NC0004987_Requst Approval to update Lake Norman_20200715

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CAROLINAS Terrell NC 28682
July 15, 2020
NC DEQ, Division of Water Resources NC DEQ, Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section WQ Permitting Section — NPDES
1621 Mail Service Center 1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Attn: Cyndi Karoly Attn: Sergei Chernikov, Ph.D.
Subject: Approval Request
Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station RECEIVED
Lake Norman Comprehensive 316(a) Study Plan
NPDES Permit NC0004987 JUL 2 0 2020
Dear Ms. Karoly and Mr. Chernikov: NCDEQ/OINK/NPDES
The purpose of this letter is to request approval of the attached, updated, Lake Norman
Comprehensive 316(a) Study Plan pursuant to Section A. (26) of the subject permit.
The updated Lake Norman 316(a) Study Plan was approved by NC DEQ for the McGuire
Nuclear Station (MNS) NPDES Permit NC0024392 per NC DEQ review letter dated April 13,
2020 noting "no significant objections" and thereby "approving the plan" (Enclosure 1). Because
this is a comprehensive lake-wide study plan with sample locations utilized for assessing
thermal effects of both the MSS and MNS (separately and combined), the document has been
amended to include a Balanced Indigenous Population evaluation for MSS.
Duke Energy is submitting this amended plan (Enclosure 2)for your approval and to replace,
upon approval, the existing Lake Norman 316(a) Study Plan for MSS for the remainder of the
current MSS permit term. Duke Energy intends to use this comprehensive plan moving forward
for the Lake Norman 316(a) demonstration for both MSS and MNS. Changes in the plan will not
impact the range of data included in the 316(a) demonstration reporting for the 2021 MSS
NPDES permit renewal request. In addition to providing background information, data analysis
and reporting objectives, key changes as previously approved for MNS include:
• Fish community sampling will occur during even number years as opposed to annually,
• Water quality and water chemistry sampling will be conducted twice per year (winter and
summer) as opposed to quarterly,
• Chlorophyll a samples will be collected once per year (during the summer) as opposed
to quarterly,
• Total copper and zinc analysis will be added; dissolved copper and zinc analysis will be
removed, and
• Orthophosphorus analysis will be removed.
1

Duke's 316(a) study team looks forward to continuing to work with the NC DEQ throughout the
study period, Duke Energy requests review and approval of the attached amended
comprehensive plan by September 1, 2020 to facilitate upcoming field work.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Scott La Sala (joseph.lasala()duke-
energv.com) at 828-478-7820, or Julie Stahl (julie.stahl(a duke-energy.com) at 980-875-3834.
I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my
direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel
properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or
persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the
information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate,
and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information,
including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations.
Sin ly,,
Rick oper
Marshall Steam Station, Station Manager
General Manager III
FHO—Carolinas Coal
Enclosures (2)
cc: Karrie-Jo Shell, USEPA Region 4
(61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Mail Code 9T25 Atlanta, GA 30303-8960)
bc: Robert Wylie, EHS-CCP P&C
J. Scott LaSala, Marshall Steam Station, EHS-EFS
Julie Stahl, Duke Energy EHS-Surface Water Sciences
UPS TRACKING —
NCDEQ, DWR
NCDEQ, Water Sciences
USEPA

ENCLOSURE 1: NC DEQ REVIEW & APPROVAL LETTER (MNS-LAKE NORMAN),
DATED APRIL 13, 2020

ROY COOPER r~ tab
Governor �p
MICHAEL S.REGAN
Secretary
S.DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
April 13th, 2020
Thomas Ray
Mc
Guire Nuclear Station
12700 Hagers Ferry Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
Subject: Review of Duke Energy Progress McGuire Nuclear Station (Lake Norman) 316 (a)2020
Study Plan (NC0024392).
Dear Mr. Ray:
Y
Thank you for your submittal of the 2020 McGuire Nuclear Station(Lake Norman)316(a) Study Plan.
Based on a review of this document, we note no significant objections and hereby approve the plan.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Cyndi Karoly
Chief, Water Sciences Section
Cc. Corey Basinger, Mooresville Regional Office
Julie Grzyb, NCDWR Complex Permitting Unit
.y� North Carolina Department ofR Environental Quality i DivisioI n eF Water Resources Water Sciences Section
440?and 4405 eedy Creek oad 1621m Mall Service Center Raleigh,North Carolina 27649 162?

ENCLOSURE 2: LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE 316(a) STUDY PLAN

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE
§316(a) STUDY PLAN
MARSHALL STEAM STATION
MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
MARSHALL STEAM STATION
MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Lake Norman Background 1
1.1.1 Marshall Steam Station 1
1.1.2 McGuire Nuclear Station 2
1.2 Environmental Monitoring History 2
2 Study Goals and Objectives 3
3 Study Plan 3
3.1 Fish 4
3.2 Limnology 5
3.3 Habitat Formers 6
3.4 Phytoplankton and Zooplankton 6
3.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrates 6
3.6 Other Vertebrate Wildlife 6
3.7 Endangered Species 7
4 Data Management 7
5 Study Timeline and Reporting 7
6 References 7
Appendices
Appendix A Study Plan Summary Table and Map

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
MARSHALL STEAM STATION
MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
1 Introduction
1 .1 Lake Norman Background
Lake Norman is located north of Charlotte, North Carolina in the Piedmont Physiographic
Province. It is the largest impoundment in the state with a surface area of 13,156 ha at full pond
elevation, 231.6 m above mean sea level. The lake has a shoreline length of approximately 840
km and a mean depth of 10.3 m. The drainage area is roughly 4,662 km2 with a mean annual
outflow of 75.6 cms at the dam and a theoretical retention time of 207 days. Lake Norman is a
managed inland fishery and is currently designated for water supply, freshwater aquatic life, fish
consumption and primary recreation uses, in addition to critical area watershed management
classification for shoreline buffer protection (North Carolina Administrative Code, 15A NCAC
2B).
The lake was formed in 1963 by the construction of Cowans Ford Dam (CFD) on the Catawba
River primarily as a source of non-contact condenser cooling water (CCW)for steam electric
stations and for hydroelectric power generation. Three electric generating stations are located
on Lake Norman: 360 MW Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Station located along CFD, 2090 MW
Marshall Steam Station (MSS) located about mid-lake on the western shore and 18 km north of
CFD, and 2360 MW McGuire Nuclear Station (MNS) located on the southern shore and 0.9 km
east of CFD. The CCW systems of MSS and MNS each utilize a once-through flow system
where raw water from Lake Norman is pumped through a condenser cooling system to cool
system components and then discharged back to the lake. The discharge of this heated water,
referred to as"thermal discharge", requires a Clean Water Act §316(a) thermal variance for
each station. Each variance is regulated through National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit effluent temperature limitations maintained by each facility (referenced
by facility below). Based on monitoring results to-date, the respective temperature limits at each
station are expected to be protective of biological communities in the receiving waterbody (i.e.,
Lake Norman).
1 .1 .1 Marshall Steam Station
MSS, located in Catawba County, Terrell, North Carolina, is a coal-fired generating station with
four generating units and a net capacity of 2,090 MW. Units 1 and 2 are rated at 385 MW. Units
3 and 4 are rated at 660 MW. These units began commercial operation in 1965, 1966, 1969,
and 1970, respectively.
The CCW system at MSS utilizes once-through flow where raw water is withdrawn from Lake
Norman from below a skimmer wall located at the mouth of Holdsclaw Creek cove. Two
condensers are available for Units 1 and 2 and three condensers are available for Units 3 and 4.
Water used to cool MSS system components is discharged back to the lake via a 1.6 km long
cove located south of the station. The MSS thermal discharge has been regulated through
NPDES Permit No. NC0004987 since March 1976. The most recent NPDES permit renewal for
MSS was issued in 2016, with a subsequent major modification becoming effective on May 1,
2018. Consistent with the MSS preceding permits, monthly average thermal discharge limits at

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
Outfall 001 (CCW discharge) are 33.3°C (92°F) during November—June and 34.4°C (94°F)
during July— October.
1 .1 .2 McGuire Nuclear Station
MNS, located in Mecklenburg County, Huntersville, North Carolina, consists of two nuclear
generating units—completed in 1981 and 1984—each rated at 1180 MW for a total net capacity
of 2360 MW. The CCW system of MNS utilizes a once-through flow of raw water from Lake
Norman. Cooling water is pumped from the lake surface or from approximately 30 m deep in the
CFD forebay and returned to the lake by way of a 1 km long onsite discharge canal. The
thermal discharge of MNS is regulated through NPDES Permit No. NC0024392. Although the
initially permitted MNS thermal limits (effective March 28, 1978) in the mixing zone were 35°C
(95°F) monthly average for the year, an increase was granted in the mid-1980's raising the MNS
thermal discharge limit during July— September to 37.2°C (99°F) and relocating the compliance
location to Outfall 001 discharge canal. The most recent NPDES permit for MNS issued on June
1, 2016 continues the monthly average thermal discharge limits at Outfall 001 (CCW discharge)
of 35°C duringOctober—June and 37.2°C during
g July— September.
1 .2 Environmental Monitoring History
Since the first Lake Norman study was initiated in 1965, several comprehensive localized and
lake-wide assessments of pre- and post-operational effects from one or more thermal
discharges have been performed. With MSS and MNS sharing Lake Norman as both their
cooling water source and discharge receiving water, lake monitoring and thermal variance
demonstration of either facility has involved a holistic study plan approach considering effects of
both facilities. Data from these comprehensive studies have been used to demonstrate the
protection and propagation of a balanced indigenous community (BIC) in Lake Norman in
relation to operations of each facility.
In the mid 1970's, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) determined
through the original MSS 316(a) demonstration that the "thermal component of the [MSS]
discharge assures the protection and propagation of shellfish, fish and wildlife in and on the
receiving body of water" (Duke Power Company 1985). Ten years later, the original MNS 316(a)
demonstration study concluded that MNS operations and thermal discharge limit (35°C monthly
average for the year)were compatible with the maintenance of a BIC in Lake Norman (Duke
Power Company 1985). Following the MSS determination, an additional 316(a) thermal variance
demonstration was not required for MSS. As part of the approved increase of the MNS thermal
discharge limits following the successful 1985 316(a) demonstration, Duke Energy (formerly
Duke Power) was required to submit an annual Maintenance Monitoring Program (MMP) report
for MNS to ensure the biotic community in Lake Norman was meeting the definition of a BIC.
The MMP was conducted in accordance with specifications outlined in 40 CFR 125 Subpart H
and the USEPA 1977 316(a) Guidance Manual. These reports were submitted annually from
1988 to 2018 in lieu of 316(a) demonstration reports for either MSS or MNS, and like the initial
demonstration reports, the MMP reports concluded the permitted thermal limits ensured a BIC in
Lake Norman.
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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In addition, Section A. (27.) of the most recent MSS NPDES Permit and Section A. (6) of the
most recent MNS NPDES permit each require a Lake Norman monitoring program approved by
the NCDEQ that addresses the 316(a)thermal discharge variance provision for their respective
CCW discharge (Outfall 001 at each facility). The findings of the Lake Norman monitoring
program respective to MSS and MNS temperature analyses and BIC studies are required to be
reported with the permit renewal request for each facility. As a result, and through coordination
with the NCDEQ Division of Water Resources, a Lake Norman 316(a) study plan outline was
drafted and subsequently approved by the Agency for each facility in 2018. A 316(a)
demonstration report for MNS was included in the MNS 2019 permit renewal package and
concluded that MNS operations were compatible with the maintenance of a BIC in Lake Norman
(Duke Energy 2019). As required, a similar report will be provided for MSS with the MSS permit
renewal request in 2021. For purposes of more fully documenting the data analysis and
reporting plans of the ongoing and future 316(a) studies, Duke Energy has amended the 2018-
approved Study Plan outline with the current Lake Norman Comprehensive 316(a) Study Plan.
2 Study Goals and Objectives
This Study Plan is intended to satisfy the monitoring requirements of Clean Water Act §316(a)
for continuance of the existing thermal variances for MSS and MNS through demonstration of
no prior appreciable harm on the biological community. Duke Energy will conduct studies in
Lake Norman to assess whole-lake influences from the two thermal discharges which will
include the following primary objectives:
• Demonstrate the protection and propagation of a BIC of aquatic wildlife through
biological surveys, and
• Perform physical and chemical analyses of the lake to assist in interpreting biological
data.
Data collected during this study will be evaluated against four primary BIC criteria defined in 40
CFR 125.71. The four criteria state that BICs are biotic communities typically characterized by:
• Having diversity and representative trophic levels within expectations,
• The ability to self-sustain through successful reproduction and recruitment over seasonal
changes,
• Having adequate food items, and
• A lack of domination by pollution tolerant species.
3 Study Plan
The following describes the study components of the proposed Lake Norman 316(a) study. The
different sampling locations, programs, and frequencies are included in Appendix A. All
sampling sites were categorized as falling within one of the following four zones:
Zone A— MNS thermally influenced area,
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
Zone B— MNS non-thermally influenced reference area,
Zone C — MSS thermally influenced area, and
Zone D— MSS non-thermally influenced reference area.
Specific changes from the previous Lake Norman 316(a) Study Plan (Duke Energy 2017 and
2018) include:
• Fish community sampling occurs during even number years as opposed to annually,
• Water quality and water chemistry sampling are conducted twice per year (winter and
summer) as opposed to quarterly,
• Chlorophyll a samples are collected once per year (during the summer) as opposed to
quarterly,
• Total copper and zinc analyses are added; dissolved copper and zinc analyses are
removed, and
• Orthophosphorous analysis is removed.
Field studies will be performed in agreement with the most recent version of the Duke Energy
Environmental Services Field Procedures (ESFP) (Duke Energy 2020). Potentially relevant
ESFP are listed in Appendix A. Additional methods may be employed as indicated.
3.1 Fish
This Study Plan includes thirty-two (32)fish community sampling sites (shoreline transects), the
same number of sites as in recent years (Appendix A). The sites were selected using a stratified
random design to select for areas thermally versus non-thermally influenced and those that
were considered in the main channel versus "off-channel" (e.g., tributary arms and coves).
Boat electrofishing (approximately 1,000 seconds of effort per transect) will be used to sample
each site according to standard fisheries methods (Miranda and Boxrucker 2009, Zale et al.
2012). Transects will be sampled during the day with a boat electrofishing unit using pulsed DC
current. At each sampling site, a transect will be established parallel to the shoreline that will not
overlap with other transects. Fish collected on each transect will be identified to species,
enumerated, and measured for total length (nearest millimeter) and weight (nearest gram). Fish
will also be inspected for parasites and any deformities. If fish are not identifiable in the field
they will be preserved and taken back to the lab for identification by Duke Energy fishery
scientists. Water quality measurements (temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH)
will be recorded at each transect with a calibrated probe to evaluate environmental conditions at
the time of sampling.
Fish community surveys will be performed in the spring and fall; however, sampling will occur
biannually in even number years. Review of historical data in Lake Norman suggests abundant
and diverse fish communities occur therein and reducing the sampling frequency will still allow
for BIC determination. It is anticipated at least two years of fisheries data (four total surveys),
4

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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along with all historical data for reference, will be provided in the next 316(a) demonstration
report.
Fisheries surveys will determine whether a reasonable and acceptable BIC exists in Lake
Norman. As stated previously, a BIC should be diverse, contain different trophic levels, be self-
sustaining, not be dominated by pollution-tolerant species, and contain adequate food items.
Metrics collected on fish species selected as representative important species (RIS;
Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Alabama Bass M. henshalli, Bluegill Lepomis
macrochirus, and Redbreast Sunfish L. auritus)will be used to determine BIC.
Data analysis will y consist of total taxa numbers and biomass, catch-per-unit-effort, spatial
P p
comparisons of RIS length distributions and condition, species pollution tolerance, trophic guild,
and hybrid complexes. To assess the potential thermal effects of MSS or MNS, comparisons will
be made between the thermally influenced zone (Zone C or A, respectively) and its associated
reference zone (Zone D or B, respectively). Additionally, metrics will be calculated on a lake-
wide basis for each facility's 316(a) thermal variance demonstration.
3.2 Limnology
In situ water quality monitoring and water chemistry sample collection will be performed twice
per year at 15 total locations: 13 lake locations plus a location in the discharge channel at each
facility (Appendix A). Chlorophyll a sampling will be collected only during summer when primary
productivity is expected to be highest (Duke Energy 2019). These data will be incorporated into
the 316(a) study to address any potential interactions with the thermal effluent that may affect
BIC. A list of variables in the sampling program can be found in Appendix A.
Water quality monitoring and sample collection will be performed by the Duke Energy water
quality and natural resources laboratories in Huntersville, North Carolina. This laboratory
maintains North Carolina Division of Water Resources certification (Certification #5193) to
perform field analysis of dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH and temperature. Field
parameters will be measured in situ at each location with a pre-calibrated water quality meter
starting at the lake surface (0.3 m) and continuing to lake bottom. Collection of these data, as
well as pre- and post-calibration processes, will follow the previously referenced Duke Energy
ESFP. Water chemistry samples will be collected as a surface grab (0.3 m) or as an integrated
sample from the photic zone (defined as two times secchi depth) as appropriate. Samples will
be collected in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sample
bottles; bottles will be pre-acidified where applicable. Water samples will be stored on ice and in
the dark immediately following collection to minimize the potential for physical, chemical, and/or
microbial transformation. All water chemistry sampling will also follow Duke Energy ESFP.
Laboratory water chemistry analyses will be performed by the Duke Energy analytical laboratory
located in Huntersville, North Carolina. This laboratory maintains North Carolina Division of
Water Resources certification (Certification #248)to perform analytical testing of inorganic and
organic constituents. If necessary, in order to complete analysis within holding times, another
appropriately certified laboratory will be contracted. Chlorophyll a analyses will be performed by
Duke Energy water quality and natural resources laboratories in Huntersville or New Hill, North
Carolina following Duke Energy ESFP, or by another qualified laboratory (e.g., ETT
Environmental, Inc.).
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
Similar to fish community analyses, comparisons of water quality and chemistry results will be
made between the MSS or MNS thermally influenced zone (Zone C or A, respectively) and its
associated reference zone (Zone D or B, respectively). Additionally, metrics will be calculated
on a lake-wide basis for each facility.
3.3 Habitat Formers
Qualitative habitat former (e.g., aquatic vegetation) surveys will be conducted in the summer
during at least two years during the permit term. Presence and spatial distribution of habitat
formers will be recorded in thermally influenced areas and reference areas. All visible aquatic
vegetation species (submerged, floating and emergent) will be noted.
3.4 Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
Phytoplankton and zooplankton are generally considered to be low potential impact biotic
categories, therefore narrative assessments of these components will be made and included
within the framework of the Lake Norman BIC. Scientific literature will be surveyed along with
any historical data collected from Lake Norman (Duke Energy 2019). The validity of using a
narrative approach can be found in the most recent 316(a) review by Coutant (2013).
3.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrates
As with phytoplankton and zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates are generally considered to
be low potential impact biotic categories. Narrative assessments will be included within the
framework of the Lake Norman BIC. Scientific literature will be surveyed along with any
historical data collected from Lake Norman (Duke Energy 2014).
3.6 Other Vertebrate Wildlife
Duke Energy will conduct observations of"other vertebrate wildlife" (wildlife)that are associated
with aquatic habitats and/or rely on the waters for foraging, reproduction, and other life functions
(e.g., waterfowl, Bald Eagles, aquatic mammals, amphibians).
According to the USEPA 1977 316(a) Technical Guidance Document, most sites in the United
States will likely be considered low potential impact for other vertebrate wildlife because thermal
discharge plumes should not generally impact large or unique populations of wildlife (e.g.,
waterfowl concentrations, eagle wintering areas) in North Carolina. Exceptions to sites classified
as low potential impact would be those few sites where the discharge might affect protected,
RIS, or threatened and endangered wildlife.
Observations for wildlife will be conducted by, or under the direction of, a Certified Wildlife
Biologist at areas most directly influenced by thermal discharge in Zones A and C (Braun 2005;
Heyer et al. 1994; Wilson et al. 1996). These data will be augmented by observations
documented during the fisheries fieldwork. In addition, literature reviews of pertinent information
(e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) listed species county list, USFWS Information
for Planning and Construction (IPaC) database, facility-specific reports)will be conducted, which
6

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
will enable Duke Energy to prepare rationale regarding why the site should be considered one
of low potential impact or an exception to that designation.
3.7 Endangered Species
The USFWS map-based search tool IPaC, as well as other Duke Energy derived aquatic
species data was reviewed to determine the potential presence of federally listed species within
Lake Norman and the surrounding counties (USFWS 2018). The Carolina Heelsplitter
(Lasmigona decorata) is the only aquatic species identified in a search of the IPaC database.
The Carolina Heelsplitter is an endangered freshwater mollusk that requires cool, clean, well-
oxygenated water with silt-free stream bottoms and stable, well-vegetated stream banks
(USFWS 2018). The nearest known population of Carolina Heelsplitter and critical habitat
designated by the USFWS is located over 80 km downstream from Lake Norman and is
hydrologically disconnected by multiple dams. Therefore, no assessment of endangered
species will be performed under this study plan.
4 Data Management
All data collected by Duke Energy for the Lake Norman 316(a) study will be managed according
to Duke Energy ESFP. To the extent practicable based on type of parameter, data will be
digitally recorded and uploaded into Duke Energy's EQuIS (Earthsoft, Pensacola, Florida)
database for retrieval and analysis. Internal QA/QC processes will also follow Duke Energy
ESFP to ensure accuracy of data being recorded and submitted to the EQuIS database.
5 Study Timeline and Reporting
The Lake Norman 316(a) study will commence once the final study plan is either approved via
written letter, e-mail correspondence, or reissuance of the NPDES permit by the NCDEQ. It is
understood that NCDEQ will coordinate review of the 316(a) aspects and the NPDES permit
renewal with USEPA. Studies will continue through the life of the NPDES permit, after which a
five-year report will be prepared and submitted with the next permit renewal application for each
facility.
6 References
Braun, C. E., editor. 2005. Techniques for Wildlife Investigations and Management. Sixth
edition. The Wildlife Society. Bethesda, MD.
Coutant, C. 2013. Considerations and requirements for biological determinations related to
thermal discharges. Special Report No. 13-02. National Council for Air and Stream
Improvement. August 2013.
Duke Energy. 2014. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Lake Norman near
Marshall Steam Station. Duke Energy Corporation. Charlotte, NC.
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
MARSHALL STEAM STATION
MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
Duke Energy. 2017. McGuire Nuclear Station 2018 Lake Norman 316(a) Study Plan. Duke
Energy Corporation. Charlotte, NC.
Duke Energy. 2018. Marshall Steam Station 2018 Lake Norman 316(a) Study Plan. Duke
Energy Corporation. Charlotte, NC.
Duke Energy. 2019. CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Population Study Report (2016-
2018). Duke Energy Corporation. Charlotte, NC.
Duke Energy. 2020. Environmental Services Field Procedures (ESFP). Duke Energy
Corporation. Charlotte, NC.
Duke Power Company. 1985. McGuire Nuclear Station 316(a) Demonstration. Duke Power
Company. Charlotte, NC.
Heyer, W. R., M. Donnelly, R. McDiarmid, L. Hayek, and M. Foster, editors. 1994. Measuring
and Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standards Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian
Institution Press. Washington and London.
Miranda, L. E. and J. Boxrucker. 2009. Warmwater fish in large standing waters. Pages 29-42
in S. A. Bonar, W. A. Hubert, and D. W. Willis, editors. Standard methods for sampling
North American freshwater fishes. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC). 2019. Title 15A, Chapter 2B, Water Quality
Classifications.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2018. Endangered Species, Threatened Species,
Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate Species. Mecklenburg County, North
Carolina. Asheville Ecological Field Office, NC.
Wilson, D., F. R. Cole, J. Nichols, R. Rudran, and M. Foster, editors. 1996. Measuring and
Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standards Methods for Mammals. Smithsonian Institution
Press. Washington and London.
Zale, A. V., D. L. Parrish and T. M. Sutton, editors. 2012. Fisheries Techniques, third edition.
American Fisheries Society. Bethesda, MD.
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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Appendix A
Study Plan Summary Table and Map

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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Table A-1. Lake Norman 316(a) study plan summary table.
PROGRAM FREQUENCY LOCATION
Water quality'
In-situ surface w/ Semi-annual (Spring/Fall) 32 locations (Figure A-1)
electrofishing
In-situ profile (Limnology) Semi-annual 13 locations, plus each station's
(Summer/Winter) discharge canal location (Figure
A-1)
Water chemistry
Analytical2 13 locations, plus each station's
Semi-annual
(Summer/Winter) discharge canal location (Figure
A-1))
Fisheries
Electrofishing 3 Semi-annual (Spring/Fall) 32 locations (Figures A-1)
Chlorophyll a/plankton4
Photic zone Annual (Summer) 13 locations, plus each station's
discharge canal location (Figure
A-1)
Other vertebrate wildlife
Visual observations Summer Thermal discharge and reference
areas
Habitat formers
Visual observations Summer Thermal discharge and reference
areas
'In-situ water quality are measurements made in the water column using submersible sensors and recorded
on a computer.
2Analytical refers to water grab samples taken from the surface or photic zone, placed in sample bottles,
and returned to the laboratory for analysis.
3 Fish sampling will be conducted during even number years beginning in 2020.
°Chlorophyll a will be collected during the summer WQ/WC sample event and anytime at a given WQ/WC
location if field parameters (DO Sat% >120 and pH > 9)or visual observations (i.e., noticeable bloom
or fish kill) indicate a bloom is occurring. If a bloom is indicated, phytoplankton samples will also be
collected; however, these samples will be kept preserved on hold and only analyzed if chlorophyll a is
>40 pg. The composite sample(s)will be collected using an integrated depth sampler in the photic
zone (determined as 2 times secchi)or using a Van Dorn sampler.
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LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
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Sample Variables
Water quality(w/electrofishing)
• Surface temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, specific conductance,
pH
Water quality(limnologv)
• Temperature, DO concentration, DO saturation, specific conductance, and pH
profiles
Surface to 10m @ 1 m intervals, 10m to bottom @ 2m intervals
• Measured secchi depth (m)
• Surface turbidity
Water chemistry (analytical)
• Major Ions
Total calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate
• Nutrients5
Total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate+nitrite nitrogen, total Kjeldahl
nitrogen, chlorophyll a
• Metals
Total copper, total zinc
ESFP Reference
ESFP-AD-0100— Quality Assurance Manual
ESFP-AD-0103— Data Management
ESFP-AD-0104 — Records Management
ESFP-SW-0200 — Electrofishing Fish Procedure
ESFP-SW-0400 —Aquatic Vegetation Surveys
ESFP-SW-0501 — Chlorophyll Laboratory Procedure
ESFP-SW-0503 —Water Quality Field Procedure
ESFP-SW-0504 —Water Chemistry Sample Collection
ESFP-SW-0506 — Phytoplankton Sampling Procedure
5 A composite sample will be collected using an integrated depth sampler in the photic zone or using a
Van Dorn sampler.
11

LAKE NORMAN COMPREHENSIVE§316(a)STUDY PLAN
MARSHALL STEAM STATION
MCGUIRE NUCLEAR STATION
• r., , A
• `
Sampling Locations: (Area DI
O Water Quality
• Electrofishing •
0 r-
YV1 'r
Marshall ��ty l
Steam • '"�wy 15d'� Mooresville
Station . -- (2 mi.)
•G•
• `—♦
�- - l
• 's
O , .
• ,,
• O •• s \ Area C1 ";.
•
iArea D " : t t`I
•
Denver • 0 `i„fir v
0
• FArea EC •
Davidson
m • /
•• 0
t
• i
*?
AreaA 4
Hw
0 0 5 1 2 les Co`wans Y 73
Ford Ham • 1 -
I I r' 1 I McGuire Nuclear • Charlotte
0 0 75 1 5 3 Kilome rs Station _ (14 mi)
Figure A-1, Lake Norman water quality/chemistry and fish sample sites.
12