ML052010506
| ML052010506 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Monticello  |
| Issue date: | 08/02/2002 |
| From: | US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Xcel Energy |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| Davis J, NRR/DRIP/RLEP, 415-3835 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML052010506 (4) | |
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Xcel Energy/USFWS Avian Protection Memorandum Of Understanding Semi-Annual Report #1 August 2, 2002 On April 19, 2002, Xcel Energy and the USFWS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish procedures and policies to be employed by the Company's operating companies and the Service in dealing with migratory birds that may be present, injured or killed on the Company's property during the period of this MOU.
As part of the agreement, Xcel Energy agreed to file a report three months and two weeks after the date of the execution of this MOU to the Service compiling the information described above in the MOU, which occurred during the initial three-month period. The Company is submitting one report on behalf of all the operating companies that signed the MOU. The filing date is based upon the signing date of the Public Service of Colorado (April 19, 2002).
- 1.
Status of the Development and Implementation of an Avian Protection Plan (APP)
Xcel Energy has contracted with EDM International in April, 2002 to develop the APP for the PSCo service territory, which complies with of Section 4.A. of the MOU. It is expected that APP will be complete by the end of 2003. Xcel Energy will start development of the APP's for the remainder of the service companies, but have proposed to the Service that those APP's will not be fully developed until the PSCo APP is finalized. This will allow us to develop one APP, work out issues and have the format available to promptly complete the remaining APP's. Regardless of the completion date of the APP's, Xcel Energy is moving forward with employee training and continuing to address issues. Therefore, Xcel Energy is in compliance with Section 4.A. of the other MOUs.
- 2.
Status of Special Purpose Permit Xcel Energy is coordinating the acquisition of the "Special Purpose Permit" from the Service and expects to have an application filed by September 15, 2002.
- 3.
Summary of Avian Injuries There have been no avian injuries during this period.
- 4.
Summary of Avian Deaths The following table summarizes avian deaths that have occurred since April 19, 2002. Specific details of an incident can be provided upon request.
Xcel Energy/USFWS Avian Protection Memorandum Of Understanding Sermi-Annual Report #1 August 2, 2002 Operating Description Date Comments Company SPS Two Golden Eagles 5/03/02 A call was received from USFW agent Rob Lee, out of electrocuted on a Lubbock, TX informing Xcel Energy of the electrocutions utility pole in and inquired if this could have been one of SPS poles, Midland County and if not, did we know whose pole it was.
It was determined by Mr. Lee that the pole belonged to BP Arco. No further action was performed.
SPS Decaying Golden Discovered USFW agent Rob Lee in Lubbock, TX was notified. Mr.
Eagle at Harrington on 6/18/02 Lee bagged and picked up the carcass. A necroscopy Station, near was to be performed if decay was not too severe. It is Amarillo, TX.
uncertain if electrocution was cause of death. There are no immediate plans for structure modifications, though Mr. Lee did make some suggestions for possible nearby structure modifications in the future.
SPS Harris Hawk 6/20/02 Modifications of the pole were performed on July 03, electrocution on 2002. The modifications were:
utility pole at
. The old cross arm was replaced, along with going to Carlsbad, New 60-inch braces verses 110's.
Mexico.
. Replaced the pole ground with 600 volt #4 TW from below the tank ground on the transformer, to the top of the pole.
. Replaced the 10 kV arrester with a new wildlife protected one.
. Installed bird guards on the transformer jumper.
. Replaced all primary jumpers with 600 volt #4 TW.
. Lashed molding to all three phases on each side of the structure.
Photos are available. The total cost for labor, vehicles, and materials came to $344.30. A report was sent to USFW agent Brian Lakes in Albuquerque.
NSP-Crows electrocuted 6/24/02 Two adult crows found dead in substation. Appeared to Wisconsin in Blair substation, have been attacking fake owl and possibly contacted Blair, WI bus work. Reported to Pam R. in July and to Robin Flaherty on 811/02. Since information provided late and electrocution not confirmed, Xcel will monitor situation for further incidents and will correct if occur again.
NSP-Wisconsin 1 mourning dove (not confirmed), 16 immature starlings in Bugle Lake substation, Independence, WI 7/17/02 &
7/30/02 Lineman reported on 7/17/02 that several dead birds had been found in substation. Site was reviewed on 7/17/02 and 7 dead starlings found in various stages of decomposition. Lineman reported that he had seen a mouming dove on previous visit earlier in week, but no dove was found on this visit. General review of site did not find an area where contact may have occurred.
Reported to local Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologist that day. Reported to substation maintenance who planned to review site and perform a more detailed analysis of Page 2 of 4
Xcel Energy/USFWS Avian Protection Mvierorandum Of Understanding Semi-Annual Report #1 August 2, 2002 Operating Description Date Comments Company possible problem areas in substation. On 7/30/02 9 additional birds found. Reported to WDNR and also USFWS (Robin Flaherty). Substation maintenance will review on 8/5/02. Birds have decomposed quickly due to hot weather. No signs of electrocution apparent.
Will continue to monitor site and try to get birds freshly killed to send to WDNR lab. Will follow up with status in next report.
- 5.
Summary of Migratory Bird Nest Removals A. Active Migratory Bird Nests Non-Emergency Removals None have been reported.
B. Active Nests Of Non-Endangered/Threatened. Non-eagle Migratory Birds-EmergencY Removals Operating Description Date Comments Company NSP-Removed osprey 5/22/02 The nest was directly on the conductors and the Wisconsin nest under lineman was concerned about the possibility of fire.
construction on The nest was under construction, there were no eggs.
distribution line in The USFWS office in St. Paul was contacted the next Eau Claire, WI day Robin Flaherty SPS Hawk nest with 6/13/02 Informed USFW Service agent Rob Lee on June 13. It juveniles caused was subsequently determined that the pole did not outage.
belong to Xcel Energy. The pole was energized by June 21. It is unknown what became of the nest and juvenile hawks. Rob Lee was notified by phone of the situation.
SPS Company personnel 7/17/02 Informed USFW Service agent Rob Lee on July 17. He were trimming trees stated the proper approach for such incidents is to wait at Bones Hook until the nest becomes inactive before trimming the Park, located in branch(s) containing the nest. Once the nest is Amarillo, TX and inactive, it can be destroyed (Texas, Oklahoma, found an occupied Arizona, New Mexico). He also mentioned that during hawk nest.
future similar circumstances, when trimming the tree, try not to leave an isolated branch. Keeping several branches in place surrounding the nest would decrease the chance of juvenile raptors being electrocuted. The information was relayed to appropriate personnel.
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Xcel Energy/USFWS 0
Avian Protection Memorandum Of Understanding Serni-Annual Report #1 August 2, 2002 C. Inactive Nests of Non-listed. Non-eagle Migratorv Birds -Emergency Removal Operating Company Description Date Comments NSP-Wisconsin Removed crow nest on Ino 5/23/02 The nest was close to conductors.
Pump substation near Iron Informed USFWS prior to removal River, WI (Robin Flaherty) and also worked with USDA animal control division.
Wisconsin Law allows removal of crow nests that pose a risk to property.
D. Endangered/Threatened Migratory Bird Nest Removals No removals have been reported
- 6.
Eagle Permits None have been applied for.
- 7.
Summary of Record-Keeping Procedures Xcel Energy is currently developing record keeping procedures. Once the special purpose permits are acquired, final procedures will be completed.
The next report will be submitted to the Service in six months (within 30 days following that date.)
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