ML20133P951

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 850731,1,000-2,000 Juvenile River Herring & Adult Atlantic Silversides Observed Showing External Symptoms & Behavioral Characteristics of Gas Bubble Disease.Gas Saturation Measurements Taken

ML20133P951
Person / Time
Site:	Pilgrim
Issue date:	08/06/1985
From:	Harrington W BOSTON EDISON CO.
To:	Landry T, Mcmahon T BOSTON, MA, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
References
BECO-5.85-058, BECO-5.85-58, NUDOCS 8508140548
Download: ML20133P951 (2)

Text

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, BOSTON EDISON COM ANY GOD BoyLaTON ETREET BOSTON. M ASSACHUBETTs 02199 WILLIAM D. HARRINGTO N

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$ August 6, 1985 0, BECo 5.85-058 NPDES Permit No. MA0003557 Mr. T. E. Landry  ;

Environmental Protection Agency '

Compliance Branch JFK Building, Room 2103 Boston, MA 02203 l Mr. Thomas C. McMahon, Director Mass. Div. of Water Pollution Control Permit Section - 7th F!oor One Winter Street Boston, MA 02198 Gentlemen:

Telephone notifications were made to Mr. Robert Leger of the USEPA, Region 1, and Mr. Gerald Szal of the Mass. DWPC concerning the observed incidence of gas bubble disease (GBD) in fishes inhabiting the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station discharge canal at 1400 hours0.0162 days <br />0.389 hours <br />0.00231 weeks <br />5.327e-4 months <br /> on July 31, 1985. Approximately 1,000-2,000 juvenile river herring (1-3 inches long) and aduit Atlantic silversides (3-5 inches long) were seen along the southeast side of the discharge canal with approximately 10% of them showing external symptoms and behavioral characteristics associated with GBD. Most apparent were extruded eyeballs (exophthalmia) accompanied by gas bubbles and hemorrhaging around the eyes, and erratic, disoriented swimming behavior. The Pilgrim Station was operating near 100% capacity at the time observations were made.

In accordance with NPOES Permit No. MA0003557, the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) was notified and made gas saturation measurements in the late afternoon on July 31, 1985. Their results showed Pilgrim Station i discharge canal waters to be 117% total saturation of which 140% is oxygen, and 112% is nitrogen. A measurement made on August 1, 1985 revealed 117%

nitrogen saturation. The DMF will continue to monitor this situation regarding the potential for any marine resource impacts, and make recommendations for mitigation, if necessary.

If additional information is required please contact Mr. R. D. Anderson at 849-8935.

Very truly yours, f

I cc: Mr. Domenic B. Vassallo Chief k' l Operating Reactors Branch #2 Divison of Licensing Office of Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20535 f.3 io 8508140548 850806 PDR ADOCK 05000293 S PDR

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Mr. Thomas E. Murley Regional Administrator Office of Inspection & Enforcement

! Region 1 631 Park Avenue King of Prussia, Penn. 19406 l

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