NC0004961_RBSS CSA Rpt_Appx I_Screening-Level Risk Assmt_20150818

Appendix I
Screening-Level Risk Assessment
• Trustee Letters and Responses
• Checklist for Ecological Assessments /
Sampling

Trustee Letters and Responses

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

May 20, 2015

National Park Service
William Reynolds
100 Alabama Street, NW
1924 Building
Atlanta, GA 30303

Re: Request for Information
Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

HDR is working with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to prepare a Comprehensive Site
Assessment for the above-referenced site (see attached site map for project
location). The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Guidelines for Performing Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessments require
identification of certain natural and cultural resources and sensitive environments.
Based on this requirement, we are requesting the following:

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species
(plant or animal), or critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?

2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of
the site (e.g., Federal and State parks, National and State monuments,
wetlands, other 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)?

3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the
site? (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.”)

4. 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?

5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by
migratory bird species and if so, which ones?

6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important
species?

7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local
tribes?
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

Please contact me if you need any additional details to respond to our request for
information.

Regards,
Lisa K. Voyce, MSEnE/Toxicology
Project Manager/Associate/Risk Assessor
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201-335-9439 M 973-558-3910
[e-mail]
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

207
R t. C-
/ _
yaq
ASH BASIN'
icy } r Po-verplan
sts
D11 �Q'IW'�?t�E'''��� r' � °�-/'-^,�,/',1 �*-'•mil � �_; - _�`- >� _
RNERBwEND STEAM STATION
l�- � _ - ••!as-
erii Y i _ } ■e
� - 1 IL ♦ ,■ J
Rozzel
le
/ Bridle \
NOTES: .01-
1. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE,
CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - LAKE NORMAN t _ !--� }}•',-���~''�
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
SCALE (FEET) i
1000 0 1000 2000
I��
SITE LOCATION MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE

From:Faehner, Bryan
To:Voyce, Lisa
Cc:Ben West; Zurlo, Carol
Subject:NPS Review of Duke Steam Stations
Date:Wednesday, June 03, 2015 8:46:48 AM
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
NO HARD COPY TO FOLLOW
United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Southeast Regional Office
Atlanta Federal Center
1924 Building
100 Alabama St., S. W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Lisa K. Voyce
HDR
One International Boulevard 10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
Dear Ms. Voyce:
We appreciate HDR contacting the National Park Service (NPS) to see whether we have any initial
comments relating to resources near Duke Riverbend, Duke Allen, Duke Marshall, Duke Dan
River, Duke Cliffside, Duke Buck, and Duke Belews Creek Steam Stations.
Based on the information provided in your May 20, 2015 correspondences, the NPS has not identified any
resource concerns at this time. However, the NPS may contact Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC or choose to
comment to the appropriate federal and/or state agency once additional information and details are made known
regarding possible changes to the current facilities.
To expedite future reviews, please mail all requests to my attention. Please contact me at 202-513-7256 if you
have any further questions.
Sincerely,
//signed//
Bryan Faehner
Energy & Environmental Protection Specialist
National Park Service, Southeast Region
1201 Eye Street NW
11th Floor, Room 48
Washington, DC 20005
202-513-7256 desk phone
202-604-5076 cell phone
202-371-2131 fax

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

May 20, 2015

NC Division of Parks and Recreation
Allison Weakley
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

Re: Request for Information
Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

HDR is working with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to prepare a Comprehensive Site
Assessment for the above-referenced site (see attached site map for project
location). The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Guidelines for Performing Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessments require
identification of certain natural and cultural resources and sensitive environments.
Based on this requirement, we are requesting the following:

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species
(plant or animal), or critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?

2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of
the site (e.g., Federal and State parks, National and State monuments,
wetlands, other 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)?

3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the
site? (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.”)

4. 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?

5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by
migratory bird species and if so, which ones?

6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important
species?

7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local
tribes?

hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

Please contact me if you need any additional details to respond to our request for
information.

Regards,
Lisa K. Voyce, MSEnE/Toxicology
Project Manager/Associate/Risk Assessor
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201-335-9439 M 973-558-3910
[e-mail]
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

207
R t. C-
/ _
yaq
ASH BASIN'
icy } r Po-verplan
sts
D11 �Q'IW'�?t�E'''��� r' � °�-/'-^,�,/',1 �*-'•mil � �_; - _�`- >� _
RNERBwEND STEAM STATION
l�- � _ - ••!as-
erii Y i _ } ■e
� - 1 IL ♦ ,■ J
Rozzel
le
/ Bridle \
NOTES: .01-
1. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE,
CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - LAKE NORMAN t _ !--� }}•',-���~''�
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
SCALE (FEET) i
1000 0 1000 2000
I��
SITE LOCATION MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE

Donald R. van der Vaart
Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Land and Water Stewardship
Pat McCrory Bryan Gossage
Governor Director
June 9, 2015
Ms. Lisa K. Voyce
HDR Engineering, Inc.
One International Boulevard
10th floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, New Jersey 07495-0027
[e-mail]
RE: Duke Energy – Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mount Holly, Gaston County, North Carolina
Dear Ms. Voyce:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide information from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
(NCNHP) database for the proposed project referenced above. Our office received Geographic
Information System (GIS) data for the proposed project area from Carol Zurlo, Project Scientist with HDR
Engineering, Inc., on May 26, 2015. Based on the proposed project area as submitted, the NCNHP
database does not show records for rare species, important natural communities, nor natural areas
within the project area, but does show records for four properties under conservation easements
managed by the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund adjacent to the project area.
Attached are tables showing records from the NCNHP database for element occurrences (rare species
and natural communities), natural areas, and conservation/managed areas that have been documented
within/adjacent to the project area and records documented within a one-mile radius of the project
area. Also attached is a map that shows natural heritage resources documented within/adjacent to the
project area and within one mile of the project area. The locations of natural areas and
conservation/managed areas may be viewed by accessing the Natural Heritage Data Explorer online
map viewer, or by downloading and using GIS data; both options are available from the NCNHP Data
Services webpage (see www.ncnhp.org).
Please note that although the NCNHP database may not show records for rare species within the
proposed project area, it does not necessarily mean that they are not present; it may simply mean that
the area has not been surveyed. Occurrences of rare species documented within one mile of the
proposed project area increase the likelihood that these species may be present within the project area
if suitable habitat exists. The use of Natural Heritage Program data should not be substituted for actual
field surveys if needed, particularly if the project area contains suitable habitat for rare species. If rare
species are found during field surveys, the NCNHP would appreciate receiving this information so that
we may update our database.
Thank you for your inquiry, and please feel free to contact me at [e-mail] or 919-
707-8629 if you have questions or additional information is needed.
1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601
Phone: [phone] \ Internet: www.ncdenr.gov
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer – Made in part by recycled paper

Duke Energy – Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mount Holly, Gaston County, North Carolina
June 9, 2015
Page 2
Sincerely,
Allison Schwarz Weakley, Conservation Planner
NC Natural Heritage Program
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area
Duke Energy - Riverbend Steam Station
June 9, 2015
NCNHDE-348
No Element Occurrences Documented within the Project Area
There are no documented element occurrences (of medium to very high accuracy) that intersect with the project area. Please note, however, that although the NCNHP database
does not show records for rare species within the project area, it does not necessarily mean that they are not present; it may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. The
use of Natural Heritage Program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys if needed, particularly if the project area contains suitable habitat for rare species. If rare
species are found, the NCNHP would appreciate receiving this information so that we may update our database.
No Natural Areas Documented within the Project Area
Managed Areas Documented Within Project Area*
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
*NOTE: If the proposed project intersects with a conservation/managed area, please contact the landowner directly for additional information. If the project intersects with a Dedicated Nature Preserve (DNP), Registered Natural
Heritage Area (RHA), or Federally-listed species, NCNHP staff may provide additional correspondence regarding the project.
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on June 9, 2015; source: NCNHP, Q2 April 2015. Please resubmit your
information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
Page 3 of 6
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Duke Energy - Riverbend Steam Station
June 9, 2015
NCNHDE-348
Element Occurrences Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Taxonomic
Group
EO ID Scientific Name Common Name Last
Observation
Date
Element
Occurrence
Status
Accuracy Federal
Status
State
Status
Global
Rank
State
Rank
Butterfly 34493 Neonympha helicta Helicta Satyr 1940-06-15 Historical 5-Very
Low
---Significantly
Rare
G3G4 S1?
Mammal 29284 Peromyscus polionotus Oldfield Deermouse 2011-02-20 Current 2-High ---Special
Concern
G5 S1
Natural
Community
26516 Basic Mesic Forest
(Piedmont Subtype)
---2010-08-02 Current 3-Medium ------G3G4 S3S4
Natural
Community
29095 Basic Mesic Forest
(Piedmont Subtype)
---2010-08-02 Current 3-Medium ------G3G4 S3S4
Natural
Community
6942 Dry-Mesic Basic
Oak--Hickory Forest
(Piedmont Subtype)
---2013-07-14 Current 2-High ------G3G4 S3
Natural
Community
26515 Dry-Mesic Basic
Oak--Hickory Forest
(Piedmont Subtype)
---2008-09-09 Current 3-Medium ------G3G4 S3
Natural
Community
26517 Dry-Mesic Oak--Hickory
Forest (Piedmont
Subtype)
---2010-08-02 Current 3-Medium ------G4G5 S4
Natural
Community
29094 Dry Basic Oak--Hickory
Forest
---2013-07-14 Current 2-High ------G2G3 S2S3
Natural
Community
29098 Xeric Hardpan Forest
(Basic Rocky Subtype)
---2013-07-14 Current 2-High ------G2 S2
Vascular Plant 13743 Delphinium exaltatum Tall Larkspur 1800S Historical 5-Very
Low
Species of
Concern
Endangered G3 S2
Natural Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Site Name Representational Rating Collective Rating
Mount Olive Church Basic Forest R3 (High)C3 (High)
Mountain Island Lake Forest R2 (Very High)C4 (Moderate)
Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge Mecklenburg County Local Government
Page 4 of 6
Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Haymarket Nature Preserve Mecklenburg County Local Government
Haymarket Nature Preserve Mecklenburg County Local Government
Rural Hill Nature Preserve Mecklenburg County Local Government
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement NC DENR, Clean Water Management Trust
Fund
State
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on June 9, 2015; source: NCNHP, Q2 April 2015. Please resubmit your
information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
Page 5 of 6
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Page 6 of 6

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

May 19, 2015

Renee Gledhill-Earley
Environmental Review Coordinator
NC State Historic Preservation Office
4617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4617

Re: Request for Information
Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

HDR is working with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to prepare a Comprehensive Site
Assessment for the above-referenced site (see attached site map for project
location). The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Guidelines for Performing Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessments require
identification of certain natural and cultural resources and sensitive environments.
Based on this requirement, we are requesting the following:

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species
(plant or animal), or critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?

2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of
the site (e.g., Federal and State parks, National and State monuments,
wetlands, other 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)?

3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the
site. (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.”)?

4. 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?

5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by
migratory bird species and if so, which ones?

6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important
species?

7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local
tribes?

hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

Please contact me if you need any additional details to respond to our request for
information.

Regards,
Lisa K. Voyce, MSEnE/Toxicology
Project Manager/Associate/Risk Assessor
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201-335-9439 M 973-558-3910
[e-mail]
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

207
R t. C-
/ _
yaq
ASH BASIN'
icy } r Po-verplan
sts
D11 �Q'IW'�?t�E'''��� r' � °�-/'-^,�,/',1 �*-'•mil � �_; - _�`- >� _
RNERBwEND STEAM STATION
l�- � _ - ••!as-
erii Y i _ } ■e
� - 1 IL ♦ ,■ J
Rozzel
le
/ Bridle \
NOTES: .01-
1. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE,
CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - LAKE NORMAN t _ !--� }}•',-���~''�
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
SCALE (FEET) i
1000 0 1000 2000
I��
SITE LOCATION MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE

0
14
ASH
.I *I•#'��' STORAGE
r' c ♦ . f / fi
pr
01,
1 + r
PWS: NCO Li67D6
,
Y '
i
T - r
M
.r
,
NOTES:
1. PARCEL DATA FOR THE SITE WAS OBTAINED FROM DUNE ENERGY REAL ESTATE AND IS APPROXIMATE.
2, ASH STORAGE BOUNDARY AND CINDER STORAGE BOUNDARY ARE APPROXIMATE.
3. AS -BUILT MONITORING WELL LOCATIONS PRO)ADED BY DUNE ENERGY.
4. SHALLOW MONITORING WELLS (5) -WELL SCREEN INSTALLED ACROSS THE SURFICIAL WATER TABLE.
S. DEEP MONITORING WELLS (D) -WELL SCREEN INSTALLED IN THE TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN COMPETENT BEDROCKAND THE REGOIITH.
6. TOPOGRAPHY DATA FOR THE SITE WAS OBTAINED FROM NC DOT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) WEB SITE,
7, ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY WAS OBTAINED FROM WSP (DATED APRIL 2014j
B. THE COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY IS ESTABLISHED ACCORDING TO THE DEFINITION FOUND IN 15A NCAC 02L.0307 (a(.
v'
:74Le..'77
.. _ .r
w v'
SCALE (FEET)
400, 0 400, 800,
1 ° = 800'F)l
f
I�fli �i, •�� 4.
LAW
{
LEGEND:
DUNE ENERGY PROPERTY BOUNDARY
ASH BASIN COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY
ASH BASIN COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY COINCIDENT
_
WITH DUNE ENERGY PROPERTY BOUNDARY
ASH BASIN WASTE BOUNDARY
ASH OR. CINDER STORAGE AREA BOUNDARY
STREAM
TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOUR (4 FOOT)
Q"
EXISTING ASH BASIN COMPUANCE GROUNDWATER
MON ITORIN G WELL LOCATION
EXISTING ASH SASIN VOLUNTARY GROUNDWATER
MONITORING WELL LOCATION
�I
EXISTING WATER SUPPLY WELL
SITE LAYOUT MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NCO004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE
r

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Pat McCrory Office of Archives and History
Secretary Susan Kluttz Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

June 23, 2015

Lisa Voyce
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495

Re: Riverbend Steam Station, 175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, Gaston County, ER 15-1162
Dear Ms. Voyce:
Thank you for your letter of May 19, 2015, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a review of the project and are aware of no historic resources which would be affected by the
project. Therefore, we have no comment on the project as proposed.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part
800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, contact
Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or [e-mail].
In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,

Ramona M. Bartos

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

May 21, 2015

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Shannon Deaton
1701 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1701

Re: Request for Information
Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

HDR is working with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to prepare a Comprehensive Site
Assessment for the above-referenced site (see attached site map for project
location). The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Guidelines for Performing Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessments require
identification of certain natural and cultural resources and sensitive environments.
Based on this requirement, we are requesting the following:

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species
(plant or animal), or critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?

2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of
the site (e.g., Federal and State parks, National and State monuments,
wetlands, other 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)?

3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the
site? (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.”)

4. 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?

5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by
migratory bird species and if so, which ones?

6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important
species?

7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local
tribes?

hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

Please contact me if you need any additional details to respond to our request for
information.

Regards,
Lisa K. Voyce, MSEnE/Toxicology
Project Manager/Associate/Risk Assessor
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201-335-9439 M 973-558-3910
[e-mail]
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

207
R t. C-
/ _
yaq
ASH BASIN'
icy } r Po-verplan
sts
D11 �Q'IW'�?t�E'''��� r' � °�-/'-^,�,/',1 �*-'•mil � �_; - _�`- >� _
RNERBwEND STEAM STATION
l�- � _ - ••!as-
erii Y i _ } ■e
� - 1 IL ♦ ,■ J
Rozzel
le
/ Bridle \
NOTES: .01-
1. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE,
CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - LAKE NORMAN t _ !--� }}•',-���~''�
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
SCALE (FEET) i
1000 0 1000 2000
I��
SITE LOCATION MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director

Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699 -1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

June 19, 2015

Ms. Lisa K. Voyce
HDR
One International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495

Subject: Request for Information for Riverbend Steam Station, 175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly,
Gaston County, North Carolina.

Dear Ms. Voyce:

Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the
subject information. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and North Carolina General Statutes
(G.S. 113-131 et seq.).

The site drains to Mountain Island Reservoir in the Catawba River basin. A request for information
has been made regarding the following natural and cultural resources, and sensitive environments.

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species (plant or animal), or
critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently listed the Northern long -eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We suggest contacting the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service at [phone] regarding this species and any other federally listed
species or critical habitat within the vicinity of the site.
There are records for the state threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Northern
cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum), the state special concern oldfield deermouse (Peromyscus
polionotus), and the state significantly rare-throughout glade wild quinine (Parthenium
auriculatum) near the site. There are historical records for the federal species of concern and
state endangered tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) and the state significantly rare helicta satyr
(Neonympha helicta) near the site.
Although we do not have any records for a federal or state listed species on the site, this does not
preclude the presence of a listed species on or adjacent to the site. It simply may mean the site
has not been surveyed. An on-site survey is the only definitive means to determine whether a
listed species is present on the site.
2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of the site (e.g.,
Federal and State parks, National and State monuments, wetlands, other areas that provide
Page 2

June 19, 2015
Riverbend Steam Station

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)?
The Natural Heritage Natural Area – Mountain Island Lake Forest, the Managed Areas –
Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge, Rural Hill Nature Preserve, and an N.C. Clean Water
Management Trust Fund Easement are located within ½ mile of the site.
3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the site? (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.”)
Unknown; we do not have any data regarding whether there are any wetland areas on or adjacent
to the site. Although USGS topographic maps and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps
provide a general overview of stream and wetland resources, these should not be used to
determine whether streams or wetlands are present on the site. Wetlands and streams within the
site boundaries should be identified through on-site surveys. If wetlands and/or streams will be
impacted by any construction activities, then the project should be coordinated with the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the N.C. Division of Water Resources.
4. 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?
Unknown; we do not have any data regarding whether the site serves as habitat for listed aquatic
or terrestrial wildlife species; however, bald eagles forage in the area. We do not have any
information regarding whether the site serves as habitat for listed plant species; this is not within
our area of expertise or purview.
5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by migratory bird species and
if so, which ones?
Unknown; we do not have any data regarding whether the site is used by migratory bird species.
6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important species?
Unknown; we do not have any data regarding whether the site is used by any ecologically,
recreationally, or commercially important species. However, t here is recreational fishing in
Mountain Island Reservoir. Recreational species include: striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish,
crappie, sunfish, white bass, and white perch.
7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local tribes?
We do not have any information regarding local tribes in the area; this is not within our purview.

If we can provide further assistance, please contact our office at [phone] or
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Shari L. Bryant
Western Piedmont Coordinator
Habitat Conservation

ec: Allen Ratzlaff, USFWS

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

May 21, 2015

USDA Forest Service
National Forests in North Carolina
Heather Luczak
160 Zillicoa Street, Suite A
Asheville, NC 28801

Re: Request for Information
Riverbend Steam Station
175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120

HDR is working with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to prepare a Comprehensive Site
Assessment for the above-referenced site (see attached site map for project
location). The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Guidelines for Performing Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessments require
identification of certain natural and cultural resources and sensitive environments.
Based on this requirement, we are requesting the following:

1. Are there any federally listed threatened, endangered or candidate species
(plant or animal), or critical habitat within the vicinity of this project?

2. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or within ½ mile of
the site (e.g., Federal and State parks, National and State monuments,
wetlands, other 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)?

3. Are any wetland areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the
site? (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.”)

4. 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?

5. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by
migratory bird species and if so, which ones?

6. Is the site used by any ecologically, recreationally or commercially important
species?

7. Are there any areas on or within ½ mile that is owned or used by local
tribes?
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station

Please contact me if you need any additional details to respond to our request for
information.

Regards,
Lisa K. Voyce, MSEnE/Toxicology
Project Manager/Associate/Risk Assessor
HDR
One International Boulevard
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201-335-9439 M 973-558-3910
[e-mail]
hdrinc.com 1 International Boulevard, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, Mahwah, NJ 07495-0027
[phone]

207
R t. C-
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yaq
ASH BASIN'
icy } r Po-verplan
sts
D11 �Q'IW'�?t�E'''��� r' � °�-/'-^,�,/',1 �*-'•mil � �_; - _�`- >� _
RNERBwEND STEAM STATION
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NOTES: .01-
1. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE,
CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - LAKE NORMAN t _ !--� }}•',-���~''�
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
SCALE (FEET) i
1000 0 1000 2000
I��
SITE LOCATION MAP
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0004961
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
DEC. 30, 2014
FIGURE

From:Luczak, Heather L -FS
To:Zurlo, Carol
Subject:RE: USFS - Riverbend Steam Station
Date:Thursday, May 28, 2015 10:48:00 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
Ms. Zurlo,
There are no any Designated and Proposed Federal Wilderness and Natural Areas, National
Preserves and Forests, or Federal Land Designated for the Protection of Natural Ecosystems within a
half mile of the properties listed below:

· Riverbend Steam Station 175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120
· Marshall Steam Station 8320 North Carolina Highway 150 East, Terrell, NC 28682
· Dan River Steam Station 524 S. Edgewood Road, Eden, NC 27288
· Cliffside Steam Station 573 Duke Power Road, Mooresboro, NC 28114
· Buck Steam Station 1555 Dukeville Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
· Belews Creek Steam Station 3195 Pine Hall Road, Belews Creek, NC 27009
· Allen Steam Station 253 Plant Allen Road, Belmont, NC 28012

Heather Luczak
Assistant Forest Planner
Forest Service
National Forests in NC
p: 828-257-4817
f: 828-259-0567
[e-mail]
160 Zillicoa St. Suite A
Asheville, NC 28805
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people

From: Zurlo, Carol [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2015 1:20 PM
To: Luczak, Heather L -FS
Subject: USFS - Riverbend Steam Station

Please see the attached pdf for our request for information and a site location map. Additional site
location details are provided below.

The Duke Riverbend Steam Station is located at 175 Steam Plant Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120. It is
located in Gaston County, between the south bank of the Catawba River on Mountain Island Lake and
the north side of Horseshoe Bend Beach Road. The site comprises 340.7 acres.

Thank you,

Carol Zurlo
Project Scientist
HDR
1 International Blvd
10th Floor, Suite 1000
Mahwah, NJ 07495
D 201.335.9451 M 212.920.6088
[e-mail]

Checklist for Ecological Assessments / Sampling
CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS / SAMPLING

I. SITE LOCATION

1. Site Name Riverbend Steam Station
US EPA ID Number 110000348641

Location
The site is located between the south bank of the Catawba River on Mountain Island Lake
on the north side of Horseshoe Bend Beach Road.
County Gaston City Mount Holly State NC

2. Latitude 35.365 Longitude -80.964

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.) Approximately 423 acres

2. Is this the first site visit? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If no, attach trip report of previous site visit(s), if available.

Date(s) of previous site visit(s) February 24, 2015 – Natural Resources Avoidance Site Visit

3. Are aerial or other site photographs available? ☒ 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:

30 % Heavy Industrial 5 % Light Industrial % Urban
% Residential % Rural % Agricultural
% Recreational 55 % Undisturbed 10 % Otherc

a For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, etc.).
N/A
b For agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
N/A
c For areas designated as “other,” please describe the use of the area.
Areas designated as “other” include water bodies.

5. Provide an approximate breakdown of the land uses in the area surrounding the site.
Indicate the radius (in miles) of the area described: 1mile

A-5
% Heavy Industrial % Light Industrial % Urban
30 % Residential 20 % Rural % Agriculturalb
% Recreationala 20 % Undisturbed 30 % Otherc

a For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, etc.).
Recreation areas included a boat launch for Mountain Island Lake.
b For agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
N/A
c For areas designated as “other,” please describe the use of the area.

Areas designated as “other” include water bodies including Mountain Lake and the Catawba River that are used
for recreation and other purposes.

6. Has any movement of soil taken place at the site? ☒ 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 activity and coal ash remediation activities.

7. Does any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or in proximity to the site, (e.g. Federal and State parks,
National and State monuments, wetlands)? Remember, flood plains and wetlands are not always obvious; do not
answer "no" without confirming information. See Table 1 for a list of contacts.
☒ Yes ☐ No

Please provide the source(s) of information used to identify these sensitive areas, and indicate their general
location on the site map. Stream/Wetlands (see attached map)

8. What type of facility is located at the site?
☐ Chemical ☐ Manufacturing ☐ Mixing
☒ Waste Disposal ☒ Other (specify)
Steam Station and Coal Ash Ponds

9. 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.).

Constituents of Interest include CAMA detection analytes boron, calcium, chloride, conductivity, pH,
sulfate, and total dissolved solids; as well as assessment analytes aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium
beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum , selenium,
sulfate, sulfide, thallium, and vanadium. COPCs TBD based on screening risk assessment results.

10. Check any potential routes of off-site migration of contaminants observed at the site:

☒ Swales ☒ Depressions ☒ Drainage Ditches
☐ Runoff ☐ Windblown Particulates ☒ Vehicular Traffic
A-6
☐Other (specify)
11. Indicate the approximate depth to groundwater (in feet below ground surface [(bgs)].
3 to 86 bgs

12. Indicate the direction of groundwater flow (e.g., north, southeast, etc.).
TBD based on CSA investigation.

13. Is the direction of surface runoff apparent from site observations? ☒ Yes ☐ No

If yes, to which of the following does the surface runoff discharge? Indicate all that apply.

☒ Surface Water ☐ Groundwater ☐ Sewer
☒ 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.
☒ Yes (approx. distance:
Several water bodies are located
on and adjacent to 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.)
No field guides were used. Identification conducted by a trained field biologist familiar with Southeastern U.S
flora and fauna. Time assessing the site and identifying fauna was approximately 7 hours.

18. Are there 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.
The N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records revealed that no records for rare species within the
project area.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission commented that are records for the state threatened bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Northern cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum), the state special concern oldfield
deermouse (Peromyscus polionotus), and the state significantly rare-throughout glade wild quinine (Parthenium
auriculatum) near the site. There are historical records for the federal species of concern and state endangered
tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) and the state significantly rare helicta satyr (Neonympha helicta) near the
site.

A-7

19. Record weather conditions at the site at the time of the site visit when information for completion of this
checklist was prepared:
Date: June 3, 2015
Temperature (°C/°F): 70°F
Wind (direction / speed): Light wind
Cloud Cover: Heavy
Normal daily high temperature (°C/°F) 84°F
Precipitation (rain, snow): Light rain throughout the day.
20. Describe reasonable and likely future land and/or water use(s) at the site
The Riverbend Steam Station is a former coal-fired electricity generating facility. This facility was
decommissioned and taken offline in April 2013. Coal ash residue was historically deposited
in the station’s ash basin located adjacent to the station and Mountain Island Lake.
Chemical releases for the plants will be detailed in the CSA.

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.).
The impacted media will be determined as part of the CSA.

22. Identify the media (e.g., soil [surface or subsurface], surface water, air, groundwater) which are known or
suspected to contain COCs.
The media will be determined as part of the CSA.

A-8
II.A. SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS AND SITE SETTING

Include information on significant source areas and migration pathways that are likely to constitute
complete exposure pathways.

Ash basins; the assessment of the migration pathways that are likely to constitute
complete exposure pathways will be included in Section 12 of the CSA.

Checklist Completed by: Eric Mularski, PWS
Affiliation: HDR Engineering Inc.
Author Assisted by:
Date: July 10, 2015

A-9
III. HABITAT EVALUATION

III.A Terrestrial Habitat Checklist

III.A.1 Wooded
Are any wooded areas on or adjacent to the site? ☒ 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.

A-10
Wooded Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site

Name or Designation: Mixed Hardwoods

1. Estimate the approximate size of the wooded area: 36 % 152 acres
Please identify what information was used to determine the wooded area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc.). Site visit and aerial imagery. Photographs are attached.

2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation in the wooded area. Provide photographs, if available

☐ Evergreen
☐ Deciduous
☒ Mixed

Dominant plant species, if known:
Dominant vegetation consist of hickories (Carya sp.), white oak
(Quercus alba), southern red oak (Quercus falcata), northern
red oak (Quercus rubra), willow oak (Quercus phellos),
loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), and tulip poplar (Liriodendron
tulipifera). See attached photograph.

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
☐ 6-12 inches
☒ >12 inches
☐ No single size range is predominant

5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
Dominant understory species consist of American holly (Ilex opaca), sweet gum (Liquidambar
styraciflua), red mulberry (Morus rubra), redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and flowering dogwood
(Cornus florida). See attached photograph.

A-11
Wooded Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site

Name or Designation: Bottomland Hardwoods

1. Estimate the approximate size of the wooded area: 6 % 24 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:
Dominant tree species consist of box elder (Acer negundo), red
maple (Acer rubrum), American sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis), tag alder (Alnus serrulata), and river birch (Betula
nigra). See attached photographs.

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
☐ 6-12 inches
☐ >12 inches
☒ No single size range is predominant

5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
Dominant understory species consist of red maple, spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). See attached photograph.

A-12
Wooded Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site

Name or Designation: Pine Plantation

1. Estimate the approximate size of the wooded area: 1 % 4.5 acres
Please identify what information was used to determine the wooded area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc.). Site visit and aerial imagery. Photographs are attached.

2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation in the wooded area. Provide photographs, if available

☒ Evergreen
☐ Deciduous
☐ Mixed

Dominant plant species, if known:
Dominant vegetation consists of loblolly pine and Virginia pine
(Pinus virginiana). See attached photograph.

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
☒ 6-12 inches
☐ >12 inches
☐ No single size range is predominant

5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
Dominant understory species consist of tulip poplar, sweetgum, and sourwood (Oxydendrum
arboreum).

A-13

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 by
using names or other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.

If no, proceed to Section III.A.3: Open Field

A-14
Shrub/Scrub Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site

Name or Designation: Shrub-shrub – Duke Right-of Way

1. Estimate the approximate size of the shrub/scrub area: 2 % 6.8 acres

Please identify what information was used to determine the shrub/scrub area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc.). Site visit and aerial imagery. Photographs are attached.

2. Indicate the dominant type of shrub/scrub vegetation present, if known.
Dominant scrub/shrub species consist of sweetgum, autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), redcedar,
and blackberry (Rubus sp.).

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 shrub/scrub vegetation.

☐ 0-2 feet
☒ 2-5 feet
☐ >5 feet

5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
Herbaceous and vine understory species consist of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), goldenrods
(Solidago sp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).
See attached photograph.

A-15
III.A.3 Open Field

Are any open field areas on or adjacent to the site? ☒ Yes ☐ 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 by using names or other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.

If no, proceed to Section III.A.4: Miscellaneous

A-16
Open Field Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation: Open Fields

1. Estimate the approximate size of the open field area: 7 % 30 acres
Please identify what information was used to determine the open field area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc.). Site visit and aerial imagery. Photographs are attached.

2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation present, if known.
Dominant vegetation consist of fescue (Fescue sp.), clover (Trifolium pratense), dandelions
dandelions (Taraxacum sp.), and other herbs.

3. Estimate the vegetation density of the open field 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:
Approximately 12-inches. Many
open areas are maintained.

A-17
III.A.4 Miscellaneous

Are other types of terrestrial habitats present at the site, other than woods, scrub/shrub, and open
field? ☒ 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

A-18
Miscellaneous Area Questions

☐On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation: N/A

1. Provide a description of the terrestrial miscellaneous habitat and identify the area on the site map.
N/A

2. Estimate the approximate size of the area: N/A % N/A acres

3. What observations, if any, were made at the site regarding the presence and/or absence of insects,
birds, mammals, etc.?
N/A

4. Review the questions in Section I to determine if any additional habitat checklists should be completed
for this site.

A-19
III.B 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

A-20
Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation: Primary and Secondary Ash Basin

1. Indicate the type of aquatic feature present:

☐ Natural (e.g., pond or lake)
☒ Man-made (e.g., impoundment, lagoon, canal, etc.)

2. Estimate the approximate size of the water body (in acres or sq. ft.) 69 acres (Combined)

3. If known, indicate the depth of the water body (in ft. or in.) N/A

4. If a water body is present, what are its known uses (e.g.: recreation, navigation, etc.)?

The ash basins were constructed to retain and settle ash generated from coal combustion at Riverbend
Steam Station

5. Is aquatic vegetation present? ☐Yes ☒No

If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present if known.

☐ Emergent ☐ Submergent ☐ Floating

6. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate. Mark all sources that apply from the
following list.

☐ Bedrock ☐ Sand ☐ Concrete
☐ Boulder (>10 in.) ☒ Silt ☐ Debris
☐ Cobble (2.5 in – 10 in.) ☒ Clay ☐ Detritus
☐ Gravel (0.1 – 2.5 in.) ☐ Muck (fine/black)
☒ Other (please specify): Ash

7. Indicate the source(s) of the water in the aquatic feature. Mark all sources that apply from the following
list.

☐ River/Stream/Creek
☐ Groundwater
☒ Industrial Discharge
☒ Surface Runoff
☒ Other (please specify): Rainwater

A-21
Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)

8. Is there a discharge from the facility to the aquatic feature? ☒Yes ☐No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.

During the operation of the coal-fired units, the ash basin system was operated as an integral part of the
site’s wastewater treatment system which predominantly received inflows from the ash removal
system, station yard drain sump, and stormwater flow. During station operations, inflows to the ash
basin were highly variable due to the cyclical nature of station operations. The inflow from the ash
removal system and the station yard drain sump are discharged through sluice lines into the Primary
Cell. The discharge from the Primary Cell to the Secondary Cell is through a concrete discharge tower
located near the divider dike.

Although the station is retired, wastewater effluent form the other non-ash-related station discharges to
the ash basin is discharged from the Secondary Cell, through a concrete discharge tower, to Mountain
Island Lake. The concrete discharge tower drains through a 30-inch-diameter corrugated metal pipe
into a concrete-lined channel that discharges to Mountain Island Lake. The ash basin pond elevation is
controlled by the use of concrete stop logs.

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:

☒ River / Stream / Creek ☒ On-Site ☐ Off-Site
☐ Groundwater ☐ On-Site ☐ Off-Site
☐ Wetland ☐ On-Site ☐ Off-Site
☐ Impoundment ☐ On-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:

69 acres Area
N/A Depth (average)
N/A Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken): N/A
N/A pH
N/A Dissolved oxygen
N/A Salinity
opaque Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque) Secchi disk depth: N/A
Other (specify)

11. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
The water was opaque with a green coloration.

A-22

Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)

12. Mark the open-water, non-flowing system on the site map attached to this checklist. See attached

13. What observations, if any, were made at the water body regarding the presence and/or absence of
benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, etc.?

No aquatic fauna was observed. Several ospreys and an osprey nest were observed in the northwest of
the Ash Basin Secondary Cell. Fringe scrub shrub habitat could provide habitat for migratory birds.

A-23
Flowing Aquatic Systems Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation:

S-2, S-5, S-9, and S-11

1. Indicate the type of aquatic feature present:

☐ River
☒ Stream / Creek / Brook
☐ Intermittent stream
☐ Artificially created (ditch, etc.)
☐ Channeling
☒ Other (specify): Streams may exhibit intermittent flow during dry months

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.
Rip rap engineered toe drains are located upstream of S-2, S-9, and S-11. S-11 has been channelized
in the past.

3. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate.

☐ Bedrock ☒ Sand ☐ Concrete
☐ Boulder (>10 in.) ☒ Silt ☐ Debris
☐ Cobble (2.5 in – 10 in.) ☒ Clay ☐ Detritus
☐ Gravel (0.1 – 2.5 in.) ☐ Muck (fine/black) ☐ Marl
☐ Other (please specify):

4. Describe the condition of the bank (e.g., height, slope, extent of vegetative cover):
S-2, S-5, and S-9 exhibit low slopes and banks heights. Streams banks are well vegetated with small
woody and herbaceous vegetation. S-11 banks are near vertical and approximately 3 feet in height due
to past channelization activities.

5. Is the system influenced by tides? ☐ Yes ☒ No
What information was used to make this determination?
Inland water bodies not influenced by tides.

6. Is the flow intermittent? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please note the information used to make this determination.
Visible flow was evident during the site visit. Periods of drought may result in intermittent flow at
these locations.
A-24
Flowing System Questions (Continued)

7. Is there a discharge from the site to the water body? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
Surface water discharges may result from upland runoff during storm events.

8. Indicate the discharge point of the water body. Specify name of the discharge, if known.
S-2, S-5, S-9, and S-11. See attached figure for locations.

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:

1-2 Width (ft.)
1-2-inches Depth (average)
N/A Velocity (specify units):
N/A Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken):
N/A pH
N/A Dissolved oxygen
N/A Salinity
slightly Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque) Secchi disk depth:
Other (specify)

10. Describe observed color and area of coloration.

The majority of the water is clear. There are areas of the orange coloration due to iron oxidation
bacteria.

11. Is aquatic vegetation present? ☒ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present if known. Isolated areas with soft rush (Juncus
effusus), lizards tail (Saururus cernuus), and arrow arum (Peltandra virginica).
☒ Emergent ☐ Submergent ☐ Floating

A-25
Flowing System 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.?
No fish were observed. Crayfish mounds and benthic macroinvertebrates were present. Birds and
squirrels were observed during the site visit. Evidence of raccoon tracks and deer scat
was also present.

A-26
Flowing Aquatic Systems Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation:

S-6, S-7 and S-8

1. Indicate the type of aquatic feature present:

☐ River
☒ 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.
Rip rap is located upstream of S-8.

3. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate.

☐ Bedrock ☒ Sand ☐ Concrete
☐ Boulder (>10 in.) ☒ Silt ☐ Debris
☐ Cobble (2.5 in – 10 in.) ☒ Clay ☐ Detritus
☒ Gravel (0.1 – 2.5 in.) ☐ Muck (fine/black) ☐ Marl
☐ Other (please specify):

4. Describe the condition of the bank (e.g., height, slope, extent of vegetative cover):
All channels exhibit low slopes and bank heights. Streams banks are well vegetated with small woody
and herbaceous vegetation.

5. Is the system influenced by tides? ☐ Yes ☒ No
What information was used to make this determination?
Inland water bodies not influenced by tides.

6. Is the flow intermittent? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please note the information used to make this determination.
Visible flow was evident during the site visit. Periods of drought may result in intermittent flow at
these locations.
A-27

Flowing System Questions (Continued)

7. Is there a discharge from the site to the water body? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
Surface water discharges may result from upland runoff during storm events.

8. Indicate the discharge point of the water body. Specify name of the discharge, if known.
S-6, S-7 and S-8. See attached figure for locations.

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:

1-4 Width (ft.)
1-4-inches Depth (average)
N/A Velocity (specify units):
N/A Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken):
N/A pH
N/A Dissolved oxygen
N/A Salinity
slightly Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque) Secchi disk depth:
Other (specify)

10. Describe observed color and area of coloration.

The majority of the water is clear. There are areas of orange coloration.

11. Is aquatic vegetation present? ☒ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present if known. Isolated areas with soft rush (Juncus
effusus), lizards tail (Saururus cernuus), and arrow arum (Peltandra virginica).
☒ Emergent ☐ Submergent ☐ Floating

A-28
Flowing System 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.?
A few minnows were observed. Crayfish mounds and benthic macroinvertebrates were present. Birds
and squirrels were observed during the site visit. Evidence of raccoon tracks and deer scat were
were also present.

A-29

III.C Wetland Habitats

Are any wetland 1 areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the site?

☒ 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.
Wetland areas were identified in the field by a Professional Wetland Scientist.

If no wetland areas are present, proceed to Section III.D: Sensitive Environments and Receptors.

1 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-30

Wetland Area Questions

☒On-Site ☐Off-site
Name or Designation: Forested Wetlands

1. Indicate the approximate area of the wetland (acres or ft2) _10.5 acres__________________________

2. Indicate 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
☐ Scrub/shrub
☒ Wooded
☐ Other (Please describe):

3. Provide a general description of the vegetation present in and around the wetland (height, color, etc.).
Provide a photograph of the known or suspected wetlands, if available.
Forested wetland located in the floodplain of the Catawba River. Woody trees greater than 20 feet in
height consisted of green ash, American sycamore, and river birch. Shrub species approximately 3feet
to 20 feet in height consisted of green ash, sweetgum, box elder, and tag alder. Herbaceous
hydrophytic vegetation consisted of false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), lizard’s tail and arrow arum.
See attached photograph.

4. 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)

5. Is standing water present? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, is the water primarily: ☒ Fresh ☐ Brackish
Indicate the approximate area of the standing water (ft.2): 1.5 acres
Indicate the approximate depth of the standing water, if known (ft. or in.) 2-12 inches

A-31
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:

10.5 acres Area
6 inches Depth (average)
N/A Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken) N/A
N/A pH
N/A Dissolved oxygen
N/A Salinity
N/A Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque) Secchi disk depth: N/A
N/A Other (specify)

7. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
Standing water was clear with areas of orange coloration and rainbow sheens on the surface.

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? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please describe:
Surface water discharges may result from upland runoff during storm events.

A-32
Wetland Area Questions (Continued)

10. Is there a discharge from the wetland? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, to what water body is discharge released?

☐ Marine Name:
☒ Surface stream / River Name: Catawba River
☒ Lake / Pond Name: Mountain Island Lake
☐ Groundwater
☐ Not sure

11. Does the area show evidence of flooding? ☒ Yes ☐ No
If yes, indicate which of the following are present (mark all that apply).

☒ Standing water
☒ Water-saturated soils
☒ Water marks
☐ Buttressing
☒ Debris lines
☐ Mud cracks
☐ Other (Please describe):

12. 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) Dark brown/black soils with orange/red mottles
Water content (dry, wet, saturated / unsaturated) Saturated

13. Mark the observed wetland area(s) on the attached site map. See attached figure.
A-33

III.D. Sensitive Environments and Receptors

1. Do any other potentially sensitive environmental areas 2 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 Wildlife Service and other appropriate
agencies. See Table 1 for a list of contacts
The NCNHP and NCWRC records indicate a Natural Heritage Area (Mountain Island Lake
Forest), Managed Area (Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge and Rural Hill Preserve) and NC Clean
Water Management Trust Fund Easement are located within ½ mile of the site.

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 Wildlife Service
and other appropriate agencies. See Table 1 for a list of contacts.
Forested areas with tree species that exhibit exfoliating bark (i.e. hickories and white
oaks) may be potential roosting trees for the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis). The existing power line clearings and woodland edges and openings are potential
habitat for federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii), Michaux’s
Sumac (Rhus michauxii), and smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata). Large pines along the
Catawba River and Mountain Lake may serve as potential nest trees for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) and likely forage in the area.

4. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by migratory bird species? If yes,
identify which species.
Migratory birds listed on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Information for Planning and
Conservation (IPac) website that may use habitats onsite include American bittern (Botaurus
lentiginosus), bald eagle, blue-winged warbler (Vermivora pinus), brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta
pusilla), Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca), Kentucky
Warbler (Oporornis formosus), least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), loggerhead shrike (Lanius
ludovicianus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea),
red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), wood
thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), and worm eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum).

2 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-5

Sensitive Environments and Receptors Questions (Continued)

5. Is the site used by any ecologically3, recreationally or commercially important species? If yes, explain.
NCWRC noted that the site is used by migratory waterfowl. In addition, there is recreational
fishing in Mountain Island Reservoir. Recreational species include: striped bass (Morone saxatilis),
largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass (Morone chrysops),
and white perch (Morone americana).

3 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-6

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.
Assessment of nature, rate, and extent of contamination is ongoing as part of the CSA.

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:
Assessment of nature, rate, and extent of contamination is ongoing as part of the CSA.

3. Do existing data address potential migration pathways of contaminants at the site?

☐ Yes
☒ No
☐ Uncertain

Please provide an explanation for your answer:
Assessment of nature, rate, and extent of contamination is ongoing as part of CSA.

A-7
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:
Assessment of nature, rate, and extent of contamination is ongoing as part of the CSA.

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
No stressed receptors were visible during the site visit.

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.
Yes, the coal ash is at the ground surface.

7. Are receptors located in or using habitats where chemicals exist in air, soil, sediment or surface water? If
yes, explain.
An exposure assessment will be completed as part of the Risk Assessment, see Section 12 of the CSA.

A-8
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.
An exposure assessment will be completed as part of the Risk Assessment, see Section 12 of the CSA.

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?
Distance assumes the ash basins to be the “contaminated area”, pending the completion of the CSA
delineation.

☐ 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? Slope is variable.

☐ 0-10%
☐ 10-30%
☐ >30%

What is the approximate amount of ground and canopy vegetative cover in the contaminated area?

☒ <25%
☐ 25-75%
☐ >75%

Is there visible evidence of erosion (e.g., a rill or gully) in or near the contaminated area?

☒ Yes
☐ No
☐ Do not know

A-9
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
Coal ash will be transported offsite for disposal. Contaminated dust particles may become airborne.

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?
No

A-10
PATH: V:\PROJECTS\011237_DUKEENERGY\0234104_DUKE-EM-PERMITON-CALLSUPPORT\MAP_DOCS\MXD\RIVERBEND\GWAP\ECOLOGICALCHECKLIST\RIVERBENDECOLOGICALCHECKLIST11X17REV20150710.MXD - USER: EMULARSK - DATE: 7/10/2015
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
FIGURE 1
CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION - CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
(CLIENT LOGO)
0 500Feet
O
* LOCATIONS OF TERRESTRIAL HABITATS, NON-FLOWING AQUATIC FEATURES, FLOWING AQUATIC SYSTEMS, AND WETLANDHABITATS WERE ESTIMATED IN THE FIELD ANDUTILIZING AVAILABLE GIS DATA.
Wetland Habitats
Flowing Aquatic Systems
Non-Flowing Aquatic Features
Terrestrial Habitat
Study Area
!(Photograph Locations
Wetland Habitats
Stream
Open Water
Bottomland Hardwoods
Mixed Hardwoods
Pine Plantation
Open Fields
Scrub Shrub

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 1 – Scrub-Shrub Terrestrial Habitat

Photograph 2 – Turkeys Onsite

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 3 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-2)

Photograph 4 – Forested Wetlands Habitat

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 5 – Bottomland Hardwoods Terrestrial Habitat

Photograph 6 – Open Fields Terrestrial Habitat

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 7 – Pine Plantation Terrestrial Habitat

Photograph 8 – Osprey Nest Looking North

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 9 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-5)

Photograph 10 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-9)

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 11 – Mountain Island Lake

Photograph 12 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-11)

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 13 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-6)

Photograph 14 – Flowing Aquatic System (S-7)

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 15 –Flowing Aquatic System (S-8)

Photograph 16 – Primary Ash Basin

Duke Energy | Riverbend Steam Station | Ecological Assessment Checklist

Photograph 17 – Mixed Hardwood Terrestrial Habitat