ML20212H395

Operational Ecological Monitoring Program for Trojan Nuclear Plant,Annual Rept for 1997

ML20212H395
Person / Time
Site:	Trojan File:Portland General Electric icon.png
Issue date:	12/31/1997
From:	PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.
To:
Shared Package
ML20212H390	List: ML20212H389 ML20212H395
References
PGE-1009-97, NUDOCS 9804270199
Download: ML20212H395 (17)

Text

Trojan Nuclear Plant Environmental Monitoring Program for 1997 PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

! /[5/

\

N >

1 PGE-1009-97 gg427.0gg gg0gg44 R PDR

PGE 1009-97 l

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 Prepared by PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Environmental Services Department 121 S.W. Salmon St.

Portland, Oregon

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1997 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title P_ age TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . .. ................... .. . ........ i LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. ........ . . . . . ii LIST OF FIGURES ....... ..... ...... ....... .......... ....... iii I. BACKGROUND..... .. ............. .. ..... .......... I

1. Trojan and its Environment . . ....... ............ . . ...... 1 II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTS ........ 2 III. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . ........ . ..... 3

1. Fish Impingement . . . . . . . . . . ...... .......... .... . ... ...... 3

2. Incidental Observations . . . . . . . . .... . . . ...... ....... .... 3

3. Recreation Lake Fish . . . . . . .. . ..... ..... . .. 3

4. Benthic Invertebrates . . . . . ................ ... . ....... .. .4 IV. REFERENCES .. .. . . ... .... ... . ... . . .. .9 APPENDIX A .... .. . .... ..... ......... ....... ........... . 10

1. PGE Letter, D. Nonon to D. Bennett, dated August 19,1997

2. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Letter, D. Bennett to D. Norton, dated November 10,1997 i

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1997 ANNUAL REPORT ,

LIST OF TABLES Iahic Title Table 1 Birds Identified During Incidental Observations - 1997 Table 2 Recreation Lake Gill Net Catch - 1997 Table 3 Recreation Lake Invertebrate Densities - 1997 4

0 Y

O

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1997 ANNUAL REPORT d

LIST OF FIGURES Figure Title 1 Total Mean Densities per Square Meter Recreation Lake - Benthic Invertebrates -

1989 through 1997 6

<)

h ikk

SECTION I - H ACKG ROUND

1. Trojan Nuclear Plant and its Environment The Trojan Plant site is near Prescott, Oregon in Columbia County. It occupies an area between the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 72.5 and U.S. Highway 30. Operation of the Plant was formally closed on January 27,1993.

Both the plant and the nearby town of Prescott are located on a rocky ridge (el. 75 feet MSL) approximately 700 feet wide and a mile long, running parallel to the Columbia River. The Trojan cooling tower is on a rise at 90 feet MSL.

At the northern edge of the site is a shallow, natural lake drained by Carr Slough. Located at the western edge of the site is the Recreation Lake and reflecting pool. Water levels in these two water bodies are equalized by a weir alongside the access road. Neer Creek, flowing off the steep hillside to the west, flows into the Recreation Lake. Its flow ranges from 30 cfs during winter to less than one cfs during summer droughts. The overflow from the two ponds is directed into Carr Slough through lower Neer Creek and into the Columbia River north of Trojan.

At the Trojan site (RM 72.5), the Columbia River average annual flow is 230,000 cfs with an average velocity of 1.8 fps. Maximum flows usually occur in May, June, and July when snow melts in the high Cascades and Canadian Rocky Mountain headwater areas. These flows range between 300,000 cfs and 550,000 cfs, with an average current velocity of two to three fps. In the winter months, November through March, when rainfall is prevalent west of the Cascades, the average flow is 200,000 to 250,000 cfs, with an average current velocity of 1.5 to 2.0 fps. A low-flow period occurs in the late summer and fall, with flows of 120,000 to 170,000 cfs and velocities of 1.0 to 1.5 fps. Stated velocities me averaged across the river and over a tidal cycle.

The level of the Columbia River near Trojan is influenced by tides, by upstream releases of water from storage reservoirs behind Bonneville Dam, and by water from tributaries below Bonneville Dam. Water velocities are 20 to 30 percent greater during an ebb tide, and velocities near shore may be 40 percent less than velocities at midchannel. During low river flows and strong tides, flow reversal occurs. The largest tributary below Bonneville Dam, the Willamette River, contributes as much as 20 percent to the river flow at Trojan; however, during extreme drought, the Willamette may contribute z.s much as 50 percent of the flow. In addition, flows may be further altered in the Columbia River by releases of water from upstream reservoirs during the spring and summer migration period to aid downstream movement of ocean-bound juvenile salmonids.

1

SECTION II- TECIINICAL SPECIFICATION REOUIREMENTS AND REPORTS This report describes the ecological monitoring program for the Trojan Nuclear Plant for the period from January through December 1997. It contains the necessary reporting information to meet the technical specification requirements for non-radiological monitoring (Facility Operating License, NPF-1, Appendix B, Section 5.4.1," Routine Reports.") The current scope of the monitoring program reflects the non-operational status of the plant under the Possession Only License.

Two non-routine National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) reports were filed with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality during the 1997 reporting period. In February and September waste discharge limitations were exceeded.

a. In February the inadvertent addition of sodium bisulfite caused the pH lower limit of 6.0 to be exceeded at the Discharge and Dilution Structure for approximately 10 minutes.

Corrective actions included a review of the incident with appropriate personnel and review of the sodium bisultite drum rinsing process.

b. In September the addition of sodium bisulfite again caused the pH lower limit of 6.0 to be exceeded at the Discharge and Dilution Structure for approximately 10 minutes.

Corrective actions to prevent recurrence included administrative controls to move the drum rinsing process location to the Turbine Building.

No Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) non-compliances were observed or reported during 1997.

No changes in station design or operation, tests, or experiments involving a significant unreviewed environmental issue were completed in 1997.

2

SECTION III - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN

1. Fish Impingement The debris trap for the traveling screen wash water at the intake structure continues to be monitored to check the system's efficiency in protecting the fishery resource of the Columbia River. During the 1997 scheduled sampling, no fish were impinged on the traveling screens. Contents of the traveling screen debris trap consisted primarily of woody debris, clam and mussel shells, and an occasional crayfish.

The Trojan intake system in 1997 again exhibited insignificant potential for impact on resident or migratory Columbia River fish populations. Under the current non-operational status of the Plant, the probability of impinging live fish is remote.

2. Incidental Observations Observations of unusual flora and fauna or unusual events that could result in significant environmental impact are documented to assess possible causal relationships between the observed event and the Trojan Plant. Examples of noteworthy observations would include presence of threatened or endangered species, plant or animal disease outbreaks, excessive bird mortality, fish kills, and unanticipated emergency discharges of wastewater or chemical substances.

During 1997 no unusual environmental occurrences were noted that could be attributed to activities performed at the Plant; and compared to previous years' observations, no noticeable change in numbers or species of animals were recorded. Several species of waterfowl continue to winter on the Recreation Lake and Swan Lake and a variety of other waterfowl and birds can be seen visiting the area. Both adult and immature Bald eagles were noted in the vicinity of the Plant, and a pair of Peregrine falcons nested on the cooling tower in the Spring. Bird species observed during scheduled surveys are noted in Table 1. -

Trojan Plant activities in 1997 had no apparent adverse impact on terrestrial and aquatic environs in the vicinity of the Plant.

3. Recreation Lake Fish Fish populations in the Recreation Lake are sampled to determine species present and their general condition. Data obtained are used to help determine success of fish stocking programs and to provide reference materials for future management programs. Since 1994, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has been stocking trout in the lake to provide a recreational fishery for the local populace. In 1997, rainbow trout were released into the lake in March, April, and May. Similar to previous years, excellent angler participation and 3

fishing success was observed from March through October.

Gill net sampling with a variable mesh net was conducted in November 1997. One gill net was set off the island and fished ovemight. Introduced rainbow trout were present in the sample along with bluegill, black crappie, largescale sucker, and pumpkinseed (Table 2). All of the fish appeared robust and healthy with no apparent external or internal parasites or diseases. The rainbow trout survived the warm water temperatures of the summer months and were in good condition. Stomach analysis indicated they were feeding mainly on a variety of adult insects. Total numbers and species composition in the 1997 catch were low due to sampling later in the year and the corresponding colder water temperatures at time of sampling.

4. Recreation Lake Benthic Invertebrates Benthic organisms in the recreation lake area are sampled once per year to describe their composition and relative abundance. Unusual fluctuations in species composition and/or total population densities will be viewed as possible indications of Plant or site-related activities and general water quality. In 1997, sampling was conducted in November.

2 A petite ponar grab (.023m ) was used to collect four replicate samples at each Station.

Each sample was strained through a 600 micron-mesh stainless steel sieve and then preserved in Formalin. Benthic invertebrates were picked from samples, identified, and counted. Abundance of organisms per Station was reported as number per square meter.

Sampling depths in 1997 were 4-5 and 5-6 meters at Stations 1 and 2, respectively.

Substrate at both Stations consisted primarily of mud, silt, and some detritus.

Similar to previous years, the 1997 samples were comprised primarily of Chironomidae, Culicidae, and Oligochaeta. Culicidae was the most abundant organism present (739 to 1870 per square meter) followed by Chironomidae (174 to 609) and Oligochaeta (43 to 130). The total mean density at Station 1 was 1,391 compared to 1,884 at Station 2 (Table 3).

The species composition and relative abundance of organisms of at both Stations 1 and 2 is similar to that of previous years. Sample densities continue to exhibit natural fluctuations over time, although a trend c,fincreasing abundance can be noticed from 1989 to present (Figure 1). No Plant-related activities occurred in 1997 which would have affected water quality of the lake or the structure of the benthic community.

4

Table 1 iBirds Identified During Incidental Observations

'1997 Amencan Coot Common Egret American Wigeon Common Grackle Darrows Goldeneye Dark-eyed Junco Bufflehead Double-crested Cormorant Canada Goose Dowitcher Common Merganser Downy Woodpecker Greater Scaup European Starling Hooded Merganser Great Blue fieron Lesser Scaup Great Egret Mallard Itairy Woodpecker Northern Shoveler iferring Gull Pied-billed Grebe Greenback lieron Tundra Swan 11ouse Finch Wood *)uck llouse Wren Killdeer Dald Eagle Mountain Chickadee Osprey Northern Flicker Peregnne Falcon Red-breasted Sapsucker Red-tailed llan k Red-wmged Blackbird lurkey Vulture Scrub Jay Song Sparrow American Crow Steller's Jay American Goldfinch Townsends Warbler Amencan Robin Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Varied Thrush Helted Kingfisher Vmlet-green Swallow Bittern Western Wood Peewee Black <apped Chickadee White-crowned Sparrow Blackheaded Grosbeak Willow Flycatcher Brown-headed Combird Wilsons % arbler Bushtit Yellow-throat Warbler Cedar Waswmg Yellow Warbler

Table 2 l i

' Recreation Lake Gill Nei Catch - 1997 ' ,

Set: 114 1630 hrs Retnesed II/5 0830 hrs Water Temp = 12.3* C Species Length (cm) Weight (gr)

Rainbow trout 25 138 Rainbow trout 26.5 205 Largescale sucker 38 680 Black crappie 19 110 Pumpkinseed 12.5 40 Bluegill 14 51 Bluegill 13 35 4 Bluegill 13 41 Bluegill 12.5 34 Bluegill 12.5 38 Bluegill 12.5 30 Bluegill 12.5 33 Bluegill 12.5 34 Bluegill 12.5 36 Bluegill 12 30 g.

Bluegill 12 30 Bluegill 12 33 Bluegill 12 30 Bluegill 12 30 Bluegill 12 28 Bluegill 12 24

Table 3 Recreation Lake Invertebrate Densities - 1997 Taxa Station Min - Max #/m^2 Mean #/m^2

' Chironomidae 1 217 - 609 406 Culicidae 1 739 1217 985 r

Chironomidae 2 174 435 275 Culicidt: 2 1304 - 1870 1522 Oligochaeta 2 43 - 130 87 e

Figure 1 Total Mean Densities per Square Meter Recreation Lake-Benthic invertebrates 4000 3 I i

$3000 OI2000 t

I 2 1000 o

F 0

1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 October or November No data asailable for 1992

SECTION IV - REFERENCES Bertrand, G. A. and J. M. Scott.1979. Checklist ofthe Birds ofOregon,3rd ed. OSU Bookstore, Inc. 17 pp. ,

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

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

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

Pennak, R. W.1953. Freshwater invertebrates ofthe UnitedStates. The Ronald Press, New York. 769 pp.

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

Portland General Electric Company.1990. OperationalEcological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1989.

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

Portland General Electric Company.1992. Operational Ecological Afonitoring Programfor the .

Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual report for 1991.

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

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

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

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

Portland General Electric Company.1997. OperationalEcological Afonitoring Programfor the Trojan Nuclear Plant. Annual Report for 1996.

9

OPERATIONAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM for the TROJAN NUCLEAR PLANT 1997 ANNUAL REPORT l

APPENDIX A

1. PGE Letter, D. Norton to D. Bennett, dated August 19,1997

2. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Letter, D. Bennett to D. Norton, dated November 10,1997 4

10

Portirnd G:nsrel Electric one World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon Street August 19,1997 portlane, on 97204 ES-363-97 GOV REL 20 o

Mr Don Bennett i D Oregon Dept Fish and Wildlife

,17330 SE Evelyn St Clackamas, Or 97015

' Dear Mr. Bennett;

] The purpose of this letter is to request your written concurrence to eliminate the ecological non-radiological monitoring program at the former Trojan Nuclear Powe I 1

As you are aware, PGE has been conducting an agency approved environmental monitormg program et Trojan since the early 1970's. During that time, all modifications to the program were reviewed and approved by ODFW ( in accordance with the Oregon Administrative Rules) before final approval we

obtained by the ODOE and EFSC. The last review and program modification was conducted in 1994, following permanent closure of the Plant in January of 1993. Although not required at that time, we 1

decided to maintain a minimal monitoring program during shutdown and dismantling. Currently, neither the Nuclear Regulatory Commission nor the ODOE require a formal environmental non-radiological monitoring program at the facility.

I

'Since the plant no longer is operating, terrestrial and aquatic monitoring is obviously no longer applicable. All existing effluents are monitored under the DEQ's NPDES permit, and fish l

. impingement at the intake structure is no longer a concern. We will, however, continue to monitor the

' fish population of the Recreation Lake and support ODFW's trout stocking program. Also, since it is

,necessary to clean the traveling screen debris trap periodically, fish impingement will essentially hontinue to be monitored. Since 1994, no fish have been impinged, however if any change in status

'should occur, ODFW will be notified and necessary measures taken to eliminate any problem.

I am enclosing a description of the current program and the 1996 annual report for your review. If you have any questions or would like to meet'to discuss this matter, please contact Steve Bullock at 464-8518 or steven _ bullock @pgn.com.

Si cerely,

~4 l

Dennis Norton, Manager Environmental Services cc Walt Weber, ODFW Tom Meehan, ODOE J Cindy Casciato, PGE

~

f Steve Bullock, PGE$ch Natural gas. Electricity. Endless possibilities.

I t  !

,,,,, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND

_ WILDLIFE g

Columbia Region l '.

November 10,1997 Mr. Dennis Norton Portland General Electric 121 S.W. Salmon Street Portland, OR 97204 -

,y

Dear Mr. Norton:

The purpose of this letter is to concur with PGE to eliminate the ecological non-radiological monitoring program at the former Trojan Nuclear Power Plan.

" Terrestrial and aquatic monitoring is no longer applicable since the plant is no longer in operation. PGE will continue to monitor the fish population of the Recreational Lake and support ODFWs trout stocking program.

If you have any questions, please contact Don Bennett at 657-2000, extension

~

") 231-Sincerely, Don Bennett District Fish Biologist Lower Columbia District i

} '

i i

John A. Ltzhaber Govemot H

I @

i-17330 SE Evelyn Street Clackamas, OR 97015-9514 (503) 657 2000 FAX (503) 657-2050