ML20058L457
| ML20058L457 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Monticello  |
| Issue date: | 08/23/1972 |
| From: | Kuehn J MINNESOTA, STATE OF |
| To: | Muller D US ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (AEC) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9105210492 | |
| Download: ML20058L457 (2) | |
Text
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DEPARTMENT OF N ATUR A L RESOURCES CE NT ENNI AL OF FIC E BUILDING ST. PAUL, MINNE5OTA 55101 August 23, 1972
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Mr. Dcniel R. Euller Assistant Director for Environmental Projects SE! 11972 ' ~ [9. !
A Directorate of Licensing U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D.C.
20545
Dear Mr. Muller:
The Divisions within our Einnesota Departm nt of Natuial Resources have reviewed the contents of the draft m yironmental Impact Statement on t.e Monticello Unclear Generating Plant and we offer the following comments and recommendations:
On page V-20, it is stated that "many of the species of ;ish in the river are classed ac warm-water fish, with relatively high thermal tolerance."
This may be true of the fishes in the river in general but is not tr'_e of the major game fish species, cm 5 as the smallmouth bass and walleye, which prefer nool water.
C. page:., V-2t and V-22, the report. indicates that the pferen ed tempera-tures of smallmouth bass, bluegill and carp are 82e F, 90* F, and 90* F T ese preferences appaiently werc based on laboratory h
respectively.
studies and would not anply to this river situation. Field studies, elsewhere, indicate that the preferred temp watures for these species in this area would more likely be in the order of 70* F, 80* F,..nd 80* F respectively. We would prefer to maintain su. table temperatures for the i
important game fisa rather than for carp.
Temperature preference of fishes are related to the environme:-t in which they happen to live and to which they have become acclimaced.
Fish generally seek preferred temperatures which a e several de5rees below temperatures that are lethal. Great care should be exercised in interpreting temperature requirements from various studies and applyin5 I
these data to a specific field situation, such as the Mississippi River at Monticello. A temperature rise, for example, can increase the lethal effect of toxic substances in the river to fish (synergistic action).
The kinds and amounts of pollutants added to the river above and at ti-Monticello plant will alter the effects of higher temperatures on fish.
As noted in the report on page V-22, since no mixing zone (to which the permissible temperatures in the river are related) has been set, the maximum river temperature which may result from plant operation is now l
l uncontrolled. Until a definite mixing zone is established or effluent standards applied to the discharge, there really are no tempersture standards.
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a Page 2 No mention is made in the report about the so-called fish basket, which removes trash and debris from the traveling screen back-flush water before it is returned to the river. The basket also removes any fish that may be entrained in that water. We understand that this is no longer in use but would like to know that the fish basket has been permanently discarded.
Another concern of ours is the extensive posting (" Keep Off" signs) on both banks of the river and the islands, both above and below the plant.
No doubt this posting involves plant security, but the excessive amount of posting detracts from fishing, canoeing and boating in the area and will in the long run, we feel, do NSP more harm than good.
A permit from the Department (P. A. o6-11725) has been issued for the plant with accompanying provisions to be followed. As long as compliance is made with the conditions of the permit and due consideration is given to the recommendations above-the Department will have no additional comments at this time.
Sincerely, r s j,
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erome H. Kuehn Administrator Eureau of Planning BPH:daf cc: Archie D. Chelseth Oliver Jarvenpa Larry Sey=our l
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