ML17290B140

Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Wpps 2 1993 Annual Rept. W/940429 Ltr

ML17290B140
Person / Time
Site:	Columbia
Issue date:	12/31/1993
From:	Parrish J WASHINGTON PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM
To:	Zeller J WASHINGTON, STATE OF
References
GO2-94-096, GO2-94-96, NUDOCS 9405050411
Download: ML17290B140 (208)

Text

ACCELERATED DI UTION DEMONSTPWTION SYSTEM

~p pk REGULATORY INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (RIDS)

DOCKET FACIL:50-397 WPPSS Nuclear Project, Unit 2, Washington Public Powe 05000397 AUTH. NAME AUTHOR AFFILIATION PARRISH,J.V. Washington Public Power Supply S stem .

RECIP.NAME RECIPIENT AFFILIATION ZELLER,J.J. Washington, State of 'C

SUBJECT:

"Operational Ecological Monito Plant 2 1993 Annual Rept."

'ogram 940429 ltr. For Nuclear D

DISTRIBUTION CODE IE25D COPIES RECEIVED:LTR ENCL SIZE:

TITLE: Environmental Monitoring Rept (per Tech Specs)

NOTES:

RECIPIENT COPIES RECIPIENT COPIES ID CODE/NAME LTTR ENCL ID CODE/NAME LTTR ENCL D PDIV-3 LA 3 3 PDIV-3 PD 1 1 CLIFFORD,J 1 1 D

INTERNAL: AC S 1 1 NRR/DRSS/PRPB11 2 2 REG FI 01 1 1 RGN4 DRSS/RPB 1 1 GN4 FILE 02 1 1 EXTERNAL EG&G AKERS I D 1 1 NRC PDR 1 1 R

D S

D D

NOTE TO ALL "RIDS" RECIPIEN1$ :

PLEASE HELP US TO REDUCE WASI'E! CONTACT THE DOCUMENT CONTROL DESK, ROOM P 1-37 (EXT. 20079) TO ELIMINATEYOUR NAME FROM DISTRIBUTION LISTS FOR DOCUMENTS YOU DON'T NEED!

TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES REQUIRED: LTTR 13 ENCL 13

WASHINGTON PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM PO. Jiox 968 ~ 3000 George Washington Way ~ Richland, Washington 99352-0968 ~ (509) 372-5000 April 29, 1994 G02-94-096 Mr. Jason J. Zeller, Manager Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council P.O. Box 43172 Olympia, WA 98501-3172

Subject:

SUPPLY SYSTEM NUCLEAR PLANT NO. 2 ECOLOGICALMONITORINGPROGRAM ANNUALREPORT FOR 1993

Reference:

EFSEC Resolution No. 266 dated May 10, 1993 Enclosed, please find five (5) copies of the subject report which is submitted per the referenced Council resolution. If you have questions concerning this submittal please contact W.A. Kiel at SCAN 546-4490.

Sincerely,

.V. Parrish (Mail Drop 1023)

Assistant Managing Director, Operations Enclosure cc (w/encl):

J Witczak (WDOE-Oly)

D Nylander (WDOE-Kenn)

RK Woodruff (BNWL)

PL Jackson (OSU Geosciences Dept)

JW Clifford (NRC NRR)

LJ Callan (NRC RIV)

B3ocument ControTDesk-(NRC Docket No. 50-397)

'9405050411 PDR R, ADOCK, 931231 05000397 PDR, Z(5

4 IP, V

v 4

WASIIINGTON PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM NUCLEAR PLANT NUMBER 2 OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM 1993 ANNUALREPORT APRIL 1994

.9405050411

TABLE F CONTENT

~ec ion EXECUI'IVE SMGCARY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ 0 TABLES ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 111" FIGURES 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ V

1.0 INTRODUCTION

........................................ 1-1 1..1 A K R ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... 1-1 1..2 T~TE ITE...................................... ..... 1-2 2.0 A VATIC BIOSSAY .....................................2-1 2..1 INTR D TI ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 2 2.2 METH D AND MATERIA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2.2.1 Dhhik I ...................................2-1 2..

.2.2 D~h 2.3 R LT AND DI SSI ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4

.3.1 Dhhik 2..

lm 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 024 2.3.2 FinlR le ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 2 3.3 SATB ......................................3-1 3..1 INTR D ALITT TIO ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 1 3.2 MATERIALS AND METH D ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 3.2.1 m ll n 3 2

~li 1 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

3..

.2.2 M h ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

3.3 R LT AND DI S I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 3 3..

.3.1 ~T ......................................30 3.3.2 Di olved x en 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 4 3.3.3 TMHdAlk ll I ..................................3-3 3..304 H~rn g

~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ..3-5

TABLE F (Cont.)

/ection ~pe 3.3.3 ~Cd .3-5 3 3 6 LU-O~ll xuro~t t o o ~ ~ o ~ o o o o o o o ~ o ~ o ~ .3-6 g o o ~ o o ~ o o o o o o o o ~ ~ ~ o o o o ~ ~ o o 3..

.3.7 Me 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .3-6 3..

.3.8 O~d rease ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 7 3.3.9 To 1Ph horu n In r anicPh h ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 7 33 10 c y>Le ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 7 3.3.11 T 1 Di lved li .3-8 IL AND VE ETATIO TUDIES . 4-1 4.0 . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

4.1 D TI ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .4-1 4.2 MATERIA AND METH DS . 4-1 4.2.1 Her c an ver ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ . 4-1 4.2.2 r Ph m ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .4-2 4.3.3 Odhhhi 3...'.... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .4-2 4.3 R T ANDDI I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . 4-3 4.3.1 Her v r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .4-3 4.3.2 ~Her g~u P~ht~om g................................... .4Q 4..3 3 o>1 8~ t hem>s ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .4-5 5.0 AERIALPH T RAPHY PR RAM . 5-1 5.1 D TI N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .5-1 5.2 MATERIA AND METH D ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . 5-1 5.3 R T AND DI I N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . 5-3

~to \- ~8 5 3 54 o FI h I 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

5. .

'rot o t- to Fl h 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .5-4 5..

.3.3 Fli h line ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .5-4 5..

.3.4 Fli h line 4 ........................................ .5-5 5.3.5 Fli h line ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .5-5 5.3.6 nnin nd Di i 1 nver I n o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . 5-6

TABLE F NT (Cont.)

$ gg~in 6 I ERE~EN I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ E&1

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

The Ecological Monitoring Program is comprised of several elements which are intended to determine the effects of the operation of the Supply System's Nuclear Plant No. 2 on the environment. These program elements include: chemistry of receiving water for plant effluents; bioassay tests on selected specimens; vegetation cover and density in selected plots; soil chemistry at established sampling locations; and aerial infrared photography of the surrounding plant communities. The results of the 1993 monitoring efforts may be summarized as follows:

~ Flow-through and static bioassays were completed with all tests meeting the survival rate criterion of 80 percent in 100 percent effluent.

~ Plant cooling water discharges had no discernible effect on Columbia River water quality.

~ Total herbaceous cover and phytomass increased relative to 1992 measurements.

Changes in vegetation cover and density appeared to be related to an increase in growing season precipitation and temperature.

~ Soil analyte concentrations were generally within the ranges observed in previous years.

~ Infrared photography revealed no spatially significant vegetation health differences relative to 1992.

~,

0

~ i

~.

~ I

ACKN WLED EMENT This annual report, prepared by Washington Public Power Supply System, describes the soil and vegetation studies, aquatic bioassays, and water quality programs for WNP-2.

Pr'ec T m Terry E. Northstrom Supervisor, Environmental Sciences Joseph S. Hale Environmental Scientist I Deborah C. Singleton Environmental Scientist I Richard E. Welch Environmental Scientist I Todd Borak Environmental Scientist II Phillip L. Jackson Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University Michelle Gunter Summer Intern 11

i fT le Num er Title 2-1. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods 2-6 2-2. Size and Number of Control Fish Used in WNP-2 Bioassay Tests 2-6 2-31 Water Quality Parameters and Results for WNP-2 Fish Bioassays 2-7 2-4. Test Conditions for ~Da hnia t ulex . 2-8 2-5. Mortalities and Percent Survival of ~Da hni Pulex in Control and Effluent Solutions 2-9 2-6. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Control and Effluent Solutions at the Beginning of Each ~Da hni Test 2-9 3-1. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and Sampling Frequencies, 1993 3-9 3-2. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, EPA and Standard Methods Method Numbers 3-10 of Temperature ('C) Measurements for 1993 3-11

. 3-5.

Summary Summary Summary of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 of pH Measurements for 1993 3-11 3-12 3-6. Summary of Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO,) Measurements for 1993 3-12 3-7. Summary of Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO,) Measurements for 1993 3-13 J

3-8. Summary of Conductivity (pS/cm) Measurements at 25'C for 1993 3-13 3-9. Summary of Turbidity (NTU) Measurements for 1993 3-14 3-10. Summary of Copper (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-15 3-11. Summary of Nickel (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-15 3-12. Summary of Zinc (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-16 3-13. Summary of Iron (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-16 3-14. Summary of Lead (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-17 3-15. Summary of Cadmium (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-17 3-16. Summary of Chromium (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-18 3-17. Summary of Oil and Grease (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-18 3-18. Summary of Total Phosphorus (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-19

L~if 1 (C

~Nm gr ~Ti 1 3-19. Summary of Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-19 3-20. Summary of Sulfate (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-20 3-21 ~ Summary of Quarterly Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 3-20 3-22. Summary of Volatile Organic Compounds 3-21 3-23. Summary of Semivolatile Organic Compounds 3-22 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1993 4-6 4-2. Vascular Plants Observed During 1975-1993 Field Work 4-10 4-3. Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Stations - 1993 4-14 4Q. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1993 4-15 4-5. Mean Frequency Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station - 1993 4-17 4-6. Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1993 4-18 4-7. Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass (g/m') for 1975 through 1993 4-19 4-8. Summary of Soil Chemistry for 1993 4-20 5-1. Signature Comparison 5-10

0 is f Fi re

~umber Title ~Pe WNP-2 Location Map 1-2. Columbia River Monthly Flow for 1993 1-5 3-1. Location of Sampling Stations in the Columbia River 3-23 3-2. Schematic of River Sample Locations for Water Chemistry 3-24 3-3. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Temperature Measurements During 1993 3-25 3-4. Columbia River Dissolved Oxygen Measurements at Four Stations During 1993 3-25 3-5. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown pH Measurements During 1993 3-25 3-6, Columbia River Total Alkalinity Measurements at Four Stations During 1993 3-25 3-7. Columbia River Total Hardness Measurements at Four Stations During 1993 3-25 3-8. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Conductivity Measurements During 1993 3-25 3-9. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Turbidity Measurements During 1993 3-26 3-8. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Total Iron Measurements During 1993 3-26 3-11. Evaporation/Percolation Pond Total Metals Measurements During 1993 3-26

~ 3-12. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Total Phosphorus Measurements During 1993 3-26 3-12. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Total Sulfate Measurements During 1993 3-26 4-1. Soil and Vegetation Sampling Location Map 4-21 4-2. Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots 4-22 4-3. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1993 4-23 4Q. Mean Herbaceous Cover, Mean Dry Weight (g/m'), Total Precipitation, and 4-24 Mean Temperature from 1982 through 1993 4-5. Mean Herbaceous Phytomass at Grassland and Shrub Stations for 1975 through 1993 4-25 4-6. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations GO1 to GO4 for 1980 through 1993 4-26 4-7. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations G05 to GO8 for 1980 through 1993 4-27

L~if i (C .)

~Nm er ~Ti i 4-8. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations SO1 to SO4 for 1980 through 1993 4-28 4-9. Mean Herbaceous Cover, and Phytomass for Stations SOS for 1980 through 1992 and Stations SO6 and SO7 for 1989 through 1993 1 4-29 4-10. Soil pH and Conductivity for 1980 through 1993 4-30 4-11. Soil Sulfate and Chloride for'1980 through 1993 4-31 4-12. Soil Copper and Zinc for 1980 through 1993 4-32 4-13. Soil Sodium and Bicarbonate for 1980 through 1993 4-33 5-1. Aerial Photography Flightlines 5-8 5-2. Location of Digitized Test Sites 5-9 5-4. Spectral Signatures Produced by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVQ 5-11

1.0 ~orr N 1.1AKR The Site Certification Agreement (SCA) for WNP-2 was approved on May 17, 1972, between the State of Washington and the Washington Public Power Supply System. The .

SCA requires that environmental monitoring be conducted during the preoperational and operational phases of site development and use. The objective of the monitoring program is to provide an environmental measurement history for evaluation by the Supply System and the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and determine significant effects of plant operation on the environment. Since 1972, several revisions of the SCA have been approved by EFSEC in the form of resolutions (EFSEC Resolution Nos.

193, 194, 214, 239, 266).

Most of the studies, analyses, and reports for the preoperational (1973-1984) environmental program of the SCA were performed by outside laboratories for the Supply System. The aquatic studies were presented in reports by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories for the period of September 1974 through August 1978 (Battelle 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979a, 1979b) and by Beak Consultants, Inc. for the period of August 1978 through March 1980 (Beak 1980). The terrestrial program and reports were done by Battelle from 1974 until 1979.

0 (Rickard 1976, 1977, 1979a, 1979b) and then by Beak from 1980 to 1982 (Beak 1981, 1982a, 1982b).

Since 1983, Supply System laboratories have been responsible for the entire operational environmental monitoring program, Using the data acquired during 1984, the first comprehensive operational environmental annual report was prepared by Supply System scientists (Supply System 1985) and has since continued annually (Supply System 1986, 1987, 1988, 1089, 1990, 1991, 1992). A few studies and report were completed prior to the annual reports, including animal studies (Schleder 1982, 1983, 1984) and terrestrial monitoring (Northstrom et.al. 1984).

1-1

This report presents the results of the Ecological Monitoring Program for the period of January through December, 1993.

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

Department of Energy's Hanford Site for WNP-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 1984, a range fire destroyed much of the shrub cover on the Hanford 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 river 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 water surface 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 during a 24-hour period 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 1-2

2 meters (5 to 6 feet) per second in this area of the river, and water temperature varies from approximately 0 to 22 C.

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

The minimum flow for 1993, measured at the USGS stream-quality station located at river mile 388.1, near the Vernita Bridge, was 36,100 cfs (cubic feet per second), while average and maximum flows in 1993 were 90,045 and 261,000 cfs, respectively (Figure 1-2).

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 terrestrial sample stations.

1-3

Ll I ~ I

~ R I

N

~ J ~

~ 4 I I

0~ I ~ ~ I

FLOW (KCFS) 270 2IO 210 180 140 120 QO 00 JAN FEB MAR APA MAY JUN JUL AUG 8EP ODT NDV DEG MONTH MAX/MIN 12 MEAN Figure 1-2. Columbia River Monthly Flow for 1993 1-5

2.0 UATIC BI AY 2.1 l~lR D DN Special condition S4 of the WNP-2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (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. This report includes results of bioassay tests on chinook salmon h h h h dd 2 ~l 2.2 METH DS A MATERIA The bioassays followed the guidance set forth in EPA Publications Me h f r Mea rin he A T xici of Effl en t Fr hw er an M rine r ani m (EPA 1991) and ali A urance idelin for Bi 1 i 1 Testin (EPA 1978). Sample holding times and analytical methods (Table 2-1) were consistent with EPA guidance (EPA 1983).

2.2.1 ~li k Four flow through bioassays of WNP-2 cooling tower effluent were performed March 17-21 (Test 1), March 24-28 (Test 2), November 6-10 (Test 3), and November 14-18 (Test 4),

1993. The flow-through system consisted of six 132-liter capacity glass aquaria with each containing approximately 114 liters of water. The system included three control (100%

Columbia River water) and three effluent (100% plant effluent) aquaria selected on a random basis. Flow rates were approximately 1.4 liters/minute/aquaria.

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

2-1

High Columbia River dissolved gas levels required the March bioassays to be performed near ambient river temperatures (see discussion section). The temperature conditioning unit was used to cool the effluent to temperatures approximating that of the control water. For the November tests, the temperature conditioning unit was used to maintain the control water and effluent at 12'C (J1'C).

The chinook salmon juveniles utilized for the bioassay 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 as 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.

Ten fish were distributed to each aquarium, two at a time, in a stratified random manner.

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 plant effluent introduction. The 96-hour test was begun by siphoning down all six aquaria until there was approximately 23 liters of water remaining in each. The test aquaria were then refilled with plant effluent and the control aquaria were refilled with river water.

The aquaria were checked for mortalities twice per day. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity were measured in each aquarium and in the control and effluent head boxes at the beginning of the test, daily thereafter, and at test termination. Grab water samples were collected daily from the control and effluent head boxes and each aquarium.

The samples were later analyzed for calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity.

Temperature measurements were made with a Fisher NIST-traceable thermometer. The pH measurements were made with an IBM Model EC105-2A portable pH meter. Prior to each use the instrument was calibrated using pH standards 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0. Ifnecessary, the probes were adjusted to within 0.1 units of the standards. Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) Model 57 meter. Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI model 33 meter. Calcium and magnesium 2-2

measurements were made with a Perkin Elmer Model 40 inductively coupled plasma ~

spectrometer. 'mission 2.2.2 ~hi Two bioassays of WNP-2 cooling tower effluent were performed December 11-15, 1992,.

(test A) and April 20-24, 1993 (test B). Although test A was performed in 1992, the analytical results and final report were not completed until early 1993. As a result, test A is included in the 1993 reporting period. 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 (EPA, 1991).

Test temperature (20'J2'C) was maintained by a Revco Model RI-50-555 incubator.

Less than 24-hour old ~Dphni L (neonates) were exposed to 100% effluent and 100% dilution

. water (control) for a 96-hour period. Mortality checks were made two hours after the beginning of the test and daily thereafter.

hh ~Dhi 2* Hi 2 *2 2 2 2 'RE 2 EPA Regional Laboratory, Manchester, Washington in July 1991. The WNP-2 Environmental Laboratory maintains a breeding population of this organism.

A reference toxicant test using cadmium chloride was performed in conjunction with each test. The cadmium chloride was received from the EPA Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

2-3

Temperature measurements were made with a Fisher-NIST traceable thermometer.

Measurements of pH were made with an Orion Model 701-A meter and Ross Model 8102 0

electrode. Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using the modified Winkler procedure. Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI Model 33 meter. Calcium and magnesium measurements were made with a Perkin-Elmer Model 40 I.C.P. Emission Spectrometer.

2.3 T A DI The tests were successfully completed with respect to a survival rate criterion of 80% or greater. These results are in agreement with previous flow-through and static bioassays performed at WNP-2.

2.3.3 ~Nk One fish mortality was observed during performance of the four bioassays. This occurred in effluent aquarium T2 at 1430 hours0.0166 days <br />0.397 hours <br />0.00236 weeks <br />5.44115e-4 months <br /> on November 10.

The loading factor varied from approximately 0.9 grams/liter in Test 1 to 1.16 grams/liter in Test 4. Table 2-2 identifies sizes and numbers of control fish utilized in each of the bioassays. Table 2-3 presents the basic water quality parameters and results.

With Columbia River oxygen saturation values at approximately 110% during March, use of the temperature conditioning unit to raise control water temperatures would have created lethal conditions with respect to dissolved gas levels, particularly nitrogen. Effluent temperatures were cooled from approximately 19'C to approximately 8.5'C. Design limitations of the chiller unit prevented a further reduction in effluent temperatures. Use of the water bath table helped to moderate temperatures in both control and effluent aquaria.

During Test 3, activation of a radiation alarm on the circulating cooling water system required cooling tower effluent to be secured at approximately 1145 hours0.0133 days <br />0.318 hours <br />0.00189 weeks <br />4.356725e-4 months <br /> on November 9.

This action caused flow to the effluent aquaria to cease at 1320 hours0.0153 days <br />0.367 hours <br />0.00218 weeks <br />5.0226e-4 months <br />. The problem was linked to welding activity in the vicinity of the radiation alarm. Plant procedures required testing of the circulating water prior to re-establishing cooling tower effluent flow. This task required several hours to complete. During this time period the aquaria, both control and effluent, were maintained in a static test mode. The water bath table housing the aquaria was filled with control water to help maintain the temperature of the aquaria within specified limits. Effluent flow was re-established at 2040 hours0.0236 days <br />0.567 hours <br />0.00337 weeks <br />7.7622e-4 months <br />. Temperature measurements averaged 11.9'C in both control and effluent aquaria during this period. Dissolved oxygen levels in the effluent aquaria averaged 10.4 mg/L during the 7 hour8.101852e-5 days <br />0.00194 hours <br />1.157407e-5 weeks <br />2.6635e-6 months <br /> and 20 minute static mode. The duration of the test was extended to allow a full 96 hours0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br /> of flow-through testing.

2.3.2 Ddpddid ppl 2<p ld pl ~ f<<dl' D~pi 2 . 2 mortalities were observed in both control and effluent solutions during the performance of Test A. No mortalities were recorded for Test B (Table 2-5).

Following acclimation to test chamber conditions, temperature measurements in the control and effluent containers averaged 20.4'C and 20.2'C, for Tests A and B, respectively.

Measurements of physical and chemical parameters for control and effluent solutions at the beginning of each test are presented in Table 2-6.

The results for the reference toxicant cadmium chloride, indicate 24-hour LC>> values of 0.24 mg/L (Test A) and 0.32 mg/L g'est B). In addition, a 48-hour LC>> value of 0.09 mg/L was recorded for Test B. The LC>> was determined using a computer based Trimmed Spearman Karber method.

2-5

Table 2-1. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods P~aram er EPA Meh N m er 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/L as CaCO,) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO,) 130.2

- Calcium 243.1

- Magnesium 215.1 Table 2-2. Size and Number of Control Fisll Used in WNP-2 Bioassay Tests

~kh W~i~hg}

~T ~Nm er ~vrR~ ~Ran e ~~Re R;~n 1 30 4.7 3.9-6.0 1.06 0.52-2.30 30 5.1 4.7-5.8 1.43 0.92-2.05 30 9.8 7.0-13.2 11.6 3.4-28.1 30 10.4 8.8-12.3 13.3 7.6-21.1 2-6

0 i

Table 2-3. Water Quality Parameters and Results for WNP-2 Fish Bioassays

/gree gr n 1A 1 oDisch r A ri Test No. ~Av ~y Ronne ~Avera e ~n~e 5.7 5. 1-6.3 8.7 7.9-9.3 6.2 5.9-6.7 8.9 8.3-9.4 11.9 11.5-12.7 12.5 12.0-12.9 11.9 11.8-12.1 12.7 12.1-12.9 gH 1 8. 14 7.91-8.33 8.31 8.25-8.37 2 8.27 8.17-8.46 8.21 8.17-8.26 3 7.71 7.61-7.80 8.38 8.19-8.47 4 7.74 7.67-7.85 8.29 8.09-8.40 i lv x en m/L 14.2 13.6-14.6 9.8 9.1-11.0 13.8 13.5-14.0 9.7 9.2-10.5 10.5 10.0-11.0 9.6 9.2-10.0 10.6 10.2-11.2 9.4 9.0-10.5 nd ii mh /cm 99 97-100 562 447-600 101 100-102 564 490-610 107 105-110 712 490-850 106 105-108 668 410-850 H~d/L 68 65-69 381 346-411 68 66-68 346 255-398 67 64-76 458 282-577 67 64-70 442 261-567 Al lini m L 64 62-66 140 126-148 47 32-66 115 70-126 57 49-59 147 105-171 58 57-59 131 101-147 2-7

Table 2-4. Test Conditions for ~Dphni ~ yuulx

1. Temperature: 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 hrs.

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 2-8

Table 2-5. Mortalities and Percent Survival of ~Dhnia ~Pul x in Control and Effluent Solutions Test Number of Moralities Percent Survival KO ~nrml ~ffl~ttt ggnnrl E~ffiuen A 2 2 90 90 B 0 0 100 100 Table 2-6. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Control and Effluent Solutions at the Beginning of Each Q~hni Test Test Temp. D.O. Cond., Hard. Alk.

No. Sample ('C) pH (mg/L) (pS/cm) (mg/L) (mg/L)

A Control 20.5 7.35 8.0 300 87 58 Effluent 20.9 8.10 8.4 748 374 171 B Control 20.9 8.48 8.2 300 79 59 Effluent 20.3 7.93 8.2 799 366 150 2-9

3.0 WATER ALIT'.1 INTROD TI EFSEC Resolution No. 266 affected the water quality portion of the monitoring program by the elimination of certain river parameters, expanding the scope of blowdown analysis, and adding water and semiannual sediment sampling from the evaporation/percolation pond located northeast of WNP-2.

3.2 MATERIA A METH D Columbia River surface water was sampled monthly from January 1993 through December 1993. Samples were collected near river mile 352 from four stations numbered 1, 7, ll, and 8 (Figures 3-1, 3-2). 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 blowdown effects. Station 11, at 91 meters (300 feet) downstream from the discharge, represents the extremity of the mixing zone. 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 blowdown is well mixed in the Columbia River. 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, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, sulfate, total copper, total iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium and total chromium. Substations 11M and 11B were analyzed for total copper.

Plant blowdown was sampled monthly during 1993. Samples were collected from the discharge pipe at a sample point located immediately prior to the discharge water entering the Columbia River. Blowdown samples were analyzed for temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, sulfate, oil and grease;- total copper, total 3-1

iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium, and total chromium. Organics (VOCs and semi-VOCs) were analyzed on a quarterly basis.

Evaporation/percolation pond water and sediment were sampled monthly and quarterly, and semiannually, respectively. The pond is located approximately 1500 feet northeast of the plant. Monthly water samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, total iron, total copper, total nickel, total zinc, total lead, total cadmium, total chromium, and oil and grease. In addition, quarterly water samples were analyzed for total dissolved solids and organics (VOCs and semi-VOCs). Semiannual sediment samples were analyzed for the same total metals as the monthly water samples, excluding iron. A summary of water quality parameters, stations and sample frequencies is presented in Table 3-1.

3.2.1 IhLJtlliL 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, pH, sulfate, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, turbidity, total

~.

alkalinity and total hardness analyses was collected in 3.8 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 Substations 11M and 11B was collected in one-liter polypropylene cubitainers with an all-Teflon pump and Tygon tubing. Water for dissolved oxygen measurements was collected in 300 ml BOD bottles.

Blowdown temperature was determined in-situ. Water for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate and total metals analysis was collected in 3.8 liter polypropylene cubitainers. Water for oil and grease and semivolatile organics analysis was collected in one-liter clear and amber glass bottles, respectively. Water for volatile organics analysis was collected in 40 ml glass bottles.

3-2

Evaporation/percolation pond water for pH, conductivity and total metals was collected in 3.8 liter polypropylene cubitainers. Water for total dissolved solids analysis was collected in 500 ml plastic bottles. Water for oil and grease and organics (VOCs and semi-VOCs) was collected as described under blowdown sampling. All samples were stored in a cooler until delivered to the EPL for analysis.

Columbia River and blowdown sampling during the annual plant maintenance outage (May through June) consisted of Station 1 (control) samples only.

3.2.2 n I i Meho Field temperature measurements were made using a Fisher NIST-traceable thermometer.

Temperature was recorded to within 0.1'C after the probe had been allowed to equilibrate for a minimum of one minute.

Total metals, sulfate, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, inorganic phosphate, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, organics (VOCs and semi-VOCs), total phosphorus (July-December), and oil and grease (August-December), were determined by Supply System Environmental Programs personnel. Analysis for total phosphorus (January-June), oil and grease (January-July), and total dissolved solids 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 (EPA, 1983) and Standard Methods approved methods (Table 3-2).

3.3 R LT AND DI SI The river parameters eliminated as a result of the adoption of Resolution No. 266 included total residual chlorine, oil and grease, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Data acquired for these parameters during the first quarter of 1993, showed no significant differences from historical data and reinforced the decision to

drop them from the monitoring program. Total residual chlorine and oil and grease

'easurements were below their respective detection limits of < 1.0 mg/L for all stations and periods. Total dissolved and suspended solids ranged from 50.0 to 140 mg/L, and <1.0 to 4.0 mg/L, respectively. Ammonia and nitrate nitrogen measurements ranged from <0.01 to 0.06 mg/L, and 0.104 to 0.162 mg/L, respectively.

~

The evaporation/percolation pond is a separate monitoring system and is not related to the effects of the blowdown on the Columbia River. Pond data is not included with figures depicting river and blowdown results.

'l blowdown samples could not be collected during January (plant shutdown) and April (blowdown secured).

3.3.1 3~

Columbia River surface temperatures varied seasonally with a minimum temperature of 1.0'C at all stations on February 25 and a maximum of 18.3'C at all stations on August 31

~.

(Table 3-3). Blowdown temperatures ranged from 17.6'C in February to 27.3'C in July.

Temperatures measured in 1993 are presented graphically in. Figure 3-3.

3.3.2 i Iv x en DO measurements for each sample station are presented in Table 3-4. Columbia River DO ~ I concentrations ranged from 9.1 mg/L at Stations 1 and 7 in September to 13.8 mg/L at Station 11 in February and Stations 1 and 8 in March.

DO concentrations were inversely related to river temperature as would be expected from solubility laws. DO levels were never below the 8 mg/L water quality standard for Class A waters (WDOE 1992) indicating good water quality with respect to dissolved oxygen

throughout the year. Dissolved oxygen measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-4.

3.3.3 H n Al lini Columbia River pH values ranged from 7.47 at Station 1 in February to 8.49 at Stations 7 and 11 in March. The variation in pH between sample stations is small. The largest difference of 0.43 standard units occurred between Station 8 (pH 8.06) and Stations 7 and 11 (pH 8.49) in March. The pH water quality standard for Class A waters is from 6.5 to 8.5 (WDOE 1992). Blowdown pH values ranged from 7.80 in August to 8.19 in July and September. Pond pH values ranged from 7.31 in December to 8.23 in November. Results are listed in Table 3-5. Measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-5. Columbia River alkalinities ranged from 50.0 to 66.0 mg/L as calcium carbonate (Table 3-6). The alkalinity measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-6.

~ 3.3.4 Hardness Hardness ranged from 58.0 to 74.0 mg/L as calcium carbonate (Table 4-7). The hardness measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-7.

3.3.3 ~d Columbia River conductivity measurements ranged from 123 pS/cm at 25'C at Station 1 in June to 156 pS/cm at 25'C at Stations 1, 7, and 8 in April. Blowdown measurements ranged from 645 pS/cm at 25'C to 1070 pS/cm at 25'C. Pond values ranged from 147 pS/cm at 25 C to 478 pS/cm at 25'C. Conductivity measurements are listed in Table 3-8 and graphically in Figure 3-8.

3-5

In the Columbia River, measured turbidities were low and ranged from 0.3 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 2.7 NTU. Blowdown values ranged from 1.8 to 12.6 NTU. River and blowdown results are listed in Table 3-9. Turbidity data is presented graphically in Figure 3-9.

3.3.7 M 1 o 1 Columbia River cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit of 1.4 pg/L for all stations during all periods. Nickel and lead concentrations were below respective detection limits for nearly all'periods. A nickel value of 5.2 pg/L was recorded at Station 1 in June.

In comparison with the entire year's data as well as with historical data, this result is inconsistent and may represent a contaminated sample. Measurable levels of lead were recorded at Stations 7 and 11 in January, Stations 1 and 7 in March, and Station 1 in May.

River copper concentrations ranged from (1.9 pg/L to 3.5 pg/L. Zinc and iron concentrations ranged from (5.0 pg/L to 13.3 pg/L and, 26.4 pg/L to 161.8 pg/L, respectively. Chromium concentrations were generally below the detection limit of 0.3 pg/L, The highest reading of 1.2 pg/L was recorded at Station 1 in May.

Blowdown cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit for all stations and periods. Nickel and lead concentrations were fairly low, ranging from (2.0 pg/L to 8.5 pg/L, and (0.7 pg/L to 2.9 pg/L, respectively. Blowdown copper, zinc and iron concentrations were substantially higher than river concentrations, as would be expected, and ranged from 46.0 pg/L to 155 pg/L, 39.5 pg/L to 98.8 pg/L, and 244 pg/L to 3970 pg/L, respectively. Chromium concentrations ranged from (0.3 pg/L to 9.6 pg/L.

Evaporation/percolation pond water nickel and cadmium concentrations were below their respective detection limits for all periods, Lead concentrations were below detection limits for all periods except March and April. Similar results were obtained from chromium with 3-6

the only measurable concentrations being recorded in March, April and November. Copper and zinc concentrations ranged from 2.8 pg/L to 95.9 pg/L and, 28.4 pg/L to 250 pg/L, respectively. Iron concentrations ranged from a low of 45.6 pg/L in September to a high of 4g 1056 pg/L in April. Pond sediment samples produced measurable levels for all of the metal constituents analyzed except cadmium.

Total metal results are listed in Tables 3-10 through 3-16. Columbia River and blowdown total iron measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-10. Evaporation/percolation pond total metals measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-11.

3.3.8 !Ella Blowdown and pond oil and grease values were below the detection limit of 1.0 mg/L for all periods sampled. Oil and grease measurements are summarized in Table 3-17.

~ 3.3.9 T 1Ph h n Inr ni Pho h e Columbia River total phosphorus concentrations ranged from (0;01 to 0.07 mgP/L.

Blowdown values ranged from 0.6 to 3.7 mgP/L. Columbia River inorganic phosphate concentrations were below 0.1 mg/L for all stations and periods except Station 7 in July.

Blowdown inorganic phosphate measurements ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 mgP/L. Total phosphorus and inorganic phosphate measurements are summarized in Tables 3-18 and 3-19, respectively. Total phosphorus measurements are presented graphically in Figure 3-12.

3.3.10 ~lf ge Individual Columbia River sulfate measurements ranged from 8.2 to 12.2 mg/L. Blowdown measurements ranged from 207.0 to 391.0 mg/L. Sulfate measurements are presented in Table 3-20 and graphically in Figure 3-13.

3-7

3.3.11 T 1 Di lved lid The quarterly total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements of the pond ranged from (1.0 mg/L to 94.0 mg/L (Table 3-21).

3.3.12 r ni Cs n Semi-V Blowdown volatile organic concentrations were below respective detection limits for all compounds during all periods except chloroform in December. A measurement of 5.4 pg/L of chloroform was recorded, which is just slightly above the detection limit of 5.0 pg/L.

Semivolatile organic compound concentrations were below respective detection limits for all pexlods.

Evaporation/percolation pond volatile and semivolatile organic compound concentrations were below respective detection limits for all periods. A list of the volatile and semivolatile organic compounds analyzed for are presented in Tables 3-22 and 3-23, respectively.

evaporation/percolation pond collects runoff from the WNP-2 main site. Some seasonal The ~-

patterns were observed with concentrations of most metals being highest during spring and early summer. These increases may be due in part to spring thaw conditions and moisture events.

Overall, it appears that, with respect to all the measured parameters sampled under the operating conditions prevailing during 1993, WNP-2 cooling water discharge did not negatively effect Columbia River water quality.

3-8

Table 3-1. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and Sampling Frequencies, 1993 Plant 11M & Blowdo Parameter 1 7++ 11++ 11B++ 8++ wn Pond Temperature 'M M M - M M Dissolved Oxygen M M M M pH M M M - M M Turbidity M M M - M M Total Alkalinity M M M M Filterable Residue (Total Dissolved Solids) Q Conductivity M M M M M M Iron (Total) M M M M M M Copper (Total) M M M M M Nickel (Total) M M M M M Zinc (Total) M 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 M Orthophosphorus M M M M M Total Phosphorus M M M M M Oil and Grease M Hardness M M M Organics (VOCs & Q Semi-VOCs) 1Ke Q = Quarterly M = Monthly

++ if Samples collected only the plant is operating.

a = Semiannual pond sediment samples are analyzed for these parameters.

3-9

Table 3-2. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, EPA and Standard Methods Method Numbers EPA Method Standard Methods P mer ~lamer Meh m r Water Temperature ('C) 170.1 Turbidity (NTU) 180.1 Conductivity (us/cm) at 25'C 120.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Probe 360.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Modified 360.2 Winkler pH (Standard Unit) 150.1 Total Alkalinity(mg/L as CaCo>) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO,) 130.2, 6010 2340B Oil and Grease (mg/L) 413.2 Total Phosphorus (mg/L as P) 365.2 4500-P Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L as P) 300, 365.2 Sulfate (mg/L as SO4) 300, 375.4 Total Copper (p,g/L as Cu) 200.7, 220.1, 220.2 Total Iron (pg/L as Fe) 200.7, 236.1, 236.2 Total Nickel (pG/L as Ni) 200.7, 249.1, 249.2 Total Zinc (pg/L as Zn) 200.7, 289.1, 289.2 Total Lead (pg/L as pb) 200.7, 239.1, 239.2 Total Cadmium (pg/L as Cd) 200.7, 213.1, 213.2 Total Chromium (pg/L as Cr) 200.7, 218.1, 218.2 Filterable Residue: Total Dissolved 160.1 Solids (mg/L)

Volatile Organics (pg/L) 8240 Semivolatile Organics (pg/L) 8270 3-10

Table 3-3. Summary of Temperature ('C) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date 8 Blowdown 01/28/93 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 02/25/93 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 17.6 03/31/93 '.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 19.9 04/28/93 8.5 8.7 8.7 8.6 05/27/93 12.2 06/14/93 14.8 07/29/93 17.9 18.0 18.0 17.9 27.3 08/31/93 18.3 18.3 18.3 18.3 26.4 09/16/93 17.9 17.8 17.8 17.8 26.6 10/29/93 14.3 14.3 14.3 14.3 21.8 11/30/93 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 18.3 12/29/93 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 17.9 Table 3-4. Summary of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 Sample Date 01/28/93 13.1 13.0 13.1 13.1 02/25/93 13.5 13.6 13.8 13.6 03/31/93 13.8 13.7 13.6 13.8 04/28/93 12.3 12.2 12.3 12.3 05/27/93 11.7 06/14/93 10.9 07/29/93 9.6 9.5 9.6 9.7 08/31/93 9.7 9.7 9.6 9.7 09/16/93 9.1 9.1 .-

9.2 9.2 10/29/93 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.7 11/29/93 11.1 11.2 11.1 11.1 12/29/93 11.7 11.6 11.4 11.7 3-11

0 Table 3-5. Summary of pH Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown Pond 01/28/93 7.61 7.62 7.63 7.67 7.71 02/25/93 7.47 7.49 7.52 7.51 7.61 03/31/93 8.17 '8.49 8.49 8.06 8.06 04/28/93 8.03 7.85 7.96 7.97 7.73 05/27/93 7.82 8.06 06/14/93 8.20 7.84 07/29/93 7.76 7.62 7.69 8.19 7.73 08/31/93 7.78 7.71 7.82 7.80 7.51 09/16/93 7.73 7.74 7.90 8.19 10/29/93 7.53 7.51 7.53 7.87 7.93 11/29/93 7.65 7.63 7.71 8.02 8.23 12/29/93 7.61 7.69 7.73 8.07 7.31 Table 3-6. Summary of Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO,) Measurements for 1993 Sample Date 7 ll 01/28/93 61.0 61.0 61.0 62.0 02/25/93 60.0 59.0 61.0 60.0 03/31/93 64.0 66.0 64.0 66.0 04/28/93 62.5 63.0 65.0 65.0 05/27/93 54.0 06/14/93 50.0 07/29/93 54.0 54.0 54.0 54.0 08/31/93 56.0 57.0 57.0 56.0 09/16/93 57.0 57.0 57.0 58.0 10/29/93 57.0 57.0 57.0 58.0 11/29/93 61.0 61.0 59.0 61.0 12/29/92 63.0 63.0 63.0 63.0 3-12

Table 3-7. Summary of Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO,) Measurements for 1993 Sample Date 01/28/93 74.0 73.4 73.9 73.6 02/25/93 71.7 71.7 70.8 72.7 03/31/93 66.3 68.1 68.1 67.8 04/28/93 69.7 69.0 69.0 68.7 05/27/93 62.4 06/14/93 58.0 07/29/93 66.0 63.9 64.9 64.9 08/31/93 64.5 64.1 65.1 63.0 09/16/93 65.1 66.6 66.6 65.3 10/29/93 66.0 66.5 65.3 65.8 11/29/93 69.8 68.3 67.6 67.6 12/29/93 69.9 70.4 70.9 71.1 Table 3-8. Summary of Conductivity (pS/cm) Measurements at 25'C for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown Pond 01/28/93 147 146 148 147 171 02/25/93 151 148 150 150 147 03/31/93 154 151 151 152 188 04/28/93 156 156 155 156 293 05/27/93 129 183 06/14/93 123 196 07/29/93 129 129 131 128 832 281 08/31/93 135 136 136 135 961 195 09/16/93 136 136 135 '36 1070 10/29/93 136 136 135 136 864 153 11/29/93 143 144 143 142 940 478 12/29/93 148 148 149 148 645 182 3-13

0 Table 3-9. Summary of Turbidity (NTU) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown 01/28/93 0.6 1.0 1.1 1.0 02/25/93 2.7 2.5 1.8 2.2 03/31/93 0.7'.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 04/28/93 0.7 0.7 0.7 05/27/93 2.2 06/14/93 1.2 07/29/93 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 6.1 08/31/93 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 5.1 09/16/93 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 1.8 10/29/93 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 6.2 11/29/93 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 7.6 12/29/93 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 12.6 3-14

0 Table 3-10. Summary of Copper (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant Sediment Sample Date 11M . 11B 8 Blowdown Pond (pg/g) 01/28/93 2.7 2.0 2.4 3.4 1.9 3.1 6.8 02/25/93 < 1.9 <1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 94.1 2.8 03/31/93 2.5 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 155.0 95.9 04/28/93 < 1.9 1.9 < 1.9 < 1.9 2.2 1.9 17.5 05/27/93 2.2 7.2 06/14/93 3.1 28.7 139.6 07/29/93 2.1 2.4 2.5 <1.9 <1.9 2.2 120.0 13.4 08/31/93 2.1 2.5 2.1 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 98.0 4.3 09/16/93 3.5 <1.9 <1.9 2.4 <1.9 <1.9 70.0 2.9 10/29/93'.0 2.1 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 52.2 13.7 11/29/93 < 1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 68.0 4.6 12/29/93 < 1.9 < 1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 46.0 9.6 105.5 Table 3-11. Summary of Nickel (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant ,

Sediment Sample Date Blowdown Pond 0 g/g) 01/28/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 02/25/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 03/31/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 8.5 <2.0 04/28/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 05/27/93 <2.0 <2.0 06/14/93 5.2 <2.0 6.5 07/29/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 08/31/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 09/16/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 < 2.0 <2.0 10/29/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 11/29/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 12/29/93 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 21.9 3-15

Table 3-12. Summary of Zinc (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant Sediment Sample Date Blowdown Pond 0 g/g) 01/28/93 6.7 <5.0 <5.0 5.6 63.3 02/25/93 6.0 6.1 8.1 6.4 65.9 47.0 03/31/93 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 98.8 93.7 04/28/93 5.2 <5.0 <5.0 5.6 250.0 05/27/93 7.9 75.6 06/14/93 7.2 215.0 404.0 07/29/93 10.4 <5.0 5.0 5.3 83.8 135.0 08/31/93 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 57.2 77.4 09/16/93 13.3 7.0 6.2 9.3 49.8 83.6 10/29/93 11.5 10.3 13.1 8.9 55.4 46.2 11/29/93 <5.0 6.8 5.1 7.0 82.3 28.4 12/29/93 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 39.5 38.0 385.2 Table 3-13. Summary of Iron (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date 1 Blowdown Pond 01/28/93 50.8 43.1 49.4 48.2 133.4 02/25/93 34.9 29.8 27.3 31.6 244.0 76.0 03/31/93 35.1 34.7 28.9 22.3 3970.0 175.0 04/28/93 30.9 29.8 32.1 34.2 1056.0 05/27/93 121.9 58.8 06/14/93 40.5 171.4 07/29/93 77.9 74.2 83.9 72.4 409.6 275.7 08/31/93 161.8 75.5 73.7 65.3 411.0 52.4 09/16/93 55.9 57.8 53.7 127.0 595.0 45.6 10/29/93 96.6 83.3 78.8 74.7 854.0 461.3 11/29/93 35.5 36.5 35.3 32.8 926.0 54.2 12/29/93 61.3 26.4 31.9 29.4 1060.0 152.0 3-16

~.

Table 3-14. Summary of Lead (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant Sediment Sample Date Blowdown Pond 0 g/g) 01/28/93 <0.7 0.9 0.8 <0.7 <0.7

~ 02/25/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 03/31/93 1.6 0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 3.8 04/28/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 1.1 05/27/93 0.7 <0.7 06/14/93 <0.7 <0.7 14.0 07/29/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.9 <0.7 08/31/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 0.8 <0.7 09/16/93 <0.7 '<0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 10/29/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.2 <0.7 11/29/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.9 <0.7 12/29/93 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.8 <0.7 19.4 Table 3-15. Summary of Cadmium (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant Sediment Sample Date 1 Blowdown Pond 0 g/g) 01/28/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 02/25/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 < 1.4 03/31/93 < 1.4 <1.4 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 04/28/93 < 1.4 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 05/27/93 < 1.4 <1.4 06/14/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <0.3 07/29/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 08/31/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 09/16/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 10/29/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 11/29/93 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 12/29/93 < 1.4 <1.4 < 1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <0.3 3-17

Table 3-16. Summary of Chromium (pg/L) Measurements for 1993 Pond Plant Sediment Sample Date Blowdown Pond (pg/g) 01/28/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 02/25/93 0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.3 1.5 <0.3

'03/31/93 0.5 '0.3 0.3 <0.3 9.6 0.3 04/28/93 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.6 <1.1 05/27/93 1.2, <0.3 06/14/93 <0.3 <0.3 2.2 0 07/29/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 08/31/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 1.4 <0.3 09/16/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.7 8.9 <0.3 10/29/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.6 <0.3 11/29/93 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.3 3.2 0.4 12/29/93 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 24.4 Table 3-17. Summary of Oil and Grease (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 Sample Date Plant Blowdown Pond 01/28/93 02/25/93 03/31/93 04/28/93 05/27/93 <1.0 06/14/93 <1.0 07/29/93 <1.0 <1.0 08/31/93 <1.0 <1.0 09/16/93 <1.0 <1.0 10/29/93 <1.0 <1.0 11/29/93 <1.0 <1.0 12/29/93 <1.0 <1.0 3-18

0

~.

Table 3-18. Summary of Total Phosphorus (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown 01/28/93 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 02/25/93 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 03/31/93 0.01 0.01 0.07 0.03 04/28/93 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 05/27/93 <0.01 06/14/93 0.01 07/29/93 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 3.0 08/31/93 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 3.4 09/16/93 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 3.1 10/29/93 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 2.9 11/29/93 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 3.7 12/29/93 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.6 Table 3-19. Summary of Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown 01/28/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 02/25/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 03/31/93 < 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 04/28/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 05/27/93 <0.1 06/14/93 <0.1 07/29/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.9 08/31/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1.2 09/16/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.9 10/29/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1.0 11/29/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1.0 12/29/93 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.8 3-19

Table 3-20. Summary of Sulfate (mg/L) Measurements for 1993 Plant Sample Date Blowdown 01/28/93 10.9 10.9 11.0 11.0 02/25/93 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.6 03/31/93 11.5 11.3 11.4 11.4 04/28/93 12.1 12.2 12.1 12.2 05/27/93 10.2 06/14/93 8.2 07/29/93 8.5 8.6 9.3 8.5 248 08/31/93 9.1 9.6 9.5 9.1 391 09/16/93 9.0 9.1 9.1 9.1 389 10/29/93 9.9 10.0 10.1 9.9 316 11/29/93 10.1 10.3 10.2 10.2 358 12/29/93 10.1 10.1 10.2 10.1 207 Table 3-21. Summary of Quarterly Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L)

Measurements for 1993 Sample Date Pond 06/14/93 90.0 09/16/93 (1.0 12/29/93 94.0 3-20

Table 3-22. Summary of Volatile Organic Compounds Chloro methane Vinyl Chloride Bromomethane Trichlorofluorom ethan Freon 113 Chloroethane 1, 1-Dichloroethene Carbon Disulfide Acetone Methylene Chloride Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 1,1-Dichloroethane Chloroform 1,2-Dichloroethane 2-Butanone 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Carbon Tetrachloride Benzene Trichloroethene 1,2-Dichloropropane Vinyl Acetate .

Bromodichloromethane 2-Chloroethylvinylether Cis 1,3-Dichloropropene 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Trans-1,3-Dichloropropene Bromoform Dibromochloromethane 4-Methyl-2-Pentan one Toluene Tetrachloroethene 2-Hexan one Chlorobenzene Ethylbenzene Total Xylene Styrene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 3-21

Table 3-23. Summary of Semivolatile Organic Compounds Aci B eNe 1 Phenol 2-Chloronaphthalene 2-Chlorophenol 2-Nitroaniline 2-Methylphenol Dimethylphthalate 4-Methylphenol Acenaphthylene 2-Nitrophenol 2,6-Dinitrotoluene 2,4-Dimethylphenol 3-Nitroaniline 2,4-Dichlorophenol Acenaphthene Benzoic Acid Dibenzofuran 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Diethylphthalate 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol Fluorene 2,4-Dinitrophenol 4-Chlorophenyl-phenylether 4-Nitrophenol 4-Nitroaniline 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol n-Nitrosodiphenylamine Pentachlorophenol 4-Bromophenyl-phenylether Hexachlorobenzene Ba Phenanthrene bis (2-Chloroethyl) ether Anthracene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene Di-n-butylphthalate 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Fluoranthene Benzyl Alcohol Pyrene 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Butylbenzylphthalate bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether Benzo[a]anthracene n-Nitroso-di-n-propylamine 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine Hexachloroethane Chyrsene Nitroben zen e bis (2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate Isophorone Di-n-octylphthalate bis (2-Chloroethoxy) methane Benzo[b]fluoranthene 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Benzo[k]fluoranthene Naphthalene Benzo[a]pyrene 4-Chloroaniline Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene Hexachlorobutadiene Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 2-Methylnaphthalene Benzo[g,h,i]perylene Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 3-22

~.

Plow sland Mesquit island WNP-2 Discharge

%7 River Mile-362 ale

~8 Power Uncs Figure 3-1. Location of Sampling Stations in the Columbia River 3-23

~.

River Station 1 555m (1822 feet)

IMP-2 intake Structures To Plant IhfNP-2 Discharge 45m 58 feet)

Station 7 91m (388 feet) n, nM, na 568m P Season 1878 feet) 477m (1578 feet)

(Not to scale)

Figure 3-2. Schematic of River Sample Locations for Water Chemistry 3-24

TEMPERATURE (DEGREES G) DISSOLVED OXYGEN MILLIGRAMS/LITER 14 UZI I ZZI I ZZI r .EZI r Dn Dn CZI 4 ZZZ 4 D PN TNS 12 10 14 10 JAH fC4 MAN APS MAY JVH JVL AVD 4CP 00'I NOY DCD JAN fCs MAII AtS MAY JVN JVL AVO SCP 001 NOY DCD Figure 3-3. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Figure 34. Columbia River Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Mcasurcmcnts During 1993 Measurcmcnts at Four'Stations During 1993 TOTAL ALKALINITY(MG/LITER AS CDCO3) 40 IZZ I (ZZ I ZZS r (ZZ r

~4 Dn TO Dn ZZI 4 ZZZ 4 D PN Ols 40 40 1.4 JO 20 10 JAN PCS MAN AtS MAY JVH JVL AVO 4C ~ 00'I NOY DCO JAN fCs MAS APN MAY JVH JVL AVO 4CP OOT HOY OCD Figure 3-5. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Figure 34. Columbia River Total h)hd(nity pH Measurements During 1993 Mcasurerncnts at Four Stations During 1993 TOTAL HARDNESS (MG/LITER AS CDCO3) CONDUCTIVITY (AT 25 C) VS/CM 40 Z(D ~ ml ZZZ r 1100 ZiB r Dn Dn ZZZ ~ ZZZ ~

D PH 014 JAH PCS MAN Atll IJAY JUN JVL AUO SCP OCT NOY DCO JAN f24 IJAII AtS MAY JVH JUL *UO SCP ODT HOY OCO Figure 3-7. Columbia River total Hardness Figure 3-S. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Mcasuremcnts at Four Stations During 1993 Conductivity Measurements During 1993

~.

TURBIDITY (NTU) TOTAL IRON (MIOROGRAMS/ LITER)

I~ 4000 ttm I ~ 400 t)D I

~ 400 IZB 1 J 100 g9 T Dn ~ t00 1 000 Dn asa 4 ~sa ~

D PH OL4 4400 0000 D PH 014 01 00 4200 4000 2400 2 400 2100 2200 2000 1400 1400 1100 It00 1000

~ 00 400

~ 00 200 0

JAH P2 4 IJAII APII NAY JVN JV'L AVC 42P OCT HOY OTC JAN Pte NAA APA NAY JVH JVL AVO 42P OCT NCY OCC Figure 3-9. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Figurc 3-10. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown

'1UIbidity Measurements During 1993 , Total Iron Measuremcnts During 1993 EVAP/PERO POND CILZTLFe (VG/L) TOTAL PHOSPHORUS (MG/L) 1200 J I(ID C Og I Ei5 ZA GB T DPJ Dn IXI e D PH 014 JAN P24 NAN APII NAY JVH JVL AllO 424 OCT HOY 020 JAH P24 NAH APll NAY JVN JVL AVC 4tP OCT NCY OTC Figure 3-12. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Figure 3-11. Evaporation/Pereo)ation Pond Total Total Phosphorus Mcasuremcnts During 1993 Metals Measurements During 1993 TOTAL SULFATE MG/UTER GGI I mT Dn

~ 00 m ~

D PHIN4 JAH Pte QAII APN NAY JVN JVL *VC 421'CT NCY 02C Figure 3-13. Columbia River and WNP-2 Blowdown Total Sulfate Measurements During 1993

4.0 II AND VEGETATION 4.1 D TIN The soil and vegetation studies were designed to identify any impact of cooling tower operation upon the surrounding plant communities, as well as any edaphic impacts. All vegetation sampling is conducted in May or at the peak of the cheatgrass growth cycle known as the purple stage (Klemmedson 1964). The program includes the measurement of herbaceous canopy cover, herbaceous phytomass, and soil chemistry. Soil chemical parameters measured include pH, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium, copper, zinc, and conductivity. This study provides operational data for comparison with preoperational data.

Fifteen sampling stations are located within the sampling area. The fifteen stations consist of eight grassland sites (G01-G08) and seven shrub sites (S01-S07). Figure 4-1 shows the location of each station. The orientation of the various components including transects and productivity plots within each community are depicted in Figure 4-2.

4.2 MATERIA AND METH D 4.2.1 Herbaceous no v r Fifty microplots (20 cm x 50 cm) were placed at 1-m intervals on alternate sides of the herbaceous transect (Figure 4-2). Canopy cover was estimated for each species occurring 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 ifcover estimates for any major species () 50 percent frequency) differed by more than one cover class.

4-1

4.2.2 H r 'Ph m 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 4-2). 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, 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 singularly 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.

4.2.3 ~lh At each of the fifteen grassland and shrub stations, two 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. Nine parameters were analyzed in each sample including pH, bicarbonate, carbonate, conductivity, sulfate, chloride, copper, zinc, and sodium. Samples were analyzed for pH, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride and conductivity according to e h f il An l i (1965). Samples were analyzed for sulfate and chloride according to EPA 300.0. Copper, zinc and sodium were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, (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 procedures (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.

4-2

4.3 R T AND DI During the 1993 season, 54 plant taxa were observed in the study area. A new species of forb was observed at Station G01; .A sample of the plant is currently in the process of being identified. Plant taxa observed in 1993 are presented in Table 4-1. Table 4-2 lists by year the species of vascular plants observed during field activities from 1975-1993. Many of the will depict a preoperational, operational and 1993 status. The preoperational data was

~

graphs collected annually prior to WNP-2 becoming fumy operational (1980-1984). Operational data was collected after 1984 but does not include the current year (1993), which is listed separately.

4.8.1 Herbaceous cover data for 1993 are summarized in Tables 4-3 and 4-4. Figures 4-3 and 4-4 provide a comparison of grassland and shrub sites (annual grasses - AG, perennial grasses-PG, annual forbs - AF, and perennial forbs - PF) respectively, with the data of previous'ears.

Total herbaceous cover averaged 84.08% in 1993 which represents an increase of 14.60% from 1992 (73.38%). As in previous years, the dominant annual grass is ~Br ~mig

~l~im with 45.79% cover, a 4.35% increase over last year. ~ ~n~rii is the dominant perennial grass at thirteen of the stations. Q~z~i ~hme~nid ~ averaged 0.04%

cover, a 100% increase over last year (0.02%).

Total annual forb cover increased by 5.18% over 1992. H~l~etm ~umbetta m was the dominant species with 4.69% followed by ~Dra 8 ~vern (3.19%). ~Mi ro eri ~r~cilis (0.76%) increased 100% over last year (0.38%).

Perennial forb cover for 1993 is 4.68%. The perennial forb cover continues to increase as demonstrated by a 42.68% increase over 1992 (3.28%). The dominant species is Q~nLhh;a 88)n (1.8)%%u) I II R 876~ID ~iH [D.878). el I ~ I D (0.09%) increased 350% from 1992 (0.02%).

4-3

Species frequency values (%) continue to increase for annual forbs (Table 4-5). The annual forbs with the highest frequency values were H~l<eim ~m~11 1im with 100% at stations G06 and S03, and Dra~ ~vern with 100% at stations G03 and S03. The greatest diversity of species continues to be observed at station S02 (20). The most significant change in total species per site was observed at station G05. Thirteen species were observed in 1993, a decrease of 5 species from 1992 (18). The most significant increase was at station G03,,

increasing by 4 species from 1992 (7).

Growing season (October 92 - April 93) precipitation increased 53.79% above the 1991-1992 growing season (12. 14 cm versus 18.67 cm). The three growing season months (January, February and March) of 1993 produced 7.98 cm or 40. 12% of the total precipitation (19.88 cm) for the calendar year. Mean temperature during the growing season was 4.30'C with the average temperature for the year being 11.01'C.

4.3.2 ggrrgcggyg $ P~h~m@

Mean production of herbaceous phytomass in 1993 was 140.3 g/m', a 44.79% increase from the previous year (96.9 g/m~). At grassland and shrub stations the phytomass production .

averaged 121.4 g/m~ and 159.2 g/m~ respectively. Mean herbaceous phytomass production at grassland stations and at shrub stations for 1975 through 1993 is shown graphically in Figure 4-5 (stations G05, G06, G07, G08, S06 and S07 were not added until 1989) and is summarized in Table 4-6. Table 4-7 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 1993 are presented graphically in Figures 4-6 through 4-9.

4.3.3

~ ~ ~il

~

3

~

3 The results of the 1993 soil chemical analyses are presented in Table 4-8 and are shown graphically in Figures 4-10 through 4-13.

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

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

No adverse trends or impacts upon soil chemistry or vegetation are apparent from the operation of WNP-2.

4-5

Table 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1993 mmn m APIACEAE Parsley Family Czm .; I I I hl Gt k.) k.&G.

IHGB&hhi & Turpentine cymopterus ASTERACEAE Aster Family

~chille~ millefolium L. Yarrow

~ne~nn ~ri gl~im rpha (Nutt.) T&G Low pussy-toes Bhllhi I

~hh ~G I Arrem~ii ~ridentgg Nutt.

ty II.) B '<<

Big sagebrush Carey's balsamroot Gray rabbitbrush

~hh I Ihlfi Gt k.) H Green rabbitbrush

~re H

~i

>~i

~land

~IH gt~~arb Heller i~i k.

(Hook.) H&A Slender hawksbeard Bur ragweed White daisy tidytips Trrggggggn Yellow salsify

~r g~n~en ~u)~i Scop.

(Pursh) Hoary aster BORAGINACEAE Borage Family

~Am incki ~lgttttgt)idea Lehm. Tarweed fiddleneck CG&llalh I I HI&A)I I Matted cryptantha ggg)~n~h ~leuco haea (Dougl.) Pays.

Qryg~nh g~rmrygL (Torr.) Greene Winged cryptantha BRAS SICACEAE Mustard Family geacura~ini ttinnata (W lta)Brttt.. Western tansymustard Dry@ ~vern L. Spring draba gry~im im g@erum (Nutt.) DC. Prairie rocket

~imari im ~lig~imgm L. Tumblemustard CACTACEAE Cactus Family Qg>igni y~lg~n~th Haw. Starvation cactus CARYOPHYLLACEAE Pink Family

~Aren ri ~nktinii Dougl. var. Qttnklinii Franklin's sandwort H~l~eum gmb~ell gim L. Jagged chickweed 4-6

Table 4-1. (Continued)

CHENOPODIACEAE , Chenopod Family rh ii l~hlk tMQQ.)W Slimleaf goosefoot Qrg~i gjiino g

~1~1 ~li L. Russian thistle FABACEAE Pea Family

~AX I ~IG

~g~l>p ggr<~hii Dougl.

Janng~lfg Pursh I'gg~l Wooly-pod milk-vetch Stalked-pod milk-vetch Lance-leaf scurf-pea GERANIACEAE E~rium ~ic glori m (L.) L'Her Alfifaria, filaree, storks-bill HYDROPHYLLACEAE Waterleaf Family

~hc~li.t ~h@@ Dougl. Whiteleaf phacelia

~Ph celi ~lie ~ri (Pursh) Holz. Threadleaf phacelia LILIACEAE Lily Family P~r~igg, Qggl,~ii Wats. Douglas'rodiaea c I h tl ImmhaaUu D gl. Sego lily Zrini~ll ri L @i~i (Pursh) Spreng. Chocolate lily LOASACEAE Blazing-star Family

~Men zeli glligg~li Dougl. White-stemmed mentzelia MALVACEAE Mallow Family Q)~he)~lgt ~mnr gn;~ (Dougl.) Spach White-stemmed globe-mallow ONAGRACEAE Evening-primrose Family Q~n~h~ y~lli i~ Lindl. var. y~lli ig White-stemmed evening-primrose PLANTAGINACEAE Plantain Family

~Pl ~nota g gita )nicg Jacq. Indian-wheat 4-7

Table 4-1. (Continued) mmon N m POACEAE Grass Family

~Ar Rgrrn

~A~ d~htE

~cri tatum (L.) Gaertn.

d.)S 'b Qk~rgyron ~pic@urn (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith Crested wheatgrass Thick-spiked wheatgrass Bluebunch wheatgrass

~r~m>g ~ec orum L. Cheatgrass

~Fguug gcCo~fl~ Walt. Six-weeks fescue

~Kl~eri cristata Pers. Prairie Junegrass

~ztttt~i hymen ide (R&S) Ricker Indian ricegrass

~ ~nd )~er ii Vasey

~igni g ~hgrix (Nutt.) Smith Sandberg's bluegrass Bottlebrush squirreltail g~mg Trin & Rupr. Needle-and-thread POLEMONIACEAE Phlox Family chili ~min tiflo Benth. Gilia chili ~in gag Dougl. Shy gilia Leladd1 lmlml c .) N Granite gilia M~icr ~tri ~racitt (Hook.) Greene var. ~hmili r (Hook.) Cronq. Pink microsteris

~Phl x ~ln i~foli~ Long-leaf phlox POLYGONACEAE Buckwheat Family

~ri g~nm ~nive m Dougl. Snow buckwheat gy~m ven~~u Pursh Wild begonia RANUNCULACEAE Buttercup Family D~lhtnium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walpers Larkspur ROSACEAE Rose Family P~ur hi tttdentata (Pursh) DC. Antelope bitterbrush 4-8

e.

Table 4-1. (Continued) mmn m SANTALACEAE Sandalwood Family Q~mn~d ~um )dwell tg, (L.) Nutt. Bastard toad-fiax SAXIFRAGACEAE R~ib gureum Pursh Golden current SCROPHULARIACEAE Figwort Family P~en em n goo~min igg Dougi. Sand-dune penstemon VALERIANACEAE Valerian Family Pleg~ri i ~ma r me~ T&G Longhorn plectritis 4-9

Table 4-2. Vascular Plants Observed During 1975-1993 Field Work

~97S j976 1977 1978 ~979 ~980 ~98 ]982 1983 1984 198$ 1986 1987 1988 j989 ~990 ~99 ~992 ~993 Annual Grasses Bromus tectorum X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Festuca octoliora X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Festuca sp. X Perennial Grasses X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~hrohyronm~ne h m X X X X X X X X X X X

~AS~ron ~icatum X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Koeleria criststa X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Orhmg ls hasid ~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Poa ~odds X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~oa scabrelia X X X X X X Sitsnion ~hstrix X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Sti a comets X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Sti a thurberisna X Annual Fo*s rh nscria ~eanthiea ~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~sincba ~lcoitsoides X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Amsincha senziesii X X

~ nn&iuinicCtohhhtl m X X X X X X

~Cmntha tenne~a ~ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X C~tsntha dre nnd sa X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Descuralnia ~innata X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

O.

Table 4-2. (Cont'd) 1975 1976 1977 $ 978 JQ ~980 ~98 $ 982 ~9&3 J9S4 1985 19S6 ~987 ~988 ~989 1990 ~991 1992 ~993 Drsba vema X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Siriiouium ga i iuum X X X X X Erodium ci~mRwg E~sirnu asae rum X X X X X X X X X X X X Qilia iraqi u4llore X X X X X X X X X Gilit sinuata X X X X X X X X X X X X Holosteum umbellatum X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~>dahlia ramosissima X

~io i gr uu ious X X X X -

X X X X X X X X X X Mentrxlia albicaulis X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~ic materia grscilis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Orobanche cali fomica X X X X

~acelia ~astata X X X X X X X X X X X X

~scelia Linearis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Pha eel ia sp.

~mo ~mu oa X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Pectritis macrocera X X X X X X X X X X

~terna 'um~miers rh X Sabola

~ital'uia X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X mb malrrssimum X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X- X X X

~rao8ogonndubius X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Perennial Fo*s

~chillea 1nillefoliunl X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Table 4-2. (Cont'd

~97 ~976 ~977 1978 1979 ~980 ~98 ]982 ~983 1984 ~98S 1986 $ 987 1988 1989 ~990 ~99 ~ ~3

~anne a~rihmo ha X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~renaria franklinii var.

franklinii X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~ate canescens X aI h lhemc sessile) X X X X X X X X X X X X

~hnm Iu ~laini X X

~sr I ~ p Wii X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~era I s ~lama us X X X X X X X X X . X X X X X

~dr tue sp. X Balsamorhiza ~care ana X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Bndiaea ~dou lasii X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Brodiaea howellii Crioehonu ~c~ne ~ X X X X X X Comandra umbrllata X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Cia atraba*a X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~cm Ihai ucoph ea X X X X X X

~Cmogterus terebinthinus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Del Mni m sp. X X X X X X X X X X X

~pri ron~Ch e ne X

~ridll ri pouiea X X X X X X- X X X X- X lomari m~a~ rpum X X X X X X X X X X X X lomalium sp. X Oenothera ~allida X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Table 4-2. (Cont'd

~97S 1976 1977 1978 ]979 ~980 1981 1982 19&3 1984 198S. j986 $ 987 1988 1989 $ 990 ~199 1992 ~993 ue i ms X X X X X X X X X X X X X r nmemo sp. X hhr n ~lon

'f iia X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Psoralea la nceolsta X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Eumert venosus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X d~hl munroa X X X X X X X X X X X Shrubs, subshrubs, cacti

~rl isi a d X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Ch mm nus nau X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Ch sod ~ i idifiorus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~Bio um i m X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

~6ra ia spinosa X X X X Qthtodac~tlon puunens X X O8untia llo~lscantha X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Purshia tridentsta X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Ribes aureum X X X X X X X X X

Table 4-3. Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Stations 1993 AVO. AVO. AVO, AVCL 506 $ 07 OOI407 OOIANI SOI4I5 OOI+501.$

AseW Orwce Orcase wcocw 2120 ON Sl20 an

'lt5acf Cggf aC0 SLIO a00

'27.70 ON Pccncs eccoaon Teal Ass W Orw Corer CLN 444$ Ckec 2%20 SISSSUO Clg5 $ 140 27.70 SIA5 Sltf $ 425 C420 2545 5755 lfgf 474I aktf Clyt tcceWU Orws ggetyrcs rttcana L00, ON RN 0N 225 ON RN 7.70 LN LCO RN RN RN 02$

04I ayy 41$

Ayaapks yaesoNcs 040 OAO RN RN 045 040 L00 tea coaeacrIQ 470 122$ Itf5 7.I5 Iaay 1625 12$ $ 0N altf 2$ 1$ 11.17 ILS5 Sate coasts Ia70 RN 140 aN 2.7$ 0AO OIO 2$ 0 2A5 ON 244 145 tl25 122$ 14$ $ 21$ 2LIC 1425 1245 CN c410 D 1$ 21 7$ 2555 Iatg 2120 Teal twes47 Orw Corer 2555 2AO 0LIO 5IAO 1$ AO AssW Peale Rgd Ariaclia IycoyWAs R5 RN 2$ 5 040 050 L00 IAI LN $40 045 CAO OCO 2$ 0 tkN 2.10 Ogl 1.11 Iklc 000 N5 050 tNO OA5 040 L00 040 040 00I LOI Bregaca Joetfcs'I RN 040 415 OAO CAO 000 IUO L00 OC0 OAO IkN OAO IL00 400 IUO Ooeoteot' OyootlyOasa RN IUO IL00 R00 OAO tMO OAO ILCO Crytaeaa klcearcton OAO 000 400 000 OCO LN 000 ON OA5 040 RN IM5 ON RN 040 00I Lcl 401 Dcccsnie yiaaata RN ON 040 000 440 000 040 CNO OAO LN L00 020 LN aio af5 40$ LOI OAQ Ltf 140 2A5 245 00$ SN 2N 225 Rcf OA5 %It 2$ $ 4$ 0 Dnla acres S.10 Lc5 1475 LCO SAO ON 040 LN LN 000 RN 000 040 ON CL00 OCO 000 401 001 ON LCO CAO OAO 040 040 IA5 OAO IL00 020 R10 000 L00 02$ LI5 an alo RN RN 0,12 ON alg OCO 400 000 4AO ON RN 040 ON CAO 000 OIO ON OCO RCO OAO RN CAO LN 4$ 0 IIA0 425 4$ 2 LIO 5$ $ 42$ 415 445 OAO ON CAO 442 CAf Botoseea wlcOccw CA5 P70 SAO 415 leyte glogo$ ooa OAO 4AO L00 OCO OAO OAO ON OAO OAO OAO LCO 000 CM5 OIO 4N OCO 00I ltnacaa ahiaeiic OCO ON ON OAO 000 LN ON OAO LN LN ON DUO ON IL00 OAO ON LN OAO Micreocc5c gncQic N5 025 $ 00 L05 02$ IAS 4$ 0 010 145 alo an LIS 14$ aN a00 07$ I.lt 0$ 0 tlsoctia Sscaric ON 000 RN OAO ON ON ON ON 0$ 0 025 IUO tN0 000 040 OAO LOI Rl1 405 tisscago yeccgoeis IAO 4$ $ OCO 2AO ON 000 OCO al5 L00 IM5 455 ILN 450 040 140 472 IAO IA5 000 OA5 IM5 OAO IL25 145 LN 000 ON 02$ CNO L7$ 04$ 040 000 Ll0 021 L12 Ssyal5es U6roiaes Ik00 Llf tNS 00$ ON alo alo 420 aio 445225 2AO $45 Llg IA0 Rn Tecal Asseai Perl Corer ISA$ SA5 2240 1020 7050 I IIA$ ISA5 142 IIA5 470 1250 IC40 15252,1 f 14S I I.yl IL0$ 1252 IX8 tmsslal Parle Ackilks ~ IOctoOw OAO OAO ON 000 L00 000 RN OCO IUO ON OCO ON ON 401 41$ 0777 Ascr csecoesc ON L00 040 4$ 0 440 4$ 0 005040 2,70 4$ 0 OCO L00 040 OB IMO LSI Accngals tecclQ L00 OAO L00 000 040 ON LCO LN 040 OAO, RN OAO OCO 400 000 OAO Arcngals erocecteow LCO 040 040 040 CAO tkfS OAO ON LCO OAO 000 OAO ON ON 021 411 ChaerkLa carcyssa CAO 040 040 ON RN ISS OCO OCO 040 CAO 040 000 OAO 041 IBI ayg Coaasgre ealcgaa OAO OAO 040 ON IAO OAO LN ON 040 ON ON OAO OCO RN IUO OAO Cntl acnasrls OIO OCO OAO RN CAO 000 ON ~ IUO 040 040 040 RN tklf 4IS 02$

I4S 040 LN L00 Cgf 4$ 0 RN tk00 CAS IN0 tNO L4$ 407 $ 20 411 Seoyrcrac CcnMsalsec OCO OAogosos strew RN RCO ON a00 ayf 040 000 OCO 040 LN IL00 040 RN Rcg 120 045 Ocsockcrs tolfito aco aco ayf IAO 2AO 1.7$ LC5 C.IS IRCS 400 RCO L00 $ 4I XfI Let

~ Sea Iosgitolie L00 OCO 040 0$ f 1.70 ON LIO 0$ $ 4$ $ L10 455 L05 OAO IL21 Iklg akl Laaca eraser LI5 LCO ON RN LN OAO 000 LN 000 LCO LN LCO OAO 000 001 Tngoyogoe Celiac CA5 040 ON ON LN OA5 4$ 0 040 400 OIO LCO OCO 040 OI5 046 04I Teat tsessiol Perl Ceocc IASOCO L7$ 24$ 545 Ln lS$ 4$ 0 IL70 12.70 244 Lgf 7AO OAO IU5 444 $ 40 401 5A5 Teal CeeecooecCooer lllkl5 PITS 4475 07A5 0450 4040 0410 0M7 ALSO 7410 0520 0tff 7245 7lgf 0140 gcl8 CI.IO yaag Nyg 4-14

Table 4-4. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1993 501 X OOI A.

$05 $ 01 5 $ 06 XS OOI OOT OOIA OOT OOI XO XSO 301.5 AO 1975 49.90 $ 5.30 4S.IO 43.00 . 4)AO 4S.OO ~ )AS 4).II 4).11 PO 1975 OAO 2.00 4AO 2.$ 7 3.70 $ .50 AF 4AO 3.'26 ).26 1975 MAO 11.70 I 1.70 I Ld) 29.50 13.00 21.25 16.10 16.10 PF 1915 4.30 0.90 1.10 2A3 1.50 2.10 AIL lt)5 69AO 49.90 61.10 OL)7 7!.60 1.10 71.10 2.12 2.11 AO ltld 50.70 34.30 41.t) 71.20 5 I AO 6IAO 49.N lt.)l PO 1976 OAO 10.50 10.)0 7.07 4AO 3.10 AF ISN $ .75 5.74 5.74 5.50 5.30 7.20 6.00 11.90 PF ISN 0.00 0.50 0.20 10.20 TAI T.dl

'I'N 0.23 0.00 0.20 0.10 O.II O. I ~

AU. 57.20 52.00 55.27 17.50 6)AO 75A5 6).)l 61.N AO It)7 1.$ 5 0.65 1.90 130 5.20 IA5 3.$ ) Ll1 PO It)l 0.$ 5 1).30 1.2$ d.64 $ .25 2.90 2.11 AF Itll 0.25 0.05 0.90 OAO 9.35 S.OI 5AI 5'.22 1.59 5.22 2.59 PF 1977 OAS OAO IA2 0.16 0.05 L)0 LII 1.71 I.TI AIL lt)7 2.50 12.60 12.50 9.20 10.90 15.45 11.70 11.70 AO 1971 51.00 d7.00 51.00 SL31 42.00 PO Itll 1.00 SLOO )1.00 10.67 7.00 55.00 55AO 55AO AF It)i $ 1.00 10.00 3)AO 27.00 25.00 TAO 9AO 9AO PF Itn 0.00 5.00 4.3) LOO $ .00 24.00 2.50 25.IO

)AO 25.10

)AO AIL IIN 100.00 100.00 9L)3 101.00 19.00 AO lt19 25.00 9.00 21.00 $ 1.00 10.00 20.50 20.10 20.10 PO 1979 1.00 11.00 )).00 10.00 7.00 5.00 6.00 IAO IAO AF 1979 2.00 4AO 10.00 5.$ 3 4LOO 33.00 PF 1979 11.00 0.00 3.00

)LOO IIAO IIAO 4.67 0.00 7.00 SAO 4.20 ~ .20 AIL 1979 )9.00 51.00 )).00 41.00 II.CO 55 00 51.10 51.10 AO 1910 50AO 51.10 24.30 SLTO 56AO 47.12 47.12 6l.)0 7)AO 12.)0 57.05 57.05 51.92 SIAS PO 1910 1.00 7.20 2).)0 10.90 0.10 LSO 2L)0 0.10 2dAO 29.75 29.15 1).tl 17.94 AF 1910 7.60 4.20 22.50 SAO I .IO 10.)6 10.36 7.30 5.00 2LTO 4.90 II A I I I Al PF 1910 'L20 2.20

~

IO.N IOA6 LTO 4AO 1.10 ).IO $ .10 OAO 0.00 0.00 4.60 1.25 1.25 2.21 2.21 AIL 1910 dl.70 6)AO NAO 75.10 TL40 d9.71 dt.TI 100.)0 146.$ 0 102.60 4L40 99.5) 99.53 13.00 11.00 AO IIII 74.10 54.60 49.10 N.20 6l.)$ 61.31 TTAO IIAO 4L90 74.dl 74.61 6L96 PO 1911 0.10 4.70 14.30 5.10 0.00 4.9$ 4.91 19AO 0.00 AF ItlI 5AO $ .50 IL20 I.TO 12.50 I.ll I.ll 15.90 11.90 ITAO

$ 6.70 5.90 20.55 ILIO 20.55 ILIO 11.90 10.21 11.90 10.21 PF 1911 0.00 $ .20 0.70 4.90 0.50 1.16 !Ad 0.20 0.00 0.00 1.90 0.5$ 08)

AU. I'lll 10.20 66.00 61.70 19.20 79.) 6 79.)d I ILI0 IT IAO 105.90 9) AO IOL55 1018 1.27 92.$ 1 1.27 92.))

5 AO It12 51.$ 0 25.10 36.40 )LTO $ ).$ 2 )).$ 2 42.20 lSAO 51.00 2L90 40AO 40AO )L47 36AT PO It12 OAO 6AO 17.90 4.)0 0.10 5.96 S.96 11.20 I IAO 0.10 ) I.)0 1$ .55 I).55 9.3) 9.)l AF Itl2 4.60 4.20 7.50 IAO IT.)0 T.OI TA4 9.70 4.60 4AO 4.10 5.75 5.75 6AT PF Itl) 0.20 4.30 070 1.00 '2AI TAI 0.30 0.00 130 LIO I.)5 1.35 1.91 6.41 1.91 ALL It)2 40.70 44.$ 0 '9.10 41.$ 0 4LIO 6).'40 61.70 57.00 62.)0 61.05 61.05 54.2l 54.24

Table 4-4. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1993 (continued)

X CN4 SOI SOI.5 XS OOI Odist 001 XO X)O Rl.l AO )91) 5) AO )1AO 3)A5 34.15 ) IA5 ) L'7) ) L73 49.50 )9.55 62.75 )1.5$ 42,35 4L)4 40.)) 40.3)

PO l91) 2. I5 7.'io IIA5 4AO l.29 dAO IAO 2.10 l5.75 0.00 I0.14 IO.N 1.) 7 L)T AP l 913 TA5 IL55 )A5 2235 IOAC IO.CC ILTO Ltf CAS IO.TI IO.TI IO.C I IO.CI PF l 913 0.70 3.IO I AS 4AO ).95 2.24 2.24 OAS 0.05 2.IO 4.00 I.TO 1.70 2.00 2.00 AIL l913 61.15 dl.70 5I.OO STAI 5L25 5L25 70.95 53.70 65.59 65.59 dl A I dl.5l AO l 914 4 I.50 S2.75 39AS 56.)0 3%50 ))AC )TAC TI.30 9AO 50.65 50A5 4).22 4).'2l PO l94 I.CS I I AS CAS OAO L2) 4A5 I0.22 IO.22 4.17 7.7)

AF l94 IT.)5 1.10 I I.IO 4.00 IL40 9.79'A5 9.79 9.70 l9A5 7.95 I4.44 IIAI IIA4 I I A4 PF l94 0.)0 4AO 0.75 d.55 0.65 2AS 0.70 0.20 I. IO l.25 OAI O.CI I:n I.TC AIL l94 5).65 d2.75 $ 5AO 50.95 55.75 55.'75 C)AO CIAO 4)AO 7L56 TL56 ILIT I'I.IT AO Ittf 2.IO 2.15 I4.60 4.95 IO.IT )LIT LOO LIO ICDO 7.25 IOAI IOA I IILTC 10.21 PO

'AF l 915 l.05 L70 IT.CS 2AO Ltf SAT 5JT . 9.20 l7.95 0.00 I).90 I0.26 IL26 7.66 TA6 l915 0.70 ID5 9AO L)0 4.75 3.70 LTO IL20 LI5 TAS 3.0$ 9.24 9.24 6.ld 4.ld PF l915 0.00 135 I.lf 3.00 l.l5 Llf 0.10 O.IO L)5 0.90 I.OI 1.04 I.IO I.IO ALL l 915 3.15 995 I).00 l1A5 S)AO 20A9 TtL59 36.20 ~ )1.30 2LTO 25.)0 30.95 )0.95 Tf.lt 25.lt AO 1916 I7.45  !.95 1.20 I IA5 I).05 )0.22 10.22 9AO 4.6S )1.25 TAS CA6 Ldd 9A) tA)

PO 1936 l0.75 I7.25 9.15 IDO )9.tf SC.65 0.00 24.00 2LI) 2l.l) l3.91 IL91 AF I)Cd 25AO I6.65 )LI0 l0.25 I4.70 2 IA1 2IA2 27.65 34.)5 25AS LTO CL99 2L56 2L56 PF l914 l.l5 SAS L)0 9.15 l.2S ).4 3.14 IAO I.95 0.05 Lf5 I.59 IA9 LN L4 AIL l 916 4d.20 34.70 S2.30 4LTS 4).75 S1.70 79AO )LTS 5$ .4 55.3d 41.9l Il.tl AO I)17 21.90 9.95 TAO I9.05 33.40 l9A2 l9.12 2lAS 9AS 5I.65 4.65 2L40 22AO PO l917 )AO 2I.90 42.65 ltAS 230 I 1.00 ILOO )LIS 5L'79 0.05 45.95 31.) I NAI 25.2$ 25.25 AF l 911 IOAO I IAO 9.96 9.96 IO.)0 I ID) II.OO ).25 9.72 9.72 9.15 9.15 PF l 911 2.00 IL)5 IOAO I.75 5.0) 5.01 0.90 I.90 O. I5 IDS I.ll I.I) 3.29 3.29 AU. l 917 4L)5 55.55 4L15 5l.ti 5).tl 47.50 CIA6 65.15 55AO 41.55 47.55 59.)d 59.) 4 AO l911 ISAO 5.05 LIO I).10 IO.)5 IO.I1 IOAO IL24 I0.5 I )L95 IO.I 0 )6.75 IAO I)A5 I I.95 19.20 l5.15 I0.40 II.OO l2,)2 ll.72 PO l94 l.)f CAO II.9$ 9AO )AS Id.15 I7.50 9.19 ITA5 2I.TO 0.05 )0.20 ITA5 9.50 12.05 IOAS II.)0 IIAI )2.)4 I l.d)

AF 1911 d.01 5.25 )AO ). IO LOO 4AI 0.00 0.)5 3.20 4.30 l6.I5 7.55 IAO 7.95 l.20 IA5 I 1.) 5 4.12 d.dl 5.ld SAC l9lt I!.55 l5.75 2. IO LCS 7.50 O. Io 0.00 5AT 0.20 0.00 !A5 I5.'2$ XI5 4.4 4.)I 4.90 PP AIL )94 )).it )4A5 25.75 ) I.I5 3.25 20.75 2T.S5 30.09 2L96 17.30 19.95 24.35 I4.40 I.20 37.90 LTO 4 IAO 4I.IO 32.52 39AT 4.79

)IAO l 919 2)A5 ILSO l2AS I0.25 32.90 17.99 l5.00 ITA5 2)AO IL20 '4SAS 3.05 26.IS 2L)S SS.IO )L05 l2.05 2452 24 05 2l.d2 l9'l9 L)0 29AS I3.00  !.25 )OAS S7.$ 0 26.21 S9AO 0.0$ 49.55 42AO )LTS 16.20 32.05 4L95 37.9l )LSI 3 I.TI It)9 ILSO 4.95 I3.05 6A5 ILIO IO.OI O.tf S.I5 LOI l)AS 5.90 42.20 Ltf )$ .95 Ltf 11 Jf I).05 I3.95 N.)5 IIAC l2A5 I919 IAS NAO IAO L20 L55 4A2 O.IO 0.00 4.60 3AS I.IO 0.05 3.00 'LOO 6Af IOAO 12.90 IOAO 5.2) 4A6 l919 47.IO 4)AO )7.90 15.10 IL)0 90.) 0 79.10 IOC.IS 51.45 CLSO 74AO TS.25 96.05 CSAS N.66 7)fl 70 47 AO l 990 $ 4.10 )6.10 )TAO 32AO 5)DS 3!AT 12.90 5A5 IL60 7.75 dl Jf l)A5 25.39 2).10 35A5 SL55 ILTS 27.0 I 2LOC 2LTI PO l990 SDO l2AS ILS5 ILTO 0.05 tA5 IL40 I7.55 l!A9 ILTO 0.00 0.00 30.00 l2.IC I I.90 10.10 9AO )2.10 IIA9 II.T) IOAI AP l990 '.95 2.60 LI5 IAS 1.90 6Al O.lo 0.00 4.6l 7.75 L)$ )5.70 $ 3$ 7.290. L15 6.90 L9S T.CO 6.4 5.10 4.1)

PF l990 OAO 9AS l.15 3.90 0.05 )BI) 0.00 0.00 2.24 LOO 0.05 0.0$ l.20 3) $ .95 CAS 0.05 0.20 L76 I L9$ l.ll AIL l 990 41A5 I IAO 1)AO 5)BS 6235 50.29 3 IAO 1)A9 15.0S IO.I5 TTA0 IL20 45.11 12AO dlAO 5Lt5 39.05 47.20 ISAd 41.01 AO l99l IL25 I5.25 40AS )1.55 4L)5 35.t5 17.15 5.90 25.4 26.!S 20.10 65AS IL90 32.C5 36.95 S).25 4L)0 )L25 ) L52 )Lll 34.52 PO !99l TAO )L05 2L)5 l4A5 2.30 II. 4 ) L40 4I.75 SOAS IAS 3$ .70 2)AS ILCO 0.00 22.15 2).94 26.4 ll.l2 AF l99l 36.25 15.00 I6.15 )TAO 2IAO 24.29 IAS 7.30 )9AI OAS 4.20 I)DS IA5 4.92 4.75 L)0 35.I) 4.65 ILS I l4.77 I6.26 PP l99l 4A5 635 l.95 L)5 OAO ).Ot ODO 0.00 2.24 0.00 O.IO OAO 0.90 0.25 )DS l2.20 OAS I.70 L29 225 I.tt AU. l99l CCATS CLIO 19A5 TL)5 TIAd dlAO TL)6 4l.l5 75.65 OL)5 ILII IL55 1)AC 79A5 72.l'9 76.97 41.71 AO l 992 SOAO SIL20 42.60 55.95, 5 IAO 42.)S 23.90 l5.20 35.67 4LTO 6L25 5).15 SL24 50AO 46.00 4IAO dkl5 55.15 5l.lt 43.95 45.47 PO 1992 3.25 l5A5 I IAO 5AO L)9 7.62 ) ID0 ))AO ILTI 25AO )L20 ltA5 I1.60 l0.20 5.95 LCO )5.)7 Il.97 )2.11 AP l992 9A5 $ 85 II.95 )6AO L9$ IOAI 4.65 I IAC I).15 LIS 15.05 7.15 IO.CT TAS )0.20 LCO I)AS )0.93 I I.lt I OAF PP l 992 9.I5 IILTO 4.2S  !.05 5AC OA5 4.0I O.IO 0.25 0.30 0.75 OAS 1.95 IL55 IDS SA5 )At $ .20 AIL 1992 52.55 d2.10 17.55 74.)I 10.76 '71.20 74.75 15.05 7)A9 TLII AO l99S )4A5 5)A5 5L25 4L20 4IA5 2)A5 57.95 4SAI 43AO 29.20 47.04 31.35 2L90 59AO 47.9$ 45.15 45.74 PO i)9) T.I5 n.ld )4.25 12.15 4.00 I)AC IDIO 2LI5 It.tl 4LTS 2)35 2,00 46.IO 3 IAO l$AO '12.25 IL35 24.39 2I.TC 2 l.2 AP l 991 I2.95 LTO l2,90 l4.10 I)AS IL52 2. I5 9AS IOA6 I)A$ $ .95 2L60 )0.20 l).0$ I0.90 )6AS l)A5 9.02 )2.75 I I.TI 12.79 PP l99) 13.70 )2.70 2,690 1.45 TAO 9.01 0.05 0.0$ 4A5 L4$ 0.00 0.75 2.I5 l.09 5A5 CA5 1.55 IAO '.14 I.dl $ .05 AIL 1993 5 C. IO 7TA9 15.20 94.55 7IAS TT.SI Tl.95 'T1.22 I )0.OO 97.95 66.25 17.55 90A4 19.'27 1 )AS 13.19

Table 4-5. Mean Frequency Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station - 1993 001 002 003 004 005 000 007 008 801 802 803 504 805 800 807 Annual Brasses Bromus tectorum 100 100 100 100 $8 100 100 100 100 $2 100 100 100 $0 100 Festuca ocloNora 0 8 12 1

Perennial Orasses Agfopyron splatunl 12 Oryzopls hymenoldes 0

. Poa sandbergg 40 18 50 2844 78 $8 Sgpa comate 28 14 0 10 Amslndda lycopsoldes 10 10 Chenopodlum Ls ptophyNum Cryptantha clrcumschsa Crypfantha pferocarya

~hptm>>h 8 4 12 Drabs vema 28 100 72 00 2 2 Erodlum dcutarlum 2 Ffanserh acantl>>carpe 8 4 10 2 2 4 ONla slnuata Holosteum umbegatum $0 8 $0 '8 $2 100 $8 $0 00 00 100 74 '0 Layla glanduhsa 2 Mentzega alblcaugs Mlcrosterls 0radlh Phscega llnsarls 2 10 70 2 '0 8$ 12 4 48 12 10 20 Plantago patagonia 50 14 40 2 2 83 10 12 Sahola kag 2 2 10 54 10 20 2 Slsymbrlum atdsdmum 0 24 2 10 4 '-

10 8 4 00 30 14 Tragopogon dublus 2 2 2 2 Perennial Forbs Achlgea mgtetogum 4 Aster canescsns 2 0 20 2 Astragalus purshg Astragalus sderocarpus 4 4 Balsamorhlza car eyana 14 2 Brodhes doughsg 0 4 2 4 Comandra umbegata Crepls atrsbarba Cynopterus tereblnthlnus 20 2 18 Erlogonum nlveum 2 Oenothera pagkh 10 'l2 12 20 4 30 50 34 Phlox longlfoNa 2 4 Rumex vsnosus Total Spechs per Site 10 4 11 12 13 10 14 11 12 20 10 15 10 7 4 4-17

Table 4-6. Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1993 6-1 9.6 95.6 05/0$ GO3 6-1 3.9 34.7 0$ /IG GOL 6.1 21A 213.6 05/10 G02 0$ /IO GOI 7-2 9.1 91.1 05/10 G02 1-2 12 A 123.9 05/0$ GO3 TG d9 64.9 602 264 9.7 97.2 05/0$ GO3 $ .8 STD 05/IO 601 264 11.$ 118.0 05/10 05/IO GO I 314 13.7 131.0 05/10 G02 314 20.7 207.0 0$ /Of G03 3141 7.1 763 OS/10 GOL 4$ 4 17.1 1703 0$ /IO 602 454 2S.9 2593 05/OS 603 4$ 4 SA $40 AVG 14.6 146.0 AVO 15.7 156.6 AVO '7.0 703 43 423 6S 65 A 1.8 17.6 STD 6 I 6.6 6S.S 05/07 G06 6.1 72.9 05/I I GOi 6.1 $ .1 80.6 0$ /12 GOS 1.2 28 24.9 05/07 606 72 2$ 7.1 05/ll GOi 7-2 6A 64.1 0$ /12 GOS 05/I I 604 264 6.8 67.9 05/12 6052&4 10.4 103.6 05/07 G06 264 231 3 05/I I 604 31% 12.8 12$ .1 05/12 605 3141 6.1 67A '05/07 G06 31< dl A) 0$ /I I 604 4$4 20.$ 2083 0$ /I2 GOS 4$ 4 I IS 114.$ 05/07 GOd 454 187.9 AVG 11.0 109.$ AVO TS TSD AVO 162 162.0 STD 5A 543 32 31$ STD S. I 80$

05/12 G07 6.1 11.6 116.0 OS/I I GOS 6 I $ .0 $ 03 0$ /I I SOI 6 I 4.1 40.8 05/12 GOT 7-2 1$ .6 L5$ .6 05/I I GOS 72 SA 442 05/I I SO I 7.2 7.1 71 A 05/12 G07 2&4 7.2 71.5 0$ /I I 608 26'.9 693 05/I I SO I 2&4 $ .4 $ 3.1 05/12 607 3141 7.6 76 A 05/I I 60$ 314 I IA 113.6 0$ /I I SOL 314 123 123.0 0$ /12 607 A4 33 A 334.1 05/I I 60$ 4$ 4 IS.4 If3.9 0$ /I I $ 01 4$4 I ld 112.0 AVO 1$ .1 150.1 AVO LOAL I OOS AVG $ .0 80.2 9.7 96.d STD 3.1 30.6 3.2 32.2 05/l4 $ 02 6.1 TS 743 05/I I $ 03 6-1 7.6 76.0 0$ /12 SOl 6 I 23.1 237.1 05/14 $ 02 7.2 2D 05/I I $ 03 7.2 4.0 39A 0$ /12 $ 04 1-2 30A 3033 05/14 $02 264 $ .0 49.$ 05/I I SCL 9.1 Pl A 05/12 $ 04 5H 49.d 3&i 495'5/12 05/14 $ 02 ISD I 83 A 05/I I $ 03 314 11.9 1193 $04 314 22.9 228.9 05/14 $02 4$ 4 9.0 89.$ 05/I I $ 03 4$ 4 132 132.0 05/12 $04 454 4.2 42.1 AVG SA $ 4.1 AVO 9.2 91.7 AVO 26.1 26 I A STD 5J $ 4.6 STD 33 32.7 STD 14.6 l4$ .8 05/li $ 056.1 23.9 2384 05/17 $ 06 6I ID 12.6 05/l 7 $07 6.1 f03 0$ /li $ 0$ 1-2 192 192.0 05/17 $ 06 7.2 $A 53.9 05/17 SOT 7.2 29.1 297.1 05/I 4 $ 05264 209 05/IT $ 06 264 16.2 162.0 0$ /17 $07 2&4 46.$ 467.9 0$ /li SOS 3141 1$ .9 15$ .$ 05/11 S06 31% ISD 1528 05/17 $07 314 274 8 454 27'5/11 05/14 $ 0$ TD 73.0 05/17 S06 454 $ .7 86.6 $ 07 454 10.9 I09.2 AVO 173 173.1 AVG 9A 938 AVG 33.0 330 3 STD 5.6 $ 62 STD 5.7 572 srD 149 142A MEAN G01-G08 121.4 Grams/sq. meter MEAN S01-S07 159.2 Grams/sq. meter 4-18

~,

~

'~

Table 4-7. Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass (g/m') for 1975 through 1993

/

1975 976 977 978 97 980 98 982 1983 1984 98S 986 1989 1990 1991 992 1993 GO I 359 108 21 166 64 160 200 94 70 50 83 '34 174.3 13.6 87.7 142.4 146.0 302 258 162 37 68 2SS I37 116 27 61 14 97.2 109.4 156.6 G03 53 261 62 64 133 12 32 134 16 IOS.I 161.6 82.7 70.3 G04 79 159 113 67 37 3$ 61 49.5 67.6 IN.8 GOS 43.2 36.8 171.8 54.4 7$ 3 G06 61.0 39.8 101.4 49.4 162.0 113.1 29.1 168 A 1 01 A 150.7 GO8 112.3 10.0 137.3 74.3 100.3 801 126 137 173 21 36 180 98 171 104 S 3$ 62 59 53.9 32.8 22$ .1 49.2 502 144 128 28 63 IIS 57 I 112 144 78.3 58.2 147.5 84.1 503 88 177 IIS 16 43 31 54 9$ 27 67.0 28.2 87.6 90.7 91.7 52 39 11 176 10& 24 39.8 30.9 18$ .2 80.3 261.4 505 71 81 184 136 61 42 145 19 103.7 43 A 111.3 110.3 173.1 34.0 22$ .1 101.3 93.5 507 149.$ 6.1 226.0 187.3 330.3

I ' ~ I ~

~ ~

ammaa~armmamanaameee%emememe%am RWHHHRRRRRRRRW%

~ E%Ãl5%%%%RE%%%RE%RE%RE%%%%ÃE%R%%%%Ã%RE%ÃE%

SE%k5%I5%5%%R%%R%%NE%85%%%Ã%RE%Ã%%%%%Ã5%

RKSR%%R%%C%%CESk%%85%R%%85%85%85%RE%C5%R%%Ã5%;

Rf&%%8l%%%%%5~)R85l&55555%%%5REKRf%5RE55HKRRElR58 I ~ t I t II I 'I ~ ~ I tt I ~ ~ . I II, I I ~, I ~ \ I II I ~ I I ~ t I ~ ~ . I ~ I . I I ~ I I J

~.

I ~ I I )a Q)

) III 5 )aaaaaaaaa g OAT) CITY 8 110 Pol SHEfflETC RO.

<<aaaaaaaa raaII Laaaaaaa a Ig 1 SELLFLCWBIRO.

I I

I pr aa rr

+ ~ SOT I RU

~ SOI l DAVN LH.

I I

I P fR) OOAT. W. JUT)PER RD.

OIIWOCO IID.

I IIATOI TAT

+0 6p Qf

)a a a S I I 1UTIQOID) RD.

GO I I I I I

)OLIWOOO Qaaaala H.COUIEER .

S01 GD3 GO I> MATIIEWS )g CORHER )0

~ SOS )5 FN WV.I g WEST FN RD.

'II )

aal I I

ACCESS RD'f)F I "SELLEVUE OIL I I fla a a) ELM IDWa IIAAOIAII OCHOOL a L a)I a a a a a a g Oll Ee WOOD Og I

)E'anf 0 rd

+

COAITATg CVOOTTAII aaaaa I

I I

I aaa)aaaaaaa CEDAR Sie I pr aAOOAttot t

)a IAIOT TOL W.SAOEM RO. I I

I 240 a a a V aa a a a a a Ha RO.

a a a %to a a a a a a O I I g I SPA WHTTEILUfFS tI I

~ VA oTaa a O SUISTATIOH g I IVVAVCT AAV ~o a ag Iaa AIDER RD.

a a a Ijg\ a a a IIIa a a a a a a

~ I I laa

] TTTIIC OIVO

~ LEGEND

• Grassiand Stations (G04 - G08) Il l~ ~

aaa PAVED ROAD UIPRVORDORORVLROAO SOUHDRV UHES

~ Shrub Stations (S01 - S07) 880334.19 Map July 1993 Pigure 4-1. Soil and Vegetation Sampling Location Map 4-21

Herbaceous Community I

50m Herbaceous transect Microplot 10m Phytomass sampling plot

~ INtH0NHltNtHtttH0llM0tItN0HNltlHN00t0H0HtttIMIHN0ItHtHtI0tl0tMtH00NHtHl0tll0N0lttltMIMlltltMltlll ~ ItMIHINllttltlHHIONNttHHlttlltlH NltlNI Nll IHINlltHIMNNttHNINtHNlttltHttlttNtOHllttltNNNltNlttHIMtHIMllltl Figure 4-2. Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots

MEAN  % COVER 50 30 20 10 PREOP ERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1993 W AG-G ERB PG-G C@i3 AF-G EHS PF-G MEAN % COVER 50 40 30 20 PREOP ERATIONAL OP ERATI,ONAL 1993 M AG-S ERR PG-S CD AF-S ER9 PF-S Figure 4-3. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1993

\

4-23

TOTAL PAECIP. tcm) MEAN TEMP (C) MEAN  % COVEA/MEAN DAY WT. tC/mE) 20 1BO

~ ~

140 r

15 r ~

120

~ ~

r rt r

100

~ r r 10 ~0

\ 80 V.

ytr Oyy y,r 60

'4 p".

<4y < <<r

4) r 't 40 r/ j i.'t ".j4 fcq I

20

)'/ Y".4 y4 0

0 1982 1983 1984 1985 1988 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 YEAR

- Preclpl tat ton ~ Temperature ED Cover K9 Dr y Weight Figure 4-4. Mean Herbaceous Cover, Mean Dry Weight (g/m'), Total Precipitation, and Mean Temperature from 1982 through 1993 4-24

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

'10 0

PREQPERATIQNAL OPERATIONAL 1993 SAMPLE PERIOD

~GRASSLAND I>IZIS8RUBS DRY WEIGHT (G/M2) 350 325 300 276 260 225 200 176 160 125 100 76 60 26 G01 GQ2 G03 G04 G05 G08 G07 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 S08 S07 STATION Figure 4-5. Mean Herbaceous Phytomass at Grassland and Shrub Stations for 1975 through 1993 4-25

G01 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % G02 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

180 120 180 120 150 170

,140 180 100 150 100 130 140 120 130 110 80 80 120 100 110 00 100 80 eo 00 80 70 80 80 70 40 80 40 50 50 40 40 30 20 20 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1883 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1003 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD C3 DRY WQT. K9% COVER CD DRY WGT. KZ3% COVER G03 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN  % G04 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

140 100 140 100 130 130 120 120 110 80 110 80 100 100 00 80 eo eo 80 70 70

.80 80 REDRY 40 40 50 50 40 40 30 20 30 20 20 20 10 10 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1903 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1003 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD WQT. K9% COVER C3DRY WGT. I%I% COVER Figure 4-6. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations 601 to 604 for 1980 through 1993

G05 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % G06 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

140 100 200 100 130 100 180

'120 170 110 80 180 80 150 100 140 00 130 80 80 120 80 110 70 100 80 00 40 80 40 60 70 40 80 60 20 40 20 20 30 10 20 10 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1083 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1003 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD MORY WQT. IZ9% COVER CDORY WQT. EZI% COVER G07 PHYTOMASS G/M2 . HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % G08 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

180 100 140 100 150 130 140 120 130 80 80 110

'120 100 110 100 00 80 80 00 80 80 70

'70 80 40 40 80 60 50 40 40 20 20 30 20 20 10 10 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1003 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1003 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD CDDRY WQT. E3% COVER C3DAY WQT. K3% COVER Figure 4-7. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations 605 to 608 for 1980 through 1993

S01 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % S02 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

100 140 100 130 126 120 80 80 110 100 100 90 80 80 80 76 TO 80 40 40 60 60 40 20 30 20 26 20 10 1993 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1993 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD CDORY WQT. K9% COVER C3ORY WQT. KZI% COVER S03 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % S04 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

100 100 300 100 280 90 280 80 80 240 80 220 70 200 80 80 180 50 18O 6o 140 40 40 120 40 100 30 80 20 20 80 20 40 10 20 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1993 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1993 SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD

~DRY WQT. K3% COVER MORY WQT. KB% COVER Figure 4-8. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Stations SO1 to SO4 for 1980 through 1993

S05 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN % S06 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER M AN %

100 100 100 200 130 180 170 80 80 80 180 180 140 130 80 80 80 120 110 100 80 40 80 40 40 70 80 80 20 40 20 20 30 20 10 0

1093 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1803 PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL SAMPLE PERIOD SAMPLE PERIOD

'DRY WGT. K3% COVER MDRY WGT. K3>> COVER S07 PHYTOMASS G/M2 HERBACEOUS COVER MEAN %

100 340 320 300 280 80 280 240 220 80 200 180 180 140 40

. 120 100 80 20 80 40 20 0

PREOPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL 1083 SAMPLE PERIOD C3 DRY WGT. K3% COVER Figure 4-9. Mean Herbaceous Cover, and Phytomass for Stations SOS for 1980 through 1992 and Stations SO6 and SO7 for 1989 through 1993

pH 9.0 8.5 8.0

?.5 7.0 8.0 601 G02 603 604 605 608 607 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB S07 STATION KIPREOPERATIoNAL CDGPERATIoNAL 85-92 EH1993 CONDUCTIVITY MICROSIEMENS/CM 100 90 80 70 BO 50 40 30 20 10 G01 602 603 604 605 608 G07 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 SOB SO?

STATION HPREOPERATIONAL C3OPERATIONAL 85-92 EEI1993 Figure 4-10. Soil pH'and Conductivity for 1980 through 1993 4-30

~.

SULFATE MI CROGRAMS/GRAM 80 50 40 30 20 10 G01 602 603 GO4 605 608 607 GOB S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 SOB S07 STATION KBPREOPERATIONAL ~OPERATIONAL 80-92 ERI 1993 CHLORIDE MICROGRAMS/GRAM 20 16

'10 601 G02 G03 G04 G06 605 607 GOB S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 SOB S07 STATION m PREOPERATIONAL CDOPERATIONAL 85-92 ~1993 Pigure 4-11. Soil Sulfate and Chloride for 1980 through 1993 4-31

~.

COPPER MICROGRAMS/GRAM 16 14 13 12 10 G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G08 e07 e08 S01 S02 S03 S04 SOS S08 S07 STATION EKIPREOPERATIONAL &OPERATIONAL 86-92 EB1993 ZINC Ml CROGRAMS/GRAM 80 66 60 46 40 36 30 26 20 16 10 G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G08 G07 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S08 S07 STATION ERI PREQPERATIQNAL C3OPERATIoNAL 86-92 EH 1993 Figure 4-12. Soil Copper and Zinc for 1980 through 1993 4-32

SODIUM WEIGHT PERCENT 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.02 0.00 601 G02 603 G04 605 608 607 608 S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 SOB S07 STATION mPREOPERATIONAL ~OPERATIONAL 86-92 RB1993 MEQ, HCO3/GRAM X 10-4 180 160 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 80 60 40 30 20 10 0

601 G02 603 G04 G06 608 607 G08 S01 S02 S03 S04 S06 SOB S07 STATION KIPREOPERATIONAL %OPERATIONAL 86-92 EB 1993 Figure 4-13. Soil Sodium and Bicarbonate for 1980 through 1993

~ 4-33

~.

5.0 ERIAL PH T RAPHY PR RAM

5. 1 INTRODUCTION In compliance with the Washington State Energy Facility Site evaluation Council (EFSEC)

Resolution No. 239, 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 provide the opportunity to detect signs of possible stress before it becomes visible to the human eye. In addition to examination for stress, the photographs are compared with those taken in previous years to look for changes in vegetation patterns and evidence of cumulative damage.

5.2 MATERIA AND METH D This program was developed using guidelines published in NUREG/CR-1231 (Shipley, 1980), which outlines the basic requirements for an aerial monitoring program and suggests types of film, photograph scales, frequency of photograph acquisition and the size of prints.

The interpretation of the flightline data was performed by Phillip Jackson of the Geosciences Department at Oregon State University.

Five flightlines (Figure 5-1) 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 (¹1 and 2), each approximately 7 miles (11.2 km) in length, run in a general north-south direction, These flightlines run between the two areas of greatest deposition according to the model. The other three flightlines (¹3, 4, and 5) each approximately 5 miles (8.1 km) in length, each 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 (477 m) above mean sea level. The flightline coordinates are stored in the long-range 5-1

navigation (LORAN) system in the contractors airplane. This allows the same lines to be photographed in subsequent years.

The photographs were taken on May 17, 1993 with Kodak Aerochrome 2443 color infrared film in a Hasselblad ELM 70 mm camera by Photography Plus, Inc. of Umatilla, Oregon. A Planar lens with an 80 mm focal length was used with a Number 12 Wratten filter attached.

The scale is 1:6,000 in a 70 mm x 70 mm format. The relatively large scale of approximately 1:6,000 was chosen as being large enough to differentiate the types of shrubs in the areas surrounding WNP-2. The 70 mm size was chosen over the larger nine inch by nine inch format for ease of handling and the storage of the nearly 300 photographs.

The photos for this mission were initially evaluated for flightline alignment and film quality.

A visual analysis was performed to determine vegetation health and vigor, identify vegetative communities, compare upwind and downwind (relative to the cooling tower) sites, and compare the 1993 film to the 1992 film. Selected scenes were converted to digital format and computer enhanced for further analysis. A map of the vegetation plots and flightlines shows the location of digitized test sites (Figure 5-2). This map was constructed from field notes, global position surveys, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Wooded Island Quadrangle.

5-2

5.3 R T AND DI The film quality was judged to be acceptable. The color balance and contrast were sufficient for interpretation of plant health aii'd vigor, but only marginally. The problem of contrast arises not entirely from processing or camera exposure but rather from the time of photo acquisition. The overflight occurred nearly a month later in the season than in 1992; in this semi-arid environment, photosynthetic activity (PSA) decreases rapidly from late spring to summer. As PSA decreases, so does CIR reflectance. Weak leaf reflectance recorded against a bright sand background reduces photo contrast. Even though spring 1993 was probably cooler and wetter than normal, the strong PSA of range vegetation diminishes rapidly as the dry season approaches.

Based on the flightline map supplied by Photography Plus, the 1993 aerial coverage of each flightline appears to be marginally within acceptable limits. A camera problem on

. Flightline 3 resulted in three restarts on this line; there were numerous light leaks and exposure changes. The flightline was eventually photographed with little loss 'of coverage; however, these difficulties created substantial orientation problems for the interpreter.

5.3.1 ~lh li t Beginning at Route 4'outh and proceeding northwest, Flightline 1 was slightly east of last year s alignment, resulting in some loss of coverage at monitoring Site A. Site A was chosen for its distinctive vegetation patterns, its upwind location, and its accessibility to ground. investigation. No visual indication of recent human-induced disturbance (as was observed in 1992) was noted near the beginning of the flightline. As in 1992, the greatest PSA at Site A was observed in the dune troughs and on the lee side (east face) of dunes.

Overall PSA appears weaker than that observed in the 1992 photography. The later date of photo acquisition may account for the apparent reduction in observable plant vigor.

5-3

Adjacent to the administrative buildings landscaped lawn areas appear to exhibit strong PSA.

Within the fenced compound numerous colonies of disturbance plant species occupy soil and gravel piles. These disturbed areas were noted on the 1992 photos and have changed very little.

Strong linear PSA patterns are observed to the lee side of roadways, railways, and trails..

Such microtopographic features tend to reduce evaporation and create favorable, relatively humid, locations for some plant species.

5.3.2 ~93 I ll I 1992, d d gl ~93 ggllllg 3 M Mg 3 9 ld 5 the fences, railway tracks, and other barrier features. The 1993 photos show anomalous patterns of dead vegetation near the sewage lagoons and to the west of the transformer station. On CIR photos, these patterns somewhat resemble burned areas. These distinctive patterns of dead vegetation were later field checked, and it was found that tumbleweed was intentionally piled in these locations.

Patterns of bitterbrush (Pursha) appear similar to those observed in 1992. The near circular, shrubby appearance of the plant is easily identified, especially from its low PSA reflectance.

Northwest of South Power Plant Loop Road an area of moderate PSA was observed. It is comparable in aerial size and PSA vigor to the grass cover identified at that location in 1992.

Strong individual plant PSA is noted southeast of Site GO 3 and under the powerlines to the west. Bunchgrass plants are apparently responsible for this observation (crested wheatgrass).

5.3.3 g~lh ~

Many photographic problems were encountered on this flightline. The entire flightline is recorded, but in numerous pieces. The first two frames of Flightline 3 are unusable due to light leaks. Two frames past the divided highway, the film stops then starts again with

darker contrast. This is followed by a frame of the plane's interior. The film then starts once again at the divided highway. Seven frames to the east of the substation, the film record is once again interrupted then begins slightly south of the flightline with darker l

contrast to the film. Four frames from this restart, light leaks are apparent, which severely affect interpretation of the last six frames before EOF at the river.

The PSA of vegetation closely resembles that observed on 1992 photography. Dense PSA on east dune faces and along roadsides is observed.

Water level in the Columbia River is slightly higher than in 1992 judging by the area of exposed gravel. Riparian vegetation does not exhibit as bright CIR reflectance as in '1992, but that may be attributed to the film contrast and the light leaks that rendered the last frames generally unusable.

5.3.4 P~ii i Ii

• 4 Flightline 4 starts at the divided highway and proceeds east. Contrast is acceptable but slightly over-exposed. Riparian vegetation again shows slightly weaker PSA, but over-exposure may be a factor.

~Phl x appears to be blooming in some areas, but these white spots, readily observed in 1992 photographs are not as prevalent in 1993. Perhaps the later date of photo acquisition missed the primary flowering period.

5.3.5 i~ii i ii Flightline 5 starts at the divided highway and powerline crossing and proceeds east to the river. The contrast is good and there are no interruptions or light leaks.

5-5

In 1993, vegetation along the east side of the road paralleling the river and the riparian vegetation along the river both exhibit strong PSA once again.

5.3.6 nnin Di i 1 nv r i n The overall patterns of spectral plant response were similar when comparing photo scenes.

from 1992 and 1993. Changes in specific statistical reflectance signatures are noted, however, and may be the result of inherent natural environmental features or photo acquisition and processing differences. The comparison shows differences in magnitude related to exposure and emulsion densities between photographs. It was possible to compare the mean statistical reflectance values for known plant communities in upwind and downwind

. locations. These signatures are illustrated in Figure 5-3. The highest CIR reflectance, is tumble mustard i m ri m l i im m . Tumble mustard at Site A exhibits slightly higher reflectance than at Site D, but both signatures were statistically similar through red, green, and blue separations. This reflectance pattern is also observed on 1992 photography. The very generalized "Range" classification, illustrates a signature composed of many plant and background edaphic characteristics. These signatures provide only an indication that the plant communities at Site A appear to exhibit slightly higher overall PSA than at Site D. A key to this comparison is found in the green and blue spectral differences. Range at Site A has higher overall blue reflectance, indicating that white sand background, i.e., more exposed sand, provides higher reflectance in this spectral region. Site D likely has less exposed sand and perhaps higher densities of low PSA plants, such as sagebrush or bitterbrush.

Figure 5-4 illustrates spectral signatures produced by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVQ. This statistical technique allows for a focused look at the relative PSA of selected plant species near Site B. The relative "greenness" of plants can be observed from g CIR fl fl . R I Rl I ~ll II yy g;I fl CIR highly. Most grasses (Ponce have a weaker CIR reflectance at this time of year, followed by g g g ', dflflly, gb A~A 5-6

The signatures generated from features at Site B were the product of a minimum distance to means algorithm. This algorithm assigns image pixels to the closest image class and thus clusters digital reflectance values into discrete classes based on values from all three spectral bands. Table 5-1 records the comparison of minimum and maximum values for three spectral signatures extracted from digital images. One key to successful multi-spectral classification is clear separation between the signatures of different land cover conditions.. A clear separation of signatures is not found. The scale of this photography, the variable density of the vegetation, and variations in substrate reflectance across each scene, all tend to produce overlapping spectral signatures. For example, the signatures of "Range" and "Grasses" have a 77% overlap of the digital number values in the near infrared spectral band. In the near infrared spectral band the maximum separation appears to be between the signatures of "Sagebrush" and "Grasses." Even these signatures have a 50 percent overlap in the near infrared spectral band. The data recorded in Table 5-1 illustrates that we do not record a clear separate signature for each distinctive vegetation association, but it is possible to distinguish forbs from shrubs.

Photosynthetic reflectance characteristics for range plants and plant associations have been compared temporarily, from 1992 to 1993, and spatially, from downwind to upwind sites.

Out interpretation shows no spatially significant vegetative health differences relative to PSA.

That is comparable plant associations in downwind sites appear to have similar reflectance properties as plant associations in up wind sites. Natural vegetation associations have been greatly disturbed in the recent past by human activity throughout this vicinity and these effects on plant type and distribution appear to be more controlling of PSA than precipitate from cooling towers.

Noticeable differences in overall PSA are observed in 1993 photography. Weaker PSA in most sampling stations is likely attributable to a later photo acquisition date, rather than to cooling tower precipitate.

5-7

O C gl DOE

~A. GRAVEL PIT

~ SP'+4k C.

g O

Pl I

CLS

'YE POWER UNE BARACADE rr r ~rm FLIGHTLINE 3 ASHE SUBSTATION 4r 4 FUGHTUNE 4

/./ EOF PSF 0 FUGHTLINE 5

/

+/g/

./

./

/ /

//

ACCESS RD.

~o Gp,

// BURIAL GROUND L

SCALE (SITES) 1 TA CECLE INCICATSS TLICNTLSIS STANCE C PCINT'igure 5-1. Aerial Photography Flightlines 5-8

~.

~ ~

~

~

I ~ ~ II ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I ' ~I

~.

Table 5-1. Signature Comparison Ban Near IR Red Green Signature Min Max Min Max Min 73 '55 71 80 221

'75 Range 20 252 13 194 20 Sagebrush 23 190 20 28 174 Spectral Signatures 191 Rango Sito A TmnMo Mustard Sho A o 128

'Dnnbio Mustard Sno D Rango Sho D 64 Red Green Blue Figure 5-3. Comparison of Statistical Reflectance Signatures 5-10

~.

Spectral Signatures 255 191 Russian O 'Ihistlc 128 Ck Grasses 0

Green ~

Blue Figure 5-4. Spectral Signatures Produced by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVQ 5-11

6.D R~EPEREN KS 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. 1978. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, March through December 1976. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 4. Richland, WA.

BattellePaciGcNorthwestLaboratories. 1979a. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1,2, and 4, March through December 1977. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 5. Richland, WA.

BattellePacificNorthwestLaboratories. 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 0 1978 through March 1980. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 7.

Portland, OR.

Beak Consultants, Inc. 1981. Terrestrial monitoring studies near WNP-l, 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.

Black, C.A. et al., 1965. Methods of Soil Analysis. Academic Press, Inc. New York, New York.

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

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.

6-1

6,0'RR~RE 0 (Continued)

Droppo, J.G.C.E. Hane and R.K. Woodruff. Atmospheric Effects of Circular Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers at Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Plant Number Two, B2311200735, November 1976 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.

Environmental Protection Agency. "September 1991. Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, EPA/600/4-85/013.

Estimating Median Lethal Concentrations in Toxicity Bioassays. Environ. Sci. Technol.

11(7): 714-719; Correction 12(4): 417 (1978).

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

Hamilton, M.A., R.C. Russo, and R.V. Thurston, 1977. Trimmed Spearman-Karber Method For Estimating Median Lethal Concentrations in Toxicity Bioassays. Environ. Sci. Technol.

11(7): 714-719; Correction 12(4): 417 (1978).

RI 226-262.

3, J.G. 0 J.G. 0 JR, 3966. 03 G ~LJS. R . 30; Mudge, J.E., T.B. Stables and 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.

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.

6.0 R~EFRllRNC (C ')

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.

n r Meh f rEx min i n fW r n W W r, 17thEdition,APHA, AWWA, WPCF, Washington, D.C., 1989.

Washington Department of Ecology. 1992. 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. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Reports for 1985-1992. Richland, WA.

~

~.

I~nern 1 E~x~rn I J.A. Benjamin, Manager J.W. Clifford, Quality Assessment (QA) Nuclear Reactor Regulation Mail Drop PE 21 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 J.P. Chasse Michelle Gunter Senior Env. Licensing Engineer NE 919 Alpha Rd.

Mail Drop PE 20 Pullman, WA 99163 M.P. Hedges, Manager Document Control Desk Corporate Chemist Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Drop 1023 Mail Station Pl-37 Washington, DC 20555 B.J. Hodges P.L. Jackson Supply System Library Department of Geosciences Mail Drop 964L Oregon State University Wilkinson Hall 104 Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5506

~

W.A. Kiel

~ ~ D. Nylander

~ ~

Senior State Liaison Department of Ecology 0 Mail Drop PE 20 7601 W. Clearwater, Suite 102 Kennewick, WA 99336 Tammy Love J. Witczak Manager Plant Chemistry Department of Ecology Mail Drop 927C P.O. Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 J.V. Parrish R.K. Woodruff Asst. Managing Director, Operations Battelle Northwest Laboratories Mail Drop 1023 P.O. Box 999 Richland, WA 99320 WNP-2 Files (5) J.J. Zeller, Manager Mail Drop 964Y Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council P.O. Box 43172 Olympia, WA 98504-3172 WNP-2 Records DIC 1316.7 Mail Drop 994A 7-1

~ ~

(il

,J

'p're /

.Hf

()

i) f,~

, 'LgV, t kt 'w (

Ppf(

1 3]t, r ~I V J it J)t F.V 1

IV "1 .'

~ i g p I 1 VV'1 lfjE% '

~ I 2 '1 Me~l *

.gg05020252

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section ~Pa e EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLES nl FIGURES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1-1

1.1 BACKGROUND

1-1 1.2 THE SITE 1-1 2.0 AQUATICBIOASSAYS 2-1

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2-1 2.2 MATERIALSAND METHODS 2-1 2.2.1 Oncorhynchus tshcmytscha 2-1 2.2.2 Daphnia pulex 2-2 2.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 2-3 2.3.1 Oncorhynchus tshuvytscha 2-3 2.3.2 Daphnia pulex 2-4 3.0 WATER QUALITY 3-1

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3-1 3.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 3-2 3.2.1 Sample Collection 3-3 3.2.2 Analysis Methods 3-4 3.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3-6 3.3.1 Temperature 3-6 3.3.2 Dissolved Oxygen 3-7 3.3.3 pH and Alkalinity 3-8 3.3.4 Hardness 3-9 3.3.5 Conductivity 3-10 3.3.6 Turbidity 3-10 3.3.7 Metals (Total) 3-12 3.3.8 Oil and Grease 3-16 3.3.9 Total Phosphorus and Inorganic Phosphate 3-16 3.3.10 Sulfate 3-18 3.3.11 Total Dissolved Solids 3-18 3.3.12 VOCs and Semi-VOCs 3-19

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)

4.0 SOIL AND VEGETATION STUDIES 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4-1 4:2 MATERIALSAND METHODS 4-3 4.2.1 Herbaceous Canopy Cover 4-3 4.2.2 Herbaceous Phytomass 4-3 4.2.3 Soil Chemistry 4-3 4.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 44 4.3.1 Herbaceous Cover 4-7 4.3.2 Herbaceous Phytomass 4-12 4.3.3 Soil Chemistry 4-18 5.0 AERIALPHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM 5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION

5-1 5.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 5-1 5.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5-3 5.3.1 Flightline ¹1 5-4 5.3.2 Flightline ¹2 5-4 5.3.3 Flightline ¹3 5-4 5.3.4 Flightline ¹4 5-4 5.3.5 Flightline ¹5 5-5 5.3.6 High Elevation Flightline ¹1 5-5 5.3.7 Scanning and Digital Conversion 5-5

6.0 REFERENCES

6-1

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

The Ecological Monitoring Program is comprised of several elements which are intended to determine the effects of the operation of the Supply System's Nuclear Plant No. 2 on the environment. These program elements include: plant efHuent and Columbia River water quality; bioassay tests on selected aquatic species; vegetation cover and phytomass in selected plots; soil chemistry at established sampling locations; and aerial infrared photography of the surrounding plant communities.'he results of the 1994 monitoring efforts may be summarized as follows:

Flow-through and static bioassays were completed with all tests meeting the survival rate criterion of 80 percent in 100 percent efHuent.

Plant cooling water discharges had no discernible effect on Columbia River water quality.

Temperature during the growing season was similar to 1993. Precipitation during this period was significantly less than the recorded values for 1993. The decrease in vegetation cover and phytomass appear to be directly related to the decrease in precipitation Infrared aerial photography revealed no spatially significant vegetation health differences relative to photosynthetic activity (PSA).

ACKNOWLEDGEMKNTS This report, prepared by Washington Public Power Supply System, decribes the soil and vegetation studies, aquatic bioassays, and water quality programs for WNP-2.

Terry E. Northstrom Supervisor, Environmental Sciences Joseph S. Hale Environmental Scientist Deborah C. Singleton Environmental Scientist Richard E. Welch Environmental Scientist Todd A. Borak Environmental Scientist Phillip L. Jackson Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University Bryce Scofield Summer Intern

List of Tables Number Title ~Pa e 2-1. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods 2-1 2-2. Test Condition for Oncorhynchus tshawytscha 2-3 2-3. Size and Number of Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Juveniles Used in WNP-2 Bioassay Tests 2-4 2-4. Physical and Chemical Data for WNP-2 Oncorhynchus tshawyfscha Juvenile Bioassays 2-5. Test Conditions for Daphnia pulex 2-5 2-6. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Control and EQluent Solutions at the Beginning of Each Daphnia Test 2-5 3-1. Columbia River Monthly Flow Rates for 1994 3-1 3-2. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and Sampling e Frequencies, 1994 3-3 3-3. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, EPA and Standard Methods Numbers 3-5 3-4. Summary of Temperature ('C) Measurements 3-7 3-5. Summary of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Measurements 3-7 3-6. Summary of pH Measurements 3-8 3-7. Summary of Alkalinity(mg/l. as CaCOs ) Measurements 3-9 3-8. Summary of Total (mg/L as CaCOs) Hardness Measurements 3-9 3-9. Summary of Conductivity (pS/cm) Measurements 3-10 3-10. Summary of Turbidity (NTU) Measurements 3-11 3-11. Summary of Copper (pg/L) Measurements 3-12

List of Tables (Cont.)

Number Title P~ae 3-12. Summary ofNickel (pg/L) Measurements 3-13 3-13. Summary of Zinc (pg/L) Measurements 3-13 3-14. Summary of Iron (pg/L) Measurements 3-14 3-15. Summary of Lead (pg/L) Measurements 3-14 3-16. Summary of Cadmium (pg/L) Measurements 3-15 3-17. Summary of Chromium (pg/L) Measurements 3-15 3-18. Summary of Oil and Grease (mg/L) Measurements 3-16 3-19. Summary of Total Phosphorus (mg/L as P) Measurements 3-17 3-20. Summary of Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L as P) Measurements 3-17 3-21. Summary of Sulfate (mg/L) Measurements 3-18 3-22. Summary of Quarterly Total Dissolved Solid (mg/L) Measurements 3-18 3-23. Summary of Volatile Organic Compounds 3-19 3-24. Summary of Semivolatile Organic Compounds 3-19 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1994 4-2. Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Stations - 1994 4-8 4-3. Mean Frequency Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station . 4-9 4-4. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1994 4-10 4-5. Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1994 4-13 4-6. Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass (g/m') for 1975 through 1994 4-14 4-7. Summary of Soil Chemistry for 1994 4-18

List of Figures Number Title P~ae 1-1. WNP-2 Location Map 1-2 3-1. Location of Sampling Stations 3-2 3-2. Schematic of River Sample Locations for Water Quality 3-6 4-1. Soil and Vegetation Sampling Location Map 4-2 4-2. Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots 4-3 4-3. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 1975 through 1994 4-12 4-4. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Total Precipitation 4-12 4-5. Phytomass at Grassland and Shrub Stations for 1975 through 1994 4-14 4-6. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GOl 4-15 4-7. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO2 4-15 4-8. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO3 4-15 4-9. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO4 4-15 4-10. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO5 4-15 4-11. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO6 4-15 4-12. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO7 4-16 4-13. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station GO8 4-16 4-14. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO1 , 4-16 4-15. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO2 4-16 4-16. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO3 4-16 4-17. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO4 4-16 4-18. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SOS 4-17

List of Figures (Cont.)

Title P~ae 4-19. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO6 4-17 4-20. Mean Herbaceous Cover and Phytomass for Station SO7 4-17 4-21. Soil pH for 1985 through 1994 4-19 4-22. Soil Conductivity for 1985 through 1994 4-19 4-23 ~ Soil Sulfate for 1980 through 1994 4-19 4-24. Soil Chloride for 1985 through 1994 4-19 4-25. Soil Copper for 1985 through 1994 4-19 4-26. Soil Zinc for 1985 through 1994 4-19 4-27. Soil Sodium for 1985 through 1994 4-20 4-28. Soil Bicarbonate for 1985 through 1994 4-20 5-1. Aerial Photography Flightlines 5-2 5-2. Vegetation Plots and Flightline Locations of Digitized Test Sites 5-3 5-3. Comparison of 1993 and 1994 Spectral Signatures . 5-6 5-4. Comparison of Spectral Reflectance Values at Sites A and E 5-7 5-5. Spectral Comparisons of Four Areas in Monitoring Site B 5-8

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Site Certification Agreement (SCA) for WNP-2 was approved on May 17, 1972, by the State of Washington and the Washington Public Power Supply System (Supply System). The SCA requires that environmental monitoring be conducted during the preoperational and operational phases of site development and use. The objective of the monitoring program is to provide an environmental measurement history for evaluation by the Supply System and the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and to identify significant effects of plant operation on the environment. Since 1972, several revisions of the monitoring program have been approved by EFSEC in the form of SCA attachments and EFSEC resolutions Nos. 193, 194, 214, 239, 266.

Most of the studies, analyses, and reports for the preoperational (1973-1984) environmental program of the SCA were performed by outside laboratories for the Supply System. The aquatic studies were in reports by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories for the period of September 1974 through August 1978 (Battelle 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979a,'1979b) and by Beak Consultants, Inc. for the period of August 1978 through March 1980 (Beak 1980). The terrestrial program was performed and reports were prepared by Battelle from 1974 until 1979 (Rickard 1976, 1977, 1979a, 1979b) and then by Beak from 1980 to 1982 ( Beak 1981, 1982a, 1982b).

Since 1983, Supply System scientists have been responsible for the entire operational environmental monitoring program. Using the data acquired during 1984, the first comprehensive operational environmental annual report was prepared by Supply System scientists (Supply System 1985) and has since continued annually (Supply System 1986 through 1993). A few studies and reports were completed by Supply System personnel prior to the annual reports, including animal studies (Schleder 1982, 1983, 1984) and terrestrial monitoring (Northstrom 1984).

This report presents the results of the Ecological Monitoring Program for the period of January through December 1994.

1.2 THE SITE The Supply System leases the WNP-2 site (441 hectares or 1089 acres) from the U. S.

Department of Energy. WNP-2 lies within the boundaries of the Columbia Basin between the Cascade Range in Washington and Blue Mountains in Oregon and comprises approximately two-thirds of the area lying east of the Cascades. Approximately 5 km (3.25 miles) to the east, the site is bounded by the Columbia River. The plant communities within the region are described as shrub-steppe communities consisting of various layers of perennial grasses overlaid by a discontinuous layer of shrubs. In general, moisture relations do not support arborescent species, except along streambanks. In August 1984, a range fire destroyed much of the shrub cover on 1-1

the Hanford site and temporarily modified the shrub-steppe associations which were formerly present.

Figure 1-1. WNP-2 Location Map ACTI IS ls 5 <<aaaaaaaa A I>> SASW ICAL llD. II lTS

+V

<<ag Ec<<aaa<<<<<< a 1 SEUJLDWKCI AD.

Z I I

pr r' rr

~ SOT I I

I I I SCCT OOCL g I>>CC<<OI l<<aat I lWCOOLOIAL I I I I I I OCT<<<<CCO ~ ca<<I i<<<<a<<<<Aa Iti I K OODLES ICc I

I I I SOl Ig I I I I IN

~ SOS I ITIIWY.I WEST TSI ISA I g I

<<J "SETLIYOEISL I I I PXESS STL SITS r" <<I Kill ANNIWICCCCIC

~ C<<COL 000

. DOOWOOD

%CSCL I I I

a<<<<a

+ CEOSW Hanf rd ecA<<nnR

<<<<a<<<<<< a cf<<<<a <<

Sie Je <<Acacacs K<<<<CASA SA.

<<<<c W. ISA I I

I 40 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<a PICCTS

<< <<a SIX a <<<<<<S<<a a <<a 5 ii I I

~ <<a A WNTKSWTTS SV SSTATNN CO aw )l g ~

I I

I

~ a<<cc Iaa ACOEOSO a a a <<5<<a a a <<I a a a a c<<a<<ra I

'I la C<<CC U 1

8

~

<<<<<<RSSYO LEQENO SAYED OOAO ~

llO Oll OSYL MN

• Grassiand Stations (G01 - G08) I SDCSNSY LOCKS

~ Shrub Stations (SOi - S07) 1<<2

2.0'AQUATIC BIOASSAYS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Special condition S4 of the WNP-2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requires 96-hour testing in 0% (control) and 100% efHuent concentrations. An 80% or greater survival rate in 100% eftluent is specified as the successful test criterion. This section includes results of bioassay tests performed on chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and the common water flea (Daphnia pulex).

2.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS The bioassays followed the guidance set forth in EPA Publications Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity ofEffluents and Receiving 8'aters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms (EPA 1991) and Quality Assurance Guidelines for Biological Testing (EPA 1978). Sample holding times and analytical methods (Table 2-1) were consistent with EPA guidance (EPA 1983).

Table 2-1. Summary of Bioassay Parameters and Associated EPA Methods Temperature ( C) 170.1 Conductivity (uS/cm) at 25'C 120.1 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 360.1, 360.2 pH 150.1 Total Alkalinity(mg/L as CaCOs) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCOs) 130.2 Calcium 243.1 Magnesium 215.1 2.2.1 Oncorh chus tshaw tscha Two flow-through bioassays of WNP-2 cooling tower eQluent were performed October 27-31 (Test A) and November 10-14 (Test B), 1994. The flow-through system consisted of six 132-liter capacity glass aquaria with'each containing 114 liters of water. The system included three control (100% Columbia River water) and three eftluent (100% plant eftluent) aquaria selected on a random basis. Flow rates were approximately 1.4 liters/minute/aquaria.

E6luent used for the tests was diverted from the discharge pipe and pumped to the test facility.

2-1

Control water was untreated Columbia River water pumped from the makeup pumphouse directly to the test facility. A temperature conditioning unit was used to maintain the control water and effluent at 12'C (+1'C).

The Oncorhynchus tshawytscha juveniles utilized for the bioassay 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 as 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.

Ten fish were distributed to each aquarium, two at a time, in a stratified random manner. 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 plant effluent introduction. The 96-hour test was begun by siphoning down all six aquaria until there was approximately 23 liters of water remaining in each. The test aquaria were then refilled with plant effluent and the control aquaria were refilled with river water.

The aquaria were checked for mortalities twice per day. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity were measured in each aquarium and in the control and effluent head boxes at the beginning of the test, daily thereafter, and at test termination. Grab water samples were collected daily from the control and effluent head boxes and each aquarium. The samples were later analyzed for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity.

Temperature measurements were made with a Fisher NIST-traceable thermometer. The pH measurements were made with an IBMModel EC105-2A portable pH meter. Dissolved oxygen measurements'were made using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) Model 57 meter.

Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI Model 33 meter. Calcium and magnesium measurements were made with a Perkin Elmer Model 40 inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer.

8~ii

• Two static bioassays of WNP-2 cooling tower effluent were performed April 6-9, (Test A) and April 19-23 (Test B), 1994. Effluent used for the tests was collected (by grab sample) from the discharge sample line located at the fish bioassay facility. Control (dilution) water was prepared using the pr'ocedure for moderately hard water (EPA 1991).

Test temperature (20'+ 2 C) was maintained by a Revco Model RI-50-555 incubator.

Less than 24-hour old Daphnia (neonates) were exposed to 100% effluent and 100% dilution water (control) for a 96-hour period. Mortality checks were made two hours after the beginning of the test and daily thereafter. The Daphnia pulex used in the tests are &om a stock culture obtained from the EPA Regional Laboratory, Manchester, Washington, in July 1991. The WNP-2 Environmental Laboratory maintains a breeding population of this organism.

A reference toxicant test using cadmium chloride was performed in conjunction with Test B. The 2-2

cadmium chloride was received from the EPA Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

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

Dissolved oxygen measurements were made using the modified Winkler procedure. Conductivity measurements were made with a YSI Model 33 meter. Calcium and magnesium measurements were made using a Perkin Elmer Model 40 inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer.

2.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The tests were successfully completed with respect to the survival rate criterion of 80% or greater. These results are in agreement with previous flow-through and static bioassays performed at WNP-2.

2.3.1 Oncorh chus tsh tscha A complete summary of the test conditions for the Oncorhynchus tshat~ytscha bioassay is provided in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2. Test Conditions for Oncorhynchus tshatvytscha 12'4 1'C Photoperiod 16h light/24h Size oftest vessel 132 liter aquaria Volume of test solution 114 liters Flow rate 1.4 liters/minute/aquaria No. fish/test vcsscl 10 No. ofreplicate test vessels/

concentration Total no. fish/ conc. 30 Feeding regime Not fcd during 96 hour0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br /> test Aeration None Control water Columbia River Test duration 96 hours0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br /> Etrect mcasurcd Mortality 2-3

No fish mortalities were observed during performance of the two bioassays.

I Information regarding length, weight, and loading factor of control fish used in the bioassays is presented in Table 2-3. Table 2-4 provides a summary of physical and chemical data for the two bioassays.

Table 2-3. Size and Number of Oncorhynchus tshmvytscha Juveniles Used in WNP-2 Bioassay Tests

.y.:C'" "C Z'QC% y>. Z. QN: XC hi!CNko@CfXsf@4Ag>><.::. 5/.':: ""4'::." @s".K@)f61(CIS) ~%~: <@~o'gap No Range No (g/liter) 10/31/94 Test A 30 9.1 7.3-11.9 30 9.1 4.6-19.8 0.8 11/14/94 Test 8 30 9.8 8.0-12.1 30 11.4 6.0-21.0 1.0 Table 2-4. Physical and Chemical Data for WNP-2 Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Juvenile Bioassays Pi:."~g:@j+';8;;g@@@jP~@:;;~?

12.3 11.9-12.7 12.6 12.1 ~ 12.8 12.4 12.0-12.7 12.8 12.5.12.9 7.56 7.49-7.69 8.11 8.01-8.19 7.54 7.49-7.61 8.16 8.06-8.25

~XIOtrng/X'):~~) NN'4 9.1 8.1-9.8 8.2 7.5-8.7 9.7 9.3-10.0 8.6 8.3-9.0 104 100-110 761 600-850 101 100-103 706 425-800 58 5641 369488 57 56-S9 423 280473 54 53-55 108 87-141 50 30.55 108 95-121

)

1800 1500 D~hi i*

A complete summary of the test conditions for Daphnia pulex is provided in Table 2-5. During>>

the performance of the two bioassays no mortalities were observed.

Table 2-5. Test Conditions for Daphnia pulex Temperature 20'A2'C Photoperiod 16 h light/24h Size oftest vessel 30 mL beaker Volume oftest solution 2S mL Age oftest animals 1-24 h (neonatcs)

No. organismshest vcsscl No. ofreplicate test vessclsfeonc.

Total no. organismslcone. 20 Feeding regime Not fed flrst 48 hrs. Fed daily thendter Aeration None Dilution water. Modcratcly hard Test duration: 96 hours0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br /> Mortality Following acclimation to test chamber conditons, temperature measurements for Tests A and B in the control and efHuent containers averaged 20.6'C and 20.5'C, respectively. Measurements of physical and chemical parameters for control and e61uent solutions at the beginning of each test are presented in the following table (2-6).

Table 2-6. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Control and E6luent Solutions at the Beginning of Each Daphnia Test N@e(ae Control 20.8 8.76 8.5 74 60 EQluent 20.7 7.91 8.4 679 315 97 Control 20.5 8.82 8.6 293 96 58 g<Mqegq~~j EQlucnt 20.5 ~ 8.7 650 358 103 The results for the reference toxicant, cadmium chloride, indicate LCvalues of 0.34 mg/L (24h) and 0.02 mg/L (48h). The LC,0 was determined using a computer based Trimmed Spearman Karber method.

2-5

3.0 WATER QUALITY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The water quality sampling stations are located near the west bank of the Columbia River at river mile 352. Sampling was limited to the main channel on the Benton County side. Near the site, the river averages 370 meters (1200 feet) wide with a water surface 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 during a 24-hour period and from day to day in response to release patterns at the Priest Rapids Dam (river mile 397). The maximum, minimum and mean flow rates measured at the USGS stream-quality station located at river mile 388.1 (near the Vernita Bridge) can be seen in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1. Columbia River Monthly Flow Rates for 1994 Mean 87950 124000 51900 112600 144000 77600 87290 120000 63200 90020 128000 55200 IgjM Q jjijg 121400 153000 92100 151400 180000 126000 106800 142000 68300 77770 96400 40700 600SO 84100 41600

"'~kOdabqr):,-','.@ 70790 87500 49500 ggPÃ~:<".N:8$i>~~

82650 109000 66400 91450 128000 60600 3-1

3.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS Columbia River surface water samples were collected monthly from January through December 1994. Samples were collected near river mile 352 from four stations numbered 1, 7, 11, and 8 (Figures 3-1 and 3-2). 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 blowdown sects. Station 11, 91 meters (300 feet) downstream from the discharge, represents the extremity of the mixing zone.

At substations 11M and 11B water samples are taken from middle and bottom depths, respectively. Station 8 is approximately 568 meters (1870 feet) downstream from the discharge and represents a location where the blowdown is well mixed in the Columbia River. 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, total phosphorus, inorganic Bgure - . ocahon o amphng aeons phosphate, sul fate, total copper, total iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium and total chromium. The samples Rom substations (11M and 11B) were analyzed for total copper only. Plow sland Plant blowdown was sampled monthly during 1994.

Samples were collected from the discharge pipe at a sample point located in the makeup pumphouse.

Blowdown samples were analyzed for temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, sulfate, oil and grease, total copper, total iron, total zinc, total nickel, total lead, total cadmium, and total chromium. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi- ~1 Mesqult volatile organic compounds (semi-VOCs) were analyzed island on a quarterly basis. WNP-2 Discharge

~o An evaporation/percolation pond (storm drain pond) is ~7 River Mll located approximately 1500 feet northeast of the plant. ~ 11 The pond is a collection point for water from various locations within the controlled area. Water and sediment rs were sampled monthly and semiannually, respectively.

Monthly water samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, total iron, total copper, total nickel, total zinc, total lead, total cadmium, total chromium, and oil and grease. In addition, quarterly water samples were analyzed Power Lines for total dissolved solids and VOCs and semi-VOCs.

Sermannual sediment samples were analyzed for the same total metals as the monthly water samples, except iron. A summary of this information is presented in Table 3-2.

3-2

Table 3-2. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, Stations, and Sampling Frequencies, 1994 gglhjahIi::~"(fQSJ!j M

M M M

M M

ggjqr4t@NiV%+eii".".gg< M M M Cygne~~'+~&AC~

S bols Ke Q= Quarterly M= Monthly

• • =Samples collected only ifthe plant is operating 3.2.1 Sam le Collection Columbia River samples were collected by boat, approximately 100 meters from the Benton County shore. Temperature was determined in-situ. Water for total metals, conductivity, pH, sulfate, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphate, turbidity, total alkalinity and total hardness analyses was collected in 3.8 liter polypropylene cubitainers and stored in a cooler until delivered to the Supply System's Environmental and Analytical Support Laboratory. Water for total copper 3-3

~

analysis from substations 11M and 11B was collected in one-liter polypropylene cubitainers with an all-Teflon pump and Tygon tubing. Water for dissolved oxygen measurements was collected

~

in 300 mL (Biological Oxygen Demand) BOD bottles.

Blowdown temperature was determined in-situ. Water for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total phophorus, inorganic phosphate and total metals analyses was collected in 3.8 liter polypropylene cubitainers. Water for oil and grease,VOCs and semi-VOCs analysis was collected in one-liter clear and amber glass bottles, respectively. Water for volatile organics analysis was collected in 40-mL glass bottles.

Evaporation/percolation pond water for pH, conductivity and total metals was collected in 3.8 liter polypropylene cubitainers. Water for total dissolved solids analyses was collected in 500 mL plastic bottles. Water for oil and grease, VOCs and semi-VOCs was collected as described under blowdown sampling. All samples were stored in a cooler until delivered to the laboratory for analyses.

Water quality samples collected during the annual plant maintenance outage (May through June) consisted of station 1 (control) samples only.

.2.2 ~AI i M h d Field temperature measurements were made using a Fisher NIST-traceable thermometer.

Temperature was recorded to within 0.1'C after the probe had been allowed to equilibrate for a minimum of one minute.

Total metals, sulfate, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, inorganic phosphate, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, VOCs and semi-VOCs, total phosphorus, and oil and grease, were determined by Supply System laboratory personnel. Analysis for total dissolved solids were performed by an offsite laboratory. Sample holding times followed those recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 1983). Table 3-3 lists the approved EPA and Standard Methods used.

3-4

Table 3-3. Summary of Water Quality Parameters, EPA and Standard Methods Numbers Water Temperature ('C) 170.1 Turbidity (NTU) 180.1 Conductivity (/is/cm) at 25'C 120.1 Dissolved Oxygen ( mg/L) Probe 360.1 Dissolved Oxygen(mg/L) Modified Winkler 360.2 pH 150.1 Total Alkalinity(mg/L as CaCOs) 310.1 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCOs) 130.2, 6010 2340-B Oil and Grease (mg/L) 413.2 Total Phosphorus (mg/L as P) 365.2 4500-P Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L as P) 300,365.2 Sulfate (mg/L as SO4) 300,375.4 Total Copper (/ig/Las Cu) 200.7, 220.1, 220.2 Total Iron (tig/Las Fc) 200.7, 236.1, 236.2 Total Nickel (ug/L asNi) 200.7, 249.1, 249.2 Total Zinc (pg/L as Zn) 200.7, 289.1, 289.2 Total Lead (tig/Las Pb) 200.7, 239.1, 239.2 Total Cadmium (pg/L as Cd) 200.7, 213.1, 213.2 Total Chromium (/ig/Las Cr) 200.7, 218.1, 218.2 Filterable Residue: TDS (mg/L) 160.1 Organics (pg/L) 'olatile 8240 Semivolatile Organics (/ig/L) 8270 3-5

Figure 3-2. Schematic of River Sample Locations for Water Quality Station 1 I

555m (1822 ft)

Riva Ho+

QN 45m (148 tt)

Statioa 7 gas> J (1870 it)

(Not to Scale)

Station 11, 11M, 11B

~

477m (1570 ft)

Station &

3.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The evaporation/percolation pond is a separate monitoring system and is not related to the sects of the blowdown on the Columbia River.

3.3J Columbia River surface temperatures varied seasonally with a minimum temperature of 3.2'C at all stations on February 17 and a maximum of 19.5'C at all stations on August 18 (Table 3-4).

Blowdown temperatures ranged from 14.7'C in April to 26.3'C in September.

3-6

0 0

Table 3-4. Summary of Temperature ( C) Measurements kj'"plaijtF'~gi Bfmv4em)

-.;')iejijl 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.4 21.2

$ PjiPpj 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 20.2 j'03)3,)i,'94.",,"",, 5.9 6.0 6.0 6.0 22.4 9.5 9.4 9.4 9.5 14.7

('.!0.$4%~4>,.'. 12.9 13.8 19.3 19.3 19.3 19.3 22.3

~p'OSSk88'4'm 19.S 19.5 19.5 19.S 22.0

(<99Cfg94j,. 19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0 26.3

,"-',".I)&54'"; 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 25.5

,'",'"',.h$'4','9/~,~g 9.S 9.5 9.5 9.5 20.3

.;$ 30)W4g 7.4 7.3 7.3 7.3 21.3 3.. 0~iI dp 0 DO measurements for, each sample station are presented in Table 3-5. Columbia River DO concentrations ranged from 9.3 mg/l. at stations 1 and 11 in August and all stations in September to 14.6 mg/L at station 7 in March.

Table 3-5. Summary of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Measurements 12.5 12.7 12.6 13.0 12.8 12.8 (08f81$ 4;~~ 14.5 14.6 14.4 14.5 12.9 12.7 12.9 j06ff~P+P: 11.0 r072'26I'94:,"':.'"". 9.5 9.6 9.6 9.5 (084%$ 4,i',:'. 9.3 9.4 9.3 9.4 09gP844 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.6 9.7 9.7 11.0 11.0 12.2 12.3 11.9 3-7

DO concentrations were inversely related to river temperaure as would be expected from solubility laws. DO levels were never below the 8 mg/L water quality standard for Class A waters (WDOE 1992) indicating good water quality with respect to dissolved oxygen throughout the year.

3.3.3 ~Hd Ald II I 3

Columbia River pH values ranged from 7.31 at station 8 in October to 7.98 at station 8 in March.

The largest difFerence of 0.29 standard units occurred between station 7 (pH 7.69) and station 8 (pH 7.98) in March. The pH water quality standard for Class A waters is from 6.5 to 8.5 (WDOE 1992). Blowdown pH values ranged from 7.56 in January to 8.26 in August. Pond pH values ranged from 7.41 in October to 8.19 in February. Columbia River alkalinities ranged from 52 to 65 mg/L as calcium carbonate. Results for pH and alkalinity are listed in Tables 3-6 and 3-7.

Table 3-6. Summary of pH Measurements i,8! l&P4.",';::: 7.62 7.69 7.65 7.56 7.79 333H$ WK:!A,".>@

73194~'-'.67

,:.:;,:02J$ 7.63 7.67 7.68 8.20 8.19

@gd;HA@X;Hyena

3'OA3'if'"'.". 7.74 7.69 7.80 7.98 8.03 7.76 7.96 7.86 7.92 7.87 7.69 8.01 I":0",4'I2&4,,";:.'"05P4$

5i)j 7.90 7.76

,,":06I$ 5)94':::: 7.78 7.72 7.45 7.57 7.50 7.67 7.63 7.89

~0@)8P'4:,; 7.50 7.60 7.52 7.56 8.26 7.53 7.56 7.48 7.63 8.08 8.02

~j,'icovp4($ 793 7.35 7.32 731 7.95 7.41 Q@XH ~RA.P. dd

~PQy~;,:s 7.53 7.61 7.69 7.53 7.81 7.75 7.66 7.54 7.60 7.59 8.22 8.01 3-8

Table 3-7. Summary of AlkalinityMeasurements

'<yP ??Q

~>"V<~> '->'-'lt'j.~

62 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 64 63 65 65 59 59 60 60 57

i?'065504:;,'.?? 53 54 56 54

$:0f 8'5'4~ 52 53 53 53 54 54 55 53 53 54

,'j,1 I29i94;::: SS 54 56 55 59 59 60 3.3.4 Hardness Hardness ranged from 58 to 88 mg/L as calcium carbonate. This data is presented in Table 3-8.

Table 3-8. Summary of Total Hardness Measurements

"..':;8$ O7W',:.'j 72 72 j;02127194gk 76 76 kNQAN4j) 73 74 74 74

~:"040~04 88 83 82 82 58 59 58 58 58 I08l18fg~ S9 61 61 61 65 67 68 67

";"."'i0jig&4.!; 65 66 66 66

<'~XKt29?19'40>> 6S 68 67 66 69 71 71 71 3-9

.3.5 ~Cd Columbia River conductivity measurements ranged from 127 pS/cm at 25'C at station 1 in June to 153 pS/cm at 25'C at station 11 in February. Blowdown measurements ranged from 193 pS/cm at 25'C to 1460 pS/cm at 25'C. Storm drain pond values ranged from 157 to 463 pS/cm at 25 C. Conductivity measurements are listed in Table 3-9.

Table 3-9. Summary of Conductivity Measurements pc~~g" P$ 3478,4:;:".;:;::~ 149 150 149 149 687 273 g(@$4'fI94;.'> 152 152 153 152 635 463

.j0313ji4:,'j 150 150 150 150 517 164 g:6438l94N 139 140 140 141 556 327 q05/255)'$ 137 167 NAQ$/9'4j 127 157

" .678494'::.'.. .131 132 131 131 193 318 p~g4i:NÃi?)',R~'"

04159'44 132 130 131 130 176

."

,',@4784",.: 136 135 136 136 1460 424

,'js)Oft'FI9'4?$ : 131 132 132 134 1200 334

,~k:$ 8298'4'35 137 139 137

.j~<:,tgl984'@ 147 147 147 148 964 257 3-10

3.3.6 T~urbidit In the Columbia River, measured turbidities were low and ranged from 0.6 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 2.8 NTU. Blowdown values ranged from 3.2 to 19.5 NTU. Blowdown results are listed in Table 3-10.

Table 3-10. Summary of Turbidity Measurements

&@+)g$

~."044784'; 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 13.0 g%$Jg44f,i.';: 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7 5.0 m:,"030 184II 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.4 3.2 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.1 19.5 2.8 1.3 1.1 1.3 O'OV18i94;iP 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.1 9.8 1.0 1.0 7.6 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 18.0 5i'iYi9i)~i 0.7 0.8 0.7 4.6 3-11

3.3.3 M~l Columbia River cadmium, nickel, and lead concentrations were below the respective method detection limits (1.4, 2.0, 0.7 pg/L) at all stations during all periods. River copper concentrations ranged from <1.9 pg/L to 2.5 pg/L Zinc concentrations ranged from <5.0 pg/L to 25pg/L and iron concentrations ranged from 22 pg/L to 86 pg/L. Chromium concentrations were generally below the detection limit of 0.3 pg/L. The highest chromium reading of 1.0 pg/L was recorded at all stations in July.

Blowdown cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit for all stations and periods.

Nickel and lead concentrations were fairly low, ranging from <2.0 pg/L to 6.9 pgfL and < 0.7 pg/L to 3.6 pg/L, respectively. Blowdown copper, zinc and iron concentrations were substantially higher than river concentrations and ranged from 34 pg/L to 187 pg/L, 25 pg/L to 106 pg/L, and 120 pg/L to 1300 pg/L, respectively. Chromium concentrations ranged from <0.3 pg/L to 2.3 pg/L Evaporation/percolation pond water cadmium and nickel concentrations were below their respective detection limits for all periods. Lead concentrations ranged from <0.7 pg/L to 2.1

.pg/L Chromium concentrations ranged from <0.3 pg/L to 9.8 pg/L. Copper and zinc concentrations ranged from <1.9 pg/L to 27 pg/L and zinc concentrations ranged from 7.4 pg/L to 410 pg/L. Iron concentrations ranged from a low of 11 pg/L in April to a high of 570 pg/L in October. Storm drain pond sediment samples produced measurable levels for all of the metal constituents analyzed.

Total metal results are listed in Tables 3-11 through 3-17.

Table 3-11. Summary of Copper (pg/L) Measurements

.>jIK)

'. F4~ M '4 ":. '-:::?'? '::i"'i".-', w1 gg@:

!';'.01@)~:P:,<1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 34 <1.9

~02/@@4".M~? <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 '1.9 47 2.3 I::0+8894'i~ <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 41 2.1 (44i8N:.:.,'1.9 2.3 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 76 2.1 3.6

$46fi$94~, <1.9 2.5 751

,;::,OVC694;':":; <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 2.2 jeem'.$ 2.S <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 128 44

.:MM?AM;:?M?".<@M;,':

'V09/27~?'?i <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 64 <1.9 g'10I2Tl9~4@~ <1.9 2.2 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 72

+XX?.";3.',>:$ Y? XC?,:

)y<PQ9Ljj4kj'1.9 4.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 <1.9 62 19

.;i'.4&4';

.,-', 2.4 2.0 <1.9 <1 9 2.0 <1.9 48 4.8 223 3-12

Table 3-12. Summary of Nickel (pg/L) Measurements

'0k'0?P4,"j,. <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 6.9 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 179

";".,:9'fPAi)94:~% <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 4.2 <<2.0

<<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 <<2.0 55 Table 3-13. Summary of Zinc (pg/L) Measurements

~xPj~"j$g )

1:Si'iB~I@gljg~

">pi@vt94@ 5.1 5.9 5.2 5.6 28 7.4 6.2 <<5.0 <<5.0 5.0 52 15 6.1 <<5.0 <<S.O <<S.O 25 22 7.4 6.1 6.2 5.4 53 47 8.2 86 6.3 86 6800 16 13 25 106 66

<<5.0 5.7 5.7 5.6 81 103 7.0 <<5.0 <<5.0 <<5.0 43 19,

<<S.O <<5.0 5.3 5.3. 58 410 8.4 7.4 10 10 62 280 6.0 6.2 5.9 <<$ .0 70 71 1410 3-13

Table 3-14. Summary of Iron (pg/L) Measurements

,:;;:,iieet':::""-33 30 25 42 240 12 m92lill94;i". 41 39 33 31 120 24 32 28 240 93

,'::0'~'::;: 86 61 83 61 920 38 32

.:.:QflÃlP4>>:;::; 74 48 58 69 230 21

~kN8$ 4:::.,79 72 70 71 228 157

.'F09@'gW.::::~$ 61 71 62 59 540 22

>>~>,:fOÃM'j$ 84 61 52 59 570 47 42 40 1300 160 gVt1~ ';>>'3 31 25 22 404 113 Table 3-15. Summary of Lead (pg/L) Measurements

<<:<4~<i4'NV4>>~"..>>

/POT/94'~>> <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 gOÃP$ 48 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 1.8 <0.7

,,030//94,,~ <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 h64'tfN9'@gal:: <07 1.2 <0.7 t<<452258'4'>>j <0.7

<0.7 115

@OVAPP4'":.:. <0.7 <0.7 1.2 0.7

,':j48488'4g <0.7 0.9 <0.7

'

.99iR'Eg54lg <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 1.3 <0.7 O':ACC74):'<0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.1 I,:2';f@- W.7 <0.7 <0.7 1.0 I3Ft'2'9/94qj <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 <0.7 2.9 0.8 32 3-14

Table 3-16. Summary of Cadmium (pg/L) Measurements

>~OSI2k7P4j~", <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

.:<jj'jjjgj(~: <1 4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

<~F6i8$ 44f!j <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

<1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

<1.4

+04(),~,l~t; <1.4 <1.4

<1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

<1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

~:,'Oiir~~g <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1A

>ggW fji94~> <1.4 <IA <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4

<1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1A

<q.'$2Ii%94',:~ <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 <1.4 15 Table 3-17. Summary of Chromium (pg/L) Measurements

<0.3 <0.3 <0.3 1.3 <0.3

<03 <0.3 2.0

<0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.8 0.4

<0.3 <0.3 0.9 <0.3 1.0 49 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.6 1.0

<03 <0.3 <0.3 1.8 <03

<03 <0.3 <0.3 0.6

<0.3 <03 0.8 IfO~ i; <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 1.6 9.8 g)Vf'9&5 <0 3 <0.3 <0.3 0.6 68 3-15

3.3.8 Oil and Grease Blowdown and pond oil and grease values were below the detection limit of 1.0 mg/L for all periods sampled except October, in which 1.4 mg/L was recorded from the plant blowdown. Oil and grease measurements are summarized in the following table.

Table 3-18. Summary of Oil and Grease (mg/L) Measurements

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0

<1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0

<1.0 <1.0

<1.0 <1.0 3.3.9 TotalPhos horusandInor anicPhos hate Columbia River total phosphorus concentrations ranged from (0.01 to 0.03 mg/L as P.

Blowdown values ranged from 1.05 to 3.85 mg/L as P. Columbia River inorganic phosphate concentrations were at or below 0.1 mg/L for all stations and periods. Blowdown inorganic phosphate measurements ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 mg/L as P. Total phosphorus and inorganic phosphate measurements are summarized in the following tables (3-19 and 3-20).

3-16

Table 3-19. Summary of Total Phosphorus (mg/L as P) Measurements cO.OI c0.01 c0.01 1.05

"".;,ON17<<194/< 0.01 c0.01 0.01 c0.01 3.66

~i:.::,,'a'~bi'ei "':"j 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 2.71 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 3.85 Ap>'<<<:N84ig<<<<

g."-.g@QgWw) c0.01

..".:<<~OVCQ94~>>.,': 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 2.78

',':.,':;.,48i$ 88)';:,","':: 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 2.73

"<<,"09j2$64!;~<<l 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 2.60 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 3.60

.,-'";:,.":BXO94",',~,. 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.02 3.42

':.~;'$24%94rj; 0.01 0.01 0.01 '.01 3.20 Table 3-20. Summary of Inorganic Phosphate (mg/L as P) Measurements c0.1 c0.1 c0.1 0.7 c0.1 c0.1 1.2 c0.1 c0.1 c0.1 0.7 cD.1 0.1 0.1 c0.1 0.1 c0.1 O.l 0.9 c0.1 c0.1 c0.1 1.0 c0.1 O.l

.ij.".':;:,:DC%94/ ( 0.1 0.1 0.1

~'g:.il1i984%~ c0.1 O.l c0.1 0.9 3-17

Individual Columbia River sulfate measurements ranged from 8.5 to 11.5 mg/L Blowdown measurements ranged from 11.3 to 670 mg/L The results are presented in Table 3-21.

Table 3-21. Summary of Sulfate (mg/L) Measurements Se?~@~~  !'-'"~4':;. '"'~ii:-',7,:~@~ <<P;:,:31<'-'?>4" 'j@4:,.< Q%hsiPN',:'.<?

qk'<'Pj?1?<: sr<I ~w';:,jqi .c.,', k@Pjig:@~ ~x8j. @gg~~)

P<ir<,'Sji m<<'.'Aggg i<OSXVj94','!g 10.7 10.7 11.2 10.7 ~ 269

.:,": '0&7<&gg 113 11.4 11.4 346

'j~~03514.':"i',: 11.1 11.1 11.4 11.2

~~);::,'.:.,", 10> 1O.6 1O.6 10.6 151 8.6 8.6 g;.98j58iV4(g 8.7 8,8 9.2 8.7 389 Nj>'09lXVO4:.NNN 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.6 670

<40'ttl@lf~ mN(

94 94 9.8 9.6 538 10.9 10.8 9.7 438 9.8 9.9 9.9 10.4 3.3.11 Total Dissolved Solids The quarterly total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements of the pond ranged from 52 mg/L to 250 mg/L This data is presented in Table 3-22.

Table 3-22. Summary of Quarterly Total Dissolved Solid (mg/L)

Measurements

~@,:.","4301$ '4<.-';~;:

@? "P2'?%N.):<'?<":

.'

-0@1 SI94".', 110

"."'2 250

~~!324984 96 3-18

3.3.12 VOCs and Semi-VOCs Blowdown volatile and semivolatile concentrations were below their respective detection limits for all compounds during all periods.

Evaporation/percolation pond semivolatile organic compound concentrations were below their respective detection limits for all periods. Volatile organic concentrations were below their respective detection limits for all compounds during all periods, except acetone in March and chloroform in September. Measurements of 42 pg/L of acetone and 15 pg/L of chloroform were recorded. Limits of detection for acetone and chloroform are 20 pg/L and 5 pg/L, respectively.

A list of the volatile and semivolatile organic compounds analyzed are presented in Tables 3-22 and 3-23, respectively.

Table 3-23. Summary of Volatile Organic Compounds Chloromethane Vinyl chloride trans-1,3-Dichloropropene Trichlorofluoromethane Bromomethane Dibromochloromethane Freon 113 Chloroethane Toluene 1,1-Dichloroethene Carbon disulfide 2-Hex anone Acetone Methylene chloride Ethylbenzcne cis-1,2-Dichloroethene trans-1,2-Dichloroethene Styrene I, I-Dichloroethane Chloroform 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 1,2-Dichloroethane 2-Butanone 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Carbon tetrachloride Bromoform Benzene Trichloroethene 4-Methyl-2-pentanone 1,2-Dichloropropane Vinyl acetate Tetrachloroethene Bromodichloromethane 2-Chloroethylvinylether Chlorobenzene cis 1,3-Dichloropropene 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Total Xylenes 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Table 3-24. Summary of Semivolatile Organic Compounds Acids Base Neutrals Phenol 2-Chloronaphthalene 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2-Chlorophenol 2-Nitroaniline Diethylphthalate 2-Methylphenol Dimethylphthalate Fluorene 4-Methylphenol Acenaphthalene 4-Chlorophenyl-phenylether 2-Nitrophenol 2,6-Dinitrotoluene 4-Nitroaniline 2,4-Dimethylphenol 3-Nitroaniline n-Nitrosodiphenylamine 2,4-Dichlorophenol Acenaphthene 4-Bromophenyl-phenylether Benzoic Acid Dibenzofuran Hexachlorobenzene 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol Phenanthrene bis (2-Chloroethyl)ether 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol ., 1,3-Dichlorobenzene Anthracene 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Di-n-butylphthalate 2,4-Dinitrophenol Benzyl Alcohol Fluoranthene 4-Nitrophenol 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Pyrene 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether Butylbenzylphthalate Pentachlorophenol n-Nitroso-di-n-propylamine Benzola]anthracene 3-19

Table 3-24. Summary of Semivolatile Organic Compounds (Continued)

Base Neutrals Hexachloroethane Nitrobenzene Isophorone bis (2-Chloroethoxy)methane 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Naphthalene 4-Chloroaniline Dibenzolagbnthracene Benzofgg,ilperylene Hexachlorobutadiene 2-Methylnaphthalene Hexachlorocyclopentadiene Benzolblfluoranthene 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine Benzo[klfluoranthene Ctuysene Benzolalpyrene bis (2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate Indenof1,2,3-cdlpyrene 3-20

4.0 SOIL AND VEGETATION STUDIES

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The objective of the soil and vegetation studies is to identify any significant effects or impacts of plant cooling tower operation upon the plant communities surrounding WNP-2. Vegetation and soil sampling is conducted at the peak of the cheatgrass growth cycle known as the purple stage (Klemmedson 1964). Cheatgrass (Bromus teetorum) is the predominant species within'll fifteen of the sampling plots with a mean frequency >98% and cover often approaching 50%.

Cheatgrass fruits turn purple shortly after reaching viability and then brown when mature. The purple stage of development correlates well with the peak productivity of many associated species and serves as a marker for initiation of annual sampling and comparison of phytomass productivity between years. The program includes the measurement of herbaceous canopy cover, herbaceous phytomass and soil chemistry. Soil chemical parameters measured include pH, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium, copper, zinc and conductivity. Fifteen sampling stations are located within a five mile radius of the plant. The stations consist of eight grassland (G01-G08) and seven shrub sites (S01-S07). The location of each station is illustrated in Figure 4-1.

4-1

4.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 4.2.1 Herbaceous Cano Cover At each of the fifteen stations fiftymicroplots (20 cm x 50 cm) were placed at 1-meter intervals on alternate sides of the herbaceous transect (fig. 4-2). Canopy cover was estimated for each species occurring within a microplot using Daubenmire's (1968) cover classes. Data were recorded on a standard data sheet. To assure the quality of the sampling, three randomly selected if microplots were sampled twice. The entire transect was resampled cover estimates for any major species (>50% frequency) differed by more than one cover class.

Figure 4-2. Layout of Vegetation and Soil Sampling Plots Herbaceous Community 50m Herbaceous transect M croplot 10m Phytomass sampling plot 4.2.2 Herbaceous Ph omass 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 4-2).

At each station, all live herbaceous vegetation rooted in the designated microplot (20 x 50 cm) was clipped to ground level and placed in paper bags. Each bag was stapled shut and labeled with station code, plot number, date and personnel initials.

I Sampling 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 singularly &om 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.

4,23 ~Sil Ch At each of the fifteen grassland and shrub stations, two soil samples were collected from the top 15 cm of soil with a clean stainless steel trowel. The soil samples are randomly selected and taken from the phytomas sampling plot. The samples were placed in 250 ml sterile plastic cups with lids, labeled and refrigerated at 4'C. Nine parameters were analyzed in each sample, including pH, bicarbonate, carbonate, conductivity, sulfate, chloride, copper, zinc, and sodium. Aliquots of soil for trace metal analysis were microwave digested according to Gilman (1989). Preservation times and conditions, when applicable, followed EPA procedures (1983).

4-3

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.

4.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During the 1994 season, 64 plant taxa were observed in'the study areas. Table 4-1 lists the vascular plants observed during 1994 field studies.

Table 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1994 Scientific Name Common Name APIACEAE Pasley Family Cymopterus terebinthinus (Hook.) T.d? G.

terebi nlhlnus Turpentine cymopterus ASTERACEAE Aster Family Achillea millefolium L. Yarrow Antennari a dimorpha (Nutt.) T.A, G. Low pussy-toes Artemisia tridentata Nutt. Big Sagebrush Balsamorhiza careyana Gray Carey's balsamroot Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pall.) Britt Gray rabbitbiush Chrysothamnus vlscldlf?orus (Hook.) Nutt Green rabbitbrush Crepis atrabarba Hell er Slender hawksbeard Franseria acanthicarpa Hook. Bur ragweed Layia glandulosa (Hook.) H 8h A White daisy tidytips Tragopogon dubius Scop. Yellow salsify Aster canescens (Pursh) Hoary aster BORAGINACEAE Borage Family Amsinciaa lycopsoides Lehm. Tarweed fiddleneck Cryptantha circumsclssa (HRA) Johnst. Matted cryptantha Cryptantha leucophaea (Dougl.) Pays NA Cryptantha pterocarya (Torr.) Greene Winged ciyptantha BRAS SICAEAE Mustard Family Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Western tansymustard Draba verna L. Spring draba Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. Prairie rocket Sisymbrium allissimum L. Tumblemustard CACTACEAE Cactus Family Opuntia polycantha Haw. Starvation cactus

Table 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1994 (Continued)

Scientific Name Common Name CARYOPHYLLACEAE Pink Family Arenaria franklinii Dougl. varPanklinii Franklin's sandwort Holosteum umbellatum L. Jagged chickweed CHENOPODIACEAE Chenopod Family Chenopodium leptophyllum (MOQ.) Wats. Slimleaf goosefoot Grayla spinosa (Hook.) MOQ Salsola kali L. Russian thistle FABACEAE 'Pea Family Astragalus purshi i Dougl. Wooly-pod milk-vetch Astragalus sclerocarpus Gray Stalked-pod milk-vetch Psoralea lanceolata Pursh Lance-leaf scurf-pea GERANIACEAE Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Her Filaree, storks-bill HYDROPHYLLACEAE Waterleaf Family Phacelia hastata Dougl. Whiteleaf phacelia Phacelia linearis (Pursh) Holz. Threadleaf phacelia LILIACEAE LilyFamily Brodiaea douglasii Wats. Douglas'rodiaea Calochortus macrocarpus Dougl. Sego lily Fri tillaria pudica (Pursh) Spreng. Chocolate lily LOASACEAE Biasing-star Family Mentselia albicaulis Dougl. Ex Hook. White-stemmed mentzelia MALVACEAE Mallow Family Sphaeralcea munroana (Dougl.) Spach Ex Gray White-stemmed globe-mallow ONAGRACEAE Evening-primrose Family Oenothera pallida Lindl. var. palli da White-stemmed evening-primrose PLANTAGINACEAE Plantain Family Plantago patagonica Jacq. Indian-wheat 4-5

Table 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1994 (Continued)

Scientific Name Common Name POACEAE Grass Family Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. Crested wheatgrass Agropyron dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn. Thick-spiked wheatgrass Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. 8h Smith Bluebunch wheatgrass Bromus tectorum L. Cheatgrass Festuca octoj?ora Walt. Six-weeks fescue Koeleria cristata Pers. Prairie Junegrass Oryzopsos hymenoides (RES) Ricker Indian ricegrass Poa sandbergii Vasey Sandberg's bluegrass Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) Smith Bottlebrush squirreltail Stipa comata Trin. 4 Rupr. Needle-and-thread POLEMONIACEAE Phlox Family Gilia minutiflora Benth. Gilia Gilia sinuata Dougl. Shy gilia Leptodactylon pungens (Torr.) Nutt. Granite gilia Microsterts gracilis (Hook.) Greene var.

humilior (Hook.) Cronq. Pink microsteris Phlox long%lia Nut t. Long-leaf phlox POLYGONACEAE Buckwheat Family Eriogonuum niveum Dougl. Snow buckwheat Rumex venosus Pursh Wild begonia RANUNCULACEAE Buttercup Family Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walpers Larkspur ROSACEAE Rose Family Purshia trtdentata (Pursh) DC Antelope Bitterbrush SANTALACEAE Sandalwood Family Comandra umbellata (L) Nutt. Bastard toad-flax SAXIFRAGACEAE Saxifrage Family Ribes aureum Pursh Golden current SCROPHULARIACEAE Figwort Family Penstemon acuminatus Dougl. Sand-dune penstemon 4-6

Table 4-1. Vascular Plants Observed During 1994 (Continued)

Scientific Name Common Name VALERIANACEAE Valerian Family Plecrriris macrocera TAG Longhorn plectritis 4.3.1 Herbaceous Cover Total herbaceous cover averaged 45.05% in 1994 which represents a decrease of 46% from 1993 (84.09). Each of the fifteen stations showed a decrease in total herbaceous cover. Total annual forb cover was 5.42%, a decrease of 53.95%. Total annual grass cover was 26.5%, 42.2% less than the previous year. Bromus tecforum continues to be the dominant annual grass with an average cover of 25.45%, a decrease of 42.23%. The total perennial forb cover was 4.32%, with a 7.69% decrease. In contrast to 1993, the dominant perennial forb was Cymopferus terebinthinus. Total perennial grasscoverwas 8.82%, adecreaseof59.5%. Thedominant perennial grass as in previous years was Poa sandbergii with an average cover of 5.13%.

Frequency values (%) decreased at each of the fifteen stations. This is to be expected with the observed decrease in herbaceous cover. Bromus tectorum, which received frequency values of 100% at twelve of the fifteen stations in 1993, had 100% frequency values at only nine of the stations for 1994. The most significant decrease in frequency values was seen in annual forbs.

In 1993 four species received frequency values of 100% at three different stations. This year, the frequency values at all of the stations for the annual forbs were less than 92%. The most significant change in total species per site was observed at stations GO3, SO1, and SO4. Each station had an increase of four species per site. Table 4-3 shows mean frequency values (%) by species for each sampling station.

4-7

Table 4-2. Herbaceous Cover for Fifteen Sampling Station - 1994 AYO. AVO. AVO.

001 G02 CN8 004 00$ 006 007 004 501 $ 02 SCI Sot Sm SC6 Sol 001407 001470I $ 0140$

Asssal Grwcc Bnsu rations 4130 61352730 9A5 &2516 70 Q.co 5120 2L30 II A>> 2&40 21.10 3530 53 $ 9.70 Fcitsca octot4ra 0A>> aM e>> e>> alo Mo CN e>> aM aeo ILN 0,10 e>> Lco OA>>

TotalAassalOrw Corer 4780 6115 2730 9A5 &55 1720 4EAO 513>> 2130 IIA>> 2140 2'580 535 970 2&50,i 3&44 2244 Pereaaial Oracles AgroPyioe ipcatss LM e>> tkco Ceo Lco CIS aM e>> afo cco 0N CN e>>

Orysoph bysesoidcc IU>> aoo IU>> LM oeo 235 aoo tU>> Leo IA LN L21 Leo Pol ua4bcrgii  %$ $ I25 220 535 265 &50 5.70 $ .75 CN 930 R$ 5 5.13 499 Scpa cosl ta al>> 15AO aM us at>>  ?.is ILC0 CI>> 13$ CA5 Leo 334 &19 Teal Pcressht Gras Cocos 5$ 0 450 CN 3450 9$ 5 I&65220 73>> 24$ l&9$ $ 70 3 75 21f 1130 LI$ 132 IIJS &24 Asseal Foebc Asciacbh lycopiotda am aco 530 CN ais am 490 CA5 130 IU>> ILCO CA>> IA5 CN Oeo 093 139 06$

Brodiaca doe gluB CM aM e>> am e>> at>> LN C0$ e>> e>> CM e>> CM aco e>> e>> LN CN Cbeaopodiss 47ro?bytlss ILCO aco aco e>> aeo oeo aco aco CN aco Ceo CM CM OA>> Leo CryyaaOa cinesccha e>> LN aM am alo alo Oeo e>> 030 an tU>> am an aeo aM aoi Loo aif Daesraia4 94aats aeo Ceo aio aoo 0N aeo cA>> e>> aM CN aM an Mo oeo OA5 M2 e5 CN Drabs cene 0$ 5 aso 2N a10 03$ IAO 220 a?o 130 am 1.10 alf 1.7$ LN e>> CN L95 091 Brodiss cicetarlcs CIN aco coo e>> CCO MO CM IU>> CM IU>> Leo Leo tN5 CN tkeo e>> OA>>

Fnsiciia aastharya ILC0 aeo 535 e>> aco Leo Lso LM aco 130 e5 tklf aio aeo aM IL56 134 L$0 Oilia sisetit4rs IU>> Leo tU>> CN CA>> CA>> aM aco aM aco aoo CN aM CU>> aM e>> Mo Leo Holoctcss esbcl4tss 0,10 aio afs e>> 230 aso aio a10 aeo 1.15 0.10 C60 cco CM Csl C43 LfI Layi~ gias4eioia Leo aco CA>> Leo aco aeo e>> aM e>> aeo aoo aco LM tU>> e>> IU>> CM CN Mcssel4 albhashr aM e>> CM LN e>> Mo ato aM e>> am aeo aio Lco CN oeo 0AII 0A>> ON Miaoiarh gracihi CA5 aio 330 aeo 030 135 aio a?s 2is alo Cds tkl5 1.10 Lco CM L69 016 CN Palais Iisarh e>> e>> aoo CN aM aeo aM e>> am aio CU>> CA>> 0A>> Leo Leo Cel LN CCI P4sta go Pategosla IA>> afo e>> 130 aeo CN e>> an aC>> aM 1N e>> L95 e>>  ?.I f L69 Llo 09$

Cso Ll5 L40 Ckl 5 1.15 M$ IAO CCO ato CN ale 130 L20 Lco ILN Lst L3$ L6l Siiysblles lioissss OSS CN Ccf Oeo L15 020 135 Lfs a10 am LS$ 1.15 0$ 0 LI$ L70 0$ 4 tksf CS9 Total Asseal Forb Coccr 4 10 IA>> 1115230 220 &65 1135225 410 270 7A0 330 ?A5 Ll5 Penasial Foebc Acbitha sithtoliss LM aM e>> e>> Lco aeo ILM CN LM IU5 CN 0,10 alo CN CN Aeter clsaccsi CN OA>> I Lie al>> aeo aio Lco LM I.7$ IU5 tU>> IU5 Llg 264 L57 Acta gaia Penbii Ceo Cl>> tkCO Lco Lt>> e>> aeo aoo e>> ato aco LM aco Mo 0A>>

Aitngalec uieroaryu e>> aeo aM e>> tkeo 130 CU>> aco e>> CA>> LM~ aM CU>> oeo aM Bahasorbtn a nyael tkoo aco aM aco 200 C30 am e>> aoo e>> IU>> SAS aif IU>> agt Cosladn ssbci4il IU>> aM aco aco L70 0A>> CM IU>> oeo CN oeo CA>> C05 ceo e>>

Creyh strabarbs aco at>> aM CN e>> LM aoo e>> aoo aco 240 Oeo alc Leo atg yso?reru tcreb451s ec e>> CA>> e>> Lco e>> 9t25 CA5 LM Ceo &95 CN Oeo I3I Leo I39 Bliogcclas alecll s CU>> CCO IU>> Mo IAO tkoo LM cl>> 00$ aco Loo CN tk$ 5 Loo I36 Ocsotben Pattida ceo Mo tk?0 020 ags ais OA>> Mo C0$ CI5 OA>> Off L12 0,10 al8 Pbhe los gitolia Cl0 aos cn aio '035 Coo aiO 240 aco CN wo Off tk42 Llo aii Rescs cela u 005 at>> Ikl0 OA>> aoo a co ON OA>> CN CN e>> LCO e>> Mt LM Tngoyogce dsbiu Loo aoo aeo aeo CA>> tL00 LM e>> 000 0A>> aeo Lco ON al>> Loo TuUP~F~~ alf am IuS L40 530 ILSO a?S 240 2n CSS 260 450 730 130 &4$ 432 Set Total Hcrbaceou Caser $7JS 44,10 $780 4&45 2140 SIAO 5670 6hif 3630 3730 C to 32 1$ 52N IgN 2160 45A5 $ 733 da95 4-8

Table 4-3. Mean Frequency Values (%) by Species for Each Sampling Station Gol GO2 GO3 GO4 GO5 GO6 GO7 GO8 Sol, SO2 SO3 SO4 SOS SO6 SO7 Bromus tectorum 100 100 100 98 88 98 100 100 100 74 100 96 100 86 100 Festuca octoflora 4 10 4 Perennhl Grasses Agropyron spicatum 6 Orysopts hymenoides 10 10 Poa sandbergii 60 38 4 88 82 10 28 50 36 44 82 36 72 92 Stipa comata 82 36 2 42 6 6 Annual Forbs Amstnchta lycopsoides 2 38 6 2 68 2 32 38 Chenopodium leptophyllum Cryptantha circumscissa 4 4 10 2 6 4 Cryptantha pterocarya 6 Descurainia pinnata 4 6 Draba verna 20 22 28 14 64 68 28 60 2 44 6 60 Erodi um cicutarium 2 Franserfa acanthacarpa 64 20 24 22 2 6 16 Gilia sinuata Holosteum umbellatum 28 10 16 14 90 32 4 38 46 4 34 Layla ghsndulosa Mentsella alblcaulis 2 2 4 Microstertsgracllis 2 4 82 12 54 16 30 56 4 26 6 44 Phacelia linearls 2 4

'lantago pategonica 12 42 10 82 18 Salsola kali 6 32 6 36 34 30 32 22 4 32 8 Sisymbrlum altissimum 24 26 6 8 22 14 28 2 22 46 20 6 8 Tragopogon dubius 2 Perennial Forbs Achillea mill%lium 2 Aster canescens 4 24 50 2 Astragalus purshil Astragalus sclerocarpus 4 10 Balsamorhtza careyana 4 2 14 2 Brodiaea douglasll 8 2 Comandra umbellata Crepis atrabarba Cymopterus terebinthinus 16 Erlogonum niveum 8 2 36 Oenothera pallida 8 8 14 6 2 2 4 40 Phlax'ong%lia 2 10 6 4 4 32 6 2 38 22 Rumor venosus 4 Total Species per Site 11 9 14 9 14 15 14 11 16 17 11 19 16 7 4 4-9

~

y ~

I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

%HWHWH&55HKKW&RIWH&WÃHÃRRR

~ I

I ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ I Pig. 4-9. Mean Herbaceous Cover for 197S throngh 1994 losel Q

Q ro ao.~~renarwlooooooo Q AF-aeNoel roeoe 100

~ or~raoe 40 V 40 g

X I 40 roooro eon 0

t 441 Figure 4-3 shows a comparison of the current data with previous data. Growing season (October 93 - April 94) precipitation (3.73cm) decreased 80% from the previous season (18.67 cm). The mean temperature during the growing season was 6.61 C compared with 4.30'C for 1993. A comparison of mean cover and precipitation for 1982 through 1994 can be seen in figure 4-4.

4.3.2 Herbaceous Ph omass Plg. 4A. Mean Herbaceous Cover and The decrease (77.6%) in herbaceous Total Prcclpitatlon phytomass is in direct correlation to 100 los one Q

. the decrease in herbaceous cover. At Q c grassland and shrub stations, the phytomass production averaged I~

39.8g/m'nd 24.0g/m'espectively.

Mean herbaceous phytomass production at grassland and shrub 1 ID stations is shown graphically in Figure 4-5 and summarized in Table 4-6.

I N2 I IN 14N IN$ 1444 INT IN4 I Ns 1440 1441 IN2 1444 INI 4-12

Table 4-5..Mean Terrestrial Phytomass for 1994 DATE SITE PLOT Wfgg) DATE SITE PLOT Wf4&3 WfJsP 05/I I GOI 74 0.6 $9 05/I I G02 7A 4A 43.8 05/I I GOI 143 3.9 38.6 05/I I G02 143 63 62.2 05/I I GO I 172 6.1 60.7 05/I I 002 172 6.0 60.0 05/I I GO I 27.3 5.7 56.6 05/I I G02 273 4.1 413 05/11 GO I 414 6.1 663 05/I I G02 414 3.1 36.8 AVG 46 45.7 AVG 49 4LS SID 2.2 22.0 1.0 103 DATE SITE PLOT Wfgg) DATE SITE PLOT WT(g) WfJsP 0543 G03 1.9 4.6 45.9 0546 GOI 7-9 1.1 169 0543 G03 143 1A 76.3 0546 G04 143 I.I I IA 05/03 G03 17.2 6A 6l.l 0546 G04 11-2 1.0 10.0 0543 G03 274 4.0 39.6 0546 G04 274 3.7 36.6 0543 G03 414, 2.0 19.9 0546 G04 414 03 29

'VG 49 49.2 AVG IA IS.6 SID 2.0 19.6 I.I I IA DATE SITE PLOT Wf485 ,Wf Ae'3 DATE PLOT WT~ WTJsP 0544 GOS 74l OS 0$ I0$ 7.9 1051 10L4 0544 COS 146 03 29 054S 14-3 143 143 0544 G05 11.2 OA 38 054$ 17.2 35t 3&.0 054l GOS 26.2 13 13A 054S 0.0 0544 GOS 41 3 33 37.7 054S 414 I.I 11.0 AVG 13 0.2 AVO 13 60.1 SID 13 128 SID 53 56.1 DATE PLOT TEQ) WfJsP DATE SITE PLOT WE&3 WTJm' 05/0$ 7-9 Ik 163 05/I I C08 74 2.1 IA 054$ 143 279 05/I I GO& 143 1.7 173 054$ 11.2 5.1 509 05/I I GO& 17.2 12.6 126A 0545 274 4.6 46.1 05/I I GO& 27-3 23 225t 054$ 414 6.6 66A 05/I I 008 414 32 32A AVO 413 AVG 44 44.1 STD IS 179 SID 4.1 4!3 DATE SITE PLOT WT4&3 DATE SITE PLOT Wf4&7 0544 SOI 9.1 4A 43.6 05/I I 802 74 0.1 63 0544 SO I 146 2.8 27.7 05/I I 802 143 Ll 20.7 05/0l SOI 17-2 23 23.2 05/II S02 11.2 1.6 16.2 05/Ol SOI 262 2.1 21.0 OVI I S02 27-3 I Jt ILO 05/Ol SOI 410 2.1 20.8 05/ll S02 414 03 5.1 AVG 2.7 273 AVG 13 13.4 SID 09 L5 SID 0.6 63 DATE SITE PLOT WE&3, DATE SITE PLOT Wf483 WTJsP 0546 S03 74 IA 143 054$ S04 7.9 4A 443 0$ /06 S03 14.3 1.6 153 054$ S04 143 03 13 0546 S03 17-2 X7 36.8 0545 SOl 17.2 0.6 6.0 0546 S03 27-3 3.0 30.0 0545 SOS 274 4.6 453 0546 S03 414 0.6 6.1 054S SOl 414 0.2 1.8 AVO 2.1 203 AVO 2.0 19.8 I.I 113 SID 2.1 203 DATE SITE PLOT Wfg&) Wf Jes'33 DATE SITE PLOT WT4&I WTJrs'A 0543 SOS 19 44 05/10 S06 74 0.1 05/03 SOS 14.3 7.7 76.7 05/10 S06 143 03 5.1 0543 SOS 17-2 7A 739 05/10 S06 17.2 2.1 213 0543 SOS 274 7.2 72.1 OVI0 S06 27-3 03 2.6 0543 SOS 414 38 31.6 OVI0 S06 414 03 45 AVG 6.1 608 AVO 0.7 7.0 STD 1,7 16.7 SID 0.7 73 DATE SITE PLOT Wf4&3 Pltftessse Ssmssr7 05/10 S07 61 I.I ~ WTJm'13 05/10 S07 72 0.8 1.1 MEAN 0014A38 393 Greets/sI. meter 05/I 0 807 264 299 MEAN S01 407 24.0 Creme/sl. meter 05/10 S01 314 31 313 05/10 4$ 8 1.6 16A AVG 19 19.1 SID 0.9 9A 4-13

Table 4-6 presents mean phytomass values for each station in each year since 1975. This data can also be seen graphically in Figures 4-6 through 4-9.

Table 4-6. Comparison of Herbaceous Phytomass (g/m2) for 1975 through 1994 h~:i rgaig j)'c'ai$ ~~4 @i~'~~/..;"

2 COS:h (COj <"cosi @$ 4%<'~'.l: ht?~07~4;

)<W5:." $ 59 I IC Mdiv'@

137 21

@i%0 8'w'j.

142 17$ 115 21 IC 71

<g)?0>;'-..". 200 241 1st 120 115 52 Cl 113 24 22 137 171

g?'.

a'Pc';.a3@djC, 94 114 133 CT 57 t5 27 12 $7 27 CI IN'>~.

452954~'.;

5'2 Cl 35 112 174 42 77 134 144 100 145 14 IC Cl 73 15 24 105 I 4M 41.0 113.1 112$ 5Lt CTAI SM IOLT 7LT 14M StJ 29.2 ILO SKO TL$ 2LS I CIA CTA I CIA 2378 22$ .1 $ L2 OTA 1118 22$ 2 22C.O p55aw~

~Q>999:?j Ia.4 109A 49A 101A 1478 tLT I ILS 101$ 1078 ICLO 15LT OL7 '2CI A ITLI tX5 SOS 5~1934$ $ 4LT Ctd 1$ .C 4IS 27$ ISA 2L5 F10. 4-5. Phytomau ot Otsulaad aod Shab Sla$ ooa Ioa 1975 duoo$ h 1994 0

0 4-14

The following figures provide a visual comparison of preoperational, operational and current herbaceous cover for the individual stations.

Fly.44. Stan Horbaooous Cover and FlyA-y. Sean Ho*aceous Cover asd 120 too 100

~4 I

20 Prsoporaeossl OporsuoaV 1004 Prsopwssoav Oporsloav Fty.44.Scca Herbaceous Covoread Fly. 4-0. Sean Ho*aceous Cover and Phytomaao for Station 402 Phytomaao for Ststton 004 w ra 0 cvwtc n

20 I~

Prooporseoaal Oporstlcssl 1004 Prsoporatoasl OporaecsV 1004 Fly. 4-10. Sean Herbaceous Cover sad Phytemass for Ststton OOI Fly.d 11. Sean Herbaceous Covorend El auwta ~ hytomass for Statton 000 ro ro 10 to PrscporsaosV Oporsaossl 1004 4-15

FIQe4 12e Ilean Helhaeeoua Coverand Fld. 4-1 2. Wean He rhacaous Cover and

. Phytomess for Stauon 000 Phytomaso for Stsdon OOT le ro 10 P>>opolssoael Ope>>soael P>>opelaoosal Opolaaosel 1 000 Silt.4.ILIlean Ho*aaeous Coverend Sly.4.1 2. Koan Herse coons Cover and Phytomses for Statton SOt 120 20 P>>opo>>aoool Opo>>uooel 1000 P>>opo>>uonat Opolauosel 1000 SIS. 4-10. Ilean Herhaceous Cover and SIS.447. Iloan Herhaeeous Cover and Phytomaee for Stauon SOI 120 Ol 10 P>>opo>>aoaat Opolaaosol 1000 P>>opo>>uooet Opo>>vocal 4-16

FIS.S to.lloan He*aceous Coversnd FIS. S-t 4. Noon Ho*aceous Cover snd Phytowaas for Station 404 Phytonlsu for Stetton 404 e

le 10 r~

PnopereaonU OpereeoeU toae

~ teopoteeoeU Opreuoeel 1aaa FII, 4.24 lean Horbauouo Cavu snd 100

~ reopereaoeel OpereaonU 1aoa 4-17

4.3.3 3~3Ch In comparison to previous years data, there has been no significant change in soil chemistry for the fifteen sampling stations. Conductivity values are slightly higher than last years reported values, however, in comparison to long term data, the values are within the expected ranges. The following table (4-8) is a summation of soil chemistry for 1994.

Table 4-8 Summary of Soil Chemistry for 1994

5':>>?.i::Pi%i';::",">>t?::3 .,::: 3;:,.3;,?A@j? ':.>>3: I':<P'<3~~.,'>> j%P:j'4

~',r~ pi8fCl5>a/~.;g'? gj',:Qgf~ ggS gpss>>ggf~;'It'I I(mijNcMjm)j';;

.%'<>>?3.,3>>3,.43F>>

.:";:6;: 51.50 2.43 OA6 11.0 48 0.0430 0.0036 6.6S 47.50 1.59 0.64 9.0 48 0.0430 0.0028

,.g460$ +>:;g 7.0S 109 8.52 2.71 10.0 41 0.0350 0.0044 6.48 35.0 1.69 0.59 6.0 30 0.0280 0.0016 33 1.4 1.08 8.0 31 0.0300 0.0026

%@i.@i%;:.. >?

K~6)6'g 6.71 73.50 1.36 1.15 6.0 30 0.0290 0.0018 6.82 63 2.61 1.14 7.0 38 0.0340 0.0034 I 608j~i, 6.62 25.5 1.22 0.55 7.0 33 0.0300 0.0016 g)S'il'p..~ 6.84 60.5 1.04 8.0 38 0.0320 0.0022 7.22 28 0.99 2.11 4.0 16 0.0150 0.0020

",'. 803!.".j~ 6.72 29 0.98 0.80 6.0 32 0.0290 0.0016 50.5 1.40 2.06 8.0 32 0.0310 0.0030 679 63 1.65 8.0 39 0.0420 0.0034 g's'il';:)) 7.47 71 178 0.89 10.0 42 0.0310 0.0054 Ih+>>NNi@;j 734 79 1.53 1.00 14.0 55 0.0340 0.0056 4-18

Figures 4-21 to 4-28 are a summarization of each of the soil chemistry parameters for preoperational, operational and 1994 periods at each of the stations.

Fig. 4.21. Sott pH Fig. 4-22. Soll Concfuctlvity for 1085 through 1004 for 1085 through 1094 I

Q Leleal teetetsSIINI otsNO>>sl Q Ills Q

~

Lss>>s Ig IIII

~ OIOOIOCNOOIOOIOOSOOIOOIIOI SOISCNSOI SOI ~ CNIO1 ~ 010010010010010010010CWSOI SOSSCN SOI Soeloelot OSSIO 411014 Fig. 4-28. Sog Sulfate Fig. 4-24. Soll Chloride for 1080 through 1004 for 1085 through 1004

~ I g 0 5 INI gt lese I~

N 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 OCN SO I IOI IOI IOI SOS SOS Iet 001 001 Oos Ooe oos aos 001 oos sol eol Ios loe Iol ICN sot ONSea 4NOIO Fig. 4-25. Soll Copper Fig. 4-26. Soll Zino for 1986 through 1904 for 1085 through 1004 lsleal Is.I II B~

Q

~ IIII I ISI

~ ktl

~01001 001 INN OOI OCN 001 401 IllIOI lee lOIIOIIOISOI I 001 001 OOI 401 NN OCN 00'I OOI 0 I IOI IOI lee les ICN IOI leslea OSSa 4-19

~

Fig. 4-27. Soll sodium Flg. 4-28. Soll Bicarbonate for 1988 through 1994

~

for 1985 through 1998

~ oo Q

gt ~

loloal g IIII 88 Kl gt loloa4 woOoaaoal IIII 001 OOI 004 004 004 404 OOI 404 la I 4 04 404 lao 40I 404 401 401 004 001 lOI 404 404 OOT 004 401 lOI lOO lOO l04 404 40I OIIOIO lloloa 4-20

5.0 AERIALPHOTOGRAPHY

5.1 INTRODUCTION

In compliance with the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC)

Resolution No. 239, the aerial photography program began in June 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 provide the opportunity to detect signs of possible stress before it becomes visible to the human eye. In addition to examination for stress, the photographs are compared with those taken in previous years to look for changes in vegetation patterns and evidence of cumulative damage.

5.2 MATERIALSAND METHODS This program was developed using guidelines published in NUREG/CR-1231 (Shipley 1980),

which outlines the basic requirements for an aerial monitoring program and suggests types of film, photograph scales, frequency of photograph acquisition and size of prints.

The interpretation of flightline data was performed by Philip Jackson and staff of the Geosciences Department at Oregon State University.

Five flightlines (Figure 5-1) were originally planned to cover the areas of greatest deposition, according to the drift model constructed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (Droppo 1976). A sixth high-level flightline was added in 1994. Three flightlines (high elevation ¹1 and 2), each approximately 7 miles (11.2 km) in length, run in a general north-south direction. These flightlines run between the two areas of greatest deposition according to the model. The other three flightlines (¹ 3, 4, and 5) each approximately 5 miles (8.1 km) in length, run in an east-west direction and were placed to cross gradients of deposition. The five original flightlines were flown at an altitude of 1,550 feet (477 m) above mean sea level. The high level flightline was flown at an altitude of approximately 3100 feet (954 m) above mean sea level. The flightline coordinates are stored in the long-range navigation (LORAN) system in the contractor's airplane.

This allows the same lines to be photographed in subsequent years.

The photographs were taken by Photography Plus, Inc. of Umatilla, Oregon on May 5, 1994 with Kodak Aerochrome 2443 color infrared film in a Hasselblad ELM 70 mm camera. A planar lens with an 80-mm focal length was used with a Number 12 Wratten filter attached. The scale is 1:6,000 in a 70-mm x 70-mm format. The relatively large scale of approximatley 1:6000 was chosen as being large enough to differentiate the types of shrubs in the areas surrounding WNP-2.

The 70-mm size was chosen over the larger nine inch format for ease of handling and the storage of nearly 300 photographs.

5-1

Figure 5-1. Aerial Photography Flightlines

+N 0 n DOE GRAVEL PIT FSANST/

WTE SARACAOE

/

EOF

/

O

~/

+,/

g O /

CL

//

/ /

./

./

S 1 1D CNCUa SCRCATES TVCWl&RSTARTWO tONT The photos for this study were initially evaluated for flightline alignment and film quality. A visual analysis was performed to determine vegetation health and vigor, identify vegetative communities, compare upwind and downwind (relative to the cooling tower) sites, and compare the 1994 film to the 1993 film. Selected scenes were converted to digital format and computer enhanced for further analysis. A map of vegetation plots and flightlines shows the location of digitized sites (Figure 5-2). This map was contructed from field notes, global, position surveys, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Wooded Island Quadrangle.

5-2

Figure 5-2. Vegetation Plots and Flightline Locations of Digitized Test Sites sANo Ovtrfs 4 lccl al SI Tcct Wce WON ~

n II NYTasl SITE F

r ee:I Ql xx II:. ---"--

~

SO SITE Ea ", '. T SITC EI

...,...::...........,..........:0'60' ~

Tecl e n

Wcrrc.

v Ir S O w '

a

...........~... .....

~ ~~~~ .--- . Owa CI Oelra +ltc' Tccl- o lCSOS Wee<< "~

I I qt ' Test Wcc 0

T t v a

v Svbctatten a b

, ,Ta Iaar Tower 6

41T CPOa q

Teat WcN Teel Sorrow PII N ~ Facldt '(TE A a YI C

Test W@N vl n/al <<

lt tI O

O 00 Hprth est

~ dloacltvc p acta Ovmp <<~

It<<g W Iep<<.

... ~" "'>> -r Ql

\>>- T- A

~

v d r 0

0 Slgt

~ vc N Test Pile ~ Wet rra erIY<< CIIY<<

caa TcstC<>

Wcs NI, YI lEGEND O Permanent FNNIIINne Analysts Sile Q cc Primary INNhway C C

\I Secondary Road Test 6

<<Well C UnlmprOvCd ROad ~ I O

O C vo C

Raetoaellv@

I II 0 I lace cta Irvmo I I/O 0 I KNOCI~ lef So<<loci USCS wooded Island <<Test 7.5 IIInvle Sarlec Ovsdrenplc WCN

~M 5 3

5.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The quality of the CIR film was degraded by underexposure and its effectiveness was reduced by weak photosynthetic activity (PSA) in the surrounding vegetation. By May 5th, when the photographs were taken, the semi-arid environment around the plant had already encountered its peak PSA values for the year and the values were declining. CIR reflectance decreases as PSA decreases. The poor contrast of the film made it more difficult to interpret. Interpretation required the comparison of a location near the plant where little disturbance has occurred over previous years. Spectral brightness readings were taken in two locations to determine ifthe difference in reflectance between the last two film years is due to film exposure differences.

5.3.1 F~li htlinettt The first flightline began over the 300 North Radioactive Waste Dump. It followed a northwesterly course very comparable to the 1993 overflight. In general, the 1994 overflight of the area exhibits less PSA than the 1993 overflight. Two factors may account for the majority of the difference. The first factor is the underexposure of the 1994 film. The darker appearance of the film masks out some of the weak reflectance areas of PSA. The second factor was the reduced level of moisture in 1994 compared to 1993.

5,3,2 F~li htline 52 Flightline 2 starts northwest of the plant and followed in a southeasterly direction. The 1994 flightline 2 was flown west of 1993 flightline 2. This difference in the location of the flightline led to considerably different areas being covered by the flightline north of the plant. The 1993 and 1994 flightlines had some overlap in areas south of the plant. Only slight PSA is visible along the first portion of flightline 2. The area southeast of South Power Plant Loop Road exhibited considerably less PSA in 1994 than it did in 1993. Because of the flightline misalignment, dissimilar areas were covered. The coverage of 1994 took in sandy areas and areas of range which were not covered in previous years. These sandy range areas exhibited less PSA than that observed in 1993. The area along the southwest side of the plant displayed stronger PSA in 1993, but, in 1994 greater overall ground coverage by range plants was observed.

5.3.3 F~li htlineF3 Flightline 3 is located north of the plant and runs in a west-east direction. The 1994 overflight was flown further north than the 1993 overflight. Only slight PSA is visible in both the 1993 and the 1994 flightline 3, but more PSA is visible in the 1993 overflight. The apparent visible decrease in PSA between the overflights is most likely caused by the underexposure of the 1994 film and the decrease in precipitation for the year.

5.3.4 ~Fli htline F4 Flightline 4 begins just south of the plant and runs in a west to east direction. The 1994 flightline was flown to the south of the 1993 flightline. Only slight amounts of PSA were visible along the 5-4

flightline. Far less PSA was visible along the southern portion of the plant in 1994 than was visible in 1993. Ground disturbance and vegetation clearing, was observed in 1993 and apparently completed by the time of the 1994 overflight. An area of strong PSA was visible on the 1994 filmjust west of the disturbed area. The PSA in this area is stronger than the PSA which was visible in the 1993 overflight. The apparent increase in PSA intensity is likely caused by the underexposure of the 1994 film. The underexposure, helped to mask out some of the undrelying white sand making the PSA appear to be more intense.

5.3.5 F~ii htlineSS Flightline 5 was flown north of its 1993 position, but it contained a small area of overlap. An

~

area of disturbed range is visible in 1994. The disturbed area showed stronger PSA than the sumounding range.

5.3.6 Hi hElevationFli htline1 The high elevation flightline was added in 1994 to acquire better coverage of large scale patterns visible on the landscape. The high level overflight parallels low elevation flightline 1, but it is at roughly twice the scale (1:40,000). The high level overflight provides complete coverage of the plant area. Broad coverage comparison shows strong contrasts in the vegetation patterns north and south of the plant site. The range area displayed moderate PSA which was concentrated south of the plant. The area northwest of the plant is dominated by a large dune field which exhibits almost no PSA. North of the plant site, extensive areas of barren sand and rock are visible, with vegetation largely limited to interdune troughs. To the south of the plant site, on relatively flat undissected terrain, greater vegetation density is observed. In each broadly defined disturbance site the opportunity exists for vegetation to flourish, particularly annual species.

5.3.7 Scannin andDi italConversion Upon visual inspection, the overall pattern of spectral reflectance seems considerably difFerent between 1993 and 1994. However, this interpretation is not entirely correct. The generally lower range of reflectance values for photosynthesizing vegetation is influenced by two factors one of which can be somewhat mitigated by digital image processing. An overall documented shift in photosynthetic values is identifiable in Figures 5-3 and 5-5. The second factor is an overall downward trend from the green to blue spectral bands recorded on film. A comparison of the blue band reflectance values at a known measured area for 1993 and 1994 show on average a six percent decrease in overall light intensity for 1994. This reduction in the measured light intensity is directly related to the underexposure of the 1994 film. When a six percent correction value is added to the 1994 blue light intensity, overall reflectance patterns between the red and blue bands are similar to that observed in 1993 (Figure 5-3). The intensity of the red bands remained relatively constant between 1993 and 1994.

5-5

The green band cannot be corrected in the same way the blue band was corrected. The underexposure gave the film a slight greenish tinge. The greenish tinge,was amplified by the green filter used on the digital scanner. This amplification made the reflectance of the green band appear to be elevated in comparison to the red and blue band patterns.

Figure 5-3. Comparison of 1993 and 1994 Spectral Signatures 175 1993 Range Site E 165

/W 60 Ih cf 50 1994 Corrected U

C Range Site E 0

U 40 1994 Range Site E 30 Red Green Blue Spectral Bands The dashed line represents the expected Spectral Signature for 1994 It was possible to compare the mean statistical reflectance values for known plant communities in upwind and downwind locations. These signatures are illustrated in figure 5-4. Three general categories, range, shrub and grass were chosen for comparison. When the spectral patterns for Site A and Site E were compared for the grass category, little difference was visible in the overall spectral pattern observed at each site. Since the overall patterns for the two locations were similar, the difference in average intensity between the two locations is likely due to background reflectance rather than any actual difference in the plant communities.

5-6

Figure 5-4. Comparison of Spectral Reflectance Values at Sites A and E 90 75 Russian d

~ Thistle 60 Brush U

c 45 d Range U Grass 30 4-15 Red Green Blue Spectral Bands The range category is made up of areas of grasses and shrubs, and bare ground. The general, spectral trend for the range areas is similar. The major difference between the upwind (site A) and downwind (site E) sites occurs in the blue band. The downwind site displays a greater downward shift between the green and blue bands than the upwind location. The blue band primarily records the spectral intensity of the underlying sandy soils. The presence of small amounts of tumble mustard is observed scattered throughout Site E. Tumble mustard, which has a very high reflectance value, raises the intensity of the spectral averages. This accounts for site E displaying more intense spectral signatures in the range vegetation category than Site A.

Figure 5-5 compares the relative reflectance of different vegetation types at the same site. The vegetation classes were observed at Site B just upwind form the plant. In comparing PSA levels, Russian thistle (Salsola kali), exhibited the most PSA closely followed by sagebrush (Artemisia trideniala). The range and grass areas displayed less PSA. This order closely approximates the conditions that would be expected following the optimum spring peak for PSA.

5-7

Figure 5-5. Spectral Comparisons of Four Areas in Monitoring Site B b0 d

Grasses Site A Range Site E

'30 C

e V

d Range Site

• V Grasses Site E

~ 15 Shrub Site A Shrub Site E Red Gl" een Blue Photosynthetic reflectance characteristics for range plants and plant associations have been compared temporally from 1993 to 1994, and spatially from downwind to upwind sites. Data shows no spatially significant vegetation health differences relative to PSA. That is, comparable plant associations in downwind sites appear to have similar reflectance properties as plant associations in upwind sites. No changes which could be caused by precipitate &om cooling towers appears to have occurred prior to the 1994 overflight.

5-8

6.0 REFERENCES

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. 1978. Aquatic ecological studies near WNP-1,2,and 4, March through December 1976. Supply System Columbia River ecology studies Vol. 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.

BeakConsultants, Inc. 1980. Aquaticecologicalstudiesnear WNP-1,2, and4, August1978 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. Terrestrial monitoring studies near WNP-1, 2, and 4, May through August 1982. Portland, OR.

Black, C.A. et al., 1965. Methods of Soil Analysis. Academic Press, Inc. New York, New York.

Daubenmire, R. 1968. Plant Communities. Harper and Row, New York, New York.

Davis, W. IIIand 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.

6-1

6.0 REFERENCES

(Continued)

Droppo, J.G., C.E. Hane and R.K. Woodruff November 1976. Atomospheric Effects of Circular Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers at Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Power Plant Number Two.

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

.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency. 1983. MethodsforChemicalAnalysisofWaterand Wastes.

EPA/600/4-79/020.

Envronmenal Protection Agency. September 1991. Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of EQluents to Freshwater and Marine Organisms. EPA/600/4-85/013.

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

Hamilton, M.A., R.C. Russo, and R.V. Thurston. 1977. Trimmed Spearman-Karber Method for Estimating Median Lethal Concentrations in Toxicity Bioassays. Environ. Sci. Technol. 11(7):

714-719; Correction 12(4): 417 (1978).

Klemmedson, J.O. and J.G. Smith, 1964. Cheat Grass (Bromus tectorum L.) Bot. Rev. 30; 226-262.

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

Rickard, W.H. and K.A. Gano. 1979a. Terrestrial ecology studies in the vicinity of Washington PublicPower Supply SystemNuclearPowerProjects1and4. Progressreportfor1977. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA.

6-2

6.0 REFERENCES

(Continued)

Rikard, 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-l, 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.

/

Shipley, B.L. et al., 1980. NUREG/CR1231. Remote sensing for detection and monitoring of salt stress on vegetation: Evaluation and guidelines. Final report. September 1976-March 1979.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Washington, DC.

Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water. 1989. 18th Edition, APHA, AWWA, WPCF, Washington, D.C., 1989.

Washington Department of Ecology. 1992. Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington (WAC 173-201A). Water Quality Planning Ofhce of Water Programs.

Olympia, WA.

Washington Public Power Supply System. Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Nuclear Plant 2. Annual Reports for 1985-1993. Richland, WA.

6-3