HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0038377_Monitoring (Report)_20190829ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
August 28", 2019
Tom Copolo
Duke Energy Progress
10660 Boston Road
Roxboro, North Carolina 27574
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
Response: Review of Duke Energy Progress, Mayo Electric Generating Plant (NC0038377): Review
of the 2018 Environmental Monitoring Report.
Dear Mr. Copolo:
Thank you for your submission of the 2018 Environmental Monitoring Report and associated data for
this facility. Based on these data, we note minimal operational effects of the Mayo Steam Electric Plant
on the fish community of Mayo Reservoir. The 2018 report demonstrates that the reservoir continues to
support a robust and stable fish community, with similar species composition to other Piedmont
reservoirs in the southeast. We further note the continuing trends in fish fillet trace element
concentrations including the decline in selenium in sunfish and bass, the all-around low arsenic values at
all stations, and a lack of bioaccumulation for cadmium and copper. In particular, we note all 2018
selenium concentrations in fish are below the NC DHHS fish consumption screening level of 2.35 mg/kg.
However, some concentrations of mercury in the larger Largemouth Bass fillets were exceeding the NC
DHHS screening level for mercury (0.049 mg/kg, wet weight), and EPA's mercury screening level for
recreational fishers (0.4 mg/kg, wet weight). These moderately elevated concentrations observed in the
largest bass (max of 0.7 mg/kg, wet weight) are quite typical throughout the state and support the
statewide mercury advisory for this apex species.
If you have any questions regarding these comments or requests, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
ir�Z
Cynd" i Karoly
Chief, Water Sciences Section
Cc: Rick Bolich, Raleigh Regional Office
Julie Grzyb, Complex Permitting Unit
Kennedy Holt, NC DHHS
Linda Hickock, Duke Energy
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11634 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1634
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