ML18096A315

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 910808,09,10 & 16,one Green Sea Turtle & Three Loggerhead Sea Turtles Removed from Circulating Water Sys Intake Trash Racks Alive.Turtles Will Be Tagged & Released

ML18096A315
Person / Time
Site:	Salem
Issue date:	10/07/1991
From:	Miltenberger S Public Service Enterprise Group
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
NLR-E91232, NUDOCS 9110160176
Download: ML18096A315 (8)

Text

e PS~G Public Service Electric and Gas Company P.O. Box 236 Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey 08038 Nuclear Department OCT o7 1991 NLR-E91232 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555 Gentlemen:

REPORT OF IMPINGEMENT OF SEA TURTLE SALEM GENERATING STATION, UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-272 AND 50-311 In accordance with Section 5.4.2 of Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan, to the Operating License for Salem Generating Station, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) hereby transmits notification of a non-routine event discovery, and documents the occurrence and removal of four sea turtles from the Salem Generating station circulating water intake structure.

Enclosed please find two (2) attachments. Attachment 1 gives a narrative description of the events, as requested by the NRC.

Attachment 2, requested by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), provides more specific information regarding observance and retrieval of the sea turtles.

Should you have any questions regarding this transmittal, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

~i~nberger"~.~~~*~~

Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer Attachments The Energy People

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OCT o7 1991 Document Control Desk 2 NLR-E91232 C Mr. J. c. Stone Licensing Project Manager Mr. T. Johnson Senior Resident Inspector Mr. T. Martin, Administrator Region I Mr. Kent Tosch, Chief New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Environmental Quality Bureau of Nuclear Engineering CN 415 Trenton, NJ 08625 Mr. Richard Delgado NJ Department of Environmental Protection Ms. Colleen Coogan National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Conservation Branch One Blackburn Drive Gloucester, MA 01930-2298

NLR-E91232 ATTACHMENT 1 IMPINGEMENT OF SEA TURTLE REPORT: September 20, 1991 OCCURRENCE DATES: August 8, 9, 10, and 16, 1991 FACILITY: Salem Generating Station, Units 1 and 2 Public Service Electric and Gas Company Hancocks Bridge, NJ 08038 IDENTIFICATION OF OCCURRENCE:

One green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and three loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) were recovered from the Circulating Water System (CWS) intake trash racks at Salem Generating Station. The loggerheads were retrieved on September 8, 9, and 10 and the green on September 16. The loggerhead is federally listed as a "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The green sea turtle is listed as "endangered" when it is from Florida breeding grounds, as this one is assumed to be and "threatened" when it is from other breeding grounds.

CONDITIONS PRIOR TO OCCURRENCE:

September 8, 1991 - Units 1 and 2, 100 percent power September 9, 1991 - Units 1 and 2, 100 percent power September 10, 1991 - Units 1 and 2, 100 percent power September 16, 1991 - Unit 1, approximately 25 percent power Unit 2, 100 percent power DESCRIPTION OF OCCURRENCE:

A loggerhead sea turtle was recovered from trash rack 23a of the CWS intake on September 8, 1991, at 0155 hours0.00179 days <br />0.0431 hours <br />2.562831e-4 weeks <br />5.89775e-5 months <br />. On September 9, a loggerhead was recovered from the lla trash rack of the cws intake at 2340 hours0.0271 days <br />0.65 hours <br />0.00387 weeks <br />8.9037e-4 months <br />. Another loggerhead was removed on September 10, at 0435 hours0.00503 days <br />0.121 hours <br />7.19246e-4 weeks <br />1.655175e-4 months <br /> from the 22b trash rack. A green sea turtle was recovered on September 16, from the CWS intake at 0545 hours0.00631 days <br />0.151 hours <br />9.011243e-4 weeks <br />2.073725e-4 months <br />.

All four turtles were recovered by Nuclear Equipment Operators who used a stokes basket to remove them from the intake bay. The Senior Shift Supervisor, Licensing and Regulation personnel, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) of Brigantine, New Jersey were immediately notified.

All of the turtles were recovered alive, undamaged and vigorous.

They were tagged and released approximately three and one half miles southeast of SGS and one half mile offshore in twenty feet of water.

L_

The following agencies have been notified regarding these occurrences:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection APPARENT CAUSE OF OCCURRENCE:

Sea turtles are summer migrants, common to Delaware Bay. Small numbers typically occur in the lower Delaware River near Salem Generating Station from June through September. Healthy sea turtles are strong swimmers and are usually able to avoid the approach velocity of the CWS intake. Turtles which are in a weakened condition due to injury by boats or commercial fishing operations are subject to impingement. Apparently healthy turtles which become impinged may not be able to escape the approach velocity due to exhaustion or small size. Also large, apparently healthy turtles may be foraging in the intake channel.

While feeding they may surface in the intake bays and if observed by plant personnel will be removed as if impinged, tagged and released.

ANALYSIS OF OCCURRENCE:

The cws intake is monitored for accumulation of debris, which is periodically removed. Any turtles which are observed in the area of the trash racks are recovered immediately. Between 1979 and present, a total of 74(*) sea turtles (plus two recaptures) have been collected at or in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Of the 68 turtles collected at the intake, forty-eight (75%) were loggerhead sea turtles, nineteen (28%) were Kemp's ridley sea turtles and one (1%) a green sea turtle.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:

The trash racks at Salem are observed every two hours, twenty-four (24) hours a day specifically for sea turtles and cleaned at least once per day. Any sea turtle observed on the trash rack is removed immediately. Resuscitation will be attempted if the turtle is not unquestionably dead. In accordance with standard procedure, all dead or injured specimens will be held under appropriate conditions and turned over to the MMSC.

(*) A recent search of back files has revealed that three Kemp's ridley sea turtles retrieved from the Salem Generating Station circulating water intake structure on August 5, 6, and 8, 1989 were not accounted for. The numbers and percentages given above have been revised to account for these occurrences. NMFS has been contacted and copies of the omitted data have been provided to them.

NLR-E91232 ATTACHMENT 2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

Appendix II to Section 7 Consultation Photographs should be taken and the information requested below should be collected in association with all protected species (sea turtles and shortnose sturgeon) impingements. This documentation should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat Conservation Branch One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester MA 01930-2298 Protected Species Impingements, Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations Observers full name: Mike Spencer - Nuclear Equipment Operator Reporters full name: Jennifer Griffin - Licensing & Regulation Species Identification: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Site of impingement: Salem Generating Station - Unit 2 Circulating Water System; Trash Rack #23a Date and time inpingement was observed: 9/08/91, 0145 hours0.00168 days <br />0.0403 hours <br />2.397487e-4 weeks <br />5.51725e-5 months <br /> Date and time animal was collected: 9/08/91 0155 hours0.00179 days <br />0.0431 hours <br />2.562831e-4 weeks <br />5.89775e-5 months <br /> Tidal stage at time of observation: 1.9 ft. ebbing tide Date and time of last observation of screen: 2200 hours0.0255 days <br />0.611 hours <br />0.00364 weeks <br />8.371e-4 months <br /> Water temperature at site and time of impingement: 77.4 OF Average percent of power generating capacity achieved per unit over the 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> previous to impingement: Units 1 & 2 - 100%

Condition of animal: Good Sea Turtle Measurements (indicate cm. or in.):

Carapace length: curved: Straight: 46.4 cm (18.27 in) carapace width: curved: Straight: 38.6 cm (15.20 in)

Tag number and location, if tagged: QQP934 (RF) & QQP935 (LF)

Loran coordinates: 27391.0 / 43056.0 Remarks: The turtle was tagged and released approximately three and one half miles southeast of Salem Generating Station, one half mile offshore in twenty feet of water. The turtle weighed 16.33 kilograms (36 lbs).

Results of necropsy (include stomach contents): Not applicable.

ATTACHMENT 2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: .

Appendix II to Section 7 Consultation Photographs should be taken and the information requested below should be collected in association with all protected species (sea turtles and shortnose sturgeon) impingements. This documentation should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat Conservation Branch One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester MA 01930-2298 Protected Species Impingements, Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations Observers full name: Scott Bickhart - Nuclear Equipment Operator Reporters full name: Jennifer Griffin - Licensing & Regulation Species Identification: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) site of impingement: Salem Generating Station - Unit 1 Circulating Water System; Trash Rack #lla Date and time inpingement was observed: 9/09/91 2330 hours0.027 days <br />0.647 hours <br />0.00385 weeks <br />8.86565e-4 months <br /> Date and time animal was collected: 9/09/91 2340 hours0.0271 days <br />0.65 hours <br />0.00387 weeks <br />8.9037e-4 months <br /> Tidal stage at time of observation: 7.8 ft. ebbing tide Date and time of last observation of screen: 2200 hours0.0255 days <br />0.611 hours <br />0.00364 weeks <br />8.371e-4 months <br /> Water temperature at site and time of impingement: 78.0 OF Average percent of power generating capacity achieved per unit over the 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> previous to impingement: Units 1 & 2 - 100%

Condition of animal: Good Sea Turtle Measurements (indicate cm. or in.):

carapace length: CUrved: Straight: 56.8 cm (22.36 in)

Carapace width: curved: Straight: 48.2 cm (18.97 in)

Tag number and location, if tagged: QQP947 (RF) & QQP946 (LF)

Loran coordinates: 27389.7 / 43058.0 Remarks: The turtle was tagged and released approximately three and one half miles southeast of Salem Generating Station, one .

half mile offshore in twenty feet of water. The turtle weighed 28.58 kilograms (63 lbs).

Results of necropsy (include stomach contents): Not applicable.

ATTACHMENT 2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

Appendix II to Section 7 Consultation Photographs should be taken and the information requested below should be collected in association with all protected species (sea turtles and shortnose sturgeon) impingements. This documentation should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat Conservation Branch One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester MA 01930-2298 Protected Species Impingements, Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations Observers full name: Richard Pfeffer - Nuclear Equipment Operator Reporters full name: Jennifer Griffin - Licensing & Regulation Species Identification: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Site of impingement: Salem Generating Station - Unit 2 Circulating Water System; Trash Rack #22b Date and time inpingement was observed: 9/_10/91, 0430 hours0.00498 days <br />0.119 hours <br />7.109788e-4 weeks <br />1.63615e-4 months <br /> Date and time animal was collected: 9/10/91, 0440 hours0.00509 days <br />0.122 hours <br />7.275132e-4 weeks <br />1.6742e-4 months <br /> Tidal stage at time of observation: 0.5 feet ebbing tide Date and time of last observation of screen: 0400 hours0.00463 days <br />0.111 hours <br />6.613757e-4 weeks <br />1.522e-4 months <br /> Water temperature at site and time of impingement: 78.0 OF Average percent of power generating capacity achieved per unit over the 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> previous to impingement: Units 1 & 2 - 100%

Condition of animal: Good Sea Turtle Measurements (indicate cm. or in.):

Carapace length: curved: Straight: 49.7 cm (19.5 in)

Carapace width: curved: Straight: 43.1 cm (16.9 in)

Tag number and location, if tagged: QQP950 (RF) & QQP949 (LF)

Loran coordinates: 27389.7 / 43058.0 Remarks: The turtle was tagged and released approximately three and one half miles southeast of Salem Generating Station, one half mile offshore in twenty feet of water. The turtle weighed 19.96 kg (44 lbs).

Results of necropsy (include stomach contents): Not applicable.

• ATTACHMENT 2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

Appendix II to Section 7 Consultation Photographs should be taken and the information requested below should be collected in association with all protected species (sea turtles and shortnose sturgeon) impingements. This documentation should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat Conservation Branch One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester MA 01930-2298 Protected Species Impingements, Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations Observers full name: David Finlaw - Nuclear Equipment Operator Reporters full name: Jennifer Griffin - Licensing & Regulation Species Identification: Green (Chelonia mydas)

Site of impingement: Salem Generating Station Circulating Water System Date and time inpingement was observed: 9/16/91, 0535 hours0.00619 days <br />0.149 hours <br />8.845899e-4 weeks <br />2.035675e-4 months <br /> Date and time animal was collected: 9/16/91, 0545 hours0.00631 days <br />0.151 hours <br />9.011243e-4 weeks <br />2.073725e-4 months <br /> Tidal stage at time of observation: 4.3 feet ebbing tide Date and time of last observation of screen: 0400 hours0.00463 days <br />0.111 hours <br />6.613757e-4 weeks <br />1.522e-4 months <br /> Water temperature at site and time of impingement: 78.0 OF Average percent of power generating capacity achieved per unit over the 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br /> previous to impingement: Unit 1 - 25%

Unit 2 - 100%

Condition of animal: Good Sea Turtle Measurements (indicate cm. or in.):

Carapace length: curved: Straight: 37.8 cm (14.8 in)

Carapace width: curved: Straight: 32.1 cm (12.6 in)

Tag number and location, if tagged: QQP936 (RF) & QQP937 (LF)

Loran coordinates: 27388.2 / 43057.4 Remarks: The turtle was tagged and released approximately three and one half miles southeast of Salem Generating Station, one half mile _offshore in twenty feet of water. The turtle weighed 8.16 kg (18 lbs).

Results of necropsy (include stomach contents): Not applicable~