19910326 Ver 1_Staff Comments_19940725 (19)

July 25, 1994
MEMO
TO: Monica Swihart -
FROM: John Dorne`-_
RE: Wetlands-related omments
project
E???, cae?
on Lake Gaston pipeline
The following comments should be addressed in.the Final EIS
for this project. We believe that the potential for impacts on
wetlands along the lower Roanoke River Basin are possible from
this project. The following information will allow us to examine
this issue.
1. Document the extent, types and functions of all wetlands
along the Roanoke River and its tributaries downstream of the
Lake Gaston Dam within the 10 year floodplain. The 10 year
floodplain was selected since these wetlands are the ones most
likely to be affected by lower flows.
2. Document the effect on extent, types and functions of
any wetlands in the 10 year floodplain downstream of the Lake
Gaston Dam that would be effected by reduced low flow.
3. Document any changes anticipated in wetland extent,
types and functions due to reduced high flows along the Roanoke
River and its tributaries downstream of the Lake Gaston Dam.
Particular emphasis should be given to any effects on.wetlands
along tributaries.
4. Document any effect on the extent, types, and functions
of wetlands along the margin or the upper'end of Lake Gaston or
Kerr Lake due to changed flow regimes. Of particular interest is
any reduction in sediment removal rates or nutrient
transformation due to reduced inundation in these wetlands
because of its possible effects on water quality in Kerr Lake or
Lake Gaston.
5. Document any effects on BOD and dissolved oxygen due to
reduced flows. This is a crucial item for eventual 401
Certification for the renewal of the FERC license for the dam.
Please call me at 733-1786 if you have any questions.
gastones.com
cc: Ron Ferrell
DEM Washington Regional Office
Boyd DeVane