Nuclear Development244 Chestnut Street, Salem, NJ 08079

0 PSEGPower LLC

ND-2012-0054September 28, 2012

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionATTN: Document Control DeskWashington, DC 20555-0001

Subject: PSEG Early Site Permit ApplicationDocket No. 52-043Response to Request for Additional Information No. Env-05, ESP EIS2.4.2 - Aquatic Ecology

References: 1) PSEG Power, LLC Letter No. ND-2012-0031 to USNRC, Submittal ofRevision 1 of the Early Site Permit Application for the PSEG Site,dated May 21, 2012

2) Env-05, Review Section: ESP EIS 2.4.2 - Aquatic Ecology, dated

August 29, 2012 (eRAI 6733)

The purpose of this letter is to respond to the request for additional information (RAI)identified in Reference 2 above. This RAI addresses ESP EIS 2.4.2-1 - Aquatic

Ecology, for the Environmental Report (ER), as submitted in Part 3 of the PSEG Site

Early Site Permit Application, Revision 1.

Enclosure 1 provides our response for RAI No. Env-05, Question No. ESP EIS 2.4.2-1

(rAE-38).

If any additional information is needed, please contact David Robillard, PSEG Nuclear

Develop;ment Licensing Engineer, at (856) 339-7914.

f j9 ,O

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory 2 9/28/12Commission

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed onthe 28th day of September, 2012.

Sincerely,

James MallonEarly Site Permit ManagerNuclear DevelopmentPSEG Power, LLC

Enclosure 1: Response to NRC Request for Additional Information, RAI No. Env-05,Question No. ESP EIS 2.4.2-1 (rAE-38), Review Section: ESP EIS 2.4.2- Aquatic Ecology

cc: USNRC Project Manager, Division of New Reactor Licensing, PSEG Site(w/enclosures)USNRC Environmental Project Manager, Division of New Reactor Licensing(w/enclosures)USNRC Region I, Regional Administrator (w/enclosures)Oak Ridge National Laboratory

PSEG Letter ND-2012-0054, dated September 28, 2012

ENCLOSURE 1

RESPONSE to RAI No. Env-05

QUESTION No.ESP EIS 2.4.2-1 (rAE-38)

Response to RAI No. ENV-05, Question ESP EIS 2.4.2-1:

The NRC staff asked PSEG for information regarding the fish species with designatedEssential Fish Habitat. The specific request was:

rAE-38: In its letter dated December 9, 2010 (ML103570197) the National MarineFisheries Service lists 14 Federally managed fish species with designatedEssential Fish Habitat (EFH) in the Delaware River Estuary in the vicinity of thePSEG Site. To support staff's assessment of the potential effects of the proposedaction on EFH, provide information on these species, including their life histories,habitat requirements, and prey species. Also describe the potential impacts ofproject construction and operation on the Federally managed species as well ason their prey species.

Supporting Information: Under ESRP 2.4.2, the following data or informationshould be obtained:

"the temporal and spatial (including depth) distribution and abundance ofimportant aquatic species... Such critical life-support requirements as spawningareas, nursery grounds, food habits, feeding areas, wintering areas, andmigration routes (to the extent that power plant construction or operation isexpected to affect these parameters)."

The staff needs the requested information to conduct an Essential Fish Habitat(EFH) assessment.

PSEG Response to NRC RAI:

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Fisheries Management Council has established EssentialFish Habitat (EFH) for various life stages of 16 species of fish in the Delaware Estuary(ER Reference 2.4-127 and Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Those species arered hake, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, American plaice, bluefish, Atlanticherring, butterfish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, king mackerel, Spanishmackerel, cobia, clearnose skate, little skate, and winter skate. In ER Subsection2.4.2.3, PSEG provides life histories and the basis for selection of butterfish, summerflounder, windowpane flounder, and winter flounder as part of its analysis of EFH.Evaluation of EFH in the vicinity of the PSEG Site concludes that EFH salinityrequirements are only met for four species of fish in that portion of the river. Those fourfish are summer flounder, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, and butterfish.Specific information including habitat requirements and use, prey, and life history can befound in ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2. Additionally, the life stage present of each of thosespecies in the vicinity of the PSEG Site can be found in ER Table 2.4-38.

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Life History Information

Specific information on each of the Federally managed species listed by NationalMarine Fisheries Service (NMFS) having designated EFH in the Delaware Estuary isprovided below. ER subsection references are provided below for those speciespreviously included in the ER.

Winter flounder, windowpane flounder, and summer flounder" Winter flounder-ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.23 and in RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-

19" Windowpane flounder- ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.24 and in RAI ESP EIS

2.4.2-1-19* Summer flounder- ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.18

Bluefish, butterfish, scup, black sea bass" Bluefish-ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.21" Butterfish-ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.19 and in RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19* Scup-ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.25* Black sea bass-ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.2.7

Red hake

Red hake is typically found on soft muddy and sandy bottoms, but never on rocks orgravel. Red hake can reach up to 26 inches in length and 8 pounds in weight. Juvenilered hake live along the coasts; whereas adults will migrate to deeper waters. Juvenileslive in scallops and remain close to scallop beds until they mature. Food base primarilyconsists of shrimp, amphipods, and other crustaceans, and they also feed on squid,herring, flatfish, mackerel and others (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-1). Spawningoccurs in bottom habitats of sand and mud during the months of May to November,peaking in June and July (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-16).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 parts per thousand (ppt). Salinity requirements of the red hake rangebetween 33-34 ppt (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Red hake is not typicallyexpected to occur near the PSEG Site since the salinity requirements of red hake arewell beyond that characteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

American plaice

American plaice live in habitats characterized as having soft bottom substrates. Adultsare most abundant in waters ranging in depth from 295 to 820 feet deep. Americanplaice can reach up to 32 inches in length and up to 14 pounds in weight. Theyprimarily feed on invertebrates and small fishes (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-2).Spawning occurs on bottom habitats of all substrate types under flow water conditions.Spawning begins in March and extends through June (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-17).

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Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Salinity requirements of the American plaice range between 20-34 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). American plaice are not expected to occur nearthe PSEG Site since the salinity requirements of American plaice are well beyond thatcharacteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Atlantic herring

Atlantic herring is a schooling fish that moves between spawning and wintering groundsin coastal areas and feeding grounds in open water by following migration patternslearned from older age classes. Juveniles (up to 2 years of age) are found closeinshore, while adults are found more offshore. Adults spend the day in deeper water,but rise to shallower water at night. As a filter-feeder, Atlantic herring feed mainly oncopepods. Herring schools often attract predators such as fish, birds, and marinemammals. Atlantic herring can reach up to 18 inches in length and up to 2 pounds inweight (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-3). Spawning occurs on bottom habitats overgravel, sand, and cobble, but also on aquatic macrophytes during the months of Julythrough November (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-18).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Atlantic herring requires salinity concentrations to be greater than 28 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Atlantic herring is not expected to occur near thePSEG Site since the salinity requirements of Atlantic herring are well beyond thatcharacteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

King mackerel

King mackerel are typically found along outer reef areas. They feed primarily on smallfish, but are also known to feed on shrimp and squid. Large schools have been foundto migrate over considerable distances along the Atlantic coast. King mackerel canreach a length of 72 inches and a weight of 99 pounds (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-4). Spawning occurs during the months of May through September (Reference RAIESP EIS 2.4.2-1-10).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. King mackerel require salinity concentrations to be greater than 30 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). King mackerel are not expected to occur near thePSEG Site since the salinity requirements of king mackerel are well beyond thatcharacteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel migrate in large schools over great distances along the shore. Theyfeed primarily on small fishes (clupeids and anchovies) and secondarily on shrimp andcephalopods. The maximum length of Spanish mackerel can reach 36 inches with a

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maximum weight of 13 pounds (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-5). They frequentbarrier islands and are rarely found in low salinity environments. Spawning for Spanishmackerel occurs August through September (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-11).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Spanish mackerel require salinity concentrations to be greater than 30ppt (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Spanish mackerel are not expected to occurnear the PSEG Site since the salinity requirements of Spanish mackerel are wellbeyond that characteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Cobia

Cobia are found in a variety of habitats, over mud, sand and gravel bottoms, over coralreefs, off rocky shores, in mangrove sloughs, inshore around pilings and buoys, andoffshore around drifting and stationary objects. Cobia feed on crabs, fishes, and squids.Cobia can reach a length of 79 inches and a weight of 149 pounds (Reference RAI ESPEIS 2.4.2-1-6). In the early spring, cobia migrate north along the Atlantic coast. Itprefers to reside near structures such as pilings, buoys, platforms, and anchored boats.Cobia are also found inshore inhabiting bays, inlets, and mangroves. Spawning occursfrom June to August (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-12).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Cobia require salinity concentrations to be greater than 25 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Cobia are not expected to occur near the PSEGSite since the salinity requirements of cobia are well beyond that characteristic of watersin the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Clearnose skate

Clearnose skate are found in saltwater parts of estuaries, bays, and inshore areas.They feed mainly on crustaceans, bivalves, polychaetes, squids, and small fishes.Clearnose skates can reach a length up to 25 inches (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-7). Breeding occurs in sandy or muddy flats (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-7) duringDecember through May (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-13).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Clearnose skates require salinity concentrations to be greater than 20ppt (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Clearnose skates are not expected to occurnear the PSEG Site since the salinity requirements of clearnose skate are well beyondthat characteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Little skate

Little skate are usually found on sandy or gravelly bottoms. They are mostly inactiveduring daylight, but active under dark conditions. Little skate possesses an electricorgan located in the tail region. They can reach a length up to 21 inches. Breeding

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occurs in sandy or muddy flats (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-8). Eggs are laidthroughout the year with a peak in activity from October to January and June to July(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-14).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Salinity requirements of the little skate range between 20-36 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Little skate are not expected to occur near thePSEG Site since the salinity requirements of little skate are well beyond thatcharacteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Winter skate

Winter skate prefer sandy and gravelly bottoms. Similar to the little skate, winter skateare mostly inactive during daylight hours, but active under dark conditions and possessan electric organ located in the tail region. They can reach a length of 43 inches(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-9). As a non-selective predator, the diet of the winterskate includes fish and crustaceans. Breeding occurs year round in sandy or muddyflats (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-9), with a peak during the summer months(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4,2-1-15).

Dependent upon the flow of the Delaware River, salinity near the PSEG Site rangesfrom 0-12 ppt. Winter skate require salinity concentrations to be greater than 20 ppt(Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). Winter skate are not expected to occur near thePSEG Site since the salinity requirements of winter skates are well beyond thatcharacteristic of waters in the vicinity of the PSEG Site.

Summary of Impact Analysis

The reach of the Delaware River in the vicinity of the PSEG Site is considered importantestuarine habitat for a number of species as discussed in ER Subsection 2.4.2.However, none of the important species, including those with designated EFH in thevicinity of the PSEG Site, are considered to be endemic to the Delaware River. All ofthe species range widely throughout the mid-Atlantic coast. Additionally, many of theimportant species that use the Delaware River system as nursery grounds aredependent on submerged aquatic vegetation and tidal marsh creeks for cover andforage areas. The eastern bank of the Delaware River near the PSEG Site has nosubmerged aquatic vegetation (ER Subsection 2.4.2.2.4.1) and therefore has limitedsuitability as important habitat for these species.

The EFH within the project area that will be affected by construction activities in theDelaware River include muddy bottom habitat, pelagic waters, estuarine bottom habitat,demersal waters, and bottom waters (ER Subsection 2.4.2.3.2). The construction of theintake and discharge structures and barge facility results in the permanent loss of someaquatic habitat and temporary alteration of additional habitat. However no aquatichabitats in the Delaware River adjacent to the PSEG Site are known to be rare, unique,or essential. Based on the life history information provided above, species potentially

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affected by these habitat alterations are limited to those having salinity requirementsconsistent with the portion of the Delaware River in the vicinity of the PSEG Site. Thesespecies include the windowpane flounder, summer flounder, winter flounder, andbutterfish. Direct impacts to EFH of these species in the vicinity of the PSEG Site mayoccur from dredging related sediment disturbance, exposure to fine sediments, or scourfrom propellers. Mobile organisms, such as those fish with EFH are temporarilydisplaced by the habitat changes. These species will likely recolonize disturbed areasfollowing construction. Therefore, any impacts associated with this loss or alteration ofaquatic habitat is temporary and SMALL.

Potential indirect impacts may also occur to prey of species having designated EFH.Such indirect impacts include localized mortality of immobile or low mobility preyspecies (i.e., during dredging) and loss of habitat. However, following the completion ofconstruction activities, it is expected that benthic organisms will recolonize the dredgedarea (ER Subsections 4.2.3 and 4.2.4). Compared with the vast expanse of habitat inDelaware Bay that remain available for prey species of the Federally managed specieswith designated EFH, construction related impacts to prey species are SMALL.

With regard to the impact of operation of the New Plant on the Federally managedspecies with designated EFH, the NRC evaluated EFH for the license renewal of Salemand Hope Creek Generating Stations at the PSEG Site (Reference RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19). In its evaluation, the NRC determined that the operation (impingement,entrainment, thermal effects) of Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations would notresult in a significant adverse impact to any of the Federally managed species withdesignated EFH or their forage (prey) species. Based on this determination, operationof the new plant is not expected to impact the Federally managed species withdesignated EFH.

Operation of the new plant may have an impact to the prey of those species designatedwith EFH with regard to impingement and entrainment. Under Section 316(b) of theClean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1326(b)], the NJDEP must determine whether the location,design, construction, and capacity of a power plant's intake structure reflect BestTechnology Available for minimizing Adverse Environmental Impact. In accordancewith EPA's Phase I regulations for new sources [Federal Register: June 19, 2003(Volume 68, Number 118, Pages 36749-36755)] the new plant will be designed with aclosed-cycle cooling system having through screen intake velocities less than 0.5 feetper second. Because such a design inherently minimizes impacts due to entrainmentand impingement, the impacts of the operation of the intake system are SMALL toFederally managed species having designated EFH and their prey species.

References:

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-1 FishBase, 2012a, Urophycis chuss, Red hake, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Urophycis-chuss.html,accessed September 10, 2012.

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RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-2

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-3

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-4

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-5

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-6

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-7

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-8

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-9

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-10

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-11

FishBase, 2012b, Hippoglossoides platessoides , Americanplaice, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Hippoglossoides-platessoides.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012c, Clupea harengus, Atlantic herring,Website, http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Clupea-harengus.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012d, Scomberomorus cavalla, King mackerel,Website, http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Scomberomorus-cavalla.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012e, Scomberomorus maculatus , Spanishmackerel, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Scomberomorus-maculatus.html, accessed September 12, 2012.

FishBase, 2012f, Rachycentron canadum , Cobia, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Rachycentron-canadum.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012g, Raja eglanteria , Clearnose skate,Website,http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?lD=1252&AT=clearnose+skate, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012h, Leucoraja erinacea, Little skate, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?lD=2557&AT=little+skate, accessed September 10, 2012.

FishBase, 2012i, Leucoraja ocellata , Winter skate, Website,http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Leucoraja-ocellata. html,accessed September 12, 2012.

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012a. KingMackerel Biological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/kingmackerel/kingmackerel.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012b. SpanishMackerel Biological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/SpanishMackerel/SpanishMackerel.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

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RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-12

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-13

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-14

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-15

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-16

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-17

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-18

RAI ESP EIS 2.4.2-1-19

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012c. CobiaBiological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/Cobia/Cobia.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012d.Clearnose skate Biological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/ClearnoseSkate/ClearnoseSkate.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012e. Littleskate Biological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/LittleSkate/LittleSkate.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH), 2012f. Winterskate Biological Profile. Website,http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/WinterSkate/WinterSkate.html, accessed September 10, 2012.

New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC),1998a, Essential Fish Habitat Description, Red hake(Urophycis chuss), Website,http://www.nero.noaa.gov/hcd/red-hake.pdf, accessedSeptember 10, 2012.

New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC),1998b, Essential Fish Habitat Description, American plaice(Hippoglossoides platessoides), Website,http://www.nero.noaa.gov/hcd/am-plaice.pdf, accessedSeptember 10, 2012.

New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC),1998c, Essential Fish Habitat Description, Atlantic herring(Clupea harengus ), Website,http://www.nero.noaa.gov/hcd/herring.pdf, accessedSeptember 10, 2012.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), 2011. EssentialFish Habitat Assessment, Salem Nuclear Generating StationUnits 1 and 2 Hope Creek Generating Station LicenseRenewal. March 2011. Docket Numbers 50-272, 50-311,and 50-354.

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Associated PSEG Site ESP Application Revisions:

None.

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