NC0024406_Application_20210517

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous
Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Belews Creek, North Carolina
NPDES Permit # NC0024406
Duke Energy Environmental Sciences
Huntersville, NC
April 2021
4's DUKE
ENERGY.,

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Contents
Executive Summary 1
1 Introduction 2
1.1 Physical Description 2
1.2 Thermal Permitting History 6
1.3 Environmental Monitoring History 6
1.4 Station Operations and Weather Characteristics 7
2 Study Goals and Objectives 12
3 Methods 13
3.1 Temperature Analysis 15
3.2 Limnology 15
3.3 Planktonic Community 18
3.4 Habitat Formers 18
3.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community 19
3.5.1 Mussel Community 19
3.6 Fish Community 22
3.6.1 Fish Community Assessment 22
3.6.2 RIS Population Assessment 22
3.6.3 Fish Community Similarities 23
3.6.4 Seasonal RIS Distributions 23
3.6.5 Reference Lake 23
3.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife 25
3.8 Endangered Species 25
4 Results and Discussion 25
4.1 Temperature Analysis 25
4.1.1 In -Situ Thermal Monitoring 25
4.1.2 Satellite Imagery 31
4.2 Limnology 36
4.2.1 Water Quality 36
4.2.2 Water Chemistry 39
4.2.3 Chlorophyll -a 43
4.3 Plankton Rationale 43
4.4 Habitat Formers 44
4.5 Macroinvertebrate Rationale 49

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
4.5.1 Mussel Community 50
4.6 Fish Community 52
4.6.1 Fish Community Assessment 52
4.6.2 RIS Population Assessment 57
4.6.3 Fish Community Similarities 67
4.6.4 Seasonal RIS Distributions 69
4.6.4.1 Mayo Reservoir Comparison 71
4.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife 78
4.8 Endangered Species 78
5 Balanced and Indigenous Assessment 79
6 References 80
Tables
Table 1-1. Net capacity factors, expressed in percent (%), and monthly average discharge water
temperatures (measured at CCW discharge) for BCSS during 2017 8
Table 1-2. Net capacity factors, expressed in percent (%), and monthly average discharge water
temperatures (measured at CCW discharge) for BCSS during 2020 8
Table 1-3. Number of flow releases and daily average water temperatures at spillway compliance point
for BCSS during 2017 and 2020. 9
Table 3-1. Analytical methods and reporting limits for parameters monitored in Belews Lake in 2020...17
Table 4-1. Summary of surface (0.3 m) water quality measurements made in Belews Lake during 2020
monitoring period. 38
Table 4-2. Summary of nutrients, major anions, and physical parameters in Belews Lake during 2020.
Non -detect values are presented to the reporting limit. 41
Table 4-3. Summary of major cations, metals, and hardness (calculated) in Belews Lake during 2020.
Non -detect values are presented to the reporting limit. 42
Table 4-4. Chlorophyll -a concentrations (in µg/L) collected semiannually from five zones in Belews Lake
during 2020. 43
Table 4-5. Mean (and range) of water quality parameters for each zone in Belews Lake during spring
2020 electrofishing. 52
Table 4-6. Number of fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during spring
2020. 52
Table 4-7. Percent pollution tolerance, trophic guild, and percent of hybrids for fish collected from
electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during spring 2020. 54
Table 4-8. Mean (and range) of water quality parameters for each zone in Belews Lake during fall 2020
gill netting. 54
Table 4-9. Number of fish collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during fall 202055
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 4-10. Mean (and range) of water temperature for each zone in Belews Lake during winter and
summer 2020 electrofishing and gill netting. 69
Table 4-11. Numbers of RIS collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during
quarterly sampling in 2020. 70
Table 4-12. Numbers of RIS collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during quarterly
sampling in 2020. 70
Table 4-13. Mean (and range) of water temperature for each zone in Mayo Reservoir during quarterly
2020 electrofishing and gill netting. 71
Table 4-14. Percent pollution tolerance, trophic guild, and percent of hybrids for fish collected from
electrofishing within three zones of Mayo Reservoir during spring 2020 71
Table 4-15. Numbers of each species captured in Belews Lake and Mayo Reservoir during quarterly
sampling with electrofishing and gill nets during 2020. Species richness and Shannon's diversity
index (H) are also shown 77
Table 4-16. Location, behavior, and number of aquatic, vertebrate wildlife observed in the Belews
discharge arm (2016-2020). 78
Figures
Figure 1-1. Roanoke River drainage in North Carolina and Virginia, and location of Belews Lake. 4
Figure 1-2. BCSS location on Belews Lake, associated tributaries, and other site features. 5
Figure 1-3. Mean monthly air temperatures recorded near Belews Lake, North Carolina during current
study period compared to 2010-2019 average 10
Figure 1-4. Total annual precipitation recorded at Belews Lake during current study period compared to
2010-2019 average (horizontal line). Historical data collected from USGS monitoring station at
Pine Hall, NC 11
Figure 1-5. Total monthly precipitation recorded at Belews Lake during 2017 and 2020 compared to
2010 — 2019 monthly averages. Historical data collected from USGS monitoring station at Pine
Hall, NC 11
Figure 3-1. Limnological (water quality and chemistry) sample locations in Belews Lake. 14
Figure 3-2. Aquatic plant species presence/absence sample locations in Belews Lake. 19
Figure 3-3. Fish and mussel sampling locations, and zones of thermal influence in Belews Lake. 21
Figure 3-4. Fish sampling locations and zones in Mayo Reservoir. 24
Figure 4-1. Surface water temperatures from temperature loggers at Belews Lake. Data cover the 2017
monitoring period. For the box plots, the line represents the median, mark "x" represents the
mean, boxes depict 25th and 75th percentiles, and whiskers depict 10th and 90th percentiles 26
Figure 4-2. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water
temperature profiles on Belews Lake, North Carolina. Data cover the 2017 monitoring period
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius 27
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Figure 4-3. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water
temperature profiles on Belews Lake, North Carolina. Data cover the 2017 monitoring period
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius 28
Figure 4-4. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water
temperature profiles on Belews Lake, North Carolina. Data cover the 2017 monitoring period
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius 29
Figure 4-5. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water
temperature profiles on Belews Lake, North Carolina. Data cover the 2017 monitoring period
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius 30
Figure 4-6. Belews Lake, extreme summer thermal plume map (July 27, 2002). 32
Figure 4-7. Belews Lake, extreme winter thermal plume map (January 4, 2018). 33
Figure 4-8. Near extreme summer scenario isotherm plot on Belews Lake. Data gathered from historical
Duke Energy water temperature profile data on August 27, 2002. Temperatures in degrees
Celsius. 34
Figure 4-9. Near extreme winter scenario isotherm plot on Belews Lake. Data gathered using historical
Duke Energy water temperature profile data on January 25, 2018. Temperatures in degrees
Celsius. 35
Figure 4-10. Temperature (left panels) and dissolved oxygen (right panels) profile plots of Belews Lake
during (top to bottom) February, April, July, and October 2020. Temperatures are in degrees
Celsius, and dissolved oxygen is in mg/L. 37
Figure 4-11. Aquatic vegetation population densities and distribution noted at survey locations. 45
Figure 4-12. Distribution of Water Willow Justicia americana at sampled sites by zone. 46
Figure 4-13. Aquatic vegetation population densities and distribution at survey locations by thermal
influence zone 47
Figure 4-14. Percentage of points surveyed found to be vegetated per zone of thermal influence by
density class (1-4). 48
Figure 4-15. Species summary of vegetated points by zone of thermal influence 49
Figure 4-16. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of all freshwater mussels collected in 2020 within six
zones in Belews Lake 51
Figure 4-17. Mean length of Eastern Elliptio collected in 2020 within six zones in Belews Lake. Error bars
are 90% confidence intervals. 51
Figure 4-18. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number (top panels) and by weight (bottom panels) of all
species collected within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020. Error
bars are 90% confidence intervals. Letters over bars indicate significance at a = 0.10. 53
Figure 4-19. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number (top panels) and by weight (bottom panels) of all
species collected within six zones from gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020. Error bars are
90% confidence intervals. 56
Figure 4-20. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger centrarchid RIS collected within
six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence
intervals. Letters over bars indicate significance at a = 0.10 58
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Figure 4-21. Length -frequency of Largemouth Bass (left panels) and Alabama Bass (right panels)
collected within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020. 60
Figure 4-22. Length -frequency of Bluegill (left panels), Redbreast Sunfish (center panels), and Redear
Sunfish (right panels) collected within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring
2020. 61
Figure 4-23. Mean catch rate (CPUE) of Channel Catfish and Gizzard Shad collected within six zones from
gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals. Letters over
bars indicate significance at a = 0.10 63
Figure 4-24. Length -frequency of Channel Catfish (left panels) and Gizzard Shad (right panels) collected
within six zones from gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020. 64
Figure 4-25. Largemouth Bass (left panels) and Alabama Bass (right panels) condition (relative weight) by
zone of Belews Lake and by length category for fish collected during fall 2020. The horizontal
line represents the median for each zone, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and
the whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles. 65
Figure 4-26. Bluegill (top left panels), Redbreast Sunfish (top right panels), and Redear Sunfish (bottom
panels) condition (relative weight) by zone of Belews Lake and by length category for fish
collected during fall 2020. The horizontal line represents the median for each zone, the boxes
represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and the whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles 66
Figure 4-27. Channel Catfish (left panels) and Gizzard Shad (right panels) condition (relative weight) by
zone of Belews Lake and by length category for fish collected during fall 2020. The horizontal
line represents the median for each zone, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and
the whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles. 67
Figure 4-28. Bray -Curtis similarities of fish CPUE from spring electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring
2020. 68
Figure 4-29. Bray -Curtis similarities of fish CPUE from fall gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 202068
Figure 4-30. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger RIS collected from electrofishing
in Mayo Reservoir during spring 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals. 72
Figure 4-31. Length -frequency of centrarchid RIS collected from electrofishing in Mayo Reservoir during
spring 2020. 73
Figure 4-32. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger RIS collected from gill netting in
Mayo Reservoir during fall 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals. 74
Figure 4-33. Length -frequency of RIS collected from gill netting in Mayo Reservoir during fall 2020 75
Figure 4-34. Condition (relative weight) of RIS in Mayo Reservoir for fish collected during fall 2020. The
horizontal line represents the median for each species, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th
percentile, and the whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles 76
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Belews Creek Steam Station
Appendices
Appendix A Final BCSS 316(a) Study Plan
Appendix B Real Statistics® Statistical Analysis
Appendix C Box and whisker plots depicting historical analytical data compared to 2020.
Appendix D RDL and LOQ values for Nutrient Parameters collected in 2020 at Belews Lake
Appendix E Tables of fish caught seasonally from Belews Lake during 2020 using electrofishing and gill
nets.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Executive Summary
An initial 316(a) demonstration was conducted at Belews Lake to examine the physicochemical
characteristics, in -lake productivity, habitat formers, mussel community, fish community, and other
vertebrate wildlife during 2020, in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit (No. NC0024406) for Belews Creek Steam Station (BCSS) and the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) approved study plan. This report presents operational
and environmental data collected during the year and compares the information with historical data.
The primary objective of this demonstration was to assess the impact of the thermal discharge from
BCSS on the aquatic biological community populations in Belews Lake.
Duke Energy has one permitted thermal discharge to the Dan River from the Belews Lake spillway. To
evaluate the impacts of the thermal discharges on Belews Lake, six distinct zones were delineated.
Zones were lettered from A to F in order of thermal impact with A being the most impacted. Zone A
represented the area nearest the condenser cooling water (CCW) discharge, Zone B was adjacent to
Zone A in the discharge arm of Belews Lake, and Zone C represented the area of the main lake
influenced by the CCW discharge canal exit. Zones D and E represented areas with less thermal
influence and F represented background conditions that were not subject to thermal influence.
Belews Lake was characterized as oligotrophic based on long-term and current nutrient and
chlorophyll -a concentrations. Chlorophyll -a concentrations during 2020 were comparable to historical
data and were below the NC state water quality criteria (40 µg/L) at all monitoring locations. Seasonal
water quality and chemistry data continued to affirm that Belews Lake provides a suitable
physicochemical environment for sustaining a balanced and indigenous biological community. Similarly,
data collected for other biological communities (e.g., freshwater mussels, habitat formers) also support
that Belews Lake is suitable for sustaining a balanced indigenous community (BIC).
A total of 10,767 fish representing 24 distinct species (plus one hybrid complex) within eight families
were collected from Belews Lake during 2020. Bluegill were the most abundant species (58% of the fish
captured), and annual catch rates of fish during spring 2020 were generally similar to those noted in
historical biological reports (Duke Energy 2005). The fish community found in the thermally influenced
zones of Belews Lake (Zones A, B, and C) encompassed multiple trophic guilds (e.g., insectivores,
omnivores, and piscivores) supporting a balanced indigenous fish community. Additionally, fish
captured in the thermally influenced zones had similar proportions of pollution tolerance to the
associated comparison zones, and no zones were dominated by pollution -tolerant species. The
proportion of sunfish identified as hybrids was less than 3% with no pattern between thermally
influenced and non -influenced zones.
Catch rates and size structures of representative important species (RIS; Largemouth Bass, Alabama
Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Gizzard Shad, and Channel Catfish) indicated multiple
age classes of each species throughout the lake. There were no observed differences between the
thermally influenced zones and associated reference zones that would suggest negative effects to the
fish populations as a result of operations at BCSS. Condition factors, and indication of fish health, were
average for all RIS. No patterns of condition were observed that would indicate any negative impacts
from the thermal discharge at BCSS. The 2020 data indicated that the Belews Lake fish community is
balanced and indigenous and is composed mostly of indigenous species expected from a reservoir
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
located in the NC piedmont. Additionally, no threatened or endangered species exist in the project area
that may be impacted from the thermal discharge of BCSS.
Under the current thermal compliance point, the survival, reproduction, development, and growth of
BIC have not been appreciably reduced due to operations. Additionally, the BCSS thermal plume has
not blocked or inhibited access to any potential spawning habitat, spawning activities, or the
development of early juveniles of RIS and the BIC. Consequently, the current thermal limits and BCSS
operations have ensured the protection of a BIC in Belews Lake.
1 Introduction
1.1 Physical Description
Belews Creek Steam Station (BCSS) is a two -unit, coal-fired electric generating plant located in the Dan
River (Roanoke) drainage of Stokes County, North Carolina, approximately 15 miles northeast of
Winston-Salem (Figure 1-1). The reservoir, Belews Lake, was constructed principally as a cooling water
source for BCSS, providing condenser cooling water (CCW) to the station. The lake first reached full
pond in 1973 after the dam was completed in 1970, with BCSS Unit 1 beginning commercial operation
in August 1974, followed by Unit 2 operation in December 1975. Each 1,245.6 MW unit is cooled by
CCW pumped at a maximum rate of 33.1 m3/s. Historically, BCSS has been operated as a baseload
generating station; however, coal-fired generation has declined significantly in recent years.
Belews Lake has a surface area of 15.63 km2 at full pond elevation (221 m-msl) and is relatively deep for
a Piedmont reservoir (14.6 m mean depth). The watershed, however, is small (197 km2) and has an
average drainage flow of 2.8 m3/s. Belews Lake is comprised of distinct regions, which in part relate to
its principle tributaries: the West Belews Creek arm; the Belews Creek arm; and the main body of the
reservoir, wherein their confluence lies (Figure 1-2). The upper portion of the West Belews Creek arm
receives heated effluent from the BCSS once -through CCW system. This area is physically separated
from the remainder of Belews Lake, except for a 1.5-km, man-made canal that facilitates the return of
heated CCW effluent to the Belews Creek arm (Figure 1-2).
Low inflows, combined with evaporative loss from the station, results in a long average retention time
of 1,500 days. A make-up pumping station (located on the Dan River adjacent to Belews Lake) is used if
the lake elevation drops to 220.1m-msl or below. The shoreline of Belews Lake is mostly steep,
buffered primarily by undeveloped forest with sparse residential development. Much of the nutrient
load from the watershed is sequestered in the upper reaches of the lake. As a result, there is a
productivity gradient from "uplake" areas to "downlake" (Figure 1-2).
Within the downlake region of Belews Lake, a high degree of uniformity in water quality has historically
been evident (Duke Energy 2005, 2011, 2015). This is principally due to a forced circulation pattern
induced by the operation of the combined 66.2-m3/s capacity of the BCSS CCW pumps. The CCW
system flow rate significantly exceeds typical inflow rates from combined reservoir tributaries
(estimated to average 2.8 m3/s; Cumbie 1978). Particularly during the thermally stratified portion of the
year, BCSS CCW pumping effectively maintains a circulation pattern within the epilimnion of the
downlake region.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Moving southward from the downlake region into the Belews Creek arm, beginning at about 1 km from
the BCSS CCW discharge canal, a narrowing of the lake occurs. This area has historically been termed
the "midlake" region, characterized as a transitional zone situated between the reservoir's headwaters
and the downlake region. In this portion of the lake, the upper part of the water column typically
reflects downlake water quality as influenced by the edge of the BCSS thermal plume. However, the
deeper portion of the midlake water column typically reflects water quality more like that observed in
the headwater portion of the reservoir (i.e., cooler water, with greater concentrations of nutrients and
suspended solids). Following the fish population collapse that occurred in the 1970s and early 1980s
due to selenium loading in Belews Lake, this midlake region was considered a key indicator area in
reservoir -wide assessments and was closely monitored to assess the early stages of recovery of the fish
community.
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NORTH CAROLINA
CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
0 20 40 80 Kiiorme:ers
Figure 1-1. Roanoke River drainage in North Carolina and Virginia, and location of Belews Lake.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
3.11'
Fine
Hail
Thermal Compliance .Point
Belews Creek
Steam Station
CCW ❑ischa rge
Canal
65
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Belews Lake
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Figure 1-2. BCSS location on Belews Lake, associated tributaries, and other site features.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
1.2 Thermal Permitting History
Belews Creek Steam Station operates under NPDES permit no. NC0024406. The initial permit was
issued by the State of North Carolina in 1970 prior to development of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and
associated §316(a) requirements for a thermal variance. The initial permit granted BCSS a temperature
variance that stated daily average ambient water temperatures shall not exceed 32 °C at the dam
discharge as a result of BCSS operations.
Subsequent permits -maintained language similar to the initial permit until 2012. In 2012, North
Carolina's Division of Water Resources (DWR) issued BCSS a NPDES permit, and stated in Section A.
(15.),
"The thermal variance granted by the State of North Carolina terminates on expiration of
the NPDES permit. Should the permittee wish a continuation of its thermal variance
beyond the term of this permit, reapplication for such continuation shall be submitted in
accordance with 40 CFR Part 125, Subpart H and Section 122.21 (1)(6)...The temperature
analysis and the balanced and indigenous study plan shall conform to the specifications
outlined in 40 CFR Part 125 Subpart H and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
draft 316a Guidance Manual, dated 1977."
Upon review of the 2011-2015 BCSS 316(a) report submitted to the State in 2016, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) commented that the report did not
satisfy the 2012 permit requirements specified in Section A. (15.). To address these comments and
continue operating under a thermal variance, the 2019 NPDES permit for BCSS required in Section A.
(24.) a 1-year comprehensive §316(a) Demonstration study, performed in accordance to specifications
in 40 CFR Part 125 Subpart H and the EPA's 1977 draft 316(a) Guidance Manual.
Also, per the requirements of the 2019 NPDES permit, a BCSS §316(a) Study Plan (Study Plan) was
prepared by Duke Energy and submitted to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on July 8, 2019 (Appendix A, Duke
Energy 2019). Approval of the Study Plan was received from the NCDEQ on November 7, 2019 and
studies commenced in January 2020.
1.3 Environmental Monitoring History
Duke Energy has performed or sponsored environmental monitoring on Belews Lake since dam
construction was completed in 1970. The initial study was performed during 1970-1977 and included
three years prior to full pond, one year at full pond before station operation, and three years after the
station began operation (Weiss and Anderson 1978). This study evaluated water quality and chemistry,
phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission (NCWRC) surveyed the Belews Lake fishery for sport fish potential during the same time
period (Van Horn 1978). By 1975, substantial declines in fish populations and recruitment became
evident in lower Belews Lake, and it was determined that selenium loading from BCSS ash basin sluicing
into the lake, exacerbated by the long retention time, was inhibiting fish reproduction (Harrell et al.
1978).
Environmental studies were restructured to monitor effects of a perturbation related to discharge of
ash basin effluent to the lake and selenium bioaccumulation during the period 1976-1985. During
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
1984, BCSS began dry fly -ash collection to eliminate most selenium accumulation and other trace
element inputs to the ash basin. These lake recovery sampling programs evolved over time and new
sampling programs were created when BCSS redirected its regulated ash basin discharge to the Dan
River in October 1985. Belews Lake biota began to recover once this redirection occurred (Duke Power
Company 1996). Duke Energy and NCDEQ (formally NCDENR) have acknowledged that
macroinvertebrate and fish populations have substantially recovered from the selenium contamination
episode during the early operations of BCSS (Duke Energy 2005; Barwick and Harrell 1997).
Over the past several decades, environmental monitoring on Belews Lake has focused on water
quality/chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fisheries. Water quality and water chemistry
samples have been collected on at least a semi-annual basis since 1977. Annual cove rotenone surveys
were performed from 1977 to 1994 to sample fish populations (Duke Power Company 1996).
Electrofishing surveys began in 1983 to sample the fish community, and these surveys have continued.
During 1991-2016, benthic macroinvertebrate community samples were collected. Starting in 1996,
lake environmental data were submitted to NCDEQ during each NPDES permit cycle. The NCWRC has
also conducted several fisheries surveys and research projects on Belews Lake over the years (Hining
2003, 2005a, 2005b; Hodges 2012).
For the purposes of this report, historical data available since 2001 are provided for context with 2020
data (Duke Energy 2005, 2011, 2015). Also, extensive water quality data collected by Duke Energy in
2017 are utilized in the temperature analysis portion of the report, in conjunction with hyperspectral
satellite imagery obtained in 2019 to delineate the thermal plume.
1.4 Station Operations and Weather Characteristics
Station capacity factors, along with cooling water temperatures, have a direct effect on the resulting
thermal discharge into the lake. When maintenance is performed or electricity demand is decreased,
capacity is reduced. In 2017, the average annual net unit capacity was 39.8% for Unit 1 and 57.6% for
Unit 2 (Table 1-1). In 2020, the average annual net unit capacity was 27.5% for Unit 1 and 26.8% for
Unit 2 (Table 1-2).
The NPDES thermal compliance discharge limit for BCSS is an ambient water temperature of 32 °C
(89.6 °F) and is defined as the daily average discharge water temperature when a discharge from the
lake dam occurs (No. NC0024406). Discharges from the lake dam are primarily utilized to ensure the
structural integrity of the dam and maintain lake level. Thermal discharge limits were met
throughout 2017 and 2020 (Table 1-3). The maximum daily average water temperature recorded at
the spillway was 29.2 °C (84.6 °F) reported in July 2020 (Table 1-3).
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Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 1-1. Net capacity factors, expressed in percent (%), and monthly average discharge water temperatures
(measured at CCW discharge) for BCSS during 2017.
Net capacity factor Monthly average discharge temperature
Unit 1 Unit 2 Station °C °F
January 32.9% 32.1% 32.5% 16.7 62.0
February 10.5% 15.6% 13.1% 14.4 57.9
March 44.6% 84.3% 64.5% 21.8 71.2
April 70.5% 56.7% 63.6% 28.6 83.5
May 56.6% 69.6% 63.1% 32.0 89.6
June 79.9% 63.6% 71.7% 37.1 98.8
July 85.7% 82.4% 84.0% 41.4 106.5
August 78.9% 79.3% 79.1% 40.1 104.2
September 0% 53.4% 26.4% 29.8 85.6
October 0% 29.2% 14.5% 23.7 74.7
November 0% 46.1% 22.9% 19.0 66.2
December 17.6% 79.3% 48.5% 19.8 67.6
Average 39.8% 57.6% 48.6% 27.0 80.6
Table 1-2. Net capacity factors, expressed in percent (%), and monthly average discharge water temperatures
(measured at CCW discharge) for BCSS during 2020.
Net capacity factor Monthly average discharge temperature
Unit 1 Unit 2 Station °C °F
January 1.9% 68.2% 35.1% 16.7 62.1
February 15.3% 3.2% 9.3% 12.3 54.2
March 32.8% 17.1% 25.0% 16.6 61.8
April 3.3% 0% 1.4% 17.0 62.6
May 0% 19.1% 9.2% 20.7 69.2
June 55.0% 67.2% 61.1% 34.7 94.4
July 64.6% 76.2% 70.4% 38.5 101.3
August 68.0% 65.9% 67.0% 38.2 100.8
September 56.0% 5.3% 30.7% 31.9 89.5
October 26.9% 0% 13.2% 23.3 74.0
November 0% 0% 0% 19.1 66.4
December 6.4% 0% 3.1% 15.2 59.4
Average 27.5% 26.8% 27.1% 23.7 74.7
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 1-3. Number of flow releases and daily average water temperatures at spillway compliance point for
BCSS during 2017 and 2020.
Month
Number of Minimum Daily Maximum Daily
Flow Average Water Average Water
Releases Temperature (°C) Temperature (°C)
2017
January 4 11.4 12.1
February 5 11.1 12.3
March 3 12.3 16.1
April 13 14.5 21.8
May 18 16.6 22.6
June 3 19.8 25.6
July 0 -
August 0 -
September 0 -
October 0 -
November 0 -
December 0 -
2020
January 22 11.0 13.1
February 21 10.3 11.7
March 11 11.2 15.1
April 14 14.1 16.8
May 20 15.7 19.4
June 9 21.0 24.5
July 5 25.8 29.2
August 21 19.0 31.4
September 6 19.7 24.4
October 10 21.5 23.5
November 16 15.9 19.3
December 20 10.4 15.5
Meteorological forces can exert significant influences, both directly and indirectly, on the physical,
chemical, and biological characteristics of aquatic ecosystems, and documentation of local and regional
meteorology can often provide insight into the spatial and temporal dynamics of these characteristics
(Wetzel 2001). Two important meteorological parameters are air temperature and precipitation, and
data for these two variables were obtained from two local area monitoring stations: National Weather
Service (NWS) monitoring station in Greensboro, NC (air temperature) and United States Geological
Survey Station (USGS) station (precipitation) near Pine Hall, NC.
Air temperatures influence variability in a waterbody's thermal regime via seasonal water column
heating and cooling. Air temperatures recorded at the NWS station during 2017 and 2020 were
generally above average compared to data collected since 2010 (Figure 1-3). Notably higher than
average air temperatures were recorded in February 2017, March 2017, April 2017, March 2020, and
November 2020 with monthly means 2.0-6.0 °C greater than the average (Figure 1-3). Monthly air
temperatures were notably below average in December 2017 and May 2020 with monthly means 1.7
°C and 3.9 °C below average, respectively.
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Temperature VC)
35
30
25
20
15
10
0201D-2019 Avg 2017 —111-2020
k
# \A
��As. `,�a ft �` ,
a
Figure 1-3. Mean monthly air temperatures recorded near Belews Lake, North Carolina during current study
period compared to 2010-2019 average.
Precipitation affects hydrologic characteristics in aquatic ecosystems by controlling water volume,
inflow rates, and water column mixing. This hydrodynamic influence can be additionally magnified or
modified by reservoir outflow characteristics, resulting in variations in spatial and temporal water
quality and biological regimes. In addition to influencing hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics,
precipitation can impact water quality by direct chemical loading associated with atmospheric
chemistry or indirectly via constituent loading associated with watershed runoff. The rainfall total of
116.3 cm recorded in 2017 and 152.8 cm in 2020 was above the historical average of 107.9 cm
(Figure 1-4). Monthly precipitation totals during 2017 and 2020 were variable and ranged from 7.6
cm below average in July 2020 to 14.6 cm above average in April 2017 (Figure 1-5). These rainfall
patterns directly affected the hydrologic inflow and discharge of the reservoir.
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Precipitation (cm)
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Figure 1-4. Total annual precipitation recorded at Belews Lake during current study period compared to 2010-
2019 average (horizontal line). Historical data collected from USGS monitoring station at Pine Hall, NC.
Precipitation (cm)
30
25
20
15
10
O 2010-2019 Avg t 2017 f 2020
�a°%). e��• etJ �etr
t
Q
o��y� ��et°sec �vec �`vec
P he,Qxe 0('+°�e Oece
Figure 1-5. Total monthly precipitation recorded at Belews Lake during 2017 and 2020 compared to 2010-2019
monthly averages. Historical data collected from USGS monitoring station at Pine Hall, NC.
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2 Study Goals and Objectives
In accordance with NPDES permit no. NC0024406, Section A. (24.) and the agency approved Study Plan
(Appendix A), Duke Energy conducted an initial and comprehensive one-year demonstration study on
Belews Lake in 2020 to support a thermal variance request under §316(a) of the CWA. The two primary
goals accomplished during this study were: (1) the completion of a temperature analysis, and (2) the
demonstration of a self-sustaining, balanced and indigenous biological population (BIP) or community
(BIC) of fish and shellfish in Belews Lake. Data obtained for the temperature analysis were used to
describe the spatial extent of the BCSS thermal plume in Belews Lake, both horizontally and vertically.
Characterization of the plume throughout the water column was used to assess migration barriers to
fish movement as it relates to thermal tolerances of certain fish species.
As detailed in the Study Plan, several study components were proposed to make a BIC assessment of
Belews Lake, including a temperature analysis, limnological sampling, fisheries sampling, freshwater
mussel surveys, identification of habitat formers, other vertebrate wildlife observations, and
identification of any rare, threatened or endangered species. Also, emphasis was given to the study of
Representative Important Species (RIS), which were incorporated in the assessment to indicate a BIC
exists within Belews Lake.
The following species/species groups were approved by the NCDEQ as RIS in the Study Plan: Gizzard
Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, Channel Catfish lctalurus punctatus, Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus,
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus, Alabama Bass Micropterus
henshalli, Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, and native freshwater mussels. Although Alabama
Bass and Channel Catfish are not considered to be native, or "indigenous" to the Roanoke River basin,
the subpart of 40 CFR Part 125 states that a BIC, "...may include ...species whose presence or abundance
results from substantial, irreversible environmental modifications." Coutant (2013) suggested that an
example of this, "would include reservoir species not native to the area before impoundment" (e.g.,
introduced game and nongame fish).
If available, additional reference locations are valuable in 316(a) demonstrations (Coutant 2013). Mayo
Reservoir is an impoundment of Mayo Creek in Person County, North Carolina, approximately 65 miles
ENE of Belews Lake created to supply make-up water to Mayo Steam Electric Plant (MP). Although
Mayo Reservoir is smaller and shallower than Belews Lake, it is a good candidate as a reference lake
because of reasons such as little to zero thermal input, has similar productivity and nutrient load (low
to moderate), is in the same river basin as Belews Lake, has a similarly long retention time, and was
recently found to have a "relatively balanced and stable fish community" by the North Carolina Division
of Water Resources (NCDWR) in 2018. Therefore, fish community reference data from Mayo Reservoir
were compared with data from Belews Lake during the study.
Fish and shellfish (freshwater mussels) data were collected lake -wide and were evaluated against the
following four primary BIC criteria defined in 40 CFR 125.71. The four criteria state that BICs are biotic
communities typically characterized by:
a. Having diversity and representative trophic levels within expectations,
b. The ability to self -sustain through successful reproduction and recruitment over
seasonal changes,
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c. Having adequate food items, and
d. A lack of domination by pollution tolerant species.
3 Methods
For the purposes of this report and the assessment of Belews Lake biological communities, it was
necessary to establish zones of study as they relate to thermal plume characteristics. This included the
following six zones, setup alphabetically with respect to water temperatures warmest at Zone A and
coolest at Zone F (Figure 3-1):
Zone A— upper West Belews Creek arm, adjacent to the immediate CCW thermal
discharge and thermal plume;
Zone B — upper West Belews Creek arm, distant from the immediate CCW discharge,
but within the thermal plume;
Zone C — lower Belews Creek arm in proximity to the CCW discharge canal exit and
within the thermal plume;
Zone D — lower West Belews Creek arm, near the CCW intake and within the outer
thermal plume;
Zone E — main lake area near Belews Dam, downlake and within the outer thermal
plume; and,
Zone F — lower East Belews Creek arm, distant and outside of the thermal plume.
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410.._0(4?
Ly-Th Jr-7
.1
3�
Sf
ciNsr
Sampling Locations
• WO Profiles &WC
WO Prorile5, WC & 2O17 Loggers
0. WC Only
▪ WO Prolli;es aril 2417 Loggers
▪ PVile Only
A
0 0.375 0,76 1.5 Miles
rr r r� �.. T ri.LI
8 0.5 'I 2 FKilorneters
Figure 3-1. Limnological (water quality and chemistry) sampling locations and zones in Belews Lake.
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3.1 Temperature Analysis
The Belews Lake temperature analysis included three aspects: (1) compilation and review of station
operations data, (2) intensive in -situ monitoring, and (3) thermal plume characterization. Operations
data obtained included net generation totals from 2017 and 2020 (Tables 1-1 and 1-2). Additionally,
continuous temperature data was collected at the following locations: Zone A, Zone C, Zone D, Zone E,
and Zone F.
A rigorous temperature sampling program in Belews Lake was conducted in 2017 (January —December)
in anticipation of the upcoming temperature analysis requirement within the 2020 316(a)
demonstration. Monthly water quality profiles (measurements from surface to bottom at 1-m intervals)
were collected at 12 locations in Belews Lake, along with continuous in -situ temperature profile loggers
(Onset®, Bourne, Massachusetts) at five of the locations (Figure 3-1). These continuous loggers
recorded hourly temperature data and were deployed from the surface down to 20 m (or lake bottom,
whichever was less) at two -meter intervals, except for location 416.0 near the dam. An internal
temperature logger provided surface water temperature data for location 419.2 (Zone F). Data were
analyzed using time -series graphs and contour plots to display seasonal conditions and document
thermal stratification in Belews Lake. Surfer Software (Golden Software® 2017) and SigmaPlot® were
used for developing contour plots for water temperature profiles.
Spatial analysis of the surface thermal plume in Belews Lake during winter and summer extreme
scenarios were produced from archived satellite imagery. Satelytics, Inc. (Perrysburg, Ohio) provided
the images from Landsat 7 Band 6 (thermal; X = 10.4-12.5 µm) satellites, with thermal resolution
reported at 1 °C. Water temperature data was calculated from a patent -applied algorithm derived from
hyperspectral Landsat satellite imagery data measured at a density of approximately 5 samples per
acre. Based on historical meteorology, hydrological, and operational conditions (full generation),
January 4, 2018 was selected for the extreme winter condition, while July 27, 2002 was selected for the
extreme summer condition. In both cases, data provided in the thermal plume maps represent actual
conditions or temperatures as measured by the Landsat 7 Band 6 satellites.
The resulting imagery data were imported into ArcGIS Pro to produce thermal plume maps for both
extreme scenarios. The combination of monthly profiles, continuous temperature loggers, and satellite
imagery were all used in the temperature analysis to determine the vertical, horizontal, and spatial
extent of the thermal plume under extreme conditions.
3.2 Limnology
Limnological data are used to characterize the environmental conditions of a waterbody. These data
help provide an understanding of the basic productivity and biological changes within aquatic
ecosystems, examples of which could include chronic changes in population dynamics or acute changes
in fish behavior. Additionally, the collection and analysis of water quality and chemistry data can be
used to evaluate station operation, watershed, and meteorological effects on the aquatic ecosystem.
Field parameter measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and specific conductivity
were collected in situ at each location once per quarter in conjunction with fisheries sampling. Field
parameters were collected with a Hydrolab data sonde (OTT Hydromet, Loveland, Colorado) or an Aqua
TROLL 600 multiparameter sonde (In -Situ, Fort Collins, Colorado) starting at the lake surface (0.3 m)
and continuing at one -meter intervals to 10 m, then two -meter intervals to the lake bottom. Pre- and
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post -calibration procedures associated with operation of the sondes were documented in electronic
format. Hydrolab data were captured and stored electronically and converted to spreadsheet format
following data validation. All Hydrolab data were uploaded to EQuIS Professional (Earthsoft, Pensacola,
Florida) following data validation. Aqua TROLL data were captured and stored in an electronic format
using Earthsoft EDGE, then uploaded to EQuIS Professional following data validation.
Water chemistry samples for laboratory analysis were collected semi-annually in 2020 with a peristaltic
pump, or by direct grab at the surface (0.3 m). Samples not requiring filtration were discharged directly
into high -density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sample bottles. Dissolved -
fraction samples were field -filtered with a 0.45-µm in -line filter capsule and peristaltic pump. Filter
capsules were pre -rinsed by running a minimum of 500 mL of sample water through the filter prior to
filling the the sample bottles. Filtered and unfiltered sample bottles were pre -acidified where
applicable. Chlorophyll -a and nutrient samples were collected from the measured photic zone using a
depth integrated sampler. The photic zone was determined as twice the secchi depth, which was
measured by lowering a secchi disk to extinction prior to sampling. Samples were stored on ice and in
the dark immediately following collection to minimize the potential for physical, chemical, and/or
microbial transformation. Sampling and sample transport followed an established Chain of Custody
process.
Laboratory analytical methods, reporting limits, and sample preservation techniques are included in
Table 3-1. The analytical parameters included in this study (excluding low-level mercury and
chlorophyll -a) were analyzed by a NCDWR certified laboratory, primarily the Duke Energy Analytical
Laboratory in Huntersville, NC (Certification #248). Laboratory analysis for low-level mercury samples
were performed by Shealy Environmental labs in West Columbia, SC. Chlorophyll -a samples were
analyzed by ETT Environmental laboratories in Greer, SC.
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Table 3-1. Analytical methods and reporting limits for parameters monitored in Belews Lake in 2020.
Parameter
Method (EPA/APHA) Preservation Reporting Limit
Temperature Thermistor, APHA 2550 In situ 0.1 °C
Luminescent (LDO) cell,
Oxygen, Dissolved In situ 0.1 mg/L
ASTM D888-09-C
pH Glass Electrode, EPA 150.2 In situ 0.1 unit
Conductance, Specific Thermistor, EPA 120.1 In situ 1 µS/cm3
Chlorophyll -a SM10200H 6 °C 2.0 µg/L
Alkalinity SM 2320E 6 °C 5 mg/L
Phosphorus, Total Colorimetric, EPA 365.1 0.5% H25O4 0.005 mg/L
Orthophosphorus Colorimetric, EPA 365.1 6 °C 0.005 mg/L
Ammonia Colorimetric, EPA 350.1 0.5% H2SO4 0.02 mg/L
Nitrate + Nitrite Colorimetric, EPA 353.2 0.5% H2SO4 0.01 mg/L
Total Dissolved Solids SM 2540C 6 °C 25 mg/L
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Colorimetric, EPA 351.2 0.5% H2SO4 0.1 mg/L
Total Organic Carbon SM 5310E 0.5% H2SO4 0.2 mg/L
'Calcium ICP, EPA 200.7 0.5% HNO3 0.01 mg/L
'Magnesium Atomic Emission/ICP, EPA 200.7 0.5% HNO3 0.005 mg/L
'Mercury, Low -Level EPA 1631E Clean cooler 0.5 ng/L
Chloride Ion Chromatography, EPA 300.0 6 °C 0.1 mg/L
Sulfate Ion Chromatography, EPA 300.0 6 °C 0.1 mg/L
Secchi Hutchinson (1975) N/A N/A
Turbidity Turbidimetric, SM2130-2011 6 °C 0.05 NTU
Total Hardness Calculation, EPA 200.7 N/A N/A
'Arsenic, Total ICP Mass Spectroscopy, EPA 200.8 0.5% HNO3 1.0 µg/L
'Copper, Total ICP Mass Spectroscopy, EPA 200.8 0.5% HNO3 1.0 µg/L
'Selenium, Total ICP Mass Spectroscopy, EPA 200.8 0.5% HNO3 1.0 µg/L
'Zinc, Total ICP Mass Spectroscopy, EPA 200.8 0.5% HNO3 5 µg/L
'Total Metals, Low -Level Mercury, and Total Hardness were only collected at Zone D and Zone F.
Water quality and analytical chemistry data were subjected to various numerical and graphical
techniques to evaluate spatial and temporal trends within the lake, interrelationships among
constituents, and the potential effect on lake biota. Data were evaluated using seasonal comparisons
between sampling locations and historical comparisons across the lake. Contour plots for water
temperature and dissolved oxygen were developed using SigmaPlot® software. Data within each lake
zone were compared to lake -wide values for context. Analytical results reported to be equal to or less
than the method reporting limit were evaluated at the reporting limit for purposes of numerical and
statistical assessments.
Real Statistics (Real Statistics Resource Pack 2019) and SigmaPlot® were utilized for developing time -
series, box and whisker, contour plots, and other statistical analyses. Time series and box and whisker
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plots were utilized to compare surface values (0.3-m samples). Contour plots for water temperature
and dissolved oxygen were developed using SigmaPlot® software. Statistical analysis of surface
temperatures by season from continuous temperature loggers deployed in 2017 was completed
utilizing the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison method to verify that zone groupings appropriately
represent thermally impacted and background areas within the lake, (i.e., statistically significant at the
p<0.05 significance level) (Appendix B). The availability of locations outside of the CCW thermal
discharge in the uplake reaches of the lake (Zone F) and in the downlake area near Belews Dam (Zones
D and E) allowed for comparison with areas thermally influenced by the BCSS CCW discharge (Zones A,
B, and C) to assess potential impacts (Figure 3-1).
The 2020 data were compared to historical data to evaluate recent changes in the waterbody and
detect long-term trends (Appendix C). For the purposes of this report, historical water quality and
analytical data included the years 2001-2019.
3.3 Planktonic Community
Sampling of Belews Lake plankton communities was not performed in 2020 as part of the
demonstration study. Instead, a plankton rationale or narrative is provided. The narrative describes
plankton communities within the framework of the Belews Lake BIC and their categorization as a low
potential impact (LPI) biotic category. The narrative includes an assessment of plankton as LPI using
scientific literature and historical planktonic data collected in Belews Lake (Coutant 2013; Duke Energy
2005, 2011, 2015; Duke Power Company 1996, 2000; Weiss and Anderson 1978).
3.4 Habitat Formers
Habitat formers are defined as assemblages of living or once living plants and animals with relatively
sessile life stages that may have aggregated distributions. Such assemblages may function as living
substrate for epibiota, direct or indirect food sources, biological mechanisms for sediment stabilization,
nutrient cycling pathways or traps, and/or spawning or rearing habitats (EPA 1977). In Belews Lake,
habitat formers are primarily made up of aquatic plant communities, including those classified as
submerged, floating leaf, free-floating, and emergent. Aquatic plant communities and species
distribution were assessed through an intensive survey of the littoral zone (0-4.6 m) of Belews Lake in
September 2020. This time period corresponds to the end of the growing season when aquatic plants
would be at their maximum biomass and distribution. This survey covered approximately 475 hectares
or 31% of the lake. Aquatic plant communities were assessed using a meandering shoreline survey of
1,252 points spaced roughly 80 m apart to determine species presence/absences (Figure 3-2, Madsen
and Wersal 2012). Sampling of submersed plants was accomplished using hydroacoustic technology to
identify any existing submersed biomass. Once detected, submersed populations were sampled using a
double -sided rake for species identification. Vegetation density of submersed plants was also assessed
at each point using a 0 to 4 rating scale (0 = no vegetation present; 1 = vegetation present at low
densities, < 25% coverage; 2 = vegetation present at moderate densities, 25-50% coverage; 3 =
vegetation present at moderate to high densities, 50-75% coverage; and 4 = vegetation present at
extremely high densities, >75% coverage). Emergent and floating leaf species directly adjacent to
sampling points were assessed visually, and given a density designation of 0 to 4 based on the
continuity of the existing bed (0 = no plants directly adjacent; 1= trace amounts of vegetation present,
no continuity; 2 = moderate amounts of vegetation present, not extending to next sampling location; 3
= moderate to high amounts of vegetation present, extending >50% to next sampling location; and 4 =
18

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high densities of vegetation present, completely continuous to next sampling point). Areas of emergent
or floating vegetation with >3 species were designated as an "diverse wetland community". As
discussed above, results were summarized based on designated zones of thermal influence, derived
from preliminary summer (growing season) temperature data (Figure 3-1).
Points Sampled: 1,172
Littoral Area Sampled: 475 ha
of Total Lake Area: 31%
Avg. Depth: 3.05 m
Data Collection Date(s): Sep 14-16, 2020
Belews Lake
Aquatic Vegetation
° Sampling Locations
0 1.25 2.5
l i i i l
5 Kilometers
Figure 3-2. Aquatic plant species presence/absence sample locations in Belews Lake.
3.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community
Sampling of Belews Lake benthic macroinvertebrate communities (insects) was not performed in 2020
as part of the demonstration study. Instead, a macroinvertebrate rationale or narrative is provided. The
narrative describes macroinvertebrate communities within the framework of the Belews Lake BIC and
their categorization as an LPI biotic category. It includes an assessment of macroinvertebrates as LPI
using scientific literature and historical macroinvertebrate data collected in Belews Lake (Coutant 2013;
Duke Energy 2005, 2011, 2015; Duke Power Company 1996, 2000; Weiss and Anderson 1978).
3.5.1 Mussel Community
Qualitative mussel surveys were conducted in August 2020 to document the presence/absence of
freshwater mussels, determine assemblage richness, and provide the relative abundance (catch-per-
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unit -effort, CPUE) of each species. Methods followed Duke Energy procedures (on file with NCDEQ)
with each survey encompassing 4.0 person -hours of search time or at least a distance of 200 m.
Mussels were collected visually and tactilely (grubbing) of all habitats within the survey area that were
less than 4 m in depth and placed in mesh bags. After the survey, the bags were brought to the surface
and mussels were identified to species. Lengths of 50 individuals (if available) from a representative
sample of each species at each site were measured to the nearest mm. The length of the mussel was
measured, with calipers, along the ventral margin from anterior to posterior end. Mussels were
replaced at the approximate location from which they were removed. Two timed surveys were
conducted within six study zones (12 total surveys, Figure 3-3), and all native mussel species collected
were considered RIS.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Belews Creek
Steam Station
Sampling Locations
• Electrofishing
• Gillnetting
Mussel Survey
0 0.75 1.5 3 Kilometers
Figure 3-3. Fish and mussel sampling locations, and zones of thermal influence in Belews Lake.
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3.6 Fish Community
3.6.1 Fish Community Assessment
Electrofishing surveys were conducted in Belews Lake during January, April, July, and October 2020.
Four shoreline transects, each consisting of approximately 1,000 seconds of shock time, were surveyed
in the six zones of Belews Lake (Figure 3-3). Transects included habitats representative of those
typically found in Belews Lake and were selected such that similar habitats were sampled in all zones.
All sampling was conducted during daylight. Surface water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and
specific conductance were measured at each transect with a calibrated meter. Electrofishing transects
paralleled the shoreline and total shock time was recorded. Stunned fish were collected by two netters
(one netter was used during April, July, and October 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) and held in a
live well until the transect was completed. Fish were identified to species, enumerated, and for each
transect a subsample of each species were measured for total length (mm) and weighed to the nearest
gram.
Experimental gill nets were deployed concurrently with each quarterly electrofishing survey. Gill nets
were 2.4 m tall and 30.5 m long with four incremental 7.6-m panels (2.5, 5.1, 7.6, and 10.2- cm
monofilament stretch mesh). Two gill nets were set in each zone for two net nights, totaling four net --
nights every quarter. Every study location had three or four potential gill net locations (Figure 3-3), two
of which were randomly selected each night. Nets were set on lake bottom approximately
perpendicular to the shoreline with the small mesh nearest to shore. After each net night the fish were
removed. Processing of the fish was completed using the same methods described for electrofishing.
Data collected during the spring electrofishing surveys were used to assess the balanced and
indigenous nature of the Belews Lake fish community and provide information relative to the potential
thermal influence of BCSS. This season, when surface water temperatures should be between 15 and
23 °C, is the standard time for sampling using this technique (Miranda and Boxrucker 2009). The
assessment included spatial comparisons of species pollution tolerance, trophic guild, and hybrid
complexes.
3.6.2 RIS Population Assessment
The relative abundance and length distributions of centrarchid RIS was determined from the spring
electrofishing survey. Additionally, the gill nets were included in the assessment specifically to target
Gizzard Shad and Channel Catfish, and similar to electrofishing, a standardized sampling timing has
been identified for using gill nets for these species. The fall gill netting survey, when water
temperatures were expected to be below 20 °C, was used to assess the relative abundance and length
distribution of these two species (Miranda and Boxrucker 2009). Mean catch -per -unit -effort (CPUE) was
calculated for each zone along with 90% confidence intervals, and comparisons were made among
zones using a one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. For all
comparisons, a was maintained at 0.1. Length -frequencies were graphed and compared among zones.
Data collected during the fall electrofishing and gill net surveys were used in conjunction to assess the
condition (relative weight) of each RIS among zones. A standard weight equation has not been
published for Redbreast Sunfish, however an equation has been created from data collected by Duke
Energy (unpublished data).
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3.6.3 Fish Community Similarities
Differences of fish communities among zones were assessed using Primer 7 (Primer-e, New Zealand).
Square root transformed CPUE data were grouped with Bray -Curtis similarities and plotted using non -
metric multi -dimensional scaling. Data used included both the standardized spring electrofishing survey
and the standardized fall gill net survey. Additionally, differences among zones were assessed using
analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). Although multiple comparisons were made between zones, no
correction was made to reduce the Type I error rate because the low sample size would make the new
significance level unachievable. For the purposes of this analysis, only pairs with a significance level
<0.10 and a sample statistic (R) >0.50 were considered meaningful.
3.6.4 Seasonal RIS Distributions
Data collected outside of the above specified seasons, specifically winter and summer, were utilized to
assess distributions of RIS among zones during times when the thermal influences from BCSS would be
the most extreme.
3.6.5 Reference Lake
Quarterly fisheries surveys were conducted on Mayo Reservoir using the same gear types and
techniques as on Belews Lake. Mayo Reservoir does not have a thermal influence, and as such, only
two electrofishing transects along with four gill net -nights of effort were conducted in each of three
zones of the lake (Figure 3-4). Data collected from Mayo Reservoir were compared to those collected
from Belews Lake. Specific indices compared between lakes included pollution tolerant species
percentages, species trophic level percentages, species richness, and Shannon Diversity Index. In
addition, RIS population assessment metrics (i.e., CPUE, size structure, and condition) were calculated
for Mayo Reservoir.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Zone B
Mayo Station
Zone E
Zone G
Sampling Locations
• Gillnetting Only
• Electrofishing and Gillnetting
0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Miles
i II
( I I I I I I
0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers
Figure 3-4. Fish sampling locations and zones in Mayo Reservoir.
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3.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife
Wildlife observations associated with the Belews 316(a) studies were conducted for aquatic wildlife
species or species that use Belews Lake for activities such as foraging or other life functions. A one -hour
stationary observation was conducted during the 2020 late summer period in the heated effluent
discharge arm. This observation was supplemented with wildlife observations during other field
activities in the discharge arm in 2020 (e.g., habitat formers survey).
3.8 Endangered Species
The USFWS Information for Planning and Construction (IPaC) database was accessed to determine
whether any federally -listed species could be present near BCSS. Information regarding the protected
and federally listed species were obtained via the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS)
Forsyth County, Guilford County, Rockingham County, Stokes County, NC county -wide lists (USFWS
2018), as well as site knowledge.
4 Results and Discussion
4.1 Temperature Analysis
4.1.1 In -Situ Thermal Monitoring
Analysis of in -situ thermal monitoring data during 2017 revealed temporal (seasonal and annual) and
spatial (horizontal and vertical) variations in water temperatures typical of other relatively deep
reservoirs (with similar climate and morphometry), in the Southeastern United States. Water
temperatures in southeastern reservoirs are influenced by physical factors such as watershed inflows,
thermal inputs from industrial discharges, incident solar thermal energy, water depth, clarity, and
retention time. These reservoirs are characterized by an annual warming period (spring —summer) in
which vertical thermal stratification develops, and an annual cooling period (fall —winter) where
deterioration of stratification leads to a single homogenous mixing period within the lake (Wetzel
2001). Accordingly, Belews Lake is classified as monomictic (Wetzel 2001).
During the 2017 monitoring period, temperature loggers measured hourly water temperatures in five
zones across the lake (i.e., Zones A, C, D, E, & F). The surface water temperatures at Zone A ranged
from 11.4 °C to 41.2 °C with a mean of 25.6 °C. The water temperatures at Zone C exhibited means of
24.7 °C and ranged from 11.7 °C to 38.2 °C during 2017. Similarly, surface temperatures within Zone E
yielded a mean of 21.9 °C and ranged from 10.9 °C to 35.5 °C. The surface temperatures at Zone D
ranged from 12.8 °C to 34.4 °C with a mean of 22.5 °C. The surface temperatures at Zones C were
slightly warmer than Zones D and E, which is expected due to the proximity to the CCW discharge. As a
means of comparison, surface temperatures collected uplake in Zone F had a mean water temperature
of 21.0 °C and ranged from 5.3 °C to 34.1 °C. Thus, the mean water temperature at Zone F is similar to
the means observed in Zones D and E. The comparison as whole revealed that there is relatively small
spatial variability in surface temperatures within the main lake in Zones D, E, and F (Figure 4-1).
25

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Surface Water Temperature (°C)
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
T
x
1
1
x
1
T
x
1
1
x
1
Zone A
Zone C Zone D
Zone E Zone F
Figure 4-1. Surface water temperatures from temperature loggers from five zones in Belews Lake. Data cover
the 2017 monitoring period. For the box plots, the line represents the median, mark "x" represents the mean,
boxes depict 25th and 75th percentiles, and whiskers depict 10th and 90th percentiles.
Thermal stratification in Belews Lake begins coincidental with post -winter atmospheric heating,
typically in late March or early April. Analysis of historical thermal data for Belews Lake has illustrated
that temporal and spatial variations in water temperatures are consistent with those found in other
southeastern reservoirs. General patterns of well -mixed winter conditions and pronounced stratified
summer conditions emerge each year due to the monomictic nature of the reservoir (Duke Energy
2015). The pronounced stratification pattern in Belews Lake continued during the 2017 monitoring
period, largely influenced by atmospheric conditions and a relatively long retention time (Figures 4-2,
4-3, 4-4, 4-5).
26

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10 E:,,
8
6
4
2
0
Figure 4-2. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water temperature profiles in Belews Lake. Data cover the
2017 monitoring period. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
27

20
18
16
14
12
10
8
iheri
arum imnew.e
Apr
CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
471
suc
ITS
May
a "A
a+... o.mu:
]rrrs-km Sm.. N.n . ii.m. ,>
tin
fs 2.
2.
� 2013
SRI
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Jun
[wwe. wma... oxniur
a
Y4 Si
Figure 4-3. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water temperature profiles on Belews Lake. Data cover the
2017 monitoring period. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
28

40
38
36
34
32
30 a-
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
10
8
6 av
4,�
2
0
arr.,, ovne,r,w Dan�w;
ow®1.1,11kla.s an i.1
7711
.1.,mironew..•annn>
1.1
CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
1,1...111.11111
Sep
Sep
Figure 4-4. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water temperature profiles on Belews Lake. Data cover the
2017 monitoring period. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
29

40
38
36
34
32
30
28
18
16
14
8
4
2
11-5
2,0
4,8
-
•t?7
.4
x
i.
Oct
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r
Oct
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1:44.+4414rr Sawa �sn.ni
CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
21111
RP
94.0,6 L:.gnn
"ftwoui
Nov
i....k............i....�....a....i....i....i,....-� ...u.. ,h
awro w. INsIAL r+an,
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00.444 4.464140Aw.,.4,)
Figure 4-5. Isotherm plots for main lake (top) and discharge arm (bottom) areas from monthly water temperature profiles on Belews Lake. Data cover the
2017 monitoring period. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
30

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Temperature data from 2017 show water temperatures decreasing more rapidly with less distance
away from the CCW discharge during the fall/winter months when compared to the summer months
(Figures 4-3 and 4-4), a function of convective mixing driven by cooler atmospheric temperatures. It is
evident that winter plume geometry and its extent is dictated by plant operations and weather
conditions (Figures 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5). Both summer and winter temperature profiles in 2017
reflected warming of the upper water column due to the buoyant nature of the thermal plume from
BCSS at the discharge canal exit (Zone C) and to a lesser extent at the uplake area (Zone F), which is
consistent with historical water temperature profiles (Duke Energy 2015). Therefore, the 2017 winter
season data indicates that lake conditions would not exhibit temperatures that would have an adverse
impact on the lentic community in Belews Lake in terms of causing mortality, including avoidance, or
limiting reproductive success.
The temperature analysis revealed that Belews Lake and a major portion of the discharge arm near
BCSS (not accessible by the public) maintains temperatures fully adequate to support biological
communities under adverse lake -level and weather conditions during the year. Moreover, these
conditions provide an adequate zone of passage for aquatic life. Since BCSS generation is highest during
the summer months, it is likely that higher water temperatures will occur during periods of peak power
demand. Evidence of this can be observed in the discharge arm near BCSS during the summer months
when power demand is higher, adding warmer water to the area closest to the CCW discharge (Figures
4-3 and 4-4). The thermal isotherm figures derived from monthly profiles in 2017 show that the
difference in epilimnion temperatures between the area immediate of the discharge canal (410.0) and
main lake are minimal during the summer months (Figure 4-4). In July 2017, the warmest epilimnion
temperatures of 36 °C were observed near the confluence of the BCSS discharge canal. However, these
high temperatures were localized to a small area immediate of the discharge canal, while the rest of
the main lake exhibited an epilimnion depth of 5-m at 32 °C across the lake. Thus, these summer profile
data demonstrate that the operations of BCSS assure the propagation and protection of the BIC, as
represented by the RIS that could reside near the BCSS thermal discharge.
4.1.2 Satellite Imagery
Satellite imagery was used to evaluate the thermal plume characteristics during extreme summer and
extreme winter events. The extreme summer event was used to examine the unusual circumstances of
high air temperatures and low lake -level that occurred on July 27, 2002. On this date, the average air
temperature was 25.6 °C and the high temperature was 31.7 °C (The Weather Company (TWC) 2020).
The summer months of 2002 were characterized as a severe drought year which experienced a total
rainfall of 0.3 cm between the months of May and September (TWC 2020). Due to drought conditions,
lake level was approximately 6.5-ft below full -pond, which was near the peak of 7-ft below full -pond for
the 2002 drought year. Generation at BCSS was also high, which yielded CCW discharge water
temperatures greater than 40 °C from June to August 2002. This scenario captured hot and dry
summer conditions combined with high power generation (peak CCW thermal load) at Belews Lake.
The winter extreme scenario was examined to evaluate thermal plume characteristics under very cold
air temperatures during high power generation. Such conditions were present at Belews Lake on
January 4th, 2018 when the average air temperature was 8.9 °C and the low temperature was 5.7 °C
(TWC 2020). The average air temperature in January 2018 was 2.1 °C and power generation at BCSS
was operation at an average plant net capacity factor of 81% during January 2018. Additionally,
precipitation totals were below average in January 2018, with a total of 4.75 cm.
31

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Belews Creek
Steam Station
r'?
--vr
r, ` _
Summer Flume
Temperature (C) Scale
0 0.425 0.85
II I
0 0.75 1.5
Figure 4-6. Belews Lake, extreme summer thermal plume map (July 27, 2002).
- High : 31.8+
Low : 22.1
A
1.7 Miles
i I I
3 Kilometers
32

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Belews Creek
Steam Station
Winter Plume
Temperature (C) Scale
0 0.425 0.85
ti 'I II '
0 0.75 1.5
High : 16.2+
Low : 0.5
1.7 Miles
I �
H
3 Kilometers
Figure 4-7. Belews Lake, extreme winter thermal plume map (January 4, 2018).
33

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
The thermal plume in Belews Lake was delineated as 2.8 °C above the ambient temperature (EPA 1988)
in Zone F (i.e., 419.2). Satellite imagery for extreme summer and winter scenarios show a larger
thermal plume during the winter extreme scenario (Figures 4-6 and 4-7). The satellite imagery of the
summer plume indicated that the warmest water was confined to the discharge area near Zones A and
B as well as a portion of the main lake in Zones C and D (Figure 4-6). This is expected given the
proximity to the plant and the relatively shallow depth of the discharge arm. However, the thermal
plume extent encompassed Zones A, B, and C as well as a portion of Zone D. The summer plume map
also shows cooler water temperatures as the discharge arm flows into the main lake from the discharge
canal (Figure 4-6). Data from temperature loggers in July and August of 2017 support this assertion,
revealing that water cools 2.5-3.0 °C between the BCSS CCW discharge (Zone A) and discharge canal
exit (Zone C). The summer plume map also indicates that the warmest water is primarily localized
downlake, mainly between the discharge canal confluence and plant intake (Figure 4-6). Isotherm plots
for time periods near the extreme summer scenario show that a combination of severe drought
conditions, high generation, and high air temperatures could result in a 12 m epilimnion with
temperatures >32 °C (Figure 4-8).
225
220
418
416
Sampling Locations
410 419.3 419.2 405
215-
195-
190-
185-
28
74J
16
LF
LV -
32
16
August 27, 2002
(severe drought)
Average Station
Temperature (°C} Discharge Temp: 41.40°C
180-
1175 .. I I I I I I I I I I I I I' 1 1! 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 1
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
['Mane from Belews Dam (km)
14 16
Figure 4-8. Near summer extreme scenario isotherm plot on Belews Lake. Plot generated from water
temperature profile data measured on August 27, 2002. Temperatures in degrees Celsius.
■ 335
— 33
— 32
i
30
29
2$
2
26
a%2a4
a}21
17
18
1154
13
111211
10
9
56
3
2
1
0
The winter scenario plume shows the warmest water primarily resides in the discharge arm (Zones A
and B) and in the main lake near the discharge canal exit (Zones C and D) (Figure 4-7). The spatial
distribution of the winter thermal plume is confined to the majority of the discharge arm (Zones A & B)
34

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
and most of the main lake (Zones C, D, and E). This finding is characteristic of a reservoir with thermal
inputs under typical winter conditions, which are subject to more diffusion and subsurface mixing in
the winter months. Isotherm data from the near extreme winter scenario demonstrate that only a
small portion of the main lake near the discharge canal exit (410.0) experiences a 16 °C isotherm
extending approximately 2-m deep (Figure 4-9). Moreover, the isotherm plot indicates that the CCW
discharge water undergoes cooling by the time it reaches the main lake to a point where temperatures
are uniform across the downlake portion of the lake (Figure 4-9). Therefore, the combination of fast
heat dissipation and homogenous water temperatures in upper water column indicate that higher
water temperatures are mainly confined to the portion of the lake near the discharge canal confluence
in the winter.
225
220
215
210 —
E 205 —
d-
E 200
190 —
185 —
180 —
175
Sampling Locations
418 416 410 419.3 419.2 405
10
10 January 25, 2018
Average Station
Discharge Temp: 18.23°C
West Belews Creek Arm Belews Creek Arm
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Distance from Belews Dam (km)
Figure 4-9. Near extreme winter scenario isotherm plot on Belews Lake. Plot generated from water
temperature profile data measured on January 25, 2018. Temperatures in degrees Celsius.
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Satellite imagery data, combined with water temperature profiles, shows that the BCSS thermal plume
is not expected to block or inhibit access to any potential spawning habitat, spawning activities, or the
development and growth of eggs, larvae, and early juveniles of RIS and the BIC. The extreme summer
and winter scenarios indicated that the RIS would not be appreciably reduced due to normal
operations. The potential for mortality associated with high discharge temperatures is negligible under
the extreme conditions captured for BCSS and would be even less so under typical seasonal weather
and lake -level conditions.
35

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
4.2 Limnology
4.2.1 Water Quality
As stated in the temperature analysis section, Belews Lake exhibited a similar water temperature
stratification and destratification regime in 2020 when compared to the 2017 monitoring period and
historical data gathered by Duke Energy (Figure 4-10 and Duke Energy 2015). In addition to water
temperature data, epilimnetic dissolved oxygen profiles in Belews Lake consistently exceeded the
minimum NC water quality standard of 6 mg/L set for high quality waters (NCDWR 2019) in 2020
(Figure 4-10).
Summer dissolved oxygen profiles from 2020 exhibited a metalimnetic depression in oxygen
concentrations (Figure 4-10) coincident with the thermocline depth, as has been reported previously
(Duke Energy 2015). This phenomenon, which is characteristic of southeastern reservoirs that undergo
pronounced seasonal thermal stratification, is caused by the thermocline acting as a density barrier.
This density gradient at the thermocline impedes vertical settling to the extent that overlying oxygen -
consuming material settles to this depth and subsequently depletes the dissolved oxygen. During 2020,
the metalimnetic dissolved oxygen depression was most clearly demonstrated at location 410.0 (Figure
4-10).
Two-dimensional contour plots of epilimnetic dissolved oxygen profiles illustrate the seasonal
distribution of dissolved oxygen throughout the reservoir in 2020. These contour plots indicate little
spatial differentiation in dissolved oxygen concentrations in the winter months due to the relatively
complete mixing of the water column (Figures 4-10). Summer dissolved oxygen profiles from 2020
depicted consistent prevalence of adequate dissolved oxygen concentrations across the reservoir in the
epilimnion and within the discharge arm area (Figure 4-10). When comparing the summer dissolved
oxygen profiles between locations, the data show that there is some variation in the degree of
dissolved oxygen depletion in the deeper regions of the reservoir. In all, dissolved oxygen
concentrations throughout Belews Lake provided sufficient habitat to support a BIC and allows for fish
migration/movement throughout the surface waters (Figure 4-10 and Table 4-1).
The temporal and spatial variability of pH in southeastern reservoirs is often correlated to lake
productivity. During 2020, surface pH ranged from 6.9 to 8.5 with little difference among sampling
locations across Belews Lake (Table 4-1). Higher values were observed at sampling sites located farther
uplake where productivity was higher. Overall, pH values across the lake were within the range of NC
water quality standards and would not adversely impact a BIC in Belews Lake.
Specific conductance throughout Belews Lake was low, ranging from 45 to 82 µS/cm (Table 4-1). Low
specific conductance indicated low ionic concentrations and little impact from wastewater sources in
the reservoir. The uplake region of the reservoir (Zone F) exhibited lower specific conductance readings
on average, which is characteristic of the headwaters of the lake. During 2020, specific conductivity
measurements were within the historical ranges for all locations (Duke Energy 2015).
36

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Lc•7alora
Localors
#96.1 4103 41'92 408.1 410.5 419 2
408 I418 416 411 4
10
413 405 4}87] L 418 416 411 4
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15 •
20 •
25 •
30
35
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35
40
10
12
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18
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22
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Ciffrxo?IQnl
0
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ii
3
4
5
ii 6
ii 7
8
9{
0
Figure 4-10. Temperature (left panels) and dissolved oxygen (right panels) profile plots of Belews Lake during
(top to bottom) February, April, July, and October 2020. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius, and dissolved
oxygen is in mg/L.
37

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 4-1. Summary of surface (0.3 m) water quality measurements made in Belews Lake during 2020 monitoring period.
Parameter
NC water
quality Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Zone E Zone F
standard
Temperature (°C)
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
pH
Specific conductivity
(µS/cm)
Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range
<_ 32 °C 23.1 11.0-37.6 21.8 10.8-34.5 22.0 10.9-35.7 21.2 11.0-33.2 21.1 11.0-32.4 19.71 9.4-30.8
>_ 6.0 mg/L 8.4 7.2-9.7 8.5 7.4-9.9 8.4 7.2-9.5 8.6 7.4-9.7 8.8 7.6-10.0 9.3 8.4-10.6
6.0-9.0 7.4 7.2-7.6 7.5 7.3-7.8 7.3 6.9-7.6 7.5 7.0-7.9 7.5 7.0-7.7 7.5 6.9-8.5
81 79-83 77 66-82 80 76-82 80 79-82 80 77-81 67 45-78
38

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
4.2.2 Water Chemistry
During 2020, various trends in Belews Lake water chemistry were observed (Tables 4-2 and 4-3).
Multiple state -certified laboratories were utilized for nutrients analysis. These laboratories had
different reporting limits, constraining the ability to make comparisons between zones. Regardless,
nutrient concentrations in the lake were low and trends could made when including historical data at
the lower reporting limit (Appendix C). The uplake region closest to the headwaters of the lake (Zone F)
exhibited the highest concentrations of nutrients in Belews Lake as evidence of total phosphorous,
nitrate -nitrite, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) values (Table 4-5). Nutrients measured in lower zones
of the lake were typically much lower than that of the areas near the headwaters. The water chemistry
in the upper end of the discharge arm (Zone B) was similar to that observed in the upper zone of the
main lake (Zone F), which was most likely due to the similar water depth, clarity, and nutrient loading
observed in this reach of the discharge arm (Table 4-2).
Spatially, total phosphorous exhibited a decreasing trend from uplake to downlake (Table 4-2) which
has been documented previously in Belews Lake as well as other reservoirs (Duke Energy 2015; Yurk &
Ney 1989). Similar to phosphorous, orthophosphate was low throughout Belews Lake during the 2020
study period and historically. During 2020, only one orthophosphate sample was greater than the
detection limit, which occurred in Zone F. Low concentrations of total phosphorous and
orthophosphate indicated that Belews Lake was phosphorous -limited, as is common in freshwater lakes
(USEPA 1978; Schindler et al. 2008). Despite being low, phosphorous concentrations in Belews Lake
were sufficient to sustain primary productivity to support a BIC.
Nitrogen concentrations (i.e., ammonia, nitrate -nitrite, and TKN) were low in all zones of Belews Lake
during 2020 (Table 4-2), similar to ranges observed historically. TKN values were higher uplake than
downlake which was likely due to the decomposition of organic materials such as sediment detritus,
phytoplankton, or riparian inputs (e.g., leaf litter). Although overall concentrations of nitrogen were
low, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous also supports that the lake was phosphorous -limited. These
conditions support edible phytoplankton communities (rather than nitrogen -fixing blue-green algae)
and an overall BIC.
In Belews Lake, the major anions monitored were chloride and sulfate. During the 2020 monitoring
period, both anions yielded consistent concentrations across zones and seasons (Table 4-2). Compared
to historical data, both chloride and sulfate concentrations were below historical medians (Appendix C).
All anion concentrations were within the range necessary for an overall BIC.
The major cations monitored at Belews Lake were calcium and magnesium. These cations were only
measured at locations 419.2 (Zone F) and 418.3 (Zone D), which provided an uplake and downlake
comparison of constituents. During 2020, concentrations of both cations were consistent across the
two locations and were similar to the historical ranges (Table 4-3). Hardness concentrations, which
were calculated based on calcium and magnesium values, were within the historical ranges for both
locations in 2020. The hardness concentrations observed in 2020 characterized the water in Belews
Lake as soft (Table 4-3), falling below the NC water quality criteria (100 mg/L). All cation concentrations
were within the range necessary to support an overall BIC.
Turbidity values in Belews Lake generally decreased uplake to downlake, both historically and in 2020
(Table 4-2). Spatially, turbidity samples were highest in the two zones farthest uplake (Zones 6 and F)
and were lowest in the zone nearest the dam (Zone E; Table 4-2). To add, mean turbidity values were
39

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
below the NC water quality criteria for lakes (25 NTU; Table 4-2) for all zones except Zone F which was
closer to the headwaters of the lake. Similar to turbidity, secchi depth is a visual measure of water
clarity by evaluating light penetration into the water column, therefore the greater the secchi depth,
the greater the water clarity. Secchi depths were shallowest uplake and deepest downlake (Table 4-2).
During 2020, mean secchi depths ranged from 0.1 m in Zone F to 3.1 m in Zone D. Based on these
depths collected in 2020, secchi values were generally within the historical range and revealed that
Belews Lake exhibits characteristics of an oligotrophic waterbody. Both turbidity and secchi depth were
within the ranges that would support a BIC in Belews Lake.
During 2020, all arsenic and selenium concentrations and all but one zinc concentration were below the
lab reporting limits (Table 4-3). Data from the 2020 monitoring period also showed total copper
concentrations that were within the historical ranges. To add, mean concentrations for total copper
were below the NC water quality criteria (2.7 µg/L chronic and 3.6 µg/L acute). Similarly, low-level
mercury concentrations were within the historical range. By the 1990s, the water chemistry in Belews
Lake exhibited recovery from the legacy metals loading that led to the fish community collapse as
noted in previous studies (Duke Energy 2015). As such, trace metals concentrations collected during
2020 were below the NC water quality standards and those collected since 2001 suggest these
constituents should no longer be impacting the fish community or negatively affecting the overall BIC
of Belews Lake (Table 4-3 and Appendix C).
40

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 4-2. Summary of nutrients, major anions, and physical parameters in Belews Lake during 2020. Non -detect values are presented to the reporting limit.
NC Water
Quality
Criteria'
Zone B Zone C Zone D Zone E Zone F
Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range
Nutrients'
Total phosphorus N/A 0.05 <0.050-0.050 0.033 0.016-<0.050 0.029 0.006-<0.050 0.029 0.007-<0.050 0.083 <0.050-0.123
(mg/L)
Orthophosphate N/A 0.028 <0.005-<0.050 0.028 <0.005-<0.050 0.028 <0.005-<0.050 0.028 <0.005-<0.050 0.028 <0.005-<0.050
(mg/L)
Ammonia N/A <0.06 <0.02-<0.10 <0.06 <0.02-<0.10 <0.06 <0.02-<0.10 <0.06 <0.02-<0.10 <0.06 <0.02-<0.10
nitrogen (mg/L)
Nitrite + nitrate WS: 0.01 0.148 0.095-0.200 0.140 0.077-0.195 0.132 0.079-0.183 0.127 0.071-0.178 0.148 <0.020-0.282
nitrogen (mg/L) mg/L
Total Kjeldhal N/A 0.30 0.23-0.36 0.34 0.19-0.56 0.18 0.10-0.22 0.22 0.19-0.26 0.49 0.25-0.74
nitrogen (mg/L)
Total organic N/A 3.4 3.2-3.5 3.0 2.9-3.0 2.9 2.7-3.1 3.0 2.7-3.3 4.5 3.6-5.6
carbon (mg/L)
Major Anions
Chloride (mg/L) 230 mg/L 5.1 4.8-5.3 5.5 5.2-5.7 5.6 5.2-5.9 5.6 5.2-5.9 3.7 2.7-4.9
Sulfate (mg/L) WS: 250 5.9 5.8-6.0 6.2 5.9-6.5 6.3 5.9-6.6 6.2 5.9-6.6 3.6 2.7-5.1
mg/L
Physical
Turbidity (NTU) 25 NTU 16.2 1.57-30.9 6.57 2.01-13.4 2.22 1.70-3.65 1.90 1.83-2.03 45.1 3.45-97.0
Secchi depth (m) N/A 1.7 0.4-3.0 1.3 0.8-2.5 2.5 2.1-3.1 2.3 2.0-2.6 0.8 0.1-1.7
Alkalinity (TIP) 20,000 21 19-22 22 22-22 22 21-23 22 21-23 19 14-24
mg/L3
Total Dissolved N/A 65 62-68 64 61-70 62 56-78 65 54-73 73 56-88
Solids
NC Aquatic Life Criteria (ALC; 2017) water quality standard; water supply (WS) criteria were noted where ALC were not available.
z RDL (result detection limit) and LOQ (limit of quantitation) varied for nutrient parameters collected during the winter and summer sampling period. See Appendix D for table listing the RDL and LOQ values for nutrients. Therefore, summary statistics reflect both RDL
and LOQ values. All nutrient samples were analyzed with the sample laboratory methods.
3 EPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Aquatic Life used when NC standard is not available
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Table 4-3. Summary of major cations, metals, and hardness (calculated) in Belews Lake during 2020. Non -detect values are presented to the reporting limit.
Parameter NC Water Quality Criteria'
Zone D Zone F
Mean Range Mean Range
Calcium (mg/L)
Magnesium (mg/L)
Arsenic, total (µg/L)
Copper, total(µg/L)
Mercury, low-level (ng/L)
Selenium, total (µg/L)
Zinc, total(µg/L)
Total Hardness (mg/L)
N/A
N/A
A: 340 µg/L / C: 150
µg/L
A: 3.6 µg/L2/ C: 2.7
µg/L2
12.0 ng/L
5.0 µg/L
A/C: 36 µg/L2
WS: 100 mg/L
Major Cations
5.55
2.71
5.43-5.67
2.61-2.80
4.83
2.23
4.34-5.32
2.00-2.45
Metals
<1 <1—<1 <1 <1—<1
1.09 <1.00-1.18 2.04 <1.00-3.07
0.528 <0.500-0.555 3.465 <0.500-6.430
<1 <1—<1 <1 <1—<1
<5.00 <5.00—<5.00 5.24 <5.00-5.48
25.0 24.3-25.7 21.3 19.1-23.4
NC Aquatic Life Criteria (ALC; 2017) water quality standard; water supply (WS) criteria were noted where ALC were not available.
'Acute (A) and chronic (C) ALC for these metals are hardness dependent and apply as a function of the parameter's water effect ratio which is set forth in 15A NCAC 02B .0211 (NCDEQ 2017). The values presented here are based on a hardness value of 25 mg/L.
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4.2.3 Chlorophyll -a
Chlorophyll -a concentrations were measured for each location from 2020 and compared spatially
among zones. In general, chlorophyll -a concentrations in Belews Lake were low. Mean concentrations
across zones ranged from <2.0 µg/L in zones D and E to 26.8 µg/L in Zone F (Table 4-4). Higher
concentrations in Zone F were due to watershed inputs (e.g., higher nutrient concentrations) entering
Belews Lake from upstream tributaries. Seasonally, concentrations were generally highest in the
winter. However, this pattern was mostly only observed in Zone F, as most other samples were near or
below the reporting limit (Table 4-4). Combining chlorophyll -a, secchi depth, and total nutrient data
suggested that conditions in Belews Lake were reflective of an oligotrophic waterbody (Weiss and
Kuenzler 1976; Carlson 1977; USGS 1982; NCDENR 2010).
Chlorophyll -a samples collected during 2020 period had concentrations below the NC water quality
criteria of 40 µg/L. As noted above, the higher concentrations observed at Zone F during the winter
months were commensurate with the nutrients afforded near the headwaters of the lake. The data also
indicated that that there was no trend in chlorophyll -a concentrations between thermally -influenced
zones and areas uplake and downlake. Thus, this would suggest that there was no impact from
operations of BCSS.
Table 4-4. Chlorophyll -a concentrations (in µg/L) collected semiannually from five zones in Belews Lake during
2020.
Zone B
Zone C Zone D
Zone E Zone F
Winter
Summer
Mean 2.2 2.0 <2.0 <2.0 26.8
Range n/a <2.0-2.1 <2.0 <2.0 17.2-36.4
Mean <2.0 2.2 <2.0 <2.0 3.0
Range n/a <2.0-2.7 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0-4.0
4.3 Plankton Rationale
In one of the most recent and independent reviews of CWA §316(a) language, Coutant (2013) states
that there is "essentially no risk of aquatic damage from the thermal discharge" on a biological
community considered LPI in the BIC framework, and therefore; "A low potential impact demonstration
can be a "short form" demonstration with less extensive (and expensive) studies. In practice, LPI has
generally been applied to particular biotic categories (such as phytoplankton) rather than for the whole
site." Such a determination was made for Belews Lake plankton communities in the final Study Plan,
using recommendations by Coutant (2013), the EPA §316(a) guidance manual (EPA 1977), and results
of plankton data collected at another Duke Energy reservoir with a thermal discharge (Duke Energy
2019b).
Although a plankton sampling program was initiated on Belews Lake in 1984, this effort collected
plankton solely for selenium analyses, with no community information available. As such, no historical
data are included in this assessment. Three decades worth of plankton data collected in Lake Norman
suggested high inter -annual variability with little beneficial information gained on lake health relative
to other, higher trophic level community data such as fish (Duke Energy 2019b). Therefore, the BIC
determination for Belews Lake does not include an assessment of plankton communities, which are
considered LPI.
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4.4 Habitat Formers
Surveys of aquatic plants in Belews Lake revealed limited growth of submersed and floating leaf aquatic
plants, however several locations were noted to contain varying densities of emergent plants (Figure 4-
11). Sterile Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella have been historically stocked to control the invasive
aquatic plant, Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata. Grass carp feed almost exclusively on submersed vegetation,
and thus sustained stockings can lead to declines in both Hydrilla and other submersed aquatic plant
species as well. Grass Carp were stocked in Belews Lake (2005-2018) to control Hydrilla populations.
The lack of submersed and floating leaf aquatic plants can most likely be explained by continued
pressure from an existing Grass Carp population. As these fish are sterile, the Grass Carp population
should continue to decline over time.
The most dominant and widely distributed species in Belews Lake was Water Willow Justicia
americana, which was found at various densities in every zone of the main lake (i.e., Zones C, D, E, and
F) (Figure 4-12). Arrowhead Sagitatia Iancifolia, Arrow Arum Peltandra virginica, Button Bush
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Bulrush Scirpus sp., and Umbrella Sedge Cyperus sp. were also noted
throughout. Isolated populations of Swamp Rosemallow Hibiscus moscheutos, Cattail Typha sp., Giant
Cutgrass Zizaniopsis millacea, and Giant Reed Arundo donax were also identified during the survey.
Several locations contained more than 3 species; thus, such points were designated as diverse wetland
communities. A benthic scum was noted throughout zones A and B, however an identification could
not be made. This scum was most likely a consortium of decaying filamentous algal cells and other
bacteria which are common in waterbodies during the fall.
The number of vegetated points and associated density varied by zone. Zone B was the most vegetated
zone sampled, with approximately 23.3% of points vegetated (24 of 103 points sampled). Zones F and A
followed with 20.89% and 12.67% respectively (61 of 292 and 19 of 150 points sampled). Zones C, E,
and D were the least vegetated at 7.8%, 4.8%, and 2.6% of points vegetated (Figure 4-13). Zones B and
F also shared the greatest number of high density (rating = 4) points (Figures 4-13). Distribution and
density of vegetated points was to be expected, as the reservoir morphology in highly vegetated zones
was also conducive to plant growth. For example, highly vegetated zones B and F were located in the
more riverine portions of the reservoir, characterized by shallow water and an expansive littoral zone
for aquatic plant growth (Figures 4-14 and 4-15). On the contrary, poorly vegetated zones C, D and E,
were located in the more lacustrine, deep water portions of the reservoir with less shallow water
suitable for aquatic plant growth (Figures 4-14 and 4-15). There was no apparent trend in locations and
density of vegetated points and zones of thermal influence.
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Figure 4-11. Aquatic vegetation population densities and distribution noted at survey locations.
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Figure 4-12. Distribution of Water Willow Justicia americana at sampled sites by zone.
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Density • 1
Figure 4-13. Aquatic vegetation population densities and distribution at survey locations by thermal influence
zone.
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F
E
3
Percentage of Points Vegetated per Zone by Density Class
■
C '; Ei% 10% 15% 2C5; 23 .
111. 2 NI3 ■4
Figure 4-14. Percentage of points surveyed found to be vegetated per zone of thermal influence by density class
(1-4).
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70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
N.
x
Species Summary of Vegetated Points by Zone
3
1
■ > 3 species
■ J. americana
■ Typha sp.
■ Cyperus sp.
■ H. moschuetos
■ Scirpus sp.
■ C. occidentalis
■ S. lancifolia
■ P. virginica
Figure 4-15. Species summary of vegetated points by zone of thermal influence.
4.5 Macroinvertebrate Rationale
An LPI determination was made for Belews Lake benthic macroinvertebrates (insects) due to
"essentially no risk of aquatic damage from the thermal discharge," as defined by Coutant (2013).
Similar to plankton, a benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring program was implemented on Belews
Lake in 1984 to monitor and quantify bioaccumulation of selenium in select benthic
macroinvertebrates. However, unlike the plankton monitoring program, an additional aspect of
macroinvertebrate sampling was implemented in 1991 to examine the density and diversity of these
populations. In each year, five replicate bottom samples were collected each from an uplake, a midlake
(near the BCSS condenser cooling water discharge canal), and a downlake location.
Results from these surveys show that the density and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates was
highly variable, displaying no temporal or spatial trend; therefore, similar to plankton, little beneficial
information can be gained on lake health relative to other, higher trophic level community data such as
fish (Duke Energy 2015).
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4.5.1 Mussel Community
A total of two species of freshwater mussels were documented during the 2020 surveys. Eastern
Elliptio Elliptio complanata was abundant in five of the zones and represented 99.6% of the 4,036
mussels collected. The Paper Pondshell Utterbackia imbecillis (not native to this river basin) was rarely
encountered in these surveys (14 individuals) and was collected in Zones B, E, and F. There is significant
taxonomic uncertainty in the genus Elliptio, and we observed morphological variability within each of
the zones. Genetic studies are ongoing at several universities, and preliminary results suggest that
there will be numerous revisions within this species complex. Regardless, no mussel species currently
listed as threatened or endangered by NCWRC or USFWS were documented in Belews Lake.
Zone D had a very high CPUE of 193.2 mussels/hr and CPUE was also high in the remaining zones except
for Zone A (Figure 4-16). No mussels were collected in Zone A, however, thermophilic algae covered the
substrate which limited the available habitat in this zone.
The mean length of Eastern Elliptio (Figure 4-17) was smallest in Zone C (59.0 mm) and largest in Zone F
(70 mm) which may be associated with the productivity gradient from uplake areas to downlake.
Mostly adult mussels were observed during these surveys, but several young individuals were
encountered in Zone C, D and E, suggesting that recruitment has occurred. Freshwater mussels are an
important component of a balanced aquatic community and the abundance of Eastern Elliptio suggests
that appropriate habitat conditions exist in Belews Lake.
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CPUE (number/hr)
225 -
200 -
175 -
150 -
125 -
100 -
75 -
50 -
25 -
0
A B C D E F
Figure 4-16. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of all freshwater mussels collected in 2020 within six zones in
Belews Lake.
Mussel Length (mm)
80 -
70 -
60 -
50 -
40
A B C D E F
Figure 4-17. Mean length of Eastern Elliptio collected in 2020 within six zones in Belews Lake. Error bars are
90% confidence intervals.
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4.6 Fish Community
4.6.1 Fish Community Assessment
The spring 2020 electrofishing surveys were conducted at mean water temperatures ranging from
16.6 °C (Zone C) to 18.2 °C (Zones B and E; Table 4-5). Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH were
similar among zones and were within ranges that would support fish assemblages typical of a
piedmont reservoir (Table 4-5). The 2020 spring electrofishing surveys resulted in the collection of
2,208 individuals (16 individual species and a centrarchid hybrid complex; Table 4-6) with a total
weight of 375.3 kg (Table 4-9). Bluegill were the most abundant species, and Alabama Bass had the
highest total biomass of any species.
Table 4-5. Mean (and range) of water quality parameters for each zone in Belews Lake during spring 2020
electrofishing.
Parameter A B C D E F
Temperature (°C) 17.6 (16.8- 18.2 (18.1- 16.6 (16.6- 18.1 (17.5- 18.2 (17.8- 17.6 (17.5-
18.7) 18.5) 16.7) 18.5) 18.5) 17.7)
Dissolved Oxygen 9.1 (9.1-9.2) 9.8 (8.7-10.9) 8.9 (8.4-9.2) 9.5 (9.2-9.8) 8.9 (8.2-9.6) 9.0 (8.8-9.2)
(mg/L)
Conductivity (µS/cm) 81 (79-83) 83 (82-83) 81 (78-83) 80 (77-83) 82 (79-83) 68 (66-70)
pH 7.7 (7.5-7.8) 7.8 (7.4-8.2) 7.8 (7.6-7.9) 7.7 (7.5-7.8) 7.7 (7.4-7.9) 7.7 (7.6-7.8)
Table 4-6. Number of fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during spring 2020.
Species
A B C D E F
Origin No. No. No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass Introduced 56 61 61 20.38 60 20.38 79 25.18 49 13.00 15 5.14
Black Crappie Native 9 18.67
Bluegill Native 483 368 368 2.25 97 2.25 44 0.64 83 1.32 297 4.76
Green Sunfish Introduced 2 15 15 0.09 2 0.09 5 0.17 4 0.06
Hybrid sunfish Hybrid 4 9 9 0.83 15 0.83 5 0.36 8 0.94 2 0.28
Largemouth Bass Native 10 22 22 10.82 12 10.82 8 6.37 20 16.09 46 20.91
Redbreast Sunfish Native 1 1.03 25 1.03 22 0.96 37 1.49 16 0.65
Redear Sunfish Introduced 27 54 54 2.38 43 2.38 16 1.73 13 1.49 7 1.17
Warmouth Native 6 6 1 0.02
White Crappie Introduced 9 2.66
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad Native 4 4 13 4.56
Cyprinidae
Common Carp Introduced 1 1 1 3 15.88
Grass Carp Introduced 1
Satinfin Shiner Native 1 0.01
Ictaluridae
Channel Catfish Introduced 1 1 2 2.31 9 6.10
Moronidae
White Perch Introduced 1 1 1 0.19
Percidae
Yellow Perch Native 3 0.07
Total 585 542 542 37.78 254 37.78 174 35.24 217 36.81 436 81.13
Number of taxa 11 9 9 7 6 8 16
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The mean CPUE of fish by number (p=0.001) varied among zones during spring 2020 (Figure 4-18). The
mean catch rate was significantly higher in Zone A than in zones C, D, and E and significantly higher in
Zone B than zones D and E. The mean CPUE of fish by weight was not different (p=0.195) among zones
during spring 2020 (Figure 4-18). The patterns generally showed higher catch rates in zones with higher
nutrient levels (see Section 4-2). Additionally, zones with higher thermal influences (A and C) did not
have catch rates outside what would be expected for the nutrients in those zones. These patterns
match what has been observed in Belews Lake since 1994 (Duke Energy 2015).
CPUE (number/hr)
1000 -
800 -
600 -
400 -
200 -
z
yz xy x x xyz
100 -
80 -
2E 60 -
0)
W
U 40-
20 -
A B C D E F
A B C D E F
Zone
Figure 4-18. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number (top panels) and by weight (bottom panels) of all species
collected within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence
intervals. Letters over bars indicate significance at a = 0.10.
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The percentages of fish species with different pollution tolerance classifications, trophic levels, and the
percent of sunfish identified as hybrids differed among zones of Belews Lake during 2020 (Table 4-7).
The differences between zones of tolerance rating and trophic status were primarily related to variable
catches of Bluegill, which was lower in zones E, D, and C. No zones were dominated by species that
were classified as "tolerant", and multiple trophic levels were present in all zones. Overall, there were
no patterns in proportions of tolerance rating, trophic levels, or percent hybrid sunfish that would
indicate negative impacts from the operations of BCSS.
Table 4-7. Percent pollution tolerance, trophic guild, and percent of hybrids for fish collected from
electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during spring 2020.
Category A BCDE F
Tolerance rating
Tolerant 0.7 3.0 10.6 12.6 19.4 5.5
Intermediate 88.9 84.1 59.8 39.1 54.4 90.6
Not defined 10.4 12.9 29.5 48.3 26.3 3.9
Trophic levels
Piscivore 11.3 15.5 28.3 50.0 31.8 19.0
Insectivore 88.4 83.4 71.7 50.0 67.3 75.2
Omnivore 0.2 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.9 5.7
Herbivore 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Percent hybrids
Sunfish 0.8 2.0 8.2 5.7 5.5 0.6
The fall 2020 gill netting survey was conducted at mean water temperatures ranging from 21.1 °C
(Zone F) to 26.8 °C (Zone A; Table 4-8). Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH were similar among
zones and were within ranges that would support fish assemblages typical of a piedmont reservoir
(Table 4-8). The survey resulted in the collection of 393 individuals (13 species from five families;
Table 4-9) with a total weight of 127.4 kg. Alabama Bass were the most abundant species
numerically, and Gizzard Shad had the highest total biomass of any species (Table 4-9).
Table 4-8. Mean (and range) of water quality parameters for each zone in Belews Lake during fall 2020 gill
netting.
Parameter
Temperature (°C)
Dissolved Oxygen
(mg/L)
Conductivity (µS/cm)
pH
A B C D E F
26.8 (26.4- 24.7 (24.4- 26.0 (25.6- 23.9 (23.2- 24.0 (23.7- 21.1 (20.7-
27.1) 25.3) 26.4) 24.3) 24.2) 21.7)
7.2 (6.7-7.7) 7.8 (7.7-7.9) 7.5 (7.3-7.6) 7.8 (7.6-8.0) 7.8 (7.6-8.1) 8.1 (7.7-8.3)
80 (76-82) 81 (80-82) 81 (81-82) 80 (80-81) 80 (79-81) 78 (77-78)
7.2 (7.1-7.3) 7.5 (7.3-7.5) 7.4 (7.3-7.4) 7.3 (7.3-7.4) 7.3 (7.3-7.3) 7.1 (7.0-7.1)
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Table 4-9. Number of fish collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during fall 2020.
Species
A B C D E F
Origin No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass Introduced 23 5.58 21 3.80 26 6.93 25 7.53 21 6.88 16 3.36
Black Crappie Native 2 0.78 5 1.67 4 0.93 1 0.54 7 1.30
Bluegill Native 2 0.12 3 0.02 1 0.01
Green Sunfish Introduced 1 0.01 1 0.01
Largemouth Bass Native 3 1.65 1 1.05 6 5.59 7 2.79
Redear Sunfish Introduced 4 0.48 5 0.53 4 0.68 1 0.15 1 0.18
Warmouth Native 4 0.28
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad Native 16 4.72 28 9.63 40 14.77 14 6.31 10 4.48 10 2.87
Threadfin Shad Introduced 2 0.02
Cyprinidae
Common Carp Introduced 1 1.69
Ictaluridae
Channel Catfish Introduced 22 6.23 14 5.53 4 2.47 4 2.32 5 3.74 11 4.27
Flathead Catfish Introduced 1 0.91 2 2.75
Moronidae
White Perch Introduced 4 0.38 3 0.41 1 0.10 6 0.96
Total 72 18.17 88 26.22 85 29.70 45 16.32 43 21.22 60 15.75
Number of taxa 11 9 9 5 5 8
The mean CPUE of fish by number during fall gill net surveys ranged from 10.8 per net -night in Zone E
to 22.0 per net -night in Zone B (Figure 4-19). These catch rates and the CPUE by weight did not vary
among zones during fall 2020 (p>0.10; Figure 4-19).
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CPUE (fish/net-night)
CPUE (kg/net-night)
40 -
30 -
20 -
10 -
0
i
12 -
10 -
A B C D E F
A B C D E F
Zone
Figure 4-19. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number (top panels) and by weight (bottom panels) of all species
collected within six zones from gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence
intervals.
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4.6.2 RIS Population Assessment
All five species of centrarchid RIS (Alabama Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish,
Redear Sunfish) were collected in all zones of Belews Lake during spring 2020 electrofishing except
Redbreast Sunfish in Zone B. The CPUE for these species were compared using only stock size and
greater individuals because this is the minimum size at which they are effectively captured with
traditional sampling gears (i.e., electrofishing; Neumann et al. 2012). The mean CPUE of the
centrarchid RIS varied among zones (Figure 4-20). Bluegill had mean CPUE highest in Zone B, Alabama
Bass CPUE was highest in Zones A and D, Redbreast Sunfish CPUE was highest in Zone E, and Redear
Sunfish CPUE was highest in Zone C (Figure 4-20). The differences in mean CPUE among zones for RIS
was primarily related to nutrient concentrations and habitat preferences, and none of these
differences of mean RIS CPUE among zones appeared to be related to the thermal influences of BCSS.
The mean CPUE of Largemouth Bass and Alabama Bass among zones were negatively correlated.
Although not significantly different among zones, Largemouth Bass CPUE was lower in the deeper,
clearer portions of the reservoir where they have likely been displaced by Alabama Bass through
congeneric competition (Sammons and Bettoli 1999; Long and Fisher 2000; Pope et al. 2005). Similar
trends have been documented in other lakes where Alabama Bass have been introduced (Duke
Energy 2019b). Additionally, Redbreast Sunfish relative abundance was lower in the upper portions
of the reservoir, which is a pattern documented in other Piedmont reservoirs (Duke Energy 2019b).
Overall, the lake -wide mean CPUE for Largemouth Bass was below the 25th percentile for the eco-
region (Brouder et al. 2009), but if Alabama Bass were included, this mean lake -wide CPUE would be
at the 75th percentile. Conversely, the lake -wide mean CPUE for Bluegill was at the 50th percentile for
the eco-region (Brouder et al. 2009).
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CPUE (number/hr)
CPUE (number/hr)
100 -
80 -
60 -
40 -
20 -
60
50
40
30
20
10
Alabama Bass
z yz yz z yz y
I
A BCD E F
Largemouth Bass
z z z z z z
Zone
E
CPUE (number/hr)
CPUE (number/hr)
CPUE (number/hr)
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
60 -
50 -
40 -
30 -
20 -
10-
0
80
60
40
20
0
y
A B
y y
yz
yz
Bluegill
Y Y Yz
111
D E F
Redbreast Sunfish
zy z yz
A B
D E F
Redear Sunfish
yz yz z yz y Y
Zone
D E
11
F
Figure 4-20. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger centrarchid RIS collected within six
zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals. Letters
over bars indicate significance at a = 0.10.
Length frequency analyses indicated multiple age -classes of centrarchid RIS throughout Belews Lake
during spring 2020 electrofishing. Each RIS had size structures indicative of multiple age classes in each
zone with a few exceptions where sample sizes were small. Overall, the size structures of all
centrarchid RIS within each zone were similar, suggesting no impact from the operation of BCSS.
The size structures for Largemouth Bass and Alabama Bass were skewed toward larger individuals
when compared to the average for the eco-region (Brouder et al. 2009). Fish from the youngest
available age class (i.e., age-1 during spring electrofishing) were captured for both species, an
indication of spawning and recruitment to age-1, but a disproportionately low number of bass were
captured under 300 mm (Figure 4-21). Individuals of this intermediate size are those that would grow
and recruit to larger sizes in future years. The skewed size structures of Largemouth Bass and Alabama
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Bass in Belews Lake may have indicated low mortality or low prey abundance limiting growth of larger
individuals, but overall these populations were sustainable.
The size structure for Bluegill was skewed toward smaller individuals, whereas Redbreast Sunfish and
Redear Sunfish had size structures similar to the average for the eco-region (Brouder et al. 2009; Figure
4-22). The skewed size structure of Bluegill towards smaller individuals may have been indicative of
high density, but high mortality (e.g., predation) was a more likely cause. The CPUE of Bluegill in Belews
Lake at the 50th percentile for the eco-region, suggesting density -dependent growth was unlikely,
whereas the black bass CPUE was at the 75th percentile. The combination of predator size structure
(Largemouth Bass and Alabama Bass) and prey size structure (Bluegill and Redbreast Sunfish) suggested
these populations may have naturally reached a "big bass" equilibrium (Willis et al. 1993). Overall, the
patterns documented in length -frequency and CPUE among zones for all five centrarchid RIS indicated
the presence of multiple age classes including both age-1 fish and the largest mature individuals. No
differences were observed that would suggest negative impacts from the operations of BCSS.
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30
25
20
15
10
5
0
30
25
A
20 -
15 -
10 -
5-
0
30
25 -
20 -
15-
10-
5-
0
60
50
B
D
30
25
20 -
15-
10-
5-
0
30
25
20
15
10
A
0
30
25 -
20
15
10
5
0
30
25
20 n 20
15 15
10 1 n 10
5i IIIIIII 5
0
30
25 -
20 -
15-
10-
5-
0
30
25 -
20 -
15 -
10 -
5-
0
ri
�n
100 200 300 400
Total length (mm)
E
F
�n
500
0
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
B
P
C
n
D
n
E
i
F
100 200 300 400 500
Total length (mm)
Figure 4-21. Length -frequency of Largemouth Bass (left panels) and Alabama Bass (right panels) collected
within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
A 100
80 -
60 -
40 -
20 -
0
20
15
10
5
0
60 20
c
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
8 40
m
0
D
A
B
15-
10-
0
20
15
30 10
20
10
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
F
50
5
0
20
c
D
F
15-
10-
5-
0
20
r
15-
40
30 10 -
20
10
0
40 80 120 160 200
5-
0
F
50
40
30
20
10
0
50
40
30
20
10
0
50
40
30
20
10
0
50
40
30
20
10
0
50
40
30
20
10
0
50
40
30
20
10
A
B
c
D
E
0
F
80 120 160 200 80 120 160 200 240 280
Total length (mm)
Figure 4-22. Length -frequency of Bluegill (left panels), Redbreast Sunfish (center panels), and Redear Sunfish
(right panels) collected within six zones from electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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The two species of RIS targeted with gill nets (Channel Catfish and Gizzard Shad) were collected in all
zones of Belews Lake during fall 2020. The CPUE for these species were compared using only stock size
and greater individuals because this is the minimum size at which they are effectively captured with
traditional sampling gears (i.e., gill nets; Neumann et al. 2012). The CPUE of Channel Catfish did not
differ among zones (p>0.10), whereas the CPUE of Gizzard Shad was significantly different among zones
(Figure 4-23). The mean CPUE of this species in Zone C (10.0/net-night) was significantly higher than the
mean CPUE in zones E (2.5/net-night) and F (3.3/net-night). However, this pattern did not appear to be
related to the thermal influences of BCSS.
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CPUE (fish/net-night)
CPUE (fish/net-night)
8-
6
4-
2-
0
Channel Catfish
z z z z z z
18-
16 -
14 -
12 -
10-
A B C
yz yz z yz
Gizzard Shad
Y Y
A B C D
Zone
Figure 4-23. Mean catch rate (CPUE) of Channel Catfish and Gizzard Shad collected within six zones from gill
netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals. Letters over bars indicate
significance at a = 0.10.
During fall gill netting, a representative range of sizes of Channel Catfish and Gizzard Shad were
captured (Figure 4-24). Sample sizes within each zone were limited, however multiple age classes were
represented for each species in each zone. Importantly, no zone was limited to only small and young
individuals or large and old individuals. These data suggest that dynamic population functions (i.e.,
63

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
recruitment and growth) occurred in all parts of Belews Lake, and these populations had the ability to
sustain themselves across seasons and years.
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
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40
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20
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0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
A
60
40
20 -
B
60
40
20
0
D
60
40
20
200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550
Total length (mm)
0
60
40
20
A
B
c
D
200 250 300 350
Total length (mm)
400
E
Figure 4-24. Length -frequency of Channel Catfish (left panels) and Gizzard Shad (right panels) collected within
six zones from gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020.
The standard weight for a species (used in calculating relative weight, Wr) is calculated based off the
750h percentile weight. Therefore, fish with a Wr of 100 would have above average condition (Wege
64

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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and Anderson 1978). A Wr around 90 would be considered "average" condition, and Wr values below
80 would be "poor" (Murphy et al. 1990). Only data collected during the fall are included in this
analysis because for spring -spawning fish (e.g., centrarchids, ictalurids), Wr can be artificially high or
low depending on the spawning status of individual fish. Fish collected with both electrofishing and
gill netting were included in the analysis.
The condition for Largemouth Bass and Alabama Bass in Belews Lake during 2020 were below
average with a mean Wr of 85 and 87, respectively. The mean Wr within a zone was variable for
Largemouth Bass, ranging from 83 in Zone E to 97 in Zone A, whereas the mean Wr within a zone was
consistent for Alabama Bass (Figure 4-25). Lake -wide mean Wr decreased with increasing size for
both species (Figure 4-25). This decreasing trend could be indicative of limited prey availability for the
largest individuals. Overall, no trends were apparent in Wr values for either species of black bass that
could be attributed to operations at BCSS.
Relative weight
Relative weight
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70
60
A B C D E F
Zone
T
1
No Data
Relative weight
Relative weight
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
T
1
T
1_
A B C D E F
Zone
5 `-1 oo'1' o `,' ^ ``N oo y y p
�J,e y`o ova e``e<< oao g goo 6ea e�e oee
Length group Length group
Figure 4-25. Largemouth Bass (left panels) and Alabama Bass (right panels) condition (relative weight) by zone
of Belews Lake and by length category for fish collected during fall 2020. The horizontal line represents the
median for each zone, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and the whiskers show 10th and 90th
percentiles.
The mean Wr of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish in Belews Lake during 2020 was poor with mean values
of 81 and 80, respectively. For both species, mean Wr in all zones and length groups were similar with
mean Wr values ranging from 77 to 84 (Figure 4-26). The mean Wr of Redbreast Sunfish in Belews
Lake was 91, and mean Wr values in the zones and length groups were also similar (Figure 4-26). It is
possible the relative weights calculated for Redbreast Sunfish did not accurately assess condition. The
standard weight equation for this species was created from historical data collected by Duke Energy
and may not contain enough populations to accurately determine parameter values. Regardless, this
metric does allow a comparison of overall condition between zones of the lake and among length
65

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groups. The low relative weights for these sunfish species, especially Bluegill and Redear Sunfish, may
be related to food limitations in the low productivity lake. However, no differences in condition were
documented for any sunfish species that would indicate impacts from operations at BCSS.
Relative weight
Relative weight
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
T
T
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
A B C D E F
T
1_
T
1_
Zone
No Data
A-e ,h° do
ytid QJagA e,a'�
Q
Length group
Relative weight
Relative weight
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
Relative weight
Relative weight
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
No Data
T
T
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
A B C D E F
1
T
_L
Zone
No Data
'9\1'' a
Length group
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
T
C D
Zone
T
T
sae 5- oaa ka aova
Length group
Figure 4-26. Bluegill (top left panels), Redbreast Sunfish (top right panels), and Redear Sunfish (bottom panels)
condition (relative weight) by zone of Belews Lake and by length category for fish collected during fall 2020.
The horizontal line represents the median for each zone, the boxes represent the 25' and 75th percentile, and
the whiskers show 10th and 90' percentiles.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Channel Catfish in Belews Lake had below average relative weights with a mean of 86. However, Wr
values were variable among zones from 81 in Zone A to 94 in Zone D (Figure 4-27). Gizzard Shad mean
W, was average at 89, and this species also exhibited some variability among zones. Mean Wr within
each zone was considered average (87-91) for all zones except Zone F where mean W, was 79 (Figure
4-27). Neither species showed trends in mean Wr across different length groups. Like the centrarchid
RIS above, the patterns in condition for these two species did not indicate adverse impacts from
operations at BCSS.
Relative weight
Relative weight
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
T
1
T
120 -
110 -
100 -
90 -
80 -
70 -
60
A
1_
C D E F
Zone
T
1
No Data No Data
�p
Tc�\
0
OJQ'���``� ec.6
eV
Length group
Relative weight
Relative weight
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
T
1
T
1
T
A 8 C D
Zone
T
1
E F
T
L
1�0
Length group
Figure 4-27. Channel Catfish (left panels) and Gizzard Shad (right panels) condition (relative weight) by zone of
Belews Lake and by length category for fish collected during fall 2020. The horizontal line represents the
median for each zone, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and the whiskers show 10th and 90th
percentiles.
4.6.3 Fish Community Similarities
The ANOSIM determined the overall sample statistic from the Bray -Curtis non -metric, multidimensional
scaling or similarity matrix was significant for both electrofishing (R = 0.573) and gill netting (R = 0.194),
meaning dissimilarities existed among zones for both gear types. For electrofishing data, dissimilarities
existed between both Zone B and Zone F and all other zones (Figure 4-28). These two zones were
shallower and had the higher nutrient levels than other zones of the lake, which likely influenced the
dissimilarities in the fish community. For the gill net data, strong dissimilarities only existed between
zones E and A and zones E and C (Figure 4-29). These dissimilarities were related to differences in the
catch of several species between the zones, however the overlap of zone clusters demonstrated these
groupings did not suggest an overall pattern in the lake. No other meaningful dissimilarities were
found. Critically, the clusters defined from both the spring electrofishing survey and the fall gill net
survey did not indicate grouping based on thermal impact.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Non -metric MDS
Transform: Square root
Resemblance: S17 Bray -Curtis similarity
Similarity
60
70
80
Report Area
A A
D
v B
*C
m E
+ F
Figure 4-28. Bray -Curtis similarities of fish CPUE from spring electrofishing in Belews Lake during spring 2020.
Non -metric MDS
Transform: Square root
Resemblance: S17 Bray -Curtis similarity
Similarity
60
70
80
Report Area
A A
V B
C
• D
F
E E
Figure 4-29. Bray -Curtis similarities of fish CPUE from fall gill netting in Belews Lake during fall 2020.
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4.6.4 Seasonal RIS Distributions
Thermal impacts from BCSS were more pronounced during winter and summer fish sampling. Mean
water temperatures ranged from 12.0° C in Zone D to 17.4° C in Zone A in winter and from 31.5° C in
Zone F to 35.7°C in Zone A in summer (Table 4-10). At least one individual of each species of RIS was
captured in every zone each season, except Redbreast Sunfish (Tables 4-11 and 4-12). However, only 16
individuals of this species were captured in the discharge arm of Belews Lake (zones A and B) during
the entire year. Some patterns were apparent in the seasonal data that suggest these species make
horizontal movements (e.g., highest Gizzard Shad catch was in different zones in different seasons) and
vertical movements (e.g., electrofishing catch decreased and gill net catch increased in summer for
some species) throughout the year. Overall, these seasonal abundances suggested that while fish in
Belews Lake do make movements throughout the year for optimal habitat and forage, the thermal
discharge of BCSS does not create unsuitable habitat within any zones of the lake for any species. A full
depiction of the number and biomass of species captured seasonally with both gear types can be found
in Appendix E.
Table 4-10. Mean (and range) of water temperature (°C) for each zone in Belews Lake during winter and
summer 2020 electrofishing and gill netting.
Parameter A B C D E F
17.4 16.1 15.1 12.0 13.1 12.5
Winter
(16.9-17.8) (15.9-16.2) (14.5-15.6) (11.8-12.1) (12.9-13.3) (11.6-13.7)
Summer
35.7 34.3 34.2 33.1 32.9 31.5
(34.7-36.6) (33.5-35.4) (33.5-34.9) (32.1-33.4) (32.2-33.8) (30.8-32.1)
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Table 4-11. Numbers of RIS collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during quarterly sampling in 2020.
A B C D E F
W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F
Alabama Bass 29 56 2 25 49 61 22 45 26 60 27 77 22 79 36 52 36 49 16 49 16 15 42 46
Bluegill 546 483 340 408 564 368 348 506 28 97 149 146 186 44 302 176 122 83 118 117 187 297 434 229
Largemouth 16 10 4 6 11 22 69 16 1 12 0 6 2 8 42 2 6 20 4 9 18 46 57 25
Bass
Redbreast 0 1 1 2 2 0 5 5 4 25 41 37 6 22 132 61 4 37 26 29 2 16 19 21
Sunfish
RedearSunfish 36 27 1 11 58 54 10 29 19 43 10 13 3 16 9 7 4 13 4 2 36 7 14 18
Gizzard Shad 0 0 0 0 12 4 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 10 13 6 2
Channel 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 9 8 9
Catfish
Table 4-12. Numbers of RIS collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during quarterly sampling in 2020.
A B C D E F
W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Sp Su F
Alabama Bass 23 4 4 23 30 9 25 21 31 16 5 26 14 9 17 25 31 11 3 21 11 8 5 16
Bluegill 1 0 1 0 10 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Largemouth Bass 6 0 1 0 7 2 0 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 0 4 4 1 6 3 5 0 7
Redbreast Sunfish 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Redear Sunfish 0 0 0 4 3 2 9 5 2 1 5 4 1 1 6 1 2 2 6 0 0 1 1 1
Gizzard Shad 12 4 1 16 32 38 32 28 13 18 6 40 9 5 14 14 2 8 2 10 10 75 18 10
Channel Catfish 10 9 19 22 7 17 41 14 3 4 3 4 2 3 1 4 0 1 8 5 9 12 18 11
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4.6.4.1 Mayo Reservoir Comparison
Electrofishing and gill netting on Mayo Reservoir was conducted quarterly at water temperatures
representative of those seasons in a North Carolina reservoir without thermal effluent (Table 4-13).
Table 4-13. Mean (and range) of water temperature for each zone in Mayo Reservoir during quarterly 2020
electrofishing and gill netting.
Parameter B E G
Winter 8.3 (7.8-8.8) 8.4 (8.2-8.5) 9.2 (9.1-9.2)
Spring 16.3 (15.9-16.8) 16.8 (16.4-17.3) 18.0 (16.6-19.2)
Summer 32.3 (31.7-33.2) 31.4 (30.7-32.3) 31.7 (30.5-33.2)
Fall 19.7 (19.4-19.8) 20.5 (20.5-20.5) 21.2 (19.9-22.1)
The percentages of fish species with different pollution tolerance classifications, trophic levels, and the
percent of sunfish identified as hybrids were generally similar among zones of Mayo Reservoir during
spring 2020 (Table 4-14). Similar to Belews Lake, the percent of fish classified as "tolerant" was higher
in down -lake areas. Additionally, fish classified as omnivores (primarily Gizzard Shad) were captured
almost exclusively in uplake portions of both lakes. The percent of sunfish identified as hybrid was low
in all zones of Mayo Reservoir (Table 4-14). Belews Lake had higher rates of sunfish hybridization, but
this did not appear directly related to any thermal impact.
Table 4-14. Percent pollution tolerance, trophic guild, and percent of hybrids for fish collected from
electrofishing within three zones of Mayo Reservoir during spring 2020.
Category B E G Lake -wide
Tolerance rating
Tolerant 14.2 0 2.9 6.3
Intermediate 85.4 100.0 97.1 93.6
Not defined 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.2
Trophic levels
Piscivore 15.1 38.3 19.3 21.7
Insectivore 84.5 61.7 60.2 69.1
Omnivore 0.5 0.0 20.4 9.2
Percent hybrids
Sunfish 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.2
The mean CPUE for centrarchid RIS identified for the Belews Lake demonstration were calculated from
spring electrofishing in Mayo Reservoir. Alabama Bass and Redbreast Sunfish are not present in Mayo
Reservoir, and therefore were not included in the comparisons. Largemouth Bass had a lake -wide mean
CPUE of 55 fish/hr (Figure 4-30). This catch rate was above the 75th percentile for the eco-region
(Brouder et al. 2009) and was comparable to the relative abundance of black bass in Belews Lake.
Additionally, the mean lake -wide CPUE for Bluegill in Mayo Reservoir (107/hr, Figure 4-30) was similar
to Belews Lake, whereas the mean CPUE for Redear Sunfish in Mayo Reservoir (51/hr, Figure 4-30) was
higher than Belews Lake. This difference is more likely related to overall reservoir habitat
characteristics (e.g., substrate type, localized bathymetry) than thermal impacts from BCSS.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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CPUE (number/hr)
250 -
200 -
150 -
100 -
50 -
0
I
Largemouth Bass Bluegill
Redear Sunfish
Figure 4-30. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger RIS collected from electrofishing in
Mayo Reservoir during spring 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals.
The length frequencies of RIS in Mayo Reservoir were similar to those in Belews Lake. Largemouth Bass
size structure in Mayo Reservoir was skewed towards larger individuals, especially those 380-510 mm,
whereas Bluegill size structure was skewed towards individuals <150 mm (Figure 4-31). These skewed
distributions, as well as the length distribution of Redear Sunfish, were similar to patterns documented
in Belews Lake. Overall, the CPUE and size structure distributions of centrarchid RIS in Mayo Reservoir
suggest no impact to these fish populations in Belews Lake related to the thermal discharge of BCSS.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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c
a)
2
E
30 -
25 -
20 -
15 -
10 -
Largemouth Bass
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
40
100 200 300 400 500 30
20
10
0
Redear Sunfish
Bluegill
40 80 120 160 200 240 280
Total length (mm)
Figure 4-31. Length -frequency of centrarchid RIS collected from electrofishing in Mayo Reservoir during spring
2020.
The mean CPUE of Channel Catfish (0.8 fish/net-night) and Gizzard Shad (2.7 fish/net-night) in Mayo
Reservoir during fall gill netting (Figure 4-32) was lower than the mean CPUE in Belews Lake. The lower
relative abundance of these two species in Mayo Reservoir may be related to interspecific competition.
Mayo Reservoir had abundant and diverse assemblage of native bullheads as well as an abundant
Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas population. Both taxa have been captured in Belews Lake, but
their abundances have been greatly reduced over the past decades. This community shift is due in part
to the introduction of Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris, which has affected fish communities without
thermal effluent elsewhere (Thomas 1993, Bonvechio et al. 2009, Baumann and Kwak 2011, Kwak et al.
2011, Dobbins et al. 2012).
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
CPUE (fish/net-night)
7
6-
5-
4-
3-
2-
0
Channel Catfish Gizzard Shad
Figure 4-32. Mean catch rate (CPUE) by number of stock size and larger RIS collected from gill netting in Mayo
Reservoir during fall 2020. Error bars are 90% confidence intervals.
The size structure of Channel Catfish in Mayo Reservoir (Figure 4-33) was similar to that documented in
Belews Lake. However, Gizzard Shad in Mayo Reservoir (Figure 4-33) were more skewed toward smaller
individuals compared to Belews Lake. These differences may be related to variations in recruitment,
growth rates, or mortality between the two reservoirs. These dynamic rate functions of Gizzard Shad
have been linked to reservoir size, morphometry, turbidity, and productivity (Michaletz 2012, 2017).
Regardless, the differences in size structure between the two reservoirs are not indicative of negative
impacts from operations of BCSS.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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20
18 -
16
14
12 -
10 -
8-
6-
4-
2-
0
Channel Catfish
100 200 300 400 500 600
30 -
25 -
20 -
15 -
10-
5-
0
Gizzard Shad
200 250 300 350 400
Total length (mm)
Figure 4-33. Length -frequency of RIS collected from gill netting in Mayo Reservoir during fall 2020.
The mean relative weight of Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish in Mayo Reservoir were good with
both at 96 (Figure 4-34). However, the mean relative weight of Bluegill (74), Redear Sunfish (73), and
Gizzard Shad (82) were poor (Figure 4-34). These patterns, especially when combined with CPUE and
size structure data, suggest Mayo Reservoir had a high density of RIS prey fish. In addition, a large
number of the forage fish Golden Shiner were also captured in Mayo Reservoir. This high density of
forage fish likely led to the poor condition and slow growth. In turn, the high abundance of prey
allowed for good condition, faster growth, and a larger size structure of the predatory species (e.g.,
Largemouth Bass). The differences between Mayo Reservoir and Belews Lake were related to overall
reservoir dynamics and fish community rather than any thermal impacts from operations at BCSS.
75

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Relative weight
Figure 4-34. Condition (relative weight) of RIS in Mayo Reservoir for fish collected during fall 2020. The
horizontal line represents the median for each species, the boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, and
the whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles.
During this study, 24 species of fish (and one hybrid) from eight families were captured in Belews Lake,
compared to 23 species of fish (and one hybrid) from six families were captured in Mayo Reservoir
(Table 4-15). Only one family (Esocidae) was not represented in Belews Lake, while three families
(Moronidae, Percidae, and Poeciliidae) were not captured in Mayo Reservoir. Shannon's diversity index
(H) was higher for Mayo Reservoir than Belews Lake, despite Belews Lake having a slightly higher
species richness (Table 4-15). The difference in diversity between the two reservoirs was related to the
dominance of a few species in Belews Lake compared to Mayo Reservoir. The RIS comprised 91% of fish
captured in Belews Lake compared to 74% of fish in Mayo Lake. Additionally, Bluegill were the most
common species in both reservoirs, and they comprised 58% of fish captured in Belews Lake compared
to only 40% in Mayo Reservoir.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 4-15. Numbers of each species captured in Belews Lake and Mayo Reservoir during quarterly sampling
with electrofishing and gill nets during 2020. Species richness and Shannon's diversity index (H) are also shown.
Family
Catostomidae
Species
Creek Chubsucker
Golden Redhorse
Notchlip Redhorse
Quillback
White Sucker
Centrarchidae Alabama Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Pumpkinseed
Redbreast Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Sunfish (Hybrid)
Warmouth
White Crappie
Clupeidae Alewife
Blueback Herring
Gizzard Shad
Threadfin Shad
Cyprinidae Common Carp
Creek Chub
Esocidae
Ictaluridae
Moronidae
Percidae
Poeciliidae
Golden Shiner
Grass Carp
Satinfin Shiner
Chain Pickerel
Blue Catfish
Brown Bullhead
Channel Catfish
Flat Bullhead
Flathead Catfish
Snail Bullhead
White Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
White Perch
Yellow Perch
Eastern Mosquitofish
Number of species
Shannon's H
Scientific Name
Erimyzon oblongus
Moxostoma erythrurum
Moxostoma collapsum
Carpiodes cyprinus
Catostomus commersonii
Micropterus henshalli
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Lepomis cyanellus
Micropterus salmoides
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Lepomis sp.
Lepomis gulosus
Pomoxis annularis
Alosa pseudoharengus
Alosa aestivalis
Dorosoma cepedianum
Dorosoma petenense
Cyprinus carpio
Semotilus atromaculatus
Notemigonus crysoleucas
Ctenopharyngodon idella
Cyprinella analostana
Esox niger
Ictalurus furcatus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictalurus punctatus
Ameiurus platycephalus
Pylodictis olivaris
Ameiurus brunneus
Ameiurus catus
Ameiurus natalis
Morone americana
Perca flavescens
Gambusia holbrooki
Belews Lake
0
0
0
1
0
1,325
94
6,301
159
470
2
503
501
218
22
17
20
0
471
243
16
0
2
1
16
0
4
0
267
0
16
0
0
0
80
16
3
25
1.61
Mayo Reservoir
6
1
21
0
12
0
119
1,613
151
530
0
0
467
5
41
0
0
24
351
3
2
1
141
0
0
160
0
19
36
222
0
47
61
12
0
0
0
24
2.05
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4.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife
Wildlife observations associated with the Belews Creek Steam Station 316(a) studies were conducted
for aquatic wildlife species or species that use Belews Lake for activities such as foraging or other life
functions. Observations were conducted during the late summer period in the heated effluent
discharge area.
Ten different taxa of non -fish vertebrate wildlife were observed in the Belews Creek Steam Station
discharge area on Belews Lake during summer 2020. All animals were engaging in natural behaviors
that included the use of the thermally influenced water in some instances (Table 4-16).
Table 4-16. Location, behavior, and number of aquatic vertebrate wildlife observed in the Belews discharge arm
(2016-2020).
Event (Date)
1-hr survey
(8/5/2020)
Habitat
formers
survey
(9/16/20)
Common Name
Double -Crested Cormorant
Canada Goose
Osprey
Great Blue Heron
Killdeer
Scientific Name
Phalacrocorax auritus
Branta canadensis
Pandion haliaetus
Ardea herodias
Charadrius vociferous
Behavior
Foraging
Flying/Swimming
Flying/Foraging
Flying
Calling
Number
1
15
3
1
1
Wood Duck
Common Loon
Great Egret
Belted Kingfisher
Double -Crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Unidentified Turtle
Aix sponsa
Gavia immer
Ardea alba
Ceryle alcyon
Phalacrocorax auritus
Ardea herodias
n/a
Flying
Swimming
Wading
Flying
Flying
Flying
Swimming
4
4
1
1
5
1
1
4.8 Endangered Species
A review of the USFWS IPaC tool for Belews Lake and the area surrounding BCSS was performed to
determine the potential presence of federally listed aquatic species belonging to the lentic community.
This search resulted in the identification of two federally endangered aquatic species, one freshwater
mussel, the James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) and one fish, the Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)
as having the potential to occur near BCSS. Both species inhabit the Dan River watershed, although
neither have been documented in Belews Lake. The surveys performed in 2020, in support of this
demonstration documented two species of mussel (Eastern Elliptio and Paper Pondshell), and no darter
species in Belews Lake. Furthermore, the habitats of both listed species are associated with rivers and
streams, and not lacustrine systems like Belews Lake (Federal Register 2008; Hester and Smith 2007).
Similarly, the same IPaC tool was used to assess the potential presence of federally listed aquatic
vertebrate species. The search resulted in one endangered mammalian species (Gray Bat, Myotis
grisencens), one threatened mammalian species (Northern Long -Eared Bat, Myotis septentrionalis), and
one threatened reptilian vertebrate species (Bog Turtle, Clemmys muhlenbergii). The Northern Long -
Eared Bat and the Gray Bat is not aquatic and therefore would not be directly affected by Belews Creek
Steam Station thermal impacts. The Bog Turtle is semi -aquatic and predominately occurs in wetlands,
bogs, or habitats with slow moving water and soft muddy bottoms (USFWS 2001). These habitats do
not occur in Belews Lake near the Belews Creek Steam Station discharge, and there are no known
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populations within the Belews Lake - Belews Creek Steam Station Project boundary (Duke Energy 2019
Gismo EHS-Viewer Data Base).
5 Balanced and Indigenous Assessment
This assessment demonstrated that current BCSS operations will ensure the survival, reproduction,
development, and growth of RIS. The temperature analysis indicated that the potential for mortality
associated with high discharge temperatures is negligible under the extreme conditions captured for
BCSS and would be even less so under typical seasonal weather and lake -level conditions. The
distribution and density of habitat formers across Belews Lake was conducive to the reservoir
morphology, yielding more vegetation in the shallow portions of the reservoir (Zones B and F).
Conversely, deeper portions of the reservoir yielded poorly vegetated areas (Zones C, D, and E).
However, there was no apparent trend between locations and density of vegetated points and the
zones of thermal influence. Results from the mussel surveys indicated that 2 species were present in
Belews Lake. Adult Eastern Elliptio were found in five of the six zones, and young individuals were also
located in Zones C, D, and E, which suggests that recruitment has occurred. In addition, the high
abundance of Eastern Elliptio indicated that suitable habitat conditions are present in Belews Lake. The
assessment of the BCSS thermal plume demonstrate that continued operations will assure the
propagation and protection of aquatic vegetation, mussel communities, and the BIC represented by the
RIS that could reside in the thermally influenced zones.
This demonstration revealed that the Belews Lake fish community was composed mostly of indigenous
species (73% native species) expected from a reservoir located in the North Carolina Piedmont (Fowler
1945; Barwick 2002). During 2020, 24 distinct species of fish and one hybrid complex were collected
from the six survey zones during quarterly electrofishing and gillnetting. The CPUE of fish during spring
2020 was similar to those documented since 2005 (Duke Energy 2015; Barwick and Harrell 1997).
Species diversity was similar in all zones of the lake, regardless of thermal influence. The fish
community found in the zones of Belews Lake with the most thermal influence from BCSS (Zones A, B,
and C) encompassed multiple trophic guilds (i.e., insectivores, omnivores, and piscivores) supporting a
balanced fish community. Additionally, fish captured in these zones had similar proportions of pollution
tolerance to other zones of the lake, and no zones were dominated by pollution -tolerant species.
Although non -indigenous species such as Alabama Bass and Redear Sunfish were abundant in
thermally -influenced zones, they were caught throughout Belews Lake. Some indigenous species (e.g.,
Largemouth Bass) have experienced reduced CPUE compared to historical surveys which may be a
result of an altered fish community related to the introduction of nonnative species (e.g., Alabama
Bass, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish). Regardless, the catch was dominated by species native to the
watershed. The RIS had size structures in all zones indicative of multiple age classes including both age-
1 fish and the largest mature individuals. The size structures suggest these populations have the
capacity to be sustained in all zones of the lake as lake conditions change throughout the year. Based
on the diversity and numbers of individuals in the littoral fish community during spring sampling and
the condition of RIS collected during fall sampling, Belews Lake supports a balanced and indigenous fish
community.
Duke Energy has complied with the current thermal compliance point which states the daily average
ambient water temperatures shall not exceed 32 °C at the dam discharge. Under these conditions, the
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current study has shown that survival, reproduction, development, and growth of RIS have not been
appreciably reduced due to operations. Additionally, the BCSS thermal plume has not blocked or
inhibited access to any potential spawning habitat, spawning activities, or the development of early
juveniles of RIS and the BIC. Consequently, the current thermal limits and BCSS operations have
ensured the protection of a BIC in Belews Lake.
6 References
Barwick, D.H., Harrell, R.D. 1997. Recovery of fish populations in Belews Lake following selenium
contamination. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish
and Wildlife Agencies 51:209-216.
Baumann, J. R., and T. J. Kwak. 2011. Trophic relations of introduced Flathead Catfish in an Atlantic
river. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 1401120-1134.
Bonvechio, T. F., D. Harrison, and B. Deener. 2009. Population changes of sportfish following Flathead
Catfish introduction in the Satilla River, Georgia. Proceedings of the Annual Conference
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 63:133-139.
Braun, C. E., editor. 2005. Techniques for Wildlife Investigations and Management. Sixth edition. The
Wildlife Society. Bethesda, MD.
Brouder, M. J., A. C. Iles, and S. A. Bonar. 2009. Length frequency, condition, growth, and catch per
effort indices for common North American fishes. Pages 231-282 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.
Carlson, RE. 1977. A trophic state index for lakes. Limnology and Oceanography 22:361-369.
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.
Cumbie, PM. 1978. Belews lake environmental report: Selenium and arsenic accumulation. Duke
Power/78-04. Duke Power Company. Charlotte, NC
Dobbins, D. A., R. L Cailteux, S. R. Midway, and E. H. Leone. 2012. Long-term impacts of introduced
Flathead Catfish on native ictalurids in a north Florida, USA, river. Fisheries Management and
Ecology 19:434-440.
Duke Energy. 2005. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Energy. 2011. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Duke Energy. 2015. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Energy. 2016. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Reservoir. NPDES
No. NC0024406. Duke Energy, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Energy. 2019a. Study plan to support a CWA §316(a) demonstration. Belews Creek Steam Station.
NPDES No. NC0024406. Final Approved Study Plan. July 2019.
Duke Energy. 2019b. CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Population Study Report (2016-2018).
NPDES No. NC0024392. McGuire Nuclear Station, Huntersville, NC. May 2019.
Duke Energy Progress. 2017. Mayo Steam Electric Plant 2016 Environmental Monitoring Report. NPDES
No. NC0038377. Duke Energy Progress, Raleigh, NC.
Duke Power Company. 1996. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake.
NPDES No. NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Power Company. 2000. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake.
NPDES No. NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1988. Water Quality Standards Criteria Summaries: A
Compilation of State/Federal Criteria. Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Washington,
DC.
Federal Register. 2008. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of
10 Listed Species. 73 Fed. REG. No. 15., pp 3391-3393.
Griggs, M.C. 1985. Air injection in Belews Reservoir to improve power station performance. Duke
Power Research Report PES/85-10. Huntersville, NC.
Harrell, R. D., R. L. Fuller and T. J. Edwards. 1978. An investigation of the fish community of Belews Lake
North Carolina. DukePWR/78-07. Duke Power Company, Charlotte NC.
Hester, W. and K. Smith. 2007. 5-year review: Summary and Evaluation. Roanoke Logperch (Percina
rex). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Virginia Field Office. Summer 2007.
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.
Hining, K. 2003. Characteristics of the black and white crappie populations in Belews Lake, 2001-2002.
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Hining, K. 2005a. Characteristics of the black and white crappie populations in Belews Lake, 2004. North
Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Hining, K. 2005b. Comparison of day and night electrofishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass in
three North Carolina reservoirs. North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of
Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Hodges, K. 2012. Belews Lake largemouth bass survey, 2007-2009. North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Kwak, T. J., M. T. Porath, P. H. Michaletz, and V. H. Travnichek. 2011. Catfish science: status and trends
in the 21st century. Pages 755-780 in P. H. Michaletz and V. H. Travnichek, editors.
Conservation, ecology, and management of catfish: the second international symposium.
American Fisheries Society, Symposium 77, Bethesda, Maryland.
Long, J. M. and W. L. Fisher. 2000. Inter -annual and size -related differences in the diets of three
sympatric Black Bass in an Oklahoma reservoir. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 15:465-474.
Madsen JD and RM Wersal. 2012. A Review of Aquatic Plant Monitoring and Assessment Methods.
Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation
Murphy, B. R., M. L. Brown, and T. A. Springer. 1990. Evaluation of the relative weight (Wr) index, with
new applications to walleye. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 10:85-97.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). 2010. Reservoir &
reservoir assessments: Roanoke Basin. Intensive Survey Unit, Division of Water Quality,
NCDENR. Raleigh, NC.
NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). 2019. Surface water quality standards, criteria, & in -stream
target values. NC Department of Environmental Quality. Winston-Salem, NC.
NCDWR. Review of Progress Energy, Mayo Electric Generation Plant (NC 0038377) Environmental
Monitoring Report (Letter). May 24, 2018.
Neumann, R. M., C. S. Guy, and D. W. Willis. 2012. Length, weight, and associated indices. Pages 637-
676 in A.V. Zale, D.L. Parrish, and T.M. Sutton, editors. Fisheries Techniques, third edition.
American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.Federal Register. 2008. Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of 10 Listed Species. 73 Fed. REG.
No. 15., pp 3391-3393.
Pope, K. L., S. R. Denny, C. L. Harthorn, C. J. Chizinski, and K. K. Cunningham. 2005. Food habits of co-
occurring populations of Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass in two New Mexico reservoirs.
Journal of Freshwater Ecology 20:37-46.
Sammons, S. M., and P. W. Bettoli. 1999. Spatial and temporal variation in electrofishing catch rates of
three species of Black Bass (Micropterus spp.) from Normandy Reservoir, Tennessee. North
American Journal of Fisheries Management 19:454-461.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
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Schindler, DW, RE Hecky, DL Findlay, MP Stainton, BR Parker, MJ Paterson, KG Beaty, M Lyng, SEM
Kasian. 2008. Eutrophication of lakes cannot be controlled by reducing nitrogen input: results
of a 37-year whole -ecosystem experiment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of
the United States of America, 105:11254-11258.
The Weather Company (TWC). 2020. Weather conditions information web site: Piedmont Triad
International Airport Station Historical Weather. (Accessed: 1/4/2020) Web address:
http://www.wunderground.com/weather/KGSO.
Thomas, M. E. 1993. Monitoring the effects of introduced Flathead Catfish on sport fish populations in
the Altamaha River, Georgia. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 47:531-538.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2020. Water resources data, National Water Information
System web site: USGS water for North Carolina. (Accessed: 1/4/2021) Web address:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis.
USEPA. 1978. A Compendium of Lake and Reservoir Data Collected by the National Eutrophication
Survey in Eastern, North-Central, and Southeastern United States. Working Paper No. 475.
Van Horn, S. L. 1978. Development of the sport fish potential of an industrial cooling lake. North
Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Wege, G. J. and R. O. Anderson. 1978. Relative weight (Wr): a new index of condition for largemouth
bass. Pages 79-91 in G. D. Novinger and J. G. Dillard, editors. New Approaches to the
Management of Small Impoundments. American Fisheries Society, North Central Division,
Special Publication 5, Bethesda, Maryland.
Weiss, C.M. and E.J. Kuenzler. 1976. The trophic state of North Carolina lakes. Department of
Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill. Report No. 119.
Weiss, C. M. and T. P. Anderson. 1978. Belews Lake: a summary of a seven year study (August 1970-
June 1977) to assess environmental effects of a coal-fired power plant on a cooling pond. ESE
No. 475. Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill,
NC.
Willis, D. W., B. R. Murphy, and C. S. Guy. 1993. Stock density indices: development, use, and
limitations. Reviews in Fisheries Science 1:203-222.
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.
Yurk, JJ, and JJ Ney. 1989. Phosphorous -fish community biomass relationships in southern Appalachian
reservoirs: can lakes be too clean for fish? Lake and Reservoir Management 5:89-90.
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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Appendices
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Appendix A
Final BCSS 316(a) Study Plan
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Contents
1 Introduction A-4
1.1 Background A-4
1.2 Environmental Monitoring History A-4
1.3 Thermal Permit History A-5
2 Purpose A-5
3 Study Goals A-5
4 Study Plan A-6
4.1 Thermal Analysis A-6
4.2 Limnology A-7
4.3 Habitat Formers A-7
4.4 Planktonic Communities A-7
4.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community A-7
4.5.1 Mussel Community Survey A-7
4.6 Fish Community A-7
4.6.1 Electrofishing A-8
4.6.2 Gill NetsA-8
4.6.3 AnalysisA-8
4.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife A-8
4.8 Endangered Species A-9
5 Reference Lake A-9
6 Data Management A-10
7 Study Timeline and Reporting A-10
8 References A-10
9 Figures and Tables A-13
Tables
Table 1. Belews Creek Steam Station 316(a) Demonstration Study Plan Summary.
Table 2. Belews Lake Water Quality and Water Chemistry Monitoring Variables. A-15
Table 3. Representative Important Species (RIS) in Belews Lake. A-15
A-2
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Figures
Figure 1. Belews Lake 316(a) study areas (labeled with bold letters and delineated with solid black lines)
and sample locations. A-13
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1 Introduction
1.1 Background
Belews Creek Steam Station (BCSS) is a two -unit, coal-fired electric generating plant located in Stokes
County, North Carolina, approximately 15 miles northeast of Winston-Salem. The station sits adjacent
to Belews Lake, an impoundment of Belews Creek, West Belews Creek and East Belews Creek, part of
the Dan River (Roanoke) watershed (Figure 1). The reservoir, impounded primarily to supply condenser
cooling water (CCW), first reached full pond in 1973 after the dam was completed in 1970. BCSS Unit 1
began commercial operation in August 1974 followed by Unit 2 operation in December 1975. Each
1,245.6-megawatt Unit is cooled by CCW pumped at a maximum rate of 33.1 m3/s (1,170 cubic feet per
second [cfs]). Historically, BCSS has been operated as a baseload generating station.
Belews Lake has a surface area of 15.63 km2 and is relatively deep for a piedmont reservoir (14.6 m
mean depth). The watershed, however, is comparatively small (197 km2) with an average drainage flow
of 2.8 m3/s (99 cfs). Low inflows, combined with evaporative loss from the station results in a long
average retention time of 1,500 days. The shoreline is mostly steep, buffered primarily by undeveloped
forest with sparse residential development. Much of the nutrient load from the watershed is
sequestered in the upper reaches of Belews Lake. As a result, there is a productivity gradient from the
upper Lake (Areas 1,1 and K) to the lower Lake (Areas B, C, D and E; Figure 1).
1.2 Environmental Monitoring History
Duke Energy has performed or sponsored environmental monitoring on Belews Lake since dam
construction was completed in 1970. The initial study, performed from 1970 —1977, included three
years prior to full pond being reached, one year at full pond before station operation, and three years
after the station began operation (Weiss and Anderson 1978). This study evaluated water quality and
chemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates. The North Carolina Wildlife
Resource Commission (NCWRC) surveyed the Belews Lake fishery for sport fish potential during the
same time period, from 1971-1978 (Van Horn 1978). By 1975, substantial declines in fish populations
and recruitment became evident in lower Belews Lake, and it was determined that selenium loading
from BCSS ash basin sluicing into the lake, exacerbated by the long retention time, was inhibiting fish
reproduction (Harrell et al. 1978). Environmental studies were restructured to monitor effects of
selenium on Belews Lake biota and water quality. These lake recovery sampling programs evolved over
time and new sampling programs were created when BCSS redirected its regulated ash basin discharge
to the Dan River in October 1985. Belews Lake biota began to recover once this redirection occurred
(Duke Power Company 1996).
Over the past several decades, environmental monitoring on Belews Lake has focused on water
quality/chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fisheries. Water quality and water chemistry
samples have been collected on at least a semi-annual basis since 1977. Annual cove rotenone surveys
were performed from 1977 —1994 to sample littoral fish populations (Duke Power Company 1996).
Semi-annual or annual electrofishing surveys began in 1983 and continue through the present. From
1991-2016, benthic macroinvertebrate community samples were collected. Starting in 1996, lake
environmental data were submitted to North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
during each National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit cycle. The NCWRC has
also conducted several fisheries surveys and research projects on Belews Lake over the years (Hining
2003, 2005a, 2005b; Hodges 2012).
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1.3 Thermal Permit History
BCSS operates under NPDES permit no. NC0024406. The initial permit was issued by the State of North
Carolina in 1970 prior to development of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and associated §316(a)
requirements for a thermal variance. The initial permit granted BCSS a temperature variance that
stated daily average ambient water temperatures shall not exceed 32°C at the dam discharge as a
result of BCSS operations.
North Carolina's Division of Water Resources (DWR) issued BCSS a new NPDES permit in 2012, and
stated in Section A. (15.),
"The thermal variance granted by the State of North Carolina terminates on expiration of the
NPDES permit. Should the permittee wish a continuation of its thermal variance beyond the
term of this permit, reapplication for such continuation shall be submitted in accordance with
40 CFR Part 125, Subpart H and Section 122.21 (1)(6)...The temperature analysis and the
balanced and indigenous study plan shall conform to the specifications outlined in 40 CFR Part
125 Subpart H and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) draft 316a Guidance Manual,
dated 1977."
Upon review of the 2011-2015 BCSS 316(a) report submitted to the State in 2016, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) commented that the report did not
satisfy the 2012 permit requirements specified in Section A. (15.). To address these comments and
continue operating under a thermal variance, the new 2019 NPDES five-year permit for BCSS requests
in Section A. (24.) a 1-year comprehensive 316(a) Demonstration study, performed in accordance to
specifications in 40 CFR Part 125 Subpart H and the EPA's 1977 draft 316(a) Guidance Manual.
2 Purpose
In accordance with NPDES permit no. NC0024406, Section A. (24.), Duke Energy will conduct an initial,
comprehensive one-year Demonstration study on Belews Lake to support a request for a thermal
variance for BCSS under §316(a) of the CWA. The purpose of this Study Plan is to describe the thermal
analysis as well as the biological sampling required that will give Duke Energy the opportunity to apply
for and acquire an alternative effluent thermal limitation.
3 Study Goals
The two primary goals of this 316(a) study are to:
1. Perform a thermal analysis of Belews Lake and
2. Demonstrate the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous community (BIC) in
Belews Lake through biological surveys.
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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:
a. Having diversity and representative trophic levels within expectations,
b. The ability to self -sustain through successful reproduction and recruitment over seasonal
changes,
c. Having adequate food items, and
d. A lack of domination by pollution tolerant species.
Representative Important Species (RIS) have been chosen and will be used as part of the assessment
due to numerous species being present in Belews Lake. The RIS will be used to indicate a BIC exists
within Belews Lake. The NCWRC and the NCDEQ support the species selected as RIS (Kin Hodges,
personal communication, June 29, 2018 and Jeff DeBerardinis, personal communication, April 8, 2019).
4 Study Plan
The following describes the study components of the proposed Belews Lake 316(a) Demonstration
study. Table 1 displays the different sampling programs, locations and frequencies for the year -long
study period.
4.1 Thermal Analysis
A rigorous temperature sampling program in Belews Lake was conducted in 2017 (January — December)
in anticipation of the upcoming temperature analysis requirement within the 316(a) Demonstration.
Monthly water quality profiles (measurements from surface to bottom at 1 m intervals) were collected
at twelve locations in Belews Lake, along with continuous in situ temperature profile loggers at five of
the locations (Figure 1). These continuous loggers recorded temperature hourly and were deployed
from the surface down to 20 m (or lake bottom, whichever was less) at 2 m intervals, with the
exception of location 416.0 near the dam. Continuous loggers were deployed deeper (down to lake
bottom, 36 m) at 416.0 to document thermal stratification formation during summer and subsequent
mixing in autumn.
Monthly profile data and hourly temperature data collected from the continuous loggers, along with
historical profile data and hourly BCSS intake and discharge temperatures (provided through internal
Duke Energy sources) will provide the data required to perform a thermal analysis of Belews Lake.
Vertical profiles, time -series graphs, surface/transect contour graphs, thermal plume extent (i.e.,
ambient boundary), degree of stratification, intake temperature and other potential parameters may
be used to display different seasonal conditions in the lake. Species -specific heat -tolerance data can be
overlaid with these displays (e.g., surface and cross -sectional avoidance areas by species), which will
help determine if any fish migrations barriers may exist related to the thermal discharge.
Spatial analysis of the surface thermal plume in Belews Lake during winter and summer worst -case
scenarios will be produced from archived satellite imagery. Satelytics Inc. will provide these images
from Landsat 7 Band 6 (thermal; X = 10.4-12.5 µm) satellites. Thermal resolution will be reported at
1°C.
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4.2 Limnology
Data from Duke Energy's existing in situ water quality and water chemistry monitoring program will be
incorporated into the 316(a) Demonstration to address any potential water quality/chemistry
interactions with the thermal effluent (e.g., dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, etc.) and how those
interactions may affect the Lake's biotic community. A list of variables in the sampling program can be
found in Table 2.
4.3 Habitat Formers
One qualitative (presence/absence) habitat former (aquatic vegetation) survey will be conducted in the
summer during the year -long comprehensive study. Presence and spatial distribution will be recorded
for all visible aquatic vegetation species (submerged, floating and emergent). Observations will be
mapped and overlaid with thermal plume displays to determine if aquatic vegetation distributions are
influenced by the thermal discharge.
4.4 Planktonic Communities
Phytoplankton and zooplankton are low potential impact (LPI) biotic categories. Narrative assessments
of these components will be made and included within the framework of the Belews Lake BIC utilizing
scientific literature and historical planktonic data collected from Belews Lake (Weiss and Anderson
1978). The validity of using a narrative approach can be found in the most recent 316(a) review by
Coutant (2013).
4.5 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community
Like phytoplankton and zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates are LPI. The narrative assessment
will include assessed using scientific literature and historical data (Duke Energy 2005, 2011, 2015; Duke
Power Company 1996, 2000; Weiss and Anderson 1978).
4.5.1 Mussel Community Survey
Qualitative (timed/distance) mussel surveys will be conducted once during the Demonstration period
according to Duke Energy procedure FSH-867.0 (on file with NCDEQ). All native mussel species will be
considered RIS (Table 3). The goal will be to complete two timed surveys within each fisheries study
location (12 total surveys, see section 4.6 below; Figure 1; Table 1), each survey encompassing 4.0
person -hours of search time or at least a distance of 200 m. Survey site locations, substrate
descriptions, species identifications, relative abundance (Catch -Per -Unit -Effort [CPUE]), individual
length measurements and survey technique (e.g., tactile search using surface air supply, snorkeling and
bathyscope) will be recorded for each location site. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze results.
Results will be mapped using GIS techniques.
4.6 Fish Community
Fisheries surveys will be performed during the Demonstration to evaluate for BIC. As stated above, a
BIC should be diverse and contain different trophic levels, be self-sustaining year to year, not be
dominated by pollution -tolerant species and contain adequate food items. Fish species selected to be
RIS are listed in Table 3.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
4.6.1 Electrofishing
Boat electrofishing surveys will be conducted according to standard fisheries methods (Zale et al. 2012)
and Duke Energy procedure FSH-250.05. Sampling will be done quarterly (every three months), and
four timed transects (approximately 1000 seconds of effort per transect) will be performed in each
study location, totaling 24 transects lake wide (Figure 1; Table 1). Transects will be sampled during the
day with a Smith -Root GPP Electrofisher mounted on a Smith -Root boat, using pulsed DC current.
Transects will be established parallel to the shoreline and be designed to ensure no overlap with other
transects will occur. Boat crews will consist of a driver and two netters on the bow. Species
identification, enumeration and individual total length (nearest millimeter) and weight (nearest gram)
will be recorded for fish collected in each transect. 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. Water quality measurements (temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH) will
be taken at each transect with a calibrated probe to evaluate environmental conditions at the time of
collection.
4.6.2 Gill Nets
Experimental gill nets will be deployed according to Duke Energy procedure FSH-252.03 during each
quarterly electrofishing survey to select for bottom -orienting and pelagic fish. Gill nets will be 8' deep
and 100' long with four incremental, 25' sections per net (1", 2", 3" and 4" monofilament stretch
length). Two gill nets will be set in each study location for two net -nights, totaling four net -nights every
quarter per location (24 total net -nights lake wide). Every study location will have three or four
potential gill net locations (Figure 1; Table 1), two of which will be randomly selected each net -night.
Nets will be set on lake bottom approximately perpendicular to the shoreline with the 1" stretch
section nearest to shore. After each net -night the fish will be removed and the net re -set or stored on
the boat. Individual fish will be identified, enumerated, measured and inspected using the same
methods described for fish collected during electrofishing (see above).
4.6.3 Analysis
Data analysis will consist of total taxa numbers and biomass (fish only), mean CPUE calculations, spatial
comparisons of RIS, length distributions, species pollution tolerance, trophic guild and hybrid
complexes. Comparisons will be made among locations using one-way ANOVA with the conservative
Bonferroni multiple -comparison procedure (a = 0.1) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) and related
community level analyses. Simple means, standard deviations and ranges may also be reported.
Biological community indices such as Shannon's Diversity Index and Species Richness will be an
additional data assessment tool. Primer 7 and Sigma Plot will be utilized for biological data analyses,
and GIS will primarily be utilized for graphic displays.
4.7 Other Vertebrate Wildlife
In addition to aquatic biota, Duke Energy will conduct observations regarding "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 ones of LPI for other vertebrate wildlife simply because thermal discharge plumes
should not generally impact large or unique populations of wildlife (e.g., waterfowl concentrations,
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
eagle wintering areas). Exceptions to sites classified as LPI would be those few sites where the
discharge might affect protected, RIS, or threatened and endangered wildlife.
Observations for wildlife will be conducted by qualified Duke Energy staff at sampling sites similar in
general location to those being conducted for the fisheries study component (Braun 2005; Heyer et. al.,
1994; Wilson et.al., 1996). The observations will also be conducted in the same time period (i.e.,
month, season) as the fisheries fieldwork. Observations will be augmented by literature reviews of
pertinent information (e.g., USFWS listed species county list, USFWS Information for Planning and
Construction database, facility -specific reports) which will enable Duke Energy to prepare rationale
regarding why the site should be considered one of low potential impact or an exception to that.
Observations will be conducted for aquatic wildlife species or species that use the Belews aquatic
system during activities such as foraging for fish or other life function activities. During this
Demonstration, Duke Energy will not be documenting wildlife species that do not fit the criteria
mentioned above (e.g., white-tailed deer, most songbirds and wild turkeys).
4.8 Endangered Species
Wildlife surveys (Section 4.7 above) will include an assessment of presence/absence of threatened and
endangered terrestrial species that may inhabit or potentially use the area near BCSS (e.g., bald eagle).
Information regarding the protected and federally listed terrestrial species will be obtained via the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Stokes, Rockingham, and Forsyth Counties, NC
county -wide list (USFWS 2014). Mussel surveys will also be utilized to detect any threatened and
endangered mussel species. Scientific literature, federal and state surveys and listings, and Natural
Heritage Program database element occurrences will be reviewed or queried for other protected
aquatic species that may occur in Belews Lake. Lastly, the NCWRC will be consulted for additional
input.
5 Reference Lake
If available, additional reference locations are valuable in a 316(a) Demonstration (Coutant 2013).
Mayo Reservoir is an impoundment of Mayo Creek in Person County, North Carolina, approximately 65
miles ENE of Belews Lake. Reaching full pond in 1983, it was originally created to supply make-up
cooling water to Mayo Steam Electric Plant (MP). Although Mayo Reservoir is smaller and shallower
than Belews Lake (1,133 ha compared to 1,563 ha and average depth of 9.0 m to 14.6 m, respectively),
it is a good candidate as a reference lake for several reasons listed below:
1. Mayo Reservoir receives little to zero thermal input from MP due to cooling towers,
2. has a similar but less severe legacy issue with selenium loading to the lake,
3. is in the same basin as Belews Lake (Roanoke River basin),
4. has similar productivity and nutrient load to Belews Lake (low to moderate),
5. has a similarly long retention time (1,100 days compared to 1,500 days for Belews Lake),
6. is buffered by similar land use patterns (mostly undeveloped forest), and
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
7. was recently found to have a "relatively balanced and stable fish community" by NCDWR
(2018).
Consistent monitoring has been occurring on Mayo Reservoir since 1983 and continues through the
present (Duke Energy Progress 2017). Water quality and water chemistry are currently collected bi-
monthly (six times per year) and fisheries data are collected through shoreline electrofishing four times
a year in April, May, October and November. In addition, experimental gill nets identical to those used
in Belews Lake will be deployed during fisheries surveys in 2019 and 2020. These environmental
reference data from Mayo Reservoir will be compared with data collected from Belews Lake during the
316(a) Demonstration. Indices to be compared between lakes may include pollution tolerant species
percentages, species trophic level percentages, Species Richness, Shannon Diversity Index and others,
as well as water quality and chemistry parameters.
6 Data Management
All data collected by Duke Energy for the BCSS 316(a) Demonstration will be digitally recorded and
uploaded into Duke Energy's EQuIS database for retrieval and analysis. Internal QA/QC processes will
be established to ensure accuracy of data being submitted to the EQuIS database.
7 Study Timeline and Reporting
The BCSS NPDES permit has an effective date of March 25, 2019, with a due date of August 22, 2019 for
the final draft of the 316(a) Demonstration Study Plan. The BCSS 316(a) Demonstration will commence
January 1, 2020 and will be conducted for one year. According to the NPDES Permit, study results will
be presented in a report to NCDEQ within 120 days of monitoring completion (May 1, 2021) for
application of a 316(a) variance.
8 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. 2005. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Duke Energy. 2011. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Energy. 2015. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake. NPDES No.
NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Energy Progress. 2017. Mayo Steam Electric Plant 2016 Environmental Monitoring Report. NPDES
No. NC0038377. Duke Energy Progress, Raleigh, NC.
Duke Power Company. 1996. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake.
NPDES No. NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Duke Power Company. 2000. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in Belews Lake.
NPDES No. NC0024406. Duke Power Company, Huntersville, NC.
Harrel, R. D., R. L. Fuller and T. J. Edwards. 1978. An investigation of the fish community of Belews Lake
North Carolina. DukePWR/78-07. 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.
Hining, K. 2003. Characteristics of the black and white crappie populations in Belews Lake, 2001-2002.
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Hining, K. 2005a. Characteristics of the black and white crappie populations in Belews Lake, 2004. North
Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Hining, K. 2005b. Comparison of day and night electrofishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass in
three North Carolina reservoirs. North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of
Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Hodges, K. 2012. Belews Lake largemouth bass survey, 2007-2009. North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
NCDWR. Review of Progress Energy, Mayo Electric Generation Plant (NC 0038377) Environmental
Monitoring Report (Letter). May 24, 2018.
USFWS. 2014. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate
Species. New Hanover County, NC. Raleigh Ecological Field Office.
Van Horn, S. L. 1978. Development of the sport fish potential of an industrial cooling lake. North
Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries. Raleigh, NC.
Weiss, C. M. and T. P. Anderson. 1978. Belews Lake: a summary of a seven year study (August 1970-
June 1977) to assess environmental effects of a coal-fired power plant on a cooling pond. ESE
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
No. 475. Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill,
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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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
9 Figures and Tables
IA 418.0
Belews Creek Steam Station— ❑
0 0.5 1 2 Miles
I
I 1 1
0 0.75 1.5 3 Kilometers
NA
Sampling Locations:
O Water Quality
Profiles
+ Continuous Temp.
Loggers
• Electrofishing
o Gill Nets
o Mussels
DUKE
FNFRGY
Figure 1. Belews Lake 316(a) study areas (labeled with bold letters and delineated with solid black lines) and
sample locations.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 1. Belews Creek Steam Station 316(a) Demonstration Study Plan Summary.
PROGRAM
FREQUENCY LOCATION
Limnology
Water Quality Quarterly 416.0, 411.0, 412.0, 418.0, 410.5, 410.0,
408.0, 408.1, 408.2, 419.3, 419.2, 405.0
Water Chemistry 1" Quarter, 3rd Quarter 416.0, 411.0, 412.0, 418.0, 418.3, 410.0,
408.2, 419.3, 419.2, 405.0
Chlorophyll a 1St Quarter, 3rd Quarter 416.0, 411.0, 412.0, 418.0, 418.3, 410.0,
408.2, 419.3, 419.2, 405.0
Habitat Formers
Aquatic Vegetation Once during summer Lake -wide littoral zone
Mussel survey Once during summer 12 transects, 2 each at 6 locations
412.0, 418.0, 410.0, 408.0, 408.2, 419.2
Fisheries
Electrofishing
Gill nets
Quarterly 24 transects, 4 each at 6 locations
412.0, 418.0, 410.0, 408.0, 408.2, 419.2
Quarterly 2x 100ft experimental nets at 6 locations
412.0, 418.0, 410.0, 408.0, 408.2, 419.2
Other Wildlife
Observation Once during summer One observation at 6 location vicinities
412.0, 418.0, 410.0, 408.0, 408.2, 419.2
1 No metals collected except at locations D_3_418.3 and J_2_419.2.
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table 2. Belews Lake Water Quality and Water Chemistry Monitoring Variables.
Water Quality
Water Chemistry
Metals (total)
Arsenic
Copper
Mercury (Low Level)
Selenium
Zinc
Ions
Calcium
Chloride
Magnesium
Sulfate
Temperature
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Specific conductivity
Chlorophyll a
Nutrients
Ammonia nitrogen
Nitrite -nitrate nitrogen
Total Kjeldhal nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Orthophosphate
Total organic carbon
Alkalinity (TIP)
Total Hardness
Physical
Total dissolved solids
Turbidity
Table 3. Representative Important Species (RIS) in Belews Lake.
Fish
Common Name
Gizzard Shad
Channel Catfish
Redbreast Sunfish
Bluegill
Redear Sunfish
Spotted Bass
Largemouth Bass
Mussels
Any native species collected
Scientific Name
Dorosoma cepedianum
Ictalurus punctatus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis macrochirus
Lepomis microlophus
Micropterus punctulatus
Micropterus salmoides
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Appendix B
Real Statistics° Statistical Analysis
B-16

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Winter Temperature Comparison by Zone
Descriptive Statistics
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Mean
16.41791919
14.94394699
13.3216197
12.8579614
9.905342403
Standard Error
1.245978252
0.832379875
0.470511454
0.33369949
0.803201976
Median
15.72556317
14.38873656
12.86364382
12.65193527
10.06467958
Standard Deviation
2.158097637
1.441724236
0.814949745
0.577984471
1.391186632
Sample Variance
4.657385413
2.078568771
0.664143086
0.334066048
1.935400244
Skewness
1.295090518
1.475954236
1.730223021
1.40024021
-0.508638848
Range
4.146259889
2.718363335
1.423849222
1.099510753
2.768652374
Maximum
18.83722715
16.58073387
14.26253226
13.51072984
11.21
Minimum
14.69096726
13.86237054
12.83868304
12.41121909
8.441347626
Sum
49.25375758
44.83184097
39.96485911
38.57388419
29.71602721
Geometric Mean
16.32642851
14.89891484
13.3053726
12.84941644
9.838731689
Harmonic Mean
16.23849946
14.85534601
13.28951595
12.84099254
9.771098225
AAD
1.61287197
1.091191255
0.627275036
0.435178961
0.975996518
MAD
1.03459591
0.526366023
0.024960781
0.240716182
1.145320417
IQR
2.073129944
1.359181668
0.711924611
0.549755376
1.384326187
Multiplier
2.2
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Min
14.69096726
13.86237054
12.83868304
12.41121909
8.441347626
Q1-Min
0.517297955
0.263183012
0.012480391
0.120358091
0.811665978
Med-Q1
0.517297955
0.263183012
0.012480391
0.120358091
0.811665978
Q3-Med
1.555831989
1.095998656
0.69944422
0.429397285
0.572660209
Max-03
1.555831989
1.095998656
0.69944422
0.429397285
0.572660209
Mean
16.41791919
14.94394699
13.3216197
12.8579614
9.905342403
Min
14.69096726
13.86237054
12.83868304
12.41121909
8.441347626
Q1
15.20826522
14.12555355
12.85116343
12.53157718
9.253013605
Median
15.72556317
14.38873656
12.86364382
12.65193527
10.06467958
Q3
17.28139516
15.48473522
13.56308804
13.08133255
10.63733979
Max
18.83722715
16.58073387
14.26253226
13.51072984
11.21
Mean
16.41791919
14.94394699
13.3216197
12.8579614
9.905342403
Grand Min
0
Outliers
None
None
None
None
None
B-17

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Shapiro -Wilk Test IIM
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
W-stat
0.92280698
0.88877252
0.76314376
0.90470425
0.990161594
p-value
0.462295338
0.350604884
0.029248454
0.400635418
0.810250465
alpha
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
normal
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
Levene's Tests
type
p-value
means
0.19552622
medians
0.762901942
trimmed
0.19552622
Factor Single 11
Factor
DESCRIPTION
Alpha
0.05
Group
Count
Sum
Mean
Variance
SS
Std Err
Lower
Upper
Zone A
3
49.25375758
16.41791919
4.657385413
9.314770825
0.80289325
14.62896155
18.20687684
Zone C
3
44.83184097
14.94394699
2.078568771
4.157137543
0.80289325
13.15498934
16.73290463
Zone D
3
39.96485911
13.3216197
0.664143086
1.328286173
0.80289325
11.53266206
15.11057735
Zone E
3
38.57388419
12.8579614
0.334066048
0.668132097
0.80289325
11.06900375
14.64691904
Zone F
3
29.71602721
9.905342403
1.935400244
3.870800488
0.80289325
8.116384759
11.69430005
ANOVA
Sources
SS
df
MS
F
P value
Eta-sq
RMSSE
Omega Sq
Between Groups
71.89279621
4
17.97319905
9.293697143
0.002114399
0.788022367
1.760084955
0.688633818
Within Groups
19.33912713
10
1.933912713
Total
91.23192333
14
6.516565952
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CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
TUKEY HSD/KRAMER
alpha
0.05
group
mean
n
ss
df
q-crit
Zone A
16.41791919
3
9.314770825
Zone C
14.94394699
3
4.157137543
Zone D
13.3216197
3
1.328286173
Zone E
12.8579614
3
0.668132097
Zone F
9.905342403
3
3.870800488
15
19.33912713
10
4.654
111111 Q TEST
group 1
group 2
mean
q-stat
p-value
Cohen d
Zone A
Zone C
1.473972206
1.835825879
0.698338205
1.059914565
Zone A
Zone D
3.096299491
3.856427353
0.11887182
2.226509371
Zone A
Zone E
3.559957797
4.433911728
0.04623
2.55992013
Zone A
Zone F
6.512576792
8.111385657
0.001371947
4.683110692
Zone C
Zone D
1.622327285
2.020601475
0.624833555
1.166594805
Zone C
Zone E
2.085985591
2.598085849
0.405671525
1.500005564
Zone C
Zone F
5.038604586
6.275559778
0.008629009
3.623196127
Zone D
Zone E
0.463658306
0.577484374
0.993208449
0.333410759
Zone D
Zone F
3.416277301
4.254958303
0.077383608
2.456601322
Zone E
Zone F
2.952618995
3.677473929
0.143595411
2.123190563
20
18
16
vi 14
2 12
1- 10
8
6
4
2
0
T
x
L
Distribution of TEMP_C
T
1
Zone A
Zone C Zone D
B-19
Zone E Zone F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Summer Temperature Comparison by Zone
Descriptive Statistics
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Mean
37.94084257
36.06800428
32.77845714
31.64037619
30.28288673
Standard Error
1.054099927
1.095905881
0.966990098
0.899462212
0.892690166
Median
38.92136333
35.97137464
32.94702312
31.91161626
30.41312155
Standard Deviation
1.82575463
1.898164666
1.674875979
1.55791425
1.546184723
Sample Variance
3.333379968
3.603029099
2.805209546
2.42709681
2.390687198
Skewness
-1.719686391
0.228487294
-0.448309883
-0.759721896
-0.376344946
Range
3.232531049
3.792638202
3.337003853
3.080206765
3.084131234
Maximum
39.06684772
38.0126382
34.36267608
33.04485954
31.75983494
Minimum
35.83431667
34.22
31.02567222
29.96465278
28.6757037
Sum
113.8225277
108.2040128
98.33537142
94.92112858
90.84866019
Geometric Mean
37.91099478
36.03476416
32.74975984
31.61457299
30.25643621
Harmonic Mean
37.88060889
36.00161296
32.72091749
31.58855743
30.22987346
AAD
1.404350603
1.296422614
1.168523278
1.117148945
1.071455351
MAD
0.145484382
1.75137464
1.415652954
1.13324328
1.346713391
IQR
1.616265525
1.896319101
1.668501927
1.540103383
1.542065617
Multiplier
2.2
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Min
35.83431667
34.22
31.02567222
29.96465278
28.6757037
Q1-Min
1.543523333
0.87568732
0.96067545
0.973481743
0.868708922
Med-Q1
1.543523333
0.87568732
0.96067545
0.973481743
0.868708922
Q3-Med
0.072742191
1.020631781
0.707826477
0.56662164
0.673356696
Max-03
0.072742191
1.020631781
0.707826477
0.56662164
0.673356696
Mean
37.94084257
36.06800428
32.77845714
31.64037619
30.28288673
Min
35.83431667
34.22
31.02567222
29.96465278
28.6757037
Q1
37.37784
35.09568732
31.98634767
30.93813452
29.54441263
Median
38.92136333
35.97137464
32.94702312
31.91161626
30.41312155
Q3
38.99410552
36.99200642
33.6548496
32.4782379
31.08647824
Max
39.06684772
38.0126382
34.36267608
33.04485954
31.75983494
Mean
37.94084257
36.06800428
32.77845714
31.64037619
30.28288673
Grand Min
0
Outliers
None
None
None
None
None
B-20

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
■ Shapiro -Wilk Test
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
W-stat
0.78368331
0.998056367
0.99240311
0.977265686
0.994679007
p-value
0.076112388
0.91577239
0.83332391
0.710929864
0.8605602
alpha
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
normal
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Levene's Tests
type
p-value
means
0.986247023
medians
0.999043437
trimmed
0.986247023
ANOVA:
Single Factor
'
■
DESCRIPTION
Alpha
0.05
Group
Count
Sum
Mean
Variance
SS
Std Err
Lower
Upper
Zone A
3
113.8225277
37.94084257
3.333379968
6.666759937
0.985203959
35.74567135
40.13601379
Zone C
3
108.2040128
36.06800428
3.603029099
7.206058198
0.985203959
33.87283306
38.2631755
Zone D
3
98.33537142
32.77845714
2.805209546
5.610419093
0.985203959
30.58328592
34.97362836
Zone E
3
94.92112858
31.64037619
2.42709681
4.854193621
0.985203959
29.44520498
33.83554741
Zone F
3
90.84866019
30.28288673
2.390687198
4.781374397
0.985203959
28.08771551
32.47805795
ANOVA
Sources
SS
df
MS
F
P value
Eta-sq
RMSSE
Omega Sq
Between
Groups
121.0538306
4
30.26345765
10.39309731
0.001378872
0.806097795
1.86128068
0.714679127
Within
Groups
29.11880525
10
2.911880525
Total
150.1726359
14
10.72661685
B-21

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
TUKEY HSD/KRAMER
alpha
0.05
group
mean
n
ss
df
q-crit
Zone A
37.94084257
3
6.666759937
Zone C
36.06800428
3
7.206058198
Zone D
32.77845714
3
5.610419093
Zone E
31.64037619
3
4.854193621
Zone F
30.28288673
3
4.781374397
15
29.11880525
10
4.654
Q TEST
group 1
group 2
mean
q-stat
p-value
Cohen d
Zone A
Zone C
1.872838291
1.900965047
0.672609837
1.097522682
Zone A
Zone D
5.162385432
5.239915434
0.02630016
3.025266586
Zone A
Zone E
6.300466377
6.395088365
0.007610534
3.692205989
Zone A
Zone F
7.657955842
7.772964948
0.00189653
4.487723405
Zone C
Zone D
3.289547141
3.338950387
0.203311568
1.927743905
Zone C
Zone E
4.427628086
4.494123317
0.0512
2.594683307
Zone C
Zone F
5.785117551
5.8719999
0.013254244
3.390200723
Zone D
Zone E
1.138080945
1.155172931
0.919492779
0.666939402
Zone D
Zone F
2.49557041
2.533049514
0.42827813
1.462456819
Zone E
Zone F
1.357489465
1.377876583
0.860740977
0.795517416
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Distribution of TEMP_C
I xT1 I
Zone A
Zone C Zone D
B-22
Zone E Zone F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Fall Temperature Comparison by Zone
Descriptive Statistics
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Mean
26.1994132
24.19669029
22.48399347
22.57213816
21.66615198
Standard Error
3.116457346
3.599302882
3.188780232
3.019047789
2.666924351
Median
27.01339516
22.51228754
22.20788179
23.84928669
22.59379217
Standard Deviation
5.397862463
6.234175463
5.523129377
5.22914416
4.619248476
Sample Variance
29.13691917
38.8649437
30.50495811
27.34394865
21.33745648
Skewness
-0.663156006
1.12708924
0.22440128
-1.033503927
-0.867247709
Range
10.70326944
12.12221667
11.03590139
10.22166667
9.097707234
Maximum
31.14405694
31.1
28.14
27.04439722
25.7511855
Minimum
20.4407875
18.97778333
17.10409861
16.82273056
16.65347826
Sum
78.59823961
72.59007087
67.4519804
67.71641447
64.99845593
Geometric Mean
25.81174266
23.68509695
22.02810514
22.1385784
21.31884983
Harmonic Mean
25.41310691
23.20765001
21.57789358
21.68419827
20.95841072
AAD
3.839083801
4.602206473
3.770671022
3.832938401
3.341782477
MAD
4.130661783
3.534504207
5.103783178
3.195110528
3.157393322
IQR
5.351634722
6.061108333
5.517950694
5.110833333
4.548853617
Multiplier
2.2
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Min
20.4407875
18.97778333
17.10409861
16.82273056
16.65347826
Q1-Min
3.286303831
1.767252103
2.551891589
3.513278069
2.970156956
Med-Q1
3.286303831
1.767252103
2.551891589
3.513278069
2.970156956
Q3-Med
2.065330892
4.29385623
2.966059105
1.597555264
1.578696661
Max-03
2.065330892
4.29385623
2.966059105
1.597555264
1.578696661
Mean
26.1994132
24.19669029
22.48399347
22.57213816
21.66615198
Min
20.4407875
18.97778333
17.10409861
16.82273056
16.65347826
Q1
23.72709133
20.74503544
19.6559902
20.33600862
19.62363522
Median
27.01339516
22.51228754
22.20788179
23.84928669
22.59379217
Q3
29.07872605
26.80614377
25.17394089
25.44684196
24.17248883
Max
31.14405694
31.1
28.14
27.04439722
25.7511855
Mean
26.1994132
24.19669029
22.48399347
22.57213816
21.66615198
Outliers
None
None
None
None
None
B-23

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
IShapiro -Wilk Test
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
W-stat
0.982945178
0.945248616
0.998125608
0.955261352
0.969753318
p-value
0.749868181
0.548928975
0.917287217
0.592960471
0.666146814
alpha
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
normal
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Levene's Tests
type
p-value
means
0.982326821
medians
0.997477456
trimmed
0.982326821
ANOVA: Single Factor
DESCRIPTION
Alpha
0.05
Group
Count
Sum
Mean
Variance
SS
Std Err
Lower
Upper
Zone A
3
78.59823961
26.1994132
29.13691917
58.27383835
3.132498748
19.21977104
33.17905537
Zone C
3
72.59007087
24.19669029
38.8649437
77.7298874
3.132498748
17.21704813
31.17633246
Zone D
3
67.4519804
22.48399347
30.50495811
61.00991622
3.132498748
15.5043513
29.46363563
Zone E
3
67.71641447
22.57213816
27.34394865
54.6878973
3.132498748
15.59249599
29.55178032
Zone F
3
64.99845593
21.66615198
21.33745648
42.67491296
3.132498748
14.68650981
28.64579414
ANOVA
Sources
SS
df
MS
F
P value
Eta-sq
RMSSE
Omega Sq
Between
Groups
38.99783629
4
9.749459072
0.331190182
0.850854906
0.116979136
0.33226003
-0.217062167
Within
Groups
294.3764522
10
29.43764522
Total
333.3742885
14
23.81244918
B-24

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
TUKEY HSD/KRAMER
alpha
0.05
group
mean
n
ss
df
q-crit
Zone A
26.1994132
3
58.27383835
Zone C
24.19669029
3
77.7298874
Zone D
22.48399347
3
61.00991622
Zone E
22.57213816
3
54.6878973
Zone F
21.66615198
3
42.67491296
15
294.3764522
10
4.654
Q TEST
group 1
group 2
mean
q-stat
p-value
Cohen d
Zone A
Zone C
2.002722911
0.639337178
0.990035559
0.369121492
Zone A
Zone D
3.715419735
1.186088179
0.912349489
0.684788329
Zone A
Zone E
3.627275045
1.1579494
0.918865113
0.668542398
Zone A
Zone F
4.533261226
1.447170962
0.839238096
0.835524544
Zone C
Zone D
1.712696824
0.546751
0.994482913
0.315666837
Zone C
Zone E
1.624552134
0.518612221
0.995491297
0.299420906
Zone C
Zone F
2.530538315
0.807833783
0.976446027
0.466403052
Zone D
Zone E
0.088144691
0.028138779
0.999999957
0.016245932
Zone D
Zone F
0.817841491
0.261082783
0.999691124
0.150736215
Zone E
Zone F
0.905986181
0.289221562
0.999537178
0.166982147
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
T
x
1
Distribution of TEMP_C
x
1
X
1
T
1
Zone A
Zone C Zone D
Zone E Zone F
B-25

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Spring Temperature Comparison by Zone
Descriptive Statistics
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Mean
26.26883597
23.64887149
21.34009129
20.46571659
18.21893578
Standard Error
2.956245942
2.737096424
3.044174217
3.02320784
2.896059248
Median
27.64755093
25.51173781
22.66550432
21.73297184
19.00638889
Standard Deviation
5.120368171
4.740790072
5.272664411
5.236349581
5.01612176
Sample Variance
26.21817021
22.4750905
27.80098999
27.41935693
25.16147751
Skewness
-1.123825954
-1.495222354
-1.059706383
-1.025265347
-0.689020677
Range
9.958419355
8.915691183
10.29241473
10.24009864
9.939097687
Maximum
30.55868817
27.17528392
25.82359214
24.95213829
22.79475806
Minimum
20.60026882
18.25959274
15.53117742
14.71203965
12.85566038
Sum
78.80650792
70.94661448
64.02027388
61.39714978
54.65680733
Geometric Mean
25.91521127
23.30603566
20.87030554
19.98173788
17.72595584
Harmonic Mean
25.54571118
22.94252909
20.37617021
19.47276812
17.21463042
AAD
3.77904477
3.5928525
3.87260925
3.835784628
3.575516933
MAD
2.911137246
1.663546116
3.158087824
3.219166455
3.788369176
IQR
4.979209677
4.457845591
5.146207363
5.12004932
4.969548844
Multiplier
2.2
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
Min
20.60026882
18.25959274
15.53117742
14.71203965
12.85566038
Q1-Min
3.523641054
3.626072533
3.567163451
3.510466093
3.075364256
Med-Q1
3.523641054
3.626072533
3.567163451
3.510466093
3.075364256
Q3-Med
1.455568623
0.831773058
1.579043912
1.609583228
1.894184588
Max-03
1.455568623
0.831773058
1.579043912
1.609583228
1.894184588
Mean
26.26883597
23.64887149
21.34009129
20.46571659
18.21893578
Min
20.60026882
18.25959274
15.53117742
14.71203965
12.85566038
Q1
24.12390987
21.88566528
19.09834087
18.22250574
15.93102463
Median
27.64755093
25.51173781
22.66550432
21.73297184
19.00638889
Q3
29.10311955
26.34351087
24.24454823
23.34255506
20.90057348
Max
30.55868817
27.17528392
25.82359214
24.95213829
22.79475806
Mean
26.26883597
23.64887149
21.34009129
20.46571659
18.21893578
Grand Min
0
Outliers
None
None
None
None
None
B-26

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
■ Shapiro -Wilk Test
Zone A
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Zone F
W-stat
0.945623925
0.884196098
0.952608171
0.956072934
0.981516912
p-value
0.550506924
0.336827889
0.580872987
0.596725706
0.739542248
alpha
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
normal
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
■ Levene's Tests
type
p-value
means
0.999678458
medians
0.999834831
trimmed
0.999678458
■ ANOVA: Single Factor '
DESCRIPTION
Alpha
0.05
Group
Count
Sum
Mean
Variance
SS
Std Err
Lower
Upper
Zone A
3
78.80650792
26.26883597
26.21817021
52.43634041
2.933428996
19.73274886
32.80492309
Zone C
3
70.94661448
23.64887149
22.4750905
44.95018101
2.933428996
17.11278438
30.18495861
Zone D
3
64.02027388
21.34009129
27.80098999
55.60197997
2.933428996
14.80400418
27.87617841
Zone E
3
61.39714978
20.46571659
27.41935693
54.83871387
2.933428996
13.92962948
27.00180371
Zone F
3
54.65680733
18.21893578
25.16147751
50.32295502
2.933428996
11.68284866
24.75502289
ANOVA
Sources
SS
df
MS
F
P value
Eta-sq
RMSSE
Omega Sq
Between
Groups
114.0810813
4
28.52027033
1.104793783
0.406283709
0.306479053
0.606848082
0.027185315
Within
Groups
258.1501703
10
25.81501703
Total
372.2312516
14
26.58794654
B-27

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
TUKEY HSD/KRAMER
alpha
0.05
group
mean
n
ss
df
q-crit
Zone A
26.26883597
3
52.43634041
Zone C
23.64887149
3
44.95018101
Zone D
21.34009129
3
55.60197997
Zone E
20.46571659
3
54.83871387
Zone F
18.21893578
3
50.32295502
15
258.1501703
10
4.654
Q TEST Aim
group 1
group 2
mean
q-stat
q-stat
p-value
Cohen d
Zone A
Zone C
2.61996448
0.893140582
0.893140582
0.966322663
0.515654955
Zone A
Zone D
4.928744677
1.680199072
1.680199072
0.758024411
0.970063386
Zone A
Zone E
5.803119379
1.978271636
1.978271636
0.641777948
1.142155661
Zone A
Zone F
8.049900195
2.744194663
2.744194663
0.357570994
1.584361527
Zone C
Zone D
2.308780197
0.78705849
0.78705849
0.978560809
0.454408431
Zone C
Zone E
3.183154899
1.085131054
1.085131054
0.934413774
0.626500706
Zone C
Zone F
5.429935715
1.851054081
1.851054081
0.692351916
1.068706572
Zone D
Zone E
0.874374702
0.298072564
0.298072564
0.999478747
0.172092275
Zone D
Zone F
3.121155518
1.063995591
1.063995591
0.938569708
0.614298141
Zone E
Zone F
2.246780816
0.765923027
0.765923027
0.980577815
0.442205866
35
30
25
u
I
20
~ 15
10
5
0
T
X
1
Distribution of TEMP_C
T
1
T
x
1
T
X
1
T
X
1
Zone A
Zone C Zone D
Zone E Zone F
B-28

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Appendix C
Box and whisker plots depicting historical analytical
data compared to 2020.
0 Historical data (2001-2019)
0 2020 data
Horizontal line represents median
Boxes show 25th and 75th percentiles
Whiskers show 10th and 90th percentiles
B
C-29
D
Zones
E
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Total phosphorus (mg/L)
0.14
0.12 -
0.10 -
0.08 -
0.06 -
0.04 -
0.02 -
0.00
0.07
0
0
O 0 0 o O
8
I 0 I
B
D
E
F
0.06 -
- 0.05 -
0)
E
a? 0.04 -
co
0.
co
0 0.03 -
0.
0
0 0.02 -
0.01 -
0.00
O 0 0 0 0
O 0 cU 0 8
B
C-30
D
E
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Ammonia (mg/L)
Nitrite -nitrate (mg/L)
0.20
0.15 -
0.10 -
0.05 -
0.00
HHTTTT LT,
B
C-31
D
D
E
E
F
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (mg/L)
Total organic carbon (mg/L)
25
B
D
E
F
20 -
15 -
10 -
5-
0
B
D
C-32
E
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Calcium (mg/L)
Magnesium (mg/L)
10
8-
6
No Data
I
1
8
I
0
4-
2-
0
B
B
D
D
C-33
E
E
F
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Chloride (mg/L)
Sulfate (mg/L)
10
8-
6
4-
0
0
1
e
e e 0
0
0
0
2-
0
12
B
D
E
F
10 -
8
6-
8
o
1
0
0 0
4-
2-
0
B
D
C-34
E
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Turbidity (NTU)
Total dissolved solids (mg/L)
B
B
C-35
D
D
E
E
F
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Alkalinity (mg/L)
Total hardness (mg/L)
35
30 -
25 -
20 -
15 -
I
O o
O O O
o o
O
O
10 -
5-
0
B
B
D
D
C-36
E
E
F
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Arsenic (µg/L)
B
B
C-37
D
D
E
E
F
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Mercury (ng/L)
Selenium (µg/L)
2.5
F
2.0 -
1.5 -
No Data
1.0 -
0
0
0.5 -
0.0
C-38

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
B
D
C-39
E
F

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Appendix D
RDL and LOQ values for Nutrient Parameters
collected in 2020 at Belews Lake
Nutrient Parameter
Duke Energy Analytical
Lab
Pace Analytical
Laboratory
RDL (mg/L)
LOQ (mg/L)
Ammonia
0.02
0.10
Nitrate -Nitrite
0.01
0.020
Orthophosphate
0.005
0.050
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
0.100
0.050
Total Phosphorous
0.005
0.050
D-40

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Appendix E
Tables of fish caught seasonally from Belews Lake
during 2020 using electrofishing and gill nets.
Table E-1. Number and biomass of fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during winter
2020.
Species
A
Origin No. Kg
B
No. Kg No.
C
Kg
D
No. Kg
E
No. Kg
No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Hybrid sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Pumpkinseed
Redbreast Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Warmouth
White Crappie
Clupeidae
Alewife
Gizzard Shad
Threadfin Shad
Cyprinidae
Common Carp
lctaluridae
Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
Moronidae
White Perch
Percidae
Yellow Perch
Poeciliidae
Eastern
Mosquitofish
Total
Number of taxa
Introduced 29
Native
Native 546
Introduced 1
Hybrid 14
Native 16
Native
Native
Introduced 36
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
10.29 49
1
1.69 564
0.01 11
0.64 21
7.23 11
2
2.74 58
3
Introduced 1 9.00
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native 1 <0.01
644 31.61
8
8.49 26 8.66 22 1.66 36 1.49 16 4.98
0.37 9 1.30
2.29 28 0.50 186 0.56 122 0.70 187 3.20
0.05 4 0.20 1 0.01 1 <0.01 9 0.10
0.39 13 0.71 8 0.28 4 0.24
7.09 1 0.19 2 2.01 6 7.01 18 5.60
1 0.03
<0.01 4 0.03 6 0.09 4 0.05 2 0.06
2.33 19 2.20 3 0.27 4 0.23 36 4.71
0.08 3 0.04 2 0.03
5 0.74
12 5.46
1 0.02
10 3.32
1 <0.01 171 0.51
1 0.01
1 2.47
4 0.60
6 0.60
732 26.21 95 12.31 223 4.63 185 9.81 480 27.97
10 7 7 10 16
E-41

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table E-2. Number of and biomass fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during spring
2020.
Species
A
Origin No. Kg
B
No. Kg
C
No. Kg
D
No. Kg
E
No. Kg
F
No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Hybrid sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Redbreast Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Warmouth
White Crappie
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad
Cyprinidae
Common Carp
Grass Carp
Satinfin Shiner
Ictaluridae
Channel Catfish
Moronidae
White Perch
Percidae
Yellow Perch
Total
Number of taxa
Introduced 56
Native
Native 483
Introduced 2
Hybrid 4
Native 10
Native 1
Introduced 27
Native
Introduced
Native
24.69 61 13.83 60 20.38 79 25.18 49 13.00 15
9
1.72 368 3.86 97 2.25 44 0.64 83 1.32 297
0.02 15 0.15 2 0.09 5 0.17 4
0.09 9 0.08 15 0.83 5 0.36 8 0.94 2
6.13 22 11.91 12 10.82 8 6.37 20 16.09 46
0.06 25 1.03 22 0.96 37 1.49 16
3.13 54 1.88 43 2.38 16 1.73 13 1.49 7
6 0.15 1
9
4 1.14
Introduced 1 4.62 1 2.95
Introduced 1 6.08
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
1 1.78
1 0.11
5.14
18.67
4.76
0.06
0.28
20.91
0.65
1.17
0.02
2.66
13 4.56
3 15.88
1 0.01
2 2.31 9 6.10
1 0.19
3 0.07
585 46.54 542 37.84 254 37.78 174 35.24 217 36.81 436 81.13
11 9 7 6 8 16
Table E-3. Number of and biomass fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during
summer 2020.
Species
A
Origin No. Kg
B
No. Kg
c
No. Kg
D
No. Kg
E
No. Kg
F
No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Hybrid sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Redbreast Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
White Crappie
Clupeidae
Alewife
Gizzard Shad
Threadfin Shad
Cyprinidae
Satinfin Shiner
Ictaluridae
Channel Catfish
Total
Number of taxa
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Hybrid
Native
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Native
2 0.17 22 3.67 27 1.88 36
340 1.15 348 2.54 149 2.28 302
6 0.06 11 0.07 3 0.03 5
16 0.45 12 0.36 3 0.28 6
4 0.01 69 2.77 42
1 <0.01 5 0.14 41 1.27 132
1 0.02 10 0.64 10 0.44 9
Introduced
370
7
1.85 477 10.18
7
3.69 16 0.25 42 9.32
2.18 118 1.82 434 6.88
0.03 1 0.01 17 0.20
0.38 3 0.18 3 0.10
0.99 4 0.17 57 8.08
2.09 26 0.98 19 0.43
0.72 4 0.50 14 2.19
1 0.34
2 <0.01
1 0.38 6 1.46
43 0.12
1 0.82 2 2.08
234 7.00 536 12.55
7 10
5 0.02
3 1.93 8 4.27
177 5.83 649 33.39
9 12
E-42

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table E-4. Number of and biomass fish collected from electrofishing within six zones of Belews Lake during fall
2020.
Species
A B C D E F
Origin No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass Introduced 25 5.99 45 7.40 77 6.34 52 10.12 49 5.26 46 12.97
Black Crappie Native 1 0.28
Bluegill Native 408 0.97 506 2.25 146 1.94 176 1.84 117 2.70 229 5.35
Green Sunfish Introduced 4 0.02 15 0.06 11 0.11 1 <0.01 2 0.08 25 0.63
Hybrid sunfish Hybrid 14 0.53 16 0.10 22 0.62 10 0.26 4 0.29 5 0.26
Largemouth Bass Native 6 1.71 16 1.93 6 3.19 2 0.22 9 5.14 25 5.57
Pumpkinseed Native 1 0.03
Redbreast Sunfish Native 2 <0.01 5 0.10 37 0.90 61 0.87 29 1.23 21 0.43
Redear Sunfish Introduced 11 0.14 29 1.28 13 1.78 7 0.40 2 0.44 18 3.30
Warmouth Native 6 0.15 1 <0.01 2 0.10
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad Native 3 1.09 1 0.42 2 0.95 2 0.35
Cyprinidae
Common Carp Introduced 1 2.30
Golden Shiner Native 2 <0.01
Satinfin Shiner Native 10 0.02
lctaluridae
Channel Catfish Introduced 2 1.58 1 0.02 1 0.03 9 4.75
Flathead Catfish Introduced 1 1.01
Percidae
Yellow Perch Native 7 0.17
Poeciliidae
Eastern Mosquitofish Native 1 <0.01
Total 475 13.25 636 14.21 314 15.30 312 14.68 214 15.13 402 35.11
Number of taxa 10 9 9 9 8 15
E-43

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table E-5. Number of and biomass fish collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during winter
2020.
Species
A
Origin No. Kg
B
No. Kg
c
No. Kg
D
No. Kg
E
No. Kg
No. Kg
Catostomidae
Quillback
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Hybrid sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Redbreast Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Clupeidae
Alewife
Gizzard Shad
Threadfin Shad
Cyprinidae
Common Carp
Ictaluridae
Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Moronidae
White Perch
Total
Number of taxa
Native 1 1.05
Introduced
Native
Native
Hybrid
Native
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Native
23 12.19 30 14.59 31 17.54 14 7.05 31 19.82
3 0.92 2 0.49 9 2.98
1 <0.01 10 0.08 1 0.01 1 0.01
1 0.11
6 1.31 7 3.42 1 0.43 3 2.73 4 2.47
2 0.10 2 0.06
3 0.30 2 0.10 1 0.06 2 0.40
1 0.01
12 4.81 32 12.25 13 6.01 9 4.89 2 1.12
1 0.02
Introduced 1
Introduced 10
Introduced
Introduced 1
58
9
7.40 1 9.60
2.22 7 2.15 3 0.94 2 1.54
1 3.04 2 3.71
<0.01 3 0.21
29.89 96 36.55 64 37.72 32 16.44 42 27.52
10 10 7 6
11 3.78
23 3.89
3 4.38
4 0.05
10 3.52
21 0.15
1 2.82
9 2.05
11 1.71
93 22.35
9
Table E-6. Number of fish and biomass collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during spring
2020.
Species
A
Origin No. Kg
B
No. Kg No.
c
Kg
D
No. Kg
E
No. Kg
No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Redear Sunfish
White Crappie
Clupeidae
Alewife
Gizzard Shad
Threadfin Shad
Cyprinidae
Common Carp
Ictaluridae
Blue Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Moronidae
White Perch
Total
Number of taxa
Introduced 4
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native 4
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
1.54 9 4.40 16 5.70 9 4.19 11 5.08 8
1 0.37 11
2 0.01 1
1
2 0.62 1 0.27 1 0.70 4 3.76 5
2 0.28 1 0.14 1 0.05 2 0.67 1
1
1
1.38 38
0.01 10 0.10 1
10.39 18 8.46 5 2.42 8 3.85 75
2
1 3.64
9 5.74 17 4.79 4 4.79 3 2.95
1 0.82 1 1.98 1 <0.01
Introduced 3 0.23 2 0.17 1 0.18 4 0.88
21 9.70 73 23.00 42 23.17 26 11.20
5 9 7 8
4 12.62
4.48
2.60
0.01
0.04
2.01
0.14
0.17
0.01
17.62
0.02
1 1.79 12 8.94
1 4.57 1 1.13
11 2.49 13 2.95
52 34.93 132 40.11
9 13
E-44

CWA §316(a) Balanced and Indigenous Community Study Report
Belews Creek Steam Station
Table E-7. Number of fish and biomass collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during summer
2020.
Species
A B C D E F
Origin No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass Introduced 4 0.59 25 3.71 5 1.70 17 5.73 3 0.71 5 1.39
Black Crappie Native 6 0.91
Bluegill Native 1 0.22
Largemouth Bass Native 1 0.39 1 0.10 1 0.48 1 0.08
Redbreast Sunfish Native 1 <0.01
Redear Sunfish Native 9 1.32 5 1.02 6 1.97 6 1.45 1 0.09
White Crappie Introduced 1 0.41
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad Native 1 0.39 32 10.38 6 1.87 14 5.97 2 0.44 18 2.87
Threadfin Shad Introduced 1 0.01
Cyprinidae
Common Carp Introduced 3 9.25
lctaluridae
Channel Catfish Introduced 19 4.61 41 14.28 3 1.65 1 0.08 8 5.31 18 11.58
Flathead Catfish Introduced 1 1.24 2 2.13 1 6.00
Moronidae
White Perch Introduced 4 0.37 7 0.75
Total 26 6.18 115 39.37 21 7.58 42 16.07 20 7.99 57 24.00
Number of taxa 5 7 6 7 5 8
Table E-8. Number of fish and biomass collected from gill netting within six zones of Belews Lake during fall 2020.
Species
A B C D E F
Origin No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg No. Kg
Centrarchidae
Alabama Bass Introduced 23 5.58 21 3.80 26 6.93 25 7.53 21 6.88 16 3.36
Black Crappie Native 2 0.78 5 1.67 4 0.93 1 0.54 7 1.30
Bluegill Native 2 0.12 3 0.02 1 0.01
Green Sunfish Introduced 1 0.01 1 0.01
Largemouth Bass Native 3 1.65 1 1.05 6 5.59 7 2.79
Redear Sunfish Introduced 4 0.48 5 0.53 4 0.68 1 0.15 1 0.18
Warmouth Native 4 0.28
Clupeidae
Gizzard Shad Native 16 4.72 28 9.63 40 14.77 14 6.31 10 4.48 10 2.87
Threadfin Shad Introduced 2 0.02
Cyprinidae
Common Carp Introduced 1 1.69
lctaluridae
Channel Catfish Introduced 22 6.23 14 5.53 4 2.47 4 2.32 5 3.74 11 4.27
Flathead Catfish Introduced 1 0.91 2 2.75
Moronidae
White Perch Introduced 4 0.38 3 0.41 1 0.10 6 0.96
Total 72 18.17 88 26.22 85 29.70 45 16.32 43 21.22 60 15.75
Number of taxa 11 9 9 5 5 8
E-45