4.4.3

chemical, or biological characteristics of streams to improve specific functions. The improvements are
achieved by addressing the source of degradation, usually without major channel modifications. Stream
mitigation should be of the same type of stream that was impacted. Potential stream mitigation sites should
be on lands managed by the NPS and the following order of preference would be used: (l ) within the same
immediate system as the impact, (2) within the same watershed, or (3) in another watershed within the Park
(NPS 1998b). NPS would comply with all mitigation required by applicable permits.
4.4.2.4 Impairment Evaluation
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) to the streams of GSMNP and the AT would not occur under the No-
Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic Area, and the Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell. The Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair the streams of GSMNP or the
AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to tbe magnitude of this alternative, it is likely that
additional NEPA documentation would be required to address sit�specific impacts not currently known, to
determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as they relate to final design, and to re-
evaluate the impairment determination related to streams.
4.4.3 Water Quality
4.4.3.1 Methodology for Assessing the Water Quality Impacts
Detailed methodologies for water quality impact analyses are listed in Appendix M. The assessment of
impacts to water qualiry was completed assuming no implementation of mitigation measures, including
encapsulation as described in Appendix L This is the worst-case scenario. However, NPS is committed to
maintaining water quality and they would utilize applicable avoidance minimization and mitigation
measures, such as described in Section 4.43.3, if a partial-build or build alternative were implemented. As
described in Section 3.4.3.1 of this report, NCDWQ classifies surface waters of the state based on their
existing or proposed uses and subsequent water quality standards. Impacts were assessed based on the
designated use and classification of the water body. Each stream and/or waterbody directly crossed by the
potential road or the lake downstream of the crossed streams is evaluated far each applicable water quality
standard. A summary list of applicable North Carolina state water qualiry standards is available in
Table 4-19 (NCDENR 2004). These numerical and biological standards were used in the assessment of
intensity thresholds for water quality.
Because data from water quality sampling is often episodic, biological indices are another method of
evaluating water quality of streams and represent long-term (several years) water quality conditions. Impacts
are evaluated on changes to the comprehensive NCBI scores: Excellent (<4.05), Good (4.06 — 4.88), Good-
Fair (�.89 — 5.74), Fair (5.75 — 7.00), or Poor (>7.00).
Potential impacts to Fontana Lake are evaluated by the NCTSI. The NCTSI is based on a numerical score
that classifies lakes as oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic, or hypereutrophic. Currently, TVA and
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-169
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 4-19. NCDWQ Water Quality Standards per Use Classification
Parameter
Temperature
pH (su)
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/I)
Turbidity (NTU)
Class C
<5.04°F (2.8°C)
above natural water
temperature; not to
exceed 84°F(29°C)
6.0 - 9.0
> 5.0
50 streams
25 lakes
Trout Waters
< 0.9°F (0.5°C) above natural
water temperature; not to
exceed 68°F (20°C)
6.0 — 9.0; <1.0 over 24 hours
> 6.0
10 streams and lakes
Class WS-IV
5.04°F (2.8°C) above
natural water
temperature; not to
exceed 84°F(29°C)
6.0 - 9.0
> 5.0
50 streams
25 lakes
Arsenic (µg/I) 50 50 10
Cadmium (µg/I) 2.0 0.04 0.04
Chromium (µg/I) 50 50 50
Copper (µg/I) 7 7 7
Lead (µg/I) 25 25 25
Nickel (µg/I) 88 88 25
Silver (µg/I) 0.06 0.06 0.06
Zinc (µg/I) 50 50 50
Iron (mg/I) 1.0 1.0 1.0
Nitrate (mg/I) None None 10
Sulfate (mg/I) None None 250
Fecal Coliform 400 400 400
(MPN/100m1)
Chlorophyll-a (µg/I) 40 15 40
Notes:
Class C— Usage of waters for aquatic life propagation, maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary
recreation, or agriculture.
Trout Waters —freshwaters protected for natural trout propagation and survival of stocked trout.
Class Water Supply (WS-IV) — waters protected as water supplies for drinking of food-processing purposes.
NCDWQ collect samples from eight points on Fontana Lake. The impacts are considered for any of the
sampling sites, not the overall classification for the lake.
Type
Impact types are either beneficial and/or adverse. Beneficial impacts are defined as having a positive effect
on water quality. Adverse impacts have a negative effect on water quality.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-170
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Context
Context is defined as site-specific, local, or regional. The region of influence for water quality is based on
the number of stream crossings and size of watersheds impacted. Site-specific impacts occur to individual
strearu crossings with drainage areas less than 100 ac (40.5 ha). Local impacts occur with any number of
stream crossings, but with one of the stream drainage areas greater than 100 ac (40.5 ha). This drainage of
greater than 100 ac (40.5 ha) is considered a large watershed. Regional impacts occur when two or more
large watersheds are affected.
Duration
Short-term impacts are those that would occur for less tban 1 year, typically as an episodic or temporary
event. Long-term effects occur as a result of construction activities at a specific location throughout the life
of construction (this is assumed to be between 1 year and 15 years), but the impact is more than that of a
temporary event. Permanent impacts are considered to be anything that persist throughout the construction
period. These impacts are expected to cause water qualiry degradation due to continuous pollution sources.
Intensity
Intensiry is the degree to which resources are affected and is categorized as negligible, minor, moderate, or
major. The definitions for each category are based on the best available scientific information and are
specific for an individual EIS. As previously described, the NCDWQ uses water quality standards that are
based upon the designated use of each water system. The impacts to water resources are based upon criteria
for meeting or exceeding these standards.
4.4.3.1.1 Water Quality Standards
No/Negligible
Measurable changes in water quality parameters would be within natural variabiliry and water quality would
remain within current North Carolina (15A NCAC 02B.0200 and .0300) standards far designated uses.
Minor
Changes in water quality would be measurable and greater than the natural variability, but water quality
would remain within current North Carolina (15A NCAC 02B.0200 and .0300) standards for designated
uses.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-171
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Moderate
Changes in water qualiry would be measurable and greater than the natural variability and water quality may
violate current North Carolina (l SA NCAC 02B.0200 and .0300) standards for designated uses.
Major
Changes in water quality would be measurable and greater than the natural variability and water quality is
likely to violate current North Carolina (15A NCAC 02B.0200 and .0300) standards for designated uses.
4.4.3.1.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Biological indices for macroinvertebrates represent water qualiry and habitat quality conditions over the life
span of the aquatic organisms. Natural variability would exist from year to year depending upon time of year
of the sampling, annual rainfall, and recent weather conditions. Since all streams sampled within the study
area are rated as Excellent (Appendix M, Attachment M-7), degradation of the water qualiry and/or habitat
would have to occur in order for the class rating to drop to Good or Good-Fair. If episodic degradation of a
macroinvertebrate community occurs, the streams are expected to recover to pre-disturbance ratings.
No/Negligible
Changes in biotic metrics are within the natural variability of sampling.
Minor
Changes in the biotic metrics are not due to natural variability, but do not alter the bioclassification/integrity
class rating.
Moderate
Changes in the biotic metrics are measurable and decrease the bioclassification integrity class rating by one
level.
Major
Changes in the biotic metrics are measurable and decrease the bioclassification integrity class rating by two
or more levels.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-172
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

4.4.3.1.3 Lake Trophic Level
The waters of Fontana Lake are subject to the same use classification and water quality standards as streams.
The NCTSI is a compilation of water quality paraineters at specified depths that detennine the productivity
of the lake. Currently, Fontana Lake is classified as oligotrophic (Section 3.4.3.2). The impacts are
considered for any of the sampling sites, not the overall classification for the lake.
No/Negligible
No measurable changes in the NCTSI score and no changes in the individual scores of the index.
Minor
Changes in the NCTSI score are measurable, but do not change the classification of the trophic state.
Moderate
Changes in the NCTSI score are measurable and the trophic state of ihe lake is mesotrophic.
Major
Changes in the NCTSI score are measurable and the trophic state of the lake is eutrophic or hypereutrophic.
4.4.3.2 Summary of Impacts
Each stream crossing creates an opportunity for water quality impacts within 320 ft(] 00 m) upstream and in
all the waterways downstream of the crossing to Fontana or Cheoah lakes. The steep terrain causes streams
to respond quickly to rainfall events, and any pollutants would quickly enter waterbodies during these events.
In addition, the unknown geology and soils create a potential for water quality impacts throughout the project
study corridors. Atmospheric deposition also has the potential to alter water quality. (Nitrogen and sulfur
deposition rate impacts are presented in Section 4.3.4.) These concerns can be addressed with minimization
and avoidance techniques; however, the impact analysis has been conducted without the implementation of
any of these techniques. Encapsulation of AP rock would be employed, at all appropriate locations, if a
partial-build or build alternative were implemented. Table 4-20 and Attachment M-1 both summarize the
impacts for each partial-build and build alternative.
pH: Based on Section 3.3. ], all portions of the proposed alternatives contain rock and soil capable of
producing acidic runoff. The current NCDWQ standard for pH is a range from 6.0 to 9.0 for all waters;
however, impacts are anticipated to be in the acidic range of <6. Without avoidance, minimization, or
mitigation practices, exposure of this rock could lead to stream impacts as seen on early construction of the
Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee, where streams had pH values of less than 5 and 100 percent mortality of
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-173
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

fish in 1978 (Margan et al. 1978). Section 4.4.4.2 summarizes impacts to aquatic wildlife due to changes in
pH potential.
Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen is necessary for the respiration of aquatic organisms and is consumed
by the decomposition of organic matter. Oxygen is supplied to streams and lakes from the air (aeration) and
plant respiration. Generally, the higher the dissolved oxygen concentrations are, the better the water qualiry
is. During construction, sediment and organic matter from vegetation would likely enter receiving streams.
As a result of the breakdown of organic matter, there would likely be a temporary decrease in dissolved
oxygen concentrations (American Road & Transportation Builders Association 2000).
Heavy Metals: High concentrations of inetallic minerals exist in the slate of the underlying bedrock in the
project study corridors. Tbese metals included Cu, Zn, Pb, Al, Fe, As. Low pH would mobilize heavy
metals in the watershed, and they would be deposited into streams and Fontana and Cheoah lakes. Since
detailed subsurface geology is unknown, large areas containing these metallic minerals might be exposed in
any portion of the project study corridors. Toxic levels of beavy metals may be reached in receiving water,
causing human consumption warnings and/or loss of aquatic life. Section 4.4.4.2 summarizes impacts to
aquatic wildlife due to potential heavy metal leaching.
Another source of heavy metals is roadway runoff from vehicles (bralce dust, tires, fluid leakage). The
wearing of tires and brakes are primary sources of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc (Sansalone and
Buchberger ] 997). The Principal Park Road would generate higher concentrations of brake and tire debris
than the Primitive Park Road due to higher traffic volumes and more braking due to the higher travel speed.
The parking and recreation facilities at Laurel Branch and Bushnell alternatives would have higher metal
concentrations not only from travel but from fluids leaking from parked vehicles. However, compared with
urban roadways, the expected traffic volume would be extremely low.
THIS SPACE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-174
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 4-20. Water Quality Impacts — Quantity and Usage Classification of Streams
within the Partial-Build and Build Alternatives
Laurel Partial- Southern Northern Southern Southern Southern
Branch Build Option at Shore Option at Option at Option
Alternative Forney Forney Hazel/Eagle Crossing
Picnic to Bushnell Creek Corridor Creek Creek Fontana
Area* �baseline) Embayment �baseline) Embayment Embayments Dam
Primitive
Park Road
Stream
Crossings
Large
Watersheds
Trout
Streams
Water Supply
Streams
Principal
Park Road
Stream
Crossings
Large
Watersheds
Trout
Streams
Water Supply
Streams
9 34
1 5
9 21
0 0
NA 35
NA 4
NA 18
NA 0
8 less than
baseline
2 less than
baseline
No change
from
baseline
No change
from
baseline
12 less
than
baseline
1 less than
baseline
1 more
than
baseline
No change
from
baseline
131 $ less than 8 less than
baseline baseline
25 2 less than 5 less than
baseline baseline
No change 22 less than
96 from baseline
baseline
No change 35 less than
39 from baseline
baseline
12 less 17 less than
141 than baseline
baseline
22 1 less than 3 less than
baseline baseline
99 1 less than 25 less than
baseline baseline
14 less than
39 No change baseline
15 less
than
baseline
5 less
than
baseline
17 less
than
baseline
2 more
than
baseline
16 less
than
baseline
5 less
than
baseline
18 less
than
baseline
2 more
than
baseline
Notes:
* The entrance/exit road to Laurel Branch Picnic Area is best discussed as Primitive Park Road, but its design does not
necessarily conform to the NPS design criteria for a Primitive Park Road.
N/A Not Applicable
Turbidity: For the purpose of this impact analysis, suspended sediment is deemed to be the main cause of
increased turbidity. The severity and type of sedimentation would depend on the type of road: gravel
Primitive Parlc Road vs. asphalt Principal Park Road. The gravel Primitive Park Road would become a
permanent source of sedimentation, whereas the asphalt Principal Park Road would provide a short-term
source (Clinton and Vose 2003). Road length between culverts, gradient, and soil type were important
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-175
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

factors in erosion of the road surface, while ditch length and roughness were important factors in ditch
erosion. Vehicular traffic on the Primitive Park Road will cause dust emissions from the force of the wheels,
pulverizing the surface material (USEPA 2004b).
Other Water Quality Factors: Oil and grease from potential fuel spills or from leaking vehicles would be
potential pollutants from construction equipment, passenger vehicles once the road is complete, and boats as
a result of the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. Potential spills during construction would be addressed
in the BMPs for construction. The boat ramp and dock proposed for the facility at Bushnell would be
intended for temporary docking and storage of boats and would most likely operate from later spring to early
fall, when the water level of the lake is close to the permanent pool elevation. No fuel or maintenance
capabilities are planned for such a faciliry. Therefore, there would be negligible potential impacts for any
portion of the road with the implementation of proper minimization and avoidance practices.
NPS does not employ widespread application pesticides and herbicides to maintain roadside vegetation or
suppress nuisance species. Selective application of these chemicals is used for sit�specific treatment of
nuisance species. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated from these chemicals entering the water system.
NPS practices call for manual mowing and vegetation control along roadsides and at recreational facilities.
No impacts are anticipated under any of the proposed alternatives.
Snow removal would be managed by the NPS, and all of the potential alternatives would follow the practices
currently used on Lake View Road. The road would be plowed, but only after Newfound Gap Road is
cleared. Therefore, sometimes Lake View Road and any new road would be plowed, and other times they
would remain closed. In addition to plowing, a mixture of sand and chat could also be applied to the road.
However, due the low elevation of a new road (as compared with Newfound Gap Road), it is anticipated that
treatment would be rare (Wegwerth, pers. comm. 2005). Due to the low level of occurrence, negligible
impacts would be anticipated unless a revised snow removal plan were implemented.
Far the purpose of this impact analysis, only areas with restroom and/or picnic facilities are assumed to
potentially provide a negligible source of increased fecal coliform bacteria. An adequate number of restroom
facilities to serve the public need are necessary to prevent nonpoint source water qualiry concerns related to
people that may be drawn to a similar area yet do not utilize the restroom facilities (e.g., if there is a wait).
This can unintentionally result in a limited outdoor area having a concentration of human waste.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates: Macroinvertebrates reflect the combined impact of all the previously listed
water quality parameters, including changes in habitat and flow regime. In general, acidic waters have lower
species richness, abundance, andbiomass than non-acidic waters (Arnold et al. 1981). Aquatic insects are
negatively impacted by low pH in at least three ways: (] ) low pH affects the physiology of organisms; (2)
metal released at low pH may be toxic to the organisms; and (3) indirect effects occur through the reduction
of primary productivity (Hall et al. l 980). Additional information regarding benthic macroinvertebrates and
acidification is provided in Section 4.4.4.2.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-176
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Sedimentation from road construction likely would decrease the species richness and abundance and
decrease the NCBI. Cline et al. (1981) suggest that the effects of road construction are minimal and, where
changes occur, recovery is rapid. Insects in mountain streams have evolved to withstand periods of high
runoff and their associated high levels of sediments. Another study has shown sedimentation from road
construction leads to decreased abundance for at least 6 years (Taylor and Roff 1986). The recovery of
macroinvertebrates may occur after the depositional material is flushed out of the system. For this to occur,
however, recolonization by drift from upstream areas is necessary (Resh and Rosenberg 1984). This
recolonization has been seen with GSMNP, where the fish toxicant, antimycin, was applied to streams for
the re-introduction of brook trout; normal macroinvertebrate populations were present within 4 to 6 months
(Walker 2003).
4.4.3.2.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative would not impact water quality in the project study corridors.
4.4.3.2.2 Monetary Settlement
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would not directly impact water quality in GSMNP and indirect
impacts to water qualiry within GSMNP are unlikely.
4.4.3.2.3 Laurel Branch Picnic Area
Nine streams classified as trout streams would be crossed by the Laurel Branch Picnic Area. There would be
no impacts to Water Supply waters or ORWs.
Water Quality Standards
pH
Impacts would be moderate (violations may occur), adverse, long-term, and permanent if there were no
special mitigation or avoidance of acidic runoff. Cut and fill slopes could expose AP rock to rain. It is
assumed that acidic runoff would be a chronic condition.
Dissolved Oxygen
All streams within the Laurel Branch Picnic Area are classified as trout waters, which has more stringent
water qualiry standards for DO than Class C and Water Supply waters. The source of organic input
(vegetation) would occur for less than 1 year. Therefore, moderate (violations may occur), adverse, local,
short-term impacts would be anticipated.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-177
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Heavy Metals
Based upon the geology of the Laurel Branch Picnic Area, minor, adverse, local, short-term, long-term, and
permanent impacts would be anticipated if ihere were no avoidance or minimization techniques. Due to the
anticipated traffic volume, impacts from vehicular sources of heavy metals would be minor, adverse, local,
long-tet-�n, and permanent.
Turbidity
Trout waters have more stringent water qualiry standard than Class C and Water Supply waters. All streams
within the Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative are classified as trout waters. Impacts would be major
(violations would likely occur), adverse, local, and short-term due to sedimentation from construction-related
activities. Long-term and permanent impacts from runoff from the parking lot and recreational activities
would be minor, adverse, and local.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Short-term impacts due to construction activities would be �noderate (violations may occur), adverse, and
local. Long-term and permanent impacts would be minor, adverse, and local due to changes in habitat, water
quality, and allochthonous inputs.
Lake Trophic Level
Impacts from the Laurel Branch Picnic Area are expected to be negligible, adverse, local, short-term, long-
term, and permanent due to the distance from Fontana Lake and the dilution of pollutants before the runoff
would impact water qualiry of the lake.
4.4.3.2.4 Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would impact 21 trout streams and
29 streams classified as ORWs. The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road)
would impact 18 trout streams and 30 streams classified as ORWs. Tl�ere would be no impacts to Water
Supply waters for the Primitive and Principal Park Roads.
Water Quality
pH
Since detailed geology is unknown, impacts for the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would be
moderate (violations may occur), adverse, regional, long-term and permanent due to the potential of AP
rocks.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-178
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Dissolved Oxygen
Over half of the streams within the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell are classified as trout
waters, which have more stringent water quality standards for DO than Class C and Water Supply waters.
The source organic input (vegetation) would occur for between 1 and 15 years. As a result, the short-term
and long-term impacts would likely be moderate (violations may occur), adverse, and regional, and the
permanent impacts would be negligible, adverse, and regional. The impacts would be the same for the
Primitive and Principal Park Roads.
Heavy Metals
Based upon the geology far the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, moderate (violations may
occur), adverse, local, short-term, long-term, and permanent impacts would be anticipated from potential
naturally occurring beavy metals. Due to the potential recreational and parking facilities at Bushnell, minor,
adverse, local, long-term and permanent impacts are anticipated from vehicular sources and runoff from
parking areas. Impacts would be the same for the Primitive and Principal Park Roads.
Turbidity
Trout waters have a mare stringent numerical standard for turbidity than Class C and Water Supply waters.
Over half of the streams within the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell are classified as trout
waters (21 for the Primitive Park Road and 18 for the Principal Park Road). Major, adverse, regional, short-
term and long-term impacts due to construction runoff and sedimentation would be expected. The Primitive
Park Road would likely have minor, adverse, regional, and permanent impacts due to runoff from the gravel
surface of the road. The Principal Park Road would have negligible, adverse, regional, and permanent
impacts due to increased volume of runoff.
Bacteria
Increased bacteria from the potential recreational facilities and visitor use would likely cause minor, adverse,
regional, long-term and permanent impacts.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
The baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell would have moderate, adverse, regional, short-term and
long-term impacts associated with construction activities. Macroinvertebrate communities are expected to
recover sufficiently to have minor, adverse, regional, permanent impacts. However, some change in the
communities is expected due to permanent alteration of flow regime, sediment load, canopy coverage, input
of terrestrial insects and organic matter, and water qualiry. Impacts would be similar for both road types.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-179
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Lake Trophic Level
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would likely result in minor, adverse, regional, short-term impacts
to Fontana Lake, mainly due to sedimentation and nutrient runoff during land-disturbing activities.
Decreased turbidity or increased nitrogen and phosphorus could alter the NCTSI. However, the permanent
impacts to lake trophic state would be negligible, adverse, and regional due to the size and mixing of the
lake. Impacts would be similar for the Primitive and Principal Park Roads.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment could potentially reduce impacts by crossing fewer
strearus than the baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell. This option would not reduce the number of
trout waters crossed for the Primitive Park Road, but would cross one less for the Principal Park Road.
Therefore, intensities would not change for either road type. There would be no change in the number of
Water Supply waters impacted. The Primitive Park Road would impact eight fewer streams classified as
ORWs and the Principal Park Road would impact 12 fewer streams classified as ORWs. There would be no
change in impacts from the proposed recreational facilities at Bushnell.
4.4.3.2.5 Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would impact 10� streams classified as ORWs
and 96 trout streams. On�hundred and thirteen (1 ] 3) streams classified as ORWs would be impacted for the
Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road). Both road types would impact 39 Water Supply waters
including 28 streams that are in the Critical Area.
Water Quality
pH
The impacts would be major (violations likely to occur), adverse, regional, long-term and permanent for the
baseline Northern Shore Corridor due to intrusive rock between Eagle Creek and Hazel Creek. Cut-and-fill
slopes could expose this AP rock to rain. It is assumed that acidic runoff would be a chronic condition.
Impacts would be similar for the Primitive and Principal Park Roads.
Dissolved Oxygen
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor and all of its options would cross trout waters. The short-term and
long-term impacts from decreased DO would be moderate (violations may occur), adverse, and regional.
After construction was completed, the DO concentrations would return to pr�construction levels, since no
additional organic matter (vegetation) would be entering the system. T'hus, permanent impacts to DO would
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-180
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

likely be negligible, adverse, and regionaL Impacts would be similar for the Primitive and Principal Park
Roads.
Heavy Metals
Most of the potential impacts to water qualiry from heavy metals would be anticipated from naturally-
occurring sources. Based on the geology for the Northern Shore Corridar, there would be major (violations
likely to occur), adverse, regional impacts for the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. The potential for the
impacts would exist in the short-term and long-term during construction, when the minerals could be
exposed at unknown locations. There would be subsequent permanent impacts if these areas were not
mitigated. Due to the low traffic volumes, the i�npacts frotn vehicular sources of inetals would be negligible,
adverse, regional, and permanent for the Principal Park Road and minor, adverse, regional, and permanent
for the Primitive Park Road.
Turbidity
Sedimentation and an increase in turbidiry would have the greatest impact at stream crossings (Lane and
Sheridan 2001). The baseline Northern Shore Corridor would have major (violations likely to occur),
regional, short-term and long-term impacts during construction; the permanent impacts would be minor for
the Primitive Park Road and negligible for the Principal Park Road.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Short-term and long-term impacts to benthic macroinvertebrates would be moderate, adverse, and regional.
After completion of construction, macroinvertebrate communities would have minor, adverse, regional, and
permanent impacts. However, some change in the communities would be expected due to permanent
alteration of flow regime, sediment load, canopy coverage, input of terresfial insects and organic matter, and
water quality.
Lake Trophic Level
Short-term and long-term impacts to benthic macroinvertebrates would be moderate, adverse, and regional.
After completion of construction, macroinvertebrate communities would likely recover, and have minor,
adverse, regional, and permanent impacts. However, some change in the communities would be expected
due to permanent alteration of flow regime, sediment load, canopy coverage, input of terrestrial insects and
organic matter, and water quality.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
Selection of the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would potentially decrease impacts on water
quality and benthic macroinvertebrates by crossing fewer streams for both road rypes. However, the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-181
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

intensity of the impacts would not likely change. Impacts to water quality would still occur; just at fewer
locations. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would reduce impacts from stream
sedimentation during construction by reducing the number of stream crossings. This would reduce impacts
to Fontana Lake and the bridge structure would not increase impacts. This option would not reduce the
number of trout waters crossed for the Primitive Park Road, but would cross one less for the Principal Park
Road. There would be no change in the number of Water Supply waters impacted. The Primitive Park Road
would impact eight fewer streams classified as ORWs and the Principal Park Road would impact 12 fewer
streams classified as ORWs.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would reduce but not eliminate impacts on pH
by largely avoiding areas of known pyritic rock. In addition, this option would reduce the number or streams
crossed, especially the popular trout waters associated with Eagle and Hazel creeks. Subsequently, this
would be expected to reduce impacts to streams within the baseline Northern Share Corridar. Impacts would
occur to other streams crossed by this option and Fontana Lake. The Southem Option at Hazel and Eagle
Creek Embayments would impact fewer trout streams (22 for the Primitive Park Road and 25 far the
Principal Park Road) and would impact fewer Water Supply waters (5 for the Primitive Park Road and 16 for
the Principal Park Road). The Primitive Park Road would impact 10 fewer streams classified as ORWs and
the Principal Park Road would impact 17 fewer streams classified as ORWs. However, this option could
increase the area impacted within the Water Supply Critical Area.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor, the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would
avoid potential impacts to Cheoah Lake by crossing 15 fewer streams draining to Cheoah Lake and could
increase impacts to Fontana Lake by crossing two additional Water Supply waters draining to Fontana Lake.
Both of these streams are in the Critical Area. These streams currently flow through culverts under an
existing road. Since this existing road would be utilized if this alternative were implemented, the impacts to
Fontana Lake would not be expected to increase. There would be no change in the number of ORWs
impacted.
4.4.3.2.6 Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative effects to water qualiry were determined by combining the impacts of the alternatives being
considered with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the study area vicinity. For
the purpose of this discussion, the cumulative water-qualiry impacts to Fontana and Cheoah lakes were
considered.
These cumulative effects have occurred and will continue to occur as a result of landscape modification.
Water qualiry in the study area has been altered by commercial and residential development, mining,
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-182
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

tourism, timber operations, and agricultural practices. For example, the byproducts of mining operations in
the study area continue to contribute to the degradation of water resources.
In the foreseeable future, water quality will be largely influenced by development in the region and
atmospberic deposition. However, the large amount of protected lands, including GSMNP and the adjacent
national forests, greatly limits the impacts of potential development in the study area as well as the region.
Section 4.1.2 identifies several roadway projects that may ha�e cumulative impacts to water quality in the
project vicinity. The rehabilitation to Lake View Road and aggregate surfacing of five cemetery roads occur
within the project study area. Land-disturbing activities associated with these projects would have
Sedimentation and Erosz�on Control Plans to protect against temporary impacts to water quality during
construction. Implementation of both of these projects should provide long-term protection of water quality
by stabilizing existing roadways and embankments. The A-9 widening project is along the southem share
of Fontana Lake. It is expected to be completed before construction of a partial-build or build alternative
would occur within the project study area. The A-9 project occurs 9 mi (14.5 km) upstream for the project
study area and could cause cumulative impacts to the water qualiry of Fontana Lake at the confluence of the
Little Tennessee River and Tuckasegee River near Bushnell. The Cherohala Skyway project is drained by
waters flowing into Santeetlah Lake and eventually the Little Tennessee River below the Cheoah Lake dam
approximately 7 mi (] 13 km) downstream of the project study area. Therefore, there would be no
cumulative impacts from the Cherohala Skyway project to Fontana or Cheoah lakes.
Impacts that may result from either of the two partial-build alternatives or the build alternative for the
proposed project would contribute to any cumulative effects on water qualiry in the study area. Mitigation to
protect and enhance water quality would minimize the potential cumulative effects on the region's water
resources.
4.4.3.3 Options to Address Potential Impacts
NPS would employ a sequence of avoiding adverse water quality impacts to the extent practicable,
minimizing impacis that could not be a�oided, and compensating for remaining unavoidable adverse impacts
via restoration of degraded waters. It will not be possible to avoid or mitigate for all water quality impacts.
Examples of water quality degradation include low pH, increased turbidity, and increased levels of heavy
metals. The options to address potential impacts to streams described in Section 4.4.2.3 would also be
applicable to address potential water quality impacts. NPS would apply far and comply with the
requirements of applicable federal, state, or local water-qualiry protection regulations, including the final rule
for the Fontana Lake North Shore ORW area.
Avoidance Techniques
Avoidance examines all appropriate and practicable possibilities of averting impacts to "Waters of the
United States." Accarding to a 1990 MOA between the USEPA and the USACE, "appropriate and
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-183
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

practicable" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, would be appropriate to the scope and degree of those
impacts and practicable in terms of cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project
purposes. The main avoidance technique is to relocate the footprint of a road to eliminate stream crossings
or bridge an entire stream and its floodplain and to avoid known areas of pyritic rock. Stream crossings
could be eliminated by having a road on high elevations; however, due to the steep terrain in the project
study area, these options would not always be practicable.
Minimization Techniques
Where no alternatives that avoid adverse impacts on streams are found to be practicable, minimization steps
must be employed to reduce adverse impacts. These steps would include design modifications and
implementation of enhanced BMPs to limit and control impacts during and after project construction. A
complete list of minimization techniques is provided in Section 4.3.2 of Appendix M. Every practicable
effort would be made to maintain the integrity of the natural stream systems, preserving their features and
functions.
The encapsulation of AP rock would minimize impacts from pH and heavy metals. Basic procedures for
handling acid-producing materials during construction were established by Byerly (1990a,b) and have been
used by the FHWA, NCDOT, NPS, and TVA. The FHWA design for on-site encapsulation at the Cherohala
Skyway has been found effective to prevent water qualiry degradation (ARCADIS 2004b). Detailed
descriptions of this technique are provided in Appendix L and minimization techniques are described in
Sections 4.3.1.3 and 43.1.4.
In order to determine the ongoing effectiveness of BMPs and other minimization measures, NPS would
conduct water quality and aquatic ecology monitoring before construction, during construction, and after
construction. Monitoring before construction would be conducted to establish baseline conditions for
comparisons and would occur in the year prior to construction. Suggested parameters to be sampled include:
pH, conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity, alkaliniry, hardness, total solids, total
suspended solids, turbidiry, aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrate, phosphate,
sulfate, and zinc. In addition, surveys for benthic macroinvertebrates and electrosbocking for fish would be
conducted once prior to construction. Monitaring during construction would be conducted to detennine
immediate changes in water quality. Any changes to water quality should be immediately addressed and
could trigger additional water quality monitoring. Monitoring after construction would most likely follow
the same sampling regime as the monitoring before construction.
Mitigation Technigues
After avoidance and minimization have been applied to the maximum practicable extent, remaining water
quality degradation may be offset through compensatory mitigation. In addition to sedimentation, acidity
and heavy metals would be the two main water quality concerns for building any section of the road.
Potential acidification from the road would be very similar to problems associated with acid mine drainage
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-184
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

typical of areas in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Mitigation techniques used there could be
adapted to treat potential acidic impacts (see Appendix M).
Enhancement is a type of mitigation that manipulates the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a
stream or wetland to improve the overall water quality of the system. Enhancement measures that would
manipulate the physical characteristics of streams to achieve water qualiry improvements include stabilizing
stream banks to reduce sedimentation. The chemical characteristic of a water body can be altered by
addition of storm water BMPs to treat rainwater runoff from impervious sites. Establishment or
enhancement of riparian buffers along streams and wetlands provides water quality improvement by trapping
and filtering pollutants and providing additional organic input (food) for aquatic wildlife. These mitigation
techniques may not be able to offset all water qualiry impacts.
4.4.3.4 Impairment Evaluation
The discussion of impairment in this section is guided by NPS policy regarding impairment of Park
resources as described in Section 4.1.3. This discussion is not related to the CWA and its Section 303(d) list
of Impaired Waters. Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) of water quality in GSMNP and along the AT
would not occur under the No-Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic
Area, and the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. The Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair
water qualiry in GSMNP or along the AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to the magnitude
of this alternative, it is likely that additional NEPA documentation would be required to address sit�specific
impacts not currently known, to determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as
they relate to final design, and to re-evaluate the impairment determination related to water quality.
4.4.4 Aquatic Ecology
4.4.4.1 Methodology for Assessing the Aquatic Ecology Impacts
Due to the variety of wildlife likely to be found in the project study corridors and their corresponding variety
of hom�range sizes, the quantity of wildlife habitat lost under the project footprint was used as a surrogate
for estimations of direct loss of wildlife for the assessment of impacts. Analysis of impacts to aquatic
wildlife within the lake, streams, and wetlands (collectively referred to as aquatic habitat) utilizes the
approximate acreage expected to be permanently lost or tempararily affected by the presence of a road
and/or disturbances that would occur during construction. The locations of streams and wet habitats in the
project study corridors are depicted in Figure 3-5. Area of aquatic habitat potentially impacted and linear
feet of impacts to riparian buffers were calculated using ArcGIS software (Appendix M). Direct impacts
would occur from loss of habitat within the construction footprint of the potential road design. Indirect
impacts would occur as a result of the potential road design, such as alteration of hydrology, vegetation, or
other environmental factors that influence the composition and function of the habitat. Indirect impacts to
aquatic habitats were defined as those that could affect aquatic habitats within 330 ft(100 m) upstream and
1,320 ft(400 m) downstream of the construction footprint.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-185
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement