FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Project No. 405 ...

20100204-3055 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 02/04/2010
Project No. 405-087 6
Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeon Life History Studies (Study 3.22)
In order to inform an evaluation of potential protection, mitigation, or
enhancement measures, the study plan must be revised to indicate that the study report
will include a comparison between the Conowingo fish lift and any East Coast passage
facilities where successful shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon upstream passage has been
documented. Also, Exelon must consult with Commerce on the deployment of a second
array of receivers near the mouth of the Susquehanna River to monitor the lower river for
sturgeon tagged with acoustic transmitters, in addition to the array proposed by Exelon
near the project dam.
Dreissenid Mussel Monitoring Study (Study 3.24)
The study plan must be revised to clarify in section 3.24.2 that zebra mussel
veligers (larvae) were documented during 2009 at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power
Station intake canal.
Creel Survey of Conowingo Pond and the Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam
(Study 3.25)
In order to obtain an accurate representation of angler use at the project, the study
plan must be revised to include an aerial count schedule which includes counts conducted
during peak fishing times, both in the morning and evening, in addition to mid-day. The
schedule must also consist of either randomized sampling between weekdays and
weekends, or a near-equivalent sampling of each period.
Recreational Inventory and Needs Assessment (Study 3.26)
The plan proposes a literature review to identify recreational organizations that
would be utilized as data sources as well as surveyed via phone. To ensure that sufficient
input from the angling community is solicited, the list of entities included in the literature
review phone surveys must include fishing organizations within the project because of
the apparent popularity of angling. Also, in order to accurately evaluate whether existing
recreation facilities and access to the Susquehanna River in the investigation area are
meeting current user needs, Task 1 of section 3.26.7 (methodology) must be expanded to
include on-site surveys conducted at Fisherman’s Park and downstream fishing sites
within the project boundary.
To ensure recreational safety is adequately assessed in terms of current project
operation, the study plan must be revised to indicate that the location of the line
designated to restrict boaters from accessing the tailrace will specifically be re-evaluated
as part of the study.