ML20140D765

From kanterella
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Tnp Annual Rept for 1996
ML20140D765
Person / Time
Site: Trojan File:Portland General Electric icon.png
Issue date: 12/31/1996
From: Quennoz S
PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.
To:
NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
PGE-1009-96, VPN-030-97, VPN-30-97, NUDOCS 9704240106
Download: ML20140D765 (57)


Text

__ _ - _ - __--___ - _--___ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4'

- samma m )

r -E Stephen M. Quennoz Trojan Site Executive April 17,1997 VPN-030-97 Trojan Nuclear Plant Docket 50-344 License NPF-1 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington DC 20555

Dear Sirs:

PGE-1009-96,

" Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for the Troian Nuclear Plant" In accordance with NPF-1, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan, Section 5.4.1, this letter transmits Portland General Electric Company's " Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for the Trojan Nuclear Plant," 1996 Annual Report.

Ifyou have any questions conceming this information, please contact Mr. Ray Pate of my stafTat (503)556-7480.

Sincerely, Stephen M. Quennoz Trojan Site Executive Enclosure f

c: R. A. Scarano, NRC Region IV M. T. Masnik, NRC, NRR D. Stewart-Smith, ODOE

.{l[-

l[l[l,l{'.,c ${[\!

o

,\,\l,.

9704240106 961231

! PDR ADOCK 05000344

% PM 71760 Columbia Rive. .y, Rainier, OR 97048 503/5s '13

l Trojan Nuclear Plant Environmental Monitoring Program for 1996 PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY PGE-1009-96 i

y I

i PGE 1009-96 i

I i

I i OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT l

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1996 i

i

! 4 Prepared by PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Environmental Services Department 121 S.W. Salmon St.

Portland, Oregon With Report by GEOGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS LABORATORY Department of Geosciences Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Eags TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . .. .... .................... i LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... ............ ii LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . ... . . . . . . . iii I GENERAL ................. ........ ......... .... ... 1

1. Trojan and its Environment . . ............ ... ... ....... 1
2. Technical Specification Requirements and Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 II ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN . .................... 3
1. Fish lmpingement . . ............. .... . ........... .. 3
2. Incidental Observations .... ....... .... . ....... .... 3
3. Recreation Lake Fish ..... ..... . .. .. ...... ........ 3
4. Benthic Invertebrates . ........ ... .... ........ .... 4
5. Aerial Photography . . . . . . . . . ...... ... . ..... ...... 5 III REFERENCES ............... .. ......... .... ... 11 APPENDIX A Environmental Change Detection in the Vicinity of the Trojan Power Plant:

Results of the 1996 Monitoring Season 4

+

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

. for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT i

1996 ANNUAL REPORT j LIST OF TABLES Table Title i

Table 1 Birds Observed During Incidental Observations - 1996

, ]

4 Table 2 Recreation Lake Gill Net Catch - 1996 l

Table 3 Common and Scientific Names of Fish Collected From the Recreation Lake - 1974 I

through 1996 i

Table 4 . Recreation Lake Invertebrate Densities - 1996 l

1

) ' i l

1 l

e i

i ii 1

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1996 ANNUAL REPORT LIST OF FIGURES Eigure Title 1 Bethnic Invertebrates - Mean Densities Recreation Lake - 1989 through 1996 iii

l 1

I SECTION I - GENERAL I

I
1. Trojan Nuclear Plant and its Environment The Trojan Plant site is near Prescott, Oregon in Columbia County. It occupies an area L between the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 72.5 and U.S. Highway 30. Operation of r the Plant was formally closed on January 27,1993.
i. Both the plant and the nearby town of Prescott are located on a rocky ridge (el. 75 feet l MSL) approximately 700 feet wide and a mile long, running parallel to the Columbia

! River. The Trojan cooling tower is on a rise at 90 feet MSL.

. At the northern edge of the site is a shallow, natural lake drained by Carr Slough. Located

at the western edge of the site is the Recreation Lake and reflecting pool. Water levels in i these two water bodies are equalized by a weir alongside the access road. Neer Creek, j flowing off the steep hillside to the west, flows into the Recreation Lake. Its flow ranges l l from 30 cfs during winter to less than 1 cfs during summer droughts. The overflow from l i the two ponds is directed into Carr Slough through lower Neer Creek and into the  !

! Columbia River north of Trojan. )

At the Trojan site (RM 72.5), the Columbia River average annual flow is 230,000 cfs with j j an average velocity of 1.8 fps. Maximum flows usually occur in May, June, and July  !

when snow melts in the high Cascades and Canadian Rocky Mountain headwater areas.  !

- These flows range between 300,000 cfs and 550,000 cfs, with an average current velocity j of 2 to 3 fps. In the winter months,' November through March, when rainfall is prevalent west of the Cascades, the average flow is 200,000 to 250,000 cfs, with an average current velocity of 1.5 to 2.0 fps. A low-flow period occurs in the late summer and fall, with flows of 120,000 to 170,000 cfs and velocities of 1.0 to 1.5 fps. Stated velocities are averaged across the river and over a tidal cycle.

The level of the Columbia River near Trojan is influenced by tides, by upstream releases of water from storage reservoirs behind Bonneville Dam, and by water from tributaries below l Bonneville Dam. Water velocities are 20 to 30 percent greater during an ebb tide, and velocities near shore may be 40 percent less than velocities at midehannel. During low river flows and strong tides, flow reversal occurs. The largest tributary below Bonneville Dam, the Willamette River, contributes as much as 20 percent to the river flow at Trojan; however, during extreme drought, the Willamette may contribute as much as 50 percent of .

I the flow. In addition, flows may be further altered in the Columbia River by releases of water from upstream reservoirs during the spring and summer migration period to aid downstream movement of ocean-bound juvenile salmonids.

1

2. Technical Specification Requirements This report describes the ecological monitoring program for the Trojan Nuclear Plant for the period from January through December 1996. It contains the necessary reporting information to meet the technical specification requirements for noreradiological monitoring (Facility Operating License, NPF-1, Appendix B, Section 5.4.1, " Routine Report.") The current scope of the monitoring program reflects the non-operational status of the plant under the Possession Only License.

No non routine National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) reports were filed with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality during the 1996 reporting period.

No Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) non-compliances were observed or reported and no corrective action was necessary during 1996.

No changes in station design or operation, tests, or experiments involving a significant unreviewed environmental issue were completed in 1996.

4 2

. . . . ___ __ . _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _.___._.m _ _. _ _ _ _

4 i

I j SECTION II - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PL AN i

1. Fish Impingement

{ The debris trap for the traveling screen wash water at the intake structure continues to be - ,

~

I monitored to check the system's efficiency in protecting the fishery resource of the .

Columbia River. During the 1996 scheduled sampling, no fish were impinged on the i traveling screens. Contents of the traveling screen debris trap consisted primarily of ,

4 woody debris, clam and mussel shells, and an occasional crayfist .

l l

The Trojan intake system in 1996 again exhibited insignificant potential for impact on resident or migratory Columbia River fish populations. Under the current non-operational status of the Plant, the probability ofimpinging live fish is remote.

1-L 2. Incidental Observations t

Observations of unusual flora and fauna or unusual events that could result in significant environmental impact aie documented to assess possible causal relationships between the observed event and the Trojan Plant. Examples of noteworthy observations would include l presence of threatened or endangered species, plant or animal disease outbreaks, excessive i bird mortality, fish kills, and unanticipated emergency discharges of wastewater or chemical substances, j During 1996 no unusual environmental occurrences were noted that could be attributed to

. activities performed at the Plant; and compared to previous years' observations, no noticeable change in numbers or species of animals were recorded. Several species of

. waterfowl continue to winter on the Recreation Lake and Swan Lake and a variety of other 1 i

waterfowl and birds can be seen visiting the area. Bird species observed during scheduled surveys are noted in Table 1. One bald eagle nest was noted near the barge slip at Coffin -

Rock, and a pair of ospreys were active at the cooling tower.

l Trojan Plant activities in 1996 had no apparent adverse impact on terrestrial and aquatic environs in the vicinity of the Plant.

3. Recreation Lake Fish Fish populations in the Recreation Lake are sampled to determine species present, their relative abundance, and their general condition. Data obtained are used to help determine success of fish stocking programs and to provide reference materials for future management programs.

Since 1994, the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife has been stocking cutthroat and rainbow trout in the lake. In 1996, approximately seven thousand rainbows were released during the 3

period of mid-March through May. As in previous years, excellent angler participation and fishing success was observed from March through October.

Gill net sampling with a variable-mesh net was conducted in October of 1996. One gill net was set off the island at sampling station 2 and fished overnight. Eight "warmwater" species of fish were represented in the catch (Table 2) including pumpkinseed, which previously had not been recorded during annual sampling. Pumpkinseeds were probably introduced during the February flood when Columbia River water was able to flow directly into the Recreation Lake. None of the 1996 stocked rainbows or carry-over cutthroats from 1995 were collected. Absence of salmonids in the catch could be attributed to various factors including being " fished out," failing to survive warmer summer water temperatures, or just avoiding the net. Numbers and conditions of fish collected were similar to that of previous years, and no fish exhibited apparent external or internal parasites or diseases.

Trojan Plant activities in 1996 had no apparent impact on fish populations of the Recreation Lake, and the Lake continues to provide recreational opportunities for fishermen and other visitors.

4. Recreation Lake Benthic Invertebrates Benthic orgsnisms in Recreation Lake area are sampled once per year to describe their composition and relative abundance. Unusual fluctuations in species composition and/or total population densities will be viewed as possible indications of Plant or site related activities and general water quality.

A petite ponar grab (.023m 2) was used to collect three replicate samples at each station. Each sample was strained through a 600 micron-mesh stainless steel sieve and then preserved in Formalin. Benthic invertebotes were picked from samples, identified and counted.

Abundance of organisms per station was reported as mimber per square meter. Temperature, conductivity, and pH of the water was obtained with a portable meter.

Sampling depths in 1996 were 4-5 and 5-6 meters at Stations 1 and 2 respectively. Substrate at both stations consisted primarily of mud, silt, and some detritus. Surface water temperature at Station 1 at time of sampling was 17.0 C, conductivity 128 umhos/cm, and pH 8.0.

Chironomidae, Culicidae, and Oligochaeta comprised 100% of the 1996 samples. Total densities per replicate ranged from 0 to 435 per square meter, with Oligochaeta the most abundant at Station 1 and Culicids at Station 2 (Table 4). Total mean densities at Station 2 were greater than Station 1,725 and 217 respectively. The 1996 sample population density did not differ significantly from previous years (Figure 1).

4

No Plant related activities occurred in 1996 which would have affected water quality of the Lake or the structure of the benthic comm"raty.

5. Aerial Photography Aerial photography and corresponding ground reconnaissance were conducted in 1996 to detect changes in the terrestrial environment in the vicinity of the Trojan Plant. Two aerial flights were conducted, one in June and one in August. On each flight, color and color infrared photographs were taken at altitudes of approximately 2,600 ft/AGL and 9.000 ft/AGL. Evaluation and interpretation of the photographs were conducted by personnel at Oregon State University, and results were reported in the document " Environmental Change Detection in the vicinity of the Trojan Power Plant: Results of the 1996 Monitoring Season" (see Appendix A).

Environmental changes observed in 1996 in the area surrounding the Trojan Plant included the following:

  • normal seaso , metation respomes

+

winter floodi e - ter ponding a

stress and defo.. sociated with timber harvest and management operations a

herbicide applica< w.3 The spacial and temporal vegetation pattern changes noted from the 1996 overflights were si:nilar to thos ! recorded in 1995. Observable environmental changes did not appear related to activities associated with the Trojan Plant.

5

Table 1 Birds Observed During Incidental Observations 1996 3 American coot Double-crested cormorant American wireon Euror<an starline Bufflehead Gre st blue heron Canada roose Great erret Cinnarr.on teal llouse finch Common coldeneve llouse sparrow Common merranser Killdeer llooded merranser Marsh wren lesser scaun Northern flicker Mallard Northern touch-winced swallow Pied billed crebe Red-winced blackbird Tundra swan Ruby-crowned k;nriet Western crebe Rufous-sided towhee Wood duck Scrub iav Sonc sparrow Bald earle Steller's iav Osprev Swainson's thrush Red-tailed hawk Tree swallow Turk ey vulture Varied thrush Violet-i reen swallow American crow Westet u,fivcatcher American robin Westere wood neewee Jarn swallow White-crowned snarrow ,

Belted kinefhher Winter wren Black-canned chickadee Yellowarumped warbler Dark-eved lunco

Table 2 Recreation Lake Gill Net Catch - 1996 Set: 10/8 - 1500 hrs Water Temp = 17 C Retrieved: 10/9 - 0830 hrs Secchi = 97 cm Species Length (cm) Weight (grams) Sex Goldfish 22 0 230 f Goldfhh 20 5 208 f Carp 52 0 - -

Carn 53 0 - -

Carp 54 0 - -

Souawfish 22 5 136 f Souawfish 21.5 110 f Yellow bullhead 19 0 116 -

Yellow bullhead 18 5 80 -

Yellow bullhead 19 0 82 -

Yellow bullhead 19 5 86 -

Yellow bullhead 20 0 100 -

Yellow bullhead 18 0 82 -

Larrescale sucker 30 5 440 m 1.arrescale sucker 27.0 273 m Larrescale sucker 28 5 hab manomed -

_Larrescale sucker 30 0 half consumed -

Bluerill 12 3 46 -

Bluerill 12 5 40 -

Bluerill 13 1 50 -

I Bluerill 14.3 67 -

Bluerill I?.0 48 -

Blueri!! 12 2 35 -

Pumpkinseed 12 0 35 -

Pumpkinseed 12 0 36 -

Pumpkinseed 11 2 29 -

Pumpkinseed 11 5 31 -

Pumpkinseed 12 5 37 -

Pumpkinseed 11 5 34 -

Fumpkinseed 11.0 28 -

I.ntremnuth basc 1R_7 74 -

l t

l

1

)

Table 3 Common and Scientific Names of Fish Collected from the Recreation Lake, 1974 through 1996.

Family Common Name Scientific Name Salmonidae Rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Cutthroat trout Salmo clarki Catostomidae Largescale sucker Catostomus macrocheilus Cyprinidae Common carp Cyprinus carpio Goldfish Carassius auratus Peamouth chub Mylocheilus caurinus Northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis Centrarchidae Wam1outh Lepomis gulosis Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus

, White crappie Pomoxis annularis Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Ictaluridae Yellow bullhead letalurus natalis Brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Black bullhead Ictalurus melas Percidae Yellow perch Perca flavescens Cottidae Prickly sculpin Cottus aspet f

Table 4 Recreation Lake Invertebrate Densities - 1996 Taxa Station Min - Max #/m^2 Mean N/m^2 Chironomidae 1 0 - 174 72 Culicidae 1 0 - 43 29 Oligochaeta 1 0 - 304 116 Chironomidae 2 174 - 304 261 Culicidae 2 261 - 435 348 Oligochaeta 2 43 - 174 116

l l

i Figure 1 Benthic Invedebrates - Mean Densttles Rs creation Lake 1200 -

I jg . ~ . . . . - . _ ~ - _ . - - - . _ . . ~ _ ._ ._ -

ooo _,

p .

a wo . _ _ _ - . . _ .

) ___.___

ist __

_ _ . _i___ - ,_ _ _

400 _ _ _ _ ._ _; .

_2__.

.. .} __ 3" _

=. _

89 - 90~

1911 4_{  ! [.

o,_ 1921 1931 194I- l961 year oa.6. 4 ses Flaure 1 ,

SECTION III - REFERENCES Bertrand, G. A. and J. M. Scott. 1979. Checklist of the Birds of Oregon,3rd ed. OSU Bookstore, Inc. 17 pp.

Bond, C.1973. Keys to Oregon Freshwater Fishes. Tech. Bull. No. 58. Oregon State University, Corvallis.

Carlander, Kenneth D.1977. Handbook ofFreshwater Fishery Biology, Volume 2. The Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa. 431 pp.

Cummins, K. W., and R. W. Merritt. 1978. AquaticInsects ofNorth America. Kendall/ Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, Iowa. 144 pp.

Pennak, R. W.1953. FreshwaterInvertebrates of the United States. The Ronald Press, New York. 769 pp.

Portland General Electric Company.1989. OperationalEcologicalhionitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1988.

Portland General Electric Company. 1990. Operational Ecological hionitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1989.

Portland General Electric Company.1991. OperationalEcological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1990.

Portland General Electric Company.1992. OperationalEcological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1991.

Portland General Electric Company.1993. Operational Ecological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1992.

Portland General Electric Company.1994. Operational Ecological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1993.

Portland General Electric Company.1995 Operational Ecological bionitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual Report for 1994.

Portland General Electric Company.1996. Operational Ecological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual Report for 1995.

I1

PGE-1009-96 Op. rational Ecological Monitoring Program for the Trojan Nucl:ar Plant APPENDIX A

~ .

Environmental Change Detection in the Vicinity of the Trojan Power Plant:

Results of the 1996 Monitoring Season Prepared for:

Portland General Electric Company 121 SW Salmon Street Portland, OR 97204 By:

Philip L. Jackson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Geography Franziska Woelke Graduate Research Assistant Geographic Applications Laboratory Department of Geosciences Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-5506

I I

Table of Contents g

1. Summary and Comparisons of 1995 and 1996 Seasons 6
2. Flight Alignment and Film Quality
3. Trojan Image Scanning and Processing 8

l 9

4.1996 Field Season Observations 11 4.1. Flightline Descriptions

4.1.1. 96-T01

June 2,1996 23 l

23 Flightline 1 - High Elevation Flight 23 I Flightline 2 - High Elevation Flight 24 4

Flightline 1 - Low Elevation Flight Flightline 2 - Low Elevation Flight 25 27 l

Flightline 3 - Low Elevation Flight 28 Flightline 4 - Low Elevation Flight 29 l

4.1.2. 96-T02

August 29,1996 30 Flightline 1 - High Elevation Flight 30 I

Flightline 2 - High Elevation Flight 31 Flightline 1 - Low Elevation Flight 32 Flightline 2 - Low Elevation Flight 34 Flightline 3 - Low Elevation Flight 35 Flightline 4 - Low Elevation Flight 36 4.2.1996 Images Converted to Digital Format 36

5. Trojan Aerial Monitoring Project Specifications 40 I

I I

2 I

Maps, Photos, Tables and images Map 1: Trojan Environmental Monitoring Project Area 5 Photo 1: Trojan Power Plant and immediate Vicinity August 29,1996. CIR. This 1:35,000 scale color infrared photograph provides a view of the Trojan facility and its adjacent forest, riverine, and wetland environments. Varying color

. infrared tones are observed, with tree species providing highest red retums, and grasses and shrubs lower retums due to dry summer climate. 12 Photo 2: Lot Clearing for Rural Residential Construction. June 2,1996. Color.

This example is one of many clearing projects observed in the area related to rural residential development. Located three miles south southwest of Trojan on Nicoll Road, south of Goble Creek. 13 Photos 3,3a and 4: Seasonal Change in Carr Slough North of Trojan. 15/17 Photo 3: June 2,1996. CIR. Wetland is flooded. Wetland tree species are Willow and ash. Willow shows only weak foliar development, and ash along the slough channel appear dormant. 15 Photo 3a: NDVI of Carr Slough lilustrating the Detailed Photosynthetic Response of Wetland Plant Species. June 2,1996. This image provides a definitive classification of dominant ash trees along the riparian zone of the creek channel.

(The gray tone along the channel.) Pink and, light blue mark areas of highest photosynthetic vigor. 16 Photo 4: August 29,1996. CIR. Surface water is observed only in the slough channel and a small central pond area. Full foliar development is observed for both willow and ash. Areas of yellow - brown are natural woody debris and dead i marsh grasses. 17 l

Photos 5 and 6: Reforested Clearcut June 2,1996. Color and CIR photos taken et the westem end of flightline four, near Beayer Springs Road. These photos illustrate the disturbance pattems resulting from timber harvest practices, and the progress of conifer plantings. The growth of Scotch broom is highly correlated -

with roadway clearing and soil compaction. 18/19 s

f

(

3

I I

Photo 7: Normalized Difference Vegetation index Classification images (NDVl). g ,

Photo 7 is a classified image of the powerplant site, the wetland, and the hill immediately to the north. August 29,1996. The color schemes associated with 5' positive numbers indicate high infrared reflectance values, strong g photosynthesis. The hi!! area is predominantly classified as highly photosynthetic. Pattems of tree species are easily observed. 20 3I Photo 8: NDVI of the large Nicoli Road Clearcut. August 29,1996. This clearcut was first observed in 1993 and 1994. Nicoli Road is the dark linear feature in the l

upper photo area. The other linear features are drag roads and disturbed areas. g The complexity of this site is apparent as vegetation is reestablishing itself. 3 White, yellow and pink areas are highly photosynthetic tree plantings. Darker ,

areas are unvegetated, or slash piles. 21 I Photo 9: Complex Forest Harvest Pattems. This June 2,1996 scene illustrates the intense forestry use of the area west of Neer City Road; west of the power g plant. Variable age clearcuts and small lot forestry ownership creates this 3i unique land cover pattem. 22 I

Table 1: Overflight Dates for 1996 8 Table 2: Locations of Permanent Analysis Sites 9 g

Table 3: Percentage of Land Use in the Trojan Area 11 Table 4: 1996 Images Converted to Digital Format 38 Table 5: Trojan Aerial Monitoring Project Specifications 40 g

1 I,

I I

l 4

1. Summary and Comparisons of the 1995 and 1996 Observations:

The significant observable spatial and temporal changes in vegetation patterns noted from the 1996 overflights were similar to those recorded in 1995.

These changes appear to be related to natural seasonal response, winter flooding, late spring surface water ponding, timber harvest practices, and herbicide application. None of these observations appear to be related to the power plant operations.

In comparing the 1995 and 1996 flights, the natural vegetation response to seasonal change was similar for both years. Due to high water levels, the riparian trees were dormant during the spring, followed by an increase in foliar character in the early summer. Full foliar growth was observed in the August overflight having reached its peak in late July. The upland deciduous and coniferous stands were vigorous throughout the summer. Upland deciduous tree j species showed normal late summer-early fall reduced foliar vigor, prior to dormancy. The observations of foliar drought stress, described in the 1992 and

[ 1993 annual reports, were not apparent in the 1996 photography. Maple and oak varieties did cot show redish-brown discoloration in late summer canopy Cover.

The greatest response to high soil moisture levels and perched surface water was noted in the deciduous riparian trees in wetlands near the Columbia River and along Goble Creek. Although these trees typically grow in areas with 6

__ _ - _ _ _ _ __ _ _ - _ - -- - - -- _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - " - - - - - - - ~~

I I 1 Trojan Environmental Monitoring Project Research Areas N/ u.

'\ ,  ! I

/ m q

\

  • G Q, , s s'  ?"*.n

.n- .

-p.

g. ;

g '

% i

+g, c 's i'ir  :

f

/ \@

\-*

i1 A

.t ] > lil

. u s4 ! l. 1. i 3

i. i -

i i + l i '!

's-  !

\  :

1 s [, !i  ! a 1 s s el E

i uy i ,! I s I

~' t n

D .\. 7 }. k.. l 1 ~,,, /

m e.

\? 2$ l g;-

........... -...\. .z , .. g \ ,, g

,g g ,.... . .. ;s._  :

O l

LEGEND -

\ "" "

e .- _ .. i .

wnw , ,.

- - n.u  !

wnw /

~wyw -

l "

it \

ll 'r, !

- e,.

.- r N

'  !  ! i i*

N *

.f.....} ...: 8 i

Map 1: Trojan Environmental Monitoring Project Area.

I I

I),

5  !

1 l

high levels of soll moisture, the abundance of standing water throughout the spring caused a pronounced latent effect on foliar character and PSA in wetland environments.

Numerous small scale timber harvest operations were observed in 1996, most were recorded on the 96-T02 film. New timber cuts were noted west of the plant, and in the Beaver Springs vicinity. Most of these were small in size with minimal observable adverse effects to the surrounding areas. Landslides and slumps were notable throughout the steep terrain areas, and were most obvious on the June overflight. The comparative growth of planted conifers from 1995 to 1996 was observed to be generally good, but variability was observed especially in the large Nicoli Road clearcuts. Several of the regenerating stands are 15 to 20 years old and have a closed canopy.

The application of species selective herbicide was noted for several of the new and also many of the older timber cuts in the vicinity of the Trojan plant.

The Jack Falls area, west of Lindbergh shows the effect of herbicide use.

Larger areas of herbicide application, to eliminate young broadleaf trees, were noted in some of the older clearcuts, especially in the Beaver Springs area.

Again, there were minimal observable effects on the surrounding timber stands.

No defoliant or brush cutting appeared to be applied to the power line corridor to the west of the plant.

7

I The overall land use and land cover types for the Trojan vicinity did not change appreciably in 1996. Many lots for residential structures were cleared in 1996 especially along Nicoli, Walker, and Beaver Springs Roads.

2. Flight Alignment and Film Quality g

1 Overfhght.# Date 96-TO1 June 2 1996 96-TO2 Au ust 291996 Table 1:

Overflight Dates for 1996.

Medium altitude (1:36,000) and lower altitude (1:10,000) color infrared I! 1 (CIR) and color photography was taken over the Trojan research area on June lI l 2,1996, and August 29, 1996. All flightlines and photo acquisition followed established parameters. Slight misalignments caused the loss of some scenes on individual flightlines, but due to flight plan redundancy, these scenes were captured on other flightlines.

g The color balance of both color and color infrared films was very good, and the focus and clarity were excellent. All established targets were I j successfully photographed. g Il I

I

3.1996 Trojan Image Scanning and Processing Photos from each overflight were selected and converted to digital format using the Ektron digital scanning camera. Fifty-nine image files were created from the two 1996 overflights (Table 4). The areas selected for scanning included established monitoring sites (Table 2) and special interest areas portraying unique environmental conditions in the vicinity of the Trojan plant.

Images were scanned with a special filter designed to transmit only a limited portion of the visible spectrum.

Scene Location Flightline Direction from plant Distance from plant 1 Prescott 1 north 1.00 miles 2 Hill 1 north-northwest 0.25 miles 3 Pond 1 south-southwest 0.50 miles 4 Cemetery 1 south-southwest 1.00 miles 5 Lindbergh 2 northwest 2.70 miles Table 2:

Locations of Permanent Analysis Sites in addition to the separation of the visible spectrum into red, green and blue bands, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVl) was used to monitor changes in land cover. This normalized ratio of red and near-infrared reflectance is ideally suited for identifying photosynthetic contrasts in terrestrial vegetation. The different NDVI values signify changes in vegetation structure, density and photosynthetic activity. With the use of NDVl, disturbed vegetation i

i l

9

4 and areas of soil compaction can be accurately identified. Additionally, NDVI reduces the effect of shadows produced by steep terrain.

The following section provides several examples of color, color infrared, l and NDVI images in the vicinity of the Trojan plant with descriptive annotation for each.

I I

I 4

4 I

I I

I I

io g

1 I

1 l l

4.1996 Field Season Observations i

4 l water l 7 l l wetland l 6 l 1_ mixed conifer / deciduous l 9 l conifer l 29 l i pasture l 5 l industrial l 1 l clearcut l 35 l conifer plantation l 5 l Table 3:

Percentage of Land Use in the Trojan Area Our observations of environmental change are based on high contrast, high resolution color and color infrared photos. The NDVI images are digital enhancements of the color infrared photos, highlighting photosynthetic variation cmong plant species.

For relatively large areas, such as the vicinity of the plant site, generalized -

photosynthetic pattems are well illustrated by color infrared photography. Photo 1 is a color infrared photograph of the power plant site, taken on August 29, 1996. The vegetation environments; forest, riverine and wetland are depicted in I

red tones. Photosynthesis appears normal for these species at this time of year. i l

11

l i

l i

I Photo 2 illustrates the growing phenomena of large lot residential 1

I construction in the area The color photo is quite suitabie for observing land use and land cover changes I

g

. 4...><.:.- 3ilh .. .

.'*) ,.

. ,. <g.k ,'. *' %* ..

' g, M. ' *x l.

w,*

p - : j::

2

  • e, l x l Q (Ag:. ,'l+Q,.y ,

f

- N<- -

se> E

, g l

.zi?>J\.hp'y/y. 1".h'-,

c -t l .- . c. .

\

,h

. l" * , s(ih . , ., '

^^

l' l .. . ,./

g I

5 i

Photo 1: Trojan Power. Plant and immediate Vicinity August 29,1996. CIR. This 1:35,000 scale color infrared photograph provides a view of the Trojan facility and its adjacent forest, riverine, and wetland environments. Varying color g j infrared tones are observed, with tree species providing highest red retums, and 5 grasses and shrubs lower returns due to dry summer climate.

I I

t 12 1

l l

_ _ _ . . _ . . . - . = _ _ _ - - . . - - . - - - - - - - . . - . . . - - ~ - - - - - - - - - -

l l

l l

i I

l l

l '

l ., e

')

l i

. ~ ,

l b . . _..

'. 8 -

s . m

- }- f g '4 ',(

j 7 . . .  ; ,

l  %.'. v ..

? -  % .,

.p- . . .:

A,

- ,, ,. '., 8 ,-y

.r

. . <1%

.. t. s: .- ,

Photo 2: Lot Clearing for Rural Residential Construction. June 2,1996. Color.

This example is one of many clearing projects observed in the area related to rural residential development. Located three miles south southwest of Trojan on Nicoli Road, south of Goble Creek.

13

1 1

I

High June water levels relate to wetter than normal winter and spring 4

weather. Photos 3,3a, and 4 illustrate these effects on vegetation. The June 2, 1996 color infrared photo clearly illustrates high water levels and late foliar l development in the riparian tree species. Oregon ash stands along the channels appear dormant, even in June. An enhanced classified NDVI image of this scene (Photo Sa) provides a more detailed view of the photosynthetic properties of plant species. It is possible to develop expected reflectance signatures for plant identification and mapping. Note the gray tone, along the channel edge, i

representing Oregon ash. The final photo in the series, color infrared, August 29, 1996, illustrates the water level decline, and the normal summer foliar development of the wetland plant species.

4 I

d i

I II g

i 1

i l

1 l Photos 3,3a and 4 Seasonal Change in Carr Slough North of Trojan.

1 i

i i

I'

! g ,. w

.s, ' w g . . 'Jsf l ..: ^

- 4 .

?< - 4 c'it , ; ..

.a j

s' 4

. . , , g

. g ,1

.p e s . , -; 4

-  ?:JG .. * * ..;,, # p .h % w-

- ':  ?.  %...2.. , ., - 5.w. -

- =;. - - . . g% g 6 ' % ,, 4 .s g, ~;.L , 6. =r, .,

..,y pR.* -Q. a:.GQ; ',,

.n. '

po f -

m .

I ' Y-h,. *' r e' ..

_', ,,g

.,, 3 o 4 -

l

,' % v

- Q er e . ~A.-

J* g y # ) W i}- Q . * -

. ,4., m,, .g~ . , ~ =% .:..

-- T - ca .

-a

.e . .s., ; .. x* . as,, Rg

%w s .

- ga 4.x, W . 4 ..vg -

4;q.g*Q's,.s,, ,

[

i 7 .- y-4 a3,g .'

. , , -t;-.; -

W J. , e

,w.

..g. h ' '

l .

.. . s.

y* .- ,

(% ,q :; oi.,

.y

  • i 'y..

y -- .

l

.. s, s .

'I

! '4 <

I, u3 .>

sg*99)n..

' - -1 l .. -;, . ., . 4.. .. ,

l f Photo 3: June 2,1996. CIR. Wetland is flooded. Wetland tree species are

Willow and ash. Willow shows only weak foliar development, and ash along the slough channel appear dormant.

I l

15

[

r o . . - . .

~. - .- - . . - . . _ _ _ . , . __ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I I

1 ,

i

! I, i

)

)

i

  • I s \ 1 i)l ' i iPI '

, .l oi i ,I l n'4

.y i

-t i.'

  • 4 uM = . -

. . . - ~

'~. ., ,;

N'S..._'

, , - ' _y\ . . ,

r'-  %. .s

. , t . " . .i .y 1 . . . ., ..

.s i ,e . -

i u;..

qw.

,L J.-g ij' , :. c.

. . ,- & .,. +

+.,.. e. r:. ./.n;, ,. ,

', e  : . -

., \

l

.. .,,, .,_it. . ~

U/I A '4,.',',

~j-

,..- ' ;,- j t .

. : ,1 f  ;

ye r > c l

g"'s ' [ %.,,,./

~

l J , _'. , r ,x g . .' ?:.. % ;bt-gl i

, t .a 4, , ' * '

5 j t g ,g n -

j 's . C l

f l

's..

e:

.s .

, f l

4 f- ,

i, l

1 4

I i

Photo 3a: NDVI of Carr Slough illustrating the Detailed Photosynthetic Response of Wet!and Plant Species. June 2,1996. This image provides a definitive l classification of dominant ash trees along the riparian zone of the creek channel.

1 (The gray tone along the channel.) Pink and light blue mark areas of highest j photosynthetic vigor.

1 i 16  ;

i 1

! l

)

1 l i _ _ . _ . . _

d Y

?~

i i

I i

(. 7r ,.

~

l

,y" _ "J i

7 ~) ~

i A .

t '

l .,'. -

  • i w

j . ,

~... . . , ,
, l j -

1

4 -  !

l -

j Photo 4: August 29,1996. CIR. Surface water is observed only in the slough channel and a small central pond area. Full foliar development is observed for both willow and ash. Areas of yellow - brown are natural woody debris and dead marsh grasses.

17

I l

ll 1

[ \

1 The forest management operations in the area are notable for their clearcut harvest techniques that create environmental disturbance patterns. The clearcut harvest technique results not only in vegetation removal, but also soil erosion, and compaction as well. This disturbance offers the opportunity for the l

l l

Introduction of new plant species and for plant succession to occur. Photos 5 l

and 6 illustrate a common scene related to forest harvest operations in the area.

l

! I l

s .- .

'i .

'Q . . . .. g-3,. :,pl:*A ,'. .

l g*Q 9  :

li g ._ , - ( g, *

' ~'

2' '

', c -y '.

g,

  • m f;c ' &' etYp? ?;..,nj,.;--((v%

,y1' ',h .. ,.

5 i

,% .d4.

- < - . - '~ J' ~-... .

0 , . a. ., . ' ,

g

.- . , g j l . . y ,: . . V- . . ; --' R

[

l\

< . ,x. ($ .. ..

! i v; . -:. .

4 bA .

y_ . ,

1. ?  :;. C .; ,6
  1. C s% (d..' ...

,s . .

, gr . , n. < ...

i, .

i.

et g- . ,

~

9

. m' .

"U'  :. .

~

l l

Photos 5 and 6: Reforested Clearcut June 2,1996. Color and CIR photos taken at the western end of flightline four, near Beaver Springs Road. These photos illustrate the disturbance patterns resulting from timber harvest practices, and the progress of conifer plantings. The growth of Scotch broom is highly correlated with roadway clearing and soil compaction.

  1. 4 18 t

1 1

1 4

1 I

e

, I e I 4

l i

r 1

i r

v g. .

i wt.-. '. .

~.*,,'gt . ., .. . *o. A

, , .4 ,

..n.

t > .... .. , . s.. w. n ,- . s

.....t..

~. v - <. .

. -  ;:.. [' . ~.

l 4 '.

.ybb.'o. ., w

.J n# .

. r

.o y; a .. . - >

. , . .: 4. . .s._ . - .

,. -c , .

o p.

,y , ;,

4

, .c,b,.

, s  : , g .

4 ,,

+ ~<

4 h e ,=

. , . . u e ,-. ,- t,

=

s.. - . 4 ,j\

j - , y, . g - - ,.

  • s s- s 4 -

x V. .e = *.

y k, (, . .*. . -

.,w : .- >

f .

l f *

.t . - -g e. . .

t

? , .. , .

,s - -

AE i

3 4 -r -

i. .

l

,e *

.+e". .m q 's

=

{

t %a .

.'*"*t'

  • % ~

a f

L r

L

[ Photos 5 and 6 continued. Photo 6) f

( 19

i I l I I

i I

i i

I l

ct m > uur et + nu ,u,. 4 > ' -

i l ,

i . > , . .

,, 3 .)

i qq;T,s . ,. . .

/

.Y '

, e v.. , ,. .

l l: .

an E f

. . um 3

'[ f? 5~' 2: x ..; _ -l '

g i

3

. . . ,. .'< / E Y.(('[ V - ' . @4 {' ,. .

A ', ' / g g

I g

i I Photo 7: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Classification Images (NDVI).

Photo 7 is a classified image of the powerplant site, the wetland, and the hill immediately to the north. August 29,1996. The color schemes associated with positive numbers indicate high infrared reflectance values, strong photosynthesis. The hill area is predominantly classified as highly photosynthetic. Patterns of tree species are easily observed.

l 1

20 I

I i.__..__...._..._,._.-. _ _ _ - . _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ ._ - . _ _ --

Photo 8 illustrates the condition of numerous regenerating clearcuts throughout the area Large scale clearcuts dating from 1992 such as the Nicoli Road cut, were enlarged over a three year period. A complex pattem of growth disturbance, herbicide application, and plantings is observed.

's;

' s M.

..g* .q', ,q w?{

ar *

~

M -

~

et

  • g '. ,-

a p -t v .

,? j N ,1  :, s

. , a, -

'. , a , , .:

$; h .d Photo 8: NDVI of the large Nicoli Road Clearcut. August 29,1996. This clearcut was first observed in 1993 and 1994. Nicoli Road is the dark linear feature in the upper photo area. The other linear features are drag ;oads and disturbed areas.

The complexity of this site is apparent as vegetation is reestablishing itself.

White, yellow and pink areas are highly photosynthetic tree plantings. Darker areas are unvegetated. or slash piles.

21

1 Photo 9 is an oblique ground photo illustrating intense. forest use, and the resulting land cover patterns. Forestry remains the primary land use in the area, i

l however much of the mature conifer forest has been harvested in recent years.

i l The shift from timber to pulp production may result in more frequent harvest and I

re-planting cycles i .

" E i

~

E i

l I

I I

I i

i I l

I l I

} Photo 9: Complex Forest Harvest Patterns. This June 2,1996 scene illustrates j the intense forestry use of the area west of Neer City Road; west of the power j plant. Variable age clearcuts and small lot forestry ownership creates this j unique land cover pattern.

! I

, -=,,

f

4.1. Flightline Descriptions 4.1.1. June 2.1996 96-TO_1 Flightline One - High Elevation Flight A small recent clearcut at the beginning of flightline one has been replanted. No infrared reflectance was noted there during the August 1995 overflight, slight infrared reflectance is observed in Jt.ne 1996. The large clearcut located to the north of the smaller one assessed above shows moderate infrared reflectance. Slight infrared reflectance was noted there in August 1995.

This indicates normal plant growth after timber harvest. The timber cut north of Goble does not show any infrared reflectance.

Pounded water is observed in the wetlands and pasture to the west of the log storage area in the Columbia River near Goble. The water levels of the ponds around the plant are significantly higher than in August 1995.

The wetland to the north of the plant and in Carr Slough, to the northwest

~

of Prescott, appears flooded. Only about one third of the wetland vegetation is visible. The vegetation offers moderate infrared reflectance. The pink color on the color infrared film indicates healthy vegetation. The water level of the Columbia River is higher than observed in August 1995. The riparian vegetation along the Columbia appears healthy and offers strong photosynthetic activity (PSA).

23

Ii I,

l The large clearcut near Jack Falls to the north of the plant offers moderate to strong PSA. The sand beach north of Prescott P.ppears moist. Little or no infrared reflectance is observed. The August 1995 observation notes that the open-sand areas were moss covered. Moss has little infrared reflectance.

Moderate to strong infrared reflectance is observed around Lindbergh.

Compared to Augu.st 1995, the photosynthetic activity in clearcuts west of Il I Lindbergh has slightly increased, especially in the large clearcut southwest of g Lindbergh. Regrowing maples and firs offer rnoderate to strong PSA. Strong  !

PSA is also offered by the riparian vegetation along the Columbia River north of Lindbergh. g Flightline Two - High Elevation Flight The conditions observed along flightline two appear similar to the g

conditions around Prescott and Lindbergh. Healthy forest is noted around Rainier. Deciduous trees appear in bright pink on the color infrared film, I:l indicating good plant vigor. g, The clearcut on Jack Falls Ridge to the southwest of Rainier shows increased PSA compared to the August 1995 flight. Similar observation is made for the rectangular clearcut immediately to the south. Complex pattems are g observed along Jack Falls Ridge, indicated by highly variable infrared reflectance tones. Different timber age tracts, different shrub and tree species mixes, soil I'.

I I

I

erosion, landslides, and herbicide applications combine to produce the complex visual pattems.

The recent small clearcuts along Highway 30 south of Rainier are growing well. They offer moderate to strong infrared reflectance. No infrared reflectance was observed in August 1995. In general, the clearcuts described in August _

1995 are now regrowing and offer moderate to strong infrared reflectance.

Small ponded water areas are noted in the southem part of flightline two, 9

close to Goble Creek. Existing clearcuts at the very end of flightline two expanded in an eastem direction in 1996. Only slight infrared reflectance is -

N observed. The clearcut to the east of the road has not regrown. This site seems to have been treated with herbicide, since, in contrast to the other young clearcuts in the vicinity, no infrared reflectance is shown on this site. 4 Flighulne One - Low Elevation Flight In comparison to the August 1995 flight, the water level of the Columbia River is significantly higher in June 1996. The west side of Cottonwood Island and along Carolls Gnannelis flooded. The riparian vegetation near Cottonwood Island and along the Columbia River e.ppears healthy. The pink color of cottonwood trees on the color infrared film indicates moderate infrared reflectance.

k

I I

Only slight infrared reflectance is noted on the sandy southwestem tip of the island. Only a few single cottonwood trees are noted. These trees appear healthy. Prescott is not covered adequately on the June 1996 low level films.

The riparian vegetation along the Columbia River directly north of the

. plant appears healthy. Moderate infrared reflectance is recorded. The natural vegetation around the plant site appears vigorous.

The landscape vegetation to the southeast of the plant, appears pstchy, ,

due to rocky outcrops and foliar differences are observed among trees and

shrubs. Only slight PSA is offered. Water levels appear higher than in August

. 1995. The natural deciduous trees in the vicinity are fully foliated.

I The riparian vegetation to the south of Highway 30 appears healthy. Neer City Cemetery offers slight PSA. The adjacent rock quarry to the south appears larger than in August 1995. The quarry is operating and has expanded to the g

west. The large clearcut to the north of the cemetery offers slight PSA and is regrowing.

Two large ponded water areas observed to the north of Goble school, are g

larger than previously observed. Flooding covers dead vegetation, which is visible in brown on the color infrared film. There is no comparison to the condition of these sites in August 1995, because the August 1995 flight was g aligned further west and did not cover this area. The large clearcut at the end of flightline one offers moderate PSA. In comparison to August 1995, more clearcut roads are overgrown in June 1996.

l 26

, Small regrowing clearcuts, and one bare soil area, likely cleared for housing development, are noted at the end of flightline one.

Flightline Two - Low Elevation Filght The water level of the river at Goble, the beginning of flightline two, is higher than observed in previous years. The area between the railroad and Highway 30 is flooded. Flooding extends inland, to the east of the road. The entire riparlan zone shows wet conditions. Only moderate PSA is offered by the riparian vegetation.

The landscaping around the plant site offers moderate infrared reflectance and appears healthy. The water levels of the recreation ponds and the wetland to the north of the plant appear to be significantly higher than observed in August 4

1995. The Oregon ash growing along the main channel in the wetland still appears dormant, indicated by the gray color on the color infrared film.

A new lot in Prescott has been cleared for residential construction.

The agricultural fields to the southwest of Lindbergh affer moderate infrared reflectance. Construction activity is observed on a site to the immediate west of Highway 30, west of Lindbergh. Building materia!s are visible on the site.

The riparian vegetation to the north of Lindbergh along the Columbia River appears less vigorous than in August 1995, however the riparian vegetation appears healthy in this exceptionally wet season.

27

'Flightline Three 1.ow Elevation Flight The hillside immediately to the north of the plant offers moderate to high infrared reflectance. Several dead firs appear gray on the hillside, indicating no PSA. These trees have been observed previously.

The wetland water levels are significantly higher than in August 1995.

< The riparian vegetation offers moderate infrared reflectance and appears g j healthy. The clearcut immediately to the west of the plant is regrowing and offers moderate PSA.

[ A cultivated bare soil agricultural field is noted to the west of the plant, g adjacent to the power lines, but east of the road. Moderate PSA was offered there in August 1995.

The large clearcut referred to in the August 1995 report is not covered on '

the June 1996 film. The flight alignment of the June 1996 flight is too far north.

A selectively harvested area is noted to the northwest of the large clearcut, on Jack Falls Ridge. This site is characterized by less dense forest.

l Bare soil patches are visible through the forest. canopy.

Moderate infrared reflectance is noted for the rectangular clearcut to the I east of Neer City Road. Thistles are observed here, blooming in white and l offering no infrared reflectance in the otherwise regrowing clearcut offering moderate PSA. Thistle species are also observed in the clearcuts near Walker I

Road. l

. I Il 28 I

(i The clearcut to the west of Beaver Springs is regrowing and offers moderate PSA. Another large recent rectangular clearcut is noted in this vicinity,

~

at the end of flightline three.

Flightline Four - Low Elevation Flight The large clearcut at the beginning of flightline four offers moderate PSA.

A smaller defoliated clearcut is noted to the east of the large Beaver Springs clearcut. No comparison to the condition in August 1995 can be made, since this site was not covered on the August 1995 film.

A large clearcut of approximately 40 acres is noted in the middle of ,

flightline four. Bare soil patches are observed. Single trees are left. These ,

trees offer moderate infrared reflectance. '

The surrounding forest appears i

healthy.

{ The powerline cut to the west of the plant site is regrowing.

Photosynthetic activity has increased, compared to August 1995. No herbicide f

or clearing activity is noted.

The water level of the ponds around the plant site is higher than usual.

The riparian vegetation of the Columbia River, and along the recreation ponds, f

and the landscaping around the plant site, offer moderate Infrared reflectance

( and appear healthy.

29

I 4.1.2. Auaust 29.1996 96-TO2 I

Flightlino One 'ilgh Elevation Flight I i The infrared reflectance of the small agricultural fields at the beginning of l

flightline one, to the west of the log storage in the Columbia River, has decreased since June 1996. Slight to moderate infrared reflectance is offered in August. Similar observation N made for the clearcuts in the vicinity. The photosynthetic activity (PSA) of these sites has decreased since June. The large clearcut at the beginning of flightline one, to the southwest of the plant, offers little infrared reflectance, and appears to have been sprayed with defoliant.

g

The water level of the Columbia River appears to be lower than in June.
The riparian vegetation looks healthy. Lower water level is also observed in the I recreation ponds to the west of the plant.

l 4

The wetland to the north of the plant, northwest of Prescott, shows increased infrared reflectance. Vigorous plant growth is observed after the exceptionally wet spring season. The wetland was flooded in June. l No infrared reflectance is offered by the sandy beach north of the plant.

The vegetation in the Lindbergh vicinity appears healthy.

Compared to June, trees and shrubs in the power plant vicinity offer increased infrared reflectance, whereas grasslands, agricultural fields and g

regrowing clearcuts show decreased PSA in August 1996. As in June 1996, the I

I 4

riparian vegetation appears healthy and offers strong infrared reflectance. The PSA of the clearcut to the east of Lindbergh has decreased.

Flightline Two - High Elevation Flight Healthy forest cover is observed around Rainier. Mature conifer trees appear in dark red on the color infrared film, indicating good plant vigor.

Several large contiguous clearcuts to the southwest of Rainier on Jack Falls Ridge offer less infrared reflectance in August than in June. Bare soil is visible through the regrowing vegetation. Similar observation is made for the smaller rectangular clearcut to the south. One small clearcut to the south of the large clearcut seems to have been treated with herbicide. Bare soll is observed.

No infrared reflectance is shown.

The northern end of Jack Falls Ridge offers complex tonal patterns on the color infrared photos resulting from different timber age tracts, shrubs, and tree species mixes, soil erosion, and herbicide application. Color infrared tonal cues range from gray indicating bare soil or no infrared reflectance, to dark red indicating high PSA, or mature vigorous vegetation.

Moderate to strong infrared reflectance was noted for the recent small clearcuts along Highway 30 to the south of Rainier in June, in August, little infrared reflectance is observed. These small clearcuts are approximately 15 to 20 acres in size.

The small ponded water areas in the southern part of flightline two, close to Goble Creek, which were noted in June, are dried out. The clearcut at the 31

I end of flightline two has not expanded further. The small irregularly shaped I

clearcut, which is located to the southeast, adjacent to the large clearcut, seems to have been treated with herbicide, since no infrared reflectance is observed on g

this site, except for a small group of trees in the center of the clearcut. In comparison, moderate infrared reflectance is noted for the large adjacent clearcut.

^

l t

I

Flightline One - Low Elevation Flight The water level of the Columbia River appears lower than in June 1996.

4 in comparison to June, the number of log rafts stored on the Columbia has I increased.

Trees and shrubs on Cottonwood Island appear red on the color infrared

. a g

film, indicating healthy conditions. Upland grasses offer low infrared reflectance and seem to have matured since June 1996. The sand extraction site in the center of Cottonwood Island seems unchanged. The western side of Cottonwood Island is no longer flooded.

With an exception of the few single cottonwood trees, which appear healthy and show strong infrared reflectance, no infrared reflectance is g

observed on the sandy southwestem tip of Cottonwood Island. As in June 1996, 2

Prescott is not covered on August 1996 low elevation flightline one. I

The riparian vegetation along the Columbia River directly north of the l

, plant appears vigorous. Trees offer strong PSA. A small area along the edge of I

32

one rocky headland is shown in yellow on the color infrared film indicating vegetation strest from shallow soils.

The landscape vegetation to the southeast of the plant shows little infrared reflectance. Lawns are dry and offer no infrared reflectance. The trees surrounding the plant appear healthy. The differences in infrared reflectance between trees and landscaping plants are strong, due to the lack of irrigation of the grassy areas.

The water levels of the recreation ponds appear lower than in June. The riparian vegetation does not seem to have been damaged from the flooding conditions observed in June 1996. The riparian vegetation to the south of

~

Highway 30 appears healthy.

Neer City Cemetery shows decreased infrared reflectance. Dry grass offers little infrared reflectance and appears brownish on the color infrared film.

The size of the adjacent rock quarry seerra unchanged compared to June.

Compared to June, the rock quarry appears darker on the August color infrared

~

film. This change in tone might indicate fresh basalt extraction. The large clearcut to the north of the cemetery offers decreased infrared reflectance and appears patchy.

The two ponds in the Goble Creek canyon to the north of Goble school appear black on the color infrared film. Flooded vegetation reflects in brown through the water surface, indicating that this vegetation is dead'. The water level of the small pond to the north of Goble school seems unchanged.

f 33

f A large clearcut at the end of flightline one, near Nicoli Road, offers moderate PSA. The regrowing vegetation appears patchy. Bare soil patches are visible through the regrowing vegetation. Significant erosion is noted. j

, I!

Flightline Two - Low Elevation Filght The water level of the Columbia River has decreased since June. High I water is still observed on the area in between the railroad and Highway 30. A l

lack of infrared reflectance is noted in the previously flooded area. High water conditions are still observed, but they no !onger extend to the west of Highway I'l 30.

ll The landscaping around the plant site shows generally decreased EI 5 i infrared reflectance. Lawns appear yellowish brown on the color infrared film i and appear to be dry. Trees appear to be healthy. The water levels in the recreation ponds have decreased since June.

Oregon ash growing along the main. channel in the wetland is now  ;

foliated. Strong PSA is offered and the trees appear healthy. This tree species I!l was dormant in June and appeared gray on the color infrared film. The entire wetland offers highly increased PSA. The wetland vegetation appears very vigorous. The water level of the wetland appears lower than it did in June.

I,:

The vegetation around Prescott and Lindbergh appears healthy. The hay l fields to the southwest of Lindbergh offer little infrared reflectance and appear yellowish on the color infrared film.

34 I

The riparian vegetation along the Columbia River to the north of Lindbergh appears healthy and more vigorous compared to June.

Flightline Three Low Elevation Flight The trees at the beginning of flightline three appear healthy and more vigorous than in June 1996. The water level of the recreation ponds adjacent to the plant has decreased. An increase in wetland vegetation is clearly visible in the recreation ponds.

The small agricultural field to the west of the plant was cultivated in June.

A row crop is now visible. This crop offers strong PSA, but the field appears patchy and bare soil is observed.

The large irregularly shaped clearcut to the west does not offer any infrared reflectance. Slight P3A was noted in June.

The selectively cut area to the northwest of the large clearcut on Jack Falls Ridge offers higher infrared reflectance than the other clearcuts observed in the entire vicinity. Bare soil is observed through the less dense canopy.

The large rectangular clearcut at the end of flightline three to the east of Neer City Road offers moderate to strong infrared reflectance and appears patchy. This clearcut seems older than the other smaller clearcuts observed.

The regrowing vegetation offers higher infrared reflectance and seems to have a denser canopy. Thistles are observed on this clearcut and near Walker Road.

The thistles were flowering white in June. They are dried out in August, l

35

indicated by the lack of infrared reflectance at locations where these plants were I l observed in June.

l The young clearcut to the east of Beaver Springs still seerns to be highly l

disturbed by the recent logging activity. Many logging roads are clearly visible there, and soll erosion is observed.

1 Flightline Four - Low Elevation Flight The conditions observed along flightline four are comparable to the I

i conditions observed earlier during the August 29,1996 flight. The square field at the beginning of flightline four does not offer any infrared reflectance. This field is surrounded by healthy forest offering strong PSA.

The clearcut surrounding the structures to the east of the square field and next to the road appears disturbed. Slight infrared reflectance is offered.

The power line clearcut is clearly visible. Regrowing vegetation offers

]

moderate infrared reflectance,underneath the powerline. This relatively strong photosynthetic activity of regrowing vegetation suggests that herbicides have not been used lately in this area. An exception is the area directly adjacent to the Il power line distribution pillars, next to Highway 30.

The irregularly shaped clearcut to the west of the powerplant shows bare I

soil patches and Shrubs offering strong PSA.

I 36 I

The landscaping vegetation in the plant vicinity appears dry. Grasses offer no infrared reflectance. Trees appear healthy. The water level of the Columbia River to the east of the plant site appears lower than in June.

f

(

(

[

[

[

[

37 A

j 4.2.1996 Images Converted to Digital Format NmM31f!!EE I

Rock Quarry high elevation CIR 6/2/1996 SITE 1R SITE 1G i

g SITE 1B l

high elevation C!R 8/29/1996 TRO23C TRO23R TRO23G l

)

Trojan Plant high elevation CIR 6/2/1996 TRO238 TRO11C l TRO11R g i

TRO11G g I

TRO11B l high elevation CIR l 8/29/1996 TRO21C NDV121 g l l TRO21R l

E l TRO21G I

TRO21B g

Lindbergh high elevation ClR 6/2/1996 SITE 4C e

i SITE 4R SITE 4G i

SITE 4B g l high elevation CIR 8/29/1996 TRO2C NDVl2 l

i TRO2R TRO2G TRO2B l

Hillside low elevation CIR 6/2/1996 SITE 3C SITE 3R l{'

SITE 3G g SITE 3B low elevation ClR 8/29/1996 TRO2HILR g;

l TRO2HILG g TRO2HILB Bj Cemetery low elevation CIR 6/2/1996 SITE 2C SITE 2R SITE 2G gl i 1

SITE 2B low elevation CIR 8/29/1996 TRO23C TRO23R l;'

TRO23G l

l Wetland l low elevation CIR l 6/2/1996 TRO238 TR1LWETC NDV11W l l l TR1LWETR I

I

/

TR1LWETG TR1LWETB low elevation CIR 8/29/1996 TR2LWETC NDV12W TR2LWETR TR2LWETG TR2LWETB Clearcut low elevation CIR 6/2/1996 TR1LCLEC TR1LCLER TR1LCLEG TR1LCLEB low elevation ClR 8/29/1996 TRO25C NDV125 TRO25R TRO25G TRO25B Table 4:

1996 Images Cawerted to Digital Format 39

1 i

5. Trojan Aerial Monitoring Project Specifications ll I

I!

Air Photo Acquisition Specifications:

Aerial photography contracted to Photography Plus, Umatilla, Oregon Two Season film acquisition- Spring and Summer l Flight altitudes: low level- 2,600ft/agt. Scale - 1: 10,000 medium level - 9,000 ft/agi. Scale ~ 1: 36,000 Equipment: 2 Hasselblad cameras with synchronous shuttered 80 mm  ;

planar lenses and intervalometer Film: 70 mm Kodak Aerochrome IR 2443 with yellow Wratten #12 filter 70 mm Kokak Aerochrome Color MS 2448, skylight filter Sequential film overlap: 60 % +/- 10 %; sidelap 30 % +/- 5 %

Photo ground coverage: low level 1,800ft x 1,800ft =~66 acres l medium level 5,800ft x 5,800ft =~780 acres Length of flightlines: 17 miles INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS Richards light table 30x Bausch and Lomb stereoscope viewer gl Ektron 1240 scanning image digitizer E IBM compatible microcomputer with Intel 486 processor , 66 megahertz, 420 magabyte hard drive Trinitron Multiscan 15sf high resolution display terminal IDRISI image processing program Colorado 250 magabyte tape backup system Gordon full spectrum light table for Ektron image scanning Tables:

Trojan Aerial Monitoring Project Specifications I

l 40