ML18092A636

1984 Annual Environ Operating Rept (Nonradiological). W/Undated Ltr

ML18092A636
Person / Time
Site:	Salem
Issue date:	12/31/1984
From:	Public Service Enterprise Group
To:	Murley T NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
References
NUDOCS 8506210447
Download: ML18092A636 (20)

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Public Service Electric and Gas Company P.O. Box 236 Hancocks Bridge, NJ 08038 609 339-4800 Corbin A. McNeill Jr. Vice President - Nuclear Dr. Thomas E. Murley, Regional Administrator Region 1

u. s. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 631 Park Avenue King of Prussia, PA '19406

Dear Dr. Murley:

SALEM GENERATING STATION UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-272 AND 50-311 1984 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT (NON-RADIOLOGICAL) JANUARY 1 THRU DECEMBER 31, 1984 As required by the Environmental Technical Specifications (Appendix B to Operating Licenses DPR-70 and DPR-75) for Salem Generating Station, Public Service. Electric and Gas Company hereby submits one copy of the 1984 Annual Environmental Operating Report (Non-Radiological)

• Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely, Attachment

?l~62104f[. 7 The Energy People

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Dr. Thomas E. Murley C Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Mr. Donald C. Fischer Licensing Project Manager Mr. Thomas J. Kenny Senior Resident Inspector

SALEM NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2 Docket Nos. 50-272, 50-311 I *PS~G Operating License Nos.

DPR-70, DPR-75 I The Energy People I

I I 1984 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT I ( NON-RADrIOLOGICAL)

January 1 through December 31, 1984 I

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I I PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY P. O. Box 236 I Hancock's Bridge, New Jersey 08038 June 3, 1985 I

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• 8506210447 841231 PDR ADOCK 05000272

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I 1984 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT

.(NON-RADIOLOGICAL)

I January 1 through December 31, 1984 I

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SALEM NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION I UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2

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Docket No. 50-272, 50-311 Operating License Nos. DPR-70, DPR-75 I

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,I PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY P.O. Box 236

! I Hancock's Bridge, New Jersey 08038 I June 3, 1985 I

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SALEM NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT (NON-RADIOLOGICAL)

I TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION TITLE PAGE I 1.0 GENERAL ************************************** 1-1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

• • • .**********************.**** 1-1 I 1.2 1.3

SUMMARY

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CONCLUSIONS * *****.**.***.**

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• 1-1 1-2 2.0 BIOTIC MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS ** 2-1 I 2.1 DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN NESTING STUDY (ETS Section 3.1.2.1.2.1) ******************** 2-1 2.1.1 Study Area................................. 2-2 I 2.1.2 2.1.3 Materials and Methods **********************

Data Reduction *******************..********

2-2 2-2 2.1.4 Results and Discussion **.******.***.******. 2-3 I 2.2 2.2.1 OSPREY AND BALD EAGLE SURVEY (ETS Section 3.1.2.1.2.2) ******************.*

Study Area.................................

2-4 2-4 2.2.2 Materials and Methods ********************** 2-5 2.2.3 Results and Discussion .*.**.*************** 2-5 2.3 LITERATURE CITED *******.*.******************* 2-6 I

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I TABLES AND FIGURES Table 2.1-1 Summary of nesting, depredation, and hatching I data for diamondback terrapin on Sunken Ship Cove Beach, New Jersey in 1984.

Table 2.1-2 Summary of nesting, depredation, and hatching I data for diamondback terrapin on a beach north of Liston Point, Delaware in 1984.

I Table 2.2-1 Summary of osprey nesting activity near Artificial Island in 1984.

I Figure 2.1-1 Diamondback terrapin study sit~s, osprey nesting locations and transmission line routes.

Figure 2.2-1 Tower locations/designations on powerlines I from Salem Generating Station.

Figure 2.2-2 Northern extension, and tower designations, of I Salem - Keeney powerline from Salem Generating Station.

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SECTION 1.0

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GENERAL I

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This report is submitted in accordance with the Environmental I Technical Specifications (Appendix B to Operating LicBnses DPR-70 and DPR-75) for Salem Nuclear Generating Station.

Included are the results of non-radiological environmental I monitoring programs required by the Environmental Technical Specifications (ETS). The reporting requirements of Appendix B to Operating License DPR-70 became effective on December 11, I 1976, and those of Operating License DPR-75 on August 2, 1980, when the respective units reached initial criticality.

Much of the equipment and resources utilized by Salem 1 are I shared by Salem 2. Although differences in ETS reporting requirements for both units exist, no distinction is made for the purpose of assessing environmental impacts.

I This report covers Unit 1 and Unit 2 for the period from January 1, 19B4, through December 31, 1984.

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SUMMARY

~During 1984, Salem Unit 1 generated 2,160,670 megawatt-hours of l"'lllllllllmll net electrical energy, while Unit 2 generated 3,200,588 megawatt-hours.

I In accordance with the requirements of Section 5.3 of the Unit 2 ETS, all 1984 recommended design changes were reviewed for potential environmental impact. None would involve a change in the ETS if implemented or pose an unreviewed environmental I question.

No changes to the Salem environmental permits were made in 1984.

I During the 1984 year, copies of monthly NJPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) were submitted to the NRC.

I Operational problems were experienced with the Circulating Water System (CWS) and the Non-Radioactive Liquid Waste Disposal System (NRLWDS) causing discharges which exceeded per~it limitations. Thermal exceedences at the CWS appear to have been I the result of pumpage of less than design flow related to either misrating of the circulating pumps or upstream throttling caused by accumulation of silt in the_cws intake forebay. The exact I cause of these thermal exceedences is currently under investigation.

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Exceedences of various parameters at the NRLWDS were related to the insufficient capacity and design of the original system.

PSE&G has made a commitment to the EPA and NJDEP to resolve the situation and has received temporary effluent limitations, I through a consent order, to accomodate the period of change.

Modifications to the NRLWDS were completed by June 1, 1985.

I Two environmentally related non-routine ~eports were submitted to the NRC during the 1984 year. These reports concerned the impingement of a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), July 3, 1984, and an Atlantic ridley (Lepidochelys kempi), August 29, I 1984, on the Circulating Water System intake trash bars. As explained in the reports, the loggerhead turtle was dead prior to impingement, while the Atlantic ridley was live and returned I to the river in excellent condition.

1.2 CONCLUSION

I No significant environmental impacts attributable to the operation of Salem Nuclear Generating Station Unit Nos. 1 and 2 were observed during 1984. The required biotic monitoring I (i.e., diamondback terrapin and osprey studies) was conducted in accordance with the ETS. No significant ~hanges in terrestrial ecology in the vicinity of the Salem Nuclear Generating Station were observed.

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SECTION 2.0 BIOTIC MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS I 2.1 DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN NESTING STUDY (ETS Section 3.1.2.1.2.1)

The study objective is to monitor nesting by diamondback I terrapin at typical beaches in the vicinity of Artificial Island.

I Northern diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin terrapin, inhabit brackish water along the Atlantic Coast from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. Nesting begins in early to mid-June I and continues through July. Hatching usually begins in mid-to late August and may continue into November. Cold weather may cause the young to hibernate in or near the nest and emerge the following spring (Carr, 1952; Lawler and I Musick, 1972).

In 1984, diamondback terrapin nesting activity was monitored I at two beaches on the Delaware River within 4.8 km of Salem during the period June 7 through November 26. Nesting was recorded from June 15 through mid-July and evidence suggests greatest activity in late June through early July. The level of activity varied greatly between sites but remained within the range recorded annually since 1975. Number of females estimated to utilize each beach was 75 at Liston I Point beach and four at S~nken Ship Cove beach.

Three females were marked at Liston Point beach and none I were marked at Sunken Ship Cove beach. Age of captures ranged from 11 years to well over 20 years.

marked turtles were recaptured.

No previously I Hatching was observed to occur from mid-August through mid-September, and evidence of 81 hatchlings was noted at the two beaches.

I Track evidence indicated a similar assemblage of predators as recorded in previous years, i.e., racoon, red fox, Norway I rat, crows, gulls and herons.

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2.1.l Study Area Observations were made from June 7 through November 26, 1984, at Sunken Ship Cove beach, New Jersey, and Liston Point beach, Delaware (Fig. 2.1-1). For a description of these locations see Volume 2 of the 1977 Annual Environ-mental Operating Report (PSE&G, 1978).

I 2.1.2 Materials and Methods Searches for evidence of nesting were conducted during I daylight hours weekly from early June through August, bimonthly from September through October, and once in November. Effort was made to minimize site disturbance and I to allow females to finish nesting before being examined.

Nesting females were caught by hand, and the length and width of the carapace and plastron were measured. Each I turtle was marked with an individual binary-code which consisted of holes drilled in one or more of the 10 post-dorsal marginal laminae. These plates are situated so I that they can be easily drilled with little or no injury to the turtle. The marking program provides information on nesting beach fidelity and growth and movements. For

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further description on the study methods see Volume 2 of the 1977 Annual Environmental Operating Report (PSE&G, 1978).

2.1.3 Data Reduction We developed the following formula to provide a relative estimate of the number of nesting females (N) utilizing each I site:

N =

(S+ R-S) D

~2-I 3V where S is the number of turtles sighted, R is the number of pairs of tracks counted, D is the estimated number of days I of nesting activity, 3 is the estimated mean number of nests laid per female during the nesting season (based on Hildebrand, 1932), and V is the number of times the beach I was visited over the nesting period.

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2.1.4 Results and Discussion Nesting, as inferred from the presence of tracks, in 1984 at Sunken Ship Cove beach first occured on June 15 and was last I noted on July 23 (see Table 2.1-1). At Liston Point beach, tracks were first noted on June 15 and continued through July 23 (see Table 2.1-2).

I Nesting activity, also inferred from the number of tracks, varied greatly but generally was highest in late June through early July. Daily and seasonal nesting activity I remained within the range recorded in previous years.

The annual estimate of nesting terrapins was, as in previous I years, higher at Liston Point beach at 75, while at Sunken Ship Cove beach it was four. These estimates are, by nature of the program,. conservative (low).

I The data collected on nesting activity at Sunken Ship Cove beach is quite sparse. Sunken Ship Cove beach is a popular fishing spot and this activity probably disturbed normal I nesting behavior and may have deterred some turtles from nesting.

An indication of egg production at each site can be inferred from egg shell counts from depredated nests and counts of eggs from viable nests. A total of 300 nests were recorded during 1984; these contained approximately 2,403 eggs and/or remnants. Liston Point beach had the higher egg counts with ca. 2,294 from 297 nests while Sunken Ship Cove beach had ca. 109 from three nests. Depredated nests, which are much I easier to detect than viable nests~ accounted for 96 percent of the nests at Liston Point beach and 34 percent at Sunken Ship Cove beach.

I Track evidence in 1984 indicated an assemblage of predators similar to previous years. At Liston Point beach, raccoon, Procyon lotor; red fox, Vulpes fulva and Norway rat, Rattus I norvegicus were common. Raccoon and Norway rat were common at Sunken Ship Cove beach. Other probable hatchling predators include gulls, Larus spp.; crows, Corvus spp. and I herons (Ardeidae).

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I Three terrapins were marked with binary-codes, all at Liston Point beach. All captures were female, with mean carapace length and width of 18.1 cm and 14.4 cm, respectively, and mean plastron length and width of 15.9 cm and 9.3 cm, I respectively.

The youngest female was approximately 11 years old; the oldest appeared well in excess of 20 years. Exact age I determination of older specimens is difficult since the ridged annuli on the carapace scutes become less distinct which age. Eventually, the shell becomes completely smooth I which may indicate age to perhaps 40+ years (Hildebrand, 1932).

A total of 81 sets of hatchling tracks were noted from I August 16 to October 11; 47 at Liston Point beach and 34 at Sunken Ship Cove beach.

I 2.2 OSPREY AND BALD EAGLE SURVEY (ETS Section 3.1.2.1.2.2)

I The study objectives are to record the occurrence of osprey and bald eagle and to monitor nesting of osprey in the vicinity of Artificial Island.

I The North American osprey, Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, had been federally classified as "status undermined" (USDI, 1973) but has since been deleted from the list. It is still considered endangered by the State of New Jersey (NJDEP, 1979), but has been proposed for delisting to the threatened status. The southern bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus I leuccoephalus, is federally classified as "endangered" (USDI, 1979).

Osprey were observed in the study area from March 14 through I July 7. Fourteen nests were occupied, six of which fledged a total of 12 young.

I Due to the absence of bald eagle nesting in the study area, no special study program was established. Records were kept of sightings; however, no bald eagles were sighted in the I study area during 1984.

2.2.l Study Area I Observations were made at and in the vicinity of actual and potential osprey nesting sites in the general area shown in Figure 2.1-1. The region ~xtends roughly 16 km north, 13 km I

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I south, and 8 km east and west from Salem Generating Station. the area features bay, riverline, marsh, upland field and wooded habitats. Duck blinds, pilings, navigation range markers and powerline towers are common features.

I 2.2.2 Materials and Methods Known osprey nests were observed by helicopter monthly in I March, April, July and September and twice monthly in May and June. During flights the area was surveyed for new osprey nesting sites. The numbers of adults and eggs or I young in each nest were recorded. To avoid undue stress on birds, the helicopter remained at a discrete distance (> 50 yds) from the nest and paused only briefly to allow the nest to be viewed with binoculars.

I Bald eagles sited during the course of osprey .nesting flights were recorded. Sightings of osprey nests and bald I eagle were also recorded in the course of other.field work throughout the year and are included in this report.

I 2.2.3 Results and Discussion In 1984, osprey were sighted in the area from March 14 through July 17, typically on or near nesting structures.

The number of sightings of adults per day was greater in April (n=25) at the height of the nesting season.

Eighteen nests were located; 14 were occupied and appeared active, while the remainder may have been constructed as housekeeping nests by sexually immature birds or as I secondary nests by adjacent breeding adults. Table 2.2-1 and Figures 2.2-1 through 2.2-2 show osprey nesting activity by location. Most nests were in transmission-line towers.

I Of the 14 active nests, it is estimated that six were successful and fledged a total of 12 young. This compared with 13 fledged in 1983, five fledged in 1982, six fledged I in 1981 and seven fledged in 1980. The number of osprey fledged in 1984 demonstrates the reproductive viability of the osprey population near Salem.

I No bald eagles were sighted in the study area during 1984.

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I 2.3 LITERATURE CITED Carr, A. 1952. Handbook of turtles. Comstock Publishing I Assoc., Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, NY. 542 p.

Hildebrand, s. F. 1932. Growth of diamondback terrapins, size attained, sex ratios, and longevity. Zoologica I 9(15) :551-563.

• Lawler, A. R., and J. A. Musick. 1972. Sand beach I hibernation by a northern diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin terrapin (Schoepff). Copeia 1972(3) :389-390.

I NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection).

1979. Endangered, threatened, peripheral, and under-termined wildlife species in New Jersey. Endangered I and Nongame Species Project. 6 p.

PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas Co.). 1978. 1977 I Annual environmental operating report (non-radio-logical) January 1 through December 31, 1977. Salem Nuclear Generating Station - Unit No. 1. Vol. 2.

Biotic environmental surveillance. 679 p.

USDI (United States Department of Interior). 1973.

Threatened wildlife of the United States. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl. Resource Publ. 114. 289 p.

1979. List of endangered and threatened wildlife I and plants. Federal Register 44(12).

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Table 2 .1-1 Summary of nesting, depredation, and hatching data for diamondback terrapin on Sunken Ship Cove Beach, New Jersey in 1984.

Period No. of Non- No. of No. of Non- No. of No. of No. of of No. of Depreda ted Depredated Depredated Depredated Turtles Tracks Observation Visits Nests Nests E~gs E1as In Area Observed Nesting Period June 1-15 2 1 0 8 0 0 2 16-30 2 1 0 11 0 0 3 July 1-15 3 0 1 0 90 0 0 16-31 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 Subtotal 9 2 1 19 90 0 6 Hatchin~ Period August 1-15 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16-31 2 0 0 0 0 0 17 September 1-15 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 16-30 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 October 1-15 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 16-31 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 1-15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16-30 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Subtotal 8 0 0 0 0 0 34 TOTAL 17 2 1 19 90 0 40

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Table 2.2-1 Summary of osprey nesting activity near Artificial Island in 1984. Numbers indicate young fledged; N*Nest present, may have been active or constructed I as housekeeping nest; AmActive nest, eggs observed or adults appeared to be incubating eggs and defending nest.

I NEST J,.OCATION NEY JERSEY Transmission Line Towers 1984 I Salem-Keeney*:

Tower #li/l 2 11/3 A I 9/3 4/3 3/3 A

A A

I New Freedom, South:

Tower H 5/1 3 3/3 2 I New Freedom, North:

Tower .g 6/ l A,N,N 4/1 1

• • 3/4 A 3/3 A Raccoon Ditch:

I Old cedar tree Nest platform A

N I DELAWARE Delaware River:

2 I Getty-Range Tower Transmission Line Towers:

DP&L .g5015/47 N I DP&L 4f5015 /46 2 I

SUMMARY

Nests*

Active nests 18 14 Successful (i.e., young I fledged) nests Fledglings 12 6

Fledglings/active nest 0.85 I Successful-/active nest 0.42 I

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I Diamondback terrapin study sites ~),

-PUBLIC SDVICE !LECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY osprey nesting locations (*) and transmission line routes.

Figure 2.1--1 I

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I I Tower locations/designations on power-rum.1c SDVICI IUCTalC ARD GAS COMPANY lines from Salem Generating Station.

Figure 2.2-1 I

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I I Northern extension, and tower desig-nations, of Salem-Keeney power-lines from

!Vm.IC IDVICE 11.ECTUC Alm GAS CCHPAHY Salem Generating Station.

Figure 2. 2-2 I

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