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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0004774_Clean Water Act Section Submittal_20220502 DUKEDuke Energy �JI� Buck Combined Cycle ENERGY 1385 Dukeville Road Salisbury,NC 28146 April 25, 2022 RECEIVED North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality MAr 0 2 2022 Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center NCDEQIDWRINPDES Raleigh NC 27699-1617 RE: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Buck Combined Cycle Station, NPDES Permit NC0004774 Part A. (20.) Clean Water Act Section 316(b) Submittal Dear Sir or Madam: In accordance with the provisions of NPDES Permit NC0004774, Part A.(20.), following and enclosed is our timely submittal of the requested Clean Water Act § 316(b) information for the Buck Combined Cycle Statio n. Specifically, the Department has requested that the submitted 316(b) information be provided by April 30, 2022. We believe that this submittal completely satisfies this obligation. As detailed in the enclosed reports, the Buck Combined Cycle Station meets Best Technology Available for impingement and entrainment with existing closed cycle cooling using mechanical draft cooling towers. Additional protective measures include cylindrical wedgewire intake screens with a design through-screen velocity less than 0.5 feet per second. Please contact Michael Smallwood (Michael.Smallwood@duke-energy.com, 704-382- 4117) or Steve Cahoon (Steve.Cahoon@duke-energy.com, 919-546-7457) if there are any questions regarding this submittal. Sincerely, Kris Eisenrieth, General Manager II, Buck Combined Cycle Station Attachment: Buck Combined Cycle Station 316(b) study reports USPS: 7019 0140 0001 0794 0883 / 9590 9402 5350 9154 1985 52 i. Clean Water Act § 316(b) Compliance Submittal a .eg A i•-1,72':17;',i'v-it,... "8 : 1" dig$ T Y < �, 3 N flVY+✓ t BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Rowan County, North Carolina NPDES Permit NC0004774 Duke Energy Environmental Services Environmental Programs 526 South Church Street Charlotte NC 28202 April 2022 kik) DUKE 1 ENERGY® A 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Contents Executive Summary 1 1 Introduction 4 2 Source Water Physical Data [§122.21(r)(2)] 7 2.1 Description of Source Waterbody[§122.21(r)(2)(i)] 7 2.2 Characterization of Source Waterbody[§122.21(r)(2)(ii)] 8 2.2.1 Geomorphology 8 2.2.2 Hydrology 8 2.2.3 Water Quality 11 2.3 Locational Maps[§ 122.21(r)(2)(ii) 14 3 Cooling Water Intake Structure Data [§ 122.21(r)(3)] 15 3.1 Description of MWIS Configuration [§122.21(r)(3)(i)] 15 3.2 Latitude and Longitude of MWIS[§122.21(r)(3)(ii)] 20 3.3 Description of MWIS Operation [§122.21(r)(3)(iii)] 20 3.4 Description of Intake Flows[§122.21(r)(3)(iv)] 21 3.5 Engineering Drawings of CWIS[§122.21(r)(3)(v)] 21 4 Source Water Baseline Biological Characterization Data [§122.21(r)(4)] 22 4.1 List of Unavailable Biological Data [§122.21(r)(4)(i)] 22 4.2 List of Species and Relative Abundance in the vicinity of CWIS[§122.21(r)(4)(ii)] 23 4.2.1 Electrofishing 25 4.3 Primary Growth Period 28 4.3.1 Reproduction and Recruitment 28 4.3.2 Period of Peak Abundance for Relevant Taxa 33 4.4 Daily and Seasonal Activities of Organisms in the Vicinity of the MWIS 33 4.5 Species and Life Stages Susceptible to Impingement and Entrainment 34 4.5.1 Impingement 34 4.5.2 Entrainment 34 4.6 Threatened,Endangered,and Other Protected Species Susceptible to Impingement and Entrainment at the MWIS 35 4.7 Documentation of Consultation with Services 35 4.8 Information Submitted to Obtain Incidental Take Exemption or Authorization from Services 35 4.9 Methods and Quality Assurance Procedures for Field Efforts 36 4.10 Protective Measures and Stabilization Activities 36 4.11 Fragile Species 36 5 Cooling Water System Data [§122.21(r)(5)(i)] 37 5.1 Description of Cooling Water System Operation [§122.21(r)(5)(i)] 37 5.1.1 Cooling Water System Operation 37 5.1.2 Proportion of Design Flow Used in the Cooling Water System 38 5.1.3 Cooling Water System Operation Characterization 39 5.1.4 Distribution of Water Reuse 40 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 5.1.5 Description of Reductions in Total Water Withdrawals 40 5.1.6 Description of Cooling Water Used in Manufacturing Process 41 5.1.7 Proportion of Source Waterbody Withdrawn 41 5.2 Design and Engineering Calculations[§122.21(r)(5)(ii)] 41 5.3 Description of Existing Impingement and Entrainment Reduction Measures[§122.21(r)(5)(iii)] 42 5.3.1 Best Technology Available for Entrainment 42 6 Chosen Method(s)of Compliance with Impingement Mortality Standard [§122.21(r)(6)] 44 7 Entrainment Performance Studies [§ 122.21(r)(7)] 46 7.1 Site-Specific Studies 46 7.2 Studies Conducted at Other Locations 46 8 Operational Status 122.21 r 8 47 8.1 Description of Operating Status[§122.21(r)(8)(i)] 47 8.1.1 Individual Unit Age 47 8.1.2 Utilization for Previous Five Years 47 8.1.3 Major Upgrades in Last Fifteen Years 48 8.2 Description of Consultation with Nuclear Regulatory Commission [§122.21(r)(8)(ii)] 48 8.3 Other Cooling Water Uses for Process Units[§122.21(r)(8)(iii)] 48 8.4 Description of Current and Future Production Schedules[§122.21(r)(8)(iv)] 48 8.5 Description of Plans or Schedules for New Units Planned within Five Years[§122.21(r)(8)(v)] 48 9 References 49 ii 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Tables Table 1-1. Facility and Flow Attributes and Permit Application Requirements 5 Table 1-2.Summary of§316(b) Rule for Existing Facilities Submittal Requirements for§122.21(r)(2)-(8). 6 Table 2-1. Mean annual flow(MAF) of the Yadkin River and South Yadkin River since 2010,as measured at the USGS Yadkin River at Yadkin College Gage (02116500) and USGS South Yadkin River Gage, near Mocksville, NC (02118000)since 2010. 10 Table 2-2.Yadkin River mean monthly flow(cfs)at the USGS Yadkin River Gage at Yadkin College(02116500) since 2010. 10 Table 2-3. Mean monthly flow(cfs) at the USGS South Yadkin River Gage, near Mocksville, NC Gage (02118000) since 2010 11 Table 2-2. Mean (range)concentration for select water quality parameters documented in the Yadkin River near the BCCS MWIS from 2017-2020. 11 Table 3-1. BCCS MWIS Monthly Total Withdrawals During 2017-2021. 21 Table 4-1. Fish species collected by Duke Energy in the Yadkin River since 2000, and their associated pollution tolerance,trophic guild,and native origin status. 23 Table 4-2. Fish species and numbers collected during electrofishing from all zones combined in the Yadkin River. 25 Table 4-3. Mean (and range)of water quality parameters for all sites combined during electrofishing in 2000- 2012 and 2018. 27 Table 4-4. Habitat, diet,and spawning characteristics of select species present in the Yadkin River near the BCCS. 31 Table 4-5. Primary period of reproduction for select species present in the Yadkin River(Sources: Ross 2001; Rohde et al. 2009).1 33 Table 4-6. Results of preliminary impingement data collected at Buck in 2006 under the Phase II Rule (unpublished data). [former BSS CWIS and not representative of the current BCCS MWIS] 34 Table 5-1. Percent Monthly Proportion of Design Flow Withdrawn at the BCCS 39 Table 5-2. Comparison of BSS and BCCS. 40 Table 5-3. BCCS Percent of Source Waterbody(Yadkin River) Withdrawal 41 Table 5-4. MWIS TSV Calculations 41 Table 8-1. BCCS Annual Capacity Factors, 2017-2021. 48 iii 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Figures Figure 2-1. Map Showing the BCCS MWIS in the Yadkin River Basin 9 Figure 2-2. Duke Energy biological and water quality(Locations B and C) sampling locations in proximity to the BCCS. 13 Figure 3-1. BCCS Water Balance Diagram 17 Figure 3-2. Plan View of MWIS at the BCCS 18 Figure 3-3. Section View of MWIS at the BCCS 19 Figure 3-4. Wedgewire Screen Design of BCCS 20 Figure 4-1.Total abundance (CPUE) by number of all fish species collected within all zones from electrofishing in the Yadkin River during winter 2000-2012, summer 2000-2011,and fall 2018 27 Figure 4-2. Length-frequency of four numerically dominant species collected in the Yadkin River from all sites sampled in Winter 2000-2012, Summer 2000-2011, and Fall 2018 combined. 29 Figure 4-3.Abundance (fish/hr) of four numerically dominant species collected in the Yadkin River from all sites sampled in Winter 2000-2012, Summer 2000-2011, and Fall 2018 combined 30 Figure 5-1. BCCS Cooling Tower General Arrangement 38 Figure 5-2. Monthly Total MWIS Withdrawals at BCCS 40 iv 316(b) Compliance Submittai`' BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Appendices Appendix A. Buck Combined Cycle Station § 122.21(r)(2)-(8) Submittal Requirement Checklist. Appendix B. Engineering Drawings of Makeup Water Intake Structure. Appendix C. Engineering Calculations for Through-Screen Velocity. V 1 j 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Abbreviations °C degrees Celsius °F degrees Fahrenheit µS/cm micro Siemens per centimeter AIF actual intake flow AOI area of influence BCCS Buck Combined Cycle Station BSS Buck Steam Station BTA Best Technology Available CCC closed cycle cooling CFR Code of Federal Regulations cfs cubic feet per second cm centimeter COC cycles of concentration CWA Clean Water Act CWIS Cooling Water Intake Structure DIF design intake flow Director NPDES Director DO dissolved oxygen Duke Energy Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act fps feet per second ft foot/feet ft msl feet above mean sea level gpm gallons per minute HRSG heat recovery steam generator HUC Hydrologic Unit Code IPaC Information for Planning Conservation IRP Integrated Resource Plan m meter µm micrometer µ5/cm microsiemens per centimeter m3 cubic meters MDCT mechanical draft cooling tower MGD million gallons per day mg/L milligrams per liter mm millimeters MW megawatts MWIS Makeup Water Intake Structure NCDEQ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality NCNHP North Carolina Natural Heritage Program NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NRDAR Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units OTC once-through cooling QA Quality Assurance POA percent open area rkm river kilometers Rule Clean Water Act§316(b)rule Vi 316(b) Compliance Submittal 1 BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION RTE rare,threatened,or endangered TL total length TSV through-screen velocity USEPA U.S.Environmental Protection Agency USFWS U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S.Geological Survey Vii i 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Executive Summary On August 15,2014, regulations implementing§316(b)of the final Clean Water Act(CWA)rule for existing facilities (the Rule) were published in the Federal Register with an effective date of October 14, 2014. Facilities subject to the Rule are required to develop and submit technical material, in accordance with §122.21(r), that will be used by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit Director(Director)to make a Best Technology Available (BTA) determination for the facility. The Buck Combined Cycle Station (BCCS) began commercial operations in November 2011, replacing four coal-fired units which were subsequently demolished. BCCS is a single combined cycle unit, natural gas- fired electric generating facility with a current generating capacity of 620 MW. BCCS wastewater discharges are authorized by NPDES Permit NC0004774.Therefore, BCCS is an existing facility and subject to the Rule. The §122.21(r) submittal material provided herein concludes that BCCS employs Best Technology Available (BTA) for impingement and entrainment reduction with currently installed closed-cycle cooling as described below and, as such, no further impingement or entrainment controls are warranted. Impingement BTA The final Rule, at §125.94(c), requires existing facilities to employ one of seven impingement BTA alternatives'. BCCS is compliant for impingement because it employs two of these alternatives, any one of which would be wholly compliant for impingement: • Primary impingement BTA—Closed-cycle cooling with a mechanical draft cooling tower is utilized to provide makeup water which is consistent with a closed-cycle recirculating system (CCRS) defined at §125.92(c) and meets the BTA Standards for Impingement Mortality at§125.94(c)(1). • Secondary impingement BTA — Cooling tower makeup water intake structure employing cylindrical wedgewire screens with 3.2 mm (0.125") slots designed to have a maximum design through-slot velocity of less than 0.5 fps; thus meeting the BTA Standards for Impingement Mortality at§125.94(c)(2). Overall, impingement at the facility is likely to be very low due to the combination of low makeup flows to the cooling tower and makeup intake structure low(<_0.25 fps) design through-slot velocity. There are no known federal or state listed species or designated critical habitats within the source waterbody (Yadkin River) in the vicinity of the BCCS. As a result, potential adverse impacts due to impingement are not expected to occur. 'Or under specific circumstances one of nine alternatives,which includes§125.94(c)(11)and(12) in addition to §125.94(c)(1)-(7). 1 316(b)Compliance Submittal T BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Entrainment BTA The Rule does not prescribe BTA for entrainment; however, requires it to be determined on a site-specific basis. This submittal demonstrates that BCCS meets BTA for entrainment based on the following: • BCCS uses closed-cycle cooling,which minimizes entrainment through flow reduction. During the 2017-2021 period, BCCS had an average withdrawal of 3.09 million gallons per day(MGD) which is substantially less than the 125 MGD value of concern technically justified by the Rule. The flow reduction achieved with consideration of the high-efficiency combined cycle facility, is calculated to be 97.3% as compared to an equivalent once-through cooling (OTC) facility based on design flow and 365 days per year operation. Using actual average Yadkin River makeupwithdrawal,the g equivalent flow reduction is calculated at 98.9% when compared to an equivalent OTC steam electric facility. In addition, the average flow is reduced 71.4 percent from the design ultimate potential flow of 10.8 MGD. • Statements made by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the preamble to the Rule support this conclusion: "Although this rule leaves the BTA entrainment determination to the Director, with the possible BTA decisions ranging from no additional controls to closed-cycle recirculating systems plus additional controls as warranted, EPA expects that the Director, in the site-specific permitting proceeding, will determine that facilities with properly operated closed-cycle recirculating systems do not require additional entrainment reduction control measures. "2 This conclusion is further reiterated in the Response to Public Comments document, where EPA states: "EPA has made it clear that a facility that uses a closed-cycle recirculating system, as defined in the rule, would meet the rule requirements for impingement mortality at§125.94(c)(1). This rule language specifically identifies closed-cycle as a compliance alternative for the [impingement mortality] performance standards. EPA expects the Director would conclude that such a facility would not be subject to additional entrainment controls to meet BTA."3 • The final Rule for new facilities published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2001 which had an effective date of January 17, 2002, does prescribe BTA for entrainment", which BCCS meets. Regulations are more stringent for new facilities than for existing facilities. By virtue of meeting the most stringent entrainment BTA criteria (i.e., applicable to new facilities), BCCS is compliant for entrainment BTA under the final Rule for existing facilities. 2 79 Fed. Reg. 48344(15 August 2014) 3 Response to Comments, Essay 14,p.62. BTA for entrainment under the new facilities rule at 40 CFR §125.84(b) requires facilities with design intake flow equal to or greater than 10 MGD,and under Track 1,to employ closed-cycle recirculating cooling as well. 2 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Potential impacts to fish and shellfish populations due to entrainment are also extremely unlikely due to: • The use of closed cycle cooling via mechanical draft cooling towers; • Low actual and design water withdrawals; and • The operation and configuration of the intake which features cylindrical wedgewire screens with 3.2 mm slots, screen orientation parallel to the Yadkin River flow, screen submergence at least ten feet below the river elevation, and design through-slot velocity of 0.25 fps. The calculated through screen velocity (TSV) for the design intake flow (DIF) case is 0.14 fps and under actual intake flow (AIF) conditions is 0.06 fps. Based on the above facts, entrainment is reduced to the maximum extent warranted and additional control measures are not warranted nor necessary for the BCCS. 3 316(b)Compliance Submittal ' BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 1 Introduction Section 316(b)was enacted under the 1972 CWA,which also introduced the NPDES permit program. Certain facilities with NPDES permits are subject to§316(b) requirements,which require the location, design,construction, and capacity of the facility's cooling water intake structure(CWIS)5 to reflect BTA for minimizing potential adverse environmental impacts. On August 15, 2014, regulations implementing§316(b)of the CWA for existing facilities(Rule) were published in the Federal Register with an effective date of October 14, 2014.The Rule applies to existing facilities that withdraw more than 2 MGD from waters of the United States, use at least 25 percent of that water exclusively for cooling purposes,and have or require an NPDES permit. Facilities subject to the Rule are required to develop and submit technical material that will be used by the NPDES Director(Director)to make a Best Technology Available (BTA) determination for the facility. The actual intake flow(AIF)6 and design intake flow(DIF)' at a facility determines which submittals will be required.As shown in Table 1-1,facilities with an AIF of 125 MGD or less have fewer application submittal requirements and will generally be required to select from the impingement compliance options contained in the final Rule. Facilities with an AIF in excess of 125 MGD are required to address both impingement and entrainment,and provide specific entrainment studies, which may involve extensive field studies and the analysis of alternative methods to reduce entrainment (§122.21(r)(9)- (13)). The §316(b)compliance schedule under the Rule is dependent on the facility's NPDES permit renewal date. Facilities are to submit their§316(b) application material to the Director with their next permit renewal application unless that permit renewal application is due prior to July 14, 2018, in which case an alternate schedule may be requested. 5 CWIS is defined as the total physical structure and any associated constructed waterways used to withdraw cooling water from Waters of the United States.The CWIS extends from the point at which water is first withdrawn from waters of the United States up to,and including,the intake pumps. 6 AIF is defined as the average volume of water withdrawn on an annual basis by the cooling intake structure over the past 3 years initially and past 5 years after Oct. 14,2019.The calculation of AIF includes days of zero flow.AIF does not include flows associated with emergency and fire suppression capacity. 'DIF is defined as the value assigned during the CWIS design to the maximum instantaneous rate of flow of water the CWIS is capable of withdrawing from a source waterbody.The facility's DIF may be adjusted to reflect permanent changes to the maximum capabilities of the cooling water intake system to withdraw cooling water, including pumps permanently removed from service,flow limit devices,and physical limitations of the piping. DIF does not include values associated with emergency and fire suppression capacity or redundant pumps(i.e., back- up pumps). 4 t + 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 1-1.Facility and Flow Attributes and Permit Application Requirements. Existing facility with DIF greater than 2 MGD and AIF greater than 125 MGD. §122.21(r)(2)-(13) Existing facility with DIF greater than 2 MGD and AIF less than 125 MGD. §122.21(r)(2) (8) Existing facility with DIF of 2 MGD or less,or less than 25 percent of AIF Director Best Professional Judgment used for cooling purposes. New units at existing facility. §122.21(r)(2), (3), (5), (8), and (14) and applicable paragraphs (r)(4), (6),and(7) of§122.21(r) Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC's (Duke Energy) BCCS is subject to the existing facility rule and, based on its current configuration and operation (i.e.,the facility has a DIF greater than 2 MGD and an AIF of less than 125 MGD), Duke Energy is required to develop and submit each of the §122.21(r)(2)-(8)submittal requirements (Table 1-2)with its next permit renewal application in accordance with the facility NPDES operating permit and the Rule's technical and schedule requirements.Appendix A provides a checklist summary of the specific requirements under each of the §122.21(r)(2)-(8) submittal requirements and how each is addressed in this report or why it is not applicable to BCCS. 5 316(b)Compliance Submittal i t BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 1-2.Summary of§316(b)Rule for Existing Facilities Submittal Requirements for§122.21 r 2 - 8 . (2) Source Water Physical Data Characterization of the source waterbody including intake area of influence. (3) Cooling Water Intake Structure Data Characterization of the cooling water intake system; includes drawings and narrative; description of operation;water balance. (4) Source Water Baseline Biological Characterization of the biological community in the Characterization Data vicinity of the intake; life history summaries; susceptibility to impingement and entrainment; existing data; identification of missing data; threatened and endangered species and designated critical habitat summary for action area; identification of fragile fish and shellfish species list (<30 percent impingement survival). (5) Cooling Water System Data Narrative description of cooling water system and intake structure; proportion of design flow used; water reuse summary; proportion of source waterbody withdrawn (monthly);seasonal operation summary; existing impingement mortality and entrainment reduction measures;flow/megawatts (MW) efficiency. (6) Chosen Method of Compliance with Provides facility's proposed approach to meet the Impingement Mortality Standard impingement mortality requirement(chosen from seven available options); provides detailed study plan for monitoring compliance, if required by selected compliance option;addresses entrapment where required. (7) Entrainment Performance Studies Provides summary of relevant entrainment studies (latent mortality,technology efficacy);can be from the facility or elsewhere with justification; studies should not be more than 10 years old without justification; new studies are not required. (8) Operational Status Provides operational status for each unit;age and capacity utilization for the past 5 years; upgrades within last 15 years; uprates and Nuclear Regulatory Committee relicensing status for nuclear facilities; decommissioning and replacement plans; current and future operation as it relates to actual and design intake flow. 6 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 2 Source Water Physical Data [§122.21(r)(2)] The information required to be submitted per 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §122.21(r)(2), Source Water Physical Data, is as follows: (i) A narrative description and scaled drawings showing the physical configuration of all source water bodies used by your facility, including areal dimensions, depths, salinity and temperature regimes, and other documentation that supports your determination of the waterbody type where each cooling water intake structure is located; (ii) Identification and characterization of the source waterbody's hydrological and geomorphological features, as well as the methods you used to conduct any physical studies to determine your intake's area of influence within the waterbody and the results of such studies; (iii) Locational maps; and, (iv) For new offshore oil and gas facilities that are not fixed facilities, a narrative description and/or locational maps providing information on predicted locations within the waterbody during the permit term in sufficient detail for the Director to determine the appropriateness of additional impingement requirements under§125.134(b)(4). Each of these requirements is described in the following subsections. 2.1 Description of Source Waterbody [§122.21(r)(2)(i)] The MWIS at BCCS withdraws raw water for cooling purposes from an existing shoreline structure on the south side of the Yadkin River,the source waterbody,just as it enters High Rock Lake.The Yadkin River is part of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin, which is situated in the central portion of North Carolina and originates in the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From its source,the river flows eastward, then southward in the Piedmont toward the city of Bermuda Run, NC. The BCCS is located in the middle portion of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin in Rowan County,just to the east of Salisbury, NC(Figure 2 1). High Rock Lake, impounded in 1927, is the largest reservoir on the Yadkin River, with a surface area of 6,429 ha (15,886 acres). At the inflow of the river into High Rock Lake,the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin comprises a drainage area of 8,961 km2 (3,459 mi2) (Weiss et al. 1981). Full pool elevation for the reservoir is listed as 190.2 m msl (624 ft)with a mean depth of 5.2 m (17 ft) and a maximum depth of 19 m (62 ft) in the forebay of the dam (Tetra Tech, Inc. 2004). Based on a 2009 assessment, approximately 57% of the watershed in the region around BCSS was forested,with 27%agricultural and the remaining 13%developed (Homer 2004 as cited in EEP 2009). According to this same report, it was estimated at the time that between years 2006 and 2030, human 7 316(b)Compliance Submittal 4 BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION populations in this portion of the drainage basin would increase from 2.7 million to more than 3.9 million. Such increases in development have occurred at an accelerated pace, and the resulting drainage from urban centers, suburban development, and agricultural usage, coupled with the highly erodible soils within the basin, currently provide large quantities of sediment for transport in the Yadkin River. 2.2 Characterization of Source Waterbody [§122.21(r)(2)(ii)] 2.2.1 Geomorphology The BCCS is situated within the Southern Outer Piedmont ecoregion,a northeast to southwest trending zone of modest relief, irregular plains,and rolling hills.The site is underlain by metamorphic, sedimentary, and intrusive igneous rocks.A thick saprolite layer and red, clayey subsoils typically overlie gneiss, schist, and granite bedrock(Griffith et al. 2002). Elevations in the vicinity of the BCCS vary from 650 to 700 ft msl.The only current and foreseeable use for groundwater in the project vicinity is for domestic water supply for residential properties immediately surrounding the site. 2.2.2 Hydrology The Yadkin River in North Carolina drains approximates 7,213-square miles(mi2) of mostly forested and agriculture lands (NCDEQ 2008).About half of this drainage area occurs at the point where the river passes BCCS, which incorporates the drainage area of the mainstem Yadkin River and South Yadkin River, whose confluence with the Yadkin River occurs approximately five miles upstream from the BCCS. This is measured at the nearest gaging station (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS] Yadkin River at Yadkin College Gage 02151500) located approximately fifteen miles upstream from BCCS, as well as the South Yadkin River,as measured at the USGS South Yadkin River Gage, near Mocksville, NC(02118000). Mean annual flow(MAF) measured at these gages during the 2010 to 2020 period is 3,397 cfs and 395 cfs, respectively.As the river passes the BCCS MWIS, it transitions into the headwaters of High Rock Lake. The river then flows southeast through several reservoirs, eventually becoming the Pee Dee River downstream from the Tillery Hydroelectric Development near Norwood, NC. As discussed below and for the purposes of this report, data collected since 2010 are primarily used to describe the source waterbody characterization. MAF over this period ranged from 1,960 cfs in 2015 to 5,562 cfs in 2019 in the mainstem Yadkin River(Table 2-1). Mean monthly flow during this time ranged from 1,050 in November 2016 to 10,500 in November 2020(Table 2-2). Flows from the South Yadkin River, on average, represent 12%of the MAF. 8 t ► 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION v&boodA � MOiRXCAROWIA � ,,,,/4/1.'-\\? (-) . ` ,\fr ' � —'. ' . 70ftre\s„.,„,...^-'-e"f" `-w ,, ,r Buck C.mbit ed CcicletS. tion bu��r� * z �, x-� i; ,1. �`\ 11 -1,„,, t _ _ i \ , , Tii d..,4,.... Figure 2-1. Map Showing the BCCS MWIS in the Yadkin River Basin. 9 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 2-1. Mean annual flow(MAF)of the Yadkin River and South Yadkin River since 2010,as measured at the USGS Yadkin River at Yadkin College Gage(02116500)and USGS South Yadkin River Gage,near Mocksville,NC (02118000)since 2010. Year Yadkin River MAF South Yadkin River MAF (cfs) (cfs) 2010 3,486 485 2011 2,302 239 2012 2,621 216 2013 4,112 407 2014 3,079 362 2015 1,960 232 2016 3,663 425 2017 2,451 254 2018 3,271 371 2019 5,562 698 2020 4,858 655 Table 2-2.Yadkin River mean monthly flow(cfs)at the USGS Yadkin River Gage at Yadkin College(02116500) since 2010. Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2010 6,442 6,099 4,743 3,431 2,844 2,126 1,716 2,037 1,321 2,149 1,517 2,594 2011 1,625 1,728 4,850 3,543 3,010 1,877 1,708 1,286 1,659 1,351 2,151 4,204 2012 2,722 2,253 3,327 2,868 4,820 2,051 1,823 1,625 2,189 1,705 1,227 1,935 2013 6,635 4,248 3,595 3,717 4,887 4,710 9,349 4,440 2,778 2,273 2,632 4,916 2014 4,453 3,813 3,599 4,045 3,183 2,225 1,643 2,455 1,730 1,721 1,991 1,955 2015 2,587 2,118 2,486 3,918 1,724 1,489 1,234 1,200 1,131 3,391 5,034 6,324 2016 4,605 6,639 3,235 2,761 4,241 2,042 1,858 2,706 1,196 1,357 1,050 1,534 2017 2,436 1,388 1,389 6,509 6,105 2,851 1,670 1,598 1,491 2,164 1,751 1,429 2018 1,870 4,657 2,946 4,755 5,156 3,207 2,078 4,534 4,882 6,818 6,017 9,215 2019 7,585 8,256 5,425 5,916 3,985 6,856 3,097 2,285 1,491 2,111 2,945 4,111 2020 4,768 9,561 3,658 4,894 8,810 4,621 3,016 6,306 3,692 6,645 10,150 6,499 10 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 2-3.Mean monthly flow(cfs)at the USGS South Yadkin River Gage,near Mocksville,NC Gage(02118000) since 2010. Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2010 924.6 978.1 546 440.7 471.4 255.3 193.6 236.2 165.2 349.5 218.9 283.5 2011 222.4 250.3 543.4 295.7 243.3 138.9 133.2 79.8 109.1 110.7 187.8 314.8 2012 252.6 223.1 295.4 200.4 545.3 152.8 102.2 85.4 119.5 108.8 97.1 187.3 2013 587.2 410 306.1 350.4 490.4 686.9 969.1 419.9 262.8 210.3 308.6 617.2 2014 577.5 460.8 530.8 513.9 320.8 229.5 155.8 247.9 170.9 173.6 245.4 230.9 2015 299.5 244.4 362 595.1 190.5 146.6 121.9 100.7 81.1 362.8 760.1 871.9 2016 551.2 674.5 344.6 289.3 550.1 211.9 212 171.5 104.5 112.7 110.8 143.9 2017 322.4 177.5 185.9 802.4 418.4 319.6 160.2 143.6 159.4 186.4 169.2 160.5 2018 188.8 542.5 329.8 627.6 565 246.9 170.3 695.8 593.9 910.6 1,070 1,398 2019 873.4 1,126 605.9 710.8 392.5 655.6 289 241.8 140.1 225.5 328 594 2020 698.1 1,688 502.1 545 1,161 526.8 289.7 801.1 547.8 916.5 1,608 989.1 2.2.3 Water Quality Historically,water quality in the upper Yadkin River and High Rock Lake has been substantially impacted by both sedimentation and nutrient enrichment(NCDENR 2007). The river near BCCS is influenced by heavily nutrient-enriched tributaries with inputs from upstream agriculturally derived non-point sources and urban centers such as Statesville,Salisbury, and Winston-Salem, NC. Duke Energy collects water quality data as part of an ongoing environmental monitoring program on the Yadkin River.The most recent data collection occurred in the first quarter of 2021 at a location just upstream from BCCS,which is representative of intake conditions(Figure 2-2). The conventional Duke Energy sample location number associated with the sample area is provided in Figure 2-2 for reference to previously submitted reports. Four year(2017-2020) means and ranges of certain water quality parameters from these sites are provided in Table 2-2. In situ water temperature,dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, and pH data were measured from the water surface using a multi-parameter data sonde (e.g. Hydrolab®).Water chemistry samples were collected with bottles and returned to the laboratory for analysis. Based on these data,water quality in proximity to the BCCS MWIS is representative of a Piedmont river in the Carolinas (NCEEP 2003). Elevated metal concentrations, in particular iron, most often occur at higher flows and are typically associated primarily with the particulate fraction of samples. Data collected during this time indicated that the DO water-quality standards(DO minimum of 4.0 mg/L as an instantaneous value; NCDENR 2007)were consistently met. Likewise, pH met the State standard of 6 to 9 S.U. Nutrient concentrations and certain physical parameters like turbidity and conductivity were relatively high, as noted above as being historically characteristic of the Yadkin River at this location. Table 2-2.Mean(range)concentration for select water quality parameters documented in the Yadkin River near the BCCS MWIS from 2017-2020. Parameter Location B Temperature(°C) 15.5(6.5-27.0) Dissolved Oxygen(mg/L) 8.1(6.5-11.0) Conductivity(µS/cm) 73(63-123) 11 I 316(b)Compliance Submittal ' BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Parameter Location B pH(SU) 6.3(6.8-7.3) Turbidity(NTU) 27(4-95) Nutrients(µg/L) Ammonia-N 47(30-75) Nitrate+Nitrite-N 957(702-1,200) Total Phosphorus 121(57-222) Ions(mg/L) Calcium 5.3 (0.25-7.4) Chloride 5.4(3.5-9.2) Magnesium 2.0(0.05-2.5) Sodium 5.3(3.5-10.0) Sulfate 4.8(3.7-7.7) Metals Aluminum,Total (mg/L) 0.84(0.006-10.0) Iron,Total(µg/L) 676(0.66-2,070) Manganese,Total(mg/L) 32.3(0.03-131) 12 f I • 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 1 fi 1 A (433.1&433 2) "-_- - - - B (432.1 &432.2) ,✓ D c C (430.6&430.7) - a t, `� (430.1 &430.2) ---- r m / fi; , ,1 � Buck Combined Cycle Station .. I f y N ' ' ' A ) . ' ,:,. ,...„ i ,. o 0, ,,, '•,.. FGIojtwter_- , r1 i.r r n- .• r 1� -. a 'q• "' � ,1 r r 1 �J t L r,� uu/��rl - rrr J,, ', ,R+Ai f .4, s.p, ._. ..u11.us,,,..„ Ir. .1:4'.G r otltr'q i . . Figure 2-2.Duke Energy biological and water quality(Locations B and C)sampling locations in proximity to the BCCS. 13 316(b)Compliance Submittal • BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 2.3 Locational Maps [§ 122.21(r)(2)(ii) An aerial photograph of the BCCS and its environs is provided on Figure 2-2 (Section 2.2.3). 14 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 3 Cooling Water Intake Structure Data [§ 122.21(r)(3)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR §122.21(r)(3), Cooling Water Intake Structure Data, is outlined as follows: (i) A narrative description of the configuration of each of the cooling water intake structures and where it is located in the waterbody and in the water column; (ii) Latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds for each of the cooling water intake structures; (iii) A narrative description of the operation of each of the cooling water intake structures, including design intake flows, daily hours of operation, number of days of the year in operation and seasonal changes, if applicable; (iv) A flow distribution and water balance diagram that includes all sources of water to the facility, recirculating flows, and discharges; and (v) Engineering drawings of the cooling water intake structure. Each of these requirements is described in the following subsections. 3.1 Description of MWIS Configuration [§122.21(r)(3)(i)] Cooling tower makeup water for BCCS is withdrawn from the Yadkin River via the existing BCCS MWIS. The former Buck Steam Station (BSS) was retired in 2013 and a new CWIS (MWIS)was constructed to serve the BCCS. The new BCCS MWIS features three 30-inch-diameter wedgewire screen units with the screen face oriented parallel to the direction of the river flow. Pumped raw water is routed to a clarifier for treatment prior to use by the station. Approximately 95 percent of the treated water from the clarifier is used for cooling tower makeup water(see Figure 3-1 for the water balance diagram). The remaining filtered water is stored in the fire water/service water tank for use as fire protection water, makeup water for the combined cycle unit heat recovery steam generator(HRSG), and/or various other plant functions. The raw water intake system at the BCCS consists of three wedgewire screens,three submersible intake pumps (50 percent capacity each), and piping necessary to direct the withdrawn water to the BCCS. Makeup water is withdrawn from Yadkin River via the three submerged, cylindrical wedgewire screens located along the south bank of the Yadkin River. The wedgewire screen array is located in the flowing section of the river channel just beyond the end of the intake structure wingwall as shown on Figure 3-2. The river elevation in this area is approximately 633 feet above mean sea level (ft msl) (AECOM 2017) and the centerline of the cylindrical wedgewire screens is at 610.40 ft msl. The bottom of the screens is at 609.15 ft msl, or approximately 7.0 ft above the riverbed. The top of the screens is at 611.65 ft msl, which is 1.75 ft below the design low level operation of 613.40 ft msl. As a result,the minimum depth the wedgewire screen array is totally submerged is approximately 1.75 ft at the design low level elevation. Figure 3-3 provides relevant MWIS elevation data. 15 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Each wedgewire screen unit is 30 inches in diameter and 101.01 inches in total length with 31 inches in screen length on either side of a 24-inch-diameter flange. Each screen has a manufacturer design capacity of 2,500 gallons per minute (gpm) (3.6 MGD)and has 3.2-millimeter(mm)slot openings with 63.78 percent open area (POA). As directed by plant staff,an air sparging system may be operated to remove any accumulated trash and debris. Figure 3-4 provides the wedgewire screen design details. The three wedgewire screen units are connected to a manifold where three submersible raw water intake pumps located within a reinforced concrete intake structure can take suction. The cooling water piping configuration is shown on Figures 3-2 and 3-3. Each of the three raw water intake pumps is rated at 3.6 MGD, however,only two pumps are operated at the same time with one pump remaining as a spare for redundancy. Therefore,the maximum pump capacity(or DIF) of the raw water intake pumps is 7.2 MGD. 16 1 4 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Buck Steam Station and Combined Cycle Station NPDES Flow Schematic February 20161. I Some -— yerricellisr Y4wafF —)--..... Outfali 004 �fbdrDnier J— Mashie FP.bgtt );" wVodka . I Undetermined amid' 1 I ElliRi I. Pfam•mr• y I. Overflow Overflow NTadlintiwr > PaOYe Waev Saute puma la [II O�Man ooz Users Softener Backwash— hapefedm-.4e pOpmn s) *Offs. > wee >- Pepe ____.._ I EMPomere >raffia.eaw> -. -c«vemm. I7 *OM / Proposed pew.iOpewaU Ilivar } Surface SoO gpm I MA gain raakkr } 002 30ndwUw i 2 gom Pitfall002 Make pad* Peke Water OY/Weeu waexwrer —Omer—660 gwn ke W i'swaraer y�, } zrwp Ial Offasa • • ewe panned amw ee—I V 1 10 mI law _13 1 Tads 7TadYY OW. 1 Imo' emeraters UMNermsiW Ou s///N Nee Proven, ® 1=11 tflh'INer l_- "LJ ► } VW inaas Slade m \.S44Offf3Go\ -t Oadiftwa!I ( ) Tei:�cner Wmod... Flows are estimated 24 hour averages. Figure 3-1.BCCS Water Balance Diagram 17 316(b) Compliance Submittal ` ` BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION • ,. _.-. ----_- I B1.1K0ErPY-0.RIY 00 EY-01 k U i — f' ` .R F..S.i : ■ ) _ IIII_� -,' ..... frill � — ....-..... — \xi`r'. , ..?1i:- :.� SE4'I14N/M 'I r r uveamrt ' t :I� $ o a ��t. u: _. . . ;„t.,aw i+ s g _Y _ it g I ,_.— , - - • '' ,y -"\ i., vP ,».... a caw w .s¢` — ^ 2 i�`y" it.'4,W 1w DUCE :-- ` i • _ -. _ .... r. ENERGY... ___ " Far-.. -.-_ _-- I I .. .E?.I PUKOC-PVRRW ORFV.Y o Figure 3-2. Plan View of MWIS at the BCCS 18 e ` 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION �.. ...___._ 23' IO 3/.' _... �; 110I A elr AtIC a.--t SEC ins s.IS COPAc u•.c 1 1r11Aq 0lypip Oa rat.,Tv x_n'v:wi ')AAIM4G iS-S-K4D R-01:` 7Civ.M I ]\ T - r k_ r _It l 1 f'C4 KW. 1/e"Mot eWrIM: J. n, :SCE PL. MI MAW) KO Sit) ste 2/S,S-S-SOC SO-O. 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W'OCtrs WN-11Wt%ACTMCI U y01111:15.,01...VI .11. 10I1.N2 1:161101 015.1,21 9 S.CAN We KC.IY.UTS 13 A on.r.Owe..F rt .MI IP'C4K•A'AMPS) SWANN e710242 CN 14 O.'SOC 01.WC 1W419 to.SIC Nd Ct.01 Mtt KASA 10 INTAKE STRUCTURE SECTION tx/ 'f.'•t--i' Figure 3-3.Section View of MWIS at the BCCS 19 316(b)Compliance Submittal ' BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 31 OVEPA,1_ova-I . FIEF ,. . 3100 SCREEN.EMn 1ft135 c o ° 2 . i RACE 1 0 Q C r' ----`r---,-1- --... --- 1 -'- �'N__ • ---- - / `c 7 _,____. _,0 c.,* i_ . 0 r.„, . -4D e e __0---41 , _ .Io ,,,, _31 _. 00 0 mmm■. u� 1 • s i e' te -1-- �1 to — i \o // D.- ��/Io; .4.E. �� S \g a o b 0 Figure 3-4.Wedgewire Screen Design of BCCS 3.2 Latitude and Longitude of MWIS [§122.21(r)(3)(ii)] The approximate latitude and longitude(in degrees, minutes, and seconds)of the BCCS MWIS is: • Latitude:35°42' 50" N • Longitude:80° 22' 38"W 3.3 Description of MWIS Operation [§122.21(r)(3)(iii)] Withdrawal from the Yadkin River is dependent on makeup water demand, maximum pump capacity, and water loss due to evaporation and system losses. Because makeup water demand is directly related to the operation of generating units and in turn,the cooling water system, BCCS MWIS operation generally follows a base load pattern. Operation of the MWIS is nearly continuous with at least one pump withdrawing water from the Yadkin River. During the 2017-2021 period,the MWIS operated an average of approximately 20.6 hours each day with one or two pumps withdrawing water. 20 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 3.4 Description of Intake Flows [§122.21(r)(3)(iv)] Monthly average water withdrawals during the 2017-2021 period are provided in Table 3-1. The average withdrawal for this period was 3.09 MGD compared to a DIF of 7.2 MGD. Table 3-1. BCCS MWIS Monthly Total Withdrawals During 2017-2021. Month 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 January 87.6 85.0 93.2 0.0 93.9 February 86.2 84.6 9.0.0 67.7 72.5 March 99.7 76.0 3.8 96.4 96.4 April 78.9 109.3 19.8 49.8 77.7 May 104.3 114.3 113.4 93.8 102.3 June 109.6 120.5 109.6 118.7 99.0 July 120.9 132.9 125.2 136.1 132.4 August 118.8 130.6 123.7 121.5 116.9 September 107.4 130.6 113.0 16.1 92.1 October 101.9 106.4 109.2 0.0 107.4 November 96.3 95.8 91.5 83.1 104.7 December 97.5 86.5 86.4 100.2 102.7 Annual 3.3 3.5 3.0 2.4 3.3 Average Units = MG for monthly total, MGD for annual average 3.5 Engineering Drawings of CWIS [§122.21(r)(3)(v)] The following engineering drawings of cooling water intake structures are provided in Appendix B: • Drawing D000846153:T-30 X 24 HC Intake Screen Assembly With 3"ABW Connection • Drawing BUKOC-PY-P-RW.00.EV-01: Buck Combined Cycle Station Raw Water Supply Pump Station and Screen Elevation Views • Drawing BUKOC-SS-S-IS.00.SD-01: Buck Combined Cycle Station Raw Water Supply Intake Structure Structural Sections and Details 21 • 316(b)Compliance Submittal 1 BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 4 Source Water Baseline Biological Characterization Data [§122.21(r)(4)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR§122.21(r)(4), Source Water Baseline Biological Characterization, is outlined as follows: (i) A list of the data supplied in paragraphs(r)(4)(ii)through (vi)of this section that are not available and efforts made to identify sources of the data; (ii) A list of species(or relevant taxa)for all life stages and their relative abundance in the vicinity of CWIS; (iii) Identification of the species and life stages that would be most susceptible to impingement and entrainment; (iv) Identification and evaluation of the primary period of reproduction, larval recruitment, and period of peak abundance for relevant taxa; (v) Data representative of the seasonal and daily activities of biological organisms in the vicinity of CWIS; (vi) Identification of all threatened, endangered,and other protected species that might be susceptible to impingement and entrainment at a cooling water intake structure(s); (vii) Documentation of any public participation of consultation with Federal or State agencies undertaken in development of the plan; (viii) Methods and QA procedures for any field efforts; (ix) In the case of the owner or operator of an existing facility or new unit at an existing facility, the Source Water Baseline Biological Characterization Data is the information included in (i) through (xii); (x) Identification of protective measures and stabilization activities that have been implemented, and a description of how these measures and activities affected the baseline water condition in the vicinity of CWIS; (xi) List of fragile species as defined at 40 CFR 125.92(m)at the facility; and (xii) Information submitted to obtain incidental take exemption or authorization for its cooling water intake structure(s)from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service. Each of these requirements is described in the following subsections. 4.1 List of Unavailable Biological Data [§122.21(r)(4)(i)] The biological data needed to prepare the information required under 40 CFR§122.21(r)(4)are available. Duke Energy collects biological data as part of a long-term and ongoing environmental 22 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION monitoring program on the Yadkin River(Duke Power 1994, 2003, 2011).The objective of this ongoing monitoring program was to assess the fish community with respect to operation of the now demolished Buck Steam Station and provide an indication of the suitability of approved thermal limits as defined in the Buck Steam Station NPDES permit(NC0004774). Beginning in 1990,fish community samples were collected annually in the winter and summer from four sites on the Yadkin River where it transitions into High Rock Lake near the BCCS(Figure 2-2).As mentioned above, conventional Duke Energy sample location numbers associated with the sample areas are provided in Figure 2-2 for reference to previously submitted reports. Following operational changes from once-through cooling to closed-cycle cooling in 2011, annual biological monitoring was discontinued, with the last fish community data being collected in January 2012; however, Duke biologists revisited the river in the fall of 2018 and sampled areas A, C and D. • 4.2 List of Species and Relative Abundance in the vicinity of CWIS [§122.21(r)(4)(ii)] Forty-two fish species, representing nine families have been documented in the Yadkin River by Duke Energy since 2000 (Table 4-1). Numerous cyprinid, catostomid, ictalurid, and centrarchid species are represented in these collections, which indicate a diverse fish fauna.These species are consistent with those expected from fish distribution maps of the Yadkin River drainage (Menhinick 1991), and none of these species are state or federally protected. Table 4-1.Fish species collected by Duke Energy in the Yadkin River since 2000,and their associated pollution tolerance,trophic guild,and native origin status. Scientific Name Common Name 2000- 2018 Tolerance Trophic Origin2 2011 Rating'. Status' Amiidae Bowfins Amia calva Bowfin X X Tolerant Piscivore N Catostomidae Suckers Carpiodes cyprinus Quillback X Intermediate Omnivore N Catostomus commersonii White Sucker X Tolerant Omnivore N Minytrema melanops Spotted Sucker X Intermediate Insectivore N Moxostoma collapsum Notchlip Redhorse X Intermediate Insectivore N Moxostoma macrolepidotum Shorthead Redhorse X X Intermediate Insectivore N Moxostoma n.sp. Brassy Jumprock X X Intermediate Insectivore N Moxostoma pappillosum V-lip Redhorse X Intermediate Insectivore N Centrarchidae Sunfishes N Lepomis auritus Redbreast Sunfish X Tolerant Insectivore N Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish X X Tolerant Insectivore I Lepomis gibbosus Pumpkinseed X X Intermediate Insectivore N Lepomis gulosus Warmouth X X Intermediate Insectivore N Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill X X Intermediate Insectivore N Lepomis microlophus Redear Sunfish X X Intermediate Insectivore N Lepomis spp. Hybrid Sunfish X Intermediate Insectivore H Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Bass X X Intermediate Piscivore I Micropterus salmoides Largemouth Bass X X Intermediate Piscivore N 23 316(b)Compliance Submittal ` 1 BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Scientific Name Common Name 2000- 2018 Tolerance Trophic Origin' 2011 Rating' Status' Micropterus salmoides x M. Hybrid Black Bass X Intermediate Piscivore H punctulatus Pomoxis annularis White Crappie X X Intermediate Piscivore I Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black Crappie X X Intermediate Piscivore I Clupeidae Shad and Herrings Alosa aestivalis Blueback Herring X Intermediate Insectivore N Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard Shad X X Intermediate Omnivore N Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad X X Intermediate Omnivore I Cyprinidae Minnows and Shiners Carassius auratus Goldfish X Tolerant Omnivore I Cyprinella analostana Satinfin Shiner X Tolerant Insectivore N Cyprinella lutrensis Red Shiner X X Tolerant Insectivore I Cyprinella nivea Whitefin Shiner X Intermediate Insectivore N Cyprinella pyrrhomelas Fieryblack Shiner X Intolerant Insectivore N Cyprinus carpio Common Carp X X Tolerant Omnivore I Cyprinus carpio x Carassius Hybrid Common Carp X Tolerant Omnivore H auratus Hybognathus regius Eastern Silvery X X Intermediate Herbivore N Minnow Nocomis leptocephalus Bluehead Chub X Intermediate Omnivore N Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden Shiner X X Tolerant Omnivore I Notropis hudsonius Spottail Shiner X Intermediate Omnivore N Icatluridae Catfishes Ameiurus catus White Catfish X Tolerant Omnivore N Ameiurus nebulosus Brown Bullhead X Tolerant Omnivore N Ictalurus punctatus Channel Catfish X X Intermediate Omnivore I Pylodictis olivaris Flathead Catfish X X Intermediate Piscivore I Lepisosteidae Gars Lepisosteus osseus Longnose Gar X Tolerant Piscivore N Moronidae Temperate Basses Morone americana White Perch X X Intermediate Piscivore N Morone chrysops White Bass X X Intermediate Piscivore I Morone saxatilis Striped Bass X Intermediate Piscivore N Morone saxatilis x M. Hybrid Striped Bass X Intermediate Piscivore H chrysops Percidae Perches Etheostoma olmstedi Tessellated Darter X Intermediate Insectivore I Perca flavescens Yellow Perch X X Intermediate Piscivore N Poeciliidae Livebearers Gambusia holbrooki Eastern Mosquitofish X X Tolerant Insectivore I 1 Pollution tolerance and trophic guild information from NCDENR(2013);2 Origin(I=Introduced,N=Native,H=Hybrid) status to Yadkin River basin taken from Rohde et.al(2009). 24 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 4.2.1 Electrofishing From 2000-2011, boat-mounted electrofishing occurred in the winter and summer along one-hundred- meter shoreline segments on each side of the river at locations A—D. Electrofishing effort in seconds was also recorded for each segment. All netted fish were identified, measured (total length in mm), and returned to the river. Biomass data were not recorded.As much as practical, electrofishing was conducted during periods of relatively low river flow to ensure efficient sampling and to minimize variability due to high water conditions. Abundance, or catch-per-unit-effort(CPUE) of species was reported as fish/hour. Similar methodology was used in 2018 at locations A, C and D. For the purposes of this report and to describe the fishery in proximity to the MWIS, data from all sites were combined for the respective sample periods. Electrofishing surveys during both winter and summer 2000-2011,from all locations combined resulted in the collection of 42 species and three hybrid complexes (Table 4-2).Twenty-three species were collected during 2018. Bluegill (45%) were the were the most numerous species collected from 2000- 2011,while Gizzard Shad (45%)were the most numerous in 2018, primarily due to the collection of a large school of juveniles. Bluegill (17%) and Red Shiner(15%)were also collected in relatively high numbers in 2018.The abundance of all fish collected in proximity to the BCCS demonstrates no discernable trend during the 2000-2018 surveys,with the 2018 CPUE being similar to several other years since 2000(Figure 4-1). Electrofishing surveys were conducted at mean water temperatures approximating 25°C for both sampling periods(Table 4-3).These values were within ranges that would support fish assemblages typical of a piedmont river.There were no pH data collected from 2000 to 2011. Table 4-2.Fish species and numbers collected during electrofishing from all zones combined in the Yadkin River. 2000-2010 2018 Common Name Winter Summer Fall Bowfins Bowfin 1 0 3 Suckers Quillback 0 2 0 White Sucker 2 0 0 Spotted Sucker 3 0 0 Notchlip Redhorse 4 2 0 Shorthead Redhorse 2 2 1 Brassy Jumprock 1 0 1 V-lip Redhorse 1 0 0 Sunfishes Redbreast Sunfish 50 62 0 Green Sunfish 174 281 3 Pumpkinseed 785 453 8 Warmouth 32 13 1 Bluegill 3,056 3,150 96 Redear Sunfish 80 75 3 25 316(b)Compliance Submittal ` BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 2000-2010 2018 Common Name Winter Summer Fall Hybrid Sunfish 5 18 0 Spotted Bass 45 56 1 Largemouth Bass 198 528 1 Hybrid Black Bass 1 0 0 White Crappie 44 48 3 Black Crappie 280 141 12 Shad and Herrings Blueback Herring 0 8 0 Gizzard Shad 538 518 245 Threadfin Shad 211 110 5 Minnows and Shiners Goldfish 108 22 0 Satinfin Shiner 261 12 0 Red Shiner 638 680 88 Fieryblack Shiner 1 0 0 Common Carp 77 168 20 Hybrid Common Carp 1 5 0 Eastern Silvery Minnow 7 59 15 Bluehead Chub 4 0 0 Golden Shiner 13 75 2 Spottail Shiner 1 7 0 Whitefin Shiner 10 0 0 Catfishes White Catfish 0 4 0 Brown Bullhead 0 16 0 Channel Catfish 9 141 17 Flathead Catfish 4 15 1 Gars Longnose Gar 11 30 0 Temperate Basses White Perch 356 155 11 White Bass 6 8 4 Striped Bass 1 0 0 Hybrid Striped Bass 1 0 0 Perches Tessellated Darter 7 4 0 Yellow Perch 9 3 2 Livebearers Eastern Mosquitofish 23 22 1 Total 7,061 6,893 544 No.Taxa 38 33 23 26 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 1200 f 2000-2012 Winter O 2000-2011 Summer 1000 - v 2018 Fall 0 800 - O O ci 600 - c O 0 co 0 - 400 - 0 0 0 • - • O 200 - 0 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 Figure 4-1.Total abundance(CPUE)by number of all fish species collected within all zones from electrofishing in the Yadkin River during winter 2000-2012,summer 2000-2011,and fall 2018. Table 4-3.Mean(and range)of water quality parameters for all sites combined during electrofishing in 2000- 2012 and 2018. 2000-2012 2000-2012 2018 Parameter Winter Summer Fall Temperature(CC) 8.0(0.4-15.4) 28.1 (22.7-36.0) 18.3 (17.7-19.3) Dissolved Oxygen(mg/L) 11.9(9.7-14.3) 6.6(5.3-9.1) 7.9(5.3-8.6) Conductivity(µS/cm) 88(62-109) 102 (57-137) 70(64-83) pH - - 6.7(6.4-6.8) Four numerically dominant fish species (Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redfin Shiner, and Channel Catfish) were assessed further for certain metrics. Length frequency analyses indicated multiple age- classes of all four species during electrofishing (Figure 4-2). Collections of Largemouth Bass are primarily represented by younger individuals, while two distinct age classes are evident in Black Crappie collections.Trends in CPUE over time suggest similar catch rates from 2011 to 2018 for Black Crappie and Red Shiner, while Largemouth Bass catch rates generally declined, likely due to increased competition by the introduced Spotted (Alabama) Bass (Figure 4-3). Summer Channel Catfish catch rates 27 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION also declined since 2000; however,this species is not as susceptible to being collected using electrofishing as the other species. 4.3 Primary Growth Period Fish are cold blooded,thus primary growth occurs when water temperatures are 10°C or above.The conventional view on seasonal variation in fish growth in North America is that growth is fastest in the spring and early summer,slows in the late summer and fall, and virtually stops in the winter(Gebhart and Summerfelt 1978).The majority of fishes will have their highest densities shortly after the hatch occurs when larvae are concentrated,and natural mortality has not yet reduced numbers. Feeding competition is especially important during late spring through early summer when the bulk of fish are in their early life stages. During this time,they are more susceptible to starvation (May 1974).This is a critical stage in development,where larval fish have a short time period to initiate exogenous feeding before starving(Ehrlich 1974; Miller et al. 1988). 4.3.1 Reproduction and Recruitment Similar to other southeastern rivers, reproduction strategies of fish species present in the Yadkin River vary and include broadcast spawners, nest builders, mound builders, and cavity nesters. Nest builders usually exhibit parental care until hatching and the swim-up stage,whereas broadcast spawners do not construct nests and provide no parental care. Eggs for both types of spawners are usually demersal and/or adhesive or may initially be adhesive prior to losing this characteristic. Nest-building species with adhesive eggs are less susceptible to entrainment. Fish spawning is typically triggered when water temperatures reach the species-specific temperature threshold (Etnier and Starnes 1993). Fish reproduction has the potential to produce high yields; however, mortality rates are typically higher compared to other organisms.Additionally,the majority of fish spawn only once per year, regardless of prior success.The number of eggs a female produces (fecundity)can vary depending on the life history of the species and individual size.Species-specific spawning information is summarized in Table 4-4. 28 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 25 I♦ LARGE MOUTH BASS n=728 20 15 10 5 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 IC 14 MI BLACK CRAPPIE 12 n=433 10 O 8 4 + 0 4 O 2 0 O 15 45 75 105 135 165 195 225 255 285 315 345 a + 40 Q1 RED SHINER U 3C n= 1.318 Sv 20 10 0 0 10 70 40 40 40 NI 70 170 90 100 18 14 12 CHANNEL CATFISH 10 n=173 8 4 2 0 25 75 125 175 225 275 325 375 425 475 525 575 625 TL (mm) Figure 4-2. Length-frequency of four numerically dominant species collected in the Yadkin River from all sites sampled in Winter 2000-2012,Summer 2000-2011,and Fall 2018 combined. 29 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 160 t 2000201 Wl 2 nmm 140- 0 2000-2011 subr er • 2018 Fall 120- 100- o 80- 0 60- 40- ° O O O 20- O O 0 • 1060 2060 211112 21114 210e1 2006 2010 7017 21114 2018 7018 70211 160 —41—2000-2012 Winter 140- O 2000-2011 Summer ♦ 2018 Fell rL 120- 8 1 100 N BOLi— 60 W 40 U ° 20- O ° o 0 • 19911 218a1 MO 20114 21W1 2Ma 2010 9012 2n11 2018 Min 911911 300 t 2000-2012 Winter O 2000-2011 Summer 250- 0 ♦ 2018 Fell 200 150- 0 100 0 50 • 0 o 0 ° ° 0 loon 'non 2m2 7nna 71110 211M 21110 2012 91114 20111 2016 2020 25 0 f 2000-2012 Wlmn O 20002011 Summer 20 O • 2018 Fell 0 CI 15 0 0 • 0 10 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 - -——- • • • • 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 Year Figure 4-3.Abundance(fish/hr)of four numerically dominant species collected in the Yadkin River from all sites sampled in Winter 2000-2012,Summer 2000-2011,and Fall 2018 combined. 30 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 4-4. Habitat,diet,and spawning characteristics of select species present in the Yadkin River near the BCCS. Species General Habitat Diet Spawning Period and Nest Structure Egg Type and References Habitat Fecundity CATOSTOMIDAE Redhorse suckers Deeper pools,streams Aquatic insects, Spring and Summer Broadcast Adhesive; Rohde et al. (2009) (Moxostoma spp.) and rivers crayfish, Water temperature: spawners 100,000 plus microcrustaceans 60-75°F; migrations to eggs rocky, shallow riffles and runs CLUPEIDAE Gizzard Shad Lakes, ponds, pools, Filter feeder: Spring and Summer Broadcast Adhesive; Williamson and Nelson and backwaters of low- algae, micro- Water temperature: spawners 300,000 on (1985); Etnier,and gradient rivers organisms 61°F; In schools; at average Starnes(1993) the surface over submerged rocks or logs CENTRARCHIDAE Black Crappie Vegetated backwater Aquatic insects, Spring Water Circular beds 0.6- Demersal; Hammers(2011); areas in streams, small fishes temperature:60- 1.3 ft in diameter 40,000 to Bridges(2017); Dubuc rivers, ponds,and 68°F;Shallow(3-8 ft in gravel or soft 130,000 and DeVries(2002); reservoirs; in littoral deep),calm water lake bottoms near NCDENR(2006) and pelagic zones near vegetation structure. Bluegill Creeks, rivers, Aquatic insects, Spring and Summer Shallow,circular Adhesive; MDNR(2017);Stone swamps, lakes, ponds, small fishes, Water Temperature: depressions 2-6 2,000 to (2008); Hammers and in vegetated areas crayfish 67-80°F;Colonial in. 60,000 1 Bryant(2011) with cover such as breeder;shallow deep in sand or woody debris,stumps, waters with gravel rocks,and undercut firm bottoms banks Redbreast Sunfish Pools and backwaters Aquatic insects, Spring and Summer Saucer-shaped Demersal and Rohde et al.(2009); of streams and rivers small clams,small Water temperature: depressions in Adhesive; up Hendrickson and with low to moderate fish 65-75°F;Shallow gravel or silt to 14,000 Cohen(2015); Ross gradient; water on bottoms (2001);Carlander woody debris,stumps, composed of sand, (1977);Wang and undercut banks Kernehan. (1979) 31 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Species General Habitat Diet Spawning Period and Nest Structure Egg Type and References Habitat Fecundity gravel,or pebbles near cover Redear Sunfish Ponds,lakes Hard Spring and Summer Depressions in Demersal and Rohde et al.(2009); reservoirs,swamps, invertebrates Water temperature: sand to soft mud Adhesive; Hendrickson and streams,small rivers; such as snails and 68-70*F;Shallow constructed in 2,000 to Cohen(2015);Auer, associated with small clams water on firm areas containing 10,000 N.A. 1982;Adams and vegetation over a mud substrates often in aquatic plants. Kilambi(1979) or sand bottom locations exposed to the sun Largemouth Bass Lakes, reservoirs, Gape-limited; Spring Water Circular beds 2-3 Adhesive; Rohde et al.(2009); ponds,slow-moving fish,frogs, temperature:60-75"F ft 5,000 to Hendrickson and rivers, in littoral and crayfish in diameter with 43,000 Cohen(2015); Ross pelagic zones clean sand or fine (2001);Auer, N.A. gravel,clear of 1982; organic debris and silt. CYPRINIDAE Redfin Shiner Large creeks,medium Surface feeder, Spring to summer; Broadcast Demersal; Ross(2001) rivers,slow currents zooplankton, shoreline spawners, Multiple aquatic insects, sometimes over clutches of some plant sunfish nests 219-887 material ICTALURIDAE Channel Catfish Small to large creeks, Fish,crayfish, Spring and Summer Excavations under Demersal Tatarenkov et al. rivers, reservoirs,and mollusks,aquatic Water temperature: overhangs or logs masses; 1,600- (2006);Wellborn ponds insects,some 75-85*F;Cavities in 70,000 (2008) aquatic banks,under logs,or vegetation in rocks MORONIDAE White Perch Rivers and reservoirs Microcrustaceans, Spring and Summer; Over sand and Adhesive; Rohde et al.(2009); fish Shallow water gravel 20,000- Auer(1982); 150,000 University of Michigan (2017) 32 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 4.3.2 Period of Peak Abundance for Relevant Taxa Fish spawning is a direct function of water temperature and most activity is constrained to the spring and early summer months.As a result, an influx of egg, larval, and juvenile fishes occurs in the Yadkin River in the spring of each year when water temperatures begin to rise. Based on a review of available literature, peak abundance for early life stage and juvenile fishes of most species in occurs between March and June (Table 4-5). Generally, recruitment to the juvenile life stage in North Carolina follows the peak spawning window and continues until April or May of the succeeding year, depending on the life history strategy of individual species (Page and Burr 2011). Table 4-5. Primary period of reproduction for select species present in the Yadkin River(Sources:Ross 2001; Rohde et al.2009).' Common Family Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Catostomidae Redhorse suckers Black Crappie Bluegill Largemouth Centrarchidae Bass Redbreast Sunfish ,i Redear Sunfish Clupeidae Gizzard Shad Common Carp Cyprinidae Redfin Shiner • L. Channel Catfish Ictaluridae — r Bullhead catfishes Moronidae White Perch Percidae Darter spp. 'This table illustrates the potential spawning window and potential peak spawning period in the Yadkin River based on a review of available literature and comparable southeastern rivers.Lighter shade indicates the spawning window and darker shading indicates the peak spawning period. 4.4 Daily and Seasonal Activities of Organisms in the Vicinity of the MWIS The typical habitat preferred by riverine species includes submerged woody debris (roots, logs), backwaters, rocky riffles, runs, pool habitat, and vegetated areas. Daily migrations, such as longitudinal migrations for feeding or spawning are typical for fish species that inhabit riverine environments. Although there are no diadromous fish species in the Yadkin River near BCCS, certain species (e.g. 33 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Redhorse suckers)will undergo potadromous(i.e., movements within freshwater) migrations to spawn. Overwintering movements into deeper pool habitats may also occur for several species (Rhode et al. 2009). 4.5 Species and Life Stages Susceptible to Impingement and Entrainment 4.5.1 Impingement The BCCS MWIS design,with a design TSV of less than 0.25 fps, is compliant with the impingement BTA requirements of the Rule. As such,the anticipated likelihood of fish species and vulnerable life stages susceptible to impingement at the BCCS MWIS is very low.While some species may have the potential to be entrained, based on the operational parameters of the MWIS(position of the cylindrical wedgewire screens and low DIF and TSV), interactions with aquatic organisms are expected to be limited with very low potential for adverse environmental impacts. Preliminary impingement data were collected at BSS in 2006(unpublished data)while the Phase II 316(b) Rule was effective prior to that Rule's remand.Three sampling events were performed during operation of the former(now retired)coal-fired units with once-through cooling. The results of these sampling events are provided strictly for documenting species occurrence in proximity to the existing MWIS.The study estimated impingement losses at 10,098 fish under the former once-through cooling operations,with the majority(74%) being Gizzard Shad,a fragile species(Table 4-6). Table 4-6. Results of preliminary impingement data collected at Buck in 2006 under the Phase II Rule (unpublished data). [former BSS CWIS and not representative of the current BCCS MWIS] Common Name/Group Number Number/24-hr Estimate No./Yr Gizzard Shad 61 20.3 7,421 Unidentified Adult 9 3.0 1,095 Pumpkinseed 7 8.4 852 Channel Catfish 2 2.4 243 Blue Catfish 1 1.2 122 Blueback Herring 1 1.2 122 Perches 1 1.2 122 Redbreast Sunfish 1 1.2 122 4.5.2 Entrainment Ichthyoplankton (the egg and larval life stage of fishes) exhibit the highest degree of susceptibility to entrainment based on body size and swimming ability.Therefore, an organism is only susceptible to entrainment for a small portion of its life cycle. Larger juvenile and adult life stages have the swimming ability to avoid entrainment. Life history characteristics can influence the vulnerability of a fish species to entrainment. For example, broadcast spawners with non-adhesive,free-floating eggs can drift with water currents and may become entrained in a CWIS,while nest-building species with adhesive eggs are less susceptible to entrainment during early life stages (King et al. 2010). 34 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION The BCCS MWIS design with closed-cycle cooling is compliant with entrainment BTA requirements of the Rule; however, it could be expected for some de minimis rate of entrainment to occur. Entrainment sampling has not been performed at BCCS,and there is no comparable site within the same river basin to use as a surrogate as to what can be expected. Based on the species assemblage in proximity to BCCS and results from other regional sites, it presumed that the majority of any entrained organisms would be comprised of Gizzard Shad egg/larvae and some sunfish species. 4.6 Threatened, Endangered, and Other Protected Species Susceptible to Impingement and Entrainment at the MWIS The Rule requires the permittee to document the presence of federally listed species and designated critical habitat in the action area (see 40 CFR 125.98[f]). For the purpose of defining listed species, the action area is defined as the Yadkin River at a distance two miles upstream and downstream from the BCCS MWIS. A desktop review of available resources was performed to develop a list of species with protected, endangered, or threatened status that might be susceptible to impingement and entrainment at the BCCS MWIS.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) map-based search tool (Information for Planning and Consultation [IPAC])was used to identify state or federally listed rare,threatened,or endangered (RTE) aquatic species or critical habitat designations within action area (USFWS 2021).The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Essential Fish Habitat(EFH) online tool was reviewed for EFH or habitat areas of particular concern within the vicinity of BCCS (NMFS 2021).The BCCS MWIS is located in a freshwater environment, as such, marine and anadromous federally listed species and designated critical habitat under NMFS jurisdiction were not considered. No state or federally listed rare,threatened, or endangered (RTE) aquatic species or critical habitat designations were identified in the IPaC database search. Federal species of concern and candidate species were omitted from the list (unless they were also state threatened or endangered), as there are no requirements to address those species under the Rule or Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA 1973); however, none are known to occur near the action area regardless. 4.7 Documentation of Consultation with Services In preparing this response package for compliance with CWA §316(b),there has been neither public participation, nor coordination undertaken with USEPA, NMFS, or USFWS, collectively known as the Services. 4.8 Information Submitted to Obtain Incidental Take Exemption or Authorization from Services As noted in Section 4.6, no federally listed fish or aquatic species have been collected in the Yadkin River near the BCCS, and none are believed to occur near the MWIS.Therefore, an incidental take exemption or authorization for the BCCS MWIS has neither been required by USFWS nor sought by Duke Energy. 35 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 4.9 Methods and Quality Assurance Procedures for Field Efforts Data presented in Section 4 were compiled from Duke Energy's historical and ongoing monitoring associated with BCCS NPDES permit. Electrofishing was used to characterize the fishery for the Yadkin River and followed Duke Energy procedures and quality assurance protocols. Sampling was also performed under Duke Energy's NCDEQ Biological Laboratory Certification No. 008. 4.10 Protective Measures and Stabilization Activities There are no protective measures or stabilization activities associated with BCCS. 4.11 Fragile Species In the Rule,the USEPA identifies 14 species(§125.92(m)) of fish as fragile or having post-impingement survival rates of less than 30 percent. Occurrence of fragile species in the Yadkin River has historically been documented by Duke Energy(Duke Power 1994, 2003, 2011). One species from the fragile species list, Gizzard Shad, have been documented as recently as 2018(Table 4-1),and were the most numerous species collected in preliminary impingement sampling(Table 4-6) during operation of the now demolished coal-fired units with once-through cooling.The remaining species included at§125.92(m) are marine or coastal anadromous species,with the exception of rainbow smelt which is not found in the Yadkin River. However,with the design of the BCCS MWIS it is anticipated that fragile species impacts will be limited, if any. 36 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 5 Cooling Water System Data [§122.21(r)(5)(i)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR§122.21(r)(5), Cooling water system data, is outlined as follows: (i) A narrative description of the operation of the cooling water system and its relationship to cooling water intake structures;the proportion of the design intake flow that is used in the system;the number of days of the year the cooling water system is in operation and seasonal changes in the operation of the system, if applicable; the proportion of design intake flow for contact cooling, non- contact cooling, and process uses; a distribution of water reuse to include cooling water reused as process water, process water reused for cooling, and the use of gray water for cooling;a description of reductions in total water withdrawals including cooling water intake flow reductions already achieved through minimized process water withdrawals; a description of any cooling water that is used in a manufacturing process either before or after it is used for cooling, including other recycled process water flows;the proportion of the source waterbody withdrawn (on a monthly basis); (ii) Design and engineering calculations prepared by a qualified professional and supporting data to support the description required by paragraph (r)(5)(i) of this section;and, (iii) Description of existing impingement and entrainment technologies or operational measures and a summary of their performance, including but not limited to reductions in impingement mortality and entrainment due to intake location and reductions in total water withdrawals and usage. Each of these requirements is described in the following subsections. 5.1 Description of Cooling Water System Operation [§122.21(r)(5)(i)] The BCCS circulating water system is a closed-loop system with cooling water recycled and reused in the steam turbine condenser. The purpose of the circulating water system is to supply cooling water to the main and auxiliary steam condensers,the cooling water chiller system,and to be used as service water for various plant uses such as fire water, boiler area wash water, and makeup water to the HRSG. The heat transferred to the circulating water in the condenser is rejected to the atmosphere by the evaporation process in the cooling tower. Approximately 95 percent of water withdrawn by the MWIS is used for cooling tower makeup. 5.1.1 Cooling Water System Operation Two vertical circulating water pumps, each rated at 135.4 MGD (94,000 gpm) supply cooling water to the condenser and additional circulating water to the auxiliary cooling water heat exchangers. Heated water from these systems is returned to the cooling tower through the circulating water piping. The heated circulating water is cooled by the cooling tower and then collected in the cooling tower basin where it flows back to the circulation pumps, and the cycle is repeated. The BCCS has one mechanical draft counterflow cooling tower equipped with ten cooling cells, motor-driven fans, and two pumps in the tower basin to recirculate the cooling water to the condenser. Figure 5-1 provides a schematic of the BCCS cooling tower. 37 316(b)Compliance Submittal ' BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION The cooling tower is always in operation whenever the BCCS is in operation. The cooling tower is designed to operate with at least eight of the ten cells in operation. Typically, during the warmer months of the year(mid-May to mid-October) all ten cells of the cooling tower are in service. Most of water losses in the circulating water system is through evaporation in the cooling tower. Evaporation does not carry away solids in the water such as mud, silt, or dissolved solids;therefore, it is necessary to continuously discharge some of the circulating water to remove waste and prevent a buildup of solids in the circulating water. This discharge, called blowdown, is routed to Outfall 006. The cooling tower has five main components: 1. the blower type fans which direct the airflow upward, 2. the heat transfer section commonly called the "fill", 3. the water distribution system, 4. the drift eliminator section, and 5. the concrete basin which collects water for return to the condenser and other heat exchangers. .410 twe r iNVP \ l � i i � i r r ELAN_VIEW ..,...m w w ....._., .... 1I �, = lamri��rs.•r. iii �r�ii� �rtr r�r��tr�rrf «.. t :.:�. ." LQNG)ru INALa1EY! ..«"�.�4^."a,= .,....«.-... 3 Figure 5-1. BCCS Cooling Tower General Arrangement 5.1.2 Proportion of Design Flow Used in the Cooling Water System Water withdrawals from the Yadkin River to support BCCS operations from 2017 through 2021 are provided in Table 3-1 (Section 3.4). Based on the engineering design water balance diagram (Figure 3-1), approximately 95 percent of the MWIS withdrawal is used for makeup to the cooling tower. The remainder is used as service water for various plant uses such as fire protection water, chiller system makeup, boiler wash water,and HRSG makeup water. Table 5-1 provides the proportion of the 7.2 MGD DIF withdrawn during the 2017-2021 period. 38 • 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 5-1. Percent Monthly Proportion of Design Flow Withdrawn at the BCCS. Month 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Average January 39.2 38.1 41.7 0.0 42.1 32.2 February 42.8 42.0 44.6 32.4 36.0 39.5 March 44.7 34.0 1.7 43.2 43.2 33.4 April 36.5 50.6 9.1 23.0 36.0 31.0 May 46.7 51.2 50.8 42.0 45.8 47.3 June 50.8 55.8 50.7 54.9 45.9 51.6 July 54.2 59.5 56.1 61.0 59.3 58.0 August 53.2 58.5 55.4 54.4 52.4 54.8 September 49.7 60.5 52.3 7.5 42.6 42.5 October 45.6 47.7 48.9 0.0 48.1 38.1 November 44.6 44.4 42.4 38.5 48.5 43.7 December 43.7 38.8 38.7 44.9 46.0 42.4 Although historical averages are not necessarily indicative of future withdrawals, only 42.9 percent of the DIF was withdrawn from the Yadkin River from 2017 through 2021. 5.1.3 Cooling Water System Operation Characterization Operation of the cooling water system results in an increased makeup water demand and makeup water pump operation. As presented in Section 3.3,the MWIS operated nearly continuously during the 2017- 2021 period with an average daily operation of approximately 20.6 hours each day(i.e., about 85.8% each day). Steam turbine and/or combustion turbine outages typically occur in the spring and/or fall. Monthly total flow data during the 2017-2021 period are provided in Figure 5-2. MWIS withdrawals during the summer months (i.e., May to September) are typically higher than the remainder of the year due to increased cooling tower evaporation resulting from higher ambient temperatures. 39 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 160.0 140.0 120.0 c 100.0 v • 80.0 2 60.0 40.0 20.0 g 0.0 ■ Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ■2017 m 2018 2019 2020 ■2021 Figure 5-2.Monthly Total MWIS Withdrawals at BCCS At the DIF(5,000 gpm)the calculated TSV is 0.14 fps while at the AIF (2,146 gpm)the calculated TSV is 0.06 fps. Both of these values are considerably less than the 0.5 fps alternative in the 316(b) Rule for impingement compliance. Appendix C provides TSV calculations. 5.1.4 Distribution of Water Reuse The distribution of water reuse does not apply to BCCS because this facility does not reuse cooling water as process water, reuse process water for cooling purposes,or use grey water for cooling purposes. 5.1.5 Description of Reductions in Total Water Withdrawals With the retirement of BSS Units 3-6, maximum water withdrawals from the Yadkin River have been reduced by 98.2 percent(i.e., 7.2 MGD vs. 395 MGD). The BCCS is a single combined cycle unit, natural gas-fired electric generating facility with a current generating capacity of 660 MW. The BCCS has a DIF of 7.2 MGD and an average AIF of 3.09 MGD for 2017-2021. As shown in Table 5 2, the BCCS is more efficient in cooling water usage, producing 1.8 times more power output while using 98.2 percent less cooling water compared to the retired BSS at design flows and 99.2 less at actual withdrawal flows. Table 5-2.Comparison of BSS and BCCS. Characteristic BSS BCCS Total Generation,MW 370 660 Fuel Coal Natural Gas Total Design Withdrawal, MGD 395 7.2 Cooling System Once-Through Closed-Cycle MW/MGD Ratio 0.94 91.7 40 ' • 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 5.1.6 Description of Cooling Water Used in Manufacturing Process BCCS cooling water is not used in a manufacturing process either before or after the water is used for cooling. 5.1.7 Proportion of Source Waterbody Withdrawn Withdrawal from the Yadkin River is dependent on the cooling tower makeup water demand, maximum pump capacity, and water losses due to evaporation and system losses. Monthly average Yadkin River flows and monthly average BCCS water withdrawals during the 2017-2021 period are provided in Table 5-3. The percent of source water withdrawal ranges from a low of 0.00 percent (March 2019,January 2020, October 2020)to a high of 0.36 percent(September 2019). Table 5-3. BCCS Percent of Source Waterbody(Yadkin River)Withdrawal Month 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 January 0.16 0.21 0.05 0.00 0.09 February 0.30 0.09 0.05 0.03 0.05 March _ 0.32 0.12 0.00 0.12 0.07 April 0.06 0.10 0.02 0.05 0.08 May 0.08 0.10 0.13 0.05 0.14 - June 0.18 0.18 0.08 0.12 0.17 July _ 0.33 0.29 0.18 0.21 0.23 August 0.34 0.12 0.24 0.09 0.19 September 0.34 0.12 0.36 0.02 0.18 October 0.22 0.07 0.23 0.00 0.28 November 0.26 0.07 0.14 0.04 0.34 December 0.31 0.04 0.09 0.07 0.33 Annual 0.18 0.10 0.09 0.05 0.13 Average During the 2017-2021 period of record for this report,the BCCS average withdrawal was 0.11 percent of the Yadkin River source waterbody flow. 5.2 Design and Engineering Calculations [§122.21(r)(5)(ii)] The following table provides calculated TSV values. Appendix C presents the engineering calculations of TSV for the cylindrical wedgewire screen design as prepared by a qualified professional. Table 5-4. MWIS TSV Calculations Flow Scenario Calculated TSV AIF (2017-2021) 0.06 fps DIF(two pumps) 0.14 fps Maximum possible(three pumps) 0.22 fps 41 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 5.3 Description of Existing Impingement and Entrainment Reduction Measures [§122.21(r)(5)(iii)] The BCCS achieves substantial reductions in entrainment and impingement by means of flow reduction. The underlying assumption for entrainment is that entrainable organisms have limited or no motility and passively move with the water entering the power plant;therefore, reduction in flow results in a commensurate reduction in entrainment.This flow reduction is achieved through the use of mechanical draft wet cooling towers. Utilization of closed-cycle cooling results in a flow reduction of 98.9 percent relative to OTC at BCCS using the 2017-2021 period of record AIF. In addition to providing a significant reduction of organisms entrained,the lower flows associated with closed-cycle cooling also result in a commensurate reduction in the potential for impingement at the facility. As the MWIS cylindrical wedgewire screens have a maximum TSV of 0.14 fps at the DIF,the risk of impingement is essentially eliminated. The annual average AIF of 3.09 MGD at BCCS(see Section 3.4) is small and the calculated TSV is 0.06 fps. Thus,the MWIS AOI would not extend beyond the face of the screens and is substantially less than the source waterbody current. Based on the AOl calculations, impingement at BCCS is negligible and more likely approaches zero. 5.3.1 Best Technology Available for Entrainment To aid the Director in making a BTA determination,the following is provided to support the conclusion that the existing BCCS configuration and operation results in the maximum reduction in entrainment warranted and no additional entrainment controls are warranted. Most importantly,the BCCS uses closed-cycle cooling,which minimizes entrainment through flow reduction. The flow reduction achieved, compared to OTC, is calculated at 98.9 percent based on the AIF during the period of record. The EPA allows broad flexibility in the BTA determination for individual facilities, but also supports closed-cycle cooling as a BTA option for entrainment as confirmed through this statement in the preamble to the Rule: "Although this rule leaves the BTA entrainment determination to the Director,with the possible BTA decisions ranging from no additional controls to closed-cycle recirculating systems plus additional controls as warranted, EPA expects that the Director, in the site- specific permitting proceeding, will determine that facilities with properly operated closed-cycle recirculating systems do not require additional entrainment reduction control measures." Closed-cycle cooling as a potential entrainment BTA is further reiterated in the Response to Public Comments document,where EPA states: "EPA has made it clear that a facility that uses a closed-cycle recirculating system, as defined in the rule,would meet the rule requirements for impingement mortality at § 125.94(c)(1).This rule language specifically identifies closed-cycle as a compliance alternative for the [impingement mortality] performance standards. EPA expects the Director would conclude that such a facility would not be subject to additional entrainment controls to meet BTA." The final rule for new facilities as well as the new units provision within the Rule provide similar support for closed-cycle cooling as entrainment BTA at BCCS: 42 • 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION • The final Rule for new facilities published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2001 and with an effective date of January 17, 2002 does prescribe BTA for entrainment, which BCCS meets. Regulations are more stringent for new facilities than for existing facilities. By virtue of meeting the most stringent entrainment BTA criteria (i.e., applicable to new facilities), BCCS is compliant for entrainment BTA under the final Rule for existing facilities. • If BCCS were classified as a new unit at an existing facility,the station would be in compliance with the more stringent requirements stated at §125.94(e), BTA standards for impingement mortality and entrainment for new units at existing facilities. Beyond this regulatory guidance,the number of organisms expected to be entrained at BCCS is very low. Since entrainment is proportional to flow, reductions in flow equate to commensurate reductions in entrainment. The use of closed-cycle cooling as compared to an equivalent OTC facility is estimated to reduce entrainment by 98.9 percent (AIF flow). 43 • 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 6 Chosen Method(s) of Compliance with Impingement Mortality Standard [§122.21(r)(6)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR§ 122.21(r)(6) is as follows: The owner or operator of the facility must identify the chosen compliance method for the entire facility;alternatively, the applicant must identify the chosen compliance method for each cooling water intake structure at its facility. The applicant must identify any intake structure for which a BTA determination for Impingement Mortality under 40 CFR 125.94 (c)(11)or(12)is requested. The Rule at 40 CFR 125.94(c)gives existing facilities seven BTA options for achieving impingement mortality compliance.These are listed below.A facility needs to implement only one of these options. 1. Operate a closed-cycle recirculating system as defined at 40 CFR 125.92(c)(1) (this includes wet, dry or hybrid cooling towers, a system of impoundments that are not WOTUS,or any combination thereof); 2. Operate a cooling water intake structure that has a maximum design through-screen velocity of 0.5 fps or less; 3. Operate a cooling water intake structure that has a maximum actual through-screen velocity of 0.5 fps or less; 4. Operate an existing offshore velocity cap that is a minimum of 800 feet offshore and has bar screens or otherwise excludes marine mammals,sea turtles, and other large aquatic organisms; 5. Operate a modified traveling screen system such as modified Ristroph screens with a fish handling and return system, dual flow screens with smooth mesh, or rotary screens with fish returns. Demonstrate that the technology is or will be optimized to minimize impingement mortality of all non-fragile species; 6. Operate any combination of technologies, management practices, and operational measures that the Director determines is BTA for reducing impingement.As appropriate to the system of protective measures implemented, demonstrate the system of technologies has been optimized to minimize impingement mortality of all non-fragile species;and 7. Achieve a 12-month performance standard of no more than 24 percent mortality including latent mortality for all non-fragile species. Compliance options 1, 2, and 4 are essentially pre-approved technologies that require minimal additional monitoring after their installation and proper operation. Options 3,5, and 6 require that more detailed information be submitted to the Director before they can be specified as the BTA to reduce impingement mortality. Options 5, 6, and 7 require demonstrations with field studies that the technologies have been optimized to minimize impingement mortality of non-fragile species. In addition,the Rule provides two other impingement compliance BTA options for which the Director may consider little or no additional controls for impingement mortality(USEPA 2014a). These options apply under very specific circumstances. 44 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION • De minimis rate of impingement—if the rates of impingement at a facility are so low that additional impingement controls may not be justified (Section 125.94(c)(11)); and • Low Capacity utilization of generating units—if the annual average capacity utilization rate of a 24-month contiguous period is less than 8 percent(Section 125.94(c)(12)). The BCCS meets the requirements of 40 CFR §125.94(c)(1) (BTA Option#1) based on data provided in Table 5-2. In addition, the MWIS has a design and actual through-screen velocity of<0.5 fps and therefore is compliant with the requirements of 40 CFR§125.94(c)(2) and (3) (BTA Options 2 and 3). Bymeetingthe CCRS criterion (BTA#1)the existingtechnologies in use at the BCCS are BTA for g impingement mortality compliance. Furthermore,the MWIS has a design through-screen velocity that is lower than the 0.5 fps standard for impingement mortality compliance. 45 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 7 Entrainment Performance Studies [§ 122.21(r)(7)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR§ 122.21(r)(7), Entrainment performance studies, is as follows: The owner or operator of an existing facility must submit any previously conducted studies or studies obtained from other facilities addressing technology efficacy, through- facility entrainment survival, and other entrainment studies.Any such submittals must include a description of each study, together with underlying data, and a summary of any conclusions or results.Any studies conducted at other locations must include an explanation as to why the data from other locations are relevant and representative of conditions at your facility. In the case of studies more than 10 years old, the applicant must explain why the data are still relevant and representative of conditions at the facility and explain how the data should be interpreted using the definition of entrainment at 40 CFR 125.92(h). 7.1 Site-Specific Studies BCCS utilizes a CCRS,therefore entrainment(and survival) is not anticipated. Hence, no site-specific entrainment performance studies(such as studies evaluating biological efficacy of specific entrainment reducing technologies or through-facility entrainment survival) have been conducted for the BCCS. Section 4 of this report provides a discussion of fishery monitoring conducted at or near the facility. Section 5.3 contains information regarding entrainment reductions resulting from lower cooling water withdrawals of the BCCS as compared to the prior BSS. 7.2 Studies Conducted at Other Locations As of the date of this report, no entrainment performance studies conducted at other facilities have been determined relevant for documentation in this section. 46 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 8 Operational Status [§ 122.21(r)(8)] The information required to be submitted per 40 CFR§122.21(r)(8), Operational status, is outlined as follows: (i) For power production or steam generation, descriptions of individual unit operating status including age of each unit, capacity utilization rate (or equivalent)for the previous 5 years, including any extended or unusual outages that significantly affect current data for flow, impingement, entrainment, or other factors, including identification of any operating unit with a capacity utilization rate of less than 8 percent averaged over a 24-month block contiguous period, and any major upgrades completed within the last 15 years, including but not limited to boiler replacement, condenser replacement, turbine replacement, or changes to fuel type; (ii) Descriptions of completed, approved, or scheduled uprates and Nuclear Regulatory Commission relicensing status of each unit at nuclear facilities; (iii) For process units at your facility that use cooling water other than for power production or steam generation, if you intend to use reductions in flow or changes in operations to meet the requirements of 40 CFR 125.94(c), descriptions of individual production processes and product lines, operating status including age of each line, seasonal operation, including any extended or unusual outages that significantly affect current data for flow, impingement, entrainment, or other factors, any major upgrades completed within the last 15 years, and plans or schedules for decommissioning or replacement of process units or production processes and product lines; (iv) For all manufacturing facilities, descriptions of current and future production schedules; and, (v) Descriptions of plans or schedules for any new units planned within the next 5 years. Each of these requirements is described in the following subsections. 8.1 Description of Operating Status [§ 122.21(r)(8)(i)] BCCS is normally used for baseload generation. Plant outages typically occur during the spring(February to May) and/or in the fall/winter(October to December) months. 8.1.1 Individual Unit Age BCCS began commercial operations in November 2011. According to the Duke Energy Carolinas 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP),there is no current projected retirement date for the BCCS. 8.1.2 Utilization for Previous Five Years Monthly and annual average capacity factor information for 2017-2021 is provided in Table 8-1. Annual capacity factors during this period ranged from 61.2 to 85.4 percent. Monthly capacity factors during this period ranged from 0.0 to 93.0 percent. 47 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Table 8-1. BCCS Annual Capacity Factors,2017-2021. Month 2017 �2018 2019 2020 2021 January 86.2 85.2 85.4 70.2 82.7 February 86.5 83.3 86.9 81.9 70.8 March 89.3 63.2 2.2 79.8 74.9 April 66.1 85.9 9.4 36.0 48.0 May 83.9 78.5 81.2 66.6 73.7 June 85.9 82.0 79.4 79.5 66.2 July 87.6 85.9 83.9 83.2 82.4 August 87.4 85.3 82.7 77.8 73.9 September 85.8 87.8 80.9 10.5 64.5 October 80.6 75.0 80.3 0.0 74.3 November 92.2 86.0 84.9 66.6 83.7 December 93.0 80.6 75.6 82.4 77.7 Annual Average 85.4 81.6 69.4 61.2 72.7 Note:Annual average may not equal monthly total average due to rounding. 8.1.3 Major Upgrades in Last Fifteen Years As part of a modernization effort, Duke Energy retired BSS the final coal-fired generating units (5 and 6) in 2013 and replaced them with a new, more efficient, natural gas-fired combined cycle facility on the existing site. BCCS began commercial operations in November 2011. 8.2 Description of Consultation with Nuclear Regulatory Commission [§122.21(r)(8)(ii)] The BCCS is not a nuclear fueled unit;therefore,this subsection is not applicable. 8.3 Other Cooling Water Uses for Process Units [§122.21(r)(8)(iii)] The BCCS is not a manufacturing facility;therefore,this subsection is not applicable. 8.4 Description of Current and Future Production Schedules [§122.21(r)(8)(iv)] The BCCS is not a manufacturing facility;therefore,this subsection is not applicable. 8.5 Description of Plans or Schedules for New Units Planned within Five Years [§122.21(r)(8)(v)] During the next five years,there are no plans to decommission, replace, or add new units at this facility as stated in the 2020 IRP. 48 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION 9 References Adams,J.C., and R.V. Kilambi. 1979. Maturation and Fecundity of Redear Sunfish.Arkansas Acad. Sci. Proc. 33:13-16. AECOM, 2017. Memorandum—End of Fieldwork Management Summary for Cultural Resources Evaluation—Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Main Dam Spillway Pipe Modification at Buck Steam Station, Rowan County, North Carolina. October 26, 2017. Auer, N.A. 1982. Identification of Larval Fishes of the Great Lakes Basin with Emphasis on the Lake Michigan Drainage. Great Lakes Fishery Commission,Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Special Pub. 82-3 744 pp. Bridges,A. 2017. Black Crappie. Florida Museum of Natural History. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Accessed 09 June 2017. Accessible from: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/fish/discover/species-profiles/pomoxis-nigromaculatus/ Carlander, K.D. 1977. Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology.Vol. 2.The Iowa State University Press, Ames IA. 431 pp. Dubuc, R.A. and D.R. DeVries. 2002. An exploration of factors influencing crappie early life history in three Alabama impoundments. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131:476-491. Duke Power. 1994. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in the Yadkin River and High Rock Lake near Buck Steam Station. Duke Power, Charlotte, NC. . 2003. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in the Yadkin River and High Rock Lake near Buck Steam Station. Duke Power Company, Charlotte, NC. . 2011. Assessment of balanced and indigenous populations in the Yadkin River and High Rock Lake near Buck Steam Station. Duke Power Company, Charlotte, NC. Etnier, D.A.,and W.C. Starnes. 1993.The Fishes of Tennessee.The University of Tennessee Press. Knoxville,TN. Gebhart, Glen E., and Robert C. Summerfelt. 1978. Seasonal Growth of Fishes in Relation to Conditions of Lake Stratification. Oklahoma Cooperative Fishery Research Unit 58 (1978): 6-10. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK. Hammers, B., and S. Bryant. 2011. Bluegill: North Carolina Wildlife Profiles. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission [NCWRC], Raleigh, NC. Hendrickson, Dean A., and Adam E. Cohen. 2015. "Fishes of Texas Project Database (Version 2.0)" doi:10.17603/C3WC70. Homer, C. C. Huang, L. Yang, B. Wylie and M. Coan. 2004. Development of a 2001 National Landcover Database for the United States. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, Vol. 70, No. 7,July 2004, pp. 829-840. Online at http://www.mrlc.gov/mrlc2k nlcd.asp. 49 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION King, R.G., G. Seegert,J.Vondruska, E.S. Perry, and D.A. Dixon. 2010. Factors influencing impingement at 15 Ohio River power plants. N.Am.Journal Fish. Manag., 30(2010), pp. 1149-1175. Leonard, P. M. and Orth, D.J. 1988. Use of habitat guilds of stream fishes to determine instream flow requirements. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 8(4): 399-409. May, R. C. 1974. Larval mortality in marine fishes and the critical period concept. Pages 3-19 in J. H.S. Blaxter,editor.The early life history of fish.Springer-Verlag, New York. Miller,T.J., Crowder, L.B., Rice,J.A., Marshall, E.A. 1988. Larval size and recruitment mechanisms in fishes:toward a conceptual framework. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 45:1657-1670 p. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources [MDNR]. 2017. Sunfish Biology and Identification.Accessed 09 June 2017.Accessible from: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/sunfish/biology.html National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2021. Essential Fish Habitat Mapper.Accessed 7/20/21. http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/index.html. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources [NCDENR]. 2006.Standard Operating Procedure Biological Monitoring: Stream Fish Community Assessment Program. Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). 2003.Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin Watershed Restoration Plan. December 2003. http://www.nceep.nethervices/restplans/yadkinpeedee%202003.pdf. . 2009. Upper Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin Restoration Priorities. https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Mitigation%20Services/Watershed Planning/Yadkin River Basin/20 09%20Upper%20Yadkin%2ORBRP Final%20Final%2C%2026feb%2709.pdf. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). 2007. Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin basinwide assessment report whole effluent toxicity program 2002—2006. NCDENR, Division of Water Quality,Water Quality Section. Raleigh, North Carolina. . 2013. Standard Operating Procedures—Stream Fish Community Assessment Program. Division of Water Resources, Environmental Sciences Section, Biological Assessment Branch. December 2013,Version 5. 52 pp. Page, L.M., and B.M Burr. 2011. Peterson Field guide to Freshwater Fishes of North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, Massachusetts. 663 pp. Rohde, F. C.,Arndt,J. W., Foltz, and Quattro,J. W. 2009. Freshwater Fishes of South Carolina. University of South Carolina Press, Columbia SC. 430 pp. Ross,S.T. 2001.The Inland Fishes of Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi,Jackson. Stone, N. 2008. Forage Fish—Introduction and Species.Southern Regional Aquaculture Center SRAC Publication No. 140. United States Department of Agriculture. [Online] http://www2.ca.uky.edu/wkrec/foragespecies.pdf. 50 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Tatarenkov,A., Barreto, F.S., Winkelman, D.L., and J.C. Avise. 2006. Genetic monogamy in the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, a Species with Uniparental Nest Guarding. Copeia 4: 735-741. Tetra Tech, Inc. 2004. Water quality data review for High Rock Lake, North Carolina. Durham, NC. United States Endangered Species Act(ESA). 1973. https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa- library/pdf/ESAall.pdf. United States Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS). Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), Environmental Conservation Online System. Accessed 7/20/21. [URL]: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. United States Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA). 2014. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - Final Regulations to Establish Requirements for Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities and Amend Requirement at Phase I Facilities; Final Rule. 40 CFR Parts 122 and 125. Federal Register Vol. 79 No. 158. August 15, 2014. University of Michigan. 2017. Animal Diversity Web, Museum of Zoology.Accessed 13 July 2017. Wang,J.C.S and R.J. Kernehan. 1979. Fishes of the Delaware Estuaries.A Guide to the Early Life Histories, Towson, MD. pp.410. ISSN 0-931842-02-6. Weiss, CM,TP Anderson, and PH Campbell. 1981. The water quality of the Upper Yadkin Drainage Basin and High Rock Lake. Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering. School of Public Health. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC. Wellborn,T.L. 2008. Channel Catfish Life History and Biology. Southern Regional Aquatic Center [SRAC] Publication No. 180, College Station,TX. Williamson, K.L., and P.C. Nelson. 1985. Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability Curves: Gizzard Shad. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 82(10.112). Washington, DC. 51 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Appendices 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Appendix A. Buck Combined Cycle Station §122.21(r)(2) — (8) Submittal Requirement Checklist. 71 (2)(i) Narrative description and scaled drawings of source Yes waterbody. s a (2)(ii) Identification and characterization of the source Yes c waterbody's hydrological and geomorphological 3 o features, as well as the methods used to conduct any a, physical studies to determine intake's area of li influence within the waterbody and the results of 0 such studies. N (2)(iii) Locational maps. Yes `+-° (3)(i) Narrative description of the configuration of each Yes c CWIS and where it is located in the waterbody and in a, 3 the water column. c u (3)(ii) Latitude and Longitude of CWIS. Yes o v, (3)(iii) Narrative description of the operation of each CWIS. Yes " Y (3)(iv) Flow distribution and water balance diagram. Yes M 1 c (3)(v) Engineering drawing of CWIS. Yes (4)(i) A list of the data supplied in paragraphs (r)(4)(ii) Yes, but not Y through (vi) of this section that are not available and applicable o efforts made to identify sources of the data. because all data c is available. 0 CC (4)(ii) A list of species (or relevant taxa)for all life stages and Yes ., their relative abundance in the vicinity of CWIS. o (4)(iii) Identification of the species and life stages that would Yes s be most susceptible to impingement and entrainment. u o (4)(iv) Identification and evaluation of the primary period of Yes 'NM reproduction, larval recruitment, and period of peak ° abundance for relevant taxa. 'm (4)(v) Data representative of the seasonal and daily Yes c activities of biological organisms in the vicinity of a, CWIS. o — I m (4)(vi) Identification of all threatened, endangered, and Yes ;; other protected species that might be susceptible to 3 impingement and entrainment at cooling water intake cu structures. (4)(vii) Documentation of any public participation or Yes, but not 0 `^ consultation with Federal or State agencies applicable. re- undertaken in development of the plan. A-1 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION (4)(viii) Methods and QA procedures for any field efforts. Yes, but not applicable as no new data have been collected. (4)(ix) In the case of the owner or operator of an existing Yes, noted in facility or new unit at an existing facility,the Source report that(i) Water Baseline Biological Characterization Data is the through (xii) information included in (i)through (xii). provide this information. (4)(x) Identification of protective measures and stabilization Yes activities that have been implemented, and a description of how these measures and activities affected the baseline water condition in the vicinity of CWIS. (4)(xi) List of fragile species as defined at 40 CFR 125.92(m) Yes at the facility. (4)(xii) Information submitted to obtain Incidental take Yes, but not exemption or authorization for its cooling water applicable. intake structure(s)from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service. (5)(i) Narrative description of the operation of the cooling Yes water system and its relationship to CWIS. (5)(i) Number of days of the year the cooling water system Yes is in operation and seasonal changes in the operation of the system. (5)(i) Proportion of the design intake flow that is used in the Yes system. p — _ (5)(i) Proportion of design intake flow for contact cooling, Yes 24) non-contact cooling, and process uses. (5)(i) Distribution of water reuse to include cooling water not applicable 4.4 reused as process water, process water reused for cooling,and the use of gray water for cooling. (5)(i) Description of reductions in total water withdrawals Yes including cooling water intake flow reductions already achieved through minimized process water withdrawals. (5)(i) Description of any cooling water that is used in a not applicable manufacturing process either before or after it is used for cooling, including other recycled process water flows. (5)(i) Proportion of the source waterbody withdrawn (on a Yes monthly basis). A-2 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION (5)(ii) Design and engineering calculations prepared by a Yes qualified professional and supporting data to support the description required by paragraph (r)(5)(i)of this section. (5)(iii) Description of existing impingement and entrainment Yes technologies or operational measures and a summary of their performance. Identification of the chosen compliance method for the entire Yes CWIS or each CWIS at its facility. (6)(i) Impingement Technology Performance Optimization No, not selected Study for Modified Travelling Screen. compliance path Two years of biological data collection. and thus not applicable. 121 L u rp c -p to c E o o L Demonstration of Operation that has been optimized • 2 to minimize impingement mortality. sc Complete description of the modified traveling -, E screens and associated equipment. 2 m (6)(ii) Impingement Technology Performance Optimization c . Study for Systems of Technologies as BTA for r E Impingement Mortality. Minimum of two years of biological data measuring the reduction in impingement mortality achieved by the system. (7)(i) Site-specific studies addressing technology efficacy, Yes; note that no through plant entrainment survival, and other site-specific impingement and entrainment mortality studies. studies were conducted at this facility. a a (7)(ii) Studies conducted at other locations including an Yes; note that explanation of how they relevant and representative. studies at other E v, locations were not determined to be relevant. (7)(iii) Studies older than 10years must include an not applicable ( )( ) PP explanation of why the data are still relevant and representative. ro (8)(i) Description of individual unit age, utilization for Yes 0 0 c previous 5 year, major upgrades in last 15 years. A-3 • 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION (8)(ii) Descriptions of completed, approved, or scheduled Yes, but not uprates and Nuclear Regulatory Commission applicable. relicensing status of each unit at nuclear facilities. (8)(iii) Other cooling water uses and plans or schedules for Yes, but not decommissioning or replacing units. applicable. (8)(iv) For all manufacturing facilities, descriptions of current Yes, but not and future production schedules. applicable. (8)(v) Descriptions of plans or schedules for any new units Yes planned within the next 5 years. A-4 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Appendix B. Engineering Drawings of Cooling Water Intake Structure • Drawing D000846153: T-30 X 24 HC Intake Screen Assembly With 3" ABW Connection • Drawing BUKOC-PY-P-RW.00.EV-01: Buck Combined Cycle Station Raw Water Supply Pump Station and Screen Elevation Views • Drawing BUKOC-SS-S-IS.00.SD-01: Buck Combined Cycle Station Raw Water Supply Intake Structure Structural Sections and Details B-1 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION I i . I a I 2 ' ,...�,. A . i Lreacw .n. _ ;Few4 , .02.2er24. ' .B WI mama airs A O ill' FOR APPROVAL it ® I 0 .uswz�mcL ack�uwkggr l Fm r ay.sr ❑Ara.su mV14a=1.a,� ❑akeka'nlYE:=111 AN*w0_ 0- a� I "ilk" 9 a . w k a.a. M,.-E .. 0 Pll—d6d 1Km.� I — �---- „ ® suw:n!�CIVes s filwawcrur Fw 3'3TYELOCm � e,....r.a,3� Eli tot PM I ESE9TI1.1ISG WCdLI`.am6 —s.Ef � .+.n rr T i eef1AYFL.Aaia% t" Taxi:I:scrAiNI iAEA so.-Nam ,I" A.x xr siESMTF.aTESE ECAOP TT Dalk. I Baaw ALLOVA EUT:ESM MRESSIE.r:a.o aN ` O E! 8 O ®_ INSTALLATION ORIENTATION O O! _I I�VfW(jI I.ai 2ax1 mum* \\\.O O>AISON SCREENS .1 F~" I A O — . . j ♦ ' LX X N NC INTAKE SCREEN ASSEMBLY CI T kUlfrd+ Wilk 3'A6MCTtiFCTaCk , '' BECK CEWXERrE a.NC a .K ., •t—mso-a A?P 1VAL VDT.f-AIF Fir -;,rA 0006848153 I I I B-2 1 W , 1 or 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION ,! OKCRY-041W.0014.0.r 0 1E680 i 1 1 q .2 ...,............ ..,.. 1 ... .. •... t •:.eut,',1%.1•V,Vr"-..,T.. .., .ILiti—Itgil 1 '' f..- 1---- -7-----: , 71:2•:1":" .... 2.M....... 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C. --4 5 z .._ g • • II Appendix C. Engineering Calculations for Through- Screen Velocity ci I. c , s 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Buck Combined Cycle Station 316(b) Report Through-Screen Velocity Calculations- Data Sheet Mike Smallwood (rev 2022-0319) lini4' • Yr1iIi�Y0i1 v ■Yli01i ' ' ,5:2_, - 0.re -„ fix a � ° OY � 1 - Yt•i�1® ro.,A,rmtv, oo 8 . :'0Z— ----- A D ° ^ 11 t11111111: ��m ° 1 1 Iii • Li f i --- Itll�l u1• N l STALLA cncreolunort ■_1111l111u11 11�111111 11.0 O a+e_. $ 00 ®ill9,a XMOVIRVt ®WEINOSIM IfIY�A '?l ;f Screen Data Screen Open Area =63.78% Total Screen Area =5,644 in2 Total Screen Open Area = 3,599 in2 Slot Size=3.2mm Diameter=30 in Total Length = 101.01 in Screen Length =31 in (x2 for each T screen =62 in) Pump Data Design Flow/Pump=2,500 gpm Design Intake Flow=5,000 gpm (assumes two pumps operating and one spare) Actual Intake Flow(2017-2021) =2,146 gpm (3.09 MGD) Screen Source Data:Johnson Screens Drawing D000846153 (2014) C-2 316(b) Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION Formulas conversion factors 1:V= Q/A 1 gallon = 0.1337 ft3 2:A= N*n*D*L*POA 1 minute = 60 seconds Solve for A Using Formula 2 where:V=through screen velocity, fps Q= pump flow, gpm A=surface area of screen open mesh,ft2 N = number of wedgewire screen units(3) D =diameter of wedgewire screen unit,ft L= length of open mesh area for each screen unit,ft POA= percent open area A= (3) * (n) * (2.5) * (5.17) * (0.6378) = 77.69 ft2 Solve for TSV at Design Flow Using Formula 1 TSV= [(5000) * (0.1337) * (1/60)] /(77.69) DIF TSV= 0.14 fps Solve for TSV at Average Flow Using Formula 1 TSV= [(2146) * (0.1337) * (1/60)] /(77.69) AIF TSV= 0.06 Fps C-3 t 316(b)Compliance Submittal BUCK COMBINED CYCLE STATION This page intentionally blank C-4