One modification was based on the determination of optimum sampling 

 frequency for quantitative collections. We found that five collections 

 per year, in the months specified by our Environmental Technical Specifi- 

 cations, were not adequate to assess seasonal variability in the undisturbed 

 transects, but that six collections per year (bi-monthly) were sufficient. 

 The substitution of sampling months required a change in our Tech Specs; 

 the justification for the change request is included in Appendix II. 



Pending approval of the request, the undisturbed transects are 

 being sampled seven times in 1982; it is anticipated that bi-monthly 

 sampling will begin in January 1983. This sampling schedule applies 

 only to the undisturbed transects, where the changes over time are 

 slower and more predictable; all qualitative algal collections, Ascophyllum 

 growth measurement, and sampling of recolonization transects, exclusion 

 cages, and control areas will continue to be made monthly. 



Another change to the rocky shore sampling program that went into 

 effect October 1981 was the addition of two intertidal sampling stations. 

 One station is on Millstone Point, between the Intakes and the Effluent 

 cut (Fig. 2). Qualitative algal collections, and monitoring undisturbed 

 transects at this site, should allow us to determine the extent to which 

 heated effluent water, that may be recirculating back into the intakes, 

 is affecting the intertidal community. This information will be partic- 

 ularly important as Unit 3 pre-operational data. 



The other new station is on Twotree Island (Fig. 2) . According to 

 the hydrographic models this site is presently non- impacted, but the 

 thermal plume resulting from 3 unit operation may affect it. Sufficient 

 substratum for permanent transects is lacking, so Twotree Island will be 

 sampled qualitatively only; floristic characterization will be useful as 

 Unit 3 pre-operational data. 



