ML20087P806
| ML20087P806 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Beaver Valley |
| Issue date: | 12/31/1983 |
| From: | Sieber J DUQUESNE LIGHT CO. |
| To: | Tam P Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| RTR-NUREG-1437 AR, ND1MSL:3157, NUDOCS 8404090385 | |
| Download: ML20087P806 (149) | |
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1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT NON-RADIOLOGICAL DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY I
BEAVER VALLEY POWER STATION UNIT NO. 1 DOCKET #50-334 I
I 8404090385 831231 PDR ADOCK 05000334 R
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Figures.........................................
iv List of Tables..........................................
vi I.
INTRODUCTION............................................
1 A.
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM................
1 B.
SITE DESC.~IPTION...................................
1 II.
SUMMARY
AND CONCLUSIONS.................................
7 III. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE............
11 IV.
MONITORING NON-RADIOLOGICAL EFFLUENTS...................
12 A.
MONITORING CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS......................
12 B.
HERBICIDES.........................................
12 V.
AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM..............................
15 A.
INTRODUCTION.......
15 B.
BENTH0S............................................
18 Objectives....................................
18 l.
Methods.......................................
18 Habitats......................................
18 l
Community Structure and Spatial Distribution..
25 l
Comparison of Control and Non-Control Stations....................................
32 Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data........................................
32 Summary and Conclusions.......................
34 l
l l
C.
PHYTOPLANKTON......................................
36 Objectives....................................
36 Methods.......................................
36 i
Seasonal Distribution.........................
36 Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects...................................
44 Comparison of Preoperation and Operational Data........................................
44 Su= mary and Conclusions.......................
45 D.
ZOOPLANKTON........................................
48 Objectives....................................
48 l
Methods.......................................
48 Seasonal Distribution.........................
48 Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects...................................
55 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
I Page Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data........................................
59 Summary and Conclusions.......................
62 E.
FISH...............................................
63 Obj e c t ive s....................................
63 Methods.......................................
63 Results.......................................
65 Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects...................................
73 I
Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data........................................
73 Summary and Conclusions.......................
73 F.
ICHTHY 0 PLANKTON....................................
78 Objectives....................................
78 Methods.......................................
78 Results.......................................
78 Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data........................................
83 Summary and Conclusions.......................
83 G.
FISH IMPINGEMENT...................................
85 Objectives....................................
85 I
Methods.......................................
85 Results.......................................
85 Comparison of Impinged and River Fish.........
90 j
Comparison of Operating and Non-Operating l
Intake Bay Collections......................
90 Summary and Conclusions.......................
102 1
1 H.
PLANKTON ENTRAINMENT...............................
103 1.
Ichthyoplankton...............................
103 l
Objectives....................................
103 Methods.......................................
103 l
Results.......................................
103 Seas onal Dis t ribu tion.........................
107 Spatial Distribution..........................
107 I
Summary and Conclusions.......................
108 2.
Phytoplankton.................................
108 Objectives....................................
108 Methods.......................................
108 Comparison of Entrainment and River Samples...
108 Summary and Conclusions.......................
109 I
11
I TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page 3.
Zooplankton...................................
109 Objectives....................................
109 Methods.......................................
109 Comparison of Entrainment and River Samples...
110 Summary and Conclusions.......................
110 VI.
SOIL CHEMISTRY..........................................
111 Objectives....................................
111 Methods.......................................
111 Specific Conductance (Soluble Salt I
Concentration)..............................
113 Results.......................................
113 Discussion of Results.........................
116 Conductivity..................................
116 Summary of June 1983 Results..................
121 VII. REFERENCES..............................................
123 APPENDIX A I
I I
I I
I 111
I LIST OF FIGURES I
Figure Page I-l VIEW OF THE BEAVER VALLEY AND SHIPPINGPORT I
STATIONS...........................................
2 I-2 LOCATION OF STUDY AREA, BEAVER VALLEY POWER STATION, SHIPPINGPORT, PENNSYLVANIA................
3 I-3 OHIO RIVER DISCHARGE (FLOW cfs) AND TEMPERATURE
(*F), RECORDED AT EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO (MP 40.2)
I BY THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY WATER SANITATION COMMISSION (ORSANCO), 1983.........................
5 I
V-A-1 SAMPLING TRANSECTS IN THE VICINITY.0F THE BEAVER VALLEY AND SHIPPINGPORT POWER STATIONS.............
16 V-B-1 BENTH0S SAMPLING ST1TIONS, BVPS....................
19 V-B-2 MEAN PERCENT COMPOSITION OF THE BENTH0S COMMUNITY IN THE OHIO RIVER NEAR BVPS DURING PREOPERATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL YEARS..............................
26 V-C-1 SEASONAL PATTERN OF PHYTOPLANKTON DENSITIES IN THE OHIO RIVER DURING PREOPERATIONAL (1974-1975)
AND OPERATIONAL (1976-1983) YEARS, BVPS............
38 V-C-2 PHYTOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS................................
39 V-D-1 SEASONAL PATTERNS OF ZOOPLANKTON DENSITIES IN TFI OHIO RIVER DURING PREOPERATIONAL (1974-1975) AND OPERATIONAL (1976-1983) YEARS, BVPS................
51 l
l V-D-2 ZOOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS.........................................
54 V-E-1 FISH SAMPLING STATIONS, BVPS.......................
64 V-F-1 ICHTHYOPLANKTON SAMPLING STATIONS, BVPS............
79 V-G-1 INTAKE STRUCTURE, BVPS.............................
86 VI-l LOCATION OF STUDY AREAS, 1974-1983.................
112 VI-2 SOIL SURVEY MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL pH FOR SAMPLES OBTAINED ON EACH OF 8 DATES.........
118 I
VI-3 SOIL SURVEY MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL CONDUCTIVITY FOR SAMPLES OBTAINED ON EACH OF 8 DATES..............................................
119 iv I
LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)
Figure Page l
VI-4 MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL pH AT EACH SAMPLING LOCATION FOR JUNE, 1983...................
120 l
I VI-5 MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL CONDUCTIVITY AT EACH SAMPLING LOCATION FOR JUNE, 1983...........
122 I
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LIST OF TABLES Table Page I-1 OHIO RIVER DISCHARGE (Flow cfs) AND TEMPERATURE I
(*F) RECORDED AT EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO (MP 40.2)
BY THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY WATER SANITATION COMMISSION (ORSANCO), 1983.........................
6 V-A-1 AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM SAMPLING DATES, 1983 BVPS...............................................
17 V-B-1 SYSTEMATIC LIST OF MACR 0 INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED IN PREOPERATIOMAL AND OPERATIONAL YEARS IN THE OHIO RIVER NEAR BVPS....................................
20 2
V-B-2 MEAN NUMBER OF MACR 0 INVERTEBRATES (Number /m ) AND PERCENT COMPOSITION OF OLIGOCHAETA, CHIRONOMIDAE, MOLLUSCA AND OTHER ORGANISMS, 1983, BVPS...........
27 V-B-3 BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATE DENSITIES (Individuals /
2 m ), hEAN OF TRIPLICATE FOR BACK CHANNEL AND I
DUPLICATE SAMPLES COLLECTED IN THE MAIN CHANNEL OHIO REVER, MAY 11, 1983, BVPS.....................
28 V-B-4 BENTEIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATE DENSITIES (Individuals /
I 2
m ), MEAN OF TRIPLICATE FOR BACK CHANNEL AND DF2LICATE SAMPLES COLLECTED IN THE MAIN CHANNEL OHIO RIVER, SEPTEMBER 13, 1983, BVPS...............
30 V-B-5 MEAN DIVERSITY VALUES FOR BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED IN THE OHIO RIVER, 1983, BVPS............
33 2
V-B-6 BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATE DENSITIES (Number /m )
FOR STATION 1 (CONTROL) AND STATION 2B (NON-CONTROL) DURING PREOPERATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL I
YEARS, BVPS........................................
35 V-C-1 MONTHLY PHYTOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES (Number /ml)
I AND PERCENT COMPOSITION FROM ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS.........................................
40 V-C-2 PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTH FOR I
ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS....................
41 V-C-3 DENSITIES (Number /ml) 0F MOST ABUNDANT PHYTOPLANKTON I
?AXA COLLECTED FROM ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, JANUARY
'; 3 ROUGH DECEMB ER 19 83, BVP S........................
42 I
vi I
I I
LIST OF TABLES (Continued)
I Table Page I
V-C-4 PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES (MEAN OF ALL SAM"LES 1973 TO 1983) NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, BVPS...................................
46 V-D-1 MONTHLY ZOOPLANKTON GROUP DE'ISITIES (Number / liter)
AND PERCENT COMPOSITION FROM ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS.........................................
50 V-D-2 MEAN ZOOPLANKTON DENSITIES (Number / liter) BY MONTH FROM 1973 THROUGH 1983, OHIO RIVER AND BVPS........
52 V-D-3 DENSITIES (Number / liter) 0F MOST ABUNDANT ZOOPLANKTON TAXA COLLECTED FROM ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER 1983, BVPS................
56 V-D-4 ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTH FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983, BVPS....................
58 V-D-5 MEAN ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTH FROM 1973 THROUGH 1983 IN THE OHIO RIVER NEAR BVPS......
60 V-E-1 FAMILIES AND SPECIES OF FISH COLLECTED IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1970-1983, BVPS...............................................
66 l
V-E-2 NUMBER OF FISH COLLECTED AT VARIOUS TRANSECTS BY GILL NET (G), ELECTROFISHING (E), AND MINNOW TRAP I
(M) IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983, BVPS.........................................
68 V-E-3 NUMBER OF FISH COLLECTED PER MONTH BY GILL NET (G),
ELECTROFISHING (E), AND MINNOW TRAP (M) IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983, BVPS......
70 I
V-E-4 NUMBER OF FISH COLLECTED BY GILL NET, ELECTROFISHING AND MINNOW TRAP AT TRANSECTS IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983, BVPS.................
72 V-E-5 ELECTROFISHING CATCH MEANS (5) AT TRANSECTS IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1974-1983, BVPS....................................
74 V-E-6 GILL NET CATCH MEANS (Y) AT TRANSECTS IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL THE OHIO RIVER, 1974-1983, BVPS....
76 I
vii I
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LIST OF TABLES (Continued)
I Table Page I
V-F-1 NUMBER AND DENSITY OF FISH EGGS, LARVAE, JUVENILES, 8
AND ADULTS (Number /100 m ) COLLECTED WITH A 0.5 m PLANKTON NET IN THE OHIO RIVER BACK CHANNEL OF PHILLIS ISLAND (STATION 2B) NEAR BVPS, 1983........
80 V-F-2 DENSITY OF ICHTHYOPLANKTON (Number /100 m )
COLLECTED IN THE OHIO RIVER BACK CHANNEL OF PHILLIS I-ISLAND (STATION 2B) NEAR BVPS, 1973-1974, 1976-1983...............................................
84 V-G-1 FISH COLLECTED DURING THE IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS, 1976-1983, BVPS....................................
87 V-G-.2
SUMMARY
OF FISH COLLECTED IN IMPINGEHENT SURVEYS I
CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24 HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK DURING 1983, BVPS.........................................
89 I
V-G-3
SUMMARY
OF IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS DATA FOR 1983, BVPS...............................................
91 V-G-4 SITdMARY OF FISH COLLECTED IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS, I
1976-1983, BVPS....................................
93 V-G-5 NUMBER AND PERCENT OF ANNUAL TOTAL OF FISH COLLECTED I
IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS AND IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983, BVPS.................
94 V-G-6
SUMMARY
OF CRAYFISH COLLECTED IN IMPINGEMENT I
SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983, BVPS.........................................
96 I
.V-G-7
SUMMARY
OF Corbicula COLLECTED IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983, BVPS...............................................
98 V-G-8
SUMMARY
OF MISCELLANEOUS INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983, BVPS........................
100 V-H-1 NUMBER AND DENSITY OF FISH EGGS, LARVAE, JUVENILES, 8
AND ADULTS (Number /100 m ) COLLECTED WITH A 0.5 m I
PLANKTON NET AT THE ENTRAINMENT RIVER TRANSECT IN THE OHIO RIVER NEAR BVPS, 1983..................
104 g
1x I
1
I I
LIST OF TABLES (Continued)
I
- Table, Page VI-1
SUMMARY
OF pH LEVELS - JUNE, 1983..................
114 VI-2
SUMMARY
OF SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE VALUES -
JUNE, 1983.........................................
115 VI-3 COMPARISON OF pH AND SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE VALUES JUNE 1983 VS JUNE 1978 AND DECEMBER 1978...........
117 I
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l SECTION I DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 5
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I.
INTRODUCTION This report presents a summary of the non-radiological environmental data collected by Duquesne Light Company (DLCo) during calendar year 1983, for the Beaver Valley Power Station (BVPS) Unit 1,
Operating I
License No.
This study was initiated in the interest of providing a non-disruptive data base between the start up of BVPS Unit 1 and that of Unit 2.
This is primarily an optional program, since the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on February 26, 1980, granted DLCo's request to delete all the aquatic monitoring program, with the exception of fish impingement (Amendment No. 25), from the Environmental Technical Specifications (ETS).
In 1983, the NRC dropped the fish impingement studies from the ETS program of required sampling at BVPS along with non-radiological water quality requirements.
A.
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM The objectives of the 1983 environmental program were:
I (1) to comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements regarding the soil sampling program (2) to assess the possible environmental impact of plant operation I
(including impingement and entrainment) on the plankton, benthos, fish and ichthyoplankton communities in the Ohio River.
(3) to provide a long and short range sampling program for establishing a continuing data base.
B.
SITE DESCRIPTION I
BVPS is located on the south bank of the Ohio River in the Borough of Shippingport, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on a 486.8 acre tract of land which is owned by Duquesne Light Company.
The Shippingport Station shares the site with BVPS. Figure I-1 shows a view of both stations.
The site is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from Midland, Pennsylvania; 5 miles (8 km) from East Liverpool, Ohio; and 25 miles (40 km) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Figure I-2 shows the site location in I
relation to the principal population centers. Population density in the 1
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i SECTION I DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT immediate vicinity of the site in relatively low. There are no resi-dents within a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) radius of either plant. The population within a 5 mile (8 km) radius of the plant is approximately 18,000 and the only area of concentrated population is the Borough of Midland, Pennsylvania, which has a population of approximately 4,300.
I The site lies along the Ohio River in a valley which has a gradual slope extending from the river (elevation 665 ft. (203 m) above sea level) to an elevation of 1,160 f t.
(354 m) along a ridge south of BVPS. Plant entrance elevation at the station is approximately 735 ft. (224 m) above sea level.
The station is situated on the Ohio River at river mile 34.8, at a location on the New Cumberland Pool that is 3.3 river miles (5.3 km) downstream from Montgomery Lock and Dam and 19.4 miles (31.2 km) up-stream from New Cumberland Lock and Dam.
The Pennsylvania-Ohio-West Virginia border is 5.2 river miles (8.4 km) downstream from the site.
The river flow is regulated by a series of dams and reservoirs on the I
Beaver, ~ Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers and their tributaries.
Flow generally varies from 5,000 to 100,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
The range of flows in 1983 is shown in Figure I-3 (Table I-1).
Ohio River water temperatures generally vary from 32 to 82*F (0 to 18*C). Minimum and maximum temperatures generally occur in January and July / August, respectively.
During 1983, minimum temperatures were observed in February and maximum temperatures in August (Figure I-3)
(Table I-1).
BVPS has a thermal rating of 2,660 megawatts (Mw) and an electrical rating of 835 Mw. The circulating water system is a closed cycle system using a cooling tower to minimize heat released to the Ohio River.
Commercial operation of BVPS Unit 1 began in 1976.
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I SECTION I DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 180 -
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. MINIMUE DAILY AVERAGE A
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D 1983 FIGURE l-3 OHIO AlVER DISCHARGE (FLOW cfs) AND TEMPERATURE (*F), RECORDED AT EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO (MP 40.2) BY THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY W ATER SANITATION COMMISSION (ORS ANCO),1983 I
5 I
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TABLE I-1 l
01110 RIVER DISCilARGE (Flow cfs) AND TEMPERATURE (*F) RECORDED AT EAST LIVERPOOL, 01110 (MP 40.2) BY Tile 01110 RIVER VALLEY WATER SANITATION COMMISSION (ORSANCO) 1983 Q
Ez H
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8
Flow (cfs x 10 )
liaximum Daily Average 55.0 79.6 79.8 122.5 131.8 55.3 45.7 22.0 10.7 24.$
45.5 85.2
~
Monthly Average 32.9 34.8 56.8 67.9 72.5 28.1 16.0 10.7 7.3 11.4 23.0 57.3 h@5 liinimum Daily Average 12.1 6.6 24.0 40.8 36.2 12.4 7.8 6.4 6.0 5.8 9.3 38.8 d$5 e
m$
Temperature (*F)
$e E5 Maximum Daily Value 41.3 40.8 47.0 55.1 61.2 78.5 83.1 83.9 83.3 70.1 58.9 55.1 Monthly Average 38.6 37.6 43.7 48.4 59.0 71.8 80.1 82.3 77.5 63.7
'56.4 51.5
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mh Minimum Daily value 35.4 34.6 40.8 43.8 55.9 61.3 75.7 80.0 70.0 56.9 54.8 38.0 a
8s
l SECTION II DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY u
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT II.
SUMMARY
AND CONCLUSIONS The 1983 BVPS Unit 1 non-radiological environmental monitoring program included surveillance and field sampling of Ohio River aquatic life and a study of possible changes to soil pH and conductivity in the vicinity of the power plant. This is the eighth year of operational monitoring and, as in the previous operational monitoring years, no evidence of adverse environmental impact to the aquatic life in the Ohio River near BVPS was observed with the exception of a gizzard shad die-off which occurred during the winter of 1983.
During February 1983, there was an unplanned shut-down of the plant which inturn resulted in a rapid drop in temperature of the power plant discharge.
This rapid drop in water temperature caused a die-off of large numbers of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in the BVPS dis-I charge.
A follow-up study was conducted to document the causes and affects of this unplanned shut-down on fish in the vicinity of the discharge and a full report was submitted to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission by Duquesne Light.
A copy of this report is included in Appendix A of this report.
The aquatic environmental monitoring program included studies of:
I l
benthos, fish, ichthyoplankton, impingement and plankton entrainment.
Sampling was conducted for benthos and fish upstream and downstream of the plant during 1983 to assess potential impacts of BVPS discharges.
These data were also compared to preoperational and other operational data to assess long term trends.
Impingement and entrainment data were examined to detiermine the impact of withdrawing river water for in-plant use. The following paragraphs summarize these findings.
I Benthos.
The structure of the benthic macroinvertebrate community during 1983 was similar to that observed during other operational years (1976 through 1982) and preoperational years (1973 through 1975).
011gochaetes have been the most numerous organisms in the community each year and they comprised 71.2% by numbers of the community in 1983.
A similar oligochaete assemblage has been reported each year. Chironomids
- I and mollusks comprised the remaining fraction (28.7%)
of the 7
SECTION II DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT macroinvertebrate community.
Common genera of oligochaetes were Limnodrilus, Paranais, and Nais. Substrate composition was probably the most important factor controlling the benthic macroinvertebrate com-munity of the Ohio River near BVPS. Soft muck-type substrates along the shoreline were conducive to worm and midge proliferation, while limiting macroinvertebrates that require a more stable bottom. The predominant macroinvertebrates were borrowing taxa typical of soft substrates. The potential nuisance clam, Corbicula, had increased in abundance from 1974 through 1976, but declined in number after 1977.
No Corbicula sere collected during 1979 or 1980. Corbicula were present in the 1981 and 1982 collections and were collected in the 1983 benthic surveys.
Analysis of data for Control and Non-control Stations found no evidence to indicate that thermal and chemical effluents released from BVPS were adversely affecting the Ohio River benthos.
Phytoplankton. The phytoplankton community of the Ohio River near BVPS exhibited a seasonal pattern similar to that observed in previous years and a pattern common to temperate, latic envi.onments.
Total cell densities were within th'e range observed during previous years. Diver-sity indices of phytoplankton were as high or higher than those pre-viously observed near BVPS. This was probably due to lower than normal flows and favorable weather conditions that occurred during the early spring of 1983.
Zooplankton.
Zooplankton densities throughout 1983 were typical of a temperate zooplankton community found in large river habitats.
Total densities were slightly higher than those reported in previous years.
Based on the data collected during the eight operating years (1976 through 1983) and the three preoperating years (1973 through 1975), it is concluded that the overall abundance and species composition of the zooplankton in the Ohio River near BVPS has remained stable and possibly improved slightly over the 11 year period from 1073 to 1983.
No evidence of appreciable harm to the river phytoplankton and zooplankton from BVPS Unit 1 operation was found.
8
SECTION II DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Fish. Fish surveys, conducted during May, July, September and November 1983, collected a total of 1,949 fish, representing 40 fish species.
Three species were' collected for the first time in 1983.
Collection methods includec:
electrofishing, gill nets, and minnow traps. The majority of fish (1,508) were captured by electrofishing. Approximately 77.8*.' of the electrofishing catch consisted of emerald shiners.
Spotted bass (55 fish) and carp (28 fish) comprised the majority of the (160) gill netted fish. Two hundred and eighty one fish were collected in minnow traps. Of these, shiners, including the emerald, spotfin and sand shiners were the most common.
Variations in annual total numbers of fish caught during preoperational and operational years are due primarily to fluctuations in numbers of small species (principally minnows and shiners).
Larger fish (carp, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye and sauger) have remained common species near BVPS. Members of the pike family (northern pike and muskellunge) not collected during preoperational years were collected 1977 through 1983. Their presence and the presence of other sport fish is important because it demonstrates that the Ohio River is meeting the minimum water quality, habitat and food requirements of these desirable sport fish.
Differences in fish species composition which were observed upstream and downstream of BVPS probably reflect habitat preferences of indi-vidual species.
No evidence was found to indicate that the fish community near BVPS has been adversely affected by BVPS operation.
No fish classified as endangered or threatened by the Commonwealth of I
Pennsylvania or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were collected during 1983.
Ichthyoplankton.
Ichthyoplankton (fish eggs, larvae and juveniles) data were evaluated to determine spawning activity near BVPS and, in par-ticular, spawning in the back channel of Phillis Island.
Spawning activity was limited to June and July with little activity in April and 9
SECTION II DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT May.
Shiners (Notropis s_p. ) accounted for 54.3% of the 232 larvae collected. Only 2 juveniles were collected.
Data collected from 1973 through 1983 in the back channel of Phillis Island, the channel receiving the majority of discharges from BVPS, indicated that this channel was not used any more extensively for spawning purposes than main channel areas.
No evidence was found to indicate BVPS operation was adversely -affecting the ichthyoplankton of the Ohio River.
l Impingement. Impingement surveys were conducted for one 24-hour peg,iod per week in 1983. A total of 216 fish weighing 3.38 kg (7.5 lbs) was collected.
Gizzard shad (16.7%), channel catfish (18.0%), bluegill (17.6%) and freshwater drum (14.4%) comprised 66.7% of the annual catch.
Of the 216 fish collected, 111 (51.4%) were alive and returned via the discharge pipe to the Ohio River. The majority of fish were less than 100 mm in length. The 1983 annual impingement catch was less than 1982 (227 fish), 1979 (262 fish), 1978 (654 fish), 1977 (10,222 fish) and 1976 (9,102 fish). However, it was slightly more than the 1980 (108 fish) and 1981 (141 fish) collections.
Entrainment.
Entrafument studies were performed to investigate the impact on the ichthyoplankton of withdrawing river water for in plant use.
Entrainment-river transect surveys for ichthyoplankton were conducted to ascertain any changes in spawning activity occurring in the Ohio River adjacent to the BVPS intake. As in previous years, ichthyo-plankton were most abundant in June and July; collections were dominated by cyprinid (minnows and carps) larvae (92.9%).
Assuming actual entrainment rates were similar to those found in 1976 through 1979, river abundance of ichthyoplankton indicate no substantial entrainment I
losses should have occurred in 1983 due to the operation of BVPS.
Assessment of monthly phytoplankton and zooplankton data of past years indicated that under worst-case conditions of minimum low river flow (5000 cfs), about 1.25% of the phytoplankton and zooplankton passing the intake would be withdrawn by the BVPS circulating water system. This is considered as a negligible loss of phytoplankton and zooplankton rela-tive to river populations.
10
SECTION III DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1963 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT III. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE In accordance with BVPS Unit 1 ETS, Appendix B to Operating License No.
DPR-66, significant environmental change analyses were required on benthos, phytoplankton, and zooplankton data. However, on February 26, 1980, the NRC granted DLCo a request to delete all the aquatic moni-I toring program, with the exception of f_sh impingement, from the ETS (Amendment No. 25, License No. DPR-66).
In 1983, the NRC deleted the requirement for additional impingement studies.
- However, in the interest of providing a non-disruptive data base between the start-up of BVPS Unit 1 and that of Unit 2, DLCo is continuing the aquatic monitor-ing studies.
I I
I I
I I
l n
l
SECTION IV DUQUESNE LiGIT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT IV.
MONITORING NON-RADIOLOGICAL EFFLUENTS A.
MONITORING CHEMICAL EFFLOEPTS The Environmental Technical Specifications (ETS) that were developed and included as part of the licensing agreement for the Beaver Valley Power Station, required that certain non-radiolog1E.a[' chemicals and the temparature of the discharges be monitor [d and if limits were exceeded they had to be reported to the NRC. During 1983, the NRC (Amendment No.
- 64) deleted these, water quality requirements.
The basis for this deletion is that the' reporting requirem9nt's would be administered under the NPDES permit. However, the NRC requested that if any NPDES permit requirements were exceeded, that a copy of the violation be forwarded to the Director, of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. A copy of the letter from the NRC to Duquesne Light Company documenting the deletion of the monitoring of water quality criteria is included on the I
following pages.
B.
HERBICIDES Monitoring and reporting of herbicide used for weed control during 1983,
' hus, this infor-is no longer required as stated in Amendment Noi 64; t
mation is not included in'this report.
I
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Ig UNITED STATES
[ e, 5.. f,/. c. h NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
- g g
W ASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 E
V #
March 11,1983
- l 3 Docket No. 50-334 I
Mr. J. J. Carey, Vice President Duquesne Light Company Nuclear Division
' g Post Office Box 4 J
E Shippingport, Pennsylvania 15077
Dear Mr. Carey:
I l
The Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 64 to Facility Operating License No. DPR-66 for the Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No.1. This amendment consists of changes to the Technical Specifications in response to your application dated February 9,1983, and subsequent discussions between the NRC staff and your staff.
I This amendment deletes the Appendix B Environmental Technical Specifications (ETS) which pertain to non-radiological water quality-related requirements, as required by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
Your basis for the requested deletion of water quality limits and monitoring programs is that these aquatic requirements are now under 'the jurisdiction
.l of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as established by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. Therefore, water quality conditions in existing reactor operating licenses should be removed I
as a matter of law where the licensee holds', as you do,.an effective National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
I.
We concur in the deletion of the aquatic requirements and will rely on theNP of the aquatic environment. However, the NRC staff still wishes to remain in'.,rmed about any changes in your NPDES permit and any violations of this lI permit. Accordingly, as discussed with your staff, you have agreed to provide NRC with a copy of any changes to the NPDES discharge permit and any permit violations requiring notification to the permitting agency at the time this information is reported to or received from the permitting agency. This informa-tion i.s to be submitted to the appropriate Regional Administrator with a copy-l to the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
P. lease confirm this commitment in writing within 30 days of receipt of this letter.
'I j.
,7c. T,,". :- r ? ? - ' eq,
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13
'$UCE //.I'. 21 U.7 CN
Mr. J. J. Carcy.
We have determined that the deletion of these water quality requirements I
is a ministerial action required as a matter of law and will not result in any significant environmental impact.
Having made this determination, we have further concluded that the amendment involves an action which is insignificant from the standpoint of environmental impact and pursuant to 10 CFR 51.5(d)(4) that an environmental impact statement or negative declaration and environmental impact appraisal need not be prepared in connection with the issuance of this amendment.
Since the amendment applies only to deletion of water quality requirements, we have concluded that: (1) because the amendment does not involve a I
significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated, does not create the possibility of an accident of a type different from any evaluated previously, and does not involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety, the amendment does not involve a significant hazards consideration, (2) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered I
by operation in the proposed manner, and (3) such activities will be con-ducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations and the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.
A copy of the Notice of Issuance is also enclosed.
Sin rely, 7 r
I
'l,
I? /\\
,$teven Vai
, Chief-1 l
Operating Reactors Branch il Division of Licens og
Enclosures:
1.
Amendment No. 64 to DPR-66 2.
Notice of Issuance cc w/ enclosures:
l See next page lI..
iI
- I lI 14
,I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT V.
AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM A.
INTRODUCTION The environmental study area established to assess potential impacts consisted of three sam; ling transects (Figure V-A-1).
Transect 1 is located at river mile (RM 34.5) approximately 0.3 mi (0.5 km) upstream of BVPS and is the Control Transect.
Transect 2 is located nearly 1 mile (15.2 km) downstream of the BVPS discharge structure. Transect 2 I
is divided by Phillis Island; the main channel is designated Transect 2A and the back channel Transect 2B.
Transect 2B is the principal Non-Control Transect because the majority of aqueous discharges from BVPS Unit 1 are released t;p the back channel. Transect 3 is located approx-imately 2 mi (3 km) downstream of BVPS.
Sampling dates for each of the program elements are presented in Table V-A-1.
The following sections of this report present a summary of findings for each of the program elements.
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M TABLE V-A-1 AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM SAMPLING DATES 1983 BVPS y
O a
Month Benthos Fish Impingement Ichthyoplankton Phyto-and Zooplankton z
January 9, 14, 23, 28 14 February 4, 11, 18, 25 11 March 4, 11, 18, 25 11 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 13 15 u
DE Hay 11 11, 12 6, 13, 20, 27 11 13 gg k
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June 3, 10, 17, 25 14 17 my h
July 12, 13 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 12 15 Ei hn l
August 5, 12, 19, 26 12 5g$
September 13 13, 23, 29 2, 9, 16, 23, 28 16 h
October 7, 14, 21, 28 14 O
November 22, 23 4, 11, 18, 25 18 H
December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 16 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT O
I B.
BENTH0S Objectives The Ohio River was sampled at four transects in 1983 to determine if the power plant was affecting benthos populations near the BVPS.
I Methods I
Benthic surveys wers performed in May and September, 1983.
Benthos samples were collected at Transects 1,
2A, 2B and 3 (Figure V-B-1),
using a Ponar grab sampler. Duplicate samples were taken off the south
^
shore at Transects 1, 2A and 3.
Sampling at Transect 2B, in the back channel of Phillis Island, consisted of a single ponar grab at the south, middle and north side of the channel.
Each grab was washed within a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and the remains placed in a bottle and preserved with 10% formalin. In the laboratory, macroinvertebrates were sorted from each sample, identified to the l
lowest possible taxon and counted. Mean densities (numbers /m ) for each taxon were calculated for each of two rep 1/ cates and three back channel samples.
Three species diversity -indices were calculated:
Shannon-Weiner and Evenness indices (Pielou 1969), and the number of species (taxa).
Habitats Substrate type was an important factor in determining the composition of the benthic community. 'IVo distinct benthic habitats exist in the Ohio River near BVPS. These habitats were the result of damming, channeliza-tion, and river traffic.
Shoreline habitats were generally soft muck substrates composed of sand, silt and detritus.
An exception occurs along the north shoreline of Phillis Island at Transect 2A where clay E
and sand pred minate The other distinct habitat, hard substrate, is 5
located at midriver. The hard substrate may have been initially caused by channelization and scoured by river cvrrents and turbulence from cocurcrcial boat traffic.
Forty-three macroinvertebrate taxa were identified during the 1983 monitoring prograu (Table V-B-1). Species composition during 1983 was 18 I
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TRANSMISSION LINE POWER STATION POlif E R i
STATION FIGURF. V-B-1 BENT 110S SAMPl.ING STATIONS, BVPS
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M TABLE V-B-1 SYSTDtATIC LIST OF MACROINVERTEBRATFS COLLECTED IN PREOPERATIONA1.
AND OPERATIONAL YEARS IN Tile 01110 RIVER NEAR BVPS tn Preoperational Operational y
1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 H
Porifera Q
Spongilla fragilis X
z Cnidaria liydrozoa Clavidae Cordylophora lacustris X
X X
X liyTr~ldae Craspedacusta sowerby1 X
llydra sp.
X X
X X
X X
X 5
Platyhelminthes om Tricladida X
X X
X X
W Rhat,docoela X
X X
>c
'2: c Ncmertca X
X X
X X
$k Nematoda X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
%Q ra Z
O Entoprocta g rus llrnatella gracilis X
?.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
<dt*
ww Ectoprocta
$h Federicella sp.
X X
yH Paludicella articulata X
X trs n yk O
Pectinatella sp.
X Plutnatella sp.
X b
Annelida
- xs K 011gochaeta Q
Aeolosomatidae X
X X
X o
Enchytracidae X
X X
X X
X X
X X
y Naididae Amphichseta leydigif X
Amphichaeta sp.
X Arctconais lomondi X
X X
Aulophorus sp.
X X
Diactogaster diaphanus X
X X
X X
C. diastrophus X
X X
N ro digitata X
X X
D. nivea X
X k ro sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X Hals barbata X
G retscheri X
X X
X X
H. conimunis X
X N. elinguis X
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X X X
X XX X
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M TABLE V-B-1 (Continued)
Preoperational Operational 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 vs Arthropoda M
Acarina X
X X
X X
O Ostracoda X
X X
H Amphipoda O
Talitridae liyallela azteca X
X Caluma ridae Crangonyx pseudogracilis X
Crangonyx sp.
I C.noarus fasciatus X
X X
Gammarus sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X Decapoda X
Collembolla X
g Ephemeroptera cm lieptageniidae X
X W
Stenacron sp.
X X
> ts Stenonema sp.
X gj Caenidae c: c:
Caenis sp.
X X
>M Tricorythodes sp.
X y
N Ephemeridae
,tj M
_Epliemera sp.
X M t-*
Henloptera yy Statis sp.
X ox Ottona t a QH Conphidae hn Dromogomphus spoliatus X
ZOh@
Dromogomphus sp.
I Tlaphus sp.
X X
X X
t* g Trichoptera pQ Psychomyidae M
Polycentropus sp.
X o
liydropsychidae X
y Clwumatopsyche sp.
X X
liydropsyche sp.
X llydroptilidae Ilydroptila sp.
X Oxyethira sp.
X Ixptoceridae Oecetis sp.
X X
X X
Colcoptera X
liydrophilidae X
Elmidae Ancyronyx variegatus X
Dubiraphia sp.
X X
X llelichus sp.
X
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-B-1 (Continued)
Preoperational Operational 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1948 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 un Stenelmis sp.
X X
X M
Psephenidae e
Diptera y
Unidentified Diptera X
X X
X X
X z
Psychodidae X
y Pericoma sp.
X Psychoda sp.
X Telmatoscopus sp.
X Unidentified Psychodidae pupae X
Chaoboridae Chaoborus sp.
X X
X X
X X
X Simulidae Simillum sp.
X 011ronomfdee Quironominae X
u Chironominae pupa X
X X
>c Chironomus sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X ZC gg Cladopelma sp.
X cc Cryptochironomus sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X yM Dicrotendipes nervosus X
z gu Dicrotendipes sp.
X X
X X
QM Clyptotendipes sp.
X X
X
<:: t-*
Harnischia sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X yy Hieropsectra sp.
X o ::
fficrotendipes sp.
X gH Parachironomus sp.
X mn Fidypedilum (s.s.) convictum type X
$o P. (s.s.) simulans type X
>k Polypedilum sp.
y X
X X
X td >
l<heotanytarsus sp.
X X
X X
X X
ps k Stenochironomus sp.
X X
X X
M Stictochironomus sp.
X Tanytarsus sp.
X X
X X
X y
Tanypodinae Ablabesmyia sp.
X X
X Coelotanypus asca ularis X
X X
X X
X X
Procladius (Procladius)
X X
Procladius sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X Thienemannimyia group X
X X
X X
Zavrelimyia sp.
X Orthocladiinae X
Orthocladijnae pupae X
Cricotopus bicinctus X
C.
(s.s.) trifascia X
Uricotopus (Isocladius) sylvestris Group X
C.
(Isocladius) sp.
X
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
TABLE V-B-1 (Continued)
Preoperational Operational TD73 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 m
Cricotopus (s.s.) sp.
X X
X X
X M
Eukiefferiella sp.
X X
X 3 robaenus sp.
X g
11 d I.1anophyes sp.
X z
E r.nocladius (s.s.) distinctus X
X X
X X
Narinocladiun sp.
X Orthocladius sp.
X X
X X
X X
X X
Parametrincnemus sp.
X X
Paraphaenocladius sp.
X X
Psectrocladius sp.
X X
Pseudorthocladius sp.
X Pseudosmittia sp.
X X
Smittia sp.
X X
X X
X D G esinae Diamesa sp.
X u
Potthastia sp.
X p ty Ceratopogonidae X
X X
X X
X X
Zc Dolichopodidae X
X Fmpididae X
X X
X X
g$
M y
Wiedemannia sp.
X e
Ep5yitridae X
MM Muscidae X
X
$e Rhagionidae X
H H Tipulidae X
Stratiomytidae X
gH Syrg hidae X
mn Impiticptera X
X X
- 2: O Mollusca h@
Castropoda t*
Ancylidae p
Ferrissia sp.
X X
X X
M Planorbidae X
Valvatidae W
d Valvata perdepressa Pelecypoda X
Corbiculidae Corbicula manilensis*
X X
X X
X X
X X
Sphaeridae X
X X
Pisidium sp.
X X
Sphaerium sp.
X X
X X
X X
X Unidentified immature Sphaeriidae X
X X
X Unionidae Anadonta grandis X
F.lliptio sp.
X Unidentified immature Unionidae X
X X
X X
- Recent literature relegated all North American Corbicula to be Corbicula fluminea.
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 198* ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
similar to that observed during previous preoperational (1973 through 1975) and operational (1976 through 1982) years. The macroinvertebrate assemblage during 1983 was composed primarily of burrowing organisms typical of soft unconsolidated substrates.
Oligochaetes (worms) and chironomid (midge) larvae were abundant (Tables V-B-2, V-B-3, and V-B-4).
Common genera of oligochaetes were Limnodrilus, Nais, and Paranais.
Common genera of chironomids were Polypedilum, Procladius, Coelotanypus, and Chrionomus. The Asiatic clam (Corbicula), which was collected from 1974 through 1978, has been collected in 1981, 1982 and I
1983. None were collected during 1979 or 1980 surveys.
No ecologically important additions of species were encountered during 1983 nor were any threatened or endangered species collected.
I Community Structure and Soatial Distribution Oligochaetes accounted for the highest percentages of the macroinverte-I brates at all sampling stations (Figure V-B-2).
Oligochaetes accounted for a greater percentage of the macroinvertebrate community at all four Stations in May as compared to September, when chironomidae and mollusca were more common at Transects 2A and 2B.
Density and species composition variations observed within the BVPS t
study area were due primarily to habitat differences and the tendency of l
certain types of macroinvertebrates (e.g.,
oligochaetes) to cluster.
Overall, abundance and species composition throughout the study area were similar.
In general, the density of macroinvertebrates during 1983 was lowest at Transect 2A and higher at Transects 1, 2B, and 3 where substrates near the shore were composed of soft mud or various combinations of sand and I
silt.
The lower abundance at Transect 2A was probably related to substrate conditions (clay and sand) along the north shore of Phillis Island.
I I
25 I
l M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
l OLIGOCHAETA
.d CHIRONOMIDAE g
ALL OTHERS i
100 g
s0 l
5 z
80
~
70 l
w a0 o
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o 2
50 pg i
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MN i
EW 40 z
<F g
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- 13 m$
f W
W o
Qe70-72 1973 1974 1975 (1ers 1977 1e7s te7e 1980 1est tes2 1ssay y
y PRE-OPERATIONAL YEARS OPERATIONAL YEARS FIGURE V-B-2
]
MEAN PERCENT COMPOSITION OF THE BENTHOS COMMUNITY'IN THE OHIO RIVER i
J NEAR BVPS DURING PREOPERATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL YEARS.
l
m W
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
TABLE V-B-2 2
MEAN NUMBER OF MACR 0 INVERTEBRATES (Number /m ) AND PERCENT COMPOSITION OF OLICOC11AETA, CHIRONOMIDAE, MOLLUSCA AND OTilER ORGANISMS,1983 BVPS Q
a 2
STATION 1
2A 2B 3
- /m"
- /m"
- /m*
- /m' May 11 011gochaeta 3,164 88 70 88 1,041 79 1,118 59 h
Chironomidae 366 10 119 9
751 39 Mollusca 20
<1 99 8
g@E Others 40 1
10 12 55 4
40 2
i3 U
DE Totals 3,590 100 80 100 1,314 100 1,909 100 mM Ee
- a M September 13 mn p y 011gochaeta 3,132 75 50 16 1,695 40 3,509 94 d
Chironomidae 981 24 198 62 2,008 48 189 5
m Mollusca 59 1
60 19 475 11 40 1
p, others 10 3
35 1
10
<1 H
Totals 4,172 100 318 100 4,213 100 3,748 100
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-B-3 2
I BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATE DENSITIES (Individuals /m ), MEAN OF. TRIPLICATE FOR BACK CHANNEL AND DUPLICATE SAMPLES COLLECTED IN THE MAIN CHANNEL OHIO RIVER, MAY 11, 1983 BVPS STATION Taxa 1
2A 2B
_ 3 Nemertea 7
Nematoda 30 20 Entoprocta Urnatella gracilis
+
+
+
Annelida I
Oligochaeta eggs
+
+
+
Enchytraeidae 40 Arcteonais _lomondi 50 Nais sp.
50 26 40 I
Paranais frici 158 13 40 Pristina sina 7
Vejdovskyella intermedia 30 Aulodrilus pigueti 10 A. pluriseta 10 Branchiura sowerby1 13 10 Limnodrilus cervix 20 L. claparedeianus 10 L. hoffmeister1 316 40 79 79 L. udekemianus 40 10 46 I
Peloscolex multisetosus 10 Potamothrix vejdovskyi 60 Immatures w/o capilliform chaetae 2,312 20 817 760 Immatures v/ capilliform chaetae 158 40 79 Arthropoda l
Acarina 7
l Amphipoda Gammarus sp.
10 7
Ephemeroptera Stenacron sp.
7 I
Trichoptera Oece Q sp.
20 Diptera l
Chironomini 10 l
Chironomus sp.
20 59 69 Cryptochironomus sp.
10 7
Harnischia sp.
60 7
10 I
Polypedilum sp.
13 Coelotanypus scapularis 40 13 20 Procladius sp.
216 13 632 I
lI 28
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-B-3 (Continued)
STATION Taxa 1
2A 2B 3
Cricotopus sp.
10 20 Orthocladius sp.
7 Ceratopogonidae 7
20 Terrestrial insect 10 Mollusca Corbicula manilensis*
20 Sphaerium sp.
99 Total 3,590 80 1,314 1,909
+ Indicates organisms present.
- Recent literature (1979) relegated all North American Corbicula to Corbicula fluminea I
!I 29
I SECTION U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-B-4 I
2 BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATE DENSITIES (Individuals /m ), MEAN OF TRIPLICATE FOR BACK CHANNEL AND DUPLICATE SAMPLES COLLECTED IN THE MAIN CHANNEL OHIO RIVER, SEPTEMBER 13, 1983 BVPS STATION Taxa 1
2A 2B 3
Entoprocta g
Urnatella gracilis i
+
+
g Annelida Oligochaeta eggs
+
Enchytraeidae 10 I
Nais sp.
266 138 79 Paranais frici 20 Aulodrilus pigueti 20 A. pluriseta 89 86 10 Branchiura sowerbyi 89 86 Limnodrilus cervix 10 33 60 L. claparedeianus 7
I II. hoffmeister1 405 10 86 938 II. udekemianus 20 20 30 Potamothrix vejdovskyi 20 Immatures w/o capilliform chaetae 1,808 40 916 2,332 I
Immatures w/ capilliform chaetae 415 283 60 Hirudinea Helobdella elongata 7
l Arthropoda Terrestrial spider (Arachnida) 7
=
Acarina 7
Amphipoda Gammarus sp.
10 Trichoptera Oecetis sp.
7 Terrestrial beetle (Coleoptera) 7 Diptera Chironomini pupae 26 Cladopelma sp.
40 Chironomus sp.
148 105 40 Cryptochironomus sp.
179 10 26 Dicrotendipes sp.
138 26 I
Glyptotendipes sp.
7 Harnischia sp.
30 20 10 Polypedilum sp.
80 30 1,021 89 Rheotanytarsus sp.
10 13 Tanytarsus sp.
20 151 coelotanypus scapularis 228 171 10 l
30 1
L.
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANEUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-B-4 (Continued)
STATION Taxa 1
2A 2B 3
Procladius 286 395 40 Orthocladinae pupae 7
Cricotopus sp.
20 Terrestrial fly (Diptera) 10 Mollusca Corbicula manilensis*
59 20 251 40 I
Sphaerium sp.
40 224 Total 4,172 318 4,213 3,748
+ Indicates organisms present.
- Recent literature (1979) relegated all North American Corbicula to Corbicula fluminea I
I I
!I I
l 31 l
1
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY W
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Comparison of Control and Non-Control Stations No adverse i= pact to the benthic community was observed during 1983.
This conclusion is based on a comparison of data collected at Transect 1 (Control) and 2B (Non-Control) and on analyses of species composition and densities.
Data indicate that oligochaetes were usually predominant throughout the I
study area (Figure V-B-2).
Abundant taxa at Transects 1 and 2B in both May and September were immature tubificids without capilliform chaetae (Tables V-B-3 and V-B-4).
In May, the oligochaetes which were common or abundant at both stations were Paranais frici and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri.
In September, the oligochaetes Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Nais 3 and the midges Procladius, Coelotanvpus scapularis and Polypedilum were the common organisms collected at both stations.
I In previous surveys, a greater variety of organisms have been found at Transect 2B than at Transect 1.
This usually results in a slightly higher Shannon-Weiner diversity and evenness at Transect 2B (Table V-B-5).
In 1983, a greater diversity of organisms was collected at stations, however, the mean number of taxa and Shannon-Weiner indices g
for the back channel were within the range of values obse'ved for other r
W stations in the study area.
Differences observed between Transect 1 (Control) and 2B (Non-Control) and between other stations could be related to differences in habitat.
None of the differences can be attributed to BVPS operation.
I Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data l
Composition, percent occurrence and overall abundance of macroinverte-brates has changed little from preoperational years through the current study year. Oligochaetes have been the predominant macroinvertebrate in the community each year and they comprised approximately 71*.'
of the individuals collected in 1983 (Figure V-B-2).
A similar oligochaete assemblage has been reported each year. Chironomids and mollusks have composed the remaining fractions of the community each year.
The potential nuisance clam, Corbicula, had increased in abundance from 1974 32
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-B-5 I
MEAN DIVERSITY VALUES FOR BENTHIC MACR 0 INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED IN THE OHIO RIVER, 1983 BVPS I
I STATION 1
2A 2B 3
DATE: May 11 No. of Taxa 17 2
8 14 Shannon-Weiner Index 2.18 1.26 1.32 2.61 Evenness 0.53 0.79 0.39 0.69 I
I DATE: September 13 No. of Taxa 18 5
16 11 Shannon-Weiner Index 2.95 1.81 2.90 1.64 Evenness 0.71 0.78 0.82 0.47 I
I I
1 I
I I
33 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LlGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
through 1976, but declined in number during 1977. Since 1981, Corbicula have been collected in the benthic surveys including 1983.
Total macroinvertebrate densities for Transect 1 (Control) and 2B (Non-Control) for each year since 1973 are presented in Table V-B-6.
Mean densities of macroinvertebrates have gradually increased from 1973 through 1976 (BVPS Unit I start-up) until the current study year,1983.
Mean densities were frequently higher in the back channel of Phillis Island (Non-Control) as compared to densities at Transect 1 (Control).
In years such as 1983 (also 1981, 1980, 1979) when mean densities were lower at Transect 2B than at Transect I the differences were negligible.
These differences could be related to substrate, variability, and randomness of sample grabs.
Higher total densities of macroinverte-brates in the back channel (Transect 2B) as compared to Transect 1 was probably due to the morphology of the river. Mud, silt sediments and slow current were predominant at Transect 2B creating conditions more favorable for burrowing macroinvertebrates in comparison to Tran ect 1, l
which has little protection from river currents and turbulence caused commercial boat traffic.
Summary and Conclusions Substrate was probably the most important factor controlling the distri-bution and abundance of the benthic macroinvertebrates in the Ohio River near BVPS. Soft muck-type substrates along the shoreline were conducive to worm and midge proliferation, while limiting macroinvertebrates which require a more stable bottom.
At the shoreline stations, Oligochaeta l
accounted for 71*.'
of the macrobenthos collected, while Mollusca and Chironomidae each accounted for about 23.8 and 4.9*, respectively.
"""nity structure was changed itt e since pre Perational years and E
5 there was no evidence that BVPS operations were affecting the benthic community of the Ohio River.
I I
34 I
4 m
SECITON U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPAh"f 1983 ANMUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
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SECTI0ii V DUQUESNE L1GHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT C.
PHYTOPLANKTON Objectives Plankton sampling was conducted to determine the condition of the phytoplankton community of the Ohio River in the vicinity of the BVPS and to assess possible environmental impact to the phytoplankton resulting from the operation of Unit 1.
I Methods One entrainment sample was collected monthly.
Each sample was a one-gallon sample taken from below the skimmer wall from one operating intake bay of Unit 1.
This one gallon sample was preserved with Lugol's solution and was used for the analyses of both phytoplankton and zooplankton.
I In the laboratory, a known aliquot of well-mixed sample was concentrated by settling, the supernatant was decanted and the concentrate diluted to a final volume.
An aliquot of 0.1 m1 from the final concentrate was placed in a Palmer-Maloney cell and examined at 400X magnification.
A minimum of 200 cells were identified and counted in each sample. For each collection date, volume of the final concentrate was adjusted depending on cell density, however the same area of the Palmer cell was I
examined for all samples.
A Hyrax diatom slide was also prepared monthly from each sample. This slide was examined at 1000X magnifica-tion in order to make positive identification of the diatoms.
Densities (cells /ml), Shannon-Weiner and Evenness diversity indices (Pielou 1969), and Richness index (Dahlberg and Odum 1970) wera calcu-lated for each monthly sample.
I Seasonal Distribution Total cell densities of phytoplankton from stations on the Ohio River and in the intake samples have been similar during the past years (Annual Environmental Reports 1976-1979). Species composition has also been similar in entrainment samples and those from the Ohio River (DLCo 1980).
36 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Therefore, samples collected from the intake bays should provide an adequate characterization of the phytoplankton community in the Ohio River.
During 1983, January and March coli,ctions had the fewest phytoplankton present in the samples with mean densities of 872 and 898 cells /ml, I
respectively (Table V-C-1).
The annual maximum occurred in February (84,176 cells /ml) (Figure V-C-1); however, this was due to a unicellular green algae (1 to 3 um in diameter) not usually observed during winter.
Total mean densities increased monthly from March through July, decreas-ed in August, and increased again to a peak in October (Table V-C-1).
Densities decreased after October to a low of 2,600 cells /ml observed in December (Figure V-C-2).
I Diatoms (Chrysophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta) were usually the most abundant groups of the phytoplankton during 1983 (Table V-C-1 and I
Figure V-C-2). The relative abundance for the group microflagellates was highest in May making up 16*. of the total numbers observed in this month. Relative d(nsity of blue-greens (Cyanophyta) were highest during January (20*.) and April (17*.) (Table V-C-1).
E Diversity indices for the phytoplankton during 1983 are presented in Table V-C-2.
Shannon-Weiner indices ranged from 3.51 to 4.74, evenness I
values from 0.64 to 0.83, and richness values from 2.98 to 7.35.
High diversity values occurred in 11 of the 12 months. The lowest value for Shannon-Weiner Index occurred in October; however, the lowest number of species occurred in May when small centric diatoms were predominant.
Highest number of taxa (52) occurred in April and December.
Phytoplankton communities were generally dominated by different taxa 1' I each season, Most abundant taxa during winter (January through March) were Chlorophyta I and Schizothrix (Table V-C-3).
Generally, the group Chlorophyta I were small (5 to 15 pm), unicellular, green algae which were probably separated from a colony and were very difficult to posi-tively identify. Small centric diatoms that were present in all phyto-plankton samples were the most common organisms in the spring, and
- I 37 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
I i.7 4 J A N.JUL. A UG=0 CT a i.7 4 4
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FIGURE V C-1 I
' SEASONAL PATTEltN OF 'PHYTOPLANkTON DENSITIES IN THE OHIO RIVER DURING PREOPERATIONAL (1974-1975) AND OPERATIONAL (1976-1983) YEARS BVPS E
38 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LXGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT CMLon0PMvvA CMays0PNVTA
'*00' "
- -** CYAMOPHYTA W C ATPTOPHYTA & ulCROPL AGELLATES 13000-12000 -
I l
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I 1983 FIGURE V-C-2 PHYTOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES FOR ENTRAINMENT S AMPLES,1983 BVPS I
39
m W
W W
W W
W W
W m
m m
m m
m M
MM M
TABLE V-C-1 MONTHLY PilYT0 PLANKTON CROUP DENSITIES (Number /ml) AND PERCENT COMPOSITION FROM ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES, 1983 m
BVPS 5
g Is 5
Jan Feb z
Mar Apr May Jun Group
- /ml
- /mi
- /ml f/ml
- /ml
- /mi Chlorophyta 148 17 83,730 99 76 8
64 3
380 12 11,240 63 3
Chrysophyta
-388 44-172
<1 682 76 1632 75 1920 60 4,240 24 Cyanophyta 172 20 228
<1 56 6
376 17 20 1
0 0
Cryptophyta 80 9
12
<1 12 1
24 1
360 11 1,520 8
G Microflagellates 80 9
32
<1 70 8
88 4
500 16 920 5
0 Other Groups 4
<1 2
<1 2
<1 0
0 0
0 40
<1 gg z.o Total 872 100 84,176 100 898 100 2.184' 100
~.3,180 100 17,960 100
%h
@5
\\
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec dC Croup
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
$0
+
Chlorophyta 13,760 68 6,480 57 5,220 43 7,880 41 480 13 150 6
EE h4 Chrysophyta 4,360 22 3,080 2'
5,780 48 9,780 51 2,660 72 1,970 76 3
h Cyanophyta 200 1
.c 0
'1 220 2
80
<1 280 8
310 12 4
580 5
540 3
0 0
30 1
E Cryptophyta 680 3
520 s
Microflagellates 960 5
1,240 11 320 3
780 4
300 8
140 5
5 other Groups 80
<1 40
<1 40
<1 20,
<1 0
0 0
0 N
Total 20,240 100 11,440 100 12,160 100 19,080 100 3,720 100 2,600 100 s
e f '
a s
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-C-2 PilYT0 PLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTil FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES,1983 BVPS v3 M
e Jan Feb
- Mar Apr May Jun No. of Species 36 42 51 52 25 42 Shannon-Weiner Index 4.27 4.01 4.60 4.74 3.67 4.41 G$
Evenness 0.82 0.74 0.81 0.83 0.79 0.82 ge i
MS Richness 5.17 6.45 7.35 6.64 2.98 4.18 g$5 c-gm dC Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec X
gd No. of Species 37 40 37 45 37 52 41 g @8 Shannon-Weiner Index 4.16 4.28 3.56 3.51 4.17 4.72 4.18 Mg
=
Evenness 0.80 0.80 0.68 0.64 0.80 0.83 0.78 3
E Richness 3.63 4.17 3.83 4.46 4.38 6.48 4.98
- Diversity calculations for February without Chlorophyte I (83,600 cells /ml, unidentifiable unicellular greens). Diversity values with Chlorophyta I: Shannon - 0.09 Evenness - 0.02, Richness - 3.70.
-5 5
5 5
O Y
$lS M
Y Y
Y W
TABLE V-C-3 DENSITIES (Number /ml) OF HOST ABUNDANT PIIYTOPLANKT0tl TAXA (Fifteen Host Abundant On Any Date)
COLLECTED FROM EfrIRAINMENT SAMPLES JANUARY TilROUCil DECEMBER 1983 BVPS cn N
H Taxa Jan Feb Mar Ag
{tal Jun Jul Aug g
Oct Nov Dec g
CYANOPIIYTA ra 4
Schizothrix calcicola 172 86 52 320 20 160 60 80 280 310 Echizothrix sp.
142 C11LOROPdYTA Ankistrodesmus convolutus 12 2
1,440 1,320 360 200 620 40 20 Ankistrodesmus falcatus 36 18 6
16 80 680 200 280 160 260 20 Coelastrum microporum 320 320 Crucigenia tetrapedia 4
320 480 80 La Dictyoy haerium pulchellum 80 480 600 120 80 y ts Kircfmeriella obesa 640 40 220 60 Zc Micractinium pusillum 10 920 120 LO 100 Fediastrum duplex 40 480 g to Scentdr c.us acuminatus 6
'1 160 720 320 260 Scenedesmus bicellularis 8
16 4
1,640 4,040 1,840 1,340 2,280 180 40 g tg Scenedesmus quadricauda 8
20 1,880 1,760 480 800 1,000 160
< t*
Selenastrum minutum 4
4 4
8 40 360 480 440 1,020 540 40 20 MH Selenastrum westil 360 680 880 100 500 Sphaerocystis schroeteri 320 gH Testrastrum staurogeniaeforme 160 rg n Chlorophyta I 60 83,678 40 32 120 1,600 1,440 440 760 1,000 40 40 gg e
CIIRYSTt 't rt
>a td g=
WM Dinob r.:
tularia 4
140 80 bd Synurr ~/e t b 2
44 48 20 80 20 60 TcW
';~T-issima 4
14 20 40 20 40 90 W
Aste:
,tusa 72 6
66 104 260 320 40 20 10 d
Gifel 6a vent e stosa 6
64 20 20 30 Di a ton.a tenua 24 80 80 40 20 20 Diatoma W lie 8
2 24 20 60 Frag 11 aria crotonensis 32 6
Fragilaria vaucheriae 2
10 40 40 40 40 80 Comphonema parvulum 16 8
8 56 100 40 fblostra ambigua 24 14 24 100 400 1,760 40 200 160 320 Fklostra distans 4
8 160 580 1,180 40 20 hklostra granulata 68 46 48 180 560 760 240 260 120 40 20 tklostra varians 8
10 48 40 160 Navicula cryptocephala 24 28 50
.208 80 80 40 40 20 100 160 270
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
m TABLE V-C-3 (Continued)
Taxa Jan Feb Mar g
g Jun Jul g
g Oct Nov Dec Navicula viridula 16 12 40 248 60 40 40 60 140 Nitzschia holsetica 240 120 m
}Tirzschia Lalen 28 10 34 136 40 40 120 40 60 160 140 Synedra filiformis 4
8 12 16 40 320 100 100 30 H
S nedra ulna 4
2 16 24 40 40 40 60 o
m Mantrics 36 2
1 34 96 860 2,000 1,800 1,720 4,440 7,720 980 330 2
CRYPTOPllYTA Cryptomonas erosa 24 4
8 8
40 320 80 80 140 220 20 Khodomonas minuta 56 8
4 16 320 1,200 600 440 440 300 10 MICROFldCELLATES 80 32 70 88 500 920 960 1,240 320 780 300 140 TOTAL PllYT0 PLANKTON 872 84,176 898 2,184 3,180 17,960 20,240 11,440 12,160 19,080 3,720 2,600 5
TCTIAL OF MOST ABUNDANT TAXA 812 84,118 796 1,800 3,060 16,560 18,760 10,400 11,300 18,100 3,360 2,080 PERCENi COMPOSITION OF MOST ABUNDANT PilYTOPl.ANKTON 93 100 89 82 96 92 93 91 93 95 90 80 C: g km
.u t., s Ge GM O ;I:
yH EO C E5 m$
a n
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
inclu'ded several small (4 to 12 ym dia.) species.
Positive species identification was not possible during quantitative analysis at 400X magnification. Burn mount analysis at 1000X magnification revealed the group "small centrics" included primarily Cyclotella
- atomus, C_.
pseudostelligera, C.
meneghiniana, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, and S.
ast: aea.
The most abundant organisms in the summer surveys included I
Scenee'smus bicellularis (green algae) and small centrics.
Small centrics were also the most abundant organisms collected in October, November and December.
Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects Plankton samples were not collected at any river stations after April 1, 1980 due to a reduction in the scope of the aquatic sampling program, therefore, comparison of data was not possible in 1983.
Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data I
The seasonal succession of phytoplankton varied from year to year, but in general the phytoplankton taxa has remained generally consistent.
Phytoplankton communities in running waters respond quickly to changes in water temperature, turbidity, nutrients, velocity and turbulence (Hynes 1970). The phytoplankton frem the Ohio River near BVPS generally exhibited a bimodal pattern of annual abundance. During the preopera-tional year 1974, total densities peaked in August and October while in I
operational years of 1976 through 1979, mean peak densities occurred in June and September (DLCo 1980).
Total phytoplankton densities also displayed a bimodal pattern in 1983 (Figure V-C-2).
In general, the phytoplankton community in 1983 was similar to those of preoperational and operational years.
No major change in species composition or community structure was obterved during 1983. The small I
differences in the phytoplankton community between 1983 and the previous years are believed to be due to natural fluctuations and were not a result of BVPS operations.
Yearly mean Shannon-Weiner diversity indices from 1974 through 1983 were similar, ranging from a low of 3.57 in 1980 to a maximum of 4.36 in 1975 I
44 I
1
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT g
3 (Table V-C-4).
Evenness values were also similar, except during 1973 and 1974 when values were lower.
From 1975 through 1983, evenness ranged from 0.56 to 0.83.
The. maximum evenness diversity value is 1.0 and would occur when each species is represented by the same number of individuals. The mean number of taxa each year ranged from 19 in 1973 to 47 in 1982. The highest number of taxa (66 in July) ever observed in phytoplankton studies at BVPS occurred during the operational year 1982.
I Summary and Conclusions The phytoplankton community of the Ohio River near BVPS exhibited a seasonal pattern similar to that observed in previous years.
This pattern is common to temperate, lotic environments.
Total cell densities were within the range observed during previous years. Diver-sity indices of phytoplankton were as high or higher than those pre-I viously observed near 3VPS. This was probably due to decreased precip-itation and favorable weather conditions that occurred during early spring of 1983.
I I
I I
I I
I lI l
45
.I
W W
M M
M M
m M
mm m
TABLE V-C-4 111YT0 PLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES (HEAN OF ALI. SAMPLES 1973 TO 1983)
NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF IIIE OilIO RIVER BVPS r.n Jan Feb Har Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Y
{j H
"4 1973 No! of Species 7
2 13 24 27 28 30 24 17 16 19 E!
Shannon Index 1.55 0.54 No 0.63 1.64 2.28 3.55 3.72 No 3.37 3.25 3.27 2.38
,e Evenness 0.33 0.15 Sample 0.11 0.25 0.35 0.55 0.52 Sample 0.50 0.54 0.53 0.38 Richness 1.24 0.29 1.50 2.63 3.17 3.61 3.46 3.24 2.89 2.80 2.48 1974 No. of Species 12 8
17 22 44 46 47 60 34 47 34 Shannon Index 2.96 2.23 3.18 3.50 4.89 4.40 4.03 4.25 3.85 5.02 3.83 No SamP e l
Eveness 0.55 0.46 0.57 0.58 0.62 0.62 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.58 0.56 Richness 2.55 1.82 3.05 3.74 5.56 5.45 5.46 6.49 4.77 5.44 4.43 1975 Ld ho. of Species 52 34 43 32 40 40 p,jj ts Shannon Index 4.53 4.22' 4.37 4.22 4.48 4.36 gg No Sample 0.80 0.83 0.81 0.87 0.85 0.83 c: c:
Evennesa Richness 5.57 3.96 4.89 3.92 6.19 4.91 llg}
4-Lc 0'
1976
[]D1 ha. of Species 31 35 31 38 47 49 46 43 38 33 35 38 39
<= r*
Shannon Index 3.98 4.36 3.90 4.25 4.14 4.27 4.28 4.30 3.93 4.16 4.24 4.45 4.19 gj[j Evenness 0.80 0.85 0.78 0.81 0.75 0.76 0.78 0.80 0.75 0.83 0.83 0.85 0.80 c3 ::
Richness 5.15 5.89 4.92 4.70 4.68 4.79 4.72 4.34 3.85 4.17 4.95 5.79 4.83 ll"i MO 1977 L: O No. of Species 20 28 31 24 36 30 44 39 37 32 33 27 32 "Ib6 Shannon Index 1.96 3.31 3.00 2.78 4.16 3.52 4.36 4.26 4.29 3.92 4.12 4.00 3.64 P'
Evenness 0.44 0.70 0.01 0.60 0.80 0.72 0.80 0.81 0.82 0.78 0.82 0.83 0.73 ps Richness 3.14 4.57 4.44 2.95 3.53 2.77 4.63 4.26 3.87 3.98 4.18 3.72 3.84
[]o 1978 P8 "i
No. of Species 37 29 32 42 28 42 36 37 35 37 34 32 35 Shannon Index 4.08 3.68 3.77 4.67 3.30 4.16 3.95 4.17 3.81 3.99 3.80 4.44 3.99 Evenness 0.78 0.76 0.76 0.87 0.69 0.78 0.77 0.80 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.90 0.78 Richness,)
g 1979 No. of Species 18 16 19 36 34 27 34 24 29 25 28 38 27 Channon Index 3.49 3.36 3.79 3.22 3.78 3.84 4.10 3.88 4.12 4.07 3.68 4.32 3.80 Evenness 0.84 0.82 0.88 0.62 0.74 0.81 0.80 0.84 0.84 0.88 0.77 0.83 0.81 Richness 2.97 2.64 3.36 4.69 4.08 2.98 3.46 2.72 3.26 3.52 3.57 5.19 3.54
M M
M M
M M
M M-M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
TABLE V-C-4 (Continued)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Y
1980 m
No. of Species 28 18 24 25 21 18 30 16 32 24 33 37 24 m
Shannon Index 3.88 2.64 3.78 3.82 3.28 3.26 3.61 3.45 4.10 3.54 3.73 4.56 3.57 Q
1:venness 0.81 0.64 0.83 0.82 0.75 0.78 0.74 0.86 0.82 0.77 0.74 0.87 0.78 H
Richness 4.07 2.65 3.49 4.02 2.50 2.38 2.90 1.94 3.33 2.59 4.01 5.40 3.15 1981 4
No. of Species 22 35 37 39 34 33 33 51 35 27 40 32 35 Shannon Index 3.92 4.39 4.39 2.29 3.66 4.56 4.13 4.59 4.07 3.90 4.00 4.32 3.95 Evenness 0.88 0.85 0.84 0.43 0.72 0.90 0.82 0.81 0.79 0.82 0.75 0.86 0.79 Richness 3.91 5.84 6.10 4.58 3.69 4.61 3.73 5.76 3.85 3.56 5.00 4.55 4.60 1982 No. of Species 51 41 46 22 55 45 66 54 53 35 50 49 47 Shannon Index 4.68 4.80 4.96 1.88 4 19 4.33 4.72 4.54 4.22 3.97 4.09 4.66 4.30 g
Evenness 0.82 0.90 0.90 0.42 0.83 0.79 0.78 0.79 0.74 0.77 0.72 0.83 0.77 La Richness 7.17 6.43 6.88 2.36 6.15 4.96 6.65 5.33 5.23 3.61 5.35 6.23 5.53 pg
- v. c:
1983
$D No. of Species 36 42 51 52 25 42 37 40 37 45 37 52 41 Shannon Index 4.27 4.01 4.60 4.74 3.67 4.41 4.16 4.28 3.56 3.51 4.17 4.72 4.18 FM C
Evenness 0.82 0.74 0.81 0.83 0.79 0.82 0.80 0.80 0.68 0.64 0.80 0.83 0.78 g$
Richness 5.17 6.45 7.35 6.64 2.98 4.18 3.63 4.17 3.83 4.46 4.38 6.48 4.98 g
HH a)No data
[] Data represent single entrainment sample collected monthly.
hn ZO k>
3 M-O
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT D.
ZOOPLANKTON Objectives Plankton sampling was conducted to determine the condition of the zooplankton community of the Ohio River in the vicinity of the BVPS and to assess possible environmental impact to the zcoplankton due to the operation of Unit 1.
I Methods The zoeplankton analysis was performed on one liter aliquots taken from the preserved one gallon samples obtained from the intake bay of Unit 1 (see Phytoplankton methods, in Part C above). One liter samples were filtered through a 35 micron (.035 mm) mesh screen.
The portion retained was washed into a graduated cylinder and allowed to settle for a minimum of 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />. The supernatent was withdrawn until 10 ml of I
concentrate remained. One ml of this thoroughly mixed concentrate was placed in a Sedgwick-Rafter cell and examined at 100X magnification.
All zooplankters within the cell were identified to the lowest practi-cable taxon and counted.
Total density (individuals / liter), Shannon-Weiner and Evenness diversity indices (Pielou 1969), and Richness index (Dahlberg and Odum 1970) were calculated based upon one sample which was collected below the skimmer wall from one operating intake bay of I
Unit 1.
Seasonal Distribution The zooplankton community of a river system is typically composed of protozoans and rotifers (Hynes 1970, Winner 1975).
The zooplankton community of the Ohio River near BVPS during preoperational and ' opera-tional monitoring years was composed primarily of protozoans and I
rotifers.
Total organism density and species composition of zooplankton from the Ohio River and entrainment samples were similar during 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 (DLCo 1980). Samples collected from intake bays are usually representative of the zooplankton populations of the Ohio River.
I I
48 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL IdPORT During 1983, protozoans and rotifers accounted for 92*. or more of all zooplankton on all samples dates (Table V-D-1).
Total organism densities during January through February were less than 330/11ter (Figure V-D-1, Table V-D-1).
Total organism densities increased in March, decreased in April and May and peaked (8,220/ liter) in June.
Zooplankton populations in the Ohio River usually exhibit a bimodal pattern. The maximum zooplankton density in the Ohio River near BVPS I
frequently occurs in the spring, although it is sometimes delayed until summer or early fall (Table V-D-2, Figure V-D-2).
Below average prec-1pitation during early 1983 allowed zooplankton populations to maintain high densities during the summer and early autumn. The effect of a dry year and low river discharges was noted by Hynes (1970) to favor plank-ton populations.
I The seasonal pattern of zooplankton densities observed in the Ohio River near BVPS is typical of temperate climates (Hutchinson 1967). Zooplank-ton densities in winter are low due primarily to low water temperatures and limited food availability (Winner 1975).
In the spring, food availability and water temperatures increase which stimulate growth and reproduction.
Zooplankton populations decrease during the fall and winter from the summer maximum because optimum conditions for growth and I
reproduction decrease during this period.
Densities of protozoans during January through March of 1983 were between 250 and 320/ liter (Table V-D-1).
Protozoans gradually increased in April, decreased in May and peaked in June (6,940/ liter). Protozoans progressively decreased in November to densities of' 490/ liter in I
December.
Vorticella sp.,
Codonella cratera and Strobilidium sp.
occurred fairly consistently through out the year. Nuclearia simplex exhibited a high density in June accounting for over 50*,' of the zoo-plankton observed in that month. These taxa have been a main part of the protozoan assemblage of the Ohio River near BVPS since the studies were initiated in 1972.
The rotifer assemblage in 1983 (Figure V-D-2) displayed a typical pattern of ratifer populations in temperate inland waters (Hutchinson I
49 I
L
-m W
W W
W W
W W
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-D-1 MONTHLY ZOOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES (Number / liter) AND PERCENT COMPOSITION FROM ENTRAINAENT SAMPLES, 1983 p
BVPS Q
az Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Group
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /mi Protozoa 250 88 320 97 315 22 500 93 390 81 6,940 84 Rotifera 30 10 10 3
1,100 78 40 7
90 19 1,270 15 Crustacea 5
2 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 id
<1 gg dS Total 285 100 330 100 1,415 100 540 100 480 100 8,220 100 gg
$r n
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec o@
n Group
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml
- /ml g
,h Protozoa 1,320 28 5,030 84 1,100 33 1,670 58 890 94 490 88 e
Rotifera 3,440 72 880 15 1,930 59 1,190 41 60 6
70 12 g
Crustacca 20
<1 100 1
250 8
20 1
0 0
0 0
Total 4,780 100 6,010 100 3,280 100 2,880 100 950 100 560 100
SECTION U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
1 1974 JAN=JUL, AUG-OCT a 197441975, NOV=OEC 1975 e
19 7 8.19 7 7,19 7 8.19 7 9,1940,1981.195 2 ( AVER AGE) 4000 -
tes:
I SCALE CNANGE I
7000 -
I S000 -
5000 -
...O e
3000 -
p I
I f.
\\
/
f
\\g
/
g 2000 -
f s' /
N.
i
\\
i
/
I s
/
N-1000 -
/
I Ii 500 -
/
l i
/
\\.
f 2so -
~~----I I
/
.s.
o J
F M
A M
J J
A S
'O N
D FIGURE V-D-1 l
SEASONAL PATTERNS OF ZOOPLANKTON DENSITIES IN THE OHIO RIVER DURING PREOPERATIONAL (1974-1975) AND OPERATIONAL (1978-1983) YEARS BVPS l
51 I
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
TABLE V-D-2 NEAN ZOOPLANKTON DENSITIES (Number / liter) BY MONTil FROM 1973 Ti!ROUCll 1983, 01110 RIVER AND BVPS Total cn Zooplankton Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec M
d 1973
-a 50 90 154 588 945 1,341 425 180 87 H
1974 78 56 96 118 299 625 4,487 3,740 1,120 4,321 0
1975 4,426 3,621 1,591 2,491 623 1976 327 311 347 10,948 2,516 5,711 3,344 3,296 3,521 518 446 577 1977 147 396 264 393 5,153 4,128 1,143 1,503 3,601 553 934 486 1978 31 30 20 35 403 1,861 1,526 800 1,003 435 297 60 1979 357 96 228 534 2,2?6 599 2,672 4,238 950 370 542 550 1980 320 265 389 270 530 420 3,110 490 2,020 3,820 1,030 700 1981 190 360 220 580 840 31 0 3,800 1,940 4,490 1,850 760 370 1982 400 320 340 880 4,650 1,020 5,630 5,170 5,520 6,410 2,300 1,030 1983 285 330 1,415 540 480 8,220 4,780 6,010 3,280 2,880 950 560 g
co Protozc,a W
cs 1973 45 63 82 188 56 331 346 135 58 c:
1974 50 42 72 91 138 409 1,690 716 1,006 4,195 1975 835 3,295 1,141 2,239 452
>M 1976 278 274 305 10,774 1,698 6
1,903 1,676 808 425 396 492 g
p 1977 135 365 236 312 4.509 2,048 808 947 2,529 401 825 344 g! e M
1978 18 14 14 27 332 1,360 407 315 256 222 227 26 1979 312 64 188 380 2,052 459 340 712 609 326 454 328 HH 1980 244 250 354 190 390 370 1,620 380 1,180 3,010 760 640
$0 1981 130 310 180 510 480 230 730 1,250 4,020 1,580 550 330 gH 1982 350 310 310 820 1,300 870 2,360 1,560 1,590 4,850 2,060 980 mn 1983 250 320 315 500 390 6,940 1,320 5,030 1,100 1,670 890 490 MO
>k Rat i fera td 1973 5
25 64 388 859 1,001 75 43 27 1974 26 12 22 24 155 213 2,783 2,939 115 120 3
1975 3,339 313 444 250 164 W
1976 48 36 38 169 808 4,864 1,398 1,597 2,643 89 48 78 N
1977 12 31 26 76 631 1,984 328 539 1,022 147 108 136 1978 29 33 15 14 16 24 72 61 67 47 22 48 1979 44 33 37 151 172 135 2,255 3,482 324 42 86 220 1980 72 14 33 80 140 50 1,470 110 790 780 260 50 1981 40 50 40 70 340 80 2,800 630 470 260 210 40 1982 50 10 30 50 3,340 130 3,250 1,550 3,840 1,520 240 40 1983 30 10 1,100 40 90 1,270 3,440 880 1,930 1,190 60 70
m W.m m
m m
m m
m m
m m
m m
m m
m TABLE V-D-2 (Continued)
Crustacea Jan Feb Har Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec cn 1973 1
1 3
12 29 9
3 2
2 to 1974 2
2 3
3 6
3 14 85 7
6 Q
1975 51 12 6
3 6
64 1976 2
1 5
4 10 141 43 23 69 3
2 8
O 1977 2
5 13 96 7
17 50 5
1 6
1978 4
6 3
2 6
48 12 27 75 9
5 5
1979 1
0 3
3 2
4 78 44 17 2
2 2
1980 3
1 1
0 0
0 20 0
50 30 10 10 i
1981 20 0
0 0
20 0
270 60 0
10 0
0 1982 0
0 0
10 10 20 20 60 90 40 0
10 1983 5
0 0
0 0
10 20 100 250 20 0
0 C
No sample collected.
b a
c: e b
u
=
W M
H I
l0 ma NE l
n!i a
O e
i r
l I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANEUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
PROTOZOA I
R O TIPER A 7...
" CRUSTACEA i
I I
I I
^
t I
E.....
I\\
l\\
{
l
\\
I
\\
ll l
\\
)b
\\/{\\
I
/
\\
/
/
\\
3 I
/ \\
/
k
\\
I
-j t
>/
A t _.
\\
.r..
g O
1983 FIGURE V-D-2 ZOOPLANKTON GROUP DENSITIES FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES,1983 BVPS 54 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
1967).
Rotifer densities increased from a minimum of 10/ liter in February to a maximum of 3,440/ liter in July (Table V-D-2).
Rotifer populations generally decreased after July to densities of 70/11ter in December. During March, July and September rotifers were the-dominant zooplankters.
Keratella cochlearis, Polyarthra s pp.' and Trichocerca pusilla were the most abundant rotifers during most of the year (Table V-D-3).
I Crustacean densities were low (0 to 20/ liter) from January through July (Table V-D-1).
Densities of crustaceans during 1983 reached their peak of 250/ liter in September (Figure V-D-2j.
No crustaceans were collected in November and December. Crustacean densities never exceeded protozoan or rotifer densities and constituted from 0 to 8*. of the total zooplank-I ton density each month (Table V-D-1).
Copepod nauplii were the only crustaceans collected during 1983.
Other crustacean taxa occasionally present in low numbers were cyclopold copepodites, Cyclops bicuspidatus thomasi, and Bosmina longirostris.
Crustacean populations did not develop high densities despite favorable river conditions of below average precipitation during early 1983.
Crustaceans are rarely numerous in the open waters of rivers and many are eliminated by silt and turbulent water (Hynes 1970).
The highest Shannon-Weiner diversity value of 3.92 and the maximum number of species (37) occurred in September (Table V-D-4).
Evenness ranged from 0.51 in June to 0.86 in May. Richness varied from 1.55 in' February to a maximum of 4.45 in September.
The number of species ranged from 10 in February to 37 in September. Low diversity indices in i
February reflect the dominance of Vortice11a whereas the low density in June was due to a dominance of Codonella cratera.
Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects Zooplankton samples were not collected from stations on the Ohio River after April 1, 1980; therefore, comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects was not possible.
I 55
W M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-D-3 DENSITIES (Number / liter) 0F HOST ABUNDAtrI 200 PLAN 1tTON TAXA (Creater than 2% on any date)
COLLECTED FROM ENTRAINHENT SAMPLES un JANUARY TilROUCll DECEMBER 1983 t'8 BVPS O
az Taxa Jan Feb
, Mar Apr
_Han Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec PRMOZOA Arcella sp.
10 10 10 40 10 10 10 270 100 Askenasta sp.
15 70 15 30 Cen atro yxis aculeata 20 G onella cratera 35 10 50 100 130 20 380 40 40 60 130 110 Cyclotrichinun sp.
5 20 20 Cyphoderia ampulla 5
15 100 10 10 30 110 30 W
Difflugia acuminata 20 5
10
-20 70 20 90 30 e
Difilugia sp.
5 10 5
30 20 20 10 20 30 c:
fifleptus sp.
10 70 20 80 20 c:@
Euglypha compressa 20 10 10 10 10 gy tn Nuclearia simplex 10 4,450 90 100 50 20 20 z
Opercularia sp.
10 80 10 rn cd Phascolodon vortice11a 60
$ tw Strobilidium gyrans 10 110 30 40 270 20 MH Strobilidium sp.
25 10 55 10 50 20 60 2,440 170 560 10 Tintinnidium fluviatile 40 110 2,010 120 450 10 gH E oiella vitrea 30 90 10 en n Vortice11a sp.
110 160 50 150 40 1,500 130 100 40 110 90 100 20 11olophyrid ciliate 10 10 5
50 500 280 60 60 60 10 Ciliate Unidentified 5
20 20 10 40 40 80 20 20 30 20 r*
P8 RMIFT.RA Qo Branchionus calciflorus 80 110 10 ps Colurella colurus 150 10 10 H
Conochilus unicornis 5
10 100 llexarthra mira 140 10 Foratella cochlearls 5
5 10 320 1,190 150 790 800 40 10 Reratella quadrata 10 120 130 10 Ircane sp.
75 10 20 Lepadella stella 850 10 Polyarthra o cioptera 10 580 -
990 230 530 260 Polyarthra vulgaris 10 70 90 270 Synchaeta sp.
20 160 120 20 30 20 Trichocerca pusilla 5
10 660 140 50 10 10 Edelloidea 10 5
20 10 Rotifer Unidentified 10 30 50 20 10 20 10 20 l
l
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-D-3 (Continued)
Taxa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec H
CRUSTACEA Nauplii 5
10 10 80 140 10 2:
Total Zooplankton 285 330 1,415 540 480 8,220 4,780 6,010 3,280 2,880 950 560 Total of Most Abundant Taxa 265 330 1,315 540 480 7,860 4,530 5,780 3,090 2,650 910 550 Percentage Composition of Host Abundant Zooplankton 93 100 93 100 100 96 95 96 94 92 96 98 5
$E as itO M
!E n
E" E8 NEA
=
8s
M M
M M
TABLE V-D-4 ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTil FOR ENTRAINMENT SAMPLES,1983 BVPS 1
m
$s 5
i z
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun No. of Species 18 10 23 14 17 24 Shannon-Weiner Index 3.20 2.39 2.41 3.09 3.54 2.36 g
O Evenness 0.76 0.71 0.53 0.81 0.86 0.51 e
Richness 3.03 1.55 3.03 2.07 2.59 2.55
>g "E
w co g tra Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec dC X
gQ 1a No. of Species 34 30 37 33 17 18 23 8
y E5 Shannon-Weiner Index 3.56 2.65 3.92 3.43 3.28 3.54 3.11 r4 m
Evenness 0.70 0.54 0.75 0.68 0.80 0.85 0.71 g
Richness 3.90 3.33 4.45 4.02 2.33 2.69 2.96
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data Population dynamics of the zcoplankton community during the seasons of preoperational and operational years are displayed in Figure V-D-1.
Total zooplankton densities were lowest in winter, usually greatest in summer and transitional in spring and autumn. This pattern in the Ohio River sometimes varies from year to year which is normal for zooplankton populations in other river habitats.
Hynes (1970) concluded that the zooplankton community of rivers is inherently unstable and subject to constant change due to variations of temperature, spates, current, turbidity and food sourc~e. Total densities of zooplankton during 1983 were frequently higher than those of preoperational years (1973 through 1975) and operational years (1976 through 1982) (Figure V-D-1). This was due primarily to below average river flow and precipitation which occurred during most of 1983.
The species composition of zooplankton in the Ohio River near BVPS has remained stable during preoperational and operational years. The common or abundant protozoans during the past ten ' years have been Vortice11a, Codonella, Difflugia, Strombilidium, Cyclotrichium, Arcella and Centropyxis. The most numerous and frequently occurring rotifers have been Keratella, Polyarthra, Synchaeta, Branchionus and Trichocerca.
Copepod nauplii have been the only crustacean taxa found consistently.
Community structure, as compared by diversity indices, has been similar during the past ten years (Table V-D-5).
In previous years low diver-sity indices sad number of species occurred in winter; high diversities and number of species usually occurred in late spring and summer.
In 1983, the diversity indice and species numbers were relatively low in February which was typical for months of winter and early spring.
I, Shannon-Wiener diversity indices in 1983 ranged from 2.36 to 3.92 and were somewhat higher than the range of 1.80 to 3.28 that occurred during preoperational years from 1973 to 1975.
The variation in evenness during 1983 (0.51 to 0.86) was at the upper portion of the range reported from 1973 to 1982 (0.21 to 0.93).
59 I
M M
O 5
M S
TABLE V-D-5 HEAN ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY INDICES BY MONTil FROH 1973111ROUCII 1983 IN T!!E 61110 RIVER NEAR BVPS Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec V) 1973 N
I IEiber of Species 8.44 15.29 21.28 25.07 21.96 22.86 16.33 14.40 14.30 0
Shannon Index2 1.80 3.06 3.08 2.79 2.25 2.20 2.21 2.31 3.10 H
Evenness 0.37 0.63 0.58 0.46 0.39 0.36 0.37 0.44 0.61 O
1974 Number of Species 14.64 9.18 14.92 17.75 23.25 15.56 21.14 18.89 9.56 14.47 Shannon Index 3.18 2.53 2.91 3.06 3.25 2.32 3.28 2.24 2.15 1.84 Evenness 0.62 0.56 0.57 0.58 0.55 0.41 0.60 0.41 0.42 0.30 1975 Number of Species 24.75 18.75 14.38 17.44 15.38 Shannon Index 3.20 1.86 2.90 2.01 3.20 Evenness 0.69 0.44 0.77 0.49 0.82 t.>
1976
> t-.
Number of Species 7.00 9.13 8.69 17.56 19.19 23.56 28.06 23.50 23.56 11.19 8.75 11.75 g @C Shannon 7pdex 1.67 2.64 2.24 0.89 3.06 2.33 3.36 3.63 2.76 2.73 1.60 2.64 e
Evenness 0.60 0.84 0.73 0.21 0.72 0.51 0.70 0.80 0.61 0.79 0.51 0.75 gg 2:
O 1977 M
Number of Species 4.00 10.00 12.00 13.31 21.00 25.62 22.88 25.50 36.75 16.88 20.31 15.31 t-*
Shannon Index 1.53 2.59 3.01 2.98 3.15 3.45 3.32 3.60 3.71 3.35 3.42 3.42 HH Evenness 0.78 0.79 0.87 0.81 0.72 0.74 0.73 0.77 0.71 0.82 0.79 0.86 H
1978 n
Number of Species 0.12 7.12 4.31 5.12 7.62 6.25 10.25 11.25 12.50 0.25 10.88 10.38 o
Shannon Index 2.48 2.41 1.53 1.70 1.53 1.33 2.50 2.44 2.53 2.28 2.15 2.00 Evenness 0.83 0.85 0.74 0.71 0.52 0.50 0.76 0.70 0.70 0.73 0.62 0.83 1979 Number of Species 10.62 6.00 10,25 15.88 17.25 14.25 16.88 21.50 18.12 12.00 14.62 14.00 o
Shannon Ir.dex 2.51 2.52 3.05 3.42 2.36 3.02 2.42 3.30 3.36 2.99 2.84 3.10 Pd Evenness 0.74 0.93 0.90 0.86 0.58 0.80 0.60 0.74 0.80 0.84 0.74 0.83 d
1980 Number of Species 11.62 11.00 12.50 10.00 8.00 15.00 21.00 15.00 18.00 22.00 18.00 18.00 Shannon Index 2.51 2.70 3.03 2.41 2.00 2.91 3.63 2.79 3.23 2.88 3.26 3.36 Evenness 0.70 0.78 0.84 0.72 0.66 0.74 0.82 0.71 0.77 0.64 0.78 0.80 1981 Number of Species 8.00 12.00 7.00 11.00 19.00 12.00 23.00 24.00 20.00 21.00 17.00 10.00 Shannon Index 2.14 3.02 2.28 2.32 3.44 2.73 2.96 3.55 2.62 3.05 2.66 2.47 Evenness 0.71 0.84 0.81 0.67 0.81 0.76 0.65 0.77 0.60 0.69 0.65 0.74
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-D-5 (Continued)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1982 us Number of Species 10.00 9.00 11.00 22.00
'27.00 20.00 37.00 36.00 40.00 34.00 19.00 17.00 M
Shannon Index 2.99 2.22 2.89 3.59 2.46 3.20 3.82 4.28 3.86 3.09 3.54 3.14 O
Evenness 0.90 0.70 0.83 0.80 0.52 0.74 0.73 0.83 0.72 0.61 0.83 0.77 g
Z 1983 Number of Species 18.00 10.00 23.00 14.00 17.00 24.00 34.00 30.00 37.00 33.00 17.00 18.00 Shannon Index 3.20 2.39 2.41 3.09 3.54 2.36 3.56 2.65 3.92 3.43 3.28 3.54 Evenness 0.76 0.71 0.53 0.81 0.86 0.51 0.70 0.54 0.75 0.68 0.80 0.85 I Blanks represent periods when no collections were made.
Shannon-Weiner Index w
d O>e "W
H gM
- !C 89
!E
- ao A
m O
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Summary and Conclusions Zooplankton densities throughout 1983 were typical of a temperate zooplankton community found in large river habitats.
Total densities were slightly higher than those reported in previous years. Populations during the fall of 1983 maintained high densities with the peak annual maximum occurring in September.
Protozoans and rotifers were always predominant.
Common and abundant taxa in 1983 were similar to those I
reported during preoperational and other operational years.
Shannon-Weiner diversity, number of species and evenness were within the ranges or slightly greater than those of preceding years.
Based on the data collected during the eight operating years (1976 through 1983) and the three preoperating years (1973 through 1975), it is concluded that the overall abundance and species composition of the zooplankton in the Ohio I
River near BVPS has remained stable and possibly improved slightly over the eleven year period from 1973 to 1983. No evidence of appreciable harm to the river zooplankton from BVPS Unit 1 operation was found. The data indicate that increased turbidity and current from high water conditions have the strongest effects of delaying the population peaks and temporarily decreasing total zooplankton densities in the Ohio River near BVPS.
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SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
E.
FISH Objective Fish sampling was conducted in order to detect any changes which might occur in fish populations in the Ohio River near BVPS.
I Methods I
Adult fish surveys were performed in May, July, September and November 1983.
During each survey, fish were collected at the three study transects (Figure V-E-1),
using gill nets, electrofishing and minnow traps.
Gill nets, consisted of five, 25-ft, panels of 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 inch square mesh. Two nets were positioned close to shore at each transect, with the small mesh inshore.
As Transect 2 is divided by Phillis Island into two separate water bodies consisting of the main river channel (2A) and the back channel (2B), south of the island, a total of eight gill nets were set per sampling month. Nets were set for approximately 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
All captured fish were identified, counted, measured for total length (mm) and weighed (g).
Electrofishing was conducted with a boat-mounted boom electroshocker.
Direct current of 220 volts and tso to four amps was generally used.
Shocking time was maintained at 10 minutes per transect for each survey.
I The shoreline areas of each transect were shocked and large fish pro-cessed as described above for the gill net collections. Small fish were immediately preserved with 10" formalin and returned to the laboratory for analysis.
Ncn game fish were counted and a batch weight obtained for the entire sample.
The length range was determined by visual inspection and measurement of the largest and smallest fish.
i W
Minnow traps were baited with bread and placed next to the inshore side of each gill net on each sampling date. These traps were painted black and brown with a camouflage design and were set for 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
All captured fish were preserved and processed in the laboratory in the manner described for electrofishing.
63 lI
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==
==
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a az 4
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esao seco e
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s
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=
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n-e' n E6 LEGEND
- 2A SYMBOLS I-5 STATION Nukl8ER O
DI, BE AVER VALLEY DISCHARGE en Y I'i y /
lg D2 SillPPINGPORT DiscilARGE ELECTR0f1SillNG H
l DS INDUSTRIAL DISCllARGE g;20 l GILL NET l
-...f,"JIlISSfo^,l1"E
=,,l;,=, Ep
" " ^ ' ' ' '
l STATION FIGURE V-E-!
FISil SAMPI.ING STATIONS, BVPS
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Results Fish population studies have been conducted in the Ohio River near BVPS from 1970 through 1983. These surveys have collected 61 fish species and two hybrids (Table V-E-1).
In 1983, 40 fish species were collected, including three species (river chub, river carpsucker and brook silver-side) that had not been captured previously. A combined total of 1,949 I
individuals were collected in 1983 by gill netting, electrofishing, and minnow traps (Table V-E-2).
A total of 1,508 fish, representing 24 species was collected by electro-fishing (Table V-E-3). Emerald shiners dominated the catch numerically, accounting for 77.8% of the total electrofishing catch. Collectively, the minnow family accounted for 90.5% of the total electrofishing catch I
in 1983. Gizzard shad, also a forage species, represented 5.6% of the catch. Each of the other taxa accounted for less than 1% of the total.
Most of fish sampled by electrofishing were collected in May (73.3%).
I l
The fewest fish were collected in July (2.7%).
The gill net results varied by month with the highest catch in the month of September (103 fish). July was the next highest month with 37 fish.
May and November catches resulted in 16 fish and 4 fish, respectively.
Gill net sampling typically results in catching more fish in warmer weather when fish are usually more active (Table V-E-4).
The high I
number of fish collected in September was mainly spotted bass and common carp caught near the shore.
- I A total of 281 fish were captured using minnow traps in 1983 (Table V-E-2).
This gear was most effective in May and July when 80.1% of the fish were caught.
Most of these fish (shiners) were collected from Transect 3 (206 fish).
I The most common species (i.e., contributed more than 1% to the annual total catch) collected through the use of gill nets, electrofishing and minnow traps included the following:
gizzard shad; common carp; emerald, spotfin and sandshiners; bluntnose minnows; and spotted bass.
The remaining 34 species accounted for 1% or less of the total.
I 65 I
SECTION U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
)
TABLE V-E-1 (SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAME)1
,g FAMILIES AND SPECIES OF FISH COLLECTED IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND E
POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1970-1983 BVPS Family and Scientific Name Common Name Lepisosteidae (gars)
Lepisosteus osseus Longnose gar Clupeidae (herrings)
I Alosa chrysochloris Skipjack herring Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard shad I
Esocidae (pikes)
Esox lucius Northern pike E. masquinongy Muskellunge E_. lucius X E_. masquinongy Tiger muskellunge Cyprinidae (minnows and carps)
Campostoma anomalum Central stoneroller I
Carassius auratus Goldfish Cyprinus carpio Common carp C_. carpio X Carassius auratus Carp-goldfish hybrid Ericymba buccata Silverjaw minnow I
Nocomis micropogon River chub Notemigonus crvsoleucas Golden shiner Notropis atherinoides Emerald shiner I
2 N. chrysocephalus" Striped shiner N. hudsonius Spotta11 shiner N. rubellus Rosyface shiner N. spilopterus Spotfin shiner I
N. stramineus Sand shiner N. volucellus Mimic shiner Pimephales notatus Bluntnose minnow l l Rhinichthys atratulus Blacknose dace E
Semotilus atromaculatus Creek chub Catostomidae (suckers)
I Carpiodes carpio River carpsucker Carpiodes cyprinus Quillback Catostomus commersoni White sucker l
Hypentelium nigricans Northern hog sucker Ictiobus bubalus Smallmouth buffalo I. niger Black buffalo I
Moxostoma anisurum Silver redhorse M. carinatum River redhorse M. duquesnei Black redhorse
-M. erythrurum Golden redhorse 3.macrolepidocum Shorthead redhorse Ictaluridae (bullhead and catfishes)
Ictalurus catus White catfish 66 I
SECTION U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 1
I TABLE V-E-1 (Continued) i Family and Scientific Name Common Name I. melas Black bullhead I
I. natalis Yellow bullhead Y_. nebulosus Brown bullhead I. punctatus Channel catfish I
Noturus flavus Stonecat Pylodictis olivaris Flathead catfish Percopsidae (trout-perches)
Percopsis omiscomaycus Trout-perch Cyprinodontidae (killifishes)
Fundulus diaphanus Banded killifish Atherinidae (silversides)
Labidesthes sicculus Brook silverside Percichthyidae (temperate basses)
Morone chrysops White bass Centrarchidae (sunfishes)
Ambloplites rupestris Rock bass Lepomis cyanellus Green sunfish I
L,.
gibbosus Pumpkinseed L. macrochirus Bluegill Micropterus dolomieui Smallmouth bass I
M. punctulatus Spotted bass M. salmoides Largemouth bass Pomoxis annularis White crappie P_. nigromaculatus Black crappie Percidae (perches)
Etheostor2 blennioides Greenside darter I
E_. nigrum Johnny darter E. zonale Banded darter Perca flavescens Yellow perch Percina caprodes Logperch I
P. copelandi Channel darter Stizostedian canadense Sauger S. vitreum vitreum Walleye Sciaenidae (drums)
Aplodinotus grunniens Freshwater drum I
1 Nomenclature follows Robins, et al. (1980).
2A former subspecies of N. cornutus (Gilbert, 1964) and previously reported as coc=on shiner.
I 67 I
W m
M M
M M
m m
m mm mm m
m m
m m
m TABLE V-Fe2 NLEBER OF FISil mIIJUIH) AT VARIWS 'IRANSECIS BY Gill NET (G), E1E'IF0FISIIING (E),
AND MIIHM 'IRAP (M) IN 'llE NEW QNBFRIAND IHL OF 'HE 0110 RIVER,1983 BVPS Percent 1
2A 2B 3
Grand Total Anmal Anmal O{
Tm
,y,,,
1 1
,,C,,,
,,,E,__ 1, _f.,,,
1 1 _ G,,,,,,
1 M
G E
H Total Total 1argose gar 1
1 1
1 2
0.1 Gizzard dal 1
46 1
26 5
2 8
4 85 89 4.6 Nortlern pike 1
I 1
<0.1 hiskellunge 1
1' 2
2 0.1 s
T ver miskellunge 1
1 2
2 0.1 g
Qumm cup 6
20 6
3 1
1 15 2
28 26 54 2.8 River
- ctaib l
1 1
<0.1
' Golden shi-kr 1
1 1
<0.1 "N,
Hnerald shier 186 16 359 31 Mi [4 487 33 1,173 84 1,257 64.5 h @\\
Striyxl diiner 1
1 1
<0.1 d@
i Sgotfin stdner 3
1 6
4 2
5 65 11 75 86 4.4
@ E!
g S.nl shhsr 4
33 6
1 1
18 82 56 89 145 7.4 m$
s Himic sidner 9
2 2
3 4
14 6
20 1.0
$e Bluntmse mhau 6
1 25 1
32 2
20 22 83 26 109 5.6 55
}$
River carpsucker 1
,1 1
<0.1 Quillback 1
3 4
4 0.2 mn 5g unite sucker 1
2 2
1 3
0.2 Northern log sucker 1
1 1
<0.1
@g Silver redlerse 1
1 1
<0.1
- n 4 Golden redlorse 1
3 4
4 0.2 1
2 0.1 S
Storthead redlorse 1
1 1
4 Redlurse sp.
I 1
1
<0.1 H
Yellow bullheal 1
l' 1
<0.1 diannel catfish 2
~
4 1
4 15,
1 16 0.8 Fl.itleal catfish 1
1 1
(0.1 Trout-perch 4
5 1
10 10 0.5 Braak silversides 6
6 6
0.3 Milte bass 2
2 2
0.1 lbek bass 1
1 2
2 0.1 Ptupkinseed \\
1 1
1
<0.1 Blty;ill 1
3 1
1 4
5 0.3 Smallamth bass 3
7, 1
11 11 0.6 Spotted bass 13 3,
16 3
2 26 55 8
63 3.2
W W
.M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TAM E V-Fe2 (Continued)
Percent 1
2A 2B 3
Grand Total Arun1 Arrmal Tio:a
_G
_E
_M
_G
_E
_M
_G
_E _M
_G
_E
_M
_G E
_M Total Total Q
g O
larguwuth bass 1
1 5
2 5
7 0.4 khite crappie 1
1 5
7 7
0.4 4
hiack crapple 1
1 1
2 1
3 0.2 Yelhu perch 1
1 1
<0.1 Ingperch 2
2 2
0.1 Sanger 1
2 2
7 12 12 0.6 Walleye 4
2 6
6 0.3 Freslwater dnau 2
2 2
6 6
0.3 1
1 urn, 34 279 18 38 490 43 15 194 14 73 545 206 160 1,508 281 1,949 Eu a
s m
nC 8e 1
g" ms C i6 eg
=s N
i l
1 l
a l
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TAEIE V-E-3 IDMR OF FI91 CDUEIE) ITR 1ml11 BY CIIL lEr (C), BHEOFISil1NG (E) AfD MIMW 'IRAP 04)
IN 11E IW QNBFFIRD FOCL OF '11E 0110 RIWR,1983 BVPS Percent h
Kiy Jul Sep Ikn Grand Total Anmal Amual Tm
_ p,,
E M_
C E
M G
E M
G
_E_
M G
E M
Total Total g
lagose gar 1
1 1
1 2
0.1 Gizzani dal 63 2
9 2
9 4
4 85 89 4.6 lbrthem pike 1
1 1
<0.1 Miskellunge 1
1 2
2 0.1 Tiger nuskellunge 2
2 2
0.1 nen u carp 2
1 5
1 20 2
1 22 28 26 54 2.8 River club 1
1 1
<0.1 Colden diJner 1
1 1
<0.1 Frerald diiner 946 66 6
10 9
212 8
1,173 84 1,257 64.5 NE StrJpxl shiner 1
1 1
(0.1 EO
$h S utfin sidner 4
23 7
43 2
7 11 75 86 4.4 l
yo Sani diiner 19 23 4
49 21 12 17 56 89 145 7.4 m en Mimic sidner 11 1
2 3
3 14 6
20 1.0
$c-Bluntnose minn w 45 6
2 10 28 18 83 26 109 5.6 yy River carpsucker 1
1 1
<0.1 yH j
Qilllhxk 1
3 4
4 0.2 Mn h{
khite sucker 1
1 1
2 1
3 0.2 lbrthern bog sucker 1
1 1
<0.1 ra g Silver redlerse 1
1 1
<0.1 mR Colden redlorse 3
1 4
4 0.i 5
9ertimi redlone 1
1 1
1 2
0.1 O
Rallorse sp.
I 1
1
<0.1 Yellw bulltml 1
1 1
<0.1 Gunnel catfish 2
1 5
8 15 1
16 0.8 Flatimi catffdi 1
1 1
(0.1 Tnnit-perch 8
2 10 10 0.5 Brook silvershics 6
6 6
0.3 uitte loss 2
2 2
0.1 Rock bass 2
2 2
0.1 Punpkinseed 1
1 1
<0.1 Bhegill 1
1 2
1 1
4 5
0.3 Snnlinmith bass 2
4 5
11 11 0.6 sp>tted.lw s 2
3 4
50 1
3 55 8
63 3.2
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TAME V-Fe3 (Continued)
Percent May Jul Sep Nov Grand Total Annual Annual en Taxa G
E H
G E
M G
E M
G E
'M-G E
M Total Total
]
larganouth bass 1
1 5
2 5
7 0.4 W ite crappie 3
4 7
7 0.4 l
111ack crappie 1
1 1
2 1
3 0.2 Yelh u perch 1
1 1
<0.1 3
Ingperch 2
2 0.1 Sauger 4
2 5
12 12 0.6 Walleye 1
4 1
6 6
0.3 Freslwater drun 2
3 1
6 6
0.3 G
O 1UUL 16 1,106 119 37 41 106 103 66 2
4 295 54 160 1,508 281 1,949 c3 E
"M s
E n
G "'
<r b
0" E8 di5 et E3 i
5 s
I i
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-E-4
~
l NUMBER OF FISH COLLECTED BY GILL NET, ELECTROFISHING 3
AND MINNOW TRAP AT TRANSECTS IN THE NEW CUMBERLAND POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983 BVPS I
Transect Gill Net 1
2A 28 3
Total Average May 1
3 4
8 16 4.0 July 8
10 4
15 37 9.2 I
September 25 25 7
46 103 25.8 November 0
0 0
4 4
1.0 I
Total 34 38 15 73 160 Average 8.5 9.5 3.8 18.2 Electrofishing May 231 392 166 317 1,106 276.5 July 3
21 10 7
41 10.2 I-September 6
56 3
1 66 16.5 November 39 21 21 214 295 73.8 I
Total 279 490 200 539 1,508 Average 69.8 122.5 50.0 134.8 Minnow Trap I
May 15 28 1
75 119 29.8 l
July 1
13 6
86*
106 30.3*
l E September 0
0 1
1 2
0.5 5
November 2
2 6
44 54 13.5 i
Total 18 43 14 206 281 I
Average 4.5 10.8 3.5 58.9*
l l
- Gear at one station missing.
I I
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72 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Comparison of Control and Non-Control Transects Comparisons of the data obtained from the Control Transect (1) with that from the Non-Control Transects indicate that the fish populations have fluctuated slightly since 1974 (Table V-E-5).
However, comparisons between years include many natural variables and can be misleading.
Fluctuations in catches occur with changes in the physical and chemical properties of the river's ambient water quality.
Since electrofishing I
afficiency depends largely on the water's conductivity, any sampling conducted during extremes in this parameter will affect catch per-unit-effort.
In addition, turbidity and current affects the collectors' ability to net the stunned fish. Direct sunlight also influences where fishes congregate, thus determining their susceptibility to being shocked. Electrofishing collects mostly small forage species (minnows I
and shad) and their highly fluctuating annual populations were reflected in differences in per unit effort from year to year and station to station.
However, gill nets catch mostly game species and are more indicative of true changes in fish abundance. When comparing gill net data (Table V-E-6), little change is noticed either between Control and Non-Control Transects or between pre-operational and operational years.
The 1983 gill net catch per unit effort (fish /24 hours) was the highest l
of any year to date, with 4.2 and 5.2 for the Control and Non-Control Transects, respectively.
Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data Electrofishing and gill net data, expressed as catch per-unit-effort, for the years 1974 through 1983 are presented in Tables V-E-5 and V-E-6.
These ten years represent two preoperational years (1974 and 1975) and eight operational years (1976 through 1983). Fish data for Transect 1 (Control Transect) and the averages of Transects 2A, 2B cnd 3 (Non-Control Transects) are tabulated separately. These data indicate that I
new species are inhabiting the study area and that, in general, the water quality of the Ohio River is steadily improving.
Summary and Conclusions The fish community of the Ohio River in the vicinity of BVPS has been sampled from 1970 to present, using several types of gear:
electro-1 73 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT l
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SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
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76 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LfGHT COMPANT 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT fishing, gill netting, and periodically minnow traps and seines.
The results of these fish surveys show normal community structure based on species composition and relative abundance.
In all the surveys since 1970, forage species (minnows and shiners) were collected in the highest numbers. This indicates a normal fish community, since sport species I
and predators rely heavily on this forage base for their survival.
Variations in total annual catch are attributable primarily to fluctua-tions in the population size of the small species. Small species with high reproductive potentials frequently respond to changes in natural environmental factors (competition, food availability, cover, and water quality) with large changes in population size. These fluctuations are naturally occurring and take placs in the vicinity of BVPS.
Although variation in total catches has occurred, species composition I
has remained fairly stable.
Since the initiation of studies in 1970, forage fish of the family Cyprinidae have dominated the catches.
Emerald shiners, sand shiners and bluntnose minnows have consistently been the most numerous fish.
Carp, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye have all remained common species. Since 1978, sauger has become a common sport species to this area I
Differences in the 1983 electroffshing and gill net catches, between the Control and Non-Control Transects were similar to previous years (both operational and pre-operational) and were probably caused by habitat preferences of individual species. This habitat preference is probably the most influential factor that affects where the different species of fish are collected and in what relative abundance.
I Data collected from 1970 through 1983 indicate that fish in the vicinity of the power plant have not been adversely affected by BVPS operation.
In 1983, a gizzard shad die-off occured near the power plant discharge.
This resulted from an unplanned shut-down of the power plant which in turn caused a rapid drop in discharge water temperature.
This sudden drop in water temperature induced a stress condition in the fish which killed as estimated 20,100 gizzard shad.
A detailed report of this I
incident is included in Appendix A of this report.
77 E
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT F.
ICHTHY 0 PLANKTON Objective Ichthyoplankton sampling was performed in order to monitor the extent fishes utilize the back channel of Phillis Island as spawning and nursery grounds. This is important because of the area's potential as a I
spawning ground and relative proximity to the BVPS discharge structure.
Methods Four monthly surveys (13 April, 11 May, 14 June, and 12 July) were conducted during the spring and summer, which is the primary spawning season for most resident fish species.
One surface and one bottom I
collection.were taken at Transect 2B (back channel of Phillis Island) during each survey (Figure V-F-1).
Tows were made in a zig-zag fashion across the channel utilizing a conical 505 micron mesh plankton net with a 0.5 m mouth diameter.
A General Oceanics Model 2030 digital flow-meter, mounted centrically in the net mouth, was used to determine the volume of water filtered. Samples were preserved in the field using 5%
buffered formalin containing rose bengal dye.
I In the laboratory, ichthyoplankton was sorted from the sample and l
enumerated. Each specimen was identified as to its stage of development (egg, yolk-sac, larvae, early larvae, juvenile, or adult) and to the lowest possible taxon.
Densities of ichthyoplankton (numbers /100 m')
were calculated for each sample using flowmeter data.
Results A total of 24 eggs, 100 larvae, and two adults was collected in 1983 from 1010.3 m' of water sampled (Table V-F-1).
Six taxa representing I
four families were identified.
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) accounted for 49.2% (62 larvae) of the totr.1 catch.
Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) eggs represented 95. 5% of the eggs collected in 1983. No juveniles were collected in 1983; however; two adult emerald shiners (Notropis atherinoides) were taken during the 11 May sampling.
On a seasonal basis, ichthyoplankton was most abundant and displayed the
~
I most diversity on 12 July when total daily density was 44.05 individuals 78 I
e
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Di BEAVER VALLEY DISCHARGE os f,,,,,
D2 SillPPIN0 PORT Dl8CllARGE ha**
H a BOTTOM TOWS es D3 INDUSTRIAL DISCllARGE 423 I'
O AID TO NAVIGATION pp
TR ANSMIS810N LINE POWER STATION powgg STATION FIGURE V-F-1 ICitTilY0 PLANKTON SAMPLING STATIONS, BVPS
W W
W W
W W
m W
W W
W W
W W
W W
TABLE V-F-1 NUMBER AND DENSITY OF FISil EGGS, LARVAE, JUVENILES, AND, ADULTS 8
(Number /100 m ) COLLECTED WITil A 0.5 m PLANKTON NET IN TIIE 011I0 RIVER BACK CilANNEL OF PilILLIS ISLAND (STATION 2B) y NEAR BVPS, 1983 Q
5 Depth of Collection Total Collected and 2
Surface Bottom Taxa Density April 13 Vol water filtered (m')
114.3 89.0 203.3 No. eggs collected 0
0 0
No. larvae collected 0
0 0
No. Juveniles collected 0
0 0
g No, adults collected 0
0 0
w Density (number collected) gg Eggs 0
0 0
dO Larvae 0
0 0
pg h
Total density (number collected) 0 0
0 GE 5
May 11 hn zo fE Vol. water filtered (m )
156.9 144.8 301.7 h
No. eggs collected 0
0 0
h No. larvae collected 0
0 0
No. Juveniles collected 0
0 0
g No. adults collected 2
0 2
H Density (number collected)
Eggs 0
0 0
1.arvae 0
0 0
Adults Notropia atherinoides 1.27 (2) 0 0.66 (2)
Total density (number collected) 1.27 (2) 0 0.66 (2)
E E
E E
E E
E E
E E
E E
E E
TABLE V-F-1 (Continued)
Depth of Collection Total Collected and m
Surface Bottom Taxa Density h
June 14 g
z 8
Vol. water filtered (m )
106.4 140.1 246.5 No. eggs collected 1
0 1
No. larvaa collected 1
9 10 No. juveniles collected 0
0 0
No. adults collected 0
0 0
Density (number collected)
Eggs g
Cyprinidae spp.
0.94 (1) 0 0.41 (1) w Larvac gg Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 0 2.86 (4) 1.62 (4) g.g Cyprinus carpio (YL) 0.94 (1) 0 0.41 (1) pg Cyprinidae (YL) 0 2.86 (4) 1.62 (4) z co Etheostoma spp. (EL) 0 0.71 (1) 0.41 (1)
Total density (number collected) 1.88 (2) 6.42 (9) 4.46 (11)
O EO July 12 N5 Vol. water filtered (m )
125.9 132.6 258.8 5l No. eggs collected 0
23 23 No. larvae collected 8
83 91 s
No. Juveniles collected 0
0 0
No. adults collected 0
0 0
Density (number collected)
Eggs Aplodinotus grunniens 0
17.35 (23) 8.89 (23)
Larvae Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 1.59 (2) 28.66 (38)
- 15. 46 (40)
Dorosoma cepedianum (EL) 0 14.33 (19) 7.34 (19)
Notropis spp. (YL) 1.59 (2) 4.52 (6) 3.09 (8)
Notropis spp. (EL) 3.18 (4) 14.33 (19) 8.89 (23)
Unidentifiable (L) 0 0.75 (1) 0.39 (1)
Total density (number collected) 6.35 (8) 79.94 (106) 44.05 (114)
W W
W W
M M
M M
M m
M M
W TABLE V-F-1 (Continued)
Depth of Collection Total Collected and g
Surface Bottom Taxa Density y
Yearly Totals g
z 3
Vol. water filtered (m )
503.5 506.5 1010.3 No. eggs collected 1
23 24 No. larvae collected 9
92 100 No. juveniles collected 0
0 0
No. adults collected 2
0 2
Density (number collected)
Eggs g
Cyprinidae spp.
0.20 (1) 0 0.10 (1)
Aplodinotus grunniens 0
4.54 (23) 2.28 (23) gg Larvae Zg Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 0.40 (2) 8.29 (42) 4.36 (44) hg g
Dorosoma cepedianum (EL) 0 3.75 (19) 1.88 (19) my Cyprinus carpio (YL) 0.20 (1) 0 0.10 (1) yp Cyprinidae (YL) 0 0.79 (4) 0.40 (4) gg Notropis spp. (YL) 0.40 (2) 1.18 (6) 0.79 (8) o$
Notropis spp. (EL) 0.79 (4) 2.75 (19) 2.23 (23) hn Etheostoma spp. (EL) 0 0.20 (1) 0.10 (1)
Zo Unidentifiable (L) 0 0.20 (1) 0.10 (1) hE
,h Adults Notropis atherinoides 0.40 (2) 0 0.20 (2) y O
Total density (number collected) 2.38 (12) 22.70 (115) 12.57 (127)
H
- Developmental Stages YL - 11atched specimens with yolk and/or oil globules present.
EL - Specimens with no yolk and/cr oil globules and with no development of fin rays and/or spiny elements.
L - Specimens with undefinable larval stage due to deterioration.
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANT 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT per 100 m* of water filtered (Table V-F-2).
Collections on 14 June j
yielded 4.46 individuals per 100 m* mostly cyprinidae eggs and larvae.
Sampling on 13 April yielded no ichthyoplankton.
Comparison of Preoperational and Operational Data Species abundance and composition was similar to that found in previous years.
Gizzard shad and minnows dominated the catch with other taxa I
represented by only a few individuals.
Densities of ichthyoplankton collected in the backchannel (Station 2B) from 1973-1974,1976-1983, are presented in Table V-F-2.
Summary and Conclusions Gizzard shad and cyprinids dominated the 1983 ichthyoplankton catch from tha back channel of Phillis Island.
Peak densities occurred July and consisted mostly of the early larval stage. Little or no spawning was noted in April and May.
No substantial differences were observed in species composition or spawning activity of most species over previous years.
I
- I I
I 83
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMP!.NY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-F-2 3
DENSITY OF ICHTHY 0 PLANKTON (Number /100 m ) COLLECTED IN THE OHIO RIVER BACK CHANNEL OF PHILLIS ISLAND (STATION 2B)
NEAR BVPS, 1973-1974, 1976-1983 I
Date Density Date Density 1973 1979 12 April 0
19 April 0
17 May 0
1 May 0
20 June 16.10 17 May 0.81 26 July 3.25 7 June 0.39 20 June 11.69 5 July 14.82 1974 1980 16 April 0
23 April 0.42 I
24 May 0
21 May 0.53 13 June 6.98 19 June 9.68 26 June 9.25 22 July 107.04 16 July 59.59 1 August 6.85 1976 1981 l
29 April 0.70 20 April 1.10 1
19 May 0
12 May 0
18 June 5.99 17 June 26.40 2 July 6.63 22 July 17.14 15 July 3.69 29 July 4.05 1977 1982 14 April 0
19 April 0
11 May 0.90 18 May 3.77 I
9 June 24.22 21 June 7.54 22 June 3.44 20 July 31.66 7 July 3.31 20 July 28.37 1978 1983 22 April 0
13 April 0
5 May 0
11 May 0.66 20 May 0.98 14 June 4.46 2 June 4.01 12 July 44.05 16 June 12.15 2 July 13.32 84
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT G.
FISH IMPINGEMENT Objective Impingement surveys were conducted to monitor the quantity of fish impinged on the traveling screens.
Methods I
The surveys were conducted weekly throughout 1983 for a total of 52 weeks (Table V-A-1).
Except when technical difficulties delayed the start of collections, weekly fish impingement sampling began on Thursday mornings when all four traveling screens were washed.
A collection basket of 0.25 inch mesh netting was placed at the end of the screen washwater sluiceway (Figure V-G-1).
On Friday mornings, after approxi-mately 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, each screen was washed individually for 15 minutes (one complete revolution of the screen) and all aquatic organisms collected.
Fish were identified, counted, measured for total length (mm) and weighed (g). Data were summarized according to operating intake bays (bays that had pumps operating in the 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> sampling period) and non-operating intake bays.
Results The BVPS impingement surveys of 1976 through 1983 have resulted in the collection of 34 species of fish representing nine families (Table V-G-1).
A total of 216 fish, representing 22 species (24 taxa) was collected in 1983 (Table V-G-2).
Channel catfish were the most numerous fish, comprising 18.0% of the total annual catch, followed by bluegill (17.6%), gizzard shad (16.7%) and freshwater drum (14.4%), with all other species represented by less than 20 specimens. Percina copelandi a channel darter, which had not been collected in previous years, was collected in 1983. All fishes ranged in size from 20 mm to 455 mm, with the majority under 120 mm.
The total weight of fish collected in 1983 I
was 3.38 kg (7.5 lbs). Approximately 25% of the total weight of fish collected (both alive and dead) was due to one (1) large channel catfish which was collected on November 25. This fish exhibited a large cut on the top of the head probably due to a boat propeller and was undoubedly dead long before collection.
It is believed that this fish simply I
85 I
SECTf0N U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TIGURE V-G*1 nrasz SinuciusE BVPS Mf N
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SECTION U DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-G-1 I
FISH COLLECTED DURING THE(*
IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS, 1976-1983 BVPS I
Family and Scientific Name Common Name I
Clupeidae (herrings)
Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard shad Cyprinidae (minnows and carps)
I Cyprinus carpio Common carp Notemigo'nus crysoleucas Golden shiner Notropis atherinoides Emerald shiner I
N_. spilopterus Spotfin shiner N. stramineus Sand shiner N. volucellus Mimic shiner Pimephales notatus Bluntnose minnow Catostomidae (suckers)
Carpiodes cyprinus Quillback I
Catostomus commersoni White sucker Moxostoma carinatum River redhorse h
Ictaluridae (bullhead and catfishes) 3 Ictalurus catus White catfish I. natalis Yellow bullhead I. nebulosus Brown bullhead I. punctatus Channel catfish Noturus flavus Stonecat Pylodictis olivaris Flathead catfish Percopsidae (trout-perches)
Percopsis omiscomaycus Trout-perch Cyprinodontidae (killifishes)
Fundulus diaphanus Banded killifish l I Centrarchidae (sunfishes)
Ambloplites rupestris Rock bass Lepomis cyanellus Green sunfish L. gibbosus Pumpkinseed I
L. macrochirus Bluegill Micropterus dolomieui Smallmouth bass M. punctulatus Spotted bass I
M. salmoides Largemouth bass Pomoxis annularis White crappie P_. nigromaculatus Black crapple I
I 87 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LfGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-G-1 (Continued)
Percidae (perches)
Etheostoma nigrum Johnny darter Perca flavescens Yellow perch I
Percina caprodes Logperch P,
copelandi Channel darter Stizostedion vitreum vitreum Walleye Sciaenidae (drums)
Aplodinotus grunniens Freshwater drum I
I") Nomenclature follows Robins et al. (1980)
I I
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M TABLE V-G-2 SIM1ARY OF FISH COLLECTED IN IMPINCEMENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24 HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK DURING 1983 BVPS OPERATING INTAKE BAYS (*
NON-OPERATING INTAKE BAYS (b)
O Percent Alive Dead Alive Dead length O
Frequency Percent Weight Weight Weight Weight Range g
Taxa Number Occurrence Composition Number (g)
Number (g)
Number (g)
Number (g)
(mm) g Cizzard shad 36 19.2 16.7 33 946 3
47 95-245 Common carp 1
1.9
- 0. 5 -
1 4
75 Emerald shiner 18 21.2 8.3 2
2 13 16 3
3 25-73 Shiner (Notropis sp.)
1 1.9 0.5 1
1 38 Himic shiner, 1
1.9 0.5 1
2 53 Yellow bullhead 2
3.8 0.9 1
6 1
26 75-124 Brown tullhead 3
3.8 1.4 2
8 1
1 42-80 Channel catfish 39 42.8 18.0 14 97 17 928 7
275 1
1 62-455 -
Flathead cat fish 1
1.9 0.5 1
10 94 $
Trout perch 1
1.9 0.5 1
3 76 W Rock bass 2
3.8 0.9 1
4 1
2 49-60 > ts Creen sunfish 11 17.3 5.1 6
44 5
30 47-93 Z C:
Pumpkinseed 4
7.7 1.8 2
34 1
10 1
2 58-102 $ @
Bluegill 38 48.1 17.6 10 40 8
34 18 139 2
2 22-116 > til Sunfish (iepomis sp.)
3 5.8 1.4 3
3 20-22 " $
co Smallmouth bass 1
1.9 0.5 1
25 123 t=1 Spotted bass 10 13.5 4.6 1
28 1
23 5
118 3
57 110-135 e
Largemouth bass 5
3.8 2.3 2
62 2
44 1
22 110-143 H H White crappie 2
3.8 0.9 2
42 97-123 $ $
Black crappie 1
1.9 0.5 1
11 97 g H Johnny darter 3
3.8 1.4 2
2 1
1 40-50 c,3 n Logperch 1
1.9 0.5 1
6 95 M o Channel darter 1
1.9 0.5 1
1 35 N @
Freshwater drum 31 25.0 14.4 14 98 4
25 11 75 2
17 52-118 **
- x2 Total 216 62 471 84 2,075 49 650 21 181 Qo Percent of Total 28.7 13.9 38.9 61.4 22.7 19.2 9.7 5.4 y
(a) Intake bays that had pumps operating within the 24 hr sanipling period.
(b) Intake bays that had no pumps operating within the 24 hr sampling period
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT drifted into the bay after death. No endangered or threatened species were collected (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,1979).
I Other organisms collected in the impingement surveys include 253 cray-fish, 24 native clams, 12 dragonflies, 1 damselfly and 30 leeches (Tables V-G-6 and V-G-8).
In addition, 965 Asiatic clams (Corbicula) were collected (Table V-G-7).
I The temporal distribution of the 1983 impingement catch closely follows the pattern of catches of previous years (1976 to 1982) (Tables V-G-3 and V-G-4).
During each year, generally the largest numbers of fish have been collected in the winter months (December-February) and then the catch has gradually decreased until the late summer period when another smaller peak has occurred.
I Comparison of Impinged and River Fish A comparison of the numbers of fish collected in the river and traveling screens is presented in Table V-G-5.
Of the 44 species collected, 18 were observed in both locations, 4 species were collected only in the impingement surveys, while 22 species were takeri exclusively in the river. The major difference in species composition between the two type I
of collections is the absence of large species in the impingement collections. Six species of suckers and/or redhorses, and four species of sport fish (muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, and sauger) were collected in the river studies, but were not collected in the impinge-ment surveys. Sport fish which were collected on the traveling screens (channel catfish and bluegill) were smaller than individuals of those species collected by river sampling. Minnows and shiners constituted a I
large percentage of the river and impingement collections.
Comparison of Operating and Non-Operating Intake Bay Collections Of the 216 fish collected during the 1983 impingement studies, 146 (67.6%) were collected from operating intake bays and 70 (32.4%) from non-operating intake bays (Table V-G-2).
However, due to differences I
between the number of operating (99) and non-operating (89) screens washed in 1983, the impingement data were computed with catch expressed l
90 I
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M'M M
M M
W TABLE V-C-3
SUMMARY
OF IMP 1NCEMEt(I SURVEY DATA FOR 1983 BVPS n-Operat Operatingg
)
Intake Bays Intake El v t on Date Number of Fish Percent Intake Bays,)
Intake Bays Operating Water Above Mean O
Honth g
Collected Annual Total Alive Dead Alive Dead A
B C
D, Temp 'F Sea Imvel Fj Z
January 9
0 0.0 X
X X
41.0 666.8 y
14 2
0.9 2
X X
X 41.8 666.7 23 3
1.4 3
X X
X 38.5 666.4 28 4
1.8 4
X X
40.0 666.3 February 4
4 1.8 2
1 1
X X
41.2 669.8 11 4
1.8 4
X X
38.5 666.7 18 2
0.9 1
1 X
X 40.2 666.9 25 1
0.5 1
X X
42.8 666.2 g
=
Harch 4
1 0.5 1
X X
45.2 666.5 W
11 3
1.4 1
2 X
X 50.0 666.9
- p. ts 18 1
0.5 1
X X
49.0 666.8 4 C:
25 5
2.3 3
2 X
X 44.2 669.5 g ot e
April 1
4 1.8 2
1 1
X X
45.8 668.2 E} '
H 8
2 0.9 1
1 X
X 50.2 667.4 p] e F1 15 1
0.5 1
X X
51.8 670.5 22 3
1.4 2
1 X
X 48.0 668.0 F4 F4 29 8
3.7 4
1 3
X X
56.8 667.2
$M
- g el March 6
8 3.7 7
1 X
X 58.2 671.8 tri n 13 2
0.9 2
X X
X 61.0 666.8
$0 20 5
2.3 5
X X
62.0 668.6 k
27 4
1.8 1
1 2
X X
62.5 669.8
?*
m4 June 3
3 1.4 2
1 X
X 64.8 666.2 y
10 2
0.9 1
1 X
X 69.0 666.0 o
17 3
1.4 1
2 X
X 76.8 666.0 W
25 1
0.5 1
X X
77.4 666.2 July 1
0 0
X X
76.0 667.5 8
0 0
X 76.2 665.8 15 1
0.5 1
X 80.0 665.0 22 2
0.9 1
1 X
83.0 666.2 29 1
0.5 1
X 82.5 666.0 August 5
0 0
X X
82.0 666.5 12 1
0.5 1
X 82.0 666.2 19 3
1.4 1
2 X
77.4 664.8 26 3
1.4 1
2 X
81.0 666.5 l
i l
M M
M M
mM M
M M
M m
mM M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-C-3 (Continued)
River on @ rati Operatingg
)
I.a.take Bays Intake Elevation Date Number of Fish Percent Intake Bays,)
Intake Bays operating Water Above Mean en
+
Honth Day Collected Annual Total Alive Dead Alive Dead A
B C
D Temp 'F Sea Level y
e-4 September 2
6 2.8 5
1 X
X 81.0 666.5 y
9 11 5.1 5
5 1
X X
78.6 666.3
+2 16 2
0.9 2
X X
75.2 666.2 23 3
1.4 3
X X
X 65.0 666.5 28 7
3.2 2
5 I
I 62.5 666.5 October 7
6 2.8 5
1 X
61.5 666.0 14 6
2.8 3
2 1
X X
58.2 666.0 21 8
3.7 3
3 2
X X
55.4 665.6 28 3
1.4 1
2 X
X 51.5 666.0 November 4
2 0.9 2
X X
49.5 666.5 11 4
1.8 4
X X
46.5 666.5
'd 18 7
3.2 4
1 1
1 I
X X
38.5 667.8 p ':O:
25 5
2.3 2
3 X
X 40.0 666.8 4bb Decentber 2
5 2.3 3
2 X
X 37.8 668.0
>S e
9 8
3.7 3
3 2
X X
35.0 670.8 16 10 4.6 1
4 2
3 X
X 36.5 670.0 gM 23 8
3.7 6
2 X
X 29.5 670.5
<: e 30 28 13.0 4
23 1
X X
26.0 671.5 yy O N' TOTAL 216 62 84 49 21 20 W i5 fa Intake bays that had pumps operating in the 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> sampling period.
Intake bays that had no pumps operating in the 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> sampling period.
Q O
ri
I sE m eN v eucuEsN, m NT -
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
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! I 93 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-G-5 NUMBER AND PERCENT OF ANNUAL TOTAL OF FISH COLLECTED I
IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS AND IN THE NEW CUMBERLAh3 POOL OF THE OHIO RIVER, 1983 BVPS Total Number of Percent of I
Fish Collected Annual Total Species Impingement River Impingement River Longnose gar 0
2 0
0.1 I
Gizzard shad 36 89 16.7 4.6 Northern pike 0
1 0
<0.1 Muskellunge 0
2 0
0.1 I
Tiger muskellunge 0
2 0
0.1 Common carp 1
54 0.5 2.8 River chub 0
1 0
<0.1 Golden shiner 0
1 0
(0.1 Emerald shiner 18 1,257 8.3 64.5 Striped shiner 0
1 0
<0.1 Spotfin shiner 0
86 0
4.4 I
Sand shiner 0
145 0
7.4 Mimic shiner 1
20 0.5 1.0 l
Bluntnose minnow 0
109 0
5.6 River carpsucker 0
1 0
<0.1 I
Quillback 0
4 0
0.2 White sucker 0
3 0
0.2 Northern hog sucker 0
1 0
<0.1 I
Silver redhorse 0
1 0
<0.1 Colden redhorse 0
4 0
0.2 Shorthead redhorse 0
2 0
0.1 Yellow bullhead 2
1 0.9
<0.1 I
Brown bullhead 3
0 1.4 0
Channel catfish 39 16 18.0 0.8 Flathead catfish 1
1 0.5
<0.1 i
Trout-perch 1
10 0.5 0.5 Brook silverside 0
6 0
0.3 White bass 0
2 0
0.1 Rock bass 2
2 0.9 0.1 i
Green sunfish 11 0
5.1 0
Pumpkinseed 4
1 1.8
<0.1 Bluegill 38 5
17.6 0.3 I
Smallmouth bass 1
11 0.5 0.6 l
Spotted bass 10 63 4.6 3.2 Largemouth bass 5
7 2.3 0.4 I
White crappie 2
7 0.9 0.4 Black crappie 1
3 0.5 0.2 l
Johnny darter 3
0 1.4 0
1 0
<0.1 I
94 I
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-G-5 (Continued) l Total Number of Percent of Fish Collected Annual Total i
l Species ("
Impingement River Impingement River Logperch 1
2 0.5 0.1 Channel darter 1
0 0.5 0
'I Sauger 0
12 0
0.6 Walleye 0
6 0
0.3 Freshwater drum 31 6
14.4 0.3 Total 212 1,948 l
(*) Includes only those specimens identified to species or stocked hybrids.
I iI I
. I I
I lI
!I I
- I iI I
- I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVfRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-G-6 I
SUMMARY
OF CRAYFISH COLLECTED IN IMPINGDfENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983 BVPS I
Number Collected Operating Non-Operating I
Date
~
Intake Bays Intake Bays Month Day AJive Dead Alive Dead Januaqr 9
5 1
2 1
I 14 4
1 23 1
28 2
2 I
February 4
1 1
11 2
2 18 4
,3 1
25 8
1 3
5 March 4
5
'3 11 7
3 7
18 4
1 1
2 I
25 1
'6 1
April 1
2 3
1 2
8 7
1 2
1 I
15 6
1 2
1 22 3
29 1
2 2
1 May 6
2 2
I 13 1
1 20 1
1 27 I
June 3
1 10 17 1
1 25 4
1 1
I July 1
1 3
1 1
8 1
2 15 1
2 I
22 1
29 1
1 1
3 August 5
2 9
2 12 2
1 8
19 1
1 1
26 1
1 September 2
2 2
I 9
16 1
23 1-I 28
'I October 7
l l
14 1
1 21 2
1 28 96
.m
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-G-6 (Continued)
Number Collected Operating Non-Operating I
Date Intake Bays Intake Bays Month Day Alive Dead Alive Dead i
November 4
1 11 1
18 3
25 1
2 December 2
5 3
9 5
4 1
16 12 1
7 1
I 23 2
9 30 2
2 Total 107 31 83 32 I
I I
I I
I I
lI I
I f
97 I
1 SECT 10N V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVXRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-G-7
SUMMARY
OF Corbicula COLLECTED IN IMPINGEMENT I
SURVEYS FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983 BVPS I
Number Collected Operating Non-Operating I
Date Intake Bays Intake Bays Month Day Alive Dead Alive Dead January 9
5 2
I 14 1
5 1
23 1
1 28 I
February 4
1 11 1
1 18 2
25 1
March 4
1 11 2
1 3
18 I
25 10 1
April 1
4 5
8 1
15 5
I 22 1
29 14 May 6
2 4
I 13 1
5 3
20 4
l 27 1
1 3
June 3
2 1
' g 10 1
17 1
2 l
25 6
1 5
l July 1
9 1
2 8
1 2
15 3
24 22 1
2 1
5 I
29 2
7 l
August 5
1 1
l 12 1
1 l
19 1
3
=
26 5
7 9
September 2
6 14 1
7 I E 9
32 23 8
1 3
16 11 32 41 4
23 19 28 4
3 50 45 l
October 7
3 4
20 13 l
14 3
9 71 45 l
21 1
3 5
7 28 3
10 6
l 98 l I
L, SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT TABLE V-G-7 L
(Continued)
~
Number Collected Operating Non-Operating I
Date Intake Bays Intake Bays Month Day Alive Dead Alive Dead I
November 4
6 5
1 1
11 2
3 1
1 18 4
1 25 1
3 2
1 December 2
4 3
8 9
17 3
16 5
43 14 23 39 13 30 5
3 62 12 Total 96 191 391 287 I
I I
I
~
l i
I I
I I
l e9 f--
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPAlff 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-G-8
SUMMARY
OF MISCELLANEOUS INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED I
IN IMPINGEMENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR ONE 24-HOUR PERIOD PER WEEK, 1983 BVPS Date Number of Organisms in all Bays Month Day Mollusks (*}
Dragonflies Leeches January 9
I 14 1
23 28 February 4
1 1
I 11 1
18 25 I
March 4
11 2
18 25 2
I April 1
1 8
15 1
I 22 1
29 1
2 May 6
2 4
13 1
2 I
20 2
27 June 3
3 f(b) 25 2
July 1
1 4
I 8
1 15 3
22 4
I 29 2
August 5
1 1
12 I-19 26 September 2
1 9
1 I
16 2
1 23 26 1
I October 7
1 14 21 22 1
I 100 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE V-G-8 (Continued)
I Date Number of Organisms in all Bays Month Day Mollusks (a)
Dragonflies Leeches November 4
11 I
18 1
25 December 2
1 1
I 9
3 1
16 3
23 30 I
Total 24 13 30 I
(a) Other than Corbicula (b) Damselfly I
I I
' I l I I
l I
I l
l 101 l
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY W
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT as fish per 1000 m* of screen surface area washed. These results showed 8.3 and 4.4 fish for operating and non-operating screens, respectively.
As in previous years, the numbers of fish collected in non-operating bays indicates that fish entrapment, rather than impingement, accounts for some of the catch. Entrapment occurred when fish were lifted out of the water on the frame plates as the traveling screen rotates. Alterna-tively, when fish were impinged they were forced against the screens due I
to velocities created by the circulating water pumps.
Of the 253 crayfish collected in the 1983 impingement studies, 138 (54.5*) were collected from operating bays and 115 (45. 5".) were col-lected from non-operating bays (Table V-G-6).
Adjusting these data for screen surface area washed (crayfish per 1000 m') the results show 7.8 and 7.2 crayfish for operating and non-operating screens, respectively.
I On the otherhand, Corbicula collected in the 1983 studies included 287 (29.7*.) in the operating bays and 678 (70.3".) in the non-operating bays.
- Again, adjusting these data for the screen surface area washed (Corbicula per 1000 m*) the results show 16.2 and 42.7 Corbicula for operating and non-operating screens, respectively.
Summarv and Conclusions I
The results of the 1983 impingement surveys indicate thst withdrawal of river water at the BVPS intake for cooling purposes has little or no effect on the fish populations.
Two hundred sixteen fish were col-lected, which is the third fewest collected since initial operation of BVPS in 1976.
Of the 216 fish collected, 111 (51.4*.) were alive and returned via the discharge pipe to the Ohio River.
I I
I I
I 102 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVZRONMENTAL REPORT H.
PLANKTON ENTRAINMENT 1.
Ichthyoplankton Objective The ichthyoplankton entrainment studies are designed to determine the species composition, relative ~ abundance, and distribution of ichthyo-plankton found in proximity to the BVPS intake structure.
I Methods Previous studies have demonstrated that species composition and relative abundance of ichthyoplankton samples collected in front of the intake structure were very similar to those ichthyoplankton entrainment samples taken at BVPS (DLCo 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979).
Based on these results, a modified sampling program was utilized from 1980 through the I
current sampling season which sampled the Ohio River along a transect adjacent to the BVPS intake structure (Figure V-F-1).
Samples were collected monthly, from April through July, during daylight hours along a five station transect. Surface tows were made at Stations 1, 3, and 5 and bottom tows were taken at Stations 2 and 4 utilizing a 505 micron mesh plankton net with a 0.5 m diameter mouth.
Sample volumes were measured by a General Oceanics Model 2030 digital flowmeter mounted I
centrically in the mouth of the net.
Samples were preserved upon collection in 5% buffered formalin containing rose dengal dye.
In the laboratory, eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults were sorted from
-the sauples, identified to the lowest possible taxon and stage of development, and enumerated.
Densities of ichthyoplankton (number /
100m') were calculated using appropriate flowmeter data.
Results A total of 42 eggs, 232 larvae, 2 juveniles and 688 adults representing I
seven taxa of four families was collected from 2059.9 m' of water filtered during sampling along the river entrainment transects (Table V-H-1).
Minnows (Cy rinidae spo.) were the most common taxa, repre-senting 91% of the total catch (66.7% of the eggs, 81% of the larvae, 50% of the juveniles and 100% of the adults).
Early larvae shiners (Notropis sp.) were the most abundant larval life stage collected (103 I
103
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M TABLE V-Il-1 NUMBER AND DENS 11Y OF FISli ECCS, LARVAE, JUVENILES, AND ADULTS (Number /100 m ) COLLECTED WITil A 0.5 m PLANKTON NET 2
AT Tile ENTRAINMENT RIVER TRANSECT IN Ti!E 01110 RIVER NEAR BVPS,1983 Total Collected a
April 13 Station l Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 and Taxa Density Q
H Vol, water filtered (m )
94.0 88.6 115.3 96.8 101.8 496.5 3
No. eggs collected 1
2 0
1 0
4 No. larvae colle(.ted 0
0 0
0 0
0 4
No. Juveniles collected 0
0 0
0 0
0 No, adults collected 684 0
0 0
1 685 Density (number collected)
Eggs Percidae 1.06 (1) 2.26 (2) 0 1.03 (1) 0 0.81 (4)
Adults Notropis atherinoides 727.66 (684) 0 0
0 0.98 (1) 137.97 (685) 82 Total Station Density w
(number collected) 728.72 (685) 2.26 (2) 0 1.03 (1) 0.98 (1) 138.77 (689) eb May 11 C)
Vol. water filtered (m )
79.8 121.5 142.9 121.6 89.0 554.8 trt tus 8
No. eggs collected 0
0 0
0 0
0
$g No. larvae collected 0
1 0
0 0
1 ss No juveniles collected 0
0 0
0 0
0 to y o
No adults collected 1
0 0
1 1
3 xe Density (number collected) hn Eggs zo Larvae yg Stizostedion sp. (YL) 0 0.82 (1) 0 0
0 0.18 (1) ta Adults Notropis atherinoides 1.25 (1) 0 0
0.82 (1) 1.12 (1) 0.54 (3) m Total Station Density fs (number collected) 1.25 (1) 0.82 (1) 0 0.82 (1) 1.12 (1) 0.72 (4)
H June 14 e
Vol water filtered (m )
75.0 106.2 104.1 84.3 96.1 465.7 3
No. eggs collected 0
7 2
10 0
19 No. larvae collected 1
26 1
16 0
44 No. juveniles collected 0
0 0
0 0
0 No. adults collected 0
0 0
0 0
0 Density (number collected)
Eggs Cyprinidae 0
4.71 (5) 0.96 (1) 10.68 (9) 0 3.22 (15)
Aplodinotus grunniens 0
1.88 (2) 0.96 (1) 1.19 (1) 0 0.86 (4)
M M
M M
M M
M M
M W
W W
W W
M M
M M
M TABLE V-11-1 (Continued)
Total Collected a
Station l Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Statien 5 and Taxa Density en Lariae M
Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 0 6.59 (7) 0 0
0 1.50 (7)
O Dorosoma cepedianum (EL) 0 0
0 2.37 (2) 0 0.43 (2)
H Cyprinus carpio (YL) 0
~8.47 (9) 0.96 (1) 9.49 (8) 0 3.87 (18)
O Pimephales sp. (YL) 0 0.94 (1) 0 0
0 0.21 (1)
Notropis spp. (EL) 1.33 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.21 (1)
Cyprinidae (YL)
O 8.47 (9) 0 7.12 (6) 0 3.22 (15)
Total Station Density (number collected) 1.33 (1) 31.07 (33) 2.88 (3) 30.84 (26) 0 13.53 (63)
July 12 g
cm Vol. water filtered (m )
97.1 116.1 127.2 105.3 97.2 542.9 W
8 No. eggs collected 0
3 2
14 0
19
> ts No. larvae collected 65 35 4
78 5
187 3C No. juveniles collected 1
1 0
0 0
2 NO No, adults collected 0
0 0
0 0
0
>M e
Density (number collected)
Eggs yM Cyprinidae 0
0.86 (1) 0 11.40 (12) 0 2.39 (13)
< t-*
Aplodinotus grunniens 0
1.72 (2) 1.57 (2) 1.90 (2) 0 1.11 (6) gy la rvae o ;c Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 0 12.06 (14) 0.79 (1) 35.14 (37) 0 9.58 (52) gjH b rosoma cepedianum (EL) 0 3.45 (4) 0 0
0 0.74 (4)
[T n Notropis spp. (YL) 0 5.17 (6) 0 15.19 (16) 0 4.05 (22)
Zo Notropis spp. (EL) 64.88 (63) 9.47 (11) 2.36 (3) 18.99 (20) 5.14 (5) 18.79 (102)
Notropis spp. (LL) 1.03 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.18 (1) t-* p-Aplodinotus grunniens (YL) 0 0
0 4.75 (5) 0 0.92 (5) p3 []
[Fnidentifiable (L) 1.03 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.18 (1) m Juventics Pinephates notatus 1.03 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.18 (1)
P3 Edieostoma sp.
0 0.86 (1) 0 0
0 0.18 (1) d Total Station Density (number collect ed) 67.97 (66) 33.59 (39) 4.72 (6) 87.37 (92) 5.14 (5) 38.31 (208)
Yearly Total Vol. water filtered (m )
345.9 432.4 489.5 408.0 384.1 2059.9 3
No. eggs collected 1
12 4
25 0
42 No. larvae collected 66 62 5
94 5
232 No. Juveniles collected 1
1 0
0 0
2 No. adults collected 685 0
0 1
2 688 a
E E
E E
E
.M M
M M
M M
m M
M M
M M
M M
TABLE V-H-1 (Continued)
Total Collected a
Station l Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 and Taxa Density tn Density (number collected)
M Eggs O
Cyprinidae 0
1.39 (6) 0.20 (1) 5.15 (21) 0 1.36 (28)
Percidae 0.29 (1) 0.46 (2) 0 0.25 (1) 0 0.19 (4) 2
.Aplodinotus grunniens 0
0.93 (4) 0.61 (3) 0.74 (3) 0 0.49 (10)
Larvae Dorosoma cepedianum (YL) 0 4.86 g21) 0.20 (1) 9.07 (37) 0 2.86 (59)
Dorosoma cepedianum (EL) 0 0.93 (4) 0 0.49 (2) 0 0.29 (6)
Cyprinus carpio (YL) 0 2.08 (9) 0.20 (1) 1.96 (8) 0 0.87 (18)
Timephales sp. (YL) 0 0.23 (1) 0 0
0 0.05 (1)
Notropis spp. (YL) 0 1.39 (6) 0 3.92 (16) 0 1.07 (22)
Notropis spp. (EL) 18.50 (64) 2.54 (11) 0.61 (3) 4.90 (20) 1.30 (5) 5.00 (103)
Notropis spp. (LL) 0.29 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.05 (1)
G Cyprinidae (YL) 0 2.08 (9) 0 1.47 (6) 0 0.73 (15) co Stizostedion sp. (YL) 0 0.23 (1) 0 0
0 0.05 (1)
W Aplodinotus grunniens (YL) 0 0
0 1.23 (5) 0 0.24 (5) g$
ts Unidentifiable (L) 0.29 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.05 (1) g Juveniles cc Pimephales notatus 0.29 (1) 0 0
0 0
0.05 (1)
Etheostoma sp.
O O.23 (1) 0 0
0 0.05 (1) 2 Adults
@M Notropis atherinoides 197.75 (684) 0 0
0.25 (1) 0.52 (2) 33.35 (687)
<: ta NN Total Station Density o a:
(number collected) 217.40 (752) 17.35 (75) 1.84 (9) 29.41 (120) 1.82 (7) 46.75 (963) yH
$o aStation 1 - South Shoreline; Station 3 - Mid-channel, Station 5 - North Shoreline.
k YL - 11atched specimens with yolk and/or oil globules present, EL - Specimens with no yolk and/or oil globules and with no development of fin rays and/or spiny elements.
g y
LL - Specimens with developed fin rays and/or spiry elements and evidence of a fin fold, o
N i
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY a
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 5.00/100 m*).
Gizzard shad individuals; total yearly density
=
(Dorosoma cepedianum) yolk-sac larvae were the second most abundant stage, numbering 59 individuals (2.86/100 m*).
I The remaining larval taxa collected included sauger/ walleye (Stizostedion sg.),
common carp (Cvorinus carpio), minnow (Pimephales s2.),
and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens); all numbered less I
than 18 individuals.
Seasonal Distribution A large number of emerald shiner adults (684 individuals) were collected during the April ichthyoplankton sampling at Station 1.
During the same survey, one egg was collected each at Stations 1 and 4 and two eggs were collected at Station 2.
No larvae or juveniles were collected (Table I
V-H-1).
Samples taken in May yielded no eggs, only one larva (0.18/100 m*) and three adults (0.54/100 m*).
Fifteen of the 19 eggs collected in June were minnows, and 35 of 44 larvae collected were minnows. Samples taken in July included 19 eggs (68.5% in the minnow family),187 larvae (66.8%
in the minnow family) and 2 juveniles.
Spatial Distribution Eggs were more abundant at Stations 2 and 4 where deep tows were made than at Stations 1, 3 and 5 (Table V-H-1).
Larvae were generally more abundant at Stations 1, 2 and 4.
Nearly all larvae collected at Station 1 (N=64; 18.50/100 m*),
the station nearest to the BVPS intake struc-ture, were minnows taken during a single. sampling effort in July.
I Larval catch at Station 2 (N=62) and Station 4 (N=94) exhibited the greatest diversity of taxa; however, most (45.5%) were minnows.
Mid-channel Station 3 and the north shore Station 5 yielded only 5 larvae each. All except one were minnows. Larval densities increased somewhat at Station 4 (N=94; 23.04/100 m*) and included the highest abundance of freshwater drum larvae (N=5; 1.23/100 m*) found along the transect; however, most larvae (53.2%) were minnows. All of the larvae collected I
at Station 5 were minnows.
I 107
l SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY
=
1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Summary and Conclusions The similarity of species composition and relative abundance of ichthyo-plankton taken in 1983 along the river transect to those of 1979-1982, combined with the close correlation between river sampling in front of the intake and actual entrainment sampling established in previous years (DLCo 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979) suggests little change in ichthyo-plankton entrainment impact by BVPS in 1983.
I 2.
Phytoplankton Objective The phytoplankton entrainment study was designed to determine the composition and abundance of phytoplankton entrained in the intake water system.
I Methods After April 1,
1980, plankton sampling was reduced to one entrainment sample collected monthly. Each sample was 1 gal taken from below the skimmer wall from one operating intake bay of Unit 1.
I In the laboratory, phytoplankton analyses were performed in accordance with procedures described above in Section C, PHYTOPLANKTON.
Total I
densities (cells /ml) were calculated for all taxa.
However, only densities of the 15 most abundant taxa each month are presented in Section C of this report.
l Comparison of Entrainment and River Samples Plankton samples were not collected at any river stations after April 1, I
1980 due. to a reduction of the aquatic sampling program, therefore, i
comparison of entrainment and river samples was not possible for the 1983 phytoplankton program. Results of phytoplankton analyses for the entrainment sample collected monthly are presented in Section C,
PHYTOPLANKTON.
I During the years 1976 through 1979, phytoplankton densities of entrain-l-
ment samples were usually slightly lower than those of mean total densities observed from river samples (DLCo 1980).
However, species 108 I
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
composition of phytoplankton in the river and entrainment samples was similar (DLCo 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980).
Studies from previous years indicate mean Shannon-Weiner indices, evenness and richness values of entrainment samples were very similar to the river samples (DLCo 1979, 1980).
I Summary and Conclusions Past results of monthly sampling of phytoplankton in the Ohio River near BVPS and within the intake structure showed little difference in den-sities (cells /ml) and species composition.
During periods of minimum low river flow (5000 cfs), about 1.25% of the river would be withdrawn into the condenser cooling system. Based on the similarity of density of phytoplankton in the river and the BVPS intake structure, and the small amount of water withdrawn from the river, the loss of phyto-plankton was negligible, even under worst case low flow conditions.
3.
Zooplankton Objective The zooplankton entrainment studies
- were designed to determine the composition and abundance of zooplankton entrained in the intake water i
system.
I Methods Plankton entrainment samples were collected and zooplankters were counted. For the zooplankton analyses, a well-mixed sample was taken and processed using the same procedures described in Section D, ZOO-PLANKTON.
After April 1,
1980, plankton sampling was reduced to one entrainment sample collected monthly. Each sample was 1 gal taken from below the skimmer wall from one operating intake bay of Unit 1.
I Total densities (number / liter) were calculated for all taxa, however, only taxa which comprised greater than 2% of the total are presented in Section D, ZOOPLANKTON.
I I
109
SECTION V DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Comparison of Entrainment and River Samples Plankton samples were not collected at any river stations after April 1, 1980 due to a reduction of the aquatic sampling program, therefore, comparison of entrainment and river samples was not possible for the 1983 zooplankton program.
Results of zooplankton analyses for the entrainment sample collected monthly are presented in Section D,
ZOOPLANKTON.
During past years, composition of zooplankton was similar in entrainment I
and river samples (DLCo 1980).
Protozoans and rotifers were predomi-nant, whereas crustaceans were sparse.
Densities of the four most abundant taxa for each month (DLCo, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980) indicate the same taxa were present in both river and intake samples. In addi-tion, they were present in similar quantities. Shannon-Weiner indices, evenness, and richness values for river and entrainment samples were ai: o similar, further demonstrating similarity between entrained and I
river zooplankton.
Summary and Conclusions Past results of monthly sampling of zooplankton in the Ohio River near BVPS and within the intake structure showed little difference in den-i sities (number / liter) and species composition.
During periods of minimum, low river flow (5000 cfs), about 1.25% of the river would be I
withdrawn into the condenser cooling system. Based on the similarity of density of zooplankton in the river and the BVPS intake structure, and the small amount of water withdrawn from the river, the loss of zoo-plankton was negligible, even under worst case low flow conditions.
I I
I I
uo
- I
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVZRONMENTAL REPORT I
VI.
SOIL CHEMISTRY (ETS References 3.1.3.10)
Objectives Conductivity and pH of soils were studied as part of a program to monitor the impact of cooling tower drift on the terrestrial ecosystem.
Methods I
Soil samples were collected in June, 1983 and analyzed for pH and soluble salt concentrations.
I Statistical analyses of pH and soluble salt concentrations indicate that a minimum of ten (10) samples are required from each soil series to detect statistically significant changes at the 0.05 level of prob-ability.
Fifteen (15) samples are obtained per sampling point and the arithmetic mean and standard deviation are calculated and compared to prior sampling periods.
I Ten (10) permanent sampling locations (see Figure VI-1) representing points of projected low and high salt deposition from cooling tower drift have been established. Using a soil test auger, soil samples were collected at ten (10) locations.
Three (3) equidistant radii (e.g., 0", 120*, 240* azimuth) were estab-lished about the pin marking each permanent sampling point.
Samples were collected to a depth of six inches at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 feet along each radius for a' total of fifteen (15) samples per permanent sampling point.
Samples were prepared by transferring each soil sample to a plate, and distributing the sample uniformly over the plate. The sample was dried overnight at 10-15 C above room temperature.
I Using the hand grinder, the soil samples were crushed until a major portion passed a 10-mesh (U.S. No. 10) sieve. The crushed soil samples were then placed in jars and mixed for five (5) minutes on a mixing wheel. About 20 grams per sampla were prepared for chemical analysis.
I 111 I
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANEUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT T% '4
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SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
Specific Conductance (Soluble Salt Concentration)
Specific conductance is determined by using a conductivity bridge, a dip-type conductivity cell, and a thermometer.
When the conductivity value has been determined, the electrical conduc-tivity is converted to approximate salt concentrations using the I
following formula:
Salt concentration (mg/ liter) equals 640 x electrical conduc-e tivity (mmhos/cm)
The arithmetic mean and standard deviation of pH and conductivity values are calculated for each of the ten (10) permanent sampling points.
I A one-way analysis of variance is used to compare the values of this sampling period which values obtained for previous sampling period.
Results No investigative levels for soil pH and/or conductivity were reached in this survey. The mean pH of the soils from the ten (10) sampling points stipulated in this program did, however, vary (see Table VI-1).
The highest mean pH occurred at sampling point 1-1 (pH 6.76) and the lowest occurred at sampling point 3-2 (pH 4.11).
Of the 150 soil samples I
analyzed, the range of pH values was from 3.85 to 7.15.
The mean pH of all the samples was 4.83.
Specific conductance values varied from a low mean value of 0.11 mmhos/cm at sampling points 2-2 and 4-1 to a high mean value of 0.15 mmhos/cm at sampling point 1-1 (see Table VI-2).
The lowest conduc-tivity value of the 150 samples was 0.076 at sampling point 2-2.
The I
i highest individual conductivity value was 0.18 recorded at sampling points 1-1, 1-2, 4-2, and 5-1.
Average of the mean specific conductance levels was 0.130 mmhos/cm.
l 113
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONME14TAL REPORT TABLE VI-1
SUMMARY
OF pH LEVELS JUNE, 1983 Sample Meanl Standard Standard Range Investigation 2 Point pH Deviation Error Levels Idish LN liigh. IGE.
1-1 6.76 0.13 0.034 7.15 6.62 7.4 6.0 1-2 6.44 0.16 0.041 6.73 6.22 7.4 6.0 2-1 4.58 0.11 0.028 4.95 4.28 4.7 3.9 2-2 4.22 0.19 0.049 4.46 3.87 4.5 3.6 3-1 4.69 0.13 0.034 4.82 4.56 4.8 4.0 3-2 4.11 0.10 0.026 4.31 3.85 4.6 3.7 4-1 4.36 0.12 0.031 4.52 3.99 4.5 3.7 4-2 4.31 0.20 0.052 4.61 3.91 4.7 3.8
$-1 4.55 0.17 0.044 4.87 4.11 4.9 4.0 5-2 4.26 0.08 0.021 4.38 4.12 4.4 3.6 l
l l
l 1.
Mean values are the arithmetic averages of the fifteen soil samples obtained per sampling point. None of the ten saepling points exceeded the investigations levels.
2.
The investigation levels are 10*4 of the mean pH from the first 75 samples (15 samples taken en 5 dates 12/74, 6/75, 2/76, 6/76 and 12/76) obtained at each point.
I 114
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT I
TABLE VI-2
SUMMARY
OF SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE VALUES JUNE, 1983 I-Sample Mean of Specifici Standard Standard Investigation 2 Point Conductance Levels Deviation Error Range Level HM Low 1-1 0.15 0.015 0.004 0.18 0.12 0.58 1-2 0.14 0.022 0.006 0.18 0.11 0.66 2-1 0.12 0.018 0.005 0.14 0.096 0.48 2-2 0.11 0.014 0.004 0.12 0.076 0.42 3-1 0.12 0.020 0.005 0.15 0.091 0.40 3-2 0.14 0.018 0.005 0.17 0.10 0.40 i
4-1 0.11 0.015 0.004 0.14 0.096 0.38 4-2 0.14 0.019 0.005 0.18 0.108 0.42 5-1 0.13 0.024 0.006 0.18 0.099 0.38 5-2 0.14 0.011 0.003 0.15 0.12 0.38 5
1.
Mean values are the arithmetic averages of the fifteen soil samples obtained per sampling point.
None of the ten sampling points exceeeded the investigation levels.
I 2.
The investigation levels are based on a 100*. increase in the mean specific conductance values obtained for the first 75 samples per point.
(15 samples taken on 5 dates 12/74, 6/75, 2/76, 6/76 and 12/76).
I I
115
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPluNY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Discussion of Results a
A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the pH of June, 1983 samples with the pH of June and December, 1978 samples, (see Table VI-3).
No significant differences between June, 1983 and June, 1978 were reported for all ten sample points. Sampling points 2-1, 3-1, and 3-2 were significantly different at the 1% level and sampling point 2-2 I
was significantly different at the 5% level for December,1978.
The mean pH for all samples from June, 1983 was lower than those reported for June, 1975; June, 1978; and December, 1978 but higher than December, 1974; February, 1976; June, 1976; and December, 1976 values (Figure VI-2).
The greatest change in mean pH between successive E
Sampling periods occurred between December, 1976 and June, 1978. The 5
mean pH of all points for June, 1983 decreased by 0.01 unit. At the in-dividual sampling locations only sampling point 1-2 had a lower mean pH value than the average of the 75 baseline samples.
Sample point 1-2 exhibited the greatest change from baseline samples with a decrease of 0.4 pH units. An examination of the data indicates the usual variance in both the mean pH of all 150 points and in the mean pH's at the 10 individual points.
None of the pH values exceeded the investigation I
levels established by the original 75 baseline r amples.
Conductivity A comparison of the conductivity values between samples obtained during June, 1983 with those obtained during December,1978 indicates signifi-cant differences at the 1% level occurred at five (5) locations (see Table VI-3).
The values recorded at sampling point 2-1 were signifi-I cantly different than those obtained for June, 1978 and December, 1978 at the 5% level. A difference at the 5% level was recorded for sampling point 2-2 between June,1983, and June,1978.
The mean conductivity value for all 150 samples from June, 1983 was lower than any value previously recorded except June, 1978 (Figure VI-3).
Between successive sampling periods, the greatest change I
occurred between December, 1976 and June, 1978. The mean conductivity I
116
W W
W M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
M M
W M
M w
TABLE VI-3 P-1 COMPARISON OF pil AND SPECIFIC CONDtlCTANCE val.UES
. LUNE 1983 VS JUNE 1978 AND DECEMBER 1978 Z
pH Specific Conductance Sampling Soil Expected Salta 6/83 6/78 12/78 Significantly 6/83 6/78 12/78 Significantly D
b Points Type Deposition Mean Mean Mean Different Mean Mean Mean Different 6/78 12/78 6/78 1*/78 l-1 Pope sitt Low 6.76 6.8 6.7 0.15 0.16 0.19 loan we b
I-2 Pope silt
'High 6.44 6.4 6.4 0.14 0.15 0.17 loam e
cl 2-1 Wharton low 4.58 4.6 4.7 0.12 0.10 0.14 O
silt loam h
km Y
2-2 Wharton liigh 4.22 4.3 4.3 0.11 0.10 0.15 gis %
4 slit loam
]
HH 3-1 C11 pin-Welkert High 4.69 4.7 4.6 0.12 0.12 0.11 P2 O shaly silt loam h
3-2 C11 pin-Weikert Low 4.11 4.1 4.3 0.14 0.14 0.11 zO shaly silt loam g
4-1 Cilpin channery Low 4.36 4.4 4.4 0.11 0.10 0.12 sitt loa.s m
4-2 C11 pin channery High 4.31 4.3 4.3 0.14 0.13 0.15 slit loam H
5-1 Wellston allt low 4.55 4.5 4.5 0.13 0.12 0.13 loam 5-2 Wellston silt High 4.26 4.3 4.2 0.14 0.13 s 0.17 a - Expected low an t high deposition levels are relative to each soll type b - Significantly different:
- at the 5% level ** at the 1% level
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Sampling Dates FIGURE VI-2 1
Soll SURVEY MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL pil FOR SAMPLES OBTAINED ON EACl! 0F 8 DATES i
1
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I FICURE VI-3 i
SOIL SURVEY MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL CONDUCTIVITY FOR SAMPLES OBTAINED ON EACil 0F 8 DATES l
I
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT t
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1.8 1-1 1-2 2-1 2-2 3-1 3-2 4-1 4-2 5-1 5-2 sa=p 1:s ' ce.ations FIGURE VI-4 MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF. SOIL pH AT EACH SAMPLING LOCATION FOR JUNE, 1983.
(DATA FOR EACH SAMPLING LOCATION BASED ON 15 SAMPLES) 120
SECTION VI DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT decreased from 0.28 mmhos/cm to 0.125 mmhos/cm - a difference o'f 0.155 mmhos/cm. At the ten (10) individual sampling locations, all sampling points had lower mean conductance values than the average of the pre-vious baseline 75 samples (Figure VI-5).
The greatest change at an individual sampling location, between the June, 1983 samples and the original 75 samples, occurred at sampling point 1-2, a difference of 0.18 mmhos/cm. The variance in the conductivity data was similar to the I
variance in the pH data. The usual dispersion was observed for the mean of all samples and the individual sampling location means as compared to the five (5) previous sampling periods. None of the mean conductivity values exceeded the investigation levels established by the original samples.
Summarv of June,1983 Results e
As summarized in Table VI-3, the pH and specific conductance levels varied slightly. The fluctuations noted between years and seasons are a result of natural phenomena (i.e.,
flooding, soil moisture) to which terrestrial biota are adapted.
The 1983 soluble salts concentrations are considerably below the point where vegetation would be adversely affected. Cooling tower drift did not affect either pH or conductivity in a measurable way.
I I
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0.05 owa 1-1 1-2 2-1 2-2 3-1 3-2 4-1 4-2 5-1 5-2 Sampling Locations FIGURE VI-5 MEAN AND 95% CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SOIL CONDUCTIVITY AT EACl! SAMPLING LOCATION FOR JUNE, 1983.
(DATA FOR EACll SAMPLING LOCATION BASED ON 15 SAMPLES) 4
SECTION VII DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT VII. REFERENCES Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1979.
Pennsylvania's Endangered Fishes, I
Reptiles and Amphibians.
Published by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.
I Dahlberg, M. D. and E. P.*Odum, 1970. Annual cycles of species occur-rence, abundance and diversity in Georgia estuarine fish popu-lations. Am. Midl. Nat. 83:382-392.
DLCo, 1976.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological Volumo #1.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station. 132 pp.
I DLCo, 1977.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological Volume #1.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station. 123 pp.
DLCo, 1979.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological Volume #1.
I.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station. 149 pp.
DLCo, 1980.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No.1.
160 pp.
DLCo, 1981.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No. 1.
105 pp. +
I Appendices.
DLCo, 1982.
Annual Environmental Report, Nonradiological.
Duquesne Light Company, Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No.1.
126 pp.
EPA, 1973.
Biological field and laboratory methods. EPA-670/4-73-001.
Cincinnati, OH.
- Gilbert, C.
R.,
1964.
In: A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada, 3rd Ed. 1970. American Fisheries Publ. No. 6.
Washington, D.C.
Hutchinson, G.
E.,
1967. A treatise on limnology. Vol. 2, Introducticn I
to lake biology and the limnoplankton. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.,
New York. 1115 pp.
Hynes, H. B.
N.,
1970. The ecology of. running waters.
Univ. Toronto Press, Toronto.
ORSANCO, 1983.
Quality Monitor.
(Monthly summary of data for the I
States of
- Kentucky, New
- York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.)
- Pielou, E.
C.,
1969.
An introduction to mathematical ecology.
Wiley I
Interscience, Wiley & Sons, New York, NY.
- Robins, C.R.,R.M.
Bailey, C. E. Bond, J. R. Brooker, E. A.
- Lachner, I
R. N. Lea, and W. B. Scott, 1980. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada (Fourth edition).
Amer. Fish. Sco. Spec. Publ. No. 12:1-174 I
123 I
I SECTION VII DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY 1983 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
- Scott, W. B.
and E. J.
Crorsman, 1973.
Freshwater fishes of Canada.
Fisheries Research Bd. Canada'. Bulletin 134. 966 p.
- Winner, J.
M.,
1975.
Zooplankton.
In:
B. A.
- Whitton, ed.
River ecology.
Univ. Calif. Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles.
pp.
155-169.
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REPORT CONCERNING A FISH DIE-OFF, FEBRUARY 1983, AT THE I
BEAVER VALLEY POWER STATION UNIT NO. 1 I
Prepared For DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY I
Submitted By I
Karl E. Ohlsson, Ph.D. and Arthur E. Robb, Jr.
MICHAEL BAKER, JR., INC Beaver, Pennsylvania and Robert L. Shema I
AQUATIC SYSTEMS CORPORATION Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and J. Wayne McIntire l
DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY Nuclear Safety and Licensing Department Shippingport, Pennsylvania I
May, 1983 I
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I TABLE OF CONTENTS I
Page INTRODUCTION.
1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION..
1 INVESTIGATIVE METHODS 4
RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION.
6 OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION 10 CONCLUSIONS 13 REFERENCES.
14
,I ATTACHMENTS I
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b Introduction I
On February 12, 1983 at 0930 hours0.0108 days <br />0.258 hours <br />0.00154 weeks <br />3.53865e-4 months <br />, the Beaver Valley Power Station Unit No. 1 reactor shut-down. This unplanned shut-down resulted in a rapid drop in temperature of the power plant discharge which in turn, caused a die-off of a large number of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum).
Reports of this fish die-off reached Duquesne Light Company's environmental staff on February 15.
Subsequently, the same day, Duquesne Light notified Aquatic Systems Corporation (ASC) of the problem and requested that a follow-up study be conducted to document the cause of the fish die-off. On February 16, the staff of ASC initiated field and laboratory I
studies of the fish die-off. On February 17, a waterway patrolman from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission arveyed the area and on February 25, a meeting was held between representatives of the Fish Commission, Duquesne Light Company, Aquatic Systems Corporation and Baker Engineers to discuss the fish die-off. This report is a summary of the subsequent investigations and provides the following information.
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(1) Summary of the events leading up to the fish die-off.
(2) Investigations conducted to determine the possible causes of the die-off.
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I (3) Findings of the subsequent investigations.
I Background Infermation The Beaver Valley Power Station Unic No. 1 (BVPS) and the Shippingport Power Station are located on a 486.8 acre tract of land along the south bank of the Ohio River in the Borough of Shippingport, Pennsylvania (Figure 1). Both power plants are operated by Duquesne Light Company.
I The Shippingport Power Station began full operation in 1957 and BVPS began operation.in 1976. However, in 1982 the Shippingport Power I
Station was shut-down for decommissioning. Thus, over a 6 year period f rom 1976 to mid-1982 both the Shippingport Power Station and BVES have 1
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been discharging heated water into the Ohio River in the vicinity of the back channel of Phillis Island. The heated discharge from the two power I
plants which are approximately 500 feet apart, have created favorable habitat for gizzard shad, apparently providing moderating water tempera-tures and a food source (plankton), particularly during the winter months. When the Shippingport Power Station was shut-down in 1982, it eliminated a source of heated water, leaving only the BVPS discharge.
Thus, the gizzard shad, which previously had stayed within the two I
discharge plumes, began congregating in the BVPS discharge in the winter of 1982-83. This was confirmed starting in January 1983, when large numbers of shad were observed congregating in the BVPS discharge. These observations (six times) were made during routine aquatic sampling surveys conducted at the BVPS.
Events possibly contributing to the fish die-off have been recon-strucced by reviewing (1) internal' power plant documentation concerning the timing of the reactor shut-down; (2) discharge temperature data; and (3), river elevation data. River and discharge temperature data obtained I
from continuous recording stations operated by Duquesne Light Company, is summarized as follows:
February 11 - Normal Operations - discharge temperature ranged from 58.5 to 66*F.
1
' g February 12 - Reactor Shut-Down - discharge temperature dropped W
25*F (i.e., 61* to 36*F) within a 3.25 hour2.893519e-4 days <br />0.00694 hours <br />4.133598e-5 weeks <br />9.5125e-6 months <br /> period.
Eight hours later the discharge temperature was 45*F.
(See Attachment 1)
February 14 - Normal Operations - discharge temperature was in the 60 to 68*F range.
During the same period (i.e., February 11 through February 14, water temperatures in the Ohio River ranged from 38 to 39'F (see Attachment I
2).
Information regarding the river elevation in the Cumberland Pool was also recorded (see Attachment 3).
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Investigative Methods I
On February 16, 1983 the ASC field team comprised of a fisheries biologist and an aquatic biologist conducted an investigation to estimate the extent of the fish die-off, collect specimens of dead shad and establish physico-chemical parameter conditions through field measure-ments and collection of water samples for laboratory analysis.
I To estimate the number of shad on the shore, measurements of the length of shoreline containing dead fish was made. The areas where these measurements were taken (and dead fish observed) is shown on Figure 1.
Due to the drop in river elevation during the time period in question, fish were present from the previous high water mark (at elevation ca. 667 feet esi) across an exposed mud flat to the water's edge (ca. 666 feet asi). Fish were then counted within one-foot wide transects that extended perpendicular from the shore beginning at the high water mark and extending across the mud, to the water line and also included fish floating off shore. A total of 11 transects were used to I
obtain an average density of fish per foot of shoreline. This average density was then multiplied by the length of shoreline containing fish to arrive at an estimate of shad. This estimate represents only those fish observed as of 1200 hours0.0139 days <br />0.333 hours <br />0.00198 weeks <br />4.566e-4 months <br /> on February 16.
In addition to the shad, two other species of dead fish were observed along the shore, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Because few specimens of either species were present, they were directly I
counted rather than estimated.
In addition to making an estimate of the number of shad, each specimen counted was also segregated into three arbitrary sizes (small, medium or large). The percentage of each size was later used in making an estimate of the total biomass of fish that were on the shoreline.
The average weight of fish in each of the three categories was determined f rom a 47 randomly selected specimens which were taken from the field and returned to the laboratory for examination.
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Water samples and field measurements of water temperature and dissolved oxygen were taken at three locations on February 16. These I
stations, shown on Figure 1, were located:
(1) approximately 2,000 feet upstream of the BVPS heated water discharge; (2) at the discharge; and (3) approximately 500 feet downstream of the diecharge. The water samples were analyzed for ammonia (NHg-N), 5-day BOD, nitrite, pH and specific conductance.
The 47 shad returned to the laboratory were examined to determine I
their age and growth. Fish are aged in a manner analogous to aging a tree by counting the rings. The scales provide a means of accurately predicting age since scales grow at a rate that is comparable to the overall growth of the fish. In the fall when the water temperature decreases, the growth of fish is also reduced as a result of a decline in the metabolic rate and active feeding. Concentric ridges are formed on the scales during all periods of active growth but when the growth I
rate decreases, the ridges form closer together. This crowding is referred to as annulus formation. In temperate waters, the number of I
annuli can be considered to correspond to the age of the fish in years.
The scales of the specimen shad were obtained from each fish from the area between the dorsal fin and the lateral line. The scales were treated with a bone stain to facilitate identification of annuli and then mounted on a microscope slide. Each scale was viewed using a Bausch and Lomb overhead slide projector and magnifying the scales until I
they were enlarged to greater than 12 inches in diameter. Several scales from each fish were examined three times in an independent fashion for determination of age.
A subsample of 18 fish were also l
sexed.
I On February 28, the site where the dead shad accumulated was revisited to collect additional specimens for age and growth analysis.
I A total of 57 gizzard shad were collected; each fish was selected on the basis -of its length being greater than 225 mm (8.9 -inches). The size criterion was used to confirm the age classes of fish involved in the die-off.
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The final field task conducted by ASC for this study involved taking samples of the intake and discharge waters to examine them for I
the presence of phytoplankton. Gizzard shad are herbivores, feeding primarily on algae and phytoplankton (Scott and Crossman, 1973). Thus, the occurrence of plankton in the discharge could help explain the presence of shad in the vicinity of the outfall. The phytoplankton samples were counted in the laboratory using an inverted microscope at 1000X.
I To determine if any radiological uptake had occurred in the fish, a fish sample was taken from the shoreline near the discharge on February 18, 1983. This sample was forwarded to Teledyne Isotopes of Westwood, New Jersey for analysis. At the laboratory, the sample was prepared in a standard 300 ml plastic bottle and scanned for gamma emitting nuclides with a gamma spectrometry system utilizing a Ge (Li) detector.
I Results of the Investigation Four areas of shoreline contained dead shad. Two of these sections were in the vicinity of the Shippingport Power Station, and measured 80 and 100 feet in length (Figure 1).
The two areas near the BVPS discharge were 150 and 250 feet long. The average density of dead gizzard shad per foot of shoreline in the Shippingport area was 34.16, while the density near the BVPS discharge was 34.25 fish / foot of shoreline. In addition, a small patch of shad numbering 250 fish was observed next to I
the discharge. The combined total of fish estimated on the shoreline as a result of the shut-down was 20,100 shad. In addition, 20 channel catfish and one (1) common carp were counted. No other fish species were observed on the shoreline or floating off shore.
I The estimated percentage for each of the three size classes were as follows:
I 1.
. S=all shad.made up 71.4. percent of the total.and had -an average weight of 40.0 grams (0.088 pounds).
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2.
Medium-sized shad comprised 23.8 percent of the total die-off I
and had an average weight of 112.8 g (0.249 pounds).
3.
Large shad were found to be 4.8 percent of the total and have an average weight of 548.3 g (1.21 pounds).
By using 20,100 shad as the total estimated number of fish and the aforementioned distribution of size and weight, a total of 1642 kg (3,620 pounds) of shad were present along the shore.
In addition, 18.1 kg (40 pounds) of channel catfish at an average weight of J.9 kg (2 pout 5ds) per fish and 2.3 kg (5 pounds) of carp (one fish estimated to I
weigh this amount) were also observed.
The original 47 gizzard shad specimens brought back for age and growth analysis were found to the predominately members of age class I (91 percent), that is, no annuli were present on the scales examined for 43 of the 47 individuals. Because of this unusual age distribution, 57 additional specimens were collected for age and growth evaluation, with I
the emphasis on acquiring larger fish to obtain a wider range of ages.
The results of the scale analyses are presented in Table 1.
The age distribution even including the second collection of large fish continued to be predominately age class I fish (85 percent).
I A comparison of the upstream and downstream results indicates that I
organic matter decomposition resulting from the gizzara shad die-off was probably occurring on the date of collection below the discharge (Table 2).
This conclusion is based on:
1.
A drop in the dissolved oxygen concentration at the downstream sampling point.
2.
Increases in the ammonia and nitrite concentrations below the discharge.
I These effects cannot the attributed to the effluent quality of the BVPS discharge because, as can be seen from Table 2, the parameters in 7
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TABLE 1 I
STATUS OF GIZZARD SHAD COLLECTED FROM THE BVPS DISCHARGE AREA February 16 and 28, 1983 I
AGE-GROWTH YEAR CLASS I
II III IV y
VI Number 88 2
0 9
3 1
Length Range (mm) 143-269 302-308 312-368 340-342 396 Mean Length (c:m) 215 305 338 341 396 SEX MALE FEMALE Number 8
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Note: One of the specimens had regenerated scales and therefore no age determination could be made.
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TABLE 2 I
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS OF WATER SAMPLES TAKEN FROM THE OHIO RIVER AND BVPS DISCHARGE February 16, 1983 I
STATION a)
DISCHARGE (b) 500' BELOW DISCHARGE (c)
PARAMETER UPSTREAM Field Measurements Temperature *C 4.1 20.0 12.5 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1) 15.4 10.4 8.7 0xygen % Saturation 119.5 116.4 83.4 Laboratory Analyses Ammonia (N) (mg/1) 0.48 0.31 0.84 BOD, 5-day (mg/1) 5.5 2.1 5.7 Nitrite (mg/1) 0.08 0.15 0.64 pH 6.9 6.9 7.3 I
Specific conductance 320 480 443 umhmos/ cm at 25'C I
Notes:
(Figure 1 shows the locations of the sampling stations described below)
I (a) Upstream Sample:
taken from the south shore of the Ohio River at BVPS Aquatic Monitoring Program: Transect 1.
(b) Discharge Sample:
taken at river level immediately at the end of the I
sluiceway pilings.
1 (c) 500' Below Discharge Sample: taken from the south shore of the i
backchannel of Phillis Island.
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question were not substantially different from the levels observed at the upstream station. Only the increase in temperature and specific I
conductance at the downstream site can be related directly to BVPS. A review of the plant NPDES sampling data from February 12, indicated that all physico-chemical parameters were within NPDES guidelines.
The phytoplankton analysis for the intake and discharge resulted in counts of 1389.5 and 1286.5 cells /ml respectively. These results show that food organisms for the shad are present in the discharge.
I Results of the radiological studies conducted in conjunction with the fish die-off indicated that the only gamma emitter detected was the naturally occurring K-40.
All of the gamma emitters analyzed for, were less than (L.T.) the lower limit of detection (Table 3).
In addition, a review of the February Radiological Monitoring Program surface water and I
drinking water sample results downstream of the discharge showed no detectable increase in radioactivity in the Ohio River.
Observations and Discussion Several facrors may have combined to have caused the die-off of gizzard shad and other species in the time period of February 12 through February 15, 1983. There is no question that after the shut-down, a rapid decline in the discharge temperature occurred (25*F or 14*C in 3.25 hours2.893519e-4 days <br />0.00694 hours <br />4.133598e-5 weeks <br />9.5125e-6 months <br />). The area in the vicinity of the outfall is shallow and a one foot drop in the river elevation during the period would have further reduced the area available for tha fish to congregate. It is, however, unlikely that the chad were killed outright by the drop in temperature (thermal shock). Studies performed for the Front Street l
Station in Erie, PA entitled " Field and Laboratory Assessment of Factors Affecting the Occurrence and Distribution of Gizzard Shad" (Penelec, 1977) revealed that sudden, 15-minute decreases in temperature resulted I
in high frequencies of stress in shad, but even a 15'C drop in temperature over.15-minutes did not cause mortality. Therefore, thermal shock is probably not the direct cause of death. A more plausible explanation is I
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I TABLE 3 I
RADIOACTIVITY ANALYSIS RESULTS OF GIZZARD SHAD COLLECTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE BEAVER VALLEY POWER STATION DISCHARGE ON FEBRUARY 18, 1983 I
ACTIVITY I
NUCLIDE (pCi/gm WET)
BE-7 L.T.
4.
E-02 K-40 8.02+-1.02E-01 CR-51 L.T.
4.
E-02 MN-54 L.T.
4.
E-03 Co-58 L.T.
4.
E-03 FE-59 L.T.
8.
E-03 I
CO-60 L.T.
5.
E-03 ZN-65 L.T.
8.
E-03 NB-95/ZR-95 L.T.
5.
E-03 RU-103 L.T.
5.
E-03 RU-106 L.T.
4.
E-02 I-131 L.T.
9.
E-03 CS-134 L.T.
5.
E-03 CS-137 L.T.
5.
E-03 LA-140/BA-140 L.T.
6.
E-03 CE-141 L.T.
8.
E-03 CE-144 L.T.
3.
E-02 RA-226 L.T.
8.
E-02 TH-228 L.T.
8.
E-03 lI I
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that the fish mortality resulted from oxygen depletion. The fish probably started to emigrate from the discharge when the temperature I
began to drop, seeking warmer water. The shallow shoreline area would have probably provided warmer temperatures because the substrate, which had originally absorbed heat from the discharge, would have been emitting heat for some time after the discharge began dropping in temperature. Thus, thousands of shad would have been congregating in the shallows, depleting oxygen levels in the area at a high rate because they were under stress from the thermal shock. The wind and wave action I
in these shallows would then have washed the fish onto the shore.
The actual number of fish that expired as a result of the reactor shut-down was undoubtedly greater than the estimated 20,100 shad plus several channel catfish and one common carp. The estimate does not take into account those fish consumed by predator fish, waterfowl or small mammals. It also does not include those fish which, as indicated by the I
results of the water quality analyses, were not washed up on shore and were in the process of decomposing on the bottom of the discharge area.
Finally, the number of fish washed downstream and out of the study area could not be defined from this investigation.
I In addition to identifing why the die-off took place, this investi-gation was also conducted to determine if the die-off was confined to any particular species, age class or sex. The latter two objectives have already been addressed with the results being that most of the shad I
were in age class I and seemed to be equally represented by both males and females. Also it has been noted that of the observed fish, gizzard shad were the predominate species affected. Based on field observations no gamefish species were involved in the die-off. During six observations made of fish congregating in the discharge area in 1983 prior to the die-off, no gamefish were noted although schools of shad were present.
The shad were swimming gently into the current and they showed no signs I
of panic as if a predator was in chase. The reason for this may be that
. predator species such.as northern pike (Esox lucius) or walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) generally prefer cooler water temperatures. Since shad suffering from disease or other stresses would tead to drift out of the I
12 I
I discharge plume, it is quite possible that predators could feed on those individuals and seldom have to enter the heated water to obtain food.
I Thus, these species would not have been subjected to thermal shock, which would account for their absence in the die-off.
The study of the shad scales did reveal some interesting facts concerning the past history of growth conditions for these fish. Since the patterns on the scale represent a permanent record of the fish's growth, the spacing between the ridges or annuli provide an indication I
of how favorable environmental factors were for a particular year.
1982 represented a very good year for shad because the Ohio River drainage experienced a mild winter, early spring and a warm summer. Also, no major floods occurred in the spring when the shad spawn. All of these factors contribute to ideal conditions for successful shad reproductiot.
and growth. This is in contrast to the 1981 and 1980 growing seasons.
Both of these years, based on the closely spaced annuli, showed very slow growth for the shad. The absence of age class III and only 2 age class II shad indicate that conditions were not as favorable during I
those years. This is confirmed by examining the BVPS Unit No.1,1980 and 1981 annual reports which indicate that weather and subsequent river conditions were not as conducive to shad propagation.
Conclusions 1.
The fish die-off which occurred on February 12, 1983 affected I
gizzard shad primarily in age class I, but ranging from age class I through VI.
The die-off was not linited to a particular sex.
2.
Based on analysis of the fish scales, excellent growth occurred in gizzard shad during 1982. It is probable that the population of this species was not substantially affected by the die-off and that I
overall, the shad population in the New Cumberland Pool (the reach of the Ohio River on which BVPS is located) should not be signifi-cantly affected.
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3.
Because of the cessation of operation of the Shippingport Power Station and subsequent reduction of heated water input to only I
the discharge from BVPS Unit No. 1, events such as those occurring during the time period when the die-off took place could lead to additional shad mortality. It is expected that these events would only occur until Unit No. 2 becomes operational, at which time there would again be two warm water sources and the effects of a shut-down in either plant would be compensated for by the other.
I References Penelec, 1977. Field and Laboratory Assessment of Factors Affecting the Occurrence and Distribution of Gizzard Shad. Section 2, pages 1 through 79.
Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman. 1973. Freshwater Fishes of Canada.
Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Bulletin 1984. Ottawa.
966 p.
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Telephone (412) 3934000 Nuclear Divistort P.O. Box 4 Shippingport, PA 15077004 March 30, 1984 ND1MSL:3157 1983 Annual Environmental Report Non-radiological - Volume 1 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mr. Peter Tam, Project Manager Operating Reactors Branch No. 1 Division of Licensing c/o Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555
Reference:
Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No. 1 Docket No. 5 0-3 34
Dear Mr. Tam:
Enclosed are eighteen (18) copies of the 1983 Annual Environmental Report Non-radiological - Volume 1, for the Beaver Valley Power Station.
The number of copies provided your office is in accordance with the distribution noted in Regulatory Guide 10.1.
Very truly yours, dL F D. Sieber, Manager Nuclear Safety and Licensing JWM:lmd Enclosure
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