manatees , living at the northern limit of the species' range , have l i ttle tolerance for cold. (USFWS 2014d) Histor i cally , th i s subspecies has sought out natural , warm-water s i tes , i ncluding springs , deep water areas , and areas thermally influenced by the Gulf Stream , as refuges from the cold. In the 1930s and 1940s , industrial plants , including power plants , paper mills , etc., were built along coastal and riverine shoreline areas. Plants discharging large volumes of heated discharge water into areas access i ble to manatees have attracted large numbers of wintering manatees to these warm-water sites ever since. In the spr i ng , manatees leave the warm-water sites and may travel great distances during the summer , only to return to warm-water sites i n the fall. (USFWS 2014d) Manatees are herb i vores that feed opportun i stically on a wide var i ety of mar i ne , estuar i ne , and freshwater plants , i ncluding submerged , floating , and emergent vegetation. Common forage plants include , but are not limited to , cord grass , algae , turtle grass , shoal grass , manatee grass , eel grass , and other plant types. Calves initially suckle and may start feeding on p l ants when a few months of age. Weaning generally takes place with in a year of b i rth. Manatees also require sources of freshwater , obta i ned from both natural and anthropogen i c sources. (USFWS 2014d) The Florida manatees' range i s genera ll y rest ri cted to the southeastern United States , although i ndividuals occasionally range as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas. Antillean 3-152 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage manatees are found in coastal and riverine systems in South and Central America (from Braz i l to Mexico) and in the Greater and Lesser Antilles throughout the Caribbean Basin. (USFWS 2014d) Manatees mature at 3 to 5 years of age. Mature females go into heat for anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Mating activity can occur throughout the year. When in heat , females will attract numerous males and mate repeatedly
; aggregations that include an estrus or focal female and numerous males are described as mating herds. Gestation lasts for about 13 months , and cows usually give birth to a single calf , although twinning is known to occur. While calving primarily peaks in the spring , calves may be born at any time of the year. Reproductive senescence is poorly described; a known female has given birth to seven individual calves over a period of about 30 years. A calf may remain with its mother for about 2 years. Calving intervals range from 2 to 3 years. The oldest known manatee is 65 years of age. (USFWS 2014d) The West Indian manatee prefers calm waters which are not found on the river adjacent to WF3; therefore , it would not be expected to be found at this industrial property (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.11.2 State-Listed Species Portions of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes fall within a 6-mile radius of WF3. As shown in Table 3.6-6 , the LDWF has designated eight plants and six animals as species of special concern within these two parishes. With the exception of the two federally listed species (pallid sturgeon and West Indian manatee) already discussed above in Sect i on 3.6.11.1 , below is a discussion of these state-listed species. 3.6.11.2.1 Plants Correll's False Dragon-Head Correll's false dragon-head (Physostegia correl/i1) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
It ranges from Louisiana and Texas to Mexico. It is a robust plant , somewhat succulent , up to about 40 inches tall , and stems are often unbranched. It is a hardy perennial with elongate rhizomes. Mid-stem leaves are opposite , sessile (not stalked), and usually widest in the middle with large sharp teeth. Leaves decrease in size from mid-to upper-stem , and flowers are pink and tubular with two lips. It flowers from May to September , requires full sun , and is almost always found in wetlands. (LDWF 2014 f) Louisiana occurrences are all in roadside ditches. Elsewhere it occurs along river banks , often growing in flowing water. Vigorous growth of rhizomes allows Correll's false dragon-head to be competitive in disturbed areas. Non-natural habitats such as drainage and irrigation ditches and wet utility ROWs represent potential habitat. Threats to Correll's false dragon-head are dredging/
scraping of ditches for maintenance and installation of water lines and other utilities , herbicides used in roadside management, potentially exotic invasive species , and apparently it is naturally rare. In Louisiana , Correll's false dragon-head is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins. (LDWF 2014f) 3-153 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered spec i es habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Floating Antler-Fern Floating antler-fern (Ceratopteris pteridoides) is a member of the water fern family (Parkeriaceae). Its range includes Florida and Louisiana and south to the West Indies , Central and South America , and southeastern Asia (Vietnam).
It is a dimorphic fern with two types of fronds: fertile and sterile. Sterile fronds form a basal rosette and are broad , thin , and glabrous , with net-like venation; simple with pinnate to palmate lobing; ultimate segments are round , and the basal lobes opposite. Petiole bases are inflated to aid in floating. Fertile fronds are erect , longer than the sterile fronds , and have very narrowly divided segments with in-rolled margins. Buds or small vegetative plantlets are present on sterile frond margins and eventually separate to form new plants. (LDWF 2014g) Floating antler-fern requires full sun to shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. It occurs in swamps , sluggish bayous , and ditches and canals; it is usually floating , but occasionally stranded in mud during low-water periods. Threats to floating antler-fern are few given its aquatic habitat and ability to float freely , but saltwater intrusion is presumably a threat. In Lou i siana , floating antler-fern is found in the Pontchartra i n , Baratar i a , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins. (LDWF 2014g) Although there was potential habitat identified in ditches on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). Golden Canna Golden canna (Canna flaccida) is a member of the canna family (Cannaceae). Its range includes the states of Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Louisiana , Mississippi , South Carolina , and Texas , and it is found as an exotic in Virginia. It is a large perennial which grows to nearly 4 feet tall , with green herbaceous stems and large flat leaves. Leaves alternate , to about 24 inches long and with obvious parallel veins; leaves not variegated , which is the case in many cultivated exotic cannas. Flowers are solid yellow (with no red or orange), irregular-shaped , and in terminal racemes. (LDWF 2014h) Golden canna blooms from May to August , requires full sun , and is almost always found in wetlands.
Habitat for golden canna is fresh marsh and open swamps. Because this plant is cultivated and used as an ornamental , some occurrences could be escapes. Records from northern Louisiana are probably escapes. Threats to golden canna are saltwater intrus i on , conversion of marsh to open water , and lack of knowledge regarding status in Louisiana. In Louisiana , golden canna is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria, Terrebonne ,
Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , and Sabine river basins. (LDWF 2014h) 3-154 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operat i ng License Renewal Stage No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Marshland Flatsedge Marshland flatsedge (Cyperus distinctus) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Its range includes Florida , Georgia , Louisiana , and South Carolina. It is a stout perennial flatsedge with glabrous , round stems , 16 to 24 inches tall , and inflorescence of hemispheric heads on 5 to 9 stalks(= rays). Achenes are three angled , the body linear oblong , and about 0.06 to 0.08 inches long by 0.01 to 0.02 inches wide , and perched atop a minute stipe (stalk}. Achenes are narrowed toward the base then becoming swollen with spongy bases. (LDWF 2014i) Marshland flatsedge flowers from July to October and requires full sun. It usually is found in wetlands. Louisiana has several known occurrences with very little specific habitat data. One occurrence is from the Bonne Carre Spillway in "low wet areas." Another collection was from a "wet meadow" at Audubon Park in New Orleans. The most recent record is from a wet ditch between U.S. Highway 11and1-10 in Orleans Par i sh near Lake Pontchartrain. Threats to marshland flatsedge are characterized as very little basic information on status , habitat preference , and associate species in Louisiana.
In Louisiana , marshland flatsedge is found in the Pontchartrain basin. (LDWF 2014i) No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). Rooted Spike Rush The rooted spike-rush (Eleocharis radicans) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Its range includes Arizona, California , Florida , Hawa ii, Louisiana , Michigan , Oklahoma , Texas , Virginia , and Central and South America. This plant , about 1 to 3 inches tall , is a mat-forming rhizomatous perennial.
The stems , which are 0.01 to 0.02 inches thick , are soft and spongy , becoming wrinkled upon drying. The rooted spike-rush is an achenes with several longitudinal ribs separating shallow valleys with horizontally elongated cells. (LDWF 2015c) The rooted spike-rush flowers from April to November. It requires full sun to partial shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are in forested seeps , flotant marshes , and roadside ditches. It was also recently documented on the Atchafalaya River bank at the Delta on Big Island , where it was growing on decaying woody debris and on black willow root systems that anchor sediment.
Potential threats to this plant species are marsh loss by subsidence and nutria herbivory. Rooted spike-rush may be found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne, Atchafalaya , and Vermilion-Teche river basins. (LDWF 2015c) Because this plant species is listed only in St. John the Baptist Parish by the LDWF , it is not anticipated to be present on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property.
3-1 55 Square-Stemmed Monkey Flower Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Square-stemmed monkey flower (Mimulus ringens) is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Its range is the eastern half of Canada and the United States , except Florida , and it is found in several western states. This plant is about 12 to 40 inches tall , and a perennial.
Leaves are opposite , sessile , sometimes clasping the stem , and angles of the stem are rounded and not winged (the common M. alatus has sharp winged angles on the stem). Flowers are lavender , with two lips: upper with two petals and lower with three petals. When fully open , flowers resemble a monkey face. Pedicels (flower stalks) are relatively long , 0.7 to 1.6 inches. (LDWF 2014 j) It flowers from April to September (to November-stage of development depends on water levels) and requires full sun to part shade. It is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are on sand bars , banks , and in batture of large rivers such as the lower Atchafalaya and Mississippi. Threats to square-stemmed monkey flower are channel dredging and soil deposition
; lock and dam construction and operation; and shoreline stabilization , such as lining river banks with rock (riprap). In Louisiana , square-stemmed monkey flower is found in the Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Red , and Ouachita river basins. (LDWF 2014 j) Although there was potential habitat identified along the Mississippi R i ver shoreline on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). Swamp Milkweed Swamp milkweed (Asc/epias incarnate) is in the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). It ranges from Florida west to New Mexico , and north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba. It is a robust , perennial milkweed from a short rootstock to 6.5 feet tall in Louisiana , and it has milky sap which is characteristic of most milkweeds. Leaves are numerous , opposite , linear-lanceolate to elliptic , 2.4 to 6 inches long , and to 1.6 i nches broad with rounded to heart-shaped bases and acute to acuminate tips. Flower color is bright rose-purple (rarely white). Fruit is an erect follicle ("pod"), having seeds with a long tuft of hairs at one end which allows wind dispersal.
(LDWF 2014k) Swamp milkweed flowers from June to September.
It requires full sun to partial shade , and is almost always found in wetlands. Louisiana occurrences are in freshwater swamps and marshes; however , it may also occur in ditches. Threats to swamp milkweed are subsidence of fresh marsh and saltwater i ntrusion. In Louisiana , swamp milkweed is found in the Pontchartrain , Barataria , and Terrebonne river basins. (LDWF 2014k) No suitable habitat was identified for this species on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey (Entergy 2014e). 3-156 Western Umbrella Sedge Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Western umbrella sedge (Fuirena simplex) is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). This sedge ranges from Arizona east to Mississippi and throughout the southern Great Plains. It is often found in wetland areas. The western umbrella sedge is a perennial that reaches up to 1 foot tall. It is rather grass-like in appearance with a fibrous root. Leaves are alternate , simple , and linear. Leaf veins are parallel , and inflorescence is a spikelet.
The plant blooms August through November and has a green bloom with the perianth absent. (LBJWC 2015) Although there was potential habitat identified along the Mississippi River shoreline on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property during a 2014 threatened and endangered species habitat survey , this plant species was not observed on the property (Entergy 2014e). 3.6.11.2.2 Fish Paddlefish Paddlefish are one of the most distinctive freshwater fishes in North America. They possess several primitive features including a cartilaginous skeleton , and a heterocercal tail and spiracles.
They have an elongate , spatulate snout , which is dorso-ventrally flattened and longer than the rest of the head , small imbedded scales , an elongate operculum , and relatively small eyes. Adults may reach 100 pounds in weight and up to 5 feet in length (without the paddle). Life expectancy is 15 years (although individuals are known to live 30 years or more). (LDWF 20141) Paddlefish are usually found in large , free-flowing rivers but they are also frequently found in impoundments.
They feed exclusively on zooplankton.
Males reach sexual maturity in 7 years , females in 9 to 10 years. They spawn in shallow, fast-moving waters above gravel bars in early spring during high water; preferred temperatures are around 50 to 60°F. Eggs hatch in about 9 days. (LDWF 20141) Paddlefish were formerly found throughout the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainages, but now are restricted to the Mississippi River drainage and apparently declining in the periphery of its range. In Louisiana , this species is probably found throughout most of the major river systems and in larger impoundments. Threats to the paddlefish are habitat alteration through actions such as river modification and the construction and operation of dams; pollution , as well as fertilizer and pesticide runoff; siltation of spawning habitats from soil erosion; and harvesting , which has in the past caused a decrease in population. (LDWF 20141) In Louisiana , paddlefish are found in the Atchafalaya, Calcasieu , Mermentau , Mississippi , Ouachita , Pearl , Pontchartrain , Red, and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 20141). The paddlefish could potentially be present in the Mississippi River adjacent to the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property; however , the river at this point does not provide suitable habitat for more than a transitory presence. Further , the current speed would prevent suitable feeding 3-157 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating L i cense Renewal Stage habitat for the paddlefish , in particular , which prefers more backwater-type areas. (Entergy 2014e) 3.6.11.2.3 Reptiles Alligator Snapping Turtle The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckit) has webbed toes and an upper jaw with a strongly hooked beak. The eyes are positioned on the side of the head and therefore cannot be seen from above. It has three peaked heels on the carapace , which is dark brown and usually has algal growth. There are five pairs of plastral scutes. The plastron is small , narrow , and cross shaped with a long , narrow bridge. (LDWF 2015d) The alligator snapping turtle may be found in swamps with rivers close by , but mainly they are found in large rivers , canals , lakes , and oxbows. They are most commonly found in freshwater lakes and bayous , but also can be found in coastal marshes. Food habits for this species include turtles , fishes , aquatic snails , crustaceans , clams , carrion , and some plant matter. It may actively pursue prey , but is also known to lie concealed underwater and use its tongue's worm like appendage to entice prey. (LDWF 2015d) In southeastern Louisiana , eggs , which are large and leathery , are laid mid-April to late May and from mid-May to early June in northeastern areas. The alligator snapping turtle may have one clutch per year or one every other year , with the clutch size averaging from 16 to 38. In the past , commercial turtle harvesting and selling has depleted population size , although this practice has since been legally banned. Dredging disturbances to stream ecosystems also present a threat to this species. (LDWF 2015d) In Louisiana , the alligator snapping turtle may be found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Barataria , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Mermentau , Calcasieu , Sabine , Red , and Ouachita river basins (LDWF 2015d). However , this species is not state-listed in St. Charles Parish (LDWF 2015b). 3.6.11.2.4 Birds Bald Eagle Bald eagle (Haliaeetus
/eucocephalus) is no longer protected as a rare species , but is protected as a migratory bird. It is a very large raptor. Adults exhibit a dark brown body , white head and tail , and a large yellow bill. Immature birds are dark brown with pale underwing coverts , irregular light base of tail , and black bill. Subadults are intermediate between immatures and adults and exhibit various amounts of white mottling on body. The bald eagle requ i res 4 to 5 years to attain adult plumage. Wings are very long , broad and rounded at the tip with primary feathers often widely separated , and wings are held flat when soaring. Adults grow to 3.5 feet in length with wingspread of 7.5 feet. (LDWF 2014m) 3-158 Waterford Steam Electr i c Stat i on , Un it 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Bald eagles nest primarily in the tops of cypress trees near open water , and feed in open lakes and rivers. Typically they feed on fish (either self-caught or robbed from other birds , especially osprey [Pandion haliaetus]), as well as carrion , waterfowl , coots , muskrats , and nutria. (LDWF 2014m) Bald eagles breed throughout the United States , southern Canada , and Baja California , although it is rare away from the coast. They winter throughout the United States along river systems , large lakes , or coastal areas. In Louisiana , they nest primarily in southeastern coastal parishes and occasionally on large lakes in northern and central parishes; however , such nests are less successful.
(LDWF 2014m) Louisiana birds nest in winter and early spring. Nests are very large (up to about 8 feet across and 11 feet deep), and they are used year after year. Alternate nests may be constructed by a breeding pair , and the birds may alternate between the two nests annually. They usually produce up to three eggs per clutch. Incubation period is about 35 days; young fledge 72 to 78 days after hatching. Threats to the bald eagle are accumulation of pesticide residues (especially dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
[DDT]) causing thinning of egg shells , which reduces reproductive success rate; loss of habitat; and human disturbances to nesting pairs during nesting season. (LDWF 2014m) In Louisiana , bald eagles are found in the Atchafala_ya , Barataria , Mississippi , Ouach i ta , Pearl , Pontchartrain , Red , Sabine , Terrebonne , and Vermilion-Teche river basins (LDWF 2014m). Although there are no known nests on the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , because bald eagles are i n the immediate area of WF3 , they can occasionally transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. Osprey The osprey is a large raptor with long , relatively narrow , rounded wings. The head is mostly white with a dark line though the eye and a dark , mottled nape. Upperparts are dark black and under parts white. In flight , distinct patches at the wrist , black wingtips , and distinct crook in wings at wrist can be seen. The length of adults can be up to 25 inches with a wingspread of 72 i nches. Its habitat varies but common elements include an adequate supply of shallow water prey , open nesting areas without predators , and an ice-free season long enough to allow fledging of the young. The osprey dives for prey feet first and therefore feeds on schooling fish. (LDWF 2015e) Osprey nest throughout southern Canada and Alaska , the western United States, the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. Atlantic coast , south along both coasts to Belize , and Old World. Use of artificial sites , such as telephone poles , by these species for nesting has increased recently. Nests are built using large sticks and grasses , are often reused several years , and can weigh up to one-half ton. Two to four eggs are laid per clutch from January through April. Eggs are creamy white to pinkish cinnamon and are heavily dotted in reddish-brown. Both sexes incubate , which lasts 28 to 43 days. Young fledge at 7 to 8 weeks. (LDWF 2015e) 3-159 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage The osprey winters in southern parts of its breeding range and South America. In Louisiana , the osprey winters along the coast and on larger inland lakes. Threats to this species include past chemical pollution such as DDT causing eggshell thinning , nesting around highways where they are vulnerable to vehicle collisions , and loss of nest sites due to agricultural development and logging. (LDWF 2015e) In Louisiana , the osprey is found in the Pearl , Pontchartrain , Mississippi , Barataria , Terrebonne , Atchafalaya , Vermilion-Teche , Red , and Ouachita river basins (LDWF 2015e). Although this species is only listed in St. John the Baptist Parish (LDWF 2015b), the possibility exists that the osprey could potentially transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. 3.6.11.3 Essential Fish Habitat Based on consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), no essential fish habitat (EFH) has been designated within the vicinity of WF3 (Attachment B). 3.6.11.4 Other Acts 3.6.11.4.1 Species Protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act In addition to being a state-listed species as discussed in Section 3.6.11.2.4 , bald eagles are also protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Although there are no known nests within the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property , because bald eagles are in the immediate vicinity of WF3 , they can occasionally transit the Entergy Louisiana , LLC property. As discussed in Section 9.5.15 , there are currently no Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act permitting requirements associated with WF3 operations. 3.6.11.4.2 Species Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act In addition to the Sprague's pipit (Table 3.6-5) and osprey and bald eagle (Table 3.6-6), there are several bird species that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , as shown in Table 3.6-1 , that may occur on or within the vicinity of WF3. However , as discussed in Section 9.5.13 , there are currently no Migratory Bird Treaty Act permitting requirements associated with WF3 operations. 3-160 Table 3.6-1 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Amphibians Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Eastern spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrookii Peeper Hy/a crucifer Southern chorus frog Pseudacris nigrita Southern leopard frog Rana sphenocepha/a Tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Wood house's toad Bufo woodhousei Reptiles American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Canebrake rattlesnake Grata/us horridus Corn snake Elaphe guttata Eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern hog-nosed snake Heterodon platyrhinos Red-eared slider Trachemys scripta e/egans Southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus Western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus
/eucostoma Yellow-bellied water snake Nerodia erythrogaster f/avigaster Birds(b) American coot Fulica americana American robin Turdus migratorius American wigeon Anas americana Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Barred owl Str ix varia Belted kingfisher Cery/e a/cyan 3-161 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Blue-winged teal Anas discors Bobwhite Co/inus virginianus Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Cardinal Cardinalis cardina/is Cattle egret Bubu/cus ibis Common crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna European starling Sturnus vu/garis Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Gadwall Anas strepera Great blue heron Ardea herodias Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Green heron Butorides virescens Green-winged teal Anas crecca Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucul/atus House sparrow Passer domesticus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Northern mockingbird Mimus po/yg/ottos Northern parula Parula americana Pintail Anas acuta 3-162 Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Appl ic an t's Environmental Report Operating Lic ense Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Prothonotary warbler Pro t onotar i a citrea Red-tailed hawk Bu te o jamaicensis Red-w in ged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Snow goose Chen caeru/escens Turkey vulture Cathartes aura White ibis Eudocimus a/bus Wood duck Aix sponsa Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Bobcat Lynx rufus Common mu skrat Ondat ra zibethicus Coyote Canis latrans Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern fox squirrel Sc iuru s niger Eastern gray squirrel Sc iuru s carolinens i s Gray fox Urocyon c in ereoargenteus Hispid cotton rat S igmod on hispidus House mouse Mus musculus Least shrew Cryptot i s parva Marsh r i ce rat Oryzomys pa/ustris N in e-banded armadi ll o Oasypus novemc in ctus North American m i nk Mustela vision Northern raccoon Procyon lotor Norway rat Rattus norvegicus 3-163 Table 3.6-1 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Common Animals Occurring on or in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name(a) Scientific Name Nutria Myocastor coypus Red fox Vulpes vulpes Spotted skunk Spiloga/e putorius Swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus (Species' likely presence derived from LP&L 1978 , Tables A2.2.1-10 , A2.2.1-11 , A2.2.1-13 , and A2.2.1-18; LDWF 2015f. Scientific names from Dundee and Rossman 1989; LDWF 2015f; Vuilleumier 2009) a. This is not a comprehensive list of all animals that may be found on or in the vicinity ofWF3. b. With the exception of the bobwhite , European starling, and house sparrow , all bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 3-164 Table 3.6-2 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Carteria Green algae Chlamydomonas Green algae Chlorogonium Green algae Eudorina Green algae Pandorina Green algae Pleodorina Green algae Volvox Green algae Gloeocystis Green algae Sphaerocystis Green algae Ch/orosarcina Green algae Dispora Green algae Ourococcus Green algae Binuc/eria Green algae Geninella Green algae U/othrix Green algae Microspora Green algae Bulbochaete Green algae Ch/orococcum Green algae Golenkinia Green algae Micractinium Green algae Dictyosphaerium Green algae Characium Green algae Schroederia Green algae Ped i astrum 3-165 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Ceo/astrum Green algae Ankistrodesmus Green algae Ch/ore/la Green algae C/osteriopsis Green algae Franceia Green algae Kirchneriel/a Green algae Lagerheima Green algae Oocystis Green algae Planktosphaeria Green algae Quadriqula Green algae Selenastrum Green algae Tetraedron Green algae Treubaria Green algae Actinastrum Green algae Crucigenia Green algae Scenedesmus Green algae Tetradesmus Green algae Tetrastrum Green algae Mougeotia Green algae Spirogyra Green algae Arthrodesmus Green algae Closterium Green algae Cosmarium Green algae Euastrum 3-166 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Waterford Steam E l ectric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Green algae Hyalotheca Green algae Micrasterias Green algae Penium Green algae Spondy/osium Green algae Staurastrum Euglena Euglena Euglena Lepocinclis Euglena Phacus Euglena T rachelomonas Golden algae Ophiocytium Golden algae Tribonema Golden algae Centritractaceae Golden algae Dynobryon Golden algae Coscinodiscus Golden algae Cyclotel/a Golden algae Melosira Golden algae Stephanodiscus Golden algae Biddulphia Golden algae Tabel/aria Golden algae Meridian Golden algae Diatoma Golden algae Opephora Golden algae Asterionella Golden algae Fragilar i a 3-167 Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Wa t e rf ord S t eam E l ect r ic Station , Un it 3 App li c a n t's Environmenta l Report Ope ra t i ng License Renewa l Stage Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Go l den a l gae Synedra Go l den algae Eunotia Go l den algae Achnant h es Go l den a l gae Coccone i s Go l den algae Rhoicosphe ni a Golden a l gae Bebissonia Golden a l gae F r ustulia Golden algae Gyros i g m a Golden algae Mastogloia Golden algae Nav i cu l a Golden algae Neidium Golden algae Pinnula ri a Golden a l gae Pleuros i gma Golden a l gae Staurone i s Golden algae Gomphonema Golden algae Amphora Golden a l gae Cymbella Golden algae Rhopa/odia Golden algae Hantzsch i a Golden algae Nitzschia Golden algae Cyma t opleu r a Golden algae Suri r el/a D in of l age l late Gymnod i n i aceae D i noflagellate Glenod i n i um 3-168 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-2 (Continued)
Phytoplankton Species Collected in the Lower Mississippi River in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Dinoflagellate Ceratium Blue-green algae Agmenel/um Blue-green algae Anacystis B l ue-green algae Aphanocapsa (Anacystis)
Blue-green algae Aphanothece (Coccochloris)
Blue-green algae Chroococcus (Anacystis)
Blue-green algae Coelosphaerium Blue-green algae Dactylococcopsis Blue-green algae Gomphosphaeria Blue-green algae Microcystis (Polycystis)
Blue-green algae Phormidium Blue-green algae Spirulina Blue-green algae Anabaena Blue-green algae Nodularia (EOI 2008b , Table 2.4-10) 3-169 Table 3.6-3 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula American eel Anguilla rostrata Bigmouth buffalo lctiobus cyprinellus Black buffalo /ctiobus niger Blacktail redhorse Moxostoma poecilurum Blacktail shiner Cyprinel/a venusta Blue catfish lctalurus furcatus Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Bluehead chub Nocomis leptocephalus Bluntnose minnow Pimepha/es notatus Bowfin Amia ca/va Bullhead minnow Pimephales vigi/ax Carp Cyprinus carpio Chain pickerel Esox niger Channel catfish lctalurus punctatus Chestnut lamprey /chthyomyzon castaneus Creek chubsucker Erimyzon oblongus Dollar sunfish Lepomis marginatus Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris Flathead chub Platygobio gracilis Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Goldeye Hiodon a/osoides 3-170 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Table 3.6-3 (Continued)
Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Green sunfish Lepomis cyanel/us Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovell i Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus Mimic shiner Notropis vo/ucel/us Mississippi silverside Menidia audens Pugnose minnow Opsopoeodus em ilia e Red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redfin pickerel Eso x americanus River carpsucker Carpiodes carpio River shiner Notropis blennius Sauger Sander canadensis Shortnose gar Lepisosteus platostomus Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirh ynchus platorynchus S ilv er chub Macrhybopsis storeriana Silverband shiner Notropis shumardi Silvery minnow Hybognathus nuchalis Skipjack herring Alosa chrysochloris Smallmouth buffalo /ctiobus bubalus Southern brook lamprey lchthyomyzon gagei Speckled chub Macrhybopsis aestivalis Spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus Spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus Spotted sucker Minytrema melanops Steelcolor shiner Cyprinel/a whipplei 3-171 Table 3.6-3 (Continued)
Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Fishes of the Lower Mississippi River near WF3 Common Name Scientific Name(a) Stone roller Campostoma anomalum Striped bass Marone saxatilis Threadfin shad Oorosoma petenense White bass Marone chrysops White crappie Pomoxis annularis Yellow bass Marone mississippiensis (Douglas 1974) a. Sc i entific names are taken from Page et al. 20 1 3. 3-172 Table 3.6-4 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Commercial and Recreational Fish Species in the Vicinity of WF3 Common Name Scientific Name Commercial Importance Use Alligator gar Atractosteus spa tula Commercial fishery Sportfish B i gmouth buffalo lctiobus cyprinellus Commerc i al fishery Sportfish Blackta il redhorse Moxostoma poec ilurum Food species Food species Blue catfish lctalurus furcatus Food species Sportfish Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Food species Sportfish Carp Cyprinus carpio Commercial fishery Sportfish Channel catf i sh lctalurus punctatus Commerc ial fishery Sportf i sh Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas NA Ba itfi sh Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris Commercial fi shery Sportf i sh Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens Commercial fishery Sportfish Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum NA Baitfish Green sunfish Lepomis cyanel/us NA Sportfish Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Food species Sportfish Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus Food species Sportfish Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus NA Sportfish River carpsucker Carpiodes carpio NA Sportfish R i ver shiner Notropis blenn i us NA Baitfish Shortnose gar Lepisosteus platostomus Commerc i a l fishery Sportf i sh Skipjack herr ing Alosa chrysochloris NA Ba itfi sh Smallmouth buffalo lctiobus bubalus Commerc i a l fishery Sportf i sh Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum NA Ba itfi sh Striped bass Marone sa x atilis NA Sportfish White crappie Pomo xi s annularis NA Sportfish (Spec i es' likely p r esence is de ri ved from Douglas 1974; scientific names from Page et al. 2013.) NA: Indicates a fish which i s not commercially important i n the v ici nity of WF3. 3-173 Table 3.6-5 Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Federally Listed Species in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes, Louisiana Group Common Name Scientific Name Mollusk Alabama heelspl i tter Potami/us inf/atus (inflated heelsplitter) mussel Fish Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Fish Pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus a/bus Bird Sprague's pipit (a) Anthus spragueii Mammal West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus (USFWS 2014b) a. Species also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. SC: St. Charles Parish SJB: St. John the Baptist Parish Parish Occurrence Status SJB Possible Threatened SC/SJB Known Threatened SC/SJB Known Endange r ed SC/SJB Known Candidate SC/SJB Seasonal Endangered Table 3.6-6 Sta t e-Listed Species in St. Char l es and St. John the Baptist Parishes, Louisiana Group Comm o n Name Plant Correll's fa l se dragon-head Plant F l oating antler-fern Plant Golden canna Plant Marshland flatsedge Plant Rooted spike-rush Plant Square-stemmed monkey f l ower Plant Swamp milkweed Plant Western umbrella sedge Fish Paddlefish F i sh Pallid sturgeon Rept il e Alligator snapp i ng turtle Bird Bald eagle (a) Bird Osprey ( a) Mamma l West Indian manatee (LDWF 2015b) a. Species also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. SC: St. Cha rles Parish SJB: St. John the Baptist Parish State Status Ranks Scientific Name Parish Physostegia carrel/ii SC Ceratopter i s pteridoides SC/SJB Canna flaccida SC Cyperus distinctus SC Eleocharis r adicans SJB Mimulus ringens SC Asclepias incarnate SC/SJB Fuirena simple x SC Polyodon spathu l a SC/SJB Scaphi rh ynchus a/bus SC/SJB Macrochelys temminckii SJB Hal ia eetus /eucocephalus SC/SJB Pandion hal ia etus SJB Trichechus manatus SC/SJB Waterford Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's En v ironmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage Status S1 S2 S4? S1 S1? S2 S2 S1 S4 S1 S3 S3 S3 S1N S1 =c ritically imperiled in Louisiana because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer known extant populations) or because of some factor (s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation. S2 = imper ile d in Louisiana because of rarity (6 to 20 known extant populations) or because of some fact or (s) making it very vulnerable to extirpation. 3-175 Waterford Steam Electric Stat i on , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating License Renewal Stage S3 = rare and local throughout the state or found locally (even abundantly at some of its locations) in a restricted region of the state , or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation (21to100 known extant populations). S4 =apparently secure in Louisiana with many occurrences (100 to 1000 known extant populations).
S5 =demonstrably secure in Louisiana (1000+ known extant populations). (B or N may be used as qualifier of numeric ranks and indicating whether the occurrence is breeding or nonbreeding).
Legend -Property Boundary l--1 6-Mile Rad ius _ .. CJ Freshwa t er P ond -Lake Waterf o rd Steam E l ectric Station , Un it 3 A pplicant's Envir o nmental Report Op e ra ting Lic e nse Ren e wal S ta g e (E nter g y 2013 a; U SF W S 2015 a) -Freshwater Emerg ent Wetland -Riverine -Freshwa t er Forested/Shrub Wetland -O t he r
* NV\11 catergorized b y wetland ty pe. -------c::======
Miles 0 2 4 Figure 3.6-1 Wetlands , 6-Mile Radius of WF3 3-177 Legend -Property Boundary D F reshwater Pond -Freshwater Emergent Wetland -Ri v erine -Freshwa t er Forested/Shrub Wetla n d
* NWI catergorized by wetland ty pe. Waterfo r d Steam Electric Station , Unit 3 Applicant's Environmental Report Operating Li c ense Renewal Stage (Entergy 2013a; USFWS 2015a) .. ............
c:::==========::::::J F eet 0 4 , 000 8 , 000 Figure 3.6-2 Wetlands, Entergy Louisiana, LLC Property 3-178}}

Latest revision as of 02:13, 10 January 2025

License Renewal Application Waterford Steam Electric Station, Unit 3 (Waterford 3) (Part 5 of 9)
ML16088A327
Person / Time
Site: Waterford Entergy icon.png
Issue date: 03/23/2016
From:
Entergy Operations
To:
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML16088A324 List:
References
W3F1-2016-0012
Download: ML16088A327 (79)
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