20231101 Ver 1_CLS-U5IAB Final Joint IP app w cl_20230807

August 7, 2023
Re: Joint USACE - NCDEQ Individual Permit Application Submittal Package for
Duke Energy Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project, Cliffside Steam Station,
Cleveland and Rutherford Counties, North Carolina
Client Reference: 7818230105
To Whom It May Concern:
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. (WSP) is pleased to submit the enclosed documents and
supplemental information for the Joint USACE — NCDEQ Individual Permit application for Duke Energy's
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin (U51AB) Dam Decommissioning project located at the Cliffside Steam Station (CLS)
in Cleveland and Rutherford Counties, North Carolina. For your review, please find herein the following
documents:
• NCDEQ 401/Buffer Pre -filing Meeting Request transmittal email from WSP dated July 7, 2023
• USACE ENG Form 4345, with attachments
• WSP Environmental Report for the CLS-U51AB Dam Decommissioning project, with figures and
appendices
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
[phone] or at james.cutlerPwsp.com.
Sincerely,
James Cutler, PWS
Senior Scientist
Cc: Lori Tollie (Duke Energy)
Preston McCloud (Duke Energy)
Shahid Rahu (Duke Energy)
Charles Hiner (Duke Energy)
Sean Wallace (WSP)
Ken Daly (WSP)
Basak Gulec-Dincer (WSP)

Cutler, James
From: Cutler, James
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 7:52 AM
To: 401 [e-mail]
Subject: 401/Buffer Pre -filing Meeting Request
Please fill out the following information:
Project Name: Cliffside Steam Station - Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning project
County: Rutherford and Cleveland
Applicant Name: James Cutler
Applicant Email: [e-mail]
**Please note that multiple projects may be submitted within the same email by supplying all the above information for
each project.
***In the event your email is not allowing auto -responses, please save a copy of your sent email for your records and if
necessary use that copy in application/form submittal.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Form Approved -
APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT
OMB No.0710-0003
33 CFR 325. The proponent agency is CECW-CO-R.
Expires: 01-08-2018
The public reporting burden for this collection of information, OMB Control Number 0710-0003, is estimated to average 11 hours per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or burden reduction suggestions to the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services,
at whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dod-information-collections(a).mail.mil. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall
be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT
RETURN YOUR APPLICATION TO THE ABOVE EMAIL.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Authorities: Rivers and Harbors Act, Section 10, 33 USC 403; Clean Water Act, Section 404, 33 USC 1344; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act,
Section 103, 33 USC 1413; Regulatory Programs of the Corps of Engineers; Final Rule 33 CFR 320-332. Principal Purpose: Information provided on this form
will be used in evaluating the application for a permit. Routine Uses: This information may be shared with the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and
local government agencies, and the public and may be made available as part of a public notice as required by Federal law. Submission of requested information
is voluntary, however, if information is not provided the permit application cannot be evaluated nor can a permit be issued. One set of original drawings or good
reproducible copies which show the location and character of the proposed activity must be attached to this application (see sample drawings and/or instructions)
and be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed activity. An application that is not completed in full will be returned.
System of Record Notice (SORN). The information received is entered into our permit tracking database and a SORN has been completed (SORN #A1145b)
and may be accessed at the following website: http://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/DOD-wide-SORN-Article-View/Article/570115/a1145b-ce.aspxx
(ITEMS 1 THRU 4 TO BE FILLED BY THE CORPS)
1. APPLICATION NO.
2. FIELD OFFICE CODE
3. DATE RECEIVED
4. DATE APPLICATION COMPLETE
(ITEMS BELOW TO BE FILLED BYAPPLICANT)
5. APPLICANT'S NAME
8. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME AND TITLE (agent is not required)
First - Lori Middle - Last - Tollie
First - James Middle -D Last - Cutler
Company - Duke Energy
Company - WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.
E-mail [e-mail]
E-mail [e-mail]
6. APPLICANT'S ADDRESS:
9. AGENT'S ADDRESS:
Address- 500 Utility Drive
Address- 4021 Stirrup Creek Drive, Suite 100
City - Lewisville State - NC Zip - 27012 Country -USA
City - Durham State - NC Zip - 27703 Country -USA
7. APPLICANT'S PHONE Nos. WAREA CODE
10. AGENTS PHONE Nos. WAREA CODE
a. Residence b. Business c. Fax
a. Residence b. Business c. Fax
336-854-4916
336-906-3244
STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION
11. 1 hereby authorize, James Cutler to act in my behalf as my agent in the processing of this application and to furnish, upon request,
supplemental information in support of this permit application.
Lori Tollie Digitally signed by Lori Tollie 2023-08-01
Date: 2023.08.01 09:29:57-04'00'
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTOR ACTIVITY
12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see instructions)
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project (Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station)
13. NAME OF WATERBODY, IF KNOWN (if applicable)
14. PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (if applicable)
Broad River
Address 573 Duke Power Road
15. LOCATION OF PROJECT
City - Mooresboro State- NC Zip- 28114
Latitude: -N 35.207771 Longitude: �W-81.768562
16. OTHER LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS, IF KNOWN (see instructions)
State Tax Parcel ID See Supplemental Info. Document Municipality Mooresboro
Section - Township - Range -
ENG FORM 4345, MAY 2018 PREVIOUS EDITIONS ARE OBSOLETE. Page 3 of 1

17. DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE
See attached Supplemental Information Document
18. Nature of Activity (Description of project, include all features)
See attached Supplemental Information Document
19. Project Purpose (Describe the reason or purpose of the project, see instructions)
The Project Purpose (proposed action) at the Cliffside Steam Station - Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin (U5IAB) is to breach and remove State Dam
RUTHE-070 (Main Dam) and, if required, State Dam RUTHE-072 (Saddle Dam) from the State of North Carolina dam inventory. The
purpose of the project is based on the need to address the North Carolina Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 (LAMA-14) regulatory
requirements related to ash basin closure (i.e., U5IAB) at the Cliffside Steam Station and the disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)
materials in a safe and timely manner. Additionally, the February 5, 2020, Consent Order with the State of North Carolina requires that CCR
materials currently in unlined ash basins of Duke Energy coal -fire plants be excavated and relocated to lined landfills. With these
considerations, the proposed action will address North Carolina regulatory requirements as related to ash basin closure and disposal of CCR
materials at the Cliffside Steam Station.
USE BLOCKS 20-23 IF DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIAL IS TO BE DISCHARGED
20. Reason(s) for Discharge
The construction of the outlet channel to the Broad River will entail the removal of a jurisdictional wetland; i.e., a 0.9-acre bottomland
hardwood forest, which abuts the Broad River within the Main Dam LOD. The proposed permanent impact to this wetland (Wetland C) is
further discussed in Section 5.2.1, Wetlands, of the supporting Environmental Report of this Individual Permit application submittal. It is
noted that during the engineering planning phase of the project, as specifically related to the discharge of stormwater into the Broad River
after ash basin closure, the option for discharge of stormwater directly into Wetland C (landward of the river) would most likely result in
substantial and continuous vegetative and hydrologic impacts to the wetland.
The plan view and cross-section drawings depicting the proposed impact to Wetland C within the project site are included in the Individual
Permit application submittal package.
21. Type(s) of Material Being Discharged and the Amount of Each Type in Cubic Yards:
Type Type Type
Amount in Cubic Yards Amount in Cubic Yards Amount in Cubic Yards
Soil fill for channel: 1,200 cu-yds Riprap (Class B) fill for channel: 700 cu-yds
22. Surface Area in Acres of Wetlands or Other Waters Filled (see instructions)
Acres 0.90 (Wetland C, bottomland hardwood forest)
or
Linear Feet
23. Description of Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensation (see instructions)
See attached Supplemental Information Document
ENG FORM 4345, MAY 2018 Page 3 of 2

24. Is Any Portion of the Work Already Complete? Yes 0 No IF YES, DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED WORK
Note: Ash excavation in the U5IAB is currently ongoing.
Note: No cut and fill work or dredging work has been done or is completed related to the dam decommissioning action; specifically, within
the Main Dam LOD, the Main Dam (or Saddle Dam) has not been removed and the outlet channel to the Broad River has not been
constructed.
25. Addresses of Adjoining Property Owners, Lessees, Etc., Whose Property Adjoins the Waterbody (if more than can be entered here, please attach a supplemental list).
a. Address- Please see attachments: Adjoining Property Owners Map and list of property owners with mailing addresses and tax parcel IDs.
City - State - Zip -
b. Address -
City - State - Zip -
c. Address -
City - State - Zip -
d. Address -
City - State - Zip -
e. Address -
City - State - Zip -
26. List of Other Certificates or Approvals/Denials received from other Federal, State, or Local Agencies for Work Described in This Application.
AGENCY TYPE APPROVAL' IDENTIFICATION DATE APPLIED DATE APPROVED DATE DENIED
NUMBER
USACE Notification of JD 2015-01426 2015-09-01 2015-11-20
USACE Notification of JD 2015-01426, Add. 01 2021-10-28 2021-12-20
SEE ATTACHMENT Supplemental Info.
Would include but is not restricted to zoning, building, and flood plain permits
27. Application is hereby made for permit or permits to authorize the work described in this application. I certify that this information in this application is
complete and accurate. I further certify that I possess the authority to undertake the work described herein or am acting as the duly authorized agent of the
applicant.
Lori Tollie Digitallysigned byLori Tolhe 2023-08-01 ames.cutler Digitally signed byjames.cutler 2023-08-01
Date: 2023.08.01 0930:26-04'00' Date: 2023.08.01 21:2333-04'00'
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE SIGNATURE OF AGENT DATE
The Application must be signed by the person who desires to undertake the proposed activity (applicant) or it may be signed by a duly
authorized agent if the statement in block 11 has been filled out and signed.
18 U.S.C. Section 1001 provides that: Whoever, in any manner within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States
knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up any trick, scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent
statements or representations or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent
statements or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both.
ENG FORM 4345, MAY 2018 Page 3 of 3

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
USACE EN4345 Form — Supplemental Information Document
Item 16. Other Location Descriptions - State Tax Parcel ID:
1617218; 1617217; 1617927; and 1617216
Item 17. Directions to the Site:
From US Army Corps of Engineers Asheville field office (151 Patton Ave., Asheville):
• Head toward N French Broad Ave on Patton Ave. Go for 0.3 miles.
• Take ramp onto 1-240 toward US-19 S. Go for 0.8 miles.
• Take the exit toward 1-40 onto 1-26 E/1-240 W. Go for 3.2 miles.
• Continue toward 1-26 E/Hendersonville/Spartanburg/Asheville Airport. Go for 0.6 miles.
• Continue on 1-26. Go for 39.6 miles.
• Continue on 1-26. Go for 5.1 miles.
• Take exit 5 toward SC-11/Campobello/Chesnee. Go for 0.2 miles.
• Turn left onto Highway 11 (SC-11 N). Go for 18.3 miles.
• Turn left onto Cliffside Hwy (US-221-ALT). Go for 3.0 miles.
• Continue on US 221A Hwy (US-221-ALT). Go for 2.4 miles.
• Turn right onto Duke Power Rd. Go for 0.9 miles.
• Turn left. Go for 0.1 miles.
• Arrive at 573 Duke Power Road — Cliffside Steam Station.
Item 18. Nature of Activity:
At the Cliffside Steam Station, the Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin (U51AB) is currently being closed by
removing the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) materials that are present within the basin. State
Dam RUTHE-070 is the Main Dam for the U51AB. This dam is a high -hazard earth fill
embankment. State Dam RUTHE-072, which is also referred to as the Saddle Dam, is the other
principal embankment of the U51AB. As a part of the removal of CCR materials from the U51AB,
Duke Energy is seeking approval to breach and remove these structures from the State of North
Carolina dam inventory. The WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. (WSP) supporting
engineering documentation for the project includes a Design Report (Dam Decommissioning Plan
permit drawings, calculations, and technical specifications) and geotechnical report. The U51AB
ash excavation will be contained within the ash basin and completed prior to breaching the Main
Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The interior areas of the ash basin will be stabilized with
vegetation prior to the breach. The remaining areas disturbed by the final breach will be stabilized
following the breach and in accordance with applicable Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) plans.
The project will entail the construction of five stormwater channels. Four channels will be
established within the U51AB Limits of Disturbance (LOD), while one channel, as identified in the
permit application documents as the outlet channel, will be constructed within the Main Dam LOD.
Stormwater within the reclaimed U51AB LOD will be routed through the four stormwater channels
and collected downstream in the outlet channel for discharge to the Broad River. The proposed
stormwater channels and dam breach were designed by WSP to have adequate capacity and
stability for the 100-year, 24-hour storm. The construction of the outlet channel to the Broad River

will entail the removal of a jurisdictional 0.9-acre bottomland hardwood forest, which abuts the
Broad River within the Main Dam LOD. Additional project details are presented in Section 3,
Proposed Project Development, of the supporting Environmental Report of this Individual Permit
application submittal.
Item 23. Description of Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensation:
Appropriate/practicable steps to minimize adverse impacts to jurisdictional waters were
considered through analysis of the development concepts during project planning. Avoidance of
Waters of the US is not practicable as, under the proposed action, the stormwater outlet channel,
which would convey stormwater from the closed ash basin to the Broad River after the Main Dam
has been removed, would be constructed through the footprint of Wetland C.
An Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) Plan is currently being produced in accordance with North
Carolina E&SC Planning & Design Manual. Activities will be completed in accordance with North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality rules/regulations. The E&SC Plan developed for
the project includes permit drawing set showing the erosion sediment control measures for initial,
interim, and final conditions; interim conditions hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) calculation; and
final conditions H&H calculation.
Compensatory mitigation for the permanent 0.9-acre impact to Wetland C would be provided
through credit purchase via the North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services In -Lieu Fee
Program, as further described in Section 6, Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan, of the
supporting Environmental Report. No mitigation banks (service areas) in the Broad River Basin,
specifically within HUC 03050105, offer wetland credits at the present time.
Item 26. List of Other Certificates or Approvals/Denials Received from Other Federal,
State, or Local Agencies for Work Described in this Application:
Agency
Type Approval
Identification Number
Date Applied
Date Approved
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
CLEVE-2020-006
unknown
October 11, 2019
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
CLEVE-2020-014
unknown
February 28, 2020
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
PHASE 1 PERMIT
March 18, 2021
May 19, 2021
CLEVE-2021-022
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
PHASE 2 PERMIT
September 29,
October 1, 2021
CLEVE-2022-010
2021
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
PHASE 3 PERMIT
November 22,
unknown
CLEVE-2022-015
2021
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
Utility Corridor
CLEVE-2022-015
January 19, 2022
unknown
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
PHASE 4 PERMIT
February 7, 2022
February 21, 2022
CLEVE-2022-032
NCDEQ
ESCP Permit
PHASE 5 PERMIT
July 5, 2022
August 16, 2022
CLEVE-2023-06

j
\
�
`L
of
(u�fa
-
-
\)\(
//
/
\
o
S
\/
E�\§u�
a0C:Lo
®®
c/y31
§>/
0
I\kj\\�§j\)jj\
�
b
LU
k3
oop

N
O
V
-a
0
V
a
N
1A
1A
�
T
x
pZ
o
>
o >
o
>
p�V
pLL
o
o
°
O
o�
JX
JXmin
7
OO
om
p_
om0
O
O
Z uo
O
O
0
N
a
N
>
> a
N
-
p
x
6 m
o
'o
o
o O
6
l�
p
Z
Z
Z
-
O
p
Q
K
�
Z
O
V
¢
7
p
m
w
m Zw
w Y
`n N
J m
LL
m
6
w
O
Q z
N
°
z
o
x o
i o
0
0 a
K>>
z
z
¢
i°
3 i
3 J
a
o z
m g
z
J o
3
o N>
w
N
z
g
w
w
o
m
z
p
o
m¢
N w
o?
o a
?
�
g
o
a
o m
a
w
o x
J
w
o
o
0 o
w°
m
m
u o°
o 7<
o w
a
a
z o
J a
o
X
o 0
X
x
o
X in
p
O
Q w
vi
w
1
70
s
o
s
o
70
z
o
z
a
J
>
o
w
7
a
70
z
'a
V
a v
rn
C
VI
O1 z
c
v"i
z z
z z
z z
z.
z.
z z
z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z z
o
rn m
x
m
o
p m
o>
m
o
m
o
m
o
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
m p
0 0
m m
0 0
m m
0
m
0 0
m m
0 0
m m
0
m
0
m
0 0 0
O m o
c w
-
p
w
LL
w y
w
LL
w
w
w w
w'
w w
w
w w
w w
w o
w
w w
w w
w
w w
w w
w
w
w w
O
o
LL
O
� o
O
o 0
O
o �
O
o 3
m
O?
o
0 0
o 0
0>
0
O O
o o
O
o
O O
o o
O O
o o
O
o
O J
o
O O
o o
O O
o o
J O
o
O o
o 0
O
o J
m
O J
o U
0
o
0
x o w
7
70
7
70
7
70
70
7 7
7
7 7
7 7
7
70
7 7
7 7
70
7
7
70
7
S 7
m
o
V
X
gm
o
o
3
o N
o
o o
"
m>
g O
J m
M
J z
o ¢
a
o
M
>
>
m¢
w
Z p
a
O M-
o
m
a
z O p
Q
rn
w
¢
o O
X o
o
o
0
O o
o
p 0°
X
X
X
o N
X
O o
X°-��<
O
o
w
p o
X
0 0
¢
N O
o N
LL
O
m o
o
o
o m
o
c
O �i
O
m
j O
O
O
u
O
°
x
O
O¢
Y
x
O
O
a
�
S
z
S
a
a
a
�
m
a
0
a
i

N
O
V
-a
0
V
a
N
1A
N
1A
� �
o >
z
o
o
O
ct x
x=
x
x
6
z
0
6
O N
°
n
o
O
o
o
O
o
0 o
a
o
w
0
o
z
N
°
a
w
a
o
z
N
z
�
a
x N
o
i
°
w
u
a
¢
¢
o
w
z
N
o z
F
w
< N
<
m
m
>
o
m
Jo
9
o"
o
a
a?zo
o0
0
i
LL0
zo
wz
o
o
o3
o
o o°
w
o
x
o0
o
�
O
o
0
0
>¢ m¢
o
O
m
u¢
J
¢
a
¢
Q
a
m
z
z
o
°
z
z
a
-
¢
�
�
'a
V
a v
N
rn N
C
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N m
N N
N N
N N
�
N N
N N
N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
VI
O1 z
c
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z LL
z z
z z
z z
z
z z
z z
z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
z z
o o
o o
o
o
0 0
0 0
o
o u
u
O
o
z
0
0
0 o
o
0
0
0 0
0 0
o o
0
z
o
o
z
0 o
o
O
o
rn-
c
w w
w w
o
w w
w w
w ti
m
ti o
m
o
v�i w
m
w
O
w
o o
w
w w
°m
w w
O-
o
w
O w
w
- J
O O
O O
O O
O O
O �
O J
O O
O O
O
O O
J
O
O w
J O�-
O
F
O
O
- J
0 0
o o
0
o
0 0
O O
� 0�-
J O
F
-�
O
x o
J O
o
N
o
o
o
o
O
m o
o
i
i
o >
i
`�
ti
_
O m-
m
m
a
0 0
m
u 'm
m m
z=
X N
rn m
°
w o
o
o
o
v�i
z
x
o
p o
0 xo
° O
w `"
O o
O o
O°
_
Z
m `n
°
x
F
ti°
p
0
O
m
N
O
O
O
O
O
O
u
z
a
a
a
MN
N
m
a
o
a
i
�

DUKE ENERGY ROGERS ENERGY COMPLEX - CLIFFSIDE STEAM STATION
UNIT 5 INACTIVE ASH BASIN DAM DECOMMISSIONING PROJECT
Environmental Report —Joint
Section 404/401 Individual
Permit Application
August 2023
Prepared for:
(' DUKE
ENERGY,
410 South Wilmington Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Prepared by:
Nx N I )
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.
4021 Stirrup Creek Drive, Suite 100
Durham, North Carolina 27703

Contents
Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Executive Summary................................................................1
1
Introduction ..................................................................
4
1.1
BACKGROUND.....................................................................4
1.2
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT PURPOSE AND
OBJECTIVE...........................................................................
5
2
Project Purpose and Need...........................................6
2.1
PROJECT PURPOSE...........................................................
6
2.2
PROJECT NEED...................................................................
6
3
Proposed Project Development...................................7
3.1
UNIT 5 INACTIVE ASH BASIN CLOSURE AND
RECLAMATION.....................................................................
7
3.2
DAM DECOMMISSIONING SEQUENCE .............................
7
3.3
STORMWATER DISCHARGE TO BROAD RIVER..............8
3.4
EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN ..........................
8
4
Alternatives Analysis ..................
4.1
PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVES FRAMEWORK (40
C.F.R. § 230.10 (A))............................................................
10
4.1.1 National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).........
10
4.1.2 CWA Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines.................................10
4.2
IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES ..............................
11
4.2.1 Alternative 1 —Dam Decommission................................11
4.2.2 Alternative 2 — No Build...................................................11
4.2.3 Preferred Alternative.......................................................11
4.3
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION OF IMPACTS ..............
12
5
Waters of the United States & Riparian Buffers .....
5.1
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ..............
13
5.1.1 Wetlands.........................................................................13
5.1.2 Streams...........................................................................15
5.1.3 Open Waters...................................................................16
5.1.4 Riparian Buffers...............................................................16
5.2
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .......................17
5.2.1 Wetlands.........................................................................17
5.2.2 Streams...........................................................................17
5.2.3 Open Waters...................................................................17
5.2.4 Riparian Buffers...............................................................18
6
Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan.....................19
6.1
MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS.........................................19
6.2
MITIGATION PLAN.............................................................
19
7 Affected Environment and Impacts
7.1 LAND USE...........................................................................21
7.1.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................21
7.1.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................23
7.2 AESTHETICS & VISUAL RESOURCES .............................
23
7.2.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................23
7.2.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................24
7.3 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY.......................................25
7.3.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................25

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Contents
(continued)
7.3.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................25
7.4
SOILS..................................................................................
25
7.4.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................25
7.4.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................26
7.5
BIOTIC COMMUNITIES......................................................26
7.5.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................26
7.5.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................28
7.6
WATER RESOURCES / FLOODPLAINS ...........................28
7.6.1 Description of Affected Environment: Surface Waters .....
28
7.6.2 Potential Environmental Impacts: Surface Waters ..........28
7.6.3 Description of Affected Environment: Floodplains...........
28
7.6.4 Potential Environmental Impacts - Floodplains................29
7.6.5 Description of Affected Environment: Groundwater .........
29
7.6.6 Potential Environmental Impacts — Groundwater ............29
7.7
PROTECTED SPECIES......................................................30
7.7.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................30
7.7.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................32
7.8
CULTURAL RESOURCES..................................................35
7.8.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................35
7.8.2 Historic Maps..................................................................36
7.8.3 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................36
7.9
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.............................................37
7.9.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................37
7.9.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................38
7.10
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ................................................
38
7.10.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................38
7.10.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................39
7.11
NOISE AND VIBRATION....................................................39
7.11.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................39
7.11.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................39
7.12
AIR QUALITY......................................................................40
7.12.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................41
7.12.2 Regulatory Requirements for Air Quality — General
Conformity.......................................................................
41
7.12.3 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................42
7.12.4 Proposed Mitigation Measures........................................42
7.13
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION..................................43
7.13.1 Description of Affected Environment...............................43
7.13.2 Potential Environmental Impacts.....................................43
8
Cumulative Impacts...................................................44
8.1
DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF THE
PROPOSED ACTION.........................................................44
8.2
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE
IMPACTS .............................................................................
44
8.3
TEMPORAL SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............
45
8.4
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT..............................................45
8.5
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES..............................45
8.6
AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION.............45
8.7
CONCLUSIONS..................................................................
45
9
Summary and Conclusions........................................47
9.1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION........................................47
9.2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION / PROPOSED ACTION ............
47
9.3
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS...............................................48

Contents
(continued)
Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
9.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIVE
ACTIONS............................................................................. 49
10 References................................................................50
TABLES
Table 5.1. Wetlands within or outside of the Main Dam
LOD and the U51AB LOD..............................................14
Table 5.2.
Streams abutting or outside of the U51AB LOD............
16
Table 5.3.
Proposed Impacts to Wetlands within or outside
of the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD ..................17
Table 6.1.
Potential Wetland Mitigation Costs for Impacts to
WOTUS within the Main Dam LOD..............................20
Table 7.1.
Specific Land Cover Types within the Main Dam
LOD and within a 1-Mile Radius...................................21
Table 7.2.
Specific Land Cover Types within the U51AB
LOD and within a 1-Mile Radius...................................22
Table 7.3.
Soil Types within the Main Dam LOD and the
U51AB LOD...................................................................
26
Table 7.4.
Potential for Effect for Federally Listed Animal
and Plant Species within the Main Dam LOD...............
31
Table 7.5.
Previously Recorded Historic Architectural
Resources Located in the Vicinity of the Project
Site................................................................................
36
Table 7.6.
Census Data for the Project Site, 2020 ........................
38
Table 7.7.
USEPA Standard Noise Levels for Various
Community Types.........................................................
39
Table 7.8.
Air Emissions from Sources in Cleveland
County, North Carolina .................................................
41
APPENDICES
Appendix A.
NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORMS
AND NC SAM STREAM ASSESSMENT
FORMS
Appendix B.
PLAN VIEW AND CROSS-SECTION
DRAWINGS
Appendix C.
NCNHP AND USFWS DATABASE QUERY
RESULTS
Appendix D. PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Contents
(continued)
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Abbreviation
or Acronym
APE
BGEPA
Definition
Area of Potential Effect
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
BMP(s)
Best Management Practice(s)
CAMA-14
Coal Ash Management Act of 2014
CCR
Coal Combustion Residuals
Council on Environmental Quality
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
Code of Federal Regulations
Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Carbon Monoxide
Clean Water Act
CEQ
CERCLA
CFR
Cliffside Steam
Station
CO
CWA
dBA
A -Weighted Decibels
DEMLR
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
DFIRM
Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map
Duke Energy
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
ECOS
Environmental Conservation Online System
EO
Executive Order
ER
Environmental Report
ESA
Endangered Species Act
E&SC
Erosion & Sediment Control
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM
Floodplain Insurance Rate Map
FIR
Federal Register
GIS
Geographic Information System
GPS
G.S.
HPOWEB
Global Positioning System
General Statutes
Historic Preservation Office Web Service
Hydrologic Unit Code
HUC
IP
Individual Permit
IPac
Information, Planning, and Consultation System
JD
Jurisdictional Determination
Ldn
Day/Night Levels
LEDPA
Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable
Alternative
Limits of Disturbance
LOD
MBTA
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NCAC
North Carolina Administrative Code
iv

Contents
(continued)
Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Abbreviation
or Acronym
Definition
NCDCR
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NCDMS
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services
NCDOT
North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDWR
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
NCED
National Conservation Easement Database
NCGS
North Carolina Geological Survey
NCHPO
North Carolina Historic Preservation Office
NCNHP
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
NCOSA
North Carolina Office of State Archaeology
NC SAM
North Carolina Stream Assessment Method
NC WAM
North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
NFIP
National Flood Insurance Program
NHPA
National Historic Preservation Act
NLCD
National Land Cover Database
NOx
Nitrogen Oxides
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRHP
National Register of Historic Places
NWI
National Wetland Inventory
PM
Particulate Matter
PMP
Probable Maximum Precipitation
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SFHA
Special Flood Hazard Area
SOz
Sulfur Dioxide
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
TNW
Traditional Navigable Water
TWT
Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
U51AB
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin
USACE
United States Army Corps of Engineers
USC
United States Code
USCB
United States Census Bureau
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
USEPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
USFS
United States Forest Service
USFWS
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS
United States Geological Survey
voc
Volatile Organic Compounds
Wood
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
v

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Contents
(continued)
Abbreviation
or Acronym
WSP
Definition
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.
WOTUS
Waters of the United States
amsl
above mean sea level
dB
decibels
vi

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Executive Summary
The Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station is located one and one-half miles to the south of the
unincorporated community of Cliffside, in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, North Carolina. The Cliffside
Steam Station began commercial operation in 1940. The coal- and natural gas -fired units are still referred
to as Cliffside Units 5 and 6. Units 1 through 4 were retired in 2011. In 2018, natural gas was added to the
facility, thus allowing up to 40% natural gas co -firing on Unit 5 and up to 100% on Unit 6. The property
owner and permit applicant is Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy).
On August 20, 2014, the North Carolina General Assembly passed S 729, the Coal Ash Management Act
of 2014 (CAMA-14) requiring Duke Energy to phase out wet coal ash handling. Under CAMA-14, all coal
ash will be covered by North Carolina's solid waste laws. Prior to the promulgation of CAMA-14, engineering
work was underway to close ash basins at the retired coal plants. Duke Energy has accelerated and
expanded that work to include closing all ash basins at retired and operating coal plants across its six -state
service area. Additionally, the February 5, 2020, Consent Order with the State of North Carolina requires
that Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) materials currently in unlined ash basins of Duke Energy coal -fire
plants be excavated and relocated to lined landfills. At the Cliffside Steam Station, the Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin (U51AB) is currently being closed by removing the CCR materials that are present within the basin.
The U51AB was retired in 1980 and has not received sluiced ash since that time.
At the Cliffside Steam Station, State Dam RUTHE-070 is the Main Dam for the U51AB. This dam is a high -
hazard earth fill embankment. State Dam RUTHE-072, which is also referred to as the Saddle Dam, is the
other principal embankment of the U51AB. As a part of the removal of CCR materials from the U51AB, Duke
Energy is seeking approval to breach and remove these structures from the state dam inventory. To
summarize, the purpose of the project (proposed action) at the Cliffside Steam Station U51AB is to breach
and remove the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The purpose of the project is based on the
need to address the North Carolina CAMA-14 regulatory requirements related to ash basin closure (i.e.,
U51AB) at the Cliffside Steam Station and the disposal of CCR materials in a safe and timely manner.
The excavation of CCR materials from the U51AB will be contained within the ash basin and completed
prior to breaching the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The interior areas of the ash basin will
be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach. The remaining areas disturbed by the final breach will be
stabilized following the breach and in accordance with applicable Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC)
Plans.
The project will entail the construction of five stormwater channels. Four channels will be established within
the U51AB Limits of Disturbance (LOD), while one channel, the outlet channel, will be constructed within
the Main Dam LOD. Stormwater within the reclaimed U51AB LOD will be routed through the four stormwater
channels and collected downstream in the outlet channel for discharge to the Broad River. The proposed
stormwater channels and dam breach were designed to have adequate capacity and stability for the 100-
year, 24-hour storm. The stormwater channel routing design will include the reconnection of two streams
(Streams 7 and 8) to the Broad River. Both streams historically drained to the Broad River prior to the
construction of the U51AB. The construction of the outlet channel to the Broad River will entail the removal
of Waters of the United States (WOTUS); i.e., Wetland C, which partially abuts the Broad River within the
Main Dam LOD. The discharge of dredged or fill material into WOTUS and most categories of work in
navigable water bodies require United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) authorization under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
In the evaluation of CWA Section 404 permit applications to discharge dredged or fill material into WOTUS
including wetlands, the USACE is required to analyze alternatives that could achieve purpose and need.
According to 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 230.10(a), a discharge of dredged or fill
material will be permitted by the USACE if no practical alternatives to the proposed discharge will have less
adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem and there are no other significant adverse environmental
consequences.
The range of alternatives included in this analysis were limited to two action alternatives to satisfy the
purpose and need of the project. The removal (decommissioning) of the Main Dam and, if required, the
Saddle Dam is a principal element of the overall process to dispose of CCR materials as linked to the U51AB
closure activities at the Cliffside Steam Station. The excavation and removal of CCR materials is a function
of the promulgation of CAMA-14. Therefore, the impetus for the alternatives analysis is linked to this
process.
Alternative 1 would entail the breach and removal of the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam from
the state dam inventory. This action alternative would follow the construction and dam decommissioning
sequencing and restrictions for the project as previously described in the ER. Furthermore, the E&SC Plan
for the Main Dam LOD would be implemented. Prior to the breaching of the Main Dam and, if required, the
Saddle Dam, the excavation of ash within the boundary of the U51AB would need to be completed. In
addition, the interior areas of the ash basin would be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach activities.
Alternative 1 would require the placement of fill material into WOTUS (Wetland C) for the construction of
the stormwater outlet channel to the Broad River.
Under the No Build Alternative (Alternative 2), the breach and removal of the Main Dam and, if required,
the State Dam at the Cliffside Steam Station would not occur. The dam structures would remain on the
state dam inventory and no impact to WOTUS (Wetland C) would occur under this alternative. However,
the construction of the stormwater outlet channel from the U51AB to the Broad River (following the removal
of CCR materials from the basin and the planting of vegetation for stabilization) would not occur and
stormwater would not be routed to the river. Because of this action, the ash basin closure would be affected,
and Duke Energy could not comply with CAMA-14 or the February 5, 2020, Consent Order at the Cliffside
Steam Station. As Alternative 2 does not meet the project purpose and need, including the afore -mentioned
legal directives, it was dismissed from further consideration.
The preferred alternative is Alternative 1, the U51AB dam decommissioning action. This action alternative
meets the purpose and need of the project.
To complete the proposed action, a permanent impact to jurisdictional wetlands would be necessary. The
wetland impact would be limited, however, to Wetland C within the Main Dam LOD. The proposed impact
to Wetland C would be 0.90 acre; i.e., the entire wetland would be permanently impacted. Under the
proposed action, the stormwater outlet channel, which would convey stormwater from the closed ash basin
to the Broad River after the Main Dam has been removed, would be constructed through the footprint of
Wetland C. Wetland A, which abuts the southeastern finger lobe of the U51AB, would not be impacted under
the proposed action. In addition, no permanent or temporary impacts to jurisdictional streams will be
necessary; i.e., Stream 7, which abuts the central portion of the U51AB, and Stream 8, which abuts a
southern finger lobe of the ash basin.
Since the Cliffside Steam Station in not located within a river basin subject to State of North Carolina
Riparian Buffer Protection Rules, there would be no impacts to state -regulated riparian buffers within the
project site. With regards to local regulatory restrictions, riparian (vegetative) buffers would be required

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
along perennial waters under the Cleveland County Code of Ordinances and the Rutherford County
Watershed Protection Ordinance.
Compensatory mitigation for the proposed jurisdictional waters impact is required under the Section 404
IP. Appropriate avoidance and practicable minimization efforts have been conducted through the
engineering design process. However, the unavoidable impact to on -site WOTUS is necessary to complete
the proposed action. Based on the review of the mitigation options available, it was determined that credit
purchase through the North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) In -Lieu Fee Program was
necessary because there are no private mitigation banks offering wetland credits in the Broad River Basin
at this time. On -site mitigation and offsite mitigation opportunities were not explored because the In -Lieu
Fee option was available. It is noted that the Box Creek mitigation bank (McDowell and Rutherford
Counties) in the Broad River Basin, with a service area within Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03050105, offers
only stream credits. This mitigation bank does not offer wetland credits at the present time.
The implementation and completion of the U51AB Dam Decommissioning project is not expected to
influence cultural resources or historic properties. The proposed action should have no effect on
environmental justice for the surrounding residential communities; is not expected to impact noise -sensitive
land uses; and is not expected to impact air quality locally or regionally. Furthermore, substantial impacts
to local or regional land use, aesthetics and visual resources, geologic features, biotic communities, and
traffic and transportation are not expected to occur.
With respect to federally protected plant and animal species, proposed listed species, and candidate
species, the implementation and completion of the U51AB Dam Decommissioning project is not expected
to have substantive effects on local or regional populations or the population dynamics of the plant and
animal species that have a potential for occurrence in the vicinity of the project site. A finding of "May Affect,
Not Likely to Adversely Affect" was presumed for the Indiana bat, tricolored bat, dwarf -flowered heartleaf,
and small whorled pogonia. A finding of "No Effect" was presumed for the bog turtle and the rock gnome
lichen. These findings were based on site reconnaissance of the project area habitats by WSP in April and
June of 2023.
Finally, this Environmental Report (ER) was prepared by WSP to facilitate, for Duke Energy, the preparation
and submittal of federal and State of North Carolina regulatory permit applications and associated
documents for the U51AB Dam Decommissioning project at the Cliffside Steam Station. WSP support
includes coordination with regulatory staff to secure a USACE CWA Section 404 IP and North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources (NCDEQ-DWR) Section 401 Water
Quality Certification for the project (Joint IP). It is noted herein that the dam decommissioning and E&SC
Plans for the project are under development and have not been finalized at this time. These plans may be
updated based on regulatory review and comment by the NCDEQ Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land
Resources (DEMLR) Land Quality Section and Dam Safety Section. Further, it is presumed that
updates/changes to the Plans, if suggested or required by regulatory agency staff, would be minor in scope.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
1 Introduction
BACKGROUND
The Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station (Cliffside Steam Station) is located
one and one-half miles to the south of the unincorporated community of Cliffside, in Rutherford and
Cleveland Counties, North Carolina (Figure 1). The Cliffside Steam Station began commercial operation in
1940. The coal- and natural gas -fired units are still referred to as Cliffside Units 5 and 6. Units 1 through 4
were constructed between 1938 and 1948 and retired in 2011. In 2018, natural gas was added to the facility,
thus allowing up to 40% natural gas co -firing on Unit 5 and up to 100% on Unit 6. The property owner and
permit applicant is Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy).
On August 20, 2014, the North Carolina General Assembly passed S 729, the Coal Ash Management Act
of 2014 (CAMA-14), requiring Duke Energy to phase out wet coal ash handling. Under CAMA-14 [§North
Carolina General Statutes (G.S.) §130A-309.214(a)(4)], all coal ash in the state will be covered by North
Carolina's solid waste laws. Additionally, the February 5, 2020, Consent Order with the State of North
Carolina requires that Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) materials currently in unlined ash basins of Duke
Energy coal -fire plants be excavated and relocated to lined landfills. Duke Energy is committed to safely
dismantling its existing older plants as part of a complex, multiyear process known as "decommissioning
and demolition." The long-term vision for sites with retired coal units across the system is to demolish the
structures and return the properties to a more natural state through grading and revegetation.
At the Cliffside Steam Station, the Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin (U51AB) (Figure 1 through Figure 7) is currently
being closed by removing the CCR materials that are present within the basin. The U51AB was retired in
1980 and has not received sluiced ash since that time. State Dam RUTHE-070 is the Main Dam for the
U51AB. This dam is a high -hazard earth fill embankment. State Dam RUTHE-072, which is also referred to
as the Saddle Dam, is the other principal embankment of the U51AB. The location of each dam is shown
on Figure 5. As a part of the removal of CCR materials from the U51AB, Duke Energy is seeking approval
to breach and remove these structures from the state dam inventory. Specifically, Duke Energy submitted
a dam decommissioning approval request to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ) for decommissioning of the Main Dam and Saddle Dam structures. WSP USA Environment &
Infrastructure Inc. (WSP) is supporting Duke Energy in the preparation and submittal of the Erosion &
Sediment Control (E&SC) Plan for the proposed dam decommissioning activities at the Cliffside Steam
Station. The WSP supporting engineering documentation includes a Design Report (Dam
Decommissioning Plan permit drawings, calculations, and technical specifications) and geotechnical data.
The WSP Carolinas Natural Resources Group is concurrently providing support to Duke Energy for the
preparation and submittal of federal and State of North Carolina regulatory permit applications and
associated documents for the U51AB Dam Decommissioning Project (the project) at the Cliffside Steam
Station. WSP support includes coordination with regulatory staff to secure a United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Individual Permit (IP) and NCDEQ Division of
Water Resources (NCDEQ-DWR) Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the project (Joint IP).

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
The discharge of dredged or fill material into Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and most categories of
work in navigable water bodies require USACE authorization under Section 404 of the CWA. The intent of
this Environmental Report (ER) is to provide the Wilmington District of the USACE with a basis to evaluate
and issue an IP and associated certifications for the proposed action. In addition, corresponding Water
Quality Certification must be provided by the NCDEQ-DWR.
The purpose of this ER is to serve as a source of supplemental information for the Section 404 IP
application. The ER provides documentation of the current ecological and physical condition of jurisdictional
waters and other resources that occur within the project site. Further, this document describes the approach
to wetland mitigation outlined in the CWA Section 404 (b)(1) guidelines and followed by the State of North
Carolina, to include avoidance, minimization, and compensation. The specific objective of this investigation
and the ER document is to provide the USACE Wilmington District, the NCDEQ-DWR, and other
commenting and reviewing agencies a basis to evaluate and issue a Section 404 IP and associated
certifications for the proposed action.
It is noted that, throughout the ER and as identified in the attached figure set, the project area is identified
and delimited, respectively, as the Main Dam Limits of Disturbance (LOD) (13 acres). As the proposed
action (dam decommissioning) is linked to the closure of the ash basin, the ash basin is identified and
delimited as the U51AB LOD (75 acres) in the ER and the figure set, respectively.
In addition, included as supporting documentation to this ER and the Section 404 IP application, the
following are found in the appendices:
• North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NC WAM) Wetland Assessment Forms and North
Carolina Stream Assessment Method (NC SAM) Stream Assessment Forms (Appendix A);
• Plan View and Cross -Section Drawings (Appendix B);
• North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) Database Query Results (Appendix C); and
• Photographic Log (Appendix D).

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
2 Project Purpose and Need
PROJECT PURPOSE
The purpose of the project (proposed action) at the Cliffside Steam Station U51AB is to breach and remove
State Dam RUTHE-070 (Main Dam) and, if required, State Dam RUTHE-072 (Saddle Dam) from the state
dam inventory. The proposed action would require the placement of fill material into WOTUS. The details
of the project are discussed in Section 3 (Proposed Project Development) of the ER.
PROJECT NEED
The purpose of the project is based on the need to address the North Carolina CAMA-14 regulatory
requirements related to ash basin closure (i.e., U51AB) at the Cliffside Steam Station and the disposal of
CCR materials in a safe and timely manner.
The principal action that has accelerated the excavation and removal of CCR materials from coal ash
storage ponds (i.e., ash basins) at Duke Energy power generating plants with coal-fired facilities is the
promulgation of CAMA-14. Enacted on August 20, 2014, the bill requires Duke Energy to phase out wet
ash handling. As such, all coal ash in the state will be covered by North Carolina's solid waste laws. In
conjunction with CAMA-14, the NCDEQ has amassed comprehensive data about coal ash facilities
statewide. The information has been essential in NCDEQ's prioritization of closure plans for the Duke
Energy facilities with coal ash storage ponds, including the Cliffside Steam Station (NCDEQ 2016). With
these considerations, the proposed action will address North Carolina regulatory requirements as related
to ash basin closure and disposal of CCR materials at the Cliffside Steam Station.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
3 Proposed Project Development
UNIT 5 INACTIVE ASH BASIN CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION
Presently, ash from the U51AB is transported to the on -site lined landfill. The on -site landfill is located to the
south of the U51AB across the Duke Power Road (Figure 1). Ash from the basin is transported to the landfill
with articulated trucks. The excavation of ash from the basin will be completed prior to breaching the Main
Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. Soil from the dam removal will be used for restoration grading within
the U51AB area and used for on -site landfill operations and closure. Soil will go directly to the landfill
operations, closure, or be stockpiled adjacent to the landfill in approved stockpile locations covered by
existing E&SC Plans. Furthermore, the interior areas of the ash basin will be stabilized with vegetation prior
to the dam breach. The remaining areas disturbed by the final breach will be stabilized following the breach
and in accordance with applicable E&SC Plans. The Cliffside Steam Station Vegetation Maintenance and
Implementation Plan will be utilized during the project to establish temporary or permanent vegetation in
areas where bare soil is exposed.
DAM DECOMMISSIONING SEQUENCE
The following summarizes the construction and dam decommissioning sequencing and restrictions for the
project. The construction sequencing is not intended to control specific means and methods of performing
the work, but to inform the site contractor of the necessary controls and sequence of work. The intent of the
dewatering restrictions is to maintain acceptable water levels during dam decommissioning activities.
1 Continue dewatering the ash basin below excavation and removal of ash. There is currently negligible
free water that is impounded by the embankment.
2 Install and maintain E&SC measures in accordance with applicable E&SC Plans and Permits.
3 Excavate embankment soils consistent with the sequencing defined in the Dam Decommissioning Plan
permit drawings summarized as follows.
a Initial dam lowering sequences will hold the appropriate NCDEQ Dam Safety design storm without
dicharging water downstream of the Main Dam. Stormwater will be pumped to and treated at the
on -site waste water treatment plant through an existing NPDES permitted outfall
b Construct the outlet channel to the Broad River
c Install the Remnant Dam (final step prior to breaching the Main Dam) sediment basin primary and
auxiliary spillway
d Lower the Main Dam to the Remnant Dam elevation and discharge to the Broad River through the
primary and auxiliary spillway
e Confirm final grading and stabilization upstream
f Remove the Remnant Dam embankment and discharge to Broad River (final conditions)

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
STORMWATER DISCHARGE TO BROAD RIVER
The project will entail the construction of five stormwater channels. Four channels will be established within
the U51AB LOD, while one channel, as identified above as the outlet channel, will be constructed within the
Main Dam LOD. Stormwater within the reclaimed U51AB LOD will be routed through the four stormwater
channels and collected downstream in the outlet channel for discharge to the Broad River. The proposed
stormwater channels and dam breach were designed to have adequate capacity and stability for the 100-
year, 24-hour storm. The stormwater channel routing design will include the reconnection of two streams
to the Broad River. These two streams are identified on Figure 5 as Stream 7 and Stream 8. Stream 7
abuts the central portion of the U51AB, while Stream 8 abuts a southern finger lobe of the ash basin. Both
streams historically drained to the Broad River prior to the construction of the U51AB. The construction of
the outlet channel to the Broad River will entail the removal of WOTUS; i.e., Wetland C, which partially
abuts the Broad River within the Main Dam LOD (see Figure 5). The proposed permanent impact to
Wetland C is discussed in Section 5.2.1 (Wetlands) of the ER. It is noted that during the engineering
planning phase of the project, as specifically related to the discharge of stormwater into the Broad River,
the option for discharge of stormwater directly into Wetland C (landward of the river) would result in
substantial and continuous vegetative and hydrologic impacts to the wetland. Therefore, this option was
not developed further.
r-muoiON & SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
Duke Energy requested that WSP prepare the E&SC Plan for the proposed dam decommissioning activities
at the Cliffside Steam Station. There are multiple U51AB E&SC permits covering the phased ash basin
excavation activities. The latest E&SC Plan is Phase 5. The permit for this E&SC Plan was issued by the
NCDEQ on August 16, 2022 (Permit Number CLEVE-2023-06).
The intent of this discussion is to define the E&SC Plans for the land disturbing activities associated with
the decommissioning of the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam at the U51AB, Cliffside Steam
Station. The scope includes E&SC design of features to be utilized throughout the construction activities.
The E&SC measures for this project involve the placement of a variety of erosion and sediment control
devices at strategic locations throughout the area. These measures include:
1 Construction Entrance
2 Safety Fence
3 Silt Fence
4 Silt Fence Outlet
5 Temporary/Permanent Seeding
6 Erosion Control Matting
7 Temporary Diversion Channel (as needed)
8 Rock Check Dams
9 Compost Sock
10 Sediment Basin
11 Gabion Outlet

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
These devices are to be installed per the proposed construction sequence prior to land disturbance. The
proposed E&SC measures are designed for a minimum 10-year 24-hour type II storm event and shall be
properly maintained until the completion of construction activities and until disturbed areas have been
stabilized. E&SC devices have been designed to handle surface water runoff from within the limits of
disturbance. Additional control devices may be required during construction to control erosion and/or offsite
sedimentation as needed. Temporary control devices shall be removed once construction is complete, and
the site is stabilized.
It is noted herein that the dam decommissioning and E&SC Plans for the project are under development
and have not been finalized at this time. These plans may be updated based on regulatory review and
comment by the NCDEQ Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) Land Quality Section
and Dam Safety Section. Further, it is presumed that updates/changes to the Plans, if suggested or required
by regulatory agency staff, would be minor in scope.
9

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
4 Alternatives Analysis
PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVES FRAMEWORK (40 C.F.R. § 230.10 (A))
In the evaluation of CWA Section 404 permit applications to discharge dredged or fill material into WOTUS,
including wetlands, the USACE is required to analyze alternatives that could achieve purpose and need.
The USACE conducts this analysis pursuant to two main requirements:
,. , National E. ivironmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
NEPA requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts of the proposed actions and a range of
reasonable alternatives to those actions. Reasonable alternatives do not require consideration of every
conceivable variation of an alternative (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] §1502.14) and must be
capable of achieving the basic project goal. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) describes
"reasonable" alternatives as those that are practical or feasible from the technical or economic standpoint
and use common sense rather than simply desirable from the standpoint of the applicant (CEQ 1981). For
alternatives eliminated from further study, a project's environmental documentation must "briefly discuss
the reasons for having been eliminated" (CEQ 1981).
CWA Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines
CWA Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines state "no discharge of dredged or fill material shall be permitted if there
is a practicable alternative to the proposed discharge which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic
ecosystem, so long as the alternative does not have other significant adverse environmental
consequences" (40 CFR § 230.10a). Practicable means available and capable of being done after taking
into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics considering the overall project purpose.
The foremost objective of the CWA is to restore and maintain the chemical, biological, and physical integrity
of the nation's waters through the elimination of discharges of pollutants (33 United States Code [USC] §
466 et seq.). Pollutants include dredged and fill materials [40 CFR 230.3(o)], while the nation's waters, or
WOTUS, include wetlands [40 CFR 230.3(s) (7)]. The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 CFR 230) provide the criteria that are used in reviewing USACE permit
applications, with respect to the authorization of discharge of dredged or fill material into WOTUS, including
wetlands. Under the USEPA Guidelines, the principal screening action to assess the necessity of permitting
a discharge of dredged or fill material into WOTUS is the analysis of practicable alternatives [40 CFR
230.10(a)].
According to 40 CFR Section 230.10(a), a discharge of dredged or fill material will be permitted by the
USACE if no practical alternatives to the proposed discharge will have less adverse impact on the aquatic
ecosystem and there are no other significant adverse environmental consequences. Under 40 CFR Section
230.10(a)(2), a practicable alternative is an alternative site that is available and capable of being developed
after considering costs, existing technology, and logistics considering overall project purposes. The permit
applicant is only required to evaluate alternatives that are considered practicable based on costs, technical
factors, or logistical factors that can achieve the overall purpose of the proposed activity.
According to USACE's Army Corps of Engineers Standard Operating Procedures for the Regulatory
Program (SOP), dated October 15, 1999, the amount of information that is needed and the level of scrutiny
that is required by the USEPA 404(b)(1) Guidelines are commensurate with the severity of the
environmental impact and the scope/cost of the project. The SOP provides compliance evaluation

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
procedures under the USEPA 404(b)(1). Guidelines vary to reflect the degree of potential for adverse
impacts on the aquatic ecosystems. The alternatives that were considered for the proposed action at the
Cliffside Steam Station for the project were evaluated pursuant to the SOP.
- IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES
The range of alternatives included in this analysis were limited to two action alternatives to satisfy the
purpose and need of the project. Duke Energy recognizes that certain criteria are necessary to specify the
minimum needs and conditions that would meet the operational requirements for the breach and removal
of State Dam RUTHE-070 (Main Dam) and, if needed, State Dam RUTHE-072 (Saddle Dam) from the state
dam inventory. It is important to acknowledge at the outset the principal concern of Duke Energy in serving
as the applicant for this project is to serve the best interests of its clients (i.e., the public) and make sure
the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) adheres to the purpose and need of
the project, as set forth herein. The LEDPA must be able to accommodate the operational and budgetary
needs of the end clients, as well as Duke Energy, for the project to be a success. Furthermore, as the
overriding project need, the project must comply with the North Carolina CAMA-14 regulatory requirements.
The two action alternatives are discussed below.
2.1 Alternative 1 — Dam Decommission
Alternative 1 would entail the breach and removal of State Dam RUTHE-070 (Main Dam) and, if required,
State Dam RUTHE-072 (Saddle Dam) from the state dam inventory. This action alternative would follow
the construction and dam decommissioning sequencing and restrictions for the project as previously
described in Section 3.2 (Construction/Dam Decommissioning Sequence) of the ER. Furthermore, the
E&SC Plan, as previously described in Section 3.4 (Erosion and Sediment Control Plan) of the ER, would
be implemented. Prior to the breaching of the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam, the excavation
of ash within the boundary of the U51AB would need to be completed. In addition, the interior areas of the
ash basin would be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach activities. Alternative 1 would require the
placement of fill material into WOTUS (Wetland C) for the construction of the stormwater outlet channel to
the Broad River, as previously identified in Section 3.3 (Stormwater Discharge to Broad River) of the ER
and discussed in Section 5.2.1 (Wetlands) of the ER.
4.2.2 Altei native 2 — .,.j Builu
Under the No Build Alternative (Alternative 2), the breach and removal of the Main Dam and, if required,
the State Dam at the Cliffside Steam Station would not occur. The dam structures would remain on the
state dam inventory and no impact to WOTUS (Wetland C) would occur under this alternative. However,
the construction of the stormwater outlet channel from the U51AB to the Broad River (following the removal
of CCR materials from the basin and the planting of vegetation for stabilization) would not occur and
stormwater would not be routed to the river. Because of this action, the ash basin closure would be affected,
and Duke Energy could not comply with CAMA-14 or the February 5, 2020, Consent Order at the Cliffside
Steam Station. As Alternative 2 does not meet the project purpose and need, including the afore -mentioned
legal directives, it was dismissed from further consideration.
T.2.3 Preferred Alternative
The preferred alternative is Alternative 1, the U51AB dam decommissioning action. This action alternative
meets the purpose and need of the project.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION OF IMPACT
Appropriate and practicable steps to minimize potential adverse impacts to wetlands and streams were
considered through analysis of the development concepts during project planning for the proposed action.
The complete avoidance of WOTUS was not practicable during project development. The excavation and
disposal of CCR materials from the U51AB, as ultimately required under CAMA-14, could not be
accomplished without some impact to WOTUS. The impact to WOTUS within the Main Dam LOD would
occur as part of the dam decommissioning effort and the routing of stormwater to the Broad River via the
outfall channel. However, the impact to WOTUS would be limited to Wetland C (0.90 acre), for the
construction of the stormwater outfall channel.
Proper sedimentation and erosion control planning and implementation are essential for this project.
Detailed E&SC Plans have been prepared and submitted to the NCDEQ as appropriate during permitting
progression. As previously stated in this ER, the dam decommissioning and E&SC Plans for the project
may be updated based on regulatory review and comment by the USACE and/or the NCDEQ-DWR of the
Joint IP application or other project related applications. The construction sequence for the E&SC Plans
details the phasing requirements for work at the U51AB LOD, such as the removal of any sediment
accumulation from sediment ponds prior to converting them to their permanent condition. All culvert and
pipe ends have been designed to be non -erosive with appropriate end protection measures such as riprap
dissipaters and grade controls. The E&SC design also includes construction entrances, sediment basins,
silt fencing, and dust control as needed to obtain permits from the NCDEQ. Overall, E&SC Plan measures
are provided to prevent impairment of downstream receiving waters (water quality), specifically the Broad
River. Additional details of the E&SC Plans are presented in Section 3.4 (Erosion & Sediment Control Plan)
of the ER.
12

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Waters of the United States & Riparian Buffers
WOTUS, including streams and wetlands, are defined by 33 CFR Part 328.3 et al. and are protected by
Section 404 and applicable sections of the CWA (33 USC 1344). Impacts to these regulated resources are
administered and enforced by the Wilmington District of the USACE, as well as other federal and state
government agencies. The WOTUS that occur within the project site and proposed impacts to those waters
are discussed in this section.
5.1 DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
5.1.1 Wetlands
On -site evaluations for the presence of potentially jurisdictional surface waters within the Cliffside Steam
Station were conducted between December 18 to 19, 2014, and April 27 to 29, 2015, by Amec Foster
Wheeler (currently WSP) wetland scientists. Potentially jurisdictional wetland areas were delineated
(flagged) using the Routine On -Site Determination Method as defined in the USACE Wetland Delineation
Manual (USACE 1987) and the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional Supplement (USACE 2012).
This technique uses a multi -parameter approach which requires positive evidence of three criteria:
hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Areas exhibiting wetland characteristics within
the Cliffside Steam Station boundary were considered potentially jurisdictional waters. The landward limits
of wetlands were subsequently marked in the field with labeled survey tape tied to vegetation or stakes.
The location of each flag point was acquired by a Global Positioning System (GPS) device.
A request for verification of the Jurisdictional Determination (JD) was submitted on September 1, 2015, by
Amec Foster Wheeler to Mr. David Brown of the USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office for the delineated
wetland areas within the Cliffside Stream Station. This request for verification of the JD included three areas
within the Cliffside Steam Station: two closed ash basins (i.e., Unit 1-4 Inactive Ash Basin and the U51AB)
and a landfill area for the disposal of ash. It was noted in the September 1, 2015, cover letter for the request
for verification of the JD that Mr. Brown had previously reviewed each of the afore -mentioned three areas
during a site inspection on August 14, 2015. On November 20, 2015, Mr. Brown, USACE, issued the
Notification of JD (Approved JD) for the U51AB, as permitted under USACE Action ID 2015-01426. The
issued Notification of JD included the following remarks:
"The Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash Basin project area does not contain jurisdictional waters
of U.S. (WoUS), including wetlands, under Department of Army authority. On -site
verification of no jurisdictional WoUS, under Department of Army authority at the project
area, was conducted by the Corps on October 8, 2015 and the Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash
Basins project area reviewed is approximately depicted on the attached Unit 5 Inactive
Basin - Figure 3 Jurisdictional Map (dated November 18, 2015) submitted by AMEC
Foster Wheeler. NOTE: Jurisdictional waters of U.S. (WoUS), including wetlands, under
Department of Army authority adjoin the Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash Basins project area.
Wetland C is outside the Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash Basins project area, though within
the Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash buffer area."
Figure 5 (Jurisdictional Features Map), as attached to this ER, depicts the U51AB LOD and the Main Dam
LOD for the project. The jurisdictional limits of Wetland C, as occurring entirely within the Main Dam LOD
(proposed work area) and inspected and approved by the USACE, are shown on Figure 5.
The landward limits of the jurisdictional wetlands (flag points) within the Cliffside Steam Station, as identified
in the issued USACE Notification of JD (USACE Action ID 2015-01426), were surveyed by Taylor Wiseman

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
& Taylor (TWT), a registered Professional Land Surveyor. The survey plats were signed and sealed by
TWT on November 28, 2017. The jurisdictional limits of Wetland C, as shown on Figure 5, are based on
the TWT survey. The surveyed jurisdictional limits of Wetland A and Wetland M are also shown on Figure
5. Wetland A abuts, but is located outside, the southeastern finger lobe of the U51AB, while Wetland M
occurs to the northwest and beyond the Main Dam LOD.
Based on the jurisdictional feature delineation and the USACE Notification of JD, Wetland C occurs within
the Main Dam LOD (Figure 5 and Table 5.1), while Wetland M and Wetland A occur outside the Main Dam
LOD and the U51AB LOD, respectively. The classifications of these wetlands are based on the NC WAM
per the methodology outlined in the NC WAM User Manual (Version 5), effective February 2016 (NC
Wetland Functional Assessment Team 2016). Information on the location, size, and NC WAM classification
of Wetlands A, C, and M is presented in Table 5.1. The USACE Eastern Mountain and Piedmont Wetland
Determination Data Forms for these wetland areas were included in the verification of the JD request
package previously submitted to the USACE.
Table 5.1. Wetlands within or outside of the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD
WETLAND ID
NC WAM CLASSIFICATION
NC WAM
OVERALL RATING
SIZE
(ACRES)
Within Main Dam LOD
Wetland C
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Low
0.90
Outside Main Dam LOD
Wetland M
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Not determined
0.58
Outside U51AB LOD
Wetland A Herbaceous/ShrubNot determined 0.12
Notes:
Wetlands located within maintained powerline right-of-way corridors and/or facility maintenance areas. The vegetation in these
areas is herbaceous and/or shrubby due to the nature of the maintenance activities within the corridors and/or facility areas which
prevent development of an overstory; thus, no NC WAM classification was applied to these areas.
A site visit was conducted by WSP on April 13, 2023, to examine the wetland areas within and surrounding
the project area. As part of this site visit, the functional quality of Wetland C was assessed using NC WAM.
Wetland C, which was classified as a Bottomland Hardwood Forest (NC WAM classification), would be
impacted by the proposed action; therefore, the functional assessment of this wetland is important to the
determination of the amount of compensatory mitigation which may be required for the loss of wetland
function. The completed NC WAM Form for Wetland C is in Appendix A. The NC WAM Form also includes
the Overall Rating of Wetland C, which was determined to be Low based on the April 13, 2023, field
assessment of the functional quality of the wetland. Wetland A, an herbaceous/shrub wetland, and Wetland
M will not be impacted by the proposed action; i.e., the former wetland occurs outside the U51AB LOD,
while the latter wetland occurs outside the Main Dam LOD.
A description of the vegetative conditions (including plant species composition) within Wetland C is
presented in Section 7.5 (Biotic Communities) of the ER. Photographic documentation of recent site
conditions within Wetland C is presented in Appendix D, Photographic Log. The photography was collected
during the April 13, 2023, site visit of the Cliffside Steam Station by WSP.
Finally, as part of the evaluation of the wetland areas within and adjacent to the project site, an in-house
review of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) Cleveland and Rutherford Counties soil survey geographic information system (GIS) data (NRCS

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
2023) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) digital 7.5' topography, Chesnee, South Carolina
Quadrangle (USGS 2023) was completed. Soil map units occurring within the Main Dam LOD and the
U51AB LOD are identified in Section 7.4 (Soils) of the ER.
5.1.2 Streams
On -site evaluations for the presence of potentially jurisdictional stream within the Cliffside Steam Station
were conducted between December 18 to 19, 2014, and April 27 to 29, 2015, by Amec Foster Wheeler,
using the NCDEQ-NCDWR Methodology for Identification of Intermittent and Perennial Streams and Their
Origins (Version 4.11) (NC Division of Water Quality 2010). The extents of these streams were marked in
the field with labeled survey tape. The location of each flag point (stream meander) was acquired by a GPS
device.
The delineated extents of the potentially jurisdictional stream features within the Cliffside Steam Station
were included in the request for verification of the JD, which was submitted on September 1, 2015, by Amec
Foster Wheeler to Mr. Brown, USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office. The verification of JD included the
Unit 1-4 Inactive Ash Basin, the U51AB, and the landfill area. Mr. Brown issued the Notification of JD
(Approved JD) for the U51AB on November 20, 2015 (USACE Action ID 2015-01426).
The extents of the stream features within the Cliffside Steam Station, as identified in the issued USACE
Notification of JD (Approved JD), were surveyed by TWT. The survey plats were signed and sealed by TWT
on November 28, 2017. No jurisdictional streams occur within the Main Dam LOD or the U51AB LOD. As
shown on Figure 5, Streams 11 and 12 occur to the west of the U51AB. Stream 7 abuts the central portion
of the U51AB, while Stream 8 abuts a southern finger lobe of the ash basin.
On October 28, 2021, Mr. Brown received a request from Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
(currently WSP) to amend the issued Notification of JD for the U51AB at the Cliffside Steam Station. The
Notification of JD, Addendum 01 (USACE Action ID 2015-01426) included the following remarks:
"Addendum 01, December 20, 2021: This approved jurisdictional determination is
amended based on recent data and information submitted to the Corps in reference to
Stream 8. Stream 8 is part ofthe Unit 5 Inactive Coal Ash Basin waste storage/treatment
system. Stream 8 is subject to Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (NPDES permit
issued by the State of North Carolina). See attached figures (Figures 1 and 2) for
location of Stream 8."
Figure 5 shows the extent of Stream 8, as based on the Addendum 01 of the Notification of JD. The extents
of Streams 7, 11, and 12, which were not included under the Addendum 01, are also shown on Figure 5.
Information on the location, length, and NCDWR Stream Identification scores and classifications is
presented in Table 5.2 for these four streams. The NCDWR Stream Identification Forms for the delineated
streams were included in the verification of the JD request package previously submitted to the USACE.
Finally, it is noted herein that the Cliffside Steam Station is located within the Broad River Basin (Hydrologic
Unit Code [HUC] 03050105).
The level of function of Stream 7 and 8 (relative to reference condition) was assessed by WSP during the
June 22, 2023, field assessment using the NC SAM per the methodology outlined in the NC SAM Draft
User Manual, effective March 2013 (NC Stream Functional Assessment Team 2013). The completed NC
SAM Forms for Streams 7 and 8 are in Appendix A. The NC SAM Forms include the Overall Ratings,
which were determined to be Medium for Stream 7 and Medium for Stream 8. Table 5.2 also presents the
NC SAM Overall Ratings for these two streams. Streams 7 and 8 will not be impacted by the proposed
action. Photographic documentation of recent site conditions within Streams 7 and 8 is presented in

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendix D, Photographic Log. The photography was collected during a June 22, 2023, site visit of the
Cliffside Steam Station by WSP. It is noted that a portion of the Stream 8 reach is flooded from beaver
(Castor canadensis) activity.
Table 5.2. Streams abutting or outside of the U51AB LOD
STREAM ID
NCDWR STREAM SCORE1
NCDWR STREAM CLASSIFICATION1
NC SAM
OVERALL RATING
ENTIRE REACH LENGTH
(LINEAR FEET)
Abutting U51AB LOD
Stream 7
23.75
Intermittent
Medium
294
Stream 8
31.25
Perennial
Medium
256
Outside U51AB LOD
Stream 11
20.5
Intermittent
Not determined
205
Stream 12
34.25
Perennial
Not determined
1200
NCDWR scoring: <19= ephemeral; 19 to <30 = intermittent; >_30 = perennial
5.1.3 Open WaterF
Open water features include ponds or lakes, or manmade farm ponds. No open water features were present
within the Main Dam LOD. Open water areas are present within the U51AB LOD. These waters are non -
jurisdictional, however, as the USACE does not exert regulatory jurisdiction over wetlands, streams, and
open waters that occur within manmade ash basins that are underlain by CCR materials. The open water
areas within the U51AB are depicted on the USGS topographic map (Figure 2), the NRCS soils map (Figure
3), and the USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) map (Figure 4).
5 1 4 Riparian Buffers
The Cliffside Steam Station is in the Broad River Basin. Review of the State of North Carolina Riparian
Buffer Protection Rules indicate that the project site is not located within a regulated buffer river basin and
is not subject to state Riparian Buffer Protection Rules.
The Cleveland County Code of Ordinances has the following text in its regulations:
"A minimum thirty-foot vegetative buffer for development activities is required along all
perennial waters indicated on the most recent versions of U.S.G.S. 1:24,000 (7.5
minute) scale topographic maps or as determined by local government studies. Such
buffer shall be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet wide for development activities
utilizing the seventy (70) percent built -upon area option in section 12-134(4)(b).
Desirable artificial stream bank or shoreline stabilization is permitted.
No new development is allowed in the buffer except for water dependent structures and
public projects such as road crossings and greenways where no practical alternative
exists. These activities should minimize built -upon surface area, direct runoff away from
the surface waters and maximize the utilization of stormwater best management
practices."
Rutherford County has a similar statement in its Watershed Protection Ordinance:
"(A) A minimum one hundred (100) foot vegetative buffer is required for all new
development activities that exceed the low density option; otherwise, a minimum thirty
(30) foot vegetative buffer for development activities is required along all perennial
waters indicated on the most recent versions of U.S.G.S. 1:24,000 (7.5 minute) scale
16

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
topographic maps or as determined by local government studies. Desirable artificial
streambank or shoreline stabilization is permitted.
(B) No new development is allowed in the buffer except for water dependent structures,
other structures such as flag poles, signs and security lights which result in only
diminutive increases in impervious area and public projects such as road crossings and
greenways where no practical alternative exists. These activities should minimize built -
upon surface area, direct runoff away from the surface waters and maximize the
utilization of stormwater Best Management Practices."
5.2 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
5.2.1 Wetlands
To complete the proposed action, a permanent impact to jurisdictional wetlands would be necessary. The
wetland impact would be limited, however, to Wetland C within the Main Dam LOD. Table 5.3 presents the
proposed impact to Wetland C, while the Plan View drawing (Appendix B) visually depicts the area of
impact. The proposed impact to Wetland C would be 0.90 acre; i.e., the entire wetland would be
permanently impacted. Under the proposed action, the stormwater outlet channel, which would convey
stormwater from the closed ash basin to the Broad River after the Main Dam has been removed, would be
constructed through the footprint of the wetland. The Cross -Section drawing of Wetland C is also included
in Appendix B. Mitigation for the proposed impact to Wetland C will be required, as discussed in Section
6 (Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan) of the ER.
Wetland M, which occurs to the northwest of the Main Dam LOD, would not be impacted under the proposed
action. Wetland A, which abuts the southeastern finger lobe of the U51AB, would also not be impacted.
Table 5.3. Proposed Impacts to Wetlands within or outside of the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOU
WETLAND ID TOTAL AREA (ACRES) IMPACT AREA (ACRES)
Within Main Dam LOD
Wetland C 0.90 0.90
Outside Main Dam LOD
Wetland M 0.58 0.00
Outside U51AB LOD
Wetland A 0.12 0.00
5.2.2 Streams
To complete the proposed action, no permanent or temporary impacts to jurisdictional streams will be
necessary. Specifically, no impacts to Streams 7, 8, 11, and 12 will occur. Streams 11 and 12 occur to the
west of the U51AB. Stream 7 abuts the central portion of the U51AB, while Stream 8 abuts a southern finger
lobe of the ash basin.
5.2.3 Open Waterr
Open water features include ponds or lakes, or manmade farm ponds. As no open waters occur within the
Main Dam LOD, there will be no impacts to such features under the proposed action. Open water areas
are present within the U51AB LOD; however, the USACE does not exert regulatory jurisdiction over
wetlands, streams, and open waters that occur within manmade ash basins that are underlain by CCR
materials.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
r;.2.4 Riparian Buffers
Since the Cliffside Steam Station in not located within a river basin subject to State of North Carolina
Riparian Buffer Protection Rules, there would be no impacts to state -regulated riparian buffers within the
project site. With regards to local regulatory restrictions, riparian (vegetative) buffers would be required
along perennial waters under the Cleveland County Code of Ordinances and the Rutherford County
Watershed Protection Ordinance.
18

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
6 Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan
6.1 MITIGATION REQUIREMENTF
On April 10, 2008, the Department of Defense, in conjunction with the USEPA, issued Compensatory
Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources; Final Rule (33 CFR Parts 325 and 332; 40 CFR Part 230). This
mitigation rule is designed to improve planning and management of compensatory mitigation projects for
impacts which are authorized under Department of the Army permits. The rule stresses a watershed
approach to mitigation project locations and requires ecological performance standards and annual
monitoring of an implemented mitigation plan.
6.L IVII I IGATIUN FLAN
Compensatory mitigation for the proposed impact to Wetland C is required under the Section 404 IP.
Appropriate avoidance and practicable minimization efforts have been conducted through project design
concepts. However, the unavoidable impact to on -site WOTUS is necessary to complete the proposed
action. The details of the proposed compensatory mitigation plan for the unavoidable impact are presented
below for the proposed action.
The compensatory mitigation options evaluated for the proposed action included: (1) credit purchase from
an approved private mitigation bank, (2) credit purchase through the North Carolina Division of Mitigation
Services (NCDMS) In -Lieu Fee Program, and (3) permittee-responsible mitigation, on -site mitigation, or
offsite mitigation. Based on the review of the mitigation options available for the Cliffside Steam Station, it
has been determined that credit purchase through the NCDMS In -Lieu Fee Program is necessary because
there are currently no mitigation banks offering wetlands credits in the Broad River Basin, specifically HUC
03050105. On -site mitigation and offsite mitigation opportunities were not explored because the In -Lieu
Fee option is available.
It is noted that the Box Creek mitigation bank (McDowell and Rutherford Counties) in the Broad River Basin,
with a service area within HUC 03050105, offers only stream credits. This mitigation bank does not offer
wetland credits at the present time. The mitigation bank is owned/operated by Unique Places, LLC and is
identified by NCDEQ-DWR project number 2013-04000.
Wetland mitigation credits are currently available through the NCDMS In -Lieu Fee Program. The Cliffside
Steam Station occurs within HUC 03050105. This HUC is in the In -Lieu Fee Standard Service Area and
would be subject to the Standard Service Rates within the Broad River Basin. The NCDMS rates are
effective through June 30, 2023. Table 6.1 presents the NCDMS mitigation cost for impacts to jurisdictional
riparian wetlands within the project site; i.e., Wetland C, within the Main Dam LOD. Fees for impacts to
riparian wetlands are calculated on a per credit basis. Mitigation ratios were applied as follows (final
mitigation ratio will need to be confirmed by the USACE):
• A mitigation ratio of 1:1 was applied for riparian wetlands within the Main Dam LOD with a NC WAM
overall rating of Low.
As the Cliffside Steam Station is not within a watershed where Riparian Buffer Protection Rules are
administered by the State of North Carolina, mitigation is not included in Table 6.1 for impacts to riparian
buffers.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
The level of function of Wetland C in Table 6.1 (relative to reference condition) was assessed on April 13,
2023, by WSP using NC WAM. The completed NC WAM Form for Wetland C is in Appendix A.
Table 6.1. Potential Wetland Mitigation Costs for Impacts to WOTUS within the Main Dam LOD
FEATURE
LOCATION
IMPACT SIZE (ACRES)
(MITIGATION RATIO)
NCDMS IN -LIEU FEE UNIT
COST
TOTAL COST1
Wetland C
Main Dam LOD
0.90 (1:1)
$76,150.13
$68,535.12
Totqj
0.90
$68, 535.12
Total cost not approved by the USACE or NCDWR as of this ER release date.
20

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report - Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Affected Environment and Impacts
An interdisciplinary team of environmental scientists, biologists, planners, economists, engineers,
archaeologists, historians, and others with knowledge or experience related to the proposed action have
analyzed the proposed action considering existing conditions and identified relevant beneficial and adverse
effects associated with the proposed action. A detailed evaluation of the proposed action on the human and
natural environment is presented below.
7.1 LAND USE
7.1.1 Description of Affected Environment
Land use is defined as the way people use and develop land, including uses such as agricultural, residential,
and industrial. To estimate land use and land cover within the of the project site, the 2019 National Land
Cover Database (NLCD) was utilized. The data shows generalized land cover classifications as derived
from satellite mapping. A summary of the land cover types for the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD
contained in NLCD 2019 are respectively provided in Table 7.1 and Table 7.2 below. Land cover types,
numbers of acres of each type, and percent of type are presented for both the Main Dam LOD and the
U51AB LOD.
Table 7.1. Specific Land Cover Types within the Main Dam LOD and within a 1-Mile Radius
LAND COVER
ACRES WITHIN
MAIN DAM LIMITS
% OF MAIN DAM
LIMITS
ACRES WITHIN 1 MILE
OF MAIN DAM
% WITHIN 1 MILE
OF MAIN DAM
Open Water
0.0
0.0
94.46
3.54
Developed, Open Space
0.0
0.0
160.14
6.00
Developed, Low Intensity
1.48
12.12
118.59
4.44
Developed, Medium Intensity
0.0
0.0
134.95
5.05
Developed, High Intensity
0.15
1.24
113.01
4.23
Barren Land
0.0
0.0
29.47
1.10
Deciduous Forest
4.28
34.89
939.49
35.19
Evergreen Forest
0.0
0.0
218.67
8.19
Mixed Forest
0.22
1.81
141.85
5.31
Shrub/Scrub
0.0
0.0
53.49
2.00
Herbaceous
0.0
0.0
151.39
5.67
Hay/Pasture
6.12
49.94
471.77
17.67
Cultivated Crops
0.0
0.0
19.93
0.75
Woody Wetlands
0.0
0.0
9.18
0.34
Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands
0.0
0.0
13.62
0.51
21

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report - Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Table 7.2. Specific Land Cover Types within the U51AB LOD and within a 1-Mile Radius
LAND COVER
ACRES WITHIN
U51AB LIMITS
% OF U51AB
LIMITS
ACRES WITHIN 1 MILE
OF U51AB
% WITHIN 1 MILE
OF U51AB
Open Water
0.44
0.61
104.60
3.22
Developed, Open Space
Developed, Low Intensity
3.48
4.77
191.43
5.90
6.17
8.45
154.77
4.77
Developed, Medium Intensity
Developed, High Intensity
29.40
40.28
139.60
4.30
19.45
26.65
113.01
3.48
Barren Land
0.0
0.0
30.79
0.95
Deciduous Forest
1.26
1.73
1101.30
33.94
Evergreen Forest M0.67
0.91
231.76
7.14
Mixed Forest
0.41
0.2
170.10
5.24
Shrub/Scrub
0.0
0.0
50.15
1.55
Herbaceous
Hay/Pasture
4.84
6.63
191.06
5.89
2.82
3.87
666.22
20.53
Cultivated Crops
4.31
5.91
73.86
2.28
Woody Wetlands
0.0
0.0
12.17
0.38
Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands
0.0
0.0
13.62
0.42
The NLCD interpreted the Main Dam area land cover type as predominately hay/pasture. However, the
Main Dam LOD consists of a turf covered berm. The NLCD interpreted the U51AB land cover type as
developed. Current land use is more accurately described as an inactive ash basin containing CCR
materials deposited during the operation of the Cliffside Steam Station. Much of the area surrounding the
Main Dam and U51AB is deciduous forest. Additional vegetated covertypes include evergreen forest, mixed
forest, woody wetland, emergent herbaceous wetland, shrub/scrub, herbaceous, hay/pastureland and
cultivated crops. Additional cover types are as various intensities of development (open space, low,
medium, and high intensity). However, the land use surrounding the project area is largely rural. Major
metropolitan areas are Charlotte, North Carolina (approximately 50 miles east) and Spartanburg, South
Carolina (approximately 20 miles southwest).
PUBLIC LANDS AND SCENIC, RECREATIONAL, AND STATE NATURAL AREAS
Numerous stewardship and protected areas sources were reviewed, including the USGS Protected Areas
Database of the United States (USGS PAD 2023), the National Conservation Easement Database (NCED),
USDA NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program, the NCNHP and multiple non -governmental
organizations, to develop a database of protected and conserved lands in or near the project site. This
database is not an exhaustive list but gives an indication of the protected areas within the project site.
EXISTING PUBLIC/CONSERVATION LANDS IN VICINITY OF PROJECT SITE
The USGS PAD does not list any protected areas in the vicinity of the project site.
No conservation easements are located within the project site. The nearest conservation easement is Broad
River Greenway, located approximately four miles northeast of the project site in Cleveland County. This
easement is administered by the NCDMS. This easement is a 997.53-acres area located in Cleveland
County along the Broad River. The NCED does not identify any additional conservation easements in the
vicinity of the project site.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
The NCNHP does not list any natural areas or managed areas within a 1-mile radius of the project site.
No scenic or recreational public lands are located on or within the vicinity of the project site.
7.1.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
In general, except for the clearing of a portion of the upland forest land cover and Wetland C, land use
changes within the Main Dam LOD will not occur because of project implementation. There will be a
temporary change, or conversion, in land cover during the removal of the Main Dam (turf covered berm)
and, if required, the Saddle Dam. However, areas disturbed by the removal of the dam(s) will be stabilized
following the breach and in accordance with applicable E&SC Plans. The Cliffside Steam Station Vegetation
Maintenance and Implementation Plan will be utilized during the project to establish temporary or
permanent vegetation in areas where bare soil is exposed, within and outside of the original footprint of the
dam(s). In addition, the project will not change land cover or land use surrounding the Cliffside Steam
Station. Finally, theT#e proposed action will not impact any public lands or scenic, recreational, or state
natural areas.
7.2 AESTHETICS & VISUAL RESOURCES
7.2.1 Description of Affected Environment
The physical, biological, and cultural features of an area combine to make the visual landscape character
both identifiable and unique. Scenic integrity indicates the degree of unity or wholeness of the visual
character. Scenic attractiveness is the evaluation of outstanding or unique natural features, scenic variety,
seasonal change, and strategic location. Where and how the landscape is viewed affect the more subjective
perceptions of its aesthetic quality and sense of place.
Views of a landscape are described in terms of what is seen in foreground, middle ground, and background
distances. In the foreground, an area within a one-half mile of the observer, details of objects are easily
distinguished in the landscape. In the middle ground, normally between one and four miles from the
observer, objects may be distinguishable, but their details are weak, and they tend to merge into larger
patterns. Details and colors of objects in the background, the distant part of the landscape, are not normally
discernible unless they are especially large and standing alone. The impressions of an area's visual
character can have a substantial influence on how it is appreciated, protected, and used. The general
landscape character of the project site is described in this section.
The Main Dam LOD comprises the Main Dam and Saddle Dam, mixed pine -hardwood upland forest, shrub
and brushland, and maintained (grassed) areas. The two dams (berms) are grassed. The Main Dam LOD
is bordered to the northeast by mature forest and the stream plant and to the northwest by utility right-of-
way (overhead electric). The Broad River abuts the central northern tip of the Main Dam LOD. The southern
boundary of the Main Dam LOD is conterminous with the northern boundary of the U51AB LOD. No
residential properties abut the boundaries of the Main Dam LOD. Residential properties occur further to the
north and west of the Main Dam LOD. The residential properties that occur to the north are separated from
the Main Dam LOD by the Broad River and are screened by mature forest. The distance between the
northern properties and the Main Dam LOD is approximately one-half mile. The distance between the
western residential properties and the Main Dam LOD is approximately one -quarter mile. These western
properties are mostly screened from the Main Dam LOD by mature forest. The western residential
properties are located along US Route 221 Alternate. The views (facing eastward) of the Main Dam LOD
from this roadway would be similar to the views of the residences. Overall, scenic attractiveness of the

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
landscape adjacent to the project site is common, and scenic integrity is low because of land disturbance
associated with the Cliffside Steam Station, foremost being the ash basin.
The U51AB LOD is denuded of vegetation. The excavation of the ash basin will be complete once the
overburden of CCR materials is removed. As stated above, the northern boundary of the U51AB LOD is
conterminous with the southern boundary of the Main Dam LOD. Mature forest and/or open disturbed land
occur along the western and southern boundaries of the U51AB LOD, while railway and roadway features
border the eastern boundary of the ash basin. The nearest roadway to the overall project area is Duke
Power Road, with its closest approach occurring approximately 700 feet to the south of the south-central
boundary of the ash basin. Views of the ash basin would likely be up to distances in the foreground (0 to
one-half mile) from Duke Power Road. Specifically, views of the ash basin from Duke Power Road are
mostly unscreened, as open disturbed land is predominant between the roadway and the ash basin. The
on -site landfill occurs to the south of Duke Power Road.
1.2.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
Development of the project site (i.e., specifically, the Main Dam LOD) under the proposed action would
result in effects to existing scenic resources within the site. Removal of existing trees and site grading and
surfacing would affect the scenic integrity of the site; i.e., the rural or naturally appearing landscape
character of the site. It is noted, however, that approximately half of the site is already developed, or altered,
as including the Main Dam and Saddle Dam, spillway, and access road. Based on criteria developed by
the United States Forest Service (USFS) to rate scenic quality, the overall scenic values of the project site
are low to moderate because of the moderate relief, lack of significant natural visual features, and the
similarity to surrounding areas (USFS 1995). There may be moderate visual impacts during development
of the Main Dam LOD, but these impacts are not out of character with the existing land development
activities that currently occur at the Cliffside Steam Station. Alternatively, the removal of the Main Dam and,
if required, the Saddle Dam, will improve the scenic quality of the site; i.e., the dam(s) footprint would
change from an artificial feature (constructed berm) to a graded and vegetated, more natural landscape.
The ash excavation within the U51AB LOD is being contained within the ash basin and will be completed
prior to breaching the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The interior areas of the ash basin will
be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach. The remaining areas disturbed by the final breach will be
stabilized following the breach and in accordance with applicable E&SC Plans. The Cliffside Steam Station
Vegetation Maintenance and Implementation Plan will be utilized during the project to establish temporary
or permanent vegetation in areas where bare soil is exposed. With these actions, the scenic quality/scenic
attractiveness of the basin footprint will be improved post -development.
Lighting at the Main Dam LOD may be utilized for security, safety, and/or operations. Light can cause
pollution when it becomes a nuisance to adjacent properties. Light pollution (light trespass) is best
described as artificial light that can illuminate, or intrude upon, areas not intended to be lit. However, the
exterior lighting would be located well within the property boundary. Only the minimum required lighting for
safe work and operations would be designed and installed, such that much of the Cliffside Steam Station
property would exhibit zero to extremely low detectable light levels.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
7.3 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY
7.3.1 Description of Affected Environment
GEOLOGY
With respect to physiography, the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD occur in the Piedmont Physiographic
Province. With respect to geologic belts in North Carolina (i.e., areas with similar rock types and geologic
history), the project area occurs in the Inner Piedmont Belt, as identified by the North Carolina Geological
Survey (NCGS) (NCGS 1991). The Inner Piedmont Belt is the most intensely deformed and
metamorphosed segment of the Piedmont. The metamorphic rocks range from 500 to 750 million years in
age. They include gneiss and schist that have been intruded by younger granitic rocks. The Geologic Map
of North Carolina places the project area further in the Charlotte and Milton Belt (metamorphic rocks)
(NCGS 1985). The rocks of the area are described as biotite (black mica minerals) gneiss and schist with
abundant potassic feldspar and garnet, and interlayered and gradational with calc-silicate rock, sillimanite-
mica schist, mica schist, and amphibolite. Small masses of granitic rock are also present.
TOPOGRAPHY
Topography within the Main Dam LOD ranges from 672 feet to 755 feet above mean sea level (amsl)
(Figure 2). Topography within the U51AB ranges from 770 feet to 836 feet amsl.
7.3.2 rotential environmental Impacts
Potential impacts to topography associated with the proposed action include ground -disturbing activities
occurring during site preparation and construction. Ground disturbance would encompass surface soils and
potentially subsurface soils and would alter the current elevations (topography) of the project area. The
greatest change in elevation would occur from the removal of the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle
Dam. The project has been designed so as not to pose a substantial erosion hazard. However, where
erosion hazards may exist, the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs), including erosion control
structures, would reduce the potential for erosion and siltation of drainages. Ground disturbance activities
associated with the proposed action would be localized and not have substantial impacts on sensitive or
regionally significant geologic or physiographic features.
7.4 SOILS
7.4.1 Description of Affected Environment
The project site includes the following mapped soil series: Paco let -Beth lehem complex, Rion-Cliffside
complex, and Udorthents. Figure 3 and Table 7.3 depicts the soil types (map units) and their respective
hydrologic soil groups. Hydrologic soil groups are based on the rate of water infiltration when the soils are
not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long -duration storms. All the
soils are composed of sand and/or loam. Soil types and hydric soil groups are presented for both the Main
Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD boundaries.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Table 7.3. Soil Types within the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD
MAP UNIT
SYMBOL
SOIL TYPE1
HYDROLOGIC
SOIL GROUP2
Main Dam LOD
PbD2
Pacolet-Bethlehem complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes
C
RnE
Rion-Cliffside complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes
C
UdC
Udorthents, loamy, 0 to 15 percent slopes
C
W
Water
N/A
U51AB LOD
PbC2
Pacolet-Bethlehem complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes
C
PbD2
Pacolet-Bethlehem complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes
C
UdC
Udorthents, loamy, 0 to 15 percent slopes
C
W
Water
N/A
Source: USDA NRCS Soil Data Mart (NRCS 2023).
2 Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist mainly of
deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water
transmission. Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
moderately deep or deep, moderately well -drained, or well -drained soils that have moderately fine texture to
moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission. Group C. Soils having a slow
infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward
movement of water or soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water
transmission. Group D. Soils having a slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist
chiefly of clays that have a high shrink -swell potential, soils that have a high-water table, soils that have a claypan or
clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a slow
rate of water transmission.
7.4.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
Implementation of standard site preparation techniques would enable development of the proposed action.
To minimize potential erosion, siltation, and soil compaction during excavation, site preparation, and other
construction activities, BMPs would be incorporated as part of the proposed action, including standard
erosion and siltation prevention measures, i.e., watering for dust suppression, use of netting and silt fencing,
etc.
With implementation of the standard BMPs described above, construction -related impacts to soils will be
localized to the proposed action footprints. Therefore, implementation of the proposed action would result
in only site -specific impacts to soils. Soil impacts would not extend to areas beyond the boundaries of the
Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD.
7.5 BIOTIC COMMUNITIES
7.5.1 Description of Affected Environment
WILDLIFE COMMUNITIES
The Cliffside Steam Station provides suitable habitat for common wildlife species. During the field
investigations of the wildlife habitat within the property (since 2014, by Amec Foster Wheeler, Wood, and
WSP) a variety of wildlife species or their sign (i.e., nests, dens, scat, etc.) were observed, including white-
tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), eastern

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), red -shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura),
black vulture (Coragyps atratus), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), eastern phoebe (Sayornis
phoebe), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), yellow-rumped warbler
(Dendroica coronata), and northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Many of these wildlife species may be
present within the Main Dam LOD and surrounding the U51AB LOD.
Other mammal species that may be present on the Cliffside Steam Station and the project site include bats,
red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), mice, and rats. Additional bird species
that may occur are wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), sharp -shinned
hawk (Accipter striatus), Cooper's hawk (A. cooperi►), barred owl (Strix varia), mourning dove (Zenaida
macroura), red bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus),
eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis), tufted titmouse (P. bicolor),
Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), eastern bluebird
(Sialia sialis), American robin (Turdus migratorius), white eyed vireo (Vireo griseus), solitary vireo (V.
solitaries), and northern parula (Setophaga americana).
PLANT COMMUNITIES
The dominant terrestrial communities on the Cliffside Steam Station are secondary growth and include pine
forest, upland hardwood forest, and mixed pine -hardwood upland forest. Shrub and brushland and open,
maintained (grassed) areas also occur on the property and comprise disturbed/altered land. The Main Dam
LOD comprises the Main Dam and Saddle Dam (see Figure 5), mixed pine -hardwood upland forest, shrub
and brushland, and maintained (grassed) areas. These two dams (berms) are grassed. An existing spillway
and a gravel access road are also present. The U51AB is denuded of vegetation.
The canopy stratum in the upland forested areas of the Main Dam LOD and abutting the U51AB LOD
includes Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), willow oak (Quercus phellos), water oak (Quercus nigra), red
maple (Acerrubrum var. rubrum), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and American sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis). The shrub stratum comprises Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), an invasive, noxious shrub
species, eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana), and saplings of Virginia pine and the afore-
mentioned hardwood species. The groundstory plants and climbing vines include greenbrier (Smilax
rotundifolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), panic grasses (Panicum spp.), blackberry (Rubus
sp.), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), broomsedge
(Andropogon virginicus), dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), goldenrod (Solidago sp.), and hardwood
seedlings.
Wetland plant communities within the Main Dam LOD singularly include Bottomland Hardwood Forest; i.e.,
Wetland C. The central portion of the wetland is ponded. The canopy stratum landward of the ponded area
includes yellow poplar, river birch (Betula nigra), and box elder (Acernegundo). Virginia pine occurs along
the upper boundary of the wetland. The shrub stratum comprises box elder, river birch, red maple, and
hazel alder (Alnus serrulata). The groundstory plants and climbing vines include Japanese honeysuckle,
blackberry, broomsedge, greenbrier, Virginia creeper, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), giant cane
(Arundinaria gigantea), soft rush (Juncus effusus), flat sedge (Cyperus sp.), knotweed (Persicaria sp.),
broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), and hardwood seedlings. Wetland C, a
riparian wetland, partially abuts and drains to the Broad River. A berm also borders much of the wetland.
Botanical taxonomic nomenclature is in accordance with Weakley (Weakley 2015).
Wetland C was evaluated by WSP on April 13, 2023, using NC WAM (Appendix A). The NC WAM is a
field method used to determine the level of function of a wetland relative to the reference condition for each

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
of 16 North Carolina general wetland types. NC WAM was created to be used for project planning,
alternatives analysis, compliance and enforcement, mitigation planning, and tracking functional
replacement. The NC WAM Overall Rating of Wetland C was Low.
7.5.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
Implementation of the proposed action would result in direct impacts to forested upland plant communities.
Taking into consideration the large amount of similar plant communities in the area regionally and locally,
the loss of the existing vegetation would be considered a minor impact. Specifically, the surrounding area
consists of similar vegetative habitats. Based on the NLCD 2019 database, Deciduous Forest, Evergreen
Forest, and Mixed Forest collectively encompass approximately 48 percent of the land cover within a one -
mile radius of the Main Dam LOD. The loss or transformation of woodland vegetation within the project site,
when compared to the abundance of woodland vegetation surrounding the project, would not be substantial.
Indirect impacts are possible if the existing vegetation is part of a larger system that relies on these plant
communities for regional propagation and genetic diversity. Due to the large amount of similar habitat and
plant communities surrounding the project site, this impact is minor.
Implementation of the proposed action would result in direct impacts to forested wetland plant communities
within the Main Dam LOD, specifically Bottomland Hardwood Forest. However, the amount of impact is
small (approximately 0.90 acre) and insubstantial with respect to the total amount of Bottomland Hardwood
Forest that exists both locally and within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. The Bottomland Hardwood
Forest type is not unique among all wetland community types. Compensatory mitigation for the proposed
wetland impacts would be provided, as discussed in Section 6 (Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan) of
the ER.
7.6 WATER RESOURCES / FLOODPLAINS
7.6.1 Description of Affected Environment: Surface Waters
Surface waters include streams and rivers. The project site is located within the Broad River Basin and the
Piedmont Physiographic Province. The surface water classification listed for Broad River on the most recent
NCDEQ surface water data is "WS-IV" (Water Supply) (NCDEQ 2023a). This classification includes waters
used by industry to supply their employees with drinking water or as waters formerly used as water supply.
These waters are also protected for Class C uses in addition to primary recreation. Primary recreational
activities include swimming, skin diving, water skiing, and similar uses involving human body contact with
water where such activities take place in an organized manner or on a frequent basis. The Broad River
adjacent to the project area is not listed on the 2022 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters (NCDEQ 2023b).
7 6 2 Potential Envirnnmental Imparts- Surface Waters
WOTUS, including streams and wetlands, are described above in Section 5 of the ER. A permanent impact
to jurisdictional wetlands would be necessary. The wetland impact would be limited, however, to 0.90-acre
of Wetland C within the Main Dam LOD. No permanent or temporary impacts to jurisdictional streams will
be necessary. Specifically, no impacts to Streams 7, 8, 11, and 12 will occur. Streams 11 and 12 occur to
the west of the U51AB. Stream 7 abuts the central portion of the U51AB, while Stream 8 abuts a southern
finger lobe of the ash basin.
7.6.3 Description of Affected Environment: Floodplains
Floodplain Management is conducted in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain
Management). The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 to protect lives and

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
property and to reduce the financial burden of providing disaster assistance. The NFIP is administered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In partnership with FEMA, the State of North
Carolina has produced flood maps in accordance with FEMA standards. The one percent annual chance
(100-year) flood has been adopted by the FEMA as the base flood for floodplain management and flood
insurance purposes. A 100-year storm event (or base flood) has a one percent annual chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 100-year floodplain, shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM), is also called a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), where the NFIP's floodplain management
regulations must be enforced by the community as a condition of participation in the Program.
WSP reviewed Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) to determine whether any portion of the project
site lies within the regulatory 100-year floodplain (Figure 6) (FEMA 2023). Based on this review, Wetland
C is located within a 100-year floodplain.
7.6.4 potential E, mi u, imenta, mpacts - Floodplains
The review of the FEMA DFIRM delineated flood boundaries for the Cliffside Steam Station identified
Wetland C within flood zone AE and the 100-year floodplain (Figure 6). The Broad River is listed as a
Traditional Navigable Water (TNW). Impacts to Wetland C are discussed in Section 5.2.1 (Wetlands) of the
ER. No additional impacts to floodplains or this TNW are expected because of the proposed project actions.
Clearing and grading activities within the Main Dam LOD, as specifically occurring within delineated flood
boundaries, may require a Floodplain Development Permit pursuant to the Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance of Rutherford County. In addition, the proposed action may be reviewed by the Floodplain
Administrator for Rutherford County.
7.6.5 Description of Affected Environment: Groundwater
Groundwater refers to subsurface hydrologic resources that are used for domestic, agricultural, and
industrial purposes. Groundwater is stored in natural geologic formations called aquifers. In the Piedmont
Physiographic Province of North Carolina, two major aquifer systems exist and usually interact with one
another: unconfined aquifer and surficial aquifer (NCDEQ 2023c). The surficial materials or regolith of these
provinces form the unconfined aquifer. The fractured rock beneath is the unconfined, to semi -confined,
bedrock aquifer. The surficial aquifer typically feeds the fractures in the bedrock aquifer. These two aquifers
are further described below (NCDEQ 2023c).
• Surficial aquifer is widely used throughout the state for individual home wells. The surficial aquifer is
the shallowest and most susceptible to contamination from septic tank systems and other pollution
sources. The surficial aquifer is also sensitive to variations in rainfall amounts and are the first to deplete
in drought conditions.
• Fractured bedrock aquifer is widely used for home water supply. Usually, six-inch wells are drilled to
intercept water bearing fractures which are more common in valleys or draws.
7.6.6 roienuai tnvironmeniai impacts — urounawaier
The proposed action will not draw water from subsurface/groundwater sources. Therefore, the
implementation of the proposed action should have no pronounced effect on the surficial aquifer or the
fractured bedrock aquifer.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
7.7 PROTECTED SPECIES
7.7.1 Description of Affected Environment
Certain plant and animal species are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (16
USC 1531-1544, December 28, 1973, as amended 1976-1982, 1984, and 1988), which is administered
and enforced by the USFWS, Region 4. USACE IP and Nationwide Permit General Condition 18
(Endangered Species) require that projects authorized by the USACE do not adversely affect federally
protected species. Should a finding of adverse effect be presumed by the USACE, coordination with the
USFWS is typically required to avoid impacts or minimize impacts to the practicable extent (USFWS Section
7 Consultation).
A records search was conducted to identify documented federally protected species (threatened or
endangered) and federal Species of Concern which have elemental occurrences in Rutherford and
Cleveland Counties. As specifically related to the NCNHP database search, the query of elemental
occurrences encompassed a one -mile radius of the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD. Both federal and
state databases were reviewed:
• NCNHP database query request (NCNHP 2023)
• USFWS Information, Planning, and Consultation System (IPaC) database (USFWS 2023a)
• USFWS Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) (USFWS 2023b)
• Asheville Ecological Services Field Office website (USFWS 2023c)
The purpose of the records search was to determine whether federally listed plant and animal species or
designated critical habitat may be near or within the Cliffside Steam Station and, specifically, near or within
the Main Dam LOD. It is noted that the U51AB is an inactive ash basin where CCR materials are currently
being removed and, as such, would most likely not have suitable habitats for listed plant and animal species.
Known habitats used by the species listed in Table 7.4 were compared with the habitats occurring within
the project site to determine the potential for occurrence for each species and the potential for effect that
the implementation of the proposed site activities would have on these species. Specifically, the potential
for effect that the site activities would have on the species listed in Table 7.4 was based on the following
factors:
• A comparison of the known habitat uses by these species
• The habitats (if present) within the steam station
• The quantity, quality, and proximity of these habitats
• Observations of these species or their sign during field reconnaissance
• The proposed site activities (construction materials and equipment)
General field reconnaissance of the project site was performed on April 13 and June 22, 2023. The purpose
of the reconnaissance was to evaluate the plant communities and aquatic features within and adjacent to
the Main Dam LOD with respect to the quantity and quality of habitat and the potential for occurrence by
threatened and endangered species.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Table 7.4. Potential for Effect for Federally Listed Animal and Plant Species within the Main Dam LOD
COMMON NAME
FEDERAL
GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION
POTENTIAL FOR
(SCIENTIFIC NAME)
STATUS
EFFECT
Mammals
Indiana bat
E
In summer, habitat consists of wooded or semi -wooded areas,
May Affect, Not
(Myotis soda/is)
often but not always along streams. Winter hibernating habitat
Likely to
(hibernacula) includes caves and mines, typically with large
Adversely Affect
passages and entrances, constant temperatures, and high
humidity with no air currents.
Tricolored bat
Proposed
In spring, summer, and fall, tricolored bats roost in live and dead
May Affect, Not
(Perimyotis
E
tree foliage, primarily of deciduous hardwoods, but occasionally in
Likely to
subflavus)
pines. They have also been found roosting in structures, including
Adversely Affect
barns, roofs, and bridges. They forage in forested landscapes
near waterways. In winter, they generally hibernate in caves and
mines, but may use culverts or tree cavities.
Birds
Bald eagle BGEPA Forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of Not Likely to
(Haliaeetus shallow fresh or salt water for foraging. Nesting habitat consists of Disturb
leucocephalus) densely forested areas of mature trees that are isolated from
human disturbance.
Reptiles
Bog turtle SAT The species occurs in open, emergent and scrub/shrub wetlands, No Effect
(Glyptemys dominated by low grasses and sedges with a low volume of
muhlenbergii) standing or slow -moving water.
Insects
Monarch C Conifer and hardwood forests, old field, cropland, and suburbs. Determination not
butterfly Breeding and nectaring in various habitats where patches of Required
(Danaus milkweed can occur.
plexippus)
Flowering Plants
Dwarf -flowered
T
Endemic to Piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina
May Affect, Not
heartleaf
and South Carolina. Habitat includes oak -hickory -pine plant
Likely to
(Hexastylis
communities. Typically grows on slopes near streams in moist,
Adversely Affect
naniflora)
acidic soils. It is associated with mountain laurel and several
species of oak, particularly scarlet oak, chestnut oak, and black
oak.
Small whorled
T
Mature hardwood stands of beech, birch, maple, oak, and hickory
May Affect, Not
pogonia
that have an open understory. Preferred habitat consists of acidic
Likely to
(Isotria
soils with a thick layer of dead leaves, often on slopes near small
Adversely Affect
medeo/oides)
streams.
Lichens
Rock gnome E This species is primarily limited to partially shaded vertical rock No Effect
lichen faces, often north facing, where seepage of water from forest
(Gymnoderma soils above flows during wet periods.
lineare)
Sources: NCNHP List of Rare Species of North Carolina (NCNPH 2O23); USFWS IPaC (USFWS 2023a); USFWS
Environmental Conservation Online System - Species Profiles (USFWS 2023b); USFWS Asheville Ecological
Services (USFWS 2023c); NatureServe Explorer (NatureServe 2023).
Codes: C = Candidate; E = Endangered; T = Threatened; SAT = Similarity of Appearance (Threatened);
BGEPA = Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
31

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Potential Environmental Impact
Federally listed species for Rutherford and Cleveland Counties were not observed during the April 13 and
June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance of the Main Dam LOD. No element occurrences of federally listed
species were documented within the project area on the NCNHP database query results (June 2, 2023,
NCNHP report). The NCNHP query results identified one federally threatened plant species within a one -
mile radius of the project area; i.e., dwarf -flowered heartleaf (June 20, 2016, date of observation). The
NCHP and USFWS IPaC reports are included in Appendix C for reference. Photographic documentation
of the wetland habitat (i.e., Wetland C) and the upland forest habitat (including habitat along the Broad
River) within the Main Dam LOD is presented in Appendix D, Photographic Log. The photography was
collected during the June 22, 2023, site visit of the Cliffside Steam Station by WSP.
INDIANA BAT
During winter, Indiana bats are restricted to suitable underground hibernacula. Most of these sites are caves
located in karst areas of the east -central United States; however, Indiana bats also hibernate in other cave-
like locations, especially abandoned mines. Large passages and entrances, constant temperatures, and
high humidity with no air currents are typical characteristics of the hibernation habitat (caves and mines).
In summer, most reproductive females occupy roost sites in forested areas under the exfoliating bark of
dead or dying trees that retain large, thick slabs of peeling bark. Primary roosts usually receive direct
sunlight for more than half the day. Roost trees are often within canopy gaps in a forest, in a fence line, or
along a wooded edge. Habitats in which maternity roosts occur include riparian zones, bottomland and
floodplain habitats, wooded wetlands, and upland communities. Indiana bats typically forage in semi -open
to closed forested habitats with open understory, forest edges, and riparian areas. Adult males occupy
similar habitats but can use a wider range of roosts compared to females.
There are no caves or mines on site; therefore, there are no hibernacula within the Main Dam LOD. With
regards to potential summer roosting habitat, there are scattered occurrences of dead/dying trees and
shaggy bark trees within the project area, including the forested habitat along the Broad River. Overall, the
potential for effect for the Indiana bat was determined to be "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" as
related to the proposed development of the project site.
TRICOLORED BAT
On September 13, 2022, the tricolored bat was proposed listed by the USFWS as endangered under the
ESA. The listing was primarily due to the impacts of white -nose syndrome on the species, a disease which
has killed millions of cave -hibernating bats. The announcement also notes that other threats are also of
significance due to the dramatic decline in the species' population, including variables such as changes in
temperature and precipitation exacerbated by climate change and disturbance to bats in their roosting,
foraging, commuting, and wintering habitats and mortality at wind energy facilities. In spring, summer, and
fall, tricolored bats roost in live and dead tree foliage, primarily of deciduous hardwoods, but occasionally
in pines. They have also been found roosting in structures, including barns, roofs, and bridges. They forage
in forested landscapes near waterways. In winter, they hibernate in caves and mines, but may use culverts
or tree cavities.
Specifically, suitable tricolored bat summer habitat consists of a wide variety of forested/wooded habitats
where they roost, forage, and travel and may include adjacent and interspersed non -forested habitats such
as emergent wetlands and adjacent edges of agricultural fields, old fields, and pastures. This includes
forests and woodlots containing trees with potential roost substrate (i.e., live and dead leaf clusters of live
and recently dead deciduous trees, Spanish moss [Tillandsia usneoides], and beard lichen [Usnea
32

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
strigosa]), as well as linear features such as fencerows, riparian forests, and other wooded corridors.
Tricolored bats will roost in a variety of tree species, especially oaks and often select roosts in tall, large
diameter trees, but will roost in smaller diameter trees when potential roost substrate is present. Tricolored
bats commonly roost in the mid to upper canopy of trees although males will occasionally roost in dead
leaves at lower heights from the ground; and females will occasionally roost in Spanish moss of understory
trees.
No hibernacula (caves or mines) occurwithin the main Dam LOD. With regards to potential summer roosting
habitat, there are scattered occurrences of dead/dying trees and shaggy bark trees within the project area,
including the forested habitat along the Broad River. To conclude, the project site contains suitable summer
roosting habitat. Therefore, the potential for effect for the tricolored bat is "May Affect, Not Likely to
Adversely Affect" as related to the proposed development of the project site.
BALD EAGLE
The bald eagle was listed as endangered on March 11, 1967. The species was reclassified from
endangered to threatened throughout the lower 48 states on July 12, 1995, and was proposed to be
removed from the federal endangered species list on July 6, 1999. On July 9, 2007, the bald eagle was
removed from the endangered species list. Although no longer afforded protection by the ESA as of June
29, 2007, the bald eagle is still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), both of which protect bald eagles by prohibiting killing, selling or
otherwise harming eagles, their nests, or eggs. Habitats include riparian areas along the coast and near
major rivers, wetlands, and reservoirs. Bald eagles typically nest in large, tall, open -topped pines near open
waters. Many nests are used annually. Egg laying forthe bald eagle peaks in late December in the southern
United States. The nesting season in the southeast extends from October to May 15. They feed primarily
on fish, but will also take a variety of birds, mammals, and turtles. The Broad River abuts the northern tip
of the Main Dam LOD. No eagle nests were observed in the tree canopy of the Main Dam LOD during the
April 13 and June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance of the forested habitat. Occurrences of eagles in the
canopy of the project site would be transitory (loafing), with the potential for foraging for fish in the abutting
river channel. The potential for effect for the bald eagle was presumed to be "Not likely to Disturb" as related
to the development of the project site.
BOG TURTLE
The southern regional bog turtle was listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance to the northern
regional bog turtle in 1997. The bog turtle is considered one of the smallest turtle species in the world. Bog
turtles inhabit shallow, spring -fed fens, sphagnum bogs, swamps, marshy meadows, and pastures which
have soft, muddy bottoms; clear, cool, slow flowing water, often forming a network of rivulets with dominant
vegetation of low grasses and sedges and interspersed wet and dry pockets. It is an omnivorous reptile
that feeds on worms, beetles, and snails along with various plant parts, including small berries. Nest sites
are located on elevated patches of sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.) or sedges in a sunny area. Based
on the results of the April 13 and June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance, there is no optimal habitat present
within the Main Dam LOD (including Wetland C) for the bog turtle. It is presumed that the potential for effect
for the bog turtle is "No Effect" as related to the proposed development of the project site.
MONARCH BUTTERFLY
The monarch butterfly is currently a candidate species for listing on the Endangered Species List after a
December 2020 species assessment was completed by the USFWS and the agency recommended
candidate listing. Habitat for the monarch butterfly consists of a wide variety of flowering plants throughout

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
their migration and breeding areas which covers much of the United States. These flowering plants include
species such as goldenrods (Solidago spp.), asters (Symphyotrichum spp. and Eurybia spp.), gayfeathers
(Liatris spp.), and coneflowers (Echinacea spp.); however, the species requires milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
specifically for breeding.
No monarch butterflies or milkweed plants were observed within the Main Dam LOD during the April 13 and
June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance. Occurrences of the monarch butterfly within the project site would
most likely be transitory. The occurrence of other flowering plants within the project area, however, may
provide nectaring habitat for the species. As a result of these considerations, the potential for effect of the
monarch butterfly was determined to be "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" as related to the
proposed development of the project site.
DWARF -FLOWERED HEARTLEAF
Dwarf -flowered heartleaf is a low -growing evergreen perennial forb. It has heart shaped leaves that are four
to six centimeters long, dark green and leathery, supported by long thin leaf stems connecting it to an
underground stem. The jug -shaped flowers are usually beige to dark brown or purple and appear from mid -
March to early June. The flowers are small and inconspicuous and are found near the base of the leaf
stems, often buried beneath the leaf litter. The species occurs on acidic, sandy loam soils on moist to dry
north -facing slopes of ravines and along bluffs and hillsides in boggy areas next to streams. Vegetation is
typically oak -hickory -pine forests of the Piedmont Physiographic Region. The species requires sunlight in
early spring for maximum flowering and seed production.
Although no specimens of dwarf -flowered heartleaf were observed within the Main Dam LOD during the
April 13 and June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance, population clusters of the species do exist within the
Cliffside Stream Station. Suitable habitat is present along the Broad River. With these considerations, the
potential for effect for the dwarf -flowered heartleaf within the project site was determined to be "May Affect,
Not Likely to Adversely Affect" as related to the proposed development of the project site.
SMALL WHORLED POGONIA
The small whorled pogonia typically grows under forest canopies that are open or near features that create
long -persisting breaks in the forest canopy such as a road or a stream. The species is often found on slopes
near small streams. This orchid grows in mixed -deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forests that are
in second- or third -growth successional stages. Forest vegetation is typically mature hardwood stands of
beech, birch, hickory, maple, and oak, with a thick layer of dead leaves in the ground story. The soils in
which the species grows are usually acidic, moist, and have very few nutrients.
Based on the results of the April 13 and June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance within the Main Dam LOD,
suitable habitat is present within the project site for the small whorled pogonia. However, the species was
not observed during the site reconnaissance. It is noted that the June 22 site reconnaissance was
conducted within the optimal survey window for the species as identified by the USFWS; i.e., mid -May to
early July. With these considerations, the potential for effect for the small whorled pogonia within the project
site was determined to be "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" as related to the proposed
development of the project site.
ROCK GNOME LICHEN
The rock gnome lichen only grows in areas with substantial humidity, such as high elevations above 5,000
feet where there is often fog, or in deep river gorges at lower elevations. The habitat is restricted to vertical

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
rock faces occasionally exposed to seepage water. The species thrives well on moist, open sites with
northern exposures, but needs partial canopy coverage on southern or western facing sites as it is intolerant
of high -intensity solar radiation. Plant communities include high -elevation coniferous forests, red spruce
(Picea rubens) and Fraser fir (Abies frasen), typically on rocky outcrop or cliff habitat. Based on the results
of the April 13 and June 22, 2023, field reconnaissance, there is no suitable habitat present within the Main
Dam LOD for rock gnome lichen. As such, the potential for effect for the rock gnome lichen was determined
to be "No Effect" as related to the proposed development of the project site.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Section 404 of the CWA requires that projects authorized by the USACE do not adversely affect historical
properties which are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Cultural
resources are protected by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The Section 106
process consists of consultation with state and federal agencies, consultation with Native American tribes
by the lead federal agency, and the identification and evaluation of cultural resources for inclusion in the
NRHP.
7.8.1 Description of Affected Environment
WSP conducted a cultural resources literature and records review of known archaeological and historical
resources for the proposed project site and half -mile radius. WSP consulted the Historic Preservation Office
Web Service (HPOWEB) maintained by the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office (NCHPO) (NCHPO
2023), and the data inventory and library housed at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology
(NCOSA) in Raleigh, North Carolina. For this review, the project site includes the Main Dam LOD and the
U51AB LOD.
Results of the cultural resources research indicate that there are no known archaeology sites and four
historic resources located within a half -mile radius of the project site boundaries.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Using the NCOSA site file records, WSP reviewed the information provided in the site forms for any
previously recorded archaeology sites within the project site and half -mile radius (Figure 7). There are no
known archaeology sites located within a half -mile radius of the project site and no cultural resources
surveys have taken place within the project site (NCOSA 2023).
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE RESOURCES
WSP reviewed the historic architecture information provided by HPOWEB to identify historical structures
within the project site and half -mile radius. Table 7.5 summarizes the relevant information, detailing the
historic resource names, description, temporal affiliation, and NRHP eligibility for each location. A historic
resource may be recommended as not eligible, undetermined, or eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Undetermined means that additional work is required to accurately evaluate the eligibility of the resource.
Four historic resources are located within the area of potential effect (APE), all of which require additional
workto determine their eligibility for listing in the NRHP (Figure 7, Table 7.5). Included among the recorded
structures is the Cliffside Stream Station (31 CL0015), which was the earliest power plant built, and the
Duke Power Clubhouse (31 CL0346), which was once a gathering place for residents of the Cliffside Village
and Duke Power Village to host potlucks, ice cream socials, and square dances. The clubhouse has since
been moved and restored by Duke Power and is currently used as a meeting space.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Table 7.5 Previously Recorded Historic Architectural Resources Located in the Vicinity of the Project Site
RESOURCE
DESCRIPTION
TEMPORAL
AFFILIATION
NRHP ELIGIBILITY
31CL0015
Duke Power Cliffside Steam Station
No data
Undetermined (Surveyed only)
31CL0025 House
31CLO346 Duke Power Clubhouse
No data
Undetermined (Surveyed only)
No data
Undetermined (Surveyed only)
31CLO598 I Bridge #253
No data
Undetermined (Surveyed only)
According to the North Carolina Survey Status Report (2019), the last comprehensive historic architectural
survey of Rutherford County was completed in 1979. Cleveland County is currently in the process of an
updated comprehensive survey, which has been ongoing since 2019.
7.8.2 Historic Maps
In addition to reviewing the records held at the NCHPO and NCOSA, historic USGS topographic maps were
also reviewed. Although the project site is almost entirely within Rutherford County, archival maps of the
area dating to the early twentieth century show the location on maps of Cleveland County such as the Rural
Delivery Routes, Cleveland County (US Post Office Department 1912) and the Soil Survey of Cleveland
County, North Carolina (Vanatta and McDowell 1918). Both these maps show the location of the project
site and the surrounding area as very rural and unsettled. The earliest historic USGS topographic maps
date to the mid -twentieth century and indicate only the presence of the railroad line (USGS Charlotte, NC
1953 and 1954) until the Cliffside power plant was constructed (USGS Cowpens, SC 1959). In addition to
the establishment of the power plant, more roads and rail lines were built to access the plant, and a
substantial number of structures are indicated along the roads to the south of the power plant, which was
likely to house the workers. By 1983, the power plant has clearly expanded from the small structure next to
the Broad River to include additional substations, cooling tanks, and retention ponds (USGS Chesnee, SC
1983).
7.tt.:3 Potential Environmental Impact.,
The cultural resources literature and records review indicate there are no known archaeological sites,
historic structures, or historic areas located within the project site. The records search of the NCHPO and
NCOSA files show that there are four historic structures within the half -mile radius of the project site, all
four of which require additional work to determine their eligibility for listing in the NRHP.
Based on the results of this cultural resources literature and records review, the proposed U51AB Dam
Decommissioning project is not expected to impact any known archaeological sites. Due to the limited
number of cultural resources surveys in the area, the lack of previously recorded sites and structures is
not indicative of a complete absence of these resources. The last comprehensive architectural survey of
Rutherford County was in 1979 and it is likely there are structures that have since become 50 years or
older. This records search has been provided for planning purposes and does not satisfy the full
requirements for the Section 106 process.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
7.9 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Environmental justice considers sensitive minority and low-income populations in the community to
determine whether a proposed action and its alternatives may have a disproportionately high and adverse
human health or environmental effect on those populations. Environmental Justice analysis is conducted
in compliance with EO 12898 (59 Federal Register [FR] 7629), Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-income Populations. Based on guidance from the CEQ, minority
populations should be identified where either (a) the minority population of the area exceeds 50 percent, or
(b) the minority population percentage of the affected area is greater than the minority population
percentage in the general population or other appropriate unit of geographic analysis (CEQ 1997). Hispanic
or Latino populations are not defined as a racial designation, but rather an ethnic population. Hispanics or
Latinos may be white, black, or any race. Low-income populations are defined as those below the federal
poverty thresholds identified using statistical poverty thresholds from the US Census. USEPA guidance
states, "The composition of the population should be compared to the characteristics of the population, e.g.,
percentage of minority populations residing near a proposed project versus the percentage of minority
populations located within a single or multiple -county area surrounding the proposed project" (USEPA
1998). Applying this methodology, the percentage of low-income and minority populations near the project
site (Rutherford and Cleveland Counties) is compared to the percentage of low-income and minority
populations located within North Carolina. A low-income or minority population is identified when an area
has a poverty rate or minority population percentage that is greater than the state.
To summarize, EO 12898 instructs federal agencies to identify and address, within the scope of the
proposed programs, policies and activities that may have disproportionately high adverse effects on human
health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations. Furthermore, according to CEQ
guidelines, United States Census Bureau (USCB) data are typically used to determine minority and low-
income population percentages in the affected area of a project to conduct a qualitative assessment of
potential environmental justice impacts.
7.9.1 Gescripuon of Affectea Environment
WSP examined 2020 USCB data (as available) to determine minority and low-income population
percentages in the affected area of the project to facilitate the qualitative assessment of potential
environmental justice impacts. The avoidance of adverse impacts upon minority and/or low-income
communities is a key component of projects subject to federal review or permitting. The data used in this
analysis are USCB Census 2020 data (USCB 2023). The proposed action is in Census Tracts 9611.02 and
9515.02.
The population of Census Tract 9611.02 as of 2020 is 1,067, approximately 86.7% of which is Caucasian
or white and approximately 3.8% is African American or Black. The population of Census Tract 9515.02 as
of 2020 is 1,323, approximately 87.8% of which is Caucasian or white and approximately 4.0% is African
American or Black. Less than 30% of the populations for both Rutherford and Cleveland Counties are non-
white, compared to 12.8% for North Carolina. According to the 2020 Census data, the population for
Cleveland County is 99,519 and the population of Rutherford County is 64,444. Both Cleveland and
Rutherford Counties do not have a significantly higher number of minorities or low-income populations than
the overall percentage for the state of North Carolina. Additional census data for the census tracts are
shown in Table 7.6.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Table 7.6. Census Data for the Project Site, 2020
CENSUS TOPIC
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
TRACT 9611.02
CLEVELAND COUNTY
TRACT 9515.02
RUTHERFORD
COUNTY
CLEVELAND
COUNTY
NORTH
CAROLINA
Median Household Income
$31,122
$32,283
$45,500
$45,646
$60,516
Individuals Below Poverty
Percentage
Race Percentages:
White
8.80%
86.70%
2.60%
87.80%
17.50%
82.30%
18.00%
71.90%
13.40%
61.90%
African American
3.80%
4.00%
10.00%
21.00%
22.30%
American Indian
0.60%
0.30%
0.40%
0.40%
1.600%
Asian
0.40%
0.00%
0.70%
1.20%
3.40%
Other
8.40%
8.00%
7.50%
6.40%
12.80%
Source: USCB 2023
7.9.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
The proposed action would occur entirely within the property of Duke Energy. No impacts to vehicular,
bicycle, or foot traffic access to medical, school, or employment are anticipated, nor are access to food and
fiber production or firewood to be impacted. No disproportionately high adverse impacts to human health
or environment of minority or low-income populations are expected. No conflicts with known (documented)
residential communities are anticipated.
The project is also compatible with the existing land use. While minority and low-income populations may
be present in the census tracts surrounding the project site, no notably adverse community impacts are
anticipated with this project; thus, impacts to minority and low-income populations do not appear to be
disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens resulting from the project are anticipated to be
equitably distributed throughout the community. No disparate impacts are anticipated under Title VI and
related statutes.
Scattered residences are located adjacent to or near the existing Cliffside Steam Station. The Cliffside
Steam Station has been operating as a coal-fired power plant with an ash basin since commercial operation
began in 1940 and the proposed activities within Duke Energy property would not be out of character with
activities currently or formerly associated with the facility. Closure of the U51AB ash basin is a public
necessity, as evidenced by the state law mandate and the February 5, 2020, Consent Order with the State
of North Carolina requiring that the CCR materials currently in the existing ash basin be relocated to a lined
landfill.
7.10 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
7.10.1 Description of Affected Environment
"Hazardous materials" and "hazardous waste" are substances, which because of their quantity,
concentration, or characteristics (physical, chemical, or infectious), may present a significant danger to
public health and/or the environment if released. These substances are defined by the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA; 42 USC 9601 et seq.) and the Solid
Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ([RCRA]; 42 USC 6901
et seq.). Regulated hazardous wastes under RCRA include any solid, liquid, contained gaseous, or
semisolid waste or combination of wastes that exhibits one of more of the hazardous characteristics of
ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, or reactivity, or is listed as a hazardous waste under Title 40, CFR, Part 261.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Storage and use of hazardous materials and wastes are regulated by local, state, and federal guidance
including the Emergency Planning and Community Right -to -Know Act (42 USC 116 et seq.) and RCRA.
Currently, land use at the project site is undeveloped or is included within the footprint of the inactive ash
basin, U51AB LOD. No hazardous wastes are generated, stored, handled, transported, treated, or disposed
within the project site. Except for historical ash disposal activities, no activities have been conducted at the
project site that could potentially result in contamination by a hazardous material, substance, or waste.
,.10.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
There is no hazardous material in the U51AB. The on -site landfill is located to the south of the U51AB across
the Duke Power Road. The on -site landfill is a lined landfill. Ash from the basin is transported to the on -site
landfill with articulated trucks. Soil from the dam removal will be used for restoration grading with the U51AB
area and used for on -site landfill operations and closure. Soil will go directly to the landfill operations,
closure, or be stockpiled adjacent to the landfill in approved stockpile locations covered by existing E&SC
Plans. The transported soil will be free of hazardous material.
7.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
7.11.1 Description of Affected Environment
Noise is sound that is produced at levels that can be harmful and may be considered unwanted by the
surrounding community, properties, and residences. The Noise Control Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-574)
and EO 12088 (Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards) require that federal agencies assess
the impact of noise to the environment (USEPA 2023a). Guidelines for noise have been established by the
USEPA based on a calculation of noise by the daytime and nighttime averages, referred to as the Day/Night
Levels (Ldn) (USEPA 1974). The Ldn is reported as A -weighted decibels (dBA) that occur within a 24-hour
period. Table 7.7 presents USEPA standard noise levels for various community types. Noise levels can
vary depending on setting, built environment, and distance to the noise source. Noise levels by environment
can be variable with levels at 40 decibels (dB) for wilderness areas and 90 dB for urban areas. Rural
communities typically have lower dB than their urban counterparts with rural communities around 50 dB or
less. The USEPA has calculated that an individual exposed to a noise level of 73 dB for eight hours a day
for 40 years would have a hearing loss smaller than 5 dB for 96% of the population.
Table 1.1. USEPA Standard Noise Levels for Various community Types
COMMUNITY
DAYINIGHT AVERAGE (LDN-DBA)
Rural
30 to 55
Quiet Suburb
50
Normal Suburb
55
Urban Residential
60
Noisy Urban
65
70
Very Noisy Urban
7.11.9 Potential Fnvironmental Impact
Grading operations are the noisiest activities with equipment generating noise levels as high as 70 to 95
dBA within 50 feet of their operation. Distance would rapidly attenuate noise and it is not anticipated that
the proposed construction operations within the Main Dam LOD will occur close enough to existing
residential areas adjacent to or near the Cliffside Steam Station to cause disturbances. No residential

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
properties abut the boundaries of the Main Dam LOD. Residential properties occur further to the north and
west of the Main Dam LOD. The residential properties that occur to the north are screened by mature forest.
The distance between the northern properties and the Main Dam LOD is approximately one-half mile. The
distance between the western residential properties and the Main Dam LOD is approximately one -quarter
mile. These western properties are mostly screened from the Main Dam LOD by mature forest. The western
residential properties are located along US Route 221 Alternate. Vehicle traffic would be mostly contained
within Duke Energy property. In addition, site construction operations would occur during daytime hours
when many residents are away from their homes; therefore, those living near the Cliffside Steam Station
are not likely to be affected by noise generated by the proposed action.
Noise impacts would be localized at the vicinity of the project site. Earth -moving equipment and other
construction machinery and vehicles will create localized increases in noise levels. These temporary noise
impacts should not disrupt normal Cliffside Steam Station operations. Noise levels dissipate as distance
from their origin increases. Distance from the project site must be considered when evaluating potential
noise impacts to land uses adjacent to or near the project site. The Main Dam LOD is surrounded to the
west and north by mature woods and utility right-of-way, to the northeast by the steam plant, and to the
south by the ash basin. Construction noise would be buffered by woods or would not be out of character
with existing vehicle noise along an existing roadway. Truck traffic generated by movements within the Main
Dam LOD or between the project work site and other areas of the property would be limited to normal
business hours and would not substantially increase noise levels along public roads. The proposed action
is not expected to impact noise -sensitive land uses.
7.12 AIR QUALITY
In 1970, Congress created the USEPA and passed the Clean Air Act, giving them authority to clean up air
pollution in this country. Since then, USEPA and states, tribes, local governments, industry, and
environmental groups have worked to establish a variety of programs to reduce air pollution levels across
America. In 1990, Congress noticeably revised and expanded the Clean Air Act, providing USEPA even
broader authority to implement and enforce regulations reducing air pollution and placing an increased
emphasis on more cost-effective approaches to reduce air pollution. The USEPA classifies source emitted
air pollutants that cause health, environmental, and property damage as "criteria air pollutants," as the
agency has developed criteria (science -based guidelines) as the basis for setting permissible levels in
ambient air. Criteria Pollutants include six common air pollutants which are found all over the United States.
They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), ground -level ozone, carbon monoxide,
sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. These pollutants can harm your health and the environment, and
cause property damage. One set of limits (primary standard) protects human health; another set of limits
(secondary standard) protects human welfare by preventing environmental and property damage.
The USEPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 40 CFR 50 for the
following criteria pollutants: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter (with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10
microns) (PMlo), fine particulate matter (with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 microns) (PM2.5),
carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. A geographic area that meets or exceeds the primary
NAAQS is classified as an attainment area; areas that do not meet the primary NAAQS are classified as
nonattainment areas. Areas that were originally designated as nonattainment, but which have improved
their air quality sufficiently to have been re -designated to attainment, are classified as maintenance areas.
In addition to the federal NAAQS for criteria pollutants, NCDEQ has adopted ambient air quality standards
in North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Title 15A Subchapter 2D Section 0400 — Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NCDEQ 2023d). The standards establish certain maximum limits on parameters of air quality

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
deemed necessary for the preservation and enhancement of air quality in North Carolina. Regulations that
limit air pollution emissions from sources located within North Carolina are codified under NCAC Title 15A
- Environment Quality, Chapter 02 — Environmental Management, Subchapter 02D - Air Pollution Control
Requirements (NCAC 2023a). Stationary source air quality permitting procedures are codified under
Subchapter 02Q — Air Quality Permit Procedures (NCAC 2023b).
7.12.1 Desci ipiion 01 Affected Envii Unrnen1.
The entirety of the Cliffside Plant is in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, North Carolina, approximately
50-miles west of the Charlotte metropolitan area. This part of North Carolina is in the Piedmont Region with
rolling hills, where regional climate is impacted by a variety of influences, from the Appalachian Mountains
to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. This area has moderate climate due in part to sheltering
effect from the mountains. It experiences cool winters with some extreme temperatures and can have heavy
snowfall. Summers can be warm to very hot and typically have a long season. Summer precipitation is
typically formed from thunderstorms with relatively drier winters. Winds are predominantly from the west in
North Carolina, which can result in pollution transport from upwind states (City -data 2023).
Criteria air pollution emissions from sources located in the vicinity of the project site, as presented in the
2020 National Emissions Inventory, are summarized in Table 7.8 (USEPA 2023b). These values include
emissions from point sources (i.e., stationary sources that have individual air permits), nonpoint sources
(i.e., stationary sources that do not have individual air permits), mobile on -road sources (i.e., cars and
trucks), and mobile non -road sources (i.e., construction vehicles).
Taoie 1.0. Air emissions trom sources in Cleveland County, ivorth Carolina
POLLUTANT
EMISSION (TONS)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
12,109
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)
1,670
Particulate Matter < 10 microns (PM,o)
2,802
Particulate Matter < 2.5 microns (PM2.5)
631
Sulfur Dioxide (S02)
13
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
13,996
7.19 9 Regulatory Requirempn+c- fnr Air Quality — Genpral Conformity
The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments include the General Conformity rule, which is intended to ensure that
Federal Actions conform with applicable State Implementation Plans in nonattainment or maintenance
areas; thus, not adversely impacting the area's progress toward attaining NAAQS standards. The General
Conformity rule is codified in 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart W and Part 93, Subpart B, "Determining Conformity
of General Federal Actions to State or Federal Implementation Plans" ("General Conformity Rule").
NCDEQ's general conformity rules that were codified in NCAC Title 15A Subchapter 2D Section 1600
expired on February 1, 2016 (NCDEQ 2023e).
General Conformity is applicable to most federally funded or approved actions that are not applicable to
Clean Air Act Transportation Conformity regulations, and covers direct and indirect emissions of criteria
pollutants, or their precursors, caused by the action. The General Conformity Rule can be summarized as
consisting of three parts: applicability, procedure, and analysis. Applicability is an assessment of whether
a proposed action is subject to the General Conformity Rule.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Since 2015, all areas of North Carolina are in attainment with all federal NAAQS (NCDEQ 20230 which
includes Cleveland and Rutherford Counties. As the project site is not located in an area designated as
nonattainment or maintenance for any criteria pollutant, as of July 15, 2020, the General Conformity Rule
is not applicable, and a General Conformity Determination is not required for the proposed action.
Since NCDEQ's general conformity rules expired on February 1, 2016, pursuant to General Statute 15013-
21.3A, a state general conformity analysis is not required for the project. Additionally, per 15A NCAC
Subchapter 02Q Section 0300, the project is exempt from requiring an air quality permit or permit
modification, as any potential maintenance, structural changes, or repair activities are not expected to
"increase the capacity of such processes", or "cause any change in the quality or nature or an increase in
quantity of an emission of any regulated air pollutants."
7.12.3 Potential tnvironmental Impacl
Air pollution emissions could be generated by several sources associated with the proposed U51AB dam
removal. These emission sources include construction vehicles used during site activities, as well as
clearing and grading operations and the placement and/or removal of storage piles during site activities.
Dam removal is expected to have infrequent and negligible air quality impacts.
Construction -phase air emissions could be generated by the following activities:
• Fuel combustion emissions from the operation of off -road construction equipment (i.e., off road dump
trucks, drum rollers, soil compactors, farm tractors, excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, backhoes,
forklifts, hostler trucks, asphalt pavers, and asphalt compactors on -site).
• Fuel combustion emissions from the operation of on -road construction equipment (i.e., dump trucks,
water trucks, etc. to and from the site).
• Fuel combustion emissions from the operation of personal vehicles to transport construction workers
to and from the site; and,
• Fugitive dust emissions from wind erosion and storage piles.
Within the project site, it is anticipated that the U51AB dam removal would result in increased air emissions
during the construction phases. However, these emissions would cease once the project is completed. The
U51AB dam removal is not expected to measurably increase air emissions.
7.12.4 PropoSPri Mitlgatinn Unn--i irac
During the project construction phase, additional emissions control measures would include the
suppression of fugitive dust emissions. "Fugitive dust emissions" refers to particulate matter that does not
pass through a process stack or vent and that is generated within plant property boundaries from activities
such as unloading and loading areas, process areas, stockpiles, stockpile working, plant parking lots, and
plant roads (including access roads and haul roads). During the construction phase, frequent water spraying
on roadways within the Cliffside Steam Station would serve as the primary suppression method to ensure
that vehicle traffic does not spread dust.
As the project site is in an attainment area for any criteria pollutants, and given the fugitive dust mitigation
measures, operations associated with the project are not expected to impact air quality, either locally or
regionally.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
7.13 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
7.13.1 Description of Affected Environment
The Main Dam of the U51AB and the ash basin are contiguous; specifically, the southern boundary of the
Main Dam LOD is conterminous with the northern boundary of the U51AB LOD. The nearest roadway to the
overall project area is Duke Power Road, with its closest approach occurring approximately 700 feet to the
south of the south-central boundary of the ash basin. The on -site landfill occurs to the south of Duke Power
Road. US Route 221 Alternate is located approximately one -quarter mile to the west of the Main Dam LOD.
7.13.2 Potential Environmental Impacts
Ash from the U51AB is currently transported to the on -site landfill with articulated trucks. Under the proposed
dam decommissioning action, soil from the dam removal will be used for restoration grading within the
U51AB area and used for landfill operations and closure. Soil will go directly to the landfill operations,
closure, or be stockpiled adjacent to the landfill in approved stockpile locations covered by existing E&SC
Plans. The locations of the Main Dam LOD, the U51AB LOD, and the on -site landfill (i.e., within the Cliffside
Steam Station/Duke Energy property) allow for the afore -mentioned activities to be completed via internal
haul roads. US Route 221 Alternate is not used as a haul road for on -site Duke Energy construction
activities or the transport of CCR materials. Furthermore, the construction activities that are associated with
the proposed action would have no effect on the level of service of this roadway. Duke Energy does not
intend to develop any driveway(s) off US Route 221 Alternate at the present time. However, if a
driveway/haul road tie-in from the Cliffside Steam Station to a local regulated roadway outside of Duke
Energy property is necessary for other station activities, the tie-in road would have to meet North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) roadway standards and would necessitate a NCDOT review and
approval to meet the requirements to obtain a driveway permit or encroachment agreement.
Overall, no traffic or transportation impacts are expected to occur during construction activities under the
proposed action. The proposed dam decommissioning work within the Cliffside Steam Station property
should have no noticeable effect to local traffic and transportation level of service.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
8 Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts (40 CFR 230.11(g) and 40 CFR 1508.7, Regulatory Guidance Letter 84-9) are those
impacts that result from the incremental impact of an action added to other past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable actions in the future. These cumulative impacts can result from individually minor direct and
indirect but collectively significant actions taking place over a period. The CEQ has provided a framework
for addressing cumulative effects as part of an environmental assessment, "Considering Cumulative Effects
Under the National Environmental Policy Act." This guidance places a priority on "counting what counts"
within a defined geographic (spatial) and time (temporal) boundary when considering cumulative impacts.
OA uIKr-u I HIVu w4uiKtI. I CrFECTS ur I rlt rKVrVJtU Hl. I IVIV
The potential effects of the proposed action are provided in detail in the previous sections of this ER:
• WOTUS (Section 5.2);
• Land use (Section 7.1);
• Aesthetic and visual resources (Section 7.2);
• Geology and topography (Section 7.3);
• Soils (Section 7.4);
• Biotic communities (Section 7.5);
• Water resources / floodplains (Section 7.6);
• Protected species (Section 7.7);
• Cultural resources (Section 7.8);
• Environmental justice (Section 7.9);
• Hazardous materials (Section 7.10);
• Noise and vibration (Section 7.11);
• Air quality (Section 7.12); and
• Traffic and transportation (Section 7.13).
O.Z OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The geographic scope of the proposed action and associated cumulative impacts is primarily limited to the
project site; i.e., the Main Dam LOD. However, as the proposed action (dam decommissioning) is linked to
the closure of the U5 IAB, the ash basin is also considered with regards to associated cumulative actions.
In this respect, the geographic scope of impacts from traffic and noise, as well as air impacts, would be
localized and limited to the Main Dam LOD and the U51AB LOD. The proposed action avoids traffic impacts
by maintaining most of the construction traffic on internal haul roads. Noise would be localized to the direct
vicinity of construction activities and traffic. Distance would rapidly attenuate noise and it is not anticipated
that the proposed dam removal operations would occur close enough to existing residential areas near the
project site to cause disturbances. Furthermore, traffic would be contained within Duke Energy property
(i.e., internal haul roads) and that these operations would occur during daytime hours. The project area is
surrounded by mature woods or roadways, essentially Duke Power Road to the south of the ash basin.
Construction noise would be buffered by woods or would not be out of character with existing vehicle noise
along an existing roadway. Air emissions could be generated by several sources associated with the ash
basin closure and the dam removal, including construction equipment and vehicles used during the
extraction of CCR materials and subsequent site grading and equipment and vehicles used for dam removal
44

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
and grading. However, site construction operations are not expected to measurably increase air emissions
locally or regionally.
I tIvIPORAL SCOPE OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Duke Energy anticipates Main Dam removal activities to begin towards the end of the ash removal
anticipated for 4th Quarter 2023 and continue in phases until construction is complete in 2024. Post -
construction, there will be no impacts within the Main Dam LOD and there would be no potential cumulative
impacts in the project site vicinity.
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
A detailed description of the affected human and natural environment from the proposed action is presented
in Section 7 (Affected Environment and Impacts) of the ER. The geographic scope of the affected
environment would be limited and is anticipated to be equivalent with the level of scale discussed in Section
7. As a result, the environment affected by cumulative impacts is not anticipated to differ from the human
and natural environments described in Section 7.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
A detailed evaluation of the environmental consequences of the proposed action is presented in Section 7
of the ER. The geographic scope of environmental consequences would be limited and is anticipated to be
equivalent with the level of scale discussed in Section 7. As a result, the cumulative environmental
consequences are not anticipated to differ from those described in Section 7.
AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION
The appropriate and practicable steps taken to avoid or minimize potential adverse impacts are discussed
in Section 4.3 (Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts) of the ER, while a compensatory mitigation plan for
the proposed action is included in Section 6 (Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Plan) of the ER. It should
also be noted that the proposed action (i.e., preferred alternative) was determined to be the LEDPA that
meets the purpose and needs of the project.
CONCLUSIONS
The USACE is required to determine both potential short-term and long-term effects of a proposed
discharge of dredge and fill material on the physical, chemical, and biological components of an aquatic
environment, including the effects of cumulative impacts. To have reasonable assurances that there would
be cumulative effects to projects when considered together or incrementally, the projects need to occur
within similar time frames and within a geographic area coinciding with the proposed action. A review of
potential cumulative impacts to WOTUS because of dam decommissioning and ash basin closure activities
indicates that the proposed action would have no significant adverse effects. The rationale for this
presumption is based on the following considerations:
• No contact water (i.e., water containing CCR materials) would be discharged into WOTUS (wetlands
and streams); therefore, the water quality of downstream receiving waters, specifically the Broad River,
would not be impaired.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
• The proposed impacts to the WOTUS from dam decommissioning and ash basin closure activities
should have no cumulative effect on the quality of other jurisdictional waters occurring within the
Cliffside Steam Station or beyond the station property. This presumption is based on the review of
environmental documentation regarding known current and past federal and non-federal actions at the
Cliffside Steam Station. Projects in the planning phase were also considered, including reasonably
foreseeable actions that have the potential to interact with the proposed action.
• Cumulative impacts to the human environment could occur if impacts from the project act cumulatively
with existing uses in the area, including the existing Cliffside Steam Station, and due to potential future
development. No substantial commercial, industrial, or residential developments have recently been
constructed or are under construction in the area surrounding the Cliffside Steam Station. It is presumed
that any additional development would be conducted in accordance with local zoning laws, and state
and federal regulations. These laws and regulations have been designed to direct development to be
completed in an environmentally sensitive manner; i.e., in a manner that is similar to the proposed
action.
• Cumulative impacts to air quality are likely to be de minimis to minor, as the proposed action is not
expected to adversely impact air quality. Should large commercial or industrial projects come into the
area, air quality modeling would be conducted to determine if the air quality environment would be
impacted (no such projects are known at this time). The project site is located within an area that has
already been impacted by residential, commercial, and industrial development related to the Cliffside
Steam Station.
• Cumulative impacts to socioeconomic factors are expected to be de minimis. The proposed action
would not result in industrial or commercial development near the project site and would have negligible
effects to job opportunities and the local tax base.
• The Cliffside Steam Station is in an area thatwas historically used fortimber and agricultural production.
The landscape has previously been modified for residential, commercial, roadway, and railroad
construction. The landscape was extensively altered by land clearing for timber, crops, ditching, and
roads. The project has been studied to determine if the U51AB dam decommissioning construction
activities could act cumulatively with historic landscape fragmentation and potential future commercial
and industrial development to increase habitat and surface water degradation further. Cumulative
impacts from additional development are unlikely to occur because of the proposed action. In addition,
the project has been designed to prevent additional surface water impairment.
A review of potential cumulative impacts from the U51AB dam decommissioning construction activities, as
discussed in this ER, indicates that the proposed action (i.e., the preferred alternative) would not have
significant cumulative adverse effects on the human or natural environment.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
9 Summary and Conclusions
9.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This ER was prepared by WSP to facilitate, for Duke Energy, the preparation and submittal of federal and
State of North Carolina regulatory permit applications and associated documents for the U51AB Dam
Decommissioning Project (the project) at the Cliffside Steam Station. WSP support includes coordination
with regulatory staff to secure a USACE CWA Section 404 IP and NCDEQ-DWR Section 401 Water Quality
Certification for the project (Joint IP).
The Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station is located one and one-half miles to the south of the
unincorporated community of Cliffside, in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, North Carolina. The Cliffside
Steam Station began commercial operation in 1940. The coal- and natural gas -fired units are still referred
to as Cliffside Units 5 and 6. Units 1 through 4 were retired in 2011. In 2018, natural gas was added to the
facility, thus allowing up to 40% natural gas co -firing on Unit 5 and up to 100% on Unit 6. The property
owner and permit applicant is Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy).
On August 20, 2014, the North Carolina General Assembly passed S 729, the Coal Ash Management Act
of 2014 requiring Duke Energy to phase out wet coal ash handling. Under CAMA-14, all coal ash will be
covered by North Carolina's solid waste laws. Prior to the promulgation of CAMA-14, engineering work was
underway to close ash basins at the retired coal plants. Duke Energy has accelerated and expanded that
work to include closing all ash basins at retired and operating coal plants across its six -state service area.
Additionally, the February 5, 2020, Consent Order with the State of North Carolina requires that CCR
materials currently in unlined ash basins of Duke Energy coal -fire plants be excavated and relocated to
lined landfills. At the Cliffside Steam Station, the Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin (U51AB) is currently being closed
by removing the CCR materials that are present within the basin. The U51AB was retired in 1980 and has
not received sluiced ash since that time.
9.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION / PROPOSED ACTION
At the Cliffside Steam Station, State Dam RUTHE-070 is the Main Dam for the U51AB. This dam is a high -
hazard earth fill embankment. State Dam RUTHE-072, which is also referred to as the Saddle Dam, is the
other principal embankment of the U51AB. As a part of the removal of CCR materials from the U51AB, Duke
Energy is seeking approval to breach and remove these structures from the state dam inventory. To
summarize, the purpose of the project (proposed action) at the Cliffside Steam Station U51AB is to breach
and remove the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The purpose of the project is based on the
need to address the North Carolina CAMA-14 regulatory requirements related to ash basin closure (i.e.,
U51AB) at the Cliffside Steam Station and the disposal of CCR materials in a safe and timely manner.
The excavation of CCR materials from the U51AB will be contained within the ash basin and completed
prior to breaching the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam. The interior areas of the ash basin will
be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach. The remaining areas disturbed by the final breach will be
stabilized following the breach and in accordance with applicable E&SC Plans. It is noted herein that the
dam decommissioning and E&SC Plans for the project are under development and have not been finalized
at this time. These plans may be updated based on regulatory review and comment by the NCDEQ DEMLR
Land Quality Section and Dam Safety Section. Further, it is presumed that updates/changes to the Plans,
if suggested or required by regulatory agency staff, would be minor in scope.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
The project will entail the construction of five stormwater channels. Four channels will be established within
the U51AB LOD, while one channel, the outlet channel, will be constructed within the Main Dam LOD.
Stormwater within the reclaimed U51AB LOD will be routed through the four stormwater channels and
collected downstream in the outlet channel for discharge to the Broad River. The proposed stormwater
channels and dam breach were designed to have adequate capacity and stability for the 100-year, 24-hour
storm. The stormwater channel routing design will include the reconnection of two streams (Streams 7 and
8) to the Broad River. Both streams historically drained to the Broad River prior to the construction of the
U51AB. The construction of the outlet channel to the Broad River will entail the removal of WOTUS; i.e.,
Wetland C, which partially abuts the Broad River within the Main Dam LOD. The discharge of dredged or
fill material into WOTUS and most categories of work in navigable water bodies require USACE
authorization under Section 404 of the CWA. This ER is intended to provide the Wilmington District of the
USACE with a basis to evaluate and issue an I and associated certifications for the proposed action.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
In the evaluation of CWA Section 404 permit applications to discharge dredged or fill material into WOTUS
including wetlands, the USACE is required to analyze alternatives that could achieve purpose and need.
According to 40 CFR Section 230.10(a), a discharge of dredged or fill material will be permitted by the
USACE if no practical alternatives to the proposed discharge will have less adverse impact on the aquatic
ecosystem and there are no other significant adverse environmental consequences.
The range of alternatives included in this analysis were limited to two action alternatives to satisfy the
purpose and need of the project. The removal (decommissioning) of the Main Dam and, if required, the
Saddle Dam is a principal element of the overall process to dispose of CCR materials as linked to the U51AB
closure activities at the Cliffside Steam Station. The excavation and removal of CCR materials is a function
of the promulgation of CAMA-14. Therefore, the impetus for the alternatives analysis is linked to this
process.
Alternative 1 would entail the breach and removal of the Main Dam and, if required, the Saddle Dam from
the state dam inventory. This action alternative would follow the construction and dam decommissioning
sequencing and restrictions for the project as previously described in the ER. Furthermore, the E&SC Plan
for the Main Dam LOD would be implemented. Prior to the breaching of the Main Dam and, if required, the
Saddle Dam, the excavation of ash within the boundary of the U51AB would need to be completed. In
addition, the interior areas of the ash basin would be stabilized with vegetation prior to the breach activities.
Alternative 1 would require the placement of fill material into WOTUS (Wetland C) for the construction of
the stormwater outlet channel to the Broad River.
Under the No Build Alternative (Alternative 2), the breach and removal of the Main Dam and, if required,
the State Dam at the Cliffside Steam Station would not occur. The dam structures would remain on the
state dam inventory and no impact to WOTUS (Wetland C) would occur under this alternative. However,
the construction of the stormwater outlet channel from the U51AB to the Broad River (following the removal
of CCR materials from the basin and the planting of vegetation for stabilization) would not occur and
stormwater would not be routed to the river. Because of this action, the ash basin closure would be affected,
and Duke Energy could not comply with CAMA-14 or the February 5, 2020, Consent Order at the Cliffside
Steam Station. As Alternative 2 does not meet the project purpose and need, including the afore -mentioned
legal directives, it was dismissed from further consideration.
The preferred alternative is Alternative 1, the U51AB dam decommissioning action. This action alternative
meets the purpose and need of the project.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIVE ACTIONS
To complete the proposed action, a permanent impact to jurisdictional wetlands would be necessary. The
wetland impact would be limited, however, to Wetland C within the Main Dam LOD. The proposed impact
to Wetland C would be 0.90 acre; i.e., the entire wetland would be permanently impacted. Under the
proposed action, the stormwater outlet channel, which would convey stormwater from the closed ash basin
to the Broad River after the Main Dam has been removed, would be constructed through the footprint of
Wetland C. Wetland A, which abuts the southeastern finger lobe of the U51AB, would not be impacted under
the proposed action. In addition, no permanent or temporary impacts to jurisdictional streams will be
necessary; i.e., Stream 7, which abuts the central portion of the U51AB, and Stream 8, which abuts a
southern finger lobe of the ash basin.
Since the Cliffside Steam Station in not located within a river basin subject to State of North Carolina
Riparian Buffer Protection Rules, there would be no impacts to state -regulated riparian buffers within the
project site. With regards to local regulatory restrictions, riparian (vegetative) buffers would be required
along perennial waters under the Cleveland County Code of Ordinances and the Rutherford County
Watershed Protection Ordinance.
Compensatory mitigation for the proposed jurisdictional waters impact is required under the Section 404
IP. Appropriate avoidance and practicable minimization efforts have been conducted through the
engineering design process. However, the unavoidable impact to on -site WOTUS is necessary to complete
the proposed action. Based on the review of the mitigation options available, it was determined that credit
purchase through the NCDMS In -Lieu Fee Program was necessary because there are no private mitigation
banks offering wetland credits in the Broad River Basin at this time. On -site mitigation and offsite mitigation
opportunities were not explored because the In -Lieu Fee option was available. It is noted that the Box Creek
mitigation bank (McDowell and Rutherford Counties) in the Broad River Basin, with a service area within
HUC 03050105, offers only stream credits. This mitigation bank does not offer wetland credits at the present
time.
The implementation and completion of the U51AB Dam Decommissioning project is not expected to
influence cultural resources or historic properties. The proposed action should have no effect on
environmental justice for the surrounding residential communities; is not expected to impact noise -sensitive
land uses; and is not expected to impact air quality locally or regionally. Furthermore, substantial impacts
to local or regional land use, aesthetics and visual resources, geologic features, biotic communities, and
traffic and transportation are not expected to occur.
With respect to federally protected plant and animal species, proposed listed species, and candidate
species, the implementation and completion of the U51AB Dam Decommissioning project is not expected
to have substantive effects on local or regional populations or the population dynamics of the plant and
animal species that have a potential for occurrence in the vicinity of the project site. A finding of "May Affect,
Not Likely to Adversely Affect" was presumed for the Indiana bat, tricolored bat, dwarf -flowered heartleaf,
and small whorled pogonia. A finding of "No Effect" was presumed for the bog turtle and the rock gnome
lichen. These findings were based on site reconnaissance of the project area habitats by WSP in April and
June of 2023.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report - Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
10 References
CEQ. 1981. Scoping Guidance, Memorandum of General Councils, NEPA Liaisons and Participants
Scoping. April 30, 1981. Notice of availability published in 46 FR 25461, May 7, 1981.
CEQ. 1997. Environmental Justice Guidance under the National Environmental Policy Act.
https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/ceq-regulations-and-guidance/regs/ej/justice.pdf. December 10, 1997.
City -Data. 2023. Charlotte, NC. https://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-South/Charlotte-Geography-and-
Climate.html. Accessed July 15, 2023.
Executive Order 11988. 1977. Floodplain Management. May 24, 1977.
Executive Order 12088. 1978. Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards. October 13, 1978.
Executive Order 12898. 1994. Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations
and Low -Income Populations. February 16, 1994.
FEMA. 2023. Flood Insurance Rate Maps: 3710157400K; effective date July 2, 2008.
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuerv=573%20duke%20power%20road%2C%20mo
oresboro%2C%20nc. Accessed June 7, 2023.
NatureServe. 2023. NatureServe Explorer. Available at: https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Accessed June
22, 2023.
NCAC 2023a. North Carolina Administrative Codes Title 15A- Environmental Quality Chapter 02 -
Environmental Management Subchapter 02D -Air Pollution Control Requirements.
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title`/`2015a`/`20-
%20e nvi ron mental%20g ua lity/chapter%2002%20-
%20e nvi ron mental%20management/subchapter%20d/subchapter%20d%20rules.pdf. Accessed
July 15, 2023.
NCAC 2023b. North Carolina Administrative Codes Title 15A- Environmental Quality Chapter 02 -
Environmental Management Subchapter 02Q -Air Quality Permit Procedures.
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title`/`2015a`/`20-
%20e nvi ron mental%20q ua lity/chapter%2002%20-
%20e nvi ron mental%20management/subchapter%20q/15a%20ncac%2002q%20.0101.pdf.
Accessed July 15, 2023.
NCDEQ. 2016. Coal Combustion Residual Impoundment Risk Classifications. North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality Report. January 2016. https://fiiles.nc.gov/ncdeq/document-
library/1.29.16_Coal%20Combustion%20Residual%201mpoundment%20Classifications.pdf.
NCDEQ. 2023a. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources
Classifications - Broad River Basin.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7073e9l22ab74588b8c48ded34c3df55/. Accessed
June 15, 2023.
NCDEQ. 2023b. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. 2022 North Carolina 303(d) List.
https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/WaterResources/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=2738821 &cr=1. Accessed
June 15, 2023.
NCDEQ. 2023c. North Carolina Aquifers. https://www.ncwater.org/?page=525. Accessed June 15, 2023.
NCDEQ. 2023d. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Air Quality Rules, Emission Control
Standards. 2015. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-planning/air-

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex - Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report - Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
quality-rules-regulations/rules/section-0400-ambient-air-quality-standards. Accessed July 15,
2023.
NCDEQ. 2023e. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Air Quality Rules, Subchapter 02D
-Air Pollution Control Requirements. Section .1600 General Conformity.
https://www.deq. nc.gov/about/divisions/ai r-quality/air-quality-plan ning/air-quality-rules-
regulations/rules/section-1600-general-conformity-expired. Accessed July 15, 2023.
NCDEQ 2023f. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Air Quality Planning. Attainment
Status of National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Updated August 2022.
https://www.deq. nc.gov/about/divisions/ai r-quality/air-quality-plan ning/attai nment-status-national-
ambient-air-quality-standards. Accessed July 15, 2023.
NC Division of Water Quality. 2010. "Methodology for Identification of Intermittent and Perennial Streams
and their Origins, Version 4.11 ". North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Division of Water Quality. Raleigh, NC.
NCED. 2023. National Conservation Easement Database. https:Hsite.tplgis.org/NCED/interactivemap/.
Accessed June 2023.
NCHPO. 2023. North Carolina Historic Preservation Office. HPOWEB 2.0.
httDS:Hnc.maDS.arcais.com/home/item.html?id=79ea67lebdcc45639f0860257d5f5ed7. Accessed
June 5, 2023.
NCOSA. 2023. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR). North Carolina Survey Status
Report. https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/historic-preservation-
ofFce/PDFs/NC_Survey_Status_Report_2019-03.pdf. Accessed June 5, 2023.
NC Wetland Functional Assessment Team. 2016. "N.C. Wetland Assessment Method (NC WAM) User
Manual, Version 5". North Carolina Wetland Functional Assessment Team. Raleigh, NC.
NC Stream Functional Assessment Team. 2013. "N.C. Stream Assessment Method (NC SAM) Draft User
Manual, Version 2.1 ". North Carolina Stream Functional Assessment Team. Raleigh, NC.
NCGS. 1985. Geologic Map of North Carolina. Available at: https:Hdeq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-
mineral-land-resources/north-caroli na-geological-survey/ncgs-maps/1985-geologic-map-of-nc.
Accessed July 3, 2023.
NCGS. 1991. Generalized Geologic Map of North Carolina. North Carolina Geological Survey, Raleigh,
NC.
NCNHP. 2023. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Natural Heritage Program Data
Services. https://www.ncnhp.org/request-information. Accessed June 2, 2023.
NLCD. 2019. National Land Cover Dataset (CONUS): Rutherford and Cleveland Counties.
https://www.mrlc.gov/data/nlcd-2019-land-cover-conus.
NRCS. 2023. Web Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/. Accessed June 7 and July 31,
2023
USACE. 1987. "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual," Technical Report Y-87-1. US Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS.
USACE. 2012. "Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern
Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0)," Technical Report ERDC/EL TR-12-9. US Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS.
USCB. 2023. United States Census Bureau -American Community Survey: Cleveland and Rutherford
Counties. https:Hdata.census.gov. Accessed June 2023.
NN S I )

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
USEPA. 1974. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Information on Levels of Environmental
Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. Report
550/9-74-004, Washington, D.C.
USEPA. 1998. Final Guidance for Incorporating Environmental Justice Concerns in EPA's NEPA
Compliance Analyses. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-04/documents/ej-
guidance-nepa-compliance-analyses.pdf.
USEPA. 2023a. Summary of the Noise Control Act. https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-noise-
control-act. Accessed June 30, 2023.
USEPA. 2023b. 2017 National Emissions Inventory (NEI) Data. https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-
inventories/2017-national-emissions-inventory-nei-data. Accessed July 15, 2023.
USFS 1995. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Landscape aesthetics: a handbook
for scenery management. Agricultural Handbook 701. Washington, DC.
USFWS. 2023a. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Information for Planning and Conservation
(IPaC) database. http://ecos.fvvs..qov/ipac/. Accessed June 2, 2023.
USFWS. 2020b. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online
System. http://ecos.fvvs.gov/ecp/. Accessed June 22, 2023.
USFWS. 2020c. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Asheville Ecological Services Field Office.
http://www.fvvs.gov/asheviIle/. Accessed June 22, 2023.
USGS. 2023. United States Geological Survey. Chesnee, South Carolina digital 7.5'topography.
Reviewed June 7, 2023.
USGS. 2023. United States Geological Survey Topographic Maps. Charlotte, NC 1953 (1:125000), 1954
(1:250000)
. Chesnee, SC 1983 (1:24000)
. Cowpens, SC 1959 (1:62500)
USGS PAD. 2023. United States Geological Survey Protected Areas Database.
https:Hmaps.usgs.gov/padusdataexplorer/. Accessed June 2023.
United States Post Office Department. 1912. Rural Delivery Routes, Cleveland County. North Carolina
Maps Digital Collection. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Vanatta, E.S. and McDowell, F.N. 1918. Soil Survey of Cleveland County, North Carolina. North Carolina
Maps Digital Collection. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Weakley, A.S. 2015. Flora of the Southern and Mid -Atlantic States. UNC Herbarium, North Carolina
Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 1320 pp.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Figures

}
\
�
`L
§\
=ofo"f\/
01
/�\§7
w
{a
§
E.
®)
\
j
?fa\4(\/\
3[
�]27§EZLn
LO $a0L)jk
I
\
\\\f
/
/
\
/
�
»
o
LU
�
k3
000
oop

Z°
-
_
w
U
u
G
0
u�
2
U_ U�
U
CL
Es
i N N o
O n Z
m i
p) m m
F w x U
t E O
u E
w m
n U £
~�
N 0
N Owo
m
N
2) O �
LL OfU
C M V
01 f
pl M Q d f O f6
0 �
o v >_
n O m O
Y m
fa rl y
m E m Sip ��
p m fL
E o y 1 4
'p .S ° Lo C7 faED fa
11l [y?
V
jw
ui
'

)
�
�
»
o
sell,3
�
000
oop

}
�
,
�
R
{
�
) ,
rL
M )�\\
C� 7
I [ })7«;})
a — ;e_�
zE !42
0EW
r =!\)
(2-w� (
_ \ ) \ ( > { (
g ]=7 )
02
C:0 C: $ / \ / \12 r_
7 £ k j 5 \ \ k \ c £ { £ \ )
� 2 / 0,
�
»
o
�
��
k3
000
oop

.
)
\
)�
�
R
}
.
�
� 3
fa
7E
§�kw/ fa
\
-�
0
\ }
\ §
{ /7
0 - -
§
Eƒ \
a
{ / /
j f
-i
& ) )
0C:
I\kj\\�§\j
7
q
0/�
�
»
o
�
k3
000P
oop

�
R
\
�
ƒ
,)/
k - -
)
\ / E 42
w :�o
§!
\E
/ ®2f
/
Of
§y
` )]
8 §\
;\)§
c fa
l2:z
� § §
�
»
o
�
��
k3
000
oop

#
/
3
�
LO
0 EDw
\)\(
e>
\§
{/7
k§
\
}
)
j
Eƒ \
/ /
C:0
y)
C:
i
:
I\QcaD
fa})\
/
/
U
\
�
b
k3
000
oop

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendices

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendix A. NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT
FORMS AND NC SAM STREAM
ASSESSMENT FORMS

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual
Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name Wetland C
Date
April 13, 2023
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Assessor Name/Organization
Pam Ferral/WSP
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
YES
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open
water (Y/N)
YES
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions
(Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N)
NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
MEDIUM
Water Quality Pathogen Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Particulate Change
Condition
MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity
MEDIUM
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Soluble Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Physical Change
Condition
MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity
MEDIUM
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Pollution Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Habitat Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
MEDIUM
Vegetation Composition
Condition
HIGH
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology Condition
LOW
Water Quality Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Habitat Condition
MEDIUM
Overall Wetland Rating LOW

NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM
user Manual version a
Project Name Cliffside Date of Evaluation April 13, 2023
Applicant/Owner Name NCDOT Wetland Site Name Wetland C
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest Assessor Name/Organization Pam Ferral/WSP
Level III Ecoregion Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Nearest Named Water Body Broad River
River Basin Broad USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 03050105
County Rutherford NCDWR Region Asheville
(' Yes 0 No Precipitation within 48 hrs? Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 35.217158: 81.769195
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if
appropriate, in recent past (for instance, approximately within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited
to the following.
Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
Surface and sub -surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby
septic tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), hog lagoons, etc.)
Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear -cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? (` Yes Q No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? ¢ Yes (-No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
F Anadromous fish
F Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
F NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
F Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
F Publicly owned property
R N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
R Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HOW, ORW, or Trout
F Designated NCNHP reference community
F Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetland, if any? (check all that apply)
r Blackwater
(i Brownwater
r Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) Lunar Wind Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? ' - Yes `a No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver?
Does the assessment area
overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions?
(` Yes (i No
(' Yes (i No
1. Ground Surface Condition/Vegetation Condition - assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure
(VS) in the assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable,
then rate the assessment area based on evidence of an effect.
GS VS
(' A (- A Not severely altered
(i B (i B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire -plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compaction, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing,
less diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub -Surface Storage Capacity and Duration - assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub -surface storage capacity and
duration (Sub). Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. A ditch <- 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only,
while a ditch > 1 foot deep is expected to affect both surface and sub -surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
(a A {i A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
r B { B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
(' C { C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation
change) (examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief - assessment area/wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box in each column for each group below. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland
type (WT).
AA WT
3a. (i A (i A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
t B (` B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
(' C (` C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
(' D (` D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. (' A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
(6- B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet
(` C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot
4. Soil Texture/Structure - assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape
feature. Make soil observations within the 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for
regional indicators.
4a. (' A Sandy soil
(0- B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
(' C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
(' D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
(' E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. (i A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
( B Soil ribbon > 1 inch
4c. (0- A No peat or muck presence

B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland — opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub -surface pollutants or discharges (Sub).
Examples of sub -surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank, underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
(i A {i A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
( B { B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
(` C { C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area and
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use — opportunity metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources
draining to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the
assessment area (5M), and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M). Effective riparian buffers
are considered to be 50 feet wide in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregions and 30 feet wide in the Blue Ridge Mountains ecoregion.
WS 5M 2M
F_ A F_ A r A > 10% impervious surfaces
F_ B F_ B r B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
F_ C F_ C r C > 20% coverage of pasture
F_ D F_ D r D > 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
F E F E F E > 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
F_ F F_ F r- F > 20% coverage of clear-cut land
R G P G F G Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from little or no disturbance in
the watershed or hydrologic alterations that prevent dainage and/or overbank flow from affectio the
assessment area.
Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer — assessment area/wetland complex condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
(i Yes C No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is weltand? (Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make
buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland. Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.)
(' A > 50 feet
(i B From 30 to < 50 feet
(' C From 15 to < 30 feet
(' D From 5 to < 15 feet
(' E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
(' <- 15-feet wide (i > 15-feet wide (` Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
(' Yes (i No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
(i Sheltered — adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
(" Exposed — adjacent open water with width > 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
Wetland Width at the Assessment Area — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric (evaluate WT for all marshes
and Estuarine Woody Wetland only; evaluate WC for Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, and Riverine Swamp
Forest only)
Check a box in each column. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT) and the wetland complex at the
assessment area (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
(' A { A > 100 feet
( B { B From 80 to < 100 feet
( C C From 50 to < 80 feet
(' D { D From 40 to < 50 feet
r E { E From 30 to < 40 feet
(' F { F From 15 to < 30 feet
( G { G From 5 to < 15 feet
(' H { H < 5 feet
9. Inundation Duration — assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
( A Evidence of short -duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
(' B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
(i C Evidence of long -duration inundation or very long -duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition — assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands and all marshes)
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
(i A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
r B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
(' C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
Wetland Size — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable, see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select "K" for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
('A rA ('A >500acres
( B
( B
( B
From 100 to < 500 acres
( C
( C
( C
From 50 to < 100 acres
( D
( D
( D
From 25 to < 50 acres
t E
t— E
t— E
From 10 to < 25 acres
(' F
(' F
(' F
From 5 to < 10 acres
(' G
(' G
(' G
From 1 to < 5 acres
(a H
(i H
(i H
From 0.5 to < 1 acre
C I
C I
C I
From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
C J
C J
C J
From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
r K
('' K
r K
< 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness — wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
C A Pocosin is the full extent (> 90%) of its natural landscape size.

C B Pocosin is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas - landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contiguous
metric naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four -lane roads, regularly maintained utility
line corridors the width of a four -lane road or wider, urban landscapes, fields (pasture open and agriculture), or water > 300 feet wide.
Well
Loosely
(i A
( A
>- 500 acres
( B
( B
From 100 to < 500 acres
( C
( C
From 50 to < 100 acres
( D
( D
From 10 to < 50 acres
f- E
(' E
< 10 acres
(' F
(` F
Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
(` Yes r No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect - wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes and Estuarine Woody Wetland)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificial edges include
non -forested areas >- 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors and clear -cuts. Consider
the eight main points of the compass. Artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in how many directiions? If the assessment area is clear-cut,
select option "C."
(` A 0
f4B 1to4
C 5to8
15. Vegetative Composition - assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
• A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions, but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or
clearing. It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
(` C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition, or expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non -
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species), or exotic species are dominant in
at least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity - assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non -tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
C- A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
f- B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
( C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (>50% cover of exotics).
17. Vegetative Structure - assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
(i Yes C No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non -marsh wetlands.
t A >- 25% coverage of vegetation
f- B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non -marsh wetlands. Consider structure
in airspace above the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately
I_4_UUI
E f- A (' A Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
0
( B ( B Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
U fi C (i C Canopy sparse or absent
o r A t- A Dense mid-story/sapling layer
a ( B
( B
Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
f: C
ri C
Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
f- A
(' A
Dense shrub layer
L ( B
( B
Moderate density shrub layer
(i C
(i C
Shrub layer sparse or absent
(' A
(' A
Dense herb layer
( B
( B
Moderate density herb layer
ti C
(i C
Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags - wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
• A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12-inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
i B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution - wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
(i A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
C B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12-inch DBH.
r C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris - wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Include both natural debris and man -placed natural debris.
(o A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
r B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion - wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non -Tidal Freshwater
Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. Patterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
( A (` B (` C ( D
22. Hydrologic Connectivity- assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands and Salt/Brackish Marsh only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization,

diversion, man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision. Documentation required if evaluated as B, C, or D.
r A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
f B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
f C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes

1ACCUIIIpdFIMS UJeI IVId11UA1 VCIJIUII G.I
USACE AID #: NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs. Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle, and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation. If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property, identify and number all reaches on the attached map, and include a separate form for each reach. See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any): Cliffside IP 2. Date of evaluation: 22 June 2023
3. Applicant/owner name: Duke Energy 4. Assessor name/organization: J.Gay/WSP
5. County: Rutherford 6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: Broad on USGS 7.5-minute quad: Broad River
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach): 35.210394/-81.766405
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map): S7 10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet): 50
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet): 1 r Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet): 5 13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream? (`Yes (" No
14. Feature type: (i Perennial flow (- Intermittent flow (` Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone: (' Mountains (M) • Piedmont (P) (-Inner Coastal Plain (1) (' Outer Coastal Plain (0)
16. Estimated geomorphic 1
valley shape (skip for a (` b
Tidal Marsh Stream): (more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope) (less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip (` Size 1 (< 0.1 mi`) (g- Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi`) ( Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi`) (' Size 4 (>> 5 mil)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated? ( Yes (i No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
r Section 10 water r Classified Trout Waters r Water Supply Watershed ( (` I (' II (` III % IV I; V)
r Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area r High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
r Publicly owned property r NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect r Nutrient Sensitive Waters
r Anadromous fish r 303(d) List r CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
r Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
r Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached? (` Yes • No
1. Channel Water - assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
(i A Water throughout assessment reach.
( B No flow, water in pools only.
(` C No water in assessment reach.
2. Evidence of Flow Restriction - assessment reach metric
( A At least 10% of assessment reach in -stream habitat or riffle -pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
(i B Not A
3. Feature Pattern - assessment reach metric
(` A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
(i B Not A.
4. Feature Longitudinal Profile - assessment reach metric
( A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down -cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
a B Not A
5. Signs of Active Instability- assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down -cutting (head -cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip -rap).
(i A < 10% of channel unstable
( B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
( C > 25% of channel unstable
6. Streamside Area Interaction - streamside area metric
Consider
for
the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB
RB
(' A
(? A
Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
N B
C B
Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down -cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C
C C
Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no flood plain/intertidal zone access

[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much flood plain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or flood plain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
Water Quality Stressors — assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Check all that apply.
r A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
r B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
r C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
r D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
r E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
r F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
r G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
r H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
r I Other: (explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
r J Little to no stressors
8. Recent Weather — watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
r A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
( B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
(i C No drought conditions
Large or Dangerous Stream — assessment reach metric
(` Yes (a No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10. Natural In -stream Habitat Types —assessment reach metric
10a. r Yes (@— No Degraded in -stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in -stream hardening [for example, rip -rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b. Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
r A
Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses
m w
r F
5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
H m
F_ G
Submerged aquatic vegetation
r4_0 B
Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent
o in
r H
Low -tide refugia (pools)
vegetation
r c
r l
Sand bottom
r C
Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)
rM
r J
5% vertical bank along the marsh
D
5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots
O
r K
Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
r E Little or no habitat
REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS
Bedform and Substrate — assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11 a. r Yes w No Is assessment reach in a natural sand -bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11 b. Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
r A Riffle -run section (evaluate 11c)
r B Pool -glide section (evaluate 11d)
r C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11 c. In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach — whether or not submerged.
Check
at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) _
absent,
Rare (R) = present buts 10%, Common (C) _ > 10-40%, Abundant (A) _ > 40-70%, Predominant (P) _ > 70%. Cumulative
percentages
should
not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP
R C
A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 — 4096 mm)
r
r r:
r r Cobble (64 — 256 mm)
r
r r.
r r Gravel (2 — 64 mm)
r
r r.
r r Sand (.062 — 2 mm)
r.
r r
r r Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
r Detritus
r Artificial (rip -rap, concrete, etc.)
11d. (` Yes
(i No
Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12. Aquatic Life — assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a. r Yes (i No Was an in -stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. r No Water (i Other:
12b. r Yes r No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to "individuals" for size 1 and 2 streams and "taxa" for size 3 and 4 streams.
r r Adult frogs
r r Aquatic reptiles
r r Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)

r r Beetles (including water pennies)
r r Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
r r Asian clam (Corbicula )
r r Crustacean (isopod/am ph ipod/crayfish/sh rim p)
r r Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
r r Dipterans (true flies)
r r Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
r r Megaloptera (alderfly, fishily, dobsonfly larvae)
r r Midges/mosquito larvae
r r Mosquito fish (Gambusia) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
r r Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
r r Other fish
r r Salamanders/tadpoles
r r Snails
r r Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
r r Tipulid larvae
r [— Worms/leeches
13. Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A i* A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
• B (' B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C (` C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14. Streamside Area Water Storage — streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
( A ( A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water > 6 inches deep
( B ( B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
to- C fi C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15. Wetland Presence — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y (' Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
• N ta— N
16. Baseflow Contributors — assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low -flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom -release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
r E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
r F None of the above
17. Baseflow Detractors — assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (>> 24% impervious surface for watershed)
r D Evidence that the stream -side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
r E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
r F None of the above
18. Shading — assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider "leaf -on" condition.
(i A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
( C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19. Buffer Width — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider "vegetated buffer" and "wooded buffer" separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
(i A (i A (i A • A > 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
(' B (` B ( B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C—C (' C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
( D (' D f— D :; D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
( E (' E (` E r E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20. Buffer Structure — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB

( A (—A Mature forest
B B Non -mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
( C ( C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
(' D (' D Maintained shrubs
( E (' E Little or no vegetation
21. Buffer Stressors — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22: F
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
( A (` A (` A (` A {� A (' A Row crops
( B (` B f— B f- B {` B (` B Maintained turf
( C C (` C C {` C (` C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
C D D (' D (` D C D C D Pasture (active livestock use)
22. Stem Density — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
�e A • A Medium to high stem density
( B B Low stem density
( C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23. Continuity of Vegetated Buffer — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
• A • A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24. Vegetative Composition — First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A r A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
• B (6— B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear -cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C ( C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non -characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25. Conductivity— assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a. C Yes (i No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water (` Other:
25b. Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
(` A <46 (` B 46 to < 67 r C 67 to < 79 (` D 79 to < 230 (` E >> 230
Notes/Sketch:

Stream Site Name Cliffside IP
Stream Category Pb2
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
Date of Evaluation 22 June 2023
Assessor Name/Organization J.Gay/WSP
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) YES
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N) NO
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream) Perennial
Function Class Rating Summary
USACE/ NCDWR
All Streams Intermittent
(1) Hydrology MEDIUM
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Flood Flow MEDIUM
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation MEDIUM
(4) Floodplain Access MEDIUM
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer MEDIUM
(4) Microtopography NA
(3) Stream Stability MEDIUM
(4) Channel Stability HIGH
(4) Sediment Transport LOW
(4) Stream Geomorphology MEDIUM
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction NA
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow NA
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(1) Water Quality HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation HIGH
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Indicators of Stressors NO
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance HIGH
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration NA
(1) Habitat LOW
(2) In -stream Habitat LOW
(3) Baseflow HIGH
(3) Substrate LOW
(3) Stream Stability MEDIUM
(3) In -stream Habitat MEDIUM
(2) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(3) Flow Restriction NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(3) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat NA
Overall MEDIUM

1ACCUIIIpdFIMS UJeI IVId11UA1 VCIJIUII G.I
USACE AID #: NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs. Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle, and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation. If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property, identify and number all reaches on the attached map, and include a separate form for each reach. See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any): Cliffside IP 2. Date of evaluation: 22 June 2023
3. Applicant/owner name: Duke Energy 4. Assessor name/organization: J.Gay/WSP
5. County: Rutherford 6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: Broad on USGS 7.5-minute quad: Broad River
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach): 35.210394/-81.766405
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map): S8 10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet): 50
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet): 3 r Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet): 10 13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream? (`Yes r No
14. Feature type: (i Perennial flow (- Intermittent flow (` Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone: (' Mountains (M) • Piedmont (P) (-Inner Coastal Plain (1) (' Outer Coastal Plain (0)
16. Estimated geomorphic 1
valley shape (skip for ( a b
Tidal Marsh Stream): (more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope) (less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip (` Size 1 (< 0.1 mi`) (g- Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi`) ( Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi`) (' Size 4 (>> 5 mil)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated? ( Yes (i No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
r Section 10 water r Classified Trout Waters r Water Supply Watershed ( (` I (' II (` III (i IV (' V)
r Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area r High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
r Publicly owned property r NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect r Nutrient Sensitive Waters
r Anadromous fish r 303(d) List r CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
r Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
r Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached? (` Yes • No
1. Channel Water - assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
(i A Water throughout assessment reach.
( B No flow, water in pools only.
(` C No water in assessment reach.
2. Evidence of Flow Restriction - assessment reach metric
(i A At least 10% of assessment reach in -stream habitat or riffle -pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
CB Not
3. Feature Pattern - assessment reach metric
(` A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
(i B Not A.
4. Feature Longitudinal Profile - assessment reach metric
(i A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down -cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5. Signs of Active Instability- assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down -cutting (head -cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip -rap).
(i A < 10% of channel unstable
( B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
( C > 25% of channel unstable
6. Streamside Area Interaction - streamside area metric
Consider
for
the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB
RB
(' A
(' A
Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
N B
N B
Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down -cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C
C C
Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no flood plain/intertidal zone access

[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much flood plain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or flood plain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
Water Quality Stressors — assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Check all that apply.
r A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
r B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
r C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
r D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
r E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
r F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
r G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
r H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
r I Other: (explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
r J Little to no stressors
8. Recent Weather — watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
r A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
( B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
(i C No drought conditions
Large or Dangerous Stream — assessment reach metric
(` Yes (a No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10. Natural In -stream Habitat Types —assessment reach metric
10a. r Yes (@— No Degraded in -stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in -stream hardening [for example, rip -rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b. Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
r A
Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses
m w
r F
5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
H m
F_ G
Submerged aquatic vegetation
r4_0 B
Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent
o in
r H
Low -tide refugia (pools)
vegetation
r c
r l
Sand bottom
r C
Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)
rM
r J
5% vertical bank along the marsh
D
5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots
O
r K
Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
r E Little or no habitat
REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS
Bedform and Substrate — assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11 a. r Yes w No Is assessment reach in a natural sand -bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11 b. Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
r A Riffle -run section (evaluate 11c)
r B Pool -glide section (evaluate 11d)
r C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11 c. In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach — whether or not submerged.
Check
at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) _
absent,
Rare (R) = present buts 10%, Common (C) _ > 10-40%, Abundant (A) _ > 40-70%, Predominant (P) _ > 70%. Cumulative
percentages
should
not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP
R C
A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 — 4096 mm)
r
r r:
r r Cobble (64 — 256 mm)
r
r r:
r r Gravel (2 — 64 mm)
r
r r.
r r Sand (.062 — 2 mm)
r
r r.
r r Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
r Detritus
r Artificial (rip -rap, concrete, etc.)
11d. (` Yes
(i No
Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12. Aquatic Life — assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a. r Yes (i No Was an in -stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. r No Water (i Other:
12b. r Yes r No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to "individuals" for size 1 and 2 streams and "taxa" for size 3 and 4 streams.
r r Adult frogs
r r Aquatic reptiles
r r Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)

r r Beetles (including water pennies)
r r Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
r r Asian clam (Corbicula )
r r Crustacean (isopod/am ph ipod/crayfish/sh rim p)
r r Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
r r Dipterans (true flies)
r r Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
r r Megaloptera (alderfly, fishily, dobsonfly larvae)
r r Midges/mosquito larvae
r r Mosquito fish (Gambusia) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
r r Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
r r Other fish
r r Salamanders/tadpoles
r r Snails
r r Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
r r Tipulid larvae
r [— Worms/leeches
13. Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
• A i* A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B C B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C (` C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14. Streamside Area Water Storage — streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
( A ( A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water > 6 inches deep
( B ( B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
to- C fi C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15. Wetland Presence — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y (' Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
• N ta— N
16. Baseflow Contributors — assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
F_ B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
rv- C Obstruction that passes some flow during low -flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom -release dam)
r D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
r E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
r F None of the above
17. Baseflow Detractors — assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (>> 24% impervious surface for watershed)
r D Evidence that the stream -side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
r E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
r F None of the above
18. Shading — assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider "leaf -on" condition.
(i A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
( C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19. Buffer Width — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider "vegetated buffer" and "wooded buffer" separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
(i A (i A (i A • A > 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
(' B (` B ( B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C—C (' C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
( D (' D f— D :; D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
( E (' E (` E r E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20. Buffer Structure — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB

(a— A (6— A Mature forest
( B ( B Non -mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
( C ( C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
(' D (' D Maintained shrubs
( E (' E Little or no vegetation
21. Buffer Stressors — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22: F
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
( A (` A (` A (` A {� A (' A Row crops
( B (` B (` B f- B (` B (` B Maintained turf
( C C (` C C (` C (` C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
C D D (' D (` D C D C D Pasture (active livestock use)
22. Stem Density — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
�e A • A Medium to high stem density
( B B Low stem density
( C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23. Continuity of Vegetated Buffer — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
• A • A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24. Vegetative Composition — First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A r A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
• B (6— B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear -cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C ( C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non -characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25. Conductivity— assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a. C Yes (i No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water (` Other:
25b. Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
(` A <46 (` B 46 to < 67 r C 67 to < 79 (` D 79 to < 230 (` E >> 230
Notes/Sketch:
channel is located above the pond limits, and is severely impacted by beaver

Stream Site Name Cliffside IP
Stream Category Pb2
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
Date of Evaluation 22 June 2023
Assessor Name/Organization J.Gay/WSP
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N) YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) YES
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N) NO
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream) Perennial
Function Class Rating Summary
USACE/ NCDWR
All Streams Intermittent
(1) Hydrology MEDIUM
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Flood Flow MEDIUM
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation MEDIUM
(4) Floodplain Access MEDIUM
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer MEDIUM
(4) Microtopography NA
(3) Stream Stability MEDIUM
(4) Channel Stability HIGH
(4) Sediment Transport LOW
(4) Stream Geomorphology MEDIUM
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction NA
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow NA
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(1) Water Quality HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation HIGH
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Indicators of Stressors NO
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance HIGH
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration NA
(1) Habitat LOW
(2) In -stream Habitat LOW
(3) Baseflow HIGH
(3) Substrate LOW
(3) Stream Stability MEDIUM
(3) In -stream Habitat MEDIUM
(2) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(3) Flow Restriction NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(3) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat NA
Overall MEDIUM

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendix & PLAN VIEW AND CROSS-SECTION
DRAWINGS

Q V. a
O
O
r
O
oq
w
a
LU a a W--...
W 0. N
Q
lo
w l \
O U
Z
LLp Q
LU
W
�,y
L o
l01
614
c
I�q v v A`
�I evwv01,y �
``� � \\g.
�IIIIIIiIIIry�III�IIIIIN�\
lllli�ll�� � �
ll�ll�l,d �v1 v✓��4
IIIIIIAi�l�llp�ll/— '�'is/tl I
\
11111iljlll pll0
�lilllllldl�\ vl��ulw�✓/p
_
u iipl ,,
w
z
Q
a
w
0
0 0
J
z
Z
Ll o
0
w
U o
O
O
ry
a
W
m >
z
O
(n
U)
U)
C)
/ + J
w
z
U
o W
a
O
Ir
a
i� os sz o sz
m

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendix C. NCNHP AND USFWS DATABASE
QUERY RESULTS

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e x
hSai k 4YYFJiYJft
+cfln7i�
i�
In Reply Refer To: June 02, 2023
Project Code: 2023-0088897
Project Name: Cliff side Steam Station - U5IAB Dam Decommissioning Project
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The enclosed species list
fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new species information can change your official species list. Under 50 CFR
402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list
should be verified after 90 days. The Service recommends you visit the ECOS-IPaC website at
regular intervals during project planning and implementation to ensure your species list is
accurate or obtain an updated species list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A biological assessment (BA) or biological evaluation (BE) should be completed for your
project. A BA is required for major construction activities (or other undertakings having similar
physical impacts) considered to be Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c))
(NEPA). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a BE be
prepared to determine effects of the action and whether those effects may affect listed species
and/or designated critical habitat. E?ects of the action are all consequences to listed species or
critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other

06/02/2023
activities that are caused by the proposed action. A consequence is caused by the proposed action
if it is reasonably certain to occur and would not occur "but for" the proposed action..
Recommended contents of a BA/BE are described at 50 CFR 402.12. More information and
resources about project review and preparing a BA/BE can be found at the following web link:
https://www.fws. gov/office/asheville-ecological-services/asheville-field-office-online-review-
process-overview.
If a Federal agency determines listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected
by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR
402. The Service is not required to concur with "no effect" determinations from Federal action
agencies. If consultation is required, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed
species, proposed critical habitat, and at -risk species be addressed within the consultation. More
information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of
permit or licensed applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook"
at the following web link: https://www.fws.gov/media/endangered-species-consultation-
handbook.
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Act, there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project -
related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds,
including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12
and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). More information about MBTA and BGEPA can be found at the
following web link: https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds.
We appreciate your consideration of Federally listed species. The Service encourages Federal
agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species in their project planning
to further the purposes of the Act. Please contact our staff at 828-258-3939, if you have any
questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference the
Consultation Code which can be found in the header of this letter.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
• USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
• Migratory Birds
• Wetlands

06/02/2023
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]

06/02/2023
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2023-0088897
Project Name: Cliffside Steam Station - U5IAB Dam Decommissioning Project
Project Type: Power Gen - Other
Project Description: Decommissioning of the Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin at the Cliff side Steam
Station.
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:
www.google.com/maps/@35.2135584,-81.77047338157189,14z
. Ra
Counties: Cleveland and Rutherford counties, North Carolina

06/02/2023
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 7 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheriesi, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
MAMMALS
NAME
STATUS
Indiana Bat Myotis sodalis Endangered
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5949
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flavus Proposed
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Endangered
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515
REPTILES
NAME S TATU S
Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Similarity of
Population: U.S.A. (GA, NC, SC, TN, VA) Appearance
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. (Threatened)
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6962
INSECTS
NAME S TATU S
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

06/02/2023
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME
Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf Hexastylis nani flora
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2458
Small Whorled Pogonia Isotria medeoloides
Population:
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1890
LICHENS
NAME
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma lineare
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3933
4
STATUS
Threatened
Threatened
STATUS
Endangered
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.
YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S) MAY HAVE EFFECTS ON ALL
ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.

06/02/2023
USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS
AND FISH HATCHERIES
Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a
'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to
discuss any questions or concerns.
THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.

06/02/2023
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act2.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider
implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.
1. The Migratory Birds Treater of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the
USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your
project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this
list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location,
nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact
locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project
area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species
on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing
the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to
additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your
migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be
found below.
For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures
to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE
SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and
breeding in your project area.
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Sep 1 to
This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention Jul 31
because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types
of development or activities.
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Breeds Mar 15
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 25
and Alaska.
Eastern Whip -poor -will Antrostomus voci ferns Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 20
and Alaska.

06/02/2023
NAME
BREEDING
SEASON
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Jul 31
and Alaska.
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Sep 10
and Alaska.
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Breeds
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions elsewhere
(BCRs) in the continental USA
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 31
and Alaska.
PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY
The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be
present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project
activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read and understand the
FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting
to interpret this report.
Probability of Presence (■)
Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your
project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week
months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see
below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher
confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.
How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:
The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in
the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for
that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee
was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is
0.25.
2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of
presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum
probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence
in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12
(0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on
week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.

06/02/2023 3
3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical
conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the
probability of presence score.
Breeding Season( )
Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across
its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project
area.
Survey Effort (1)
Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys
performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of
surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.
No Data (—)
A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.
Survey Timeframe
Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant
information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on
all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.
R' probability of presence breeding season I survey effort — no data
SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Bald Eagle -- gill 1111111111111111 L — — — — — Al 111111111111
Non -BCC
Vulnerable
Chimney Swift BCC Rangewide --- — — — -
- — — —
(CON)
Eastern Whip -poor-
will --+� ++�' +,++ ,+
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Prairie Warbler BCC Rangewide — — — — — — — — —
(CON)
Red-headed ' +1111
IF
Woodpecker — — — — -- ++�� ++
� ++
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Rusty Blackbird '--' A— ++-- ++++ ++—+
BCC-BCR

06/02/2023 4
Wood Thrush--- +­' ' — '-
--- --- ---- ---- - -
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Additional information can be found using the following links:
• Birds of Conservation Concern https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species
• Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/
collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-miuratorv-birds
Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/
documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.Ddf
MIGRATORY BIRDS FAQ
Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts
to migratory birds.
Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize
impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly
important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in
the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very
helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding
in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits
may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of
infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.
What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my
specified location?
The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern
(BCQ and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location.
The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian
Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding_,
and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as
occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as
warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act
requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or
development.
Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your
project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list
of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information
Locator (RAIL) Tool.
What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds
potentially occurring in my specified location?

06/02/2023
The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data
provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing
collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets.
Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information
becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and
how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me
about these graphs" link.
How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering or migrating in my area?
To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding,
wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look
at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each
bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated
with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point
within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not
breed in your project area.
What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?
Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:
1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern
throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);
2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation
Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and
3. "Non -BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on
your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non -eagles)
potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities
(e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).
Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made,
in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC
species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can
implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles,
please see the FAQs for these topics.
Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects
For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species
and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the
Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides
birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird
model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical
Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic
Outer Continental Shelf project webpage.

06/02/2023
Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use
throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this
information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study
and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Lorin.
What if I have eagles on my list?
If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid
violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.
Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report
The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of
birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for
identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC
use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be
aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that
overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look
carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no
data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey
effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In
contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of
certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for
identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might
be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you
know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement
conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities,
should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell
me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory
birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.

06/02/2023
WETLANDS
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
FRESHWATER POND
• PUBHh
• PUSA
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
• PEM1Fh

06/02/2023
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: WSP
Name: Laura Meyer
Address: 285 Davidson Avenue
Address Line 2: Suite 405
City:
Somerset
State:
NJ
Zip:
08873
Email
[e-mail]
Phone:
5182251854

Roy Cooper, Governor
9" 0 INC DEPARTMENT OF
""i ■
WMk.M 1 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
■-000
13. Reid Wilson, Secretary
Misty Buchanan
Deputy Director, Natural Heritage Program
June 2, 2023
Julia Tillery
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
4021 Stirrup Creek Dr. ste 100
Durham, NC 27703
RE: Cliffside Steam Station - USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project; 7818230105.07
Dear Julia Tillery:
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural
communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project
boundary. These results are presented in the attached `Documented Occurrences' tables and map.
The attached `Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that
have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these
records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area
if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile
radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report.
If a Federally -listed species is documented within the project area or indicated within a one -mile
radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here:
httr)s://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37.
Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation
planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria
for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published
without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information
source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission.
Also please note that the NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional
correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Land and Water Fund
easement, or an occurrence of a Federally -listed species is documented near the project area.
If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance,
please contact Rodney A. Butler at rod ney.butler�ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
121 1N. JON S STREET, RALEIGI I_ NC 27603 - 16Sl MAOL SERVICE CENTER. PAL EIGH. rkc 276�0
OFC 919.707.9120 • FAK 919.707.9421

CO \
s 2
7a
/
2
/ /
/ /
/
>
3 /
CO
e CO e
\ \
CO
CO CO
/
% / %
CO CO
s ®
®
z
® z ®±
±
4
s
s
ee
u
m
m
e e
e
/
\
/\�
\/
/
_
\ \
\
E
E
E E
% 0
g
/
x
x
x x
\s
/
4
,
e
6
6 6
4 9
9.c
\
\ E\
E\\
o
0
0 0
2
e 2
CO
xj\
g
/
sE0 g
�coN0\
z
2
c
a
e
om
e2
//\a/
CO
\
Y
\
©
\ /
T
\ \
0
4- 6=
co U
a e o
/
3
o
%
o
&
& a
_ u Z
O
\
\
00
%
Z .2 /
U
u
/ E
e
CO
/
\
\\
0
/D
/ /
z
~
co©
/
t2
//3
we
ee
//
\�2
/2
(D
e
2 o
LE/
_
u
e
e=
e s
H
e
\
\
° -
\
/ o
/
2
° )
CO
z
\
/
E
E
/
/
c c c
/
/
\\
s
§
\
/

CO \
s 2
7a
±
v
0
/
\
/
/
000
3
e 3
/
>
>
j
t
±
t
±
\ \ \ \
\
COd
\
j
�
j
�
OL
CO
/ / 0
®
s
s
ee®e
e
a z
\
CO / CO
,
,
, , , ,
CO
e
/
Et
} \
u
\
\
\ \ \
e
e \
0
\ \ \
\
Co
(
x
x
x x x
\
\ x
\
4
y=
6
6
6 6 6
6
/ \
(
\ E»
t
E//
=�
o
0
0 0 o e
4
o
m
= 2
\ \ \
®
/
O
e o
s
co
e 3 e/
z c
0 a
e
—
ome
e
o
a
o
0
2 o
y o
QO
\ a)/
/
\\\
0
%
0 \
&¢
/ 7 0/ Z
&«
e o 3
/ o
o
&a� a
3
yg�gg
Co Z
u
O \
\
\\ N
\
.e
4 .0 0
w
&
2 0
/ COe
~
CO
�®
3
/
/
_
% E
o
\
a
ƒ
\\
\
/\
\
-
\
/ °
\
~
`
CO\
/ E
Co
± ®
®
2 E
E
CO
/
w e ƒ
«
3
§ y
7 E
\
2
/ 2\
\
t n
e
\
E o
e
=
\ \
/ \ a)/
/ \
y e
e
\
0
E
`CO
CO
n
2
a)k
a)»
.
E
J a)®
\ y
LL
0
CO®
\
\ (
o
\
\ N
% =
\
e
/
\
e
Z
® `
E
-
E ® o ®
_
s
°©
Dan
e c
=.0 a E.z
=
\
\ E
c=
2
2 s u 0
2/ƒ E
z
2
E »
0
E
2 2/
& & /
\ 2 \
n
\
9
\
\
//
/
uuuuLu
/
/
_
o0
\
o
a
\
e / /
&
/
o
\ \
\
\
&
\
\ \
\
\
/
=
e
e e e
\
/
/ / /
° ®
�
%
% % %
?
CO
c
CO
c
E
\ /
$
%
% % %
»
\
\
Du
/
/ / /
2 E
( \ §
/
/ / /
M 0
\
\
353do\
c
ccc
Ze
>
>
\
a
CO
/
j
0
\
3
0
\
CO
E
§
/
CO
\
%
\
E
/
/
\
\
\
\
\
0
ra
s
\
/

N
a

A.-
d)
0
(n
E
f7-
0
E
m
(n
E
m
(D
cn
T
_0
L)
c6
C14
z
C)
z
ir W
J.

Duke Energy Rogers Energy Complex — Cliffside Steam Station
Unit 5 Inactive Ash Basin Dam Decommissioning Project
Environmental Report — Joint Section 404/401 Individual Permit Application
Appendix D. PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG

Photographic Log
Cliffside USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project July 72, 2023
Project No.7878230705 Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, NC
n Client: Duke Energy
Site: Site:
Cliffside Steam
�> a" Station -
=m _
.fk , Unit 5 Inactive Ash
°',� Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
t
Project #:
7818230105
'� ,»., „Y''-^
L Description:
Wetland C, as facing
_71117, 777s ,,,a east from the
western side of the
wetland.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo:1
Client: Duke Energy
-
4. Site:
y
}.
Cliffside Steam
Station -
" Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
"F _ t:
b Project #:
ram:" 7818230105
Description:
Wetland C, as facing
south from the
western side of the
wetland.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 2
Prepared By: JDC
Checked By: PM
Page7of5

Photographic Log
Cliffside USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project July 72, 2023
Project No.7878230705 Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, NC
Prepared By: JDC
Checked By: PF
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Stream 7, as facing
downstream.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 3
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Stream 8, with
portion of reach
impacted by beaver.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 4
Page 2 of 5

Photographic Log
Cliffside USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project July 72, 2023
Project No.7878230705 Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, NC
Prepared By: JDC
Checked By: PF
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Broad River, as
facing north from
southern riverbank.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 5
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Upland forest
habitat, near the
Broad River.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 6
Page 3 of 5

Photographic Log
Cliffside USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project July 72, 2023
Project No.7878230705 Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, NC
Prepared By: JDC
Checked By: PF
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Upland forest
habitat, near the
Broad River.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 7
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Forest habitat along
southern bank of
Broad River.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 8
Page 4 of 5

Photographic Log
Cliffside USIAB Dam Decommissioning Project July 72, 2023
Project No.7878230705 Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, NC
Prepared By: JDC
Checked By: PF
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Gravel access road
within Dam
Decommissioning
project area.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo: 9
Client: Duke Energy
Site:
Cliffside Steam
Station -
Unit 5 Inactive Ash
Basin Dam
Decommissioning
Project
Project #:
7818230105
Description:
Upland forest
habitat, with USIAB
Main Dam in the
background.
Photograph taken
on June 22, 2023.
Photo:10
Page 5 of 5