20151119 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20151123

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Division
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343
November 19, 2015
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
SAW -2015 -02235 -Port of Wilmington Turning Basin Dredge
Roy E. Crabtree, Ph.D, Administrator
Protected Resources Division
Southeast Regional Office
National Marine Fisheries Service
263 13' Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Dear Dr. Crabtree:
Reference is made to a Department of the Army permit application submitted by the North Carolina
State Ports Authority, to dredge approximately 100,000 cubic yards of material from the Cape Fear River
in order to expand an existing turning basin. The project is located in waters of the United States, in
Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. The proposed project has been assigned Action ED
#SAW -2015-02235.
Based on an evaluation of the project's design and location, and additional information (including
biological evaluations, environmental reports, or other studies), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) has determined that this project may affect one or more federally protected species. Based on
this preliminary may affect determination, the following information is provided to initiate consultation in
accordance with 50CFR402.14 ©:
A descriotion of the action being considered: The applicant proposes to conduct new dredging
to -42'+2' depth and expand the turning basin from 1200-1400' to accommodate larger vessels at
the facility. The applicant also proposes to reduce the length of the existing T -Head pier at
Kinder Morgan by 200' and relocate the pier to the edge of the new turning basin. This project is
located on the east bank of the Cape Fear River, at 1 Shipyard Boulevard, in Wilmington, New
Hanover County, North Carolina. Coordinates in Decimal Degrees are: 34.20998 N -77.95495 W.
The project consists of new excavation of 1000' long by 320' wide area to a final project depth of
-42'+2' at mean low water. This excavation will result in approximately 100,000 cubic yards of
material removed by bucket and barge (mechanical dredge with turbidity curtains) and brought to
Eagle Island (Corps Disposal Facility), where it will be re -fluidized to be pumped into Cell # 1.
The dredge limits are proposed to taper at a 3:1 slope from the existing edge of shoreline
westward to the Federal Navigation Channel (currently at -38' depth). The project also proposes
to reduce the length of the existing loading platform pier, and relocate that structure (along with
the mooring dolphins and breasting cells) to the edge of the shoreline.
2. A descriotion of the specific area that may be affected by the action: The dredge project location
is on the east bank of the Cape Fear River. The Cape Fear River supports a small population of
Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. Substrate in the Wilmington Harbor anchorage and turning
basins and within the dredging prisms of the terminal berths consist of silts, clays, and small

-2—
percentages of sands. A more robust description of the affected area is available in the attached
Biological Assessment.
3. A description of any listed species and/or critical habitat, which may be affected by the
proposed action: The Corps has determined the project may affect the following species and/or
designated critical habitat that are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service:
Common Name
Latin Name Listing
Critical Habitat
(CH) Designated
in North Carolina
Atlantic sturgeon
(Acipenser Endangered
NO
oxyrinchus
oxyrinchus)
Shortnose
(Acipenser Endangered
NO
sturgeon
brevisostrum)
3. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species and/or critical
habitat, and an analvsis of anv cumulative effects: The Cape Fear River supports a small population of
Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. Recent acoustic monitoring (NCDENR 2013) documented the
occurrence of 46 Atlantic sturgeon (26 tagged, balance too small for tagging) and one shortnose sturgeon.
While the likelihood of their presence in the affected areas is thought to be quite rare, past monitoring and
collection efforts demonstrate they may occur in the harbor during their annual migrations up and down
river (personal communication, Chip Collier, NCDMF 2013). Only adult and juvenile life stages could
occur within the affected area, as eggs and larvae would not be present due to high salinities and lack of
appropriate spawning habitat. Dredging effects on sturgeon may include abrasion of gills from sediment
suspension, a temporary loss of the benthic community food source within the dredging footprint, and
degradation in the benthic foraging habitat down current due to the deposition of suspended sediment.
4. Relevant reports attached (including anv environmental impact statements, environmental
assessments, bioloizical assessments, or other analyses prepared on the proposal):
a. Biological Assessment
5. Any other relevant studies or other information available on the action, the affected listed
species, and/or critical habitat: No other reports are provided.
Based on the may affect determination for those species identified in #3, above, the Corps requests to
initiate informal consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as
amended. In accordance with guidance provided in the Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, the
Corps requests that you acknowledge this request, and advise whether there is any additional relevant data
required to meet the requirements of 50 CFR §402.14(c), within 30 days of receipt of this request.
Last, the Corps has determined that the project would have no effect on any other threatened or
endangered species that are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and/or will not modify
their designated critical habitat.

-3 -
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Mr. Tyler Crumbley at the letterhead
address, by telephone at 910-251-4170, by fax at 910-251-4025, or by email at:
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
-{ate
Scott C. McLendon
Chief, Regulatory Division
Enclosures:
Biological assessment
Copy Furnished (without enclosures):
DWR, Wilmington/Raleigh
DCM, Wilmington/Raleigh

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSEMENT
FOR
SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS
RELOCATION OF LIQUID BULK PIER AND
WIDENING OF THE TURNING BASIN
PORT OF WILMINGTON
NORTH CAROLINA STATE PORTS AUTHORITY
OCTOBER 2015
DIA.L., CORDY
AND ASSOCIATES INC
l.rn,irotime rul Ccxisulrams

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR
SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS
RELOCATION OF LIQUID BULK TERMINAL AND
WIDENING OF THE TURNING BASIN
PORT OF WILMINGTON
NORTH CAROLINA STATE PORTS AUTHORITY
October 23, 2015
Prepared for:
North Carolina State Ports Authority
PO Box 9002
Wilmington, NC 28402
Prepared by:
Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
201 North Front Street, Suite 307
Wilmington, NC 28401

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The primary purpose and need of the North Carolina State Port Authority (NCSPA) at the Port of
Wilmington (POW) is to expand the present turning basin from 1,200 feet (ft) diameter to 1,400
ft diameter to meet larger vessels calling on the POW in 2016. In order to meet this need, the
liquid bulk terminal pier, loading platform, and mooring dolphins will need to be relocated
shoreward and approximately 8.53 acres of soft bottom habitat dredged to -42 ft.
The Cape Fear River (CPR) supports a small population of Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons.
Recent acoustic monitoring (North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
2013) documented the occurrence of 46 Atlantic sturgeons (26 tagged, balance too small for
tagging) and one shortnose sturgeon. While the likelihood of their presence in the affected
areas is thought to be quite rare, past monitoring and collection efforts demonstrate. they may
occur in the harbor during their annual migrations up and down river (Personal communication,
Chip Collier, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries 2013). Only adult and juvenile life
stages could occur within the affected area, as eggs and larvae would not be present due to
high salinities and lack of appropriate spawning habitat. Dredging effects on sturgeons may
include abrasion of gills from sediment suspension, a temporary loss of the benthic community
food source within the dredging footprint, and degradation in the benthic foraging habitat down
current due to the deposition of suspended sediment. The severity of the biological effect of
water quality changes on sturgeons depends upon the exposure magnitude, frequency, and
duration for those parameters considered, as well as the species adapted tolerance.
Proposed mechanical dredging for the turning basin widening will result in the conversion of
about 8.53 acres of mud bottom habitat, which ranges in depth from 5 to 20 feet (ft) mean low
water (MLW), to a navigable depth of -42 ft MLW. Sturgeon species likely use the project area
and vicinity for feeding, resting, and as a potential pathway to upstream spawning areas (Moser
and Ross 1993, Moser et al.1998). Other more recent tagging studies and monitoring by
NCDMF further confirm the presence of sturgeons within the river near the port terminals
(NCDENR 2013)
The proposed dredging area likely provides limited value as a forage area since the berthing
area is dredged for maintenance on an annual basis and the adjacent shallow areas are greatly
influenced by vessel movements, port operations, stormwater discharges etc. Recovery of
benthic resources would likely require between six months and one year. Therefore, it is
expected that the area will provide low value for benthic forage with or without the proposed
deepening. The shallow habitat likely has a more diverse benthic community than what the
recovered future benthic community will be like at -42 ft MLW following dredging.
While this may represent a loss of potential foraging habitat for sturgeons, it is important to note
that there is 37,800 acres of shallow water soft bottom habitat (<6 ft deep) and 188,549 acres of
deeper soft bottom habitat ( >6 ft. deep) available for foraging within the CFR southern estuary
(Deaton, 2010). The area of proposed deepening accounts for 0.02 percent (%) of available
shallow water foraging habitat within the lower CFR.
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015

Mechanical dredging through use of a clamshell bucket dredge will result in elevated total
suspended solids and turbidity levels for a short duration during dredging ranging from 5 to 6
months. Due to the small footprint during clamshell operations and because of tidal effects and
the dynamic nature of sediment plumes, significant turbidity plumes are not anticipated.
Dredging is not expected to result in depressed dissolved oxygen (DO) levels during dredging
most of the year, other than during the late summer/early fall when water temperatures are
higher and DO lower (Mallin 2013). DO levels during the 1999 monitoring of agitation dredging
at the POW were not depressed and did not go below 5 mg/I or show any correlation to
temperature or turbidity (NCDENR 2009 and LAW 1999). Maintaining the anadromous fish in -
water construction moratorium from February 1 through September 30 of each year helps
ensure that the potential summer DO sag is not further depressed by hydraulic dredging and
thereby adversely affecting the behavior or health of sturgeons. Clamshell bucket dredging is
allowable year round due to its potentially less adverse effect as compared to cutterhead
hydraulic dredging.
The NCSPA has offered the following conservation/mitigation measures to compensate for
unavoidable effects and potential foraging habitat loss associated with the proposed project and
to avoid or minimize effects on sturgeon species. These measures include conveyance of a
conservation easement on 13.4 acres of coastal marsh habitat present on property owned by
the NCSPA since 1965 and payment of $750,000 towards planning, permitting and design of
the Lock and Dam #2 Fish Passage on the CFR. Along with the funds appropriated by the NC
State legislature this past session, this will allow for completion of all services needed to
develop the fish passage project into a "shovel ready" project within two years. The latter
measure is only proposed if this project can be fully permitted and approved by all parties,
including an informal Section 7 consultation letter from the NMFS in less than 90 days from the
initial date of application (October 16, 2015)
Conservation measures to avoid and or minimize additional effects on managed and associated
species within their associated EFH in the project area includes the following:
• Turbidity booms will be deployed around dredging and pumping operations at all
times to minimize movement of suspended sediments and turbidity.
• Turbidity booms will be monitored by the POW to ensure compliance with the
above requirement.
• The POW will establish a goal of maximizing dredging during falling tides if the
project can be constructed by June 30, 2016 without dredging during rising tides.
• Best management practices will be used throughout construction to minimize
turbidity and any indirect effects on managed and associated species.
• Observers will maintain watch on the dredge for sturgeons.
Based on the information presented in this biological assessment, dredging 8.53 acres inshore
of the existing Kinder Morgan Liguid Bulk Facility for widening of the turning basin and
relocating associated structures closer to shore, may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect
both species of sturgeons. This also applies to mechanical dredging through use of
clamshell/bucket dredge, as has been allowable with existing maintenance dredging permits for
both the POW and private terminals. Conservation measures as proposed herein shall be
implemented consistent with the term presented.
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................. II
LISTOF TABLES..........................................................................................................................V
LISTOF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................V
1.0 PROPOSED ACTION.........................................................................................................1
1.1 Construction Methods.....................................................................................................1
1.2 Summary of Authorized Maintenance Dredging Activity................................................5
2.0 STATUS OF SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS IN THE CAPE
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Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015
iv
FEARRIVER...................................................................................................................... 6
2.1
Status, Distribution, and Habitat.....................................................................................6
2.2
Threats...........................................................................................................................8
2.2.1
Occurrence in the Project Area...............................................................................8
3.0
HABITAT IN ACTION AREA.............................................................................................14
4.0
EFFECTS ON SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS........................................15
4.1
Project Effects on Suspended Sediments....................................................................15
4.2
Project Effects on Dissolved Oxygen...........................................................................16
4.3
Dredging Effects on Sturgeons.....................................................................................16
4.4
Cape Fear River Sturgeon Vulnerability.......................................................................17
4.5
Water Quality Effects on Sturgeons.............................................................................18
4.6
Foraging Habitat Loss Effects on Sturgeons................................................................23
4.7
Temporary Water Quality Effects on Sturgeons...........................................................23
4.8
Temporary Effects on Sturgeons' Foraging Habitat.....................................................23
5.0
CONCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................
24
6.0
CONSERVATION MEASURES........................................................................................25
7.0
EFFECTS DETERMINATION...........................................................................................27
8.0
REFERENCES.........................................................................;.......................................
27
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Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015
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LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1. Emigration and return dates for Atlantic Sturgeons implanted with sonic
tags in the Cape Fear River......................................................................................13
Table 2. Sturgeons collected, including original tagging location and recapture
location, from the Cape Fear River Vemco Array, January 2013 through
June2013..................................................................................................................14
Table 3. Port of Wilmington sediment characterization..............................................................14
Table 4. Vulnerability to dredging by season for sturgeons and striped bass ............................18
Table 5. Summary of TSS and Field Turbidity for Station M61 ..................................................21
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1.
Location Map of Turning Basin Widening Project.........................................................2
Figure 2.
Existing and Proposed Plan View for Proposed Turning Basin Widening ....................
3
Figure 3.
Profile View for Proposed Turning Basin Widening......................................................4
Figure 4.
Photograph of Mechanical Dredging............................................................................
5
Figure 5.
Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas within the Cape Fear River.................................10
Figure 6.
Cape Fear River, Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas................................................11
Figure 7.
Locations of Vemco receivers deployed in the Cape Fear River, NC,
June2013................................................................................................................12
Figure 8.
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Data at Station M61 .........................................19
Figure 9.
Dissolved Oxygen at the Lower Cape Fear River Program Mainstem
Stations, 1995-2011 and 2012.................................................................................20
Figure 10.
Field Turbidity at the Lower Cape Fear River Program Mainstem
Stations, 1995-2011 and 2012.................................................................................21
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Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015
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1.0 PROPOSED ACTION
The primary purpose and need of the North Carolina State Port Authority (NCSPA) at the Port of
Wilmington (POW) is to expand the present turning basin from 1,200 feet (ft) diameter to 1,400
ft diameter to meet larger vessels calling on the POW in 2016. In order to meet this need, the
liquid bulk terminal pier, loading platform, and mooring dolphins will need to be relocated
shoreward and approximately 8.53 acres of soft bottom habitat dredged to -42 ft.
The POW, North Carolina (NC), has operated on the Cape Fear River (CFR) for 70 years, first
serving bulk and breakbulk vessels, and then container vessels as that operating model became
prevalent for many types of cargoes. The NCSPA has served containers vessels for over 30
years, and has served vessels in the Panamax class for more than 10 years. These are vessels
with lengths of up to 965 ft, which are the maximum length allowable in the locks of the Panama
Canal, which are 1,000 ft long (usable length) and 110 ft wide. The ongoing Panama Canal
Expansion project is due to be complete in 2016, and the new locks will be 1,400 ft long by 180
ft wide.
Ocean carriers will take immediate advantage of the enlarged canal locks by deploying larger
vessels, particularly from Asia to the United States East Coast (USEC), which is a large part of
the NCSPA business volume, as it is for many of the other ports on the USEC. It is vital for the
NCSPA to remain competitive, providing benefits to the state and the nation, by enlarging the
turning basin at the north end of the docks in Wilmington. The existing 1,200 -foot wide basin is
inadequate for the vessel deployments of the expanded Panama Canal. An NCSPA-owned
liquid bulk pier is located on the east side of the turning basin. Relocating the pier eastward,
closer to the existing shoreline, and dredging in front of the relocated pier will allow for a new
turning basin diameter of 1,400 ft.
The NCSPA has confirmed that the authorized project depth of the CFR, -42 ft mean lower low
water (MLLW), is acceptable for the larger ships that are expected to call at the POW, at least in
the near term. In addition, the dock structures and the ship -to -shore cranes that exist at the
POW are adequately sized to receive the larger vessels that will begin to deploy in 2016.
Therefore, the existing diameter of the turning basin is the only impediment to receiving the
vessels that will certainly begin to deploy in 2016. Failure to being able to service these vessels
through constructing a 1,400 ft diameter basin could have a severe economic impact on the
POW and State of NC as early as next fall.
1.1 Construction Methods
The proposed project includes mechanical dredging of sediment (barge -mounted crane
equipped with an environmental bucket or a long reach excavator boom) from the berthing area
while vessels are not present, followed by dredging of the balance of the widening area (8.53
acres) east of the present pier and loading platform (Figures 1-4). The mooring dolphins and
loading platform of the liquid bulk pier will be removed and new ones constructed +/-180 ft east
of their present location. Dredged material will be placed in scows, transferred across the river,
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015

Figure 1. Location Map of Turning Basin Widening Project
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015

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Figure 2. Existing and Proposed Plan View for Proposed Turning Basin Widening
Biological Assessment for Shortnoaeand Atlantic Sturgeons
Relocation ofLiquid Bulk Pier and Widening ufthe Turning Basin
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October 2015

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Figure 3. Profile View for Proposed Turning Basin Widening
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin
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Figure 4. Photograph of Mechanical Dredging
re -fluidized and hydraulically pumped into the Eagle Island Contained Disposal Facility (CDF).
The estimated quantity of sediments be dredged is 300,000 cubic yards (cy), of which a majority
are associated with dredging sediment from an existing elevation of -5 ft mean low water (MLW)
to -44 ft MLW (Figure 3), with an average present depth of -20 ft MLW when including side -
slopes. Construction is estimated to take five -to -six months to complete with a projected
completion date of 30 June 2016 in order to meet larger vessel calls anticipated mid to late
summer of next year. A variance for dredging in designated Primary Nursery Areas will be
required from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) and North Carolina
Division of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). A summary of more construction
details can be found in Appendix A.
1.2 Summary of Authorized Maintenance Dredging Activity
The NCSPA North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM) Major Permit #47-78
(expiration date 12/31/18) addressing maintenance dredging has been modified a number of
times since it was issued for allowing agitation dredging. Maintenance dredging of the POW
harbor and turning basin annually by the Wilmington District United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) is on average one million cubic yards. Supplemental dredging by the
dredging contractor for the NCSPA averaged 31,000 cy between 2007 and 2012. Agitation
dredging by the NCSPA averages 8,500 cy per year. The other private terminals are also
authorized to.conduct agitation dredging annually during the allowable environmental window.
A large hydraulic cutterhead dredge, contracted by the USACE, is used annually for
maintenance dredging of the harbor and turning basin. This includes annual dredging of
quays/berths of the NCSPA and if time allows, contracted dredging of the private terminals.
Disposal has historically been to the Eagles Island disposal area west of the POW. Both
clamshell dredging and hydraulic cutterhead dredging are typically employed for new
construction or berth dredging. However, these methods are also included in the maintenance
dredging permits to allow for some flexibility in the use of the most cost effective method.
Biological Assessment for Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeons Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015

2.0 STATUS OF SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS IN THE CAPE FEAR
RIVER
2.1 Status, Distribution, and Habitat
Shortnose Sturgeon
The most recent population estimate of shortnose sturgeons in the CFR is less than 50
individuals, based on analysis of tag/re-capture data by the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery
Team in 1995 (Personal communication, Mary Moser, 2013). The shortnose sturgeon was
listed as endangered throughout its range in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation
Act of 1966 (a predecessor to the Endangered Species Act). The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) later assumed
jurisdiction for shortnose sturgeon under a 1974 government reorganization plan (38 FR 41370).
No harvest or bycatch of shortnose sturgeon is allowed in state or federal waters. A fishing
moratorium has been in place in state waters since 1991 for shortnose sturgeon.
The shortnose sturgeon inhabits large Atlantic coast rivers from the St. Johns River in
northeastern Florida to the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Canada. Shortnose sturgeons
occur primarily in slower moving rivers or nearshore estuaries associated with large river
systems. Adults in southern rivers are estuarine anadromous, foraging at the freshwater -
saltwater interface and moving upstream to spawn in the early spring. Shortnose sturgeons
spend most of their life in their natal river systems and rarely migrate to marine environments.
Spawning habitats include river channels with gravel, gravel/boulder, rubble/boulder, and
gravel/sand/log substrates. Spawning in southern rivers begins in later winter or early spring
and lasts from a few days to several weeks. Juveniles occupy the freshwater -saltwater
interface, moving back and forth with the low salinity portion of the salt wedge during summer.
Juveniles typically move upstream during the spring and summer and move downstream during
the winter, with movements occurring above the freshwater -saltwater interface. In southern
rivers, both adults and juveniles are known to congregate in cool, deep thermal refugia during
the summer. Shortnose sturgeons are benthic omnivores, feeding on crustaceans, insect
larvae, worms, and mollusks. Juveniles randomly vacuum the bottom and consume mostly
insect larvae and small crustaceans. Adults are more selective feeders, feeding primarily on
small mollusks (NMFS 1998).
Hall et al. (1991), Collins et al. (2001), the NCDENR, and the NCDMF (2013) used and are
currently using telemetry studies to characterize the movements and habitats of the shortnose
sturgeons in the Savannah and Cape Fear Rivers. According to Hall et al. (1991), spawning
migrations in the Savannah River began in late January and continued through March.
Spawning occurred above river kilometer (rkm) 161, and spawning fish were found to occupy
the main channel in river bends where water velocity was high. Spawning areas were
characterized by submerged timber with scoured sand, clay, and gravel substrate. Outside
banks of the spawning areas were subject to continuous scouring, which prevented sediment
accumulation. Maximum depths in the spawning areas ranged from 26 to 29 ft, and current
velocities ranged from 1.7 to 3.4 ft/second at the surface, with an average bottom velocity of 2.6
ft/second. After spawning, fish moved downstream and returned to brackish water within two
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weeks of spawning. Data indicated that most or all sturgeons left the freshwater reaches of the
river by early May. The freshwater -saltwater interface was identified as an apparent feeding
ground for sturgeons, and sturgeons were found to occupy specific locations at rkm 39.6, rkm
36, and rkm 35.7 for extended periods (four to eight months). Depths in the feeding areas
ranged from 20 to 35 ft, and salinities ranged from zero to six parts per thousand (ppt)
depending on tidal stage. Foraging habitat substrate consisted of coarse sand and small gravel
with some mud.
Collins et al. (2001) provided additional insight into seasonal movements by adults and juveniles
in the Savannah River. Adults and juveniles migrated downstream when water temperatures
dropped below 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and upstream when temperatures rose above
71.6°F. During warmer months, adults and juveniles were concentrated in a segment of the
river between rkm 46.5 and rkm 47.5. During cooler months, adults and juveniles occupied the
area between rkm 34.3 and rkm 31.3 in the Front and Middle rivers. During this period,
juveniles were concentrated in a small, deep area just inside the mouth of the Middle River..
Habitat selection was apparently based on dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and salinity,
and did not appear to be associated with substrate type. Mean salinities in the areas where
juvenile shortnose sturgeons were found ranged from 1.4 ppt in the spring to 5.4 ppt in the
winter. DO levels at the juvenile sites ranged from 6.36 parts per million (ppm) in the summer to
8.36 ppm in the winter. Mean salinities in the areas where adult shortnose sturgeons were
found ranged from 0.3 ppt in the summer to 8.6 ppt in the winter. DO levels at the adult sites
ranged from 6.45 ppm in the fall to 8.6 ppm in the winter.
Atlantic Sturgeon
The Atlantic sturgeon population in the CFR is suspected to be less than 300 spawning adults
[Atlantic Sturgeon Status Review Team (ASSRT) 2007]. The harvest of Atlantic sturgeons has
been banned in state and federal waters since 1991. However, the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has recognized that fishery management measures alone
cannot sustain stocks of migratory fish species if sufficient quantity and quality of habitat is not
available (ASMFC 1999).
On 6 February 2012, the NOAA's NMFS listed the Carolina distinct population segment of
Atlantic sturgeons as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, an action that triggers
several additional conservation measures by federal and state agencies, private groups, and
individuals (77 FR 5914). The historic range of the Atlantic sturgeons included estuarine and
riverine systems from Labrador, Canada to the Saint Johns River in Florida. The historical
distribution in the United States included approximately 38 rivers from Saint Croix River in
Maine to the Saint Johns River in Florida, including spawning populations in at least 35 rivers.
The current distribution in the United States includes 35 rivers, with spawning known to occur in
at least 20 rivers.
Atlantic sturgeons spawn in freshwater, but spend most of their adult life in the marine
environment. Spawning adults generally migrate upriver in the spring/early summer. A fall
spawning migration may also occur in some southern rivers. Spawning is believed to occur in
flowing water between the salt front and fall line of large rivers. Post -larval juvenile sturgeons
move downstream into brackish waters, and eventually move to estuarine waters where they
reside for a period of months or years. Subadult and adult Atlantic sturgeons emigrate from
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rivers into coastal waters, where they may undertake long range migrations. Migratory subadult
and adult sturgeons are typically found in shallow (33-164 ft) nearshore waters with gravel and
sand substrates. Although extensive mixing occurs in coastal waters, Atlantic sturgeons return
to their natal river to spawn (ASSRT 2007).
Critical Habitat
No critical habitat has been designated for the shortnose sturgeon or the Atlantic sturgeon.
2.2 Threats
Historical overharvesting contributed to drastic declines in shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon
populations. Commercial exploitation of shortnose sturgeons continued into the 1950s, and
Atlantic sturgeons were commercially exploited throughout most of the 20th century (NMFS
1998, ASSRT 2007). Although directed commercial harvest is no longer permitted, by -catch
mortality associated with other fisheries remains a major threat. By -catch mortality associated
with the shad and shrimp fisheries and water quality degradation in nursery habitats are the
primary threats currently facing southeastern sturgeon populations (Collins et al. 2000).
Additional threats include dams, ship strikes, water withdrawal intake structures, and dredging
(NMFS 1998, ASSRT 2007). Threats associated with dams include hydrological modifications,
water quality degradation, and restriction of access to spawning and nursery areas. Ship strikes
resulting in mortality are common. Most strikes have been attributed to large ocean going
vessels, and most documented strikes have involved adult sturgeons. Sturgeons are
susceptible to impingement and entrainment in water withdrawal intake structures associated
with municipal water supply systems, power plants, and commercial facilities. Potential
dredging effects include direct impacts on benthic habitats and food resources, hydrological
modifications, turbidity and siltation, contaminant resuspension, and entrainment in the dredge
intake pipeline.
2.2.1 Occurrence in the Project Area
Shortnose sturgeons were thought to be extirpated from NC waters until an individual was
captured in the Brunswick River in 1987 (Ross et al. 1988). Subsequent gill -net studies (1989-
1993) resulted in the capture of five shortnose sturgeons, thus confirming the presence of a
small population in the lower CFR (Moser and Ross 1995). In 1998, the NCDMF reported the
capture of a shortnose sturgeon in western Albemarle Sound (Armstrong and Hightower 1999).
Surreys in the Neuse River during 2001 and 2002 failed to capture any shortnose sturgeons
(Oakley and Hightower 2007). Additional surveys have and are being performed annually in the
Roanoke, Chowan, and Cape Fear River basins (NMFS 2010). It is unclear whether the lack of
records from most North Carolina rivers is due to low abundance or the lack of directed survey
effort.
Atlantic sturgeons were historically abundant in most NC coastal rivers and estuaries.
Populations are currently known from the Roanoke, Tar -Pamlico, Neuse, and Cape Fear River
systems. Spawning is known to occur in the Roanoke, Tar -Pamlico, and Cape Fear River
systems; and possibly in the Neuse River (ASSRT 2007). Laney et al. (2007) analyzed Atlantic
sturgeon incidental capture data from winter tagging cruises off the NC and Virginia coasts.
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Cruises conducted in nearshore ocean waters from Cape Lookout to Cape Charles, Virginia
captured 146 Atlantic sturgeons between 1988 and 2006. Captures typically occurred over
sand substrate in nearshore waters that were less than 59 ft deep. Laney et al. concluded that
shallow nearshore waters off NC represent a winter (January -February) aggregation site and an
important area of winter habitat for Atlantic sturgeons.
Anadromous fish species' potential spawning areas, as designated by the State of NC within the
CFR system and near the NCSPA, are shown in Figures 5 and 6. Historic spawning grounds
for both sturgeon species are above Lock and Dam #3 on the CFR (NCDMF 2011, Anadromous
Fish Spawning Area Maps). Only adult and juvenile life stages of the two sturgeon species may
occur near the POW, predominately as adults migrate up and back down the river on their
annual spawning run.
The NCDMF captured Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons during upstream migration in late -winter
and early -spring of 2013 (NCDENR 2013). Following netting prior to spawn using sinking
monofilament gill or trammel nets, telemetry tags were surgically implanted into captured
individuals of both species. Vemco receivers were deployed in a passive array to relocate
sturgeons within the CFR (Figure 7). Sturgeons were targeted using gillnets in the Brunswick
River on 30 different events from January to June 2013. The average and range of water
temperature, salinity, and DO during the sampling periods were 15.3 degrees Celsius (°C)
(7.7°C to 21.5°C), 1.8 ppt (0.1 ppt to 4.6 ppt), and 9.9 milligram/liter (mg/L) (7.9 mg/L to 10.4
mg/L.), respectively.
During the study, 40 Atlantic sturgeons were captured, including four recaptures of fish which
had previously been tagged during recent years (NCDENR 2013). Twenty-six of the Atlantic
sturgeons were large enough to be implanted with sonic tags. Two of the recaptured Atlantic
sturgeons .had sonic tags from their initial capture. One of the recaptured fish, initially tagged
March 21, 2011, showed no evidence or scarring from the prior surgery. Over the period this
fish was tagged (718 days), it had grown 227 millimeters (mm) FL and gained approximately 4.5
kilograms (kg). The other previously implanted fish had only been at large for 25 days.
By January 2013, 14 Atlantic sturgeons tagged in 2011, and 12 tagged in 2012 had emigrated
from the CFR, with few sturgeons detected remaining within the system through February. A
majority of the tagged Atlantic sturgeons (73%, 26 fish) which left the system in 2012 had
returned to the CFR by June 2013 (Table 1), with most of the returns occurring during April. As
of February 2013, 42 Atlantic sturgeons and one shortnose with sonic tags remain active within
the CFR system.
Active spawning migration runs were noted during the past two years for a few tagged fish. One
Atlantic sturgeon, which was previously captured and tagged as a running ripe male on 22
February 2012 migrating up the main stem of the CFR, was detected during 2013 migrating up
the northeast branch of the CFR. First detected at the mouth of the CFR on 16 February 2013,
this fish had migrated approximately 100 kilometers (km) up the Northeast VGT over the course
of the following 30 days. This fish then was detected over a 20km stretch between rkm 100 and
80 as observed in the previous year and was no longer in the river system after April.
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_L —

Figure 6. Cape Fear River, Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas
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Source: NCDENR 2013
Figure 7. Locations of Vemco receivers deployed in the Cape Fear River, NC, June 2013
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Table 1. Emigration and return dates for Atlantic Sturgeons implanted with sonic tags in
the Cape Fear River.
Capture/Release
FL
Sonic ID
Date
Date Returned
Days at Large Outside
Date
(mm)
Emigrated
Cape Fear River
10/11/2012
958
29704
11/20/2012
3/26/2013
126
3/30/2012
1146
29705
11/5/2012
5/1/2013
177
10/11/2012
934
29706
11/14/2012
4/18/2013
155
9/20/2012
1015
29707
10/28/2012
5/4/2013
188
3/30/2012
1265
29716
10/30/2012
4/21/2013
173
6/11/2012
975
29717
11/2/2012
5/24/2012
951
29718
10/24/2012
10/24/2012
1021
29723
11/19/2012
4/27/2013
159
9/27/2011
793
45122
11/2/2012
4/28/2013
177
10/4/2011
909
45126
11/6/2012
4/26/2013
171
10/4/2011
962
45127
10/25/2012
3/29/2013
155
2/22/2012
1970
45129
4/13/2012
2/15/2013
308
2/21/2012
960
45131
3/27/2012
3/28/2012
1102
45132
11/23/2012
3/28/2012
981
45133
11/12/2012
4/20/2013
159
4/15/2011
931
45154
11/1/2012
4/28/2013
178
3/30/2011
668
45155
12/1/2012
2/21/2013
82
3/31/2011
683
45156
11/1/2012
4/30/2013
180
4/19/2011
1030
45157
11/4/2012
5/6/2013
183
4/27/2011
1025
45158
11/5/2012
5/6/2013
182
4/6/2011
825
45161
11/18/2012
4/22/2013
155
5/18/2011
780
45162
3/20/2012
5/25/2011
891
45167
10/30/2012
9/21/2011
1105
45173
10/19/2012
6/12/2013
236
9/21/2011
784
45174
10/31/2012
9/22/2011
1110
45176
10/24/2012
4/18/2013
176
Source: NCDENR 2013
The shortnose sturgeons which remained in the system from previous years, continued to occur
within the same stretch of river between the mouth of the Black River and upper entrance to the
Brunswick River, with a run up to Lock and Dam #1 in March and back down in April to its
typical range. To date, six Atlantic sturgeons tagged outside of NC have been detected in the
CFR (Table 2).
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Table 2. Sturgeons collected, including original tagging location and recapture location,
from the Cape Fear River Vemco Array, January 2013
through June 2013.
Species
Released
Detection
Number of
Number of
Number of
Location
Location
Unique
Detections
Receivers
Individuals
Atlantic
Cape Fear
Throughout
46
215,321
18
Sturgeon
River, NC
Cape Fear
System
Atlantic
Atlantic Coast,
Throughout
4
1,216
13
Sturgeon
DE
Cape Fear
System
Atlantic
Long Island
Lower Cape
1
93
4
Sturgeon
Sound, CT
Fear River
Atlantic
Altamaha River,
Lower and
1
486
8
Sturgeon
GA
Northeast Cape
Fear
Shortnose Cape Fear
Lower and
1
34,264
10
Sturgeon
River, NC
Upper Cape
Fear River
159
591,584
21 Different
Receivers
Source:
NCDENR 2013
3.0 HABITAT IN ACTION AREA
Both species of sturgeon primarily forage on benthic invertebrates such as polychaetes,
amphipods, bivalves, isopods, insects, and other crustaceans (Collins and Rourk 2008). Their
preferential foraging habitat is unconsolidated substrates including sand and gravel, which often
contain amphipods, small clams, polychaetes and oligochaete worms and insect larvae.
Substrate in the Wilmington Harbor anchorage basin and within the dredging prisms of the
terminal berths are similar, consisting of silts, clays, and small percentages of sands [Anamar
Environmental Consulting, Inc. (Anamar) 2010, Table 3]. Sediment data from the proposed
dredging area is limited; however, it is anticipated that grain -size distribution and the percent of
fine fraction to be similar to those characterized within the Wilmington Harbor.
Table 3. Port of Wilmington sediment characterization.
Sediment Type
Gravel
Sand
Silt
Clay
Sediment Gradation
(millimeters)
Particles z 4.75
Particles >_ 0.075 but <_ 4.75
Particles <_ 0.075
Particles <_ 0.075
POW Sediment
M
0.0
4.3
54.7
41.0
Source: Anamar 2010
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Of the sediment tested within the Wilmington Harbor, the NCSPA terminal material had the
highest percentage of silt and clay at 54.7% and 41.0%, respectively, with 4.3% sand (Anamar
2010).
The primary factors affecting the estuarine benthic community species occurrence, distribution
and abundance includes sediment grain -size and organic content, sediment depositional rates,
DO and salinity. Mallin et.al. (2000) described the infaunal benthic diversity and richness as
constant, as sampled over a four-year period downstream of downtown Wilmington and the
POW. These samples were dominated by a variety of taxa, including oligochaetes and
amphipods (Gammarus, Lembos, and Monoculodes spp.) and by polychaetes (Maranzellaria,
Mediomastus, and Streblospio spp.). These taxa were considered relatively opportunistic
species typical of oligohaline to mesohaline areas. These species are considered proficient at
recovering from bottom disturbances. Epibenthic species living on the sediment generally
include gastropods, amphipods, and some insect larvae (Mallin et.al. 2000).
Although no direct benthic sampling has been conducted directly within the action area, it is
highly likely that the benthic community includes species commonly preyed upon by sturgeons.
Due to the consistent level of vessel activity and annual dredging at the NCSPA terminals, the
benthic foraging habitat in these areas is probably significantly less diverse and abundant than
reported by Mallin et al (2000) downstream of the port, even when considering the rapid rate of
recovery to disturbances by these opportunistic species common to this soft bottom habitat.
4.0 EFFECTS ON SHORTNOSE AND ATLANTIC STURGEONS
This section includes a discussion of known or probable effects of the proposed dredging
methods on water quality, and the potential effects of dredging on sturgeon migration and
foraging within the action area. Relocation of the piers, platforms, and dolphins will not result in
any adverse impacts on sturgeon. Proposed dredging may have localized water quality effects
on the estuarine water column during the short periods of time dredging occurs, including re-
suspension of sediments and depression of DO concentrations near the bottom. The biological
effect of these changes is more dependent upon the exposure, frequency and duration of the
events and in part on temperature and salinity in the water column. Since dredging would occur
within a short period of time (5-6 months from January to June 2016), the negative effects on
water quality would likely be minimal. Since relocation of the pier, platform and mooring
dolphins will not likely result in any negative effect on sturgeon foraging or migration patterns,
only effects of dredging are discussed below.
4.1 Project Effects on Suspended Sediments
The proposed action will have temporary effects from dredging on suspended sediment
concentrations within the water column immediately above the bottom over the dredged area
and within a plume downstream of the dredging activity for the 5-6 month project duration.
Effects of clamshell/bucket dredging on suspended sediment loading are described below.
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Dredging is proposed to be accomplished through use of a clamshell/bucket dredge,
transported by scow across the river and slurried to the CDF located on Eagle Island.
Clamshell or mechanical dredging and its effects on water quality have been discussed in
USACE (1983, 2008), Collins (1995), Barnard (1978), Hayes (1986), NMFS (1998, 2010) and
Collins et al (2001). In general, this type of dredging generates a higher concentration of
suspended material in the water column than by a hydraulic cutterhead dredge at the
excavation location. Suspended sediment concentrations from clamshell dredging are more
similar or slightly higher than that caused by I-beam agitation dredging; however, clamshell
dredging results in a higher level of suspended sediments at or near the water surface than
observed from I—beam dredging [Applied Technology and Management (ATM) 2002]. Total
suspended solids (TSS) levels from clamshell dredging are similar to the natural TSS levels
observed during spring tide events, but far less than would be observed following storm events.
Depth averaged TSS concentrations at the dredge site were estimated to be 50 to 500 mg/I by
Collins et al (2001). Increases in TSS during clamshell dredging are considered to be
intermittent as the bucket moves through the water column. Re -suspended sediment
concentrations of several hundred per liter in the water column close to the bucket as it dredges
are quite common and are reduced close to background levels within several hundred feet of
the point of operation.
4.2 Project Effects on Dissolved Oxygen
Mechanical dredging is not likely to result in a significant lowering of DO levels during
construction within the action area. The vertical and horizontal mixing of bottom anoxic water
during dredging likely raises the DO level within the plume, thereby maintaining DO levels
above the state standard of 5.0 mg/I. Law Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (LAW)
(1998, 1999a -f) implemented 11 water quality monitoring efforts associated with pre-, during-,
and post -agitation dredging events from July 1998 to August 1999. The surface, mid -column,
and bottom water quality sampling for turbidity, DO, and temperature indicated spatial and
temporal variations in the immediate downstream vicinity of an active agitation dredging
operation and at one berth downstream (approximately 800 ft) of the operation. The monitoring
further revealed no substantial changes in temperature or DO as a result of the agitation (LAW
1999a -f). While the applicant is proposing mechanical dredging, this was the only recent on-site
monitoring performed. It is expected, however, that the DO levels at the new dredged depth of -
42 ft will be substantially lower than presently found in the action area. In addition, while
dredging will take 5-6 months to complete, the actual area of shallow water dredging is relatively
small compared to the total area of shallow water soft bottom habitat present in the CFR
southern estuary. In the event
4.3 Dredging Effects on Sturgeons
A synopsis on the effects of dredging on sturgeons in the Savannah River for the Georgia Port
Authority maintenance dredging program is provided in a Biological Assessment prepared by
MG Associates (MGA) (2012) and by NOAA's northeastern office (NMFS 2011) for proposed
dredging in the Kennebec River.
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Hydraulic or hopper dredging can lethally take sturgeons by entrainment in the dredge drag
arms and impeller pumps (McCord 2005, NMFS 1998, 2011). Mechanical dredges, such as
clamshell dredges, have been documented to take shortnose sturgeons (Dickerson 2006).
Indirect effects on sturgeons from mechanical and hydraulic dredging include a temporal loss of
benthic organisms in benthic feeding areas, alteration of spawning migrations, and episodic
deposition of re -suspended sediments in spawning habitat (NMFS 1998). McCord (2005)
further evaluated the risks from dredging on sturgeons to also include reduced prey availability,
increased turbidity and localized reduction in DO, and increased bioavailability of contaminants
bound in the sediments. In a Biological Opinion prepared by the NMFS for proposed dredging
in the Kennebec River, they cited similar conclusions as McCord (2005) on potential adverse
effects, but downplayed the effects of burial of prey and sediment suspension on shortnose
sturgeons (NMFS 2011). Due to the high mobility of sturgeons, it is very unlikely that large
numbers of adult or juvenile sturgeons would be hit by a cutterhead (USACE 2010). Sturgeons
are known to avoid dredging operations, as Hatlin et al (2007) found following sampling Atlantic
sturgeons before and after dredging operations. NMFS (2011) concluded on the Kennebec
River where entrainment of sturgeons has been observed that the effect is minor and not a
significant threat to the species. The proposed mechanical dredging method for the POW
action area involves considerable less risk than hopper or hydraulic dredging.
Since 1990, there have been only five shortnose sturgeons taken by hydraulic cutterhead
dredges, as noted in the EIS for Savannah Harbor deepening (USACE 2010). In addition, there
has been no incidental take of either sturgeon species documented within the South Atlantic
Division as a result of hydraulic cutterhead dredging.
Clamshell dredging, which may on occasion be used, has been found to be less harmful than
either hydraulic or hopper dredging with no recorded incidental takes of sturgeons in the South
Atlantic District by clamshell since 1990 USACE (2010) (note one sturgeon was found killed by
entanglement in a net during the dredging operations, rather than by the dredge).
4.4 Cape Fear River Sturgeon Vulnerability
Assessing the risk of dredging to sturgeons involves knowing the likelihood of their presence in
the CFR near or adjacent to where dredging is proposed to be performed. As discussed above,
the NCDMF sturgeon monitoring efforts have included the capture and implanting of Vemco
telemetry tags into Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons during upstream migration in late -winter
and early -spring and subsequent monitoring through June. A passive array of Vemco receivers
were deployed and used to relocate sturgeons within the CFR (Figure 7). The habitat used by
these individuals at different times of the year were described through water quality
measurements, and depth and substrate profiles.
As the salinity in the POW harbor affected area is too high to support eggs and larvae as well as
a lack of suitable spawning habitat, only juveniles and adults are a concern. Table 4
summarizes the seasonal occurrence of sturgeons based on the presence and vulnerable life
stage within the affected area based on discussions with Chip Collier and Joe Facendola of
NCDMF (Personal communication December 2013).
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Table 4. Vulnerability to dredging by season for sturgeons and striped bass.
Vulnerable Jan Feb I Mar (' Apr I May I Jun I Jul
Species
Shortnose
sturgeon
Atlantic
sturgeon
Notes: White signifies low occurrence and vulnerability, gray:
vulnerability, dark blue: high level of occurrence and vulnerability
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
medium level of occurrence and
The CFR once supported thriving stocks of migratory fish including American shad, sturgeon
and striped bass (Earll 1887; Chestnut and Davis 1975). Migratory fish populations within the
CFR have declined substantially over the past two centuries (Smith and Hightower 2012).
Based on this fact, the NCDMF has put forth extensive efforts to target sturgeons using gilinets
in the Brunswick River, a small tributary of the CFR, on 30 different occasions from January to
June 2013 (NCDENR 2013).
From January to June 2013, a total of 40 Atlantic sturgeons were captured, including 4
recaptures of fish previously tagged in the system. The fish ranged in size from 419 mm to
1,162 mm fork length, with a mean fork length of 794 mm. Twenty-six of the Atlantic sturgeons
were implanted with sonic tags, with the remaining fish being too small. Two of the recaptured
Atlantic sturgeons had received sonic tags during their initial capture.
Through 2013, six Atlantic sturgeons tagged outside of NC have been detected in the CFR
array, and detection data have been shared with the appropriate tagging agencies. The Atlantic
sturgeon population in the CFR is suspected to be less than 300 spawning adults; whereas, the
most recent population estimate of shortnose sturgeons in the CFR is less than 50 individuals,
based on analysis of tag/re-capture data by the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Team in 1995
(ASSRT 2007; Personal communication, Mary Moser, 2013).
4.5 Water Quality Effects on Sturgeons
The potential effects of elevated TSS, reductions in DO levels, and synergistic effects of
changes in multiple parameters from dredging on sturgeon species are reviewed in this section.
The effects of depressed oxygen levels on life stages of sturgeons and other species has been
studied by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2000) and Jenkins et al (1993).
Harmful DO thresholds and tolerance levels for sturgeons were described as being below 4
mg/l. During summer, high water temperatures can actually exacerbate the negative effects of
low DO on fish resulting in metabolic changes which decrease their ability to avoid low DO
conditions which may be present during dredging (Secor and Niklitschek 2001).
The Lower Cape Fear Program has been monitoring water quality in the CFR since 1996,
including Station M61 which is located at Channel Marker 61 at downtown Wilmington and the
POW (Latitude N 34.19377, Longitude W 77.95725). As shown in Figure 8, there is a DO sag in
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14
10
010 OTO 010 010 010 010 Off~ �� O~~ Off~ O4~ O•�'► 01R 01'► 0y~ Off~ •ti'1�01'L Oti', Oti�i O�^r
41P� 1P� 1►� 1P`~ 1P\1 ,tiP\1' ,ti►� 1M`�' 1A,�1�ti •1►� 11 41 1P� 1►�" ,1P\ry •iP\~ •tiP\~
3S
30
25
20
pisidved pxygen)mglt)
15 _Temperature(q
10
Source: Mallin et al 2013
Figure 8. Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Data at Station M61
the main river channel that begins below a paper mill discharge and persists into the
mesohaline portion of the estuary, which includes Station M61 at the POW. This particular
station does consistently fall below 5.0 mg/L on 33% or more of occasions sampled therefore
resulting in some of the lowest DO levels in the mainstem of the river. Based on 2012 data, DO
levels were lowest during summer months (<5 mg/L) including June (4.5), July (4.6), August
(4.3), and September (3.4) and highest during winter months (>7 mg/L) including January
through April, November and December. Discharge of high biological oxygen demand waste
from the paper/pulp mill (Mallin et al. 2013), as well as inflow of blackwater from the Northeast
Cape Fear and Black Rivers, helps to diminish oxygen in the lower river and upper estuary. As
the water reaches the lower estuary higher algal productivity, mixing and ocean dilution help
alleviate oxygen problems (Mallin et al. 2013).
A long-term comparison of DO at Station M61 located near the POW is shown below for the
period between 1995-2011 and for 2012. As shown, the average DO concentration at this
station was slightly lower in 2012 as compared to the previous multi-year average (Figure 9).
Mechanical dredging may often increase the TSS present in the water column near the dredge
site and often downstream during falling tides. Since there is no NC state regulatory standard
for TSS in estuarine waters or actual sampling data during dredging, this qualitative assessment
can only be based on scientific literature and TSS monitoring efforts from other warm water
estuaries. Turbidity, which is the measure of light scattering by particles in the water column
and recorded as nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) is more commonly sampled due to its ease
in sampling as compared to TSS. Turbidity will vary with the suspended sediment load and
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9-
■ 1995-2011
❑ 2012
NC11 AC D! IC NAV EB BRI. M& U54 Mia M23 %ft9 NUM NCF6 B210 BBT
Source: Mallin et al 2013
Figure 9. Dissolved Oxygen at the Lower Cape Fear River Program Mainstem
Stations, 1995-2011 and 2012
dissolved organic matter and plankton concentration. Turbidity increases can be correlated to
rainfall, tidal stage, plankton blooms, dredging events, and other man induced events such as
stormwater or other permitted discharges.
TSS data collected in the long term monitoring effort by Mallin (2013) is presented in Figure 10.
TSS values for Station M61, located at the POW and sampled in 2012 by the Lower Cape Fear
River Program ranged from 6.7 to 25.8 mg/L with station annual. mean of 11.8 mg/L (Table 5).
All samples were collected at the surface. Although TSS and turbidity both quantify suspended
material in the water column, they do not always go hand in hand. High TSS does not mean
high turbidity and vice versa. This anomaly may be explained by the fact that fine clay particles
are effective at dispersing light and causing high turbidity readings, while not resulting in high
TSS. On the other hand, large organic or inorganic particles may be less effective at dispersing
light, yet their greater mass results in high TSS levels. While there is no NC ambient standard
for TSS, many years of data (1998 — present) from the lower Cape Fear watershed indicates
that 25 mg/L can be considered elevated. The fine silt and clay in the upper to middle estuary
sediments are most likely derived from the Piedmont and carried downstream to the estuary,
while the sediments in the lowest portion of the estuary, such as the POW, are marine -derived
sands (Benedetti et al. 2006).
Background turbidity (NTU), as shown on Figure 10 for Station M61 in the main channel at the
POW for the period 1995-2011 as compared to 2012, shows a significant reduction. The
ambient average for all field data collected from 1995 through 2011 for this station was close to
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20
■ 1995-2011
0 2012
C1
0
A'Cll AC DP BC NAV 13B BRR M61 N54 M35 M23 M18 NCF117 NCF6 B210 13BT
Figure 10. Field Turbidity at the Lower Cape Fear River Program Mainstem Stations,
1995-2011 and 2012
Table 5. Summary of TSS and Field Turbidity for Station M61,
located at the POW.
Dates
Total Suspended
Field Turbidity
Solids (mg1L)
(NTU)
1/25/2012
9.4
8
2/9/2012
8.9
8
3/8/2012
11.7
13
4/3/2012
9.9
14
5/11/2012
11.1
7
6/5/2012
6.7
10
7/10/2012
15.5
9
8/7/20121
12.2
6
9/5/1012
8.5
5
10/4/2012
11.6
4
11/12/2012
25.8 I
19
12/4/20121
10.6
4
Source:
Mallin et al. 2013
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17 NTU, as compared to 8 NTU for the averaged data collected in 2012. However, given the
year to year variability in rainfall up river, stormwater discharge etc. this might be expected.
TSS and turbidity affect fish in different ways, whereby suspended sediment can block gills and
reduce growth rates and overall health, turbidity can reduce vision and indirectly affect behavior,
feeding ability and predator avoidance. Applying turbidity standards during dredging practices
and the industry's best management practices to minimize turbidity and suspended solids during
dredging has reduced the risk level of that elevated suspended loads may have on sturgeons
and other fish species.
Within the Savannah River, this assessment was based on a review of TSS exceedances above
normal background levels (MGA 2011). For data collected in the harbor from 1999 through
2001 to define existing background TSS levels, the median background TSS levels ranged
between 34 to 89 mg/I and have 90th percentile concentrations between 69 and 456 mg/I (MGA
2011). Spring tide peaks monitored caused TSS peaks in excess of 100 mg/I at the surface and
in excess of 500 mg/I near the bottom. TSS levels during storm events were at times in excess
of 1,000 mg/l.
As discussed previously, LAW implemented 11 water quality monitoring efforts associated with
pre-, during-, and post -agitation maintenance dredging events from July 1998 to August 1999.
Turbidity data collected indicated re -suspended unconsolidated alluvial material tidally moved
along the bottom and did not migrate into the mid and upper water columns before dispersion
within the natural downstream flow. The monitoring further revealed no substantial changes in
temperature or DO (LAW 1998 and 1999a -f). Suspended solids were not sampled during this
study.
Demersal fish species, such as sturgeon, are in general more tolerant of high TSS and turbidity
levels and therefore less susceptible to elevated TSS and turbidity levels from mechanical
dredging. While eggs and larvae would be more susceptible to these conditions, they would not
be present in this reach of the river. Adults and juvenile sturgeons would occur seasonally in
the affected area, but could avoid exposure to plumes of suspended sediments caused by
dredging. While gill abrasion is the most threatening potential direct effect on adults migrating
through the plumes, it is not likely this would occur due to the small size of the resulting plume,
thereby minimizing the temporal exposure to migrating sturgeons. There is little information on
the lethal or sublethal effects of TSS on sturgeon species; however, it is suggested by O'Conner
et al (1976) that the threshold for these species is much higher than would be experienced
within the small plume field produced during hydraulic, mechanical or agitation dredging.
The synergistic effects of DO, TSS, and turbidity are not easy to understand. However, within
the affected area of the CFR, the likely scenario would be a condition where anoxic fine material
is suspended in the water column resulting in higher turbidity and lower DO. While this
condition is easy to visualize, continuous monitoring in Savannah Harbor during dredging found
no discernable relationship between DO and turbidity (MGA 2011). Clarkes' (2011) monitoring
of bottom conditions upstream and downstream of a cutterhead dredge found a very minimal
relationship between decreasing DO and increasing turbidity. Monitoring during agitation
dredging in the CFR affected area also failed to find a relationship between these parameters
(LAW 1999a -f). Therefore, since there appears to be little actual synergistic effect that has
been detected for dredging in the above mentioned locations, it is not likely that there would be
an adverse effect on sturgeon health while migrating through the affected area.
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4.6 Foraging Habitat Loss Effects on Sturgeons
Proposed mechanical dredging for the turning basin widening will result in the conversion of
about 8.53 acres of mud bottom habitat which ranges in depth from -5 to -20 ft MLW to a
navigable depth of -42 ft MLW for the expanded turning basin. Sturgeon species likely use the
project area and vicinity for feeding, resting, and as a potential pathway to upstream spawning
areas (Moser and Ross, 1993, Moser et al.1998). Other more recent tagging studies and
monitoring by NCDMF further confirm the presence of sturgeons within the river near the POW
terminals (NCDENR 2013)
Atlantic sturgeons are benthic feeders and typically forage on benthic invertebrates including
crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. The proposed dredging area likely provides limited value as
a forage area since the berthing area is dredged for maintenance on an annual basis and the
adjacent shallow areas are greatly influenced by vessel movements, port operations, and
stormwater discharges etc. Recovery of benthic resources would likely, require between 6 -
months (Van Dolah et al. 1979; Van Dolah et al., 1984; and Clarke and Miller -Way 1992) to two
years (Bonsdorff 1980; Ray 1997). Therefore, it is expected that the area will provide low value
for benthic forage with or without the proposed deepening. The shallow habitat though likely
has a more diverse benthic community than what the recovered future benthic community will
be like at -42 ft MLW following dredging.
While this may represent a loss of potential foraging habitat for sturgeons, it is important to note
that there is 37,800 acres of shallow water soft bottom habitat (<6 ft deep) and 188,549 acres of
deeper soft bottom habitat ( >6 ft deep) available for foraging within the CFR southern estuary
(Deaton 2010). The area of proposed deepening accounts for 0.02% of available shallow water
foraging habitat within the lower CFR.
4.7 Temporary Water Quality Effects on Sturgeons
As discussed in prior sections of this report, dredging is not likely to result in any significant
depression of DO levels due to sediment resuspension in the water column. While DO may be
depressed somewhat, monitoring in the river has shown that it is not likely to fall to limits where
lethal effects on sturgeons occur. Mechanical dredging will result in the production of plumes of
suspended sediment where turbidity is higher along the bottom downstream for a short distance
from the bottom impact. Sturgeons are known to seek areas of suitable water quality when
encountering low DO conditions (Secor and Gunderson 1998). However, they are also known
to adopt a sedentary behavior during periods of very low DO, which can prove fatal (NMFS
2011). Most fish in the affected area and the greater CFR are adapted to highly turbid estuarine
waters, therefore gill abrasion and a short term loss of prey availability are not likely to be a
commonly occurring event as a result of maintenance dredging.
4.8 Temporary Effects on Sturgeons' Foraging Habitat
Benthic habitat suitable for foraging by migrating sturgeons adjacent to the affected area will be
temporarily disturbed through the suspension of bottom sediments and through the deposition of
suspended sediments on the bottom downstream of the dredging. These foraging habitat
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effects will be short term due to the resilience and high rate of recovery afforded to benthic
organisms occurring in these areas. Most of the benthic invertebrate species occurring in the
affected area are opportunistic and will recover within six months or so following the disturbance
(Van Dolah et al 1984). It is important to point out that the benthic habitat in the terminal quays
and turning basin is already affected by ship and tug boat operations, annual maintenance
dredging, stormwater discharge and other routine disturbances common to marine terminals.
While suitable benthic habitat for foraging may occur within the affected areas, sturgeons prefer
shallower low flow areas for foraging where they will require less energy consumption during
high temperature extremes. It is quite likely that high flow areas as would occur within the
affected area would not be used for foraging; however, the area is designated Primary Nursery
Area by the NCDMF, and as such may provide some foraging area for sturgeon species. In
addition, the NCDMF sets nets to capture and tag sturgeons along the shoreline in the Cape
Fear and Brunswick rivers, which is away from active port terminals and navigation channels.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The CFR supports a small population of Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons. Recent acoustic
monitoring (NCDENR 2013) documented the occurrence of 46 Atlantic sturgeons (26 tagged,
balance too small for tagging) and one shortnose sturgeon. While the likelihood of their
presence in the affected areas is thought to be quite rare, past monitoring and collection efforts
demonstrate they may occur in the harbor during their annual migrations up and down river
(Personal communication, Chip Collier, NCDMF 2013). Only adult and juvenile life stages could
occur within the affected area, as eggs and larvae would not be present due to high salinities
and lack of appropriate spawning habitat. Dredging effects on sturgeons may include abrasion
of gills from sediment suspension, a temporary loss of the benthic community food source within
the dredging footprint, and degradation in the benthic foraging habitat down current due to the
deposition of suspended sediment. The severity of the biological effect of water quality changes
on sturgeons depends upon the exposure magnitude, frequency, and duration for those
parameters considered, as well as the species adapted tolerance.
Mechanical dredging through use of a clamshell bucket dredge will result in elevated TSS and
turbidity levels for a short duration during dredging ranging from 5 to 6 months. Due to the small
footprint during clamshell operations and because of tidal effects and the dynamic nature of
sediment plumes, significant turbidity plumes are not anticipated. Dredging is not expected to
result in depressed DO levels during dredging most of the year, other than during the late
summer/early fall when water temperatures are higher and DO lower (Mallin 2013). DO levels
during the 1999 monitoring of agitation dredging at the POW were not depressed and did not go
below 5 mg/I or show any correlation to temperature or turbidity (NCDENR 2009 and LAW
1999a -f). Maintaining the anadromous fish in -water construction moratorium from February 1
through September 30 of each year helps ensure that the potential summer DO sag is not
further depressed by hydraulic dredging and thereby adversely affecting the behavior or health
of sturgeons. It should be noted the clamshell bucket dredging is allowable year round due to
its potentially less adverse effect as compared to cutterhead hydraulic dredging.
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6.0 CONSERVATION MEASURES
The NCSPA at the POW have successfully managed maintenance and agitation dredging for
many years with strict adherence to environmental windows (unless high shoaling rates resulted
in necessity to dredge), permit conditions, use of best management practices, and permit
required monitoring. No incidental takes of sturgeon species have occurred during dredging
operations. In 2014, the POW and other private terminals were granted approval to use
agitation dredging as a temporal and cost-effective way to maintain navigable depth with their
berths and quays.
For this proposed Turning Basin Widening project the POW is asking for approval to dredge
8.53 acres of shallow unvegetated mud bottom habitat located with PNA. This will result in the
potential loss of foraging habitat for juvenile and adult lifestages of sturgeon species. Indirect
effects will be limited to altering fish movements during dredging, short-term effects due to
generation of higher sediment loads and turbidity during dredging.
The NCSPA has offered the following conservation/mitigation measures to compensate for
unavoidable effects and potential foraging habitat loss associated with the proposed project and
to avoid or minimize effects on sturgeon species. These measures include conveyance of a
conservation easement on 13.4 acres of coastal marsh habitat present on property owned by
the NCSPA since 1965 and payment of $750,000 towards planning, permitting and design of
the Lock and Dam #2 Fish Passage on the CFR. Along with the funds appropriated by the NC
State legislature this past session, this will allow for completion of all services needed to
develop the fish passage project into a "shovel ready" project within two years. The latter
measure is only proposed if this project can be fully permitted and approved by all parties,
including an informal Section 7 consultation letter from the NMFS in less than 90 days from the
initial date of application (October 16, 2015). A description of each measure is provided below.
Mitigation/Conservation Measures
Conservation of 13.4 -Acre Tract on Brunswick River
The NCSPA has owned this property since 1965. As shown in Figure 1, this site is located on
the west side of the Brunswick property in the Town of Belville, NC. The NCSPA has agreed to
place a conservation easement on the 13.4 -acre property, a majority of which is coastal marsh
habitat within primary fisheries nursery habitat of NC. This action will ensure conservation of
potential foraging habitat of sturgeon species documented to occur in the river. Within 60 days
of permit issuance, the applicant will register the conservation easement with the NCDENR
Fish Passage for Lock and Dam #2 — Cape Fear River
One of the overarching_ goals of the Cape Fear River Partnership, as well as state and federal
resource agencies (NMFS, USFWS, NCDENR, NCDMF) is' restoring access to historic
migratory fish habitat in the upper Cape Fear River Basin. To this end, Cape Fear River Watch
and other public and private partners have applied for NOAA and state grants over the past
several years. This past NC legislative session approved allocation of $250,000 as matching
funds to kick this initiative forward. NOAA OR&R has also voiced considerable interest in
moving this restoration initiative as a top priority for the basin. The NCSPA agrees to contribute
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Relocation of Liquid Bulk Pier and Widening of the Turning Basin October 2015
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the balance of funds needed to make this project "shovel ready" so as to better ensure that
construction dollars have a better chance of being allocated through federal grants and state
funding. As stated above, the NCSPA agrees to allocate these funds if all state and federal
agencies ensure that full permitting approval is granted for the proposed action in less than 90
days. Information on the project is provided below.
Site Locations
Lock and Dam #2 is located within the Cape Fear River basin on the CFR in Bladen County,
NC, (Lat: 34 37' 36.25" N; Long: 78 34' 38.47" W). Lock and Dam #2 is accessible to public
use by way of SR 1703 from NC State Highway 87 (Figure 2).
Project Description
The applicant, along with matching funds from the State of NC, proposes to contribute funds to
complete the planning, design and permitting of the rock ramp fishway at Lock and Dam #2 in
the CFR to restore access to lost spawning and nursery habitat in order to improve the
resilience of anadromous fish populations, including endangered Atlantic and shortnose
sturgeon.
Fragmentation by dams is an important impediment to the resilience of coastal river ecosystems
in the face of advancing climate change and associated extreme weather periods and events.
Spatial limitations on the amounts of spawning habitat for anadromous species are imposed by
dams in most river systems throughout the US eastern seaboard. The resulting reduction in
spawning and nursery habitat adversely impacts the resilience of numerous fish species by
reducing their available refuge from low flow periods due to droughts and increasing water
temperatures in southernmost river basins. Valuable spawning habitats for federally
endangered shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon exist in the CFR near the Fall Line but are
currently blocked by Lock and Dams #2 and #3. The proposed project will also improve access
to critical habitats for numerous managed anadromous fish species, including striped bass,
American shad, river herring, and American eel; which will improve the resilience of these
populations as well.
Project Performance Measures and Outcomes
The proposed project includes restoration of access to approximately 20-40 percent of
remaining historic habitat that is currently blocked by Lock and Dam #2. After construction of
the fish passage for Lock and Dam #2 and eventually Lock and Dam #3, over 84 free-flowing
river mainstem miles and 995 tributary stream miles and more than 192 acres of migratory fish
habitat will be made accessible to anadromous fish for spawning. The anticipated long-term
ecological and socioeconomic outcomes include improved recruitment among the numerous
anadromous species listed above. The restoration of a degraded fisheries will, in turn, result in
increased revenue to the businesses and improved quality of fishing for recreational users of the
CFR. The expansion of the economic benefits from recreational fishing activity in this section of
the river has been projected to yield an increase in net annual economic benefits upwards of
$188,000 and contribute $961,000 in industry production and business sales in the state
economy (Hadley 2014)
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Conservation measures to avoid and or minimize additional effects on managed and associated
species within their associated EFH in the project area includes the following:
• Turbidity booms will be deployed around dredging and pumping operations at all
times to minimize movement of suspended sediments and turbidity.
• Turbidity booms will be monitored by the POW to ensure compliance with the
above requirement.
• The POW will establish a goal of maximizing dredging during falling tides if the
project can be constructed by June 30, 2016 without dredging during rising tides.
• Best management practices will be used throughout construction to minimize
turbidity and any indirect effects on managed and associated species.
• Due to the performance of mechanical dredging during the higher activity and
migration period of the year for sturgeon, the applicant agrees to place an
observer on the clamshell barge to observe for sturgeon either entrained in the
bucket dredge or injured/killed during dredging. Weekly reports will be provided
to NCDENR and NMFS as to weekly observations.
7.0 EFFECTS DETERMINATION
Based on the information presented in this biological assessment for dredging 8.53 acres
inshore of the existing Kinder Morgan Liguid Bulk Facility for widening of the turning basin and
relocating associated structures closer to shore, may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect
both species of sturgeon. This applies to mechanical dredging only through use of
clamshell/bucket dredge, as has been allowable with existing maintenance dredging permits for
the POW. Conservation measures as proposed herein shall be implemented consistent with the
term presented in the above section.
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