ML070160656

VYNPS - SEIS Web Reference - About the River: Connecticut River Watershed Council

ML070160656
Person / Time
Site:	Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png
Issue date:	12/18/2006
From:	Connecticut River Watershed Council
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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Download: ML070160656 (2)

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Introduction Watershed Geography Special Designations Special Attributes Issues Confronting The River A Cultural Snapshot Issues Confronting The River Water Quality Threats The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission issued a rep early 1998 on water quality threats that are beyond the abilities of local and governments to address and resolve on their own. "The Health of the Waters identifies specific locations of problems such as toxins in the River (e.g., PCB combined sewer overflows (CSOs), bio-accumulation of contaminants, and n source pollution. CSOs cause temporary Class C conditions in urban areas aft storm events. All four of the watershed states have public health advisories o consumption of fish.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation A comprehensive inventory and assessment of critical fish and wildlife habita the watershed was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the Cont Refuge. Habitat loss and fragmentation were found to be significant threats t rich bio-diversity of the Connecticut River Valley. The Service identified 142,0 acres as "special focus areas" that warrant protection, either because of the presence of protected species or to maintain bio-diversity.

Air Pollution Acid precipitation and atmospheric deposition of mercury and other contamin are a problem throughout the watershed. While some sources are local, mos sources of air pollution affecting the watershed are outside the region.

Hydroelectric Dams The Connecticut is one of the most developed rivers in the Northeast, with 1 Page 1 of 2 Connecticut River Watershed Council: About the River 12/18/2006 http://www.ctriver.org/about_river/issues.html

that affect water quality, flow, fisheries, and other river aspects. Federal ope licenses for all of the dams are beginning to come up for renewal. Before eac 40-50 year license is issued, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, sta agencies, and interest groups like the Watershed Council will examine the pr operation of each hydroelectric facility to insure it is balanced with protection River and its recreational and natural values.

Zebra Mussels and other Invasive Species A number of invasive species have taken hold in the watershed and threaten species. These include: common reed (Phragmites), purple loosestrife, Euras milfoil and water chestnut; also, mute swans, asiatic clams, and wooly adelg Fortunately, the Connecticut has not yet been invaded by Zebra mussels. Th threat is very real, however, as they have taken hold and become a major sc in nearby waters, e.g., the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.

Return to top Page 2 of 2 Connecticut River Watershed Council: About the River 12/18/2006 http://www.ctriver.org/about_river/issues.html