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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20080915 Ver 3_Draft application to amend C-W WQCs - Consultation version_20160715Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Introduction Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy) submits this Application for Amendment of the Water Quality Certification (WQC) issued for the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project. For consistency and simplicity, this application is being filed with both the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to amend North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to amend South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015. Most revisions apply to both states and one applies to South Carolina only. The applicability of each revision to each state is clearly identified within the descriptions of the individual revisions. Duke Energy acknowledges each state will process this application independently and are under no constraint to synchronize their processing of this application with the other state. On July 15, 2016 Duke Energy submitted this Application for Amendment in draft form to state and federal resource agencies for consultation. All consultation comments received are summarized for each revision and all consultation documentation is included in Attachment A. Background This amendment is necessary due to the changes to the changes listed below. These changes affect certain appendices of the Catawba-Wateree Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA) dated December 22, 2006 which are also incorporated by reference as conditions of the original WQCs. 1. CRA Parties have found it to be beneficial to improve regional drought resiliency by raising reservoir summer target elevations on Lakes James, Norman, and Wylie by an additional 6" from May 1 — October 1 and to make a public safety improvement by modifying the 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) recreation flow release from the Wylie Development to 3,000 cfs. 2. Duke Energy voluntarily initiated revisions to update the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) and the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol (MEP) in accordance with 1 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 the CRA based on experience gained during voluntary implementation of these protocols since 2006. 3. The license issued for the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project on November 25, 2015 requires Duke Energy to file both a Water Quality Monitoring Plan (WQMP) and a Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP). In the interim, since these CRA provisions were developed in 2006, the status and implementation schedule for these requirements have changed. Affected WQC Conditions The affected WQC conditions are: Condition 1; CRA - Appendices Appendix A A-1.0 Reservoir Elevation Articles; Reservoir Elevations (applies to NC and SC) A-2.0 Flow Articles; Recreation Flows (applies to SC only) A-3.0 Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) Article (applies to NC and SC) A-4.0 Maintenance and Emergence Protocol (MEP) Article (applies to NC and SC) Appendix F: Water Quality Monitoring Plan (WQMP) (applies to NC and SC) Appendix L: Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP) (applies to NC and SC) Detailed Description of Revisions Revisions to each of the affected WQC Conditions previously listed are described in detail in the following sections of this application and include: • Statement of revision; • Background information explainingthe need forthe revision; 2 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 • Actual text of the revision - for ease of identification, text modified from the December 22, 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics (with only the exception of the revised Water Quality Monitoring Plan); • Identification and assessment of any incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC; and • Consultation Summary. 3 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Appendix A, A-1.0 Reservoir Elevation Articles; Reservoir Elevations (applies to INC and SC) Statement of Revision Add six inches to James, Norman, and Wylie summer Normal Target Elevations. Background information explaining the need for the revision This revision was evaluated as part of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group's (CWWMG) Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP) development (http://www.catawbawatereewmg.org/water-supply-master-plan/read-the-report/). The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG) is a 501C-3 non-profit organization established "to identify, fund, and manage projects that will help preserve, extend, and enhance the capabilities of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to provide water resources for human needs while maintaining the ecological integrity of the waterway." The CWWMG has 19 members, one member representing each of the eligible 18 public water utilities in North and South Carolina that operate water intakes on either a reservoir or regulated river reach of the main stem, and one member representing Duke Energy. The organization was born out of the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project relicensing process completed by Duke Energy. The purpose of this WSMP is to protect, preserve, and extend the available water supply in the Catawba-Wateree River and its 11 reservoirs. The work effort, results, and recommendations presented were developed by the CWWMG, regulatory officials from North and South Carolina, and a Stakeholder Advisory Team (SAT). This specific revision involves raising the summer target operating levels six inches in three of the larger Catawba-Wateree reservoirs (Lake James, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie). This modification has been approved by all CRA Parties. Pending successful amendment of the WQC, this modification will be filed with the FERC as a license amendment. Actual text of the revision (For ease of identification. text modified from the December 2 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics) 4 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 CRA Appendix A, pages A-1 and A-2: ARTICLE — Reservoir Elevations (A) Reservoir Elevations — Within 60 days following the issuance of this license, to protect and enhance the Project's values that may be affected by reservoir level fluctuations, the Licensee shall maintain the elevations of the Project reservoirs between the Normal Minimum and Normal Maximum Elevations indicated in the tables below and shall endeavor in good faith to achieve the Normal Target Elevations in the tables. All elevations in the tables below are relative to the top of the dam (including floodgates and flashboards where applicable) with 100.0 ft. = Full Pond Elevation. The elevations included in the tables are for the first day of the given month; elevations for other days of the month are determined by linear interpolation. Lake James (Full Pond is 1200.0 ft. above Mean Sea Level (MSL)) Month Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January 93 96 100 February 92 94 100 March 92 95 100 April 92 96 100 98 (98.5 after Wateree Dam is modified to improve flood May - October 95 100 management or 1213112025 whichever is later) November - December 93 96 100 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Lake Rhodhiss (Full Pond is 995.1 ft. MSL) Month Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month 94 96 100 March — December (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - December 94 97 100 Lake Hickory (Full Pond is 935.0 ft. MSL) Month Normal Minimum (ft.) Normal Target (ft.) Normal Maximum (ft.) January - February 94 96 100 March — December 94 97 100 Lookout Shoals Lake (Full Pond is 838.1 ft. MSL) Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - December 94 97 100 Lake Norman (Full Pond is 760.0 ft. MSL) Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January 93 96 100 February 91 94 100 March 92.26 95.26 100 April 93.65 96.65 100 98 (98.5 after Wateree Dam is modified to improve flood May - October 95 100 management or 1213112025 whichever is later) Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 November 93.98 97 100 December 93 96 100 Mountain Island Lake (Full Pond is 647.5 ft. MSL) Month Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - April (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - December 94.3 96 100 Lake Wylie (Full Pond is 569.4 ft. MSL) Month Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - April 94 97 100 January - December 95 97 (97.5 after 100 Wateree Dam is modified to improve flood May - October 94 100 management or 1213112025 whichever is later) November- December 94 97 100 Fishing Creek Reservoir (Full Pond is 417.2 ft. MSL) Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - December 95 98 100 Great Falls Reservoir (Full Pond is 355.8 ft. MSL) Normal Minimum Normal Target Normal Maximum Month (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) January - December 95 97.5 100 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Identification and assessment of anv incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC. As recommended in the WSMP, an operating level increase in these reservoirs would represent access to a greater volume of water during typically drier summer months than is currently available under the existing target elevations. Modeling results indicate that this strategy, alone, could extend the water yield of the Catawba-Wateree lake system by one decade beyond the baseline conditions. When coupled with other strategies recommended in the WSMP, this strategy will help extend the system water yield by an additional 40 to 50 years beyond baseline conditions, for an adequate water supply lasting into the next century. This will provide additional water volume for water supply, recreational uses and environmental resources during periods of extreme drought. This operational modification was modeled for any significant risk of exacerbating downstream high-water events. Both the number of spill events and the duration of spill events (days over local elevation 100.2 ft and days over local elevation 103 ft) are summarized below. Out of a base analysis period of record of 29,330 days (82 years), the modeling predicts the change in the number of spill days at any location without spill gates to not exceed 0.06% of the analysis period. This operational modification creates no significant increase in the risk of high-water events. Note 1- Baseline Scenario uses New License requirements, projected water withdrawals. Note 2 -Six-inch Summer Target Increase applies May 1 t October 1. Consultation Sum m N. CHEOPS Model Results (Notes 1, 2) Period of Record 1929to Numberof Spill Events Days Over Elevation100.2ft Days Over Elevation103ft 2010(29,950 days) 6"Summer 6"Summer 6"Summer Targetlncrease Target Increase Target Increase Ungated Dam Locations Baseline atJames, Baseline atJames, Baseline atJames, Norman, and Norman, and Norman, and Wylie Wylie Wylie LakeJames 63 70 160 177 6 7 Lake Rhodhiss 255 260 604 605 26 29 LookoutShoals Lake 817 810 1,075 1,086 42 43 Mountain Island Lake 140 134 183 190 41 36 Great Falls Reservoir 209 213 2,952 2,904 828 837 LakeWateree 280 282 266 267 26 25 Note 1- Baseline Scenario uses New License requirements, projected water withdrawals. Note 2 -Six-inch Summer Target Increase applies May 1 t October 1. Consultation Sum m N. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Appendix A, A-2.0 Flow Articles; Recreation Flows (applies to SC only) Statement of Revision Change 6,000 cfs recreation flow release at Wylie Hydro Station to 3,000 cfs Background information explaining the need for the revision Appendix A-2.0 in the CRA lists a series of recreational flows for five sections of the Catawba- Wateree River. These flow rates are based on actual flow studies, which were carried out in 2004. Duke Energy made a series of different flow releases and groups of canoeists and kayakers of varying skill levels made an assessment of what was considered to be a suitable level. The flow tables in the CRA reflect the outcome of these assessments. Duke Energy made the decision to follow the CRA recreational flows voluntarily as soon as the original CRA was signed, rather than wait for the license to be issued. With the delay in FERC issuing the license, this has given us seven full seasons of experience with recreational flows. With one exception these flows have worked out as anticipated. The area of concern is the recreation flow releases from Lake Wylie. At this location the CRA calls for 3,000 cubic foot per second (cfs) recreation flow releases in the spring and fall and 6,000 cfs recreation flow releases during the summer. The 6,000 cfs recreation flow was included because it was thought that the higher water level gave the paddling trip an added experience value. During the past seven years paddlers, including the Carolina Canoe Club, have been able to assess the flows and also to get a feel for the type of boater using this section. Paddlers have found 3,000 cfs provides a perfectly satisfactory experience, but the 6,000 cfs level has proved to be a challenge to the skill levels of the more typical paddlers using this section. In fact, for safety reasons Catawba River Expeditions — one of the few outfitters running commercial trips on this section of the river — has chosen not to run river trips at the 6,000 cfs level. Tubing has increased in popularity and this adds to the need to drop back to 3,000 cfs throughout the season. This modification has been approved by all CRA Parties. Pending successful amendment of the WQC, this modification will be filed with the FERC as a license amendment. Actual text of the revision (for ease of identification, text modified from the December 22, 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics) Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 CRA Appendix A, page A-6: (C) Wylie Development — Within 60 days following issuance of this license, the Licensee shall provide recreational flow releases at the Wylie Development in accordance with the following schedule in the table below. In addition, the Licensee shall, from May 1 to July 15 inclusive, release at least 1,300 cfs for six hours prior to the recreational flow release scheduled start times shown in the table below to ensure suitable water levels at Landsford Canal State Park. Wylie Development Recreational Flow Schedule Flow (at or Dates Days / Description above) Hour Start Hour End (inclusive) (cfs) Apr 1 -Apr 30 Last full weekend — Saturday 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm and Sunday May 1 -Jun 15 Each Friday, Saturday and 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm Sunday plus Memorial Day Each Friday, Saturday and Jun 16 -Jul 15 Sunday plus Independence 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm Day Jul 16 -Aug Each Saturday and Sunday 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm 31 Sep 1 -Sep Each Friday, Saturday and 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm 30 Sunday plus Labor Day Oct 1 -Oct 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 3,000 10:00 am 4:00 pm 10 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Identification and assessment of any incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC This change will improve paddling and tubing safety for a broader range of public skill and experience levels while still providing scheduled recreational flow releases. Consultation Summary 11 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Appendix A, A-3.0 Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) Article (applies to INC and SC) Statement of Revision General revisions to the LIP to incorporate experience to -date, to be consistent with the preceding two CRA revisions, and to implement improvements resulting from the Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP). Background information explaining the need for the revision The LIP was evaluated as part of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group's (CWWMG) Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP) development(http://www.catawbawatereewmg.org/water- supply-master-plan/read-the-report/). Through this revision, Duke Energy is implementing items identified in and determined to be beneficial via the development of the WSMP. Some LIP revisions are necessary to make the LIP consistent with previously discussed revisions to reservoir target elevations and recreation flow releases. In addition, the CRA requires that during the term of the New License, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) will review and update the LIP periodically to ensure continuous improvement of the LIP and its implementation. The LIP established the CW- DMAG to work with Duke Energy when the LIP is initiated to foster a basin -wide response to a Low Inflow Condition. These evaluations and modifications are to be considered at least once every five years during the term of the license recently issued on November 25, 2015. Even though the license has been issued for less than five years, experience gained from voluntarily implementing the LIP since 2006 has yielded revisions for clarifications and improvements. The CW-DMAG has concurred in these revisions. Actual text of the revision (for ease of identification. text modified from the December 22 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics) ((Since Ed Bruce has developed this revision in a separate effort with the Catawba Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group and has already conducted agency consultation, these modifications will not be repeated here. Final text of the revised LIP, consultation summary, and the consultation record will be inserted in this application to submit to NCDEQ and SCDHEC.)J Identification and assessment of anv incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC 12 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 The LIP revisions make the LIP consistent with and supportive of the beneficial CRA provisions previously discussed (i.e., higher summer Target Elevations and reduced Lake Wyle Dam recreation flow). In addition, other revisions allow the LIP to respond more quickly to changing drought triggers which conserves water during drought periods, helping to reduce the impacts of severe drought conditions on water supply, recreational uses and environmental resources. Consultation Summary All revisions have been discussed with and agreed to by the CW-DMAG and has been submitted to state and federal resource agencies for consultation review and comments. ((Consultation summary and the consultation responses submitted to Ed Bruce will be inserted in this application to submit to NCDEQ and SCDHEC.)) 13 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Appendix A, A-4.0 Maintenance and Emergence Protocol (MEP) Article (applies to INC and SC) Statement of Revision Add National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the list of resource agencies to be notified and consulted under the MEP. Background information explaining the need for the revision As included in the license issued November 25, 2015, Duke Energy is required to notify the FERC of any deviations in required flow releases in accordance with the MEP and to also notify state and federal resource agencies and determine if consultation is necessary to more fully evaluate the deviation. There have been several such incidents, some of which have prompted the FERC to inquire why the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) was not notified or consulted. NMFS is not currently included for notification or consultation in the MEP. Duke Energy believes it is beneficial and appropriate to add NMFS to the MEP to be included in notifications and consultation when MEP -related events occur in South Carolina due to NMFS jurisdictional interest in endangered species shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. This revision also incorporates general terminology updates, Critical Reservoir Elevation updates, and organization name updates to align with updates in the LIP and MEP. Actual text of the revision (for ease of identification, text modified from the December 22, 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics) 14 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 APPENDIX D: MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY PROTOCOL (MEP) FOR THE CATAWBA-WATEREE PROJECT Introduction Under some emergency, equipment failure, maintenance or other abnormal situations, certain license conditions may be impractical or even impossible to meet and may need to be suspended or modified temporarily to avoid taking unnecessary risks. The objectives of this protocol are to define the most likely situations of this type, identify the potentially impacted license conditions and outline the general approach that the Licensee will take to mitigate the impacts to license conditions and to communicate with the resource agencies and affected parties. Note: Due to the potential variability of these abnormal situations, this protocol is not intended to give an exact step-by-step solution path. It will, however, provide basic expectations for the Licensee's approach to dealing with the situation. Specific details will vary and will be determined on a case-by-case basis as the protocol is being enacted. The Licensee will review the requirements of this protocol each time it is used and may revise the MEP from time to time as noted below. Key Facts and Definitions Human Health and Safety and the integrity of the Public Water Supply and Electric Systems are of Utmost Importance — Nothing in this protocol will limit the Licensee's ability to take any and all lawful actions necessary at the Project to protect human health and safety, protect its equipment from major damage, protect the equipment of the Large Water Intake owners from major damage, and ensure the stability of the regional electric grid and public water supply systems. It is recognized that the Licensee may take the steps that are necessary to protect these things without prior consultation or notification. Likewise, nothing in this MEP will limit the States of North Carolina and South Carolina from taking any and all lawful actions necessary within their jurisdictions to protect human health and safety. It is recognized that North Carolina and South Carolina may also take the steps necessary to protect these things without prior consultation or notification. Normal Full Pond Elevation — Also referred to simply as "full pond," this is the level of a reservoir that corresponds to the point at which water would first begin to spill from the reservoir's dam(s) if the Licensee took no action. This level corresponds to the lowest point along the top of the spillway (including flashboards) for reservoirs without floodgates and to the lowest point along the top of the floodgates for reservoirs that have floodgates. To avoid confusion among the many reservoirs the Licensee operates, it has adopted the practice of 15 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 referring to the Full Pond Elevation for all of its reservoirs as equal to 100.0 ft. relative. The Full Pond Elevations for the Catawba-Wateree Project reservoirs are: Reservoir Full Pond Elevation (ft. above Mean Sea Level) Lake James 1200.0 Lake Rhodhiss 995.1 Lake Hickory 935.0 Lookout Shoals Lake 838.1 Lake Norman 760.0 Mountain Island Lake 647.5 Lake Wylie 569.4 Fishing Creek Reservoir 417.2 Great Falls Reservoir 355.8 Cedar Creek Reservoir 284.4 Lake Wateree 225.5 Normal Minimum Elevation — The level of a reservoir (measured in feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) or feet relative to the full pond contour with 100.0 ft. corresponding to full pond) that defines the bottom of the reservoir's Normal Operating Range for a given day of the year. If inflows and outflows to the reservoir are kept within some reasonable range of the average or expected amounts, hydroelectric project equipment is operating properly and no protocols for abnormal conditions have been implemented, reservoir level excursions below the Normal Minimum Elevation should not occur. 4. Normal Maximum Elevation — The level of a reservoir (measured in feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) or feet relative to the full pond contour with 100.0 ft. corresponding to full pond) that defines the top of the reservoir's Normal Operating Range for a given day of the year. If inflows and outflows to the reservoir are kept within some reasonable range of the average or expected amounts, hydroelectric project equipment is operating properly, and no protocols for abnormal conditions have been implemented, reservoir level excursions above the Normal Maximum Elevation should not occur. Normal Target Elevation — The level of a reservoir (measured in ft above Mean Sea Level (msl) or feet relative to the full pond contour with 100.0 ft corresponding to full pond) that the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to achieve, unless operating in the Low Inflow Protocol, the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol, the Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program (Lakes James, Norman, Wylie and Wateree only), a Spring Stable Flow Period (Lake 16 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Wateree only) or a Floodplain Inundation Period (Lake Wateree only). Since inflows vary significantly and outflow demands also vary, the Licensee will not always be able to maintain actual reservoir level at the Normal Target Elevation. The Normal Target Elevation falls within the Normal Operating Range, but it is not always the average of the Normal Minimum and Normal Maximum Elevations. Normal Operating Range — The band of reservoir levels within which the Licensee normally attempts to maintain a given reservoir that it operates on a given day. Each reservoir has its own specific Normal Operating Range, and that range is bounded by a Normal Maximum Elevation and a Normal Minimum Elevation. If inflows and outflows to the reservoir are kept within some reasonable range of the average or expected amounts, hydro project equipment is operating properly and no protocols for abnormal conditions have been implemented, reservoir level excursions outside of the Normal Operating Range should not occur. The New License for the Catawba-Wateree Project includes the Normal Operating Ranges for the reservoirs (i.e., Normal Minimum, Normal Maximum and Normal Target Elevations) as listed in the Reservoir Elevations License Article. Returning to Normal — Some of the abnormal situations noted in this MEP can impact the Licensee's ability to operate the hydro project in the most efficient and safest manner for power production. The Licensee will therefore endeavor in good faith to repair existing hydro project equipment and facilities and return them to service within a reasonable period of time, commensurate with the severity of the equipment / facility repair requirements. If the Licensee decides that repair is not cost-effective or that hydro station or dam retirement is necessary, the Licensee will notify the Parties to the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA) and consult with them as well as the FERC to determine any necessary modifications of the New License and/or this Agreement. Incidental Maintenance — These are maintenance activities at hydro project works that are very brief in nature or that require minimal if any deviation from normal license conditions. For the purposes of this protocol, maintenance of hydro project works that does not require deviation from any license conditions related to prescribed flow releases from Project structures, or the Normal Operating Ranges for reservoir levels or is less than 24 hours in duration and will not require any excursions below any Critical Flows or Critical Reservoir Elevations is considered Incidental Maintenance and, except for the notification steps identified in the tables below for communication with resource agencies and affected parties for conditions that impact prescribed flow releases, Incidental Maintenance is exempt from the requirements of this protocol. 9. Notification Guidance a. Scheduled Maintenance that Affects License Conditions —Typically, scheduled maintenance is planned months in advance. Once a likely maintenance schedule has been established, the Licensee will endeavor in 17 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 good faith to provide as much advance notice as possible to the affected parties identified in this protocol. b. Unscheduled Maintenance and Emergencies that Affect License Conditions — It is not possible for the Licensee to assure any level of advance notice. For these situations, the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to inform the affected parties identified in this protocol within some reasonable amount of time after the situation has been identified. 10. Relationship Between this Protocol and the Low Inflow Protocol — The Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) provides for reductions in generation flows, instream flows and recreational flow releases and modification of the Normal Operating Ranges for reservoir levels when water demands on the reservoirs substantially exceed net inflow. Lowered reservoir levels caused by situations addressed under this Maintenance and Emergency Protocol (MEP) will not invoke implementation of the LIP. Also, if the LIP has already been implemented at the time that a situation covered by this MEP is initiated, the Licensee will typically suspend implementation of the LIP until the MEP situation has been eliminated. The Licensee may however choose to continue with the LIP if desirable. 11. Peak Recreation Season — The period when recreation use on Project reservoirs is generally at the highest levels, identified by the Recreation Use and Needs Study as extending from April 1 s'through September 301". 12. Critical Flows — The minimum flow releases from the hydro developments that may be necessary to: a. prevent long-term or irreversible damage to aquatic communities consistent with the resource management goals and objectives for the affected stream reaches; b. provide some basic level of operability for large water intakes located on the affected stream reaches; and, c. provide some basic level of water quality maintenance in the affected stream reaches. For the purposes of the LIP and this MEP, the Critical Flows are as follows: a. Linville River, below the Bridgewater Development (Lake James): 75 cubic feet per second (cfs). b. Catawba River Bypassed Reach below the Bridgewater Development (Lake James): 25 cfs. c. Oxford Regulated River Reach below the Oxford Development (Lake Hickory): 100 cfs. d. Lookout Shoals Regulated River Reach below the Lookout Shoals Development: 80 cfs. e. Wylie Regulated River Reach below the Wylie Development: 700 cfs 18 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 f. Great Falls Bypassed Reaches (Long and Short) at the Great Falls -Dearborn Development: 450 cfs and 80 cfs respectively. g. Wateree Regulated River Reach below the Wateree Development: 800 cfs h. Leakage flows at the remaining Project structures. Leakage flows are defined as the flow of water through wicket gates when the hydro units are not operating and seepage through the Project structures at each development. 13. Critical Reservoir Elevation — Unless it is otherwise stated as applying only to a specific intake or type of intake, the Critical Reservoir Elevation is the highest level of water in a reservoir (measured in feet above Mean Sea Level (mis) or feet relative to the full pond contour with 100.0 ft. corresponding to full pond) below which any Large Water Intake used for Public Water Supply or industrial uses, or any regional power plant intake located on the reservoir will not operate at its Licensee -approved capacity. The Critical Reservoir Elevations, as of December31, 2016, are defined below: Reservoir Critical Reservoir Elevation (ft. relative to local datum) (100 ft = Full Pond) Type of Limit Lake James 50.0 Power Production Lake Rhodhiss 89.4 Municipal Intake Lake Hickory 94.0 Municipal Intake Lookout Shoals Lake 74.9 Municipal Intake Lake Norman 90.0 Power Production Mountain Island Lake 90.5 Municipal Intake Lake Wylie 92.6 Industrial Intake Fishing Creek Reservoir 95.0 Municipal Intake Great Falls Reservoir 87.2 Power Production Cedar Creek Reservoir 80.3 Power Production Lake Wateree 92.5 Municipal Intake 14. Organizational abbreviations include the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (NCSHPO), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SCSHPO), United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Marine Fisheries Service 19 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 (NMFS), American Whitewater (AW), United States Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Catawba Indian Nation (CIN) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). 15. Voltage and Capacity Emergencies — The electric transmission system serving the Project area is part of the Licensee's main transmission system. The Licensee's system is connected to other large transmission systems located in the southeast. If the Licensee's system reliability is at risk due to Voltage and Capacity Emergencies, the ability to provide secure and continuous electric service to the Licensee's electric customers becomes compromised. The Licensee's System Operating Center (SOC) and Transmission Control Center (TCC) continuously monitor the electric transmission system. Therefore, for the purposes of this protocol, a Voltage or Capacity Emergency shall exist when declared by the Licensee's SOC or TCC. 16. Large Water Intake — any water intake (e.g., public water supply, industrial, agricultural, power plant, etc.) having a maximum instantaneous capacity greater than or equal to one Million Gallons per Day (MGD) that withdraws water from the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. 17. Preparation for High Inflow Events —With modern forecasting, it is more possible than ever to predict large high inflow events and to increase generation hours to reduce reservoir levels in order to mitigate the potential for spilling and high water. Typically, this type of advance action is taken from 1 to 5 days or more before the expected arrival of the storm. It is assumed that the Normal Operating Ranges of reservoir levels may not include adequate flexibility (i.e. band width) to allow for this type of reservoir level reduction under heavy inflow circumstances, and therefore, allowances are made in this MEP to lower reservoir levels below the Normal Minimum Elevations if needed in preparation for such events. 18. Large Extended Drawdown — Any drawdown of a Project reservoir that will expose substantial lakebed areas for an extended period of time that are not normally exposed during the year. For the purposes of this document, a large extended drawdown is any drawdown that is expected to maintain lake elevation for at least 30 consecutive days at levels that are at least five feet below the lowest Normal Minimum Elevation for that reservoir. 20 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 19. Revising the MEP — The Licensee will review the requirements of this MEP each time it is used and will consult with the organizations listed in Item 14 above (except the FERC) if the Licensee determines that revisions are warranted. The Licensee will file the revised MEP with the FERC, including filing a license amendment request if the Licensee determines that the amendment is needed. If any modifications of the MEP require amendment of the New License, the Licensee will provide notice to all Parties to the CRA advising them of the proposed license article amendment prior to filing the license amendment request for FERC approval. The filing of a revised MEP by the Licensee will not constitute or require modification to the CRA and any Party to the CRA may be involved in the FERC's public process for assessing the revised MEP. 20. Instream Flows For Recreation — The New License for the Project includes the prescribed recreational flow releases as listed in the Recreational Flows License Article. 21. Minimum Flows — The New License for the Project includes the minimum flow requirements as listed in the Minimum Flows License Article, the Wylie High Inflow Protocol License Article, and the Flows Supporting Public Water Supply and Industrial Processes License Article. 22. Public Information System — The New License for the Project includes the requirement to provide information to the public as specified in the Public Information License Article. 23. Svrina Reservoir Level Stabilization Program am — The New License for the Project includes the reservoir level requirements in the Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program License Article. Guidance for Resaondina to Abnormal Conditions This section provides guidance for responding to the most likely conditions identified in the table below. The table identifies the most likely abnormal conditions when this protocol will be enacted and the license requirements that would most likely be impacted. Abnormal Condition Potentially Impacted License Requirements Normal Flows in Operating Flows in Ranges and Condition Condition Name Indications Bypassed Regulated Stabilization Letter Reaches River Periods for Reaches Reservoir Levels 21 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition Potentially Impacted License Requirements Normal Flows in Operating Condition Flows in Regulated Ranges and Letter Condition Name Indications Bypassed River Stabilization Reaches Reaches Periods for Reservoir Levels A Hydro Unit Maintenance will require hydro X X X Maintenance unit shutdown. Maintenance of Maintenance will require B Minimum Flow interruption of scheduled X X Devices minimum releases from normal locations Imminent Failure or Potential Failure condition is declared Dam Safety per Emergency Action Plan or C Emergency other dam safety concern is X X X identified. Voltage or capacity conditions on the electric grid in the Licensee's system or the larger regional electric grid Voltage or cause the Licensee's system D Capacity reliability and safety to be at X X X Emergency risk and a voltage or capacity emergency is declared by Licensee's System Operating Center (SOC) or Transmission Control Center (TCC). Reservoir Drawdown Below Normal Minimum E Elevation due to The reservoir level is below X X X maintenance, Normal Minimum Elevation emergency or other reasons (not due to low or high inflow) Safe access to bypasses or River Access regulated river reaches F Special requires interruption of X X Circumstances scheduled/minimum releases from normal locations 22 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition Potentially Impacted License Requirements Normal Flows in Operating Condition Flows in Regulated Ranges and Letter Condition Name Indications Bypassed River Stabilization Reaches Reaches Periods for Reservoir Levels Expected or The water level at a reservoir G existing high is significantly above or below X inflow event the Normal Operating Range Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties General Notification As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and/or its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Specific consultation is discussed below for each identified abnormal situation. Notification and Consultation Notification and consultation requirements are specified for each abnormal condition. The Licensee will consider options suggested by the identified agencies and organizations that could lessen the impact of the abnormal condition on the environmental, cultural and human needs relative to the Project. 23 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition A.1 — Scheduled Hydro Unit Maintenance Mitigating Actions Scheduling — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid scheduling hydro unit maintenance that would impact flow requirements for aquatic habitat, water quality, recreation, navigation or downstream water uses during Peak Recreation Season, or during Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Periods (Bridgewater, Cowans Ford, Wylie and Wateree developments only) or during Spring Stable Flow Periods (Wateree Development only) unless it is likely that the equipment condition will cause damage or unscheduled unit maintenance if repairs are delayed. Replacing Recreational Flow Releases — If the maintenance operations affect equipment that provides the normal method of providing prescribed recreational flows, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to replace some or all of the missed flows that are normally scheduled for recreation. This can be accomplished by providing replacement flow releases at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development, and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches) through the use of spillway gates. The preferred method at all of the developments is to schedule replacement recreational flow releases for another time after the maintenance operations are completed. The replacement recreational flow releases will occur during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 3. Drawing Down the Affected Reservoir—To minimize the impacts to its electric customers, the Licensee may choose to draw down a reservoir using its hydro units to minimize spillage from the dam during maintenance operations, but not to levels below the Critical Reservoir Elevations. 4. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners or Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of any reduced flow releases. 24 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition A.1 — Scheduled Hydro Unit Maintenance Notification Consultation Comments For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the maintenance will NCDEQ affect any required flow release or Normal Operating Range or FERC NCWRC Stabilization Requirements for Reservoir Levels, provide notification USFWS and initiate consultation as soon as maintenance schedules are determined (typically months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning any reservoir drawdown or the hydro unit maintenance. For developments in SC. If the maintenance will affect any required SCDNR flow release or Normal Operating Range or Stabilization FERC SCDHEC Requirements for Reservoir Levels, provide notification and initiate USFWS consultation as soon as maintenance schedules are determined NMFS (typically months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning any reservoir drawdown or the hydro unit maintenance. AW Consult at least 10 days prior to maintenance if it will affect the prescribed recreational flow releases. NCSHPO Consult at least 10 days prior to maintenance or beginning any SCSHPO reservoir drawdown if maintenance will affect Historic Properties CIN (NCSHPO or SCSHPO as appropriate) and include consultation with EBCI CIN and EBCI if the maintenance will result in a Large Extended Drawdown. B/A Consult at least 10 days prior to maintenance, if it will affect normal CIN minimum flow releases from the Wylie Development. Large Water Intake Owners' Consult with intake owners and downstream effluent dischargers at Downstream least 10 days prior to beginning maintenance or any reservoir Effluent drawdown if flow releases below Critical Flows will be required. Dischargers' Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any temporary Closure recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure due to Notification extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the maintenance. 25 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition A.2 — Unscheduled Hydro Unit Maintenance Mitigating Actions Replacing Recreational Flow Releases — If the maintenance affects equipment that provides the normal method of providing prescribed recreational flows, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to replace some or all of the missed flows that are normally scheduled for recreation. This can be accomplished by providing replacement flow releases at the Oxford Development, Wylie Development, and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches) through the use of spillway gates. The preferred method at all the developments is to schedule replacement recreational flow releases for another time after the maintenance operations are complete. The replacement recreational flow releases will occur during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 2. Drawing Down the Affected Reservoir—To minimize the impacts to its electric customers, the Licensee may choose to draw down a reservoir using its hydro units to minimize spillage from the dam during maintenance operations, but not to levels below the Critical Reservoir Elevations. 3. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of any reduced flow releases. 26 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition A.2 — Unscheduled Hydro Unit Maintenance Notification Consultation Comments For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the maintenance will FERC NCDEQ affect any required flow release or Normal Operating Range or NCDEQ NCWRC Stabilization Requirements for Reservoir Levels, perform notification NCWRC USFWS as soon as possible after the unscheduled maintenance begins, but USFWS no longer than 5 days afterwards. Begin consultation within 10 days after the unscheduled maintenance begins. FERC SCDNR For developments in SC. If the maintenance will affect any required SCDNR SCDHEC flow release or Normal Operating Range or Stabilization SCDHEC USFWS USFWS Requirements for Reservoir Levels, perform notification as soon as USFWS NMFS possible after the unscheduled maintenance begins, but no longer NMFS than 5 days afterwards. Initiate consultation within 10 days. AW AW Notify (within 5 days) and consult (within 10 days) afterwards if maintenance will affect the prescribed recreational flow releases. NCSHPO NCSHPO Notify (within 5 days) and consult (within 10 days) afterwards with SCSHPO SCSHPO NCSHPO and SCSHPO (as appropriate) if maintenance will affect CIN CIN Historic Properties and include consultation with CIN and EBCI if the EBCI EBCI maintenance will result in a Large Extended Drawdown. BiA BiA Notify (within 5 days) and consult (within 10 days) afterwards if CIN CIN maintenance affects normal minimum flow releases from the Wylie Development. Large Water Large Water Intake Owners' Intake Owners' Notify (within 5 days) and consult (within 10 days) afterwards with Downstream Downstream intake owners and downstream effluent dischargers if flow releases Effluent Effluent below Critical Flows are required. Dischargers' Dischargers' Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any temporary Closure recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure due to Notification extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the maintenance. 27 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition 13.1 — Maintenance of the Normal Means of Providing Minimum Flows (Scheduled) Mitigating Actions 1. Scheduling — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid scheduling maintenance that would impact the ability of the Licensee to release flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream water uses, unless it is likely that the equipment condition will cause damage or an unscheduled maintenance condition if repairs are delayed. Providing Minimum Flows — If the maintenance cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream water uses, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to provide some of the minimum flows in the affected stream reaches. This can be accomplished by partially opening spillway gates at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches). At all other sites, leakage from the dams or other means of releasing flows (e.g., pulsing of hydro units at Bridgewater) will be provided during the maintenance. Note that it would be a very unusual occurrence to not have any generation or spill control equipment available at these sites. 3. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of any reduced flow releases. 28 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition B.1 — Maintenance of the Normal Means of Providing Minimum Flows (Scheduled) Notification Consultation Comments NCDEQ NCWRC USFWS For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the maintenance cannot Large Water avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or FERC Intake Owners' downstream water uses, provide notification and initiate consultation as soon as maintenance schedules are determined (typically months Downstream in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning the maintenance. Effluent Dischargers' SCDNR SCDHEC USFWS NMFS For developments in SC. If the maintenance cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream FERC Large Water water uses, provide notification and initiate consultation as soon as Intake Owners' maintenance schedules are determined (typically months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning the maintenance. Downstream Effluent Dischargers' Consult if maintenance affects normal minimum flow releases from B/A the Wylie Development, as soon as maintenance schedules are CIN determined (typically months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning the maintenance. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and/or its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the maintenance. 29 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition 13.2 — Maintenance of the Normal Means of Providing Minimum Flows (Unscheduled) Mitigating Actions Providing Minimum Flows — If the maintenance cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream water uses, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to provide some of the minimum flows in the affected stream reaches. This can be accomplished by partially opening spillway gates at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches). At all other sites, leakage from the dams or other means of releasing flows (e.g., pulsing of hydro units at Bridgewater) will be provided during the maintenance. Note that it would be a very unusual occurrence to not have any generation or spill control capability available at these sites. 2. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of any reduced flow releases. 30 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition 13.2 — Maintenance of the Normal Means of Providing Minimum Flows (Unscheduled) Notification Consultation Comments FERC NCDEQ NCDEQ NCWRC NCWRC USFWS USFWS For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the maintenance cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or Large Large Water downstream water uses, perform notification as soon as possible Intake Owners' after the unscheduled maintenance begins, but no longer than 5 days Intake Owners' afterwards. Begin consultation within 10 days after the unscheduled Downstream Downstream maintenance begins. Effluent Effluent Dischargers' Dischargers' FERC SCDNR SCDNR SCDHEC SCDHEC USFWS USFWS NMFS For developments in SC. If the maintenance cannot avoid impacting NMFS minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream Large Large Water water uses, perform notification as soon as possible after the Intake Owners' unscheduled maintenance begins, but no longer than 5 days Intake Owners' afterwards. Initiate consultation within 10 days. Downstream Downstream Effluent Effluent Dischargers' Dischargers' Notify if maintenance affects normal minimum flow releases from the BIA B/A Wylie Development, as soon as possible after the unscheduled CIN CIN maintenance begins, but no longer than 5 days afterwards. Initiate consultation within 10 days. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and/or its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the maintenance. 31 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition C — Dam Safety Emergency Mitigating Actions 1. Safety Must Come First— If an Imminent Failure or Potential Failure condition is declared per the Licensee's Emergency Action Plan, or other dam safety concerns arise, the Licensee may modify or suspend any license conditions immediately and for as long as necessary to restore the dam to a safe condition. Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition C — Dam Safety Emergency Notification Consultation Comments Conducted strictly in accordance with the Licensee's Emergency Action Plan. In cases where da safety concerns arise that are During EAP Imminent Failure or Potential not an Imminent Failure or Poten ial Failure Condition per the Failure Conditions Licensee's Emergency Action Ple n, consultation with resource agencies and affected parties wil occur as soon as possible, after the dam safety concern arises. As soon as possible after the Lic ensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license Once Dam Safety Conditions Have conditions, the Licensee will add propriate messages to its Stabilized public information Web site and/or its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general publ ic. Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any Closure temporary recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure Notification due to extended low reservoir leve s) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. 32 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition D — Voltage and Capacity Emergencies Mitigating Actions Suspension of the Normal Operating Ranges and Spring Stabilization Periods for Reservoir Levels — If a voltage or capacity emergency (as defined above) occurs, the Licensee may modify or suspend reservoir level operating limitations immediately and for as long as necessary if doing so would allow additional hydro station operation that is needed to restore the electric grid to a stable condition. Reservoir levels will not be reduced below the Critical Reservoir Elevations noted above. 2. Conserving Water for Power Generation — If a voltage or capacity emergency (as defined above) occurs and if it is expected to continue for an extended period of time (e.g. two weeks or more), the Licensee may reduce minimum flows to the Critical Flows (as defined above) and may modify or suspend any scheduled recreational flow releases, and may at Lake Wateree, modify or suspend any Spring Stable Flows or Floodplain Inundation Flows if taking those actions is necessary to maintain the water inventory in Project reservoirs for use during the Voltage and Capacity Emergency. During a Voltage and Capacity Emergency, the Licensee will not deviate from the normal license conditions to conserve water for power generation strictly as a cost avoidance measure, but only to assist in addressing the emergency. 3. Replacing Lost Recreational Flow Releases — If scheduled recreational flow releases are lost, then once the emergency is over, the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to reschedule the releases during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 33 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition D — Voltage and Capacity Emergencies Notification Consultation Comments FERC NCDEQ For developments in NC (Including Wylie). Perform notification as NCDEQ NCWRC soon as possible, but no longer than 5 days following the deviation NCWRC USFWS from a license condition for Voltage or Capacity Emergency reasons. USFWS Initiate consultation as soon as possible. FERC SCDNR SCDNR For developments in SC. Perform notification as soon as possible, SCDHEC SCDHEC but no longer than 5 days following the deviation from a license USFWS USFWS condition for Voltage or Capacity Emergency reasons. Initiate NMFS NMFS consultation as soon as possible. AW AW Notify (within 5 days) and consult as soon as possible if maintenance will affect the prescribed recreational flow releases. NCSHPO NCSHPO Notify (within 5 days) and consult as soon as possible with NCSHPO SCSHPO SCSHPO and SCSHPO (as appropriate) if Voltage or Capacity Emergency CIN CIN will affect Historic Properties. EBCI EBCI BiA BiA Notify (within 5 days) and consult as soon as possible if Voltage or CIN CIN Capacity Emergency affects normal minimum flow releases from the Wylie Development. Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any temporary Closure recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure due to Notification extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. 34 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition E.1 — Reservoir Drawdown (Planned) Mitigating Actions Scheduling — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid scheduling reservoir drawdowns (i.e., reducing water level to below the Normal Minimum Elevation) that would impact the ability of the Licensee to release the prescribed flows for aquatic habitat, water quality, recreation, navigation or downstream water uses. Also, to the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid scheduling reservoir drawdowns during the Peak Recreation Season or during Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Periods (Bridgewater, Cowans Ford, Wylie and Wateree developments only) or during Spring Stable Flow Periods (Wateree Development only). Alternative Means to Provide Minimum Flows — If the drawdown cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or downstream water uses, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to provide some of the minimum flows in the affected stream reaches by utilizing the generating equipment, spill gates or leakage at the developments for flows required downstream of the powerhouses. Note that it would be a very unusual occurrence to not have any generating units or spill devices available at these sites for flows required downstream of powerhouses. 3. Replacing Recreational Flow Releases — If the reservoir drawdown impacts normally scheduled recreational flows, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to replace some or all of the missed recreational flows. This can be accomplished by providing replacement flow releases at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development, and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches) through the use of spillway gates. The preferred method at all of the developments is to schedule replacement recreational flow releases for another time after the drawdown is completed. The replacement recreational flow releases will occur during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 4. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of the reduced flow releases. 5. Avoid Falling Below Critical Reservoir Elevations —To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Reservoir Elevations as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Reservoir Elevations cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners to minimize the impacts of the drawdown. 35 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition E.1 — Reservoir Drawdown (Planned) Notification Consultation Comments NCDEQ For developments in NC (including Wylie). Provide notification and FERC NCWRC consult as soon as approximate dates are determined (typically USFWS months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning drawdown. SCDNR SCDHEC For developments in SC. Provide notification and consult as soon as FERC USFWS approximate dates are determined (typically months in advance), but NMFS at least 10 days prior to beginning drawdown. NCSHPO SCSHPO Consult in the event of a Large Extended Drawdown as soon as CIN approximate dates are determined (typically months in advance), but EBCI at least 10 days prior to beginning drawdown. BIA AW Consult at least 10 days prior to beginning drawdown if it will affect the prescribed recreational flow releases. Large Water Intake If the drawdown will go below Critical Reservoir Elevations that affect Owners the operations of a Large Water Intake located in a reservoir or will Downstream cause flow releases to drop below Critical Flows supporting Large Effluent Water Intakes or Downstream Effluent Dischargers, the Licensee will Dischargers' consult with the owner of the intake or discharge facility as soon as approximate dates are known (typically months in advance), but at least 10 days prior to beginning the drawdown. Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any temporary Closure recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure due to Notification extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the reservoir drawdown. 36 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition E.2 — Reservoir Drawdown (Unplanned) Mitigating Actions Alternative Means to Provide Minimum Flows — If the drawdown (i.e., reducing waterlevel to below the Normal Minimum Elevation) cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality, navigation or downstream water uses, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to provide some or all of the missed minimum flows in the affected stream reaches. This can be accomplished by using the generating equipment, spill gates or leakage at the developments for flows required downstream of the powerhouses. Note that it would be a very unusual occurrence to not have any generating units or spill devices available at these sites for flows required downstream of powerhouses. Replacing Recreational Flow Releases — If the reservoir drawdown impacts normally scheduled recreational flows, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to replace some or all of the missed recreational flows. This can be accomplished by providing replacement flow releases at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development, and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches) through the use of spillway gates. The preferred method at all of the developments is to schedule replacement recreational flow releases for another time after the drawdown is completed. The replacement recreational flow releases will occur during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 3. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of the reduced flow releases. 4. Avoid Falling Below Critical Reservoir Elevations —To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Reservoir Elevations as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Reservoir Elevations cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners to minimize the impacts of the drawdown. 37 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition E.2 — Reservoir Drawdown (Unplanned) Notification Consultation Comments FERC NCDEQ NCDEQ NCWRC NCWRC USFWS USFWS For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the drawdown cannot Large Water Intake avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality or Large Water Owners ' downstream water uses, perform notification as soon as possible, Intake Owners' but no longer than 5 days after the drawdown begins. Begin Downstream consultation within 10 days after the drawdown begins. Downstream ffluent Effluent Dischargers' Dischargers' FERC SCDNR SCDNR SCDHEC SCDHEC USFWS USFWS NMFS NMFS For developments in SC. If the drawdown cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality, navigation or Large Large Water Intake downstream water uses, perform notification as soon as possible, Owners' but no longer than 5 days after the drawdown begins. Begin Intake Owners' consultation within 10 days after the drawdown begins. Downstream Downstream Effluent Effluent Dischargers' Dischargers' BIA BIA If the drawdown affects releases from the Wylie Development, CIN CIN notify as soon as possible, but no longer than 5 days after the drawdown begins. Begin consultation within 10 days after the drawdown begins. AW AW Notify (within 5 days) and consult as soon as possible if the drawdown will affect prescribed recreational flow releases. Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any Closure temporary recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure Notification due to extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license General conditions, the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by the drawdown. 38 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition F — Special River Access Circumstances Mitigating Actions 1. Scheduling — To the extent practical, the Licensee will 1) avoid scheduling Special River Access Circumstances that would impact the ability of the Licensee to release flows for aquatic habitat, water quality, navigation, recreation or downstream water uses and 2) avoid scheduling during Peak Recreation Season. 2. Replacing Recreational Flow Releases — If scheduling Special River Access impacts normally scheduled recreational flows, then the Licensee will endeavor in good faith to replace some or all of the missed recreational flows. This can be accomplished by providing replacement flow releases at the Oxford Development, the Wylie Development, and the Fishing Creek Development (for the Great Falls Bypassed Reaches) through the use of spillway gates. The preferred method at all of the developments is to schedule replacement recreational flow releases for another time after the Special River Access Circumstance is completed. The replacement recreational flow releases will occur during the same calendar year as originally scheduled. An Annual Recreational Flow Schedule Planning meeting will be held each March (see Section 3.2 of the CRA) and contingency dates for make-up releases can be identified at that time. 3. Avoid Falling Below the Critical Flows — To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Flows as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Flows cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with the resource agencies to (a) monitor any potential aquatic species impacts in the affected stream segments and (b) replace any aquatic species mortalities that are identified. The Licensee will also work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners and Downstream Effluent Dischargers to minimize the impacts of the reduced flow releases. 4. Avoid Falling Below Critical Reservoir Elevations —To the extent practical, the Licensee will avoid falling below any of the Critical Reservoir Elevations as noted above. If it is determined that 100 percent exceedance of the Critical Reservoir Elevations cannot reasonably be achieved, the Licensee will work with any affected Large Water Intake Owners to minimize the impacts of the drawdown. 39 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Communication with Resource Agencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition F — Special River Access Circumstances Notification Consultation Comments NCDEQ NCWRC USFWS For developments in NC (including Wylie). If the circumstances cannot avoid impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water Large Water Intake quality, navigation, recreation or downstream water uses, initiate FERC Owners ' consultation as soon as soon as the dates are known, but at least 10 days prior to beginning the temporary flow alteration. Initiate Downstream consultation for unplanned river access within 5 days after the Effluent temporary flow alteration. Dischargers' SCDNR SCDHEC USFWS For developments in SC. If the circumstances cannot avoid NMFS impacting minimum flows for aquatic habitat, water quality, navigation, recreation or downstream water uses, initiate FERC Large Water Intake consultation as soon as soon as the dates are known, but at least Owners' 10 days prior to beginning the temporary flow alteration. Initiate consultation for unplanned river access within 5 days after the Downstream temporary flow alteration. Effluent Dischargers' If the flow modifications for the planned river access affect flow B/A releases from the Wylie Development, initiate consultation as soon CIN as the dates are known but at least 10 days prior to beginning the temporary flow modification. Initiate consultation for unplanned river access within 5 days after the temporary flow alteration. AW AW Notify (within 5 days) and consult as soon as possible if the drawdown will affect prescribed recreational flow releases. Access Area The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any Closure temporary recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure Notification due to extended low reservoir levels) in accordance with the Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license General conditions, the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. Note 1 — If affected by Special River Access Circumstances. 40 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Abnormal Condition G — Expected or Existing High Inflow Event Mitigating Actions As outlined in the Key Facts and Definitions section of this protocol, the Licensee may reduce reservoir levels significantly below the Normal Minimum Elevation, but not below the Critical Reservoir Elevations in preparation for high inflow events to minimize the potential for uncontrolled spilling. Reservoir levels may also rise significantly above Normal Maximum Elevations as a result of high inflow events. The reservoir levels may be below Normal Minimum Elevations or above Normal Maximum Elevations for as long as necessary to minimize the effects of uncontrolled spilling on the Project reservoirs and downstream river reaches and to minimize reservoir elevations during high inflow events. mmunication with Resource Aaencies and Affected Parties Abnormal Condition G — Expected or Existing High Inflow Event Notification Consultation Comments FERC NCDEQ For developments in NC (including Wylie). The Licensee will perform NCWRC notification as soon as possible following or prior to a deviation from USFWS license requirements for an existing or expected high inflow event. FERC SCDNR For developments in SC. The Licensee will perform notification as SCDHEC soon as possible following or prior to a deviation from license USFWS requirements for an existing or expected high inflow event. NMFS The Licensee will conduct notification procedures for any temporary Access Area recreation facility/Access Area closures (e.g., closure due to Closure extended low or high reservoir levels) in accordance with the Notification Recreation Management Plan. As soon as possible after the Licensee determines that the response to an abnormal condition will potentially impact license conditions, General the Licensee will add appropriate messages to its public information Web site and its reservoir level toll-free phone system to inform the general public. 41 Identification and assessment of any incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC This revision creates no incremental environmental impacts. It expands resource agency notification and consultation regarding flow and reservoir level deviations and potential related environmental impacts and mitigation. Consultation Summary Appendix F: Water Quality Monitoring Plan (WQMP) (applies to NC and SC) Statement of Revision CRA Appendix F is the WQMP and is included as a condition of both state WQCs. Appendix E; Section A-5.0 Water Quality Article; Article — Water Quality Monitoring Plan of the license issued by the FERC on November 25, 2015 requires: (A) Within 180 days following the issuance of this license, the Licensee must file with the Commission, for approval, a Water Quality Monitoring Plan (WQMP) to monitor compliance with water quality requirements. The plan must include, at a minimum, identification of compliance monitoring locations and devices at applicable Project developments as needed to accurately monitor and record flows, dissolved oxygen, and water temperatures released from Project developments and an implementation schedule. Background information explaining the need for the revision There are two reasons for these revisions. Duke Energy now plans to shift from a fully in-house implementation, operation, and maintenance of water quality monitoring equipment, as envisioned when CRA Appendix F was originally written, to a partnership in which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) locates, installs, and maintains water quality monitors. Also, in Duke Energy's assessment, the existing CRA Appendix F may not fully comply with the requirements set forth in the license issued November 25, 2015, as it does not contain an implementation schedule (Implementation schedule is currently found in CRA Appendix M). Actual text of the revision Note that the following revision of the WQMP represents a significant update of the original WQMP that was included in the December 22, 2006, Signature Copy of the CRA. Because of the substantial revisions made to text, figures, maps, and format, individual changes are not tracked to facilitate readability. 43 DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC CATAWBA-WATE RE E PROJECT FERC No. 2232 WATER QUALITY MONITORING PLAN Revision 1 June 30, 2016 44 (intentionally blank) 46 Catawba-Wateree Project (FERC No. 2232) Revision 1 Water Quality Monitoring Plan June 30, 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................49 2.0 Hydro Project Compliance Monitoring..........................................................49 3.0 Supplemental Trout Habitat Monitoring........................................................86 4.0 Trend Monitoring of Water Quality Characteristics......................................88 5.0 References......................................................................................................90 47 Catawba-Wateree Project (FERC No. 2232) Revision 1 Water Quality Monitoring Plan June 30, 2016 (intentionally blank) 48 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 WATER QUALITY MONITORING PLAN (WQMP) 1.0 Introduction Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (the "Licensee") received a new operating license ("License") from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project (the "Project') on November 25, 2015. Appendix E of the New License requires Duke Energy to file a Water Quality Monitoring Plan (WQMP) with the FERC for approval. The WQMP must at a minimum include identification of compliance monitoring locations, devices needed to accurately monitor flows, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, and water temperature, and an implementation schedule. This WQMP, developed in consultation with natural resource agencies, has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Licensee also submitted one Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to each state water quality agency. The QAPP provides the details for project management, measurement/data acquisition procedures and calibration, data validation, and reporting requirements as specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA 2001). The monitoring activities described in this document will be accomplished by a combination of United States Geological Survey (USGS) stream gages, USGS-operated water quality monitoring stations, and Licensee monitoring responsibilities (i.e., supplemental trout habitat monitoring and monitoring trends in water quality for streamflows entering the Project developments). 2.0 Hydro Project Compliance Monitoring 2.1 Background The License for the Project specifies flows to be released from various Project developments. Figure 1 provides a flow routing and compliance flow schematic for the entire Catawba-Wateree Project. These required flows in the riverine reaches are designed to enhance fish and wildlife habitat (continuous flows), to meet the needs of downstream water users, to provide periodic higher flows for recreational activities (water sports) and ecological purposes, and to meet water quality standards. Water quality issues that are relevant to the Project include continuous flows, water temperature, and DO concentrations. Compliance with state DO standards in water released from all of the Project developments is a requirement for both North and South Carolina's 401 Water Quality Certifications. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Figure 1: Project Flow Routing Schematic Catawba River Linville River Catawba U Linville Recreation release Arm of Lake James Arm of Regulated reach or Lake tributary inflow - - - ► Lake Lake Catawba Dam Paddy Ck Paddy Ck Bridgewater Linville Dam' Dam Spillway' Powerhouse Dam Paddy Creek ``, 11 Bypassed Reach* Linville River 4 --♦ Catawba River Bypassed Reach Muddy Johns Creek Catawba River �® River Notes: 1. Overflow spillway 2. Spillway with gates 3. With flash boards 0 Powerhouse release Recreation release Continuous release 0 Regulated reach or Creek tributary inflow - - - ► Bypassed reach Lake Reservoir Dam Structure 51 Lake Rhodhiss Rhodhiss Rhodhiss Dam' Powerhouse Lake Hickory Lower Little Oxford Oxford River Powerhouse Dam, Catawba River Lookout Shoals Lake Lookout Lookout Shoals Dam' Shoals PH Lake Norman Cowans Cowans Ford PH Ford Dam, Mountain Island Lake Mountain Mountain Island PH Island Dam' (continued) Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 South Fork Catawba River Notes: 1. Overflow spillway 2. Spillway with gates 3. With flash boards Rocky Creek tconimuea) Mountain Island Lake Mountain Mountain Island PH I Island Damt Lake Wylie Wylie Wylie Sugar Dam12 1 Powerhouse I Creek Catawba River Fishing Cane Creek Creek Fishing Creek Reservoir Fishing Fishing Creek PH I Creek Dame Lower Great Falls Reservoir upper Pond Pond Camp Sreat Falls Dearborn Great Falls Great Falls Creek PH + Dam Powerhouse Headworkst 3 I Diversion' 3 Recreation release Short Bypass,,' Rocky Creek r -' " Long' r 1 Bypass LEGEND l Powerhouse release Cedar Creek Reservoir Recreation release Rocky Creek Cedar PH + Dam t 2 Creek PH Continuous release Big Wateree Beaver -► Regulated reach or Creek Creek Creek tributary inflow Lake Wateree _ - - i Bypassed reach Wateree Wateree Powerhouse Dam' Lake Reservoir Dam Structure Wateree River 52 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 2.2 Sensor Locations The proposed sites for compliance monitoring of the Project were based upon the various flow and reservoir level requirements and water quality requirements referenced in Table 1 and the following criteria: 1. Representative of water quality conditions at all Project flows and operations; 2. Secure (minimize probability of vandalism); 3. Safely accessible for maintenance at all flows; and; 4. Small time-lag between changes in Project operations and monitor response (minimize downstream distance of sensor). Table 1. Summary of Project Compliance Verification and Reporting Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement Requirement Developments Flow and Reservoir Level Requirements Bypassed Reaches Minimum Continuous Flow Release BW GF Recreational Flow Releases BW, OX, WY, GF, WA Minimum Continuous Flows BW, OX, LS, WY, GF, WA Minimum Average Daily Flows RH, CF, MI, FC, CC Reservoir Elevations All Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization BW, CF, WY, WA Compliance Monitoring All Water Quality Requirements DO Concentrations All Minimum Flows BW, OX, LS, WY, GF, WA Compliance Reporting All BW = Bridgewater (Lake James) RH = Rhodhiss OX = Oxford (Lake Hickory) LS = Lookout Shoals CF = Cowans Ford (Lake Norman) MI = Mountain Island WY = Wylie FC = Fishing Creek GF = Great Falls -Dearborn (Great Falls Reservoir) 53 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 CC = Rocky Creek -Cedar Creek (Cedar Creek Reservoir) WA = Wateree The following pages provide maps or aerial photos for each hydro development in the Project indicating existing and proposed compliance monitoring locations with amplifying information. 54 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Bridgewater (Lake James) 7 ��''1x-(tel `�' i4.i. '�''' •dt ,Y _f. i� r J Hyl 7 C-4 6 � , r�'urc s Tdw • � 4 I � � a`� , - J r Reseryoir Level Monitq'r L i y v f t i T, -y\ r `'USGS WQ Monit fl Existing4 USGS Gags V It i re,k 4- _r d g' fy- 55 Approximate Map Data Recommended Distance Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Wireless Bypassed Flow sensor at telemetry to 1 Reach Minimum Catawba Dam n/a Flow Release Hydro Station Continuous Valve Computer and Flows Staff Gage for visual 55 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale The ring -jet valve at the Catawba Dam is designed to supply seasonal minimum continuous flows in the Catawba River Bypassed Reach (Location 1). A sensor, calibrated for flow, provides a continuous reading of the flow being released into the Catawba River Bypassed Reach. Since the sensor is located on the dam, it should be secure from vandals. The channel configuration at USGS Gage 02138520, CATAWBA R AT SR1223 BL LK JAMES NR BRIDGEWATER, INC, located 0.10 mile below the Bridgewater Powerhouse, is ideally suited for the expected range of flows originating from the Linville Dam (Location 2 & 3). The site is located on private property providing a measure of security. A previous water quality monitoring site was located on the downstream side of the former Bridgewater Powerhouse. Given the present configuration of the new Bridgewater Powerhouse, a decision was made to place the water quality monitoring instrument at the existing USGS flow gage station. Additional downstream continuous DO monitoring conducted in 2012 for aeration characteristics of the new Bridgewater Powerhouse generating units demonstrated that at the existing USGS gage site, DO concentrations were virtually identical to those measured simultaneously at the previously proposed (WQMP version 0) site, which was located 0.05 miles further downstream at the Powerhouse Road Bridge (HDR 2012). The selected USGS gage site has been shown to represent the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flow (including minimum flow). In addition, the site is accessible under all Project flows, and will ' National Water Information System: Web Interface operated by the USGS. 56 Approximate Map Data Recommended Distance Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Minimum USGS Satellite Continuous Downstream of Link to NWIS' Flows Powerhouse, USGS Station Web Interface 2 Recreational West Bank of 0.10 02138520 and Turbine Flows Linville River Generation Project Hourly Records Flows Wireless Downstream of In Situ - Pipe and Telemetry (DO) Water Powerhouse, Instruments at to Hydro Station 3 Temperature, West Bank of 0.10 USGS Station Computer, DO Linville River 02138520 USGS Satellite Link to NWIS Web Interface Bridgewater Current Device on Wired to Hydro 4 Reservoir Levels Forebay n/a the Intake Station Structure Computer Device Location Rationale The ring -jet valve at the Catawba Dam is designed to supply seasonal minimum continuous flows in the Catawba River Bypassed Reach (Location 1). A sensor, calibrated for flow, provides a continuous reading of the flow being released into the Catawba River Bypassed Reach. Since the sensor is located on the dam, it should be secure from vandals. The channel configuration at USGS Gage 02138520, CATAWBA R AT SR1223 BL LK JAMES NR BRIDGEWATER, INC, located 0.10 mile below the Bridgewater Powerhouse, is ideally suited for the expected range of flows originating from the Linville Dam (Location 2 & 3). The site is located on private property providing a measure of security. A previous water quality monitoring site was located on the downstream side of the former Bridgewater Powerhouse. Given the present configuration of the new Bridgewater Powerhouse, a decision was made to place the water quality monitoring instrument at the existing USGS flow gage station. Additional downstream continuous DO monitoring conducted in 2012 for aeration characteristics of the new Bridgewater Powerhouse generating units demonstrated that at the existing USGS gage site, DO concentrations were virtually identical to those measured simultaneously at the previously proposed (WQMP version 0) site, which was located 0.05 miles further downstream at the Powerhouse Road Bridge (HDR 2012). The selected USGS gage site has been shown to represent the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flow (including minimum flow). In addition, the site is accessible under all Project flows, and will ' National Water Information System: Web Interface operated by the USGS. 56 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 facilitate a rapid response at the station to water quality conditions. This gage site, originally installed in December 2008, was upgraded by the USGS in August 2015 to accommodate seasonally operated water quality instrumentation. Security from vandals is a minor concern at this site. Besides seasonal compliance monitoring for generation flow DO, water temperature will be monitored seasonally at this site to support state trout management initiatives on the downstream section of the river. 57 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Rhodhiss Map Location Data Recommended Location Approximate Distance Downstream (miles) Comments Data Collection Planned USGS Station with In Situ Wireless Rhodhiss Road - Pipe and Telemetry (DO) Water Bridge Instruments to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Downstream 0.40 Mounted on Computer, DO Rhodhiss Hydr Hydro Bridge in Center USGS Satellite of Channel Link to NWIS (NCDOT approval Web Interface required) 58 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale The previous water quality monitoring site was located on the south corner on the downstream side of the Rhodhiss Powerhouse. That site adequately represented the water quality of the turbine flow when all the units were identical; however, the turbine venting tests (Duke Power 2005a), indicated that this location was not representative of the combined flows from units with differing aeration capability. Therefore, the monitor should be moved to the center of the river channel at the downstream bridge (Location 1). The bridge not only provides an existing structure to place the water quality monitor in the center of the channel, but this site represents the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flows (Duke Power 2005a). This site is accessible under all Project flows, and may provide a rapid response at the station to water quality conditions. Security from vandals may be a slight concern at this site. 59 Approximate Map Data Recommended Distance Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Current Device on Wired to Hydro 2 Reservoir Levels Rhodhiss n/a the Intake Station Forebay Structure Computer Device Location Rationale The previous water quality monitoring site was located on the south corner on the downstream side of the Rhodhiss Powerhouse. That site adequately represented the water quality of the turbine flow when all the units were identical; however, the turbine venting tests (Duke Power 2005a), indicated that this location was not representative of the combined flows from units with differing aeration capability. Therefore, the monitor should be moved to the center of the river channel at the downstream bridge (Location 1). The bridge not only provides an existing structure to place the water quality monitor in the center of the channel, but this site represents the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flows (Duke Power 2005a). This site is accessible under all Project flows, and may provide a rapid response at the station to water quality conditions. Security from vandals may be a slight concern at this site. 59 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Oxford (Lake Hickory) .11 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale An existing trash gate will be modified to spill well-aerated reservoir near -surface water in order to provide a constant minimum continuous flow in the downstream channel (Location 2). The gate will provide the minimum continuous flow during periods of no hydro unit generation. Reservoir level will be monitored during trash gate spillage to assure compliance with the minimum continuous flow. Generation and recreational flow requirements will be recorded from the generation records for each turbine. A manually read, USGS-type plate staff gage will be placed at the boat put -in at Riverbend Park (Location 3) for independent verification. A previous water quality monitoring site was located in the corner of the Oxford Powerhouse and wingwall. That site adequately represented the water quality of the turbine flow when all the hydro units were identical, and prior to the installation of the tailrace buttresses. However, this site now is not representative of the combined flows from hydro units with differing aeration capability and the buttresses would effectively prevent Unit 2 water from reaching the sensor 61 Approximate Map Data Recommended Distance Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Planned USGS Station with In Situ Wireless Highway 16 - Pipe and Telemetry (DO) Water Bridge Instruments to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Downstream of 0.15 Mounted on Computer, DO Oxford Hydro Bridge, South USGS Satellite Channel Link to NWIS (NCDOT approval Web Interface required) Modified Trash Minimum Gate monitored Wired to Hydro 2 Continuous Oxford Dam n/a via Reservoir Station Flows Elevation and Computer Gate Position Wireless Telemetry to Hydro Station Recreational Highway 16 Computer, Flows Bridge USGS-Level and/or USGS 3 Project Hourly Downstream of 0.15 Monitor Satellite Link to Flows Oxford Hydro, NWIS Web Turbine Records Interface (Level), and Turbine Generation Records Current Device on Wired to Hydro 4 Reservoir Levels Oxford Forebay n/a the Intake Station Structure Computer Device Location Rationale An existing trash gate will be modified to spill well-aerated reservoir near -surface water in order to provide a constant minimum continuous flow in the downstream channel (Location 2). The gate will provide the minimum continuous flow during periods of no hydro unit generation. Reservoir level will be monitored during trash gate spillage to assure compliance with the minimum continuous flow. Generation and recreational flow requirements will be recorded from the generation records for each turbine. A manually read, USGS-type plate staff gage will be placed at the boat put -in at Riverbend Park (Location 3) for independent verification. A previous water quality monitoring site was located in the corner of the Oxford Powerhouse and wingwall. That site adequately represented the water quality of the turbine flow when all the hydro units were identical, and prior to the installation of the tailrace buttresses. However, this site now is not representative of the combined flows from hydro units with differing aeration capability and the buttresses would effectively prevent Unit 2 water from reaching the sensor 61 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 when Unit 1 is generating. Therefore, a decision was made to move the monitor to the Highway 16 Bridge immediately downstream of the turbines (Location 1). The bridge not only provides an existing structure to place the water quality monitor in the channel, but this site will represent the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flows. This site will be accessible under all Project flows, and will provide a rapid response of the station to water quality conditions. Security from vandals may be a concern at this site, and adverse effects on equipment due to occasional high tailwater water levels is a possibility. 62 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Lookout Shoals Map Data Recommended Approximate Comments Data Collection Location Location Distance Downstream (miles) 1 Water East Wingwall - 0.01 In Situ - Pipe and Wired to Hydro Temperature, Tailrace Instruments at Station DO USGS Station Computer (DO), 0214244102 USGS Satellite Link to NWIS Web Interface 2 Minimum Lookout Shoals n/a n/a Turbine Continuous Hydro Generation Flows Records Project Hourly Flows 3 Reservoir Levels Lookout Shoals n/a Current Device on Wired to Hydro Forebay the Intake Station Structure Computer 63 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale The minimum continuous flow will be provided by either one of the small auxiliary hydro units (Location 2) during periods when the larger hydro units are not operating. The configuration of the Lookout Shoals tailrace (including a pooled area upstream of the first downstream hydraulic control, located approximately 500 ft downstream of the powerhouse) exhibits very little stage change with or without the auxiliary hydro unit generation. In addition, the elevation of the tailrace is also a function of Lake Norman's reservoir level (at full pond, the reservoir level extends upstream of the hydraulic control). Therefore, the minimum continuous flow and hourly flow rates would be best monitored by the individual generation records of each hydro unit at Lookout Shoals Hydro. A previous water quality monitoring site was located on the east wingwall downstream of Unit 1. That site adequately represented the water quality of the turbine flow when all the hydro units were identical. The nearest downstream structure to place a monitor in the center of the channel is the 1-40 Bridge, which is 1.3 miles downstream. The 1-40 Bridge site is strongly influenced by Lake Norman's reservoir level, and the long travel time to the Bridge site would influence the water quality at minimum flow. Therefore, the 1-40 Bridge location is not preferred for water quality monitoring. Since no other downstream structure exists to place a monitor in the center of the river, the wingwall site (Location 1) represents the best logistical option available for water quality monitoring. This wingwall site will be accessible under all Project flows, and will provide a rapid response of the station to water quality conditions. The monitor will be secure since it is located inside the security fence. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station, USGS 0214244102 CATAWBA RIVER CATAWBA RIVER BL LOOKOUT SHOALS DAM NR SHARON, NC was activated in March, 2016. 64 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Cowans Ford (Lake Norman) Map Location Data Recommended Location Approximate Distance Downstream (miles) Comments Data Collection Wireless Railroad Bridge In Situ - Pipe and Telemetry (DO) Water Downstream Instruments at to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Cowans Ford 0.50 USGS Station Computer, DO Hydro 0214264790 USGS Satellite Link to NWIS Web Interface Cowans Ford Current Device on Wired to Hydro 2 Reservoir Levels Forebay n/a Intake Structure Station Computer Device Location Rationale 65 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Even though the previous monitor was placed on the tail -deck of Cowans Ford Hydro, this location probably represented the water quality of the released flow. However, under multi -unit operation, the monitor would only record data from the hydro unit flows adjacent to the monitor. In addition, security at the Cowans Ford Hydro facility is controlled by the McGuire Nuclear site (Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines) and is difficult to enter when operators are not present. This security issue limits maintenance accessibility. Therefore, the recommended site for the temperature and DO monitoring is at the railroad bridge 0.5 miles downstream (Location 1). This site enables the monitor to measure water quality from the high-volume hydro unit flow as well as provide a somewhat secure site. Location of the monitor just west of the downstream tip of the island ensures that the monitor remains out of the influence of the wastewater discharge from McGuire Nuclear Station. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station (USGS 0214264790 CATAWBA R AT RR BRIDGE AB NC 73 AT COWANS FORD, NC) was activated at this site in June, 2016. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Mountain Island Map Location Data Recommended Location Approximate Distance Downstream (miles) Comments Data Collection Wireless In Situ - Pipe and Telemetry (DO) Water Tail Deck- Instruments to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Tailrace 0.00 USGS Station n Computer, DO 0214267602 USGS Satellite Link to NWIS Web Interface Mt. Island Current Device on Wired to Hydro 2 Reservoir Levels Forebay n/a Intake Structure Station Computer Device Location Rationale 67 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Even though the present monitor is on the tail -deck of the hydro (Location 1), this location probably represents the water quality of the released flow. However, under multi -unit operation, the monitor would be primarily influenced by the hydro unit flows adjacent to the monitor. Since no other structure, (e.g., bridge), exists in the center of Mountain Island's tailrace, this tail -deck location represented the best logistical location available. The site is secure and provides ready access for maintenance. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station, USGS 0214267602 CATAWBA RIVER DNSTRM DECK MTN IS DAM NR MTN IS, NC was activated at the site in May, 2015. W Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Wylie w a d w Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale The USGS gage at the Highway 21 Bridge (Location 2/3) is well established and will be used for verification of minimum continuous flow, recreational flows, and hourly Project flows. In addition, generation records will be used to supplement the USGS data. However, as this site is 70 Approximate Map Recommended Distance Data Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Planned USGS Station with In Situ Pipe and Wireless Approximately Instruments Telemetry (DO) Water 0.5 Mile Deployed into to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Downstream 0.50 Channel from Computer, from Hydro (off West Shore off USGS Satellite DO Ferrell Island) Ferrell Island Link to NWIS (Island property, Web Interface owner's approval required) USGS Gage Small Unit Turbine Minimum Turbine n/a, 02146000, Generation 2 Continuous Records, Flows Highway 21 3.60 CATAWBA RIVER Records, and USGS Gage NEAR ROCK USGS Gage HILL, SC USGS Gage Recreational Turbine Turbine Flows Records, n/a, 02146000, Generation 3 Project Hourly Highway 21 3.60 CATAWBA RIVER Records, and Flows USGS Gage NEAR ROCK USGS Gage HILL, SC Current Device on Wired to Hydro 4 Reservoir Levels Wylie Forebay n/a the Intake Station Structure Computer Device Location Rationale The USGS gage at the Highway 21 Bridge (Location 2/3) is well established and will be used for verification of minimum continuous flow, recreational flows, and hourly Project flows. In addition, generation records will be used to supplement the USGS data. However, as this site is 70 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 approximately 3.6 miles downstream of the Wylie Powerhouse, the distance makes it less suitable for locating water quality instruments there. A previous water quality monitoring site was located in the corner of the powerhouse and wingwall. Extensive monitoring of DO concentrations in the Wylie tailrace was conducted during the 2002 turbine venting test (Duke 2005a). These results indicated that the proposed monitoring location was the closest point to the hydro that best represented the water quality of the multi -unit flows (Location 1). This test included detailed water quality sampling along several downstream transects, as opposed to just at the monitoring site. Furthermore, the Wylie tailrace is very complicated since the island immediately downstream of the powerhouse splits the water released from the hydro. The flow, from either a single unit or multiple unit operation, moves around the island and finally merges just upstream of the small island across the channel from the proposed monitoring location. Use of this location is contingent on being able to get permission for access from the property owner and on obtaining any necessary easements. Security from vandals is of some concern at this site. 71 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Fishing Creek 72 Approximate Map Recommended Distance Data Data Comments Location Location Downstream Collection (miles) Wireless Telemetry Highway 97/200 (DO) to Hydro Water Bridge In Situ - Pipe and Station 1 Temperature, 0.15 Instruments at Computer, Downstream USGS Station DO Fishing Creek 02147310 USGS Hydro Satellite Link to NWIS Web Interface 72 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale A previous water quality monitoring site was located on the wingwall, west of the Fishing Creek Powerhouse. That site adequately represented the water quality (temperature and DO) of the turbine flow when all the hydro units were identical and prior to the recent installation of the tailrace buttresses. However, this site would probably not be representative of the combined flows from hydro units with differing aeration capability since the flows will be directed downstream due to the newly installed buttresses. Therefore, the best site for a new monitor is the Highway 97/200 Bridge immediately downstream of the turbines (Location 1). The bridge not only provides an existing structure to place the water quality monitor in the channel, but this site will represent the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flows. This site is accessible under all Project flows, and allows for a rapid response of the station to water quality conditions. Security from vandals may be a concern at this site. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station (USGS 02147310 CATAWBA RIVER AT GREAT FALLS, SC) was activated at this site in June, 2016. 73 Existing Device Wired to Reservoir Fishing Creek 2 Levels Forebay N/A on the Intake Hydro Station Structure Computer Device Location Rationale A previous water quality monitoring site was located on the wingwall, west of the Fishing Creek Powerhouse. That site adequately represented the water quality (temperature and DO) of the turbine flow when all the hydro units were identical and prior to the recent installation of the tailrace buttresses. However, this site would probably not be representative of the combined flows from hydro units with differing aeration capability since the flows will be directed downstream due to the newly installed buttresses. Therefore, the best site for a new monitor is the Highway 97/200 Bridge immediately downstream of the turbines (Location 1). The bridge not only provides an existing structure to place the water quality monitor in the channel, but this site will represent the water quality conditions of any combination of hydro unit flows. This site is accessible under all Project flows, and allows for a rapid response of the station to water quality conditions. Security from vandals may be a concern at this site. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station (USGS 02147310 CATAWBA RIVER AT GREAT FALLS, SC) was activated at this site in June, 2016. 73 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Great Falls -Dearborn (Diversion Dam) 74 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Great Falls -Dearborn (Headworks) 75 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Great Falls -Dearborn (Main Dam) Map Location Data Recommended Location Approximate Distance Downstream (miles) Comments Data Collection Optionally, Static Bypassed Diversion Dam Optionally, Notch Dimensions Reaches Notch(s) in Used with Wired Long Bypassed Diversion Dam, Pond Elevation or Minimum 0.25 mi. from Reach or Gate Position Staff Gage Visual; 1 Continuous Fishing Creek Sensor Used in or Wireless Flows Downstream Dam Conjunction with Telemetry of Recreational Fishing Creek Pond Elevation to Actuated Gate Flows Hydro Assure Flows Position to Hydro Station Computer Bypassed 1.95 mi. from Optionally, Optionally, Static 2 Reaches Headworks Fishing Creek Notch(s) in Notch Dimensions Short Bypassed Dam Headworks Dam, Used with Wired Minimum or Gate Position Pond Elevation or 76 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale Ideally, measurement of the minimum continuous flows and recreational flows in the Great Falls Long and Short Bypassed Reaches would be taken directly in the respective channels. However, the irregular channel configuration in both reaches prevents accurate flow measurements from stage changes. In addition, the difficult access to the bypassed reaches poses substantial personnel safety limitations to the calibration and maintenance of the gages. Therefore, the best measurement of the flow in the bypassed reaches is at the source of the flows (Locations 1 and 2). The facilitation and measurement of recreational flows into the bypassed reaches will either be via a known relationship of stage and gate opening positions, or via the known relationship to pond elevation relative to dam notch openings. Continuous flow monitoring for the Long Bypass will be located at the Great Falls Diversion Dam immediately downstream of Fishing Creek Hydro (Location 1). The continuous flow monitoring for the Short Bypassed Reach will be provided at the Great Falls Headworks spillway, downstream of the headworks structure (Location 2). Manually read, new USGS type plate staff gages will be placed at the Great Falls Diversion Dam and upstream of the Great Falls Headworks (Locations 1 and 2). A previous water quality monitor mounted on the Duke Energy bridge immediately downstream of Great Falls and Dearborn Hydros is ideally located since it is in the center of the channel (Location 3). This position captures the water quality (temperature and DO) from both hydros and is in a secure location. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station (021474095 77 Continuous Reach Sensor Used in Staff Gage Visual; Flows Conjunction with or Wireless Downstream Pond Elevation to Telemetry of Recreational Fishing Creek Assure Flows Actuated Gate Flows Hydro Position to Hydro Station Computer Wireless Telemetry Water In Situ - Pipe and (DO) to Hydro Duke Bridge 0.1 mi. from Temperature, Instruments at Station Computer, 3 Downstream of Great Falls — USGS Station USGS Satellite Link DO Hydros Dearborn Dam 021474095 to NWIS Web Interface Existing Device Reservoir Great Falls Wired to Hydro 4 N/A on the Intake Levels Forebay Station Computer Structure Device Location Rationale Ideally, measurement of the minimum continuous flows and recreational flows in the Great Falls Long and Short Bypassed Reaches would be taken directly in the respective channels. However, the irregular channel configuration in both reaches prevents accurate flow measurements from stage changes. In addition, the difficult access to the bypassed reaches poses substantial personnel safety limitations to the calibration and maintenance of the gages. Therefore, the best measurement of the flow in the bypassed reaches is at the source of the flows (Locations 1 and 2). The facilitation and measurement of recreational flows into the bypassed reaches will either be via a known relationship of stage and gate opening positions, or via the known relationship to pond elevation relative to dam notch openings. Continuous flow monitoring for the Long Bypass will be located at the Great Falls Diversion Dam immediately downstream of Fishing Creek Hydro (Location 1). The continuous flow monitoring for the Short Bypassed Reach will be provided at the Great Falls Headworks spillway, downstream of the headworks structure (Location 2). Manually read, new USGS type plate staff gages will be placed at the Great Falls Diversion Dam and upstream of the Great Falls Headworks (Locations 1 and 2). A previous water quality monitor mounted on the Duke Energy bridge immediately downstream of Great Falls and Dearborn Hydros is ideally located since it is in the center of the channel (Location 3). This position captures the water quality (temperature and DO) from both hydros and is in a secure location. A seasonally operated USGS Water Quality Station (021474095 77 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 GREAT FALLS RESERVOIR TAILRACE AT GREAT FALLS, SC) was installed at this site in March, 2016. 78 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Rocky Creek -Cedar Creek 79 Approximate Map Recommended Distance Data Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Water Downstream Planned USGS Station with In Situ Wired to Hydro 1 Temperature Face of Cedar 0.00 - Pipe, Monitor Station Creek Location Computer DO Powerhouse Unchanged Current Device on Wired to Hydro Cedar Creek 2 Reservoir Levels n/a the Intake Station Forebay Structure Computer 79 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale A previous water quality monitor was located in the center of the Cedar Creek tailrace, mounted directly on the powerhouse. Since the hydro units at Cedar Creek were identical, the temperature and DO monitor adequately measured the water quality released from Cedar Creek Powerhouse (Location 1). Unlike Great Falls -Dearborn, there is no structure downstream of Cedar Creek Powerhouse to mount a water quality monitor in the center of the channel. The water quality of the Cedar Creek hydro flow represents the overall tailrace water quality because: • Cedar Creek Powerhouse flow is significantly greater than Rocky Creek Powerhouse flow and dominates the downstream flow (capacity of Cedar Creek units is three times the capacity of the Rocky Creek units). • Rocky Creek Hydro is operated infrequently; it is operated only after Cedar Creek Reservoir pond level cannot be maintained by Cedar Creek Hydro (three Units at Cedar Creek). • Both hydros draw water from the same forebay and the water quality is similar. Thus, no water quality monitoring device is necessary at the Rocky Creek Hydro. MEI Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Wateree 81 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Device Location Rationale The USGS gage at Highway 1/601 (Location 2/3) is well-established and will be used for verification of minimum continuous flow, recreational flows, and hourly Project flows. Generation records will be used to supplement the USGS data. The Wateree tailrace is a relatively simple channel, with the flows from the various hydro units moving directly downstream. However, the tailrace does not lend itself to simple water quality 82 Approximate Map Recommended Distance Data Comments Data Collection Location Location Downstream (miles) Wireless Planned USGS Telemetry (DO) Water West Shore Station with In Situ to Hydro Station 1 Temperature, Platform — 0.02 - Pipe, Monitor Computer, DO Tailrace Location USGS Satellite Unchanged Link to NWIS Web Interface USGS Station 02148000 USGS Gage and Minimum Highway 1/601 (Wateree River Turbine 2 Continuous 7.4 Flows USGS Gage near Camden, Generation SC) Records USGS Station Recreational Turbine Records 02148000 USGS Gage and Flows (Wateree River Turbine 3 Highway 1/601 7.4 Project Hourly near Camden, Generation Flows USGS Gage SC) Records Current Device on Wired to Hydro Wateree 4 Reservoir Levels n/a the Intake Station Forebay Structure Computer Device Location Rationale The USGS gage at Highway 1/601 (Location 2/3) is well-established and will be used for verification of minimum continuous flow, recreational flows, and hourly Project flows. Generation records will be used to supplement the USGS data. The Wateree tailrace is a relatively simple channel, with the flows from the various hydro units moving directly downstream. However, the tailrace does not lend itself to simple water quality 82 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 monitoring due to the various aeration capabilities of the individual hydro units and subsequent multi -unit flow patterns (Duke Power 2005a). Moving the monitor location downstream to capture a multi -unit flow is not an option because, at flows greater than provided by 2-3 unit operations, a significant volume of water flows out of the main channel to the east within a few hundred yards of the powerhouse. The existing monitor location (Location 1) was built to extend a short distance into the tailrace with the goal of obtaining more representative water quality measurements than at the face of the powerhouse. The existing monitor location is the best logistical location available to measure water quality because no structure exists in the center of the channel, nor is the east side of the channel a viable option because that area is heavily used by fisherman (creating damage and security issues) and is prone to flooding and further potential damage or loss. The next available location at the Highway 1/601 Bridge is less suitable because of its distance from the powerhouse and the presence of aquatic plants and shoals between the powerhouse and bridge that significantly influence the DO levels. 2.3 Water Quality Monitoring Implementation Plan and Schedule Per the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA), Appendix M, all water quality monitors are to be installed within 12 months following FERC approval of the Project Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP; Table 3). 83 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Table 3 Water Quality Monitoring Schedule Task Timeframe Notes At several locations, the installation of water quality monitors will precede the installation of the equipment 12 months after FERC approves modifications necessary to achieve compliance. In Water Quality the FWQIP (subject to approval these cases, the monitors will assist Duke Energy in Monitor in NC and SC 401 Water the implementation of interim measures per the Installation Quality Certification) per CRA, FWQIP. However, these monitor results are not Appendix M suitable for compliance assessments until the necessary equipment modifications have been implemented (refer to CRA Section 13.2) DO Each year for the term of the license, per Compliance April 1 —November 30 WQMP/FWQIP Monitoring Water Temperature April 1- November 30 Each year for the term of the license, per Compliance WQMP/FWQIP Monitoring Annual Report June 30 The annual report will reflect previous year's data; Submitted annual reports submitted for the term of the license The Licensee's plans for water quality data collection methodologies, including requirements for measuring instrumentation, calibrations and maintenance, validation, archival, reporting, and data transmittal providing real-time input for hydro compliance operations are described in the Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) filed with both the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). 2.4 Reporting Requirements Historic records indicate that DO concentrations have consistently exceeded state water quality standards during the winter months. Therefore, compliance monitoring for water temperature and DO will commence on 1 April and end on 30 November each year during the term of the New License, unless additional monitoring is determined necessary by the state water quality agency (e.g., for extended low DO periods, unusual meteorological periods). Flows and reservoir levels will be recorded year-round. 84 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 USGS Provisional water quality data for each monitoring site will be maintained in real time on the USGS NWIS Web Interface for as needed access by state water quality agency staffs. After compliance monitoring is initiated per Section 2.3 above, during the term of the New License, an annual report summarizing the previous water quality monitoring season will be filed with the appropriate agencies by June 30 of the following year. 2 Provisional USGS data typically include the following disclaimer: Data are provisional and subject to revision until they have been thoroughly reviewed and received final approval. Provisional data may be inaccurate due to instrument malfunctions or physical changes at the measurement site. Subsequent review based on field inspections and measurements may result in significant revisions to the data. Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences. 85 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 3.0 Supplemental Trout Habitat Monitoring 3.1 Monitoring The Catawba River Bypassed Reach and Bridgewater minimum continuous flows have been selected and evaluated to provide flows and water temperatures suitable for protection and enhancement of mussels in the bypassed reach and the maintenance of a stocked trout fishery downstream of Bridgewater Hydro. The volume of warmwater flows provided to the Catawba River Bypassed Reach to maintain mussel habitat are balanced against the coldwater minimum flow from the Linville Dam to maintain suitable temperatures for trout downstream of the confluence of the Catawba River Bypassed Reach and the Linville River. During Project relicensing, the flows and temperatures provided to each channel to achieve the desired, but conflicting temperature requirements were analyzed by the CE -QUAL -W2 reservoir model and the River Modeling System (RMS). The results of these computer models were evaluated by the Aquatics/Terrestrial and Water Quality Resource Committees. Bypassed Reach and Linville Dam minimum continuous flows stated in the CRA are the result of the recommendations from the evaluations by the resource committees. Due to the hydraulic complexity and trout supplemental management interests in this area, supplemental monitoring will be used seasonally (1 April through 30 November) to support future evaluations of whether trout management goals in the mainstem Catawba River continue to be supported. Results of this monitoring may be used to determine if flow reductions need to be made in the Catawba River Bypassed Reach. Per CRA agreement, this supplemental trout habitat monitoring was to commence after the Bridgewater Powerhouse had been replaced with either a new powerhouse or valve system and compliance operations had begun. Also, the study was to continue through the next full North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) Catawba River Basinwide Assessment period, but not beyond Year 2019. Due to the extended time between the CRA signing and New License issuance, Duke Energy and the NCDWR have agreed that the study will be conducted at least from 2016 to 2019 (four years), but may be extended to additional years if the initial four sampled years are not sufficiently variable from either a meteorological or operational perspective. The general study outline for the supplemental trout habitat monitoring is provided below. 3.2 Sensor Locations The temperature and level logger placement is designed to be able to record temperatures, flow (level logger with stage -discharge relationship) from the inflows, and empirically determine the temperatures at the appropriate downstream river reaches. An additional downstream temperature and level logger and staff gage (not depicted on the map below) will be provided at the Watermill Bridge (RM 271.7) in Glen Alpine, INC which is in the middle of the primary trout habitat. M Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Bridgewater Supplemental Trout Habitat Monitoring �h to ` 4 J�ReserirLevE4l Temper'a'ture" _,_..�•� v J� fir. - USGS Gage& & WQ R ,.•• � •,�^ p�ito� , ., y; Logger, Level Monitor (Compliance),,,. j z s '- �1 , Logger, : & Staff t " -;h v Gage r Valve Flow Monitor k Temperature. f?� - (Compliance)', Loggers perature zy Loggers 1 £ r F c f r 4 1 Level Logge , Staff Gage ; 1 3.3 System Requirements Level loggers (devices to record river stage from which a stage -discharge relationship may be developed to calculate flow) and temperature loggers will be placed in the river and periodically downloaded to obtain the respective data. Stage -discharge curves will be developed and maintained for the level logger sites. 3.4 Reporting Requirements Annual reports will be provided to the NCDEQ and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) annually by 30 April, the calendar year following monitoring seasons, for the duration of the supplemental trout habitat monitoring study. Reports will detail the previous monitoring season's temperatures and levels. Flow -weighted temperatures will be calculated for the downstream sites. 87 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 4.0 Trend Monitoring of Water Quality Characteristics 4.1 Background Dissolved oxygen deficits in the Project reservoirs have been shown to be related to organic and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loading (Duke Power 2005b). Increased organic and nutrient loadings to the system after the Licensee installs aeration equipment designed to meet current deficits may impose additional oxygen deficits that the equipment was not designed to treat. To provide information to assess basin -wide growth and potential increased organic and nutrient loading, the Licensee will monitor trends in organic and nutrient concentrations to supplement state water quality databases. This monitoring is not required for compliance with the Section 401 Water Quality Certifications. 4.2 Sampling Locations In cooperation with state agencies, the Licensee will identify sampling sites for future long-term organic and nutrient sample collections. Parameters collected will include total N (calculated from nitrate+nitrite and total Kjeldahl nitrogen), total P, pH, DO, and water temperature. Hydro Tailraces Samples will be collected monthly throughout the year from the immediate tailraces or alternatively in the vicinity of the continuous water quality monitors. Tributary Sites Tributary sampling will focus on stream confluences draining major sub -watersheds into the Project reservoirs and downstream river sections. Tributary samples will be collected monthly, beginning in 2017. The following tributaries will be monitored in North Carolina: • Muddy Creek at Highway 70 (Burke Co.) • Johns River at Highway 18 (Burke Co.) * • Catawba River at Highway 18 (Burke Co.) • Lower Little River upstream of Confluence with Catawba River (Alexander Co. • Catawba Creek at SR 2435 (Gaston Co.) • South Fork Catawba River at Goat Island Park Pier, Cramerton (Gaston Co.) (* Three storm events will be sampled each year. )3 The tributaries in South Carolina to be sampled will be chosen from the following list: • Sugar Creek at Hwy 160 (York Co.) 3 Storm event sampling to occur within 72 hours of a tributary catchment precipitation event estimated meeting or exceeding a minimal 1.27 cm (0.5 in) precipitation accumulation. One convenient -to -access source of precipitation data currently available for this purpose is the NC CRONOS/ECONet Database, developed by the State Climate Office of North Carolina (http://climate.ncsu.edu/cronos). W Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 • Catawba River at Highway 9 (Chester and Lancaster Co.) • Fishing Creek at SSR 77 (Chester Co.) • Cane Creek at SSR 50 (Lancaster Co.) • Rocky Creek at USGS Gage (Chester Co.) • Big Wateree Creek at Highway 21 (Fairfield Co.) • Beaver Creek at SSR 13 (Kershaw Co.) 4.3 Sampling Requirements The samples will be collected and analyzed by state certified personnel and laboratories. 4.4 Reporting Requirements Data derived from the long-term monitoring program will be stored electronically and reports provided as needed or requested by state agencies, such as to support the NCDWR's Catawba River Basinwide Assessment. M Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 5.0 References Duke Power. 2005a. Catawba Hydros - Existing Aeration Capability and Downstream Aeration Tests, Technical Report Series, Catawba-Wateree License. FERC No. 2232, Charlotte, NC. Duke Power. 2005b. CE -QUAL -W2 Calibration Reports, Technical Report Series, Catawba- Wateree License. FERC No. 2232, Charlotte, NC. Duke Energy 2015. Bridgewater Supplemental Trout Habitat Monitoring Study Plan. Duke Energy Water Resources. Huntersville, NC. [HDR] HDR Engineering, Inc. 2012. Bridgewater Hydroelectric Station Dissolved Oxygen Report. Prepared for Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. December 2012. Knight, Jon, 2003. Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations and Water Temperature from Bridgewater Hydroelectric Station. Duke Power Company. Mitchell, Thomas O. 2006. Luminescence Based Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen in Natural Waters. Hach Environmental. Loveland, CO. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans. EPA QA/R-5, EPA/240/B-01/003. USEPA, Office of Environmental Information, Washington D.C. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Identification and assessment of any incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC The USGS is a nationally -trusted resource whose expertise adds value in the form of personnel experience and technical capability, organizational continuity and accountability, and all facets of quality assurance and quality control in environmental monitoring. The USGS has the resources to make provisional water quality data publicly available on the internet for all monitoring locations on a real-time basis, and subsequently furnishing approved water quality data which will be used in annual compliance reports. Duke Energy will also have access to real- time water quality data via local telemetry, to be used throughout the monitoring season in managing hydro operations to meet dissolved oxygen requirements. Consultation Sum ma 91 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Appendix L: Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP) (applies to INC and SC) Statement of Revision CRA Appendix L is the FWQIP and is included as a condition of both state WQCs. Appendix E; Section A-2.0 Flow Articles; Article — Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan of the license issued by the FERC on November 25, 2015 requires: (A) Within 180 days following the issuance of this license, the Licensee must file with the Commission, for approval, a Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP) for completing the modifications necessary to satisfy the flow and water quality requirements at Project developments. The Plan shall include, at a minimum: (i) descriptions of any equipment, including flow release valves, minimum flow hydro units, or aerating hydro units to be installed; (ii) descriptions of any proposed modifications to any Project structures to provide prescribed flow releases or meet the requirements of the 401 Water Quality Certifications; and (iii) a schedule for the installations and modifications to meet the prescribed flow releases or water quality requirements stipulated in this license. Backeround information exolainine the need for the revision One reason for the changes to FWQIP activities and schedules as originally included in both state WQCs is current timelines for vendors to design, fabricate, and deliver major components, such as the new minimum flow units at the Wylie and Wateree Developments, are different than projected in 2006. Also, Duke Energy has already implemented major items such as flow and water quality improvements at the Bridgewater Development (at both the Bridgewater Hydro Station and the Catawba Dam), the Rhodhiss Development, and the Oxford Development. More detailed design and scheduling for Great Falls minimum continuous flow and recreation flow release modifications coupled with other improvements planned by Duke Energy have resulted in modifications to implementation schedules at that development. Actual text of the revision (for ease of identification. text modified from the December 22. 2006 Signature Copy of the CRA, Revision 1 is shown in bold italics) 92 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 APPENDIX L: FLOW AND WATER QUALITY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (FWQIP) The Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (FWQIP) table that follows presents an outline of: • A site-specific list of measures that the Licensee will take for providing aquatic flows, recreation flows and for meeting the applicable water quality standards; • A schedule for when these measures will be implemented; and • A schedule for any interim measures that will be taken to address flow releases or dissolved oxygen (DO) improvements prior to completing the necessary physical modifications to the Project. Dates are subject to change due to items beyond the Licensee's control such as materials availability, manufacturing capacity, transportation schedules and installation contractor availability. The Licensee will however make every reasonable effort in its planning and implementation to minimize the chance of delays in this schedule. 93 Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) Bridgewater Development (Notes 2, 4, 6) Catawba Dam N/A New flow valve with aerating Completed 11118109 NIA capability Linville Dam N/A New Powerhouse with Completed 11114111 NIA aerating capability on all 93 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 94 Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) units or flow valve system (Note 2) Rhodhiss Development Rhodhiss Dam & N/A New aerating runner on Unit Completed 12103113 N/A Powerhouse 3 Oxford Development - Trash gate modification - 12 months following Beginning within 60 days following the to spill forebay surface FERC approval of FWQIP date of closure of the New License, raise Oxford Dam N/A water a flood gate during periods of no - New aerating runner on generation to release and aerate the one existing unit (Unit 2) - Completed 12/23/13 Minimum Continuous Flow. Lookout Shoals Development Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure of the New License, operate existing vacuum breakers (three units) as needed Lookout Shoals to meet state standard N/A N/A N/A Powerhouse s for DO while monitoring Oxford DO carry-over benefits. If necessary, add aerating capacity to auxiliary units. Operate existing large or 94 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 95 Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) auxiliary units as needed to provide minimum flow. Cowans Ford Development Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure Cowans Ford of the New License, operate N/A N/A N/A Powerhouse & Dam existing units as needed. No flow or DO enhancements are needed. Mountain Island Development (Note 5) Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure Mountain Island of the New License, operate Powerhouse & Dam existing stay vane aeration N/A N/A N/A units as needed. No flow or DO enhancements are needed. Wylie Development Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure of the New License, pulse Replace one existing hydro 30 months following an existing unit 1 hr on, 2 hrs off during Wylie Powerhouse N/A unit with a smaller unit with FERC approval of FWQ/P periods when at least 1 unit is not running aerating capability continuously. When DO is below state standards, operate two existing units with hub -venting capability on a first -on, last -off 95 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 W. Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) hierarchy whenever the station is being operated for flow release, reservoir level control or generation. Fishing Creek Development Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure of the New License, operate Fishing Creek existing stay vanes N/A N/A N/A Powerhouse & Dam (two units) and hub venting (one unit) as needed to meet state standards for DO. Great Falls — Dearborn Development Great Falls Diversion N/A Combination notches/gates 55 months following None Dam (Long Bypass) and/ or bladder dam FERC approval of FWQ/P Beginning within 60 days following the Great Falls Headworks Combination existing trash 55 months following date of closure of the New License, (Short Bypass) N/A gate and/or bladder dam FERC approval of FWQ/P provide as close as possible to the prescribed aquatic flows via the existing trash gate. W. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 97 Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) Beqinninq within 60 days following the date of closure of the New License, operate existing vacuum breakers Dearborn Powerhouse (three units) as needed N/A N/A N/A to meet state standard s for DO while monitoring Fishing Creek DO carry-over benefits. 97 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Timeframe for Operational Change to Timeframe for Implement Flows and/or Completing Physical Enhance DO where No Physical Modifications Modifications and Interim Measures for Providing Aquatic Physical Modifications Proposed to Meet Flow Implementing Flows Flow and/or DO Enhancement until Location are Anticipated and/or DO Requirements and/or DO Enhancements Physical Modifications are Complete (Note 7) (Note 8) (Note 1) (Notes 3, 7) Rocky Creek — Cedar Creek Development Beginning within 60 days following the date of closure of the New License, operate existing hub Cedar Creek venting capability (three Powerhouse & Dam units) as needed to meet N/A N/A N/A state standards for DO while monitoring the benefit of continuous flows through Great Falls Bypassed Reaches. Wateree Development Beginning within 60 days following the Beginning within 60 days date of closure of the New License, following the date of closure approximate minimum continuous flows of the New License, operate by (1) pulsing an existing unit 1 hr on, 2 existing hydro units hrs off from May 16 thru Feb 14 during as necessary to provide Replace one existing hydro periods when at least 1 unit is not running Wateree Powerhouse downstream flow unit with a smaller unit with 42 months following continuously and (2) running an existing requirement. Also operate aerating capability FERC approval of FWQ/P hydro unit continuously from Feb 15 thru existing units with auto- May 15. When DO is below state venting capability as standards, operate existing units with needed to meet state auto -venting capability on a first -on, last standards for DO. off hierarchy whenever the station is being operated for flow release, reservoir level control or generation. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Notes: 1. The FWQIP was filed with NCDWQ and SCDHEC during the 401 Water Quality Certification processes as the recommended flow and water quality implementation plan. NCDWQ and SCDHEC took the recommended FWQIP under advisement and approved and/or modified the FWQIP in the 401 Water Quality Certification. The FERC must approve the FWQIP before the Licensee can begin construction at any location, except for Bridgewater (see Note 2 below). Also, since the FERC approval order for the FWQIP can substantially modify the Licensee's proposed FWQIP, the Licensee will not contract for the manufacture or installation of large capital cost items until FERC approval is obtained. 2. At Bridgewater, retirement of the existing powerhouse and its replacement with a new powerhouse was performed as part of the ongoing Bridgewater Dam Upgrade Project, and FERC approval was obtained in conjunction with that project. The Licensee's final decision was to replace the original powerhouse with a new powerhouse designed to provide the prescribed flows and meet the applicable state water quality standards. 3. The interim measures will be implemented as indicated except when the Licensee is operating under the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) or the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol (MEP). 4. Paddy Creek Bypassed Reach: No flow releases are proposed in the Paddy Creek Bypassed Reach. Parties to this Agreement agree to recommend the provisions presented in Section 4.0 of this Agreement in lieu of flow releases into the Paddy Creek Bypassed Reach for consideration by the NCDWQ and the FERC in the 401 Water Quality Certification process and the license issuance process, respectively. 5. Mountain Island Bypassed Reach: No flow releases are proposed in the Mountain Island Bypassed Reach. Parties to this Agreement agree to recommend the provisions as presented in Section 4.0 of this Agreement in lieu of flow releases into the Mountain Island Bypassed Reach for consideration by the NCDWQ and the FERC in the 401 Water Quality Certification process and the license issuance process, respectively. 6. The Licensee consulted with the resource agencies to reduce resource impacts during any periods of reduced flow associated with the Bridgewater Dam Upgrade Project. 7. For the purpose of this Appendix L only, "date of closure for the New License" will mean the first day following the issuance of the New License and the closure of all rehearing and administrative challenge periods related to water quantity, including Project flow releases and reservoir levels, and water quality. 8. If a state water quality agency requires equipment modifications in addition to those listed in this Appendix L to assure compliance with applicable state water quality standards for Dissolved Oxygen (DO), the fact that such modifications are not currently specified in this Appendix L does not render those modifications inconsistent with this Agreement pursuant to Section 21.0. However, any equipment modifications necessary to assure compliance with any other applicable state water quality standard or any other regulatory requirements to provide flow releases, and/or reservoir levels other than the flow releases and reservoir levels specified in this Agreement may be inconsistent with this Agreement and may be subject to review pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.0. Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 Identification and assessment of anv incremental environmental impacts of the revision compared to the original WQC Overall, this revision to the FWQIP is an improvement to and not inconsistent with the previous FWQIP given: • Four of the nine modification projects (Catawba Dam, Bridgewater Powerhouse, Rhodhiss turbine, Oxford turbine) have been completed years ahead of schedule. • The originally proposed Oxford minimum flow release valve has been changed to a trash gate modification to 1) release forebay surface water higher in dissolved oxygen, 2) spill that water to provide additional aeration, and 3) shorten the implementation schedule. • The original schedule for the Wylie Hydro Station unit replacement is unchanged. • The Wateree Hydro Station unit replacement date has extended. The Wylie and Wateree unit replacements are unique and complicated designs required to significantly raise dissolved oxygen under reduced flow conditions while utilizing the same intake structures and turbine outlet structures. There are considerable risks associated with these unique designs. Therefore, rather than have simultaneous installations that may duplicate unexpected problems, these implementations are staggered to maximize lessons learned, correct any discovered design or manufacturing deficiencies, and make more efficient use of installation crews. • The schedule for the Great Falls Long Bypass modifications has extended. The original concept was to use notches, gates or bladder dams to release both minimum continuous and recreation flows. However, these options do not provide sufficient control to regulate flow releases precisely enough to assure compliance. Instead, an Obermeyer gate will be used, which requires more pneumatic piping, compressors, and controls that greatly increase the scope of this modification compared to the original concept. • The Great Falls Short Bypass modification date has extended in order to integrate the flow release provision (also Obermeyer gates as described for the Long Bypass) into an overall modification to make dam stability modifications and to replace the existing flashboards on top of a section of the short bypass spillway with bladder dams. This approach will improve Duke energy's ability to comply with flow releases. In addition, public safety will be improved since the existing flashboards are somewhat trouble -prone and unpredictably break resulting in difficulty managing flow releases, unsafe flow releases, and undesired debris in the short bypass reach. Consultation Sum ma 100 Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2232 Application for Amendment of Water Quality Certification South Carolina Certification DHEC 08-C-001 issued February 12, 2015 North Carolina Certification No. 3767 issued November 14, 2008 ATTACHMENT A Consultation Documentation 101