ML20095J921

Annual Environ Operating Rept 1991

ML20095J921
Person / Time
Site:	Wolf Creek
Issue date:	12/31/1991
From:	Rhodes F WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORP.
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
ET-92-0093, ET-92-93, NUDOCS 9205040200
Download: ML20095J921 (30)

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~ k W8LF CREEK ' NUCLEAR OPERATING CORPORATION Forrest T Rhodes Vice President E ntneem6 hchnicai sernes April 29, 1992 ET 92-0093

13. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Mail St.ation F1-137 Washington, D. C. 20555

Subject:

Docket No. 50-482: Annual Environmental Operating Report Gentlemen Enclosed is the Annual Environmental Operating Report which is being submitted pursuant to Volf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) Facility Operating License NPF-42, Appendix B.

This report covers the operating of Wolf Creek December 31, 1991.G -terating Station for the period of January 1, 1991 to Ver ruly y ur s ag f ;f2' Forrest T. Rhodes Vice Preeident Engineering & Technical Services FTR/mes Enclosure cc: A. T. Howell (NRC), w/a R. D. Martin (NRC), w/a G. A. Pick (NRC), w/a W. D. Reckley (NRC), w/a 1

9205040200 DR 911231 7 Box 411 Burhngte e. S 66839 : Phons- (316) 364-8831 ADOCK 05000482 An Equal Opportunity Employer M F HC VrT PDR

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WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION .; ,

i ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT-l1991

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SECTION WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORPORATION P.O. BOX 411 t

BURLINGTON, KS 66839

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o WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORPORATION WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION 1991 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

.................................................. 1 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ............................. ....... 1 2.1 AQUATIC .................................................. 1 2.1.1 Impacts of Water Withdrawal on the Neosho River ... 1 2.1.2 Chlorine Discharges to Wolf Creek Cooling Lake .... ~2 2.1.3 -Cold Shock- ........................................ 4 2.1.4 1rpingement and Entrainment ....................... 5 2.1.5 Impacts of Wolf Creek Cooling Lake Discharges to the Neosho River .................................. 5 2.2 TERRESTRIAL .............................................. 6 2.2.1 Control of Vegetation in the Exclusion Zone. ....... 6 2.2.2 VcSetation Buffer Zone Surrounding Wolf Creek Cooling Lake ...................................... 6 2.2.3 Herbicide Use for Maintenance-of Wolf Creek Generating Station Structures ..................... 7 2.2.4 Waterfowl Disease Contingency Plan and Monitoring. . 8 2.2.5 Fog Monitoring Program ............................ 8 2.2.6 Wildlife Monitoring-Program- ....................... 9 2.2.7 Land Management Program- ............................ 9 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION-PLAN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS .......... 9 3.1 PLANT DESIGN OR OPERATING CHANGES- ........................ 9 3.2 NONROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS ........................ 14 3.2.1 Subuitted Nonroutine Reports' ...................... 14 3.2.2 Unusual or Important Environmental Event Evaluations ...................................... 14 3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL NONCOMPLIANCES ............................ 14:

SUMHARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS AT WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION, 1991 .................................... ATTACHMENT-D' A

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1991/ Annual-Environmental Operating Report Page 1 of 14

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC) has committed to minimizing the impact of Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS).-operation on the environment. The 1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report is being submitted in accordance with the objectives of the Environmental Protection. Plan (EPP) asL required by Facility Operating License NFF-42. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate that the- plant operated during 1991 in an environmentally acceptable manner.

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 2.1 AQUATIC ~(EPP Section 2.1]

2.1.1 Impacts of Water Withdrawal on'the Neosho River The owners of WCGS have contracted with the Kansas Water Resources Board to pump 9.672 billion gallons per- calendar year from the tailwaters of the John Redmond Reservoir <

(JRR) to-Wolf Creek Cooling Lake- (WCCL). .During 1991, 6.810 billion gallons or 70 percent. of the contracted allotment were pumped. Auxiliary- raw Lwater was pumped similar to past years- at a rate of approximately' 1.2 million gallons per day and-comprised- about- 5 percent-of_the total pumped. The remainder was transferred to WCCL-via the nakeup pumps, which operated-from March 13 through~

-April 15 August 2 through SeptemaerL17, and -from October'26 throughl0ctober 31. The_ makeup; pumps were also operated for short periods on May.27 and July 26, 1991.

Measurements taken during 1991 byL the United States

. Geological Survey indicate that- downstream- flows in the Neosho River at Burlington -were largely. unaffected by makeup pumping activities, unlike_ that suspected during-

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-1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report' Page 2 of 14 1990. In 1990 downstream flow reductions were presumed to have resulted from blockages experienced in the _ diversion pipe from which makeup' water was released from JRR. The blockages reduced flow below the 120 cfs required to supply-water to the makeup pumps. Due to insufficient discharge-from this' pipe, the makeup pumps appeared to take a portion of the . water released- from 'JRR intended to maintain downstream flows. Evaluations determined that no adverse environmental impacts occurred; as a ' result. 'In 19 91-,- .

adequate water was released through the pipe to'the makeup pumps, so pumping activities did not reduce downstream-flows, i

The Final Environmental Statement / Operating License. Stage (FES/0LS) postulated that makeup water withdrawal of 41 cfs (average annual predicted makeup requirements) during drought conditions would exteno the duration and severity _

of low-flow conditions _below JRR. This, in turn,' was expected to reduce riffle habitat which would adversely.

affect Neosho madtom- populations. iThis combination of circumstances - makeup water withdrawal during very low river flows.- occurred during the' 1991' pumping. -Normal downstream flow conditions were maintained and no reduction-attributed to WCGS' 1991 withdrawala ~ occurred. Sampling -c conducted during November 1991-after the withdrawals, found Neosho madtoms present in numbers similar to previous years.

2.1.2 Chlorine Discharges t'o Wolf Creek Cooling Lake Circulating Water System Discharge:

L Total residual chlorine (TRC) was postulated in-l

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s 1991 Annual Environmental-Operating Report-Page 3 of 14 Section 4.2.6.1 of the- FES/0LS to range between 0.68 and 1.08 mg/l at the Circulating Water System (CWS) discharge.

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Three 30-minute doses per day at 411. pour.ds of chlorine per dose were projected to produce these concentrations. These chlorine doses were expected to cause periodic, appreciable morta11ty among aquatic organisms in a conservatively estimated 40 acres of the discharge area of WCCL'(FES/0LS, Section 5.5.2.2).

Administered by the' Kansas' Department' of. Health and Environment- (KDHE), the WCGS National Follutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit allows TRC to be a maximum of 0.2 mg/1 in the circulating water effluent.

Chlorine dose duration is limited to two hours per day. In practice, WCGS has fallen well below the NPDES allowable _

limits. Actual chlorine dosages to the CWS have averaged-approximately 58 pounds -per day. Compliance with the permit limits for daily maximum TRC was 100 percent. The two hour chlorination dose duration limit was exceeded by.

41 minutes on February 23, 1991, but 'for ,the year, compliance was still; greater thanL99 percent. Monitoring- -

during 1991 detectedEa daily average'TRC- concentration- of less than 0.1 mg/1,- well below the'O.2 mg/l permitted level. In Section 5.5.2.2-of the FES/0LS, the proposed.

chlorination treatments were not. expected;to meaningfully.

affect -the overal1~ biologi' cal productivity. of WCCL.

Because the actual monitored values during-CWS chlorination-were well below the -evaluated levels and no fish mortalities attributable -toEchlorination- were observed, permitted chlorine discharges =during 1991 were not considered to have'had appreciable effectsson the cooling lake environment, i

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o 1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 4 of 14 Essential Service Water System Discharges-During 1991, a continuous di7ersion of approximately, 18,000 gpm of Service Water System . ( SWS ) - flow to the Essential Service Water System (ESWS) was completed as part of Plant Modification Request (PHR) 02149. This- van intended to provide microbiologically induced corrosion and sedimentation control. This flow diversion differed from that briare 1990 when they had only occurred in an effort to prevent winter ice formation at the ESWS intake-.

In the EPP. the Nuclear. Regulatory Commission'(NRC) defers regulation of water quality issues to the NPDES permit administered by the State of Kansas. In. 1989- the KDHE "

established a 1.0 mg/l TRC limit-for the SWS flow diversion through the ESWS. Compliance with the TRC-limit in 1991-was 100 percent. No . fish mortalities cr water quality

. changes attributable to PMR 02149 implementation were observed during 1991.

2.1.3 Cold Shock In the event of a rapid decline in plant power level during' winter,-fishes-attracted to-the WCGS-heated discharge could.

experience mortality due to " cold shock",-a quick reduction in body temperature. In reference to licensing document-evaluations, the WCGSLEPP Section 2.1 (c) states, " Cold-shock effects on fish due to reactor shutdowns could cause significant . mortality; to aquatic . species in the cooling lake". There were no cold shock mortality events-observed during 1991.

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. 1991 ' 141' Environmental- -

Operating-Report '

Page 5 of 14 2.1.4 Impingement had Entrainment Impacts of entrainment and impingement were' projected to be significant in the WCGS EPP. Condenser mortality for entrained organisms was expected to approach 100%. Because of this, sampling efforts to monitor entrainment impact; were not required by the NRC and have not{been implemented; at WCGS. Through casual observations, fish 1mpingement at the WCCL circulating' water intake was considered minimal during 1991, thus. no' sampling efforts te monitor impingement impacts have besn initiated.

2.1,5 Impacts of Wolf Creek Cooling Lake Discharges to the Neosho River-Cooling lake discharges into the Neosho River are regulated by. NPDES permit -limitatiens. Since discharges are sporadic, chiefly from stormwater runoff- and infrequent blowdowns, water is sampled on the -first. day of each discharge-andLweekly thereafter until the 'and of each respective discharge. Effluent-parameters-measured include a flow' rate estimate. temperature, pd. . totali dissolved solids, sulfate, and chloride concentration. Di e charges : of -

these parameters are- regulated to maintain 'ai zone of:

passage in the Neosho-River-for aquatic orgaditns at the -

Wolf Creek confluence. ' Consequently,~ the flows allowed from WCCL' mayLtange.from zero to unrestrictedi fdependin'g ,

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upon water quality and temperature - similarities' with1 the Neosho River. In 1991, no NPDES violations at the WCCL discharge were observed and et no time- did.-water quality criteria restrict WCCL discharge-'to the Neosho Fiver.

Based on monitoring studies completed, there have'been: no apparent . deleterious effects to Neosho River water quality, x . - , . .:. -. a. .. , - -. - -

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1991 Annual Environmental

-Operating Report Page 6 of 14 3 or productivity due to WCCL discharges.

2.2 TERRESTRIAL [EPP Section 2.2) 2.2.1 Control of Vegetation in the E::clusion Zone-The composition and structure of vegetation in the 453 ha (1120 acre) exclusion zone were selectively controlled to be compatible with .the function and security of staticu 1 facilities. Most areas in the immediate vicinity of the-power block have been planted crd maintained in a lawn-type condition. Other areas within the exclusion area have been mowed for security and setthetic purposes.

2.2.2 Vegetation Buffer Zone Surrounding Wolf Creek Cooling Lake To create a 500 acre buffer zone around WCCL, agricultural production activities were curtailed in 1980 below an approximate elevation'of 1095' MSL, -eight feet-above WCCL normal operating surface water elevation-(1087' MSL). -

This border ranges from approximately 200 to1400 feet adjacent to the lake shoreline. Previously grazed or' hayed native t allgrass areas were -left undisturbed. Previously cultivated lands were allowed'to - advance through ' natural successional . stages lor - nativ& grass stands were reestablished. Land management activities specified in an annual land management plan included controlled burning and native tallgrass seeding to: enhance and/or' maintain the.

designated buffer zone with a naturally occurring biotic community.

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. 1991 Annual Fnvironmental j Operating Report Page 7 of 14 2.2.3 Herbicide Use for Maintenance of -Wolf Creek Generating Station Structures A soil sterilant was applied on selected gravel areas of WCGS. These include the Protected Area Boundary, various lay-down storage yards, meteorological -tower, support building borders, storage teak berms, switchyard, hazardous waste and yaste oil storage areas, and on-site railroad beds. The herbicides applied consisted of 8 pounds of Karmex (EPA Reg. No. 352-247) and 4 to 6 pounds of- Oust (EPA Reg. No. 352-401) per 100 gallons. of water.

Application rat (>- ranged from 20-50 gallons -per acre.

These herbicides are regictered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. No environmental impacts from herbicide treatment of WCGS facilities were identified.

Selected areas of-'problet- trees and brush were cut or sprayed along the Rose Hill and LaCygne 345 KV transmission-lines associated with WCGS lands. The cut-trees were stump treated to control resprouting with Tordon RTU (EPA . Reg.

No. 464-510). The spray was a brush herbicide mixture-which included'Tordon 101_ (EPA' Reg. No. .464-306) and Garlon 3A-(EPA Reg. No. l464-546) mixed-in equal amounts to make a one percent solution in water. A wetting. agent and drift. inhibitor were: also used. All chemicals- were registered for use- in -Kansas. The = transmission line right-of-ways were . treated by a contractor commercially

-licensed-by the Kansas Department of: Agriculture. All .

label. -instructions: were followed.- Ik) environmental-

-problems were observed frem herbicide treatment of these right-of-ways in the. vicinity of WCGS.

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1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 8-of 14 2.2.4 Waterfowl Disease Contingency Plan and Monitoring A waterfowl disease contingency plan was maintained to provide guidance for *tation biologists in the event of suspected or actual disease outbreaks. The contingency plan lists appropriate federal and state wi3dlife agency contacts to be made by WCNOC in the event of such problems. During routine wildlife monitcring and surveillance activities taking place _over this reporting period, no waterfowl mortality attributable to disease pathogens was identified.

2.2.5 Fog Monitoring Program [EPP Subsection 4.2.1)

Visibility monitoring was initiated in December 1983 and continued through 1987. The purpose of this study was _to evaluate the impact of waste-heat dissipation from WCCL on fog occurrence along U.S. 75 near New Strawn, Kansas. Upon conclusion of 1987 data collection, it-was-cetermined~that sufficient information was available it- evaluate cooling lake fogging and that all commitments . relevant to fog monitoring had been satisfied. Because no _ problems were identified by these data. -no formal. fog monitoring program was conducted _during 1991. Through - ' casutil observations, Environmental _ Management -personnel did not- observe any incidents of man-made fog along U.S. 75-during 1991. In addition, there were noL reports of.such incidents from' individuals or local agencies responsible- for traffic.

safety. Implementation- of mitigative actions or.'further; monitoring was not warranted.

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1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report-Page 9 of 14 2.2.6 Wildlife Monitoring Program [EPP Subsection 4.2.2)

A wildlife monitoring program was initiated to monitor and assess wildlife populations or parameters most likely to be impacted by the operation of WCGS. As outlined in the 1990/1991 annual w'.ldlife study plan, specific objectives of the wildlife monitoring program were to assess waterfowl, waterbird, and bald eagle usage of WCCL.

Because these annual- monitoring programs target each migration season (autumn through early spring), this EPP reporting period overlaps with part of the 1991/1992 monitoring program. The objectives of this program were the same as for the 1990/1991 season. Wildlife monitoring results are summarized in the attachment to this report.

2.2.7 Land Management Program [EPP Subsection 4.2.3)

Land management activitics .on all company-owned lands except within the. 453 ha (1120 acre) WCGS exclusion area were designed to achieve balances between agricultural production and conservation values. -An annual management plan was formulated to address needs and- propose accepted techniques for land maintenance,. soli conservation. and wildlife management. These included construction or repair of livestock fences and ponds, and the construction or establishment of terraces,.- waterways, and. permanent vegetative covers. 'A summary of the 1991 Land Management Report appears in the attachment.to this report.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN REPORTING RFOUTREMENTS 3.2 PLANT DESIGN OR OPERATING CHANGES [EPP Section 3.1]

Propoced plant design 'and operational changes which have the

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1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 10 of 14 potential to sffect the 2nvironment must receive an environmental evaluation- prior to implementation. A' summary of each t modification or operating change which required.an environmental evaluation in 1991 is presented. There were no changes in station design or operation nor were there. tests or experiments that-involved an unreviewed environmental question during 1991.

Evaluation 91-1: Replacement of Betz C-82 with Betz C-94 Biocide for Treatment of SWS and ESWS This evaluation add essed a- small change in'- the biocide formulation used in the SWS and the ESWS. .The change was -to substitute Betz C-82 with C-94, another Betz product. The C-82 l

product was evaluated during 1990 and shownEto have no adverse environmental impacts. The two. biocides are identical except for the percent of NaBr, the active ingredient. C-82.has 461 compared to C-94's 40% which lowers the freezing point of the solution.

Dosage rates were to remain similar. Therefore, C-94 was concidered to have a smaller impact probability.than-C-82, which was previously determined to be insignificant.

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-Evaluation 91-2: Procedure Formulation for, Removal and Addition of Sand and Carbon' Filter Media-An environmental . evaluation- was completed' of two' procedures dealing with -the operating instructions for -the -removal -and replacement of- sand and charcoal filter media. in the Water Treatment Plant. The evaluation focused-on the- waste sand and charcoal -filter media. -Both were determined to-be~ nonhazardous and could be disposed of at a landfill with a Solid. Waste Disposal Authorization from the KDHE. Releases to the environment or any adverse impacts would not occur.

9 1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 11 of 14 Evaluation 91-3: Modification of ran Existing Site Bitilding to Accommodate Storage of Mixed Waste This was an evaluation of the potential nonradiological issues relevant to the EPP of constructing and managing a mixed waste storage area. Mixed waste, for- purposes- of this evaluation, included waste which met the regulatory criteria to be considered both a low level radioactive waste and a hazardous waste. This' evaluation's scope did not address regulatory compliance as it-relates to these wastes, just -how the construction activities relate to EPP concerns. An existing building outside the Exclusion Area Boundary, but within the Owner Controlled Area.

Boundary, was to be modified to house the facility. All affected areas were previously disturbed during plant . construction. -The proposed design allowed for extended storage durations with no potential for groundwater contamination. Spill control measures were also incerporated. No adverse nonradiological~ impacts were= =

anticipated.

Evaluation 91-4: . Change in-SWS and ESWS Discharge Flow Path to.the. Lime Sludge Pond-This evaluation addressed a temporary change in a' discharge flow path of a portion of.the-SWS'and ESWS-cooling water as a result of.- _

valve- leakage- testing. The ' flows nonmally discharge with the.

cooling water effluent but were to be diverted to the Lime Sludge Pond. Effluent- from -this: pond'is: currently an NPDES regulated'

~ discharge outfall. The leak test: procedure involved: isolating and-draining the SWS- and ESWS piping crosstles and determining the.

leak rate of the crosstie' valves. This crosatie piping contained-water pumped from WCCL. No:previously unevaluated 'hemicals c were present in the piping. 'The addition of.an estimated 100 gpm flow to the Waste-Water Treatment Facility duringl testing was expected-

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1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 12 of 14-to be insignificant. No adverse environmental impacts _nor NPDES violations would result from this temporary flow change.

Evaluation 91-5: Change in the ESWS Discharge to the Storm Drain System This evaluation addressed ESWS flow balance testing which would cause a portion of ESWS's normal flow path to be redirected from the ESWS discharge (NPDES outfall 006) to the Oil / Water Separator-(NPDES outfall 002). The flow was not to have any thermal loads, contain blocides, or any scale control agents. The increased flow's potential to flush oil through the.0il/ Water. Separator; was addressed in the temporary- procedures written to govern the testing. The procedure called for checking for excess _ oil and removing it as required to prevent this. No adverse environmental impacts or NPDES permit violations would occur as a result-of this-l testing.

Evaluation 91-6: Chemical Cleaning of Main Condenser l

l This was an evaluation of environmental considerations of a condenser cleaning process scheduled during Refuel V. The cleaning was to use Betz DE-1762 to ' remove carbonate scale.

Carbon dioxide and approximately 325,000 gallons of waste 1 cleaning solution were to be ;by-products of the; process. The carbon dioxide would be vented to the atmosphere and the . waste _DE-1762 solution would be discharged with cooling water to the cooling ~

lake. . Verbal approva11to discharge the' solution was obtained from the KDHE. Proceduralcchanges were instituted to assure compliance with a KDHE discharge concentration limit of 175 mg/l of. DE-1762.

Using available. aquatic toxicity data and expected maximum discharge c;tcentrations of the waste solution, no adverse environmental impacts were expected to' occur.

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1991 Annual Environmental Operating Report Page 13 of 14 Evaluation 91-7: Dredging of-the Ultimate-Heat Sink (UHS) and Sediment Disposal in the Cooling Lake This evaluation involved environmental effects of dredging the UHS substrate and disposing of sediments in an area of the cooling lake remote from the UHS. The possible impacts to aquatic organisms from high turbidities were not-considered significant to the lake as a whole due to te h small size of the expected i

discharge plume. This area was conservatively estimated to cover 40 acres. Siltation effects to fish and invertebrate eggs or larvae were not considered probable since the dredging would take place during the fall and winter period. Spawning-and feeding habitats of cooling lake fishes due to siltation would not be lost  !

because the substrate at the discharge site was primarily a wave-swept shoreline already consisting of clays and wave depocited sediments similar to that being-discharged from dredging. The large distance between the sediment cischarge size and the cooling lake's spillway eliminated ~ potential NPDES -dissolved aclids exceedances. All appropriate Kansas. Division of Uater 7.e s ourc e's and United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404-permits' vere obtained prior to dredging. No adverse environmental impacts would result from this project.

Evaluation 91-8: Petroleum Product Recovery From Groundwater at Vehicle Maintenance. shop This-evaluation addressed a change in tha voltme and -composition of a discharge effluent caused by pumping -groundwater .and associated diesel fuel from a recovery well. The. diesel came=from a leaking underground transfer pipe which was recently replaced between the storage tank and the fuel pump. The groundwater- and

-diesel pumped from the recovery-well was to be discharged to the i.

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e 1991 Annual Environmental-Operating Report-Fage 14 of 14.

Vehicle Maintenance Shop oil / water separator. The effluent:from the separator drains into a storm drain which ultimately discharges to the cooling lake. The separator would-effectively remove the diesel and the quality of the water' reaching the' lake was expected to be good. There would be an increase in effluent volume due to pumping activitics, but this was not expected to jeopardize the e#fectiveness of the separator. No -adverse environmental impa :ts would occur.

3.2 NONROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.

3.2.1 Submitted Nonroutine' Reports There were no nonroutine environmental reports involving.

significant impacts submitted to the NRC during 1991.

3.2.2 Unusual or Important Environmental-Event Evaluations No unusual or important environmental events reportable under specifications in the- EPP were' identified during 1991.

3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL NONCOMPLIANCES (EPP Subsection ~5.4.1)

At WCGS in 1991, nonradiological ensJ.ronmental noncompliances: or noteworthy events were recorded along with.the details surrounding them. These included such things;as an accidental halon' release, a diversion tank overflow, diversion of Neoshc River flow to WCCL, various . minor oil' spills, a bird mortality event, -use of .

uncalibrated fish scales, and study l plan schedule deviations.

These events were. evaluated and determined.not to be reportable:

pursuant'to EPP criteria.

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o ATTACID!ENT

SUMMARY

OF ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS AT WOLF CREEK GENERATI*' STATION, 1991 Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation i

Environmental Management Burlington, Kansas CONTENTS

1. Land Management Activities ...................... 2

2. Water. Quality Monitoring Activities ............. 4

3. Asiatic Clam Monitoring Activities .............. 8

4. Fishery Monitoring Activities ................... 10

-5 . Wildlife Monitoring Activities ................. 12

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Attachment t) 1991 Annual Env. Operating _ Report Page 2 of 13

1. 1991 LAND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES This report addresses the implementation of the land management program during 1991 at WCGS. The goals this program was designed to achieve were (1) preserve or improve both agricultural and natural resources, (2) prudently maximize rent income from agricultural lands, (3) satisfy licensing commitments and (4) foster good relations with local agricultural and natural resource communities. Much of the program effort went into achieving the first two goals with the latter two being integrated within them. By accomplishing these, a land management program which balanced production- and conservation values was achieved thus satisfying-

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Section 4.2.3 of the EPP and the final goal.

The lands at WCGS included in the 1991 program were primarily grasslands, c croplands, and woodlands. The improved properties around the power block area, switchyard and plant support buildings were not part of this program.

The lands were used for various purposes depending on the location and capability of each area. Most were leased for grazing, haying, and crop production. A strip around the WCCL shoreline was maintained in a naturally occurring biotic community to satisfy Section 2.2(b)_of the EPP. Others were unsultable for agricultural prod ion, left unused.to preserve _ lake shoreline stability, or reserved for their wildlife value.

2 Grasslands at WCGS consist of areas leased for grazing and hay production and unleased areas maintained for regulatory compliance. ~ Grazing rates, durations, and rotations were controlled on the grazing leases. Howing and bale removal dates were specified on-bayland leases. -Controlled burning, noxious weed control, and fence construction on these leases and on unleased lands provided for optimum native prairie areas canable of supplying long term rent income, reducing soil erosion, and providing high quality wildlife I

g habitat.

Cropland areas at WCGS are fields within the_ property _ boundary unflooded by WCCL. Most are upland areas along the sides of the lake with some bottocland along Volf Creek upstream from the lake. Program objectives for

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' Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 3 of 13 the croplands were to reduce soil- erosion, maintain rent income, and increcse wildlife. benefits. Conservation- farming- specifications in the leases, terracing, and wildlife food / cover strip management were used_to achieve these objectives.

Implementation in 1991 of the land nanagement program achieved the goals of preserving agricultural and natural resources, maximizing rent income, satisfying regulatory-commitments, and maintaining- good relations with t' agricultural and natural resource communities. A-larger area than the EPP required 509 acre buffer strip was_ naintained in a naturally occurring biotic community. Continued high interest in renting WCGS lands from local farmers other than existing tenants indicated that :WCGS has a- good reputation in how it manages its lands. Soil conservation efforts progressed in 1991, reducing silt inputs to the-lake and-improving long term-productivity of the cropland.

The 1991 program obtained desired results and WCGS benefited from its implementation.

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r Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 4 of=13

2. 1991 WATER QUALITY MONITORING ACTIVITIES Surface water quality monitoring during 1991 was completed to gather data.to assess operational impacts from the WCGS on'the Neosho River and WCCL. It  !

also contributed to the baseline data collected during past years. Long

-i term monitoring has documented concentrations of general water quality-parameters, aquatic nutrients, organically-derived materials, certain trace metals, and phytoplankton productivity.

Hepsho River Surface water quality. studies in the Neosho River near WCCL have -been conducted at locations .above and below the Wolf Creek confluence since 19"3. Seasonal mean concentrationsaof most water; quality parameters during-19P1- were within previously established ranges for the study area and no between-location differences were seen for any of_the parameters monitored.-

During 1991 the annual mean concentration of four_ parameters indicated a continued decreasing trend. These were total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, and orthophosphates. .These decreases were atttibuted to the drought conditions prevalent during late 1990 and- through most of 1991. The lack of stormwater influence reduced annual averages of TSS and TDS in the water which also reduced turbidity, which_was the_ lowest-observed since canitoring began. Low levels ~ of these parameters-are-generally considered -indicators- of good water quality. Nitrate- and erthophosphate are- important . aquatic-nutrients and are.necessary for high productivity in A water-body, although harmful if .in excess. -They !are commoni f added-to an-aquatic system via storm runoff. The levels monitored during 1991 were detoctably lower - but apparently -not _ lacking enough to becos.e a limiting factor-to the Neosho River's productivity. Consistent:

chlorophyll a levels suppott this observation.

i Overall in 1991, the water quality data suggest that the quality of water in the river .has improved. Since filling of WCCL-began in 1981, flows from

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O Atta hment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 5 of 13 Wolf Creek into the Neosho River have been limited to seepage, releases for testing of blowdown procedures, and runoff events. No discharges from WCCL of sufficient volume to reach the river occurred during 1991. There have been no apparent deleterious effects to water quality in the Neosho River -

due to operation of WCGS based on available water quality monitoring data.

Wolf Creek Cooling Lake Surface water quality studies of WCCL began when the lake was initially filled during 1981. Water quality was greatly influenced by makeup water being pumped from the Neosho River during that' year. Between 1982 and 1986, makeup water was generally added only during routine use .of the auxiliary raw water pumps and quarterly testing of the makeup water-pumps. Since 1987, use of makeup water increased to a high of 6.8 billion gallons in.

1991. Despite this increase, WCCL water -quality has been generally ~ j independent from influence of the Neosho River makeup water. Concentrations of water quality parameters were _similar among locations in the cooling lake, with only 411sht diffacences at the shallower upstream sampling site r than near the main dam and the station intake. Many parameters' concentrations were within the ranges monitored during past years with no apparent trends developing. Two, total iron _and turbidity, exhibited declining trends. Iron was very low and continues its downward trend toward its de*.ection limit. Reduced turbidity is likely acresult of reductions of sediment inputs and turbulence from the lack of storm runoff events during 1991. Given the presence of sufficient.and consistent-aquaticLnutrient levels, the lower turbidity should increase photosynthetic activity. This was evident'from rising chlorophyll i measurements. These trends were not considered to be. caused by station operation and were- generally _ considered' indicators of good water-quality.

There were changes to the concentrations of some parameters in 1991'that may have been caused by WCGS operations. Increasing trends have developed for calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorides, and sulfate levels. These-

f Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 6 of 13 I

contributed to the concurrent upward trend evident for alkalinity, conductivity, and TDS. Sodium, chlorides, sulfate, and magnesium are by -

products of WCGS water treatment processes discharged to WCCL via a lime sludge pond but, the pond's discharge volume is minute compared to the lake. Consequently, these inputs were not considered the primary factor f6r the increasing trends observed. The reduction in storm water runoff events during the past few years coupled with the continuous high evaporation rates resulting from heated circulating water discharge during station operation were considered responsible. Concentration of these parameters in the lake j due to the aforementioned reasons was expected in licensing evaluations.

However, present levels are- from 50 to 90 percent lower than levels predicted during a prolonged drought. Also, 1991 levels of ch)arides, sulfates, and TDS were not high enough to limit discharges from WCCL based on NPDES water quality criteria.

Surface water temperatures in the cooling lake' while the station was operating have been, as expected, warmer than during preoperational years.

This was especially evident during 1991 at .the upstream monitoring location. This area received heated effluent during the-spring and summer 1 when southerly wir.ds prevailed. Bimonthly-temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles at this four meter deep location showed mixed, well oxygenated water except during this warm weather period. Surface to bottom profiles yielded 310C to 27.50C and 34.50C to 29 C0 for June and August, -1991 respectively. The declines were gradual with no apparent thermocline developing. Conversely, dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles at the same location for the same months did show stratification at three meters at which D0.

declined from approximately 7 ppm to around 4 ppm.

At the deeper locations by the station intake and in the main body of the i lake, temperature profiles showed thermal stratification developing in June and August with no apparent thermocline during October. The DO profiles at these locations also showed oxygen levels from .10 m to. 18 m starting to decrease'in April, becoming anoxic in-June and August and increasing during j

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Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 7 of 13 October. Well oxygenated waters were present during the rest of the year.

During past monitored years, formation of an anoxic hypolimnion either was formed strongly in August and dispersed by October (1988 and 1989), or formed in June and dispersed by August (1986 and 1987). Anoxic layer formation in 1991 was most similar to 1988 and 1989 conditions. Considering data prior to and including 1991, stratification patterns in WCCL appear to be independent of the generating station's intake, warming, and discharge of circulating water,- with the exception of the shallower upstream monitoring site. No changes to the expected thermal impacts to WCCL due to operation of WCGS has occurred.

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3. ASIATIC CLAM MONITORING ACTIVITIES (Corbicula fluminea)

The Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) has been reported to cause biofouling j problems in power plant cooling systems. The first report of Corbicula near j WCGS occurred in August 1986 when immature clams wera collected at long-term monitoring sites located on the Neosho River upstream and downstream of the Wolf Creek confluence. To compliment the on-going ecological monitoring.

program, a discrete curvey has been-conducted annually to identify the distribution of Corbicula in the vicinity'of WCGS. During June 1991 their presence was discovered in WCCL. -This prompted monitoring to determine the concentration and peak occurrence of Corbicula juveniles in the WCGS- intake waters. This report presents the findings of the sampling efforts conducted during 1991.

The distribution of Corbicula fluminea in the Neosho 1 River expanded since previous monitoring. Upstream colenization into the spillway area of JRR.

was observed and likely occurred during 1990, t 1991 individuals became large enough and numerous enough to be easily detected.- Expansion'in the river above JRR was not apparent during 1991.

l The densities of Corbicula in- the Neosho River continued to 'declin?-

gradual.ly at most established sampling sites. This is a common' post-colonization reaction of many-Corbicula populations in the United States.

None were found in the Makeup Water Screenhouse (MUSH) forebays'where high concentrations were expected to develop. -Establishment inL the MUSH will more directly release juveniles into the makeup water pumped to WCCL.

Corbicula was observed in VCCL for the first time on June- 27, 1991. -Size distribution of those found indicated that. colonization likely occurred during 1990. This would have been simultar, aus.with the establishment of the JRR spillway population. ' Makeup' water pumping most likely transported -

the clams as planktonic juveniles to WCCL from the Neosho River. -Monitoring k

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o Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 9 of 13 revealed that the 1991 distribution in WCCL was patchy and confined to the west shoreline. The densities of known patches were typical of young expanding populations. These patches consisted of a wide range of substrate types including clay, silt, gravel and combinations thereof. Protected slack water to moderately wave-swept shorelines were inhabited. No Corbiculo specimens were found in the sediments from WCGS intake forebays nor from lake areas in close proximity to these intake structures. No evidence of the clam wae found in plant cooling systems. In addition, no planktonic juvenile clams were found in the cooling lake inz.ediately in front of the circulating water intake.

The WCCL population was discovered early in its colonization of the lake providing early warning of potential plant infestation. Although the current distribution is not in or close to cooling water intakes, it's expected that the clame will spread to these areas. Based on how quickly they moved within the river and to WCCL, this could be within the next year, almost certainly within two years. Annual surveys were completed in compliance with department procedures to monitor distribution and abundance of Corbicula in the vicinity of V1GS.

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4. 1991 FISHERY MONITORING ACTIVITIES rishery monitoring surveys were conducted on WCCL from April through October 1991. These resulted in the collection of 2,613 individual fish representing 11 families and 30 species. Collection methods used were fyke netting, seining, electrofishing and gill netting. Data collected were used.

to describe the fishery which was subsequently evaluated based on the goal of increased plant reliability through reduced gizzard shad impingement, j Catch data calculated as percent relative abundance for all gears combined showed gizzard shad highest-(28.2%) and white bass next (14.4%). This shad percentage represents an increase of 2.5% from 1990; and was the highest to date. Next were bluegill (11.2%), smallmouth bass (7.1%) and walleye (5.0%). When total biomass of all species in the standardized effort was considered, wiper were highest at 17.3% followed by white bass (14.6%),.

walleye (10.8%), bigmouth buffalo (10.7%), smallmouth bass (6.12),

smallmouth buffalo (6.0%), gizzard shad (5.9%), and common carp (5.9%).

Largemouth bass biomass fell in -1991 from comprising in the past a high percentage of the biomass statistic to only 4/7 percent. Considering a life expectancy of five to seven years and that.the age of the older _ wiper year  ;

class was ten in 1991, it was surprising- that natural mortality didn't reduce their number further. -Wipers from the' 1988 and 1989 stocking supported the 1991 biomass statistic, but the older 1981 year 'was still present in large numbers. Gizzard shad biomass from 1990 to 1991 rose from 3.9% to 5.9%, which was the highest measured to date. Shad biomass has varied slightly since lake fill but has rarely exceeded 5%.

Growth and body condition data using Proportional and Relative Stock Density s (PSD, RSD), relative weight (Wr) and condition factor (K ) continued to show large average sizes, slowing growth of early predator year classes and low to moderate condition for Wolf Creek predators. Wiper growth continued but at rates which were more modest and variable than in its earliest years. Growth of crappie, white bass, and walleye continued at moderata rates. Largemouth bass growth continued to decline but was still within

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Page 11 of 13 acceptable limits. For all Wolf Creek predators, average sizes were large and the proportion of mature fish (quality size and larger) versus smaller, immature fish (stock size) was also large, leading to very high PSD's. At the same time, condition of these predators was gener ally lower than the averages from other Kansas impoundments. In contrast, both gizzard shed PSD l and WE val _as were close to the top of reservoirs surveyed in Kansas. While these qualitiet in shad have been shown to be optimal for production of a good prey base, few young-of-the year gizzard shad in WCCL remain through

! their first winter. Little or no survival of the last'four year classes of f gizzard shad indicates that the combination of predation pressure and vinterkill was adequate to conttol expansion of the- WCCL- shad population.-- -

Thus, no impingement problems- have been experienced so. fer.- The sportfish/roughfish ratio in Wolf Creek was very' high " hen compared with

' ether reservoirs in the midsection of the United State *, Y- unusually low  :

fi number of gizzard shad and equally unusually high n. ber o.F t edators in  ;

t WCCL meant predator condition ea s low but moro importataly. 0o were r impingement rates.

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5. WILDLIFE MONITORING ACTIVITIES The wildlife monitoring activities targeted possible impacts from station operation to migratory and wintering water birds in the icinity of VCGS.

The results presented here cover the 1990/1991 winter monitoring season and the first half of the 1991/1992 season. The general objectives of the program were to document and assess any trends or impacts to migrating or vintering populations of waterbirds, waterfowl, and threatened or endangered spicies that may be caused by station operation. Use of WCCL may expose birds to transmission line collision mortality or to disease outbreaks.

Damage to local agricultural crops by large waterfowl concentrations using WCCL was also a concern. To document and assess such occurrences or increased potential for such, specific objectives of the program were to monitor how many and where waterbirds,' waterfowl, and threatened and er.3 anger ed species used WCCL during the winter migration season and compare these to the norm observed since station operation began.

During the 1990/1991 season thirty-four species of waterbirds and waterfowl were observed with Franklin's gull and mallard being most abundan;. Mallard usage has normally been comparativeAy high. During the fall- of 1991, similar usage was observed. During operational winters, the heated effluent provided previously unavailable open water habitat on WCCL. This, in combination with seclusion and close, abundant food supplies, has usually kept wintering birds on WCCL . longer than during preoperational. seasons.

Significant (p50.05) preferences for areas of VCCL providing these factors were found during most operational seasons, although not the case. during 1991. No disease or crop depredation problems were observed. No significant transmission line collision events nor the- increased potential for such were observed.

The bald eagle was the only threatened or endangered species that was consistently observed using WCCL. Its-usage on WCCL . declined. during the-first two years after plant operation began while remaining constant on I

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6 Attachment to 1991 Annual Env. Operating Report Page 13 of 13 JRR. A large increase was observed during the next two winters. A marked decline on 'soth reservoirs was observed during 1989/1990 with only a very elight recovery observed during the 1990/1991 winter. During the fall of 1991, eagle numbers reflected usage experienced during the aame time periods of earlier monitoring. Initial operational usage on WCCL declined primarily because of the two mild winters which caused gizzard shad, a vulnerable and preferred food resource, to be more available on JRR than 4CCL. The winters of 1987/1988 and 1988/1989 were colder and station operation enhanced usage. This provided winter killed gizzard shad not usually abundant on WCCL, During the 1990/1091 season and the first half of the 1991/1992 monitoring season, bald eagle usage of WCCL reflected patterns identified for mild winters. With regression analysis it was shown that since the addition of heated effluents, the colder the air temperatures were, the greater the percent 3ges were of area birds using WCCL. No incidence of bald eagle collisions with WCGS transmission lines have been found as a result of the usage patterns observed, l

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