NC0024406_Review of WQ Data Report_19950106

A REVIEW OF EXISTING WATER QUALITY DATA
TO DETERMINE THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF
THE DAN RIVER STEAM STATION ASH POND LEACHATE
ON THE WATER QUALITY OF THE DAN RIVER
January 6, 1995
Duke Power Company

{
A REVIEW OF INSTREAM MONITORING DATA FROWTO DETERMINE
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE DAN RIVER STEAM STATION ASH POND LEACHATE
ON THE DAN RIVER.
INTRODUCTION
As a requirement of the Dan River Steam Station (DRSS) NPDES Permit NC0003468, an
instream review of environmental chemistry data is to be conducted to determine potential
impacts of ash basin leachate on surface water quality. This review satisfies that requirement.
The DRSS ash basin is required under the NPDES permit to have a ground -water monitoring
program to monitor the impacts of the ash basin on groundwater. This program was established
in 1993 with the installation of four ground -water monitoring wells. These wells were installed in
November, 1993 and are indetified as monitoring wells MW8, MW9, MW10, and MW11 on
Figure 1. Each well was installed with a dedicated ground -water sampling system. The
monitoring wells are currently sampled on a semi-annual basis for the parameters listed in Table
1. In addition, a one-time orgaincs scan was conducted in April, 1994 to determine the presence
of volatile and semi -volatile organic compounds. This data has been reported previously.
Duke Power Company maintains a long-term surface water monitoring program on the Dan
River as required by the Belews Creek Steam Station NPDES permit. The information contained
in this report is a summary of that information and information collected from the monitoring
wells and surface water locations near the monitoring wells during November, 1994.
REVIEW OF EXISTING SURFACE WATER DATA:
The most recent.report of water quality of the Dan River conducted by Duke Power Company is
for the year 1993 (Attachment 1). This report is a requirement of the Belews Creek Steam
Station NPDES permit. This report summarizes the quarterly sampling conducted during that
year and compares the 1993 data with historical data. In general, the water chemistry of the Dan
River during the period 1985 through 1993 was comparable for most variables to the baseline
period (prior to 1985). Concentrations of most trace elements were similiar during both periods.
Concentrations of the t4race elements arsenic, cadmium and selenium were usually at or below
the detection limits and less than the North Carolina water quality standards.
REVIEW OF EXISTING GROUNDWATER DATA:
Monitoring wells MW9, MW10 and MW11 are donw-gradient monitoring wells used to detect ash
basin impacts on ground -water resources. The palcement of these wells is on a steep
embankement that forms part of the ash basin structure and between the ash basin proper and -
the Dan River. The wells range in depth from 20.8 feet at MW 10 to 33.4 feet at MW 8
(background well). The well screens are below the bottom of the ash absin and intercept the
local ground -water flow. The apparent direction of ground -water flow is shown on Figure 2. This
flow direction is based on the ground -water elevation measured in the monitoring wells on
November 28, 1994.
The ground -water monitoring wells were initially sampled on November 29, 1993, since that time
these wells have been sampled on a semi-annual basis. Table 3 summarizes water quality data
collected during these sampling events. As shown in the table, trace metals have been below or
near the detection limit at the down gradient monitoring wells since the initial sampling. pH
values and specific conductanec values for the down -gradient wells show a range and fluctuation
similiar to trace metals. In general, ground -water geochemistry data is similiar to data previously
reported.

REVIEW OF SURFACE WATER DATA COLLECTED IN NOVEMBER, 1994:
The Dan River was sampled at various locations above, adjacent to and below the vicinity of the
ash basin on November 28, 1994. Table 2 summarizes the locations sampled. Grab samples
werecollected from 0.3m to 0.5m below the surface. The samples adjacent to the ash basin
were collected along the bank of the ash basin near monitoring wells MW9, MW10, MW11.
Results of this sampling indicates that the ash basin has minimal affect on Dan River water
quality. pH trends from the upstream location at Reece's Landing to the downstream location at
Fieldcrest were similar and vary 0.1 pH unit. Alkalinity values were slightly depressed adjacent
to the ash basin, but quickly recovered to above upstream values at the Fieldcrest location.
Sulfate concentrations declined as the water moved past the ash basin. Arsenic and Selenium
concentrations were below the detection limit of 1.O ug/L at all locations. Cadmium, Copper,
Lead and Zinc concentrations increased slightly adjacent to the ash basin, but.these
concentrations were well below in -stream water quality standards.
COMPARISON OF MONITORING WELL DATA WITH IN -STREAM DATA:
The November 28, 1994 surface water data was compared to the November 29, 1994 ground-
water data (Table 2). The data indicates that the common parameters analyzed were attenuated
to concentrations below in -stream water quality standards as the ground -water moved through
the subsurface to the river and by the dilution of the river.
CONCLUSIONS:
The ash basin impacts to the Dan River have been minimal as evidenced by the trends in
historical data and the most recent sampling of groundwater and surface water adjacent to the
ash basin. For most parameters measured during the November, 1994 sampling, the in -stream
concentrations above, adjacent to and below the ash basin were similar. Arsenic concentrations
adjacent to the ash basin were below the detection limit of 1.0 ug/L, and selenium concentrations
above, adjacent to and below the ash basin were below the detection limit of 1.0 ug/L.

TABLES
GROUND WATER MONITORING SCHEDULE
SURFACE WATER & GROUND WATER SAMPLING DATA
NOVEMBER 28 & 29, 1994
GROUND WATER SAMPLING DATA
NOVEMBER, 1993 THROUGH NOVEMBER, 1994

1995 SAMPLING SCHEDULE FOR DAN RIVER STEAM STATION
(NPDES PERMIT #NC0003468)
CODES:
S.= SEMI-ANNUALLY (MAY/I'OV) 10/18/93 Memo from DEHNR
NSIP = Not Specified in Permit
(BKG)
LOCATION NUMBER
MW -8
MW -9
MW -10
MW -1 I
BALD
DEPTH
ft
NK
TOP OF CASING ELEVATI
ft
-----------------------------------------------IN-SITU
ANALYSES ----------
pH - FIELD
HYDROLAB
S
S
S
S_
SPECIFIC CONDUCTANC
HYDROLAB
S
S
S
S
WATER LEVEL
PROBE
S
S
S
S
EVACUATION VOLUME
CALL.
------------------------------------------
S
S
S S
-----NUTRIENT ANALYSES
------
SULFATE
UV SO4
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
CHLORIDE (NSIP)
AA—CL
S
S S
-- --- — ------------ ELEMENTAL ANALYSES ---
DIGESTION TOTAL AS/SE
DG AS
S
S
S
S
S
S
DIGESTION TOTAL ICP
DG TOT
S
S
S
S
S
S
DIGESTION TOTAL FURN
DG_HGA
S
S
S
S
ARSENIC
HGADAS
S
S
S
"
S
S
S
BARIUM
ICPDBA
S
S
S
S
S
CADMIUM
HGADCD
S
S'
S_
S
S
CALCIUM (NSIP)
ICPDCA
S
S.
S
S
S
CHROMIUM
HGADCR
S
S
S
S
S
COPPER
HGADCU
S
S
S
S
S
IRON
ICPDFE
S
S
S
S
S
LEAD
HGADPB
S
S
S
S
S
MAGNESIUM (NSIP)
ICPDMG
S
S
S
S
S
MANGANESE
ICPDMN
S
S
S
S
MERCURY
PE HGW
S
S
S
S
S
POTASSIUM (NSIP)
ICPDK
S
S
S
S
S
S
SELENIUM
HGADSE
S
S
S
S
S
SILVER
HGADAG
S
S
S
S
S
SODIUM
ICPDNA
S
S
S
S
S
S
ZINC
HGADZN
S
S
(+ SOLUBLE METALS)
------- ------ (only if sample turbidity > 50 NTU)---- ----------------------
I
-----
------------ADDITIONAL
ANALYSES
------
ALKALINITY (NSIP)
TIP -ALK
S
S
S I
S
S
CODES:
S.= SEMI-ANNUALLY (MAY/I'OV) 10/18/93 Memo from DEHNR
NSIP = Not Specified in Permit

Table 2. Water Quality Data for Dan River Sampling Locations
Sampled November 28 & 29, 1994
1LOCATIONND.
ALKALINITY1 SO4� F - Cd Pb Zn
UNITS
m jpH
ueqfI
mg/L ug/L ug/L
SURFACE WATER DATA
LOCATION
NOW
g
01
DRSS INTAKE
207 7.5
530
........... ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ ::.i: g.. .1 iiii, 1.00 0.10 2.00 .!i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....
REEL 'S LANDING
196 7.4
628
0. 3 6iikii "N-RiM - M
1.UU
NEAR MW9
179 7.5
488
17.8. 0.49, < 1.00 < 1.00 < 0.10 2.10 < 2.00 11
NEAR MW10
1681 7.4
412
14.7 0.42 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 0.10 1.80 < 2.00 8
NEAR MWI 1
157 7.5
388
14.4 0.77 < 1.00 < 1.00 0.20 3.80 2.80 35
ASH BASIN CONFLUENCE
165 7.4
492
15.2 0.4 < 1.00 f� '>`Y M
... .........
IFIELDCREST
171 7.5
654
..... ..... . ....
14.5 0.38 < 1.00 M, i;* X`
MON.
GROUND -WATER DATA
21
MW9
517 6
16 0.24 < 1.00 3.80 0.31 0.80 < 2.00
MW10
291 5.
47 0.15 < 1.00 1.70 < 010 510 < 2.
MW1 1
233 .7
36 2. <
< 1.00t 1.00 tt�
NOTE: SHADED AREAS INDICATES DATA NOT COLLECTED OR AVAILABLE
Page 1

SWO
Z00*0
> 9ST0
> oZo'o
> GZ*O
> 01
> 0 VO
> o'Z
> OTO
> 00* 1
> 0 Vo
> 09's
O'L
P6/CZ/9
NNVIS didi
goo
> swo
900.0
> oz -o
> 01
> 0 Vo
> OZ
> 09'a
00
> 0L0
*
> 00 L
> 0' L
600*0
Z00*0
> SSO*O
> OZO'O
> OZ'O
> 01
> OVO
> o*Z
> oz, L
00'L
> 0L'0
> 00'1
VMM
NNVIS (3131:1
Zoo'o
> ZOO'O
> SCO'O
> oZo'O
-> OZ*O
S'Z
OVO
> 01
pmzls
YNVIe a-131=1
o*Z
ov*
001
OVO
00'
oo* I
V61V/p
)INVIS 0131=1
OW'o
> 900*0
090,0
> M'o
> GZ*O
> O's
> OL'
> o'Z
> OTO
> 00*
> 0 Vo
> 00's
01
C616ZA L
)MVIS 0131=1
om*o
982'Z
691'0
OZ'O
> 01
> 01'0
> 9*9
0V9
09Z
01'0
> 00'L
> 0*9c
SEZ WZ L'V 68'M EZ'9 L 66*VZ 176RVLLL-MW
GZO"O
OL9'0
VLV*Z
LWO
OZ'O
> LI
0 Vo
> 9*9
09's
00T
OVO
> of9
S'ZZ
zoz 91 L 0*9 170,9L9 BOLL 6r'PZ 176/UlgLL-MW
M'o
OCTO
OOVZ
MV0
OZ'O
> 9's
OVO
> Z*9
oV*9
OZZ
WO
00'1
> LU
coz 917 L 611 60'9LS EO'9 6E'tZ, V6/01P
LVmvj
OLO'o
> 036,9
LVTO
1600
OZ'O
> 0,9
> OVO
> o*Z
> OTO
00'L
> 01'0
> 00,9
6'6Z
LOZ 8*L L Vs 179,9LS 99,9L 6STZ £6/6Z/LL
LVmw
69V'O
ss Vo
8z Vo
oz*o
> 11
0 Vo
> o'Z
> OV9
00'L
> OVO
> 001
> O'It,
M V*9 L Z*9 zg,9zg M9 os*oz MSM L
Wmw
ezo*o
ZWO
260*0
vo Vo
oz*o
> 01
> 0 Vo
> o'Z
> ov, L
00'1
> 0 Vo
> 001
> L*OS
v6z C'g L L'9 89*vz9 We 09,0Z 176/EZ/9
Wmw
VDO'O
OVV'O
SOTO
Lo Vo
oz*o
> ST
OVO
> o'Z
> OVE
8N
OVO
> 001
> 6'99
06Z 1'91 L'9 06'GZ9 Ep'L 08,0Z p6/V/V
OL -MW
M0*0
> ESTO
LEVO
C90*0
OZ'O
> 0*9
> 0 VO
> o'Z
> 061
00'1
> 91'O
00,9
TSE
99Z Tir L 9"9 LO'SZS 9Z'8 09,0Z E6/6ULl
OVMW
196'0
6EZ'D
IOVO
OZ'O
> Ts
0 L'O
> o'Z
> 08,0
001
> Mo
001
> 0'9L
L1g Z'L t 0'9 99'LLS Z9'6 P61Z V6/8Z/LL
6 -MW
IWO
M*C
V? Vo
ESTO
OZ'O
> 6'L
0L'0
> o*Z
> OVZ
00'L
> 0 VO
> 00'L
> Vs L
6VV Z'91 0*9 oz,vLg Lz*cL P61Z VMzjg
6 -MW
z00"0
> ZL9,v
EO VO
090,0
oz*o
> S*v
01'0
> OZ
> OTO
00'L
> 01'0
> 00'L
> Voz
zap 9*9 L 0,9 9Z*9LS 6L*I t V61Z V631/1,
6 -MW
LW*0
KPI
Lk*o
sz Vo
GZ'O
o'G
> OVO
> S,Z:
OVC
8N
L Vo
00'9
> 979
86S O*LL 1'9 9VM ZEZ L P61Z C6/6VL L
6 -MW
999'0
LSV*O
6E0,0
OTO
9,6
OVO
> o*Z
> 003,
091
6L'0
oZT
OZ89
LOL 1 L'VL 9,9 9L*699 EE*GZ ot"Se V6/8Z/LL
Q)NIDR-mw
VLO'o
OSL'O
SZE'L
VLO'O
LZ*O
9'9
OVO
> CZ
09'0
OL's
01'0
> OVE
0,019
E09 L 9'L1 L*9 99*999 VS'6l WEE V6/EZ/9
(ONIDO-mw
010,0
ozo, L
90c,z
OZO'O
> 091
O'oz
0 Vo
> Z'Z
0TV
091
01'0
> 00'L
> O'geg
0091 TEL G'S W199 8V'LL WEE V6/V/V
(E)NMR-mw
9M0
> EEVZ
8L9*9
ZSo'o
oZ'O
9,6 L
0 Vo
> TS
OTO
09*9
OVO
> 00*9
0,099
Log 9'9L Z'9 6E'899 U 9Z oVec S6/6U
(E)NS)R-mw
9
90'0
GOVO
000'1
0(1*09
To L
MI
0*09
OOOL
00,09
00,9
00,09
o,o9z
(SCIIS MO ON)
............
115W
I/BLU
UBLU
IJBW
I/Bn
115n
115n
115n
115n
Iffin
115n
I/Bn
1/6tu
wolo4wn 0 shun 11 )4 31 SIVO
NOIIVOOI
ONIZ
S3NVONVW
NOM
wnidve
WnIN3'13S
mdnow3w
oval
1l3ddoo wnIWO'dH3
wniwavo
DIN3SHV
31v:jins
aNO3 dW31 Hd A313 2131VM HIdSa
0l314 mau ci3w mo 01 113M
HIdBC IVIOI
IIWI:13d S30dN
?131VMONn021D NOIIVIS WVSIS'daAl*d NVC
T alsvi

FIGURES
SURFACE WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS
NOVEMBER 28, 1994
GROUND WATER CONTOURS
NOVEMBER 29, 1994

10Jill
ME
��������`��j���«l�l�:'
g%wwmag 21M
FYI IF
OM -1
10
`I
v
0 U K E' P 0 W E R C 0 M P A N Y
DAN RIVER STEAM STATION
Figure 1.
Surface Water Sampling Locations
November 28, 1994

ATTACHMENT 1
1993 DAN RIVER SUMMARY

1993 DAN RIVER SUMMARY
DUKE POWER COMPANY
BELEWS CREEK STEAM STATION
DECEMBER 1994
0

TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 - FISH
CHAPTER 2 - MACROINVERTEBRATES
CHAPTER 3 - WATER AND SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY
2
PAGE
1
3
4
15
29

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FISH
Selenium and zinc concentrations in muscle tissue of fish collected from the Dan River in 1993
ranged from 0.1 ' ug/g to 3.4 ug/g and from 1.2 ug/g to 12.9 ug/g, respectively. These
concentrations of selenium are well below levels that resulted in reproductive failure of fish in
Belews Lake and well below the -levels considered safe for human consumption by NCDEHNR.
However, a mean selenium concentration of 1.3 ug/g for suckers in 1993 was the highest value
noted - from the Dan River since sampling began in 1984. This increase remains a concern to
Duke Power and will be closely monitored in 1994. Data for other taxa and locations indicate no
significant changes -or concerns with accumulation of selenium -in fish muscle tissue in recent .
years. Mean zine -concentrations in 1993 were generally..similar for all taxa at all. locations Thus,
there does not appear to be any significant accumulation of zinc in Dan River fish that might be
related to the ash basin discharge of Belews Creek Steam Station.
Selenium and zinc concentrations for all fish taxa collected at Locations .705 and 732 (monitoring
locations furthermost downstream of the BCSS ash basin discharge) appeared -comparable. Per
t discussions with NCDEHNR in 1993, we will begin collecting -fish at Location 705 in 1994
instead of Location 732.
MACROINVERTEBRATES
The bioclassifications of macroinvertebrates at each locations above and below the discharge
were "Good", indicating no effect of the discharge from the BCSS ash basin discharge tc the
macroinvertebrate community of the Dan River.
Statistical analyses of selenium and zinc concentrations in macroinvertebrate taxa collected from
1984 through 1993 did not indicate any pattern among years that could be attributed to the ash
basin discharge of Belews Creek Steam Station. Most arsenic and copper concentrations in
macroinvertebrates in 1993 were below the detection limit and these data were not analyzed
statistically

WATER CHEMISTRY AND SEDIMENT
r
The water chemistry of the Dan River during the period when the BCSS ash basin has discharged
to the river (November 1985 to November 1993) is comparable for most variables to the baseline
period prior to discharge. Concentrations of the trace elements, arsenic (As) cadmium (Cd), and
selenium (Se) were usually at or- below the detection limit; and much less thap the North
Carolina water quality standards (As 50 .µg/L, Cd 2.0 µg/L, and Se 5 µg/L). One exception did
occur in November 1993, when selenium concentrations were above the detection limit at all
locations sampled (including the location above the ash basin discharge). Copper concentrations
ranged from <0.5 to 4.2 µg/L, less than the action level of 7 µg/L. Zinc. concentrations were .
much less than the action level of 50 µg/L in all samples.
The daily mean selenium loading to the Dan River in 1993 of 167 g/day was somewhat higher
than in the two preceding years. The highest selenium concentration in the ash basin discharge
in 1993 was 7.4 µg/L, which was much less than the NPDES permitted limit of 23 µg2 - .
Arsenic and selenium concentrations in fine-suspendable sediments collected in 1993 were
elevated compared to previous years at both the upstream location and first location immediately
�.. downstream of BCSS ash basin discharge;. however, given the heterogeneous nature of
sediments, a high value in one or two samples does not indicate a problem.
2

INTRODUCTION'
As required per the NPDES permit NC0024406 for Belews Creek Steam Station (BCSS),
environmental monitoring upstream and downstream of the BCSS ash basin discharge was
continued in 1993. The purpose of this monitoring program,is to assess whether the ash basin
discharge has had an effect on selected biota and water chemistry of the Dan River, Discharge
from the BCSS ash basin was initiated in October of 1985. This action was initiated as result of
reproductive failure of fish in Belews Lake due to bioaccumulation of selenium in warmwater
fish species indigenous to Belews Creek. Monitoring locations are noted in Figure 1-1. A
description of monitoring methods and frequency, as well as discussion of results follows in.each .
chapter.
3

CHAPTER 1
FISH
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Selenium and zinc concentrations were measured in muscle tissue of fish collected from the Dan
River in August 1993. Suckers (Moxostoma spp.), catfish (Ameiurus sp. and Ictalurus sp.), and
sunfish (Lepomis spp.) were collected at. locations upstream (710) and downstream (705, 720,
and 732) of the Belews Creek Steam Station ash basin discharge (Figure 1-1). Location 705. was
sampled, in 1993 for the first time to determine if data collected here were comparable to that
collected at Location 732. If comparable, sampling will be continued at Location 705 in 1994
and dropped, at Location *732, because of the lack of boat access to the river near Location 732.
All fish collected remained on ice until their return to the lab. Once at the lab, they were frozen
until processed.
Sample processing in 1993 .was consistent with that done previously. If sufficient numbers of
fish were collected, three replicate samples consisting of three fish of each taxon were. used.
Muscle tissue was dissected from each fish within each replicate and combined in an acid -
washed polyethylene vial. Selenium and zinc concentrations (ug/g, wet weight) were determined
by neutron activation analysis at the North Carolina State University Nuclear Services Lab in
Raleigh. Annual comparisons of selenium and zinc used the mean of the replicated samples
collected for each taxon at each location.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Selenium and zinc concentrations in muscle tissue of fish collected from the Dan River in 1993
ranged from 0.1 ug/g to 3.4 ug/g and from 1.2 ug/g to 12.9 ug/g, respectively (Table 1-1). The
highest selenium and zinc concentrations observed in 1993 were at Location 720 where suckers
from one of the three replicate samples had concentrations considerably higher than the others.
As in past years, mean selenium concentrations in 1993 varied somewhat for each taxon and
location (Figures 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4). Mean concentrations in suckers were highest at Location
720 and similar at Locations 710 and 732. Mean selenium concentrations in catfish were highest
4

at Location 710, intermediate at Location 720, and lowest at Location 732. Mean selenium
concentrations for sunfish were highest at Location 720, intermediate at Location 710, and ,
lowest at Location 732.
Mean selenium concentrations in catfish and sunfish collected from the Dan River in 1993 were
generally similar to data reported in previous years. However, the mean selenium concentration
for suckers has increased for two consecutive years at Location 720. A mean selenium
concentration of 1.3 ug/g for suckers in 1993 was the highest value noted from the Dan River
since sampling. began in 1984. Even though mean selenium concentrations were elevated .in
suckers at Location 720 over that noted at the other two locations, concentrations were only
slightly higher than normal background levels (0.2-0.6 ug/g) reported by Sorensen (1991). The
1993 mean selenium concentration in .suckers at Location 720 remains well below levels- that
resulted in reproductive. failure of fish in Belews Lake (Cumbie and Van Horn 197 8) and well.
below the 5 ug/g considered safe for human consumption by NCDEHNR. Nevertheless, this
increase remains a concern to Duke Power and will be closely monitored in 1994. Data for other
taxa and locations does not indicate that significant accumulation of selenium has occurred in.
recent years.
�....., Unlike selenium; mean zinc concentrations. in 1993 were generally similar for all taxa at all
locations (Figures 1-5, 1-6, and 14). An increase in the mean zinc concentration was noted for
suckers- at. Location '720 � in 1993. However, this increase. was similar to concentrations
previously reported from the Dan. River. Thus, there does not appear to be any significant
accumulation of zinc in Dan River fish that might be related to the ash basin discharge of Belews
Creek Steam Station.
d
Selenium and zinc concentrations for all taxa collected at Locations - 705 and 732 appeared
comparable. Per discussions with NCDEHNR in 1993, we will begin collecting fish at Location
705 in 1994 instead of Location 732.
5

LITERATURE CITED
1•
Cumbie, P. M. and S. L. Van Horn. 1978. Selenium accumulation associated with fish mortality
and reproductive failure. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies 32:612-624.
Sorensen, E. M. 1991. Metal poisoning in fish. CRC Press, Incorporated. Boca Raton, Florida.
2

Table 1-1. Concentrations (ug/g, wet weight) of selenium and zinc in muscle tissue of fish collected
from the Dan River in 1993.
Location
Taxa
No. of fish
Selenium
705
Sucker
3
0.4
Sucker
3
0.2
Sucker
3
0.3
Catfish
3
0.6
Catfish
2
0.6
Sunfish
3
0.3
Sunfish
3
0.4
Sunfish
3
0.5
710
Sucker
3
0.4
Sucker
3
0.4
Sucker
3
0.3
Catfish
1
0.4
Sunfish
3
0.1
Sunfish
3
0.4
Sunfish
3
1.1
720
Sucker
3
3.4
Sucker
3
0.2
Sucker
3
0.2
Catfish
3
0.1
Catfish
3
0.3
Catfish
3
0.4
Sunfish
3
0.6
Sunfish
3
0.9 ,
Sunfish
3
0.4
732
Sucker
3
0.2
Sucker
3
0.3
Sucker
3
0.5
Catfish
3
0.4
Catfish
3
0.1
Catfish
3
0.2
Sunfish
3
0.5
Sunfish
3
0.3
Sunfish
3
0.2
7
Zinc
1.9
2.7
1.8
2.3
1.2
3.8
1.5
1.6
1.3
6.4
3.3
3.7
7.1
2.0
2.9
12.9
2.0
1.7
1.9
2.1
1.4
3.2
3.5
2.4
2.0
2.9
2.2
1.6
1.9
1.2
5.3
2.6
1.9

1.4 —
1.2
1
S
e
I 0.8
e
n
i 0.6
U
M 0.4'
0.2
0
1984
1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992
1993
7-10--,-,.
—v— 720
I
i • 732
Figure 1-2. Mean concentrations of selenium (ug/g wet weight) in muscle tissue of suckers collected from the Dan River.
T

0
0.4 —
0.35
0.3
S
e 0.25
1
e 0.2
n
i
U 0.15
M
0.1
0.05
0 —
1984
1985 1986
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 . 1992 1993
—�- -- 710
- --� — 720
---
732 i
Figure 1-3. Mean concentrations of selenium (ug/g wet weight) in muscle tissue of catfish collected from the Dan River.

4y�
zan.duLIQ OuI utozj pa}aaiioo usUuns isL,azgpaz jo ansstl ajasnui ui (;u2tam Bann /fin) umtuajasjo soot}-ezluaauoa usay�
ZEL -
OZL j
OLL fi
6661 2661 166L 066L 686L 8861 I L86 9861
9861 1861
0
9'0 a
a
8'0 S
L
Z'L

N
6 —
5
I
4 —
—t— 710
Z
i 3 _ �� I • 720
n
C •fes �i�/ ! • 732
i
2 —
I
r
i
0
:r
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Figure 1-5. Mean concentrations of zinc
(ug/g wet weight) in wascle tissue of suckers collected from the Dan River.

Ei
zany ueQ 0111 MOJJ paloaijoo usUpao jo onssiajosnui ui (Ig2iom lom 2/2n)louiz jo suoij-ejjuoouoo unIN -9-1 azngt3
a C66 Z66L 6666 066L 6861. 8861 L86 9861 5861 V86 S2
0
I
9'0
= l
Z£L ♦ i
OZL —M—
OLL

I
tanrd u-eQ ouj uzozj paloalloo usguns 1s7nagpoj jo on-sil olosnuz ut (�u�tann �a�n 2/2n)d ouizJo suol73i}uaou00 u-eayN -I amSt3
666L Z66 L66L 066L 686L 886L L86 986L 986L t86
0
i
i
— Z
i - E
ZEL •
u
OZL.-.-
I Z
O L L
_ 9
I
L
• i
' � 8

CHAPTER 2
MACROINVERTEBRATES
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A monitoring program was initiated in September of -1984 to determine what effects discharge
from the Belews Creek Steam Station (BOSS) ash basin have had on the macroinvertebrate
community in the Dan River. Sampling for macroinvertebrates at Dan River Locations 710 and
720 (upstream and downstream of the ash basin discharge, respectively) was conducted in
September of 1993 as part of this continuing monitoring program. The bioassessment protocol
devised by North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
(NCDEHNR) biologists was used to compare communities at the two locations and assign
bioclassifications. These bioclassifications are based on scores assigned for the number of.
Ephemeroptera + Plecoptera + Trichoptera (EPT) taxa, and the scores for the mean biotic index
for all taxa (NCDEHNR 1992).. The biotic index score for individual taxa are an indication of its
sensitivity-to.pollution, and the -scores are assigned by NCDEHNR biologists. Samples were also
collected for neutron activation analysis (NAA) determination of arsenic, copper, selenium, and
zinc concentrations in organisms. NAA was performed at the North Carolina State University
Nuclear Services Laboratory. Statistical analyses of these concentrations were performed. on
results of late summer/early fall samples over all years (1984 - 1993).
Bioassessment
Sampling yielded 54 and 59 total taxa, respectively, at locations 710.0 and 720.0; 18 of the taxa
at Location 710.0 were EPT taxa, and 21 of those at 720.0 were EPT taxa {Table 2-1). The
bioclassification at each location was "Good", indicating that there was no measurable effect of
the discharge from the BCSS ash basin discharge on the macroinvertebrate community of the
Dan River.
Element Concentration in Organisms
Since only 40 arsenic and 17 copper values of 149 replicates for each element were above the
highest detection limit reported for these elements (Table 2-2 and Figures 2-1 and 2-2), these
data were not analyzed statistically. (Detection limits reported to us varied for some samples,
15

is concluded that the discharge of the Belews Creek ash basin to the Dan River has not had a
detrimental effect on the macroinvertebrate fauna.
LITERATURE CITED
Moore, J. W. and S. Ramamoorthy. 1983. Heavy Metals in Natural Waters Applied.
Monitoring and Impact Assessment. Springer -Verlag, New York. 268 -pp.
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. 1992.
Standard Operating Procedures Biological Monitoring. Water Quality Section,
Biological Assessment Group. Raleigh, NC, April, 1992. .
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. .1986.
North Carolina Water Quality Standards Documentation: The Freshwater
Chemistry and Toxicity of Selenium with an Emphasis on its Effects in North
Carolina. Division of Environmental Management Report No. 86-02.
17

t
is concluded that the discharge of the Belews Creek ash bYsin to the Dan River has not had a
detrimental effect on the macroinvertebrate fauna.
LITERATURE CITED
Moore, J. W. and S. Ramamoorthy. 1983. Heavy Metals in Natural Waters Applied
Monitoring and Impact Assessment. Springer -Verlag, New York. 268 -pp.
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. 1992.
Standard Operating Procedures Biological Monitoring. Water Quality'Section,
Biological Assessment Group. Raleigh, NC, April, 1992.
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. .198 6.
North Carolina Water Quality Standards Documentation: The Freshwater
Chemistry and Toxicity of Selenium with an Emphasis on its Effects in North
Carolina. Division of Environmental Management Report No. 86-02.
17

C
Table 2-1 Macroinvertebrates collected
from the
Dan River in
the vicinity of Belews Creek
Steam Station
on 14
September 1993_ "R"=Rare
1-2 .collected),
"C"=Common (3-9), and "A"=Abundant (10
or more).
TAXON
Above
Below
Disch
Disch
Annelida
Oligochaeta
Haplotaxida
Tubificidae
R
Limnodrilus rubripenis
R
Lumbriculidae
C
A
Arthropoda
Acari
R
Insecta
Coleoptera
Dryopidae
Helichus lithophilus
R
R
Elmidae
Ancyronyx variegatus
R
Dubiraphia spp.
R
Macronychus glabratus
A
A
Optioservus spp.
-
R
Promoresia elegans
C
Gyrinidae
Dineutus discolor
A
C
Diptera
Athericidae
A therix 1 an tha
R
Ceratopogonidae
_
Palpomyia-Bezzia complex
R
Chironomidae-Chironominae
Chironomus spp.
A
Cladotanytarsus spp.
C
Cryptochironmus spp.
R
Demicryptochironomus cuneatus'
R
Dicrotendipes modestus
R
Dicrotendipes neomodestus
R
Polypedilum convi c tum
C
Polypedilum illinoense
C
Polypedilum scalaenum
C
R
Pseudochironomus spp.
R
18

Table 2-1. Continued.
TAXON
Above
Below
Disch
Disch
Rheotanytarsus spp.
C
.
Stictochironomus spp.
R
Tanytarsus spp.
A
Tribelos spp.
C
Chironomidae-Orthocladiinae
Corynoneura spp.
R
R
Cricotopus annulator
C
Cricotopus bicinctus
-
C
Eukiefferiella spp.
C
R
Nanocladius downesi
C
C
Orthocladius obumbratus
-
C
Rheocricotopus spp.
R
C
Thienemanniella spp.
R
-
Tvetenia discoloripes
R
Chironomidae-Tanypodinae
Ablabesmyia annulata
C
-
Procladius spp.
A
-
Thienemannimyia spp.
R
-
Simuliidae
Simulium podostemi
A
Simulium snowi
C
-
Tabanidae
Tabanidae
R
-
Tanyderidae
Tanyderidae
R
Tipulidae
Antocha spp.
R
Hexatoma spp.
R
Ephemeroptera
Baetidae
Acentrella amplus
C
R
Baetis brunneicolor
C
C
Baetis ephippiatus
R
C
Baetis tricaudatus
-
R
Ephemeridae
Hexagenia limbata
A
Heptageniidae
Heptagenia marginalis
C
C
Stenonema exiguum
R
C
Stenonema modestum
A
Stenonema pudicum
C
Stenonema terminatum..
C
A
Oligoneuriidae
19

Table 2-1. Continued.
TAXON
Isonychia spp.
Tricorythidae
Leptohyphes robacki
Tricorythodes spp.
Megaloptera
Corydalidae
Corydalus cornutus
Nigronia serricornis
Odonata-Anisoptera
Corduliidae
Neurocordula molesta
Gomphidae
Gomphus spp.
Hagenius brevistylus
Lan thus .vernal i s
Stylurus spiniceps
Macromiidae
.Macromia spp.
Plecoptera
Perlidae
Acroneuria abnormis
Paragnetina immarginata
Paragnetina media
Pteronarcyidae
Pteronarcys dorsata
Pteronarcys Proteus
Trichoptera
Hydropsychidae
Cheumatopsyche spp.
Hydropsyche incommoda
Hydropsyche phalerata
Hydropsyche simulans/rossi
Hydropsyche venularis
Hydropsyche walkeri
Philopotamidae
Chimarra spp.
Polycentropodidae
Cyrnellus fraternus
Mollusca
Table 2-1. Continued.
20
Above
Below
Disch
Disch
A
A
C
C
C
A
A A
R
%7
R C
R R
R
C R
1114
A C
C
R C
R C
R
C
A
C
C
R
C
A
R
A
R
R
R

TAXON
Above
Below
C
Disch
Disch
Bivalvia
Het.erodontida
Corbiculidae
Corbicula h uminea
C
A
Gastropoda
Limnophila
Ancylidae
Ferrissia spp.
R
Mesogastropoda
Hydrobiidae
Hydrobiidae
R
-
Pelecypoda
H_eterodontida
Unionidae
R
Nemertea
Enopla
Hoplonemertea
Tetrastemmatidae
Prostoma sp.
R
TOTAL TAXA FOUND
54
59
TOTAL EPT TAXA
18
21
BIOTIC INDEX
5.42
5.10
21

Table 2-2. Concentrations of elements (ppm wet weight)
in organisms collected from Dan*River
Locations 710.0 and 720.0, above and below
Belews Creek Steam Station, respectively.
--------------------------------- YEAR=1984 ----------------------------
LOCATION TAXON REP SE AS Cu ZN
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.10
0.05*
2.00*
54.83
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.10
0.05*
2.00*
69.77
720.0
DIPTERA
1
0.95
0.36
8.72
28.94
720.0
DIPTERA
2
1.10
0.05*
9.89
31.62
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.32
0.05*
2.00*
32.17
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.58
0.05*
2.00*
15.22
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.97
0.05*
2.00*
42.70
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
1.27
0.05*
16.51
36.74
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.79
0.05*
2.00*
35.73
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.92
0.05*
2.00*
20.71
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.93
0.05*
11.74
26.89
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.79
0.05*
2.00*
24.20
---------------------------------- YEAR=1985--------- ------------------
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
710.0
AS
710.0
Cu
ZN
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.79
0.97
720.0
1.60*
720.0
22.00
720.0
CORBICULA
2
1.37
0•.90
5.00*
1.80*
0.05*
36.00
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.41
0.05*
0.05*
2.00*
21.00
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.78
0.05*
5.00*
2.00*
0.05*
20.00
720.0
DIPTERA
1
1.99
0.05*
0.05*
2.00*
2.00*
720.0
DIPTERA
2
1.82
0.05*
5.00*
2.00*
0.25
16.00
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.69
0.05*
2.00*
37.00
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.47
0.05*
2.00*
2.00*
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.72
0.05*
16.80
28.00
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
1.12
0.05*
17.10
2.00*
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.47
0.05*
2.00*
27.00
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.40
0.05*
2.00*
26.00
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.81
0.05*
2.00*
36.00
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.28
0.05*
2.00*
14.00
LOCATION TAXON
720.0
CORBICULA
720.0
CORBICULA
710.0
DIPTERA
710.0
DIPTERA
720.0
DIPTERA
720.0
DIPTERA
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
710.0
ODONATA
*Detection Limit
0
YEAR=1986
REP
SE
AS
Cu
ZN
1
0.64
0.32
0.75*
27.20
2
0.73
0.64
0.75*
32.30
1
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
2
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
1
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
2
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
2
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
1
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5:00*
2
0.05*
0.05*
0.75*
5.00*
1
0.25
0.05*
0.75*
29.40
22

Table 2-2.
Continued.
(
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
Cu
ZN
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.20
0.05*
0.75*
16.70
720:0
ODONATA
1
0.66
0.05*
0.75*
38.50
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.80
0.05*
5.84
21.30
---------------------------------
YEAR=1987 ----------------------------
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
CU
ZN
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.91
0.85
7.80
27.08
720.0
CORBICULA
2
1.05
0.86
7.58
33.18
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.10*
0.05*
5.00*
65.89
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.10*
0.05*
5.00*
30.75
720.0
DIPTERA
1
0.10*
0.05*
5.00*
10.00*
720.0
DIPTERA
2
0.10*
0.05*
5.00*
10.00*
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.71
0.05*
5.00*
24.75
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.10*
0.05*
20.56
10.00*
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.10*
0.05*
5.00*
38.30
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.1'0*
0.05*
5.00*
28.81
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.42
0.05*
5.00*
29.23
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.43
0.05*
5.00*
29.08
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.63
0.05*
5.00*.
18.53
720.0
ODONATA
2
1.20
0.05*
5.00*
40.65
---------------------------------
YEAR=1988 -----------------------------
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
Cu
ZN
(
\_ 710.0
CORBICULA
1
0.48
0.02*
0.50*
10.00*
710.0
CORBICULA
2
0.05*
0.02*
0.50*
30.76
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.•91
1.23
13.19
28.88
720.0
CORBICULA
2
0.79
0.83
0.50*
28.46
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.05*
0.02*
0.40*
10.00*
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.05*
0.02*
0.40*
10.00*
720.0
DIPTERA
1
0.05*
0.02*
0.50*
40.42
720.0
DIPTERA
2
0.05*
0.02*
0.40*
10.00*
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.43
0.02*
0.40*
10.00*
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.34
0.02*
0.40*
10.00*
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.05*
0.02*
0.50*
.10..10*
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
.2
0.05*
0.02*
0.50*
63.09
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.24
0.02*
0.50*
10.00*
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.28
0.02*
0.40*
10.00* _.._
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.43
0.02*
0.50*
15:20
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.45
0.02*
0.50*
14.52
---------------------------------
YEAR=1989 ----------------------------
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
Cu
ZN
710.0
CORBICULA
1
0.27
0.05*
5.00*
12.60
710.0
CORBICULA
2
3.00
0.05*
5.00*
11.30
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.63
0.48
5.00*
23.61
*Detection Limit
23

Table 2-2. Continued.
t"
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
CU
ZN
720.0
CORBICULA
2
0.47
0.34
5.00*
16.14
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
1.00*
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
1.00*
720.0
DIPTERA
1
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
1.0*
720.0
DIPTERA
2
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
112.12
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.08*
0.05*
5.00?'
31.38
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
1.00*
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
1.15
0.05*
5.00*
42.83
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.80
0.05*
5.00*
32.50
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.26
0.05*
5.00*
14.04
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.08*
0.05*
5.00*
26.14
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.71
0.05*
5.00*
29.45
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.41
0.05*
5.00*
32.44
---------------------------------
YEAR=1990.----------------------------
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
CU
ZN
710.0
CORBICULA
1
1.53
0.05*
10.00*
37.60
710.0
CORBICULA
2
1.62
0.05*
121.00
78.10
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.51
0.45
10.00*
21.20
720.0
CORBICULA
2
0.69
0.05*
19.60
31.80
710.0
DIPTERA
1
1.31
0.05*
10.00*
20.10
710.0
DIPTERA
-2
1.26
0.05*
10.00*
25.70
720.0
DIPTERA
1
6.51
0.05*
10.00*
76.50
720.0
DIPTERA
2
3.14
0.05*
10.00*
46.20
710.0
C_
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
2.12
0.05*
10.00*
54.50
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.76
0.05*
10.00*
22.00
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.90
0.05*
10.00*
23.40
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
1.05
0.89
32.40
31.40
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.44
0.05*
10.00*
34.50
710.0
ODONATA
2
0.41
0.05*
10.00*
31.10
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.60
0.14
10.00*
26.60
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.67
0.84
10.00*.
33.80
710.0
CORBICULA
1
0.51-
0.40
12.00*
35.70
710.0
CORBICULA
2
0.81
0.34
12.00*
32.25
720.0
CORBICULA
1
0.61
0.08*
12.00*
33.55
720.0
CORBICULA
2
0.61
0.52
10.00*
2..69
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.63
10.72
10.00*
40.51
710.0
DIPTERA
2
1.14
0.08*
10.00*
5.00*
720.0
DIPTERA
1
0.10
0.08*
10.00*
5.00* _=
720.0
DIPTERA
2
0.10
0.08*
12.00*
5.00*
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.53
0.08*
12.00*
38.90
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.28
0.08*
12.00*
28.16
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
0.60
0.08*
10.00*
33.41
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
0.67
0.08*
10.00*
36.10
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.41
0.08*
10.00*
19.00
710.0
ODONATA
2*
0.53
0.08*
10.00*
31.55
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.99
0.08*
10.00*
27.34
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.88
0.34
12.00*
23.13
*Detection
Limit
24

Table 2-2.
Continued.
710.0
CORBICULA
720.0
CORBICULA
(
--------------------------------
CORBICULA
710.0
YEAR=1992 --------------7-------------
710:0
DIPTERA
720.0
LOCATION
TAXON
REP
SE
AS
CU
ZN
710.0
CORBICULA
1
2.85
2.11
5.00*
32.70
710.0
CORBICULA
2
1.59
0.10
5.00*
5.00*
720.0
CORBICULA
1
2.00
0.48
5.00*
28.55
720.0
CORBICULA
2
1.79
0.56
5.00*
26.57
710.0
DIPTERA
1
0.25*
0.03*
5.00*
25.10
710.0
DIPTERA
2
0.25*
0.03*
5.00*
36.24
720.0
DIPTERA
1
3.65
0.03*
5.00*
19.79
720.0
DIPTERA
2
2.34
0.03*
5.00*
5.00*
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
1.69
0.03*
5.00*
33.07
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
2.12
0.03*
14.51
44.57
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
1
2.62
0.56
15.73
32.62
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
2
3.88
0.53
5.00*
33.38
710.0
ODONATA
1
0.96
0.03*
5.00*
23.28
710.0
ODONATA
2
1.93
0.24
24.25
35.68
720.0
ODONATA
1
0.88
0.03*
5.00*
26.07
720.0
ODONATA
2
0.54
0.03*
5.00*
21.62
-------------------------------- YEAR=1993 ---------------------7-------
LOCATION TAXON REP SE AS CU ZN
710.0
CORBICULA
710.0
CORBICULA
720.0
CORBICULA
720.0
CORBICULA
710.0
DIPTERA
710:0
DIPTERA
720.0
DIPTERA
720.0
DIPTERA
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
710.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
720.0
EPHEMEROPTERA
710.0
ODONATA
710.0
ODONATA
720.0
ODONATA
720.0
ODONATA
*Detection
Limit
1 0.58
0.49
10.00*
9.91
2 0.73
0.23
10.00*
13.08
1 0.59
0.56
10.00*
7.88
2 0.43
0.70
10.00*
10.36
1 0.21
0.02*
10.00*
2.45
2 1.20
0.43
10.00*
3.06
1 .3.30
0.97
10.00*
9.92
2 4.30
'0.02*
10.00*
12.70
1 0.72
0.34
10.00*
8.39
2' 1.18
0.52
10.00*
0.50*
2' 1.06
0.48
10.00*
15.65
1 0.95
0.55
10.00*
14.77
1 0.51
0.20*
10.00*
12.94
2 0.50
0.09
10.00*
9.74
1 0.12
0.52
10.00*
16`.21
2 0.50
0.02*
10.00*
10.74
25

Table 2-3. P -values from ANOVAs performed on transformed selenium concentrations in
. macroinvertebrate taxa collected from Dan River Locations 710.0 and 720.0
during late summer/early fall of 1984 through 1993.. An asterisk indicates
significance at the .05 level.
Location Year Location
Year
Diptera 0.0001* 0.0001* 0.0001*
Ephemer- 0.3249 0.0001* 0.0001*
optera
Odonata 0.009* 0.0022* 0.0156*
Table 2-4. P -values from ANOVAs performed on transformed zinc concentrations in
macroinvertebrate taxa collected from Dan River Locations 710.0 and 720.0
during late summer/early fall of 1984 through 1993. An asterisk indicates
significance at the .05 level.
Location Year Location
Year
Diptera 0.9635 0.0040* 0.1616
Ephemer- 0.0975 0.0610 0.7185
optera
Odonata 0.1696 0.0002* 0.2110
Table 2-5. Results -of Tukey's Studentized Range Test for variables for which P<.05 and no
significant interaction was indicated in the ANOVA of transformed zinc
concentrations. Variables joined by a line are not significantly different. —
Diptera 1989 1986 1991 1993 1988 1985 1992 1987 1990 1984
Odonata 1988 1993 1989 1985 1991 1986 1992 1984 1987 1990

j
( 7
■ Corbicula X Diptera ♦ Ephemeroptera O Odonata
X
6
E
CL
.4 5
c
O
.15
X
15
4
c
a�
♦
X
v
c
X
X
U 3
r
E
a
x
2
♦ o
CD
Q
♦
i
♦ X Y
i 8 0 o Z
o
°
4 a ♦ °°
♦ e ° e•o
o
_X_
Ito 72o
1984
710 720 710 720• _710 720 Tao 720 710 720' 710 720 Ito 720 710 720 Ito 720
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Figure 2-3.
Selenium concentrations in
organisms collected from the Dan River in fall of
1984 through 1993. The dashed line indicates the highest reported detection. limit.
C120
■ Corbicula X Dipbra ♦ Ephemeroptra o Odonatd
X
100
E
CL
CL 80 X
c
a X
x
C
so
a� x
U
c
0 ♦ X
L) O 40 ♦ ♦ o i X ON ♦ tS
c ♦ > ♦ ■ • ♦ o o Q 0 • ■ A
N O e ° • �? , O X O ♦ e
20 o X • o ♦ ° • O O
A6 ° a
DL- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -r -�f r!- ,K- �- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
x
710 720 710 720 710 720 710 710 710 720 710 720 710 720 710 720 710 720 710 720
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Figure 2-4. Zinc concentrations in organisms collected from the Dan River in fall of 1984
through 1993. The dashed line indicates the highest reported detection limit.
28

CHAPTER 3
WATER AND SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Dan River was sampled quarterly (January, May, July, and November) in 1993 for water
chemistry at one location (710) upstream and three locations (720, 731, and 73 2) downstream of
the BCSS discharge (Figure 1-1). Sediment cores were also collected (2 replicates) at three
locations (710i'720, and 732) during May 1993. Water chemistry parameters were analyzed by
EPA .approved methods (Table 3-1). -Sediment core- samples, were collected and prepared for
analysis by the procedure outlined in Duke Power (1987). Samples of fine-suspendable
sediments were analyzed for trace metals by neutron activation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Water Chemistry
Water chemistry data collected during 1993 in the Dan River are presented in Tables 3-2 and 3-3.
In general, the water quality of the river was comparable to that of other streams in the Duke
Power Company service area. Conductivity, alkalinity, total suspended solids, sulfate' and
calcium tended to increase in a downstream direction. Values of these variables were. frequently
higher at Location 731.0 (Dan River Steam Station); compared to Location 732.0, because the
Smith river, which carries a significant waste load, enters the Dan River just above Location
731.0, but does not mix completely with the Dan River until below the Station.
Concentrations of the trace elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and selenium (Se) were
usually at or below the detection limit (Table 3-3); and much less than the North Carolina water
quality standards (As: 50 µg2, Cd: 2.0 µg/L, and Se: 5 µg/L). Selenium was below the
detection limit of 1.0 µg/L in all samples except samples collected in November. In November,
selenium concentrations were above detection at all locations and above the standard at Location
731. The elevated selenium values at all locations, even upstream of BCSS, suggests a source of
Se upstream of BCSS or perhaps an analytical problem with these samples. Copper
concentrations ranged from < 0.5 to 4.2 - µg/L, less than the action level of 7 µg/L. Zinc
concentrations were much less than the action level of 50 µg/L in all samples.
29

c-
{ The water chemistryof the Dan River during the period when the BCSS ash basin has discharged
to the river (November 1985 to November 1993) is comparable for most variables to the baseline
period prior to discharge (January 1984 to October 1985) (Table 3-4). Concentrations of most
trace elements were similar during both periods. Selenium concentrations -have been essentially
below detection since the BCSS ash basin began discharging to the Dan River: However, the
detection limit for selenium has declined from 5 gg/L in. 1984 to 1 µg/L in 1993..
The loading of selenium to the Dan river from the BCSS ash basin in 1993 was somewhat higher
than in the two preceding years (Table 3-5). The daily mean Se loading to the Dan River in 1993
was 167 g/day: In 1993, the highest Se concentration in the ash basin discharge was 7.4 µg/L
(NPDES data), which is well below the NPDES permitted limit of 23 gg/L. The selenium
discharged from Belews Lake is conservatively estimated from the Se .concentration in the lake
and the spillway discharge at 51 g/day. The quantity of selenium discharged by Belews Creek
from the ash basin and the lake spillway was somewhat higher in 1993, compared to. the to
previous years but was less than in any year prior to 1991 except 1989.
Sediments
Arsenic and selenium concentrations in fine-suspendable sediments collected since 1984 are
presented in Table 3-6. Arsenic concentrations were higher than in previous years at both the
upstream location (710) and the first location downstream of the BCSS discharge (720) in 1993.
At the downstream location (732), arsenic were similar to previous years, that is similar to
background levels.
Selenium concentrations also were higher at Locations 710 and 720.(Table 3-6). Selenium
concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in both replicates at Location 720. Selenium
concentrations in fine suspendable sediments were similar. in 1993 at Location 732 to earlier
years, except in 1991 when the sediments were disturbed by bridge construction activities at the
location.
Preliminary examination of the sediment data collected in May 1994, indicates arsenic and
selenium concentrations were similar to previous years data. Given the heterogeneous nature of
sediments, a high value in one or two samples does not indicate .a problem unless elevated
selenium values become more widespread. The method used for preparation of the sediment
30

samples is not a widely used method, but was developed fo estimate the concentration of heavy
metals in the 'fine particulates'. The EPA is moving toward development of a acid volatile
sulfide method for determining metals in sediments. We will follow developments in sampling
and analytical methodology and implement these procedures when they become applicable.
LITERATURE CITED
Duke Power Company. 1987. Belews Creek Steam Station NPDES Dan River Phase II
Report.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 1979. Methods for the chemical analysis -of
water and wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Lab, Office of Research and
Development. Cincinnati, OH.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 1983. Methods for the chemical analysis of
water and wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Lab, Office of Research and
Development. Cincinnati, OH..
31

w
N
Table 3-1. Analytical methods for chemical and physical constituents measured in the Dan River in 1993.
Variable
Method
Reference
Preservation
Detection Limit
Alkalinity, total
Electrometric titration to pH 5.1
1
4 °C
1 µequiv-L''
Arsenic
Atomic absorption, HGA
1
0.5% HNO3
1.0 pg*L"
Cadmium
Atomic absorption, HGA
1
0.5% HNO3
0.1 µg -L"'
Calcium
Atomic emission/ICP
2
0.5%:HNO3'
0.04 mg*L''
Conductivity
Temperature compensated
1
in-situ
1 µS -cm"
nickel electrode
Copper
Atomic absorption, HGA
1
0.5% HNO3
0.5 gg*L"
Oxygen, dissolved
Temperature compensated
polarographic cell
1
in-situ
0.1 mg-DO*L"'
pH'
Temperature compensated
1
in-situ
0.1 units
glass electrode
Selenium
Atomic absorption, HGA
1
0.5% HNO3
1.0 µg -L"
Solids,Total
Gravimetric; dried at 103-105 °C
1
4 °C.
4.0 mg -L"
Suspended
Sulfate Turbidimetric, using a 1 4 °C 1.0 mg*L"
spectrophotometer
Temperature Thermistor/thermometer 1 in-situ 0.1 °C
* = Detection limit and limit of determination were not determined on these variables;
instead, instrument sensitivity is given.
References: 1. USEPA 1979 2. USEPA 1983

fE
�V LT
L
069
8:�Z
i,' L
T' TT
0' OT
E6/ZZ/TT
S'8
LZ
OOE
Z8
Z'9
UL
6'9Z
£6/LO/LO
T'8
OS
:i* 9
:�' 6
9' LT
E6/90/SO
9'L
D
> 0DT,
6TT
T'L
T'TT
£'9
E6/'v0/TO
Z/bw
Z/5w
Z/ntnbari
wa/Sri
Hd
Z/5w
D
a��Q
a-4-eJTnS
SSZ
XTV
PuoD
OQ
dwas,
(ZEL) au. uzuzbzzn qle
.zanzg
u"eQ=uoigPooZ
----------
6"OZ
OT
ZSL
TSE
UL
Z'OT
E'L
E6/ZZ/TT
O—:iT
ZS
9E£
TLT
9'9
S'L
8'9Z
E6/LO/LO
:�' OT
ZZ
96:i
8:�T
Z'9
0' 6
T' LT
E6/90/SO
S'8
�
08:�
69T
T'L
O'TT
E'9
E6/:H/TO
Z/bw
Z/5w
Z/nznbari
Wo/Sri
Hd
Z/bw
D
a-4ua
a:4-egTnS
SSZ
NTK
Puo;
oa
dway
----- ------------
(TEL)-SS2iQ :IP.Za11t-d u-eQ=uoz-4-eooZ
---------------
S'9
>-8Efii
E9
T'L
T'TT
9'9
E6/ZZ/TT
ULT
TOT
ii9:i
E9
L'9
L'9
8'9Z
E6/LO/LO
9'�v -
LT
OOE
ZS
L'9
6'8
9'8T
E6/90/SO
0'9
Ii
> OZE
09
0'L
T'TT
8'S
E6/7V0/TO
Z/5w
Z/bw
Z/nznbari
wo/Sri
Hd
Z/bw
D
a��Q
aq-eJTnS
SSZ
XT`d
PuoD
OQ
dwaj,
---------------
(OZL) 8ETT
-dS -4-e .zanTg
uUQ=uoz-Xeao2-------------
0'S
�v
> :V�E
Lb
Z'L
"0'ZT
v8
E6/ZZ/TT
Z'OZ
6ET
9EE
07vc
8'9
L'L
0'8Z
E6/LO/L0.
0'7i
ZT
09Z
TTV
L'9
T'6
tv'8T
E6/90/SO
L' T
3
09Z
8iv
9' 9
E' TT
9's
E6/DO/TO
Z/bw
Z/bw
Z/nznbari
Wo/Sri
Hd
Z/5w
D
a-q-eQ
a-4-egTnS
SSZ
NT`d
PuoD
OQ
dwas,
---------------
(OTL) TTE
S11 -4-e a;DAT- uaa=uoz-4-eao2
--------------
' E66T Fu-t.znp uoz:le,4S w,2agS Na9-TD sMaTag
au -4
go
A-ITuTaTn ati-4
uz XDATd uaQ
atp u -r
AJ-3STwaua
a;9-jPM
- Z -E aTgL-j,

w
4i.
Ul
I
i
��\
I
l
N
N
N<
O
O
m
O
I
N
O
0
0
I
N
o
0
o
I
N
O
O
O
I
1%0
I
W
lD
lD
w
l0
rt
I
lD
110
lD
I'D
cr
I
l0
lD
l0
lD
rr
I
lD
W
w
I'7
W
W
W
W
(D
I
W
W
W
W
{D
I
W
W
W
W
(D
I
W
W
W
W
(D
I
I
t
I
I
t
I
I
I
W
t
I
W
I
i
I
m
w
A
w
W C)
O
m
A
cn
vI
W C)
i
0
W
A
n
w
A
w
w
LQ n
\ P1
I
N
m
lD
N
L\ -I
rP
w
O
W
t\+
I
lD
m
to
CTI
C
C
l0
lTt
N
m
r
OO
N
0
•
w N•
n
n
n
n
n
n
rrt
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
0
03
Fj-
rr
� F,
d
r
o
o
3
03
Fj-
rr
W m
W m
n
LQ to
LQ m
d
O 0
cn
o
o
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
o
p
o
0
0
0
rt of
r
�
C
(D
rr rt
A
AA
AA
ro
AA
C
AA
H-
(DW
n
(D
ro (D
(D
n
0
0
0
0
w n
N
o
0
00
W n
CC
0
0
W C7
rt
0
0
00
\ n
a
a
H
to
N
N
C
LQ
r
IP
W
FJ
N
rt
FA
m
N
N
r
cf)
w
w
H
H
r
m AI
ci
cf)
n ED
~w
m
n
H-
uco i
F -I
(D �5
N
0
~
x
N.
,-.
W
rT
Ct(D
tP
F'
W n
((D
w
N
LQ C1
w
N
o
W CZ
-4
0
0
n
<
Fv
N
\ F;
N
(D
N
^
H
0D
r
O
Ul
m
r
o
J
A
n
h
W
n
n
n
I
n
n
n
n
n
n
N
I
I
CA
Cn
N
W
I
I
I
rt
(D
O
N
f,
H
(D
I
Ul
H
H
p
-r_ CA
I
W
H
H
H
-r_ co
I
w fJ
(�
I
LQ (D
I
Lll (D
I
rt C,
OC)
O
O
O
\
t
O
O
O
O
\
I
0:)
O
O
O
\
I
N
0
0
0
\
I
Fes- (D
I
r
I
r
1
r
I
o n
I
I
I
I
FJ-
n
n
n
I
n
n
I
n
n
n
I
n
n
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
rt'
LQ N
I
W N
I
W
I
W
I
0 (D
H
N
H
N
N
F-'
'N
N
\ ',j
I
N
N
H
N
\ N
I
F'
N
F-'
N
\ N
I
LQ
O
O
m
0
tI
I
m
N
0
0
t+
I
0<
0
0
r
I
W
W
Co
r
I
rF,.

Table 3-4. Comparison of water chemistry data from the Dan
River since the beginning of the discharge of BCSS
ash basin (11/1985) with the baseline period
(1984-10/1985). Data are expressed as ranges of
values.
Location Phase Conductivity Alkalinity
710 Baseline
Discharge
720 Baseline
Discharge
731 Baseline
Discharge
732 Baseline
Discharge
Location Phase
710 Baseline
Discharge
720 Baseline
Discharge
731 Baseline
Discharge
732 Baseline
Discharge
pS/cm
pequiv/L
18 -
200
140 -
340
22 -
340
140 -
680
41 -
240
180
- 380
36 -
'90
120 -
760
158
- 290
46.
1.0 -
50 -
351
.68 -
262
48 -
248
Ca
700
mg/L
1120
2.0 -
4.6
2.8 -
6.5
2.2 -
5.3
2.3 -
6.4
3.4 -
6.1
1.3 -
6.8
2.6 -
6.9
3.3 -
6.2
35
336 - 752
100 -
700
140 -
1120
As
83
pg/L
17
1.4 -120.
1.0 -
5.3
1.4 -
84.
1.0 -
3.8
1.4 -
6.8
1.0 -
5.3
1.4
46.
1.0 -
4.6
Sulfate
mg/L
5.0 -
33
3.4 -
20
6.4 -
83
5.0 -
17
8.5 - 32
6.4 -
120
5.0 -
24
Cd
- 1.8
pg/L
16.
0.1 -
1.2
0.1 -
2..6
0.1 - 2.8
0.1 - 52.
0.3
- 1.0
0.1 -
9.5
0.1
- 1.8
0.1 -
16.

Table 3-4. Continued.
Location Phase
Cu
Se*
Zn
µg/L
µg/L
µg/L
710 Baseline
1.7 -
24
2.0 - 5.0
14. -
240
Discharge
0.5 -
28
1.0 - 3.1
0.4 -
95
720 Baseline
1.5 -
48
2.0 - 5.0
14. -
260
Discharge
0.5 -
16
1.0 - 5.8
1.2 -
270
731 Baseline
3.3 -
15
2.8 - 2.8
42. -
140
Discharge
1.9 -
28
1.0 - 10.
1.2 -
140
732 Baseline
2.1 -
23
2.0 - 5.0
14. -
240
Discharge
1.4 -
14
1.0 - 4.8
1.2 -
130
* - The detection limit for selenium has
changed from
5 µg/L
to
1 Ag/L during this study.

Table 3-5. Mean annual selenium loading rates (expressed as
g/day) from the BOSS ash basin to the Dan River.
Calculated from NPDES data.
Year Selenium Loading
g/day
1985* 408
1986 258
1987 260
1988 229
1989 153
1990 191
1991 121
1992 118
C•
1993 167
* Selenium loading for 1985 is based on 2 months of data
because discharge to the Dan River began on October 31,
1985.
37

Table 3-6. Concentrations of arsenic
and selenium
in fine-
suspendable sediments in
the Dan
River
in the vicinity
of the
Belews Creek
Steam
Station
from
1984-93.
------------------------------
YR=1984 --------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/24/84
<
3.77
0.69
710
05/24/84
<
44.94
<
5.62
720
05/24/84
<
38.46
5.87
720
05/24/84
<
27.03
<
3.38
732
05/24/84
<
5.01
3.56
732
05/24/84
<
7.98
2.97
710
09/20/84
<
1.12
<
1.12
710
09/20/84
<
0.29
<
0.29
720
09/20/84
14.39
1.90
720
09/20/84
18.23
<
0.20
732
09/20/84
8.22
<
0.70
C 732
09/20/84
7.75
5.30
------------------------------
YR=1985 ------------
---------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/01/85
<
3.21
4.22
710
05/01/85
<
9.26
<
0.62
720
05/01/85
<
11.54
4.77
720
05/01/85
<
1.81
<
0.12 y
732
05/01/85
<
2.18
0.80
732
05/01/85
<
3.23
2.67
710
09/19/85
<
4.81
<
0.96
710
09/19/85
<
2.35
3.79
720
09/19/85
<
1.45
4.,53
720
`09/19/85
<'
2.21
2.49
732
09/19/85
<
3.38
1.36
732
09/19/85
<
0.98
<
0.20
38

C Table 3-6. Continued.
------------------
------------
YR=1986 --------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/15/86
<
0.27
0.71
710
05/15/86
1.24
<
0.13
720
05/15/86
<
3.03
1.15
720
05/15/86.
3.34
2.05
732
05/15/86
5.13
1.39
710
09/18/86
<
0.19
<
0.48
710
09/18/86
<
0.37
2.46
720 "
09/18/86
<
0.11
2.29
720
09/18/86
<
0.03
<
0.08
732
09/18/86
<
0.33
3.90
732
09/18/86
<
0.29
1.59
------------------------------
YR=1987 ------
--------------------
CLocation
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/05/87
<
0.43
<
2.17
710
05/05/87
<
0.12
4.61
720
05/05/87
<
0.27
2.40
720
05/05/87
<
0.21
<
1.06
732
05/05/87
<
0.30
3.19
732
05/05/87
<
0.38
<
1.89
710
09/17/87
<
0.80
<
0.80
710
09/17/87
<
2.39
2.72
720
09/17/87
<
4.50
7.03
732
09/17/87
<
1.20
<
1.20
732
09/17/87
<
1.39
2.05
720
09/18/87
<
0.59
2.93
Im

Table 3-6. Continued.
------------------------------
YR=1988
--------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
g/g
710
05/03/88
<
4.03
5.97
710
05/03/88
<
0.96
0.88
720
05/03/88
<
0.66
2.74
720
05/03/88
<
1.19
3.29
732
05/03/88
5.79
3.12
732
05/03/88
<
1.12
1.47
------------------------------
YR=1989
--------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/22/89
<
2.20 <
0.44
710
05/22/89
<
2.63 <
0.53
�. 720
05/22/89
8.02 <
0.27
720
05/22/89
<
1.22 <
0.24
732
05/22/89
5.03
2.41
732
05/22/89
7.63
2.98
------------------------------
YR=1990 --------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
µg/g
710
05/14/90
<
0.33
1.66
710
05/14/90
<
0.47
2.94
720
05/14/90
<-
2.66
4.95
720
05/14/90
<
3.12
4.31
732
05/14/90
<
0.57
3.58
732
05/14/90
<
0.85
3.74
40

Table 3-6_ Continued.
------------------------------
YR=1991 --------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
µg/g
g/g
710
05/06/91
< 0.52
4.63
710
05/06/91
< 0.87 <
1.74
720
05/06/91
16.33 <
1.34
720
05/06/91
< 4.60 <
5.75
732
05/06/91
5.07
6.57
732
05/06/91
11.37
13.47
------------------------------
YR=1992 --------------------------
Location
Date
As
Se
g/g
µg/g
710.0
05/04/92
3.38 <
4.98
710.0
05/04/92
< 1.10 <
2.20
720.0
05/04/92
2.32
4.47
720.0
05/04/92
2.96
3.29
732.0
05/04/92
1.96 <
2.13
732.0
05/04/92
4.45
2.57
732.1
05/04/92
1.82 <
2.56
------------------------------
YR=1993 -------7------------------
Location
Date
As
Se --
µg/g
�Lg/g
710
05/06/93
23.37
No Data
710
05/06/93
24.54
8.02
720
05/06/93
357.37
85.17
720
05/06/93
23.37
23.10
732
05/06/93
3.52 <
3.01
732
05/06/93
< 2.62
No Data
41