ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
REMOTE SENSING STUDY
OF
STEAM-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT THERMAL DISCHARGES
TO
LAKE ERIE AND THE DETROIT AND
ST. CLAIR RIVERS
OHIO AND MICHIGAN
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER
DENVER,COLORADO
AND
REGION V
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
March 1974
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
GLOSSARY OF TERMS viii
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 3
III. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 9
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 9
CLIMATE 11
HYDROLOGY 12
APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS 13
IV. STUDY TECHNIQUES FOR THERMAL DISCHARGES 17
AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT DATA 17
SENSOR DATA 17
GROUND TRUTH 19
DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS 21
ERROR ANALYSIS 23
,v V. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF THERMAL DATA ANALYSIS . . 25
ASHTABULA, OHIO 26
Description of Power Plants 26
Observed Thermal Conditions 27
PAINESVILLE, OHIO 30
Description of Power Plant 30
Observed Thermal Conditions 30
EASTLAKE, OHIO 32
Description of Power Plant 32
Observed Thermal Conditions 33
CLEVELAND, OHIO 33
Description of Power Plant 33
Observed Thermal Conditions 35
AVON LAKE, OHIO 35
Description of Power Plant 35
Observed Thermal Conditions 37
LORAIN, OHIO 39
Description of Power Plant 39
Observed Thermal Conditions 40
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II-l
II-2
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
TOLEDO, OHIO 40
Description of Power Plant 40
Observed Thermal Conditions 42
ERIE, MICHIGAN 45
Description of Power Plant 45
Observed Thermal Conditions 45
MONROE, MICHIGAN 45
Description of Power Plant 45
Observed Thermal Conditions 47
LAGOONA BEACH, MICHIGAN 47
Description of Power Plant 47
Observed Thermal Conditions 49
TRENTON, MICHIGAN 51
Description of Power Plant 51
Observed Thermal Conditions 51
WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN 53
Description of Power Plant 53
Observed Thermal Conditions 53
RIVER ROUGE, MICHIGAN 53
Description of Power Plant 53
Observed Thermal Conditions 53
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 56
Description of Power Plants 56
Observed Thermal Conditions 56
BELLE RIVER, MICHIGAN 58
Description of Power Plant 58
Observed Thermal Conditions 58
MARYSVILLE, MICHIGAN 58
Description of Power Plant 58
Observed Thermal Conditions 60
LIST OF TABLES
SUMMARY OF POWER PLANT CHARACTERISTICS 5
SUMMARY OF THERMAL DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS ... 6
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Page
1-1 Location Map 2
III-l Lake Erie Topography 10
III-2 Dominant Summer Surface Water Movement 14
IV-1 Aircraft Sensor Location 18
IV-2 Field of View of IRLS 18
IV-3 IRLS Optical Collection System 20
V-l Power Plant Locations Inside
back cover
V-2 Thermal Map of Ashtabula Power
Plant Discharges 28
V-3 Isarthermal Map of the Ashtabula Power Follows
Plant Discharge 001 Page 28
V-4 Isarthermal Map of the Ashtabula Power Follows
Plant Discharge 002 Page 28
V-5 Thermal Map of I.R.C. Fiber Company
Discharge 31
V-6 Isarthermal Map of the I.R.C. Fibers Follows
Company Discharge Page 32
V-7 Thermal Map of Eastlake, Ohio, Shoreline 34
V-8 Isarthermal Map of the Eastlake Power Follows
Plant Thermal Discharge Page 34
V-9 Thermal Map of Lakeshore Power
Plant Discharge 36
V-10 Isarthermal Map of the Lakeshore Power Follows
Plant Discharge Page 36
V-ll Thermal Map of Avon Lake Power
Plant Discharge 38
V-12 Isarthermal Map of the Avon Lake Follows
Power Plant Discharge 001 Page 40
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No.
V-13 Isarthermal Map of the Avon Lake
Power Plant Discharge 003
V-14 Thermal Map of Lorain, Ohio, Harbor Area
V-15 Isarthermal Map of the Edgewater (Lorain)
Power Plant Discharge
V-16 Thermal Map of Bay Shore Power
Plant Discharge
V-17 Isarthermal Map of the Bay Shore Power
Plant Discharge
V-18 Thermal Map of the Mouth of the
Maumee River
V-19 Isarthermal Map of an Industrial
Discharge into Maumee River
V-20 Thermal Map of J.R. Whiting
Power Plant Discharge
V-21 Isarthermal Map of the J.R. Whiting
Power Plant Discharge
V-22 Thermal Map of Monroe Power Plant
Discharge
V-23 Isarthermal Map of the Monroe Power
Plant Discharge
V-24 Thermal Map of Enrico Fermi Power
Plant Discharge
V-25 Isarthermal Map of the Enrico Fermi
Power Plant //I Discharge
V-26 Thermal Map of Trenton Channel
Power Plant Discharge
V-27 Isarthermal Map of the Trenton Channel
Power Plant Discharge
VI
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No.
V-28 Thermal Map of Detroit River at
Wyandotte, Michigan
V-29 Thermal Map of River Rouge Power
Plant Discharge
V-30 Isarthermal Map of the River Rouge
Power Plant Discharge
V-31 Thermal Map of the Conners Creek Power
Plant Discharge
V-32 Isarthermal Map of the Conner's
Creek Power Plant Discharge
V-33 Thermal Map of the St. Clair
Power Plant Discharge
V-34 Isarthermal Map of the St. Clair
Power Plant Discharge
V-35 Thermal Map of the St. Clair River
at Marysville, Michigan
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vii
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
acre - Area = 43,560 square feet
cfs - Flow rate given in cubic feet per second
= 0.0283 cubic meters per second or
28.3 liters per second
cm - Length in centimeters = 0.3937 in. or 0.03281 ft.
gpm - Flow rate in gallons per minute - 0.0631 liters
per second
hectare - Area = 2.47 acres
km - Distance in kilometers = 0.621 miles
2
km - Area in square kilometers = 100 hectares or
0.3861 square miles
knot - Velocity in nautical miles per hour = 1.15 statute
miles per hr = 1.845 kilometers per hour
1 - Volume in liters = 0.2642 gallons
- Length in meters = 3.281 feet or 1.094 yards
- Electrical generating capacity in million watts
/day - Flow rate in cubic meters per day
= 0.000264 million gallons per day
3
m /sec - Flow rate in cubic meters per sec
= 22.8 million gallons per day
= 35.3 cubic feet per sec
mgd - Flow rate in million gallons per day
= 3,785 cubic meters per day
mm - Length in millimeters =0.1 centimeter
ppm - Concentration given in parts per million parts
°C - Temperature in degrees Centigrade = 5/9 (°F-32)
°F - Temperature in degrees Farenheit
m
MWe
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I. INTRODUCTION
An airborne remote sensing study of thermal discharges to Lake
Erie and the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers was conducted on 9 July 1973.
The study was undertaken at the request of the Enforcement Division,
Region V, Environmental Protection Agency, Chicago, Illinois.
The study area [Figure 1-1] encompassed the southern shore of Lake
Erie from about 5 km (3 mi) east of Ashtabula, Ohio, to Toledo (Maumee
Bay), Ohio, and the western shore of Lake Erie from Toledo to the mouth
of the Detroit River. The western shores of the Detroit and St. Clair
Rivers were also included in the study area. Eight power plants in Ohio
and ten power plants in Michigan discharge thermal effluents to these
waters. Eleven thermal effluents from industrial facilities were also
observed in the study area.
Thermal infrared imagery of the entire study area was obtained
using infrared line scanners mounted in high performance reconnaissance
aircraft. Ground measurements of water temperatures were made at most
of the power plants. This imagery and the ground truth water temper-
ature data were used to characterize the observed thermal fields or
plumes.
The results of this study will be used in the preparation of
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for
each of the 18 steam-electric power plants. The data will also add to
the baseline data for future compliance monitoring of these discharges.
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II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Airborne thermal infrared sensors were used to record the char-
acteristics of thermal discharges from 18 (17 conventional and 1 nuclear-
fueled) steam-electric power plants located along Lake Erie's southern
and western shores and the western shores of the Detroit and St. Glair
Rivers. This investigation was conducted on 9 July 1973 in warm weather
during a period of near-peak power demand and warm receiving water
temperatures. Ground truth, in the form of surface water temperature
measurements at various locations in the vicinity of each plant's
thermal effluent (including the discharge point) , was obtained by
field crews at the time of flight.
Isarthermal* maps depicting areas of equal surface water temper-
ature were prepared from the infrared imagery. Actual temperatures of
the isartherms were determined from the ground measurements. The
isarthermal maps characterized the behavior of the thermal field under
known weather conditions.
Water temperature criteria applicable to Lake Erie have not been
approved by EPA. Ohio and EPA have proposed different criteria but
agreement has not been reached on a single set of criteria that could
be used as a basis for evaluating the water temperatures observed
during this study. In addition, remote sensing techniques record only
surface water temperatures. Some of the proposed criteria apply at
* Isarthermal is used to mean an area of the water surface displaying an
essentially constant temperature, as contrasted with isothermal which
means a line of constant temperature.
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observed length and width of the thermal plume. The actual shape of
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the 1 m (3 ft) depth. It was thus not possible to compare the observed
temperatures with these criteria.
To provide a basis for comparison, the Ohio water temperature
criteria applicable to inland lakes were used. These criteria limit |
water temperatures outside a mixing zone to an increase above natural
temperatures of less than 1.7°C (3°F). The size of the mixing zone
is limited to 5 hectares (12 acres) or less. In addition, maximum
temperatures in the mixing zone must not exceed 8.3°C (15°F) above
natural background temperatures. ||
The location, name, company ownership, generating capacity and _
water use for each plant studied are summarized in Table II-l.
Observed thermal discharge characteristics are summarized in Table II-2.
All of the Ohio plants and the first three Michigan plants are located
on Lake Erie. The St. Clair and Marysville plants are located on the
St. Clair River and the other four Michigan plants are on the Detroit
River.
The observed temperature differences [Table II-2] between the
heated effluent at the discharge point and the ambient receiving water
temperature were determined from ground measurements in most cases. I
Note that these temperature differences vary from essentially zero
to more than 12°C (21°F). The discharge temperature at seven of the
plants was more than 8.3°C (15°F) warmer than ambient temperatures,
the Ohio maximum limit for discharge to inland lakes.
The observed thermal field sizes were taken from the thermal
infrared imagery. The dimensions given in Table II-2 are the maximum
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TABLE II-l.
SUMMARY OF POWER PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Reported Power Plant Characteristics
Location
Ashtabula
Ashtabula
Painesville
Eastlake
Cleveland
Avon Lake
Avon Lake
Lorain
Toledo
Erie
Monroe
Lagoona Beach
Trenton
Wyandotte
River Rouge
Detroit
Detroit
Belle River
Marysville
Power Plant
Ashtabula A&B
Ashtabula C
IRC Fibers Co.
Eastlake
Lake Shore
b/
Avon Lake
c/
Avon Lake-
Ed gewater
Bay Shore
J.R. Whiting
Monroe
Enrico Fermi No. 1
Trenton Channel
Wyandotte
River Rouge
Delray
Conners Creek
St. Clair
Marysville
a/
Company
OHIO
CEIC
CEIC
CEIC
CEIC
CEIC
CEIC
DEC
TEC
MICHIGAN
CPC
DEC
DEC
DEC
WMSC
DEC
DEC
DEC
DEC
DEC
Capacity
(MWe)
456
160
21
577
518
595
--
193
636
342
1,600
150
1,119
42
860
375
628
1,842
300
Cooling Water
(1,000 m3/day)
1,530
651
65
1,900
2,400
2,700
1,300
420
2,800
1,200
7,600
940
5,200
2,400
3,100
3,500
5,600
2,800
Use
(mgd)
403
172
17
1,030
631
720
341
110
746
308
2,016
249
1,380
644
810
930
1,472
750
a./ Company Codes
CEIC - Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
DEC - Ohio Edison Company
TEC - Toledo Edison Company
CPC - Consumer Power Company
DEC - Detroit Edison Company
WMSC - Wyandotte Municipal Service Commission
b/ Avon Lake Outfall 001
c/ Avon Lake Outfall 003
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TABLE II-2.
SUMMARY OF THERMAL DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS
Observed Thermal Discharge Characteristics
Location
Ashtabula
Ashtabula
Painesvllle
East lake
Cleveland
Avon Lake
Avon Lake
Lorain
Toledo
Erie
Monroe
Lagoona Beach
Trenton
Wyandotte
River Rouge
Detroit
Detroit
Belle River
Marysville
Power Plant
Ashtabula A&B
Ashtabula C
IRC Fibers Co.
Eastlake
Lake Shore
Avon Lake'
Avon Lake
Edgewater
Bay Shore
J.R. Whiting
Monroe
Enrico Fermi No. 1
Trenton Channel
Wyandotte
River Rouge
Delray
Conners Creek
St. Clair
Marysville
Temp.
(°C)
6
10
10
9
4
6
2
9
6
9
12
8
10
0
9
0
8
2
0
Diff.^7
(°F)
OHIO
10
18
18
16
7
11
4
16
11
MICHIGAN
16
21
14
17
0
16
0
14
4
0
Thermal Field Size-'
(km)
3.4x0.7
I/
0.6x0.2
1 . 3x0 . 6
0.8x0.7
3.7x1.0
0.2x0.1
1.2x0.3
1.6x1.4
1.4x0.7
3 . 9x1 . 4
1 . 1x1 . 0
0.6x0.1
0
0.6x0.2
0
1.0x0.2
-
0
(1,000 ft)
11x2
d/
1.8x0.5
4.2x1.8
2.5x2.2
12.1x3.2
0.6x0.3
4.2x1.1
5.3x4.2
4.2x2.1
12.6x4.2
3.7x3.2
1.8x0.3
0
1.8x0.6
0
3.2x0.5
-
0
c/
Plume Area
(hectares)
16
30
32
100
49
100
0
360
380
70
460
300
&.I
0
il
0
*/
0
0
(acres)
40
74
80
250
120
250
0
890
940
170
1,130
750
&!
0
&!
0
&.I
0
0
a/ Temperature difference between discharge temperature and ambient receiving water temperature.
b_/ Overall maximum dimensions of the thermal field.
c_l Area of the thermal plume that was at least 1.7°C (3°F) warmer than ambient receiving
water temperatures.
d/ The discharges from Ashtabula Plants A, B & C formed one thermal field.
ej Avon Lake Outfall 001
f/ Avon Lake Outfall 003
j/ Thermal plume areas were not computed for river locations.
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the field and the direction of drift in each case are documented in
Section V. Note that the distances the plumes travelled before
dispersing varied substantially and were not necessarily related to
the plant generating capacity or cooling water use.
The area of the thermal plume with surface water temperatures
more than 1.7°C (3°F) above ambient was determined from the isar-
thermal sketches for all plants located on Lake Erie. Note that for
all of the Lake Erie plants, the observed areas were larger than the
| allowable mixing zone for inland lakes. The heated areas ranged from
jm 3 to 92 times larger than the specified mixing zone limit of 5 hectares
(12 acres).
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A thermal plume area was not determined for the plants located
on rivers as the factor of concern here is the amount of the cross-
sectional area of the stream that is occupied by the heated effluent.
_ Due to the large volume of flow in the Detroit and St. Clair River,
the thermal plumes occupied only a small fraction of the rivers cross-
I section as indicated by the observed surface thermal plume widths.
In the case of four plants, essentially no thermal plume was observed.
The eleven Lake Erie power plants were in substantial non-com-
pliance with the Ohio water quality criteria for inland lakes used for
comparative purposes indicating that reductions in heat loads dis-
charged to Lake Erie may be necessary if similar criteria are approved
for Lake Erie.
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III. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Lake Erie is situated between Lake Huron and Lake Ontario in
the Great Lakes chain [Figure 1-1]. The Lake receives its major
inflow from Lake Huron through the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.
Outflow is over Niagra Falls to Lake Ontario. This study covered
the Ohio (southern) shoreline of Lake Erie from east of Ashtabula,
Ohio, to Toledo, Ohio, and the western shorelines of Lake Erie, the
Detroit River, and the St. Clair River between Toledo and Lake Huron.
With a length of 390 km (240 mi) and maximum width of 80 km
2 2
(50 mi), Lake Erie has a surface area of about 25,700 km (9,940 mi )
3 3
and a volume of 470 km (113 mi ). It is the second smallest of the
Great Lakes in terms of area and smallest in volume as a result of
its shallow depth.
Topographically, Lake Erie is divided into three basins [Figure
III-l]. The small western basin (about 12 percent of the Lake surface
_
area) is very shallow with average and maximum depths of 7 and 19 m
B (24 and 63 ft), respectively. This basin is separated from the central
basin by a chain of rocky islands. The shallow Maumee Bay is situated
at the west end of the lake where the Maumee River enters at Toledo.
The Detroit River enters the basin from the north. Along the south and
west shorelines, the bottom slope is small with the 6 m (20 ft) depth
located several km offshore.
About two-thirds of the surface area of the Lake is located in the
central basin. This basin is broad and flat bottomed, with average and
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maximum depths of 18 and 25 m (60 and 80 ft), respectively. The south
shore slopes steeply to depths of more than 10 m (33 ft) in most areas.
The east basin is separated from the central basin by a low bar.
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Average and maximum water depths are 25 and 67 m (80 and 216 ft), respec-
tively. The east basin is east of the study area and exerts little
effect on water movements or thermal conditions in the area of interest.
The Detroit and St. Clair Rivers are essentially channels connecting
Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Almost the entire flow in the rivers is outflow
from Lake Huron. Lake St. Clair is located between the two rivers. The
2 2
lake has a surface area of 2,000 km (490 mi ) and average depth of
3 m (10 ft).
CLIMATE
The climate of the Lake Erie area is temperate, humid-continental
with the chief characteristic of rapidly changing weather. Average annual
temperatures at land stations range between 8 and 11°C (47 and 51°F).
The highest average monthly temperatures occur in July, ranging between
t 21 and 23°C (70 and 74°F). Recorded temperature extremes are -29 and
38°C (-20 and 100°F).
Average annual precipitation in the study area ranges between
790 mm (31 in.) near Lake St. Clair and 915 mm (36 in.) along the
Ohio shore.
Southwesterly winds prevail over Lake Erie in all months. North-
westerly storm winds occur frequently during fall and winter while
northeasterly storm winds may occur in the spring.
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HYDROLOGY
3
and average 5,600 m /sec (199,000 cfs). Smaller tributaries are usually
at low flow during July.
Average annual flows of tributary streams of interest because of
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About 80 percent of the inflow to Lake Erie enters through the Detroit I
River. Annual outflow from Lake Huron through the St. Clair River averages
3
5,300 m /sec (187,500 cfs). Highest flows occur during July or August
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proximity to power plants include: Maumee River, 136 m /sec (4,794 cfs);
3 3
Raisin River, 20 m /sec (714 cfs); Black River 8.6 m /sec (302 cfs); and
3
Ashtabula River 5 m /sec (169 cfs).
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Lake levels fluctuate as the result of storms, seiches, and long-
term precipitation changes. Orientation of the long axis of the lake in
the same direction as storm tracks results in substantial, rapid lake
level variations. Usually, levels decrease in the west end and increase
in the east during storms. Fluctuations as high as 4 m (13 ft) have
been recorded although most level changes are less than 1 m (3 ft). |
Seiches resulting from the passage of storms may cause cyclic, small _
fluctuations in lake levels for several days. Longer term, gradual flue-
tuations are produced by variations in annual precipitation in the up-
stream Great Lakes drainage area. Maximum variations in long-term lake
levels over the last 100 years have been less than 2 m (6 ft). I
Winds, variations in lake levels, and variations in tributary in-
flows all affect surface water movements and, hence, movement of thermal
plumes from power plants. Dominant summer surface water movement patterns
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are shown in Figure III-2. Surface movements may differ from these
general patterns in localized areas, especially in the western basin.
Lake Erie is the warmest of the Great Lakes. Mid-lake surface water
temperatures reach an average maximum of 24°C (75°F) , usually early in
August. Occasionally the summer temperature of mid-lake surface water
rises above 27°C (80°F). Nearshore water normally reaches a maximum
along the south shore of 27°C (80°F) or more. Water temperatures in the
western basin also average slightly higher than at mid-lake.
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APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
Water temperature criteria for Lake Erie in Ohio have not been ap-
proved by EPA. Both the State of Ohio and EPA have proposed criteria
but agreement has not been reached on a single set of criteria that could
* be used for evaluating the water temperatures observed during this study.
I In addition, some of the proposed criteria apply at a 1 m (3 ft) depth
but remote sensing techniques record only surface temperatures. To
provide some basis for comparing the observed temperatures with water
quality standards, the EPA approved Ohio water quality criteria for inland
lakes were used.
The Ohio standards provide that lake water temperatures outside
mixing zones shall not exceed by more than 1.7°C (3°F) the water temper-
ature which would occur if there were not temperature change of such
waters attributable to human activities. In addition, the maximum temper-
ature outside the mixing zone shall not exceed 32.2°C (90°F) during the
months of June, July, August and September.
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a)
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15
Mixing zones are limited to a surface area of less than 5 hectares
I
(12 acres). Water temperatures within the mixing zone at any depth
shall not exceed natural water temperatures outside the mixing zone by
more than 8.3°C (15°F) during the months of May, June, July and August.
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17
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IV. STUDY TECHNIQUES FOR THERMAL DISCHARGES
AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT DATA
This remote sensing mission was carried out by two high performance
aircraft specifically designed and equipped for aerial reconnaissance
I work. The two aircraft independently flew each target area to provide
primary and backup coverage. They were spaced about 30 seconds apart
in flight time. Both aircraft carried the sensors discussed below.
The flight parameter data listed below provide the specific values
of the aerial reconnaissance variables.
Date of Flight: 9 July 1973
Time of Flight: 1410 to 1510 Hours EOT
Target Areas: Southern and western shores of Lake Erie, western
shores of the Detroit and St. Glair Rivers
Air Speed of Aircraft: 660 to 740 km/hr (360 to 400 knots)
Average Aircraft Altitude Above Water Level: 760 m (2,500 feet)
and 920 m (3,000 feet)
| Sensors Used: Infrared Line Scanner
SENSOR DATA
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An AN/AAS -18 Infrared Line Scanner (IRLS) was the sensor used
for this study. The sensor is located on the underside of the air-
craft as shown in Figure IV-1. While in operation, it images an area
along the flight path of the aircraft. The width of the imaged area
is dependent upon aircraft altitude and is encompassed by a 120° field-
of-view in cross-track or perpendicular to the flight path [Figure IV-2]
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LEGEND
1 XS-S7 FRAMING CAMERAS
2 INFRARED LINE SCANNER
Figure IV-1. Aircraft Sensor Locations
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AIRCRAFT
ALTITUDE
GROUND LEVEL
Figure IV-2. Field of View of IRLS
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An IRLS converts variations in infrared energy emissions from
objects of different temperatures into a thermal map. The three basic
parts of an IRLS are the scanner optics, a detector array, and a record-
^1 ing unit. The scanner optics collect the infrared emissions from ground
_ and water areas and focus them on the detectors [Figure IV-3].
The detectors, cryogenically cooled to 26° Kelvin, convert the
I infrared energy collected by the scanner optics into an electronic signal,
This signal is processed electronically and subsequently transformed into
visible light through a cathode ray tube. This light is then recorded
on ordinary RAR black-and-white film measuring 12.6 cm (5 in.) in width.
The recorded thermal map is 10 cm (4 in.) wide and its length depends
upon the length of a particular line of flight being imaged.
The IRLS has a sensitivity bandwidth from 8 to 14 microns, the so
I called thermal band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Applying Wien's
Displacement Law, this represents a temperature band from -66°C to 89°C.
I The system has an instantaneous field-of-view of 1 milliradian by
1 milliradian. The total field of view is achieved by the rotating
mirror in the optical collection system, which is 120° by 1 milliradian.
The measured noise equivalent temperature (N.E.T.) of the IRLS is 0.32°C
with 100 percent probability of target detection. This represents an
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effective measurement of the temperature resolution of the system.
GROUND TRUTH
The Surveillance and Analysis Division, Region V, EPA, obtained
near-surface (about 10 cm depth) water temperature measurements simul-
taneously with the time-of-flight. The water temperatures were
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Folding Mirror
Folding Mirror
Detector
Folding Mirror
Rotat in g
Scan
M irror
Folding Mirror
Incident Infrared Energy
Figure IV-3. IRLS Optical Collection System
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measured at discrete points in the vicinity of each thermal discharge
including each discharge point and ambient or background surface water
locations. Four to 8 other data points were selected at each location,
usually within the warmer area of the thermal field.
The accuracy of the contact instrumentation used to obtain the
surface water temperatures was +^ 0.1°C. It is estimated that the
precise location of the discrete water-temperature data points was
known to within + 30 meters with the exception of the location of data
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points within the discharge itself. The position accuracy of the latter
was 1 to 3 meters.
DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
All data interpretations and analyses were made on the original
black and white film negative used to record the infrared data aboard
the aircraft. Photographic prints were not used because of the added
I errors of an additional image generation.
Each thermal plume image or map, associated with the power plant
discharges under study, was plotted with respect to U.S. Department of
Commerce Nautical Charts (Scale 1:10,000) or U.S. Geological Survey 7.5
minute maps (Scale 1:24,000) to determine the infrared image scale. To
evaluate consistency this scale was compared to the empirical scale
derived from the effective focal length of the IRLS and the altitude
| of the aircraft above water level. The respective image scale is
included on each thermal map in this report.
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In the black-and-white IRLS film, temperature levels are represented
by various shades of gray in the negative format or rendition. Areas of I
low density (clear film) represent cooler temperatures and areas of
higher density (darker gray) represent higher temperatures. Positive I
prints presented in this report reflect the reverse of the negative
film. Cool areas are dark while the warm areas are light gray.
A Spatial Data 704 Image Analyzer was used to convert the infrared
images into isarthermal maps. Isarthermal maps delineate areas with the
same temperature (isartherms). The Image Analyzer uses a technique called I
density slicing to divide the density range on a given infrared image
into 12 increments. Each increment thus represents a particular density I
of gray on the image and a narrow temperature range closely approxi-
mating an isotherm. The density value of each increment is accurate to
within 0.03 density units over a range of 0 to 2 (density). Each density
increment is displayed on the Image Analyzer screen in a particular color.
An isarthermal map was prepared by tracing directly from the color rendi- I
tion on the Analyzer display screen.
The actual temperature of each isartherm on the map was determined
by first comparing it with a physical plot of the water temperature data I
obtained in the field at flight time. Each density value or increment
represents a particular water temperature. These are derived from ||
calibration curves obtained empirically from the gray density levels _
on the negative corresponding to the locations of the ground truth water *
temperatures. These curves were used to interpolate temperatures for I
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isartherms in areas where no ground truth data points were located.
They covered a rather large temperature differential (6 to 11°C or 10 to
20°F) between the power plant effluents and the background or ambient
receiving waters. From the calibration curves the absolute temperature
of each isartherm (colored increment) delineated by the Image Analyzer
was determined.
An important factor must be mentioned at this point. The IRLS will
only record water surface temperatures since water is opaque in this
region of the infrared spectrum. The maximum depth penetration in
either fresh or salt water is 0.01 cm. Therefore, a submerged thermal
discharge can be detected from an aircraft with an IRLS only if the
warm wastewater reaches the surface of the receiving body of water. The
isarthermal maps developed by this study represent surface temperatures
only and not subsurface temperature distributions.
ERROR ANALYSIS
Limitations can be placed on the accuracy or uncertainty of the
I absolute value of water temperatures represented by the isarthermal maps
developed by this study. The three significant sources of error af-
fecting the data are the resolution of the IRLS, the accuracy of the
Image Analyzer, and the accuracy of the instrumentation used in obtain-
ing ground truth. These sources have the following error values:
(1) At. = AtTC = +0.32°C (measured system N.E.T.)
1 1KL&
(2) At2 = Atlmage Analyzer = ±0'10°C
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By using the method of root-sum-squares, the magnitude of the total
possible error range can be estimated as follows:
1
3 2
At .,=+[£ (At.) ]
total ._, i ..
= + [(0.32)2 + (0.10)2 + (0.10)2]
Attotal =±°-35°c ~ ±0-4°C (+0.7°F)
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Reported temperature values are thus accurate to within +0.4°C I
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(0.7°F) with the exception of the locations in the isarthermal maps
designated as areas of degraded thermal data. In these areas the solid I
lines separating the various isartherms were extrapolated by dashed lines
to provide continuity throughout the map. Neither the above reported B
nor the consistant error introduced by assuming a constant temperature
within an isartherm applies to these areas.
No atmospheric corrections were applied to these thermal data under I
the assumption that the atmospheric effect was constant and would not
induce a significant effect since the film was directly calibrated by I
the water temperatures measured during the time of flight. Any influence
of the air column between the aircraft and the water surface would be
taken into account by the calibration process, assuming a constancy of
the entire air column in the target area.
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V. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF THERMAL DATA ANALYSIS
This section presents the results of the analysis of the water
temperature data obtained by aerial reconnaissance and ground surveys.
Weather conditions existing at the time of flight are summarized. Power
plant descriptions and cooling water discharge characteristics reported
in Refuse Act Permit Program appplications submitted in 1971 are also
presented. The observed thermal plumes are evaluated with respect to
the reported discharge characteristics and recorded weather conditions.
Water quality standards specifying water temperature criteria for
Lake Erie in Ohio have not received EPA approval. The State of Ohio and
EPA have proposed different criteria. In the following discussion,
observed water temperatures are compared with EPA approved Ohio water
temperature criteria for inland lakes. Until Lake Erie water temperature
standards are promulgated, however, it will not be possible to evaluate
compliance with water quality standards for the power plants studied.
The power plants are discussed by location proceeding westward
along the Ohio shore of Lake Erie to Toledo and then northward along the
western shore of Lake Erie, the Detroit River and the St. Clair River to
Lake Huron in Michigan. Power plant locations are shown in Figure V-l
(inside back cover).
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ASHTABULA, OHIO
Description of Power Plants H
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company operates three power
plants (A, B and C) in this location on the south shore of Lake Erie. I
Plants A and B, with a combined generating capacity of 456 MWe, are
essentially one facility with common intake and discharge channels. The
cooling water intake is a walled channel extending about 460 m (1,500
ft) offshore to a water depth of 2 m (6 ft). Cooling water is discharged
through a 310 m (1,000 ft) long walled channel extending northeastward
from the plant nearly parallel to shore. The discharge has an initial
direction along shore corresponding to prevailing summer surface water
movements. Average cooling water use (Outfall 001) was reported as
3 I
1,530,000 m /day (403 mgd) in 1971 with average summer intake and
discharge temperatures of 22 and 28°C (72 and 83°F), respectively.
The smaller Plant C (160 MWe) is located about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) to
the east of Plants A and B. This plant was formerly operated by the |
Union Carbide Company. The cooling water supply is obtained through
dual pipelines extending offshore on the lake bottom to deep water.
Heated effluent is discharged through a tunnel terminating near shore.
The outlet orientation produces a northeastward velocity vector similar
to Plants A and B. Average cooling water use (Outfall 002) was reported
3
as 651,000 m /day (172 mgd) in 1971 with average summer intake and _
discharge temperatures of 19 and 27°C (66 and 80°F), respectively.
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Observed Thermal Conditions
Using the techniques discussed in Section IV, thermal imagery of
Lake Erie in the vicinity of the two thermal discharges was recorded
from an altitude of 740 m (2,430 ft) above water level. The resultant
thermal map, in the form of a positive print of the infrared imagery, is
shown in Figure V-2. As this is a positive print, the dark areas are
cool and the light gray or white areas are warm. The dark bands across
the thermal map are the result of degraded IRLS data as discussed in
Section IV. Based on the flight altitude, the map has an approximate
scale of 1:25,300.
As shown in Figure V-2, the thermal fields resulting from the two
discharges were combining and moving or dispersing along shore in an
easterly direction. The thermal plume resulting from Discharge 002 was
larger than the plume from Discharge 001 even though the reported flow
rate from 001 is more than twice the discharge from 002. This direction
of movement and the combining of the two thermal fields into one were
partially the result of the 10 knot wind blowing from the northwest
(315°) at flight time. The combined thermal field was dispersing to the
extent that it was no longer detectable about 3.4 km (2.1 mi) to the
east of Outfall 002. Water depths in the area covered by the thermal
field are generally less than 2 m (6 ft).
With the aid of the thermal map and the ground truth obtained at
the time of flight, the thermal fields were analyzed for areas of equal
temperature and isarthermal maps were prepared [Figures V-3, V-4] using
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analytical techniques discussed in Chapter IV. Areas of constant
temperature (isartherms) are depicted by a particular color on the
isarthermal maps. The color scheme goes from dark red representing the
warmest temperature through several lighter shades of red and several
light shades of blue to a dark blue color representing the coolest
temperature. Figure V-3 has 11 temperature gradient steps and Figure V-4
has 12 steps. The difference in the number of thermal increments is
directly related to the set-up procedures for the density slicing -
techniques and to the total temperature difference between the warmest
area in the thermal field and the background cool water.
As mentioned above, the thermal maps have small linear areas that
were the result of degraded thermal information recorded in the Infrared
Line Scanner. These areas are clearly depicted in the isarthermal maps.
The isartherms in these areas are represented by dashed lines indicating
that the solid lines were extrapolated to provide continuity.
A maximum near-surface water temperature of 29.5°C (85°F) was
recorded by the ground survey crew at the lake end of the discharge
channel receiving effluent from Outfall 001. A corresponding background
water temperature of 25°C (77°F) was recorded offshore and away from the
influence of the thermal field. The isarthermal map [Figure V-3] of the
thermal field indicated several areas both in and near the discharge
channel were as warm as 30.8°C (87°F), about 6°C (10°F) warmer than
ambient conditions. Temperature differences between isartherms in Figure
V-3 are 0.6°C (1.1°F). About 16 hectares (40 acres) of the water surface
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zones.
PAINESVILLE, OHIO
Description of Power Plant
A small (21 MWe) power plant is operated at this location by IRC
3
of Lake Erie. Cooling water use is reported as 65,000 m /day (17.3 mgd)
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in Figure V-3 had a temperature more than 1.7°C (3°F) above ambient
temperatures, the maximum allowable temperature rise specified by the I
Ohio Water Quality Standards for lake waters outside designated mixing
The effluent from Outfall 002 was considerably warmer with a reading
of 35°C (95°F), 10°C (18°F) above ambient, recorded in the lake near the
discharge point by the ground crew. About 30 hectares (74 acres) of the
thermal field in Figure V-4 were 1.7°C (3°F) warmer than ambient condi-
tions. Both the maximum temperature rise and the surface area of the |
plume exceeded allowable limits specified in the Ohio water temperature mt
criteria used for comparison purposes in this study.
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Fibers Company as part of their industrial facility on the south shore
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Observed Thermal Conditions
The thermal field resulting from this discharge is shown in the
thermal map recorded by the IRLS [Figure V-5]. Because no ground truth
was obtained for this power plant, water temperature data recorded for
the Ashtabula power plants about 32 km (20 mi) to the east were used to
derive an isarthermal map. Background lake temperatures would be expec-
ted to be the same at both locations. Based on the Ashtabula data, the
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isar thermal map [Figure V-6] was calibrated with temperature increments
of 1.0°C (1.8°F). This calibration yielded an estimated water temper-
ature of 35°C (95°F) at the discharge point, 10°C (18°F) above ambient
(background) water temperatures of 25°C (77°F). A 10 knot wind from the
northwest at flight time was blowing essentially perpendicular to the
shore line and was causing the thermal field to disperse along shore.
With maximum dimensions of 570 m (1,850 ft) along shore and 150 m (500
ft) out from shore, the field was small in comparison to most of the
other power plant discharges to Lake Erie discussed in this report. |
About 32 hectares (80 acres) of the water surface were more than 1.7°C M
(3°F) above ambient conditions. Both the maximum temperature rise and
the thermal plume area were not in compliance with the Ohio temperature
criteria used for comparison.
direction parallel to shore.
EASTLAKE, OHIO
Description of Power Plant
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company operates a 577 MWe
plant at this location on the south shore of Lake Erie on the east edge
of the Cleveland metropolitan area. Cooling water use was reported as
3 I
3,900,000 m /day (1,030 mgd) in 1971. Average summer intake and discharge
temperatures were reported as 23 and 30°C (73 and 86°F), respectively,
with a maximum discharge temperature of 34°C (93°F) . The cooling water
intake is a walled channel extending about 400 m (1,300 ft) offshore to |
a water depth of 4 m (13 ft) . Heated effluent is discharged through a
walled channel about 300 m (1,000 ft) long and exits in a northeasterly
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Observed Thermal Conditions
The thermal field [Figure V-7] created by this plant's effluent was
drifting in a northeasterly direction along shore. At the time of the
flight the wind was blowing out of the north at 10 knots in partial
opposition to the drift direction of the field indicating the presence
of a significant internal counter-clockwise current in this area. The
maximum dimensions of the thermal field were 1.3 km (0.8 mi) along shore
and 550 m (1,800 ft) perpendicular to shore.
A maximum near-surface water temperature of 33°C (91°F) was recorded
by the ground crew at a point in the lake end of the discharge channel.
Background water temperatures of 26 °C (79°F) were recorded. The isar-
thermal map [Figure V-8] indicated the maximum temperature at the upstream
end of the discharge channel was 35°C (95°F). A significant area along
shore was about 34°C (93°F). The area of the thermal field with surface
temperatures more than 1.7°C (3°F) above ambient was about 100 hectares
(250 acres). Water depths in the thermal field are about 2 to 3 m (6 to
10 ft). The area of the thermal plume exceeding the temperature rise
criteria was 20 times the size of the allowable mixing zone used for
comparison purposes.
CLEVELAND, OHIO
Description of Power Plants
The Lake Shore Power Plant of the Cleveland Electric Illuminating
Company is located on the south shore of Lake Erie in Cleveland. With a
generating capacity of 518 MWe, the plant has a reported cooling water
3
use of 2,400,000 m /day (631 mgd). Summer average cooling water intake
and discharge temperatures are reported as 24 and 28°C (75 and 82°F),
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respectively, with a maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F). The cooling
water intake is a walled channel extending about 200 m (700 ft) offshore
to a water depth of 5 m (16 ft). Effluent is disharged through a short
channel with a deflector that diverts the flow along shore to the northeast,
Observed Thermal Conditions
The thermal field resulting from this power plant is shown in
Figure V-9. The warm surface waters were moving northeast of the discharge
along shore for about 760 m (2,500 ft) before turning in a counter-
clockwise direction and moving to the northwest out about 690 m (2,200
ft) into the lake. The wind was blowing from the north at 10 knots at
_ flight time. A small amount of the heated surface water was also
observed recirculating back into the intake channel.
B A maximum temperature of 31°C (88°F) was recorded at the discharge
point by ground crews, 4°C (7°F) above the ambient water temperature of
27°C (81°F). The isarthermal map of the discharge is shown in the
_ Figure V-10. About 49 hectares (120 acres) of the water surface had a
temperature exceeding 29°C. This area is 10 times the size of the
allowable mixing zone. Water depths in the thermal field average 6 to
10 m (19 to 32 ft).
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AVON LAKE, OHIO
Description of Power Plant
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company operates the Avon Lake
Power Plant on the south shore of Lake Erie to the west of Cleveland.
The cooling water intake is a walled channel extending about 300 m
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(1,000 ft) offshore to a water depth of 2 m (6 ft). The plant has two
3
2,700,000 m /day (720 mgd) flows through a walled channel adjacent to
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cooling water discharges. Discharge 001, with a reported flow rate of
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intake channel and, about 150 m (500 ft) offshore, is diverted to
the southwest back toward shore [Figure V-ll]. The second discharge is
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from Outfall 003 with a reported flow rate of 1,300,000 m /day (341 mgd).
This thermal effluent enters the lake from a pipeline terminating at the
shoreline and is diverted by a baffle to the northeast along shore in
shallow water.
The reported average summer intake temperature was 23°C (74°F). For
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Discharge 001, the average and maximum summer temperatures were reported
as 31 and 33°C (87 and 92°F), respectively. Corresponding values for
Discharge 003 were 26 and 29°C (79 and 84°F).
Observed Thermal Conditions
A map of the thermal fields resulting from the two power plant
_ discharges is shown in Figure V-ll. The large thermal field from Dis-
charge 001 was dispersing along shore in a west-southwesterly direction.
The thermal field was detectable for about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) to the west
of the discharge and extended about 1.0 km (0.6 mi) offshore at its
widest point. At the time of flight, the wind was blowing from the
northwest at 5 knots. For several hours prior to this time period,
however, the wind had been blowing out of the east-northeast at 4 to 8
knots, accounting for the westward drift of the heated effluent.
The small thermal field produced by Discharge 003 was dispersing
within 200 m (650 ft) off shore.
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A maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F) was observed by the ground
crew in the lake near the discharge point of Outfall 001. Ambient tem-
peratures of 26°C (79°F) outside the thermal plume were recorded. The
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LORAIN, OHIO
isarthermal map [Figure V-12] indicated that temperatures as high as
31°C (88°F) occurred in the discharge channel and 30°C (86°F) occurred
at several near-shore locations on the lake. Background temperatures
about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) offshore were 25°C (77°F). About 100 hectares
(250 acres) of the water surface heated by the effluent from Outfall 001
exceeded background water temperatures by more than 1.7°C (3°F). This
area is more than 25 times the size of the allowable mixing zone.
Figure V-13 is an isarthermal map of the thermal plume from Out-
fall 003. No area in the plume exceeded 28°C (83°F).
Description of Power Plant
The Ohio Edison Company operates the Edgewater Power Station located
on the south shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Black River in Lorain.
This 193 MWe plant has a reported average cooling water use of 420,000
3
m /day (110 mgd). Average summer intake and discharge temperatures were
reported as 24 and 30°C (75 and 86°F), respectively, and maximum dis-
charge temperature as 40°C (104°F).
The plant is located in the harbor area separated from the open lake
by breakwaters. The Black River, with an average flow of 300 cfs, dis-
charges to the protected harbor area. The cooling water intake is a nar-
row surface channel extending into the harbor area. Heated effluent is
discharged to an adjacent boat slip. It is probable that heated water is
recirculated for the discharge channel to the intake within the harbor.
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area.
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Observed Thermal Conditions
As indicated by the thermal map [Figure V-14] recorded of this area,
the thermal plume from the power plant was moving out of the area enclosed
by the breakwaters in a southwesterly direction along shore and was nearly
completely dispersed about 1.2 km (0.8 mi) from the discharge. This
direction of dispersion was influenced by a 12 knot wind from the north- |
northeast. The thermal field extended only 330 m (1,100 ft) offshore. _
Ground observers recorded a maximum temperature of 36°C (97°F) at the
discharge point, 9°C (16°F) above ambient lake temperatures of 27°C I
(81°F). As indicated by the isarthermal map [Figure V-15], the entire
area within the breakwaters was quite warm. About 360 hectares (890
acres) of the area in Figure V-15 were 1.7°C (3°F) warmer than ambient
Lake Erie temperatures. At least half of this heated area can be directly «
attributed to the power plant discharge indicating the size of the thermal
plume is many times larger than the allowable mixing zone.
TOLEDO, OHIO
Description of Power Plant
The Toledo Edison Company operates the Bay Shore Power Station on the
south shore of Maumee Bay at the west end of Lake Erie. The 636 MWe plant
is just east of the mouth of the Maumee River in the Toledo metropolitan
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Cooling water averaging 2,800,000 m /day (746 mgd) is obtained through
a dredged channel intersecting the Maumee River channel as it enters Maumee
Bay. Heated effluent is discharged through a short channel to a shallow
area of Maumee Bay. Average summer cooling water intake and discharge
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CO I- CO
CM CM CM
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to ee
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3:
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tofl
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Observed Thermal Conditions
ambient conditions in Maumee Bay.
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temperatures are reported as 24 and 29°C (76 and 85°F), respectively,
with a maximum temperature of 31°C (88°F). I
3
With an average discharge of about 140 m /sec (3,190 mgd) the
Maumee River would be expected to influence water temperatures and H
circulation in the vicinity of the power plant.
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The thermal field [Figure V-16] extended from Bay Shore Station
about 1.4 km (0.8 mi) along shore and nearly 1.6 km (1 mi) out into
Maumee Bay and was rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. This
rotation was influence by a 7 knot wind from the northeast at flight
time. Ground observers recorded an intake temperature of 25°C (77°F)
and a maximum temperature in the discharge canal of 31°C (88°F), a
difference of 6°C (11°F). As indicated in the isarthermal map [Figure
V-17], several areas in the thermal field were also at this maximum
temperature. About 380 hectares (940 acres) of the area in Figure V-17 I
had a surface temperature 1.7°C (3°F) above ambient. The thermal plume
from the plant accounted for at least half of this area indicating that
the plume is many times larger than an allowable mixing zone.
A smaller thermal plume was visible to the west of the Bay Shore
Station [Figure V-16]. The plume emanates from a ditch entering the I
Maumee River from the south and is probably from an industrial source.
A thermal map of the mouth of the Maumee River clearly shows this thermal |
field [Figure V-18]. An isarthermal map of the area [Figure V-19] shows
that most of the River in this area is several degrees warmer than
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ERTE^_M I CHI G_AN
Description of Power 1' 1 ant
The Consumer Power Plant operates the J. R. Whiting Power Plant at
Erie, Michigan on the west shore of Lake Erie just north of Toledo, Ohio.
An average cooling water use of 1,200,000 m /day (308 mgd) was reported
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Observed Thermal Conditions
Figure V-20 is a thermal map showing the thermal plume produced by
this plant. An isarthermal map of the plume is given in Figure V-21.
The thermal field extended about 650 m (2,100 ft) out into Lake Erie and
was moving along shore in a southerly direction for about 1.4 km (0.8 mi).
The wind was out of the northeast (as recorded at Toledo) at 7 knots
contributing to this dispersion pattern. The plant reported intake and
discharge temperatures of 25.6 and 34.4°C (78 and 94°F) at flight time,
a difference of 8.8°C (16°F). Note that the maximum temperature extended
well out into Lake Erie. About 70 hectares (170 acres) of the lake
surface were more than 1.7°C (3°F) warmer than ambient conditions. Both
the maximum temperature rise and the size of the thermal field were not
in compliance with the water quality criteria used for comparative purposes.
MONROE, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant
I The Monroe Power Plant is operated by the Detroit Edison Company at
Monroe on the west end of Lake Michigan. The plant will ultimately have
four 800-MWe coal-fired units for a total generating capacity of 3,200 MWe.
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Units Nos. 1 and 2 were operational at flight time. Units Nos. 3 and 4
were scheduled for completion in 1973 and 1974 respectively. Ultimate
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cooling water use will be about 7,600,000 m /day (2,016 mgd). The cooling
water discharge at flight time was estimated to be about half this amount.
The cooling water supply is obtained from a natural stream channel
about 600 m (2,000 ft) inland from Lake Erie. Heated effluent is dis-
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charged to a large dredged channel about 1.8 km (1.2 mi) long. The lower
half of this channel is a deepened section of the Raisin River channel
as it enters Lake Erie.
Observed Thermal Conditions
The effluent from this power plant produced a thermal plume about
3.9 km (2.4 mi) long that moved out into Lake Erie from the mouth of the
Raisin River about 1.4 km (0.8 mi) and was dispersing in a southerly
direction [Figure V-22]. The direction of movement was influenced by a
6 knot wind from the northeast. Temperature patterns in the thermal
field were quite complex [Figure V-23]. The maximum temperature observed
in the discharge channel was 11.7°C (21°F) above the ambient lake temper-
ature of 23°C (73°F). At the mouth of the Raisin River, the thermal field
was still more than 6°C (11°F) warmer than the lake. About 460 hectares
(1.130 acres) of the surface area of the thermal field were more than
1.7°C (3°F) warmer than ambient temperatures.
LAGOONA BEACH, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant
At a location on the west shore of Lake Erie midway between Detroit,
_ Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, the Detroit Edison Company operates the nuclear-
* fueled Enrico Fermi Power Plant No. 1. A second nuclear-fueled facility,
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the Enrico Fermi Power Plant No. 2, is under construction at the same
location. These plants are about 13 km (8 mi) north of the Monroe Power
Plant discussed above. Unit No. 1 is only 150 MWe while Unit No. 2 will
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be 1,150 MWe.
Cooling water from both plants is obtained from Lake Erie through a
short walled and dredged channel. Unit No. 1 discharges about 940,000
3
m /day (249 mgd) of heated effluent to a narrow dredged channel that will
ultimately extend to Swan Creek about 1.6 km (1.0 mi) north of the plant.
The effluent would then flow about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) in Swan Creek to Lake
Erie. At present, part of the effluent flows through a swamp and lagoon
to Lake Erie and part goes to Swan Creek.
Unit No. 2 will employ a recirculating cooling system with two large
natural-draft cooling towers and a 23-hectare (50-acre) residual heat re-
moval pond. Slowdown from the system will be discharged from the pond
directly to Lake Erie. Construction of the pond will direct all Unit
No. 1 heated effluent to Swan Creek.
Observed Thermal Conditions
A thermal map of Lake Erie adjacent to the two plants is shown in
Figure V-24. The plant temporarily ceased operation at 1124 EOT while
the thermal map was recorded at 1440 EDT. Thus, the thermal field had
been disipating for more than 3 hours when observed.
| An isarthermal map of the area [Figure V-25] was prepared based on
| water temperature data for the Monroe Power Plant as ground truth was not
obtained for the Fermi location. This map shows that the discharge canal
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WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant
The Wyandotte Municipal Service Commission operates a small (41.5 MWe)
power plant on the Detroit River. Cooling water is obtained from and dis-
charged to the River.
Observed Thermal Conditions
I
No thermal plume from the plant was recorded in the thermal map of
M the area [Figure V-28] . The ground truth data indicated that surface water
temperatures near the discharge were within 0.4°C (0.7°F) of being in an
isothermal state.
Four other thermal discharges were recorded in the thermal map. The
three labeled "a", "b", and "c" were too small to analyze for isar-
I thermal characteristics and dispersed quickly in the River. The thermal
plume labeled "d" was somewhat larger but a calibrated isarthermal map
could not be constructed because of a lack of ground truth.
I RIVER ROUGE, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant
The Detroit Edison Company operates the River Rouge Power Plant on the
Detroit River just south of Detroit. Cooling water use is reported as
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2,400,000 m /day (644 mgd) for this 860 MWe facility. Cooling water is
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obtained from and discharged to the Detroit River.
Observed Thermal Conditions
As indicated in the thermal map [Figure V-29], the thermal plume
B from the plant was rapidly dispersing downstream in the River. The
plume had a maximum width of 185 m (600 ft) and extended 560 m (1,800 ft)
downstream. It occupied only a small part of the stream cross section.
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The isarthermal map [Figure V-30] indicates a temperature difference of
8.9°C (16°F) between the discharge point and ambient River temperatures. B
Four additional small thermal discharges upstream of the power plant
were recorded on the thermal map [Figure V-29].
DETROIT, MICHIGAN tt
Description of Power Plants
Two power facilities, the Delray and Conners Creek Power Plants, are |
operated by the Detroit Edison Company on the Detroit River in the Detroit «
metropolitan area. The Delray plant is a 375 MWe facility with a reported
cooling water use of 3,100,000 m /day (810 mgd). Cooling water is obtained
from and returned to the River.
The Conners Creek plant is a 628 MWe facility with a reported cooling
3
water use of 3,500,000 m /day (930 mgd). Cooling water is obtained from _
and discharged to the River through dredged channels.
Observed Thermal Conditions |
The thermal data recorded by the two aircraft flying 30 seconds apart m
did not contain any indication of a thermal discharge from the Delray
power plant. The discharge canal had a surface temperature equal to that
of the Detroit River.
The Conners Creek plant was discharging heated effluent to the upper |
end of the Detroit River. The thermal field extended 155 m (500 ft) out «
into the River and about 1 km (0.6 mi) downstream before achieving
complete dispersion [Figure V-31], The discharge temperature was about
8°C (14°F) above background River temperatures as shown in the isar-
thermal map [Figure V-32].
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1,842 MWe facility with a reported cooling water use of 5,600,000 m /day
(1,472 mgd).
Observed Thermal Conditions
the St. Clair River. This 300 MWe facility has a reported cooling water
use of 2,800,000 m3/day (750 mgd).
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BELLE RIVER, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant I
The Detroit Edison Company operates the St. Clair Power Plant on the
St. Clair River between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair. The plant is a
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The thermal plume from the plant, as shown in the thermal map M
[Figure V-33] and isarthermal map [Figure V-34] of the discharge, was
dispersing over a substantial distance downstream. However, the plume
was estimated to be only 1 to 3°C (2 to 5°F) warmer than background
River temperatures. No ground truth was obtained for the St. Clair |
River precluding the calibration of the isarthermal map.
A small thermal plume from a warm creek outflow was recorded down-
stream from the power plant [Figure V-33]. The thermal plume from
Ontario Hydro's Lambton Power Plant (2,000 MWe) is also visible.
MARYSVILLE, MICHIGAN
Description of Power Plant I
The Detroit Edison Company operates the Marysville Power Plant on
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Observed Thermal Conditions
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Neither of the two aircraft recorded the presence of a thermal dis- H
charge associated with this facility. The only thermal indication recorded
was a warm creek effluent on the Canadian shore south of the power plant I
[Figure V-35].
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