20030147 Ver 0_Report Results of 2008_20150716 (37)

Table of Contents
Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project
FERC No. 2206
Results of 2008
Aquatic Life Monitoring Below
The Tillery Dam
Duke Energy
Environmental Services
EEG"
Table of Contents

Section
1.0
Introduction
2.0
Site Description
3.0
Monitoring Methods
3.1
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Monitoring
3.2
Fish Community Monitoring
3.3
Other Environmental Measurements
4.0
Monitoring Results and Discussion
4.1
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Results
4.2
Fish Community Results
4.3
Environmental Results
5.0
Discussion
6.0
References
Table of Contents
Page
1 -1
2 -1
3 -1
3 -1
3 -3
3 -7
4 -1
4 -1
4 -3
4 -8
5 -1
6 -1

List of Tables
List of Tables
Table Page
2 -1 Geographical Positioning System locations, channel widths and habitat
characteristics of sampling sites used in the aquatic life monitoring plan
belowthe Tillery Dam ...................................................... ............................... 2 -2
4 -1 Taxonomic listing of benthic macroinvertebrates collected from Sites
TZ1 and TZ2 in the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam during July
2008 and the taxa associated Biotic Index tolerance value ............................... 4 -1
4 -2 Total and EPT richness /abundance scoring metrics for Sites TZ1 and
TZ2 in the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam during July 2008 ....................... 4 -3
4 -3 Tolerance Value, trophic status and number of fish collected from Sites
TZ1 and TZ2 below Tillery Dam during August 2008 ......... ............................4 -4
4 -4 Catch rates (number /hour and mass /hour) for electrofishing samples (pram and
backpack) collected at Sites TZ1 and TZ2 below Tillery Dam
duringAugust 2008 .......................................................... ............................... 4 -5
4 -5 Catch rates (number /haul and mass /haul) for seine hauls collected at Sites TZ1
and TZ2 below Tillery Dam during August 2008 ............. ............................... 4 -5
4 -6 Characteristics of the fish community below the Tillery Dam at Sites TZ1
and TZ2 during 2008 ........................................................ ............................... 4 -6
4 -7 Mean lengths (total length, mm) and size ranges (minimum and maximum)
of fish collected below Tillery Dam during 2008 .............. ............................... 4 -7
4 -8 Temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH, and turbidity
values collected during the macroinvertebrate and fish community
assessment below Tillery Dam during 2008 ..................... ............................... 4 -8

List of Figures
Figure
List of Figures
Page
2 -1 Map showing the aquatic life monitoring sampling Sites (TZ1 and
TZ2) on the Pee Dee River below the Tillery Dam . ........................................ 2 -1
iv

Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Duke Energy Progress, Inc. (Duke Energy)' was issued a 401 Water Quality Certification
(WQC) by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) on February 11, 2008 (as modified on
September 12, 2008, with the filing of the certification's signature page and omitted maps on
October 8, 2008) for the Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206 (NCDWQ 2008).
Approval of the WQC is required as part of the federal relicensing of the hydroelectric project by
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. Conditions of the 401 WQC have been incorporated into
the New License issued by the FERC on April 1, 2015.
Section 7 of the WQC requires Duke Energy to conduct aquatic life monitoring in the Pee
Dee River below the Tillery Hydroelectric Development to document the condition of the
aquatic community. Two sites (TZ1 and TZ2) within a five mile reach from the Tillery Dam to
the confluence of the Rocky River will be routinely monitored to determine improvements in the
aquatic community following implementation of the dissolved oxygen (DO) and instream flow
regime required by the New License. This report documents the baseline conditions of the
aquatic community that existed prior to implementation of the terms and conditions of the 401
WQC.
Under baseline conditions measured in 2008, the farthest downstream site (TZ2) received
a higher bioclassification score (good -fair) for benthic macroinvertebrates than Site TZ1 (Fair),
which suggests the aquatic habitat within Site TZ2 is healthier than TZ1. The fish community
data collected confirms the benthic macroinvertebrate results. The number of fish collected at
Site TZ2 was significantly higher and more diverse than the collections made at Site TZ1. A total
of 630 fish representing 21 taxa were collected from Site TZ2, and 160 fish representing 18 taxa
were collected at Site TZ1. The fish aquatic community at Site TZ2 primarily consists of native
minnows, North American catfish, sunfish and darter species. The fish aquatic community at Site
TZ1 primarily consists of native North American catfish species and sunfish species. Worth
noting at both sites was a low incidence of fish with signs of "disease, fin erosion, lesions or
' A merger between Duke Energy Corporation and Progress Energy Carolina's, Inc. in 2012 changed the name of
the operating entity to Duke Energy Progress, Inc.
iv

Executive Summary
tumors ", and a low number of green sunfish present. The presence of green sunfish is a general
indicator of degraded environmental conditions. The numbers of fish with disease, fin erosion,
lesions, or tumors were also used in the fish community assessment to note any environmental
stressors contributing to these conditions.
Under baseline conditions, the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community seem to be
of fair quality.
WIN

Introduction
1.0 Introduction
Duke Energy Progress, Inc. (Duke Energy) was issued a 401 Water Quality Certification
(WQC) by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) on February 11, 2008 (as modified on
September 12, 2008, with the filing of the certification's signature page and omitted maps on
October 8, 2008) for the Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206 (NCDWQ 2008).
Approval of the WQC is required as part of the federal relicensing of the hydroelectric project by
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. Conditions of the 401 WQC have been incorporated into
the New License issued by the FERC on April 1, 2015.
Section 7 of the WQC requires Duke Energy to conduct aquatic life monitoring in the Pee
Dee River below the Tillery Hydroelectric Development to document the condition of the
aquatic community. Two sites (TZ1 and TZ2) within a five mile reach from the Tillery Dam to
the confluence of the Rocky River will be routinely monitored to note improvements in the
aquatic community following implementation of the dissolved oxygen (DO) and instream flow
regime required by the New License. This report documents the baseline conditions of the
aquatic community that exist prior to the implementation of the terms and conditions of the 401
WQC. Improvement in the aquatic community can then be assessed from future monitoring and
a determination made as to whether the DO and flow regimes from the new license requirements
have improved the aquatic community or whether other environmental factors (e.g. nonnative
species competition and predation, basin -wide sedimentation or other water quality issues) are
affecting the community.
Fish and benthic macroinvertebrate communities were assessed in accordance with the
Tillery Tailwater Aquatic Monitoring Plan (TTAMP) during August of 2008 (Progress 2008).
Biotic indices, derived from standardized benthic macroinvertebrates and fish collections will be
used in assessing the improvements in the environmental quality of this reach in the Pee Dee
River. These indices provide a holistic approach to community health assessment by integrating
z A merger between Duke Energy Corporation and Progress Energy Carolina's, Inc. in 2012 changed the name of
the operating entity to Duke Energy Progress, Inc.
1 -1

Introduction
various ecological principles associated with organism and community response to
environmental degradations (e.g. reduced species diversity, dominance by tolerant species, and
reduced population size) (Gray 1989; Karr 1981, 1991).
1 -2

Site Description
2.0 Monitoring Site Description
Aquatic life monitoring was conducted at two sites (Sites TZ1 and TZ2) located in the 5-
mile reach of the Pee Dee River below the Tillery Hydroelectric Development (Figure 2 -1). The
length of each monitoring site was approximately 366 meters.
Figure 2 -1 Map showing the aquatic life monitoring sampling sites (TZ1 and TZ2) on
the Pee Dee River below the Tillery Dam.
2 -1

Site Description
Site TZ1 is located approximately 1.5 miles below the Tillery Development, immediately
downstream of N.C. Highway 731 Bridge (Figure 2 -1). This upstream site is a simple shoal and
shallow run with bedrock outcrops and boulders, cobble intermixed with gravel and sand, and
cobble and gravel bars present with some sand and silt deposition. Woody debris and rooted
aquatic vegetation (Podostemum sp., Potamogeton sp., and filamentous algae) are prevalent at
this site (Table 2 -1). This site includes the area where transects (i.e., Reach 3, Subreach 3, T7
and T8, see Progress Energy 2006a) were placed for the Pee Dee River Instream Flow Study
Final Report prepared during relicensing of the Project.
The downstream site, TZ2, located approximately 4.5 miles downstream of the Tillery
Development and just above the Rocky River confluence, also contains shoal and shallow run
habitat (Figure 2 -1). The substrate consists of bedrock outcrops and boulder, cobble intermixed
with gravel and sand, and cobble/gravel/sand bars. Sand and some silt deposition occur along
channel margins (Table 2 -1). Woody debris and rooted aquatic vegetation (Podostemum sp. and
filamentous algae) are prevalent at this site.
Table 2 -1 Geographical Positioning System locations, channel widths, and habitat
characteristics of sample sites used in the aquatic life monitoring plan below
the Tillery Dam.
2 -2
GPS Latitude and
Channel
Transect
Longitude
Width (m) Habitat Description
TZ1Shoal
350 11' 55.10" N
200 Simple shoal with bedrock outcrops and boulders,
below Tillery
800 03' 40.72" W
cobble intermixed with gravel and sand, and cobble
plant and N.C.
and gravel bars present with some sand and silt
Highway 731
deposition. Woody debris and rooted aquatic
vegetation (Podostemum sp., Potamogeton sp., and
filamentous algae) were prevalent.
TZ2
350 09' 05.72" N
170 Simple shoal with prehistoric fishing weir. Bedrock
800 04' 14.31" W
outcrops and boulders, cobble intermixed with gravel
Shoal above
and sand, and cobble/ gravel/sand bars present. Sand
Rocky River
and some silt deposition noted along channel margins.
confluence
Woody debris and rooted aquatic vegetation
(Podostemum sp. and filamentous algae) were
prevalent.
2 -2

Monitoring Methods
3.0 Monitoring Methods
3.1 Benthic Macroinverteb rate Community Monitoring
Benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring was conducted using the NCDWQ Standard
Qualitative Method (SQM) for benthic macroinvertebrates ( NCDWQ 2006a). Ten qualitative
samples were collected during each sampling event for the bioassessment and rating of the
general environmental quality of the river based upon benthic community structure attributes
(e.g., total number of species, number of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly taxa, and species
tolerance values):
Habitat
Microhabitat
Sample Method
Number of Samples
Type of Sample
Coarse -mesh
(500 -1000 gm)
High current with
Riffles
Kick net
2
Single, disturbance
structure
Low current with
Banks
Dip net
3
Composite,
structure
disturbance
Leaves
Leaf packs
Wash bucket
1
Composite, wash
Fine -mesh
(300 gm)
Auf vuchs
Rock and logs
U.S. Standard Sieve
2
Composite, wash
Size No. 50
Sand
Sand
U.S. Standard Sieve
1
Composite (3),
Size No. 50
disturbance
Visual Collections
Large rock and logs
(10 -15 minutes)
1
Composite
Samples were sorted in the field using a U.S. Standard Sieve Size No. 50, a white enamel
pan, and a winnowing technique.
All organisms were preserved in 95% denatured - ethanol and returned to the laboratory
for identification to the lowest practical taxa level using standard taxonomic references and
enumeration. A voucher and reference collection was established for each sampling location to
validate taxonomic identification.
Numerical abundance for each taxon was tabulated as Rare = 1 (1 -2 specimens),
Common = 3 (3 -9 specimens), and Abundant = 10 (10 + specimens).
Pollution tolerance values (TV) for each taxon were assigned based on criteria in
NCDWQ (2006a). Specific instances for assigning tolerance values are given below:
3 -1

Monitoring Methods
• If the specific species does not have a TV, but there was a TV for the genus level, then
the genus level TV was used.
• If there is no new score available for the taxon, the old score was used.
• If there is no new score for a specific species or for the genus level, the old genus level
score was used.
• If there is no TV for the genus level, the species was not included in the calculation.
• When there was a scoring issue that could not be resolved by the criteria above, the
NCDWQ assigned a TV.
• If there is insufficient knowledge for a particular taxon, then no TV was assigned and the
taxon was not used in the calculation of the overall index value.
The Biotic Index (BI) for each sample was calculated as:
BI = Is ni * ai /N
I =1
Where N is the total number of individuals in the sample, ni is the number of individuals
in the ith species (taxon), ai is the pollution tolerance value for the ith species, and S is the total
number of species.
The BI Value and the EPT Value (the number of Ephemeroptera [mayflies], Plecoptera
[stoneflies], and Trichoptera [caddisflies] taxon) was assigned a score based on the expected
score from the Piedmont Ecoregion as developed by the NCDWQ ( NCDWQ 2006a). No
seasonal correction vales were applied to these data as the sampling occurred during the summer
months. The two indices (matrices) for each sample were averaged (with scores rounded
upward) to produce the final numerical ranking. The NCDWQ specified numerical rounding
approach will be applied to the resulting BI and EPT if the scores differ by exactly one
bioclassification. Bioclassification for each sample (site) will be based on the final ranking:
Excellent = 5, Good = 4, Good -Fair = 3, Fair = 2 and Poor = 1. A bioclassification ranking
"Good- Fair" will be considered the minimum threshold in assessing a successful response of the
aquatic community to flow and DO improvements implemented during the term of the New
License.
3 -2

Monitoring Methods
3.2 Fish Community Monitoring
Fish community monitoring sampling efforts followed methods established for the
relicensing shallow water study conducted in 2004 (Progress Energy 2006b) and as outlined
below.
A standardized sampling approach was used to sample the shallow water fish community
at each site. Sampling gear types include: Smith -Root 5.0 GPP pram electrofisher, Smith -Root
Model 15 backpack electrofisher and a 20 -ft flat seine (6.1 -m x 1.8 -m with 0.32 cm mesh). The
pram electrofisher was used to sample the channel by making three passes through the site (i.e.,
each river bank and mid - channel, wadeable portions). The side margins of the channel,
including backwater areas, were sampled with the backpack electrofisher at 15- minute intervals.
Twelve seine hauls (i.e., one haul per 30.5 m of transect length) were made at sand, gravel, or
cobble bars or riffles at each site with all collected samples combined into one common sample.
For electrofishing sampling, pulsed DC current was used, with the voltage adjusted to produce 3-
4 amps in the sampling field (depending upon the water conductivity). Electrofishing was
conducted in either an upstream or downstream direction at each transect. Riffle areas were
sampled intensively with the pram electrofisher by disturbing the substrate and holding dip nets
on the downstream end of the riffle while the electrofishing was performed. The total time was
recorded for backpack and pram electrofishing, and the catch rates calculated in number and
mass of fish per hour.
All fish, regardless of sampling methodology, were identified to the lowest practicable
taxa level. Fish were measured for total length to the nearest millimeter and weight to the
nearest gram. Fish not identified in the field were preserved with 10% buffered formalin
solution and transported to the laboratory for identification and body measurement. All other
collected fish were released alive to the sampling site. Fish were retained as necessary for
voucher purposes in Duke Energy's fish reference collection (New Hill).
All electrofishing and seine samples were combined at each site to yield the total number
of fish collected per sample site. In addition, the summary catch - per -unit effort data were
3 -3

Monitoring Methods
calculated for both electrofishers and seine hauls. Dominant species within the fish community
were defined as species or taxa comprising > 5% of the total fish abundance at each transect.
The collected fish specimens were assigned tolerance and trophic feeding guild
classifications based on designations used by the NCDWQ for its North Carolina Index of Biotic
Integrity ( NCIBI) methodology ( NCDWQ 2006b). The NCIBI is a modification of the Index of
Biotic Integrity originally formulated by Karr (1981) to measure the health and structure of
stream fish communities. The NCIBI fish community metrics or attributes were applied to the
data to gain insight in the fish community structure at each sampling site. Three other attributes
— the number of minnows (Cyprinidae), the number of North American catfish species, and the
percentage of green sunfish were also included because previous sampling has indicated the
presence of these species. The presence of green sunfish is a general indicator of degraded
environmental conditions. The numbers of fish with disease, fin erosion, lesions, or tumors were
also used in the fish community assessment to note any environmental stressors contributing to
these conditions. The numbers of minnow species were added to evaluate the presence of this
family (Cyprinidae) at each sampling site. Young -of -year fish were included in the calculation
of all of the fish community attributes listed below. The significance of each fish community
metric or attribute is given below, as defined in NCDWQ (2006b):
1. Number of taxa or species richness: The total number of species supported by a
stream of a given size within a given region generally decreases with environmental
degradation. In addition, some streams with larger watersheds or drainage areas can be
expected to support more species than stream with smaller watersheds. In other
instances, the number of species and watershed size are not correlated.
2. Number of individuals: The total number of fish supported by a stream of a given
size in a given region decreases with environmental degradation. However, in some
instances, nutrient enrichment or degradation may actually increase the number of fish
supported by a stream.
3. Number of darter species (Etheosotoma and Percina species): Darters are sensitive
to environmental degradation particularly as a result of their specific reproductive and
habitat requirements. Darter habitats (e.g., riffle habitat) are degraded as a result of
3 -4

Monitoring Methods
channelization, siltation, reduced oxygen levels, and fluctuating water levels. The
collection of fewer than expected number of species of darters can indicate some degree
of habitat degradation.
4. Number of minnow species: Many species of minnows are intolerant of habitat and
chemical degradation and, because some of the species have life spans of up to six years,
provide a multi -year integrated perspective. Because of their predominantly specialized
insectivorous feeding habits, they also reflect the condition of the benthic community
which may be harmed by sedimentation, sediment contamination, or varying water levels.
Minnow species also typically inhabit shallow water habitats such as stream channel
margins which can be affected by fluctuating water levels in regulated streams (Bain and
Travnichek 1996).
5. Number of North American catfish species: The number of North American catfish
species can provide insight into general environmental conditions present in a stream.
Many North American catfishes are omnivorous feeding generalists tolerant of a wide
range of environmental conditions. Conversely, madtom species inhabit shallow water
areas and are insectivorous in feeding habits and generally reflect favorable stream
environmental conditions. This attribute is not used in the NCIBI but used in this
assessment to characterize the entire fish community present in the Pee Dee River.
6. Number of sucker species (includes all species within Catostomidae Family):
Many suckers (especially Moxostoma or Scartomyzon species) are intolerant of habitat
and chemical degradation, and because they are long -lived, provide a multiyear
integrated perspective. They also reflect the condition of the benthic community which
may be affected by sedimentation, sediment contamination, or flow fluctuations.
7. Number of sunfish species (includes Lepomis, Enneacanthus, Micropterus, and
Pomoxis species): Sunfish species are particularly responsive to habitat degradation
such as the filling in of pools with sediment and loss of stream cover (e.g., woody debris).
Conversely, most sunfish species (e.g., bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and largemouth bass)
are habitat and feeding generalists and show less sensitivity to flow fluctuations that other
species who are more specialized in feeding or inhabit channel margin habitat (Bain and
Travnichek 1996).
3 -5

Monitoring Methods
8. Number of intolerant species: Intolerant species are those specialized habitat and
feeding species most affected by environmental perturbations, and therefore should
disappear, at least as viable populations by the time a stream is rated as "Fair ". Intolerant
species includes some species with a very restricted zoogeographic distribution or
considered rare, threatened, or endangered. Of the 212 species of freshwater fish in
North Carolina waters, only 52 species are considered intolerant.
9. Percent tolerant individuals: Tolerant species are those which are often present in a
stream in low or moderate numbers but as the stream degrades, they can become
dominant (generally greater than 25 -35% of the fish community). Of the approximately
211 species of freshwater fish found in North Carolina, 22 species are tolerant. The
metric is calculated by the total number of individuals of tolerant species divided by the
total number of collected fish.
10. Percent omnivores and herbivores: Omnivorous feeding species generally indicate
degraded environmental conditions, particularly the benthic invertebrate community.
Additionally, large numbers of herbivores can indicate canopy or riparian removal or
modifications and /or nutrient enrichment with subsequent increased growth of attached
algae and periphyton.
11. Percent piscivores: Piscivorous feeding species represent the top of the food chain
within the aquatic community and their presence usually indicates a healthy, functioning
food chain. However, a very large percentage of piscivorous species or the complete
absence of predators may indicate environmental perturbations or some other influencing
factor.
12. Percent insectivores: Insectivorous feeding species, particularly those that
specialize on the benthic invertebrate community (i.e., many minnow, sucker, and darter
taxa) generally reflect a healthy river ecosystem. The presence of a large percentage of
generalist insectivorous feeding species, particularly those that can feed on a variety of
aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, (e.g., redbreast sunfish and bluegill) can indicate
degraded environmental conditions and nutrient enrichment.
13. Percent green sunfish: The percentage of green sunfish, a tolerant species,
typically increases with degraded environmental conditions (generally > 5% of total fish
collected would be considered unbalanced) (Karr et. a1 1986). This attribute is not
3 -6

Monitoring Methods
included in the NCIBI but used in this assessment to aid in characterization of the fish
community and environmental conditions.
14. Percentage of species with multiple age groups: This metric or attribute provides
an indication of reproductive success and survivability of year classes through time. It
also provides an indirect indicator of suitable habitat for reproduction and rearing of
young. At least three individuals per species must have been collected to determine the
presence of multiple age groups within the population. In some instances, professional
judgment may also be used to determine reproductive success of a particular species.
15. Number of nonnative species and percentage of nonnative species to native
species: Nonnative species are currently prevalent in the Pee Dee River below the Tillery
Hydroeletric Plant, especially smallmouth buffalo. The presence of nonnative species
can negatively affect native species abundance and population response due to predation,
competition, or both factors interacting together. This attribute is not included in the
NCIBI but included in this fish community monitoring because of the large presence of
nonnative species in the Pee Dee River. Native determination is determined with
NCDWQ guidance.
16. The percentage of fish with disease, fin erosion, lesions, or tumors: This attribute
provides insight into existing environmental conditions or stressors that may be
contributing to the overall health of each fish species and the fish community as a whole.
This fish community data cannot be quantitatively scored with the NCIBI (i.e., numeric score
with corresponding community health rating). The scoring methodology has not been applied to
large river systems, such as the Pee Dee River, with the specific array of sampling gear types
used in this study ( NCDWQ 2006b). Neither reference condition nor accepted sampling
methodologies have been established to apply the NCIBI in large river systems. Therefore, there
will be no strict success criteria for judging the health of the fish community under this
monitoring program.
3.3 Other Environmental Measurements
At each sampling site, water temperature, DO, pH, conductivity, and turbidity were
measured with a laboratory and field- calibrated YSI® multi - parameter instrument. Sample sites
3 -7

Monitoring Methods
were recorded with a Global Positioning System unit (sub -meter accuracy).
Continuous temperature and DO sondes were deployed at both sites to measure these
parameter conditions during the period of summertime reservoir stratification (May through
November). These parameters and existing conditions will aid in evaluating the overall health
and response of the aquatic community at the sites.
4.0 Monitoring Results and Discussion
4.1 Benthic Macroinverteb rates Community Results
The benthic macroinvertebrate community was sampled on July 261h (Site TZ2) and July
27'h (Site TZ1) under low flow conditions (i.e. no power plant generation or wadeable flow
conditions). A total of 56 taxa representing 10 Orders - Suborders were collected at Site TZ2 and
a total of 46 taxa representing 10 Orders - Suborders were collected at Site TZ1 (Table 4 -1). EPT
taxa represented 25% (n = 14) and 23.9% (n = 11) of the macroinvertebrates collected at sites
TZ2 and TZ1 respectively. Site TZ2 scored 2.4 (EPT Score), 3.0 (BI Score) and 2.6 (Site Score)
with an overall bioclassification of Good -Fair. Site TZ1 scored 2.0 (EPT Score), 2.0 (BI Score)
and 2.0 (Site Score) with an overall bioclassification of Fair (Table 4 -2).
Table 4 -1 Taxonomic listing of benthic macroinverteb rates collected from Sites TZl
and TZ2 in the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam during July 2008 and the
taxa associated Biotic Index tolerance values.
3 -8
Tolerance
Station
Order— Suborder Genus /Species
Value
TZl
TZ2
Ephemeroptera Stenonema modestum
5.5
-
A
Stenacron interpunctatum
6.9
A
C
Pseudocloeon ephippiatus
3.7
C
A
Plauditus sp.
4.0
R
R
Caenis sp.
7.4
R
R
Tricorythodes sp.
5.1
R
A
Trichoptera Cheumatopsyche spp.
6.1
A
A
Hydropsyche sp.
<<<2
R
-
Macrostemum sp.
3.5
-
A
Trianeodes injustus
2.5
-
C
Oecetis persimillis
4.7
A
C
Ceraclea maculate
6.5
C
-
Nectopsyche exquistia
4.1
-
R
Lype diversa
4.1
-
R
Hydroptilla spp.
6.2
A
C
Orthotrichia sp.
8.3
R
C
3 -8

Monitoring Results and Discussion
4 -2
Tolerance
Station
Order- Suborder
Genus /Species
Value
TZl
TZ2
Coleoptera
Stenelmis crenata
7.0
C
R
Macronychus galbratus
4.6
-
A
Ancyronyx variegatus
6.5
-
C
Dubiraphia spp.
5.9
R
R
Psephenus herricki
2.4
A
-
Neoporus spp
8.6
C
R
Coleoptera
Berosus sp.
8.4
-
R
Megaloptera
Corydalus cornutus
5.2
A
C
Odonata
Argia spp.
8.2
A
A
Enallagma sp.
<<<�
A
-
Basiaeshna Janata
7.4
A
-
Macromia spp.
6.2
-
R
Gomphus sp.
5.8
-
R
Neurocordulia obsoleta
5.2
R
C
Diptera: Miscellaneous
Tip ula spp.
7.3
-
R
Simulium sp.
6.0
C
C
Empididae
7.6
-
C
Diptera: Chironomidae
Ablabesnzyia mallochi
7.2
R
R
A. janta
7.4
R
R
Pentaneura sp.
4.7
-
R
Procladius sp.
9.1
-
R
Chironomus spp.
9.6
C
C
Dicrotendipes furnidus
8.1
A
A
Polypedilum favum
4.9
R
A
P. halterale
7.3
-
A
P. scalaenum
8.4
R
A
Cryptochironmus spp.
6.4
C
A
Tribelos jucundus
6.3
-
A
Pseudochironomus sp.
5.4
-
R
Stenochironomus sp.
6.5
C
R
Cladotanytarsus spp.
4.1
-
R
Rhenotanytarsus spp
5.9
-
A
Criotopus bicinctus
8.5
A
A
C. Triannulatus gr
9.0
-
C
Orthocladius clarkei
5.7
-
C
Synorthocladius sp.
4.4
-
C
Oligochaeta
Megadriles
9.0
R
-
Lumbriculus variegatus
7.0
A
A
L. spp. (hoffnzeisteri)
9.5
C
C
Ilyodrilus templetoni
9.3
-
R
Nais spp.
8.9
-
R
Stylaria lacustris
9.4
R
C
Crustacea
Cambarus hobbsorum
<<<�
R
-
Hyallela azteca
7.8
A
A
Caecidotea sp. (streams)
9.1
A
A
Mollusca
Corbicula fluminea
6.1
A
A
Pisidium sp.
6.5
R
-
Sphaerium sp.
7.6
R
R
Elliptio complanata
5.1
C
A
Eliptio lanceolata
2.4
-
A
Villosa delumbis
<<<2
R
-
Lampsillis radiata
<<<2
C
-
Physella spp.
8.8
A
A
Campeloma decisum
6.5
A
-
4 -2

Monitoring Results and Discussion
Tolerance values were adopted from NDCWQ (2006a) where:
- =Not collected.
R = Rare (1 -2 individuals collected)
C = Common (3 -9 individuals collected)
A = Abundant (10 or more individuals collected)
2 Specimens that did not have a tolerance value listed in the April 2010 NCDWQ Biological Assessment Unit List of
Tolerance Values for Genera and Species of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (denoted with <<< for the tolerance value)
were not included in the calculation s of NCIBI values.
Table 4 -2 Total and EPT richness /abundance scoring metrics for Sites TZl and TZ2 in
the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam during July 2008.
Tolerance
Site
Station
Order— Suborder Genus /Species
Value
TZl
TZ2
Helisoma anceps
6.2
A
-
Laevapexfuscus
7.5
A
A
Somatogyrus sp.
6.4
R
R
Elimia spp
2.5
C
C
Leptoxis spp
1.8
A
R
Other Dugesia/Cura
<<<2
A
A
Prostoma graecens
6.1
R
-
Helobdella triserialis
9.2
A
-
Batracobdella phalera
7.6
R
-
Erbdella/Mooreobdella
8.3
C
-
Hydracarina
5.5
C
A
Petrophila sp.
2.1
-
C
Tolerance values were adopted from NDCWQ (2006a) where:
- =Not collected.
R = Rare (1 -2 individuals collected)
C = Common (3 -9 individuals collected)
A = Abundant (10 or more individuals collected)
2 Specimens that did not have a tolerance value listed in the April 2010 NCDWQ Biological Assessment Unit List of
Tolerance Values for Genera and Species of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (denoted with <<< for the tolerance value)
were not included in the calculation s of NCIBI values.
Table 4 -2 Total and EPT richness /abundance scoring metrics for Sites TZl and TZ2 in
the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam during July 2008.
4.2 Fish Community Results
The fish community was sampled on August 1" (Site TZ2) and August 2nd (Site TZ1).
Sampling effort at Site TZ1 consisted of 3.37 electrofishing hours (pram (2.19) and backpack
(1.18)) and 12 seine hauls. Sampling effort at Site TZ2 consisted of 3.50 electrofishing hours
(pram (2.06) and backpack (1.44)) and 12 seine hauls.
4 -3
Site
Richness /Abundance
TZ1
TZ2
Total taxa richness
46
56
EPT richness
11
14
EBT abundance
51
69
Biotic Index
6.8
6.4
Scoring
EPT score
2.0
2.4
BI score
2.0
3.0
Site score
2.0
2.6
Bioclassitication
Fair
Good -Fair
4.2 Fish Community Results
The fish community was sampled on August 1" (Site TZ2) and August 2nd (Site TZ1).
Sampling effort at Site TZ1 consisted of 3.37 electrofishing hours (pram (2.19) and backpack
(1.18)) and 12 seine hauls. Sampling effort at Site TZ2 consisted of 3.50 electrofishing hours
(pram (2.06) and backpack (1.44)) and 12 seine hauls.
4 -3

Monitoring Results and Discussion
A total of 160 and 630 fish representing 18 and 21 taxa were collected from Sites TZ1
and TZ2 respectively (Table 4 -3). No rare, threatened or endangered fish species were collected.
Catch rates (fish/hour) and bio -mass rates (grams /hour) were higher at Site TZ2 (Table 4 -4 and
4 -5).
Table 4 -3 Tolerance value, trophic status and number of fish collected from Sites TZl
and TZ2 below Tillery Dam during August of 2008.
Scientific Name
Lepisosteidae
Lepisosteus osseus
Anguillidae
Anguilla rostrata
Cyprinidae
Clinostonnis funduloides
Cyprinella nivea
Nocomis leptocephalus
Notropis amoenus
N. hudsonius
Semotilus atromaculatus
Catostomidae
Erinzyzon oblongus
Scartoniyzon sp.
Ictaluridae
Ameiurus brunneus
A. catus
A. platycephalus
ktalurus punctatus
Noturus insignis
Poeciliidae
Gambusia holbrooki
Moronidae
Morone americana
Lepomis auritus
L. cyanellus
L. gibbosus
L. gulosus
L. macrochirus
Micropterus salinoides
Percidae
Etheostoina flabellare
E. olnzstedi
Perca flavescens
Percina crassa
Common Name
Gars
Longnose Gar
Freshwater eels
American eel
Carps and Minnows
Rosyside dace
Whitefin shiner
Bluehead chub
Comely shiner
Spottail shiner
Creek chub
Suckers
Creek chubsucker
"Brassy" Jumprock
N. American Catfishes
Snail bullhead
White catfish
Flat bullhead
Channel catfish
Margined madtom
Livebearers
Eastern mosquitofish
Temperate Basses
White perch
Redbreast sunfish
Green sunfish
Pumpkinseed
Warmouth
Bluegill
Largemouth bass
Perches
Fantail darter
Tessellated darter
Yellow perch
Piedmont darter
Number Collected
Tolerance Trophic Status TZI TZ2
Tolerant
Piscivore
-
1
Intermediate
Piscivore
14
4
Intermediate
Insectivore
-
1
Intermediate
Insectivore
4
12
Intermediate
Omnivore
2
29
Intermediate
Insectivore
-
3
Intermediate
Omnivore
-
200
Tolerant
Insectivore
-
1
Intermediate
Omnivore
-
1
Intermediate
Insectivore
1
-
Intermediate
Insectivore
88
12
Tolerant
Omnivore
1
-
Tolerant
Insectivore
13
10
Intermediate
Omnivore
4
3
Intermediate
Insectivore
3
86
Tolerant Insectivore
4 2
Intermediate
Piscivore
2
-
Tolerant
Insectivore
4
72
Tolerant
Insectivore
-
6
Intermediate
Insectivore
1
-
Intermediate
Insectivore
1
-
Intermediate
Insectivore
-
38
Intermediate
Piscivore
9
7
Intermediate
Insectivore
-
3
Intermediate
Insectivore
2
113
Intermediate
Piscivore
3
-
Intolerant
Insectivore
4
26
Total
'160
636
4 -4

Monitoring Results and Discussion
Table 4 -4 Catch rates (number /hour and mass /hour) for electrofishing samples (pram
and backpack) collected at Sites TZ1 and TZ2 below Tillery Dam during
August 2008.
Taxa
Longnose Gar
American eel
Rosyside dace
Whitefin shiner
Bluehead chub
Comely shiner
Spottail shiner
Creek chub
Creek chubsucker
"Brassy" Jumprock
Snail bullhead
White catfish
Flat bullhead
Channel catfish
Margined madtom
Eastern mosquitofish
White perch
Redbreast sunfish
Green sunfish
Pumpkinseed
Warmouth
Bluegill
Largemouth bass
Fantail darter
Tessellated darter
Yellow perch
Piedmont darter
Number
(fish /hour)
TZl TZ2
- 0.3
4.2 1.1
- 0.3
1.2 3.4
0.6 8.3
- 0.6
- 57.1
- 0.3
- 0.3
0.3 -
26.1 3.4
0.3
3.9
1.2
0.9
0.3
0.6
1.2
0.3
0.3
2.7
0.6
0.9
1.2
2.9
0.9
24.6
0.3
20.6
1.7
10.9
2.0
0.9
32.3
7.4
Mass
(grams /hour)
TZl TZ2
- 2.3
115.4 60.6
- 0.3
3.9 12.0
1.2 39.4
- 2.0
- 652.0
- 0.6
- 0.3
5.0 -
974.5 127.4
1.5
127.9
20.5
8.3
1.2
16.9
74.8
6.2
18.4
12.2
1.5
45.4
6.2
36.0
13.7
184.9
0.3
804.0
11.4
327.4
45.1
3.4
69.4
30.3
Table 4 -5 Catch rates and mass rates for seine hauls collected at Sites TZ1 and TZ2
below Tillery Dam during August 2008.
Taxa
Comely shiner
Eastern mosquitofish
Number
(fish /haul)
TZl TZ2
- 0.1
0.3 0.1
4 -5
Mass
(grams /haul)
TZl TZ2
- 0.1
0.3 0.1

Monitoring Results and Discussion
Table 4 -6 Characteristics of the fish community below the Tillery Dam at Sites TZ1
and TZ2 during 2008.
Site
Metric
TZ1
TZ2
No. 1 Number of taxa or species richness
18
21
No. 2 Number of individuals
160
630
No. 3 Number of darter species
2
3
No. 4 Number of minnow species
2
6
No. 5 Number of North American catfish species
5
4
No. 6 Number of sucker species
0
1
No. 7 Number of sunfish species
4
4
No. 8 Number of intolerant species
1
1
No. 9 Percent tolerant individuals
13.8
14.6
No. 10 Percent omnivore and herbivores
4.4
37
No. 11 Percent piscivores
17.5
1.9
No. 12 Percent insectivores
78.1
61.1
No. 13 Percent green sunfish
0
1
No. 14 Percentage of species with multiple age groups
55.6
66.7
No. 15 Number of nonnative species and percentage of nonnative species to
2
3
native species
(4.4 %)
(1.9 %)
No. 16 Percentage of fish with disease, fin erosion, lesions, or tumors
0
0.2
The dominant fish species within the aquatic community at Site TZ1 were American eel,
snail bullhead, flat bullhead and largemouth bass representing 77.5% of the total catch. The
primary fish species collected was snail bullhead (n = 88 or 55% of the total catch). Tolerant
species (white catfish, flat bullhead, eastern mosquitofish and redbreast sunfish) comprised
13.8% of the fish community at Site TZ1 (Table 4 -6). Darter species — tessellated and piedmont
— were present in low numbers as well as minnow species — bluehead chub and whitefin shiner.
A small number of Piedmont darters, an intolerant species, were collected at Site TZ1. North
American catfishes, mainly snail bullheads and flat bullheads, were prevalent at Site TZ1.
Insectivorous fish dominated the trophic feeding guilds at Site TZ1 (78.1 %) due to the large
number of snail bullhead collected. The number of fish species with multiple age groups present
was 55.6 % (Table 4 -7). Of the 18 species collected at Site TZ1, 2 are considered non - native by
the NCDWQ (channel catfish and yellow perch). None of the fish collected showed signs of
disease, fin erosion, lesions or tumors.
The dominant fish species within the aquatic community at Site TZ2 were spottail shiner,
margined madtom, redbreast sunfish, bluegill and tessellated darter. The primary fish species
4 -6

Monitoring Results and Discussion
collected was spottail shiner (n = 200). Tolerant species (longnose gar, creek chub, eastern
mosquitofish, redbreast sunfish and green sunfish) comprised 14.6 % of the fish community at
Site TZ1 (Table 4 -6). Darter species — fantail darter, tessellated darter and Piedmont darter — as
well as minnow species — rosyside dace, bluehead chub, comely shiner, spottail shiner, whitefin
shiner, and creek cub — were present in relatively high numbers representing 61.7 % of the fish
species collected at Site TZ2. A small number of Piedmont darters, an intolerant species, were
collected at Site TZ2. North American catfishes, mainly margined madtoms, were prevalent at
Site TZ1. Insectivorous fish dominated the trophic feeding guilds at Site TZ2 (61.1 %) r
comprised of large numbers of margined madtom, redbreast sunfish and tessellated darters
collected. A relatively high percentage of omnivores were present represented by the high
catches of spottail shiners. The number of fish species with multiple age groups present was
66.7 % (Table 4 -7). Of the 21 species collected at Site TZ1, 3 are considered non - native by the
NCDWQ (comely shiner, channel catfish and green sunfish). One Piedmont darter was collected
with a missing left pelvic fin.
Table 4 -7 Mean lengths (total length, mm) and size ranges (minimum and maximum)
of fish collected below Tillery Dam during 2008.
Taxa
TZI
TZ2
Longnose Gar
-
152
American eel
243 (141 -298)
235 (200 -300)
Rosyside dace
-
47
Whitefin shiner
70(65-72)
73(60-94)
Bluehead chub
53(42-64)
65 (46 -138)
Comely shiner
-
66(37-86)
Spottail shiner
-
107 (93 -117)
Creek chub
-
52
Creek chubsucker
-
46
"Brassy" Jumprock
120
-
Snail bullhead
120 (31 -248)
137 (43 -209)
White catfish
74
-
Flat bullhead
121 (145 -171)
74(43-197)
Channel catfish
129 (121 -138)
135 (121 -146)
Margined madtom
97(93-100)
84(32-131)
Eastern mosquitofish
35 (20 -56)
32(21-42)
White perch
137 (130 -143)
-
Redbreast sunfish
129 (93 -203)
117 (48 -206)
Green sunfish
-
61(34-112)
Pumpkinseed
102
-
Warmouth
135
-
Bluegill
-
107 (20 -159)
4 -7

Largemouth bass
61 (34 -85)
Fantail darter
-
Tessellated darter
65(60-69)
Yellow perch
162 (135 -187)
Piedmont darter
79(71-85)
4.3 Environmental Results
Monitoring Results and Discussion
117 (47 -233)
70(68-71)
61 (34 -76
70(47-86)
A detailed report of the baseline continuous water quality conditions at Sites TZ1 and
TZ2 has been submitted to the NCDWQ for the 2008 time period (Progress Energy 2010).
Under the new NC 401 WQC, Duke Energy is required to maintain an instantaneous DO
concentration of 4.0 mg /L and a daily average of 5.0 mg /L. Results from the continuous water
quality monitoring indicated that one or both standard was not attained for 91 days at Site TZ1
and 78 days at Site TZ2 during the 2008 monitoring period. Table 4 -8 provides the results of
the water quality analysis that was performed during the aquatic life sampling events.
Table 4 -8 Temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH and turbidity
values collected during the macroinverteb rate and fish community
assessment below Tillery Dam during 2008.
Temp DO sp. Cond Turb
Site Date ( °C) (mg /L) (µS /cm) pH (NTU)
TZ1 7/26/2008 23.5 7.6 111 7.4 1.0
TZ2 7/27/2008 24.6 6.6 111 7.2 1.0
TZ1 8/2/2008 25.1 5.3 115 7.1 -
TZ2 8/1/2008 25.2 6.4 109 7.1 -
4 -8

Summary
5.0 Discussion
The shallow water aquatic community in the Pee Dee River below the Tillery
Hydroelectric Development was intensively surveyed for macroinvertebrates and fish during
2008. The survey was conducted to fulfill the Section 7 condition of the 401 WQC requiring
Duke Energy to conduct aquatic life monitoring in the Pee Dee River below the Tillery
Hydroelectric Development. This survey documents the baseline aquatic community prior to
implementing the new terms and conditions in the 401 WQC.
Under baseline conditions, the downstream site (TZ2) received a higher bioclassification
score (good -fair) for benthic macroinvertebrates than Site TZ1 (Fair). The fish community data
collected confirms the benthic macroinvertebrate results. At Site TZ2 fish collection rates were
significantly higher and the fish assemblage was more diverse than the fish community at Site
TZ1. A total of 630 fish representing 21 taxa were collected from Site TZ2, whereas only 160
fish representing 18 taxa were collected at Site TZ1. At both sites however, there was a low
incidence rate of fish with signs of "disease, fin erosion, lesions or tumors ", and a low number of
green sunfish present. The fish aquatic community at Site TZ1 consists primarily of native North
American catfish species and sunfish species. The fish aquatic community at Site TZ2 consists
primarily of native minnows, North American catfish, sunfish and darter species.
Continuous water quality results at both Sites (TZ1 and TZ2) indicate that DO conditions
were below the standard outlined in the new 401 WQC (Progress Energy 2010). Dissolved
oxygen enhancements have been made in the project forebay of Lake Tillery with the installation
of a Liquid Oxygen (LOX) injection system. Trials conducted from 2011 — 2014 indicate the
new standard for dissolved oxygen can be met with the LOX facility. In addition to improved
DO levels, habitat enhancements (i.e. minimum spawning and non - spawning flows) should
improve the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish communities below the Tillery Development.
While baseline data collected in 2008 suggests the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish
communities seem to be of fair quality currently, the chemical and physical enhancements
5 -1

Summary
implemented under the terms of the new license should improve bio- indices and aid in meeting
resource management objectives below the Tillery Development.
5 -2

References
6.0 References
Bain, M. B., and V. H. Travnichek. 1996. Assessing impacts and predicting restoration benefits
of flow alterations in rivers developed for hydroelectric power production. Pages B543-
B552 in M. Leclerc, H. Capra, S. Valentin, A. Boudreault, and Y. C1ta (editors).
Proceedings of the second IAHR Symposium on Habitat Hydraulics, Ecohydraulics 2000.
Gray, J. S. 1989. Effects of environmental stress on species of rich assemblages. Biol. J.
Linnean Soc. 37: 19 -32.
Karr, J. R. 1981. Assessment of biotic integrity using fish communities. Fisheries. 6:21 -27.
1991. Biological integrity: A long - neglected aspect of water resources management.
Ecological Aplications 1:66 -84.
Karr, J.R., K.D. Fausch, P L. Angermeier, P. R. Yant, L J. Schlosser. 1986. Assessing biological
integrity in running waters A method and its rationale. Illinois Natural History Survey
Special Publication 5, September 1986, Champaign, IL.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 2006a. Standard operating procedures for benthic
macroinvertebrates. Biological Assessment Unit. July 2006. North Carolina Department
of Environmental and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Environmental
Sciences Section. July 26, 2006.
2006b. Standard operating procedure. Biological monitoring. Stream fish community
assessment program. for benthic macroinvertebrates. Biological Assessment Unit. July
2006. North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Division of
Water Quality, Environmental Sciences Section. August 1, 2006.
2008. Yadkin -Pee Dee Project for Tillery and Blewett Falls Reservoirs. Rockingham,
Stanly, Anson, Richmond and Montgomery Counties. DWQ 02010437, Version 02.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project Number 2206. Water Quality
Certification Mod 1. North Carolina 401 Water Quality Certification. September 30,
2008.
Progress Energy 2006a. Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206. Pee Dee River
instream flow study. Final report. Water Resources Working Group. Issue No.
5— Evaluate relationships between project operations /hydraulics and aquatic habitat, water
quality, and fish migrations. April 2006.
2006b. Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206. Shallow water fish, crayfish,
and mussel surveys of the Pee Dee River and tributaries. Water Resources Group Issue
No. 1— Describe Current Resident River Aquatic Resources Of Project Area. April
2006.
6 -1

References
2008. Yadkin -Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206.. Study Plan for Aquatic Life
Monitoring in the Pee Dee River Reach below the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. Final Rev
1. June 12, 2008.
2010. Yadkin -Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2206. Continuous water
quality monitoring in the Pee Dee River below the Tillery and Blewett Falls
Hydroelectric Plants, May- October 2006 -2009.
6 -2