20080868 Ver 2_2015 PCS Science Panel Mtg Agenda and Notes_20150827

AGENDA and MEETING NOTES (in italics)
AUGUST 27 2015 PCS CREEKS STUDY SCIENCE PANEL MEETING
9:00 am, Corps of Engineers Washington Office
Attendees:
Tom Steffens, USACE Sam Cooper, CZR Sid Mitra, ECU
Anthony Scarbraugh, Julia Berger, CZR Jamie DeWitt, ECU
NCDWR Randy Pulley, CZR
Jeff Furness, PCS Dave Kimmel, ECU
A) TO DOs from 2014 Science Panel Meeting Minutes
1. New science panel member outreach update (see Item F below)
2. GMA study as appendix (no further study done- existing borehole data were analyzed for
evidence of Croatan clay and no other locations found (see Executive Summary xxviii)
3. Ternary diagram/benthic guilds upstream downstream communities-CZR in pursuit of
proper guilds -still researching guilds and proper assignments, CZR in contact with Larry
Eaton (NCDWR) regarding a 1999 EPA list of benthic 'feeding assignments" that includes
data from NC. Eaton suggested that might be a good starting place. Will have something
built for, or at least an update, for next report.
4. Better flow vegetation text- more description of species not just brackish intolerants
(done)-NCDWR wants to be able to document a paradigm shift fresh vs salt should that
occur. Long term changes are what need to be watched and if they persist, we need to know
why.
5. Additional correlation of wind tides, discharge, salinity (box plots for relationships
between discharge and salinity done, wind analysis again or every so often. Request more
specific guidance) - Changes in salinity noted particularly in Huddles Cut may be of concern -
is the salt wedge going further upstream because of the reduction in overland freshwater
flow? More correlations between wind, salinity, discharge to be performed. Wind tides of
course most important in these systems and creek mouth orientation to wind will be
dominant factor in wind correlations. (Kimmel to compare and evaluate Pamlico River
salinity (long-term data set) to Huddles Cut data set (CZR sent all PCS creeks salinity/depth
data to Kimmel on 28 August 2015). Kimmel suggested use of "Hydrosphere" device
http://planktosinstruments.com/#/products which could be used to monitor salinity in a
creek over a week or so as the wind moves the device in and out.
6. Pre/post analysis meeting (done)
7. Pivers Island metals (reviewed) -De Witt to reach out to other metals researchers and work
with enrichment factors from the Riggs report IF Mitra agrees Riggs data are good for
comparison. Comparison can be difficult with different methods.
Commented [DK1]: I have the data and will be analyzing for
long-term salinity trends. I will also look at the literature for
other trends in the region

August 2015 PC5 Science Panel meeting notes
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B) Executive Summary 2014 Report- Steffens indicated that other agency staff or stakeholders
would be invited to future science panel meetings.
C) Drainage Basin Reductions for 2014
a) Figures I -C2, I -C3 and I -C4 -progress as of end of 2014 was reviewed as well as progress to
date. Southwest side of Jacks Creek will be cleared in the next two months so 2015 will be
first post -Mod Alt L year for Jacks Creek. The three draglines are split up at present and it will
likely be nine months +/- to get out of the 'boot" between Jacobs and lacks basins.
Due to difficulty and space restraints of boundary, progress of draglines is faster than what
was predicted in the FEIS-more ore has been unmined and 'left behind".
D) Discussion of the ROD Special Condition S Six Questions
a) Flow changes (CZR/PCS)-even though new plan of study did not include flow meters to be
installed anywhere in Huddles Cut because of its swampy nature, CZR was requested to
begin to record flow observations and wind direction while at Huddles Cut salinity monitors
(every two weeks).
b) Geomorphic or vegetative character changes (CZR/PCS)-important to be able to follow the
zone of influence from mine dewatering which may affect hydrology and plant species. PCS
to provide CZR with turn -on and turn-off dates of the 160 ft deep wells into the Castle Hayne
aquifer and of the surficial aquifer wells to see if the CZR shallow monitoring well behavior is
correlated with pumping activity (or lack of). Furness confirmed that river discharge is not
likely to affect the amount of water required to pump (amount needed to dewater the pit
sufficiently for safe mine operation).
c) Forage base changes (CZR/PCS)- Scarbrough indicated that Jason Rock from NCDMF was
given the fisheries data to review since Terry West resigned from panel; but as Rock only
recently received the information copy, no NCDMF comments provided yet.
d) Metals in sediment or water column (CZR/PCS-DeWitt/Mitra)-CZR to provide Trefry/FIT
and SGS lab SOPs to Mitra (CZR sent via email on 9.11.15). Cr and As have significant
changes (post lower than pre)- with As maybe there is some flux between sediment and
water. Problem with metals analysis is that the original study design had no true replicates,
only values are being determined for comparison, the same methods remained unchanged
in the new plan of study. No organisms are collected on which tissue can be analyzed-e.g.,
changes in genes or proteins related to reproductive capacity. Caging studies are one way to
get at this or with dose response curves in the lab -but these can be intense and expensive. A
persistent long term problem in toxicology surrounds the question of "what are sub lethal
effects?" The ERLs and ERMs are only predictors and are not absolutes and can be thought
similar to the GRE (as far as predicting what type of graduate student an individual will be).
e) Water quality changes (Dr. Dave Kimmel)-Secchi depth measurements will no longer be
included as it is not useful in shallow coastal plain streams. TSS will continue to be a
parameter. Can look at trends at particular stations as needed for any parameter but will

August 2015 PC5 Science Panel meeting notes
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continue to use multivariate approach. Biggest biological concern remains salinity changes
but so far, three to five years post -impact it seems to stabilize.
E) Suggestions for 2015 report -no new suggestions made other than color coding tables where
possible e.g., Table 111-G3
F) Science panel evolution -limitations to participation revolve around time vs $ and already high
expectations on professors from their universities. How to limit bias if panel members were
paid? Could transportation and lunch be covered at least? What is the legal definition of
honorarium? If $/hr of honorarium is below what $/hr of salary, would that be "ok" and not
perceived as bias? Maybe use third party mediator?
Agencies and PCS will each consult with their respective counsels about best approach to solve
the problem of lack of participation and potential honorarium.
Kimmel to pursue Enrique Reyes of ECU (wetlands ecologist) as new member. Other names Commented [DK2]: Enrique has agreed to join the panel
suggested included: Terry Woods (geology at ECU), someone from VIMS or UNCW? Staff from
commenting agencies and NGOs should not be considered as panel members.