of 10 vs 15 cores were made over two years using species area curves , 

 density (mean + 95% confidence interval), and species composition. 

 Based on these data, there was no apparent qualitative or quantitative 

 advantage of collecting the additional 5 cores and a change back to 10 

 replicates was formally submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 



Overall, the present "long-term" program of 10 quarterly replicates 

 at 4 subtidal and 2 intertidal sites will be adequate to assess Unit 3 

 impacts assuming the program is continued through the operational phase. 

 This continuity is necessary given the lack of long-term data due to 

 limitations created by previous sampling techniques (freezing samples). 

 The only modification to this long-term study would be the inclusion of 

 the White Point intertidal site into the routine sampling program and 

 the sampling of a new Effluent site, since Unit 3 operation will probably 

 preclude sampling our present site. 



In the future, emphasis will be placed on performing short-term 

 studies in areas of potentially most severe plant impacts. These data 

 will complement the long-term base but will not require extended sampling 

 periods. The studies include sampling inside the discharge Quarry, and 

 along seaward transects at the Effluent and Intake. This information 

 will be used to establish maximum plant impacts on benthic communities 

 and will be useful in delineating any Unit 3 impacts in areas further 

 removed from the plant. Other studies will be performed in the Jordan 

 Cove- White Point area, the area of potentially the most severe 

 impact once Unit 3 is operational. Studies presently being considered 

 include eelgrass mapping and intertidal sand flat sampling. 



