SURVEY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS AND SNAILS DOWNSTREAM OF HOLT TAILRACE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203 PREPARED BY: FEBRUARY 2012
SURVEY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS AND SNAILS DOWNSTREAM OF HOLT TAILRACE HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, AL TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION...1 2.0 METHODOLOGY...1 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...2 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF SAMPLE SITES IN THE HOLT TAILRACE...3 TABLE 1 LIST OF TABLES FIELD DATA AND RESULTS SUMMARY OF THE MUSSEL AND SNAIL SURVEY BELOW HOLT TAILRACE CONDUCTED ON 26 JULY 2011...4 APPENDIX A AGENCY COMMENTS LIST OF APPENDICES i
SURVEY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS AND SNAILS DOWNSTREAM OF HOLT TAILRACE 1.0 INTRODUCTION HOLT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC NO. 2203 On 26 July 2011, Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power) Environmental Affairs, Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC), and Environmental Aquatics, Inc. conducted a qualitative mussel and snail survey on the Black Warrior River below the Holt tailrace in order to partially fulfill the relicensing requirements of the Holt Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2203). The objective of the survey was to determine the presence of rare, threatened or endangered (RTE) mussels and snails within the Holt Hydroelectric Project Boundary. The Holt Preliminary Application Document (PAD) identified fourteen federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Tuscaloosa County that may be present in the Holt Project Boundary. Seven of the species identified in the PAD were federally listed freshwater mussels including Hamiota (= Lampsilis) altilis (Finelined Pocketbook), Hamiota (= Lampsilis) perovalis (Orangenacre Mucket), Medionidus acutissimus (Alabama Moccasinshell), Pleurobema decisum (Southern Clubshell), P. perovatum (Ovate Clubshell), P. furvum (= rubellum) (Warrior Pigtoe), and Potamilus inflatus (Inflated Heelsplitter). 2.0 METHODOLOGY The survey area ranged from 450 feet to 0.5 miles downstream of Holt Dam. Sample sites were chosen based on historical documentation as well as on the best professional judgment of experienced divers and biologists. Qualitative sampling was performed at 6 sites by divers (using a surface-supplied air dive system equipped with a hardwire communication system) at water depths ranging from the surface to 15 feet. Each survey site was investigated for approximately 30 minutes and GPS, water depth, visibility, and substrate were also collected at each site. All mussels and snails were brought to the surface for identification. After the mussels were identified by Todd Fobian (AABC) and recorded, they were returned to the sample site. Snails were preserved for later identification by Dr. Paul Johnson (AABC). 1
3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Figure 1 depicts the survey sites in relation to the project boundary. No RTE species were found during the survey (Table 1). Two species of snails, Elimia hydei (Gladiator Elimia) and Pleurocera annulifera (Ringed Hornsnail), and nine species of native mussels including Lampsilis ornata (Southern Pocketbook), L. straminea (Southern Fatmucket), L. teres (Yellow Sandshell), Lasmigona alabamensis (Alabama Heelsplitter), Obliquaria reflexa (Threehorn Wartyback), Plectomerus dombeyanus (Bankclimber), Potamilus purpuratus (Bleufer), Quadrula apiculata (Southern Mapleleaf), and Strophitus subvexus (Southern Creekmussel) were collected during the survey. The most commonly collected mussel was Quadrula apiculata, and the most commonly collected snail was Elimia hydei. The non-native Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea, was also collected from the study area. 2
FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF SAMPLE SITES IN THE HOLT TAILRACE 3
TABLE 1 FIELD DATA AND RESULTS SUMMARY OF THE MUSSEL AND SNAIL SURVEY BELOW HOLT TAILRACE CONDUCTED ON 26 JULY 2011 SITE SITE # DESCRIPTION 1 Mouth of Yellow Cr.; RDB 2 DS of buoys; RDB 3 DS end of buoys and end of island; mid-channel 4 Sandbar DS of island below transmission lines; RDB 5 Sandbar DS of transmission lines; RDB 6 Riprap across from Site 5, DS of transmission lines; LDB SITE LOCATION N33.25513, W087.45144 N33.25434, W087.45310 N33.25321, W087.45460 N33.25377, W087.45588 N33.25376, W087.45797 N33.25230, W087.45855 SAMPLE TIME 0811-0845 0855-0928 0940-1010 1030-1100 1200-1230 1400-1430 SUBSTRATE TYPE Cobble, gravel Clay, limestone w/riprap and cobble Boulders and large cobble Sandy, gravel, clay w/ riprap Sand, gravel, silt, clay Hard clay w/ riprap RDB = Right Descending Bank; LDB = Left Descending Bank; DS = Downstream DEPTH (FT) VISIBILITY (FT) SPECIES FOUND 0-7 2 Corbicula fluminea 8 1.5 Corbicula fluminea and Elimia hydei 0-11 2 Corbicula fluminea, Elimia hydei, Lampsilis straminea, and Pleurocera annulifera 0-10 3 None 0-15 3 Corbicula fluminea, Lampsilis ornata, L. teres, Lasmigona alabamensis, Obliquaria reflexa, Potamilus purpuratus, Plectomerus dombeyanus, and Quadrula apiculata 0-10 3 Corbicula fluminea, Elimia hydei, Plectomerus dombeyanus, Pleurocera annulifera, and Strophitus subvexus 4
APPENDIX A AGENCY COMMENTS
From: To: Subject: Date: Powers, Jason Amanda Fleming; Anderson, David Keith; Lovett, Barry K.; Pate, Viki J.; Henry Mealing; Kelly Schaeffer FW: Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:17:33 AM Response from Chris Greene. From: Greene, Chris [mailto:chris.greene@dcnr.alabama.gov] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 5:15 PM To: Powers, Jason Cc: Cook, Stan; 'jeff_powell@fws.gov'; Haffner, Jay Subject: RE: Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Jason, The ADCNR Fisheries Section has reviewed the Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace (Holt Hydroelectric Project #2203) and has the following comment. Although the threatened species Potamilus inflatus was not found during the survey, it has been documented (as recent as 2011) to occur between Holt Dam and Oliver Dam on the Black Warrior River and could be impacted by the Holt Project. Thanks, J. Chris Greene Environmental Affairs Supervisor Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division Fisheries Section 64 North Union Street, Suite 658 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-353-0210 From: Powers, Jason [mailto:jpowers@southernco.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 10:51 AM To: Allen, Bob; Allinder, Pres; Allison, Eugene B., Jr.; Anderson, Dave; Barr, Brian; Brooke, Nelson; Brown, Elizabeth; Brownell, Prescott; Cook, Stan; Cope, Donna S.; Crew, James F.; Curry, James R SAM; Davison, John Kennedy; Dunn, Terry; Echols, Giselle; Edwards, Jeanne; Eubanks, Mike; Fleming, Amanda; Freeman, Tina P.; Greene, Chris; Griffin, Rosalind B.; Haffner, Jay; Herndon, Bobby; Hill, Amanda; Isham, Ted; Jackson, Wendy; LeFleur, Lance (ADEM); LeFleur, Lance R.; Leslie, Fred; Lochamy, James S.; Maddox, Walter; Mealing, Henry; Moody, Gary; Shelton-Nix, Ericha; Oakley, Mike; Pate, Viki J.; Peeples, Alan L.; Powell, Jeff; Reid, Mitch; Rhinehart, Greg; Rice, Matt; Schaeffer, Kelly; Anderegg, Angela Segars; Simmons, L. F.; Sisk, Lynn; Spain, Emman; Stover, Charles M.; Sumner, Chuck; Takats, Judy (home); Takats, Judy (work); Tarpley Michael (jbcconstruct@aol.com); Wathen, John Subject: Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Dear Holt Stakeholders, As you may recall on October 26, 2010 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the use of the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP)
with enhanced consultation for the Holt Project. In an effort to keep you all informed during the relicensing process and in accordance with Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Surveys Study Plan, please find the attached report on the Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace for your review and comment. Please forward any comments to me at JPOWERS@southernco.com on or before November 18, 2011. We appreciate your continued participation in the Holt Relicensing Process. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Jason Powers Hydro Licensing and Compliance Alabama Power Company Office (205) 257-4070 jpowers@southernco.com
From: To: Subject: Date: Powers, Jason Lovett, Barry K.; Pate, Viki J.; Anderson, David Keith; Henry Mealing; Kelly Schaeffer; Amanda Fleming FW: Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Monday, November 07, 2011 2:42:31 PM Comments from Jeff Powell on Mussel and Snail Survey. Jason From: Jeff_Powell@fws.gov [mailto:jeff_powell@fws.gov] Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 2:40 PM To: Powers, Jason Subject: Re: Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Jason, We have no additional comments on the results of the mussel/snail survey at Holt. Thanks for the opportunity to review. Jeff Powell Aquatic Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alabama Ecological Services Field Office ==================================== 1208-B Main Street Daphne, Alabama 36526 251.441.5858 "Powers, Jason" <JPOWERS@southernco.com> 10/12/2011 10:51 AM To "Allen, Bob" <robert.a.allen@sam.usace.army.mil>, "Allinder, Pres" <wallinder@adph.state.al.us>, "Allison, Eugene B., Jr." <EBALLISO@southernco.com>, "Anderson, Dave" <dave.anderson@kleinschmidtusa.com>, "Barr, Brian" <bbarrr@gmail.com>, "Brooke, Nelson" <nbrooke@blackwarriorriver.org>, "Brown, Elizabeth" <elizabeth.brown@preserveala.org>, "Brownell, Prescott" <prescott.brownell@noaa.gov>, "Cook, Stan" <stan.cook@dcnr.alabama.gov>, "Cope, Donna S." <DSCOPE@SOUTHERNCO.COM>, "Crew, James F." <JFCREW@southernco.com>, "Curry, James R SAM" <James.R.Curry@usace.army.mil>, "Davison, John Kennedy" <JKDAVISO@southernco.com>, "Dunn, Terry" <terry.dunn@psc.alabama.gov>, "Echols, Giselle" <gechols@adem.state.al.us>, "Edwards, Jeanne" <Jeanne.Edwards@ferc.gov>, "Eubanks, Mike" <michael.j.eubanks@sam.usace.army.mil>, "Fleming, Amanda" <amanda.fleming@kleinschmidtusa.com>, "Freeman, Tina P." <TPFREEMA@southernco.com>, "Greene, Chris" <chris.greene@dcnr.alabama.gov>, "Griffin, Rosalind B." <RBGRIFFI@southernco.com>, "Haffner, Jay" <jay.haffner@dcnr.alabama.gov>, "Herndon, Bobby" <bherndon@cityofnorthport.org>, "Hill, Amanda" <amanda.hill@preserveala.org>, "Isham, Ted" <tisham@muscogeenation-nsn.gov>, "Jackson, Wendy" <wendy.jackson@fwlt.org>, "LeFleur, Lance R." <director@adem.state.al.us>, "LeFleur, Lance R." <llefleur@adem.state.al.us>, "Leslie, Fred" <fal@adem.state.al.us>,
"Lochamy, James S." <JSLOCHAM@southernco.com>, "Maddox, Walter" <mayor@tuscaloosa.com>, "Mealing, Henry" <Henry.Mealing@kleinschmidtusa.com>, "Moody, Gary" <gary.moody@dcnr.alabama.gov>, "Nix, Erica Shelton" <ericha.shelton-nix@dcnr.alabama.gov>, "Oakley, Mike" <JMOAKLEY@southernco.com>, "Pate, Viki J." <VJPATE@SOUTHERNCO.COM>, "Peeples, Alan L." <ALPEEPLE@southernco.com>, "Powell, Jeff" <jeff_powell@fws.gov>, "Reid, Mitch" <mreid@alabamarivers.org>, "Rhinehart, Greg" <greg.rhinehart@preserveala.org>, "Rice, Matt" <mrice@americanrivers.org>, "Schaeffer, Kelly" <Kelly.Schaeffer@KleinschmidtUSA.com>, "Anderegg, Angela Segars" <ARSEGARS@southernco.com>, "Simmons, L. F." <lfsimmon@southernco.com>, "Sisk, Lynn" <LS@ADEM.STATE.AL.US>, "Spain, Emman" <espain@muscogeenation-nsn.gov>, "Stover, Charles M." <CMSTOVER@southernco.com>, "Sumner, Chuck" <lewis.c.sumner@sam.usace.army.mil>, "Takats, Judy (home)" <judy.takats@gmail.com>, "Takats, Judy (work)" <judy.takats@wwfus.org>, "Tarpley Michael (jbcconstruct@aol.com)" <jbcconstruct@aol.com>, "Wathen, John" <hccreekkeeper@hughes.net> cc Subject Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace Dear Holt Stakeholders, As you may recall on October 26, 2010 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the use of the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) with enhanced consultation for the Holt Project. In an effort to keep you all informed during the relicensing process and in accordance with Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Surveys Study Plan, please find the attached report on the Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace for your review and comment. Please forward any comments to me at JPOWERS@southernco.com on or before November 18, 2011. We appreciate your continued participation in the Holt Relicensing Process. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Jason Powers Hydro Licensing and Compliance Alabama Power Company Office (205) 257-4070 jpowers@southernco.com [attachment "2011-09-26 Survey of Freshwater Mussels and Snails Downstream of Holt Tailrace.doc" deleted by Jeff Powell/R4/FWS/DOI]