NC0000396_NC Eco Checklist Asheville_20150823

CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS/SAMPLING
I. SITE LOCATION
1. Site Name Asheville Steam Electric Plant
US EPA ID Number
Location 200 CP&L Drive
County Buncombe CityArden State NC
2. Latitude N 35.281113 Longitude W - 82.323258
3. Attach site maps, including a topographical map, a diagram which illustrates the
layout of the facility (e.g., site boundaries, structures, etc.), and maps showing all
habitat areas identified in Section III of the checklist. Also, include maps which
illustrate known and suspected release areas, sampling locations and any other
important features, if available.
II. SITE CHARACTERIZATION
1. Indicate the approximate area of the site (i.e., acres or sq. ft.) 700
2. Is this the first site visit? ❑� Yes ❑ No
If no, attach trip report of previous site visit(s), if available.
Dates(s) of previous site visit(s)
3. Are aerial or other site photographs available?0 Yes ❑ No
If yes, please attach any available photo(s) to the site map to the report.
4. Provide an approximate breakdown of the land uses on the site:
35 % Heavy Industrial % Light Industrial % Urban
% Residential % Rural % Agriculturalb
50 % Recreational' 15 % Undisturbed % Other`
'For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, etc).
Lake - boating. fishing
bFor agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
°For areas designated as "other," please describe the use of the area.
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5. Provide an approximate breakdown of the land uses in the area surrounding the site.
Indicate the radius (in miles) of the area described: 1
20
% Heavy Industrial
10
% Light Industrial
15 % Urban
15
% Residential
5
% Rural
% Agriculturalb
30
% Recreationala
5
% Undisturbed
% Other'
'For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, golf course,
etc).
Lake - boating, fishing
bFor agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
`For areas designated as "other," please describe the use of the area.
6. Has any movement of soil taken place at the site?Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the likely source of the disturbance, (e.g., erosion, agricultural,
mining, industrial activities, removals, etc.) degree of disturbance, and estimate
when these events occurred.
Industrial activities - building of dikes and impoundments grading
Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or in proximity to the site,
(e.g. Federal and State parks, National and State monuments, wetlands)? Yes
Remember, flood plains and wetlands are not always obvious; do not answer "no"
without confirming information. See Table 1 for a list of contacts.
Please provide the source(s) of information used to identify these sensitive areas,
and indicate their general location on the site map. USFWS NWI -located in
the floodplain of the French Broad River
8. What type of facility is located at the site?
❑ Chemical ❑ Manufacturing ❑ Mixing
❑ Waste Disposal 0 Other (specify)
Coal-firedop wer plant
Identify the contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) at the site. If known,
include the maximum contaminant levels. Please indicate the source of data cited
(e.g., RFI, confirmatory sampling, etc).
Al. Sb. As. Ba. B. Be. Cd. CI. Cr. Co. Cu. Fe. Pb. Mn. Ho. Mo. Ni. Se. TI. V
Zn, pH - COPCs listed here are based on a SLERA conducted by SvnTerra.
See CSA Report for details. (COPCs with no screening criteria are omitted.)
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10. Check any potential routes of off-site migration of contaminants observed at the
site:
V] Swales ❑ Depressions ® Drainage Ditches
❑ Runoff Z Windblown Particulates Vehicular Traffic
0 Other (specify): Subsurface groundwater migration
11. Indicate the approximate depth to groundwater (in feet below ground surface [(bgs)].
5' to 60' hgs_ de Pn .nding on elevation within the Site_
12. Indicate the direction of groundwater flow (e.g., north, southeast, etc.)
WSW - generally toward the French Broad River
13. Is the direction of surface runoff apparent from site observations?[Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, to which of the following does the surface runoff discharge? Indicate all that
apply.
Q Surface water ❑ Groundwater ❑ Sewer
0 Collection Impoundment
14. Is there a navigable water body or tributary to a navigable water body?
® Yes ❑ No
15. Is there a water body anywhere on or in the vicinity of the site? If yes, also complete
Section III.B.1: Aquatic Habitat Checklist -- Non -Flowing Systems and/or Section
III.B.2: Aquatic Habitat Checklist -- Flowing Systems.
0 Yes (approx. distance on site ) ❑ No
16. Is there evidence of flooding?® Yes ❑ No
Wetlands and flood plains are not always obvious. Do not answer "no" without confirming
information. If yes, complete Section III.C: Wetland Habitat Checklist.
17. If a field guide was used to aid any of the identifications, please provide a reference.
Also, estimate the time spent identifying fauna. (Use a blank sheet if additional space
is needed for text.)
18. Are any threatened and/or endangered species (plant or animal) known to inhabit
the area of the site?[-] Yes ® No
If yes, you are required to verify this information with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service or other appropriate agencies (see Table 1 for a list of contacts). If species'
identities are known, please list them next.
none were observed onsite
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19. Record weather conditions at the site at the time of the site visit when information
for completion of this checklist was prepared:
DATE 3/30/15
64F Temperature (°C/°F)
Wind (direction/speed):
Cloud Cover: Cloudy
Normal daily high temperature (°C/°F): 63F
Precipitation (rain, snow): .23 rain
20. Describe reasonable and likely future land and/or water use(s) at the site.
Lakeside park for recreation.
21. Describe the historical uses of the site. Include information on chemical releases
that may have occurred as a result of previous land uses. For each chemical
release, provide information on the form of the chemical released (i.e., solid,
liquid, vapor) and the known or suspected causes or mechanism of the release
(i.e., spills, leaks, material disposal, dumping, explosion, etc.).
Site has been a coal-fired power plant since 1964 and is currently in operation. Ash
from coal combustion is the primary potential contaminant source, potentially
migrating into groundwater from the ash basins and/or emerging downgradient as
seeps.
22. Identify the media (e.g., soil [surface or subsurface], surface water, air,
groundwater) which are known or suspected to contain COCl.
Groundwater, surface water, sediment, seeps, soil.
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HA. SUMMARYOFOBSERVATIONSANDSITESETTING
Include information on significant source areas and migration pathways that are
likely to constitute complete exposure pathways.
Most of the COPC miqrations likely occur throuqh qroundwater movement
toward the French Broad River, surfacing as seeps and leadinq to streams
and creeks that discharqe to the floodplain and river. There is likely
miqration via surface runoff (e.q. stormwater) as well, which also ultimatelv
reaches the river. The source areas consist of coal ash impoundments, coal
source pile runoff and leachate, runoff from train car parkinq area, and
anv other areas that have coal present and are exposed to the surroundinq
environment (i.e. rainfall, snowfall, wind, etc.).
Checklist completed by Michael M Spacil
AffiliationSynTerra Corporation
Author Assisted by Matt Huddleston, R. Kyle Donovan
Date 7/21 /2015
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III. HABITAT EVALUATION
IH.A Terrestrial Habitat Checklist
III.A.1 Wooded
Are any wooded areas on or adjacent to the site?[Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the wooded area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one wooded area is present on or adjacent to
the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual wooded area. Distinguish between wooded areas by using names or
other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.2: Shrub/Scrub
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Wooded Area Questions
❑ On -circ ❑ Off-sitc
Name or Designation: NW woods, interstate, floodplain, and E woods.
1. Estimate the approximate size of the wooded area4(0 %95 acres)
Please identify what information was used to determine the wooded area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc).
2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation in the wooded area. Provide photographs, if
available.
❑ Evergreen
❑ Deciduous
Mixed
Dominant plant species, if known:
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the wooded area.
❑ Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
❑ Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
❑ Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the predominant size of the trees at the site. Use diameter at breast height.
❑ 0-6 inches
❑ 642 inches
❑ >12 inches
❑ No single size range is predominant
5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
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III.A.2 Shrub/Scrub
Are any shrub/scrub areas on or adjacent to the site?[:] Yes ® No
If yes, indicate the shrub/scrub area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one shrub/scrub area is present on or adjacent
to the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual shrub/scrub area. Distinguish between shrub/scrub areas, using names
or other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.3: Open Field
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Shrub/Scrub Area Questions
❑ On-site ❑ Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Estimate the approximate size of the shrub/scrub area ( % acres).
Please identify what information was used to determine the shrub/scrub area of the
site (e.g., direct observation, photos, etc).
2. Indicate the dominant type of shrub/scrub vegetation present, if known.
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the shrub/scrub area.
❑ Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
❑ Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
❑ Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the approximate average height of the scrub/shrub vegetation.
❑ 0-2 feet
❑ 2-5 feet
❑ >5 feet
5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
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III.A.3Open Field
Are any open field areas on or adjacent to the site? ❑ Yes 0 No
If yes, indicate the open field area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one open field area is present on or adjacent to
the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual open field area. Distinguish between open field areas, using names or
other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.4: Miscellaneous
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Open Field Area Questions
❑ On-site ❑ Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Estimate the approximate size of the open field area (-% acres).
Please identify what information was used to determine the open field area of the
site.
2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation present, if known.
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the shrub/scrub area.
❑ Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
❑ Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
❑ Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the approximate average height of the dominant plant:
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III.A.4 Miscellaneous
Are other types of terrestrial habitats present at the site, other than woods,
scrub/shrub and open field? E] Yes ® No
If yes, indicate the area on the attached site map and answer the following
questions. If more than one of these areas are present on or adjacent to the site,
make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each individual
area. Distinguish between areas by using names or other designations. Clearly
identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.B: Aquatic Habitats.
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Miscellaneous Area Questions
❑ On -sire ❑ Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Provide a description of the terrestrial miscellaneous habitat and identify the area
on the site map.
2. Estimate the approximate size of the area (% acres)
3. What observations, if any, were made at the site regarding the presence and/or
absence of insects, birds, mammals, etc.?
4. Review the questions in Section I to determine if any additional habitat checklists
should be completed for this site.
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IILB Aquatic Habitats
Note. Aquatic systems are often associated with wetland habitats. Please refer to
Section III C, Wetland Habitat Checklist.
III.B.1 Non -Flowing Systems
Are any non -flowing aquatic features (such as ponds or lakes) located at or
adjacent to the site?
® Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the aquatic feature on the attached site map and answer the
following questions regarding the non -flowing aquatic features. If more than one
non -flowing aquatic feature is present on or adjacent to the site, make additional
copies of the following questions and fill out for each individual aquatic feature.
Distinguish between aquatic features by using names or other designations.
Clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.B.2: Flowing Systems
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Non -Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions
0 On-site ❑ Off-site
Name or Designation: Lake Julian, Ash Settling Pond
1. Indicate the type of aquatic feature present:
❑ Natural (e.g., pond or lake)
0 Man-made (e.g., impoundment, lagoon, canal, etc.)
2. Estimate the approximate size of the water body (in acres or sq. ft.) 300, 3
3. If known, indicate the depth of the water body (in ft. or in.).
4. If a water body is present, what are its known uses (e.g.: recreation, navigation, etc.)?
5. Is aquatic vegetation present? 0 Yes ❑ No
If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present if known.
0 Emergent 0 Submergent ❑ Floating
6. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate. Mark all sources that apply
from the following list.
❑ Bedrock
❑ Boulder (>10 in.)
❑ Cobble (2.5 -10 in.)
0 Gravel (0.1 - 2.5 in.)
❑ Other (please specify):
Sand ❑ Concrete
® Silt 0 Debris
❑ Clay 0 Detritus
❑ Muck (fineiblack)
7. Indicate the source(s) of the water in the aquatic feature. Mark all sources that apply
from the following list.
0 River/Stream/Creek
0 Groundwater
0 Industrial Discharge
0 Surface Runoff
❑ Other (please specify):.
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Non -Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)
8. Is there a discharge from the facility to the aquatic feature?Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
The plant takes in water for cooling operations, and returns it to the lake.
9. Does the aquatic feature discharge to the surrounding environment?® Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the features from the following list into which the aquatic feature
discharges, and indicate whether the discharge occurs onsite or offsite:
0
River/Stream/Creek
Oon-site ❑ off-site
®
Groundwater
Qon-site ❑ off-site
❑
Wetland
Don -site ❑ off-site
❑
Impoundment
Don -site ❑ off-site
❑
Other (please describe)
10. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
300 ac
unk
28C
6.92
6.63
729 umh/c
3.43 NTU
Area
Depth (average)
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken)
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Salinity
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth )
Other (specify)
11. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
Slight brown tint, but relatively clear.
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Non -Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)
12. Mark the open -water, non -flowing system on the site map attached to this checklist.
13. What observations, if any, were made at the water body regarding the presence and/or
absence of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, etc?
Upon collecting water quality samples at the eastern -most point (SW -06), small fish (e.g. minnows) were
observed near sample site. Aquatic invertebrates (e.g. water striders) were also observed. No mammals
were observed, but there were birds present (e.g. geese).
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III.13.2 Flowing Systems
Note: Aquatic systems are often associated with wetland habitats. Please refer to
Section X. C, Wetland Habitat Checklist.
Are any flowing aquatic features (such as streams or rivers) located at or adjacent
to the site?
W1 Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the system on the attached site map and answer the following
questions regarding the flowing system. If more than one flowing system is
present on or adjacent to the site, make additional copies of the following
questions and complete one set for each individual aquatic feature. Distinguish
between flowing systems by using names or other designation. Clearly identify
each area on the site map
If no, proceed to Section III.C: Wetlands Habitats.
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Flowing Aquatic Systems Questions
W3 On-site W1 Off-site
Name or Designation: French Broad River, Powell Creek
1. Indicate the type of flowing aquatic feature present.
River
Q Stream/Creek/Brook
❑ Intermittent stream
❑ Artificially created (ditch, etc.)
❑ Channeling
❑ Other (specify)
2. For natural systems, are there any indicators of physical alteration (e.g., channeling,
debris, etc.)? ❑ Yes ® No
If yes, please describe the indicators observed.
3. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate.
❑ Bedrock
Q Boulder (>10 in.)
Cobble (2.5 - 10 in.)
Gravel (0.1 - 2.5 in.)
❑ Other (please specify):
Z Sand (course)
❑ Silt (fine)
❑ Clay (slick)
❑ Muck (fine/black)
❑ Concrete
0 Debris
W1 Detritus
❑ Marl (Shells)
4. Describe the condition of the bank (e.g., height, slope, extent of vegetative cover).
River bank is steep and covered with veaetation. aooroximately 6-8 feet
near roaa -
nanKs are veaetatea ana tanner upstream receives output trom LaKe Julian
5. Is the system influenced by tides? E] Yes 0 No
What information was used to make this determination?
6. Is the flow intermittent? ❑ Yes W1 No
If yes, please note the information used to make this determination.
A-23

Flowing System Questions (Continued)
7. Is there a discharge from the site to the water body?Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
Lake Julian overflow feeds into Powell Creek. Powell Creek flows into the
French Broad River. Several other perennial streams and seeps from site
qroundwater miqration discharqe into the floodplain and ultimately the
French Broad River.
8. Indicate the discharge point of the water body. Specify name of the discharge, if known.
Lake Julian discharges to the French Broad River via Powell Creek at the
NPDES Outfall noted on the site map to the northwest of the site.
9. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
10
Width (ft.)
2
Depth (average)
0.97
Velocity (specify units): MGD
12.3
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken) 2'
6.27
pH
8.32
Dissolved oxygen
854 SpC
Salinity
4.67
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth )
Other (specify)
10. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
11. Is any aquatic vegetation present? [Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present, if known.
0 ]Emergent ® Submergent ❑ Floating
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Flowing System Questions (Continued)
12. Mark the flowing water system on the attached site map.
13. What observations were made at the water body regarding the presence and/or
absence of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, etc?
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III.0 Wetland Habitats
Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the site?
Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate the wetland area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions regarding the wetland area. If more than one wetland area is
present on or adjacent to the site, make additional copies of the following
questions and fill out one for each individual wetland area. Distinguish between
wetland areas by using names or other designations (such as location). Clearly
identify each area on the site map. Also, obtain and attach a National Wetlands
Inventory Map (or maps) to illustrate each wetland area.
Identify the sources of the observations and information (e.g., National Wetland
Inventory, Federal or State Agency, USGS topographic maps) used to make the
determination whether or not wetland areas are present.
USFWS NWI and wetland/stream delineations completed by SVnTerra.
If no wetland areas are present, proceed to Section IIID: Sensitive Environments
and Receptors.
'Wetlands are defined in 40 CFR §232.2 as " Areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." Examples of typical wetlands plants
include: cattails, cordgrass, willows and cypress trees. National wetland inventory maps may be available at
http:\\nwi.fws.gov. Additional information on wetland delineation criteria is also available from the Army
Corps of Engineers.
A-26

Wetland Area Questions
Q On -sire ❑ Off-site
Name or Designation: French Broad floodplain
Indicate the approximate area of the wetland (acres or ft.) 11.5 ACRES
2. Identify the type(s) of vegetation present in the wetland.
Submergent (i.e., underwater) vegetation
® Emergent (i.e., rooted in the water, but rising above it) vegetation
❑ Floating vegetation
W1 Scrub/shrub
Wooded
❑ Other (Please describe):
3. Provide a general description of the vegetation present in and around the wedand
(height, color, etc). Provide a photograph of the known or suspected wetlands, if
available.
Wetland areas were primarily occupied by cattail and sedge. Areas surrounding the wetlands were
occupied by briars of various types and holly, along with several other coniferous and deciduous trees.
4. Estimate the vegetation density of the wetland area.
5.
® Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
❑ Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
❑ Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
Is standing water present? Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, is the water primarily: [Z Fresh ❑ Brackish
Indicate the approximate area of the standing water (ft.) 1000
Indicate the approximate depth of the standing water, if known (ft. or
in.)1'
A-27

Wetland Area Questions (Continued)
6. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
11.5 ac Area
1 Depth (average)
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was
taken)
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Salinity
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth.)
Other (specify)
Describe observed color and area of coloration.
Tinted brown
8. If known, indicate the source of the water in the wetland.
Stream/River/Creek/Lake/Pond
Flooding
Groundwater
® Surface runoff
9. Is there a discharge from the site to the wetland? 0 Yes ❑ No
If yes, please describe:
Seeps originate at the toes of ash basin dikes, flow under 1-26 via several
culverts, converge and flow into the floodplain and wetland areas,
along with surface runoff.
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Wetland Area Questions (Continued)
10. Is there a discharge from the wetland? 0 Yes ❑ No
If yes, to what water body is discharge released?
❑ Marine (Name:
Surface stream/River (Name: French Broad River
❑ Lake/Pond (Name:
❑ Groundwater
❑ Not sure
11. Does the area show evidence of flooding? Z Yes ❑ No
If yes, indicate which of the following are present (mark all that apply).
®
Standing water
Water -saturated soils
Water marks
❑
Buttressing
Q
Debris lines
❑
Mud cracks
❑
Other (Please describe):
11. If a soil sample was collected, describe the appearance of the soil in the wetland
area. Circle or write in the best response.
Color (blue/gray, brown, black, mottled)
Water content (dry, wet, saturated/unsaturated)
13. Mark the observed wetland area(s) on the attached site map.
A-29

IIID Sensitive Environments and Receptors
1. Do any other potentially sensitive environmental areas' exist adjacent to or within
one-half mile of the site? If yes, list these areas and provide the source(s) of
information used to identify sensitive areas. Do not answer `no" without confirmation from
the U.S. Fish and Tlildlzfe Senice and other appropriate agencies. See Table 1 for a list of
contacts.
There may be Floodplain Pool Communities in the French Broad River
floodplain, when flooded. See CSA report Table 12-16 for this communitv
listinq on the State and Federal Protected Species table.
2. Are any areas on or near (i.e., within one-half mile) the site owned or used by local
tribes? If yes, describe.
No
3. Does the site serve or potentially serve as a habitat, foraging area or refuge by rare,
threatened, endangered, candidate and/or proposed species (plants or animals), or
any otherwise protected species? If yes, identify species. This information should be
obtained from the U.S. Fish and Vildltfe Service and other appropriate agencies. See Table 7 for a
list of contacts.
The Site has habitats of potential use bv: hellbender salamanders, spotfin
shiner, southern blotched chub, redline darter, highland shiner, silver shiner,
saffron shiner, fatlips minnow, paddlefish, Rafinesque's Biq-eared bat,
qrav Mvotis. Eastern small -footed Mvotis, Northern Mvotis, and boq turtle.
4. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by migratory
bird species? If yes, identify which species.
The Site has potential to be utilized by the followinq miqratory birds: least
flycatcher, winter wren, blue-winqed warbler, and warblinq vireo.
s Areas that provide unique and often protected habitat for wildlife species. These areas are typically used
during critical life stages such as breeding, hatching, rearing of young and overwintering. Refer to Table 2
at the end of this document for examples of sensitive environments.
A-30

Sensitive Environments and Receptors Questions (continued)
Is the site used by any ecologically", recreationally or commercially important
species? If yes, explain.
° Ecologically important species include populations of species which provide a critical (i.e., not
replaceable) food resource for higher organisms. These species' functions would not be replaced by more
tolerant species or perform a critical ecological function (such as organic matter decomposition) and will
not be replaced by other species. Ecologically important species include pest and opportunistic species that
populate an area if they serve as a food source for other species, but do not include domesticated animals
(e.g., pets and livestock) or plants/animals whose existence is maintained by continuous human
interventions (e.g., fish hatcheries, agricultural crops, etc).
A-31

IV. EXPOSURE PATHWAY EVALUATION
1. Do existing data provide sufficient information on the nature, rate and extent of
contamination at the site?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑✓ Uncertain
Please provide an explanation for your answer. Existing data show the
potential for exposure routes; therefore, further investigations have been
initiated to discern if these exposure routes are valid and/or present.
2. Do existing data provide sufficient information on the nature, rate and extent of
contamination in offsite affected areas?
❑
Yes
No
❑
Uncertain
❑
No offsite contamination
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
3. Do existing data address potential migration pathways of contaminants at the site?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Uncertain
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
A-32

4. Do existing data address potential migration pathways of contaminants in offsite
affected areas?
❑ Yes
® No
❑ Uncertain
❑ No offsite contamination
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
5. Are there visible indications of stressed habitats or receptors on or near (i.e., within
one-half mile) the site that may be the result of a chemical release? If yes, explain.
Attach photographs if available.
6. Is the location of the contamination such that receptors might be reasonably
expected to come into contact with it? For soil, this means contamination in the soil
0 to 1 foot below ground surface (bgs). If yes, explain.
Wildlife have semi -restricted access to ash basins, industrial areas, and
aquatic habitats onsite. There are fences and qates, but these are either
opened from time to time (for vehicle access to site) or have been damaqed
by fallen trees in the forested areas.
7. Are receptors located in or using habitats where chemicals exist in air, soil, sediment
or surface water? If yes, explain.
There is evidence of wildlife (e.q. tracks) at locations that appear impacted
(e.q. seeps, ditches, and creeks).
A-33

8. Could chemicals reach receptors via groundwater? Can chemicals leach or dissolve
to groundwater? Are chemicals mobile in groundwater? Does groundwater
discharge into receptor habitats? If yes, explain.
The potential exists for contaminant transport via qroundwater migration
from ash basins, enterinq down -gradient receivinq areas as seeps or
surface runoff from contaminated areas.
9. Could chemicals reach receptors through runoff or erosion? Answer the following
questions.
What is the approximate distance from the contaminated area to the nearest
watercourse?
0 0 feet (i.e., contamination has reached a watercourse)
❑ 1-10 feet
❑ 11-20 feet
❑ 21-50 feet
❑ 51-100 feet
❑ 101-200 feet
❑ > 200 feet
❑ > 500 feet
❑ > 1000 feet
What is the slope of the ground in the contaminated area?
0-10%
10-30%
❑ > 30%
What is the approximate amount of ground and canopy vegetative cover in the
contaminated area?
❑ < 25%
0 25-75%
❑ > 75%
Is there visible evidence of erosion (e.g., a rill or gully) in or near the contaminated
area?
❑ Yes
FO No
❑ Do not know
A-34

Do any structures, pavement or natural drainage features direct run-on flow (i.e.,
surface flows originating upstream or uphill from the area of concern) into the
contaminated area?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ Do not know
10. Could chemicals reach receptors through the dispersion of contaminants in air (e.g.,
volatilization, vapors, fugitive dust)? If yes, explain.
The potential exists for airborne ash particulate to be transported by wind
to receptor areas if disturbed. This may be mitigated by periodic dust
suppression measures.
11. Could chemicals reach receptors through migration of non -aqueous phase liquids
(NAPLs)? Is a NAPL present at the site that might be migrating towards receptors
or habitats? Could NAPL discharge contact receptors or their habitat?
There are no known NAPLs onsite.
A-35

TABLE 1
SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT CONTACTS
CONTACT
TELEPHONE #
SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
NC Division of Parks and
[phone]
State Parks
Recreation — National
Fax: [phone]
Heritage Program
Areas Important to Maintenance
of Unique Natural Communities
Sensitive Areas Identified Under
The National Estuary Program
Designated State Natural Areas
State Seashore, Lakeshore, and
River Recreational Areas
Rare species (state and federal
Threatened and Endangered)
Sensitive Aquatic Habitat
NC Planning and Natural
[phone]
State Wild & Scenic Rivers
Resources
National Park Service [phone] National Seashore, Lakeshore
Public Affairs Office and River Recreational Areas
National Parks or Monuments
Internet www.nps.gov/rivers Federal Designated Wild &
Scenic Rivers
US Forest Service [phone] Designated and Proposed
Federal Wilderness and Natural
Areas
[phone] National Preserves and Forests
[phone] Federal Land Designated for the
protection of natural ecosystems.
A-36

CONTACT
TELEPHONE #
SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
NC Division of Water
[phone]
Critical Areas Identified Under
Quality
the Clean Lakes Program
[phone]
State -Designated Areas for
Askfor Clean Water Act
Protection or Maintenance of
305b report
Aquatic Life
NC Division of Forest
[phone] x 234
State Preserves and Forests
Resources
US Fish & Wildlife
[phone] x 11
Terrestrial Areas Utilized for
Service
Breeding by Large or Dense
Aggregations of Animals
NC Wildlife Resources
[phone]
National or State Wildlife
Commission
Refuges
NOAA
[phone] x 173
Marine Sanctuaries
NC Department of
[phone]
National and State Historical
Cultural Resources
Sites
NC Division of Coastal
[phone]
Areas Identified Under Coastal
Management
Protection Legislation
Internet
http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us
Coastal Barriers or Units of a
Coastal Barrier Resources
System
NC Wildlife Resources
[phone]
Spawning Areas Critical for the
Commission
Maintenance of Fish/Shellfish
Species within River, Lake or
Coastal Tidal Waters.
Migratory Pathways and Feeding
Areas Critical for Maintenance
of Anadromous Fish Species
within River Reaches or Areas in
Lakes or Coastal Tidal Waters in
Which such Fish Spend Extended
Periods of Time
State Lands Designated for
Wildlife or Game Management
US Army Corps of
[phone], ext. 28
Wetlands
Engineers
A-37

TABLE 2
EXAMPLES OF SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS
National Parks and National Monuments
Designated or Administratively Proposed Federal Wilderness Areas
National Preserves
National or State Wildlife Refuges
National Lakeshore Recreational Areas
Federal land designated for protection of natural ecosystems
State land designated for wildlife or game management
State designated Natural Areas
Federal or state designated Scenic or Wild River
All areas that provide or could potentially provide critical habitat' for state and
federally listed Threatened or Endangered Species, those species that are currently
petitioned for listing, and species designated by other agencies as sensitive or
species of concern.
Marine Sanctuary
Areas identified under the Coastal Zone Management Act
Sensitive areas identified under the National Estuary Program or Near Coastal
Waters Program
Critical areas identified under the Clean Lakes Program
National Seashore Recreational Area
Habitat known to be used by Federal designated or proposed endangered or
threatened species
1 Critical habitats are defined by the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR §424.02(d)) as:
1) Specific areas within the geographical area currently occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in
accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (i) essential to the
conservation of the species and (ii) that may require special management considerations or protection, and
2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed upon a
determination by the Secretary [ of Interior] that such areas are essential for the conservation of the
species.
A-38

Unit of Coastal Barrier Resources System
Coastal Barrier (undeveloped)
Spawning areas critical for the maintenance of fish/shellfish species within river,
lake, or coastal tidal waters
Migratory pathways and feeding areas critical for maintenance of andromous fish
species within river reaches or areas in lakes or coastal tidal waters in which the
fish spend extended periods of time
Terrestrial areas utilized for breeding by large or dense aggregations of animals
National river reach designated as Recreational
Habitat known to be used by state designated endangered or threatened species
Habitat known to be used by species under review as to its Federal endangered or
threatened status
Coastal Barrier (partially developed)
Particular areas, relatively small in size, important to maintenance of unique
biotic communities
State -designated areas for protection or maintenance of aquatic life
Wetlands
A-39