ML071710047

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Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study, Burke County, Georgia from January, 1977, Through December, 1978 Operating License Stage Environmental Report Technical Document.
ML071710047
Person / Time
Site: Vogtle, 05200011  Southern Nuclear icon.png
Issue date: 10/31/1982
From: Wiltz J
Georgia Power Co
To:
Office of New Reactors
References
+reviewedcja, AR-07-0924
Download: ML071710047 (39)
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VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY, BURKE COUNTY, GEORGIA FROM JANUARY, 1977, THROUGH DECEMBER, 1978 OPERATING LICENSE STAGE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TECHNICAL DOCUMENT J.WAYNE WILTZ PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR GEORGIA POWER COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS CENTER OCTOBER, 1982 LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES INTRODUCTION METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES TABLES FIGURES VEGP-OLSER TABLE OF CONTENTS i Page ii tv 1 2 3 5 6 7 34 VEGP-OLSER LIST OF TABLES 1.Family, Scientific, and Common Names of Fishes Collected 7 in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 2.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in January, 9 1977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 3.SpeciesandNumber of Individuals Collected in February, 101977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 4.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in March, 111977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 5.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in May, 121977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 6.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in June, 131977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 7.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in August, 14 1977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 8.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in September, 151977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 9.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in November, 16 1977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 10.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in December, 17 1977, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 11.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in March, 18 1978, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 12.SpeciesandNumber of Individuals Collected in June, 19 1978, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 13.Species and Number of Individuals Collected in September, 20 1978, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 14.SpeciesandNumber of Individuals Collected in December, 21 1978, in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 15.Species and Total Number of Individuals Collected in197722byMonth ii VEGP-OLSER LIST OF TABLES CONTINUED 16.Species and Total Number of Individuals Collected in 1978byMonth 17.Percent Composition of Game and Commercial Species 18.Percent Composition of Non-Game and Non-Commercial Species 19.Percent Composition of Each Family of Fishes Collected 23 24 25 26 20.Biomass and Percent Composition of Game and Commercialand27Non-Gameand Non-Commercial Species Collected in the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 21.Mean Lengths in Millimeters with the Range in Parenthesis 29 for Each Species for the Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study 22.Range of Physicochemical Data for Each Station for the 33 Beaverdam Creek Resident Fish Study VEGP-OLSER Beaverdam Creek is located approximately six miles north-northwest of Girard, Burke County, Georgia.The creek is approximately six miles in length and flows east-northeast to its confluence with the Savannah River at approximate river mile 148.4.Daniels Branch, a creekmately five miles in length, flows southeast and High Head Creek,mately one mile in length, flows northeast with both joining Beaverdam Creek in Telfair Pond (figure 1).Telfair Pond originated with the damming of Beaverdam Creek below the confluence of the three creeks.METHODS Six permanent stations were selected to monitor drainage from the two construction debris basins (figure 1).Stations 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 were located in Beaverdam Creek downstream from Telfair Pond.Stations 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 were in Daniels Branch upstream from Telfair Pond.tions of each sampling station are given below: Station 3.0: Beaverdam Creek approximately 1.5 miles upstream from the Savannah River.The stream substrate was composed of sand with scattered areas of detritus.Station 3.5: Beaverdam Creek approximately 1.6 miles upstream from the Savannah River and immediately upstream from Station 3.0.Stream substrate was composed of sand and detritus.Station 4.0: Beaverdam Creek approximately 1.6 miles upstream from the Savannah River and immediately upstream from Station 3.0.Station 4.0 was in a tributary connecting sediment retention basin#1 with Beaverdam Creek.Stream substrate was composed of sand.Station 6.0: Daniels Branch approximately 0.4 miles upstream from Telfair Pond.The station was below the confluence of Daniels Branch and a small stream draining sediment retention basin#2.It was also located immediatelylow Ebenezer Church Road.Stream substrate was composed of sand, gravel,andafew scattered areas of detritus.Station 7.0: Daniels Branch approximately 0.5 miles upstream from Telfair Pond.The station was above the confluence of Daniels Branch and the small stream draining sediment retention basin#2.Stream substrate consisted of sand and detritus.Station 8.0: Daniels Branch approximately 0.5 miles upstream from TelfairPondand immediately below Station 7.0.Station 8.0 was in a tributary connecting sediment retention basin#2 with Daniels Branch.Stream substrate was composed of sand.2 VEGP-OLSER Nine surveys were conducted in 1977 at approximately six-week intervals.

The surveys were conducted in January, February, March, May, June,gust, September, November, and December.On completion, the data were analyzed;and because of the large number of individuals collected for some species, it was decided to reduce the sampling frequency from monthly to quarterly for 1978.It was felt that enough data werelected in 1977 and sampling pressure could cause damage to the population in the creek if the original sampling frequency was continued.

Theveys for 1978 were conducted in March, June, September, and December.Fish were sampled with a Smith-Root Model VIII-A backpack electro fisheranda l7-foot seine with a 1/16-inch mesh.Specimens were preserved in ten percent formalin and transported to the Environmental Center in Decatur, Georgia, for identification and enumeration.

Dissolved oxygen concentration, conductivity,pH,and air and water temperatures were measured at the time of sampling to study possible changes in water chemistry.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The family, scientific, and common names of fishes collected during the Beaverdam Creek resident fish study are given in table 1.A total of 2435 individuals and 39 species were collected during the study (tables 2 through 14).The blackbanded darter (Perc ina nigrofasciata),breast sunfish (Lepomis auritus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi)were most frequently collected in 1977 (table 15).Blackbanded darter, dusky shiner (Notropissae), speckled madtom (Noturus leptacanthus), and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)were most frequently collected in 1978 (table 16).The easternmudminnow(Umbra pygmaea), rosyface chub (Hybopsis rubrifrons), speckled madtom, creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops), snail bullhead (Ictalurus brunneus), flat bullhead (Ictalurus platycephalus), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), and swamp darter (Etheostoma fusiformes) were collected only once during the entire study.Game and commercial species, listed in table 17, comprised 20.8 percent of the total number of individuals collected with bluegill making up the largest portion (12.4 percent).Table18showed that dusky shiner composed the greatest portion of the non-game and non-commercial species with 40.3 percent of the total number of individuals.

Twelve families of fishes were represented with the family Cyprinidae constituting 47.3 percent of the total number ofdividuals collected.

The family Centrarchidae were next, comprising 19.3 percent (table 19).The biomass of thegameand commercial species comprised 59.8 percent of the total biomass, asshownon table 20, with bluegill contributing 20.2 percent.American eel (AngUilla rostrata)madeup 6.8 percent of the non-game and non-commercial species biomass which totaled 41.8 percent of the total biomass.The greater biomass of thegameand commercial specieswasdue to the size of the species as adults compared to the size of the non-game and 3 VEGP-OLSER non-commercial species as adults.Range and mean lengths are given in table 21 for each species according to each sample.Dissolved oxygen concentrations were well within the limits for warm water species ofaminimum of 4.0 mg/landa daily average of 5 mg/l for Georgia (table 22).The limits for pH are 6.0 to 8.5 for Georgia.Stations 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 7.0, and 8.0 were below the minimum during parts of 1977 (table 22).This was attributed to organiccomposition and the release of acids from vegett5ron.

Thiswasa normal occurrence in swampy terrain according to Reid.ThepH at Station 6.0 was 9.0 in August, 1977, which could have been a normal occurrence or pH meter malfunction.

The data from table 2 t l,how 5d that the water temperatures did not exceed the limit of 32.2 C (90 F).The range of specific conductance in inland freshwaters diverse fish fauna was between 150 to 500 micromhos/cm at 25C.The data showed that the specific conductance in the creek was relatively low and never exceeded the maximum of 500 micromhos/cm.

The highest recorded conductivity was 349 micromhos/cm at Station 8.0.The effects of siltation on aquatic organisms are numerous and varied.Increased suspended sediment decreases the amount of available sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.

Reduction of plant life (primary producers) will upset the energy flow or food chain in the environment, causing a decrease in the aquatic population.

Elevated water temperatures may result due to heat absorbed by sediment.The effects previously mentioned, according to Cairns, are of little importance since the following effects are more direct and the action more acute.Oxygen depletion usually occurs due to organic decomposition, that reduces the available oxygen necessary for metabolic processes.

Depending on stream conditions, low dissolved oxygen may have a drastic effect on aquatic organisms resulting in a population decrease with only tolerant species remaining.

Changes in pH can affect organisms such as fish directly by reducing the protective mucous layer on the gills and body.The gills function in respiration and excretion of nitrogenous waste and chloride.Breakdown of the mucous layer of the body allows for bacterial and viral infections.

Silt also has a direct abrasive action on the gills.Heavy siltation can cause changes in spawning areas, damage to fish eggs, and possible increase in osmotic pressure due to an increase in dissolved salts.In November, 1977, nearby transmission line right-of-way construction and off-site independent logging operations caused an increase in turbidity at Stations 7.0 and 8.0.Tree limbs and debris were scattered throughout the creek at Station 7.0, making sample collection impossible at certain times.Grass was planted on the right-of-way and a rip-rap and hay bale barrier constructed above Station 8.0.These techniques have proven to be effective in decreasing turbidity.

Initially, the creek bed at Station 8.0 was shallow with very little suitable habitat for fish.Afterstruction of the barrier, the creek deepened and additional species were collected due to more suitable habitat.4 VEGP-OLSERAsa result of the well-drained sandy soil, turbidity and decreased quickly after heavy rainfalls.

A diverse fish population was present in the creek as indicated from the study.CONCLUSIONS Siltation was not a factor influencing the resident fish population in Beaverdam Creek.Turbidity and run-off decreased quickly after heavy rainfall because of the well-drained sandy soil.An increase inbidity was noted at Stations 7.0 and 8.0 1n November, 1977, caused by transmission line right-of-way construction by GeorgiaPowerCompany and logging operations by an independent logger on property adjacent to company property.Grass was planted on the right-of-way and a rip-rap and hay bale barrier was constructed at Station 8.0.This proved to be effective in decreasing turbidity.

5-VEGP-OLSER REFERENCES 1.Environmental Protection Division, Water Quality Monitoring Data for Georgia Streams, Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta, Georgia, 1981.2.Patrick, R., Caiins, J.Jr., and Roback, S.S.,"An Ecosystematic Study of the Fauna and Flora of the Savannah River," Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 118, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pp 109-407, 1967.3.Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Summary of Studies on the Savannah River 1951-1970 for E.I.DuPontDeNemoursandCompany,Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1970.4.Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Summary Reports of Savannah River Cursary Surveys for E.I.DuPontDeNemours and Company 1961-1972, 1974, and 1977, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1978.5.Matthews, R.A., Biological Surveys on the Savannah River in the Vicinity of the Savannah River Plant (1951-1976), E.I.DuPont DeNemours and Company, Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, 1982.6.United States Atomic Energy Commission, Environmental Statement Related to the Proposed Alvin W.Vogtle Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, 3,and4, Parts6and 11, Washington, D.C., 1974.7.Reid, G.K., Ecology of Inland Waters and Estuaries, Reinhold Book Corporation, New York, New York, p 375, 1961.8.Ellis, M.M., Westfall, B.A., and Ellis, M.D., Determination of Water Quality, u.S.Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlifevice Resource Report9,p 122, 1946.9.Cairns, J., Jr., Suspended Solids Standards for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms, Purdue University Engineering Bulletin, p 129, 1967.6 VEGP-OLSER TABLE I (PAGE I OF 2)FAMILY t SCIENTIFIC t AND COMMON NAMES OF FISHES COLLECTED IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Scientific Name Anguillidae Anguilla rostrata Umbridae Umbra pygmaea Esocidae Esox americanus Esox niger Esox spp.Cyprinidae Hybopsis rubrifrons Nocomis leptocephalus Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis chalybaeus Notropis cummingsae Notropis lutipinnis Notropis petersoni Semotilus atromaculatus Catostomidae Erimyzon oblongus Minytrema melanops Ictaluridae Ictalurus brunneus Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus nebulosus Ictalurus platycephalus Noturus gyrinus Noturus ins ignis Noturus leptacanthus Aphredoderidae Aphredoderus sayanus Cyprinodontidae Fundulus lineolatus Poeciliidae Gambusia affinis Atherinidae Labidesthes sicculus Centrarchidae Enneacanthus gloriosus Lepomis auritus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis gulosus Lepomis macrochirus 7 Common Name American eel Eastern mudminnow Redfin pickerel Chain pickerel Rosyface chub Bluehead chub Golden shiner Ironcolor shiner Dusky shiner Yellowfin shiner Coastal shiner Creek chub Creek chubsucker Spotted sucker Snail bullhead Yellow bullhead Brown bullhead Flat bullhead Tadpole madtom Margined madtom Speckled madtom Pirate perch Lined topminnow Mosquito fish Brook silverside Bluespotted sunfish Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish Warmouth Bluegill VEGP-OLSER TABLE 1 (PAGE 2 OF 2)Scientific Name Lepomis marginatus Lepomis microlophus Lepomis punctatus Micropterus salmoides Pomoxis nigromaculatus Percidae Etheostoma fricksium Etheostoma fusiforme Etheostoma olmstedi Percina nigrofasciata Percidae (juvenile) 8 Common Name Dollar sunfish Redear sunfish Spotted sunfish Largemouth bass Black crappie Savannah darter Swamp darter Tessellated darter Blackbanded darter VEGP-OLSER TABLE 2 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN 1977, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Esox spp-(j uvenile)(a)1 (a)1 Notropis chalybaeus 2 2 Notropis cummingsae 11 11 Notropis 1utipinnis 4 1 1 6 Notropis petersoni 6 6 Icta1urus nebulosus11 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 Noturus leptacanthus 1 2 3 Gambusia affinis 4 2 1 2 9 Lepomis auritus 1 1 Lepomis macrochirus 1 11517 Etheostoma olmstedi 2 2 1 5 Percina nigrofasciata 1 1 2 Totals 12 26-0 17010 65 a.No samples taken at Stations 3.0 and 8.0 in January,1977*9 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 3 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN FEBRUARY.1977,IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 2 (a)2 Notemigonus crysoleucas 1 1 Notropis cummingsae 3 13 16 Notroeis petersoni 1 1 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 Noturus leptacanthus 3 122 1 9 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 1 4 6 Gambusia affinis 6 2210 Labidesthes sicculus 1 1 Lepomis auritus 3 4 7 Lepomis gulosus 1 1 Lepomis macrochirus 2 15 4 21 Lepomis punctatus 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium 3 1 4 Etheostoma olmstedi 213 1 7 Perc ina nigrofasciata 2 4 1 7 Totals 14834 3207 95 a.No samples taken at Station 8.0 in February,1977.10 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 4 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN MARCH,1977, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 8 3 11 Umbra pygmaea 1 1 Esox americanus 1 2 3 Esox niger 1 1 Notropis cha1ybaeus 1 1 Notropis cummingsae 2 2 Notropis lutipinnis22 Ictalurus brunneus 1 1 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 Noturus ins ignis 1 1 Noturus leptacanthus 3 3 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 2 1 4 Fundulus lineolatus 1 1 Gambusia affinis 5 1 6 Lepomis auritus 13 2 15 Lepomis macrochirus 4 1 35 1 41 Etheostoma fricksium 1 1 Etheostoma olmstedi1-1 Perc ina nigrofasciata 1 1 Totals 31 11 8 6 37 4 97 11

-.VEGP-OLSER TABLE 5 SPECIES OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN MAY, 1977, IN THE CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 1 3 4 Esox niger 1 1 Ictalurus nata1is 2 2 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 2 Noturus ins ignis 1 1 2 Noturus 1eptacanthus11 3 1 6 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 2 3 Gambusia affinis 1 1 Lepomis auritus 5 2 7 Lepomis cyane11us 1 1 Lepomis gu10sus 1 1 Lepomis macrochirus 1 2 1 4 Lepomis punctatus 1 2 3 Micropterus sa1moides 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium 1 2 2 5 Etheostoma olmstedi 1 1 4 6 Percina nigrofasciata 1 1 1 3 Totals 9 6 19 11 3 4 52 12 VEGP-OLSER-TABLE 6 SPECIES NUNBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTEDINJUNE.1977*IN THE BEAVERDA}l CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 5 5 Eso" niger 1 1 Notropis chalybaeus 1 1 Notropis cummingsae768 (a)(a)75 Notropis petersoni 3 1 4 Erimyzon oblongus 1 1 Ictalurus nebulosus 1 1 Noturus leptacanthus 1 2 1 4 Aphredoderus savanus 1 1 2 Gambusia affinis 1 1 Labidesthes sicculus 1 1 Lepomis auritus 4 1 1 6 Lepomis macrochirus 1 1 Lepomis punctatus 1 1 Micropterus sa1moides 5 5 Etheostoma fricksium 1 2 3 Etheostoma olmstedi 3 2 19 24 Percina nigrofasciata4.27 31 Percidae (j uvenile)1 1 Totals 11 919129 a a 168 a.No samples taken at Stations 8.0 and 7.0 in June, 1977 , because of electro fisher malfunction and because of low water and detritis-seining was impossible.

,.13-VEGP-OLSER TABLE 7 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN AUGUST, 1977, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata23 1 6 Esox americanus 2 215 Esox niger 1 1 Hybopsis rubrifrons11 Notemigonus cryso1eucas 2 2 Notropis cha1ybaeus 112 Notropis cummingsae 261238 247 Notropis petersoni 6 6 Icta1urus nebu10sus11 2 Noturus ins ignis 1 1 Noturus 1eptacanthus 3 1 4 Aphredoderus sayanus 2 2 1 3 8 Gambusia affinis 2 4 14 11 31 Labidesthes siccu1us 3 3 Lepomis auritus 5 624 17 Lepomis gu10sus 1 1 Lepomis macrochirus 1 21 5 27 Lepomis punctatus 1 1 1 3 Micropterus sa1moides 3 1 4 Etheostoma fricksium 112 1 5 Etheostoma olmstedi 3 2 3 8 Perc ina nigrofasciata 236 11 Totals2422182851630395 14 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 8 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN SEPTEMBER.

1977.IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 1 5 6 1 13 Notropis cummingsae 175310 1 333 Notropis 1utipinnis 14 14 Notropis petersoni 8 8 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 Noturus insignis 1 1 Noturus 1eptacanthus 2 1 4 7 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 113 Fundulus lineolatus 2 2 Gambusia affinis 3 7 12 4 75 4 105 Labidesthes siccu1us 4 4 Lepomis auritus 5 2 4 2 13 Lepomis gu10sus 1 1 2 Lepomis macrochirus 1 4 7 12 Lepomis punctatus 1 1 2 Micropterus sa1moides 1 1 Etheostoma olmstedi 3 1 2 1 7 Percina nigrofasciata 4 2 3 4 13 Totals 45 19 39 332 77 29 541 15 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 9 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN NOVEMBER.1977.IN THE BEAVERDA}l CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 2 3 3 8 Esox americanus 1 1 Esox niger 1 1 Notropis chalybaeus 1 1 Notropis cummingsae 70 70 Notropis 1utipinnis 1 6 7 Notropis petersoni 5 7 12 Minytrema me1anops 1 1 Ictalurus platycepha1us 1 1 Noturus insignis 1 1 Noturus 1eptacanthus 4 4 1 9 Aphredoderus sayanus 4 1*1 3 9 Fundulus 1ineo1atus 2 2 Gambusia affinis 2 1 34441 Enneacanthus gloriosus 1 1 Lepomis auritus 143 4 12 Lepomis gu10sus 4 4 Lepomis macrochirus 1 311045114 Lepomis marginatus 2 2 Lepomis punctatus 1 3 4 Micropterus sa1moides 5 5 Etheostoma fricksium15 6 Etheostoma olmstedi 1 2 2 5 3 13 Perc ina nigrofasciata215 17 Totals 19 13961613419342 16 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 10 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN DECEMBER, 1977, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 1 1 Notropis cummingsae 1 6 2 (a)(a)9 Notropis petersoni 2 3 5 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 1?Labidesthes siccu1us 3 3 Lepomis auritus21 3 Lepomis macrochirus 13 1 14 Micropterus sa1moides 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium 2 2 Etheostoma olmsted!1 1 Perc ina nigrofasciata 2 2 4 Totals 21 2 1480045 a.No samples taken at Stations 8.0 and 7.0 in December,1977*17-VEGP-OLSER TABLE 11 SPECIES AND OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN 1978.IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 5 5 Esox niger 2'1..Esox spp.(j uvenile)1 1 Nocomis leptocephalus 2 2 Notemigonus cryso1eucas 35 35 Notropis cummingsae 38 73378 Notropis 1utipinnis26-.26 Notropis petersoni 8 8 Erirnyzon ob1ongus 4 2 6 Icta1urus brunneus 1 1 Noturus gyrinus 112 Noturus ins ignis 3 3 Noturus 1eptacanthus19 10 20 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 1 5 6 4 17 Fundulus 1ineo1atus 1 1 Gambusia affinis 1 12 13 Labidesthes siccu1us 1 1 Enneacanthus gloriosus 1 1 Lepomis auritus 2 15 17 Lepomis gu10sus 2 2 Lepornis macrochirus 20 1 4 5 30 Lepornis rnarginatus 1 1 Lepomis rnicro1ophus 6 6 Lepomis punctatus 1 4 5 Micropterus sa1rnoides 2 2 Pomoxis nigromacu1atus 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium 1 124 Etheostoma fusiformes 1 1 2 Etheostoma olmstedi22 4 2 10 Percina nigrofasciata 2109 19 40 Totals261782 124 13 80 342 18 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 12 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTEDINJUNE, 1978, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH SrUDY Stations Species 4.03.53.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata 5 5 Esox americanus 1 1 3 1 6 Notropis cha1ybaeus 1 1 Notropis cummingsae 3 11 1 15 Notropis petersoni 1 1 Semoti1us atromacu1atus 3 3 Icta1urus nata1is 2 2 Noturus gyrinus 1 1 Noturus insignis 1 1 Noturus 1eptacanthus 1 1 4 7 13 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 4 5 13 2 25 Gambusia affinis 2 327 Enneacanthus gloriosus 1 1 Lepomis auritus 1 1 2 Lepomis macrochirus 5 3 5 13 Lepomis punctatus 3 3 Micropterus sa1moides 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium 1 1 Etheostoma olmstedi 1 4 5 Perc ina nigrofasciata222 1 7 Totals 5 10 26 34 32 6 113 19 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 13 SPECIES AND OF COLLECTED IN SEPTEMBER, 1978, IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.0 3.5 3.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totals Anguilla rostrata (a)3 (a)(a)3 Notropis curnmingsae 118 118 Notropis 1utipinnis 1 10 11 Noturus 1eptacanthus 4 4 Aphredoderus sayanus 1 1 Gambusia affinis 2 2 4 Labidesthes siccu!us 3 3 Lepomis macrochirus 3 5 8 Micropterus sa1moides 1 1 Percina nigrofasciata 11 11 Totals 11 0315000 164 a.No samples taken at Stations 3.5, 8.0, and 7.0 in September, 1978, because of an e1ectrofisher malfunction and because of low water and detritus seining was impossible.

20 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 14 SPECIES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN DECEMBER, 1978, IN THE BEAVERDA}1 CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Stations Species 4.03.53.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 Totalsamericanus 1 (a)(a)(a)(a)1....Notropis cummingsae 3 4 7 Notropis lutipinnis 1 1 Noturus 1eptacanthus 2 2 Gambusia affinis 1 1 Etheostoma olmstedi 3 3 Percina nigrofasciata 1 1 Totals124 0°°0 16-a.No samples taken at Stations 3.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 7.0 in December, 1978, because of electrofisher malfunction and because of low water and detritus seining was impossible.

--21 VEGP ,..OLSER TABLE 15 SPECIES AND TOTAL NU}lBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTEDIN1977 BY MONTH Month Species 1/77 2/77 3/77 5/77 6/77 8/77 9/77 11/77 12/77 Anguilla rostrata 2 11 4 5 6 13 8 1Umbrapygmaea 1 Esox americanus 3 5 1 Esox niger 1111 1 Esox spp , (j uvenile)1 Hybopsis rubrifrons 1 Notemigonus cryso1eucas 1 2 Notropis cha1ybaeus 2 112 1 Notropis cummingsae 1116275247 333 70 9 Notropis 1utipinnis 6 2147 Notropis petersoni61 4 6 8 12 5 Erimyzon ob1ongus 1 Minytrema me1anops 1 Icta1urus brunneus 1 Icta1urus nata1is 2 Icta1urus nebu10sus 1 1 2 Icta1urus p1atycepha1us 1 Noturus gyrinus1112.1 Noturus insignis12 111 Noturus leptacanthus39 3 6 447 9 Aphredoderus sayanus 6 432 8 3 9 2 Fundulus 1ineo1atus 1 2 2 Gambusia affinis 9 10 6 1 13110541 Labidesthes sicculus 1 134 3 Enneacanthus gloriosus 1 Lepomis aurit us 17157617 13 13 3 Lepomis cyane11us 1 Lepomis gu10sus 1 1 124 Lepomis macrochirus172141412712 114 14 Lepomis marginatus 2 Lepomis punctatus 1 3 1 3 2 4 Micropterus sa1moides1541 5 1 Etheostoma fricksium 4 1 5 3 5 6 2 Etheostoma olmstedi 5 7 1 6 24 8 7 13 1 Percina nigrofasciata 2 7 1 3 31 11 13 17 4 Percidae (j uvenile)1 Totals 65959752168395541342 45 22 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 16 SPECIES AND TOTAL NUHBER OF INDIVIDUALS COLLECTED IN 1978 BY MONTH WITH 1977/1978 TOTAL NU}ffiER PER SPECIES Month Total Species 3/78 6/78 9/78 12/78 1977/1978 Anguilla rostrata 553 63 1 Esox americanus 6 1 16 2 7 Esox spp.(j uvenile)1 2 Hybopsis rubrifrons 1 Nocomis leptocephalus 2 2 Notemigonus crysoleucas 35 38 Notropis chalybaeus 1 8 Notropis cummingsae 78151187 981 Notropis lutipinnis 26111 67 Notropis petersoni 8 1 51 Semotilus atromaculatus 3 3 Erimyzon oblongus 6 7 Minytrema melanops 1 Ictalurus brunneus 1 2 Ictalurus natalis 2 4 Ictalurus nebulosus 4-Ictalurus p1atycepha1us 1 Noturus gyrinus 2 1 9 Noturus insignis 3 1 10 Noturus 1eptacanthus 20 13 4 2 84 Aphredoderus sayanus 17 25 1 80 Fundulus 1ineo1atus 1 6 Gambusia affinis 13 741 229 Labidesthes sicculus 1 3 16 Enneacanthus gloriosus11 3 Lepomis auritus172 100 Lepomis cyanellus 1 Lepomisgul.o sus 2 11 Lepomis macrochirus 30 13 8 302 Lepomis marginatus 1 3 ,," Lepomis microlophus 6 6 Lepomis punctatus53 22 Micropterus sa1moides 2 1 1 21 Pomoxis nigromaculatus 1 1 Etheostoma fricksium41 31 Etheostoma fusiformes 2 2 Etheostoma olmsted!10 5 3 90-Percina nigrofasciata 40 7 111148 Percidae (juvenile) 1 Totals 342113164162435 23 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 17 PERCENT COMPOSITION OF GAME AND COMMERCIAL SPECIES Species Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis auritus Lepomis punctatus Micropterus salmoides Esox americanus Lepomis gu10sus Esox niger Lepomis micro1ophus Icta1urus natalis Icta1urus nebu10sus Icta1urus brunneus Lepomis marginatus Esox spp.(j uvenile)iepOmis cyanellus Pomoxis nigromaculatus Icta1urus platycephalus Total a.Trace 24 Percent Composition 12.4 4.1 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1°rta)T T 20.7 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 18 PERCENT COMPOSITION OF NON-GAME AND NON-COMMERCIAL SPECIES Species Notropis cummingsae Gambusia affinis Percina nigrofasciata Etheostoma olmstedi Noturus 1eptacanthus Aphredoderus sayanus Anguilla rostrata Notropis 1utipinnis Notropis petersoni Notemigonus cryso1eucas Etheostoma fricksium Labidesthes siccu1us Noturus gyrinus Noturus ins ignis Erimyzon ob1ongus Notropis cha1ybaeus Fundulus 1ineo1atus Nocomis leptocephalus Semoti1us atromacu1atus Enneacanthus gloriosus Etheostoma fusiformes Umbra pygmaea Hybopsis rubrifrons Mlnytrema me1anops Percidae (juvenile)

Total a.Trace 25 Percent Composition 40.3 9.4 6.1 3.7 3.4 3.3 2.8 2.8 2.1 1.6 1.3 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 T T T 79.5--

VEGP-OLSER TABLE 19 PERCENT COMPOSITION OF EACH FAMILYOFFISHES COLLECTED Family Cyprinidae Centrarchidae Percidae Poeciliidae Icta1uridae Aphredoderidae Anguillidae Esocidae Atherinidae Catostomidae Cyprinodontidae Umbridae a.Trace 26 Percent Composition 47.3 19.3 11.2 9.4 4.7 3.3 2.8 1.1 0.7 0.3°ita)

VEGP-OLSER TABLE 20 (PAGE 1 OF 2)BIOMASS AND PERCENT COMPOSITION OF GAME AND COMMERCIAL AND NON-GAME AND NON-COMMERCIAL SPECIES COLLECTED IN THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Game and Commercial Species Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis auritus Ictalurus natalis Lepomis punctatus Lepomis gulosus Esox americanus Ictalurus brunneus Micropterus salmoides Esox niger Lepomis microlophus Ictalurus platycephalus Lepomis marginatus Pomoxis nigromaculatus Lepomis cyanellus Ictalurus nebulosus Esoxspp, (juvenile)

Total Non-game and Non-commercial Species Anguilla rostrata Aphredoderus sayanus Erimyzon oblongus Percina nigrofasciata Notropis cummingsae Noturus leptacanthus Etheostoma olmstedi Notropis petersoni Notemigonus crysoleucas Nocomis leptocephalus Gambusia affinis Noturus ins ignis Etheostoma fricksium Notropis lutipinnis Noturus gyrinus Semotilus atromaculatus Labidesthes sicculus Minytrema melanops Enneacanthus gloriosus 27 Biomass (Grams)1085.9 868.1 285.7 240.1 201.2 167.4 94.6 77.9 52.7 25.4 19.8 18.8 3.5 3.0 2.6 0.7 Biomass (Grams)363.4 323.4 285.9 217.3 159.5 144.0 105.3 95.9 92.8 86.7 72.6 61.0 46.0 42.7 41.2 22.2 13.5 12.5 11.9 Percent Composition 20.2 16.2 5.3 4.5 3.7 3.1 1.8 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.4 T T T 58.7 Percent Composition 6.8 6.0 5.3 4.0 3.0 2.7 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2-Game and Commercial Species Umbra pygmaea Fundulus lineolatus Notropis chalybaeus Etheostoma fusiformes HYbopsis rubrifrons Percidae (juvenile)

Total a.Trace VEGP-OLSER TABLE 20 (PAGE 2 OF 2)Biomass (Grams)7.5 6.9 2.9 1.9 1.2 0.1 28 Percent Composition 0.1 0.1 T T T T 41.3 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 21 (PAGE 1 OF 4)HEAN LENGTHS IN mlLIHETERS WITH THE RANGE IN PARENTHESIS FOR EACH SPECIES FOR THE BEAVERDAH CREEK RESIDENT rISH STUDY Months Species 1/77 2/77 3/77 5/77 6/77 8/77 9/77 nui 12/77 3/78 6/78 6/78 Anguillaros t rar a 167.5 157.0 148.8 139.5 216.0189.9171.0 210.0 (158-(145-(110-(139-(145-(137-(125-177)169)205)140)303)270)245)Umbra pygmaea 82.0 Esox americanus 46.7 129.0 120.0 85.7 126.0 (40-000-(58-59)190)102)Nniger 160.0 72.0 66.0 85.0 136.0 135.0\0 Esox spp.(j uvend l e)22.0 38.0 Hybopsis rubrifrons 44.0 Nocomis leptocephalus 143.0 (133-153)No temigonus cryso1eucas 91.2 100.5 90.0 (100-(82-101)100)Notropis cha Lybaeus21.5 42.0 58.0 27.0 42.0 48.0 (21-(25-22)29)Notropls cummingsae 41.0 32.8 39.5 44.7 36.0 35.036.736.9 40.6 45.8 34.7 (35-(19-(39-(16-(28-07-(29-(30-(35-()9-(20-46)45)40)57)52)51)43)44)45)50)43)Notropis Lu tLpi.nnLs 33.6 48.0 47.7 46.4 50.0 46.0 (26-(43-(20-oo-()9-38)53)58)68)61)

VEGP-OLSER TABLE 21 (PAGE 2 OF 4)Months Species 1/77 2/77 3/77 5/77 6/77 8/77 9/77 10/77 12/77 3/786/786/78 No tropis peterson!57.2 53.0 60.8 51.8 53.1 59.0 58.0 60.4 61.0 (50-(58-(40-(49-'(48-(50-(53-63)65)66)59)69)62)68)Semotilus atromacu1atus 70.0 (28-93)Erimyzonob1ongus 235.0 100.3 (88-117)Minytremame1anops 110.0 Ictalurus brunneus 195.0 62.0 w 0 Icta1urus nat a l i s 192.5 134.0 (185-(126-200)142)Ictalurus nebulosus 32.0 19.0 31.0 (16-46)Ictalurus p1atycepha1us 124.0 Noturus gyrinus 68.0 82.0 73.0 32.5 31.0 110.0 65.0 (16-49)No t urus ins ignis 99.0 56.5 110.0 48.0 109.0 60.7 70.0 (56-(45-57)90)Noturus Lep tacan t hus 50.0 47.1 70.0 52.5 43.0 43.3 54.9 49.7 43.0 61.2 67.0 (35-(29-(56-(44-(18-(17-(29-00-(32-(4/;-(51-58)88)81)80)68)72)75)71)60)87)83)

VEGP-OLSER TABLE 21 (PAGE 3 OF 4)Months Species 1/77 2/77 3/77 5/77 6/77 8/77 9/77 10/77 12/77 3/78 6/78 6/78 Aphredoderu5 sayanus 60.8 71.8 39.3 70.6 61.3 71.0 69.0 73.5 54.5 69.9 (43-(59-(18-(69-(27-(57-(43-(69-(48-(19-83)90)72)72)77)82)90)78)55)82)Fundulus lineolatus 41.0 38.5 54.5 53.0 (35-(47-42)62)Gambusia affinis 30.2 30.2 30.7 41.0 47.0 27.3 29.1 28.3 32.0 27.9 37.0 (16-(23-(29-05-(14-(16-(13-42)46)35)46)50)49)43)Labidesthes sicculus 69.0 74.0 50.7 53.3 56.3 40.0 (50-(43-(53-52)59)58)"" Enneacanthus gloriosus 61.0 67.0 48.0.....Lepomis auritus 73.0 65.3 72.7 91.7 77.7 89.2 81.9 64.8 89.5 64.5 81.0 (33-(37-(62-(53-(57-(42-(42-(89-(42-(72-83)94)150)109)133)109)87)90)87)90)

Lepomis cyane11us 54.0 Lepornis gulosus 190.0 44.0 43.0 67.5 70.0 (56-76)Lepomis macrochirus 74.8 75.1 72.5 55.5 62.0 66.3 80.3 67.6 41.6 39.9 67.2 (48-(48-(33-(47-(34-(32-(36-(23-(30-(47-120)96}105)65)120)137)94) 50)52)98)Lepomis marginatus 72.0 72.0 (70-74)Lepomis microlophus 62.8 (38-95)

VEGP-OLSER TABLE 21 (PAGE 4 OF 4)Months Spedes 1/77 2/77 3/77 5/77 6/77 8/77 9/77 10/77 12/77 3/78 6/78 6/78 Lepomis punetatus 57.6 64.0 92.0 122.3 90.5 56.5 53.5 82.7 (53-(76-(72-(49-(28-(75-75)136)n)9)68)73)90)HieropterU6 sa1moides49.044.6 51.8 90.4 65.0 (39-(46-(60-49)59)126)Pomoxis nigromaeu1atus 75.0 Etheostoma frieksium 49.8 57.0 37.0 35.0 38.4 47.0 59.055.855.0 (47-(19-(18-(22-(43-(50-(53-60)59)66)62)51)68)58)Etheostoma fusiformes 47.5...(47-N 48)Etheostoma olmstedi 45.4 52.0 45.0 39.8 30.5 43.452.657.7 46.0 57.0 47.0 64.0 (41-(39-(26-(19-(18-(41-(43-(54-(26-(43-48)90)64)52)59)71)83)60)62)75)Pereina nigrofaseiata58.556.1 65.0 72.7 39.6 49.5 58.656.159.557.265.169.0 (54-(34-(65-(18-(33-(34-(40-(46-(26-(43-63)78)79)100)76)94)81)70)95)88)Pereidae (juvenile) 12.0 VEGP-OLSER TABLE 22 RANGE OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL DATA FOR EACH STATION FOR THE BEAVERDAM CREEK RESIDENT FISH STUDY Parameters Range Station 3.0 Air Temperature (C)0.0 to 30.0 Water Temperature (C)2.5 to 26.0 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (mg/l)6.8 to 12.0 pH 5.5 to 7.6 Conductivity (micromhosl cm)25.0 to 95.0 Station 3.5 Air Temperature 0.0 to 30.0 Water Temperature 2.5 to 27.0 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration 6.7 to 11.8 pH 5.9 to 7.7 Conductivity 25.0 to 150.0 Station 4.0 Air Temperature 0.0 to 30.0 Water Temperature 1.5 to 27.0 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration 6.5 to 12.2 pH 6.2 to 7.1 Conducti vity 50.0 to 175.0 Station 6.0 Air Temperature 1.1 to 34.0 Water Temperature 4.0 to 28.0 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration 4.7 to 11.4 pH 6.3 to 9.0 Conductivity 30.0 to 62.0 Station 7.0 Air Temperature 7.0 to 30.0 Water Temperature 5.2 to 27.7 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration 5.9 to 12.6 pH 5.7 to 7.6 Conductivity 28.0 to 50.0 Station 8.0 Air Temperature 7.0 to 30.2 Water Temperature 5.5 to 29.0 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration 5.6 to 12.8 pH 5.7 to 7.7 Conductivity 20.0 to 349.0 33 PLANT SITE DANIELS BRANCH" I\I I I\," ,,',,"<"'----...11"---"" ,."....r" I',"....,'...BEAVERDAM CREEK*SAMPLING STATIONSROADS SAVANNAH RIVER SEDIMENT RETENTION BASIN#2 SEDIMENT RETENTION BASIN#1 BEAVERDAM CREEK\'..."....3.0" , ,........, TELFAIR POND HIGH HEAD CREEK..., ,'-'.............._---433-9 Georgia Power.\VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT UNIT1ANO UNIT 2 34 STATION LOCATIONS FOR THE RESIDENT FISH STUDY IN BEAVERDAM CREEK AND DANIELS FIGURE 1 VEGP-OLSER LIST OF FIGURES 1.Station Locations for the Resident Fish Study in Beaverdam Creek and Daniels Branch iv 34 VEGP-OLSER INTRODUCTION Construction of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (VEGP)began in June, 1974, and was discontinued in September, 1974, as a result of unfavorable economic conditions.

Construction resumed in January, 1977, with excavation activities beginning in February.The plant site is approximately 3169 acres and located in Burke County, on the southwest side of the Savannah River, the natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina.The site is at river mile 150.9 across from the Savannah River Plant (SRP)operatedbyE.I.DuPontDeNemours and Company for the U.S.Department of Energy.The plant site is approximately 26 miles south-southeast of Augusta, Georgia.The site is located in the coastal plain which is characterized by sandy or sandy loam soil with rolling hills and mixed pine-hardwood association.

Since the onset oftion, approximately 1391 acres of the site have been cleared for plant construction.

The original plans proposed a generating plant consisting of four units, but construction of two units has been cancelled.

The plant will employ two pressurized water reactors producing 1160 MW each.Unit 1 isduled to go into service in March, 1987, and Unit 2 in September, 1988.The exhaust steam will be cooledbya closed-cycle cooling systemploying natural draft cooling towers using make-up water from thenah River.Low volume wasteandblowdownfrom both cooling towers will ultimately be discharged back into the river.The Savannah River below Augusta, Georgia, and above the VEGP site receives wastewater discharges from municipalities and industries that add organic wastes, nutrients, metals, and other trace conttYfnants.

Stream classification near the VEGP is listed as ItFishing." The river near the plant site is typical of large southeastern coastal plain rivers except that a dredged channel is maintained by the Corps of Engineers for barge traffic.The biological community of the river is similar to that of other large southeastern rivers but has been affected by man'sence on the river.The impoundment of the river above Augusta, Georgia, has reduced the transport of sediments and allochthonous particulate organic materials, and the dredging of the channel has reduced the natural shallow areas and backwaters that would normally support a diverse flora and fauna.Studies on the Savannah River flora and fauna have conducted periodically since 1951 and were in Patrick'(5J al.,)Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and Matthews.Georgia Power Company was required by the Plant Vogtle Final Statement, issued by the United States Atomic Energy Commission, toplete the'requirement that sampling stations in Beaverdam Creek belished to evaluate the effects on the resident stream fauna of sediment entering the stream from the silt and sediment retention basins.A study began in January, 1977, and ended in December, 1978.1

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