ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Transcription

1 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA MARTIN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 349 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION DOCUMENT DECEMBER 2006 Prepared by

2 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA MARTIN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 349 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION DOCUMENT DECEMBER 2006 Prepared by:

3 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA MARTIN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 349 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION DOCUMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION Background The Preliminary Information Document Issue Identification Workshops Agents for Client Name Document Purpose and Content INTEGRATED LICENSING PROCESS (ILP) Description of the ILP Project Schedule Document Control and Website Mailing Lists Website Public Reference File Restricted Documents Proposed Communications Protocol Document Distribution Providing Documents to APC Meetings General Communications Study Requests GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RIVER BASIN Major Land and Water Uses Other Diversion Structures Tributaries Climate References PROJECT LOCATION, FACILITIES, AND OPERATIONS Project Introduction, Location, Facilities, and Operations Measurement of Elevation at the Martin Project Project Facilities Reservoir Dam Powerhouse Project Transmission Current and Proposed Project Operations i -

4 Table of Contents (Cont d) 4.5 Other Project Information Evaluation of Potential Winter Rule Curve Changes Current License Requirements Compliance History of the Project Safety Requirements Summary of Project Generation and Outflow Records Delivery of Water for Non-Power Uses Russell Lands Willow Point Golf Course City of Alexander City Adams Water Treatment Plant Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Water Treatment Plant StillWaters Resort Beaver Lake Replenishment System Current Net Investment Project Boundary References DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Geology and Soils Soil Types in Project Area Existing Erosion Literature Cited Water Resources Drainage Area Existing and Proposed Uses of Water Existing Instream Flow Uses Flow Statistics Existing Water Rights Morphometric Data for Existing Reservoirs Gradient of Downstream Reaches Intake Velocities Federally Approved Water Quality Standards Existing Water Quality Data APC Monitoring Data ADEM and Other Project Related Monitoring Data Literature Cited Fish and Aquatic Resources Essential Fish Habitat As Defined Under Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Literature Cited Wildlife Resources Literature Cited Botanical Resources Upland Habitat Communities and Species Noxious Weeds Literature Cited Riparian, Wetland and Littoral Habitat ii -

5 Table of Contents (Cont d) Wetlands Riparian and Littoral Habitats Literature Cited Rare, Threatened, Endangered (RTE) and Special Status Species Literature Cited Recreation Existing Recreation Facilities and Opportunities Recreation Facilities and Opportunities in the Project Vicinity Recreation Facilities and Opportunities at the Project Current Project Recreation Use Levels and Capacities Recreation Needs Identified in Management Plans Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Specially Designated Recreation Areas National Wild and Scenic and State Protected River Segments National Trails and Wilderness Areas Literature Cited Land Use and Aesthetic Resources Overview of Land Uses Land Uses in Project Area Existing Shoreline Management Plan Land Classifications Permitting Program Aesthetics Overview Visual Character of Project Vicinity Visual Character of Project Lands and Waters Nearby Scenic Attractions Management Plans Literature Cited Cultural Resources Prehistoric Overview Historic Overview Historic Properties Literature Cited Socioeconomic Resources Population Patterns Households/Family Distribution and Income Project Vicinity Employment Sources Literature Cited Tribal Resources PRELIMINARY ISSUES AND ON-GOING PROGRAMS & STUDIES Existing Programs On-Going Studies Preliminary Issues iii -

6 Table of Contents (Cont d) 7.0 REFERENCES Section 3.0 General Description of River Basin Section 4.0 Project Location, Facilities, and Operations Section 5.1 Geology and Soils Section 5.2 Water Resources Section 5.3 Fish and Aquatic Resources Section 5.4 Wildlife Resources Section 5.5 Botanical Resources Section 5.6 Riparian, Wetland and Littoral Habitat Section 5.7 Rare, Threatened and Special Status Species Section 5.8 Recreation Section 5.9 Land Use and Aesthetic Resources Section 5.10 Cultural Resources Section 5.11 Socioeconomic Resources LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3.0-1: Location of the Lake Martin Hydroelectric Project on the Tallapoosa River, AL Figure 4.4-1: Martin Operating Rule Curve Figure 4.5-1: Project Boundary of the Lake Martin Project Figure 5.1-1: Physiographic Regrions of Alabama Figure 5.1-2: Bedrock Geology of the Lake Martin Figure 5.5-1: Community Structure for an Eight Thousand Acre Stand in the Project Area LIST OF TABLES Table 2.4-1: Document Distribution for the Project Relicensing FERC No Table 4.5-1: Approved Water Withdrawals from Lake Martin, Tallapoosa River Table 5.2-1: Mean, Maximum, and Minimum Monthly Flow Statistics for the Tallapoosa River in the Project Area, USGS Gage No Horseshoe Bend (Period of Record: ) Table 5.2-2: Approved Water Withdrawals from Lake Martin, Tallapoosa River Table 5.2-3: Specific Water Quality Criteria for State of Alabama Waters with Designation as Public Water Supply, Fish and Wildlife/Swimming* Table 5.2-4: Summary of Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Data (at depth of 5-feet) from the Project, Table 5.2-5: Summary of Average DO Data Gathered During 1995 APC and ADCNR Fisheries Study Table 5.2-6: Summary of Continuous DO and Water Temperature Monitoring in the Project Tailrace, Table 5.2-7: Summary Data for Water Chemistry Variables Measured at the Project During the Period by APC iv -

7 Table of Contents (Cont d) Table 5.2-8: Summary of Water Temperature and DO Reservoir Profile Data Collected at a Depth of 5-ft by ADEM During the Period Table Summary Data for Water Chemistry Variables as Measured by ADEM During the Period in the Project Area Table 5.3-1: Fishes Known or Expected to Occur in the Immediate Vicinity of the Project Table 5.5-2: Invasive Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Vicinity Table 5.6-1: Acres and Percentages of Wetland Types in the Project Area Table Federally Threatened and Endangered Species in Alabama Counties Occupied by the Project Table 5.8-1: Existing Recreation Facilities and Access at the Martin Project Table 5.9-1: Percentages of Land Use Classifications by Counties in the Project Vicinity Table G-1: Bird Species Occurring in the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity... G-1 Table G-2: Mammal Species Typical of the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity... G-12 Table G-3: Reptile and Amphibian Species Typical of the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity... G-17 Table H-1: Typical and Confirmed Botanical Species of the Project Vicinity... H-1 Table I-1: Riparian and Littoral Species Occurring in the Project Vicinity...I-1 LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS Photo 5.5-1: Giant Cut Grass (Millet) on the Shoreline of Lake Martin Photo 5.9-1: Aerial View of Martin Dam and Powerhouse Photo 5.9-2: Martin Dam Photo 5.9-3: Martin Powerhouse Photo 5.9-4: Downstream View of Tailrace LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Distribution List Appendix B: Acronyms, Abbreviations, Glossary Appendix C: FERC ILP Schematic Appendix D: Martin Relicensing Schedule Appendix E: Martin Water Quality Certification Appendix F: Flow Duration Curves Appendix G: Representative Wildlife Species Appendix H: Representative Botanical Species Appendix I: Riparian/Littoral Habitat Appendix J: Land Use/Recreation Plan Maps - v -

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA MARTIN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 349 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION DOCUMENT 1.1 Background Alabama Power Company (APC) is beginning the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of the Martin Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 349). The 182 MW Martin Project (hereinafter, Project or Martin ) consists of a dam, spillway, powerhouse and 40,000 acre (ac) reservoir known as Lake Martin. Lake Martin is located on the Tallapoosa River (River), near Dadeville, Alabama. All non-federal hydroelectric projects in the United States operate under licenses issued by FERC. FERC issued a license to APC in May 1978 for the Project and that license expires on June 8, In order for APC to continue operating the Project, APC must obtain a new operating license from FERC. Obtaining a new operating license requires APC to complete a multi-year application process and file a license application with FERC by June 8, This process is called relicensing. A summary of the relicensing process is presented below with a detailed description presented in Section 2.1. The FERC has a new licensing process called the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP). The ILP includes, among other activities, an early scoping process pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, a FERC-approved study plan and distribution of a preliminary licensing proposal. There are many opportunities for participation in the ILP and APC anticipates working closely with resource agencies and interested persons, referred to hereinafter as stakeholders, to identify and resolve the Project issues. Because the ILP is FERC s default licensing process, APC intends to use the ILP to prepare a license application for the Martin Project. 1-1

9 1.2 The Preliminary Information Document This Preliminary Information Document (PID) is a compilation of existing information on the Martin Project and the many environmental, recreation, land use, cultural and socioeconomic resources of Lake Martin. While the PID is not a requirement of the ILP process, APC prepared this document to educate interested persons on the current operation of the Project and to prepare stakeholders for the Issue Identification Workshops, discussed in Section 1.3. The PID serves as a precursor to the Preliminary Application Document (PAD), which is a requirement of the ILP process. Following distribution of the PID and hosting of the Issue Identification Workshops, APC intends to work with stakeholders to prepare and distribute the PAD in spring Additional information on the ILP is discussed in Section 2.1. A copy of the distribution list for the PID is located in Appendix A. 1.3 Issue Identification Workshops On Tuesday, January 30, 2007, APC will host two Issue Identification Workshops at the Betty Carol Graham Center at the Central Alabama Community College, 1675 Cherokee Rd, Alexander City, AL The first workshop will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM, and the second workshop from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The content of each workshop is identical and participants need attend only one of the two workshops. The purpose of the Issue Identification Workshops is to provide interested persons with the opportunity to learn more about the Project and the relicensing process and to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the things they like about the Project and those things they feel should be improved over the next Project license term. The workshops are free and open to the public. 1-2

10 1.4 Agents for Client Name The following persons are authorized to act as agent for the applicant pursuant to 18 CFR 5.6(d)(2)(i): Mr. Jerry L. Stewart Senior Vice President Alabama Power Company 600 North 18 th Street P.O. Box 2641 Birmingham, AL (205) Document Purpose and Content The PID has six primary sections that are structured according to FERC s regulations for the PAD (18 C.F.R. 5.6). It is important to note that the PID does not include all the required information that will be included in the PAD, since APC will be using 2007 to gather additional information and work with stakeholders to identify needed information. The following list describes the content of each section for use in finding specific information. Section 1.0: Introduction; Table of Contents; List of Appendices; List of Figures; List of Tables; List of Photos; and Definitions of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations are located in Appendix B. Section 2.0: Integrated Licensing Process Description, ILP Flow Chart, Martin Timeline, and Proposed Communication Protocol. Section 3.0: General Description of the River basin, per 18 CFR 5.6(d)(3)(xiii). Section 4.0: Description of Project Location, Facilities, and Operation, per 18 CFR 5.6(d)(2). Section 5.0: Description of the Existing Environment by Resource Area, per 18 CFR 5.6(d)(3)(ii)-(xii). Section 6.0: Existing Programs and Preliminary Issues List. 1-3

11 Appendices: Appendix A: Distribution List Appendix B: Acronyms, Abbreviations, Glossary Appendix C: FERC ILP Schematic Appendix D: Martin Relicensing Schedule Appendix E: Martin License and WQC Certification Appendix F: Flow Duration Curves Appendix G: Representative Wildlife Species Appendix H: Representative Botanical Species Appendix I: Existing Aquatic Plant Management Program Appendix J: Riparian/Littoral Habitat 1-4

12 2.0 INTEGRATED LICENSING PROCESS (ILP) The ILP regulations 1 define very specific procedures and timelines. The FERC designed the ILP to be a transparent process that involves all interested parties including tribes, agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public. As such, APC will carefully document the entire process including any information received from the interested parties as well as records of communications. To keep the interested parties informed of the process, APC will maintain a relicensing website at and make other information available at its corporate offices in Birmingham, Alabama. 2.1 Description of the ILP The ILP is the default process by which a hydropower project obtains a new license to operate. This process, which integrates the efforts of the FERC, regulatory agencies, stakeholders and the project owner, streamlines the FERC s licensing process by providing a predictable, efficient, and timely licensing process that continues to ensure adequate resource protection for the Project. The efficiencies expected to be achieved through the ILP are founded in three fundamental principles: Early issue identification and resolution of studies needed to fill information gaps, avoiding studies post-filing; Integration of other stakeholder permitting process needs; and Established time frames to complete process steps for all stakeholders, including FERC. FERC s ILP schematic that describes milestone activities and time frames is provided in Appendix C. 1 For more details on FERC licensing processes go to or see 18 C.F. R

13 2.2 Project Schedule APC has developed a Project relicensing schedule based on FERC s ILP regulations (See Appendix C). This schedule shows all the activities in leading up to the official FERC starting point of the ILP process, which commences with APC filing its Notice of Intent and the PAD sometime during the spring of APC will use 2007 to work with stakeholders to identify issues and develop plans to address information gaps, if needed. A Martin Project schedule is included in Appendix D. 2.3 Document Control and Website The relicensing process is lengthy and involves a lot of correspondence (face-toface meetings, hard copy written documents, electronic mail ( ), and telephone conversations). To account for and manage these communications, APC has developed and will implement during the relicensing process, a document control process. A description of the various communication tools and procedures to be employed by APC is described in the sections below Mailing Lists A mailing list of all stakeholders will be developed and updated accordingly throughout the process. A list of the known stakeholders to date is provided in Appendix A. Participants attending the Issues Identification Workshop that are not yet on the mailing list will have an opportunity to provide all contact information so that they will be on the official list to receive any correspondence from APC regarding the Martin relicensing. Stakeholders may also contact Ms. Viki Jackson at [email protected] or at to be included on the mailing list. 2-2

14 2.3.2 Website APC has developed a relicensing website for the Martin Project at APC will use the website to post meeting notices, meeting summaries, documents (e.g., PID, PAD, draft license application), and correspondence received. APC encourages all stakeholders to use the website for obtaining current information about the Project and the relicensing process Public Reference File APC will also maintain an electronic public reference file on the Project website at The public reference file is a listing of important materials pertaining to the development of the PAD, including background reference material, relevant studies and data referenced in the PID and PAD, and the current FERC license. For a nominal copying fee, hard copies of these documents are available upon request. Documents are available for inspection at APC s office at 600 North 18th Street, P.O. Box 2641, Birmingham, AL during regular office business hours. Appointments can be made by contacting Ms. Viki Jackson at or [email protected] Restricted Documents Certain Project-related documents are restricted from public viewing in accordance with FERC regulations. Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) (18 CFR ) related to the design and safety of dams and appurtenant facilities, and that is necessary to protect national security and public safety are restricted. Anyone seeking CEII information from FERC must file a CEII request. FERC's website at contains additional details related to CEII. 2-3

15 Information related to protecting sensitive archaeological or other culturally important information is also restricted under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Anyone seeking this information from FERC must file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Instructions for FOIA are available on FERC's website at Proposed Communications Protocol The relicensing process for the Project will be lengthy and may be complex due to the number of stakeholders likely to participate in the process. There will be numerous meetings and discussions held over the next few years to identify and subsequently resolve Project issues. To facilitate communications and cooperation among APC and stakeholders, APC has developed a draft Communications Protocol, as described further below Document Distribution APC will distribute, whenever possible, all documents electronically in standard MS Word format or portable document format (PDF). APC may distribute hard copies of some documents for convenience or by request. Distribution of information will follow the guidelines presented below (Table 2.4-1). Table 2.4-1: Document Distribution for the Project Relicensing FERC No. 349 DOCUMENT Preliminary Information Document (PID) Pre-Application Document (PAD) Questionnaire Public Meeting Notices Meeting Agendas METHOD Website; CD-ROM copy U.S. Mail Initial meetings by U.S. Mail, Newspapers and website. Thereafter by , Website and/or newspaper Website and 2-4

16 DOCUMENT Meeting Summaries Process Plan & Schedule Major Documents: PAD, FERC Scoping Documents, Proposed Study Plans, Study Reports, Draft license Application, etc. PAD support documents FERC License and related documents METHOD Website and Website Website, CD-ROM, and APC corporate office Website and APC corporate office Website Providing Documents to APC APC requests that that it receive all documents electronically in either PDF or an appropriate MS Office (i.e., MS Word, Excel, etc.) format. electronic documents to Hard copy documents may be mailed to Jim Crew, Martin Relicensing Project Manager, Alabama Power Company, 600 North 18th Street, P.O. Box 2641, Birmingham, AL In either case, all documents received become part of the relicensing consultation record and are available for distribution to the public and/or posting to the relicensing website at Meetings APC recognizes there are a number of tribes, agencies, groups, and individuals that may want to participate in the process. These groups and individuals are frequently referred to as stakeholders, because they have a stake or interest in the Project. APC will work with all stakeholders to develop meeting schedules that include practical locations and times to accommodate the majority of participants. APC will post a calendar of relicensing meetings on the relicensing website as far in advance as practicable. In general, APC will schedule meetings at least two weeks in advance and between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. At that time, APC will provide a meeting agenda on the relicensing website and by . APC will also distribute any documents or 2-5

17 other information that will be the subject of meeting discussions. APC will make every effort to begin and end meetings on time. Following distribution of the PAD in spring 2008, FERC staff will organize and conduct Scoping meetings at the Project. A scoping meeting is FERC s official public meeting to discuss issues and alternatives pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Scoping meetings will include at least one evening meeting and day session and will be advertised on APC s relicensing website as well as local newspapers General Communications Communications include written hard-copy correspondence, , and notes from single party and multi-party telephone calls. APC may post records of these communications (including copies of or telephone discussion notes) on the Project relicensing website. APC s goal is to keep the lines of communication open during the relicensing process and make it easy for relicensing stakeholders and the public to get information related to the relicensing and the interests/issues of other stakeholders Study Requests As discussed in Section 1.2, this PID is intended to be a precursor to the PAD, which will contain a more detailed description of the issues and proposed draft study plans. The Issue Identification Workshops will be one of the first public discussions of Project issues and potential areas that may need further investigation. In cases where APC, in conjunction with the stakeholders, determine that there is little or no information related to an area(s) of potential critical concern, APC and/or relicensing participants may request additional studies or investigations to add to the knowledge of the Project. The ILP regulations set forth a specific format and information that must be provided from stakeholders requesting studies related to the relicensing. Draft study requests 2-6

18 need to adhere to the following format as specified by CFR 18, 5.9(b) of FERC's ILP regulations. All study requests must: Describe the goals and objectives of each study proposal and the information to be obtained; If applicable, explain the relevant resource management goals of the agencies or Indian tribes with jurisdiction over the resource to be studied; If the requestor is not a resource agency, explain any relevant public interest considerations in regard to the proposed study; Describe existing information concerning the subject of the study proposal, and the need for additional information; Explain any nexus between project operations and effects (direct, indirect, and/or cumulative) on the resource to be studied, and how the study results would inform the development of license requirements; Explain how any proposed study methodology (including any preferred data collection and analysis techniques, or objectively quantified information, and a schedule including appropriate field season(s) and the duration) is consistent with generally accepted practice in the scientific community or, as appropriate, considers relevant tribal values and knowledge; and Describe considerations of level of effort and cost, as applicable, and why any proposed alternative studies would not be sufficient to meet the stated information needs. The requestor should also describe any available cost-share funds or inkind services that the sponsor of the request may contribute towards the study effort. During 2007, APC intends to work with stakeholders to identify information gaps and potential studies, develop consensus based study plan(s), and include these in the filing of the PAD with FERC in spring

19 3.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RIVER BASIN The Tallapoosa River Basin (Basin) lies wholly within Coosa, Elmore, and Tallapoosa counties, Alabama (Figure 3.0-1). Lake Martin is a 31-mile impoundment located on the Tallapoosa River, approximately 53 miles (mi.) above its mouth near Dadeville, in east central Alabama. Lake Martin has 700 mi. of shoreline, a surface area of nearly 40,000 ac, and a storage capacity of 1,622,000 acre-feet (af) or nearly 530 billion gallons, making it the second deepest lake in Alabama (CH2MHILL, 2005). The Basin is approximately 4,664 mi 2, 2,981 mi 2 of which exists upstream of the Project. Approximately 15% (699.6 mi 2 ) of the Basin s drainage area lies in Georgia, where the River s headwaters originate. The headwaters of the Tallapoosa and Little Tallapoosa Rivers begin in the Georgia counties of Paulding and Carrol (at approximately 1,150 feet (ft) msl), respectively, and enter Alabama in Randolph County southwest of the City of Atlanta to form the R. L. Harris Reservoir (commonly referred to as Lake Wedowee) and the main stem of the River. From the confluence of these two rivers, the Tallapoosa meanders southwesterly through four APC hydroelectric projects (R. L. Harris Dam, Martin Dam, Yates Dam, and Thurlow Dam) before joining the Coosa River to create the Alabama River (at approximately 113 ft msl). The Alabama portion of the Basin drains 3,964.4 mi 2 of land (CH2MHILL, 2005). 3-1

20 Figure 3.0-1: Location of the Lake Martin Hydroelectric Project on the Tallapoosa River, AL 3-2

21 3.1 Major Land and Water Uses Almost 70% of the Basin is covered by forests, and forestry-related activities account for a major part of the Basin s economy. Agriculture is also a significant land use activity supporting a variety of animal operations and commodity production. Although the total farmland in the basin is declining, livestock and poultry production is strong. The trend is toward larger commercial-type farms with increased use of machinery. Despite a strong agricultural presence, approximately one-half of the working population is employed in manufacturing industries (Alabama Power Company, Undated). Although the nearby Alabama River is considered a critical navigation route for commercial barge traffic, the Tallapoosa River does not contain locks on any of the dams that would allow passage for motorized boats of any kind. There are no large metropolitan centers within this Basin. 3.2 Other Diversion Structures All four hydroelectric generating dams on the Tallapoosa River are owned and operated by APC and include R. L. Harris Dam located at River Mile (RM) 139.1; Martin Dam located at RM 62.1, Yates Dam at RM 54.1, and finally, Thurlow Dam at RM Tributaries The principal tributary streams are the Little Tallapoosa River, which has a drainage area of 605 mi 2 in Georgia and Alabama, and Sougahatchee, South Sandy, Uphapee, and Hillabee Creeks in Alabama. The confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers form the Alabama River near Wetumpka, Alabama (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 1998). 3-3

22 3.4 Climate The Basin has a mild and uniform temperate climate with warm summers and usually mild winters. Snowfall accumulation is infrequent. During the month of July, temperatures vary between 92 F and 67 F. Although the monthly average highs in June, July, and August exceed 90 F, this temperature range generally occurs, on average, only 87 days per year. Temperatures above 100 F are unusual. The winter extremes of 32 F and lower occur on an average of 64 times per year. The frost-free season varies from 205 days in the north portion to 256 days in the south portion of the basin. Annual rainfall amounts typically range between 46 to 64 inches (in.). The average growing season is approximately 209 days (CH2MHILL, 2005). 3.5 References Alabama Power Company. Undated. Report on the Martin Dam Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. CH2MHILL Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan. Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Montgomery, AL. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Atlanta, GA. 3-4

23 4.0 PROJECT LOCATION, FACILITIES, AND OPERATIONS 4.1 Project Introduction, Location, Facilities, and Operations APC began construction on the Martin Project in 1923 and it was placed in service with three generating units in APC added a fourth generating unit in The Project consists of : (1) a concrete gravity dam with an earth dike section, about 2,000 ft in length and a maximum height of 168 ft, containing a 720-ft-long, gated spillway section with 20 spillway gates; (2) a reservoir with a surface area of 40,000 ac at normal maximum elevation of 490 ft Martin Datum (MD) (490 ft MD = 491 ft mean sea level (msl)); (3) headworks containing 12 intake gates and 4 steel penstocks; (4) a brick and concrete, steel-frame powerhouse, 307 ft long, 58 ft wide, and 99 ft high, containing four vertical Francis turbines that power four generating units (45.8, 41.0,40.5, and 55.2 megawatts (MW), respectively) for a total installed capacity of MW. The Project intake structures inverts are located 68 ft below normal pool elevation and 8 ft below the minimum operational pool level of 430 ft msl. The Project also includes two short (450- ft-long) 115-kilovolt transmission lines and appurtenant facilities (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 2005). The Project is an existing facility located at RM above Mobile, Alabama on the Tallapoosa River near Dadeville, AL. The Project is 77 River Miles (RM) downstream from the Harris Dam and 8 RM upstream from the Yates Dam. 4.2 Measurement of Elevation at the Martin Project In the 1920 s when land was being purchased for construction of the Project, a locally established reference point known as Martin Datum was utilized for determining elevations. Today, most figures, drawings and general references are shown in mean sea level, or msl, which FERC also uses as it s standard. Martin Datum is the equivalent of 1 foot below msl. Throughout this document and during the relicensing process and thereafter, all elevations will be presented in msl rather than Martin Datum. For example, 4-1

24 the Lake Martin normal summer pool will be shown as El. 491 msl (which is equivalent to El. 490 Martin Datum). 4.3 Project Facilities Reservoir The Martin Reservoir, commonly referred to as Lake Martin, extends up the River for approximately 31 miles. with approximately 700 miles. of shoreline. The reservoir surface area is about 40,000 ac at normal full pool elevation of 491 ft msl, and has a mandatory drawdown of 10 ft in the winter months (Finlay Engineering, 2005). The normal tailwater elevation is 345 ft msl. The gross storage capacity of Lake Martin is 1,625,000 af; active storage in the available 60 ft drawdown is 1,375,000 af (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1978) Dam The Project dam consists of a concrete gravity dam and earth dike section totaling 2,000 ft long with a maximum height of 168 ft. The dam consists of a 720-ft-long arched concrete gravity spillway, a 280-ft-long concrete gravity intake structure, 255-ft-long concrete gravity non-overflow section on the right abutment, and an approximately 1,000-ft-long compacted homogeneous earth embankment on the east (left) abutment (Finlay Engineering, 2005). For passing floodwaters in excess of turbine capacity, the dam has twenty vertical lift steel spillway gates measuring 30 ft wide by 16 ft high. These gates are lifted individually by one of two electric-powered gantry cranes as needed. A third gantry crane is located at the crest of the intake. The deck elevation above the spillway is 501 ft msl. There are 12 intake gates (three per unit) measuring 9 ft wide by 24 ft high, intake trash racks, and four penstocks (Akridge, 2005a). 4-2

25 4.3.3 Powerhouse The Martin powerhouse is a brick, steel, and concrete structure standing 99 ft above the generator floor and is integral with the intake facilities. It houses four vertical flow units totaling MW. The building measures ft long by 58 ft wide by 99 ft high. It contains an overhead crane with a capacity of 200 tons. The crane is used to perform maintenance on the units. Generators 1-3, installed in 1926, were upgraded between and have a rating of MW. Each unit is driven by a vertical type Francis turbine with 54,000 to 61,000 hp. The fourth generator, installed in 1952, has a rating of 55.2 MW and is driven by a 78,000 hp vertical type Francis turbine (Akridge, 2005b). Unit 1 refurbishment was completed and put into service on March 10, 2002 with an increase in capacity from 33.0 to 45.8 MW. Unit 2 was refurbished and placed into service on February 4, 2004 with an increase in capacity from 33.0 to 41.0 MW. Unit 3 was refurbished and placed back into service on March 28, 2003 with an increase in capacity from 33.0 to 40.5 MW. Unit 4 has not been upgraded since its installation in 1952 (Akridge, 2005b) Project Transmission APC supplies electric power throughout a large part of Alabama and exchanges electric power with other operating subsidiaries of Southern Company in Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia, and with Tennessee Valley Authority by means of physical connections of the transmission systems of each. Units 1-3 are each connected through a bank of three single line phase, 12/115 kv step-up transformers, rated 14,000 kva each. Unit 4 is connected through a bank of three single phase, 12/115 kv step-up transformers, rated 23,333 kva each. These transformers are located on the downstream side of the headworks and immediately behind the powerhouse, and are connected to a switching station located at the west end of the dam. The generating plant is connected into the integrated transmission system through nine 115 kv 4-3

26 transmission lines terminating at this switching station. The Project also includes two short (450-ft-long) 115-kvtransmission lines and appurtenant facilities (Akridge, 2005a). Single line diagrams and Project transmission lines are considered CEII and are not included in this document (see Section for information on CEII). 4.4 Current and Proposed Project Operations The Martin Project is a multipurpose storage reservoir. This means the lake level fluctuates seasonally to provide the many benefits the project was built to support. These purposes include hydroelectric power, flood storage, recreation, municipal-and-industrial water supply, water quality enhancement, aquatic flow maintenance and navigation flow support. Some purposes enhance users upstream of the dam, some help with needs downstream of the dam and others, like hydroelectric power, directly affect many people throughout the State. The Lake Martin Rule Curve is a graph of target normal daily lake levels. The lake level is always maintained at or below the elevations specified by the rule curve, except when storing floodwater. Beginning in January, the curve is at el.481ft msl and remains constant to February 17 th. On this date, the curve begins rising until it reaches 491 ft msl on April 28 th. The curve remains at this elevation until Aug.30 th when it begins to lower. The curve lowers 10 feet to el.481 ft msl by Dec.31 st and remains constant until filling begins the next Feb.17 th (see Figure 4.4-1). 4-4

27 Figure 4.4-1: Martin Operating Rule Curve Whenever the lake elevation is above this rule curve, special flood control operations are required as shown below: RULE CONDITION OUTFLOW OPERATION 1 Above Normal Operating elevation ft msl 9600cfs When the reservoir is above the rule curve and between elevations 481 and 486, turbines at Martin Dam will be operated to provide for a continuous outflow from Thurlow Dam of at least the equivalent of the hydraulic capacity of the turbines at Yates Dam, 9600 cfs. 2 Above Normal Operating elevation ft msl 11,000cfs When the reservoir is above the rule curve and between elevations 486 and 489, turbines at Martin Dam will be operated to provide for a continuous outflow from Thurlow Dam of at least the equivalent of the hydraulic capacity of the turbines at that dam, ~11,000 cfs. 4-5

28 RULE CONDITION OUTFLOW OPERATION 3 Above Rule Curve and elevation 489 ft msl Up to Plant capacity, including spillway capacity. When the reservoir is above rule curve and above elevation 489, turbines at Martin Dam will be operated as in 2 above and further, if required to avoid rising above elevation 491.0, will be operated to provide an outflow from Martin Reservoir at least equivalent to all turbine units available operating at full gate and gates will be raised so that the reservoir will not exceed elevation except after all gates are raised and inflow exceeds gate capacity. 4 SPECIAL NOTE During periods when inflow to the reservoirs on the Tallapoosa River exceeds the water capacities of hydraulic turbines, rates of outflow from the reservoirs shall not exceed concurrent rates of inflow except to evacuate accumulated surcharge storage subsequent to the time of peak inflow. Whenever the lake elevation drops below certain levels described in the operating license and remains there for seven days, APC reports this occurrence, by letter, to the FERC and Lake Martin Recreation Association. During this period, discharges are restricted to those that are necessary to fulfill requirements that include critical electrical system needs, downstream flow augmentation for navigation, water quality, fish and wildlife and municipal/industrial water supply purposes. Because the Project is a peaking project, it usually operates Monday through Friday to meet peak power demands (CH2MHILL, 2005). During generation, the Project's four turbines release up to 17,900 cfs. Hours of generation per day depend on reservoir inflow; usually the Project operates for at least eight hours daily on weekdays and for five to six hours on Saturday. The Project does not typically generate on Sunday. Releases from the Project flow directly into the Yates development s 2,000-ac reservoir and 45.5 MW powerhouse with a hydraulic capacity of approximately 11,800 cfs. Releases from Yates flow directly into the Thurlow development's 574-acre reservoir and 85.0 MW powerhouse with a hydraulic capacity of approximately 12,400 cfs (the Yates and Thurlow developments are licensed to APC as FERC Project No. 2407). Thus, the entire River segment from the Project to Thurlow Dam is impounded. Below Thurlow Dam the River flows unimpeded for 45 miles (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1994). 4-6

29 Flows below the Martin Project typically range from leakage (from the dam) to approximately 17,000 cfs. APC operates the Yates/Thurlow Project in a peaking mode to take advantage of peaking releases from Martin. Since 1991, APC has provided a continuous 1,200 cfs minimum release from Thurlow powerhouse. On many occasions, releases from Martin Dam are necessary to allow Thurlow powerhouse to meet this requirement. There are currently procedures in place that allow the Martin Project to forego this release requirement whenever inflows to the Project are abnormally low. This procedure helps balance the need to assure filling Lake Martin each spring to assist with protection of the aquatic environment below Thurlow Dam. Thus, non-flood flows below Thurlow Dam typically vary from 1,200 cfs to 17,000 cfs. Flow in the River as measured ten miles downstream of the Project average 4,822 cfs. 4.5 Other Project Information Evaluation of Potential Winter Rule Curve Changes APC has received many stakeholder comments regarding changes to the winter rule curve elevation. APC intends to evaluate effects of a change in the winter rule curve on environmental, recreational, cultural, and socioeconomic resources and flood control and generation. APC will be evaluating the possibility of raising the winter rule curve elevation of Lake Martin. APC does not propose any operational changes that would adversely affect or require a change to the minimum release below Thurlow Current License Requirements The Commission issued APC a new 40-year license for the continued operation of the Project on May 11, Because Martin operated on annual licenses issued by FERC for 5 years during which time FERC was evaluating the license application, the license will expire on June 8, Articles 1 37 are standard articles contained in FERC s Form L-5. Articles were either in the FERC Order issuing the new license or in subsequent proceedings. 4-7

30 On August 20, 2003, the FERC issued an Order Amending License that approved turbine upgrades at the Project. Those upgrades have been completed, and the turbine and generator nameplates were received and installed on the units on February 4, Compliance History of the Project APC has reviewed the compliance history for the Project and found no instances of non-compliance. The Project is subject to regular dam safety inspections by an independent consultant in accordance with Part 12 of the FERC regulations (see Section 4.4.3). FERC s Atlanta Regional Office conducts an annual Operation Inspection as well as an Environmental and Public Use Inspection every four to five years. There are no outstanding issues remaining to be addressed arising from FERC inspections during the last 10 years Safety Requirements APC has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that provides a system for public notice and warning to downstream property owners along the River in the event of a dam failure. APC conducted an EAP drill for the Project on August 18, 2006 and submitted a critique of the drill to FERC on September 11, An independent engineering consultant specialized in dam safety inspects the Project every five years as required by Part 12 of FERC s regulations. Among other things, FERC intends for these inspections to identify any potential structural issues at the Project. APC submits the consultant s findings and recommendations to FERC and implements the appropriate corrective action to respond to the recommendation. APC submitted the latest Part 12 inspection report to FERC on April 1, The next Part 12 inspection report is due in April of

31 4.5.5 Summary of Project Generation and Outflow Records APC s operation of its Tallapoosa hydroelectric projects has many purposes. APC operates its four reservoirs on the Tallapoosa River to, among other things, meet a minimum release of 1,200 cubic ft per second (cfs) below Thurlow Dam at Tallassee and to maintain a flow of 4,640 cfs at Montgomery, Alabama as part of the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River Basin systemwide requirements. On average, the Martin Project generates about 40% of the electricity of APC s Tallapoosa River fleet of dams. Average annual generation for Martin Dam is about 380,000 MWh. In addition, its ability to store and release water contributes to the energy that is generated at Yates and Thurlow Dams. Energy that would otherwise be lost as spilled water. Furthermore, because of Martin Dam s operational flexibility, it is able to store water during low electrical usage periods and then generate with the same water during periods of high electrical usage when production costs would normally be higher. This results in lower production costs to APC and a savings for its customers. All of the electric energy generated at the Project is used in the interconnected system of APC for public utility purposes. All of the electric energy generated at the Project is used in the interconnected system of APC for public utility purposes Delivery of Water for Non-Power Uses APC has permitted some entities to allow for water withdrawals on Lake Martin, as described below Russell Lands Willow Point Golf Course In the mid 1960 s as part of the development of the Willow Point Golf Course, a pump-house and intake structure was established for irrigating the golf course. This construction was completed under a previous license and prior to the current permitting program. In 2002, this 4-9

32 pumping station was refurbished as part of an overall renovation of the Willow Point Golf Course. A modern irrigation system was installed, with two main irrigation pumps and a jockey pump that maintains pressure within the irrigation system. This system is efficient, utilizing state of the art control technology that effectively minimizes water use, resulting in less runoff to the reservoir. Average use by the current irrigation system is projected at 0.85 million gallons of water per day (mgd), equivalent to about 1.3 cubic feet per second (cfs) City of Alexander City Adams Water Treatment Plant On March 6, 1980, FERC issued an order approving APC s request to issue an easement to the city of Alexander City for the construction, operation and maintenance of a water intake with a capacity of 24 mgd. Current average withdrawal for the Adams Water Treatment Plant is about 10.6 mgd, equivalent to about 16.4 cfs. In 2001, as the result of public concerns raised because of the proximity of the drinking water intake to a marina with fueling facilities, Alexander City made a request to APC to extend the intake for public safety as well as reliability purposes. APC agreed and FERC approved APC s request for the extension of the intake line on March 19, Alexander City currently extracts water from Lake Martin through one 36-inch high-density polyethylene pipe, with a T-screen assembly; this intake structure extends approximately 750 ft into Lake Martin, terminating at an elevation of 470 feet above mean sea level. The intake pipe leads to a pump-house located on the shore and within the Martin Project Boundary. Raw water is pumped a distance of about 8,000 feet from the pump-house to the Adams Water Treatment Plant, ultimately supplying Alexander City s customers in the Greater Lake Martin Area. 4-10

33 Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Water Treatment Plant The FERC s Order Approving Application for Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters Referring Compensation Issue to Federal Judge on February 16, 1996, grants permission for Central Elmore Water Authority (CEWA) to withdraw 10 mgd from Lake Martin; current average withdrawal is 6.7 mgd or about 10 cfs. This water is intended to supplement the regional drinking water supply. CEWA extracts water from Lake Martin through two screened intake structures that extend 300 ft into Lake Martin. These intakes lead to a pump-house located about 70 ft from shore and outside the Project Boundary. Raw water is pumped a distance of about 2 miles from the pump-house to the water treatment facility, ultimately supplying CEWA customers in the City of Wetumpka StillWaters Resort Beaver Lake Replenishment System In 1996, under Paragraph C of Article 58 of the Martin license, APC approved the Beaver Lake Replenishment Withdrawal System for the StillWaters Resort. This approval for <1 mgd involved the installation of 150 feet of 6 inch PVC pipe, encased in concrete, a 2 feet square intake screen structure, a new 20 horsepower centrifugal pump, and a new pump house. This withdrawal of Lake Martin waters was utilized to replenish Beaver Lake, located on the StillWaters site and used as a source of irrigation for the StillWaters site. As a condition of this usage, StillWaters was required to report to APC, on an annual basis, the monthly usage and was required to compensate APC for any usage above an average of 0.1 mgd. The average withdrawal is less than 0.1 mgd. In 2003, the StillWaters complex was divided into components and auctioned separately. The StillWaters Golf Club assumed responsibility for the intake facilities. 4-11

34 Table 4.5-1: Approved Water Withdrawals from Lake Martin, Tallapoosa River OWNER Russell Lands, Inc. FACILITY NAME Willow Point Golf & Country Club SOURCE AVG. DAILY WITHDRAWAL (MGD) FERC PERMIT (MGD) Lake Martin 0.85 <1 City of Alexander City Adams WTP Lake Martin Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority StillWaters Resort CEW&SA Water Treatment Plant Beaver Lake Replenishment Pump Station Lake Martin Lake Martin <0.1 < Current Net Investment The estimated investment required for the replacement of the capacity of the Project is approximately $122.5 million (year 2007 dollars), including necessary replacement of transmission and related facilities. It is expected that when the current Project license expires in 2013, Southern Company s gross original investment in this Project will be $50.0 million. At that time, it is expected that the accumulated provisions for depreciation relating to this Project will be $13.5 million, leaving $36.5 million as the depreciated original cost Project Boundary Lands, waters and structures needed to operate the Project are required by FERC to be enclosed by a Project Boundary lines. Figure depicts the Project Boundary for the Project. APC is only responsible for managing activities within the FERC Project Boundary, which also includes the 30ft control strip at Martin. 4-12

35 Figure 4.5-1: Project Boundary of the Lake Martin Project 4-13

36 4.6 References Akridge, R. M. 2005a. Revised Exhibit M. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Akridge, R. M. 2005b. Upgraded Turbine and Generator Nameplates. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. CH2MHILL Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan. Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Montgomery, AL. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Issuing New License (Major). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Environmental Assessment: Amendment of Recreation Plan. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Environmental Assessment: Application for Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Finlay Engineering, Inc Potential Failure Modes Analysis Martin Hydroelectric Project. Finlay Engineering, Inc. 4-14

37 5.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 5.1 Geology and Soils Bedrock Geology and Physiography Lake Martin and surrounding Project lands are within the Piedmont Upland Physiographic Section (Figure 5.1-1). This section is divided into the Northern, Inner, and Southern Piedmont Upland districts. The Northern and Inner Piedmonts are separated by the Brevard zone, a narrow zone of intensely sheared rocks. The Inner Piedmont is separated from the Southern Piedmont by the Towaliga fault (Alabama Power Company, No Date). The Project lands fall within the Northern and Inner districts. 5-1

38 Figure 5.1-1: Physiographic Regrions of Alabama 5-2

39 The Northern Piedmont is characterized by well-dissected uplands developed over metamorphic and igneous rocks. In the northern portion, elevations generally range from 1,100 to 500 ft above mean sea level (msl) (Figure 5.1-1). Cheaha Mountain, Alabama s highest point at 2,407 ft, is on the northeastern end of a prominent northeast-trending ridge that occurs in this district. The Inner Piedmont is developed on metamorphic rock with no prominent topographic features. Tributaries of the River incise the upland surfaces (Sapp and Emplainment, 1975). Lake Martin is predominantly located in Tallapoosa County. The extreme southwestern portion is located in Elmore County and a small part of the western portion lies in Coosa County. The Project area in these three counties is all underlain by igneous and metamorphosed rocks of late Proterozoic to Paleozoic in age (570 to 240 million years ago). Figure shows the bedrock geology of the Project lands. 5-3

40 Figure 5.1-2: Bedrock Geology of the Lake Martin 5-4

41 The Northern Piedmont The Northern Piedmont, which includes most of the western shores of the Project lands in Tallapoosa, Coosa and Elmore counties is separated into three sections called blocks; the Tallapoosa block, the Coosa block, and the Talladega block. The entire Project area is within the Tallapoosa block. This block includes all of Tallapoosa County and the portions of Coosa and Elmore Counties that are within the Project area. The Tallapoosa block contains rocks of the Wedowee Group, the Hackneyville schist, the Cornhouse schist and the Emuckfaw Formation. The Wedowee Group consists of a wide range of sericite phyllites, feldspathic-biotite-quartz gneiss, and quartzite. The Hackneyville Schist is composed of muscovite and biotite schist, and biotite quartz schist with occasional kyanite. The Cornhouse Schist consists of interlayered chlorite-biotitegarnet schist and muscovite-biotite-garnet-quartz-plagioclase schist. Quartzite and layered amphibolites are also present. The Emuckfaw Formation is interlayered metagraywacke and muscovite-garnet-biotite-schist with local occurrences of quartzite and amphibolite (Sapp and Emplainment, 1975). In addition to the regionally metamorphosed rocks of the Tallapoosa block, granitoid plutons composed of the Elkahatchee Quartz Diorite Gneiss, the Zana Granite and Kowaliga Gneiss occur in the Tallapoosa block. The Brevard Zone The Brevard Zone separates the Northern Piedmont from the Inner Piedmont. The sheared rocks of this zone are bounded to the northwest and southeast by mylonite zones. The unit is called the Jackson s Gap Group and consists primarily of graphitic schist, graphitic phyllite, graphitic metagraywacke, and sericite-quartz phyllite with some zones of phyllonite, blastomylonite, and quartz mylonite. In the southeast portion of the zone, a sericite-quartz-chlorite phyllite has been interpreted as metavolcanic. 5-1

42 The Inner Piedmont The rocks of the Inner Piedmont belong to the Dadeville Complex, a major synformal structure, which is composed of the Agricola Schist, Ropes Creek Amphibolite, Waresville Schist, and Waverly Gneiss. The Camp Hill Granite Gneiss and mafic and ultramafic rocks intrude into the sequence. The mineral assemblages of the Agricola Schist consist of biotite/garnet/sillimanite-feldspar quartz. Thinly bedded layers of dark brown hornblends occur throughout the schist as well as pegmatite pods and veins. The Waresville Schist is a metavolcanic unit of interlayered amphibolites, chlorite-actinolite schist and actinolite-feldspathic quartzite along the southeastern border of the Brevard zone. The Ropes Creek Amphibolite, the most common rock of the southern Dadeville Complex, is massive hornblend gneiss with numerous accessory minerals. The underlying Waverly Gneiss is a feldspathic gneiss locally rich in manganese. Thin layers of amphibolite, calc-silicate rock, garnt quartzite and muscovite schist occur as thin layers. Mafic rocks are infolded with the Agricola Schist and Ropes Creek Amphibolite (Beg, 1988). Structural Features The dominant features in the Piedmont are northeast-trending ridges that are underlain by resistant quartzite and quartz-rich schists. The linear ridges to the northwest and northeast of the dam site are a result of tectonic movement about 500 million years ago. Triassic dikes were intruded into the area approximately 200 million years ago and show no sign of any movement since that time. The Tallapoosa block contains the Alexander City fault and a series of cataclastic zones. The Alexander City Fault divides the Wedowee Group and Emuckfaw Formation. The Brevard Fault Zone, adjacent to the Tallapoosa Block is up to five miles wide and bounded by the Abanda Fault to the northwest and the Katy Creek fault to the southeast (Beg, 1988). 5-2

43 Glacial Features The area surrounding the Project area has not been affected by glaciation. Mineral Resources Gold occurrences in Tallapoosa County were first documented in 1854 as both placer (e.g., water deposited) and lode (e.g., in rock veins) deposits. The Devil s Backbone District, one of the four gold districts in the Piedmont, is within the graphitic schists of the Jackson s Gap Group. The creation of Lake Martin flooded a large portion of the mines and prospects of the Devil s Backbone District. The Lake also covers most of the previously identified placer deposits. Talc and anthophyllite are alteration products of ultramafic and mafic rocks. Talc occurs in the Piedmont as soapstone pockets and veins. Anthophyllite occurs in a fibrous form that may be used as asbestos. Rocks that may host these minerals occur on the east shore of Lake Martin near Sandy Creek although no specific deposits have been identified. Mica is a common platy mineral that splits into very thin tough sheets as small as 1/1000 of an inch. Muscovite mica occurs in many of the igneous and metamorphic rocks in the Piedmont but mostly in pegmatites of the Agricola schist of the Dadeville Complex. No mica mines or prospects have been identified on Lake Martin properties (Rheams, 1984). A number of inactive stone quarries are located within the microbreccia zone of the Jackson s Gap Group and within the granitic bodies. These do not fall within the lands submerged under Lake Martin. Small terrace and alluvial deposits of unconsolidated sand and gravel occur along the banks of the River, Hillabee Creek, Blue Creek and their tributaries. These are not extensive and have not been developed (Beg, 1988). 5-3

44 5.1.1 Soil Types in Project Area Clays and rocky soils in the Project areas are derived from granite, schist, gneiss and igneous rock. Soil productivity has been greatly decreased over much of the area due to poor farming practices in the 1800s and early 1900s. Many areas of depleted soils have reverted to forest, but productivity is often low. Below is a summary of each soil type identified on Project lands by county. Coosa County The Coosa County soils within the Project are classified as the Cecil Gravelly sandy loam (Cm), rough broken land (Rb), and meadow - Congaree material (M). The soils are typically light colored ranging from light gray to red at the surface. Leaching and oxidation have strongly influenced the color-profile development. Organic matter is low and all soil types are slightly acid to acid, with ph ranging from 4.92 to Due to high rainfall, most soluble salts are leached from the surface soils. No carbonate accumulation occurs in the soil profile. The Cecil gravelly sandy loam is included in the group of soils having the most favorable surface relief and agricultural value. The surficial soil is a lightbrown, light-gray or brownish-gray sandy loam. The subsoil, down to 36 in. below the surface, is stiff, brittle red clay. Unlike the associated Cecil sandy loam, this soil has a higher proportion of irregularly shaped fragments that range from one inch up to five inches. These fragments are typically quartz, granite gneiss or schist. Below this layer, a light red micaceous clay from 12 to 20 in. thick grades into the saprolite of granitic gneiss or schist. The hilly phase of the Cecil gravelly sandy loam series has a more rolling or hilly surface with steep slopes. The surface soil may be thin, leached and, in some spots, completely removed by erosion. Gravel and bedrock outcrops occur at the surface. 5-4

45 The soils designated as rough broken land occur in large areas of the county, mainly over narrow ridges, knobs and step slopes. The soil is extremely thin and may rest directly on bedrock or in some areas bedrock is exposed. The Meadow (Congaree material) occurs on the flood plains as narrow strips along the streams. The materials were washed from uplands and deposited by streams. The surface soils (extending 8 to 18 in. deep) are brown or dark brown. Subsoil is brown, yellowish brown or gray. The texture is a fine sandy loam to a silty loam. These soils have a high organic content, are subject to overflow and some areas remain wet throughout the seasons. The silty areas are possibly the most fertile in the county (Taylor, 1929). Elmore County The Elmore County soils within the Project lands are classified as the Louisa sandy loam (Ls), the Louisa gravelly sandy loam (Lg), the York sandy loam (Ysl), Rough stone land (R), and Meadow Congaree materials (Mc). The Louisa sandy loam is a gray to brownish sandy loam extending from five to ten in. deep with varying quantities of white quartz fragments and rock chips. The subsoil is red, heavy clay with small angular quartz grains and a high mica content that imparts a greasy feel. The soil formed in place, mainly over mica schists. The Louisa sandy loam occurs in a broad expanse of gently rolling to hilly areas of Elmore County and exhibits a variety of texture, color, structure and gravel content. In some cases the soils have a mottled appearance or a larger proportion of white quartz gravel. Soils are well drained. Organic matter is generally low. The Louisa gravelly sandy loam is a gray to reddish brown, extending from 4 to 12 in. deep. The surficial soil ranges from a light sandy loam to a heavy loam, contains varying amounts of white quartz fragments, and is underlain by red micaceous clay that may extend 36 in.. The subsoil has a significant proportion of 5-5

46 mica flakes derived from the parent mica schist. This soil type is found in the northeastern corner of the county along the slopes of large drainage features. Drainage is good to excessive. The soil differs from the Louisa sandy loam in the amount of rock fragments present. The York sandy loam is gray to yellowish brown 6 to 8 in. deep. Small angular rocks are found throughout. A yellow to brownish-yellow micaceous clay underlies the sandy loam. The parent rock is a micaceous schist, which supplies a significant amount of mica to the surface soil and subsoil. The soil is formed over gently rolling to rolling topography. Drainage is well established and may be excessive enough to cause destructive erosion. Fertility and organic content are generally low. Rough stone land is the classification given to a small area of Elmore County near the River. A high proportion of rock fragments and outcrops occur in this area of narrow bodies along steep slopes of the valley walls. The soil is unfit for any type of agriculture and marginally useful for pasture. The main usage is timber. Meadow Congaree material is alluvial in origin and occurs along narrow marginal strips besides streams. The material is undifferentiated and no textural classification can be assigned. The Meadow soils are predominantly brown sandy loam overlying a yellowish brown to reddish-brown sandy clay. As in the Meadow soil identified above, drainage is usually poor. The virgin soil is high in organic content and fertility but soon loses the humus content under cultivation (Winston and McGehee, 1913). Tallapoosa County The Tallapoosa County soils within the Project lands are classified as Cecil stony sandy loam (Csl), Cecil slate loam (Cst), Cecil stony loam (Cl), Meadow (C), and Durham coarse sandy loam (Dl). 5-6

47 The Cecil stony sandy loam is grayish to grayish brown with an open structure in the upper seven in.. The surface is covered with a numerous subangular rounded stones that range from pebble to cobble-sized. Below the surficial layer, extending down to 36 in. is a red heavy sandy loam to clay loam. The parent rocks are granites and mica schists under rolling to hilly topography. This soil erodes easily and may create steep-sided gullies. The Cecil slate loam in the upper six inches is a light brown or grayishyellow silt loam. A large portion of mica flakes, quartz fragments and pieces of the mica schist parent rock create a friability and loose open structure. From 6 to 24 in., the subsoil is a yellowish-red to red micaceous loam. The subsoil may contain as much as 50 to 60 per cent micaceous slate fragments surrounded by silty clay. Surficial soil and subsoil are very permeable giving good subsurface drainage. Water readily enters the fissile parent rock. The soil occurs on steep cuts, sharp divides and knobby hills. This allows the soil to be easily carried away. The Cecil stony loam is a heavy sandy loam to loam of a red or brownish red color. The surficial layer is 5 to 7 in. thick and may also contain white or yellow quartz fragments and partially decomposed granite. The subsoil extends to a depth of 30 to 36 in.. Subangular granite stones from two to ten in. in diameter may occur in the red clay loam to clay as well as prominent quartz grains. The topography on which this soil formed is steep valley slopes and highlands. Erosion has reduced the soil from a stony sandy loam to a stony loam. In some areas, the parent rock has a vertical dip and allows rapid drainage between weathered joints. The Durham coarse sandy loam is a gray to grayish-brown coarse sandy loam with a surficial thickness of 10 in.. A large proportion of rock fragments may occur in sufficient amounts to preclude any cultivation. Generally, the soil has a loose open structure and is not easily affected by erosion even on the steeper 5-7

48 slopes. The subsoil is yellow coarse sandy loam to coarse sandy clay. The Durham is derived from biotite gneiss. Meadow soils in Tallapoosa County, similar to those in Coosa and Elmore Counties, were transported and deposited by running water. The soils vary from brown to reddish-brown. The texture varies widely but soils are predominantly sandy loam, loam and silt loam typical of stream bottoms. The soils are fertile and require no additional fertilizers but may benefit from the additional of organic matter and humus (Smith and Avery, 1910) Existing Erosion Erosion in reservoirs or riverine systems falls into three broad categories: natural erosion, erosion due to human influence, and erosion due to hydroelectric or other water project operations. The degree of natural, or typical, erosion along a riverine system is highly variable. Flood frequency, topography and soil types are all dynamic factors that influence natural erosion. Natural erosion is typically associated with high flow events and their aftermath. Nearly all reservoirs experience some level of natural erosion. Natural erosion processes observed includes bank scour and piping (Rosgen, 1996; Simons et al., 1979). Although these are natural phenomenon, man may accelerate these activities by land use, recreation and hydropower operations. Both erosion due to human influence and erosion due to Project operations are considered atypical erosion. Atypical erosion areas are those that exhibit excessive levels of erosion above the level observed in the majority of the reservoir or tailrace areas. The determination of atypical versus typical erosion is largely dependent upon the professional judgment of the individuals conducting reconnaissance surveys. General observations regarding the overall condition of banks should be done to determine the normal condition and determination of whether the condition is consistent with what would be expected on the reservoir. 5-8

49 Much of Lake Martin s 700 miles of shoreline is armored with exposed bedrock and fabricated seawalls and so shoreline erosion in these areas cannot occur Literature Cited Alabama Power Company. No Date. Report on the Martin Dam Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Beg, M Mineral Resources of Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Special Map 204, Tuscaloosa, AL. Rheams, K Mineral Resources of the Alabama Piedmont. Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 200, Tuscaloosa, AL. Rosgen, D Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, CO. Sapp, D., and J. Emplainment Physiographic Regions of Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 168, Tuscaloosa, AL. Sapp, Daniel and Jacques Emplainment Physiographic Regions of Alabama, Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 168. Simons, D. B., J. W. Andrew, R. M. Li, and M. A. Alawady Connecticut River Streambank Erosion Study: Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DACW C-0297, Washington, D.C. Smith, H. C., and P. H. Avery Soil Survey of Tallapoosa County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Taylor, A Soil Survey of Coosa County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Winston, R. A., and A. C. McGehee Soil Survey of Elmore County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 5-9

50 5.2 Water Resources Drainage Area The Tallapoosa River originates in Paulding County Georgia, just 40 mi. west of Atlanta, at an elevation of about 1,150 ft msl. From its headwaters, the Tallapoosa flows west until it crosses the Alabama border, where it then flows in a southwesterly direction for approximately 235 mi. to its confluence with the Coosa River in Alabama. The confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers forms the Alabama River near Wetumpka, Alabama, approximately 50 mi. below Lake Martin (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 1998). The Tallapoosa drainage basin encompasses approximately 4,664 mi 2, including 2,981 mi 2 above the Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1978). Only mi 2 lie in Georgia accounting for 15% of the total land area. The remaining 3,964.4 mi 2 lie in Alabama accounting for 85% of the land area. The basin receives on average 53 in. of precipitation annually with the majority occurring in the winter months. Its principal tributaries are the Little Tallapoosa River, which has a drainage area of 605 mi 2 in Georgia and Alabama, and the Sougahatchee, South Sandy, Uphapee, and Hillabee Creeks in Alabama. The underlying geology in the basin is composed primarily of igneous and crystalline formations (see Section 5.1, Geology and Soils) Existing and Proposed Uses of Water APC operates the Project as a peaking facility and existing and proposed operations are described in Section Project waters are currently used for public water supply, swimming, fish and wildlife, power production, active recreation, and to support a diverse array of aquatic and wildlife habitat as well as associated biota (see Sections 5.3 and 5.4 below for details on fish and wildlife resources). During the summer and early fall weekends, Lake Martin is heavily used for recreational fishing and boating, as well as hiking, picnicking, and 5-10

51 various other outdoor activities (see Section 5.8 below for details on recreational use) Existing Instream Flow Uses Releases from the Project flow directly into the Yates development s 2,000-ac reservoir. Discharge from the Project typically ranges from dam leakage to approximately 17,000 cfs at maximum generation Flow Statistics The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates several stream gauging stations on the River in the Project Area. The closest to Lake Martin include Gage No , located approximately five mi. upstream of Lake Martin at Horseshoe Bend, and Gage No located downstream of Lake Martin near Milstead, Alabama. The Horseshoe Bend gage is operated by the USGS in conjunction with APC. The Milstead gage is operated in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and records stream gage height only. Plant inflow records from the period 1984 to September 2006 were used to develop annual and monthly flow duration exceedance curves for the River in the Project Area. These curves are presented in Appendix F. Maximum monthly flow in the Tallapoosa River has historically occurred in May while the minimum monthly flow has historically occurred in October. Mean, maximum, and minimum monthly flow statistics for the Project are presented in Table The peak instantaneous daily flow at the Horseshoe Bend gage was 132,000 cfs on May 9, 2003 (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). The Horseshoe Bend gage was the primary source of information pertaining to Tallapoosa flow statistics in the Project Area, as summarized in Table

52 Table 5.2-1: Mean, Maximum, and Minimum Monthly Flow Statistics for the Tallapoosa River in the Project Area, USGS Gage No Horseshoe Bend (Period of Record: ) MONTH MEAN DISCHARGE (CFS) MAXIMUM DISCHARGE (CFS) January 4,217 8,191 1,757 February 5,516 12,880 2,270 March 6,433 16,230 1,785 April 3,634 7, May 3,228 16, June 2,613 6, July 2,716 8, August 1,725 3, September 1,422 3, October 1,744 7, November 2,832 7, December 3,205 7,959 1,011 MINIMUM DISCHARGE (CFS) Existing Water Rights The State of Alabama operates under the principles of the Riparian Rights doctrine, whereby riparian landowners have the right to use a reasonable portion of available water (stream or lake) for domestic use and irrigation. Water for irrigation and other commercial purposes must be "reasonable with respect to the requirements of all other riparian owners (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2006). Article 13 of the existing FERC license for the Project states that upon the application by any person, state, federal, corporation, or municipality the Licensee will permit reasonable use of its reservoir in the interest of the comprehensive development of the waterway as ordered by the Commission (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1978). Approved water withdrawals from Lake Martin are presented in Section and Table

53 Table 5.2-2: Approved Water Withdrawals from Lake Martin, Tallapoosa River OWNER Russell Lands, Inc. FACILITY NAME Willow Point Golf & Country Club SOURCE AVG. DAILY WITHDRAWAL (MGD) FERC PERMIT (MGD) Lake Martin 0.85 <1 City of Alexander City Adams WTP Lake Martin Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority StillWaters Resort CEW&SA Water Treatment Plant Beaver Lake Replenishment Pump Station Lake Martin Lake Martin <0.1 < Morphometric Data for Existing Reservoirs Lake Martin is 31 miles long with approximately 700 miles of shoreline. The reservoir s surface area is nearly 40,000 ac, with a gross storage capacity of 1,622,000 af, or nearly 530 billion gallons. Maximum depth in the reservoir is 155 ft, making it is the second deepest lake in Alabama Gradient of Downstream Reaches Releases from the Project flow directly into the Yates development and as a result, the entire river segment from the Project to Yates Dam is impounded and there is no riverine component or downstream gradient Intake Velocities Intake designs for Martin Dam reflect the general consensus of engineering standards of the 1920's. Most design criteria was conservative by modern standards and the intake design was no exception. This resulted in a large trash rack structure which produces low intake velocities. It is estimated that velocities would range between ft/sec. Upon receipt of the latest engineering drawings, detailed calculations will be performed to refine this estimate along with measurements of trash rack spacing. 5-13

54 5.2.8 Federally Approved Water Quality Standards Federal and state water quality standards for the State of Alabama are guided through implementation of Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act directs individual states to monitor and report on the condition of their water resources. Alabama s assessment and listing methodology establishes a process by which the status of surface waters are assessed relative to the designated uses assigned to each waterbody. Pursuant to Section 305 (b) of the Clean Water Act, the State of Alabama provides biennial reports to Congress as to the condition and status of statewide water quality, including a list of 303(d) impaired waters. Water bodies not attaining set standards are placed on the State of Alabama s 303(d) list of impaired water bodies, and a program to establish total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) is created to bring water quality to within set criteria. Additionally, Section 314(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act requires states to assess publicly owned lake water quality and report the findings as part of the biennial 305(b) report to Congress. The State of Alabama classifies publicly owned lakes (including reservoirs) as water bodies that are of a multiple-use nature, publicly accessible, and exhibit physical and chemical characteristics typical of impounded waters (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006). For lake water quality assessments, ADEM uses Carlson s trophic state index (TSI) for the classification of the trophic status of Alabama lakes. The TSI relies on the assessment of chlorophyll-a concentrations to determine the trophic state of lakes during the summer because it gives the best estimate of the biotic response of lakes to nutrient enrichment when phytoplankton is the dominant plant community. The result is a single number that is easily understood and is reflective of lacustrine trophic status. In the State of Alabama, lakes (and reservoirs) with a TSI of seventy or greater are generally considered to be hypereutrophic and in need of regulatory action appropriate for protection and 5-14

55 restoration. A TSI ranging from 50 to 70 is representative of eutrophic conditions, TSI values ranging from 40 to 50 are representative of mesotrophic conditions, and values less than 40 are representative of oligotrophic water (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006). Protection and management of Alabama s water quality consists of three components: designated uses, numeric and narrative criteria, and an antidegradation policy (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2005). The State s antidegradation policy is defined in Alabama State Code , Antidegradation Policy) and, in general terms, provides for the prevention of further exacerbation of water quality in State waters. Designated use is a classification system designed to identify the best uses of individual waterways. Best uses generally include recreation, municipal and industrial water supply, and habitat for fish and wildlife. In Alabama, there are eight recognized designated best uses of State of Alabama waters: Outstanding Alabama Water (OAW) Public Water Supply (PWS) Shellfish Harvesting (SH) Swimming and Other Whole Body Water-Contact Sports (S) Fish and Wildlife (F&W) Limited Warm water Fishery (LWF) Agricultural and Industrial Water Supply (A&I) The State of Alabama has one additional classification, Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW), for high quality and pristine water bodies. ONRW are protected from increased or new point sources of pollutants (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2005). The primary designation for best use for Lake Martin is for swimming (S) and fish & wildlife (F&W)(Ala. Admin Code r (11)). Upstream of the U.S. Highway 280 crossing, the Lake Martin has the additional classification 5-15

56 of public water supply (PWS). The Martin tailrace is classified as PWS, S and F&W. Numerical water quality standards are established by the State of Alabama and can be found in ADEM s 2006 Alabama Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006) or in Alabama State Code , Specific Water Quality Criteria. These criteria allow the State of Alabama to assess statewide water quality to identify impairments and develop mitigative actions. Numeric statewide criteria applicable to the Project are illustrated in Table Criteria for metal concentrations can be calculated using formulas provided by the State of Alabama (Alabama State Code , Specific Water Quality Criteria). Table 5.2-3: Specific Water Quality Criteria for State of Alabama Waters with Designation as Public Water Supply, Fish and Wildlife/Swimming* (Source: ADEM, 2006) VARIABLE STANDARD FOR FISH, WILDLIFE, AND SWIMMING STANDARD FOR PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY ph between 6.5 and 8.5 between 6.0 and 8.5 DO not less than 5.0 mg/l at a depth of 5 ft** not less than 5.0 mg/l at a depth of 5 ft ** Water Temp Not greater than 90º F Not greater than 90º F Turbidity not greater than 50 NTUs not greater than 50 NTUs Bacteria 1,000 colonies/100 ml (fish & wildlife) 200 colonies/100 ml (swimming) 1,000 colonies/100 ml Chlorophyll-a not greater than 5 ug/l not greater than 5 ug/l *specific metal standards are calculated through various concentration formulas as specified by Alabama State Code (see ADEM, 2006). **discharge from hydroelectric turbines shall not be less that 4.0 mg/l The continued operation of the Project requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the ten existing discharge points at the powerhouse. Five of these points are cooling water discharges, two are sumps and drains, one is for uncontaminated stormwater, one is wastewater resulting from maintenance and repair activities, and the final point is 5-16

57 uncontaminated stormwater. APC has secured the necessary permits for the continued operation of the Project Existing Water Quality Data The State of Alabama does not list Lake Martin as impaired on Alabama s (d) list nor does it require a TMDL (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006). The Basin does include water that the State has classified as impaired, but these TMDL-required riverine sections are outside of the Project Boundary. TMDL waters in the Tallapoosa basin include Sougahatchee Creek as it discharges into the Yates Project impoundment and the mainstem of the River upstream of Harris Dam near Heflin, Alabama. Both waters are listed as impaired because of elevated nutrients and depressed dissolved oxygen (DO). TMDL s for both reaches have been prepared by the State of Alabama (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006). Long-term monitoring of Lake Martin water quality associated with Section 314(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act indicate that Lake Martin is currently mesotrophic, with an average TSI value of 41 (Alabama Department of Environmental Management, 2006). A mesotrophic classification indicates that substantial nutrient loading is not occurring in the reservoir APC Monitoring Data To demonstrate compliance with State of Alabama standards, APC has performed extensive water quality monitoring of Lake Martin and the Project tailrace. The majority of this data was collected between 1993 and 2005 during summer months when these conditions were most likely to diverge from State of Alabama standards. During August 2004 July 2005, APC conducted a 12-month monitoring program to evaluate reservoir DO and water temperature profiles, as well as concentrations of water chemistry variables, in Lake Martin at 4 mi., 12 mi., 16 mi., 20 mi., and 24 mi. upstream of the Project. Furthermore, as part of the license 5-17

58 amendment process to refurbish generating Units 1-3, as approved by FERC on May 24, 2002, APC applied for and obtained a 401 water quality certification from the State of Alabama (see Appendix E). The 401 water quality certification issued by the State of Alabama required APC to develop a water quality monitoring plan with monitoring to begin upon approval and continue for 2 years following the refurbishment of the last Unit. Water quality data collected by APC shows that water temperature in the Project forebay ranged from 10.5 C to 31.6 C during the monitoring period (Table 5.2-4). DO levels varied throughout the year, principally between 3.8 mg/l and 10.7 mg/l at the five-ft depth in the forebay and between 4.1 mg/l and 11.7 mg/l in the tailrace (Table 5.2-5). DO averaged 7.86 mg/l at the five-ft depth in the forebay, and 7.16 mg/l in the tailrace (Table 5.2-6). Table 5.2-4: Summary of Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Data (at depth of 5- feet) from the Project, (Source: Alabama Power Company, 2006d) DISSOLVED OXYGEN (MG/L) LOCATION COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE Martin Tailrace Martin Forebay Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream TEMPERATURE ( C) LOCATION COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE Martin Tailrace Martin Forebay Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream Mi. Upstream There was only 1 day in which the dissolved oxygen concentration was less than 5.3 mg/l and it occurred on September 22,

59 A fisheries study conducted by APC in 1995 in conjunction with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) included DO profiles at eight locations in the Project Area. Profile data were collected to a depth of 90 ft (Table 5.2-5). Table 5.2-5: Summary of Average DO Data Gathered During 1995 APC and ADCNR Fisheries Study (Source: APC, 2006d) DEPTH (FT) DAM FOREBAY 1 MI. UPSTREA M OF DAM 2 MI. UPSTREA M OF DAM 3 MI. UPSTREA M OF DAM LOCATION 5 MI. UPSTREAM OF DAM 8 MI. UPSTREAM OF DAM 15 MI. UPSTREAM OF DAM 18 MI. UPSTREAM OF DAM NA NA NA 85 NA NA NA NA NA NA 0.45 NA NA NA Additionally, APC established a continuous DO and water temperature monitoring program for the Project tailrace (during periods of generation) in 2002 to monitor the effects of improved generating units (Table 5.2-6). Data collected during the summer and early fall of , indicate that DO was consistently maintained above 4.0 mg/l with an average of 5.94 mg/l. Minimum DO was 4.04 mg/l, while maximum DO was 9.78 mg/l (Table 5.2-6; except for two incidents: one lasting about 2.5 hours on October 28, 2002 due to improper loading of units; and one on July 8, 2005 during a flood event). The continuous monitoring data from the Project s tailrace indicate that hydroelectric discharges from the Project with the addition of refurbished units are, and will continue to comply with State of Alabama water quality standards unless influenced by operational or severe weather events. 5-19

60 Table 5.2-6: Summary of Continuous DO and Water Temperature Monitoring in the Project Tailrace, VARIABLE LOCATION COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE DO (mg/l) Tailrace 7, * Temperature ( C) Tailrace 7, *Occurred during improper unit operation October 28, 2002; Minimum discounting two unusual occurrences 4.04 mg/l. APC s monitoring program has also included chemical analyses of water samples collected at five ft depths from the Project forebay and tailrace during the period (Table 5.2-7). This analysis has allowed APC to assess concentrations of approximately 50 variables in the Project Area. In addition, five reservoir locations were sampled for a 12-month period from August 2004 July Table 5.2-7: Summary Data for Water Chemistry Variables Measured at the Project During the Period by APC (Measurements were taken at a depth of 5-ft at seven stations in the Project Area, including the tailrace, forebay, and in locations 4, 12, 16, 20, and 24 mi. upstream of the Project) VARIABLE TESTED COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE Alkalinity, Bicarbonate (as CaCO3) Alkalinity, Carbonate (as CaCO3) Alkalinity, Hydroxide (as CaCO3) Alkalinity, Total (as CaCO3) Aluminum, Total Arsenic, Total Barium, Total Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 5 Day Cadmium, Total Calcium, Total Carbon Dioxide, Free Carbon Dioxide, Total Chloride, Total N/A N/A N/A N/A Chromium, Total Color Conductivity Copper, Total Field ph Fluoride Hardness, Total (as CACO3)

61 VARIABLE TESTED COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE Iron, Total Lead, Total Magnesium, Total Manganese, Total Mercury, Total Nickel, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen, Nitrate Nitrogen, Nitrite Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl Oil and Grease Organic Carbon, Total Oxygen, Dissolved ph Phosphate, Ortho (as P) Phosphorus, Total Potassium, Total Selenium, Total Silicon, Total Sodium, Total Solids, Total Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Sulfate Temperature Turbidity Vanadium, Total Zinc, Total ADEM and Other Project Related Monitoring Data In addition to the monitoring done by APC, water quality information in the Project Area has been collected by the ADEM and Alabama Water Watch. ADEM has established five monitoring stations in Lake Martin and six in Lake Martin tributary waters (Hillabee Creek, Coley Creek, Elkahatchee Creek, Manoy Creek, Sandy Creek, and Blue Creek). ADEM s sampling protocol includes reservoir profiles of DO and water temperature (Table 5.2-8) and water chemistry analyses (Table 5.2-9). The period of record for data collected by ADEM is

62 Table 5.2-8: Summary of Water Temperature and DO Reservoir Profile Data Collected at a Depth of 5-ft by ADEM During the Period DISSOLVED OXYGEN (MG/L) STATION ID COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE WATER TEMPERATURE (C) STATION ID COUNT MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE MARE Data collected by ADEM show that water temperature in the Martin forebay ranged from 15.8 C to 32.0 C during the monitoring period, which aligns well with APC data. DO levels varied throughout the year, principally between 6.0 mg/l and 10.0 mg/l at the five-ft depth in the forebay and between 6.0 mg/l and 13.1 mg/l in the reservoir. The DO averaged 8.06 mg/l at the five-ft depth in the forebay, and 8.32 mg/l in the reservoir. A summary of water chemistry data is presented in Table

63 Table Summary Data for Water Chemistry Variables as Measured by ADEM During the Period in the Project Area (Source: APC, 2006d) VARIABLE MINIMUM MAXIMUM AVERAGE Alkalinity (mg/l) Chlorophyll a (ug/l) Coliform per 100 ml Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus (DRP) (mg/l) Hardness, Total (as CACO3) (mg/l) Nitrite + Nitrate (NO2+NO3 N) (mg/l) Nitrogen, Ammonia (mg/l) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (mg/l) Organic Carbon, Total (mg/l) ph Phosphorus Photic zone (m) Secci (m) Solids, Total Dissolved (mg/l) Solids, Total Suspended Specific Conductance (ms/cm) Trophic State Index (TSI) Turbidity (NTU) Alabama Water Watch, a group of trained volunteer citizens coordinated by Auburn University s Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures and the International Center for Aquaculture and Aquatic Environments, have collected additional water quality information in the Project Area. Alabama Water Watch has 29 established sites in Lake Martin and its tributaries, which are monitored by members of the public associated with the Lake Watch of Lake Martin Program (Auburn University, 2006). Measured parameters pertinent to the Project include water temperature, ph, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, and E. coli. Water temperature in the watershed is generally consistent across the test sites, ranging from approximately 10 C (50 F) in winter to 30 C (86 F) during the summer months. Few ph samples fall outside the optimum range of 6.5 to 8.5, and almost all dissolved oxygen samples show values above 5 mg/l, which is the minimum level required 5-23

64 for fish and wildlife classification. The majority of test sites show low values of 10 to 30 mg/l for alkalinity and hardness, and of the few sites that tested for E. coli, none show levels unsafe for frequent human contact. In summary, according to monitoring conducted by the Alabama Water Watch, the overall water quality in the Middle Tallapoosa watershed, which includes the Project, is good Literature Cited Alabama Department of Environmental Management Alabama s Water Quality Assessment and Listing Methodology. Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Environmental Management Alabama Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. [Online] URL: 305b/WQ305bReport.htm Accessed October 17, Alabama Power Company, Environmental Compliance. 2006d. Water Quality Data for the Martin Hydroelectric Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Auburn University Alabama Water Watch. [Online] URL: Accessed October 17, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Issuing New License (Major). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of Agriculture Southern Regional Water Program: Water Quantity and Policy. [Online] URL: Accessed October 13, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. [Online] URL: Accessed October 13,

65 5.3 Fish and Aquatic Resources Lake Martin Lake Martin is a monomictic lake (lakes that typically do not drop below 39.2 F (4 C) during the winter, circulate freely at or above 39.2 F, and stratify directly during the warmer summer months) located in the Tallapoosa Basin. Lake Martin has a large surface area (40,000 ac) and is dendritic (branching) in nature. The Lake is relatively deep with an average depth of 42 ft. (12.9 m) and a maximum depth of 155 ft (47.5 m) measured near the dam (Alabama Power Company, 2006d; Greene et al., 2005). As discussed in the water quality section of this report (Section 5.2), the waters of Lake Martin are very clear and low in productivity. Due to the deep nature of the lake and relatively long retention time, thermal and chemical stratification occur annually. The majority of substrates of the Lake is composed of clays and exposed rock except for the areas where tributaries enter the Lake and sediments of sand and clay have collected. An interesting feature of the Lake is its dendritic shape and extensive length of shoreline, approximately 700 miles. There are three major arms of the lake: the Kowaliga arm located on the southwest side of the lake, the Blue Creek arm located on the southeast side of the lake, and the Tallapoosa main channel, which extends northward from the dam. These arms were created when the original creek and valley areas were inundated by the construction of the Project. The extensive amount of shoreline and creek mouth areas provide excellent habitat for warmwater species such as bass and sunfish. The deep open-water areas of the lake also provide excellent habitat for pelagic species such as striped bass and shad (Greene et al., 2005). Tailrace Releases from the Project flow directly into the Yates Development. The releases are relatively cool (hypolimnetic discharge) and infertile, which results in slow growth for the downstream fishery. The banks of the tailrace area are naturally armored with exposed bedrock and fabricated seawalls and lined with riprap in several areas to prevent 5-25

66 erosion. The tailrace provides habitat for both warmwater and coolwater species. There is no bypass area associated with the Project (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2006). Fish Lake Martin A diverse community of warmwater fish species populates Lake Martin. The documented species, native and invasive, present within the Project are presented in Table (Boschung and Mayden, 2004; Mettee et al., 1996). Although Lake Martin has low fertility and relatively low levels of nutrients, the fishery resources are healthy and extremely popular with anglers. The black bass fishery is comprised of both largemouth and spotted bass, with spotted bass being the more abundant species. Dominant recreational fish species include spotted and largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, black crappie, and bluegill (Greene et al., 2004). There are currently no fish consumption advisories for Lake Martin or the tailrace area (Alabama Department of Public Health, 2006). The ADCNR regulates the recreational fishery on the Lake using fish stocking and fishing regulations (number of fish harvested, length limits, and slot limits) that are adjusted periodically to enhance the fishery. The ADCNR has periodically stocked Florida largemouth bass in the Lake since A 9-inch statewide minimum length limit on crappie was instituted by the ADCNR to guard against over harvest by anglers and to improve the population size structure of crappie within the lake. A slot limit for black bass was also recommended in 2004 to improve the number of larger bass (Greene et al., 2004). The Gulf-strain striped bass population in Lake Martin was established through stocking efforts by the ADCNR beginning in During the summer when lake stratification occurs, striped bass are restricted to the cooler water deeper in the lake. Due to low levels of dissolved oxygen in these deep water levels, periodic summer fish 5-26

67 kills of striped bass have been observed. A water quality study was performed by ADCNR and APC during 1995 to better understand this phenomenon but to date, no specific measures to address this phenomenon have been identified or implemented. Hybrid striped bass were also stocked in the lake from 1982 through 1988 (Greene et al., 2004; McHugh et al., 1996). Table 5.3-1: Fishes Known or Expected to Occur in the Immediate Vicinity of the Project (Source: Boschung and Mayden, 2004; Mettee et al., 1996) FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME NOTES Petromyzontidae (Lampreys) Ichthyomyzon castaneus Chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon gagei Southern brook lamprey Clupeidae (Herrings and Shads) Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard shad Dorosoma petenense Threadfin shad Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps) Campostoma oligolepis Largescale stoneroller Cyprinella callistia Alabama shiner Cyprinella gibbsi Tallapoosa shiner Cyprinella venusta Blacktail shiner Cyprinus carpio Common carp Ericymba buccata Silverjaw minnow Hybopsis lineapunctata Lined chub Luxilus chrysocephalus Striped shiner Lythrurus bellus Pretty shiner Macrhybopsis sp. cf. M. aestivalis Coosa chub Nocomis leptocephalus Bluehead chub Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden shiner Notropis ammophilus Orangefin shiner Notropis asperifrons Burrhead shiner Notropis atherinoides Emerald shiner Notropis baileyi Rough shiner Notropis stilbius Silverstripe shiner Notropis texanus Weed shiner Notropis xaenocephalus Coosa shiner Opsopoeodus emiliae Pugnose minnow Phenacobius catostomus Riffle minnow probably non-native to Tallapoosa drainage also called Notropis buccatus 5-27

68 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME NOTES Pimephales vigilax Bullhead minnow Semotilus atromaculatus Creek chub Catostomidae (Suckers) Erimyzon oblongus Hypentelium etowanum Ictiobus bubalus Minytrema melanops Moxostoma carinatum Moxostoma duquesnei Moxostoma erythrurum Moxostoma poecilurum Creek chubsucker Alabama hogsucker Smallmouth buffalo Spotted sucker River redhorse Black redhorse Golden redhorse Blacktail redhorse Ictaluridae (North American Catfishes) Ameiurus catus White catfish introduced/non-native Ameiurus melas Black bullhead Ameiurus natalis Yellow bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Brown bullhead Ictalurus furcatus Blue catfish Ictalurus punctatus Channel catfish Noturus funebris Black madtom Noturus leptacanthus Speckled madtom Pylodictis olivaris Flathead catfish Esocidae (Pikes and Pickerels) Esox niger Chain pickerel Fundulidae (Topminnows and Killifishes) Fundulus bifax Stippled studfish Fundulus olivaceus Blackspotted topminnow Poeciliidae (Livebearers) Gambusia affinis Western mosquitofish Cottidae (Sculpins) Cottus sp. cf. C. bairdi Tallapoosa sculpin Moronidae (Temperate Basses) Morone chrysops White bass introduced/non-native Morone saxatilis Striped bass Morone chrysops x saxatilis Palmetto bass also called Hybrid bass; introduced Centrarchidae (Sunfishes) Ambloplites ariommus Shadow bass Lepomis auritus Redbreast sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Green sunfish 5-28

69 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME NOTES Lepomis gulosus Warmouth Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill Lepomis megalotis Longear sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redear sunfish Lepomis miniatus Redspotted sunfish Micropterus coosae Redeye bass Micropterus punctulatus Spotted bass Micropterus salmoides Largemouth bass Pomoxis annularis White crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black crappie Percidae (Perches) Etheostoma chuckwachatte Etheostoma stigmaeum Etheostoma swaini Etheostoma tallapoosae Percina kathae Percina sp. cf. P. macrocephala Percina nigrofasciata Percina palmaris Lipstick darter Speckled darter Gulf darter Tallapoosa darter Mobile logperch Muscadine bridled darter Blackbanded darter Bronze darter Elassomatidae (Pygmy Sunfishes) Elassoma zonatum Banded pygmy sunfish Tailrace The tailrace fishery downstream of the Project includes spotted and largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The cool water associated with the tailrace area often attracts striped bass exceeding 40 pounds (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2006). ADCNR Reservoir Management Studies In 1986, the ADCNR initiated a reservoir management program to establish a database of information on fish species in large impoundments that could be used as a tool to improve fish population structure and fishing quality through management decisions (e.g., fish stocking, harvest restrictions, etc.). According to the

70 management report, the ADCNR sampled Lake Martin in , 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003, and Collection of black bass during 2004 and 2005 indicate that spotted bass are more abundant than largemouth bass, but this has changed little over time. All bass collections were dominated by smaller fish, which indicates good reproduction and survival but slow growth. The slower growth experienced on Lake Martin is related to the nutrient poor water in the lake. Black crappie populations in the Lake have increased in recent years, and continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities. Annual mortality for black crappie remains high and is related to the heavy exploitation by anglers and the fishes short life span. The 2004 collections of bluegill continue to indicate good numbers, but were dominated by small fish. Striped bass collections were relatively low and fish collected exhibited low growth rates. However, the report recommended continuing stocking rates of 3 fish per ac. White bass collected were in excellent condition and numerous, with some of the highest catch rates ever recorded for the Lake. These parameters indicate an excellent and stable white bass fishery. Gizzard and threadfin shad collections indicated a slightly higher abundance than in previous years, which indicates a good forage base for the fishery (Greene et al., 2004; Greene et al., 2005). B.A.I.T. Reports In 1986, the ADCNR created the Bass Anglers Information Team (B.A.I.T.) program. The function of this program is to gather and summarize information on bass populations from tournament catch data, which is provided by participating fishing clubs. Although this information is no substitute for fisheries data obtained through the standardized sampling of reservoirs (i.e., electrofishing, gillnetting, etc.), the program is a valuable tool for resource managers and provides insight into general trends on the status of sport fisheries for specific reservoirs. To date, the program has summarized data from over 9,000 tournament reports. Each year, data provided by participating clubs are summarized in a report in which reservoirs are ranked based on five fishing quality indicators (Haffner, 2006): 5-30

71 Percent of successful anglers (percent of anglers with more than one bass at weigh-in); Bass average weight; Number of bass per angler-day; Pounds of bass per angler-day; and Hours required to catch a bass five pounds or larger. B.A.I.T information for Lake Martin shows the Lake to be popular with anglers as evidenced by the numerous tournaments held by bass fishing clubs participating in the B.A.I.T program. The B.A.I.T report noted that Lake Martin tied for third in the state for the number of fishing tournaments (27) hosted during the year. Recent B.A.I.T information also ranked Lake Martin near the top in several categories (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2004; Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2005). The 2004 and 2005 reports show that tournament anglers experienced above average success rates, bass per angler-day, and pounds per angler-day, which combined to rank Lake Martin as one of the better lakes for fishing in the state. Anadromous Fish Anadromous fish are species that upon maturity migrate from the ocean into freshwater environments to spawn. Historically, there were several species that migrated from Gulf Coast waters to inland Alabama rivers (including the River) to spawn. The Alabama shad (Alosa alabamae), Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are anadromous fish species that are currently or historically known to use portions of the River during this spawning migration (Mettee et al., 1996). However, use of the River by these species has been impeded and/or effectively blocked by the construction of several USACE lock and dam projects and APC hydropower projects along the river system. The striped bass population present in the Lake Martin was produced and is maintained by ADCNR fish stockings. There are no other species of anadromous fish known to be present in the upper River at this time. 5-31

72 Catadromous Fish Catadromous fish are species that live most of their lives in freshwater environments and, upon reaching sexual maturity, migrate to the ocean to spawn. The juvenile offspring of catadromous fish migrate through the ocean to the mouths of rivers and move upstream to various habitats to live until adulthood. The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is the only catadromous species native to the River system (Mettee et al., 1996). As with anadromous fish species discussed above, upstream movement of American eel into the Tallapoosa River is impeded by several USACE lock and dam projects and APC hydropower projects along the river system. American eel have been observed in Alabama River and lower portions of the River, but their status in the upper River is unknown. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species Communities Studies conducted by Bayne et al. (1995) in Martin Reservoir tend to support the premise that storage reservoir macroinvertebrate populations typically are composed largely of taxa that are tolerant of numerous impoundment-associated factors, including water level fluctuations, reduced hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen levels, flow reduction, and siltation; these taxa tend to be habitat and trophic generalists. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected at four sites in the upstream portion of Martin Reservoir between May and October Sampling methods employed included both petite ponar dredge samples (to sample the inhabitants of the benthic sediments) and Hester-Dendy multiplate samplers (to sample the aufwuchs community, those organisms that colonize various hard substrates such as logs, rocks, etc.). A total of 43 taxa were collected from the dredge samples. The benthic community was dominated by aquatic midge larvae (Diptera:Chironomidae, 24 taxa), with lesser numbers of mayflies (Ephemeroptera, 1 taxa), caddisflies (Trichoptera, 1 taxa), and dragonflies (Odonata, 1 taxa). Fifteen non-insect taxa were also collected; these taxa included snails, water mites, and aquatic worms. The samples were usually dominated numerically by larvae of the phantom midge, Chaoborus, which is a common 5-32

73 inhabitant of lakes and is often collected in dredge samples. Community structure and diversity tended to be similar among all sites, and the community was dominated functionally by predators. A total of 52 taxa were collected from the multiplate samples, with aquatic midge larvae (22 taxa) also dominating the aufwuchs community. Other insect groups represented included mayflies (5 taxa); caddisflies (6 taxa); aquatic beetles (Coleoptera, 1 taxa); alderflies/dobsonflies (Megaloptera, 1 taxa); and dragonflies (1 taxa). Additionally, 14 non-insect taxa were collected; these consisted mainly of snails and aquatic worms. The midge community collected from the plate samplers was dominated by genera tolerant of some organic enrichment, such as Dicrotendipes and Glyptotendipes. Most of the taxa occurring on the multiplate samplers were functionally filtering collectors or collector-gatherers. Diversity values were similar among all sites. The aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna of Martin Reservoir, dominated by tolerant taxa such as midge larvae, snails, and aquatic worms, and with lower numbers of less tolerant groups such as mayflies and caddisflies, appears to be typical of a storage reservoir in the southeastern United States. Species diversity is quite high, however, and it does not appear that the macroinvertebrate community is being adversely affected by any other type of disturbance. Freshwater Unionids Lake Martin and Tailrace The majority of freshwater mussel species are intolerant of impounded waters; however, several species of snails are more tolerant of altered habitats. Due to their habitat requirements, populations of mussels and snails in the Project are typically limited to shoal habitat and headwaters and tributaries of the Lake. In the fall of 2006, APC performed dive surveys (in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and ADCNR) in various areas of the Project to determine the status of unionid 5-33

74 populations in the tailrace. The findings of that survey were reported in a draft Report (APC November 2006). Surveys were performed in the Irwin Shoals, Hillabee Creek, Manoy Creek, Blue Creek, Sandy Creek, and Martin Tailrace. A total of eight taxa of freshwater mussels were detected by the surveys. Four species were collected in the Manoy Creek area: Anodonta suborbiculata (Flat Floater), Pyganodon grandis (Giant Floater), Lampsilis teres (Yellow Sandshell), and Utterbackia imbecillis (Paper Pondshell). Three species Leptodea fragilis (Fragile Papershell), P. grandis, and Villosa lienosa (Little Spectaclecase) were collected in the Blue Creek area. One species, L. fragilis, was collected in Sandy Creek. No mussels were detected in the Irwin Shoals, Hillabee Creek, or Martin Tailrace areas. Each of the taxa collected during the surveys occur commonly in Alabama, and all are listed as being of low conservation concern by Mirarchi et al. (2004). In addition to freshwater mussels, four taxa of freshwater snails were collected during the survey. The most commonly encountered snail was the pleurocerid Elimia flava (Yellow Elimia). This Tallapoosa River system endemic occurred in large numbers in the Irwin Shoals area of upper portion of Martin Reservoir and was also encountered in lower numbers in Manoy Creek, Sandy Creek, and the Martin tailrace. Other snails collected during the survey include Helisoma anceps (Two-ridge Rams-horn), Campeloma regulare (Cylinder Campeloma), and Physella sp., all of which were collected in very low numbers. All taxa of freshwater snails seen during this survey are listed as common and of low conservation concern in Alabama by Mirarchi et al. (2004) Essential Fish Habitat As Defined Under Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act There are no current records of federally managed fish habitat within the Project Vicinity. However, there will be consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as stated in their 1999 Fish Habitat Conservation Mandate (National Marine Fisheries Service, 2000): 5-34

75 Consultations at a project-specific level are required when critical decisions are made at the project implementation stage, or when sufficiently detailed information for development of EFH (Essential Fish Habitat) conservation recommendations does not exist at the programmatic level Literature Cited Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2003 Annual Report. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2004 Annual Report. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Fish and Fishing in Yates and Thurlow Reservoirs. [Online] URL: owyates/. Accessed October 12, Alabama Department of Public Health Alabama Fish Consumption Alabama Power Company Martin Lake Mussel and Snail Survey Draft Summary Report November Advisories. Alabama Department of Public Health, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Power Company, Environmental Compliance. 2006d. Water Quality Data for the Martin Hydroelectric Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. November Martin Lake Mussel and Snail Survey Draft Summary Report. Bayne, David R., W.C. Seesock, E.C. Webber, and E. Reutebuch FINAL REPORT - Limnological Study of Selected Embayments of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, Alabama Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. i-vii pp. Boschung, H. T., Jr., and R. L. Mayden Fishes of Alabama. Smithsonian Books, Washington, D.C. 5-35

76 Greene, C. J., D. L. Abernethy, T. Powell, and R. A. McVay Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Greene, J. C., D. L. Abernethy, and R. A. McVay Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Haffner, J Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2005 Annual Report. [Online] URL: ty/baitcurrent/. Accessed November 9, Isom, B. G Effects of Storage on Mainstem Reservoirs on Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Pages in G. E. Hall, editor. Reservoir Fisheries and Limnology. American Fisheries Society, Washington, D.C. McHugh, J. J., J. B. Jernigan, and T. Madigan Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Merritt, R. W., and K. W. Cummins, editors An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, Second edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, IA. Mettee, M. F., P. E. O'Neil, and J. M. Pierson Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Inc., Birmingham, AL. National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat: New Marine Fish Habitat Conservation Mandate for Federal Agencies. National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington, D.C. 5.4 Wildlife Resources The Project lies within the Piedmont physiographic region of Alabama, an area with less wildlife diversity than some of the other physiographic regions of Alabama, such as the Coastal Plain and Lower Coastal Plain (Causey, 2006). The Project impoundment and surrounding woodland, agricultural, and residential areas nonetheless provide high quality habit for a variety of upland and semi-aquatic wildlife species. In 5-36

77 addition to typical southeastern species, such as gray fox, white-tailed deer, Virginia opossum, and gray squirrel, the area supports species characteristic of the Piedmont region, such as the wood frog and copperhead (Skeen et al., 1993). Birdlife typical of Project uplands includes games species such as bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and mourning dove; resident songbirds including downy woodpecker, American robin, eastern bluebird, and eastern meadowlark; and an abundance of neotropical migrants including numerous warblers, vireos, and hummingbirds (Haggerty et al., 2004; Causey, 2006). A number of raptors are known to occur in the Project Vicinity including osprey, American kestrels, broad-winged and red-tail hawks, bald eagles, and barred, great horned, and screech owls. Typical small mammals of uplands include least and shorttailed shrews, southern flying squirrels, eastern woodrat, and eastern red and big brown bats (Best et al., 2004; Causey, 2006). Reptiles and amphibians found on Project uplands include American and eastern spadefoot toads; marbled and slimy salamanders; green anole and Southern fence lizards; five-lined and broad-headed skinks; copperhead, black racer, and gray ratsnakes; and eastern box turtle (Causey, 2006). Although limited, Lake Martin s littoral zone provides habitat for river otter, mink, muskrat, and beaver, as well as seasonal and year-round habitat for a number of waterfowl and wading birds including mallards, gadwall, wood ducks, hooded mergansers, loons, great blue herons, green herons, and great egrets (Haggerty et al., 2004; Causey, 2006). Birds such as ring-billed gulls, ospreys, purple martins, and belted kingfishers are also common in areas of open water. Littoral areas also provide potential breeding habitat for a number of aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibian species including red-spotted and central newts, Northern red and Northern dusky salamanders, bullfrogs, and Southern cricket, spring peeper, and Southern leopard frogs (Causey, 2006). Reptile species typical of the littoral zone include cottonmouths and red- and yellow-bellied water snakes, snapping turtles, Alabama map turtle, river cooter, and red-eared and pond sliders. Representative wildlife species (mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) found in the Project Vicinity, including their common and scientific names, are listed in Tables G-1 through G-3 in Appendix G. 5-37

78 5.4.1 Literature Cited Causey, M. K Wildlife Resources Associated With Alabama Power Company Project Lands Surrounding Martin Reservoir In Tallapoosa, Coosa And Elmore Counties, Alabama. Auburn University, Auburn, AL. Skeen, J. N., P. D. Doerr, and D. H. Van Lear Oak Hickory Pine Forests. Pages 133 in W. H. Martin, S. G. Boyce, and A. C. Echternacht, editors. Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States: Upland Terrestrial Communities. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 5.5 Botanical Resources Upland Habitat Communities and Species Potential natural vegetation for the Project Area is considered to be oak hickory pine association (Barbour and Christensen, 1993). This association is a component of the extensive eastern deciduous forest province, which is dominated by a number of mesophytic species including beech, yellow poplar, red maple, basswood, white and green ash, and numerous oak and hickory and species. The title of the association refers to commonly encountered contemporary components of the community, i.e., oaks, hickories, and pines. The addition of pine to the title is somewhat problematic since original vegetation likely had pines much more restricted in importance. Oaks and hickory forest most likely dominated this area in pre-settlement times. Clearing for agriculture, burning for habitat, subsequent abandonment of cleared spaces, and other activities have produced a patchwork of mostly second-growth forest and midand early-successional assemblages. Figure 5.5-1, which presents community structure for an eight thousand acre stand in the Project Area, demonstrates the patchwork nature of natural vegetation and sylvicultural areas in the vicinity (Whetstone, 2006). 5-38

79 Figure 5.5-1: Community Structure for an Eight Thousand Acre Stand in the Project Area Tree canopy in the older second-growth forests surrounding the Project Area have tree canopy dominated by dry-mesic to mesic, upland oaks, hickories, and pines. Oaks commonly abundant in this area include white, black, southern red, rock chestnut oak, post, scarlet, blackjack, and willow oaks. Hickories tend to be less in importance, though sand and mockernut hickories are frequently found. Loblolly, scrub, shortleaf, and longleaf pines are also common. Other canopy and subcanopy species that are locally important include sweetgum, black cherry, blackgum, persimmon, sourwood, black locust, hophornbeam, hornbeam, hackberry, cucumber magnolia, sassafras, possumhaw, box-elder, hawthorn, crabapple, flowering dogwood, sumac, chalk maple, devil s-walkingstick, and Grandsir s-gray-beard. Among the primary components of the shrub/small tree stratum are lowbush blueberry, tree sparkleberry, deerberry, mountain-laurel, St. John s wort, wax-myrtle, sweet shrub, oakleaf hydrangea, witch-hazel, and blackberry. Lianas in these sites are variable though poison-ivy, cat-briar, Virginia creeper, muscadine, fox grape, yellow jessamine, cross-vine, and cowitch-vine are common. Herbs common to the area are extensive. Along ridges and upper slopes, bracken fern, Christmas fern, resurrection fern, needle grass, spike grass, fragrant goldenrod, goldenrod, sweet Betsy, and aster species are abundant among a host of other taxa that also may have locally extensive 5-39

80 populations. Botanical species typical of the Project Area, including their common and scientific names, are listed in Tables H-1 in Appendix H Noxious Weeds Whetstone (2006) identified seven species as being the primary invasive flora potentially occurring in the Project Vicinity: silk tree (mimosa), Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, Chinese privet, giant cut grass (millet), torpedo grass, and golden bamboo. Giant cutgrass has proven especially invasive in littoral habitats in the upper portion of Lake Martin, primary in cove backwaters between the Hillabee Creek and the reservoir headwaters (Photo 5.5-1). Control measures have been undertaken recently to control these populations as part of APC s Aquatic Plant Management Program. APC developed an Aquatic Plant Management Program for the Coosa and Warrior Projects (see Appendix I). APC intends to use the Coosa and Warrior plan in developing a similar plan for the Martin Project. Additional detail regarding these species, including scientific and common names and invasive characteristics, is provided in Table Photo 5.5-1: Giant Cut Grass (Millet) on the Shoreline of Lake Martin 5-40

81 Table 5.5-2: Invasive Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Vicinity (Source: Whetstone, 2006) COMMON NAME Silk Tree SCIENTIFIC NAME Albizzia julibrissin GROWTH PATTERN Small tree HABITAT/INVASIVE CHARACTERISTICS Invasive in an array of disturbed habitats including old fields, stream banks, roadsides, flower gardens, rail yards, abandoned home sites, and rights-of-way; mostly occurs in full sunlight but widely dispersed in shaded areas; is difficult to control once established due to the aggressive suckering and long-lived seeds. Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense Shrub/small tree Forms dense thickets along roadsides, fence rows, fields, rights-of-way, and in bottomland forests; high fruit productivity and aggressive suckering often results in elimination of the herb layer in multi-storied communities. Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Vine Primarily occurs in disturbed habitats such as fence rows, old home sites, roadsides, and abandoned fields; may persist for long periods in mature forests, invading rapidly after disturbances (i.e., windstorms, logging) through fruit dispersal as well as aggressive growth in the herb layer and on small shrubs and trees. Torpedo grass Panicum repens Perennial herb Occurs in ditches, along marshy shores and canals, and other poorly drained habitats; occurs in water up to 6 ft deep forming a thick dense floating mat; cold-intolerant and thus is killed back to the ground by frost; once established, is difficult to eradicate due to rhizomatous growth. Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea Bamboo Forms dense, nearly impenetrable stands from underground rhizomes; mostly occupies old home sites and was widely planted for fishing canes. Kudzu Pueraria lobata Vine Ornamental use is suggested by the large number of abandoned home sites that are overgrown with this aggressive species. The USDA and other agencies used the species for erosion control. Few species can tolerate the competition by kudzu. Forms a dense blanket of leaves and stems that limits light that penetrates below Limited spread by seeds means most infestations result from persistence rather than new introductions. 5-41

82 COMMON NAME Giant cut grass SCIENTIFIC NAME Zizaniopsis miliacea GROWTH PATTERN Large emergent or terrestrial Grass HABITAT/INVASIVE CHARACTERISTICS Native grass that grows to about 9 ft, typically in fresh or brackish shallow water of ponds, sloughs, and ditches; reproduction occurs from rhizomes, grains, and from aerial stems that fall over and root at the nodes; forms dense, nearly impenetrable colonies that limit other native species through competition; is frequently controlled to protect habitat or to enhance recreation and/or navigation Literature Cited Whetstone, D Plants And Plant Communities Of The Lake Martin Area. Whetstone Consulting, Inc. 5.6 Riparian, Wetland and Littoral Habitat The hills surrounding the Project are steeply sloped to the waterline; thus extensive floodplains and shoreline wetlands are not present (Whetstone, 2006). The limited wetlands and riparian zones that do exist provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are described in greater detail below Wetlands There are approximately 444 ac of wetlands within the Project Boundary, which can be broadly classified into palustrine, lacustrine, and riverine wetland types (Alabama Power Company, 2006c). The dominant wetland types within the Project Boundary are palustrine forested, lacustrine littoral unconsolidated shore and palustrine emergent wetlands, which account for approximately 45.3% (201.4 ac), 27.3% (121.6 ac), and 10.3% (45.9 ac) of the total wetland acreage, respectively. The remaining 75.9 ac are composed of a mix of various palustrine, lacustrine and riverine wetland types accounting for approximately 9.6% (42.7 ac), 7.1% (31.4 ac) and.4% (1.8 ac), respectively. The wetland resources of the Project are summarized in Table

83 Table 5.6-1: Acres and Percentages of Wetland Types in the Project Area 1 WETLAND TYPE ACRES PERCENT OF TOTAL Lacustrine Littoral Rock Bottom % Lacustrine Littoral Rocky Shore % Lacustrine Littoral Unconsolidated Shore % Palustrine Emergent % Palustrine Forested % Palustrine Scrub-Shrub % Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom % Riverine Lower Perennial Rock Bottom % Total: % Lacustrine % Palustrine % Riverine % Total: % 1 Based on National Wetlands Inventory data for the following USGS 1:24,000 Quadrangles: Brassell, AL; La Place, AL; Shorter, AL; Tallassee, AL; Willow Springs, AL; Red Hill, AL; Alexander City, AL; Buchanan, GA; Buttson, AL; Dadeville, AL; Draketown, GA; Dudleyville, AL; Fruithurst, AL; Hightower, AL; Jacksons Gap, AL; Micaville, AL; Our Town, AL; Ofelia, AL; Ponders, AL; Rockmart South, GA; Ross Mountain, AL; Tallapoosa North, GA; Tallapoosa South, GA; Wadley North, AL; Wadley South, AL Riparian and Littoral Habitats Riparian zone and lowland vegetation include representatives of the upland forests as well as more wet-mesic to hydric taxa (Whetstone, 2006). Trees that are locally abundant in these habitats are elderberry, catalpa, black willow, alder, river birch, sycamore, and winterberry. Common shrubs include sweetspire, buttonbush, lead plant, swamp dogwood, silverbell, and blueberry. Frequently encountered lianas along the riparian zones and other lowlands are pepper-vine, American buckwheat vine, rattan-vine, and moonseed among other taxa. In littoral areas, emergent grasses, such as giant cutgrass and torpedo grass, as well as woody species, such as buttonbushes, are common. Riparian and littoral species know to occur in the Project Vicinity are listed in Table I-1 in Appendix I. 5-43

84 5.6.3 Literature Cited Alabama Power Company. 2006c. Draft Wetlands Report. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Whetstone, D Plants And Plant Communities Of The Lake Martin Area. Whetstone Consulting, Inc. 5.7 Rare, Threatened, Endangered (RTE) and Special Status Species At APC s request, the USFWS Daphne Field Office provided a list of federally threatened and/or endangered species in Alabama sorted by county. The Project area encompasses lands within Coosa, Elmore, and Tallapoosa counties in Alabama. The USFWS list indicates a total of four threatened, five endangered and one candidate species for those counties (Table 5.7-1). This list does not indicate species that are located within the Project Boundary and/or are influenced by the Project. To understand the potential for each species to be present in the Project Boundary, the following descriptions of the species and typical habitat requirements are presented below. Red Cockaded Woodpecker The red cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) (RCW), is a federally listed endangered species that occurs in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a). The RCW requires open pine woodlands and savannahs with large old pines for nesting and roosting habitat. Large old pines, preferably long leaf pines, are required as cavity trees because the cavities are excavated within inactive heartwood so that the interior cavity is free of resin, which can entrap the birds (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003). Consequently, the resin that comes out of the tree (from outer vascular tissue) after excavation may provide protection for RCWs against climbing snakes or other predators. The cavity trees are located in open stands with little or no hardwood midstory and few or no overstory hardwoods. The RCWs also require abundant native bunchgrass and groundcovers suitable for foraging within their habitat (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003). 5-44

85 APC implements a recovery management plan for RCWs at the Mitchell Project, Coosa and Chilton Counties, Alabama. The Mitchell Lake Project Lands represent the largest RCW population on a single private holding in Alabama (Bailey, 2003). There are no published reports of RCW's occurring on Martin Project lands, but ancillary information from the early 1990's indicated that RCW's inhabited the area around the Smith Mountain Fire Tower. APC biologists plan to begin surveying this area in early Additional surveys on all old growth pine habitats will also be conducted in 2007 and Bald Eagle The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a federally listed threatened species that is known to occur within the Project Boundary (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a). Bald eagles may nest in large trees near water and typically use the same nest for several years, making repairs to it annually (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1989). In addition, the southeastern bald eagle recovery plans have provided habitat management guidelines to minimize development disturbance in and around nests (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1989). New habitat has also been created for bald eagles in the form of manmade reservoirs, which provide wintering and non-nesting habitat as well as nesting habitat (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1989). APC currently participates in annual eagle surveys and manages shorelines in the vicinity of the known nest in an appropriate manner. Blue Shiner The blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea) is a federally threatened species that occurs in Coosa County (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a). The historic range of the blue shiner included two major rivers within the Mobile Basin, the Cahaba and Coosa (Etnier and Starnes, 1993; Krotzer, 1984; Mayden, 1989; Pierson et al., 1989; Pierson and Krotzer, 1987; Ramsey, 1976; Ramsey and Pierson, 1986; Smith-Vaniz, 1968). There is little available information on the water quality necessary to maintain blue shiner habitat. This is because the shiner primarily lives in streams in rural areas where water quality 5-45

86 sampling is not regularly conducted (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1995). Their diet consists primarily of terrestrial insects (Etnier and Starnes, 1993; Krotzer, 1984). In regards to habitat, they inhabit streams with sand or sand and gravel substrate sometimes with cobble, low to moderate current velocity, and a depth of about 0.15 to 1.0 meters (Gilbert et al., 1979; Krotzer, 1984; Pierson and Krotzer, 1987). In addition, the USFWS has established a blue shiner recovery plan in order to determine ecological needs, maintain populations and essential habitats, and reintroduce shiner into former habitats. USFWS indicated the following areas as essential habitat for blue shiner in Alabama and should be protected: Choccoloco Creek, Little River and Weogufka River (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1995). None of these essential habitat areas located within the Project Boundary. Tulotoma Snail The tulotoma snail (Tulotoma magnifica) is a federally endangered species that occurs in Coosa and Elmore counties (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a). Since its listing, additional populations of Tulotoma have been discovered in portions of the Coosa River and in several of its tributaries (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000), with the largest of these populations found in the Coosa River, below Jordan Dam (Elmore County, AL). No populations of tulotoma snails have been documented or are known to exist within the Project Boundary. Additional information regarding reproduction, fecundity, population demographics and other important aspects of life history can be found in the Mobile Basin Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). Fine-lined Pocketbook Mussel The USFWS designated 26 river and stream segments in the Mobile River Basin as critical habitat for three threatened and eight endangered mussels (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2004). One of the threatened mussels (Lampsilis altilis, fine-lined pocketbook mussel) is found in Coosa, Elmore and Tallapoosa counties. The Project 5-46

87 Area does not encompass critical habitat areas identified by the USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2004) and no populations have been identified in the Project Boundary. Lampsilis altilis is a suboval shaped mussel that has a maximum length of about 85 mm (3⅜ in.)(mirarchi et al., 2004). The mussel has been collected in large to small streams in habitats above the fall line having stable sand/gravel/cobble substrates and moderate to swift currents (Alabama Power Company, 2006b). Historically, they have been found in Alabama, Tombigbee, Black Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, and Coosa Rivers and their tributaries (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2004). With regard to reproduction, Lampsilis altilis releases glochidia as a superconglutinate from March through June, and confirmed host species include blackspotted topminnow, red eye bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass and green sunfish (Mirarchi et al., 2004). Reasons for the decline and current status of the species include habitat modification, sedimentation, eutrophication and water quality degradation (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). Southern Pigtoe The USFWS (1993) listed the southern pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum) as endangered in The historic range of this species included the upper Coosa River drainage, to which this species in endemic. The current range of the southern pigtoe is restricted to the upper Conasauga River in Georgia and Tennessee, the lower Coosawattee River downstream of Carters Re-regulation Dam in Georgia, and Shoal Creek (tributary to Choccolocco Creek, which flows into Logan Martin Lake) (Alabama Power Company, 2006b; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1993). Reasons for the decline and current status of this species include habitat modification, sedimentation, eutrophication and water quality degradation (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). The southern pigtoe is a small to medium-sized, oval-shaped mussel that may grow up to 65 mm (2.6 in.) in length (Mirarchi et al., 2004). This species is typically found in shoals and runs of small rivers and large streams with sand/gravel/cobble substrate (Alabama Power Company, 2006b; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). The reproductive strategy and host fish species for the southern pigtoe are not known; 5-47

88 however, other species within the genus are known to utilize cyprinids as host fish (Mirarchi et al., 2004). In terms of conservation measures, there are 9 designated critical habitat areas for the southern pigtoe totaling approximately 3,231 miles of streams and rivers within its current and historic range (Alabama Power Company, 2006b; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2004). None of the critical habitats are located within the Project Boundary and no populations of southern pigtoe are known to exist in the Project Boundary. Kral s Water-Plantain Kral s water-plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia) is a federally threatened species that occurs in Coosa County (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a) but is not located within the Project Boundary (personal communication with Jeff Powell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, 2006; U.S. Fish and Wildlife, 2006a). The species was historically known from only three tributaries in northern Alabama and Georgia: the Little River Canyon in the Coosa River Basin, the West Sipsey Fork in Warrior Basin, and Town Creek in the Tennessee Basin. Now, extant populations are currently thought to occur in Coosa County and at the Little River Canyon and West Sipsey Fork locations. Extirpation of the Town Creek population was attributed to siltation and erosion related to silvicultural, residential-recreational and agricultural development (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1991). No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Kral s water-plantain is an aquatic perennial herb that inhabits rocky substrates of unimpounded stream reaches. Plants are typically found in almost pure stands on exposed shoals or rooted among loose boulders in sand, silt, or gravel in pools up to one meter in depth (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1991). It displays mostly submerged leaves and emergent flowing stems and is often found in associated with other floatingleaved and emergent species such as pondweed, water milfoil, water willow, and water nymph. Typical shoreline associates include azaleas, mountain laurel, and holly (Alabama Power Company, 2006b; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1991). 5-48

89 Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant The Alabama canebrake pitcher plant (Sarracenia rubra spp. alabamensis) is a federally endangered species that is endemic to three Alabama counties: the Coosa River drainage of Autauga, Elmore, and Chilton counties (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). Of the 12 known extant populations, four are in Autauga, six are in Chilton and two are in Elmore. None of the documented populations are located within the Project Boundary (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). The Alabama canebrake pitcher plant is carnivorous, trapping and digesting insects in its tubular leaf. The tube of the plant is 8 to 16 in. tall and has maroon flowers that appear on two ft stalks in April through June. The summer leaves of the plant are tubular and light green and covered with white hair. The plant grows in wet areas and seeps along with cinnamon fern, sweetbay, wax myrtle, alders and poison sumac (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). It also prefers open areas where it is exposed to light (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). Factors that threaten the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant include habitat disturbance such as pond building, agricultural development, herbicide use and drainage of site, suppression of fire because the encroachment of woody species or aggressive exotics may eliminate the plant (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). All known populations of the plant are located on privately owned lands. The USFWS, along with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program, are working with these private landowners to protect and manage the sites (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). The USFWS (1992) stated that conservation agreements have been obtained for two of the larger sites and efforts are continuing to obtain additional conservation agreements. Plants are also being artificially grown at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and nurseries of a few individuals, which will provide for future study and possible reestablishment to nature (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). 5-49

90 Georgia Rockcress As of September 12, 2006, the USFWS considered the candidate species Georgia rockcress (Arabis georgiana) to be imminently threatened and changed its priority number from an 11 to an 8 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006b). This was due to Georgia rockcress populations being impacted by nonnative plants. The Georgia rockcress occurs in Alabama and Georgia and, thus, the heritage programs in the two states have initiated plans for exotic control at several populations (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006b). The Georgia rockcress grows in a variety of dry situations, including shallow soil accumulations on rocky bluffs and in sandy loam along eroding river banks (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006b). It is occasionally found in adjacent mesic woods, but it will not persist in heavily shaded conditions. Currently a total of 18 populations are known for four counties in Alabama (Bibb, Elmore, Russell, and Wilcox) and six counties in Georgia (Clay, Chattahoochee, Floyd, Gordon, Harris, and Muscogee) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2005). Populations of this species typically have a limited number of individuals over a small area. None of the documented populations exist within the Project Boundary (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006b). Table Federally Threatened and Endangered Species in Alabama Counties Occupied by the Project (Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006a) SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME FEDERAL STATUS COUNTY OF OCCURRENCE Picoides borealis Red Cockaded Woodpecker E Coosa & Tallapoosa Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle T Coosa, Elmore, & Tallapoosa Cyprinella caerulea Blue Shiner T Coosa Tulotoma magnifica Tulotoma snail E Coosa & Elmore Lampsilis altilis Fine-lined Pocketbook Mussel T Coosa & Tallapoosa Lampsilis altilis Fine-lined Pocketbook Mussel E Elmore Sagittaria secundifolia Kral s Water-Plaintain T Coosa 5-50

91 SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME FEDERAL STATUS Sarracenia rubra spp. alabamensis Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant E Elmore Arabis Georgiana Georgia rockcress C Elmore Pleurobema georgianum Southern Pigtoe E Coosa E = Endangered, T = Threatened, and C = Candidate species COUNTY OF OCCURRENCE Literature Cited Alabama Power Company. 2006b. Coosa-Warrior Relicensing Project: Biological Assessment for Threatened and Endangered Species for the Coosa River (FERC No. 2146), Mitchell (FERC No. 82, and Jordan (FERC No. 618) Projects. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Bailey, M. A Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Status and Recommendations - Mitchell Lake Project Lands, Coosa and Chilton Counties, Alabama. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Etnier, D. A., and W. C. Starnes The Fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN. Gilbert, C. R., H. T. Boschung, and G. H. Burgess Notropis caeruleus (Jordan), Blue Shiner. D. S. Lee, and 5 coeditors, editors. Atlas of North American Fresh Water Fishes. North Carolina State University Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC. Krotzer, R. S The Ecological Life History of the Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus (Jordan), from the Conasauga River, Georgia. Master's Thesis. Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Mayden, R. L Phylogenetic Studies of North American Minnows, with Emphasis on the Genus Cyprinella (Teleostei: Cypriniformes). Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas, Miscellaneous Publication No. 80, Lawrence, KS. Mirarchi, R. E., J. T. Garner, M. F. Mettee, and P. E. O'Neil, editors Alabama Wildlife. Volume Two. Imperiled Aquatic Mollusks and Fishes. The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL. 5-51

92 Pierson, J. M., and 6 coauthors Fishes of the Cahaba River System in Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Bulletin 134, Tuscaloosa, AL. Pierson, J. M., and R. S. Krotzer The Distribution, Relative Abundance, and Life History of the Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus (Jordan). Ramsey, J. M Freshwater Fishes. Pages in H. Boschung, editor. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of Alabama. Alabama Museum of Natural History, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. Ramsey, J. S., and J. M. Pierson Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus. Pages 124 in R. H. Mount, editor. Vertebrate Animals of Alabama in Need of Special Attention. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL. Smith-Vaniz, W. F Freshwater Fishes of Alabama. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kral's Water-Plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia rubra ssp. alabamensis) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern Pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum). Federal Register 58: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blue Shiner Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, MS. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mobile River Basin Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Three Threatened Mussels and 5-52

93 Eight Endangered Mussels in the Mobile River Basin. Federal Register 69: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Form: Georgia Rockcress. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006a. Alabama's Federally Listed Species by County. [Online] URL: Accessed October 11, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Critical Habitat Designations; Proposed Rule. Federal Register 71: Recreation This section describes existing recreational access and opportunities within the Project Boundary and in the Project Vicinity. It also describes estimated recreational use at the Project and existing management plans that may affect recreational planning in the future Existing Recreation Facilities and Opportunities There are many recreational facilities at the Project. These vary from simple boat launches to extensive state parks that offer a variety of amenities. These facilities are described in the sections below Recreation Facilities and Opportunities in the Project Vicinity There are several other attractions in the area surrounding the Project. These include several other reservoirs including Lake Walter F. George, Lake Harding, Harris Reservoir (Lake Wedowee), Lake Jordan/Bouldin, Lay Lake, Logan Martin, Mitchell Lake, Neely Henry Lake, and West Point Lake. The majority of these reservoirs provide basic 5-53

94 recreational amenities including boat ramps, marinas, restaurants, camping sites, etc. Besides water-based attractions in the Project Area, several areas of interest provide a variety of services. Cheaha State Park is located on Cheaha Mountain, Alabama s highest point at 2,407 ft msl, about 40 mi. north of Lake Martin. The park offers outstanding views of the Talladega National Forest. One other national forest, the Tuskegee National Forest, is located 10 mi. southeast of the Project. Chewacla State Park is about 20 mi. southeast of the Project and provides a lake as well as cabins dating from the Civilian Conservation Corps. One other scenic attraction near the Project is the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. The land on which the park is located was originally owned by APC, but donated to the U.S. government for the park. Located about 10 mi. north of the reservoir up the River, the park is the site of the battle with the Creek Nation and offers an overlook of the battlefield, a visitor center, and several mi. of walking trails Recreation Facilities and Opportunities at the Project There are many public and private recreation facilities at the Project. Existing information pertaining to these sites is shown in Table

95 Table 5.8-1: Existing Recreation Facilities and Access at the Martin Project NAME TYPE OF FACILITY PUBLIC? FEE? FUEL? OPEN YEAR ROUND? YEAR ROUND WATER? 1st Retreat (Off Castaway) * Alabama Youth Camp Camp Alexander City Boat Ramp Boat Landing Anchor Bay Marina Marina Bakers Bottom Landing Boat Landing Bay Pine Marina & BBQ Marina Blue Creek Marina Marina Camp Alamisco * Camp ASCCA (Easter Seal) Children's Camp * Camp ASSCA Dadeville Campus Children's Camp Central Alabama Water & Sewer Authority Utility Children's Harbor (Camp Smile a Mile) Children's Camp Chuck's Marina Marina Coley Creek Ramp Boat Landing D.A.R.E. Boat Landing Boat Landing D.A.R.E. Power Park Day Use Davis Boat Landing Boat Landing Dixie Sailing Club * * * * * * Elkahatchee Landing Boat Landing Emerald Shores Boat Ramp Boat Landing 5-55

96 NAME HIKING TRAILS? DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA? LIFEGUARDS? PLAYGROUND? FISHING PIER? INFORMAL FISHING ACCESS? ADA ACCESS? CAMPING? RV SPACES? TENT SPACES? CABINS? WATER HOOKUP? ELECTRICITY HOOKUP? SANITATION HOOKUP? BATHHOUSES? 1st Retreat (Off Castaway) Alabama Youth Camp * Alexander City Boat Ramp Anchor Bay Marina Bakers Bottom Landing Bay Pine Marina & BBQ Blue Creek Marina Camp Alamisco Camp ASCCA (Easter Seal) Camp ASSCA Dadeville Campus Central Alabama Water & Sewer Authority Children's Harbor (Camp Smile a Mile) Chuck's Marina Coley Creek Ramp D.A.R.E. Boat Landing D.A.R.E. Power Park Davis Boat Landing Dixie Sailing Club * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Elkahatchee Landing Emerald Shores Boat Ramp 5-56

97 NAME SHOWERS? PICNIC TABLES? GRILLS? POTABLE WATER? SHORELINE FOOTAGE SWIMMING PIERS? LAUNCHING PIERS? ADA PIERS? BOAT RAMP? PARKING SURFACE? WET SLIPS? SEA DOO PADS? DRY STORAGE BOAT PUMP OUT? 1st Retreat (Off Castaway) 100 Dirt Alabama Youth Camp 600 Natural Alexander City Boat Ramp 891 Asphalt Anchor Bay Marina * Asphalt/Gravel Bakers Bottom Landing 75 Dirt Bay Pine Marina & BBQ 350 Paved * Blue Creek Marina 1000 Asphalt/Cement * Camp Alamisco 8239 Paved * Camp ASCCA (Easter Seal) 847 Paved * Camp ASSCA Dadeville Campus 3890 Paved * Central Alabama Water & Sewer Authority 648 * Children's Harbor (Camp Smile a Mile) 1200 Asphalt Chuck's Marina 2000 Gravel * Coley Creek Ramp 60 Asphalt D.A.R.E. Boat Landing 288 Asphalt D.A.R.E. Power Park 2160 Asphalt Davis Boat Landing 175 Asphalt * Dixie Sailing Club * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Elkahatchee Landing 200 Asphalt Emerald Shores Boat Ramp 200 * 5-57

98 NAME TYPE OF FACILITY PUBLIC? FEE? FUEL? OPEN YEAR ROUND? YEAR ROUND WATER? Harbor Pointe Marina Marina * Holiday Shores Boat Ramp Boat Landing Indian Campgrounds Common Area Indian Shores Boat Landing Boat Landing Jaybird Landing Boat Landing Kamp Kiwanis (Girl Scout Camp) * * * * * * Kowaliga (Hwy 63) Launch Boat Landing * Kowaliga Bay Estates Common Area Kowaliga Marina Marina Lake Martin RV Resort * Lake View Mobile Homes Park Trailer Park and Boat Ramp Lakeside Marina (Blue Creek) Marina Lakeside Marina (River Bridge) Marina Madwind Creek Ramp * * * * * * Marina Marin * Maxwell Gunter AFB Recreation Area * New Hope Ramp Boat Landing Pace Bluff Boat Landing Pace Point Ramp & Fishing Area Boat Landing Paces Trail * * Parker Creek Marina Marina Pleasure Point Park & Marina Marina 5-58

99 NAME HIKING TRAILS? DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA? LIFEGUARDS? PLAYGROUND? FISHING PIER? INFORMAL FISHING ACCESS? ADA ACCESS? CAMPING? RV SPACES? TENT SPACES? CABINS? WATER HOOKUP? ELECTRICITY HOOKUP? SANITATION HOOKUP? BATHHOUSES? Harbor Pointe Marina Holiday Shores Boat Ramp Indian Campgrounds Indian Shores Boat Landing Jaybird Landing Kamp Kiwanis (Girl Scout Camp) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kowaliga (Hwy 63) Launch Kowaliga Bay Estates Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin RV Resort Lake View Mobile Homes Park Lakeside Marina (Blue Creek) Lakeside Marina (River Bridge) Madwind Creek Ramp * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Marina Marin Maxwell Gunter AFB Recreation Area New Hope Ramp Pace Bluff Pace Point Ramp Paces Trail Parker Creek Marina Pleasure Point Park & Marina 5-59

100 NAME SHOWERS? PICNIC TABLES? GRILLS? POTABLE WATER? SHORELINE FOOTAGE SWIMMING PIERS? LAUNCHING PIERS? ADA PIERS? BOAT RAMP? PARKING SURFACE? WET SLIPS? SEA DOO PADS? DRY STORAGE BOAT PUMP OUT? Harbor Pointe Marina 400 Paved * Holiday Shores Boat Ramp 300 Paved * Indian Campgrounds 120 * Indian Shores Boat Landing 850 * Jaybird Landing 20 Dirt Kamp Kiwanis (Girl Scout Camp) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kowaliga (Hwy 63) Launch 100 Asphalt Kowaliga Bay Estates 295 Asphalt Kowaliga Marina 400 Concrete/Gravel Lake Martin RV Resort 250 Gravel * Lake View Mobile Homes Park 100 * * Lakeside Marina (Blue Creek) 385 Paved * Lakeside Marina (River Bridge) 305 Dirt * Madwind Creek Ramp * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Marina Marin 86 * * Maxwell Gunter AFB Recreation Area 5670 Paved * New Hope Ramp 100 Asphalt Pace Bluff 50 Asphalt Pace Point Ramp 220 Asphalt Paces Trail 4586 Dirt * Parker Creek Marina 400 Asphalt Pleasure Point Park & Marina 1560 Gravel * 5-60

101 NAME TYPE OF FACILITY PUBLIC? FEE? FUEL? OPEN YEAR ROUND? YEAR ROUND WATER? Real Island Marina & Campground Marina River North Marina Marina Russell Ferry Boat Landing Shady Bay Day Use * Sinclair's Restaurant Smith Landing Boat Landing Sonny Fromby & Sons Boat Rental Sturdivant Creek Ramp Boat Landing The Ridge Marina Marina Timbergut Landing * * * * * * Timberlake Townhomes * Union Ramp Boat Landing Veazey's Marina Marina Willow Point Beach Area Wind Creek Farms Boat Landing Wind Creek State Park Park 5-61

102 NAME HIKING TRAILS? DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA? LIFEGUARDS? PLAYGROUND? FISHING PIER? INFORMAL FISHING ACCESS? ADA ACCESS? CAMPING? RV SPACES? TENT SPACES? CABINS? WATER HOOKUP? ELECTRICITY HOOKUP? SANITATION HOOKUP? BATHHOUSES? Real Island Marina & Campground River North Marina Russell Ferry Shady Bay Sinclair's Smith Landing Sonny Fromby & Sons Sturdivant Creek Ramp The Ridge Marina Timbergut Landing * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Timberlake Townhomes Union Ramp Veazey's Marina Willow Point Wind Creek Farms Wind Creek State Park * 5-62

103 NAME SHOWERS? PICNIC TABLES? GRILLS? POTABLE WATER? SHORELINE FOOTAGE SWIMMING PIERS? LAUNCHING PIERS? ADA PIERS? BOAT RAMP? PARKING SURFACE? WET SLIPS? SEA DOO PADS? DRY STORAGE BOAT PUMP OUT? Real Island Marina & Campground 900 Natural River North Marina 924 * * Russell Ferry 50 Asphalt Shady Bay 450 * * Sinclair's 0 Gravel Smith Landing 180 Asphalt Sonny Fromby & Sons 505 Paved * Sturdivant Creek Ramp 30 Dirt The Ridge Marina 600 Concrete Timbergut Landing * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Timberlake Townhomes 185 * * Union Ramp 100 Asphalt Veazey's Marina 150 * Willow Point 300 * Wind Creek Farms 150 Dirt * Wind Creek State Park Paved * 5-63

104 5.8.2 Current Project Recreation Use Levels and Capacities The latest use estimates for the Project were collected in Total annual use for the Project was over 2 million person hours, or about 400,000 trips, and the majority of use was land based. Eighty-eight percent of use occurred during the on-season (April September). Most users go to Wind Creek State Park, followed by Stillwaters Marina, Real Island Marina, Ridge Marina, River North Marina, and Anchor Bay Marina. The primary activities engaged in were fishing, camping, pleasure boating, bank fishing, and relaxing (Fishery Information Management Systems, Undated). The most recent FERC Form 80 reported that no APC facilities were near capacity, with the most visited site at 45% capacity (Alabama Power Company, 2003) Recreation Needs Identified in Management Plans Recreation planning at the Project has been guided by APC s Comprehensive Recreation Plan (CRP). The CRP was revised in 1993 and in 1997 as a result of new information. The 1997 revision is the current recreation planning document for the Project. The current goals of the CRP are: Minimize land use conflicts; Optimize site maintenance and security operations by the consolidation of the facilities planned for several sites; Minimize impacts on existing wetlands; Develop sites with convenient access from adjacent communities; Tie site development to scheduled public demand surveys, as opposed to long range use projections; and Minimize impacts on natural undeveloped lands. 5-64

105 The CRP also categorizes the Project shoreline into seven classifications to best serve the public s need for water-oriented recreational activities (See Martin Land Use Maps). These classifications are: Prohibited Access To protect visitors from hazardous areas and to prevent damage to operational facilities. General Public Use Reserved for the development of parks, boat ramps, concessionaires facilities and other recreational facilities open to the public. Natural Undeveloped To remain in an undeveloped state and serve as buffer zones around public recreational areas, protection to environmentally sensitive shoreline areas, means for preventing the overcrowding of partially developed shoreline areas, means for maintaining the natural aesthetic qualities of certain highly visible areas, nature study trails, and areas for primitive camping activities. Potential Residential Where lots for cottage construction can be developed by Alabama Power Company and made available to the public under highly restrictive lease provisions. Quasi-Public Recreation Lands leased to quasi-public organizations as needed for public use facilities. Existing Commercial Recreation Existing concessionaire-operated public marinas and recreational areas that provide a wide variety of recreational services to the public on a fee basis. 30 ft. Buffer A control strip of land along the shoreline in certain areas of the reservoir. 5-65

106 In 1993, the CRP was revised to remove certain lands from the General Public Use classification and change these lands to the Natural Undeveloped classification. The reasons for these reclassifications were to provide larger tracts of Natural Undeveloped lands, protect aquatic enhancement programs in the vicinity of these lands, and minimize competition between public use sites. The CRP was revised again in 1997 as a response to negative public reaction over the building of two recreational facilities in the Kowaliga Creek area of the reservoir. This revision added 40 additional ac to General Public Use Area #1 (D.A.R.E. Park) to mitigate for removing the public sites in the Kowaliga Creek area. It also included building Union Ramp in the Blue Creek area of the Project Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) The Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is currently being updated. This section will describe statewide recreation planning efforts as they relate to the Project when the updated SCORP is available Specially Designated Recreation Areas National Wild and Scenic and State Protected River Segments There are no nationally designated wild and scenic areas, wilderness areas or trails within the Project Boundary, nor are there any locations within the Project Boundary that are under study for such designations National Trails and Wilderness Areas There are no national trail systems within the Project Boundary and no lands within the Project Boundary under study for inclusion in the 5-66

107 National Trails System or designated as, or under study for inclusion as, a Wilderness Area. There is one designated National Recreation Trail close to the Project Area: the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail established in Literature Cited Alabama Power Company Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report (Form 80). Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Carto-Craft Maps, Inc Lake Martin. Carto-Craft Maps, Inc., Birmingham, AL. Fishery Information Management Systems. Undated. Recreational Use Associated with Three Alabama Reservoirs and a Tailwater Complex. 5.9 Land Use and Aesthetic Resources This section describes basic land uses in the Project area and provides a brief description of the aesthetic resources associated with the Project Overview of Land Uses Land uses in the Project Vicinity could have significant effects on other Project resources including water quality, recreational access, and fish and wildlife resources. While generally APC does not have any control on land uses in the Project Vicinity, an understanding of these land uses is important for identifying the nature of development around the Lake Martin Land Uses in Project Area All three counties are predominantly rural in nature. According to the 2000 Census, the percentage of the population living in a rural area were 97% in Coosa County, 62% in Elmore County, and 75% in 5-67

108 Tallapoosa County. Land use percentages are based on satellite images taken from 1999 to 2001 and were calculated based on a resolution of 30 meters. Therefore, only major land use categories are presented and may not match up with areas from other sources (i.e., the percentage of herbaceous cultivated crops from the satellite data does not match the acreage of farmland from the Census of Agriculture). All three counties have predominantly forested upland land cover, followed by planted/cultivated. All three counties are sparsely developed (Table 5.9-1). Table 5.9-1: Percentages of Land Use Classifications by Counties in the Project Vicinity (Source: Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium, 2001, as modified by Kleinschmidt) DESCRIPTION 1 COOSA ELMORE TALLAPOOSA COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY Open Water Developed, Open Space Developed, Low Intensity Developed, Medium Intensity Developed, High Intensity Barren Land (Rock/Sand/Clay) Deciduous Forest Evergreen Forest Mixed Forest Shrub/Scrub Grassland/Herbaceous Pasture/Hay Cultivated Crops Woody Wetlands Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands For a description of land cover types, see 2 Although present, these areas represent less than 0.1% Existing Shoreline Management Plan The existing shoreline management plan is the same as the Comprehensive Recreation Plan (CRP:(Alabama Power Company, 1979, as amended in 1993 and 1997)) and is described in Section The Shoreline Permitting Program, 5-68

109 which is separate from the CRP, but integral to shoreline management, is described in Section The land classifications described in the CRP guide shoreline management and are described in Section Land Classifications The seven land classifications are described in Section Appendix J shows the existing Land Use\Recreation Plan Map Permitting Program APC maintains a Shoreline Permitting Program that they use to manage all shoreline property within the Project Boundary. The USACE has given APC the authority to manage certain permitting on the Lake that ordinarily would be subject to USACE permitting. The objective of this management approach is to control all development activities and monitor the shoreline areas on a regular basis to preserve the scenic, recreational, and environmental attributes of the Lake. This management approach allows APC to quickly respond to shoreline owner permitting requests. Shoreline property is subject to permitting by APC. The Shoreline Permitting Program provides a proactive, ongoing plan for shoreline development by private property owners, commercial developers, and local, state and federal agencies that want to construct piers, boat ramps, seawalls, boathouses, boat slips, or other structures on lands within the Project Area. Private and commercial owners are provided a copy of APC s general guidelines for recreational development and a copy of APC s permitting program and permit application. APC schedules on-site meetings with the property owner to review the placement of structures and specific issues that must be addressed prior to APC approval. The property owner gives APC a detailed drawing of the proposed structure, a copy of the deed to the property, and any other necessary permits or approvals from the appropriate state or local agency, where applicable. Commercial property owners must follow a more detailed procedure that 5-69

110 includes review by APC s Corporate Real Estate, Hydro Licensing, and Environmental Affairs Departments, as well as state and federal agencies, before final review and approval by FERC. Upon FERC approval, APC issues a permit and monitors the construction of the project for compliance with the terms of the permit. The construction of the project must be completed within one year of issuance of the permit. After completion, APC marks the structures with metal tags depicting the APC permit number. These tags are displayed for APC s reference during regular field inspections. APC maintains permit records and copies are sent to the USACE where applicable Aesthetics Overview Lake Martin has a very distinguishing outline when viewed from above. Many of the arms of this large lake, including Kowaliga, Manoy, Wind Creek, Sandy Creek, and Blue Creek, have different characteristics such that the Lake as a whole seems to be made up of different bodies of water. This adds to its interest and provides a great variety of recreational experiences Visual Character of Project Vicinity The area surrounding the Project is predominantly rural in nature and has similar characteristics to other rural areas in the state. The typical character of the Project Vicinity includes large areas of forest and agricultural land interspersed with single family residences and small towns. Alexander City is typical of many small Alabama towns and includes basic amenities one would expect to find in a city such as fast food establishments, restaurants, businesses, hospitals, and manufacturing sectors. 5-70

111 Visual Character of Project Lands and Waters Although development is somewhat sparse, there is typical development along the shoreline including single family houses, condominiums, marinas, and recreation areas. The natural/undeveloped areas of the Lake provide breathtaking views and the contiguity of these lands adds to the natural characteristics of the Lake. There are many overlooks and high bluffs along the shoreline. Perhaps the most spectacular views at the Project are of the dam and powerhouse (see Photos to 5.9-4). General Public Use Area #6 provides outstanding views of the upstream side of the dam. During scheduled tours of the dam, the view downstream is equally stunning. Photo 5.9-1: Aerial View of Martin Dam and Powerhouse 5-71

112 Photo 5.9-2: Martin Dam Photo 5.9-3: Martin Powerhouse 5-72

113 Photo 5.9-4: Downstream View of Tailrace Nearby Scenic Attractions Scenic attractions in the Project vicinity are related to nearby recreational opportunities, which are described in Section Management Plans The three counties surrounding the Project (Tallapoosa, Coosa, and Elmore) do not have any zoning ordinances that would affect land uses in the Project Vicinity. There are also no building codes for Coosa and Elmore Counties. However, Tallapoosa County has building codes and two building inspectors. There are street and highway standards in all three counties that affect developing areas. These standards are intended to be followed if the county is responsible for maintenance of the roads. The Alabama State Board of Health and the county health departments also set minimum wastewater disposal standards for the area. 5-73

114 The largest municipality on the reservoir, Alexander City, encompasses approximately 23 mi. of the shoreline on Lake Martin. The city does have zoning ordinances; however, the area adjacent to Lake Martin is primarily zoned for lowdensity and restricted residential uses with some limited commercial services. The city of Dadeville also borders a small portion of the Project and has zoned this area for agricultural use, which includes a category for single-family residences). There are also several regional and statewide management plans that do not affect land uses around Lake Martin (e.g., Tallapoosa Basin Management Plan, Alabama Nonpoint Source Management Program, etc.). These plans are general in nature and provide guidelines at the regional or state level Literature Cited Alabama Power Company Martin Dam Project (FERC No. 349): Comprehensive Recreation Plan Exhibit R (Revised). Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium National Land Cover Database 2001 (NLCD 2001). [Online] URL: Accessed November 28, Cultural Resources Prehistoric Overview The area surrounding the Project has been subject to dramatic shifts in climate over the past 15,000 years that have affected the nature and presence of aboriginal peoples; in particular, the climate became gradually warmer and wetter in the past 10,000 years (Southerlin et al., 1998). 5-74

115 The Project lies in the River Valley in eastern Alabama, near the border with Georgia. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have occupied the area for approximately 10,000 years, since the late Paleoindian stage of prehistory. The following summary of the area s prehistory and history is drawn largely from Alabama Power Company (2006a). The earliest stage of human history in the southeastern United States is identified as the Paleoindian stage, which began in approximately 10,000 B.C. While there are several early Paleoindian sites within the Tennessee Valley Region of northern Alabama, currently there is no evidence of early Paleoindian occupation in the River Basin. Based on current records, prehistoric populations did not reach the Basin until the middle Paleoindian stage, with only one site identified as having a Cumberland component. The archaeological record thus far indicates a larger influx of prehistoric peoples to the River Basin during the late Paleoindian period (c. 8,500-8,000 B.C.), containing eleven sites associated with a Dalton component. During the Archaic stage (c. 8,000-1,200 B.C.), climate trends progressively transitioned toward that of modern weather patterns. Hunting and gathering remained the primary subsistence strategy throughout the Archaic stage. The early Archaic period toolkit expanded to include knives, adzes, end scrapers, and celts, while the invention of the atlatl (spear thrower) was an important technological advancement during this period. There is also evidence of woven fiber used to make baskets and netting during this period. Archaeological research on the Middle Archaic suggests increased sedentism and greater exploitation of riverine environments during this period. While most middle Archaic sites are smaller camp sites, many larger riverine sites contain hearths, storage pits, and large shell middens. Technological advances during the middle Archaic period include ground and polished stone, such as atlatl weights, grooved axes, and net-sinker weights; and tools made of bone and shell such as awls, needles, and atlatl hooks, and more. Late Archaic sites occur with greater frequency and have a wider physiographic dispersion than earlier periods. 5-75

116 Sedentism also appears to increase, as flood plain base camps grow in size, and archaeological excavations of late Archaic sites encounter house floors, hearths, and pit features in higher densities. Extensive trade networks of raw materials appear, yet late Archaic artifacts demonstrate increasing regional variation of stylistic and technologic traits. Burial mounds, exotic ornamental grave goods, commodity trading of raw materials, and increasingly specialized craftsmanship indicate a growing social hierarchy. Spanning from c. 1,200 B.C. to 300 B.C., the Gulf Formational stage is contemporaneous with the early Woodland period in other parts of North America. Early fired clay pottery was tempered with organic fibers as a strengthening agent. Few recorded sites within the River Basin are associated with the Gulf Formational stage. The Woodland stage (c. 300 B.C.- A.D. 1,200) is typically associated with an increased reliance on agriculture for subsistence. The introduction of the bow and arrow occurred during this stage, as reflected in smaller triangular projectile points. Populations continued to grow, as did the size of village sites. Decorative techniques and patterns for ceramics grew increasingly complex and distinctive to a particular time and space, as diagnostic pottery replaces projectile points as cultural markers in the archaeological record. The Mississippian stage (c. AD ) represents the height of Native American culture up until contact with the first European settlers. Mississippian societies were based on an agrarian economy, and were densely populated in fertile river valleys. Mississippian settlements include large village sites, many of which contain large earthen mounds. These mound sites are considered to have been cultural hubs with extensive political, religious and socio-economic influence. Mississippian cultures witnessed a high degree of social stratification, with evidence of a ruling elite, extensive trade networks for exotic goods, specialized craftsmen and artisans. Mississippian sites are not particularly well represented in the River Basin. 5-76

117 Historic Overview The Spanish explorers of the early sixteenth century were the first Europeans to contact the Native Americans in present day Alabama, and Hernando de Soto s entrada through the southeast was the most prominent Spanish presence in Alabama in the sixteenth century. The French were the first Europeans to establish long-term contact with native groups of the area. After settling at what is now Biloxi in 1699, the French, in 1717, established Fort Toulouse at the point where the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers meet to form the Alabama River. By the early eighteenth century, the English traders had established a presence in the region. The Creek presence in the interior of Alabama slowed the advance of settlers but despite this, American settlers continued to venture into the area after the Treaty of Paris in The new American government established the Mississippi Territory in 1798 under the provisions of the Northwest Ordinance. The strong presence of native Creeks in the interior of Alabama slowed American expansion into the area. The newly formed Mississippi Territory became unstable after the creation of a Federal Road from Washington D.C. to New Orleans brought new American settlers to the region. In 1813, a series of attacks and counterattacks between Americans and Creeks blossomed into a war throughout the territory, including the Lake Martin area. The war came to a formal, and violent, end in 1814 when Andrew Jackson defeated the Creeks at Horseshoe Bend on the River. This forced the session of all Creek land east of the Mississippi River, including Lake Martin and surrounding areas (Southerlin et al., 1998). American settlers then quickly settled the area after the Native Americans were sent to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. Early American settlers in the new Alabama Territory rapidly developed the area, as the power of small streams was harnessed for the machinery that operated grist, flour and saw mills. The east central part of Alabama saw relatively slow development, however, through the outbreak of the Civil War in 5-77

118 1861. Stagnation of industry and agriculture existed throughout the state of Alabama until After 1885, the coal, iron, steel, and textile industries experienced rapid growth. The area around Lake Martin, however, remained primarily agricultural. Throughout the nineteenth century, power development in Alabama was confined almost entirely to streams. By the early twentieth century, however, prospective water power sites along the River began to attract the attention of hydraulic engineers. In 1907, the founding president of APC, Captain William Patrick Lay, received congressional approval to construct the company s first dam and electric generating plant on the Coosa River (Lay Hydroelectric Development, now a part of the Coosa River Project). Construction of this dam was initiated in 1910 and was completed in April Interest in development of a dam at Cherokee Bluffs on the River continued until construction was initiated on July 24, 1923 and was completed on December 31, First known as Cherokee Bluffs, the dam was dedicated in 1926 in honor of Thomas Martin, president of APC from 1920 to 1949 and chief executive officer from 1949 to Martin was instrumental in the development of APC and a pioneer in the development of the electric system throughout Alabama and the Southeast. The Project was the first of four dams constructed on the River. Three generating units were initially installed with a fourth unit being installed in Historic Properties No systematic cultural resources survey of the entire Project has taken place. However, a recent review of the Alabama Archaeological Site Files identified eighteen sites along Lake Martin (The University of Alabama, 2006). In 1995, APC contracted for Phase I and Phase II archaeological surveys of eight areas that were the sites of proposed new recreation areas (Akridge, 1996). The University of Alabama Museum of Natural History Office of Archaeological 5-78

119 Research (OAR) conducted the surveys in 1995 and 1996, and identified ten archaeological sites. Of these, two (sites 1CS152 and 1TP35) are recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In addition to these ten sites identified by the University of Alabama survey, the OAR (2006) indicates that eight other sites have been identified along Lake Martin at different times. Seven of these are archaeological sites, of which six are potentially eligible for the NRHP based only on the description presented in the OAR report (2006) (sites 1CS93, 1EE33, 1TP3, 1TP4, 1TP38, 1TP86); one is not eligible for the NRHP based on its being nearly completely eroded. Finally, one site is the Umphress Family Cemetery. According to information presented in the OAR report (2006), this cemetery was recently relocated in anticipation of a construction project. The Project facilities, including the powerhouse, dam, and appurtenant facilities were built in 1926, and represented an important engineering development for the State of Alabama at that time. While the Project facilities have not been evaluated as historic architectural and engineering resources, they appear to have sufficient historic significance to be eligible for the NRHP. Despite the lack of a comprehensive cultural resources survey, nine potentially eligible archaeological sites are known to exist at the Project. In addition, the Project facilities, although not yet evaluated, are likely eligible for the NRHP Literature Cited Akridge, R. M Cultural Resources Summary Report for Alabama Power Company's Martin Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. 2006a. Alabama Power Company s Martin Project Cultural Resources Overview. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. 5-79

120 Southerlin, B., and coauthors Phase I Historic Resources Survey: Lowndes Wildlife Management Area: Lowndes County, Alabama. Brockington Associates, Inc., COESAM/PDER , Atlanta, GA. The University of Alabama, Office of Archaeological Research Alabama Power Company Martin Project Recorded Sites (Alabama State Site File). The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL Socioeconomic Resources The Martin Project is located in Coosa, Elmore, and Tallapoosa Counties, Alabama. The following summary of selected socioeconomic variables for each county in the Project vicinity is from data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2002), the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office (2005), and the Alabama County Data Book (Collins, 2003) Population Patterns In 2005, there were an estimated 11,162 people living in Coosa County, 73,937 in Elmore County, and 40,717 people living in Tallapoosa County. From 1990 to 2000, the populations of the counties grew 10.3%, 33.9%, and 6.8%, respectively. The population growth in Alabama for the same time period was 10.1%. Coosa County ranked 64 th out of 67 counties in Alabama in terms of total population in Elmore and Tallapoosa Counties ranked 18th and 30th, respectively. Population densities are low in Coosa and Tallapoosa Counties compared to statewide densities; Coosa County had 18.7 persons per mi 2 and Tallapoosa County had 57.8 persons per mi 2 (compared to 87.6 persons per mi 2 in Alabama). Elmore County had 106 persons per mi 2 in

121 Households/Family Distribution and Income In 2000, there were 4,682 households in Coosa County, 22,737 households in Elmore County, and 16,656 households in Tallapoosa County. Each county had around 2.5 persons per household, which is approximately the national average. The median household income, in 2003, was $29,735, $42,630, and $30,554, respectively, which is lower than the national median of $43,318. About 13% of the population of Coosa and Elmore counties is below the poverty level; 16% of the population in Tallapoosa County is below the poverty level Project Vicinity Employment Sources There were 106 private nonfarm establishments in Coosa County that employed 995 persons in There were 1,069 private nonfarm establishments in Elmore County that employed 12,057 persons in There were 796 private nonfarm establishments in Tallapoosa County that employed 19,205 persons in Major manufactured products in Coosa County include shelving/counters and textile/cotton yarn; Elmore County includes dyeing and knitting of fabric, water meters, and aerospace composites; Tallapoosa County includes sports apparel and other textile related products. In 2005, the unemployment rate in Coosa County was 4.6%, 3.2% in Elmore County, and 4.1% in Tallapoosa County; the statewide average was 4.0% in 2005 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006). All three counties depend on agriculture for much of their employment opportunities. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, there were 228 farms in Coosa County, 633 in Elmore County, and 377 farms in Tallapoosa County. Approximately 9%, 26%, and 17, respectively, of the counties are used for agriculture. The average market value of production per farm in 2002 was $6,465 in Coosa County, $18,957 in Elmore County, and $13,747 in Tallapoosa County. 5-81

122 Literature Cited Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20, Collins, P., editor Alabama County Data Book 2003, 18 edition. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Montgomery, AL. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office Alabama Agricultural Statistics. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office, 47, Montgomery, AL. U.S. Census Bureau State and County QuickFacts. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20, U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20, Tribal Resources While there are no federally recognized tribal lands within the Project Boundary, there may be some federally recognized tribes that might have an interest in the Project relicensing. The following tribes will be contacted to determine if they will participate in the relicensing process. Augustine Asbury, Tribal Representative Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town P.O. Box 187 Wetumpka, OK Charles Coleman Tribal Warrior Thlopthlocco Tribal Town Route 1, Box 190-A Weleetka, OK Christine Norris Jena Band of Choctaw Indians P.O. Box 14 Jena, LA Joyce Bear Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Box 580 Okmulgee, OK Kenneth H. Carleton Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians P.O. Box 6257 Choctaw, MS Lelyn Thomas, Tribal Representative Coushatta Indian Tribe P.O. Box 818 Elton, LA

123 Debbie Thomas, Tribal Representative Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Route 3, Box 645 Livingston, TX Delores Herrod, Tribal Representative Kialegee Tribal Town of the Muscogee(Creek) Nation P.O. Box N. Main Street Wetumpka, OK Dr. James Kardatzke Bureau of Indian Affairs Eastern Region Office 545 Marriott Drive, Suite 700 Nashville, TN Earl Babry, Jr., THPO Tunica-Biloxi Tribe P.O. Box 1589 Marksville, LA Gingy Nail Chickasaw Nation P.O. Box 1548 Ada, OK Pare Bowlegs, Historic Preservation Officer Seminole Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Box 1498 Wewoka, OK Robert Thrower, THPO Poarch Band of Creek Indians 5811 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL Terry Cole, THPO Cultural Preservation Committee Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Drawer 1210 Durant, OK Willard S. Steele, THPO Seminole Tribe of Florida Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum HC 61 Box 21-A Clewiston, FL

124 6.0 PRELIMINARY ISSUES AND ON-GOING PROGRAMS & STUDIES 6.1 Existing Programs Since 1993, APC has implemented a series of environmental stewardship programs on Lake Martin. A summary of these programs is provided below. In 1992, when Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (BASS) signed a memorandum of understanding with APC to initiate programs to enhance the fisheries resources of company managed reservoirs, Lake Martin was chosen to be the one of the first reservoirs for fish enhancement projects. The first project was initiated in January of 1993 with the installation of recycled Christmas trees as fish habitat. Since that time, over 146,000 recycled Christmas trees have been installed. This number equates to approximately 3,240 units of tree bundles placed in various locations in the lake. Initially the sites were marked with metal signs on the shore, but since 1999, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been utilized to record the sites. These sites are now available on an Internet site. This program has enlisted the aid of countless anglers and personnel of the ADCNR to assist in deployment of these habitat units. Areas around Camp ASCA and Wind Creek State Park have also been targeted in the past due to high use in these areas. Renew Our Rivers cleanups have been held on Lake Martin beginning in the fall of Renew Our Rivers is the largest river system cleanup held in the southeastern United States. Renew Our Rivers cleanups in the spring and fall have been scheduled on Lake Martin for Since Lake Martin is such a large body of water, these cleanup efforts are planned to continue for selected areas of the lake each year. Alabama Power Company also assisted the Lake Martin Resource Association with several of their cleanups in early The utilization of shoreline seeding on the exposed banks in the drawdown zone during the fall with annual grasses was initiated in 1993 in areas adjacent to Camp ASCA. In 1994, this area and additional areas in the Sandy Branch portion of the lake 6-1

125 were targeted. Limited seeding was conducted in 1995 and 1996 in areas upstream of Camp ASCA. Shoreline seeding in the drawdown zone allows the plants to become established in the fall and inundated with the rising water in the spring. This provides cover in areas traditionally devoid of any cover. 6.2 On-Going Studies APC is currently conducting water quality collections in the Lake and downstream of the dam. During 2007, APC is continuing their surveys for RTE species within or adjacent to the Project and will specifically look for RCW potential and active colony sites. 6.3 Preliminary Issues During the summer and fall of 2006, APC met with federal and state resource agencies as well as non-governmental organizations with interest in Lake Martin. Based on those meetings and responses to a PAD questionnaire, APC has developed a preliminary list of concerns, positions, and issues at Lake Martin that generally fall into the following five categories. Water levels and Project Operation Change in water levels reduce the winter drawdown level; Extend the full pool season; Will there be an impact to operation of Martin from the Water Wars?; Is there a need for a minimum flow below the Project; and If winter drawdown is reduced, periodic lowering of lake to El. 480 for maintenance of permitted facilities. 6-2

126 Fish and Wildlife Habitat alteration of the Tallapoosa River due to the Martin Project; Project operation effects on thermal refuges, summer dissolved oxygen levels, and striped bass mortality; Fragmentation of the basin; Fish passage; Fishing access; Entrainment and Turbine mortality of fish; Littoral habitat; Restoration of long-leaf ecosystem for RCW habitat; Will a change in the winter pool level effect the Stripers (Gulf Coast strain)?; Will the change in pool levels have an effect on the lake ecosystem?; Effect of exotic species in project boundary and vicinity (e.g., torpedo grass, yellow perch); Effects on the tailrace ecosystem from cool water discharge; and Spring water level stabilization to enhance fish spawning. Water Quality/Use Effect of existing water withdrawals; no addition of municipalities to draw water from Lake Martin; Effect of increasing incidents of discharges of pathogens into Lake Martin from municipal WWTPs; Effect of water demands and increased wastewater loading from municipal wastes and potential for water quality degradation in Lake Martin and tributaries; Effects of increasing siltation and eutrophication in upper lake embayments; Attainment of EPA 5.0 ppm standard for dissolved oxygen for discharges from Martin Dam; Water quality degradation in dam fore bay and tailwater regions; and Effects of proposed pool elevation changes on water quality. 6-3

127 Recreation Access and Facilities and Shoreline Management Prohibit development on all islands; Prohibit construction of causeways initiate expensive fines and restoration to natural state for violations; Increased public access, in particular, boating access to reduce the congestion at existing sites and to spread fishing tournaments over a wider area as most seem to be in the Wind Creek area; Boat ramps are needed in the Kowaliga Creek arm both south of the bridge and the northern end of this arm of Martin; A boat ramp is needed at the very upper part of the reservoir such as Irwin Shoals/Jay Bird Creek area; Increase in parking spaces throughout the Lake; Extend boat ramps to make them accessible year-round; Existing APC sites need improvements to meet current accessibility standards (ADA); in particular courtesy docks/ gangways to be accessible to persons with disabilities; Restrict or prohibit trading of lands for the purpose of development; Set aside land for public use and conservation; Implement a speed limit on Lake Martin; Effects of further development of APC lands on ecological resources; Encourage height restrictions on shoreline developments; Prohibit an increase in the number of cigarette type boats and prohibit residence boats; Ensure hazard buoys are marked; Effects of loss of natural habitat due to land rush shoreline development and apparent laissez- faire shoreline management practices; Effects of preserving undeveloped islands and undeveloped littoral lands for wildlife habitat and aesthetic value; Effects of shoreline development on aesthetic resources; and Effects of 4-wheelers on soils (erosion) and archeological properties in the reservoir during winter drawdown (existing and proposed). 6-4

128 Cultural Resources Eligibility of project structures; and Effect of existing and future operations on archaeological sites (exposure). 6-5

129 7.0 REFERENCES 7.1 Section 3.0 General Description of River Basin Alabama Power Company. Undated. Report on the Martin Dam Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. CH2MHILL Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan. Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Montgomery, AL. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Atlanta, GA. 7.2 Section 4.0 Project Location, Facilities, and Operations Akridge, R. M. 2005a. Revised Exhibit M. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Akridge, R. M. 2005b. Upgraded Turbine and Generator Nameplates. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. CH2MHILL Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan. Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Montgomery, AL. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Issuing New License (Major). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Environmental Assessment: Amendment of Recreation Plan. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Environmental Assessment: Application for Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Finlay Engineering, Inc Potential Failure Modes Analysis Martin Hydroelectric Project. Finlay Engineering, Inc

130 7.3 Section 5.1 Geology and Soils Alabama Power Company. No Date. Report on the Martin Dam Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Beg, M Mineral Resources of Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Special Map 204, Tuscaloosa, AL. Rheams, K Mineral Resources of the Alabama Piedmont. Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 200, Tuscaloosa, AL. Rosgen, D Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, CO. Sapp, D., and J. Emplainment Physiographic Regions of Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 168, Tuscaloosa, AL. Sapp, Daniel and Jacques Emplainment Physiographic Regions of Alabama, Geological Survey of Alabama, Map 168. Simons, D. B., J. W. Andrew, R. M. Li, and M. A. Alawady Connecticut River Streambank Erosion Study: Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DACW C-0297, Washington, D.C. Smith, H. C., and P. H. Avery Soil Survey of Tallapoosa County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Taylor, A Soil Survey of Coosa County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Winston, R. A., and A. C. McGehee Soil Survey of Elmore County, Alabama. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 7.4 Section 5.2 Water Resources Alabama Department of Environmental Management Alabama s Water Quality Assessment and Listing Methodology. Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Environmental Management Alabama Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. [Online] URL:

131 305b/WQ305bReport.htm Accessed October 17, Alabama Power Company, Environmental Compliance. 2006d. Water Quality Data for the Martin Hydroelectric Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Auburn University Alabama Water Watch. [Online] URL: Accessed October 17, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Issuing New License (Major). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division Tallapoosa River Basin Management Plan Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of Agriculture Southern Regional Water Program: Water Quantity and Policy. [Online] URL: Accessed October 13, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. [Online] URL: Accessed October 13, Section 5.3 Fish and Aquatic Resources Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2003 Annual Report. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2004 Annual Report. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Fish and Fishing in Yates and Thurlow Reservoirs. [Online] URL: s/. Accessed October 12, Alabama Department of Public Health Alabama Fish Consumption Alabama Power Company Martin Lake Mussel and Snail Survey Draft Summary

132 Report November Advisories. Alabama Department of Public Health, Montgomery, AL. Alabama Power Company, Environmental Compliance. 2006d. Water Quality Data for the Martin Hydroelectric Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. November Martin Lake Mussel and Snail Survey Draft Summary Report. Bayne, David R., W.C. Seesock, E.C. Webber, and E. Reutebuch FINAL REPORT - Limnological Study of Selected Embayments of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, Alabama Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. i-vii pp. Boschung, H. T., Jr., and R. L. Mayden Fishes of Alabama. Smithsonian Books, Washington, D.C. Greene, C. J., D. L. Abernethy, T. Powell, and R. A. McVay Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Greene, J. C., D. L. Abernethy, and R. A. McVay Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Haffner, J Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team (BAIT) 2005 Annual Report. [Online] URL: urrent/. Accessed November 9, Isom, B. G Effects of Storage on Mainstem Reservoirs on Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Pages in G. E. Hall, editor. Reservoir Fisheries and Limnology. American Fisheries Society, Washington, D.C. McHugh, J. J., J. B. Jernigan, and T. Madigan Martin Reservoir Management Report Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. Merritt, R. W., and K. W. Cummins, editors An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, Second edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, IA

133 Mettee, M. F., P. E. O'Neil, and J. M. Pierson Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Inc., Birmingham, AL. National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat: New Marine Fish Habitat Conservation Mandate for Federal Agencies. National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington, D.C. 7.6 Section 5.4 Wildlife Resources Causey, M. K Wildlife Resources Associated With Alabama Power Company Project Lands Surrounding Martin Reservoir In Tallapoosa, Coosa And Elmore Counties, Alabama. Auburn University, Auburn, AL. Skeen, J. N., P. D. Doerr, and D. H. Van Lear Oak Hickory Pine Forests. Pages 133 in W. H. Martin, S. G. Boyce, and A. C. Echternacht, editors. Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States: Upland Terrestrial Communities. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 7.7 Section 5.5 Botanical Resources Whetstone, D Plants and Plant Communities of the Lake Martin Area. Whetstone Consulting, Inc. 7.8 Section 5.6 Riparian, Wetland and Littoral Habitat Alabama Power Company. 2006c. Draft Wetlands Report. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Whetstone, D Plants and Plant Communities of the Lake Martin Area. Whetstone Consulting, Inc. 7.9 Section 5.7 Rare, Threatened and Special Status Species Alabama Power Company. 2006b. Coosa-Warrior Relicensing Project: Biological Assessment for Threatened and Endangered Species for the Coosa River (FERC

134 No. 2146), Mitchell (FERC No. 82, and Jordan (FERC No. 618) Projects. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Bailey, M. A Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Status and Recommendations - Mitchell Lake Project Lands, Coosa and Chilton Counties, Alabama. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Etnier, D. A., and W. C. Starnes The Fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN. Gilbert, C. R., H. T. Boschung, and G. H. Burgess Notropis caeruleus (Jordan), Blue Shiner. D. S. Lee, and 5 coeditors, editors. Atlas of North American Fresh Water Fishes. North Carolina State University Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC. Krotzer, R. S The Ecological Life History of the Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus (Jordan), from the Conasauga River, Georgia. Master's Thesis. Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Mayden, R. L Phylogenetic Studies of North American Minnows, with Emphasis on the Genus Cyprinella (Teleostei: Cypriniformes). Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas, Miscellaneous Publication No. 80, Lawrence, KS. Mirarchi, R. E., J. T. Garner, M. F. Mettee, and P. E. O'Neil, editors Alabama Wildlife. Volume Two. Imperiled Aquatic Mollusks and Fishes. The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL. Pierson, J. M., and 6 coauthors Fishes of the Cahaba River System in Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama, Bulletin 134, Tuscaloosa, AL. Pierson, J. M., and R. S. Krotzer The Distribution, Relative Abundance, and Life History of the Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus (Jordan). Ramsey, J. M Freshwater Fishes. Pages in H. Boschung, editor. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of Alabama. Alabama Museum of Natural History, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. Ramsey, J. S., and J. M. Pierson Blue Shiner, Notropis caeruleus. Pages 124 in R. H. Mount, editor. Vertebrate Animals of Alabama in Need of Special Attention. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL. Smith-Vaniz, W. F Freshwater Fishes of Alabama. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL

135 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kral's Water-Plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia rubra ssp. alabamensis) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern Pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum). Federal Register 58: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blue Shiner Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, MS. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mobile River Basin Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Three Threatened Mussels and Eight Endangered Mussels in the Mobile River Basin. Federal Register 69: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Form: Georgia Rockcress. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006a. Alabama's Federally Listed Species by County. [Online] URL: Accessed October 11, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Critical Habitat Designations; Proposed Rule. Federal Register 71:

136 7.10 Section 5.8 Recreation Alabama Power Company Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report (Form 80). Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Carto-Craft Maps, Inc Lake Martin. Carto-Craft Maps, Inc., Birmingham, AL. Fishery Information Management Systems. No Date. Recreational Use Associated with Three Alabama Reservoirs and a Tailwater Complex Section 5.9 Land Use and Aesthetic Resources Alabama Power Company Martin Dam Project (FERC No. 349): Comprehensive Recreation Plan Exhibit R (Revised). Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium National Land Cover Database 2001 (NLCD 2001). [Online] URL: Accessed November 28, Section 5.10 Cultural Resources Akridge, R. M Cultural Resources Summary Report for Alabama Power Company's Martin Project. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Alabama Power Company. 2006a. Alabama Power Company s Martin Project Cultural Resources Overview. Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, AL. Southerlin, B., and coauthors Phase I Historic Resources Survey: Lowndes Wildlife Management Area: Lowndes County, Alabama. Brockington Associates, Inc., COESAM/PDER , Atlanta, GA. The University of Alabama, Office of Archaeological Research Alabama Power Company Martin Project Recorded Sites (Alabama State Site File). The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

137 7.13 Section 5.11 Socioeconomic Resources Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20, Collins, P., editor Alabama County Data Book 2003, 18 edition. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Montgomery, AL. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office Alabama Agricultural Statistics. National Agricultural Statistics Service, Alabama Field Office, 47, Montgomery, AL. U.S. Census Bureau State and County QuickFacts. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20, U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. [Online] URL: Accessed October 20,

138 APPENDIX A DISTRIBUTION LIST

139 Joe Addison ADCNR, WFF 64 North Union Street Montgomery, AL Bill Allen The Profile Group 301 Bradley Street Carrollton, GA Bob Allen Corps of Engineers 109 Saint Joseph Street P.O. Box 2288 Mobile, AL Pres Allinder Alabama Department of Public Health, Environmental Services P.O. Box RSA Tower Montgomery, AL John Ammons Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs Office of Water Resources 401 Adams Avenue, Suite 434 Montgomery, AL P. J. Armour Red Ridge Methodist Church 54 Crooked Arrow Dr. Dadeville, AL Augustine Asbury, Tribal Representative Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town P.O. Box 187 Wetumpka, OK Earl Babry, Jr. THPO Tunica-Biloxi Tribe P.O. Box 1589 Marksville, LA Jim Bain Lake Martin Resource Association 2544 Willow Point Road Alexander City, AL Joyce Bear Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Box 580 Okmulgee, OK David Bowen Central Elmore Water Authority 716 U.S. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL Pare Bowlegs, Historic Preservation Officer Seminole Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Box 1498 Wewoka, OK Dick Bronson Lake Watch P.O. Box 72 Alexander City, AL Elizabeth Brown Alabama Historical Commission 468 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Prescott Brownell National Marine Fisheries Service 217 Ft. Johnson Road Charleston, SC Ken Carleton Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians P.O. Box 6257 Choctaw, MS Frankie Chaffin Union Community Club 2234 Overlook Drive Dadeville, AL Rick Claybrook ADCNR, WFF 64 North Union Street Montgomery, AL Tom Clement Clement Contracting Group 913 South Perry St. Montgomery, AL A-1 -

140 Terry Cole, THPO Cultural Preservation Committee Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma P.O. Drawer 1210 Durant, OK Charles Coleman Tribal Warrior Thlopthlocco Tribal Town Route 1, Box 190-A Weleetka, OK Stan Cook Chief of Fisheries Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 64 North Union Street Suite 551 Montgomery, AL Thomas Coley Tallapoosa County Commission 2316 North Central Avenue Kellyton, AL David Crum Harbor Pointe Marina 397 Marina Pointe Road Dadeville, AL Charles Darwin Stillwaters Yacht Club 468 Marina Point Rd. Unit B 401 Dadeville, AL Jeff Duncan National Park Service 175 Hamm Road Chattanooga, TN Johnny Dunn 3302 Stratford Lane Montgomery, AL Mike Eubanks Corps of Engineers 109 Saint Joseph St Mobile, AL Todd Flurry Union Community Club Mark Fuller Officer Alabama Marine Police 126 Marina Road Alexander City, AL Thomas Futral Alabama Cooperative Extension System 125 N. Broadnax St., Room 23 Dadeville, AL John Glasier P.O. Box 190 Dadeville, AL Chris Goodman ADEM P.O. Box Montgomery, AL Chris Greene Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 1820 C Glynwood Drive Prattville, AL April Hall Alabama Rivers Alliance nd Avenue North Suite A Birmingham, AL Stacye Hathorn Alabama Historical Commission 468 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Elizabeth Hayes Dadeville Kiwanis Club P.O. Box 40 Dadeville, AL Dave Heinzen CALM P.O. Box 190 Dadeville, AL Joe Faulk Elmore County Commission - A-2 -

141 Delores Herrod, Tribal Representative Kialegee Tribal Town of the Muscogee(Creek) Nation P.O. Box N. Main Street Wetumpka, OK Amanda Hill Alabama Historical Commission 468 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Jim Howard Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation 501 Five Mile Road Eufaula, AL Gerrit Jobsis American Rivers 2231 Devine Street, Suite 100 Columbia, S.C Cal Johnson Council of Chambers 185 South Tallassee Street Suite 104 Dadeville, AL Cal Johnson Dadeville Chamber of Commerce Tammy Jones Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership 125 North Broadnax Street Dadeville, AL Dr. James Kardatzke Bureau of Indian Affairs Eastern Regional Office 545 Marriott Drive, Suite 700 Nashville, TN Jim Lanier Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association P.O. Box Eclectic, AL Robbin Marks American Rivers th Street NW Suite 1400 Washington, DC Sally Mason Stillwaters Residential Association 1816-B StillWaters Dr. Dadeville, AL Byron McCain Alabama Marine Industries Association P.O. Box Birmingham, AL Don McClellan Lake Martin Economic Development Alliance P.O. Box 1105 Alexander City, AL Donnie McDaniel Lakeside Marina 7361 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL Gary Moody Chief of Wildlife Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 64 North Union Street Suite 551 Montgomery, AL Gingy Nail Chickasaw Nation P.O. Box 1548 Ada, OK Ericha Nix ADCNR, WFF 1820 Glynwood Drive, Suite C Prattville, AL Christine Norris Jena Band of Choctaw Indians P.O. Box 14 Jena, LA Alan Nummy Town of Eclectic P.O. Box Eclectic, AL Sonia Pendleton Bay Pine Marina 3455 Bay Pine Road Jacksons Gap, AL A-3 -

142 Eddie Plemons AL B.A.S.S. Federation 605 Farr Circle Hoover, AL Bill Pearson Regional Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Daphne ES Field Office 1208-B Main Street Daphne, AL Jeff Powell US Fish and Wildlife Service Daphne ES Field Office 1208-B Main Street Daphne, AL Clay Ragsdale Ragsdale LLC Concord Center Suite rd Ave No Birmingham, AL Al Redding Alabama Bass Federation P.O. Box 190 Notasulga, AL Steve Rider ADCNR, WFF 64 North Union Street Suite 658 Montgomery, AL Lynn Sisk Chief, Water Quality Branch Alabama Department of Environmental Management P.O. Box Montgomery, AL Mayor Joe Smith City of Dadeville 216 South Broadnax Dadeville, AL Rita Smith Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors Wally Sowell Blue Creek, Parker Creek and Anchor Bay Marinas 2001 Castaway Island Road Eclectic, AL Willard S. Steele, THPO Seminole Tribe of Florida Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum HC 61 Box 21 A Clewiston, FL Theresa Strohmeyer Lake Hill Marine, Inc 9160 Highway 280 East Alexander City, AL Judy Takats World Wildlife Fund st Avenue South Suite 200 Nashville, TN Debbie Thomas, Tribal Representative Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Route 3, Box 645 Livingston, TX Lelyn Thomas, Tribal Representative Coushatta Indian Tribe P.O. Box 818 Elton, LA Dan Thompson ADCNR, WFF 64 North Union Street Montgomery, AL Robert Thrower, THPO Poarch Band of Creek Indians 5811 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL Bill Thweatt Tallapoosa County Commissioners 125 North Broadnax Room 131 Dadeville, AL A-4 -

143 Marvin Wagoner 120 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL Zoa White ADECA P.O. Box 5690 Montgomery, AL Duane Winters Bureau of Land Management 411 Briarwood Drive Suite 404 Jackson, MS Mayor Barbara Young Alexander City P.O. Box 552 Alexander City, AL A-5 -

144 APPENDIX B ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

145 TERM DEFINITION A Acre (ac) A measure of land area measuring 43,560 square ft. Acre-feet (af) The amount of water it takes to cover one acre to a depth of one foot, 43,560 cubic ft or 1,233.5 cubic meters Active Storage The volume of water in a reservoir between its minimum operating elevation and its maximum normal operating elevation. Adit An almost vertical pipe or short horizontal passage entering a tunnel, either to add water from a conduit, sluice or other water source or as a maintenance access tunnel (also referred to as a portal if located at the beginning or end of the tunnel). Afterbay A reservoir located immediately downstream from a powerhouse, sometimes used to re-regulate flows to the river or stream. Alluvium Material such as sand, silt or clay, deposited on land by water such as on floodplains. Anadromous fish Fish that live in saltwater habitats most of their lives, but periodically migrate into freshwater to spawn and develop to the juvenile stage (e.g., alewife). Automatic/ An automatic powerhouse can be started, stopped, and have its load and Semi-automatic/ voltage changed from a remote or master station, via supervisory control. A Manual semiautomatic powerhouse with SCADA may allow a remote station to Powerhouses change load and/or voltage, and may allow a remote shutdown, but must be started manually. A semi-automatic powerhouse without SCADA will send alarms to a remote or master station. A manual powerhouse must have all its functions performed at the powerhouse. Aquatic Life Any plants or animals which live at least part of their life cycle in water. APC APE Alabama Power Company/Licensee Area of Potential Effect as pertaining to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. B Baseline A set of existing environmental conditions upon which comparisons are made during the NEPA process. Base Load A power plant that is planned to run continually except for maintenance and scheduled or unscheduled outages. Also refers to the nearly steady level of demand on a utility system. Benthic Associated with lake or river bottom or substrate. Black Start The ability of a unit to start up without the use of an external transmission or Capability distribution voltage power source. Benthic Animals without backbones, which are visible to the eye and which live on, Macroinvertebrates under, and around rocks and sediment on the bottoms of lakes, rivers, and streams. Bypass Reach The original water channel of the river that is directly affected by the diversion of water though the penstocks to the generating facilities. This portion of the river, the "bypassed reach" may remain watered or become dewatered. C C Degrees Celsius Capacity The load for which an electric generating unit, or other electrical equipment or power line is rated - B-1 -

146 TERM Catadromous fish Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) Cubic Feet (cf) CFR Clean Water Act (CWA) Colluvium Combustion turbine Commission Conduit Conservation Creel Census Cubic feet per Second (cfs) Cultural Resources Cumulative Impact D Dam DEA DEIR DEFINITION Fish that live in freshwater most of their lives but periodically migrate to the sea to spawn (e.g., American eel) Project-related documents that are restricted from public viewing in accordance with FERC regulations (18 CFR ) related to the design and safety of dams and appurtenant facilities, and that is necessary to protect national security and public safety. The volume of a cube with edges one foot in length U.S. Code of Federal Regulations The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments in 1977, 1981, and 1987 (commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act). The Act established a regulatory system for navigable waters in the United States, whether on public or private land. The Act set national policy to eliminate discharge of water pollutants into navigable waters, to regulate discharge of toxic pollutants, and to prohibit discharge of pollutants from point source without permits. Most importantly it authorized EPA to set water quality criteria for states to use to establish water quality standards. Soil material and/or rock fragments moved by gravity such as during creep, slide, or localized wash-outs, which is deposited at the base of steep slopes. A fuel-fired turbine engine used to drive an electric generator. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also referenced as FERC A tunnel or pipe, used for diverting or moving water from one point to another, usually used when there is no existing streambed or waterway A process or program designed to increase the efficiency of energy and water use, production, or distribution. Counting and interviewing anglers to determine fishing effort and catch. Usually conducted by a census clerk on systematic regularly scheduled visits to significant fishing areas. A measurement of water flow representing one cubic foot of water moving past a given point in one second. One cfs is equal to cubic meters per second and mgd. Includes items, structures, etc. of historical, archaeological, or architectural significance. The effect on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseen future actions. Can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. A structure constructed across a water body typically used to increase the hydraulic head at hydroelectric generating units. A dam typically reduces the velocity of water in a particular river segment and increases the depth of water by forming an impoundment behind the dam. It also generally serves as a water control structure. Draft Environmental Assessment Draft Environmental Impact Report - B-2 -

147 TERM Demand Dependable Capacity Development Dike Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Distribution Lines Distribution System Drawdown E Emergent aquatic vegetation Energy DEFINITION The rate at which electric energy is delivered to or by a system at a given instant or averaged over a designated period, usually expressed in kilowatts or megawatts. The maximum dependable MW output of a generator or group of generators during the critical hydrologic period coincident with peak electrical system load One of several hydroelectric plants collectively licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a Project. (Example: The Coosa River Project consists of 5 developments - Weiss, Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, and Bouldin) A raised bank, typically earthen, constructed along a waterway to impound the water and to prevent flooding. Perhaps the most commonly employed measure of water quality. Low DO levels adversely affect fish and other aquatic life. The total absence of DO leads to the development of an anaerobic condition with the eventual development of odor and aesthetic problems. Power lines, like those in neighborhoods, used to carry moderate voltage electricity which is "stepped down" to household levels by transformers on power poles. The substations, transformers and lines that convey electricity from highvoltage transmission lines to the consumer. The distance the water surface of a reservoir is lowered from a given elevation as the result of releasing water. Plants rooted in substrate covered by shallow water (of up to 6.6 ft depth), with most of the parts out of the water. Average power production over a stated interval of time, expressed in kilowatt-hours, megawatt-hours, average kilowatts and average megawatts. Environmental An environmental review document prepared under NEPA to determine the Impact Statement environmental impact of a specific action. A Draft Environmental Impact (EIS) Statement (DEIS) is prepared and circulated for public comment. After incorporation of public comments, a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is published. Eutrophic Waters with a high concentration of nutrients and a high level of primary production. Evapotranspiration The evaporation from all water, soil, snow, ice, vegetation, and other surfaces, plus transpiration. F F Degrees Fahrenheit Federal Energy The governing federal agency responsible for overseeing the Regulatory licensing/relicensing and operation of hydroelectric projects in the United Commission States. Federal Power Act (FPA) Federal Power Commission (FPC) Federal statute enacted in 1920 that established the Federal Power Commission (now FERC) and the statutes for licensing hydroelectric projects. Predecessor of FERC - B-3 -

148 TERM Federal Register Flow Flow Duration Curve Forebay Francis turbine G GIS Generation generator Grizzly Gross Storage H H-Frame Structure Habitat Head Headwater Horsepower (hp) Hydraulic Hydroelectric Plant Hydroelectric Power Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) Hypolimnetic Hz DEFINITION A publication of the Federal Government that includes official transactions of the U.S. Congress, as well as all federal agencies such as FERC. Copies of the Federal Register are usually available at large public and university libraries. The volume of water passing a given point per unit time. A graphical representation of the percentage of time in the historical record that a flow of any given magnitude has been equaled or exceeded. A reservoir upstream from a powerhouse, from which water is drawn into a tunnel or penstock for delivery to the powerhouse A radial-inflow reaction turbine, where flow through the runner is perpendicular to the turbine shaft Geographic Information System The process of producing electricity from other forms of energy, such as steam, heat, or water. Refers to the amount of electric energy produced, expressed in kilowatt hours. A machine that converts mechanical energy into electricity often powered by a turbine A metal grating across the entry to a water conduit The sum of the dead storage and the live storage volumes of a reservoir, the total amount of water contained in a reservoir at its maximum normal operating elevation. A wood pole transmission structure that consists of two wood poles with a horizontal cross arm above the conductor. The locality or external environment in which a plant or animal normally lives and grows. The distance that water falls in passing through a hydraulic structure or device such as a hydroelectric plant. Gross head is the difference between the headwater and tailwater levels; net head is the gross head minus hydraulic losses such as friction incurred as water passes through the structure; and rated head is the head at which the full-gate discharge of a turbine will produce the rated capacity of the connected generator. The waters immediately upstream of a dam. For power dams, also referred to as the water in the impoundment which supplies the turbines (see also forebay). A measure of power equal to about 746 watts. Relating to water in motion. A facility at which the turbine generators are driven by falling water. Capturing flowing water to produce electrical energy. Developed by the Water Resources Council corresponding to hierarchal classification of hydrologic drainage basins in the United States. Each hydrologic unit is identified by a unique hydrologic unit code (HUC) The deeper cooler portions of a reservoir or lake that result from stratification hertz (cycles per second) - B-4 -

149 TERM I Impoundment Induced Surcharge Curve Installed Capacity Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) Interested parties J K Kilovolts (kv) Kilowatt (kw) Kilowatt-hour (kwh) L Lacustrine Lake Rule Curve Lentic license application License Licensee Littoral Load Lotic M Mainstream Martin Datum (MD) Maximum drawdown elevation Maximum normal operating elevation Megawatt (MW) Megawatt-hour (MWh) DEFINITION The body of water created by a dam A set of lake level elevations used to manage flows during periods of high inflow to ensure protection of downstream lands from flooding. The nameplate MW rating of a generator or group of generators The ILP is the default process by which a hydropower project obtains a new license to operate. Individuals who have expressed and interest in the relicensing proceeding A unit of pressure, or push, of an electric current equal to 1,000 volts A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts or horsepower Basic unit of electric energy equal to an average of one kilowatt of power applied over one hour Pertaining to or living in lakes or ponds A set of target lake level elevations that vary seasonally. The lake level is normally maintained at or below the elevations specified by the rule curve, except when storing floodwater. Rule curves are often set by federal agencies responsible for operating storage reservoirs, such as the Army Corp of Engineers Standing or still water including lakes, ponds and swamps Application for a new license; submitted to FERC no less than two years in advance of expiration of an existing license FERC authorization to construct a new project or continue operating and existing project. The license contains the operating conditions for a term of 30 to 50 years Alabama Power Company (APC) Associated with shallow (shoreline area) water (e.g., the littoral zone of an impoundment) The total consumer demand of electric service at any given time Flowing or actively moving water including rivers and streams The main channel of a river a opposed to the streams and smaller rivers that feed into it Local datum of the Lake Martin project; equivalent to 491 ft mean sea level The lowest surface elevation to which a reservoir can be lowered and still maintain generation capability. This is usually somewhat lower than the minimum operating elevation. The maximum surface elevation to which the reservoir can be raised without surcharging or exceeding the license provisions A unit of electrical power equal to one million watts or 1,000 kw A unit of electrical energy equal to 1 MW of power used for one hour. - B-5 -

150 TERM Minimum normal operating elevation N Nameplate Capacity National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Normal Operating Capacity Normal operating elevation Normal operating elevation range O Off Peak On Peak Outage P Palustrine Emergent Wetland Palustrine Scrub/Shrub Wetland Palustrine Forested Wetland Peaking Operations Periphyton Phytoplankton DEFINITION The lowest elevation to which a reservoir is normally lowered during power generation operations. Below this point power output and generation efficiency is significantly impacted. A measurement indicating the approximate generating capability of a project or unit, as designated by the manufacturer. In many cases, the unit is capable of generating substantially more than the nameplate capacity since most generators installed in newer hydroelectric plants have a continuous overload capacity of 115 percent of the nameplate capacity. Also called Installed Capacity. A law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1969 to establish methods and standards for review of development projects requiring Federal action such as permitting or licensing. Local, regional and national organizations such as conservation, sportsman s or commerce groups The maximum MW output or a generator or group of generators under normal maximum head and flow conditions. The reservoir elevation approximating an average surface elevation at which a reservoir is kept. The elevation difference between the normal maximum and normal minimum operating elevations. A period of relatively low demand for electrical energy, such as the middle of the night A period of relatively high demand for electrical energy The period during which a generating unit, transmission line, or other facility is out of service. Contains rooted herbaceous vegetation that extend above the water surface (i.e., cattails, sedges) Dominated by woody vegetation less than 20 ft tall (i.e., willows, dogwood) Comprised of woody vegetation that is 20 ft tall or greater (i.e., American elm, swamp white oak). A power plant that is scheduled to operate during peak energy demand. Operation of generating facilities to meet maximum instantaneous electrical demands. Macroscopic (visible without a microscope) and microscopic (visible only with a microscope) algae (single- and multi-celled plants) that grow on or attach to rocks, logs, and aquatic plants. Periphyton, phytoplankton, and aquatic plants are the primary producers that convert nutrients into plant material by the process of photosynthesis. Microscopic single-celled and colonial forms of algae floating in the water column - B-6 -

151 TERM DEFINITION Ponding The process of storing and releasing water based on electric demand or flood Operations control Peak Demand A one hour period in a year representing the highest point of customer consumption of electricity Piezometer A device that measures water pressure Plenary group A group consisting of stakeholder representatives and APC to assist in decision-making on the Martin relicensing Pool Refers to the reservoir or an impounded body of water Powerhouse The building that typically houses electric generating equipment Power Factor The ratio of actual power to apparent power. Power factor is the cosine of the phase angle difference between the current and voltage of a given phase. Unity power factor exists when the voltage and current are in phase. Power Pool A regional organization of electric companies interconnected for the sharing of reserve generating capacity. Pre-Application A document, required by FERC when relicensing a project, that brings Document (PAD) together all existing, relevant, and reasonably available information about the project and its effects on resources; and includes a well-defined process plan that sets the schedule for developing the license application and a list of preliminary studies and issues. Probable A statistical formula used to calculate a hypothetical flood event that could Maximum Flood occur on a particular river basin over a particular duration. This is derived (PMF) from the probable maximum precipitation over time. Project APC s Martin Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 349 Project Area The geographic area defined in the license issued by FERC for the Project as needed for Project operations and maintenance. Project Boundary The boundary defined in the license issued by FERC for the Project outlining the geographic area needed for Project operations and maintenance. Project Drainage Basins Project Region The area around the Project on the order of a County or National Forest in size. Project Roads Roads within Project Boundary and constructed for Project purposes and necessary for Project operation and maintenance. Project Vicinity The area extending to about five miles from the Project Boundary. Project Viewshed The area from which Project features are visible. The land base from which the Project may be seen. Project Works Protection Protective Relay Public Reference File Public Utility All of the infrastructure associated with the operations of the Project All of the relays and other equipment which are used to open the necessary circuit breakers to separate pieces of equipment from each other when trouble develops. A device whose function is to detect defective lines or apparatus, or other power system conditions of an abnormal or dangerous nature, and to initiate appropriate control circuit action. A listing of important materials pertaining to the relicensing A business enterprise rendering a service considered essential to the public and, as such, subject to regulation. - B-7 -

152 TERM Q R Ramp Rate Ramping Regulated Hydrology Relicensing Relicensing Participants Reserve Capacity Reservoir Reservoir Useable Capacity Resident Fish Resource Advisory Team Resource Agency Rhizome Riparian Area River Miles (RM) Run Run-of-River Runner S Scoping Document 1 (SD1) DEFINITION The rate of change in output from a power plant. A maximum ramp rate is sometimes established to prevent undesirable effects due to rapid changes in loading or, in the case of hydroelectric plants, discharge. The act of increasing or decreasing stream flows from a powerhouse, dam or division structure. The hydrology of Project-affected streams subsequent to construction of the Project. The administrative proceeding in which FERC, in consultation with other federal and state agencies, decide whether and on what terms to issue a new license for an existing hydroelectric project at the expiration of the original license. Individuals who actively participate in the relicensing proceedings Extra generating capacity available to meet unanticipated demand for power or to generate power in the event of loss of generation An artificial lake into which water flows and is stored for future use A volume measurement of the amount of water that can be stored for generation, down to a minimum level Fish that spend their entire life cycle in freshwater, such as trout and bass Groups consisting of stakeholders and APC designed to identify studies and work cooperatively to develop study scopes, review and comment on information and provide recommendations on project operations and protection and enhancement measures to the Plenary Group. A federal, state, or interstate agency with responsibilities in the areas of flood control, navigation, irrigation, recreation, fish or wildlife, water resource management, or cultural or other relevant resources of the state in which a project is or will be located. Underground stem A specialized form of wetland with characteristic vegetation restricted to areas along, adjacent to or contiguous with rivers and streams. Also, periodically flooded lake and reservoir shore areas, as well as lakes with stable water. Miles from the mouth of a river; for upstream tributaries, from the confluence with the main river A general term referring to upriver migration of anadromous fish over a particular time and area - often composed of multiple individual breeding stocks. A term used to describe the operation of a hydroelectric project in which the quantity of water discharged from the project essentially equals the flow in the river. The rotating part of a turbine A document prepared by FERC as part of NEPA environmental review that initially identifies issues pertinent to FERC's review of a project. FERC circulates the SD1 and holds a public meeting to obtain the public's comment. - B-8 -

153 TERM Scoping Document 2 (SD2) Scoping process Secchi depth Seepage Spawn Spillway Stakeholder State Stock STORET Stratification Streamflow Study Description Study Plan Submerged Aquatic Vegetation T Tailrace Tailwater Tainter Gate Taxon Transformer Transmission Transmission Lines DEFINITION A revision to SD1 which takes into account public comment on that document The process of identifying issues, potential impacts, and reasonable alternatives associated with the operation of a hydroelectric project. "Scoping" is a process required by any federal agency taking an action that might affect the quality of the human environment, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of In the case of hydro projects, FERC's issuance of an operating license qualifies as a federal action. Average depth at which a standard size black and white disk disappears and reappears when viewed from the lake surface as it is lowered. An indicator of water clarity. The amount of water that leaks through a structure, such as a dam The act of fish releasing and fertilizing eggs A passage for releasing surplus water from a reservoir or canal Any individual or organization (government or non-governmental) with an interest in a hydroelectric project. State of Alabama The existing density of a particular species of fish in an aquatic system USEPA s computerized water quality data storage system A physical and chemical process that results in the formation of distinct layers of water within a lake or reservoir (i.e., epilimnion, metalimnion, and hypolimnion) The rate at which water passes a given point in a stream, usually expressed in cubic ft per second (cfs) A detailed description of an individual study The aggregate of all study descriptions. Plants with rigid stems and/or leaves rooted in substrate and generally covered by deep water (greater than 6.6 ft depth), with all of the plant parts covered by water. The channel located between a hydroelectric powerhouse and the river into which the water is discharged after passing through the turbines. The waters immediately downstream of a dam. For power dams, also referred to as the water discharged from the draft tubes. A gate with a curved skin or face plate connected with steel arms to an axle. It is usually lifted or lowered by a cable connected to a hook at the top of the gate rotating on the axle as it is moved. A means of referring to a set of animals or plants of related classification, such as all of the species (i.e., brook trout, lake trout) in a genus (trout); or all of the genera (all trout and salmon) in a family of fishes (salmonidae). Plural form of taxon is taxa. Equipment vital to the transmission and distribution of electricity designed to increase or decrease voltage. The act or process of transporting electric energy in bulk from one point to another in the power system, rather than to individual customers. Power lines normally used to carry high voltage electricity to substations which then is "stepped down" for distribution to individual customers. - B-9 -

154 TERM Transpiration Trash Rack Turbidity Turbine U V Vantage Point Volt (V) W Warmwater Fish Watershed Wetlands X Y Z Zooplankton DEFINITION The process by which water absorbed by plants is converted to vapor and discharged to the atmosphere. A series of vertical steel bars found on a dam or intake structure, which clears the water of debris before the water passes through the structure. A measure of the extent to which light passing through water is reduced due to suspended materials. A machine for generating rotary mechanical power from the energy in a stream of fluid (such as water, steam, or hot gas). Turbines covert the energy of fluids to mechanical energy through the principles of impulse and reaction, or a mixture of the two. The location from which a viewer sees the landscape. The unit of electromotive force or electric pressure, akin to water pressure in pounds per square inch. Species tolerant of warm water (e.g., bass, perch, pickerel, sucker). An entire drainage basin including all living and nonliving components of the system. Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Wetlands must have the following three attributes: 1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes; 2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; 3) the substrate is on soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year. Microscopic and macroscopic animals that swim in the water column. These invertebrates include chiefly three groups: rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods. - B-10 -

155 APPENDIX C FERC ILP SCHEMATIC

156 - C-1 -

157 APPENDIX D PROJECT SCHEDULE

158 - D-1 -

159 APPENDIX E MARTIN PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION

160 - E-1 -

161 - E-2 -

162 - E-3 -

163 APPENDIX F FLOW DURATION CURVES

164 - F-1 -

165 - F-2 -

166 - F-3 -

167 - F-4 -

168 - F-5 -

169 - F-6 -

170 - F-7 -

171 - F-8 -

172 - F-9 -

173 - F-10 -

174 - F-11 -

175 - F-12 -

176 APPENDIX G REPRESENTATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES

177 Table G-1: Bird Species Occurring in the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity (Source: Causey, 2006) FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Anatidae Canada Goose Branta Canadensis X Fairly common in all seasons Anatidae Wood Duck Aix sponsa X Common in all seasons Anatidae Gadwall Anas strepera Anatidae American Wigeon Anas Americana Anatidae Mallard Anas platyrhynchos X Anatidae Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Fairly common in winter and uncommon in fall and spring Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, fairly common in spring and fall, and uncommon in summer Common to fairly common in spring and fall Anatidae Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Common in winter, spring and fall Anatidae Northern Pintail Anas acuta Anatidae Green-winged Teal Anas cerci Anatidae Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Anatidae Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Anatidae Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Anatidae Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus X Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, early spring, and late fall Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, early spring, and late fall Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall, and rare in summer Anatidae Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Fairly common in winter HABITAT freshwater marshes, agricultural fields, and on lakes wooded swamps, beaver ponds, bottomlands, creeks, and lakes shallow freshwater ponds and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation shallow freshwater ponds and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation shallow water of ponds, lakes, and flooded fields shallow freshwater ponds, sloughs, creeks, and on lake mudflats freshwater ponds, swamps, and on lakes freshwater marshes, agricultural fields, and shallow portions of lakes, ponds, and rivers shallow freshwater marshes, and on creeks, lakes, and mudflats shallow, wooded, freshwater ponds, swamps, and lakes larger lakes and rivers larger lakes and slow-moving rivers wooded freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow water river systems freshwater ponds, lakes, and slowmoving rivers - G-1 -

178 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Phasianidae Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo X Fairly common in all seasons Odontophoridae Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus X Gaciidae Common Loon Gavia immer Podicipedidae Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps X Phalacrocoracidae Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus X Fairly common in all seasons in early successional habitats Common in winter and occasional in summer Fairly common in spring, winter, and fall Fairly common in fall, winter, and spring and uncommon in summer Family Ardeidae Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias X Common in all seasons Family Ardeidae Great Egret Ardea alba X Family Ardeidae Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea X Family Ardeidae Green Heron Butorides virescens X Family Cathartidae Family Cathartidae Family Accipitridae Family Accipitridae Family Accipitridae Family Accipitradae Common to fairly common in spring, summer, but uncommon to rare in winter Rare to uncommon in spring to mid- summer, but fairly common in late summer and early fall Common in spring, summer, and fall, but rare in winter HABITAT forested and partially forested habitats farms, along woodland edges, recently cut-over forest land, and in open country habitats dominated by old fields large lakes lakes and marshy ponds larger lakes, ponds, and rivers shallow water of ponds, lakes, and rivers shallow water of ponds, lakes, and rivers shallow water of ponds, lakes, and rivers edge of ponds, lakes, and rivers Black Vulture Coragyps atratus X Common throughout year agricultural and livestock areas Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura X Osprey Pandion haliaetus X Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus X X Common in all seasons and regions Fairly common in spring and fall, and uncommon in summer Fairly common in winter and uncommon in spring, summer, and fall Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Fairly common in fall and winter, spring, and uncommon in summer wooded as well as open areas large lakes and rivers large lakes and rivers in and over old fields, marshes, meadows, and grasslands mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, open woodlands, and wooded suburbs - G-2 -

179 FAMILY Family Accipitradae Family Accipitradae Family Accipitradae Family Accipitradae Family Falconidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii X ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Fairly common in fall,winter, and spring, and rare in summer HABITAT mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, open woodlands, and wooded suburbs Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus X Fairly common in all seasons moist woodlands and swamps Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus X Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis X American Kestrel Falco sparverius X Gruiformes American Coot Fulica Americana X Family Charadriidae Family Charadriidae Family Charadriidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae American Golden- Plover Semipalmated Plover Pluvialis dominica Charadrius semipalmatus Common in spring, summer, and fall but rare in winter Common winter and fairly common in spring, summer, and fall Common in winter, fairly common in spring and fall, but rare in summer Common in winter, common to uncommon in spring and fall, and rare in summer Fairly common in spring and uncommon to rare in fall Fairly common in spring and fall, and occasional in early winter Killdeer Charadrius vociferous X Common in all seasons Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius X Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Fairly common in spring and fall, but uncommon in winter and late summer Common in spring and fall, rare in winter, uncommon to rare in summer Common in spring, late summer and fall, but rare in winter Common in spring, late summer, and fall Fairly common in spring and fall, and uncommon in late summer deciduous woodlands; during migration can be seen overhead of any habitat type open country and woodland edges open fields and woodland edges. rivers, ponds, lakes, and swamps short grasslands, flooded fields and on mudflats of lakes, ponds, and rivers mudflats of lakes, ponds, and rivers short-grass fields, and mudflats and shorelines of lakes, ponds, and rivers along shorelines of shallow ponds and lakes, marsh edges, in flooded fields, and on mudflats along shorelines of shallow ponds and lakes, marsh edges, in flooded fields and on mudflats along pond and lake margins, stream banks, and on mudflats along lake borders, stream banks, ponds, and marsh edges on mudflats, and along pond edges and lakeshores - G-3 -

180 FAMILY Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae Family Scolopacidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA American Woodcock Scolopax minor X Family Laridae Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Family Columbidae Family Columbidae Family Columbidae Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared- Dove Columba livia Exotic Streptopelia decaocto Exotic X X ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Common in spring, fairly common in fall, uncommon in winter and late summer, and occasional in early summer Common in spring and fall, and uncommon in late summer Common in winter, spring, and fall Fairly common in fall and winter, and occasional in spring Fairly common in winter, spring and fall, and occasional Common in all seasons Fairly common in all seasons and increasing Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura X Common in all seasons Family Cuculidae Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus X Common in spring, summer, and fall Family Strigidae Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio X Common in all seasons Family Strigidae Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus X Fairly common in all seasons Family Strigidae Barred Owl Strix varia X Common in all seasons Family Caprimulgidae Family Caprimulgidae Family Caprimulgidae Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor X Chuck-will's-widow Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus carolinensis Caprimulgus vociferous X X Uncommon to locally common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Locally common in spring, summer, and fall HABITAT on mudflats, and along pond edges and lakeshores wet meadows, flooded fields, on mudflats, and along shores of ponds, pools, and lakes marshes and wet grassy areas moist shrubby woods, floodplains, thickets, and at edges of swamps in summer rivers, lakes, irrigated and plowed fields, and garbage dumps in cities, and on farms, bridges, cliffs suburbs, parks, and farm groves on farms, and in towns, woodlots, agricultural fields, and grasslands in woodlands, and on farmlands with scattered trees and orchards in woodlands, especially near open areas in woodlands, parklands, and occasionally in wooded suburbs in moist woodlands and wooded swamps in open and semi-open areas, grasslands, fields, cities, and towns in deciduous and pine woodlands in open and mix-forest woodlands - G-4 -

181 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA Family Apodidae Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica X Family Trochilidae Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris X ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Alcedinidae Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon X Common in all seasons Family Picidae Family Picidae Family Picidae Red-headed Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Melanerpes erythrocephalus X Locally common in spring, summer, and fall, but uncommon in winter Melanerpes carolinus X Common in all seasons in woodlands Sphyrapicus varius Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Family Picidae Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens X Common in all seasons Family Picidae Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus X Fairly common in all seasons Family Picidae Red-cockaded Woodpecker Family Picidae Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus X Picoides borealis X Rare and isolated in all seasons Fairly common in all seasons and regions Family Picidae Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus X Fairly common in all Family Tyrannidae Family Tyrannidae Family Tyrannidae Family Tyrannidae Family Tyrannidae Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens X Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens X Common to fairly common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe X Fairly common in all seasons Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus X X Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall HABITAT in open areas, especially around human habitations in woodlands, gardens, along forest edges, and at feeders along wooded rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and in marshes in open woods, especially those containing numerous snags in mixed hardwood and conifer forests and urban areas in woodlands, orchards, suburban areas, parks, and farm woodlots in larger tracts of hardwood and mixed woodlands old growth pine with open midstory open woodlands and fields, and on lawns and open meadows with large trees in mature woodlands with coniferous and hardwood trees in open woodlands, parks, and along forest edges in moist deciduous woods, dense woodlands, and wooded swamps in open deciduous woodlands near bridges, cliffs, and eaves in woodlands, open country with scattered trees, and parks in open rural areas with scattered trees and shrubs, along woodland edges, and in agricultural fields with hedgerows, especially near ponds or rivers - G-5 -

182 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA Family Laniidae Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus X Family Vireonidae Family Vireonidae Family Vireonidae White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus X Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons X ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall, and uncommon in summer Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus X Common in spring, summer Family Corvidae Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata X Common in all seasons Family Corvidae American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Family Corvidae Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus X Family Hirundinidae Family Hirundinidae Family Hirundinidae Purple Martin Progne subis X Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor X Northern Roughwinged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis X X Common Fairly common to locally common in spring, summer, and fall and uncommon in winter Common in spring, summer, and early fall Common in fall, fairly common in spring, and rare in winter and summer Common in spring, summer, and fall HABITAT in open country with scattered trees and shrubs, and in hedgerows along agricultural fields in undergrowth, early successional fields, streamside thickets, and along woodland edges in tall, open woodlands, especially near water in deciduous woods, mixed forests, shade trees, and woodlots in forests, open woodlands, wooded residential areas, and parks in all in woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas around swamplands, riverine areas, large lakes, urban and suburban areas, and farmlands in open rural and suburban areas and open farmlands, especially near water in open areas, and over ponds and lakes; nests in cavities in dead, standing timber and boxes in open areas, fields, swamps, and over ponds and lakes; nests in burrows in road cuts and steep banks in summer in open habitats, especially near water in open habitats near water; nests Family Fairly common in spring and fall, Bank Swallow Riparia riparia X Hirundinidae and occasional Family Petrochelidon Fairly common in spring, summer, Cliff Swallow X Hirundinidae pyrrhonota and fall on dams and bridges Family Common in spring, summer, and in open habitats, under bridges Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica X Hirundinidae fall and culverts, and in barns Family Paridae Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis X Common in all seasons in woodlands and wooded suburbs Family Paridae Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor X Common in all seasons in woodlands and wooded suburbs - G-6 -

183 FAMILY Family Sittidae Family Troglodytidae Family Troglodytidae Family Troglodytidae Family Regulidae COMMON NAME Brown-headed Nuthatch Carolina Wren SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY HABITAT Sitta pusilla X Locally common in all seasons in open pine forests Thryothorus ludovicianus House Wren Troglodytes aedon X Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Troglodytes troglodytes Regulus satrapa Family Regulidae Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Family Sylviidae Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea X X Common in all seasons Fairly common in fall, uncommon in spring, and rare in winter and summer Fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall, and rare in winter Family Turdidae Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis X Common in all seasons Family Turdidae Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Fairly common in spring and fall Family Turdidae Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Family Turdidae Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina X Family Turdidae American Robin Turdus migratorius X Family Mimidae Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Family Mimidae Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos X X Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in short grass areas with scattered trees in cities, towns, parks, suburbs, and rural areas in summer; primarily Common in spring and fall, fairly common in summer, and rare in winter Common in all seasons in rural, suburban, and urban areas Family Mimidae Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum X Common in all seasons in thickets in woodlands, farmlands, and suburbs in farmlands, thickets, and suburban yards with dense hedgerows among fallen trees, vine tangles, and in ravines in woodlands, especially with conifers in woodlands in open woodlands, forest edges, and tree-lined fence rows in open rural areas, farmlands, fence rows, open suburban areas, and parks with scattered trees in woodlands with dense undergrowth in woodlands with dense undergrowth in woodlands and wooded suburbs with understory in woodlands with soft mast in winter in hedgerows, thickets, fence rows, and dense brushy vegetation bordering ponds and lakes in openings with short grass, scattered shrubs, and trees in short ground cover vegetation near dense thickets, hedgerows, and shrubs - G-7 -

184 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC BREEDS IN ABUNDANCE/ NAME PROJECT AREA SEASONALITY HABITAT Family Sturnidae European Starling Sturnus vulgaris in urban, suburban, and rural areas X Common in all seasons Exotic with open ground for foraging Motacillidae American Pipit Anthus rubescens Fairly common in winter, and in open country, especially on uncommon in spring and fall plowed fields and mudflats in areas with trees and shrubs that Family Common in winter, spring, and Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum X produce fruits, such as hackberry, Bombycillidae fall, and rare in summer mulberry, cedar, cherry, and holly in abandoned fields or cut-over Family Parulidae Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus X areas, usually near water, that Fairly common in fall, and have grown up with scattered uncommon in spring and summer saplings and dense ground cover; woodlands during migration Family Parulidae Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrine Common in spring and fall in woodlands Family Parulidae Northern Parula Parula Americana X in tall trees along streams, Fairly common in spring, summer, swamps, and lakes; woodlands and fall during migration Family Parulidae Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia X Family Parulidae Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Family Parulidae Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia Family Parulidae Family Parulidae Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica coronata Dendroica virens Family Parulidae Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca X X Common in spring and fall, and rare in summer Common in fall, fairly common in spring, and rare in summer Common in fall, fairly common in spring, and occasional in summer Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in fall, fairly common in spring and summer, and occasional in winter Fairly common in spring and fall, and occasional in summer in small trees and shrubs near water in woodlands in woodlands in woodlands in coniferous and deciduous forests; in migration, found in woodlands in woodlands in older pine forests, and Family Parulidae Yellow-throated Fairly common in spring, summer, woodlands with sycamores, Dendroica dominica X Warbler and fall, and occasional in winter especially near water; in migration, found in woodlands Family Parulidae Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus X Common in all seasons in mature pine woodlands Family Parulidae Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor X Common in spring, summer and fall, and occasional in winter in brushy early successional growth, particularly regenerating clearcuts - G-8 -

185 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC BREEDS IN ABUNDANCE/ NAME PROJECT AREA SEASONALITY HABITAT Family Parulidae Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Common in spring, fairly common in open areas with scattered in fall, and rare in winter shrubs and trees Family Parulidae Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea Fairly common in spring and fall in woodlands Family Parulidae Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Common in spring in woodlands Family Parulidae Common in spring, summer, and found in hardwood and mixed Black-and-white Mniotilta varia X fall, and occasional in winter; in hardwood-coniferous forests; in Warbler breeding season migration, found in woodlands Family Parulidae American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla X Family Parulidae Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea X Family Parulidae Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii Family Parulidae Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus X Family Parulidae Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Family Parulidae Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla X Family Parulidae Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus X Family Parulidae Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas X Family Parulidae Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrine X Family Parulidae Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens X X Common in spring, and rare to uncommon in summer Common in spring, summer, and early fall Fairly common in spring and summer, and uncommon to rare in fall Fairly common in spring and fall, and locally uncommon to rare in summer Fairly common in spring and fall Common in spring, summer, and early fall Fairly common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall, and rare in winter Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall, and occasional in winter In breeding season, found in deciduous woods, especially riverine systems; in migration, found in woodlands in swamp and bottomland forests in dense thickets in swamps, along streams, and in woodland areas In breeding season, found in deciduous forests; in migration, found in woodlands, especially with dense understory along shorelines of swamps, lakes, ponds, and streams in older bottomland forests along streams in moist woodlands with dense herbaceous ground cover along woodland edges, and in hedgerows, thickets, marshes, and wet meadows In breeding season, found in shrubby forests; in migration, found in woodlands, especially in understory in early successional growth areas - G-9 -

186 FAMILY Family Thraupidae Family Thraupidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Emberizidae Family Cardinalidae Family Cardinalidae Family Cardinalidae Family Cardinalidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA Summer Tanager Piranga rubra X Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea X Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus X ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Common in spring, summer, and fall, and occasional in winter Fairly common in spring, summer, and fall Common in all seasons and regions Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerine X Common in all seasons Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla X Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia X Swamp Sparrow Melospiza Georgiana White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Common to fairly common in all seasons Common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, spring, and fall, and uncommon to rare in summer Common to fairly common in winter, spring, and fall Common in winter, spring, and fall, and rare in summer Common in winter, spring, and fall, and occasional in summer Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis X Common in all seasons Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea X Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea X Fairly common in spring and uncommon in fall Common in spring, summer, and fall Common in spring, summer, and fall, and occasional in winter HABITAT In breeding season, found in open, mixed hardwood-coniferous forests and along forest edges In breeding season, found in hardwood forests; in migration, found in woodlands in brushy woodlands and early successional growth in open areas with short grass and scattered trees, especially conifers in early successional growth areas, especially with dense ground cover in open grassy fields in open brushy and weedy areas in freshwater marshes, and shrubby and weedy areas, especially near water in thickets and shrubby areas in open woodlands, and brushy and grassy areas in shrubby areas, hedgerows, thickets, and suburban gardens in woodlands, especially in the canopy in open thickets and hedgerows, especially along field borders in brushy and weedy area, in early successional stages and woodland openings, and along woodland and field borders - G-10 -

187 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BREEDS IN PROJECT AREA ABUNDANCE/ SEASONALITY Family Icteridae Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus X Common in all seasons Family Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna X Common in all seasons Family Icteridae Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula X Common in all seasons Family Icteridae Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater X Common in all seasons Family Icteridae Orchard Oriole Icterus spurious X Family Icteridae Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula X Family Fringillidae Family Fringillidae Family Fringillidae Family Passeridae House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus X Common in spring, summer, and occasional in winter Fairly common in spring and fall, but rare in summer and winter Common in all seasons Fairly common and erratic in winter, spring, and fall American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis X Fairly common in all House Sparrow Passer domesticus Exotic X Common in all seasons HABITAT in marshes, and brushy, weedy and grassy areas, especially when wet in grassy, weedy fields, especially high grass in open woodlands, especially those with pines and grassy areas; also fields with short grasses or in cultivated fields in open areas, especially with livestock In breeding season, found in open areas, with scattered trees, especially near water. In migration, found in woodlands In breeding season, found in open areas, with scattered trees, especially near water. In migration, found in woodlands in open woodlands, especially those associated with buildings, homes, and gardens in open woodlands; often seen at feeders in open woodlands, brushy areas, and willow thickets in urban and suburban areas, and on farms, especially those with livestock. - G-11 -

188 Table G-2: Mammal Species Typical of the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity (Source: Causey, 2006) FAMILY Family Didelphidae Family Soricidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana Common Found statewide Southern Short-tailed Shrew Blarina carolinensis Poorly known DISTRIBUTION IN ALABAMA Found statewide except for northeastern region Family Soricidae Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Poorly known Found statewide Family Soricidae Southeastern Shrew Sorex longirostris Poorly known Family Talpidae Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus Poorly known Family Vespertilionidae Family Vespertilionidae Family Vespertilionidae Gray Myotis Myotis grisescens Northern Long-eared Myotis Myotis septentrionalis Poorly known Found statewide, except southern tier of counties Found statewide and common in a variety of habitats Found statewide, except for southwestern quarter Found statewide, except southwestern region Eastern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus Common Found statewide HABITAT in all habitats, including urban areas Little is known about species in Alabama, but may be common in a variety of habitats in grasslands and other upland areas, weedy fencerows, fields, roadsides, and meadows Occupies a variety of habitats from bogs and marshes to upland grassy areas and forests, and even bare hillsides and dry upland hardwoods. May favor moist areas bordering swamps, marshes, lakes, and streams in both forested and unforested areas. Occupies moist, loose, sandy or loamy soils, and spends most of life underground Occupies deep caves near permanent water in winter and summer. Forages primarily over water, along streams, and over lakes and ponds Forested ridges appear favored over riparian woodlands. Hibernacula include caves and mines, but may use crevices in walls or ceilings. Summer roosts include tree holes, birdhouses, or behind loose bark or shutters of buildings Occupies hollow trees, tree foliage, caves, mines, rock crevices, and buildings - G-12 -

189 FAMILY Family Vespertilionidae Family Vespertilionidae Family Vespertilionidae Family Vespertilionidae Family Molossidae Family Dasypodidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA DISTRIBUTION IN ALABAMA Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus Common Found statewide and common Eastern Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Common Found statewide and common Seminole Bat Lasiurus seminolus Common Found statewide Evening Bat Nycticeius humeralis Common Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis Poorly known Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Common Found statewide Family Leporidae Swamp Rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus Poorly known Found statewide, but may be most common in southern half Possibly found statewide, but most remaining populations are in southern half. Distributed statewide, except for southern tier of counties along Florida Panhandle Family Leporidae Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Common Found statewide HABITAT Roosts typically in human-made structures, but also in caves, mines, hollow trees, and crevices, or behind loose bark. Commonly inhabits bat houses, attics, and louvered attic vents Roosts in a variety of trees, but frequently uses clumps of Spanish moss Common in mixed coniferous and deciduous woodlands; often associated with Spanish moss. Mostly forages at tree-top level in forests, although also flies over open water, forest clearings, and along forest edges Primary habitat is deciduous forest where it roosts in hollow trees, under loose bark, and in human-made structures, such as outbuildings, churches, belfries, and attics With few exceptions, occurs only in human-made structures in woodlands, forest edges, savannas, and brushy areas Found in floodplain forests, wooded bottomlands, briar and honeysuckle patches, and canebrakes Primarily occurs in deciduous forests and forest edges, but also in grasslands, along fencerows, and in urban areas - G-13 -

190 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Family Sciuridae Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus Common ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Family Sciuridae Woodchuck Marmota monax Poorly known DISTRIBUTION IN ALABAMA Found statewide, except for extreme southwestern and southeastern regions Family Sciuridae Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Common Found statewide Family Sciuridae Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger Fairly Common Found statewide Family Sciuridae Family Castoridae Southern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans Common Found statewide Beaver Castor Canadensis Common Found statewide Family Muridae Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris Common Found statewide Family Muridae Family Muridae Family Muridae Eastern Harvest Mouse Oldfield Mouse Cotton Mouse Reithrodontomys humulis Peromyscus polionotus Peromyscus gossypinus Poorly known Poorly known Common Distribution includes northern 2/3 of state Once common Primarily distributed in sandy-soiled habitats in eastern and southern Alabama, but also occurs in west central and northwestern parts of state Found statewide HABITAT Occupies wooded areas with dense canopy and sparsely covered forest floor, open brushy habitats, ravines, deciduous growth along streams, and urban areas Occupies forest edges and open fields and pastures near brushy fencerows or other cover in hardwood forests, mixed forests, and urban areas Favors mature deciduous and pineoak woodlands, but also occurs at forest edges and in riparian woodlands Most common in mature, broadleaved forests, but also found in coniferous-deciduous woodlands, and urban areas. Nocturnal existence belies its common occurrence in all habitats with open water. Considered a pest in some areas in wet meadows and dense vegetation near marshes, swamps, streams, ponds, and ditches in old fields containing dense stands of weeds and grasses, but may be declining in Alabama Occurs in fallow fields with herbaceous vegetation, and along roadsides in agricultural areas in dense underbrush, bottomland hardwood forests, and a variety of other habitats, including old fields, upland forests, hammocks, and swamps - G-14 -

191 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA DISTRIBUTION IN ALABAMA Family Muridae White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus Poorly known Occurs in northern 2/3 of state Family Muridae Golden Mouse Ochrotomys nuttalli Common Family Muridae Hispid Cotton Rat Sigmodon hispidus Found statewide Family Muridae Eastern Woodrat Neotoma floridana Poorly known Family Muridae Pine Vole Microtus pinetorum Family Muridae Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Common Family Muridae Family Muridae Family Muridae Black Rat Norway Rat House Mouse Rattus rattus Exotic Rattus norvegicus Exotic Mus musculus Exotic Family Carnivora Coyote Canis latrans Common Common Common Common in all habitats. Populations fluctuate greatly among years. No recent surveys; populations may be declining Found statewide, except for southwestern section Found nearly statewide, except counties bordering Florida Panhandle Found statewide Found statewide Found statewide Family Carnivora Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Common Found statewide Family Carnivora Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Found statewide, including urban areas HABITAT Common in woodlands with fallen logs, brush piles, and rocks, and in shrubs along fencerows and streams woodlands, floodplains, borders of fields, and thickets bordering swamps and dense woods in grassy areas of fields and along roadways, Occupies woodland and brushy habitats south of Tennessee River. Usually found associated with rocky outcrops, but also in areas with dense vegetation Occupies a wide range of habitats, including leaf litter, grassy fields with brush and brambles, and beneath mats of dense vegetation Habitats include saline, brackish, and freshwater streams; marshes; ponds; lakes; ditches; and rivers Requires food, water, and harborage provided by humans; often displaced by Norway Rat, but when co-inhabiting same areas, usually spatially separated vertically requires food, water, and harborage provided by humans often found in habitats associated with native rodents fairly distant from human habitation Wide rage, upland forests and swamps to pastures and fields in forested uplands interspersed with pastures and farmland Common Found statewide in forested habitats statewide - G-15 -

192 FAMILY Family Procyonidae Family Mustelidae Family Mustelidae Family Mustelidae Family Mephitidae Family Mephitidae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Raccoon Procyon lotor Common Found statewide Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata Poorly known Mink Mustela vison Poorly known DISTRIBUTION IN ALABAMA Probably found statewide, but little known about current status This semiaquatic species occurs statewide River Otter Lontra Canadensis Poorly known Probably present statewide Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Common Found statewide Eastern Spotted Skunk Spilogale putorius Poorly known Found statewide Family Felidae Bobcat Lynx rufus Common Found statewide Family Cervidae Family Suidae White-tailed Deer Feral Swine Odocoileus virginianus Sus scrofa Exotic Common and important game species Fairly Common found statewide Found statewide HABITAT in all habitats statewide, including urban areas; often associated with water, especially bottomland swamps, marshes, and flooded woodlands woodlands, forest edges, fencerows, agricultural, and urban areas. usually near permanent water in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat in open areas, forest edges, and urban habitats a variety of habitats such as pastures, woodlands, forest edges, and farmlands in a wide array of habitats including dense understory, bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and farmlands urban habitats Woodlands, swamps, and fields, primarily near water - G-16 -

193 Table G-3: Reptile and Amphibian Species Typical of the Martin Hydroelectric Project Vicinity (Source: Causey, 2006) FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT HABITAT AREA Amphibians Bufonidae American toad Bufo americanus americanus Common Upland forests, suburban areas Bufonidae Fowler s toad Bufo woodhousii Common Sandy areas around shores of lakes, or in river valleys Hylidae northern cricket frog Acris crepitans crepitans Common along creekbanks, lakeshores, and mudflats Hylidae gray treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis Common Small trees or shrubs, typically over standing water; on ground or at water s edge during breeding season Hylidae southern cricket frog Acris gryllus gryllus Moderately common Hylidae green treefrog Moderately Hyla cinerea common Hylidae mountain chorus frog Pseudacris brachyphona Moderately Common Hylidae spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer crucifer Common Hylidae upland chorus frog Pseudacris triseriata feriarum Moderately Common Prefers weedy shorelines, wet meadows and similar wetland habitats permanent aquatic habitats forested areas in most of northern Alabama ponds, pools and swamps Grassy swales, moist woodlands, river-bottom swamps, and environs of ponds, bogs and marshes Microhylidae eastern narrowmouthed toad Gastrophyrne carolinensis Common variety of habitats providing suitable cover and moisture, including under logs and or leaf litter Pelobatidae eastern spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrooki holbrooki Moderately Forested areas of sandy or loose soil Ranidae bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Common Ranidae bronze frog Rana clamitans clamitans Moderately Common permanent aquatic habitats In rocks, stumps, limestone crevices of stream environs, bayheads and swamps - G-17 -

194 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT HABITAT AREA Ranidae wood frog Rana sylvatica Uncommon moist wooded areas Ranidae southern leopard frog Rana pipiens sphenocephala Moderately Common, believed to be declining All types of aquatic to slightly-brackish habitats Ambystomatidae spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum Moderately Common, believed to be declining Bottomland hardwoods Ambystomatidae marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum Common Bottomland hardwoods Ambystomatidae eastern tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum Rare Poorly understood Plethodontidae northern dusky salamander Desmongnathus fuscus conanti Common Plethodontidae seal salamander Desmognathus monitcola Moderately Common Plethodontidae seepage salamander Desmognathus aeneus Uncommon to Rare Brooks, near springs, and in seepage areas Rocky brooks and creekbanks Restricted to cove hardwoods Plethodontidae two-lined salamanders and allies Eurycea bislineata Common Saturated areas along brooksides and seeps, under logs and rocks Plethodontidae three-lined salamander Eurycea longicauda guttolineata Common Damp habitats statewide Plethodontidae cave salamander Eurycea lucifuga Rare Caves Plethodontidae northern spring salamander Gryinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus Cool mountain springs and streams and beneath logs in moist forest depressions - G-18 -

195 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Plethodontidae four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum Uncommon to Rare HABITAT Sphagnum bogs, creek floodplains, and other low, wet sites Plethodontidae Webster s zigzag salamander Plethodon websteri Uncommon Under cover in saturated areas along streams Plethodontidae slimy salamander Plethodon glutinosus glutinosus Common Moist woodland ravines and hillsides Plethodontidae Gulf Coast mud salamander Pseudotriton montanus flavissimus Uncommon Floodplains and other low-lying areas (poorly studied) Plethodontidae red salamander Pseudotriton ruber ruber Common under moss, rocks near cool, free-flowing streams Salamandridae red-spotted newt Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis Moderately Common Terrestrial or aquatic habitats, depending on life stage Salamandridae central newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Moderately Common Terrestrial or aquatic habitats, depending on life stage. Reptiles Alligatoridae American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Somewhat uncommon Chelydridae common snapping turtle Lakes, rivers, creeks, and other aquatic sites Chelydra serpentina serpentina Common Aquatic habitats Chelydridae alligator snapping turtle Macroclemys temmincki Uncommon, believed to be declining Aquatic habitats Emydidae painted turtle Chrysemys picta ssp. Moderately Common Emydidae midland painted turtle Chrysemys picta dorsalis Moderately Common Lakes, rivers, and ponds Lakes, rivers, and ponds - G-19 -

196 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Emydidae southern painted turtle Chrysemys picta marginata Moderately Common Emydidae eastern chicken turtle Deirochelys recticularia reticularis Emydidae common map turtle Graptemys geographica Emydidae Alabama map turtle Graptemys pulchra Moderately Common Emydidae river cooter Pseudemys concinna concinna Common Emydidae eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina carolina Common Emydidae Gulf Coast box turtle Terrapene carolina major Common Emydidae three-toed box turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis Common Emydidae yellow-bellied pond slider Pseudemys scripta scripta Emydidae red-eared pond slider Pseudemys scripta elegans Common Common Kinosternidae eastern mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum Common Kinosternidae Mississippi mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis Common Kinosternidae stripe-necked musk turtle Sternotherus minor peltifer Moderately Common Kinosternidae common musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus Common Trionychidae spiny softshell Apalone spiniferus aspera Common HABITAT Lakes, rivers, and ponds Ponds, marshes, and sloughs Large rivers and lakes Rivers and large streams in AL Rivers, streams, and some lakes Wooded uplands Wooded uplands Wooded uplands Ponds, rivers, creeks, and open swamps Ponds, rivers, creeks, and open swamps Sluggish aquatic habitats Sluggish aquatic habitats Streams and impoundments Sluggish aquatic habitats Streams, lakes, and some farm ponds - G-20 -

197 Anguidae FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME eastern slender glass lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Uncommon to Rare, believed to be declining Anguidae eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis Uncommon to Rare Iguanidae green anole Anolis carolinensis carolinensis Common Dry, open habitats Dry, open habitats HABITAT Scincidae southern coal skink Eumeces anthracinus anthracinus Extremely Rare Wide range of upland and riparian areas Caves Scincidae northern coal skink Eumeces anthracinus pluvialis Extremely Rare Caves Scincidae five-lined skink Eumeces fasciatus Common Forests and a variety of other habitats Scincidae southern five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus Uncommon Scincidae broad-headed skink Eumeces laticeps Moderately Common Scincidae ground skink Scincella lateralis Iguanidae southern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus undulatus Common, believed to be declining Dry and relatively open forestlands Rotting logs, stumps, and tree cavities Forested areas Iguanidae northern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus Teiidae six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus Colubridae eastern worm snake Carphophis amoenus Common Common Uncommon to Rare Moderately Common Wide range of upland and riparian areas Wide range of upland and riparian areas Dry, open habitats Fossorial, under rocks and in rotting logs - G-21 -

198 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Colubridae midwest worm snake Carphophis amoenus Colubridae northern scarlet snake Cemphora coccinea copei Colubridae black racer Coluber constrictor constrictor Colubridae black racer Coluber constrictor priapus Colubridae Colubridae Colubridae southern ringneck snake Mississippi ringneck snake northern ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus Diadophis punctatus stictogenys Diadophis punctatus edwardsi Colubridae corn snake Elaphe guttata guttata Colubridae black rat snake Elaphe obsoleta spiloides Colubridae gray rat snake Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta Colubridae eastern hognose snake Heterodon platyrhinos ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Moderately Common Uncommon, believed to be declining Common, believed to be declining Common, believed to be declining Common Common Common Uncommon Common Common Uncommon, believed to be declining HABITAT Fossorial, under rocks and in rotting logs Seldom seen above ground; typically near sand or loamy soils In or near water, streams passing through cypress swamps In or near water, streams passing through cypress swamps Under shelter in upland areas near water Under shelter in upland areas near water Under shelter on rocky wooded hillsides, cutover areas Wide range of upland and riparian areas Wide range of upland and riparian areas Wide range of upland and riparian areas Sandy uplands and hammocks - G-22 -

199 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Colubridae mole snake Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Colubridae eastern kingsnake Lampropeltis getula holbrooki Colubridae speckled kingsnake Lampropeltis getula getula Colubridae black kingsnake Lampropeltis getula niger Colubridae scarlet kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides Colubridae eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum Colubridae Colubridae yellow-bellied water snake red-bellied water snake Natrix erythrogaster flavigaster Natrix erythrogaster erythrogaster Colubridae queen snake Regina septemvittata Colubridae northern brown snake Storeria dekayi dekayi Colubridae midland brown snake Storeria dekayi wrightorum Colubridae northern red-bellied snake Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Rare Moderately Common Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon, believed to be declining Uncommon, believed to be declining Common Common Common, believed to be declining Common Common Common, believed to be declining Fossorial HABITAT Terrestrial areas along streams and swamps Wide range, from river swamps to upland woodlands and coastal marshes Dry rocky hills, open woods, dry prairies, and stream valleys In or near woodlands, especially pinelands Wide range, from dry, sandy flatwoods to swamps Riverbottoms, swamps, marshes, and river/lake edges Riverbottoms, swamps, marshes, and river/lake edges Streams Environs of Bogs, swaps, freshwater marshes, moist woods and hillsides Environs of Bogs, swaps, freshwater marshes, moist woods and hillsides In or near open woods; in or near sphagnum bogs - G-23 -

200 FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Colubridae eastern ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus sauritus Colubridae eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Colubridae rough earth snake Virginia striatula Colubridae Colubridae eastern smooth earth snake western smooth earth snake Virginia valeriae valeriae Virginia valeriae elegans Viperidae southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Viperidae northern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokeson Viperidae eastern cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus Viperidae Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti Viperidae western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma Viperidae timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus ABUNDANCE IN PROJECT AREA Uncommon to Rare Moderately Common Moderately Common Moderately Common Moderately Common Common Common Common Common Common HABITAT Semi-Aquatic Wide range of upland and riparian areas Abandoned fields near deciduous forests Abandoned fields near deciduous forests Abandoned fields near deciduous forests Upland forests and riparian zones Upland forests and riparian zones Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Viperidae Viperidae Viperidae Carolina pigmy rattlesnake dusky pigmy rattlesnake western pigmy rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius miliarius Sistrurus miliarius barbouri Sistrurus miliarius streckeri Common Rare Rare Rare Upland and bottomland forests, riparian zones Upland forests and riparian zones Upland forests and riparian zones Upland forests and riparian zones - G-24 -

201 APPENDIX H EXISTING AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND REPRESENTATIVE BOTANICAL SPECIES

202 Table H-1: Typical and Confirmed Botanical Species of the Project Vicinity (Source: Whetstone, 2006) FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME CONFIRMED BY FIELD SURVEYS 2 Acanthaceae Water willow Justicia americana * Aceraceae Red maple Acer rubrum * Aceraceae chalk maple Acer leucoderme Aceraceae box-elder Acer negundo Anacardiaceae Winged sumac Rhus copallina * Anacardiaceae Smooth sumac Rhus glabra * Anacardiaceae Poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans Anacardiaceae winged sumac Rhus copallina Anacardiaceae shining sumac Rhus glabra Anacardiaceae poison-ivy Toxicodendron radicans Aquifoliaceae Possumhaw Ilex decidua Araliaceae Devil's-walking-stick Aralia spinosa * Aspidiaceae Christmas fern Polystichium acrostichoides * Asteraceae Golden aster Chrysopsis gramnifolia * Asteraceae Joe-Pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum * Asteraceae Rosinweed Silphium sp. * Asteraceae Ironweed Vernonia sp. * Asteraceae fragrant goldentrod Solidago odora Asteraceae Goldenrod Solidago altissima Asteraceae Goldenrod Solidago arguta Betulaceae Tag alder Alnus serrulata * Betulaceae River birch Betula nigra * Betulaceae Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Betulaceae Hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana Bignoniaceae Cross-vine Bignonia capreolata * Bignoniaceae cow-itch-vine Campsis radicans Bromeliaceae Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides * Calycanthaceae sweet shrub Calycanthus floridus Caprifoliaceae Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica * Caprifoliaceae Elderberry Sambucus canadensis * Clusiaceae St. John's-wort Hypericum hypericoides * Convolvulaceae Compact dodder Cuscuta compacta * Convolvulaceae Man-root Ipomea pandurata * Cornaceae Flowering dogwood Cornus florida * 2 Confirmed by field survey performed during summer 2006 and reported in Whetstone (2006). - H-1 -

203 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME CONFIRMED BY FIELD SURVEYS 2 Cornaceae Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica Cyperaceae Wool-grass Scirpus cyperinus * Dennstaedtiaceae bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum Ebenaceae Persimmon Diospyros virginiana * Ericaceae Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia * Ericaceae Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum * Ericaceae Swamp azalea Rhododendron viscosum * Ericaceae Sparkleberry Vaccinium arboreum * Ericaceae Elliott's blueberry Vaccinium elliotti * Ericaceae lowbush blueberry Vaccinium pallidum Ericaceae Deerberry Vaccinium stamineum Fabaceae Silk tree Albizia julibrissin * Fabaceae Amorpha Amorpha fruticosa * Fabaceae Groundnut Apios americana * Fabaceae Sericea Lespedeza cuneata * Fabaceae Kudzu Pueraria lobata * Fabaceae Black locust Robinia pseudocacia * Fabaceae Goat's rue Tephrosia virginiana * Fabaceae black locust Robinia pseudoacacia Fagaceae White oak Quercus alba * Fagaceae Rock chestnut oak Quercus montana * Fagaceae Water oak Quercus nigra * Fagaceae Willow oak Quercus phellos * Fagaceae Black oak Quercus velutina * Fagaceae American beech Fagus grandifolia Fagaceae Post oak Quercus stellata Fagaceae Southern red oak Quercus falcata Fagaceae scarlet oak Quercus coccinea Fagaceae blackjack oak Quercus marilandica Hamamelidaceae Sweet-gum Liquidambar styraciflua * Hamamelidaceae American witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana Hydrangeaceae Oak-leaf hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia * Juglandaceae Sand hickory Carya pallida * Juglandaceae Mockernut hickory Carya tomentosa * Juncaceae Soft rush Juncus effusus * Lauraceae Sassafras Sassafras albidum Liliaceae sweet Betsy Trillium cuneatum Loganiaceae yellow jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens Magnoliaceae Tulip poplar Liriodendron tulipifera * Magnoliaceae Bigleaf magnolia Magnolia macrophylla * - H-2 -

204 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME CONFIRMED BY FIELD SURVEYS 2 Magnoliaceae cucumber magnolia Magnolia tripetala Malvaceae Marsh mallow Hibiscus militaris * Myricaceae wax-myrtle Myrica cerifera Nyssaceae Black gum Nyssa sylvatica * Oleaceae Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense * Oleaceae green ash Fraxinus pensylvanica Oleaceae white ash Fraxinus americana Oleaceae Grandsir's-gray-beard Chionanthus virginicus Osmundaceae Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea * Pinaceae Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata * Pinaceae Longleaf pine Pinus palustris * Pinaceae Loblolly pine Pinus taeda * Pinaceae Scrub pine Pinus virginiana * Platanaceae Sycamore Platanus occidentalis * Poaceae Switch cane Arundinaria gigantea * Poaceae Indian woodoats Chasmanthium latifolium * Poaceae Torpedo grass Panicum repens * Poaceae Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea * Poaceae Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium * Poaceae Giant cutgrass Zizaniopsis miliacea * Poaceae needle grass Stipa avenacea Poaceae spike grass Chasmanthium laxum Polygonaceae American buckwheat vine Brunnichia ovata * Polypodiaceae resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides Ranunculaceae Virgin's bower Clematis virginiana * Rosaceae Hawthorn Crataegus spp. Rosaceae black cherry Prunus serotina Rosaceae Blackberry Rubus argutus Rosaceae Crabapple Malus spp. Rubiaceae Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis * Salicaceae Black willow Salix nigra * Saxifragaceae Sweet-spire Itea virginica * Scrophulariaceae Indian cigar tree Catalpa bignonioides * Smilacaceae cat-briar Smilax spp. Tiliaceae Basswood Tilia americana * Ulmaceae Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Vitaceae Peppervine Ampelopsis arborea * - H-3 -

205 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME CONFIRMED BY FIELD SURVEYS 2 Vitaceae Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia * Vitaceae Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia * Vitaceae fox grape Vitis vulpine - H-4 -

206 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY COOSA WARRIOR RELICENSING PROJECT E7 Exotic Species & Aquatic Plant Management Program Issue Report December, 2002

207 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY COOSA WARRIOR RELICENSING PROJECT E7 Exotic Species & Aquatic Plant Management Program Issue Report December, 2002 Prepared by: Alabama Power Company Hydro Generation & Environmental Affairs

208 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA COOSA WARRIOR RELICENSING PROJECT E7 EXOTIC SPECIES & AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ISSUE REPORT Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary Exotic and Nuisance Species Aquatic Plant Management Program Aquatic Plant Control Nonindigenous Aquatic Plants Mosquito Control Program Monitoring Source Reduction Larviciding Homeowner Tips Applicable Laws Exotic Species Aquatic Plants...14 i

209 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA COOSA WARRIOR RELICENSING PROJECT E7 EXOTIC SPECIES & AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ISSUE REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Alabama Power Company (APC) as part of its Warrior and Coosa relicensing process and with the help of interested stakeholders has developed the following issue statement: Issue Statement CE7 and WE7 Effectiveness of the existing programs in controlling exotic species, nuisance aquatic vegetation and vectors in the study area. In order to address this issue in the relicensing process, APC has prepared the following Issue Report outlining current efforts to identify and control exotic species, nuisance aquatic vegetation and vectors. This report serves as a baseline of information for stakeholders in the Coosa and Warrior relicensing process. Stakeholders should alert APC of any areas where the current management practices are not meeting expected or desired levels of control. APC s Aquatic Plant Management and Mosquito Control programs are guided by the Public Health Laws of Alabama, the regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and APC s commitment to the public health and welfare of Alabama. Any questions regarding APC s Aquatic Plant Management, Mosquito Control programs or other requests for assistance may be directed to Environmental Affairs, Vector and Aquatic Plant Management at Lakes-11. 1

210 2.0 EXOTIC AND NUISANCE SPECIES APC complies with all state laws (see applicable laws section 4.0) prohibiting the introduction and proliferation of exotic species as well as nuisance species. Exotic species are generally defined as species not naturally occurring within the State of Alabama. Nuisance species are similarly defined as species that are unwanted or deemed harmful to local interests. Currently, APC has a Zebra Mussel awareness program in place at project facilities and stays informed on all state and national issues related to exotic and nuisance species. Exotic and nuisance species found within project boundaries are evaluated for management actions on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the appropriate state resource agencies. 2

211 3.0 AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Aquatic vegetation in project reservoirs is managed in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations to optimize all the uses of these reservoirs. 3.1 Aquatic Plant Control Aquatic Plant Control will be considered if the vegetation: Creates a potential public health hazard by providing mosquito breeding habitat; Poses a threat to power generation facilities or water withdrawal structures; Restricts recreational use of the reservoir; and/or Poses a threat to the ecological balance of the reservoir (such as may be the case of an exotic aquatic plant which is known to create problems in the above categories). Aquatic vegetation will be left in its natural state in areas which do not meet the above criteria (as deemed appropriate by APC biologists and staff) to enhance fishery habitat and reservoir aesthetics. The extent of assistance to homeowners or corrective action initiated will be determined by actual need and whether the control falls within the above categories. Tables and (below) list total acres of nuisance aquatic vegetation treated by APC from as well as total acres of nuisance aquatic vegetation treated by reservoir including the percentage of acres treated relative to the entire Coosa River System. Types of nuisance aquatic vegetation treated include emergent, submersed, marginal and floating. 3

212 Table Acres of Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Treated from Year Acres Treated % of Total Project (Approx. 155,000 Acres) emergent and marginal 116 submersed emergent and marginal 59 submersed emergent and marginal 40 floating emergent and marginal emergent and marginal Table Acres of Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Treated by Lake from Reservoir Weiss Neely Henry Logan Martin Lay Mitchell Jordan / Bouldin Total Acres Treated % of Total Project

213 3.2 Nonindigenous Aquatic Plants APC s aquatic plant control program is directed toward, but not limited to, exotic species listed in the Alabama Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control Act (see Section 5.2). Table Nonindigenous aquatic plants prohibited from the waters of the State of Alabama. Common Name Scientific Name Known Location African elodea Lagarosiphon spp Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeriodes Throughout the Coosa and Black Warrior drainage Brazilian elodea Egeria densa Curlyleaf pondweed Potamogeton crispus Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum Floating waterhyacinth Eichhornia crassipes All Coosa impoundments and throughout the Black Warrior drainage Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Hygrophila Hygrophila polysperma Limnophila Limnophila sessiliflora Parrot-feather Myriophyllum aquatica Throughout the Coosa drainage and Thurlow Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Rooted waterhyacinth Eichhornia azurea Spinyleaf naiad Najas minor Logan Martin and Jordan reservoirs Water-aloe Stratiotes aloides Water-lettuce Pistia stratiotes Bankhead Reservoir Water-chestnut Trapa natans Water spinach Ipomea aquatica APC s aquatic plant control program is based on a maintenance control philosophy. Control measures are initiated before noxious weeds reach a problematic stage because once weeds reach this stage, it is difficult to return to the original maintenance level. This philosophy helps to minimize chemical applications and promote plant diversity. 5

214 All aquatic plant control measures are directed by staff biologists certified as commercial aquatic applicators by the State of Alabama, Department of Agriculture and Industries. Only EPA approved aquatic herbicides are used in the aquatic plant management program. 6

215 4.0 MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM APC s Mosquito Control Program is based on best practice methods developed by the United States Public Health Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority and adopted by the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, American Mosquito Control Association and other agencies charged with developing mosquito control programs and training mosquito control personnel. These methods having been developed through extensive field studies that address monitoring techniques, source reduction, larviciding and adulticiding of mosquitoes to prevent nuisance levels that could affect the health and well being of lake residents and visitors. 4.1 Monitoring Mosquito monitoring is carried out on all reservoirs to determine which mosquito species are present, if control measures are necessary, and if applied control measures are/will be effective. following: Control measures are based on the monitoring program consisting of the Larvae sampling Collection and identification of mosquito larvae. Adult resting stations Resting stations are strategically placed near potential breeding sites, monitored during the mosquito breeding season, and then used as an index of permanent pool mosquito production. Light traps A commercial adult mosquito capturing apparatus consisting of light, fan and collection jar. Light traps are typically used to identify nuisance species when there are extensive complaints in a specific area. Biting Collections Capturing (with an aspirator) and identifying mosquitoes that land on collector for blood meal. 7

216 4.2 Source Reduction Since mosquitoes need water for development, source reduction is an integral part of APC s mosquito control program. Source reduction, where feasible, offers a permanent solution to mosquito problems by eliminating productive mosquito breeding habitat. Source reduction tips are provided in Section 4.4 of this document. 4.3 Larviciding Where source reduction is not feasible, larviciding of productive mosquito breeding sites is initiated. Preemergent larvicides, applied to known mosquito habitat, prevent the emergence of adult mosquitoes. This method of control is site specific, eliminating indiscriminate treatment of non-target species. Larvicides are applied by hand, all-terrain vehicles and airboat. All larvicide activities are conducted by staff biologists certified as commercial applicators by the State of Alabama, Department of Agriculture and Industries. Larvicides currently used in the mosquito control program include the following. Aquabac granular formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis. Bactimos granular and briquette formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis Altosid granular and briquette formulation of methoprene. Larvicides used in project reservoirs are non-persistent in the environment and will not affect fish, waterfowl, mammals or beneficial predatory insects. 8

217 4.4 Homeowner Tips Homeowners can help reduce mosquito populations through source reduction by eliminating these breeding sites: Discarded containers and tires that hold water Boats and canoes filled with rainwater Tarps that hold pockets of rainwater Standing rainwater in drainage ditches Standing water in gutters and downspouts Potholes in roads and other depressions that hold water Water in flower pot dishes Changing water in birdbaths weekly 9

218 5.0 APPLICABLE LAWS 5.1 Exotic Species CODE OF ALABAMA TITLE 9. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. CHAPTER 2. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Current through October Commissioner of conservation and natural resources Authority to prohibit importation of birds, animals, fish, etc. (a) The commissioner of conservation and natural resources is hereby empowered to prohibit by duly promulgated regulation the importation of any bird, animal, reptile, amphibian or fish when the importation of such animal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish would not be in the best interest of the state. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fish used for display purposes for carnivals, zoos, circuses and other like shows and exhibits where ample provision is made so that such birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fish will not escape or be released into the state. (c) Any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association who or which imports, brings or causes to be brought or imported into the state of Alabama any bird, animal, reptile, amphibian or fish, the importation of which has been forbidden by duly promulgated regulation of the commissioner of conservation and natural resources, shall be in violation of the provisions of this section and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $ for each offense. 10

219 ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER GAME AND FISH DIVISION Current through October Restrictions On Possession, Sale, Importation And/Or Release Of Certain Animals And Fish. (1) No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals: Any Walking Catfish or any other fish of the genus Clarias Any Piranha or any fish of the genus Serrasalmus Any Black Carp of the genus Mylopharyngodon Any species of Mongoose San Juan Rabbits, Jack Rabbits or any other species of wild rabbit or hare; or Any of the following from any area outside the state of Alabama; any member of the family Cervidae (to include but not be limited to deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, species of fox, species of raccoon, species of skunk, wild rodent, or strain of wild turkey, black bear (Ursus americanus), mountain lion (Felis concolor), bobcat (Felis rufus), Pronghorn Antelope (Antelocapridae), any nondomestic member of the families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), or Bovidae (bison, mountain goat, mountain sheep). No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association, shall transport within the state, any member of the above-stated species (whether such member originated within or without the state), except for properly licensed game-breeders pursuant to Section , Code of Ala (2) It shall be unlawful to release any tame turkey, or any other turkey, whether wild or tame, into any of the wild areas of this State. The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to any turkeys kept by any farmer or landowner of this State for normal agricultural purposes or for personal consumption. (3) Nutria shall not be propagated or released in this State. No person, firm or corporation shall release any Nutria from captivity in this State or propagate any Nutria for the purpose of stocking in the wild of this State. 11

220 (4) All species of sturgeon are hereby declared to be protected fish within this State and any person who shall catch a sturgeon shall immediately return it to the waters from whence it came with the least possible harm. (5) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess a species of sturgeon not native to Alabama waters, to introduce such a species of sturgeon to public waters of Alabama, or to offer for sale or import any such non-native sturgeon in Alabama, except by permit from the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (6) It shall be unlawful to possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or release any of the following fish: Chinese perch (Siniperca spp.), all snakeheads (Channa spp.), all mud carp (Cirrhinus spp.), or blue back herring (Alosa aestivalis). (7) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or release any non-indigenous venomous reptile in or into the State of Alabama, except by written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permits. (8) Except as authorized by permit issued by the Department prior to the date of this amendment, it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession any live, protected wild bird or wild animal or live embryo, eggs, or sperm of these protected wild birds or animals. "Possession" in this section does not include deer restricted by natural or man made barriers as long as the deer remain wild and are not subject to management practices of domesticated animals. (9) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to the exceptions provided for in Section (b), Code of Ala Accredited educational facilities, research facilities, and permitted rehabilitation facilities shall be exempt from this regulation through the written permission of the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries or his designee. 12

221 ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER GAME AND FISH DIVISION Current through October Prohibition Of Importation/Possession Of The Fishes Rudd And Roach (a) The importation into the State of Alabama of the fish, rudd, (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) or of the fish, roach, (Rutilus rutilus), or any hybrids of either species, by any person, firm, corporation, or other entity, is hereby prohibited. Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity in violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided by Code of Ala. 1975, as last amended. (b) The possession in the State of Alabama of the fish, rudd, (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) or of the fish, roach, (Rutilus rutilus), or any hybrids of either species, by any person, firm, corporation, or other entity, is hereby prohibited. Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity in violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided by 9-1-4, Code of Ala. 1975, as last amended. 13

222 5.2 Aquatic Plants CODE OF ALABAMA TITLE 9. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. CHAPTER 20. NONINDIGENOUS AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL ACT. Current through October Short title. This chapter may be cited as the Alabama Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control Act Definitions. The following terms and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) AQUATIC PLANT. Any plant growing in, or closely associated with, the aquatic environment including, without limitation, floating, emersed, submersed, ditchbank and wetland plant species. (2) DEPARTMENT. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (3) NONINDIGENOUS AQUATIC PLANT. Any aquatic plant which is not an indigenous or native aquatic plant species of the State of Alabama. (4) PERSON. Any and all persons, natural or artificial, including, without limitation, any individual, partnership, association, society, joint stock company, firm, company, corporation, institution, trust, estate, or other legal or business organization or any governmental entity, and any successor, representative, agent or agency of the foregoing. (5) PUBLIC WATERS OF THE STATE. Those waters which are defined as public waters in Section Introduction of nonindigenous aquatic plants in public waters prohibited. Any person who introduces, places, or causes to be introduced or placed, any nonindigenous aquatic plant into any public waters of the state shall be in violation of this chapter. For purposes of this section, the unintentional adherence to a boat or boat trailer of a nonindigenous aquatic plant, and its subsequent unintentional transportation or dispersal in the course of common and ordinary boating activities and practices, does not constitute a violation of this chapter Exemption for possession of nonindigenous aquatic plants. Any person who possesses, through natural dispersion, and aquatic plant which is prohibited from being introduced or placed in a public water of the state pursuant to Section , and the possession posed neither danger or intent to further disperse the aquatic plant by means of transportation or other action, shall not be guilty of a violation of this chapter Rules, regulations, or standards. 14

223 The department shall establish, adopt, promulgate, modify, repeal, or suspend any rules, regulations, or standards as necessary for the proper administration, implementation and enforcement of this chapter. The rules, regulations, or standards shall include, without limitation, a list of all nonindigenous aquatic plants which are prohibited from being placed or introduced into public waters of the state pursuant to Section Penalties. Any person who violates this chapter, or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this chapter, shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with Sections 13A-5-7 and 13A Construction with other law. No section of this chapter shall be construed as repealing any other laws of the state but shall be held and construed as ancillary and supplemental thereto. (Acts 1995, No , p. 1813, 8.) 15

224 ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER GAME AND FISH DIVISION Current through October Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Regulation For purposed of enforcement of Sections through , Code of Ala. 1975, enacted by Act No , as the Alabama Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control Act, the following list of all nonindigenous aquatic plants which are prohibited by Section from being introduced or placed or caused to be introduced or placed into public waters of the state is established: COMMON NAME African elodea Alligatorweed Brazilian elodea Curlyleaf pondweed Eurasian watermilfoil Floating waterhyacinth Giant salvinia Hydrilla Hygrophila Limnophila Parrot-feather Purple loosestrife Rooted waterhyacinth Spinyleaf naiad Water-aloe Water-lettuce Water chestnut Water spinach SCIENTIFIC NAME Logarosiphon spp Alternanthera philoxeriodes Egeria densa Potamogeton crispus Myriophyllum spicatum Eichhornia crassipes Salvinia molesta Hydrilla verticillata Hygrophila polysperma Limnophila sessiliflora Myriophyllum aquaticum Lythrum salicaria Eichhornia azurea Najas minor Stratiotes aloides Pistia stratiotes Trapa natans Ipomea aquatica 16

225 APPENDIX I RIPARIAN AND LITTORAL SPECIES

226 Table I-1: Riparian and Littoral Species Occurring in the Project Vicinity (Source: USDA, 2006) FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Acanthaceae Justicia sp. Water willow Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple Aceraceae Acer saccharum Sugar maple Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy Aquifoliaceae Illex verticillata winterberry Betulaceae Betula nigra River birch Betulaceae Alnus serrulata Hazel alder Bignoniaceae Catalpa bignonioides Southern catalpa Bignoniaceae Campsis radicans Trumpet creeper Blechnaceae Woodwardia areolata Netted chain fern Caprifoliaceae Sambucus sp. Elderberry Clusiaceae Hypericum sp. St. Johnswort Cornaceae Cornus foemina Stiff dogwood Cornaceae Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Cornaceae Cornus amomum swamp dogwood Cupressaceae Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Cyrillaceae Cyrilla racemiflora Swamp titi Dryopteridaceae Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern Ebenaceae Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon Ericaceae Vaccinium elliottii Elliot's blueberry Ericaceae Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea Ericaceae Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood Ericaceae Lyonia lucida Fetterbush Fabaceae Mimosa microphylla Littleleaf sensitive-briar Fabaceae Amorpha sp. False indigo Fabaceae Lespedeza cuneata Sericea lespedeza Fabaceae Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust Fabaceae Cercis canadensis Redbud Fabaceae Pueraria sp. Kudzu Fabaceae Amorpha fruticosa lead plant Fagaceae Quercus nigra Water oak Fagaceae Quercus alba White oak Fagaceae Quercus stellata Post oak Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia American beech Fagaceae Quercus rubra Northern red oak Fagaceae Quercus velutina Black oak Fagaceae Quercus falcata Southern red oak Fagaceae Quercus prinus Chestnut oak Graminoid Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge bluestem Grossulariaceae Itea virginica Virginia sweetspire Hamamelidaceae Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Hamamelidaceae Hamamelis virginiana American witchhazel Hydrangeaceae Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf hydrangea Juglandaceae Carya aquatica Water hickory - I-1 -

227 FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Juncaceae Juncus effusus Common rush Liliaceae Crinum sp. Swamplily Magnoliaceae Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree Malvaceae Hibiscus sp. Hibiscus Meliaceae Melia azedarach Chinaberrytree Menispermaceae Cocculus carolinianus moonseed Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense Chinese privet Onagraceae Ludwigia repens Red ludwigia Pinaceae Pinus echinata Short leaf pine Pinaceae Pinus taeda Loblolly pine Pinaceae Pinus paulustris Long leaf pine Plantanaceae Plantanus occidentalis American sycamore Platanaceae Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poaceae Zizaniopsis miliacea Giant cutgrass Poaceae Panicum repens Torpedo grass Poaceae Arundinaria gigantea Giant cane Polygonaceae Brunnichia ovata American buckwheat vine Pontederiaceae Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed Rhamnaceae Berchemia scandens Rattan-vine Rosaceae Crataegus sp. Hawthorn Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis Bottonbush Salicaceae Salix nigra Black willow Saxifragaceae Itea virginica Sweetspire Styracaceae Halesia tetraptera silverbell Vitaceae Vitis sp. Grape Vitaceae Ampelopsis arborea Peppervine - I-2 -

228 APPENDIX J LAND USE/RECREATION PLAN MAPS

229

230