ML20133F171

Responds to Re Potential Effects of Proposed Facility Operation on Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon.Based on NRC Biological Assessments & Supplemental Documents, Population Not Adversely Affected by Proposed Action

ML20133F171
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	07/24/1985
From:	Oravetz C COMMERCE, DEPT. OF, NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC
To:	Adensam E Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 8508080170
Download: ML20133F171 (2)

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UNITED CTATED DEPORTMENT CF C MMERCE y) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminletration

(%, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE Southeast Regional Office 9450 Koger Boulevard St. Petersburg, FL 33702 July 24, 1985 F/SER23:PUR:jm Elinor Adensam Chief, Licensing Branch No. 4 h ngNA d Division of Licensing Nuclear Regulatory Commission f'o Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Ms. Adensam,

This responds to your June 20, 1985, letter regarding the proposed operation of the yogtic Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 21 and its potential effects on the endangered shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostram) in the Savannah River. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) prepared a biological assessment (BA) regarding the potential impacts of the Vogtle units. This BA was transmitted to our office via the Vogtle DES on March 6, 1985; whereby, specific concerns regarding potential thermal and chemical effects surfaced. These concerns were transmitted in our March 15, 1985, letter and discussed with Ms. Melanie Miller and Dr. Charles Billups in a conference call on March 15, 1985. Your June 20, 1985, letter contains specific responses to our questions regarding cumulative, thermal, and chemical effects of the Vogtic Plant (i.e. cumulative effects with the nearby Savannah River Plant - SRP). The NRC staff involved in this consultation should be commended for the completeness and detail of their responses.

We have reviewed the BA and supplement documents and conclude, based on the information provided, that populations of endangered / threatened species under our purview would not be adversely affected by the proposed action.

We continue to remain apprehensive, however, regarding thermal and chemical discharges in the Savannah River and how these pollutants may affect the shortnose sturgeon. There continues to be a lack of data on the abundance, distribution, life history, and ecology of the shortnose sturgeon in the Savannah (particularly the effects of pollutants on the life stages of sturgeon). We therefore would recommend and encourage any continued research on the cumulative impacts of chemical and thermal discharges (such as the SRP study). In addition, studies that would assess the shortnose sturgeon population in the Savannah River would help us meet our Section 7 responsibilities. We are available to assist the NRC, SRP, or Vogtle staff in designing any studies that may be incorporated to further assess shortnose sturgeon.

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2 Regarding ti.e review of SRP's thermal study results and Mr. Pat Whitfield's invitation to participate in an interagency meeting, we appreciate the opportunity to review the research. We arn particularly interested in being notified if any sturgeon (and/or larvac) were collected in the impingement screens, sampling gear, etc. Due to our current situation with travel restrictions we will not be abic to attend the meeting, but would welcome the proceedings and a draf t copy of the study results.

This concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of the ESA. However, consultation should be reinitiated if new information reveals impacts of the identified activity that may affect listed species or their critical habitat, a new species is listed, the identified activity is subsequently modified or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the proposed activity. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Paul Raymond, Fishery Biologist, at FTS 826-3366.

Sincerely yours, cw a.og Charles A. Oravetz Chief, Protected Species Branch cc F/M412 F/SERll