ML20147H918

Fes for Facility.Reprint of Rept Originally Published by AEC Directorate of Licensing

ML20147H918
Person / Time
Site:	05000467, Allens Creek  File:Houston Lighting and Power Company icon.png
Issue date:	11/30/1974
From:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
NUREG-0470, NUREG-470, NUDOCS 7812270414
Download: ML20147H918 (235)

Text

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) N UREG-0470 environmenta

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I statement L

Related to the Proposed ALLENS CREEK NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION UNITS 1 AND 2 HOUSTON LIGHTING AND POWER COMPANY Original Issuance November 1974 Reprinted November 1978 l Docket Nos. 50-466 and 50-467 Office of Nuclear U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission e Reactor Regulation (Formerly U. S. Atomic Energy Commission Directorate of Licensing)

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Available from National Technical Information Service Springfield, Virginia 22161 Price: Printed Copy $9.50; Microfiche $3.00 The price of this document for requesters outside of the North American Continent can be obtained from the National Technical Information Service.

NUREG 0470 Reprint November 1978

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l FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT by the DIRECTORATE OF LICENSING UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION related to the proposed ALLENS CREEK NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION UNITS 1 AND 2 HOUSTON LIGHTING AND PO'NER COMPANY

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Docket Nos. 50466 and 50467

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Issued: November 1974 I

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SUMMARY

AND CONCLUSIONS This Environmental Statement was prepared by the U.S. Atomic Energy Comission, Directorate of Licensing.

1. This action is administrative.

l l 2. The proposed action is the issuance of construction permits to the Houston Lighting and Power Company for the construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2, located in Austin County, Texas (Docket Nos. 50-466 and 50-467).

The station will employ two identical boiling water reactors producing 3579 megawatts thermal (MWt) each. A steam turbine-generator will convert this heat to 1146 MWe (net) of elec trici ty. A design rating of 3758 IWt is anticipated at a future date and has been considered in the assessments contained in this statement.

The exhaust steam will be cooled by the flow of water in a closed-cycle system incorporating a newly constructed cooling lake utilizing makeup water from the Brazos River. Blowdown from the cooling lake will be discharged into the Brazos River, t

3. Summary of environmental impact and adverse effects:

a. Construction-related activities on the site n!11 disturb about 9000 acres of pasture and cropland, including the 8250 acres of land inundated by the Allens Creek cooling lake, wf.ich will be constructed in conjunction with the station. The land inundated includes about eight linear miles of Allens Creek,

b. Approximately 81 miles of transmission-line corridors will require about 2200 acres of land for the rights-of-way.

c. Relocation of the current pipelines as proposed will involve about 60 acres. An access road and a railroad spur, less than one mile long, will affect about 50 acres.

1 l d. Station construction will involve extensive comunity impacts. Sixteen families will be displaced from the site. Traffic on local roads will increase due to construction and commuting activities. The influx of construction workers' families (2100 peak work force) is expected to strain the local housing situation. There will be a demand for increased services in Austin County.

e. The total flow of circulating water will be 3800 cfs which will be taken from and returned to Allens Creek cooling lake. The Allens Creek cooling lake will receive about 90,000 acre-ft/ year from the Brazos River, 28,500 acre-ft/ year as direct rainfall and 24,000 acre-f t/ year .as runoff. About 70,500 acre-ft/ year will be evaporated, 71,000 acre-f t/ year will be returned to the Brazos River, and 1000 acre-f t/ year will be lost as seepage. During the annual drawdown the total dissolved solids (TDS) in Allens Creen cooling lake will increase by a factor of 1.3 to 1.9 and the water returned to the Brazos River will cause an average increase in TDS in the Brazos of 0.8%. The thermal alterations and increases in total dissolved solids concentration will not significantly affect the aquatic productivity of Allens Creek cooling lake or the Brazos River.

f. Tte overall impact of construction activities on Allens Creek prior to filling of the cooling lake will be a reduction in aquatic populations in the lower half of the creek.

When the cooling lake is filled, approximately 8.5 miles of Allens Creek will be lost as running water aquatic habitat. The loss of' aquatic biota in this section of Allens Creek will be more than compensated for by the establishment of aquatic biota in the cooling lake through natural colonization and introductions of game fish. Construction activities may temporarily reduce aquatic populations in the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site. Such reductions will most likely be temporary and near the site,

g. Entrainment of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and ichthyoplankton in the circulating water system may reduce the overall productivity of the cooling lake although the extent of this reduction cannot be estimated. Some mortality of juveniie and adult fish in the iii

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cooling lake will result from impingement on traveling screens of the circulating water intake structure. The low approach velocities to the screens should minimize impinge-ment losses. Chemical discharges during operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Gener-ating Station should not significantly affect aquatic biota in the cooling lake or the Brazos River.

h. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish in the Brazos River will be subject to entrainment in the makeup water intake system. Entrainment mortality should not significantly reduce phytoplankton and zooplankton populations in the Brazos River. The effect of entrainment on fish populations in the Brazos River cannot be estimated but low approach velocities should minimize fith entrainment mortality in the Brazos River.

1. The proposed cooling lake should provide a valuable recreational fishery. There is a high probability of high phytoplankton densities in the cooling lake which may reduce g water contact activity for certain periods during spring and summer months.

J. The proposed cooling lake will displace white-tailed kites, but may provide suitable habitat for Southern bald eagles and American alligators. It will attract waterfowl, possibly in large numbers.

k. The risk associated with accidental radiation exposure is very low.

1. No significant environmental impacts are anticipated from normal operation release of radioactive materials within 50 miles. The estimated dose to the off-site population within 50 miles from operation of the station is 9 man-rems / year, less than the normal ,

fluctuations in the 175,000 man-rems / year background dose this population would receive.

4. Principal alternatives considered:

a. Purchase of power f

b. Alternative energy systems

c. Alternative sites

d. Alternative heat dissipation methods

5. The following Federal, State, and local agencies were asked to comment on this Draf t Environmental Statement:

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Department of Agriculture Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Department of Commerce Department of Heal th, Education, and Welfare Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Department of Transportation Envirotmental Protection Agency Federal Power Cummission Of fice of the Governor, State of Texas County Judge, Austin County J i

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l The following organizations submitted cooments on the Draf t Environmer.tal Statement, which was published in July,1974:

Department of Agriculture (AGR)

Departnent of the Army. Corps of Engineers (ARM)

Department of Connerce (DOC)

Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) i Department of the Interior (INT) l Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard ,

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal Power Commission (FPC)

Office of the Governor, State of Texas (TEX)

Houston Lighting and Power (llLP)

Sierra Club (SC) l Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

Copies of these conments are ia Appendix A of this Final Environmental Statement. The staff has considered these comments and the responses are located in Sect,11.

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6. This Environnental Statement was made available to the public, to the Council on Environmental Quality, and to other specified agencies in July 1974. ,

7. Dn the basis of the analysis and evaluation set forth in this statement, af ter weighing the environmental, economic, technical, and other benefits of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generat-I ing Station Units 1 and 2, against environmental and other costs and considering available alternatives, the staf f concluded that the action called for under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and 10 CFR Part 51 is the issuance of construction permits for the facilities subject to the following conditions for the protection of the environment:

a. The applicant shall submit a lake managenent program, including a development plan for ,

the state parks, which assures that the Allens Creek cooling lake will be a recreational asset with benefits equivalent to those given in Sect. 5.6.4 of this Statement. Con-sideration should be given in this plan to neking the lakeshore buffer zone on the south edge of the lake connecting the two state parks into a hiking and fishing area, and also to nodifying the character of the diversion dike by creating a nore natural looking land form and planting trees. The staff's approval of the program shall be obtained prior to start of construction of the cooling lake, the dam or associated structures,

b. The applicant shall complete the investigation to the satisfaction of the Texas Histor-

• ical Commission, of the 20 selected archaeological sites in the vicinity of the plant and cooling lake prior to the start of construction activities that could impact these sites,

c. The applicant shall control the addition of chlorine to the circulating water system

• such that the concentration of total residual chlorine at the point of discharge to Allens Creek cooling lake is 0.1 ppm or less at all times. The concentration of total residual chlorine discharged to the Brazos River shall be kept below 0.01 ppm. .

d. The applicant shall take the necessary mitigating actions, including those summarized in Sect. 4.5 of this Environmental Statement, during construction of the station and associated transmission lines to avoid unnecessary adverse environmental impacts from construction activities. .

c. The applicant shall modify the monitoring programs in accordance with staff recommenda-tions and conplete the preoperational environmental studies (Sect. 6).

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f. A control program shall be established by the applicant to provide for a periodic review of all construction activities to assure that those activities conform to the environ-mental conditions set forth in the construction pemits,

g. Before engaging in a construction activity which may result in a significant adverse environmental impact that was not evaluated or that is significantly greater than that evaluated in this Environnental Statement, the applicant shall provide written notifi-cation to the Director of Licensing.

h. If unexpected harmful effects or evidence of irreversible damage are detected during facility construction, the applicant shall provide to the staff an acceptable analysis of the problem and a plan of action to eliminate or significantly reduce the hamful ef fects or d' mage.

8. The Draft Environmental Statement, under Section 7, included one additional condition for the protection of the environment:

"The applicant shall use alternate transmission line route 2C around the north end of the cooling lake, rather than the proposed route 2A which crosses the cooling lake."

The applicant will use this routing, as stated in Appendix G of the Environmental Report (submitted as Amendment 7 to the ER) and also in comments on the DES which are reproduced in Appendix A of this Statenent.

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l I CONTENTS Page

SUMMARY

AND CONCLUSIONS . . . . . .. .. . ..... . . .. iii l FOREWORO . . . .. . , . .... ... .. .

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1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . .. .. . . ..... . .. . . .. .. 1-1 1.1 THE PROPOSED PROJECT .. . . . . . .. .... .. . .. . 1-1 1.2 STATUS OF REVIEWS AND APPROVALS .. .. . . .. 1-1 REFERENCES FOR SECTION 1. . . . . . . .. . ... . . . .. 1-1

2. THE SITE . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... . . .. .. .... 2-1 2.1 STATION LOCATION . . . . . . .. ........ . . .. ... . 2-1 1 2.2 REGIONAL DEMDGRAPHY, LAND USE, AND WATER USE .. . . . 2-1 l 2.2.1 Regional demography . . . .. . . ..... ... . . 2-1 l 2.2.2 Land use . . . ... ... .. .... . .... 2-6 2.2.3 Water use . . . . . . .. ............ . ... 2-6 2.3 HISTORIC AND ARCHAE 0 LOGICAL SITES AND NATURAL LANDMARKS . . 2-6 l

2.4 GE0 LOGY . . . . . . . . .. .. ... ..... .. .. 2-7 2.5 HYDROLOGY . . . . .. . . .. .. . ... ... .... . .. 2-7 2.5.1 Surface water ... . . .. . ... .... . . 2-7 2.5.2 Groundwater . . . .. . . '. ..... 2-8 2.5.3 Water quality . . . .. .... ....... . . . 2-8 2.6 METEOROLOGY .. .. .. .. ......... . ........ 2-8 2.6.1 Regional climatology . . . ...... ... .. . . 2-8 2.6.2 Local meteorology . . ... .. .. .. .... 2-9 2.6.3 Severe weather . . . . . . . .. ... ...... . .... 2-9 2.7 ECOLOGY OF THE SITE AND ENVIRONS . .. ....... . .. 2-9

/ 2.7.1 Terrestrial ecology . . . . .... ..... . .... . 2-9 l 2.7.2 Aquatic ecology . . . .. ..... . .. ......... 2-12 1

2.8 NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIATION .. . . . . .. ...... 2-18 i REFERENCES FOR SECTION 2 . . . . . . .. ... .. .. .... . 2-18 1

l 3. THE STATION .. . . . . . . .. .. .... ... . ....... . 3-1 3.1 EXTERNAL APPEARANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... . 3-1 3.2 REACTOR, STEAM-ELECTRIC SYSTEM, AND FUEL INVENTORY , ... ... .. 3-1 3.3 STATION WATER USE . . . . . . .. .... . ... . 3-2 3.4 HEAT DISSIPATION SYSTEM . . . . .. . . .. ...... . 3-3 3.4.1 General description . .. . .. .. . .... . 3-3 3.4.2 Station cooling system description . . . . . . .... . 3-3 3.4.3 Allens Creek cooling lake . .. .. .. ... .. .. 3-6 3.5 RADI0 ACTIVE WASTE SYSTEMS . . . .... . .. 3-10 g 3.5.1 Liquid wastes . . . . .... .. . . . 3-10 3.5.2 Gaseous wastes . . . . .. ... . . ... 3-15 3.5.3 Solid wastes . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. . 3-19 3.6 CHEMICAL AND B10 CIDE WASTES . . .... .. . .. . ... 3-20 3.6.1 Circulating water system . . .. . . . . .. ... .. 3-20 3.6.2 Nonnuclear regenerative waste . . . ..... . . . 3 -21 i 3.7 SANITARY WASTES AND OTHER EFFLUENTS . . ... ....... .. 3-21 1 3.7.1 Temporary . . . . ....... ... .. .. 3-21 l 3.7.2 Permanent . . .. . .. ,. .. ... ..... .. . 3-21 3.8 TRANSMISSION SYSTEM , . . .. . .. .. . . .. . .. 3-21 3.9 RAILROAD SPURS . . . . .. .., , . .. .... .. ... . 3-23 3.10 PIPELINE RELOCATIONS . . .. . . .... .. . . ... 3-23

4. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION . . .. ... .. ... . 4-1 4.1 ' IMPACTS ON LAND USE . . . . . ...... .. . .. . 4 -1 4.1.1 Sta tion facilities . . . . . . . . . .. ... ..... .. 4-1 4.1.2 Allens Creek cooling lake . .... ... ....... ... . 4-3 1 4.1.3 Transmission lines . . .. ... ... .... .. ... 4-3 l 4.1.4 Access road and railway spur . .. .. . ... .. 4-4 l 4.1.5 Pipeline relocations . . . . ... .. . . . .... 4-4 vii

P,ay 4.2 IMPACTS ON WATER USE . . . . .. 4-4 4.2.1 Surface water . . . . . .. . . 4-4 4.2.2 Groundwater .. .... . . . 4-4 4.3 EFFECTS ON ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS .. . . 4-4 4.3.1 Terrestrial . . . .. 40 4.3.2 Aquatic . ..... . .. .- 4-5 \

4.4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS . . - 4-9 a 4.4.1 Lo:al tax receipts . . . . . 4-9 ,

4.4.2 Population impact 4-10 -

4.4.3 Impact of payrolls . .. . 5-10 4.4.4 Demand for housing . . ...... . . .. (-10 4.4.5 Impact on local public f acilities .... . . 4-11 4.4.6 Impact of constructici naise, aesthetic impact, and displacement of residents .. . . . . . ... ... .... . . 4-12 4.5 MEASURES AND CONTROLS TO LIVIT ADVERSE EFFECTS DUPING CONSTRJCTION . 1-13 4.5.1 Applicant commitments . . .. . A-13 1 4.5.2 Staf f evaluation , , 4- M REFERENCES FOR SECTION 4 . . . . . . 4-15

5. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OPERATION Of THE STATION AND TRAIGMISSION FACILITIES S-1 ,

5.1 IMPACTS ON LAND USE . . .. . . 5-1 i 5.1.1 Station operation .. . . . .. E-1 5.1.2 Transmission lines , .. . . 5-1 5.2 I.1 PACTS ON WATER USE , . . . 5-! t 51 '

5.2.1 Surface water . . .

5.2.2 Groundweter .. . .. . . 5-2 5.2.3 Water quality standards ..... . . . 5-2 E.3 EFFECTS OF OPERATION OF HEAT-DISSIFATION SYSTEM . 5-3 5.3.1 Applicant's thernal analysis .. . . . 5-3 q 5.3.2 Staf f's thermal analysis . . . . ..  !-E l

5.3.3 Staff conclasjons .. .. . . . 5-10 5.4 RADIOLOGIC /L IMPACTS . . . . . 3-11 5.4.1 Impact on biota other than man . . 5-11 5.4.2 Impact on tman .. . . . . ... . . . 5-14 5.4.3 Environmental effects of the uranium fuel cy:le 5-19 5.b NONRADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS . . . 5-15 5.5.1 Terrestrial . . . . 5-19

< 5.5.2 Aqua tic . .. .... . . . 5-21 5.6 SOCIAL AND EC]NOMIC EFFECTS . , .. 5.34 5.6.1 Direct local taxes . . . .. 5-34 5.6.2 Ir.direc t local taxes . . . 5-35 5.6.3 Employment benefits . 5-35 5.6.4 Recreation benefits . . 5-35 5.6.5 Visual impact L-36 5.6.6 Station operation noise . 5-37

!.6.7 Impact on social structure . . .. .. .. . 5-37 5.6.8 Impact of increased fogging and ic4ng from the coolirg lake . 5-37 REFEREUCES FOR SECTION 5 . .. 5-38

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS AND MONITORING PROGRAMS . . 6-7 6.1 PREOPERATIONAL PROGRAM 3 6-1 6.1.1 Hydrological . . 6-1 6.1.2 Meteorological . 6-1 6.1.3 Ecolonica! . . . 6 -1 6.1.4 Radio)3gical . 64 6.2 OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS . 6-1 6.2.1 Hydrological . . . . 6-(

6.2.2 Meteorological . . 6-4 6.2.3 Ecological . .. . 6-4 6.2.4 Radiological . 6-4 REFERENCES FOR SECTION 6 .. . 6-6

7. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTS . . .. .... . 7-1 7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF P0.bTULATED ACCIDENTS . 7-1 7.2 TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS . . . 7-3 e

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6. NEED FOR F0WER>lENERATIN1 "N ACITY . ... . . .. . . 8 -1 8.1 LEGCMPT100 0F THE M14El SYSTEM . . . . . . . . ... . 8-1 0.1.i Applicant's mtea and service area . . 8-1 8.1. 2 Reg hnal relaticn W ps . . . . . 8-1 E.2 POWER REQ 110.MENTS ..... ... . . ... . ... 8-1 8.2.1 Cor sunption el elettricity . .. . . . ....... , 8-1 8.2.2 Past a'id proje:ted growth in demand . . . ...... . .. 8-2 Impact of enerm conservaticn and substituti)n on reed for power 8-3 i 8.2.1 . .

8.2.4 tonclusiono . . . . ... 85 8.3 POWER SU? PLY . ... . . . . . 8-6 8.4.1 Strvice. area . . . . . . . ... 8-6 k 8.3.2 Pegional cap,,:t.ility . .... . . . ... 8-6 8.4 RESCRVE Si/RGINS .. . . . . . .. . 8-6 4.5 CONCLUSI0Ti . . . . ... .. ... . .. . . . 8-6 PEFEREHCES FOR SECTION 8 . . .. . . . . . .. 8-8

9. BENETIT-COST AM'.YSIS W A;.TE1 HAT:VE!~ ..... . ...... .. .. . 9-1 9.1 ALTERNATIVE iliERGY SOURCES AKl SITCS . . . . . ..... .. . .. 9-1 9.1.1 Alterratives rot requiring creritin of new generating capacity ... 9-1 7.1.2 Alterrutives requirir>g creatin of new genere tiag capacity . . 9-1 f 9.7 STATICN DESIGL ALTER \lATDES , .. . . . . .. .. ....

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3.2.1 Alternative ccclirg systems ........ .. . . . ... 9-8 9.2.2 Inteke structuces .. . . . ... . . .. 9-14

.1. 2. 3 Trar smi s;. ion sy s ten. . .. . . . ... . . 9-14 REFERLN".ES FOR SECTIC1 9 . . .. .. . . . ... . . 9-15

11. CONCLUSIONS ................-. . . . . ... .. . 10-1 10.1 UAAV0!CA3LE ADVlVSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT.i . . ........ 10-1 10.1.1 A51ctic effects .. .. . . , .. .. ... 10-1 10.1.2 D io tic e f fec t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10-1 10.2 REL ATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHOP,T-TERM dSES AND L ONG-TERM PRODU;TIVITY . . 10-1 10.2.1 Enhancenent of prodxtivity ... . . ...... .... 10-1 10.2.2 Adverse eff ects on p:'oia:tivity . . . ... . . 10-2 10.2.3 Eecommissioning ................ . ... . 10-2 10.3 IRREVERSIBLE AND 1RRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS Of RESOURCES .. .... 10-3 10.3.1 Commitments considere:I .... . . . . ........ . 10-3 i 'O.3.2 8iotic resources . . ... . . .. ..... .... 10-3 10.1.3 Material resour:es . . . . . . . .. ... . .... 10-3 1 11.5.4 Land resources .. .... . . . . . ........ 10-3 i0 a 03SL BENEF7T BALANCE . . . .. . . . . . ... 10-4 10.4.1 Benefit description of the proposed plar.t . .. .... 10-4 10.4.2 Cost description of the proposed facility ...... . .. . 10-5 I 10.4.3 Environmental costs of fuel cycle . , . . .... . . .... 10-5 i 1004 Sumnary of ccst-tenefit .. . ... . . ..... 10-5 REFTREMls FOR SECTION 10 . . . . ........ 10-6

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11 alSCMSION OF COMMENTS RECEIVED 9N 1HE DRAFT ENVIROMC .AL STATEMINT . . . ... 11-1 i

it.1 AESPONSES TO THEPNAL TOPICE . ..... . .. . . .. 11-1 11.1.1 Cooling lake . . .. .... . . ..... ...... 11-1 l 11.1.2 Brazos River . . . . . . .. . . . ... . ........ 11-2 11.2 .4A ER 41ALITY AND CONSUMPT!1N . . . . .... . . . .. . 11-2 11.2.1 Brazos River . .. ....... .... ... .... 11-2 1 1. .' . 2 Water (onsumption ...... . . .. .... .. 11-2 11.3 RLSCONSES TO ECOLOGICAL TOPICS . .. . . . . . . ....... 11-3 f 11 J.1 Chemical effects . . . . . . . . .. .. .... .. 11-3 11.3.2 Impingement and entrainment .. . . . ... .... ...... 11-4 11.3.3 Turbidity effects ..... . . . . . ..... ....... 11-5 11.3.4 Terrestrial impacts . . . . . .... .. ... 11-5 11.3.5 Land drainage .... ... . . . . ....... .. ... 11-5 11.4 LAND USE AND RECREATION TOPICS .... . . ..... .. ..... 11-6 11.4.1 Land use . . . . . . .. ....... ..... ... ... 11-6 11.4.2 Recreation . . . . . . . .................. ., 11-8 11.5 RADIOLOGICAL TOPICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 11.5.1 Response to monitoring system alarm . .......... .... 11-8 11.5.2 Releases during operation ..... ............... 11-9 11.5.3 Dose assessment .. . ...................... 11-9

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l Page 11.5.4 Radioactive wastes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 11-9 11.5.5 Radioactive waste treatment . . . . . . . . . .... .... . 11-9 11 .5.6 Fuel cycl e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... ... 11-9 11.6 RESPONSES TO OTHER YOPICS ........ . . . . . . ... ... 11-9 11.6.1 Additional units ..... . . . . . . . . ......... . 11-9 11.6.2 Archeological ......... . . . . . . ..... . .... 11-10 11.6.3 Safety and site related issues . . . . . . ... .. ..... 11-10 11.6.4 Interaction with other agencies . . . . . . .......... 11-12 11.6.5 Adequacy of draf t statement . . . . . .... ...... 11-13 11.6.6 Alternate reactor types ........... ........ .. 11-13 11.7 LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL CHANGES IN THE STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ... 11-13 11.7.1 Allens Creek . . . . . ....... . . . ....... 11-13 11.7.2 Groundwater ............... . ............ 11-13 11.7.3 Endangered species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . 11-13 11.7.4 Water quality ............ . . . ........ ... 11-13 11.7.5 Status of review'. and approvals . . . . . . ......... . 11-13 11.7.6 Biological date. ................. ....... . 11-13 11.7.7 Brazos River . . .. .. . . . . . . . . ....... . .. 11-13 11.7.8 Me teorology ............. . . . ............ 11-13 11.7.9 Land use and recreation ... . . . . . . ..... ...... 11-13 11.7.10 Thermal ...................... .... ... 11-13 11.7.11 Radiological .... .......... ............ 11-13 REFERENCES FOR SECTION 11 .. ....... . . . . . . ...... .. .. 11-14 Appendix A. COMMENTS ON DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BY AGENCIES AND INTERESTED PARTIES . . . ....................... . A-1 Appendix B. BIOTA 0F THE TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ENVIRONS . . . ............ B-1 Appendix C. COST ESTIMATES FOR ALTERNATIVE BASE-LOA 0 GENERATION SYSTEFG ........ C-1 4 .

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1 LIST OF FIGURES Page F3ure 2.1 Site location .. .... .. . .. . . . 2-2 2.2 Ground transportation facilities, 0-10 miles . . . .. 2-3 2.3 Historic growth of counties between 1960-1970 2-4 2.4 Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station 10-m wind rose for period August 1972-July 1973 . . .. . .... . . . .. 2-10 2.5 Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station 60-m wind rose for period August 1972-July 1973 .. .... . . ...... .... 2-11 3.1 View of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station from the southeast .. .. 3-1 3.2 Flow diagram and operating conditions of one of the boiling water reactors . 3-2 l 3.3 Predicted water use at Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station .. . . . 3-3 3.4 Circulating water heat-dissipation system for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station ...... . ... . .. ... ... 3-4 3.5 Circulating water intake structure for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating S ta tion . . ... .. . . . .... . 3-5 3.6 Area and capacity curves for Allens Creek cooling lake . .. . .. . 3-8

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i 3.7 Allens Creek cooling lake settling basins ... .. . .. . 3-9 3.8 Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Unit I liquid and solid radioactive waste management . . . . . .. . . .. . 3-12 3.9 Allens Creek main condenser off-gas processing system and building ventilation exhaust system . . . . ... . .. . ... .. 3-17 3.10 Transmission line routes . .... ... . .. .. .. . 3-22 4.1 Areas of construction activities . . . ... .. . 4-2 4.2 Site boundaries . .... .... . . . .. .... . 4-7 5.1 Key map of Allens Creek cooling lake to be used with Table 5.4 .. . . 5-7 5.2 Staff's estimate of the variation of the circulating water intake and discharge temperatures and equilibrium temperatures during the year 1969 at a 100% station factor . . . . ... . .... . . 5-10 5.3 Exposure pathways to blota other than man ...... . .. .. 5-12 5.4 Exposure pathways to man . . . . 5-15 5.5 Populatiun changes among algal groups with change in temperature . . . . .. 5-26 5.6 Sumary of residual-chlorine toxicity data .. ...... . ... . 5-27 9.1 Total generating cost (present value-1980) of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and a coal-fired power plant vs capacity factor . . . 9-8 C.) Use of the CONCEPT program for estimting capital costs . . ... . C-2 xi

LIST OF TABLES Table Page, 1.1 Federal, State, regional, and local authorizations required for construction and operation of the A' lens Creek Nuclear Generating Station .. . ... .. 1-2 2.1 1970 population of all unincorporated communities which have 1000 or more inhabitants and all incorporated connunities within 10 to 50 miles of the ,

site . . . . . . ........ .............. . . ... .. 2-5 '

2.2 Cumulative populations .................... . . .. .. . 2-5 2.3 Staff estimate of mean density and percentage composition of winter phytoplankton in Allcns Creek .. .. .... .... ... .... .... 2-13 2.4 Staff estimate of mean density and percentage composition of winter zooplankton in Allens Creek .... . . .. .... .. .. . .. . .. 2-13 2.5 Staff sunnary of weighted density by gear and sampling effort and percentage composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in Allens Creek . . . . . . 2-14 2.6 Numbers of fish groups recovered and percentage composition af ter liquid rotenone application at three stations-in Allens Creek, October 1972 . . . . . . . 2-15 2.7 Staf f sunnary of mean density and percentage composition of winter phytoplankton in the Brazos River ...... ... .. . .... 2-16 2.8 Staff sunnary of average density and percentage composition of winter zooplankton in the Brazos River ....... .... . .. .. . .. . 2-16 ,

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2.9 Staf f sunnary of weighted density by gear and sampling effort and per-centage composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Brazos River .. . . . 2-17 2.10 Staff sunnary of relative abundance and percentage composition of fish in the Brazos River, Fall 1972 and fall 1973 .,... . .. . . ..... 2-17 3.1 Water velocities in the circulating water intake structure calculated by the staff . . .... .... ...... . .. . .. .. . .. . 3-5 3.2 Flow conditions in the circulating water system .. . ... . . .. . .. . 3-6 3.3 Mean water velocities and holdup times in the circulating water discharge canal .... .... .......... .. .. . . 3-6 3.4 Monthly average Allens Creek runoff (acre-ft/ month) . . .. .. ..* . 3-7 3.5 Volume and surface-area data of the Allens Creek cooling lake .... . ... 3-9 3.6 Principal parameters and conditions used in calculating releases of radioactive material in liquid and gaseous effluents from Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . 3-11 3.7 Calculated release of radioactive material in liquid effluent from Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. 3-15 3.8 Calculated annual release of radioactive gaseous effluents from Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station (Ci/ year per reactor) . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-19 3.9 Increase in chemical concentration of effluent to Brazos River due to cooling lake concentration . . ...... .. . . . . . . 3-20 3.10 Chemicals added to liquid effluents during plant operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20 1 l

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Page Table 3.11 Transmission line (345 kV) . . . . ..... .. .... . .... 3-23 4.1 Sunmary of areas affected by construction activities . . . . . ... . . 4-3 4.2 Estimated local property taxes during construction of Units 1 and 2 ... .. 4-10 4.3 Construction payroll and disposable incorre . . ... ...... .. 4-11 4.4 Added disposable income from construction payroll .. . .. . .. 4-11 5.1 Applicant's estimated values of water evaporation rates at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80% plant factor .. . ., ,. . .. .... 5-4 5.2 Estimated values of water use at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80%

plant factor and intermittent makeup . . .. ..... .. . . . 5-4 5.3 Effect of increasing the plant factor from 80 to 100% for the months of May-October .... ....... ............ . .. 5-5 5.4 Applicant's estimated Allens Creek cooling lake temperatures (*F) for the month of July .. . . ..... ..... . . 5-6 5.5 Estimated maximum sizes of Brazos River isotherms . . . .. ..... 5-6 5.6 Staff's evaluation of water evaporation rates at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80% plant factor . ... ... .. .. . ... ... 5-8 5.7 Staff's evaluation of Allens Creek cooling lake during the month of July at a 100% plant factor . . ........ .... ........ 5-9 5.8 Staf f's evaluation of the dif ference between the spillage water temperature and equilibrium temperature for Allens Creek cooling lake at a 100% plant factor ... . . .. .. ... .... . 5-11 5.9 Freshwater bioaccumulation factors .. . ..... . ........ 5-13 5.10 Annual individual doses due to gaseous effluents . . . .. ....... . 5-14 5.11 Annual individual doses from liquid effluents in cooling lake at equilibrium . .... . . .... ..... . . .. 5-16 5.12 Environmental impact of transportation of fuel and waste to and from one light-water-cooled nuclear power reactor . ..... .. . 5-17 5.13 Cumulative population, annual cumulative dose, and average annual total-body dose due to gaseous effluents in selected annuli about the station . . 5-18 5.14 Summary of annual total body doser, to the population within 50 miles . , 5-18 5.15 Sunmary of environmental considerations for uranium fuel cycle .. 5-20 5.16 Temperatures above 32.5 C (90.5'F) where fish species recognized near Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station have been collected in streams and rivers in Texas ...... ... .. .. .. 5-22 5.17 Incipient lethal temperature threshold for fish species recognized in the vicinity of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station ... . . 5-23 5.18 Median toxicity thresholds for invertebrates and fishes in brine wastes at a 96-hr exposure . . . . . . . . . ... ... . ... 5 30 5.19 Probability of entrainment of plankton in the Brazos River at various river flows . . .. ..... . .... ... 5-33 5.20 Swinning speeds of fish present in the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site .. . ... .. .... 5-34 xiii

{ -- __-__ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Table Page 5.21 Estimated local property taxes during operation .. .... . .... 5-34 5.22 Projected peak employment - 1975-2011 . ......... .. ...... 5-35 6.1 Terrestrial monitoring program - species density, diversity, and frequency . . . . 6-2 6.2 Radiological program . .. .. . . . ......... ........ 6-5 7.1 Classification of postulated accidents and occurrences ...... ...... 7-2 7.2 Sumary of radiological consequences of postulated accidents .. ....... 7-3  ;

}

7.3 Environmental risks of accidents in transport of fuel and wastes to and from a typical light-water-cooled nuclear power reactor . . .. ... 7-4 8.1 Projections of income, population, and employment for the service area . .. 8-2 8.2 Need for generating capacity under various conditions .. .. . ...... 8-3 8.3 Capacity and reserve margins . . .. .. ... .. . .. . 8-6 8.4 ERCOT reserves for 1974-1978 . . .. .. ..... ....... ... 8-7 8.5 ERCOT load and capability - period 1984-1993 . . . . ... .. . 8-7 9.1 Projected Brazos River use for manufacturing . ... . .. . ..... 9-4 9.2 Selection of feasible power sources for alternatives to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station . .... .. . ... . ..... 9-7 9.3 issumptions and data used to estimate the present value (1980) total generating cost for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and Wnning coal-fired and Texas lignite-fired power plant alternatives

.. . .. 9-9 9.4 ff's estimates of consumptive water use in mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers and associated cooling pond for a typical year .. .. .. 9-11 9.5 Staf f's estimates of additional fog and drif t deposition from wet forced-draf t cooling towers for a typical year (0.03% drif t fraction) . ... 9-12 9.6 Alternative cooling system monetized costs (millions of 1981 dollars) . . 9-13 11.1 Land availability for cultivation and crop use for Texas and the U.S.

1964 and selected projected years . ... ... . .

11-7 B.1 Species list of plants found in Allens Creek study area .. .... . . B-2 B.2 Birds which may occur at the Allens Creek site ... . . B-4 B.3 Checklist of reunals which may occur in the Allens Creek vicinity . B-7 B.4 Reptiles and amphibians known to occur in Austin County .... . . B-8 B.5 Staff summary of phytoplankton found in Allens Creek, 1973-1974 . B -9 B.6 Staf f summary of average density of zooplankton found in Allens Creek, 1973-1974 . . . . B-10 B.7 Staf f sunt'1ary of average density of benthic macroinvertebrates found in Allens Creek, 1972, 1973, 1974 .... . .. . . . B-11 B.8 Staf f summary of the fish species found in Allens Creek and the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site . . .. B-13 B.9 Staf f surunary of average density of phytoplankton found in the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site, 1973-1974 .. B-18 xiv )

Table Page B.10 Staff summary of average density of fooplankton found in the Brazos River near' the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site, 1973-1974 ... B-19 B.11 Staff summary of average density of benthic macroinver.tebrates found in the Brazos River, 1972-1974 . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . .. . B-20 l C.1 Assumptions used in CONCEPT calculations for the Allens Creek Nuclear i Generating Station . . . . . . . .. . .. ... . ...... . . . C-3 C.2 Plant capital investment suninary for a 2438-Hl(e) boiling water reactor i

nuclear power plant utilizing a cooling reservoir . .. . . .. .. ... . C-3 C.3 Plant capital investment suninary for a 2438-MW(e) coal-fired plant as an alternative to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station .. . . .. . C-4 C.4 Basis for 50 2-removal equipment cost estimate in a coal-fired plant . .. . C-4 9

4 xv

FOREWORD This environnental statement was prepared by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Directorate of Licensing (the staf f) in ,accordance with the Commission's regulation,10 CFR 50, Appendix D, which implements the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

The NEPA states, among other things, that it is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential considerations of national policy, to improve and coordinate Federal plans, functions, programs, and resources to the end that the Nation may:

. Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations.

- Assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and esthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings.

- Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences.

- Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environnent which supports diversity and variety of indi-vidual choice. ~

- Achieve a balance between population and resource use which will pennit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's amenities.

• Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycline of depletable resources.

Further, with respect to major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of thr human environment, Section 102(2)(C) of the NEPA calls for preparation of a detailed statement on:

(i) the environmental impact of the proposed action; (11) any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implenented; (iii) alternatives to the proposed action; (iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancenent of long-term productivity; and, (v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitnents of resources which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented.

An environmental report accompanies each application for a construction permit or a full-power operating license. A public announcement of the availability of the report is made. Any com-nents by interested persons on the report are considered by the staff. In conducting the re-quired NEPA review, the staff meets with the applicant to discuss itens of information in the environnental report, to seek new information from the applicant that might be needed for an adequate assessment, and generally to ensure that the staff has a thorough understanding of the proposed project. In addition, the staff seeks information from other sources that will assist in the evaluation and visits and inspects the project site and surrounding vicinity.

Members of the staff may meet with State and local officials who are charged with protecting State and local interests. On the basis of all the foregoing and other such activities or inquiries as are deemed useful and appropriate, the staf f makes an Independent assessment of the considerations specified in Section 102(2)(C) of the NEPA and 10 CrR Part 51.

This evaluation leads to the publication of a draf t environmental statenent, prepared by the Directorate of Licensing, which is then circulated to Federal, State and local governmental agencies fnr comment. A summary notice is published in the Federal Register of the availa-bility of the applicant's environmental report and the draf t environmental statement. Inter-ested persons are requested to comment on the proposed action and the draft statement.

xvi

Af ter receipt and consideration of comments on this statenent, the staff prepares a final environmental statement, which includes a discussion of questions and objections raised by the corrents and the disposition thereof; a final cost-benefit analysis which considers ar.d balances the environmental effects of the facility and the alternatives available for reducing or avoiding adverse environnental effects with the environmental, economic, technical, and other benefits of the facility; and a conclusion as to whether, af ter weighing the environmental, economic, technical, and other benefits against environmental costs and considering available alternatives, the action called for is the issuance or denial of the proposed permit or license or its appro-priate conditioning to protect environmental values. This final environmental statement and the safety evaluation report prepared by the staff are submitted to the Atomic Sa fety and Licensing Board for its consideration in reaching a decision on the application.

Single copies of this statenent may be obtained by writing the Deputy Director for Reactor Projects, Directorate of Licensing, U.S. Atomic Energy Comnission, Washington, D.C. 20545.

Robert A. Cushman is the AEC Environmental Project Manager for this statenent. (301-443-6970)

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1. INTRODUCTION t

1.1 THE PROPOSED PROJECT Pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act, as amended, and the U.S. Atomic Energy Connission's regulations '

in Title 10. Code of Federal Regulations, an application was filed by the Houston Lighting and

• Power Company (hereinafter referred to as the applicant) for construction permits for two gener-ating units designated as the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2 (Docket Nos.

50-466 and 50-467), each of which is powered by a boiling water reactor and is designed for ini-tial operation at approximately 3579 megawatts thermal (MWt) with a nominal gross electrical output of about 1200 negawatts. The proposed facilities are to be located on the applicant's site in Austin County, Texas, approximately 4 miles northwest of Wallis, 7 miles south-southeast of Sealy, and approximately 45 miles west of the center of Houston.

Regulation 10 CFR Part 51 requires that the Director of Regulation, or his designee, analyze the report and prepare a detailed statement of environmental considerations. It is within this franework that this final Environmental Statement related to the construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station (ACNGS) has been prepared by the Directorate of Licensing (staff) of the U.S. Atomic Energy Comnission.

Major docunents used in the preparation of this statement were the applicant's Environnental Report (ER).1 and supplements thcreto and the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR).2 In this Final Environnental Statenent, the ER is cited extensively and the PSAR is cited a number of tines; therefore, their full titles and documentation are given only in the list of references for this section. Throughout the statement, references to these two documents will be given generally as the abbreviations ER and PSAR, respectively, followed by the number (s) of specific sections , pages , tables , figures, appendices , etc.

Independent calculations and sources of information were also used as a basis for the assessment of environnental impact. In addition, some of the information was gained from visits by the staff to the Allens Creek site and surrounding areas in March 1974.

As a part of its safety evaluation leading to the issuance of construction permits and operating l licenses, the Commission makes a detailed evaluation of the applicant's plans and facilities for i minimizing and controlling the release of radioactive materials under both normal conditions and potential accident conditions, including the effects of natural phenanena on the facility. Inas-noch as these aspects are considered fully in other documents, only the salient features that bear directly on the anticipated environmental ef fects are repeated in this environmental statement.

Copies of this final Environmental Statement, the applicant's Environnental Report (ER), and the P$AR are available for public inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room,1717 H Street, N.W. , Weshington , D.C. , and at the Sealy Public Library, P.O. Box 517, Sealy, Tex. 77474. .- "

1.2 Si ATUS OF REVIEWS AND APPROVALS The applications filed by the applicant to obtain construction and operating licenses and pennits from various governing bodies or agencies are listed in Table 1.1.

REFERENCES FOR SECTION 1 ",

1. Hous ton Lighting and Power Company, Environmental Report, Allow Creek Nucicar G.mcratiy Station, units 1 cmd E. Docket Nos. 50-466 and 50-467, August 24, 1973; Amendments No. O, Novenbe r 13, 1973; No. 1 December 17,1973; No. 2, Jant;ry 2,1974 ; No. 3, January 15, 1974; No. 4. April 18,1974; and No. 5, May 15,1974

2. Houston L1ghting and Power Company, Prclininary Safety Analpeio rcrcrt, Allena Creek & lear Cmcrat in;; Stat im, twits 1 <md 0, Docket Nos. 50 6 and 50-467, August 24, 1973, and subsequent amendments.

1-1

1-2 Table 1.1. Federal. State, regionaf, and local authorizations required for construction and operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generatmg Station Agency Permit or Approval Status F ederal Arornic f nergy Commission Constr uction permit Submitted August 1973 Operating license Future Cor ps of E ngineers (U.S. Armd Construcson permit for mtake and disenarge issued for pubhc comment struc tures U S E nosonmental Protecpon Agency Peimit for waste descharges F utur e State Texas Water Rights Commisuon Peimit to ventruct Allens Creek Approved May 1974 Approval of contract with Bratos River Authority Approved May 1914 Teus Wate Ouahty Hoard Permit for Plant sanitary waste disposal F uture Permit for icturn of blowdown f rom coohng Approsed Aug 27,1974 lake 1( Brupos River Texas Parb s and W,ldhle Department Permits or approvals as retivired F uture Ten.is State Department of Health F'ermit for coristraction and operation of sani- F vture tary treatment f at hties Tc*as Air Cortrol Boed Pernut for release of gaseous elfluents into the Future a tinospher e R egional Oratos River Authority Contract for the purpose of prosiding an adequate Approved August 1,1973 supply of water for the provastd Allens Creek Electric Generating Facibi, Local (No local authoritations required) h 4

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2. THE SITE I 2.1 STA110N LOCATION l

l The applicant plans to locate Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2, in sparsely l populated and essentially rural Austin County, Texas. The proposed locatinn is about 45 miles west of Houston (1970 population,1.24 million) and immediately west of the Brazos River. Figure 2.1 shows the relationship of the site to the surrounding area. The plant site is about four miles NW of Wallis (1970 population,1028) and about seven miles SSE of Sealy (1970 population, 2685). Unit 1 is at latitude 29' 40' 43" N and longitude 96* 06' 15" W, while Unit 2 is at lat-itude 29" 40' 45" N and longitude 96 06' 17" W.

The site covers 11,152 acres, including a proposed 8,250-acre cooling lake. A natural bluff (cut

• by the meandering Brazos River many years ago) will form 70% of the cooling lake's perimeter and a 26,000-f t-long earthen dam will complete the enclosure. Allens Creek, a small (40 cfs) trib-utary of the Brazos River, will empty into the proposed cooling lake; however, the bulk of the cooling lake's water needs will be pumped from the Brazos River. Elevations in the site area range from 100 to 146 f t above mean sea level.

Three pipelines cross the applicant's property and will be rerouted to avoid the cooling lake a #

24-in, natural gas line, a 6-in, liquified petroleum line, and an 8-in. crude oil line.

The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and State Hwy 36 both parallel the western boundary of the site, about 4500 f t from the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Interstate Hwy 10 passes about seven miles north of the site, as does the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. Three and one-half miles south of the site are Farm-to-Market Road 1093 and the Texas and New Orleans line of the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. Farm-to-Market Road 1458 runs along the eastern boundary of the proposed cooling lake, about 2.5 miles from the station. Ground trans-portation facilities are shown in Fig. 2.2.

2.2 REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHY, LAND USE, ANO WATER USE 2.2.1 Regional demography The State of Texas increased in population between 1960 and 1970 at a faster rate than the United States (16.9 vs 13.3%). However, the growth rate of this period for Texas was the second lowest since data have been available for the state beginning in 1850. There was only a 10.1% increase during the 1930-1940 period, in the urban areas the population increased 24.1% between 1960 and -

1970, while rural residents decreased by 4.9%.

The area within ten miles of the site includes portions of five counties: Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend Waller, and Wharton. Population densities are low in each of the five counties, ranging -

from 18.6 persons per square mile in Colo. ado County to 60.2 persons per square mile in Fort Bend County. The area in the imediate site vicinity (the rural Wallis Census Division) has an esti-mated density of only 14 persons per square mile, ,

A clear growth pattern emerged in the five-county area during the 1960s, with counties to the east (Fort Bend and Waller) having significant increases in population, and counties to the west (Colorado and Wharton) having declining populations. Austin County had a stable population, with only a 0.4% growth during the decade. This historical growth pattern is depicted in Fig. 2.3, which shows the growth rates and the population densities of all counties within 50 miles of the site. The reason for this pattern is that counties to the east, bordering the Houston Metro-politan Area, began to share in Houston's growth, while counties to the west, removed from the influences of Houston, continued to show the population decline that is characteristic of many rural areas in the United States. This basic pattern is expected to hold in the future, although the Houston Metropolitan Area's sphere of influence is expected to extend farther west, causing moderate population gains in Austin, Colorado, and Wharton Counties.

The nearest population center (as defined in 10 CFR Part 10) is Houston, about 45 air miles east of the site, with a 1970 population of 1.24 million. Communities with a population of 1000 or more in 1970 within 50 miles of the site are given in Table 2.1. Table 2.2 shows the present and projected populations within the 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , and 50-mile radii . Additional details and sector population projections are presented in the ER (ER, Sect. 2.2).

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] NEGAflVE GROWTH NEGLIGlBLE GROWTH o io ao so ao so ui 5 TO IS'/o GROWTH _

15 TO 25*/o GROWTH O es to 35 ' Gao*r" 0

ABOVE 35 /o GROWTH

(?O 9)l970 POPUL ATION (PERSONS PER SQ MI)

Ref erence Drown 0 prepared frorn a section of "Temos County Subdmssons-Census County Omsions and Places',' prepared by Bureou of the Census,1970 Fig. 2. 3. Historic growth of counties between 1960-1970. Source: ER. Fig. 2.2-2.

2-5 Table 2.1,1970 Population of all unincorporated communities which have 1000 or more inhabitants and allirr.orporated communities within 10 to 50 miles of the site

" ' * " " '" "9" Community Population Direction site (miles) from 1960-1970 Hempstead 1,891 29 N 25.6 Mwasota 5,111 48 N 3.5 Prairie View 3,589 29 NNE 54.3 Walter 993 28 NNE 45.4 Brookshire 1,683 12 NE 25.7 Tomball 2,734 42 NE 59 6 Hitshire Village 627 39 ENE 15.5 Jersey Village 765 36 ENE 55.2 Katy 2,923 19 ENE 88.7 Sprmg Valley 3,170 37 ENE 5.5 Houston 1,232,802 35-55 E and ENE 36.7 Bellaire 19,000 38 E -4.3 Brookside Village 1,507 49 E 169.1 Bunker Hill Village 3,977 36 E 79.5 Hedwig Village 3,255 37 E 175 4 Hunters Creek 3,959 37 E 59 8 Peariand 6,444 50 E 330.5 Piney Pomt Village 2,548 37 E 42.3 South Side Place 1,466 42 E 14.4 Stafford 2,906 33 E 91.6 Sugar Land 3,318 31 E 18.4 West Unwersity Place 13,317 42 E -9 .C Missouri City 4,136 35 E and ESE 586.0 Richmond 5,77f 22 ESE 57.5 Rosenberg 12,098 20 ESE 24.7 Needville 1.024 25 SE 18.9 West Columbia 3,335 46 SE 13.2 1,159 11 SSE e East Bernard Sweeny 3,191 50 SSE 3.4 1,051 47 SSE e Van Vleck Bay City 11,733 49 S 0.7 Whar ton 7,881 26 S 37.4 El Campo 8,563 34 SSW 11.2 El Campo South 1,880 36 SSW -0.2 Ganado 1,640 50 SSW 0.9 Eagle Lake 3.587 15 WSW 0.6 Columbus 3,342 26 W - 8.6 Weimar 2,104 41 W 4.9 Schulenburg 2,294 47 W 3.9 LaGrange 3.092 47 WNW - 14.7 WNW 1,5 Fayetteville 400 37 Bellville 2,371 21 NNW 6.9 Round Top 94 44 NNW -24.2 B<enham 8.922 37 NNW 15.3 4

• Not recorded separately in 1960 Census.

Reference. U S Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Number of Inhabitants .- 1970 Census of Population Texas. Washmgton, D.C.

Source E R, Table 2.2 5.

Table 2.2. Cumulative populatiom*

Miles from site Year 0-10 0 -20 0 -30 0 -40 0 -50 1970 8,000 34,000 94,000 525,000 1,470,000 1980 13,000 62,000 191,000 800,000 1,900,000 1990 21,000 115,000 394,000 1,320,000 l',710,000 2000 28,000 145,000 522,000 1,650,000 3,270,000 2010 36,000 176,000 675,000 2,020,000 3,910,000 2020 43,000 202,000 834,000 2.320,000 4,530,000

• Numbers have been rounded off.

Source. E R, Table 2.2 4.

l

2-6 Industrial facilities in the area include the Hranicky Richard Concrete Company, the Wallis Grist Mill, the Wallis Gin Company, and the Graham Gin Company (all located in Wallis). In addition, the Mobil Pine Line Company owns a crude oil s~torage facility located about six miles northwest of the site.

The nearest occupied residence outside of the site boundaries is about 1.5 miles west of the plant site, although there is a small chapel located about one mile WSW of the plant site. Nea rby schools includt, those in Sealy (1147 students), Wallis (383 students), and Orchard (343 students).

Sealy Medical Center handles about 20 patients daily, and the Sealy Nursing Home cares for about 69 patients.

About nine miles north of the plant site is Stephen F. Austin State Park, serving about 180 visitors daily. Three small local parks and a boat ramp are also located near the site. BPW Park and Sealy Jaycees Park are located in Sealy, seven miles north of the site; Wallis Park is four miles southeast; and the Austin County Boat Ramp is about five miles east on the Brazos River.

2.2.2 Land use Over 94% of the land within the five-county area (Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, faller, and Wharton) is used for agriculture. The change in land usage in the counties between 1958 and 1967 is shown in the ER (ER, p. 2.2-5) and indicates that more land is being used for pasture at the expense of croplands and woodlands.

Livestock and livestock products represent about 80% of the cash receipts from farm marketing in Austin County, though the percentage is not as high in surrounding counties. The livestock con-sists mainly of beef cattle, although significant numbers of swine, sheep, turkeys, and chickens are raised. Dairy operations are quite limited.

Land use and productivity wit'nin the site boundaries are de, tailed in the ER (ER, p. 2.2-10).

2.2.3 Water use Present water use in the area is primarily domestic and agricultural.

2.2.3.1. Groundwa te r Information on the location and type of wells in the site vicinity is given in the ER (ER, Fig.

2. 2-10 ) . Estimates of the total municipal, industrial, and irrigational groundwater use within 20 miles of the site are also presented in the ER (ER, Fig. 2.2-13). Aquifer characteristics are discussed in Sect. 2.5.

2.2.3.2 Surface water Potential surface water users in Texas must file for permission with the Texas Water Rights Com-mission (TWRC). A sumary of the 1972 listing of applications, claims, and certified filings for surface water use in the site area is presented in the ER (ER, Fig. 2.2-14).

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) holds permits which authorize it to impound water in upstream reservoirs, to divert such water for industrial purposes, and to use the bed and banks of the Brazos River and its tributaries to transport water thus diverted (permit Nos. 1262, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, and 2661). The applicant has contracted with the BRA for 176,000 acre-f t of industrial cooling water per year. Based on this contract and two-unit operation the applicant plans to use 90,000 acre-f t of water per year. However the applicant can increase this allotment in any amount up to a total 176,000 acre-feet per year af ter giving BRA a 180-day notice.

In addition to the permits held by the BRA, the applicant has received permits from the TWRC to construct Allens Creek Dam and impound the run-off from the Allens Creek drainage area, as well as a permit to divert water from the Brazos River.

2.3 HISTORIC AND ARCHAE 0 LOGICAL SITES AND NATURAL LANDMARKS An historical and archaeological reconnaisance of the site area was performed by the Texas Archae-ological Salvage Project, University of Texas at Austin. No sites within five miles of the plant site or within one mile of proposed transmission lines are listed in the National Register of 611storic Places or the National Register of Natural Landmarks.

2-7 Recognized historic localities in the plant site area include four cemeteries, none of which appear to have unique historical significance. They will be relocated in accordance with state law.

Historic areas near planned transmission lir.e rights-of-way are San Felipe Town Hall, San Felipe de Austin, and the Thomas Barrett Home.

Several significant archaeological sites were identified in the ER which may be detrimentally af fected by the proposed pmject (ER, App A, p.12). .These are discussed in Sect. 4.1.1. r 2.4 GE0 LOGY .

The site is situated on the west Gulf Coastal Plain section of the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. This physiographic province lies within the Gulf Coast Structural Province.

The site vicinity is underlain by a series of formtions (ER, Fig. 2.4-1-ER), namly the Beaumont (0-40 f t thick) and Montgomery formations (70-100 f t thick), both of which are historically Pleis-tocene. These two formations unconformably overlier the Goliad (70-100 ft thick) and Fleming '

' formations. The Montgomery and Goliad formions contain some water-bearing sand beds.

In the cooling lake crea (fl?odplain) the Beaumont formation has been eroded leaving river al-luvial deposits overlying the Montgomery and Goliad formations. Slope-wash deposits from the erosion of the exposed Beaumont and Montgomery formations in the adjacent bluffs extend laterally into the cooling lake area for distances of up to several hundred feet. Other portions of the s bluff within the cooling lake araa consist of sand ceposits which are part of the >bntgomery formation.

The Orchard Dome, about 12 miles 55 of the site, and the San Felipe Dome, about 8 miles NE of the site, are two prominent salt dome intrusions located in the site vicinity. '

The Gulf Coast of Texas is a relatively inactive seismic area. Faults within the Coastal Plain are characterized as growth faults whose activity results in creep as opposed to the more severe ground movements usually associatad with seismic activity. Although faults do occur within the site area, there is very little seismic activity related to faulting. Additional seismic detail appears in the applicant's ER (ER, Sect. 2.4 and PSAR, Sect. 2.5), and the Safety Evaluation Report to be issued by the Regulatory Staff will cover the seismology from ths safety aspect.

I 2.5 HYDROLOGY 2.5.1 Surface water I

-1 2.5.1.1 Brazos River 1 1

The Brazos River originates in eastern New Mexico near the Texas Border, crosses southeastward thmugh Texas, and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico near Freeport, Texas. At the Richmond gage.

36 river miles downstream from the site, the average flow based on records from 1903-1905 and j 1922-1965 is 7314 cfs. Maximum and minimum flows of 123,000 cfs (in 1929) and 35 cfs (in 1934) have been recorded respectively. However, the development of major reservoirs within the river  !

basin provides regulatory capacity over about 78%(34,000 sq miles) of the total Brazos River '

ca tchment.  ;

Water will be pumped fmm the Brazos River to the proposed cooling lake for consumptive and blow-down needs in accordance with a contract with the Brazos River Authority.

2.5.1.2 Allens Creek i

Allens Creek is an ungaged intermittent creek which begins near Sealy, Texas and meanders south-eastward to the Brazos River. The creek has a catchment of about 67 sq miles and is frequently dry with the exception of its lower reaches which receive sewege effluent from the Sealy and Wallis treatment plants.

The Allens Creek catchment will be' partially inundated by the cooling lake. The portions not inundated will give the cooling lake a catchment size of about 45.4 sq miles. Estimated average  !

monthly discharges for Allens Creek due to this 45.4-sq-nile catchment area range fmm a maximum l of 85.1 efs in Jur.e to a minimum of 13.8 cfs in July.

1

2-8 2.5.1.3 San Bernard Riyg The San Bernard River and its tributaries drain the area imediately west of Sealy, Wallis, and the Allens Creek watershed. It is considered unlikely that the San Bernard River will be affected by the construction and operation of the proposed Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Stat an.

2.5.2 Grounowa ter Groundwater in the site region occurs in unconsolidated Coastal Plain sediments and in recent river a luviums. Both the Evangeline Aquifer and the Brazos River allLvium are important in this area.

(

The Evangeline Aquifer consists of a series of discontinuous beds which comprise a single geo-hydrologic unit. The principal source of groundwater recharge to the portion of the aquifer underlying the site area is precipitation in Austin, Waller, and adjacent counties. Minor re-charge results from infiltration of ponded surface water. Groundwater in the aquifer moves at rates varying from 20 to 50 ft per year usually in the general direction of the Gulf of Mexico.

Heavy withdrawals in Houston and surmunding counties han caused a regional cone of depression which extends into the site vicinity.

The Brazos River alluvium is 70 to 90 f t thick and consists of sediments deposited in the flood-plain by the Brazos River. The width varies fmm 3 to 11 miles near the site. Recharge to the alluvium occurs during periods of high runoff. The principal recharge sources are the Brazos River, ponded waters, and underlying permeable horizons in the Evangeline Aquifer. Discharge to the Brazos River occu s during periods of normal or low flow.

2.5.3 Water quality, Collection of basic water quality parameters on the Brazos River was initiated in 1945; biochem.

Ical, pesticide, water temperature, and sediment determinations were introduced at later dates.

Summaries of recent water quality records at the Richmond gage are in Tables 2.5-1 and 2.5-2 of the applicant's ER. Intermittent water quality and temperature measurements were taken from locations on the Brazos River nearer the site than the Richmond gaae (ER, Table 2.5-3). The Brazos River basin upstream of the site is predominantly rural tt allowing r.atural processes to largely determine the water quality. However, oil field brine 'use some occasional deterioration of quality It should be noted that the increasing re ion of flows due to reservoirs is expected to result in more constant water quality.

Water quality data for Allens Creek and the Brazos River have been submitted by the applicant in the six months' interim report on the biological monitoring program, covering the period through May 22, 1974, and an additional report concerning the next 60 days. Nothing in the data presented to date leads the staff to change conclusions reached in the DES.

Chemical analyses made on a regular basis are not available for the San Bernard River.

Water in the upper 1000 f t of the Evangeline Aquifer is suitable for municipal use and for most irrigation and industrial uses; the lower 500 f t, however, is too highly mineralized to be used without treatment. Analyses of water from wells near the site are shown in Table 2.5-6 of the applicant's ER.

2.6 METEOROLOGY 2.6.1 Regional climatology, The climate of the Allens Creek site, located in the flat coastal plains of southeast Texas about 60 nilles from the Gulf of Mexica, is predominantly humid subtropical, influenced during much of the year by the anticyclonic circulation of the Azores-Bermuda high-pressure system. Winters are generally short and mild, with an occasional incursion of continental polar air bringing cooler temperatures and northwest winds. Sumers are long, hnt, and humid, with maritime tmpical air masses predominating over the area. The site is principally af fected by storms originating in late winter and early spring over the western Gulf of Mexico. The last occurrence of freezing temperatures in the spring is usually in early February, and the fi~rst occurrence of freezing temperatures in the fall utually is in mid-December.

a 2-9 2.6.2 Local meteorology Based on climatological data from Houston 1 about 45 miles east of the site, mean monthly temper-atures may be expected to range from about 54*F in January to about 83'F in July and August. Tem-peratures may be expected to reach 90*F or higher about 95 days per year, while reaching 32*F or lower about 3 days per year. The record maximum temperature in the Houston area was 108'F in August 1909, and the record minimum temperature was 5'F in January 1940.

The annual average precipitation of alnost 46 in, is well distributed throughout the year. The minimum nonthly average precipitation of about 2.7 in. occurs in February, while the maximum nonthly average of about 4.3 in. occurs in May, July, August, and September. The recorded maximum monthly precipitation was 22.3 in. in October 1949. The maximum 24-hr rainfall was 15.65 in. in Augus t 1945. Snowfall is negligible in the area, averaging about 0.4 in, per year. The maximum nonthly and maximum 24-hr snowfall in the Houston area was 4.4 in. in February 1960.

Relative humidity is generally high throughout the year, averaging almost 75'% in Houston. Heavy fog occurs frequently in the site area, and may be expected on an average of 42 days annually.

Wind data from the Allens Creek site for the 10-m level, representing the period August 1,1972-July 31, 1973, indicate predominant winds from the southeast through south, occurring about 32%

of the time. Winds from the south were most frequent at 11.3%, and winds from the west-northwest were least frequent at 2.0%. There were 1.2% calms. The mean wind speed for this period was 7.6 mph. The on-site wind roses for the 10- and 60-m levels for the period August 1972-July 1973 are shown in Figs. 2.4 and 2.5 respectively.

2.6.3 Severe weather Types of severe weather expected in this area are thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. As a result of circulation patterns that bring warm, moist, unstable air from the Gulf of Mexico in all months of the year, thunderstorms can be expected in all months. At Houston, thunderstorms can be expected on about 59 days annually, being nest frequent in July with an average of 10  ;

thunderstorm days. Two-thirds of the expected thunderstorm days occur from May-September. Thunder +

storms are least frequent from October 4iarch, with November, December, January, and March aver-aging two thunderstorm days.

Since the Allens Creek site is located near the center of a two-degree latitude-longitude square. l tornado occurrences were examined for the two-degree square. During the period 1055-1967, 139 i tornadoes were reported in this two-degree. square.2 giving a mean annual tornado frequency of 2.7 i f or a comparable one-degree square containing the site. The computed recurrence interval for a tornado at the plant site is 540 years.3 Hurricanes are usually weakened from noving inland before reaching the Allens Creek site. In the period 1871-1971, about 33 tropical storms, Lericanes, and depressiens have passed within 50 l miles of the site." The "fastes t mile" of wir. reported for the Houston area was 84 mph in March l 1926. l In the period 1936-1970,5 there were about eight atnospheric stagnation cases totalling about 25 days. The highest nonthly frequency cf these cases is in October.

1 2.7 ECOLOGY OF THE SITE AND ENVIRONS i 2.7.1 Terrestrial ecology The Allens Creek site is located in what was naturally a transition zone between tall grass prairie and oak savannah. Periodic fire destroyed woody plant seedlings, maintaining grass as the dominant vegetation. With the control of fire by settlers and over-grazing by their cattle, the brush invaded and has in many places become unmanageable. Presently the site is less than 25% wooded, with grazing land, cultivated fields, and brush occupying the rest.

Brush species that constitute the bulk of the problem in the site area are huisache (Aca2ia farncaiawt) and retama (lurkinsenia usulcata), both of which were introduced as ornamentals.

Yauron (lle.e twitura) and winged elm (Ubo a?ata) are also recent brushy invaders.

Although collections are not yet complete,108 species of plants have been identified on the site.

These ere listed in Appendix B, Table B.1. The original riparian forest along the Brazos River I is greatly reduced, with cedar elm (Ulcras emacifolia) and sugar hackberry (celt.is laevista) constituting the tall broadleaf dominants. Bermuda grass (cpobn dastylcn) has been extensively planted in the area.

2-10 E S - 203 N

NNW I NNE l  !

NW NE WNW '

s ENE A6"la 42 6 )

C AL *,1 W E WSW - ESE SW  % SE

'w-SSW - SSE S

I Fig. 2.4 Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station 10-m wind rose for period Augus t 1972-July 1973.

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2-12 More ipecies of birds (>540) have been identified in Texas than any other state, and the largest numbers within the state have been documented on the Central Gulf coast,75-100 miles from the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site (Peterson,1960).6 One can thus expect an impressive dVifauna a priori. Birds spotted on the site and those expected on the site are tabulated in Table B.2.

The white-tailed kite (Elanus loucurus) occurs at the proposed Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, which seems to be located ns - the extreme NE edge of this species' range in Texas. The white-tailed kite is scarce enougn in Texas to be under consideration for inclusion on the list of rare and endangered species of the Texas Organization of Endangered Species (TOES). However, in the major portion of its range, the white-tailed kite is in little danger (de Schanensse, 1964).7 So far, no breeding pairs have been found on the site.

The Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station area lies in the range of another rare aavian sub-species, the Attwater's prairie chicken (appanuchas eupido attuateri). In this case, the station is not at an extremity but very much in the middle of the subspecies geographic distribution.

Attwater's prairie chickens have beeq declining since the first human settlement of their ra*ge, and populations reached their nadir in 1967, increasing somewhat by 1972.a,9 Destruction of the tall grass prairie by cultural activities seems to be the main raason for the decline. No chickens are found on the site proper but one proposed transmission line route (route l A, Fig.

3.10) would pass directly through known nesting grounds.

At the presr t time, there is practically no habitat suitable for aquatic birds at the proposed Allens Cree ' lear Generating Station. Nevertheless, special mention should be made of water-fowl in the large numbers that winter on the Texas coast and the proximity to the site of rir t are heavily utilized by feeding geese. All proposed transmission lines to Ho" i goose-feeding areas.

T hs. . (Table B.3) are not so diverse or large as the birds, and no known endangered spec 'cted to be present. Coyotes (Canis latrans) and white-tailed deer (Odocoolius virgi. . .ery scarce on the site, but are abundant in other portions of their ranges. Thi red wo'. .vmio rufus), an endangered species, apparently does not occur in the area of the Allens Creek Nuuear Generating Station, although it may have been present decades ago before the area was completely settled and converted to agriculture.

The herpetifauna of the station site has not been adequately studied, but there seems to be no unique or scarce habitat, and no endangered species. Although the site is within the range of the American alligator, (Alticiator nississippiennia), certainly none are present since proper habitat is lacking. A list of reptiles and amphibians which may occur in the area is found in Table B.4.

2.7.2 Aquatic ecology The proposed construction and opetation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will affect two existing aquatic environments: (1) Allens Creek, which will be impounded to form the Allens Creek cooling lake and (2) the lower portion of the Brazos River which will provide makeup water for and receive blowdown (spillage) from the cooling lake. Dames and Moore, consultant 3 for the applicant, conducted a very limited aquatic survey in Allens Creek and the Brazos River in October 1972 (ER, App. B), and a routine biological tronitnring program was initiated in November 1973.

A six months' interim report on the biological monitoring program, covering the period through May 22, 1974, and an additional report covering the next 60 days, have been submitted to the staff. Nothing in the data presented to date leads the staff +o change conclusions reached in the DES. The staff could not find any other data on the aquatic ecology of Allens Creek. Very limited additional data was found for the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site.

2.7.2.1 Allens Creek Allens Creek, an ungaged small tributary of the Brazos River, originates near Sealy, Texas, and flows appmximately 18 miles before it enters the Brazos River near Wallis, Texas. The creek drains a watershed of approximately 67 sq miles. Flow in Allens Creek is intemittent and during periods of low rainfall the creek dries to a series of small pools. In the headwaters Allens Creek receives effluent from the sewage treatment plant from the city of Sealy. In the lower reaches the creek receives approximately 0.1 cfs of ef fluent from the sewage treatment plant from the city of Wallis. Estimated average monthly flows for Allens Creek range fmm a low of 13.8 cfs in July to a high of 85.1 cfs in June (ER, Table 2.5-4). The discharge values were estimated from a gaged stream (Big Creek) of similar catchment area. A large portion of Allens Creek is shaded by bank vegetation. Water depths in the creek vary from less than a few centimeters to pools 2.5 m deep depending on the amount of rainfall . Predominant bottom types are fine silt and sand 10 ell (ER, Sect.2.7.1).

i 2-13 Producers Macroph'ytes. No aquatic macrophytes have been reported in Allens Creek although sedge (Scirpus). -

arrowhead (Sagittaria), cattail (Typha), smartweed (Polygonum), burreed (Sparganium), wild celery (Vattieneria) the a waterweed (Anacharis) have been observed in ponds and irrigation ditches in site arealo,nd

11. (ER ,' Sect. 2.7.3.1 ).

Periphyton. Sampling of attached a are not available at this time.30,1}gae Due(periphyton) t,o the nature wasofinitiated the substratein the(silt fall and of 1973 sand), but results moder- i stely high turbidity, and intermittent flow, the staff does not anticipate that Allens Creek would support large standing crops of periphyton.

Pyh toplankton. Twenty-four species of-phytoplankton have been recognized in Allens Creek l0.11 TTaTJe B.5). Based on samples collected in November and December 1973, and January 1974.. the winter phytoplankton fauna consist of diatoms (70.8%,11 genera), euglenoids (16%, 3 genera),

green algae (11%, 6 genera), and blue-green algae (2%, 2 genera). Yellow-betwn algae and yellow-green algae each represent less than 1% of the phytoplankton fauna. The average density of total phytoplankton over this time interval was estimated to be 813 cells / liter (Table 2.3). It is '

likely that many of the species of phytoplankton recognized are actually tychoplankton, members of the periphyton comunity sloughed into the current.12 Highest phytoplankton densities in streams usually occur during warm months, so late spring and stsimer densities of phytoplankton in Allens Creek are anticipated tt, be higher than the densities given in Table 2.3.13 Table 2.3. staff estimate of mean density and percentage composition of winter phytoplanktonin Allens Creek Values obtained from pooled samples taken in November and December 1973 arxl January 1974 i

Taxa Percent composition L

Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) 11 genera 576 71 Euglenophyta (euglenoxis) 3 genera 133 16 Chlorophyta (green. algae) 6 genera 87 11 Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) 2 genera 13 2 .

Chrysophyceae (yellow brown algae) 1 genera 2 <1 Xanthophyceae (yellow green algae) 1 genera J <1 Total phytoplAnkton 813 1000 Sources:

1. So day Progress Report, January 15,1974. Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Crwk Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston lighting and Powr Company.

2, Progress neport, Biological Monitormo Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Gererating Station for Houston lighting and Ibwer Company March 1,1974.

Table 2.4. Staff estimate of mean density and percentage composition of winter rooplankton in Allens Creek Values are from pooled samples taken in November and December 1973 and Jarkisey 1974 Taxa ""*P "

(nury r/l ter)

Rotifera (20 species) 1.5 39.5 Clarkxera (5 species) 0.2 5.3 Copepoda (3 species) 55.2 2]

Total rooplankton 38 100.0 sources:

1. 60 day Progress Report, January 15,1974.Biotopocal Monitor-ing Program. Allen's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston Lighting and Powr Company.

2 Progress neport, Biologrcut Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston lighting andPower Compaay.

Marsh 1,1974 a _. - .- ,

2-14 Consumers Zoopl ank ton. Zooplankton are t usually dominated by rotifers.1{pically Twenty-eightnot as abundant species in streams of zooplankton have asbeen in lakes and tne recognized in fauna are Allens Creekl0*ll (Table B.6). Based on samples collected in Noventer and December 1973, and January 1974, the winter zooplankton fauna consist of rotifers .(39.5%, 20 species), cladocerans, (5.3%, 5 species), and copepods (55.2%, 3 species) The average density of total zooplankton over this time interval was 3.8 animals per liter Table 2.4). The limited data available pre-cludes a discussion of seasonal abundance and spec es composition of zooplankton in Allens Creek.

Benthic invertebrates. Seventy-five taxa of benthic macminvertebrates representing three phyla TAnnelida, Mollusca, and Arthropoda) have been recognized in Allens Creek from samples collected in Octobe'r 1972, November and December 1973, and January 197410.11(ER, App.B). Benthos sampling conducted by the applicant over this time interval is complicated by differences in stations sampled, gear used, and sampling effort.10-12 The staff has estimated the density and percentage composition of major taxonomic groups of benthic macroinvertebrates in Allens Creek as a first approximation of their abundance and composition (Table B.7). The benthic fauna are numerically dominated by oligochaetes (9 taxa, 36%), dipteran larvae (23 taxa, 30%), and ephemeropteran nymphs (5 taxa, 20%). The average density of total benthos over the above time interval was calculated to be 377 animals /m2 (Table 2.5). The numerically dominant species present during this time interval are the oligochaete opMdonais serpecina, the midge Tanypus sp. , and the mayfly Ephemerella sp.10-12 Due to the limited data avellable, no estimate of seasonal changes in species composition or abundance is possible at this tine. Allens Creek is an intermittent stream. In order to survive during dry peri 3ds many benthic organisms burrow into the moist interstitial spaces of the substrate, aestivate as larvae or pupae, or congregate in remaining pool areas.12.1%1s Fish. Nineteen species of fish have been recognized in Allens Creek from sampling conducted by the applicant in October 1972. (ER, Sect. 2.7.3.2 and App. B.) A qualitative estimate of rel-ative abundance and species composition was obtained through application of liquid rotenone at three stations (Table 2.6). Cyprinids (minnows) were the most abundant taxa, comprising 48.7% of the total sample, followed by nosquitofish, a live bearer (20.6%), and six species of sunfish

( 20.1 %) . Eight more species have been recognized in Allens Creek from the applicant's biological nonitoring program. A list of all fish species recognized in Allens Creek, along with habitat type, food habits, spawning habits, and sport or commercial value, is given in Table B.8.

Table 2.5. Staff summary of weighted density by gear and sampling effort and percentage composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in Allens Creek Values obtained from pooled samples collected in October 19 72, November and December 1973, and January 1974 Taxa Density (number /m3 ) Percent composition Phytum Annehda class Ohqochaeta (9 taxa) 136 36 Class Hirudmea (4 taxa) 2 <1 Phylum Mollusca Class Gastropada (10 taxa) to 3 Class Pelecypoda (4 taxa) 14 4 Phylum Arthropoda Class Crustacea Order Decapoda (3 taral 2 <1 Order Amphipoda (1 taxa) 1 <1 Order Isopoda (1 taia) a <1 Ciass Insecta Order Diptera (23 taxa) 114 30 Order Odonata 18 taxal 3 <1 Order Ephemeroptera (5 taxa) 74 20 Order Tuchoptera (2 taxa) 19 5 Order Coleoptera (4 taxal 1 <1 O der Hemiptera (1 taxa) I <1 Total benthos 377 100

'T ound in dip net collect >ons Sources 1 60 day Proyess Report January 15,1974 B,otog,ca/ Monitormg Program. A//en's Cren Ivarlear Generation Statron Site. Houston Loghting and Power Comt>any.

2 Pu>qress Report, Soviogn at Monotormg Program, Allen t Creek Nuclear Generatmg Statron for Houston Lightmg and Po+er Comgwny March 1,1974 3 E R. Appenex B

2-15 Table 2.6. Nurnbers of fish youps recoverec.* and percentagn composit on af ter liquid rotenone application at three stations in Allens Creek, October 1972 Taxa No. hsh Percent :omposition Cyprinidae (minnows) (4 species) 329 48.7 Poeciliidae (hve berers) (1 species) 139 20 6 Centrarchidae (sunf#sh) (6 species) 136 20.1 Ictaluridae (catfish and buHhead) (4 species) 57 8.4 Clupeidae (herrings) Il species) 4 o,6 Catostomidae (suckers) (1 species) 5 03 Aphredoderidae (pirate perch) (1 species) 4 0.6 Percadae (perch and darters) (1 species)

] o.1 Total 675 100.0 Source: E n, App. D. Sect. 4.1.2. p. 4-3.

2.7.2.2 Brazos River The Brazos River originates in eastern New Mexico near the border with Texas, flows southeast through Texas and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico near Freeport, Texas. The Brazos River has l the largest catchment area and highest flow of Texas rivers (ER, p. 2.5-2). Construction is under way on a major flood control system for the Brazos River basin consisting of tributary and main stream impoundments. Flood problems will continue to occur in the lower prt of the basin until this system is completed.16 At the present time about.78% of the Brazos R1ver basin is controlled.

New dams proposed or under construction will increase the controlled an.a to appmximately 84%

(ER, p. 2.5.2). The average monthly flows of the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site for the period 1951-1970 range from a low of 1,974 cfs for August tc 16,606 cfs for May (ER, Table 2.5-3). The maximum discharge recorded near the site was 123,000 cfs (1929) and the minimum flow recorded was 35 cfs (1934). Wide fluctuations in flow rates are becoming less frequent due to the construction of flood contml reservoirs (FR, p. 2.5-2).

l In the vicinity of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, the gradient of the Brazos River is approximately 1 f t per mile and the river averages 50 to 100 yd wide. Very little of the Brazos River is overhung by bank vegetation. In areas of low gradient the river substrate con-sists of silt and fine sand. Higher gradient areas contain sand and small gravel. During low flow periods much of the Brazos River near the site is 3 f t deep or less, but pools 15 to 25 ft are comon. The Brazos River carries a high silt load (ER, p. 2.7-2).

l Producers Mac c rop,h_ytes . No aquatic macrophytes have been found to date by the applicant in aquatic sampling programs. Species recognized in the site area (Sect. 2.7.2.1) may occur to a limited extent in portions of the Brazos River.

Periphyton. Periphyton sampling was initiated in the fall of 1973 in the Brazos River but results are not available at this time. M,11 Due to the high turbidity and unstable substrate, the staff does not anticipate large standing crops of periphyton in most of the Brazos River near the Allens Creek huclear Generating Station site. In shallow riffle areas periphyton comunities should develop and the monitoring program presently in progress should document standing crop and species composition. l l

PhL toplankton_. Phytoplankton species representing four divisions (Chrysophyta, Euglenophyta, i Chlorophyta, and Cyanophyta) have been recognized in the brazos River from sampling conducted by j the applicantHell (TableB9). Diatoms were the dominant group found (12 genera 78%), followed j by green algae (7 genera,17%), cuglenoids (2 genera, 4%), blue-green algae (2 genera,1%), and j yellow-brown algae (1 genera, <1%). The average density of total phytoplankton from November 1973 to January 1974 was estimated by the staff to be 955 cells per liter (Table 2.7). As was the case in Allens Creek, the large percentage of the phytoplankton in the Brazos River may actually be tychoplankton.12 Information on seasonal patterns of phytoplankton abundance or species composition is presently unavailable for the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site. The staff anticipates that phytoplankton will become more abundant in the Brazos River during wanner months.D

' __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __}

2-16 Table 2.7. Staff summary of mean density and percentage composition of winter phytoplankton in the Brazos River Values obtained from pooled samples taken in November and December 1973 and January 1974 Taxa Percent composition k d i

! Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) 12 genera 747 78

! Euglenophyta leuglenoids) 2 genera 34 4 Chlorophyta (green algse) 7 genera 163 17 Cyanophyta (bluegreen algae) 2 genera 9 1 Chrysophyceae (yellow-brown algae) 1 genera 2 <1 Total phytoplankton 955 100 Sources:

1. 60< fay Progress Report, January 16,1974.Biologica/ Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2 Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Company. March 1,1974 Consumers Zoopl ank ton. The sparse winter zooplankton fauna of the Brazos River consist predominately of Etifers (15 species. 60.6%). Copepods are represented by one species (30.3%), and cladocerans by three species (9.1%). The average density of zooplankton from Noventer 1973 to January 1974 was calculated by the staff to be 3.3 organisms per liter (Table 2.8 and B.10).

Table 2.8. Staff summary of average density and percentage composition of winter rooplankton in the Braros River Values obtained from pooled samples taken in November and December 1973 and January 1974 Taxa Percent composition Rotifera (15 species) 2.0 60 6 Copepoda (1 species) 1.0 30.3 Cladocera (3 species)

H 9.1 Total zooplankton 3.3 100.0 SourCPs :

1. 60 day Progress Report, January 15,1974. Biological Monitor-ong Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston lighting and Power Camlaeny.

2. Progress Report. Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Poner Company.

March 1,1974.

Benthic macroinvertebrates. The benthic macroinvertebrate fauna of the Brazos River are not as diverse as the fauna in ATlens Creek. Thirty-six taxa representing three phyla ( Annelida. Mol-lusca, and Arthropoda) have been recognized in the Brazos River 10*ll (ER. App. B). As was the case in Allens Creek, the benthic fauna in the Brazos River during the period October 1972, November 1973-January 1974 were dominated by oligochaetes (54%) and dipterans (33%). The average density of total benthic macroinvertebrates over this tine period was estimated by the staff to be 252 organisms per square meter (Table 2.9 and B.11). The staff was not able to find any infor-mation on seasonal abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site.

._ . _ . _ , _ ..m ._ _

1 l

2-17 Table 2.9. Staff summary of weighted density by gear and sampling effort and percentage composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Breros River Values obtained from pooled samplea collected in October 1972, November and December 1973, and January 1974 -

.1 Taxa Density (number /m') Percent compobaion Phylum Annelida Class Oligochaeta (3 taxa) 136 54  ;

Phylu'm Mollusca Class Gastropoda (4 taxa) 7 3 Class Pelecypoca (2 taxa) 1 <1

' Phylum Arthropoda Class insecta .

Order Oipters (13 taxa) 82 33 -

Order Odonata (3 taxa) 1 - <1 Order Ephemeropters (7 taxal 21 - '8 Order Trichoptera (3 taxa) '4 2 Order Coleopters (1 taxa) <1 <1 Total benthos 252 .100 t

Sourcr

1. 60 day Progress Report, January 15,1974. Biotopica/ Monitoring Program, A//en's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2 Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Company. March I,1974.

3. E R, App. B.

i A. Gill net, seine, and electrofishing sampling conducted by the applicant have yielded 19 L species of fish from the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site.

Sampling conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department indicates that an additional 11 species probably occur in the Brazos River near the site.17,18 Cyprinids (minnows), catfish, and suckers appear to be the most abundant fish groups (Table 2.10). A complete list of all species of fish known to occur in the Brazo: River near the site, along with their food and spawning habits and sport or comercial value, is given in Table B.8. Sport fishermen are believed to harvest catfish from the lower Brazos River and comercial fishemen use this fish resource to some extent.27 Of all the bodies of water studied by Hambric 18 the Brazos River yielded the least number of fish. Hambric reports fishing success to be poor on the Brazos River.

Table 2.10. Staff summary of relative abundance and r,ercentage composition of fish in the Brazos River, Fall 1972 and Fall 1973 Numbers represent all fish captured at all stations sampled Fall 1972 Fall 1973 Taxa Number Percent Number Percent t

Lepisosteidae (gars) 12 8 1 2.

Cyprinidae (minnows) 67 42 24 40 letaluridae (catfish and bullhead) 12 8 25 42 Centrarchidae (sunfish) 14 9 3 5 Catostomidae (suckers) 34 22 4 6 Poeciliidae (mosquitofish) 5 2 o 0 Clupeidae (herring) 14 9 0 0 Mugillidae (mullet) 0 0 3 5 Total 158 100 60 100

• Sources:

1. E R, Appendix B.,

2. Supplement in ER, response to AEC Ouestions.

.________._{ _ _ . -

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ._ _ -- _ _ _ m _

2-18 l

2.8 NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIATION l

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated the annual average background radiation dose to the individual to be about 92 inrems per year in Texas."

The ER (Sect. 2.8.1.6) estimates the local natural background dose rate to be 125 mrems per year in the vicinity of the site. Because the EPA value covers the entire state, the two estimates are in satisfactory agreement.

REFERENCES FDR SECTION 2

1. U.S. Department of Comerce, Environmental Data Service: Local Climtologioat Data, Annual Swerary with Compamtive Ibte - Houston, Tezas, published annually through 1972.

2. SELS Unit Staff, National Severe Stoms Forecast Center, Severe Local Storm Occurrences, 1965-1967 ESSA Technical Memorandum WBTM FCST 12, Office of. Meteorological Operations.

Si,1ver Spring, Maryland,1969.

3. H. C. S. Thom, " Tornado Probabilities," Monthly Feather Rev., October-Deceriber 1B63, pp.

730-737(1963).

4. C. W. Cry, Tropical Cyclones of the North Atlantio Coean, Technical Paper No. 55, U.S.

Department of Comerce. Weather Paper No. 55, U.S. Department of Comerce Weather Bureau, Washington, D.C., 1965,

5. J. Korshover, climatc?.ogy of Stagnating Anticyatones East of the Rocky Mountains, 1936-1970.

NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL ARL-34 Silver Spring, Maryland,1971.

6. R. T. Peterson, A Field Guide to the Birds of Tems, Houghton Mifflin Co. , Boston, xxx + 303 pp., 1960.

7. R. M. de Schauensee, The Birds of Colombia, Livingston Publishing Co., Narberth, Pa., xvi +

430 pp.,1964.

8. V. W. Lehmann, "The Attwater Prairie Chicken, Current Status and Restoration Opportunities "

op. 398-407 in Tmns. North Amr. Wildt. Nat. Res. Conf. 33(1968).

9. W. C. Brownlee Attwater's Prairie Chicken, Federal Aid Project M-100-R-4 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,1972.

10 60-Day Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station Houston Lighting & Power Company, Jan. 15, 1974.

11. Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Statian, for Houston Lighting & Power Company, Mar.1,1974.

12. H. B. N. Hynes The Ecology of Running Waters University of Toronto Press,1970, l' 3 . J. L. Blum, "The Ecology of River Algae," Bot. Rev. 22($): 291-341 (May 1956).

14. H. F. Clifford, "The Ecology of Invertebrates in an Intermittent Stream " Invest. Ind. Laker and Streams 7(2): 57-98 (October 1966).

15. R. W. Larimore, W. F. Childers, and C. Heckrotte, " Destruction and Re-establishment of Stream .

Fish and Invertebrates Affected by Drought," Tmns. Amr. Fish. Soc. 88(4): 261-285 (October 1959).

16. Texas Water Development Board. The Texas Water Plan (November 1968).

17. R. H. Clark Inventory of the Species Present and Their Distribution in Those Portions of the '

Brazos River within the Boundaries of Region 6-8. Job completion Report No. F-2-R-2 Job B-12 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department December 1,1954, through May 30, 1955.

I

18. R. N. Hambric. Fisheries investigation and Surveys of the Waters of Region 4-A. Job com-pletion Report B-10. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (March 1964).

19. D. T. Oakley, National Radiation Exposum in the United States, ORP/SID 12-1. Office of Radiation Programs Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C., 20460, (June 1972).

L

_______.______-_2_ - _ __ _ ___-_._______ _.__- _ _ _._-___ _ ___-_-_-_ - -__ _-_--__.-_____-

l l

1 l

l

3. THE STATION 3.1 EXTERNAL APPEARANCE l

l A view of the station from the southeast is shown in Fig. 3.1. Prominent features are the two l l reactor buildings, the two turbine buildings, the stack, and the electrical switchyard. Each of <

the reactor buildings will be a reinforced concrete structure with a domed roof about 172 ft high and 144 f t in diameter. Each of the turbine buildings will be a rectangular structure about 476 f t long, 286 f t wide, and 148 f t high. The stack will be 328 f t high.

i E S - 187 l

fW~ _1

~

, ,a W

,,.W '

"'Q 3

• ,,_a--

%** &- f.**-'-

^

Fig. 3.1. View of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station from the southeast.

Source: ER, Fig. 3.1-1.

The station will be visible from the nearest highway, Texas Route 36, which is about 3/4 mile west. It also will be visible from the beaches of the proposed state park 1 to 2 miles south and from the proposed state park about 3-3/4 miles southeast. However, it will not be visible from Farm-to-Market Road 1458, about 2-1/2 miles east, because the road will be about 35 ft below the elevation of the crest of Allens Creek dam.

3.2 REACTOR, STEAM-ELECTRIC SYSTEM, ANO FUEL INVENTORY The station will consist of two essentially identical boiling water reactor nuclear steam supply systems, turbine-generator units, turbine condensers, and auxiliary equipment. The nuclear steam supply t;ystems and turbine generators will be designed and sepplied by the General Electric Com- I pany; the remainder Each reactor of the is rated at 3579 plant willthermal megawatts be designed by)Ebasco (MWt in the core and aServicesgross 1200 Inc., the architect-engineer megawatts electrical (MWe) turbine generator output, of which 54 MWe will be for in-plant use. The reactor core and turbine generator are being designed for ultimate capacities of 105% of their rated values.

A simplified flow diagram of one of the boiling water reactors and its conditions at the rated power level is shown in Fig. 3.2. Each reactor core will contain 345,500 lb of uranium dioxide pellets sealed in Zircaloy tubes. The resctor core will have 732 fuel assemblies, each contain-l ing 63 of these uranium-filled tubes in an 8 x 8 array. The uranium will have an average en-richment of 2.07%, and during the initial operation of the reactor, some of the fuel rods also will contain gadolinf Jm that will serve as a burnable neutron absorber.

3-1

3-2 ES-188 LEctNo i n Flow.ib/hr F x Y E MPE RA TUR E,'F A130MED SYSTEM LOS5ES H ,h a E N THALPY, Blu/lb THERMAL 1.1 MW M n % MOl$ tyre P c PRE S$UR E, pses

• 15oLA Tion VA LVE S 1040 P s A MAIN STE AM Flow

{ $k I5.396,000 I f

x x =

1190.8 N 0,a M A hMIN FEEo FLO. 985 P 26,700.000 8 15,S12,000 # 15,353,000 g

<> $14 F. 529.1 n 420 F, 397,4 h 470.0 7 3974 h

>f) >f i

2 RECIRCULATloN Loop 5 L TOTAL 10 lNTERNALJtT PUuPS CORE 436 F Flow 106.0 s 106 g CLEANUP Oh 1.3 j oEMINE R ALI2ER T SYSTEM j

CORE THERMAL POWER 3579.0 MW t

154,000 i PUMP ME ATINo + 10.1 533 F cLEAMUPoEMtN

$YSTEM LoSSE5 - 5.1 , ,

c THER $YSTE M Lo35El . gj TUR81NE CYCLE USE 3582,9 MW, 38,000 I

• OD DRIVE 48 h FEEo Flow 80 F FROM CONoENsATE SToRAot TAMM I P l Fir: . 3.2. Flow diagram and operating conditions of one of the boiling water reactors.

Source: PSAR, Fig. 1.2-28.

l Water entering the reactor vessel at 420*F (216'C) will be heated by the fission reaction in the reactor core to produce steam, which will have the conditions at the turbine throttle valve of l 960 psia pressure, 540'F (282*C) temperature, and 99.62% quality. The steam will pass through thr. turbine, generating electricity, and then it will be cooled and condensed by a steam con-deeser. Cordensation will take place on the outer surfaces of the condenser tubes, which will be cooled by the cooling lake water that will be pumped through them. The condensate will be recycled back to the reactor vessel.

3.3 STATION WATER USE Condenser cooling will be the p imary use for water at the station. At full-power operation the steam-electric plant will use 3780 cfs of cooling water, which will rise in temperature 19.5 F* (10.8 C*). (The staff also considered 20.5 F* (11.4 C') circulating water temperature rise, in some cases, to detennine the effects of the station operating at the ultimate power level,) The applicant states that over long periods of time the station will operate at a plant factor of about 0.8. The predicted water consumption rates in the cooling lake, shown in Fig. 3.3 are based on this factor.

l l 1 l i

l 3-3 l l

E S - 18 9 d

RECYCLE i

l p R ADIO ACTIVE l

? OtuistRAllzAfton -

STORAoE NSSS 4 gg i t n 2 WELLS,* 7500eM + REoENERATloN DOMESTIC MECHANICAL EACH AT WASTE 8 + EQUIPMENT LESS THAN ANo 500 gpm LAUNDRY P NEUTRAllzATION H2,000 eg 025 AWEAN

& STORAGE WASTEWATER 7,500 gpd (8 AF/ YEAR) m f TREATMENT I EVAPORATIVE LOSS N (70.600 AF/ YEAR) i 3780cfs _

WATER DISCHARGE j l

COOLINo LAKE j

CONDE NsER$ e 00W 4 j MAKEL;P 90,000 AF/ YEAR T

PUMP f ,

3780 ,",' STATION Cft (NOMINAL PUMPING 1 VOLUME = 90,000 AF/ YEAR)  ;

'ONE WELL is SPARE R AIN FA LL STANo8Y (28,500 AF/ YEAR) SEEPAGE ~ 1000 AF/ YEAR ALLENS CREEK INFLOW (24.000 AF/ YEAR) SPILLAGE

• 71,000 AF/ YEAR J} M ,

li Fig. 3.3. Predicted water use at Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

Source: ER, Fig. 3.3-1 (modified). NOTE: 1 cfs = 450 gpm = 725 acre-f t/ year.

i in addition to the circulating water requirements, fresh water will be drawn from wells at a rate less than 500 gpm (1.1 pfs) for various uses in the station, as shown in Fig. 3.3. Sanitary and nonradioactive laundry waste-water will be treated in a secondary treatment plant before it is discharged into the cooling lake. The spent demineralizer regenerates will be neutralized be-fore they are discharged into the cooling lake.

3.4 HEAT DISSIPATION SYSTEM 3.4.1 General description Circulating water for the station will be drawn from and returned to the Allens Creek cooling lake, which is shown in Fig. 3.4. Runoff in the Allens Creek watershed will not be sufficient to acconTnodate the natural and induced evaporative water losses in the cooling lake. Makeup water, therefore, will be pumped from the Brazos River into the Allens Creek cooling lake. The makeup water will be pumped into silting basins before it flows on to the lake to remove much of the suspended material. Some of the water in Allens Creek cooling lake will be returned to the Brazos River to limit the buildup of the dissolved solids.

3.4.2 Station cooling system description The circulating water intake structure and the ditcharge canal for the station cooling system I will be located as shown in Fig. 3.4.

A sketch of the circulating water intake structure is shown in Fig. 3.5. This structure will contain eight bays, each housing a 473.5-cfs pump. The invert of this structure will be at 88 f t above mean sea level, and the cooling lake water level will vary from 108 to 118 ft above  :

mean sea level. However, the applicant's studies indicate that the cooling lake water level  !

will be greater than 113 ft above mean sea level at least 95% of the time that the station is '

3-4 ES-490 PLANT NORTH AOUATIC BREEDING AREAS S

3 TRUE HORTH

._ A

-DlSCHARGE CANAL (t800 f t LONG) E-W BASE LINE 7600 ACRE COOLING INTAKE AREA j POWER #_

g PLANT - -SETTLING BASIN y COOLING LAKE DAM 6 /

$a

"i u

Gd DIV ER110N MAKEUP PUMPlNG STATION g DIK E BRAZOS RIVER SPILLWAY l

l l

Fig. 3.4. Circulating water heat-dissipation system for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating j Sta tion. Source: ER, Fig. 3.4-1.

l operating (ER, p. 3.4-3). The intake structure invert will be below the lake bottom elevation of 100 f t above mean sea level, and an approximately 410-ft-wide channel will be excavated, connecting this invert with the lake bottom. The bottom of the channel will extend 50 f t in front of the intake structure at an elevation of 88 ft above mean sea level; then it will in-crease in elevation on a 10% slope as it extends further in front of the intake structure until a point 100 f t above mean sea level is reached.

The circulating water will pass from the cooling lake into the bays, first through trash racks for removing the larger debris, and then through traveling screens and a fine scre;n for remov-ing smaller debris. When the debris collected on the traveling screens results in an increase of the' differential pressure across the screens, they will be rotated and the debris will be collected in troughs. The staff has calculated the velocities of the circulating water within the intake structure, and these velocities are shown in Table 3.1.

The circulating water will be pumped from the intake structure through the steam condensers to the discharge canal. There are two ducts running from the intake structure to the condenser in each turbine-electric plant. After leaving this condenser, the circulating water again flows in two ducts to the discharge canal seal well. Table 3.2 lists the water flow rates, velocities.

static pressures, and holdup times in the various parts of the circulating water system.

t

s 3 E S - 191 1

( PUMPS FINE SCREEN Q PUMPS E ACH AT U S.S sts

( STOP LOG GUIDES y-- KREEN$

TRASH RACKS F E L 138 0' MSL I- 1 J l- ,

U NORMAL UPPER

• - l W AT E R LEVEL.

-m SE RVICE l n 118.0 f t MSL

& FIRE-> ,

PUMPS l l PROBABLE LOW WATER LEVEL 1 6 g 113.0 f l .M S L

( LOW WATER LEVEL

1!1 u 108.0 fl MSL

I l FLOW l i d

h

, . . - , .. . .. . . . . g, ,,,

as t NOTE: EIGHT PUMP BAYS ARE PROVIDED.OVERALL INTAKE LENGTH APPROXIMATE LY 410 F T, I

fig. 3.5. Circulating water intake structure for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

Based on inf0nnation from ER. Fig. 3.4-7.

Talde 3.1. Water velocities 6n the circulatires watas intake serwetwo calculated try the staff Water velocity (ft/sec) for sreling take water low el of-108 ft 113 ft 118 ft .

I Approaches to trashracks eruf traveling screens 0.58 0.47 0.

Through trashrads 0.64 0.51 0.43 Thrnugh trausimig smeens 1.31 1.06 088

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

3-6 l Table 3.2. Flow conditions in the circulating water system ,

l l

• • ^**""

l Flow rate Flow area Water Time at

( Location per unit per unit velocity Incation (cfs) (sq ft) (f t/sec) (sec)

(psig) (sec) circulating water pump 473 5 50.3 9.41 11.4 6 6 dncharge pipe (4 per reactor)

Inlet conduit 947 86.6 10 94 7.8 110 116 (2 per reactor) condenser distributor 316 38.5 8.20 - 5.3 6 122 box and inlet pipes (6 per reactor)

Condenser tubes 1894 7.0 -11.7 8 130 (1 set per reactor)

Condenser discharge 316 38.5 10.94 0.0 6 136 box and ot.tlet pipes

' Discharge conduit 947 86.6 10.94 o.4 320 456 (2 per reactor) l The temperature of the water between the circulating water intake structure and the condenser

[

inlet will be that of the water entering the intake structure from the cooling lake. From the condenser outlet to the discharge canal seal well, the water temperature will be 19.5 F*

(10.8 C') above the inlet water temperature during full-power operation of the reactor. How-ever, when the reactor is operated at partial load, this temperature rise will be proportional to the reactor power level.

The warmed circulating water will be discharged in the cooling lake through a seal well and an 1800-ft-long canal, as shown in Fig. 3.4. The canal will be 260 ft wide, and the elevation of its bottom will vary linearly from 103.9 ft above mean sea level at the seal well to 103 ft above mean sea level where it joins the cooling lake. For a circulating water flow rate of 3780 cfs, the mean water velocities and holdup times in the discharge canal are shown in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3. Mean water velocities and holdup times in the circulating water discharge canal

( For cooling lake water level of -

l 100 ft 113 ft 118 ft l Mean water velocity, ft/sec 3.2 1.6 1.0 l Holdup time, min 9.4 19.7 30.0 3.4.3 Allens Creek cooling lake Allens Creek cooling lake will be located in a prehistoric river bed east of the station and west of the Brazos River, as shown in Fig. 3.4 This area is very flat, being at or near 100 ft above mean sea level. The elevation of the land on the norttiern, western, and southern bound-aries increases steeply with distance, and thus will fonn a natural barrier for about 70% of the lake perimeter. The remaining 30% of the lake perimeter will be a 26,000-ft-long compacted-earth dam built along the eastern side of the cooling lake. Its crest will vary linearly from 137 ft above mean sea level at the north end to 135 ft above mean sea level at the south end.

A 19,800-ft-long, compacted-earth, diversion dike with its crest at 126 ft above mean sea level will be built in the center of the lake to preveret short circuiting of the water flowing from the circulating water discharge to the circulating water intake.

About an eight-mile portion of Allens Creek will be inundated by the cooling lake. After the lake is filled, the catchment area that will be drained by that portion of Allens Creek that flows into the cooling lake will be 32.5 sq niles, and the peripheral catchment area that will

.- - - . .. --- - -- . . ~ - . . -.. . -~ .

I s

3-7 drain directly into the cooling lake will be 12.9 sq miles. The total catchment area for Allens Creek cooling lake is then 45.4 sq miles, and the runoffs into this lake using historical data are shown in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4. Monthly average Allens Creek runoff * (acro f t/ month)

Month Jan. Feb. M ar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

1952 517 4,176 1785 7950 3929 464 228 68 42 25 1083 1820 1799 1953~ 6,736 '

123 716 55 18 9617 12 31 9531 111 1767 5718 ^870 1954 867 22 o o 566 8 61 74 12 12 0 0 135 1955 701 5,054 o 48 1716 65 818 234 500 18 o o 763 1956 1767 778 o 83 350 214 o 6 36 o o 12 229 1957 0 11 8547 8057 836 1,071 18 18 1,488 11,332 6171 43 3134 1958 4114 2,494 37 30 105 113 86 86 2,023 1,021 54 129 858 1950 117 13,257 154 9122 1691 89 566 5331 143 16,719 7658 4292 4928 1960 . 1808 2,782 80 970 98 29,753 314 2884 89 5,417 1006 2133 4361 1961 4058 5,526 61 482 129 14.180 10,970 Bo 10,723 55 2600 1094 4163 1962 12 o o 298 744 750 400 55 36 55 292 5995 720 1963 4304 1,211 25 24 18 708 609 55 36 18 89 1586 723 1964 775 3,032 4255 83 98 327 98 98 1,190 947 1o95 2761 1230 1965 3652 3,666 25 71 1144 756 209 160 137 1,371 6546 3794 1794 1966 2570 5,632 252 8747 8922 506 295 578 1,958 98 6 25 2406 1967 615 . 217 55 393 1156 125 504 3800 2,196 1,734 30 2023 1071 1968 4667 1,122 855 768 6739 12,788 953 221 1,351 916 607 1771 2730 Avg 1775 2.923 923 2185 2227 3,643 951 1369 1,688 2,344 1706 2246 1998

• Estimated by scale up of Big Creek flows based on the ratio of catchment areas of Big Creek and Allens Creek (see p. 2.5-4 of ER for riescription of scab up technique).

Source. D. E. Simrnons, W.a P, letter of Apnl 1974 to R. Cushman, USAEC.

The area and capacity curves for Allens Creek cooling lake are snown in Fig. 3.6; the area curve does not include the. 340-acre settling basin area until the water level is greater than 120 ft above nean sea level. The design operating level of the lake is between 108 and 118 ft above mean sea level, although the applicant's studies show that the lake water level will be greater than 113 ft above nean sea level at least 95% of the operating time (ER, p 3.4-3). A suninary of the volumes and surface areas of the water in the cooling lake at these elevations is given in Table 3.5. Because of the spillway.. cooling lake elevations above 118 ft above mean sea level will occur only in the event of flooding in the Allens Creek catchment, and even under the Allens Creek Probable Maximum Flood the level will not exceed 129.3 f t (PSAR, p. 2.4-B17).

Makeup water for Allens Creek cooling lake will be pumped from the Brazos River into settling basins, as shown in Fig. 3.4. The makeup water intake structure will be similar in appearance to the circulating water intake structure, shown in Fig. 3.5, except that it will not have the fine screens or traveling screens. It will be divided into four bays, each containing the trash l rack and an 82-cfs pump. Up to three pumps could be used at any one time to pump the makeup l water for the two-reactor station (ER, p. 3.4-2). If two additional reactors are installed at i the station at a later date, all four pumps could be used to pump the makeup water. The invert of the makeup water intake structure will be at 52.5 f t above mean sea level, and there will be a minimum of 12 f t of water at this location (ER, Anund. 4). Using this value, the staff cal-culated that the maximum velocity of the water approaching the trash racks will be C.43 ft/sec and that of the water passing through the trash racks will be 0.53 ft/sec.

The inlet to the makeup water intake structure will be recessed about 75 ft into the riverbank to minimi2e the effect of any possible bank erosion. The applicant is now considering a number of methods to protect the riverbank against erosion (ER, Anend. 4).

The settling basins into which the makeup water will be discharged are shown in Fig. 3.7. These 170-acre basins are for the purpose of providing quiescent areas in which much of the sediment in the makeup water would settle out and remain for the life of the station. These basins will be for1ned by earthen dikes having crests at 124 f t above nean sea level. Each tasin will have a 200-f t-wide weir with its crest at 120 f t above mean sea level,'over which the makeup water would flow into the cooling lake.

[

ES-192 AREA (THOU5 ANDS OF ACRES) i 130 g t I f

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CITY Y PA

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• 50 100 150 200 250 CAPACITY (THOUSANDS OF ACRE FEET)

Fig. 3.6.

Area and Capacity curves for Allens Creek cooling lake. Source: ER, Amend. 1, Fig. 3.4-4.

~

3-9 Table 3.5. Volume and surface-area data of the Allens Creek cooling lake Acre ft Acres Elevation With Without With Without settling settling uttling settling basins basins basins basins Minimum operating level 108 55.631 54,911 7850 7510 Probable minimum operating level 113 97,586 93.166 8100 7760 Crest of spillway 118 138,441 132.321 8250 7910 Probable maximum flood level 127 214,766 8780 ES-193 200-FT WEIR 170 ACRES CAPPED MAIN VALVED i l

COOLING LAKE DISCHARGE PORTS l

1 VALVED DISCHARGE PORTS 2005T WEIR ., 170 ACRES

\

I DISCHARGE HEADERS h

r BRAZOS RIVER WATER PUMPS SETTLING BASIN OU ALIT ATIVE PIPING DI AG R AM Fig. 3.7. Allens Creek c0011ng lake settling basins. Source: ER, Fig. 3.1-5A.

1

3-10 Water will flow from the south end of the Allens Creek cooling lake to the Brazos River over un ogee of a spillway having its crest at 118 ft above mean sea level. This can occur if there is a flood in Allens Creek basin or if there is an excess of water ptsnped from the Brazos River in-to Allens Creek cooling lake. The latter will be done intentionally to limit the buildup of dissolved solids in the lake. The spillway is 300 ft wide, and the water flowing over the ogee will fall down a chute into a stilling basin, and then flow down an outlet channel to the river.

The invert of the discharge channel at the river will be 71 ft above mean sea level.

A 60-in. diam pipe passing through the ogee structure will permit discharge of water into the spillway when the cooling lake water elevation is below 118 ft above mean sea level. The ele-vation of the inlet of this pipe will be 106.5 ft above mean sea level, and the elevation of its outlet will be 102 f t above rean sea level.

3.5 RADI0 ACTIVE WASTE SYSTEMS

• During the operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, radioactive materials will i be produced by fission and by neutron activation of corrosion products in the reactor coolant i

system. From the radioactive material produced, small amounts of gaseous and liquid radioactive wastes will enter the waste stree.ms. These streams will be processed and monitored within the station to minimize the quantity of radioactive nuclides ultimately released to the atmosphere I and to the constructed cooling lake.

l .

The waste handling and treatment systems to be installed at the station are discussed in the ER and PSAR. In these documents, the applicant has prepared an analysis of the radioactive waste treatment systems and has estimated the annual release of radioactive materials in liquid and gaseous effluents.

In the following paragraphs, the radioactive waste treatment systems are described, and an anal-ysis is given based on the staff's model of the applicant's proposed radioactive weste treatment systems. The model has been developed from a review of available data from operating nuclear power plants, adjusted to apply over a 40-year operating life. The reactor coolant activities and liquid waste flow rates used in the staff's evaluation are based on data from operating reac tors . As a result, the parameters used in the staff's model and the calculated releases vary somewhat from those in the applicant's evaluation. Though the staff's calculated releases differ from those calculated by the applicant, these differences are not significant in terms of an adverse ef fect.

The staff's liquid source tenns are calculated by means of a revised version of the ORIGEN Code, l

which is described in ORNL-4628, " Oak Ridge Isotope Generation and Depletion Code." Gaseous i source terms are calculated by the STEFFEG Code, as described in " Analysis of Power Reactor l G seous Waste Systems," F. T. Binford et al.,12th Air Cleaning Conference. The principal parameters used in the staff's liquid and gaseous source term calculaticos are givei in Table 3.6. The bases for these parameters are given in WASH-1258, vol. 2, Appendix R. Based on the l following evaluation, the staff concludes that the liquid, gaseous, and solid waste treatment systems meet "as low as practicable" quidelines in conformance with 10 CFR N t 50.34(a) and are acceptable.

3.5.1 Liquid wastes The liquid radioactive waste treatment system will consist of equipment and instrumentation necessary to collect, process, monitor, recycle, or dispose of potentially radioactive liquid wastes. Liquid waste will be processed on a batch basis to permit optimum control of releases.

The liquid waste will be processed and either recycled to plant use, rerouted for further proce

[ essing, or released under controlled conditions to the cooling lake, depending on the plant i

waMr balance and the quality of the treated water. Prior to releasing liquid radioactive wat te, samples will be analyzed to determine the type and amounts of radioactive materials pre ent. Radiation detectors will monitor potential points of discharge to the cooling lake.

A si plified diagram of the liquid and solid radioactive waste treatment system is shown in Fig. J.8.

The liquid radioactive waste treatment system is divided into four principal subsystems: the high-purity waste subsystem (HPWS); the low-purity waste subsystem (LPWS); the inorganic chem-ical waste subsystem (ICWS); and the detergent waste subsystem (DWS). Each unit will have its own HPWS and LPWS. Both units will share the ICWS and the DWS. The HPWS, the LPWS, and the ICWS will pmcess liquid waste which, after treatment, will normally be of a quality suitable for reuse in the reactor. The DWS will process detergent liquids from decontamination and shower drains and will normally be reused in detergent solutions or in mixing operations in

3-11 l

l l

l l

Table 3.8. Principal parameters and conditions used in calculating releases of radioactive material in liquid and gaseous effluents from Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station j (Per Reactor) l Reactor power level, MWt 3758 Plant capacity factor 0.80. l Operating power fission product source term (equivalent to 100,000 110,000 pCi/sec noble gas with 30 min decay for a 3400 MWt reactor),pCi/sec Primary coolant system I 131 PCA (independent of power level),pCi/g 5 X 10- a Weight of liquid in system. Ib ~ 3 4 X 10s Weight of steam in system. Ib 7.0 X 105 Cleanup domineralieer flow,Ib/hr 1.54 X 105 Steam flow rate,Ib/hr 1.54 x 10' Leakage rate to containment bldg.,Ib/hr 500 Leakage rate to turbine bldg., tb/hr 1350 Condenser air infiskage, scfm 30 Condensate demineraliser flow, Ib/hr 1.1 X 107 Dilution flow, gpm 8.52 X 105 lodine partition factors (gas / liquid)

Steam / liquid 0 01 Reactor buildmg liquid leak 0.001 Steam leakage to turbine building 1.0 Main condenser air ejector 0 005 Gland seal 1.0 Fraction of Kdne gettmg through Condensate demineralizer 0.001 Cleanup demineraliser 0.1 G!and seel stearn cornienser 0 01 Holdup times Charcoal delay krypton, days 0.25 Charcoal delay xenon, days 4.4 Decontammation factors I Cs Mo Y Others High purity waste 10d 105 108 105 10s Low purity waste 10d 105 108 105 105 Che: . cal waste 10d 105 108 105 105

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Pt asonsNEL DEComiaansgA hole ' 'tSCHARGE CANAL AND STORAGE sMOweP9 440 semns f NOTE: The Inorganic ChemiCat Waste System. The Detergent Waste System. The Recycle Tar'ks k

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{ and The Solid Waste System are common to Units 1 and 2. The High Puity and the low 4 i

. Punty Waste Systems are duplicated in each unet. os? stE sacPME=T '

4 h

Fig. 3.8. Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station,' Unit I liquid and solid radioactive' waste management. .  !

l

-n-( .~

y _, -- - . _

4

l 13

. the solid radioactive waste system. The HPWS and the LPWS will utilize filtration, evaporation, and ion exchange for radionuclide removal. The ICWS liquids will be neutralized in the inorganic chemical waste tanks and processed through an evaporator and a mixed-bed demineralizer. The DWS will process waste by filtration. Treated waste from the HPWS, the LPWS, and the ICWS will be collected'in one of four recycle tanks from which it will either be recycled for reuse in the plant or discharged to the environs.

~

In addition to the preceding' four. subsystems, the reactor water cleanup system (RWCS) and the condensate cleanup system (CCS) have been considered in our evaluation. These systems will be duplicated in Units 1 and 2. The CCS will process main steam condensate through mixed-bed de-mineralizers to maintain reactor coolant purity. In the RWCS a fraction of the recirculating stream drawn directly from the primary system will be processed through powdered mixed resin filter /

demineralizers to maintain reactor coolant purity. Liquid radioactive waste generated from opera-tion of the RWCS and the CCS will be processed in the radioactive waste system and will be returned to the feedwater system for reuse in the reactor.

3.5.1.1 ' The reactor water cleanup subsystem (RWCS)

Water will be withdrawn from the reactor coolant system at approximately 154,000 lb/hr and proc- l essed through the RWCS. The water will be cooled, filtered, demineralized, and returned to the '

feedwater system after being reheated in the regenerative heat exchanger. In the evaluation process the staff considered radionuclide removal by the RWCS assuming 154,000 lb/hr of flow at ,

primary coolant activity (PCA) through two parallel precoat filter /demineralizers. Operation of l the reactor water cleanup system will generate spent demineralizer resins which will be treated in the solid-waste system; resin sluice water will be treated in the HPWS. The staff finds the I applicant's assumption of 100% recycle of the RWCS stream reasonable, and that value was used in the staf f's evaluation.

3.5.1.2 The condensate cleanup _ system (CCS)

The CCS will be used to maintain the purity of the feedwater flowing into the reactor. Condensate will flow through 11 of 12 parallel mixed-bed demineralizers and will .be recycled to the reactor through the feedwater system. One unit will be out of service for regeneration or on standby. i The condensate flow to the CCS was assumed to be 11,000,000 lb/hr based on the applicant's value, I which t.he staff finds to be reasonable. Radionuclide removal by the CCS was based on the param- '

eters given in Table 3.6 for mixed-bed condensate demineralizers. In the staff's evaluation no credit was allowed for radioactive decay during processing. The applicant's assumption that all of the CCS stream will be mcycled was considered reasonable.

The CCS demineralizers will be ultrasonically cleaned and chemically regenerated. In the staff's evaluation, it was assumed that the regeneration frequency will be 10 days per bed. The staff estimates that 15,000 gpd of ultrasonic resin cleaning solutions will be generated hy the resin cleaning and that this stream will be processed in the HPWS before transfer to the condensate -

storage tank for reuse in the reactor system. The staff also estimates an average of 1800 gpd of regeneration solution will be generated and that this stream will be processed in the inorganic chemical waste subsystem.

)

3. 5,1. 3 High-purity waste subsystem (HPWS)

The HPWS will process high-purity wastes from equipment drains, drywell floor drains, demineral-izer rinses and ultrasonic resin cleanings, the solid-waste high-purity centrifuge effluents, the high-purity decants from phase-separator settling tanks, and fmm off-standard batches of treated waste requiring reprocessing.

Based on the staf f's parameters and information provided by the applicant, the staff calculated the HPWS input stream flow to be 46,200 gpd/ reactor at an activity equal to 21% of the primary coolant activity (PCA). This waste will be collected in one of two waste collector tanks.

Assuming each 60,000-gal waste collector tank will be filled to 80% capacity, the staff calcu-lated the collection time to be approximately one day. High-purity waste subsystem liquids will be processed batchwise through a precoat filter and a mixed bed demineralizer. The treated waste will be collected in one of two 60,000-gal High Purity Waste Recycle Tanks and routed for reuse in the primary coolant system or for reprocessing in the liquid waste system depending upon the quality of the liquid and the plant water balance. In the staff's evaluation it was assumed that 90% of the HPWS liquid waste volume will be recycled to the primary coolant system and that 10%

will be discharged to the cooling lake after treatment through the HPWS precoat filter, the ICWS waste concentrator, and the organic trap / mixed-bed demineralizers. The staff calculated a release of 0.006 C1/ year per reactor exclusive of tritium and dissolved gases using the decon-tamination factors for a_ waste concentrator and polishing demineralizer as listed for high-purity

. - - . - - - - - . . -~ . . ~.

3-14 waste in Table 3'.6. The applicant provided an overall estimate for liquid waste and did not give an estimate by specific streams since he assumed that all treated waste will be recycled for plant reuse except for some releases due to anticipated operational occurrences.

3.5.1.4 Low-purity waste subsystem (LPWS)

The LPWS will collect low-purity high-conductivity waste from floor drain sumps and miscellaneous floor drains. These wastes will be collected in one or two 30,000-gal low-purity waste-collector tanks. . Bastd on the staff's source term parameters and infonnation supplied by the applicant, the staff calculated the LPWS input stream to be approximately 11,000 gpd per reactor at 0.01 of the primary coolant activity (PCA).' Assuming that each 30,000-gal collector tank will be filled' to 80% capacity, the staff calculated the collection time to be approximately two days. The-

. wastes collected in the LPWS will be processed batchwise through a precoat filter and a 30-gpm waste concentrator. The concentrate from the concentrator will be routed to the solid-waste system. The concentrator high-purity effluent will be collected in one of two 30,000-gal sample tanks. The waste will. then be processed through a polishing organic trap / mixed-bed demineralizer unit and collected in the 60,000 gal low purity recycle tank for reuse or discharge, or it will be recycled through the concentrator if necessary.

In the staff's evaluation it was assumed that equipment downtime and anticipated operational occurrences will result in periods when LPWS wastes will not be suitable for recycle. The staf f assuned that 90% of the LPWS flow will be recycled to the condensate storage tank for reuse and that 10% will be discharged to the cooling lake. The staff's release value of 2 x 10-5 Ci/ year per reactor excluding tritium and dissolved gases was calculated using the decontamination factors for a waste evaporator and a polishing demineralizer as listed for low-purity waste in Table 3.6.

3.5.1.5 Inorganic chemical waste subsystem (ICWS)

The ICWS will be shared by both units and will collect solutions from the regenerative demineral.

izer and from the chemical laboratory drains for processing and recycle of the treated liquid re-use in the coolant system. The ICWS liquids will be collected in one of four 30,000-gal waste tanks and will be processed through a 30-gpm concentrator. The concentrate will be muted to the solid-waste system and the distillate will be condensed and collected in one of two 30,000-gal chemical waste sample tanks. The processed waste will either be returned for reprocessing in the ICWS or treated through a polishing organic trap / mixed-bed demineralizer and stored in a 60,000 gal recycle tank for reuse or discharge to the environs. Based on the staff's parameters, a flow to the ICWS of 1800 gpd per reactor and decontamination factors for an evaporator and polishing demineralizer as listed in Table 3.6 were assumed. .i Based on its evaluation, the staff assumed that equipment downtime and anticipated operational occurrences will result in periods when ICWS wastes will not be suitable for recycle. On this basis, the staff estimates that approximately 10% of ihe ICWS will be discharged to the cooling lake and that 90% will be recycled to the coolant system. The staff calculates that the release of radioactivity to the cooling lake from the ICWS will be 0.001 Ci/ year per reactor exclusive of tritium and dissolved gases.

3.5.1.6 Detergent waste subsystem (DWS).

The DWS will be a shared system for both reactors and will process all deter gent waste from an on-site laundry and from equipment and personnel decontamination drains. This waste will be treated with an antifoam agent in one of two 10,000-gal detergent waste tanks. The detergent wastes will then be passt.d thmugh a cartridge filter and routed to one of two 10,000-gal sample tanks. If the liquid is of reusable quality it will be returned for reuse in the laundry; and if not, it will be used in' the solid-waste system solidification process or released through the discharge canal to the cooling lake. The staff estimates a release of 0.06 C1/yr per reactor from this source and the applicant estimates a release of approximately 10-5 Ci/yr per reactor.

3.5.1.7 Liquid waste summary -

Based on the staff's evaluation of the liquid radioactive waste treatment systems using the parameters in Table 3.6. the releases of radioactive materials will be 0.01 Ci/ year per reactor, excluding dissolved gases and tritium. To compensate for anticipated operational occurrences and equipment malfunctions, this value has been normalized to 0.16 C1/ year per reactor (Table 3.7). 1 Based on data from operating BWRs the staff estimates the tritium releases to be 20 Ci/ year per reactor.

3-15 j Table 3.7. Calculated release of radioactive material in liquid affluent from Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station

• Radionuchde " *

(Ci/ year r reactor) (Ci/ year e reactor)

Activation and corrosion products Fission products (continued)

Na 24 0.0002 Zr 95 0.001 P-33 0.00003 Nb 95 0.002 Cr 51 0.0002 Zr-97 0.0000i Mn54 0.001 Nb97 0.00001 Mn 56 0.002 Mo99 0.00009 Fe56 0.001 Tc09m 0.00009 Fe 59 0.0003 Ru 103 0 0001 Co 58 0.006 Ru 106 0.002 Co60 0.001 Ag-110m 0.0004 Ni 63 0.00003 Te 127 0.00001 Ni 65 0.00004 l130 0.0003 Nb 92 0.00002 Te 13'm 0.00002 Mo-99 0.00u06 l131 0.02 Tc 99m 0.00006 Te-132 0.0001 W 187 0.0005 l132 0.005 Np 239 0.0001 l133 0.03 l134 0.0003 Cs-134 0.01 1135 0.02 OM2 Fission products Cs 137 0.02 Ba-137m 0.0001 Br-82 010003 Ba-139 0.0002 Br83 0 0004 Ba 140 0.001 Sr 89 0 001 L&140 0.0005 So00 ' O.0001 La 141 0 0003 Y 90 0.0001 Ce-141 0.00003 Sr91 0.001 La 142 0 00003 Y-91 m 00009 Ce 143 0.00002 Y 91 0.0004 Ce-144 0.005 Sr92 0.0003 Pr 144 0.00001 Y 92 0.001 Y 93 0 0009 All others 0.0002 Total (excluding tritium and dissolved gases) 016 Ci/ year per reactor Tritium 20 0 Ci/ year per reactor

• Nuchdes whose values are less than 10-

• Ci/ year per reactor are orritted.

The applicant has estimated releases Of radioactive material in liquid effluents to be approxi-mately 2.5 x 10-3 Ci/ year per reactor excluding tritium and Oisselved gases. For tritium, the applicant estimates a release Of approximately 2 Ci/ year per reactor. The difference in esti-mates is mainly due to the staff's assumption that 10% of the treated liquid waste will be re-leased, while the applicant assumes that recycle Of all treated waste except for a release Of approximately 310,000 gal / year per reactor is due to anticipated Operational Occurrences.

Based on its evaluation the staff concludes that the release Of radioactive material in liquid effluents from normal Operation and anticipated Operational Occurrences Of Units 1 and 2, ex-clusive Of tritium and dissolved gases, will be less than 5 Ci/ year per reactor. Furthermore, the whOle body and critical Or an doses to an individual in the unrestricted area from Operation of both reactors will be less than 5 millirems / year. The staff concludes that the liquid radf 0-active Waste treatment system will reduce radioactive materials in liquid effluents to levels which are considered to be as 10w as practicable in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.34(a) and are acceptable.

3.5.2 Gaseous wastes The gaseous waste processing system and the ventilation exhaust system will consist Of equipment and instrumentation necessary to reduce releases Of airborne radioactive materials in plant ef fluents. The principle source Of gaseous radioactive waste will be the Off-gas from the main condenser air ejector. The gas will be treated in the main condenser air ejector Off-gas proc-essing system ated released through a 100-m plant stack. The stack will also be used to release

3-16 ventilation exhaust air without treatment from the containment, radioactive waste, and turbine buildings. Exhausts from the steam gland seal condenser vent and the main condenser mechanical vacuum pump will also be vented to the stack without treatnent.

Other potential sources of radioactive gas releases will exhaust through charcoal adsorbers which will reduce airborne radioactive material in the ventilation exhaust. These potential sources include the drywell, the fuel handling building, and the auxiliary building. The drywell will be a closed system which will be purged with fresh air when access is required. The purge will be processed through the standby gas treatment system (SGTS) which will consist of two filter trains for redundancy. Each train will be made up of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and charcoal adsorbers. The SGTS will exhaust through a roof vent on the containment building. The fuel handling building ventilation air will nornally be exhausted through a roof vent unless the building is isolated on a high-radiation signal. In this case the ventilation air will exhaust through the SGTS. The auxiliary building ventilation air will normally be i exhausted through a building wall vent unless the building is isolated on a high-radiation sig-nal. In this case the ventilation air will be processed through the emergency core coolant system (ECCS) area exhaust system. The ECCS area exhaust system will consist of HEPA filters and charcoal adsorbers similar to the SGTS. The ECCS area exhaust system will discharge through j the same containment building vent used for the SGTS.

The main condenser off-gas processing system and the plant ventilation air exhaust systems are shown schematically in Fig. 3.9.

l l

l 3.5.2.1 Main condenser of f-gas processing system t

l The main condenser off-gas processing system will be designed to collect and process off-gases i

f rom the main condenser air ejectors. Separate systems will be provided for Units 1 and 2. The off-gas from the condenser air ejector will be processed through a catalytic recontiner to re-combine dissociated hydrogen and oxygen, an off-gas condenser to renove condensable products, a 10-min holdup pipe for decay of short-lived radioisotopes, a HEPA filter to remove particulates, and a condenser / moisture separator to remove moisture from the gas. The noncondensable gases will flow to an ambient temperature charcoal delay system containing approximately 18 tons of cha rcoal . The charcoal delay system will provide additional holdup of noble gases and adsorp-tion of radiof odine. The effluent from the charcoal delay system will be processed through HEPA filters before being released to the atmosphere through the plant stack. A signal from a radia-tion nonitor located downstream of the HEPA af ter-filters will cause automatic isolation valve closure to terminate radioactive waste releases in the event radioactivity levels reach a pre-determined level.

Based on data f rom operating reactors, the staff assunes an air inleakage to each unit's three-shell condenser of 30 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). Using this air inleakage rate, the staff calculates holdup times in the charcoal delay system for off-gas from the main con-denser air ejectors to be approximately 0.25 day for krypton isotopes and approximately 4 days for xenon isotopes. The applicant estimates that the condenser inleakage will be 40 scfm, with corresponding holdup times of 0.2 day for krypton isotopes and 3 days for xenon isotopes. Based on the staff s evaluation it was calculated that the release of iodine will be negligible (less i

than 10-4 C1/ year) and the release of noble gases will be approxinately 360,000 Ci/ year per re-l actor. The applicant estinated a negligible release of radiciodine and 520,000 Ci/ year per re- -

l actor of noble gases. The difference in the calculated values is because of the applicant's

, assumption of a main condenser air inleakage of 40 scfm, while the staff assuned 30 scfm.

r i

3.5.2.2 Main condenser nochanical vacuum pump off-gas releases The main condenser nechanical vacuum pump, used during reactor startup, will exhaust air with radioactive gases from the main condenser for discharge to the plant stack. This release will not De treated. In the staff's evaluation, it was assumed that the nechanical vacuum pump will be operated approximately 16 hr per year with an estimated release of 270) Ci/ year per reactor of noble gases and a negligible release of radiciodine. The applicant used the sane assunptions and estimated the same releases for this source.

3.5.2.3 Turbine building releases Radioactive gases will be released to the turbine building because of steam leakage. The venti-lation air from the turbine building will be released through the plant stack without treatment.

Clean steam using steam generated from demineralized primary coolant will be provided for the main turbine gland seals and the main stop, control, and intercept steam valves. S ta f f-calcula ted reiease values are based on 1350 lb/hr of steam leakage to the turbine building, assuming all of the noble gases and iodine remain airborne as specified in source term parameters given in WASH-1258.

3-17 es 20e  ;

O 1_

RADIATION ALARM 3 STAGE AIR CATALYTIC AU TOM ATIC ISOL ATION EJECTOR RECOMBINE R MAIN CONDE NSE R 10 MIN HOLDUP OF F G AS _ _

( -

D

• H C 4 05DS H --

M METER CON DE NS'E R 18 TONS C STACK Y l V ACUUM PUMP TO hot WE LL 3 - MAIN CONDENSE R OFF GAS -

PROCE SSING S YSTE M SE AL STE AM I

c GL AND SE AL q

CONDE NSE R TO Hot WE LL RM f-VENTILATION EFFLUFNTs TUR81NL BUILDING -

O R ADW ASTE ' [

BUILDING CONT AINME N T '

DRYWELL j P H C H g CONTAINMENT 4 SGTS (2 TR AINS) l b

FUE L HANDLING BUILDING g [ ROOF % CNT re P H C H --J RM g ECCS ARE A EXHAUST (2 T R AINS)

AUXILI AR Y g W AL L VENT BUILDING VENTIL ATION EXH AUST SYSTEMS LEGENE R ADIATION MONITOR P PRE FILTE R C CHARCOAL ADSORBER D DRYgR H HEPA FILTER l

NOTE: Components are duphcated for each unit except for Radwaste and Fuel Handhng buildmg Fig. 3.9. Allens Creek main condenser off-gas processing system and building ventilation exhaust system. Note: Components are duplicated for each unit except for Radwaste and Fuel Handling Building.

l The staff calculated that the turbine building exhaust will release 1000 Ci/ year per reactor of noble gases and 0.27 C1/ year per reactor of iodine-131. The applicant estimated turbine building releases will be 410 C1/ year per r3 actor of noble gases and 0.04 C1/ year per reactor of iodine-131. The most significant difference in the parameters used by the applicant and the staff is that the staff.used a leak rate 1'nto the turbinc building of 1350 lb/hr, while the applicant assumed a leak rate of 50 lb/hr.

3.5.2.4 Containment building vent releases Radioactive gases will be released to the containment building because of leakage of steam and liquid fmm the reactor and associated equipment. Containment building air will be exhausted to 4

e

3-18 the plant stack untreated. In the staff's evaluation, it was asumed that the primary coolant will leak to the containment building at a rate of 500 lb/hr and that the associated gases will be released in the ventilation air exhaust. On the basis of the assumed leak rate, the staff calculated that 0.01 Ci/ year per reactor of iodine-131 will be released and that noble gas re-leases from this source will ba negl igi ble. The applicant estimated negligible release nf noble gas and a release of 0.04 C1/ year per reactor of iodine-131 from the containment building. The major difference between the staff's calculated iodine-131 value and that of the appliunt is because of the staff's assumption of a primary coolant' activity (PCA) for iodine-131 of 0.005 pC1/g, while the applicant assumed 0.012 pCi/g.

3.5.2.5 Drywell purges Radioactive gases will be present inside the reactor drywell because of activation reactions and leaks in the reactor coalant system. The gaseous activity will be sealed within the drywell ex-cept during the drywell purges. The drywell purge fans will discharge through HEPA filters and charcoal adsorbers of the SGTS and vent to the atmosphere via the containment building roof vent.

The staff calculates that the release of iodine-131 and noble gases from this source will be negligible. The applicant also estimates negligible releasas of noble gases and radioiorline from this source.

3.5.2.6 Fuel-handling building vent releases Radioactive gases will be released to the fuel-handling building atmosphere because of fuel-handling operations. Ventilation exhaust air will nomally be released without treatment; how-ever, provisions will be made for the automatic isolation of the normal building exhaust upon receipt of a radioactivity signal above a predetemined level from monitors located in the ex-haust duct. Upon closing of the isolation dampers, the ventilation air will be routed to the standby gas treatment system (SGTS) for discharge through charcoal adsorbers and HEPA filters for fodine and particulate removal. The applicant estimated a negligible release of noble gas and radiolodine from the fuel-handling building in his evaluation. In the staff's evaluation, a negligible release of iodine-131 and noble gases from this source was also estimated.

3.5.2.7 Auxiliary building vent releases  !

Small quantities of radioactive gases may be released to the auxiliary building atmosphere be-cause of leakage from the periodic testing of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) components.

Nomally, ventilation air from the auxiliary building will be released without treatment through the building wall vent. A vent radiation monitor will continuously monitor the exhaust and will alam at a preset level. Manual operation will be required to isolate the building and reroute the ventilation exhaust for processing through the ECC5 area exhaust system.

Both the staff and the applicant estimated releases of iodine-131 and noble gases from this source to be negligible.

3.5.2.8 Gaseous waste sumary_

Based on the staff's source tem parameters givsn in Tabla 3.6. the staff calculates the release of radioactive material in gaseous effluents to be approximately 360,000 C1/ year per reacter of noble gases and 0.28 Ci/ year per reactor of iodine-131 (Table 3.8).

Based on the staff's evaluation of the gaseous waste treatment systems, the staff calculates that the release of radioactive materials in gaseous effluents from the simultaneous operation of Units 1 and 2 will result in a gama dose of less than 10 millirads/ year and a beta dose of i less than 20 millirads/ year to indiviauals at or beyond the site boundary. The staff calculates the dose to a child's thyroid through the pasture-cow-milk cycle, considering the most conserva-tive case that for a real cow located 7 miles NW from the site, to be less than 16 millirems /

year. The staff calculates that the annual total quantity of iodine-131 released to an unre-stricted area will be less than 1 C1/ year per reactor.

1 Our calculations indicate that the gaseous radioactive waste treatment systems for the Allens )

Creek Station will reduce radioactive materials in gaseous effluents to levels which are as low {

as practicable in accordance with Regulatory Guide 1.42 and 10 CFR Part 50.34(a), and the staff, J therefore, concludes that the systems are acceptable.

l l

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l 3-19

. Table 3.8. Calculated annual renesse of radioactive esseous effluents from ,

Allens Creek Nuclear Geneseting btetion (CVyser per reactor) -

"" * # "'I' Radionuclide . Containment bidg. Turbine bldg. Air ejector Kr-83m ' a 8 9,800 e 9,800 Kr 85m 's 14 60,000 a 60,000 Kr-85 'e a 82o a C2o i Kr-87 a 42 17,000 e 11,000, Kr 88 a- 45 110,000 e 110,000 Kr 89 a 19o e a 190 Xe-131m a a 550 e 55o Xe-133rn a a 2,600 a 2,600 Xe.133 e 25 160,000 230o 160,000 Xe 135m a 76 e a 76 ~

Xe 135 a 71 26o 350 700 Xe 137 s 320 s e 320 Xe-138 a 240 e a 240 Noble gas totals -1000 ~360,000 &277) ~360,000 1131 0.009s 0.27 a a o.28 l133 o C,39 1.5 s a 1.5 s

• Less than 1 C6/ year noble gam or less than to-' Ci/yeer iodine.

3.5.3 Solid wastel Solid wastes containing radioactive materials will be generated during plant operation. The solid wastes produced from operation of both reactors will be managed in a shared solid-waste processing system consisting of equipnant required for collection, phase separation, solidifi-cation, storage, and shipment preparation.

Wet solid wastes consisting of spent demineralizer resins, evaporator and reverse-osmosis waste concentrates, and residues from phase separator, filter, and centrifuge units will contain the bulk of the solid radioactiva wagte. These wastes will be collected in separate tanks from which they will be transferred to one of two waste binder-cement mixers for processing. From the mixers the waste will be solidified in disposable steel liners for temporary storage before shipment in shielded casks. Liners of 100-cu-ft capacity will be used for the higher-specific-radioactivity waste consisting of spent resins and high-purity liquid-waste sludges, and liners of 150-cu ft capacity will be used for lower-specific-radioactivity waste consisting mostly of low-purity liquid-waste sludges and evaporator and reverse-osmosis waste concentrates.

Miscellaneous dry wastos will consist of ventilation air filters, contaminated clothing and paper, and miscellaneous contaminated items such as tools and laboratory glassware. These wastes will be compressed into 55-gal drums using a ram type compactor.

In the staff's evaluation, it was estimated that solid waste shipments per year per reactor to a licensed burial site will consist of 9600 cu ft of solidified wet waste containing 1600 Ci (assuming a 180-day decay) and five hundred b5-gal drums of compacted dry solid waste containing not more than 5 C1. The staff estimates that greater than 90% of the radionuclides in the solid waste will Le long-lived fissir.'1 and corrosion products, principally Cs-134, Cs-137 Sr-89, Sr-90, Co-58, Co-60, and Fe-55. The applicant has estimated that approximately 51,000 cu f t/ reactor of wet solid wastes will be generated annually and will contain an activity of approximately 4100 Ci/ year per reactor assuming no decay time for on-site storage. The differ-ence between the spplicant's values and the staff's can be attributed to different volumes of liquid waste concentrates assumed to be generated and the difference in the decay period con-sidered prior to shipment.

3.5.3.1 Solid uaste sununary r

All containers will be shipped to a licensed burial site in accordance with AEC and 00T regula-tions. The solid-waste system will be :,imilar to systems which the staff has evaluated and found to be acceptable in previous license applications.

l 3-20 3.6 CHDilCAL AND BIOCIDE WASTES The operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will result in chemical wastes that will be discharged into the Brazos River. The chemical wastes can be considered to result from (1) the concentration effect on the dissolved solids in the river water because of evaporation in the cooling lake (Table 3.9)-and (2) those chemicals added to various' reactor systems which will eventually be dumped into.the Brazos River via the cooling lake (Table 3.10).

Table 3.9. Increase in chemigal concentration of eMiuent to Brazos River -

due to cooling lake concentretion

• Maximum Maximum incremental l

. concentration in concentration increase in Chemical parameter Brazos River at site in cookng lake

• Brazos River 8 (ER, Table 2.5-3) (ppm) (ppm)

Biological oxygen demand 4 7.6 1 Chemical oxygen demand 39 74 to Dissolved oxygen (DO) 7.6 Sulfate (SO4 s-) 71 135 18 Chionde (CI') 81 154 20 Nitrate (NOi) o.97 1.8 0.04 Phosphare (PO?) 9.5 18.2 2.4 Total dissolved solids (TDS) 681* 1300 171 f

• Based on 1.9 concentration cycle.

6 8ased on 170 cfs spillage flow ant! 445 cfs Brazos River flow (ER, Table 3.4-5).

• Biologocal Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station Site, for Houston lighting ed Pomer Campann Progr. Rep. Domes & Moore, Inc.. Docket Nos. Su 466 and 50-467.

Tahie 3.1o. chenucais aMed to liqued effluents during peset operosen Total discharge .

chemical in effluent to g

cooling lake (ppm)#

Sulfate.sO/- 3151 1.3 Sodrum, Na* 151o o.6 CNormen 2100 Froe cNorine o.05 Chlorine reactm Products (Cl3 cNoramines, etc.) 2.5

[

• Assurmng both Units are operstmg.

5 6 WWI occur for only two 15 minute periods / day.

l 3.6.1 Circulating water system Chlorine will be injected into the circulating water system via a diffuser located in the inlet bays of the circulating water intake structure. The system will be designed to provide two 15-min shock doses per day at a dose cf 5 ppm to the circulating water (3780 cfs); therefore, the total dosage of chlorine to the system will be approximately 2100 pounds per day. The sys-tem will be designed so that a free chlorine residual'of 0.1 ppm downstream of the condensers will result (ipproximately 43 lb/ day). Ali circulating water will be returned directly to the cooling lake for cooling. The applicant has made no estimate of the concentration of combined residual chlorine which will enter the cooling lake. However, the staff considers that, while the free residual chlorine will react rapidly upon being discharged, the combined residual chlo-rine plus other reaction products of chlorine (other than chloride ion) such as chloro-organics may persist for much longer periods. While the staff cannot give exact figures as to the re, sulting concentrations of such reaction products because of lack of information, it is con- ,

sidered that a fairly large percentage of the added chlorine may be in such form. There fore ,

it is required that the applicant monitor for total residual chlorine and that the discharge.

from the cooling lake to the Brazos River be such that residual chlorine levels are below de-tectable limits.

3-21 3.6.2 Nonnuclear regenerative waste i The makeup water requirements for the station will be met by utilizing deminerclization tech-niques. Well water (400 gpm) will be passed through demineralizer trains which will be regen-erated using NaOH and2H%50 . The regeneration wastes will be treated in a waste treatment basin before being pumped into the circulating water system for dEcharge to the cooling lake. The applicant estimates that two loads a day will be processed (each about 56,000 gal for a total of.'

112,000 gal / day). It is estimated that each S6,000-gal load will be pumped over a 3-hr period and that the wastes will contain a total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of 7500 ppm.' The process will involve the usage of about 3200 lb/ day of H 250g and 2600 lb/ day of Na0H. It should be noted, however, that the pumped waste will be essentially neutral and contain the H 2$0u and NaOH as a neutral salt (Na250% ).

3.7 SANITARY WASTES AND OTHER EFFLUENTS 3.7.1 Tempora ry.

The applicant has indicated that a prefabricated package waste treatment plant suitable for 1500 workers will be installed on the site. The system would consist of an extended-aeration activated-sludge facility utilizing steel tanks for aeration, and ef fluents from the tank would flow through -

a sand filter and be chlorinated before being released into Allens Cnek. The system will meet the requirements of the Texas State Department of Health. The staff reconinends that the system capt. city be increased to meet the demands of the expected 2100-man peak construction force.

3.7.2 Permanert The applicant has indicated plans for a sanitary waste system adequate for 150 persons having a i

sanitary waste flow of 7500 gpd. The system will be built around an extended-aeration activated-sludge plant which will provide for coarse screening, comminution, aeration, sedimentation, sand) -l filtration, and chlorination. The system will meet the requirements of the Texas State Depart- '

ment of Health.

3.8 TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 1

An extensive description of the transmission lines is given in the ER (pp. 3.9-1 to 3.9-14). A )

sunziary description is given below.

Three new transmission lines are planned. The first will extend southeast to an existing sub-station at the W. A. Parish plant. The second will run east to the 0brien substation. A third line will connect the 0brien substation to the Addicks substation. Figure 3.10 shows the pro-posed routes and substations. Other information on the lines is given in Table 3.11. The total length of transmission lines is 81 miles.

Route 1A crosses U.S. Highway 90A and 59, State Highways 60 and 36, as well as four separate branches of the Southern Pacific Railway and one branch of the Santa Fe Railway, but it avoids all populated, park, or woodland areas, and does not parallel any heavily traveled roads.

Attwater's prairie chickens have been sighted in the Orchard Dome area, near the pmposed transmission line. Total route length is about 36.2 miles, of which about one mile is within the applicant's property and about two miles are along existing rights-of-way.

Route 2A will cross the cooling lake, the Brazos River, several farm-to-market mads, and the Texas and New Orleans line of the' Southern Pacific Railway, but will not pass through any heavily populated areas. The mute is about 26.5 miles long, of which four miles are within the site area and about 11 miles are along existing rights-of-way. The cooling lake crossing is about three miles long. l Route 3A traverses the inside of Barker and Addicks reser*voirs throughout most of its length, thus avoiding most residences. (These are floodwater storage reservoirs.) The route crosses Interstate Highway 10 and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway. About 4.5 miles of the 18.4-mile route are along existing rights-of-way. i Single-circuit steel towers will be used in the plant vicinity, and double-circuit structures will be utilized in all other areas.  !

Two new substations are planned, Addicks and Obrien, as well as expansion of the existing sub-station at the W. A. Parish plant. The Addicks substation will require about 25 acres of land in an area undergoing light industrial development. The 0brien substation will require about ,

50 acrth of land which is now being used for rice-pasture rotation.  !

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I 3-23 Table 3.11. Transmission line (345 kV)

Distance .

L.ine nght-of-way Acreage (ft)

ACNGS-W. A . Parish (I A) 34.4 2001 H3 1.8 180J ACNGS-Obrien (2A) 15.0 2001

• 11.5 190J Obrien-Addicks (3A) 15.9 1501 g4 2.5 115J Total 81.1 2185 3.9 RAILROAD SPURS A railroad spur will be constructed between the plant and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Rail-way, a distance of about one mile. In addition, a temporary spur will be built near the proposed spillway, extending about one mile from the Texas and New Orleans line of the Southern Pacific Railway. Use o,f these spurs will prevent damage to highways by heavy trucks. About 50 acres will be required for railroad spurs and access roads.

3.10 PIPELINE RELOCATIONS About 7.5 miles of pineline (24-in. natural gas) belonging to Texas Utilities Company will be rerouted along the eastern edge of the cooling lake. Two lines (6-in. L.P. gas, 8-in, raw products) of the Shell Pipe Line Corporation will be rerouted for about four miles along the northern edge of the cooling lake. No pipelines will pass through or under the cooling lake.

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4. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION 4.1 IMPACTS ON LAND USE The areas cf construction activities are shown in Fig. 4.1. The total land area involved in the construction of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and its related facilities is given in Table 4.1. About 9,000 acres of the nominal 11,000 acres owned by the applicant will be inun-dated or used for construction.

4.1.1 Station facilities Construction of the station itself will affect about 350 acres as indicated in Table 4.1 and Fig.

4.1. Excavation of the plant area will require the removal of 520,000 yd3 of material, most of which will be used in construction of the diversion dike with the remainder being thinly spread over the cooling lake area. An additional 50 acres will be required for an access mad and railway spur.

Most of this area will be cleared during the initial phase of site preparation. Merchantable logs and pulpwood will be sold, while the remaining vegetation will be burned in accordance with Texas Air Control Board regulations. Topsoil and associated organic matter removed during clear-ing operation will be thinly spread over the cooling lake area. The applicant is comitted to follow procedures to minimize erosion during construction.

Dust, smoke (from constructiori machinery, burn pits, etc.), and noise due to construction ac-tivities will occur at least 1000 ft away from all residents or passers-by, and since even more remote areas are very sparsely populated the overall impact of these fairly localized effects will be minimal.

Added vehicular traffic due to the movement of men and materials to the plant site will cause an additional burden on local roads. It is estimated that about 1800 vehicles daily will be driven to the site during peak construction.

A concrei' Stch plant will bs located near the plant site on a short railway spur and adjacent to Statt by 36 as shown in Fig. 4.1. The applicant considers this to be the most aesthetically displeesmg aspect of construction activities and is comitted to minimize th6 impact of this operation by use of dust-control measures.

An archaeological and historical reconnaissance of the site area was performed by staff members of the Texas Archaeologicdl Salvage Project. University of Texas at Austin (ER, App. A). Prepar-atory to start of field work, available records pertaining to the imediate area were researched.

Evaluation of the site also included examination of black and white and infrared aerial photo-graphs, surficial inspection, and minor subsurface probing. Although the site survey did locate three historic cemeteries and the remains of two historic structures .in use or built during the late nineteenth century it was concluded that none of these sites are considered to have unique historical significance. However, the applicant will relocate or protect the cemeteries as pro-vided for under state law. The su vey did find that there are no sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the National Register of Natural Landmarks, or the Guide to Official Texas Markers which are located within five miles of the proposed plant site. In addition, there are no sites listed in, or under consideration for listing in, the National Registers or the Texas Guide which are located within one mile of the proposed transmission line routes.

However, the University of Texas survey revealed the existence of a number of significant pre-historic archaeological sites within the site area and along the transmission line corridor near j the Addicks reservoir. Most of these resource localities were found along the bluffline bounding the proposed cooling lake area, while a few lie along Allens Creek. . None were found in the floodplain. The applicant states that the four significant sites near the Addicks reservoir will be avoihd during cor.struction of the transmission line. As regards the archaeological sites in the ared of the plant and cooling lake, the report states that construction activities would likely destroy nr damage or remove from the possibility of future investigation several local-ities which are deemed significant. In order to mitigate loss or damage to these sites the report recommends initiation of a program of subsurface testing of a total of 20 selected sites prior to . intensive excavation. The archaeologic staff of the Texas Historical Commission has concurred with the findings and recommendations of the report.

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l l 4-3 t Table 41 Summary of areas affected by construction activities

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                                               ~ Construction activity                             Acres disturbed

1. Access roads and rail spurs 50

2. Plant construction, including parking lots, concrete mix plant, and switchyard 350

3. Construction f acilities (southeast corner of direct impact area) 30

4. Dam and interior dike 280

6. Borrow pit heat sink, and haul roads"(also included in No. 8) 1200

6. Spillway, makeup pumping station, and riverbank stabihzation 30"

7. Heroutirig of Aliens Creek to

8. cake filling 8250 Total (excluding No. 5, which is included in No. 8) 9000

                      # An aciditional 1000 acres of land will be removed from agricultural production, and atout Go acres of land utill be temporarily disturbed by pipehne erouting.

The staf f concludes that a conditio9 of the construction permit should require that investigation of these valued archaeologic sites be completed to the satisfaction of the Texas Historical Com-mission prior to the start of construction activities. 4.1.2 Allens Creek cooling lake Allens Creek cooling lake will have an ef fective cooling surface area of approximately 7600 acres and will be formed by the construction of a 26,000-f t-long earthen dam along the eastern boundary of the site. - Construction of the dam will have a significant impact. The borrow area lies on the lake bottom, adjacent to the dam as shown in Fig, 4.1 and will be 19.000 f t long 1,000 f t wide 10 f t deep  ; (ER, k end. 4, Sec t . 4.1.2.2) . The dam will be about 35 f t high, constructed of compacted earth fill, and stabilized during the later stages of construction. The inside slope of the dam will .] be stabilized with soil cement or riprap. The outside slope of the dam will be stabilized with soll cement, riprap, or vegetative cover. Vegetative cover will be used for the outside slope of I the dam if results of current studies by the applicant indicate that this method will withstand i erosion during Brazos River flooding (ER, Amend 4. Sect. 4.1.1.3). Normal procedures will be followed to minimize erosion during construction of the dam. I The diversion dilre will be constructed of compacted earth and stabilized on both sides with rip-ra p . The approximate dimensions of the dike are: 175 f t wide at the base, 20 f t wide at the l top, 20,000 f t long, and 26 f t high. The shape and location of the dike, shown in Fig. 4.1, will i produce a clockwise circulatory flow pattern in the cooling lake which will maximite its cooling I e f f ic iency. No borrow area is required for construction of the dike since material excavated at , the plant site and the ultimate heat sinks will be used. l 4.1.3 Trar.smission lines The transmission lines are described in Sect. 3.8 and in the ER (ER, pp. 3.9-1-3.9-14). The total area affected is about 2200 acres. Mos t of this area is used for ogriculture and will con- 1 tinue to be used for this purpose. Only about 50 acres (or 2%) of the total land area is wooded, a The tower bases (about 563) will occupy only about 8 acres. No access or service rtads b the I rights-of-way will be built. Temporary disruption of agricultural activities will occur during l construction of the transmission lines due to vehicular movement along the rights-of-way and J storage of materials. Normal procedures will be used to reduce erosion caused by these activ-ities. The staff believes that transmission line construction can be carried out without a sig-nificant long-term or pemanent adverse ef fect on agricultural production along the rights-of-way and adjoining propertiesc

4 -4 4.1.4 Access road and railway spur Since the plant area itself lies virtually addacent to both a major highway (State Hwy 36) and railway (Atchison,, Topeka, and Santa Fe), the access road and railway spur to the plant site will be short (less than 1 mile). The total area disturbed will be approximately 50 acres.

                ,4.1.5    Pipeline relocations The three existing pipelines which pass through the cooling lake area will be located near the periphery as shown in Fig. 4.1. Pipeline construction requires renoval of vegetation along the rights of-way. The treriching operation is expected to remove topsoil layers and replace it with subsoils. Sinces the iatter are deficient in organic matter and nutrients necessary for vegeta-tive growth, the rights-of-way will have decreased productivity.

The new rights-of-way have a total length of about 10 miles, about half of which lies along the souter edge of the cooling dam. Since this area will be highly disrupted due to cooling dam con-struction, the additional disturbance due to pipeline installation should be hardly noticeable. Powever, the remaining half of the relocated pipeline routing lies in the ecologically sensitive area along the north perimeter of the cooling lake. For this reason, the staff recommends that t1e disturbed areas be restored as nearly as possible to their original productivity by the ad-d tion of organic matter and selected fertilizers before reseeding with native grasses. 4.F IMPACTS ON WATER USE 4.2 1 Surface water Construction of diversion and return facilities on the Brazos River will cause local increases in terbidity. Although both Allens Creek and the Brazos River normally have high levels of sus-pended solids, the increase due to construction may reduce aquatic productivity as discussed in Sects. 4.3.2.1 and 4.3.2.5. No significant recreational or connercial use of the Brazos River occur: in the site vicinity. The nearest downstream users (31 miles, industrial; 58 miles, mu-nicipal) are of suffittent distance from the site to observe no increase in turbidity (ER, Table 2.2-111 Other onstruction activities will also cause increases in turbidity in Allcas Creek and the Brazos Uver but the applicant plans to use the nonnal erosion control techniques (ER, p. 4.1-3) so, aga n, these ef fects should be localized and minimal. Runof f and discharges from the con-crete ba tch plant will be held in a settling pond before discharge into Allens Creek. 4.2.2 Groundwater Construct.on impacts on the groundwater can be divided into short-term and long term effects. Short-tent effects are thnse resulting from the discontinuance of pumpage from existing wells, l construction usage, and dewatering of excavations. Long-term ef fects are largely those due to inundation of the 8200-acre cooling lake. The latter are considered to be operational ef fects and will tharefore be discussed in Sect. 5,2. The short-term effects will cause localized draw-downs in greundwater levels but these should not be detectable beyond the site boundaries. The applicant estimates that water usage during the early stages of construction will be about 40 gpm includin;l the f airly large demands of the concrete batch plant. The major groundwater source is the Evangeline Aquifer which lies at depths of about 100 f t at the site. 4.3 EFFECTS (N ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 4.3.1 Terrest~ial About 400 acres will t,e cleared and covered with structures including station buildings, switch- ' yard, concrete .11x plant, parking lot, entrance road, and a rail spur in the early phases of cons truc t ion. This acreage will be pennanently lost in the ecological sense. The ef fect of ccn-struction activities on local flora and fauna are virtually impossible to quantify, but will probably be miniikil in terms of region-wide populations. Nonmotile organisms will be destroyed; motile ones will leave the area and may or may not survive. The tooling lake will obliterate 8200 acres of terrestrial habitat and according to the applicant will cause the loss of about 300 deer (ER, p. 4.1-16), unknown numbers of small game animals in-cluding bob white quail, mourning doves, grey squirrels, and rabbits, and many other nongame sp ec i es . Most notable in the last categoiy is the white-tailed kite. 1 l 1

I. 4-5 Proposed transmission corridors include some Attwater's prairie chicken habitat. Actual con-struction would cause some temporary displacement of the birds, but the amount of land occupied by the tower bases would be negligible habitat loss. The comotion of power-line installation I would most likely be very disruptive to prairie chicken nesting success, and the applicant has stated his intention to forego construction during the nesting season (March 1, June 15). Mainte-nance activities during this season would also constitute a threat to hatching success. 4.3.2 Aquatic The activities associated with construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will affect the aquatic blota in two existing bodies of water: (1) the lower half of Allens Creek and (2) the Brazos River near the site. In addition, construction activities will create the Allens Creek cooling lake.

        .2.1    initial impact of construction on Allens Creek Significant short-term changes in Allens Creek due to construction prior to filling of the cool-ing lake, scheduled for January 1978, will include the following: (1)increasedsiltationand suspended solids due to general construction activities in the site area, (2) physical alteration due to bridge construction (3) relocation of approximately one mile of the creek near the borrow area in the proposed cooling lake basin, and (4) introduction of various effluents associated with construction activities (ER, Sect. 4.1.5.4).

Siltation and suspended solids Increased suspended solids could af fect the biota in Allens Creek in several ways: (1) Increases in silt loading increases turbidity in the water body which reduces light penetra- 1 tion thus affecting the photosynthetic ability of producer organisms (phytoplankton and l macrophytes).1-4 A reduction of 61% of primary production in a stream due to introduced l sediments from highway construction was reported in a study suntnarized by Cairns.4 (2) Increased siltation can cause mechanical or abrasive action which can impair the gill func-tion of higher aquatic organisms (fish and benthos). Gills can become damaged or clogged by suspended solids." Silt particles can interfere with feeding mechanisms of filter-feeding invertet, rates including rotifers (zooplankton), bivalve mollusks, and filter-feeding insects. Silt has also been cited as contributing to plankten decreases in streams through abrasive action.5 (2) Sedimentation of suspendeo solids, if extensive, can blanket a stream bed which could elim-inate sr reduce animals living on or in the stream substrate, reduce available fish spawning I areas, and eliminate substrate utilized by periphyton.i 6 ,7 Fish dependent on benthic orga- ! nisms would thus be affected by reduction in their food supply. Although the amount of j suspended solids added to Allens Creek cannot be estimated, the staff believes that th" i overall effects of increased siltation in the lower ten miles of Allens Creek may redu l aquatic productivity during the initial construction period. j Br,1d3.e construction Bridge construction at the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site will increase suspended solids in Allens Creek temporarily and physically disturb a very small proportion of creek hab- ] itat. The major effects will be associated with increased siltation discussed above. l i _ Relocation of Allens Creek

                                                                                                          )

One mile of the Allens Creek channel will be temporarily relocated during construction. This ) activity will result in a reduction in the entire aquatic biota in this section of the creek. Construction effluents 1 Potential discharpes of waste products due to construction activities include sanitary waste, 1 discharges f rom a proposed concrete mixing plant, and spillage of gasoline and oil from heavy j equipment. The applicant plans to treat and chlorinate sanitary waste before discharge into j 1

4-6 Allens Creek. Discharges from the cenent plant will be routed to a settling pond and not be released to the creek. The applicant will take all precautions possible to minimize releases of gasoline and oil (ER, p. 4,1-20). The overall impact of siltation, bridge construction, channel relocation, and construction ef-fluents will significantly redJce aquatic populations in the lower half of Allens Creek during the time between onset of construction and filling of the cooling lake. The major contributing factors will be increased siltation and channel relocation. l 4.3.2.2 Impacts on Allens Creek due to construction of the cooling lake A cooling lake of approximately 8200 acres will be constructed by impounding Allens Creek. A l 26,000-f t-long earthen dam will .be constructed along the eastern boundary of the site (Sect. l 3.4. 3 and Sect . 4.1.2) . Construction of the cooling lake will affect Allens Creek in two ways: (1) approximately eight miles of the creek will be inundated when the coolirg lake is filled and I (2) the flow in the lower portion of Allens Creek below the cooling lake dam (approximately 1/2 I mile) will be reduced. An unknown amount of water will remain in this 1/2-mile section due to backflow from the Brazos River and runoff in this imediate area during periods of high rainfall. During periods of low rainfall and low Brazos River discharge, an unknown portion of this 1/2 mile of Allens Creek may be dry. As a result of these two events, the lower 8,5 m!1es of Allens Creek will be lost as running water habitat. In the eight miles of Allens Creek that will be inundated by the cooling lake, a shift in species composition will occur. Benthic orgenisms restricted to running-water habitat found in Allens Creek (predominantly mayflies and filter-feeding caddis flies) will not persist when the creek is inundated. Most fish species presently inhabiting Allens Creek in the section to be flooded will likely be able to survive the transition to a lake environment with the possible exception of the slough darter. Since the extent of backflow inW tne 1/2 mile of Allens Creek below the cooling lake dam from the Brazos River is unknown, effects on aquatic biota in this section of stream cannot be predicted. 4.3.2.3 Predicted limnoloay of the proposed Allens Creek cooling lake and deve,l_opment of aquatic flora ancT fauna The proposed Allens Creek cooling lake will have a surface area of approximately 8200 acres, will be roughly oval shaped, and the basin will be in land of low profile. The majority of the , cooling lake basin is at elevation 100 to 105 ft above mean sea level resulting in an average l depth of approximately 10 to 20 f t. The prevailing winds will cause the cooling lake to be ver-tically mixed. Temporary, localized ther.nal stratification may occur, but it is not anticipated to persist for long periods. Littoral areas of the cooling lake will consist almost entirely of a series of embayments which will constitute approximately 50% of the lake perimeter (Fig. 4.2). The substrate in the major portion of the cooling lake basin will consist of flooded agricul-tural lands and wooded areas. Along the dam and diversion dike, the substrate will consist of crushed rock. Along the bluff on the western shore and in the embayments, the substrate will be , clay and flooded vegetation, t l Wa teOlual i ty_ Since the cooling lake should be vertically mixed, the staff does not anticipate oxygen deple-tion in any significanz, portion of the cooling lake, The precise nutrient content of the pro-posed cooling lake cannot be predicted with certainty. The cooling lake will receive nutrients from three major sources: (1) Brazos River makeup water; (2) Allens Creek drainage, which re-ceives the ef fluent from the Sealy and Wallis treatment plants; and (3) decomposition of flooded vegetation in the cooling lake basin, Assuming Brazos River makeup water will constitute the major long-term nutrient source and a 1.9 concentration cycle (Table 3.9), the staff estimates the rraximum concentration of orthophosphate (as phosphorus) and nitrate plus nitrite (as ni-trogen) in the cooling lake from this source alone will be approximately 0.51 and 1.54 ppm re-spectively M Total dissolved solids (TDS) during plant operation will most likely be in the range of 875 to 2000 ppm (ER, Sect. 5.1.6,2). Makeup water from the Brazos River will first enter a settling basin (Sect. 3.4,3) which is expected to be about 35% effectiva in removing suspended solids. Allens Creek receives sewage effluent from the cities of Wallis and Sealy which will enter the cooling lake. Fecal coliform (col /100 ml) in Allens Creek during the period Dec. 20, 1973-Nr. 27,1974 ranged from a low of 15 to a high of 7700.W Extremely high mercury levels (up to 36 ppb total mercury) have been reported in the Brazos River." The staff has alerted the Texas W?ter Quality Board to verify and determine the source of mercury te the Brazos River. Further monitoring (Sect. 6.1.3) should provide the necessary data to evaluate potential fecal coliform and mercary inputs to the proposed cooling lake.

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I 4-8 Available information on pesticide levels near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site indicate all pesticides were below detection limits.e-10 Aquatic flora and fauna Although a quantitative prediction of the aquatic f. luna that will develop in a new reservoir is  ! difficult, the staf f assumes that the Allens Creek cooling lake will undergo a developmental ' cycle similar to that which has occurred in other reservoirs in Texas.ll During early stages of reservoir development, newly inundated soils and associated terrestrial vegetation provide a large input of nutrients resulting in a very high level of production. The surplus nutrient j i pools will result in increases in primary production and standing crops of phytoplankton for sev-eral years postimpoundment.12 , l Zooplankton populations generally exhibit a similar postimpoundment pulse in production. similar l to phytoplankton.12,13 Upon initial filling of a new reservoir, the benthic fauna consists of l submerged terrestrial organisms and aquatic species originally present in the flowing water com-munity, in this case Allens Creek.14 Species restricted to a flowing-water environment will be eliminated (Sect. 4.3.2.2). Facultative benthic organisms (able to survive both stream and lake environments) originating from Allens Creek connunities could be expected to dominate the benthic f auna immediately postimpoundment.14 Many of the oligochaetes, gastropods, odonates and dip-terans present in Allens Creek could be classed as facultative. Af ter initial colonization by f acultative benthic forms, true lake forms will develop, including burrowing mayflie , amphipods, and the phantom midge (Chaoborous).14-16 The biomass of benthic invertebrates colonizing new impoundments varies with substrate composition of flooded areas. Flooded herbaceous vegetation usually exhibits a high rate of benthic colonization. Slower rates have been observed in flooded, woody vegetation and cleared area.14'17 In Texas reservoirs, development of fish populations follows a pattern that seldom varies.ll Fish species available for colonization from the impounded stream (Allens Creek) or that have access to the impoundment from adjacent water bodies (Brazos River) and that can adapt to a lake environment will become established. in the case of the Allens Creek cooling lake, these species would include the sunfishes, gars, most of the minnows, suckers, catfishes, gizzard shad, and the freshwa ter drum (App. B, Table B.8). In addition, the applicant plans, in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to introduce game fish species which may include largemouth I bass, hybrid sunfish, catfish, and white bass (ER, p. 5.1-180). The final selection of game fish l species to be introduced has not been detennined. I Game fish species in newly impounded waters in Texas exhibit exceptional growth in the first year or two. During this time, game fish may exceed 50% of the fish taken in sampling programs. Af ter three or four years the lakes will have matured. Sunfishes continue to increase in numbers l but are reduced in size. Largemouth bass become scarce and are more difficult to catch. Rough fish and forage fish including smallmouth buffalo, carpsucker, carp, and shad become increasingly a bundan t. This situation is usually reached in 4-7 years, where about 75-80% of the total weight of fish taken in sampling programs consists of rough and forage fish.11,le Major reasons pos tu-l i lated for this decline in fishery resources are the lack of native fish in Texas adapted to the reservoir environment, and a decline in available nutrients.ll The decline in game fish is attributable to the increase in rough fish populations which eventually outcompete game fish for available food and space. The precise mechanisms involved in the eventual decline in game fish and predominance of rough fish in Texas reservoirs are not known.18 The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hopes to maintain quality reservoir fisheries in the state through: (1) habitat ma-nipulation to enhance reproduction, survival, and harvest of sport fish; (2) introduction of native species adaptable to Texas open-water habitat; (3) pmpagation and introduction of non-native species that are adaptable to Texas reservoirs; and (4) basic life history studies of exotic species in their native habitat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department feels that the proposed Allens Creek cooling lake would support all popular native sport fish as well as select, introduced species.19 The staff believes that the proposed Allens Creek cooling lake and the biota established through natural colonization and management programs will more than offset the loss of aquatic biota in Allens Creek due to construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Statta and provide a potentially valuable recreational resource. Impacts that operation of the proposed Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will have on the Allens Creek cooling lake will be addressed in Sect. 5.5.2. 4.3.2.4 Brush clearing Brush clearing of the cooling lake basin prior to lake 'illing will have a potential effect on the future aquatic productivity in the pmposed Allent Creek cooling lake. Present plans are to remove only those trees that would interfere with nav.gation, circulation patterns, or pose a i

l 4-9 threat to the intake system of the circulating water intake structure (ER, p. 5.1-18A). Thc presence of standing timber and brush shelters can improve the fishery in a reservoir. Fish ap-parently are attracted to flooded timber and brush areas either by the shelter provided or by food organisms abundant in these areas.17,20-21 Productivity can be enhanced by leaving timber standing in deep arms of reservoirs.2s Since the Allens Creek cooling lake will not have extensive littoral areas normally high in benthic produc-tion and utilized for fish spawning, the staff recomends that most of the timber be retained, but that the applicant prepare a more detailed tree-cutting plan which will include the consid-eration of navigation hazards and visual aesthetics of trees which may appear above the surface as the lake is drawn down. 4.3.2.5 Effects of construction on the Brazos River The major effects of construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station on the Brazos River will arise from the following activities: (1) general construction activity in the area resulting in increases in suspended solids in Allens Creek (Sect. 4.3.2.1) which will discharge this silt load into the Brazos River prior to lake filling and (2) construction activities asso-ciated with the makeup intake structure and spillway (Sect. 3.4.3) which will result in increased turbidity and temporary loss of habitat in the Brazos River. Flow in Allens Creek normally does not exceed 85 cfs (ER, p. 4.1-23) but increases in flow are anticipated due to dewatering activ-ities at the site (ER, p. 4.1-21). Without comprehensive flow and turbidity estimates for Allens Creek during construction, the extent of suspended solids added to the Brazos River from Allens Creek cannot be estimated. Con-struction of the makeup and spillway structure will add suspended solids directly to the Brazos River as well as disturb the substrate and river banks in the imediate vicinity of these struc-tures. The range of suspended solids in the Brazos River normally is quite high (8 to 8300 ppm) (ER,p.4.1-22). The staff believes that increases in suspended solids, both from Allens Creek and due to construction associated with the structures on the Brazos itself, may temporarily reduce aquatic populations in the imediate area of the Brazos River near the site. The general effects of increased siltation on aquatic biota discussed in Sect. 4.3.2.1 apply to the Brazos River. The applicant plans to restore vegetation along the banks of disturbed areas (ER, p. 4.1-23) which should minimize inputs of suspended solids over the long term. The staff believes that construction effects on the Brazos River will most probably be local in nature and not persist after construction is completed. When the dam along the eastern boundary of the cooling lake (Fig. 4.2) is completed and lake filling begins, flow in Allens Creek below the dam will cease. This flow will no longer enter the Brazos River. Allens Creek normally contributes less than 1% of the average flow in the Brazos River. During periods of low flow in the Brazos Allens Creek is frequently dry (ER, p. 4.1-23). The staff believes flow changes in the Brazos River during construction due to the damming of Allens Creek should be minimal and not seriously affect downstrean water use. The reduction in flow of 1/2 mile of Allens Creek below the cooling lake may reduce the utiliza-tion of this area for spawning by fish species in the Brazos River. Information on the extent of spawning of Brazos River fish species in this section of Allens Creek is not available. The staff believes, however, that this potential loss of reproductive capacity will be compensated for by fish populations established in the proposed cooling lake. 4.4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS The social and economic consequences resulting from the construction of a facility of this magni-tude are expected to be extensive. The project will cause increased demands on the local rela-tively fixed supply of consumer products, housing, and private and public services. Although it is recognized that the local population will be impacted in many ways, for the purposes of this analysis, only those ramifications which can be of greatest importance to the surrounding comu-nities are considered, [ i I l 4.4.1 Local tax receipts The local government units of Austin County, Austin County road district No. 3, and the Wallis-Orchard independent school district will receive property taxes during construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Taxes during construction are based on the value of the land and the estimated cumulative annual value of construction, improvements, and equipment installed. The estimated amounts are shown in Table 4.2.

4-10 Table 4.2. Estimated local property taxes dunng construction of Units 1 and 2 Tax revenues On thousands of doHars) 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 Austin County 7 63 170 372 554 1220 1.640 Road distnct No. 3 1 9 23 51 76 167 225 Wallis Orchard schoos district 43 404 1090 2390 3550 781o 1o 500 4.4.2 Population impact The applicant originally estimated that up to 25% of the construction work force will be moti-vated to live in the vicinity of the site primarily due to the long duration of the project and its remoteness from the Houston metropolitan area. Subsequently (ER, Amend. 5) the applicant increased the estimated construction work force by nearly 50%. However, no adjustment was made by the applicant in the number of workers expected to reside locally, so that the applicant's estimated percentage has decreased. Much of the new resident work force is expected to live in mobile homes, so the staff helieves that the constraint on permanent housing will not be a sig-nificant factor in selection of place of residence by the workers, and, therefore, is assuming that 25% of the work force will reside locally as was originally stated in the ER. During the peak construction year it is expected that approxistely 520 workers will seek resi-dence in nearby comunities, mainly in Austin County where the present population is approxi-mately 14,000. It is also estimated that there will be a demand for 65 additional unrelated service workers who will prefer to reside locally. Based on an average family size of 3.5 for the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (HMSA)e6 the 585 new workers will result in a popula-tion increase of about 2050 persons. The staff estimates that approximately 70% of the new resi-dents will have families and the remaining 30% will be single men or men who will live in the area during the week and return home on weekends. An increase in primary employment will nor-mally cause corresponding increases in employment in other fields such as service workers, sales personnel, teachers, etc. In the Houston area, approximately one worker in eight is employed in the service trades.26

                                                              'n 1970 a population of 8000 resided within ten miles of the site, and by 1975 nomal growth will bring the total to 9200 persons. If 75% of the new workers' families manage to locate within this range of the site, the area will gain 1535 persons or a 17% population increase over a two-year period. The majority of the increase is expected to impact Sealy Wallis, and San Felipe where populations at the start of construction are projected to be 2840,1150, and 500 respec-tively.

4.4.3 Impact of payrolls Direct construction payrolls during the peak year will increase the Austin County estimated $40 million annual disposable income by 22%, to $49 million. The added disposable income was esti-mted to be 85% of the payroll and was allocated to the counties in the following amounts: Austin, 25%; Colorado, 5%; Fort Bend,10%; Harris, 50%; Waller, 5%; and Wharton, 5%. (See Tables 4.3 and 4.4.) The permanent operating personnel must be on-site during the last three years of the construction pha s e . Their average annual payroll of $1.56 million during these years will be in addition to l the construction payroll. The distribution of the majority of this income will most likely be in Austin County. The projected annual payroll for the full complement of 121 operating employees will be $2 million. , 4.4.4 Demand for housing Staff analysis of housing preference data accumulated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) during construction of several similarly situated power plant projects 27-29 provides some insight regarding this effect in the vicinity of the Allens Creek project. The TVA data show that ap-proximately 40% of the workers who moved to the area bought or rented homes, 40% bought or rented l mobile homes, and 20% rented apartments or sleeping rooms.

4-11 l l

                           ,                                                                                                    1 Table 4.3. Construction payroll and disposable income I

Construction payroit Year 1973 dollar estimate (M5llions of dollars 1 (Millions of dollars) 1975 3.8 3.3 1976 17.2 14.7 1977 32 6 27.7

                                         .1978                40.2                     34.2 1979               36.4                     30.9 1980               32.6                     27.7 1981               23.0                      19.5 1982                  5.7                      4.9 i otal         1916                     162.9 Table 4.4. Added disposable income from construction payroll 1972 estimate of                               Added disposable income County         disposable income                Peak Year - 1978                         Average (Millions of dollars)

Millions of dollars Percent increase Millions of dollars Percent increase Austin 39.4 88 21.8 5.1 12 9 Colorado 48.9 1.7 3.5 1.0 2.o Fort Bend 148.8 34 2.3 2.o 1.3 Harris 7827.9 17.1 0.2 10.2 0.1 Watler 34.2 1.7 5.0 1.0 2.9 Wharton 94 1 1.7 1.8 1.0 1.1 Total for region 8193.3 34 2 20.4 Weighted average o.4 0.2 for region Housing data from the 1970 census show that there were about 2500 units within ten miles and 20,000 units within 25 miles of the Allens Creek site. Approximately 30% were rentals with an 8% vacancy rate in Austin County. However, local officials indicate that rental homes are scarce in the Sealy-Wallis area at the present time and that apartment complexes are presently enjoying a period of full or nearly full occupancy with less than ten vacancies reported. The applicant reports that the typical construction worker will be employed on the project for less than three years but that most of the supervisory personnel will be employed for over five years, On this basis, the staff concludes that the predominant housing demand in the area will be for rental units and that the majority of the need will probably be met by construction of new mobile home parks and additions to existing parks. 4.4.5 Impact on local public facilities Assuming that 75% of the new resident workers locate within the Sealy and Wallis-Orchard school I districts, and that 70% will have families, on the basis of one school-age child per family, classroom space will be needed for approximately 300 students, if 75% attend Sealy schools, the 230 additional students will result in a 19% increase over the 1200 daily attendance projected i for 1976. Eleven additional classrooms are currently being constructed in Sealy to meet normal l increases in enrollment and to accommodate the needs of the temporary construction workers' families. In addition, the district plans to construct a new high school gymnasium by 1975. Although a lesser number of students are assumed to attend schools in the Wallis-Orchard school , district, the 80 additional pupils will also result in a 19% increase over the normal 435 average  ! l daily attendence projected for 1976. The increased enrollment could be met by three additional classrooms.

4-12 The districts administrators are currently considering the construction of a Junior-Senior high school at a 60-acre site imediately south of Wallis in anticipation of the construction project and to accomodate future growth. Intensified use of local highways, roads, 'and the adjacent Colorado and Santa Fe rail line will be required during the seven-year construction period. The applicant estimates that about 750 rail cars per month will be required to deliver materials to the site and that local highway I traffic will be increased by about 1800 vehicles daily. . During the four peak construction years of 1975 through 1978, about 40 daily truck deliveries will be required. -The ma'jority of the materials to be shipped via highway are 570,000 tons of l concrete aggregates and 1,600,000 tons of crushed limestone. The aggregate will be shipped from pits located along the Colorado River near Eagle Lake. The crushed limestone will be transported from Quarles west of Austin via Interstate 10 and State Hwy 36. The applicant has estimated that damage of about $650 thousand will occur to State Hwy 36 and the local Farm-to-Market (FM) roads, and has concluded that the taxes to be paid to the local road district are adequate in this case. However, conversations with the State Highway Department indicate that projects of this magnitude and duration are subject to use and repair agreements between the State and the utility campany on a case-by-case basis since the State has a responsi-bility to maintain not only State roads but also all FM roads. In order to mitigate the imp,act of construction traffic, the applicant proposes to ship material by rail whenever practical; schedule truck operations to minimize interference with local traffic movements; implement traffic control measures to assure safe operations in the vicinity of small local communities, concentrations of houses, presently uncontrolled intersections in rural areas, and school bus pickup points; construct haul foads on-site to minimize off-site transport of equipment and materials between work areas; &nd encourage car pooling by employees. The local comunities which will receive the largest influx of new residents are served by one hospital and one clinic, both of which are located in Sealy. Resident medical personnel in the area include five doctors and two dentists. The local hospital, which is operated by a private corporation, has a 25-bed capacity and is reported to be operating at less than its capacity. A nonprofit foundation operates a 40-bed hospital in Belleville, approximately 20 miles north of the site, where six doctors and two dentists are in active practice. The Belleville hospital was completed in 1973, was designed to accomodate an additional 20 beds without creating a need for I additional operating rooms, and is also reported to be operating well below its capacity. The total of 65 hospital beds located in Austin County, which has a population of approximately 14,000 residents results in a ratio of 210 persons per bed which is substantially above the na-tional average of 118 persons per bed. 4.4.6 Impact of construction noise, aesthetic impact, and Msplacement of residents Construction of the plant will require the use of heavy motor-driven equipment of all types, impact tools, and pile drivers as well as heavy hauling equipment. Noise from some of these activities will cause disturbance to some of the residents along State Hwy 36, FM road 1458, FM rc a 1093, and the city of Wallis. For the most part, construction activity in the power plant area will not be heard in Wallis which is about four miles distant. However, the earthmoving activities required for construction of the cooling dam and diversion dike are likely to be audible to residents along FM 1093 east of Wallis. The applicant plans to select or treat equip-ment to avoid noise levels that will be objectionable to residents. Night shif t work, if imple-mented, will exclude high-noise-level work such as pile driving. The most significant aesthetic impacts during construction will be caused by earthmoving activ-ities for placement of the 5-mile-long 35-ft-high earthen dam and 4-mile-long diversion dike, clearing and excavation for the station facilities, and excavation for the ultimate heat sinks. Approximately three square miles of land will be disturbed during this process. Most of this activity will not be visible except to users of FM road 1458 and from the bluff overlooking the I cooling lake area. Dust, and smoke from brush and tree burning will mostly occur at least 1000 l f t away f rom residents or passers by. Another aesthetic disamenity will be the concrete mix 1 plant which will be located near the plant site adjacent to State Hwy 36 where normal traffic volume is a low 1800 vehicles per day. The plant will be operated for six years and will be removed af ter completion of the power plant. After removal of the concrete mix plant, vegetative cover in the area will be renewed. The applicant reports that 16 families (a total of 48 persons) will be displaced by construction of the generating station. Most of the residents were located in the upland areas of the site.

l 4 I A substantial number of these residents are still occupying the dwellings which are now owned by i the applicant. The applicant plans to allow continued 'ricultural use of the land during the construction phase for as long a period as work schedu. . will allow. Displacement of the Q l present residents will be a loss to the present social structure of the community. . In addition, a' loss of agricultural jobs will result from the proposed new use of the land. The relocation and future employment plans of the present' residents and agricultural workers are not known at this time. ,, 4.5 MEASURE AND CONTROLS TO LIMIT ADVERSE EFFECTS DURING CONSTRUCTION 1 4.5.1 Applicant comitments The following is a sumary of. the comitments made by the applicant to limit adverse effects during construction of the proposed station.

1. Measures to minimize erosion and' sedimentation during site preparation and construction,

a. The area of disturbance will be minimized whenever possible. Particular attention will be given to creekbank areas and steep slopes,

b. Erodible slopes will be mulched and seeded to provide short- and long-term cover if the slope will be left undisturbed for an extended period or permanently.

c. Selectively placed terraces will be used as necessary to minimize erosion from erodible areas and to help in the re-establishment of ground cover.

d. Local drainage and runoff control will be used in the area of dam construction.

e. Drainage from borrow areas, fills, etc. will be controlled by ditches, berms, and sedi-mentation basins, as required.

2. Disposal of waste materials,

a. Metal scrap material will be collected in a trash disposal area for pickup by local scrap dealers.

b. Used oil will be c 'lected in containers for pickup by oil reclaimers.

c. Waste, paper, st wood, workmens' lunch lef t-overs and other combustible materials will be burned it, a approved incinerator; ashes will be buried in an environmentally acceptable loca' '

d. Sanitary wastes of construction personnel will be treated on-site. Present plans call for the installation of a prefabricated package plant. This plant would be an extended-aeration activated-sludge facility utilizing steel tanks for aeration. Effluent from the tanks would flow into a sand filter and be chlorinated before being released into Allens Creek. The plant would be designed to handle the wastes of'1500 workers. Port-able sanitary facilities would be used for collection of sanitary wastes from outlying construction areas,

e. The concrete mix plant area will be kept free of refuse and accumulative debris.

3. Maasures to minimize the effect of transmission line construction.

a. Routes were specifically selected to avoid populated, recreational, forested, and vis-ually sensitive areas to the extent possible,

b. Construction will be scheduled to avoid unharvested. fields whenever possible. Whenever ,

it is necessny to disturb or destroy field crops, all surface construction marks will

be removed by disking and farm operators will be adequately compensated,

c. Construction will be scheduled to avoid the nesting season of the Attwater's prairie chicken in the area near where they have been' sighted,

d. Vegetation clearing along transmission line rights-of-way will be limited and selective.

e. Little. if any, pemanent access road construction will be necessary for transmission line construction and maintenance.

4-14

f. Vehicle movements along transmission line rights-of-way will be handled in a way to min-imize effects that could cause erosion, retard restoration of ground cover, or preclude resunption of agricultural use,

g. During transmission line construction and operation, no widespread chemical spraying will be done and the use of herbicides will be limited to tower-base areas.-

b. Limbs and other clearing debris will either be burned under favorable conditions, with a continuous fire watch and adequate extinguishing facilities, or chipped and spread to provide mulch.

1. Denuded areas subject to erosion will be planted to adaptedigrass species to accelerate succession and to prevent erosion.

4. Traffic and dust control.

a. Incoming materials will be shipped by rail when practical.

b. Truck operations will be handled and scheduled in such a way as to minimize impacts on or interference with local traffic movements,

c. Traffic control measures will be implemented as required to control truck traffic and assure safe operations in the vicinity of small local comunities (or concentrations of houses), presently uncontrolled intersections in rural areas, and school bus pickup points.

d. Haul roads will be constructed on-site to minimize off-site transport of construction equipment and mterials between work areas.

e. Car pooling of construction employees will be encouraged to preserve fuel and reduce traffic loadings on local roads.

f. Entrance roads will be surfaced and haul roads will be periodically watered to minimize the amount of dust dispersal.

g. Dust control measures will be applied during operation of the concrete mix plant.

5. Other mitigative measures,

a. Local authorities will be kept abreast of construction plans and scheduling.

b. A program for preservation or excavation of archaeological sites will be initiated with interested groups,

c. Most of the surface area of the plant site will be improved and planted following con-struction.

d. Particular care will be given to the preservation of trees in and' landscaping of park a rea s .

4.5.2 Staff evaluation Based on a review of the anticipated construction activities and the expected environmental ef-fects therefmm, the staff concludes that the measures and controls comitted to.by the applicant, as sumarized above, are adequate to ensure that adverse environmental effects will be at the minimum practicable level if combined with the following additional precautions:

1. In areas, such as the pipeline e ste, where excavation operations remove topsoil and replace it with subsoil, organic matter or selec bd fertilizers shall be added as necessary to corn ct subsoil deficiencies and thus promote revegetation.

2. A more-detailed tree cutting plan shall be prepared which will include the consideration of navigation hazards and the visual aesthetics of trees which may appear above the surface as the lake is drawn down.

3. The planned prefabricated packege plant for sanitary waste treatment should be sized to handle the wastes of 2100 workers.

l

15 REFERENCES FOR SECTION 4

1. M. M. Ellis, " Erosion Silt as a factor in Aquatic Environments," Ecology 17(1): 29-42 (1936).

2. M. L. Brehmer, " Turbidity and Siltation as Forms of Pollution " J. Soit Water conserv. (20) 132-33(1965).

3. O. A. Flemer, W. L. Dovel, H. T. Pfitzenmeyer, and D. E. Ritchie, Jr., " Biological Effects of Spo11 D1sposai in Chesapeake Bay," J. Sanit. Engr. Di ., Proc. Amr. Soc. Civ. Enges.,

pp. 683-706, (August 1968).

4. J. Cairns, " Suspended Solids Standards for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms," Proc. 22nd Industr. Waste conf., Part 1, Purdue University Engr. Ext. Ser. No.129, pp.16-27 May 1967.

5. C. E. Cushing, Jr., " Plankton and Water Chemistry in the Montreal River Lake-Stream System, Saskatchewan," Ecology 45(2): 306-13(1964).

6. A. J. Cordone and D. W. Kelley, "The influences of inorganic Sediment on the Aquatic Life of Streams " Calif. Fish and Came 47(2): 189-228 (April 1961).

7. F. M. Chutter, "The Effects of Silt and Sand on the Invertebrate Fauna of Streams and Rivers " Hydmbiologia 34: 57-76 (1969).

8. 60-Day progress report, Jan. 15, 1974. Biological Monitoring Program, Aller.s Creek Nualcar Cencrating Station Site, Houston Lighting and Power Company.

9. Progress report Biological Monitoring Program, Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Company, Mar.1,1974.

10. Progress report Biological Monitoring Program, Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Comapny, May 1,1974.

11. H. R. Drew and J. E. Tilton, " Thermal Requirements to Protect Aquatic Life in Texas Reser-voirs," J. hTcf 42(4): 562-72 (1970).

12. W. Rhode, "Ef fects of Impoundment on Water Chemistry and Plankton in Lake Ransaren (Swedish Lapland)," Perh. Inc. Vsv. Limnol. (SV): 437-43 (1964).

13. C. Murphy, "The Development of a Plankton Community in a New Impoundment in Wise County, Texas." Ph.D. thesis, The University of Oklahoma,101 pp. (1962).

14. C. G. Paterson and C. H. Fernando, "The Macroinvertebrate Colonization of a Small Reservoir in Eastern Canada," verh. Inc. Ver. Limno?. 17: 126-36 (November 1969),

15. G. A. Swanson, " Factors Influencing the Distribution and Abundance of Nexagenin nymphs (Ephemeroptera) in a Missouri River Reservoir," Ecology 48(2): 216-25 (1967).

I 16 B. C. Cowell and P. L. Hudson, "Some Environmental Factors Influencing Benthic Invertebrates l in Two Missouri River Reservoirs," Ecocrvoir Fichen! Resouroce S trnposiw:, Am,,rican Ficheries l l So:i"tu, pp. 541-55, 1967. I 1

17. L . R. Aggus, " Summer Centhos in Newly flooded Areas of Beaver Reservoir During the Second and lhird Years of filling 1965-1966," Reservoir Ficharica and Limolog/ , ed. by G. E. Hall ,

A v r. Fich. Jao., Spec M t. No. 8, pp. 139-52, 1971. l

18. W. W. Dalquest and L. J. Peters, "A Life History Study of Four Problematic Fish in Lake l Diversion Archer and Daylor Counties. Texas," If report series No. 6. Texas Parks and Wild-life Department, 87 pp. (1966).

19. Letter from L. J. Peters, Chief Inland Fisheries, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. l Austin, Texas (April 8,1974).

20. J. W. Parsons " Fishery Management Problems and Possibilities on large Southeastern Reser-vo i r s ," Term, br r Fic h. Joe, 87 : 333-55 (1957).

l

4-16

21. R. Wood, "The Significance of Managed Water Levels in Developing the Fisheries of Large Impoundments," .7. Tenn. Acad. Sei. 26: 214-35 (1951).

22. J. T. Davis and J. S. Hughes, " Effects of Standing Timber on Fish Populations and Fisherman Success in Bussey Lake, Louisiana," Reservoir Fisheries and Liernology, ed. by G. E. Hall, Amer. Fish. Coe. Spec. E%bl. No. 8, pp. 255-64,1971. ,

23. L. F. Goodson, Jr. , " Crappie," Chap. 43, Inland Fisheries Management, ed. by A. Calhoun, Calif. Dept. Fich & Game, pp. 312-32, 1966.

24. State of Virginia, " Brush Shelter Evaluation," Job Completion Rep., Proj. No. F-5-R-3, Job No. 5, July 1,1965-June 30,1967.

25. R. M. Jenkins, " Reservoir Fish Management," A Century of Fisheries in North America, ed. by N. G. Benson, Amer. Fish. Soc. . Spec. Pabl. No. 7, pp.173-182,1970.

26. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census,1972, concrat, &>elat, and Economic char-acterietica,1970 ccncuo of Ibpulation, Texas, Washington, D.C.

27. TVA, Biwns Ferry Corm truction Lhployment Impact, April 1973.

28. TVA, cw+erland Steam Plant Construction EHployment Impact, Apr11 1973.

29. TVA, Watta Bar Nuclear Plant Construction 1>ployment Impact, March 1972.

1 I l f l I l 1

5. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OPERATION OF THE STATION AND TRANSMISSION FACILITIES 5.1 IMPACTS ON LAND USE 5.1.1 Station operation The primary impact on land use will be the removal of 10,000 acres from agricultural production.

The value of a ricultural production lost is estimated to be $1.1 million/ year in 1980 dollars (ER, p. 4.1-13 . In addition,16 families will be displaced from the site. A major beneficial impact will be the establishment of two state parks along the shores of the Allens Creek cooling lake. The applicant is work lng closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPW) in planning these facilities (ER, p.10.1 10). According to a study by TPW, there is a " critical shortage of recreation land and freshwater resources . . ." in the Houston area (ER, p.10.1-10). A discussion of the proposed recreational facilities is given in Sect. 5.6.4. 5.1.2 Transmission lines Of the 81 miles of rights-of-way required, approximately 97.5% is agricultural land, and 2.5% is heavily wooded (ER, Sect. 3.9.5). The presence of transmission lines is not expected to significantly affect agricultural production; however, heavily wooded areas will be cleared as reqt. i red . The visual impact of Route 2A as it crossee. the cooling lake may be undesirable. The applicant has tried to avoid environmentally sensitive areas in choosing the transmission line routes. 5.2 IMPACTS ON WATER USE C . 2.1 Surface water During operation it is planned that the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will pump 90,000 acre-f t/ year of water from the Brazos River in accordance with a contract between the Brazos River Authority (BRA) and the applicant.1 This contract permits the applicant to divert up to 176,000 acre-f t/ year of water from the Brazos River, and the applicant can increase the planned 90,000 act e-f t/ year allotment in any amount up to a total of 176,000 acre-ft/ year after giving BRA 180 days notice. This contract, which has been approved by tne Texas Water. Rights Commission (ER, Amend. 4, p.12.1-2), includes provisions to protect the rights of downstream users during per-101s of low flow in the Brazos River.2 During these low flow periods, water must be released fr)m the cooling lake at the rate of Allens Creek natural flow or the applicant may call fur a l water release from the BRA reservoirs and allow this water to pas's the makeup water intake struc-ture. If the applicant calls for the release of water from the BRA reservoirs, this water shall be deemed as water diverted at the makeup water intake structure. E) cept during periods of high flows in the Brazos River, the contract states that the applicant ca n divert water from the Brazos River at any rate up to two times tha annual allotment provided the applicant gives BRA a 14-day notice specifying the date when it will start pumping water at a given rate or change it to another rate. For an allotment of 90,000 acre-ft/ year, the applicant con divert water at a maximum rate of 250 cfs and for an allotment of 176,000 acre-f t/ year, the aaplicant can divert water at a maximum rate of 486 cfs. For the two-unit Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, the applicent plans to pump makeup water at the rate of 250 cfs only during the months of October through March unless the Brazos River contains an extremely high TDS concentration. During periods of high flows in the Brazos River, the contract allows the applicant to divert ) water frcm the Brazos River at great?r rates than those stated above provided that these rates  ! do not interfere with the rights of the parties downstream of the station.3 Texas Water Rights Comission Permit No. CP-235 allcws the applicant to divert water from the Brazos River at a maximum rate of 660 cfs; however, the total capacity of the pumps in the makeup water intake structure will be 328 cfs (Sect. 3.4.3). 5-1

5-2 Other inflows to Allens Creek cooling lake include about 28,500 acre-f t/ year as direct rainfall and about 24,000 acre-f t/ year as runof f from the Allens Creek catchment area (Fig. 3.3). The total yearly inflow (from all sources) is about 142,500 acre-ft. Approximately 70,000 acre-f t/ year will be returned to the Brazos River as spillage. Evaporation will account for between 71,000 acre-f t/ year (average loss at 80% load) and 83,000 acre-f t/ year , (maximum loss at 100% load). This evaporative loss should be compared to the evapotranspiration that occurs without the lake, estimated by the applicant at 30,000 acre-f t/ year (ER, p. 3.3-2), and by the staff at 22,000 acre-f t/ year. The staff estimate is based on the average evaporative loss per acre over the entire Allens Creek catchment area, but it is likely that evaporative losses are indeed somewhat greater in the moist bottom land where the proposed cooling lake is to be buil t. Therefore, the average consumptive use of water due to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will be about 49,000 acre f t/ year. The BRA has assured the applicant of an adequate water supply.4 In addition, studies by the applicant show that an adequate water supply would have been available during the severest drought on record (ER, App. F and Table 2.5-0). Allens Creek cooling lake will be available to the public for boating, fishing, and swi'. ming. The fishery potential of the lake is discussed in Sect. 4.3.2.3. The recreational facilities are described in Sect.10.4.1.2. 5.2.2 Groundwa te r The applicant estimates that seepage losses from the cooling lake to the groundwater will be 7400 acre-f t the first year, 2500 acre-ft the second year, and 1000 acre-f t/ year thereaf ter (ER, Sect. 5.1.8.2, and ER, Table 3.3-1). Over the projected 40-year life of the plant, the zone of influence will extend approximately 1000 f t from the cooling lake perimeter (ER, p. 5.1-23a). The presence of the cooling lake may degrade to some extent the quality of water in nearby wells, since these are drilled to depths of 55 to 100 f t well below the cooling lake, but such potential degradation will be confined to a relatively snall area adjacent to the cooling lake. Two wells are planned by the applicant to supply nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) re,+ and provide water for drinking, washing, and miscellaneous purposes. Each well wil' have a- . ta n-taneous capability of 500 gpm, and one will be considered a standby (ER, p. 3.3-3). If plant uses water at the full instantaneous demand rate (500 gpm), 806 acre-ft would be pw~ 1 in a year. A net depletion of groundwater would not occur, considering the 1000-acre-ft, - seepage rate. The applicant has stated that any existing wells to be covered by the cooling lake will be sealed in a manner appropriate to ensure that seepage via this route does not affect groundwater strata. 5.2.3 Wa ter quality __standa rds Texas Water Quality Board Standards,' which are approved by the Region VI Environmental Protec-tion Agency Office, indicate that there are no temperature requiremerits for privately owned reservoirs that are constructed principally for industrial cooling purposes. Allens Creek cooling lake is such a body of water. The standards shown below (Source : ER, p. 2.5.8A) apply to the Brazos River at the point where the cooling lake discharge enters the river:

1. chloride, average not to exceed 300 mg/ liter;

2. sulphate, average not to exceed 150 mg/ liter;

3. total dissolved solids, average not to exceed 900 ng/ liter;

4. dissolved oxygen, not less than 5.0 mg/ liter;

5. pH range, 6.5-8.5;

6. fecal coliform, logarithmic average not more than 200 per 100 milliliters;

7. temperature, maximum upper limit 95"F or 5 F* rise over ambient temperature.

i 4

5-3 The temperature standard allows for a mixing zone of up to 25% of the cross-sectional area of the stream. Studies of the water discharging into the Brazos River indicate that this standard will be met as discyssed in Sect. 5.3. In addition, the numerical standards for chemicals set forth in items 1-6 above will also be met by proper operation of the plant. P 5.3 EFFECTS OF OPERATION OF HEAT-DISSIPATION SYSTEM 5.3.1 Applicant's thenna'l analysis The applicant analyzed the behavior of Allens Creek cooling lake and its effect on the Brazos River using the hydrological and meteorological data for the period January 1952 through December 1968. It was assumed in these studies that at full operating load, the station would add 16.0 x 109 Btu /hr of heat to the cooling lake and that the circulating water temperature rise would be 19.5 F* (10.8 C*). It was further assumed that over long periods of time the average plant factor would be 80%. The approach used was first to determine the cooling lake's operating water levels, total dis-solved solids concentration, and the intake circulating water temperatures. Then, for certain critical periods, the applicant determined the distribution of the temperatures of the water in the cooling lake including that of the water discharging into the spillway. The effect on the Brazos River of water flowing from the cooling lake was then estimated. To deter ine the cooling lake's water level, the rates of water evaporation nust be known. The applicant predicted this using the model of Patterson et al.,6 which is based to a great extent on the work of Edinger and Geyer.7 Two methods of furnishing makeup water to the cooling lake were considered (ER. Amend. 4, p. 3.4-5 and 3.4-7E): (1) intermittent makeup operation, where the makeup water is pumped only during the first three and the last three months of the year at a rate twice the average of the annual water allotment; and (2) continuous makeup operation, where the makeup water is pumped during the entire year at the average of the annual water allotment. The applicant assumed in these analyses that no makeup water would be pumped from the Brazos River when the river water TDS concentration exceeded 900 ppm. For the intermittent makeup operations, months missed for makeup water pumping when the river TDS levels exceeded 900 ppm would be made up by pumping the following months when the river TDS levels dropped below 900 ppm. Monthly evaporation rates from Allens Creek cooling lake for these two modes of operations are tabulated in ER Tables 3.4-1, 3.4-1 A, 3.4-8, and 3.4-9. The sums of these for each year are tabulated in Table 5.1. This table shows that there is about 70,600 acre-f t of water evaporated f rom. Allens Creek cooling lake each year, of which about 46,200 acre-f t.is due to natural evapo-ration and the remainder is due to forced evaporation. There is some variation in the evapora. tion rates from year to year because of meteorolvgical changes, but there is very little effect due to the mode of water makeup from the Brazos River. Some of the water evaporated from Allens Creek cooling lake is replaced by rainfall falling directly into the lake and by the Allens Creek runoff. Values of these are shown in Table 5.2, where it can be seen that about 51,600 acre-ft of water per year is replaced in the cooling lake by natural means. However, it can be seen that there is considerable variation in the amount of water that is replaced for any given year. In 1954 only 16,900 acre-ft of water would have been replaced by natural means, while in 1959 replacement of water by natural means would have ex-ceeded the natural loss by about 26,600 acre-ft. The applicant will pump water from the Brazos River at rates much greater than those shown in Table 5.2 to limit the buildup of dissolved material in the cooling lake water. The applicant has contracted to pump 90,000 acre-ft of water per year from the Brazos River to the cooling lake and let the excess water flow over the spillway back into the Brazos River. When the Brazos River flow falls below 1100 cfs at the Richmond gage (ER, Amend. 4, p. 3.4-70), water l i will be released to the river either from the cooling lake or from an upstream storage reservoir  ! In an amount equal to the original, natural flow of Allens Creek. If release from upstream storage is required this amount will be subtracted from the applicant's contracted supply. These makeup and release rates, along with the evaporation and natural makeup water rates, were used to determine the history of the cooling lake water level and the TDS concentration in the f cooling lake that would have taken place during January 1952-December 1968. Resul ts of these studies are reported in the ER, Tables 3.4-1 A and 3.4-9, Fig. 3.4-10, and in the report supporting the applicant's application to the Texas Water Quality Board.8 (Results of additional studies for four reactor units operating on Allens Creek cooling lake with 120,000 atre-f t of water withdrawal from the Brazos River are also reported in these references and the applicant's application to the Texas Water Rights Comission.9)  :

5-4 Table 5.1. Applicant's estimated values of water evaporation rates at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80% plant factor in acre. feet per year

                                      - Natural evaporation                 Forced evaporation           Total evaporation Yea'       Interma ttent      Contmuous       intermittent      Continuous  intermittent     Continuous makeup           rnakeu;)          makeup          makeup       makeup          makeup 1952             46,886           47,046           ,24,498          24,338       71,384          71,384 1953             48,410           48,579            24,568          24,546       72,978          73,125 1954             51,397           51,545            24,717          24.716       76,114          76,261 1956             48,270           48,527            24,634          24,529       72,904          73,05,6 1956             49,380           49,460            24,530          24,608       73,910          74,068 1957             44,436           44,577            24,787          24,824       09,223          69,401 1958             45,319           45,087            24,255          24,346       69,574          69,433 1959             45,133           45,251            24,263          24,260       69,396          69,511 1960             43,410           43,502            24,149          24,138       67,559          67,640 1961             43,795           43,853            24,384          24,404       68,179          68,257 1962             46,134           46,364            24,655          24,699       70,789          71,063 1960             48,184           48,627            24,239          24,264       72,423          72,891 1964             45,799           45,607            24,349          24,323       70,148          69,330 1965             46,530           46,790            24,573          24,070       71,103          70,860 1966              42,811          42,941            24,019          24,057       66,830          66,998 1967             46.376           46,628             24,318         24,259       70,694          70,887 1968             42,183           42,263            23,911          23,907       66,094          60,170 Avermje         46,144           46,273            24,403          24,370       70,547          70,643 Source: E R, Amend. 4, Tables 3.41 A and 3 4 9.

Table 5.2. Estimated values of water use at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80% plant f actor and mtermittent makeup y in acre feet per year Total Allens Creek Direct Required enakeup evaporahond runof@ ramlall' from Brazos R er 1952 71,384 21,587 29,329 20,468 1953 72,978 34,435 33,386 5,157 1954 76,114 1,620 15,262 59,232 1955 72,904 9,154 23,942 39,808 1956 73,910 2,746 15,377 55.787 1957 69.223 37,592 35,897 -4,266 1958 69,574 10,292 29,032 30,250 1959 69 346 59,I39 36,842 -26,585 1960 67,559 52,334 34,898 -19,673 1961 68,179 49.058 37,051 -18,830 1962 70 789 8437 25.637 36,515 1963 72,423 8394 15,309 48,520 1964 70,148 14,833 26.035 29,280 1965 71,103 16,268 30.564 24,271 1966 66,830 29,599 24,570 12,671 1967 70.694 12,848 19,886 37,960 1968 66.094 31,758 41,202 - 7,866 Aver,ege 70,547 23,670 27,895 18,981

                                  " Sour ca E H, Amend. 4, Table 3 41 A.

• Ebasen Sers,ces Inco:porated. Atten.s Creek /Voctear Generating Station Engineer.

ing Report, report prepared for Houston Lighting and Power Company in support of an apphtation to the Texas Water Quahty Board. December 1973. rPreupitatiori at Sealy, Tem and aoummg 8100 acre lake surf ace area Sv a r t e Cl matology of the U+teri States Na 86.76, Ct,mstic Summary of the Uru red States Supplement for 1951 through 1960, 7enat US Government Printmq Of f me Washmgton. D C ,1965 Monthly data for 1961 to 1968, Enuron mer. tat Data Services, National Climatic Center j

1 l l 5-5 l 4 The studies show that the TDS concentration in the makeup water increased by an average annual factor of 1.3 to 1.9 before it is discharged f rom the cooling lake (ER, p. 3.4-6). The lake water level was found to vary between 112.3-118.0 f t above mean sea level (MSL); being above 117.0 f t MSL more than 50% of the time and above 113.0 f t MSL more than 98% of the time (ER, Amend. 4, Fig. 3.4-6a). To determine if the time period considered in the analysis of the cooling lake included'the worst historical conditions, the applicant did a simplified analysis of the cooling lake and the Brazos River for the time period of January 1932-December 1971. This study (ER, Appendix F) showed that the worst cooling lake and Brazos River conditions (low water levels and flow rates) occurred during the January 1952-December 1968 time period. The applicant also investigated the effect of increasing the plant factor during May-October from 80 to 100% on Allens Creek cooling lake characteristics. This was done for a typical year of plant operation,1964, and for a year having the greatest water evaporation rate,1954. Re-suits of these studies are sumarized in Table 5.3. The increased plant factor would have in-creased the water evaporation rate about 4.5 to 4.8% and increased the maximum drawdown in the cooling lake by about 0.4 ft. Table 5.3 also shows full recovery from the added evaporation in 1964 and close to full recovery in 1954. Examination of ER, Anend. 4. Table 3.4-1 A shows that full recovery would have taken place in 1955. Table 5.3. Effect of increasing the plant factor from 8C' to 100% for the months of May-October Typical year (1964)- year (1954) Item 80% Plant 100% Plant p p factor factor i Evaporation rates (acre-f tet/ year) Natural 45,799 45,706 51,397 51,359 F orced 24,349 27,725 24,717 28,200 Total 70,148 73,491 16,114 79,559 Cochny take water level (feet above mean sea level) January 117.4 117 4 118.0 118.0 F ebruary 118.0 118.0 118.0 118.0 l l March 118.0 118.0 118o 118.0 April 117.6 117.6 117.6 117.6 May 117.0 116.9 116.8 116.7 Jurw 116.3 116.2 115 9 115.8 July 115.4 115.2 115.0 114.8 August 1146 114.3 114.o 113.7

%tember 114 4 114.0 113.0 112.7 C4 ober 116o 115.0 114f> 114.2 November 117.6 117.2 115.9 115 6 December 118.0 118.0 117.6 117.2 l

Source: E R, Amend. 4, Tables 3.41 A--3 41C. I After making these initial calculations of the cooling lake bet.avior, the applicant then used the method of Yeh, Lai, and VermaH to predict the water temperature distribution in the cooling , lake. Such calculations were made for the year of average cooling lake temperatures, assumed to l be the year 1964, and for the year of maximum cooling lake temperatures, assumed to be the year 1962. These temperature predictions are reported in Tables 3.4-lb3.4-lG of the ER, Anend. 4 It can be seen from these tables that the maximum temperatures occur in the month of July, and these are sumarized in Table 5.4. (Figure 5.1 is to be used in conjunction with Table 5.4.) The appli-cant's studiesU further predicted that there would be very little if any stratification in the cooling lake. The applicant also ased the method of Yeh, Lai, and Verma" to predict the temperatures of the water flowing over the spillway or released through the spillway to the Grazos River. This was done both for the continuous makeup and the intermittent makeup of water from the Brazos River. In no case did the applicant find the water discharging into the Brazos River having a temper-ature greater than 91.5'F or having a temperature greater than 4.8 F* above the equilibrium temperature (ER, Sect. 3.4.3 and Ref. 3). The applicant then showed that within the statistical confidence of the data, the Brazos River water temperature is about equal to the equilibrium I temperature (ER, Amend. 4, p. 3.4-7A). These temperatures and temperature differences are with-in the 95'F maximum temperature and 5 F" dif ferential temperature limits permitted by the Texas Water Quality Standards.3 3

5-6 Table 5.4. Applicant's estimated Allens Creek coolmg lake temperatures (*F)

                                                       . for the month of July Use with Fig. 5.1 Typd year (19%                  M'* i*"*    I'*P''"

Location en year (1962) Fig. 5.1 80% Plant 1005 Plant 8(Y% Plant 10(y% Plant factw few factor factor Isothermal Imes 1 101.3 104.6 103.4 106.7 2 98 8 101.3 100.8 103.4 , 3 96.7 98.8 98.8 100.9 4 93.8 95.1 95.8 97.2 Specific points A 01.0 91.8 93.1 93.9 8 90 4 91.0 92.5 93.1 C 89.9 90.4 92.0 92.5 D P9 5 89.9 91.6 92.0 E 89 2 89 5 91.2 91.6 F 88.9 89.2 90.9 91.2 G 88.7 89.0 90.8 91.0 1 104.5 108.8 106.6 110 8 Source: E R, Amend. 4, Tables 3.4 ID-3.4-1G. I The extent Of the temperature rise of the Brazos River water due to the water discharging from Allens Creek cooling lake into the Brazos River has been estimated by the applicant using the nethods of Edinger and Polk 12 and Lau.13 The maximum sizes Of the 2 and 3 F' isotherms are j shown in Table 5.5. l Table 5.5. Estimated maximum sires of Brazos River isotherms 2 F* rise isotherm 3 F* rise isotherm Maximum plume width 0 19 0.135 River width Maximum plume cross sectional area 0.12 0.06 Rwer cross sectional area _ Plume surf ace area. acres 09 0.5 Downstream extent of plume, f t 1287 858 Source: Ebasco Services incorporated. AHens Creek % clear Gmeretmo Station Eng neermg Report. report prepared for Houston Lightmg and Power Company m support of an application to the Texas Water Ovality Board, December 1973 Exhsbit V 71. e

E S- 211

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Fig. 5.1. Key map of Allens Creek cooling 1ake to be used with Tab 1'e 5.4. t ! Source: ER, Amend. 4, Fig.'3.4-11A.

  , --    - _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ = _ . _                      _-_ .             _ . _ - _ _ _ _ _ . -                                          -        -               -          -                                                   _ . _ .              - _ - - - _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _

l. 1 5-8 5.3.2 Staf f's themal_analyg The staff detemined the water evaporation rates and temperature distributions in Allens Creek cooling lake using the model of Ryan and Harleman l Hydrological and meteorological data for the period from January 1952-December 1971 were used in the staff's analysis. It was assumed in the staff's studies that at full operating load, the Station would add 16.58 x 109 Btu /hr of heat to the cooling lake and that the circulating water temperature rise would be 19.5 F* (10.8 C'). It was assumed by the staff, as by the applicant, that the average plant factor over long periods of time would be 80%. Gross water evaporation rates from Allens Creek cooling lake were determined by the staff and are shown in Table 5.6. Comparing these results with those of the applicant shown in Table 5.1 it can be shown that the staff's and the applicant's results show the same v rf ation in water evaporation rates from year to year. However, the staf f's resul ts are consisJently higher. Part of this is due to the increased heat loading used by the staff in its analysis of the cool-ing lake; 16.58 x 103 Btu /hr as compared to 16.00 x 109 Btu /hr. The effect of this will mean slightly less water will be released from the cooling lake, and the maxiumum cot ling lake draw-down level could be slightly lcwer, say about 0.3 f t. Considering this differerce in heat loading, the staff's predictions in Table 5.6 agree with the applicant's predict'ons in Table 5.1. Table 5.6. Staffs evaluation of water evaporation rates at Allens Creek cooling lake at an 80% plant f actor in acre feet per year Year Total evaporation rate 1952 77,605 1953 75.581 1954 78,068 1955 74,520 1956 77.106 1957 71,758 1958 71,719 1959 70,775 1960 71,337 1961 71,830 1962 73,777 1963 74,187 1964 72,370 1965 74,198 1966 71,699 1967 74,776 1968 72,264 1969 70,813 1970 67,673 1971 70,230 Average 73,114 Temperature calculations by the staff indicate that the highest temperatures would occur in the month of July, and that there would be little if any stratification in the cooling lake. There-fore, the staff concurs with the applicant about the month of highest temperatures and stratif f-cation. The staff!s calculations indicate that the year of average lake temperature is 1964, which concurs with the ye6r chosen by the applicant. The staff's calculations also indicate that the year of highest lake temperatures is 1969, which is different from the year 1962 calcu-lated by the applicant. Results of the staff's temperature calculations for July 1962, July 1964, and July 1969 art; shown in Table 5.7. Comparing the staff's results with those of the applicant, it can be seen that Allens Creek cooling lake temperatures calculated by the staff are lower than those calculated by the applicant. Even for the selected hot year, the tempera-tures calculated by the staf f for July 1969 are lower than those calculated by the applicant f j for July 1962. Therefore, the staff concurs with the applicant that the Allens Creek cooling lake temperatures will not exceed those shown in Table 5.4.

9: Table 5.7.- Staff's evaluation of Allens Creek cochng take during the month of July at a 100E plant factor . Temperatures: *F Fraction of Typical Apphcant's maximum Staff's maximum lake area year temperatuse year temperature year witt in isotherm (1964) (1962) (1969) 0.00 106.0 108,7 109.8 0.01 103.4 106.2 107.4 0.06 101.4 100.7 105.6 0.11 98 9 98.2 102.4 0.15 95.5 96.7 100.0 0.20 93.6 94.7 98.0 0.25 92.1 93.5 96.5 0.30 90.9 92.6 95.3 0.35 89.9 91.8 94.3 0.40 88.6 91.2 93.5 0.45 88.1 90.7 92.8 0.50 87.7 90.3 92.3 0.55 87.3 90.0 91.8 0.60 86.7 - 89.4 91.4 0.65 86.7 89.4 91.1 0.70 86.7 89.4 90.4 0 75 86.7 89.4 90.4 0.80 86.7 89.4 90.4 0.85 86.7 89.4 90.4 0 90 86.7 89.4 90 4 0.95 86.7. 89.4 90.4 1.00 86.7 89.4 90.4 Equihbrium 83.8 86.3 87.1 The variation of Allens Creek cooling lake circulating water intake and discharge temperatures and equilibrium temperatures during the calendar year 1969 are shown in Fig. 5.2. For July the I intake and discharge cinulating water temperatures in the cooling lake would be 90.2 and 109'F, respectively. Although'these are tt.e highest temperatures calculated by the staff, the general shape of the curves in Fig. 5.2 is the same as those for the other years considered in the staff's studies. The staff estimated, by potential flow analysis, that the water discharging from Allens Creek cooling lake into the Brazos River would have about the same temperature as that of the circu-  ; lating water being pumped into the station. Therefore, the circulating water intake temperatures shown in Fig. 5.2 are also the estimated cooling lake discharge temperatures .to the Brazos River. l The staff compared the cooling lalre equilibrium temperatures with the Brazos River temperature data. The staff concurs with the applicant that, for all practical purposes, the Brazos River tehperatures can be assumed to be equal to the equilibrium temperatures. Differences between the cooling lake spillage water temperature and the equilibrium temperatures at a 100% plant factor are shown in Table 5.8. It can be seen that except for the month of January 1970, all these differences are less than 5 F*. For January 1970 this diffemnce would be 5.68 F'. Since the station probably will be operated at an 80% plant factor, this difference would be 5.17 F' for this situation. It can be seen from the staff's analysis that the temperature of the water released from Allens ' Creek cooling lake would never exceed the Texas Water Quality Board Standardsil limit of 95'F. Also, with the exception of January 1970, the difference between this temperature and the Brazos River temperature has been estimated by the staff to be less than 5 F'. . The Texas Water Quality l Board Standardsil state that this difference cannot exceed 5 F' at the edge of a mixing zone  ; i volume of flow of the stream. Except for the month of January 1970 the staff concludes that :l no mixing zone would be required. l ' i The staff reviewed in detail the methods and assumptions used by the applicant to predict. the isothenns given in Table 5.5. The staff concluded that the method and assumptions used by.+he , applicant in predicting these values are reasonable and conservative. The values shown in Ta.le 5.5 show that the maximum size mixing zone to reach a 3 F' temperature excess would be 6% of the Brazos River cross sectional area. Therefore, the staff concludes that the Texas Water Quality j Standards are not exceeded for January 1970. I

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50 \, j l l 40 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 TIME (day of year) Fig. 5.2. Staff's estimate of the variation of the circulating water intake and discharge temperatures and equilibrium temperatures during the year 1969 at a 100% station factor. 5.3.3 Staff conclusions ' The staff conclude';. that results of its and the applicant's thennal analyses are essentially in agreenent. The staff further concludes that the assumptions used by the applicant are both reasonaale and conservative. The staff estimates that operating Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will result in, on the average, a 0.8% increase in the total dissolved solids concentration in the Brazos River. However, at times it can be as high as 8% (ER, p. 5.1-10). For January 1970, a worst case, the staff's results shown in Table 5.8 indicate that difference between the temperature excess at the spillway entrance and the 5 F* temperature excess permitted by the Texas Water Quality Standards is 0.7 F'. Comparing this with the 3 F* isothenn shown in Table 5.5 it can be seen that the mixing zone would be very small, much less than 6% of the Brazci River cross-sectional area.

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5-11 Table 5.8. Staff's evaluation of the difference between the spillage water temperature I and equihbrium temperature for Aliens Creek cooling lake at a 100% plant factor ) l Year Jan. Feb. M ar. Apr. May . lune July Aug._ Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. j 1952 2.21 2.36 2.90 3.05 2.80 2.67 2.70 2.62 2.62 3.15 2.62 - 3.67 l l 1953 3.09 3.28 2.39 2.71 2.23 2.57 2.46 2.80 3.23 2.98 2.66 3.47 1954 .2.93 2.73 2.56 2.18 3.19 2.50 2.63 2.67 2.58 2.70 2.77 3.04 I i 1955 3.11- 2.47 2.32 2.34 2.3c 2.76 2.35 2.69 2.55 2.91 2.50 3.34 1956 3.30 2.73 3.22 2.68 2.78 2.96 2.90 2.66 2.82 3.10 2.89 3.21 1957 2.85 .2.86 3 05 1.85 2.29 2.52 2Y 2.84 2.54 3.07 2.66 3.26 < 1958 3 68 3.65 3.47 2.7J 2.68 2.56 2.67 2.77 2.o1 ' 2.60 3.07 3.91 1959 3.54 2.96 3.11 2.61 2.45 2.54 2.70 2.54 2.57 2.67 3.76 3.26 1960 3.65 3.64 3.48 2.53 2.63 2.70 2.89 2.69 3.12 2.92 3.05 3.78 1961 4.61 3.50 2.73 2.98 2.67 2.79 2.87 2.92 2.36 2.94 2 87 3.06 1962 3.36 2.27 3.32 2.63 2.56 2.75 2.86 2.58 2.63 2.76 3.16 3.47 1963 3.68 3.49 2.59 2.05 2.63 2.66 2.55 2.85 2.48 3.08 2.45 4.10 1964 3.44 3.69 2.87 1.96 2.40 2.57 2.64 2.51 2.58 3.25 2.95 3.10 = 1965 3.14 2.66 2.94 2 36 1.87 2.58 2.65 2.74 2.41 3.15 2.52 2.81 1966 3.63 3.77 2.97 2.03 2.23 2.93 2.62 2.52 2.89 2.93 3.09 3.39 1967 3.43 3 06 2.49 2.07 2.45 2.67 2.51 2.48 2.56 2.94 2.58 3.06 1968 3.23 3.76 2.99 2.20 2.45 2.44 2.67 2.64 2.61 2.80 2.68 3.16 1969 2.92 2.65 3.25 2.75 2.96 3.17 3.07 3.18 3.52 3.16 4 97 4.72 1970 5.68 4.30 3.88 2.83 3.15 3.29 3.25 3.23 2.88 3.99 4.69 3.53 1971 3.56 3.54 3.68 3.36 2.92 2.93 2.82 3.46 2.74 3.70 1.30 3.48 5.4 RADIOLOGICAL IMPACTS 5.4.1 Impact on biota other than man 5,4.1.1 E.xposure pathways 4 The pathways by which biota other than man may receive radiation doses in the vicinity of a nuclear power station are shown in Fig. 5.3. Two recent comprehensive reportsis.15 have been concerned with radioactivity in the environment and these pathways. They can be read for a more detailed explanation of the subjects that will be discussed below. Depending on the pathway being considered, terrestrial and aquatic organisms will receive.either approximately the same radiation doses as man or somewhat greater doses. Although no guidelines have been established for desirable limits for radiation exposure to species other than man, it is generally agreed that the limits c tablished for humans are also conservative for these species.17 5.4.1.2 Radioactivity in the environment The quantities and species of radionuclides expected to be discharged annually by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating St.' ion in liquid and gaseous effluents have been estimated by the staff and are given in Tables 3.7 and 3.8 respectively. The basis for these values is discussed in Sect. 3.5. For the determination of doses to biota other than man, specific calculations are done primarily for the liquid effluents. The liquid effluent quantities, when diluted in the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station cooling lake, would produce an average gross activity equilibrium concentration, excluding tritium, of 1.3 x 10-" picocuries per milliliter in the ' cooling lake in 40 years. Uncer the same conditions, the tritium concentration would be 2.3 x l 10-1 picoeuries per milliliter. Additional discussion concerning liquid dilution is presented in Sect. 5.4.2.2. Doses to terrestrial animals such as rabbits or deer due to the gaseous effluents are quite sim-ilar to those calculated for man (Sect. 5.3). For this reason, both the gaseous effluent concen-trations at locations of interest and the dose calculations for gaseous effluents am discussed in detail in Sect. 5.4.2.3. 5,4 .1. 3 Dose rate estimates The annual radiation doses to both aquatic and terrestrial biota including man were estimated on the assumption of constant concentrations of radionuclides at a given point in both the water and air. Referr;ng to Fig. 5.3, radiation dose has both internal and external components. Ex- - ternal components originate from innersic in radioactive air and water and from exposure to radioactive sources on surfaces, in distant volumes of air and water, in equipment, etc. Internal exposures'are a result of ingesting and breathing radioactivity.

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Ilmmersion Ingestion  % Immen t on' ~ Se ments v_ . , S Fig. 5.3. Exposure pathways to biota other than man. Ooses will be delivered to aquatic organisms living in the water containing radionuclides dis-charged fronn the power station. This is principally a consequence of physiological mechanisms that concentrate a number of elements that can be present in the aqueous environment. The ex-tent to which elements are concentrated in fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants upon uptake or ingestion has been estimated. Values of relative biological accumulation factors (ratio of concentration of radionuclide in organisms to that in the aqueous environment) of a nucer of water-borne elements for several organisms are provided in Table 5.9. Doses to aquatic plants and fish living in the cooling lake due to water uptake and ingestion (intermal exposure) were calculated to be 2.0 and 3.0 x 10-1 millirads per year, respectively, for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station operation. The cooling lake concentrations were those given above and it was assumed that these organisms spent all of the year in water at 40-year equilibrium concentrations. All calculated doses are based on standard models.18 External doses to terrestrial animals other than man are determined on the basis of gaseous effluent concentrations and direct radiation cuntributions at the locations where such animals may actually be present. Terrestrial animals in the environs of the station will receive approx-imately the same external radiation doses as those calculated for man. Table 5.10 lists the doses due to the gaseous effluents. An estimate can be made for the ingestion dose to a terrestrial animal such as a duck which is assumed to consume only aquatic vegetation growing in the water in the cooling lake. The duck ingestion dose was calculated to be about 1.6 millirads per year, which represents an upper-limit estimate since equilibrium was assumed to exist between the aquatic organisms and all radionuclides in water, a nonequilibrium condition for a radionuclide in an actual exposure situation would result in a smaller bioaccumulation and, therefore, in a smaller dose from in-ternal exposure.

l 5-13 Table 5.9. Freshwater bioaccumulation factors

• Dioaccumulation f actor Element (pCi/kg of organism per pCi/hter of water)

Fish invertebrates Plants l C 4,550 9,100 4,550 Na 100 200 500 P 100,000 20,000 500,000 Sc 2 1,000 10,000 Cr 200 2,000 4,000 Mn 400 90,000 10,000 Fe 100 3,200 1,000 Co 50 200 200 Ni 100 100 50 Zn 2,000 10,000 20,000 Rb 2,000 1,000 1,000 Sr 30 100 500 Y 25 1,000 5,000 Zr 3 7 1,000 Nb 30,000 100 800 Mo 10 10 1,000 Tc 15 5 40 Ru 10 300 2,000 Rh 10 300 200 Ag 2 770 200 Sn 3,000 1,000 100 Sb 1 10 1,500 Te 400 150 100 1 15 5 40 Cs 2,000 100 500 Bs 4 200 500 La 25 1,000 5,000 Ce 1 1,000 4,000 Pr 25 1,000 5,000 Nd 25 1,000 5,000 Pm 25 1,000 5,000 l Sm 25 1,000 5,000 Eu 25 1,0uo 5,000 Gd 25 1,000 5,000 W 1,200 10 1,200 i Np 10 400 300 Pu 4 100 350 Am 25 1,000 5,000 l Cm 25 1,000 5,000

                                 *S. E. Thompson, C. A. Burton, D. J. Ouinn, and Y C. NO,           l Concentration Factors of Chemical Ekments in Ediboe Aquatic Orpenisms, UCRL-50564, Rev.1 (1972).

The literature relating to radiation effects On Organisms is extensive, but very few studies have been conducted On the effects Of continuous 10w-level exposure to radiation from ingested radionuclides On natural aquatic Or terrestrial populations, The most recent and pertinent studies point Out that, while the existence Of extremely radi0 sensitive biota is.possible and while increased radi0 sensitivity in Organisms may result from environmental interactions, no biota have yet been discovered that show a sensitivity t0 radiation exposures as 10w as those i anticipated in the area surrounding the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. In the " BIER * , report.19 it is stated in sumary that evidence to date indicates that no Other living Organisms ' i are very much more radiosensitive than man, therefore, no detectable radiological impact is ex-pected in the aquatic biota Or terrestrial mamals as a result Of the quantity Of radionuclides to be released into the c00 ling lake and into the air by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Statt0n. l l l

l l 5-14 t Table 5.10. Annual individual doses due to gaseous effluents 3 Dose (milbrem/yead Location x/O (Sec/m ) Site boundary 1.4E -o8 1.2E-01* 12E-ol' 1.1E-02 6 (3360 m N) Nearby cow 1.oE-o8 1.4 F -o1 3.3E-01 7.oE-o l' (11.260 m NY/) (U!Iy dWry) Neare t residence 8.4E-08 1.6E-o1 3.8E-01 3.6E-02d (2740 m WSW) Visitors' center 9 2E-09 2.1 E-o1 S.oE-o1 8.oE-03b (1930 m S) Nearest beach 6.4E-09 isE-01 3.5E-01. 6.oE-036 (1930 m SSE) , *Equ6 vale *it dose in air at north site boundary. millirad /yesc gamma, 0.23, beta, t o.50. 6 Pathway is inhalation by child with 2.g thyroid. *

                           'Parhway includes inhalation and I liter / day milk consumption by child with a 2q Syroid.
                           #Pathway includes inhr.9 tion and 18 kg vegetable consumption for 3 months by j                        an adult.

5.4.2 Impact on man 5.4.2.1 Eyosure pathways Routine power generation by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will result in the re-lease of small quantities of fission and activation products to the environment. This evaluatio. will provide dose estimates which can serve as a basis for a determination that releases to unratricted areas are as low as practicable in accordance with 10 CFR 50 and within the limits specified in 10 CFR 20. The AEC staff has estimated the probable nuclide releases from the Allens Creek Naclear Generating Station based upon experience with comparable operating reactors and an evaluation of the radioactive waste system. These releases have been discussed in Sect. 3.5. Estimations were made of radiation doses to man via the most significant pathways among those diagrantned in Fig. 5.4. The calculations are based on conservative assumptions regarding the dilutions of effluent gases and radionuclides in the liquid discharge, and the use by man of the plant surroundings. In general, radiation doses calculated by the staff are intended to apply to an average adult; specific persons will receive higher or lower doses, depending upon their age, living habits, food preferences, or recreational activities. Based upon experience at comparable operating nuc'iear power reactors, an estimate has been made of the occupational radiation exposures expected to result from plant operation. 5.4.2.2 Liquid ef,fluents Expected radionuci de releases in the liquid effluent have been calculated for the 'Allens Creek Nuclear Generattag Station and are listed in Table 3.7. In the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station cooling like, the gross activity 40-year equilibriuni concentration, exclusive of tritium, is estimated to b9 1.3 x 10-4 picoeures per milliliter. Under the same conditions, the tritium concentration wot.N be 2.3 x 10-1 picocurie per milliliter, as stated in Sect. 5.4.1.2. During normal reictor operations, a fraction of the noble gases produced will be released in the liquid effluent ard subsequently discharged into the cooling lake. The AEC Directorate of Reg-ulatory Operativis ha* analyzed operating reactor radioactive liquid effluent for noble gas content, and, unde. conditions of highest annual average noble gas concentrations in the dis-charge water, no significant doses would be delivered to human beings.

5-15 ES-84 (-- GASEOUS EFFLUENTS t! QUID

• EFFtUENTS l f l

                           . hj                                       /7 DQ Direct Irradiation

[O p g n=-i Transport of Fuel and thste Irradiation g pote - f~ co 0 N g og. Picnic) g  ; 00* -) lnd g 1 808 dh6 0 i sS*'004'g $wime 4mfnadein p

s &

                         $                   fs                        v
                           \              5f'"'<",n"jj                       J ._ffps.

g_g_p . w

                               -o - -o g                                                                ,

e l Fig. 5.4. Exposure pathways to man. Consumption of water represents a potentially sigtificant exposure pathway to the population. However, there are no drinking water supplies with;n 58 miles of the plant that could be affected by the plant liquid ef fluents. Even though the cotling lake water is not to be used as a water supply, individual doses via this pathway are evalu tted at the 40-year cooling lake equilibrium 1 concentrations using standard dose modelste and an essumed daily consumption of 1.2 liters. Dilu-tion was catalated using the models discussed in Rt f. 20. 1 potential dose from any other i water supply would be less than that of cooling lake water as auitional dilution would occur. In addition, under normal operating conditions no pot ential exists for ground-water contamination. Other pathways of relative importance involve recreat'onal use of the lake in the vicinity of I the future state park. Individual doses from consumir g fish caught in the cooling lake were I evaluated using the biological accumulation factors liited in Table 5.9 and standard models.18 Swinming, boating, and fishing in the cooling lake wert also included in the evaluation. I Table 5.11 Sununarizes the potential individual doses fn m the liquid effluents. l Doses from shoreline activities result primarily from the buildup of radionuclides such as ts-137 f deposited onto the shore. These radionuclides are initia lly mixed with the effluent and then i settle out of the water. Deposition along the shore will result in the greatest potential for individual exposure. Swinaning in the water does not result in doses as high as '. hose from shoreline activities because of smaller concentration in the water and the higher shielding effect of the water.

5-16 Table 5.11. Annual indivieaal doses from liquid effluents in coolingtake at equilehrtum E followed by a number denotes enultiplication by a power of to (e g., 5.oE 5.0 X 10-2) Dose (mdlirem/ year) ' Total body GI tract T hyt oid Bone Fish ingsstion 5.oE 5.2E-02 1.1E-02 5.4E-n2 : Swimming (100 hr/ year) 3.oE-oS -  ! Boating (100 br/ year) 1.5E-06 . l Water ingestion " 1.4E-02 . 1.4E-o2 3.oE-02 1.4E-03 Shorehne activities 1.6E-02 (500 hr/ year) 5.4.2.3 Gaseous effluents Radioactive effluents released' to the atmosphere from the plant will result in the most signif-- icant radiation doses to the public. AEC staff estimates of the probable gaseous and iodine . releases listed in lable 3.8 were used to evaluate potential doses. All dose calculations were i perfor;ned using annual average site meteorological conditions and assuming that releases occur at a constant rate. Doses resulting from elevated and near ground releases of radioactive gases have been calculated by considering intnersion in those gases as well as radiation from the ele-vated plune.tt.22 Hence, the given gaseous diffusion factors (x/Q's) can only be used to directly calculate doses associated with ingestion or inhalation pathways. The primary food pathway to man involves the ingestion by dairy cows of radiciodine deposited onto grazing areas; consumption of milk from these cows can result in exposure to the human - thyroi d. Doses to a child's thyroid which would result from consuming one liter of milk daily fmm a cow grazing twelve mnths annually were calculated for nearby milk cows using recognized mdel s.21 The Lilly dairy, 7 miles NW, has a higher X/Q than Wallis, 4 miles SE, where three dairy cattle are located. As a consequence a cow at the Lilly dairy would-produce a greater thyroid dose than would one at Wallis. Another food pathway to man of secondary importance involves' the consumption of leafy vegetables subject to deposition of the radionuclides released to the atmsphere. The thyroid dose result-ing from the consumption of leafy vegetables produced at the nearest residence during the growing period was evaluated. All doses due to gaseous effluents are sunnarized in Table 5.10. 5.4.2.4 Direct radiation 5.4.2.4.1 Radiation fmm the facility

' Normal reactor power plant operations result in some human exposure to direct radiation (i.e.,

' radiation from contained sources). The principal sources of human exposure to direct radiation that would result from the operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station are the high-pressure turbines of the boiling water reactors. As a consequence of nuclear reactions occurring in the primary heat-exchange loop of these systems (particularly, the 0-16 (N,P) N-16 reaction), energetic gamma rays are produced. In their passage through the containment and the atmsphere, the flux is attentuated and the gamma energy is degraded. Estimates of direct radiation dose may be obtained using values measured at another site.23 The closest distance to the site boundary from the plant turbine is about 4400 f t SW of the turbine building direction. At a plant factor of 80%, the oirect radiation dose delivered to a person at this location for full-time occupancy is estimated to be 3.0 x 10-1 millirem per year, all I other off-site dimct radiation doses due to operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating f Station will be less than the aforementioned value .inder the sane conditions. 1 i 5.4.2.4.2 Transportation of radioactive material The transportation of cold fuel to a reactor, of irra11ated fuei from the reactor to a fuel , reprocessing plant, and of solid radioactive wastes from the reactor to burial grounds .is within I

5-17 the scope of the AEC report entit1ed, Environmental Survey of Transportation of Radioactive Materials te and from Nuclear Pouer Planta. The environmental effects of such transportation are sunsnarized in Table 5.12. Tatie 5.12. Environmental impact of transportation of fuel and waste to and frc.m one light-water. cooled nuclear power reactor 8 Normal conditions of transport Environmental impact Heat, weight, and traffic density - Negligible Estimated Range of doses Exposed population . exposed population

                                                                                            "'"'P""'"Y                 l e              (millir     p re tor year) l Transportation workers               200              0.01 to 300                           4                l General pubhc va Ars                           1,100              0.003 to 1.3 3

Along rcute 600,000 0.0001 to 0.06 , 8 Data supportirt this table are given in the Commission's Environmental Survey of reansportation of Radioactive Materials ro and From Nuclear Power Plants, WASH 1238 December 1912. 6The Federal Radianon Council has recommended that the radiation doses from all sources of I radiation other than natural teckground and medical exposures should be limited to 5,000 millirems / ] year for individuals as a result of occupational exposure and should be limited to 500 mihirems/ year for individuals in the general population. The dose to individJals due to everage natural bdCkground radiation is about 130 millirems / year, cMan rem is an expression for the summation of whole-body doses to individuals in a group, Thus, if each member of a population group u 1,000 peopie were to receive a dose of 0.001 rem (1 millirem), or if 2 people were to receive a dose of 0.5 rem (500 millirems) each, the total man rem in each case would be 1 man-rem. 5.4.2.4.3 O_ccupational radiation exposure Based on a review of the applicant's safety analysis report, the staff will determine that indi-vidual occupational doses can be maintained within the limits of 10 CFR 20. Radiation dose limits of 10 CFR 20 are based on a thorough consideratbn of the biological risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Maintaining radiaUon doses of plant personnel within these limits ensures that the risk associated with radiation expos 7ter than those risks normally accepted by workers in other present-day industries.2i.ure is no . compiled by the Commission 25,26 Using information and others2n2a of past experience from operating nuclea reactor plants, it is estimated that the average collective dose to all on-site personnel at large operating nuclear plants will be approximately 450 man-rems per year per unit. The total dose for this plant will be influenced by several factors for which definitive numerical values are not available. These factors are expected to lead to doses to on-site personnel lower than estimated above. Improvements to the radioactive waste effluent treatment system to maintain off-site population doses as low as prac-ticable may cause an increase to on-site personnel doses, if all other factors remain unchanged. However, the applicant's implementation of Regulatory Guide 8.8 and other guidance provided through the staff radiation protection review process is expected to result in an overall reduc-tion of total doses from those currently experienced. Because of the uncertainty in the factors modifying che above estimate, a value of 900 man-rems will be used for the occupational radiation exposure for the two-unit station. 5.4.2.5 Sununary of annual radiation doses The combined dose (man-rem) due to gaseous effluents to all individuals living within a 50-mile radius of the plants was calculated using the projected 1980 population data furnished by the applicant.29 Values for the man-rem dose at various distances from the plant are summarized in Table 5.13.

l i 5-18 Table 5.13. Cumulative population, annual cumulative dose, and everage annual total body dose due to gesecus effluents in selected annuti about the station E followed by a number denotes multiplication by a power of 10 (e.g.,1.8E-01 = 1.8 X 109 Cumulative Annual Average CMM annual dose radius cumulative dose (miles) (martrems) (millirem) 1 0 0.0 0.0 2 90 0.02 1.8E -01 3 450 0.10 10E-01 4 1,200 0.18 1.5E-01 5 3,020 0.30 1.0E-01 10 12,760 1.40 1.1E-01 20 61,740 2.60 4.2E-02 30 190.640 4.00 2.2E-02 40 800,250 6.30 8.0E-03 50 1,901,950 8 90 4.6E -03 e The cumulative dose resulting from the consumption of fish harvested from the cooling lake was estima ted. It was conservatively assumed that 800 lb of fish per acre of surface water are caught during the year. Thus, the 7600-acre cooling lake is predicted to yield 600,000 lb of fish per year. 4 The exposed fishing and boating population was estimated to represent 25% of the total population within a 50-mile raiius and each person was assumed to be exposed during i hr/ year of swiming and 5 hr/ year of boating in the mixing zone. The population dose from all sources including natural background, cloud imersion, drinking water ingestion, consumption of fish, recreation, transportation, and occupational exposure is suma-rized in Table 5.14 Table 5.14. Sun: nary of annual total body doses to the population within 50 mibs Cumulative dose (man rems / year) Population dose from natural environmental radioactivity 175,000 (based on 1,902.000 people) Fopulation dose from medical radiation 145,000 (based on 1,902,000 people and dose from Fig. VI 2, ORP/CSD 721)* Population dose from nuclear plant operation Plant work forca 900 General Public (based on 1,902.000 people) Gaseous cloud 8.80 hsh ingestion 0.5 Recreation (fishing, swimming, boating) Transportation, ' vel and waste 14

                                     'A. W. Klement, C. R. Miller, R. P. Minx, and B. Schleien, fstimates of Ionsting Doses in the UnitedStates. 1960--2000, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORP/CSD 721 (1972L

l 5-19 5.4.2.6 Evaluation of radiological impact The average annual, dose from gaseous effluents to persons living in unrestricted areas within 50 miles of the plant is less than 0.005 millirem per year as shown in Table 5.13. Maximum indi-vidual doses due to liquid and gaseous effluent releases are less than 5 millirems per year as een in Tables 5.11 and 5.10. These values are only a few per'c ent of the natural background exposure of 0.092 rem per year,30 are below the normal variation in background dose, and repre-sent no measurable radiological impact. Similar statements apply to the estimated maximum poten-tial exposure to an individual due to direct radiation (3.0 x 101 millirem per year). Using conservative assuinptions, the total man-rem in unrestricted areas from all effluent path-ways, received by the estimated 1980 population of 1,902,000 persons who will live within a 50-mile radius of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, would be about 24 man-rems per yea r. By comparison, an annual total of about 175,000 man-rems is delivered to the same population as a result of the average natural background dose rate of about 0.092 rem per year in the vicinity of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. The 900 man-rems estimated as occupational on-site exposure is a small percentage of the annual total of about 175,000 man-rems delivered to the 1980 population living within a 50-mile radius of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Effluents from plant operation will then be an extremely minor contributor to the radiation dose that persons living in the area normally receive from natural background radiation. The esti-mated radiation doses to individuals and to the population from normal operation of the station support the conclusion in Sect. 3.5 that the releases of radioactive materials in liquid and gaseous effluents are as low as practicable. 5.4.3 Environmental effects of the uranium fuel cycle The environmental effects of uranium mining and milling, production of uranium hexafluoride, enrichment of isotopes, fabrication of fuel, reprocessing of irradiated fuel, transportation of radioactive materials, and management of low-level and high-level radioactive wastes are within the scope of AEC report (WASH-1248) entitled Ewironmental Survey of the Uranium fuel Cycle. The contribution of such environmental effects is summarized in Table 5.15. 5.5 NONRADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 5.5.1 Terres trial l The proposed cooling lake may provide suitable habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, pis-  ; civorous predators (including Southem bald eagles, an erdangered species), aquatic mamals such ' as nutria, beaver, river otter and mink, and alligators. I Of these, only waterfowl can be expected to use the cooling lake in fairly large numbers. While the cooling lake is filling (approximetely two years), there may exist good waterfowl food-producing conditions. When the cooling lake is full, the banks will be too steep to provide any extensive shallow littoral tone that would serve as a waterfowl feeding area, 50 the usage Lauld be primarily as a resting area. Public usage of the cooling lake at the time the waterfowl are present would tend to hep the birds agitated and flying about, which means that the planned transmission lines across the j ccoling lake would constitute a special hazard under any adverse meteortloaical conditions. Birds, i routinely impir.ge on power lines (and other structures), particularly in times of low visibility.at l fogging conditions, enhanced by the heated effluent and the presence of power boats on the cooling lake disturbing the birds would make power lines across the cooling lake a hazard for 3 ducks and geese. The staff recomends, for this and other reasons, that altermte transmission route 2C around the norP end of the cooling lake be used instead of the route crossing the cooling lake. j If construction and maintenance is limited to nonnesting seasons, the Attwater's prairie chicken would probabl/ fare less hazardously than the waterfowl where the transmission lines intrude their habitat. The corridors will be mana the grassland prairie the birds rquire."ged Theto discourage access woody reads will providevegetation, open areas thereby for breed-enhancing ing display behavior and gravel necessary for gizzard stones. If tall grass prairie conditions are not maintained, the prairie chickens will disappear. t

i 5-20 Table 5.15, sumenary of environmental sensiderations for uramum fuel cycle Normaheed to model LWR annual fuel requirement Natusalirsource use Total Mmmum ef fwet per ennval fuel requirement of model 1,000 MWe LWR Land (acred Temporarsiy committed 63 Undesturbed area 45 Desturbed area 18 Equivalent to 90 MWe coal. fired power plant. Permanently committed 46 Overburden moved (milhons of megatons) 27 Equevalent to 90 MWe coal-fired power plant.

                                                             ===esew Wales pn.thons of gallons) l         Discharged tu ser                                        156         er2% model 1000 MWe LWR with coohng tower.

Discharged to water bodies 11,040 D,schsged to ground 123 Total 11.319 <4% of model 1000 MWs LWR with once through coohng- , Fowl fuel 1 Electrical energy Ithousands of MW hourl 317 <5% of model 1000 MWe LWR output. E quivaient t cal I thousands of inegatons) 115 Equivalent to the consumption of a 45 MWe coal fired power plant. Natural gas (milhons of scf I 92 <0 2% of model 1000 MWe energy output. Efflwnts-chemical (megatonal Gases (including entramment)* SO, 4.400 NOn " t,177 Equivalent to emissions from 45 MWe coal-fired plant for a year. Hydrocarbons 12.5 CO 28.7 Particulates 1,156 Other gases F- 0 72 Pnncipally from UF. production enrichment and reprocessmg. Concen-tration withm range of state standards - halow level that has t flects on human health. Liqusos SOi 10.3 From enrichmeat, fuel fabncation, and reprocessmg steps. Components NOi 26 7 that constitute a potential for adverse enveronmental effect are present I Fluor de 12 9 in diluta concentrations and receive additional dilution by receivmg Ca" 5.4 bodees of water to levels below permissebie standards The constitutents C1- 86 that require ddution and the flow of ddution water ere: Na' 16 9 NHi - 600 cfs N H,, 11.5 NO3 - 20 eis. Fe 04 Fluoride - 70 cfs. Taet ngs solutions (thousands of megatons) 240 l From mills only - no sig~fecant effluents to environment Sohds 91.000 Pnncroally from mais , no signihcant effluents to ersvironrtient. E ffluents - radiological icuned ] ( I j Gaies (including entrainment) fin 2/2 75 Pnncipally from milis - mauemum annual dose rate <4% of average Re 226 0 02 naturet bach ground withm 5 miles of mdl. R esults in 0 06 man rem Th 230 0 02 per annual fuel requirement Ur ereum 0 032 Prmcepally from fuel reprocessing plants - whole body dose is 6 in'eum (thousand) 16.7 man rem y at annual fuel requirements for population withm 50mde Kr 85 (thousands) 350 radius This is 4) 007% of average natural background dose tc tras i i129 0 0024 populution Release from Federal Wasta Repusetory of 0 005 i 1131 0.024 Ci/ year f as been mc8u ded m fession products and transuranees total Fission prmfucts and transuranics 1 01 ! Liqueds Urannan and daugiuws 21 Prmcipally from mdhng - mcluded in taihngs houor and returned to j ground - no effluents. therefore, no effect on environment. i Ra 226 0 0034 From UFa production - corcentration 5% of 10 CF F) 20 tc' total Th 230 0 0015 procemng of 27 5 model LWR annual fuel requerements ih 234 0 01 From fuel fabr caton planti- concenirar on 10% of to CF R 20 for s ' totai processing 26 annual fuel requirenwnts for model LWR. Pu 106 019 From reproce sing plants - maximum concentration 4% of 10 CFR T nisum Ethousands) 25 20 for total reprocessing of 26 aa%al fuet requinments for model LWH Sohds (buriedi Other than hign leret 601 All except 1 Ci comes from mais - mcluded m taibngs returned to g<ound - no significant af fluent to the environment,1 Ce from conversion and fuel 1shrerate's as buried Dvmal (buom) Dt)O <7% of model 1000 MWe LWR Transpo tanors iman-rew esposuse of 0334 wnrhen and geneeal cuclic.

   . - < _ _ _ _ ~ -                             _~~
      *E st mated etivents bamt upon combustion o' equiv4 ent coal for power generer,on.

F 1 ?% from natu"al gas Use arid profess

      'Cs 13 7 (0 075 Cir AF RI and Sr90 40 004 Co AFRl are also emitted
      $corcn Pe49e aph fil .20let.10 LF R 51

l 5-21 Other animals and the vegetation patterns of the station are not expected to change much due to station operation per se. Locally, vegetation at the cooling lake's edge may proliferate, at-tracting the animals that find lush vegetation suitable to their needs, and the raising of the water table may destroy small areas of mesic or xeric vegetation with the concomitant loss of the blota requiring these conditions. 5 Ruatic

• 5.5.2.1 Impacts of operation on aquatic biota The operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will potentially affect two aquatic ecosystems: (1) the Allens Creek cooling lake and (2) the Brazos River. It is the conclusion of the staff that operation of the plant will not have any significant impact on the blota of Allens Creek. Major impacts on aquatic systems in Allens Creek will be associated with construc-tion activity as discussed in Sect. 4.3.2.

5.5.2.1.1 Impa_ cts of operation on the Allens Creek cooling lake The major sources of impact on aquatic biota due to operation of electrical generating stations. utilizing once-through cooling have been sunnarized by Coutant.33 Sources of impact dut to operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station on the proposed cooling lake include: (1) temperature, (2) chen.ical discharges. -(3) water quality, (4) entrainment, and (5) impingement. Tempera ture Fish. The circulating water system of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station (Sect. 3.4) wT1T discharge water with a temperature of 19.5 F* above intake temperature into the Allens Creek cooling lake. The staff has calcciated the temperature distribution in the cooling lake for a 20-year study period. This analysis has indicated that the highest cooling lake temperatures I will normally be experienced during the month of July. For an average year (1964) in July with a j discharge temperature of 106.2 F, the entire Allens Creek cooling lake will have temperatures above 86.7'F, 50% of the lake area will be above 87.7'F, 20% will be above 93.6~, and 10% of the lake will be above 98'F (Table 5.7). The year during the study period that yielded highest lake temperatures was 1969. During July of this year with a discharge temperature of 109.8 F, the entire cooling lake would experience temperatures above 90.4*F, 50% of the lake would be above l 92.3*F, 20% would be above 98.0'F, and 10% would be above 102.4'F (Table 5.7). Temperature is a significant variable governing physical and biological parameters and processes in aquatic systems. Organisms are known to have upper and lower thermal tolerance limits, op-timum growth temperatures, preferred temperatures in gradierts, and restricted temperature limits for migration, spawning, and development. Temperature governs the occurrence, behavior, and metabolism of aquatic organisms and can modify the species composition of aquatic communities. Physical factors including viscosity, solubility of gases, and specific gravity also are affect 2d by temperature. Such physical parameters indirectly affect biological processes.34 Several reviews of the general effects of temperature on aquatic species and comunities are a va i l able . 35-4 0 Reviews specifically concerned with temperature effects due to electric power generating stations include Parker and Krenkel, 1969;41 Krenkel ard Parker, 1969;42 Na lor, 1965;43 Cairns, 1968;44 and Clark, 1969.45 Coutant 1969, " 1969,47 1970,48 and 19714 ) and Coutant and Goodyear (197250) have provided annual I(iterature reviews on the biological effec of thermal pollution. Natural surface temperatures in streams and rivers in the state of Texas can normally be quite high. Stream temperatures in the sumer comonly exceed 90'F of ten exceed 95'F and in some cases exceed 100*F. Natural sumer high temperatures in Texas reservoirs of ten exceed 90'F.51 It appears that fish species found in Texas streams can tolerate temperatures in excess of 90*F. A review of the fish collection records of Dr. Clark Hubbs at the University of Texassa indicates that 28 species that have been recognized near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site (Table 5.16) have been collected in Texas at temperatures in the range 90.5 103.l'F. Incipient upper lethal temperatures (temperatures below which a species can survive for extended periods of time) have been estimated for eight species of fish likely to be present in the Allens Creek cooling lake (Table 5.17). This lethal threshold varies with acclimation temperature. In gen-eral, these data also suggest that these species acclimated to 30*C (86'F) can survive in water approaching the temperature range 33.2-37.8'C (91.8-100.0*F) (Table 5.17) . It thus appears likely that these fish species will be able to tolerate the everage and extreme high temperature regimes predicted for the Allens Creek cooling lake.

l l 5-22 l t Table 5.16. Temperatures above 32.5*C (90.5'F) where fish species recognized near Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station l have been collected in streams and rivers in Texas Water temperatures at time Water temperatures at time 3 Species of collection of collection

                                                                                                               .C                                                                             "F                                                                                                     'C                     *F Longnose gar                    33.5                                                                92.3                                                                                         Black bullhead        33 5                  92.3          j 39 0                                                          1022                                                                                                                     35.5                  95.9 Shortrnse car                    32.5                                                                90.5                                                                                         Yellow bullhead       33.0                  91.4 34 5                                                                94.1                                                                                                                34.0 - 36.0           93.2-96 8 Pugnose minnow                  34.5                                                                94.I                                                                                                                39 0                 102.2 39.0                                                           102 2                                                                                             Mosquito fish          32.5-37.5             905-995 Silver banded shiner            33.5                                                                92.3                                                                                                                39 0- 40.0           102.2-104.0 Red shiner                      32.4-36                                                             90.5-96 8                                                                                    Green sunfish         33 0-36.0              91.4-96 8 37.5                                                               99.5                                                                                                                37.5                   99 5 l                                                                                                           39 0                                                          102.2                                                                                                                    39.0                  102.2 39.5                                                           103.1                                                                                             Warmouth sunfish      34.5-- 36.0            94.1-96 8 l

Cup 32.5 90 5 39.0 102.2 Fsthead minnow 34 5 94,1 Bluegill sunfish 32.5-33.5 90 5-92.3 Bullhead minnow 33 5-34.5 97.3-94.1 34.5- 35.0 94.1-96 0 35.5- 36.0 959-968 360-365 96 8-97.7 , 37.5 99 5 39 0 102.2 1 39 0 102.2 Longear sunfish 33 0-37.5 91.4-99.5 i Speckled chub 33.0- 33.5 91.4-92.3 39.0- 39.5 102 2-103.1 1 35.0 95.0 Redear sunfish 33.0-35 0 9 f .4 - 95.0 36.0 -36.5 96.8-97.7 39 0 102.2 39 0 102.2 Orangespotted sunfish 33 5 92.3 Mim c shiner 33 5--35,5 92.3-95 9 37.5 99 5 Smallmouth butfalo 34 5 94 1 White crappie 32 5 90.5 River carpsucker 32 5 90.5 39 0 102.2 335-340 92.3-93.2 Slou0h darter 33 0 91.4 37 5 99.5 34 5 94.1 Strird mullet 32.5 90 5 39 0 102.2 37.5 99.5 Freshwater drum 37.5 99.5 Channel cathsh 300-335 9I 4-92 3 Ginard shad 33.5 92.3 345-360 941-968 34 5 94 1 390-394 102 2-103.1 37.5 99 5 Flathead catissh 33 5 92.3 39 0, 102.2 7 35.0 95 0 36 0 96 8 Source: Fish collectic,n records of Dr. Clark Hubbs, University of Texas, Austin, Texas. In: H. B. Sharp and J. C. Gn bb. " Biological investigations . Inland Waters," Sect 4 0 in Review of Surface Wa*er Temperatures and Associated BiologicalData es Related to Tem-perature Standards in Texts. Radian Corporation,1973.

I 5-23 l I Table 5.17, incipient lethal temperature threshold for fish species recognized in the vicinity of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station

                                                "'                  Locality       Threshold                   Reference Species              Stage / age Ginard shad             Juvenile                      25           Ohio                   34.0    H ar t.1952 30           Ohio                   36 0    Hart,1952 35           Ohio                   36.5    Hart,1952 25           Tennessee              34.5    H art,1952 30           Tennessee              36 0    Hart,1952 35           1ennessee              36.5    Hart 1952 Mosquito fish            Adult                        25           Tennessee              37.0    Hart,1952 30            Tennessee             37.0    Hart,1952 35            Tennessee             37.0    H art.1952 15           Florida               35.5    Hart,1952 20            Florida               37 0    Hart,1952 30            Florida               37.0    Hart.1952 35            Florida               37.0    Hart,1952 26           Arkansas              36.6    Allen and Strawn,1967 Channel catfish          Juvenile 30           Ark ansas              37.8   Allen and Strawn,1967 34           Arkansas               38.0   Allen and Strawn,1967 Adult                         15           Florida and Ohio       30.4   Hart,1952 20           Florida and Ohio       32.8    Hart,1952 25           Flonda and Ohio        33 5    Hart,1952 Adult                         15           Flonda                 30.5    Hart,1952 Bluegill sunfish 20           Florida                32.0    Hart 1952                                                                         (

25 Florida 33 0 Hart.1952 30 Florida 33.8 Hart.1952 25 Arkansas 35.6 Neill, Strawn, and Dunn,1966 Longear sunfish 30 Arkansas 36 8 Neill, Strawn, and Dunn,1966 35 Arkansas 37.5 Neill, Strewn, and Dunn,1966 Largemouth bass 9 11 mo. 20 Florida 32 H ar t.1952 25 Floeida 33 Hart,1952 30 Florida 33 7 Hart,1952 20 Ohio 32.5 H ar t,1952 25 Ohio 34 5 Hart,1952 30 Ohio 36.4 Hart 1952 under yearling 30 Tennessee 36.4 Hart 1952 35 Tennessee 36 4 Hart,1952 22 Wisconsin 31.5 H ar t,1952 Bluntnose minnow Adult 95 Ontano 26 0 H ar t.194 7 10 Ontario 28 3 Hart,194 7 15 Ontario 20.6 H art.1947 20 Ontario 31.7 H art,1547 l 25 Ontano 33.3 H art,1947 F athead minnow Adult 10 Ontario 28 2 H art.1947 ' Ontario 31.7 Hart,1947 Adtit 20 r 30 Ontario 33.2 Hart.1947 l l l R eferences for Table 5.17 K. O. Allen and K. Su awn.1967. 'T.aat tolerance of channel catfish." Proc.17st Annu. Conf S. E. Assoc. Game & Fish , Comm. pp. 399-411. I J S. Hart.1947. " Lethal temperature relations of certain fish of the Toronto region." Trans Roy. Soc, Canada 51 (Ser.

                                                                                                                                                                                    ]

21, pp. 57 - 71.

      ' W. Hart,1952. ' Geographic variations of some physiologecal and morphological characters in certan freshwater fish."

noor. , ntano Fish. Res. Lab. LXXII,79 pp. W. H. Neill, Jr., K. Strawn, and J. E. Dunn.1966 " Heat resistance expenments with the longear sunfish. Lepomir nicpalotis (Rafinesque). Ark. Acad Sc/. Proc. 20, pp 39-49. l 1 1

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5-24 l Temperature car, also affect growth and reproduction of fish species. However, in Texas reser-voirs, studies of the effects of heated effluents generally have shown no significant differ-ences in the distribution and growth of fishes between heated (up to 99*F) and nonheated areas.52 Zengerle5 3 studied growth of white crappie in a Texas reservoir (Lake Nasworthy) receiving heated e f fluen t. Growth of fish collected in the heated discharge area was not significantly different from growth in other parts of Lake Nasworthy. Condition factor, however, was lower in the heated dreas than in nonheated areas during winter and sununer.52,53 McNeely54 studied the distribution, size, and condition of fish in North Lake, Texas. Average sunner surface temperatures range from 33.6 C (92.5'F) to 37.2'C (99'F). Bottom temperatures ranged from 30.3'c (86.5'F) to 32.4'C (90.32*F). The distribution of thirty species examined was not influenced by the heated ef-fluent, Sea rn s ,5 5 studying the growth of bluegill sunfish in three thermally loaded lakes, ob-served an inverse relationship between first year growth and megawatts per hectare of cooling , pond. Growth af ter the first year was equal to growth in other U.S. lakes. Speegless studied fish distribution in Fairfield Reservoir where sunmer temperatures near the discharge reached 36*C (96.8 F) . No significant differences in total catch between stations were found. However, stations ncar the discharge had more carp and bluegills than other stations. Hodsons2,57 studied three heated Texas reservoirs and collected a variety of fish in areas up to 38.9'C (102.0'f), On the average greater than 50% of the biomass collected in heated areas consisted of game species. A comparison of fish productivity in five Texas reservoirs receiving heated effluent and ten Texas reservoirs receiving no heated effluent indicates that fish production in heated reservoirs was as good as, if not better than, fish production in nonheated reservoirs.52 However this study assumed that the discharge of heat was the only variable governing fish productivity in these reservoirs. Many factors other than temperature influence fish production in reservoirs, including surface area, mean depth, storage ratio, reservoir age, water-quality parameters, water-level fluct'uations, and extent of thermal stratification.se,59 In the above study these factors were not considered and could not have been the same for the ten reservoirs. In addi-tion, no information on fish productivity in the five heated reservoirs prior to their use for cooling was provided. Two Texas reservoirs, Lake Alcoa and Lake Colorado City, used extensively for cooling steam-electric power stations have remained highly productive since impoundment 16-20 years ago. Game fish populations have persisted in these thermally loaded lakes and have not exhibited the typical decline characteristic of many impoundmentsso (Sect. 4.3.2.3). l Fish species have been shown to have preferred temperature ranges.61 The preferr ed range is l ' usually higher than ambient water temperatures during cool months in temperate zones. During these months fish may be attracted to thermal plumes. As ambient temperatures drop in autumn, I warm-water fish may follow their preferred temperatures into thermal discharges rather than i toward their normal wintering areas. When ambient temperatures drop further, storms dissipate I the thermal (cold shock) plume, may killor the power large plant numbers of. temporaril; fish. 33

• Ashuts down, In Wilkes the thermal Reservoir, dropfish Texas, to ambient levels congregated

[ near the heated effluent discharge canal during winter months.62 Hodson57 observed some fish congregated in heated areas in Texas reservoirs during the winter while others did not. The staf f did not find any instances of cold shock resulting in fish mortality in literature on Texas reservoirs. The probability of cold-shock occurrence at Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station is further reduced by the fact that this is a two-unit plant and it is very unlikely that both units will be shut down at the same time. Temperature increases may lead to an increase in susceptibility to parisitism in fish;62 however, no increase in disease or parasitism has been demonstrated in Texas reservoirs studied by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.63 Based on the observations that fish species in Texas likely to inhabit the Allens Creek cooling lake can survive high temperatures predicted for the cooling lake, and that heated Texas reser-i l voirs support viable fish populations over tine, the staff believes the increased temperatures In the cooling lake will not significantly affect fish populations. The staff does not feel that cold shock will be a major problem in the Allens Creek cooling lake. Benthic invertebrates. Benthic invertebrates can be a major source of food for many reservoir M h species. Durrettsi. studied the density and distribution of benthic invertebrates in a heated reservoir in Texas. Diversity of benthic invertebrates was reduced at stations dircctly influenced by heated currents. Heated effluents decreased density and diversity during summer months but increased density and diversity during the winter. A study of the benthic comunity of Lake Arlington, Texas, revealed that lowest benthic diversity was encountered at stations receiving sewage and heated discharges.65 It thus appears that littoral areas in the imediate vicinity of the heated discharge into the Allens Creek cooling lake will support a lower density and a less diverse community of benthic invertebrates than the remainder of the cooling lake. The staff does not believe that this localized dif ference will significantly affect the fish populations established in the cooling lake. 1 l 1

5-25 Zoo _pl a n k ton . The ef fects of elevated water temperatures on zooplankton populations are not well defined. Tmith62 studied Wilkes Reservoir in Texas where Lurface temperature at a station near a thermal discharge in August reached 107.6*F. This station over the year consistently yielded highest volumes of zooplankton (copepods and cladocerans) than cooler stations; however, sumer volumes were lower than winter yields. The period of lowest abundance of zooplankton coincided with the highest temperature for this station. Another study66 indicates that elevated temper-atures due to plant discharges in Texas may increase the density of planktonic copepods. There is insuf ficient information available on zooplankton in Texas reservoirs to determine what effect the thermal regime predicted for the Allens Creek cooling lake will have on zooplankton popula-tions. PhL top _lankton. Temperature has been shown to affect the species composition of phytoplankton h ig. 5.3) . At 20'C (68'F) diatoms dominate the comunity. Above 30'C (86*F) green algae become increasingly abundant. Pue-green algae begin to become abundant above 35'C (95'F).67 Since blue-green algae are present in Allens Creek and the Brazos River (Sects. 2.7.2.1 and 2.7.2.2) it is reasonable to assume they will develop in the cooling lake. Blooms of algae depend on tempera-ture, the nutrient content of the water, and light penetration. Initially the nutrient content of Allens Creek cooling lake may be high due to leaching of nutrients from the cooling lake bed. The staff has calculated that the maximum concentration of phosphate (as phosphorus) and nitrate plus nitrite (as nitrogen) in the cooling lake from makeup water alone will be approximately 0.51 ppm and 1.54 ppm respectively (Sect. 4.3.2.3). Critical nutrient values for algal blooms have been reported to be 0.01 ppm phosphate and 0.30 ppm inorganic nitrogen.68 If these levels are available in the spring, high algal densities of " bloom" proportions can be expected. On the basis of the staff's estimate of nutrient loading from makeup water alone, it appears these crit-ical nutrient levels may be exceeded in the Allens Creek cooling lake by a factor of 5. Since the cooling lake may be less turbid than other Texas reservoirs due to the use of a settling basin (Sect. 3.4.3), algal production could be high, limited only by temperature (Fig. 5.5). On the basis of predicted summer temperatures in the cooling lake (Table 5.7) and available nu-trients, the staff believes there is a high probability of high densities of diatoms, green and blue-green algae in the proposed cooling lake during late spring and sumer months. Algal den-sities could reach levels where water contact activity in the lake could be restricted. The probability for surface blooms of nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae forming surface " scums" is low.H Chemical discharges Chlorine. Chlori e will be added as a biocide to each unit approximately twice each day. Each application will be for 15 min. Chlorination of the two units will be staggered such that when one unit is being chlorinated, discharge of the second unit is available for dilution. During chlorination of one unit, a free chlorine residual of 0.1 ppm will be maintained at the condenser discharge block. This 0.1-ppm free chlorine residual will be diluted 50% (to 0.05 ppm) by the discharge of the second condenser. For 30 min two times a day, therefore, the discharge canal entering the cooling lake will contain 0.05 ppm free residual chlorine (ER, Sect.10.5.2) with two units operating. With one unit operating, free residual chlorine concentration would be 0.1 ppm for two 15-min periods per day. The total residual chlorine concentration (free plus com-bined residual chlorine) expected in the discharge canal or the distribution of total residual chlorine in the cooling lake was not provided by the applicant. l The toxicity of chlorine to freshwater organisms is summarized in Fig. 5.6. The solid line de-picts short tehn and chronic toxicity thresholds for warm-water species that the staff considers characteristic of thresholds for species in the Allens Creek cooling lake. Residual chlorine can be defined as the portion of added chlorine that remains as molecular chlorine, hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion, and chlorine combined with amonia (chloramines) or nitrogenous com-pounds. Analysis of residual chlorine toxicity by the staff did not specify the concentrations of the various components that make up the residual chlorine, because estimates of the concen-tration of these enmponerits are not available. Chloramines are generally more persistent than free chlorine components (molecular chlorine, hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion). The toxicity of chloramines to aquatic organisms is apparently of the same order as that of the free chlorine components. The staff recomends that the applicant be required to limit total residual. chlorine of the discharge to I.1 ppm. Dilution of this concentration in the cooling lake should be suf-ficient to protect tie aquatic biota. Some limited localized mortality of aquatic organisms could occur in the ' mediate discharge area but should not significantly affect the productivity l of the cooling lake. Discharge of other chemicals to the cooling lake due to plant operatior. l are below known tou c levels 7 (Table 3.10). ] f

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5-26 ES-202 l l

v. l E-2 )

a e O l t E BLUE-l 3O DIATOMS GREENS GREENS i i a 5 i~ 3 2 t 2

      .J 8               #
      ;l                        _

N 65 75 85 95 i05 i TEMPERATURE (*F) j Fig. 5.5. Population changes among algal groups with change in temperature. 1 Source: J. Cairns, Jr.. " Effects of Increased Tenperatures on Aquatic Organisms," l Induate. Vastes 1(4): 150-52 (March-April 1956). Water quality Operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will result in the maximum concentration of sulfate, chloride, nitrogen, phosphate, and TOS given in Table 3.9. The potentially high nitrogen and phosphorus leveis could lead to high phytoplankton densities as mentioned earlier. Since the cooling lake will not stratify, the staff believes increased biological oxygen demand (BOD) resulting from high algal production will most likely be balanced by reaeration leading to adequate dissolved oxygen (D0) levels throughout the majority of the cooling lake. The maximum concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the cooling lake is predicted by the staf f to be about 1300 ppm (Table 3.9). The applicant states the upper limit of TDS level in the cooling lake will be 2000 ppm (ER, p. 5.1-18A). Available data on TDS tolerances of some aquatic organisms likely to be present in the Allens Creek cooling lake indicate these organisms can l tolerate TDS concentration far in excess of 2000 ppm (Table 5.18).

 ' The staff has pointed out high mercury levels in the Brazos River and high fecal coliform counts in Allens Creek (Sect. 4.3.2.3). The source of high mercury levels is presently unknown. Recent monitoring data for March 1974 indicate mercury levels in the Brazos River and Allens Creek have fallen below 0.1 ppb. The biological conitoring program (Sect. 6.1) should provide the data to further evaluate the potential fecal coliform contamination of the cooling lake. If coliform levels in the cooling lake during filling are found unacceptablo, the staff will reconinend meas-ures to reduce colifonn levels.

i 5-27 ES-iso

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              ,g 3           l     l l l I lll             l       l l l llll                         l     l l 1 2!lii              f     i f i i ii'                  I tor                                   ios                                 to4                               gos toi EXPOSURE TIME (min)

Fig. 5.6. Sumary of residual-chlorine toxicity data. (Key and references follow.) i

S-28 Key to Fig. 5.6, Exposures of aquatic orga.2 isms to total residual chlorine

                                       ' '          Effect end point

• Reference Species N

Protozoa. 1 Lethal Hale,1930 Cladoceran 2. Lethal (4 days) Biesinger,1971 Scud 3 Safe concentration Arthur,1971 4 Safe concentration Arthur and Eaton,1972 Trout fry 5 Lethal (2 days) Coventry et al.,1935 6 Lethal (instantly) Coventry et al.,1935 Brook trout 7 Median mortality Pyle,1960 (90 min) 8 Mean survival Dandy,1967 tisne 8.7 hr 9 Mean survival Dandy,1967 time 14.1 hr 10 Mean survival Dandy,1967 time 20.9 hr 11 Mean survival Dandy,1967 time 24 hr 12 67% lethality Dandy,1967 (4 days) 13 Depressed activity Dandy,1967 14 7 day TL50 Arthur,1971 44 Not found in streams Tsai,1971 Brown trout 45 Not found in streams Tsai,1971 l'ingerling 17 Lethal (4 to 5 hr) Taylor and James,1928 rainbow trout Rainbow trout 15 Slight avoidance Sprague and Drury,1969 (10 min) 16 Lethal (2 hr) Taylor and James 1928 18 9trhr TL50 Basch,1971 19 7-day TL50 Merkens,1958 20 Lethal (12 days) Sprague and Drury,1969 C iaook salmon 21 First death 2.2 hr Holland et al.,1960 Coho salmon 22 7-day TL50 Arthur,1971 , 23 100% kill (1-2 days) Holland et al.,1960 24 Maximum nonlethal Holland et al.,1%0 Pink salmon 25 100% kill (l-2 days) Holland et al.,1%0 26 Maximum nonlethal Holland et al.,1%0 l'athead minnow 27 TL50 (1 hr) Arthur,1972 28 TL50 (12 hr) Arthur,1972 29 96-hr TL50 Zillich,1969 30 7-day TL50 Arthur,1971 31 Safe concentration Arthur and Eaton,1972 White sucker 32 Lethal (30-60 min) Fobes,1971 33 7 day TL50 Arthur,1971  ! Black bullhead 34 96 hr TL50 Arthur,1971 Largemouth bass 35 7-day TL50 Arthur,1971 37 TL50 (I hr) Arthur,1972 38 TL50(12 hr) Arthur,1972 Smallmouth bass 36 Not found in streams Tsal,1971 39 Median mortality Pyle,1960 (15 hr) Yeuow perch 40 TL50 (! hr) Arthur,1972 - 41 TL50(12 hr) Arthur,1972 42 7 day TL50 Arthur,1971 Walleye 43 7-day TL50 Arthur,1971 Miweltaneous fish 46 Initial kill 15 min Truchan,1971 Rainbow trout 47 100% lethal Michigan Water Resources  ; in plant effluent Commission,1971 Daphma marrra 48 0 recosery National Water Quality

                                                                                                                  )

i Lab,1971

           *TL50: median tolerance limit.

I 5-29 References for Fig. M Arthur, John W., and John G. Laton.1972. Toxicity of chloramines to the amphipod, Gammarus pseudohmnaeus Bousfield, and the fathead minnow, honephales promelas Rafinextue. J. Fisheries Ret Board Can. Arthur, J. W.1971. Progress reports. National Water Quality Laboratory, Duluth, Minn. Arthur, J. W.1972. Progress reportt National Water Quality Laboratory, Duluth, Minn. Bawh, Robert E.1971. In.satu investigations of the toxicity of chlorinated municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and fathead nunnows (Amephales promelas). Bureau of Water Management, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lansing. Mich. 48926. 50 pp. Biesinger, K. E.1971. Processed report. National Water Quahty Laboratory, Duluth, M mn. Brungs. W. A.1972. Literature review of the effects of residual chlorine on aquatic hfe. Environmental Protection Agency, National Water Quality Laboratory, Duluth, Minn. Coventry, F. L, V. E. Shelford, and L. F. Miller.1935. The conditioning of a chloramine treated water supply for biological purposes. Ecology 16;60-66. Dandy, J. W. T.1967. The effects of chemical characteristics of the environment on the activity of an aquatic organism. Thesis. University of Toronto, Ont. Dissertation abstracts 29, B. 3132 (1969), Water PoUution Abs. (Brit.) 421708 (1969). Fobes, Ronald L.1971, Chlorine toxicity and its effect on sill tissue respiration of the white sucker. Carlossomus commersoni (Lacepede). MS thesis. Department of Fisheries and Wddhte, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Hale, I . E.1930. Control of microscopic organisms in public water supplies with i particular reference to New York City. New Engl. Water Works Assoc. 44: 361-385. Holland, G. A., J. E. Lasater, E. D. Neumsnn, and W. E. Eldridge.1960. Toxic effects of ) organic and inorganic pollutants on young salmon and trout. State of Washington, j [kpartment of Fisheries, Research Buuetin No. 5, September,1960. Pp.198-214. ' Merkens, J. C.1958. Studies on the toxicity of chlorme and chloismines to the rainbow trout. Water and Waste Treat. J. 7: 150-151. Michigan Water Resources Commission,1971. A survey of chlorine concentrations in the Weadock Power Plant discharge canal. Processed report. 6 pp. National Water Quality Laboratory.1971. Processed report. Duluth, Minn. Pyle, E. A.1960. Neutralizing chlorine in city water for use in fish <listribution tanks. Prog. hMult. 22: 30-33 j Sprague, J. B., and D. E. Drury. 1969. Avoidance reactions of salmonid fish to l representative poUutants. Advances in Water Pouution Research, Proceedings of the 4th l In ternational Conference. Pp. 169-179.  ! Taylor, R. S., and M. C. James.1928. Treatment for removal of chlorine from citic water  ! for use in aquarta. U.S. But. Fish. Doc.1045. Rept. U.S. Comm. Fish. App. 7: 322-327. l Truchan, J, G.1971. As reported by Brungs (1972). Tsai, C.1971. Water quality and fish life below sewage outfaus. Progress Report. National Resources institute, Unkersity of Maryland, Couese Park, Md. , Zallich, J. A.1969a. The toxicity of the Wyoming Westewater Treatment Plant etNent to the fathead mmnow and the white sucker, July 28- August 1,1969. Michigan Water Resaurces Commission, Michigan Department of Nat' ural Resources. 7 pp. Zillich, J. A.1969b. The toxic effects of the Grandvdle Westewater Treatment Plant efauent to the fathead minnow, AmephsJes promeles, November 17-21, 1 % 9. Michigan Water Resources Commission, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 9 pp. Zalhch, J A.1969c. The tenacity of the Wyoming wastewater Treatment Plant efNent to the fathead rnanow Dewinber 8-12,1%9. Michigan Water Resources Commission, Michigen Department of Natural Resources.12 pp. 1 1

1 5-30 Table 6.16. Medien toxicity thresholds for invertebrates and fishes in brine wastes at a Se hr exposure Each group is in order of decreasing tolerance Median toxicity threshold tppm)

                                      #*""                           for dissolved solids Fish Plains killifish                               23,o72 Mosquito fish                             - 15,244 White erappio                                  12,566 Bluegill                                       11,33o Green sunfish                                  11,33o Channes catf tsh                               11,124 Red shiner                                     10,506 Black bullhead                                 10,300 Largemouth bass                                 9,476 Fathead minnow                                  8,868 Benthic orpenisms Camben.is (creyfish)                           17,922 Dragonfly                                      14,832 Damselfly                                      14,832 Hersponis (mayf ty)                            10,506 Tubificid worm                                 10,o94 Hyakila aztecs                                  7,828 Bastidae (mayfly)                               7,416 Physe (snain                                    6,386 Zoopleik1on Dwatomus clavipes                               6,592 Daphnie pukx                                    3,708 Source: H. P. Clemens and W. H. Jones, " Toxicity of Brine         p 1

Water from Oil Wells," Trans Amer. Fish. Soc. 84: 97-109 (1954). Intake entrainment Pianktonic organisms (phytoplankton, Zooplankton, larval fish) that will be present in the Allens Creek cooling lake will be subject to entrainment in the once-through circulating water system of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station (Sect. 3.4.2). During this process organisms are , susceptible to thermal shock, mechanical damage, pressure changes, and changes in the chemical environment.33 In the case of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, sources of damage to i entrained organisms will be a thennal shock of AT = 19.5 F' lasting for approximately 30 min (ER, supplement), mechanical and pressure damage, and chlorine toxicity from biocide applications. The staff concurs with the applicant's conclusion that mortality of entrained organisms at the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station may be high (ER, p. 5.1-19). With two units operating, the circulating water system will continuously withdraw 3780 cfs from the cooling lake (Sect. 3.4.1). Assuming an effective cooling surface area of 7600 acres, an average depth of 15 ft, a first-approximation estimate of the volume of water in the cooling lake would be 4% x 106 f 3t . These values indicate that the entire volume of the Allens Creek cooling lake could circulate through the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station about every 16 days. Many zooplankton species have generation times longer than 16 days (Keratella, 22 days).71 Since the cooling !ake is not in existence, population estimates of planktonic species are not avail-able. The staff believes, however, that entrainment of this magnitude may reduce the planktonic productivity of the cooling lake although the extent of this reduction cannot be estimated. Impinpement A major problem found during operation of several power plants has been fish mortality resulting from impingement on fine mesh screens which filter out debris that causes damage to circulating , water systems.72,73 The most significant contributing factor appears to be the withdrawal of a r l1 '1

- .~ - . ~ = l 1 5-31 large volume of cooling water at high velocities. ' Fish appear to be caught against the intake screens by the force of the water drawn into the plant. Once caught in this manner, fish are unable to escape and eventually die. The precise cause of death is unknown, but mechanical dam-age, exhaustion, and suffocation are possibilities. The only action at present that appears to reduce impingement mortality is a reduction in the intake volume or velocity. Intake velocities l below 1 fps Impinge fewer fish than those above I fps.72,74  ! The circulatory water intake structure and traveling screens are described in Sect. 3.4.2. The approach velocity of water withdrawn from the cooling lake varies with cooling lake water level. The staff has calculated that the approach velocity at the minimum cooling lake level will be 0.58 fps and at the normal lake level, the approach velocity will be 0.39 fps. The effective velocities through the traveling screens will be approximately double the approach velocities at all cooling lake levels. The staff believes that some fish will be impinged on the traveling screens of the circulating water intake structure. The relatively low approach velocities will allow most fish to escape impingement. Techi.ical specifications for operation of Allens Creek Units 1 and 2 will require that fish impingement be monitored to quantify the extent of fish mortality. If significant numbers of fish are impinged, corrective measures can be implemented (Sect. 9.2.2). 5.5.2.1.2 Impacts of operation on the Brazos River , The major sources of impact on the Brazos River due to operation of the Allens Cnek Nuclear Generating Station include: (1) temperature, (2) chemical discharges (3) water quality changes, and (4) makeup intake effects. Tempera ture The predicted tempe cure increases in the Brazo; River due to plant operatiot, are discussed in Sect. 5.3. Heated water will be discharged from the cooling lake to the Brazos River through a spillway. Spillage from the cooling lake will occur primarily during months when makeup water is withdrawn (January, February, March, October Noventer, and December). Spillage temperature rise above Brazos River temperature will be maximum in January, spillage frequency will be maximum in March. The maximum absolute spillage temperature will occur in July; however, spillagein July occurred only once during a 17-year study period. The predicted maximum tempereture distributions in the Brazos River during operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station (Table 5.5) indicate a 2 F' isotherm extending 1287 ft downstream and encompassing 12% of the cross-sectional area. ' The maximum 3 F* isotherm predicted , will extenri downstream 858 f t and encompass 6% of the river cross-sectional area. In an analysis ' of twenty years, data on a monthly basis, the staff predicted that a 5 F* isotherm would have occurred during only one month (Sect. 5.3.1). The staff believes operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will not exceed existing temperature standards for the Brazos River (Sect. 5.3.1). The maximum temperature in the Brazos River will not exceed 95'F. On the basis of the analysis of temperature effects on the biota of the Allens Creek cooling lake (Sect. 5.5.2.1.1), the staff believes temperature increases in the Brazos River due to operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will not significantly affect aquatic populations. Chemical discharges 1 Chlorine will be used as a biocide and will be discharged to the cooling lake. The staff will  ; require that the discharge from the cooling lake to the Brazos River be monitored for total residual chlorine. The staff will ~ reconnend that total residual chlorine levels discharged to the Brazos River (Sect. 3 E.1) be kept below 0.01 ppm. Dilution of this concentration in the Brazos River should be sufficient to protect aquatic life (Fig. 5.6). Maximum concentrations of other chemicals discharged to the Brazos River are below levels that are toxic to aquatic orga-nisms.70 Wa te r Sual.1 ty_ Spillage from the Allens Creek cooling lake will contain higher concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) than the Brazos River due to evaporative concentration of river makeup water. The maximum concentration of TDS in the Brazos River at the site during plant operation is given in Table 3.9. However, sampling at the site is quite limited, e- ewa -v w .-w w-~ w

5-32 The maximum TDS concentration in the Brazos 'tiver at the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site during plant operation can be predicted from the following equation: 9C,+gCgg e C= , q, + gg where q, a spillage flow (cfs), qB = Brazos Mm Mow (cfs), C = initial concentration of TDS in the Brazos River, 0 c, = concentration of TDS in the spillage flow, and c = concentration of TDS in the Brazos River during plant operation. The applicant reports a maximum daily TDS concentration ir the Brazos River at Richmond on the order of 1400 ppm (ER, p. 5.1-9). Assuming a maximum TDS concentration cycle of 1.9 (ER, Table 3.4-1), this would yield a maximum spillage TDS concentration of 2660 ppm. The highest mean nonthly spillage discharge predicted is 500 cfs (ER, p. 5.1-9). Using these values and an ex-tremely low Brazos River flow of 200 cfs (ER, Fig. 2.5-4), the above equation yields an estimate of TDS concentration in the Brazos River on the order of 2300 ppm. This extreme concentration is below levels that are toxic for several types of aquatic orginisms recognized in the Brazos River (Table 5.18). The staff believes, therefore, that TDS levels in the Brazos River due to plant operation will not significantly affect existing aquatic biota. Limited dissolved oxygen data for the Brazos River indicate a range of 6.4 to 9.0 ppm with BOD f rom 1.1 to 4.6 ppm (ER, App. B, p. 4-16). Water quality standards for the Brazos rangig set a limit of 5 ppm for dissolved oxygen. Since spillage from the cooling lake will be River from the surface and sufficiently oxygenated the staff does not believe this-spillage will sig-nificantly alter dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Brazos tiver. When spillage occurs, water discharged to the Brazos River may contain higher densities of phyto-plankton than normally present in the river. Increases in p increase production of filter-feeding benthic invertebrates.gtp'lankton > below Thertfore, it is impoundments possible that can production of filter-feeding caddis flies (Hydropsychidae) in the Brazos River below the spillage outfall may increase due to plant operation. The staff believes that water quality changes in the Brazos River due to plant operation will not have any significant detrimental impact on Brazos River aquatic populations. Makeup water intake ef fects One intake structure will be Iocated on the Brazos River to supply makeup water for the Allens Creek cooling lake. The design of this structure is discussed in Sec t. 3.4.3. Approach veloci-ties will be limited to a maximum of 0.5 fps (ER, Amend 4). The applicant does not plan to install any fine mesh screen at this makeup intake structure. The maneup structure will be recessed into an intake canal. Makeup water will be withdrawn from th Brazos River six nonths of the year (0ctober-March). . Planktonic organisms (phytoplankton and zooplankton) in the Brazos Rive

• which are not active swinners will be subject to entrainment in the makeup intake system. Pianktonic organisms en-trained will be subject to rnechanical damage, changes in temperature (max AT = 7 F'), and changes in water quality. If it is assumed that all entrained plankton are lost from the Brazos River, the magnitude of this loss can be estimated at various river flows from the following relation:

250 cfs P"DB + 250 c fs ' where

 \

r = the fraction of plankton withdrawn from the river passing the inta e structure, and e DB = fl w f the Brazos River.

5-33 Since Hou: ton Lighting and Power Company has a contract with the Brazos River Authority to re-lease water from upstream reservoirs to acconcodate makeup pumping needs (250 cfs), this quantity must be added to all river flows to calculate the fraction of plankton entrained. Using this relation, the staff has calculated the fraction of plankton entrained at various Brazos River flows (Table 5.19). At low flows (500 cfs) in the Brazos, 33% of the plankton passing the makeup structure could be entrained. However, a discharge of greater than 500 cfs occurs in the Brazos 95% of the time (ER, Fig. 2.5-4). The lowest mean monthly flow during makeup pumping mor.ths is reported to be 4435 cfs (ER, Fig. 2.5-3). At this flow, using the above equation, 5.3% of the plankton would be entrained. Spillage from the cooling lake during makeup pumping will most likely contain higher densities of phytoplankton and zooplankton than the Brazos River. The staff ' 's not believe entrainment of plankton will significantly alter food chains in the Brazos Rive Table 5.19. Probabihty of entrainrnent of phnkton in the Brazos River at various river flows River discharge Makeup pumping Fraction (cfs) rate (cfs) entrained 500 2so o333 1.000 250 0.200 5.000 250 o 048 Io.ooo 250 o 024 15 000 250 0.016 20.000 250 0.012 25.000 250 o olo 50 000 450 0.005 Since the applicant does not plan to install fine nesh screens at the makeup intake structure, fish will be vulnerable to entrainment. Data are not available on the seasonal abundance of larval fish in the Brazos River. However, fish species present in the Brazos are all spring spawners. Larval fish would, therefore, be most abundant. during, late spring and suncer months when no makeup water is withdrawn from the Brazos River. Young of the year, juvenile, and adult fish would be present in the Brazos River during makeup pumping months, and an unknown fraction would be entrained. The magnitude 6f fish entrainment will depend primarily on the swinning ability of the species present. The approach velocity to the makeup intake structure will be a maximum of 0.5 fps. Information on the swinning ability of some fish species present in the Brazos River (Table 5.20) indicates fish in the size range 43 to 74 nn would be able to avoid the intake area. Young white crappie at high water temperatures may not be able to avoid the intake. However, makeup pumping does not occur during the sunrer months when highest water tem-peratures occur. Swinning speed of fishes increases with site.78-e2 Larger fish present in the Brazos River would, therefore, most likely be able to avoid being withdrawn by a 0.5-fps intake velocity. Since the makeup intake will be recessed in an intake canal, fish may congregate in this area. However, the staff believes that the low intake velocity will minimize the numbers cf fish ac-tually entrained. Estimates of densities of fish near the makeup intake area are not available I so the nwgnitude of entrainment loss cannot be predicted. Technical specifications for operatinn I of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will require that makeup water discharged to the cooling lake be monitored to document the extent of fish entrainment losses from the Brazos River. If large numbers of fish are entrained, corrective measures can be implenented (Sect. 9.2.2).

5-34 Table 5.20. Swimming speeds of fish present in the Brazos River near the Aliens Creek Nuciaar Gsnerating Station site Water Fish Fish Owimming g Name temperature length observed speed . Common Scientific (mm) (number) (fpsi (*F) Channet cattush Ictaturus punctotus 15 54 5 0.14 1 80 57 1 1.74 2 81 55 10 1.25 3 Bluegill L epomis macrochirus 65 43 1 1.23 2 79 45 5 0.49 1 86 49 5 0.41 1 White crappit Pomonis annularis 70 74 5 0.63 1 84 60 5 0.38' Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides 85 50 2 1.28 2

         'Results given in source reference 2 are very close to the values.

Sources:

1. L. R. King, Swimming Speed of the Channel Catfish, V ' l sppie and Other Warm Water Fishes from Conowingo Reservo:r[Susquehanna River, Pa ,Ichthyological Associates' 40. 4,1969, pp.1-74

2. C. H. Hocutt, Swimming Speed of_ the Char.nel Catfn c J Other Warm Water Fishes of Conowingo Reservoir as Determined in the Beamish Respirometer, pp. 289- 303 in Conowingo ReservoirNuddy Run Fish Studies, Progress Report No 2.1969.

3 L. R. King. Supplementary Results of Swimming Speed and Endurance Studies on White Perch as Determined by the Beamish Respiromete ,ichthyological Associates,1970. 5.6 SOCI AL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS 5.6.1 Direct local taxes ihe local governmental units of Austin Comty, Austin County road district No. 3 and the Wallis-Orchard independent school district will re eive direct property tax benafits resulting from , constr uction and operation of the plant. 0 2 estimated amounts which these jurisdictions will l receive ter year during the full operatT% life of the plant starting in 1982 are shown.in Table l 5.21 and are based on a total estimated value of $1,146,200,000 for the site, improvements, and l inventory. Table 5.21. E stimeted local property taxes during operation

• A R Tax Taxinq authority (assessment (tax rate for revenua ratio) $100 for value) (value X A X R)

Austin County 0.16 $ 1.10 $2,020.0cJ Road district No. 3 0.16 0.15 270.003 Walhs Orchard school district 0.65 1.74 13,000,000 Total annual local property taxes $ 15,290.000

• Source. Ut, p 81-24.

The tax revenues which will be paid to Austin County during operation of the plant are estimated to be double the county's 1972 revenues. Those which will accrue to the Wallis-Orchard school district af ter completior. ( / the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station are estimated to be 145 times the 1972 revenues.

5-35 5.6.2 Indirect local taxes The location of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station within Austin County will have indirect impacts on local taxes. It is expected that since permanent staff employment will require specialized training, nost of the 121 people required to operate the plant will be new residents in the a rea. Assuming that 75% of the staff will want to reside near the site, primarily in Austin County, it is estii..ated that 80 new residences will be required. On this basis, the addi-tional residential tax base would result in an estimated $24,000 increase in annual property taxes. 5.6.3 Employment benefits The applicant's estinate of manpower requirements during the construction and operating phases rf the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station is presented in Table 5.22. Table 6.22. Projected peak om#oyment - 1975-?o11 Number of construction y,,, employeef Peak Operato# 1975 237 1976 960 1977 1750 1978 2080 1979 1944 1980 178s 82 1981 1232 82 1982 340 121 201o 82 2011 82

                                                    *Sourr E R. p d .1-2a 6EH * & 8 1 10.

f*' 5.6.4 Recreation benefits 6 $ Tmong the conclusions and recommendations made by an advisory committee in its report regarding

             ** plant siting in Texas"1 are the following statements regarding reservoirs:

ever possible, future power plants should use reservoirs or ponds for cooling. public interest is best served when existing reservoirs are used since this re-I g .uits in the least additional environuental disturbance and a minimum additional consumption of water. New cooling reservoirs should, if possible, be built as multiple purpose projects which provide water for other uses, such as municipal water supply, flood contral or recreation, in addition to power plant cooling." Departmant of the Interior Report"4 regarding the fish and wildlife resources of the Brazos subbasin specifically concluded that:

                "A good fishing reservoir in the general vicinity of Allens Creek in Austin County with adequate free, public access f acilities would go far in solving the existing and future f reshwater fishing demands in the lower subbasin."                                            (

for these reasons, in addition to another agency's statement regarding the need for additional park land within the region * and with the concurrence of the Texas Parks ar.d Wildlife Departnent (TPWD) that the cooling lake could be a recreational asset, the applicant proposes that a 600-acre area along the southwest shore of the cooling lake be developed and operated as a state park. The TPWD has previously leased lands from two other Texas utility companies for the purpose of J velop-Ing state parks on cooling lakes created oy the utilities. In addition, it is proposed that a 40-acre area at the southern end of the dam be developed for day use only and fr' boat access dur-ing periods of peak visitation. It is anticipated that the proposed Allens Creen State Park, be-cause of its proximity to the heavily populated areas of the western sactions of the Houston netropolitan area which is only 45 miles distant, will experience heavy use of its day use and lake facilities as well as its overnight campir.g facilities.

5-36 The expectations of the applicant are that the recreational uses of Allens Creek lake include boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. The park is expected to offer a high quality recre-ational experience based on full development of' water-oriented recreational opportunities and complete picnic / camping facilities. The comprehensive park plan provides for campsites, boat launches, a marina, a park store, a recreation-interpretive center, and other ancillary facili-ties which will help satisfy the recreational demands of the local population. Fish production in the cooling lake is expected to be 3.2 million pounds annually with a standing crop of 1.6 million pounds. Approximately 50% of the fish will be sport fish, such as bass, sunfish ant catfish. The applicant estimated that Allens Creek cooling lake and parks should serve a population of approximately 18,000 people for a total of about 152,000 activity days (ER, p. 8.1-29). There is an estimated 44,000 activity days for freshwater fishing and 68,000 activity days for swiming, which account for the major activities. In addition, boating, canoeing, and sailing are estimated at 14,000, 900, and 500 activity days respectively. Picnicking and water skiing are estimated at 19,000 and 6,000 activity days. (A more recent estimate presented in the Mwter Developent Plan fbe Allene Creek Lake and State Parknes shows approximately 75,000 to 100,000 people visiting Allens Creek annually. This is based on current visitations at similar parks operated by the Texas Parks and Wildiife Department.) 5.6.5 Visual impac_t_ lhe station will be located on uplands about four miles NW of Wallis, and sevcn miles SSE of Sealy, between Stite Hwy 36 and the Brazos River floodplain. The station will occupy about 300 acres of agricultural land of Varying quality, with a portion presently used for Cropland and improved pasture. Elevations a the station range from 120 to 146 ft above mean sea level (MSL). The elevations within the floodplain range from 98 to 105 f t MSL. The plant facilities will be located on the west side of Allens Creek, and the existing native han dwood trees along both sides of the creek will provide ef fective sight screening of the switchyard and lower elements of the plant from view from State Hwy 36. However, the approxi-mately 200-f t-high containment and turbine buildings will be visible from State Hwy 36 ac.d many locations throughout the surrounding countrysidt;. Portions of the 8200-acre cooling lake will also l' visible from some parts of State Dwy 3F, Farm-to-Market (FM) Road 1093, and the outskirts of the town of Wallis. The plant facilities will consist of a complex of structures arranged in accordance with their f unctional requirements. The domed cylindrical containment structures will provide a contrast of form and mass with the larger rectangular turbine buildings and the lower control, radioactive waste, fuel handling, and cdministration buildings. In addition to these main elements of the plant, a number of smaller service buildings will be spaced around the perimeter of the complex. The tallest element of the plant will be the 326-f t-high stack located near the intake structure at the cooling lake shore. l The dominant exterior materials of the plant will be painted metal siding contrasting with the I concrete surfaces of the containment buildings. Af ter construction is complete, lendscaping and replanting of the disturbed land will be carried out to enhance the effect of the total development. Operation of the plant will entail essentially no noxious odors or air pollution.

          ' low noise level, complete waste-treatment facilities, low employee density, and low traf fic
            > ! era tion.

fhe 5-mile-long, 35-f t-high earthen dam will be the largest elemnt of the station facilities. The dam will be visible from FM road 1458, the Brazos River floodplain, and some upland locations on the east side of the river. The three methods presently under consideration by the applicant l for stabilization of the outside slope of the dam are: riprap, soll cement, and vegetative cover. Tb staf f and the applicant prefer the use of vegetative cover for this purpose since it would also mitigetc the visual impact of the dam. However, final selection of stabilization measures to be taken awaits completion of studies to determine whether or not vegetative covce will be ' able to withstand erosion during flooding of the Brazos River. l The staf f finds on balance that although the plant and the dam will present an intrusion into an otherwise rural landscape, the creation of a large surface water body in a region where few lakes exist will mitigate the adverse visual impact. The coolirg lake will have a high potential as an aesthetic asset with an interesting and varied shoreline including deep inlets at the north end and in the proposed state park area at Allens Creek. A fully develrped state park facility in combination with an effective lake-management program could provide new recreational opportu-nities and enjoyment to present and future residents in the region,

l 5-37 5.6.6 Station operation noise Baseline sound pressure level neasurements taken at several locations within the site boundaries show the ambient daytime sound level to range between 38 to 42 dB( A). The daytime ambient sound levels measured in Wailis, four miles SE of the plant site, were found to be 40 dB(A). Nighttime sound-level measurenents were not made but the levels are marginally lower due to decreased a cti vi ty. The applicant projects that the sound level at the minimum distance from the plant to the edge of the restricted e.rea (4750 f t) will be 40 dB(A) with one unit in operation and 43 dB(A) with two units in operation. On the basis that the sound level decreases 6 dB for each doubling of the distance from the source, the applicant forecasts that plant operation noise will not be distinguishable during daytime in the main state park area (approximately 1.5 miles SE) or in the town of Wallis. Noise criteriaa7 established for new housing show that an ambient sound level of 45 dB(A) is acceptable in all cases. The staf f concludes that although the noise levels created by plant oper6 tion may be distinguish-able to the nearest residents during nighttime, they will not be disturbing since they will be below the 45- to 65-dB( A) "normally acceptable" level established by HUD. 5.6.7 Impact on social structure The location of a large capital investment, such as the Alleas Creek Nuclear Generating Station, in a predominantly rural environment will have a major impact on the local tax structure, balance M land-use trends, and present social structure. Indeed, some of these impacts have already surfaced in the vicinity of the site. Local officials in the town of Wallis state that land values have more than tripled since the site was purchased. The superintendent of the Wallis Orchard school district indicates that where the assessed value of properties in the district totaled approximately $4.0 million before purchase of the site, they are now valued at

  $9.0 million. Thus, where local and county governmental units will be able to provide more and better services as a result of an increased tax yield, higher assessed valuations will impact local residents and property owners. However, tnis affect is expected to decline after the start of construction when the ad valorem tax yield from the station will increase annually by large amounts, which will allow reduction of other property tax rates.

l 5.6.8 ,impt of increased fo,qging and icing from the cooling lake

                                                                                                      .l The total impact of the presence of the cooling lake as regards average temperature, relative        i humidity, and frequency of fogs is expected to be minimal. The applicant has estimated the           i largest changes in the average values to occur during July nighttime hours when they will be          l
  +2.7 F* and -1.5%. No increase will be caused in the total occurrence of natural fogs and icing but an overall increase in fog density is expected. However, under certain conditions, such as in January nighttine hours, a 5% decrease in the frequency of fogs with visibility <3 miles is       i expected.                                                                                             l 1

Fogs with a visibility of @ 5 mile are expected to have an overall nuximum increase of 13% ) during January daylight hours. Adjacent areas where traf fic is heaviest, 'such as along State Hwy 4 36, the railroad paralleling it and the city of Wallis, fogs in this category will increase  ! between 5-8%. During July daylight hours these areas are cepected to experience a 3% increase of I I such fogs. Fogs with visibilit mile are expected to show their maximum increase (17%) during January daytime hours. Areas uf greatest inte est are State Hwy 36 ard the railroad, where these fogs are expected to increase 11% in Januny and 4% in July. The combination of fog with air temperatures equal to or below 32*F does not occur in the site area, thus the risk of formation of ice on local roads will not be present. l l

5-38 REFERrNCES FOR SECTION 5

1. Contract between Brazos River A .nority and Houston Lighting and Power Company August 1, 1972.

2. Ibid., Section XIV, " Substitution for Low Flows," pp. 21-22.

3. Ibid., Section VII, " Provisions for Conservation," pp.10-11.

4. Ibid., Section X, " Representations and Covenants," pp.12-14.

5. Texas Water Quality Standards, Texas Water Quality Board, Austin, Texas, October 1973.

6. W. D. Patterson, J. L. Leporati, and M. J. Scarpa, Th' Capacity of Cooling Ponds to Dissi-pated Heat, Proceedinge: Ameriwm Pouer Conference, Chict 3, April 1971.

7. J. E. Edinger and J. C. Geyer. Heat Exchange in the Environment Edison Electric Institute Publication No. 65-902, June 1965.

8. Ebasco Services Incorporated, Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station Engineering Report, Peport prepared for Houston Lighting and Power Company in support of an application to the <

Texas Water Quality Board, Decent er 1913.

9. Forrest and Cotton, Inc., Consulting Engineers, Allens Creek Dam and Reservoir on Allens Creek, Brazos River Basin, Austin County, Texas Report prepared for Houston Lighting and Power Company for presentation at the public hearing Texas Water Rights Comission, Austin, Texas, January 1974,

10. G. T. Yeh, F. H. Lai, ar,d A. P. Verma, Mixed Lagrangian and Eulerian Approach in Thertr,a1 '

Prediction for Cooling Ponds, Water Resources Research, 9(6): 1555-1563 December 1973.

11. Text.s Water Quality Standards, Texas Water Quality Board, Austin, Texas, October 1973.

12. J. E. Edinger and E. M. Polk, Jr. Initial Mixing of Thermal Discharges into a Uniform Current, Nationel Center for Research and Training in the Hydrologic and Hydraulic Aspects of Water Pollution Control Report No.1, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, October 1969.

13. Y. L. Lau, Temperature Distribution Due to Release of Heated Effluent into Channel Flow, Technical Bulletin ho. 55. Inland Water Branch, Depar tment of the Environment, Ottawa, Canada, 1971.

14. P. J. Ryan and D. R. F. Harleman, An Analytical and Experimental Study of Transient Cooling Pond Behavior, Report No.161, Ralph M. Parsons Laboratory for Water Resources and Hydro-dynamics, Dept. of Civil Eng. , Massachusetts Institute of Technology, January 1973.

15. " Radioactivity in the Marine Environment," Panel on R.I.M.E. of the Committee on Oceano-graphy, NAS-NPC 1971.

16. R. J. Garner, " Transfer of Radioactive Materials from the Terrestrial Environment to Animals and Man," CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control 2: 337-85 (1971).

17. S. *, Auerbach. " Ecological Considerations in Siting Nuclear Power Plants. The Long Term Biota Effects Problems," Nucl. Safety 12: 25 (1971).

18. "Reconmendations of the Interna tional Comission on Radiological Protection," ICRP Publica-tion 2, Pergamon,1959.

19. "The Effects on Populations of Exposure to Lcw Levels of Ionizing Radiation," Report of the Advisory Crwittee on Biological Effects of lonizing Radiations, NAS-NRC,1972.

20. Draf t Regula tory Guides for Implementation - ALAP LWR Effluents, Docket No. RM-50-2. Feb. 20, 1974.

21. J. F. Fletcher and W. L. Dotson: " HERMES - A Digital Computer Code for Estintating Regional Radiological Ef fects from the huclear Power Industry," Hanford Engineering Development Labor-a tory, HEDL-TME-71-168, UC-B0, Anecer Technol. , December 1971.

22. D. H. Staae, ed., " Meteorology and Atomic Energy, 1968," TID-24190.

1 5-39 l

23. W. M. Lowder, P. D. Raf t, and C. V. Gogolak, " Environmental Gamma Radiation from Ni trogen-16 '

Decay in the Turbines of a Large Boiling Water Reactor," HASL-TM-72-1, (February 1972).

24. " Implications of Commission Recommendations that Doses be Kept as low as Readily Achievable,"

ICRP Publication 22(1973).

25. Fifth Annual Heport of the Operation of the U.S. Atomic Ehergy Conrtission's Centralized Tontaing 3ad'ation Exposure Records and Reporte System, July 1973.

26. Letter to AIF from H. R. Denton, dateo August 13, 1973, concerning Occupational Radiation Exposure.

27. Additional Testimony of Dr. Nrten J. Goldman on behalf of the Consolidated Utility Group.

(Part 1) Occupational Exposure: Docket No. RM-50-2, Nov. 9, 1973.

28. R. Wilson,

• Man-am Economics and Risk in the Nuclear Power Industry," Nucl. Awa (February 1972).

29. Applicant's Environmental Report, Sact. 2.2.

30. Dona 1d T. Oakley, Natural Radiativr. E.r;woure in the United States, ORP/SID 72.1, office of Radiation Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 20460 (June 1972).

31. George Cornwell, and H. Albert Hochbaum,1970. " Collisions with Wires - a Source of Anatid flortality." The vitsen Buttetin 83(3): 305-306.

32. Albert D. Chamrad and J. D. Dodd,1972. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conf.12: 257-276.

33. C. C. Coutant, " Evaluating the Ecologica1 -Impact of Steam Electric Stations on Aquatic Systems," oral presentation, Symposium on the National Environmental Science, Annual Meeting American Association, Dec. 27-28, 1972, Washington, D.C.

34. C. C. Coutant, " Biological Aspects of Thermal Pollution II. Scientific Basis for Water Temperaturo Standards," CRC Critio21 Revieue in Ehuironmental controt 3(1): 1-24(1972).

35. F E. J. Fry, " Effects of the Environment on Animal Activity," univ. Toronto Stud. Biol. Ser.

No. 55; Publ. Ont. Fish. Res. Lab. 68: 1-62(1947).

36. T. H. Bullock, " Compensation for Temperature in the Metabolism and Activity of Poikilotherms,"

Biol. Rev. 30(3): 311-342(1955).

37. J. R. Brett, "Some Principles in the Thermal Requireme.its of Fishes," Quart. Rev. Biol. 31(2):

75-87 (1956).

38. F. E. J. Fry, " Animals in Aquatic Environments " " Fishes," (Chap. 44) Handbook of Physiology, j Sect. 4: " Adaptation to the Environnent," Ameri Thysiol. Svo. , Washington, D.C. ,1964.

[ l 39. F. E. J. Fry, " Responses of Vertebrate Poikilotherms to Temperature," pp. 375-409 in Therno-biology (A. H. Rose, ed.), Academic Press, London,1967.

40. O. Kinne (ed.), Marine Eoatogy, vol .1 "Environnental Factors," Pt 1. Wiley-Interscience, London, 1970.

41. F. L. Parker and P. A. Krenkel, " Engineering Aspects of Thermal Pollution," Vanderbilt Uni-versity Press, Nashville, Tenn.,1969.

42. P. A. Krer.kel and F. L. Parker, " Biological Aspects of Thermal Pollution," Vanderbilt Univer-sity Press, Nashville, Tenn.,1969.

4' E. Naylor, " Effects of Heated Effluents Upon Marine and Estuarine Organisms," Adv. Mar. Biol. U 63-103(1965). r- John Ca1rns Jr. , "We're in Hot Water," Scientist and Citizen 10(8): 187-198 (1968).

45. J. R. Clark, " Thermal Pollution and Aquatic Life," Sci. Amer. 220(3): 19-27(1969).

46. C. C. Coutant, " Therm 1 Pollution - Biological Effects. A Review of the Literature of 1967,"

J. Water Polt. Contr. Fed. 40(6): 1047-1052(1968).

47. C. C. Coutant, " Thermal Pollution - Biological Effects. A Review of the Literature of 1968,"

Battelle-Northwest, t. port BMWL-SA-2376. J. Vater ibl!. Contr. Fed. 41(6): 1036-1053(1969). I

5-40

48. C. f. Coutant, " Thermal Pollution - Biological Effects. A Review of the Literature of 1969,"

Battelle-Northwest, Report BNWL-SA-2376, J. Vater Poll. Contr. red. 42(6): 1025-1057(1970).

49. C. C. Coutant., " Thermal Pollution - Biological Ef fects. A Review of the Literature of 1970 on Wastewater and Water Pollution Control," J, Water Poll. Contr. red 43(6): 1292-1334 (1971).

50. C. C. Coutant and C. P. Goodyear, " Thermal Ef fects," J. Water Poll. Contr. red. 44(6): 1250-1294 (1972).

51. M. A. McAnally and D. Bergman, " Natural Surface Wate- Tertperatures in the State of Texas,"

Sect. 2.0, Reviou of Surface water Terperatune and Associated Biological Luta as Related to the Terperature Standards in Texas , Radiation Corporation, pp. 2.-1-2-92, Apr 4,19/3.

52. H. B. Sharp and J. C. Grubb, " Biological Investigations - Inland Waters," Sect. 4.0, Revim of Gurface Water Torpemtures and Associated Biological Data as Related to the Tempamturu Standards in Texas. Radian Corporation, pp. 4-1-4-00, Apr. 4,1973.

53. M. W. Zengerle, " Age, Growth, and Condition of White Crappie, Pomxis annularis Rafinesque, in Lake Nasworthy, Texas, A Reservoir Receiving a Heated Ef fluent," M.S. thesis, Texas A & M University, December 1972.

54 D. L. McNeely, " Distribution, Size, and Food Habits of Selected Fish in a Reservoir Receiving Heated Effluent from a Power Plart," M.A. thesis, Texas A & M University, College Station, 1972.

55. S. L. Searns, " Age, Growth and Condition of Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, in Four Heated Reservoirs in Texas," M. A.' thesis, Texas A & M University, College Station, 1972.

56. M. R. Speegle, "The Limnology and Ichthyology of Fairfield Reservoir. Texas," M.A. thesis, University of Texas, Arlington, Decenter 1972.

57. R. G. Hodson, "A Comparison of Occurrence and Abundance of Fishes Within Three Texas Reser-voirs Which Receive Heated Discharges," Ph.D. thesis, Texas A & M University. Hay 1973.

58. R. M. Jenkins. 1968. The Influence of Some Environmental Factors on Standing Crop and Harvest of Fishes in U.S. Reservoirs," pp. 298-321 in: Reservoir Fishery Resources Syrposium, Athens, Georgia, Anerican Fisheries Society, Washington, D.C.

59. R. M. Jenkins and D. I. Morais. 1971. Reservoir Sport Fishing Effort and Harvest in Rela-tion to Environnental Variables, pp. 371-384 in: G. E. Hall (ed.), Reservoir Fisherics and Liemlogy, Spec. Publ. No. 8, Anerican Fisheries Society, Washington, D.C.

60. H. R. Drew and J. E. Tilton, " Thermal Requirements to Protect Aquatic Life in Texas Reser-voirs," J. SPCF 42(4): 562-572 (April 1970).

61. R. G. Ferguson, "The Preferred Temperature of Fish and Their Mid-Sunmer Distribution in Temperature Lakes and Streams," J. Fich, Res. Bd. Canada 15(4): 607-624 (1958).

62. S. F. Smith, " Effects of a Thermal Ef fluent on Aquatic Life in an East Texas Reservoir,"

pp. 374-84 in Proc. 2bth Annu. Conf. B.E. Assoc. Game & Fish Comrs. ,1972.

63. J. E. Tilton, "Statenent on the Aquatic Productivity in Texas Reservoirs Receivir.g Heated Ef fluents " undated.

64. C. W. Durrett, " Density, Production, and Drif t of Benthic Fauna in a Reservoir Receiving Thermal Discharge from a Steam Electric Generating Plant," M.S. thesis, North Texas State Uni versi ty, 1973.

65. F. M. Hall, " Specie; Diversity and Density of the Benthic Macro-Invertebrates Inhabiting a Reservoir Receiving a Heated Effluent," M.A. thesis, University of Texas, Arlington, July 1972.

66. J. M. Petitt, " Net Plankton Populations of Eagle Ituntain Lake, Tarrant County, and Possum  ;

Kingdom Lake, Palo Pinto County, Texas," M.S. thesis, Te~as Christian University, August 1973.

67. J. Cairns, Jr., "Ef fects of Increased Temperatures on Aquatic Organisms," Industr. Wastes 1(4): 150-152 (March-April 1956).

5-41

68. K. M. Mackenthun, " Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Water, An Annotated Selected Bibliography of Their Biological Effects," Public Health Service,1965.

69. E. Gus Fruh, Univmrsity of Texas, Austin Texas - personal comunication.

70. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (compiled by C. D. Becker and T. O. Thatcher), " Toxicity of Power Plant Chemicals to Aquatic Life," Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, Washington, June 1973.

71. R. W. Pennak, Fresh-Water Invertebrates cf the United States, Ronald Press,1953.

72. Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., " Fish Protection at Indian Point," Environ-mental Report Supplement for Indian Point Unit 2, App. 5,1970.

73. U.S. Atomic Energy Comission, " Report of Inquiries into Allegations Concerning Operation of Indian Point 1 Plant of Consolidated Edison Company of New York. Inc." (period August 1962-June 1970), vols. I and 11. Report Details. Division of Compliance, Ragulations (July 1971).

74. J. Clark and W. Brownell, Electric Power Plants in the Coastal Zone: Environmental Issues.

American Littoral ~ Society Special Publication No. 7, October 1973,

75. Texas Water Quality Standards. Texas Water Quality Board, Austin, Te>as, (October 1973).

76. J. Novy, "Hydrophsychid Production and Tailwater Comunity Dynamics i a the Black's Dam Tailwater, Pigeon River, Ostego County, Michigan " M.S. thesis, Univ.rsity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1970. ,

77. C. E. Cushing, " Plankton and Water Chemistry in the Montreal River Lake-Stream System, Saskatchewan," Ecology 45: 306-313 (1964).

78. J. Gray, "How Fish Swim," Sol. Amer.197: 48-54(1957).

79. J. R. Brett et al., "?he Effects of Temperature on the Cruising Speed of Young Sockeye and Coho Salmon," J. Fir 1eries Res. Bd. Canada 15: 587-605(1958).

80. M. A. Katz e' al., " Ability of Some Salmonids and a Centrachid to Swim in Water of Reduced Oxygen Cori  !," Trans. Amer. Fish. Soo. 88: 88-95(1959).

81. H. C. Boyer, "Swiming Speed of Imature Atlantic Herring with Reference to the Passamaquoddy Tidal Project," Trans. Amer. Fish. Soo. 90: 21-26(1961).

82. J. R. Brett and N. R. Glass, " Metabolic Rates and Critical Swiming Speeds of Sockeye Salmon (Onohorynchus nerka) in Relation to Size and Temperature," J." Fish. Tes. Bd. C1nada 30: 379-387(1973).

83. Advisory Comittee on Power Plant Siting, Office of the Governor, Division of Planning Coordination, Electric Power in Texas , November 1972, p. 3.

84. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Resources of the ltrazos River Subbasin, November 1960.

85. Houston-Calveston Area Council, Regional Plan for Public Recreational Open Space.

PF. Dames and Moore Planners, Master Development Plan for Allens Creek Lake and State Park (Dames and Moore Job Number 4490-038-02), Attachment 4 of Houston Lighting and Power letter of Septenter 23, 1974 to U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, p. 13.

87. Department of Housing and Urban Develcpment, Noise Abatement and Controit Department iblicy, Implementation Responsibilities and Standards, Department Circular 1390.2, Aug 4, 1971.

l l t I l l 1 - .

                                                  - ________ _ _           _ _ ___ _ __             _ __ o

 -i

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREENTS AND MONITORING PROGRAMS 6.1 PRECPERATIONAL PROGRAMS 6.1.1 Hydrological The applicant has developed a preoperational water quality monitoring program (ER, p. 6.1-1).

The program is rather extensive, measuring surface and gmundwater characteristics at many points. 6.1.2 Meteomlogical The preoperational on-site meteorological measurements program, initiated in August 1972, con-sists of a 198-ft tower located about 3000 ft southeast of the main reactor structures. Instru-mentation, commensurate with the reconsnendations of Regulatory Guide 1.23,1 consists of: wind speed and direction Jneasured at 10 and 60 m (Figs. 2.4 and 2.5); ambient temperature and dew-point at 10 m; thermal stability, aT, for two height intervals (10 to 30 m and 10 to 60 m); and precipitation and solar radiation measured at the base of the tower. The primary data recording system is on magnetic tape, with strip charts as the back-up system. Joint frequency distributions of wind speed and direction by atmospheric stability (defined by vertical temperature gradient between 10 and 60 m) from the 10-m level for.the penod August

          .1972-July 1973 were submitted by the applicant in accordance with Regulatory Guide 1.23. Similar joint frequency distributions were submitted for the 60-m level. The staff has used the 10-m data to estimate annual average relative concentration (X/Q) values for an' assumed ground-level relecse, and the 60-m data to estimate annual average X/Q values for a stack release. A. Gaussian diffusion model, with adjustments for building wake effects for a ground-level release, was used to estimate annual average X/Q values at various distances and directions as specified in Sect.

5. ,

6.1.3 @ logical 6.1. 3.1 Terrestrial The applicant is obtaif , t. ,e-line data on terrestrial biota, but at this time has not completed 3 the one-year survey required for assessment purposes. The preoperational and operational moni-toring programs (ER, Sect. 6.1.4.3) will be essentially a continuation of a survey made in October 1972. Table 6.1 outlines these programs as submitted by the applicant. Although the text of the ER indicates that passerine and raptorial birds will be monitored, the table does not so indicate (except white-tailed kite). Since passerines and raptors are of equal or more importance than the game species in terms of coninunity structure, these should be included in the monitoring program. The ER also states that white-tailed kite nests (if located) will be checked for hatching success. Great caution should be exercised around raptor nests, since some of these j. birds will abandon eggs or even young if disturbed, j No. mention is made of monitoring along off-site transmission routes, even though the power lines t will encroach habitat of Attwater's prairie chicken and waterfowl. These deficiencies will ! be corrected. 6.1.3.2 Aquatic A preliminary aquatic sampling program was conducted by the applicant in the fall of 1972 (ER, AppB). This program was terminated af ter approximately two weeks and provided limited data on water quality. relative abundance of fish species, and density of macroinvertebrates of select stations on Allens Creek and the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station i site. l In the fall of 1973, a preoperational monitoring program was initiated to collect base-line in- l i< formation on water quality and aquatic populations in the Brazos River and Allens Creek in the t vicinity of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site (ER, Sect. 6.1). The staff believes L 6-1 l .. .. -

Table 6.1. Terrestrial monitoring program - species density, datorsity, and frequency Sampling location Annual sampling schedule Direct t hdirect Preoperational Operational Vegetation Basal cover, quaanet count and Stations 1 Stations 7 Spring, summer. Fait Herbaceous clip' t !Jr r'.ftt speces through 6 through 16 and fall and shrub compo.#,n, densty, and biomass communites

• Woody Point < entered quadrant Woodlands and Woods and Fall Periodic sampling brushy areas brushy areas on a 5-year interval Epiphytes Quahtative, that is, visual infested ernas infested areas Winter Winter estimate of concentrations, for examrie, scarce, occasional, or abundant Mammals Smalt Live trap gr4 4 Imes with 20 Att habitat types All habitat types Fall Fatt traps 15 m intervats between traps, mark recaptures for 7 day!,

snap trap 2 days estimate abund-ance with Lincoln #eterson index

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ?

Medium Live trap grid in upland and low- All habitat types All habitat types Fatt Fait tand, size of grid to be deter-mined. Observation of beaver along Allens Creek, and track counts for locatiosas and num-bers of species Large Observation and track counts All habitat types All habitat types All seasons All seasons (deer) for density Birds Observations and strip census All habitat types Aff habitat types All seasons All seasons Species of special interest Waterfowl Observation for counts Cooling Lake (after Grain fields and rail and winter Fall and winter fitting) r e d@ound s Bobwhite Nest locations during spring Tree and h e Tree and brush Spring and fait Spring and fall quait for brood size; strip census Levannahs savannahs in fait Mournirig dove Nect %su in spring Wood 4nd Woodlar-t Spring and tait Spring .md tall for brood size; strip census in fall Sandhitt Observation counts Prairies and Prairies and Fatt and winter Spring and fait crane fields fields A

lljlf n c t l ia - a l la f n d o f s n t d n a e a n o r r r r r a s e e e e e p g a m m n e m m s 4%e O i r p l l m u m u m u m u dg S A S S S S n h p m d a s n la a l la n g n la u o n o f - n nio d n it a i n r n n A r e l la o tre ns a p f, mfa m r e r r e r e o e g y a u- m m m P r inl r a a r sse . m m m p el ll u u u u - S A S S S S - m, s s r r s k n s e a n e e p a e p ta wd t c e p no y b r t y d s wfo nu e ot t e d s o ir d oc t a iv t a le e a r d e g d R t i n e t f n r u at s i i In la d b s b n O a o a o od n d o le h z h t p n io o it of i l l a r l l t o m am c a W A B A C i

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f g n a un ioc r e nw o n io _ W n r ir t r t a a n t it e g as oin o ac t o p ta fo cd a ei ms l d s ul lonu t y agt t a etor o nt la ioit ht e ia s h, fn soaev f r b s s r dn ve fo oi d i nsrf wf p e na n s o M mei ni ai e o d ig9e - k t iz a s eia r t ot a e l t e s r nai n t d ac it nie oolei v lc o d ot'ov r r p c t t r t r ts r e on ed s n e ep itnooe s es e eb w b a ws oct p b N O S M O d - ie a p d. n s l iv s o m a u r e a a o e it u s t f e- e o t t ag s w q m t t e t s e tui k p h c llo o t l e M i W r e A s n B H I lr lll ljl 'll ? i lll

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ ~ _. _ . - 6-4 when at least one year's data from this preoperational monitoring program is available, this information will be adequate to assess the impacts of construction and potential impacts of operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating . Station if the program is extended to include the following: Monitoring of pesticides and heavy mtals should be extended to include stations L3, L5, L9, and 115 of the cooling lake (ER, Table 6.1-1). .A program for sampling larval fish near the circu-latb J water intake in the cooling lake and near the makeup water intake in the Brazos River should be established to determine densities of larval fish which will be subject to entrainment. During lake filling, regular sampling of larval, juvenile, and adult fish in the discharge of the makeup water to the settling basin should be initiated to determine the extent of entrain-ment mortality of fish withdrawn from the Brazos River. 6.1.4 Radiological The applicant has proposed an off-site preoperational radiological monitoring program to provida background information for the operational radiological mnitoring program required by Safety i Guide 21 and Regulatory Guide 4.1. l A summary description of the applicant's preoperational radiological monitoring program is pre-sented in Table 6.2. Air, water, food, sediment, soll, and biota along critical pathways will be sampled two years before the plant is operational. The airborne radiciodine sampling will be sampled six mnths prior to initial reactor operation. The description is not intended to completely specify the program content but emphasizes the critical radionuclide and pathray approach as specified in Regulatory Guide 4.1, Monitoring and analytical techniques are con-tinually developing and may improve before the operating program is put into effect. More de-tailed Information on the applicant's program is presented in Sect. 6.1.5 of the ER. 6.2 OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS 6.2.1 Hydrological During operation the applicant will continue the rather complete program of water quality moni-toring proposed for the preoperational phase (ER, p. 6.2-7). In addition short-tenn thermal - monitoring will be used to verify the applicant's predictive models for thermal disciarges (ER, p.6.2-8). Chlorine will be continuously monitored at the condenser discharge block (ER, p. 10.5-6). Dissolved oxygen profiles in the cooling lake will be measured periodically (ER, p. 6.1-4), l 6.2.2 Meteorological Staff evaluation of the operational program will be made when the application for an operating license is received. 6.2.3 Ecological 6.2.3.1 Terrestrial Operational monitoring is discussed in Sect. 6.1.3.1. 6.2.3.2 Aquatic Since the action proposed pertains to the issuance of a construction permit, the sta'ff will review the proposed operational monitoring program and evaluate the program when application for an operating license is made by the applicant.

                   '6.2.4 Radiological The applicant plans to continue the proposed preoperational radiological monitoring program dur-ing the operating period. The operational monitoring program will assist in verifying or anticipated environmental radioactivity concentrations and related public exposures. projected Nre detailed information on this program is presented in Sect. 6.2 of the ER.                                >

Radiological monitoring will be finalized during the review at the operating license stage and will be described in detail in the environmental . technical specifications for the operating license. d

 ,1__i_i______________._____._._._.____________.____                                                 .

6-5 Table 6.2. Radiological program8 Eaposure pathway Approximate number and Collection Analysis type cad and/or sample their locations frequency frequency Direct radiation (TLD) 7 - Each air sampling location Quarterly and Gamma dose quarterly 3 - Site perimeter annually and annually 2 - Recreation (shoreline) areas 15 - See E R, Sect. 6.1.5.1 Air iodine 3 - 4.5 miles N,3 5 miles S. 4.5 miles NNW Weekly 1 131 weekly (3 sectors with highest X/0) 1 - Residence with highest X/O 1 - Wallis 1 - Sealy 1 - Approximately 20 miles SE of plant in least prevalent wind direction) Air parteculate Same as air iodme Weekly Beta (.af ter 24 hr) weekly; gamma iso. topic monthly,St 89, 90 quarterly Surface water 2 - Cooling take near recreation areas Monthly Gamma isotopic monthly; Sr-89, 90 2 - Brazos River and tritium quarterly , Groundwater 2 - Wells most likely to be affected and Quarterly Gamma isotopic and used for drinking water tritium quarterly Drinking water 1 - Wallis (well water) Quarterly Gross beta, gamma iso-topic, Sr 89,90, and tritium quarterly Milk 1 - Areas withm 5 miles with milk cows Monthly 1 131,6Srt9,So90, where highest airborne concentrations arxl Carnma isotopic are expected monthly 1 - Area about 20 miles SE of plant Vegetables or 1 - Vegetable garden within 5 miles Monthly during Gamme isotok c t cattle f orage harvest season monthly Fish 4 - Coolmg lake Semiannually Gamma isotopic 4 - Brazos River analysis of flesh and St-09, 90 in tones semiannueuy Sediment, equatic 2 - Cooling lake. Semiannually damma isotopic and plants, and benthic 2 - Brnos River Sr 89,90 sem. annually or ginnisms Deer and game birds within 10 miles of site When available Gamma isotopic Ftice West of site At harvest Gamma isotopic Soil 7 - Each air sampling location Prior to startup Gamma isotopic a,gl 5 - Farms withm 5 miles and every thrve So90 years thereof ter Meat and piuttry 1 - I arm near site where animals drink Aanually Gamma isotopic on from cocimg lake at eat forage grown edible portions withm 10 miles downwind 8 the operational radiological monitoring program will be conducted m a rnanner that is consistent with applicable AEC 1 i Requiatory Guides ' i 6 1131 as specified m Reguletory Guide 4.3 when animats are on pasture. l l l k

i. - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ __ __ a

, -- _. . . . _ . _ _. . _ . _ .. _ . . ~ . . = . _. - , , J I l 6-6 i 4 i REFERENCES FOR SECTI0fl 6

1. U.S. Atomic Energy Comission,1972: Regulatory Guide 1,23, Onsite Meteorological Programs. .

USAEC Directorate of Regulatory Standards, Washington, D.C. { i j. O I

                                                                                                                       .i I

1 l l h l l-l l

7. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTS I

7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF POSTULATED ACCIDENTS l l

 /. ;.igh degree of protection against the occurrence of postulated accidents in the Allens Creek             l Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2 is provided through correct design, manufacture, and               i orPration, and the quality assurance program used to establish the necessary high integrity of               f the reactor system, as will be considered in the Commission's Safety Evaluation. Deviations that roay occur are handlad by protective systems to place and hold the plant in a safe condition.

Notwithstanding this, the conservative postulate is made that serious accidents might occur, even though they may be extremely unlikely; and engineered safety features are installed to , mitigate the consequences of those postulated events which are ludged credible. I 1 The probability of occurrence of accidents and the spectrum of treir consequences to be con- , sidered from an environmental effects standpoint have been analyzed using best estimates of . prooabilities and realistic fission proouct release and transport assumptions. For site eval- i uation in the Commission's safety review, extremely conservative 61sumptions are used for the I purpose of comparing calculated doses resulting from a hypothetical release of fission products I from the fuel against the 10 CRF Part 100 siting guidelines. Realistically computed doses that I would be received by the population and envircnment from the accidents which are postulated 1 would be significantly less than- those to be presented in the Safety Evaluation, i The Comission issued guidance to applicants on September 1,1971, requiring the consideration < of a spectrum of accidents with assumptions as realistic as the state of knowledge permits. I The applicant % response was contained in the "Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2 Environnental Report" dated December 5,1973, and Amendment 3 dated January 15, 1974. The applicant's report has been evaluated, using the standard accident assumptions and guidance issued as a proposed amendment to Appendix D of 10 CFR Part 50 by the Comission on December 1,  ; 1971. Nine classes of postulated accidents and occurrences ranging in severity from trivial to i very serious were identified by the Comission. In general, accidents in the high potential l consequence end of the spectrum have a low occurrence rate and those on the low potential conse- i quence end iiave a higher occurrence rate. The examples selected by the applicant for these l cases are shown in Table 7.1. The examples selected are reasonably homogeneous in terms of probability within erch class. Comission estimates of the dose which might be received by an assumed individual standing at the site boundary in the downwind direction, using the assumptions in the proposed Anner to Appendix 0, are presented in Table 7.2. Estimates of the integrated exposure that might be delivered to the population within 50 miles of the site are also presented in Table 7.2. The man-rem estimate was based on the projected population within 50 miles of the site for the year 2020. To rigorously establish a realistic annual risk, the calculated doses in Table 7.2 would have to be multiplied by estimated probabilities. The events in Classes 1 and 2 represent occur-rences which are anticipated during plant operations; and their consequences, which are very small, are considered within the framework of routine effluents from the plant. Except for a limited amount of fuel failures the events in Classes 3 through 5 are not anticipated during plant operationi but events of this type could occur sometime during the 40-year plant lifetime. Accidents in Classes 6 and 7 and small accidents in Class 8 are of similar or lower probability than accidents in Classes 3 through 5 but are still possible. The probability of occurrence cf large Class G accidents is very small. Therefore, when the consequences indicated in Table 7.2 are weighted by probabilities, the environmental risk is very low. The postulated occurrences in Class 9 invn!ve sequences of successive failures more severe than those required to be con-sidered in the design bases of protection systems and engineered safety features. Their conse. quences could be seYere. }{owever, the probability of their occurrence is judged so small that their environmental risk is extrenely low. Defense in depth (multiple ph,ysical barriers), quality assurance for design, manufacture and operation, continued surveillance and testing, and conservative design are all applied to provide and maintain a.high degree of assurance that potential accidents in this class are, and will remin, sufficiantly small in probability that the environmental risk is extremely low. 7-1

7-2: 1 Table 7.1, Clasification of postulated accidents and occurrences Class AEC description Applicant's examples i Trivial incidents Not considered 2 ' Small releases outside Evaluated as routine releases < containment 3 Radioactive waste system s Charcoal bed adsorber leakage or failure malfunction; liquid waste storage , tank lentage or malfunction; 1 rupture of a gaseous charcoal bed adsorber; rupture of a liquid j waste storap tank 4 Fission products to primary Fuel cladding defects;off design system (BWR) transients that induce fuel failures above those expected

                     $        Fission pioducts to pnmary                Not applicable and secondary systems (PWR) 6    ' Refuehng Acident                            Fuel bundle drop, heavy object drop onto fuelin core 7        E mt fuel handhng accident                Fuel assembly drop in fuel storage pool; heavy object drop 0:no fuel rack; fuel cask drop accident 8        Accident initiation evects                loss-of<oolant accident; control rod considered in design-basis         drop accident; steam line break evaluation in the Safety         - accident Analysis Report 9                                                                                       d Ilypothetical sequence of                 Not considered failures more severe than Clau 8                                           ,

The AEC is currently performing a study to assess more quantitatively these risks. The initial results of these efforts are expected to be available in 1974. This study is called the Reactor Safety Study and is an effort to develop realistic data on the probabilities and sequences of accidents in water-cooled power reactors, in order to improve the quantification of available knowledge related to nuclear reactor accidents probabilities. The Commission has organized a special group of about 50 specialists under the direction of Professor Norman Rasmussen of MIT to conduct the study. The scupe of the study has been disctissed with EPA and described in correspondence with EPA which has been placed in the AEC Public Document Room (letter, Doub to Dominick, dated June 5. 1973). As with all new information developed which might have an effect on the health and safety of the . public, the results of these studies will be made public and would be assessed on a timely basis I within the regulatory process on generic or specific bases as may be warranted. Table 7.2 indicates that the realistically estimated radiological consequences of the postulated accidents would result in exposures of an assumed individual at the site boundary which are less than those which would result from a year's exposure to the Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC) of 10 CFR Part 20. The table also shows the estimated integrated exposure of the popula-tion within 50 miles of the plant from each postulated accident. Any uf these integrated expo-sures would be smaller than those resulting from exposure to naturally occurring radioactivity. When considered with the prvbability of occurrence, the' annual potential radiation exposure of the population from all the postulated accidents is an even smaller fraction of the exposure from natural background radiation ard, in fact, is well within naturally occurring variations in the natural background.: It is concluded from the results of the realistic analysis that the environ-mental risks due to postulated radiological accidents are exceedingly small and need not be considered further. - k i 1 1

l 7-3 Table 7.2. Summary of radiological consequences of postulated accidents

• Estimated fraction Estimated dose o110 CF R Part 20 to population in

            '"                                       "*"                                                              50-m;le radius timit at site boundarye                  (man rems) 1.0              Trivial iricidents                                                       e                            e 20               Small releases outside containment                                       e                            c 3.0              Radioactive waste system failures 3.1           Equipment leakage or malfunction                                         0.029                      11 3.2            Release of radioactive waste gas storage tank contents                  0.11                       45         -

3.3 Release of hquid radioactive waste storage contents <0.001 <01 4.0 Fission products to primary system (BWR) 4.1 F uel cladding def ects c 4.2 Of f-design transients that induce fuel failures above 0.001 1.2 those expected 5.0 Fission products to primary and secondary systems (PWR) NA NA 6.0 . Refueling accidents 61 Fuel bundle drop <0 001 0.24 6.2 . Heavy object drop onto fuel in core 0.005 1.9 7.0 Spent fuel handl;ng accident 7.1 F uel assembly drop in fuel rack 0001 0.42 7.2 Heavy object drap onto fuel rack 0.002 0.70 , 7.3 Fuel cask drop 0.C 42 16 8.0 Accident imtiation events considered in design basis evaluation in the SAR 8.1 Loss of coolant accidents Small Break <0.001 <0.1 Large Break 0 013 40 8.1{ a) Break m mstrument ime from primary system that penetrates <0.001 <0.1 the containment i 8.2(a) Rod ejection accident (PWR) NA NA l 8.2(b) Rod drop accident (BWR) 0.002 1.7 i 8.3(a) Steamline breaks (PWRs outside containment) NA NA I 8.3(b) Steamline break (SWR) Small Break 0.001 0.39 i Large ereak 0.005 20 I

             *The doses calculated as consequences of the postulated accidents are based on airborne transport of raicactme mateitals   !

resulting in both a direct and an inhalation dose. Our evaluation of the accident doses assumes that the applicant's l environmental monitoring program and appropriate additional monitoring (which could be initiated subsequent to a liquid l reletse incident detected by m. plani momforing) would detect the presence of radioactivity in the environrnent in a timely manner such that remedial action could be taken if rressary to hmit exposure from other potential pathways to man 8 Represents the calculated fraction of a whole bndy dose of 500 miems, or the equivalent dose to an organ. (These releases are expected to be in accord with proposed Appendix I for routine elfluents (i.e.,5 mrems per war to an indmdual from either gaseous or liquid ef fluents). l l i 1 1 1 7.2 TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS l l The transportation of cold fuel to the plant, or irradiated fuel from the reactor to a fuel i reprocessing plant, and of solid radioactive wastes from the reactor to burial grounds is I within the scope of the AEC report entitled. " Environmental Survey of Transportation Of Radio- ) actlye Meterials to and from hu: lear Power Plants," December 1972. The environmental risks of 4 accidents in transportation are summarized in Table 7.3. l l 4

1 7-4 l l i b l a

                                                                                                                                                                 \

I Table 'il.3. Envuonmental risks of accidents in transport of fuel and wasta to and fi om

                                                                 ' a typicol lug t-water cooleti nuclear                                                              '

d power reactor E nvis onrnental Rsk

                                             . _ _ . .                     u_,.--._._.-                                                                                 g Ha+.fiologitai eltecti                            Small h

Can mon inc nratfiok gic.y cauws One f atal injury in  ;\ 100 yeai s; one nonf atat j injury in 10 years;

                                                                                               $4 76 property damMje                                                      i per year
                                                 # Data supportmg *hia -table are given in the CommissiWs "E nvironmentai Sur sey of Transpor tar:on of Rachoact3ve Wies sals to and ' rom N.,1 clear Poster Plant:. ' 1ated Decemtwr l

M72.

                                                                                                                                                                    \
                                                                                                                                                                         )

4 l e

                                                                                                                                                            'I I $                                                                                                            _ . _ . . _ _ _ . - . _ - _ - _ .

             ,. 1 v         .

I 8. TEED FOR POWER GENERATIM CAPACITY 8.1 DESCRIPTJON W NE POER SfSTEM 8.1.1 applicar;tisptem and novice area The Houston Lightir.g and Pcwer Con.pany occupies a 5600-sq-nile contiguoas area on M e Gulf Ccast , of Texas which n.ay he ro>ghly d. ascribed as the houston Galveston-freeport Eulf area. The system covers all or parts of ten counties and ser>es customers ur. der franchises in 67 inc0rporaMo j municipalities incMing t*e cities of Houston, G11veston, Freeport, $sytawn, and Pasadena. The  ! total population tw the area servad is about 2.5 million psaple or 20% of the population of ) Texa (ER, p. ?.1-)). 3.1.2 Rydonal relatiard , Tre applicont is a memt4.r of the Texas Interconnected System (*I5). which is a group of nine ! interconnectec utilities sarung tre tsulk of the State of Texas. Six of ihese systems are inves-tor owned, and the remairider cre puvlicly owned. This affiliation was established somo 30 years ago for reliability purpose but imnei r,o obligation on mmbers. Each nemter is expected, however, on the iwrage, to maintais e niinimum capacity reserve of it% above expected peak load. The TIS members are also itebers of tha Electric R?liebility Courcil c.f Texas (ERCOT), which is l one of nine regional councin of the National Electric Reliability Couacil (NERC). Membership of ERCOT is composeo of 28 municipalitien 47 cooperatives, 8 investor-owned companies, and I state

 =

agency. As one of tha nine regioqel HEW councils ERCOT participates in review of national 4 l planning to solve power prob! cms, considers iesign end operating criteria to enhance the relia- } bility of service ty ecch menber to it's r.t.stomrs, and annually reports to tne FPC current and projected data concerning the electric pner saoply Jn its region. However, the prir>cipal expec-tation placed upon ERC07 nembers 115 that, on the aveiage, reserve mirgins will be maintained [ I ibove 15% of expected 9eak loai. A basic operating philosophy among ERCOT mimbers is that each member will supply the requirements l of its custoners without heavy reliance upt n interchanle e,, cept under abnormal circumstances. J

    'Jncer normal circumstances, interties are Operated ligt tly loaded, which allcws the spinning                                        l restrves of each rember conoany to be available for ccntingencies elsewhere within the intercon-                                     j nec ted system. Interties ace not nuintaineC wita neigh,ioring power pools. The ERCOT members have a    poi record of serving their flem load cbligations over the years, aid this policy serves to lusalate the system from protlems of neighbocing systens.

I 8.2 ' W R REQUIREMENTS 12I Wsurrption of electric _ify TM etouston Lighting and Power Ctmpeny servet e large indut tria, load, which is the economic base of me area. Kilouatt-hour sales to the indust'lal class o f custopers have recently been about 514 af total kilowatt-hour sales. Residential customers have purchased about 23% and contiercial as tomere abast 201. Some of the oc e important sectors of the ind o trial and comercial kilowatt-Sour sales sre, in percent of total kilowatt-hour sales for 1972, a. follows: chemicals, 21.4%; eH ning, 7.&, prInary netals, 4.93; hospitalr. ard healtn services,1,5%, and food and beverages, 1,1% . The appl? cant has one large 1 sad with centract provisions set up on a limited interrupti-bility sasis, wi'.h a normal demand of 225 MW(e). This custorrtr has generating capacity which is 3pproximetely five tires its normal damar.d on the applicant. The applicant can use this load l  ! j as spinr, lag reserve as the customer can abaorb interruptions with his own generation (ER, p. ' i 1.1 - 3A ) . Contract provisions allow this lead to be reduced to zero demand during an agreed I number of tours at 4e discretion of the houston Lighting and power Company. Mwth in demand for electricity in the service area has averaged about 11.5% per year between' 1963 and 1972.1 Tota: annual kilowatt-hour sales in:relsed from 12.1 M 32.5 billion during the period. Comercial an1 industrial sales which accnuoter! for 71% of sales in 1972 increased at 'a rate of 12.31, while residential and rural sales increased at about an annual average of 10.7%. 3-1

6-2 Of interest is the growth attributed to r<ew customers and that due to more intensive use by existing customers. Kilowatt-hour use pe residential customer ircreased from 6,586 in 1963 to 12,750 in 1972. Much of this increase appears to be due to the increasing use of air-conditio11ng, which 1ad reached 57% seturation in 1972 according to the applicant (ER, p.1.1-2). Consur9 tion per customer in the cortnercial and industrial categorj increased from 130 MWhr in 1963 to 275 MWhr in 1972, an average annual rate of 8.6%. Two reasons for this increase are possible. One is the expansion of the size of individual comercial or industrial custoners. Another reason is the nore intensive use of electricity ir producticn, that is, substituting capital for labor has resulted in more electricity consumed per unit cf ct.tput. One indication of this is the change in kilowatt-hour siles to comirrcial and industrial custoners per dollar of value added in manctacturing (adjusted to a 1967 base) from 3.64 kwhr in 1963 to 3.99 kwhr in 1967 and to 5.41 kwhr in 1971. The average annual rate of increese was 3 8% between 1963 and 1967 and ! 7.9% between 1957 and 1971. Thus industrial and commercial output in the service area is becoming much more electricity intensive. p .o C 8.2 2 .Past enjignActed_grpwth h denard 8.2.2.1 Pop _uj a t ion gpl open t , t rcome , ai d ou_tput I j Trends of past electricity use are helpful ir assessing future use levels. In addition, forecasts of enerty vemand are influenced by trends in income, population, and employment. Forecasts of these factors in th9 applicant's service area, shown in Table 8.1,2 show a continued growth, but et a declining rate. An additional factor affec. ting future demaqd is the type of industrial activity; and the petrochemical industries, natural gas processing and petraleum sectors, all heavily represented in the applicant's service area, show some of the highes t growth rates of the nation's manufacturing industries.3 Table 8.1. Projections of income, population, and employment for the service area Total persor al income Pr camta personal income Population E mployment' Year Mdhons of Avg increase Avg increase Avg increase Avg increase dollars (%/ year) (%/ year) (%/ year) (%/yeai } 1000 4 29 2536 1.7 o6 1910 7 61 5.9 330E 2. 7 2.3 3.1 08 4.1 1980 13.12 56 4565 3.3 2.9 2.3 1.1 2.5 8 199(/ 21 04 48 5821 2.4 3.4 18 13" 1.7

     *> or the f ur major countiet Harris, Galveston, Draroria, and Fort Bend,in the service area

• he stalf changed these propections to be consistent with Series E rath3r than Series C population projections.

Sm.ece: Texas Water Development Board, Econornc Forecasts, Harris County and Viciqity, Economics Branch, Austin, Texas, Mar. 8, 1974 8.2.2.2 Alternative forecasts of electricity growth 3 The andysis of past economic trends and forecasts of these trends is helpful in assessing the , directio1 of change in the need for power. However, quantitative forecasts of power needs cannot be made directly from these data, as core detailed knowledge on the structure of load le vel s and the associated relationship to economic and population factors would be necessary. As an alternative to quantitative forecasts, three cases are compared, each expressed in terms of capacity needed. The first and most stringent assumes that demand will drop by 10% in 1974 compared with 1973 and thereaf ter the growth rate will decrease annually by 7%. The 7% results is an approximate halving of the current growth rate of 11% after 10 years. The second forecast assumes that beginning in 1973, growth rate will decline at 77 per year. The third is a forecast based on the applicant's projected increase in net peak-load demand. Another possible forecast is that demand growth will continue at the historical rate. There is little value in analyzing this forecast since it does not appear that this will occur. In order to convert demand for kilowatt-hour into need for plant capacity, the following proce-dure was used. It is observed that for the years 1967-1972 the annual sales of elect -(e in the system were very nearly at 50% of total system capacity each year. In this analy'. ' 'Jture assumptions of kilowatt-hours' use were transformed to capacity on that basis.

8-3 _ o The staff's assumed growth rates are higher than the applicant's for the 1970s and lower'during the 1980s. The results are presented in Table 8.2. Two construction schedules are assumed: (1) no delay in schedule and (2) a one-year delay for each unit. Table 8.2. Need for generating capacity under various conditions in g:gawatts 1974 dernand drops 7" 7% annual decline applicants net 10% and 7% annual in growth g peak load decline in growth r Demend Dernend Dernand or deficit or deficit or deficit i No delay 1980 14.2 12.4 1.8 14.1 0.1 13.9 o.3 1982 15.9 - 14.2 1.7 15.8 0.1 15./ o.2 L E ach unit delayed one year 1980 13.0 12,4 0.6 14.1 -1.1 13.9 -0.9 i

                                                                                                                                -0.8    14.8             -o,6 1981       14.2            13.3            0.9                15.0 1992.      14.7            14.2            0.5                15.8              - 1.1   15.7             - 1.0 15.9            15.o            0.8                18.6              -o.7    16.7             - 1.8 1983
                                                                                                                                                            ~
                                                   *See Sect. 811.

1 Table 8.2 shows that only for the first case, a decline in electrical demand in 1974 followed by ' a substantial decline .n annual growth rate would the units not be needed in the year scheduled.

                             'If each unit is 1200 MW(e), no more than a one-year delay could be tolerated. This analysis shows that the applicant's forecasts are reasonable in planning for the.needed additions to the system.

r 8.2.3 Impact of energy conservation and substitution on need for power t Recent energy shortages have focused the nation's attention on the importance of energy conserva-tion as well as measures to increase the supply of alternative energy sources. The need to conserve energy and to promote substitution of other energy sources for oil and gas have been 4 recommended by the report to the President on the nation's Energy Future as major efforts'in regaining national energy sel f-sufficiency by 1980.4 In the following sections, the staff con-siders conservation of energy as related to the need for the electricity to be produced by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

8. 2 . 3.1 Recent experience _

Implementation of energy conservation measures by households, businesses, and government has already contributed to the lack of growth in the cor.sumption of electricity nationally since the third quarter of 1973. The applicant states that he is unable to determine the effects of recent publicity on energy shortages on monthly power consumption in the service area. Even if this could be done, the relevance of this information to the forecasted need for power in the applicant's general service area over the next six to ten years is highly uncertain. Much will : depend, of course, on the future decisions of consumers and governmental agencies in responding to the energy crisis and potential developments in energy supply and demand factors which might j ease the energy crisis or cause it to worsen. However, as time progresses historical information j of,these kinds and the actual data on power demand impacts in the applicant's general service area will provide a more sign 4ficant basis for demand projections. 1 I l 5.2.'3.2 Promotional advertisement and conservation information services 4 in the past, the Houston Lighting and Power Comp 6ny ha's attempted, through, advertising, to accel-erate tb demand for electricity in their service areas. Generally, the major thrust of adver-tising was' to promote demand during off-peak periods, thereby covering expensive peaking cap 3 city

         , . - ~ , - . , - -                                                                      . , - -                   ,.y                                  , - - - - , ,,

8-4 with expanded lower-cost baseload capacity. Typically, this resulted in advertisement of electric heating to more efficiently use the capacity installed to meet the growth in surmer peaking demands associated with dir-conditioning. The applicant terminated promotional advertising in June 1972, (ER, Sect.1.1.1, p.1.1-3A) and, by direct mail and mass-media advertising, disseminated information designed to promote efficient rest Jential usage of electricity. Accordingly, elimination of promotional advertising is no longer an available peasure for the applicant to dampen demand. The applicant is currently developing a program to promote conservation of electricity; for extmple, radio and television advertising has been directed to specific energy-conservation sug-ge . ions, and brochures dealing with air-conditioning and other uppliance efficiency measures and proper home insulation have been mailed to residential customers. Considerinc  ? combined impact of the programs discussed above, it is the staff's opinion that there is ns clusive evidence that these programs will have a significant impact on projected demand. 8.2.3.3 Chan3e in Utility rates and structure The federal Power Comission regulates the transmission and sale of energy in interstate come rce . 5 There is no Public Utilities Commission in the State of Texas; regulation of rates is done by the local communities in the applicant's service area.6 Economic theory would indicate that implementation of substantial revisions in rate structure such as inversion of rates, time of day metering, or peak load pricing could result in some changes in the pattern and growth of electricity demand. At present, however, data do not exist which would support a conclusion that such price and rate structure changes would reduce the projected need for power in the applicant's service area in the next several years so as to make unnecessary the construction and operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. The body of literature on quantitative demand analysis does not address the effects of rate structure changes per se.7 Other authorities have discussed the potential consequences of rate structure changes upon demand for electricity. However, a review of the literature on this subject 8 does not reveal a forecasting methodology which the staf f could use to calculate with acceptable accuracy the effect of alternative rate schedules on the date at which the generating capacity represented by Allens Creek 1 and 2 will be required. b.2.3.4 Load sheddinE load staggering, and interruptible load contracts to reduce peak demand Load shedding is an emergency measure used to prevent system collapse when peak demand placed upon the system is greater than the system is capable of providing. This measure is usually not taken until all other measures are exhausted. Tne Federal Power Comission's report on the major load shedding that occurred during the North-east Power failure of November 9 and 10,1965, indicates that reliability of service of the electrical distribution systems should be given more emphasis, even at the expense of additional costs.9 This report identified several areas that are highly impacted by loss of power, such as elevators, traffic lights, subway lighting, prison and comunication facilities. It is the serious imoact on areas such as these that results in load shedding as only a temporary method to overcome a shortage of generating 'apacity during an emergency. It cannot be considered as a viable alternative for required additional capacity. Load staggering has also been considered by the staff as a possible conservation measure. Basic-ally this alternative involves shif ting the work hours of industrial or comercial firms to avoid diurnal or weekday peaks. However, the staf f considers the interference with customer and worker preferences as well as productivity to be of significant impact to make such proposals of questionable feasibility. As in the case of load shedding, load staggering cannot be considered as a viable alternative for required additional Capacity. For interruptible load contracts to be effective in system plar.ning, the load reduction must be lane enough to be effective in system stability planning. Thus, this type contract is primarily related to industrial customers. The acceptability of interruptible load contracts to industrial customers depends upon balancing the potential economic loss resulting from unannounced interrup-tions against the saving resulting from the reduced price of electricity. If the frequency or duration of interruptions increase as a result of insufficient installed capacity, the customer will convert to a normal industrial load contract. Even if the opplicant had 1200 MW(e) of interruptible load, it is speculative to project that customers would continue this contractual relationship if faced with f requent and long periods with no electrical service.

• l

8-5 8.2.3.5 Factory at_fectina the efficient utilization of electrical energy Promoting the ef ficient utilization of electrical energy by developing new standards for insula-tion, new lighting requirements for buildings and energy-ef ficient labeling dill result in reductions in long-term growth of energy requirements in the applicant's service area. In general, municipalities adopt and enforce local building codes which govern thc standards for buildings and structures. Apart f rom these requirements, the owner of a house or comercial building would increase the installed insulation only up to the point that the extra cost would be paid for by his future savings in fuel consumption. An increase in the price of energy used for space heating or cooling would increase the economically optimum quantity of insulation. As local building codes are changed and insulation in existjng structures increased, the change in both summer and winter demand in the applicant's service area will be reflected in their historf-cal loads. However, it is speculative at this time to predict which codes will be changed and which homeowners will add insulation so that the projected peak demand could be reduced. With respect to new lighting requirement.5, electrical energy savings do, to sone extent, appear possible for both new and existing residential and comnercial buildings. For example, encour-aging residential customers in existing houses to use lower-wattage electric bulbs, and reduced usage is important in the next decade as an emergency conservation measure and will complement savings brought about by institution of new standards and requirements in new house construction. Fluorescent lighting is about four times more ef ficient than incandescent lighting and is pres-ently in widespread use in industry and conmerce. Most residential houses have incandescent lighting. One study indicated that if all households in 1970 had changed to fluorescent from incandescent 11ghting, the residential use of electricity would have been reduced approximately 7.5% and total electrical sales would be reduced approximately 2.5%.10 However, since the maj.' Ity of residential lighting occurs in off-peak hours, the reduction on peak demand would be less than 1%. Thus the electrical savings resulting from new lighting changes on peak demand is minimal. The importance of energy-efficiency labeling of appliances is that it will allow the consumer to select the most energy-efficient appliance. Space heating, water heating, air-conditioning, freners, cooking, and clothes drying are among the large uses of electricity in residential appliances. Of these appliances, improvement in the efficiency of air-conditioners has been a major area of consideration since air-conditioners contribute substantially to the peak sunmer demand. 8.2.3.6 Consumer substitutir of electricity for scarce fuels While conservation measures am rather quickly aepted in a crisis situation, the consumer's substitution of electrical energy for fuels such as oil or gas takes several years to result in a substantial upward impact on the need for power. The staff expects that substitution of electricity for scarce energy sources will likely accelerate in the applicant's service area because of the uncertainty of oil and gas supplies and the outlook for higher prices relative to the price of electricity produced from coal-fired or nuclear plants. Nationally, for instance, electric space heating is projected to grow from 7.6% for all homes in 1970 to 16% in 1980 and to 27% in 1990.8 Other increases are forecasted in the growth of electric water heaters and ranges. The advent of electric automobiles or other new uses of electricity cannot be discounted but ore not now quantified in projecting need for power since the use of such items is specula-tive. It is the staff's evaluation that substitution ef fects will to some degree offset any savings from other conservation of energy techniques. A second kind of substitution which is relatively important in considering the applicant's need to add the proposed nuclear plant to his system is the desirability of adding nuclear capacity as soon as possible in order to reduce fuel consumed by gas- or oil-find units now forming a significant part of the applicant's system. This, in turn, will increase the availability of these material resources for other uses for which there is no available substitute. 8.2.4 Conclusions The applicant does not believe th'at any energy-conservation measures or substitution effects will be significant enough to change the projection of power needs. Although energy conservation i measures have a potential for reducing the future demand for electricity, there is no reliable l way at this time to quantify the reduction in power demand resulting from conservation of electri-city methods which could be implemented by either Federal, State, or local regulating bodies or voluntary action of the public. Our ability to predict is speculative due to the uncertain nature of the effectiveness of the measures that may be taken, by substitutional effects, and by possible regulations that may require increased electrical denund. Finally, even if conservation of energy measures is ef fective in reducing the demand for electricity in the 1980s, it is desir-able to add nuclear capacity to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by gas or oil-fired units

8-6

. thus increasing the availability of this resource for which there are no available substitutes.

The applicant has 4752 Mi(e) of base-load and 4077 MW(e) of intermediate-load capaci'.y using oil and gas planned through 1975. Moreover, to the extent forecasts are too nigh, modification of construction schedules of new generating capacity (nuclear or fossil) can be accomplished. Based on the foregoing, the staff concludes that the additional cap 0 city of the proposed nuclear plant is warranted. 8.3 POWER SUPPLY 8.3.1 Service area The applicant periodically reviews and updates capacity additions. The latest information and plans of the applicant are found in ERCOT.ll Table 8.3 shows current plans for capacity additions, together with reserve margins based on the applicant's forecast. Table 8.J. Capacity and reserve mergms Planned Net peak Annual Annual Reserve Year capacity hr demand increase increase margiri (megawatts) (megawa'ta) (%) { megawatts) , (%) 1973 7,800 6,650 6.6 412 17.3 1974 8.850 7,250 9.0 600 22.1 1975 0,210 8,cc0 10.3 750 15.1 1976 9,570 8,700 67 700 10.0 1977 10.230 0,450 8.6 750 8.3 1978 11,240 10,200 7.9 750 10.2 1979 11,000 10,950 7.3 750 8.7 1980 14,220 11,700 6.8 750 21.5 1981 14,220 12,450 6.4 750 14.2 1982 15.880 13,250 64 800 19.8 1983 15,880 14.050 6.0 800 13.0 i Until the first unit is brought on line, planned capacity additions are insufficient to maintain the 15% reserve margin which FRCOT recommends. Loss of-load probability would be 0.04 day per year with interconnected capability. A one-year delay in construction of each unit would cause reserve nargins to drop below 15% in 1980 and 1982. 8.3.2 Regional capability Tables 8.4 and 8.5 show system capability over the next 20 year period. These show that reserves fall within 15 to 25%. The system maintains as nearly as practical a reserve of 15% which is considered adequate for system reliability. 8.4 RESERVE MARGINS The reserve margin with the nuclear units added on schedule will be 21.5% in 1980 ard 19.8% in 1982. This is within the range of reserve margins recommended by the FPC for the ERCOT power pool of which the applicant is a member.

8.5 CONCLUSION

S The staff investigated the expected growtn of electricity use in the service area and how this may be changed by energy conservation. The applicant forecasts that electricity use will grow at a decreasing rate through 1983. The staff reviewed forecasts of economic growth in the service w v

8-7 area and concluded that the applicant's electricity growth forecasts were reasonable. The scheduled construction program must be maintained in order to issure a 16% reserve margin in 1980 and 1982. It is concluded that the amount of generating capacity representtd by Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Units 1 and 2 will be necessary in the early 1980s. Table 8.4. ERCOT reserves for 1974-1978 F H, item 3 of App A-1 Year Reserves (MW) responsibility 1974 Summer 5335 21.b Wiriter 3361 19.8 1975 Summer $737 21.2 Winter 4651 25.1 1976 Summer 5082 17 0 Winter 4231 20.7 1977 Sumener 5039 17.3 Winter 4342 19.5 1978 St.mmer 6026 17.1 Wir,ter 4704 19.5 Quahfving statement. In planning ger, erat'rs reserve re qorements for the above period, the systenis of EPCOT as a comoosite gr sup edi mahitan vs near as practical a reserve of 15% Probabilt ty of loss-of lead t-udies verify that thes margin will ef tectively .satisty f ature peak 03mands. The curtailinent of the supply et natural gas to rex as utilities as expervenced last yeit is expected to continue. Wih over MM of generation n Texas depend <mt o1 gas as bo lcr fusl this svill t e:Mi to ieOuar' lid the reserves of the int 9r. con nectee.f systems sini c conversl% to fuel oil results in a net of facie icy loss F'ans completed arrt under way to increau fuel oil ttryage facilnies and modify ensting basters to mme burn fuel oW a e expected to relhw this situation ef ficiently somewhat. Table 8.G. ERC01 load and capabihty - Penad 1B84-1993' Pro,ected Generat.ng Year f load 'MW) capabel t/ (MW) 1934 56,A68 67,737 1385 61,367 72,737 19J6 66.3(11 77,787 l ! 190' , i 84,205 ' 1988 7/,537 00,715 1989 84.023 91,553 1990 91 f>4 7 105.720 ) 1991 98,515 114,169 ) i l l 1992 106.501 123,0.t6 / 1993 114.843 112,379

                                                                                       #Durmg the atxyie period it is estimited tf at a total of 70.400 MW will be installed on ERCOT ses-                  ,

ter is. The costposition of this capacity is as follows Fydro, 0; urtletermined, 8%; fossil fueled. 30%; and ruclean,62% I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1

8-8 REFERENCES FOR SECTION 8

1. G. A. Parsons, editor in-chief, Nxdy 's Public utiln,y Manual, Moody's Investors Service Inc., Nest York, N.7., 1970 and 1973 volumes.

2. Texas Water Developmect Board, Economic Forecasts, Harris County and Vicinity, Economics Branch, Austin, Texas 78711, Mar. 8,1974.

3. Hous ton-Galveston Area. Council , land Use 'und R>pula Wn .W4.etions, 1990-20E0, Houston, Texas. December 1969, pp.10-11.

4. Tha Nations Energy future , WASH-l'2 31, Dectmber 1973.

5. Federal Power Act Sect. 201, March 1,1971.

6. Vederal Power Conmission, Fadural and St. ate corriacion JurisJiation and Telegone utilittu, FPC C-231, Washington D.C. 20426, p. 3 (1973).

7. R. Halvorsen, '" Residential Electricity: Supply and Demend," Sierra Club Conference on Power and Public Policy, Johnson City, Vermont, January 14-15, 1972.

D. Chapmen, T. Mount, and T. Tycre11, Etcotrieit:; tartand in t' ce Unitad States: Ars Econe-metria anc4vis, Oak Ridge Naticrial Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenqessee, June 1973. Phyllis H. M!m, Forecasts of Electric Eneigy and Cemand to tne Year 2000," a report by i the Task Forca Review to the Technicel Advisory Conmittee on Power Supply. J. W. Wilson, " Residential Demand for Electricity," Omterly Revieu of Econowlos and dueinava, Spring, 1371, pp. 7-22. J. G. Asbury, " Analysis of the Market for Electrical Energy."

8. P. O. Steiner, " Peak 1.oad and Efficient Pricing," Guas t. J. Econ. 71:585-610 (1957). '

O. E. Williamson, " Peak Load Pricing and Optimal Capacity," kr:ce. Ecoe. Rav. 56:810 (1966). H. Mohring, "The Peak Load Problem with Increasing Returns and Pricing Constraints," Accr. Econ. Reo. 693-705 (1970). R, Turvej, " Marginal Cas t Pricing in Practica " Econonice 31:426-432(1964). R, Tur vey, " Marginal Cos t," The Evan. J. 79:282-299 (1969) R. Turvey, 6pimt Priciu arJ Incestwne in Elaatricity supply, M!T Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1969. R. Turvey, " Peak Load Pricing," J. Po!. Econ. 76:101-113 (1963). M. Bol teux. " Peak Load Prf cing," J. S w. 155-179 (M60). H. 5. houthake r, " Electricity Tarif fs in Theory and Practice," Econ. J. 1-25 (1951). ! 9. Federal Power Conmission, "liortheast Power Failure", U.S. Goverrent Printing Office, Weshington, D.C. , Decerrber 1965.

10. J. Tansil, Residential Conswvption of 'Isotricity 19.50-1970, ORNL-NSF-EP-51, July 1973. ,

i i i

11. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Response to Federal Power Conmission Order No. 383-3 i (Docket No. R-362) April 1,1974, pp. Il-25ff. ,

l

• f 1 s

t '

_. v

9. BENEFIT-COST ANA YSIS OF ALTERNATIVES Section 8 e-tablished that the applicant will need additional generating capacity of about 2400 MW(e) for th 1980-1982 period. This section will examite potential sites for the facility, possible energy sources to generate the electricity, and alternative cooling systems.

9.1 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND SITES 9.1.1 Alternatives not requiring creation of new generating capacity 9.1.1.1 Purchased power or diveristy exchange The staff explored in Sect. 8 the applicant's general obligations to the interconnected systems of Texas, basically ERCOT, and the operating and reserve policies practiced by the utilities of the s tate. Neighboring utilities must add capacity to maintain their own reserves, and are all suruner-peaking systems. The staff concludes that the purchase or exchange of power is not a viable alternative. 9.1.1.2 Reactivating or upgrading an older plant The applicant does not have deactivated units of sufficient size to ach ve 2400 MW(e). Upgrad-ing of existing units is not considered by the staff to be practical. 's would require higher pressure or higher capacity boiler.;, additional or redesigned turbines and condensers, and added capacity to dissipate waste heat. The staff concludes that this is not a viable alternative. 9.1.l.3 Operating peaking units as base load Thr icant does not have sufficient generating capacity to maintain the 15% system reserve beyond 1980. Therefore, new capacity must be installed. The staff concludes that 3f existing peaking units is not a viable alternative. natives requiring creation of new generating capacity iternative sites

           . e a number of notentially suitable sites for the customers served by Houston Lighting and Company. The st       performed an independent analysis of the site-selection process used
         .e applicant for the Allens Creek Nucitar Generating Station. Theoret'ically ar.y location nin tiie service area and for a considerable distance beyond is a candidate site, and the sites n.ected by the applicant reflect a reasonable choice. Since there are suitable sites in or near the service area, staff consideration of sites outside the area is not warranted.

The applicant initially restricted the search for sites near water sources because of the pre-sumption that large volumes of water would be required for cooling. Although dry cooling systems may be available at the time of construction, their availallity to meet the requirements of the proposed plant is uncertain. 9.l.2.1.1 Methodology The first phase of the analysis was to divide the general regio' into subregions according to water sources. Those subregions which were suitable from a water supply standpoint were eval-uated on the basis of: (1) separation from densely populated areas, (2) power network considera-tions, (3) competition for water supply (4) proximity to transmission lines, and (5) compati-bility with surrounding present and future land uses. Those potential sites which met these requirements were subjected to engineering, economic, and environmental evaluations. A ranking 9-1

i 9-2 of these sites was made to obtain a recomended location for the plant. The staff relied heavily on information supplied in the ER, Sect. 9, as well as field visits and other sources of informa-tion. 9.1.2.1.2 ' Preliminary screening of sites The applicant identified the following subregions:

1. the Trinity River basin,

   .        2. the Trinity-San Jacinto coastal basin.
           -3. the San Jacinto River basin,

4. the San Jacinto-Braros coastal basin,

5. ' the Brazos River basin,

6. the Brazos-Colorado coastal basin (including the San Bernard River basin), ]

7. the Colorado River basin,

8. the Gulf of Mexico (saltwater), and

9. off shore floating platform.

Some of these potential locations can be eliminated on the basis of a single criterion. In.the time frame of the probable need for these generating units, the off-shcre nuclear plant is not a real possibility. Plans for building off-shore nuclear stations are well advanced. However, given (1) the need to complete the licensing of the prCuction facility at Jacksonville, Florida; (2) the fact that the' fir!.t two units scheduled to come off the line re +o fill an-order for placement off New Jersey; (3) the need to evaluate competing uses of a te; and (4) the requirement to conduct extensive geological, seismological, and meteorological tests to select a specific site, it is clearly reasonable to eliminate this concept from consideration for the current application. The staff also ell.iinated the Colorado River basin from further consideration inasmuch as it is further from the load center than the others. Only if suitable sites could not be found nearer the load center would it be worthwhile to evaluate sites in that basin. The applicant and staff concur that the three coastal basins and the San Jacinto River basin were not considered further because each is expected to become an importer of surface water from neighboring basins.1 9.1.2.1.3 Final screening for acceptable sites In this screening, any sites which are deemed by the staff to be unacceptable on the basis of any one or a combination of the following criteria are taken out of the ranking of acceptable sites. Separation from densely populated areas , Studies by the Houston-Galveston Area Council show projected population trends for an area sur-rounding Houston (including all of the applicant's service area) for the years 1990 and 2020.2 Since patterns established for 1990 continne through 2020, the 1990 projections are satisfactory for this analysis. Trinity River basin. The applicant did not consider a site in tne Trinity River basin. The area lies ENE of Houston. Population in the imediate surroundings, that is, within about 15 miles, is projected to be quite low. Baytown is the nearest population center, while the center of Houston is about 30 miles away. Sites upstream would be even further from these population centers. The basin appears favorable from a population density standpoint.

9-3 W. A. Pa rish. This location appears to have many advantages for a two-unit nuclear station in that it is already developed for electricity generation. The staff requested from the Houston-Galveston Area Council further details on population for radii of 25 and 50 miles from the site. 1 These figures were provided broken down by geographical statistical units for a band 12.5 to  ! 25 miles from the W. A. Parish site. The average population per square mile in 1970 in this band was 518. As equally suitable alternative sites, with lower population density, existed, this sise is removed from consideration. Scanlon. This site is nearer Houston than W. A. Parish, and it is apparent that a similar situa-tTon in regard to popul' tion density would exist; therefore, this site is also removed from further consideration m the analysis. Lower Mill Creek. This site is 45 miles west of the center of Houston in a decidedly rural area. Slow population growth is expected. The main growth will result from encroachment from the east by Houston suburbs. The population density analysis in Sect. 2.2.1 for Allens Creek wculd be very similar for Lower Mill Creek. Allens Creek. The site is about 45 miles from downtown Houston in a setting quite similar to Lower Mill Creek. Encroachment from Houston may be somewhat more rapid, but certainly at an acceptable rate for nuclear licensing considerations. Gulf of Mexico. The applicant did not specify a site for a Gulf location. A site is mentioned ir. the ER (p. 9.2-Sa) in Matagorda County. However, that does not appear to be an alternative site for this application because approval is being sou',ht to build two nuclear units on the Matagorda County site in cooperation with other utilities. The staff believes that locations near Freeport are worthy of consideration, and the analyses which follow assume a site in that area. Freeport is located approximately 50 miles south of downtown Houston. A substantial growth projection of industrial load makes this a prime area for consideration. It shculd also be noted that a residential zone is projected from Freeport to the northern part of Lake Jack-son, an area of about 75 square mile-Power network considerations The following discussion is based on the latest ERCOT report.3 This doctanent contains plans for additions to generating capacity by member utilities through 1983, and this analysis is based on that data. Power supplies excluding Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will be located directionally with respect to Houston as follows: ESE, 331; north,15%; south, 30%; central, 4%; and 2% unassigned. The remaining 15% is accounted for by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating S ta t ion ." Lnad growth in the service area was considered. Two areas of growth are important: (1) resi-dential growth expected to take place north of Houston; (2) omwth of industrial, residential, and coninercial loads south of Houston, especially industrial complexes expected in several areas along Trinity Bay, Galveston Bay, and the west side of East Bay and West Bay to as far south as Freeport. Thus a location which can serve both the north and south sides of Houston is desir-able with particular importance being placed on the south and southeast part of the service area. Trinity River basin. This is well suited to serve areas north of Houston and also areas east and southeast of Houston. The applicant rejected this location on the basis of the power net-work; however, this analysis was based on current rather than future locations of generating units (ER, p. 9.2-3). Lower Mill Creek and Allens creek. These locations are farthest from the projected load center, and each site wou'Id be 53 table for transmission to the north or to the south of Housten. Geo-graphic distribution of generating facilities would be improved as either would be west of Houston where no plants are presently located. Gulf of Mexico. This site would be suitable for serving the large industrial load expected to expand south Trom Houston. Residential and commercial growth south of Houston would also be well served f rom this location.

l 9-4 Competition for water supply Primary consideration must be given to the competing uses of water needed to cool the condensers of the plant. The usage of water in Nclear power plants is of ten a significant portion of the flow of even large streams. Trinity River basin. Houston has been relying heavily on groundwater for municipal supplies and has experienced problems with ground subsidence due to heavy groundwater withdrawals.5 Houston considers the Trinity River a prime source of high-quality water (ER, p. 9.2-4). For this reason the staff concluded that utilizing Trinity River flow for cooling a power plant would not be de-si ra bl e. Lower Mill Creek and Allens Creek. Both of these sites would use water from the Brazos River. AUhe Richmond gage, downstream several miles from Allens Creek, the average annual flow is 7300 cfs or r out 5.3 million acre-feet per year. The Texas 4ater Development Board has pro-jected manuscturing wate' requiraments by county.6 Data for counties likely to be heavy users of Brazos River flow are showe ' ble 9.1. The year 2010 is selected since that year is near the end of the operating life . proposed units. The total for all counties is over 1.9 mil-lion acre-feet per year. The total of Austin, Brazoria, and Fort Bend, the three counties which the river flows through in the service area, is 0.9 million acre-feet per year. Two major data gaps "ist. One, of course, is the nonmanufacturing use of water. Secondly, average annual flow may be a poor measure of adequacy considering variations in flow and variations in use within and among years. For a cooling lake, annual variations will not be too important, because the cooling lake would have about a one-year supply of water available for cooling when filled. Also, the Brazos River is not the sole source of water, other small streams, rainfall, and groundwater being other sources. Nevertheless, it does not appear that the proposed plant which is expected to consume (evaporate) about 49,000 acre-feet per year will cause serious competition for avail-abic water in the basin. The applicant has contracted with the Brazos River Authority to with-draw up to 176,000 acre-ft/ year. The necessary contract approval from the Texas Water Rights Commission has been obtained. The staf f concludes that competition for water would not preclude siting s plant at either Allens Creek or Lower Mill Creek. Table 91. Projected Brnos River use for manuf acturing County (acre f ttyears Austm 84 Bruona 875.574 Fort Bend 37,161 Hams B67,126 Gainston 163.907 Total 1.943 852 I aulf of Mexico. A Gulf of Mexico site using saltwater obviously presents no problem from a water compet'Itton standpoint. Even the use of fresh water near the mouth of the Brazos River (or any stream) would be preferable to an upstream location. This is because many water uses are nonconsumptive. Thus locating high consumptive water users downstream, especially those not requiring high-quality water, preserves options for upstream nonconsumptive uses. Proximity to transmission lines and compatibility with surr'ounding present and f uture land uses These issues can be treated rather briefly and are dealt with jointly for each remaining site. Lower Mill Creek. The nearest transmission lines are two 345-kv lines directed north and south about 207Tes7ast of the site. This line interconnects with other utilities to the north. Regarding land uses, the site is in a sparsely populated rural area. Little competition is seen

1 l 3-5 from planned recreational developments. The Houston suburbs will encroach from the east, but almost certainly will not extend this distance during the life of the station. This site is 4.5 miles from Stephen F. Austin State Dark. 1 Allens Creek. This site has the same relationship to transmission lines as Lower Mill Creek. l The site is primarily used for cultivated crops with pasture an important second use. Prior to the purchase of the site by the applicant, local officials had applied to the Secretary of Agri- i culture for financial and technical assistance to carry out flood protection and agricultural 1 water management.7 One initial objective was to provide flood protection to the Allens Creek ( floodplain. This objective was withdrawn subsequent to the purchase of the land by the appli-cant. The Soil Conservation Service estimated this flood protection would reduce crop and live-stock damage to some $40,000 per year. As a rough approximation, the present value of this savings over the life of the plant would total some $400,000 to $500,000. No other use of the land is foreseen other than for construction and operation of the power plant. Gulf of Mexico. There are two 138-kV lines running north from Freeport. The nearest 345-kV line is approximately 35 miles north of Freeport located in an east-west directkn. Without a specific site, it is difficult to determine if there are other competitive uses. The staff be-lieves that other industrial users would be the major competitors for a site. 9.1.2.1.4 Comparison of acceptable sites ) At this point, two sites in addition to the proposed Allens Creek site appear suitable. A com-parison of these sites with the Allens Creek site foll . l Lower Mill Creek vs Allens Creek I Both sites are located on river-bottom iand, he Ships-Norwood Association of Soils, which is more fertile than upland soils.3 If a cooling lake is buil t, it appears that less river-bottom l land would be flooded in the case af Lower Mill Creek. Currently the Lower Mill Creek site is I used for pasture, while Allens Creek is oradominatly cultivated crops - reflecting a more inten-sive use (ER, p. 9.3-8). Regarding generating station costs, the ER states that the discounted annual costs for the two sites are $246,922 'or Allens Creek and $257,161 for Lower Mill Creek, the latter being 4% higher for the case unere two units *are built within a system eventually cdpable of siting four units (ER, pp. 9.3-if and 9.3.2). For the case where only two units are alanned, these costs would be $183,796 and $187,879 for Allens Creek and Lower Mill Creek re-spectively. The la tter is somewhat more than 2% higher. . l Environmental impacts were rated by the applicant on the basis of compatibility with present and l orojected land use, preemption of currert land use, site preparation and plant construction, compatibility with area development, proximity to recreational and historical areas, visual im-cact of plant and transmission corridors, effects on microclimates, terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, and recreational use of the site. 1 Although the applicant rated Lower Mill Creek lower on environmental grounds, there was not an adequate verification of the rating system. Site preparation and plant construction and compat-ibility with area development were unexplainably lower (ER, p. 9.2-9). The staff concludes that the Allens Creek site is an acceptable Cnoite compared to Lower Mill Creek with no alternative site having an advantage that would clearly reduce the environmental impact of construction and operation of tne station. i l l Allens Creek vs Gulf of Mexico The Gulf of Mexico has good potential as a site. A (Texas) Governor's Task Force recomends l giving strong consideration to using saltwater for cooling when possible.9 The study questions  ; some of the popularly held beliefs of ecological damage from heat ef flpents into marine areas. The highest rank between the two sites would seem to depend on internal economic considerations. In answering a staf f question on the added costs of a Gulf of Mexico site, the applicant gave the following infmation (ER, p. 9.2-5). The added costs are due to: (1) protection against flooding and hurr o. anes and (2) piping and channeling to provide environmental protection of coastal and aquatic organisms. The total added costs given range from $72 to $141 million. On the other hand, the cost of a closed cooling system required for an inland site would be avoided. j

9-6 I Assuming a cooling lake is selected, the present value of the cost of construction and operation is $128 million. Thus neither site is clearly superior on this basis. Two further cost comparisons should be made: (1) land costs and (2) transmission costs 9ased on information in other environmental statements, a site of approximately 1000 acres is aded including the exclusion area for a station with a once-through cooling system; however, ite acreages do vary widely.. The current market price for large blocks of land on the coast ranges from $2500 to $3500 an acre in the Freeport area.10 Open land a few miles removed from the Coast would range from $2000 to $3000 per acre. Using the high figure of $3500, total land cost would be $3.5 million compared with the Allens Creek (with cooling lake) land cost of over

   $15 million (ER, p.11.1-1).

Comparative transmission costs are less precise. A site in the Freeport area would appear to be somewhat farther removed f rom the current load center than Allens Creek. However, as indi-cated earlier, substantial residential and industrial growth is expected along the east side of the bays, and this would favor a Freeport location. 9.1.2.1.5 Conclusions on final screening for acceptable sites lower Mill Creek, a site near the Gulf of Mexico, and Allens Creek appear to be suitable loca-tions. The staff accepts the recomendation of the Allens Creek site by the applicant not on the basis of its proven preference over the other two sites but because there appears to be no serious disadvantage and the fact that it has been studied more thoroughly from the standpoint of hydrology, seismology, meteorology, and ecology. To duplicate these studies for another site af ter this time lapse would cause an unwarranted delay in the start of plant construction. 9.1.2.2 Alternative power sources 9.1.2.2.1 General feasibility analysis The selection of a feasible power source as an alternative to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station requires that a broad range of criteria be satisfied, lhese criteria for selection are listed in Table 9.2. They have been adapted from The Nation S Energy Futurell where they were used in establishing federal research and development priorities. For this particular applice-tion, an alternative is considered to be feasible provided that it fulfills every one of the criteria and, in addition, it should have a timing which is rated near term. The latter means that the alternative power source is available for the near term, 1974-1985. This overlaps with 1980 listed and 1982, in Table 9.2the years were Allens chosen Creek from is expectedreferences.1*15 comprehensive to start to produce power. ihe alternatives Of all the alternatives that were investigated by the staff only coal is a feasible alternative and is ranked at the same level as nuclear power. Oil and gas are ranked second because of the uncertainty of the adequacy of the reserves of these resources. At the present time the appli-cant, as well as the country as a whole, is cxperiencing difficulty in obtaining adequate sup-plies of oil and gas. Additional supplies may become available in the 1980s from the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, the continental shelf, and other sources, but the extent of these additions it uncertain. The remaining sources ace not feasible for a variety of reasons. For example, hydroelectric power is not possible because of the lack of water potential in the applicant's area or within reasonable distances. Tne most important reason for dismissing the others as not feasible is the important criterion of timing. 9.l.2.2.2 T,be coal alternative A conventional coal-fired power Slant is the only serious alternative to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station since, as shswn in Table 9.2, it is the only one for which all of the criteria for selection are fulfilled. In order to detennine which of the two is more socially desirable, each criterion must be Gamined and compared. It is the staff's view that the only differences arise from the two criteria - expected price / cost of production and environmental acceptability. First the expected prire/ cost of production will be examined The staf f has estimated the present value (1980) generating cost for a coal-fired power plant using Wyoming coal and a lignite-fired power plant using lignite from Milam and Freestone Counties, about 100 miles from Houston.16 The results are illustrated as a function of capacity factor in Fig. 9.1. The

9-7 Table 9.2. Selection of feasible power sources for alternatives to the I Attens Creek Nuclear Generating Station I Criteria for selection ' E j e 9 {g I E R E , 5 s 8 1  ! 5 3  : li s

                                                            "                    A W                            S              2                   m            [

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                                             )

5 i I'si E" c _E "S j 5 S 2 ti i i i 2 2 > .N , - E N 9 2 2

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       . Type of power                4      5 o3 S      i. h o

w x w e o2 e< Z J I d 3 4 2 5 6-

                                                                                                                          .E F   w    ,

x x x x x x x x x x x x 12 N 1 -

1. Nuclear - Allens Creek Nuclear l Generating Station x x x x x x x- x x x x x 12 N 1

2. Coal-conventional x x x x x x x .x x x 10 N 2

3. Oil x x x x x x x x x x 10 ~ N 2

4. Gas

5. Hydroelectric x x x x x x x x x x x 11 N x x x x x x x .x x 9 M 6 Shale oil

7. Geothermal x x x x x x x x 8 M x x x x x x x x 0 M

8. Nuclear-LMFBR x x x x x x x 7 M

9. Fuel from wastes x x x x x x 6 M

10. Fuel cells x x x x x x 6- M

11. Wind

12. Coal binary cycle x x x' x 4 M

13. Coal MHO x x x x 4 M x x x x 4 L lt. Solar x x x x 4 L

15. Fusion x x 2 L

16. Oceda thermocline dTiming Near (Nh 1974 1985, Mid (MU 1985-2000 Long (LU 2000+.

assumptions used in obtaining these results are listed in Table 9.3. For comparison, the applicant's estimate for ACNGS is given. The cor, lusion is that for plant capacity facturs of 60-80%, the range expected for such plants, nuclear power is much more economical. This conclu-sion is consistent with two separate independert estimates." It should be noted that if the lig ,ite fuel costs do not rise as rapidly as assumed for this analysis, then the lignite-fired power plant would be more economically competitive with nuclear power. A similar conclusion would be true if the costs of nuclear fuel rise instead of remain constant as assumed. Two recent reviews have compared the environmental impacts of coal-fired and nuclear power plants for generalized cases.19 Based on these reviews, and considering the specific application to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site, the staff's conclusion is that in general both are about equally acceptable as sources of electric power provided that stringent control measures are exercised. l On balancing the two criteria of expected price / cost of production with environmental accepta- , l bility, the staff concludes that the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station is the most favor-able alternative. j l

9-8 5 ES-201

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                   ,4                                                                ,

j COAL (STAFF) C N3 LIGNITE (STAFF) e b / 9 4

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                 ~g                -- -

NUCLE AR (STAFF) _ u -

                                 / y                                NUCLEAR ( APPLICANT)        -

G 5 o A E5 o O 20 40 60 80 t00 CAPACITY FACTOR ( %) Fig. 9.1 Total generating cost (present value - 1980) of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and a coal-fired power plant vs capacity factor. 9.2 STATION DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 9.2.1 Alternative cooling systems The staff considered the use of other methods of dissipating waste heat. A review of potential water supplies by the staff indicated that the only water available in sufficient quantity for circulating water purposes is from the Brazos River. Six potential options to the proposed cooling lake heat-dissipation systems were considered:

1. Once-through cooling,

2. dry cooling towers,

3. wet-dry cooling towers ,

4. mechanical-draf t wet (evapora tive) towers,

5. natural-draf t wet (evapora tive) towers, and

6. spray canal.

9.2.1.1 Once-thro _ ugh cooling The flow in the Bra 70s River is not suf ficient to provide 3780 cfs of water required continuously to d i s s i pa t e toe wa s t e hea t f rom th e s ta t ion . Therefore, the staff concludes that this alterna-tive is not viable. 9.2.1.2 Drt coolj ng_towerj. Dry cooling towers have been considered by the staf f at the Allen Creek Nuclear Generating S ta tion. They remove heat from the circulating wa ter through radiation and convection to air being circulated pas

• the heat-exchanger tubes. Because of the poor heat-transfer properties of air, tubes are generally finned to increase the hea t-trans fer area. The theoretical lowest temperature that a dry coalitig sys tern can achieve is the dry-bulb temperature of the air, The

i l I 9-9 dry-bulb temperature is never lower than the wet-bulb temperature, which is the theoretically ' lowest temperature that a wet ecoling tower can achieve. As a result, dry cooling towers are a less-efficient cooling system, which leads to increased cost and size of the cooling equipment. Turbine back pressures will be increased, as will the range of back pressures over which the turbines must operate, This will result in a reduced station capability for 0 give size reactor. Tabla 9.3. Assumptions and data used to estimate the present vous (19801 total generating soit for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and Wyoi sing coal fired and Texas lignite fired power plant alternatives Nuclear Coal Lignite ' Assumptions and data Staff Applicant Staff Staff Capital costs, billions of dollars 1.38 1.158 1 oc 1.oc Operation and maintenance costs, mills per kwhr 1W 1.25* 1.04' 1.04' Fuel costs, mills per kwhr 2.bf 1.49' 8.18' 3.86' Interest for cost of capital, % B.75 9.23 8.75 8.75 Plant life, years 30 30 30 30 Capacity factor, % 80 80 80 80 Generating costs lunescalated),8 billions of dollars 1.9 1 618 26 1.9 Generating costs (escalated)," bilhons of dottars 2.0 39 26

• Estimated from CONCEPT code.See App. C.

bHouston Lighting and Power, Environmental Report, Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station,1973,

p. 8.2 -5.

                     ' Estimated from CONCEPT code. See App. C. These ate low estimates.

vu.S. Atomic Energy Commession, The Nuclear Industry 1973, WASH 1174-7J (Washington, D C , Government Printing Of fice,1973), p.15.

                     'E R, op. cit.
                      ' Ibid., pp.9.3 7,9.3 6, and 9.219. These are low estimates.

POperation and maintenance costs and fuel costs are assumed to remain constant over the life of the plant,

                      ^ Operation and maintenance costs are assur.'.d to escalate at the rate of 5% per year because of increases due to labor and material costs. Coal and hgnite costs are assumed to escalate at the rate of 5% per year because of the most economical mines being used up first and increases in labor and material costs, Nuclear fuel costs are assumed to remain constant because of expected economies of scale in production and imptovements in technology. These are pomted out in The Nuclear Industry 1977, op. cet . p.15.

Dry tower systeir.s are of three dif ferent types:

1. Smaller units (up to 3W s) can be built in which steam is ducted from the turbine to the heat exchanger for direct steam condensing. Very large ducts, operating under substantial vacuum and distributing steam over a large heat-exchanger area, make this system impractical for large nuclear facilities.M

2. Direct-contact systems can be built in which the cooling water and steam mix in a direct-contact condenser. This system requires a significant increase in water treatment and storage costs, since the entire cooling system uses steam-generator-quality water.20

3. Depending on turbina design, conventional surface condensers (but larger) or multipressure (zoned) surface condensers can also be used, with the dry tower replacing the wet tower in a system similar to existing wet tower systems. These systems do not require steam-gener-ator quality water. At this time, this is probably the most practical system to consider for large power plants.21 The advantage of a dry cooling tower system is its ability to function without large quantities of cooling water. In theory, this allows power plant siting without consideration of water availability, and eliminates thermal / chemical pollution of the aquasphere, In practice, some amount of water will always be required, so that power plant siting cannot be completely indepen-dent of water availability, from an environmental and cost-benefit standpoint, dry cooling towers can permit optimum siting with respect to environmental, safety, and load distribution criteria without primary dependence on a supply of cooling water. When considered as a direct alternative to wet cooling towers, the adyintages of dry cooling towers include elimination of drif t problems, fogging, water consumption, and blowdown disposal,

9-10 The principal disadvantage of dry cooling towers is economic: for a given reactor size, plant capacity can be expected to decrease b assuming an optimized turbine desig.1.2g aboutenergy Bus-bar 5 to 15% depending costs on ambient are expected to be intemperatures the order of and 20% more than a once-through cooling system, and 15% mre than a wet cooling tower system, assuming 1980 operation.21 Environnentally, the effects of heat releases from dry cooling towers have not yet been quantified: some air pollution problems may be encountered; noise generation problems for mechanical-draf t dry cooling towers will be equivalent or more severe than those of mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers; and for natural-draft dry towers the aesthetic impact of { natural-draf t wet cooling towers, despite the probable absence of a visible plume, will remain. Ory cooling towers now being used for European and African fossil-fuel plants are limited to plants in the to achieve 200 MW optimum or smalleratcategory; efficiencies the higherthe usepressure back of nuclear andstations requiresofnew range required this turbine designs system.2 Mechanical-draft dry cooling towers can be constructed as a series of interconnected modules (a

   " single" tower), or as separate modules or groups of modules. Selection of tower layout will be controlled by plant layout, terrain, piping requirements, etc. The total land area required will be larger than that required by equivalent wet cooling towers; however, there should be no recir-culation problem with dry cooling towers, so that total plant areas required for cooling towers may not be too dissimilar for wet and dry towers.20 Total area and numbers of modules will also 5e influenced by the type of module selected. For a single-fan design, assuming a 60-ft-diam fan and a module area of about 9200 ft2 , the staff estimates that about 40-50 modules would be required for a 1000 W(e) unit. Thus a total area of about ten acres per unit would be used, which probably represents a minimum area design. Additional area will be required for mainte-nance access, piping runs, clearance, condensate storage tanks, etc.

After weighing the overall advantages and disadvantages of dry cooling towers, the staff con-cluded that dry cooling towers are not a practical alternative for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station heat-dissipation system. 9.2.1.3 Wet-dry cooling towers One way to reduce the turbine back pressures and yet conserve water is using wet-dry cooling towers. These towers consist of two parts: (1) one in which the circulating water is passed through a fin and-tube heat exchanger where the water is cooled by sensible heat transfer to the air flowing around the outer surfaces of the heat exchanger tubes and (2) one in which the circu-lating water drops through the air where it is cooled by evaporhtive and sensible heat transfer to the air. The warmer circulating watcr usually passes through the heat-exchanger portion before it cones into direct contact with the air. The amount of heat dissipated in the heat-exchanger tubing relative to that dissipated by direct-contact heat transfer can be controlled by design features and/or operational mode. Under optimal control the annual water consumption in a wet-dry cooling tower could be as low as 20% of that in an evaporative cooling tower.23 Analyses by the applicant indicated that the consump-tive water loss in wet-dry cooling towers would be about one-half'that in evaporative cooling towers (ER, Table 10.1-16 and ER, Amend. 4, Table 10.1-18). The amount of heat that is dissipated in each part of the coolit.g towar could be made a function of the air temperature. During the cool winter months, all the wast. heat could be dissipated in the heat-exchanger portion of the cooling tower, and during the wanner suniner months, the waste heat could be dissipated in both parts of the cooling tower. Doing this the turbine back pressure could be maintained at a reasonable value, about 5.5 in. Hg (ref. 23). The staff believes, however, that wet-dry cooling towers designed to conserve water will be costly, having costs approaching those for the dry cooling towers. This will result in a con-siderable increase in the cost of energy generated by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, about 15% more than that for a once-through system. Af ter weighing the overall advantages and disadvantages of wet-dry cooling towers, the staff concluded that wet-dry cooling towers are not a practical alternative for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station heat-dissipation system. 9.2.1.4 Mechanical-draf t wet _ cooling towers One viable alternative for dissipating heat from warmied circulating water is mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers. This heat-dissipation system, like the cooling lake, would be a closed system but has the potential of using less water and less land. The applicant (ER, p.10.1-11 and ER, Amend. p, 10.1-100) stated that the station using this alternate heat-dissipation system

                                                        ._m

9-11 would require about 2000 acres of land, of which 750 acres would be required for a storage and helper pond. Two 14-cell towers would be required for each reactor unit, and each tower would be about 600 f t long, 75 f t wide, and 40 ft high. The staff estimated the cooling tower consumptive water use for an average year (ER, Tables 2.6-1 and 2.6-3) using the following assumptions: (1) tower designed for 78*F wet-bulb and 14'F approach temperatures, drif t losses. (2) ratio These estimates of the water are shown in Table to dry 9.4.airThemass flow rates applicant is Table (ER, 1.5, and (3))0.03% 10.1-16 esti-mated that the cooling tower evaporative water loss would be 32,740 acre-ft/ year, which agrees with the value calculated by the staff. Table 9.4. Staff's estimates of consumptive water use in mechanical <lraf t wet cooling towers and associated coohng pond for a typical year Tower water use (acre. feet) Month induced Drift Total evapor ation Januar y 2546 52 2598 February 2573 49 2622 March 2651 52 2703 April 2732 51 2783 May 2828 52 2880 Jur.e 2888 51 2939 July 2006 52 2958 August 2909 52 2961 September 2864 51 2915 October 2780 52 2832 November 2642. 51 2003 December 2774 y 2826 Total 3?,o93 617 33.71o Annual water use (acre-feet) Coohng towers 33,710 , Storage pond l 1 Natural evaporation 4.280 Raintall -2,790 Total 35,200 Allens Creek cooling lake n 49,000 (for comparison)

                                       *Detterence of everage total evaporation average direct rainf all given in Table 5 2.

In addition to the water loss from the cooling towers, there will be some water evaporated from the helper pond. The natural water evaporation from the 8200-acre Allens Creek cooling lake would be, as shown in Table 5.1, on the average, about 46,200 acre-f t per year. Therefore, the staff estimated that the natural evaporation loss from the 750-acre helper pond would be 750/8100 of this or about 4280 acre-ft per year. The average rainfall at Sealy Texas for the 17-year period considered by the applicant is 44.6 in, per year.2%2s This will add 2790 acre-ft of water per year to the helper pond. This results in the average consumptive water use by the i cooling towers and the helper pond of 35,200 acre-f t per year as shown in Table 9.4. For com- J parison, Allens Creek cooling lake will consume about 49,000 acre-f t of water per year. 1 1 Because of the concentrating effect of water evaporation, water blowdown from the cooling towers is necessary to limit the total dissoled solids concentration in the circulating water. Al so, chemicals will be added to the circulating water to control the algae and bacterial slime growth and scale, and the amount necessary to do this is discussed in Sect. 3.6.1. Scale growth is of ten controlled by reducing the alkalinity of the water by the addition of sulfuric acid. The staff estimates that this would increase the blowdown water sulfate concentration about 5%.

9-12 If the cooling tower blowdown is discharged into the Brazos River, the staff concurs with the applicant (ER, p. !0.1-13) that 1080 ppm is a reasonable limit for the average total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration. Since the average TDS in the Brazos River at the site is about 490 ppm (ER, p. 5.1.9), this is a concentration factor of about 2.2 To maintain this concentra-tion factor, the staf f estimates that water would have to be withdrawn from the Brazos River at a rate of 64,400 acre-f t per year and the blowdown rate would have to be about 29,200. Actually the applicant stated that the rate of water withdrawal from the Brazos River would be 90,000 acre-ft per year (ER, Amend 4, p. 10.1-25). In this case, the TDS concentration in the blowdown water would be, on the average, 805 ppm. This is a concentration factor of 1.6. The applicant has estimated that by using a helper pond, the average monthly temperature of the blowdown water will be within 0.3 F of the average monthly temperature of the Brazos River water (ER, Table 10.1-17). The staff concurs with this estimate, and this difference is well within the 5 F" limit permitted by the Texas Water Quality Standards.26 Since cooling towers add water to the air, there is concern about additional fogging and drif t deposition associated with these cooling towers. Calculations were made by the staff of addi-tional fogging and drif t deposition due to these cooling towers using the Oak Ridge Fog and Drift Program.27 Results of these calculations are shown in Table 9.5. Table 9 5. Staff's estimates of additional fog and drift deposition from wet forced dra ft crohng towers for a typical year (0.03% drift fraction) Location Add #tional fog Drift (hr/ year) (g/m2 fy,,,) Texas Route 36 (% mHe west) 130 75 State park (I'/3mdes south) 125 ?S County park (3% mdes southwest) 17 0.9 Ferm to market road 12'/3 miles easti 15 0.5 It will be seen in Sect. 9.2.1,7 that af ter considering these and other factors, the staff con-cludes that the cooling lake would be a better choice than mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station heat-dissipation system. 9.2.1.5 Natural-draf t wet cool _ing towers Heat also can be dissipated from the warmed circulating water in natural-draf t wet cooling towers. The applicant (ER, p.10.1-16) states that the station would require about 1800 acres of land using this heat-rejection system, of which 750 acres would be required for a helper and storage pond. Each reactor unit would have a single hyperbolic-shaped cooling tower that would be about 480 f t in diameter and 300 f t high (ER, p.10.1-16). The operating characteristics of the circulating water system and the cooling water requirements for a station using natural-draf t wet cooling towers would be about the same as those for a station using mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers, discussed in Sect. 9.2.1.4. Because of their height, fcgging would be less of a problem with natural-draf t wet cooling towers than with the mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers. Salt deposition resulting from the operation of natural-draf t cooling towers would be over a greater area, but of lower magnitude, than that resulting from the operation of the mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers. As for the mechanical-draf t wet cJoling towers, as seen in Sect. 9.2.l .7, the sta ff Concludes that the cooling lake would be a better choice than the natural-draft wet cooling towers for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station heat-dissipation system.

9-13 9.2.1.6 Spray canal 'Use of a spray canal is another possibi'ity for dissipating the station's waste heat. The appli-cant (ER, p.10.1-18) states that the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station would require about 1800 acres of land using this heat-rejection system, of which 800 acres would be required for a helper and storage pond. Two dikes would separate one side of the pond from the rest of the pond to form channels containing the powered spray modules. Each channel would be 120 ft wide and 8000 f t long and would contain 150 spray modules. Based on the design of other power plants using this type of heat-dissipation system,28 the staff concurs that Allens Creek Nuclear Gener-ating Station would require at least this number of spray modules. The operating characteristics of the circulating water system and the cooling water requirements for a station using powered spray modules would be about the same as those for a station using mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers, discussed in Sect. 9.2.1.4. These floating modules pump water from just below the canal water surface through nozzles to produce a coarse spray rising to a height of about 20 ft. Heat is dissipated from the water as the spray rises and falls back into the canal, primarily by evaporation. There will be some fine spray and mist that will invade the imediate area surrounding the spray module. Most of this drif t will fall back to the surface within 200 f t of the spray module,29 and the staff feels that this would fall back into the storage and helper pond. Drif t beyond 600 f t distance from the spray module is very small.29 Fogging from a spray canal system would be less than that from mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers, discussed in Sect. 9.2.1.4. Considering these and other factors for the spray canals, it will be seen in Sect. 9.2.1.7 that the staff concludes that the cooling lake would be a better choice than the spray canal for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station heat-dissipation system. 9.2.1.7 Cost-benefit sumary , l Three cooling systems were considered by the staff to be realistic alternatives to the proposed 8250-acre cooling lake: (1) mechanical-draf t wet cooling towers, (2) natural-draf t wet cooling , towers, and (3) a spray canal . l An economic comparison of the four systems is shown in Table 9.6. The capital costs and annual operating costs were supplied by the applicant (ER, p.10.1-54), and both the applicant and the staff arrived at present value (1981 dollars) and annualized generating costs. The differences between the applicant and the staff for these two costs are due to the different interest rates used. As Table 9.6 shows, dif ferences between the alternative systems exist, but are not signif-icant when considered against the costs of the entire station. Table 9.6. Alternatived cooling systern monetired costs (millions of 1981 dollars) Cooling Wet cooling towers

                           ^     "8 lake         Mechanical draf t         Natural draf t 103.9                  112        102.6 Capital costs                                                           130.8 0.5                  1.7                   1.6         2 Annual operation and maintenance costs (including fuel costs) e                                                114.6                  122.1      115.2 Generating cost (present value). applicant                              134 b                                                     18.1                  19.3        18.2 Annualized generating cost, appbcant                                     21.2 121.8                  126.8       123.6 Generating cost (present value). staf t b                               136 13                   11.6                  12.3        11.8 Annualized generating cost. staf f6 8See te at for description of alternatives.

bThe applicant's figures are based on an interest esto of 15.62% for the cost of capital, while the staf f's figures are based on a rate of 8.75% l A comparison based on environmental considerations shows that the different alternative cooling systems have relative advantages and disadvantages in particular respects. The cooling lake requires more land and has a greater consumptive use of water, but neither of these considera-tions is of major concern at this site. The two cooling tower systems will produce a visible plume, and the mechanical draf t tower will be noisier than other systems, and the natural draft tower would be highly visible from surrounding location, and be the dominant feature of the landscape. The overriding environmental consideration is the recreational benefit which the l proposed cooling lake, in conjunction with the state park, will provide. (See Sect. 5.6.4.)

9-14 The staff concurs 'with the applicant that the proposed 8250-acre cooling lake with its recre-ational benefits is the preferred alternative for the condition that the applicant shall submit a lake-management plan, including a development plan for the state parks, which assures that the Allens Creek cooling lake will be a recreational asset. Consideratica should oe given in this plan to making the lakeshore buffer zone on the south edge of the cooling lake between the two state parks into a hiking and fishing area, and also to modifying the character of the diversion dike by creating a more natural-looking land form and planting trees. 9.2.2 Intake structures The staff evaluated the applicant's criteria and reasoning for designing the circulating water and makeup intake structures (ER, p.10.2-1). The staff concurs in the applicant's analysis and design, with the following condition applied. If extensive impingement nortality should exist at either the circulating intake structure or the water intake on the Brazos River, the applicant will propose suitable facility and procedural modifications for staff approval and subsequent installation. 9.2.3 Transmission system The applicant considered at least two alternate routes for each of the three new transmission lines. These are described in detail by the applicant (ER, pp. 10.9-1-10.9-ll, and Fig. 3.9-1 ) . The staff generally concurs on the routes chosen by the applicant with the exception of Rt. 2A which passes through a three-mile stretch of the cooling lake. Alternate Rt. 2C which passes around the northern perimeter of the cooling lake is considered to be preferable for a number of reasons. First, from the aesthetic standpoint, the visual impact to recreational users of the cooling lake will be substantial since the lines and towers will be visible for long dis-tances. Second, the towers themselves (about 20, assuming 800-f t spans in the lake) pre,ent additional obstacles to boat traffic. Third, the transmission lines present a hazard to water-fowl using the cooling lake, as discussed in Sect. 5.5.1. Recent Department of Interior Cri-terion3 0 for transmission lines specifically state, " Avoid open exposure of water.. . utilized... by migrating waterfowl .. ." The additional rights-of-ways required to avoid the cooling lake crossing amounts to about 155 acres out of a total of 2185 acres. The staff regards this additional cost as justified. i i

9-15 l l l REFERENCES FOR SECTION 9 l l l 1. Texas Water Development Board, The Temo Vater Plan, Austin, Texes,1968. , I 2. Houston-Galveston Area Council, Land Use and Population Projections 1990-2020, ! December 1969.

3. Eleotrio Reliability Council of Tems, Response to Federal Power Comission Order No. 383-3 (Docket No. R-362), April 1,1974.

4. East and southeast, Decar Bayou, P. H. Robinson, Sam Bertron, Webster; north, Greens Bayou, T. H. Warton; south, W. A. Parish, Matagordo County [ assumed 920 ME(e) available toapplicant].

5. Texas Water Development Board, personal comunication on site visit, March 7,1974, Austin, Texas.

6. Texas Water Development Board Economic Forecasts, Harris Cowity and Vicinity, Economics Branch, Austin, Texas, 78711, March 8,1974. ,

1 l

7. Correspondence from Edward E. Thomas, State Conservationist, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Temple, Texas 7650', April 8, 1974.

8. General soil Map, Austin County Soil and Water Conservation District TX-SWCD-347.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Temple, Texas.

9. Office of the (Texas) Governor. Electric Power in Texas., Division of Planning Coordination, 1 November 1972, p. 47.

l l

10. Personal coamunication from Mr. Max L. Hagen, imediate past president of the Brazoria l County Board of Realtors, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566. i 1

11. U.S. Atomic Energy Comission. The Nation's Energy Puture, by Dixy Lee Ray, WASH-1281, I Washington, D.C. , Government Printing Office,1973, pp.138-139. l

12. U.S. Atomic Energy Comission, Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Dmft Environmental Statement, WASH-1535 Washington, D.C. , U.S. Atomic Energy Comission, March 1974, I vols. 1-4. I

13. U.S. Department of the Interior, Final Envirorvaantal Statement for the Geothemal Leasing Program, Washington, D.C. , Government Printing Of fice,1973, vols.1-4.

14. A. 6. Hammond, W. D. Metz, and T. H. Maugh II, Energy and the Future. Washington, D.C.,

American Association for the Advancement of Science,1973.

15. " Liabilities into Assets," pp. 210-11 in Envimn. Soi. Technol. 8(3) (March 1974).

16. ER, p. 9.2-19.

17. U.S. Atomic Energy Comission Directorate of Licensing, Final Environmental Statemnt related to the proposed Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station, Unite 1 and 2, Tema Utilities Generating Corpany, Docket Nos. 50-455 and 50-446, Washington, D.C. , s.S. Atomic Energy Commission, June 1974, pp. 9-10-9-13.

18. S. G. Barbee, L. D. Hansborough, J. L. MacDonald, C. T. Rombough, M. J. Voltin, Jr. , and J. H. Vanston, Energy for Austin, an Analysis of Alternative Solutions to the Future Power j Needs of Austin, Texas, Technical Report ESL-8, Energy Systems Laboratories, College of '

Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin: Department of Mechanical Engi. neering, University of Texas. December 1972, p.105.

19. Liquid Metal fast Breeder Reactor Program, op. cit, and U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, Energy and the Environment, Electrio Pouer (Washington, D.C. : U.S. Government .

l Printing Office, August 1973).

20. R. W. Beck and Associates Cost Comparison of Dry-Type and ConventionaZ Cooling Systems for Representative Nuclear Gcnerating Plante, TID 26007, March 1972.

9-16

21. K. A. Oleson, G. J. Silvestri, V. S. Ivins,. and S. W. W. Mitchell, DPd Cooling for large Nuclear Pxer Plants, Westinghouse Electric Corp., Power Generation Systems Report, Gen-72-004, February 1972.

22. G. J. Silvestr1 and J. Davids, Effects of High Condenser Pressure on Steam Turbine Design, Westinghouse Electric Corp paper for presentation at American Power Conference, Chicago, Illinois, April 1971.

23. K. A. Olesen and R. J. Budenholzer, " Economics of Wet / Dry Cooling Towers Show Promise,"

pp. 32-34 in Electriedl World (Dec. 15,1972).

24. Climatology of the United States No. 86-36, Climatic Sunmary of the UnYted States - Supple-ment for 1951 through 1960. Texas, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.,1965.

25. Monthly Data for 1961 to 1968, National Data Services, National Climatic Center.

26. Texas Water Quality Standards, Texas Water Quality Board, Austin, Texas, October 1973.

27. &. V. Wilson, ORFAD, A Computer Program to Eatinute Fog and Drift from Wet Cooling Towers, ORNL-TM-4568, to be issued.

28. Virginia Electric and Power Company, Sta*ry Power Station Units J and 4, Environmental Report Docket Nos. 59-434 and 50 435.

29. Virginia Electric and Power Company, Surry Power Station Units 3 and 4, Environnental Report, Amendment 1, Docket Nos. 50-434 and 50-435.

, 30. &wironmental Criteria for Electric Transnrission Systems, p. 4, item 11 Department of l the Interior, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. ,1970. l l l l

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

4 10 , CONCLUSIONS 10.1 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL ' EFFECTS - 10.1.1 Abiotic effects'

        - 10.1.1.1 Land use Construction-related activities on the' site will disturb about 9000 acres of pasture and cropland,.

including the 8250 acres of land inundated by the Allens Creek cooling lake, which will be con-structed in conjunction with the station. .The land inundated includes about 8 linear miles of Allens Creek. . Approximately 81 miles of transmission line corridors will require about 2200 acres of land for the rights-of-way. Relocation of the current pipelines as proposed will involve about 60 acres. An access road and a railroad spur, less than one mile long, will affect about 50 acres. 10.1.1.2 Water use During construction there will be localized increases in turbidity of surface waters. The concrete batch plant will use about 40 gpm from groundwater supplies during the early stages of construction. During operation about 90,000 acre-ft per year will be pumped from the Brazos River, in addition the entire runoff of 24,000 acre-f t per year from the Allens Creek catchment area and 28,500 acre-f t per year of direct rainfall will be added~ to the cooling lake. Approximately 71,000 acre-f t per year will be returned by spillage to the Brazos River. This 1 will result in a 0.8% increase in the river water TDS concentration. About 70,500 acre-ft per l year will be lost by combined forced and natural evaporation.  ! 10.1.2 Biotic effects 10.1.2.1 Thermal effects The thermal alteration of the Allens Creek cooling lake and the Brazos River is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on aquatic productivity. Thermal shock on planktonic forms entrained in the circulating water intake may reduce the overall productivity of the cooling lake. 10.1.2.2 Chemical effects No significant adverse effect on aquatic biota in the cooling lake or the Brazos River due to chemical discharges from the plar t is anticipated. High nutrient levels in the cooling lake may lead to high algal densities during certain periods in~the spring and summer months. Chlorine used as a biocide will kill most. organisms entrained in the circulating water systems during

         - chlorination periods.

10.1.2.3 Mechanical effects Impingenent losses of fish in the cooling lake should be minimal due to the low intake ' velocities. Sone fish will be lost from the Brazos River due to. pumping mortality associated with the makeup ' intake. 10.2 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USES AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 10.2.1 Enhancement of productivity Operation of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station will have the primary effect of supplying about 15% of the electricity needs of the Houston area at the tire the plants go on line. 10-1

10 '10.2.2 Adverse effects on productivity 10 ?.2.1 Impact on land use The proposed facility will remove about 11,000 acres from agriculture and rangeland. Although the quality of the soils in the floodplain is superior to the upland areas, productivity has been compromised by the existing recurrent water problems. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service estimates that a flood contml program in the proposed cooling lake area could increase current agricultural production by about 10% (Sect. 9.1.2.1.3). The loss of agricultural production is  ; esMmated to be about $1.1 million per year (1980 price level). l l Land use in the site vicinity is expected to remain predominantly rural. Construction and  ! operation of the plant and transmission lines will cause only small impairment of current and future land uses. The proximity of the proposed Allens Creek State Park and the cooling lake

             - to Wallis combined with the large property tax benefits provided by the plant can be expected to accelerate residential and comercial development of the area.

10.2.2.2 Impact on water use The proposed cooling lake could supply the station's consumptive needs for about one year, thus the impact of the station can be determined on the basis of. average annual flow rather than-r;inimum flow. The station's consumptive use of 49,000 acre-ft per year (67.8 cfs) will amount to 0.9% of the river's 5.3 million acre-ft (7314 cfs) average. annual flow. Water use by Units 1 and 2 is not likely to be competitive with other potential uses in the river basin during the lifetime of these units. 10.2.3 Decommissioning No specific plan for the decommissioning of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station has been developed. This is consistent with the Comission's current regulations which contemplate detailed consideration of decommissioning near the end of a reactor's useful life. The licensee initiates such consideration by preparing a proposed decomissioning plan which is submitted to the AEC for reviewc The licensee will be required to comply with Commission regulations then in effect and decomissioning of the facility may not conmence without authorization from the AEC. To date, experience with decomissioning of civilian nuclear power reactors is limited to six facilities which have been shut down or dismantled: Hallam Nuclear Power Facility, Carolina Virginia Tube Reactor (CVTR), Boiling Nuclear Superheater (BONUS) Power Statit , w hfinder Reactor, Piqua Reactor, and the Elk River Reactor. ' There are several alternatives which can be and'have been used in the decommissiodng of reactors: (1) Remove the fuel (possibly followed by decontamination procedures); seal and cap the pipes; and establish an exclusion area around the facility. The Piqua decomissioning operation was typical of this approach. (2) In addition to the steps outlined'in (1), remove the superstruc-ture and encase in concrete all radioactive portions which remain above ground. The Hallam decomissioning operation ws at this type. (3) Remove the fuel, all superstructure, the reactor vessel and all contaminated equipment and facilities, and finally fill all cavities with clean rubble topped with earth to grade level. This last procedure is bein decommissioning the Elk River Reactor. Alternative decomissioning pmcedures (g applied in1)and(2)woul i require long-term surveillance of the reactor site. Af ter a final check to a..,Jre that all reactor-pmduced radioactivity has been removed, alternative (3) would not. require any subsequent surveillance. Possible effects of erosion or flooding will be included in these considerations. Estimated costs of decomissioning at the lowest level are about $1 million plus an annual maintenance charge in the order of $100,000.1 Estimates vary from case to case, a large varia-tion arising from differirig assumptions as to level of restoration. For example, complete restoration, including regrading, has been estimated to cost $70 million.2 At present land values, consideration of an economic balance alone likely woul'd not justify a high level of restoration. However, planning required of the applicant at this stage will ensure that variety of choice for restoration is maintained until the end of useful plant life. The degree of dismantlement would be detennined by an economic and envimnmental study involving , the value of the land and scrap value versus the complete demolition and removal of the complex. l In any event, the operation will be controlled by rules and regulations to protect the health i and safety of the public which am in effect at the time.

10-3 l 1 10.3 IRREVERSIBLE ANr IRRETRIEVABLE C0fNITMENTS OF RESOURCES 10.3.1 Coar'cments considered j The types of resources of concern in this case can be identified as: (1) material resources - materials of construction, renewable resource material consumed in operation, and depletable resourcas consumed, and (2) nonmaterial resources, including a range of beneficial uses of the envirunment, l 10.3.2 Biotic resources 10.3.2.1 Terrestrial Four-hundred acres will be covered with structures and 8250 acres will be covered with water by the cooling lake. This acreage represents a habitat loss supporting about 300 deer, unknown numbers of small game animals, and many nongame species, including white-tailed kites. l 10.3.2.2 Aquatic The lower 8.5 miles of Allens Creek will be lost as running-water habitat due to construction of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. There will be an irretrievable loss of some tisn and planktonic organisms from the Brazos River due to filling of the Allens Creek cooling lake and the withdrawal of makeup water necessary for operation of the plant. 10.3.3 Material resources 1 10.3.3.1 Materials of construction Materials of construction are almost entirely.of the depletable category of resources. Concrete and steel constitute the bulk of these materials, but there are numerous other nineral resources incorporated in the physical station. No conmitments have been made on whether these materials will be recycled when their present use terminates. Many materials on the List of Strategic and Critical Materials are used in nuclear power plants.3 These include aluminum, antimony, asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tin, tungsten, and zinc. There will be a long period of time before terminal disposition of construction materials must be decided. At that tine, quantities of materials in the categories of precious metals, strategic and critical materials, or resources having small natural reserves must be considered , individually, and plans to recover and recycle as much of these valuable depletable resources ) as is practicable will depend upon need. 10.3.3.2 Replaceable e components and consumable materials Uranium is the principal natural resource material irretrievably consumed in station operation. Other materials consumed, for practical purposes, are fuel-cladding materials, reactor control elenents, other replaceable reactor core components, chemicals used in processes such as water treatment and ion exchanger regeneration, ion exchange resins, and minor quantities of materials used in maintenance and operation. About 10,000 metric tons of contained natural uranium in the form of U 0e 3 must be produced to feed the two units for 30 years at 80% capacity. The assured U.S. reserves of natural uranium recoverable at a cost of $8 or less per pound of U 03 8 are 210,000 metric tons of uranium. l In view of the quantities of materials in natural reserves, resources, and stockpile and the I quantitles produced yearly, the expenditure of such material is justified by the benefits of the electrical energy produced. 10.3.4 Land resources l About 10,000 acres of land would be completely conmitted to the construction and operation of this power station for the 30 years that the plant would be licensed to operate. The staff does not expect this land to be returned to present uses af ter deconmissioning of the station. The likely use is the continuation of use as a cooling system or the development of an independent recreation area.

10-4 10.4 COST-BENEFIT BALANCE 10.4.1 Benefit description of the proposed plant 10.4.1.1 Electricity produced The electrical energy that will be produced by the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station represents the primary benefit from the proposed project. Operation of Units 1 and 2 will result in the annual sale of some 14 billion kilowatt hours of electricity (assuming an annual average 70% capacity factor and an average system loss factor of 5.9%). Over the 30 years of assuned plant life, this will total over 400 terawatt hours. The applicant estimates that the use by customer rate class will remain the same as for 1971 as follows: industrial and commercial 71%; residential 23%; and public utilities, 6%. The present value of the revenue from sales of this electricity, assuming an even annual flow over 30 years, is approximately $2.35 billion (1972 price level). 10.4.1.2 Local economic and social benefits It is estimated that after completion of the plant, Austin County's tax revenues will be double those for 1972, and the Wallis-Orchard school district will receive 145 times its 1972 revenues. It is expected that approximately 25% of the maximum average yearly labor force of 2080 (520 workers) plus about 65 unrelated service workers will prefer to reside in the local area primar-ily due to the long duration of the project and its remoteness from the Houston area. About 30% of the workers will be recruited from outside the Houston area most of whom will seek residence locally. It is expected that some dislocations of employment in the local and rural economy may be caused by the project's relatively high wages. Most of the 121 highly trained operational employees will need to be recruited from outside the local area and are expected to reside within 20 miles of the site. Direct payrolls for construction of the project are estimated by the applicant to total $192 million over an eight-year period. The applicant estimates that approximately $50 million of the $419 million total cost of materials for the project will be purchased within the greater-Houston metropolitan area. Similarly, as many services as practical will be purchased within the region. 10.4.1.3 Recreational benefits The applicant proposes that a 600-acre area along the southwest shore of the lake be developed ard operated as a state park, and that a 40-acre area at the southern end of the dam be developed for day use only and for boat access during periods of peak visitation. It is anticipated that the proposed Allens Creek State Park, because of its proximity to the heavily populated areas of the western sections of the Houston metropclitan area which is only 45 miles distant, will exp-rience heavy use of its day use and lake facilities as well as its overnight camping facilities. The applicant will have no control over residential or commercial development of private proper-ties adjacent to the buffer zone. In addition, the lack of zoning regulations will prevent Austin County from exercising control over development of these properties. However, the appli-cant points out that a process is available whereby the county can act as an agent of the Texas Water Quality Board to control or prohibit installation or use of septic tanks on private properties whea such usage results in pollution of surface waters of the state. The staf f has concluded from potential nutrient loading to the Allens Creek cooling lake that ' there is a high probability of extensive phytoplankton production in the cooling lake durirg the late spring and summer months (Sc.t. 5.5.2.1.1). High phytoplankton standing crops may restrid water contact sports for certain periods of tine but should not restrict fishing activity on the cooling lake. Transmission line route 2A (preferred by the applicant) which runs across the cooling lake will detract from recreational and other values of the cooling lake. The staf f recomends that alternative transmission line route 2C (Fig. 3.10) be chosen.

l l 10-5 The staf f also recommends that the recreational development program should include public pedes- l trian access along a significant portion of the cooling lake shoreline. To accomplish this usual l aspect of cooling lake enjoyment, it is proposed that the two-mile-long buffer zone along the 1 southern shore between the main state park and the 40-acre day-use park be opened to hiking and fishing uses. The staff has also asked the applicant to study modification of the character of the diversion dike. The solution proposed is to create a more natural-looking land form which could resemble i an island when viewed from the lakeshore. Portions of this element could be designed to include l tree planting and picnic sites for the enjoyment of boaters. The applicant states that about 152,000 recreation activity days per year can be anticipated from use of the park and cooling lake facilities (ER, Sect. 8.1.7.1, p. 8.1-8A). These figures are based on state averages and could be considerably higher due to the proximity of a major metro-politan area. 10.4.2 Cost descrip_ tion of the proposed facility The primary internal costs of the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station are: (1) the capital cost of the facilities, (2) fuel costs, (3) operation and maintenance costs, and (4) plant . decommissioning costs. Section 9 shows capita 1' costs of the station of approximately $1,2 billion. The staff has estimated the capital cost of the plant to be $1.3 billion, and the combined fuel and operating and maintenance costs to be 3.5 mills per kilowatt hour. Based upon a 70% capacity I factor, a 30-year plant life and an 8.75% discount rate, the present-worth total generating ' cost is calculated to be about $1.95 billion (corresponding to a bus-bar energy cost of 13.2 mills per kilowatt hour). No specific decommissioning plan has been developed for the station. The applicant has tentative plans which call for decontaminating the process system, dismantling and sealing all waste systems, i and sealing the buildings (ER, p. 5.9-1). This is estimated to cost about $20 million for the I two plants in present-value terms. As stated in Sect.10.2.3. complete restoration has been l estimated at $70 million. 10.4.' Environmental costs of fuel cycle

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The environmental effects associated with the uranium fuel cycle are suf ficiently small as not to l affect significantly the conclusion of the cost-benefit balance. 10.4.4 Summary of cost benefit The staff concludes that the primary benefits of increased availability of electrica energy and the improved reliability of the applicant's system outweigh the environmental and economic costs I of the station. The staff further concludes that increased employment benefits an'i tax receipts l to the local economy outweigh the social costs to the local area from construction and operation I of the facility. I As indicated in Sect. 9, the staff believes that there would be no reduction in ove all costs by the use of an alternative site, the use of an alternative generating system, or any combina-tion of these. The staff concludes that a nuclear station using the Brazos River as a water source in conjunction with a cooling lake is a system which is at least as cost effective as that of any alternative system. 4 1

l 10-6 l I REFERENCES FOR SECTION 10 1

1. Atomic Energy Clearing House, Congressional Information Bureau, Inc. , Washington, D.C., i 17(6): 42;17(18): 7; 16(35): 12.

2. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Units 1 and 2. Diablo Canyon Site Supplement No. 2 to l the ER, July 28, 1972.

3. G. A. Lincoln, " List of Strategic and Critical Materials," Office of Emergency Prepardness, red. Feg. 37(39): 4123 (Feb. 26, 1972).

4. Dames & Moore Planners .weter Dewtopment Plan, AIIens creek Lake & State Park, Dames &

Moore job number 4490-038-02. l l l l 1

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I e I

11. DISCUSSION OF C0HiENTS RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Pursuant to Paragraph A.6 of Appendix D to 10 CFR 50, the Draft Environmental Statement for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Urrits 1 and 2, was transmitted with a request for l

coments, to: l Advisory Council on Historic Preservation l Department of Agriculture ( Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Department of Comerce Department of Health, Education and Welfare Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Department of Transportation Environmental Protection Agency Federal Power Comission Of fice of the Governor, State of Texas County Judge, Austin County

• In addition, the AEC requested comments on the Draft Environmental Statement from interested persons by a notice published in the Federal Regiacer on July 8,1974. Coments in response to the requests referred to above were received from:

Department of Agriculture (AGR) Department of the Army. Corps of Engineers (ARM) Department of Comerce (DOC) Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Department of the Interior (INT) Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Power Comission (FPC) Of fice of the Governor. State of Texas (TEX) Houston Lighting and Power (HLP) Sierra Club (SC) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Our consideration of coments received and the disposition of the issues involved are reflected in part by revised text in other sections of this Final Environmental Statement and in part by the following discussion. The following discussion will reference the coments by use of the abbreviations indicated above. The comments are included in this Statement as Appendix A. 11.1 RESPONSES TD THERML TOPICS 11.1.1 Cooling lake

1. '. . ) .1 Area of cooling surface (INT A-7)

FES Fig. 3.4 will show that the 7600-acre cooling lake surf ace area is the effective cooling surface of the lake. 11.1.1.2 Effect of cooling lake impoundment on Allens Creek (INT A-7. EPA A-19) The value given in the DES (p. 3-6) was incorrect. The value has been changed in the FES (p. 3-6) to read: "About an eight-mile portion of Allens Creek. " 11-1

11-2 11.1.1.3 Alternative lake designs (AGR A-26. TEX A-29) Cooling lake heat dissipation systems depend on heat transfer from the surface (evaporation, radi-atian, and convection) to dissipate the waste heat to the atmosphere. Although this application covers a two-reactor unit station, the applicant is planning to add two more units at this station in the future. A cooling lake having the surface area of Allens Creek cooling lake would then be required to dissipate the waste heat produced by a four-unit station. The staff asked the applicant to investigate the possibility o.f constructing a smaller cooling lake for a two-unit station and then enlarging it when two additional units are added to the station. The applicant's studies showed that such a course of action would be uneconomical and the recreation benefits of the lake would be lost. (ER Amend 4, p.10.1-20A through 10.1-22.) (See conment 11.6.1. ) 11.1.2 Brazos River 11.1.2.1 Discharges f rom cooling lake (TEX A-26) Texas Water Quality Standards for sepent 1202 of the Brazos River apply to the Brazos River water at the point where spills and/or discharges enter the river. The Texas Water Quality Standards j do permit mixing zones within which these standards can be exceeded. These mixing zones are i defined in a waste control order issued by the Texas Water Quality Board or in a National Pollu-tant Discharge Elimination System permit. The applicant has applied to the Texas Water Quality Board for such an order. 11.2 WATER QUALITY AND CONSUMPTION 11.2.1 Brazos River 11.2.1.1 Discharge ffom cooling lake (INT A-7) The staff considers that it has been conservative in assessing the impact of the cooling lake effluent on the Brazos River water quality. It can be shown that by using the highest level of sulfate concentration in Allens Creek (119 ppm sulfate, 41.7 cfs flow) (ER, Tables 2.5-9 and 2.5-4) plus the rainfall (39.4 cfs average of zero concentration sulfate plus 124.3 cfs makeup from the Brazos River (sulfate concentration of 71 ppm), the resultant maximum concentration in the cooling lake will be less than the staff calculation of 135 ppm sulfate at a 1.9 concentra-tion cycle. The staff deliberately elected to assess the worst situation, that is, no rainfall and no flow in Allens Creek. The staf f acknowledges that if maximum values are used, the Brazos River at Richmond historically demonstrates higher sulfate and total dissolved solids concentrations than were used in the assessment (ER, Table 2.5-2). However, there is no indication of the duration of such conditions i nor their frequencies. In view of these factors, the staff considers it reasonable to require the applicant to cease blowdown when the joint ef fect of blowdown and river concentration results in sulfate and TDS concentrations that exceed state standards. 11.2.2 Wa ter consumption 11.2.2.1 Uni formi ty_o f uni ts (IEX A-28) A conversion note has been added to the caption of FES fig. 3.3. 11.2.2.2 Contractual agreements (TEX A-24) The Houston Lighting and Power Company-Brarcs River Authority (HL&P-BRA) contract does allow HL5P the option to call for water release from the BRA reservoirs and let this water pass the Allens Creek pumping station on the Brazos River in lieu of releasing water from the Allens Creek

11-3 cooling lake during periods of low flow in the Brazos River. The contract further states that water allowed to pass the Allens Creek pumping station shall be deemed as water diverted at this l l pumping station. The HL&P-BRA contract does state that HL&P could obtain 176,000 (See Revised Section 5.2.1.') acre-ft per year of water from the BRA after it gives BRA 180 days notice of intent to do so. However, it is stated on page 3.4-2'of the ER that based on this contract and a two-unit opera- l tion, the yearly water allotment has been et at a nominal 90,000 acre-ft per year. Texas Water Rights Commission Permit No. CP-235 does allow HL&P to divert water at the Allens Creek pumping station on the Brazos River at a maximum rate of 660 cfs. The HL&P-BRA contract states that the maximum hourly rates at which HL&P can pump water from the Brazos River cannot exceed 0.0002282 of the current obligation expressed in terms of acre-ft per year. This is equivalent to 486 cfs flow for a 176,000 acre-ft yearly allotment of water and 250 cfs flow for , a 90,000 acre-f t yearly allotment of water as stated on page 3.4-2 of the ER. However, the HL&P- l BRA contract states that during periods of high flow in the Brazos River HL&P can divert a ) greater amount of water from the Brazos River at the Allens Creek pumping station as long as i there is no interference with the rights of the parties downstream of the station. Page 3.4-2 l of the ER states that the Allent Creek pumping station will have four 82-cfs capacity pumps, of 1 which three pumps (246 cfs capacity) would be used for the operation of the two-unit generating l station. 11.2.2.3 Evaporative losses l (TEX A-29) The 49,000 acre-f t/ year value is the average annual water lost at the Allens Creek-Brazos River l confluence due to the constru: tion and operation of the planned two-unit Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. As can be seen in Fig. 3.3, the average annual evaporative loss from Allens Creek cooling lake will be 70,500 acre-ft/ year. This is the gross evaporation loss from the lake. If the lake did not exist, however, there would still be an evapotrensciration loss of about 21,500 acre-f t/ year from the 8250-acre site. Therefore, the net evaporative loss attributable to the creation and use of the cooling lake is 49,000 acre-ft/ year. 1 11.2.2.4 Correction to Table 5.3 , l (HLPA-38) FES Table 5.3 " maximum evaporation year" win be shown as 1954. 11.2.3 Compliance with the FWPCA (EPA A-17) On October 2,1974, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published regulations which established standards and limitations, pursuant to Sections 301, 304, 306, and 307 of the l Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) Amendments of 1972, applicable to thermal electric generating facilities. The effluent limitations established pursuant to Section 301 and 304 among other things prohibit the discharge of heat, except under certain conditions, from facili- l ties such as the proposed Allens Creek Station into water bodies which are subject to the FWPCA, i .e. , " navigable" wa ters. it is unclear at this time rhether the discharges from the plant , into the cooling lake must comply with Section 301 limitations. On the same date as it issued the standards and limitations, EPA also issued regulations implementing methods whereby, if necessary, an exemption from Section 301 limitations could be obtained under Section 316(a). EPA recognizes that, if a 316(a) exemption is necessary, in the absence of a determination under Section 316(a) a State cannot certify that once-through cooling will comply with Section 301 so that an AEC license may be issued. 11.3 RESPONSES TO EC0 LOGICAL TOPICS 11.3.1 Chemical effects 11.3.1.1 Nutrient levels in the cooling lake (EPAA-19,TEXA-27) The staff has estimated that nutrient loading to the cooling lake from Brazos River makeup water alnne may be sufficicnt to cause high phytoplankton densities. Mitigative measures to reduce

11-4 l' this potential would thus involve reduction in nutrients load of the Brazos River which may be beyond control of HL&P. The limited data available indicates that the nutrient loading resulting from the Allens Creek inflow is on the sane order as its contribution to the total water makeup of the cooling lake. Although the phosphate-nitrate concentrations in Allens Creek are, on occasion, significantly higher than those in the Brazos River, on the average the concentrations of nutrients in the two sources are about the same. Therefore. Allens Creek contributes about 20% of the total nutrients in the cooling lake. ! 11.3.1.2 Chlorine l l (EPA A-18, A-19) The staff has carefully considered the potential effects of residual chlorine on the aquatic l biota of the cooling lake (p. 5-25). The staff recomends that the applicant be required to limit total residual chlorine of the plant discharge to 0.1 ppm. Dilution of this concentration . I in the cooling lake should be sufficient to protect the aquatic biota. Some limited localized l mortality of sensitive aquatic organisms could occur in the imediate discharge area, but this potential loss should not significantly affect the overall productivity of the cooling lake. l l Present water quality standards established by the Texas Water Quality Board and approved by the ( Region VI Environmental Protection Agency do not apply to privately owned reservoirs constructed l principally for industrial cooling purposes (p 5-2). The staf f has analyzed the potential effect l of residual chlorine on the biota of the coolin; lake (p. 5-25) and concludes that residual chlorine should not significantly affect the overall productivity of this cooling lake. l 11.3.2 Impingement and entrainment 11.3.2.1 tiak_eup water intake (INTA-9) The magnitude of fish entrainment loss that would require corrective measures will be considered when technical specifications for operations of Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station are formulated. If sufficient information on population sizes of fish species in the Brazos River near the site, along with pertinent information on population dynamics, is available, a loss of entrained fish cat be expressed as a percentage loss of the fish population. The effect of such a loss on future fish stocks may then be estimated. The staff has recomended that entrain-ment of fish at the trueup intake structure on the Brazos River be monitored to document entrain-ment losses. IT me nuove analysis suggests that entrainment loss will significantly reduce existing fish stocks in the Brazos River, the staff would require modifications to the makeup intake structure to reduce this loss. One nodification that may be effective would be to install modified traveling screens similar to those currently in operation at the Surry Power Station on the James River. This modification may reduce loss of fish that would not pass through the screens, 11.3.2.2 Circulating water intake, (EPA A-18. HLP A-37) The staff believes that the relatively low approach velocities to the traveling screens of the circulating water intake structure will allow nest fish to escape impingenent (p. 5-31). A velocity of 1.31, fps through the screens may impinge fish that do not escape the approach velo-city of 0.58 fps. The extent of this poteritial impingement cannot be predicted, because quanti-tative information on species composition and abundance of fish in the proposed cooling lake is not available. Under normal operation of the traveling ecreens, all organisms impinged will be flushed off the screens, collected in a suitable trough, and returned to the cooling lake some distar.ce from the circulating water intake. Discussions between the staff and the applicant indicated that the design of the parallel fish passes in' the circulating water intake structure has not been detailed. The parallel fish passes would require openings in the outer walls of the intake structure between the trash rack and the traveling screens. These openings would have to be covered with trash racks or screens having openings no greater in size than the openings in the trash rack on the front of the intake structure. The effectiveness of this type of a fish pass in the cooling lake circulating water intake structures is unknown. (Because of the uncertainties, the parallel fish passes are not shown in FES Fig. 3.5.)

l 11-5 11.3.3 Turbidity effects' 11.3.3.1 Siltation in Allens Creek (AGRA-3) Turbidity measurements in Allens Creek for the period November 1973 through March 1974 ranged from 20 to 225 JTU with a mean of 139 JiU. Source: Table 3.6-3, Interim Report, Biological Monitoring Procjmm, ACNGS Site for Houston Lighting and Power Company, June 1,1974. 11.3.3.2 Effect of dewatering (EPA A-19) In response to this comment, the applicant has stated: "The increase in Allens Creek normal flow due to dewatering activities will be minimal. It is anticipated that, in the vicinity of the plant site proper, there will'be no dewatering activities because plant construction excavations will be no deeper than +114 feet above MSL while the water table is at +95 feet above MSL. . Exca-vation for the ultimate heat sink intake structure, however, will be beneath the water table. It is expected that this will necessitate only a minimal amount of dewatering, since the soil is of low penneability. Ultinately, dewatering activities are not expected to appreciably increase the flow rate of Allens Creek." The staff believes that the construction pennit conditions proposed in Sect. 7 of the Summary and Conclusions (p. v) are adequate to ensure that no unacceptable environmental impact will result from dewatering activities. 11.3.4 Terrestrial impacts l l 11.3.4.1 Wildlife habitat and restorative measuzejl e (AGR A-2, TEX A-29) The gulf coastal region where the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station is located was origin-ally tall-grass prairie, with forest existing only along water courses. Transmission routes subjected to the routine maintenance planned by the applicant will tend to suppress woody vegeta-tion, thereby promoting re-establishment of the prairie ecosystem. Thus, the maintenance of transmission corridors will promote the welfare of the original native fauna. 11.3.4.2 Impacts on Attwater's prairie chicken (TEXA-27) The staff believes that the habitat of the prairie chickens would likely be enhanced by the maintenance of the transmission corridors (p. 5-19). The staff is in complete agreement with TP&W that close coordination between the Department and the applicant is essential in promoting the welfare of both Attwater's prairie chickens and wa te rfowl . 11.3.5 Land drainage 11.3.5.1 Effect of dam on local drainage (AGR A-3) The applicant has designed a drainage channel to intercept three segments of the Austin County Channel Improvement Project being developed by the Austin County soil Conservation Service and the county soil and water conservation district. The Austin County Channel Improvement Project is designed to improve land drainage south and southeast of Sealy. The diversion channel designed by HL&P in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service will convey a design maximum of 1340 cfs to the Brazos River from a 5-sq-mile drainage area interrupted by the north end of the cooling lake dam (ER, p. 2.5-4). l

11-6 11.3.5.2 Errors in Table 5.2 (HLP A-38) Table 5.2 has been modified to reflect this coment and additional errors detected by the staff. 11.4 LAND USE AND RECREATION TOPICS 11.4.1 Land use 11.4.1.1 Removal of agricultural land l (AGRA-1) Land use decisions must take several factors into account, potential agricultural production being only one factor. The staff conclusions were based on a broader range of considerations. I Chief among the considerations was the loss of agricultural production versus the costs incurred from relocating to another site. The staff conclusions as shown in Sect. 9.1.2.1.4 are that the Mill Creek site and an unspecified site in the Freeport area were approximately equal in overall desirability except for one factor. The monitoring and investigations which had been done at Allens Creek would have to be duplicated at an alternative site with a consequent delay in s ta rtup. The delay factor carried heavy weight in view of the projected growth in demnd for the power as shown in Sect. 8. The staff recognites that the agricultural productivity of some 50% of the selected site is rather high. On the other hand, over 94% of the land within the adjacent 5-county area (Austin, Colorado, Ft. Bend, Waller, and Wharton) is used for agricultural purposes, so the ef fect of withdrawing this site is not significant. The applicant estimates that cotton production averages 625 pounds per acre on the site cropland (ER, p. 4.1-11). The Soil Conservation Service estimates an output of about 500 pounds of cotton per acre for the site.1 Austin County (where the site is located) avera pounds that year.ged 375 pounds of cotton per acre in 1972, wh'ile the State of Texas averaged 408 Withdrawal of productive land from agriculture is of constant concern because of the recognition of man's close dependence on land resources, in spite of spectacular successes in substituting chemicals, pesticides and genetic improvements for acres of land. " This concern for agricultural land availability relates to future needs. Nearly all analysts are satisfied that present agricultural land resources are afficient in the U.S. Unlike m ny types of land diversion, a cooling lake can be relatively inexpensively returned to agricultural production. Orainage and replacement of top soil which will be removed to build one dam and other structures would suffice to return it to agricultural uses. With this in mind the question converges to one of the likely timing of tne need for agricultural bnd. The need for non-unique farm land, such as that found on the site can only be detennined in terms of national projections. With free trade among counties and states, these ,1urisdictions will be affected only as they are affected by national use levels. Current projections show general adequacy of land resources through the end of the century and beyond.3 tam e 11.1 shows land , availability and projections for Texas and the U.S. according to OBERS projections. Cropland acres in Texas are projected to decline from 1964 levels but will be increasing oy the end of the century. Nationally, cropland acres are projected to decline through the year 2020. Total agricultural output for the U.S. will continue to increase through the period. From a 1964 level of $38 billion U.S. crop and livestock production is expected to reach a level of

                  $61 billion in the year 2020. (all figures in 1967 prices). Thus substitution of other resources for land is expected to continue.

The sensitivity of land use needs has been evaluated by creating alternative scenarios of the future population growth, economic growth and production technology.5 Considering the worst case scenario in terms of need for agricultural land, total cropland needs in the year 2000 are 471 million acres and total agricultural land,1078 million acres. This is well within the available agricultural land acreage, in this scenario population and economic growth are "high", while production technology is " restricted" due mainly to environmental protection controls. Thus items such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides would be used less than for other scenarios. By contrast the "best case" scenarios result in projected needs of 390 million acres of cropland and 1066 million acres of total agricultural land. Many factors go into projecting agricultural land needs _ including population, economic growth, technological advances, per capita consumption and environmental controls. A notable factor almost impossible to forecast is that of the role of U.S. foreign policy objectives. Such

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l 11-7

m. >

decisions as using agricultural products to improve foreign relations or to solve balance of payments problems can greatly impact U.S. agricultural production needs. Thus a substantial element sf uncertainty accompanies the appropriateness of any agricultural land use decision. The feasibility of reclaiming much.of the site. for.agricultl,'e makes the siting decision a prudent one. Table 11.1. Land availability for cultivation and crop use for Texas and the U.S,1964 and selet,ted projected years Thousand Acres Texas U.S. Land suitable for cultivation . Regular * . 69,076 629.46o Limited 6 19,268 171,245 With reclamation

• 6.993 47,14o Total 95,339 847,846 Land used for crops 1964 23.623 329,327 1980 21'273 319,754 1985 21.675 312,406 2000 22.337 297.484 2020 22,598 279,258

                                    'USo A land clases I,11, and Ill.

8USDA land class IV.

                                    'USD A land classes V W, VI C, Vil C.

Source: U. S. Water Resources Council, f 972 OBERS Prq/ec-tions, vol.1, 2120 L Street N W., Washs ujton, D.C.,2o037, April 1974,p.105. 11.4.1.2 Existing use of site (TEXA-29) The land within the site boundaries was used in the following manner before its acquisition by the applicant (ER. p. 2.2-10): Cropland 4600 acres 42% Pasture 2400 acres 22% Forested range 2300 acres 21% Heavily forested range 1700 acres 15%) 11.4.1.3 Rehabilitation of disturbed land (TEXA-29,INTA-7) About 9000 acres of the 11,000-acre site will be used in the station and cooling lake. Of the remaining 2000 acres, about half will be within the exclusion area or used as parkland, with the remainder leased for grazing purposes and thus available for wildlife habitat (ER, p. 4.1-10). 11.4.1.4 Value of agricultural production (AGR A-2) The value on p.10-2 has been changed to $1.1 million. 11.4.1.5 Compatibility with HrAC plans (AGRA-2,INTA-6) The site location is within the 13 county planning area of the Houston-Galveston Area Council-(HGAC) which is the agency referred to in the comment. Although the HGAC does not issue

11-8 construction permits it does act in an advisory capacity to governmental bodies and agencies within its planning area. The HGAC has endorsed this project. In addition, the staff has reviewed planning documents prepared by HGAC6.7 and finds general compatibility with these plans and the proposed recreational facility. 11.4.2 Recrea tion 11.4.2.1 Transmission line routi_n_g (INT A-8, ARM A-3) The Addicks and Barker reservoirs were constructed and are operated for flood control use by the Department of the Army. Corps of Eng.aeers. The portion of the Corps of Engineers comment regarding the transmission line is as follows:

        "Since the proposed trar.smission line Route 3 traverses Federally owned land in Barker and Addicks Reservoirs, a Department of the Ariny easement, at appraised fair market value, will be required of the applicant. A formal request for this easement made by Houston Lighting and Puwer Company by letter dated 13 February 1974 is under considera-tion. The affected areas are allocated for low density recreational use in the Corps of Engineers' Master Plan for Addicks and Barker Reservoirs: however, aside from detracting from the aesthetics of the general area, the transmission line should have only a minor impact on recreational use of the area."

The two reservoirs, which are usually dry, are subject to intermittent flash flooding with rapid l changes in water elevation. A planning reporte prepared for the City of Houston, sets forth general concepts of development which are, to a large degree, determined by the flood frequency I potential of various areas of.the reservoirs. Of the two reservoirs the Addicks was found to have the largest amount of land at a high enough elevation to have good potential for recreational development. Almost all of the Barker reservoir was found to have a low potential for recrea-tional development and is proposed to be limited to natural preserve and agricultural uses. Much of the land close to the impoundment side of the Addicks reservoir has the same liabilities and is also proposed to have the same limited uses. All of the Barker reservoir land and most of the Addicks reservoir land proposed to be traversed by transmission line route 3A are rated in the referenced study to have a low potential for recreational use. In only two locations does the route traverse land which is ated to have moderately low recreational potential. The proposed route 3A will terminate, along with other existing transmission lines, at the

existing Addicks substation which is located about two miles from Bear Creek Park. In addition, route 3A is located about one mile from other Addicks reservoir lands which have a high recrea-tional potential. Route 3A also passes along one side of the Bayou Rifle Club and is not exnected to impact this use.

The staff concludes that transmission line route 3A will cause only minor visual impacts on existing and future recreational uses of land within the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. 11.4.2.2 Recreational benefits (HLP A-35) l Section 5.6.4, Recreational Benefits, has been added to the FES. l 11.5 RADIOLOGICAL TOPICS 11.5.1 Response to monitoring system alann (TEXA-28) When the radiation monitor reaches a predetermined level an alarm sounds, and if the operator takes no action and the radiation level continues to increase an isolation valve will automati-cally close to terminate the releases.

I 11-9 11.5.2 Releases during operation (TEXA-28) Release of radioactive materi'l to the environment will be in accordance with the technical spacifications issued to Allens Creek as part of the operating license. 11.5.3 Dose assessment (EPA A-16) int, dose rates to individuals and the population have been verified by the staff. There are no apparent errors in the dose ratas presented in Sec.t. 5.4.2.2 and 5.4.2.3. The dose rates pre-sented in the Draft Statement for noble gas discharges are not underestimated by a factor of 10. 11.5.4 Radioactive wastes (INTA-10) In our safety evaluation of the solid waste storage capability for the Allens Creek Plant, we calculated that approximately three months' accumulation of solid waste from operation of both reactors can be stored in the space provided. The FES has been revised to reflect our estimate of a 3-month storage period. Our estimate of Fe-55, a corrosion product, present as a major radionuclide in solid waste after 180 days decay is based on the neutron activation of Fe-54 present in the reactor materials. 11.5.5 Radioactive waste treatment (EPA A-16) The determination of as low as practicable takes into account the state of technology and the economics of improvement in relation to benefits to the public health and in relation to the utilization of atomic energy in the public interest. In the ALAP hearings, alternative designs of gaseous radwaste treatment systems were considered. The use of stacks in lieu of additional processing equipment was found to be an acceptable alte" native. The AEC position on ALAP is discussed in the Concluding statement of Position of the Regulatory Staff, Public Rutemking Hearing On: Numerical Guidea for Design Objectives and Limiting Conditions for Operators to Meet the Criterion "As Lou As Practicable" for Radioactive Materiat in Light-Water-Cooted Nuclear Pouce Reactore, Docket No. RM-50-2, Feb. 20,1974. Our evaluation indicates that the systems as proposed meet the "as low as practicable" guidelines, 11.5.6 Fuel cycle (EPA A-17) As stated in referenced document (39 FR 14188), "This document was designed to serve as a primary data base for the proposed amendment and not as an analysis of alternatives and costs and bene-fits of the entire uranium fuel cycle." Other studies ara under way which will be more appro-priate for the kinds of coments made in relation to the above referenced document. 11.6 RESPONSES TO OTHER TOPICS 11.6.1 Additional units (AGR A-2, INT A-10. EPA A-19. TEX A-22, A-26) The proposed action covered by thit Final Environmental Statement is the isruance r construction permits to the Houston Lighting and Power Company for the construction of the Allen. Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2. The applicant, however, in the Environmental Report subv tted as part of its application for Units 1 and 2 additional data concerning water supply, makeup water pump sizing, and temperature distribution in the cooling lake for four-unit operation. The staff has examined these data and found the proposed lake more than adequate as a heat rejection system for two units. The question of two- or four-unit operation has been clarified by the applicant in its November 1,1974 letter to the Acting Director of Licensing, U.S Atomic Energy Comission. Specifically, the applica.it stated:

 . _.                          _                                   =            _                   __   __

11-10 "There are no present plans for the addition of electric generatiog units of any type at Allens Creek beyond Units 1 and 2. The company holds no options for additional units and no additional units at Allens Creek are shown on any current generation expansion plans of Houstor, Lighting & Power Company." As discussed in Section 9.2.1, the proposed 8250-acre oversized lake is not the least expensive alternative cooling system for two units on dollar costs alone. 'The lake provides two state parks, recreational use, and other benefits which, in the staff's opinion, offset the present additional costs. In any future modification of the power plant including additional capacity, the preservation of the created benefits would, of course, have to be considered. With respect to the site 1 election, the applicant evaluate.1 five specific sites, four of which were suitable for four units and one which could acconinodate two units. The latter site, W. A. Parish, was subsequently removed from consideration during the staff review process when the applicant announced that it was to be used as the site of four 660 MWe coal-fired units planned for operation in 1980. The applicant's site selection process as presented in Sections 9.2 and 9.3 of the Environmental Report did not otherwise exclude sites smaller than four units from consideration. The staff, in its mview of the site selection pmcess and potential alternative sites, considered these five sites, as well as a hypothetical site in the Freeport area. No site was excluded from consideration because of its inability to acconrnodate more than two units. Under the circumstances of this case, it is not necessary to review and evaluate the environ-mental impact of the proposed action for more than two-unit operation. Nevertheless, based on the staff's review of the data nade available by the applicant, the staff is presently aware of no reason the conclusions of this final Environmental Statement would change if two more units were added at the Allens Creek Station. 11.6.2 Archeological (INT 9. ACHP A-40) The applicant states that:

            "an archeological survey was performed on the entire 11,152 acre plant property. Several sites were identified fmm this survey and wem deemed to be worthy of further investigation.

An archeological study is currently underway to determine what significance, if any, some 15 archeological sites would have in historical or archeological importance. No facility construction will render hann to this area of concern as all available information will be extracted prior to constructir . j Protective managenent will be conducted to insure that 4 archeological sites (41-HR 187, l 206,207,214) identified to be within the South Maybe Creek area along transmission route 3a will not be impacted. Site 41 WL-9 is no longer endangered due to a transmission line rerouting. Therefore all 20 sites identifed in the DES will receive appropriate attention to assure no irmversible archeological impact." The staff believes that this commitment by the applicant together with conditions imposed in Sect. 7 of the Suninary and Conclusions are sufficient to protect archeological resources dis-covered during the course of construction of access roads and pipeline relocations. 11.6.3 Safety and site related issues 11.6.3.1 riooding effects (INT A-6) The effects in the site due to extreme floods on the Brazos River (and Allens Creek) will be covered in the staff's Safety Evaluation Report in the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Because of the expanse of the Brazas River floodplain below the site, the station itself (including the cooling lake dam) will have a negligible influence on the effects of a Brazos River flood. l l 11.6.3.2 Fire in charcoal bed adsorber (TEXA-29) l The Environnental Statement covers the impact of routine operation of the Allens Creek Nuclear l Generating Station, including various classifications of postulated accidents and occurrences. The results of a fire in the charcoal bed adsorbers are within the limits of the consequences discussed in Section 7. An analysis of the need for fire extinguishers in the charcoal bed adsorber will be carried out in the preparation of the staff's Safety Evaluation Report. l l .

l l 11-11 11.6.3.3 Geology (INT A-9) The inconsistencies with regard to formation thicknesses are due, at least in part, to judgments . as to what constitutes the site vicinity. The staff estimates are considered reasonable for the imediate plant site, 11.6.3.4 AEC Reactor Safety Study (Interior. EPA) The United States Atomic Energy Comission in August 1974, released the draft of WASH-1400,

 " Reactor Safety Study: An Assessment of Accident Risks in U.S. Comercial Nuclear Power Plant."

(the "Rasmussen Report"). The following text was taken from the "Intmduction and Results" section of the Sumary Report of WASH-1400:

1. Introduction and Results The Reactor Safety Study was sponsored by the U.S. Atomic Energy Comission to estimate the public risks that could be involved in potential accidents in comercial nuclear power plants of the type now in use. It was performed under the independent direction of Professx Norman C. Rasmussen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The risks had to be estimated rather than measured, because although there are about 50 such plants now operating, there have been no nuclear accidents to Ate. The methods used to develop these estimates are based on those developed by the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the last 10 years.

The objective of the study was to make a realistic estimate of these risks and to compare them with non-nuclear risks to which our society and its individuals are already exposed. This infomation will be of help in deter-mining the future use of nuclear power as a source of electricity. The basic conclusion of this study is that the risks to the public from poten-tial accidents in nuclear power plants are very small. This is based on the following considerations: a) The consequences of potential reactor accidents are no larger, and in many cases, are much smaller than those of non-nuclear accidents. These consequences are smaller than people have been led to believe by previous studies which deliberately maximized risk estimates. b) The likelihood of reactor accidents is much smaller than many non-nuclear accidents having similar consequences. All non-nuclear accidents examined in this study including fires, explosions, toxic chemical neleases, das failures, airplane crashes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, are much more likely to occur and can have consequences comparable to or larger than nuclear accidents. In addition to the overall risk information, it is useful to consider the risk to individuals of being fatally injured by various types of accidents. The bulk of the information shown in Table 1 is taken from the 1973 U.S. Statistical Abstract and applies to the year 1969. the latest year for which this data has been tabulated. The nuclear risks are very small compared to other possible causes of fatal injuries. The injuries expected in potential accidents would be about twice as large as the fatalities shown in Figures 1 and 2 [ Figures 1 and 2 are not repmduced here]; however, such injuries would be insignificant compamd to the 8 million injuries caused annually by other accidents. The ntsiber of cases of genetic ef fects and long-term cancers are predicted to be such smaller than the normal incidence rate of these disecses. Even for a large, very unlikely accident, the small increases in these diseases would not be detected. Thyroid 111nesses that might reselt from a large accident are the formation of nodules on the thyroid gland that can be treated by medical procedures and rarely lead to serious consegances. For most accidents, the number of nodules caused would be small compared to their nonnal incidence rate. The number that

l 11-12 might be produced in very unlikely accidents would be comparable to their normal rate of occurrence. These would be observed during a period of 10 to 20 years following the accident and would be about equal to their normal incidence in the people exposed. While the study hai presented the estimated risks from nuclear power plant accidents and comrared them with other risks that exist in our society, it has made no judgment on the acceptability of nuclear risks. Although the study believes nuclear accident risks are very small, the judgment as to what level of risk society should accept is a broader one than can be made here. Table 1. Risk of fatality by various causes Accident type Total number

• f#"
• Motor vehicle 555,791 1 in 4,000 Falls 17.827 1 in 10.000 7,451 Fires and hot substances 1 in 25.000

( Drowning 6.181 1 in 30,000 Firearms 2.309 1 in 100,000 Air travet 1.778 1 in 100.000 Falling objects 1,271 1 in 160,000 Electrocution 1,148 1 in 160.000 ( Lightning 166 1 in 2,000,000

Tornadoes 91 1 in 2,500,000 Hurricanes 93 1 in 2.500.00u All accidents 111,992 1 in 1.600 Nuclear reactor accidents (100 plants) 0 1 in 3,000.000.000 l

11.6.3.5 Meteorology instrumentation l (EPA A-19) 1 This cocment has been answered i 1 a change in the text of Sect. 6.1.2 on page 6-1. 11.6.3.6 Nearby nuclear station (AGRA-2) There are no other operating nuclear generating units within 600 miles of Allens Creek. The nearest planned units are about 60 miles south, near Bay City Texas. The applicant states that 2 additional units are projected for this site. l i I 11.6.4 Interaction with other agencies 11.6.4.1 Effect of auxiliary boilers on air quality (EPA A-19) An analysis of environmental effects resulting from auxiliary boilers is not possible at this ) time as selection of the type of auxiliary boiler has not been made, but no significant environ-  ! l mental problem is anticipated, 11.6.4.2 Conformance with DOT requirements (DOT A-12) The applicant has stated that it will carry out all action in such a way as to comply with the appropriate Federal regulations and the Office of Pipeline Safety.

11-13 11.6.4.3 Plant cooling system and FWPCA requirements (EPAA-17) The staff believes that the proposed cooling lake should include recreational use, even if this does result in a privately owned lake being classified as " navigable waters." The staff is awaiting the issuance of the proposed policy by EPA. The applicant is intending to begin con-struction as soon as possible after a limited work authorization or a construction permit is issued by the AEC. In the meantime we concur that a meeting should take place between the applicant and the EPA to define what information, data, and analysis will be required for a Section 316(a) appeal, 11.6.5 Adequacy of draf t statemen_t,t (SCA-40) The staff believes that the Final Environmental Statement does meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board will determine the adequacy in the course of the evidentiary hearing for the issuance of a construction permit. 11.6.6 Alternate reactor types (TEXA-29) The staff, as a matter of policy, does not evaluate th relative merits of alternative nuclear steam supply syttems (reactors? All of the commercially available reactor types. BWR, PWR, and HTGR, are licenseable per se, provided that specific factors regarding plant component and site suitability are evaluated and found to be satisfactory for any particular application, 11.7 LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL CHANGES IN THE STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS Topic FES Page, 11.7.1 .Allens Creek Length of creek inundated (DOI A-7. EPA A-19 3-6 Biota in lower end of Allens Creek (HLP A-37 4-6 11.7.2 Groundwa ter Capping of wells (HEW A-6) 5-2 Potential degradation (TWDB A-25) 5-2 11.7.3 Endangered species White-tailed kite (TPWD A-27) 10-3 11.7.4 Water quality 5-2 Standards (HLPA-35)(HLPA36) Updated information 2-B 11.7.5 Status of reviews and approvals (HLP A-36) 1-2 11.7.6 Biological data Updated information (HLP A-36) 2-12 11.7.7 Brazos River l Reduced spawning area (HLP A-37) 4-9 l 11.7.8 Meteorology . l Instrumentation addition (EPA A-19) 6-1 11.7.9 Land use and recreation Value of agricultural products AGRA-2) 10-2 Recreational benefits (HLP A-35 5-35 11.7.10 Thermal Correct bns or additions to tables (HLP A-37, TEX A-29) 5-4. 5-5, 9-11 l 11.7.11 Radiological Nearest water supply (HEW A-5) 5-15

11-14

                                     *iFERENCES FOR SECTION 11

1. Correspondence from Edward E. Thomas, State Conservatior,ist U.S. Soil Conservation Service.

Temple Texas 76501, April 8, 1974.

2. Texas Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture,1972 Texas county statistics, Texas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, Austin, Texas.

3. U.S. Water Resources Council,1972 OBERS Projections, vol .1, 2120 L Street N.W. , Washington, 0.C. , 20037, April 1974, p.105.

4. Ibid., p. 103.

5. .Barry Carr and David W. Culver, " Agriculture Population and the Environment," in Population, Rosoames and the Environmnt, Ronald G. Ridker, (ed.), The Comission on Population Growth and the American Future, p. 181.

6. Houston-Galveston Area Council, Land Use and Population Projections, 1990-2020, Houston, Texas, December 1969.

7. Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks, Recreation and Open Space 1971, Houston, Texas,1971.

8. Lockwood, Andrews and Newman, Addicks and Barker Reservoirs Recreational Developnent Plan, 1973.

i

Appendix A CO MENTS ON DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BY AGENCIES AND INTERESTED PARTIES A-1

UNITED STATES OFIARTMENT CF AGmCULTOTs* Uetras trarts DePaeretar oF A setc u tt e n t 50 466 AGP6CL;LTU1 A L REMaRCH SDv/A yoassYeeaveCa 50- 4 7 ma+naro . o e aca , g _- h w he.o one M Dee m a=-e= ==* f4pW;x%

                                                                                                                                                  /.7 " ' ' '/ r,.                   \.-                                                               August 1.1974 July 12.1974 .d.                              4 j}. , dp g

r r:r. D. L Eller. Assistant Director .

k. I

8- lE-r for Envtran nntel Projects -'

                                                                                                                                                       ..                                          Itr. Daniel R. Muller                                                      l   :

[ Directorate of t.icensint; Assistant Director for Environnental Frojects l U.S. Atomit Energy Co .,Lss Lon Uashingten. 3. 0. 23511

                                                                                                                                                      *[f"7-                                       Directorate of LicensiS6 j                                                                                                                                                           'L.                ..                   U. S. Atonic Energy Coc=1ssion i

usahington. D. C. 20543

Dear Mr 1:

eller: L-The Agricultural aescarch Se-*1c2 bs revie md the Drair hviromat.1 State 1*:*r ralste a *e d.e pr vo M Allens Dear Mr. Muller l Creek D4cic Ar Cent rat ta Statina. - 3 . aW 2. M c' r e H% A tott Lipting a7d Per er Ce;aav. Loca.t .;uch a r s Bare are U. S. Forest Service. State and Frivate Forestry. 50- u4 and S e67, Southeastern Area coments en the draf t environnental statenant covering Allen Creek Kuclear Generatitig Station Units 1 and 2. It daes co,cer, us r%: 1.013 wres of p.wtere d crupland a- , i ; ta;.. i f or the co, r ruct ion cf T is Infornation is needed on L'

• prominity of other nuclear generating In t'..e;c t L2e3 power ple.at rm! a :p;K*rt c : facilitias. units (. planned and existing) Jithin the general area. Also, if of increased
• e im food *"d ' r prod 4 12:n. -d additional units are planned or feasible for this locatica, ines t ut111:e the best i catural IM fcr rttelt srsi ocrooses. ainstasen used tn e ne statement ab gis1 d km 4a ee- a's. onen %s it's stated that the value of agricultural production lost is an

.fhile se recopine t% :t t here is a r. ed ?or i., creased estimated 1.1 million dollars per year. On page 13-2. the lose y, pover. rs would like ur4.:ca t J every ef:m t has is estimated to be 1 tillica dollars per year. The dif ference is

                                  ) en neee 13 explare sites that -ould not t *La this significant when figured over the life of the project.                                   4 amount of a;-r i w* tur.si land out o f product ien.

Since less than 6% of the surtwdica 5 county area la f orested. S inc e t e l y , the woodlands which will be lost to the project and transmission line RN assume disproportionate environnental value. As a taiti-gation seasure. we recoerend planced forestation of the preposed 640 acre park area and the 26.000 f t. long earchan den. Advice and council on the best species f or specific sites and functions and local sources of planting stock are available from the Texas H. L. Barre s Forest Service. Acticg Asnsta r 4 M M ' trster Natiensi Pre;rn St af f The cleared transmission line RN through wooded areas should be designated and used pri=arily for wildlife enhancesent. s o> [%

• f, afblU' \, .

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ..   *4           i
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            % * **          ,W

                                              -2   -              UZITED STATES CEPARTMENT OF AGRfCULTURE sort CONstRVATION $Er4VICE P. O. Box 648 Temple Texas 76501                                                          - '/,

August 16, 1974 'h. 5 Additional information is needed on the 16 families whi.:h will Mr. Daniel R. Muller [ ' be displaced by project activities with an assessment of civil Assistant Director for Etvironm-ntal Projects - rishts impacts. Directorate of Licensing This statement does act contain required assurance that project Atomic Energy Ccmission Washington. D. C. 20545 50-466 '- plans are fully compatible with the plans of the Gulf Coast State 50-467 riannios tesion.

Dear Mr. Muller:

thank you for the oppertunity to review and comment on this draf t We have reviewed the de ift environrental statement for the Allens Creek

• • • • • • • • • • Nuclear Generating Station. Austin County, Texas.

Sincere 17 The statement adequately describes the impact of the proposed project on the environment and contains measures to siinimize adverse effects. Q Y. \ We offer the following co:ments for your consideration: PAUL E. BcTTAM croup Leader 1. The north end of the dam for the cooling lake will block e Environmental quality Evaluation watercourse which heads on the Brazos River terrace southeast of Frydek. This action will affect the stream's function as an adequate outlet for excess water removal. The statenent could include provisions to insure an adequate outlet' for this drainage area. The Soil Conservatien Service has discussed this problem with Houston Lighting and Power Com;:any and their representatives. W

2. As stated in the document. Allens Creek and its tributaries drain areas of intensively cultivated, nearly level clayey soils. Erosion rates on these soils are low tut you may wish to include siltation data for A lens Creek and its tribut* ries.

The Soil Conservation Service became aware of this prcposed project et the time PL-566 planning authority was requested for the Alleas Creek Watershed. Coordination meetings have been held with Houston Lighting and Power Company and their reoresentatives, the local sponsors of the application for assistance under PL-566 and the Soil Conservation Servige. Coordination will continue to insure conpatability of proposed measures. We appreciate the opportunity to review and conment on this draft statement. Sincerely, Jg&GN Edward E. Thomas F# v State Conservationist si

l l l l

                                                        %g               oEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ca wmo= om..c v co.n o, ac, u as                                   SWGED-E                                         21 August 1971+
                                                  .1 j u                         .o.o=.u.                                                Mr. Daniel R. Muller g,    -

o*6 mo+ vo.s nm

                                                  'Qf                                                                                      e op ortunity to comment on the draf t statement is appreciated.

SWCED-E 4 21 August, 197.g -,q% , Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                                      ' kCi dU 'b'g.1\

h, Mr. Daniel R. Muller j AD3 374 t * #' Assistant Director for I - at m aa., Environmental Projects ' I' T [g DON . _ , , , , COLOEL. CE Qy/ Directorate for Licensing *A** Atomic Energy Comission ISTRICT EEIyggg 7 Usshington, D. C. 20545 9;..y* /^/'

Dear Mr. Muller:

his is in response to your letter dated 5 July 1974, Docket No. !O-466 and 50-467, requesting corrunts on the draft environnenta,1 statecent for Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, Housten Lighting and Power Company, he proposed station site is located adjacent to a portion of the Brazos River classified as navigable; therefore, a Department of the Aq pernit will '.>e required for construc- Y tion of the intake and discharge structures. This is noted A in Table 1.1. Since the proposed transmission line Route 3 traverses Federally ov: ed land in Barker and Addicks Reservoirs, a Department of the Army case.ent, at appraised fair market value, will be required of the applicant. A formal request for this easement made by Houston Lighting and Power Company by letter dated 13 February 1974 is under consideration. ne affected areas are allocated for low density recreational use in the Corps of Engineers' Master Plan for Addicks and Barker Reservoirs: bovaver_. aside fre datractiag frote the aesthetics of the general area, the transmission line should have only a minor impact on recreational use of the area.

50-466-467 30-466 I t j hr'$ -g UNITE T: . m.D STATES s.suu mow se.. . ..e sm. DEDARTMENT w a==se o c aczaa r..COMMERCE O.F ween . ".- C, E" # Q _ ef DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EcucATICat. ANo WELFARE September 24, 74  % .. # wma w v e ucur... ( wa va c. - s m I tN /-

                                                                                                                                                                         ~     e                                                                                     ^

f e p# p SEP 5 GI4  :( g-?fr , &. g <f ' Thank you for the opportunity to review this draft Environmental Impact Statement. 4g sincerely,

Dear Mr. Muller:

Thank you for your . letter of July 5,1974, transmitting copies of the draft environmental statement and Amendments No. 5 and ' Charles Custard 6 to the applicant's environmental report for Allens Creek

• Director Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2. Austin County, Office of Environmental Affairs Texas.

Our commeits are presented according to the format of the I statemen*.or according to subject. Generpj i We note that some of our comments on the applicant's environmental report ftr this project sent to you on March 14, 1974, have not been. adequately addressed in the draft state =ent. We recommend the final statement discuss the issues concerning flooding, aquatic resources, and wildlife habitat which were raised in that letter, a copy of which is attached. - g.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               >    i
                                                                                                                                                                                  - The draft statement contains r.userous recommendations about the project by the staff. The final statement should make it                                                     i clear whether or not'it is mandatory that these recommendations be followed as part of license stipulations.

i Regional Demogranhv, Land Use. and Water Use Although it is apparent tha*. the applicant has consulted ' extensively with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HOAC), little or no reference is made in the draft statement to speci-fic land use policies or plans of the HGAC or the counties in

                                                                                                                                                                                  - the study area.               Several land use plans are noted as references (ER, page 13-3 and 13-5), including the Regional Plan for Public Recreational Ocen Soace published by the HSAC. However.

no significant e ntion is ma'3e or actual plans or proposals contained 1herein If detailed land use proposals and maps ] Let's Clema Up America For Gu 2OOth Berthday ' i n

                                                                                                , - - _ 3                                                   . ,e** (--                          _u _._y_._________sm_

t i 3 2 are available for the Houston-Galveston region and specific contains internal inconsistencies with regard to geologic counties, their relationship to the project should be discussed data. The Pleistocene Montgomery Formation is variously given as 0-40 feet thick (ER, Table 2.5-1) and as 70-100 feet thick in the final statement to allow adequate consideration of the (ER, p. 2.4-1). On the geologic cross section (ER, fig. 2.4-1) effects of the proposed action on ' planned and potential land use. the formation is shown as 90-100 feet thick near the plant site. If euch detailed information is not available for the study area, The Pleistocene Beaumont Clay is variously given as 0-75 feet

                                                                               - it should be so stated in the final statement.                       thick (ER, Table 2.4-1) and as 9-40 feet thick (ER, p. 2,4-1).

Brazos River flood Plain Allens Creek Cooling Lake The draft statement fails to evaluate the effects on the site A few discrepancies exist in the data concerning the cooling from extreme floods on the Brazos River. The magnitude and stage of a probable maximum flood on the Brazos River and the lake. It has been stated on page 3-6 that a three-mile pcrtion of Allens Creek will be inundated by the cooling lake. However, effects on the site should be presented in the final statement. an eight-mile portion is listed as being inundated on page lii. Habitat This discrepancy should be resolved. Figure 3.4 appears con-fusing in giving the area of the cooling lake as 7.600 acres, The project site contains important fish and wildlife habitat a figure which should be clarified as including only the effective cooling surface of the lake, but excluding the and resources and the construction of the plant and cooling numerous inlets. The reference to a " newly constructed cooling pond would result in the loss of considerable wildlife habitat lake" on p. iii, might be changed to " artificial cooling lake" in the watershed. Since opportunities appear favorable for to avoid giving an incorrect impression,. initially, that the development and improvement of the resource and associated constructior. is already in progress, habitat, we suggest that a fish and wildlife management and i public use plan, and a proposed implementation schedule for the . The water quality of the proposed cooling lake and its effluent site and transmission line rights-of-way be prepared by the into the Brazos River will depend on the quantity and quality applicant in concert with appropri ate Federal, State, and local of Allens Creek inflow, rainfall, pumpage from the Brazos River, agencies. The plan should include preservation of natural areas and the amount of water evaporated from the lake. The quality to the fullest extent possible, development of additional habi- of Allens Creek inflow is net adequately documented from these tat for fish and wildlife, and provisien of adequata facilities factors. The only sample analysis clearly identified to be for public use, including access for fishing and : . ' ting and from Allens Creek (ER Table 2.5-5, p. 2.5-15) shows sulfate 3" related recreational uses to ensure maximum public beneift. levels in Allens Creek approaching the 150 rg/ liter limit da This plan and proposed implementation schedule should be developed specified by the Texas Water Quality Board.. Further, the as a project feature and included in the final statement. maximum cooling lake concentration of sulfates used to compute We note that on page 8.1-88, ER, Amendment 5, the applicant the maximum cooling lake concentration (Table 3.9. p. 3-20) states. *the predicted increase in nigrating and resident water- given as 71 ppm (approximately 71 mg/ liter) is a gross understate-ment of the potential sulfate levels in the river. Thus, the fowl will more than offset the value lost in terrestrial hunt- weighted average sulfate concentration for the 1*L6 ter year i ing activities." This conclusion is questionable since these on the Brazos River at Richmond, about 15 miles dot mam estimated values have rot been documented. Further, any from the site, was 185 ppm (U.S. Geol. Survey, Water s . ply migrating waterfowl increase may only represent a transfer Paper 1452). .It appears that at times the natural sulfate of use and not an offset of losses accruing to terrestrial concentration in the waters filling the lake plus the.concen-wildlife, their habitat, and the hunting they support. tration of all chemical constituents by the evaporation from the lake would have to result in higher ccacentrations of su? late' Geology in the lake and its effluent than are permitted by the Texr, , Information on geology of the site provided in the draft Water Quality Board standards. 'i statement is not entirely consistent with data provided in the applicant's environmental report, and the latter document t 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ n - --

4 5 The final statement should address this issue. The The Transmissica System comprehensive conceptual planning of recreation uses for the ~~' proposed cooling lake is commended. The consideration of Route 3A fails to mention the existence Radioactive Wastes of Bear Creek Park and the Bayou Rifle Club, both clearly indica-ted in Figure 3.9-7,ER. These facilities should be mentioned The solid radioactive wastes that would result from operation in the final statement. The environmental i= pacts of the of each unit have been estimated by the staff to include annually transmission line and substation on these recreational facilities about 9,603 cubic feet of solidified set solid waste containing should be described in the final statement. 1,600 curies of activity and 500 55-gaDon drums of dry solid In addition, both the environmental report and the draft waste containing not more than five curies of activity. These estimates apply to activity levels after 180 days of ensite statement indicate that transmission line Route 3A crosses storage. However, page 3.5-1 of the applicant's environmental portions of Barker and Addicks Reservoirs, characterized only report suggests that the wet solid waste vould be stored onsite as floodwater storage reservoirs with some cattle grazing. No for a minimum period of only two months (ER, p. 3.5-10). The consideration is made of planned or potential uJe, nor is the environmental statement should provide information either on " critical shortage of recreation land and freshwater resocrees activity levels at a time nolater than the time of anticipated

                                                                                                                                                                                                    .     ." in the Houston area acknowledged here.

shipment offsite, or the conversion data necessary to calculate The city cf Houston, in cooperation with the Army Corps of such activity levels from the data that have been previded. Engineers, is presently developing plans for utilization of The staff has estimated that Fe-55 would be among the major portions of the two reservoirs for public recreation and ope n radioisotopes present in the solid waste after 180 days of space purposes. A conceptual planning report prepared for the decay (p. 3-19). However, the applicant has not included FE-55 city of Houston, Addicks and 9=rker Reservoirs Pecreational among the 30 isotopes present in the wet solid waste after Develooment Plan (by Lockwood, Ancrews, and Wewman, 1373) sets processing (ER, Table 3.5-10). It is suggested that this forth general concepts of development. Transmission line Route discrepancy be explained in the final environmental statement 3A crosses Barker Reservoir in an area proposed in the study as a nature preserve and agricultural area. In Addicks Reservoir The applicant has pro , data on total radioactivity per the proposed transmission line route is adjacent to er within an batch of wet solids a processing in units of "Ci/ Batch" area proposed for a nature preserve and agricultural area, and (ER, Table 3.5-13' re s the total activity of s.3 x 109 lies near proposed developments fer a gun club and model air-microcuries per be , a igure which appears too large by plane field. We are unable to accurately identify possible eenflicts 3,, comparison with t'e tota' radioactivity shown on Table 3.5-10 due to the broad transmission line csrridor described in Figure 3.9-7 of the ER. 03 (ER). The applicant has given activity of wet solid wastes on Table 3.5-9 (ER) in units identified 8as "Ci/ Liner," We suggest thatimpacts on these proposed facilities be resulting in values as high as s.9 x 10 for clean-up sludge. identified and stated in detail. We further suggest that the Evidently these units are intended to be microcuries per liner, applicant coordinate transmission line location with the Neither the staff nor the applicant has identified the proposed Houston Department of Parks and Pecreation and the Army Corps burial site for these wastes. The applicant has stated that of Engineers to =inimize adverse environmental impacts. Such "the mode and route of transport of other solid rad-waste will coordination and subsequent mitigating measures should be included be similar to that of the spent fuel" (ER, page 5.3,7), but th- both in the final statement and the ER. route of transport et the spent fuel has not been specified. We urge the applicant to follow the staff recommendations cor-we recommend that the proposed burial site should be identified, cerning the use of transmission line Route 2C, the review of and assurances should be provided that related environmental Lapacts will be addressed in an environmental statement for that specific tree-cutting and lake management plans, the use of the specific burial site. buffer zone for hiking and fishing, and the creation of more natural looking landforms on site earthworks. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ = _

w' 6 y Station Facilities We hope these comments will be helpful to you in the There is no indication that archeological surveys have been conducted on proposed access roads and pipeline relocations. Sincerely yours,

                                                                 - A professional archeologist should survey the project's associated                                                         f}

facilities and the final statement should cite the resultir.g U/ report. .The final statement should thus be explicit as to the 'gg7,,4 presence or absence of archeological resources that may be - Desuty Assistent Secreta of the Interior affected by these project-related undertakings and should detail the anticipated effects upon such non-renewable resources. If an adverse impact is indicated by the archeologist's report, the Mr. Daniel R. Muller final statement should relate actions to be taken to Jnitigate . Assistant Director for. such impacts. Environmental Projects Directorate of Licensing Makeup water Intake Effects Atomic Energy Commission In the discussion of fish entrainment on page 5-33, it is stated:

                                                                   "If large numbers of fish are entrained, corrective measures can be implemented." The final statement should discuss criteria which could determine if large numbers are entrained and the                             Enclosure means of implementing corrective action.

Environmental I* pact of Postulated Accidents The discussion of accident probabilities has been expressed in purely qualitative terms on page 7-1. Although this a limitation has been acknowledged and it has been noted that quantitative assesscent of risks is expected to be available in 197s, we believe that the environmental consequences and  ? risks of the most serious Class 9 postulated accidents should e be evaluated in the statement, and that continued failure to do so permits exaggerated views of the risks and creates public concern that would probably prove unwarranted if the i risks were objectively analyzed. In addition, the necessity of public subsidy of a portion of the risk of damages from Class 9 accidents to the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station should be mentioned in the environmental statement, and should be explained in view of the assection that "the probability of their occurrence is judged so small that their environmental i risk is extremely low." i 4 P i

4 2 [q. s(31 I.Isdrtti States De[urtment of the Interior OFFICE OF THE WCKEYARY Cooline Lake

          *^                                                                                                                                                        Trom the infomation presented, it is difficult to detemine
                                                                   % A9ttNG10N D Q. M4u                                                                             whether or not the p-oposed cooling lake will be required to o                  meet Uater Quality Standards since, according to Reference              ';
                                                                                                                                          ,             N,           5.1-24  Texas Water Quality Standards cre currer.tly under                ;

In reply refer to: p' V *-m revision. However, even if this cooling lake becoues exe pt ~ gg 1 PEP ER 73/1584 50~466 P 71 fr n temperature standards, we urge the applicant to preseat I i./ gLhu,@,fh . ' the tee:perature isother-s that are exrected in this lake. gPG BA . Verification of the stated dischtrge tenperature of the water 50-467' ,

                                                                                                                                            .d

• released into the Brazos viver et the snilltay cannot be

                                                                                                                                 $                    +   ,

f obtained otherwise. Statements that such releases will aisc C R meet water quality standards for the Brazos River are sone-

Dear Mr. Muller:

k) - what ambiguous as the applicable standards are not identified. Thank you for your letter of December 13, 1973 and M' - While we believe the cooling lake will provide sufficient January 15, 1974, transmitting copies of the applicant's envimnmental report and amendments 1 and 2 for the Allens heat sink capacity for Units 1 and 2, we anticipate that Creek Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 1 Austin insufficient casseity may be available for cooling four units. The water cisch<.r e into the M2:cs "ivcr ray *** at an  ! County, Texas. excessive temperature when four units are in operation. Our comments are presented according to the format of the LTe recor. mend that the themal models for the lake and the report or according to subject. river plune for both phases of development be presented re that all the temperature predictions in the applicant's Tlooding report may be verified. To form the cooling lake, a 26,000-foot-long das would be .. ti u17t"r st6 ef rasarvo5 oaeration usine records constructed varying in elevation from 135 to 138 feet MSL from IS32-G7 ic refe-red to c.Ecr er:pter: . w. 5. .m. with an uncontrolled spillway crest elevation of 118 feet t the base data, as well as core of the results of the sir.ula- 1 MSL. This 300-foot-wide spillway is designed to pass the tion, should be shoun. For instance, thoro is no indication p probable maxinum flood (PMF) expected for Allens Creek with

         'a flood stace at the spillway of 125 feet MSL. He believe whether seepage losses from the reservoir were considered and the perforn-snee of the reservoir during drought periots is

g. l the applicant should also calc.O o I: a . " C the M.:n . also not shown. Fron the data riven, the averace flew fron River and the ef fects of concurrent P!;F's on both Allens the Allens Creek drainage appears to be overestimated by Creek and the Brazos River as cast records for floods on the conpseison with M c Creek near Needville Texas. Our records t Brazos River indicate that a flood of about 300,000 cfs show annual runoff at that station to have averaged only

• produced a stage of about 122.5 feet. This record flood w33 about 500 acre-feet per square nile of drainage area, rather given a return frequency of 100 years. We expect the PMF than 1,100 as used by the anplicant, and our records also I for the Brazos River could even exceed 122.5 feet, shou that annual runnff has been as low as GO acre-feet per l square nile. Thus, the averace figures for water balance The flooding effects on both sides of the Dra=os River citad.in chapters 3 and 5 of the report are questionable.

i caused by such a large development in the river's flood '[ plain should ba specifically exanined. In addition, we The eunulative evanorative loss of fresh water from the Allens i recomend that the applicant nrovide maps uhich can illus- Creek Iuclear'Cencrating f.tction tem ther vith probabic veter trate the concurrent effects from PMF's for both banks of requirements frca acw and e':unding in6:stry attracted te the the Erazos River together with Allens Creek. station's electricity saould be discu3 sed. he effects thase  ! evaporative lossu wil3 have on strean fisheries and estu2rine t resources should be conside-eJ. I

                                                                                                                                                                  .                       ___     . _ _ _ .                                   s

O 3 The effects of sewage effluent fron both the Wallis and Sealy if adequate streambank access is available. Vitbout such treatment plants discharring into arms of the cooling lake aedess a renewable environmental resource will receive i and the possible eutrephication of these arms, especially the only limited use. To insure the fullest utilization of a I arm on which the State park and reerestion area is to be rather limited strean fishery resource in Texas the free l located should be discussed. What, for exa=ple would the public access on each bank of the Brazos River for the maxi-i mum distance of the plume night be considered. odor, algse bloons, and other effects in the Allen Creek arm j of the lake be when the Scaly seware treatment plant operates We are sonewhat confused and concerned retarding the quality at the recorded peak load of 502.C30 gallons per day? of the soort fishery which is expected to develop in the cooling lake, the expected sport-fish harvest, and catch par Cooling Lake Therrs1-Mydraulie Model fisherman-day. for exannle it is esti-ated that annual Additional infornation concerning the expected parameters fish production,will be about 3.2 million pcunds and hn estimated 23.400 man-days of fishinc annually. At an assunad of the cooling oond should be presented, particularly since the harvest rate of 30% of annual production re2ns each fishin; Yeh. Lai and Verma r_odel used by the spplicant and noted as day will result in a entch of about 32 pounds of fish. A Reference 5.1-3 is apparertly not available. Ue succest that harvest rate of this magnitude will result in a creater fish-the applicant should also discuss the applicability of the ing demand which will increase fishing activity. Ce suggest, hydraulic assunction of this particular nodel to the real therefore, that fishing access, anticipated costs for use pond. Evidence _should be presented that the shallowness of of fishini piers, fishing-haat 1 sun:51n- fees. :nd any oth'r _ the pe=4 has been considered in this re.4el, and that the access facilities and related charges which are planned, be model is adequate to assess the temperature distribution in discussed. the reservoir. Wildlife Fabitat Groundwater We do not a-ree with the appliennt's statenent that the local The construction of the plant and coolina pond will result in groundwater quality will be unaf fected. High groundwater the loss of the test wildlife habitat in*=n-the watershed.

                                                                                                                                                                       *-acia* a' ? 9 P n' a levels rav cause swan'y conditions and could also have adverse                                                        e+P r- 'g. eavat. kaw ettae. - 55t*c.                  th' h:; - :

and white-tailed daer will b: d: treyr! zion _. effects on cny .se;2 - .:ic .lal ;. . a . :es-. ..na .hst which support these animals and the hunting which these 3, the applicant should perform a flow net seepage analysis fur aninals support. The applicant should ;oint out bou these e the reservoir and evaluate groundwater levels to be expected losses will be citigated cnd/or compensated. Feforestatica. ll in neighboring wcils. of ess!-producing hardwoods, of the section narked *cpen arras

• Insoak and lateral soak from rice farming as discussed on in figure 2.1-2; controlled crazin; one out cf .three years en this area; and free public access could ;artially connensat-pages 5.1-23 resulted in approxinately 200 feet of severe for habitat destruction with resultant aninal and huntin; losses.

bank erosion on Allons Creek. So cuch, in fact, that rice farminZ was halted. The coolicant should diteuss the potential In the discussion of Attwater's prairie chicken habitat on seepage problen and its effects on the Brazos Fiver bank, hi-h- page 5.5-1. it is stated no Ora:in; vill be pernitted on the way relocation, and baak stabilization ceasures on the Crazos rights-cf-way. Linited grazing uould erobably be benefici=1 River which will be employed by the applicant should this approximately one year out cf three. Instead of restricEn-problem energe. rrazing, the applic1nt should consider consultation with the Texas Parks end liidlif q cnsrtnent :or proper gansgenent o' Aquatic Fesources the prairie chicken on owned and leased lands. The creation of a warwwater plume durint the winter nonths in the Brazos River as the result of plan operaticn. will, as pointed out in the environnental report, con regete ishes. This congregation will facilit?te hcrvest by sport fisher =en

5 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION u Transmission Lines "

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .a   s l                 }        UNITED STATES COAST CUARD - ._vJ.%.*gMS/7D The anticioeted visual impact of the transmission system is                                                                                                                                                    maas 420.ye262 as described in Section 5.6-1. Tederal Power ComnLission Cocket                                                                                                     DN M.

Number R-365 Aopendix A. Guidelines for T*te Protactieft of N

• Natural. Eistorie, Scenic, and ccreational Values in the v. , , 8 2 Aug m J. ,

Deelen and Locatict of ~1%rs-of e ind Tr e ission racili- P ties provides an s u icarica of the basic princ2ples artd ele.msnts of r.ood practice of transnission si-htins planning. The , Mr. Daniel R. Muller

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    '       ;N.$ h/.h         '

applicant should confirm that these guidelines will be follessed Assistant Director for for the construction of the tran=inission lines. y~ Environmental Projects ectorate of UcenSing kD[% 84 -t  :

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .~

Plant Desirn Alternative Atomic Energy Commission S

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         **"g{
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         \

h,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  *v        ,. ;

[ The report should recognize that the total economic cost of Washington, D. C. 20545 the pmposed cooling systers has not been evaluated, such as costs to the estuary and gulf for loss of fresh water due to

Dear Mr. Muller:

plant operation. We hope these cerraents will helo you in the preparation of His is in response to your letter of 5 July 1974 addressed to Mr. Bergamin the environmental impact stetement. O. Davts concernmg the dratt ettvaronmentalimpact statement for Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station, tJnits 1 and 2. Austin County, Texas. Sincerely yours, ne concerned operating administrations and staff of the Department of . Transportation have reviewed the material submitted. The Federal Aviat2en ' (sicneU v1112,s. M*h Administration had the following comment to offert

                                                                                                                                     .H                                                                                                                                                  e re-    $. .  !cereury of ti: Interior We have reviewed the subject proposa! and find no adverse envirortmental        y Mr. Daniel R. ? fuller                                                                                                                  impact nor any conflict of interest with aviation concerns of the Federal Aviation 1

Assistant Director for Administration except as it may affect the minimum safe flight altttude of air- to Environnenta1 Projeets craft, Directorate of Licensing , Atonic Enerry Co m ission idashington. D. C. 205t:5 "Any structure in the project that will exceed 200 feet above ground or penetrate 100:1 within 20,000 feet of an airport should be reported to the FAA on Form 7460-1."

• De Office of Pipeline Safety had the following comments to offer:

                                                                                                                                                                                                    '"Ihe Office of Pipehne Safety has no objection to the draft environmenfa:

impact statement. Relocation, modification, and subsequent operation of the ligtud pipelines identified in the statement must be in compliance with the Federal Pip-line Safety Regulations contained in 49 CFR, Part 195. Similarly, any relocation or modificathn of existmgar pfretines tu the sffectc<t area whtch are aubject ta the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1%8 must comply with the regulations *

                                                                                                                                                                                          ' contained in 49 CFR. Parts 191 and 192. A statement that the operators of pipelines affected by the proposed power station construction watt comply with the appropriate Federal regulations should be included in the final environmental impact starpment,         i i'
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ?

8 4 1 $ _ i y< -- --y i w + - - -

                                       *Oenerally, commento presented in tto evnt ceacoramg papehnes                                                                                    p%

appear adequate." O1 h) g UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ,mgg
                                 *fhe Department of Transpo:tstion has rs other comments to offer nor do we have aer objection to the project. However, the concerns of the Federal Aviation                                                                                                                                                                        C                      f ft ha.estration and the Ocice of Pipehne Safety should be addressed in the final                                                                                                                               Np p m*                                                        s eartreamental terpa:t statence.

stacerety. 50-466 N.D g

• Hr. L. Manning Muntzing I EEM Director of Regulation IA.~5 united States Atoase Energy com=ission v *d W y Captain,U1Cesst Wd u.shington, n. C. 2c545 ', ,

fhptty CNef,C*Tn :f 'hice t2vironment En:t Sysbms D**r Mr. "anntainga Bydirectionof theCL.. at The Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the draft environmental statement for the Allens Creek Nulear Generating Station, Unita 1 and 2. prepared by the United States Atenic Energy Commission and issued July,1974. We are pleased to provide you with the enclosed comments. Proposed effleent limitations for stean electrie plants. Issued pursumat to Section 301 of the Federal Unter Pollution Control Act Amendmeet of 1972 call for closed-cycle condenser cooling. The Allene Creek station may not, is our opinios, meet this requirement because the cooling lake any itself be coesidered a "naviamble" body of water under the Act. If it is determined that the cooling take is y

                                                                                                                                                                                           " navigable" and thus subject to the TVPCA. the applicant may appeal to                                               a the Administrator of the EPA for a variance to Section 301. The                                                       [

adniinistrator could then under Section.316(a) set effluent limitations that could allow the use of the systes presently proposed. la our opinion, bovever, studies to date (as evidenced in the draft statement) do not provide a sufficient informational base for EPA to make a determination under Section 316(a). Regardless of the type of cooling system ultimately required, the intake system will have to comply with Section 316(b) of the 7%7CA. It requires that "...the location, design, enestruction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available to minimize adverse environneetal impacts." Such compliance, however, cannot presently be determined because of the incomplete knowledge of the aquatie ecosystem at the site. , t We questien w conclusion of the AFC pta'f *het the statica, as designed, meets the criteria of "as low as practicable." In t particular, we believe that the gaseous waste treatment system does not represent state-of-the-art technology. I k 2 _ . . _ _ _.___. _..___-.____._.s. _ _ _ .- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ :.._____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ . _ _ _ _-__-_m_ . _ _ _ _ __________________.____m_ -

l

- .2. EPA 8 D-AE.C.A06140- 7 l- >

' . The use of a 100 meter stack will result in doses which are mithin

           . the proposed Appendix 1 to 10 CFR 50 criteria, however, it is the opinios of EPA that ewironmental dilution is an undesirable siternative to in-
                                                                                                                                                    ,           g                     gg                                           }

piant centrol for dose reduction. Therefore, we urge that the final r aurironmental statement include en analysis of the costs and doses of IWLSEINGTC!r* D. C, 20460 ~ replacing the lheter stack with an improved charcoal adsot*>er

          - system, which will provide longer holdup for short.11ved radioisotopes                                                                             September 1974 of krypton and xenon.

I. zsumuiAL Iw2ACT STATN PD:tJ'DITS In accordance with EPA procedures, and reflecting our reeiew, we l kmye rated the draft envirereental statement as ER.2. Ire have made this rating based on the need for the additional analyses called f or Allen a Cmk Nuclear Generaths .' *eth

          - in our detailed comments, f                      If you or your staff have any tpestions concerning our classifi.                                                                         TABLE OF N l

cation or ms, we will be pleased to discuss them with you. Sincmly yours, PET INTRODUCTIO!t AND C0!tCtrSIONS

                                                                ~ h                                                            RAD 101.DCICAL ASFTCTS 3

3 Sneldom leeyers Radioactive vaste Treatseet-Director Does Assess wet Office of Federal Activities (A-104) Transportation Ranctor Accidents

• f ' Mesure Psal Cycle 2=

WOW-RADICLOGICAL ASPECTS 6, b Plant Cooling System a.d Ft.TCA Require m ts '& Bielegical and Chemical Effects I j AmerT10KAL C(N"ENM 10 i l~ o

  . . - _  _- . _ _ _ _                       . . _ _ . _ _             . . . . _            - ,- ,_         . . . , . . _ . .       ,                       . _ _ _ _ _ . = _ _ _ _ __ ____._ _

2 1 evidenced in the draft statement) do not provide a sufficient 11rTRODUCTI'JN ATJ CO*:CTISIO'tS

                 ~

informational base for EPA to make a determination under Sectica The Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the draft 316(a). environmental impact statement issued in conjuection with the application of the Rouston Lighting and Power Co=pany for a permit to 4. Regardless of the type of cooling system ultimately requiredi begin constru-tion of the Allens Creek m.elear Generating Station the intake syste's will have to compIv vith Section 316(b) isf the Daire 1 and 2. The plant is planned for a site located in Austin ykTCA. It requires that "...the location. design, construction. and County. Texas. Following are our major conclusiwnst capacity of cooling water intake structures refleet she best technology available to minimize adverse environmental impacts " Such

1. It appears that the Allens Creek % clear Generating Station compliance, however, cannot presently be determined because of the thits 1 and 2 will be able to cperate within the dose guidance of the incomplete knowledge of the aquatic ecosystes at the site.

proposed Appendix 1 to 10CFR50. !*evertheless, we question the eenclusion cf the AEC staff that the Station, as designed, meets the criteria of "as low as practicable." In particular, the gaseous waste treatment system is undersized for the plant, and it is estimated that the Allens Creek noble gas discharges will be much larger than those from other contemporary BilR's, ne dose criteria are met only by virtue of the use of a 100 meter stack, which provides dose reduction by environmental dilution, EPA considers such a practice undesirable and strongly urges in-plant contrci systems as a technique of dose reduction. The AEC should include in the final statement an analysis of the comparative costs and doses associated with the preposed of f-gas system and one with sufficient delay capacity to effectively eliminate the short-lived noble gases before release to the environment.

2. In ear opinion, the once through cooling lake system 7

                                                                                                                                                                          ~*

presently planned for the Allens Creek Station may not be in

• compliance with the repirements of Section 301 of the yederal '4ater Follution Control Act Anendments of 1972 (FicPCA). This section. as interpreted by current EPA proposed effluent licitation guidelines for steam electric plants calls for closed-cycle cooling. The final determination in the case of the Allens Creek Station will be dependent upon whether the cooling lake (reservoir) created by the station is considered navigable (as defined under the F'.?CA) and is, thus, subject to Section 301 of the Act.

3. It should be noted that af fluent limitations ieposed under Section 301 can be appealed. According to Section 316(a) of the Act, the applicant has the opportunity to demonstrate to the Administrator of EPA that the inposed thermal limitatiens are "...more stringent than necessary to assure the protection and propantion of a balanced indigenous population of shellffsn. fish, and vildlife in and on the body of water into which the discharge is to be cade. " If indeed such a case can be cade for Allens Creek, the Administrator could set r

wre appropriate limiestions unica could allev the use os tne systes presently proposed. In our opinion, however, studies to date (as

3. 4 RADICI.0CICAI. A5PECTS Our calculations indicate that through increased holdup, reducing Radioactive Vaste Treatment discharged quantities of short-lived footopes, the population dose produced by plant Operation could be essentially elininated. We would We question the conclusion of the AEC staff that the Allene Creek consider such a design to be more in keeping with the intent of "as Nuclear Plant is equipped with systems which result in discharges of low as practicable" than the currently proposed system. radioactive gases that are "as low as practicable." The charcoal adsorber treateent system for radioactive noble gases is not sized (1) Martin. J.A.. C. B. *:elson, and P.A. Cur y. "AIRDi

• A Co:rputer consistent with industry practice for the quantities of activity Progras Code for calculating Doses. Populat ten Doses, and Cround Depositions Due expected from the coeration of the plant. As a result the quantities to At=ospheric Enissions of Radionuclides." EPA-310/1-76-004. May 1974 of activity which are expected to be discharged are the h!ghest we have seen estimated in a modern. state-of-the-art But. Except for Transportation this deficiency. the Allens Creek Plant is a model of modern state-of-the-art technolegy in all other radiological respects.

EPA in its earlier reviews of the enviremental impact of we realize that the combinatien of an 18 con charcoal adsorber transportation of radicactive raterial. agreed with the AEC that -ry system with the proposed 100 meter stack does result in estimated aspects generic of this prograa could best be treated on a generic basis. The doses which are within the design objectives of the proposed Appendix approach has reached the point where on February 5.1973. the I to 10CTR50. Eo.ever. EPA has previcesly expressed its position to AIC published for co ent in the Federal Re*iater a ruleraking the AEC that. vith a choice bet *=en dose reduction through in-plant proposal concerning the " Enviro vental Efrects of Transportation of control and dose reduction through environmental dilution, the in- fuel and Vaste f rom % clear Power Reactors." EPA corriented on the plant contrel option should be chosen whenever possible. In the esse proposed rulemaking by an appearance at the public hearing on April ?. 1793. of the Allens Creek Plant. since the "f ront end" of the charcoal adsorber systes is already included in system design, it would seen prudent to analyze the option of eliminating the stack, and applying Untti such ties as a generic rule is establishedi EPA is the costs savings thereof to a larger charcoal adsorber system. coatinuing to ansess the adequacy of the quantitative estitates of resulting in increased holdup time and positive in-plant control of environmental radtation inact resulting from transportation of effluents and subsequent doses. We believe it is essential that the radioactive raterials provided in enviro vental statetrents. The 3> final envirormental statement inslude analyses of the comparison in estimates provided for this station are deemed adequate based on costs and doses between the present design and an augmented charcoal currently available informa!!on. f system. m ' Reactor Accidents Dome Assessment EPA has examined the AEC analyste of accidents and their potential i Ve have independently calculated the individual and population riska which the AEC has developed in the course of its engineering dose rates in the environtent surrounding the Allens Creek Site, and evaluation of reactor saferv in the design of nuclear plants. Since l believe that the dess rates presented in the draft statement for noble these accidents issues are co non to all nuclear power plants of a gas discharges are underesti sted by approxientely a factor of 10. In given type. EPA concurs eith the AEC's approach to evaluate the evaluating dose rates, we utilf red the source term presented in Table environmental risk for each accident class on a generic basis. The 3.8 of the draft stetement, the receorological information from Table AEC has in the past and still continues to devote extensive efforts to 2.6-3 of the applicant's Environ = ental Report, and the AIRDi assure safst* throuth plant design and accident analyses in the program. The resul t of this analysis were a skin dose of about 6 mrem licensing process ca a c se-by-case basis. EPA. however. favors the at the northern site boundary and a pcpulation dose of 46 man-rea additional step nw being undertaken by the AEC of a thorough analysis within 50 miles. Lis dose esti= ate error not o:tly results in an on a more quantitative baats of the risk of potential accidents in all inaccurate reflect %n of the potential radiological impact of the ranges. We continue to encourage this ef fort and urge the AEC to proposed facilf ry tut also amplifies the ascessity for rea4st. sing press fursars tu its ti.>1y u.pletaon cud puLlicat.on. EPA taliew the noble radiogas treatment discharge system design. this will result in a better understanding of the possible risks to the e nvironcent. {

5 0 We are pleased to note in the draft statement the discussien of sox-RADicLOGICAL ASPECTS the Reactor Safety Study and tha co ritnent for tirely public presentation of its results. If the AIC's efforts iedicate that Plant Coolina Svsten mM F7CA Reouire-ents

                                                                                                   -~"~

navarranted risks are being taken at the A11e's treek Station, we are confident that the Arc vill assure appropriate corrective action. The Allens Creek nucleat power plant, as presently proposed, w111 Similarly, if EPA efforts related to the accident area uncover any eccomplish cooling by a once-through syste= with ester taken iron and envirennentally unacceptable conditions related to th safety of the discharged to an a250-acre reservoir (cociing laie). This reservoir A11erscreek Station, we vill u ke our views known. vill be created by 1 pounde.ent of Allens Creek, and vill incisde approximately eizht linear =iles of the creek bed. Y.akeup water for Fuel Cycle the reservoir vill be drava fron and blordom vater returned to the Brazos River. The Arc has issued a docu=est entitled "Environnental Effects of the Uranium Fuel Cycle" in conjunction eith a proposed rule aking Dr Section 301 of the Federal rater Po11utica Control Act A end ent 3 application in co pleting the cost 4enefit analyses for individual of 1972 (y n cA) stipulates t>at efflua,c limitations for various psint light-water reacter envirr: rental revie.sO9 71t IRSS). Tre sources discharring into navigable vaters shall require the application of "Best Practicable Control Techno1cgy Currently information therein is e; ployed in AIC draft state.ents to assess the Available" no later than July 1.1977 and "Best Available Technology incremental environeencar i= pacts that .an be attributed ta fuel cycle Econocically Achievable" not later then Jaly 1.1983. The lerels of components dich sapport each nuclear pouer plant. In cur opinice, the estir.stes of such incre= ental impacts for the Allens Creek Statian techr corresponding to these tere:s were defined in EPA's proposed are reasonable and, therefore, this approach appears adequate for e" r mitations guidelines and standards for the steam electric plants currently under consideration. Movever, as suggested in cur pc  : category of point source. These are published on ^* arch comments on the pre;es.c ru ersciv. Cam sry 19, 1973), if this is to 4 ad, with respect to thereal releases, call for "...no continue for future plants. It is important to periodically reviev e d dh of hear from...large base load unitis}...except thst heat may . scharged in Icold-side] blorJevn frco recirbulatinM coo!:e update the information and assesst =nt techniq u s used. In this regard, several studies are nca underway shich could significantly water syster:s...." These restrictions on discharge appl, to LLese improve the understending of incre" ental fuel cycle lepsets. re water bodies. derher natural or man-esde, deemed as falling unter the reco send thct A'C enviror ental irpact statcrents acknowled&e these Jurisdiction of the FVPCA (' e.. deened as " navigable"). > efforts, outline their ;eal- and indicate how any changes in i essesstient methodalogy varranted by them will be adopted. EPA inteds it should be noted that Sectio:. 316(a) of the FWCA was vritten to N provide relief to the applicants from the thetta! ef fluent linitations to monitor davelop ents in the fuel tycle area closely and will bri : to the AEC's attention any factor or concerns ve believe relevant to that could be imposed under Section 331. However such relief con be continued in: prove =e=t granted only if the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator of in assessing environ = ental i= pacts. EPA (or, if appropriate the State) that the tr70see 11M tat! :s. Pre of ism:ediate concern to EPA is the method of pra sentatt.on of ...more stringent chai necessary to assur* the protection and incremental radiological irpact from the supporting fuel cycle propagation of a balanced. indigenous pop lation of shell-fish, fish components. The tables included in the draft state-ent shov this in and wildlife in and on the body of water sto shich the discharge '. teres of release quantities and indicate the ""axirm Effect" in terrs to be made. . .." If the applicant can inde. d rake such a case ' .. the of annual person-rees (-an-rens) sithin a 50 mile radius. As rsev af Allens Creek plant. the Ad*inistrator cou.4 allow the v . or the cooling system as proposed. the radionuclides in*'alved persist in the environment ovet extrerely long periods, their ir: pact is not adequately represented by an annu:1 dese. Instead , v. recor-nd that the raximum effect for fuel cycle Most man-made lakes such as that proposed for Allens Creek vill b+ navigable either because they are to be located on tetreams er rivers releases be indicated by an anvironmental dose co mitment, that is, by the projected person-rers which till be accurulated over several half- that are so clas*1fied or because they are culti-purpose lakes to lives of the radioisotopes released annually fron these facilities. which the public (Meluding int erstate t ravelers ) is alloved access for recreation. (i m w ull Invcive d en n fot very le g-itved 14otops.) Also, su:S Qus, stract applicuion ef *he ci f teent .1:n t a c i e s to these lakes wuld require insts11arloa of Oneth forn of plant evaluations should be done for the total U.S. population exposure, Radionuclides of leport:nce in this approach include Kr-85. I-120' cooling systen, guch as evaporative ta ers or spray canals or a tritium, radium, and the actinides. variance under section 316 5) of the F"PCA. Cbviously, thle would

7

• preclude the use of coolirg lakes in eeny instances. In light of this problen, EPA believes the reans by which acceptaSle cooling lake Biological and Che-ical Effects proposals can be approved under the FUPCA should be defined.

Presently, we are considering variour approaches that could be taken Makeup water to the cooling lake vill be withdrawn fro . the Brazos consistent with the Act and we shoued fasue a proposed policy in t.re River through an intake structure recessed about 75 feet into the near future. Thus, when the utility applies for a neional Pollutent riverbank. A; preact velocity to this structure is eatirJted to te Discharge Elimination Systen (5PDES) permit under Section 402 of tr.e about 0.48 ft/see a' the velocity of the water passing through the FWPCA for the Allens Crerk station, it is likely that EPA's coolint trash racks is esti .ted to be 0. 53 f t /see. The makeup seter vill lakes polley will be completed and can be utilized in evaluating t'n is then pass to settli.', basins from which it will pass into the cooling facility. lake over weirs. I 2re is no plan for a fine cesh screen at the Brazos River intake structure. We suggest that the AEC recennend that the applice st defer an7 construction in the streas or en the i=poundnent e. associated Section 316(b) of the FUFCA requires * ..the location, design, structures u.til the ~~/3IS permit questiens are =e* led. If this construction, and capacity of coalit g vater intake structures reflec' appiteant proposes to cantinue with the plant si f+ :ribed in the the best techno1cgy available to =icisire adserse envirotre-tsi draft statement, we suggest that a reeting witF 5 A be arranged to impacts." In this regard and in the absence of infor-atio:t on the define what information, data, and analyses will be required for a equatic cocmunity in the Brazos Tiver (p. 5-33), it can not be Section 316(a) appeal. determined shether the applicant's proposed r.akeup water intake system will ceet the require =ents of the Act. We recorrend that the applicant gather the necessary baseline data and evaluate potential tepacts based on this data at the earliest possible tir.e. .Such inferr.ation will be review *d at the t1ce application is made for a MPDES permit. The intake structure at the plant will be similiar to the above with the addition of a fine mesh screen to prevent entrain en of larger organises and debris into the pinnt cooling syste=. ::hile the y approach velocity to the screens will be lotr, (0.58-0.39) the velocity - through the screens will be high (1.31-0.28) and the potential irpa::: W of this feature of the cooling scheme should be r. ore fully evaluated in the f inal state =ent. It is noted that debris collected en the screens will be collected in troughs. Final disposition of the cebris (which will include i= pinged aquatie organisms) should be detailed in the final statement. Cooling water withdraws from the lake will be treated with chlorine to kill organis=s deposited on the inner surface of the stea 1 condenser tubes. This spent cooling t ater, containing a chlorine residual, will then i.e discharged into the lake. According to the draf t state =ent ..e applicant plans to use chlorina concentrations of up to 5 mg/l in order to conttol the un; cored groith. Total residual chlorine concentration sar, not specified by the applicant; however, it was noted by the AEC staff that it will be necessary to conitor total residual Ice-in L . L'.c ID 2nd 2 O GsJ nge le se.s -o th. hratos River t o belcw detectable linits. Chlorine and chlorasines are toxic to fish and other aquatie organisms at very low concentrations. Fish are repelled by low levels of chlorine in scater and can ut us41y escape; howver, other aquatic

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( Wes h the TWDB recornwnded that a cooling reservoir of approntmately

                                                  'Q                                                       5.0JO sur' ace acres be coa =teucted, with enlarcement of the reservoir when additional ceaerating units are installed. This OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR                                             recocrendat iC9 is irade based principally on water Conservation, oct'= t'hscoi                          Omsics o7 6 '.      .0 coc 40.".Afics               *# # W           and admittedly, does not fully consider the economic or environ-60 * ***                                                                                   "#*

mental ramifications. This Otvision concurs that the formar two Septec er 4, 1974 points are relattvely annor, and are submitted to correct the applicable sections of the DES. Regarding the latter recorrendatim. this Division finds tut a smaller cooling reservoir would result in lower ccesumptive use of water resources; however, an analysis of the Enviren+ atal Recort. Chaeter 10. Section 10.1.3. ("Descrip-

                                                                            -,    6                        t'on oft.temativet'} eneals that a twa-stage develocment of the Pr. Daniel R. Muller                                                                           cooling lake is economically and environmentally undesirable.

Assistant Director for Enviremental Projects L Ti.e Teves Parks and Wildlife Department (TP&W3) has indicated that Directorate of Licensing increased human activities, changes in land use induced by the U. S. Atomic Energy Cor=tission project in addition to certain plant operations will have an Washington. D. C. 20545 / adverse irract on the habitat of the tttwater's prairie chicsen. It was recommended that the applica9t closely coordinate with the

Dear Mr. N11er:

TP&WD to establish accrocriate measures to modtfy losses and disturbances of tnis endangered specie and of other terrestrial The Goverror's Division of Planning Coorcination has reviewed both the fauna within the project area. This Division fally supports the responsible State agencies' opinions aad has perferred an independent TPM recer- endatien, and ucces that the applicable caemitments analysis of tne Draf t Enviremtal Staterect (CES) for tne Allens Creek of the applicant (CES. Section 4.5.L ) relative to the Attwater's Nuclear Generating Station, as suSwitted by the U. S. Atomic Er.ergy prairie chicken, be made a condition to the issuance of the Cornission (AEC). construction permit from the AEC. State agencies that pessess individual expertise in hydrolegical, radio- 4. Numerous corrents were submitted by the Texas Department of > a logical, a;*icultural, recreaticnal geolooical and other areas have conducted Agriculture (TOA) pertaining to radioactive waste systems. impacts y an extensive review of the DES. A smry cf review pa-ticipants' opinicns of land use, consumptive loss of water, imcact on the social and this Divisicn's analysis of these coas,ents are submitted herewith for structure, and selection of the boiling water reactor design over your conside-ation: other choices. This Division notes that while tne DES briefly

                                                                                                         - suer.arized the radioactive waste systems, more comprehensive

1. The Tezas Water Rights Coe-ission (MC) indicated that the DES data is furnished in the Freiwna*y Sa#ety Analysis Eeocrt, was in conformar.ce with the orovisions of tne 'iational Environnental Chapter 11 ("Dadioactive Ete Fea9e-ent"). Concernmg the coment Policy Act of 1969; howver, the tac recorrended that certain data from the TDA that the discussien on land use and social structure pertaining to turface water rights and asoropriations be re-examined impacts should be eeencec. Ints Division concurs with the TCA.

to accurately refle:t e ;rosisbns of the Termit to Appropriate Data presented in t5e CES are iasufficient to provide an adecuate State Water.' This Division agrees that the TaRC has correctly analysis; more data, seecifically from the Enviro &tal eccet. identified a significant misunderstanding of the AEC staf* pertaining Chapter 4. Section 4.1.3. ("The Hunan Envirewent' ) and Chapter 8 tc the use of permitted waters, and recorneeds that the procer wording of the pereit be re#1ected in the Final Encircerental Section 8.1.1. ("Value of Delivered Products"). should have been Statement. included in the DES. It is this Division's understanding that decisiens on the reactor desten are predicated in part en the

2. It was noted by the Teos Water *:evelcrent Board (TCB) that the availability of reacter comonents from the supplier, and en licensing coasije,ations 'ro . c.e AEC.

                      %ality o' w 'let ;ro ec .a .e r m, the ere. me.v se cegradeo by se* cage
                     - from tne cooling take. %e .C3 also edicatee t*at streaa cuality                5. The Teus State D=oart-*nt of Health (TSOH) indicated that the standards are r.ot arolitable to snills ard/or cisc9eces from the                  construction and operation of the ACNGS witi have negligible impact rooling pond. In orcer to minimite the consumpti e loss of water,                   upon the healtn and safet/ of the citirers of Texas due to radio-activi ty.

It was recomended. however. that additional consideration a o ec , ,r .. .. .a.. 79n . smea. W e w o h u m - - - v = swe cNe e. es

Mr. Daniel R. mu ller Mr. Daniel R. Muller Page 4 Page 3 should be given to the fire extinguishing system for the charcoal Enclosed foe your consideration are the coerents from the review participants. Since extensive time aad effort was reevired in the preparation of these bed aesertar. Se 75? als indicated t=st it uld perfom conrients, we recorrend that they be reviewed in their entirety. If we can confir-atory saaelieg of the erecrerational environmental radio- be of further assistance, please let us know. activity cenitorteg program. This Division concurs in the findings of the TSDH. $1ncerely.

6. The Texas Highway De::artment (THD) has noted that the LES did not indicate the rcadway and bridge construction resulting from the ACMGS. M \'

and has stated that in crevious correspondence with the ecolicant. the THD prefers that the Houston Lighting and Power Comoany provide all necessary eegineering design and construction; the THD will review

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     . ES M. ROSE ctor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \

the design ;:nd merf t:r c:ettruction. This Divisien eotes that t*e requisite bridge and highway construction was discussed in the .lMR/wsb Environ ental Pegri. We vSuld recomend that t%e construction Dermit Enclosures from the AEC contain aeprocriate conditions to tasare that the bridge cc: Mr. A. E. Richardson. Texas Water Rights Corretssion and highway construction will be perfermed in manner which is satis. Mr. Harry P. Burleign. Texas Water Development Board factory to the THD. Mr. Clayton T. Garrison. Texas Parks and Wildlife Departmeit The Honorable John C. White. Texas Department of Agricultu~e

7. Correats free the Texas Water Quality Board (TWOS) indicated that Mr. G. R. Herrik. Jr.. Texas State DeCartment of Health the applicant has suritted en application to discharce effluent Mr. B. L. DeBerry. Texas Highway Departreet to the Braros River, and tMat the prodosed effluent is corpatible Mr. Hugh C. Yantis, Jr.. Texas Water Quality Board with the stream standards establisted for this river sevent by Dr. W. L. Fisher. Bureau of Econo-ic Geology the TWOS. It was also irdicated that the applicant bad made previous Mr. Harvey Davis. Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Scard comitments to liMt adverse effects durteg construction and that Mr. Charles R. B*-den. Texas Air Control Boa-d these measures would be conitored by the TWCB, y

This Division is cognizant of the fact that the electrical power supplied by e the ACMGS will provide for tne anticipated growth of the area served by the appilcant. Of equal importance with the reliability of energy is the potential U savings of natural gas which is the acclicant's traditional fuel used in its generating facilities. We believe that this important point should be mentioned in tee FES. Similarly. the FES should contain a brief synopsis of the recreational benefits Pat will accrue to the citizens in tne area; the Environeental oe Sort. Chaster 8. Section 8.1.7.1. (" Recreation') details tnese benefits. In sumary, after a revteu of t5e responsible State agetcies' coinions and in performing our indacendent eaalysis of the DES for t*e ACMGS. the Civision of Flenning Coordination is in agree-ent with the AEC staf t assessrert that the primary benefits of increesed availability of electrical energy and the improved reliability of the a:alic*at's systen outweigh t5e environrental and economic costs of the sta* ion. Ue agree further that the increased employaent beaffits and tax re:eicts to the local economy outweigh the soClal Costs to the local area fro 9 Construction and operation of the facility. E _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ __

TEXAS WATE l'.ICI!rs CO.h155.ON cenarcl e _s: Rose MTititLN r. ns1?N c14 t tm; fc1 ::t 31inw; ""?"'t l' I "' 7 " Page 2 m o (**tsa c.+em a e ep.3.cm.

                     ***"                                                                                                                                   August 7,    1974                       u,        , ,

T

             '.,e.a,$
                                                                                                                                                                                                           ..s -e r
                        ,, e 0F a                                                                                                                           3 auoat = st <                     :*nd unde ^rstandings of the contract between the
                                                                                                                                                                                                         **["'""                      Brazos r,iver Authority and the Hoaston Lighting L ron:r C: pr.N                      cercu--a t ed on J.:2g m 1. 1972.

Brigadier General James M. Rose which was approved by the "'exas Eater hights ccm-Directer, civision of Planning Coordination mtssion. Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428. Capitol Station Sections 2.2.3.2. and 5.2.1. pages 2-6, and 5-1. Atutin, Texar ?9711 respectu ely. c.* the ref erenced i;raf t invironnental Staterent, indicate that the applicant ,s limited Attention: Kr. Wayne L brow to use of 93.C001ere-feet of ind1strial cooling water per year. Section 2.2.3.2 states that Ret United States Atomic Energy Com- "... (P) provicions exist for increasing this al-mission. I'r a f t Enviror antal lotment to 170.000 ac:e-ft/ year by 1992. " Statement on Allens Creek Kuclear Analysis by the staff indicates that Houston Generating Staticn. Units I and 2. Lighting & Po*:er Cc Pany could obtain the right liouston Lighting & Pcwer Co pany, to appropriate ar:d use 176,000 acre-feet per anne-July 1974, at any tire after it gives 193 days netice to the Braros River Authcrity, Dear General Rose In addition. Section 5.2.1 states that the ". In reply to the re.;uest in your letter of July 16, 1974 the contract, thich has been approved by the Texas Mater staff of the Texas Fater Rights Cc :-issien has reviewed the - Rights Cc :-ission. . . includes previsio s to pre _ }= re'erencel Eraf t Environ = ental Statenent on the estimated tect the rights of der. stream users by the release to e $1.3-billion Nuclear Generating Station project, of water from Allens cred ecoling lake during periods of low f b e (

Reference:

centract terveen The staff finds that: Brazos River Authcrity and Houston Lighting & Power company. August 1. 1972 Section XIV. ' Sub s ti t u tion

1. The referenced Draft Envircnmental statement is in for low Flows. pp. 21-22.1, the released flew conformance s.-ith the provisiens of the ::ational being ecual to the natural flow of Allens Creek.

Envire al Policy Act of 1969 (Parentheti :al ref erence addad.) The staff believes that the actual perpose of 3ectten XIV cf the said

2. The cats mtained in par graph 3e. Page iii, Section Con tr'act is to allos the Houston Lighting f. Power 2.2.3.2. page 2 6- and. Section 5.2.1. page 3-1 of Company to call fer releases of water fran the the Draft Ervironmental Staterent, pertaining to Brazos River Auth rity's reservoir s and let these applicable surface water rights and appropriations releases pass the purping ooint on the Prares Fiver, should be reexa-ir:ed. Th ese da ta do ne t correlate in lieu cf relea s'n- Me ir fle ef Alle.ts Cree % a*

with the terrs and understandings of the Permi t to times when the i- pcLadren* sf the inflow of Allens Appropriate State trater. " granted by the Texas Eater Creek infringes upon the rights of downstream users. Corceission on February 6. 1974, nor with the terns easoc=> .come w ,o.s som a _ - _ _ _ _ - _ - - - _ _ - - x _ __ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ceneral Jares n. mese Tnns b.7,u En Duvu oimrm Bono A % 7. l=4 Pag # 3 --

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .~.u   .,.a._.

e

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pS:- T5 Finally, the staff notes that Section 5.2.1 states that "Le applicant is restricted only to a rexiru - **" 1' * ", -' Qjf '

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ....com u, Pumping rate of 250 cfs....- In this recard, the                                                                                         - e n wn
                                                                                                                                                       *                                   ****=o                        """***"C'"6"*S**=N staf f unferstands that the Contractual Femit issued                                                                                                                           .7N. .*N"".U by the Brazos River Authcrity, por ,uant to the above-                                                                                   " T *.*"*                            August 9. 1974 ref erenced Brazos River Authority Contract, author-                                                                                     c     ius
                                                                                                                                                      -*a*=-

ires e varirr= rate cf diversien ef Eso efs et the = m. Allens Creek Purping Station on the Brazcs River. *1VDEP-O General James ? Re: , *: ire:tcr Se f oregoing co--_ents are r'ade eith the constructive intent of Division of Flanning Ccerdinaticra assisting the planners concerned ir enhancing the referenced Office of the Goverr:: Draf t Environmental Statement. P.O. Bex 32429, capitel Ftation Austin, Texas 18711 If you have any questions on t! e f oregoing, please advise Dr. Alfred J'. D'Arezzo, Environnental Sciences Analyst. Texas trater Re: Draft Environ:cental Statenent, Rights Corission, telephone (512) 475-2678. Allens Creek Kucleer Generating sincerely, Station Units 3 and 2.

                                    . J   - l                                                                                                           

Dear Jim:

                                    / M JA.c                                                                                                              Our stafi has reviated the Craft Environr. ental Statement for the 3

A. E. Richardson Allens Creek haclear Generating Statloa tnits 3 and 2 a-d wish h to offer th* fc11 =ing cc rents. AER-AJD:ll Initially, we vo.11d like to poirt cut hs. c a: staff has elsa conducted a field investigatier of gr:end tatcr cer.datiens in the vicinity of the proposed Allens Creci welear plant and associated ecslire reserre:r. Ue n::e tne depins of water cells specified on page 3-2 of the draf' state ent are net AltPoup in total rost agreerent with data developed fre cur staf f stui ? wells in the area ratige in deptn fren 95 to 100 feet, two velis located near the n rtheastern per.reter of the proposed cooling It is our optnicn pond are 55 and 70 feet d ee p. . respectively. that seep ge of wuter certaining relat-  :- n.cn ccncentratz:ns degrade to scre of dissolved srl:ds frer t he c;ci anq lake .1. extent the quality of shallt. grcund . ster in the area und crald possibly i patr the quality cf wa cr e re:-rby wells. Wa bei.lav . no-e.rer, that suen p tent:a1 deg:adat:en tf snsilow groand n ter will be confined to e relatively snall area ad;acent to tne cooling Jake.

Ceneral James M. Pose General Je*4 < hose August 9. 1974 fugust 9. 1974 Page 2  ?:G: b 09 re;e 5-2 ef thn Jr !- a c aiu..c., t he State-Federal Stream site, operated in conjunction with ruthori. ed Brazos River diver-Quality Stanferfs for ;rnent 1232 of the Erares Rive arc listed. siens. would still ru5 alt in spillege and discharges from the These stream quality standards da not apply to spills and/or cooling lake within acceptable water-quality linits (effluent discharges from the cooling pond as implied in the statenent, concentrations) to raintain e::isting stream quality standard: The applicent has a;;11ed to tha Texas Later Quality scard for for Segment 1202 of the Brazos River. When additional units are a waste control order which, if approved. will specify water ultiwately insta.lled at the Allens Creek plant, the cooling reser-quality parcreters for dischar;2s frun tre eco:ing lake A voir coald tuaa be enlarged to maxtmum capacity. Such considera-Federal NPDES permit, also specifying *ef fluent

• parameters, tions are, again, based principally on conservation of water sup-will also be issued when approved. plies and do not fully eensid:r economic f acicra sw olved.

To the extent possible within the licited time available for The opportunity to cunr2nt on the Draft Environmental Irpact review of the Draft Environmental Statement and the associated Statement is appreciated. Environmental Report (supplied by the applicant), we have given close attention to the various estimates of cooling water re- Sincerel , quireeents and consumptive tater use as developed by the applicant and the staf f of the AEC. We concur, in general, with the compu- #~~~"> tations t-hich indicate that, on the basis of present p;3nt design gI # and cooling lake capacity, and the pericd of hydrologic simulation. Harry P. Burleigh operation of two units at the site vill resblt in an average consumptive use of about.49.000 acre-feet per year. This considers evapotranspiration losses whteh tould occur naturally in ts.e Allens Creek area without construction of the plant. 3 we would point out that permits recently grtnted by the Texas Water N CN Rights Commission to Houston Lighting and power Company allow a total (not to exceed) cor.swrptive use ievapcrative loss) of Brazos River Pasin waters of 222.256 acre-feet annually for opera-tions at the Allens Creek site and at cther sites. These pernits of course allow for a total of 4 units (48.000 NN cap,acityi installed at the Allens Creek plant site. From the standpoint of minimizing the consumptive loss of the State's sater resources, the opttrum plan would appear to be con-struction of a cooling reservoir of sufficient capacity to ser e

 ~only Cnits 1 and 2. This cocnent is based on a reconnaissance-level evaluatien of this entire natter, and temporarily

• puts aside*

the recreational benefits thich vill accrue frcs the proposed 8.250 acre cooling lake. Cn the basis of info: cation caucarned an "Amendrent No. 1" to the "Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station ER" prepared by ETASCO Services. Inc., a cooling reservoir of approxima*ely 5.000 surface acres at the proposed 8.250 acre

TEXAS P*M PARKS AND WILDLFE DZPARTMENT w ms [&. cwsvr. .

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_:.% J0"4 "l Git-Fage 10-4, Oection 10-4-1-3 third p.aragrap: 1he ettect et seea we effluent fro: the towis of $caly and Callts on nutrient loadin , of

                                                                                           ,,am m:so 4                                                                                                                 toms a sTt"'M the reserralr. and on contact water sports there, should be etavtow n cAamisoa                                     elaborated upaa, a                                                                               smacums o.arevoa                            s m mae w esace tu.toerm Thank you for the opportunity to coordirate with your agency le AU5fita.TsxAs FE7G1                                     this saatter.

i l Sincerely, Aogust 8. 1974 /) I .9 Mr. Wayna It. Brown, Chief

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .s YTO': T CAFJ.IST;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         . hhU State Planning and Develop-e=t                                                                                                    , Director Ezeeut ve,9 8

Of ficer of the Goverscr l Division of Plannf rg Crerdientien CTC:* JS: hb F. O. Box 12428. Capitel Station Austin. Teras 78711 Attention: Mr. Erice H. Barnes 3=

Dear 3:

r. Brown: k N

i This Depart-ent has reviewed the " Draft Eevirer::nental State-ent, i A11ess Creek Icclear Generating Station", and of fers the follou-l ing cement, Tage 4-5: rettion is -ade of the less of se e Attwater's prairie chicken hab!:st and disturbar.ces of the birds by certain plant o pe ra t ist.s . It is felt that the increased hu an activities and changes in land use in the area which the project would in-duce, would also adversely af fect the birds. This should be men t iat e d. The project spersers should cestdicate closely with the Texas Parks and Tildlife Department to establish ressures to esodify losses and disturbances of this rare and endargered specie and of other terrestrial fauna schich would be disturbed by the project. Fase 10-2. Section 10-J '-P Feriferal and rare ,md eMamrered species sho Id be e phasized in the list of fauna centioned in this paragraph.

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12. Eeyu L 5tu . C d=I Agust 21.1974

                                                                                                                                                           .'^J yy approni&2tely 98W it;. r. r        af Allens C:ee'. is a picpsfad pap station wh ich coneerss.on'e                                                        sesse e s        .=ssa
                                                                                                                                                                                           *' ' ' ' * *

• would consist of seecrn! lar;e pipcs extending fro == the ds, to the Brazos River.

new e.vea=e== cm = se e e -ow . c . .-.- TEXA5***= ROW.'.*AY..O.'CA,LC;; aesta= ano esano ,r eses e These will cross F" 153B ar.d will be used in filling the reservoir y drawit g water f ror the riven August 21, 1974 in March 1973, the Houston lightieg and Pover Co many s ss notified that for any work it. solving C.e Texas 1:ig:c ay Sy sten, the Darart-cua wculd prefer Houston un esse mer== re Lighting and Power Compsny to do all necessary engineerica design and construction. The Department would review the design and monitor constrection.

                                                                                                                                                                                          " " DB-P 4 %

Thank you for the opportunity to review the draf t envirorrental stateeent. Sincerely yours U.S. Atoete Energy Cc =:issies Draft Environmental Statecent B. L. I'. Berry Austin Cousif State Highway Engineer j y (' Allens Creek Koclear Generating Static.= By: , 3, pcs% Units I and 2 R. L. lewis, Chief Engin-er of Eighway Design Mr. Eayne 2. Brorn. Chief ec: Federal Highvay Ad-inistration State Plaenie3 e9d Develop ent Dirision of Pla19tng Coordlestion Office of the Governor P. O. Box 12428, Capitel Station Austia. Texas 78711 y y Dear Sirr o Reference is cade to your r2=orand= da ted July 16. 1974, trans=itting the subject draf t environ = ental state =ect for resiew aad coreat. In revievieg the state =ent. It is noted that no ection has been cade of roadway and bridge' construction on our hig%y syntes resul:teg fros con-structios o* the generating station, re have teen end are in contieual contact with Houston Lighting and Feear Co pars ir. vorking out the details

                                                                                                                                            ~

for these proposed censtruction improverents assectated with our highway system. . The proposed spillway outlet channel with a 40-foot botto 2 vidth. 2.3:1 earthen side slopes. 20 feet deep crossing under TX 1453 vill necessitate a new bridge 150 feet in leesth located 1200 feet north of Allens Creek on FM 1458. The proposed reservoir will cross SH 36 at Statics 199+50. The low point elevation in the profile grade here is 1*3.C2 fee and tLe staadard project flood will raise the water level to 122.70 feet. We believe it is necessary to raise the grade of SH 36 and provide slooe protection for our roacbcay at this location. This *will also require leegthening the existing 10"m10'x 48' boa culvert.

pD o t l - s s l nu i o l ew rt oh rtl ie vl t o n nd r ee ont s can sa o i e ddc hl ne t p at n oo n oe, sni e t c rnu t n uel na sel e abo e p r. st ri mevr os ca e csa iht d f inwy ae a . nr co c h e.i r n wt o* t oe er scuya c- i u . vf o ort e C tti s rf n sl i o o r t nah o i e nout t e s v acq b i o c y y t y v P igrb i l n e i a D d oit e nm prac n u s a auwn t e n e d or a rv o ro g e pf oi n h st e tt i s tt h pI ca t u cgd o er h yena bf i e . ,

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                                                     ****                                                                                                    Ec'. s o        a        ;             ' August 16. 1974 '                                                                                                          .i
                                                                                                                                                                                                    . AC-HL-AE - 77<

O *> l . August 23, 1974 Mr. Edson G. Case, Acting Director g # Division of Reactor Licensing - r3,. r Office of Regulation bi . \Mg U. 5. Atomic Energy Comission  % ',* J' Washington, D. C. 20545 K

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           .vs'           ;'
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Dear Sir:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   /,N               5' Mr. Wayne Is. B rwn . Chief                                                                                                                                                                                                                6      f,        a State Planning and Development                                                                                                                                                  _ " Allens Creek Nuclear Generating St'kt4crir

• office of the Gov:r-er Units 1 & 2 Piirision of Planning cocrdination Docket Nos. 50-466. 50-467 P . .O. Box 12423, Capitol Star.icn Amendment 7 Austin, Tern 7S711 Dear Er~. Bro m Please find under sep 'ste cover two hundred (2'J0) copies -- p.

of Arehdment 7 to the Houston Lighting & Power Coreany Allens Creek e t!e ha.ve c g leted our review of the Environ =ttal Report fqr t's Allen Creei Luclear Plant. rne air pollutins portion of the report Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ER. A copy of this trans- .U mittal letter is att8ched to each anendme'tt copy. f is acceptable to ce. Amendrent 7 consists of flouston Lieting & Power Cor12any's We appreciate this revie.e opportunity and look forward to cooperating ' convents on the Draft Environmental Statement related to the with your of fics in the revie z of future e?viron 2ntal (.ce-mn:sa proposed A11ees Creek Nuclear Generatiaq 5tation. Units I & 2. 4

Sincerely yours, ' very truly yours,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +
                                                   . - -Q ,g)                      \

{. J , EUA1 Ste.4rt, P.E. +, Director / pr . r, Contro! and ?revcn ica . . W[Vice President Group

                                           - cc: Ps Lloyd Stevart, Regicnal Supervisor, Houston                                                                                                          RWL:rpv Enclostre i

cc: flessrs. C. Thrash (Baker & Sotts) ' R. Gordon imoch (Saker & Batts) - J. R. Newman (Mesnan. Reis & Axelrad)

                                                                                                     /

I i 4 b c e .w_____=_._________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ ___________m__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ACMCS-En ACES-Et monitoring by the State of Texas and, moreovet . that ML&P is comitted to APPENDLI C schedule transmission line construction to avoid the nesting season of the species (ER Sectien L.2,3.2) . E&P COMMENTS TO TME DES Cendition c

1. Introduction A draf t of adevelopment plan for the state park f acilities as well as a lake Ecuaton Lightins & Power Compacy herecy suosite coaments on the Draft Environ- management program is currently under review by HL&P. These documents will mental Statement prepared by the United States Atomic Energy Commise1on. eventually become a Maste* Plan which will be subject to the approval c' the Directorate of Licensing with respect to the proposed Allena Creek Nuclear Texas Parks and Wildlife .oserission. A Texas Parks and Wildlife letter.

Generating Station. Eahibit A. documenting agreements between the Coranission and RL&P along with a preliminary schedule for state review processes is attached. The review These comments are submitted by way of amendment to the applicant's Environ- schedule was initiated June 19.197&. Coemission eersonnel are scheduled to mental Report make on-site natts during August. 197& af ter which a firm schedule for Commission review will be established. In general, it is anticipated that II. Reeponses to Proposed Conditions hearings will be held bef ore the Coneission in September.1974 and that final approval may be expected in Novesber. 1974 The plan will then be transmitted Condition a for AEC staf f review. well in advance of the anticipated construction permit issuance date, in the manner contemplate 1 by Condition e of the CES. As set R&P will take the necessary mitigating actions summarized in Section 4.5.1 forth in Condition c. consideration wit] be given to: (1) the establishment of the DES. In addition. EL&P will take necessary mitigating actions as of hiking trails and a fishing area in the lakeshore buf fer sonei and (2) the creation of a more natural looking land form, including the planting of trees. eummarized below and recoussended in Section 4.5.2 of the DES to avoid on the diversion dike. Af ter prenminary studies, however edoptien of the unnecessary adverse environmen:al impacta from construction activities: former suggestion would appear to entail the relocation of a portion of a

1. Top soit that will be disturbed in rerouting pipelines will cemetery and have adverse ef f ects on property owners adjacent to the south en4 of the lake. These adverse impacts could include a nuisance from tres-be salvaged and replaced. A fertilizer will be used as necessary passers going on to adjacent private property. The construction et a fence to promote revegetation.

to prevent trespassing would likewise prevent f ree access cf those adiacent

2. As is noted in the master development plan for the propgsed property owners to the lake. The aesthetic appearance of this fence would be g, recreational area and lake renagement program. " timber will undesirable. In view of the fact that ample hiking area would be provided 6 in the 640 acres of park land and that more than two elles of lake shore $

be lef t standing in the reservoir in as many areas as possf ble. (plus additional backwater area) will be available for fishi*g. the incre-especially the embayments, to attract fish and increase the survival of base f ry. Boat pathways will be cut through these mental benefit of establishing hiking and fishing areas in the buffer zone stands to improve access.** The sight of timbered areas is not appears to be minimal and probaely more than of f set by the cost and associat ed adverse effects. considered to be aesthetically unappealing to the vast majority of fisherman. It is common practice to leave standing timber in Crndition d both Corps of Engineer and Lower Colorado River Authority lakes that have been recently impounded in the State, e.g. Lakes Toledo Bend. Sam Rayburn Livingston and Conroe. henty-five percent of HL&P will use alternate transmission line route ZC around the north end of the lake will contain such wooded areas. The foregoing shall be des- the cooling lake. rather than the proposed route 2A which crosses the cooling lake, as recomm+r.ded try the staf f . cribed in a detailed tree cutting plan as described in Section 4.5.1.

3. Condieion e The aanitary waste treatment plant will be resized for 2100 construction workers.

In Condition e. the staf f recons ends completion of certain additional h e hion b archaeological investigations. HL&P has discuoted this matter with repre-sentatives of the Texas Historical Comission and pla s to 'mpi ent a progran-EL&P will modif y its sonitoring programs in accordance with the staf f ot furthet archaeological investigations along the to. towina .lnes. ML&P will cause to be undertaken by professional archaeologiat s , pre rae of est reevammendations as eat forth in Section 6.1.3.2 of the DES. It should be noted, however, that these programs by their very nature cannot be under- excavations at selected sites to further define the ch. vace cristics of the taken until lake filling begins. HL&P will complete the preoperational archaeological resources ubich eat be present and to det

• sine whether an in monitoring activittee. As to the monitoring of Attwater's prairie chicken depth investigation is warrarted. Results cf $51s additional invest gative (Section 6.1.3.1), it should be noted that this species is already under program wil be submitted to, and r eviewed by the Temas Histor ical Commission.

including recommendations with respect to f urthet investigation. This

                                                             ]                  Amendeant No 7 g/ 26/ 74 2        %sendment No. 7 8/26/ 74

AC'tCS-ER AC1CS-ER need for a recreational lake in t he vicint ry of 411eos Creek . Spec i fically, progree will mit t aat, the loss M. or changes to archseological tesources ,

                                                                                                                                                                    "A good fishing reservoir in the general vicinity cf Condition f                                                                                                                                                          Allens Creek in Austin County with adequate f ree, public The chlorine injec tiso systee is presently designed and util be operated such                                                                                       access f acilities would go f ar in solving the existing and that ene addition of chlorsne to the circulating water system will result in a                                                                                       future freshwater fishing demands in the lower subbasic."

oestaus of 0.1 ppe retal resideal chlorine se the point of discharge to A!! ens Creek cooling take. H1AP does not espect t o exceed 0. 01 ppa a t the point of Fish production ir. the lake is expected to be 3 2 million pounds annually dfscharge f*o* the 1ske to the r i .-e r . It shm13 be not ad ho,,ver , t ha t chlor with a standing crop of 1.6 million pounds. approxisately 50 percent of Ane cessing into 411 ens Creek cooling take f rom 411 ens Creek, the Wallis sewsge the fish vill be sport fish, such as bass, sunfish, and catfish. plant. water pumped from the Brazos River and other sources beyond the control of the company could conceiveably cause the residual at times to exceed 0.01p9e The Regional Plan for Public Recreatiorial Open Space, as adopted by the at the point of discharge to the river . For this reason it is dif ficult for Hotston-Calveston Area Council, estimates a regi$nal need for 110.295 NIAF to state with certainty that the chirbrine level at the point of discharge acres of park by 1980. The 6i.0 acres of park at the Allens Creek site, to the river will be 0.01 ppa or less. contiguous to the study area, could provide recreation to as many as 18.286 people. (ER Section 8.1.7.1) Coedition a For several months. HL&P has been working directly with the Texas Parks A control pro 2 ram to provide a pericdic review of all construction activiti'* and Wildlife Department in develeping a master plan for the lake and to assure that these activities conf orm to the enviroreent al conditions set park. In addition. preliminary design of the park facilities is underway, forth in the construction permits is being prepared. The final easter plan will be published in September, 1974 for preliminary approvs l by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Final approval is Condition h expected in November,1974 Before engaging in a construction activity which may r esult in a signif icant Planned recreational uses of this waterbody include boating, water adverse environmental impact that was not evaluateJ or that is significa~tly skiing fishing, and swinucing. The park will of fer a high quality greater than that evaluated in this Enviromental Statement. HlAP will provide recreational experince based on full development of water-oriented written notification to the Director of Licensing. recreational opportun1eies and complete picnic / camping f acilities. p

                                                                                                                                                              'he comprehensive park plan provides for campsites, picnic sites,                  e Condition i                                                                                                                                                   screened shelters. restrooms, fish cleaning shelters, boat launches.              $

a marine, a park store, a recreatioc-interpretive center, and other lf unexpected harmful f f ects or evidence of irreversible damage are detec ted ancillary f acilities which will belp satisf y the recreational demands during f acility construction.1EAP will provide to the staff an acceptable of the local population. analysis of the problem and a plan of action to elistinate or significantly reduce the harmful ef fects or damage. IV. Texas Ester Quality Standards III. Reerestional Benefits Section 5.2.3 of the DES notes correctly that there are no thermal standards applicable to the Allens Creek reservoir under the Texas Quality Board It is f elt that information concerning the recreational value of the proposed Standards. Other " general criteria" of the standards are applicable. These public park and take should be included in addition to the brief description criteria are designed to assure the aesthetic appeal of such water bodies. in Section 10.4.1.3. The f ollowing information should be of value for The Allene Creek reservoir will be maintained in coeformity with att such describing the recreational benefits. standards. The need for a lake and associated recreational f acilities in this The DES notes f urther in Section 5.2.3 that the temperature and chemical portion of the state is f ully documented in Section B.l.7.1 of the standards applicable to discharge into the Brazos River f rom the reservoir Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station Environmental Report . will siso cect the standarf s of rt.e *esas Var et Qralit3 ILar*. It is .spp. rent f rom the DES that the " chemical standards'* ref erred to in Section 5.2.3 in-The cooling lake will provide the most important recreational f acility ciude those with respect to total dissolved solids (see p. 3-20. first para-in the area, with boating. fishing. and svieming available to the graph). In orderg to clarify this. point, the lastg sentenceg of Section $.2.3 residents of Austin and surrounding counties. No other ult er nat ive g g g . . gg cooling method of f ers this significant recreational advantage. In chemicals set forth in items 1-6 above will also be met by proper operation fact, the U.S. Department of Interior. Sureau of Sport Fisheries and g Wildlife. In a november 1960 report entitled ** Fish and Wildlif e Resources of the Brazos River Subbasin." cofieluded that there is a 3 Amendment No. 7 bf 26/ 7f.

O C4-ER 4CES-ER V. Land Us* This inf ormation was collected during an ongoing one-year baseline biological program. At present, the AEC has information on data With regard to the expected inundation of land f or the cooling lake. it should collected through May 22.197a. Additional information en data de noteo that this laed is not a wnique Temas re sourt e. S e major pertion cf the land area te be occupied by the ACNCS site is located within the Braros collected since that date will be available en or abour September 1 197g. Rfuer floodplain. This land is currently used prieartly fer agricultural p rrposes; b* wever M37 # 2 percert of t?e site ares is c Itivats3. M the C. Section 2.5.3 should be updated to reflect the add!tional basellee remainicg pertien. 22 percent is used f er p.=sture, an abundant resource in the central Temas region, aM M percent is forested range land. W5ile the water quality information which has been submitted by the applicant since the sube.ttal cf the April-May. }972 dare on which this section cultivated portion cf the 4CNCS site is considered relatively fertile f am- is based. land. it represents only a f raction of the land currently uses in Austin County and Central Texas f or agricultural purpoees Over 9e perte,t cf the land witt in the five-ccunty area ( Austin. Celerado. Fet t Bend , istier. and Since that time the AEC Las neceived weekly in-situ water quality Wharton) is used f or agriculteral purposes. data for dissolved oxygen, specific conductame, temperature. (Ref ER Section 2.2.2.1) Being transparency and pH for fase 3raros River and five Allena Creek Iscated in the Eraros River floodplain ecst of the cropland is subject to sampling stations. Bi-weekly samples were taken at two Allens relatively frequent ficoding. Poor drainage is another characteristic of th' floocplain crepland areas due to the flat topography and i=per=eable natur' Creek locations and three Prazos River stations for parameters listed in the Biological Monitoring Pr^ gram six month Inter 1s of the near surfare sofis. As a result. water is frequently Ponded in the Report. cultivated floodplain areas for long periods, thus reducing its value as economically productive Cropland. Also to be considered is the f act that such land in Certral Texas apparently used as range land could be cultivated Fest1 Cide and trace cetal sa=ples were taken on a monthly basis and used as pecductive cropland. In sut=:ary, the reeoval of the approximate in both Allens Creek and the Brazos River. The specific parameters are sloo listed in this report. The sa=ples were collected on a 4600 actes cf cultivated land frem agricultural production will net b+ of continuova basis f rem November 1973 unt ti the present time. The particular signt!Leance to the Central Temas region as compared to the bene. AFC has water quality informacien through May 22. 1974. Additional fits to be derived from the proposed facility. De ef f ects of this change in information will be available Septeeber 1.1974 f or data collected land use are discussed in mere detail in the Environmental Repert Sectf'" since that date. 4.1.4 VI. Updating of Information v11. Miscellaneous Comments > b A. Table 1.1 should be updated te reflect the carrent status of permita and approvals indicated below. These sections Ladicate that the applicant is limited to use of 90.000 acre-feet ef industrial cooling water per year. Section Texas Water Qaality Peard: 2.2.3.2 noting that "Provisiens exist for increasing this allor-ment to 176.000 acre-ft/yr by 1992." It should be noted that , A Public hearing was held on May 28. 1974 - no oppositten. A staff RL&P could obtain the right to 176.000 acre-feet at any time af tes  ! report has been made recoc= tending that a permit should t e issued. It gives 180 days notice to the BRA. In addition. Section 5.2.1 This report will be sunatted to the Texas Water Quality Soard at states that the Contract " includes provisions to protect the rights its regularly schauled August meeting f or its approval . Both the of downstream users by release of water f rem Allens Creek cooling permir and the 401 certificatien will be acted on at r ht s t ime. lake durteg periods of low flow (citation to Section KIV of-the Cont r ac t ) , the release flow being eenal to the natural flow of Corps of Engineers: Allens Creek." Section RIV of the Contract allows the Comoany to i Tha permit f or construction of intake pumping and discharge facility call for releases from the BRA reservoirs and let these retesses has been f esved fo* eub3fc caement pass the pumping point on the Braros River in lieu of releasing the t flow of gilens Creek a* times when *he impo indsen t of the inflow of Allens Creek tofringes upon the tirhes of downstrees

5. Section 2.7.2 which ref ers to itsited aquatic ecological data in Allens users.

Creek and the Bratos River should be updated to reflect the fact that g, Section 5.2 1 sta:es that gg the "applic. ant is restricted

                                                                                                                                                            . g since January 1974 the applicaet has submitted additional information att fasued pursuant to the B9A Contract author izes a ananimum vare on phytoplankton, reoplankton, periphyton, benthic macrotnvertebrates                        gg        ,,   ,g g g g gg              g         g,          y and fish in both Allens Creek and the Brazos River .

Rivet of 660 efs. 3 Amendment No. 7 5/26/74 6 Amendment No. ? S/26/74 J .

4CV S-Et 4cNes.gk

                                                       . Page 2-7. Section ? A. Paragraph 5                                                       Pase 5-4     .l abl e L7 The statement " Al t hou gh f aults do occur wi t hi n the site area,          there as   Ent t iee for 411 ens Creek t unot f t ae r tie years 19M and 190 should read very little selssic a tivity reteeed to faultings' swould read "althagh                   14.833 esd 16.768 r espeer i vet ,

i nac t i ve , net ec t osi t . grewtg faults at deeths in eweets of !?.%3 feet de ocesr within the. This statement as written is an essence correct Page S-5. Table, L 3 but in su= nary f orm e.sy allow the interpretation by larmen of sar f ace I f aulttng in t he n =eied i at e wi c kni t y of the st re and/or plant area te.e %aussia, evans tion yeer" is int ers ec t l y de 4 t gna t ed .. 1954 It shoaald be !9 54 (ER Table 3. 4 1 C) Page 7-9, Section 2.5.2 6 Paragraph J I Page %-24 Par uraph 2 l In terms of relative import anc e , the statement. 'Bott. the Evargeline Aquifer and the Bratos River alluvius are irportset in this ares". The last sentence of Paragraph ? se:ers t o the tact that no data was may overemphasize the Brazos River allusicr wkten is gecerally eni? provided osi fish prodac tivity la five Tew.s reservotes paior t o theit used by f armers fer irrigat ten. use foi cooling. The reason as t%at these senervoirs have always had Page 3-5. Section 3.4.1. figure 3.5

                                                                                                                                                     *8*                "      ' *     *E' This figure does r.ct show the parallel fish passes which will be part of the intake structure. ER figure 3.4-7 should be of use in addressica 4 cap-city f actot at 83 percent was used for preduc tion e d =alue .sf pro-Ihl* **PI'*

doction calculations, and is felt to be more representeelve than 73 perce,t Page 3-21. Sec tion 3.8. Paragraph 6 i f t he Ve8Fs in which P l ant operat ion' t o expec ted. It might be noted that dxt.le circuit transsission structures will be used on all eew ACNCS traassission " lines" er " routes" and that st r uc tures in the vic!nity of the plant are now planced to be double circuit. 3e a Page 6-4 Sectien 4.3.7. t.2 w The access road to the plant site referred to in this section will be a permanent road allowareg access for times of construction and operation. Additional permanent roads w111 be crestructed t: eat the north and south end of the ears for access purposes. Page 4-4. Sec t ior. 4. 3. 2 This section 1sp12es that all ter estrial btota will te lost. Deer and many scall a: teal species whic5 - can relocate into new habitar wi!) possibly survive. Page 4- 9. Sec t ion 4. 3. 7. 5 Reference is cafe to the " lost" ut that por tien of Allens Creek wt.14 will be dowrstreae et the das af ter evatruct ion of this fe.ature. (sect ioc r. 3.2.2 sed Sec t ion % L ' . 51 Attr e ft,+ -f ?ba wstr e

• r ~.

upstreas pertions cf the streas wil'. 'e terrieated, backflow f rc= t he Brazos River will continue to suppiv wat er to the re=ainica pert ion of the creek below the dar. !be portion cf the c reek which will receive water from the Brazos River s!!! still M icrd , 41 least, e =1n1=al spawning poteet ia! for Brare* P1ver spe r se. cf f ast.

                                                                                                                                                                                               "                   Amendment W-

• M'2*#76

                                                                                                 ?                    LSe rnd Kn t %D

• A '2b '74

m. __.____. _ ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _

l o cs.En TEXAS ' ! PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT ouumsw as coe e.,o e.s anca a stonsa Cw. esops som eue.tasca remme Joe acmenes omaan teame.t a- JOessesoes Ctatvom.,i emeeve ssam.araoss ma cwon teu.ss.M.S.T.uomeno a me - Joness u maanase ouetosseo AUSTtN. TEXAS yg701

                             , July 8.19 74 Mr. D. E. Simmons Rouston Lighting and Feuer Company F. O. Box 1700 Bouaton. Texas '77001 I-

Dear Mr. Simons:

I EIBIBIT

• On May 23,1974, the Parks and Wildlif e Commiselon considered the Boueton l- Lighting and Power Company's proposal concerning Allen's Creek Reservoir.

t l The Cosuaission approved the concept of the participation and authorized the staf f to initiate negotiations for acceptance of the proposed park ette.

• The Comiselon stated that this type arrangeeent; that is todustry working with a govermental agency in providing public recreation, could well be a prototype for other inkstrial firms of the Nation to follow.

3. -

On June 4.1974. Dr. Frank Schlicht and members of the A/E firm of Dames [,- and Moore met with us to discuss those arrangemente as authorized by the 03 Comission. On June 18. 1974 the group met et the reservoir site to disevas the planning schedule for the park. Even with the firm of Danes and Moore doing the park planning, there are certain State review procedures which must be accomplished during the planning process. The attached schedule depicts the times in the planning process at which reviews are required. It appears that the two revleue required by our Commission can be .porked 13 for the September ar* the

                           - 18cvember meetings. Af ter the September review of the reforestselun plan, an acceptance agreement could possibly be fina18ted.

Also enclosed is our initial proposal concerning division of responsibility for the project and preliminary estimates of cost. We wou13 appreciate , your comments ce the propaeal. Thank you for the continued fine cooperation. Si . I n u ffpv TTON[ CARRISQR Executpe. Direptr niCEIVED i . Crc: a: 3 J1R 9 ISU Att ent s D. L MN

ACMCS-Et AC9CS-ER f Time Required Responsibility asesonsibility

                         ,g Send copies (15) to Texas Farks and Wildlife ~ Houston Light and Houston Light                                                                                                             pov g 6-3 weeks          Preparation of weises maps, land-use map and forestation may                                                            and Power 3 weeks            Frep=re CceeisE n 4genda item and present ..                Temas Farks and Houston Light                                               Master Flan to CocFission foT approval of                     Wildligg Send three copies to Texas Ps-ks and Wildlife and Power                                                     the plan and design budget. (The hission a                                 for review.                                                                                                                            meeting is tentatively scheduled for late a

Review values maps, land-use map and fores- Texas Parks and November so Texas Parks and Wildlife must - 5 worki+.g days have the plans three weeks prior to this tation map Wildlife date.) 1 day On-site review (schedule et least I week prior) Houston Light and Power. Texas Farks me Wildlife 5 working days Review Texsa Parks and Wildlifa Prepare and present to Cosmission at its Texas Parks and 3 weeks meetire the letter part of September Wildlife taturn to Houston Light and Power with Texas Parks and coments Wildlife i Schedule public hearing (need 5-6 weeks Texas Parks and > advance notice of date development map Wildlife O. u) will be completed) -

                              - Cglete development map and send to Texas                                     Houston Light Ferks and Wildlife for use at public hearing                              and Power Conduct public hearing                                                    Texas Parks and 1 day                                                                                         Wildlife

[ complete draft copy of Master Flan Boascoe Light 2 weeke and Power Houston Light Seed draft to Texas Parks and Wildlife for review and Power Review draft of Master Plan Texas Farks and 2 weeks Wildlife Return draft with coments Texas Parks and

• Wildlife Complete Master Flan and print Houston Light and 2 weeks Fouer 1_ . ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __m____ ____ i _ _ . _ m _ _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ m_____ ____ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ _

5 p*$

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Appendix B BIOTA Of THE TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ENVIRONS B-1 i I.

B-2 Table B.1. Species hit of atants found in Aliens Creek study area" Scientific nale Common name ) 1 i Pteridophyta I Polypodiar.eae Asplenium platyneuron (L.) D C. Eaton Elbony spleenwort Spermatophyta Acanthaceae Dic/sprera brach, ara (Pursh) Spreng. Amaranthaceae 4/ternanthere peploides (H. & BJ Urbare Chaff flower Anacardiaceae Rhus toxcodendron L. var. vu/ paris (Michx1 DC. Poison ivy Rhus copallina L F tameieat sumac Aquifobaceae //ex vomitoria Aat, Yaupon llex decidua Walt. Possum haw Asclepidadaceae Asclepias lanceolata Wait. Lanceicaf milkweed Cynarchum laeva (Michx ) Pers. Smooth sa allowwort Bromeleaceae Tillandssa usnecides L. Spannsh moss Caprifoliaceae Sambucus canadensis L. American elder' Symphoricarpus orbiculatus Moench. Coralberry Voburnum ruftdulum Rat. Blackhaw Commelinaceae Commehne erecta L. var. erects Erect dayflower Composutae Ambrosia psilostachys DC. Western ragweed Ambrosta trofoda L. Giant ragweed Aster ericoides L. Heath aster Asterpatens Ait. Skydrop aster Aster subulatus Michx. var. hgulatus Shmners Roadside aster Aster tevenus Burgess var. tevenus Tex as aster Calyptocarpus vialis Less. Prostrate lawnflower Chrysopsis poloss Nutt. Golden ester Conyia canadensis (L.) Cronquist. Horseweed Cropfilon deraratum (Nutt.) Ral. Slender goldenweed Elephantopus carolinianus Raeuschel Leafy elephantfoot

• Eupatorium coelestmum L. Msstilower Eupatorrum odoratum L. Chrestmasbush Composetae Kuhnia eupatornoides L var.pyramidahs Raf Fatse boneset Parthenium hysterophorus L Ragweed parthenium Sohdago rigida L Staff goldenrod Spi /anthes amercana (Mutis) Hieron var. repens Creeping spotflower (Walt 1 A. H. Moore Verbesma virginwa L F rostweed Cucurbitaceae Cyclanthera dessarta (T. & G.) Arn. Cutleaf cyclanthera Melotheta penduta L Drooping mesonette Cyperaceae Carex cherokeensis Schwein Cherokee sedge Cyperus erythrorbiros Muht. Redroot flatsedge l Cyperus esculentus L. No thern nutgrass Cyperus fibculmis Vahl. Slender flatsedge Cyperus globulosus Aubtet.

Cyperus reflexus Vahl. Bentawn flatsedge Cyperusstrigosus L. False.nutgrass Euphorbraceae Acalypha gracilens Gray Croton capitatus M chu. Wooley croton Croton monanthogynus Mchu. Prairse-tea Euphorbia dentata Michx. Toothed spurge Euphorbanprostrata Ait. Prostrate euphorbia Fagaceae Overcus tyrata Wait. Overcup oak Quercus nigra L Water oak Quercus negra x phellos Hybrid Gramineae Bothriochlos saccharoides (Swartr) Rydb. Silver bluestem Suchlor dacrytoides (Nutt ) Engelm Buffalo grass Cenchrus irrertus M. A Curtis Sandbur Chasmanthium latifo/ium (Mehx.) Yates inland sea oats Chasmanthium sessikflorum (Poir.) Yates Cynodon dactyton (L) Pers Bermuda grass Digetaria adscendens (H B K.) Hent. Goose grass fleusine indra (L) Gaertn. Crabgrass y

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l l B-3 Table 5.1 (continued) Division and

• Scientific name Common name g;

Gramineae leersia virginica Willd. White grass Op/ismenus satarius (L.) Roem. & Schult. Basket grass Panicum anceps Michx. Basked panicum Panicum commutatum Schult. Variable panicum Paspalum lanp/ (Fourn.) Nash. Paspalum pub /florum Rypr. & Fourn. Hairy need paspalum Paspalum aetaceum Michx. Thin paspalum Schizachyrium scoparfum (Michx.} Nas. Little bluestem Sataria peniculata (Lam.) Beauv. Knotroot bristlegrass Setaria plauca (L.) Beauv. Yellow fontail Sorphum halepense (L.) Pers. Johnson grass Sporobo/us apper (Michx.) Kunth. var hookeri (Trin.) Meadow dropseed Vasey Juglandaceae Carya illinoerwis (Wang.) K. Koch. Pecan Carya ovata (Miller) K. Koch. Shagbark hickory l Leguminosae Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd. Huisache l Desmanthus //linoensis (Michx.) MacM. _ lilinois bundleflower frythrine herbacee L. Eastern coralbean l Lespedara vel. aff. stueril Nutt. Rhynchosis teAana Torr & Gray Texas snoutbaan Schrankia roemeriana (Scheele) Blankenship Sensitivebriar Sesbania resicaris (Jacq.) Ell. Bagpod Wisteria macrustachya T. & G. Wisteria Liliaceae Nothoscort/um bivalve (L.) Britton Crow poison Sml/ax bons-nox L. Catbriar i Sml/en rotundifolia L. Common greenbriar Malvaceae Malvaviacus arboreus var dummondil (T. & G.) Schery. Texas mellow Side rhombifolia L. Arrowleaf sida Moraceae Morus e/ba L. White mulberry Oleaceae fraxinus smeticana L. White ash Ligustrum spp. Privet Oxalidaceae Oxalis dillenii Jacq. Yellow woodsorrel Oxalis violaces L. Violet woodsorrel Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis L. Rougeplant Polygonaceae Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx. Water pepper Rhamnaceae Berchemia scandens (Hill) K. Koch Rattanvine Crataegus marshe'/// Eggleston Parsley hawthorne Rosaceae Crataegus viridis L. Green hawthorno Rubus trivialis Michx. Southern dewberry XanthosyIum Clave herculis L. Hercules club Rutaceae Sapindaceae Cardiospermum helicacobum L. Ballonvine Sapindus drummondii Hook. & Arn. Western soapberry Sapotaceae Bumelia lanupinosa (Michx.) Pers. Chittamwood Solanum triquetrum Cav. Texas nightshade Solanaceae Celtis laevipeta Willd. Sugar hackberry Ulmaceae Celtis lindheimeri Engelm. Paloblanco Winged elm Ulmus alata Michx. U/mus americana L. American elm Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. Cedar elm Ca//icarpe americarm L. American beautyberry Verbenaceae Ampelopsis arborea (L.) Koehne Peppervine , Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Virginia creeper  ! 8 Plants hated follow nomenclature by Gould,1969. Source: ER. Table gliin App. A of App. B.

B-4 Table B.2 Birds which may occur at the Allens Creek site I Common name Scientific name I Resident species Great blue heron Arden herodias Wood duck Aix stx.vsa Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Black vutture Coragyps atratus Coopers hawk Accipiter coopeni R&D tailed hawk Buteolamascensis Red shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus Sparrow hawk falco sparverrus Bobwnste Colonis virgrnianus Purple galtanule tonornis martinica Mourning dove Zenaidura macroura Killdeer Oxyechus vociferus Roadrunner Geococcyx cahfornianus Barn owl Tyto alba

    $creech owl                               Otus asio Great horned owl                          Bubo virgemanus Barred owt                                Strax varia Yellow shafted flicker                    Colaptes duratus Red bellied woodpecker                    Centurus carohnus Redheaded woodpecker                     Melanerpes erythrocephalus -

Harry woodpecker Dryobates villosus Downy woodpecker Dryobates pubescens Blue iay Cyanocotta crostata Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Carolena chtkadee Parus carotonensis Tufted titmouse Parus bicok>r White breasted nuthatch Sitta carohnensis Caro lma wren Thryothorus tudovocianus Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Robm Turdis migratorius Eastern bluebird Seah' s sialis Engtssh sparrow Passer domesticus Meadowtark Sturnella magne Redwkng blackburd Agelaius phoeniceus Common grackle Quiscatus nuiscula Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Cardinot Richmondena cardinalis Grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum Lark svarrow Chondestes grammacus Inca dove Scarrlatella enca Rock dove Columbia livia CattIe egr et Bubulcus ibos Loggerhead shrake Lanius tudovcianus Golden fron;ed woodpecker Centurus merifrons White-ta* Int kite Elanus lecturus Migrant species Pied bitled grebe Podilymbus podoceps Pred billed grebe Phalacrtworax surotus Double-crestut cormotant Anas platyrhynchos Batdpate Mareca amencana Amerman pentail Anus acuta Ringnecknf duck Aythya collans Red tailed hawk Buteo jamascensis Broad wiruyd hawk Buteo platypterus Sharp shinned hawk Accstter velos Amerscan coot Fulica amermana American woodcock Philohela menor Winson snipe Capella dehcata Burrow <ng nwt Speoryto cumcularia Yellow belhed sarsucker Sphyrapicus varius Eastere phoebe Soyorms phoebe Horned tark Otocoris alpestris Red breasted nuthatch Sitta candrAanses Brown creeper Certhia famihans . House wren Troglodytes aedon l' Brown thrasher Tomostoma rufum l 1 l

B-5 Table B.2. (continued) Common name Scientific name Hermit thrush h locichlaguttata Golden crowned kingtet Regulus satrapa Ruby crowned kinglet Corthylio calendula American pepst Antheos spinoletta Sprague pipit Anthus spraguel Cedar wanwong Bombycilla cedrorum Starling Sturnus vulgaris Myr11e warbler Dendroica coronata Western meadowlark Sturnella neg/ects Redwsng blackbird Agetalus phoeniceus Rusty blackbird - Euphagus carolinus Brewer blackberd Euphagus cyanocephalus Purpie finch Carpodacus purpureus Rufus-sided towhee Papilo erythrophthalmus American goldf unch Spinus tristis Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Leconte sparrcw Passerherbulus caudacutus Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus State colored junco Junco hyemalis Eastern field sparrow Spirella pusilla White-throated sparrow lonotrichia albicollis Fon sparrow Passerella iliaca Song sparrow Melospira melodie Eastern green heron Butorides virescens Yellow billed cuckoo Coccyrvt americanus Noghthawk Chordelles minor Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Ruby throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus - Scissor-tailed flycatcher Muscivora forficata Crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Acadsan flycatcher Empidonax virexens Wood pewee Myiochanes virens Purple martin Progne subis Blue gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Whste-eyed vireta Vireo griseus Red eyed vereo Vireo olivaceus l Yellow throated vireo Vireo flay /frors l Dendroica oestiva l Yellow warbler j Paru\a warhier Compsothlypis am'ericana I Yeltow throat Geothlypis trichas I Yellow breasted chat Icteria virens Orchard oriole lcterus spurius Summer tanager Piranga rubra Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea Painted bunting Passerina ciris Dickeissel Spiza americana American egret Casmerodius albus l l Little blue heron Plorida caerulea American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Black. crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Yellow crowned night heron Nyctanassa violacea Canada goose Brante canadensis Lesser snow goose Chen hyperborea GadwalI Anos streperus Green winged teal Anas carolinense Blue winged teal Anas discors Cinnamon teal Anas cyanopters Shoveller Spatula clypesta Redhead Aythya americana l Canvasback Aythya valisineria \ Greater scaup Aythya marila Lesser scaup Aythys affinis Amerscan golden eye Glaucionetta clangula Bucephala albeola Bufflehead Upland ptover Bartramia longocauda Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria I Greater yetsowlegs Totanus melanoleucus l

B-6 Table B.2. (continued) Common name Scientific name l I Lesser yeflowlegs Totanus flavspes Least sandpiper Pisobia minutilla Tennessee warbler Vermivora peregrina Parula warbler . Compsothlypis americana Blar.k and whste warbler Miniotilta varia Black throated green warbler Dendroica virens Blackburnian warbler Dendroica /usca Chestnut-sided warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Witson warbler Wilsonia pusilla Canada warbler - Wilsonia canadensis Baltimore oriole Icterus putbula Painted bunting Passerine ciris Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis Barn Swallow Hirundo rustila White pelican Pelecanus erytnrorhynchos Red. shafted flicker Colaptas ca/er Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus American redstart Setophape ruticilla Great-tailed grackie Cassidix mexicanus Bobotink Dolichonyx orytivorus 1 i l l l l l l l l

P-7 Table B.3. Checklist of mammals which may occur in the Allens Creek vicinity Order and species Common name Xonarthra

                                . Dasypus novemcinctus                                                       Nine-banded armaditto Marsupalia Oidelphis marsupialis                                                     Oppossum insectivora Cryptotis parva                                                           Little short tared shrew Scalopus aquaticus                                                        Eastern mote Chiroptera Pipistrellus subflavus                                                    Georgia bat Lasiurus borealis                                                        Red bat L asiurus intermedius                                                    Yellow bat Nycticeius hurreralis                                                    Evening bat Carnivora Procyon lotor                                                              Raccoon Long tailed weasel Mustela frenata Mustela vison                                                             Monk L utra canadensis River otter spilogale putorius                                                        Spotted skunk Conepatus leuconotus                                                      Hog nosed skur.k felis Concolor                                                           Cougar Lynx rufus .                                                             Bobcat Mephitus mephitus                                                        Streped skunk Urocyon cinereoangenteus                                                 Gray tax Canis latrans                                                            Covcte Rodentie Thirteen lined ground squirrel Citellus tridecemlineatus Sciurus niger                                                            Fon squirrel Eastern grav squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Glaucomys volans                                                         Eastern flying squirrel Sigmodon hispidus                                                        Hispad cotton rat Perognathus hispidus                                                     Hisped pocket mouse Reithrodontomys fulvescens                                               Long taiJed harvest mouse Baiomys raylori                                                          Pygmy mouse Peromyscus leuiopus                                                      Wrate footed mouse Geomys bursarius                                                         Plains pocket gopher Orytomys fetustris                                                       Northern rice rat Neotoma floridana                                                         Flonda wood rat Myocastor coyous                                                          Nutria Beaver Castor canadensis Lagomorpha Sylvolagus floridanus                                                     Eastern cottontail Swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus L epus californicus                                                     Blacktait sacke abbit Artiodactyta

, Collared peccary Pecari taiacu Odocoileus virgumconus Whute-tasted deer l

B-8 Table 8 4 Reptiles and amphibians knowes to occur in Aushn County Common name Scientific name Lesser siten Soren ir'terrredos Smad reouthed salamander Ambystoma tenanum Common newt Notochthalmus voridescens Eastern spadefoot Scaphiopus hotbrooks Crschet frog Acrus crepitans Spring creeper Hyla crucifer Green treefrog Hyla einerea I Squirrel treef rog Hyla squirella Northern gray treefrog Hyla versicolor Southern gray treefrog Hyla chrysosce/r*

       ' Western chorus frog                         /seudacers trsseriata Ten as toad                                Bufo speciosus Gulf Coast toad                            Bufo valheeps Woodhouse load                             Bufo wooc#pousei Crawfssh frog                              Rana areolata Bullfrog                                   Rana caresberana Green frog                                 Rana clamstans Eastern narrow mouth toad                  Gastrophyrw carohnensis Great plains narrow. mouth toad            Gastrophyre olivara Eastern mud turtle                         Kmosternon subrubrum Pond sinter                                Chrysemys scripta Eastern box turtle                         Terracene carshna Western box turtle                         Terrapene ornata Green anole                                Arnoirs carolmensis Texas horned hrard                         Phrynosoma cornuturn Eastern fenced haard                       Scetoporus urnfulatus Five-hned skink                            Eumeces /asciatus Pranese skirsk                             Eumeces septentroonalis Ground skink                                L ygosorna laterate Texas spotted whsptad                      Cnemodophorus gutaris Siendergrass hiard                         Ophosa rus afterniatus Rae et                                    Coluber constroctor Wngonk snake                              D<xfophis punc tatus Carn snake                                 Elaphe guttata Common ral snake                           Daphe obsoleta M wtsnake                                  farancea abar ura lasieen huqnose snake                      Hetertwron platyrhenos l         Prairse k eng snake                        Larnpropettis calhyaster Common ksnq snake                          tamprovettis getulus Mstk snake                                 lamproveitos triangulum Cuavhwhip                                   Masticophis fiagetium Plain belhed water sisake                   Natron erythrogaster Broad twnded water sname                   Narr e last rara Crahams water snde                          Natria grahatru Dianond tucked nater snake                 Narris rhom/sefers Br own snake                                Storerra did art flat headed snak e                         TantrIts graeins Chn k ered ganto sn+ e                      Tharwovh>s n arcacers Western eabrinn snake                       Thamnophis pra= emas Common narter snake                         Thamnoph<s s<rtahs L.mv a snak e                               Troperhx !anson Imeatum Rmegh ra th snake                           Wrgin.a str,aruss Curat smake                                 As.ouras raivas
                                                                               +

Copperheyf A gi astrouon i on tor rrix Cot tonmout h As >strodm pisornrus T nn* tatttesnak e Cru raevi imer, t.a c ,{ s

B-9 Table B.S. Staff summary of phytoplankton found in Allens Creek, 1973-1974 Samples from all stations were pooled for analysis Cells per leer Taxa 1973 1974 Nov 20 Dec 5 Dec 19 Jan 2 Jan 16 Jan 29 Chr ysophyta Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms) Nita.hia 328 32 750 219 453 344 Gomphonema 15 0 41 15 0 0 Synedra 31 0 0 0 0 0 Novicola 47 0 78 78 203 31 Acanthes 15 0 0 0 0 0 Melosira 15 32 0 47 47 0 Gyrosigma 15 15 15 0 0 15 Surirella 15 0 15 0 15 0 Cymbella 0 0 0 0 15 0 Cocconeis 0 0 15 0 0 0 frustulia 0 0 0 0 15 0 Other 32 185 78 15 62 109 Chrysophyceae

    '(Yellow brown algae)

Ma//omores 0 15 0 0 0 Xanthophyceae (Yellow green algae) Ophiocyvaum 0 0 0 15 0 0 Euglenophyta (E uglenoids) Trachelomonas 47 250 32 47 78 15 Phacus 0 32 0 0 0 0 Euglena 0 172 31 47 31 15 Chlorophyta (Green a'gae) Staurastrum 15 0 0 0 0 0 Ankistrodesmus 32 0 47 78 0 0 Scenedesmus 0 0 C 15 0 31 Chlorococcum 0 31 0 02 15 0 Occystis 0 0 0 15 0 0 Tetrastrum 0 15 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0 52 47 63 0 Cyanophyta (Blue green algael Chroococcus 0 15 0 31 15 0 Oscillatorua 0 0 0 0 0 15 Sources-

1. 60 day Progress Report, January 15,1974. Biologica/ Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generatro > Station Site Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2. Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Company. March 1,1974.

B-10 Table B.6. Staff summary of average density of zooplankton found in Allens Creek, 1973-1974 Samples from all stations were pooled for analysis Organisms per liter Taxa 1973 1974 Nov 20 Dec 4 Dec 12 Jan 2 Jan 14 Jan 28 Rotifer A scomorpha 0 0 0 0 1,14 0.21 Ascomorpha saltans 0 0 0.10 0 0 0 A splanchna 0.72 0 0.10 0.10 0.10 0 Branchionus 0.72 0,42 0.21 0.10 0.21 0.21 1

8. quadndentatus 0 0 0.10 0.10 0 0.31 l Chromogaster 0.31 0 0 0 0 0 l Ephipanes 0.31 0 0 0 0 0 l Filinia 0.10 0.10 0 0 0.10 0.21 F. opoliensis 0 0 0 0 0.10 0 Karatella cochlearis 0 0 0 0 0.21 0.21 K. quadrata 0 0 0 0 0.21 0 K.sp 0 0.10 0 0 0 0.10 Mono:tyla 0 10 0.20 0 0 0 0 Polyarthra 0.31 0.21 0 0 0 0 Synchaeta 0.10 0 31 0 0 0 0 Platyias 0 0 0.10 0 0 0 Machrochaetus 0 0 0 0.10 0 0 Squatinella 0 0 0 0.10 0 0 Truchotria 0 0 0 0 0.52 0 Lacane 0 0 0 0 0 0.21 Copepoda Eucyclops agilis 0.31 0 0 0.10 0.20 0 Cyclops 2.36 1.03 0 72 0 31 3 08 3.09 C. vernalis 0 0 0 0 0 0.10 Other 0 0 0.21 0.31 0.41 0.41 Cladocera Alona costata 0.52 0.21 0.10 0 0 0 Bosmina 0.21 0.10 0 'O O 0.10 Daphma 0 0 0.10 0 0 0 Sources.

1. 60-day Progress Report, January 16. 1074, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site. Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2. Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, AIIen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston L vghting and Power Company. March I,1974.

I 1 l

B-11 Table B.7. Staff summary of everage density of benthic macroinvertebrates found in Aliens Creek, 1972,1973,1974. Samples from all stations were weighted by gear and effort and pooled for analysis All values rounded to nearest whole number Nucnners per Square Meter Taxa Jan 1974 Oct 1972 Nov 1973 Dec 1973 Annehda Oligochaeta (aquatic earthworm) Ophxfonais serpetina 385 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 Henlea 15 0 0 0 Limnodritus L. claparodianus 0 51 11 35 Peloscolex 11 0 0 0 Branchiure sowerbyi 1 1 2 1 1 0 4 0 Lumbriculus 0 0 3 0 Dero 0 3 0 Tubifex tubifex Hirudmea (leeches) 4 0 0 0 Branchiobdelhdae Glossiphonudae 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Dina Erpobdetta 0 1 0 0 Moliusca Gastropoda (snails - hmpets) 3 0 0 0 Horaria micra 4 1 14 3 Ammcola 0 0 0 Campetoma 1 L ymnaea 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 He/isome 0 0 0 Armiger 1 1 0 0 0 Physa Cochiropa 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 Pyrgulopsis F errissia (kmpets) 0 0 0 3 Pelecypoda (mussels) 7 0 0 0 Muscuirum 48 0 0 0 Sphaerium 1 0 0 0 Corbicula 0 1 0 0 Eupers Arthrotxxia Crustacea Decagxxja (crayfish) 5 0 0 0 Palaemonetes 0 0 2 0 P. Aadiakensis 0 0 1 0 Procambarus isagxxia (sow bugs) Asellus Found only in dip net. Oct 1972 Amphipoda 1 0 4 0 Hyalella atteca insecta Diptera (true flies) Chironomsdae (midges) 1 0 0 0 Clenotanypus 1 0 0 0 Pentaneura 1 0 0 0 Tanytarsus l 0 Coelotanypus concinnus 3 0 1 l 1 2 3 0 Cs nronomus 0 3 2 Cryptochironomus 1 9 0 0 0 C. fulvus 16 3 13 15 Polyperblum 1 0 0 0 Orthociadius i 1 0 0 0 Tanypuu stellatus 0 206 0 l Tanypus 3 0 16 25 7 Microspectra 0 0 1 0 Cncotopus 0 0 53 0 Diamesa 0 0 15 0 Procladius 0 0 6 1 Psec trocladius 0 0 13 3 Other

            ._                    _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _                             __ J

B-12 Table 8.7. (continued) Numbers per Square Meter Oct 1972 Nov 1973 Dec 1973 Jan 1974 Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) Bsizia 1 0 0 0 Palpomyia tibialis 0 0 6 4

 ,             Cuhcidae Chaoborus punctipennis (phantom mitfge)             1          6                 0         0 Simuliidae (black f hes)

Simurium vittatum 0 0 1 0 Simulium 0 1 0 2 Tipuhdae' (crane thes) Tipula 0 0 1 0 Collembola Smy nthursdae Isotoma 1 0 0 0 Odonata Libelluhdae Neuroordulia (dragonfly) 1 0 0 0 Libellua saturata (dragonfly) 1 0 0 0 Gomphidae Dromogomphus (dragonfly) 1 0 0 0 Aphylla protracta (dragonfly) 3 0 0 0 Gomphus (dragonfly) 1 0 0 0 Progomphus obscurus (dragonfIy) L estidoe Lestes (damesfly) 0 0 1 0 Coenagrionidae Amphiagrion saucium (damestly) 3 0 2 0 Hemiptera (true bugs) Corxidae 4 0 0 0 E phemeroptera (mayf hes) Baetidae Centroptilium Found only in dip net, Oct 1972 Caenidae Caenis 7 0 0 0 E phemerelhdae Ephemerella 1 2 260 14

              * !.r.caniidae S teno.~c..a                                       0           1                11         0 l              E phemeridae Hex agenia                                         0           0                 0          1 Tnchoptera (caddis thes)

Hydropsychidae Cheumstopsyche 1 4 70 0 Psychomyiidae Oecefis 1 0 1 0 Coleoptera (beetles) Gyrinidae Gyrinus Found only in dip net, Oct 1972 E lmidae Stenelmic Found only in dip net. Oct 1972 Cleptelmis 0 0 1 0 Dubiraphia 1 0 0 1 Source

1. 60 day Progress Report. January 15.1974 BiologicalMonitoring Program Allen's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Hovston L ighting and Power Company.

2 Progress Repo t. Biological Monotoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generstmg Station for Houston i mhtrng and Power Company March 1,1974 3 E R, Appendix 8. l I 1 l I l

Table B.8. Staff summary of the fish species found in Altens CreeCI and tho Brario Rioer near the Altens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site Key to abundance: A, abundant, C common; R. rare; 7, present, but no quantitative data available with which to estimate abundance R elative abundance Soort Preferred hab ' t and aduit " Name Aliens Brazos #*" '" ' ' value food L oets Creek River Catostromid' Carpodes carpio R R Rough Bottoms of saty rivers 2s 43 Omnivorous 57-82* (March-July).** Eggs strewn randomly rivgr carpsucker bottom feede 26.42 in shallow water (1-3 ft), over sand and sitt or weed beds; ascends river to spawn in. stronger current3s.44 R C Rough Channets of targe rivers.27 Or.mivorous 60-65* (ApriU.2e.as Shallow water (f-3 ft),

 /ctiobus oubalus smallmouth buff alo                                                                                                     bottom feeder5.37 38                                    over weeds and mud 3e Centrarchidae Game,                       Warmer waters of small ponds, sfuggish                   60* (April-Aug.).27.3e Nest;ng colonies in LGocmis cyanet/us                                    R                        ?

forage creeks.2s.43 Camivorous - mainly insect shallow water near shore 2 7.3 e green sunfish larvae, plus crayfish and small fish 2.27 Game Over soft bottom in warm, sluggish, weedy 70* (April-Oct.).se Builds nests in weeds, logs, Lepomis pulosus R  ? water.27.43 ** Carnivorous - mainly eN snags in water less than 4 ft deep 27.3a wcrmouth sunfish insect larvae, plus crayfish and small fish 27

                                                      ?                        ?             Forage                      All sizes of streams and lakes, commrmly                 75-90* (springLd3 ** Nest builder *3               T' LCoomis humilis                                                                                                                                                                                                                     $~

ortrigespotted sunfish  ?  ? in silty water.26.43 Carnivorous - mainly insect tarvae, plus crayfish and small fish 2 7.so Clear, quiet pools with vegetation.26.44 70* (May-Sept.).s.3e Nests in quiet shallow I Lepomis macrochirus R R Game. bluegill sunfish forage Omnivorous - mainly insect larvae, littoral watar (1-4 ft)3s ) plus vegetation2 .24.27,30.4: Sluggish waters of small streams and 71-73* (May-JulyL3e Nests over gravel bars,27 Lepomis megatoris R  ? Game, torage takes.26 Carnivorous - insects, small brush-free areas with gradually sloping gravel . j lortgear sunfish fish2.27 substrate 36 Game, Large warm rivers, clear takes with 75* (April-July).e.a Nesting beds in water up L epomis micro /ophus R forage vegetation.26.44 Omnivorous - mainly to 10 ft deeps.27 redear sunfish insect tarva, plus vegetation 24.2s Weedy or brushy mudbottomed takes and 60* (Feb.-May).1e.20.3e Nests in quiet water - Micropterus salmoider  ?  ? Game ponds, sluggish streams.2e.43 Carni- (2-8 f )t on any bottom but soft mud2 7 largemouth bass worous - mainly fish, plus large insects 2.4.16.23.2 7.4 Warm, turbid rivers and takes.2s.43 65-75* (Marct' **=vla Nest beds on gravel or Pomoxid annularis R R Game Carnivorous - insects, small fish 22.25.27 hard bottom (2-B '.t,,27 eggs adhesive on white crappie plantst 2.i s Clupeidae Rough Open surface waters of targe rivers, lakes, 64-75* (May-Aug.).3e Spawns randomly in Dorosoma cepedianum 7

                                                      ?

reservoirs.2s.42.44 Bottom filter feeder shallow water over gravel bars or sitt beds3a girrard shad on detritus, molluscs; also on plankton 85 88

l Table B.8. (continued) l Relative abundance l Name Sport Preferred habitat and adult Allens Brstos value food habits Spawning temperature (*F), time, and site Creek River 1 r I Poeciliideo i Ganburia affirns A 7 Forage mosquitofish in shore vegetation and debns of sluggish March-late Sept.32 Bear young alivea 3.32 and standing water (often stagnant), either fresh or brackfish.32 Surface feeder-mosqueto and other insect larvae and pupae, algae, small fish4 2.e3 Scimenadee Aphr#iofus grurneens R  ? Rough Large silty rivers and lakes.27.42 Bottom 64-76*,' Semibuoyant eggs broadcast over freshwater drum feeder-molluscs, chironomids, crusta- gravel or clayn .2 7 ceans, small fish 1 27.a3 Percidae Erhoostoma gracr/e R  ? Forage Lowland streams, ponds, sloughs.** slough darter Spring.83 Buries eggs in fine gravel on riffles 2e Carnivorous-invertebrates, fish 2s Mugiliidae Mupitcephalus C to Rough Adultsecean, young-estuaries, and rivers. Spawn in ocean f ar offshore.*5 stnped muffet i Bo Hom feeders - organic materials **

• l Amiidae Ambce/va  ? Rough Shallow weedy takes, sluggish streams. Spring at night in vegetation. Nest builder.ae bowfin Carnivorous fishes l , Cyprimdee I

Cyprinus carpio R Rough Warm muddy rivers and takes.2tas carp 62*1* Adhesive eggs strewn in very shallow Omnivorous tx>ttom feeder 3 b3* Norropas turrenis A water over muck bottom with debris'*.27

                                                                                                                                            ?        Foraga                       Clean sand-bottomed streams and running red shiner '                                                                                                                                                                                                                     68* (June-July).se Nests in newly flooded water.** Omnivorous - mostly insects,             weeds and debris in streams, poolse2 se

( plus crustaceans and algae 2 ta2 Pimepha/es vigitan A  ? Forage Backwaters and pools of rivers and clear April-June.32 Shoal areas 37 bullhead minnow streams.26 as Bottom feedereoze, insectss2 Punephalesprometas  ?  ? Forage Silty takes and streams.2s Bottom 61* (May-Aug.).3e Quiet, shallow mter fathead minnow feeder diatoms, bottom algaea2 (13 ft); eggs attachedia.a2,3e Pimaphales notarus  ? Forage All waters except deep portions of lakes bluntnose minnow April-September Female deposits eggs and rivers.*7 Algae, insect larvae, under stones and debris. Male attends 2ooplankton, fish eggs.** eggs

• 7 Nybopsis aestivalis A Clean sandy and gravel bo Homs of Late July and Augusta 2 speckled chub swiner portions of large rivers.87 Dipteran larvae *2

Table C.8 (continued) Relatrve abundance Name Sport Preferred habitat and adutt Spawning temperature (*F), time, and site Altens Brams value food habits Creek R ruer Opsoposodkrs ametime .? Forage Clear waters of low gradsent and June 42 pugnose monnow vegetation.*3 Notropas shumart/ A Forage Late May42 silver band shener Notropis oxyrhynchus C Forage sharpnose shiner Forage Entomost scans insect larvae, and algae 42 Late June and early July. Eggs broadcast. Notropis volucettus  ? mwnic shener over weed beds.42 Notropisporteri  ? Forage chub shiner Notropis boops  ? Forage Clear streams. Insects 42.2s Site feeders at tugeye shiner surface.83 Lopesosteedse Laprsosteus oculatus  ? Rough, Weedy bayous and takes.2sA3 Pre- 68-86* (Aprit-May). o.3s Shallow, quiet spotted ger Game daceousanostly on forage fish in water over dead vegetation and algal surface wateri o.2s.2 7.2s.4 3 matst o.2 7 c, Lapisosreus osseus R R Rough, Near surface in open rivers, takes.2s 68-86* (Apri'-May).1o.3e Shallow, quiet i longnose gar Game Predaceous-almost exclusively on water over uead vegetation and algal forage hshs.3,2e matsi o.2 7 Lapisosteus platostomus  ? Rough, Slow flowing streams, takes. and back- . Spring in shallow bays and sloughs. Eggs shortnose gar Game waters. Carnivorous fish 4e adhesive on vegetation and debns.as Lapesosteus s,mthuta  ? Rough, Backwaters, takes, ombows, and bayous. Sprirgeggs deposited in shallow water2F mil + gator gar Game Carnivorous fish *8 letaharidae R Rough Slugish creeks and rivers, with shallow, 68* (May-June).38 Water 2-4 ft deep over teraturus metas black butlhead sitty water, avoids large bodies of mud or sand 38 water.2sA3 Omnivorousi s.26.41 R Rough More common in clear, clean water with 68* (May-June).42 Nests in mud bottom 27

                     #craturus natalis yellow butlhead                                                                       vegetation.2s.43 Omnivorous 2s.27 C                     A     Game                    Lakes, larger rivers, and streams with          75* (May-June).27.23.3s Nests in dark. -

tetsturus punctatus stronger currents.2s.43 Omni- secluded places (logs, rocks, etcj27.43 channel catfish vorous7 2s.27.29 R Game Large, quiet, slow rivers.*3 Carnivorous- 75* (late May-August).27.3e Nests in dark, fykxfierusolivaris .  ? fish, live invertebratest 7.2 7.33 secluded places (logs, rocks, etc.)27.43 flathead catissh R A Game Lakes,large and small rivers Omni- May and June 33 Nests in dark secluded

                     /ctaturus furcatus vorous.33                                       places (logs, rocks, etc.133 blue catfish Noturus nocturnus                       ?

freckled madtom

Table B.8 (continued) Relative abundance Sport Preferred habitat and adult Spawr.ing temperature (F), time. and sne Name Affens Brazos value food habits Creek River Aphredadendae Aphredoderus sayanus  ?  ? Oxbows, ponds. marshes estuanes,large pirate perch springs, pools of streams over boHom consisting of mud, organic debris, vegetation,a2 insects.a2 References for Table B.S.

1. N. F. Netsch, " Food and Feeding Habits of Longnose Gar in Central Missouri, Proc.18th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game and Fish Commert. pp.506-511,1965.

2. R. L Applegate, J. W. Mullan, and O. I. Morais. " Food and Growth of Six Centrarchids from Shoreline Areas of Bull Shoals Reservoir," Proc. 20th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game arW Fish Commert Ep.469-482,1967.

3. J. Crumpton," Food Habits of Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) and Florida Gar (Lepisosreus pteryrhincus) Cottected from Five Central Florida Lakes," Proc. 24th Conf. S. E. Assoc. Fish and Game Commit, pp.419-424,1971.

4. R. L Applegate, J. W. Piutlan

• Food of Young Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides, in a New and Old Reservoir," Trant Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 96, no.1, pp. 74-77, January 1967.

5. T. S. McComish " Food Habits of Bigmouth and Smallmouth Buffalo in Lewis ano = ' Lake and the Missouri River," Trant Amer. Fish. Soc., vol. 96, no.1, pp. 70-74, January 1967.

6. J. W. Emig. " Red ear Sunfish " Chap. 50, inland FisheriesManagement, ed. A. Calhoun, %f, Dept. Fish and Game p.395,1966.

7, R. M. Bailey, H. M. Harrison, Jr., " Food Hat its of the Southern Channel Catfish (letalur ustris punctatus) in the Des Moines River, Iowa," Trant Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 75, pp.110-138,1945.

8. C. L Schloemer " Reproductive Cycles of Five Species of Texas Centrarchids " Science, vol 106. no. 2743, ip. 85-86. July 25,1947.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ?

9. J. W. Burns "Threadfin Shad." Chap. 63. intand Fisheries Management, ed. A. Calhoun. Calif. Dept. Fish and Game, p.481,1966. g

10. A. A. Echelle, C. D. Riggs. " Aspects of the Early Life History of Gars (Lepisosteus) in Lake Texoma " Trans Amer. Fish. Soc., vol.101, no.1, pp.106-112, January 1972.

11. D. V. Swedberg, C. H. Walburg, " Spawning and Earty Life History of the Freshe ater Drum in Lewis and Clark Lake. Missouri River," Trant Amer. Fich Soc., vol. 99, no. 3. pp. 500-570, July 1970.

12 D. F. Hansen. *Further Observations on Nesting of the White Crappie, Pomoxis annularis Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 94, no. 2 pp 182-184 Aceil 1965.

13. D. B. McCarraher, R. Thomas,"Some Ecological Observations on the Fathead Minnow,Pimephalesprometas, in the Alkaline Waters of Nebraska," Trant Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 97, no.1, pp. 52-55, January 1968.

14. U. B. Swee, H. R. McCrunmon,'" Reproductive Biology of the Carp, Cyprinus carpio L, in Lake St. Lawrence Ontario,'" Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 95. no. 4, pp. 372-380 October 1966.

15. W. A. Cooper, Jr.," Age. Growth, and Food Habits of the Largemouthed Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and tt= Spotted Bass (Micropterus puncrufarus sspj in North and East Texas Lakes,"

M. S. Theses North Texas State College,1950.

16. R. E. Siefert, " Reproductive Behavior, incubation and Mortehty of Eggs, and Postlarval Food Selection in the White Cra6 me," Trans Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 97, no. 3, pp. 252-259, July 1968.

17. W. L Mmckley, J. E. Deacon, " Biology of the Flathead Catfish in Kansas," Trant Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 88. no. 4, pp. 34 -355, October 1959.

18. R. H. Kramer, L L brnith, Jr.,"First. Year Growth of tLa Largemouth Bass, Micropteru-salmoides (Lacepede), and Some Aelated Ecological Factors." Trent Amer. Fish. Soc., vol. 89, no. 2, pp. 222-233, April 1960.

19. R. L Applegate, J. W. Multan, " Food of the Black Bullhead (letalurus metas) in a New Reservoir " Proc. 20th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game and Fish Commet, pp. 288-292,1967.

20. R. H. Kramer, L L Smith, Jr., "Fo.mation of Year Classes in largemouth Bass," Trans Amer. Fish. Soc., vol 91, no.1, pp. 29-41, January 1972.

21. M. C. Hale, "A Comparative Study of the Food of the Shiners Notropis furrensis and Notropis venustus." Proc. Okla, Acat. Sci., vol. 43, pp.125-129,1962,

22. B. G. Whiteside, " Biology of the White Crappee, Pomoxis annularis, in Lake Texoma, Oktahoma," M. S. Thesis, Okla. St. Univ.,1962.

23. B. D. Cooper,"The Feeding Habits of the Largemuuth Bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoidesL" M. A. Thesis, Univ. of Tex.,1954.

24. J. M. Faggard. "An Analysis of the Seasonal Food Habits of Two Species of Texas Centarchids," M.S. Thesis, North Texas State Teachers College,1940.

25. G. C. Mitchell, " Food Habit Analysis of the Two Species of Texas Crappie," M. S. Thesis, North Texas State Teachers College,1941.

26. C. L Hubbs, K. F. Lagler, Fishes of the Great Lakes Rayion, Cranbrook Institute of Science Bull. No. 26. Cranbrook Press,1949.

27. R. J. Kemp, Jr. " Freshwater Fishes of Texas," Texas Parks and Wildhfe Dept., ButL 5-A,1971.

28. J. E. Toole, " Food Study of the Bowfin and Gars in Eastern Texas," Texas Parks and Wildt. Dept., Tecs. Ser. No. 6,1971.

                                                                                                                                                 +                .-m

References for Table B.8 (cc atmued)

29. W. G. McClerlan, A Study of the Southern Spotted Channel Catfish, fcts/uruspunctatus (Rafinesque)," M. S. Thesis, North Texas State College,1954.

30. D. A. Etn.er," Food of Three Species of Sunfishes (Lepomis, Centrarchidael and Their Hybrids in Three Minnesota Lakes," Trans Amer Frsh. Soc., vol 100. no.1, pp.124-128, January 1971.

31. R. C. Summerfett, P. E. Mauck, G. Mensinger, " Food Habits of the Carp. Cyprinus carpio L., in Five Oklahoma Reservoirs," Proc. I(th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game and fish Commes pp. 352-377,1971.

32. F. A. Cook, Freshwater Fishes in Mississippi, Mrss. Game and Fish Commiss.,1959.

33. P. R. Turner, R. C. Summerfelt, " Food Habits of Adult Flathead Catfish, Pylodictus c,livans (Rafinesquel, in Oklahoma Reservoirs."Prne. 24th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game and # Uh Commrt, pp.387-401,1971.

34. D. R. King, G. S. Hunt, "Effect of Carp on Vegetation in a Lake Erie Marsh,"J. Wi&I. Mgmr., vct. 31, no,1, pp.181-188 January 1967.

35. C. D. Baker, E. H. Schmitz, " Food Habits of Adult Gizzard and Threedfin Shad in Two Ozark Reservoirs," Reserws Fisheries and Limnology, ed. G. E. Hall, Amer. Fish. Soc., pp.3-11,1971.

36. R. L. Boywer, L E. Vogele. "Longear Sunfish Behavior in Two Ozark Reservoirs," Reserteir Fisheries and Limnology, ed. G. E. Hai, Amer. Fish. Soc. pp. 13-25,1971.

37. R. Tafanelli, P. E. Mauck, G. Mensmger, " Food Habits of Bigmouth and Smallmouth Buffalo from Four Oklahnma Reservoirs," Froc. 24th Ann. Conf. S. E. Assoc. Game and Fish Commrs,4 649-658,1971.

38. TUGCO, Comanthe Peak Steam Electric Station, Environmental Report, Docket Nos. 50-445 and 50446 Table 2.1-2G,1972.

39. W. L, Minckley, J. E. Johnson, J. N. Rinne, S. E. Willoughby, Foods of Buffatofis5es, Genus Ictiobus, in Central Arizona Reservoirs," T,4ns Amer. Fish. Soc., vol. 99, no. 2, pp. 333-432, April 1970.

40. J. D. Cramer, G. R. Mar Tif,'T> elective Predation on Zooplankton by Gizzard Shad," Trans Amer. Fish. Soc., vol. 99, no. 2, pp. 320-332, Avil 1970.

41. K. G. Seaburg, J. B. fAoyle, " Feeding Habits. Digestive Rates, and Growth of Some Minnesota Warmwater Fishes," Trans Amer. Fish. Soc., vol. 93, ro. 3, pp. 269-285 July 1964.

42. K. D. Cartander, Handbook of Fishery Biotopy, vol.1, towa State Univ. Press,1969.

43. F. T. Knapp, Fishes Foundin the Freshwaters of Texas, Ragland Studio and Litho Printing Co.,1953.

44. R. G. Hodson,"A Comparison of Occurrence and Abundance of Fishes Within Three Texas Reservoirs Which Receive Heated Discharges," Ph.D. Thesis, Texas A&M Univ., May 1973.

45. W. L. M nckley, fishes of Arizona, Sims Printmg Co., Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, June 1973.

46. A. J. McClane, McClane's Standard Fishing Encyclopedia, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, New York,1965. co

47. M. B. Trautman, The Fishes of Ohio, The Ohio State University Press,1957.

List of fish species in Brazos River and Allen's Creek near Allens Creek Nuclear Generatmg Station site from: ER, App. B Table 4.1-1 and 4.14; 60-Day Progress Reports, Bblogical Mor@ormg Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station site, Houston Lighting and Power Company, Jan. 15,1974 and Mar.1,1974; R. H. Clark, inventory of the species present and their distribution in those portion: M the Brazos River within the boundaries of Region 6-B, Job completion Report No. F.2 R 2 Job B-12 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, December 1,1954 through May 30,1955; and R. N. Hambric. Fisheries investigation and Surveys of the Waters of Region 4-A. Job completion Report B-10. Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. (March 1964). 9

B-18 Table B.9, Staff summary of average density of phytoplankton found in the Brazos River near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site,1973-1974 Samples from all stations were pooled for analysis Cells per liter Taxa 1973 1974 Nov 20 . Dec 5 Dec 19 Jan 2 Jan 16 ' Jan 29 Chrysophyta Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms) Nitischie 625 135 167 400 396 104 Gomphonems 10 10 0 0 0 31 ' Synedra 113 0 0 0 0 42 Naviculo 0 42 31 73 52 31 Me/osite 652 115 - 0 219 0 0 Cyclote//s 21 0 0 0 0 0 Gyrosigma 10 21 21 0 0 0 Surie/te 10 0 to 0 31 10 Rhoico sphenia 10 0 0 0 0 0 Hontischia to 0 0 10 0 0 Cymbetto 0 10 0 0 21 0 l Calonais 0 0 0 0 0 10 Other 136 94 21 83 104 84 Chrysophyceae (Yellow brown algae) Mellomonas 10 0 0 0 0 0

         . Euglenophyta (Euglenoids!                                                                                               .,

Trochotomonas 31 42 51 42 0 0-Euglena 0 10 31 0 0' O  ; Chlorophyta (Green. algae) Ankistrodesmus 73 52 21 21 10 0 Pediastrum to 0 0 0 0 0 Scenedesmus 198 10 63 42 167 0 Chloroccum 10 21 0' 0 0 0 Cocystis 83 10 0 to 10 0 Coelastrum 0 10 10 . 0 0 0 Tetrastrum 0 0 0 10 21 to Other 84 0 0 21 0 0 [ l C) anophyta (61ue-green algae) Chroococcus 0 0- 0. 0 21 0

             - Anabsena                         0           10            0             0       0       21.

Sources:

1. 60 day Progress Report, January 15, 1974. Biological Monitority Program, Allen's Creek ,

Nuc*ent Generation Station Site, Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2. Progress Report, Bhalogical Monitoring Program Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lightirs and Power Company. March 1,1974.

B-19 Table 8.10. Staff summary of everage density of soopls uton found in the Brasos River I near the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station site,1973-1974

                                 ' Samples from all stations were pooled for analysis Animals per liter Taxa                                1973                              1974 Nov 20          Dec 4       Dec 12 '     Jan 2   Jan 14      Jan 28   I Rotifers A romorpha                    0.51          0.07         0.21        0'.07    0.07        0.07 Monostyla                     0.14          0            0           0        0           0 Asplanchne                    0.17          0            0           0        0           0.14 Branchionus                   0.82          0.62 '       O.21         0.34. 0.21        0.14 Colletheca                    0.99          0            0-           0       0           0 Ephipanes                      0.14         0            0            0       0           0 filinia                        0.89         0.31         0.14         0       0.21        0.28 F. cooliensin                  0            0.01         0            0       0           0 Kerstella cochlearis           1.37         0.14         0            0       0           0 Kerstello                      0             0           0            0       0           0 Ploesoma                       0.34          0           0            0       0'          O Synchaete                      0.68          0           0            0       0           0 Platyiss quadricornis          0             0.14        0.14         0       0           0 Trichocerea                    0             0           0            0.07    0           0 Kallicottis                    0             0           0            0.07    0           0 Other                          0             0           0.41         0.62    0.62        0.48 Copepoda Cyclops                        2.64            1.44      0.41         0.34    0.34        0.21 Other                          0.24          0           0            0       0           0.21 Cladocera Alona costata                  0.31          0.07        0            0       0            0 Bosmina                        0.07          0.14        0.14         0.07    0            0.55   '

Daphnia 0.31 0 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0.07 0 0 0 0 Sources:

1. 604ay Progress Report, January 15,1974. Biological Monitoring Program, A/Isn's Creek Nuclear Generation Station Site, Houston Lighting and Power Company.

2. Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nuclear Generating Station for Houston Lighting and Power Company. March 1,1974.

B-20 Table 8.11. Staff summary of eversee density of benthic macroinvertet> rates found in the Brasos River, 1972-1974 I Samples from all stations were weighted by gear and effort and pooled for analysis All values rounded to nearest whole number Numbers per square meter l Oct 1972 Nov 1973 Dec 1973 Jan 1974 Annehda Oligochaeta (aquatic earthworm) OphWonais serpetine 621 0 0 0 Henten 2 0 0 0 Limnodritus 21 0 0 0 Mollusca Gastropoda (snails) Amnicola 4 0 0 2 0yeatus 6. 0 0 0 He/isoma 0 0 2 0 Phyan 16 0 0 0 Pelecypoda (musseis) Eupera 1 0 0 0 Lempsilus 2 0 0 0 Arthropoda insects j Diptera (true flies) Chironomidae (midges) Clinotanypus 6 0 0 0 Tonytarsus 16 0 0 0 Coelotanypus concinnus 9 0 0 0 Chironomus 0 0 3 0 Cryptochironomus 40 4 3 2 C. Mvus 16 0 0 0 Xenochironomus 14 0 0 0 Polypoditum 66 2 0 0 PereInuterborniello 2 0 0 0 Tanypus 6 0 0 0 Cricotopus 0 0 0 3 Procladius 0' O 2 0 Other 78 2 6 2 Ceratopop nidae (biting midge) Benia 24 0 0 0 Palpomyin tibialis 0 0 0 6 Odonata Gomphidae (dragonfly) 2 0 0 0 Comphus 2 0 0 0 Coenegrionidae (damesfly) Amphiaprion anucium 0 0 2 0 E phemeroptera (maythes) Ephernereillidae Ephemeretto so. 0 0 2 0 Caenida Caenis 4 0 0 0 Beetidae Ameletus 0 4 0 4 laonychis 2 0 0 0 Heptagoniidae Stenonems 0 0 2 3 Ephemer6dm Ephemers 62 0 0 0 Pentarenie wttigers 14 0 0 0 Trichoptere (caddis flies) Hydropsychidae 0 6 0 0 Hydropsyche 0 0 0 3 Cheumatopsyche 2 4 0 0 Macronemum 0 2 0 0 Coleoptere (beetles) Dytiscidae Laccephilue 1 0 0 0 Sources:

1. 80 dey Progress Report, January 16, 1974. Biological Monitorim Program, Allen's Creek Nucteer Generation Station Site, Howton L i@ tiny ed Power Company, i

2. Progress Report, Biological Monitoring Program, Allen's Creek Nucteer Generating Station for Mounton Lightim and Power Company, March 1,1974.

3. ER, Appendia 8. '

i l

Appendix C CCST ESTIMATES FOR ALTERNATIVE BASE-LOAD GENERATION SYSTEt6 l The staff elected to use a recently developed computer program to rough check the applicant's capital cost estimate for the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station and to estimate the costs for coal-fired alternative generation systems. This computer program, called CONCEPT 1-3 was developed as part of the program analysis' activities of the AEC Division of Reactor Research and Development, and the work was performed in the Studies and Evaluations Program at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The code was designed primarily for use in examining average trends in costs, identifying important elements in the-tost structure, determining sensitivity to technical and economic factors, and providing reason-able long-range projections of costs. Although cost estimates produced by the CONCEPT code are not intendri as substitutes for detailed engineering cost estimates for specific projects, the code has been organized to facilitate modifications to the cost models so that costs may be tailored to a particular project. Use of the computer provides a rapid means of calculating future capital costs of a project with various assumed sets of economic and technical ground rules. i DESCRIPTION OF THE CONCEPT CODE The procedures used in the CONCEPT code are based on the remise that any central station power  ! plant involves approximately the same majqr cost _ components, .regardless of location or date of inititl operation. Therefore, if 'he trends of these major cost components can be established Gs a function of plant type and size, location, and interest and escalation rates, than a cost estimate for a reference case can be adjusted to fit the case of interest. The application of this approach requires a detailed " cost model" for each plant type at a reference condition and i the determination of the cost trend relationships. The generation of these data has comprised i a large effort in the development of the CONCEPT code. Detailed investment cost studies by an l crchitect-engineering finn have provided basic cost model data for light water reactor nuclear i p1 its,"5 coal-fired plants.6 and oil-fired plants.7 These cost data have been revised to re' ect plant design changes since the 1971 reference date of the initial estimates. The cost model is based on a detailed cost estimate for a reference plant at a designated loca-tion and a specified date. This estimate includes a detailed breakdown of each cost account into costs for factory equipment, site materials, and site labor. A typical cost model consists of over a hundred individual cost accounts, each of which can be altered by input at the user's i option. The AEC system of cost accountse is used in CONCEPT. To generate a cost estimate under specific conditions, the user specifies the following input: plant type and location, net capacity, beginning date for design and construction, date of com. mercial operation, length of construction workweek, and rate of interest during construction. If the specified plant size is different from the reference plant size, the direct cost for each two-digit account is adjusted by using scaling functions which define the cost as a function of plant size. This initial step gives an estimate o' the direct costs for a plant of the specified type and size at the base date and location. The code has access to cost index data files for 20 key cities in the United States. The data for Dallas were used for the Allens Creek cost estimates. These files contain data on cost of materials and wage rates for 16 construction craf ts as reported by trade publications over the past fourteen years. These data were used to determine historical trends of site-related mate-rial costs, providing an estinate for the sitt materials costs as of March 1973. Cost escalation '}}