f= NORMANDEAU City of Nashua
ARS ASSOCIATES June 18, 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Page 4
e Evaluate potential effects of project operation (including routine maintenance activities) on freshwater
mussels residing in project waters.
Suggested Approach:
e Prepare survey protocol in consultation with resource agencies.
e Conduct a qualitative survey throughout project area to determine the presence, distribution,
demographics, and habitat of freshwater mussel species in the project section of the Nashua River
with emphasis on State listed or species of concern.
Schedule and Estimated Cost: Consensus on an appropriate freshwater mussel survey protocol should be
reached prior to any field sampling. Assuming agreement on a qualitative survey methodology we propose
this project occur during a low water period during the 2020 field season (July-September). The estimated cost
for the effort as described here is $27,108.75. Note that diving may be required to evaluate habitats in areas
deeper than 4 feet and are not included in this cost.
Study: Water Quality Study
Requestor: NHDES
Requestor Goal & Objectives:
e Determine the effects of operation of the Mine Falls Project on water quality in the Nashua River and
other potentially affected water bodies to compare to NH surface water standards
Suggested Approach:
e Following the NHDES sampling guidance, develop and submit to NHDES a Sampling and Analysis Plan
(SAP) for approval prior to sampling.
e Sampling locations to include; Nashua River upstream of Project, Project impoundment, Project
bypassed reach, Nashua River downstream of confluence of tailrace and bypassed reach, Mill Pond,
Nashua Canal downstream of Mill Pond, unnamed tributary connecting Mill Pond to Nashua River
downstream of dam.
e Follow NHDES criteria for hydropower projects sampling of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH,
nutrients, chlorophyll a and clarity for compliance with state standards.
e Target low flow, high temperature period for a 5-week period for continuous monitoring of dissolved
oxygen and temperature.
Schedule and Estimated Cost: NHDES must approve an SAP for the Mine Falls Project prior to any sampling.
We suggest that this plan be prepared by Normandeau and submitted to NHDES in advance of the 2020 field
season. Per the NHDES sampling guidelines field measurements should occur during a low flow, high
temperature period {i.e., July-August, 2020). The station should be in a period of normal operations for that
monitoring (i.e., units online and generating if conditions are appropriate). The estimated cost for the effort as
described here is $35,271.40.
Study: Telemetry Study of Upstream and Downstream Migrating Shad and Herring
Requestor: NHFGD
Requestor Goal & Objectives:
e Assess project operation effects on timing, orientation, routes and migration rates of shad and river
herring.
