ML17289A517

Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2 1991 Annual Rept. W/920424 Ltr

ML17289A517
Person / Time
Site:	Columbia
Issue date:	12/31/1991
From:	Bell J WASHINGTON PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM
To:	Zeller J WASHINGTON, STATE OF
References
NUDOCS 9205040301
Download: ML17289A517 (223)

Text

ACCELERATED D WRIBUTION DEMONS TION SYSTEM r

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REGULATORY INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (RIDS)

DOCKET FACIL:50-397 WPPSS Nuclear Project, Unit 2, Washington Public Powe 05000397 AUTH. NAME AUTHOR AFFILIATION BELL,J.C. Washington Public Power Su ply System RECIP.NAME RECIPIENT AFFILIATION R

ZELLER,J.J. Washington, State of

SUBJECT:

"Operational Ecologi ing Program for Nuclear Plant 2 1991 Annual Rept." W/920424 tr.

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TITLE: Environmental Monitoring Rept,(per Tech Specs)

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WASHINGTON PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM P.O. Box 96B ~ 3000 George Washington Way ~ Richland, Washington 993S2 April 24, 1992 Jason J. Zeller, Manager Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council Mail Stop FA-11 Olympia, WA 98501-1211

Subject:

TRANSMITTAL OF OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM NUCLEAR PLANT 2 ANNUAL REPORT Enclosed are five (5) copies of the subject report.

Sincerely, J.C. Bell Manager Plant Services JCB:pg Enclosures (5) cc: (w/enclosures)

~Document Control Desk; NRCQ W.M. Dean, Project Manager, NRC J. Witczak, Department of Ecology R.K. Woodruff, Battelle Ctt(0 t 5 qpp504030< qff+310>000397 PDR AQOCH PDR R

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TABLE F NTENT

~Senti n ~Pa e EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

~ ~ ~ 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................... ii TABLES ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 111 F IGURES ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ V

1.0 INTRODUCTION

....................................... 1-1

1.1 BACKGROUND

............'......................... l-l 1 ~2 THE SITE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... 1-2 1o3 REFERENCES o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o 1-4 2.0 NOTABLE ENVIRONMENTALOBSERVATIONS ............ ~..... 2-1

. 2o 1 2 .2 INTRODUCTION 2 3 RESULTS

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3.0 AQUATIC BIOASSAYS................................... 3-1 3 Ool

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1.1 INTRODUCTION

.........................,..... 3-1 3.1.2 METHODS AND MATERIALS....................... 3-1 3.1.3 RESULTS AND.DISCUSSION ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ \ ~ ~ ~

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1.4 REFERENCES

................................. 3-5 3.2 DAPHNIA BIOASSAYS ................................ 3-9 3.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

............................... 3-9 3.2.2 METHODS AND MATERIALS....................... 3-9 3.2.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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2.4 REFERENCES

................................. 3-11 (ER-1991.ALIJENV1)

4.0 WATER QUALITY..................................... 4-1

. 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 4-1 4.2.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION........................ 4-2 4.2.2 FIELD EQUIPMENT 8c MEASUREMENTS 4-3 4.2.3 LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS ................... 4-4 4.3 RES ULTS o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4 4 4.3.1 TEMPERATURE............................... 4-4 4.3.2 DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) ....................... 4-4 4.3.3 pH AND ALKALINITY 45 4 o3o4 HARDNESS o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4-5 4.3.5 CONDUCTIVITY 4-5 4o3o6 TURBIDITY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4-6 4.3o7 TOTAL RESIDUAL CHLORINE (TRC) 4-6 4.3o8 METALS..................................... 4-6 4.3.9 AMMONIA-NITROGENAND NH.'RATE-NITROGEN 4-9 4.3.10 OIL AND GREASE 4-9 4.3.11 TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AND ORTHOPHOSPHORUS 4-9 4.3.12 SULFATE .................................... 4-10 4.3.13 TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS, TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND TURBIDITY ......... ~..................... 4-10 4,4 DISCUSSION.......................... ~ ~ ~ ~ .........4-11 4,5 RE FERENCES ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ...... .. ~ 4-11 5.0 COOLING TOWER DRIFT STUDIES 5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION

. 5-1 5.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 5-1 5.2.1 HERBACEOUS CANOPY COVER................... 5-1 5.2.2 HERBACEOUS PHYTOMASS 5-2 5.2.3 SHRUB CANOPY COVER........................ 5-3 5.2.4 SHRUB DENSITY......... ~................... 5-3

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5.2.5 SOIL CHEMISTRY .............................. 5-3 5.2.6 VEGETATION CHEMISTRY ........................ 5-4 5.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................ 5-5 5.3.1 HERBACEOUS COVER ........................... 5-5 5.3.2 HERBACEOUS PHYTOMASS ....................... 5-6 5.3.3 SHRUB COVER AND DENSlTY...................... 5-7 5.3.4 SOIL CHEMISTRY .............................. 5-7 5.3.5 VEGETATION CHEMISTRY...................,.... 5-8 5.4

SUMMARY

AND CONCLUSIONS ...............,......... 5-8 5 5 REFERENCES e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

6.0 INTAKE STRUCTUI& FOULING SURVEYS ..................... 6-1 7.0 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY .. 7-1

7.1 INTRODUCTION

................................... ~ 7-1 7.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS ........................... 7-1 7.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................ 7-3

7. 5 REFERENCES

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EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

During 1991, there were no unusual events which resulted in significant environmental impacts from the operation of WNP-2.

There were no unanticipated or emergency discharges of water or wastewater during the reporting period.

Three fish bioassays were successfully completed with a survival rate criterion of greater than 80%. These results are in agreement with those achieved in the first NPDES flow-through test performed in October 1990.

Two ~Da hnia bioassays were successfully completed with a survival rate criterion of greater than 80%.

With respect to all of the measured parameters sampled under the operating conditions prevailing during 1991, WNP-2 cooling water discharge had little effect upon Columbia River water quality.

Total herbaceous cover increased 68.94% in 1991. A corresponding increase in herbaceous phytomass was also observed. Soil and vegetation analyte concentrations were generally within the ranges observed in previous years. Changes in vegetation cover and density recorded in 1991 appear to be directly related to the growing season precipitation and temperature, with no evident signs of adverse impacts from the operation of WNP-2 cooling towers evident.

Color infrared aerial photographs along 5 flightlines were taken in May 1991. The health of the vegetation in the color infrared photographs appeared good along all five flightlines. A comparison of these photographs with those taken in 1989 show that there has been little change in the shrub health and density.

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A KN WLED EMENT This annual report, prepared by Washington Public Power Supply System, describes the aquatic, terrestrial and water quality programs for Nuclear Project No. 2 (WNP-2).

Pro ect T m Terry E. Northstrom Supervisor, Environmental Sciences Barbara A. 'Anderson Environmental Scientist I John E. McDonald Environmental Scientist I Deborah C. Singleton Environmental Scientist I Richard E. Welch Environmental Scientist I Todd A. Borak Environmental Scientist II Lana S. Schleder Environmental Scientist II

L~if Number Title ~Pa e Summary of Historical and Long Term Environmental Monitoring Programs for WNP-2 1-8 3-1-1 Size and Weight of Control Fish Used in Bioassay Test 3-7 3-1-2 Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods 3-7 3-1-3 Summary of Water Quality Parameters 3-8 3-1-4 Summary of Total Copper and Total Zinc Measurements 3-8 3-2-1 Test Conditions of ~Da hni ttttlex 3-2-2 Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods 3-13 3-2-3 Physical and Chemical Parameters of Dilution (Control) and Effluent (Test) Solution at the Beginning of Each Test Period 3-13 4-1 Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and 4-13 Sampling Frequencies, 1991 Summary of Water Quality Parameters EPA and ASTM Method Numbers 4-14 4-3 Summary of Temperature Measurements for 1991 4-15 4-4 Summary of Dissolved Oxygen Measurements for 1991 4-15 4-5 Summary of pH Measurements for 1991 4-16 4-6 Summary of pH, Alkalinity and Hardness Measurements for 4-16 1991 4-7 Total Hardness Measurements for 1991 4-17 Summary of Conductivity Measurements for 1991 4-17 4-9 Summary of Turbidity Measurements for 1991 4-18 4-10 Summary of Total Residual Chlorine Measurements for 1991 4-18 4-11 Summary of Copper Measurements for 1991 4-19 4-12 Summary of Nickel Measurements for 1991 4-19 4-13 Summary of Zinc Measurements for 1991 4-20 4-14 Summary of Iron Measurements for 1991 4-20 4-15 Summary of Lead Measurements for 1991 4-21

U~fT (Continued)

Number Title P~ae 4-16 Summary of Cadmium Measurements for 1991 4-21 4-17 Summary of Chromium Measurements for 1991 4-22 4-18 Summary of Ammonia Measurements for 1991 4-22 4-19 Summary of Oil and Grease Measurements for 1991 4-23 4-20 Summary of Nitrate Measurements for 1991 4-23 4-21 Summary of Total Phosphorus Measurements for 1991 4-24 4-22 Summary of Orthophosphate Measurements for 1991 4-24 4-23 Summary of Sulfate Measurements for 1991 4-25 4-24 Summary of Quarterly Total Mercury Measurements for 1991 4-25 4-25 Summary of Total Dissolved and Total Suspended Solids Measurements for 1991 4-26 Vascular Plants Observed During 1991 Field Work 5-10

~ 5-2 Vascular Plants Observed During 1975-1991 Field Work 5-14 5-3 Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Stations-1991 5-18 5-4 Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1991 5-19 5-5 Mean Frequency Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station - 1991 5-21 5-6 Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1991 5-22 5-7 Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass for 1975 through 1991 5-24 5-8 Summary of Shrub Density for 1991 5-25 5-9 Summary of Shrub Cover (%) at Five Stations for 1991 5-26 5-10 Summary of Soil Chemistry for 1991 5-27 5-11 Summary of Vegetation Chemistry for 1991 5-28

~~~Lif Number Title ~Pa e WNP-2 Gross Thermal Production for 1991 1-10 1-2 WNP-2 Days Per Month Discharging and Mean Monthly Discharge 1-3 WNP-2 Location Map 1-12 1-4 Columbia River Mean Monthly Flow for 1991 1-13 2-1 WNP-2 Property Boundary 2-3 4-1 Location of Sampling Stations in the Columbia River 4-27 4-2 Sampling Station Locations for Water Chemistry 4-28 4-3 Columbia River and WNP-2 Discharge Temperature Measurements During 1991 4-29 4-4 Columbia River Dissolved Oxygen Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-30 4-5 Columbia River pH Measurements at Six Stations During 1991 4-31 4-6 Columbia River Total Alkalinity Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-32 4-7 Columbia River Conductivity Measurements at Six Stations During 1991 4-33 4-8 Columbia River and WNP-2 Discharge Total Zinc Measurements During 1991 4-34 4-9 Columbia River and WNP-2 Discharge Total Iron Measurements During 1991 4-35 4-10 Columbia River Total Hardness Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-36 4-11 Columbia River Nitrate - Nitrogen Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-37 4-12 Columbia River Total Phosphorus Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-38

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i fFi r (Continued)

Number ~Ti le P~e 4-13 Columbia River Total Sulfate Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-39 4-14 Columbia River Total Dissolved Solids Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-40 4-15 Columbia River Total Suspended Solids Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-41 4-16 Columbia River Turbidity Measurements at Four Stations During 1991 4-42 5-1 Soil and Vegetation Sampling Location Map 5-30 5-2 Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots 5-29 5-3 Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1991 5-31 5-4 Mean Herbaceous Cover, Mean Dry Weight (g/m~), Total Precipitation, and Mean Temperature From 1982 through 1991 5-32 5-5 Mean Herbaceous Phytomass at Grassland and Shrub Stations for 1975 through 1991 5-33 5-6 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations GOl to GO4 for 1980 through 1991 5-34 5-7 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations GO5 to G08 for 1980 through 1991 5-35 5-8 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations SO1 to SO4 for 1980 through 1991 5-36 5-9 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations SO5 to SO7 for 1980 through 1991 5-37 5-10 Shrub Density at Five Stations for 1984 through 1991 5-38 5-11 Mean Total Shrub Cover for 1975 through 1991 5-39 5-12 Shrub Cover and Density for Five Stations for 1991 5-40

Lis of Fi ures (Continued)

Number ~Titl ~Pa e 5-13 Soil pH and Conductivity for 1980 through 1991 5<1 5-14 Soil Sulfate and Chloride for 1980 through 1991 5-42 5-15 Soil Bicarbonate and Copper for 1980 through 1991 5-43 5-16 Soil Lead and ¹ckel for 1980 through 1991 5-44 5-17 Soil Cadmium and Zinc for 1980 through 1991 5-45 5-18 Soil Chromium and Sodium for 1980 through 1991 5-46 5-19 Soil Potassium and Calcium for 1980 through 1991 5-47 5-20 Soil Magnesium for 1980 through 1991 5-48 5-21 Copper Concentration (ug/g) in ~Phl x ~In i~flia and Bomos ~tec orum by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-49 5-22 Copper Concentration (ug/g) in ~Artemisi irtdentgtg and ~purshi tride~ntg by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-50 5-23 Copper Concentration (ug/g) in ~tmbrium altissimum and

~P ~~nd ~er ii by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-51 5-24 Chloride Concentration (%) in Bromus ~tec rum and Phlox l((lnii~fli by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-52 5-25 Chloride Concentration (%) in Argm~isi.~ 1riden~t and P~r~hi;t ~ridenta by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-53 5-26 Chloride Concentration (%) in P~o ~sandbar ii and 8~is mbrium

~li ~im im by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-54 5-27 Sulfate Concentration (%) in Phlox i~on i~fli and 5ii~mrium ~li ~imam by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-55 5-28 Sulfate Concentration (%) in Arremisia tride~ntg and P~ursht ~tri enta by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-56

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List of Fi ur (Continued)

~Nmber Title P~e 5-29 Sulfate Concentration (%) in Poa ~andber ii and Bromua iKf~i~m by Station for 1980 through 1991 5-57 5-30 Total Vegetation Copper, Chloride and Sulfate for 1991 5-58 Aerial Photography Flightlines 7-6

I.O I~NTR 0 BACKGR UND Washington Public Power Supply System (Supply System) began site preparation for Nuclear Plant Number 2 (WNP-2) near Richland, Washington in March 1973. WNP-2 loaded fuel in December 1983, reached approximately 75 percent thermal load in November 1984, and began commercial operation in December 1984.

The Site Certification Agreement (SCA) for WNP-2, executed on May 17, 1972, between the State of Washington and the Supply System, requires that ecological monitoring be conducted during the preoperational and operational phases of site development and use. The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) approved a change in 1978 to the technical scope of environmental monitoring required by the SCA (EFSEC Resolution No. 132, January 23, 1978). In 1980, the aquatic water quality portions of the preoperational monitoring program were terminated (EFSEC Resolution No. 166, March 24, 1980). The following year the preoperational and operational terrestrial monitoring program scope for WNP-2 was modified (EFSEC Resolution No. 193, May 26, 1981). Prior to operation, the council reviewed the preoperational aquatic monitoring data and approved the operational monitoring program (EFSEC Resolution No. 214, November 8, 1982).

The Supply System in 1974 retained Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (BNW) to conduct the preoperational aquatic monitoring for WNP-2. The results of aquatic studies performed from September 1974 through August 1978 are presented in various reports (Battelle 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979a and 1979b). From August 1978 through March 1980 the aquatic studies were performed by Beak Consultants, Inc. (Beak 1980). In 1982 the Supply System analyzed the 1974-1980 aquatic data and presented the results and a recommended operational monitoring program to EFSEC (Mudge et. al., 1982). The operational program 1-1 0

was accepted with minor modifications and initiated in March 1983. Due to operational conditions, the plant did not consistently discharge liquid effluents until the fall of 1984.

0 Figures 1-1 and 1-2 present summaries of electrical generation and monthly discharges for 1991.

Terrestrial monitoring was initiated in 1974 and was conducted by BNW until 1979 (Rickard and Gano, 1976, 1977, 1979a, 1979b). Beak Consultants, Inc. performed the vegetation monitoring program from 1980-1982 (Beak 1981, 1982a, 1982b). Since 1983, Supply System scientists have been responsible for the vegetation aspects of the program (Northstrom et.al., 1984; Supply System 1985; 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991).

During 1981, the animal studies program was taken over by Supply System scientists and results were reported annually (Schleder 1982, 1983, 1984 Supply System 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989). The first comprehensive operational environmental report was prepared by Supply System scientists in 1984 (Supply System 1985).

During their regular meeting of September 14, 1987, the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council approved Resolution No. 239, which adopted a long-term environmental monitoring

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program for WNP-2. This decision was based upon the council's examination of the document titled, Review f he Envir nmental Moni rin Pr m for WNP-2 wi h Rec mmen i n for De i n f n in in ie (Davis and Northstrom, 1987).

'his report presents the results of the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) for the period January 1991 through December 1991.

1.2 THE ITE The WNP-2 plant site is located 19 km (12 miles) north of Richland, Washington in Benton County (Figure 1-3). The Supply System has leased 441 hectares (1089 acres) from the U.S.

Department of Energy's Hanford Site for WNP-2.

1-2

WNP-2 lies within the boundaries of the Columbia Basin, an extensive area south of the Columbia River between the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains in Oregon and approximately two thirds of the area lying east of the Cascades in Washington. The plant communities within the region are described as shrub-steppe communities consisting of various layers of perennial grasses overlayed by a discontinuous layer of shrubs. In general, moisture relations do not support arborescent species except along streambanks.

Approximately 5 km (3.25 miles) to the east, the site is bounded by the Columbia River. In August of 1984, a range fire destroyed much of the shrub cover which occupied the site and temporarily modified the shrub-steppe associations which were formerly present.

The water quality sampling stations are located near the west bank of the Columbia River at mile 352. Sampling was limited to the main channel on the Benton County side which, near the site, averages 370 meters (1200 feet) wide at a river elevation of 105 meters (345 feet) above sea level and ranges to 7.3 meters (24 feet) deep. Sampling stations have been established in the river both upstream and downstream from the plant intake and discharge

. structures. The river level in this area fluctuates considerably diurnally and from day-to-day in response to release patterns at the Priest Rapids Dam (River Mile 397). These fluctuations cause large areas of river bottom to be alternately exposed and covered. The river bottom within the study area varies from exposed Ringold conglomerate to boulders, cobble, gravel, and sand. River velocities at the surface average approximately 2 meters (5 to 6 feet) per second in this area of the river, and water temperature varies from approximately 0 to 22'C.

'he flow of the Columbia River at WNP-2 is controlled by releases from Priest Rapids Dam.

The minimum flow, measured at the USGS stream-quality station located at river mile 388.1 near the Vernita Bridge, was 35,200 cfs (cubic feet per second), while average and maximum flows in 1991 were 142,627 and 288,000 cfs, respectively (Figure 1-4.)

1-3

The terrestrial sampling locations are all within an 8 km (5 mile) radius from WNP-2. The topography is flat to gently rolling, gradually increasing from an elevation of 114 meters (375 feet) at the riparian sampling locations to approximately 152 meters (500 feet) 'at more distant shrubgrass sample stations.

1.3 REF EREN Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories. 1976. Aquatic ecological studies conducted near WNP-1, 2, 'and 4, September 1974 through September 1975. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 2. Richland, WA.

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories. 1977. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, October 1975 through February 1976. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 3. Richland, WA.

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories.

and 4, March through December 1976.

1978. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1, 2, Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol.

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4. Richland, WA.

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories. 1979a. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-l, 2, and 4, March through December 1977. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 5. Richland, WA.

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories. 1979b. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, January through August 1978. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 6. Richland, WA.

Beak Consultants, Inc. 1980. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, August 1978 through March 1980. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 7.

Portland, OR.

Beak Consultants, Inc. 1981. Terrestrial monitoring studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, May through December 1980. Portland, OR.

Beak Consultants, Inc. 1982a. Terrestrial monitoring studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, May through December 1981. Portland, OR.

Beak Consultants, Inc. 1982b. Preoperational terrestrial monitoring studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, May through August 1982. Portland, OR.

Davis, W. III and T.E. Northstrom, 1987. Review of the environmental monitoring program for WNP-2 with recommendations for design of continuing studies. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland, WA.

Mudge, J.E., T.B. Stables, W. Davis III. 1982. Technical review of the aquatic monitoring program of WNP-2. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland WA.

Northstrom, T.E, J.L. Hickam and T.B. Stables. 1984. Terrestrial monitoring studies for 1983. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland, WA.

Rickard, W.H. and K.A. Gano. 1976. Terrestrial ecology studies in the vicinity of Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Projects 1 and 4. Progress report for the period July 1974 to June 1975. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

Rickard, W.H. and K.A. Gano. 1977. Terrestrial ecology studies in the vicinity of Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Projects 1 and 4. Progress report for 1976. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

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Rickard, W.H. and K.A. Gano. 1979a. Terrestrial ecology studies in the vicinity of Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Projects 1 and 4. Progress report for 1977. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

Rickard, W.H. and K.A. Gano. 1979b. Terrestrial ecology studies in the vicinity of Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Projects 1 and 4. Progress report for 1978. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

Schleder, L'.S. 1982. Preoperational animal studies near WNP-1, 2 and 4. Annual report for 1981. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland, WA.

Schleder, L.S. 1983. Preoperational animal studies near WNP-1, 2 and 4. Annual report for 1982. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland, WA.

Schleder, L.S. 1984. Preoperational animal studies near WNP-1, 2 and 4. Annual report for 1983. Washington Public Power Supply System, Richland, WA. ~.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1985. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1984. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1986. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1985. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1987. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1986. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1988. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1987. Richland, WA.

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1989. Operational ecological, monitoring program

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Washington Public Power Supply System.

for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1988. Richland, WA.

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Washington Public Power Supply System. 1990. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1989. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1991. Operational ecological monitoring program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual report for 1990. Richland, WA.

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Table 1-1. Summary of Historical and Long Term Environmental Monitoring Programs for WNP-2 ecific Pro m Histori l Pr m Pr ed Pr ram Asiatic clam - inspections in Regulatory commitment has response to an NRC been completed. No further information bulletin. studies are proposed; however, incidental observations will be made when maintenance inspections of the condenser water boxes are conducted.

Water Quality Program Samples are collected at 4 Continue annual program.

stations; an upstream control, a near field discharge, located in the center of the mixing zone, 91 meters downstream from the discharge, representing the extremity of the mixing zone and 568 meters downstream from the discharge.

Terrestrial Animal Program Deer and Rabbits - Six plots Terminated in 1987 were reduced to three as the result of fire.

Birds - Spring and fall Terminated in 1987; surveys are conducted. however, weekly ground surveys are conducted to document the occurrence of unusual species.

Terrestrial Soil and Vegetation and soil samples Continue with slight Vegetation are collected each spring at modifications to the number eight grassland and 7 of soil replicates taken at shrubland sites. each station.

1-8

Table 1-1. Summary of Historical and Long Term Environmental Monitoring Programs for WNP-2 (Cont) ecific Pr ms Hist rical Pr m Pro sed Pro m Aerial Photography - Five Continue annual program to flightlines covering the areas assess changes in vegetation.

of greatest deposition according to the drift model constructed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories.

Cooling Tower Drift Validation of chemistry of Terminated in 1991.

the cooling tower drift model.

Transformer Yard Drift Transformer Yard Drift- Continue only with those Measure the levels of sampling stations located airborne salt deposition within the WNP-2 originating from the WNP-2 Transformer Yard.

tower steam condensate plume.

Aquatic Biology Program Fish - Four static,bioassays Further testing will be done were required by EFSEC biannually on a species for the fish bioassays. Fish determined by the EFSEC.

flow-through bioassays, in conjunction with Daphnia and Hyalella static assays, are currently being done in compliance with special condition S4 of the WNP-2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Waste Discharge Permit.

Impingement studies. Regulatory commitment has been completed. No further studies are proposed; however incidental observations will be made when maintenance inspections of the intakes are conducted.

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MWH/MONTH THERMAL (MILLIONS) 2.5 1.5 0.5 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC MONTH

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0

DAYS/MONTH OISCHARGE MEAN DISCHARGE GAL/OAY X 100000 36 26 30 20 26 20 16 10 10 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV OEC

]991

~ DAYS EK! GPO FIGURE 1-2 WNP-2 DAYS PER MONTH DISCHARGING AND MEAN MONTHLYDISCHARGE

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IIaL FIGURE 1-3 WNP-2 LOCATION MAP 1-12

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FLOW IKCFS) 330 300 270 240 210 5~ 180 150 O~ 120 90 60 0 30 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG ~ SEP OCT NOV DEC MONTH MAX/MlN ~ MEAN

~.

2.0 N TABLE ENVIR NMENTAL B ERVATI NS 2.1 INTROD CTI N Any occurrence of an unusual or notable event that indicates or could result in a significant environmental impact causally related to plant operation shall be recorded and reported to the

'NRC within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> followed by a written report. The following are examples: excessive bird impaction events, onsite plant or animal disease outbreaks, mortality or unusual occurrence of any species protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, fish kills, increase in nuisance organisms or conditions, and a significant, unanticipated or emergency discharge of waste water or chemical substances.

2.2 METHODS Weekly ground surveys were conducted from January 1st through December 31st to document the occurrence of unusual species or events within the property boundary of WNP-2 (Figure 2. 1). Additional information was supplied by security and environmental personnel.

2.3 RESULTS There were no unusual or notable events which resulted in significant environmental impacts from the operation of WNP-2.

There were, however, some general observations worth noting.

The long-billed curlew (Num~eniu ~american s continues to be a common resident during spring periods, with several nesting pairs sighted in the shrub-steppe communities surrounding WNP-2.

2-1

The burrowing owl, A~hen attaint tLlt~ri, is also a springtime resident of the Hanford Reservation, with several sightings being reported from locations within WNP-2 s site area boundary.

A pair of great horned owls Qghg ~vir in~in g) were observed at different times around the WNP-2 river pumphouse. Again this year, several flocks of the American white pelican gyJhhhhg

• Kt~ 'S* j <<h fS WNp-2 pumphouse.

There, were no unanticipated or emergency discharges of water or wastewater during the reporting period.

2-2

ASHE SUBSTATION ROAD SECURITY H.J. ASHE RANGE ROAD FIRING SUBSTATION RANGE e WNP-2 RIVER

~ J PUMP HOUSE ROAD PUMP-MOUS 0 PUMP- HOUSE ROAD OO~

OO WNP-2 PROPERTY LINE

~0 SANITARY 9'g WASTE FACILITY WNP-0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE/

PLANT SUPPORT FACILITY BENTON SWITCHING WNP-2 Q STATION ACCESS ROAD 0 K

Uj O

O FIGURE 2-1 WNP-2 PROPERTY BOUNDARY

~.

3.0 A ATI BI A AY 3.0.1 INTR D TI Special condition S4 of the WNP-2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES Permit No. WA-002515-1) requires acute biomonitoring studies on plant effluent.

Specifically, the permit requires 96-hour testing in 0% (control) and 100% effluent concentrations. An 80% or greater survival rate in 100% effluent is specified as the successful test criteria. Section 3.1 reports the results of bioassay tests performed on hf kfl ~hh ~hh fg fl -h ghf . Th 1 fh*

bioassay tests on ~Da hni ttutex, using a static test format, are reported in section 3.2.

3.1 0~IS 0 A 3 3.1.1

~ ~ INTRODUCTION 0

Th 01 3, hj fg hf k 0 ~hh ~hh 1000 ffl concentrations, were conducted from March 30 - April 4, December 2-6, and December 9-13, 1991.

3.1.2 METH D AND MATERIA The bioassays followed the guidance set forth in the EPA publications, Methods for Measurin the Ac e T xici f Effluent o Freshwater n Marine r ani m (EPA, March 1985), and, u li Assurance ideline f r Biolo ical Testin (EPA, August 1978),

Specific methodology is provided in References 3 and 4.

Effluent used for the tests was diverted from the discharge pipe and pumped to the test facility. Control (dilution) and holding tank water was untreated Columbia River water pumped from the makeup water pumphouse directly to the test facility.

3-1

Temperature control for the holding tank water and the 0% (control) and 100% plant effluent solutions was provided by a 200,000 BTU capacity chiller and an in-house designed temperature conditioning unit. A system of heat exchangers, flow and temperature control valves, water heater, and controllers produced a test water temperature of 12'C, controllable to within +/-1'C.

Because of supersaturation problems associated with the heating of the control water to 12'C, the April bioassay was performed at ambient river temperatures (see discussion section) ~ The temperature conditioning unit was used to cool the plant effluent to temperatures approximating that of the control. water.

The chinook salmon juveniles utilized for the bioassays were obtained from the Washington Department of Fisheries, Ringold Hatchery. The fish were acclimatized in a 2000-liter capacity holding tank for a minimum of 14 days. A commercial fish food (Bio-Dry by Bioproducts) was utilized, with food size and feeding rates identical to those used at the hatchery. Fish were not fed for 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> prior to handling or during the 96-hour test. ~.

The flow-through system consisted of six 132-liter capacity glass aquaria, each containing approximately 114 liters of water. The system included three control (100% Columbia River water) and three (100% plant effluent) aquaria selected on a random basis. Plow rates were approximately 1.43 liters/minute per aquaria.

Water temperature in both the control and effluent head boxes was monitored continuously by use of an Astro-Med Dash 2 recorder.

At the beginning of each test, ten fish were distributed to each aquaria, two at a time, in a stratified random manner. The aquarium loading factor varied from approximately 2 g/liter during the two December tests to 8 g/liter during the test performed in April.

3-2

Fish were acclimatized in the aquaria with 100% control water for 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> prior to the introduction of plant effluent. The 96-hour test was begun by siphoning down the aquaria (including the controls) until there were approximately 23 liters of water remaining, and then plant effluent was introduced to the test aquaria. Control aquaria were allowed to refill with river water. The aquaria were checked for mortalities twice per day.

Fork lengths and wet weights were determined by anesthetizing and measuring the control fish at the end of the test (Table 3-1-1). All fish were released to the Columbia River at the

.conclusion of the test.

Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity were measured daily in the control and effluent head boxes and each aquaria. Grab water samples were collected daily from the control and effluent head boxes and each aquaria and analyzed for calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, total copper, and total zinc.

The pH and temperature measurements were made with an IBM Model EC105-2A portable pH meter. Prior to each use, the instrument was calibrated using pH standards of 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0. If necessary, the probes were adjusted to within 0.1 unit of the standards. The temperature probe was calibrated against an NIST traceable thermometer.

Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) Model 57 meter. The meter was air-calibrated prior to each use per manufacturer's instruction. In addition, Winkler D.O. measurements were made prior to the bioassay and results compared to the Model 57 meter.

Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI Model 33 meter. Daily measurements of conductivity standards were performed.

Sample holding times and analysis methods were consistent with EPA recommendations (EPA 1983). The specific methods are identified in Table 3-1-2.

3-3

3.1.3 R LT AND DI All three tests were successfully completed with respect to a survival rate criterion of 80% or greater. Only one fish mortality was observed, occurring approximately 88 hours0.00102 days <br />0.0244 hours <br />1.455026e-4 weeks <br />3.3484e-5 months <br /> into the test performed in April. These results are in agreement with the first NPDES flow-through test performed in October 1990 and several static bioassays conducted during 1984 and 1985 (WPPSS 1991 and 1986).

The bioassay completed in April had to be abandoned in February and again in March when excessive mortality rates were experienced during the 14-day holding periods. The problem was attributed to supersaturation caused by the heating of the control water to 12'C (recommended test temperature). Winter periods produce Columbia River temperatures in the 2-5'C range. Extremely high dissolved gas levels result at these low temperatures, Water quality data obtained in February indicated river temperatures of 2.5'C and dissolved oxygen levels of 14.5 saturation as a function to mg/1. Based on Rawson's nomogram (EPA 1985 pp. 36) for oxygen of temperature, the Columbia River was highly saturated with respect oxygen (105%). Measurements of dissolved oxygen levels taken at various output

~.

temperatures from the temperature conditioning unit, indicated that increasing the temperature of the river water to 12'C resulted in saturation levels approaching 140%. Of the gases involved with supersaturated water (oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide),

nitrogen has the greatest adverse effect on fish. Published reports (Woods, 1974 and Esch, et.al., 1976) indicate that nitrogen levels near 110% can cause problems in juvenile salmonids. Normally, nitrogen levels (percent saturation) are at or above the corresponding dissolved oxygen levels. Based on these results, it was determined that a successful test could only be conducted at ambient river temperatures.

Water quality parameters (Table 3-1-3) basically demonstrate the difference between control (Columbia River) and test (100% effluent) water sources. Measurements remained fairly constant between tests for both control and test aquaria. Only slight variations, indicative of seasonal changes, occurred in dissolved oxygen and pH measurements for control aquaria.

Test aquaria differed only in measurements of conductivity and hardness, which is indicative of the cycles of concentration of the discharge water. For the bioassays completed on April 4, December 6, and December 13, the number of cycles of concentration averaged 5, 4, and 5, respectively.

Copper and zinc concentrations are presented in Table 3-1-4. It is interesting to note that the levels of copper in the discharge water during the test performed in December are approximately three times higher than the levels recorded from the test conducted in April, even though plant operating conditions (i.e. - cycles of concentration) were similar.

Additionally, these levels are slightly higher than the copper measurements recorded during the October, 1990 test (WPPSS, 1991) in which the number of cycles of concentration approached 12. The elevated'copper levels may be the result of increased corrosion of condenser tubes and system piping attributable to the long delay in the restart of the plant following the annual maintenance outage. Zinc levels remained fairly constant for all three Discharge water zinc concentrations somewhat demonstrate the slight variations

. bioassays.

between tests in the number of cycles of concentration.

REFERENCES Environmental Protection Agency, 1978. Quality Assurance Guidelines for Biological Testing, EPA 600/4-781043.

Environmental Protection Agency, 1983. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Environmental Protection Agency, March 1985. Methods of Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents to Freshwater and Marine Organisms. EPA/600/4-85/013.

Esch, G. W. and R. W. McFarlane, 1976. Thermal Ecology II Proceedings of a symposium held at Augusta, Georgia.

3-5

Woods, J. W., 1974. Diseases of Pacific Salmon Their Prevention and Treatment. State of Washington Department of Fisheries, Hatchery Division.

0 Washington Public Power Supply System, 1991. "Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant No. 2", 1990 Annual Report.

Washington Public Power Supply System, 1986, "Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant No. 2", 1985 Annual Report.

Washington Public Power Supply System, 1990. Environmental and Plant Support Chemistry Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual.*

Washington Public Power Supply System, 1990. "WNP-2 Aquatic Bioassays,"

Environmental Programs Instructions 13.2.11.

3-6

. Table 3-1-1. Size and Wet Weight of Control Fish Used In Bioassay Tests.

Fork Len h cm Wet Wei ht T~et Da e, Number Avenge ~Ran e ~Avera e ~Ran e 3/31-4/4 28 20.5 14.9-26.2 97.1 32.9-196.5 12/2-12/6 30 11.9 10.2-16.5 20.6 12.4-48.0 12/9-12/13 30 11.9 9.4-15.2 20.4 8.8-49.7 Table 3-1-2. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods.

Parameter EPA Meth d Number Water Temperature ('C) 170.1 Conductivity (ps/cm) at 25'C 120.1

~ Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 360.1 360.2 pH (su) 150.1 Total Alkalinity (mg/1 as CaCO,) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/1 as CaCO,) 130.2 Total Calcium 200.7 Total Magnesium 200.7 Total Copper (pg/1 as Cu) 220.2 200.7 Total Zinc (pg/1 as zn) 298.2 200.7 3-7

Table 3-1-3. Summary of Water Quality Parameters 100%

Parameter ontrol A uaria Di char e A uaria Test Dates ~Avera e ~Ran e ~Avera e ~Ran e Tem erature 3/31-4/4 6.9 6.4-7.3 8.4 7.7-8.8 12/2-12/6 11.4 11.3-11.5 12.0 11.7-12.2 12/9-12/13 11.3 11.3-11.3 11.8 11.4-12.4 Dis olv x en m /1 3/31-4/4 12.6 12. 1-13.3 7.4 6.6-9.2 12/2-12/6 10.1 9.7-10.3 8.0 7.8-8.4 12/9-12/13 10.4 10.0-10.7 8.0 7.4-8.4 pH 3/31-4/4 7.84 7.76-7.99 8.52 8.33-8.75 12/2-12/6 7.61 7.45-7. 67 8.55 8.48-8.63 12/9-12/13 7.64 7.42-7.81 8.45 8.33-8.58 Conductivit s/cm 3/31-4/4 97 95-100 491 380-540 12/2-12/6 101 100-105 400 363-422 12/9-12/13 101 100-102 473 420-520 Alk lini m /I 3/31-4/4 61 59-63 147 113-162 12/2-12/6 59 58-60 156 131-166 12/9-12/13 60 58-60 152 121-193 H~d 3/31-4/4 66 64-71 337 319-365 12/2-12/6 64 61-67 242 192-266 12/9-12/13 64 61-67 287 250-333 Table 3-1-4. Summary of Total Copper and Total Zinc Measurements 100%

Parameter ontrol A uari Dischar e A uari

~Test Date ~Avera e R~an e ~Avera e R~an e C er /1 3/31-4/4 2.4 1.3-4.8 37.0 32.0-45.0 12/2-12/6 4.0 1.1-11.0 112.9 82.2-125.6 12/9-12/13 2.3 0.2-6.2 118.3 94.0-138.7 Zin~cgp~/1 3/31-4/4 9.0 2.0-18.0 65.0 58.0-69.0 12/2-12/6 7.9 4.2-18.9 49.8 38.9-59.5 12/9-12/13 6.6 3.0-14.3 53.5 40.7-61.4 3-8

3.2 APH A BI A AY 3.2.1 I~DTI N Two bioassays of WNP-2 cooling tower effluent were performed October 30 - November 3, and November 12-16, 1991, on the common water flea (Dg)~hni g~lex .

3.2.2 METH D AND MATERIA Th hl I fll M h*g Id f hf~ 3 EPAP hll ',M~hd f Measurin he Acu e Toxi it f Effl en Fr hw ter and Marine r ni m (EPA, March.1985), and, uali Assurance uidelin f r Bi 1 ical Te in (EPA, August 1978).

The effluent used for the test was collected (by grab sample) from the discharge sample line located at the fish bioassay facility. Control (dilution) water was prepared using the

~ procedure for moderately hard water outlined in EPA, March 1985.

I Test temperature (20'/- 2'C) was maintained by a Revco model RI-50-555 incubator.

Less than 24-hour old D~ahni (neonates) were exposed to 100% effluent (test) and 100%

dilution water (control) for a 96-hour period. Mortality checks were made at one, two, four, and eight hours after the beginning of the test and daily thereafter. See Table 3-2-1 for a complete summary of test conditions. Table 3-2-2 lists a summary of the bioassay parameters and the associated EPA methods.

The ~Dp~hni pglex used in the test were originally obtained from a stock culture from the EPA Regional Laboratory, Manchester, WA in July 1991. The WNP-2 Environmental Laboratory now maintains a breeding population of this organism.

3-9

Temperature was measured in control and test containers at the start of the test and daily thereafter in representative containers. Dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, and hardness were measured in control and test solutions at the beginning of the test.

Temperature measurements were made with a Fisher-NIST traceable thermometer. pH measurements were made with an Orion model 701-A meter and Ross model 8102 electrode.

Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) model 57 meter. Conductivity measurements were consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance (EPA, 1983).

3.2.3 R LT AND DIS SSI The tests were successfully completed with respect to a survival criterion of 80% or greater.

There was one mortality recorded in 100% plant effluent during the first test. There were no plant effluent test mortalities recorded during performance of the second bioassay.

Temperature measurements in the control and test containers averaged 20.9'C and 20.0'C

~.

for test 1 (10/30-11/3) and test 2 (11/12-11/16), respectively. Measurements of physical and chemical parameters for control and test solutions are presented in Table 3-2-3. Hardness was determined by calculation from magnesium and calcium measurements. Conductivity and hardness measurements reflect the cycles of concentration of the discharge water. The number of cycles of concentration was approximately 5 and 4 for test 1 and 2, respectively.

3-10

REFERENCES Environmental Protection Agency, March 1985. Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, EPA/600/4-85/013.

Environmental Protection Agency, August 1978. Quality Assurance Guidelines for Biological Testing, EPA/600/4-78/043.

Environmental Protection Agency, 1983. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, EPA/600/4-79/020.

3-11

~.

0

Table 3-2-2. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods Parameter EPA Meh d Number Water Temperature (C) 170.1 Conductivity (ps/cm) at 25C 120.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 360. 1 pH.(su) 150.1 Total Alkalinity (mg/1 as Calcium carbonate) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/1 as Calcium carbonate) 130.2 Total Calcium 200.7 Total Magnesium 200.7 Table 3-2-3. Physical and Chemical Parameters of Dilution (control) and Effluent (test) Solution at the Beginning of Each Test Period.

Temp. D. O. Cond. Hard. Alk.

Test Date ~am )le ~C pH ~m~/l ggs/c~m ~m~/i ~m~/i 10/30-11/3 Dd. H>O 21.6 8.05 8.3 288 79 52 (control)

Effluent 21.6 8.28 8.4 664 296 187 (test) 11/12-11/16 Dil. HgO 21.5 8.06 8.4 298 80 53 (control)

Effluent 21.9 8.58 7.9 481 227 144 (test) 3-13

~.

4 0

Table 3-2-1. Test Conditions for D~ahni gglex

1. Temperature ('C): 20 +/-2'C

2. Photoperiod: 16 h light/24 h

3. Size of test vessel: 30 ml beaker

4. Volume of test solution: 25 ml

5. 'Age of test animals: 1-24 h (neonates)

6. No. animals/test vessel:

7. No. of replicate test vessels per concentration:

8. Total no. organisms per concentration: 20

9. Feeding regime: Not fed first 48 h. Fed daily thereafter

10. Aeration: None

11. Dilution water: Moderately hard

12. Test Duration: 96 hours0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br />

13. Effect measured: Mortality - 80% survival in effluent.

3-12

0

~.

0

4.0 WHITY

4. I ~QN The water quality monitoring program documents the chemical character of the Columbia River in the vicinity of the WNP-2 discharge. The monitoring data is used to assess if chemical changes in the Columbia River result from WNP-2 cooling tower blowdown. The program is performed to comply with EFSEC Resolution No. 239.

During 1991, certain events caused a delay in plant start-up following the annual maintenance outage. As a result, discharge flow to the Columbia River only occurred from January through March and October through December sampling periods.

4.2 MATERIA AND METH D Columbia River surface water was sampled monthly January 1991 through December 1991.

Samples were collected near River Mile 352 from four stations numbered 1, 7, 11, and 8 (Figures 4-1, 4-2). Station 1 is upstream of the WNP-2 intake and discharge and represents the control. Station 7 is in the center of the mixing zone approximately 45 meters (150 feet) downstream of the discharge and provides a measure of nearfield discharge effects. Station 11, at 91 meters (300 feet) downstream from the discharge, represents the extremity of the mixing zone allowed by WNP-2's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Substations 11M and 11B sample water from middle and bottom depths, respectively. Station 8 is approximately 568 meters (1870 feet) downstream from the discharge and represents a location where the discharge is well mixed in the Columbia River.

Plant discharge water (P.H.Dis.) was sampled monthly during 1991. Samples were collected from the discharge pipe, at a sample point located in the WNP-2 makeup water pumphouse, immediately prior to its entering the Columbia River.

4-1

With the exception of substations 11M and 11B, Columbia River samples were analyzed for temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, filterable residue (total dissolved solids), nonfilterable residue (total suspended solids), ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, sulfate, oil and grease, total residual chlorine, total copper, total iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium and total chromium.

Substations 11M and 11B were analyzed for temperature, pH, conductivity, and total copper.

Discharge samples were analyzed for temperature, total copper, total iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium and total chromium.

Measurements for mercury were determined on plant discharge water and on a sample collected at station 1, on a quarterly basis.

A summary of water quality parameters, stations and sample frequencies is presented in Table 4-1.

~.

4.2.1 224LllllL Columbia River samples were collected by boat approximately 300 feet from the Benton County shore. Temperature is determined in-situ with portable instruments. Water for total metal, conductivity, sulfate, orthophosphorus, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, turbidity, total alkalinity and total hardness analysis was collected in one-liter polypropylene cubitainers and stored in a cooler until delivered to the Supply System's Environmental Programs Laboratory (EPL). Water. for total copper analysis from Stations 11M and 11B were collected in 125 ml nalgene bottles with an All-Teflon pump and Tygon tubing. In the laboratory the metals samples were acidified to 0.5% with concentrated nitric acid.

4-2 0

Determinations for filterable residue, non-filterable residue, total phosphorus, and total residual chlorine were made on water samples collected in two 500 ml plastic, one 250 ml plastic, and one 250 ml colored glass, containers, respectively. Water for oil and grease analysis was skimmed from the surface into solvent rinsed borosilicate glass bottles.

Discharge samples were collected in one-liter polypropylene cubitainers and stored in a cooler until delivered to the EPL for analysis.

During the annual plant maintenance outage (April through September) only Station 1 (control) samples were collected.

4.2.2 i I i men n Measur men Surface temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were made using a Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) Model 57 meter. Temperature was recorded to within 0.1<C after the probe had been allowed to equilibrate in the river for a minimum of one minute. The field probe was calibrated monthly against an NBS-traceable thermometer in the laboratory.

The DO meter was air-calibrated prior to each field sample date per manufacturer's instruction. In addition, Winkler DO measurements were made every month and results were compared to the field probe.

Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI model 34 meter. Prior to each sample date, measurements of conductivity standards were performed.

pH measurements were made with an IBM Model EC105-2A portable pH meter. Prior to each use the instrument was calibrated using pH standards of 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0. If necessary, the probes were adjusted to within 0.1 unit of the standards.

4-3

4.2.3 M urem n Total metals, sulfate, conductivity, orthophosphorus, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, turbidity, total alkalinity and total hardness were determined by Supply System Environmental Programs personnel. The remaining analyses were performed by an offsite laboratory. Sample holding times followed those recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 1983). Analyses were performed per USEPA (1983) and ASTM approved methods (Table 4-2).

4.3 RE$ QL~T 4.4.1 Columbia River temperatures varied seasonally with a minimum temperature of 2.4<C at Station 11 on February 13th and a maximum of 20.80C at Stations 1 on September 30 (Table 4-3). River temperatures measured in 1991 are presented graphically in Figure 4-3. ~.

4.3.2 Di lv x en DO measurements for each sample station are presented in Table 4-4. Columbia River DO concentrations ranged from 9.8 mg/1 at Stations 1 and 7 in October to 14.5 mg/1 at Station 7 in February.

DO concentrations were inversely related to river temperature as would be expected from solubility laws. DO levels were never below the 8 mg/1 water quality standard for Class A waters (WDOE 1988), indicating good water quality with respect to dissolved oxygen throughout the year. Dissolved oxygen measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-4.

4-4

4.3.3

~ ~ ~dAl Columbia River pH values ranged from 7.43 at Substation 11B in November to 8.65 at Station 1 in September (Table 4-5). The variation in pH between sample stations is small.

The largest difference of 0.33 standard units occurred between Station 1 (pH 7.76) and Substation 11B (pH 7.43) in November.

The pH water quality standard for Class A waters is from 6.5 to 8.5 (WDOE 1988). The measurement for Station 1 in September demonstrates naturally occurring conditions outside

'3 of this range. pH measurements, presented graphically in Figure 4-5, generally agree with historical data for the Columbia River (Silker 1964).

The alkalinity of a water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids and is generally due to the presence of carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, silicates, borates, and hydroxides.

Columbia River alkalinities ranged from 50.0 to 60.5 mg/1 as calcium carbonate (Table 4-6).

The alkalinity measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-6.

4.3.4 H~rdne Hardness indicates the quantity of divalent metallic cations present in the system, principally calcium and magnesium ions. Hardness ranged from 57.3 to 74.9 mg/1 as calcium carbonate (Table 4-6). The hardness measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-7.

4.3.3 Conductivity is a measure of the ionic content of a solution. Columbia River conductivity measurements ranged from 117.4 ps/cm at 250C at Station 1 in June to 148.0 ps/cm at 250C at Station 11 in February (Table 4-8). The conductivity results are very comparable to those reported in earlier studies of the Columbia River (Silker 1964). The measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-7.

4-5

Turbidity is a measure of the suspended matter that interferes with the passage of light through water. In the Columbia River, measured turbidities were low and ranged from 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 6.8 NTU (Table 4-9). Total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and turbidity data are presented graphically in Figures 4-14, 4-15, and 4-16.

r 4.3.7 T tal R idual hlorine Total residual chlorine (TRC) measurements for 1991 were less than the measured detection limit of 1.0 mg/1 (Table 4-10).

TRC measurements were made using EPA method 409A. This method has a detection limit of 1.0 mg/l.

4.3.8 Me~l ~.

Total C er Columbia River total copper values ranged from < 1.2 pg/1 to 8.0 pg/1 (Table 4-9). The largest interstation difference in copper occurred between Station 1 (8.0 pg/1) and stations 7, 11, 11M and 8 (< 1.2 mg/1) in December. However, the value of 8.0 is uncharacteristic and is probably an indication of a contaminated sample rather than an actual copper measurement. Our copper results show good agreement with earlier studies. In 1962, Silker (1964) analyzed 27 Columbia River samples collected upstream of WNP-2 and reported a mean copper concentration of 4.3 pg/1. Neutron activation analysis of Columbia River water was done in 1968-1969 by Cushing and Rancitelli (1972). They reported a mean copper concentration of 1.4 pg/1. Florence and Batley (1977) state that total copper concentrations 4-6

in the range of 0.3 - 3.0 pg/1 are found in many unpolluted fresh-water rivers throughout the

~ ~

world. The Hanford reach of the Columbia River would generally be in that category.

~

Plant discharge total copper concentrations ranged from 44.4 pg/1 in March to 153.4 pg/1 in November.

Total Nickel Total nickel concentrations were below the detection limit (2,6 pg/1) for nearly all periods, except for station 11 in March (3.1 pg/1).

Plant discharge total nickel concentrations ranged from 3.3 pg/1 in December to 19.5 pg/1 in February.

Total Zinc 0

Individual zinc measurements ranged from < 1.0 pg/1 to 18.0 pg/1 (table 4-13).

Discharge water total zinc measurements ranged from 46.9 pg/1 in December to 89.9 pg/1 in February.

Total Iron Columbia River iron concentrations ranged from 34,9 pg/1 at Station 7 in December to 393.0 pg/1 at Station 1 in May (Table 4-14).

Plant discharge total iron concentrations ranged from 274.1 pg/1 in December to 2009.0 pg/1 in February.

4-7

Total Lead Total lead concentrations were low with all stations recording levels below detection limits

(<1.9 pg/1) for all periods (Table 4-12).

Discharge water total lead measurements ranged from (1.9 pg/1 in November and December to 9.0 pg/1 in February.

d 'i Cadmium concentrations were below detection limits ( (0.5 pg/1) for all stations during all periods.

Plant discharge total cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit (0.5 pg/1) for all periods (Table 4-16).

Total hr mi m Chromium concentrations were below detection limits for all periods (Table 4-17).

Plant discharge total chromium concentrations ranged from (1.9 pg/1 to 10.5 pg/l.

Total zinc and total iron measurements are presented graphically in Figures 4-8 and 4-9, respectively.

Columbia River mercury concentrations were below the detection limit (0.2 pg/1) for all periods (Table 4-18).

4-8

Measured total phosphorus concentrations ranged from (0.007 to 0.028 mg-P/l.

Orthophosphorus concentrations were below 0.13 mg/1 for all stations and periods except station 11 in March and November (Table 4-23). Total orthophosphorus measurements are summarized in Table 4-22. Total phosphorus measurements are presented graphically in figure 4-12.

4.3.12 sulfate Individual sulfate measurements ranged from 8.5 to 11.4 mg/l. Sulfuric acid is added at WNP-2 to control circulating water pH and a by-product is sulfate. Based on the river measurements, WNP-2 discharges are not appreciably altering river sulfate concentrations.

Total sulfate measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-13.

4.3.13 To 1Di lved lids T I li n Turbi i

. Total dissolved solids or total filterable residue, TDS, is defined as that portion of the total residue that passes through a glass fiber filter and remains after ignition at 180>C for one hour. 'Total dissolved solids do not necessarily represent only the dissolved constituents but may also include colloidal materials and some small particulates. The TDS measured in the Columbia River ranged from 14.0 mg/1 at Station 1 to 150.0 mg/1 at Station 1 (Table 4-25).

The three lowest measurements at stations 8, 7 and 11 in October, November and December, respectively, are uncharacteristically low with respect to other stations and may represent sampling and/or analytical errors.

Total suspended solids (TSS) or total nonfilterable residue is the material retained on a standard glass fiber filter after filtration of a well-mixed sample. TSS concentrations were generally low and varied from (1.0 to 8.0 mg/1 (Table 4-25).

4-10

WNP-2 circulating water mercury concentrations ranged from <0.2 ug/1 in January and April to 0.8 pg/1 in October. The circulating water system was not operating during the July sampling period.

4.3.9 Ammoni -Ni r en and Ni e- i n Ammonia and nitrate are forms of nitrogen commonly found in water systems. Both nitrate and ammonia are assimilated by plants and converted to proteins. Common sources of nitrate and ammonia to the aquatic system are breakdown of organic matter in the soil, industrial discharges, fertilizers and septic tank leachate.

Ammonia concentrations ranged from < 0.010 to 0.020 mg-N/1 (Table 4-18). Nitrate concentrations ranged from <0.06 to 0.19 mg-N/1. The nitrate measurements are summarized in Table 4-20. The nitrate measurements are presented graphically in Figure 4-11.

4.3.10 il n r e

~.

Oil and grease values were below the detection limit of 1.0 mg/1 for all stations and periods except station 1 in April and October. Oil and grease measurements are summarized in Table 4-20.

4.3.11 T 1Pho ho s an h h h Phosphorus is a required nutrient for plant growth and, while found in certain minerals, is commonly added to streams through fertilizers, treated sewage, and septic tank leachate.

4-9

Turbidity is a measure of the suspended matter that interferes with the passage of light through water. In the columbia River, measured turbidities were low and ranged from 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 6.8 NTU (Table 4-9). Total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and turbidity data are presented graphically in Figures 4-14, 4-15, and 4-16.

4.4 DIS I Plant discharge data basically demonstrates the increase in certain constituents of the blowdown due mainly to concentrating the circulating cooling water (Columbia River water).

Operating conditions at WNP-2 during 1991 were characterized by a circulating water concentration of approximately 5 cycles.

In comparing river and plant discharge data, it is evident that the impact on the Columbia River is minimal with no significant interstation differences being detected.

Overall, it appears that, with respect to all the measured parameters sampled under the operating conditions prevailing during 1991, WNP-2 cooling water discharge had little effect upon Columbia River water quality.

4.5 REFERENCES

Cushing, C.E., and L.A. Rancitelli. 1972. Trace element analyses of Columbia River water and phytoplankton. Northwest Science 46(2):115-121.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1983. Methods for chemical analysis of water and wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH.

4-11

Florence, T.M. and G.E. Batley. 1977. Determination of the chemical forms of trace metals in natural waters with special reference to copper, lead, cadmium and zinc. Talanta 24:151-158.

Silker, W.B. 1964. Variations in elemental concentrations in the Columbia River. Limnol.

Oceanogr. 9:540-545.

Stand rd Meh d f r Ex minati n fW er n W e W er, 16th Edition, APHA, AWWA, WPCF, Washington, D.C., 1985.

Washington Department of Ecology. 1988. Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington. Water Quality Planning Office of Water Programs. Olympia, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1987. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Report for 1986. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1988. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Report for 1987. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1989. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Report for 1988. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1990. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Report for 1989. Richland, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. 1991. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Report for 1990. Richland, WA.

4-12

Table 4-1. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and Sampling Frequencies, 1991 7++ 11++ 11M & 8++ Wells in P.H.

Parameter 1 11m++ Vicinity DIS.++

of Plant Site+

Quantity (flow)

Temperature M M M M Dissolved Oxygen M M M M pH M M M M Turbidity M M M M Total Alkalinity M M .M M Filterable Residue (Total Dissolved Solid) M M M Nonfilterable Residue (Suspended Solids) M M M M Conductivity M M M M M Iron (Total) M M M M M Copper (Total) M M M M*+ M M Nickel (Total) M M M M M Zinc (Total) M M M M M Lead (Total) M M M M M Cadmium (Total) M M M - M M Chromium (Total) M M M M M Sulfate M M M - M Ammonia Nitrogen M M M M Nitrate Nitrogen M M M - M Orthophosphorus M M M M Q Total Phosphorus M M M M Q Oil and Grease M M M M Chlorine, Total Residual M M M M Hardness M M M M Mercury (Total) Q Sm 1 Ke M = Monthly Q = Quarterly

+ Samples will be collected if wells are being used for drinking water.

- Analysis not required

• • Samples taken in triplicate

++ Samples collected only if the plant is operating.

4-13

~.

Table 4-2. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, EPA and ASTM Method Number EPA Method ASTM Method

<me r PMG~C NIIN ~N Water Temperature (<C) 170.1 Turbidity, (NTU) 180.1 Conductivity (ps/cm) at 25>C 120.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) probe 360.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) Modified Winkler 360.2 pH (Standard Unit) 150.1 Total Alkalinity (mg/1 as CaCO,) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/1 as CaCO,) 130.2, 6010 Oil and Grease (mg/1) 413.2 Nitrogen, Ammonia, Total (mg/1 as N), 350.3 Nitrate Nitrogen, Total (mg/1 as N) 352.1 D4327-88 Total Phosphorus (mg/1 as P) 365.2 Ortho Phosphorus (mg/1 as P) 365.2 D4327-88 Sulfate (mg/1 as SO4) 375.4 D4327-88 Total Copper (pg/1 as Cu) 220.1, 220.2, 200.7 Total Iron (pg/1 as Fe) 236.1, 236.2, 200.7 Total Nickel (pg/1 as Ni) 249.1, 249.2 Total Zinc (pg/1 as Zn) 289.1, 289.2, 200.7 Total Lead (pg/1 as p6) 239.1, 239.2 Total Cadmium (pg/1 as Cd) 213.1, 213.2 Total Chromium (pg/1 as Cr) 218.1, 218.2 Total Residual Chlorine (mg/1) 330.1 Filterable Residue: Total Dissolved Solids (mg/1) 160.1 Non-Filterable Residue: Total Suspended Solids (mg/1) 160.2 Total Mercury (pg/1 as Hg) 245.1 4-14

0 8

O.

0

Table 4-3. Summary of Temperature Measurements for 1991 Temperature (Degrees C)

Sample Date 1 11 11M 11B 8 PLANT DISCHRG 01/16/91 2.8 3.0 2.9 3.2 3.2 2.9 22.8 02/13/91 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.9 2.9 2.5 21.6 03/28/91 4.9 4.9 4.8 5.3 5.2 4.9 20.1 04/25/91 7.8 05/29/91 11.4 06/27/91 14.1 07/30/91 17.7 08/27/91 19.0 09/30/91 20.8 10/31/91 12.3 12.2 12.7 11.8 12.1 12.2 20.9 11/25/91 10.3 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.4 10.2 20.0 12/18/91 7.2 7.3 7.2 7.2 7.1 7.2 18.9 Table 4-4. Summary of Dissolved Oxygen Measurements for 1991.

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1)

Sample Date 01/16/91 13.4 13.3 13.2 13.4 02/13/91 14.4 14.5 14.4 14.4 03/28/91 14.4 14.3 14.3 14.4 04/25/91 12.9 05/29/91 12.6 06/27/91 11.4 07/30/91 11.6 08/27/91 11.5 09/30/91 11.3 10/31/91 9.8 9.8 9.9 9.9 11/25/91 10.3 10.8 10.7 10.3 12/18/91 4-15

~.

Table 4-5. Summary of pH Measurements for 1991 pH Sample Date 11M 11B 8 01/16/91 7.92 7.86 7.83 7.76 7.84 7.85 02/13/91 7.84 7.75 7.80 7.84 7.74 7.84 03/28/91 7.82 7.79 7.82 7.72 7.90 7.83 04/25/91 8.05 05/29/91 7.65 06/27/91 7.88 07/30/91 8.21 08/27/91 7.93 09/30/91 8.65 10/31/91 7.76 7.67 7.72 7.78 7.76 7.73 11/25/91 7.76 7.54 7.61 7.71 7.43 7.72 12/18/91 7.66 7.66 7.70 7.63 7.73 7.67 Table 4-6. Summary of Alkalinity Measurements for 1991.

Total Alkalinity (mg/1)

Sample Date 11 01/16/91 60.5 59.0 60.0 60.0 02/13/91 57.0 57.0 57.0 59.0 03/28/91 57.0 57.0 58.0 57.0 04/25/91 55.0 05/29/91 52.0 06/27/91 50.0 07/30/91 51.0 08/27/91 53.0 09/30/91 55.5 10/31/91 52.5 52.5 53.0 52.5 11/25/91 51.0 56.0 54.0 52.5 12/18/91 55.0 55.5 56.0 55.0 4-16

Table 4-7. Total Hardness Measurements for 1991 Total Hardness (mg/1)

Sample Date 01/16/91 59.5 59.2 60.9 61.5 02/13/91 66,6 70.2 68.9 65.1 03/28/91 74.9 71.3 74.2 74.4 04/25/91 71.8 05/29/91 62.1 06/27/91 57.3 07/30/91 59.0 08/27/91 63.0 09/30/91 64.9 10/31/91 61.2 62.3 62.3 64.2 11/25/91 65.9 68.7 65.7 67.9 12/18/91 68.7 69.8 69.5 69.7 Table 4-8. Summary of Conductivity Measurements for 1991 Conductivity at 25<C (pS/cm)

Sample Date 11M 11B 01/16/91 121.0 120.1 119.1 120.8 121.1 120.3 02/13/91 145.8 147.0 148.0 146.2 145.9 145.1 03/28/91 144.0 143.0 144.0 143.0 144.0 143.0 04/25/91 146.0 05/29/91 127.0 06/27/91 117.4 07/30/91 119.5 08/27/91 130.1 09/30/91 135.0 10/31/91 126.8 126.4 127.2 127.1 127.2 126.6 11/25/91 135.0 135.0 137.0 135.0 136.0 135.0 12/18/91 139.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 4-17

O.

Table 4-9. Summary of Turbidity Measurements for 1991 Turbidity (NTU)

Sample Date 01/16/91 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.5 02/13/91 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 03/28/91 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.0 04/25/91 1.9 05/29/91 6.8 06/27/91 2.2 07/30/91 1.7 08/27/91 1.1 09/30/91 0.8 10/31/91 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 11/25/91 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 12/18/91 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.4 1

Table 4-10. Summary of Total Residual Chlorine Measurements for 1991 Total Residual Chlorine (mg/1)

Sample Date 1 01/16/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 02/13/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 03/28/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 04/25/91 <1.0 05/29/91 <1.0 06/27/91 <1.0 07/30/91 <1.0 08/27/91 <1.0 09/30/91 <1.0 10/31/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 11/25/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 12/18/91 <1.0 < 1.0 <1.0 <1.0 4-18'

0 Table 4-11. Summary of Copper Measurements for 1991 Copper (pg/1)

Sample 11M 11B PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 4.8 3.3 3.3 5.6 3.2 4.7 55.5 02/13/91 < 1.2 < 1.2 3.2 1.5 1.2 1.4 67.0 03/28/91 4.7 4.1 1.8 4.3 <1.2 7.1 44.4 04/25/91 2.3 05/29/91 2.1 06/27/91'7/30/91

< 1.2

< 1.2 08/27/91 6.1 09/30/91 < 1.2 10/31/91 3.5 1.8 < 1.2 1.4 < 1.2 < 1.2 125.9 11/25/91 < 1.2 < 1.2 < 1.2 1.2 1.4 < 1.2 153.4 12/18/91 8.0 < 1.2 < 1.2 < 1.2 3.0 <1.2 66.4 Table 4-12. Summary of Nickel Measurements for 1991 Nickel (pg/1)

Sample 1 7 11 8 PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 11.0 02/13/91 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 19.5 03/28/91 <2.6 <2.6 3.1 <2.6 9.7 04/25/91 <2.6 05/29/91 <2.6 06/27/91 < 2.6 07/30/91 <2.6 08/27/91 <2.6 09/30/91 <2.6 10/31/91 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 6.7 11/25/91 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 7.8 12/18/91 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 <2.6 3.3 4-19

Table 4-13. Summary of Zinc Measurements for 1991 Zinc (pg/1)

Sample PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 12.5 4.3 7.6 2.5 51.3 02/13/91 10.4 10.6 12.9 14.0 89.9 03/28/91 18.0 10.1 9.2 6.5 68.0 04/25/91 9.4 05/29/91 15.5 06/27/91 99 07/30/91 7.5 08/27/91 <1.0 09/30/91 3.3 10/31/91 <1.0 2.1 <1.0 <1.0 69.3 11/25/91 2.3 2.1 2.8 3.9 71.6 12/18/91 3.9 3.8 5.2 3.6 46.9 Table 4-14. Summary of Iron Measurements for 1991 Iron (pg/1)

Sample PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 82.1 47.7 52.2 53.3 355.2 02/13/91 103.2 74.4 82.1 67.7 2009.0 03/28/91 90.2 76.7 93.1 73.5 393.0 04/25/91 84.7 05/29/91 393.0 06/27/91 88.0 07/30/91 108.9 08/27/91 140.0 09/30/91 84.7 10/31/91 65.7 69.9 67.9 65.2 436.4 11/25/91 63.5 50.3 59.5 64.5 490.8 12/18/91 41.7 34.9 44.2 38.6 274.1 4-20

0 0

Table 4-15. Summary of Lead Measurements for 1991 Lead (pg/1)

Sample 1 7 11 8 PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 2.0 02/13/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 9.0 03/28/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 3.4 04/25/91 <1.9 05/29/91 <1.9 06/27/91 <1.9 07/30/91 <1.9 08/27/91 <1.9 09/30/91 <1.9 10/31/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 3.3 11/25/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 12/18/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 Table 4-16. Summary of Cadmium Measurements for 1991.

Cadmium (pg/1)

Sample 7 11 PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 02/13/91 <0.5 <0,5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 03/28/91 <0.5 <0.5 <0.6 <0.5 <0.5 04/25/91 <0.5 05/29/91 <0.5 06/27/91 <0.5 07/30/91 <0.5 08/27/91 <0.5 09/30/91 <0.5 10/31/91 <0.5 <0.5 <0,5 <0.5 <0.5 11/25/91 <0.5 <0,5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 12/18/91 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 4-21

Table 4-17. Summary of Chromium Measurements for 1991 Chromium (pg/1)

Sample 7 11 8 PLANT Date DSCHRG 01/16/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 02/13/91 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 <-1.9 10.5 03/28/91 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 2.4 04/25/91 < 1.9 05/29/91 <1.9 06/27/91 <1.9 07/30/91 <1.9 08/27/91 <1.9 09/30/91 <1.9 10/31/91 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 <1.9 11/25/91 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 <1.9 12/18/91 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 <1.9 Table 4-18. Summary of Ammonia Measurements for 1991 Ammonia (mg NH, - N/1)

Sample Date 1 7 11 8 01/16/91 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 02/13/91 0.012 0.012 0.012 <0.010 03/28/91 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.016 04/25/91 0.014 05/29/91 0.018 06/27/91 <0.010 07/30/91 <0.010 08/27/91 < 0.010 09/30/91 0.020 10/31/91 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 11/25/91 0.011 0.010 0.012 0.011 12/18/91 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 4-22

Table 4-19. Summary of Oil and Grease Measurements for 1991.

Oil & Grease (mg/1)

Sample Date 1 11 8 01/16/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 < 1.0 02/13/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 03/28/91 < 1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 04/25/91 2.3 05/29/91 <1.0 06/27/91 <1.0 07/30/91 <1.0 08/27/91 <1.0 09/30/91 <1.0 10/31/91 2.3 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 11/25/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 12/18/91 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 Table 4-20. Summary of Nitrate-Nitrogen Measurements for 1991 Nitrate-Nitrogen (mg/1)

Sample Date 1 7 11 01/16/91 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 02/13/91 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 03/28/91 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.15 04/25/91 0.19 05/29/91 0.12 06/27/91 0.09 07/30/91 0.06 08/27/91 0.08 09/30/91 0.08 10/31/91 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 11/25/91 0.16 0.16 0.19 0.15 12/18/91 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 4-23

V

~.

Table 4-21. Summary of Total Phosphorus Measurements for 1991

'Total Phosphorus (mg/1)

Sample Date 01/16/91 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 02/13/91 0.013 0.015 0.019 0.012 03/28/91 0.014 0.013 0.018 0.016 04/27/91 0.011 05/29/91 0.017 06/27/91 0.009 07/30/91 0.008 08/27/91 0.007 09/30/91 0.014 10/31/91 0.022 0.019 0.025 0.022 11/25/91 0.023 0.020 0.025 0.025 12/18/91 0.019 0.025 0.028 0.017 Table 4-22. Summary of Orthophosphate Measurements for 1991.

Orthophosphate (mg/1)

Sample Date 01/16/91 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 02/13/91 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 03/28/91 <0.13 <0.13 0.14 <0.13 04/25/91 <0.13 05/29/91 <0.13 06/27/91 <0.13 07/30/91 <0.13 08/27/91 <0.13 09/30/91 <0.13 10/31/91 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 11/25/91 <0.13 <0.13 0.15 <0.13 12/18/91 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 <0.13 4-24

~ <<

Table 4-23. Summary of Sulfate Measurements for 1991 Sulfate (mg/1)

Sample Date 1

'1/16/91 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.1 02/13/91 10.1 10.3 10.4 10.2 03/28/91 10.1 10.1 10.1 10.5 04/25/91 05/29/91 8.1 06/27/91 7.2 07/30/91 7.4 08/27/91 8.2 09/30/91 9.0 10/31/91 8.5 8.5'.1 8.7 8.5 11/25/91 9.1 11.4 10.2 12/18/91 9.0 9.5 9.6 9.1 Table 4-24. Summary of Quarterly Total Mercury Measurements for 1991.

Total Mercury (pg/1),

C 1 I i ill WNP-2 Ci W~S 01/16/91 <0.2 < 0.2 04/25/91 < 0.2 < 0.2 07/30/91 <0.2 10/31/91 < 0.2 0.8 4-25

~.

Table 4-25. Summary of Total Dissolved and Total Suspended Solids Measurements for 1991.

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/1)

Sample 1 7 11 Date 01/16/91 94.0 94.0 99.0 106.0 02/13/91 85.0 86.0 84.0 85.0 03/28/91 150.0 120.0 140.0 74.0 04/25/91 100.0 05/29/91 110.0 06/27/91 110.0 07/30/91 130.0 08/27/91 140.0 09/30/91 80.0 10/31/91 56.0 48.0 64.0 22.0 11/25/91 76.0 28.0 64.0 68.0 12/18/91 46.0 66.0 14.0 48.0 Total Suspended Solids (mg/1)

Sample 7 ll Date 01/16/91 1.0 <1.0 1.0 1.1 02/13/91 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.6 03/28/91 <1.0 4.0 2.0 <1.0 04/25/91 <1.0 05/29/91 9.0 06/27/91 2.0 07/30/91 3.0 08/27/91 2.0 09/30/91 4.0 10/31/91 1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 11/25/91 <1.0 8.0 <1.0 <1.0 12/18/91 <1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 4-26

Plow sland Mesquite Island WNP-2 Discharge

~7 River Mile-352

~ 11 r8 Power Lines Figure 4-1. Location of Sampling Stations in the Columbia River 4-27

River Row P Station 1 N

555m (1822 feet)

VNP,-2 intake Structures To Plant NNP-2 Discharge 45m (158 feet)

Station 7 91m (388 feet)

Station 11, 11M, 41B

~

568m (1878 feet) 477m (1578 feet)

(Not to scale)

I'igure 4-2. Sampling Station Locations for Water Chemistry 4-28

0 TEMPERATURE (DEGREES C.)

25 BR 1 K9 7 C3 11 20 RR 11M

~

15 I

>>B 8

PHONES 10 0

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-3 Columbia River and Plant Discharge Temperature Measurements During 1991

O.

0

DISSOLVED OXYGEN MILLIGRAMS/I TER I 16 14 12 10

-0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 PIGURB 4-4 Columbia River Dissolved Oxygen Measurements at Pour Stations During 1991

~.

0

I RB 1 I

7 8.5 11M C3 11B

~ 8 7.5 6.5

'6 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-5 Columbia River pH Measurements at Six Stations During 1991

TOTAL ALKALINITY (MG/LITFR AS CaCOS) 80 R5 s 70 m v C3 ~)

m 8 60 50 40 J

30 20 10 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-6 Columbia River Total Alkalinity Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

~.

CONDUCTIVITY (AT 25 Cj uS/CM 170 I

SR 7 160 11M 150 El >>B 8!Q s 140 130 120 110 100 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-7 Columbia River Conductivity Measurements at Six Stations During 1991

~,

0'

TOTAL ZINC (MICROGRAMS/ LITER) 100 95 I

RQ 1 I

90 7 85 80 8

75 70 C3 PH DiS 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-8 Columbia River and Plant Discharge Total Zinc Measurements During 1991

TOTAL IRON (MICROGRAMS/ LITER)

. 2400 2200 2000 II RB 1 7

8 1800 C3 PH DiS 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-9 Columbia River and Plant Discharge Total Iron Measurements During 1991

~.

TOTAL HARDNESS (MG/LITER AS CaCO3) 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-10 Columbia River Total Hardness Measurements at Pour Stations During 1991

NITRATE-NITROGEN MG/LITER AS N 0.2

0. 15 0.1

0. 05 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OGT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-11 Columbia River Nitrate-Nitrogen Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

0 TOTAL P HOSP HOR US (MG/L) 0.04

0. 03 0.02 0.01 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-12 Columbia River Total Phosphorus Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

~.

TOTAL SULFATE MG/LITER 15 10 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OOT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-13 Columbia River Total Sulfate Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS MG/LITER 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-14 Columbia River Total Dissolved Solids Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

TOTAL SU SP E NDE D SOL I DS MG/LI T E R 10 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG - SEP OCT NOV DEO 1991 FIGURE 4-15 Columbia River Total Suspended Solids Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

~.

TURBIDITY (NTU) 12 II RB ~.

7 8

3 JAN FES MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OOT NOV DEC 1991 FIGURE 4-16 Columbia River Turbidity Measurements at Four Stations During 1991

~.

0

5.0 COOLIN T WER DRIFT STUDIES 5.1 INTR D N The cooling tower drift studies were designed to identify any impact of cooling tower operation upon the surrounding plant communities, as well as any edaphic impacts. The program includes the measurement of herbaceous and shrub canopy cover, shrub density, herbaceous phytomass, vegetation chemistry and soil chemistry. Soil chemical parameters measured include pH, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and conductivity. Vegetation chemistry includes extractable sulfate, chloride and total copper. This study provides operational data for comparison with preoperational data and meets the requirements of Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) Resolution 239, dated September 14, 1987.

In past years, sampling was conducted in May at each of nine permanent stations, four grassland Stations G01-G04 and five shrub Stations S01-S05. In 1988, preliminary data was obtained for six additional stations. In 1989, the additional six stations were added to the sampling program, four grassland sites G05, G06, G07 and G08 and 2 shrub Stations S06 and S07. Two of these Stations, S06 and S07 are on the east side of the Columbia River in Franklin County. Figure 5-1 shows the location of each station. The orientation of the various components including transects and productivity plots within each community are depicted in Figure 5-2.

5.2 MATERIALS AND METHOD 5.2.1 Herbaceous Cano over Fifty microplots (20 cm x 50 cm) were placed at 1-m intervals on alternate sides of the herbaceous transect (Figure 5-2). Canopy cover was estimated for each species occurring 5-1

within a microplot using Daubenmire's (1968) cover classes. Data were recorded on a standard data sheet.

Quality assurance was accomplished by twice sampling three randomly selected microplots on each herbaceous transect. The entire transect was resampled if cover estimates for any major species () 50 percent frequency) differed by more than one cover class.

All vegetation studies including cover, density, productivity, and chemistry were sampled, as in previous years, at the peak of the cheatgrass growth cycle known as the purple stage (Klemmedson and Smith 1964).

Phytomass sampling was conducted concurrently with cover sampling. Phytomass sampling plots were randomly located within an area adjacent to the permanent transects or plots (Figure 5-2). At each station, all live herbaceous vegetation rooted in five randomly located microplots (20 x 50 cm) was clipped to ground level and placed in paper" bags. Each bag O.

was stapled shut and labeled with station code, plot number, date and personnel.

Sample bags were transported to the laboratory, opened, and placed in a drying oven until a consistent weight was obtained. Following drying, the bags were removed singly from the oven and their contents immediately weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. Laboratory quality assurance consisted of independently reworking 10 percent of the phytomass samples to assess data validity and reliability.

5-2

5.2.3 S~hh

~ ~

Five 50-m lines were used to measure shrub canopy cover in each of the seven shrub plots (Figure 5-2). Whenever a shrub was crossed by a tape stretched between the end posts, its species and the distance (cm) at which it intercepted the line were recorded. For each shrub plot, intercept distances of each species along all five lines were summed to give a total intercept distance. From this, a shrub canopy cover value (percent) was obtained by dividing total intercept distance by total line length.

Quality assurance procedures consisted of twice sampling one major species along a randomly selected shrub transect. Resampling was conducted if intercept lengths differed by more than 10 percent.

5.2.4 S~hD Individual live shrubs were counted and recorded by species within each of the four strips delineated by shrub intercept transects (Figure 5-2). Number of shrubs per strip were summed to obtain shrub density by species for the entire 1000 m'lot. Sampling was concurrent with cover sampling.

Quality assurance consisted of resampling one randomly selected species within one strip.

Resampling was conducted if the count difference exceeded one individual.

5.2.5 ~hi Ch At each of the fifteen grassland and shrub stations, five soil samples were collected from the top 15 cm of soil with a clean stainless steel trowel. The samples were placed in 250 ml sterile plastic cups with lids, labeled and refrigerated at 4'C. Sixteen parameters were analyzed in each sample including pH, bicarbonate, carbonate, conductivity, sulfate, chloride, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead, chromium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and 5-3

potassium. Samples were analyzed for pH, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate, chloride and conductivity according to Meth d f il An 1 i (1965). Samples for chromium, cadmium and lead were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy according to Meh ds fr h mi 1 Anal i f Water n W (USEPA 1983). The remaining elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, ICPES (EPA 1983). Aliquots of soil for trace metal analyses were digested according to Gilman (1989). Preservation times and conditions, when utilized, were according to EPA (1983).

Laboratory quality control comprised 10% - 20% of the sample analysis load. Routine quality control samples included internal laboratory check standards, reagent blanks, and prepared EPA or NIST controls.

5.2.6 V~ih ~i Samples of Boom ~ec ~m, P~ ~andber ii, ~rte~mi i;t ~ridenta and ~Purshi irtd~en gtg were. collected at each station. Two species were substituted at some of the stations due to absence of one or more of those listed above. Substitute species were P~hl x ~in i~foli and

~is mbrium gtli.~im ng. Samples were collected as close to the soil sampling station as possible. Sufficient quantities of leafy material of each species were collected to yield at least five grams of dry weight. The clipped material was sealed in a plastic bag, labeled and refrigerated at 4'C until sample preparation.

In the laboratory, the clipped plant tissue was oven dried to a constant weight, ground in a Wiley mill and digested according to Gilman (1989). Sulfate was analyzed by nephalometry and chloride by mercuric chloride titration according to USEPA (1983). Copper was analyzed by ICPES according to USEPA (1983).

5.3 R LT AND DI SI During the 1991 season, 59 plant taxa were observed in the study area. These are presented in Table 5-1. Table 5-2 lists by year the species of vascular plants observed during field activities from 1975-1991. Many of the graphs will depict a preoperational, operational and 1991 status. The preoperational data is that which was collected annually prior to WNP-2, becoming fully operational (1980-1984). Operational data is that which is collected after 1984 but not including the current year (1991), which is listed separately.

2 6.2.1 ~H ver Herbaceous cover data for 1991 are summarized in Tables 5-3 and 5-4. Figures 5-3 and 5-4 provide a comparison of shrub and grassland sites (annual grasses - AG, perennial grasses-PG, annual forbs - AF, and perennial forbs - PF) with the data of previous years. There is a noticeable trend of the herbaceous cover reverting back to its original state prior to the fire of 1984.

Total herbaceous cover averaged 76.97% in 1991 which represents a 68.94% increase from 1990 (45.56%). As in previous years, the dominant annual grass was ~Br mu ~ec ~m with 32.81% cover, a 27.2% increase over last year. ~o ~and er ii was the dominant perennial grass at thirteen of the fifteen stations. ~Sti ~cmata averaged 2.38% cover, a 22.69%

increase over last year (1.94%).

Total annual forb cover increased markedly, from 5.8% in 1990 to 14.77% in 1991 (a 154.7% increase). ~iymbr~iim ~li ~imam was the dominant species with 8.54% followed by H~ol eum ~um ella um (2.55%) and ~De curaini pinnate with .56%.

0 0~

Perennial forb cover increased 13.64% over 1990 (1.98%). The dominant species continued 0( 0( (0.66%2 00 ~ 0(

Qengtherg pp~llid increased markedly, from 0.04% in 1990 to 0.41% in 1991.

(0.42%2.

5-5

Species frequency values (%) are noticeably higher than in the previous years data for annual forbs (Table 5-5). The highest frequency value for ~i~m~ri im ~lcm im for 1990 was 46% at station GO7. This year the highest frequency value is 76% at station SO4. Stations E

GO7 and SO4 frequency values for 1990 were 22% and 42% respectively. The greatest diversity of species was observed at station SO2 (21). Station SO7 increased in diversity of species from 2 in 1990 to 7 in 1991. Station SO7 also shows a mean frequency value of 50% for D~~cun~ini ~irma g. The total species per site increased at ten of the fifteen stations. A small population of F~ritillari ttti~di was observed at station SO4 for the first time. No significant decreases in species were observed at the individual stations.

Growing season precipitation increased 17.56% from 1990 (6,83 cm vs 8.03 cm), with the total precipitation for 1991 being 17.14 cm. Mean temperature during the growing season was 4.46'C with the average temperature for the year being 12.44'C.

5.3.2 ~Hr gcegyg ~h~ma Mean production 3

of herbaceous phytomass in 1991 was 141.95 g/m', a noticeable increase

~.

from last year (34.95 g/m~). At grassland and shrub stations the phytomass production averaged 124.1 g/m'nd 159.8 g/m~ respectively. Mean herbaceous phytomass production at grassland stations and at shrub stations for 1975 through 1991 is shown graphically in Figure 5-5 (Stations G05, G06, G07, G08, S06 and S07 were not added until 1989) and is summarized in Table 5-6. Table 5-7 presents mean phytomass values for each station in each year since 1975. Mean herbaceous phytomass and percent herbaceous cover for each station from 1980 through 1991 are presented graphically in Figures 5-6 through 5-9.

5-6

5.3.3

~ ~ h b ver nd Den i There are four shrub species in the study area:

~hh d~hh

~~mi i i ~rid isrifl . ~ ntatg, ~Pur hi lri~en i

and ~O)~m~i ggllncgLnnh'L (a cactus) are also present, however, they are not included

( bh in the b) cover data. During a 1984 August range fire, all viable shrubs were completely destroyed at Stations SO2 and SO4, while the only individuals surviving at Station SO1 were isolated clumps of low growing ~Erio onum niveum.

Shrub density and cover data continue to reflect recovery from the 1984 fire. Percent cover measurements taken in 1991 are very similar to those measured in 1990 with an overall slight decrease in average cover (1.44% versus 1.56%). Shrub density increased slightly at Station SO3, and decreased at Stations SO1, SO4, and SO5. Shrub density data for 1991 is summarized in Table 5-8, while shrub density data at each station from 1980 through 1991 is presented in Figure 5-10. Shrub cover data for 1991 is summarized in Table 5-9, while Figure 5-11 presents mean shrub cover values measured from 1975 through 1991. Shrub cover and density for 1991 at the five original shrub stations are presented graphically in Figure 5-12.

5.3.4 Rkllh The results of the 1991 soil chemical analyses are presented in Table 5-10 and are shown graphically in Figures 5-13 through 5-20.

Most metallic element concentrations were within the ranges observed in previous years.

The cadmium and chromium concentrations of Station SO7 are slightly higher than those observed at the other stations.

5-7

Bicarbonate was similar to that observed in past data. Conductivity was generally within previous ranges at all stations. There is no concentration of carbonate, due to the pH level of the samples (( 8.3). The pH value has to be above 8.3 in order for carbonate to be present. There was no significant change in pH at any of the stations. Chloride and sulfate concentrations were within their expected ranges.

5.3.5 ~ih The results'of the 1991 vegetation chemical analyses are presented in Table 5-11 and shown graphically in Figures 5-21 through 5-30.

Total vegetation copper, extractable chloride and extractable sulfate concentrations were I

generally within the ranges previously observed in all of the species examined.

5.4 MMARYAND L I The 68.94% increase in mean herbaceous cover for 1991 (Figure 5-4) is directly associated

~.

with the 17.56% increase in precipitation during the 1990-91 growing season. A substantial increase in herbaceous phytomass was observed at all stations, except SO2 and GO4. The annual forb ~i~mr~im ~lis imum was very abundant this year. The noticeable increase in herbaceous cover was due to the growth of this species. The remaining analyses were generally within the ranges previously observed. Changes in vegetation cover and density recorded in 1991 appear to be climatically (average growing season temperature 6.1'C and total precipitation 8.03 cm) induced with no sign of adverse impacts from the operation of WNP-2 cooling towers evident.

No adverse trends or impacts upon soil or vegetation chemistry are apparent from the seven years of operation.

5-8

5.5 R~EEN Daubenmire, R. 1968. Plant communities. Harper and Row, New York, NY.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1983. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH.

Gilman, Lee B. 1989. Microwave Sample Preparation. CEM Corporation.

Klernmedson, J. O. and J. G. Smith, 1964. Cheat Grass (B~rm~ 1Ktorum ~L Bot. Rev.

30; 226-262.

5-9

I' Table 5-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1991 Field Work mm n Nam APIACEAE Parsley Family I~i~

CBN)h&N)~iN ASTERACEAE hl t&

tN k) T.&G.

.)C l &B Turpentine cymopterus Large-fruit lomatium Aster Family

~Achill ~miHef li m L. Yarrow

~An enn ri tftmdtrtthht (Nutt.) T&G Low pussy-toes

~A)temisi tride~nttt Nutt. Big sagebrush BI hl 'm' y Carey's balsamroot Cay&&Ah& ." ty&l.) B"'<< Gray rabbitbrush Chh&h l lhlfl ts k.) N Green rabbitbrush

~NB Qrrei.>;~~trab ~rlra

~La i ~landulos Heller (Hook.)

k.

H&A Slender hawksbeard Bur ragweed White daisy tidytips

~Tra p( ggn ~d~i Scop. Yellow salsify Aster ~cnescen (Pursh) Hoary Aster BORAGINACEAE Borage Family

~Amsincki ~tc thtoi~de Lehm. Tarweed fiddleneck

~C lh l l Gt&A)l h Matted cryptantha Cry)~tan h;L p~er carat (Torr.) Greene Winged cryptantha BRASSICACEAE Mustard Family Descurainia itinnata (Walt.) Britt. Western tansymustard Dr ~b ~vern L. Spring draba Br)ye(mum a~serum (Nutt.) DC. Prairie rocket

~Sis mbrium ~alti imum L. Tumblemustard CACTACEAE Cactus Family Q~un i poOl~<ntha Haw. Starvation cactus 5-10

Table 5-1. Q~n'need mm n Nam CARYOPHYLLACEAE Pink Family ri ftgnklinii Dougl. var. franklinii Franklin's sandwort

~Aren H~l~e>~ y~m~ll ~ L. Jagged chickweed CHENOPODIACEAE Chenopod Family g~~l s)1~In

~l~l ~li L. Russian thistle FABACEAE Pea Family

~As rail uelU<u ~<'

~ur hii Dougl.

Y Wooly-pod milk-vetch Stalked-pod milk-vetch

~Plural i ~nce~ltg Pursh Lance-leaf scurf-pea HYDROPHYLLACEAE Waterleaf Family P~ha eli h:usta Dougl. Whiteleaf phacelia

~phaceti ~ineari (Pursh) Holz. Threadleaf phacelia LILIACEAE Lily Family

~Br diae 1 Qy~lii Wats. Douglas'rodiaea C 1 ~h minzlmu D gl. Sego lily F~ri illari p~udtc 1 (Pursh) Spreng. Chocolate lily LOASACEAE Blazing-star Family

~Mentzeli glljiittttlisDougl. White-stemmed mentzelia MALVACEAE Mallow Family Sghhe~rat gg ~m nroan (Dougl.) Spach White-stemmed globe-mallow ONAGRACEAE Evening-primrose Family 5-11

Table 5-1. Qgntin~ued

(~en i~hergt pall~i Lindl. var. g~lli a White-stemmed evening-primrose PLANTA GINACEAE Plantain Family

~Planta itaata.gLnnig Jacq. Indian-wheat POACEAE Grass Family

~Aro )urn ~cri ~im (L.) Gaertn. Crested wheatgrass eal2M"

~Ar~ogron d~h ur k.)

~sica um (Pursh) Scrihn.

S b .

& Smith Thick-spiked wheatgrass Bluebunch wheatgrass B~rt~mg iectorum L. Cheatgrass F~eg~c gcCtfl~ Walt. Six-weeks fescue

~Koel ri ~crista Pers. Prairie Junegrass Qg~z)~i ~hmt~ni l~ (R&S) Ricker Indian ricegrass

~P ~n'l~er ~ii Vasey Sandberg's bluegrass

$ ita~ni q ~hgrix (Nutt.) Smith Bottlebrush squirreltail S~ti a ~coma Trin & Rupr. Needle-and-thread POLEMONIACEAE Phlox Family

~Gili ~minutifl Benth. Gilia chili ~inuata Dougl. Shy gilia

~Micr eri prg~ili (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Cronq. Pink microsteris Phlox ~in ifoli~l Long-leaf phlox POLYGONACEAE Buckwheat Family

~Erio onum ntveum Dougl. Snow buckwheat Rumex ven(~u Pursh Wild begonia RANUNCULACEAE Buttercup Family

~IN i mgllli P Wdl Larkspur ROSACEAE Rose Family 0 ~Pur hi ~tridenta (Pursh) DC. Antelope bitterbursh 5-12

Table 5-1. Q~ninueg mm n Nam SANTALACEAE Sandalwood Family Q>mandnt ~umbel l (L.) Nett. Bastard toad-flax SAXIFRAGACEAE

~Ri gy~rym Pursh Golden current SCROPHULARIACEAE Figwort Family P~enstem n ~et~min tttg Dnugl. Sand-dune penstemon VALERIANACEAE Valerian Family P~lectriti ~macr ce T&G Longhorn plectritis 5-13

Table 5-2. Vascular Plants Observed During 1975-1991 Field Work Annual Grasses

~7 12K ~7 ~7 l222 1MSo LKL 12K 326 128 12K le 3252 32H ~>~ 3229 l2R1

~v ~t

~tvca ~t X

X X X X X X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

~tvca sp. X X Perennial Grasses

~~gggll cristannn X X X X X X X X X X X rrtt,t2~tl ~da Ltacl~tm X X X X X X X X X X

~pggg ~catv X X X X X X X X X X X X

~eris ~ctata X X X X X X X X X X X X X

@~i ~an~id X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~~a Pj}a ~sa d

~itani ~et gjj X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X a ctltttata

'Sti X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Sti Qt~~ X

Table 5-2. (Cont'd)

Annual Forbs 12K 12K l2L8 l2lR lRH F51 120 12K 1K'H 12K ~ 12K 12K> 32>0 1221

~nseria ~sea >/tries X X X X X X X X X X X X X X g~gcCk'a j~s~oid X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Qinsincha X X IIIId~u

~i'~lcll jcgffJ>IIQQQ X X. X X

~I>target I>~te s~a X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Qy~tanth ~cu c~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Q~iainia vema pjggata X X

X X

X X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

ggg~u ~~cu gjJja u>II a~

g>~inut i~o stu II X X X X X X X X X

X X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

gjga mnusta X X X X X .X X X X X X QII~teu ~u~llstu X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X IBKPJIXLla QIBKISJIIR X gila~ dvl II X X X X X X X X X X X X geILtti'a ~slbicau X X X X X X X X X X X X gLcet~te.'ra X X X X x X X X X X X X X X X X X

~hIILche ~csl'IIjidl X X X

~s'>sstata X X X X X X X X X X X

~s ~nesri X X X X X X X X X X X X

~s'I>. X

~ts i>s~ta IInnt X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~t X X X X X X X X X

Table 5-2. (Cont'd Q~moniuto gjgZa~nthu X 12K l22Z 1278 X

122R 12K 12jjl 12K 12K 12'25 12K ~9 3288 1252 122'221

~amia ~al X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X gjmlt~bu ~alt ~inuill X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X g~o>own ~du iu X X X X X X X X X X X X Perennial Forbs rrtcelleeaa gijee'u n X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~te~m~a ~d'a X X X X X X X X X X X X

~a ~ini'ar.

fmmnj X X X X X X X X X X X X

~t gib ~MNCC X X X X X X X X X X Q fff1~$ ~a X

~st ~aiu a'lu guu X X X X X X X X ~

X X X X X X

~ec e ~u X X X X X X X X X X X X

~t~alu sp. X P~asamor Qrodiaea ~du

~ ~ana X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X jlrodiaea ~w X pa~loch

~ma~nd

~~uatag~cc~a~u X X X X X

X X. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~re is~at a X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X GX~ljL1L~mhaat X X X X X X

Table 5-2. (Cont'd ggp~teru ~e~tu 325 325 162 X

1225 X

1222 12K X

12kl X

32K X

12'2K X X X 32K X

152 X

128 X

182 X

1229 X

1221 X

Q~~iniu sp. X X X X X X X X X X

~ero g~v X

~tilia a guud'ca X X X X X X X X X 1dtlna~tlU pl~ac ~~u X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

/~mat'u g sp. X Qe~nothe ~da X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Penetralia ~ani~au X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~1 ~aceglatg X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~u ~v X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~hae Jcea glLuun X X X X X X X X X Shrubs, subshrubs, cacti rItilggtsia ~td tat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ggywWtha g~u ~au ~~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X gt~sctt1r~a~u ~vi Lddi~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X g~o~nu g ~vcu X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~ia ~S'ect X X fgg~un en X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~a Qguutia gg~acalLtta

~au

~t'd tata X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

0 AVERAOE AVERAOE AVERAOE AVO 001-4, 00 1 002 003 005 006 007 008 80 j 802 Ool 807 001 004 801.805 Eoj ~ 80$

Annual Cresses Bronus tee torus 26. 15 20. 80 65. SS 18.90 36.35 35.35 48.30 38.25 40.25 15.2$ 40.0$ 38.05 45.15 17.8$ , 5.90 32.81 32.85 35.75 34.46 yestuca octof lore 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 60 1.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.20 0.00 0 10 0.06 Tuta j Annual crass cover 26.15 20.80 65.SS 18.90 36.95 37.25 48.30 38.25 ~ 0.25 15.2$ 40,05 38.55 45.15 17.85 5.90 33.01 32.85 35.85 34,52 Perennial Brasses Agropyron spicatun 0.00 0.00 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0. 00 0.00 1 80 0 00 0.00 0 75 0.00 0 00 0.17 0 00 0,51 0 28 Orytopis hynenoides 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.4$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.69 0.38 Poa sandbergil 41.75 50.55 1.35 21. 30 23.55 4.90 18.90 22.40 7.60 20.65 26.35 14.45 0.00 36.10 60.60 23.36 28.74 13,81 20.44 Etlpa conata 0.00 0.00 0.00 17 40 0.00 7.90 0.00 0.45 0.00 6.15 0.00 0.00 1.55 2.30 0.00 2.38 4.35 1.5 ~ 2.79 Total Perennial grass Cover 41.75 50.55 1.35 38.70 23.5S 12. 80 18.90 22.85 7.60 32.05 26.35 14.45 2.30 38.40 60.60 26.15 33.09 16.55 23.90 Annual Porbs Ansinckia lycopsoides 0.00 0.05 0 45 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0. 00 3.90 0.05 0.00 0.00 1 50 0. 05 0.00 0.40 0.13 1.09 0. 66 Chenopodiun leptophyllun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 00 0.00 0.05 0.00 1 15 0.05 0.00 0 00 0.08 0.00 0.25 0. 14 Cryptantha circunscissa 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0$ 2.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0. 19 0.00 0.57 0. 32 Descurainia pinnate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.85 0 10 0.00 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.00 0.08 0.01 0.23 0.13 Drabs verna 0. 10 0.25 1.6$ 0.65 1 20 1.70 1.70 2 15 0.60 0 15 1 35 0.10 1 00 0.00 0.00 0 84 0 66 0.64 0.65 Erysinun asperun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.00 0 00 1,50 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.12 0.30 0. 17 transeria acanthacarpa 0.00 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.55 0.00 0.15 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00'.00 0.18 0. 18 0.18 Ollia sinuata 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.15 3.65 4.90 2.15 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.79 0.00 0. 01 0. 01 Holosteun unbessatun 0.00 2.05 8.20 0.40 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.70 0.$ $ 1.55 0.10 8.60 0.00 0.00 1.61 2,66 2.70 2. 68 Layja gladulosa 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30 1.0$ 0.60 1.75 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 00 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.06 0.03 xentrelia albicaulis 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.55 0.00 0 75 1 5$ 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0 00 0 19 0.00 0,47 0.26 Nicrosteris gracilis 0.00 0.00 2.3$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.40 1.90 0.15 0.30 0.70 0.90 0.00 0.00 0.45 0.59 0.79 0.70 Phacella linearis 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.10 1.10 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0 00 0.09 0.00 0.25 0.14 Plantago pategonica 0.05 0.30 0.00 0.45 0.05 0.10 1.15 0 5$ 0.00 1.85 2.25 0 00 ~ 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.47 0.20 0.88 0.58 Eajsoja kali 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.10 0.00 1 80 0.05 0.35 0.0$ 0.38 0.01 0.99 0.56 Sjsynbriun altissinun 0.10 1.50 0.00 0.30 2.90 0.00 25.83 12.80 24. 50 2. 10 11. 15 33,10 9 05 4.10 0.65 8.54 0.48 15.98 9.09 Total Annual yorb Cover 0.25 4.15 12.90 1.85 5.90 6.90 34.73 19 80 32.3515.00 16.75 37.30 20.10 4.50 0.70 14 21 15 14 15 88 16 07 Perennial Porbs Achilles njjjefojjun 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0. 19 0.00 0. 56 0. 31 Astragalus purshil 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.45 0.0$ 0 00 0.10 0.00 0 00 0.00 0 00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0. 01 0.01 Aeter Canesrens 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0. 00 0.00 Astragalus scjerocarpus 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 00 0.00 0 00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Balsanorhisa careyana 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.4$ 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.30 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.38 0.00 0.52 0.29 Conandra unbellata 0.00 0.00 0.00 . 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 Crepls ~ trabarba 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 00 0.00 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0 14 0.08 Cysopterun tereblnthlnus 0 00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.2$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.45 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.65 0.01 0.70 0.39 Oenothera pallida 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30 0.00 0.00 4 45 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0,39 0.00 0.91 0. 51 Phlox jongjfojja 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.90 0.75 0.30 0.0$ 0.10 0.00 0.00 1.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.22 0.23 0.25 0.24 Rueex venosus 0 00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0 01 Total Perennial Porb Cover 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.90 3.95 8.55 0.05 0.20 4.4$ 6.3$ 1.9$ 2.35 0.35 0.00 0.00 1.95 0 25 3.09 1.83 Tutaj Herbaceous Cover 68.15 75.60 79.80 60.3S 70.35 65.50 101.98 81 10 8~ .6568.65 8$ .10 92.6$ 67.90 60.75 67.20 75.32 81.33 71.37 76. 32 Table 5-3 Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Stations - 1991

~.

Table 5-4 Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1991 X GOIN.

$ 01 $ 01 50$ $ 01.$ $ 06 XS GO I GOI GO) GOIA G07 GOI XO XSO $ 01.5 AO 1975 49.90 N.)0 4)AO 4).00 43.90 4).00 4)A5 4LI8 4LI8 PO 1975 OAO 2.00 430 L)7 3.10 5AO 4AO 3.26 ).26 AF 1975 14.60 11.70 11.10 12.41 29.50 I).00 21.2$ ld 10 16.10 PF 1975 4.) 0 0.90 1.80 2.N 1.50 2.10 IAO 2.12 2.12 AIL 1975 49.40 49.90 dl.80 60.)7 78.60 4) AO 11.10 64.66 64A4 AO 1976 50.70 40.90 )4AO 41.97 71.20 5 I AO 6IAO 49AS 49.74 1976 0.40 10.50 IOAO 1.07 4AO 3. 10 3.75 5.14 5.14 AF 1976 SAO 5.30 1.20 11.90 SAO 10.20 7.68 7AS PF 1976 0.00 0.50 0.20 0.21 0.00 0.20 0.10 0.18 0.18 AIL 1976 5440 51.20 52.00 55.27 87.50 63AO 75A) 43.34 43.34 AO )977 I.)5 0.65 1.90 I.)0 5.20 IA5 ).N 2.11 2.11 PG 1971 0.)5 I I.)0 8.28 d.dd $ .25 2AO 3.08 5.22 5.22 AF 1977 0.25 0.05 0.90 OAO 2AO 935 5.18 2.59 L)9 PF 1977 0.55 OAO IA2 0.86 0.05 4.30 ).18 1.78 1.78 AIL 1977 12AO 12.50 9.20 10.90 20.00 15A5 11.10 11.70 AO 1978 51.00 d1.00 51.00 56.N 6S.OO 42.00 55.00 5)AO 5)AO PO 1978 ).00 18.00 11.00 10.47 8.00 1.00 1.50 9AO 9AO AP 1978 10.00 SLOO 27.00 25.00 2)AO PF 1978 8.00 0.00 5.00 4.)) 2.00 S.OO 2.50 3AO SAO AU 1978 100.00 95.00 100.00 9LN 101.00 17.00 S9.00 AO 1979 25.00 29.00 9.00 21.00 31.00 10.00 20.50 20AO PO 1979 1.00 18.00 11.00 10.00 7.00 d.00 SAO L40 AF 1979 2.00 4.00 10.00 SD) 4).00 3).00 ) LOO ISAO IL40 PF 1979 11.00 0.00 LOO ~ .61 0.00 1.00 ).50 4.20 4.20 AIL 1979 39.00 51.00 )LOO 41.00 81.00 55.00 d8.00 51AO 5 IAO AO 191t0 50AO 5 IAO 24.) 0 $ 6.20 56.40 47.82 4'7.82 61.30 13.80 12.30 57.05 57.05 51.92 51.92 PO 1980 1.00 7.20 2)AO 10.90 0.10 SAO SAO 2L)0 0.10 26AO 29.15 29.75 11.94 11.94 AP 1980 1AO 4.20 2L50 )AO 14.10 IOA6 10.)6 1.)0 5.00 2L10 4.90 I IAS II A I IOA6 10.84 PF 1910 2.20 4.70 4.60 1.80 ).IO ).IO 0.40 0.00 0.00 4AO 1.25 1.25 L28 AII 1910 61.20 6)AO 74.80 15.10 72AO 69.78 69.18 100.SO 146.80 102AO 4L40 99.5) 99.5) SLOO AO 1981 74.80 54AO 66.50 49.80 76.20 64.)8 64.38 7)AO NAO 48.90 14.6t 14.68 68.94 PO 1981 0.10 4.70 14.30 5.80 0.00 4.98 4.9t 19.60 0.00 36.70 20.55 20.55 11.90 11.90 AF 1981 SAO )AO IL20 1.20 12.50 L14 Lld 15.90 11.90 17.50 5.90 12AO 12AO 10.21 10.21 PP 1981 0.00 ).20 0.70 4.90 0.50 IA6 IA6 0.20 0.00 0.00 1.90 0.5) 0.53 1.27 1.27 AIL 19SI 80.20 66.00 61.10 S9.20 79.36 19.) 6 IN.IO NIAO 105.90 9) AO )08.55 IOL5 92.3) 9LN 5

AO 1982 51.50 )6.60 32.10 33.32 3)D2 42.20 45.50 51.00 40AO 40AO 36A) S6A7 PG 1982 OAO 6AO )7.90 4.) 0 OAO 5.96 5.96 11.20 11.60 0.10 31.30 I)JS I)DS 9A) 9.N AF 1982 4.60 4.20 7AO IAO 11.30 1.01 7.04 9.10 4AO 4AO 4.10 $ .15 5.15 6A7 4A7 PF 1982 0.20 4AO 0.70 1.00 2AS 2AS 0.30 0.00 I.) 0 S.80 LSS IDS 1.98 1.98 AII 1982 SL70 40.70 62.70 44.80 39.10 48.80 4LIO 63AO dl.70 51.00 62.10 61.05 61.05 54.24 54.24

~.

0,

~ '

Table 5-4 Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1991 (continued)

X

$ 01 $01.5 XS GO I A GOS GO6 GOt XO XSG AO 194) SLIO )1.60 )L65 )L1$ )1.4$ 3L73 SLT) 49M )LSS 62.15 17.5$ 42.) 5 42.N 40.3) 40.3)

PO 1913 2.1$ 1.70 14AS 1.29 6AO 6.40 2. Io 1$ .7$ 0.00 2$ .50 10.44 IO.N 4.37 4OT AF 1913 4.20 TA5 12.55 3.45 22.3$ IO.11 IOA1 11.'70 4.15 6.6$ 10.11 10.11 10.11 Io.tl PP lot) 0:lo 3.10 1.0$ 4AO 19$ 2.24 0.65 0.0$ Llo 4.00 I.TO 1.70 2.00 2.00 AIL 191) 6IAS 542$ dl.'70 $ 1.00 57.44 51.2$ 54.2$ 70.9S 64.20 1).$ 0 53.'70 65.$ 9 6539 61.51 61.51 AO 1914 4130 32.15 39.3$ S6.30 36.50 31.24 31.21 60.tS 'I 1.)0 9.60 50.65 50.65 4).21 43.21 PO 1914 I AS 1.10 11.5$ LSS OAO d.23 6.2) 1.20 4AS 25.00 Io.n 10.22 6.11 7.1)

AP 19N 123$ L lo I I.IO 4.00 1)AO 9.79 979 20.65 9.70 19AS 1.95 14A4 14A4 I IA6 I I A6 PF 1914 0.30 4.00 0.15 LSS 0.6$ 1AS 2AS 0.20 1.10 1.2$ O.tl 0.11 1.72 1.12 AIL 19N S6.00 53.6$ 62.15 5$ AO $ 0.9$ $ 5.1$ 55.15 t)AO 15AS SIAO 4).10 1).56 TM6 6L6'I 6L67 AO 191$ 2.10 2.15 14.60 4.95 IO.IT 10.11 1.00 L1 0 11.30 1.2S IOA I IOAI 10.21 10.21 PO 191$ 105 4.70 17.4$ 2AO 1.1$ $ .$ 7 SST 9.20 11.9$ 0.00 IS.90 10.26 10.26 TA6 1.66 AF 191$ 0.10 IDS 9AO 2.30 4.7$ 3.10 3.70 IL20 4. IS 1.5$ L05 9.24 9.24 6.16 6.16 PF 1915 0.00 1.35  !.15 ).00 0.2$ I.IS I. IS OAO 0.10 2.3$ 0.90 1.04 1.04 I. IO I.IO AIL 191$ 3.45 9.55 4LOO 12.65 33.90 20.59 20.$ 9 )L20 )L)0 21.20 25.10 30.9$ )0.9$ 2$ .19 2S.19 AO 1916 ITA5 1.95 7.10 11.45 I).0$ Io.n 10.22 9AO 4.6$ I).2$ 7.3$ 1.66 L66 9.53 9.$ )

M 1916 2.20 10.75 11.25 9.1$ IAO 4.27 19AS St.6$ 0.00 21.13 21.1) I) 94 I) 94 AF 1916 2$ AO 1665 31.10 10.25 16.70 '2 1 A2 21A2 27A5 34.15 2SAS 2).99 2L99 n.)d PP 1916 I.IS 5.35 2.30 9.1$ 1.2$ SA4 3.14 I.lo 1.9$ 0.0$ 2.55 1.59 1.59 2.N 2A4 AU 1916 46,20 34.10 6IAS 40.70 12.)0 4).'75 4).75 51.70 19AO )L1$ 44AO 55.36 55.) 6 44.91 44.91 AO 1917 2L90 9.95 TAO 19.0$ ))AO 19.t2 19.t2 2L15 9AS $ 1.65 4.6$ 22AO 22AO 20.91 M 1911 )AO 21.90 42A5 1995 2.30 11.00 I 1.00 32AS 5LT9 0.0$ 4$ .95 34.31 34.) I 25.2$

AP )947 11.$ 6 L50 IO.IO 6.5$ I I AO 996 9.16 10.30 11.11 14.00 ).25 9.72 9.72 9.4$ 9A5 PF 1917 5.00 6.00 2.00 10.40 1.1$ 5AO 5.03 0.90 1.90 O. IS 1.$ $ I. Il 1.13 3.19 3.29 AU. 1911 $ 0.06 46.)5 SSAS 4L45 $ 2AI 52.11 6780 tlA6 55AO dTAS d1.55 $ 9.)6 59.36 AO 1911 IL10 LIO l)AO 10.15 10.11 IOAO 12.24 '10.51 n.95 10.10 16.7$ 4AO I)A5 11.9$ 19.20 15.1$ IOA0 14.00 12.32 11.72 M 1914 1.7$ 4AO 11.95 'AO ).35 6.97 16.1$ )TAO 9.49 11.15 21.10 0.0$ 30.20 11A5 9.50 ILOS IOAS 14.)0 14.$ 1 12.)4 I I A)

AP 1911 4.01 5.2$ 3.60 3.10 4.40 4AI 0.00 0.3$ $ .20 6.) 0 16.1$ 1.$ $ 1.10 '7.9$ 1.20 1.45 12.35 6.12 6.dl 5.16 $ .94 PP 1911 11.55 15.1$ 2.10 4.1$ 3.2$ 1.$ 0 0.10 0.00 $ .31 0.20 2.00 0.00 4AO IA5 1$ .2$ L70 2A5 4.N 4.N 4.19 4.90 AIL 1914 3LIl 54A5 25.15 S 1.1$ 20.75 29.06 273$ 30.09 21.96 4730 49.9$ 249$ 41.20 40.70 37.90 41.40 41.10 12.52 39AT $ 4AO S4.1) 1919 11.4$ 12.50 11A5 10.2$ )2.90 17.99 15.00 47.45 11.40 n.50 1).20 4$ .4$ 3.05 2d. 15 22.35 35.10 )L05 12.05 26.$ 2 24.05 21A2 1919 1.30 29.5$ I).00 1.25 2).n 30.35 S1.$ 0 26.21 60AO 59AO 0.05 49.5$ 42AO )6.75 16.20 32.05 41.9$ 3'1.94 $ 2.$ 4 S L14 1919 IL50 6.95 IL05 6.4$ I I.IO Io.ol 0.45 5.!$ Lol 12.15 5.90 41.20 '2.15 1$ .9$ 4.45 ILSS I).0$ 13.9$ I ~ .IS I IA4 12.6$

1919 4AS Idaho 4AO 1.20 0,5$ 6A2 0.10 0.00 4AO 3.4$ 1.10 0.0$ 3.00 2.00 6AS IOAO 12.90 10.60 $ .2) 4A6 1919 41.10 6)AO PL90 37.90 4S.IO $ 7.64 46.30 90.)0 do.d9 99.60 I OL IS 51AS 4450 14AO 1$ .25 96.05 4$ .5$ 7).ll 70AT AO 1990 S6.10 16.40 17.50 32AO $ L)$ )L37 12.90 $ AS 2$ .03 I SAO 1.15 6ISS 13.65 25.39 2).10 3$ .4$ 36.5$ 19.7$ 21.01 26.05 24.11 PO 1990 3AO IL45 IL3$ IL70 0.05 9A5 11A0 11.55 11.49 IL10 0.00 30.00 12.11 11.90 10.70 9.)0 12.10 11.59 11.1) IOA6 AF 1990 1.9$ 2.60 4.15 445 4.90 6AI 0.10 0.00 4.61 1.1$ 2.3$ 15.70 )OS 1.290.3 LTS d.90 L95 1.00 d.t4 5.10 6.41 PF 1990 OAO 9.$ 5 1.75 3.90 0.0$ 3.313 0.00 0.00 2.24 0.00 0.05 0.05 1.70 3 ).9$ 1.$ 5 0.0$ 0.20 1.76 1.91 IAI ASL 1990 4L45 4).to 4530 53.$ 5 62.)$ 50.29 31.40 4)A9 45.05 10.15 17.30 4L20 45.14 42AO dlAO 5).15 39.05 4'1.20 45.56 41.01 AO 1991 40,2$ IL25 40.05 )LSS 41.1$ S$ .1$ I'TAS 5.90 25.14 26 15  %.10 459$ I L90 32.1$ ) 6.95 37.25 41.)0 )L25 )6.5'I 3)AI 34.52 M 1991 TAO 32.05 TL)$ 14A5 2.30 II,N 31AO 25.96 41.'1$ QLSS I.)5 )L10 29.09 TLSS 11.to o.oo 22.4$ 2L94 16.N 11.12 AF 1991 )d.'1$ 15.00 16.1$ ) 7.30 2 1 AO 24.29 4.45 7.)0 19.46 0.2$ 4.10 l)DS 1.45 4A2 4.7$ 6.)o )$ .11 16.6$ IO.) I 14.77 16.2d PF 1991 4.45 6.3$ 1.95 2.3$ 0.30 3AS 030 0.00 2.24 0.00 0.10 OAO 0.90 0.25 )DS I L20 0.05 1.70 2.29 2.25 I.lt AlL 1991 tL55 d)AS 1$ .10 19.65 72DS 74.36 61.40 1LIO 76 )6 dl.l5 15.6$ 40.2$ 60AS 6L I I 6L5$ t)AI 19AS 72.19 Td.97 d).71

Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station 1991 Table 5-5 Mean Frequency Kl itti2 RR iri2t 95 R5 <> pt<<rocarya Descursinia pinnate 14 4 li 2 6 50 Drabs vcma 4 10 56 26 2 28 14 20 24 6 34 4 40 Frsnscria acanthacarpa 2 6 2 12 6 8 Oiya sinuate Hololtcum umbeliatum 16 98 16 22 84 64 50 18 22 42 Layia gisndulosa hlentzsya alblcauhs hti<<rosrcris graciBC 2 34 12 22 66 6 12 28 26 Pha<<eiia Bnearis 4 24 Pismsgo pat<<Sonics 2 12 18 2 8 10 12 2 Sslsola RCB 10 52 2 4 2 Slsymbrium aiussimurn 4 12 '21 20 18 50 62 54 S 54 76 44 20 6 Trsgopogon dubius P<<r<<nnisl Forbs AchiBca miBC folium Aster canesecns Astragalus putshii Anrsgulus sck mes rpus Bstrsmorhiza cstc7ana 4 4 14 2 Bmdiaca doughsu Comsndra umbellate Ctepis huaba*a C7noplcius tctcbinlthinus Oenorh<<m psllida 16 24 4 Phlox iongifolia 6 2 2 2 10 Rumex vcnosus 1CS PCt llC 11 11 1 21 8 14 16 9 5-21

Table 5-6 Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1991

~/S 05/10 GOI 3.9 13.8 137.8 OS/09 G02 3.9 SD 53.1 0$ /14 G03 3.9 18.6 18$ .8 05/10 GO I 214 6.2 61.9 0$ /09 G02 214 10.8 1078 0$ /14 G03 214 20.9 209.1 05/10 GOI 24.12 . 138 13$ .2 OS/09 G02 24.)2 7.7 76.5 OS/14 G03 24-12 13.0 129.8 05/10 GO I 27-7 4.7 473 OS/09 G02 27.7 13.9 139 4 OS/14 G03 27-7 12.0 1198 0$ /10 GO I 414 5.6 56.1 0$ /09 G02 41.5 11.0 109.6 0$ /14 G03 41-S 16 4 163.9 AVG 8.8 87.7 AVQ 9.7 97.2 AVG 16.2 161.6 SlD 4.0 40.2 STD 3.0 29.7 STD 3.4 33.6 RQK QK RUE ~I$ SZG E!2K 05/09 G04 3.9 3.7 36.9 0$ /16 GOS 3-9 8.6 8$ .6 OS/IS G06 3-9 17.0 170.0 OS/09 G04 214 11.8 118.3 05/16 GOS 214 27.3 272.8 05/1$ G06 214 $ .2 $ 1.6 0$ /09 G04 24.12 2.9 293 OS/16 24 12 31.1 3 IO.S 05/15 G06 24.12 4.3

'19 GOS 05/09 G04 27-7 113.4 05/16 GOS 27-7 8.6 SS.6 05/15 G06 27-7 11.0 1103 0$ /09 G04 41.$ 4.0 40.1 0$ /16 G0$ 414 10.4 104.4 0$ /15 G06 414 13.2 1323 AVQ 67.6 AVC 17.2 171.8 AVG 10.1 101 4 4.0 39.6 STD 9.9 STD 4.8

~A ~ ~~ ~/S

~IFl'DA 05/16 G07 3.9 16.3 1633 OS/16 GOS 3.9 5.9 5M 05l 16 G07 214 10.4 103.6 OS/16 COS 214 21.8 218.2 05/16 G07 24-12 29.9 2993 0$ /16 GOS 24 12 ISA IS3.8 0$ /16 G07 27.7 IS.S 158.0 OS/I 6 QOS 27-7 93 93 4 OS/16 G07 41-S II 8 I I7.9 0$ /16 COS 41-S 163 162.8 AVO 16.8 168A AVO 13.7 1373 6.9 693 SID $ .6 5$ .9 5-22

0 Table 5-6 Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1991 (continued)

~WI'./5 J?BID XGX 5~ JOT ~/

0$ /17 501 3-9 1$ 0.9 OS/20 S02 3.9 13.L 130.7 06/02 S03 3-9 11.2 111.9 0$ /17 501 214 11.2 111.$ OS/20 502 214 80.4 06/02 503 214 10.4 103.7 0$ /17 501 24-12 33S 33$ .0 0$ /20 502 24 12 2.1 213 06/02 S03 2412 11.0 109.9 OS/17 SO I 27-7 0$ /20 S02 27.7 $ 28 06/02 503 27-7 $ .9 S8.9 0$ /17 501 414 I2.4 124.1 OS/20 502 414 0.6 6.1 06/02 S03 41-S $ .4 S3.8 AVG 22.$ 22S. I AVG S8.2 AVG 8.8 87.6 SID 12.1 120.6 4.4 STD 2.6 2S.7

~A7 ~ ~ V~Vf ~I ~I 0$ /31 504 34/ 17.8 177.6 06/02 50334 18.8 OS/20 506 3.9 37.2 372.3

'06 187'.7 0$ /31 S04 214 IS. I ISO.7 06/02 503214 67.2 0$ /20 214 3.4 33.8 0$ /31 504 24-12 9.6 96.4 06/02 50$ 24.12 143 143.2 0$ /20 506 24.12 32.0 320.2 0$ /31 504 27.7 23.9 238,8 06/02 50527.7 3.3 33.2 0$ /20 506 27-7 30.3 303.0 0$ /31 S04 41.S 263 262.7 06/02 503414 123 1233 OS/20 506 41-$ 9.6 AVG 188 18$ .2 AVG 11.1 I I I3 AVG 223 6.0 60.0 $ .$ $ 4.9 SID ISA 134.1

~T ~ ~ W~f ~l 0$ /20 507 3-9 21.7 217.2 0$ /20 507 214 20.6 20$ .S 0$ /20 S07 24.12 31.0 309c7 0$ /20 507 27 7 31' IS A 0$ /20 S07 41.$ 8.2 82.0 AVG 22.6 226.0 MEAN GO! ~ 124.1

~~mr mm Grams/sq. maser cry MEAN SOIM7 IS9.8 Grams/sq. maser MEAN BOI.BOSO.O Grams/sq. racmr 5-23

~.

Table 5-7 Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass (g/m2) for 1975 through 1991 32K 12l2 ~78 AH 12~ o J2Rl ~3 ~8 ~8 +86 ~98 +88 ~8 GOI 359 108 21 166 64 160 200 90 77 94 70 50 83 34 174.3 13.6 87.7 302 258 II 162 37 68 255 60 137 116 27 61 77 14 65.7 4.1 97.2 G03 53 261 62 64 133 12 32 134 16 105.1 64.0 161.6 79 159 113 82 67 37 35 90 61 49.5 73.2 67.6 GOS 43.2 36.8 171.8 61.0 39.8 101.4 G07 113.1 168.4 G08 112.3 10.0 137.3 SOI 126 137 173 21 36 180 98 171 104 62 59 53.9 32.8 225.1 144 98 128 28 63 I IS 24 232 57 112 144 73 72.8 78.3 58.2

$ 03 88 177 115 16 43 31 22 54 95 27 48 IS 67.0 28.2 87.6 78 52 39 68 93 11 176 108 24 39.8 30.9 185.2 SOS 71 81 184 136 43 61 42 145 19 103.7 43.4 111.3 72.7 34.0 225.1 149.5 6.1 226.0

~.

Table 5-8 Summary of Shrub Density for 1991 ota Artemisia tridentata 40 16 Chrysothamnus nauseosus 0 0 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0 0 Purshia tridentata +0 JR 70 28 Ota S02 Artemisia tridentata 20 8 Chrysothamnus nauseosus 0 0 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0 0 Purshia tridhntata 0 0 20 8 ota S//La S03 Artcmisia tridentata 19 10 23 58 580 232 Chrysothamnus nauseosus 2 2 2 8 80 32 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0 0 0 0 0 0 Purshia tridentata 0 0 0 0 0 /1 66 660 264 Jntal S04 Artcmisia tridentata 0 1 1 4 6 60 24 Cluysothamnus nauseosus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chrysothamaus viscidiflorus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Purshia tridentata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 60 24 otal S05 Artemisia tridentata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chrysotharnnus nauseosus 0 0 5 1 6 60 24 Chrysothamnus viscidi florus 0 0 0 1 1 10 4 Purshia tridentata 2 3 0 7 ~0 g8 14 140 56

Table 5-9 Summary of Shrub Cover (%) at five Stations for 1991 Shrub Cover (Fo)

Shrubs S01 S03 SOS Artemisia tridentata 0.00 0.20 5.78 0.00 0.00 1.20 Cluysothamnus nauseosus 0.00 0.00 0.63 0.00 0.20 0.17 Chrjjsothamnus viscidi florus 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.02 Purshia tridentata 0.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 Total Shrub Cover 0.32 0.20 6.41 0.00 0.29 1.44

Table 5-10 Summary of Soil Chemistry for 1991 GO I G02 G03 G05 G06 G07 G08 SOI S02 503 S05 S06 $ 07 pH (I:2 soil- 6.71 6.58 7.02 6.60 6.65 6.65 6.77 6.68 6.81 6.82 6.46 6.77 6.68 6.82 6.76 watcr)

Conductivity (I:2 43.5 39.5 63.5 20.6 13.6 42.2 28.7 49.6 14.6 48.3 21.2 28.0 25.8 44.4 soil-water) microsie mens/cm Sulfate ug/gm 3.00 3.11 2.44 3.08 2.42 3.06 3.2 3.38 3.20 3.28 2.49 3.10 3.08 3.28 Chloride ug/gm 16.00 17.60 13.20 15.20 20.8 18.8 26.4 13.2 12.00 6.00 18.40 12.40 17.60 11.6 21.2 Copper ug/gm 13.72 11.40 11.80 9.32 8.48 10.44 9.84 12.44 15.80 7.76 10.36 10.72 12.12 17.88 16.64 Lead ug/grn 4.88 4.51 2.99 1.98 2.95 2.64 4.37 2.12 2.84 1.84 3.67 2.40 3.19 3.61 4.02 Cadmium ug/gm 0.140 0.220 0.090 0.080 0.170 0.080 0.120 0.060 0.060 0.130 0.130 0.210 0.230 0.190 0.380 Chromium ug/gm -10.7 8.1 6.5 6.6 7.9 8.2 7.2 8.9 6.5 9.4 8.3 10.0 4.2 14.6 13.9 Nickel ug/gm 17.16 14.64 15.36 12.08 14.44 14.84 13.48 16.36 IS.28 '5.56 14.52 13.64 12.52 16.28 16.84 Zinc ug/gm 54.84 67.96 50.56 43.52 33.84 46.16 47.44 43.96 78.68 . 27.84 52.44 45.64 51.40 62.60 61.16 Sodium % 0.028 0.031 0.026 0.025 0.024 0.026 0.025 0.03 0.037 0.020 0.027 0.026 0.029 0.027 0.036 Potassium % 0.352 0.241 0.236 0.198 0.236 0.142 0.167 0.157 0.189 0.087 0.172 0.164 0.189 0.241 0.244 Calcium % 0.294 0.307 0.328 0.289 0.259 0.284 0.287 0.239 , 0.314 0.311 0.287 0.288 0.277 0.356 0.409 Bicarbonate 0.0022 0.0039 0.0038 0.0016 0.0010 0.0012 0.0019 0.0016 0.0022 0.0013 0.0028 0.0017 0.0015 0.0027 0.0042 (meq/HC03/gm)

Magnesium % 0.424 0.416 0.392 0.352 0.365 0.365 0.359 0.343 0.420 0.304 0.356 0.334 0.308 0.434 0.563

~.

Table 5-11 Summary of Vegetation Chemistry for 1991 SITE POSA BRTE SIAL PIILO PUTR ARTR CIIVI GRSP Copper (cc/4m) 14.00 10.00 2.00 2.00

$ 01 '2.00 2.00

$ 05 2.00

$ 07 Eaeraeecb)c Salfaec (%) GO I 0.012 0.049 0.013 0.015 0.012 0.037 0.013 0.029 G03 0.044 0.04$ 0.221 0.012 0.012 0.175 0.012 G05 0.036 0.042 0.021 0.012 0.012 0.039 0.034 G07 0.015 0.032 0.161 0.01$

GOS 0.012 0.037 0.153 0.018

$ 01 0.011 0.032 0.104 0.015 S02 0.014 0.012 0.017 0.017

$03 0,012 0.015 0.016 0.016 0.014 0.021 0.07$ 0.012,

$ 05 0.014 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.062 0.036 0.062 0.022 0.097

$ 07 0.061 0.062 0.0$ 4 0.041 Scceaecab)c Cbloridc (%) GO I 0.15 0.21 0.31 0.12 0.26 0.39 0.12 G03 0.28 0.07 0.28 0.28 0.19 0.11 0.30 0.30 G0$ 0.12 0.05 0.48 02 0.15 0.43 0.2 0.17 0.28 '.09 GO8 0.18 0.14 0.73

$ 01 0.22 0.18 0.10 0.13 0.30 0.11 0.42 0.0$ 0.3$

0.15 0.17 0.15 0.07 0.11 0.05 0.40 0.19 0.19 0.41 0.6

$ 07 0.)6 PosA pea 82nd! IOIgii BRTE Rmmus hxhuum sIAL SiI).miuium niIi$$inmn PHLO Eggs jungiG}lig pUTR pgrttua ruhanatn ARTR 8rfglnlIig 11idgnhLhL .

cHYI giu3(snthunnus zizidiQBBIs GRSP Qgyja snum$ 8 5-28

~.

0

O.

0

~,

~ i

~

Shrub Community 50m Herbaceous transect Shrub intercept transect Shrub intercept transect Shrub interceot transect 20m Shrub intercept transect Shrub interceot transect Phytomass sampling plot Herbaceous Community 50m Herbaceo'us transect t tom Phytomass sampling olot I

Figure 5-2 Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots 5-30

O.

MEAN % COVER 50 40 30 20 10 PREOPERATIONAL H AG-G OPERATIONAL RR3 PG-G EQ AF-G I 1991 PF-G MEAN % COVER 0

30 20 10 I

0 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1991 W AG-S ERB PG-S E3 AF-S PF-S Figure 5-3 Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1991 5-31

TOTAL PRECIP. (cm) MEAN TEMP (C) MEAN  % COVER/MEAN DRY WT. (9/m2) 20 160 l

/

\ 140 I 1

/

\

/

/ /~

15 'I 120

\ /

/ 1

/

/

/ // / 'I

//

/ \ '

'I /

/ / I'I

/ 100

// /

S 1

l / //

I

/ / l

\

10 )I' 80 1

\

\

\

60 4'0 20 0 0 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1S88 1989 1S90 1991 YEAR

-~- Precipitation ~ Temperature EQ Cover KS Dry Weight Figure 5-4 Mean Herbaceous Cover, Mean Dry Weight (g/m'), Total Precipitation, and Mean Temperature from 1982 through 1991

O.

GRAMS/SQ. METER 180 170 180 160 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 80 60 40 30 20 10 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1991 SAMPLE PERIOD

~GRASSLAND EZ3SHRUSS DRY WEIGHT (G/M2) 260 226 200 175 160 126 100

's1's,"."'s 76 ~,$

50 26 5s4~

0 G01 GO2 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 S08 S07 STATION Figure 5-5 Mean Herbaceous Phytomass at Grassland and Shrub Stations for 1975 through 1991 5-33

~ ~ 0 0 GOI PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % 602 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

140 140 120 180 180 120 120 100 110 80 110 100 100 00 8O 00 80 80 80 To 70 8O 80 80 40 80 50 40 40 40 80 20 80 20 '20 10 10 0 0 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL IQOI PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 100'I SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD CDORY woT. 69>> covER MORY WOT. E3>> CQVER 603 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % G04 PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

200 140 100 180 180 110 'I 20 180 80 110 80 150 140 100 180 00 120 80 80 110 80 100 To 00 80 80 40 To 80 80 40 ao 40 20 80 20 80 20 20 10 10 0 0 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1001 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD C3 CRT WQT, 1441>> COVER C3ORT WOT. Q4I>> covER Figure 5-6 .

Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations GO1 to G04 for 1980 through 1991

0 0

. 605 PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

llo 130 600 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

120 120 110 80 110 eo 100 100 00 00 eo eo 80 80 To To 80 eo lO ~0 eo eo 10 lo 30 30 20 20 20 20 10 10 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIOMAI. 1001 PREOPERATIOMAL OPERATIONAL SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD MORV WOT. E9% COVER C30RY woT. 63% covER 607 PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % GOB PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

200 Ilo 100 100 180 130 110 120 180 80 180 110 80 110 100 130 00 120 80 110 80 80 100 To 00 80 80 lO lO To eo 80 50 lo

~0 20 20 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1031 PREOPERATIONAI. OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD MORT WOT. K3% COVER ~ORY WOT. K3% COVER Figure 5-7 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations GOS to GO8 for 1980 through 1991

~.

0 0 0 0 0 SOI PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN 5 S02 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

250 140 160 225 120 80 110 175 100 00 150 60 80 125 70 60 40 ~0 50

~0 50 20 80 20 20 26 10 0

PREOPERATIOHAL OPERATIONAI, 1001 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD C3ORY WOT. M% COVER MORY WQT, E3% COVER SOS PHYTOMASS 6/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % S04 PHYTOMASS 0/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

00 80 80 160 80 70 140 60 60 120 60 50 40 40 80 ~0 60 20 ~0 20 10 20 PREOPERATIOHAL OPERATIONAL 1001 PREOPERATIOHAL OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD CDORY WOT. I441% COVER C30RY WOT. K3% COVER Figure 5-8 Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations SO1 to SO4 for 1980 through 1991

~.

0 S05 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % SOS PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

I 10 240 130 120 220 110 80 200 80 100 180 00 180 80 80 80 140 To 120 80 40 100 40 80 80 40 30 80 20 20 20 40 10 20 PREOPERATIOMAL OPERATIONAL IOOI PREOPERATIOMAL OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD MORT WOT. K3% COVER CDORY woT. EZ!% covER SOT PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

100 240 220 200 80 180 180 8O 140 120 40 80 8O 40

. 20 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1001 SAMPLE PERIOD MORT WOT, EZI% COVER Figure 5-9 Mean Herbaceous Cover, and Phytomass for Stations SOS for 1980 through 1990 and Stations S06 and SO7 for 1980 through 1991

~.

DENSITY (shrubsihaj 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

S01 S02 S03 S04 S05

~ PREOPE RATIONAL I STAT I ON OPERATIONAL CQ 1991 Figure 5-10 Shrub Density at Five Stations for 1975 through 1991

MEAN PERCENT COVER 30 20 15 10 0

1S75 1976 19?? 1978 1S?9 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 19SO 1991 YEAR Figure 5-11 Mean Total Shrub Cover for 1975 through 1991

PERCENT COVER DE NSI T Y (shrubs/ha) 700 600 I % COVER DENSITY 500 400 300 200 100 0

S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 STATI ON Figure 5-12 Shrub Cover and Density for Five Stations for 1991

pH 9.0 8.5 8.0 7.5 7.0 6.0 GOI G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 301 802 803 804 305 806 807 STATION CDPREQPERATIQNAL RB OPERATIONAL E31991 CONDUCTIVITY MICROSIEMENS/CM 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 GOI G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 GOS SOI S02 S03 S04 S05 S06 S07 STATION C3 PREQPE RATIONAL EZ3 QPERATIQNAL E31991 Figure 5-13 Soil pH and Conductivity for 1980 through 1991 5-41

CHLORIDE MICROGRAMS/GRAM 30 20 15 10 0

601 602 603 G04 G05 GOB 607 608 SOI S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB S07 STATION CZPREOPERATIONAL EEIOPERATIONAL C'31991 SULFATE MICROGRAMS/GRAM 50 40 30 20 0

G01 602 G03 604 G05 608 607 608 SOI S02 S03 S04 805 SOB S07 STATION CDPREOPERATIONAL EB OPERATIONAL E31990 Figure 5-14 Soil Sulfate and Chloride for 1980 through 1991 5-42

MEQ. HCO3/GRAM X 10-4 70 60 40 30 20 10 0

601 G02 G03 604 605 G08 G07 608 801 S02 S03 S04 S05 S08 S07 STATION MPREOPERATIONAL EZ3 OPERATIONAL E'3 1991 COPPER MICROGRAMS/GRAM 20 18 17 15 14 13 10 601 602 603 604 G05 608 607 608 SOI S02 S03 S04 S05 S08 S07 STATION

~PREOPERATIONAL EEI OPERATIONAL Ei31991 Figure 5-15 Soil Bicarbonate and Copper for 1980 through 1991 5-43

LEAD MlCROGRAMS/GRAM 7

C;

?

I I

C 4

0 G01 G02 603 604 G05 GOB 607 GOB '01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB S07 STATION MPREOPERATIONAL 623 OPERATIONAL E31991 NICKEL MICROGRAMS/GRAM 20 15 10 2

0 G01 G02 603 604 G05 GOB 607 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB S07 STATION C3PREOPERATIONAL E23OPERATIONAL C31991 Figure 5-16 Soil Lead and Nickel for 1980 through 1991 5-44

~.

0

CADMIUM MICROGRAMS/GRAM 0.6 0.5 0,4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0

Gpt G02 G03 G04 GOS GOB G07 GPS SOI S02 S03 804 S05 SOB S07 STATION CD P REOP E RATIONAL EB OPERATIONAL E3 1991 ZINC MICROGRAMS/GRAM 100 95 90 86 80 76 70 66 60 66 60 46 40 35 30 501 25 20 16 10 G02 G03 G04 G05 GPB G07 GOS Spt S02 S03 S04 S05 806 807 STATION MPREOPERATIONAL EK3OPERATIONAL K3 1991 I igure 5-17 Soil Cadmium and Zinc for 1980 through 1991 5-45

CHROMIUM MlCROGRAMS/GRAM 20 18 18 14 12 I 10 0

602 603 G04 G05 607 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB SO'7 601 GOB STATION

~PREOPERATIONAL K3 OPERATIONAL E'31991 SODIUM WEIGHT PERCENT

0. 10

0. 08 0.08 0.04 0.02 G

0.00 601 602 G03 G04 G05 GOB 607 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB S07 STATION

~PREQPERATIONAL RBOPERATIONAL %31991 Figure 5-18 Soil Chromium and Sodium for 1980 through 1991 5-46

~.

POTASSIUM WEIGHT PERCENT 0.500

0. 400

0. 300

0. 200

0. 100 0,000 601 G02 603 604 605 G08 G07 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S08 S07 STATION CDPREOPERATIONAL K3 OPERATIONAL E31991 CALCIUM WEIGHT PERCENT 1.00

0. 80

0. 80

0. 40 0.20 0.00 G01 G02 603 604 605 608 G07 608 SO I S02 S03 804 S05 808 S07 STATION CDPREOPERATIONAL EB OPERATIONAL E3 1991 Figure 5-19 Soil Potassium and Calcium for 1980 through 1991 5-47

0, MAGNESIUM WEIGHT PERCENT

??

?h

,?0

?'; 'c

'?'

??

'r. W C

?:,"

V  ?" .

p N

?'y

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.?,

C.

G01 602 603 604 G05 606 G07 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S06 S07 C3PREOPERATIONAL I STAT I QN OPERATtONAL C~'31991 Figure 5-2P Soil Magnesium 198P through 1991

~ - 0 0 VEGETATION COPPER (mIOrOgreme/grem) Phlox /orrglrolls 1e VEGETATION COPPER (mlcrogremslgrem) Brcmrre Ieolcrrrm

% 10SO

% 1080 I

12 EB 1081 EIB 1081 12 ~

CD 1082 CD 1082 1083 EIIII 1083 10 10 Gol 002 003 Goe Goa Goe Gol Gos 801 so2 sos soe sod soe sol G01 GO2 003 Goe God Goe 008 S01 GOT SO2 SO3 Soe Sod Soe SOT STATION STATION VEGETATION COPPER (mtcrogrems/gram) Phlox lorrgi/orle vEGETATION COPPER (mlcroorems/gram) 14 Bromvs leclorvm 18

% Igel  % 10Se 12 63 108d I~ EB Toes CD 1088 CD toee IEEB 108/ EEIE 1081 10 E3 CD 1088 1080

~ 1088 10 C3 1080 E3 1000 EB 1000 EB 1001 EB 1001 001 002 003 Ooe Goa Goe 001 008 so1 so2 so3 804 sod sos sol OOI GO2 GOS OOe OOS OOS GOT OOS SOI SO2 SOS SOe SOa SOS SOT STATION STATION Figure 5-21 Copper Concentrations (ug/g) in Phlox

~lou ifoiia aud Bromua tcctorum for 1980 through 1991

la i

0

~ 0 VEGETATION COPPER (mICrocramaloram) A/tom/ere lrtdentete 0

VEGEMION COPPER (rnloroorame/cram) Prrrehte lrldentele

% 1380 W 1380 EB 1381 EB 1881 CD 1582 C'D 1582 EIIII 1383 EZI 1583 20 15 10 001 002 003 Goa God Goe Gor 008 SOI SO2 SO3 Son Sod Soe Sor 001 G02 003 Goe 005 Goe Gor 008 so1 so2 so3 soa sod soe sor STATION STATION VEGETATION COPPER (mICrOQrama/cram) Arlemtere la/dentate VEGETATION COPPER (mlorOQfama/Qrem) 30 Prrrehte tridentate 10 R lode  % Idea EB Iced E3 1385 25 CD 1388 CD 1088 EKrI Ioer KS 138r 20 I

E3 CD EB 1888 IQSQ 1000 IQQ1 I

E9 CD EH 1888 1383 1QQO 1QQ1 10 001 002 003 GOa 005 GOe GOT 008 SOI 802 803 SOa Sod SOe SOr 001 002 003 GOa God GOS OOr 008 SOI 802 803 SOe SOd Soe SOT STATION STATION Figure 5-22 Copper Concentrations (ug/g) in Artemisia tridentata aad ~Par hia ~ridentata for 1980 through 1991

O.

4 0 vfOf TarloN coppf A (mrcrogrdma/gram) srsymbr/um 4 II la 4 /mum VEOETATION COPPE A (mICrOgrama/gram) Pard ddhdcdrg/I 18 10 M 1080 W 1080 EB 1081 GB 1081

'1082 C3 1082 14 (Eel 1083 EK3 1083 12 10 2

ooi oo2 oos ood ooa ooe oor Ooe soi so2 sos sod soa soe sor 001 002 003 004 Ooa Goe 007 008 301 SO2 SO3 304 Soa Soe Sor STATION STATION YEof TarioN CopPEA (mrcrcgrdma/gram) srsymcl/vhs dltlaarmrrm Vfof TATION COPPE A (mlerogldma/gram) Pcd ddhdadrdr/

18 '10

% 108 ~  % 1084 18 KB Igea K3 Igea C3 1088 C3 1088 I~ E9 Ioer fE(f 10S7 E3 1088 E3 1088 12 M Igeg M 1080 EEI 1000 I%3 1000 10 E3 1001 EI( 1001 001 002 003 004 Ooa ooe 007 Oos so1 so2 sos sod soa soe 807 001 002 003 004 Ooa Ooe 007 608 so1 so2 so3 so4 soa soe so7 STATION STATION Figure 5-23 Copper Concentrations (uglg) in

~SIs mbrium aliissimum and ~Po ~sandber il for 1980 through 1991

EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (d) Bromvo roctorvm EXTRACTABLE'HLORIDE(8) phlox rohotrotro 060 0.220 Qg Io 064 EB 1081 0.108 1082 CD 1082 EB 1083 0.48 0.176 SKI 10S3 0.42 0.15I 0.36 0. 132 0.30 0.110 0.2 I 0 088 0.1S 0.066 0.12 0.04 ~

0.06 0 022 0.00 0.000 001 002 GO3 004 005 GOO 007 008 SOI 302 SO3 SO4 SO5 SOO SOT GOT 002 003 004 GOO GOd GOT GOB SO1 302 SO3 SO4 SOd SOO SOT STATION STATION EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (0) Bromoo rcotorvm EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (5) Phrase rohctlollo 060 H 108 ~

0.330 W 'l084 0.54 K9 todd 0.308 E3 1085 CD lodd 0.286 CD 1odd 0.48 IEKI 1087 EEa) 1087 0.264

~

0.42 0.36 EB 1088 CD todo RS Iooo EB 1001 0.242 0.220 0.108 0.176 I

CD IOSS 1080 1000 KB 1001 0.164 024 0.132 0.18 0.110 0.088 0.12 0 066 0 044 0.06 0.022 0.000 001 002 GO3 GOI 005 GOO GOT 008 SO1 SO2 SO3 SO4 SOd SOO 307 001 002 003 004 GOO GOO 007 008 SO1 602 SO3 304 SO5 SOO 307 STATION STATION Figure 5-24 Chloride Concentration (%) in Bromus tectorom aad Phlox ~loo lfolla for 1980 through 1991

0 EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (%) Arternlsla tridentate EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (%) Percale trlChntata 60 10

% '1080 M toeo EB I

E9 1081 0.180 1081 1.2d CD 1082 CD 1082 0.188 ER! 1083 1083 0.1 47 1.00 0.128 0.76 0.106 0 084 0.60 0.083 0.042 026 0 021 000 0 DCO 001 002 003 CQ4 God Goe GOT GQ8 301 802 803 SO4 306 Soe SOT 001 GO2 GOS 004 God GOS 007 Goe SO1 802 SO3 SO4 Sod 308 SOT STATION STATION EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE )%) Arternlsla tfldetrt4ta EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (%) Pnrahta trtdantat ~

1,60

% 1084 0.231 W 1084 K3 108d E9 1086 1.26 ED 1088 0210 ED 1086 EEa) 1087 0.180 E3 1087 H 1088 EB 1088 1.00 CD loco 0.188 M 1080 EZB 1000 0.147 IE3 1000 EB 1001 KB 1001 0.76 0.128 0.106 O.do 0.084 0.083 026 0042 0.021 0.00 0.000 001 002 003 Goa God Goe GOT 008 SO1 SO2 SO3 304 Sod Soe SO7 oot oo2 Gos ooa ood ooe oo7 Gos sot so2 sos soa sod soe so7 STATION STATION Figure 5-25 Chloride Concentration (I) in Artemisia I~ridenta and Pnrshia )ridentala for 1980 through 1991

EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (8) Roe eerrdgergtt EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (8) Steymtytum el tleelmum D.do 1.20 R 1080  % 1080 E3 1081 1.08 63 1081 C3 Ioe2 C3 1382 0.40 0.08 EKE 1083 IEEE 1083 D.ea 0.72 0.80 0.20 0.48 0.30 0.10 0.24 0.12 000 0.00 4 001 002 003 004 God Goe Gor 008 sot $ 02 $ 03 so4 sod soe sor 001 002 003 004 God Goe Gor GCB so1 $ 02 so3 $ 04 sod soe sor STATION STATION EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (8) Ree eenddergtt EXTRACTABLE CHLORIDE (8) Steymdrlum eltteetrrsrm 0.80 1.20 H 138 ~  % 1384 KB Iged 1.08 IZ3 Iged E3 'lese E3 1088 040 IEIII Ioer O.ge EEII 1087 ER 1088 0.84 H 1088 C3 1080 C3 1080 030 ER 1030 0.7 2 K3 1000 EB 1001 EEII 'I001 0.80 0.20 Dme 0.38 0.10 0.24 0.12 0.00 ODD 001 002 003 004 God Goe GOT 008 SO1 SO2 SO3 SO4 Sod Soe SO7 Got Go2 Gos Goe ood Goe Gor Goe so1 so2 sos soe sod soe sor STATION STATION Figure 5-26 Chloride Concentration (%) in Poa s~andber ii aud S~is mbrium aitissimum for 1980 through 1991

~.

EXTRACTABLE BVLFATE (8) PhlOx lgngllOllo EXTRACTABLE SULFATE (8) Slsymhrlom alllsalmom 0 220 120

% ss)80  % 1080 0.108 I>>B 1681 1.08 EB 108)

E3 1082 C3 1082 0.176 0.06 EZ! 1083 K9 1083 0.154 08 ~

0.132 0.7 2 0.110 060 0 088 0.48 0066 0.36 0.044 0.24 0 022 0.12 0.000 000 001 002 003 004 005 Goe 007 008 SO1 SO2. SO3 SO4 Soa Soe SO7 001 002 003 004 Goa Goe 007 Gos so1 302 so3 304 so5 soe 307 STATION STATION EXTRACTABLE SULFATE (8) Phlo>> longllollo E XTRACTABLE SULFATE'8) Slsymo>>lum oltlsstmom 0220 1,20

% 788 ~  % 108 ~

0.108 EB sgea 1.08 EB toed C3 1286 E3 soee 0.176 006 EB SKI 1087 1os7 0.154 EB 1088 084 E} 108S D 1888 M tact) 0.132 EB 1000 0.72 EB 1000 6HB tao( EB 100) 0.110 060 0 088 O.oee 036 0 044 0.2 ~

0.022 0.12 0.00 001 002 G03 004 God Goe 007 008 so1 so2 so3 so4 soa 806 so7 Goi Go2 Gos Goa Goa Goe Gof oos so) so2 sos so4 soa soe so7 STATION STATION Figure 5-27 Sulfate Concentration (%) in Phlox

~lou ifoii aud ~sis mbrium aitissimum for 1980 through 1991

E XTRACTABLE SULFATE (%) Arlemlele trlcenlete EXTF)ACTABLE SULFATE l%) ptrrehle lrlckntele 0.320 0.30

% '1080 W 108 0 288 EB lost 02F EB 1081 CD 1082 CD 1082 0.268 0.24 K3 1083 EIIII 1083 022a 021 0.102 0.18 0.160 0.16 0.128 0.12 0.006 0.00 0.064 0.06 0 032 0.03 0.00 001 GO2 003 Qon 006 Goe QOF Qos SO1 302 SO3 Soe Soe SOO SOF Got 002 003 Goa 006 QQO GQ'F Qos Sol 602 SO3 Soa SOO SOO SOF STATION STATION EXTAACTASLE SULFATE l%) Arlhmlele lrldentele EXTRACTABLE SULFATE (%) Ptrrehte tridentate 0.320 0.30 A 10ee  % 108e I~ E3 0.288 Inn) 1086 0.2'F 1086 ED 1088 C3 1086 0.266 0.2 ~

108F EEB 108F 0.224 EB toes 0.21 H 108S 1080 CD loco 0,102 ~ 1000 IIIXI 1001 0.18 KB EB 1000 1001 0.160 0.16 0.128 0.12 0.008 000 0084 0.08 0.032 0.03 0.000 000 Qol GQ2 GQ3 Qoa Goe coe QQF GQ8 so1 602 603 son soe soo soF GOT QO2 GOSOOe OO6 OOe OOF OOS SO1 SO2 SOS SOe SO6 SOO SOF STATION STATION Figure 5-28 " Sulfate Concentration (%) in Artemisia t~ridenta aud Purshia trideu tata for 1980 through 1991

0 0 EXTRACTABLE SVLFATE (%) Poe eerrdaerdII EXTRACTABLE SULFATE (%) Brorrwe tterolrrer 20 Sao W 1080  % '1080 0.18 E3 1081 0.315 83 1081 E3 1082 C3 1082 0.18 0.280 EZI 1083 E(III 1083 0.14 0.245 0.12 0210 0,10 0.175 008 0,140 008 0.105 0.04 0070 0.02 0 035 0 000 001 002 003 Gol Goa Goe 007 Goe 301 802 803 sol soa soe 807 001 002 003 Gol 005 Goe 007 Gos so1 802 so3 sol so6 soe so7 STATION STATION EXTAACTABLE SVLFATE (%) Rse aerrdaerdrr EXTAACTABLE SULFATF. (%) 8 omue reerorves 0.20 0.350 H 1084  % 1084 018 KB 0.316 E9 1086 0,18 C3 Tasd 1085 0 280

~

KE rose KS 1087 TO87 E3 Tees 0.245 E3 1088 0.14 C3 1080 C3 1080 0.12 E9 1000 0 210 K3 1000 EB 1001 KH 100) 0.10 0.175 008 0.140 0.08 0.105 004 0 070 0.02 0.035 0.000 001 002 003 Gol Goa Goe 007 Goe sol 302 so3 sol sod soe 307 001 002 003 Gol Goa Goe 007 008 so1 so2 so3 so4 soa soe so7 STATION STATION Figure 5-29 Sulfate Concentration (%) in ~PO

~saudber ii aud Bromus ~reo orum for 1980 through 1991

0 0

0

0 EXTRACTABLE CI ILORIDE (%) EXTRACTABLE SULFATE {%)

0.6 0.26 0 POSI BB OATS EB ORTS CD SIAL CD SIAL IAD PIILG 0.20 RS PIILO o.s D PGTR CD PGTR

'D D ARTR ARTS 0.14

0. ~

0.10 0.05 0.0 001 002 Gos G04 005 006 Gor Gos sol 602 sos 60I so5 606 sor Gor Gos Goo 001 Gos Gos Gor Gos sor so2 sos 60< sos soo sor STATI ON STATION VEGETATION COPPER MICROGRAMS/GRAM ls M ORTS CD SIAL C9 PIILO D PUTR D ARTR 10 Go'I G02 Gos 001 005 Gos Gor Gos sol s02 sos 601 sos sos sor STATION Figure 5-30 Total Vegetation Copper, Chloride and Sulfate for 1991

6.0 INTAKE TRUCT E F ULIN S RVEYS 6.0 The regulatory commitment for this study has been satisfied and no further studies are planned. No fish were found impinged during any of the inspections and algal growth was moderate. Incidental observations will be made when maintenance inspections of the intakes are conducted.

6-1

~.

0

7.0 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM

~QoU N The aerial photography program began in June of 1988 to monitor the vegetation surrounding WNP-2 for impact due to cooling tower operation. Aerial photographs taken with color infrared (CIR) film, allow large areas to be monitored and to detect signs of possible stress before it becomes visible to the human eye. In addition to examination for stress, the photographs will be compared with those taken in following years to look for changes in vegetation patterns and evidence of cumulative damage. This program is performed to comply with Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation-Council (EFSEC) Resolution No. 239, dated September 14, 1987.

7.2 MATERIALS AND METH D This program was developed using guidelines published in NUREG/CR-1231 (Shipley, et.al.,

1980). This report outlined the basic requirements for an aerial monitoring program and suggested types of film, photograph scales, frequency of photograph acquisition and the size of prints.

Five flightlines (Figure 7.1) were planned to cover the areas of greatest deposition according to the drift model constructed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (Droppo et.al.,

1976). Two flightlines, approximately 7 miles (11.2 Km) in length, run in a general north-south direction. These flightlines run between the two are'as of greatest deposition according to the model. The other three flightlines of approximately 5 miles (8.1 Km) in length, run in an east-west direction and were placed to cross gradients of deposition. The five flightlines were flown at an altitude of 1,550 feet (477m) above mean sea level. The flightline coordinates are stored in the long-range navigation (LORAN) system in the contractors airplane. This allows the same lines to be photographed in following years.

7-1

The photographs were taken with Kodak Aerochrome 2443 color infrared film in a Hasselblad ELM 70mm camera. A Planar lens with a 80mm focal length was used with a number 12 Wratten filter attached. The scale is 1:6,000 in a 70mm x 70mm format. The relatively large scale of 1:6,000 was chosen as being large enough to differentiate the types of shrubs in the areas surrounding WNP-2. The 70mm size was chosen over the larger nine inch by nine inch format for ease of handling and the storage of the nearly 300 photographs.

Color infrared (CIR) film was chosen over natural color or black and white film because the symptoms of stress on vegetation may show in the infrared wavelengths before it becomes apparent in the visible wavelengths. CIR film is easier to interpret than black and white infrared because the shades of color are easier to differentiate than the subtler shades of gray in the monochromatic infrared. Healthy vegetation will show as a dark red or magenta color. Stressed vegetation will show lighter shades of red to white. Interpretation of the photographs is done on a light table and viewed with magnifying glass or stereo microscope.

A plastic sheet is put over the photographs to protect the film and to allow areas of interest to be marked with a grease pencil. Each photograph is examined and signs noted by flightline number and frame number.

of stress are The photographs are taken with an overlap of

~.

50% to make it possible to view them in stereo ifdesired. The 50% overlap was maintained during the acquisition by controlling the shutter with an intervelometer.

The photographs were used in the placing of the samplers for the cooling tower drift study.

The samplers were placed on portions of the two north-south flightlines. In future overflights, the stations may be used to ground truth the photographs. Markers will be placed next to the samplers to make the stations easier to find on the photographs. The ground truthing will consist of a survey of an area or areas on a flightline and an examination of the vegetation for other signs of stress.

7-2 0

7.3 RESULT AND DI I N The overflight was performed by the contractor, Photography Plus, of Umatilla, Oregon on May 15 and the photographs received on June 12, 1991. The initial examination of the flight lines was to determine the quality of the photographs, which was found to be generally good except for a few frames that apparently had been exposed to light. A second, more detailed examination followed for the purpose of interpretation.

Flight line 1 was flown from the south-southeast to the north-northwest and is approximately 7 miles (11.3 Km) in length. The first three-quarters of the flight line is primarily scattered small plants such-as Phlox- ~ion a~if li and ~lola kali. The medium sized shrubs, C~h<<h dC. i idifl, d U 1 L ~Ai i ~d d ~Phd tridentata usually occurring as small clusters for the medium sized shrubs and isolated individuals for the larger shrubs, Some grass growth, noted on the photographs as a reddish tinge, occurs mostly between the stabilized dunes. The last quarter of the flight line has a higher density of small and medium sized plants and shrubs. Many of the small shrubs were determined in 1989 to be immature A trid~en gg. Other plants on the edges of active dunes may be ~Ar gyron Stnicatum, S~ti ~coma or Rumex v~enosu . Some clusters of medium h b d H, p bblybU p i fghhhR d individuals of A. ~tridenta . Active grass in this area seemed minimal.

Flight line 2 was flown from the southeast to the northwest and is also approximately 7 miles flightline, in length. This flight line begins at the southward turn of the railroad tracks (Figure 7-1) where a large area of large and medium shrubs occurs. The majority of the large are A tride~n with some P trid~en~, Like most of this flightline covers areas with few medium and large sized shrubs and has a low to medium density of small shrubs and plants. Many of the forbs were associated with disturbed areas such as roads, railroads, gravelpits and fence lines. The last quarter of the flight line has an increase in density of small and medium sized plants and shrubs similar to that noted in flight line 1.

7-3

Flight line 3 was flown from the west to the east and is approximately 5 miles (8.1 Km) in length and covers the area approximately 1 mile north of Plant 2. Most of this flight line has a low density of scattered plants and small shrubs with some clusters of medium-sized shrubs and few large shrubs. Grasses and other forbs were noted in the immediate area of the Ashe Substation.

Flight line 4 was also flown from west to east. It intersects the area of Plant 2 at the cooling towers. The area at the beginning of this flight line is populated with scattered forbs and small to medium sized shrubs. Small shrubs, grasses and other forbs were noted in the areas surrounding powerline towers. The middle half of the flight line is in the immediate area of Plant 2. This area has forbs, such as $ ~li, associated with it. The last quarter of the flight line has a medium to high density of medium and large sized shrubs. These are primarily', ~nau eoau and A tridentata.

Flight line 5, flown west to east, covers the area approximately 3/4 of a mile south of f

Plant 2. This flight line has the most consistent vegetation density with most frames showing small and medium plants and shrubs. The last half of the flight line has an increase in the

~.

number of large shrubs, primarily b ~rid inta a.

Overall, the health of vegetation in all five flight lines appeared good. It was noted in an

'rea just south of the cooling towers that the several large P ~ridden~ appeared to be stressed. Subsequent investigation showed that the P~i~rhi ~ had been damaged by the cold weather in December and January and that stress to this species was evident in other frames.

. A comparison of these photographs with those taken in 1989 shows little change in the shrubs. Grasses and other small forbs appeared healthy but less dense than in 1989.

Overall, no adverse impact was evident from the operation of Plant 2.

7-4

7.4 R~BNC Shipley, B.L., S.B. Pahwa, M.D. Thompson and R.B. Lantz. 1980. NUREG/CR-1231.

Remote sensing for detection and monitoring of salt stress on vegetation: evaluation and guidelines. Final report, September 1976-March 1979. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C.

Droppo, J.G., C.E. Hane and R.K. Woodruff. 1976. Atmospheric effects of circular mechanical draft cooling towers at Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Plant Number Two. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

7-5

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SCALE (MILES) 0 .S 1 1$ CIRCLE INDICATES FLIGHTUNE STARTING POINT CIRCLE INDICATES FLIGHT LINES STARTING POINT Figure 7-1. Aerial Photography Flight lines 7-6

8.0 DI TRIB N u 1 sem J.C. Bell, Manager Plant Services Mail Drop 1025 J.P. Chasse Senior Env. Licensing Engineer

'ail Drop 280 L.J. Garvin III, Manager Programs and Audit (QA)

Mail Drop 280 W.A. Kiel Senior State Liaison Mail Drop 280 J.E. Powers Special NP Administrator Mail Drop 927S WNP-2 Files Mail Drop 964Y WNP-2 Records DIC 1316.7 Mail Drop 927A

~Off ite:

W,M. Dean, Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 Document Control Desk Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Station P 1-137 Washington, DC 20555 8-1

I TRIB N on'.

Witczak Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 R.K. Woodruff Battelle Northwest Laboratories P.O. Box 999 Richland, WA 99320 (5) J.J. Zeller, Manager Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council Mail Stop FA-11 Olympia, WA 98504-1211 8-2