ML20206G487

Rev 1 to Annual Environ Operating Rept 850311-1231

ML20206G487
Person / Time
Site:	Wolf Creek
Issue date:	12/31/1985
From:	KANSAS GAS & ELECTRIC CO.
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ML20206G479	List: ML20206G477 ML20206G487
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NUDOCS 8606250321
Download: ML20206G487 (15)

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WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT 1985 KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY 8606250321 860616 PDR ADOCK 05000482 R

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I KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION 1

1985 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT 1

1. 0 INTRODUCTION......................................................

1

2. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING..........................................

1 2.1 AQUATIC......................................................

1 2.1.1 Impacts of Water Withdrawal on the Neosho River 1

2.1.2 Chlorine Discharges to Wolf Creek Cooling Lake 2

2.1. 3 Cold Shock............................................

2 2.1. 4 Impingenent and Entrainment 2.1. 5 Impacts of Wolf Creek Cooling Lake Discharges to 2

the Neosho River......................................

2 2.2 TERRESTRIAL..................................................

2 2.2.1 Control of Vegetation in the Exclusion Zone 2.2.2 Vegetation Buffer Zone Surrounding Wolf Creek 3

Cooling Lake..........................................

2.2.3 Herbicide Use for Maintenance of Wolf Creek 3

Generating Station Structures.........................

2.2.4 Waterfowl Disease Contingency Plan and Monitoring 3

4 2.2.5 Fog Monitoring Program................................

4 2.2.6 Wildlife Monitoring Program 4

2.2.7 Land Managenent Program...............................

4

3. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 4

3.1 PLANT DESIGN OR OPERATING CHANGES............................

5

3. 2 NON-ROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS............................

5

3. 2.1 Subnitted Non-Routine Reports.........................

3.2.2 Unusual or Important Environmental Event 5

Evaluations...........................................

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3. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL NONCOMPLIANCES.................................

ATTACHMENT 1 SUtHARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS AT WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION, 1985

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1. 0 INTRODUCTION Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KG&E) has conmitted to minimizing the impact of the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) facility construction and operation on the environment. The 1985 Annual Environmental Operating Report (AEOR) is being subnitted in accordance with the objectives of the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) as required by Facility Operating License NPF-42, to demonstrate that the plant is operating in an environmentally acceptable manner.

2. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONI'IORING 2.1 AQUATIC

[EPP Section 2.1]

2.1.1 Impacts of Water Withdrawal on the Neosho River NCGS has contracted with the Kansas Water Resources Board to remove 9,692,000,000 gallons per calendar year from the tailwaters of the John Redmond Reservoir.

In 1985, only 571,584,651 gallons or 5.9 percent of this allotment was used. Based on monitoring studies completed by Ecological Analysts, no changes attributable to these withdrawals have been witnessed in river water quality or populations of phytoplankton, macroinvertebrates or fishes.

2.1.2 Chlorine Discharges to Wolf Creek Cooling Lake 011orine concentrations at the circulating water discharge structure to the cooling lake were postulated in the FES/-

OLS (Section 4.2.6.1) to range between 0.68 and 1.08 mg/l total residual chlorine (TRC). These values were expected to result from three 30-minute chlorine doses per day (411 lbs. per dose) and to cause periodic, appreciable mortality among aquatic organisms. The area in which aquatic biota could be adversely affected by chlorinated effluents was conservatively estimated at 40 acres (FES/OLS Section 5.5.2.2).

Administered by the State of Kansas, the WCGS NPDES permit No. I-NE07-P002 limits circulating water TRC effluent values to a maximum of 0.2 mg/l and chlorinatien time to 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> per day.

In practice, NCGS has fallen well below these allowable limits. Actual chlorine dosages have averaged about 26 lbs. per dose and daily TRC compliance has been maintained at 100%, while operating time comp-liance has achieved 98%. Wese compliance figures resulted in an average 0.1 mg/l TRC effluent value and were tabu-lated for the first 310 days of NPDES permit monitoring, beginning on April 24, 1985. mis average TRC value equals that concentration identified in the ER/OLS (Section 5.1.3) which was expected to have no meaningful effect on the overall biological productivity of the cooling lake.

2.1. 3 Cold Shock In the event of a rapid decline in plant power level in winter, fishes attracted to the WCGS heated discharge could experience mortality due to " cold shock", a quick reduction in body temperature.

In reference to licensing docuent evaluations, the NCGS EPP Section 2.1 (c) stated, " Cold shock effects on fish due to reactor shutdowns could cause significant mortality to aquatic species in the cooling lake".

In 1985, precipitous wintertime power declines were I

avoided sufficiently to preclude any observable cold shock events. Re-evaluations of. cold shock potential _were made s~'

in light of elevated condenser delta T's experienced at both sumer and wintertime water temperatures, and these sumaries appear in Section 3.1 of this rep 3rt.

1 2.1. 4 Imping m ent and Entrainment Igacts of i g ingement and entrainment were projected to be significant in the WCGS EPP, with condenser mortality for entrained organisms expected to approach 100% [ER(OLS) Sec-tion 5.1.3.3].

Because of this, sampling efforts to monitor these i g acts were not required by the NRC and have l

not been iglemented by KG&E.

2.1. 5 Igacts of Wolf Creek Cooling-Lake Discharges to the Neosho River WCCL discharges into the Neosho River are regulated by WCGS NPDES permit limitations. Since discharges are sporadic, water is sa m led on the first day of each discharge and weekly thereafter.

Effluent parameters measured included a flow rate estimate, tegerature, pH, ' IDS, sulfate, and chloride concentrations. Wolf Creek additions to the Neosho River are regulated to maintain a zone of passage i

for aquatic organisms at the confluence. Consequently, the flows allowable from Wolf Creek may range from zero to unrestricted, depending upon the similarity between Wolf Creek and Neoshg River water quality and temperature, with a maximum of 90 F allowable in the.Neosho River downstream of the mixing zone.

In 1985, no NPDES violations at the dam (Outfall 004) were recorded. Based on monitoring studies by Ecological Analysts, there have been no apparent deleterious effects to Neosho River water quality on phytoplankton, macroinvertebrate or fish populations..

2. 2 TERRESTRIAL

[EPP Section 2.2]

2.2.1 Control of Vegetation in the Exclusion Zone i

The co g osition and structure of vegetation in the 453 ha (1120 acre) exclusion zone were selectively controlled to be compatible with the function and security'of station

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facilities. Most areas in the inmediate vicinity of the power block have been planted and maintained in a lawn-type condition. Landscaping and grass establishment have not been entirely completed to date, however all areas have been mowed at least once annually for security and aesthetic purposes. No restoration areas (areas not to be mowed) were established within the exclusion zone.

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

Previously grazed or hayed native tallgrass areas were allowed to return to a natural state. Cultivated lands were allowed to advance through natural successional stages. Land managment activites specified in an annual land managment plan included controlled burning and native tallgrass seeding to enhance and/or maintain the designated buffer zone with a naturally occurring biotic community.

2.2.3 Herbicide Use for Maintenance of Wolf Creek Generating Station Structures No herbicides were applied on WOGS - associated power transmission line corridors in 1985.

Herbicide was applied on the WCGS switchyard facilities on June 17, 1985. A soil sterilant consisting of 8 pcunds of Karmex (EPA Reg. No. 352-247 and approved for use in Kansas) and 4 to 6 pounds of Oust (EPA Reg. No. 352-401 and approved for use in Kansas) per 100 gallons of water was applied at a rate of 20-50 gallons per acre. Application was conpleted by a contractor conmercially licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

j No noteworthy applications of herbicides were applied on other WCGS facilities during the period addressed by this report.

2.2.4 Waterfowl Disease Contingency Plan and Monitoring A waterfowl disease contingency plan involving both state and federal personnel has been formulated to provide guid-ance for station biologists in the event of suspected or actual disease outbreaks. During routine wildlife monitor-ing and surveillance activities taking place over this reporting period, no avian mortality attributable to disease pathogens was identified.

2.2.5 Fog Monitoring Program

[EPP Subsection 4.2.1]

Visibility monitoring was initiated in December 1983 and continued through 1985. We purpose of this study has been to evaluate the impact of waste heat dissipation from WCCL on fog occurrence along U.S. 75 near New Strawn, Kansas.

A stmnary of fog monitoring activities is included in of this report. Additional doctrrentation is available for review at the EGS job-site.

2.2.6 Wildlife Monitoring Program

[EPP Subsection 4.2.2]

A wildlife monitoring program was initiated to monitor and assess wildlife populations or parameters most likely to be impacted by the operation of WCGS.

Wis included a general survey program for waterfowl collision events. As outlined in the 1984/85 annual wildlife study plan, specific objec-tives of the wildlife monitoring program were to assess waterfowl, waterbird, and Bald Eagle usage of WTL, to assess transmission line collision mortality of waterfowl using NCCL, to maintain a wildlife species list, and to i

develop an annual wildlife report. Wildlife monitoring activities are sumarized in Attachment 1.

Additional documentation is available for review at the WCGS job-site.

2.2.7 Land Managenent Program

[EPP Subsection 4.2.3]

Land management activities on all company-owned lands except the 453 ha (1120 acre) WCGS exclusion area were designed to achieve balances between agricultural produc-tion and conservation values. An annual management plan was formulated to address needs and propose accepted tech-niques for land maintenance, soil conservation, and wild-life management. %ese included construction or repair of livestock fences and ponds, and construction or establish-ment of terraces, waterways, permanent vegetative cover,

)

and shelterbelts. We 1985 Land Management report is 1

available for review at the WCGS job-site. A sumary appears in Attachment 1 of this report.

3. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN REPORTING REQUIRD4ENTS 3.1 Plant Design or Operating Changes (EPP Section 3.1]

Proposed plant design and operating changes which have the potential to affect the environment must receive an environmental evaluation prior to implementation. A stmnary of each Plant Modification Request (PMR) or operating change which received an environnental evaluation prior to implementation in 1985 is presented.

Evaluation 85 NCGS Operation at Elevated Condenser Delta T's Periodic loss of one of the three circulating water intake pumps for maintenance has resulted in increased heating of the reduced cooling water volume. The maximum 3 pump condenser0 delta T postulated in the FES(OLS) Section 4.2.6.3 was 31.5 F and delta T's gt 2 pump,100% power operation are now projected to approach 42 F.

Because licensing documents predicted "significant" discharge cove cold shock mortality in the event of a midwinter plant trip and 100% entrainment mortality during routine operation, an increase in delta T should not fundamentally alter the magnitudes of these impacts.

Additionally, this will not likely impinge on NPDES limitations for the temperatures of discharges into the Neosho River.

Therefore, operation at elevated condenser delta T's was approved.

Evaluation 85 Late Spring, Sumer, and Early Fall Operation at Elevated Condenser Delta T's The potential for cold shock in the NCGS discharge cove has been evaluated as problematic during the coldest months

[FES (CP) Section 5. 5. 2. 3].

Hence, this evaluatign approved prolonged operation at elevated delta T's (>31.5 F) from late spring through early fall when NOCL fishes avoid the imediate discharge area due to higher-than-preferred tenperatures.-

There were no changes in station design or operation nor were there tests or experiments which involved a potentially signifi-cant unreviewed environmental question in 1985.

3. 2 Non-Routine Environmental Reports

[EPP Subsection 5.4.2]

3. 2.1 Subnitted Non-Routine Reports No non-routine environmental reports involving significant impact were subnitted to the NBC from March through Decem-ber 1985. The-single unusual or important enviromental event evaluation completed during this period is stannarized in the following section.

3.2.2 Unusual or Important Environmental Event Evaluations May 20, 1985 Fish Kill in Construction Pond 3A On May 17, hydrazine and amonia was inadvertently released from the condenser to the Wolf Creek Cooling Lake through NPDES Outfall 002. The hydrazine combined with the free oxygen in the water resulted in a number of fish dying from oxygen starvation in the imediate vicinity of the outfall. The loss of these fish had little to no impact on the cooling lake and resulted in no offsite impact.

Therefore it was determined that this event was not reportable pursuant to EPP Sections 4.1 and 5.4.2.

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3. 3 Environmental Noncompliances

[EPP Subsection 5.4.1]

.i At WCGS in 1985, all envirorsnental noncompliances were recorded along with the events surrounding them. 'Ihe nonconpliances of interest were of two types, either deviations from NPDES permit limitations or short-term fog visiometer malfunctions. These noncompliances were evaluated and determined not to be reportable pursuant to EPP Section 5.4.1.

All 1985 environmental noncompliances are available for review at the WCGS job-site.

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l' ATTACHMENT 1 4

SUlHARY OF ENVIROt@ ENTAL INVESTIGATIONS AT WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION, 1985 1

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i Kansas Gas and Electric Company 1

a Environmental Management Burlington, Kansas i

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1.

1985 LAND MANAGEMENT REPORT In keeping with annual land management plan guidelines, an annual progress report was formulated.

Land maintenance items outside the exclusion zone involved stock pond and fence construction or repair.

Improvment activi-ties included native grass seeding and shelterbelt establishment.

Grazing, haying, and cultivation lease control were primary mechanisms used for managing company land resources for both agricultural benefits and enhancement of wildlife, soil, and native plant resources.

2.

1985 EA, ENGINEERING, SCIEEE, AND TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL MONI'IORING REPORT Envirormental monitoring performed by EA, Engineering, Science, and Tech-nology Inc.,

in 1985 included those tasks done in 1984 plus bottom-to-surface dissolved oxygen profiles on NOCL and Neosho River benthic and fish conmunity sampling.

Seasonal mean concentrations of water quality parameters during 1985 were within previously established ranges for the Neosho River.

Unusually high precipitation resulted in consistently elevated flows, resulting in chlorophyll concentrations and carbon fixation rates near the previously recorded minima. Similarly, highly variable river fishery and macroinvertebrate data show no long-term patterns, differences between upstream and downstream locations, or alterations attributable to plant construction and/or operation.

Cooling lake water quality has been uniform among locations with dissolved and suspended constituents having shown declining trends since lake filling, indicating an improvement in overall water quality and no adverse inpacts from plant operations.

'Ite NtrL macroinvertebrate population is fairly typical of midwestern reservoirs, with locational dissimilarities reflecting primarily depth and substrate differences.

Operation of NCGS has caused no apparent changes in the cooling lake benthos conmunity in 1985. Lastly, groundwater monitoring in the NCGS vicinity since 1973 indicated the well water to be very hard and to contain high levels of dissolved constituents.

These observations have not altered since the filling of NOCL or since NCGS has been constructed and begun operation.

3.

1984 ECOLOGICAL ANALYSTS ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT Environmental monitoring completed by Ecological Analysts in 1984 included studies on the Neosho River, NOCL, and adjacent lands.

Items accomplished by this study were:

1.

doctrnentation of concentrations of general water quality parameters, aquatic nutrients, organically-derived materials and certain trace metals in the Neosho River and cooling lake 2.

determination of general groundwater quality in the vicinity of the facility 3.

characterization of the cooling lake benthic community

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determination of phytoplankton productivity of the Neosho River and cooling lake 5.

determination of zooplankton biomass in the cooling lake In addition to the above specific objectives, the studies documented nat-urally occurring variations in the aquatic conmunities of the Neosho River and cooling lake. Study results have shown that chemical and biological changes in WCCL have followed the trends expected for a newly inpounded reservoir. Water quality and biological parameters in the Neosho River show patterns dependent primarily on John Retiond Reservoir releases.

4.

FISHERY MONI'IORING ACTIVITIES l

1984

-l Fishery monitoring surveys were-conducted on WCCL near WCGS, from April 1984 through October 1984. Collection methods enployed included seining, electrofishing, otter trawling, gill and fyke netting. These resulted in the collection of 8,221 fish representing le families and 27 species. Data collected and data from the 1983 Fishery Report were used to describe the fishery which was subsequently evaluated based on the goal of increased plant reliability through reduced gizzard shad impingement.

Plant construction during this period resulted in no observed inpacts to the fishery. As in 1983, black bullheads ranked first in numbers caught, with gizzard shad and bluegills /tepomis spp. following and black crappie and largemouth bass at fifth and sixth, respectively. Black bullheads also dominated biomass measurements, making up 16.3% of the total. %ese were followed by largemouth bass (13.6%), walleye (10.0%), conmon carp (9.5%),

wiper (9.2%) and gizzard shad ~ (5.7%).

Relative biomass values reflected an unusually high ratio of predator fish to roughfish when compared with'other midwestern reservoirs. %is ratio was attributed primarily to pre-inpoundnent renovation and stocking efforts and high predator diversity.

Average growth rates and condition (Wr or KTL) of predators (largemouth bass, wipers, and black crappie) were at or above Kansas and regional averages while walleyes were the only species examined which showed below average condition. Proportional and Relative Stock Densities (PSD and RSD) were calculated for the most inportant WCCL species and found to be increasing as initial year classes grow into the larger size categories.

Changing predator / prey interactions were considered along with the effect of submersed macrophyte (Potamogeton) growth in predicting a decline in initial, rapid predator growth rates with a continuation of the observed predator dominance over gizzard shad.

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1995 Fishery monitoring surveys were conducted on WCCL from March through December 1985. As in the past, collection methods used included seining, electrofishing, otter trawling, gill and fyke netting ~ %e total catch consisted of 12,128 fish representing 32 species. Relative abundances in 1985 from a standardized sanpling effort showed a drop from 20.0% in 1984 to 5.8% for black bullheads while bluegill /tepomis spp. j m ped from 29.0 to 38.7%. Largemouth bass iacteased.9.9% to 13.95 end gizzard shad declined frnt IV.*~ to 5. 2k, bese same trends, however,-were not reflected in relat.1ve biomasses Aom standardized catches.. Wipers, showing little change in relative abundance between years, more than doubled in percent biomass (9.2 versus 20.8%), indicating growth of the 1981 year class. Gizzard shad i

biomass fell from 5.7 to 2.2%.

We marked increases in WOCL centrarchid ~

abundances were not reflected in their biomasses, with largemouth bass incrmsing only 3.1 and bluegill /tepomis spp. rising even less. tis was due to the preponderance of the catch being small, newly hatched fish caught seining and trawling. Increases in these fishes were predicted as Potamogeton growth expanded due to their dependence on. cover for protection i

and for the food associated with it.

As in the past, relative biomass data 3

indicated an unusually high predator / prey ratio. Growth rates of the 1981 wiper and largemouth bass year classes declined during 1985. Gizzard shad condition (Wr) increased to approximately 95 and average largenouth bass Wr-remained in "the 95-105 range, with 100 being the North American average.

Wiper condition (

) declined from 1.30 in 1984 to 1.16 in 1985. Marked declines in wiper owth and condition were likely attributed to the reduced number and biomass of gizzard shad, their primary forage.

1 Plant operational effects on WCCL fishes observed in 1985 varied with plant j

mode of operation and with seasonal tenperature changes. Operation of the circulating water system in spring prior to thermal inputs attracted to the discharge high densities of all three WOCL Morone species because they require flowing water when spawning. Later, largenouth and smallmouth bass, a

I channel catfish, and gizzard shad were also attracted. Wroughout summer as i

ambient lake temperatures rose, plant power pvel also increased, thus l

elevating discharge temperatures to above 90 F and out of the preferred l

range for WOCL fishes, creating an area of avoidance.

During that time, any prolonged drop in plang power level which reduced discharge temperatures below approximately 90 F precipitated a return of fishes to the discharge area. In November and December, as ambient temperatures fell, discharge temperatures were once again attractive, and high fish densities returned.

l Studies were initiated to monitor the delta T caused by condenser passage as it affected discharge tenperature and tenperatures throughout the discharge cove.

In sunmary, through 1985 the WCCL predator population continued to develop and function unusually well to control gizzard shad and keep impingement rates low. While WCGS operations caused the changes in the discharge cove fish distribution which were predicted in the ER(CP) and the FES(CP), data i

i indicate no decernable negative impacts to date on WCCL fishes either locally in the discharge cove, or in the lake as a whole.

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5.

FOG MONITORING ACTIVITIES l

Visibility monitoring was initiated in De Ler 1983 to evaluate the impact of waste heat dissipation from WCCL on fog occurrence along U.S. Route 75 in New Strawn, Kansas. We site chosen for monitoring was considered conservative due the relatively high frequency 'of cooling lake-induced fog predicted to occur at this location, as well as the theoretical impact of increased fogging on traffic safety along Route 75.

l 1984 Preliminary results based on data collected in 1984 during the preopera-tional period indicated that the frequency of natural fog at Wolf Creek was in general agreement with climatological averages of fog occurrence in the region. Fog episodes were more numerous, lasted longer, and were more in-tense during cooler months of the year. On a daily basis, early morning was the most favorable period for fog development. Most fog episodes were of relatively short duration, lasting an average of about 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br />.

Visibility data will be collected through the first year of plant operations in order to quantify changes, if any, in the frequency, intensity, and dura-tion of fog at the monitoring site. %ese data will be analyzed by conpari-son with data from the meteorological tower at Wolf Creek to determine the extent of cooling lake effects on local fogging.-

1985 Visibility was monitored at New Strawn, Kansas during 8-months in 1985.

Approximately 220 hours0.00255 days <br />0.0611 hours <br />3.637566e-4 weeks <br />8.371e-5 months <br /> of fog were detected at the monitoring site, compared to the 1984 total of 122 hours0.00141 days <br />0.0339 hours <br />2.017196e-4 weeks <br />4.6421e-5 months <br />. Since visibility was monitored for a comparable number of hours during both years, this change represents a substantial increase in the frequency of fog occurence from the previous year. We change can be partially attributed to the fact that visibility was monitored more intensively during the winter months in 1985 compared to i

the previous year.

In fact, about 100 hours0.00116 days <br />0.0278 hours <br />1.653439e-4 weeks <br />3.805e-5 months <br /> of fog were recorded during January and February of 1985, a period for which visibility. data was not available during 1984.

It should also be noted that the majority of fog episodes were recorded in the months of January through May. This represents the pre-operational period for Wolf Creek Generating Station, which received it's full power operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Conmission on June 4,1985.

Since visibility was monitored during only three months of the operational j

period in 1985, there is insufficient data at this point-to draw conclusions concerning the effects of Wolf Creek Cooling Lake operations on the frequency of fog along Route 75 in New Strawn.

In addition to the increase in total fog-hours during 1985, corresponding increases in heavy and dense fog were also seen at the monitoring site.

Heavy fog (hourly average visibility less than 1 mile) was recorded on 25 days during 1985. Compared to 12 days in 1984. The incidence of dense fog (visibility less than 1/4 mile during any part of an hour) was also approximately twice the 1984 total.

In general, the intensity of fog episodes was greatest during the first quarter of the year.

6.

WILDLIFE MONITORING ACTIVITIES l

September 1984 through April 1985 Wildlife monitoring studies were conducted in the vicininty of WCGS from September 1984 through April 1985.

Use of WCCL by wildlife was determined especially for-waterfowl, waterbirds, and Bald Eagles. Bird mortality due to collisions with transmission lines traversing WCCL was assessed. With special attention to threatened and endangered species, records of all mamals, birds, and herptiles observed were maintained for comparisons to past construction and preoperational studies conducted since 1973.

A total of 145 avian species were observed during the 1984-1985 monitoring program. The most abundant species were the mallard and american coot, which comprised 34.2 and 19.2 percent respectively. Comparative use of the cooling lake and John Redmond Reservoir by waterfowl and waterbirds was determined. Of the comonly observed species, only the american coot used WCCL to a greater extent than John Redmond Reservoir. Conparative use between five cooling lake aress was determined with pondweed (Potamogeton) concentrations within WOCL generally being used to a greater degree.

Transmission line collision surveys revealed 30 mortalities representing 10 species. No mortalities of threatened or endangered species were observed.

Twenty-five percent of those individuals identified were not waterbird i

species and were considered incidental mortalities not influenced by WOCL attraction.

No significant avian mortality due to transmission line impaction was observed.

Twenty-three mamal and 16 herptile species were observed in the vicinity of WCGS during the 1984-1985 monitoring. One mamal and two reptiles were not previously documented. No threatened or endangered species were observed.

'Ihe Bald Eagle, prairie falcon and interior least tern represented the threatened or endangered bird species observed in the vicinity of WCGS.

Bald Eagles were comon winter residents and fed on fish and weakened waterfowl.

Eagles in the vicinity of WCGS used the cooling lake solely as a feeding and loafing site, however not to the extent observed on John Redmond Reservoir. No Bald Eagles were observed roosting on WOCL. 'Ihe prairie falcon and interior least tern are two species which migrate through the area and are expected to be observed occasionally in the future.

May 1985 through December 1985 This synopsis provides a sumary of data collected from May through December 1985 as part of the 1985-1986 operational wildlife monitoring program.

Use of WCCL by waterfowl, waterbirds, and Bald Eagles was assessed from September through December 1985.

Records of all mamals, birds, and herptiles observed were maintained for comparisons to past construction and preoperational studies conducted since 1973. Special' attention was given to both state and federally listed threatened and endangered wildlife species during all observations.

A total of 131 avian species were observed during the 1985 monitoring. 'Ihe most abundant species were the Amerian coot, Franklin's gull, and mallard.

These species have comonly been observed during all preoperational studies.

Other species totals that increased from the same time period during 1984 include the comon merganser (77 percent), American wigeon (18 percent) and Canada goose (2 percent). Apparent factors that have influenced usage of WTL during 1985 continue to include relatively clear water, secluded wind protected areas, and concentrations of aquatic weed growth. The lake and land management activities surrounding it have continued to provide foraging, loafing, and nesting habitats.

Transmission line collision surveys in 1985 revealed 19 mortalities representing 11 different species. These surveys were conducted from September through December 1985. No mortalities of threatened and endangered species were observed. Twenty-one percent of the specimens found were not water-related birds and were considered incidental mortalities not influenced by WCCL attraction. This percentage compares closely with those observed during preoperational studies. Collision rates were 25 percent lower than those observed during the same time period in 1984. No significant avian mortality due to transmission line impaction was observed.

Twenty-five mamal and 12 herptile species were observed in the viciriity of WCGS during 1985 monitoring. No new species were identified. No threatened or endangered mamal or herptile species were observed.

There were three threatened or endangered avian species observed in the vicinity of WCGS. These included the Bald Eagle, prairie falcon, and interior least tern. As during preoperational observations, Bald Eagles were comon winter residents.

Eagles in the vicinity of NCGS used the cooling lake solely as a feeding and loafing site, however not to the extent observed on John Redmond Reservoir.

No changes in Bald Eagle usage of WCCL due to station operation were identified.

The prairie falcon and interior least tern are two species which migrate through the area and are expected to be observed occasionally in the future.

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