ML18018B051

Environmental Pre-Operational Survey

ML18018B051
Person / Time
Site:	Nine Mile Point
Issue date:	12/31/1969
From:	Niagara Mohawk Power Corp
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML18018B051 (78)

Text

Regulatory File Cy.

Pgs,.',.<g gg Wd - A> 0 .

R~lvsd wNr 946~

/~J gw Environmental Pre- perational Survey Nine Mile Point (ggg[lJ To II[gP IIIIt'y IflI~lIililf)

NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATION UNIT NO.1 NIAGARA MOHAWKPOWER CORPORATION SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 2S4

I I

I I

I l

ENVIRONMENTAL PRE-OPERATIONAL SURVEY NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATION NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION December, 1969

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Pre-Operational'urvey - Land Program A. Program Development B. Program Operation and Results Radioanalysis of Aquatic Samples - Lake Program Appendix A - Summary of Lake Ontario ecological studies relative to the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station Appendix B -. Ecological Benthic Study, August, 1968 Appendix C - Fish Distribution Study, June, 1968

Environmental Pre-Operational Survey - Nine Mile Point I. Introduction This report summarizes the.preoperational 'environmental surveys conducted in the vicinity of 'the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station No. 1 by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation.

Survey results and other pertinent data are presented for both the land and lake (underwater) programs as described in the Final Safety Analysis Report (Volume II, Appendix D) .

I I

I

II, Pre-0 erational Surve -Land Pro ram A. Pro ram Develo ment Eleven environmental stations were set bp in 1968 in accordance with the plans specified in the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Final Safety Analysis Report - Appendix D, page D-26. The locations of the five on-site, and six off-site monitoring stations are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. All stations are equipped with an air sampling pump, a rain and snow fallout collector, and a dosimeter (film badge) for integrated dose readings, in addi:tion, each of the on-site stations and the Sector C off-site station include a recording gamma radiation monitor. Figure 3 is a photograph of a typical on-site station and its associated equipment.

These stations were operated intermittently for approximately 18 months.

The following objectives were realized during this period:

1. The locations selected were found to be accessible in all weather conditions.

2. No radiation anomalies were observed at any of the locations, so none of the stations had to be moved.

3. The equipment was operated under varying weather conditions and operated as designed with the following exceptions:

a ~ The elapsed time meters on two of the air samplers were damaged by the vibration of the pump. All the elapsed time meters were moved from a mounting on the pump to a mounting on the base plate. No additional problems have been encountered in over ten months of operation.

b. The soft rubber hoses used to connect the air sample holders to the pumps developed cracks after one year of operation. These hoses were replaced with harder-wall hoses which performed satisfactorily.

I c ~ The cellulose membrane filters used for collecting air samples proved to be too fragile and were frequently broken when changing samples on windy days. Glass fiber filters with a comparable efficiency were substituted and have eliminat'ed the handling problem.

d. The precipitation collectors were collecting more pre-cipitation than could be accounted for by the one square foot opening on the cabinet. It was realized that some of the water striking the top of the monitor box was draini'ng into the precipitation device. Silicone rubber was used to build a dam around the precipitation collector openings .and in the subsequent seven months of operation, these devices have operated satisfactorily.

e. Radiation levels were so low that the recorders on the gamma monitors were driving down scale. To prevent damage to the recorders, small Cs-137 "bugs" were installed in the detectors to make them indicate slightly upscale (between 0;Ol and 0.02 mR/hr),

The door latches on the cabinets broke frequently and were replaced with sturdier latches .

4. Personnel were trained in servicing the equipment in the monitoring s tations .

B. Pro ram eration and Results During the months of August and September, 1969, the stations were operated continuously and the samples were analyzed. This program accomplished the following:

a) Reiterated that no radiation anomalies were observed at any of the stations.

b) Trained personnel in the routine analysis of the environmental samples.

Results of the analyses performed during the pre-operational period are summarized below.

Film badges (sealed with dessicant to prevent exposure to moisture) were installed on all eleven monitoring stations in January of 1968. These badges have been changed monthly and have all shown statistically insignificant (less than 10 mR) exposures for each monthly period.

I 4~>

I

2. Gamma Monitors L The continuously recording gamma monitors were operated. The charts show t little variation from the expected "bugged" background levels.

monitors did develop electronic problems during this period and indicated upscale Several of the L readings. These malfunctioning monitors were repaired as soon as the condition was observed. With the exception of these obvious malfunctions, the monitors L indicated the radiation levels shown in Table l. (Radiation levels are in mR/hr)

Table I On-Site Sectors 0 f-Site Sector*

D-1 D-2 Max. 0.012 0.012 0. 0.03 0.5 0.016 August Avg. 0@012 0.012 0. 015 0.015 0.05 0. 016'.016 "Bu ed" Bk d. 0.012 0.012 0.015 0.015 0.02 t Max.

Avg.

0. 015 0:012 0.03 0.012

0. 025

0. 015 0.0 0.016 0.0 0.03 0.016 0.016 "Bu ed" Bk d. 0.012 0.012 0. 015 0.015 0.02 0.016

3. Preci itation S les t The has a one-square monitoring stations are equipped with foot opening., The interior of the a precipitation collector which station is heated to prevent i the collected precipitation from freezing in winter. Precipitation is collected brought to the lab for analysis.

i vor a one-month results for three period and then months are presented in Table 2. (Activities are The gross beta in units of Table 2 On-Site Sectors Of f-Site Sectors Month D-2 D-1 D-2 E G C D-1 E F G t July August Se tember 5.4 13.4 0.2 2.2 14.0 1.0 43 15.1 1.6 78 14.4 0.7 129 22.7 0.3 8.1 10.5 5.0 5.2 2.4 5.1 5.1 18.1 1.4 20.2 10.3 14.6 13.4 2.2 1.1 15.4 1.0

1 1

I' IJ

'l E

1

I I

1

~

I T

I 4 C

Gamma spectrums were run on typical precipitation samples during this period. There were no discernible peaks.

4. Air Sam les Air samples were collected at a typical flow rate of 2 cfm and were changed on a weekly basis. The gross beta activity detected 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> after the t samples were removed is shown in Table 3. (Activities are in units of 10 uCi/cc.)

Table 3 On-Site Sectors Off-Site Sectors D-1 D-2 E F G C D-1 D-2 E F t 7/28-8/4 8/4 -8/11 4,1 4.3 ~

4.2 5.2 4.3 4.5 3.6 4.1 3.8 4.1 2.9 3.5 3.5 4.7 4.2 4.2 4.6 4.8 3.3 2.5 2.7 1.7 4.4 4.0 3.1 8/11-8/18 3.1 3.1 3.4 2.9 2.6 2.3 3.4 8/18- 8/25 3.6 4.1 3.8 3.9 4.1 3.0 4.6 4.6 5.4 3.8 4.1 E 8/25-9/2 3.1 3.4 3' 3.0 3.3 3.2 4.2 4.4 4.3 3.0 3.7 9/2 -9/8 2.6 --- 2.0 2.4 2.7 2.5 3.8 3.7 4.8 3.3 2.8 i 9/8 -9/15 9/15-9/22 9/22-9/29 2.8 2.3 1.3 3.0 3.0 2.9 1.5 2.3 2.5 1.4 3.1 2.8 1.4 2.5 2,5 1.6 3.3 2.9 2.1 3.7 3.2 2.0 3.5 3.9 1.9 3.0 3.4 1.5 2.9 2.5 1.4 For comparison,. the samples taken in the 45 weeks of sampling prior to August of 1969 showed that in wet or winter weeks, the gross beta activity ranged

-13 from 0.4 to 1.0 X 10 uCi/cc, while in dryer weather, the activity ocurred over a range of 1.5 X 10 to 5.0 X 10 uCi/cc. For further comparison, the sector for this in Table 4. (Activities are in t averages units of 10 45-week period are presented 13uCi/cc.')

Table 4 I

1.28 D-2 1.81 On-Site Sectors E

1.62 1 F

70 1.62 C

1.54 D-1

1. 83 Off-Site Sectors D-2

1. 77 E

1.91 F

1.50 G

1. 84

I I

I I

I I

I I

It is interesting to note that the State of New York Department of Public

-13 Health detected average gross beta activities of 0.9 X 10 to 2.0 X 10 13uCi/cc in 1

different locations in New York State during the year of 1968.

Gamma spectrums were run on typical air samples during the two-month period. These spectrums show no clearly discernible peaks except when the six off-site samples were analyzed as a group. This analysis showed trace quantities of members of the uranium decay series.

During the two-month period, homogenized store milk was purchased and the technicians trained in the analysis of milk for gross beta, strontium and iodine.

Raw milk samples were not obtained during this two-month period, but were obtained through the State Department of Public Health in October and November. The samples were from four farms around the Nine Mile Point site. The results of these analyses are presented in Table S. (Activities are in units of pCi/1.)

Table 5 October, 1970 November, 1970 Gross Beta 1) Iodine Strontium Gross Beta 1 Iodine Strontium 1.61 X 10 (2) (2) 1.55 X 10 Not Detectable 30 169 X 10 (2) (2) 1.87 X 10 Not Detectable 25 1.72 X 10 (2) (2) 1.61 X 10 Not Detectable 6 1.55 X 10 (2) (2) 1.24 X 10 Not Detectable 15

1) Includes beta from naturally occurring K-40.

2) Samples lost when raw milk coagulated on ion exchange columns. Chemical form of ion exchange resins changed to overcome problem.

From: "Environmental Radioactivity in New York State - 1968", dated 7-14-69 2

Spiked test samples were used to refine the analytical procedures

I I

I I

I I

I I

I I

The State Department of Public Health has been sampling milk from these same farms for approximately 2 years. Their average results for the year of 1968 are presented in Table 6. 3 (Activities are in units of pCi/1.)

Table 6 Farm Iodine - 131 Strontium-90

¹1 Not Detectable 13

¹2 Not Detectable 14

¹3 Not Detectable 16

¹4 Not Detectable 12 III. Radioanal sis of A uatic S les - Lake Pro r'am In June, 1969, a survey was conducted to observe fish population and observe underwater growth off the Nine Mile Point shoreline.. Seven specimens of fish were in conjunction with the fish net "population" survey.

S'ollected The nets were set out near the eastern boundary of the site in a line perpendicular to the shore.

The shallowest net was located at a depth of about ten feet, fifty feet out from shore while the deepest net was positioned 700 feet from shore at a depth of 30 feet.

Most of the fish obtained were from the shallow net. The sample specimens were frozen and shipped to Eberline Instrumentation Corporation for radioanalysis. Results are presented in Table 7.

The June Lake bottom survey indicated the greatest abundance of algae (primarily cladophora) occurred at a depth of about ten feet. A composite sample was collected from twelve locations located about 1,000 feet apart along the ten-foot depth contour and parallel to the shoreline. This sample was evaluated by radio-analysis along with specimens of clams (mussels) and gammarus (fresh water shrimp) collected from similar locations. Sample results are also tabluated in Table 7.

Due to insufficient sample weight and low radioactivity of the gammarus, this sample was analyzed for gross beta activity only.

3 From: "Environmental Radioactivity in New York State - 1968", dated 7-14-69

I I

I I

I I

Table 7 Nine Mile Point Aquatic Samples - June, 1969 Results of Radioanalysis by Eberline Inst. Corp.

S le Weight gms) Picocuries Ci er s le (d )

Species Wet Dry Gross Beta Cs137 S Co Zn Gross Gamma Northern Pike 2170 482 950+30 72+10, . -

438+24 0. 0+9. 6, 164+10 492+53 Northern Brown 481 . 105 435+12 4.2+2.1 .. 77+6 0.0+2.1 9.5+2.1 98+10 Bullhead Small Mouth Bass 385 90 325+9 8+2 105+27 0.0+1.8 0.0+1.8 151+17 White Perch 273 66 135+6 36+1 46+3 3.9+1. 3 2. 0+ 1. 3 .125+14 Yellow Perch 200 49 144+5 7. 8+1.0 102+5 0 0+1 0 1 5+0 9 100+11 Northern 973 225 355+18 0.0+4.5 74+ 7 0.0+4.5 6.8+4.S 183+20 Redhorse Sucker P omo lobus 39 8.5 34+2 1.6+0. 1 17+4 0,0+0.2 2.0+0.9 22+2 (Alewives)

Clams 689 363 55+18 58+7 167+15 18+7 105+7 167+18

• Algae 1820 61 13* 0.2+0.01* 2.41+0.12* 0.03+0.02* 0.07+0.02* 35.6+5.9*

Gammarus 0.083 0.53+0.22 "Note Algae results are in pCi/gm (dry) rather than pCi/sample.

peal OFF-SITE MONITORING STATION LOCATIONS 4 ~

B 4 4

4 0

4

~

t A ~ ~ ~

SITE PULASKI

~~ ~

0o ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

OSWEGO ~ ~ ~

~ ~~

0

';':j("': MEXICO 4>:4 4 4

~1 0

Qg

~

4 0 0 e

4 p

4 0

4 1 0 5 e 4 MILES 4

o e

0 GRAPHIC SCALE 4

4 o MONITOR STATION Figure 2

I

(",( 'I

ON-SITE MONITORING STATION LOCATIONS r C'r 5 J

/ ~0 . 'C j

@Yb ?

a'O gr QD

~e r ~arm Proposed James A. Fitzpatrick 0 f\zB

~

f4 Nuclear Power Plant I

I

/

~ guc(ea

~o g.-

i I

Li D2 0 ~(Q QJt t

~cP r'g E 0

/,,+ 0 Il 0 I'I o 0 p llxfvltl

'y

~'I)Q),.

I; el~

if

,'P 'IQ I 1 i

q~

j

~ lO 0'c I lt p(i y 0 ~f gv~at lYCOINC I'

J Figure 1

M M W W W W W W W W M W W W W W

l. Precipitation Collector Recording Gamma Radiation Monitor Air Sampling Pump Air Sample Filter g )rl Figure 3

APPENDIX A SENARY OF LAKE ONTARIO ECOLOGICAL STUDIES RELATIVE TO THE NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR PONER STATION

I I

I

Summary of ecological and ecologically related studies in Lake Ontario off the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station A. General The first ecologically oriented studies were begun in the Spring of 1963. As with any ecologically oriented studies, the first efforts were directed toward establishing the physical background for ecological considerations.

Gradually these studies ramified and eventually involved a primary study on the ecology of the benthic organisms which might be affected by the thermal discharge. The studies carried out in 1963 - 64 were concerned with the study of the currents in the lake and an estimate of the diffusion and dilution factor of the discharge plume itself. In all, almost 120 cruise days were spent in this two-year period on this and other aspects of the study. Because of the many aspects of this study, the various phases are treated separately below.

1. Diffusion Studies Because of the close similarity in several aspects between the expected thermal discharge and the flow of the Oswego River, the effluent of the river was used as a diffusion model. The river carries a substantial chloride concentration which was easily measured by titration methods aboard the boat.

The boat course plan could thus be modified as the day progressed and the direction and extent of the river's effluent traced out into the lake. It was also possible to determine the movement of the water along the shore of the Nine Mile Point promontory, the:diffusion characteristics in that area, and other features such as upwelling. This basic method was supplemented by establishing a series of stations along the boat's course and collecting several water

I I

I I

I I

I I

samples at pre-determined depths for chloride analysis and temperature measure-ment. Capture drogue techniques were used to establish the direction and speed of the water current at the surface and at a 20-foot depth.

The most meaningful of these current patterns using both the chloride diffusion comparison and temperature profiles were presented in Appendix B, Limnology, Nine Mile Point, Nuclear Station Preliminary Hazards Summary Report, Volume II.

In general, these studies indicated high diffusion rates in the shallow areas of the lake and an almost constant current movement in the area.

2. Current Meter Studies Supplemental to the above, two permanent current meters were anchored in 35 and 55 feet of water off the western end of the promontory to record current velocities at about the 25 and 45 foot depths over a period of several months, In both the above studies there was close correlation made to the wind patterns and the calms. Direction of current flow and duration of currents of various speeds were calculated.

The percentage of calms is estimated as being low, while the distribu-tion of east and west currents is about equal. This current data was also used to calculate diffusion parameters.

3. Tem erature Studies In addition to taking the temperature of the water of each of the samples collected, bathythermograph records were made at a series of stations throughout the first two years of study. The primary use of these recordings was to record the gradual change in depth of the thermocline throughtout the season.

It was found that throughout the early summer, the isotherms slope downward toward the east with deep mixing taking place in August, lowering the sur face temperature .

I I

I I

I I

I

This study also supplied material to aid in calculating dilution.

4. Theoretical Stud of Initial Dilution of the Effluent The dilution factors resulting from turbulent mixing of the discharge of the effluent, the effect of the rising of the plume to the surface from a 15-foot depth and the effect of mixing due to currents resulting from density balance in the environment were calculated and/or otherwise studied.

It was calculated that 2X to 2.5X dilution would be achieved. Model studies later indicated dilution of about 3X due in part by the induced circula-tion by the entrainment of bottom water and the rise and spread of the warmer water.

The dilution calculations were reported in Appendix B, Limnology, Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Final Safety Analysis Report, Volume II.

5, Dis ersion Studies During 1963 - 1964, about 1,200 drift cards were released in the area off Nine Mile Point. Of these, about 600 (more than half) were returned with the requested information.

The study indicated that the effluent from the station might be dispersed as far west as Rochester (62 miles) and as far northeast as Cape St.

Vincent (28 miles) . Presumably, some cards went down the St. Lawrence River.

Dispersion appears to be widespread which would result in large dilutions.

6. Plankton Studies During 1964 plankton samples were collected over a 5-month period in the summer at three pre-determined points, two along the promontory and one out in the open lake.

It was concluded from the very erratic results in these samples that the area off the Nine Mile Point promontory is one of considerable change going from periods of some concentration of plankton with on-shore winds to periods of almost complete absence of the plankton in the area by off-shore winds or

I I

I

\

I

upwellings, particularly in that area at the eastern end of the promontory. The information from the study was interesting from an academic point of view as to the seasonal distribution of the larger zooplankton but of very little applicable value.

7 . Seiches, Tides, and Waves These parameters were examined primarily on a historical and theoretical basis. Some seiches and internal wave effects were observed directly but appear to be of rather infrequent ocurrence although the internal waves may"be of particular violence at times. In any case, they do not appear to play any major role related to the ecology except in modifying surface temperature condition in late summer.

Tides are almost non-existent,.

Wave activity does play a major role in the ecology of the area. Almost e.

all the area is heavily scoured and kept reasonably free of sand and silt. Wave by abrasion and breaking off of the longer strands.

8. Fathometric Studies A program of evaluation of the aquatic population was begun in the summer of 1968. To evaluate the fish population, a series of transects using a recording fine line fathometer was made of the Nine Mile Point promontory at 100-foot inter-vals.

0 The transducer of the fathometer scans a S arc directly under the boat as the boat moves along. From this scan the number of fish per 1,000 feet 2 was calculated, Fish species were determined by netting.

In all, the area is sparcely inhabited by any fish useful commercially or for sports fishing. The only real concentration of fish was observed at a depth of 60 - 80 feet. Repeated attempts to identify these fish in deeper water failed.

In any event, they would not be affected by the discharge.

I W

I

9. Ecolo ical Benthic Studies Along the same transects indicated above, samples of bottom alga were collected over uniform areas (25 x 25 cm.) at a series of depths to 20 feet, the maximum depth of the attached algal growth. These samples were analyzed for members of each major biological species present.

The biological material appeared to be fairly sparce or at least less abundant than in other areas of the lake, The surveyed lake bottom area, less than 20 feet in depth, lies in a narrow band varying up to 500 feet wide along the shore. Greatest algal concentration appears at the 10-foot depth since in shallower water the longer algal strands tend to break off. The effluent may raise the temperature of the near-shore water by as much as 5 6 F in a shallow layer rapidly decreasing in temperature to the east or west as carried by the current. - Such a rise would not appear to have much effect on the general benthic population since the bottom area affected would be quite limited. In any case, water temperatures above 65 F would probably depress the relations of this alga is being carried out under the supervision of Dr. J. F.

Storr, University of Buffalo Biology Department.

B. Summary The studies were extensive and planned so as to explore a variety of physical and biological factors. The the total picture of the ecology of the area is one which is heavily wave swept, keeping the bottom generally free of rubble except at specific depths (near shore) and areas. For much of the area to the 20-foot depth there is exposed flat bedrock and little sand, particularly in the area close to the Nine Mile Point Nuclear station discharge. It is not known as an area for sports fishing, nor do there appear to be concentrations of any valuable species.

The near-shore area, close to the station, may be moderately influenced by the thermal discharge. This affect will diminish rapidly with distance and will

I I

I I

I

probably not be observed in the near-shore area beyond the limits of the promon-tory. This is due to the fact that the major currents observed flowed either parallel to, or lakeward in the area and these currents continued out into the open lake, at the east and west boundaries of the promontory.

In summary, the region is one of less than average benthic growth. The effect of the thermal input upon the biota is expected to be restricted to a relatively limited area. Benthic and fathometric studies are planned in the post-operational period to attempt to measure the actual effect of the thermal discharge.

I I

I I

I I

I I

I I

APPENDIX B ECOLOGICAL BENTHIC STUDY OFF NINE MILE POINTp LAKE ONTARIO AUGUSTA 1968

I I

I I

I I

JOHN F. STORR, P}I.D.

Contultant in Oceanography and Limnology 51 MzAvow LsA Darvz BvFF~m, Nmr Y0RK 14226 3)ec. 15, 1969.

Mr. R. clancy, Manager, Environment-Engineering, N1agara Mohawk Power Oorp.,

300 Zrie Blvd., liest, Syracuse, N.Y. 1320$ .

C RZ: ZOOLOGIC'ZNTHIO STUDY OPP NINE MILE POINT, LAKE ONTARIO, AUGUST 12-16, 1968.

I PURPOSE:OP STUDY:

This was the initial benthic study made in the Nine Mile Point area to establish a biological background in the pre-'.-

operational periods. There had. been a previous survey in the region of a very general nature consisting of a series of exploratory dives. This had establ1shed, that the area

'0'f was generally wave swept and the bottom, except in.less than water almost entirely clear of rock rubble of any kind, with very little benthic life present. This study was directed toward a quantitative evaluation of what was pres-ent.

II ~ PRO QEDURE:

L. P1eld 1fork.

4 series of transect"lines were established from the shore out 1nto the lake. Since the primary pur-pose of the transects was for purposes of comparison, they were to be of a permanent nature and along these transects all of the various transects ecological studies were to be carried out. In all nine were established with several not being used 1n the benthic study at this time. Those labelled with a prefix of $f were to the west of the dis-charge; those with the prefix Z, east of the discharge.

W-3 was located, about 5,000'est of the discharge and about 3,000'rom M M-2 through V-3 were with Z-1 being fust east of the actual discharge 1,000'part structure as no actual ecological work could, be done con- in the immediate area of the structure which was under struction. E-6 uses the so-called eastern target as the shore base. This target was used. in the early ecological lake studies (196$ -64) as a location point for the boat work.

4

I I

I I

It is more than a mile east of the discharge.

W-3 is locateC in such a position that it is based on the SW - NE orientel shore that is the western sile of the Mine $Q.le X'oint Promontory. It was founl that currents flowing westward. normally flow parallel to the almost EF - 3 orienteC northern shore of the promontory anC thus these currents actually flow out into the open lake at the HN corner of the promontory. The M-3 transect was, therefore, established. as a base line comparison transeot for the study.

Z-6 is a mile east of the discharge and it was believed, that this transect would be in area in whioh the effect of the an thermal effluent would. not be great and. this, then, was the eastern base-line transect. The studies in 1969 contemplat-eC a much wider scope operation and, the base-line transect was established. in Mexico Bay a.mile further east.

Zn work1ng the transects for the benthic survey, a series of 3 samples was taken recovering all the biological material in a 25 X 25 cm. area with each sample. Pour sampling sta-tions were.users along each transect at 5', 10', 15', and, 20'.epth marked the limit or near-limit of any attach- 20'he eC plant growth, and was also felt to be beyond the d.epth of any likely temperature effect.

The sampling can be d.escribed. as selective since the area close to shore in some locations is partially covered by'arious sized pieces of rock. This heterogeneous hab-itat could. not be samplers accurately to yield, a quantitative sample for comparative values.

t it has a preference.

hi* I 1 Sample areas, therefore, hiht'h 11 This alga is the only attached one pres-

. hh ~ht.

ent in large amounts although a sub species may'ccur 1n particular ecolog1cal niches, but was not found to occur in hi 1 ttM 111th number of organisms from various phyla and. so the entire sample represents a very good, cross-section of'he benthic flora and, fauna.

Variations in the concentration of the organisms pres>>

ent is Cue in large part to the physical structure of the bottom, the slope of the bottom, (which determines in part the wave effect) anC the depth which regulates both the effect of the wave activity anC the light intensity. Al-though the samples were taken from flat rock material, the roughness of the surrounding bottom also plays a ma)or role 1n wave effect so that variations occur Cue to this rough-ness factor.

B. Laboratory StuC1es.

In the laboratory, the samples vere 1nC1viC-ually'eparated into plant anC animal material. The plant material was then thoroughly drieC anC weighed,, then ashed.,

and. the organic veight Cetermined..

lt f dthtth lf ~ldhh,tht As this program progress-particles of silt vere embeddeC or so closely surround.ed.

hair>>like material that a fraction of the inorganics by'he could not be separateC from the alga. XCCitional vashing of the alga voulC have resulteC in the removal of large amounts of algal material. The organic weight content is thus used, for comparing algal concentrations although both Cry weight and. ash weight are also given in the table, (Table 2).

III RESULTS MD 3ISQUSSIOH:

The Cata are presented. in tables 3 anC 2 and. graphically illustrated in Pigures 3;4i 'J.l th t By intensity Curing the maximum fh anC number lg, ~d,

'the August period. the amount of algal material vould.

be expected. to Cecline, while the animal life woulC be on light perioC in h lt d June when both the of hours of illumination are f light tt at their greatest. Temperature at this time for most of the June perioC is betveen 55 P anC 60oP. The optimum temperature for growth appears to be in the miC 60's with higher tem-peratures causing slowing of growth. Both light and. tem-perature would play ma)or roles on the lessening amount of h f tl t th ~h growth founC in August. In aCdition, observations have g, tl hth cycles Curing the summer in which the strands of alga leng-then to a maximum then breaks off, a sort of self-mowing t f process. This voulC happen irregularly and. at no fixed, time, although there voulC tenC to be periods which voulC suggest cyclic effect. little, if any, algal growth occurr-eC at the 20'epth and. in these cases no sample vas taken (markeC M.S.T. on tables 3 4 2).

Benthic animals, on the other hand., are gust into the perioC of active reproCuction,in June, lagging behind. the plant growth as one would. expect since this plant grovth is

• h lghth'hit the basic source of food.. The, various animals found in the f,l food.. This grazing may also be responsible for some d.ecline p t,f in the total algal grovth found..

Over the entire. range of the transects the algal grovth is fairly uniformly CistributeC with one exception

I I

I

at the 5'epth at E-"2 vhen more than double the amount of growth is present than at any other similar depth, and at V>>3 vhere the algal grovth 1s consistently less. It would nov appear that the comparison transects, V-3 may not be as important as once thought.'he ecology of N-'5 is d1fferent than the remainder of the transects and will vary considerably due to particular vind directions. Only the area along the Zine K.le Point Promontory vill have a con-sistent ecology throughout the season and it may well be that any'ffect on the ecology imposed by the thermal dis-charge vill have to be a computed. one based, on the changes found at the various transects.

Since the entire study 1,s one designed for comparison, there does not seem to be anything in particular that needs to be commented on or discussed. at th1s time. Nor can any conclusions be based. upon this one study which relates to the particular purpose of the study. The study, in itself, vas revealing and the very consistent results (for a bio-logical situation) vere vi,thin acceptable lind.ts and will provide comparative material. The results presented, are only the basic statistical results, vh1le the original. data vill be essential in the overall analysis in the pre-oper-ational period.

I I

I I

I I

I

Table 1s Benthic Survey Data - Comparison of Transects Oswego August, 1968 transect organic no. of no of. no, of no. of no. of Miscellaneous no, vgt. (gms) - snails snails snails amphipods insect (0. Lioplax) (0, Bethnia) (G, Physa) (G. Gammarus) larvae (G Tendipes) 5< M3 N,S,T, 4,21 0 3o91 373 2 flatworms (G. Dugesia)

E2 3,82 279 3 2,84 247 5 2,86 177

~ 31 19 2 flatworms (G, Dugesia) 2 51 zJ>6 1 flatworm (0, Dugesia) 2,50 172 2,68 0 186 1,81 159 E6 0 0 195

I I

I I

I I

I

Table 1: Benthic Survey Data - Comparison of Transects (cont )

Oswego August, 1968 transect organic no, of no, of no, of nog of no, of misce11meous no. wgt. (gms) snails snails snails amphipods .

insect (G. Lioplax) (G, Bethnia) (G. Physa) (G, Gammarus) larvae (Q, Tendipes) 15> ~ 30 0

~ 64 35' o63 0 3 flatworms (Q.. Dugesia) 2,25 0 0 1,12 0 32.

.96 52 0 20< N,S~T, 0 0 40 (0 1 flatworm (G, Dugesia)

N,S,T N,S,T E3 N,S T, E6 N,S,T,

I I

I I

I I

Table 2: Benthic Survey Data - Algae Dry, Ash, and Organic >feights Oswego August 1968 sample transect algae dry algae ash organic depth no ~ wgt. (gms) wgt. (gms) wgt. (gms) gl +H. S.T.

4.51 ~ 30 4.21

.80 3.91 4.24 ~ 42 3. 82 3 17 ~ 23 2. 84 3.40 2.86 10t .36 ~ 05 ~ 31 2.80 ~ 29 2.51 2.74 ~ 25 2.49 2 93 .25 2.68 2.50 .69 1.81 2 '1 ~ 41 2.40 F 03 ~ 30

.75 ~ 12 .63

.86 ~ 23 ~ 63 15'0'. 2.98 ~ 19 1.79 1 .71 .59 1 '2

.95 13 .82 M. S. T.

.08 H.S. T.

N. S. T.

N.S.T.

N.S. T.

+M. S. T. no sample taken = no alga growth.

20 il5

/

/

0 r IO r2 E6 5

N WE M I LE POINT E2 ECOLOG ICAL SURVEY A LG A L DISTR I B UTI ON (ORGANIC WT IN GMS)

WI REACTOR AU G UST, I968.

0 W2 IQ I C4 I

l 500

/

Figure 2: Organic weight of algae sample in'rams vs. depth along ecological Nine Rile Foint,L.Ontario transects August 14,1968 0

E2 e IO 80 0

0 El a l5 A

20 Organic ~eight of algae in grams

I I

I I

M W W W W W W W Figure 3: Number of Gammarus (fresh water shrimp) vs. depth along ecological transects Nine Yiile Point, L. Ontario 0 Au st lt 1960 E

0 o IO 0

A A E2 l5 20 IOO 200 300 400 Number of Gammarus (fresh water shrimp)

I I

I

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I I

APPENDIX C FISH DISTRIBUTION STUDY NINE MlLE POINTp LAKE ONTARIO JULY, 1968

I I

I t

I I

I

JOHN F. STORR, Ph.D.

Consultan! in OecanograPhy and Limnology 51 Mmmm LsA Daeva BvFFALO, Nsw YORK 14226 Dec. 15, 1969.

Mr. R. Clancy, Manager, Environment-Engineering, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.,

300 Erie Blvd., Vest,

Syracuse, New York 13202.

RE: PISH DISTRIBUTION STUDY, NINE MILE POINT, JULY 27, 1968.

Purpose of Study.

This was the first study made of the fish d1str1bution in the area using a recording fathometer. Its primary purpose was to try to determ1ne the quantity of fish present in the area by this particular method. Ls such, the method, and the processing of the data is'somewhat unique and, at th1s po1nt was experimental. 4 number of similar surveys has refined the technique and the original fathometric recordings were not processed in detail until recently. It would appear that the methodology is fairly exact and the results very close to actuality. Since, however, we are dealing with fish which are probably in constant motion the results can only give the general pattern of distribution for the day and, period Curing which the fathometrics were done. It must be realized minutes that later a second set of fathometrics taken even a few would give a somewhat different pattern. The fish counts taken from the fathometric tracings and mathematically ad)ust-ed, are presented in table 1. The data for total fish count is presented in Pigure anC because of the method used, gives 1

a fairly accurate picture of this Cistribut1on 1n a graphic form.

B. Method.

Pi,eld study.

The method used in gathering the basic data was by using a Ross Pine L1ne Recording Pathometer. Thi,s instrument sends out a high frequency pulse at 108 kc through the transducer head which is in a rack in the water over the side of the The transducer also receives the echo from a 5 arc and.

16~'oat.

this echo is recorded electrographically on a strip 3-4 chart.

Every ob)ect from masses of plankton and, small fish inches in size and the bottom contour is recorded. Relative fish size is also reoorded. and from exper1ence the below 6" and above 6" size has been separated. Much will depend. upon the

I I

I I

I

~ 02 w expertise of the individual reading the tracings. Some vork has yet to be Cone to refine the interpretation of the trac-ings, so that some error, parti,cularly 6"in identifying all the smaller fish, does occur. Pish above in length Co g1ve a very recognizable trace.

In making these tracings the 0' 50'epth range is'e-corded on the strip chart. Tracings vere made from a 4' to a 50'r more depth along each of the original ecolog-ical transects described in detai.l in the report on the ben-5'ut thic studies. In all, 9 transects vere run covering a shore length of about tvo miles with the central 7 transects only about 1000'part (Fig. 1).

Boat speed vas betv'een 2-3 mph.

2. Laboratory analysis.

Since the transducer was scanning an arc of about 5 , the fish count taken from the tracings had to be treated mathemat-ically to give.a uniform result. 1ne o$ ]ective was200'is-to calcu-late the approximate number per 1000 ft in every tance of the transect. assuming that the vidth of the bottom scanned. at a 50',depth is 5'1de, it vas assumed, that all fish counted along a 200~ distance in the 40'o 50'epth vould equal the total number of fish in 1000 ft2. Successively above this area all fi,sh counted in a 200'istance vere mul-tipl1ed by factors as follovs:

30' 40' 1.25 20' $ 0' 1.66 10~ - 2o' 2.5 0' 10' 5 In the depths closer to the surface the fish counted, are being multipli,ed by a weighted, factor which tends to skew the result. Hevertheless the results to be within an acceptable range and. in all of the studi,es made, give closely comparable results.

Ce discussion.

The results presented in the table and. figure are believed to be quite accurate for water depths 15'r more in depth.

In the shallower water the area of the scan is probably some-what limiting. Thus the chance of obtaining a trace of a fish in this shallower water becomes less. Also there is some probability that 1n very shallow vater that fish vould.

tend to move away from the boat as the boat approaches.

On the table the number of fish larger than 6" is also

I I

I I

I I

I I

I

indicated. Th1s averages out so that about 60$ of the fish are recorded are larger than 6".The smaller minnow would pro-bably not be recorded by the fathometer.

In the shallow water, however, no fish could be observed and, the water was clear enough to see fish if they were pres-ent. 4 considerable number of dives were made in this area as well, and no fish were observed, 1n shallow water close to shore during the day. Later studies carried out over a 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> period showed that as many fish were to be netted in shallow water at night as at the 15'nd 30'epths at the bottom. also the 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> fathometric studied indicate that in some areas and 1n some depths, as many as t0a times therule number of fish will be recorded. This is not general but over very favorable bottom where physical conditions such as current, bottom roughness,.and bottom profile are of a combination preferred. by the f1sh that such concentrations can occur.

Comparing the results of this particular study to that of other areas, the number of fish present is not great. In fact, the number of fish present 1n the layer between of this area is 30 to 40X this concentration at this time 60'-80'ff of day'e The species of fish present in the area in shallow water has determined later by fish net studies. In greatest abun-dance are the alewives. Yellow perch out number all the other bottom fish caught in the net by a factor of 2X to 5X.

a few wh1te perch were caught ang a number of m1nnows (E~otro is sp.) In a week's netting with five 6' 125'xperimental nets, less than an average of t of each per day of the red sucker, rock bass, carp, brown bullhead, white bass, and ci,sco, were taken in water depths from shore to 30'.. 4 few smelt were also caught. One specimen, of each of a few other species was also taken.

It would appear from all of the background information available, both from actual work at the site and scientific report that the discharge will not affect the normal move-ment of'any of the fish present. If anything, more fish vill be attracted to the area both because of the added heat and modification and. change in water movement.

I I

I I

I

Nine Nile Point Fish Distributi~n Study (as number of fish per 1,000 ft )

July 27, 1968 Depth W->> 3:W-- 2 W-1 E-1 L

E-2 L

E-3 T L E-4 T L E-5 T L E-6 T L T+ L+ T L T L T T 0-200 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 2QO-400 2 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 17 7 0 0 400<<600 22 10 2 0 5 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 12 2 5 0 600-800 9 2 10 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0, 0 0 0 7 0 .4 0 800-1000 7 2 4 0 9 7 2 2 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 4 7 4 1000-1200 29 8 2 0 7 5 2 2 13 8 20 0 3 0 12 9 17 2 1200-1400 17 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 34 22 7 0 21 9 ll 6 0 0 6 18 11 24 2 16 1 7' 23 11 1400-1600 8 1 0 0 2 1600-1800 13 6 5 0 13 4 21 15 5

1800-2000 0 0 X6 10 7 1 7 4 40 23 2000-2200 2 2 3 0 68 30 2200-2400 0 0 1 0 Total fish 108 28 27 8 25 18 '3 24 65 41 99 3 60 18 86 38 192 85 g of fish greater than 6" of total 36/ 72% 62/ 3(g

+ T total fish counted

+L ~ only fish over 6" long

I I

I I

I

40 30 Q 20 20 20-IO IO 20 IO 0

IO E6 ES E4 N IN E MILE POINT E2 F I S H DISTR I B UT ION STUDY Cl El Ol <AS NUMBER OF FISH PER l)000 FT )

JULY 27) I968 500' I

'( REACTOR

~ ~ ~

Fl G. I I

I k