ML021910373

Sea Turtle Incidental Capture Report 2002-1

ML021910373
Person / Time
Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	07/02/2002
From:	Degregorio R AmerGen Energy Co, British Energy Co, Exelon Corp
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
2002-0188 2002-1
Download: ML021910373 (3)

Text

AmerGen Energy Company, LLC AmerGenM An Exelon/British Energy Company Oyster Creek US Route 9 South P.O. Box 388 Forked River, NJ o8731-o388 July 2, 2002 Correspondence No. 2002-0188 File No. 02051 US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555

Subject:

Oyster Creek Generating Station Docket 50-219 Sea Turtle Incidental Capture Report 2002-1 This report provides detailed information regarding the recent incidental capture of a juvenile Kemp's ridley -sea turtle at the Oyster Creek Generating Station. The turtle was captured alive during the morning of June 29, 2002, after it was observed swimming in front of the circulating water intake-structure trash bars. As indicated on the attached incident report, the turtle was taken to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ for examination, care, and eventual safe release.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Jay Vouglitois at (609) 971-4021.

Very truly yours,

./!~

Ron J. DeGregorio Vice President, Oyster Creek RJD/JJV/JJR Enclosure cc: Ms. Carrie McDaniel U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration National MarineFisheries Service Northeast Region Protected Resources Division One Blackburn Drive Gloucester, MA 01930 I

Page 2 of 2 cc: Mr. Hubert Miller, Administrator, Region 1 US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 475 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Mr. Peter Tam US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Project Manager Washington, DC 20555 Mr. James Wilson, Mailstop 0-11 -Fl US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 Senior Resident Inspector Oyster Creek Generating Station PO Box 388 Forked River NJ 08731 Mr. Dave Jenkins NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife P.O. Box 400 Trenton, NJ 08625-0400

OYSTER CREEK GENERATING STATION Sea Turtle Incidental Capture Report 2002-1 At approximately 0200 hours0.00231 days <br />0.0556 hours <br />3.306878e-4 weeks <br />7.61e-5 months <br /> on Saturday June 29, 2002, an Oyster Creek Generating Station (OCGS) operator performing a routine inspection of the trash racks noticed a sea turtle swimming freely in Bay #5 and Bay #6 of the circulating water intake structure. The turtle was carefully dip-netted from Bay #6 as quickly as possible and found to be apparently healthy and moving about normally. OCGS Environmental personnel who took custody of the turtle confirmed it to be a juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi). The water temperature at the time of the incidental capture was approximately 79.2 F (26.2 C) and OCGS was in operation at full power with four circulating water pumps and two dilution pumps in operation. Although it is impossible to say precisely how long the turtle had been in the vicinity of the intake structure, the circulating water trash racks had been cleaned approximately four hours prior to the turtle's capture, at 2200 hours0.0255 days <br />0.611 hours <br />0.00364 weeks <br />8.371e-4 months <br /> on June 28. The turtle was not observed during that trash rack cleaning process.

The turtle measured 10.0 in (25.4 cm) carapace length straight line and 9.5 in (24.1 cm) carapace width straight line. Sex was not determined. A scar was observed on the right side of the carapace; no tags were observed on the animal. USNRC and NMFS personnel were notified of the capture within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> on June 29, 2002.

The turtle was taken to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine, NJ at approximately 0455 hours0.00527 days <br />0.126 hours <br />7.523148e-4 weeks <br />1.731275e-4 months <br /> on June 29. At the MMSC, the turtle was examined and fed. The wound on the carapace was determined not to be a significant concern. The turtle will be held at the MMSC for a few days before it is tagged and released into near-shore waters around Brigantine, NJ.