BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE
SHORTNOSE STURGEON (Acipenser brevirostrum)
IN THE HUDSON RIVER AND FOUNDRY COVE
AREAS OF THE MARATHON BATTERY CO. SITE
Prepared by:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region II
New York, New York
September 1991
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BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE
SHORTNOSE STURGEON CAcipenser brevirostrurrO
IN THE HUDSON RIVER AND FOUNDRY COVE
AREAS OF THE MARATHON BATTERY CO. SITE
PREPARED BY:
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION II
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM:
GANNETT FLEMING, INC.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
IN ASSOCIATION WITH:
ECOLSCIENCES, INC.
ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY
September 1991
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
A. Background 1
II. GENERAL INFORMATION 5
A. Description 5
B. Taxonomy 5
C. Distribution 7
D. Economic Importance 7
E. Regulatory Status 7
F. Age Structure and Growth 8
G. Reproduction 9
G. Populations 10
III. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TOLERANCES 11
A. Water Temperature 11
B. Water Velocity 12
C. Substratum Type 13
D. Water Depth 13
E. Water Salinity 14
F. Tolerance to Ambient Environmental Gradients 15
G. Tolerance to Environmental Contaminants 15
IV. EVALUATION OF FOUNDRY COVE AND COLD SPRING PIER
HABITATS 17
A. General Ecological Characteristics of the Foundry Cove
and Cold Spring Pier Areas 17
B. Biological Communities of the Foundry Cove
and Cold Spring Pier Areas 18
C. HEP Evaluation of Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier Areas
for Shortnose Sturgeon 19
V. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED REMEDIAL
ACTIONS 23
A. East Foundry Cove 23
B. West Foundry Cove 24
C. Cold Spring Pier 25
D. Other Impact Considerations 26
VI. CONCLUSIONS 28
REFERENCES 30
APPENDIX A - Shortnose Sturgeon HEP Analyses 33
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to implement remedial actions
at the Marathon Battery Co. Site (MBCS) in Cold Spring, New York, pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (CERCLA/SARA). The shortnose sturgeon
(Acipenser brevirostrum'). a federally-listed endangered species, is known to occur in the Hudson
River in the vicinity of the site. Portions of the proposed remedial actions will take place in
aquatic habitats of, and associated with, the Hudson River. Accordingly, as part of its efforts
to comply with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), EPA has prepared a
Biological Assessment (BA) of the potential impacts of the proposed remedial actions on the
shortnose sturgeon.
A. Background
The MBCS, located in the Village of Cold Spring, New York, includes a former nickel-
cadmium battery manufacturing facility and surrounding plant grounds, Constitution Marsh, East
Foundry Cove Marsh, East and West Foundry Coves, and the Hudson River in the vicinity of
the Cold Spring Pier (Figures 1 and 2). Contamination at the site is due to the presence of three
heavy metals - cadmium, nickel, and cobalt. Portions of the project site, particularly East
Foundry Cove and the vicinity of Cold Spring pier, contain contaminated sediments that are
proposed to be dredged, chemically fixed, and transported off the site. The contours of the
dredged areas will be restored, as necessary.
As an initial step in ensuring that the remedial actions for the subject site comply with
the ESA, EPA conducted informal consultation with both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The USFWS's reply to EPA
stated that, except for occasional or transient individuals, no federally-listed or proposed
endangered or threatened species under its jurisdiction is known to exist in the project impact
area. However, NMFS stated in its reply that the habitat, or habitat types, of Foundry Cove
may be used by the endangered shortnose sturgeon, and that the potential impacts of the
proposed remedy on the species and its habitat should be evaluated prior to undertaking any
remedial work.
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Source: NOS Chart No. 12343
Biological Assessment for
Shortnose Sturgeon at
the MBCS
FIGURE 1
VICINITY MAP
Scale:
1" = 3333
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Cold Spring Pier
Outfall Area
Kemble Avenue
Outfall Area
East Foundry
Cove Marsh
Source: Ebasco, 1989
Biological Assessment for
Shortnose Sturgeon at
the MBCS
FIGURE 2
SITE MAP
Scale: 1" = 1200'
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EPA has prepared this BA in accordance with procedures cited in Section 7(c) of the
ESA. One element of this procedure is the review of technical literature and other scientific data
to determine the species distribution, habitat needs, and other biological requirements (EPA,
1988). These biological requirements, together with site-specific habitat information, provide
the basis for an assessment of the potential adverse impacts of the proposed actions to the
shortnose sturgeon.
This BA addresses general information about the taxonomy, ecology and life history of
the shortnose sturgeon (Chapter II), and findings pertinent to the species' habitat requirements,
preferences, and physiological tolerances (Chapter III). Chapter IV introduces site-specific
habitat information and discusses a Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) analysis based on those
site-specific data, and Chapter V presents an evaluation of potential impacts to shortnose
sturgeon from the proposed remedial activities. Chapter VI summarizes the information and
conclusions presented in the body of the BA.
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II. GENERAL INFORMATION
Taxonomy:
Shortnose Sturgeon CAcipenser brevirostrum'). LeSueur 1818.
Osteichthyes; Acipenseriformes; Acipenseridae
Pisces;
Common Names:
Shortnose sturgeon, little sturgeon (St. John River), roundnoser (Hudson
River), bottlenose or mammose (Delaware River), salmon sturgeon
(Carolinas), shortshell or lake sturgeon (Altamaha River, GA), pinkster
(small individuals in New York waters), esturgeon a museau court
(French)
Prior Taxonomy: Acipenser brevirostris
A. Description
The shortnose sturgeon is a bottom-dwelling anadromous fish species found in several
tidal river systems from New Brunswick to Florida (Lee et al., 1980). It is listed as an
endangered species in the United States, and as a rare and possibly endangered species in Canada
(McAllister, 1970). The fish is dark dorsally, light ventrally, growing to a length of about three
feet and a weight of about nine pounds. The snout is pointed with an inferior mouth; the tail
is heterocercal. The body is somewhat cylindrical with ventral flattening, with five lateral rows
of conspicuous horny scutes. A single or paired row of shields occurs anterior to the dorsal fin.
In adults, the snout is shorter than the postorbital distance, but in young, is longer than this
distance (Bond, 1979). The placement of fins reflects the primitive condition in Pisces, with
pectoral and pelvic fins well separated and situated on the same ventrolateral axis. The caudal
peduncle is short and stout.
B. Taxonomy
The sturgeons are classified with the paddlefishes in the Order Acipenseriformes. The
characteristics of this order include a cartilaginous endoskeleton, a lack of vertebral centra, a
strongly heterocercal caudal fin, and radials supporting the rays of the pelvic fins. The anus and
urogenital opening is located at the base of the pelvic fins. Ganoid scales are present on the
upper portion of the caudal fin, and some members of the order retain a spiracle. A cellular air
bladder is present. Dermal bone is prominent on the heads of sturgeons (Bond, 1979).
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The Order Acipenseriformes includes two families - the Acipenseridae (sturgeons) and
the Polyodontidae (paddlefishes). The sturgeons are distinguishable from the paddlefishes by
having bony scutes along the sides and back, and four barbels on the underside of the rostrum
(Bond, 1979). The family Acipenseridae contains four genera and over 20 species; the family
is holartic in distribution, and has marine, freshwater, and anadromous members.
The largest sturgeon is the beluga (Huso huso') of the Caspian and Black seas. It may
reach a length of about 27 feet and a weight of 3300 pounds. Large specimens may be over 100
years old. The Russian sturgeon (Acipenser guldenstadti) of the Caspian Sea and the Sea of
Azov, which reaches lengths of about eight feet, is one of the most important commercial
sturgeon species. The largest North American sturgeon is the white sturgeon ("Acipenser
transmontanus) of the Pacific Coast; this species reaches lengths of 20 feet, and ranges from
southern California to Alaska's Cook Inlet. The white sturgeon is found in fresh and salt water
through this range.
Other Acipenseridae include:
Scaphirhvnchus platorhvnchus - the shovelnose sturgeon of the Mississippi River;
Pseudoscaphirhvnchus hermanni - the shovelnose sturgeon of the Amu Darya
River in the USSR;
Acipenser sturio - found on both coasts of the Atlantic;
Acipenser fulvescens - found in the Mississippi drainage and north through the
Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Hudson Bay; and
Acipenser medirostris - the green sturgeon found in marine waters off the Pacific
coast, and westward to Asia.
Two additional species of Acipenser. the Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrhvnchus and
the shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. occur in the marine, estuarine, and fresh waters
of the northeastern United States. The shortnose sturgeon is distinguished from its sympatric
congener by its smaller maximum size (three feet versus 10 feet), wider mouth (69-81% of
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interorbital width versus 55% or less of interorbital distance), preanal shields in a single rather
than double row, and blackish viscera (Bond, 1979).
C. Distribution
The shortnose sturgeon inhabits large tidal rivers along the Atlantic coast of North
America, from the Saint John River of New Brunswick to the Saint Johns River of Florida. The
Hudson River appears to support the most viable populations of this species (Cooper et al.,
1977). River systems from which shortnose sturgeon have been recorded include:
Saint John River, New Brunswick
Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
Montsweag Bay, Maine
Kennebec-Sheepscot River, Maine
Connecticut River, Connecticut
Hudson River, New York
Ran tan Bay, New Jersey
Delaware Bay and River
Altamaha River, Georgia
Saint Johns River, Florida
Indian River, Florida
D. Economic Importance
The shortnose sturgeon has historically been of incidental commercial importance along
the Easter seaboard of North America since the 1800's (Dadswell, 1984). The flesh of the
shortnose sturgeon is considered tasty and of good quality (Dadswell, 1984); the eggs are
suitable for caviar and are considered superior to those of the Atlantic sturgeon (Scott and Scott,
1988). However, the smaller size and lower egg production of the shortnose sturgeon made it
a less desirable commercial species than the larger Atlantic sturgeon (Cooper et al., 1977).
E. Regulatory Status
The shortnose sturgeon is listed as an endangered species in the United States (Miller,
1972), having been placed on that list in 1967 (Brundage and Meadows, 1982). Several eastern
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states also list the species as threatened: those states include New York, New Jersey, North
Carolina. The species is on the list of rare and possibly endangered Canadian fishes
(McAllister, 1970; Scott and Crossman, 1973). Habitat loss and overfishing are the likely main
causes of the species' decline.
F. Age Structure and Growth
The shortnose sturgeon is a slow-growing, late-maturing, long-lived fish species.
Dadswell et al. (1984) reported that immature fish began to resemble adults when they reached
eight to 12 inches FL (fork length), but remain immature until they reach about 18 inches in
length (3 to 10 years in age). Dadswell (1979) used 19.7 inches (50 cm) as a length cutoff for
classifying Saint John River estuary shortnose sturgeon as adults in his population estimates.
Maturation appears to be a function of the sex of the individual and the latitudinal location of
the population.
Dadswell (1979), evaluating meristic characteristics for more than 4000 shortnose
sturgeon captured in the Saint John River estuary, calculated the von Bertalanffy growth equation
for adults (between 10 and 67 years) of both sexes to be (in centimeter units):
L, = 130(l-e°042(1+1 96))
For juveniles of one to nine years, the von Bertalanffy growth equation was:
L, = 65.8(1 -e°I04(,+1 52))
Length became asymptotic at 47-48 inches after 60-70 years; maximum length was estimated at
51 inches.
The oldest female shortnose sturgeon captured in the Dadswell (1979) study was 67 years
old; the oldest male was 32 years old. The sex ratio of adults was 2:1 for females, apparently
reflecting the longer life span of females. Age-frequency distributions for gill net collections
in 1974 and 1975 showed a mode of younger fish (24-26 inches) and a long descending tail of
older-aged fish; from these data, Dadswell concluded that mortality was relatively high among
younger fish, with mortality rates declining with age. This is the expected pattern for a long-
lived species.
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Dovel (1981) tagged almost 2,800 shortnose sturgeon in the Hudson River between the
years 1976 and 1980. Application of the Peterson estimation method to recapture data yielded
an estimate of the size of the shortnose sturgeon population over the age of five years in the
Hudson at between 13,000 and 30,000 individuals. Dovel further concluded that the maximum
size and age of shortnose sturgeon in the Hudson is approximately half of that recorded for the
Saint John River estuary, and that the time to initial spawning for the Hudson River fish was
reduced by half over those of the Saint John River.
G. Reproduction
Shortnose sturgeon spawning occurs during the spring, generally when water
temperatures rise to the 9 to 14 °C range (Heidt and Gilbert, 1978; Dadswell, 1979; Taubert,
1980a; Buckley and Kynard, 1981, 1985b). Spawning occurs in freshwater tidal areas - waters
that are influenced by tidal oscillations, but above the salt wedge. In the Hudson River,
spawning occurs from the Troy Dam south to Coxsackie (Dovel, 1979). Adults either arrive
on the spawning grounds in falj, remaining in these areas until spring spawning, or migrate to
if
the spawning sites during spring periods of rising water temperature and increased freshwater
flows (Buckley and Kynard, 1985a). Dovel (1981) indicated that shortnose sturgeon congregated
for winter in a relatively small area in the vicinity of Esopus Meadows; this is an area just east
of the Village of Saugerties that is classified as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat
by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS). The NYSDOS notes in its designated
habitat narrative that this area serves as a post-spawning and wintering habitat for shortnose
sturgeon.
The sturgeon spawn adhesive demersal eggs - eggs that sink and adhere to hard bottom
substrata (the lithophilous spawning habit). Dadswell (1979) noted that fecundity was 27,000
to 208,000 eggs per female in the Saint John River estuary, while fecundity of specimens from
the Altamaha River (GA) ranged from 79,000 to 90,000 eggs per female (Heidt and Gilbert,
1978). The spawning period is compressed, lasting perhaps no more than three to five days, and
often occurs during a period of decreasing river discharge (Buckley and Kynard, 1985b). Some
authors (Dovel, 1981; Buckley and Kynard, 1985b) have offered qualitative evidence indicating
that a single gravid female is attended by several males during spawning.
The eggs, being strongly adhesive after fertilization, are likely to remain within a few
hundred yards of the site of spawning. The eggs hatch about 13 days after fertilization; the
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larvae are about 10 millimeters in length at hatching. The larval shortnose sturgeon tend to
remain closely associated with the substratum, although behavioral observations by Buckley and
Kynard (1981) indicate that a "swim-up" phase is present; in this phase, the larvae make short
swimming excursions into the water column and return to the bottom. In this way, the larvae
gradually drift downstream.
The larval shortnose sturgeon grow rapidly, and may reach from 6 to 12 inches during
the first growing season (Dadswell, 1984). During this time, they probably confine their
movements to riverine areas upstream of the salt wedge (Potter and Dadswell, 1979; Brundage
and Meadows, 1982).
Older juveniles and adult shortnose sturgeon are found in midsummer on feeding grounds
in midestuary. In fall, they often migrate to overwintering areas in deep, haloclinal areas of the
lower estuary (Dadswell, 1979); some adults, however, may overwinter in deep freshwater sites
located near or even upstream of the spawning reaches (Dadswell, 1979; Buckley, 1982; Buckley
and Kynard, 1985b). Migratory movements to spawning areas in the spring bring fish together
from all of these overwintering areas (Buckley and Kynard, 1985b).
G. Populations
Although the shortnose sturgeon is considered to be rare in abundance, the populations
of the Saint John and Hudson rivers appear to be substantial. Using Seber-Jolly estimation
statistics, Dadswell (1979) estimated the adult (> 19.7 in.) shortnose sturgeon population of the
Saint John River estuary to be between 12,600 and 23,400 individuals. Dovel (1981), using
Peterson estimation statistics, estimated the Hudson River population to be between 13,000 and
30,000 individuals.
The young of the shortnose sturgeon are difficult to distinguish from those of the Atlantic
sturgeon; thus, precise distribution and abundance information for these life history stages is
limited (Cooper et al., 1977).
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III. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TOLERANCES
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has issued a Habitat Suitability
Index (HEP) model for the shortnose sturgeon. That model, authored by J.H. Crance in 1986,
identifies five habitat variables that appear to affect the movement, distribution, and abundance
of shortnose sturgeon. These habitat variables are: water temperature, water velocity,
substratum type, water depth, and water salinity. These variables can, in turn, be used to
evaluate the suitability of various habitats for shortnose sturgeon use. The various literature
reports on the species indicate that the habitat requirements for feeding and spawning are quite
different in this species - in fact, are almost diametrically opposite; for that reason, the
discussions of habitat requirements that follow discuss feeding and spawning separately.
A. Water Temperature
A. 1. Feeding - Studies of shortnose sturgeon feeding behaviors have disclosed extremes
of feeding activities, but have not yet precisely identified optimum or preferred feeding
temperatures. Dadswell (1979) found that feeding by adult shortnose sturgeon in freshwater
portions of the Saint John River was generally restricted to periods when water temperatures
exceeded 10 °C. Juvenile shortnose sturgeon (2+ inches in length) are often cultured in water
that is 24 to 27 °C (Crance, 1986), although unpublished information cited by Dadswell et al.
(1984) indicated that "young" shortnose sturgeon experienced distress or rapid mortality at
temperatures over 25 °C.
The HEP model for the shortnose sturgeon rates the temperature range between 11 and
22 °C as the optimum mean temperature range for summer foraging (Crance, 1986).
A.2. Spawning - The shortnose sturgeon is an anadromous spring spawner. Movement
to spawning areas during the spring appears to be stimulated by the rise in water temperatures
above 8 °C (Pekovitch, 1979; Taubert, 1980a; Dadswell et al., 1984. Dovel found that
spawning occurred in the Hudson River between Coxackie and Troy during the last part of April
and through May, when water temperature exceeded 10 °C. Spawning occurred in the Saint
Johns River at temperatures between 10 and 12 °C (Dadswell, 1979), and in the Connecticut
River when temperatures were between 11.5 and 15 °C (Taubert, 1980; Buckley and Kynard,
1985).
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The HEP model for the shortnose sturgeon rates the temperature range between 10 and
16 °C as the optimum mean temperature during the spawning season (Crance, 1986).
B. Water Velocity
B.l Feeding - Shortnose sturgeon use their protrusible mouths to feed on benthic
macroinvertebrates. During summer foraging, adult shortnose sturgeon utilize shallow
midestuarine feeding grounds (Dadswell, 1979) that have little or no current (McCleave et al.,
1977; Dadswell, 1979; Taubert, 1980). Larvae that do not demonstrate strong migrational
movements appear to prefer deep channel areas with swift currents (Cromartie, 1982; Dadswell,
1979; Taubert, 1980a). Juveniles are associated with deep channels, in current velocities of 0.3
to 1.3 feet per second (fps) (Pottle and Dadswell, 1979; Dadswell et al., 1984).
The HEP model for shortnose sturgeon rates the velocity range between 0.5 and 1.5 fps
as the optimum mean water column velocity for foraging adults during summer (Crance, 1986).
B.2. Spawning - Shortnose sturgeon spawn demersal eggs that disperse and adhere to
rocks and other bottom surfaces. Proper water velocities appear critical to egg survival and
hatching. Eggs released in currents of excessive velocity may not have and opportunity to
adhere to bottom surfaces, whereas eggs released in currents of insufficient velocity may clump
together, resulting in susceptibility to respiratory stress, fungus growth, increased egg predation,
and reduced opportunity for dispersion as newly-hatched larvae (Buckley and Kynard, 1985b).
Prespawning shortnose sturgeon in the Connecticut River preferred areas of reduced velocities
(1.0-7.0 fps) (Buckley and Kynard, 1985b). Spawning was found to occur in the Connecticut
River at water velocities between 1.2 and 3.9 fps (Buckley and Kynard, 1985b), in the Hudson
River at water velocities between 2.0 and 4.0 fps (Pekovitch, 1979) and in the Saint James River
at water velocities between 3.3 and 9.8 fps (Washburn and Gillis Associates, LTD, undated).
Buckley and Kynard (1985b) noted that, if rising water temperatures "would cause the final
maturation of oocytes," then "the appropriate water velocity may cue the female to deposit
eggs."
The HEP model for the shortnose sturgeon rates the velocity range between 1.0 and 2.5
fps as the optimum mean water column velocity during the spawning season (Crance, 1986).
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C. Substratum Type
C.l. Feeding - As noted earlier, the protrusible tube mouth of the shortnose sturgeon
is an adaptation for feeding on benthic macroinvertebrates (e.g., polychaetes, molluscs,
crustaceans, insects) (Dadswell, 1979, 1984; Taubert, 1980b). Dadswell determined that
shortnose sturgeon feeding areas were saline areas with gravel-silt bottoms, and freshwater areas
with shallow, muddy bottoms. In Maine, shortnose sturgeon were found feeding during summer
over mud flats (McCleave et al. 1977). Pottle and Dadswell (1979) found sand-mud or gravel-
mud substrata were preferred by juvenile sturgeon. Juvenile shortnose sturgeon often feed
extensively on cladocerans and insect larvae; thus, substratum type appears less important to
these early life stages than to the older juveniles and adults. Carlson and Simpson (1987) found
that the stomach contents of juvenile shortnose sturgeon collected from the freshwater portions
of the Hudson River estuary consisted principally of chironomid larvae characteristic of silty-
sand substrata.
The HEP model for the shortnose sturgeon lists macrophytes, mud/clay, silt, and sand
as the optimum foraging substrata for foraging adults in summer (Crance, 1986).
C.2. Spawning - Substrata reportedly utilized by shortnose sturgeon during spawning
vary somewhat in composition. Spawning substrata include: cobble and rubble (Dadswell,
1979; Taubert, 1980a); gravel, rubble, and large boulders (Squiers, 1983); and rock/rubble or
sand/gravel (Washburn and Gillis Associates, LTD, undated). Studies reported by Buckley and
Kynard (1982, 1985b) in the Connecticut River indicated that water velocity and water depth
may be more important than substratum type in determining preferred spawning locations for
shortnose sturgeon.
The HEP model for the shortnose sturgeon lists gravel and cobble/rubble as the optimum
substrata for spawning adults (Crance, 1986). Macrophyte beds, and mud/clay or silt bottoms
are the substrata least favorable for spawning.
D. Water Depth
D. 1. Feeding - Water depths of summer foraging areas used by shortnose sturgeon are
generally shallow, a finding consistent with the preferred summer velocity regime and
substratum of silt and/or beds of aquatic vegetation. However, McCleave et al. (1977) tracked
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adults by radiotelemetry during summer periods and found the individuals in depths ranging from
3 to 80 feet. The monitored fish did spend extensive periods in waters about three feet in depth,
and did not orient to channels when crossing such features. Shortnose sturgeon tend to forage
in deeper water (15-45 ft) when in a saline environment (Dadswell, 1979), while juveniles tend
to confine their activity to deeper riverine channels (Pottle and Dadswell, 1979; Brundage and
Meadows, 1982). Juveniles and recently-hatched larvae were captured by Dovel (1981) moving
with the current along the Hudson River bottom. Townes (1937) described shortnose sturgeon
as feeding in coves along the Hudson River over mud bottoms in 12-30 feet of water.
The seven investigators polled in the establishment of Instream Flow Incremental
Methodology (IFIM) graphs for shortnose sturgeon disagreed on optimum depths for adults
during summer (Crance, 1986). One noted that the fish are commonly found in shallow coves
at water depths less than 10 feet, while another noted that the fish may be found during that
season at depths greater than 40 feet. The IFIM graph shows depths of 10 to 20 feet as the
optimum water depth for adults in the summer season (Crance, 1986).
D.2. Spawning - Shortnose sturgeon spawning sites have been found in or near areas
of deep water (Hoff, 1965; Heidt and Gilbert, 1978; Taubert, 1980; Dovel, 1981; Buckley and
Kynard, 1982, 1985a,b; Squiers et al., 1982). Squiers (1983) reported spawning site at depths
between 20 and 24 feet, while other researchers found spawning sites between seven and 13 feet
(O'Herron and Able, 1985; Buckley and Kynard, 1985a).
The IFIM graph shows depths of 12 to 40 feet as the optimum range of depths for
spawning, incubation, and larval development (Crance, 1986).
E. Water Salinity
E. 1. Feeding - Shortnose sturgeon move freely from fresh water to waters with salinities
in excess of 30 parts per thousand (ppt) (Taubert, 1980a; Taubert and Dadswell, 1980; Holland
and Yelverton, 1973; Squiers and Smith, 1979). Foraging generally occurs in mid-estuary areas
with salinities of 0.5 to 3.0 ppt (Dadswell, 1979; Dadswell et al.; 1984). However, populations
have been found feeding in fresh water (Taubert, 1980a) and in areas with salinities ranging
from 18 to 24 ppt (McCleave et al., 1977). Prey species are benthic macroinvertebrates
characteristic of the particular salinity regime.
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E.2. Spawning - All known spawning sites identified for shortnose sturgeon are in
freshwater tidal reaches of estuaries (Crance, 1986). Such areas are generally located just
upstream of the salt wedge in mesohaline environments with salinities between 1 and 2 ppt
(Squiers and Smith, 1978; Dadswell, 1979).
F. Tolerance to Ambient Environmental Gradients
As an anadromous species of temperate estuaries, the shortnose sturgeon are necessarily
exposed to a wide range of fluctuating environmental conditions, including temperature, salinity,
water velocity, bottom substrata, and prey species. The literature cited in the previous chapter
indicates that the species appears eurytopic - broadly adaptive - for these environmental factors.
Adults and older juveniles have been recorded as moving relatively freely through substantia]
gradients in salinity, water velocity, depth, and substratum type; these cumulative observations
substantiate the eurytopic nature of the species.
The most narrow habitat preferences appear to be operational during spawning; in the
several estuarine systems studied, the spawning reaches described for shortnose sturgeon appear
to be well defined as deep, high-energy, freshwater tidal areas with rocky substrata. Larval
stages and early juvenile development appear to be concentrated in these same general reaches.
Adults and older juveniles appear to move much more freely through the several estuarine
gradients, although preferred summer feeding areas tend to be mesohaline, low energy, mid-
estuarine shallows.
G. Tolerance to Environmental Contaminants
Little work has been reported specifically on the responses of shortnose sturgeon to
environmental contaminants; most laboratory studies of fish tolerances to contaminants have used
either standard test species or species that can be easily acquired in significant numbers. The
general findings with respect to toxicity of cadmium to estuarine fishes were summarized in a
report by the Research Planning Institute (1985); pertinent findings include:
• the general mode of cadmium toxicity on metabolism is through competition and
displacement of metalloenzymes (e.g., glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, carbonic
anhydrase, leucine aminopeptidase, xanthine oxidase).
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• cadmium may also depress respiratory rate, reduce immune responses, reduce the fat
content of fish livers, reduce growth rates, and inhibit spawning success.
• cadmium is taken up readily by aquatic organisms; bioconcentration factors (BCF's)
range from 3 to 12,400, with most BCF's less than 400.
• the primary path for cadmium contamination appears to be through the food chain,
from benthic infauna and rooted macrophytes through the various consumer levels.
9 the toxicity of cadmium to fishes is a function of the species tested and the hardness of
the water. Salmonids are more sensitive than most nonsalmonid taxa. The toxicity of
cadmium decreases with increasing salinity.
Dovel (1981) speculated that the presence of xenobiotic contaminants (e.g., PCB's) in
the Hudson River could make the fish more susceptible to fin rot or other fungal fish diseases.
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IV. EVALUATION OF FOUNDRY COVE AND COLD SPRING PIER HABITATS
As noted in the Introduction of this BA (Chapter I), because the shortnose sturgeon is a
federally-endangered species occurring at least transiently in the Hudson River off Foundry
Cove, the EPA must evaluate the proposed remedial activities pursuant to CERCLA/SARA at
the former MBCS with respect to potential impacts to shortnose sturgeon. In the preceding
chapters, the habitat characteristics determining the general suitability of aquatic habitats for
shortnose sturgeon use were discussed in detail. In this chapter, the specific habitats within the
Foundry Cove and adjacent Hudson River area are examined with respect to the habitat
characteristics outlined in earlier discussions.
A. General Ecological Characteristics of the Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier Areas
For remedial study purposes, the MBCS has been segregated into three study areas: Area
I, which consists of East Foundry Cove Marsh and Constitution Marsh; Area II, which
encompasses the former battery plant, the surrounding grounds, and a vault containing cadmium-
contaminated sediments dredged from East Foundry Cove in the 1970's; and Area III, which
includes East and West Foundry Coves and the Hudson River in the vicinity of the Cold Spring
Pier. East Foundry and West Foundry Coves are connected by a narrow water channel spanned
by a railroad trestle. Areas I and III are the aquatic habitats to which the following discussions
are oriented.
The Foundry Cove area is located in a freshwater tidal area on the eastern side of the
Hudson River at approximately HR Mile Marker 53. The Village of Cold Spring is immediately
north of the cove, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is just to the south on the
western side of the Hudson River. Tidal measurements determined by Acres (1975) demonstrate
a nearly four-foot tidal range at the East Cove/West Cove railroad trestle. Continuous tidal
velocity measurements indicate a clockwise tidal flow pattern in East Foundry Cove, with
velocities generally peaking at one fps.
East Foundry Cove is approximately 48 acres in area, part of which (about 14 acres) lies
generally above mean high tide and contains a cattail marsh. The remaining 34 acres is covered
by about 1.5 feet of water at mean low tide and contains beds of aquatic macrophytes. The
substratum of East Foundry Cove is predominantly unconsolidated silts and clays; analyses
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indicate an average grain size distribution of 4 percent gravel, 39 percent sand, 48 percent silt,
and 9 percent clay (MPI, 1990).
West Foundry Cove is approximately 107 acres in area and is covered by 1.5 to 23 feet
of water at mean low tide (mean low water). Water chestnut (Trapa natans) grows densely in
the shallower areas of this cove. Water velocities through the channel opening between East and
West Foundry Coves range from 1 fps on the flood to 2 fps on the ebb. Velocities also showed
a declining gradient from surface to bottom. The substratum here again is sedimentary, with
grain size measurements showing a mean distribution of 66 percent silt, 25 percent clay, 8
percent sand, and 1 percent gravel (MPI, 1990).
The Cold Spring Pier Area covers approximately 187 acres in area, the water depths in
this area range from three to nine to 100 feet of water at mean low tide. Water depths are
relatively shallow (2-10 feet) near the pier structures; riverward of the pier influence, the water
deepens quickly to over 50 feet in depth as the main channel of the Hudson River is approached.
The substratum of this area is again dominated by silts and clays, with grain size distributions
indicating an average of 1 percent gravel, 20 percent sand, 65 percent silt, and 14 percent clay
(MPI, 1990).
B. Biological Communities of the Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier Areas
As noted above, the Foundry Cove/Cold Spring Pier area is a freshwater tidal ecosystem,
only rarely experiencing salinities in excess of 3.5 parts per thousand (ppt). Also, the area is
a depositional area with generally shallow water depths and low to moderate current velocities.
These conditions encourage the growth of rooted aquatic macrophytes; the macrophytes
identified by the site studies include arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) , pickerelweed (Pontederia
cordata), cattail (Tvpha augustifolia'). water milfoil AVIvriophvlIum sp.), and water chestnut
(Trapa natans) (Ebasco, 1989).
The fine sediments of the cove provide habitat for benthic macroinvertebrates adapted to
life in such low oxygen conditions; such infaunal taxa are dominantly chironomid larvae and
oligochaete worms. Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are a dominant epifaunal taxon (Ebasco,
1989).
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Site sampling of resident vertebrates also included fish collections, although the object
of those studies was directed more at characterizing levels of contamination in fish tissue rather
than statistically describing the community structure of the fishes of the area. The species
collected in the cove area included banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanous1), sunfish CLepomis
sp.), carp (Cvprinus carpio). white perch (Morone americanal. and American eel (Anguilla
rostrata). The cove habitat also provides an open water area and macrophyte beds for migrating
waterfowl (Ebasco, 1989).
Although no shortnose sturgeon were collected in the Foundry Cove area, this species
is known to use areas north of Cold Spring for spawning, and feeds in low-velocity shallows
throughout the Hudson River estuary (NYSDOS, 1990).
C. HEP Evaluation of Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier Areas for Shortnose Sturgeon
The USFWS has compiled Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) models for evaluation
of estuarine and riverine areas as shortnose sturgeon habitats. The model documentation is given
in a USFWS publication entitled "Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability
Curves: Shortnose Sturgeon" (USFWS, 1986). The microcomputer version of the model is
included in the USFWS HEP Version 2.2 software package and documentation (USFWS, 1985).
The habitat variables used in the HEP shortnose sturgeon models are:
• Mean water temperature during summer, foraging, adults
• Mean water velocity during summer, foraging, adults
• Predominant substrate type during summer
• Mean water temperature, spawning
• Mean water velocity, spawning
• Predominant substrate type during spawning
Data for these habitat model variables are available from the site-specific studies at Foundry
Cove or from Hudson River data bases. Thus, the existing literature provides habitat
information necessary and sufficient to perform HEP analyses of the Foundry Cove aquatic
habitats for shortnose sturgeon use.
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Habitat data and approximate areal extent of the Foundry Cove area were entered into
a HEP analysis using the riverine model for shortnose sturgeon (HEP Model #A-84). The
results, summarized in Table 1 and contained in their entirety in Appendix A, indicate that the
Foundry Cove area is, by overall HEP model analysis, of minimal value for shortnose sturgeon.
It should be noted here that the HEP model incorporates all six variables shown above in the
overall assessment, and that the overall Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) score resulting from these
input data is the minimum of the six subindex values; thus, to achieve a high score in the HSI
output, a habitat area must rate high for both spawning and for foraging. Given the disparate
habitat requirements of the species for these two life history processes, it is likely that very few
habitats would achieve high HSI values in this regard.
Table 1
HSIs by Subarea
Subarea HSI*
E. Foundry Cove 0.00
(Emerg. Marsh)
E. Foundry Cove 0.00
(Mud Bottom)
W. Foundry Cove 0.2 0
(Aquatic Bed)
W. Foundry Cove 0.00
(Mud Bottom)
Cold Spring Pier 0.00
(inner area)
Cold Spring Pier 0.00
(outer area)
* Minimum of six subindex values
These results are not wholly consistent with the habitat characteristics described in
previous sections. The Foundry Cove area is, for the most part, an assemblage of shallow, low-
velocity, muddy-bottom habitats immediately off the main channel of the Hudson River. Such
areas are typical of habitats where investigators have found foraging shortnose sturgeon. As
noted earlier, the HEP model for shortnose sturgeon selects as the output HSI value the lowest
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of the values computed for the six input variables. The intermediate model outputs, also
included in Appendix A, can be examined for additional insight regarding the value of the
Foundry Cove habitats for shortnose sturgeon spawning or foraging. As shown in Table 2, all
the subareas distinguished in the HEP analysis except the Hudson River outside of the Cold
Spring Pier areas rated moderate to high as shortnose sturgeon foraging habitats. All these areas
had tolerable summer temperatures, low current velocities, and substrate of silt/clay or aquatic
beds.
Conversely, only the Hudson River area outside of the Cold Spring Pier achieved
favorable rating for shortnose sturgeon spawning; the temperatures, current velocities, and
substrata in this area (dropping from the pier to the river channel) are appropriate for the
species.
Table 2
Intermediate Functions in HSI Computations
HSI for HSI for
Subarea Spawning* Foraging*
E. Foundry Cove
(Emerg. Marsh)
0.20
0. 62
E. Foundry Cove
(Mud Bottom)
0.00
1.00**
W. Foundry Cove
(Aquatic Bed)
0.20
O
O
W. Foundry Cove
(Mud Bottom)
o
o
o
1. 00
Cold Spring Pier
(inner area)
o
o
o
1. 00
Cold Spring Pier
(outer area)
0. 64
o
o
o
* Minimum of three subindex values
** Attributable to model artifact - zero current velocity
(minimum allowable value) yields 0.80 subindex value
The HEP model HSI values also fall short in characterizing the East Foundry Cove
Marsh area. In particular, although this area is a cattail marsh that is only occasionally
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inundated by water, the model assigns it a moderate intermediate function value for foraging.
It is highly unlikely that this area is even potentially accessible to shortnose sturgeon on any
regular basis. Finally, the intermediate function value for the East Foundry Cove (mud bottom)
as foraging habitat appears high mainly because of a model artifact; with the temperature and
substratum type appropriate, the intermediate function for current velocity controls the HSI for
foraging value. The HEP model assigns an intermediate function value of 1.00 to very low
current velocities (and in fact, assigns an HSI value of 0.80 to an input value of zero velocity),
thus exaggerating the value of a "mudflat" habitat for shortnose sturgeon.
Having applied both the test of reasonableness and site-specific information to the HEP
output, it is reasonable to characterize three portions of the general Foundry Cove area as being
potential habitat for shortnose sturgeon. The West Foundry Cove and inner Cold Spring Pier
areas offer habitats with high potential for shortnose sturgeon foraging, while the outer Cold
Spring Pier area offers a habitat of moderate value for shortnose sturgeon spawning. The East
Foundry Cove areas (emergent marsh and mudflat) are not of particular significance for
shortnose sturgeon.
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V. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED REMEDIAL ACTIONS
The remediation plans for the MBCS address three areas: East Foundry Cove Marsh and
Constitution Marsh (Area I), the former battery plant site and surrounding grounds (Area II),
and East Foundry Cove, West Foundry Cove and the Hudson River in the vicinity of the Cold
Spring Pier (Area III). The assessment of potential impacts to Hudson River aquatic habitats
and shortnose sturgeon populations applies to Areas I and III; Area II is an upland habitat.
For purposes of assessing potential impacts to the shortnose sturgeon, the aquatic habitats can
be logically divided into three specific subareas. These are 1) the East Foundry Cove area (both
the marsh and open water areas of the cove), 2) the West Foundry Cove area, and 3) the Cold
Spring Pier area. These areas have spatial, environmental differences that warrant discussion
of each area separately, and were dealt with as such in the HEP analyses in the preceding
chapter.
A. East Foundry Cove
The remedy selected for the East Foundry Cove area entails the following actions that
could affect the habitat characteristics of the East Foundry Cove area:
• dredging of the contaminated sediments from East Foundry Cove Marsh with cadmium
concentrations greater than 100 mg/kg;
• dredging of cadmium-contaminated sediments from East Foundry Cove to a depth of
one foot;
• thickening, chemical fixation, and off-site disposal of dredged sediments;
• post-dredging restoration of East Foundry Cove Marsh by addition of clean fill, clay
with a high affinity for cadmium, and revegetation of the disturbed area;
• post-dredging sampling and restoration of East Foundry Cove, as necessary;
• long term monitoring of the Constitution Marsh sediments and biota;
• long-term monitoring of East Foundry Cove.
The dredging necessary to remove sediments with cadmium concentrations greater than
100 mg/kg would entail the removal of approximately two feet of sediment from an area of
approximately 12 acres in East Foundry Cove Marsh. In East Foundry Cove proper, dredging
to a specific action level would be technically difficult because cadmium concentrations in the
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sediments vary within a few inches of sediment depth. By dredging the upper one foot of
contaminated sediments, 95 percent of the cadmium contamination will be removed. Restoration
of the marsh, which includes the use of clayey fill with a high affinity for cadmium ions, will
restrict release of the remaining low amount of cadmium.
The marsh portion of East Foundry Cove proposed to be dredged lies generally above
mean high tide. Because of its elevation, it is not a habitat that could be utilized by fish, except
during very high tides. The HEP model outputs described in Chapter IV attributed HSI values
greater than zero to this habitat subarea. However, as discussed in that chapter, those HSI
values are more an artifact of the limits of the mathematical functions than they are realistic
quantifications of the habitat value of this emergent marsh for shortnose sturgeon. The actual
likelihood of shortnose sturgeon foraging in this emergent marsh area that is rarely submerged
is extremely low. Moreover, the selected remedy includes the refilling of the dredged area of
this marsh with clays and topsoil. Thus, the potential impacts to the shortnose sturgeon
populations of the Hudson River resulting from the proposed remedial activities in the marsh
portion of East Foundry Cove are negligible.
The open water area of East Foundry Cove is covered by about 1.5 feet of water at mean
low tide, and contains beds of aquatic vegetation. Dredging of one foot of sediment from this
area would, even if contours were allowed to remain at the post-dredge elevations, would not
substantially alter the value of the habitat for potential shortnose sturgeon foraging. Summer
feeding areas have been characterized as shallow areas 3 to 15 feet in depth with little or no
current (Dadswell, 1979). The East Foundry Cove will persist as a shallow low current area
after the proposed remedy is implemented.
B. West Foundry Cove
The remedy selected for the West Foundry Cove area is the "no action" alternative (EPA,
1989). The only proposed activities are long-term monitoring and a hydrological study of Area
III to ascertain whether West Foundry Cove is a depositional area. If West Foundry Cove is
shown to be a depositional area, it is anticipated that West Foundry Cove will continue to accrue
sediments from East Foundry Cove and/or the Cold Spring Pier areas by natural transport
processes. After remedial activities are completed at the East Foundry Cove and Cold Spring
Pier areas, any surface sediment subsequently transported from these remediated areas to West
Foundry Cove by natural hydrological processes should be cadmium-free and of minimal
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ecological concern. Tidal action would cause the newly-deposited, clean sediments to mix with
existing sediments in West Foundry Cove, thereby reducing the mean cadmium concentration
in the sediments of that area (EPA, 1989).
Should the hydrological study demonstrate that sediment tends to be transported from
West Foundry Cove and that this sediment presents a threat to the environment (i.e, could be
a source of recontamination of the areas to be remediated), then further action would be
considered in the West Foundry Cove area (EPA, 1989).
West Foundry Cove has, by HEP analysis, characteristics favorable for shortnose
sturgeon foraging. These characteristics will persist under the selected remedy of no action in
this particular area. Moreover, implementation of the selected remedies in the East Foundry
Cove and Cold Spring Pier areas is unlikely to impact the habitat value of West Foundry Cove
for shortnose sturgeon; those remedies, principally dredging of contaminated sediments,
incorporate silt curtains designed to minimize the downstream transport of sediments from the
area of disturbance. Residual contamination from such activities would, therefore, be low
enough to be of minimal concern.
C. Cold Spring Pier
The remedy selected for the Cold Spring Pier area involves dredging of the top 36 inches
of sediment in the immediate vicinity of Cold Spring Pier, and the dredging of the top 12 inches
of sediment in the area just south of the pier (EPA, 1989). Dredged sediments will be thickened
and fixed on the site and transported to an off-site disposal facility.
The aquatic habitat in the immediate vicinity of the Cold Spring Pier is transitional in
nature; water depths near the pier structures are shallow, but deepen quickly to 50 feet riverward
of the pier influence. The pier acts to slow water velocities and promote sedimentation of
suspended solids. The area immediately proximal to the pier (designated as the "inner area" in
the Chapter IV HEP analyses) is a habitat of value for foraging; deepening this area by three
feet would not substantially alter this habitat's value for shortnose sturgeon foraging. The area
more distal to the pier, where water depths grade more sharply toward the river channel, is not
a habitat with value for foraging, but, being deeper and more turbulent, has moderate value for
spawning. Removal of one foot of contaminated sediment from this outer area would not
substantially alter its moderate value as a potential shortnose sturgeon spawning habitat.
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D. Other Impact Considerations
1. HSI Sensitivity Analyses - The HSI values for the Foundry Cove areas will change
only if one or more of the six input variables are altered. If none of these are altered so as to
change the subindex value, the HSIs will remain unchanged. Those six input are, again:
• Mean water temperature during summer, foraging, adults
• Mean water velocity during summer, foraging, adults
• Predominant substrate type during summer
• Mean water temperature, spawning
• Mean water velocity, spawning
• Predominant substrate type during spawning
The proposed remedial activities in East Foundry Cove and the Cold Spring Pier areas
will not alter the thermal regime of these aquatic habitats; the normal seasonal progression of
temperature changes will persist. The substrate types will not be significantly altered; the
substrata in the areas to be remediated will remain as soft unconsolidated sediments. The water
velocities should be substantially unchanged by the minor changes in bathymetry caused by the
dredging of surficial sediments. Thus, the evaluation of the East Foundry Cove by HEP criteria
will remain unchanged.
Appendix A contains printouts of sensitivity analyses for the six subareas; these
sensitivity analyses automatically add or subtract 10 percent to the input values for the six HEP
variables, and compute the HSIs resulting from such changes in input values. The sensitivity
analyses in Appendix A show that changes of +/- 10 percent will not change the values of the
intermediate functions contributing to the HSIs.
2. Effects of Proposed Remedies on Hydraulic Regime of Habitats - The proposed
remedial actions - dredging of surficial sediments - will not change the basic nature of the
habitats of the Foundry Cove or Cold Spring Harbor Pier areas. The removal of one foot of
sediment in the East Foundry Cove area and one to three feet of sediment in the vicinity of the
Cold Spring Pier will not substantially alter the hydraulic regime of these areas, or alter
properties resulting from the hydraulic regime. These cove/pier areas will remain areas of
deposition off the main channel of the Hudson River; subsequent to dredging, new sediments
will be deposited and the bottom contours will likely converge on the pre-dredging contours.
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3. Broad Ranges of Shortnose Sturgeon Habitat Preferences - Even in the case where
the post-dredging contours did not converge on the pre-dredging contours, the post-dredging
water depths would be appropriate for shortnose sturgeon foraging. The literature reviewed in
earlier chapters indicated that, although shortnose sturgeon forage in "generally shallow" waters
(USFWS, 1986), this observations encompasses a wide range of water depths (i.e., 3-81 feet).
A change of one to three feet in depth, whether transient or permanent, would not eliminate the
Foundry Cove areas to be dredged as potential foraging areas for shortnose sturgeon.
4. Reduction in Contaminant Levels in Substratum - The most significant impact
of the proposed remedial activities on the shortnose sturgeon populations of the Hudson River
will be positive; removal of the cadmium-contaminated surficial sediments from areas of East
Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier will reduce the potential risk of cadmium toxicity to
shortnose sturgeon that might make use of those areas in summer foraging. The most likely
route of cadmium intake in fishes is dietary; by reducing the cadmium concentrations in surficial
sediments (and thus, indirectly, in benthic macroinvertebrates in those sediments), the route for
cadmium transfer to bottom-feeding fish is diminished.
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VI. CONCLUSIONS
This BA of the potential impacts of EPA's proposed remedial actions for the MBCS on
the shortnose sturgeon, a federally-listed endangered species, has been conducted under
guidelines implementing the ESA. The aquatic habitats of the Hudson River in the vicinity of
MBCS have been characterized by NMFS as being potentially suitable for shortnose sturgeon.
In order to assure that the proposed CERCLA/SARA remedial actions do not impact this
endangered species, a BA of the potential impacts of the selected remedial actions for the MBCS
has been conducted. The BA includes a literature review of the species' habitat requirements,
a review of pertinent site-specific data, computation of HEP Habitat Suitability Index values
(HSI's) for subareas delineated by cover types, and an assessment of the potential impacts of the
proposed remedial actions on shortnose sturgeon.
The Hudson River populations of shortnose sturgeon constitute a significant proportion
of this fishery resource along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The shortnose sturgeon
is an anadromous species, moving in the spring from saline areas of the estuary to freshwater
tidal areas to spawn. Early development continues in these fresh and brackish water reaches of
the estuary. Adults and older juveniles range more widely through the estuary, moving into areas
of higher salinity for summer foraging and overwintering.
The habitat preferences of the shortnose sturgeon have been treated at length in the
technical literature and are summarized in a HEP model for the species (Crance, 1986).
According to the HEP formulations, the optimum summer foraging habitat for adult shortnose
sturgeon are warm (11-22 °C), shallow (10-20 feet), low current (0.5-1.5 fps) habitats with fine-
grained substrata (macrophyte beds; mud, clay, silt, or sand). The optimum spring spawning
habitats are cool (10-16 °C), deep (50-130), high current (1.0-2.5), mid-channel habitats with
coarse-grained substrata (gravel, cobble, rubble).
Adult and older juvenile shortnose sturgeon are likely to be tolerant of environmental
gradients (e.g., salinity, temperature) in part because of their general anadromous habit and in
part because of their observed use of a wide variety of habitats. The early life stages (larvae,
young juveniles) are likely to be more restricted in their tolerances, and utilize only selected
areas of the general shortnose sturgeon range in any given estuary. Specific toxic effects of
environmental contaminants on shortnose sturgeon have not been directly demonstrated;
inferences can be drawn from findings from other estuarine fish species.
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The Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier areas are tidal freshwater environments
characterized by shallow depths, unconsolidated bottoms of fine sediments, tidal currents of low
velocity, and the presence of extensive macrophyte beds.
The Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier areas are, by overall HEP analysis, poor
shortnose sturgeon habitats. However, examination of intermediate HEP model output indicates
that the subindices for foraging are high for most shallow, open water habitat subareas, while
the subindices for spawning are low for most shallow subareas. The deep area of the Hudson
River riverward of the Cold Spring Pier scores high in the spawning subindices.
The remedial activities proposed for East Foundry Cove Marsh, East Foundry Cove, and
the Cold Spring Pier area will remove surficial sediments contaminated with cadmium from prior
battery plant operations. The removal of those contaminated surficial sediments will not alter
the habitat characteristics of the areas in any way that will significantly diminish their existing
value as potential shortnose sturgeon foraging or spawning areas. Moreover, removal of
cadmium-contaminated surficial sediments will reduce the potential for dietary transfer of
cadmium from benthic invertebrates to the bottom-feeding shortnose sturgeon.
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REFERENCES
Bigelow, H.B., and W.C. Schroeder. 1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Fishery Bulletin
74, Vol. 53, Fishery Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bond, C.E. 1979. The Biology of Fishes. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA. 514
pp.
Borowsky, R.L. 1987. Gut Contents of Juvenile Shortnose Sturgeon in the Upper Hudson
Estuary. Copeia 1987(3): 796-802.
Brundage, H.M., HI, and R.E. Meadows. 1982. Occurrence of the Endangered Shortnose
Sturgeon,AciEenser brevirostrum.in the Delaware River Estuary. Estuaries 5(3): 203-208.
Buckley, J., and B. Kynard. 1985a. Yearly Movements of shortnose sturgeons in the
Connecticut River. Trans. Ma. Fish. Soc. 114: 813-820.
Buckley, J., and B. Kynard. 1985b. Habitat use and Behavior of Pre-Spawning and Spawning
Shortnose Sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. in the Connecticut River. [In]: Binkowski, F.P.,
and S.I. Doroshov (eds.). 1985. North American Sturgeons: Biology and Aquaculture
Potential. Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht.
Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, and J.B. Funderburg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered and
Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. State Museum of Natural History,
Raleigh, NC. 444 pp.+ i-xvi.
Crance, J.H. 1986. Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability Curves:
Shortnose Sturgeon. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 82(10.129). 31 pp.
Cromartie, W.J. 1982. New Jersey's Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals. Center
for Environmental Research, Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ.
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Dadswell, M.J. 1979. Biology and Population Characteristics of the Shortnose Sturgeon,
Acipenser brevirostrum LeSueur 1818 (Osteichthyes:Acipenseridae), in the Saint John Estuary,
New Brunswick, Canada. Can. J. Zool. 57: 2186-2210.
Dadswell, M.J. 1984. Status of the Shortnose Sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. in Canada.
Canadian Field-Naturalist 98(1): 75-79.
Dovel, W. 1981. The Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon of the Hudson Estuary: Its Life History
and Vulnerability to the Activities of Man. The Ocean Society. FERC Contract No. DE-AC
39-79 RC-10074, 139 pp.
Ebasco. 1989. Supplemental Remedial Investigation Report: Marathon Battery Company Site,
East and West Foundry Cove and the Pier Area, Village of Cold Spring, Putnam County, New
York. Final Draft, June 1989.
EPA. 1986. Achieving NEPA Functional Equivalency in CERCLA Remedial Actions.
Seminar, April 21-23, 1986, Philadelphia, PA. Presented by USEPA, Region III, Philadelphia,
PA.
EPA. 1988. CERCLA/SARA Environmental Review Manual. Prepared by Environmental
Impacts Branch, Office of Policy and Management, EPA Region II, New York, New York.
Fried, S.M. and J.D. McCleave. 1973. Occurrence of the Shortnose Sturgeon (acipenser
brevirostrum'). and endangered species, in Montsweag Bay, Maine. J. Fish. Res. Board Can.
30: 563-564.
Holland, B.F., Jr., and G.F. Yelverton. 1973. Distribution and Biological Studies of
Anadromous Fishes Offshore North Carolina. N.C. Dep. Nat. Econ. Res., S.S.R. No. 24, 132
pp.
LeSueur, C.A. 1818. Description of Several Species of Chondropterygious Fishes of North
America, with Their Varieties. Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. 1: 383-395.
MPI. 1990. Preliminary Design Report: 35% Completion Phase for Marathon Battery Site
(Area III), Superfund Remediation Action Design, Cold Spring, NY. Volumes I and II.
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McAllister, D.E. 1970. Rare and Endangered Canadian Fishes. Can. Field-Nat. 84: 5-8.
McCleave, J.D., S.M. Fried, and A.K. Towt. 1977. Daily Movements of Shortnose
Sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. in a Maine Estuary. Copeia 1977(1): 149-157.
Miller, R.R. 1972. Threatened Freshwater Fishes of the United States. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc.
101: 239-252.
New York State Department of State (DOS). 1990. Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Habitats Program: Narratives for the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound Portion
of Westchester County.
Pekovitch, A.W. 1979. Distribution and Some Life History Aspects of the Shortnose Sturgeon
(Acipenser brevirostrum') in the Upper Hudson River Estuary. Hazleton Environmental Science
Corp., Northbrook, IL. 67 pp.
Research Planning Institute, Inc. 1985. Anadromous Fish and Cadmium: Risk; Analysis
Surrounding Cleanup Activities at Foundry Cove. T.G. Ballou, and C.D. Getter, RPI/R/85-23,
Columbia, S.C., 27 pp. + Appendix.
Scott, W.B. and M.G. Scott. 1988. Atlantic Fishes of Canada. University of Toronto Press,
Taubert, B.D. 1980. Reproduction of Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in Holvoke
Pool, Connecticut river, Massachusetts. Copeia 1980(1): 114-117.
Taubert, B.D., and R.J. Reid. 1978. Observations of the Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser
brevirostrum) in the Holyoke Pool of the Connecticut River, Massachusetts. Progress Report
to NEUSC. Mass. Coop. Fish Unit, Amherst, Mass., 14 pp.
Townes, H.K. Jr. 1937. Studies on the Food Organisms of Fishes. [In]: A Biological Survey
of the Lower Hudson Watershed. Rep. N.Y. State Conserv. Dep. Suppl. 26: 217-230.
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APPENDIX A
Shortnose Sturgeon HEP Analyses
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General Methodology
Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) analyses are quantitative models developed by the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide a standardized framework for assessing
the value of various environments and cover types for wildlife. The wildlife species used in a
HEP study (the 'evaluation species') serve as indicators of habitat value not only for their own
species, but also for taxa with similar ecological requirements and preferences.
Computations for HEP studies can be performed on worksheets supplied with the documentation
for each evaluation species or, alternatively, can be performed interactively on a microcomputer
through a HEP software package distributed by USFWS (Hays, 1985). This latter computational
method offers a faster analysis of multiple 'scenarios', a capability for sensitivity analysis, and
full printout capabilities for intermediate and final model outputs. The evaluations of shortnose
sturgeon in this report were performed using the microcomputer software, running HEP (Version
2) on a Dell System 200 microcomputer.
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Specific Methodologies
Habitat value of specific riverine areas for shortnose sturgeon can be evaluated using HEP
Model #A-84. A printout of the model structure and annotations is shown below. Note that the
HEP variables that are used in the evaluation of riverine habitats for value to shortnose sturgeon
are:
X129V1 - Mean water temperature during summer; foraging site; adults (C).
Range = 0 - 40 C.
X129V2 - Mean water column velocity during summer; foraging site; adults
(cm/sec). Range of variable = 0 - 160 cm/sec.
X129V3 - Predominant substrate type during summer; foraging site; adults
(class). Classes = eight categories of substrate ranging from aquatic bed to
bedrock.
X129V4 - Mean water temperature during spawning season (C). Range of
variable = 0 - 40 C.
X129V5 - Mean water column velocity during spawning season (cm/sec). Range
of variable = 0 - 160 cm/sec.
X129V6 - Predominant substrate type during spawning season (class). Classes
= eight categories of substrate ranging from aquatic bed to bedrock.
Habitat areas to be evaluated must be categorized as one of three 'cover types' or habitat types:
riverine aquatic bed (R5AB), riverine emergent wetland (R5EM), or riverine shore and bottom
classes (R5UB/). Using references to Foundry Cove areal estimates and habitat descriptions,
the various East Foundry Cove, West Foundry Cove, and Cold Spring Pier areas were
characterized as one of these habitat types. One area of aquatic bed is distinguished in West
Foundry Cove (WFCAB), one emergent wetland is distinguished in East Foundry Cove
(EFCEM), and four unconsolidated bottom areas are distinguished: East Foundry Cove
(EFCUB), West Foundry Cove (WFCUB), the area adjacent to Cold Spring Pier (CSPIN). and
the Hudson River area peripheral to Cold Spring Pier (CSPOUT). The habitat types used in the
study are shown below.
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Data applicable to the six habitat variables is available in the Ebasco (1989) and from prior
Hudson River data bases (LMS, 1984). The input data matrix is shown below.
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Library: C:SNSTURG.HLB
7-2-1991
Model # 2
Model name:
Single covertype model.
SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
Verification level: Expert Review
Creation/modification date: 4-20-1987
CRANCE, J. H. 1986. HABITAT SUITABILITY INDEX MODELS: SHORTNOSE
STURGEON. U.S. FISH WILDL. SERV. BIOL. REP. 82(10.129). 31 pp.
Applies to spawning, incubation, and summer foraging habitat.
Range: throughout the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. May also apply
to the St. John River, Canada.
Covertypes:
R5AB : Riverine aquatic bed
R5EM : Riverine emergent wetland
R5UB/ : Riverine shore & bottom classes (UB/RB/SB/US/RS) .
Lev 3 Lev 2 Lev 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
X129V2 grf
X129V3 mnu
X129V4 grf
X129V5 grf
X129V6 mnu
Habitat variables:
X129V1 : Mean water temp, during summer. Foraging site, adults. (C)
X129V2 : Mean water column vel. during summer. Foraging site, adults (cm/sec)
X129V3 .-Predominant substrate type during summ. Foraging site, adults (class)
X129V4 : Mean water temp, during spawn, season (C)
X129V5 : Mean water column vel. during spawn, season (cm/s)
X129V6 : Predominant substrate type during spawn, season (class)
GRAPH FUNCTION at level 2, position 1
Title: MEAN SUMMER TEMPERATURE (FORAGING) (C)
X:
0.000,
Y:
0. 000
X:
8. 000,
Y:
0. 000
X:
11.000,
Y:
1. 000
X:
22 . 000,
Y:
1. 000
X:
35.000,
Y:
0.000
X:
40.000,
Y:
0. 000
GRAPH FUNCTION at level 2, position 2
Title: MEAN WATER VELOCITY (FORAGING) (CM/S)
X: 0.000, Y: 0.800
X: 15.000, Y: 1.000
X: 45.000, Y: 1.000
X: 152.000, Y: 0.000
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X:
160.000, Y: 0.000
MENU FUNCTION at level 2, position 3
Menu
choice:
1
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
2
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
3
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
4
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
5
Output
value:
0.700
Menu
choice:
6
Output
value:
0. 300
Menu
choice:
7
Output
value:
0. 100
Menu
choice:
8
Output
value:
0. 000
GRAPH FUNCTION at level 2, position 4
Title: MEAN TEMPERATURE (SPAWNING) (C)
X
0.000,
Y:
0 . 000
X
7.200,
Y:
0 . 000
X
10.000,
Y:
1. 000
X
16.000,
Y:
1. 000
X
18.000,
Y:
0. 000
X
40.000,
Y:
0.000
GRAPH FUNCTION at level 2, position 5
Title: MEAN WATER VELOCITY (SPAWNING) (CM/S)
X
0 . 000,
Y:
0. 000
X
30.000,
Y:
1. 000
X
76 . 000-,
Y:
1. 000
X
152.000,
Y:
0 . 000
X
160.000,
Y:
0 . 000
MENU FUNCTION at level 2, position 6
Menu
choice:
1
Output
value:
0 .200
Menu
choice:
2
Output
value:
0. 000
Menu
choice:
3
Output
value:
0.100
Menu
choice:
4
Output
value:
0.500
Menu
choice:
5
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
6
Output
value:
1. 000
Menu
choice:
7
Output
value:
0 .800
Menu
choice:
8
Output
value:
0 .700
Comments:
The estuarine model for the shortnose sturgeon includes only the summer
foraging life requisite because reproduction occures only in fresh-
water habitats.
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DATA ENTRY FORM:
7-2-1991
Library: SNSTURG.HLB
Model list:
#2 SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
R5AB: Riverine aquatic bed
X129V1
X129V2
X129V3
X12 9 V 4
X129V5
X129V6
R5EM: Riverine emergent wetland
XI2 9VI
X129V2
X129V3
X129V4
X129V5
X129V6
R5UB/: Riverine shore & bottom classes (UB/RB/SB/US/RS)
X129V1
X129V2
X129V3
X129V4
X129V5
X129V6
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Study Name: SNSTURGR
7-02-1991
Covertype Sub-area Area
R5AB
R5EM
R5UB/
R5UB/
R5UB/
R5UB/
WCFAB
EFCEM
CSPIN
CSPOUT
EFCUB
WFCUB
50. 00
14 . 00
4 . 00
183.00
34 . 00
57.00
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SNSTURGR HABITAT DATA
7-02-1991
Biological Assessment for Shortnose Sturgeon
Marathon Battery Company Site, Cold Spring, NY
Foundry Cove and Cold Spring Pier Subareas
COVER TYPE / SUB-AREA:
VARIABLE:
X129V1
X129V2
X129V3
X129V4
X129V5
X129V6
R5AB
WCFAB
22.000
30.000
1. 000
9 . 000
30.000
1. 000
R5EM
EFCEM
27.000
0 . 000
1. 000
11.000
0 . 000
1. 000
R5UB/
CSPIN
22.000
45 .000
2 . 000
9 . 000
45.000
2 . 000
R5UB/
CSPOUT
22.000
60.000
8 . 000
9 . 000
60.000
3 . 000
R5UB /
EFCUB
22.000
30.000
2 . 000
9 . 000
30.000
2 . 000
R5UB/
WFCUB
22.000
30.000
2 . 000
9 . 000
30.000
2 . 000
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HEP Output
The HEP model for shortnose sturgeon (riverine) computes Habitat Suitability Indices (HSI's)
for the study area as a whole and for each subarea included in the data entry matrix. The HSI
for the whole study area is a weighted mean value - the subarea HSI's are weighted (multiplied)
by their respective areal coverages and a weighted mean computed from these products. The
overall HSI for the Foundry Cove study area, and the individual HSI's for each subarea, are
shown below.
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Study: SNSTURGR Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
7-02-1991
CoverType
R5AB
R5EM
R5UB/
R5UB/
R5UB/
R5UB/
Overall:
SubArea
WCFAB
EFCEM
CSPIN
CSPOUT
EFCUB
WFCUB
Area
HSI
50.0
0.200
14.0
0. 000
4.0
0. 000
183 .0
0. 000
34.0
0. 000
57.0
0. 000
342.0 0.029
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Study name: SNSTURGR 7-02-1991
HSI Values For The Entire Study Area:
Area HSI
SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine) 342.0 0.029
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Evaluation of Intermediate Functions
The interactive version of HEP permits the evaluator to examine intermediate stages in the
computation of the HSI's for the study area and subarea. Examination of these intermediate
functions can identify one or more variables that are most influential in determining final HSI
values. Below are the intermediate functions for each of the six habitat variables used in the
analysis. As noted in the main body of the report, the HEP model for shortnose sturgeon has
HSI's based on the minimum output value in the six habitat variable categories. Other habitat
variables may indicate the suitability of the habitat for discrete life stage functions (e.g.,
foraging, spawning) even though the overall habitat value of the area may be low.
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Study: SNSTURGR
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5AB SubArea: WCFAB
7-02-1991
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22.00
1.00
X129V2 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V3 mnu
1.00 1.00
X12 9V4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu '
1.00 0.20
0. 200
Study: SNSTURGR
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5EM SubArea: EFCEM
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
27 . 00
0. 62
X129V2 grf
0.00 0.80
X129V3 mnu
1.00 1.00
X129V4 grf
11.00 1.00
X129V5 grf
0.00 0.00
X129V6 mnu ;
1.00 0.20
0 . 000
7-02-1991
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Study: SNSTURGR
7-02-1991
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPIN
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22 . 00
1.00
X129V2 grf
45.00 1.00
X129V3 mnu
2.00 1.00
X12 9 V 4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
45.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu '
2.00 0.00
0.000
Study: SNSTURGR
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPOUT
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
XI2 9 VI grf min—HSI
22.00
1.00
X129V2 grf
60.00 0.86
X129V3 mnu
8.00 0.00
X129V4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
60.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu '
3.00 0.70
0 . 000
7-02-1991
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Study: SNSTURGR
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine;
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: EFCUB
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22.00
1. 00
X129V2 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V3 mnu
2.00 1.00
X12 9 V 4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu *
2.00 0.00
0. 000
7-02-1991
Study: SNSTURGR
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: WFCUB
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22 .00
1. 00
X129V2 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V3 mnu
2.00 1.00
X129V4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
30.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu '
2.00 0.00
0. 000
7-02-1991
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Sensitivity Analysis
The HEP model permits the evaluator to compute the changes in intermediate HSIs that would
result from changing input values by +/- 10 percent. The response of the HSIs to such changes
indicates the relative sensitivity of the intermediate functions to small changes in the habitat data.
Where a 10 percent change in input values results in a significant change in the resultant HSI
value, the model is sensitive to small changes in that habitat characteristic. Where the
intermediate HSIs do not change with small changes in input values, those habitat characteristics
retain particular values despite small variations.
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5AB SubArea: WCFAB
Base HSI: 0.200
Name
X129V1
Variable --
Value
22.000
10% change
+2.200
-2.200
HSI
Value
0. 200
0. 200
% change
in HSI
+0. o
+0. o
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0. 00
+o. oo
X129V2
30.000
+3.000
-3.000
0 . 200
0 .200
+ 0 . 0
+ 0 . 0
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
X12 9 V 3 1 integer
X129V4 9.000 +0.900 0.200 +0.0 +0.00
-0.900 0.200 +0.0 +0.00
X129V5 30.000 +3.000 0.200 +0.0 +0.00
-3.000 0.200 +0.0 +0.00
X129V6
1
integer
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5EM SubArea: EFCEM
Base HSI: 0.000
Name
X129V1
Variable
Value
10% change
27.000
+2.700
-2.700
HSI
Value
0. 000
0. 000
% change
in HSI
+0. 0
+0.0
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
X129V2
0 . 000
+0.000
+0.000
0 . 000
0 . 000
+ 0 . 0
+ 0 . 0
+ 0 . 00
-0 . 00
X129V3
X129V4
1
11.000
integer
+1.100
-1.100
0. 000
0. 000
+ 0 . 0
+ 0.0
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
X129V5
0. 000
+0.000
+0.000
0.000
0. 000
+ 0.0
+ 0.0
+ 0.00
+ 0 . 00
X129V6
1
integer
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study, name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPIN
Base HSI: 0.000
Variable HSI % change
Name Value 10% change Value in HSI
X129V1 22.000 +2.200 0.000 +0.0
-2.200 0.000 +0.0
X129V2 45.000 +4.500 0.000 +0.0
-4.500 0.000 +0.0
X129V3 2 integer
X129V4 9.000 +0.900 0.000 +0.0
-0.900 0.000 +0.0
X129V5 45.000 +4.500 0.000 +0.0
-4.500 0.000 +0.0
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0. 00
+0.00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0.00
+0.00
X129V6
2
integer
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPOUT
Base HSI: 0.000
Variable HSI % change
Name Value 10% change Value in HSI
X129V1 22.000 +2.200 0.000 +0.0
-2.200 0.000 +0.0
X129V2 60.000 +6.000 0.000 +0.0
-6.000 0.000 +0.0
X12 9 V 3 8 integer
X129V4 9.000 +0.900 0.000 +0.0
-0.900 0.000 +0.0
X129V5 60.000 +6.000 0.000 +0.0
-6.000 0.000 +0.0
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0. 00
+0. 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
X129V6
8
integer
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: EFCUB
Base HSI: 0.000
% change
in HSI
+0.0
+0.0
Variable HSI
Name Value 10% change Value
X129V1 22.000 +2.200 0.000
-2.200 0.000
X129V2 30.000 +3.000 0.000 +0.0
-3.000 ' 0.000 +0.0
X129V3 2 integer
X129V4 9.000 +0.900 0.000 +0.0
-0.900 0.000 +0.0
X129V5 30.000 +3.000 0.000 +0.0
-3.000 0.000 +0.0
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0.00
+0.00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+0.00
+0. 00
X129V6
2
integer
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Sensitivity analysis:
Study name: SNSTURGR
Current model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: WFCUB
Base HSI: 0.000
Variable HSI % change
Name Value 10% change Value in HSI
X129V1 22.000 +2.200 0.000 +0.0
-2.200 0.000 +0.0
X129V2 30.000 +3.000 0.000 +0.0
-3.000 0.000 +0.0
X129V3 2 integer
X129V4 9.000 +0.900 0.000 +0.0
-0.900 0.000 +0.0
X129V5 30.000 +3.000 0.000 +0.0
-3.000 0.000 +0.0
HSI
sensitivity to
unit change
in variable
+0.00
+ 0.00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0 . 00
+ 0. 00
+ 0. 00
X129V6
2
integer
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Analysis of Cold Spring Pier Area Only
Because the Cold Spring Pier area is most closely associated with the typical Hudson River
habitats, EPA expressed a desire to see this habitat evaluated separately, without the potential
influences of the cove habitats. The habitat characteristics remain the same as with the full
analysis previously reported; only the total study area acreage changes.
As can be seen from the model output and sensitivity analyses, the HSIs for the Cold Spring Pier
habitats remain unchanged when evaluated separately. Thus, combining these areas into a
broader HEP analysis does not hide or modify the habitat suitability of these areas for use by
shortnose sturgeon.
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Study: SNSTURGP Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine) 7-02-1991
CoverType SubArea Area HSI
R5UB/ CSPIN 4.0 0.000
R5UB/ CSPOUT 183.0 0.000
Overall:
187.0
0.000
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Study name: SNSTURGP 7-02-1991
HSI Values For The Entire Study Area:
Area HSI
SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine) 187.0 0.000
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Study: SNSTURGP
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPIN
7-02-1991
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22.00
1.00
X129V2 grf
45.00 1.00
X129V3 mnu
2.00 1.00
X129V4 grf
9.00 0.54
X129V5 grf
45.00 1.00
X129V6 mnu '
2.00 0.00
0. 000
Study: SNSTURGP
Model: SHORTNOSE STURGEON (riverine)
CoverType: R5UB/ SubArea: CSPOUT
LEV 3 LEV 2 LEV 1
X129V1 grf min—HSI
22 . 00
1. 00
X129V2 grf
60.00 0.36
X129V3 mnu
8.00 0.00
X129V4 grf
9.00 0.64
X129V5 grf
60.00 1.00
0.000
X129V6 mnu
3.00 0.70
7-02-1991
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REFERENCES
Ebasco Services Incorporated (Ebasco). 1989. Final Draft Supplemental Feasibility Study
Report: Marathon Battery Company Site, East and West Foundry Cove and the Pier Area,
Village of Cold Spring, Putnam County, New Jersey. Prepared for the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Hays, R.L. 1985. A Users Manual for HEP Accounting Software for Microcomputers -
Version 2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Lawler, Matusky & Skelly Engineers (LMS). 1984. Westway Mitigation Studies: Phase II -
Summer 1983 Data Report. Prepared for the New York Department of Transportation.
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