NC0007064_Compliance Report_20240723

DUKE Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
8470 River Road SE
ENERGY® Southport,NC 28461-8869
'JUL 2 3 2024
Serial: RA-24-0051
Christopher Johnson,Chief Water Science Section
North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Subject: Brunswick Steam Electric Plant (BESP), Unit Nos. 1 and 2
2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Dear Mr.Johnson:
Enclosed are three copies of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant's 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring
Report.The report summarizes the results of the monitoring program required by National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Permit(NPDES) No. NC0007064.
Biological monitoring during 2022-2023 continued to show a reduction in the number of entrained and
impinged fish and shellfish resulting from the combination of flow minimization,fine-mesh screens, and
the fish diversion structure.The fish return system continued to ensure that large numbers of the most
valuable commercial species exhibit the greatest survival and were returned alive to the estuary.The
report results indicate that operation of the BSEP continues to have no detectable adverse effect on the
populations of fish, shrimp, and crabs residing in estuarine nursery areas.
Please contact Mr. Kyle Hussey at(910) 832-3305, or Mr. Eric Caison [phone], if there are any
questions concerning the data contained in this submittal.
Sincerely,
A�
Jay Ratliff
Plant Manager
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
cc: Kathy Rawls, North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries, Director
Enclosure: Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2019 Biological Monitoring Report(three copies)

DUKE Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
8470 River Road SE
ENERGY® Southport,NC 28461-8869
ENCLOSURE
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report

BRUNSWICK STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT
2022-2023 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT
41:
r �
NPDES Permit # NC0007064
August 2024
Prepared by:
DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS, LLC.
Environmental Field Support - Water Resources
New Hill,North Carolina

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
rrt�
Preface
This copy ofthe report is not a.controlled document as detailed in the Environmental.Science Field
Program Quality Assurance Manual. Any changes made to the original of this`report after the
date of issuance can be obtained from:
DUKE ENERGY
Water Resources
3932 New Hill-Holleman.Rd
New Hill,North Carolina 27562
Duke Energy Progress,LLC i Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant. 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table of Contents
Page
Preface....................................:...........:...::..............................:............................................. i
Tableof Contents................ ............................................................. ....
Listof Tables.............. ---......... .... . . ........ ..............................................
Listof Figures:..................................................................................:...... iv
Listof Appendices..:........:...:............................................................................................ . v
ExecutiveSummary.........................................................................................
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 1
2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM............................................................................... 1
2..1 introduction.............................................................................:...............:............ 1
2:2 Methods.............................................................................................:...:.....:........ 1
2.3 Results and D:iscussion....................................................................6.................6. 5
2.3.1 Water Quality....................................................................................................... 5
2.3.2 Dominant Species...........:....:....
2.3.3 Seasonality and Abundance.....:........................................:.......................... 6
2.3.4 Survival Estimates..........:........................:...........:.:..::......................................... 7
2.3.5 Annual Entrainment and Impingement Rate Comparisons :..............................:... 7
2.4 Summary and Conclusions ...............:..................................::....................:.............. 9
3.0 REFERENCES ......................................................... ............................ .. 31
4.0 APPENDICES..................................................................................................... A-1
Duke Energy Progress,LLC ii Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolohical Monitoring Report
List of Tables
Table Page
2.1 Representative species and life stages entrained and impinged at the
Brunswick Steam.Electric Plant showing spawning location and season........... 11
2.2 Annual mean density and percent of total for the ten most abundant taxa/life
stages collected during entrainrrient.sampling at the.Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant. 2022-2023........................
...:....:::..:............................................................ 12
2.3 Total number and percent of the ten most abundant taxa/life stages collected
during larval impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plan,
2022-2023, ... ... ...... ......... ........................................................................ 13
2.4 Total number,total weight,and percent:of total of the ten most
abundant juvenile.and adult organisms collected in the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant impingement samples,2022-2023.....:............. 14
2.5 Mean.densities of selected larval taxa entrained and impinged.at.the
Brunswick.Steam Electric Plant,2022................................................................. 15
2.6 Mean densities of selected larval taxa entrained and impinged at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2023............:.
2.7 Density(no./million.m3)and modal length(mm)for representative
important taxa collected by month with juvenile and adult impingement
sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 20.22::...:...........:.........:.... 19
2.8 Density (no./million m3)and modal length(ruin)for representative
important taxa collected by month with juvenile and adult impingement
sampling at the Brunswick.Steam Electric Plant,2023.............
2.9 Mean percent survival and percent total number of larval organisms
collected during larval impingement sampling at the
Brunswick Steam Electric.Plant,2022-2023 .............::..:...................................... 21
.2:10 Mean percent survival and percent of total number of organisms collected
during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,
2022-2023.......... ................ .. . ............ . ................... . ................... 22
2.11 Mean annual percent reduction in the number of representative taxa
entrained and reductions in impingement mortality at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1984.-2023 ..................................:.................... 23
Duke Energy Progress,LLC iii Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
List of Figures
Figure Pave
1.1 Location of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant near Southport,
NorthCarolina............ ...... ..... . ..............................a........................ 3
2.1 Location of the fish diversion structure,fish return flume, return basin, and
sampling locations at the.Brunswick Steam Electric-Plant.................................. 4
2.2 Mean daily freshwater flow(curs)to the Cape Fear Estuary,2022-2023 ........... 24
2:3 Annual mean daily freshwater flow to the Cape Fear Estuary,2001-2023......... 24
............. ................. . .. ..............................................................................
2.4 Mean monthly intake canal water temperature and salinity.,2022:..::................. 25
2.5 Mean monthly intake canal water temperature and salinity,2023 ....4................. 25
2.6 Annual number of total organisms entrained.at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and.percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates,
1979-2023.................................................... ............... ..... . ....... ...... 26
2.7 Annual number of Spot entrained at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates,
1919-2023...:...............:.................................:....................................................... 26
2.8 Annual number of Atlantic Menhaden entrained at the Brunswick Steam.
Electric Plant and percent.reduction from baseline entrainment estimates,
1979-2022.......................................................... .. . .......... . .. 27
2.9 Annual number of portunid crab megalops entrained.at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent redaction.from baseline entrainment estimates,
1.979-2022.............................................:....:..........:....:....:.......:.....:..:...:............... 27
2.10 Annual number of commercial shrimp postlarvae entrained at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates,
1979-2023............................:....;.................................................... 28
2.11 Annual number of Atlantic Menhaden impinged at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates,
1977-2023..............................................................:.............:........ ................... 28
2.12 Annual number of Bay Anchovy impinged at the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates,
1977-2023........................................ .. ............. ............. ...... 29
Duke Energy Progress,LLC iv Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolouical Monitoring Report
MOMMAMEM
List of figures (continued)
Figure Page
2.13 Annual number of Spot impinged at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates,
1977-2023......................................................................•..:.............................:...: 29
2.14 Annual nuinber of commercial shrimp impinged at the Brunswick Steam
Electric.Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement
estimates, 1977-2023.........................................................................:.................. 30
2.15 Annual number of blue crabs(all Callinectes spp. Combined)impinged at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plan and percent reduction from baseline
impingement estimates, 1977-2023 ..........:.........:......:.....:.................................... 30
List of Appendices
Appendix Paae
1 Summary of historical environmental studies conducted in association
with the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1.968-2023:..........:....:.......
2 Total number of larval.organisms collected during entrainment and larval
impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2022....:............ A4
3 Total number and biomass of juvenile and.adult organisms collected.during
impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,.2022................. A-6
4 Total number of larval organisms collected during entrainment and larval
impingement sampling.at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 2023................. A-9
5 Total rnunber and biomass of juvenile and adult organisms collected during
impingement sampling at the.Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,.2023.......:......... A-11
Duke Energy Progress,LLC v Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Executive Summary
Entrainment and impingement studies from 2022 through 2023 continue to demonstrate the
effectiveness of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plants system of technologies and operational
measures at reducing the number of organisms impacted by the withdrawal of cooling water from
the Cape Fear Estuary. Evidence supporting this conclusion include species composition and
abundance of organisms entrained and impinged. The species .composition and abundance of
organisms collected during entrainment, larval impingement, and Juvenile/Adult impingement
studies in 2022 and 2023 were similar to previous years and correspond to the natural.seasonality
of organisms in the. Cape Fear Estuary. Station intake and operational modifications including
seasonal. flow .reductions,. fine-mesh traveling screens, fish. return system, and fish diversion
structure continue to be effective in reducing entrainment and impingement mortality when
compared to baseline conditions. Moreover, based on the evaluation of the 316b study reports
submitted to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,the Department concluded
in 2023 that the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant represented best technologies available for
meeting the Clean Water Act 316b rule.
Duke Energy Progress,LaL,C vi Water Resources

Brunswick Steams Electric Plant 2022-2023 BioluTical MonitorinE Report
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Duke Energy Progress,Inc. (DEP)owns and operates the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
(Brunswick) located adjacent to the Cape Fear .Estuary (CFE) in Brunswick County, North
Carolina (Figure 1.1). As required by Brunswick's National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System(NPDES)Permit No.NCO007064 Part 1,,Section A. (1):
DIVERSION FENCE-A.diversion.fence located at the mouth of the intake canal shall be continuously
operated and.maintained an:such a.manner as to minimize impingement.A biological monitoringprogram
shall be continued which will provide sufficient information to allow for.a continuing assessment of the.
impact of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant on the Cape Fear estuary, with particular emphasis on.the
marine fisheries, Data shall be reported annually and shall include an inteypretive summary report
assessing the effectiveness of the diversion fence, and the effectiveness offlow minimization and fine mesh
screens to curtail organism impingement and entrainment. The Director shall approve any major changes
in the,biological monitoring program.
This report satisfies this permit requirement. The primary objective of the biological
monitoring program is to provide an assessment of the continued effectiveness of the fish diversion
structure;fine-mesh screens,and seasonally.based flow minimization in reducing the impingement,
and entrainment of organisms. Secondary objectives of the program were to document
environmental factors (e.g., freshwater flow. water temperature, and salinity patterns) impacting
the density or seasonality of the.fish community that were not attributable to plant operations. A
detailed summary of historical environmental studies can be found in Appendix 1.
2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM
2.1 Introduction
Entrainment sampling.assessed the density,and seasonality of larval and postlarval.organisms
passing through the cooling system. The larval impingement.Study evaluated the effectiveness of
the fine-mesh screens in reducing entrainnent of these organisms. Organisms collected by larval
impingement sampling were organisms that would have been entrained without the use of fine-
mesh.screens. Juvenile and.adult (J/A) impingement sampling documented species. abundance,
site, and weight of juvenile and adult organisms impinged on conventional 9A-mm (3/8-inch)
mesh traveling screens. J/A impingement sampling also provided evidence of the continued
effectiveness of the fish diversion stricture. Historical survival study results were presented to
provide insight regarding the effectiveness of the fish return system .in reducing impingement
mortality(CP&L 1987, 1988).
2.2 Methods
Intake canal water temperature and salinity measurements were collected from the fish return
flume during impingement sampling. Daily freshwater flow values presented in.the.report:were
downloaded from the United.States Geological Survey website. Total freshwater input to the CFE
was.estimated using data from stream gaging stations in the Cape Fear(2105769),Noitheast Cape
Fear(210.8000), and B1ack.Rivers (2106.500) according to the methods presented by Giese et al.
(1979, 1985.).
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 1 `eater Resources

Brunswick.Steain Electric Plant 2022m2023 Biolo ical Monitoring Report
The collection gear used for entrainment and impingement sampling.has remained unchanged
since 1984(CP&L 1985a).Entrainment sampling was:conducted in the discharge weir.Larval and
J/A impingement sampling were conducted in. the fish return flume (Figure 2.1). The J/A
impingement program evaluated fish and shrimp>_41 mm,portunid crabs.?25 mm, and eels and
pipefish>_ 101 mm.Impinged organisms smaller than these size limits would have been entrained
without use of fine-mesh screens and are evaluated by the larval impingement sampling program.
These size class cut-off lengths were determined from examination of historic entrainment and
impingement length-frequency information.
Densities calculated for all larval organisms entrained.and impinged were averaged to obtain
a mean number per 1,000 m3 of water pumped through the plant per sampling day. Densities for
J/A organisms impinged on each sampling day were calculated by dividing the total,number of
organisms collected by the volume of water pumped through the plant. Densities were expressed
as the number per million cubic meters of water pumped through the plant.during:each 24-hour
sampling period..
An overall assessment of reductions in. entrainment. and impingement from.the system of
technologies.and operational measures in place was calculated using baseline data collected prior
to plant.modifications.A detailed description of how those values were calculated can be found in
Appendix 1.
Ten taxonomic groups have been selected for the detailed comparisons of annual numbers
entrained and impinged to.a calculated baseline as described above(Table 2.1).These taxonomic.
groups were selected as representative taxa(RT)and life stages based upon 4 main criteria. First,
they account for roughly 78%and 66%,respectively,of-the larvae and nekton collected in the CFE
during the original Cape.Fear Studies conducted prior to 1980 (CP&L 1980). In addition,.these
organisms represent approximately 80% of the larvae and juvenile/adult organisms collected by
entrainment and impingement sampling (CP&L. 1.980, CP&L 19.$5b, .CP&L 1994, DEP 20.19).
Secondly,these taxonomic groups encompass the spectrum of life history strategies evident within
the CFE with respect to spawning location and.season. Estuarine dependent species representing.
both temporary and resident species are included within these taxonomic :groups._ The third
criterion for consideration is that most of these taxonomic groups,except for anchovies and gobies,
are commercially or recreationally.important species. Finally, there.is precedent established for
the use of these taxonomic groups as RT. Except for the addition of gobies (Gobiosoma spp.),
blue crabs, and portunid crab megalops, these were the same taxonomic groups used by the
principal investigators during the original Cape Fear Studies during the 197Ws(CP&L1980). This
is important in that use of these taxonomic groups provides a direct link back to the original.studies
conducted prior to: 1980: The additional two taxa (gobies and portunid crabs) were included
beginning .in 1980 since relatively large numbers of these. taxa may be entrained seasonally.
Common names are.used throughout the body of the report. The..associated scientific names may
be found in appendices 2=3.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 2 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Brunswick Steam
i—� Electric Plant
L
J
NORTH CAROLINA o
41?/Pn
C�BPR Q -
Diversion O
Fish Return Structure
Plant Site'N'k
Flume
Intake Canal
Discharge Weir 2k
Q'
2na\ 2
�ac9eG 0�
N(/
Elizabeth River Southport / o
J✓ .
o a
Ocean
Discharge
Area
N °
A Atlantic
Ocean
0 1 2 3 4 Miles
I i I I I I
0 1.5 3 4.5 6 Kilometers
Figure 1.1 Location of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant near Southport, North
Carolina.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 3 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Entrainment Sanpiing Larval krpingen at Sanpiing inpingenwA Sanviing
Dieehuge Wait Fish Rattan Flume Fish Rattan Fkure
• ~
r
� r
!' i
N
A
Walden Creek
K
sOtee
�a�G� Gum Log
Branch
Fish Return Fish
.-- Basin Diversion
�e Structure
'J 1 Intake Canal
r
��y O
Plant
Discharge
Site
Weir
4.
0 1,250 2,500 5,000 Feet �Qb
0
0 375 750 1,500 Meters VfD�
Figure 2.1 Location of the fish diversion structure, fish return flume, return basin, and
sampling locations at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 4 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolo 'cal NEonitorinE Re ort
2.3 Results and Discussion
2.3.1 Water Quality
e Freshwater flow to the estuary during 2022 and 2023 exhibited the typical seasonal
patterns of higher flow during the winter/spring and lower flow during summer/fall
(Figure 2.2). Daily annual mean freshwater flow for 2022 and 2023 was 130 cros and
1.92 cros respectively(Figure 2.3).Both years were below the 20-year daily annual mean
of 247 cros.
•Intake canal salinity ranged between 1.6 ppt and 36 ppt:during 2022 and 2023 (Figure
2.4-2.5). Salinity is typically higher in the summer months when freshwater flow to.the
estuary is lower and decreases in the winter/spring.months when freshwater flow to the
estuary is typically greatest.
•Mean water temperature of the intake canal exhibited the typical seasonal pattern of peak
cooler. teiperatures in January/February and peak higher temperatures during
July/August (Figure 2.4-2.5). The lowest water temperature(10.0°C) was recorded in
January 2022 and the highest water temperature (29.9°C)was recorded.in August 2023
during the 2022-2023 monitoring period.
2.3.2 Dominant Species
•Gobiosoma spp., .Anchoa spp., commercial shrimp postlatvae (i.e., Brown, Pink, and
White Shrimp), and Atlantic Croaker were the most abundant taxa .collected in
entrainment samples for 2022 and 2023 .(Table 2.2). Spot,. silversides, and swimming
crab megalops were also among the ten most numerous taxa entrained for both years. A
complete.species Iist presenting the total number collected can be.found:in.Appendix 2
and 4.
•Ten taxa accounted for approximately 95% of the total larval organisms collected in
larval impingement samples during both years (Table 2.3). The most dominant larvae
impinged on. the fine-mesh screens were commercial. shrimp (postlarvae), Atlantic
Croaker, Anchoa spp.; and swimming crab megalops. Spot, and Gobisoma spp., were
also among.the top ten larval taxa impinged. A substantial number of.larvae impinged
on the:fine=rnesh.screens were returned alive.(CP&L 1988) to the CFE through the fish
return flume(section 2.3.4)..A complete species list presenting the total.number collected
can be.found in Appendix 2 and 4:.
• J/A impingement samples collected during 2022 and 2023 were numerically dominated.
by Bay Anchovy,.Lesser Blue Crab, White Shrimp, and Brown Shrimp (Table 2.4).
Additional taxa that were among the top ten collected include.Spot, Pink Shrimp, and
Brief Squid. Prior to :installation of the fish. diversion structure in 1082, Atlantic
Menhaden was consistently the top species collected in terms of number and biomass.
(CP&L 1980a, 1980b, 1982,. 1983). Larger, Age 1+ fin.fish, such as Spot and Atlantic
Croaker also comprised a significant portion of the number and biomass collected by
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 5 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
impingement sampling prior to 1983. This shift in species composition after.1983 was a
result of the exclusion of larger finf sh by the fish diversion structure. This is significant
because commercial shrimp and swimming crabs have become the more.numerically
dominant taxa impinged other than Bay Anchovy. Both shrimp and crabs exhibit high
survival rates (CP&L 1988) in the:fish return system. A.complete species list showing
numbers and weights collected for all species can be found in Appendices 3 and 5.
2.3.3 Seasonality and Abundance
*Seasonal variations for larvae entrained.and impinged during 2022 and 2023 followed.the
expected seasonal patterns. Atlantic Menhaden, Spot,.Atlantic Croaker, and Pinfish, all
ocean-spawned species., were most abundant during winter and early spring (Table 2.5-
2.6). Atlantic Croaker also exhibited a fall recruitment period consistent with,previous
years. Estuarine-spawned species (e.g., anchovies, Gobiosoma spp., and. silversides)
were most abundant during the.spring and summer.Postlarvae shrimp were present year
around with a peak in spring.
•Variation in the daily mean densities per month for larval organisms entrained and
impinged during. 2022 and 2023 were comparable to :seasonal variations observed in
previous years and corresponded to the seasonality of larval fish in the CFE, This
observation is important since it indicates that recruitment to and within.the estuary has
not been disrupted by cooling water withdrawal. Changes in peaks of abundance in
eritrainment and impingement of organisms, are typical. and can be influenced by
environmental conditions such as changing freshwater flow to the estuary.(Blumberg et
al..2004; Copeland et al. 1979;Lawler et al. 198.8;Thompson 1989).
*The seasonality of larger individuals collected during 2022 and 2023 J/A impingement
sampling was consistent with data collected from previous years and the .natural
seasonality reported for these species in the lower CFE by Schwartz et al.(1979). Results
indicate that impinged finf sh were mostly young-of-year(YOY)or yearling individuals
too small. to be excluded by the. fish diversion structure. Impingement of significant
numbers of larger fish has been virtually eliminated by the installation of the fish
diversion structure. Bay Anchovy,collected year-round,was.most abundant.during the.
winter and spring when past data,indicated that most of.the.individuals in the population
had grown to a size large enough to be impinged on the coarse-mesh sections of the
traveling screens (Table 2.7-2.8). Peak densities of Bro..wn Shrimp occurred during the
summer recruitment period while White Shrimp density peaked during.late summer early
fall.Blue crabs were present most of the year but peaked in late spring through summer.
•The seasonality for total number of all organisms impinged during 2022 peaked in May
and was driven. by the large numbers of Lesser Blue.Crab and Bay Anchovy. During
2023,July was the peak month for total numbers,and was influenced by Brown Shrimp
recruitment as.well as Lesser.Blue Crab numbers.Commercial shrimp or blue crabs were
the dominant organisms impinged for seven months out.of the year for both years.This
is significant because commercial shrimp and blue crabs are characterized by high
survival rates in the fish return system (CP&L 1987, 1988).
Duke Enerby Promress,1 A.0 6 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
2.3.4 Survival Estimates
*Seventeen of the impinged larval taxa were previously evaluated for survival from 1984-
1987 (CP&L 1988). Survival of Pinfish was estimated using data for Atlantic Croaker
as a surrogate since Atlantic Croaker and Pinfish both_recruit to the estuary during the
tivinter months. These eighteen taxa accounted for approximately 89% and 91%,
respectively,of the total number collected with larval impingement sampling during 2022
and 2023 (Table 2.9). Survival during fast-screen rotation.ranged from approximately
1% for anchovies (Anchoa spp. > 13mm) to approximately 96% for Pink and White
Shrimp. Survival adjusted for controls was 100% for commercial shrimp postlarvae,
portunid crab megalops,and blue crabs.
*Eleven taxa of the dominant J/A organisms impinged were previously evaluated for
survival during fast-screen rotation (Table 2.10; CP&L 1987, 1988). Additionally,
survival of Star.Drum and Silver Perch was estimated using data from two closely related
surrogate species (Atlantic Croaker and Spot). Data for blue crabs was used as a
surrogate for Portunus spp. crabs. These fifteen taxa accounted for approximately 9.3%
and 91%;.respectively, of the total number collected with J/A impingement sampling
during 2022 and 2023 (Table 2.10).
2.3.5 Annual Entrainment and Impingement Rate Comparisons
*-The`rise of continuously rotating fine-mesh screens, fish return system, and reduced
cooling water: flow has successfully reduced the number of organisms entrained since:
1983. Reductions in the mean annual number of RT entrained compared to a pre-1983
annual baseline entrainment ranged from.61%for Atlantic Croaker to 96%for portunid
crab megalops (Table 2.11). RT exhibiting relatively high reductions (80-96%) in the
annual number entrained compared to a calculated baseline include portunid crab
megalops, flounder, mullet, commercial shrimp, Gobiosoma spp., :and anchovies. The
annual number of entrained Atlantic Croaker, Atlantic Menhaden., seatrout, and Spot
exhibited a moderate reduction(61-629/6).Mean annual reductions in the number of total
organisms entrained was relatively high at 75%.
• Variability in the annual number entrained was evident and consistent with the natural
variability of larvae within the estuary (Figures 2.6-2.10). Natural variability in
recruitment and natural mortality were determined to be significantly .greater than
entrainment rates(i.e.,mortality)and there is no evidence of adverse effects on.the annual
distribution and abundance of organisms in the CFE due to cooling water withdrawal
even prior to.intake and operational modifications to reduce entrainment (CP&L 1980).
Large-scale fluctuations in the number of larvae entering the estuary are natural and
expected due to spawning success, offshore transport mechanisms, and climate
conditions.(Nelson et al.. 1977,Norcross and Austin .1981,`Norcross and Shaw.1984). In
.addition, changing freshwater flow patterns. and temperature during recruitment to the
CFE'has a strong effect on the distribution of larvae within the estuary.(Copeland et:al.
1979,Lawler et al.1988,Rogers et al. 1984,Thompson 1989,Weinstein 1979,Weinstein
et al. 1979, 1980).. Higher freshwater flow during the recruitment season of a species
Duke Fuergy Progress,I,I,C 7 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolozical Monitoring Report
tends to limit dispersal of larvae to the upper estuary and increase the number and
availability of larvae potentially entrained with the cooling water withdrawn from.the.
lower estuary. The estimates of annual number entrained compared to baseline estimates
have not been normalized for changes in larval recruitment, freshwater flow, or other
environmental variables so variability is expected. The mean annual percent reduction
values presented in Table 2.11 minimize the annual variability due to changing
environmental conditions..Despite the annual variability evident for some taxa,there has
been an overall.reduction.in the annual number of larvae entrained since 1983 for all RT.
• Installation of the fish diversion structure, continuously rotating traveling.screens, and
operation of the fish return system has substantially reduced.impingement mortality by
reducing the numbers:of organisms 'impinged and.returning a large number of those
organisms back to the CFE alive(CP&L .1988). Mean annual reductions in impingement
mortality of RT since 1984 ranged from 37%o for Bay Anchovy to >_ 99% for Atlantic
Menhaden, and blue crabs (Table 2.11). Mean annual reductions in impingement
mortality for all other RT was>_90%over 40 years of monitoring.
• Consistent large reductions (99%) in the annual number impinged. were evident for
Atlantic Menhaden (Figure 2.11). A reduction in the annual number of Atlantic
Menhaden impinged during 1979, 1980, and.1981 occurred as a result of temporary fish
diversion structures installed for those years. A temporary, prototype fish diversion
structure was installed and.operational only.during the period of abundance of Atlantic
Menhaden.early in 1979. Severe .failure of the screens after the first few months of
operation in .1979 limited its effectiveness for other species .(CP&L 1981). A. more
substantial prototype structure was in place during 1980 and 1981.
• Bay Anchovy has been the. numerically dominant species collected by impingement
sampling since 1984. Small to moderate reductions in the annual number of Bay
Anchovy impinged since 1984 is evident in some years,while annual impingement rates
have been-highly variable(Figure 2.11). This was not unexpected since most individuals
of.this species are small enough to pass through the 9.4-tiam mesh screens installed on
the .fish diversion structure. .Bay Anchovy is also.characterized as a fragile species
(USEPA.2014), exhibiting poor survival on the traveling screens so little reduction in
impingement mortality was noted for this species.
• Spot are a taxa that provide an example of some variability in the annual number:
impinged per year (Figure 2.1.3).. When. an estimate of survival of the remaining
impinged fish is factored in,overall reductions in impingement:mortal.ity are greater than
80%per year in most years.
• Shrimp and blue crabs. exhibited high reductions (94-99%) in annual impingement
mortality (Table 2..11). Shrimp are examples of organisms that are.not as effectively
excluded.by the fish diversion structure (Figure 2.14). However, reduction in annual
impingement mortality per year was> 90% due to the high survival rates (90-94%) for
impinged shrimp.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 8 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 BiolovicalMonitorin Report
2.4 Summary and Conclusions
Biological monitoring of the CFE has been conducted since the early 1970's. Results of
intensive sampling throughout the 1970's and the early 1980's, prior to installation of intake
modifications to reduce entrainment and impingement; indicated that power station operations had
no measurable adverse effect on fish and shellfish populations in the CFE.
Entrainment and impingement studies through 2023 continue to demonstrate the effectiveness
of the BSEP intake modifications and operational measures in reducing the_number of organisms
affected by the withdrawal of coolingwater from the CFE compared to baseline studies. Evidence.
supporting this conclusion includes species composition and abundance of organisms entrained
and impinged. The species composition and seasonality of organisms collected in the entrainment,
larval impingement,and J/A impingement studies through 2023 were similar to previous years and
corresponded with natural seasonality of larval organisms in.the CFE. Anchovies, gobles,.Spot,
Atlantic Croaker,commercial shrimp and crabs were the dominant.larvae entrained and impinged.
Use of fine-mesh screens.has.decreased the risk of entrainment for,all.larval taxa. This is especially
important. for organisms :that spawn in the nearshore and offshore ocean such as. Atlantic
Menhaden,. Spot, Atlantic Croaker, mullet,flounder, shrimp, and crabs. These organisms may
potentially be at more risk of being.entrained since they are spawned offshore and are transported
past the intake canal to the nursery areas in the CFE. Conversely,anchovies.and gobies are at less
risk since they are estuarine residents and spawning occurs throughout the entire estuary. Use of
fine-mesh screens and flow reduction.over three decades reduced the mean annual numbers of all
organisms entrained by 60-96%. Consistently greater reductions in entrainment were evident for
mullet, flounder, Gobiosoma spp., shrimp postlarvae and portunid crab megalops. Except for
Gobiosoma spp., all are valuable commercial taxa. Larvae that would have been entrained.were
returned to the CFE in significant numbers by the fish.return system. Based on historic:survival
estimates data; substantial numbers of the larvae tested for survival were returned alive to the
estuary. Numerically dominant and valuable.commercial taxa, flounder, shrimp, and swimming
crab larvae exhibited the greatest survival.
Considered together, the fish diversion structure and fish return system have substantially
reduced the impingement mortality of larger organisms. The fish diversion structure excludes
many of the larger fish and shellfish from the canal. Substantial numbers of fish and shellfish that
do get into the.intake canal and subsequently become impinged are returned alive.to the estuary
by the fish return system. In addition to .a reduction in numbers and mortality, a shift in the
impingement of smaller.fnfish has resulted as well. This shift to smaller individuals is important
because the larger individuals that are.being excluded from the intake canal by the fish diversion
structure are the.reproducing members of the population. In addition, the natural mortality rates
(predation; weather, tides, etc.)of smaller individuals are relatively high compared to the natural
mortality rates of older, larger individuals,so many of the smaller individuals would not survive
to maturity even in the absence of power station.operation.The species
composition of organisms.
collected by impingement sampling also shifted to a greater percentage of shrimp and blue crabs
rather than larger fmfish as a result of the fish diversion structure. This shift in species composition
is significant since juvenile and adult shrimp and crabs exhibit excellent survival in the fish return
system (> 90%). Results indicate that operation of the BSEP continues to have no detectable
adverse effect on the populations of fish,shrimp, and crabs residing in the CFE. Station intake
and operational modifications including fine-mesh traveling screens, fish return system, fish
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 9 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
diversion structure, and seasonal .flow minimization continue to be effective in reducing
entrainment and impingement mortality over many decades of operation. Interannual variability
in species distribution and abundance is driven by environmental variables. with no detectable
effect of facility cooling water withdrawal on the CFE.
Duke E-uergy Progress,LLC 10 water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring eport
Table 2.1 Representative species. and life stages'' entrained and impinged at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant showing spawning location and season.
Spawning Spawning
Entrainment Impingement locationq season§
Anchovies(Anchoa spp.) Bay Anchovy E,NSO SP, SU
Atlantic Menhaden Atlantic Menhaden OSO W
Spot Spot OSO W
Atlantic Croaker Atlantic:Croaker OSO W
Seatrout(Cynoeion spp.) Seatrout E,NSO SP, SU,.F
Mullet(Mugil spp.) Mullet OSO W
Flounder(Paralichthys spp.) Flounder OSO W
Gobiosoma spp E SP, SU
Shrimp(Litopenaeusspp,
Shrimp postlarvae Farfantepenaeus.spp.) OSO S.P, SU
Portunid crab megalops Blue crabs(Callinecies spp) NSO F
+Larval and juvenile life stages are smaller size.classes of organisms typically entrained with the
cooling water whereas sub adult and adult size.classes of organisms are larger organisms
impinged on traditional 9.4 mm mesh traveling screens.
ISpawning location designations are estuarine(E),nearshore ocean(NSO),and offshore ocean
(oso),.
§Spawning season designations are winter(W), spring(SP),summer(SU), and fall (F).
Duke Energy Progress,LLC ]1 Water Resources

Brimswick Steam Electric Plant 2622-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table 2.2 Annual mean density (no./1000 im3) and percent of.total'- for the ten most
abundant taxa/life stages collected. during entrainment sampling at the
Brunswick Steam.Electric Plant,2022-2023.
2022
Taxon Mean density Percent
Gobisoma spp: 18.0 24.7
Anchoa`spp.(>_13mm) 13.5 18.5.
Commercial sWrnpT postlarvae 10.2 13.9
Anchoa spp. (<1.3mm) 9.3 12.8
Spot 4.2 53
Atlantic Croaker 3.9 5.3
Swimming crabs(megalops) 2.6 3.5
Silversides 2.1 2.8
Ctenogobius/Gobionellus spp. 1.8 2.5
Silver Perch 1.6 2.2
Other taxa(n=30) 5.9 118.
Total organisms" 73.1 100.0
2023
Taxon. Mean density Percent
Commercial shrimp?postlarvae 16.7 18.3
Atlantic Croaker 16.4 17.9
Gobisoma spp. 15.8 17.3
Anchoa spp. (>_13mm) 14.3 15.7
Silversides 5.1 5,6
Spot 3.4 3.7
Swimming crabs(megalops) 3.4 3.7
Ctenogobius/Gobionellus,spp. 2.4 2.7
Anchoa.spp. (<l3mm) 2.3 2.6
Atlantic Menhaden 2.1 2.3.
Other taxa(n=28) 9.3 10.2
Total organisms" 91.2 100.0
+Total may vary from summation due to rounding of individual taxon.
rBrown,Pink, and White Shrimp.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 12 Nailer Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
Table 2.3 Total number+and percents of the ten most abundant taxa/life stages
collected during larval impingement sampling at the Brunswick.Steam
Electric Plant,2022-2023.
2022
Taxon Total number} Percent
Commercial shrimpX postlarvae 3,5.07,049 58.8
Swimming crabs(megalops) 717,428 12.0
Anchoa spp. (<13mm) 313,433 5.3
Anchoa spp. (>:Dmm) 257,870 4.3
Atlantic Croaker 2351356 3.9
Spot 204,764 3.4
Gobisoma spp. 186,042. 3.1
Swimming crabs 1.00,728 1.7
Gobinellus/Ctenogobioits spp. 86,908 1.5
Planehead 1~ilefish 65,542 1.1
Other taxa(n=24) 285,904 4.8
Total% 5,961.,025 100.0
2023
Taxon Total number' Percent
Commercial shrimpX postlarvae 3,876,513 3.8.6
Atlantic Croaker 2,780,405 27.7
Swimming crabs(megalops) 1.,066,263 1.0.6
Anchoa.spp. (>_13mm) 476,679 4.7
Gobisomn spp: .332,137 3.3
GobinelluslCtenogobious spp. 284,861. 2.8
Spot 252,455 2.5
Atlantic Menhaden 187,908 1.9
Hardback Shrimp 174,831 1.7
Anchoa spp. (<13mm) 121,955 1.2
Other taxa(n=32) 490683 4.9
Totals 10,044,660 100.0
Dotal number is a sum of the twelve sampling-clay totals.
'ITotal may vary from summation due to rounding of individual taxon.
?Brown,Pink, and White Shrimp.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 13 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitorhl Report
Table 2.4 Total number, total weight, and percent of total of the ten most abundant.
juvenile and adult.organisms collected in the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant
impingement samples,2022-2023.
2022
Taxon Number+ Percent' Weight(kg)' Percent`s
Bay Anchovy 14,977 31.5 15.5 6.9
Lesser Blue Crab 10,502 22.1 48.3. 21.3
White Shrimp 7,245 15.2 43.2 19.0
Brown Shrimp 5,146 10.8 36.1 15.9
Blue Crab 1,93.3 4.1 25.6 11.3
Spot 1,916 .4:0 6.9 3.0
Pink Shrimp 542 1.1 2.1 0.9
Atlantic Croaker 523 1.1 6.3 2.8
Brief Squid 441 0.9 3.7 1.6
Blotched Swimming Crab 422 0.9 1.2 1.6
Other taxa(n=54) 3,937 8.3 38.4 1.6.8
Total 47,583 100.0 227.2 100.0
2023
Taxon Number' Percent' Weight (kg)' Percent&
Brown Shrimp 17,33.6. 35.8 60.2 22.5
White Shrimp 8,147 16.8 409 15.3
Bay Anchovy 6,003 12.4 9.4 .3.5
Lesser Blue Crab 3,799 7.9 10.5 3.9
Striped Anchovy 1,538 3:.2 .10.1 3.8
Spot 1,378 2..8 8.3 3..1
Brief Squid 1,370 2.8 6.9 2.6
Atlantic Menhaden 1,298 2.7 30.0 14.9
Pink Shrimp 1,040 2..1 3.2 1.2
Hardback Shrimp 990 2.0 0.8 0.3
Other taxa(n=62) 3,937 8.3 38.4 16.8
Total 48,380 100.0 267.E 100.0
}Numbers and weights are sums of the twelve sampling day totals.
"'Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Water Resources
Duke 1EnPrgy Progress,LLC 14

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table 2.5 Mean densities(mean no.11000 m3 per sampling day) of selected larval taxa+
entrained and impinged (1-mm fine mesh)at the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant,2022.
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul AugSep Oct Nov Dec
Atlantic Menhaden*
Larvae entrained 18 30 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ::F-0
Larvae impinged 4.1 4.4 2.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D
Spot*
[Larvae entrained 123 52 95 28 0 Q 0 0 0 0
arvae impinged 14 17 1 7.9 17.2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 01 0 1 0
Atlantic Croaker*
Larvae entrained 83 0 61 8.6 0 0 0 0 0 78 41 b.2
Larvae.im in ed 24 2.2 5.1 1 6.1 1 0
Pinfish
Larvae entrained 11 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6.9 0
Larvae impinged 1 3.2 1 L6 L 0.6 0.3 01 0 0 1 0 1 0 10 0.1 0
Seatrout*
Larvae entrained 0 0 0 0 9.3 3.4 3.1 0 0 0 0 0
Larvae im in ed 0 0 0 0 0.5 0.7 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mullet*
Larvae entrained 3.5 14 8.3 0 0 0 Q 0 0 0 0 0
Larvae impinged 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Silversides
Larvae entrained 0 0 31 95 22 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0Tqo
I.Larvae im in ed 0 0 0 1.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Anchoa spp. (?13mm)*
Larvae entrained 1 170 1 37 193 463 3.2 9.7 19 16.5 3.6 6.0
Larvae impinged 5.4 5.3 0.2 3.5 2.1 31 0.3 0.2 0 0:3 0.8 0:1
' Anchoa s <13txim
Larvae entrained 0 0 0 101 271 181 19 91 9.5 0 0 0
Larvae impinged 0 0 0 11 0.5 1 47 0 0.2 0 10 0 0
Gobiosoma s
eLarvaeeertrained 0 0 0 71 266 461 133 283 85 0 0 0
vm u� cd 0 0 0 0.8 1.3 30 0.5 0.4 1.0 0 0 0
Duke Energy Progress,LLC t5 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
mmvr
Table 2.5 (continued)
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cteno obious/Gobionellus s
Larvae entrained 25 0 5.7 31 16 32 0 3.2 9.4 6.6 3.3 0
Larvae irr in ed 2.2 0.3 2.0 8.5 0.8 2.1 0 0.1 0 0 0.9 0.2
Shrimp ostlarvae*
Larvae entrained 3.8 F55 218 6.1 22 1 89 1 52 32 93 79 17 8.8
Larvae impinged 27 30 367 117 51 61 2.1 17 68 12 13 0.3
Hardback Shrimp
Larvae entrained 0 0 0 0 6.6 0 3.4 0 0 0 0 0
Larvae impinged 1 0.3 0 1 0 0 0 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0
Portunid crab merato *
Larvae entraine 23 0 2.9 0 16 32 3.2 34 30 37 0
Larvae im in e 4.7 15 9.9 11 25 5.0 3.9 l 5 18 23 5.3
Total all or anisms
Larvae entrained 452 229 483 497 962 1 1,284 I 270 433 287 226 112 27
Larvae im in ed 88 68 403 180 96 207 28 23 $5 31 46 11
+Selected taxa comprised> m of the total number sampled in either entrainment or larval impingement sampling
and/or historically representative important taxa(RT)indicated by an asterisk.
Duke Energy Progress,LLLC 16 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table 2.6 Mean densities (mean no./1000 m3 per sampling day) of selected larval taxa'
entrained and impinged (1-mm fine mesh)at the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant,2023.
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Atlantic Menhaden*
Larvae entrained 6.9 6.8 127 9.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Larvae im in ed 4.5 4.5 34 0.8 0 1 0 1 01 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
S ot*
Larvae entrained 57 82 42 61 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Larvae impinged 20 41 12 2.9 J OA 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0
Atlantic Croaker*
Larvae entrained 280 311 296 37 3 0 0 0 0 36 138 78
Larvae impinged 206 264 96 2.9 0 0 0 0 0 120 8.3 26
Pinl;zsh
Larvae entrained 6.7 7.0 28 12 0 0 0 0 0 0
Larvae impinged 0.5 1.4 2.9 1.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.3
Seatrout*
Larvae entrained 0 0 0 0 8.9 12 50 3.2 0 0 0 Q
Larvae im in ed 0 0 0 0 1.9 0.5 5.4 0 0 0 0 0
Mullet*
Larvae entrained 0 0
Larvae impinged_ 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Silversides
Larvae entrained 0 0 61 291 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 F 0
Larvae impinged 0 0 0.6 5.3 0.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Anchoa s >_13mm '�
Larvae entrained 14 6.7 0 0 735 9.0 50 6.3 197 13 3.1 0
Larvae impinged 8.2 2.4 0 0 56 8.7 7.1 0 0 7.9 0.1 0
Anchoa s <I3mm *
Larvae entrained 0 1 0 0 56 30 3.0 9.2 58 13 0 0 0
Larvae impinged 0 0 0 13 6.8 0.1 1 1.2 1.3 0 0 J 0 Q
Gobiosoma.s .*
Larvae entrained Q 1 0 0 6.1 422 241 234 65 161 0 0 0
Larvae im in ed 0.5 0 0 0 39 7.7 9.5 0.3 0.8 3.7 0 0
Oulce Energy Pro tress,LLC 17 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
Table 2.6 (continued)
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cteno obious/Gobionellus s P.
Larvae entrained 3.3 3.5 21 24 42 0 6.4 3.2 32 19 21 0
Larvae im in ed 2.2 0 14 2.7 5.5 2.4 2.5 0 i.0 23 L4 1.0
Shrimp ostlarvae*
Larvae entrained 20 44 589 229 39 26 59 43 38 55 52 10
Larvae impinged 20 71 221 45 81 76 13 103 19 76 611 6.8
Hardback Rd
Larvae entrained 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9.5 0 0 0 0
Larvae im in ed 0 0 0 0 0:3 7.3 2.6 3.5 d 18 0 0.3
Portunid crab me alo s*
Larvae entrained 63 3.5 12 110 12 6 3.2 0 0 5$ 304:63
Larvae irr► in ed 0.6 2.6 29 43 30 3.8 11 4.0 2.5 66 11
Total all or anisms
Earvae
arvae entrained 425 478 1,196 937 1,510 344 453 222 4b1 197 249 91
im in ed 268 391 417 125 244 109 b2 115 25 320 83 34
Selected taxa comprised> 1%of the total number sampled in either entrainment or larval impingement sampling
and/or historically representative important taxa(RT)indicated by an asterisk.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 18 Wafer Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table 2.7 Density (no./million m3) and modal length (mm) for representative important.
taxa collected by month with juvenile and adult impingement sampling at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2022.
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug_ Sept Oct Nov Dec
Atlantic Menhaden
densityl 2.4 L9 Q 0.2 20 1 3.8 1 0 1 0.2 0 L3 0.2 0
modal lenA 95 100 - IN 90 1110,1251 IN I IN IN - IN -
Spot
densi 19 2.0 2.2 64 253 4.8 11 0.4 0.2 1.3 0 0
modal len t 1 60 65 INJ 40 1 40 IN 55 IN IN IN
Atlantic.Croaker
densityl 8.0 4.4 12 59 16 2.0 0.4 Q 1.0 0.2 0 0.2
modal ten i 105 40 45 60 40 IN IN - IN 1N - IN
Flounder
dens it 0.2 0 0 4. E
2.6 0.2 0.4 0modallen th IN - IN IN IN IN - IN IN -
Seatrouf
densi 0 0 0 0 0 1.6 6.9 0 0 0 0 0
modal ten th - - - - - 70 - ' - -
White Shrimp
densityl 49 1 30 10 19 6.3 7.7 43 504 90 377 184 2.7
modallen th 100 100 105 115 i15 IN 55 100 50 75,95 75 IN
Brown Shrim
densitvI 0 1 0 1 3.0 0 219 284 373 28 0 23 0 -0
�--Tnqdal length - 1 40 1 60 90 100 65 - 90 - -
Pink Shrimp
densi 4.8 0.7 0 20 28 0 0 17 4.2 14 12 0.2
modal length lengthl IN I IN I - 45 110 - - 55 40 65 70,80 IN
Blue Crab- Q 6.3 4.2 27 203 10 3.5 32 35 23 9.0 4.2
Lesser Blue Crab" 0 0 3.0 8.1 1,699 125 65 0.2 7:7 2.6 29.4 0
Bay Anchovy" 1 1,012 81 239 1,030 477 W4 63 1 2.3 3.7 5.8 12 4.0
Total organisms 1,3311 140 1 306 1,373 3,064 1 572 729 1 625 1 154 T 458 277 48
Length-frequency analysis was not conducted on Blue Crab,Lesser Blue Crab,and Bay Anchovy data.
§IN=insufficient size range collected for determination of modal length.
*Summer and Southern Flounder.
'Weakfish and Spotted Seatrout.
mm
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 19 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
kimondsomm
Table 2.8 Density (no./million m3) and modal standard length(mm) for representative
important taxa collected by month with juvenile and adult impingement
sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2023.
Month
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Atlantic Menhaden
densitvI 4.5 1 2.2 0 0.4 1 222 1 4.6 6.3 0 0.6 0 0 0.7
modal lent 100 IN - IN J 125 125 105 - 130 - - IN
S of
density 1.1 0.9 5.1 69 158 8.9 7.9 1.2 4.5 0 0 0
modallen th 1 70 IN 90 40 45 40 170,75 1 110 85 - - -
Atlantic Croaker
densityl 3.1 8.9 1.2 54 29 P.2 3.5 0 5.4 2.1 1.2 1.5modallen th 120 45 130 60 40N I 1N - IN IN 120 IN
Flounder'
densi 0 0 0 2.0 0 0 2.2 0.5 0.7 0.4 0 0
modal len t - - - IN - - I IN
SeatroutE
densityl 0 0 0 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.2 0
1N
White.Shrim
densi 55 14 11 3.1 9.6 7.3 161 228 685 97 231 45
F7--m-Odallength 70 75 90 IN 1 115 rN 1 5.0 100 100 100 70 70
Brown Shrim
densit 0 0 0 49 1 880 598 1,444 197 21 11 2.3 1.5
modal length - - - IN 1 55 80 85 J 75 155,75 75 IN IN
Pink Shrimp
densityl 0 17 1.5 7.8 42 5.4 88 27 7.5 3.7 2.3 0
modallen th IN IN - 45 110 - - 35 40 65 70,80 IN
Blue Crab- 1.8 0.4 1 13 1 32_1 44 24 10 13 5.2 4.5 4.3 2.8
Lesser Blue Crab- 0 1.3 7.8 32 12 226 320 22 56 4.5 3.0 5.1.
Bay Anchovy 138 240 15 S24 176 15 24 0 0 6.4 31 102
Total organisms 212 302 101 1,337 1,710 921 2,355 513 933 149 324 252
-Length-frequency analysis was not conducted on Blue Crab;Lesser Blue Crab,and Bay Anchovy data.
§IN=insufficient size range collected for determination of modal length.
*Summer and Southern Flounder.
EWcakfish and Spotted Seatrout.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 20 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitorin Re ort
Table 2.9 Mean percent survival+ and percent of total number of larval organisms
collected:during larval impingement sampling at.the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant,2022-2023.
Mean percent survival Percent total number
Adjusted
Intake Intake
Taxa Screens Controls Screensl 2022 2023
ShrimpE postlarvae 90 89 100 58.8 38.6
Portunid rnegalops 87 86 1.00 12.0 1.0.6
Anchoa spp.>13 0.7 NC 0.7 4.3 4.7
Atlantic Croaker 34 87 39 3.9 27.7
Spot 29 86. 34 3.4 2.5
Blue crabs 92. 92 100 1.7 0.1
Ctenogobius spp. 15 NC 15 1.5 2.8
Planehead Filefish 70 NC 74 1.1 0
.Atlantic 1.9
Menhaden 3.2 39 8.0 0.8
Flounder spp. 93 97 9.6 0.4 0.0
Pinfish§ 34 87 39 0.4 0.3
Pink and white
shrimp 96 93 100 0:2 0.2
Hardback Shrimp 7.9 89 8.9 0.1 1.7
Weakfish 13 54 24 0.1 0.2
Prionotus spp. 90 97 93 <0.1 <0:1
Mullet 70 92 76 0 <0.1.
Jacks 36 NC 36 0 0
Percent.total number collected 88.7 91.4
}Mean present survival values include data collected during 4 years of intake screen survival
studies conducted.from 1984-1987. Results are presented in CP&L 1087 and 1988 (fast-screen
rotation).
ISurvival results were adjusted for control mortality when control results were available: An entry
of NC for control data indicates that no control data were. collected. Adjusted intake screen
survival was estimated by dividing the treatment survival by the control survival to account for
competing sources of mortality. The adjusted intake screen survival was truncated to 100 in cases
where the calculated value exceeded.100.
§The survival percentage for pinfish is an estimate based upon data for.a similar species,croaker.
Brown,White; and Pink Shrimp.
Dukc Ea7ergy Progress,LLC 21 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Table 2.10 Mean percent survival'and percent total number of organisms collected
during impingement sampling at the.Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2022
2023.
Mean percent survival Percent total number
Adjusted
Intake Intake:
Taxa Screens Controls Screensi 2022 2023
Bay Anchovy 4.9 73 6,7 31.5 12.4
Blue crabs 96 92 100 26.2 9.6
Shrimp(pink&
white) 94 93 100 18.8 18.9
Brown Shrimp 90 80 100 8.3 35.8
Spot 60 98 61 4.0 8.3
Atlantic Croaker 45 93. 48 1.1 1.2
Portunus spp:§ 96. 92 100 0.9 <0.1
Star Drum§ 45 93 48 0.8 0
Blackcheek
Tonguefish 83 98 85 0.8 l.6
Silver Perch§ 60 98 61 0.4 0.6
Atlantic Menhaden 16 67 24 0.3 2.7
Mullet 92 92 1.00 0.1 0.1
Weakfish 35 5.4 65 0.1 <0.1
Flounder 71 97 73 0.1 6.1
Percent total number collected 93.4 91.3
+ Mean present survival values include data collected during 4 years of intake screen.survival
.studies conducted from 1984-1987. Results are presented in CP&L 1987 and 1988 (fast-screen
rotation).
Survival results were adjusted for control mortality. Adjusted intake screen survival was
estimated by dividing the treatment survival by the control survival.to account.for competing.
sources of mortality. The adjusted intake screen survival was truncated to .100 in cases where
the calculated value exceeded 100.
§Survival percentages for Portznzus spp.,star drum,and silver perch are estimates based upon data
for similar species(blue crabs,Atlantic Croaker., Spot,respectively)
Dixie Energy Progress,LLC 22 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2622-2023 Biological Monitoring,Re ort
Table 2.11 Mean annual percent reduction in the number of representative taxa
entrained and reductions in impingement mortality at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant, 1984-2023+.
Entrainment 31A Impingement
Percent Percent
reduction reduction
Anchovies 80 Bay Anchovy 37
Atlantic Menhaden 61 Atlantic Menhaden 99
Spot 62 Spot 97
Atlantic.Croaker 61 Atlantic Croaker 92
Seatrout 62 Seatrout 92
Mullet 90 Mullet 98
Flounder 92 Flounder 90
Gobiosoma spp 80
ShrimpE postlarvae 82 Shrimp 94
Portunid crab megalops 96 Blue crabs 99
Total organisms 75
'Baseline entrainment and impingement rates for years without reduction controls in place used
data from 1979-1982 for entrainment:and 1977-1979., and 1982 for impingement. (Impingement
data from 1980 and 49.81 was exclude,from the_baselme calculations since:a temporary fish.
diversion structure was in place those years,)
e Brown,White, and Pink Shrimp.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 23 water Resotirces

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
1200
_ 1000
v 800
0
L` 600
m
s 400
di
m
LL
200
0
30 F06 Op" Py" 10 00 3uL PUG SEP OGI 00,4 QEG
2022 2023
Figure 2.2 Mean daily freshwater flow (cros) to the Cape Fear Estuary,2022-2023.
500
q� 400
E
v
3 300
0
6.
4"
3 200
s
m
Li 100
0
'P01 2003 2006 2001 20* 20A1 20,%3 20'%5 0%, 20%, 2021 2p22
Figure 2.3 Annual mean daily freshwater flow to the Cape Fear Estuary,2001-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 24 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
40
35
30
25
NOOOp-
20
15
10 _
5
0
0nSaliuity(ppt) —6--Temperature(°C)
Figure 2.4 Mean monthly intake canal salinity(ppt)and water temperature(°C)2022.
40
35 -
30
25
20 �.._...
15
10
5
0
FvB o'ksyR �'Q4 ���•; 5��1 SN}� VG Sv UDC '014 'F,C
—4o—Salinity(ppt) Temperature(°C)
Figure 2.5 Mean monthly intake canal salinity (ppt) and water temperature (°C) 2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 25 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
.r
9,000 100
to
8,000 h ��� ^ 80 C
7,000 4
E 6,000 �e�
.� I 60
= 5,000
4,000 40 c
c �
Lu 3,000 v
0 2,000 20 a-
M
E 1,000
Z 0 0 b �.
0-0 oGOO,, o`n, m m m 0)11.11 0) 0) o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
, 0
N N N N N N N N N N
—�— \mnberentrained Pei-cent reduction
Baseline
Figure 2.6 Annual number of total organisms entrained at the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates, 1979-2023.
900 100
800 d�� tie •
1 /4 I • t Q 80
700 bed { d° /1 It 1
600 1 1 { A.
1
= 60
500 1 I 11
1 � 11 111 �
400 40 =
W 300 1 { U
1
200 20 a
E 100
Z e
0 N Cf ^ M 0
p^j pOj pOj pCO pOj OOj OOj OOj OOj OOi O O O O O O O O O O O O
--�— Number entrained — -A— - Percent reduction
Baseline
Figure 2.7 Annual number of Spot entrained at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant and
percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates, 1979-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 26 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
160 100
c �"� 1 t
O 140 '
} 80 O
120
100 I I I I 1 r ,"° 1 I 60 as
80 � I
c 60
w 40
40 II 20 IZ
20 1 I
n ib a obi rn a o o O O o ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ N N
Number entrained Percent reduction
Baseline
Figure 2.8 Annual number of Atlantic Menhaden entrained at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment estimates,
1979-2023.
1200 A , o� �, .�a� o,ao 100
0
1000 80 c
O
800 1A - -- — 60 U
m °
c °1
C 600
40 c
c a�
W 400 t�
a� 20 d
200
z 0 ^ 0
O) ^ M h ^ C> ^ M h ^ O� ^ M In f� Of f- fy h n Of
p�j per, p�j Obi (7) per, M 0) (7) Obi C.
O o O O O O O 14 O O o
N N N N N N N N N N N N
--_A— Number entrained _ — Percent reduction
Baseline
Figure 2.9 Annual number of portunid crab megalops entrained at the Brunswick
Steam Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment
estimates, 1979-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 27 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
600 100
N
q
0 500 ��� �� p� 80 C
E 400 �°
60
2 300
+r
40
W 200
m
a� 20 �-
100
Z 0 ^ M y l� ofM °
n wo c, o, 0rn o� o 0 0 0 o w w w w ^ N N
- of � � � N N N N N NV
Number entrained — —L4 — Percent reduction
Baseline
Figure 2.10 Annual number of commercial shrimp postlarve entrained at the Brunswick
Steam Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline entrainment
estimates, 1979-2023.
12.0 100
.2 10.0 80 =o
8.0 60
m a�
c
6.0
Q 40
E 4.0 v
Q 2.0 20 d
E
°
z 0.0
I� 07 w M h ^ O) ^ M h n OJ ^ M H ^ O- w M h ^ O) w M
A h CO ep [ti, C q, O O O Of 01 O O O O ^ w ^ ^ w CVN
w Q) N N N N N N nr N N N N N
— Number impinged — &— — Percent reduction fish diversion structure
Baseline A Percent reduction fish diversion structure
and return system
Figure 2.11 Annual number of Atlantic Menhaden impinged at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates,
1977-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 28 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
10.0 100
c 9.0
8.0 80 O
E 7.0
6.0 60
d
= 5.0
C 4.0 40
L 3.0
a 2.0 20 d
1.0
Z 0.0 M 0
0) C) 0O, 0O, pO, 0) C)C) C) M 0) O CO Cr) 05 Oj C) O O O O O O O O O O O CV•- e- �- '- •- �- N N N N N COW
N N N N N
Number impinged — -A— — Percent reduction fish diversion structure
Baseline —A Percent reduction fish diversion structure
and return system
Figure 2.12 Annual number of Bay Anchovy impinged at the Brunswick Steam Electric
Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates, 1977-
2023.
100
=O 1.4 ,t Aaa�e,�d 4
a 80 p
E 1.2 v
1.0 - 60
0.8
Q 40 C
E 0.6 v
0.4 20 a
E 0.2
=S 0
Z 0.0
MCO CO CO C)+A I� Ol M h
per, 05 0) M 0O, 0500 M M M 0Of M 0) O O O O O O O O O NO O O
N N
— ^--- Number impinged Percent reduction fish diversion structure
Baseline ♦ Percent reduction fish diversion structure
and return system
Figure 2.13 Annual number of Spot impinged at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant and
percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates, 1977-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 29 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring'Report
MMMM
4.0 100
0 3.5 80 r
3.0 0
E dl
-0 2.5 1 60
2.0 11 R Ij �1 W
_ ! 1
Q' 1.5 s� � ;, � 1 i 40
1 11 1 11 1 '1 V
1.0A 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11& 20 d
E 0.5
0
Z 0.0
O ^ M
0) C)) 00) C) 00, p0, O0, QOj 0)j M � O O O O O O O O O O O O
e- ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ N N N N N N N N N N N N
—� — Number impinged — -A— — Percent reduction fish diversion structure
Baseline ♦ Percent reduction fish diversion structure
and return system
Figure 2.14 Annual number of commercial shrimp impinged at the Brunswick Steam
Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline impingement estimates,
1977-2023.
1.5 Vf 100
R
c � «♦ � � P'� •to e.� 1
Aa �; `/ ` ; A l � i i 1 1 80 c
k
14 d��s>, i i ` ' !� i 1 L)
1.0 60
tM
c 40 .r
'Q c
E 0.5 CD
11 11 20
W 11 11 a
E i
z 0.0 0
NO ^ M h !� O) ^ M 47 I� O ^ M N /� O ^ M
a, cb ty CO CO o� o� o� rn rn O O o 0 0 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ N N
� ^f 0) Rf N N N N N N N N N N N N
- Number impinged — -A— — Percent reduction fish diversion structure
Baseline ♦ Percent reduction fish diversion structure
and return system
Figure 2.15 Annual number of blue crabs (all Callinectes spp. combined) impinged at the
Brunswick Steam Electric Plant and percent reduction from baseline
impingement estimates, 1977-2023.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 30 Water Resources

Brunswick Stearn Electric.Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
3.0 REFERENCES
Blumberg, A. F., D. 7. Dunning, H. Li, D.Heimbugh, and W.R. Geyer. 2004. Use of a particle
tracking model for predicting entrainment at power plants on the Hudson River.Estuaries.27
(3): 51.5 -526.
CP&L. .1980..Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,.Cape Fear Studies Interpretive Report, Carolina.
Power&Light Company,New Hill,NC.
.1982. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, .198.1. Vol I.
Carolina Power&Light Company,New Hill,NC.
.1984. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1983. Carolina
Power&Light Company,New Hill.,NC.
.1985a. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1984. Carolina
Power&Light Company,New Hill,,NC.
. 1985b. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant Cape Fear Studies, Interpretive Report, Carolina
Power&.Light Company,New Hill,NC.
_. 1986. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological.monitoring report, 1.985. Carolina
Power&Light Company.,New Hill,NC.
_. 1987. Brunswick Stearn Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 1986. Carolina
Power&Light Company,New Hill,NC.
. 1988. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report; 1987. Carolina
^Power&Light Company,New Hill,NC:
1989. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.-annual biological.monitoring report, 1988. Carolina
Power.&Light Company, Southport,NC.
.2002. Brunswick Steam Electric.Plant annual biological monitoring report, 2001.. Carolina.
Power&.Light Company,New Hill,NC.
Copeland,B. J., R. G. Hodson, and R.I Monroe. 1979.. Larvae and.postlarvae in the Cape Fear
Estuary,North Carolina,during operation of the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, 1974-1978.
North Carolina.State University;.Raleigh,NC.
DEP: 2017. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 200-2015.
Duke.Energy Progress,LLC,New Hill,NC.
. 2019. Brunswick.Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 2016. Duke
uEnergy Progress;LLC,New Hill,NC.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 31 Water Resources

Bruns,snick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
.2020. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report,20I 7-2018. Duke
Energy Progress,LLC,New Hill,NC.
_. 2021.Brunswick Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report, 2019. Duke
Energy Progress,LLC,.New Hill,NC.
.2023. Brunswick:Steam Electric Plant annual biological monitoring report,2020-2021. Duke
�Energy.Progress,LLC,New Hill,NC.
Giese,G.L.,.H.B.Wilder, and G. G.Parker,Jr. 1979. Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds
of North Carolina. United. States Geological Survey. Water resources investigations 79-46.
Raleigh,NC.
1985.Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds of North Carolina. United States Geological.
Survey. Water-supply paper 2221. Alexandria,Va.
Hogarth, W. T. and K.L.Nich.ols. 1981. Brunswick Steam Electric Plant intake modifications to
reduce entrainment and impingement losses. Carolina Power. & Light.Company, New Hill,
NC:
Lawler, J. P., M. P. Weinstein, H. Y. Chen and T. L. Englert. 1988. Modeling the physicat and
behavioral mechanisms influencing the recruitment of spot and Atlantic croaker to.the Cape
Fear Estuary..Am.Fish. Soc. Sym.3: 115-131.
Nelson, W..R.,M. C. Ingham, and W.E. Shaaf. 1977. Larval transport a..nd year class strength of
Atlantic menhaden,.Brevoortia:tyrannus.Fish.Bull. U. S.75: 23-42.
Norcross B;L., and FI.M.Austin. 1.981. Climate scale environmental factors affecting year-class
fluctuations of Chesapeake Bay croaker,.Micropogonias undulatus. Va..Inst. Mar. Sci. Spec.
Sci.Rep. 110: 87 pp:
Norcross B. L., and R. F. Shaw. 1984. Oceanic and estuarine:transport of fish eggs and larvae: a
review.Tran. Am. Fish. Soc. 113: 1534.65.
Rogers.S. E.., T. E. Targett, and S. B. Van Sant. .1984: Fish nursery use in Georgia salt-marsh
estuaries:The influence of springtime freshwater conditions.Tran..Am..Fish. Soc. 11.3: 595-606.
Schwartz, F.J., P.Perschbacher, L:.Davidson, C. Simpson,D. Mason, M. McAdams,K. Sandoy
and J. Duncan. 1979. An ecological study.of fishes and invertebrate macrofauna utilizing the
Cape Fear River Estuary;Carolina Beach Inlet,and adjacent Atlantic Ocean, 1973-1977.BSEP
Cape Fear Studies,Volume XIV. Report.to Carolina Power&Light Co.;Institute.of Marine
Sciences,University of North Carolina,Morehead City,..NC,
Thompson, T. E. 1989. Factors limiting the movement of spot, Leiostomus :xanthurus, into a
freshwater-oligohaline tidal marsh. Master's thesis. Department of Biological. Sciences,
University of North Carolina at Wilmington,.Wilmington,N.C.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC 32 NA-titer Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolouical Monitorin Re)ort
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2014. National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System-Final regulations to establish requirements for cooling water intake
structures at existing facilities and amend requirements at phase l facilities; Final rule, 79
Federal Register,pp 48,300-48,439.
Weinstein,M.P. .1979. Shallow marsh habitats as primary nurseries for fishes and shellfishes,
Cape fear River,North Carolina.Fish. Bull. 77:339-357,
Weinstein,M.P. 1979. Larval retention study,,.Cape Fear River, 1978. BSEP Cape Fear
studies,Volume X. Report to Carolina.Power&Light Company. Lawler,Matusky & Skelly
Engineers,Pearl River,NY.
Weinstein,M. P.,:S.L. Weiss,R. G.Hodson,and L..R. Gerry. 1979. Retention of three taxa of
postlarval fishes in an intensively flushed tidal estuary, Cape Fear River;North Carolina.
Fish. Bull. 78(2):419-436.
Weinstein,M.P., S.L.Weiss;and M.E. Walters. 19810. Multiple determinants of community
structure in shallow marsh habitats;.Cape Fear River estuary,North Carolina. Mar. Biol..
58:226-243.
Mike Energy Progress,LLC 33 Water Resources

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological MonitoringRe ort
APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Summary of historical environmental studies conducted in association with.
the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
As part:of the initial nuclear licensing efforts Carolina Power&Light Company(CP&L,.
predecessor to Progress Energy Carolinas.,Inc and subsequently Duke Energy Progress,LLC)
commenced environmental impact studies in 1968.PhysicaUchemical studies included dye and,
flow studies,water chemistry,and thermal studies.Biological studies included phytoplankton,.
zooplankton,benthos and larval fish and shellfish diversity,distribution and abundance studies in
the main.stem of the estuary.Juvenile and adult fish and shellfish population studies were also
conducted in the estuary. Special emphasis was placed on Walden Creek and Snow's Marsh
adjacent to the plant's intake canal.Entrainment and impingement studies were also conducted
after Unit 2 came online in 1974.In.addition,.thermal tolerance, swimming performance.studies
and marsh productivity studies were conducted.
Studies were expanded and intensified in 1976 to,address the potential.adverse impact on
the entire estuary by the intake under full 2-unit operation.These comprehensive studies were
developed through an.interagency review group assembled at CP&L's initiative and included
representatives of the EPA,NRC,.National Marine Fisheries Service,.United States Fish and
Wildlife Service,North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries;North Carolina Division.of
Environmental Management:(predecessor to NC DENR),.and CP&L.Exhaustive dye tracer,
hydrographic,tidal,temperature,and salinity studies were conducted to model estuarine flow
dynamics relative to plant intake flows.Various gear efficiency and sampling methodology
.studies were conducted to ensure that.statistically valid data were collected.The biological
studies were modified to provide.adequate data concerning the.larval,juvenile;and adult.fish and
shellfish populations having the greatest potential to be.adversely affected by plant operation.In
addition to weekly entrainment and impingement studies.,population studies were conducted in
the nearshore ocean,main stem estuary,estuarine shallows, and tidal creek nursery areas from
below Southport,NC upstream to the vicinity of Wilmington,NC. Specific criteria studied
included species composition plus spatial,seasonal,and inter-annual abundance as well as age,
growth,dietary, and tagging studies:The principal investigators from CP&L,NCSU,.Institute of
Marine Science and.Lawler,Matusky and Skelly consultants used results of these studies to
determine the mechanisms by which larvae enter and are retained in.this intensiv..ely flushed
estuary and to provide insight regarding the lack of any detectable adverse environmental impact
on .fish and shellfish populations due to cooling water withdrawal.Results of these studies were
compiled in the 20 volume.Cape.Fear Studies.
Beginning in 1980 and continuing through 1.993,CP&L conducted a long-.term
Biological.Monitoring Program that would provide for the continued assessment of the impact
that the cooling water withdrawal might have:on the Cape Fear River Estuary.Using historic
biological study results as a guide,particular emphasis was placed on marine fisheries. With
some rhodification,these Biological.Monitoring Studies were a continuation of the studies
conducted since 1976,thus,allowing for long-term trending of results. Certain studies were also
expanded or added to address the effectiveness of the circa 1981 intake modifications in reducing
the number of organisms entrained and impinged. Beginning in 1984, a larval impingement
study was conducted in addition to the standard entrainment and impingement.studies.as
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-1 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolo ical Monitoring R-eg ort
Appendix 1. continued.
another means to assess the success of fine-mesh screens in reducing.entrainment of larvae.
Fine-mesh screens and the fish return system were completed during.June of 1983..Data
prior to 1983 can.be used to estimate annual numbers entrained during a period with no controls
in place (i.e., no continuously rotating fine-mesh screens or.fish return system). Mean daily
entrainment densities were multiplied by design cooling water flow and summed to obtain an
annual estimate of total number entrained.The design flow of 84.15 cubic meters per second(curs)
is the rated flow of all retain cooling water pumps per unit.Linear interpolation was used to estimate
entrainment rates on non-sampling days. Annual numbers entrained after 1983 were calculated in
a similar fashion with the exception that NPDES permitted cooling-water flow(i.e.,reduced flow)
was used. A calculated annual baseline entrainment.rate was obtained by averaging the annual
number entrained for the years 1979 through 1982. The estimated annual number entrained each:
year after.1983 was subtracted from the annual baseline estimate to obtain a percentage reduction
from baseline due to the installation offrne=mesh screens,.fish,return system,and reduced cooling-
water flow.
A similar process allowed forthe calculation of annual numbers impinged for comparison
to a.calculated baseline annual impingement rate. Two additional years of data, 1977 and 1978,
were recovered from historical data sets for inclusion with the long-terrn comparisons.The period
1977-1982 represents a period without impingement .controls in place. (i.e., no fish diversion.
structure,fish return system,or flow reductions). The calculated baseline impingement rates were
obtained by-averaging the annual number impinged from 1977-1982 with the exception that data
from 1980.and. 1981 were not used in the baseline:.calculation since a:temporary fish diversion
structure was in place during that time. The estimated:annual number impinged each.year after
1983 was subtracted from the annual baseline estimate to obtain a percentage reduction from
baseline due to the installation of the fish diversion structure, fish return.system, and reduced
cooling-water flow. Impingement sampling only occurred during the last 6. months of 1983.
because construction.of the fish return system was in progress earlier that year. Subsequently,
results of impingement sampling during 1983 .are presented but not included in the percentage.
reduction calculations. The inclusion of`survival data.allowed for an assessment of reductions in
impingement mortality due. to the fish diversion structure and the return.system together for
different species.
Survival in the return system was determined for selected size classes of the dominant
organisms.that have been impinged at the BSEP in past years(CP&L 19.85a, 1986, 1.987, 1.988).
Studies conducted from 1984-1987 were designed to assess survival of larger organisms impinged
on the traditional traveling screens and survival of the entrainable size classes of organisms
impinged on 1-mm fine mesh.Weekly survival studies were conducted initially.The frequency of
studies was reduced to the.peak periods of abundance for selected species and size class during the
latter two years of studies.to target species and size classes where data was. lacking. Acute and
latent 96-hour survival was assessed. Results from the .four-years of survival studies are
summarized in the 1987 Biological.Monitoring Report(CP&L 1988).
Larval fish sampling was conducted in the ship channel and the mouths of two major
tidal creels.nursery areas. A larval fish discrete depth sampling study was conducted to better
Water Resources Unit
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-2

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
understand the distribution of larvae during recruitment to the estuary and to.validate the standard
larval fish study. A marsh nursery study using trawl,seine,and rotenone sampling was conducted
to assess recruitment to and use of the tidal creek nursery areas with special interest placed on
Walden Creek adjacent to the Plant's intake.canal and several nursery areas upstream of the intake
canal. Sampling stations also included a location in the fish return basin, This station along with
a special tagging study demonstrated that juvenile fish and shellfish used the return basin as .a
shallow water nursery area in a fashion similar to the headwaters of a natural tidal creek. A nekton
study using trawl and gill.net sampling was conducted to assess the populations of juvenile and
adult fsh and shellfish that could potentially be subject to impingement at the plant intake
structure... Sampling stations .in the CFE ranged from below Southport, NC to the vicinity of
Wilmington,NC. Several sampling stations in the.intake canal.were used as an additional means
of assessing the success of the fish diversion structure in reducing impingement. A weekly
temperature and salinity study was conducted along the main stein of the.estuary because historic.
results indicated that freshwater flow,salinity,and temperature were the main determinants of fish
and shellfish distribution and abundance in the estuary.
Beginning.in 1994 and continuing through the current:permit cycle,the biological
monitoring program was significantly reduced with the concurrence of State regulatory and
resource agencies. Because of almost two decades of data demonstrating that the cooling water
withdrawal has no adverse impact-to the fish and shellfish populations in the estuary,:the
monitoring program was reduced to concentrate on entrainment and impingement only. This
allowance:was based on the.fact that if the impingement mortality and entrainment performance
remain relatively consistent then the environment.remains protected. Sampling frequency was
reduced to monthly sampling and results demonstrated the continuing.effectiveness of the intake.
modifications in.reducing.entrainment:and.impingement of fish and shellfish. Periodic special
study trawl surveys conducted in the marsh/tidal creek nursery areas continued to show no
adverse impact on the recruitment.to and.use of these nursery areas by juvenile fish and shellfish.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC believes over four decades of biological and environmental
monitoring has.resulted in one of the most extensive and informative data bases concerning our
nation's estuaries. These data can provide valuable insight regarding the ecology of our nation's
estuaries and facilitate compliance.The USEPA published a revised rule to implement§316(b).
of the Clean Water Act in the Federal register on August 15,2014(USEPA 20.14). Based.on the
evaluation of the 316(b)study reports.submitted in 2022 NCDEQ concluded that the existing
configuration at Brunswick represents best technologies available(PTA)for.meeting the
impingement and entrainment requirements of the 316(b)rule.
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-3 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Appendix I Total number+of larval organisms collected during entrainment(BE) and
larval impingement (LI) sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,.
2022.
2022
Scientific name Common name BE LI
Anguillidae Freshtivatcr teas
Anguilla rostrate American Eel 1 0
Elopidae Tarpons
Elops sattr us Ladyfish(lepto.) 3 10
Opbichthidae Snake eels
Myrophis pk(netatus Speckled Worm Eel 0 11
.Myrophisptmclatus(lepto.) Speckled Worm Eel QeRto_) 6 7
Clupeldae Herrings
Brevoortia tyrannus Atlantic Menhaden 27 54
Clupea harengus Herring 0 0
Engrautidne. Anchovies.
Anchoa<13nim Anchoa-13mm 217 231
Anchoa?13mm Anchoa'>_13mm 30S 167
Syngnathidae Pipefrsbes
Syngnathus.spp. Pipefish.
1
Atherinidae. Silversides
Atherinidae Silversides 49 3
Gerreidae NTojorras
Gerreidae Morjarras 10 5
Haemulidne Grunts
Orthopristis chrysoplera Pigfish 16 30
Sciaenidae Drums
Bainfiella clnysounT Silver Perch 38 19
Cynoscion nebulosus Spotted Seatrout 1 0
Cynoscion vegalis Weakfish 4 4
Lerostomus xanduaus Spot 96 169
Pogonias cronds Black Drum 1 0
Micropogonias undulates Atlantic Croaker 86 287
Sciaenops ocellattrs Red Drum 3 2
Stellffer lanceolatus Star Drum 0 3
Menticirrhus spp. Kingfish 2 S
Gobiesocidae Clingfishes
Goblesox sinrnro3ns Skilletfish 4 0
Sparidae Porgies
Lagodon rhomboids Pinfish 9 21
Archosargusprobatoceplurlus Sheepshead 0 0
Carangidne .Tacks
Carangidae lacks. 1 0
Mugilidae Mullets
Mugil curer) White Mullet 0 0
Mugil cephalus Striped Mullet 9 0
Blenulidae Combtooth blennies
Blennidae Combtooth blennies 14 1
ETeotridne Sleepers
Dormhator macidauts Fat Steeper 1 0
Gobiidae Gobies
Gobiosoma spp: 411 Hs
Microgobitrs spp.
S 3
Cienogobitrs/Gobttelhts.spp. 42 65
w
Bothidae Let'teye flounders
Paralichthys spp. Flounder Unid, 1 7
Citharichthys spp. Whiffs 3 11
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-4 Water Resources Unit

Brunswicic Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolo-,ical':V'lnnitorinr Report
Appendix 2.continued
2022
Scientific name Common name BE LI
Soleidae Soles
Trinecles maculatus Hogchoker 1 5
Cynoglossidae Tonguefishes
Symphrmts spp. 1 0
Herniramphus Ilalfbeaks
Hemirantphus spp! 0 0
Synodontidae Liza rdrrsbes
Synodus foetens Inshore Lizardfish 0 0
Ephippidne Spadefishes
Chaewdipterusfaber Atlantic Spadefish 0 0
Triglidae Searobins
Priononts spp: Searobin I 1
Stromateidae Butterfisbes
Peprilus triacantlius Butterfish 1 0
Lutjanidae Snappers
LuYanrtsgriseut- Gray.Snapper 1 0
Tetraodooitadae Pufferfish
Sphoeroides maculatus Northern Puffer I I
Monacanthidae Filefish
Slephanolepls hispidus Planehead Filefish 1 49
Invertebrates
Penaeidae Prawns
Commercial shrimp"(postlarve) Shrimp larvae. 241 2,723
Trachypenaeus.constrictus Hardback Shrimp 8 2
Penaeus segerus White Shrimp 0 4
Crangon crattgon Brown Shrimp 0 0
Pandalus borealis Pink Shrimp 0 0
Portunidae Swimming crabs
Portunid crab megalops 58 814
Portunid crab?IOmm 3 71
Calllnectes spp. B Inc.Crab:.(>IOmm S20mm) 0 1
Limulidae Horseshoe crabs
Limuhts polyphenrus Atlantic horseshoe Crab 0 I
'"Numbers represent total number collected(per 2-minute LI sample/per 5-minute BE sample)summed over all samples.
"Commercial shrimp refer to White,Brown;and Pink Shrimp of genus.Farfantepenaeus and Litopenaeus.
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-5 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric.Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitorin„Report
Appendix 3. Total number' and biomass (g) of juvenile and adult organisms collected
during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2022.
2022
Scientific name Common name Total number I Total weight(g)
Dasyatidae whiptail Stingrays
Dasyatis Sabina Atlantic Stingray 4 925
Gymouridae Butterfly Ray
Gyninura odor Lira Smooth Butterfly Ray 1 190
0
Gy
Butterfly mn ura spp. y Ray
Rhinopteridne Cownose hays
Ainopiera bonasres Cownose Ray 2 1526
Anguillidne Freshwater eels
Ang ffla rosirate American Eel 0 0
Ophichthidae Snake eels
Myrophis prmctatus Speckled Worm Eel 1 8
Ophichthus go»tesh Shrimp Eel 1 128
Clupcidae Herrings
Alosa aestivalis Blueback Herring 5
Beevoortta tyramtus Atlantic.Menhaden 35 1;279
Dorosoma cepedianian Gizzard Shad 0 0
Doroswna petene»se Threadfin Shad 10 58
Opistlronmia oglinum Atlantic`thread Herring 5 40
Alosa sapidisst»ur American Shad 0 0
Rachycentridae Cobia
Rachycentron canadum Cobia 0 0
Centrarchidae
Centropristis philadelphica, Rock Sea Bass. 0 0
Engraulidae Anchovies
Anchoa hepselus Striped Anchovy d4 280
Anchoa thitchilli Bay Anchovy 1,640 1,677
Synodontidae Lizardfshcs
Synodusfoetens Inshore Lizardfishes 0 0
Gadidae. Codfishes
UrophycisJlorldana Sou tliem Hake 0 0
Vrophycisregla Spotted Hake 9 98
ophidiidae Cusk-eels
Ophidlorrtvelshi Crested Cusk-Eel 3 16
Ophidion marginatum Striped Cusk-Eel 0 G
Butracbeldidne Toadfishes
Opsanus tau Oyster Toadfish 3 9 l8
Gobiesocidae CHinfishes
Gobiesox smenrosus Skilletfish 5 16
Cyprinodontidae. Killifishes
F;tndnlus heteroclitus Mummichog 0 0
Fimdttlus majalis Striped Killifish. 0 0
Atherinidne. Silversides
Membras martinica Rough Silverside 59 145
Menidia menidia Atlantic Silverside 4 10
Menidia beryllina Inland Silverside 0 0
Hemiramphidae Halfbcak
Hyporluuirphus'untfasciatus Silversuipe Haltbeak I I
Syngnathidae Pipefishes
S)mgnathrtsfuscrts Northern Pipefish 26 81
Syngnadurs louisianae Chain Pipefisb. 17 27
Hippocampus erectus Lined.Seahorse 1 2
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-6 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Appendix 3. continued
2022
Scientific name Common name Total number Total weight(g)
Trigliade Searobins
prionotusscMdus Leopard S.earobin 4 8
53 411
PrionotusMbidus Bighead Searobin
Prionotus mrolinits Northern Searobin 0 0
Lutjauidae Snappers.
Lutjanus.griseas Gray Snapper 0 0
Hemiramphus Halfbeaks
Heniirantphia spp. © 0
Lepisosteidne Gars
Lepisosteus osseus. Longnose.Gar Q Q
Gerreidae Mojarras
Alapteras:auratus Irish Pompano 0 0
Ertcinostourus argenteus Spotlin.Mojarra o 0
Hacmulidae Grunts
Orthopristis chrysoptera Pigfish 0 0
Pomatomidne Bluefishes
Pomatonnts saltahix Bluefish I5 94
Carangidne belts
Cara=hippos Crevalle Jack 0 0.
Selene votner Lookdovvn 64
0 0
Oligoplites saiaw Leathepacket fish 0
achmotus.carolinus Florida Pompano 0 0
Tr
Chlorosrombrus citrysunts AtlanticBumper 0 0
Belonidae Needlefishes
Strongylura marina Atlantic.Needleftsh 1 3
Sparidae Purgics
Archosargus probactocephaliis Sheepshead 1 4
Lagodon rhombodies Pinfish 2 l8
Sciaenidne Drams
Barldiella chrysoura Silver Perch 22 $0
Cynoscion nebulosus Spotted Seatrout 0 0
28
Cynoscion regalis Weakfish b 87
Leiostonnts xanthtn-its Spot 0
184 8
Menifcirrints:littoralis Gulf Kingfish828
0 0
Micropogonias undulates Atlantic Croaker 93 1,152
Stellifer lanceolatus Star.Drum 0
rum 59
Menlicirrhus americantts Southern KiWish 0 0
Ephippidae Spadefishes
Chaetodipterus faber AtImitic Spadefish l 756
Mugilidae Mullets
Mugil cephaltts Striped Mullet 17 719
Bleuniidae Conmtooth blennies
Hypsobletrnius hen& Feather Blenny 1 22
Hypsoblenniusionihas Freckled Blenny 1 2
Chasniodes bosquiamts Striped Blenny 1 3
Hypleurochilus gendnalus Crested Blenny I 6
Trichiuridae Snake:mackerels
Trichiurus leptunts Atlantic Cutlassfish 21 IN
Lefteve flounders
27
Ancylop 1 1
seua quadrocellata. Ocellated flounder 11 1
Citharichthys spilopterus. Bay Whiff
Eiro us crossotus Fringed flounder 10 8 99
P- 12 1,319
Paralichihys lerhosagma Southern flounder
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-7 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolozical Monitoring Report
Appendix 3. continued
2022
Scientific name Common name Total number Total weight(g)
Cynoglossidae. Touogefishes
Syrnphumv plagiusa Blackcheek Toungefish 46 298
Balistidae Triggerfishes/Filesfishcs
Monacantlutshispidus Planehead Filefish ...
Tetraodontidne Puffers
Chiloniycterus schoepf Striped Burnish 43 6 40
Sphoeroides maculates Norther Puffer 1 24
Lagocephalrrs laevigants Smooth Puffer
€ 0
Sphyraenidae Barracudas
Sphyraena mrid Barracuda sp. 1 2
Stromateidne Butterfishes
Peprilus alepidotus Harvesttish '2 1 4 93
.Peprilus trlacanihus Butterfish 1 4
Scophtbalmidae Turbots
Scophthalmtrsaquostrs Windowpane Flounder 3 212
Soleidae Soles
Twnectes macrdatus Hogehoker 1 8Ci Invertebrates
Loliginidne Pencil squids.
Lilliguncula brevis Atlantic Brief Squid 156 841
Squillidae Mantis shrimps
Squillaetnpusa Mantis Shrimp 12 364
Penaeidae. Prawm
Farfantepenaeus astecus Brown Shrimp 879 7,680
FarJantepenaeus duorarum Pink Shrimp 1,458
5
Litopenaeus serifenrs White.Shrimp ,431 9,851
Trachypeneus constrictus Hardback Shrimp 31 25
Partunidae Swimming crabs
T 4
93
CaUinectes sapidus Blue.Crab 9 12,1
Callinectessimills Lesser Blue.Cmb
4104
Callinectes.Spp. Swimming crabs 7 102
Portunm spinimanus Blotch 1
ed Swimming Crab 59 2
Porttrnus:gibbesh Iridescent Swimming Crab 16 28
Numbers.and biomass represent total number and cveight collected per 24-hour sample summed over all sample.dates.
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-8 Water Resources Unit

BrunS`vicic Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
im n�
Appendix 4. Total number+of larval organisms collected during entrainment(BE)and
larval impingement (LI) sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,
2023.
2023
Scientific name Common name BE L1
Anguillldae. Fresbtivater eels
Anguilla rostrate American Eel 0 0
Elopidae Tarpons
Elops.saunts Ladyfish.(lepto.) 1 7
Ophichthidae. Snake eels
Myroplus punciatus Speckled Worm Eel 2 3
Myrophis ptmetalus(lepto.) Speckled Worm Eel(lepto.) 9 26
Clupeldae Herrings
Brevoorda tyrannus Atlantic Menhaden 49 246
Clupea harengus Herring 2
Engraulidae Anchovies
Anchoa<13mm Anchoa<13rnm S4 75
Anchoa?13rrm Anchoa>13mm 341 267
Syngoathidae Pipefkshes
Symgnathus.spp. Pipefish 3 13
Syngnathus jtscus Northam Pipefish 1 I
Syngnathus louisianae Chain Pipefish 0 4
Atherinidae Silvers€des
Atherinidae Silversides 120 25
Gerre€dne Mojarras
Gerreidee Modarras 4 2
Haemulidac Grunts
0rihoprisus chrysoptem Pinfsh 38 68
Scinenidae Drunks
Bairdiella chrysoura Silver Perch 38 .41
Cyhoscion Kebulosus Spotte&Seatrout 20 14
Cynoscion regalfs Weakfish 4 14
Lelostomus xonthitrtts Spot 75 255
Pogonlas cronds Black Drum 2 0
Micropogoulas undulates Atlantic.Croaker 366 2203
Sciaenops ocellatus Red Drum 1 4
SlelWer lanceolattts Star Drum 6 I
Menticirrhus spp. Kingfish 0 3
Goblesocidae Clingfishes
Gobiesox suvmosus Skillet fish 9 0
Sparidae Porgies
Lagodon rhomboids Pinfish 18 33
Archosargus probatocepholus Sheepshead 0 1
Carangidae Jacks
Carangidae .lacks 1 0
Mugilidae Mullets
Mugil citreina White Mullet 2 0
hfugil cepM- Striped:Mullet 0 1
Bleuniidae Combtooth blennles
Blennidae Combtoothblennics 26 2
Eleotridae Sleepers
Dormitator macidalus Fat Sleeper 1 2
Gobndae Gobies
Gobiosonta.spp. 376 212
Microgobius.spp. 9 2
CtenogobiuslGoblonelhts spp. 57 208
Gobisomd bosc Naked Goby I
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-9 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Appendix 4. continued
2023
Scientific name Common name BE Ll
Bothidne Lefteye flounders
Paralichthys spp. flounder Unid. & 13
Soleidae Soles
Trinectes nrpctdatus. Hogchoker 4 8
Cynoglossidne. Tonguefrshes
Syt!phunts spp: 1 I
Hemiramphus Halfbeaks
Hemiramphus spp. 1 0
Synodontidae. Lizardfishes:
Synodusfoetens. Inshore Lizardfish 1 0
Magalopidae Tarpons.
Megalops(leptocephalns) Tarpon(larva) I
Ephippidae Spadefshes
Chaetodiptentsfaber Atlantic Spadefish 0 1
Paralichthyidae. Large Tooth Flounders
Ciihorichihys spp. Whiffs 0 7
Triglida.e Searobins
Prionomus spp: Searobin 0 3
Invertebrates
Penacidae Prawns
Commercial.shrimp'(pwtlarve) Shrimp larvae 393 2,559
Trachypenaeus conshictats Hardback Shrimp 3 40
Penaeus setiferra White Shrimp 0 8
Crangon crangon. Brown Shrimp 0 3
Pandalus borealis Pink Shrimp 0
Portuoidae Swimming crabs
Portunid crab megalops 78 620
Portunid crab_1Onim. 4 41
CalRnectes.spp. Blue Crab(>10mm:20mm) 0 4
Lilnulidae. Horseshoe crabs
Linntitts polyphemus Atlantic Horseshoe Crab 1 0
Loliginidne Squids
Lolliguncula brevis Brief Squid 1 0
'Numbers represent total number collected(per 2-minute:LI sample f per 5-minute BE sample)summed over all.samples.
"Commercial shrimp referto White,Brown,and Pink Shrimp of genus Farfantependeus and Lilopenaeus.
Drake Energy Progress, LLC A-10 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Re ort
ti
Appendix 5. Total number+ and biomass (g) of juvenile and adult organisms collected
during impingement sampling at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant,2023.
2023
Total number I Total weight(g)
Scientific name Common name
Dasyatidae Whiptail Stingrays
DasyaifsSabina Atlantic Stingray 3 620
Gymnuridae Butterfly Ray
Gymmnura micnira Smooth.Butterfly Ray 3 442
Gynrn;aa spp. Butterfly Ray 1 130
Rhinapteridae Cownose Rays
Rhinoptera.bonasus Cownose Ray 0 0
Anguillidne Freshwater eels
Anguilla rostrale American Eel 2 126
Ophiclithidne Snake eels
Myrophis punctatus Speckled Worm Eel 2 6
Ophichthus goniesii Shrimp Eel Ci 1,036
Clupeida a Herrings
Alosa aestiralis Blueback Herring I 6
Brevoortia'tyrannus Atlantic Menhaden 164 5,(}96
Dorosonra cepediantau Gizzard Shad I Dorosonra petenense Threadfin Shad 20 76
Opisthoneina oglinuin Atlantic Thread Herring, 48 250.
Alosa.sapidissima American Shad I to
Rachycenti.idae Cobia
Rachycentron canadrrtn Coiiia 0 0
Centrnrchidae
Cenitropr7stis philadelphtea Rock Sea Bass 1 65
Engraulidne Anebovies
Anchoa.hepsetus Striped Anchovy 22> 1, 83
3
Anchoa mitchilli Bay.Ancbovy 1,271 1,5
Synodontidae Liznvdfishes
Synodus foetens Inshore.Lizardflshes 3 381
Gadidae Codfishes
Urophycis,Jloridana Southern Hake 0 0
Urophycis regia Spotted Hake 8 285
Ophidiidae Cusk-eels
Ophidion ipelshi Crested Cusk-Eel 0 0
Ophidion rnarginatran Striped Cusk-Eel I 8
Battachoididse Toadfishes
Opsanus tau Oyster-Toadfish 1 S
Gobiesocidae Clingfishes
Gobiesox stnanosrrs Skilletfish 1 6
Cyprinodontidae Killifishes
Fun&dus heteroclrtus Mummiehog 0 0
Fmrdtibts majalts Striped Killifish 0 0
Atherinidae Silversides
Mentbras nrartinica Rough Silverside 49 160
Menidia nienidia Atlantic Silverside 12 42
Menidia beryllina Inland Silverside 0 0
I-Iemiramphidae. Halfbeak
Hyporliatrrpinis rrnf fasciatrrs Silverstripe Halfbeak 0 0
Synguathidae Pipefshes
Syngnathua tscus Northern Pipefish 54 1 Syngnathus loidsianae Chain Pipefish 2b 89
Hippocarnpus ereetus Lined.Seahorse I 2
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-11 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biolo ical Monitorin Report
Appendix 5.continued
2023
Total number Total weight(g)
Scientific name Common name
Trigliade. Searobins
Prtonotus scittdus Leopard Searobin 2 10
Prfonows,tribulas Bighead.Searobin 21 269
Prionotus carolinus Northern Searobin 1 4
.Lutjanidae Snappers
Lsr janiis griserrs Gray Snapper 1 2
Hemiramphus Halfbeaks
Hendrarnphits spp. 1 19
Lepisosteidae Gars
Lepisosteus osseus Longrose Gran 1 172
Gerreidae irfojarras
TrishPom Pompano 1 6
Diaprerus aurarirs P
Eucinostomus argentens Spotfin Mojarra 2 14
Haemulidae Grunts
Orthopristis chrysoptera Pigfish 6 76
Pomatomidae Bluefishes
Pomalomw saltatrix Bluefish 8 476
Carangidac Jacks
Caranx hippos .Crevalle Jack 1 4
Selene vonrer Loakdown 14 25 8
Oligoplites saurus Leathaijacket fish 4 8
Trachinotus.carolinrts Florida Pompano 0 0
Chlorosc'ombrus chrysunts Atlantic.Bumper 2 4
Belonidne Needlefishes
Strongyhrra marina Atlantic.Needlefish 0 0
Sparidne Porgies
Archosargus probactocephalus Sheepshead 0 0
Lagodon rhombodies Pinfisb 26 362
Sciaenidae Drams
8
52
Baridiella clnysowu Silver Perch 41 2
Cynoscion nebulosars Spotted Seatrout 1 3
Cynoscion regalis Weakfish 1 42
Leiosioinus x 0 anthrinrs Spot 16 I,270
Menticirrhus.hiloralis Gulf Kingfish 0
Mieropogonias tindWrites Atlantic Croaker 104 .21543
Stellifer lanceolatus Star Drum 0 0
Menticirrhus anrericamrs Southern Kingfish 1 2
Epbippidae Spadefishes
Chaetodiptenrsfaber Atlantic Spadefish 3 136
Mugilidae Mullets
Mugu cepluilus Striped Mullet 8 632
Blennlidae Combtooth blennics
Hypsoblennius hens 0 0
Feather Blenny 36
Hypsoblennius.ionthas Freckled Blenny 0
Chasniodes bosquianus Striped Blenny 1 2
Hyplenrodwitsgenrinatus. Crested Blenny 0 0
Trichiuridae Snake mackerels
Trichiurus lepturia Atlantic'Cutlassftsh SS 1,444
Bothidae Lefteyeflounders
Ancylopserta quadrocellata Ocellated flounder 2 23
Citharichthys spilopterus Bay Whiff I4 156
Etrppus crossotns. Fringed flounder 13 50
ParalichdO lethostigma Southern flounder 14 2,759
Duke Energy Progress, LLC A-12 Water Resources Unit

Brunswick Steam Electric Plant 2022-2023 Biological Monitoring Report
Appendix 5. continued
2023
Total number Totai weight(g)
Scientific name Common name
Cynoglossidae Toungefishes
Syn1phurus plagiusa Blackcheek Toungefish 84 435
Balistidae Triggerfishes/Filesfishes
Monacamhus hispidus, Planehead Filefish 1 19
Tetraodontidae Puffers
Chdomyctena schoepfr. Striped Burrfish 22 2,272
Sphoeroides.uraculates IBorthem.Puffer 11 1,575
Lagocephalus laevigatus Smooth Puffer 0 0
Sphyraenidae Barracudas
Sphyraena wrid. Barracuda sp. 0 0
Stromateidae Butterfishes
es
Harvestfish t6 313
Peprihis triacanthus Butterfish 3 1;4
Scophthalmidae Turbots
Scophthaltnus aquosus Windowpane Flounder 0 0
Soleidne Soles
Trinectes macuiuiirs Hogehoker 15 180
Invertebrates
Laliginidae Pencil squids
Lilliguncula brevis Atlantic Brier Squid 188 932
Squiltidne Mantis shrimps
Squilla empasa Mantis Shrimp 18. 424
Penaeidne Prawns
Farfantepenams astecus Browm shrimp 1,840 6,390
Farfantepenaeas duorartgn Pink Shrimp 158 399
Litopenaertsselifenrs White Shrimp 1,295 6,509
TrachypeneW constriclus Hardback Shrimp 119 94
Portudidae Swimming crabs
Callinectes sapidirs Blue Crab 184 151392
Callineetesshnilis Usser Blue Crab 436 1,334
Ciillinectes spp. Swimming.crabs 1 I
Porlunus spininianus Blotched Swimming Crab 2, 6
Porninus gibbeVi Iridescent Swimming Crab 16 128`
14timbers and biomass represent total number and weight collected per 24-hour sample summed over all sample dates.
Duke Energy Progress,LLC A-13 Water Resources Unit