ML20085M624

Response to NUMARC Survey Questions Re Waste mgt,low-level Radwaste Mgt,Aquatic resource,1989 Fishery Monitoring activities,1989 Water Quality Monitoring Activities & Socioeconomic Questions for Case Studies

ML20085M624
Person / Time
Site:	Wolf Creek
Issue date:	11/11/1991
From:	WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORP.
To:
References
RTR-NUREG-1437 AR, S, WM, NUDOCS 9111110230
Download: ML20085M624 (21)

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Attechm7nt to Vil 90 0122

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, VA!iTE HANACtHENT QUESTION A. Spent fuel questions:

Question A.1:

Vhich of the following current techniques for at-reactor storage are you using and how?

A. Re-racking of spent fuel.

D. Above ground dry storage. 1 C. Longer fuel burnup.

D. Other (please identify).

Response to Question A.1:

Wolf Creek was designed for 20 years of spent fuel storage capacity. As we are in our fifth year of operation, no storage methods have been implemented beyond the initial design.

Question A.2:

Do you plan on continuing the use of these current techniques for at-reactor storage of spent fuel during the remaining time of your operating license or do you expect to change or modify them in some way?

Response to Question A.2:

It is anticipated that the current spent fuel storage technique will require change or modification during the remaining time of the operating license.

Question A.3:

Which of the following techniques for at-reactor storage do you anticipat_e using until off-site spent fuel storage becomes available and how?

A. Re-racking of spent fuel.

B. Above ground dry storage.

C. Longer fuel burnup.

D. Other (please specify).

l Response to Question A.3:

l Identification of the future method of spent fuel storage is in the early stages of investigation. The selected method is expected to be fuel l consolidation, or above ground dry storage.

Quest. ion A.48 Will the techniques describe above be adequate for continued at-reactor storage of spent fuel f or the eparating lifetime of the plant, including a 20-year period of license renewal, or are you developing other plans?

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> . Attcchment to VH 90-0122

' Page 2 of 20 Response to Question A.4 If necessary, on-site storage of spent fuel during a 20-year period of ,

license renewal would be expected to be snet. by one of the above methods. l l

Question A.5: ,

Do you anticipate the need to acquire additional land for the storage of spent-fuel for the operating lifetime of the plant, including a 20-year period of license renewalt If so, how much land? When would this acquisition occur? Wheret (if answer is 'yes. 3-4 sentences)

Response to Question A.5:

The purchase of additional land for storage of spent fuel is not expected to be necessary.

Question A.6:

Do you anticipate any additional construction activity on-site, or immediately adjacent to the power plant site, associated with the continued at-reactor storage of spent fuel for the operating lifetime of the plant, including a 20-year period of license renewal? (yes/no)

Response to Question A.6 Additional construction activity for the storage of spent fuel would be dependent on the method of storage selected.

Question A.7:

If you answered yes to question 6, briefly describe this construction activity (e.g., expansion of fuel storage pool, building above ground dry storage facilities)

Response to Question A.78 .

H/A B. Low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) management questions:

Question B.1:

Under the current scheme for LLRW disposal (i.e. LLRW Policy Amendments Act of 1985 and regional compacts) is there currently or will sufficient capacity for vastes generated during the license renewal period be available to your plant (s)? If so, what is the basis for this conclusion?

Response to Question B.1: ,<

The State of Kansas is a member of the Central Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact. Nebraska vill be.the Host State for the first regional disposal facility. Facility development is currently on schedule to meet the January 1, 1993 completion date as called for in the LLRW Policy Amendments Act of 1985. This facility will provide sufficient capacity for Volf Creek Generating Station vaste.

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- Attachment to WH 90 0122 Page 3 of 20 Question B.2:

If for any reason your plant (s) is/are denied access to a licensed disposal site for a short period of time, what plans do you have for continued LLRW disposal? j Response to Question B.2:

Wolf Creek Generating Station has developed plans for interim on-site ,

storage for a short period of time, in the event that access to a licensed disposal site for low-level radioactive vaste is unavailable. This plan addresses the use of fiva years of interim on-site storage which would consist of existing storage space within the radweste building, the use of portable concrete storage vaults on a concrete slab and a prefabricated storage building.

Question B.3:

In a couple of pages, please describe the specific methods of LLRW management currently utilized by your plant. What percentage of your

. current LLRW (by volume) is managed by:

A. Vaste compaction?

B. Vaste segregation (through special controls or segregation at radiation check point)?

C. Decontamination of vastes?

D. Sorting of vaste prior to shipment?

E. Other (please identify) address: solidification of liquid in resin, dewatering resin, incineration of resin.

Response to Question B.3:

A. All dry active vaste (DAW) which is compactible is processed in 55-gallon drums with a bag compactor. Compactible DAW represents ,

approximately fifty-seven percent ' of the total LLRW volume.

Honcompactible DAW is packaged in steel shipping boxes which represent approximately twenty-nine percent of the total LLRW volume.

B. Clean and contaminated dry active vaste is segregated by using yellow bags for contaminated trash and blue bags for trash which should not be contaminated. Approximately twenty-five percent-of the trash from the radiation control area is contaminated and seventy-five percent is clean. Prior to compaction, contaminated DAW is separated into:

compactible versus noncompactible, any cans or containers are punctured and drained, and wy reusable items are reclaimed. Blue bag DAW is carefully surveyed and monitored prior to free release f rom the site to the landfill. Controls are in place to minimize the entry of materials -

into the contaminated portions of the Radiological Controlled Area which could end up becoming radwaste.

C. De' contamination of waste is not currently performed at Wolf Creek Generating Station.

l D. Vaste is sorted and packaged prior to shipment to ensure drums of DAW l

are less than 200 mR/hr on contact.

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. Attachm7nt to WH 90-0122 Page 4 of 20 Response to Question B.3 (con't):

E. VCGS dewaters resin in high integrity containers. Dewatered resin i represents approximately twelve percent of the total LLRW volume. WCGS does not perform solidification or incineration of resin. Filters are dried and packaged in high integrity containers. Packaged filter volumes represent approximately two percent of the total LLRW volume ,

generated.

Question B.4 In a couple of pages, please describe the Anticipated plans for LLRW management to be utilir.ed by your plant (s) during the remainder of the operating Ilcense and through the license renewal term. What percentage of your anticipated waste (by volume) will be managed by:

A. Vaste compaction?

D. Waste segregation (through special controle or segregation at radiation check points)f C. Decontamination of wastest D. Sorting of waste prior to shipment?

E. Other (please identify)

Response to Question B.4 At this time there are no major changes planned for LLRW management which significantly deviate from the information provided in response to question

3. The cost / benefit of using off-site vendor processing is being evaluated (incineration, decontamination, supercompaction). As of January 1 1993, off-site vendor processing may or may not be a viable option. Each Compact Region will be evaluating their policy on the import and export of radwaste. It is possible that our Compact Region may not allow WCGS to export waste for vendor processing outside the region. In addition, the Compact Region where processing facilities currently exist may not allow waste from outside their regions to continue to be imported for processing.

Question B.5:

Do you anticipate' the need to acquire additionn1 Innd for the storage of LLRW for the operating lifetime of the plant. Including a 20-year period of license renewal? If so, how much land? When would this acquisition occurf Where? (if answer is 'yes'. 3-4 sentences)

Response to Question B.5:

The need to acquire additional land for this purpose has not been identified as of this time.

Question B.6:

To provide information on the timing of future low-Icvel waste streams, if you answered yes to question 19 over what periods of time are these activities contemplated?

. Attachm3nt to WM 90-0122 -

Pege 5 of 20 Response to Question B.6:

This question relates to Question B.9. The modification for RTD Bypass Loop replacement involves the removal of all piping, valves and associated equipment. This modification is currently scheduled to take place during '

Refuel V in the Fall of 1991.

Questien B.7 Do you anticipate any additional construction act ivit y, on-site, or immediately adjacent to the power plant site, associated with temporary LLRW storage for the operating lifettme of the plant, including a 20-year period of license renewal? (yes/no)

Response to Question B.7:

No. However, in the event that a disposal facility is not available, interim storage capability could be constructed on-site, on an as needed basis, as described in the response to Question B.2.

Question B.8s If you answered yes to question 7, briefly describe this construction activity (e.g., storage areas for steam generator components or other material exposed to reactor environment).

Response to Question B.8 N/A Question B.9:

To provide information on future low-level vaste streams which may effect workforce levels, exposure, and waste compact planning, do you anticipate any major plant modificationt or refurbl8hment that are likely to generate unusual volumes of low-level radioactive waste prior to, or during, the relicensing period for the plant? If so, please describe these activities.

Also, what types of modifications do you anticipate to be necessary to achieve' license renewal operation through a 20-year license renewal term?

Response t.o Question B.9:

The only major plant modification which is currently scheduled that will likely generate an unusual volume of low-level radioactive vaste is the RTD Bypass Loop replacement. This will involve the deletion of related piping.

valves and associated equipment.

VCGS is not aware of any modifications which would be required to achieve license renewal. Since WCGS is a relatively new plant, this issue has not been formally addressed.

. Attachment to WH 90 0122 Page 6 of 20 AQUATIC RESOURCH QUESTIONS Question la Post-licensing modifications and/or changes in operations of intake and/or dischstge systems may have altered the effects of the power plant on aquatic resources. or may have been made specifically to mitigate impacts that vere not anticipated in the design of the plant. Describe any such modifications and/or operational changes to the condenser cooling water intake and discharge systems since the issual.cc of the Operating License.

Response to Question 1:

Two operational changes to the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) cooling system received environmental evaluations to determine if any increases over the previously evaluated impacts to the aquatic resources would occur.

These were higher than postulated Circulating Water System (CWS) temperature discharges to the cooling lake, and the rerouting of Service Water System ,

(SWS) flow to the Ultimate flest Sink (UllS).

The temperature rise (delta 7) of the CVS flow across the condenser using three pumps was projected to be 31.50F in the Final Environmental Statement.

Operating License Stage (FES 0LS). After WCGS began operation, it was discovered that cross-condenser delta T in this pump mode could reach 330F.

Also, it became desirable to operate only two CWS pumps to reduce the flow rates as intake temperatures declined during vinter. This practice raised the delta T further to SB OF. The primary biological risk evaluated in the FES-OLS of operation at a high delta T is the threat of cold-shock mortality to fish. This potential existe during a rapid plant shutdown and subsequent loss of heated discharge when large numbers of fish are congregated in the discharge area. This situation in most likely to occur during winter when the discharge is at temperatures preferred by Volf Creek Cooling Lake fishes. During other seasons, the discharge _ temperatures are higher than preferred and thus are avoided. To determine if the higher delta T would increase the impacts previously evaluated in the FES-OLS. three areas were explored. These were thermal behavior of the discharge cove, fish distribution in the discharge area. and thermal shock tolerance of target fish species using data from existing literature. The conclusions drawn from these studies were that .the possibility of extensive cold shock mortality at elevated condenser delta T exists. however, the potential of exceeding the impacts previously predicted in the FES-OLS was considered small.

The second environmental evaluation was completed on a change to the SWS.

In an effort to combat pipe siltation and microbiological 1y induced corrosion, it became necessary to divert SWS flows through the Essential Service Water System piping and discharge _ them to the Ulls. These flows are heated and chlorinated and were added to the VCGS National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit during 1989.

An environmental evaluation was completed to determine if this diversion would_ increase impacts to the cooling lake over those expected in the FES 0LS.

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- Attechment to VM 90 0122 l Pcge 7 of 20 Response to Question 1 (con' t ):

It was concluded that the plume area affected by the heated di6chstge would be small and quickly dispersed. Also, the expected chlorine leveld were within the range evaluated in the FES.0LS. All expected impacts as a result of this practice vere within the tolerances originally evaluated and considered acceptable.

Question 2:

Summarize and describe (or provide doculuentation of) any known impacts on aquatic resources (e.g., fish kills, violation of discharge permit conditions) or National pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) enforcement actions that have occurred since issuance of the Operating How have these been resolved or changed over time? (The response License. or were the to this questions should indicate whether impacts are ongoing result of start-up problems that were subsequently resolved).

Renponse to Question 2:

Since issuance of the Operating License, several incidents have been reviewed to consider if their impact was significant or greater than that predicted in the FES.OLS. Thus far, no occurrences have exceeded this threshold but two types of events which have resulted in fish kills have been evaluated closely. The first type is mortality from cold shock events caused by rapid changes in water temperatures due to unplanned plant shutdowns. These have been documented on four occasions and none were greater than expected in the FES-OLS. The second type of fish mortality witnessed was from chemical discharges from an HPDES outfall into a drainage ditch and pond which eventually flow into the cooling lake. Four instances were documented where small numbers of dead or dying fish were observed in the drainage ditch or pond as a result of suspected or confinned high pH discharges. These effluents have since been rerouted to a new Wastewater Treatment Pacility constructed to neutralize plant effluents to comply with NPDES limitations. No incidents have occurred in this area since Wastewater Treatment Facility construction. .

Other NPDES permit issues include high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at the sewage plant, out-of-specification chlorine discharges, and missed samples. The majority of elevated BOD measurements have been caused by increases in sewage plant influent as a result of temporary refueling outage personnel or storm vater infiltration into sewage piping. Increased operator attention and improvements to sewage piping to exclude stormwater have resulted in greater reliability of treatment. Other BOD noncompliances, missed samples, or chlorine exceedances have been generally corrected by equipnent repair or procedural modifications. These violations To summarize, have been infrequent and have reflected no long term trends.

no incidents have occurred which go beyond projections made in the FES-OLS or which have resulted in NPDES enforcement actions.

Question 3:

Changes to the NPDES permit during operation of the plant could indicate whether water quality parameters were determined to have no significant impacts (and were dropped from monitoring requirements) or vere subsequently raised as a water quality issue. Provide a brief summary of changes (and ,

when they occurred) to the NPDES permit for the plant since issuance of the f Operating License.

. Attachment to WM 90 0122 Page 8 of 20 Response to Question 3:

The NPDES permit for WCOS expires every fifth year. The originni permit was issued during April 1985 and expired during January 1989. No changes to the requirements were made to this permit. During the renewal process in '

February 1989, two new outfalls were added and some modifications of required parameters were made. These were as follows:

1) Outfall 003(b) - Vastewater Treatment Facility (WTF) discharge was added as a new outfall. The purpose of the WTF was to neutralize certain WCGS process effluents to keep them within NPDES discharge ILmits. Parameters required to be monitored from this outta11 are total suspended solids (TSS), oil and grease, sulfates, and pH.

The new VTF, however, was not designed to reduce TSS levels low enough to meet the NPDES requirements. Thus, Outfall 003b has not been used to date and effluents from the WTF have been routed to the Lime Studge Pond (LSP) and discharged via the existing outfall 00$.

2) Outfall 005 - Lime Sludge Pond Discharge had an oil and grease limit added. This was because the effluents from the WTF were being routed to the LSP to allow TSS to settle, which changed the characteristics of the existing Outfall 00$ influents. Also, another Priority Pollutant Scan was required.

3) Outfall 006 - Service and Essential Service Water Discharge to the Ultimate Heat Sink was added as a new outfall during the permit renewal. It became necessary to divert chlorinated SWS flow through Essential Service Water System piping to prevent siltation and microbiological 1y induced corrosion. Parameters required to be monitored from this outfall are total residual chlorine and pH.

Question 4: .

An examination of trends in the effects on aquatic resources monitoring can indicate whether impacts have increased, decreased, or remained relatively stable during operation. Describe and summarize (or provide documentation of) results of monitoring of water quality and aquatic biota (e.g., related to NPDES permits. Environmental Technical Specifications, site-specific monitoring required be federal or state agencies). What trends are apparent over time?

Response to Question 4:

Aquatic resource monitoring at WCGS is comprised of monitoring the cooling-lake fishery and the water quality of the Neosho River and cooling lake.

Initially, monitoring in these areas was to fulfill commitments made in the FES-OLS. Present monitoring is completed by WCGS to provide needed information on the performance of the fishery and to supply water quality data used to enhance plant operations and monitor potential plant effects.

Results of these monitoring programs are analyzed annually and summaries of the 1989 monitoring are provided below. These summaries use current and past monitoring data.

. Attachment to VM 90 0122 Page 9 of 20 ,

1 Response to Question 4 (con't):

L 1989 FISHERY HONITORING ACTIVITIES Fishery monitoring surveys were conducted on Wolf Creek Cooling bake (VCCb) from April through October 1989. These resulted in the co!!ection of 2,957 individual fish representing Il families and 26 species. Collection  ;

methods used were fyke netting, seining, electroshocking and gilt netting.

Data collected were used to describe the fishery which was subsequently evaluated based on the goal of increased plant reliability through reduced gizzard shad impingement. Catch data calculated as percent relative  ;

abundance for all gears combined showed gizzard shad highest (22.12) and l bluegill next (21.72). This shad percentage represents a return to normal abundance levels established prior to 1988. Predators came next with largemouth bass (9.52), white bass (8.12), walleye (5.82) and wipers (5.51) maintaining high numbers. Smallmouth bass continue to rise to hit their highest abundance to date at 3.82 in 1989. When total biomass of all species in the standardized effort is considered, wipers were first at 21.2!

followed by largemouth bass (13.62), valleye (12.41), common carp (11.81),

white bass (11.62), channel catfish (7.72) and gizzard shad (4.42). White '

crapple were eighth at 4.22. Considering a life expectancy of five to seven years and that the age of the dominant wiper year class was eight in 1989, it is surprising that natural mortality hasn't reduced their number further thus far. The only other noteworthy results were the increased catch of white bass, going from 6.12 in 1988 to 11.61 in 1989 and the tenfold drop in smallmouth buffalo from 7.22 to 0.62 during the last two years. Gizzard shad from 1988 to 1989 rose from 2.3! to 4.42 and from eleventh to seventh position. This increase, while substantial, still left shad biomass within -

the narrow range (5.72 to 2.22) that it has occupied since 1983.

Crowth and body condition data using Proportional and Relative Stock Density (PSD, RSD), relative weight (Vg) and condition factor (Ky ) continue to show large average sizes, slowing growth of early predator fear classes and low

• to moderate condition for VCCL predators. Viper _ growth continues but at rates which are more modest and variable than in its earliest years and the 1981 year class is beginning to be supplemented by recruitment from 1988 and 1989 fingerling stockings. Growth of largemouth bass, crappies, white bass, and walleyes continues at moderate rates. For all Wolf Creek predators, average- sizes are large and the proportion of mature fish (quality size and larger) versus smaller, immature fish (stock size) is also large, leading to At the same time, condition of these predators is lower very high pSD's.

than the averages from othar Kansas impoundments. In contrast, both gizzard shad PSD and Et values are close - to the top of reservoirs surveyed in Kansas.- While these qualities in shad have been shown to be optimal for production of a good prey base, few young-of-the year gizzard shad in VCCL '

remain through their first winter. Little survival of the last five year classes of gizzard shed indicate that the combination of predation pressure

-and winter kill are adequate to control expansion of the VCCb shad population. Thus. .no impingement problems have been experienced so far.

-The sportfish/roughfish ratio in WCCL is very high when compared with other reservoirs in the midacetion of the U.S. The unusually low number of gizzard shad and equally unusually high number of predators in WCCL meant predator condis'on was low but more importantly. .so werc impingemont rates. No detrim atal trends attributable to plant operations have been observed.

. Attachm2nt to WH 90 0122 Page 10 of 20 Response to Question 4 (con't):  ;

1989 WATER QUALITY MONITORING ACTIVITIES Environmental monitoring included studies on the Neosho River and Wolf Creek Cooling Lake (WCCL). Objectives accomplished by these studies were:

1. documentation of concentrations of general water quality l parameters, aquatic nutrients, organically-derived materials and certain trace metals in the Neosho River and VCCL

2. determination of phytoplankton productivity of the Neosho River and WCCL Water quality studies in the Neosho River near VCCL have been conducted at locations above and below its confluence with Wolf Creek since 1973.

Seasonal mean concentrations of most water quality parameters during 1989 were within previously established ranges for the study area and no between.

location differences were seen for any of the parameters monitored. The ,

differences in average 1989 values for conductivity, sulfates, chemical ,

oxygen demand (COD) and nitrates which were attributed to drought conditions in 1988 remained similar during 1989, except for COD. The 1989 annual mean for C0D rose higher than recorded previously, slightly exceeding the previous annual high observed during 1984. Total rainfall was close to normal during 1989, but dry conditions prevailed during winter and spring.

Average values for river nitrates remained near the bottom of their previous ranges while sulfates maintained levels close to their upper ranges observed during 1979 and 1980. Since filling of WCCL began in 1981, flows from Wolf Creek into the Neosho River have been limited to seepage, releases for testing of blowdown procedures, and runoff events. There have been no apparent deleterious effects to water quality in the Neosho River due to operation of WCGS based on available water quality monitoring data.

Water quality. studies of WCCL began when the lake was initially filled during 1981. Water quality was greatly influenced by makeup water being pumped from the Neosho River during that year. Between 1982 and 1986 makeup water was generally only added during routine use of the auxiliary raw water pumps and quarterly testing of the makeup water pumps. In 1987 use of makeup water increased to nearly 0.97 billion gallone and this rose to 3.9 and 2.9 billion in 1988 and 1989, respectively. Despite this increase, WCCL water' quality has been generally independent from influence of the Neosho

, . River. Concentrations of water quality parameters were very similar among ,

locations in the cooling lake, with the shallower upstream stampling site slightly different in water' quality than near the main dam and the station intake. In general, concentrations of dissolved and suspended constituonts ,

in 1989 vere within ranges established during previous years of cooling lake operation. Exceptions to this were increasing trends continued from 1988 for sulfates,. total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorides, and conductivity.

These parameters were at their highest levels since lake fill. With drought l conditions during much of 1988 and early 1989, WCCL had reduced natural inflows and lower lake level than during previous years. In combination with forced evaporation due to plant operations, these conditions produced chloride and sulfate concentrations which continued their mild trend of

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.- Attachment to VH 90 0122 Page 11 of 20 Response to Question 4 (con't):

increase while TDS and conductivlty, which are affected by sulfate levels, also increased up to or slightly above previously observed marks. These same conditions helped maintain turbidity Icvels in the lake at low levels.

The TDS rise was a reversal of the decline seen in 1986 and 1987. In summary, the mild trends observed in the cooling lake chemistry are indicative of limited natural inflows since 1987 compounded by increased forced evaporation due to plant operations.

Surface water temperatures in the cooling lake during spring and summer periods have been warmer than during preoperational years. This was expected with the plant operating and has been especially evident at the upstream monitoring location. This area receives heated effluent during spring, summer and fall when southerly winds prevail. Dissolved oxygen data indicated stratification similar to 1988 with an anotic hypolimnion forming strongly by August and being dispersed by October. This pattern varied somewhat from that before 1988 when WCCL generally stratified completely by June or July and had mixed, well oxygenated bottom whers by August. Based on WCCL's relatively large average depth (21 ft.) and data from other Kansas impoundments, longer periods of vertical stratification for the cooling lake would be expected but have not occurred during preoperational or operational i years. Considering dats prior to and including 1989, stratification patterns in VCCL appear to be independent of the generating station's intake, warming, and discharge of circulating water.

Phytoplankton chlorophyll A concentrations as indicators of standing crop I have been monitored in the Hoosho River above and below the confluence with Wolf Creek since 1973. Flow in the study area is controlled by releases f r om John- Redmond Reservoir (JRR) . In 1989 average Neosho River flows were comparable with normal yegro. The annual average chlorophyll a range of concentration was 19.$6 averages (3.81-63,88 mg/g).which mg Alm fell within Chlorophyll the previous a monthly years' average and yearly values above and below the Wolf Creek - Neosho River confluence were similar in-1989 and were similar to those from previous years. Therefore, there is no indication that adverse effects ,have occurred on Neosho River phytoplankton as a result of plant operation.

Phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentrations in WCCL havebeenmonigorod bimonthly since 1981 3 hevion annual auragn rangd hom 11.0 mg/m in 1981 to 6.3 mg/m in 1987 but within that span have shown slow oscillations. Means were down during 1982-1984 3 and up during 1985-1986.

Concentrations in 1989 increased to 7.94 mg/m which fits well within the established range. Lociatio'nal chlorophyll a dif f erences within WCCL in 1989 were similar to the pattern seen previously. The highest levels were at the shallower, upstream area, lowest concentrations at the deep, pelagic location with samplea from near the circulating water intake channel falling in-between. Overall, chlorophyll A concentration as an indicator of phytoplankton standing crop shows WCCL in the mesotrophic range with mild, infrequent fluctuations indicating little or no plant operational impacts.

Attachment to VH 90-0122 Pop 12 of 20 Question 5:

Summarize types and number (or provide documentation) of organisms entrained and irapinged by the condenser cooling water system since issuance of the Operating License. Describe any seasonal patterns associated with entrainment and impingement. How has entrainment and impingement changed over time?

Response to Question 5:

Mortality of aquatic organisms in the cooling lake due to entrainment was )

expected to be 100 percent in the Final Environmental Statement-Construction Phase (FES-CP). Review in the FES-OLS expected numerically more severe entrainment impacts on the basis that across-condenser temperatures and intake flow rates were increased, llovever , entrainment impacts to planktonic or:lanisms in the cooling lake as a whole were considered acceptable, thus no monitoring was required.  ;

The establishment and maintenance by VCGS of the cooling lake fishery has been done with the goal of reducing costly catastrophic fish impingement events. Operational impingement of cooling lake fishes on the traveling screens has been minimal with no resultant impact to the fishery.

Question 6:

Aquatic habitat enhancement or restoration efforts (e.g., anadromous fish runs) during operation may have enhanced the biological communities in the vicinity of the plant. Alternatively, degradation of habitat or water quality may have resulted in loss of biological resources near the site.

Describe any changes to aquatic habitats (both enhancement and degradation) in the vicinity of the power plant since the issuance of the operating License including those that may have resulted in different plant impacts than those initially predicted.

Response to Question 6s No aquatic habitat enhancement or restoration efforts have been undertaken at VCGS. During maturation of the cooling lake, rooted aquatic vegetation has become established along certain shorelines. These areas naturally enhance aquatic habitats and generally have not caused operational problems except in the immediate vicinity of the cooling water intake. Mechanical removal in this area has been necessary, however the magnitude of this is small compared to the amount of aquatic plants established in the remaining areas of the lake. liabitat degradation due to this limited removal is not considered to adversely impact the cooling lake fishery.

Question 7:

Plant operations may have had positive, negative, or no impact on the use of aquatic- resources by others. Harvest by commercial or recreational fishermen may be constrained by plant operation. Alternatively commercial harvesting may be relatively large compared with fish losses caused by the plant.

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Attachmsnt to VM 90-0127 l Pege 13 of 20 l

Response to Question 7:

Describe (or provide documentation for) other nearby useo of waters affected by cooling water systems (e.g., swimming, boating, annuni harvest by commercial and recreational fisheries) and how these impacts have changed since issuance of the operating License.

At this time, the cooling lake at VCGS is not open for public access. The Neosho River, from which VCGS pumps cooling lake makeup water, is considered an important sport fishery. During normal hydrologic conditions, operation as of WCGS is not expected to impact the river's fisheries. However, discussed in the FES-OLS, during a severe and prolonged drought water Water storage in withdrawal could result in reduced flove in the river.

John Redmond Reservoir, which is a flood control project on the Neosho River from which WCGS purchases stored water, could also be reduced. Thus, the FES.OLS expected that water withdrawal by WCGS during severe drought conditions will reduce reservoir storage and downstream river flows, potentially prolonging or exacerbating a drought's impact on the river's fishery. Long term impacts to important sport fish populations are not probable as popular species (i.e. channel catfish. flathead catfish) are expected to repopulate relatively quickly after normal flows return.

Questjon 8:

Describe other sources of impacts on aquatic resources (e.g., industrial discharges, other power plants, agricultural runoff) that could contribute to cumulative impacts. What are the relative contributions by percent of these sources, including the contributiono due to the power plant, to overall water quality degradation and losses of aquatic biota 7 Response to Question 8:

There are no other sources of impacts to the aquatic resources of the No other industry or power plant cooling lake known at this time.

discharges into the cooling lake. Agricultural runoff is minimal and is not expected to significantly impact the aquatic biotastormwater of the cooling lake.

runoff, and Municipal water withdrawal, industrial discharges, mainstream dams contribute to cumulative impacts to the aquatic resources of the Neosho River. Although percent contributions are unknown, ecciogical monitoring of the river has revealed that the water quality of the river is much more dependent on these impacts than on WCGS operations.

Question 9:

Provide a copy of your Section 316(a) and (b) Demonstration Report required by the Clean Vater Act. What Section 316(a) and (b) determinations have been made by the regulatory authorities?

Respouso to Question 9:

The VCGS has not been required to complete a Section 316(a) and (b)

Demonstration Report. The WCGS was exempted from these reporting requirements because construction of the plant was initiated prior to the effective date of the regulation.

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Attechm2nt to WH 90-0122 Page 14 of 20 SOCIDECONOMIC QUESTION FOR ALL UTILITIES Question 1:

To understand the importance of the plant and the degree of its socioeconomic impacts on the local region, esticate the number of permanent workers on-site f or the most recent year f or which data are available.

Response to Question 1:

Itisestimatedthatthenumberofpermanentworkerson-site for the most recent year (1989) was 1044.

Question 2:

To understand the importance of the plant to the local region, and how that has changed over time, estimate the average number of permanent workers on-site, in five-year increments starting with the issuance of the plant's Operating License. If possible, provide this information for each unit at a plant site.

Response to Question 2:

The estimated average number of permanent workers on-site in five-year increments following issuance of license (1985) are as follows:

1985 - 692 1989 (most recent caca)- 1044 Question 3:

To understand the potential impact of continued cperation for an additional 20 years beyond the original licensing term, please provide for the following three cases:

A) a typi:a1 planned outage B) an ISI outage: and C) the largest single outage (in terms of the number of workers involved) that has occurred to date an estimate of additional workers involved (for the entire outage and for each principal task), length of outage, months and year in which work occurred, and cost. Also, estimate occupational doses received by permanent and temporary workers during each principal task.

Response to Question 3:

A) A typical planned outage involves approximately 640 additional workers.

The typical refueling outage is scheduled for approximately 70 days in duration. The last refueling outage at Wolf Creek Generating Station began on March 9, 1990 and ended on May 15, 1990. Total cost for this outage was approximately $16.6 million. Occupational exposure during the last refueling outage was approximately 172 man / Rem.

B) Wolf Creek Generating Station has not yet had an ISI outage.

1 Attechment to WH 90 0122 i Page 15 of 20 i

Response to Question 3 (con't):

l C) The fourth refueling outage described in the esponse to Question 3.A was the longest single outage to date in terms of numbers of workers  !

involved.

QuesLion 4: ,

To understand the plant's fiscal importance to specific jurisdictions, for 1980, 1985, and the latest year for which data are available, estimate the entire plant's taxable assessed value and the amount of taxes paid to the state and to each local taxing jurisdiction.

Response to Question 4:

i Wolf Creek Generating Station's estimated taxable assessed value along with the estimated amount of property taxes paid to the state of Kansas, Coffey '

County and School District #244 for the requested years are as follows:

i ESTIMATED ESTIMATED TAIABLE ESTIMATED KSTIMATED TAIES PAID-ASSESSED TAXES PAID TAEES PAID SCH. DIST.f244 VA1.UE STATE OF EANSAS ,C_0FFEY Q COUNTY (BURLINGT0ju YEAR 1980: $121.708,766 $182,564 $2.213,883 $2.423,343  ?

1985 431,074,268 646,611 8.711,149 6,282.300 1989- 489,083.255 729.602 14,061,868 7,102,472 1

NOTE: Wolf Creek also paid local property taxes. to the counties of Sedgwick,- Lyon, Shawnee, Franklin and Osage, but the taxes paid did not '

result in a significant amount. In addition, taxes were paid to townships and. cemeteries within Coffey county, but these amounts were also minimal. ,

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Attccian:nt to VH 90-0122 Psge 16 of 20 SOCIOECONOHIC QUESTIONS FOR CASE STUDY SITES A. Fanployment and Espenditures Quwstion A.1:

To understand the importance of the plant to local conunun! ties, and how that has changed over time, provide estimat es of total plant expenditut es, by local community, for equipment, materials, and services used in normal operations for the most recent year data are available.

Response to Question A.1:

The following figures represent Wolf Creek Generating Station's estimated purchases by city. Please note that the only cities included for purposes of this survey are Kansas City Missouri and cities located in Kansas.

CITY & STATE PURCIIASK AHOUNI Alma, Ks. $ 1,223.00 Burlington, Ks. 5,311.585.00 Kmporia, Ks. 355,617.00 Fontana, Ks. 1,933.00 Garnett, Ks. 8,432.00 llealy, Ks. 2.852.00 liutchinson, Ks. 30,839.00 Independence, Ks. 2,383.00 lola, Ks. 21.052.00 Kansas City, Ks. (Hetro Area) 1.286,360.00 Kansas City, Mo. (Metro Area) 1,856,154.00 Lawrence, Ks. 41,378.00 Leroy, Ks. 2,957.00 hyndon, Ks. 5,031.00 Hanhattan, Ks. 8,311.00 McPherson, Ks. , 10,553.00 Melvern, Ks. 0,427.00 Ottawa, Ks. 42,226.00 Parsons, Ks. 6,429.00 Pratt Ks. 3,836.00 Salina, Ks. 34,826.00 Topeka, Ks. 1,127,809.00 Vaverly, Ks. 21,457.00 Vichita, Ks. (Hetro Area) 4,255,025.00 Other Kansas Communities 3,839.00 Question A.2:

To understand the possible effect of the plant on the local economy, how do the average enlaries paid to plant employees compare to average salaries for comparable jobs, if they exist, in the local area (e.g., engineers, secretaries, custodial personnel, electronics technicians, maintenance journeymen, food service employees)?

Attcchment to Mt 90-0122 Page 17 of 20 Response to Question A.2:

Plant salaries compared to local areas Job Title 321f Creek ($1HR). Loeni Ares ($/HR)

Electrical Engineer 10.13 16.77 Hechanical Engineer 18.13 17.66 Secretaries 9.54 7.65 Nuclear Engineer 12.67 N/A fleavy Hechanic 11.05 11.00 Nuclear Electrician 12.67 N/A Cleaner 7.30 6.79 Building Serviceworker 7.71 6.79 Question A.3:

To understand the possible effect of the plant on the local economy, what programs has the utility sponsored in the local area to improve employment opportunities, such as hiring policies, job training programs, or industrial recruitment.

Response to Question A.3:

In order to enhance employment opportunities in the Icoal area Wolf Creek Generating Station has initiated the following activities:

- Attended high school career days

- Local newspaper ads - Coffey, Osage, Lyon, Voodson, Anderson, Allen, Franklin counties

- Job Opportunity Policy (Internal Job Posting / Job Bid System)

- Job listings in area and regional referral agencies: Employment Service / Job Service .

- Regional college recruiting program since start-ups expanded in 1989

- On-the-job training for internal positions that qualify for promotions Question A.4:

To understand the importance of the plant to specific jurisdictions near the plant, what is the current distribution, by city and county or zip code of residence, of permanent workers on site?

Response to Question A.4:

The following is a distribution of permanent site workers by tip codes

Attachment to VM 90-0122 page 18 of 20 l Response to Question A.4 (con't):

Number of Number of Number of fdp,_ Code Defdoys Zip Code Deployees, Zip Code nnplovces 64137 1 66414 1 66801 250 l 66015 5 66431 1 66835 2 l 66032 32 66451 18 66839 351 l

66039 2 66510 16 66846 1 66044 3 66523 8 66852 20 66047 1 66524 1 66854 12 66061 1 66528 1 66856 70 66062 1 66537 2 6685' 32 66067 45 66543 4 660's0 5 66076 5 66546 1 66864 5 66078 3 66609 5 66865 5 6607o 1 66610 1 66868 9 66060 2 66611 4 66871 63 66091 3 66614 10 67207 1 66093 19 66618 1 67212 1 66095 3 66619 4 67218 1 C4216 1 66718 1 67230 1 66401 3 66742 1 67357 1 66409 1 66749 11 67501 1 66413 1 66783 25 B. Tames Question D.1:

What types of local taxes must be paid on the plant and property?

Response to Question D.1:

property taxes are paid based on an assessed value percentage imposed on specific classes of property by the state pf Kansas. These taxes are paid directly to the state of Kansas, but most of the amount is later remitted by the state to the appropriate local jurisdiction.

1,ocal sales taxes are paid on purchases which are subject to Kansas sales tax if the vendor is located in a local jurisdiction which imposes such a tax. These taxes can be imposed at the county level, the city level, or both.

Question B.2:

To what jurisdictions are these taxes paid?

Response to Question U.2:

Coffey County and School District 1244 receives the majority of our property tax payments.

Our local sales tax payments benefit numerous local jurisdictions throughout the state. The local jurisdictions in which Wolf Creek Generating Station is located do not impose a local sales tax.

Attachment to VH 90-0122 page 19 of 20 1 Question B.3:

What types of state taxes must be paid on the plant and property?

Response to Question B.3 Kansas sales tax is paid on company purchases of property or services whfch '

are taxable based on the Kansas tax laws.

Kansas excise taxes are paid on certain purchases of fossil fuels.

Question B.4: 1 For each tax type, please gotimate the total amount the utility paid to each relevant state and local jurisdiction in 1980, 1985, and 1989 (or the mosts recent year for which data are available).

Response to question B.4 The estimated property tax figures are included under the answer to question

1. 4 under ' socioeconomic questions for all utilities.'

The estimated Kansas sales tax paid to vendors in 1989 amounted to

$665,473.85. The estimated Kansas use tax paid directly to the state in 1989 amounted to $212,074.48. Since the plant did not begin full operation until the fall of 1985, sales and use tax figures for 1980 and 1985 are not included since they do not reflect tax payments due to continued operations.

Local sales tax figures and Kansas excise tax figures are minimal.

Question B.5:

llave major plant modifications or refurbishment af fected the plant's taxable assessed value?

Response to Quest. ion B.5: ,

Wolf Creek's estimated taxable assessed value increased from $431,074,268 in 1985 to $489,083,255 in 1989. However, the increase resulted from numerous projects which were performed during that time frame. Accordingly, we do not consider any particular project to be a ' major plant modification or refurbishment'.

Question B.6:

Vould an extended outage for major plant modifications or refurbishment result in a temporary cessation or reduction of tax payments to state and/or local governments?

Rooponse to Question B.6:

An extended outage would not reduce the amount of property taxes paid by Wolf Creek since the plant's taxable assessed value is not affected by the <

outage.

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• Attacionent to VM 90-0122 Page 20 of 20 Question B.7s

- Vould tax payinents cease in the event of plant deconvuissioning?

Heaponse to Quest ion ll.7 It la anticipated that tuost tax paymente rnade by Volf Creek would cease once the plant is deconsnissioned, llowever, there would continue to be ptoperty taxes due to the state of Kansas and Coffuy County based on the value of any land retained by Wolf Creek Generating Station's owners.

C. Public Services quest.lon C.1:

please estimats the totn1 annual plant expenditure for each fee-paid service (e.g., water, sewer. etc.) in five year interynis since plant operations began.

Response to Question C.1:

Wolf Crock began operation in 190$. Our ice paid public services for 1989 were as follows:

ELECTRICITY - $364.894.70 TELEP110HE - 353.109.01 WATER . 5.203.08 TRASil/ S F'..'lR - 6.456.00 e ,<~r - - , , , .m.,wn,,,,,-- . . , , - , _ _ , _ , ~ . - , . , , , , , _ , , , _ , , , , ,

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